Ink-jet printing head and working state detection device thereof

Abstract

The invention provides an ink-jet printing head and a working state detection device thereof, the ink-jet printing head comprises a spray hole structure, the spray hole structure comprises a spray hole shell, an ink cavity and a spray hole, the ink cavity and the spray hole are formed by the spray hole shell, and the ink cavity is communicated with the spray hole; the working state detection device comprises a conductive layer and a detection module; the conductive layer is arranged in the spray hole shell, is far away from the spray hole and is close to the ink cavity; the detection module is electrically connected with the conductive layer; the detection module is used for detecting the state value of the conductive layer and outputting the working state of the ink-jet printing head based on the state value. The conductive layer is arranged in the spray hole shell, the state value of the conductive layer is detected through the detection module so as to output the working state of the ink-jet printing head, the failure of the ink-jet printing head can be rapidly, effectively and accurately detected, the manufacturing cost is low, the detection sensitivity is high, the ink-jet printing head is prevented from being further damaged, the reliability of the ink-jet printing head is improved, and the service life of the ink-jet printing head is prolonged. The service life of the ink-jet printing head is prolonged, the printing quality is guaranteed, and the use experience of a user is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the technical field of inkjet printing, and in particular to an inkjet print head and a working status detection device thereof. Background Art

[0002] The reliability of inkjet printheads is critical to print quality. However, inkjet printheads often fail due to ink leakage. Existing inkjet printing technology cannot quickly and accurately detect inkjet printhead failures, which may further damage the inkjet printheads, reduce the service life of the inkjet printheads, and fail to guarantee print quality. Summary of the invention

[0003] The technical problem to be solved by the present disclosure is to overcome the problem in the prior art that the failure of an inkjet print head cannot be detected quickly and accurately, resulting in damage to the inkjet print head, short service life of the inkjet print head, poor printing quality and other defects, and to provide an inkjet print head and a working status detection device thereof.

[0004] The present invention solves the above technical problems through the following technical solutions:

[0005] The present disclosure provides a working state detection device for an inkjet print head, wherein the inkjet print head comprises a nozzle structure, wherein the nozzle structure comprises a nozzle housing, an ink cavity formed by the nozzle housing, and a nozzle, wherein the ink cavity and the nozzle are in communication;

[0006] The working state detection device comprises a conductive layer and a detection module;

[0007] The conductive layer is arranged in the nozzle housing, away from the nozzle and close to the ink chamber;

[0008] The detection module is electrically connected to the conductive layer;

[0009] The detection module is used to detect the state value of the conductive layer and output the working state of the inkjet print head based on the state value.

[0010] Preferably, the state value includes a resistance value, and the working state includes a failure state.

[0011] Preferably, the conductive layer includes a first conductive layer and / or a second conductive layer;

[0012] The coverage area of ​​the first conductive layer includes the contact area between the ink cavity and the nozzle housing, and the second conductive layer is entirely disposed in the nozzle housing.

[0013] Preferably, a first via hole is provided in the nozzle housing, and the detection module is electrically connected to the conductive layer through the first via hole.

[0014] Preferably, the spray hole structure further comprises a dielectric layer arranged in the spray hole housing, a heater is arranged in the dielectric layer, and the conductive layer is laid on the dielectric layer.

[0015] Preferably, a second via hole is provided in the dielectric layer, and the detection module is electrically connected to the conductive layer through the first via hole and the second via hole.

[0016] Preferably, the material of the conductive layer includes tantalum;

[0017] and / or,

[0018] The nozzle structure includes a MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical System) nozzle structure;

[0019] and / or,

[0020] The detection module includes an integrated circuit.

[0021] Preferably, the detection module is further used to execute a preset response operation based on the working status.

[0022] Preferably, the preset response operation includes at least one of pausing the printing operation, issuing an alarm signal, and recording error information.

[0023] The present disclosure also provides an inkjet print head, which includes the working status detection device of the inkjet print head as described above.

[0024] On the basis of being in accordance with the common sense in the art, the above-mentioned preferred conditions can be arbitrarily combined to obtain the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0025] The positive and progressive effects of this disclosure are:

[0026] The present invention sets a conductive layer in the nozzle shell of the inkjet print head, and detects the state value of the conductive layer through a detection module to output the working state of the inkjet print head. The failure of the inkjet print head can be detected quickly, effectively and accurately. The manufacturing cost is low and the detection sensitivity is high. Further damage to the inkjet print head is avoided, the reliability of the inkjet print head is improved, the service life of the inkjet print head is extended, the printing quality is guaranteed, and the user experience is improved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Figure 1 It is a top view of the inkjet print head of Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure;

[0028] Figure 2 It is a cross-sectional schematic diagram corresponding to the inkjet print head of Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure being divided along a dividing line;

[0029] Figure 3It is a module schematic diagram of a working state detection device of an inkjet print head according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure;

[0030] Figure 4 is a top view of the inkjet print head of Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure;

[0031] Figure 5 Schematic diagram of an equivalent circuit of a device for detecting the working state of ink before it seeps out of the ink chamber according to Embodiment 2 of the present disclosure;

[0032] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of an equivalent circuit of a device for detecting the working status of ink after it seeps out of the ink chamber according to Embodiment 2 of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] The present disclosure is further described below by way of examples, but the present disclosure is not limited to the scope of the examples.

[0034] Prefixes such as "first" and "second" are used in the embodiments of the present disclosure only to distinguish different description objects, and have no limiting effect on the position, order, priority, quantity or content of the described objects. The use of prefixes such as ordinal numbers to distinguish description objects in the embodiments of the present disclosure does not constitute a limitation on the described objects. For the statement of the described objects, please refer to the description in the context of the embodiments, and no unnecessary limitation should be constituted due to the use of such prefixes. In addition, in the description of the present embodiment, unless otherwise specified, the meaning of "plurality" is two or more.

[0035] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the collection, storage, use, processing, transmission, provision and disclosure of user personal information involved are in compliance with the provisions of relevant laws and regulations and do not violate public order and good morals.

[0036] Example 1

[0037] This embodiment provides a device for detecting the working state of an inkjet print head. Figure 1 The figure shows a top view of an inkjet print head. The inkjet print head includes a plurality of nozzle hole structures, each of which includes a nozzle hole 113. The inkjet print head is divided by taking the connecting line of the centers of the plurality of nozzle holes 113 as a dividing line to obtain a cross-sectional schematic diagram. Figure 2 ,like Figure 2 As shown, the inkjet print head includes a nozzle structure 11, the nozzle structure 11 includes a nozzle housing 111, an ink cavity 112 and a nozzle 113 formed by the nozzle housing 111, and the ink cavity 112 and the nozzle 113 are connected;

[0038] like Figure 3 As shown, the working state detection device of the inkjet print head includes a conductive layer 21 and a detection module 22;

[0039] The conductive layer 21 is disposed in the nozzle housing 111 and is away from the nozzle 113 and close to the ink chamber 112;

[0040] The detection module 22 is electrically connected to the conductive layer 21;

[0041] The detection module 22 is used to detect the state value of the conductive layer 21 and output the working state of the inkjet print head 1 based on the state value.

[0042] like Figure 4 , which is a top view of an inkjet print head, the inkjet print head comprises a nozzle structure and an ink inlet 3, the nozzle structure comprises a nozzle 113. The working state detection device in the figure is provided with four conductive layers 21.

[0043] Specifically, the conductive layer is a tantalum (Ta) layer, the nozzle structure is a MEMS nozzle structure, and the detection module is an integrated circuit (IC). One or more conductive layers can be set, and the detection module is electrically connected to each conductive layer respectively. The detection module can detect changes in the state value of the tantalum layer through a voltage divider circuit or other resistance detection schemes. Abnormal leakage of ink outside the ink cavity will cause the state of the conductive layer to change. The state value of the conductive layer is different before and after the ink abnormally leaks out of the ink cavity. The state value of the conductive layer is detected in real time by the detection module, and when the state value changes, it can be determined that the working state of the inkjet print head has changed.

[0044] During the printing process, problems such as ink seepage usually occur near the nozzle. The circuit near the nozzle is the key location for driving the inkjet print head. If it fails, the inkjet print head will be unusable. The MEMS nozzle structure uses the tantalum layer process, uses the tantalum layer for corresponding function expansion, and uses the detection module to perform failure detection near the nozzle, ensuring the efficiency and reliability of failure detection.

[0045] In this embodiment, a conductive layer is set in the nozzle shell of the inkjet print head, and the state value of the conductive layer is detected by the detection module to output the working state of the inkjet print head. The failure of the inkjet print head can be detected quickly, effectively and accurately. The manufacturing cost is low and the detection sensitivity is high. Further damage to the inkjet print head is avoided, the reliability of the inkjet print head is improved, the service life of the inkjet print head is extended, the printing quality is guaranteed, and the user experience is improved.

[0046] Example 2

[0047] This embodiment provides a device for detecting the working status of an inkjet print head, which is a further improvement on the first embodiment.

[0048] In an implementable solution, the state value includes a resistance value, and the working state includes a failure state.

[0049] Specifically, the conductive layer is a tantalum layer, which is a metal conductor and can be equivalent to a resistor, having a resistance value. Abnormal leakage of ink from the ink cavity will cause the resistance value of the conductive layer to change. The change in the resistance value of the conductive layer is detected by the detection module. When the resistance value exceeds a preset resistance range, it can be determined that the inkjet print head has failed.

[0050] In this solution, the resistance value of the conductive layer is detected by the detection module to output the failure state of the inkjet print head, thereby realizing rapid, effective and accurate identification of the failure state of the inkjet print head, with low manufacturing cost and high detection sensitivity.

[0051] In an operative solution, the conductive layer 21 includes a first conductive layer 211;

[0052] The coverage area of ​​the first conductive layer 211 includes the contact area between the ink cavity 112 and the nozzle housing 111 .

[0053] Specifically, the ink abnormally seeps out of the ink cavity, causing the first conductive layer to break in the middle, and the detection module can detect that the resistance value of the first conductive layer has changed. Before the ink abnormally seeps out of the ink cavity, the first conductive layer has not broken, and its resistance value is a fixed value; when the ink abnormally seeps out of the ink cavity and causes the first conductive layer to break, its resistance value changes relative to the previous fixed value, so the detection module can determine that the inkjet print head has failed.

[0054] In this solution, the detection module detects the resistance value of the first conductive layer in the coverage area including the contact area between the ink chamber and the nozzle shell, and determines the failure state of the inkjet print head based on the resistance value, thereby achieving rapid, effective, convenient and accurate identification of the failure state of the inkjet print head, with low manufacturing cost and high detection sensitivity.

[0055] In another practicable solution, the conductive layer 21 includes a second conductive layer 212;

[0056] The second conductive layer 212 is entirely disposed in the nozzle housing 111 .

[0057] Specifically, the ink seeps out of the ink cavity abnormally, causing the second conductive layer to break in the middle, and the detection module can detect that the resistance value of the second conductive layer has changed. Before the ink seeps out of the ink cavity abnormally, the second conductive layer has not broken, and its resistance value is a fixed value; when the ink seeps out of the ink cavity abnormally, causing the second conductive layer to break, its resistance value changes relative to the previous fixed value, so the detection module can determine that the inkjet print head has failed.

[0058] In this solution, the resistance value of the second conductive layer arranged in the nozzle housing is detected by the detection module, and the failure state of the inkjet print head is determined according to the resistance value, thereby realizing rapid, effective, convenient and accurate identification of the failure state of the inkjet print head, with low manufacturing cost and high detection sensitivity.

[0059] In another practicable solution, the conductive layer 21 includes a first conductive layer 211 and a second conductive layer 212;

[0060] The coverage area of ​​the first conductive layer 211 includes the contact area between the ink cavity 112 and the nozzle housing 111 , and the second conductive layer 212 is entirely disposed in the nozzle housing 111 .

[0061] Specifically, before the ink abnormally seeps out of the ink cavity, the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer are not connected, and the resistance value is infinite; after the ink abnormally seeps out of the ink cavity, due to the conductivity of the ink, the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer are both metal conductors, and the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer are connected together by the ink, that is, the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer are short-circuited. At this time, the detection module can detect a resistance value less than or equal to the sum of the resistance values ​​of the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer themselves, and the resistance value has changed relative to the previous resistance value. Therefore, the detection module can determine that the inkjet print head has failed.

[0062] like Figure 5 , which is a schematic diagram of an equivalent circuit of a working state detection device before ink seeps out of the ink chamber, the circuit includes a first equivalent resistor 2111 corresponding to the first conductive layer 211, a second equivalent resistor 2121 corresponding to the second conductive layer 212, and a detection module 22. The first equivalent resistor 2111 and the second equivalent resistor 2121 are both electrically connected to the detection module 22.

[0063] like Figure 6 , which is a schematic diagram of an equivalent circuit of a working state detection device after ink seeps out of the ink cavity, and includes a first equivalent resistor 2111 corresponding to the first conductive layer 211, a second equivalent resistor 2121 corresponding to the second conductive layer 212, a detection module 22, and an equivalent wire 221 corresponding to the seeped ink. The first equivalent resistor 2111 and the second equivalent resistor 2121 are both electrically connected to the detection module 22. As the ink seeps out of the ink cavity, the first equivalent resistor 2111 and the second equivalent resistor 2121 are electrically connected through the equivalent wire 221.

[0064] In this solution, the resistance values ​​of the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer are detected by a detection module. The coverage area of ​​the first conductive layer includes the contact area between the ink cavity and the nozzle shell, and the second conductive layer is entirely arranged in the nozzle shell. The failure state of the inkjet print head is determined according to the resistance values ​​of the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer, thereby achieving rapid, effective, convenient and accurate identification of the failure state of the inkjet print head, with low manufacturing cost and high detection sensitivity.

[0065] In an implementable solution, a first via hole 1111 is provided in the nozzle housing 111 , and the detection module 22 is electrically connected to the conductive layer 21 through the first via hole 1111 .

[0066] Specifically, for each conductive layer, two first vias may be provided, and the two ends of each conductive layer are electrically connected to the detection module through the first vias. For each conductive layer, three or more first vias may also be provided, and multiple preset positions of each conductive layer are electrically connected to the detection module through the first vias. The number of preset positions and first vias may be set or adjusted according to actual conditions.

[0067] In this solution, the detection module is electrically connected to the conductive layer through a first via hole provided in the nozzle housing, which ensures that the detection module can accurately and effectively detect the resistance value of the conductive layer, thereby improving the effectiveness and reliability of the working status detection device.

[0068] In an practicable solution, the spray hole structure 11 further includes a dielectric layer 114 disposed in the spray hole housing 111 , a heater 115 is disposed in the dielectric layer 114 , and the conductive layer 21 is laid on the dielectric layer 114 .

[0069] Specifically, a layer of tantalum, namely a first conductive layer, is covered on the dielectric layer in the nozzle housing. The layer extends out of the ink cavity, and a second conductive layer is spaced apart near the first conductive layer.

[0070] In this solution, by laying a conductive layer on the dielectric layer in the nozzle housing, the change in the resistance value of the conductive layer can be detected in time after the ink abnormally seeps out of the ink cavity, thereby ensuring the real-time and reliability of failure detection of the inkjet print head.

[0071] In an implementable solution, a second via hole 1141 is provided in the dielectric layer 114 , and the detection module 22 is electrically connected to the conductive layer 21 through the first via hole 1111 and the second via hole 1141 .

[0072] Specifically, for each conductive layer, two second vias can be provided, and the two ends of each conductive layer are respectively passed through the second vias and the first vias in sequence to be electrically connected to the detection module. For each conductive layer, three or more second vias can also be provided, and multiple preset positions of each conductive layer are respectively passed through the second vias and the first vias in sequence to be electrically connected to the detection module. The second vias are connected to the first vias, corresponding to the number of the first vias, and the number of the second vias can be set or adjusted according to actual conditions.

[0073] In this solution, the detection module and the conductive layer are electrically connected through a first via hole provided in the nozzle shell and a second via hole provided in the dielectric layer, thereby ensuring that the detection module can accurately and effectively detect the resistance value of the conductive layer and improving the effectiveness and reliability of the working status detection device.

[0074] In an implementable solution, the detection module 22 is further configured to execute a preset response operation based on the working status.

[0075] Specifically, the detection module identifies the failure state of the inkjet print head and automatically takes corresponding measures, that is, preset response operations to avoid further damage to the inkjet print head.

[0076] In this solution, the detection module executes preset response operations based on the working status, thereby avoiding further damage to the inkjet print head, improving the reliability of the inkjet print head, extending the service life of the inkjet print head, ensuring printing quality, and improving the user experience.

[0077] In an implementable solution, the preset response operation includes at least one of pausing the printing operation, issuing an alarm signal, and recording an error message.

[0078] Specifically, the detection module identifies the failure state of the inkjet print head and drives the inkjet print head to suspend the printing operation to avoid further damage to the inkjet print head and ensure the printing quality. The detection module sends out an alarm signal to remind the user of the possible failure of the inkjet print head, thereby prompting the user to check the equipment and perform maintenance to ensure the normal operation of the inkjet print head. The detection module records error information to facilitate subsequent analysis and processing, summarizes the error type and cause, and provides guidance information for the normal use, error handling, and production and manufacturing of the subsequent inkjet print head.

[0079] In this solution, the detection module executes preset response operations such as pausing printing, issuing alarm signals, and recording error information based on the working status, thereby avoiding further damage to the inkjet print head, improving the reliability of the inkjet print head, extending the service life of the inkjet print head, ensuring printing quality, and improving the user experience.

[0080] The working principle of the working state detection device of the inkjet print head of this embodiment is described below with reference to specific examples:

[0081] The inkjet print head includes a nozzle structure, which includes a nozzle housing, an ink cavity formed by the nozzle housing, a nozzle, and a medium layer arranged in the nozzle housing, the ink cavity and the nozzle are connected, and a heater is arranged in the medium layer;

[0082] The working state detection device of the inkjet print head includes a tantalum layer and an integrated circuit; the tantalum layer includes a first tantalum layer Ta1 and a second tantalum layer Ta2; the first tantalum layer Ta1 and the second tantalum layer Ta2 are both arranged in the nozzle housing, laid on the dielectric layer, and are far away from the nozzle and close to the ink cavity; the coverage area of ​​the first tantalum layer Ta1 includes the contact area between the ink cavity and the nozzle housing, and the second tantalum layer Ta2 is entirely arranged in the nozzle housing; a first via hole is arranged in the nozzle housing; a second via hole is arranged in the dielectric layer; the integrated circuit is electrically connected to the first tantalum layer Ta1 and the second tantalum layer Ta2 through the first via hole and the second via hole in sequence; the integrated circuit detects the resistance value of the first tantalum layer Ta1 and the second tantalum layer Ta2. After the ink abnormally seeps out of the ink cavity, the first tantalum layer Ta1 and the second tantalum layer Ta2 are connected together through the ink, and the integrated circuit detects a resistance value less than or equal to the sum of the resistance values ​​of the first tantalum layer Ta1 and the second tantalum layer Ta2 themselves, outputs the failure state of the inkjet print head, and drives the inkjet print head to perform preset response operations such as pausing printing operations, issuing alarm signals, and recording error information.

[0083] In this embodiment, a conductive layer is set in the nozzle shell of the inkjet print head, and the state value of the conductive layer is detected by the detection module to output the working state of the inkjet print head. The failure of the inkjet print head can be detected quickly, effectively and accurately. The manufacturing cost is low and the detection sensitivity is high. Further damage to the inkjet print head is avoided, the reliability of the inkjet print head is improved, the service life of the inkjet print head is extended, the printing quality is guaranteed, and the user experience is improved.

[0084] Example 3

[0085] This embodiment provides an inkjet print head, which includes the working state detection device of the inkjet print head as in Embodiment 1 or Embodiment 2.

[0086] In this embodiment, the inkjet print head is able to quickly, effectively and accurately detect the failure of the inkjet print head by integrating a working status detection device, thereby avoiding further damage to the inkjet print head, improving the reliability of the inkjet print head, extending the service life of the inkjet print head, ensuring printing quality, and improving the user experience.

[0087] Although the specific embodiments of the present disclosure are described above, those skilled in the art should understand that this is only an example, and the protection scope of the present disclosure is defined by the appended claims. Those skilled in the art may make various changes or modifications to these embodiments without departing from the principles and essence of the present disclosure, but these changes and modifications all fall within the protection scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A working state detection device for an inkjet print head, characterized in that: The inkjet print head comprises a nozzle structure, wherein the nozzle structure comprises a nozzle housing, an ink cavity formed by the nozzle housing, and a nozzle, wherein the ink cavity and the nozzle are in communication; The working state detection device comprises a conductive layer and a detection module; The conductive layer is arranged in the nozzle housing, away from the nozzle and close to the ink chamber; The detection module is electrically connected to the conductive layer; The detection module is used to detect the state value of the conductive layer and output the working state of the inkjet print head based on the state value.

2. The working state detection device of the inkjet print head according to claim 1, characterized in that: The state value includes a resistance value, and the working state includes a failure state.

3. The working state detection device of the inkjet print head according to claim 2, characterized in that: The conductive layer includes a first conductive layer and / or a second conductive layer; The coverage area of ​​the first conductive layer includes the contact area between the ink cavity and the nozzle housing, and the second conductive layer is entirely disposed in the nozzle housing.

4. The working state detection device of the inkjet print head according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The nozzle housing is provided with a first via hole, and the detection module is electrically connected to the conductive layer through the first via hole.

5. The working state detection device of the inkjet print head according to claim 4, characterized in that: The spray hole structure further comprises a dielectric layer arranged in the spray hole housing, a heater is arranged in the dielectric layer, and the conductive layer is laid on the dielectric layer.

6. The working state detection device of the inkjet print head according to claim 5, characterized in that: A second via hole is provided in the dielectric layer, and the detection module is electrically connected to the conductive layer through the first via hole and the second via hole.

7. The working state detection device of the inkjet print head according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The material of the conductive layer includes tantalum; and / or, The nozzle structure includes a MEMS nozzle structure; and / or, The detection module includes an integrated circuit.

8. The working state detection device of the inkjet print head according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The detection module is also used to execute a preset response operation based on the working status.

9. The working state detection device of the inkjet print head according to claim 8, characterized in that: The preset response operation includes at least one of pausing the printing operation, issuing an alarm signal, and recording error information.

10. An inkjet print head, characterized in that: The inkjet print head comprises a working status detection device for the inkjet print head according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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