Jet printing head device

Abstract

Embodiments of the present disclosure describe a jet printing head apparatus, the jet printing head apparatus comprising: a splice plate extending in a first direction, the first direction being a longitudinal direction of the splice plate; the at least one basic unit is arranged on the splice plate in the first direction, each basic unit comprises an even number of jet printing heads, and each jet printing head in the even number of jet printing heads comprises at least one ink inlet at one side of the two sides, located in the first direction, of the jet printing head; wherein a first ink inlet of a first jet printing head in a pair of adjacent jet printing heads in the even number of jet printing heads and a corresponding second ink inlet of a second jet printing head in the pair of adjacent jet printing heads are adjacent to each other in the first direction of the splice plate, so that the first ink inlet and the second ink inlet share an ink supply runner.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of inkjet printing equipment, and more specifically to a printhead assembly, particularly a scheme for splicing multiple printheads. Background Technology

[0002] Each printhead of an inkjet printer can include a printing area and multiple ink inlets, such as Figure 1 As shown. Each of these ink inlets is used to eject ink for printing, and therefore needs to receive ink from the ink supply channel. In traditional inkjet printers, each ink inlet requires a dedicated ink supply channel, resulting in a large number of ink supply channels involved.

[0003] With an increase in ink supply channels, the internal structure of the printhead inevitably becomes more complex, placing extremely high demands on manufacturing processes and precision. During production, more advanced technologies and more precise equipment are needed to ensure that the size, shape, and position of each ink supply channel meet the requirements. Even minor errors can affect print quality and lead to an increase in the scrap rate.

[0004] More ink supply channels mean more materials are needed to construct them, and to ensure channel performance and stability, higher quality and more expensive materials may be required, thus increasing raw material costs. The complex structure significantly increases the difficulty of repair and maintenance when the printhead malfunctions. Technicians need to spend more time and effort troubleshooting, and due to the large number of channels, repairs to some internal channels may require specialized tools and techniques, and may even necessitate returning the printhead to the factory for repair, undoubtedly increasing maintenance costs and downtime.

[0005] Furthermore, multiple ink supply channels require precise flow control to ensure that each channel supplies ink according to the set amount. However, in actual operation, slight differences between channels, such as minor variations in channel inner diameter or different surface roughness, can lead to varying flow resistance of ink in different channels, making it difficult to guarantee completely consistent ink flow in each channel. In addition, numerous ink supply channels need to maintain good pressure balance during operation; otherwise, ink backflow and cross-contamination may occur. However, achieving precise pressure balance among multiple channels is very difficult. Therefore, there is a need for an inkjet printer with as few ink supply channels as possible. Utility Model Content

[0006] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a printhead apparatus is provided, comprising: a splicing plate extending along a first direction, the first direction being the longitudinal direction of the splicing plate; and at least one basic unit disposed on the splicing plate along the first direction, each basic unit comprising an even number of printheads, wherein each of the even number of printheads includes at least one ink inlet on one of its two sides located in the first direction, wherein a first ink inlet of a first printhead in an adjacent pair of printheads and a corresponding second ink inlet of a second printhead in a pair of printheads are adjacent to each other in the first direction of the splicing plate, such that the first ink inlet and the second ink inlet share an ink supply channel.

[0007] In some embodiments, the even number of printheads includes 2n printheads arranged along a first direction, where n is a positive integer greater than or equal to 1. The 2n printheads are divided into n groups, each group including a first printhead and a second printhead sharing a common ink supply channel, and the first basic unit of two or more basic units is offset along the first direction along a first center and the second basic unit of two or more basic units is offset along the first direction along a second center.

[0008] In some embodiments, the first printhead and the second printhead in each group include: a first printing area on one side in a first direction and used for the first printhead; a second printing area on the other side in the first direction and used for the second printhead; and an ink inlet area located between the first printing area and the second printing area, wherein the first ink inlet and the second ink inlet are disposed in the ink inlet area.

[0009] In some embodiments, n equals 1, each basic unit includes 2 printheads, and a first length of the ink inlet area along a first direction is less than or equal to a second length along the direction of the first or second print area.

[0010] In some embodiments, n is a positive integer greater than 1, the first length of the ink inlet area in each of the n groups along the first direction is equal to the second length of the first printing area or the second printing area along the first direction; and the third length of the spacing area between two adjacent groups in the n groups along the first direction is equal to the first length and the second length.

[0011] In some embodiments, the even number of printheads includes 4m printheads, where m is a positive integer greater than or equal to 1. The 4m printheads are divided into m groups. Each group includes a first pair of printheads arranged along a first direction and a second pair of printheads arranged along the first direction and spaced apart from the first pair of printheads along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The centers of the first pair of printheads along the first direction and the centers of the second pair of printheads along the first direction are offset in the first direction. Each pair of the first and second pairs of printheads includes a first printhead and a second printhead sharing a common ink supply channel.

[0012] In some embodiments, each of the first pair of printheads and the second pair of printheads includes: a first printing area on one side in a first direction and for the first printhead; a second printing area on the other side in the first direction and for the second printhead; and an ink inlet area located between the first printing area and the second printing area, wherein a first ink inlet and a second ink inlet are disposed in the ink inlet area, wherein a first length of the ink inlet area along the first direction is equal to a second length of the first printing area or the second printing area along the direction, and a third length of the spacing area between two adjacent groups in the m groups along the first direction is equal to the first length and the second length.

[0013] In some embodiments, the printhead assembly further includes: at least one ink supply head; and a package disposed between the ink supply head and the splicing plate, wherein a first ink inlet and a second ink inlet in each of the n groups share an identical ink supply head, and a common ink supply channel is formed in the ink supply head and the package.

[0014] In some embodiments, the ink supply channels of a first ink inlet and a second ink inlet in each adjacent pair of printheads in the n groups include: a main channel extending vertically from each ink supply head; a first branch channel extending from the end of the main channel to the first ink inlet and formed in the package; and a second branch channel extending from the end of the main channel to the second ink inlet and formed in the package.

[0015] In some embodiments, the printhead assembly further includes: at least one ink supply head; and a package disposed between the ink supply head and the splicing plate, wherein two first ink inlets and two second ink inlets in each of the m groups share one ink supply head, and a shared ink supply channel is formed in the ink supply head and the package.

[0016] In some embodiments, the ink supply channels for the two first ink inlets and two second ink inlets in each of the m groups include: a main channel extending vertically from each ink supply head; a first main branch channel extending from the end of the main channel to a position above the first pair of printheads and formed in the package; a second main branch channel extending from the end of the main channel to a position above the second pair of printheads and formed in the package; a first secondary branch channel extending from the end of the first main branch channel to a first ink inlet of the first pair of printheads and formed in the package; a second secondary branch channel extending from the end of the first main branch channel to a second ink inlet of the first pair of printheads and formed in the package; a third secondary branch channel extending from the end of the second main branch channel to a first ink inlet of the second pair of printheads and formed in the package; and a fourth secondary branch channel extending from the end of the second main branch channel to a second ink inlet of the second pair of printheads and formed in the package.

[0017] In some embodiments, each basic unit includes: a first positioning notch located on a first side in a first direction of the splicing plate; and a second positioning notch located on a second side in the first direction of the splicing plate, wherein the first positioning notch is used to position the parallelism between the basic units, and the second positioning notch is configured to define the position of the basic unit relative to the metal base plate in the first and second directions by the mutual engagement of the first positioning notch and the first positioning pin, and the mutual engagement of the second positioning notch and the second positioning pin, wherein the splicing plate is mounted on the metal base plate.

[0018] According to the embodiments of the present disclosure, the ink supply channel of the ink inlet of the adjacent first ink inlet and the adjacent ink inlet of the second ink inlet can be shared by making the ink supply channel for the ink inlet of ...

[0019] It should be understood that the description in the utility model description section is not intended to limit the key or essential features of the embodiments of this disclosure, nor is it intended to restrict the scope of this disclosure. Other features of this disclosure will become readily apparent from the following description. Attached Figure Description

[0020] The above and other features, advantages, and aspects of the embodiments of this disclosure will become more apparent from the accompanying drawings and the following detailed description. In the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements, wherein:

[0021] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of a printhead according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0022] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a printhead splicing scheme according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0023] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a printhead splicing scheme according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0024] Figure 4A It shows according to Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the arrangement of a pair of printheads in the illustrated embodiment;

[0025] Figure 4B It shows according to Figure 2 A perspective view of the installation state of a pair of printheads in the embodiment shown;

[0026] Figure 4C It shows according to Figure 4B A cross-sectional view of the installation state of a pair of printheads in the illustrated embodiment;

[0027] Figure 4D It shows according to Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the notches of a pair of printheads in the illustrated embodiment;

[0028] Figure 5A It shows according to Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the arrangement of the two pairs of printheads in the embodiment shown;

[0029] Figure 5B It shows according to Figure 3 A perspective view of the installation state of the two pairs of printheads in the embodiment shown.

[0030] Figure 5C It shows according to Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the main flow channels of the two pairs of printheads in the illustrated embodiment; and

[0031] Figure 5D It shows according to Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the secondary flow channels of the two pairs of printheads in the illustrated embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0032] Various embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein similar reference numerals are used throughout to denote similar elements. In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth for purposes of explanation in order to facilitate a thorough understanding of one or more embodiments. However, it may be apparent in some or all cases that any of the embodiments described below can be practiced without employing the specific design details described below. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are illustrated in block diagram form to facilitate the description of one or more embodiments. A simplified overview of one or more embodiments is given below to provide a basic understanding of the embodiments. This overview is not an exhaustive summary of all contemplated embodiments, is not intended to identify key or essential elements of all embodiments, nor is it intended to define the scope of any or all embodiments.

[0033] References to “embodiment” or “one embodiment” within the framework of this description are intended to indicate that a particular configuration, structure, or feature described with respect to an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Therefore, phrases such as “in an embodiment” or “in one embodiment” that may appear at one or more points in this description do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, in one or more embodiments, particular constructions, structures, or features may be combined in any suitable manner.

[0034] Unless otherwise indicated, when referring to two elements connected together, it means a direct connection without any intermediate element other than a conductor; and when referring to two elements coupled together, it means that the two elements can be connected or they can be coupled via one or more other elements.

[0035] In the following disclosure, unless otherwise indicated, references to absolute positional modifiers (such as the terms "front," "back," "top," "bottom," "left," "right," etc.) or relative positional modifiers (such as the terms "above," "below," "higher," "lower," etc.), or references to orientational modifiers (such as "horizontal," "vertical," etc.), refer to the orientation shown in the figure. Unless otherwise specified, the expressions "about," "approximately," "basically," and "approximately" indicate within 10%, preferably within 5%.

[0036] In the following description, one or more specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of examples of embodiments described herein. Embodiments may be obtained without one or more of these specific details, or by utilizing other methods, components, materials, etc. In other instances, known structures, materials, or operations are not illustrated or described in detail so that certain aspects of the embodiments will not be obscured.

[0037] Throughout the accompanying drawings, the same parts or elements are indicated by the same reference numerals, and corresponding descriptions will not be repeated for the sake of brevity. The reference numerals used herein are provided solely for convenience and therefore do not define the extent of protection or the scope of the embodiments.

[0038] As mentioned above, each printhead of an inkjet printer can include multiple ink inlets, each of which needs to be supplied with ink. In traditional inkjet printers, each ink inlet requires a dedicated ink supply channel, resulting in a large number of ink supply channels. The increased number of ink supply channels inevitably leads to a more complex internal structure of the printhead, placing extremely high demands on manufacturing processes and precision. More ink supply channels mean more material is needed to construct these channels. The complex structure significantly increases the difficulty of repair and maintenance when the printhead malfunctions. Multiple ink supply channels require precise flow control to ensure that each channel supplies ink according to the set amount, making it difficult to guarantee completely consistent ink flow across all channels. Furthermore, achieving precise pressure balance among multiple channels is extremely challenging.

[0039] An embodiment of this disclosure provides a printhead device, comprising: a metal base plate; at least one basic unit mounted on the metal base plate, each basic unit comprising: an even number of printheads; and a splicing plate, wherein the even number of printheads are mounted on the splicing plate; wherein a first ink inlet of a first printhead in an adjacent pair of printheads and a corresponding second ink inlet of a second printhead in the pair of printheads are adjacent to each other in a first direction of the splicing plate, such that the first ink inlets and the second ink inlets share an ink supply channel. This reduces the number of ink supply channels for the printhead ink inlets, thereby reducing piping complexity, improving ink supply efficiency, reducing the difficulty and cost of ink management, saving space, and ensuring balanced ink pressure, etc.

[0040] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a printhead splicing scheme according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a printhead splicing scheme according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0041] The printhead assembly according to this disclosure includes at least one basic unit, which is mounted on a metal base plate (in...). Figure 2 and Figure 3 Not shown in the image, such as Figure 4C (As shown by reference numeral 60 in the attached figures). Each of these basic units 20 may include an even number of printheads 10, such as 2, 4, 6, 8, etc. The even number of printheads are mounted on the splicing plate 30.

[0042] These even-numbered printheads include half of the even-numbered number of adjacent printheads. That is, if the even-numbered printheads include 2n printheads, then there are n pairs of adjacent printheads. Each of these n pairs of adjacent printheads includes a first printhead and a second printhead. A first ink inlet of the first printhead and a corresponding second ink inlet of the second printhead are adjacent to each other in a first direction of the splicing plate (the first direction is the arrangement direction of a pair of printheads), so that the first ink inlet and the second ink inlet can share the ink supply channel.

[0043] like Figure 2 As shown, each basic unit includes 2n printheads, where n can be a natural number greater than or equal to 1. If each basic unit includes 2 printheads 10 (2 printheads arranged in a vertical direction), then in the illustrated embodiment, the printhead assembly includes 4 basic units 20.

[0044] like Figure 2 As shown, if each basic unit includes four printheads 10 (four printheads arranged vertically), then in the illustrated embodiment, the printhead assembly includes two basic units 20. These printheads are mounted on the splicing plate 30.

[0045] like Figure 2 As shown, assuming the printhead assembly includes two basic units 20, from Figure 2 As can be seen, the first center of the first basic unit and the second center of the second basic unit in the first basic unit 20 are staggered along the first direction (vertical direction). This staggered arrangement ensures that the non-printing area of ​​the first basic unit corresponds to the printing area of ​​the second basic unit (e.g., aligned in the vertical direction), so that the print head can perform supplementary printing on the non-printing area when moving left and right.

[0046] like Figure 2 As shown, the four ink inlets of each pair of adjacent first inkjet heads 10 and the four ink inlets of each pair of adjacent second inkjet heads 10 are adjacent to each other in the vertical direction, so that the corresponding pair of first and second ink inlets can share the ink supply channel.

[0047] like Figure 3 As shown, each basic unit includes 4m printheads, where m can be a natural number greater than or equal to 1. Figure 3 As shown, if each basic unit includes four printheads 10 (e.g., four printheads staggered in two vertical columns), then in the illustrated embodiment, the printhead assembly includes two basic units 20. Figure 3As shown, if each basic unit includes eight printheads 10 (four printheads arranged vertically), then in the illustrated embodiment, the printhead assembly includes only one basic unit 20. These printheads are mounted on the splicing plate 30.

[0048] like Figure 3 As shown, the four ink inlets of each pair of adjacent first inkjet heads 10 and the four ink inlets of each pair of adjacent second inkjet heads 10 are adjacent to each other in the vertical direction, so that the corresponding pair of first and second ink inlets can share the ink supply channel.

[0049] By allowing adjacent printheads to share an ink supply channel, the number of ink supply channels can be reduced. This reduces piping complexity, and the shared ink supply channels significantly reduce the number of external ink supply lines and connection points. Compared to each ink inlet being connected to a separate ink supply line, this design simplifies the piping layout of the ink supply system, reduces the probability of blockages and leaks that may occur due to complex piping, and improves the stability and reliability of the ink supply system.

[0050] Furthermore, the two ink inlets share a common ink supply channel, facilitating unified management and monitoring of the ink. For example, only one ink filter and one ink metering device need to be installed on the ink supply channel to process and control the ink supplied to both printheads simultaneously, reducing the difficulty and cost of ink management.

[0051] Furthermore, adjacent ink inlets share a common ink supply channel, eliminating the need for separate space for each inlet. This allows for a more compact printhead structure, enabling more printheads to be installed within the same mounting area. This increases the integration of the printhead module and facilitates multi-printhead splicing and miniaturized equipment design. It also simplifies the connection between the printhead and the ink supply system. During installation, only the shared ink supply channel needs to be connected to the system once, instead of connecting each inlet separately, reducing installation steps and workload and improving installation efficiency. Maintenance also makes it easier to inspect, repair, and replace the ink supply channel and printhead.

[0052] Furthermore, the adjacent placement of the ink inlets of the first and second printheads on the splicing plate facilitates precise positioning of the printheads. Because the two ink inlets are relatively fixed and adjacent, the position and orientation of the printheads can be more accurately determined when installed using positioning structures (such as V-shaped and L-shaped openings) on the splicing plate, ensuring the relative positional accuracy between adjacent printheads and thus improving the stability and printing quality of the entire printhead splicing system.

[0053] Reducing the number of ink supply channels decreases the material and manufacturing costs required for these channels. Simultaneously, the simplified ink supply system reduces the need for related accessories (such as pipe fittings and valves), further lowering hardware costs. Improved system stability reduces equipment malfunctions and downtime caused by ink supply issues, lowering maintenance and operating costs. Furthermore, a more efficient ink supply and printing process contributes to increased production efficiency and lower unit production costs.

[0054] More importantly, the shared ink supply channel between adjacent printheads allows for a more balanced ink pressure during operation. Because they draw ink from the same channel, the pressure and flow rate of the ink supply are more consistent, thus avoiding problems such as uneven ink output and inconsistent line thickness caused by differences in ink pressure between different printheads, further improving the stability and uniformity of print quality.

[0055] In addition, through Figure 2 and Figure 3 The exemplary splicing scheme shown can combine multiple printheads and is infinitely expandable to obtain any desired number of spliced ​​printheads. In the construction of the inkjet printing system, the basic unit is set as the core module, and multiple printheads are integrated on each basic unit. These printheads are carefully arranged with the ink inlets of adjacent printheads closely adjacent to each other, thereby achieving an efficient ink supply integration design. This not only optimizes the complex structure of the external ink supply pipeline, but also reserves ample space for subsequent module assembly.

[0056] This basic unit offers excellent versatility and flexibility, allowing for the easy assembly of multiple modules onto a single metal base plate. The metal base plate provides a stable and flat platform for module installation, and its material possesses good mechanical properties and electrical conductivity, effectively ensuring the stability and heat dissipation requirements of the printhead during operation.

[0057] By strategically planning the number and arrangement of modules on the metal substrate, any desired number and configuration of printheads can be achieved. For example, to increase printing speed and efficiency, multiple modules can be densely arranged in a matrix on the metal substrate, significantly increasing the number of printheads. For printing objects of specific shapes or sizes, such as long strip patterns, modules can be sequentially spliced ​​along a specific direction on the metal substrate to create a linear configuration of printheads that meets the requirements. Throughout this process, the number and configuration of printheads are limited only by the size of the metal substrate and the actual printing needs, greatly expanding the application range and customization capabilities of inkjet printing systems.

[0058] The following will refer to Figures 4A to 4D To describe in detail according to Figure 2 The embodiment shows the printhead splicing scheme.

[0059] Figure 4A It shows according to Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the arrangement of a pair of printheads in the embodiment shown. Figure 4B It shows according to Figure 2 A perspective view of the installation state of a pair of printheads in the embodiment shown. Figure 4C It shows according to Figure 4B A cross-sectional view of the installed state of a pair of printheads in the illustrated embodiment. Figure 4D It shows according to Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the notches of a pair of printheads in the illustrated embodiment.

[0060] like Figure 4A As shown, each pair of adjacent first and second printheads includes a first printing area on one side of the vertical direction and used by the first printhead; a second printing area on the other side of the vertical direction and used by the second printhead; and an ink inlet area located between the first and second printing areas, wherein a first ink inlet and a second ink inlet are disposed in the ink inlet area. Figure 4A As shown, the vertical length L2 of the ink inlet area can be less than or equal to the vertical length L1 of the first or second printing area. Preferably, length L2 is equal to length L1. When length L2 is less than L1, each basic unit may only include two printheads, and it is impossible to splice more printheads.

[0061] However, as Figure 2 As shown, if each basic unit includes an even number of printheads (e.g., four printheads), and the areas of the four printheads from top to bottom are the first printing area, the ink inlet area, the second printing area, and the gap area, then the first printing area, the ink inlet area, and the second printing area again, meaning there is a gap area between any two adjacent pairs of printheads. The vertical length L2 of the gap area between two adjacent pairs is equal to the length of the printing area or the ink inlet area, where the length L1 of the printing area and the length L2 of the ink inlet area are equal. The width W of the printing area and the width W1 between adjacent basic units in the horizontal direction can be set according to the space design requirements and are not limited here.

[0062] By making the printing areas, inking areas, and spacing areas of equal length, multiple basic units can be staggered and aligned when arranged horizontally. The printing area of ​​the second basic unit 20 can correspond to the inking area or spacing area of ​​the first basic unit 20, thus ensuring that there is a corresponding printing area at each height in the vertical direction, thereby guaranteeing that each position can be printed. For example, in... Figure 2At the current moment shown, the spacing area or ink inlet area of ​​the basic unit on the left cannot be printed. However, by horizontally moving the printing device, the first and second printing areas of the basic unit on the right can be reprinted at the next printing moment to fill in the positions that cannot be printed.

[0063] like Figure 4B As shown, the splicing plate 30 also has L-shaped and V-shaped notches. The V-shaped notch is mainly used to accurately position the left-right and front-back relative positions of the basic units (or printing units), ensuring that the printheads can be accurately installed on the splicing plate along the horizontal and front-back directions. This makes the positions of each printhead relatively fixed in these directions, thereby ensuring the layout accuracy of the entire printhead splicing system in the planar direction. In addition, the L-shaped notch mainly functions to work with the positioning posts to accurately position the parallelism between the basic units (or printing units), that is, to ensure that adjacent printheads maintain a parallel relationship and avoid problems such as printhead tilting or angular deviation. This is very important for ensuring the accuracy of inkjet printing and the uniformity of print quality.

[0064] like Figure 4C As shown, the printhead assembly also includes at least one ink supply head 40 and a package 50. (As...) Figure 4C As shown, the basic unit 20 (that is, the splicing plate 30 with the printhead mounted) is mounted on the metal base plate 60. Figure 4C As shown, the printhead assembly includes four ink supply heads 40, which supply ink to four first ink inlets and four second ink inlets in a pair of printheads, respectively. Each ink supply head 40 supplies ink to one first ink inlet and one corresponding second ink inlet. Thus, the number of ink supply heads can be reduced from the conventional eight to four for the four first ink inlets and four second ink inlets.

[0065] like Figure 4D As shown, the ink supply channels for a first ink inlet and a second ink inlet in a pair of adjacent printheads include a main channel 41 that extends vertically from each printhead 40. Furthermore, the ink supply channel for the first ink inlet also includes a first branch channel 42 that extends from the end of the main channel 41 above the first ink inlet and is formed within the package 50. The ink supply channel for the second ink inlet also includes a second branch channel 43 that extends from the end of the main channel 41 above the second ink inlet and is formed within the package 50. Figure 4D The image only shows the locations near the first and second ink inlets. The actual ink supply path may be curved rather than straight.

[0066] The following will refer to Figures 5A to 5D To describe in detail according to Figure 2 The embodiment shows the printhead splicing scheme.

[0067] Figure 5A It shows according to Figure 3 The illustrated embodiment shows a schematic diagram of the arrangement of the two pairs of printheads. Figure 5B It shows according to Figure 3 A perspective view of the installation state of the two pairs of printheads in the embodiment shown. Figure 5C It shows according to Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the main flow channels of the two pairs of printheads in the embodiment shown. Figure 5D It shows according to Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the secondary flow channels of the two pairs of printheads in the illustrated embodiment.

[0068] like Figure 5A As shown in Figure 5, assuming each basic unit comprises four printheads, the four printheads constitute one basic unit. Each basic unit includes: a first pair of printheads (e.g., the pair on the left), arranged vertically; and a second pair of printheads (e.g., the pair on the right), arranged vertically and spaced apart from the first pair of printheads in a horizontal direction perpendicular to the vertical direction. Figure 5A As shown, each of the first pair of printheads (e.g., the left pair of printheads) and the second pair of printheads (e.g., the right pair of printheads) includes a first printhead and a second printhead sharing a common ink supply channel. The first printhead includes a first printing area and a first ink inlet, and the second printhead includes a second printing area and a second ink inlet.

[0069] like Figure 5A As shown, the centers of the first pair of printheads in the vertical direction are offset from the centers of the second pair of printheads in the vertical direction. For example, the ink inlet area of ​​the right pair of printheads corresponds to the printing area of ​​the left pair of printheads, and the ink inlet area of ​​the left pair of printheads corresponds to the printing area of ​​the right pair of printheads. By moving the printheads horizontally, it can be ensured that every position can be printed.

[0070] like Figure 5A As shown, the vertical length L1 of the printing area is equal to the vertical length L2 of the ink inlet area. The total vertical length L of the pair of printheads on the left is equal to the total vertical length L of the pair of printheads on the right.

[0071] like Figure 3 As shown, if each basic unit includes 4 printheads, then there is a gap between two adjacent basic units. The length of this gap is as follows: Figure 3 The figure shows L2, which is equal to the length L1 of the printing area. At the same time, the length L2 of the ink inlet area is also equal to the length L1 of the printing area.

[0072] If the basic unit consists of 4m printheads, then the 4m printheads are divided into m groups, each group including, for example, ... Figure 5A The four printheads shown. In each of the m groups, two first ink inlets (one first ink inlet in the left printhead and the other first ink inlet in the right printhead) and two second ink inlets (one second ink inlet in the left printhead and the other second ink inlet in the right printhead) share a single ink supply head, and the shared ink supply channel is formed in the ink supply head 40 and the package 50.

[0073] like Figure 5B As shown, for Figure 5A The four printheads shown, through this shared method, reduce the number of ink supply heads required for the eight first ink inlets and eight second ink inlets from 16 ink supply heads in the traditional scheme to four ink supply heads.

[0074] For example Figure 5A The ink supply channels for the two first ink inlets and two second ink inlets of the four printheads shown include: the main channel (in Figure 5C Not shown in the diagram, this main channel can be similar to Figure 4D The channel 41 shown extends vertically from each ink supply head.

[0075] like Figure 5C As shown, the ink supply channel also includes a first main branch channel 51, extending from the end of the main channel to a position above the first pair of printheads (e.g., as shown). Figure 5C The upper left portion shown) is formed in the package 50; and the second main branch channel 52 extends from the end of the main channel to a position above the second pair of printheads (e.g., the upper left portion shown) and ... Figure 5C (The lower right portion shown) and formed within the package 50. For example... Figure 5C As shown, the first main branch channel 51 is the path from the midpoint 510 of each channel to the first endpoint 511, and the second main branch channel 52 is the path from the midpoint 510 of each channel to the second endpoint 512.

[0076] Although only the midpoint and endpoint of the outermost channel are shown, there are also first main-stage branch channels 51 and second main-stage branch channels 52 for the other channels. For clarity, only the midpoint and endpoint of one of the four channels are shown. Figure 5C As shown, the L-shaped channels at both ends of the basic unit's longitudinal direction are not ink supply channels, but cooling channels. Therefore, as... Figure 5C As shown, it includes only 4 ink supply channels. Figure 5C The L-shaped cooling channel shown can be used with, for example Figure 5DThe square area shown is combined with the coils to cool the printing area.

[0077] like Figure 5D As shown, the ink supply channels for the two first ink inlets and the two second ink inlets also include a first-stage branch channel 53, which extends from the end of the first main-stage branch channel 51 (i.e., as shown in the diagram). Figure 5C Endpoint 511 is shown, which extends downward through a channel as shown. Figure 5D The midpoint 530 shown extends to a first ink inlet of the first pair of printheads (e.g., the pair of printheads shown in the upper left) and is formed in the package. That is, the midpoint 530 is as shown in the package. Figure 5C The endpoint 511 shown is corresponding.

[0078] like Figure 5D As shown, the ink supply channels for the two first ink inlets and the two second ink inlets also include a second-stage branch channel 54, extending from the end of the first main-stage branch channel 51 (i.e., as shown in the diagram). Figure 5C Endpoint 511 is shown, which extends downward through a channel as shown. Figure 5D The midpoint 530 shown extends to a second ink inlet of the first pair of printheads and is formed in the package 50.

[0079] like Figure 5D As shown, the ink supply channels for the two first ink inlets and the two second ink inlets also include a third-stage branch channel 55, extending from the end of the second main-stage branch channel 52 (i.e., as shown in the diagram). Figure 5C Endpoint 512 is shown, which extends downward through a channel as shown. Figure 5D The midpoint 550 shown extends to a first ink inlet of the second pair of printheads (e.g., the pair of printheads shown in the lower right) and is formed in the package 50.

[0080] like Figure 5D As shown, the ink supply channels for the two first ink inlets and the two second ink inlets also include a fourth secondary branch channel 56, extending from the end of the second main branch channel (i.e., as shown in the diagram). Figure 5C Endpoint 512 is shown, which extends downward through a channel as shown. Figure 5D The midpoint 550 shown extends to a second ink inlet of the second pair of printheads and is formed in the package 50.

[0081] Without prejudice to the fundamental principles, details and embodiments may vary, even significantly, relative to what has been described by way of example only, without departing from the scope of protection.

[0082] The various embodiments described above can be combined to provide other embodiments. If it is necessary to employ concepts from various patents, applications, and publications to provide further embodiments, aspects of the embodiments can be modified.

[0083] These and other changes can be made to the embodiments based on the detailed description above. Generally, the terminology used in the following claims should not be construed as limiting the claims to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification and claims, but should be interpreted to include all possible embodiments and the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are given. Therefore, the claims are not limited by the disclosure.

Claims

1. A printhead device, characterized by, comprises: a splice plate extending along a first direction, the first direction being a longitudinal direction of the splice plate; and at least one base unit disposed on the splice plate along the first direction, each base unit comprising an even number of printheads, wherein each printhead of the even number of printheads comprises at least one ink inlet at a side of the printhead located in one of two sides of the first direction, wherein a first ink inlet of a first printhead of an adjacent pair of printheads of the even number of printheads and a corresponding second ink inlet of a second printhead of the pair of printheads are adjacent to each other in the first direction of the splice plate, such that the first ink inlet and the second ink inlet share an ink flow channel. the even number of printheads comprises 2n printheads arranged along the first direction, where n is a positive integer greater than or equal to 1, the 2n printheads are divided into n groups, the first printhead and the second printhead of each group share an ink flow channel, and 2. The device of claim 1, wherein the at least one base unit comprises two or more base units, wherein a first center of a first base unit of the two or more base units along the first direction and a second center of a second base unit of the two or more base units along the first direction are staggered along the first direction. the first printhead and the second printhead of each group comprise:

3. The device of claim 2, wherein a first printing area on one side of the first direction for the first printhead; a second printing area on the other side of the first direction for the second printhead; and an ink inlet area between the first printing area and the second printing area, wherein the first ink inlet and the second ink inlet are disposed in the ink inlet area. n is equal to 1, each base unit comprises 2 printheads, and 4. The device of claim 3, wherein a first length of the ink inlet area along the first direction is less than or equal to a second length of the first printing area or the second printing area along the direction. n is a positive integer greater than 1, 5. The device of claim 3, wherein a first length of the ink inlet area along the first direction of each group of the n groups is equal to a second length of the first printing area or the second printing area along the first direction; and a third length of a spacing area between two adjacent groups of the n groups along the first direction is equal to the first length and the second length. the even number of printheads comprises 4m printheads, where m is a positive integer greater than or equal to 1, the 4m printheads are divided into m groups, each group comprising a first pair of printheads arranged along the first direction and a second pair of printheads arranged along the first direction and spaced apart from the first pair of printheads along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and 6. The device of claim 1, wherein a center of the first pair of printheads along the first direction is staggered from a center of the second pair of printheads along the first direction in the first direction, and each of the first pair of printheads and the second pair of printheads comprises the first printhead and the second printhead sharing an ink flow channel. the first printhead and the second printhead of each of the first pair of printheads and the second pair of printheads comprise: ​ 7. The device of claim 6, wherein ​ a first print zone on one side in the first direction and for the first printhead; a second print zone on the other side in the first direction and for the second printhead; an ink inlet zone between the first print zone and the second print zone, wherein the first ink inlet and the second ink inlet are disposed in the ink inlet zone, wherein a first length of the ink inlet zone along the first direction is equal to a second length of the first print zone or the second print zone along the direction, and a spacing zone between adjacent two groups of the m groups has a third length along the first direction equal to the first length and the second length.

8. The device of claim 2, wherein The printhead device further comprises: at least one ink supply head; and a package disposed between the ink supply head and the splice plate, wherein one first ink inlet and one second ink inlet in each group of the n groups share one same ink supply head, and the shared ink supply channel is formed in the ink supply head and the package.

9. The device of claim 8, wherein The ink supply channel of one first ink inlet and one second ink inlet in each pair of adjacent printheads of the n groups comprises: a trunk channel extending vertically from each ink supply head; a first branch channel extending from a terminal end of the trunk channel to the first ink inlet and formed in the package; and a second branch channel extending from the terminal end of the trunk channel to the second ink inlet and formed in the package.

10. The device of claim 6, wherein The printhead device further comprises: at least one ink supply head; and a package disposed between the ink supply head and the splice plate, wherein two first ink inlets and two second ink inlets in each group of the m groups share one ink supply head, and the shared ink supply channel is formed in the ink supply head and the package.

11. The device of claim 10, wherein The ink supply channel for two first ink inlets and two second ink inlets in each group of the m groups comprises: a trunk channel extending vertically from each ink supply head; a first primary branch channel extending from a terminal end of the trunk channel to a position above the first pair of printheads and formed in the package; a second primary branch channel extending from the terminal end of the trunk channel to a position above the second pair of printheads and formed in the package; a first secondary branch channel extending from a terminal end of the first primary branch channel to one first ink inlet of the first pair of printheads and formed in the package; a second secondary branch channel extending from a terminal end of the first primary branch channel to one second ink inlet of the first pair of printheads and formed in the package; a third secondary branch channel extending from a terminal end of the second primary branch channel to one first ink inlet of the second pair of printheads and formed in the package; and a fourth secondary branch channel extending from a terminal end of the second primary branch channel to one second ink inlet of the second pair of printheads and formed in the package.

12. The printhead device of any one of claims 1-11, wherein, Each basic unit comprises: a first positioning notch on a first side of the splice plate in the first direction; and a second positioning notch on a second side of the splice plate in the first direction. a second positioning recess on a second side of the first direction of the splice plate, wherein the first positioning recess is configured to position parallelism of the base units relative to each other, and the second positioning recess is configured to position the first positioning recess and the second positioning recess relative to each other, and the second positioning recess and the second positioning pin relative to each other are configured to define a position of the base units relative to a metal base plate in the first direction and a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, wherein the splice plate is mounted on the metal base plate.

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