CN110774754B - Liquid metal ink supply system and ink supply method - Google Patents
Liquid metal ink supply system and ink supply method Download PDFInfo
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- CN110774754B CN110774754B CN201810856003.3A CN201810856003A CN110774754B CN 110774754 B CN110774754 B CN 110774754B CN 201810856003 A CN201810856003 A CN 201810856003A CN 110774754 B CN110774754 B CN 110774754B
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
- B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
- B41J2/00—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
- B41J2/005—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
- B41J2/01—Ink jet
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
- B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
- B41J2/00—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
- B41J2/005—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
- B41J2/01—Ink jet
- B41J2/17—Ink jet characterised by ink handling
- B41J2/175—Ink supply systems ; Circuit parts therefor
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
- B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
- B41J3/00—Typewriters or selective printing or marking mechanisms characterised by the purpose for which they are constructed
- B41J3/407—Typewriters or selective printing or marking mechanisms characterised by the purpose for which they are constructed for marking on special material
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Abstract
The invention relates to a liquid metal ink supply system and an ink supply method, wherein the method comprises the following steps: (1) The temperature control assembly is started to control the working temperature in the liquid metal ink box; (2) The service life counting assembly detects whether the ink box is in a normal working time state, if yes, the upper computer software of the ink supply system prompts a user to replace the ink box, and if not, the ink box starts to be counted; (3) The oxide content testing component is started, liquid metal in the ink box is pumped into the testing pool, the mass percent C of the oxide is detected, and the numerical value is fed back to the upper computer equipment of the ink supply system; (4) The liquid level control component is started to control the liquid level height in the liquid metal ink box 2; (5) The air pressure control assembly is started to control the air pressure in the liquid metal ink box to be in a pressure stabilizing state; (6) the ink supply system starts ink supply printing. By adopting the ink supply system and the ink supply method, the problem of unstable printing quality of the traditional liquid metal is solved, and the stability of the printing line width is improved.
Description
Technical Field
The present invention relates to an ink supply system and an ink supply method, and more particularly, to an ink supply system and an ink supply method for a liquid metal electronic circuit printer.
Background
With the continuous progress of the printed electronic technology, the conductive fluid represented by liquid metal is generated, so that the printed wire becomes possible to manufacture the liquid metal flexible electronic circuit, the traditional manufacturing mode of the PCB (printed circuit board) hard electronic circuit is changed, and the manufacturing time and cost of the electronic circuit are greatly reduced. The liquid metal printing technology has the unique advantage of fast manufacturing of flexible circuits, PCBs, antennas and other electronic devices, and has very wide application prospect.
In the existing liquid metal printing, the liquid metal ink mainly uses self gravity as a printing driving force, and continuous ink discharge and line printing are realized by means of wetting and adhesion of the liquid metal to a substrate material.
However, (1) as the liquid level of the liquid metal ink is continuously reduced, the printing driving force is reduced, the ink quantity is reduced, and the width of the printed conductive line is inconsistent; (2) The fluidity of the liquid metal is greatly affected by temperature, and generally becomes better along with the temperature rise, otherwise becomes worse, when the temperature of the external environment changes, the fluidity of the liquid metal changes, and the ink output changes; (3) Over time, the content of oxides in the liquid metal ink is gradually increased, the more the oxides are, the fluidity of the liquid metal is deteriorated, and the ink output is also affected; (4) The existing gravity-flow printing mode cannot accurately control the flow of liquid metal, and the stability of an ink supply system and the consistency of the printed line width are difficult to ensure; (5) When printing is stopped, gravity of the metal ink can cause the metal ink to leak at the pen point, so that liquid metal material is wasted and printing performance is affected.
Thus, existing ink supply systems and methods greatly limit the applicability of conventional liquid metal printing techniques.
Disclosure of Invention
The invention solves the technical problems of unstable printing quality of the traditional liquid metal, improves the stability of printing linewidth, particularly improves the liquid metal ink supply system and the ink supply method of the printer, and defines the starting mode of the ink supply system and the starting sequence of each subsystem.
In order to solve the technical problems, the invention adopts the following technical scheme:
a liquid metal ink supply system comprises a liquid metal ink box, a temperature control component, a life counting component, an oxide testing component, a liquid level control component, a pneumatic control component, a reduction ink path and a printing head; the liquid metal ink box is connected with a reduction ink path and an oxide testing component through two different ink pipes respectively, and is connected with a pneumatic control component through an air pipe; the ink discharging connector and the ink supplying connector of the liquid level control assembly are directly connected into the liquid metal ink box and are in direct contact with the liquid metal, and the gravity sensor of the liquid level control assembly is connected to the lower surface of the liquid metal ink box; the temperature control assembly and the life counting assembly are connected to the outer surface of the liquid metal ink box.
The liquid metal ink box is also provided with a liquid metal ink box cover, and the air pipe, the ink discharging connector and the ink supplying connector are respectively connected to the liquid metal ink box cover.
Wherein the ink tube is connected to the side wall of the liquid metal ink box.
The air pressure control component is an electric air pressure source so as to realize air pressure supply.
Wherein, life-span counting assembly is the timing chip, installs directly on liquid metal ink horn.
The ink supply method of the ink supply system comprises the following steps:
(1) The temperature control assembly is started to control the working temperature in the liquid metal ink box;
(2) The service life counting assembly detects whether the liquid metal ink box is in a normal working time state, if the normal working time is exceeded, the upper computer software of the ink supply system prompts a user to replace the ink box, and if the normal working time is not exceeded, counting is started;
(3) The oxide content testing component is started, liquid metal in the liquid metal ink box is pumped into the testing pool, the mass percent C of the oxide is detected, the numerical value is fed back to upper computer equipment of the ink supply system, when C is more than 20%, the ink supply system is invalid, upper computer software prompts a user to replace the ink box, and when C is less than or equal to 20%, the life counting component starts counting;
(4) The liquid level control assembly is started to control the liquid level height in the liquid metal ink box;
(5) The air pressure control assembly is started to control the air pressure in the liquid metal ink box to be in a pressure stabilizing state;
(6) The ink supply system starts ink supply printing.
Wherein the working temperature in the step (1) is 21-26 ℃.
Wherein the liquid level height in the step (4) is-0.2 mm less than or equal to h-h 0 Less than or equal to 0.2mm, wherein h is the liquid level height, h 0 A recommended liquid level height;
the air pressure control assembly and the liquid level control assembly have fault self-checking functions, and when the continuous working time of the air pressure control assembly or the liquid level control assembly exceeds 10 minutes, the default related assembly is in fault, and the upper computer software of the ink supply system prompts the user of system fault.
Wherein the normal operating time of the life counting assembly is 3 months.
The beneficial effects of the invention are as follows:
the liquid metal ink supply system can efficiently and highly-qualitatively complete the whole printing process of the liquid metal by controlling each component respectively and controlling the whole working sequence.
Drawings
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a liquid metal ink supply system of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an ink supply method of a liquid metal ink supply system according to the present invention;
FIG. 3A is a schematic diagram of a temperature control assembly of a liquid metal ink supply system of the present invention;
FIG. 3B is a schematic diagram of a control method of a temperature control assembly of the liquid metal ink supply system of the present invention;
FIGS. 4A and 4B are schematic diagrams of two embodiments of an oxide content testing assembly of a liquid metal ink supply system of the present invention;
FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a level control assembly of a liquid metal ink supply system of the present invention;
FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a pneumatic control assembly of the liquid metal ink supply system of the present invention;
FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a reducing ink path of a liquid metal ink supply system of the present invention;
reference numerals: 1-gravity sensor, 2-liquid metal cartridge, 3-ink discharge connector, 4-ink supply connector, 5-check valve, 6-filter, 7-ink supply pump, 8-ink discharge pump, 9-ink tank, 10-ink tube, 13-negative pressure air pump, 14-positive pressure air pump, 15-steady pressure air bottle, 16-valve block, 17-solenoid valve, 18-air tube, 19-air pressure control card, 20-air pressure sensor, 21-control circuit, 22-atmosphere communication port, 24-reduction filter, 25, 28, 33-ink tube, 26, 27-luer connector, 29, 32-pagoda connector, 30-oxide removal solution, 31-reduced liquid metal, 34-knurled connector, 35-print head, 36, 37, 38, 40, 42-metal connector, 39, 41-pagoda connector, 44-liquid metal ink box cover, 11, 50-test tank, 12-viscosity meter, 43-connector, 44-liquid metal ink, liquid resistance, 45, 48-test tank cover, 46, 49-knurled metal connector, 55-knurled connector, 55-heating device, cooling device, and cooling device.
Detailed Description
The invention is further described below with reference to the drawings and examples.
Referring to fig. 1, a liquid metal ink supply system is shown in an embodiment, and includes a liquid metal ink cartridge 2, a temperature control component, a life counting component, an oxide testing component, a liquid level control component, a gas pressure control component, a reduction ink path, and a printing head; the liquid metal ink box 2 is respectively connected with a reduction ink path and an oxide testing component through two different ink pipes and is connected with a pneumatic control component through an air pipe 18; the ink discharging connector 3 and the ink supplying connector 4 of the liquid level control assembly are directly connected into the liquid metal ink box 2 and are in direct contact with the liquid metal, and the gravity sensor 1 is connected to the lower surface of the liquid metal ink box 2; the temperature control assembly and the life counting assembly are attached to the outer surface of the liquid metal cartridge 2.
The liquid metal ink cartridge 2 further includes a liquid metal ink box cover 44, and the air pipe 18, the ink discharging connector 3, and the ink supplying connector 4 are connected to the liquid metal ink box cover 44. The box cover of the liquid metal ink box ensures the sealing connection of other parts and the liquid metal ink box, and also ensures the integral disassembly and assembly convenience degree and the tightness of the liquid metal ink box.
The liquid metal is also called as low-melting point metal, and comprises a low-melting point metal simple substance with the melting point below 300 ℃ and a low-melting point metal alloy or a conductive nano-fluid formed by mixing the liquid metal simple substance/low-melting point metal alloy with metal nano-particles and a fluid dispersing agent. More specifically, when the conductive nanofluid is selected, the fluid dispersant is preferably one of ethanol, propylene glycol, glycerol, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polydimethylsiloxane, polyethylene glycol, and polymethyl methacrylate. In some embodiments, the low melting point metal alloy composition may include one or more of gallium, indium, tin, zinc, silver, copper, iron, nickel, and the like.
Preferably, the specific selection range of liquid metal includes: one or more of gallium simple substance, gallium indium alloy, gallium indium tin alloy, gallium zinc alloy, gallium indium zinc alloy, gallium tin zinc alloy, gallium indium tin zinc alloy.
Two different ink tubes, which connect the reduced ink path and the oxide test assembly, are connected to the side walls of the liquid metal cartridge 2. The position of the ink tube on the side wall can be flexibly set according to the positions of the reduction ink path and the oxide test assembly.
The air pressure control component is an electric air pressure source so as to realize air pressure supply.
The life counting assembly is a timing chip and is directly arranged on the liquid metal ink box.
Referring to fig. 2, the ink supply method of the ink supply system shown in the embodiment is:
(1) The temperature control assembly is started to control the working temperature in the liquid metal ink box to be 21-26 ℃;
(2) The service life counting assembly detects whether the liquid metal ink box is in a normal working time state, if the normal working time is exceeded, the upper computer software of the ink supply system prompts a user to replace the ink box, and if the normal working time is not exceeded, counting is started;
(3) The oxide content testing component is started, liquid metal in the liquid metal ink box is pumped into the testing pool, the mass percent C of the oxide is detected, the numerical value is fed back to upper computer equipment of the ink supply system, when C is more than 20%, the ink supply system is invalid, upper computer software prompts a user to replace the ink box, and when C is less than or equal to 20%, the life counting component starts counting;
(4) The liquid level control assembly is started to control the liquid level height in the liquid metal ink box to be always in the range of-0.2 mm to be less than or equal to h-h 0 Less than or equal to 0.2mm, wherein h is the liquid level height, h 0 A recommended liquid level height;
(5) The air pressure control assembly is started to control the air pressure in the liquid metal ink box to be in a pressure stabilizing state;
(6) The ink supply system starts ink supply printing.
The air pressure control component and the liquid level control component of the ink supply system have fault self-checking functions, and when the continuous working time of the air pressure control component or the liquid level control component exceeds 10 minutes, the air pressure or the liquid level in the liquid metal ink box is always in an unstable state, the fault of the default related component is indicated, and the upper computer software of the ink supply system prompts the user of the system fault.
The normal operating time of the life counting assembly of the ink supply system is 3 months.
The invention limits the ink supply system and the ink supply method of the liquid metal printer, can ensure that a series of control components work in sequence, eliminates system faults step by step, ensures the working stability of the ink supply system, and ensures the stability of liquid metal in the liquid metal ink box by orderly starting each system so as to improve the printing linewidth and the printing quality.
The temperature control component and the control method thereof are used for ensuring that the printing temperature T of the liquid metal is always at the optimal preset temperature T 0 。
Referring to fig. 3A and 3B, a method for controlling the temperature of a temperature control assembly of a liquid metal ink supply system is shown in the embodiment, wherein a heating device 54, a refrigerating device 56, a temperature measuring device 55 and a control device 57 are adopted, and a temperature T is preset according to the liquid metal 0 The printing temperature T of the liquid metal 49 in the liquid metal ink box 2 is controlled; the heating device 54 and the refrigerating device 56 are positioned at the bottom of the liquid metal ink box 2 and are in direct contact with the liquid metal 49; when T is less than T 0 When T > T, the heating device 54 is activated 0 At this time, the refrigeration unit 56 is activated, when t=t 0 When the temperature control assembly is not operating.
According to the properties of the liquid metal, the temperature T is generally preset 0 =21-26 ℃, whereas the control device in the temperature control method uses a common PID control device.
The heating device 54 and the refrigerating device 56 are also in a common form, and the heating device 54 is any one of a heating rod, a polyimide heating film and a ceramic heating plate; the refrigerating device 56 is any one of a semiconductor refrigerating sheet, a water cooling device and an air cooling device.
The main purpose of the temperature control method is to control the printing temperature, which is related to the mounting position of the temperature measuring device. Referring to fig. 3A, there is shown an installation of the temperature measuring device 55 at the bottom of the liquid metal cartridge 2, where the temperature measuring device 55 is in direct contact with the liquid metal 49, t=t c +T', where T is the printing temperature, T c For measuring the temperature, T' is the temperature loss difference between the liquid metal cartridge 2 and the print head 35, such measurementThe method is that indirect temperature measurement is adopted, and the printing temperature of the liquid metal in the printing head 35 is calculated by measuring the temperature of the liquid metal 49 in the liquid metal ink box 2, wherein T ' is mainly influenced by the ambient temperature, and in general, the lower the ambient temperature is, the larger T ' is, and conversely, the lower T ' is; another way of mounting the temperature measuring device 55, not shown in the figures, is inside the print head 35, when the temperature measuring device 55 is also in direct contact with the liquid metal, t=t c Wherein T is the printing temperature, T c For measuring the temperature, this measurement is by direct temperature measurement, the printing temperature of which is obtained directly by measuring the temperature of the liquid metal in the print head 35. In the two temperature measurement modes, the indirect temperature measurement mode is not accurate, but the preset temperature T of the liquid metal 0 The temperature is in a temperature range of 21-26 ℃, so that both temperature measurement methods can be adopted.
Regarding the assembly mode in the temperature control assembly, the heating device, the refrigerating device and the temperature measuring device are fixedly connected to the wall of the liquid metal ink box or the wall of the printing head in a threaded or heat-resistant adhesive mode.
It is worth noting that the temperature control assembly and the control method thereof are used for ensuring that the liquid metal in the liquid metal ink box is always at a proper temperature convenient for printing, so that the ink output of the liquid metal is kept stable, and the accurate flow control of the ink supply system is facilitated. If the temperature control assembly is repeatedly started or the continuous working time is too long, the temperature in the liquid metal ink box can not reach the preset temperature all the time, and then the upper computer of the ink supply system can judge that the ink supply system is in fault and prompt a user to check.
The life counting assembly is a precondition for ensuring the normal operation of the liquid metal ink supply system, and ensures that the liquid metal in the ink supply system has good quality all the time.
The accumulated use time of the liquid metal ink boxes is generally about three months, each liquid metal ink box is provided with an independent anti-counterfeiting password number, when a user uses a new liquid metal ink box for the first time, the anti-counterfeiting password number needs to be manually input into an operation interface of the upper computer software, when the user operates the printer to start printing, the printer equipment is in a working mode, the upper computer software of the ink supply system starts timing, and when the equipment operation is finished, the timing is also finished. When the timing reaches three months, the anti-counterfeiting password number is invalid, and the upper computer software exits from the normal operable interface to prompt the user to replace the ink box. In addition, when the oxide content testing component of the liquid metal ink supply system detects that the mass percent C of the oxide in the liquid metal ink box is more than 20%, the service life counting component can prompt a user to replace the ink box through the upper computer software.
The service life counting module board card is arranged at the bottom of the ink box, and four corners are fixed in a screw fastening mode.
The oxide content testing component mainly realizes the measurement of the mass percent of oxide in an ink supply system by the following principle: firstly, along with the increase of oxides in the liquid metal ink box, the viscosity of the liquid metal can be increased along with the increase of the oxides, and the mass percent C of the oxides is indirectly converted by measuring the viscosity value of the liquid metal to be measured; secondly, according to the principle that the resistance of the liquid metal becomes larger along with the increase of the oxide in the liquid metal ink box, the mass percent C of the oxide is indirectly converted by measuring the resistance value of the measured liquid metal; thirdly, along with the increase of oxides in the liquid metal ink box, the weight of the liquid metal becomes larger along with the increase of the oxides, and the mass percentage C of the oxides is indirectly converted by measuring the mass value of the liquid metal to be measured; fourth, with the increase of the oxide in the liquid metal cartridge, the principle that the electrical parameters at the same position in the liquid metal change along with the increase of the oxide in the liquid metal cartridge is that the mass percentage C of the oxide is indirectly calculated by measuring the corresponding electrical parameter values in the measured liquid metal. In the principle, the process of converting the measured value into the mass percent C of the oxide is completed by an upper computer of the liquid metal ink supply system.
Referring to fig. 3A and 3B, which are two embodiments of the present invention, an oxide content testing assembly of a liquid metal ink supply system includes a test cell 11 or 50, a test cell cover 45 or 48, a meter 12 or 47, a liquid metal under test 46 or 49, and a feedback component; the measuring instrument 12 or 47 is fixedly arranged on the test pool cover 45 or 48, the lower end of the measuring instrument 12 or 47 always contacts the tested liquid metal 46 or 49 in the test pool 11 or 50, and the upper end of the measuring instrument 12 or 47 is exposed out of the test pool cover 45 or 48; the feedback component is fixed at the upper end of the measuring instrument 12 or 47 and is connected with an upper computer of the liquid metal ink supply system.
The test cell of the oxide content test assembly measures and feeds back in real time the data in the liquid metal cartridge 2, the two containers being in communication with each other. The oxide content testing assembly thus further comprises a suction device which is fixed to the side wall of the test cell 11 or 50 and which is connected to the liquid metal cartridge 2 of the liquid metal ink supply system by means of an ink tube, sucking liquid metal from the liquid metal cartridge 2 into the test cell 11 or 50.
The feedback component may take a variety of forms. For example, the feedback component is a feedback circuit, the feedback circuit is fixedly connected with the upper end of the measuring instrument 12 or 47 and the upper computer of the liquid metal ink supply system, and the measured value of the measuring instrument 12 or 47 is fed back. For another example, the feedback component is a wireless signal transmitter, and the wireless signal transmitter is fixed at the upper end of the measuring instrument 12 or 47 and transmits a measured value wireless signal of the measuring instrument 12 or 47, and an upper computer of the liquid metal ink supply system receives the wireless signal.
The meter of the oxide content test assembly may also take a variety of forms. For example, referring to fig. 3A, the measuring instrument in this embodiment is a viscosity measuring instrument 12, and the measuring principle adopted is: along with the increase of oxides in the liquid metal ink box, the viscosity of the liquid metal can be increased along with the increase of the oxides, and the mass percent C of the oxides is indirectly calculated by measuring the viscosity value of the measured liquid metal. For another example, referring to fig. 3B, the measuring instrument in this embodiment is a resistance measuring instrument 47, and the measuring principle is that: along with the increase of oxides in the liquid metal ink box, the resistance of the liquid metal can be increased along with the increase of the oxides, and the mass percent C of the oxides is indirectly calculated by measuring the resistance value of the measured liquid metal. In addition, the measuring instrument can be any one of a weight measuring instrument, a voltage measuring instrument and a potential measuring instrument.
The measured value measured by the measuring instrument 12 or 47 is fed back to an upper computer of the liquid metal ink supply system through a feedback component, and the upper computer of the ink supply system obtains the oxide mass percent C of the measured liquid metal 46 or 49 through numerical calculation conversion.
The meter 12 or 47 is secured to the test cell cover 45 or 48 by threading a threaded hole into the test cell cover 45 or 48 and mating with a fixture on the meter 12 or 47.
The working principle of the liquid level control assembly is that the weight of the whole liquid metal ink box is measured by a gravity sensor, the corresponding liquid level height is calculated, and then the liquid level is adjusted according to the requirement.
Referring to fig. 4, in the embodiment, a liquid level control assembly of a liquid metal ink supply system is shown, which comprises a gravity sensor 1, a liquid metal ink box 2, an ink discharging joint 3, an ink supplying joint 4, an ink supplying pump 7, an ink discharging pump 8, an ink tank 9 and an ink tube 10; the gravity sensor 1 is positioned below the liquid metal ink box 2; the ink discharging connector 3 and the ink supplying connector 4 are positioned above the liquid metal ink box 2; an ink supply pump 7 and an ink discharge pump 8 are located in the ink tank 9 for supplying and discharging ink to the liquid metal ink cartridge 2; an ink tube 10 connected between the ink tank 9 and the liquid metal ink cartridge 2, forming an ink supply channel and an ink discharge channel. In the liquid level control assembly, there are two containers, namely a liquid metal ink box 2 and an ink tank 9, which are connected with each other, that is, the liquid level in the liquid metal ink box 2 is monitored, and the liquid metal is input or output from the ink tank 9, so as to ensure the continuous stability of the liquid level in the liquid metal ink box 2.
In order to improve the purity of the liquid metal in the liquid metal cartridge 2, the liquid level control assembly further comprises a one-way valve 5 and a filter 6, wherein the one-way valve 5 and the filter 6 are arranged on an ink supply channel formed by an ink tube 10 connecting the ink tank 9 and the liquid metal cartridge 2. The positions of the two can be flexibly selected, and after the check valve 5 which is convenient to operate is arranged, the filter 6 can be arranged between the check valve 5 and the ink supply pump 7 or between the check valve 5 and the ink supply joint 4.
The liquid metal ink box 2 further comprises a liquid metal ink box cover 44 above the liquid metal ink box, the liquid metal ink box cover 44 and the liquid metal ink box cover are matched with each other to contain liquid metal, and the ink discharging connector 3 and the ink supplying connector 4 are fixed on the liquid metal ink box cover 44 in a flexible mounting and dismounting mode, such as threaded connection.
The gravity sensor 1 is fixed below the liquid metal ink box 2 in an adhesive manner. The gravity sensor 1 is generally not connected with the liquid metal ink box 2 by adopting a screw bolt mode, because the self gravity of the screw bolt can influence the measurement result of the gravity sensor.
Many sealing connectors are used in the fluid level control assembly to ensure assembly and sealing between the various components. Luer fittings 43 are located at both ends of the check valve 5 and the filter 6, and at the junction of the ink discharge fitting 3 and the ink supply fitting 4 with the outer surface of the liquid metal ink cap 44. The pagoda joint is located at two junctions of the ink supply pump 7 and the ink discharge pump 8 with the ink tube 10.
The liquid level control assembly is used for monitoring the liquid level in the liquid metal ink box, so that the liquid level is ensured, and the quality of the liquid metal in the ink box is ensured. The first step of controlling the liquid level is to obtain the liquid level, the liquid level control component can convert the liquid level h according to the weight G of the liquid metal ink box 2 measured by the gravity sensor 1, so as to obtain the liquid level h in the liquid metal ink box 2 for real-time control; conversion formula is h= (G-G) 0 ) Wherein h is the liquid level, G is the weight of the liquid metal cartridge 2, G 0 The weight of the liquid metal ink box 2 when empty is that ρ is the liquid metal density, s is the bottom area of the liquid metal ink box 2, and g is the gravity acceleration.
Then, the upper computer of the ink supply system is used for controlling the liquid level height h and the recommended liquid level height h 0 To control the operation of the ink supply pump 7 or the ink discharge pump 8; when h-h 0 When the thickness of the liquid metal ink box is less than-0.2 mm, the liquid metal ink box 2 is in an ink-lack state, and an upper computer of an ink supply system starts an ink supply pump 7 to convey liquid metal into the liquid metal ink box 2; when h-h 0 When the thickness is more than 0.2mm, the liquid metal ink box 2 is in an ink overflow state, and an upper computer of the ink supply system starts an ink discharge pump 8 to output liquid metal from the liquid metal ink box 2; when the length of the steel is-0.2 mm is less than or equal to h-h 0 When the thickness is less than or equal to 0.2mm, the liquid metal ink box 2 is in a normal working state, and the liquid level is equal to or less thanThe control assembly is not operative.
It is noted that the liquid metal inks of different compositions have different recommended level heights h 0 The liquid level control assembly is used for ensuring that liquid metal in the liquid metal ink box is always at a proper height convenient for printing, so that the self gravity of the liquid metal is kept constant, and the accurate flow control of an ink supply system is facilitated. If the liquid level control assembly is repeatedly started or continuously operated for too long, the liquid level in the liquid metal ink box can not reach the recommended height all the time, and then an upper computer of the ink supply system can determine that the liquid level control assembly is faulty and prompt a user to check.
The air pressure control component is used for accurately adjusting the pressure in the liquid metal ink box, and the air pressure control component is not arranged in the traditional ink supply system of the printer.
Referring to fig. 5, in the embodiment, there is shown a pneumatic control assembly of a liquid metal ink supply system, including a negative pressure air pump 13, a positive pressure air pump 14, a pressure stabilizing air cylinder 15, a valve block 16, a pneumatic control plate card 19, an air pipe 18 and a control circuit 21; the valve block 16 is connected to the liquid metal cartridge 2 of the ink supply system by an air pipe 18; the negative pressure air pump 13, the positive pressure air pump 14 and the pressure-stabilizing air cylinder 15 are respectively connected to the valve block 16 through air pipes 18; the air pressure control board 19 is connected to and controls the negative pressure air pump 13 and the positive pressure air pump 14 through a control circuit 21.
In the air pressure control assembly, the negative pressure air pump 13, the positive pressure air pump 14 and the pressure stabilizing air cylinder 15 are used for adjusting the air pressure in the liquid metal ink box 2, the valve block 16 plays a role of integral adjustment control, and the control of each component is realized through the control circuit 21.
The valve block 16 of the air pressure control assembly also comprises an atmosphere communication port 22, an air pressure sensor 20 and an electromagnetic valve 17, wherein the atmosphere communication port 22 enables the interior of the valve block 16 to be communicated with the atmosphere; an air pressure sensor 20 connected to the valve block 16 through an air pipe 18, for measuring air pressure of the valve block 16; the electromagnetic valve 17 is positioned in the valve block 16, and is respectively arranged at the air pipe 18 connected with the liquid metal ink box 2 and the air communication port 22 in a threaded connection mode.
It can be seen that the air pressure of the valve block 16 has a certain relation with the air pressure of the liquid metal cartridge 2, and the measurement of the air pressure sensor 20 is required, and the air pressure is mainly connected and delivered by the air pipe 18 in each part of the air pressure control assembly, and the two electromagnetic valves 17 are connected inside the valve block 16 for connection and control respectively.
The connection between the air pressure control components is mainly completed by adopting metal knurled joints 37, 38, 40 and 42 and pagoda joints 39 and 41, the connection parts between the air pipe 18 and the outside of the valve block 16 are in threaded sealing connection by adopting the metal knurled joints 37, 38 and 40, and the connection parts between the pressure stabilizing air cylinder 15 and the air pipe 18 are also in threaded sealing connection by adopting the metal knurled joint 42; and the pagoda joints 39 and 41 are respectively positioned on the negative pressure air pump 13, the positive pressure air pump 14 and the air pressure sensor 20 and are in sealing connection with the connecting part of the air pipe 18. The metal knurled joint or the pagoda joint is selected on the basis of ensuring the sealing connection of parts, the premise of convenient disassembly and maintenance is ensured, different connecting pieces are selected according to unused conveying and connecting materials, and the oxidation property of liquid metal and the related property of conveyed substances are fully considered.
The air pressure control assembly also includes a battery connected to the control circuit 21. The air pressure control assembly is still effective when the equipment is powered off, and leakage of the printing head is prevented.
The air pressure control method of the air pressure control component in the specific embodiment of the invention mainly uses an upper computer of an ink supply system to convert air pressure so as to obtain air pressure P in the liquid metal ink box 2 for real-time control; the conversion formula is P= - (G-gamma C-f)/s, wherein P is air pressure, G is the weight of the liquid metal ink box 2, gamma is a simulation coefficient, C is the mass percent of oxide, f is the resistance in the ink supply system, and s is the bottom area of the liquid metal ink box 2. It can be seen that the value of the air pressure value P is related to the liquid level height h and the oxide mass percentage C in the liquid metal ink cartridge 2, and each control component in the whole liquid metal ink supply system is cooperatively controlled.
In the printing process, an upper computer of the ink supply system controls the negative pressure air pump 13 or the positive pressure air pump 14 to work according to the printing requirement; when the printing is ready to start, the upper computer of the ink supply system starts the positive pressure air pump 14 to apply positive pressure to the liquid metal ink box, and gives liquid metal driving force, and when G-gamma C-f is less than or equal to 0, P is more than or equal to 0; when printing is ready to be terminated, the upper computer of the ink supply system starts the negative pressure air pump 13 to apply negative pressure to the liquid metal ink box, and the liquid metal balance force is given, wherein G-gamma C-f is more than 0, and P is less than 0.
It is noted that, due to the self weight of the liquid metal, when the liquid level reaches a certain height, the total weight is too heavy, and even if the liquid metal is not connected with the atmosphere by positive pressure, the liquid metal leaks downwards, so that the air pressure control component is required to give negative pressure to the interior of the liquid metal ink box to balance the weight of the liquid metal so as to prevent leakage, and the principle that the negative pressure is communicated with the liquid metal ink box when printing is about to be stopped is adopted, so that the liquid metal in the printing head is recovered without dripping; on the other hand, when the liquid level of the liquid metal is lower than a certain value, the liquid metal is pushed to flow downwards and print because the surface tension is too large to smoothly enter the printing head by the self weight, and the air pressure control assembly is required to give positive pressure.
The pressure value range of the liquid metal ink box 2 controlled by the pressure control method in the printing process is-9 kPa-9kPa.
The reducing ink path is a channel connected between the liquid metal ink box and the printing head, and has the main functions of removing oxide impurities in the liquid metal, ensuring that the liquid metal which is communicated to the printing head is basically free of oxide, preventing oxide particles from blocking the printing head and ensuring printing quality.
Referring to fig. 7, a reduction ink path of a liquid metal ink supply system is shown in the embodiment, including ink tubes 25, 28, 33, reduction filter 24, and printhead 35; the ink tubes 25, 28, 33 connect the liquid metal ink cartridge 2 and the printhead 35 to form an ink path; the reduction filter 24 is connected to the ink path and has a chamber for containing an oxide removal solution 30 so that the oxides in the liquid metal flowing through the reduction filter 24 to the print head 35 are reduced.
The reducing ink path further includes a check valve 23 connected to the ink path between the liquid metal cartridge 2 and the reducing filter 24, or directly connected to the inlet of the reducing filter 24. The check valve is used for preventing liquid metal from flowing back, and the two modes can be correspondingly arranged according to the length of the ink path, so that no difference exists in functions.
However, the position at which the check valve 23 is provided has a certain influence on the selection of the connection of the check valve 23 and the reduction filter 24 to the ink tube. When the check valve 23 is connected between the liquid metal cartridge 2 and the reduction filter 24, the check valve 23 and the reduction filter 24 are provided with an inlet and an outlet, at this time, luer connectors 26 and 27 are used for sealing connection with the ink tubes 25 and 28 at the inlet and the outlet of the check valve 23, and pagoda connectors 29 and 32 are used for sealing connection with the ink tubes 28 and 33 at the inlet and the outlet of the reduction filter 24. When the check valve 23 is directly connected to the inlet of the reduction filter 24, the check valve 23 has an inlet and no outlet, the reduction filter 24 has an outlet and no inlet, at this time, the inlet of the check valve 23 is connected to the ink tube 25 by a luer connector in a sealing manner, and the outlet of the reduction filter 24 is connected to the ink tube 33 by a pagoda connector in a sealing manner.
The joint between the printhead 35 of the reducing ink path and the ink tube 33 is screwed and sealed by a knurled joint 34.
In the above connection, the ink tubes 25, 28, 33, the luer connectors 26, 27, the pagoda connectors 29, 32, and the knurled connector 34 are all made of plastic. The plastic connection is characterized by being impermeable to oxygen and not reacting with the liquid metal to ensure the stability of the liquid metal.
The oxide removal solution 30 in the reduction filter 24 was NaOH, HCL, H 2 SO 4 One of KOH solution, the volume of which is not more than 40 percent of the volume of the cavity, and the concentration of which is 0.05mol/L-0.5mol/L. Since the density of the oxide removal solution 30 is much lower than that of the liquid metal, the oxide removal solution 30 is always on the upper surface of the reduced liquid metal 31 in the cavity, and the reduced liquid metal 31 sinks in the lower part of the cavity.
The above embodiments are only for illustrating the present invention, and are not limiting of the present invention. While the invention has been described in detail with reference to the embodiments, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various combinations, modifications, and substitutions can be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.
Claims (8)
1. A liquid metal ink supply system, characterized by:
the device comprises a liquid metal ink box (2), a temperature control component, a life counting component, an oxide content testing component, a liquid level control component, a gas pressure control component, a reduction ink path and a printing head;
the liquid metal ink box (2) is connected with the reduction ink path and the oxide content testing component through two different ink pipes respectively, and is connected with the air pressure control component through an air pipe (18);
the ink discharging connector (3) and the ink supplying connector (4) of the liquid level control assembly are directly connected to the liquid metal ink box (2) and are in direct contact with liquid metal, and the gravity sensor (1) of the liquid level control assembly is connected to the lower surface of the liquid metal ink box (2);
the temperature control assembly and the life counting assembly are connected to the outer surface of the liquid metal ink box (2);
the liquid metal ink box (2) is further provided with a liquid metal ink box cover (44), an air pipe (18), an ink discharging connector (3) and an ink supplying connector (4) which are respectively connected to the liquid metal ink box cover (44);
the ink tube is connected to the side wall of the liquid metal ink box (2).
2. The liquid metal ink supply system of claim 1, wherein:
the air pressure control component is an electric air pressure source so as to realize air pressure supply.
3. The liquid metal ink supply system of claim 1, wherein:
the life counting assembly is a timing chip and is directly arranged on the liquid metal ink box (2).
4. A method of ink supply of the liquid metal ink supply system of any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising:
(1) The temperature control assembly is started to control the working temperature in the liquid metal ink box (2);
(2) The service life counting assembly detects whether the liquid metal ink box (2) is in a normal working time state, if the normal working time is exceeded, the upper computer software of the ink supply system prompts a user to replace the ink box, and if the normal working time is not exceeded, counting is started;
(3) The oxide content testing component is started, liquid metal in the liquid metal ink box (2) is pumped into the testing pool, the mass percent C of the oxide is detected, the numerical value is fed back to upper computer equipment of the ink supply system, when the C is more than 20%, the ink supply system is invalid, upper computer software prompts a user to replace the ink box, and when the C is less than or equal to 20%, the life counting component starts to count;
(4) The liquid level control assembly is started to control the liquid level height in the liquid metal ink box (2);
(5) The air pressure control assembly is started to control the air pressure in the liquid metal ink box (2) to be in a pressure stabilizing state;
(6) The ink supply system starts ink supply printing.
5. The ink supply method of the ink supply system according to claim 4, wherein:
the operating temperature in step (1) is controlled to be 21-26 ℃.
6. The ink supply method of the ink supply system according to claim 4, wherein:
the liquid level in the step (4) is controlled to be-0.2 mm less than or equal to h-h 0 Less than or equal to 0.2mm, wherein h is the liquid level height,
h 0 a recommended liquid level height;
7. the ink supply method of the ink supply system according to claim 4, wherein:
the air pressure control component and the liquid level control component have fault self-checking functions, and when the continuous working time of the air pressure control component or the liquid level control component exceeds 10 minutes, the related components are defaulted to be faulty, and the upper computer software of the ink supply system prompts the user of system fault.
8. The ink supply method of the ink supply system according to claim 4, wherein:
the normal operating time of the life counting assembly is 3 months.
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