TWI687324B - A printing system - Google Patents

Abstract

Features for various embodiments of a self-contained printhead unit, including an on-board fluidic system, quick-coupling electrical and pneumatic interfacing, in conjunction with the features of various embodiments of a kinematic mounting and air bearing clamping assembly, as well as contactless integration to a waste assembly, together provide for the ready interchangeability of a plurality of printhead units in a printing system during a printing process, while at the same time preventing cross-contamination of a plurality of end-user selected inks contained in each of a plurality of printhead units.

Description

Printing system Cross-reference of related literature

This application claims the priority of US Patent Application No. 13/839,993 and International Application No. PCT/US13/32451; the application date of these two applications is March 15, 2013. This application claims the rights of US Provisional Application No. 61/646,159 filed on May 11, 2012, and additionally claims the rights of US Provisional Application No. 61/697,479 filed on September 6, 2012. The full text of all cross-reference applications listed in this article is incorporated by reference.

The field of this teaching relates to an interchangeable printing head unit assembly used in an industrial inkjet film printing system.

According to the teachings, various specific examples of the print head unit assembly may include the print head unit, the mounting and clamping assembly, and the interface assembly. For various specific examples of the print head unit assembly according to this teaching, each component that communicates with the manifold (such as, but not limited to, a manifold, valve, reservoir, vacuum source, gas source that communicates with the port) Such as inert gas source), inkjet print head assembly, and the like) can be mounted on the manifold and can be sealed with an O-ring seal, thereby precluding its use for catheter connection. Thus, various specific examples of the manifold assembly of the present teachings can minimize undesirable idle volume and increase the robustness of the printhead unit by avoiding the failure modes common to various conduits and conduit connections. For various specific examples of the print head unit assembly of this teaching, the print head unit and the mounting and clamping assembly can provide a repeatable without any print head unit in the printing system Strain positioning. In various specific examples of the printing head unit assembly of this teaching, the printing head unit and the interface assembly may have features that enable easy interchangeability of various printing head units and printing systems. Provides easy interchangeability of strain-free, repeatable positioning of the print head unit in the printing system to achieve flexibility in the process of producing the target film, and reliable high-volume production printing.

This teaching discloses a specific example of a printing head unit assembly used in an industrial inkjet film printing system that can be used in various printing processes. Various specific examples of the print head unit assembly of this teaching may include the print head unit, installation and clamping assembly, and interface assembly. According to this teaching, the devices, devices, systems, and methods disclosed herein can be useful (for example, but not limited to) to develop various printing programs and provide efficient production-scale printing.

On the other hand, it is expected that the desirable attributes of a print head unit used to manufacture an OLED panel substrate using, for example, but not limited to, an inkjet printing process may include various formulations on the substrate during the printing process The efficient printing of multiple inks provides serial user flexibility. However, although it is desirable to provide serial printing of multiple inks during the printing process, cross-contamination of multiple inks and ink formulations is undesirable. Therefore, the design of effective sequential printing of multiple inks implementing various formulations should additionally eliminate cross contamination.

Regarding the positioning of the print head unit that is frequently moved into and out of the printing system, it is desirable to allow the installation and clamping to provide strain-free repeatable positioning of the print head unit and to provide fully automated print head exchange. As used herein, without substantially eliminating the lateral forces that can cause the print head unit to improperly displace in the installation and clamping assembly, strainless refers to a substantial reduction. With regard to the flexible movement of the printing head unit into and out of the printing system, the type of interconnection required from the printing system to the printing head unit (such as electrical interconnection, pneumatic interconnection, and fluid interconnection) can lead to The problem of quick and effective interchange of printing head unit. In the list that can be moved into and out of the printing system frequently In the case of the number of print head units, the identification of each print head unit and its operation information can be used to prevent selection errors during the automatic exchange of print head units. In addition, the design of the print head unit assembly should provide the robustness and ease of maintenance of the print head unit during use in order to avoid substantial downtime.

Therefore, in anticipation of attributes and challenges, various specific examples of the print head unit assembly and system of this teaching may include a self-contained print head unit for mounting the print head unit on the print system to provide Repeated strain-free printing nozzle unit positioning installation and clamping assembly, and interface assembly that provides fast and automated electrical and pneumatic interconnection. These components are designed to provide efficient and reliable printing procedures for inkjet printing of thin films (such as, but not limited to, organic light emitting diode (OLED) thin film inkjet printing). In addition, various specific examples of the print head unit assembly and system of this teaching can provide identification and tracking of the print head unit, as well as ease of maintenance for various specific examples of the print head unit of this teaching.

For various specific examples of the printing head unit of this teaching, each printing head unit can be a self-contained assembly, in which a plurality of self-contained printing head units can be easily interchanged into a printing system during the printing process . Various specific examples of self-contained printhead units may have a fluid system that may include a pneumatic manifold block assembly, a fluid manifold block assembly, and a primary dispensing reservoir. The primary dispensing reservoir may be combined with a pneumatic manifold And fluid manifold for fluid communication. Various specific examples of the printhead unit may have a fluid system that further includes a large-capacity ink reservoir that can be in fluid communication with the primary dispensing reservoir. Various specific examples of the large-capacity ink reservoir may have an inlet port, and a vent that may allow the large-capacity ink reservoir to be filled. The filling of the large-capacity ink reservoir can be performed in manual or automated mode. In various specific examples, the filling of the large-capacity ink reservoir can be performed by periodically supplying ink from an external supply source into the large-capacity ink reservoir through a supply port, which is reversible The physical connector where the ground is attached before this refill and disassembled after this refill is joined to the large-capacity ink reservoir inlet port. In various specific examples, the filling of large-capacity ink reservoirs This can be done by periodically supplying ink from an external supply source to the large-capacity ink reservoir through the supply port, which is close to the inlet port, which can be used without engaging the supply port and the inlet port In the case of a physical connector of the port, ink is guided from an external supplier through the supply port.

Various specific examples of self-contained printhead units can have large-capacity inkjet reservoirs, which can have sufficient supply throughout the printing process to provide continuous supply of ink to the primary dispensing reservoir volume of. The continuous supply of ink to the primary dispensing reservoir can maintain a constant volume in the primary dispensing reservoir, and the primary dispensing reservoir can be in fluid communication with the printhead during printing. Thus, the constant volume in the primary dispensing reservoir can provide a negligible change in ink pressure at the printhead nozzles in the printhead. In that regard, various specific examples of printhead units include at least one liquid level indicator to maintain a defined fill level for the primary dispensing reservoir so that ink from the large-volume ink reservoir during printing The primary dispensing reservoir is continuously replenished to the defined fill level. In various specific examples, the periodic supply of ink from an external supplier to a large-capacity ink reservoir may occur between printing operations in the maintenance site. Therefore, the self-contained print head unit for the ink supply that does not require a conduit connection from a source external to the print head unit can eliminate the need to disconnect and reconnect the heavy pipe during the exchange of various print head units, and can Further eliminating the need for heavy conduit lines provided to the printhead during the active printing operation.

Various specific examples of the manifold assembly of the present teaching may have a plurality of channels manufactured inside the manifold assembly, and provide fluid communication between (e.g., but not limited to) these channels and a plurality of valves providing fluid control Multiple ports. Thus, various specific examples of the manifold assembly of this teaching can provide fluid distribution and control. For various specific examples of the print head unit assembly according to this teaching, each component that communicates with the manifold (such as, but not limited to, a manifold, valve, reservoir, vacuum source, gas source that communicates with the port) Such as inert gas source), inkjet printhead assembly and the like) can be mounted on the manifold and can be sealed with an O-ring seal, thereby precluding its use for catheter connection. Therefore, various specific examples of the manifold assembly of this teaching can minimize the undesirable idle volume, And by increasing the robustness of the printhead unit by avoiding the failure modes common to various conduits and conduit connections.

In various specific examples of the printing head unit, each of the plurality of interchangeable printing head units may have a unique identification or identification code. For various specific examples, the identification or identification code may be physically indicated on the print head unit and electronically associated with each print head unit. For various specific examples of printing head units, the identification or identification code may associate each unit with a set of unique operating information for each printing head unit. For example, but not limited to, the unique operation information may include the only part of the print head unit printed in the maintenance module, the ink formulation contained in the print head unit, and the print head calibration data. This unique operation information can be stored on the memory device. For various specific examples, the memory device may be an on-board memory device that travels with each printhead unit.

Various specific examples of the printing head unit may include a quick-coupling electrical interface plate that cooperates with the interface assembly of the printing system to easily exchange in and out of the mounting and clamping assembly. As part of a motion system for controlling the position of the printing head unit relative to the substrate, various specific examples of the mounting and clamping assembly can be attached to the printing system. In addition, various specific examples of the printing head unit according to the present teaching may have an adapter plate manifold block assembly adjacent to the fluid manifold block. Various specific examples of the adapter plate manifold block assembly of this teaching can provide fluid communication between the fluid manifold block and the printing nozzle, as well as provide the printing nozzle assembly to the adapter plate manifold block assembly. Attach. In addition, various specific examples of the adapter plate manifold block assembly may include a mating surface for mounting the print head unit into the mounting and clamping assembly. In various specific examples of industrial inkjet film printing systems, the mounting and clamping assembly can provide the kinematic installation of the printhead unit to the industrial inkjet film printing system, as well as providing strainless clamping. On the other hand, various specific examples of the installation and clamping assembly include a non-contact air bearing assembly to stably clamp the printing head unit into the industrial inkjet film printing system during the installation and clamping process. Therefore, various specific examples of the installation and clamping assembly of the print head unit assembly of this teaching provide the print head unit to the printing system No strain and repeatable positioning in the system.

1: The first surface of the electrical interface platen

2: Electrical interface table

3: second surface

4: Spring type thimble pad

5: The first ribbon cable connection

6: First ribbon cable

7: Second ribbon cable connection

8: second ribbon cable

9: The first surface

10: Pneumatic manifold block

11: Second surface

12: Vacuum port

14: Inert gas port

16: The third port of the pneumatic manifold block

17: O-ring

20: The first pneumatic manifold block valve

22: Second pneumatic manifold block valve

25: First electrical connection table support column

27: Second electrical connection table support column

29: Guide pin

30: Fluid manifold block

31: The first surface

32: The first port of the fluid manifold block

33: Second surface

34: Second port of fluid manifold block

35: O-ring

36: Third port of fluid manifold block

37: O-ring

38: The fourth port of the fluid manifold block

41: Fifth port of fluid manifold block

42: Sixth port of fluid manifold block

43: Drain pipe

44: First fluid manifold block valve

45: port

46: Second fluid manifold block valve

47: port

48: third fluid manifold block valve

49: port

50: Primary dispensing reservoir assembly

51: The first port of the primary dispensing reservoir

52: Top of primary dispensing reservoir

53: The second port on the top of the primary dispensing reservoir

54: Primary dispensing reservoir base

55: Primary dispensing reservoir body

56: Second port of primary dispensing reservoir base

57: First port of primary dispensing reservoir base

58: Fourth port of primary dispensing reservoir base

59: The third port of the base of the primary dispensing reservoir

60: pneumatic manifold block assembly

70: Large-capacity ink reservoir assembly

71: Luer adapter

72: High-capacity ink reservoir assembly top accessory

73: dip tube

74: vent

75: Large-capacity ink reservoir body

76: port

77: The first port of the base of the large-capacity ink reservoir

78: Large-capacity ink reservoir base

79: Large-capacity ink reservoir base second port

80: fluid manifold block assembly

90: the first surface of the first adapter manifold assembly member

92: Second surface of the first adapter manifold assembly member

95: The first channel component

97: Second channel component

100: adapter flat manifold block assembly

101: O-ring

102: First port of adapter plate manifold block assembly

104: Second port of adapter plate manifold block assembly

105: O-ring

106: Third port of adapter plate manifold block assembly

107: O-ring

108: Fourth port of adapter plate manifold block assembly

109: O-ring

110: the first channel of the fluid manifold block

112: Third channel of fluid manifold block

114: The first introducer

115: the first component of the adapter manifold assembly

116: Second Introducer

117: Second member of adapter manifold assembly

118: Stainless steel ball

120: Support structure assembly

122: Top of high-capacity ink reservoir

123: The first print head unit recognizes the flatbed

124: first support member

125: The second printing head unit recognizes the flatbed

126: Second support member

127: Traction latch

128: Support structure assembly handle

130: First fluid manifold block

132: First port of fluid manifold block assembly

134: Second port of fluid manifold block assembly

136: Third port of fluid manifold block assembly

138: Fourth port of fluid manifold block assembly

140: Second fluid manifold block

141: Fifth port of fluid manifold block assembly

142: Sixth port of fluid manifold block assembly

143: Drain pipe

144: First fluid manifold block valve

145: Valve manifold of the first fluid manifold block

146: Second fluid manifold block valve

148: Third fluid manifold block valve

149: Second fluid manifold block valve manifold

150: Primary dispensing reservoir assembly

154: Primary dispensing reservoir base

156: Primary dispensing reservoir base second port

157: First port of primary dispensing reservoir base

158: Fourth port of primary dispensing reservoir base

159: Third port of primary dispensing reservoir base

160: Liquid level indicator assembly

162: First liquid level indicator/upper primary dispensing reservoir assembly liquid level indicator

163: First level indicator bracket

164: Second liquid level indicator/middle primary dispensing reservoir assembly liquid level indicator

165: Second level indicator bracket

166: Lower primary dispensing reservoir assembly liquid level indicator

168: Large capacity ink reservoir level indicator

170: Large-capacity ink reservoir assembly

177: Large-capacity ink reservoir base first port

178: Large capacity reservoir assembly base channel member

180: Modular fluid manifold block assembly

182: Primary dispensing reservoir base channel

184: Large capacity reservoir assembly base channel

185: Large-capacity ink reservoir base

186: Large capacity ink reservoir base channel

192: First fluid manifold block channel

194: First channel of adapter plate manifold block

196: Second fluid manifold block channel

198: Second channel of adapter plate manifold block

200: print head assembly

201: First PCB interconnection of print head assembly

203: Print head assembly second PCB interconnection

205: print head

210: print head assembly/print head

220: print head assembly/print head

230: print head assembly/print head

240: print head assembly/print head

250: print head

300: Installation and clamping assembly

310: Introducer

320: First guidance frame

330: Second guide frame

340: base plate

342: opening

343: port

344: connector

346: Local waste container

348: V-groove mounting table

350: base plate support arm

352: the first support column

354: second support column

400: air bearing assembly

410: Air bearing knurled knob

420: Air bearing shaft

430: Air bearing disc

440: Air bearing gas supply port

460: Air bearing support arm

500: interface assembly

510: the first interface assembly valve

515: Vacuum connection

520: Second interface assembly valve

525: connection to a gas source (such as an inert gas source)

530: Pull the latch lip

540: Spring-loaded thimble array

550: hinge of the first interface assembly

551: hinge groove of the first interface assembly

552: Second interface assembly hinge

553: Hinge groove of the second interface assembly

600: Cover station assembly

610: Cover station

615: Electrical and vacuum connections

620: Cover station

625: Electrical and vacuum connections

630: Cover station

635: Electrical and vacuum connections

640: Cover station

645: Electrical and vacuum connections

650: Cover station

655: Electrical and vacuum connections

1000: print head unit

1000-I: print head unit

1000-II: print head unit

1000-III: print head unit

1000-IV: print head unit

1000-V: print head unit

1054: substrate floating table

1058: Substrate

1070: Base

1079: Bridge

1080: First print head assembly

1081: Second print head assembly

1082: plural printing nozzle device

1084: The first printing nozzle assembly enclosure

1085: Second printing nozzle assembly enclosure

1090: The first printing nozzle assembly positioning system

1091: Positioning system for the second print head assembly

1092: First X-axis bracket

1093: Second X-axis mobile tablet

1094: The first Z-axis mobile tablet

1095: Second Z-axis mobile tablet

1200: Print head unit

1210: Print head unit housing

1220: Print support unit bottom support plate

1250: The first maintenance system assembly

2000: OLED inkjet printing system

2100: Gas enclosure assembly and system

2130: Gas purification circuit

2131: outlet pipeline

2132: Solvent removal assembly

2133: Inlet pipeline

2134: Gas purification system

2140: Thermal regulation system

2141: Freezer

2143: Fluid outlet line

2145: Fluid inlet line

2169: Pressurized inert gas recirculation system

2500: Gas enclosure body assembly

FMAV1: Valve

FMAV2: Valve

FMAV3: Valve

I: Self-contained print head unit

IA: pneumatic manifold block assembly

IB: fluid manifold block assembly

IC: Primary dispensing reservoir

ID: Large-capacity ink reservoir

IE: print head

II: External system

IIA: Inert gas source

IIB: vacuum source

III: External system

IIIA: Local waste storage

ILx: level indicator

IMx: level indicator

IUx: level indicator

PMAV1: Valve

PMAV2: Valve

1 is a block diagram of a print head unit according to various specific examples of a print head unit according to the teachings, which depicts associated pneumatic control and waste assembly.

2 is a perspective view of a print head unit according to various specific examples of the print head unit according to the teaching.

3A to 3C are exploded views of a print head unit according to various specific examples of the print head unit of the present teachings.

4A-4D depict various views of fluid manifold blocks according to various specific examples of printing head units of the present teachings.

5 is a perspective view of a print head unit according to various specific examples of the print head unit according to the teaching.

6 is a perspective view of various manifold assemblies of a printing head unit according to the teaching.

7 is an exploded perspective view of various manifold assemblies according to various specific examples of the printing head unit according to the teaching.

8 is a schematic diagram of a fluid design for preventing air bubbles from being trapped in an ink delivery line according to various specific examples of a print head unit of the present teachings.

9 is a cross-sectional view of various manifold assemblies according to various specific examples of the printing head unit according to the teaching.

10 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of an ink manifold assembly of various specific examples of a print head unit according to the present teachings.

Figure 11 is a schematic representation of a printhead assembly including a plurality of printheads.

12A and 12B are perspective views depicting a print head assembly including a plurality of print heads.

FIG. 13A is an exploded view of the printing head assembly and the mounting table assembly according to various specific examples. FIG. 13B is a top view of the printing head unit installed in the mounting table assembly according to various specific examples. 13C is a bottom view of the printing head assembly according to various specific examples.

14 is a perspective view of a printing head unit installed and clamped in an installation table assembly according to various specific examples.

15 is a perspective view of an interface assembly of an inkjet printing system according to various specific examples, depicting attachment to a print head unit.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a printing head unit cover station according to various specific examples.

17 is a perspective view of a printing system that can utilize various printing head units according to various specific examples of the printing head unit of the present teachings.

18 is a schematic representation of a gas enclosure assembly and system that can accommodate a printing system that can utilize various printing head units according to various specific examples of printing head units of the present teachings.

FIG. 1 is a schematic representation depicting some aspects of various specific examples of a self-contained printing head unit according to the teachings. FIG. 1 depicts a print head unit I according to various specific examples; regarding pneumatic input such as vacuum and inert gas; designated as external system II; and regarding fluid output such as local and external waste assembly; designated For external system III. For various specific examples of the self-contained printhead unit I, the pneumatic manifold block assembly IA may be able to provide (for example, but not limited to) primary dispensing reservoir ICs and various external sources requiring pneumatic control (such as inertness) Fluid distribution and control between gas source IIA and vacuum source IIB). In various specific examples of self-contained printhead units according to the teachings, the pneumatic manifold block assembly IA can be provided between the primary dispensing reservoir IC and various pneumatic sources, for example, through valves PMAV1 and PMAV2 control. According to the various types of self-contained printing head unit I As an example, the fluid manifold block assembly IB may be able to demonstrate fluid distribution and control of (eg, but not limited to) the primary dispensing reservoir IC and the large-volume ink reservoir ID. In various specific examples of the self-contained print head unit according to the teachings, the fluid manifold block assembly IB can control the fluid between the primary dispensing reservoir IC and the print head IE, for example, through the valve FMAV1 Connected. According to various specific examples of the self-contained print head unit of this teaching, the fluid manifold block assembly IB can control, for example, through the valve FMAV2 between the primary dispensing reservoir IC and the large-capacity ink reservoir ID Fluid communication. For various specific examples of the self-contained printing head unit according to the teaching, the fluid manifold block assembly IB can control the fluid between the printing head IE and the local waste reservoir IIIA (for example) through the valve FMAV3 Connected. Various specific examples of the self-contained printhead assembly of this teaching may have a primary dispensing reservoir IC and a large-capacity ink reservoir ID, each of which includes a plurality of liquid level indicators; such as ILX, IMX, and IUX . Various specific examples of the self-contained print head unit according to this teaching may have various liquid level indicators for the primary dispensing reservoir IC and the large-capacity ink reservoir ID, the large-capacity ink reservoir ID is used for Part of an automated system that maintains a constant volume of ink in the primary dispensing reservoir IC; thereby maintaining a constant pressure for the ink supplied to the printhead IE.

For various specific examples of the self-contained printhead unit I of FIG. 1, the large-volume ink supply assembly ID can provide sufficient ink volume to keep the primary dispensing reservoir assembly IC filled to a defined level for the entire printing process Fill level. As will be discussed in more detail later, connections to the pneumatic input (such as the vacuum source and gas source of the external system II (such as an inert gas source)) and electrical connections can be attached to using various specific examples of interface assemblies Various specific examples of the printing head unit I are printed. According to various specific examples of the print head unit assembly of this teaching, the interface assembly may have complementary and rapid coupling features that are used to provide quick coupling features for electrical and pneumatic interconnections for various specific examples of the print head unit I Coupling features to allow multiple self-contained printing head units (such as but not limited to) of this teaching to be easily swapped in and out of the printing system during the printing process. In addition, as will be discussed later, local waste in fluid communication with an external waste assembly (as shown in External System III) Various specific examples of the assembly provide easy interchangeability of multiple self-contained printhead units of this teaching during entry and exit of the printing system during the printing process.

Various specific examples of the printing head unit 1000 of FIG. 2 may have a fluid system including a pneumatic manifold block assembly 60, a fluid manifold block assembly 80, and an adapter plate manifold block assembly 100.

For various specific examples of the printhead unit 1000 of FIG. 2, the fluid system may include a pneumatic manifold block assembly 60. The pneumatic manifold block assembly 60 may include a pneumatic manifold block 10, and a first pneumatic manifold block valve 20 and a second pneumatic manifold block valve 22. The pneumatic manifold block valve 60 may include a fluid interconnection to a gas source (such as an inert gas source), and an interconnection to a vacuum source, and additionally include distribution and control through the pneumatic manifold block 10 to the primary dispensing The fluid interconnection of the reservoir assembly 50. The pneumatic manifold block 10 may have a channel made therein, and may be equipped with ports to communicate with various manifold components, such as, but not limited to, manifolds, valves, reservoirs, vacuum sources, and gas sources, such as, Inert gas source.

Various specific examples of the pneumatic manifold block 10 of FIG. 2 having the first surface 9 and the second surface 11 may include a first pneumatic manifold block valve 20 (not shown) and a second pneumatic manifold block valve 22. As mentioned previously, the pneumatic manifold block 10 may be equipped with ports to communicate with various pneumatic manifold components of the pneumatic manifold block assembly 60, such as, but not limited to, manifolds, valves, reservoirs, vacuum sources, And gas sources such as, but not limited to, gas sources such as inert gas sources. Various specific examples of the pneumatic manifold block 10 may have a vacuum port 12 and an inert gas port 14 so as to be equipped with a port to communicate with a vacuum source and a gas source (such as, but not limited to, an inert gas source). In various specific examples of the print head unit 1000, the combination of O-ring seals for the vacuum port 12 and the inert gas port 14 can provide a print head unit for the design of the interface assembly of the printing system Quick coupling pneumatic connection between 1000 and printing system. For various specific examples of the printing head unit 1000, an electrical interface board 2 may be installed on the pneumatic manifold block 10. The electrical interface platen 2 may include various types of quick coupling electrical using (for example, but not limited to) spring-type pogo pin coupling Connection, where the electrical interface platen 2 may have a spring-type thimble pad 4 on the first surface 1 of the electrical interface platen for receiving an array of spring-type thimble from the interface assembly that can be part of the printing system, printing the print head Unit 1000 can be a component of the printing system.

For various specific examples of the printing head unit 1000, the quick coupling feature provided by the following can provide easy interchangeability of a plurality of self-contained printing head units 1000 and the printing system during the printing process: electrical interface table O-ring seals of the plate 2, the vacuum port 12 and the inert gas port 14, the pneumatic manifold block 10 that provides easy integration with the interface assembly, and the motion mounting and air bearing clamping assembly of the printhead unit 1000 This will be discussed in more detail later. According to the teaching, the quick-coupling accessory can be any accessory designed for regularly moving components and provides easy movement of the components. Therefore, those skilled in the art generally understand that any of a variety of electrical couplings, pneumatic couplings, and fluid couplings can be used in the specific examples of the printhead unit 1000 and the interface assembly that provides complementary connectivity in order to provide The self-contained printing head unit 1000 and the printing system are easily interchangeable.

For various specific examples of the printhead unit 1000 of FIG. 2, the fluid system may include a fluid manifold block assembly 80. The fluid manifold block assembly 80 may include a fluid manifold block 30, and a first fluid manifold block valve 44, a second fluid manifold block valve 46, and a third fluid manifold block valve 48. The fluid manifold block assembly 80 may include fluid interconnection to the large-capacity ink reservoir assembly 70, which may be dispensed with the primary via distribution and control provided by the fluid manifold block 30 The reservoir assembly 50 is in fluid communication. The fluid manifold block 30 may have a channel made therein, and may be equipped with ports to communicate with various manifold components, such as, but not limited to, manifolds, valves, reservoirs, and waste assemblies.

Various specific examples of the fluid manifold block 30 of FIG. 2 having the first surface 31 and the second surface 33 may include the first fluid manifold block valve 44 and the second fluid shown here as being mounted on the first surface 31 Manifold block valve 46 and third fluid manifold block valve 48. As previously discussed, the fluid manifold block 30 may be equipped with ports to communicate with various manifold components, such as, but not limited to, valves, reservoirs, Inkjet print head, waste assembly and manifold. The fluid manifold block 30 may be in fluid communication with the primary dispensing reservoir. The primary dispensing reservoir may include the primary dispensing reservoir body 55, the top of the primary dispensing reservoir (not shown), and the primary dispensing配储器基地54。 The reservoir base 54. Various specific examples of primary dispensing reservoirs may have associated therewith a first liquid level indicator 162 and a second liquid level indicator 164, which define the maximum fill level and the minimum fill level, respectively. For various specific examples of the printhead unit 1000, the fluid manifold block 30 may be in fluid communication with the printhead assembly 200, which in turn may be in fluid communication with the drain 43 which may be part of the waste system Connected. According to various specific examples of the printing head unit 1000, the drain pipe 43 may be a part of a waste assembly for discarding ink, which provides contactless integration of the waste system with the printing head unit 1000.

As depicted in FIG. 2, a specific example of the large-capacity ink reservoir assembly 70 may include a large-capacity ink reservoir body 75. In various specific examples, the large-volume ink reservoir body 75 may be covered with a large-volume ink reservoir top 122, and the large-volume ink reservoir top 122 may be attached to the first support member 124. The large-capacity ink reservoir body 75 may be covered with a fitting (not shown) including the vent 74 and the vent 76, which is shown as being equipped with a luer adapter 71. The Luer adapter 71 can provide ease of filling the large-capacity ink reservoir body 75, such as, but not limited to, using a syringe; manually or using a robot, where any end user selects ink for printing on the substrate. The large-capacity ink reservoir base 78 may provide a bottom seal, and a port connection to the fluid manifold block 30. According to various specific examples of the self-contained printing head unit 1000, the large-capacity ink reservoir assembly 70 may be in fluid communication with the primary dispensing reservoir assembly 50. The large-capacity ink reservoir assembly 70 can provide sufficient ink volume to keep the primary dispensing reservoir assembly 50 filled to a defined fill level for the entire printing process. This constant replenishment of a constant volume is caused in the primary dispensing reservoir to maintain a constant head pressure throughout the print head. During this printing process, a plurality of easily interchangeable self-contained printing head units 1000 may be used. Having various secondary reservoir systems in various specific examples of the print head unit 1000 can help provide multiple print heads by eliminating the conduit connection to the ink supply external print head unit 1000 The head unit 1000 is easily interchangeable. In addition, the provision of self-contained ink supply for the plurality of interchangeable print head units 1000 prevents cross contamination of various end-user-selected inks contained in the plurality of self-contained print head units 1000. According to various specific examples of the printing head unit 1000, the quick coupling conduit connection can provide easy interchangeability of the printing head unit 1000 and the ink supply external printing head unit 1000.

For various specific examples of the printhead unit 1000 of FIG. 2, the fluid system may include an adapter plate manifold block assembly 100. The adapter plate manifold block assembly 100 can provide fluid communication between the fluid manifold block 30 and the print head 205 of the print head assembly 200, as well as provide a mounting surface for the end user to select the print head assembly (Such as the printing head assembly 200) Various specific examples of mounting to the printing head unit of this teaching. According to various specific examples of the printing head unit 1000, the adapter manifold assembly 100 may have the adapter manifold assembly first member 115, and the adapter manifold assembly first member 115 may provide structural connectivity and The fluid between the fluid manifold block 30 and the adapter plate manifold block assembly 100 is commutated. According to various specific examples of the printing head unit 1000, the adapter manifold assembly 100 may have the adapter manifold assembly second member 117, and the adapter manifold assembly second member 117 may provide structural connectivity and The fluid between the adapter plate manifold block assembly 100 and the printhead assembly 200 is reversed.

In various specific examples of the printing head unit 1000, the adapter manifold assembly first member 115 may provide a mounting surface for the first guide 114 and the second guide 116, as well as a set of Installation surface of stainless steel ball (not shown). The first guide 114 and the second guide 116 may be attached to the adapter manifold assembly first member 115 to act as an guide during the positioning of the printhead unit 1000 into the motion mount assembly. As will be discussed in more detail later, a set of stainless steel balls mounted on the second surface 92 of the first adapter manifold assembly member is part of the sports mounting assembly. As previously discussed, for various specific examples of the self-contained printhead unit 1000, the electrical quick-coupling assembly and the pneumatic quick-coupling assembly and the kinematic mounting assembly provide easy access to multiple printhead units 1000 during the printing process Some of the interchangeable components.

FIGS. 3A to 3C give more detailed views of various specific examples of the print head unit 1000, which show an upper partial view, a middle partial view, and a lower exploded view of the print head unit 1000.

FIG. 3A depicts an exploded view of the upper portion of the printhead unit 1000 according to various specific examples, which may include a pneumatic manifold block assembly 60. FIG. The electrical interface platen 2 has a spring-type thimble pad 4 on the first surface 1 of the electrical interface platen for accommodating the spring-type thimble array. As mentioned previously, the spring-type thimble connection can be an electrical quick coupling connection, which together with the counter-coupled mating port using the O-ring connection as the pneumatic quick coupling connection is to provide a plurality of print head units 1000 Components that are easily interchangeable. In addition, the first ribbon cable connection 5 on the second surface 3 of the electrical interface platen 2 can be used for the connection of the first ribbon cable 6, the first ribbon cable 6 is connected to the print shown in FIG. 3C The first PCB interconnect 201 of the nozzle assembly. Similarly, the second ribbon cable connection 7 (not shown) on the second surface 3 of the electrical interface platen 2 can be used for the connection of the second ribbon cable 8, the second ribbon cable 8 is connected to The second PCB interconnection 203 of the print head assembly shown in FIG. 3C.

Various specific examples of the pneumatic manifold block 10 may provide a pair of (eg, but not limited to) a vacuum source and a gas source (such as but not limited to, such as an inert gas source) to the printing head unit 1000 as shown in the top exploded view of FIG. 3A Gas source) interconnection and control. Those of ordinary skill in inkjet printing technology will understand that a partial vacuum can typically be applied above the ink reservoir in order to counteract any of the ink supplied to the printhead that is generated by the reservoir above the printhead pressure. In various specific examples of the printhead unit 1000, the first pneumatic manifold block valve 20 of the pneumatic manifold block 10 can control both the gas source (such as an inert gas source) and the primary dispensing reservoir assembly of FIG. 2 The fluid distribution and control between 50, in turn, controls the fluid distribution and control between the second pneumatic manifold valve 22 and the primary dispensing reservoir assembly 50 of FIG. In addition, the second pneumatic manifold block valve 22 of the pneumatic manifold block 10 can control the communication between the first pneumatic manifold block valve 20 and the vacuum source. Various specific examples of the pneumatic manifold block 10 as shown in FIG. 3A may be provided with ports to communicate with the primary dispensing reservoir assembly 50 on the second surface 11. As depicted in FIG. 3A, the third port 16 of the pneumatic manifold block may pass through the primary dispensing reservoir with the first port 51 The top 52 is in fluid communication with the primary dispensing reservoir assembly 50, wherein the pneumatic manifold block third port 16 and the primary dispensing reservoir first port 51 are sealed using an O-ring 17. According to various specific examples as depicted in FIG. 3A, the pneumatic manifold block 10 may have a first electrical connection platen support column 25 and a second electrical connection platen support column 27, which are used to install the electrical interface platen 2 respectively. According to various specific examples of the printing head unit 1000, the guide pin 29 facilitates the attachment of the printing head unit 1000 to the interface assembly, which will be discussed in more detail later. In various specific examples of the pneumatic manifold block 10, valves such as the first pneumatic manifold block valve 20 and the second pneumatic manifold block valve 22 may be, for example, but not limited to, solenoid valves. For various specific examples of the pneumatic manifold block 10, the first pneumatic manifold block valve 20 and the second pneumatic manifold block valve 22 may be integrated onto the manifold block without a conduit connection. In various specific examples of the pneumatic manifold block 10, the first pneumatic manifold block valve 20 and the second pneumatic manifold block valve 22 may be integrated on the manifold block using a conduit connection.

FIG. 3B depicts an exploded view of the central portion of the print head unit 1000 according to various specific examples of the print head unit assembly, which may include the fluid manifold block assembly 80. The fluid manifold block assembly 80 may include a fluid manifold block 30, which may be equipped with ports for use with various fluid manifold assemblies for fluid distribution and control, such as but not limited to, primary dispensing reservoirs The container assembly 50, the large-capacity ink reservoir assembly 70, the print head assembly 200 (FIG. 2) and the waste assembly, the drain pipe 43 may be a component of the waste assembly. Various specific examples of the fluid manifold block 30 may have a fluid manifold block first port 32 on the first surface 31, and a fluid manifold block second port 34 on the second surface 33, these ports Provide fluid communication between the primary dispensing reservoir assembly 50 and the printhead assembly 200 (Figure 2). In order to control the fluid communication between the primary dispensing reservoir assembly 50 and the printhead assembly 200, various specific examples of the fluid manifold block 30 may be provided with ports to provide a valve 44 through the first fluid manifold block Valve control, as depicted by port 45. Various specific examples of the fluid manifold block 30 may have a fluid manifold block third port 36 on the first surface 31, and a fourth port 38 on the first surface 31, which provide primary dispensing The fluid communication between the reservoir assembly 50 and the large-capacity ink reservoir assembly 70. In order to control the fluid communication between the primary dispensing reservoir assembly 50 and the large-capacity ink reservoir assembly 70, various specific examples of the fluid manifold block 30 may be provided with ports to provide the use of the second fluid manifold block The valve control of the valve 46 is as depicted by the port 47. Various specific examples of the fluid manifold block 30 may have a fluid manifold block fifth port 41 on the second surface 33, which provides a printhead assembly 200 (FIG. 2) and a primary dispensing reservoir assembly The fluid communication between the components 50 is for ink return. The fifth port 41 of the fluid manifold block can be in fluid communication with the sixth port 42 of the fluid manifold block on the second surface 33 of the fluid manifold block 30. The sixth port 42 of the fluid manifold block may be in fluid communication with the waste assembly, and the drain 43 may be part of the waste assembly, which will be discussed in more detail later. In order to control the fluid communication between the print head assembly 200 (Figure 2) and the primary dispensing reservoir assembly 50 for ink return to the waste assembly, various specific examples of the fluid manifold block 30 can be installed There are ports to provide valve control using the third fluid manifold block valve 48, as depicted by port 49. In various specific examples of the fluid manifold block 30, valves such as the first fluid manifold block valve 44, the second fluid manifold block valve 46, and the third fluid manifold block valve 48 may be (for example, but not limited to) electromagnetic valve. For various specific examples of the fluid manifold block 30, the first fluid manifold block valve 44, the second fluid manifold block valve 46, and the third fluid manifold block valve 48 can be integrated into the manifold area without a conduit connection On the block. In various specific examples of the specific examples of the fluid manifold block 30, the first fluid manifold block valve 44, the second fluid manifold block valve 46, and the third fluid manifold block valve 48 may be integrated into the On the manifold block.

In various specific examples of the printhead unit 1000 as depicted in FIG. 3B, there may be a fluid manifold block 30, which may include a primary dispensing reservoir assembly 50 mounted thereon. The primary dispensing reservoir assembly 50 may include a primary dispensing reservoir body 55, which may be sealed at one end by the primary dispensing reservoir top 52 and at the other end by the primary dispensing reservoir body 55 The reservoir base 54 is sealed. The primary dispensing reservoir top 52 may have a primary dispensing reservoir top second port 53, and the primary dispensing reservoir top second port 53 may communicate with the primary dispensing reservoir first port 51, As before As mentioned, the first dispense reservoir first port 51 may be in communication with the pneumatic manifold block 10 (FIG. 3A). In various specific examples of the primary dispensing reservoir assembly 50, the primary dispensing reservoir base first port 57 may be in fluid communication with the primary dispensing reservoir base second port 56. As depicted in FIG. 3B, the O-ring 35 forms a seal between the second port 56 of the primary dispensing reservoir base and the first port 32 of the fluid manifold block. Various specific examples of the primary dispensing reservoir assembly 50 may have a primary dispensing reservoir base third port 59, and the primary dispensing reservoir base third port 59 may be connected to the primary dispensing reservoir base third The four-way port 58 is in fluid communication. As depicted in FIG. 3B, the O-ring 37 forms a seal between the primary dispense reservoir base fourth port 58 and the fluid manifold block third port 36.

As previously discussed, the fluid manifold block 30 may be equipped with ports to provide fluid distribution and control between the primary dispensing reservoir assembly 50 and the high-capacity ink reservoir assembly 70, the large-volume ink reservoir The assembly 70 may have a large-capacity ink reservoir assembly top fitting 72. The top fitting 72 of the large-capacity ink reservoir assembly may include a vent 74, a port 76, and a dip tube 73. The dip tube 73 may be in fluid communication with the port 76. The Luer adapter 71 and dip tube 73 assembled into the port 76 provide the ease of filling the large-capacity ink reservoir assembly 70 with any end-user-selected ink for printing on the substrate. The large-capacity ink reservoir assembly may have a base 78 including a large-volume ink reservoir base first port 77 and a large-volume ink reservoir base second port 79. As depicted in FIG. 3B, the O-ring 37 forms a seal between the large-volume ink reservoir base second port 79 and the fluid manifold block fourth port 38. As previously discussed, the high-capacity ink reservoir assembly 70 may provide sufficient ink volume to keep the primary dispensing reservoir assembly 50 filled to a defined fill level for the entire printing process.

As depicted in FIG. 3B, various specific examples of the printing head unit 1000 may have various specific examples of the support structure assembly 120. The support structure assembly 120 may include a large-capacity ink reservoir top 122 that may be attached to the first support member 124 and may cover the large-capacity ink reservoir assembly 70. Various specific examples of the support structure assembly 120 may additionally include a second support member 126 that may be installed between the pneumatic manifold block 10 and the fluid manifold block 30. Support structure assembly The hand 128 may be attached to the second support member 126, and provides manual or robotic manipulation of the print head unit 1000. The draw latch 127 may be part of an attachment structure for attaching the printhead unit 1000 and the interface assembly.

In addition, the liquid level indicator assembly 160 for the primary dispensing reservoir assembly 50 can include a first liquid level indicator bracket 163 and a second liquid level indicator bracket 165, which can be attached To the bracket mounting table 161. The bracket mounting table 161 may be installed between the pneumatic manifold block 10 (FIG. 2) and the fluid manifold block 30. For various specific examples of the print head unit 1000 used in the primary dispensing reservoir assembly 50, the first liquid level indicator bracket 163 may support the first liquid level indicator 162, and the first liquid level indicator 162 may be used To determine the upper fill level. The second liquid level indicator bracket 165 may support the second liquid level indicator 164, and the second liquid level indicator 164 may be used to indicate the minimum filling level. In various specific examples of the printhead unit taught in this teaching, the function of the liquid level indicator for the primary dispensing reservoir assembly 50 can be to provide continuous replenishment of fluids through automated sensing and control in order to target A constant fluid level is provided in the primary dispensing reservoir assembly 50. The control of the fluid level in the primary dispensing reservoir assembly 50 provides control of the pressure of the ink supplied to the printhead, which can be in fluid communication with the primary dispensing reservoir assembly 50.

For various specific examples of the printing head unit 1000 of FIG. 3B, the first printing head unit identification plate 123 and the second printing head unit identification plate 125 can be installed in the pneumatic manifold block shown in FIG. 2 for various specific examples 10, or for various specific examples may be mounted on the second support member 124 as depicted in FIG. 3B. The first printing head unit identification plate 123 and the second printing head unit identification plate 125 can be installed anywhere on the printing head unit 1000, wherein the identification plates can be seen by the end user, or the identifications The tablet can be read by a machine or robot adapted to read the identifying tablets. As previously mentioned, various specific examples of the print head unit 1000 have an identification or identification code that can be physically indicated on the print head unit and electronically associated with each print head unit. For various specific examples of printing head units, the identification or identification code can be Each unit is associated with a set of unique operating information for each printhead unit. For example, but not limited to, the only operation information may include the only part of the maintenance module when the maintenance module is not engaged in the printing system, the ink formulation contained in the printing head unit, and the printing head calibration data. This unique operation information can be stored on the memory device. For various specific examples, the memory device may be an on-board memory device that travels with each printhead unit. In various specific examples, the first printhead unit identification plate 123 may have a character selected from the group consisting of text characters, numeric characters, and alphanumerics that associate the printhead unit 1000 with (eg, but not limited to) ink type and calibration data Character recognition. For various specific examples, the second printhead unit identification plate 125 may have a text character, a numeric character, and a character selected from the printhead unit 1000 associated with, for example, but not limited to, a position in a maintenance or cover station Identification of alphanumeric characters. In various embodiments, the identification or identification code includes one or more machine-readable codes, such as one or more identification or identification codes embodied in one or more barcodes or one or more radio frequency identification or RFID tags.

FIG. 3C depicts an exploded view of the lower portion of the print head unit 1000 according to various specific examples. The adapter plate manifold block assembly 100 provides fluid communication between the fluid manifold block 30 and the print head 205 of the print head assembly 200, and provides a mounting surface for the end user to select the print head assembly ( Various specific examples such as the printing head assembly 200) mounted to the printing head unit of this teaching. According to various specific examples of the printing head unit 1000, the adapter manifold assembly 100 may have the adapter manifold assembly first member 115, and the adapter manifold assembly first member 115 may provide structural connectivity and The fluid between the fluid manifold block 30 and the adapter plate manifold block assembly 100 is commutated. According to various specific examples of the printing head unit 1000, the adapter manifold assembly 100 may have the adapter manifold assembly second member 117, and the adapter manifold assembly second member 117 may provide structural connectivity and The fluid between the adapter plate manifold block assembly 100 and the printhead assembly 200 is reversed.

Various specific examples of the first member 115 of the adapter manifold assembly of FIG. 3C may have a first surface 90 of the first adapter manifold assembly member, which is provided by the first surface 90 of the first adapter manifold assembly member The mounting surface is used to mount the fluid manifold block 30, and a port is provided to provide fluid communication between the fluid manifold block 30 and the first adapter manifold assembly first surface 90. Various specific examples of the first member 115 of the adapter manifold assembly of FIG. 3C may have a second surface 92 of the first adapter manifold assembly member, and the second member 117 of the adapter manifold assembly may be separated from the first The adapter manifold assembly member second surface 92 sags. Various specific examples of the second member 117 of the adapter manifold assembly may include a first mounting surface, a second mounting surface, and a bottom surface, as well as a first channel member 95 (having a first channel manufactured therethrough) and a second The channel member 97 (having a second channel manufactured therethrough).

For various specific examples of the adapter plate manifold block assembly 100, the first surface 90 of the first adapter manifold assembly member may have the adapter plate manifold block assembly first port 102 and the adapter The second port 104 of the flat manifold block assembly is located on the bottom surface of the second member 117 of the adapter manifold assembly. The adapter flat manifold block assembly first port 102 may be in fluid communication with the adapter flat manifold block assembly second channel 104 through the first channel in the first channel member 95. The adapter flat manifold block assembly second port 104 can be in fluid communication with a print head inlet port (not shown) of the print head 205, which can communicate with the print head 205 The printing nozzle outlet port (not shown) is in fluid communication. As depicted in FIG. 3C, the O-ring 101 can form a seal between the first port 102 of the adapter plate manifold block assembly and the second port 34 of the fluid manifold block, while the O-ring 105 can be mated A seal is formed between the second port 104 of the flat plate manifold block assembly and the print head inlet port (not shown) of the print head 205. In various specific examples of the adapter plate manifold block assembly 100, the print nozzle outlet port (not shown) of the print nozzle 205 can be combined with the adapter plate manifold block assembly third port 106 In fluid communication, the third port 106 of the adapter plate manifold block assembly is located on the bottom surface of the second member 117 of the adapter manifold assembly. According to various specific examples of the adapter plate manifold block assembly 100, the adapter plate manifold block assembly third port 106 can communicate with the adapter plate manifold area through the second channel in the second channel member 97 The block assembly fourth port 108 is in fluid communication. The adapter flat manifold block assembly fourth port 108 can communicate with the fluid manifold block fifth port 41 Connected. As depicted in FIG. 3C, the O-ring 107 can form a seal between the third port 106 of the adapter plate manifold block assembly and the print head outlet port (not shown) of the print head 205, and The O-ring 109 may form a seal between the fourth port 108 of the adapter plate manifold block assembly and the fifth port 41 of the fluid manifold block.

As previously discussed with reference to FIGS. 3A-3C, various manifold assembly components may be coupled to manifold blocks through complementary ports sealed with O-ring seals, such as pneumatic components, such as, but not limited to, Vacuum source or gas source (such as inert gas source), reservoir, valve, printhead, waste assembly, another manifold, and the like. FIG. 4A exemplarily shows the first port 32 and the third port 36 of the fluid manifold block. FIG. 4B depicts a side view of the fluid manifold block 30 according to various specific examples, which indicates the fluid manifold block sixth port 42 from which the drain tube 43 can be attached and uses the O-type The ring seal is sealed. 4C shows a cross-sectional view as indicated in FIG. 4A and depicts the fluid manifold block first port 32 in fluid communication with the fluid manifold block first channel 110 and the fluid manifold block third channel 112 in fluid communication The third port 36 of the connected fluid manifold block. As shown in FIG. 4C and in particular as shown in FIG. 4D, the ports on each manifold assembly and the ports on each of the pneumatic manifold block and the fluid manifold block have been processed to accept O-rings, It is generally understood by those skilled in the art that the O-ring provides a tight seal to prevent fluid leakage.

Various specific examples of the self-contained print head unit 1100 of FIG. 5 may have features similar to those described for the various specific examples of the print head unit 1000 of FIG. 2. For example, but not limited to, various specific examples of the print head unit 1100 of FIG. 5 may have a pneumatic manifold block assembly 60, a modular fluid manifold block assembly 180, and an adapter plate manifold block assembly Into 100 fluid systems.

Various specific examples of the self-contained printing head unit 1100 of FIG. 5 may have a pneumatic manifold block assembly 60 that may include the pneumatic manifold block 10, and the electrical interface platen 2 may be installed on the pneumatic manifold block 10. As previously described for the printhead unit 1000 of FIG. 2, the pneumatic manifold block 10 may have The channels are built therein and can be equipped with ports to communicate with various manifold components, such as, but not limited to, manifolds, valves, reservoirs, vacuum sources, and gas sources, such as inert gas sources. The electrical interface platen 2 may include various types of quick-coupling electrical connections using, for example, but not limited to, spring-type thimble coupling. As previously described for the printhead unit 1000 of FIG. 2, the quick coupling feature provided by the electrical interface platen 2 and the pneumatic interface feature of the pneumatic manifold block 10 are components of various specific examples of printhead units taught in this teaching Some of them provide easy integration of various specific examples of printhead units and interface assemblies.

As depicted in FIG. 5, various specific examples of the print head unit 1100 may have a large-capacity ink reservoir assembly 170, which may be in fluid communication with the primary dispensing reservoir assembly 150 . The large-capacity ink reservoir assembly 170 may have a volume sufficient to provide continuous supply of ink to the primary dispensing reservoir 150 throughout the printing process. For various specific examples of the printing head unit 1100 of FIG. 5, the continuous supply of ink to the primary dispensing reservoir assembly 150 can maintain a constant volume in the primary dispensing reservoir, and the primary dispensing reservoir is printing During this period, it can be in fluid communication with the print head assembly 200. In that regard, various specific examples of printhead units include at least one liquid level indicator for maintaining a defined fill level for the primary dispensing reservoir. As depicted in FIG. 5, the liquid level indicator assembly 160 for the primary dispensing reservoir assembly 150 and the large-capacity ink reservoir assembly 170 may include an upper primary dispensing reservoir assembly liquid level indicator 162. The middle primary dispensing reservoir assembly level indicator 164, the lower primary dispensing reservoir assembly level indicator 166, and the large-capacity ink reservoir level indicator 168. Regarding the liquid level indicator assembly 160 for the primary dispensing reservoir assembly 150, the first liquid level primary dispensing reservoir assembly indicator 162 can be used to determine the upper fill level, and the middle primary dispensing reservoir The reservoir assembly level indicator 164 can be used to indicate the target fill level, while the lower primary dispensing reservoir assembly level indicator 166 can be used to determine the lower fill level. Regarding the liquid level indicator assembly 160 for the large-volume ink reservoir assembly 170, the large-volume ink reservoir liquid level indicator 168 may be used to indicate the target fill level for the large-volume ink reservoir assembly 170. Print various types of printhead units in this instruction In a specific example, the function of the liquid level indicator assembly 160 for the primary dispensing reservoir assembly 150 can be to provide automated sensing and control to provide fluid in the primary dispensing reservoir assembly 150 and large volume ink The reservoir assembly 170 continues to be replenished.

As depicted in FIG. 5, various specific examples of the printing head unit 1100 may have various specific examples of the support structure assembly 120. The support structure assembly 120 may include a large-capacity ink reservoir top 122 that may be attached to the first support member 124 and may cover the large-capacity ink reservoir assembly 170. Various specific examples of the support structure assembly 120 may additionally include a second support member 126. For the printing head unit 1100, the second support member 126 may be a pneumatic manifold block assembly 60 and an adapter flat manifold block A set of pillars between the assembly 100. The support structure assembly handle 128 can be attached to the pneumatic manifold block 10 and provides manual or robotic manipulation of the printhead unit 1100. The traction latch 127 may be part of an attachment structure for attaching the print head unit 1000 and the interface assembly. In addition, as previously discussed with respect to various specific examples of the print head unit 1000 of FIG. 2, various specific examples of the print head unit 1100 may have a first print head unit identification plate 123 and a second print head unit identification plate 125 .

Various specific examples of the self-contained printing head unit 1100 of FIG. 5 may have a modular fluid manifold block assembly 180, and the modular fluid manifold block assembly 180 may include up to a large-capacity ink reservoir assembly 170 Of fluid interconnection. The large volume ink reservoir assembly 170 may be in fluid communication with the primary dispensing reservoir assembly 150 via distribution and control provided by the fluid manifold block 130. For various specific examples of the print head unit 1100, the first fluid manifold block 130 may be in fluid communication with the print head assembly 200 via the adapter plate manifold block assembly 100. On the other hand, the first fluid manifold block 130 of the print head unit 1100 can provide a constant ink supply to the print head assembly 200. Regarding waste return, the printhead assembly 200 may be in fluid communication with the adapter plate manifold block assembly 100, and the adapter plate manifold block assembly 100 may be in fluid communication with the second fluid manifold block 140. The fluid manifold block 140 may include a drain pipe 143. According to various specific examples of the printing head unit 1100, the fluid manifold block 140 The drain pipe 143 may be part of a waste assembly for discarding ink, which provides contactless integration of the waste system and the print head unit 1100.

Therefore, various specific examples of the printing head unit 1100 of FIGS. 5 to 10 may utilize a modular fluid manifold block assembly including, for example, but not limited to, a modular fluid manifold The first fluid manifold block 130 and the second fluid manifold block 140 of the tube block assembly 180, the first fluid manifold block 130 and the second fluid manifold block 140 provide the fluid manifold area of the fluid manifold block assembly 80 The equivalent allocation and control provided by block 30 is as previously described.

6 depicts a partial perspective view of various specific examples of the modular fluid manifold block assembly 180 mounted on the adapter plate manifold block assembly 100. FIG. The first fluid manifold block 130 may have a primary dispensing reservoir base 154 to mount various specific examples of the primary dispensing reservoir assembly (see FIG. 3B). The primary dispensing reservoir base 154 may have a primary dispensing reservoir base first port 157 and a primary dispensing reservoir base third port 159. The first dispense reservoir base first port 157 may be in fluid communication with the first fluid manifold block valve 144, while the primary dispense reservoir base third port 159 may be in communication with the second fluid manifold block valve 146 Fluid communication. The large-capacity ink reservoir assembly may have a large-capacity reservoir assembly base channel member 178, and the large-capacity reservoir assembly base channel member 178 may be combined with the primary dispensing reservoir base 154 and the large-capacity ink reservoir The substrate 185 is in fluid communication. The large-capacity ink reservoir base 185 may have a large-volume ink reservoir base first port 177. In addition, the large-capacity ink reservoir base 185 can be used to mount various specific examples of the large-capacity reservoir assembly (see FIG. 3B). The second fluid manifold block valve 146 may be installed under the large-capacity ink reservoir base 185. The second fluid manifold block 140 may have a third fluid manifold block valve 148 and a drain tube 143.

7 depicts an exploded view of a partial perspective view of various specific examples of the modular fluid manifold block assembly 180 of FIG. As previously discussed, the primary dispensing reservoir base 154 mounts various specific examples of the primary dispensing reservoir assembly (see FIG. 3B). The first fluid manifold block 130 of the modular fluid manifold block assembly 180 may have a primary dispensing reservoir base 154, and the primary dispensing reservoir base 154 may It has a first dispense reservoir base first port 157 and a primary dispense reservoir base third port 159. As depicted in FIG. 7, for various specific examples of the first fluid manifold block 130 of the modular fluid manifold block assembly 180, the primary dispensing reservoir base first port 157 and the primary dispensing reservoir base The third port 159 may be in fluid communication with the second port 156 of the primary dispensing reservoir base and the fourth port 158 of the primary dispensing reservoir base, respectively. The primary dispensing reservoir base second port 156 may be in fluid communication with the first fluid manifold block valve 144 via the fluid manifold block assembly first port 132 in the first fluid manifold block valve manifold 145 . The first port 132 of the fluid manifold block assembly in the valve manifold 145 of the first fluid manifold block may be in fluid communication with the second port 134 of the fluid manifold block assembly. The second port 134 of the fluid manifold block assembly may be in fluid communication with the printhead through the adapter plate manifold block assembly 100. The primary dispensing reservoir base fourth port 158 can communicate with the large volume reservoir assembly base channel member via the fluid manifold block assembly third port 136 in the large volume reservoir assembly base channel member 178 178 is in fluid communication. The third port 136 of the fluid manifold block assembly may be in fluid communication with the fourth port 138 of the fluid manifold block assembly, the third port 136 of the fluid manifold block assembly and the fourth port of the fluid manifold block assembly 138 are located in the base channel member 178 of the large-capacity reservoir assembly. In that regard, the large volume ink reservoir assembly base channel member 178 may be in fluid communication with the primary dispensing reservoir base 154 and the large volume ink reservoir base 185. The large-capacity ink reservoir substrate 185 shown together with the large-capacity ink reservoir substrate first port 177 can be used to mount various specific examples of the large-capacity reservoir assembly (see FIG. 3B). The second fluid manifold block valve 146 for controlling the fluid communication between the primary dispensing reservoir and the large-capacity ink reservoir may be installed under the large-capacity ink reservoir base 185. The second fluid manifold block 140 of the modular fluid manifold block assembly 180 may have a third fluid manifold block valve 148, and the third fluid manifold block valve 148 may be installed in the second fluid manifold block valve manifold 149 And fluid communication with the fifth port 141 of the fluid manifold block assembly. The drain pipe 143 may be inserted into the sixth port 142 of the fluid manifold block assembly, and the sixth port 142 of the fluid manifold block assembly may be in fluid communication with the waste assembly.

Therefore, as depicted in FIG. 7, various specific examples of the modular manifold block assembly 180 may have (eg, but not limited to) the first fluid manifold block 130 and the second fluid manifold block 140, the first fluid manifold region Block 130 and second fluid manifold block 140 provide equivalent distribution and control provided by fluid manifold block 30 of fluid manifold block assembly 80, as previously described.

8A and 8B depict various desired orientations of the ink supply valve that controls fluid communication between the primary dispensing reservoir and the printhead, such as the first fluid manifold of the first fluid manifold block 130 shown in FIG. 5 Pipe block valve 144. Various specific examples of the fluid manifold block (where the orientation of the fluid manifold block valve can be positioned as shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B) can provide control of the fluid flow in the channel so that no high points exist in the valve assembly , Bubbles can be trapped at the high point. On the other hand, various specific examples of the fluid manifold block (where the orientation of the fluid manifold block valve can be positioned as shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B) can be (e.g., but not limited to) in use and can more easily promote bubbles in the channel The various ink formulations formed are used when printing.

9 depicts a cross-sectional view of a partial perspective view of various specific examples of the modular manifold block assembly of FIG. 6. In the partial cross-sectional view of FIG. 9, a set of stainless steel balls 118 are depicted on the bottom of the first member 115 of the adapter plate manifold block assembly 100 of the adapter plate manifold block assembly 100. As will be discussed in more detail later, a set of stainless steel balls mounted on the second surface 92 of the first adapter manifold assembly member is part of a sports mounting assembly that provides columns in three-dimensional space The six-degree-of-freedom positioning of the printing head unit 1100 has no strain. For various specific examples of the self-contained printing head unit 1100, the electrical quick coupling assembly and the pneumatic quick coupling assembly and the motion mounting assembly are among the components that provide easy interchangeability of the plurality of printing head units 1100 during the printing process Some of.

In FIG. 9, the first fluid manifold block 130 may have a first fluid manifold block channel 192 that is the adapter plate manifold area of the adapter plate manifold block assembly 100 The block first channel 194 is in fluid communication. The first fluid manifold block channel 192 may be connected to the adapter flat manifold block first channel 194 using the fluid manifold block assembly second port 134. Fluid manifold The tube block assembly second port 134 may provide a zero dead volume connection between the first fluid manifold block channel 192 and the adapter flat manifold block first channel 194, as well as provide a leak-free O-type Ring seal. Similarly, the second fluid manifold block 140 may have a second fluid manifold block channel 196 that is connected to the adapter plate manifold block 100 of the adapter plate manifold block assembly 100. The two channels 198 are in fluid communication. The second fluid manifold block channel 196 may be connected to the adapter flat manifold block second channel 194 using the fluid manifold block assembly fifth port 141. The fifth port 141 of the fluid manifold block assembly can provide a zero idle volume connection between the second fluid manifold block channel 196 and the adapter plate manifold block second channel 198, as well as provide a leak-free O-ring seal .

A further illustration of various specific examples of the features of the specific examples of the fluid manifold assembly of the present teachings is shown in FIG. 10, which is a cross section of the large-capacity ink reservoir assembly 170 as depicted in FIG. For various specific examples of the first fluid manifold block 130, the large volume reservoir assembly base channel member 178 of the large volume ink reservoir assembly 170 may have a large volume reservoir assembly base channel 184. The large-capacity reservoir assembly base channel 184 can be conducted with the large-capacity ink reservoir base channel 186 of the large-capacity ink reservoir base 185 and the primary dispensing reservoir base channel 182 of the primary dispensing reservoir base 154 Fluid communication. The fluid manifold block assembly third port 136 may provide a zero idle volume connection between the primary dispensing reservoir base channel 182 and the large capacity reservoir assembly base channel 184, as well as provide a leak-free O-ring seal . Similarly, the fluid manifold block assembly fourth port 138 may provide a zero idle volume connection between the large volume reservoir assembly base channel 184 and the large volume ink reservoir base channel 186, as well as provide a leak-free O-type Ring seal.

Therefore, as depicted in FIGS. 9 and 10, various specific examples of the manifold block assembly of the present teaching (such as the specific examples described for the print head unit 1000 of FIG. 2 and the print head unit 1100 of FIG. 5) Manifold blocks can be used to provide distribution and control, and the manifold blocks have channels manufactured therein. Various specific examples of the manifold block assembly of the present teaching may additionally have a plurality of ports that provide (such as but not limited to) fluid communication between various channels, and valves that provide fluid control. This teaching Various specific examples of the manifold block assembly shown may have channels connected using port connections that provide zero idle volume connections and provide leak-free O-ring seals. In addition, for various specific examples of the manifold block assembly according to this teaching, each component that communicates with the manifold (such as, but not limited to, a manifold, valve, reservoir, vacuum source, and gas source that communicate with the port (Such as inert gas source), inkjet print head assembly and the like) can be installed on the manifold and can be sealed with an O-ring seal, thereby precluding its use for catheter connection. Thus, various specific examples of the manifold assembly of the present teachings can minimize undesirable idle volume and increase the robustness of the printhead unit by avoiding the failure modes common to various conduits and conduit connections.

As depicted in FIG. 11, various specific examples of the printing head unit may have a plurality of printing heads on each unit, such as the printing heads 1101, 1102, 1103, 1104, and 1105 shown in FIG. Various specific examples of the print head unit may have between about 1 and about 30 print heads. A print head (eg, an industrial inkjet head) may have between about 16 and about 2048 nozzles, which can discharge a droplet volume between about 0.1 pL and about 200 pL. Various specific examples of the printing head unit as depicted in FIG. 11 may have a plurality of printing heads mounted on a common manifold. In FIG. 12A, a cross-sectional perspective view of the print head unit 1200 depicts a print head unit with five print heads, of which four print heads are visible; the print head assembly 200 to the print head assembly 240. 12B depicts a bottom perspective view of the print head unit 1200, which shows how five print heads (the print head assembly 200 to the print head 250 of FIG. 12A) will be oriented toward the substrate. As depicted in FIGS. 12A and 12B, the print head unit 1200 may have a print head unit housing 1210, and a print head unit bottom support plate 1220, on which the print head unit bottom support plate 1220 (eg, but not limited to) primary The dispensing reservoir assembly 50 and the large-capacity ink reservoir assembly 70 can be installed on various manifold block assemblies (such as, but not limited to, the first fluid manifold block assembly 80 of FIG. 12A). As previously described for the print head unit 1000 of FIG. 2 and the print head unit 1100 of FIG. 5, various specific examples of the print head unit 1200 may have a large-capacity ink reservoir that combines automated sensing and control to provide continuous fluid replenishment Collector, which can There is a volume sufficient to provide continuous supply of ink to the primary dispensing reservoir throughout the printing process.

A printing system that can utilize various specific examples of the printing head unit 1000 may include a substrate supporting device (such as a chuck or floatation table) for supporting a substrate for printing, and for controlling printing Movement system of the position of the showerhead unit relative to the substrate. In various specific examples of the printing system, the printing head unit 1000 may be installed, for example, on a tower or bridge of a multi-axis motion system. For various specific examples of the printing system, the printing head unit 1000 may be installed (for example) on the tower of the dual-axis motion system. Various specific examples of the printing system may have the printing head unit 1000 installed as stationary, and the substrate mounted on the chuck may be moved relative to the printing head unit 1000. No matter how the motion system for controlling the position of the print head unit relative to the substrate is implemented, various specific examples of the self-contained print head unit 1000 must be installed and held in the following manner: provide a plurality of self-contained print heads The easy interchangeability of the unit 1000 in and out of the printing system and the stability of the printing head unit 1000 during the printing process.

13A to 13C depict installation and clamping assemblies 300 of various specific examples of printhead unit assemblies according to the present teachings. Although the principles taught for the mounting and clamping assembly 300 of FIGS. 13A to 13C can be applied to various specific examples of printing head units, such as the printing head unit 1000 of FIG. 2, the printing head unit 1100 of FIG. 5 and The print head unit 1200 of FIG. 12A, but those skilled in the art will generally understand that for illustration purposes, the installation and clamping assembly 300 is shown with respect to the print head unit 1000 of FIG.

On the other hand, FIG. 13A is an exploded view of the printing head unit 1000 regarding the exploded view of the clamping assembly 300. Various specific examples of the print head unit 1000 may include a first guide 114 and a second guide 116 on the adapter plate assembly manifold 100 (FIG. 3C) for guiding the print head unit 1000 Lead to the sports installation station. It is generally understood by those skilled in the art that a motion mounting table provides repeatable positioning of the payload with respect to a fixed position in a mechanical system without strain height. Installation and clamping assembly Various specific examples of 300 provide strain-free positioning of the interchangeable printing head unit 1000 for the purpose of precision printing. When providing highly repeatable positioning for the printing head unit 1000, various specific examples of the mounting and clamping assembly 300 are additionally designed to implement the printing head unit 1000 in and out in a manner consistent with that provided by the quick coupling connection Printing system integration.

As shown in FIG. 13A, various specific examples of the mounting and clamping assembly 300 may have a guide frame, which includes a guide 310, a first guide frame 320, and a second guide frame 330. Various specific examples of the guide frame provide guidance of the printing head unit 1000 to the base plate 340, and the first guide 114 and the second guide 116 help to engage and guide the printing head unit 1000 to the guide Frame. The base plate 340 may have an opening 342 for receiving the print head unit 1000 on the motion mounting table, thereby allowing the end user to select the print head to be positioned in the printing system for printing. As will be discussed in more detail later, various interchangeable base plates 340 may have openings 342 that are positioned to provide various angles of the position of the printhead unit 1000 relative to the substrate. The mounting and clamping assembly 300 may have a local waste container 346 mounted on the base plate 340. The local waste container 346 may include a port 343 for receiving the discharge pipe 43 of the printing head unit 1000, thereby providing contactless engagement of the printing head unit 1000 to the installation and clamping assembly 300 at the contact point The contact point can be an additional design element that realizes the easy movement of the interchangeable printing head unit 1000 in and out of the printing system without hindering the system performance. In various specific examples of the mounting and clamping assembly 300, the local end waste container 346 that may be mounted on the base plate 340 may include a connector 344, which may be connected to a waste bottle. In addition to providing contactless engagement of the printing head unit 1000 to the installation and clamping assembly 300, the design of the contactless integration of the drain pipe 43 and the local waste container 346 also prevents the fluid system of the printing head unit 1000 from Cross contamination of ink at the end of the exit port. The combination of the self-contained ink supply provided by the onboard secondary ink reservoir system at the input end of the ink supply combined with the design of the local waste container 346 at the output end prevents multiple interchangeable printhead units 1000 Cross contamination of ink. The base plate 340 may have a set of three V-groove mounts 348, as will be discussed in more detail later, V The groove mounting table 348 is a part of a motion mounting table that provides six-degree-of-freedom non-strain positioning of the printing head unit 1000 in three-dimensional space and easy interchangeability of a plurality of printing head units 1000. For various specific examples of the mounting and clamping assembly 300, the base plate 340 is engaged with the base plate support arm 350, and the base plate support arm 350 can be attached to a support in the printing system. The base plate support 350 may include a first support post 352 to which the clamping assembly may be attached, and a second support post 354.

13B is a top view of the print head unit 1000 installed in the mounting table assembly 300, which shows the large-capacity ink reservoir top 122 and the support structure assembly handle 128 opposite the large-capacity ink reservoir top 122. FIG. As previously discussed, the base plate 340 may have an opening 342 (FIG. 13A) for receiving the printhead unit 1000 onto the motion mounting table, thereby allowing the end user to select the printhead for positioning in the printing system for use Print. It is generally understood by those skilled in the art that different substrate plates 340 (each of which can have openings 342 positioned at varying angles) can provide end users with a choice of substrate plates to achieve the choice of saber angle . The technical term "dagger angle" may mean an orientation angle of a printing head device such as the printing head unit 1000 with respect to a characteristic defining a printing direction on a substrate, and this angle is non-zero determined from a plane orthogonal to the printing direction digital. According to various specific examples of this teaching, the dagger angle of the printing head unit 1000 can be changed to change the number of features per unit area that can be printed on the substrate. On the other hand, easily changing the dagger angle of the printing head unit 1000 by easily changing the base plate 340 may be advantageous to provide end users with the ability to adjust the printing density per unit area of the substrate.

13C is a bottom view of the printing head unit 1000 according to various specific examples, which shows a set of stainless steel balls 118 mounted on the second surface 92 of the first adapter manifold assembly member. Recall from FIG. 13A that the base plate 340 may have a set of three V-groove mounting stages 348. The set of stainless steel balls 118 on the bottom of the first member 115 of the adapter flat manifold block assembly 100 of the adapter flat manifold block assembly 100 cooperates with the set of V-groove mounting tables 348 to provide a three-dimensional space Six-degree-of-freedom non-strain positioning of the print head unit 1000 in the middle. As mentioned earlier, except for the print head unit 1000 In addition to highly repeatable positioning, various specific examples of installation and clamping assembly 300 are also designed to integrate the printing head unit 1000 into and out of the printing system to provide easy movement of the printing head unit 1000 without impeding system performance .

FIG. 14 provides a perspective view of the print head unit 1000 in the mounting and clamping assembly 300 (FIG. 13A), which shows the air bearing assembly 400 used to clamp the print head unit 1000 into the substrate plate support 350 s position. As can be seen in FIG. 14, the air bearing assembly 400 can be installed on the air bearing support arm 460, and the air bearing support arm 460 can be designed to be latched onto the second air bearing support post 354, and simultaneously The robot moves to easily release the latch, so that the plurality of print head units 1000 can be easily interchanged. The air bearing assembly 400 includes an air bearing knurl knob 410 to adjust the height of the air bearing disc 430 distal to the air bearing knurl knob 410 attached to the air bearing shaft 420. Those skilled in the art generally understand that the spring mechanism connects the air bearing knurled knob 410 and the air bearing disc 430 in order to provide a controlled clamping force. The air bearing disc 430 includes an air bearing gas supply port 440 that can supply gas from the air bearing gas supply port 440 during the initial clamping of the printhead unit 1000 in the mounting and clamping assembly 300, such as but not limited to, Inert gas. In various specific examples of mounting and clamping the printing head unit 1000 in the mounting and clamping assembly 300, the air bearing clamping of the printing head unit 1000 in the mounting and clamping assembly provides contactless pneumatic clamping , Thereby providing a stable clamping force during the movement of the print head unit 1000 during the printing process. For various specific examples of mounting and clamping the printing head unit 1000 in the mounting and clamping assembly 300, initially, the air bearing clamping of the printing head unit 1000 in the mounting and clamping assembly 300 provides a contactless clamp To prevent any lateral force on the print head unit 1000 during the placement of the print head unit 1000 in the mounting and clamping assembly 300. After the initial placement of the printhead unit 1000 has been completed, the gas supply (such as inert gas) to the air bearing disk 430 can be shut off, and the spring mechanism places the air bearing disk 430 in a controllable manner on the interface assembly 500 on the top surface to provide a stable clamping force during the movement of the print head unit 1000 during the printing process. On the other hand, sports The combination of installation and strain-free clamping provides stable positioning of the print head unit 1000 during the printing process, and repeatable positioning for various specific examples of the easily interchangeable print head unit 1000.

In FIG. 15, the interface assembly 500 according to various specific examples is shown as being ready to be engaged with the printing head unit 1000. Although the principles taught for the interface assembly 500 can be applied to various specific examples of printing head units, such as the printing head unit 1000 of FIG. 2, the printing head unit 1100 of FIG. 5, and the printing head unit 1200 of FIG. 12A, However, those skilled in the art will generally understand that the interface assembly 500 is shown with respect to the printhead unit 1000 of FIG. 2 for illustrative purposes.

The interface assembly 500 includes a first interface assembly valve 510 and a vacuum connection 515, as well as a second interface assembly valve 520 and a connection 525 to a gas source (such as an inert gas source) to apply vacuum and inert gas pressure, respectively Control and connectivity. The interface assembly further includes a spring-type thimble array 540 for electrical connection between the printing head unit 1000 and the electrical control interface of the printing system. The interface assembly can be, for example, by sliding the first interface assembly hinge 550 and the second interface assembly hinge 552 (not shown) to the first interface assembly hinge groove 551 and the second interface assembly hinge groove 553 (Not shown in the figure) is easily attached to the print head unit 1000. According to various specific examples, the interface assembly 500 can be guided to a suitable position above the printing head unit 1000 with the guide pin 29. The interface assembly 500 can be latched to the print head unit 1000 using a pull latch 127 combined with a draw latch lip 530. When positioned in the proper position, the interface assembly 500 connects the spring-type thimble array 540 to the spring-type thimble pad 4 and is positioned for vacuum communication from the interface assembly 500 (not shown) to the pneumatic manifold block 10 Complementary ports for vacuum and inert gas connectivity of port 12 and inert gas port 14. For various specific examples of the printing head unit 1000 and the interface assembly 500, it is used to complement the vacuum and inert gas connectivity between the interface assembly 500 and the vacuum port 12 and inert gas port 14 of the pneumatic manifold block 10 The mouth can be sealed with an O-ring seal. According to various specific examples of this teaching, the interface assembly 500 can be easily disconnected from the printing head unit 1000 and still be part of the printing system.

In FIG. 16, a cover station assembly 600 is depicted, which is based on various specific examples of this teaching It may be a maintenance module for maintaining a plurality of printing head units according to the teachings under operable conditions and not for use in a printing system. Although the principles taught for the cover station assembly 600 can be applied to various specific examples of printing head units, such as the printing head unit 1000 of FIG. 2, the printing head unit 1100 of FIG. 5, and the printing head unit of FIG. 12A 1200, but those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the capping station assembly 600 is shown with respect to the printhead unit 1000 of FIG. 2 for illustrative purposes.

According to various specific examples of the capping station assembly 600, each of the plurality of printing head units 1000 (indicated as 1000-I to 1000-V in FIG. 16) can be connected to each specific capping station, It is indicated as 610 to 650 for each of the plurality of print head units 1000-I to 1000-V, respectively. When placed in the cover station position, each print head unit 1000 can be connected to the electrical and vacuum connections on the hinge assembly for each of the multiple print head units 1000-I to 1000-V It is indicated as 615 to 655. According to various specific examples of the cover station assembly 600, power can be supplied to each of the electrical and vacuum hinge assemblies so that to each terminal of each of the print head units 1000-I to 1000-V The periodic ignition pulse of each nozzle of the printing head selected by the user can be applied when the printing head unit can be connected, so as to ensure that the nozzle keeps starting and does not block. On the other hand, the storage of each of the plurality of printing head units 1000 in the capping station assembly 600 can ensure that each printing head unit can be easily used as an interchangeable unit for the printing process.

Various specific examples of the printing head unit assembly that can include the printing head unit, mounting and clamping assembly, and interface assembly can be used in various specific examples of the printing system. The OLED inkjet printing system may include a number of devices and equipment that allow reliable placement of ink drops onto specific locations on the substrate. Such devices and equipment may include, but are not limited to, print head assemblies, ink delivery systems, motion systems, substrate loading and unloading systems, and print head maintenance systems. The print head assembly consists of at least one inkjet head, at least one hole of which can eject ink droplets at a controlled rate, speed, and size. The print head can be fed by an ink supply system that supplies ink to the print head. Printing requires the relative movement between the print head assembly and the substrate. In this case, a motion system (typically, a tower or XYZ system). In the case of split-axis configuration, the print head assembly can be moved throughout the stationary substrate (tower style), or both the print head and the substrate can be moved. In another specific example, the printing station may be fixed, and the substrate may move on the X axis and the Y axis relative to the print head, where Z-axis motion is provided at the substrate or the print head. As the printhead moves relative to the substrate, ink droplets are ejected at the correct time to deposit in the desired location on the substrate. The substrate can be inserted and removed from the printer using a substrate loading and unloading system. Depending on the printer configuration, this situation can be achieved with a mechanical conveyor, a substrate floating table, or a robot with an end effector. The printhead maintenance system may include several subsystems that allow such maintenance tasks such as, but not limited to, drop volume calibration, elimination of excess ink from the printhead nozzle plate surface, and for ejecting ink to waste The beginning in the pool of things.

17 is a perspective view of an OLED inkjet printing system 2000. Various specific examples of the printing system of this teaching may include a number of devices and equipment that allow ink to drip onto specific locations on a substrate (such as substrate 1058, which is shown close to the substrate floating table 1054) Reliable placement. The substrate floating table 1054 can be used for frictionless transportation of the substrate 1058. Given the various components that can include the OLED printing system 2000, various specific examples of the OLED printing system 2000 can have a variety of footprints and dimensions. According to various specific examples of the OLED inkjet printing system, various substrate materials can be used for the substrate 1058, such as but not limited to, various glass substrate materials and various polymeric substrate materials.

For example, the OLED printing system 2000 may include a substrate 1070 and a bridge 1079. The bridge 1079 may support the first printing head assembly positioning system 1090 and the second printing head assembly positioning system 1091. The first printing head assembly positioning system 1090 for positioning the first printing head assembly 1080 above the substrate 1058 may include a first X-axis bracket 1092 and a first Z-axis moving plate 1094, the first printing head assembly The enclosed enclosure 1084 can be mounted on the first Z-axis moving plate 1094. The second printing head assembly positioning system 1091 can be similarly configured to control the XZ axis movement of the second printing head assembly 1081, and can include a second X axis moving plate 1093 and a second Z axis moving plate 1095 , The second print head The enclosed enclosure 1085 can be mounted on the second Z-axis moving plate 1095. As depicted in FIG. 17 for the print head assembly 1080, where the first print head assembly enclosure 1084 is depicted in partial view, various specific examples of the print head assembly may have multiple prints installed therein喷头装置1082。 Spray head device 1082. For various specific examples of the printing system 2000, the print head assembly may include between about 1 to about 60 print head devices, where each print head device may have a mediator in each print head device Between about 1 to about 30 print heads. Given the number of print head devices that require continuous maintenance and the absolute number of print heads, it can be seen that the first maintenance system assembly 1250 is positioned to easily access the first print head assembly 1080. For various specific examples of the OLED printing system 2000, the bridge 1079 can support the first printing head assembly positioning system 1090 and the second positioning system 1091. For various specific examples of the OLED printing system 2000, there may be a single positioning system and a single printing head assembly. For various specific examples of the OLED printing system 2000, there may be a single printing head assembly, for example, any one of the first printing head assembly 1080 and the second printing head assembly 1081, which is used to detect the substrate The camera system of the 1058 feature can be installed to the second positioning system.

18 is a schematic representation of a gas enclosure assembly and system 2100 that can accommodate the printing system 2000 of FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram showing a gas enclosure assembly and system 2100. Various specific examples of the gas enclosure assembly and system 2100 may include a gas enclosure assembly 2500 according to the teachings, a gas purification circuit 2130 in fluid communication with the gas enclosure assembly 2500, and at least one thermal regulation system 2140. In addition, various specific examples of gas enclosure assemblies and systems may have a pressurized inert gas recirculation system 2169, which may supply inert gas to operate various devices, such as a substrate floating table for OLED printing systems. Various specific examples of the pressurized inert gas recirculation system 2169 can utilize a compressor, a blower, and a combination of the two as a source of various specific examples of the inert gas recirculation system 2169. In addition, the gas enclosure assembly and system 2100 may have a filtration and circulation system inside the gas enclosure assembly and system 2100 (not shown).

As depicted in Figure 18, for various types of gas enclosure assemblies 2100 according to this teaching As a specific example, the gas purification circuit 2130 includes an outlet line 2131 from the gas enclosure assembly 2500 to the solvent removal assembly 2132 and then to the gas purification system 2134. The inert gas purified by the solvent and other reactive gas species (such as oxygen and water vapor) is then returned to the gas enclosure assembly 2500 through the inlet line 2133. The gas purification circuit 2130 may also include appropriate piping and connections, and sensors, such as oxygen, water vapor, and solvent vapor sensors. A gas circulation unit such as a fan, a blower, or a motor and the like may be separately provided or integrated (for example) in the gas purification system 2134 to circulate the gas through the gas purification circuit 2130. According to various specific examples of the gas enclosure body assembly, although the solvent removal system 2132 and the gas purification system 2134 are shown as separation units in the schematic diagram shown in FIG. 17, the solvent removal system 2132 and the gas purification system 2134 may be Hold together as a single purification unit. The heat regulation system 2140 may include at least one freezer 2141, which may have a fluid outlet line 2143 for circulating the coolant into the gas enclosure assembly, and a fluid inlet for returning the coolant to the freezer Pipeline 2145.

For various specific examples of the gas enclosure body assembly 2100, the gas source may be any one of an inert gas (such as nitrogen), a rare gas, and any combination thereof. For various specific examples of the gas enclosure assembly 2100, the gas source may be a source of gas such as clean dry air (CDA). For various specific examples of the gas enclosure body assembly 2100, the gas source may be a source that supplies a combination of an inert gas and a gas such as CDA. Various specific examples of the gas enclosure assembly and system 2100 can maintain the level of each of the various reactive gas species, which include various reactive atmospheric gases (such as water vapor and oxygen) and Organic solvent vapors that account for 100 ppm or less (eg, 10 ppm or less, 1.0 ppm or less, or 0.1 ppm or less). In addition, various specific examples of gas enclosure assemblies can provide a low-particle environment that meets ISO 14644 Class 3 and Class 4 clean room standards.

Therefore, as given by this teaching, the design features of various specific examples for self-contained printhead units (including airborne fluid systems, rapid coupling electrical and pneumatic interfacing) combine motion The design features of various specific examples of installation and air bearing clamping assemblies and the non-contact integration into the waste assembly together provide easy interchangeability of multiple printhead units in the printing system during the printing process, and At the same time, cross-contamination of the ink selected by the plurality of end-users filling each of the plurality of printing head units is prevented.

Although the principles of various specific examples of printing head units, mounting and clamping assemblies, interface assemblies, and industrial inkjet film printing systems have been described in conjunction with specific specific examples, it should be clearly understood that these descriptions are only It is carried out as an example and is not intended to limit the scope of this teaching. What has been disclosed in this article has been provided for illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise form described. Many modifications and changes will be obvious to those skilled in the art. The disclosure is selected and described in order to best explain the principles and practical applications of the disclosed specific examples of the described technology, so that others skilled in the art can understand various specific examples and various modifications suitable for the specific use expected . The scope of the content disclosed is intended to be defined by the following patent application scope and its equivalents.

1: The first surface of the electrical interface platen

2: Electrical interface table

3: second surface

4: Spring type thimble pad

6: First ribbon cable

10: Pneumatic manifold block

12: Vacuum port

14: Inert gas port

22: Second pneumatic manifold block valve

29: Guide pin

30: Fluid manifold block

31: The first surface

33: Second surface

43: Drain pipe

44: First fluid manifold block valve

46: Second fluid manifold block valve

48: third fluid manifold block valve

50: Primary dispensing reservoir assembly

55: Primary dispensing reservoir body

56: Second port of primary dispensing reservoir base

60: pneumatic manifold block assembly

71: Luer adapter

74: vent

75: Large-capacity ink reservoir body

76: port

77: The first port of the base of the large-capacity ink reservoir

78: Large-capacity ink reservoir base

80: fluid manifold block assembly

100: adapter flat manifold block assembly

101: O-ring

114: The first introducer

116: Second Introducer

122: Top of high-capacity ink reservoir

123: The first print head unit recognizes the flatbed

124: first support member

125: The second printing head unit recognizes the flatbed

126: Second support member

127: Traction latch

128: Support structure assembly handle

162: First liquid level indicator/upper primary dispensing reservoir assembly liquid level indicator

163: First level indicator bracket

165: Second level indicator bracket

200: print head assembly

1000: print head unit

Claims (20)

A printing system comprising: a substrate support; a printing nozzle unit having at least one printing nozzle assembly, the printing nozzle unit comprising: a fluid system, the fluid system comprising: a pneumatic manifold Tube block assembly, which has at least one gas port and a vacuum port, and is connected to a manifold assembly consisting of a manifold block, a valve, a reservoir, and a vacuum source , An inert gas source and its combination, a fluid manifold block assembly, which has a plurality of ports connected to a manifold assembly, the manifold assembly is composed of a manifold block, a valve, a storage Selected from the group consisting of a collector, a waste system, and combinations thereof; and a primary dispensing reservoir comprising at least one inlet port and at least one outlet port, wherein the primary dispensing reservoir is connected to the pneumatic manifold area A block assembly and the fluid manifold block assembly are fluidly connected; and an adapter plate manifold block assembly, including: a first member having a plurality of ports connected to the fluid manifold block assembly , And a second member having a plurality of ports connected to the at least one print head assembly; wherein the adapter plate manifold block assembly is fluidly connected between the fluid manifold block assembly and the at least Between a print head assembly. The printing system as described in item 1 of the patent application, wherein the port connection for the pneumatic manifold block assembly, the fluid manifold block assembly, and the adapter plate manifold block assembly is used O-ring seal. The printing system as described in item 1 of the scope of the patent application further includes a motion mounting frame coupled to the adapter plate manifold block assembly. The printing system as described in item 1 of the patent application scope, wherein the printing head unit has an identification code to access operation information related to the printing head unit. The printing system as described in item 1 of the patent application scope, wherein the printing head unit further includes an electrical interface platen, the electrical interface platen includes a first surface with electrical connections and a plate mounted to the pneumatic manifold block Second surface. The printing system as described in item 5 of the patent application, wherein the electrical connection includes a spring-loaded thimble pad. The printing system as described in item 1 of the patent application scope, wherein the printing head unit further includes a large-capacity ink reservoir fluidly connected to the primary dispensing reservoir and the fluid manifold block assembly. The printing system as described in item 7 of the patent application scope, wherein the primary dispensing reservoir has at least one liquid level indicator. The printing system as described in item 1 of the patent application scope, wherein the pneumatic manifold block assembly includes: a first pneumatic manifold block port that communicates with a vacuum assembly; and a second pneumatic manifold block block Port, which is in communication with an inert gas source; and a third pneumatic manifold block port, which is in fluid communication with the inlet port of the primary dispensing reservoir; and a first valve of the pneumatic manifold block assembly , The first valve controls the fluid communication between the inert gas source and the primary dispensing reservoir, and controls the second valve between the pneumatic manifold block assembly and the primary dispensing reservoir Fluid communication, wherein the second valve of the pneumatic manifold block assembly controls the communication between the first valve of the pneumatic manifold block assembly and the vacuum assembly. The printing system as described in item 1 of the patent application scope, wherein the fluid manifold block The assembly includes: a first fluid manifold block port, which is fluidly connected to at least one outlet port of the primary dispensing reservoir; and a second fluid manifold block port, which is integrated with the print head At least one inlet port is in fluid connection, wherein a first valve of the fluid manifold block assembly controls the communication between the primary dispensing reservoir and the printhead assembly; and a third fluid manifold area Block port, which is fluidly connected to at least one outlet port of the print head assembly; and a fourth fluid manifold block port, which is fluidly connected to a waste discharge pipe, wherein the fluid manifold block assembly A second valve controls the communication between the print head assembly and the waste discharge pipe. The printing system as described in item 1 of the patent application scope, wherein the fluid manifold block assembly includes: a large-capacity ink reservoir including an inlet port, a vent, and an outlet port, wherein the A large-capacity ink reservoir is in fluid communication with the primary dispensing reservoir; a first fluid manifold block port is fluidly connected to the outlet port of the large-capacity ink reservoir; and a second fluid manifold area A block port that is fluidly connected to the inlet port of the primary dispensing reservoir, the fluid manifold block assembly has a fluid connection between the large volume ink reservoir and the primary dispensing reservoir A first valve; a third fluid manifold block port, which is fluidly connected to the outlet port of the primary dispensing reservoir; and a fourth fluid manifold block port, which is connected to the printhead assembly The inlet port is fluidly connected, wherein a second valve of the fluid manifold block assembly controls the communication between the primary dispensing reservoir and the printhead assembly; a fifth fluid manifold block port, which In fluid communication with the outlet port of the printhead assembly; and a sixth fluid manifold block port in fluid communication with a waste discharge pipe, wherein a third valve of the fluid manifold block assembly controls the The communication between the print head assembly and the waste discharge pipe. The printing system as described in item 11 of the scope of the patent application further includes a liquid level indicator connected to the primary dispensing reservoir. The printing system as described in item 1 of the patent application scope, wherein the fluid manifold block assembly is installed on a first surface of the first member, and the second member is removed from a second of the second member The surface is overhanging. The printing system according to item 1 of the patent application scope, wherein the second member has a first channel and a second channel, and each channel is fluidly connected to one of the plurality of ports. The printing system according to item 13 of the patent application scope, wherein a first passage through the first member fluidly connects a first port of the plurality of ports in the first surface and the first port A second port in the plurality of ports in the two surfaces, and the first channel is fluidly connected to the fluid manifold block assembly. The printing system as described in item 15 of the patent application scope, wherein the second port is fluidly connected to an inlet of the printing head assembly. The printing system according to item 16 of the patent application scope, wherein the fluid manifold block assembly further includes a large-capacity ink reservoir fluidly connected to the primary dispensing reservoir. The printing system as described in item 17 of the patent application scope, wherein the fluid manifold block assembly further comprises: a first fluidly connected between the large-capacity ink reservoir and the primary dispensing reservoir Valve, a second valve fluidly connected between the primary dispensing reservoir and the printhead assembly, and a third valve fluidly connected between the printhead assembly and a waste discharge pipe . The printing system according to item 1 of the patent application scope, wherein the fluid manifold block assembly further includes a large-capacity ink reservoir fluidly connected to the primary dispensing reservoir. The printing system as described in item 1 of the patent application scope, wherein the fluid manifold block assembly further includes a fluid connection between the large-capacity ink reservoir and the primary dispensing reservoir One valve.

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