An anti-reflective end cap ionizer protective device for inkjet printing equipment

Abstract

This utility model discloses an anti-reflective nozzle ion bar protection device for inkjet printing equipment, comprising: at least two sets of ion bars, the two sets of ion bars being respectively arranged on opposite sides of the printhead of the UV inkjet printing equipment; the air outlets of the ion bars simultaneously face the nozzle plate surface of the printhead and the printing area below the printhead; the ion bars can continuously blow transverse ion air onto the nozzle plate surface and the printing area, this airflow can form a dynamic air curtain barrier on the nozzle plate surface, which can physically block the reflected stray light and blow away the reflected heat to cool the printhead, while further ion quenching to neutralize the static charge on the surface of the printing substrate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model specifically relates to an anti-reflective end cap ionizer protective device for inkjet printing equipment. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of UV inkjet printing head protection technology, particularly for UV high-gloss printing on transparent or high-gloss substrates such as transparent glass bottles, acrylic sheets, and mirrored metal sheets, the following issues arise: During this type of printing process, when the UV light emitted by the UV lamp cures the ink, approximately 10%-30% of the light penetrates the transparent substrate and undergoes specular reflection on the bottom metal fixture and printing platform surface, reflecting back onto the printhead nozzle plate. This causes residual ink on the nozzle plate to solidify prematurely, ultimately leading to printhead clogging and failure. Simultaneously, the surface of transparent insulating substrates easily accumulates static electricity, causing ink droplets to deviate during flight (ink splatter) or even attracting them back to the printhead surface, further exacerbating the risk of clogging.

[0003] In existing technologies, the industry mainly uses physical shielding (black tape, matte fixtures), optical control (adjusting the angle of the UV lamp), and process adjustment (increasing the flash spray frequency) to solve the above problems, but all of them have obvious defects: they can only block reflected light or alleviate ink residue, and cannot simultaneously solve the two core causes of nozzle clogging: UV light reflection and electrostatic adsorption; the protective effect is unstable and relies on frequent manual maintenance; some solutions require sacrificing production efficiency or print quality for anti-clogging effect; and they cannot be adapted to complex scenarios such as irregularly shaped substrates. Utility Model Content

[0004] In view of the defects of the existing technology, the technical problem to be solved by this utility model is to provide an anti-reflective ion air bar protection device for inkjet printing equipment.

[0005] A protective device for an anti-reflective end cap ionizer in inkjet printing equipment, comprising:

[0006] An ion bar is provided in at least two sets, with the two sets of ion bars respectively located on opposite sides of the printhead of a UV inkjet printer. The air outlet of the ion bar is directed towards both the nozzle plate surface of the printhead and the printing area below the printhead. The ion bar can continuously blow transverse ion air onto the nozzle plate surface and the printing area, forming a dynamic air curtain barrier on the nozzle plate surface and neutralizing the static charge on the surface of the printing substrate.

[0007] In one embodiment, the two sets of ion air bars are arranged symmetrically with respect to the vertical central axis of the nozzle, and the output wind speed and ion generation concentration of the two sets of ion air bars are consistent.

[0008] In one embodiment, the ion bar has a strip-shaped slit outlet extending along its length, and the air outlet direction forms a downward angle of 15° to 45° with the plane of the nozzle plate.

[0009] Furthermore, the ion air bar is arranged obliquely on the side of the nozzle, so that the upper airflow of the same ion air sweeps across the nozzle plate surface and the lower airflow blows directly onto the printing area below the nozzle, thus simultaneously covering the nozzle plate surface and the printing area.

[0010] In one embodiment, the ion bar is fixed to both sides of the printhead of the UV inkjet printer via a mounting bracket, and can move synchronously with the printhead; or, the ion bar is fixedly installed at the entrance of the printing area on the frame via a mounting bracket.

[0011] In one embodiment, the mounting bracket is provided with an angle adjustment structure, which is used to adjust the pitch angle of the ion fan outlet; the angle adjustment structure adopts a structure of rotating shaft and locking bolt.

[0012] In one embodiment, the mounting bracket is provided with a height adjustment mechanism, which is used to adjust the vertical distance between the ion air bar and the nozzle plate of the nozzle head; the height adjustment mechanism adopts a structure of sliding groove and locking bolt.

[0013] In one embodiment, the length of the ion bar is matched to the effective printing width of the printhead.

[0014] In summary, the advantages of this utility model over the prior art are:

[0015] This invention achieves two major functions simultaneously through a single device, the ion bar: dynamic air curtain blocking UV reflected light and ion neutralization of static electricity on the substrate. This reduces the curing effect of reflected light on residual ink on the nozzle plate and eliminates ink accumulation caused by electrostatic adsorption at the source, resulting in a protective effect far superior to existing single-function solutions. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a side view of an anti-reflective plug ion air bar protective device applied to an inkjet printing equipment according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0017] Figure 2 A perspective view of an anti-reflective plug ion air bar protective device for inkjet printing equipment according to one embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0018] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments:

[0019] like Figures 1 to 2The present invention preferably provides an anti-reflective ion bar protection device for inkjet printing equipment, comprising: ion bars 1, which are arranged in at least two groups, the two groups of ion bars 1 being respectively arranged on opposite sides of the printhead 2 of the UV inkjet printing equipment; the air outlet of the ion bars 1 is simultaneously directed toward the surface of the nozzle plate 3 of the printhead 2 and the printing area below the printhead 2; the ion bars 1 can continuously blow transverse ion air toward the surface of the nozzle plate 3 and the printing area, forming a dynamic air curtain barrier on the surface of the nozzle plate 3, while neutralizing the static charge on the surface of the printing substrate.

[0020] Specifically, two sets of ion air bars simultaneously blow horizontal ion air onto the surface of the printhead nozzle plate and the printing area below, forming two opposing airflows that converge on the nozzle plate surface to form a continuous dynamic air curtain barrier. This air curtain has three functions: first, it physically scatters and absorbs most of the reflected UV stray light, reducing the light intensity reaching the nozzle plate surface; second, it quickly removes the heat from the reflected light, lowering the nozzle plate temperature and preventing high-temperature ink curing; and third, it disperses residual ink droplets on the nozzle plate surface, preventing them from accumulating and solidifying. Simultaneously, the large number of positive and negative ions carried by the ion air neutralize the static charge on the printing substrate surface, eliminating ink splatter and reducing the probability of ink droplets being re-adsorbed back onto the printhead surface.

[0021] Furthermore, the two sets of ion air bars 1 are arranged symmetrically with respect to the vertical central axis of the nozzle 2, and the output wind speed and ion generation concentration of the two sets of ion air bars 1 are consistent.

[0022] Specifically, the symmetrical arrangement ensures that the airflow on both sides converges evenly on the nozzle plate surface, forming an air curtain barrier of consistent thickness and strength, avoiding dead zones that could lead to localized protection failure. Consistent output airflow velocity and ion concentration ensure symmetrical electrostatic neutralization and airflow protection on both sides, preventing excessively strong airflow on one side from interfering with the normal flight trajectory of ink droplets and guaranteeing printing accuracy.

[0023] Furthermore, the ion air bar 1 is provided with a strip-shaped slit air outlet extending along its length, and the air outlet direction forms a downward angle of 15° to 45° with the plane of the nozzle plate 3 of the nozzle head 2; and the ion air bar 1 is arranged obliquely on the side of the nozzle head 2, so that the upper airflow of the same ion air sweeps across the surface of the nozzle plate 3 and the lower airflow blows directly onto the printing area below the nozzle, thereby simultaneously covering the surface of the nozzle plate 3 and the printing area.

[0024] Specifically, the slit-shaped air outlet generates a uniform and continuous planar airflow, avoiding the uneven airflow problem caused by point-shaped air outlets. The downward angle design of 15°–45° naturally divides the same ion airflow into two layers: the upper airflow sweeps across the nozzle plate surface, achieving comprehensive cleaning, cooling, and light blocking of the nozzle plate; the lower airflow reaches the printing area 10-50mm below the nozzle, effectively neutralizing static electricity on the substrate surface. When the angle is less than 15°, the airflow is mainly concentrated on the nozzle plate surface, resulting in insufficient static electricity elimination in the printing area; when the angle is greater than 45°, the airflow mainly blows towards the substrate, weakening the air curtain protection effect on the nozzle plate surface. A 30° angle is preferred, achieving optimal nozzle plate protection and substrate static electricity elimination simultaneously.

[0025] Furthermore, the ion air bar 1 is fixed to both sides of the printhead 2 of the UV inkjet printer via a mounting bracket, and can move synchronously with the printhead 2; or, the ion air bar 1 is fixedly installed at the entrance of the printing area on the frame via a mounting bracket.

[0026] Specifically, the ion air bar is fixed by a mounting bracket and can be either moved synchronously with the printhead or fixedly installed at the entrance of the printing area of ​​the rack.

[0027] In one embodiment, the ion bar is fixed on the movable base of the printhead and moves synchronously with the printhead, so that its relative position with the printhead remains unchanged at all times. This provides real-time and continuous protection for the printhead during the printing process and is suitable for single-printhead intermittent printing equipment.

[0028] In another embodiment, the ion bar is fixed at the entrance of the printing area to neutralize the static electricity on the surface of the printing substrate before it enters the printing area, while forming a continuous air curtain barrier above the entire printing area. This is suitable for multi-nozzle continuous production line printing equipment and can reduce equipment modification costs.

[0029] Furthermore, the mounting bracket is provided with an angle adjustment structure, which is used to adjust the pitch angle of the air outlet of the ion fan bar 1; the angle adjustment structure adopts a structure of rotating shaft and locking bolt.

[0030] Specifically, the mounting bracket is equipped with a rotating shaft and locking bolt type angle adjustment structure, including a fixed bracket, a rotating bracket, a rotating shaft, and a butterfly locking bolt. The fixed bracket is fixedly connected to the movable base or frame for the nozzle mounting, and the rotating bracket is fixedly connected to the ion bar. The fixed bracket and the rotating bracket are hinged by the rotating shaft, and the butterfly locking bolt passes through the arc-shaped adjustment groove on the fixed bracket and is threadedly connected to the rotating bracket.

[0031] Loosen the butterfly locking bolt, and the rotating bracket can rotate around the axis within a range of 15° to 45°, thereby adjusting the pitch angle of the ion bar's outlet. The arc of the adjustment groove matches the rotation trajectory of the axis, limiting the rotation angle within the effective range. After adjusting to the desired angle, tighten the butterfly locking bolt to fix the rotating bracket to the fixed bracket through friction, thus locking the angle. This structure is simple, reliable, and easy to adjust, requiring no additional tools, and allows for quick adjustment of the outlet angle according to different printing substrates and process requirements.

[0032] Furthermore, the mounting bracket is provided with a height adjustment mechanism, which is used to adjust the vertical distance between the ion air bar 1 and the nozzle plate 3 of the nozzle 2; the height adjustment mechanism adopts a structure of sliding groove and locking bolt.

[0033] Specifically, the mounting bracket is equipped with a height adjustment mechanism consisting of a sliding groove and a locking bolt, including a vertical bracket, a sliding bracket, and a butterfly locking bolt. The vertical bracket has a long, vertically extending sliding groove. The sliding bracket is fixedly connected to the angle adjustment structure of the ion air bar. The butterfly locking bolt passes through the sliding groove and is threadedly connected to the sliding bracket.

[0034] Loosen the butterfly locking bolt, and the sliding bracket can move up and down within the range of 50mm to 150mm along the vertical groove, thereby adjusting the vertical distance between the ion fan and the printhead nozzle plate. When printing on thicker substrates or requiring stronger air curtain protection, the height of the ion fan can be appropriately lowered; when it is necessary to avoid airflow interference with the ink droplet trajectory, the height of the ion fan can be appropriately raised. After adjusting to the desired height, tighten the butterfly locking bolt to fix the sliding bracket and the vertical bracket in place through friction, thus locking the height. This structure is adaptable to different printhead models and printing substrates of different thicknesses, offering strong versatility.

[0035] Furthermore, the length of the ion air bar 1 is matched with the effective printing width of the nozzle 2.

[0036] Specifically, the length-matching design ensures that the air curtain barrier generated by the ion wind completely covers the entire printing range of the printhead, avoiding blind spots at the edges of the printing width. The design, which is 10% to 20% longer than the printing width, compensates for edge strength attenuation caused by airflow diffusion, ensuring uniform air curtain strength and ion concentration throughout the entire printing width.

[0037] The foregoing has shown and described the basic principles and main features of this utility model, as well as its advantages. Those skilled in the art should understand that this utility model is not limited to the above embodiments. The embodiments and descriptions in the specification are merely illustrative of the principles of this utility model. Various changes and modifications can be made to this utility model without departing from its spirit and scope, and all such changes and modifications fall within the scope of the claimed utility model. The scope of protection of this utility model is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A back light reflection preventing plug ion wind stick protection device applied to an inkjet printing device, characterized in that, include; Ionizing air bars (1) are provided in at least two sets, and the two sets of ionizing air bars (1) are respectively provided on opposite sides of the printhead (2) of the UV inkjet printing equipment; the air outlet of the ionizing air bar (1) is directed towards the surface of the nozzle plate (3) of the printhead (2) and the printing area below the printhead (2). The ionizing air bar (1) can continuously blow transverse ionizing air onto the surface of the nozzle plate (3) and the printing area, forming a dynamic air curtain barrier on the surface of the nozzle plate (3) and neutralizing the static charge on the surface of the printing substrate.

2. The anti-glare plug ion air stick protection device for inkjet printing equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that: The two sets of ion air bars (1) are arranged symmetrically with respect to the vertical central axis of the nozzle (2), and the output wind speed and ion generation concentration of the two sets of ion air bars (1) are consistent.

3. The anti-glare plug ion air stick protection device for inkjet printing equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that: The ion bar (1) is provided with a strip-shaped slit air outlet extending along its length, and the air outlet direction forms a downward angle of 15° to 45° with the plane of the nozzle plate (3) of the nozzle (2); Furthermore, the ion air bar (1) is arranged obliquely on the side of the nozzle (2), so that the upper airflow of the same ion air sweeps across the surface of the nozzle plate (3) and the lower airflow blows directly onto the printing area below the nozzle, thereby simultaneously covering the surface of the nozzle plate (3) and the printing area.

4. The anti-glare plug ion air stick protection device for inkjet printing equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that: The ion air bar (1) is fixed to both sides of the printhead (2) of the UV inkjet printing equipment by means of a mounting bracket, and can move synchronously with the printhead (2); or, the ion air bar (1) is fixedly installed at the entrance of the printing area on the frame by means of a mounting bracket.

5. The anti-glare plug ion air stick protection device for inkjet printing equipment according to claim 4, characterized in that: The mounting bracket is provided with an angle adjustment structure, which is used to adjust the pitch angle of the air outlet of the ion fan bar (1); the angle adjustment structure adopts a structure of rotating shaft and locking bolt.

6. The anti-glare plug ion air stick protection device for inkjet printing equipment according to claim 4, characterized in that: The mounting bracket is equipped with a height adjustment mechanism, which is used to adjust the vertical distance between the ion air bar (1) and the nozzle plate (3) of the nozzle (2); the height adjustment mechanism adopts a structure of sliding groove and locking bolt.

7. The anti-reflective end cap ionizer protective device for inkjet printing equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that: The length of the ion air bar (1) is matched with the effective printing width of the nozzle (2).

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