Integrated electrofluid nozzle and ink-jet printing system

By integrating power supply and grounding components into the electrofluid printhead, the problem of requiring an external grounding electrode for electrofluid printheads is solved, enabling stable printing on different substrates and improving printing consistency and applicability.

CN120963207APending Publication Date: 2025-11-18WUHAN NATIONAL INNOVATION TECHNOLOGY OPTOELECTRONICS EQUIPMENT CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202511455823.8
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-10-13
Publication Date
2025-11-18

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing electrofluid printheads require an external grounding electrode, which limits their printing application range and makes it impossible to print stably on insulating substrates or freeform substrates.

Method used

An integrated electrofluid nozzle was designed, integrating power supply and grounding components into the main body. An electric field is formed through electrode wires and electrode rings, and the functional liquid inside the needle is sprayed out by the electric field force. The electric field strength and range can be changed by adjusting the relative position of the needle body and the electrode ring.

Benefits of technology

Stable printing on different substrate materials and shapes has been achieved, improving printing consistency and applicability, and broadening the applicability of electrohydraulic printing fluids.

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Abstract

The invention relates to an integrated electrofluid spray head and an ink-jet printing system, and the integrated electrofluid spray head comprises a main body part which is provided with a communication hole along the center line of the main body part; the needle body is inserted into the main body part through the communication hole; the power supply assembly comprises an electrode wire, the electrode wire extends into the needle body, one end of the electrode wire extends to the needle head of the needle body, and the other end of the electrode wire is communicated with an external power supply device; the grounding assembly comprises a connecting sleeve and an electrode ring, the main body part penetrates through the connecting sleeve from the top end of the connecting sleeve and is in threaded connection with the connecting sleeve, the electrode ring is connected to the bottom end of the connecting sleeve, the center line of the electrode ring and the center line of the needle body are collinear, and the electrode ring is grounded; wherein the relative position of the injection port of the needle body and the electrode ring is adjusted by rotating the main body part. The grounding assembly and the power supply assembly are integrated, a stable electric field is formed at the needle tip of the needle body, and therefore electrofluid printing is achieved, printing is not limited by the material and shape of a substrate, and the printing application range is widened.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of inkjet printing technology, and in particular to an integrated electro-hydraulic printhead and inkjet printing system. Background Technology

[0002] Inkjet printing is an additive manufacturing method that is well-suited for flexible manufacturing. Initially developed for graphic arts, inkjet printing has since been significantly improved and is now widely used in electronics, optics, and bioengineering. Due to its advantages such as material saving, environmental friendliness, and ease of operation, inkjet printing equipment has seen widespread adoption in recent years.

[0003] Electrohydrodynamics technology utilizes electrohydrodynamics to draw liquid out of a nozzle and form a Taylor cone using an electric field. Due to the high potential of the nozzle, the liquid at the nozzle is subjected to electroinduced shear stress. When the local charge exceeds the surface tension of the liquid, the charged liquid is ejected from the nozzle and then breaks into a liquid column or small droplets. By changing the flow rate, voltage, liquid properties, and nozzle structure, electrohydrodynamic printing modes with different jet shapes and breakup mechanisms can be formed, namely electrospinning, electrodot spraying, and electrospraying.

[0004] In related technologies, most electro-inkjet printing nozzles utilize a high-voltage electric field formed between a metal nozzle and a collecting substrate to complete the electro-inkjet printing process. This involves arranging electrodes on the printhead and grounding the substrate support platform, thereby creating an electric field between the printhead and the substrate, which then forces the functional liquid out.

[0005] However, to ensure a stable and uniform high-voltage electric field between the printhead and the substrate, the stage or substrate must be made of a conductive material and the substrate surface must be uniform and flat. This type of nozzle cannot print on insulating substrates, insulating stages, or free-form substrates. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This application provides an integrated electro-hydraulic printhead and inkjet printing system to solve the technical problem in related technologies that electro-hydraulic printheads require an external grounding electrode to achieve printing, resulting in a narrow range of printing applications.

[0007] In a first aspect, an integrated electrohydrodynamic nozzle is provided, comprising: The main body has a connecting hole along its center line; The needle body is inserted into the main body through the communicating hole, and the needle tip of the needle body extends out of the main body; A power supply assembly, comprising an electrode wire extending into the needle body, one end of which extends to the needle tip of the needle body, and the other end of which is connected to an external power supply device; A grounding assembly, comprising a connecting sleeve and an electrode ring, wherein the main body extends through the top end of the connecting sleeve and is threadedly connected to the connecting sleeve, the electrode ring is connected to the bottom end of the connecting sleeve, the center lines of the electrode ring and the needle body are collinear, and the electrode ring is grounded; The relative position of the needle's injection port and the electrode ring is adjusted by rotating the main body.

[0008] In some embodiments, the integrated electro-hydraulic nozzle further includes a locking member for limiting relative rotation between the main body and the connecting sleeve; the locking member includes: A locking nut is fitted onto the main body and threadedly connected to it. Tightening the locking nut causes it to press against the connecting sleeve.

[0009] In some embodiments, the integrated electrohydrodynamic nozzle further includes an air supply sleeve fitted on the top of the main body, the air supply sleeve being connected to an external positive and negative pressure device to adjust the air pressure inside the needle body.

[0010] In some embodiments, a square ring is provided on the circumferential outer side of the main body, and the air supply sleeve is pressed against one end face of the square ring.

[0011] In some embodiments, the main body is insulated, and the air supply sleeve is made of a conductive material; The tip of the electrode wire extends out of the needle body and is electrically connected to the air supply sleeve, which is connected to an external power supply device.

[0012] In some embodiments, the power supply component further includes a conductive sleeve, the conductive sleeve comprising: A positioning segment, wherein the positioning segment is inserted into the main body portion; The conductive section is pressed against the top surface of the main body. The top end of the needle body passes through the positioning section and is inserted into the conductive section. The electrode wire is electrically connected to the conductive section, and the conductive section is electrically connected to the gas supply sleeve.

[0013] In some embodiments, the gas supply sleeve is provided with a limiting ring inside, which abuts against the top surface of the conductive segment to be electrically connected to the conductive segment.

[0014] In some embodiments, a positioning groove is provided on the bottom end face of the connecting sleeve, and the electrode ring is embedded in the positioning groove.

[0015] In some embodiments, the circumferential sidewall of the connecting sleeve is provided with a plurality of threaded holes, which allow external set screws to pass through and abut against the needle body.

[0016] The beneficial effects of the technical solution provided in this application include: This application provides an integrated electrofluid printhead. Because it is integrated into the main body through a grounding component, an electric field is directly formed between the electrode wire and the electrode ring. As a result, the functional liquid at the tip of the needle is subjected to the electric field force, and the functional liquid inside the needle is ejected by the electric field force to realize electrofluid printing.

[0017] Because the power supply and grounding components are integrated together, the distance between the electrode wire and the electrode ring remains consistent and is not easily changed. Therefore, the electric field force on the functional fluid at the needle tip is more consistent, which ensures consistency in each print and improves print consistency.

[0018] Because the main body is threadedly connected to the connecting sleeve, rotating the main body relative to the connecting sleeve adjusts the distance between the needle tip and the electrode ring, thereby changing the distance between the electrode wire and the electrode ring, and thus altering the electric field strength at the needle tip. When printing functional liquids of different viscosities, adjusting the electric field strength at the needle tip ensures stable liquid ejection, thus broadening the application range of functional liquids in electrohydraulic printing.

[0019] Furthermore, by adjusting the position of the needle body relative to the electrode ring, the needle ejection point is positioned above the electrode ring. At this point, the ejection point is between the electrode wire and the electrode ring, and the connecting sleeve protects the needle body, ensuring stable printing on a planar substrate. Alternatively, by adjusting the position of the needle body relative to the electrode ring, the ejection point is positioned below the electrode ring. In this case, the electric field generated at the electrode ring still covers the ejection point, enabling needle printing. Because the needle tip is not obstructed, the connecting sleeve does not interfere with curved or irregularly shaped substrates, thus allowing printing on substrates of different shapes and expanding the applicability of the printing process.

[0020] Secondly, an inkjet printing system is provided, including the integrated electro-hydraulic printhead as described above.

[0021] Another embodiment of this application provides an inkjet printing system. Since the inkjet printing system includes the integrated electro-hydraulic printhead as described above, the beneficial effects of the inkjet printing system are the same as those of the integrated electro-hydraulic printhead, and will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0022] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0023] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an integrated electrohydrodynamic nozzle provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 2 An exploded view of the integrated electrohydrodynamic nozzle provided in the embodiments of this application; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of an integrated electrohydrodynamic nozzle provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 4 A schematic diagram showing that the injection point of the needle body is lower than the electrode ring in an embodiment of this application; Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the conductive sleeve provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a grounding component provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0024] In the figure: 1. Main body; 1a. Connecting hole; 1b. Square ring; 2. Needle body; 3. Power supply component; 31. Electrode wire; 32. Conductive sleeve; 321. Conductive section; 322. Positioning section; 4. Grounding component; 41. Connecting sleeve; 41a. Positioning groove; 41b. Threaded hole; 42. Electrode ring; 5. Locking component; 6. Air supply sleeve; 61. Limiting ring. Detailed Implementation

[0025] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0026] This application provides an integrated electrofluid printhead and inkjet printing system. By integrating the grounding component and the power supply component, a stable electric field is formed at the tip of the printhead, thereby achieving electrofluid printing. Therefore, printing is not limited by the substrate material or shape, broadening the scope of printing applications. This application solves the technical problem in related technologies where electrofluid printheads require an external grounding electrode to achieve printing, resulting in a narrow range of printing applications.

[0027] Reference Figures 1-3 An integrated electro-hydraulic printhead includes a main body 1, a needle body 2, a power supply component 3, and a grounding component 4. The needle body 2, the power supply component 3, and the grounding component 4 are all integrated on the main body 1. An electric field is formed between the power supply component 3 and the grounding component 4, and the electric field force is used to spray the functional liquid inside the needle body 2 to achieve the printing function.

[0028] Reference Figures 1-3The main body 1 is cylindrical in shape, and a through-hole 1a is provided along its center line. The needle body 2 is inserted into the main body 1 through the through-hole 1a, and the needle tip of the needle body 2 extends out of the main body 1.

[0029] In this embodiment, the needle tip size of the needle body 2 is at the micrometer level, and the needle body 2 is made of glass to meet the size requirements.

[0030] In this embodiment, the main body 1 is made of plastic and has a certain elasticity, which can ensure that the needle body 2 is clamped, reduce the gap between the connecting hole 1a and the needle body 2, ensure stable clamping of the needle body 2, and position the needle body 2 to ensure that the center line of the needle body 2 is consistent with the center line of the main body 1.

[0031] Reference Figures 1-3 The power supply component 3 includes an electrode wire 31, which extends into the needle body 2. One end of the electrode wire 31 extends to the needle tip of the needle body 2, and the other end of the electrode wire 31 is connected to an external power supply device.

[0032] This configuration, by arranging the electrode wire 31, positions the voltage application point close to the needle tip of the needle body 2. As a result, the electric field strength at the needle tip of the needle body 2 is stronger and more stable, making it less susceptible to interference, ensuring stable ejection of the functional liquid, and guaranteeing printing consistency.

[0033] Reference Figures 1-3 The grounding component 4 includes a connecting sleeve 41 and an electrode ring 42. The main body 1 passes through the top end of the connecting sleeve 41 and is threadedly connected to the connecting sleeve 41. The electrode ring 42 is connected to the bottom end of the connecting sleeve 41. The center lines of the electrode ring 42 and the needle body 2 are collinear, and the electrode ring 42 is grounded.

[0034] Functional fluid is injected into the needle body 2 using a syringe, and then the electrode wire 31 is powered. The electrode wire 31 and the electrode ring 42 place the tip of the needle body 2 in an electric field, and the functional fluid inside the needle body 2 is ejected by the electric field force.

[0035] With this configuration, since the grounding component 4 is integrated into the main body 1, an electric field is directly formed between the electrode wire 31 and the electrode ring 42. As a result, the functional liquid at the needle tip of the needle body 2 is subjected to the electric field force, and the functional liquid inside the needle body 2 is ejected by the electric field force to achieve electrofluid printing.

[0036] Since the power supply component 3 and the grounding component 4 are integrated together, the distance between the electrode wire 31 and the electrode ring 42 remains consistent and is not easily changed. Therefore, the electric field force on the functional liquid at the needle tip of the needle body 2 is more consistent, and the consistency of each print is better guaranteed, thus improving print consistency.

[0037] Reference Figures 1-3Specifically, the inner diameter of the electrode ring 42 is larger than the outer diameter of the needle body 2. By rotating the main body 1 relative to the connecting sleeve 41, the main body 1 and the needle body 2 move relative to the connecting sleeve 41 in the length direction of the connecting sleeve 41, thereby adjusting the relative position of the injection port of the needle body 2 and the electrode ring 42.

[0038] Reference Figures 2-4 Since the main body 1 is threadedly connected to the connecting sleeve 41, rotating the main body 1 relative to the connecting sleeve 41 adjusts the distance between the needle tip of the needle body 2 and the electrode ring 42, thereby changing the distance between the electrode wire 31 and the electrode ring 42, and thus changing the electric field strength at the needle tip of the needle body 2. When printing functional liquids of different viscosities, adjusting the electric field strength at the needle tip of the needle body 2 ensures stable ejection of the functional liquid, thereby broadening the application range of functional liquids in electrohydraulic printing.

[0039] Furthermore, by adjusting the position of the needle body 2 relative to the electrode ring 42, the injection point of the needle body 2 is positioned above the electrode ring 42. At this point, the injection point of the needle body 2 is between the electrode wire 31 and the electrode ring 42. The connecting sleeve 41 then protects the needle body 2 and ensures stable printing on the planar substrate. Alternatively, by adjusting the position of the needle body 2 relative to the electrode ring 42, the injection point of the needle body 2 is positioned below the electrode ring 42. In this case, the electric field formed at the electrode ring 42 can still cover the injection point of the needle body 2, enabling printing. Since the needle tip of the needle body 2 is not obstructed, the connecting sleeve 41 does not interfere with curved or irregularly shaped substrates, thus satisfying the printing requirements of substrates with different shapes and improving the applicability of the printing process.

[0040] Since the main body 1 is inserted into the connecting sleeve 41 and the needle body 2 is inserted into the main body 1, it is convenient to ensure that the center line of the needle body 2 and the electrode ring 42 at the bottom of the connecting sleeve 41 are collinear.

[0041] Reference Figures 2-4 The integrated electrothermal nozzle also includes a locking element 5, which is used to restrict the relative rotation between the main body 1 and the connecting sleeve 41.

[0042] This configuration further restricts the relative position of the main body 1 and the connecting sleeve 41 by locking member 5, while fixing the relative position of the injection port of needle body 2 and electrode ring 42. The electric field force on the functional liquid at the needle tip of needle body 2 is stable, ensuring printing consistency.

[0043] In this embodiment, the locking component 5 includes a locking nut, which is sleeved on the main body 1 and threadedly connected to the main body 1. Tightening the locking nut causes it to press against the connecting sleeve 41.

[0044] With this setup, when adjusting the relative position of the needle body 2 and the electrode ring 42, first loosen the locking nut to move it away from the connecting sleeve 41, leaving space for relative movement between the main body 1 and the connecting sleeve 41. After the needle body 2 is positioned, tighten the locking nut to press it against the connecting sleeve 41, thereby restricting the relative rotation between the connecting sleeve 41 and the main body 1, ensuring that the positions of the needle body 2 and the electrode ring 42 remain unchanged.

[0045] Reference Figures 2-4 Optionally, the integrated electrohydrodynamic nozzle also includes an air supply sleeve 6, which is fitted on the top of the main body 1 and is connected to an external positive and negative pressure device to adjust the air pressure inside the needle body 2.

[0046] In this embodiment, the air supply sleeve 6 is fitted onto the main body 1 and threadedly connected to the main body 1. By tightening the air supply sleeve 6, the assembly of the air supply sleeve 6 and the main body 1 is completed, thereby realizing the connection between the air supply sleeve 6 and the needle body 2.

[0047] This setup involves supplying air to the air supply sleeve 6 via an external positive and negative pressure device, which pushes the functional fluid inside the needle body 2 towards the injection port of the needle body 2. It should be noted that, due to the high viscosity of the functional fluid, air pressure alone is insufficient to force it to flow out of the needle body 2. By supplying air to the needle body 2, the functional fluid is made to have a tendency to spray out, and then an electric field is used to force the fluid to be ejected.

[0048] Reference Figures 2-4 The main body 1 has a square ring 1b on its outer circumferential side, and the air supply sleeve 6 is pressed against one end face of the square ring 1b.

[0049] Specifically, the square ring 1b is integrally formed on the main body 1.

[0050] This design has two advantages. First, by tightening the air supply sleeve 6 to press it against the end face of the square ring 1b, the installation position of the air supply sleeve 6 is positioned, ensuring that the air supply sleeve 6 is locked to the main body 1. Second, by setting the square ring 1b, the outer circumferential surface of the main body 1 has a regular plane, which facilitates the use of tools such as wrenches to rotate the main body 1, thereby adjusting the relative position of the needle body 2 and the electrode ring 42.

[0051] The air supply sleeve 6 is made of conductive material, while the main body 1 is made of insulating material. The tip of the electrode wire 31 extends out of the needle body 2 and is electrically connected to the air supply sleeve 6, which is connected to an external power supply device.

[0052] With this configuration, the electrode wire 31 is connected to an external power supply device through the power supply sleeve, eliminating the need to arrange holes for the electrode wire 31 to extend from the air supply sleeve 6, thus ensuring the airtightness of the air supply sleeve 6 and guaranteeing printing quality.

[0053] Since the power supply sleeve is fixed to the main body 1 and the needle body 2 is fixed to the main body 1, the positions of the air supply sleeve 6 and the needle body 2 remain unchanged, that is, the positions of the electrode wire 31 and the needle body 2 remain unchanged. When the active part is rotated and the position of the needle body 2 relative to the electrode ring 42 is adjusted, the relative positions of the needle body 2 and the electrode wire 31 remain unchanged, thereby achieving precise adjustment of the electric field strength at the tip of the needle body 2.

[0054] Reference Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 5 The power supply component 3 also includes a conductive sleeve 32, which is made of conductive material. The electrode wire 31 is electrically connected to the gas supply sleeve 6 through the conductive sleeve 32. The conductive sleeve 32 includes a positioning section 322 and a conductive section 321.

[0055] Reference Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 5 The positioning section 322 is inserted into the main body 1. The conductive section 321 is pressed against the top surface of the main body 1. The top of the needle body 2 passes through the positioning section 322 and is inserted into the conductive section 321. The electrode wire 31 is electrically connected to the conductive section 321, and the conductive section 321 is electrically connected to the air supply sleeve 6.

[0056] Specifically, the electrode wire 31 is fixed to the conductive segment 321, thereby determining the relative position of the electrode wire 31 and the conductive segment 321, ensuring that the centerline of the portion of the electrode wire 31 extending into the conductive segment 321 is aligned with the centerline of the conductive segment 321. Since the needle body 2 is inserted into the conductive segment 321, ensuring that the centerlines of the needle body 2 and the conductive segment 321 are aligned guarantees that the centerlines of the needle body 2, the conductive segment 321, and the electrode wire 31 are aligned after assembly.

[0057] Therefore, the electrode wire 31 is positioned in the middle of the needle body 2 to apply pressure, resulting in a more uniform electric field intensity at the needle tip of the needle body 2. When spraying the functional liquid, it ensures that the spray path of the droplets is set along the center line of the needle body 2, and the spray is less likely to deviate, thus ensuring printing accuracy.

[0058] Furthermore, the center lines of the positioning segment 322 and the conductive segment 321 are collinear. By inserting the positioning segment 322 into the main body 1, the positioning segment 322 and the main body 1 are positioned, making the center lines of the main body 1, the positioning segment 322, and the conductive segment 321 collinear. Also, since the center lines of the main body 1, the connecting sleeve 41, and the electrode ring 42 are collinear, the center lines of the needle body 2, the electrode wire 31, and the electrode ring 42 are also collinear.

[0059] With this configuration, the electric field formed by the electrode wire 31 and the electrode ring 42 at the tip of the needle body 2 is more stable, and the functional liquid at the injection port of the needle body 2 is subjected to a stable downward electric field force, making the injection path of the functional liquid more stable and controllable, less prone to deviation, and ensuring printing accuracy.

[0060] Reference Figure 3 The gas supply sleeve 6 has a limiting ring 61 inside, which abuts against the top surface of the conductive section 321 to be electrically connected to the conductive section 321.

[0061] Specifically, after the positioning segment 322 is inserted into the main body 1, the conductive segment 321 abuts against the top surface of the main body 1. This positions the conductive segment 321 at the top of the main body 1. Subsequently, after the air supply sleeve 6 is connected to the main body 1, the limiting ring 61 inside the air supply sleeve 6 abuts against the conductive segment 321 to ensure a stable connection between the air supply sleeve 6 and the conductive segment 321.

[0062] With this configuration, after the air supply sleeve 6 is assembled onto the main body 1, an electrical connection can be established between the air supply sleeve 6 and the conductive section 321, facilitating the supply of power to the electrode wire 31. Furthermore, after the limiting ring 61 abuts against the conductive sleeve 32, the air supply sleeve 6 and the conductive section 321 are connected, and the limiting ring 61 restricts the connection between the air supply sleeve 6 and the outer periphery of the conductive section 321, thus preventing air leakage and also preventing the functional fluid inside the needle body 2 from overflowing to the outside of the conductive section 321.

[0063] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 6 The bottom end face of the connecting sleeve 41 is provided with a positioning groove 41a, and the electrode ring 42 is embedded in the positioning groove 41a.

[0064] With this configuration, the positioning groove 41a positions the electrode ring 42. After the electrode ring 42 is installed in the positioning groove 41a, its center line is collinear with the center line of the connecting sleeve 41. In this embodiment, the electrode ring 42 is fixed in place within the positioning groove 41a by fitting together.

[0065] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 6 Furthermore, the positioning groove 41a has an opening in its groove wall, and the electrode ring 42 is adapted to be grounded through the opening.

[0066] The connecting sleeve 41 has multiple threaded holes 41b evenly distributed on its circumferential sidewall. The threaded holes 41b allow external set screws to pass through and press against the needle body 2.

[0067] This configuration reinforces the bottom of the needle body 2 by pressing it against the set screw, ensuring that the relative position of the needle body 2 and the connecting sleeve 41 remains unchanged.

[0068] This application provides an integrated electrofluid printhead. Since it is integrated into the main body 1 through the grounding component 4, an electric field is directly formed between the electrode wire 31 and the electrode ring 42. As a result, the functional liquid at the tip of the needle body 2 is subjected to the electric field force, and the functional liquid in the needle body 2 is ejected by the electric field force to realize electrofluid printing.

[0069] Since the power supply component 3 and the grounding component 4 are integrated together, the distance between the electrode wire 31 and the electrode ring 42 remains consistent and is not easily changed. Therefore, the electric field force on the functional liquid at the needle tip of the needle body 2 is more consistent, and the consistency of each print is better guaranteed, thus improving print consistency.

[0070] Since the main body 1 is threadedly connected to the connecting sleeve 41, rotating the main body 1 relative to the connecting sleeve 41 adjusts the distance between the needle tip of the needle body 2 and the electrode ring 42, thereby changing the distance between the electrode wire 31 and the electrode ring 42, and thus changing the electric field strength at the needle tip of the needle body 2. When printing functional liquids of different viscosities, adjusting the electric field strength at the needle tip of the needle body 2 ensures stable ejection of the functional liquid, thereby broadening the application range of functional liquids in electrohydraulic printing.

[0071] Furthermore, by adjusting the position of the needle body 2 relative to the electrode ring 42, the injection point of the needle body 2 is positioned above the electrode ring 42. At this point, the injection point of the needle body 2 is between the electrode wire 31 and the electrode ring 42. The connecting sleeve 41 then protects the needle body 2 and ensures stable printing on the planar substrate. Alternatively, by adjusting the position of the needle body 2 relative to the electrode ring 42, the injection point of the needle body 2 is positioned below the electrode ring 42. In this case, the electric field formed at the electrode ring 42 can still cover the injection point of the needle body 2, enabling printing. Since the needle tip of the needle body 2 is not obstructed, the connecting sleeve 41 does not interfere with curved or irregularly shaped substrates, thus satisfying the printing requirements of substrates with different shapes and improving the applicability of the printing process.

[0072] Secondly, an inkjet printing system is provided, including the integrated electro-hydraulic printhead as described above.

[0073] Another embodiment of this application provides an inkjet printing system. Since the inkjet printing system includes the integrated electro-hydraulic printhead as described above, the beneficial effects of the inkjet printing system are the same as those of the integrated electro-hydraulic printhead, and will not be repeated here.

[0074] In the description of this application, it should be noted that the terms "upper," "lower," etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application. Unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installed," "connected," and "linked" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication between two elements. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in this application can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0075] It should be noted that in this application, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used merely to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element.

[0076] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, enabling those skilled in the art to understand or implement this application. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of this application. Therefore, this application is not to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features claimed herein.

Claims

1. An integrated electrohydrodynamic nozzle, characterized in that, It includes: The main body has a connecting hole along its center line; The needle body is inserted into the main body through the communicating hole, and the needle tip of the needle body extends out of the main body; A power supply assembly, comprising an electrode wire extending into the needle body, one end of which extends to the needle tip of the needle body, and the other end of which is connected to an external power supply device; A grounding assembly, comprising a connecting sleeve and an electrode ring, wherein the main body extends through the top end of the connecting sleeve and is threadedly connected to the connecting sleeve, the electrode ring is connected to the bottom end of the connecting sleeve, the center lines of the electrode ring and the needle body are collinear, and the electrode ring is grounded; The relative position of the needle's injection port and the electrode ring is adjusted by rotating the main body.

2. The integrated electrohydrodynamic nozzle according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a locking element for limiting relative rotation between the main body and the connecting sleeve; the locking element includes: A locking nut is fitted onto the main body and threadedly connected to it. Tightening the locking nut causes it to press against the connecting sleeve.

3. The integrated electrohydrodynamic nozzle according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes an air supply sleeve, which is fitted on the top of the main body and is connected to an external positive and negative pressure device to adjust the air pressure inside the needle body.

4. The integrated electrohydrodynamic nozzle according to claim 3, characterized in that, The outer circumferential side of the main body is provided with a square ring, and the air supply sleeve is pressed against one end face of the square ring.

5. The integrated electrohydrodynamic nozzle according to claim 3, characterized in that, The main body is insulated, and the air supply sleeve is made of conductive material; The tip of the electrode wire extends out of the needle body and is electrically connected to the air supply sleeve, which is connected to an external power supply device.

6. The integrated electrohydrodynamic nozzle according to claim 5, characterized in that, The power supply component further includes a conductive sleeve, the conductive sleeve comprising: A positioning segment, wherein the positioning segment is inserted into the main body portion; The conductive section is pressed against the top surface of the main body. The top end of the needle body passes through the positioning section and is inserted into the conductive section. The electrode wire is electrically connected to the conductive section, and the conductive section is electrically connected to the gas supply sleeve.

7. The integrated electrohydrodynamic nozzle according to claim 6, characterized in that, The gas supply sleeve is provided with a limiting ring inside, which abuts against the top surface of the conductive section to be electrically connected to the conductive section.

8. The integrated electrohydrodynamic nozzle according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom end face of the connecting sleeve is provided with a positioning groove, and the electrode ring is embedded in the positioning groove.

9. The integrated electrohydrodynamic nozzle according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connecting sleeve has multiple threaded holes evenly distributed on its circumferential sidewalls, through which external set screws pass and abut against the needle body.

10. An inkjet printing system, characterized in that, Including the integrated electrothermal nozzle as described in any one of claims 1 to 9.