A spray head for a plotter

Abstract

This utility model discloses a printhead for an inkjet printer, including a housing with an ink inlet. A connecting tube is detachably connected to the ink inlet via a connector. The connector includes a first clamp, a second clamp, a threaded sleeve, and a nut. The inner wall of the first clamp is wedge-shaped, and the two ends of the first clamp have different opening sizes. A portion of the first clamp inserts into the ink inlet, with the smaller opening facing downwards. The outer wall of the first clamp contacts the inner wall of the ink inlet. The threaded sleeve is fitted onto the first clamp, with its inner wall contacting the outer wall of the first clamp. A portion of the second clamp inserts into the first clamp, with its outer wall contacting the inner wall of the first clamp. The nut is fitted onto the threaded sleeve, and the two are threaded together. The inner wall of the nut's end contacts the end face of the second clamp. One end of the connecting tube passes through the second clamp. This utility model allows the connector to be tightened between the connecting tube and the housing by turning the nut downwards, thus fixing the connecting tube to the housing. Turning the nut in the opposite direction reduces the force on the connector, allowing the connecting tube to be removed for cleaning.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of inkjet printing technology, and in particular to an inkjet printer printhead. Background Technology

[0002] A large-format printer is a digital printing device that uses a computer-controlled printhead to spray images, text, and other content directly onto the surface of various materials. Depending on the inkjet technology and application, large-format printers can be categorized into several types, including dye-based inkjet, solvent-based inkjet, and UV flatbed inkjet printers.

[0003] Inkjet printers have a wide range of applications in advertising, decoration, and signage. In the advertising industry, inkjet printers can produce posters, flyers, display boards, and other advertising materials. In the decoration industry, inkjet printers can produce wallpaper, floor coverings, window films, and other decorative materials. In the signage industry, inkjet printers can produce vehicle advertisements, shop signs, and other signage products.

[0004] The printhead is the core component of an inkjet printer. The printhead is connected to the ink tube, through which ink enters the printhead. The printer then uses the printhead to spray ink of different color combinations onto the printing medium, forming the desired pattern on the medium. The ink tube is usually a flexible tube that connects to the printhead via a connecting tube fixed to the printhead housing. However, during prolonged operation, the connecting tube may become clogged, requiring the entire printhead to be disassembled for cleaning. Moreover, the printhead has many components, and cleaning the connecting tube can obstruct other parts, making cleaning a hassle. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this utility model is to provide a printhead for an inkjet printer, which has the advantage that the printhead can be removed from the top of the inkjet printer for cleaning.

[0006] The above-mentioned technical objective of this utility model is achieved through the following technical solution:

[0007] A printhead for an inkjet printer includes a housing with ink inlets on both sides. A connecting pipe is detachably connected to each ink inlet via a connector. The connector includes a first ferrule, a second ferrule, a threaded sleeve, and a nut. The first ferrule has a uniform outer diameter and a gradually changing inner diameter, forming a wedge-shaped surface on its inner wall. The two ends of the first ferrule have different opening sizes. A portion of the first ferrule inserts into the ink inlet, with the smaller opening facing downwards. The outer wall of the first ferrule contacts the inner wall of the ink inlet. The first ferrule is a discontinuous, non-closed annular ring. The threaded sleeve is fitted onto the first ferrule and is located outside the ink inlet of the housing. The outer wall of the threaded sleeve has threads, and its inner wall contacts the outer wall of the first ferrule. A portion of the second ferrule inserts into the first ferrule. The second ferrule is frustum-shaped, and its outer wall contacts the inner wall of the first ferrule. The nut is fitted onto the threaded sleeve, and the two are threaded together. The inner wall of the nut's end contacts the end face of the second ferrule. One end of the connecting pipe passes through the second ferrule.

[0008] Using the above technical solution, a threaded sleeve is fitted onto ferrule one, with the smaller opening of ferrule one embedded in the ink inlet. Then, ferrule two is inserted into ferrule one, and a nut is threaded onto the threaded sleeve. One end of the connecting tube is passed through ferrule two. The threaded sleeve is then pinched, and the nut is turned. The inner end face of the nut pushes ferrule two to move. The moving outer wall of ferrule two interacts with the inner wall of ferrule one, causing both to deform. Ferrule two contracts inward, while ferrule one expands outward. The contracting inner wall of ferrule two exerts a force on the connecting tube, tightening it. The expanding outer wall of ferrule one exerts a force on the inner wall of the ink inlet and the inner wall of the threaded sleeve, causing ferrule one to press tightly against the threaded sleeve and the inner wall of the ink inlet. Continue to tighten the nut to push the first clamping sleeve to move, which increases the force between the second clamping sleeve, the first clamping sleeve and its contact parts, thereby fixing the first clamping sleeve to the connecting pipe. The first clamping sleeve is fixed to the printhead housing, and the threaded sleeve is fixed to the first clamping sleeve, thus fixing the connecting pipe to the printhead housing. When the connecting pipe is blocked and needs to be cleaned, unscrew the nut, and the nut will separate from the second clamping sleeve. Take the second clamping sleeve out of the first clamping sleeve, and then take the connecting pipe out of the second clamping sleeve for cleaning. It is not necessary to remove the entire connector. At the same time, cleaning the connecting pipe separately is more convenient and effective. After cleaning, fix the connecting pipe to the inkjet printer printhead in the same way.

[0009] Preferably, both the first and second ferrules are fixedly connected to a rubber sleeve on their outer walls.

[0010] By adopting the above technical solution, the interaction force between the first and second ferrules and the interaction force between the second ferrule and the inner wall of the ink inlet and the inner wall of the threaded sleeve are increased, so that the connecting tube is more stably fixed on the outer shell.

[0011] Preferably, the printhead housing includes a cavity and a nozzle, the width of the nozzle being smaller than the width of the cavity, thereby forming a step between the nozzle and the cavity. The two ink inlets are respectively opened on the bottom surface of the nozzle located on both sides of the cavity. A vertical groove is provided on the front outer wall near the nozzle, and the groove is arc-shaped in cross-section.

[0012] The above technical solution facilitates the installation of the connecting tube and the ink tube.

[0013] Preferably, the connecting tube consists of two short tubes of different thicknesses, with a step formed between the thinner and thicker tubes. The thicker tube is inserted into the second ferrule, and the thinner tube is fitted into the ink tube. The end face of the ink tube contacts the bottom surface of the step, i.e., the end face where the thicker tube connects to the thinner tube. An annular groove is provided on the bottom surface of the step, and the annular groove is located outside the ink tube opening.

[0014] Using the above technical solution, when ink leakage occurs in the ink tube, the leaked ink will flow into the annular groove, preventing ink from flowing everywhere onto the surface of the outer casing. Then, only the connecting tube needs to be removed for cleaning, without having to remove the entire printhead.

[0015] Preferably, a gasket is fixedly connected to the outer wall between the two ends of the sleeve, and the gasket is disconnected, with the gasket in contact with the surface of the outer shell, and the end face of the threaded sleeve in contact with the surface of the gasket.

[0016] When the above technical solution is used, when part of the ferrule is embedded into the ink port, the gasket of the ferrule is blocked by the printhead housing, preventing the entire ferrule from entering the ink port.

[0017] Preferably, the threaded sleeve is flange-shaped, and an outer edge is fixedly connected to the outer wall of one end of the threaded sleeve. The end face of the outer edge and the end face of the nut are provided with helical teeth.

[0018] When the nut and the threaded sleeve are connected by threads, the helical teeth on the outer edge of the threaded sleeve on the end face of the nut make contact, increasing the friction between the nut and the threaded sleeve, preventing loosening between the nut and the threaded sleeve, and increasing the stability of the connection.

[0019] Preferably, the connecting pipe is made of ceramic.

[0020] The above technical solution increases the corrosion resistance of the connecting pipe. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is an overall schematic diagram of the embodiment;

[0022] Figure 2 This is a front view diagram of an embodiment;

[0023] Figure 3 This is a side view of an embodiment;

[0024] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the cross-section along the AA direction;

[0025] Figure 5 This is an exploded view diagram of an embodiment;

[0026] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the overall connection pipe.

[0027] Reference numerals in the attached drawings: 1. Outer shell; 2. Connecting pipe; 3. Sleeve 1; 4. Sleeve 2; 5. Threaded sleeve; 6. Nut; 7. Groove; 8. Annular groove; 9. Gasket. Detailed Implementation

[0028] The following description is merely a preferred embodiment of this utility model, and the scope of protection is not limited to this embodiment. All technical solutions falling within the scope of this utility model should be considered within the protection scope of this utility model. It should also be noted that for those skilled in the art, any improvements and modifications made without departing from the principle of this utility model should also be considered within the protection scope of this utility model.

[0029] See Figure 1 , Figures 4 to 6 A printhead for an inkjet printer includes a housing 1. The housing 1 includes a cavity and a nozzle section. The nozzle section is narrower than the cavity, creating a step between them. Two ink inlets are located on the bottom surface of the nozzle section on both sides of the cavity. A vertical groove 7, arc-shaped in cross-section, is provided on the front outer wall near the nozzle section. A connecting pipe 2, made of ceramic, is detachably connected to the ink inlets via a connector. The connecting pipe 2 consists of two short pipes of different thicknesses, creating a step between the thinner and thicker pipes. An annular groove 8 is provided on the bottom surface of the step. The thicker pipe connects to the connector, and the thinner pipe is fitted into the ink tube. The thinner pipe is inserted into the ink tube, and the end face of the ink tube contacts the bottom surface of the step, i.e., the end face where the thicker and thinner pipes connect. The annular groove 8 is located outside the ink tube inlet. When ink leaks, the leaked ink flows into the annular groove 8, preventing ink from flowing everywhere onto the surface of the housing 1. Then, only the connecting pipe 2 needs to be removed for cleaning; the entire printhead does not need to be disassembled.

[0030] See Figures 2 to 6The connector includes a first ferrule 3, a second ferrule 4, a threaded sleeve 5, and a nut 6. The first ferrule 3 has a uniform outer diameter and a gradually changing inner diameter, thus forming a wedge-shaped surface on its inner wall. The two ends of the first ferrule 3 have different opening sizes. A gasket 9 is fixedly connected to the outer wall between the two ends of the first ferrule 3. The first ferrule 3 partially inserts into the ink inlet. The gasket 9 contacts the surface of the outer shell 1, with the smaller opening end of the first ferrule 3 facing downwards. The outer wall of the first ferrule 3 contacts the inner wall of the ink inlet. The first ferrule 3 and the gasket 9 are disconnected and not closed. The threaded sleeve 5 is fitted onto the first ferrule 3. The end face of the threaded sleeve 5 contacts the surface of the gasket 9, and the inner wall of the threaded sleeve 5 contacts the outer wall of the first ferrule 3. The threaded sleeve 5 is located outside the ink inlet of the outer shell 1. The outer wall of the threaded sleeve 5 has threads. The threaded sleeve 5 is flange-shaped, and an outer edge is fixedly connected to the outer wall of one end of the threaded sleeve 5. A portion of the second ferrule 4 is inserted into the first ferrule 3. The second ferrule 4 is frustoconical in shape, and its outer wall contacts the inner wall of the first ferrule 3. Both the first ferrule 3 and the second ferrule 4 are fitted with rubber sleeves to increase the interaction force between them, as well as between the second ferrule 4 and the inner wall of the ink inlet and the inner wall of the threaded sleeve 5, thus ensuring a more stable fixation of the connecting tube 2 to the outer casing 1. The nut 6 is fitted onto the threaded sleeve 5, and the two are threaded together. The outer edge of the threaded sleeve 5 has helical teeth, and the inner wall of the end of the nut 6 contacts the end face of the second ferrule 4. One end of the connecting tube 2 passes through the second ferrule 4.

[0031] Working principle: The threaded sleeve 5 is fitted onto the ferrule 3, with the smaller opening of ferrule 3 embedded in the ink inlet. The gasket 9 of ferrule 3 contacts the surface of the outer casing 1. Then, ferrule 4 is inserted into ferrule 3. Next, the nut 6 is threaded onto the threaded sleeve 5, and one end of the connecting tube 2 passes through ferrule 4. Then, the threaded sleeve 5 is pinched, and the nut 6 is turned. The inner end face of the nut 6 pushes ferrule 4 to move. The moving ferrule 4's outer wall interacts with the inner wall of ferrule 3, causing both to deform. Ferrule 4 contracts inward, while ferrule 3 expands outward. The contracted inner wall of ferrule 4 exerts force on the connecting tube 2, tightening it. The expanding outer wall of ferrule 3 exerts force on the inner wall of the ink inlet and the inner wall of the threaded sleeve 5, causing ferrule 3 to press tightly against the threaded sleeve 5 and the inner wall of the ink inlet. Continue to tighten nut 6 to push ferrule 3 to move. The end face of nut 6 contacts the helical teeth on the outer edge of threaded sleeve 5, which increases the force between ferrule 2 4, ferrule 3 and their contact parts, thereby fixing ferrule 3 to the connecting pipe 2. Ferrule 3 is fixed to the printhead housing 1, and threaded sleeve 5 is fixed to ferrule 3, thus fixing the connecting pipe 2 to the printhead housing 1. When the connecting pipe 2 becomes blocked and needs to be cleaned, unscrew nut 6, which separates from ferrule 2 4. Remove ferrule 2 4 from ferrule 3, and then remove the connecting pipe 2 from ferrule 2 4 for cleaning. It is not necessary to disassemble the entire printhead. Cleaning the connecting pipe 2 separately is more convenient and effective. After cleaning, fix the connecting pipe 2 to the printhead in the same way.

Claims

1. A printhead for an inkjet printer, comprising a housing (1), wherein ink inlets are provided on both sides of the housing (1), and connecting pipes (2) are connected to the ink inlets, characterized in that, The connecting tube (2) is detachably connected to the ink inlet of the printhead housing (1) via a connector. The connector includes a first sleeve (3), a second sleeve (4), a threaded sleeve (5), and a nut (6). The first sleeve (3) has a uniform outer diameter and a gradually changing inner diameter, thus forming a wedge-shaped surface on the inner wall of the first sleeve (3). The two ends of the first sleeve (3) have different opening sizes. The first sleeve (3) is partially inserted into the ink inlet, with the smaller opening end facing downwards. The outer wall of the first sleeve (3) contacts the inner wall of the ink inlet. The first sleeve (3) is a discontinuous, non-closed ring. The threaded sleeve (5) is fitted onto the first ferrule (3). The threaded sleeve (5) is located outside the ink inlet of the outer shell (1). The outer wall of the threaded sleeve (5) is threaded. The inner wall of the threaded sleeve (5) is in contact with the outer wall of the first ferrule (3). A portion of the second ferrule (4) is inserted into the first ferrule (3). The second ferrule (4) is frustum shaped. The outer wall of the second ferrule (4) is in contact with the inner wall of the first ferrule (3). The nut (6) is fitted onto the threaded sleeve (5). The two are threadedly connected. The inner wall of the end of the nut (6) is in contact with the end face of the second ferrule (4). One end of the connecting tube (2) passes through the second ferrule (4).

2. The inkjet printer printhead according to claim 1, characterized in that, The printhead housing (1) includes a cavity and a nozzle. The width of the nozzle is smaller than the width of the cavity, thus forming a step between the nozzle and the cavity. The two ink inlets are respectively opened on the bottom surface of the nozzle on both sides of the cavity. A vertical groove (7) is provided on the front outer wall of the nozzle. The groove (7) is arc-shaped in cross section.

3. The inkjet printer printhead according to claim 1, characterized in that, Both the first (3) and the second (4) card sleeves are fixedly connected to rubber sleeves on their outer walls.

4. The inkjet printer printhead according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connecting tube (2) consists of two short tubes of different thicknesses. A step is formed between the thin tube and the thick tube. The thicker tube is inserted into the second sleeve (4), and the thinner tube is sleeved with the ink tube. The thinner tube is inserted into the ink tube. The end face of the ink tube is in contact with the bottom surface of the step, that is, the end face where the thicker tube and the thinner tube are connected. An annular groove (8) is provided on the bottom surface of the step. The annular groove (8) is located outside the ink tube opening.

5. A printhead for an inkjet printer according to claim 1, characterized in that, A gasket (9) is fixedly connected to the outer wall between the two ends of the sleeve (3), and the gasket (9) is disconnected. The gasket (9) is in contact with the surface of the outer shell (1), and the end face of the threaded sleeve (5) is in contact with the surface of the gasket (9).

6. A printhead for an inkjet printer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The threaded sleeve (5) is flange-shaped, and an outer edge is fixedly connected to the outer wall of one end of the threaded sleeve (5), and the end face of the outer edge is provided with helical teeth.

7. A printhead for an inkjet printer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connecting pipe (2) is made of ceramic.

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