Print head mounting structure integrating flat plate heat pipe and liquid cooling and thermal sublimation printer

Abstract

The utility model relates to integrated flat plate heat pipe and liquid -cooled printing head mounting structure and thermal dye diffusion printer, printing head mounting structure includes printing head mounting plate main part and flat plate heat pipe, printing head mounting plate main part is long strip, and printing head sets up along the length direction of printing head mounting plate main part and is installed in one side of printing head mounting plate main part, flat plate heat pipe sets up along the length direction of printing head mounting plate main part and is embedded in one side of printing head mounting plate main part, and flat plate heat pipe is located between printing head mounting plate main part and printing head, and there is cooling liquid flow channel in printing head mounting plate main part, and printing head mounting plate main part is equipped with with cooling liquid flow channel connects liquid inlet connector and liquid outlet connector, and the condensation surface of flat plate heat pipe is pasted printing head mounting plate main part, and the evaporation surface is pasted printing head. Advantage: can realize the super -low thermal resistance connection of flat plate heat pipe, utilizes the cooling liquid to realize the active cooling of flat plate heat pipe condensing part to improve the heat dissipation performance, guarantees the stability and reliability of printing process.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of printing equipment technology, and in particular to a printhead mounting structure integrating a flat plate heat pipe and liquid cooling, and a thermal sublimation printer. Background Technology

[0002] With the widespread application of thermal sublimation printing technology in high-resolution, high-speed, and high-volume continuous printing scenarios (such as industrial barcode label printing, receipt / invoice printing, medical film imaging, photo-realistic images, etc.), the thermal print head (TPH), as the core heat-generating component, has seen its operating temperature and heat dissipation efficiency become key bottlenecks restricting printing performance, stability, and service life.

[0003] The working principle of a dye-sublimation printhead is to heat a ribbon (usually containing yellow, magenta, cyan, and black) to sublimate it into a gaseous state, which then directly penetrates into the fibers of the printing medium (such as paper or fabric). In this process, the color molecules in the ribbon change directly from a solid to a gaseous state at high temperatures and permeate into the micropores of the medium, forming a high-quality image with continuous tones. To meet the demands of high-resolution, high-speed printing, the printhead integrates an extremely high density of tiny heat-generating points. In high-frequency, continuous, and high-volume printing operations, these dense hot spots generate enormous, highly concentrated heat. Insufficient heat dissipation can lead to degraded print quality, limited printing speed, thermal damage to components, and decreased equipment stability. Traditional heat dissipation methods for dye-sublimation printheads mainly include air cooling and water cooling. Air cooling has relatively low efficiency and is difficult to meet the requirements of high power density and high-load conditions; while traditional water cooling structures are mostly external or only cool the exterior of the dye-sublimation printhead, resulting in poor adaptability to temperature fluctuations and difficulty meeting the demands of high-speed continuous printing.

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to develop an integrated flat-panel heat pipe and liquid cooling printhead mounting structure and a thermal sublimation printer to solve the above-mentioned technical problems. Utility Model Content

[0005] The technical problem to be solved by this utility model is to provide an integrated flat plate heat pipe and liquid cooling printhead mounting structure and a thermal sublimation printer, which effectively overcomes the defects of the prior art.

[0006] The technical solution of this utility model to solve the above-mentioned technical problems is as follows:

[0007] An integrated flat plate heat pipe and liquid cooling printhead mounting structure includes a thermally conductive printhead mounting plate body and a flat plate heat pipe. The printhead mounting plate body is elongated, and the printhead is disposed along the length of the printhead mounting plate body and mounted on one side of the printhead mounting plate body. The flat plate heat pipe is disposed along the length of the printhead mounting plate body and embedded in one side of the printhead mounting plate body. The flat plate heat pipe is located between the printhead mounting plate body and the printhead. A coolant flow channel is provided inside the printhead mounting plate body between its two ends. The two ends of the printhead mounting plate body are respectively provided with an inlet connector and an outlet connector connected to the coolant flow channel. The condensation surface of the flat plate heat pipe is in contact with the printhead mounting plate body, and its evaporation surface is in contact with the printhead.

[0008] Based on the above technical solution, the present invention can be further improved as follows.

[0009] Furthermore, the main body of the aforementioned printhead mounting plate is made of aluminum alloy or copper alloy metal.

[0010] Furthermore, the printhead mounting plate body and the flat heat pipe are provided with a plurality of printhead mounting holes that penetrate the two along the length direction of the printhead mounting plate body, and bolts for connecting the printhead are provided through the printhead mounting holes.

[0011] Furthermore, the main body of the printhead mounting plate is a cuboid base, and a rectangular limiting part is vertically provided at the long edge of one side of its length direction. The flat heat pipe is embedded in the mounting area defined by the limiting part and one side of the printhead mounting plate main body in the length direction.

[0012] Furthermore, an electrical interface for installing temperature sensing elements is provided on one side of the main body of the printhead mounting plate along its length.

[0013] Furthermore, the aforementioned coolant flow channel is a straight-strip type.

[0014] Furthermore, the aforementioned coolant flow channel is a serpentine flow channel.

[0015] Furthermore, the aforementioned coolant flow channel is a spirally extending flow channel.

[0016] Furthermore, the aforementioned coolant flow channels are provided with multiple channels.

[0017] The beneficial effects of this utility model are: the structure is reasonably designed, which can realize the ultra-low thermal resistance connection of the flat plate heat pipe, and the coolant in the coolant channel can realize efficient active cooling of the condensation part of the flat plate heat pipe, thereby improving the overall heat dissipation performance of the print head and ensuring the stability and reliability of the printing process.

[0018] This utility model also provides a thermal sublimation printer, including an integrated flat heat pipe and liquid-cooled printhead mounting structure. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the integrated flat plate heat pipe and liquid-cooled printhead mounting structure of this utility model. Figure 1 ;

[0020] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the integrated flat plate heat pipe and liquid-cooled printhead mounting structure of this utility model. Figure 2 ;

[0021] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the integrated flat plate heat pipe and liquid-cooled printhead mounting structure of this utility model.

[0022] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the serpentine coolant flow channel in the integrated flat plate heat pipe and liquid-cooled printhead mounting structure of this utility model.

[0023] The attached diagram lists the components represented by each number as follows:

[0024] 1. Printhead mounting plate body; 2. Flat heat pipe; 3. Coolant flow channel; 11. Inlet connector; 12. Outlet connector; 13. Printhead mounting hole; 14. Limiting part; 15. Electrical interface. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The principles and features of this utility model are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The examples given are only for explaining this utility model and are not intended to limit the scope of this utility model.

[0026] Example

[0027] like Figure 1 , 2 As shown in Figure 3, the integrated flat plate heat pipe and liquid-cooled printhead mounting structure of this embodiment includes a heat-conducting printhead mounting plate body 1 and a flat plate heat pipe 2. The printhead mounting plate body 1 is elongated, and the printhead is arranged along the length direction of the printhead mounting plate body 1 and mounted on one side of the printhead mounting plate body 1. The flat plate heat pipe 2 is arranged along the length direction of the printhead mounting plate body 1 and embedded in one side of the printhead mounting plate body 1. The flat plate heat pipe 2 is located between the printhead mounting plate body 1 and the printhead. The printhead mounting plate body 1 has a coolant channel 3 between its two ends. The two ends of the printhead mounting plate body 1 are respectively provided with an inlet connector 11 and an outlet connector 12 connected to the coolant channel 3. The condensation surface of the flat plate heat pipe 2 is in contact with the printhead mounting plate body 1, and its evaporation surface is in contact with the printhead.

[0028] In this embodiment of the integrated flat-plate heat pipe and liquid-cooled printhead mounting structure, the condensation surface of the flat-plate heat pipe 2 is attached to one side of the printhead mounting plate body 1, achieving an ultra-low thermal resistance connection between the two. The evaporation surface is used to quickly absorb the heat generated during printhead operation. Simultaneously, the design of the coolant flow channel 3 inside the printhead mounting plate body 1, in conjunction with the inlet connector 11 and outlet connector 12, allows coolant to circulate inside the printhead mounting plate body 1, achieving efficient active cooling of the flat-plate heat pipe's condensation portion (condensation surface). Compared to traditional printhead cooling technologies, this structure offers the following technical advantages:

[0029] 1) The structure is compact, integrating the flat heat pipe 2 and coolant flow channel 3 into the main body 1 of the printhead mounting plate, saving space and facilitating modular installation.

[0030] 2) It pioneered a layered collaborative heat dissipation architecture of flat plate heat pipe 2 and coolant flow channel 3.

[0031] 3) The design of the flat heat pipe 2 directly contacting the printhead enables rapid heat conduction from the printhead, avoiding localized overheating.

[0032] 4) The coolant flow channel 3 directly cools the condensation surface of the flat heat pipe 2, greatly improving the overall heat dissipation efficiency.

[0033] 5) Heat dissipation efficiency is greatly improved, which can support higher power printheads.

[0034] In this embodiment, the main body 1 of the printhead mounting plate is made of aluminum alloy or copper alloy metal, which has better thermal conductivity.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment, the printhead mounting plate body 1 and the flat heat pipe 2 are provided with a plurality of printhead mounting holes 13 that penetrate the printhead mounting plate body 1 at intervals along the length direction of the printhead mounting plate body 1, and the printhead mounting holes 13 are provided with bolts that are connected to the printhead.

[0036] In the above implementation scheme, the main body 1 of the printhead mounting plate and the flat heat pipe 2 are tightly fitted together, forming a three-layer "clamping" structure with the printhead, and then connected and fastened with bolts, resulting in a stable and compact structure.

[0037] In this embodiment, the flat heat pipe 2 can also be welded to one side of the printhead mounting plate body 1 first, and then the printhead can be installed and fastened with bolts.

[0038] In this embodiment, the printhead mounting plate body 1 is a cuboid base with a rectangular limiting part 14 perpendicularly provided at the long edge of one of its length sides. The flat heat pipe 2 is embedded in the mounting area defined by the limiting part 14 and the length side of the printhead mounting plate body 1. The design of the limiting part 14 forms a mounting area on one side of the printhead mounting plate body 1 that matches the shape of the flat heat pipe 2, facilitating the compact installation of the flat heat pipe 2.

[0039] In a preferred embodiment, the printhead mounting plate body 1 is provided with an electrical interface 15 for mounting a temperature measuring element on one side along its length.

[0040] In the above implementation scheme, the electrical interface 15 is designed to facilitate the installation of temperature sensing elements, enabling real-time monitoring of the temperature of the printhead mounting plate body 1 and achieving intelligent temperature control. This design supports the integration of intelligent temperature control systems, improving the stability and safety of the printing process.

[0041] In the integrated flat plate heat pipe and liquid-cooled printhead mounting structure of this embodiment, the shape design of the coolant flow channel 3 includes at least the following forms:

[0042] 1) The coolant flow channel 3 described above is a straight-line flow channel. Multiple straight-line flow channels can be provided, and they can be staggered or parallel and spaced apart.

[0043] 2) The above-mentioned coolant flow channel 3 is a serpentine flow channel (e.g., Figure 4 As shown in the image, it has a large surface area, a regular design, and excellent cooling performance. Multiple lines can also be designed according to actual needs.

[0044] 3) The coolant flow channel 3 described above is a spiral-shaped flow channel. Multiple channels can be designed according to actual needs.

[0045] Example 2

[0046] The dye-sublimation printer of this embodiment includes the integrated flat plate heat pipe and liquid-cooled printhead mounting structure of Embodiment 1.

[0047] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "transverse", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", 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 utility model and simplifying the description, and are not intended to 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 utility model.

[0048] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this utility model, "a plurality of" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0049] In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; 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 of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise explicitly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.

[0050] In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0051] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0052] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described above, it is understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make changes, modifications, substitutions and variations to the above embodiments within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A printhead mounting structure integrating a flat plate heat pipe and liquid cooling, characterized in that: The device includes a heat-conducting printhead mounting plate body (1) and a flat heat pipe (2). The printhead mounting plate body (1) is elongated. The printhead is positioned along the length of the printhead mounting plate body (1) and mounted on one side of the printhead mounting plate body (1). The flat heat pipe (2) is positioned along the length of the printhead mounting plate body (1) and embedded on one side of the printhead mounting plate body (1). The flat heat pipe (2) is located between the printhead mounting plate body (1) and the printhead. The printhead mounting plate body (1) has a coolant channel (3) between its two ends. The two ends of the printhead mounting plate body (1) are respectively provided with an inlet connector (11) and an outlet connector (12) connected to the coolant channel (3). The condensation surface of the flat heat pipe (2) is in contact with the printhead mounting plate body (1), and its evaporation surface is in contact with the printhead.

2. The integrated flat-panel heat pipe and liquid-cooled printhead mounting structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The main body (1) of the printhead mounting plate is an aluminum alloy or copper alloy metal component.

3. The integrated flat-panel heat pipe and liquid-cooled printhead mounting structure according to claim 2, characterized in that: The printhead mounting plate body (1) and the flat heat pipe (2) are provided with a plurality of printhead mounting holes (13) that pass through the printhead mounting plate body (1) at intervals along the length direction of the printhead mounting plate body (1), and the printhead mounting holes (13) are provided with bolts that are connected to the printhead.

4. The integrated flat plate heat pipe and liquid-cooled printhead mounting structure according to claim 2, characterized in that: The printhead mounting plate body (1) is a cuboid base, and a rectangular limiting part (14) is provided vertically at the long edge of one side of its length direction. The flat heat pipe (2) is embedded in the mounting area defined by the limiting part (14) and one side of the printhead mounting plate body (1) in the length direction.

5. The integrated flat-panel heat pipe and liquid-cooled printhead mounting structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The printhead mounting plate body (1) has an electrical interface (15) for installing temperature measuring elements on one side along its length.

6. The integrated flat-panel heat pipe and liquid-cooled printhead mounting structure according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The coolant flow channel (3) is a straight flow channel.

7. The integrated flat-panel heat pipe and liquid-cooled printhead mounting structure according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The coolant flow channel (3) is a serpentine flow channel.

8. The integrated flat-panel heat pipe and liquid-cooled printhead mounting structure according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The coolant flow channel (3) is a spirally extended flow channel.

9. The integrated flat-panel heat pipe and liquid-cooled printhead mounting structure according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The coolant flow channel (3) is provided with multiple channels.

10. A thermal sublimation printer, characterized in that: The printhead mounting structure includes the integrated flat plate heat pipe and liquid cooling as described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

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