Continuous inkjet printer, fluid component for a continuous inkjet printer and method for manufacturing said component

Abstract

The present invention relates to a fluidic component (20) for a continuous inkjet printer, the fluidic component comprising at least two conduits (22, 24, 26, 28, 30), each conduit having an inner surface and each conduit extending between a first end and a second end, at least one fluid inlet and at least one fluid outlet, and at least one fluidic connection area (38, 40, 42) comprising at least one of the at least one fluid inlet and at least one fluid outlet, the fluidic component being a one-piece fluidic component made of a material which is chemically resistant to at least one organic solvent, wherein at least a portion of the fluidic connection area has a roughness (Ra) of less than 5 micrometers and at least a portion of the inner surface of at least one conduit has a roughness (Ra) of less than 10 micrometers.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of continuous inkjet (CIJ) printers.

[0002] To increase flexibility, the present invention also relates to components of the ink circuit of a CIJ printer. The present invention also relates to a method for manufacturing such components. Background Technology

[0003] Continuous inkjet (CIJ) printers are well-known in the industrial coding and labeling of various products, such as marking barcodes or expiration dates directly on food or product packaging at high production rates on the production line. This type of printer also appears in some design fields, utilizing the graphic printing possibilities of this technology.

[0004] The ink circuit of a CIJ printer comprises many components, such as fluid manifolds or connectors, dampers or excitation bodies, or even the printhead. These components typically include multiple parts assembled with sealing devices, such as O-rings or similar devices, to ensure fluid tightness. Assembling these parts is time-consuming and carries the risk of leakage at various interfaces.

[0005] For example, such a component may include multiple parts made of different materials, such as a first part made of stainless steel and a second part made of plastic, which are fastened together by screws, and an O-ring ensures a seal at the interface between the two parts. The first part itself may include various pipes and conduits formed by machining multiple stainless steel blocks, which are then assembled together.

[0006] The fluid components of the ink circuit in this CIJ printer need to be integrated into a single unit, while ensuring high flexibility and reliability, ease of maintenance, and rapid repair. Installing this component should also be easier and faster than known parts.

[0007] It is also necessary that the components used in this ink circuit can be easily removed or disassembled from the ink circuit, for example, in cases where these components must be repaired or replaced with other components.

[0008] It is also necessary to enable the components to be assembled with multiple parts of this ink circuit so that the fluid can flow in different directions. Summary of the Invention

[0009] This invention first relates to a continuous inkjet (CIJ) printer, comprising:

[0010] - An ink supply system, the ink supply system including an ink circuit,

[0011] - The part for receiving ink cartridges and the part for receiving solvent or organic solvent cartridges;

[0012] - At least one fluid component, said at least one fluid component comprising:

[0013] * At least one pipe, said at least one pipe having an inner surface and extending between a first end and a second end.

[0014] * At least one fluid inlet and at least one fluid outlet, and

[0015] * At least one fluid connection region, said at least one fluid connection region including at least one of said at least one fluid inlet and at least one fluid outlet.

[0016] The fluid component is an integral fluid component made of a chemically resistant material that is chemically resistant to at least one organic solvent, wherein at least a portion of the fluid connection region has a roughness (Ra) of less than 10 micrometers or less than 5 micrometers, and at least a portion of the inner surface of the pipe has a roughness (Ra) of less than 10 micrometers.

[0017] Preferably, the material is chemically resistant to ethanol, and / or methyl isopropyl ketone (MIPK) and / or methyl ethyl ketone (MEK).

[0018] The fluid component may further include a chamber for a sensor and / or a chamber for a damper. At least a portion of the wall defining the chamber may have the limited roughness (Ra) described above for conduits.

[0019] The chemically resistant material may include, for example, stainless steel, ceramic, plastic, or glass.

[0020] In the continuous inkjet (CIJ) printer according to the present invention, the fluid component:

[0021] - It can be a fluid manifold, part of a printhead, a hydraulic distributor, a fluid damper, or a fluid connector;

[0022] - and / or may include at least two fluid-connected regions extending in different planes.

[0023] At least one conduit may include a directional transition, the edge of which has a radius of curvature tangent to the flow direction of the fluid in the conduit; or at least one conduit may have a curved shape having a finite non-zero radius of curvature in at least one plane, the at least one plane including at least a tangent to the flow direction of the fluid in the at least one conduit. The radius of curvature may, for example, be greater than 0.5 mm.

[0024] The at least one fluid connection area may include at least one O-ring groove or enlargement surrounding the at least one fluid inlet and / or the at least one fluid outlet.

[0025] In the example, the fluid component includes at least two pipes, which may be, for example:

[0026] - Extending along non-parallel directions and / or intersecting each other;

[0027] - and / or, extending in the same plane or different planes;

[0028] - and / or, connected together using mechanical linkages.

[0029] The fluid component may comprise a series of layers in the chemically resistant material, each layer having a thickness between 5 micrometers and 300 micrometers.

[0030] At least a portion of the conduit may have a wall thickness between 1 mm and 10 mm. Alternatively, the conduit may be embedded in a sheet or block of the chemically resistant material.

[0031] The continuous inkjet (CIJ) printer according to the present invention may include an assembly of a fluid component (also referred to as a first fluid component) and a second fluid component, the second fluid component being connected to the fluid connection area of ​​the first fluid component, wherein the second fluid component includes a valve, or pump, or filter, or damper, or fluid connector, or hydraulic distributor, the second fluid component including at least one fluid inlet and at least one fluid outlet, the at least one fluid inlet and at least one fluid outlet of the second fluid component matching or corresponding to at least one of the at least one fluid inlet and at least one fluid outlet of the first fluid component, such that at least one fluid can flow from the first fluid component to the second fluid component, and vice versa. Both the first fluid component and the second fluid component can maintain frictional contact with each other: the first fluid component and the second fluid component can rotate and / or translate relative to each other, but remain in contact during movement. No fluid can flow out of the device between the two contact surfaces: the contact at the interface between the two surfaces is waterproof. Preferably, the surfaces or areas of frictional contact have a roughness of less than 1 micrometer (e.g., between 0.4 micrometers and 0.8 micrometers), thus eliminating the need for any gaskets to make the interface waterproof.

[0032] The continuous inkjet (CIJ) printer according to the present invention may further include a printhead connected to an ink circuit via a flexible umbilical cable, the cable including a hydraulic connection and an electrical connection, the hydraulic connection carrying ink from the ink circuit to the printhead and delivering ink to be recovered from the printhead to the ink circuit.

[0033] The present invention also relates to a fluid component (or part, or integrated or monolithic fluid component or part) for a continuous inkjet printer, said fluid component comprising:

[0034] At least one pipe having an inner surface, the at least one pipe extending between a first end and a second end,

[0035] At least one fluid inlet and at least one fluid outlet, and

[0036] At least one fluid connection region, said at least one fluid connection region including at least one of said at least one fluid inlet and at least one fluid outlet.

[0037] The fluid component can be an integral fluid component made of a material that is chemically resistant to at least one organic solvent (e.g., ethanol, and / or methyl isopropyl ketone (MIPK) and / or methyl ethyl ketone (MEK)).

[0038] At least a portion of the fluid connection area has a roughness (Ra) of less than 10 micrometers or 5 micrometers, and at least a portion of the inner surfaces of the two pipes has a roughness (Ra) of less than 10 micrometers.

[0039] The fluid connection area or surface is used to connect to another fluid component or part of the CIJ printer: fluid can flow from or from the other fluid component or part into the other fluid component or part through the at least one fluid inlet and / or fluid outlet.

[0040] Preferably:

[0041] The fluid component according to the invention may include a plurality of conduits, such as at least two conduits, which may extend in parallel or non-parallel directions and / or intersect each other. The at least two conduits may extend in the same plane or in different planes.

[0042] At least one conduit may include a directional transition, the edge of which has a radius of curvature tangent to the flow direction of the fluid in the conduit, and / or at least one conduit may have a curved shape having a finite non-zero radius of curvature in at least one plane, the at least one plane including at least a tangent to the flow direction of the fluid in the at least one conduit. The radius of curvature may, for example, be greater than 0.5 mm.

[0043] If the fluid component or part according to the invention comprises at least two conduits, at least one mechanical link (e.g., a wall or one or more connecting beams) can connect the at least two conduits together such that the at least two conduits are mechanically fixed relative to each other. The at least one mechanical link can also be manufactured during the same additive manufacturing process as the rest of the component.

[0044] The fluid component according to the invention may include at least one chamber for a sensor and / or a damping chamber. At least a portion of the wall defining the chamber may have the limited roughness (Ra) described above for a conduit. The fluid component according to the invention may be made of, for example, stainless steel, ceramic, plastic, or glass.

[0045] The fluid component according to the invention may be or include at least a portion of a fluid manifold and / or a printhead, or a hydraulic distributor, or a fluid damper, or a fluid connector.

[0046] The at least one fluid connection area may include at least one O-ring groove or enlargement surrounding the at least one fluid inlet and / or the at least one fluid outlet.

[0047] The fluid component according to the invention may comprise a series of layers in the same material, for example, the material being chemically resistant to at least one organic solvent, such as ethanol and / or methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) and / or methyl isopropyl ketone (MIPK), each layer having a thickness, for example, between 5 micrometers and 300 micrometers. This is particularly relevant for components manufactured by 3D printing processes where layers are deposited sequentially on top of each other, or where layers of the same material are processed stepwise, for example by a laser beam or by a binder jet.

[0048] The conduits of the fluid component of the CIJ printer according to the invention, or the conduits of the fluid component according to the invention, can be embedded in a block or sheet of material. Alternatively, at least a portion of one or more of the conduits may have a wall with a thickness between 1 mm and 10 mm, with no material outside the wall: this saves material between the conduits and allows the component to be much lighter.

[0049] The fluid component according to the invention can be assembled together with or onto at least one other fluid component (e.g., at least one valve, pump, filter, damper, fluid connector, or hydraulic distributor), fixed in the fluid connection area, the other fluid component including at least one fluid inlet and at least one fluid outlet, the at least one fluid inlet and at least one fluid outlet of the other fluid component matching or corresponding to at least one of the fluid inlet and fluid outlet of the fluid component. Therefore, when the two components are assembled, at least one fluid can flow from the fluid component to the other fluid component, and vice versa. Both the fluid component and the other fluid component according to the invention can maintain frictional contact with each other: the fluid component and the other fluid component can rotate and / or translate relative to each other, but remain in contact during movement. No fluid can flow out of the device between the two contact surfaces: the contact at the interface between the two surfaces is waterproof. Preferably, the surfaces or areas of frictional contact have a roughness of less than 1 micrometer (e.g., between 0.4 and 0.8 micrometers), thus eliminating the need for any gaskets to make the interface waterproof.

[0050] The present invention also relates to a continuous inkjet (CIJ) printer, comprising:

[0051] - An ink supply system, the ink supply system including an ink circuit,

[0052] - At least one fluid component according to the invention, as disclosed above, or more generally as disclosed in this specification.

[0053] The present invention also relates to a method for manufacturing at least one fluid component or a monolithic (or single-piece or integral) fluid component or at least one part of a CIJ printer, wherein the at least one fluid component or monolithic (or single-piece or integral) fluid component of the CIJ printer is disclosed, for example, as disclosed above and / or below, and the fluid component or monolithic (or single-piece or integral) fluid component or part is disclosed according to the present invention, as disclosed above and / or more generally in this specification, and the method includes at least an additive manufacturing (or 3D printing) step.

[0054] The present invention also relates to a method for manufacturing at least one fluid component or a monolithic (or single-piece or integral) fluid component or at least one part for a CIJ printer, said fluid component or monolithic (or single-piece or integral) fluid component or part comprising at least one conduit, at least one fluid inlet and at least one fluid outlet, said method comprising the steps of additive manufacturing (or additive printing or 3D printing) of the following elements:

[0055] - The at least one pipe,

[0056] - Or an integral or monolithic component comprising the at least one or more pipes, the pipes being embedded in the block.

[0057] Specifically, the at least one fluid component or monolithic fluid component or part may include at least one fluid connection region (or surface), the at least one fluid connection region (or surface) including at least one of the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet. The above additive manufacturing steps may include manufacturing the at least one pipe and the at least one fluid connection region; or the integral or monolithic component may include the at least one or more pipes and the at least one fluid connection region.

[0058] The at least one fluid component or monolithic fluid component or part is preferably made of a material that is chemically resistant to at least one organic solvent (e.g., ethanol, and / or methyl ethyl ketone (MEK), and / or methyl isopropyl ketone (MIPK)).

[0059] Preferably:

[0060] - At least a portion of the at least one fluid connection region has a roughness (Ra) of less than 10 micrometers or 5 micrometers.

[0061] - and / or, at least a portion of the inner surface of one or more of the pipes has a roughness Ra (or arithmetic mean roughness) less than a predetermined value, such as less than 10 micrometers or less than 5 micrometers, for example suitable for coloring ink, such that the ink pigment does not remain adhered to the inner surface.

[0062] In a particular embodiment, the fluid component may include at least two pipes, each pipe having at least one fluid inlet and at least one fluid outlet; therefore, the method may include the step of additive manufacturing the at least two pipes, possibly the step of additive manufacturing at least one mechanical link between the pipes, or the step of additive manufacturing the at least one fluid connection region (or surface) including at least one of the fluid inlets and fluid outlets.

[0063] The method according to the invention may include the following steps: further processing the inner surface of at least a portion of the one or more pipes and / or the inner surface of the at least one fluid connection region or surface if either does not have the desired roughness. For example, the further processing may include mechanical and / or chemical treatment of at least some portions of the component or part. Examples of such mechanical and / or chemical treatments are given in the detailed description.

[0064] The 3D printing process can be selected or adjusted based on the required roughness of the pipe and / or fluid connection area; for example, the method may include selecting or adjusting the deposition angle of the material on the substrate so that some areas or portions have better roughness than other areas or portions.

[0065] Alternatively, the order in which the various parts of a component are printed in the build tank can be selected or adjusted to achieve better roughness in areas where this parameter is more critical. Specifically, the final component can be oriented in the build tank so that specific surfaces of the component have the desired roughness Ra.

[0066] The integral or monolithic fluid component or part obtained by the method according to the invention has no mechanical assembly area between different parts or components, nor does it have screws or any other fastening devices. Therefore, there is mechanical continuity between any two parts (especially any two adjacent parts) of the integral or monolithic fluid component or part according to the invention. The integral or monolithic fluid component or part obtained by the method according to the invention consists of layers that are stacked and in contact with each other, each layer having a thickness between 5 micrometers and 300 or 500 micrometers. Thicker layers may result in higher surface roughness.

[0067] The method according to the invention may include additive manufacturing of a block or sheet of material comprising conduits and possible fluid connection regions, such that the manufactured fluid component comprises one or more conduits embedded in the block or sheet of material. Alternatively, the walls of the conduits are manufactured, at least a portion of which has a thickness between 1 mm and 10 mm, with no material outside the walls: this saves material between the conduits and allows the component to be much lighter.

[0068] In the CIJ printer, fluid component, or method according to the invention, the conduit preferably has a circular cross-section (perpendicular to the fluid flow inside the conduit) with a diameter between 1 mm and 5 mm, for example between 2 mm and 5 mm, or between 0.5 mm and 3 mm.

[0069] In the CIJ printer, fluid component, or method according to the present invention, the at least one fluid connection area or surface may be a side or surface or interface, and another fluid component may be positioned and / or supported against the side or surface or interface, and may be fixed to the side or surface or interface by a fastening device, such that:

[0070] - Fluid (e.g., ink and / or solvent) may flow from at least one fluid outlet of the integral or monolithic fluid component or part to at least one fluid inlet of the other fluid component;

[0071] - and / or, fluid (e.g., ink and / or solvent) may flow from at least one fluid outlet of the other fluid component to at least one fluid inlet of the integral or monolithic fluid component or part.

[0072] In the CIJ printer, fluid component, or method according to the present invention, one or more of the fluid connection regions or surfaces may have a roughness Ra (or arithmetic mean roughness) of less than 10 micrometers, or less than 5 micrometers, or less than 3 micrometers, or less than 1.6 micrometers.

[0073] In the CIJ printer, fluid component, or method according to the invention, at least a portion of the inner wall or internal wall of at least one conduit in contact with the ink is preferably as smooth as possible, and the roughness Ra (or arithmetic mean roughness) of said inner wall or internal wall is preferably less than 10 micrometers, or less than 5 micrometers, more preferably between 3 micrometers and 1.5 micrometers. Therefore, the pigments of the ink cannot remain adhered to the inner surface of the conduit, where residual solid growth can form on the ink flow.

[0074] If the fluid component or part comprises at least two pipes, the at least two pipes may extend at least partially in the same plane or different planes along non-parallel directions.

[0075] The fluid component according to the invention or the fluid component in the CIJ printer according to the invention can be assembled together with or to another fluid component, for example using one or more screws, or nuts, or bolts, or clips, or clamps, or hooks, or any other fastening device.

[0076] The present invention also relates to a method for printing, the method being implemented using a CIJ printer according to the invention. In particular, this printing process can utilize colored inks. Attached Figure Description

[0077] - Figure 1 This is a view of a fluid manifold according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0078] - Figures 2A to 2B This is according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 Other views of the fluid manifold;

[0079] - Figure 2C and Figure 2D It is a fluid manifold according to the present invention ( Figure 2C ) and the same fluid manifold made by existing technological methods ( Figure 2D The cross-section of )

[0080] - Figure 3 It is based on Figures 1 to 2CA schematic diagram of fluid connections in the device;

[0081] - Figure 4A and Figure 4B This is a different view of another fluid manifold according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0082] - Figure 4C It is based on Figures 4A to 4B A schematic diagram of fluid connections in the device;

[0083] - Figures 5A to 15C These are different examples of fluid distributors according to embodiments of the present invention;

[0084] - Figures 16A to 16D These are different examples of the body of a fluid distributor used in embodiments of the present invention;

[0085] - Figure 17 It is based on Figures 16A to 16D A schematic diagram of fluid connections in the device;

[0086] - Figures 18 to 19B These are different views of a printhead including a fluid manifold according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0087] - Figure 20A A fluid connector according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figures 20B to 20D A pump module including the fluid connector is shown;

[0088] - Figures 21A to 21B These are different views of the excitation subject according to embodiments of the present invention;

[0089] - Figures 22A to 26B These are different views of the damper according to different embodiments of the present invention;

[0090] - Figure 27 The combination of two dampers is shown;

[0091] - Figures 28A to 28E It illustrates various aspects of 3D printing processes;

[0092] - Figure 29 A CIJ printer is shown, in which one or more components according to the invention can be implemented. Detailed Implementation

[0093] A first example of a fluid component or part according to the invention is a fluid manifold 20, and... Figures 1 to 2A , Figure 2B and Figure 2C As shown in the image.

[0094] The fluid manifold includes multiple conduits or pipes 22, 24, 26, 28, 30; one or more of these conduits or pipes 22, 24, 26, 28, 30 can be used to allow ink and / or solvent to flow; as can be understood from these figures, the multiple pipes may not extend in the same direction and / or in the same plane; in particular, as in Figures 1 to 2C As can be seen, some pipes 26, 28 are not parallel to each other and / or may even intersect each other; some of these pipes 26, 28 may include a first part 261 and a second part 262, which are not aligned with each other in a straight line direction.

[0095] Each conduit has at least one end forming one or more fluid inlets and / or at least one end forming one or more fluid outlets 29, 31, 33, 35; one or more of the fluid inlets and / or fluid outlets can be adapted to connect one or more of the conduits, for example, one or more of the fluid inlets and / or fluid outlets can have the shape of a fir tree connector, which can be introduced into another conduit (e.g., a flexible conduit). The fluid manifold 20 includes one or more end parts or components 38a, 40a, 42a, which include one or more fluid connection areas or surfaces 38, 40 (see...). Figure 1 ), 42 (see Figure 2A ), to connect the manifold to one or more other parts of the ink supply circuit and / or to one or more fluid components, such as at least one valve or at least one pump or at least one filter or at least one damper or at least one connecting device, such as a bushing (e.g. Figure 4B (Sleeve 63 or 65). Each of the other fluid components includes at least one fluid inlet and at least one fluid outlet, and is positioned abutting against one of the fluid connection areas of component 20 such that fluid can flow from the other fluid component to the fluid manifold 20 and vice versa. The end parts also contribute to the overall rigidity of the manifold.

[0096] Some pipes can be connected via device 41 (see...) Figures 2A to 2C The components are mechanically connected together, and the connection device 41 includes, for example, one or more connecting rods, beams, or walls extending from one of the pipes to the other in the pipe. This contributes to the rigidity of the entire manifold and prevents deformation of the fluid components 20 during use.

[0097] One or more pipes may be straight; one or more pipes may have a radius of curvature of at least 0.5 mm in a plane containing the direction of fluid flow or the fluid path or containing the tangent of the direction of fluid flow or the path, which provides several advantages as described below.

[0098] One or more pipes may have an inner diameter between 1 mm and 5 mm, for example, between 2 mm and 5 mm or between 0.5 mm and 3 mm. Figures 1 to 2C , Figure 3 In the embodiment shown in E, the wall thickness of each pipe is between 1 mm and 10 mm, for example, between 3 mm and 5 mm, depending on the material of the component (e.g., plastic or metal) and the mechanical stiffness required for the component.

[0099] One or more conduits may be used to allow ink to flow, the ink comprising solvents, as well as pigments and binders. The inner wall or internal wall of the conduit in contact with the ink is preferably as smooth as possible, with a roughness preferably less than 10 micrometers, or less than 5 micrometers, more preferably between 3 micrometers and 1.5 micrometers. Therefore, the pigments of the ink cannot remain adhered to the inner surface of the conduit, where residual solid growth can form on the ink flow.

[0100] Preferably, the one or more fluid connection regions or surfaces 38, 40 (see...) Figure 1 ), 42 (see Figure 2B It is smooth enough that a sealing device (e.g., a gasket) can be applied and pressed against it to form a sealing assembly with the other fluid component or element; this means that the area preferably has a roughness of less than 10 micrometers or less than 5 micrometers.

[0101] Figure 2C and Figure 2D It is a cross-section of the device according to the invention and the same device made using known techniques.

[0102] Due to known manufacturing processes ( Figure 2D The pipes intersect each other at right angles or acute angles, forming sharp edges 43, 43'. Ink or ink pigment can deposit at these sharp edges 43, 43' and form residual solid growth on the ink flow. Removing this deposit is difficult and requires stopping the printing operation and cleaning the circuit with fluid. In addition, this angle causes pressure loss.

[0103] Preferably, one or more of the pipes in the manifold according to the invention Figure 2CThe manifold has curved sections or portions 241, 263, and 301, thereby avoiding sharp angles and the aforementioned problems. These curved sections or portions 241, 263, and 301 have a non-zero but finite radius of curvature in at least one plane containing the flow direction or flow tangent; these curved sections or portions 241, 263, and 301 allow liquid flow without pressure loss due to sharp angles. Preferably, the pipes of the manifold according to the invention do not have sharp angles. Because there are no sharp edges, the curved sections or portions 241, 263, and 301 allow more pipes to intersect, thus contributing to a compact device, lower pressure loss, and preventing residual solid growth of ink or ink pigment on the ink flow.

[0104] The manifold may also include sections with a larger diameter, such as chambers (e.g., chamber 44 or chamber 72 (both described below)), to form, for example, a sensor chamber (chamber 44) or a pressure regulator or damping section (chamber 72). In inkjet printers, pressure variations may be caused by, for example, a pump cycle, which is preferably limited or damped by the damping section.

[0105] The manifold may include a sensor (e.g., pressure sensor 775, see [link]). Figure 3 One or more chambers 44. Fluid flows into the chamber from one or more pipes or holes 401a to 401c (hole 401b in this example) and then flows out of the chamber through another pipe (pipe 22 in this example).

[0106] The manifold may include pipes for allowing fluid to flow into one of the chambers 44 and out of the chamber, for example, after a measurement is taken by a sensor in the chamber.

[0107] The manifold may also have one or more conduits for allowing fluid to flow directly from one fluid connection area to another, or directly from one fluid connection area to a conduit outlet, or directly from a conduit inlet to a fluid connection area, without passing through chamber 44 or the valve. This is the case for conduits connecting different parts of the ink circuit, whereby the fluid component or manifold is used as a fluid connector between the different parts (see also reference below). Figure 3 (Explanation).

[0108] For example, inlet 37 (correspondingly, 30) is directly in the fluid connection region 42 (correspondingly, 31, see also) Figure 2C It is connected to outlet 31.

[0109] Figures 1 to 2C The manifold shown includes multiple fluid inlets and multiple outlets. Each fluid connection area or surface 38, 40, 42 includes at least one of the fluid inlets and outlets.

[0110] In this example, each of the fluid connection areas may include one or more openings 401a, 401b, 401c forming a fluid inlet or outlet (see also...). Figure 2C 402a and 402b in the diagram) and one or more holes 402, 403 (see Figure 2A One or more holes 402, 403 are used to secure or fasten the valve to the connection areas 38, 40, 42. Preferably, areas 38, 40, 42 are smooth enough that a sealing device (e.g., a gasket) can be applied thereto. For example, areas 38, 40, 42 may have a roughness of less than 10 micrometers, less than 5 micrometers, or less than 3 micrometers (e.g., 1.6 micrometers). This may be due to the manufacturing process (3D printing process) described below; however, the fluid manifold can undergo another processing step after 3D printing, such as machining, polishing, smoothing, or grinding, to achieve the desired roughness and / or chemical treatment (see below).

[0111] In one embodiment, the sealing device (e.g., a gasket) is integrally formed with the rest of the manifold. The sealing device can be made, for example, of a compressible material. Two different materials can be 3D printed, for example, using two different nozzles.

[0112] Multiple pipes can be connected to the same end member, thereby forming a mechanical link between the pipes; for example, pipes 22, 24 are connected to end member 42a, which holds the ends of these pipes 22, 24. Two pipes 22, 24 are also connected to device 41, and the other ends of these two pipes 22, 24 are connected to chamber 44.

[0113] Figure 3 yes Figures 1 to 2C A schematic diagram of fluid flow inside manifold 20. The inlet, outlet, and pipes are shown. Figures 1 to 2C The attached figures are labeled with reference to the figures.

[0114] Valve 776 is applied to contact area 40 ( Figure 2A On the ), sensor 775 is located in chamber 44 (see) Figure 2A This valve allows fluid to flow from inlet 402b (see...). Figure 2C The flow can proceed from inlet 401a or 401c to outlet 402b (depending on the valve position and flow direction). 。

[0115] As can be understood from the diagram, one or more pipes are used to allow fluid to flow directly from one fluid connection area to another, or directly from one fluid connection area to a pipe outlet, or directly from a pipe inlet to a fluid connection area, without flowing through chamber 44 or the valve. This is the case for pipes connecting inlet 27 and outlet 31 or inlet 25 and outlet 33: therefore, the fluid component or manifold 20 is also used as a fluid connection between different parts of a printer in which this fluid component or manifold is integrated. Manifold 20 can be used in continuous inkjet printers, for example... Figure 29 As shown: Sensor 775 is housed in chamber 44, and three-way valve 776 is fixed to the fluid connection area 40 of manifold 20.

[0116] Figures 2A to 2C The manifold shown includes multiple fluid connection areas or surfaces 38, 40, 42. Each fluid connection area or surface 38, 40, 42 extends in a plane different from the other two fluid connection areas or surfaces, thereby allowing the manifold in each area to connect to different parts or components of the printer, such as... Figure 29 As shown, in Figure 29 The central manifold also bears the reference numeral 20.

[0117] For example, multiple fluid connection areas or surfaces 38, 40, 42 enable connection to valve 776 (area 40, Figure 1 And other parts of the ink circuit, such as those connected to the fluid recovery module 750 (see below). Figure 29 (Description), connected to a part of the fluid circuit (see description) Figure 29 (The connection of pipes 703 and 704 in the middle), and the pipe connected to the printhead 800.

[0118] One or more pipe ends 29, 31, 33, 35 can be configured to connect to flexible pipes or hoses, and thus can be shaped into fir tree-shaped connectors.

[0119] The fir tree-shaped connector is made of a tube with a diameter slightly larger than the inner diameter of the hose to which it must be connected. This tube is equipped with concentric barbs that have a low angle in the direction of hose insertion (the flexibility of the hose allows for easy insertion) and an acute angle in the direction of withdrawal (so that the hose is held in place during withdrawal).

[0120] Fir tree-shaped connectors can be machined (e.g., by milling) from material cylinders deposited through 3D printing (see further explanation below), or they can be manufactured directly by 3D printing.

[0121] The manifold (or more generally, fluid component) according to the invention is or comprises a single block or single component made of a single material (e.g., stainless steel), with no interface between different components and different materials. Therefore, there is no leakage problem at such an interface.

[0122] In an embodiment, Figures 1 to 2C The pipes of the components can be embedded in a single sheet or block of material.

[0123] In another embodiment, such as Figures 1 to 2C As shown, the components or manifolds are topologically optimized because there is no useless material between the pipes: only functional parts are manufactured. In this case, the pipe wall thickness is, for example, between 1 mm and 10 mm, or between 3 mm and 5 mm, which saves all the material that would normally be located between the pipes. The pipe wall thickness can be selected based on the material and the required stiffness of the components, especially with regard to fluid pressure (e.g., up to 10 bar).

[0124] Therefore, the manifold (or more generally, fluid component) according to this embodiment of the invention can save a significant amount of material and is much lighter than known manifolds or fluid components. In variations, the manifold or fluid component may include material between pipes, such as... Figures 4A to 4B In this embodiment, the manifold or fluid component remains a single part or block, but is larger than... Figures 1 to 2C The embodiments are more heavy.

[0125] Figure 4A and Figure 4B Another example of the fluid component 50 according to the invention is shown.

[0126] The fluid component includes a body having a front side 51 and a rear side 68 parallel to each other; preferably, the thickness e of the body (e.g., between 5 mm and 15 mm) is smaller than the width W (e.g., based on 100 mm to 200 mm) and height H of the front and rear sides.

[0127] The main body includes a plurality of conduits or pipes 52, 54, 56 extending parallel to the front side 51 and the rear side 68. Some of the pipes may not extend in the same direction: as in Figure 4B As can be seen, some pipes 54 and 56 are not parallel to each other; some of these pipes may include a first part 561 and a second part 562, which are not aligned with each other along a straight line.

[0128] One or more conduits or tubes may have an inner diameter between 1 mm and 5 mm, for example, between 2 mm and 5 mm or between 0.5 mm and 3 mm.

[0129] Some conduits or pipes 52, 54, 56 can be connected to fluid inlets or outlets 62, 64, 66 via additional internal pipes 52a, 52b, 54a, 54b, 56a, 56b, located, for example, on a fluid connection area 70 perpendicular to both the front side 51 and the rear side 68. The fluid inlets or outlets 62, 64, 66 may be provided with enlarged orifices 62a, 64a, 66a for gaskets.

[0130] Some conduits or pipes 52, 54, 56 may be routed via a fluid connection area 68 that is substantially perpendicular to another fluid connection area 68 (e.g., rear side 68 (see...)). Figure 4A Additional internal piping (not shown) connects to an inlet or outlet located in the other fluid connection area. The fluid connection area 68 is provided with fluid inlets and outlets 681, 683, 685, 689, 691 to connect one or more fluid components to the conduits or pipes 52, 54, 56 of the manifold, including, for example, one or more valves and / or one or more pumps. Additional holes 687 may be provided to secure and fasten these components to the manifold, for example, using screws.

[0131] Figure 4A and Figure 4B The conduits 52, 53, and 54 of the device 50 shown are embedded in the material of the body, which surrounds the conduits 52, 53, and 54 and is deposited during the additive manufacturing process.

[0132] Alternatively, it can be manufactured with Figures 1 to 2C , Figure 3 The device E uses the same pipe, but without material joining the pipe wall. In this case, there are no complete front and rear parallel sides, but rather... Figure 1 and Figure 2A The fluid connection area shown is formed by end components, with thin walls or connecting members that, if necessary, join and connect the pipes to achieve the required mechanical stability. This embodiment also achieves greater flexibility, allowing the shape and / or proportions of the components to be relative to the original shape (e.g., Figure 4A and Figure 4B (As shown) The thickness of the wall of each pipe varies. In this embodiment, the thickness of the wall of each pipe is between 1 mm and 10 mm, for example, between 3 mm and 5 mm, depending on the material of the component (e.g., plastic or metal) and the mechanical stiffness required by the component, especially with respect to fluid pressure (e.g., up to 10 bar).

[0133] Figure 4A and Figure 4BOne or more of the pipes in the manifold shown may be straight, while one or more of the pipes in the manifold may have curved sections or portions 561, 562, thereby avoiding sharp angles and the aforementioned problems. Such curved sections or portions 561, 562 have a non-zero but finite radius of curvature (e.g., at least 0.5 mm) in at least one plane containing the flow direction or flow tangent; such curved sections or portions 561, 562 allow liquid flow without pressure loss due to sharp angles. Preferably, the conduits of the manifold according to the invention do not have sharp angles. Because there are no sharp edges, the curved sections or portions allow more pipes to intersect, thus contributing to a compact device, less pressure loss, and making it impossible for ink or ink pigment to form residual solid growth on the ink flow.

[0134] Additional fluid connectors can be connected to some pipes of device 50; for example, connectors 63 and 65 include one or more sleeves for insertion into the housing. Figure 4B In this example, connectors 63 and 65 are connected to the front side 51 of the device, but can be manufactured without using the same 3D printing process as the manifold. Connectors 63 and 65 are used to connect fluid cartridges, particularly solvent cartridges and ink cartridges in CIJ printers, such as... Figure 29 As shown.

[0135] Figure 4A and Figure 4B The manifold 50 shown may include other components, such as a chamber or cavity 72 for a damper, which is connected to one or more internal pipes of the device via a conduit 72a.

[0136] Figure 4C yes Figures 4A to 4B A schematic diagram of a manifold. The inlet, outlet, and pipes are... Figure 4A and Figure 4B The attached figures are labeled with reference to the figures.

[0137] Multiple three-way valves 6931 to 6934, 699 are applied to contact area 68 (see...) Figure 4B and Figure 29 Two pumps 694 and 692 can be connected to the valve to pump ink from cartridge 682 and solvent from solvent cartridge 684, respectively. Ink then flows from cartridge 682, which is connected to connector 65, to valve 6931; 541 corresponds to the outlet in the middle of valve 6931; 531 corresponds to the end of conduit 6991 to allow ink to flow toward pump 694.

[0138] Preferably, the fluid connection area or surface 68, 70 (see...) Figure 4A and Figure 4BIt is smooth enough that a sealing device (e.g., a gasket) can be applied and pressed against it to form a sealing assembly with another fluid component or element (e.g., a three-way valve); this means that the area preferably has a roughness of less than 10 micrometers or even less than 5 micrometers.

[0139] If already combined Figures 1 to 2C To explain, some conduits are used to allow ink to flow, which includes solvents, but also pigments and binders. The internal walls in contact with the ink are preferably as smooth as possible, with a roughness preferably less than 10 micrometers, or less than 5 micrometers, more preferably between 3 micrometers and 1.5 micrometers. Therefore, the pigments in the ink cannot remain adhered to the inner surface of the conduit, where residual solid growth can form on the ink flow.

[0140] Manifold 50 can be used in continuous inkjet printers, such as... Figure 29 As shown.

[0141] Another example of the fluid component 100 according to the invention is a hydraulic distributor, such as... Figures 5A to 5E As shown; Figures 6A to 14C Another embodiment is shown.

[0142] Figures 5A to 6B A first example of an embodiment of such a hydraulic distributor according to the present invention is shown.

[0143] The hydraulic distributor includes:

[0144] - First part 102, which has a flat surface 104 and in this example includes three through conduits or pipes 106 leading to said surface 104;

[0145] - Second portion 108, the second portion 108 having a flat surface 110 and including at least one internal channel 112 extending within the second portion 108 ( Figure 5B ).

[0146] When assembling the device, the flat surfaces 104 and 110 are in frictional contact with each other: the flat surfaces 104 and 110 can rotate relative to each other, but remain in contact during rotation. No fluid can flow out of the device between the two surfaces: the contact at the interface between the two surfaces is waterproof. The device according to the invention does not require any gaskets.

[0147] The flat surface 110 is a fluid connection area and includes a fluid inlet 1011 and a fluid outlet 1012. (As from...) Figure 5E As can be seen, the first pipe 112a extends between the inlet 1011 and the inlet of the internal channel 112, and the second pipe 112b extends between the outlet of the internal channel 112 and the outlet 1012.

[0148] These different pipes are connected together by material deposited during the additive manufacturing process.

[0149] Such as a spring device 130 ( Figure 5A , Figure 5B This can be used to press two surfaces against each other. The first part, for example, abuts against support 111 ( Figure 6B The first part can be held in a fixed position on the support 111; each of the first part and the support can include a device 113. Figure 6B Device 114 Figure 5B The devices 113 and 114 cooperate to hold the first part in a fixed position.

[0150] In this example, parts 102 and 108 both have a cylindrical shape, but other shapes are also possible, as discussed below. Figures 14A to 14C Described.

[0151] In one embodiment, the hydraulic distributor includes a shaft 120 that extends along a rotation axis to rotate portion 108 relative to portion 102.

[0152] Figure 6A and Figure 6B A handle 127 is shown for manual control of the shaft. Alternatively, the shaft can be controlled by a motor (as described below). Figures 15A to 15C (As explained), the motor itself can be controlled by the printer's controller.

[0153] The 125-inch lid can cover both parts. Figure 6B One end of shaft 120 protrudes above the top surface of the cover, allowing that end to be connected to handle 127 or any drive mechanism of the motor.

[0154] Figure 5C and Figure 5D A variation of the hydraulic distributor 100' according to the present invention is shown. Similar to... Figure 5A and Figure 5B :

[0155] - The first part 102 includes three through conduits or pipes 106 leading to the surface 104;

[0156] - Part 2 108 includes internal channel 112.

[0157] In this embodiment, the surface 110' of the second portion opposite to surface 110 includes a plurality of holes 121 that can accommodate the post of the tool or drive portion (see...). Figures 15A to 15BThis allows the second part 108 to rotate relative to the first part 102. Therefore, it is not necessary to pass through the central axis of the second part.

[0158] like Figure 5E As shown, both the first and second parts can be rotatably guided in the guide tube 137. Fluid enters the distributor through one of the pipes (1061) in the pipe 106, then flows in the channel 112, and exits the distributor through the other pipe (1062) in the pipe 106.

[0159] Figures 15A to 15C Another example of a section that is rotated is shown and is annotated below.

[0160] like Figure 5E As shown, Figure 5C and Figure 5D The hydraulic distributor can be inserted into the guide cylinder 137, which guides portions 102 and 108 relative to each other, with portion 102 held in place by means of devices not shown in the figure (such as devices 113 and 114 described above).

[0161] Figure 5E The arrows in the diagram illustrate how fluid flows into the distributor through pipe 1061, then through inlet 1011, and into or through pipes 112a, 112, and 112b, and exits the distributor through outlet 1012 and through pipe 1062. In the variant ( Figure 5E In (not shown), part 102 has three through pipes that are connected together at a certain relative position of parts 102 and 108.

[0162] Figure 7A and Figure 7B The first part, surface 104 (which includes three through-channels 1061 to 1063), and the second part, surface 110 (which includes an inlet 1011 and an outlet 1012, with the channel 112 parallel to the surface), are shown; as Figure 7A and Figure 7B As shown (where hole 114 is not shown):

[0163] * In the first position ( Figure 7A The first pair of pipes 1061 and 1062 leads to the channel 112; a first fluid can flow through the channel 112 from pipe 1061 to pipe 1062 (or from one of the first pair of pipes to the other); no fluid can flow from pipe 1061 to pipe 1063.

[0164] * In the second position ( Figure 7BThe second pair of pipes 1061 and 1063 leads to the channel 112; the second fluid can flow from pipe 1061 to pipe 1063 (or from one of the second pair of pipes to the other) through the channel 112, but the first fluid can no longer flow from pipe 1061 to pipe 1062.

[0165] In any embodiment of the hydraulic distributor according to the invention, the spring 130 may be used to press the first portion 102 against the second portion 108.

[0166] Figure 8 A simplified example of a hydraulic distributor (actually a hydraulic flapper) according to the invention is shown. A first portion 102 includes two through pipes 1061 and 1062, and a second portion 108 has a channel 112. In a first position of the second portion, the channel 112 connects both pipes 1061 and 1062, allowing fluid to flow from one pipe to the other. In a second position of the second portion (not shown), the channel 112 does not connect pipes 1061 and 1062, and fluid flow ceases.

[0167] Figure 9A and Figure 9B Another example of a hydraulic distributor 100'' according to the invention is shown, wherein a first portion 102 includes six through pipes 1061 to 1066, and a second portion 108 has two channels 1121, 1122.

[0168] Figure 10A (correspondingly, Figure 11A , Figure 12A , Figure 13A The diagram shows a surface 110' of the second portion 108 opposite to surface 110; as described above, surface 110' may include a plurality of holes 121 to drive the second portion relative to the first portion.

[0169] Figure 10B (correspondingly, Figure 11B , Figure 12B , Figure 13B The second part 108 shows a surface 110 including two channels 1121 and 1122.

[0170] Figures 10A to 13B Four different relative positions of the two sections are shown to connect different pairs or series of through pipes 1061 to 1066; Figure 10B , Figure 11B , Figure 12B , Figure 13B The different positions of the two channels 1121 and 1122 and the projections of the positions of pipes 1061 to 1066 onto surface 110 are shown:

[0171] - exist Figure 10A and Figure 10B In the middle, channel 1122 connects through pipes 1063 and 1066, and channel 1121 connects through pipes 1062 and 1061;

[0172] - exist Figure 11A and Figure 11B In the middle, channel 1121 connects through pipes 1061, 1065 and 1064 (thereby allowing flow from one of the three pipes 1061, 1065 and 1064 to the other two pipes, or from two of the pipes to the third pipe), and channel 1122 connects through pipes 1062 and 1066;

[0173] - exist Figure 12A and Figure 12B In the middle, channel 1121 connects through pipes 1063 and 1064, and channel 1122 connects through pipes 1061, 1065 and 1066 (thereby enabling flow from one of the three pipes 1061, 1065 and 1066 to the other two pipes, or from two of the pipes to the third pipe).

[0174] - exist Figure 13A and Figure 13B In the middle, channel 1121 connects through pipes 1063 and 1062, and channel 1122 connects through pipes 1064 and 1066.

[0175] Figure 9A and Figure 9B The above examples and Figures 11A to 11B and Figures 12A to 12B Examples show that, at one or more relative positions of two parts, the hydraulic distributor according to the invention can connect more than two pipes together.

[0176] Combination Figures 14A to 14C A linear hydraulic distributor 200 according to the invention is disclosed; like the circular device disclosed above, the linear hydraulic distributor 200 can have any number of through pipes 206 and any number of suitable channels to establish the desired connection between the through pipes at different relative positions of the two parts 202, 208.

[0177] like Figure 14A and Figure 14B As shown, the linear hydraulic distributor 200 according to the present invention achieves relative translation of the two parts, rather than rotation.

[0178] The two parts can be held together by a lateral guide wall 247 that guides the translation of one part of the hydraulic distributor relative to the other part; the translation can be actuated by an actuation link or button or motor (e.g., an electric motor, a hydraulic motor or a pneumatic motor) connected to one of the parts 208, 202.

[0179] A spring can be used between guide walls, parallel to the direction of translation, so that the two parts of the hydraulic distributor press against each other.

[0180] In the example above:

[0181] - The two parts are preferably made of a material that is chemically resistant to at least one organic solvent (e.g., solvents suitable for CIJ printers, such as ethanol and / or methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) and / or methyl isopropyl ketone (MIPK));

[0182] - and / or, surfaces 104, 110 (correspondingly, 204, 210) may have a roughness between 0.4 micrometers and 0.8 micrometers, which is beneficial to the watertightness of the system between surfaces that move relative to each other.

[0183] In the example above, one or more internal channels 112, 1121, 1122, 2121 to 2123 extend parallel to surface 110 and are formed inside the second portion (which does not appear in the surface 110 of the second portion).

[0184] The internal channels in the dispensers 100, 100', 100'', 200 according to the invention provide the advantage of avoiding any edges on the surface that come into contact with the surface 104 of the first portion 102 of the device; in fact, dirt and / or ink can deposit and dry at these edges, causing sealing problems on the two contact surfaces 104, 110. The internal channels can be cleaned by a solvent flow.

[0185] In the above example, any of pipes 106, 1061 to 1065, 206, 2061 to 2064 and / or channels 112, 1121 to 1122, 2121 to 2123 can have a diameter of up to 2 mm or greater, thereby achieving significant flow rates of up to 10 L / h or 15 L / h or even greater (e.g., 20 L / h or 100 L / h). Some solenoid valves are compatible with such flow rates, but these solenoid valves are bulky, heavy, and expensive.

[0186] In the example above, the second part 108 of the device includes at least one internal channel parallel to the surface 110 or 110', in which fluid can flow.

[0187] Figures 15A to 15BThe assembly steps of the hydraulic distributor and the body or manifold 150 according to the present invention are shown.

[0188] The drive portion 140 has two parallel surfaces 140' and 140''. The drive portion 140 includes a post 141 distributed on one of the surfaces 140' to penetrate into a hole 121 in the second portion 108.

[0189] Another main surface 140'' of the drive portion 140 includes a drive shaft 143s.

[0190] When the device is assembled and received in the hole 151 of the body or manifold 150 ( Figure 15C A pressure spring 131 presses against the drive portion of the hydraulic distributor. The spring is compressed between the drive portion 143 and the end plate 152 of the body 150, which closes the hole 151. The drive shaft 143 passes through the central hole 152. h Passing through plate 152. A motor (not shown), such as an electric motor, hydraulic motor, or pneumatic motor, can rotatably drive shaft 143s and second part 108 to change the position of channel 112 relative to the first part, thereby changing the fluid communication of the distributor, for example as... Figure 7A and Figure 7B As shown.

[0191] As can be understood from the above description, the hydraulic distributor according to the present invention (particularly for inkjet printers) may include:

[0192] - Includes at least one first portion 102, 202 of a first planar surface 104, 204, and at least one second portion 108, 208 of a second planar surface 110, 210, the two planar surfaces being in frictional contact with each other;

[0193] - At least one first conduit 106, 1061 to 1066 located in the first portion, each first conduit including a first opening in the first planar surface;

[0194] - At least one channel 1121 to 1124, 2121 to 2123, the at least one channel extending in the second portions 108, 208 to guide fluid in a direction substantially parallel to the second planar surface;

[0195] - At least one second conduit located in one of the portions, the second conduit including a second opening in the first planar surface or the second planar surface or the at least one channel.

[0196] The hydraulic distributor may also include devices 122 and 127 for moving the two parts relative to each other, such that:

[0197] * In the first position, at least the first opening and the second opening both lead to and are connected through the at least one channel;

[0198] * And, in the second position, one of the first opening and the second opening does not lead to, and is not connected to, the at least one channel.

[0199] The device (e.g., a motor) used to move the two parts of the hydraulic distributor relative to each other can achieve the following movement:

[0200] - Translate along an axis parallel to the first planar surface and the second planar surface;

[0201] - Alternatively, it may move circularly about an axis perpendicular to both the first and second planar surfaces; for example, the device includes a rotating shaft extending along the axis. One end of the shaft may be inserted into a hole in the second portion; in a particular embodiment, each of the shaft and the hole may include a flat surface extending parallel to the axis and cooperating with each other to allow both the shaft and the second portion to rotate.

[0202] In the circular and translational embodiments, a device such as a spring can be used to press the first planar surface and the second planar surface against each other.

[0203] The first portion may include, for example, n catheters, such as at least two or three catheters, each catheter including an opening in the first planar surface; for n=3, at least one channel in the second portion may connect a first pair of catheters of the at least three catheters at a first position relative to the first portion, and connect another pair of catheters of the at least three catheters at a second position relative to the first portion.

[0204] The second portion may include a plurality of channels extending parallel to the second planar surface to guide fluid in at least two different directions substantially parallel to the second planar surface.

[0205] The method for operating a hydraulic distributor according to the present invention may include moving two parts relative to each other between a first position and a second position, such that:

[0206] * In the first position, the first opening and the second opening lead to the at least one channel, and fluid (e.g., ink and / or solvent) flows from one of the openings into the channel and then into the other opening;

[0207] * And, in the second position, one of the first opening and the second opening does not lead to the at least one channel, and no fluid flows from one opening to the other.

[0208] The hydraulic distributor according to the invention is suitable for printers including single-nozzle or multi-nozzle inkjet printheads, such as EP17186002. Figure 1 and Figure 17 As shown.

[0209] The hydraulic dispenser according to the present invention can be used in CIJ printers (e.g., Figure 29 Implemented in any part of the fluid circuit of the CIJ printer (shown and commented on below) to replace any known valve, especially any solenoid valve.

[0210] In particular, the hydraulic distributor according to the invention can be located on any pump (e.g., Figure 29 Upstream of the pump 324h, the pump pumps ink or solvent from ink tank 680 or ink cartridge 682 or solvent tank or solvent cartridge 684, which will be delivered to the main tank or printhead 800 of the CIJ printer.

[0211] Alternatively, the hydraulic distributor according to the invention can be located downstream of any pump that pumps ink or solvent, in which the pressure of the fluid flowing is up to several bar, such as 3 bar or 5 bar.

[0212] The hydraulic distributor according to the invention can be operated to guide the flow of fluids (e.g., ink and / or solvent in an inkjet printer) as follows:

[0213] - From at least one pipe or inlet pipe

[0214] - Then it may flow partially parallel to surface 110 or 110' through channels similar to channels 112, 212;

[0215] - Then at least through another pipe or export pipe.

[0216] The fluid flow rate can be between 1 liter / hour or 5 liters / hour and 10 liters / hour or 15 liters / hour or even higher, such as 20 liters / hour or 100 liters / hour.

[0217] The pressure of the fluid flowing in the hydraulic distributor according to the invention can be higher than 1 bar or 2 bar, and up to several bar, for example less than 3 bar or 5 bar or even 10 bar.

[0218] The fluid can be pumped by a pump in the ink circuit of the CIJ printer.

[0219] Parts 108 and 208 of the hydraulic distributor according to the invention are manufactured by the process according to the invention. Parts 102 and 202 can also be manufactured by the process according to the invention.

[0220] Flat surfaces 110 and 210 are fluid connection areas and include a fluid inlet 1011 and a fluid outlet 1012. (As from...) Figure 5E As can be seen, the first pipe 112a extends between the inlet 1011 and the inlet of the internal channels 112, 212, and the second pipe 112b extends between the outlet of the internal channel 112 and the outlet 1012.

[0221] As described below, the manufacturing process of at least a portion 108, 208 of the hydraulic distributor according to the present invention may include a 3D printing process.

[0222] Preferably:

[0223] - Surfaces 110 and 210 have a roughness of less than 1 micrometer or even between 0.4 and 0.8 micrometers;

[0224] - and / or, at least a portion of the inner surface of one or more of the pipes and internal channels 112, 112a, 112b, 212 has a roughness of less than 10 micrometers or less than 5 micrometers.

[0225] If the 3D printing process does not achieve the desired roughness, additional smoothing steps (mechanical and / or chemical) can be implemented.

[0226] Figures 15A to 15C The main body or manifold 150 shown can be manufactured according to the present invention. Figures 16A to 16D The main body or manifold is shown. Figure 17 A schematic diagram of the fluid flowing through the body or manifold is shown.

[0227] Hydraulic distributor, for example, according to Figures 5A to 13B any of the rotary distributors (in Figures 16A to 16D (Not shown in the image) A fluid inlet 155 (correspondingly, 157) can be connected to a fluid outlet 154 via an outlet 159 (correspondingly, 161). Each of the three inlets 159, 160, and 161 corresponds to one of the outlets 106 (see [image]). Figure 5C Pipeline 112 connects two of these outlets 106 to two of the three inlets, depending on the location of the second section 108.

[0228] The fluid inlet 153' is connected to the fluid outlet 153 because it is more convenient to set up a through pipe in the body 150 than to connect the corresponding inlet / outlet of the ink circuit through a flexible pipe.

[0229] Here, the body 150 is referred to in relation to three inlets 159 to 161. In a variant, the body 150 has two inlets on surface 164, or more than three inlets, which connect to suitable pipes and corresponding outlets inside the body 150.

[0230] Due to its elongated shape along the ZZ' axis, the body can connect one or more fluid inlets located on a surface 164 substantially perpendicular to the axis to outlets laterally positioned on, for example, a face or side 164' of the device (substantially parallel to the axis). One or more conduits of the body may have a curved shape to guide fluid flow from a direction substantially parallel (correspondingly, perpendicular) to the axis ZZ' to a direction substantially perpendicular (correspondingly, parallel) to the axis ZZ'.

[0231] The main body 150 is manufactured using the additive manufacturing process described below.

[0232] according to Figures 5A to 13B The second portion of any one of the hydraulic distributors is applied to the contact surface 164, the roughness of which is preferably less than 10 micrometers, more preferably less than 5 micrometers. Preferably, each pipe connected to the inlet and outlet of the body 150 has an internal roughness of less than 10 micrometers.

[0233] The body or dispenser 150 includes multiple fluid connection areas or surfaces 164, 164', etc., which extend in different planes, thereby enabling the body or manifold on each area to be connected to different parts or components of the CIJ printer's ink circuit, such as... Figure 29 The parts or components shown.

[0234] For example, multiple fluid connection areas or surfaces 164, 164' enable connection to the hydraulic distributor 100 and other parts of the ink circuit, such as the pump module 350 (see below). Figure 29 (Description), connected to a part of the fluid circuit (see description) Figure 29 (connection of pipes 710 and 711 in the middle), and connection to another module 731 (as described below).

[0235] Preferably:

[0236] - Areas or surfaces 164, 164', etc. (which are fluid connection areas) are smooth enough that a sealing device (e.g., a gasket) can be applied and pressed against any of these areas or surfaces 164, 164' to form a sealing assembly with another fluid component or element (e.g., a hydraulic distributor 100); this means that these areas preferably have a roughness of less than 10 micrometers or even less than 5 micrometers.

[0237] - and / or, the roughness of at least a portion of the inner surface of one or more of the pipes and channels inside the body or dispenser 150 is less than 10 micrometers or less than 5 micrometers, more preferably between 3 micrometers and 1.5 micrometers. Therefore, the pigments of the ink cannot remain adhered to the inner surface of the conduit, where residual solid growth can form on the ink flow.

[0238] If the 3D printing process (see below) does not achieve the desired roughness, additional smoothing steps (mechanical and / or chemical) can be performed, as explained below.

[0239] Figures 16A to 17 One or more of the pipes in the body or manifold 150 shown may be straight, while one or more of the pipes in the manifold may have curved sections or portions, thereby avoiding sharp angles and the aforementioned problems. Such curved sections or portions have a non-zero radius of curvature (e.g., at least 0.5 mm) in at least one plane containing the flow direction or flow tangent; such curved sections or portions allow liquid flow without pressure loss due to sharp angles. Preferably, the pipes in the body or manifold 150 according to the invention do not have sharp angles. Because there are no sharp edges, the curved sections or portions allow more pipes to intersect, thus contributing to a compact device, less pressure loss, and making it impossible for ink or ink pigment to form residual solid growth on the ink flow.

[0240] Figures 16A to 17 The pipe shown is embedded in a block or sheet of material forming the component or fluid manifold 150. Alternatively, the component or fluid manifold 150 may be as follows: Figures 1 to 2C , Figure 3 The device is made in that way, without material joining the pipe walls. In this case, there are no complete front and rear parallel sides, but rather... Figure 1 and Figure 2A The fluid connection area is shown as formed by the end components. One or more thin-walled or connecting members (such as beams or rods) can connect the pipes if necessary to achieve the required mechanical stability. In this embodiment, the wall thickness of each pipe is between 1 mm and 10 mm, for example, between 3 mm and 5 mm, depending on the material of the components (e.g., plastic or metal) and the required mechanical stiffness of the components, particularly with respect to fluid pressure (e.g., up to 10 bar).

[0241] Embodiments of this component in which no material exists between at least two parts (e.g., two pipes) are particularly interesting because of the advantages associated with them, especially the limited amount of raw materials required to manufacture them, and the limited weight of the components and the printer in which they are integrated. As explained above, the absence of useless material between the different parts and the manufacture of only functional parts saves all the material that would normally be located between pipes.

[0242] The printhead of the CIJ printer may include one or more parts according to the present invention.

[0243] Figure 18 and Figures 19A to 19B An example of an embodiment of the printhead 800 according to the present invention is shown.

[0244] The printhead includes a support base 220, which incorporates a manifold according to the invention, or the manifold is embedded in the support base 220.

[0245] The support base can support one or more individual components, such as the solenoid valve unit 224, the droplet generation unit 228, and the charged and deflecting electrodes 230. The droplet generation unit 228 includes an excitation body and a nozzle through which droplets are ejected.

[0246] The solenoid valve unit 224 can be mounted on the solenoid valve support 222. Both the droplet generation unit and the charged and deflecting electrodes can be mounted on the droplet generator and electrode support 226. Both the solenoid valve support 222 and the droplet generator and electrode support 226 can be secured or fastened to the upper or front surface 221 of the printhead support base 220, for example, by tightening. Both the solenoid valve support and the droplet generator and electrode support are located between the lateral edges 220a, 220b of the support base 220. Alternatively, the support base 220 and the solenoid valve support 222 and / or the droplet generator and electrode support 226 can form a single block (or an integral or monolithic structure) and be formed together by additive printing.

[0247] Typically, the printhead is covered by a shroud (not shown in the figure), making it difficult for users to easily access the electrodes and high-voltage sections.

[0248] The base 220 extends between the upper or front surface 221 and the lower or rear surface 223. The base includes a network of fluid conduits for allowing fluid (ink and / or solvent) to flow to the ink droplet generator and for returning fluid from the ink recovery eaves.

[0249] The network includes at least one or more conduits for allowing ink to flow, one or more conduits for allowing solvent to flow, and one or more conduits for allowing ink recovered from the printhead to flow back into the ink circuit of the CIJ printer.

[0250] As from Figure 19A As can be seen from this, the base 220 includes:

[0251] - Multiple through-holes 243, 245 for fluid connection, for introducing one or more fluids from the upper surface or front surface 221 into one or more of the conduits in the network inside the base, and for recovering one or more fluids from the network of conduits; the region 257 of the upper surface or front surface 221 where these holes 243, 245 are located forms a fluid connection region: in effect, the flexible cable supplies fluid (ink and solvent) and power to the printhead and recovers ink that is recycled in the loop, and region 257 is used to fluidly connect the cable to the printhead;

[0252] - Multiple through-holes 249, 253 are provided for introducing one or more fluids from one or more conduits (located or embedded inside the body 220) of the network into one or more valves (located on the upper or front surface 221), and from the one or more valves into one or more of the conduits. The areas forming these holes are also fluid connection areas;

[0253] - At least one orifice 226a for recycling ink that is not used for printing and is recirculated in a conduit of the network (also located or embedded inside the body 220), possibly entering one or more valves (located on the upper or front surface 221), and from the one or more valves into one of the conduits, returning to the printer's ink circuit. The area forming the orifice 226a is also a fluid connection area.

[0254] Figure 19A It is shown that:

[0255] - A conduit 225 for allowing solvent to flow from one opening (FIG. 19) in inlet 243 to one or more valves (located on the upper or front surface 221); another conduit 227 for allowing fluid (particularly the solvent) to flow from the valve to the droplet generation unit 228;

[0256] - A conduit 229 for allowing ink to flow from one of the inlets 243 (FIG. 19) to one or more valves of the valve, and the ink flowing from one or more valves of the valve to the ink droplet generating unit 228 via a conduit 227;

[0257] - A conduit 239 for returning ink from the recovery trough to one or more valves in the valve, and a conduit 235 for returning ink from one or more valves in the valve to one of the outlets 245.

[0258] The network of pipes may also include:

[0259] - A conduit 241 for allowing air to flow from one of the inlets 243 to the printhead;

[0260] - and / or one or more conduits 233, 237 for recovering ink from ink droplet generation unit 228 back to one of the outlets 245 (possibly via one or more valves); this enables further cleaning of the ink circuit.

[0261] Figure 19B The assembly of base 220 with supports 222 and 226 is shown. Reference numerals 226a to 226d are openings corresponding to the through holes of said base 220, at least for recovering ink from the gutter (opening 226a) and for injecting ink and solvent (226d) from conduit 227 into ink droplet generating unit 228; may include openings for injecting air (226b) and / or for recovering ink (226c) from ink droplet generating unit 228 back to conduit 237.

[0262] Through connector 220a ( Figure 18 It is used for electrical connection to supply power to the excitation body, charged electrode and deflection electrode.

[0263] According to the present invention, the support base 220 is manufactured using additive manufacturing technology. In a particular embodiment, the substrate and the solenoid valve support body and / or the droplet generator body are manufactured using the same additive manufacturing technology, and region 257 remains a fluid connection region for connecting the printer's flexible supply cable to the printhead.

[0264] The channels of the network inside the base are located in the same plane. The printhead, and in particular the channels, may have one or more of the features described above in conjunction with other embodiments. In particular:

[0265] - The fluid connection region 257 is preferably smooth enough that the end of the flexible cable can be fluid-tightly connected to the region: for example, a sealing device (e.g., a gasket) can be applied and pressed against the region to form a sealing assembly with the flexible cable; this means that these regions preferably have a roughness of less than 10 micrometers or even less than 5 micrometers.

[0266] - and / or, the roughness of at least a portion of the inner surface of one or more of the conduits and channels of the network within the base 220 is less than 10 micrometers or less than 5 micrometers, more preferably between 3 micrometers and 1.5 micrometers. Therefore, the pigments of the ink cannot remain adhered to the inner surface of the conduits, where residual solid growth can form on the ink flow.

[0267] If the 3D printing process (see below) does not achieve the desired roughness, additional smoothing steps (mechanical and / or chemical) can be performed, as explained below.

[0268] Figure 18 One or more of the pipes in the network of the base 220 shown can be straight, while one or more of the pipes in the manifold can have curved sections or portions, thereby avoiding sharp angles and the aforementioned problems. Such curved sections or portions have a non-zero radius of curvature (e.g., at least 0.5 mm) in the plane of the network, which allows liquid flow without pressure loss due to sharp angles. Preferably, the pipes do not have sharp angles. Curved sections or portions contribute to a compact device, have less pressure loss, and prevent residual solid growth of ink or ink pigment on the ink flow.

[0269] The printhead according to the present invention can be used in conjunction with a CIJ printer, for example, Figure 29 As shown.

[0270] As can be understood from the above description, the manifold according to the invention (particularly for a printhead of an inkjet printer) can be located in or embedded in the base or rear wall of the printhead, and includes multiple channels, for example:

[0271] - At least one conduit for supplying ink and / or solvent to the printhead (particularly to at least one droplet generator);

[0272] - and at least one conduit for recovering unprinted ink from the gutters.

[0273] The manifold may also include the above-mentioned components. Figures 18 to 19B The characteristics explained.

[0274] Another example of a fluid component according to the invention is a fluid connector 300, such as... Figure 20A As shown, also Figures 20B to 20D Explanation of the application of pump module 350.

[0275] The fluid connector 300 includes:

[0276] - Two parallel conduits or pipes 302, 304, each conduit or pipe 302, 304 connecting an inlet (such as inlet 322, 324) and a corresponding outlet (such as outlet 322a, 324a);

[0277] - One or more connecting devices 303, 305 for connecting two conduits 302, 304 fixed relative to each other;

[0278] - Two end components 321, 323, each end component having an end surface forming a fluid connection region, with an inlet 322 (correspondingly, 324) and an outlet 324a (correspondingly, 322a) leading to the fluid connection region.

[0279] Each conduit may have a bend to guide the fluid as it flows from the connector’s inlet 322 (correspondingly, 324) to the outlet 322a (correspondingly, 324a); conduit 302 may be used to guide fluid from the CIJ printer’s fluid circuit into another fluid component (e.g., a pump) of the fluid circuit, the fluid flowing from inlet 322 to outlet 322a and then into the other fluid component; conduit 304 may be used to guide fluid flowing out of the other fluid component (e.g., the pump), the fluid flowing from inlet 324 to outlet 324a and then into the CIJ printer’s fluid circuit.

[0280] As from Figure 20A As can be seen, each inlet / outlet surface has one or more recesses to receive one or more sealing devices, such as one or more gaskets.

[0281] The fluid connector may also include one or more alignment members 325 (e.g., one or more pins, rods, or inserts) adapted to fit into corresponding slots or holes to position the connector relative to its integrated module, such as... Figures 20B to 20D As shown (in a variant, one or more alignment members 325 are located in the module, and corresponding slots or holes are located in the connector).

[0282] The connector 300 and its conduit or conduit may have one or more of the features described above in conjunction with other embodiments. In particular:

[0283] - One or more of the inlets 322, 324 and outlets 324a, 322a are preferably smooth enough that a sealing device (e.g., one or more gaskets) can be applied and pressed against it to form one or more sealing assemblies with another component or pipe; this means that these areas preferably have a roughness of less than 10 micrometers or even less than 5 micrometers;

[0284] - and / or, the roughness of the inner surface of at least a portion of the conduits 302, 304 is less than 10 micrometers or less than 5 micrometers, more preferably between 3 micrometers and 1.5 micrometers. Therefore, the pigments in the ink cannot remain adhered to the inner surface, where residual solid growth can form on the ink flow.

[0285] If the 3D printing process (see below) does not achieve the desired roughness, additional smoothing steps (mechanical and / or chemical) can be performed, as explained below.

[0286] like Figure 20A As shown, one or more of pipes 302 and 304 can be straight, while one or more of the pipes in the manifold can have curved sections or portions, thereby avoiding sharp angles and the aforementioned problems. Such curved sections or portions have a non-zero radius of curvature (e.g., at least 0.5 mm) in the plane of the network, which allows liquid flow without pressure loss due to sharp angles. Preferably, the pipes do not have sharp angles. Curved sections or portions contribute to a compact device, have less pressure loss, and prevent ink or ink pigment from forming residual solid growth on the ink flow.

[0287] Figure 20B An example of a pump module (or ink pressure pump module) 350 is shown. This pump module includes a housing or support 332, possibly including a front side or cover 333; the module includes a fluid inlet 334 and a fluid outlet 336; inside the module or its housing, at least a hydraulic portion 342h of the pump 342 is connected to the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet. Figure 20B As shown:

[0288] - The motor 321 of pump 342 can be located outside the pump module because the motor is robust and sturdy; in this case, the shaft 345 of the pump that connects the motor and the hydraulic part extends through the cover 333 of the pump module 350, and only the hydraulic part of the pump is contained in the housing 332; in a variant, the pump, including its hydraulic part and its motor, is fully housed in the pump module.

[0289] - Pump inlet 343 and pump outlet 340 can be directly connected to fluid inlet 334 and fluid outlet 336 via pipes 344 and 326, respectively. Fluid flows from the fluid inlet 334 to the pump 340 and then from the pump 340 to the fluid outlet 326. Preferably, there are no other fluid elements between the fluid inlet 334 and the pump inlet 343, or between the fluid outlet 336 and the pump outlet 340.

[0290] Figure 20BThe pump shown includes a hydraulic section 342h, a motor 327, and a shaft 345 connecting the hydraulic section 342h and the motor 347; the pump may be magnetic. This magnetic pump includes a housing (a portion of which is located in…) Figure 20D (Marked as 342m in the middle), this housing contains a hydraulic section or impeller connected to a shaft with an inner magnetic ring; outside the housing, an outer magnetic ring is mounted on a drive shaft and magnetically coupled to the inner magnetic ring through the housing. A motor can rotatably drive the drive shaft and the outer magnetic ring; conversely, due to magnetic coupling, the outer magnetic ring rotatably drives the inner magnetic ring and the impeller. In the case of a magnetic pump, Figure 20B Shaft 345 is the drive shaft, and the impeller and its shaft are housed in housing 332.

[0291] CIJ printers (e.g.) Figure 29 The ink circuit of a CIJ printer may have a receiving portion, area, or interface to receive a pump module and connect the pump module to the printer's hydraulic circuit. The receiving portion, area, or interface has at least one fluid inlet corresponding to fluid outlet 336 and at least one fluid outlet corresponding to fluid inlet 334 of the pump unit assembly, such that fluid can flow from the interface outlet into the first unit assembly and then out of the first unit assembly to the interface inlet.

[0292] Figures 20B to 20D An embodiment of a pump module (or ink pressure pump module) 350 is shown, wherein the motor 327 of the pump 342 is located outside the pump module. The hydraulic portion 342h of the pump is held between a front cover 333 and a rear cover 333', which is removable, such as... Figure 20D As shown. After removing the rear cover 333', the hydraulic part 342h of the pump can be easily removed. Reference numeral 342m refers, for example, to the external magnetic part of the pump, which is located outside the housing 332.

[0293] like Figure 20C As shown, the rear side of the pump module housing is not completely sealed, allowing the pump 342 (or the portion of the pump contained within the housing 332) to be cooled by air from the surrounding atmosphere.

[0294] The housing may be provided with slots or openings 360° to facilitate airflow around the pump.

[0295] The ink circuit has a receiving portion, area, or interface to receive the module, which can be mounted on and removed from the receiving portion, area, or interface, for example, by one or more screws, nuts, bolts, clips, clamps, hooks, or any other fastening device. Holes 332h1, 332h2, and 332h3 are in... Figure 20DAs can be seen, screws 332s1, 332s2, and 332s3 are accommodated, and a screw head 332s'3 is located within... Figure 20C As can be seen in the text.

[0296] As from Figure 20D Understandable. Figure 20A The fluid connector 300 shown can be used to connect... Figure 20B The pump inlet / outlet 343 / 340 is connected to the housing inlet / outlet 334 / 336.

[0297] Pump module 350 can be used in continuous inkjet printers, such as... Figure 29 As shown.

[0298] Another example of a fluid component according to the invention is an excitation body 400, such as... Figures 21A to 21B As shown.

[0299] This excitation element can be used in conjunction with piezoelectric components or actuators to generate ink droplets or jets.

[0300] The incentive body includes two lateral walls 402 and 404, a rear wall 406, and a bottom wall 408.

[0301] The bottom wall includes a recess 410 for receiving a piezoelectric component or actuator (not shown in the figure).

[0302] The excitation body of this example includes multiple pipes 412, 413, 414, and 415, through which fluid can flow from a fluid supply network to an excitation chamber 421 and back from the excitation chamber to the fluid supply network. Fluid flow is... Figure 21A and Figure 21B The arrows indicate this. Pipes 412 and 414 are located in the bottom wall 408, or may protrude from said wall.

[0303] The outer surface of the rear wall 406 forms a fluid connection surface, which includes two holes 411 and 417 through which fluid can flow, and which can be connected to a fluid manifold (e.g., as described above). Figures 18 to 19B (Disclosed type of fluid manifold).

[0304] Incentive entities 400 can combine Figures 18 to 19B It is used in the droplet generation unit 228 of the publicly disclosed printhead 800.

[0305] The actuating entity 400 (including its conduit or conduit) may have one or more of the features described above in conjunction with other embodiments. In particular:

[0306] - The inlet 411 and / or outlet 417 are preferably smooth enough to be applied to and pressed against another fluid component, such as the top surface of the droplet generator and electrode support 226 or the upper surface 221 of the support 220 (see...). Figures 18 to 19B This is to form a sealing assembly (possibly by means of a sealing device, such as one or more gaskets); this means that these areas preferably have a roughness of less than 10 micrometers or even less than 5 micrometers;

[0307] - and / or, the roughness of the inner surface of at least a portion of pipes 412, 413, 414, 415 is less than 10 micrometers or less than 5 micrometers, more preferably between 3 micrometers and 1.5 micrometers. Therefore, the pigments in the ink cannot remain adhered to said inner surface, where residual solid growth can form on the ink flow.

[0308] If the 3D printing process (see below) does not achieve the desired roughness, additional smoothing steps (mechanical and / or chemical) can be performed, as explained below.

[0309] like Figure 21A As shown, one or more of pipes 412, 413, 414, and 415 can be straight, while one or more of the pipes in the manifold can have curved sections or portions, thereby avoiding sharp angles and the aforementioned problems. Such curved sections or portions have a non-zero (and finite) radius of curvature (e.g., at least 0.5 mm) in the plane of the network, which allows liquid flow without pressure loss due to sharp angles. Preferably, the pipes do not have sharp angles. Curved sections or portions contribute to a compact device, have less pressure loss, and prevent ink or ink pigment from forming residual solid growth on the ink flow.

[0310] Another example of a fluid component according to the invention is a damper 500. Figures 22A to 27 Various embodiments of the damper 500 are shown.

[0311] Figure 22A and Figure 22B This is a cross-section of the damper 510 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0312] The damper includes a chamber 506 defined by a first lateral wall 522 and an upper wall 524, and further includes a fluid inlet 511 and a fluid outlet 512 in a surface 513 forming a fluid connection region. Fluid connectors 511c and 513c are positioned abutting the fluid connection region 513 and located in corresponding conduits. The fluid connection region and / or at least a portion of one or both conduits may have the roughness of a component according to the invention (this also applies to other embodiments of the damper described below):

[0313] - The fluid connection region preferably has a roughness of less than 10 micrometers or even less than 5 micrometers;

[0314] - and / or, the roughness of the inner surface of at least a portion of at least one portion of the conduit is less than 10 micrometers or less than 5 micrometers, more preferably between 3 micrometers and 1.5 micrometers. Therefore, the pigment in the ink cannot remain adhered to the inner surface of the conduit, where residual solid growth can form on the ink flow. The chamber 506 has an inner diameter defined by a lateral wall 522. A first portion or upper portion 521 forms a cap or lid, the inner wall of which forms a lateral wall 522 and an upper wall 524; in the remainder of this specification, this portion of the device may also be referred to as "first portion 521". At least a portion of the wall defining the chamber may have the roughness (Ra) of the aforementioned conduit, which also applies to other embodiments of the damper described below.

[0315] The damper may also include a second chamber 508 defined by a second lateral wall 526 and a bottom wall 528; the second chamber 508 may be filled with air (or any other gas) or communicate with the atmosphere outside the damper, for example through one or more holes 545 in the second or lower portion forming a cap or cover 541; for the remainder of this specification, this portion of the device may also be referred to as “second portion 541”.

[0316] The damping element includes a flexible membrane 514; the dimensions of this flexible membrane (particularly the surface of the membrane in contact with the fluid in chamber 506) are calculated based on pressure changes that must be damped in the CIJ printer. The membrane can have varying shapes and / or thicknesses. The membrane thickness is, for example, between 0.5 mm and 2 mm or 3 mm. According to one example, the membrane is flat.

[0317] The membrane and the rest of the damper are formed by additive printing; the membrane separates the two chambers 506 and 508.

[0318] The damper according to the invention is preferably rotationally symmetrical about an axis that is substantially perpendicular to the membrane when the membrane is at rest. In particular, the fluid receiving chamber and / or its upper portion 521, and / or the membrane and / or the second chamber and / or its lower portion 541 are preferably rotationally symmetrical about the axis.

[0319] Since the damper is manufactured by additive printing, there are no sealing components inside the damper to ensure a seal between the different parts and between the fluid receiving part 506 and the outside of the damper.

[0320] Figure 22B This illustrates the effect of pressure changes (e.g., several bar) in the first fluid receiving section 506. Figure 22AThe membrane 524 of the illustrated device deforms in a second chamber 508, in which the membrane 524 is not in contact with the bottom wall 528. The deformation of the membrane 524 is preferably based on the fact that the bending moment is linear and elastic, and the restoring force is provided by the bending moment (as opposed to EP2484527, in which the restoring force is generated by tension).

[0321] like Figure 22C As shown, Figure 22A The structural variation is similar to Figure 22A However, it does not include the second part 541. Membrane 514 and the first part 521 form chamber 506. Figure 22A and Figure 22B The advantage of the second chamber 508 is that it protects the membrane from the outside atmosphere if the membrane explodes or tears.

[0322] Figure 23A This is a cross-section of the damper 520 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 23B The damping element of this second embodiment is shown.

[0323] The damper 520 has the same overall structure as the first embodiment.

[0324] The damper 520 includes a damping element 544, which includes a flat portion or a membrane 532; for example, the thickness of the flat portion or membrane 532 is between 2 mm and 5 mm or 10 mm. 。 Thicknesses of less than 2 mm to shape the post-surface are generally incompatible with pressures of up to 3 or 4 bar, which is common in the field of continuous inkjet printers.

[0325] The damping element 544 also includes damping rings or damping posts 536, 538, 540, which protrude from the flat portion or membrane 532 and can be supported on the lower surface 528 to dampen pressure changes without impairing the membrane's flexibility. These damping rings or posts are arranged in a circle centered on the center of the membrane 532. Figure 23A and Figure 23B The diagram shows two rings and a central post, but other embodiments may include only two rings 534, 536, or one ring (e.g., ring 536) and a central post 540; alternatively, one or more rings may be replaced by a series of posts aligned in a circle; this variation is shown in Figure 23D As shown in the figure, Figure 23D This is a view taken from above the surface of the damper, which includes the damping columns: the damper comprises two series of columns 561, 541, each series arranged along a circle centered on the center of the membrane 532.

[0326] The damping member 544 forms a sealed partition between the fluid receiving portion 506 and the second chamber 528.

[0327] As in the previous embodiments, no seal is required between the fluid receiving portion 506 and the second chamber 508, or between the fluid receiving portion 506 and the outside of the damper. The seal is formed by the membrane itself.

[0328] Figure 23C The pressure change (e.g., several bar) in the first fluid receiving chamber 506 is shown to cause Figure 23A and Figure 23B The damping diaphragm 544 and the damping rings or damping columns 536, 538, 540 supported on the lower surface 528 of the device shown deform, thereby ensuring a damping effect for pressure changes. For those based on Figure 23D The damping component 544 achieved the same or similar effect.

[0329] The damper according to the present invention does not require any clamping or fastening devices.

[0330] In another embodiment, such as Figure 24 and Figure 25 As shown, one of the two parts, 521 and 541, is larger than the other, and both parts are manufactured using the same 3D printing process.

[0331] exist Figure 24 In this embodiment, the second portion 504 has a lateral wall 410 extending beyond the first portion 521. The second portion may also include an annular crown 543 that defines the chamber 508 and supports the lateral side of the membrane 514. This embodiment can also be combined with... Figures 23A to 23D The damping element is disclosed to implement (the second part does not include the internal annular crown 543).

[0332] Alternatively, such as Figure 25 As shown, the first portion 521 has a lateral wall 210 extending to the outside of the second portion 504. This embodiment can also be combined with... Figures 23A to 23D The damping element is disclosed to implement this.

[0333] The damper according to the invention has a damping coefficient as high as 10% or even 1%: for example, a pressure change of 3 bar can be damped to 0.3 bar or even 0.03 bar. The fluid receiving chamber of the damper according to the invention can have a small height (the distance between the upper surface of the membrane 514 and the upper wall 524), for example, between 1 mm and 5 mm, resulting in a small volume for the fluid receiving portion 506, for example, between 50 cubic millimeters and 10 cubic millimeters. 4Between 50 cubic millimeters. The damper's efficiency is not affected by this small volume; the damping efficiency is generated by the surface of the diaphragm in contact with the fluid receiving section, not by the volume of the fluid receiving section. However, the fluid receiving section can be optimized to minimize the fluid pressure drop (so-called hydraulic resistance). For example, between 50 cubic millimeters and 10 cubic millimeters. 4 This optimization is achieved with a volume between cubic millimeters because the flow cross-section between the inlet 510 and the outlet 512 remains important, so the fluid flow and hydraulic resistance can be sufficiently small.

[0334] Alternatively, another variation of the damper according to the invention is as follows: Figure 26A As shown, and including two parallel circular flat membranes 5141, 5142 (or flexible plates), defining a fluid receiving portion or chamber 506. The damper is provided with a fluid inlet 510 and a fluid outlet 520. Each membrane 5141, 5142:

[0335] - Having a diameter, for example, between 10 mm or 20 mm and 40 mm or 50 mm;

[0336] - and / or, having a thickness, for example, between 0.5 mm and 2 mm or 3 mm.

[0337] The fluid receiving section 506 has:

[0338] - Small height (the distance between two stationary membranes), for example, between 1 mm and 5 mm;

[0339] - and / or, small volumes, such as between 50 cubic millimeters and 10 4 Between cubic millimeters.

[0340] Each membrane 5141, 5142 separates the receiving portion 506 from the second chambers 508, 508', which are connected to the above-mentioned... Figure 22A or Figure 22B The description defines the cover portion 541, 541' as similar to or the same as the cover portion 541.

[0341] Figure 26A The structural variations do not include the cover portions 541, 541'. The fluid receiving chamber is sealed by membranes 5141, 5142, and the device can operate without the second chambers 508, 508'. Figure 26A The advantage of each second chamber 508, 508' is that if one of the membranes bursts or tears, the second chamber 508, 508' protects the membrane from the outside atmosphere.

[0342] Because of the 3D manufacturing process, the different parts of the device do not need to be assembled, clamped, or fastened together.

[0343] Figure 26B It shows Figure 26A Each damping diaphragm 5141, 5142 of the device shown deforms under pressure changes (e.g., several bar) in the fluid receiving chamber 506; this deformation ensures the damping effect of the pressure changes.

[0344] Alternatively, this embodiment can be combined with Figures 23A to 23D The damping element is disclosed for implementation, each damping element comprising a damping ring or damping post 536, 538, 540, which can be supported on surfaces 528, 528' and are used to dampen pressure changes. This damping element forms a partition between the fluid receiving portion 506 and one of the second chambers 508, 508'. The diameter and / or thickness of each membrane can be as described above. Figures 22A to 25 The diameter and / or thickness mentioned.

[0345] The damping effect can be enhanced by implementing the two dampers 5101 and 5102 according to the present invention in series, such as Figure 27 As shown, before flowing to the printhead, fluid flows through a first damper 5101 and then through a second damper 5102 (the two dampers are connected by a conduit 525). Each damper 5101, 5102 can be a damper according to any embodiment of the invention. Reference numerals 551 and 552 indicate inlet conduits entering the first and second dampers, and reference numeral 553 indicates an outlet conduit leaving the second damper.

[0346] Any embodiment of the damper according to the invention can be implemented in the ink circuit of a CIJ printer, which includes a gear pump for pumping ink; the pressure variation of such pump is in the range of 2 bar to 5 bar or 3 bar to 4 bar; alternatively, a diaphragm pump can be implemented, the pressure variation of which is in the range of 100 mbar to 500 mbar. Both of these pressure variations can be effectively damped by the damper according to the invention, the pressure variation being damped to a factor between 1% and 10% of the aforementioned range.

[0347] The damper for a continuous inkjet printer according to the present invention and as described above includes: a fluid receiving chamber 506, which includes at least a side wall 522, a fluid inlet 511c and a fluid outlet 512c; and at least one membrane 514, 5141, 5142, 532, 540, which deforms under the influence of pressure changes.

[0348] In a particular embodiment, the damper may include second chambers 508, 508', 528, with the membrane located between the fluid receiving chamber and the second chambers.

[0349] As described above, the two sides of the membrane can be flat or have a complex shape with variable thickness. Alternatively, if the damper includes a second chamber, the side of the membrane facing the second chamber may also include damping devices 534, 536, 541, 561 protruding from the membrane.

[0350] The damper according to the invention can be cylindrical and extend along the axis.

[0351] In a particular embodiment, the damper according to the present invention may include:

[0352] - Second membrane 5142, the side wall and the fluid receiving chamber 506 are disposed between the two membranes;

[0353] - Alternatively, the upper wall 524, the fluid receiving chamber 506 is disposed between the upper wall and the membrane.

[0354] The fluid circuit of a continuous inkjet printer may include a first conduit 551, a second conduit 552, and at least one damper according to the invention, the first conduit being connected to the fluid inlet and the second conduit being connected to the fluid outlet of the at least one damper. The fluid circuit may also include, for example, a second damper 5102 according to the invention, the second conduit being connected to the fluid inlet of the second damper and a third conduit 553 being connected to the fluid outlet of the second damper.

[0355] The fluid circuit of a continuous inkjet printer may also include a reservoir and a pump (e.g., a gear pump or a diaphragm pump) connected to the inlet of the first conduit and the second conduit connected to the printhead.

[0356] A method for damping pressure changes (e.g., between 2 bar and 5 bar) in the fluid circuit of a continuous single inkjet printer may include circulating the fluid in at least one damper according to the invention, wherein the pressure change deforms the at least one membrane, thereby damping the pressure change.

[0357] The damper according to the invention is suitable for continuous inkjet (CIJ) printers including single-nozzle or multi-nozzle inkjet printheads, such as EP 17186002. Figure 1 and Figure 17 As shown.

[0358] The damper according to the invention is connected between the inlet and outlet conduits of the fluid circuit of a CIJ printer (e.g., a circuit connecting the reservoir and the printhead). The circuit also includes a pump for pumping fluid from the reservoir. Pressure changes in the fluid are damped by the damper according to the invention.

[0359] The damper according to one of the above embodiments can be used as follows: Figure 29This is implemented in the continuous inkjet printer shown, for example at the outlet of pump 694 used for pumping solvent.

[0360] For example, the damper can be connected to Figure 4B The device shown has chamber 72. The damper can be manufactured along with the device during the same 3D printing process.

[0361] The fluid connection area of ​​any component, device, or part according to the invention (the area for receiving fluid, such as a valve) may have an enlarged orifice in which a sealing device (such as one or more gaskets) may be positioned. Preferably, the roughness Ra of this area is preferably less than 10 micrometers, less than 5 micrometers, or 3 micrometers, more preferably less than 2 micrometers, for example 1.6 micrometers, such that the sealing device can be pressed against the surface and effectively seal the assembly of the device and another fluid device or part according to the invention.

[0362] As described above, the inner or internal surface of one or more pipes of any component, device or part according to the invention may also have a desired roughness, for example less than 10 micrometers or less than 5 micrometers or 3 micrometers, more preferably less than 2 micrometers, for example 1.6 micrometers.

[0363] As described below, the roughness of any fluid connection area and / or any internal surface of the pipe of any component or device according to the present invention can be obtained by selecting and preparing appropriate materials and the manufacturing process of the component or device.

[0364] Any component, device, or part according to the invention is preferably manufactured by 3D printing technology, such as one of the following technologies: extrusion, material jetting, photopolymerization, and powder bed melting. These technologies are described, for example, in the following article by N. Shahrubudina et al.: “Overview of 3D Printing Technologies: Technology, Materials, and Applications,” Second International Conference on Sustainable Materials Processing and Manufacturing (SMPM 2019), Procedia Manufacturing 35 (2019) 1286-1296.

[0365] Powder bed melting is currently the preferred solution because it is suitable for industrial needs.

[0366] A variety of other techniques can also be implemented within the framework of this invention: selective laser sintering (SLS), selective heat sintering (SHS), and electron beam melting (EBM) as described in the aforementioned publications, or other techniques such as direct metal laser sintering (DMLS), which is similar to selective laser melting (SLM). Hybrid techniques are also available; these hybrid techniques combine powder bed melting and binder jetting, such as selective endothermic powder bed sintering assisted by 2D printing technology.

[0367] 3D printing technology utilizes data from a computer-aided design model of the part to be manufactured, generating a 3D model file of the part (580). Figure 28A Alternatively, an existing data file 580 of the 3D model of the component may be available. The data in the file 580 is read by a computer 582, which is adapted to control the 3D printer 584 accordingly.

[0368] Under the control of computer 582, the selected material is passed through one or more nozzles 585 of the 3D printer onto the support 586 by the 3D printer 584 layer by layer 5881 to 588. n ( Figure 28B (where n is any integer) are deposited in layers. Each layer is 5881, 5882, ..., 588. n The thickness is, for example, between 5 micrometers or 20 micrometers and 300 micrometers or 500 micrometers to achieve the desired roughness; alternatively, the 3D printing process can be supplemented by additional steps that smooth at least one fluid connection area and / or at least a portion of the inner surface of one or more pipes. Figures 28A to 28C The 3D printing process is performed on a substrate 586, which can be more or less tilted relative to the material flow 587: Figure 28A In the middle, substrate 286 is horizontal, but substrate 286 can be tilted to another position 586' that forms an angle α (e.g., 0° < α < 45°) relative to the horizontal position, although printing is still performed "horizontally", as from Figure 28C Understandably, at this other location 586', the deposited layer is placed on the support 593.

[0369] In both cases, a surface (e.g., a series of layers deposited via 3D printing, 5881 to 588) n Or 588'1 to 588' nThe top surface 590 (especially by extrusion) or bottom surface 590' has a much better (smaller) roughness than other surfaces on the sides, for example, a better roughness than the lateral sides 5901, 5902, 590'1 of the stacked layers. Depending on the quality of the upper surface of the substrate 286 (especially the roughness Ra), the optimal roughness Ra can be obtained at the bottom surface 590', which is in direct contact with the upper surface.

[0370] Therefore, when printing, it is considered that the area or surface of the component must have a better surface roughness than other parts. This could be, for example, component 20 ( Figure 2A Area 40 or component 50 () Figure 4A (area 28 or) Figures 5A to 14B The component area 110 or 210 or Figure 23A The components 520 have regions 513, each of which forms a fluid connection region of the device according to the invention; such regions are preferably smooth enough that a sealing device (e.g., a gasket) can be applied thereon and effectively seal the region in which the sealing device is located. The roughness of the region is preferably less than 10 micrometers, less than 5 micrometers, or less than 3 micrometers, for example, 1.6 micrometers.

[0371] Figure 28D and Figure 28E Another example of a 3D printing process is shown: this example implements a build tank 594 in which material 595, such as powder, to be used to manufacture parts is collected layer by layer. A laser beam 597 is directed to the surface 599 of the bed 595 to melt the material on the surface and in the deposition layer immediately below it: this technique is particularly feasible if the material is metallic. Alternatively, an adhesive is sprayed onto the surface to assemble the particles: this technique can be implemented particularly for plastic materials.

[0372] While surface 599 and the material in its immediate next layer are being transferred via laser or adhesive, another layer of material is added to bed 595 and processed. The parts are manufactured sequentially, depending on the ability of the selected printing technology to produce the desired roughness on a particular surface or area. For example, Figure 28D The process shown can generate a surface of the component with a specific orientation, such as surface 596' with a desired roughness: in this case, the component is manufactured such that surface 596' has Figure 28D The orientation shown. Depending on the printing conditions, when the final part is as shown... Figure 28E When orientation is performed as shown, surface 596' can have a better roughness. For example... Figure 28D and Figure 28EAs shown, any of these orientations may not be horizontal. To determine which orientation to choose for a specific region in order to achieve the desired roughness Ra, a trial-and-error method can be used.

[0373] If the roughness of a region of a part obtained by 3D printing is too high, the region can be further processed after 3D printing; for example, the region can be machined or smoothed or ground or polished; alternatively or additionally, the region can also be chemically treated (especially for plastic materials), for example, in a bath of abrasive or corrosive fluid (e.g., a liquid containing corundum or diamond particles or acid (HCl)).

[0374] In some cases, after the 3D printing process, one area (e.g., top surface 590 or bottom surface 590') has the desired roughness, but the roughness of another area is still too high; in such cases, one or more other areas besides 590 and 590' can be further processed, for example, by machining, smoothing, grinding, or polishing. For example... Figure 4A and Figure 4B For the component shown, this could be the case where the component can be 3D printed such that the main fluid connection area 68 (on which multiple solenoid valves can be connected) is a surface of stacked layers with optimal roughness, for example... Figure 28A The bottom of layer 590'; if the surface 70 of the part must also have the desired roughness, but the conditions are not as favorable to the surface as to the surface 68, then the roughness of the surface 70 after 3D printing may be too high: in this case, the surface 70 can be further processed according to one of the methods described above.

[0375] As described below, the manifold according to the invention is preferably made of metal, such as stainless steel, ceramic, or plastic. Depending on the material, a suitable 3D printing method can be selected, for example, from the list of methods described above. For powder bed 3D printing, the material is powder deposited and / or heated during the 3D printing process.

[0376] To take advantage of the capabilities offered by the chosen 3D printing technology, the part design is also considered. In particular, the fluid connectivity should be optimized by the number and location of connectors in the fluid connectivity areas to achieve a suitable surface roughness. Thus, a suitable surface roughness should be directly achieved during additive manufacturing; or, the part should be positioned or have an orientation that allows it to be smoothed during post-processing.

[0377] The piping and fluid connection areas of components or parts according to the invention, or the piping and fluid connection areas of components or parts printed by the CIJ printer according to the invention, are preferably manufactured by the same 3D printing or additive manufacturing process. However, the entire component or part (e.g., any mechanical linkage between two pipes) is also manufactured by the same process.

[0378] Roughness can be measured using a roughness measurement system or roughness gauge (implemented by methods such as mechanical styluses or optical methods). Roughness can be defined using Ra, which is a roughness measurer along a length L. r The arithmetic mean of the surface profile z(x) of the straight line:

[0379]

[0380] More information on the definition of surface roughness Ra and possible measurement techniques can be found in the following literature: Chapter 2 of the Handbook of Modern Tribology (“Surface Roughness Analysis and Measurement Techniques”, by Bharat Bhushan, Ohio State University), two volumes, first edition, 2000, CRC Press, eBook ISBN 9780429126727.

[0381] The roughness achievable through any 3D printing process is between 1 / 30 and 1 / 2 of the average diameter of the powder particles used for 3D printing.

[0382] Using metal powders with different particle diameters, the inventors obtained the following results by utilizing a powder bed melting process and layers with a thickness between 10 micrometers and 50 micrometers:

[0383] - By utilizing an average particle size between 5 micrometers and 15 micrometers, a surface roughness Ra=10 µm was obtained for 3D printed parts;

[0384] - By utilizing an average particle size between 15 micrometers and 63 micrometers, a surface roughness Ra of 3D printed parts with the following condition was obtained: 18 µm < Ra < 23 µm.

[0385] Clearly, a more stringent selection of the average grain size, or the selection of a suitable surface (e.g., a lower layer in contact with the glass substrate), will yield better results and a roughness that meets the requirements of this invention.

[0386] This also applies to materials other than metals. For example, using plastic powder with an average particle size of 50 micrometers, a layer with a thickness of 80 micrometers can be deposited by 3D printing; prior to any additional polishing steps, the surface roughness Ra of all surfaces is: 18 µm < Ra < 23 µm.

[0387] Therefore, the selected powder, particularly the particle size, can be adjusted according to the desired roughness, especially to obtain the roughness of the fluid connection area and / or the inner surface of the pipe according to the invention.

[0388] Powder density can also play a role: denser powders are more conducive to achieving lower roughness, especially in the case of metal powders, such as those using powder bed fusion metal technology; therefore, it is recommended to densify the powder before 3D printing.

[0389] One or more pipes 592 ( Figure 28C It can also be made during 3D printing: In fact, as can be understood from the above description, the component according to the invention can have one or more channels in which one or more fluids (e.g., ink and / or solvent suitable for CIJ printers) can flow.

[0390] One or more conduits of the component according to the invention can be used to allow ink to flow, the ink comprising a solvent, but also including pigments and binders. The internal walls along which the fluid flows and in contact with the ink and / or solvent are preferably as smooth as possible, with a roughness preferably less than 10 micrometers, or less than 5 micrometers, more preferably between 3 micrometers and 1.5 micrometers. Therefore, the pigments of the ink cannot remain adhered to the inner surface of the conduit, where residual solid growth can form on the ink flow.

[0391] The desired or required roughness can be achieved through 3D printing. If the roughness obtained by 3D printing is too large, additional steps can be performed after 3D printing; for example, the pipes can be smoothed by circulating abrasive or corrosive fluid (such as a liquid containing corundum or diamond particles or acid (HCl)) in the device after 3D printing.

[0392] Alternatively, if the fluid connection areas and the interior of the pipes of the same component must be further processed, the component can be immersed in a bath of abrasive or corrosive fluid in the device after 3D printing.

[0393] The material used to manufacture any device or component according to the invention provides chemical resistance to ink / solvent, defined as the stability of the device after immersion (or soaking) at a temperature of at least 40°C or 45°C in at least one organic solvent (e.g., at least one solvent suitable for CIJ printing (e.g., at least MEK, and / or C5 ketone (pentanone), such as MIPK (methyl isopropyl ketone) and / or MPK (methyl propyl ketone) and / or ethanol)) or in ink based on any of said solvents for at least one, two, or three weeks, the stability being determined by a change of less than 5%, preferably less than 3%, more preferably less than 1% by weight and / or at least one dimension.

[0394] Examples of materials that provide this resistance are plastics such as nylon (PA11 or PA12), polyamide, PEEK, polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), and stainless steel. However, other materials, such as metals or ceramics, can be used. In addition to chemical resistance, the selected materials preferably provide mechanical robustness and are preferably flame-retardant.

[0395] Multiple components can be formed using a minimal amount of material, for example, by combining them. Figures 1 to 2C As shown.

[0396] This type of component (also known as a topology-optimized component) is very lightweight, low-cost, and performs the same function as the original component while minimizing material consumption. This component may include one or more mechanically reinforcing elements, such as at least one wall 41 ( Figure 2A , Figure 2B (or at least one beam) ensures that the component remains robust and mechanically strong. End components, including fluid-connected surfaces, also contribute to the component's strength.

[0397] In such topology-optimized components, the wall thickness of the pipes is, for example, between 1 mm and 10 mm, or between 3 mm and 5 mm, which saves all the material typically located between pipes. The wall thickness of the pipes is preferably selected based on the required stiffness of the material and the component, particularly with respect to fluid pressure (e.g., up to 10 bar).

[0398] One or more fluid components according to the invention are suitable for continuous inkjet (CIJ) printers including single-nozzle or multi-nozzle inkjet printheads, such as those in EP 17186002. Figure 1 and Figure 17 As shown and described in the same document.

[0399] Alternatively, such as Figure 29 As shown, one or more fluid components according to the present invention can be incorporated into a CIJ printer.

[0400] As shown in the figure, the printer includes an ink cartridge receiving section 682a for receiving ink cartridges 682, a solvent cartridge receiving section 684a for receiving solvent (or organic solvent) cartridges 684 (both cartridges can be removed from the circuit), and an ink supply system including an ink circuit, which may include a main storage unit 680. The receiving sections allow fluid (ink and / or solvent) to flow from each cartridge into the ink circuit, which includes fluid conduits or conduits. Therefore, ink can be supplied to the printhead 800.

[0401] exist Figure 29In the example shown, the ink circuit may include module 50 (or manifold) and multiple pipes to connect receiving portions 682a and 684a to the circuit, which includes a main memory 680 and different modules 350, 730, and 750.

[0402] An example of module 50 has already been described above (see [link]). Figures 4A to 4C The module 50 may include an ink section and a solvent section. The ink section includes the ink cartridge receiving section, and the solvent section includes the solvent cartridge receiving section. The ink section is connected to an ink pump 692 for pumping ink from ink cartridge 682, and the solvent section is connected to a pump 694 for pumping solvent from solvent cartridge 684. A damper 510 may be provided at the outlet of the solvent pump 694 (on line 147) to dampen oscillations of the solvent generated by the pump 694; the damper is, for example, as described above. Figures 22A to 27 As described.

[0403] Module 50 may also include multiple three-way valves 6931, 6932, 6933, 699 to deliver suitable fluid to the ink circuit, such as to suitable modules 350, 730, 750 and / or to the storage device 680.

[0404] Examples of modules 730 and 750 are described below, while an example of module 350 has already been described above (see [link to example]). Figure 20B ).

[0405] Pipes 696 to 698 can connect the ink and solvent sections of the hydraulic module 50 to the main storage unit 680; such as Figure 29 As shown, pipes 702 to 704 can connect the ink and solvent sections of the hydraulic module 50 to different modules 350-750.

[0406] Each of modules 350, 730, and 750 may be held in the circuit by a suitable fastening or securing device (such as one or more screws, nuts, bolts, clips, clamps, hooks, or any other fixing or fastening device) such that each module may be installed on the circuit and removed or taken off the circuit.

[0407] The main storage unit 680 may, for example, be of the type comprising two compartments as disclosed in EP 3466697, with the upper compartment 6801 for storing ink and the lower compartment 6802 for storing solvent.

[0408] - The upper portion 6801 can be supplied with ink from the cartridge 682 via one or more of the valves 6931, 6932, and 6933 and one or more of the pipes 696; the ink can be pumped out from the upper portion by the pump of the module 350 through one or more pipes 710;

[0409] - The lower portion 6802 can be supplied with solvent from the box 684 through one or more of the valves 699 and one or more of the pipes 697; the solvent can be pumped out from the lower portion by the pump 694 through one or more pipes 698.

[0410] In the example, filter module 730 includes housing 732, which may include cover 733; the module includes one or more fluid inlets 736, 742 and one or more fluid outlets 738, 744; inside the module or its housing, one or two filters 734 (so-called “mesh filter”) or 740 (so-called “main ink filter”) are connected to a corresponding set of fluid inlets 736 and fluid outlets 738.

[0411] Another filter 746 (in this example: filter mesh) can be connected between the main filter outlet 747 and the fluid outlet 744.

[0412] The ink circuit may have a receiving portion, area, or interface to receive a filter module and connect it to the printer's hydraulic circuit. The receiving portion, area, or interface has at least two fluid inlets corresponding to fluid outlets 738 and 744 and at least two fluid outlets corresponding to fluid inlets 736 and 742 of the filter module, allowing fluid to flow from the interface outlets into the filter module and then out of the filter module to the interface inlets. The filter module may be mounted in or on the ink circuit, or mounted on the receiving portion, area, or interface; the filter module may be detachable from the circuit or from the receiving portion, area, or interface of the ink circuit. For example, one or more screws, nuts, bolts, clips, clamps, hooks, or any other fixing or fastening device may be used to install and remove the filter module.

[0413] The recovery module 750 may include a housing 752 and possibly a cover 753; the module includes one or more fluid inlets 755, 759, 761 and one or more fluid outlets 757, 763; inside the housing, a recovery device (e.g., a venturi or diaphragm pump 754) is used to recover ink not used for printing from the printhead, and the recovery device outlet is connected to one of the fluid outlets 757, 763; a filter 756 may be connected between the fluid inlet 755 and the recovery device to filter the ink recovered from the printhead; at least one three-way valve 766 may also be connected between the filter 756 and the pump 754 to select fluid from inlet 755 (typically ink returning from the printhead) or inlet 759 (typically solvent or air).

[0414] The ink circuit may have a receiving portion, area, or interface 751 to receive the recycling module and connect it to the printer's hydraulic circuit. The recycling module may be installed in or on the ink circuit, or on the receiving portion, area, or interface; the recycling module can be detached from the circuit or from the receiving portion, area, or interface of the ink circuit. For example, one or more screws, nuts, bolts, clips, clamps, hooks, or any other securing device may be used to install and remove the module.

[0415] The receiving portion or area or interface has at least two fluid outlets corresponding to fluid inlets 755, 761, 759 and at least two fluid inlets corresponding to fluid outlets 757, 763, such that fluid can flow from the interface outlets into the module 750 and then flow from the module 750 to the interface inlets.

[0416] As from Figure 29 As can be seen, the damper 774 can be connected in the fluid path to the inlet 736 of the filter module 730 (located between the fluid outlet 716 of module 350 and the fluid inlet 736 of module 730) to dampen pressure changes or oscillations in the ink before it is delivered to the printhead. These pressure changes or oscillations are generated by the pump and reduce print quality. The fluid then flows through the filter 734 and then through a portion of the fluid circuit (e.g., via...). Figure 29 The fluid manifolds (indicated by arrows 801 and 803) deliver fluid to the printhead, specifically via filter 740.

[0417] A three-way valve 776 can be connected to the outlet 744 of the filter module 730. Depending on the printer's operating phase, fluid flowing out of the filter module 730 can be delivered via valve 776 to the print head 800 (possibly via an additional filter 777) or the main reservoir in the loop (via the recovery module 750). A sensor 775 can be implemented to measure the pressure and / or temperature of the fluid flowing out of the filter module 730. A combination of valve 776 and sensor 775 is shown in module 20. Figures 2A to 2C Figure 2E illustrates an embodiment of module 20.

[0418] Three-way valve 100 can be connected to inlet 334 of pump module 350. Depending on the printer's operating stage, fluid flowing into pump module 350 can originate from reservoir 680 or the printer manifold. Valve 100 (as described above) Figures 5A to 13B (As described in any of the above) is shown in the body or manifold 150. Figures 16A to 16D An embodiment of the body or manifold 150 is shown.

[0419] The damper 774 is shown in module 731, which can also be made by additive printing according to the invention. After 3D printing, the damper is positioned against the fluid connection area of ​​the module.

[0420] Each of modules 350, 730, and 750 can also be manufactured by additive printing according to the present invention:

[0421] - Pump 324h of module 350 is positioned against the fluid connection area of ​​the module after 3D printing;

[0422] - And / or, the filters 734, 740, 746 of module 730 are positioned against one or more fluid connection areas of the module after 3D printing;

[0423] - and / or, the filter 756, pump 754 and valve 786 of module 750 are positioned against one or more fluid connection areas of the module after 3D printing.

[0424] CIJ printers (e.g.) Figure 29 The CIJ printer shown is used in conjunction with printhead 800, which can be adapted to... Figures 18 to 19B One of the embodiments.

[0425] The CIJ printer may include one or more fluid components according to the invention described above, which provide many advantages as described above.

Claims

1. A fluid component for a continuous inkjet printer, comprising: At least two pipes, each pipe having an inner surface, and each pipe extending between a first end and a second end. At least one fluid inlet and at least one fluid outlet, and An end component, the end component including at least one fluid connection area, the at least one fluid connection area including at least one of at least one fluid inlet and at least one fluid outlet, the end component being configured to connect the fluid component to at least one other fluid component or part of the ink supply circuit of the continuous inkjet printer. The fluid component is a monolithic fluid component made of a single chemically resistant material that is chemically resistant to at least one organic solvent. The at least two conduits are embedded in the monolithic fluid component, wherein at least a portion of the fluid connection area has a roughness of less than 5 micrometers, and at least a portion of the inner surface of at least one conduit has a roughness of less than 10 micrometers.

2. The fluid component according to claim 1, wherein, The fluid components include at least one of a fluid manifold, a portion of a printhead, a hydraulic distributor, a fluid damper, a fluid connector, at least one chamber for a sensor, and a damping chamber.

3. The fluid component according to claim 1, wherein, The fluid component includes at least two fluid connection regions extending in different planes.

4. The fluid component according to claim 1, wherein, The material is chemically resistant to ethanol, and / or methyl isopropyl ketone, and / or methyl ethyl ketone.

5. The fluid component according to claim 1, wherein, At least one of the pipes includes a directional transition, the edge of which has a radius of curvature tangential to the flow direction of the fluid in the pipe.

6. The fluid component according to claim 1, wherein, The fluid component comprises a series of layers in the chemically resistant material, each layer having a thickness between 5 micrometers and 300 micrometers.

7. The fluid component according to claim 1, wherein, The at least two pipes extend in non-parallel directions and / or intersect each other.

8. The fluid component according to claim 1, wherein, The at least two pipes extend in the same plane or in different planes.

9. The fluid component according to claim 1, wherein, The at least two pipes are connected together by a mechanical linkage.

10. The fluid component according to claim 1, wherein, The chemically resistant materials include stainless steel, ceramic materials, plastic materials, or glass materials.

11. The fluid component according to claim 1, wherein, The fluid component further includes at least one O-ring groove or enlargement surrounding the at least one fluid inlet and / or the at least one fluid outlet.

12. The fluid component according to claim 1, wherein, At least a portion of at least one pipe has a wall with a thickness between 1 mm and 10 mm.

13. The fluid component according to claim 1, wherein, A first fluid component is assembled with a second fluid component, the second fluid component being connected to the fluid connection area of ​​the first fluid component, wherein the second fluid component includes at least one of a valve, pump, filter, damper, fluid connector, or hydraulic distributor, the second fluid component includes at least one fluid inlet and at least one fluid outlet, the at least one fluid inlet and at least one fluid outlet of the second fluid component being matched with at least one of the fluid inlet and fluid outlet of the first fluid component, such that at least one fluid can flow from the first fluid component to the second fluid component, and vice versa.

14. A continuous inkjet printer, comprising: - An ink supply system, the ink supply system including an ink circuit, - The part for receiving ink cartridges and the part for receiving solvent cartridges; - At least one fluid component according to claim 1.

15. The continuous inkjet printer according to claim 14, wherein, The continuous inkjet printer also includes a printhead connected to the ink circuit via a flexible umbilical cable (2), the cable including a hydraulic connector and an electrical connector, the hydraulic connector carrying ink from the ink circuit to the printhead and delivering ink to be recovered from the printhead to the ink circuit.

16. A method for manufacturing a fluid component of a continuous inkjet printer from a chemically resistant material that is chemically resistant to at least one organic solvent, said fluid component being the fluid component according to any one of claims 1 to 13, the method comprising: Forming at least two conduits for the flow of at least one of ink and solvent, each conduit having at least one fluid inlet and at least one fluid outlet; And forming at least one fluid connection region, the at least one fluid connection region including at least one of the at least one fluid inlet and at least one fluid outlet, wherein the fluid component is additively manufactured by depositing a continuous layer of the chemically resistant material, each layer having a thickness between 5 micrometers and 300 micrometers, such that at least a portion of the at least one fluid connection region has a roughness of less than 5 micrometers, and at least a portion of the inner surface of at least one pipe has a roughness of less than 10 micrometers.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein, The material is at least chemically resistant to ethanol, and / or methyl isopropyl ketone, and / or methyl ethyl ketone.

18. The method according to claim 16, wherein, The method further includes smoothing the inner surface of at least a portion of at least one pipe and / or the inner surface of the at least one fluid connection region.

19. The method of claim 16, wherein, The directional transition in the pipe forms a radius of curvature.

20. The method of claim 16, wherein, The method further includes additive manufacturing of at least one chamber for a sensor and / or at least one chamber for a damper.

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