Ink supply mechanism and ink jet printing equipment

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention relates to the field of printing, in particular to an ink supply mechanism which comprises an ink supply module and an ultrasonic control module. The ink supply module comprises an ink flowing cavity; the ultrasonic control module comprises an ultrasonic transmitting structure arranged on the ink flowing cavity and an ultrasonic transmission cavity, the ultrasonic transmitting structure is used for transmitting ultrasonic waves, and the ultrasonic transmission cavity is used for transmitting the ultrasonic waves into the ink flowing cavity. The invention further relates to ink jet printing equipment. According to the technical scheme, bubbles in the ink in the ink flowing cavity can be eliminated.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of printing technology, and particularly to an ink supply mechanism and an inkjet printing device. Background Art

[0002] The ink supply mechanism is an important part of an inkjet printing device and is used to supply ink to the inkjet device. However, there are often air bubbles in the ink supplied by the ink supply mechanism, which can easily affect the stability of inkjetting by the inkjet device. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Based on this, embodiments of this application provide an ink supply mechanism and an inkjet printing device.

[0004] To solve the above technical problems, embodiments of this application provide an ink supply mechanism, which adopts the following technical solutions:

[0005] An ink supply module, including an ink flow chamber;

[0006] An ultrasonic control module, including an ultrasonic emission structure and an ultrasonic transmission chamber provided on the ink flow chamber. The ultrasonic emission structure is used to emit ultrasonic waves, and the ultrasonic transmission chamber is used to transmit the ultrasonic waves into the ink flow chamber.

[0007] Further, the ink flow chamber is provided with a nozzle communicated therewith;

[0008] The ink supply mechanism further includes an inkjet control module, connected to the ink flow chamber, for controlling the nozzle to supply ink.

[0009] Further, the ink supply module includes a vibration plate and a substrate, and the vibration plate and the substrate enclose to form the ink flow chamber;

[0010] The inkjet control module is connected to the vibration plate and is used to control the deformation of the vibration plate;

[0011] The nozzle is provided on the substrate;

[0012] The ultrasonic emission structure is provided on the side of the vibration plate away from the ink flow chamber, and the ultrasonic emission structure and the vibration plate enclose to form the ultrasonic transmission chamber; or,

[0013] The ultrasonic emission structure is provided on the side of the substrate away from the ink flow chamber, and the ultrasonic emission structure and the substrate enclose to form the ultrasonic transmission chamber.

[0014] Further, the ultrasonic transmission cavity includes an ultrasonic focusing cavity and an ultrasonic guiding cavity. The ultrasonic focusing cavity is used for focusing the ultrasonic waves; the ultrasonic guiding cavity is arranged between the ultrasonic focusing cavity and the ink flow cavity and is communicated with the ultrasonic focusing cavity, and the ultrasonic guiding cavity is used for guiding the ultrasonic waves focused by the ultrasonic focusing cavity into the ink flow cavity.

[0015] Further, the cross-sectional area of the ultrasonic focusing cavity gradually decreases in the direction away from the ink flow cavity; and / or,

[0016] the ultrasonic focusing cavity is one of a hemispherical shape, a semi-elliptical spherical shape, and a conical shape; and / or,

[0017] the cross-sectional area of the ultrasonic guiding cavity gradually decreases or remains the same in the direction away from the ultrasonic focusing cavity.

[0018] Further, the ultrasonic emission structure includes a middle emission structure and an edge emission structure arranged outside the middle emission structure. The middle emission structure is used for providing middle ultrasonic waves to the ink flow cavity, and the edge emission structure is used for providing edge ultrasonic waves to the ink flow cavity;

[0019] the ultrasonic transmission cavity includes a middle transmission cavity and an edge transmission cavity arranged outside the middle transmission cavity; the middle transmission cavity is used for allowing the middle ultrasonic waves to enter the ink flow cavity, and the edge transmission cavity is used for allowing the edge ultrasonic waves to enter the ink flow cavity;

[0020] the middle ultrasonic waves and the edge ultrasonic waves intersect in the ink flow cavity.

[0021] Further, the edge transmission cavity is arranged on one side of the middle transmission cavity; or,

[0022] the edge transmission cavity is annular and is arranged to surround the middle transmission cavity; and / or

[0023] the included angle between the middle ultrasonic waves and the edge ultrasonic waves is 30 to 75°.

[0024] Further, the number of the edge transmission cavities is at least two;

[0025] wherein, the edge transmission cavities are sequentially distributed along the circumferential direction of the middle transmission cavity; or,

[0026] the edge transmission cavity is annular, and the edge transmission cavities are sequentially arranged to surround the middle transmission cavity from inside to outside.

[0027] Further, the ink supply mechanism further includes an ink circulation module, an ink inlet end of the ink circulation module is communicated with an ink outlet end of the ink flow chamber, and an ink outlet end of the ink circulation module is communicated with an ink inlet end of the ink flow chamber; and / or

[0028] The ultrasonic emission structure includes a first conductive layer, a first piezoelectric layer, and a second conductive layer which are stacked;

[0029] The first conductive layer and the outer side of the ink flow chamber enclose to form the ultrasonic transmission chamber.

[0030] Further, the thicknesses of the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer are each independently 50 to 500 nm; and / or,

[0031] The thickness of the first piezoelectric layer is 1 to 5 μm; and / or,

[0032] The driving voltage of the first piezoelectric layer is 1 to 15 V; and / or,

[0033] The first conductive layer and the second conductive layer are each independently one of a rod-shaped electrode, a wire-shaped electrode, and a grid-shaped electrode; and / or,

[0034] The materials of the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer are each independently selected from at least one of a metal material, a carbon material, and an organic conductive material; the metal material includes at least one of aluminum, copper, silver, titanium, chromium, platinum, gold, molybdenum, barium, calcium, ytterbium, and magnesium; the carbon material includes at least one of graphite, carbon nanotubes, graphene, and carbon fiber; the organic conductive material includes at least one of TFB, CuPc, PVK, Poly-TPD, PFB, DNTPD, TCATA, TCCA, CBP, TPD, NPB, NPD, PEDOT:PSS, TAPC, MCC, F4-TCNQ, HATCN, 4,4',4'-tris(N-3-methylphenyl-N-phenylamino)triphenylamine, polyaniline, transition metal oxides, transition metal sulfides, transition metal stannides, doped graphene, undoped graphene, and C60; and / or,

[0035] The material of the first piezoelectric layer is selected from at least one of boron nitride, barium titanate, zinc oxide, and lead zirconate titanate.

[0036] Further, the ink flow chamber includes an ink inlet flow chamber, an inkjet pressure chamber, and an ink outlet flow chamber that are sequentially communicated;

[0037] The ultrasonic control module is provided outside the chamber wall of at least one of the ink inlet flow chamber, the inkjet pressure chamber, and the ink outlet flow chamber.

[0038] Further, the ink supply module further includes a buffer member disposed in the ink flow chamber, and the buffer member is configured to buffer the flow of the ink;

[0039] Wherein, the buffer member is disposed between the ink inlet flow chamber and the ink jet pressure chamber; and / or,

[0040] The buffer member is disposed between the ink outlet flow chamber and the ink jet pressure chamber.

[0041] Further, the buffer member is a damping partition, and the damping partition is installed on the vibration plate or the substrate;

[0042] The longitudinal sectional area of the damping partition is smaller than the longitudinal sectional area of the ink flow chamber.

[0043] Further, the nozzle is communicated with the ink jet pressure chamber, and the ultrasonic wave provided by the ultrasonic control module located outside the ink jet pressure chamber is directed towards the nozzle; and / or,

[0044] The ink jet control module includes a piezoelectric actuation layer and an insulating layer that are sequentially stacked on the vibration plate, and the insulating layer covers the ultrasonic control module located outside the ink jet pressure chamber.

[0045] Further, the piezoelectric actuation layer includes a third conductive layer, a second piezoelectric layer, and a fourth conductive layer that are sequentially stacked on the insulating layer; and / or,

[0046] The thickness of the insulating layer is 0.5 - 4 μm; and / or,

[0047] The material of the insulating layer is selected from at least one of polyimide, phenolic resin, epoxy resin, and acrylic resin.

[0048] In order to solve the above technical problems, an embodiment of the present application further provides an ink jet device, which adopts the following technical solutions:

[0049] An ink jet printing device, characterized in that it includes the ink supply mechanism as described above.

[0050] Compared with the prior art, the embodiment of the present application mainly has the following beneficial effects: The ultrasonic wave emitted by the ultrasonic control module into the ink flow chamber in the present application realizes the elimination of bubbles in the ink in the ink flow chamber, thereby improving the ink jet printing yield. Description of the Drawings

[0051] To more clearly illustrate the solution of this application, the following will briefly introduce the attached drawings required for the description of the embodiments. Obviously, the attached drawings in the following description are some embodiments of this application. For those of ordinary skill in the art, without creative efforts, other attached drawings can also be obtained based on these attached drawings.

[0052] Figure 1 is a schematic structural diagram of the ink supply mechanism in this application;

[0053] Figure 2 is a schematic structural diagram of the ink flow cavity and the ink circulation module of the ink supply mechanism in this application;

[0054] Figure 3 is a schematic structural diagram of an embodiment of the middle emission structure and an edge emission structure of the ink supply mechanism in this application;

[0055] Figure 4 is a schematic structural diagram of another embodiment of the middle emission structure and an edge emission structure of the ink supply mechanism in this application;

[0056] Figure 5 is a schematic structural diagram of an embodiment of the middle emission structure and multiple edge emission structures of the ink supply mechanism in this application;

[0057] Figure 6 is a schematic structural diagram of another embodiment of the middle emission structure and multiple edge emission structures of the ink supply mechanism in this application;

[0058] Figure 7 is a top view structural diagram of the ultrasonic emission structure of the ink supply mechanism in this application;

[0059] Figure 8 is a top view structural diagram of the ink supply mechanism in this application;

[0060] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional structural diagram of an embodiment of the ink supply mechanism in this application;

[0061] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional structural diagram of another embodiment of the ink supply mechanism in this application;

[0062] Figure 11 is a top view structural diagram of multiple ink supply mechanisms of the inkjet printing device in this application.

[0063] Reference numerals:

[0064] 100, Ink supply mechanism; 110, Ink supply module; 111, Ink flow chamber; 1111, Ink inlet flow chamber; 1112, Inkjet pressure chamber; 1113, Ink outlet flow chamber; 112, Nozzle; 113, Vibration plate; 1131, Ink inlet; 1132, Ink outlet; 114, Substrate; 1141, Connection plate; 1142, Nozzle plate; 115, Buffer member; 116, Overflow channel; 120, Ultrasonic control module; 121, Ultrasonic emission structure; 121a, Middle emission structure; 121b, Middle ultrasonic wave; 121c, Edge emission structure; 121d, Edge ultrasonic wave; 1211, First conductive layer; 1212, First piezoelectric layer; 1213, Second conductive layer; 122, Ultrasonic transmission chamber; 122a, Middle transmission chamber; 122b, Edge transmission chamber; 1221, Ultrasonic focusing chamber; 1222, Ultrasonic guiding chamber; 130, Ink circulation module; 131, First chamber; 132, Second chamber; 133, Delivery pipeline; 200, Inkjet control module; 210, Piezoelectric actuator layer; 211, Third conductive layer; 212, Second piezoelectric layer; 213, Fourth conductive layer; 220, Insulating layer. Detailed implementation manners

[0065] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the technical field to which this application belongs; the terms used in the specification of this application are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit this application; the terms "including" and "having" and any variations thereof in the specification and claims of this application and the above drawings are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. The terms "first", "second", etc. in the specification and claims of this application or the above drawings are used to distinguish different objects and not to describe a specific order.

[0066] Reference to "embodiment" herein means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment can be included in at least one embodiment of this application. The phrase appears in various places in the specification and does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it an independent or alternative embodiment mutually exclusive with other embodiments. Those skilled in the art will explicitly and implicitly understand that the embodiments described herein can be combined with other embodiments.

[0067] Refer to Figure 1 , an embodiment of this application provides an ink supply mechanism, including an ink supply module 110 and an ultrasonic control module 120; the ink supply module 110 includes an ink flow chamber 111; the ultrasonic control module 120 includes an ultrasonic emission structure 121 and an ultrasonic transmission chamber 122 disposed on the ink flow chamber 111, the ultrasonic emission structure 121 is used to emit ultrasonic waves, and the ultrasonic transmission chamber 122 is used to supply the ultrasonic waves to be transmitted into the ink flow chamber 111.

[0068] In this embodiment, the ink supply mechanism can be an ink delivery pipeline or an inkjet print head; the ultrasonic emission structure 121 emits ultrasonic waves that act on the ink in the ink flow chamber 111 through the ultrasonic transmission chamber 122, causing the bubbles in the ink to expand and burst, thereby eliminating the bubbles in the ink in the ink flow chamber 111 and improving the yield of inkjet printing.

[0069] Refer to Figure 1 、and Figures 8 to 10 In some embodiments, the ink supply mechanism can be an inkjet print head, and the ink flow chamber 111 is provided with a nozzle 112 communicating therewith; the inkjet control module 200 is connected to the ink flow chamber 111 for controlling the nozzle 112 to supply ink.

[0070] In this embodiment, the ultrasonic waves act on the ink in the ink flow chamber 111, causing the bubbles in the ink to expand and then burst, thereby eliminating the bubbles in the ink in the ink flow chamber 111 and improving the yield of inkjet printing; thus, after the nozzle 112 is controlled by the inkjet control module 200 to supply ink, it is possible to avoid poor phenomena such as ink leakage and spraying deviation of the ink supplied by the nozzle 112 due to the presence of bubbles in the ink, thereby improving the stability of inkjet printing.

[0071] For example, it is possible to judge whether there is an abnormality in the nozzle 112 by at least one of detecting whether the print head sprays ink, whether the spraying is skewed, and whether the volume of the ink droplets is normal. When any of the situations of the print head not spraying ink, spraying skew, and abnormal ink droplet volume occurs, the ultrasonic emission structure 121 is controlled to emit ultrasonic waves into the ink flow chamber 111, so that the ink in the ink flow chamber 111 expands and bursts, thereby eliminating the bubbles in the ink in the ink flow chamber 111; and, after reaching the preset ultrasonic treatment duration, the ink in the ink flow chamber 111 can be circulated by negative pressure, or the inkjet control module 200 is controlled to control the nozzle 112 to spray ink, so that while the ink is flowing, the bubbles that are affected by the ultrasonic waves and have not burst will be driven by the flowing ink into the circulating ink path and discharged, completing the elimination of bubbles.

[0072] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 9 and Figure 10 The ink supply module 110 includes a vibration plate 113 and a substrate 114, and the ink flow chamber 111 is formed by enclosing the vibration plate 113 and the substrate 114; the inkjet control module 200 is connected to the vibration plate 113 for controlling the deformation of the vibration plate 113; the nozzle 112 is provided on the substrate 114.

[0073] In this embodiment, the inkjet control module 200 controls the deformation of the vibration plate 113, thereby changing the size of the space in the ink flow chamber 111, and further causing the ink in the ink flow chamber 111 to be ejected from the nozzle 112.

[0074] In some embodiments, referring to Figure 9 and Figure 10 , the substrate 114 includes a connecting plate 1141 and a nozzle plate 1142. The two ends of the connecting plate 1141 are respectively in contact with the vibration plate 113 and the nozzle plate 1142. The connecting plate 1141, the vibration plate 113, and the nozzle plate 1142 enclose to form the ink flow chamber 111, and the nozzle 112 is opened on the nozzle plate 1142.

[0075] In some embodiments, the material of the nozzle plate 1142 is selected from stainless steel or silicon.

[0076] In some embodiments, the thickness of the nozzle plate 1142 is 20 - 100 μm.

[0077] Optionally, the thickness of the nozzle plate 1142 is selected from any one or any range formed by any two of 20 μm, 25 μm, 30 μm, 35 μm, 40 μm, 45 μm, 50 μm, 55 μm, 60 μm, 65 μm, 70 μm, 75 μm, 80 μm, 85 μm, 90 μm, 95 μm, 100 μm.

[0078] In some embodiments, a hydrophobic layer is provided on the side of the nozzle plate 1142 away from the vibration plate 113 to prevent ink or external moisture from accumulating on the side of the nozzle plate 1142 away from the vibration plate 113.

[0079] In some embodiments, referring to Figure 2 and 3 , the ultrasonic emission structure 121 is provided on the side of the vibration plate 113 away from the ink flow chamber 111, and the ultrasonic emission structure 121 and the vibration plate 113 enclose to form the ultrasonic transmission chamber 122; or, the ultrasonic emission structure 121 is provided on the substrate 114, and the ultrasonic emission structure 121 and the substrate 114 enclose to form the ultrasonic transmission chamber 122. Through such a setting, the ultrasonic transmission chamber 122 is a closed chamber to prevent the leakage of ultrasonic waves located in the ultrasonic transmission chamber 122, and further improve the ultrasonic energy density transmitted to the ink flow chamber 111 through the ultrasonic transmission chamber 122.

[0080] In this embodiment, both the substrate 114 and the vibration plate 113 can allow ultrasonic waves to propagate through them into the ink flow chamber 111, so as to eliminate the ink bubbles in the ink flow chamber 111 by using the ultrasonic waves emitted by the ultrasonic control module 120. Moreover, in some embodiments, compared with the substrate 114, the vibration plate 113 has a thinner thickness, making it easier for ultrasonic waves to pass through the vibration plate 113.

[0081] In some embodiments, referring to Figure 1 , the ultrasonic transmission cavity 122 includes an ultrasonic focusing cavity 1221 and an ultrasonic guiding cavity 1222. The ultrasonic focusing cavity 1221 is used to focus the ultrasonic waves; the ultrasonic guiding cavity 1222 is disposed between the ultrasonic focusing cavity 1221 and the ink flow chamber 111 and is communicated with the ultrasonic focusing cavity 1221. The ultrasonic guiding cavity 1222 is used to guide the ultrasonic waves focused by the ultrasonic focusing cavity 1221 into the ink flow chamber 111.

[0082] Understandably, when the ultrasonic waves focused by the ultrasonic focusing cavity 1221 act on the ink in the ink flow chamber 111, since the energy density of the ultrasonic waves after convergence increases, the interaction between the ultrasonic waves and the ink is enhanced, promoting the diffusion of gas molecules in the ink into the bubbles, causing the bubbles to expand and burst, thereby eliminating the bubbles in the ink in the ink flow chamber 111; moreover, a negative pressure region will be formed at the ink where the bubbles burst, which can promote the rapid diffusion of gas molecules around the ink after the bubbles burst into other bubbles, further accelerating the bursting of the bubbles, and further eliminating the bubbles in the ink in the ink flow chamber 111; by guiding the propagation of the ultrasonic waves through the ultrasonic guiding cavity 1222, the ultrasonic waves focused by the ultrasonic focusing cavity 1221 can be guided and emitted into the ink flow chamber 111, so as to eliminate the bubbles in the ink region in the ink flow chamber 111 that is affected by the ultrasonic waves.

[0083] In some embodiments, the cross-sectional area of the ultrasonic focusing cavity 1221 gradually decreases in the direction away from the ink flow chamber 111; in this way, the ultrasonic focusing cavity 1221 is convexly arranged towards the ultrasonic emission structure 121, so that the ultrasonic waves emitted by the ultrasonic emission structure 121 are focused through refraction and reflection, thereby increasing the energy density of the ultrasonic waves.

[0084] In some embodiments, the ultrasonic focusing cavity 1221 is one of a hemispherical shape, a semi-elliptical shape, and a conical shape.

[0085] Understandably, for the hemispherical ultrasonic focusing cavity 1221, the cavity wall close to the ultrasonic emission structure 121 is a hemispherical surface, and the ultrasonic waves emitted by the ultrasonic emission structure 121 are focused on a specific focus, such as a point or a small range, through refraction and reflection by using this hemispherical surface, thereby achieving the focusing of the ultrasonic waves.

[0086] The semi-ellipsoidal ultrasonic focusing cavity 1221 has a semi-ellipsoidal cavity wall close to the ultrasonic transmitting structure 121. Compared with the hemispherical surface of the hemispherical ultrasonic focusing cavity 1221, the curvature of the semi-ellipsoidal surface is not uniform. In this way, by adjusting the curvature of the semi-ellipsoidal surface, the focusing of the ultrasonic waves by the ultrasonic focusing cavity 1221 can be made more concentrated, thereby further improving the energy density of the focused ultrasonic waves.

[0087] The conical ultrasonic focusing cavity 1221 has a conical cavity wall close to the ultrasonic transmitting structure 121. In this way, a more complex ultrasonic focusing effect can be achieved to obtain higher ultrasonic focusing accuracy, and further improve the energy density of the focused ultrasonic waves.

[0088] In some embodiments, the cross-sectional area of the ultrasonic guiding cavity 1222 gradually decreases in the direction away from the ultrasonic focusing cavity 1221 to concentrate the energy of the ultrasonic waves, thereby improving the energy density of the ultrasonic waves. In this way, after the ultrasonic waves exit into the ink flow cavity 111, the diffusion of gas molecules in the ink in the ink flow cavity 111 can be further promoted, thereby improving the gas elimination efficiency and gas elimination effect of the ink.

[0089] In other embodiments, refer to Figure 1 , the cross-sectional area of the ultrasonic guiding cavity 1222 is the same in the direction away from the ultrasonic focusing cavity 1221, so that the ultrasonic waves in the ultrasonic guiding cavity 1222 are transmitted with the same inner diameter, and the energy of the ultrasonic waves remains stable during transmission, so that the ink affected by the ultrasonic waves in the ink flow cavity 111 diffuses stably, improving the gas elimination effect in the ink; and, compared with the ultrasonic guiding cavity 1222 with a gradually decreasing longitudinal section, in the ultrasonic guiding cavity 1222 with the same longitudinal section, the ultrasonic waves have a larger acting area and can eliminate bubbles in a larger range of ink in the ink flow cavity 111.

[0090] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 1 and Figures 3 to 6, the ultrasonic emission structure 121 includes a central emission structure 121a and an edge emission structure 121c disposed outside the central emission structure 121a. The central emission structure 121a is configured to provide a central ultrasonic wave 121b to the ink flow chamber 111, and the edge emission structure 121c is configured to provide an edge ultrasonic wave 121d to the ink flow chamber 111. The ultrasonic transmission cavity 122 includes a central transmission cavity 122a and an edge transmission cavity 122b disposed outside the central transmission cavity 122a. The central transmission cavity 122a is configured to allow the central ultrasonic wave 121b to enter the ink flow chamber 111, and the edge transmission cavity 122b is configured to allow the edge ultrasonic wave 121d to enter the ink flow chamber 111. The central ultrasonic wave 121b and the edge ultrasonic wave 121d intersect within the ink flow chamber 111.

[0091] In this embodiment, since the central ultrasonic wave 121b and the edge ultrasonic wave 121d intersect within the ink flow chamber 111 and converge on the same ink region in the ink flow chamber 111, the ultrasonic energy density in this ink region is enhanced, thereby improving the bubble elimination efficiency and the bubble elimination effect of the ink in this ink region.

[0092] In some embodiments, referring to Figure 1 and Figure 3 , the edge transmission cavity 122b is disposed on one side of the central transmission cavity 122a. In this way, the edge transmission cavity 122b can transmit ultrasonic waves to the ink flow chamber 111 from one side of the central transmission cavity 122a, thereby increasing the ultrasonic energy density on the ink region in the ink flow chamber 111 that is affected by the ultrasonic waves.

[0093] In other embodiments, referring to Figure 1 and Figure 5 , the edge transmission cavity 122b is annular and disposed around the central transmission cavity 122a. In this way, the edge transmission cavity 122b can transmit ultrasonic waves to the ink flow chamber 111 from different lateral directions of the central transmission cavity 122a, thereby further increasing the ultrasonic energy density on the ink region in the ink flow chamber 111 that is affected by the ultrasonic waves, and further improving the bubble elimination efficiency and the bubble elimination effect of the ink.

[0094] In some embodiments, referring to Figure 1 , Figure 4 and Figure 6, the number of the edge transmission cavities 122b is at least two. Thus, as the number of the edge transmission cavities 122b increases, the ultrasonic energy density of the ink area where ultrasonic waves act on the ink flow cavity 111 becomes greater, thereby further improving the efficiency and effect of eliminating bubbles in the ink in this ink area. And based on actual requirements, the corresponding number of the edge transmission cavities 122b can be set to adjust the ultrasonic energy density converging on the ink area to adapt to different usage requirements, with wide applicability.

[0095] Exemplarily, ① Refer to Figure 4 , each of the edge transmission cavities 122b is sequentially distributed along the circumferential direction of the middle transmission cavity 122a. ② Refer to Figure 6 , the edge transmission cavities 122b are annular, and each of the edge transmission cavities 122b is arranged to surround the middle transmission cavity 122a from inside to outside in sequence. Compared with the method ①, in the method ②, since each edge transmission cavity 122b can transmit ultrasonic waves to the ink flow cavity 111 from different lateral positions of the middle transmission cavity 122a, the ultrasonic energy density acting on the ink in the ink flow cavity 111 is stronger in the method ②, thereby further improving the bubble elimination efficiency and bubble elimination effect of the ink.

[0096] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 1 , the included angle θ between the middle ultrasonic wave 121b and the edge ultrasonic wave 121d is 30 - 75°. Within this included angle range, the edge ultrasonic wave 121d and the middle ultrasonic wave 121b can converge on the target area in the ink flow cavity 111, thereby ensuring the bubble elimination effect of the ink in this target area.

[0097] Optionally, the included angle θ between the middle ultrasonic wave 121b and the edge ultrasonic wave 121d is selected from any one or any range formed by any two of 30°, 35°, 40°, 45°, 50°, 55°, 60°, 65°, 70°, 75°.

[0098] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the ink supply mechanism 100 further includes an ink circulation module 130. The ink inlet end of the ink circulation module 130 is communicated with the ink outlet end of the ink flow cavity 111, and the ink outlet end of the ink circulation module 130 is communicated with the ink inlet end of the ink flow cavity 111.

[0099] In this embodiment, the ink circulation module 130 is used to drive the ink in the ink flow cavity 111 to flow, so that the bubbles expanded under the influence of ultrasonic waves will be driven by the flowing ink into the ink circulation module 130 and discharged, thereby realizing the elimination of bubbles in the ink in the ink flow cavity 111.

[0100] In some embodiments, referring to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , in the ink circulation module 130, the ink in the ink flow chamber 111 is driven to flow by negative pressure.

[0101] In this embodiment, in the ink circulation module 130, the ink in the ink flow chamber 111 is driven to flow by a pressure difference, and the ink in the ink flow chamber 111 is in an overall negative pressure state compared to the air pressure outside the ink flow chamber 111. Thus, when the bubbles in the ink in the ink flow chamber 111 expand but do not burst and circulate into the ink circulation module 130, the pressure in the area with ink is greater than the area without ink, which prompts the bubbles in the ink to move towards the area without ink. And because the bubbles have buoyancy in the ink, they will accelerate to float to the surface of the ink and emerge, integrating into the area without ink, thereby further achieving the elimination of bubbles in the ink.

[0102] In some embodiments, referring to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the ink circulation module 130 includes a first chamber 131, a second chamber 132, and a delivery pipeline 133 connecting the first chamber 131 and the second chamber 132. The first chamber 131 is connected to the ink inlet end of the ink flow chamber 111, and the second chamber 132 is connected to the ink outlet end of the ink flow chamber 111.

[0103] In practical applications, the ink in the first chamber 131 is transported to the second chamber 132 through the delivery pipeline 133. The second chamber 132 transports the ink to the ink flow chamber 111, and by applying negative pressure to the first chamber 131, the ink in the ink flow chamber 111 flows into the first chamber 131, thereby realizing the circulation of the ink.

[0104] In some embodiments, referring to Figure 1 and Figure 7 , the ultrasonic emission structure 121 includes a first conductive layer 1211, a first piezoelectric layer 1212, and a second conductive layer 1213 stacked in sequence; the ultrasonic transmission cavity 122 is formed by enclosing the outside of the ink flow chamber 111 with the first conductive layer 1211.

[0105] In this embodiment, the first conductive layer 1211 and the second conductive layer 1213 form a pair of electrodes with opposite electric polarities; when powered on, an alternating voltage is applied to the first conductive layer 1211 and the second conductive layer 1213, so that the first piezoelectric layer 1212 deforms, and the mechanical vibration generated by this deformation propagates in a medium way, thereby forming ultrasonic waves.

[0106] Exemplarily, when the frequency of the alternating voltage is 25 KHz to 130 KHz, the first piezoelectric layer 1212 can be vibrated to generate ultrasonic waves. Moreover, by adjusting the frequency and voltage, the energy of the ultrasonic waves can be adjusted to meet different requirements.

[0107] In some embodiments, the thicknesses of the first conductive layer 1211 and the second conductive layer 1213 are independently 50 to 500 nm respectively.

[0108] Optionally, the thickness of the first conductive layer 1211 is selected from any one or any range formed by any two of 50 nm, 100 nm, 150 nm, 200 nm, 250 nm, 300 nm, 350 nm, 400 nm, 450 nm, 500 nm.

[0109] Optionally, the thickness of the second conductive layer 1213 is selected from any one or any range formed by any two of 50 nm, 100 nm, 150 nm, 200 nm, 250 nm, 300 nm, 350 nm, 400 nm, 450 nm, 500 nm.

[0110] In some embodiments, the thickness of the first piezoelectric layer 1212 is 1 to 5 μm.

[0111] Optionally, the thickness of the first piezoelectric layer 1212 is selected from any one or any range formed by any two of 1 μm, 1.5 μm, 2 μm, 2.5 μm, 3 μm, 3.5 μm, 4 μm, 4.5 μm, 5 μm.

[0112] In some embodiments, the driving voltage of the first piezoelectric layer 1212 is 1 to 15 V.

[0113] Optionally, the driving voltage of the first piezoelectric layer 1212 is selected from any one or any range formed by any two of 1 V, 2 V, 3 V, 4 V, 5 V, 6 V, 7 V, 8 V, 9 V, 10 V.

[0114] In some embodiments, the first conductive layer 1211 and the second conductive layer 1213 are each independently one of a rod-shaped electrode, a wire-shaped electrode, and a grid-shaped electrode.

[0115] Preferably, both the first conductive layer 1211 and the second conductive layer 1213 are grid-shaped electrodes, which can effectively avoid the formation of parasitic capacitance between the first conductive layer 1211 and the second conductive layer 1213, thereby improving the circuit stability between the first conductive layer 1211 and the second conductive layer 1213.

[0116] In some embodiments, the materials of the first conductive layer 1211 and the second conductive layer 1213 are independently selected from at least one of metal materials, carbon materials, and organic conductive materials; the metal materials include at least one of aluminum, copper, silver, titanium, chromium, platinum, gold, molybdenum, barium, calcium, ytterbium, and magnesium; the carbon materials include at least one of graphite, carbon nanotubes, graphene, and carbon fiber; the organic conductive materials include at least one of TFB, CuPc, PVK, Poly-TPD, PFB, DNTPD, TCATA, TCCA, CBP, TPD, NPB, NPD, PEDOT:PSS, TAPC, MCC, F4-TCNQ, HATCN, 4,4',4'-tris(N-3-methylphenyl-N-phenylamino)triphenylamine, polyaniline, transition metal oxides, transition metal sulfides, transition metal stannides, doped graphene, undoped graphene, and C60.

[0117] In some embodiments, the material of the first piezoelectric layer 1212 is selected from at least one of boron nitride, barium titanate, zinc oxide, and lead zirconate titanate.

[0118] In some embodiments, referring to Figure 9 and Figure 10 , the ink flow chamber 111 includes an ink inlet flow chamber 1111, an inkjet pressure chamber 1112, and an ink outlet flow chamber 1113 that are sequentially connected.

[0119] In this embodiment, an ink inlet 1131 communicating with the ink inlet flow chamber 1111 and an ink outlet 1132 communicating with the ink outlet flow chamber 1113 are formed on the vibration plate 113. The ink inlet 1131 is used to supply the ink in the ink inlet flow chamber 1111 to enter, and the ink outlet 1132 is used to supply the ink in the ink outlet flow chamber 1113 to flow out, so as to form a flow path of the ink in the ink flow chamber 111.

[0120] In some embodiments, referring to Figure 9 and Figure 10 , the ultrasonic control module 120 is provided outside the cavity wall of at least one of the ink inlet flow chamber 1111, the inkjet pressure chamber 1112, and the ink outlet flow chamber 1113.

[0121] Preferably, referring to Figure 10 , the ultrasonic control module 120 is provided outside the cavity walls of the ink inlet flow chamber 1111, the inkjet pressure chamber 1112, and the ink outlet flow chamber 1113. In this way, the ink in the ink inlet flow chamber 1111, the inkjet pressure chamber 1112, and the ink outlet flow chamber 1113 can all be affected by the ultrasonic waves emitted by their corresponding ultrasonic control modules 120 to eliminate the bubbles in the ink, thereby further improving the bubble elimination efficiency and bubble elimination effect of the ink, and further improving the stability of inkjet printing.

[0122] In some embodiments, referring to Figure 9 and Figure 10 , the ink supply module 110 further includes a buffer member 115 disposed in the ink flow chamber 111, and the buffer member 115 is configured to buffer the flow of ink; wherein, the buffer member 115 between the ink inlet flow chamber 1111 and the inkjet pressure chamber 1112 is used to buffer the mutual flow of ink between the inkjet pressure chamber 1112 and the ink inlet flow chamber 1111; and / or, the buffer member 115 is disposed between the ink outlet flow chamber 1113 and the inkjet pressure chamber 1112 to buffer the mutual flow of ink between the inkjet pressure chamber 1112 and the ink outlet flow chamber 1113. In this way, the flow of ink between two adjacent chambers is slowed down, so that the ink is more easily extruded from the inkjet pressure chamber 1112 due to the deformation of the vibration plate 113 controlled by the inkjet control module 200.

[0123] In some embodiments, referring to Figure 9 and Figure 10 , the buffer member 115 is a damping partition, and the damping partition is installed on the vibration plate 113 or the substrate 114; wherein, the longitudinal sectional area of the damping partition is smaller than the longitudinal sectional area of the ink flow chamber 111, so that there is a gap region between the damping partition and the ink flow chamber 111 as the flow-through channel 116. In this way, the ink flow region between the "inkjet pressure chamber 1112 and the ink inlet flow chamber 1111" or "inkjet pressure chamber 1112 and the ink outlet flow chamber 1113" is restricted by the damping partition, so that the ink can only flow from one chamber into another chamber through the flow-through channel 116, thereby realizing slowing down the ink flow between two adjacent chambers.

[0124] Exemplarily, the damping partition is installed on the substrate 114, and there is a gap region between the side of the damping partition close to the vibration plate 113 and the vibration plate 113 as the flow-through channel 116.

[0125] In some embodiments, the material of the buffer member 115 is stainless steel or silicon material.

[0126] In some embodiments, referring to Figure 9 and Figure 10 , the nozzle 112 is communicated with the inkjet pressure chamber 1112, and the ultrasonic wave provided by the ultrasonic control module 120 located outside the inkjet pressure chamber 1112 is directed towards the nozzle 112 to eliminate the bubbles of the ink at the nozzle 112 in the ink flow chamber 111, avoiding the phenomenon of ink leakage or spraying deviation caused by bubbles at the nozzle 112, thereby improving the inkjet stability.

[0127] In some embodiments, referring to Figure 9 and Figure 10, the inkjet control module 200 includes a piezoelectric actuation layer 210 and an insulating layer 220 that are sequentially stacked on the vibration plate 113. The insulating layer 220 covers the ultrasonic control module 120 located outside the inkjet pressure chamber 1112, so as to electrically isolate the piezoelectric actuation layer 210 from the inkjet ultrasonic module through the insulating layer 220.

[0128] In some embodiments, the thickness of the insulating layer 220 is 0.5 - 4 μm.

[0129] Optionally, the thickness of the insulating layer 220 is selected from any one or any range formed by any two of 0.5 μm, 1 μm, 1.5 μm, 2 μm, 2.5 μm, 3 μm, 3.5 μm, and 4 μm.

[0130] In some embodiments, the material of the insulating layer 220 is selected from at least one of polyimide, phenolic resin, epoxy resin, and acrylic resin.

[0131] In some embodiments, referring to Figure 9 and Figure 10 , the piezoelectric actuation layer 210 includes a third conductive layer 211, a second piezoelectric layer 212, and a fourth conductive layer 213 that are sequentially stacked on the insulating layer 220.

[0132] In this embodiment, the third conductive layer 211 and the fourth conductive layer 213 form a pair of electrodes with opposite electric properties. When energized, an electric field is formed between the third conductive layer 211 and the fourth conductive layer 213, so that the second piezoelectric layer 212 deforms, and then the vibration plate 113 deforms through the insulating layer 220.

[0133] In some embodiments, the materials of the third conductive layer 211 and the fourth conductive layer 213 are independently selected from at least one of metal materials, carbon materials, and organic conductive materials; the metal materials include at least one of aluminum, copper, silver, titanium, chromium, platinum, gold, molybdenum, barium, calcium, ytterbium, and magnesium; the carbon materials include at least one of graphite, carbon nanotubes, graphene, and carbon fiber; the organic conductive materials include at least one of TFB, CuPc, PVK, Poly-TPD, PFB, DNTPD, TCATA, TCCA, CBP, TPD, NPB, NPD, PEDOT:PSS, TAPC, MCC, F4-TCNQ, HATCN, 4,4',4'-tris(N-3-methylphenyl-N-phenylamino)triphenylamine, polyaniline, transition metal oxides, transition metal sulfides, transition metal stannides, doped graphene, undoped graphene, and C60.

[0134] In some embodiments, the material of the second piezoelectric layer 212 is selected from at least one of boron nitride, barium titanate, zinc oxide, and lead zirconate titanate.

[0135] An embodiment of the present application further provides an inkjet printing device, including the ink supply mechanism 100 as described above.

[0136] In this embodiment, the ultrasonic waves emitted by the ultrasonic control module 120 are converged by the ultrasonic focusing cavity 1221 to increase the energy density of the ultrasonic waves, so that the converged ultrasonic waves act on the ink in the ink flow cavity 111, causing the bubbles in the ink to expand and then burst, thereby eliminating the bubbles in the ink; thus, after the inkjet control module 200 controls the nozzle 112 to perform inkjet, it is possible to avoid poor phenomena such as ink leakage and ink spraying deviation of the ink ejected from the nozzle 112 due to the presence of bubbles in the ink, thereby improving the stability of inkjet, and further eliminating the bubbles in the ink in the ink flow cavity 111, thereby improving the inkjet printing yield.

[0137] It can be understood that when the converged ultrasonic waves act on the ink in the ink flow cavity 111, due to the increase in the energy density of the converged ultrasonic waves, the interaction between the ultrasonic waves and the ink is enhanced, so as to promote the diffusion of gas molecules in the ink into the bubbles, causing the bubbles to expand and even burst, thereby eliminating the bubbles in the ink in the ink flow cavity 111; and, a negative pressure region will be formed at the ink where the bubbles burst, which can promote the rapid diffusion of gas molecules around the ink after the bubbles burst into other bubbles, and further eliminate the bubbles in the ink in the ink flow cavity 111.

[0138] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 11 , the number of the ink supply mechanisms 100 is at least two, and each inkjet device can be controlled separately or integrally to adapt to different printing scenarios and improve the stability of inkjet printing.

[0139] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the ink flow cavities 111 of two adjacent ink supply mechanisms 100 are interconnected, so that the ink quality provided for each inkjet device is the same, thereby improving the stability of inkjet printing. In other embodiments, the ink flow cavities 111 in two adjacent ink supply mechanisms 100 are independently provided respectively, so that each ink supply mechanism 100 can provide the same or different types of ink, and further improve the applicability of the inkjet printing device.

[0140] Obviously, the embodiments described above are only a part of the embodiments of this application, rather than all embodiments. The accompanying drawings show the preferred embodiments of this application, but do not limit the patent scope of this application. This application can be implemented in many different forms. On the contrary, the purpose of providing these embodiments is to make the understanding of the disclosed content of this application more thorough and comprehensive. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, for those skilled in the art, they can still modify the technical solutions recorded in the foregoing specific embodiments, or perform equivalent replacements for some of the technical features. Any equivalent structures directly or indirectly using the content of this application's specification and drawings in other related technical fields are similarly within the scope of patent protection of this application.

Claims

1. An ink supply mechanism, characterized in that, Comprising: An ink supply module, including an ink flow chamber; An ultrasonic control module, including an ultrasonic emission structure disposed on the ink flow chamber and an ultrasonic transmission chamber, the ultrasonic emission structure being configured to emit ultrasonic waves, and the ultrasonic transmission chamber being configured to supply the ultrasonic waves to the ink flow chamber.

2. The ink supply mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ink flow chamber is provided with a nozzle communicating therewith; The ink supply mechanism further includes an inkjet control module, connected to the ink flow chamber, for controlling the nozzle to supply ink.

3. The ink supply mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that The ink supply module includes a vibration plate and a substrate, and the vibration plate and the substrate enclose to form the ink flow chamber; The inkjet control module is connected to the vibration plate for controlling the deformation of the vibration plate; The nozzle is disposed on the substrate; The ultrasonic emission structure is disposed on a side of the vibration plate away from the ink flow chamber, and the ultrasonic emission structure and the vibration plate enclose to form the ultrasonic transmission chamber; or, The ultrasonic emission structure is disposed on a side of the substrate away from the ink flow chamber, and the ultrasonic emission structure and the substrate enclose to form the ultrasonic transmission chamber.

4. The ink supply mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ultrasonic transmission chamber includes an ultrasonic focusing chamber and an ultrasonic guiding chamber, the ultrasonic focusing chamber being configured to focus the ultrasonic waves; the ultrasonic guiding chamber is disposed between the ultrasonic focusing chamber and the ink flow chamber and communicates with the ultrasonic focusing chamber, and the ultrasonic guiding chamber is configured to guide the ultrasonic waves focused by the ultrasonic focusing chamber into the ink flow chamber.

5. The ink supply mechanism according to claim 4, wherein The cross-sectional area of the ultrasonic focusing chamber gradually decreases in a direction away from the ink flow chamber; and / or, The ultrasonic focusing chamber is in one of a hemispherical shape, a semi-ellipsoidal shape, and a conical shape; and / or, The cross-sectional area of the ultrasonic guiding chamber gradually decreases or remains the same in a direction away from the ultrasonic focusing chamber.

6. The ink supply mechanism according to claim 4, characterized in that, The ultrasonic emission structure includes a central emission structure and an edge emission structure disposed outside the central emission structure, the central emission structure being configured to provide central ultrasonic waves to the ink flow chamber, and the edge emission structure being configured to provide edge ultrasonic waves to the ink flow chamber; The ultrasonic transmission chamber includes a central transmission chamber and an edge transmission chamber disposed outside the central transmission chamber; the central transmission chamber is configured to supply the central ultrasonic waves into the ink flow chamber, and the edge transmission chamber is configured to supply the edge ultrasonic waves into the ink flow chamber; The central ultrasonic waves and the edge ultrasonic waves intersect in the ink flow chamber.

7. The ink supply mechanism according to claim 6, wherein, The edge transmission chamber is disposed on one side of the central transmission chamber; or, The edge transmission chamber is annular and is disposed to surround the central transmission chamber; and / or The included angle between the central ultrasonic waves and the edge ultrasonic waves is 30 to 75°; 8. The ink supply mechanism according to claim 7, characterized in that, The number of the edge transmission chambers is at least two; Wherein, the edge transmission chambers are sequentially distributed along the circumferential direction of the central transmission chamber; or, The edge transmission chamber is annular, and the edge transmission chambers are sequentially disposed to surround the central transmission chamber from inside to outside.

9. The ink supply mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ink supply mechanism further includes an ink circulation module, the ink inlet end of the ink circulation module communicates with the ink outlet end of the ink flow chamber, and the ink outlet end of the ink circulation module communicates with the ink inlet end of the ink flow chamber; and / or The ultrasonic emission structure includes a first conductive layer, a first piezoelectric layer, and a second conductive layer that are stacked; The first conductive layer and the outer periphery of the ink flow chamber enclose the ultrasonic transmission chamber.

10. The ink supply mechanism according to claim 9, characterized in that, The thicknesses of the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer are independently 50 - 500 nm respectively; and / or, The thickness of the first piezoelectric layer is 1 - 5 μm; and / or, The driving voltage of the first piezoelectric layer is 1 - 15 V; and / or, The first conductive layer and the second conductive layer are each independently one of a rod-shaped electrode, a wire-shaped electrode, and a grid-shaped electrode; and / or, The materials of the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer are each independently selected from at least one of metal materials, carbon materials, and organic conductive materials; the metal materials include at least one of aluminum, copper, silver, titanium, chromium, platinum, gold, molybdenum, barium, calcium, ytterbium, and magnesium; the carbon materials include at least one of graphite, carbon nanotubes, graphene, and carbon fiber; the organic conductive materials include at least one of TFB, CuPc, PVK, Poly-TPD, PFB, DNTPD, TCATA, TCCA, CBP, TPD, NPB, NPD, PEDOT:PSS, TAPC, MCC, F4-TCNQ, HATCN, 4,4',4'-tris(N-3-methylphenyl-N-phenylamino)triphenylamine, polyaniline, transition metal oxides, transition metal sulfides, transition metal stannides, doped graphene, undoped graphene, and C60; and / or, The material of the first piezoelectric layer is selected from at least one of boron nitride, barium titanate, zinc oxide, and lead zirconate titanate.

11. The ink supply mechanism according to claim 3, characterized in that, The ink flow chamber includes an ink inlet flow chamber, an inkjet pressure chamber, and an ink outlet flow chamber that are sequentially connected; The ultrasonic control module is provided outside the chamber wall of at least one of the ink inlet flow chamber, the inkjet pressure chamber, and the ink outlet flow chamber.

12. The ink supply mechanism according to claim 11, characterized in that, The ink supply module further includes a buffer member disposed in the ink flow chamber, and the buffer member is used to buffer the flow of ink; Wherein, the buffer member is disposed between the ink inlet flow chamber and the inkjet pressure chamber; and / or, The buffer member is disposed between the ink outlet flow chamber and the inkjet pressure chamber.

13. The ink supply mechanism according to claim 12, characterized in that, The buffer member is a damping partition, and the damping partition is installed on the vibration plate or the substrate; The longitudinal cross-sectional area of the damping partition is smaller than the longitudinal cross-sectional area of the ink flow chamber.

14. The ink supply mechanism according to claim 11, characterized in that, The nozzle is communicated with the inkjet pressure chamber, and the ultrasonic wave provided by the ultrasonic control module located outside the inkjet pressure chamber is directed towards the nozzle; and / or, The inkjet control module includes a piezoelectric actuation layer and an insulating layer that are sequentially stacked on the vibration plate, and the insulating layer covers the ultrasonic control module located outside the inkjet pressure chamber.

15. The ink supply mechanism according to claim 14, wherein The piezoelectric actuation layer includes a third conductive layer, a second piezoelectric layer, and a fourth conductive layer that are sequentially stacked on the insulating layer; and / or, The thickness of the insulating layer is 0.5 - 4 μm; and / or, The material of the insulating layer is selected from at least one of polyimide, phenolic resin, epoxy resin, and acrylic resin.

16. An inkjet printing device, characterized in that, It includes an ink supply mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 15.

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