EP3092127B1 - An improved support bar for a printhead - Google Patents
An improved support bar for a printhead Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP3092127B1 EP3092127B1 EP14821286.3A EP14821286A EP3092127B1 EP 3092127 B1 EP3092127 B1 EP 3092127B1 EP 14821286 A EP14821286 A EP 14821286A EP 3092127 B1 EP3092127 B1 EP 3092127B1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- fluid
- printhead
- return
- duct
- support element
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Not-in-force
Links
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 claims description 80
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 claims description 21
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 claims description 21
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 claims description 21
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 claims description 19
- 238000007639 printing Methods 0.000 claims description 17
- 239000000758 substrate Substances 0.000 claims description 4
- 230000000717 retained effect Effects 0.000 claims 1
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 description 14
- 238000005192 partition Methods 0.000 description 11
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 8
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 description 7
- 238000005755 formation reaction Methods 0.000 description 7
- ZWEHNKRNPOVVGH-UHFFFAOYSA-N 2-Butanone Chemical compound CCC(C)=O ZWEHNKRNPOVVGH-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 3
- 230000033228 biological regulation Effects 0.000 description 3
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- 239000000725 suspension Substances 0.000 description 3
- CSCPPACGZOOCGX-UHFFFAOYSA-N Acetone Chemical compound CC(C)=O CSCPPACGZOOCGX-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 229930040373 Paraformaldehyde Natural products 0.000 description 2
- 239000004696 Poly ether ether ketone Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000004927 clay Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000000295 complement effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000009472 formulation Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229920002530 polyetherether ketone Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 229920006324 polyoxymethylene Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 230000003134 recirculating effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000000243 solution Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000010146 3D printing Methods 0.000 description 1
- -1 Polyoxymethylene Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920004695 VICTREX™ PEEK Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000000654 additive Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- VQLYBLABXAHUDN-UHFFFAOYSA-N bis(4-fluorophenyl)-methyl-(1,2,4-triazol-1-ylmethyl)silane;methyl n-(1h-benzimidazol-2-yl)carbamate Chemical compound C1=CC=C2NC(NC(=O)OC)=NC2=C1.C=1C=C(F)C=CC=1[Si](C=1C=CC(F)=CC=1)(C)CN1C=NC=N1 VQLYBLABXAHUDN-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000000919 ceramic Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000010304 firing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000011521 glass Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000001746 injection moulding Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000007641 inkjet printing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229910052500 inorganic mineral Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 230000014759 maintenance of location Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000011707 mineral Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000004806 packaging method and process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000123 paper Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000049 pigment Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920000642 polymer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000000843 powder Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000002265 prevention Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000037452 priming Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000002904 solvent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 125000006850 spacer group Chemical group 0.000 description 1
- 239000004575 stone Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000012815 thermoplastic material Substances 0.000 description 1
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- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000002023 wood Substances 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- 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
- B41J2/17503—Ink cartridges
- B41J2/1752—Mounting within the printer
-
- 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
- B41J2/135—Nozzles
- B41J2/14—Structure thereof only for on-demand ink jet heads
-
- 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
- B41J2/17503—Ink cartridges
- B41J2/17556—Means for regulating the pressure in the cartridge
-
- 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
- B41J2/18—Ink recirculation systems
-
- 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
- B41J3/54—Typewriters or selective printing or marking mechanisms characterised by the purpose for which they are constructed with two or more sets of type or printing elements
- B41J3/543—Typewriters or selective printing or marking mechanisms characterised by the purpose for which they are constructed with two or more sets of type or printing elements with multiple inkjet print heads
-
- 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
- B41J2/135—Nozzles
- B41J2/14—Structure thereof only for on-demand ink jet heads
- B41J2002/14419—Manifold
-
- 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
- B41J2202/00—Embodiments of or processes related to ink-jet or thermal heads
- B41J2202/01—Embodiments of or processes related to ink-jet heads
- B41J2202/05—Heads having a valve
-
- 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
- B41J2202/00—Embodiments of or processes related to ink-jet or thermal heads
- B41J2202/01—Embodiments of or processes related to ink-jet heads
- B41J2202/12—Embodiments of or processes related to ink-jet heads with ink circulating through the whole print head
-
- 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
- B41J2202/00—Embodiments of or processes related to ink-jet or thermal heads
- B41J2202/01—Embodiments of or processes related to ink-jet heads
- B41J2202/19—Assembling head units
-
- 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
- B41J2202/00—Embodiments of or processes related to ink-jet or thermal heads
- B41J2202/01—Embodiments of or processes related to ink-jet heads
- B41J2202/20—Modules
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a printhead, particularly, but not exclusively to a printhead with at least two heads assembled on a support bar.
- Conventional ink jet printers generally comprise a plurality of printheads, each of which is designed to discharge drops of a printing liquid towards a printing surface or support.
- An obturator is designed for opening and closing the nozzle in a controlled manner to allow the liquid to be discharged at precise positions on the surface of a substrate.
- the functionality of printheads is well known in the art, for example as described in EP1972450B .
- the heads have to be positioned with respect to one another in such a way that the discharged drops fall on the printing support in predetermined positions.
- the individual heads in a printhead are operated independently of each other. Furthermore, all the heads are required to operate under the same conditions; in particular, ideally, all the heads have to be supplied individually with fluid for printing uniformly e.g. using individual supply conduits, so that the same pressure conditions are present upstream and downstream of each printing nozzle.
- the printing liquid is required to circulate continuously to avoid local compositional variations and/or sedimentation.
- each head is supplied independently of the others, whereby, for example, each head is connected to its own individual liquid feed and return circuit for feeding and recirculating the printing liquid.
- each head is connected to its own individual liquid feed and return circuit for feeding and recirculating the printing liquid.
- Such a configuration significantly complicates the structure of the head, as each circuit will have complex pressure control associated therewith to ensure optimum functionality of the printhead, which increases the overall cost and complexity e.g. of control/assembly of the printheads.
- EP2338684 discloses a printhead having two individual heads and a support element having an internal cavity through which the fluid can flow to the individual heads.
- the printhead is adapted such that, in use, the pressure of fluid in the fluid chambers is substantially equal across all fluid chambers of the printhead.
- the support element is a longitudinal support element. It may, in particular, be formed as a cylindrical structure having an outer surface on which the individual heads can be assembled.
- the internal manifold comprises a longitudinal duct having a fluid delivery portion and a fluid return portion, wherein the fluid delivery portion and the fluid return portion are separated by a dividing portion extending along the longitudinal duct, and wherein the delivery portion is in fluid communication with the return portion towards a first end of the duct.
- the internal manifold comprises a longitudinal duct having a fluid delivery portion and a fluid return portion, wherein the fluid delivery portion and the fluid return portion are separated by a dividing portion extending along the longitudinal duct, and wherein the delivery portion and the return portion are in fluid communication with an end piece provided with the support element.
- the profile of the fluid delivery portion and/or the fluid return portion varies along the length of the duct.
- the profile of the fluid delivery portion and/or the fluid return portion varies linearly.
- the profile of the fluid delivery portion and/or the fluid return portion varies non-linearly.
- the internal manifold is provided in the support element as a removable insert.
- the internal manifold is fabricated integral to the support element.
- the longitudinal duct or end piece may or may not extend beyond a corresponding end of the main body of the support element and that the removable insert and the end piece, where it is not simply a tubing, may be in sealing engagement with the support element.
- One advantage of the printhead according to the present invention is that it has an overall design which is significantly simpler than the printheads currently available.
- Another advantage of the printhead according to the present invention is that it requires a substantially reduced number of conduits than the printheads currently available.
- a further advantage of the printhead is that it provides for reduced pressure regulation requirements than the printheads currently available.
- Figure 1 shows, in perspective, a cross section view of a printhead 1 and support bar 3 having a plurality of individual heads 2 thereon.
- Figure 2 shows, in perspective, a cross section view of the printhead 1 and support bar 3;
- Figure 3 shows, in perspective, an exploded view of the printhead 1;
- Figure 4 shows a section view of the printhead 1 and support bar 3 through the longitudinal axis of the support bar 3 and a fluid return duct 25 of the individual head 2;
- Figure 5 shows a section view of the printhead 1 and support bar 3 through the longitudinal axis of the support bar 3 and a fluid supply duct 24 of the individual head 2;
- Figure 6 shows top down section view through fluid chambers 21 of two individual heads 2;
- Figure 7a shows, in perspective, a delivery portion 311 of an insert 310;
- Figure 7b shows, a section view through the longitudinal axis of a first end of the insert 310 the line A-A;
- Figure 7c shows a section view through the longitudinal axis
- the printhead 1 comprises at least two individual heads 2, each of which is provided with at least one fluid chamber 21 (e.g. as shown in Figures 4-6 ) and a nozzle 22 (e.g. as shown in Figures 3-6 ) positioned in fluid communication with the fluid chamber 21.
- fluid chamber 21 e.g. as shown in Figures 4-6
- nozzle 22 e.g. as shown in Figures 3-6
- An obturator (not shown), as known to a person skilled in the art of inkjet printing, is provided in the fluid chamber 21 for opening and closing the nozzle 22 in a controlled manner to allow the liquid to be discharged/printed at precise positions onto a surface of a substrate to be decorated.
- FIGS. 1-3 of the present embodiment show a printhead 1 having five individual heads 2, although it will be appreciated that a printhead 1 is not limited to having five individual heads 2, and may have as many heads as required for a specific application, as will be appreciated by a skilled person having taken account of this specification.
- any suitable fluid could be used depending on the specific application e.g. methyl ethyl ketone or acetone based ink for printing on cardboard/paper/food packaging or polymer/metallic based ink for 3D-printing.
- the glaze itself may contain pigment to provide colour after firing, and have other additives such as clay to provide different finishes such as glossy, matt, opaque finishes that may be combined on the same surface, as well as special effects such as metallic tones and lustre. Texture or relief structures can be provided by printing a solution containing predominantly engobe.
- An exemplary digital glaze composition is disclosed in ES2386267 . Particle sizes within the glaze are generally in the range of between 0.1 ⁇ m - 50 ⁇ m, and preferably up to 30 ⁇ m, but will vary dependent on the specific formulation required for a particular application.
- engobe may be used in the printhead, whereby engobe is used for priming of ceramic tiles, to make the tile water permeable after pressing; or for printing raised features on the tile for wood, stone effects.
- Engobe is a clay particle suspension
- glaze generally comprises an aqueous or solvent based glass frit suspension, or a suspension within a solution, made up of a liquid part having a quantity of mineral particulates/powders dispersed therein, whereby the specific glaze formulation is dependent on the requirements of the end user.
- a matt glaze may also contain engobe.
- Each head 2 comprises a main body 23, through which at least one internal feeding duct (channel) 24 (e.g. as shown in Figures 1 , 5 and 6 ) and at least one internal return duct (channel) 25 (e.g. as shown in Figures 2 , 4 and 6 ) are formed, wherein both the feeding duct 24 and the return duct 25 each have an opening into the fluid chamber 21 and a second opening at a coupling surface 26 of the head 2 (as shown in Figures 4 and 5 ).
- channels 24 e.g. as shown in Figures 1 , 5 and 6
- channels 25 e.g. as shown in Figures 2 , 4 and 6
- the body 23 of an individual head 2 is formed of a robust material which has mechanical and chemical resistance to the specific fluids used for a particular printing application.
- a suitable material is polyether ether ketone (PEEK) e.g. Victrex PEEK, which has suitable mechanical and chemical resistance properties for both organic and aqueous fluids including aqueous based glaze.
- the printhead 1 further comprises a support element 3, formed in the present embodiment as a cylindrical structure having an outer surface on which the individual heads 2 are assembled, and having a hollow internal duct 31, through which glaze can flow.
- the bodies 23 of the individual heads 2 further comprise an aperture 29 formed therethrough (e.g. as shown at Figures 3 , 4 and 5 ), whereby the internal surface of the aperture 29 i.e. a coupling surface 26 is such that when a head 2 is assembled on the support bar 3, the coupling surface 26 is in contact with the support bar 3, such that the head 2 is maintained substantially in position thereon and relative thereto.
- an aperture 29 formed therethrough (e.g. as shown at Figures 3 , 4 and 5 ), whereby the internal surface of the aperture 29 i.e. a coupling surface 26 is such that when a head 2 is assembled on the support bar 3, the coupling surface 26 is in contact with the support bar 3, such that the head 2 is maintained substantially in position thereon and relative thereto.
- Retention and alignment of the heads 2 relative to the support bar 3 is provided by any suitable means, for example by way of a frictional fit between the support element 3 and the coupling surfaces 26, and/or by complementary/keyed locating formations 305 provided on the support element 3 and the coupling surface 26 of the heads 2.
- the apertures 29 have a shape which is substantially complementary to the support element 3, and, for the present embodiment, are cylindrical in shape.
- the coupling surface 26 of each head 2 is defined substantially by the internal surface of an aperture 29 formed through the main body 23 of said head 2.
- the heads 2 can therefore be assembled on the support element 3 alongside one another, and aligned along a longitudinal axis (Y) of the support element 3.
- the angular position of the heads 2 can be defined by means of the cylindrical coupling between the support element 3 and coupling surfaces 26 by reference means e.g. the locating formations 305 which can be provided to define the angular position of the heads 2 around the longitudinal axis (Y).
- each head 2 along the longitudinal axis (Y) can be defined by means of appropriate references or spacers distributed along the support element 3. In the embodiment shown, the position of each head 2 along the longitudinal axis (Y) is defined by placing the heads 2 in contact with one another.
- the main bodies 23 of the heads 2 are shaped so as to allow direct contact between the heads 2.
- the main bodies 23 of the heads 2 are provided with opposing lateral surfaces 23a and 23b intended to be positioned in contact with the lateral surfaces 23a and 23b of adjacent heads 2, as shown in Figure 3 .
- At least one of the lateral surfaces of the heads 2 is provided with a first coupling zone 23c and that the other lateral surface is provided with a second coupling zone 23d.
- the first coupling zone 23c of a head 2 is intended to be positioned in contact with the second coupling zone 23d of an adjacent head 2, and vice versa.
- the coupling zones 23c, 23d are structured so as to prevent relative rotation between two adjacent heads around the longitudinal axis (Y), e.g. the surfaces may be keyed by providing cooperating structures on the lateral surfaces 23a and/or 23b at the coupling zones 23c and/or 23d.
- the overall position of the two or more heads 2 with which the printhead is provided along the longitudinal axis (Y) can be defined by fixing means.
- a first end locating element 41 and a second end locating element 42 are provided as fixing means to retain the heads in position on the support element 3.
- Each of the end locating elements 41, 42 are designed to be fixed to the support element 3 using any suitable means e.g. screws, grub screws, adhesive etc.
- the two or more heads 2 are inserted substantially between the two end locating elements 41, 42 such that they cannot slide/move along the longitudinal axis (Y).
- the locating elements 41/42 may also be provided with internal conduits formed integral thereto to provide for flow of glaze therein/therethrough.
- various leakage prevention/reduction means 27 e.g. O-rings/flanges/formations are provided on the lateral surfaces 23a and/or 23b of adjacent heads 2, to prevent/reduce the leakage of glaze from the heads 2 whilst printing, which would otherwise cause pressure and/or printing issues.
- the heads 2 are therefore aligned in succession along the support element 3, whereby, as described above, the fluid chambers 21 of the heads 2 are further connected in fluid communication with the internal duct 31 of the support element 3 by means of their own feeding ducts 24 and return ducts 25.
- the support element 3 is provided with a feeding opening 32 through the surface thereof into the internal duct 31 (e.g. as shown at Figures 1 , 3 and 5 ).
- the feed opening 32 is designed to be aligned with the opening of the feeding duct 24 on the coupling surface 26, when the individual head 2 is assembled in position on the support element 3.
- the support element 3 is further provided with a return opening 33 through the surface thereof into the internal duct 31 (as shown at Figures 2 , 3 and 4 ).
- the return opening 33 is designed to be aligned with the opening of the return duct 25 on the coupling surface 26, when the individual head 2 is assembled in position on the support element 3.
- each feeding opening 32 is aligned with the feeding duct 24 of a head 2 and each return opening 33 into the internal duct 31 is aligned with the return duct 25 of a head 2.
- the internal duct 31 is in fluid communication with the feeding ducts 24 and return ducts 25 of individual heads assembled on the support element 3, the internal duct 31 is in fluid communication with the fluid chamber 21 of the individual heads 2 assembled on the support element 3 via the respective feed and return ducts 24 and 25 of the respective heads.
- the support element 3 is provided with as many feeding openings 32 and as many return openings 33 as there are heads 2 provided in the printhead 1. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the internal duct 31 is provided with five feeding openings 32 and five return openings 33. In alternate embodiments a printhead having ten (10) or more individual heads 2, and preferably sixteen (16) heads 2 is provided.
- a first end locating element 41 is provided with a feed conduit (channel) 34 provided in fluid communication with the internal duct 31 of the support element 3 when assembled thereon, whereby glaze is fed to the internal duct 31 from a system ink reservoir via the feeding conduit 34.
- the first end locating element 41 is further provided with a return conduit (channel) 35 in fluid communication with the internal duct 31, when assembled on the support element 3, whereby unprinted glaze is returned to the system ink reservoir via the return conduit 35.
- the second end locating element 42 may be provided with an internal conduit(s) in communication with the internal duct 31.
- the support element 3 having the internal duct 31 therein performs both the task of a fluid supply and return manifold for the heads 2 and the task of support element for the heads 2.
- the internal duct 31 comprises two portions: a delivery portion 311 and a return portion 312 extending along a portion thereof.
- the delivery portion 311 is positioned in fluid communication with the feeding openings 32, each of which is in fluid communication with the ink chamber 21 via the feeding duct 24 of a head 2 as described above.
- the return portion 312 of the internal duct 31 is positioned in fluid communication with the return openings 33, each of which is in fluid communication with the ink chamber 21 via the return duct 25 of a head 2 as described above.
- a longitudinal sealing partition 313 extends substantially along the length of the internal duct 31 from an area located towards the first end 331 of the body 330 to an area located towards a second end 331 of the body 330, whereby the sealing partition is operable, in use, to provide a seal between the fluid delivery portion 311 and the return portion 312.
- the sealing partition 313 opens at an end 315 of the internal duct 31, whereby the delivery portion 311 is in fluid communication with the return portion 312, such that glaze can flow from the delivery portion 311 to the return portion 312 at the end 315.
- the sealing partition 313 opens towards an end 315, such that, in use, the delivery portion 311 is in fluid communication with the return portion 312, whereby glaze can flow from the delivery portion 311 to the return portion 312 at the opening.
- an insert 310 (e.g. as shown at Figures 7a-7d ) is provided within the internal duct 31.
- the insert 310 comprises a longitudinal body 330, having a first end 331 and a second end 332, whereby the body 330 comprises a substantially cylindrical cross-section.
- the body further comprises an outer surface 318, whereby the outer surface is formed to locate e.g. frictionally fit inside the internal duct 31.
- the body 330 further comprises at least two formations provided therein to define the delivery portion 311 and the return portion 312 and the sealing portion 313.
- a central wall 313 extends longitudinally from an area located towards the first end 331 to an area located towards the second end 332, whereby the central wall 313 is a sealing partition 313 between the delivery portion 311 and the return potion 312, whereby the sealing partition 313 comprises an upper surface 338, whereby, the width of the upper surface 338 is preferably less than the width of the top surface 318 of the sealing partition 313 below the upper surface 338.
- the delivery portion 311 and the return portions comprise flow surfaces 321, which extend a distance (L) transverse to the sealing partition 313.
- the top surface 338 of the sealing partition 313 frictionally locates against an inner surface of the internal duct 31 to provide a sealing functionality between the delivery portions 311 and return portions 312 when the insert 310 is inserted into the internal duct of the support element 3 (e.g. as shown in Figures 1 , 2 , 4 and 5 ), whilst as described above, a portion of the sealing partition 313 opens towards the end 315.
- the internal duct 31 of the support element 3 is provided with formations formed integral thereto, to define the delivery portion 311 and return portion 312 i.e. whereby no insert is required.
- the glaze is fed, under pressure e.g. 1Bar, to the internal duct 31 through the feed conduit 34 and flows into the delivery portion 311 towards a first end 325 thereof, and flows within the delivery portion 311 towards a second end 326 thereof, whereby the glaze flows, under pressure, into the feeding ducts 24 through the feeding openings 32 located along the surface of the internal duct 31 between the first end 325 and second end 326 of the delivery portion 311.
- the quantity of glaze which is not fed to the heads 2 flows from the delivery portion 311 into the return portion 312, through the sealing partition 313 at the opening towards the end 315.
- the glaze then flows within the return portion 312 to a return conduit 35 via a channel 327 ( Figure 7d ) located towards a second end of the return portion 312, such that the excess glaze is recirculated in the system.
- the openings 32 are provided along a horizontal plane located substantially vertically above a horizontal plane on which the openings 33 are provided. Such a configuration results in the delivery portion 311 being located above the return portion 312, which minimises or negates sedimentation of particles in the printhead. Furthermore, it will be seen that the openings 32 and 33 are provided on different vertical planes i.e. they are offset. However, it will be appreciated that, in alternative embodiments, the openings 32 and 33 may be located on the same vertical plane.
- the recirculation of the glaze at pressure e.g. 1Bar reduces/prevents sedimentation of particulates and/or obstructions in any part of the internal duct 31 and of the heads 2.
- the internal duct 31 of the support element 3 is structured in such a way that the pressure of the glaze is substantially constant across all of the feeding openings 32 and fluid chambers 21 in the head. This ensures that the fluid chambers 21 in the heads 2 of the printhead 1 are fed substantially with the same quantity of glaze at a substantially constant pressure e.g. 1Bar, which provides for controlled fluid feed to the chamber, controlled droplet formation and controlled droplet ejection.
- the internal duct 31 is further shaped in such a way that the pressure of the glaze is substantially constant at all of the return openings 33 to provide for controlled fluid return from the chamber 21.
- the cross section profile of the portions 311 and/or 312 varies between each end of the portions 311 and/or 312, thereby effecting a corresponding controlled variation in the pressure drop per length between each end of the delivery and return portions 311 and 312, when glaze is flowing therethrough.
- Figure 7a shows, in perspective, a delivery portion 311 of an insert 310
- Figure 7b shows, a sectional view of the insert 310 along the line A-A
- Figure 7c shows a sectional view of the insert 310 along the line B-B
- Figure 7d shows, in perspective, a return portion 312 of the insert 310.
- Figure 7a shows a delivery portion 311
- Figure 7d shows a return portion 312, whereby each portion comprises a curved flow surface 321 extending curvedly downwards from an area towards the first end 331 of the body 330 in the direction of the second end 332.
- the flow surface 321 extends upwards in the direction of the second end 332 of the body 330. This upward extension may be linear or non-linear.
- the distance L is larger at the section through A-A which is located closer to point 340, than at the section through B-B, which is located closer to the second end 332.
- the pressure drop per length of glaze flowing through the portions 311 and/or 312 can be easily controlled and optimised such that, in use, the pressure is maintained substantially constant across all the feed openings 32.
- the delivery portion 311 may be fabricated such that the profile of the portion 311 varies linearly between a first end and second end of the portion 311, to cause a flow rate in the delivery portion to decrease dependent on the taper, as described in EP1140513 , such that a substantially constant pressure is provided across all the feed openings 32 along the delivery portion 311.
- the cross-section profile of the return portion 312 may be fabricated to vary linearly or non-linearly such that a substantially constant pressure is provided across all the return openings 33.
- the profiles of the delivery and/or return portion 311 and/or 312 may remain constant between each end, but further pressure regulation will be required for the heads 2.
- the profiles of the feed ducts 24 and/or the return ducts 25 may vary to ensure the glaze flows into and/or out of the fluid chamber 21 at a constant pressure.
- the insert is formed of a thermoplastic material having high stiffness, low friction and excellent dimensional stability e.g. Polyoxymethylene (POM), and which is resistant to glaze.
- the insert may be fabricated using any suitable technique for example 3d-printing, injection molding.
- the internal duct 31 is not provided with an insert but, instead, the support element 3 is provided with formations formed integral thereto at the internal duct 31, to define the delivery portion 311 and return portion 312.
- the support element 3 having the internal duct 31 having substantially sealed delivery and return portions 311 and 312 provided therein, there is, therefore, no need for separate feed circuits for each of the individual heads 2, nor is there a requirement for individual feed and supply circuits and/or complex pressure regulation for each individual head.
- the variation in the profile of the delivery portion 311 and return portion 312 can be obtained by means of the flow surface 321, which is structured to define the internal profile of the portions 311 and/or 312, and therefore the specific shape, volume and pressure drop per length of the portions 311 and/or 312.
- the printhead according to the present invention achieves important advantages.
- the structures of the support element 3 and of the heads 2 make it possible to form a supply circuit for feeding fluid to multiple heads substantially without the need for individual complex pressure control circuits or controls.
- the circuit for supplying and recirculating the glaze is defined essentially by the support element 3 and by the main bodies 23 of the heads 2, without the need for further conduits with the exception of a conduit for supplying the glaze to the support element 3.
- the support element 3 further provides a support and a simple and precise reference for positioning the heads 2 thereon.
Landscapes
- Particle Formation And Scattering Control In Inkjet Printers (AREA)
Description
- The present invention relates to a printhead, particularly, but not exclusively to a printhead with at least two heads assembled on a support bar.
- Conventional ink jet printers generally comprise a plurality of printheads, each of which is designed to discharge drops of a printing liquid towards a printing surface or support.
- An obturator is designed for opening and closing the nozzle in a controlled manner to allow the liquid to be discharged at precise positions on the surface of a substrate. The functionality of printheads is well known in the art, for example as described in
EP1972450B . - The heads have to be positioned with respect to one another in such a way that the discharged drops fall on the printing support in predetermined positions.
- To obtain an optimum and uniform print quality and control of each individual printed drop on a substrate, the individual heads in a printhead are operated independently of each other. Furthermore, all the heads are required to operate under the same conditions; in particular, ideally, all the heads have to be supplied individually with fluid for printing uniformly e.g. using individual supply conduits, so that the same pressure conditions are present upstream and downstream of each printing nozzle.
- The printing liquid is required to circulate continuously to avoid local compositional variations and/or sedimentation.
- These requirements have the effect that each head is supplied independently of the others, whereby, for example, each head is connected to its own individual liquid feed and return circuit for feeding and recirculating the printing liquid. Such a configuration significantly complicates the structure of the head, as each circuit will have complex pressure control associated therewith to ensure optimum functionality of the printhead, which increases the overall cost and complexity e.g. of control/assembly of the printheads.
- For example, in some printers it is required to connect individual heads to a supply conduit using individual conduits, which require the provision of complex dynamic tuning of each individual supply conduit to obtain the desired operating pressure.
- It will be appreciated that the cost and complexity increases for each additional head required to be added to the printhead.
-
EP2338684 discloses a printhead having two individual heads and a support element having an internal cavity through which the fluid can flow to the individual heads. - It is an object of the present invention to provide a printhead for an ink jet printer which addresses the abovementioned disadvantages of conventional printheads.
- Accordingly, in a first aspect, there is provided a printhead according to
claim 1. - Preferably, the printhead is adapted such that, in use, the pressure of fluid in the fluid chambers is substantially equal across all fluid chambers of the printhead.
- Preferably, the support element is a longitudinal support element. It may, in particular, be formed as a cylindrical structure having an outer surface on which the individual heads can be assembled.
- Preferably, the internal manifold comprises a longitudinal duct having a fluid delivery portion and a fluid return portion, wherein the fluid delivery portion and the fluid return portion are separated by a dividing portion extending along the longitudinal duct, and wherein the delivery portion is in fluid communication with the return portion towards a first end of the duct. Alternatively, the internal manifold comprises a longitudinal duct having a fluid delivery portion and a fluid return portion, wherein the fluid delivery portion and the fluid return portion are separated by a dividing portion extending along the longitudinal duct, and wherein the delivery portion and the return portion are in fluid communication with an end piece provided with the support element.
- Preferably, the profile of the fluid delivery portion and/or the fluid return portion varies along the length of the duct.
- Preferably, the profile of the fluid delivery portion and/or the fluid return portion varies linearly.
- Preferably, the profile of the fluid delivery portion and/or the fluid return portion varies non-linearly.
- Preferably, the internal manifold is provided in the support element as a removable insert.
- Preferably, the internal manifold is fabricated integral to the support element.
- Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the longitudinal duct or end piece may or may not extend beyond a corresponding end of the main body of the support element and that the removable insert and the end piece, where it is not simply a tubing, may be in sealing engagement with the support element.
- One advantage of the printhead according to the present invention is that it has an overall design which is significantly simpler than the printheads currently available.
- Another advantage of the printhead according to the present invention is that it requires a substantially reduced number of conduits than the printheads currently available.
- A further advantage of the printhead is that it provides for reduced pressure regulation requirements than the printheads currently available.
-
Figure 1 shows, in perspective, a cross section view of a printhead and support bar having a plurality of individual heads assembled thereon, showing the direction of fluid flow into the printhead via a fluid supply duct, according to a first embodiment of the present invention; -
Figure 2 shows, in perspective, a cross section view of the printhead and support bar ofFigure 1 , showing the direction of fluid flow out of the printhead via a fluid return duct; -
Figure 3 shows, in perspective, an exploded view of the printhead ofFigure 1 ; -
Figure 4 shows a section view of the printhead and support bar through the longitudinal axis of the support bar ofFigure 1 and the fluid return duct of the individual head; -
Figure 5 shows a section view of the printhead and support bar through the longitudinal axis of the support bar ofFigure 1 and the fluid supply duct of the individual head; -
Figure 6 shows a top down section view through print chambers of two individual heads ofFigure 1 ; -
Figure 7a shows, in perspective, a delivery portion of an insert according to a first embodiment of the present invention; -
Figure 7b shows a section view through the longitudinal axis of a first end of the insert ofFigure 7a along the line A-A; -
Figure 7c shows a section view through the longitudinal axis of a second end of the insert ofFigure 7a along the line B-B; and -
Figure 7d shows, in perspective, a return portion of the insert ofFigure 7a . -
Figure 1 shows, in perspective, a cross section view of aprinthead 1 andsupport bar 3 having a plurality ofindividual heads 2 thereon.Figure 2 shows, in perspective, a cross section view of theprinthead 1 andsupport bar 3;Figure 3 shows, in perspective, an exploded view of theprinthead 1;Figure 4 shows a section view of theprinthead 1 and supportbar 3 through the longitudinal axis of thesupport bar 3 and afluid return duct 25 of theindividual head 2;Figure 5 shows a section view of theprinthead 1 and supportbar 3 through the longitudinal axis of thesupport bar 3 and afluid supply duct 24 of theindividual head 2;Figure 6 shows top down section view throughfluid chambers 21 of twoindividual heads 2;Figure 7a shows, in perspective, adelivery portion 311 of aninsert 310;Figure 7b shows, a section view through the longitudinal axis of a first end of theinsert 310 the line A-A;Figure 7c shows a section view through the longitudinal axis of a second end of theinsert 310 along the line B-B; andFigure 7d shows, in perspective, areturn portion 312 of theinsert 310. - The
printhead 1 according to the present invention comprises at least twoindividual heads 2, each of which is provided with at least one fluid chamber 21 (e.g. as shown inFigures 4-6 ) and a nozzle 22 (e.g. as shown inFigures 3-6 ) positioned in fluid communication with thefluid chamber 21. - An obturator (not shown), as known to a person skilled in the art of inkjet printing, is provided in the
fluid chamber 21 for opening and closing thenozzle 22 in a controlled manner to allow the liquid to be discharged/printed at precise positions onto a surface of a substrate to be decorated. - The
figures 1-3 of the present embodiment show aprinthead 1 having fiveindividual heads 2, although it will be appreciated that aprinthead 1 is not limited to having fiveindividual heads 2, and may have as many heads as required for a specific application, as will be appreciated by a skilled person having taken account of this specification. - Whilst the operation of the
printhead 1 is described hereinafter using glaze as the printing liquid, it will be appreciated that any suitable fluid could be used depending on the specific application e.g. methyl ethyl ketone or acetone based ink for printing on cardboard/paper/food packaging or polymer/metallic based ink for 3D-printing. - The glaze itself may contain pigment to provide colour after firing, and have other additives such as clay to provide different finishes such as glossy, matt, opaque finishes that may be combined on the same surface, as well as special effects such as metallic tones and lustre. Texture or relief structures can be provided by printing a solution containing predominantly engobe. An exemplary digital glaze composition is disclosed in
ES2386267 - Alternatively engobe may be used in the printhead, whereby engobe is used for priming of ceramic tiles, to make the tile water permeable after pressing; or for printing raised features on the tile for wood, stone effects.
- Engobe is a clay particle suspension, whilst glaze generally comprises an aqueous or solvent based glass frit suspension, or a suspension within a solution, made up of a liquid part having a quantity of mineral particulates/powders dispersed therein, whereby the specific glaze formulation is dependent on the requirements of the end user. A matt glaze may also contain engobe.
- Each
head 2 comprises amain body 23, through which at least one internal feeding duct (channel) 24 (e.g. as shown inFigures 1 ,5 and 6 ) and at least one internal return duct (channel) 25 (e.g. as shown inFigures 2 ,4 and6 ) are formed, wherein both thefeeding duct 24 and thereturn duct 25 each have an opening into thefluid chamber 21 and a second opening at acoupling surface 26 of the head 2 (as shown inFigures 4 and5 ). - The
body 23 of anindividual head 2 is formed of a robust material which has mechanical and chemical resistance to the specific fluids used for a particular printing application. For example, when using glaze, one suitable material is polyether ether ketone (PEEK) e.g. Victrex PEEK, which has suitable mechanical and chemical resistance properties for both organic and aqueous fluids including aqueous based glaze. - The
printhead 1 further comprises asupport element 3, formed in the present embodiment as a cylindrical structure having an outer surface on which theindividual heads 2 are assembled, and having a hollowinternal duct 31, through which glaze can flow. - The
bodies 23 of theindividual heads 2 further comprise anaperture 29 formed therethrough (e.g. as shown atFigures 3 ,4 and5 ), whereby the internal surface of theaperture 29 i.e. acoupling surface 26 is such that when ahead 2 is assembled on thesupport bar 3, thecoupling surface 26 is in contact with thesupport bar 3, such that thehead 2 is maintained substantially in position thereon and relative thereto. - Retention and alignment of the
heads 2 relative to thesupport bar 3 is provided by any suitable means, for example by way of a frictional fit between thesupport element 3 and thecoupling surfaces 26, and/or by complementary/keyed locatingformations 305 provided on thesupport element 3 and thecoupling surface 26 of theheads 2. - The
apertures 29 have a shape which is substantially complementary to thesupport element 3, and, for the present embodiment, are cylindrical in shape. As can be seen inFigure 3 , thecoupling surface 26 of eachhead 2 is defined substantially by the internal surface of anaperture 29 formed through themain body 23 of saidhead 2. - The
heads 2 can therefore be assembled on thesupport element 3 alongside one another, and aligned along a longitudinal axis (Y) of thesupport element 3. - The angular position of the
heads 2 can be defined by means of the cylindrical coupling between thesupport element 3 andcoupling surfaces 26 by reference means e.g. the locatingformations 305 which can be provided to define the angular position of theheads 2 around the longitudinal axis (Y). - The position of each
head 2 along the longitudinal axis (Y) can be defined by means of appropriate references or spacers distributed along thesupport element 3. In the embodiment shown, the position of eachhead 2 along the longitudinal axis (Y) is defined by placing theheads 2 in contact with one another. - For this purpose, the
main bodies 23 of theheads 2 are shaped so as to allow direct contact between theheads 2. In particular, themain bodies 23 of theheads 2 are provided with opposinglateral surfaces lateral surfaces adjacent heads 2, as shown inFigure 3 . - It is preferable that at least one of the lateral surfaces of the
heads 2 is provided with afirst coupling zone 23c and that the other lateral surface is provided with asecond coupling zone 23d. Thefirst coupling zone 23c of ahead 2 is intended to be positioned in contact with thesecond coupling zone 23d of anadjacent head 2, and vice versa. It is preferable that thecoupling zones coupling zones 23c and/or 23d. - The overall position of the two or
more heads 2 with which the printhead is provided along the longitudinal axis (Y) can be defined by fixing means. In the present embodiment, a firstend locating element 41 and a secondend locating element 42 are provided as fixing means to retain the heads in position on thesupport element 3. - Each of the
end locating elements support element 3 using any suitable means e.g. screws, grub screws, adhesive etc. The two ormore heads 2 are inserted substantially between the twoend locating elements elements 41/42 may also be provided with internal conduits formed integral thereto to provide for flow of glaze therein/therethrough. - Furthermore, as shown in
Figure 3 , various leakage prevention/reduction means 27 e.g. O-rings/flanges/formations are provided on the lateral surfaces 23a and/or 23b ofadjacent heads 2, to prevent/reduce the leakage of glaze from theheads 2 whilst printing, which would otherwise cause pressure and/or printing issues. - The
heads 2 are therefore aligned in succession along thesupport element 3, whereby, as described above, thefluid chambers 21 of theheads 2 are further connected in fluid communication with theinternal duct 31 of thesupport element 3 by means of theirown feeding ducts 24 and returnducts 25. - The
support element 3 is provided with afeeding opening 32 through the surface thereof into the internal duct 31 (e.g. as shown atFigures 1 ,3 and5 ). Thefeed opening 32 is designed to be aligned with the opening of the feedingduct 24 on thecoupling surface 26, when theindividual head 2 is assembled in position on thesupport element 3. - The
support element 3 is further provided with areturn opening 33 through the surface thereof into the internal duct 31 (as shown atFigures 2 ,3 and4 ). Thereturn opening 33 is designed to be aligned with the opening of thereturn duct 25 on thecoupling surface 26, when theindividual head 2 is assembled in position on thesupport element 3. - When a
head 2 is assembled in position on thesupport bar 3 each feedingopening 32 is aligned with the feedingduct 24 of ahead 2 and each return opening 33 into theinternal duct 31 is aligned with thereturn duct 25 of ahead 2. - It will be seen therefore, that as the
internal duct 31 is in fluid communication with the feedingducts 24 and returnducts 25 of individual heads assembled on thesupport element 3, theinternal duct 31 is in fluid communication with thefluid chamber 21 of theindividual heads 2 assembled on thesupport element 3 via the respective feed and returnducts - In general, the
support element 3 is provided with as many feedingopenings 32 and asmany return openings 33 as there areheads 2 provided in theprinthead 1. Therefore, in the present embodiment, theinternal duct 31 is provided with fivefeeding openings 32 and fivereturn openings 33. In alternate embodiments a printhead having ten (10) or moreindividual heads 2, and preferably sixteen (16) heads 2 is provided. - Advantageously, a first
end locating element 41 is provided with a feed conduit (channel) 34 provided in fluid communication with theinternal duct 31 of thesupport element 3 when assembled thereon, whereby glaze is fed to theinternal duct 31 from a system ink reservoir via thefeeding conduit 34. - The first
end locating element 41 is further provided with a return conduit (channel) 35 in fluid communication with theinternal duct 31, when assembled on thesupport element 3, whereby unprinted glaze is returned to the system ink reservoir via thereturn conduit 35. - It will be appreciated that additionally or alternatively to the first
end locating element 41, the secondend locating element 42 may be provided with an internal conduit(s) in communication with theinternal duct 31. - In this way, the
support element 3 having theinternal duct 31 therein performs both the task of a fluid supply and return manifold for theheads 2 and the task of support element for theheads 2. - In the present embodiment, the
internal duct 31 comprises two portions: adelivery portion 311 and areturn portion 312 extending along a portion thereof. - The
delivery portion 311 is positioned in fluid communication with the feedingopenings 32, each of which is in fluid communication with theink chamber 21 via the feedingduct 24 of ahead 2 as described above. - Furthermore, the
return portion 312 of theinternal duct 31 is positioned in fluid communication with thereturn openings 33, each of which is in fluid communication with theink chamber 21 via thereturn duct 25 of ahead 2 as described above. - A
longitudinal sealing partition 313 extends substantially along the length of theinternal duct 31 from an area located towards thefirst end 331 of the body 330 to an area located towards asecond end 331 of the body 330, whereby the sealing partition is operable, in use, to provide a seal between thefluid delivery portion 311 and thereturn portion 312. The sealingpartition 313 opens at anend 315 of theinternal duct 31, whereby thedelivery portion 311 is in fluid communication with thereturn portion 312, such that glaze can flow from thedelivery portion 311 to thereturn portion 312 at theend 315. - The sealing
partition 313 opens towards anend 315, such that, in use, thedelivery portion 311 is in fluid communication with thereturn portion 312, whereby glaze can flow from thedelivery portion 311 to thereturn portion 312 at the opening. - In the present embodiment, an insert 310 (e.g. as shown at
Figures 7a-7d ) is provided within theinternal duct 31. Theinsert 310 comprises a longitudinal body 330, having afirst end 331 and asecond end 332, whereby the body 330 comprises a substantially cylindrical cross-section. The body further comprises anouter surface 318, whereby the outer surface is formed to locate e.g. frictionally fit inside theinternal duct 31. - The body 330 further comprises at least two formations provided therein to define the
delivery portion 311 and thereturn portion 312 and the sealingportion 313. - A
central wall 313 extends longitudinally from an area located towards thefirst end 331 to an area located towards thesecond end 332, whereby thecentral wall 313 is a sealingpartition 313 between thedelivery portion 311 and thereturn potion 312, whereby the sealingpartition 313 comprises anupper surface 338, whereby, the width of theupper surface 338 is preferably less than the width of thetop surface 318 of the sealingpartition 313 below theupper surface 338. - The
delivery portion 311 and the return portions comprise flow surfaces 321, which extend a distance (L) transverse to the sealingpartition 313. - In the present embodiment, the
top surface 338 of the sealingpartition 313 frictionally locates against an inner surface of theinternal duct 31 to provide a sealing functionality between thedelivery portions 311 and returnportions 312 when theinsert 310 is inserted into the internal duct of the support element 3 (e.g. as shown inFigures 1 ,2 ,4 and5 ), whilst as described above, a portion of the sealingpartition 313 opens towards theend 315. - In an alternative embodiment, the
internal duct 31 of thesupport element 3 is provided with formations formed integral thereto, to define thedelivery portion 311 andreturn portion 312 i.e. whereby no insert is required. - As shown schematically for example at
Figures 1 ,2 ,4 and5 , the glaze is fed, under pressure e.g. 1Bar, to theinternal duct 31 through thefeed conduit 34 and flows into thedelivery portion 311 towards afirst end 325 thereof, and flows within thedelivery portion 311 towards asecond end 326 thereof, whereby the glaze flows, under pressure, into the feedingducts 24 through the feedingopenings 32 located along the surface of theinternal duct 31 between thefirst end 325 andsecond end 326 of thedelivery portion 311. - The quantity of glaze which is not fed to the
heads 2 flows from thedelivery portion 311 into thereturn portion 312, through the sealingpartition 313 at the opening towards theend 315. The glaze then flows within thereturn portion 312 to areturn conduit 35 via a channel 327 (Figure 7d ) located towards a second end of thereturn portion 312, such that the excess glaze is recirculated in the system. - In the present embodiment the
openings 32 are provided along a horizontal plane located substantially vertically above a horizontal plane on which theopenings 33 are provided. Such a configuration results in thedelivery portion 311 being located above thereturn portion 312, which minimises or negates sedimentation of particles in the printhead. Furthermore, it will be seen that theopenings openings - Of the total quantity of glaze fed to the
individual heads 2 through the feedingducts 24, a quantity is discharged from thenozzles 22 during a printing cycle, whilst the remaining glaze flows through thereturn ducts 25 and theopenings 33 into thereturn portion 312, whereby the glaze then flows, under pressure, into thereturn conduit 35 via the channel 327 (Figure 7d ) such that substantially all glaze which is not printed is recirculated in the system (as shown inFigures 1 and2 ). - Advantageously, the recirculation of the glaze at pressure e.g. 1Bar reduces/prevents sedimentation of particulates and/or obstructions in any part of the
internal duct 31 and of theheads 2. - Furthermore, the
internal duct 31 of thesupport element 3 is structured in such a way that the pressure of the glaze is substantially constant across all of the feedingopenings 32 andfluid chambers 21 in the head. This ensures that thefluid chambers 21 in theheads 2 of theprinthead 1 are fed substantially with the same quantity of glaze at a substantially constant pressure e.g. 1Bar, which provides for controlled fluid feed to the chamber, controlled droplet formation and controlled droplet ejection. Theinternal duct 31 is further shaped in such a way that the pressure of the glaze is substantially constant at all of thereturn openings 33 to provide for controlled fluid return from thechamber 21. - In the present embodiment, in order to provide for a substantially equal pressure across all feeding
openings 32, returnopenings 33, and within thefluid chambers 21, the cross section profile of theportions 311 and/or 312 varies between each end of theportions 311 and/or 312, thereby effecting a corresponding controlled variation in the pressure drop per length between each end of the delivery and returnportions - As an example of the variation in the cross section profile,
Figure 7a shows, in perspective, adelivery portion 311 of aninsert 310;Figure 7b shows, a sectional view of theinsert 310 along the line A-A;Figure 7c shows a sectional view of theinsert 310 along the line B-B; andFigure 7d shows, in perspective, areturn portion 312 of theinsert 310. - Specifically,
Figure 7a shows adelivery portion 311, whilstFigure 7d shows areturn portion 312, whereby each portion comprises acurved flow surface 321 extending curvedly downwards from an area towards thefirst end 331 of the body 330 in the direction of thesecond end 332. - At a
point 340 located between the first and second ends of the body 330, theflow surface 321 extends upwards in the direction of thesecond end 332 of the body 330. This upward extension may be linear or non-linear. - As can be seen in
Figures 7b and 7c , the distance L is larger at the section through A-A which is located closer topoint 340, than at the section through B-B, which is located closer to thesecond end 332. - By varying the angle at which the
surfaces 321 of therespective portions 311 and/or 312 extend upwards or downwards, the pressure drop per length of glaze flowing through theportions 311 and/or 312 can be easily controlled and optimised such that, in use, the pressure is maintained substantially constant across all thefeed openings 32. - In an alternative embodiment, the
delivery portion 311 may be fabricated such that the profile of theportion 311 varies linearly between a first end and second end of theportion 311, to cause a flow rate in the delivery portion to decrease dependent on the taper, as described inEP1140513 , such that a substantially constant pressure is provided across all thefeed openings 32 along thedelivery portion 311. - Alternatively or additionally, the cross-section profile of the
return portion 312 may be fabricated to vary linearly or non-linearly such that a substantially constant pressure is provided across all thereturn openings 33. - In a further alternative embodiment, the profiles of the delivery and/or return
portion 311 and/or 312 may remain constant between each end, but further pressure regulation will be required for theheads 2. For example, the profiles of thefeed ducts 24 and/or thereturn ducts 25 may vary to ensure the glaze flows into and/or out of thefluid chamber 21 at a constant pressure. - In the present embodiment, the insert is formed of a thermoplastic material having high stiffness, low friction and excellent dimensional stability e.g. Polyoxymethylene (POM), and which is resistant to glaze. The insert may be fabricated using any suitable technique for example 3d-printing, injection molding.
- In an alternative embodiment, the
internal duct 31 is not provided with an insert but, instead, thesupport element 3 is provided with formations formed integral thereto at theinternal duct 31, to define thedelivery portion 311 andreturn portion 312. On account of thesupport element 3 having theinternal duct 31 having substantially sealed delivery and returnportions individual heads 2, nor is there a requirement for individual feed and supply circuits and/or complex pressure regulation for each individual head. - The variation in the profile of the
delivery portion 311 andreturn portion 312 can be obtained by means of theflow surface 321, which is structured to define the internal profile of theportions 311 and/or 312, and therefore the specific shape, volume and pressure drop per length of theportions 311 and/or 312. - The printhead according to the present invention achieves important advantages.
- For example, the structures of the
support element 3 and of theheads 2 make it possible to form a supply circuit for feeding fluid to multiple heads substantially without the need for individual complex pressure control circuits or controls. - The circuit for supplying and recirculating the glaze is defined essentially by the
support element 3 and by themain bodies 23 of theheads 2, without the need for further conduits with the exception of a conduit for supplying the glaze to thesupport element 3. - The
support element 3 further provides a support and a simple and precise reference for positioning theheads 2 thereon.
Claims (10)
- A printhead (1) having at least two individual heads (2), wherein each individual head (2) comprises a body (23) having a fluid chamber (21) formed therein, wherein the fluid chamber (21) is in fluid communication with a nozzle (22) for printing a fluid onto a substrate, and wherein the body (23) further comprises a coupling aperture formed therein, wherein the coupling aperture comprises a coupling surface (26), and wherein the body further comprises at least one internal feeding duct (24) and at least one internal return duct (25) formed therein;
said ducts (24,25) having a first opening at the coupling surface (26) and a second opening in the fluid chamber (21);
the printhead (1) comprising a support element (3) having an internal cavity (31) formed therein, through which fluid can flow to the individual heads, wherein the internal cavity (31) is provided with at least two feeding openings (32), each one placed in communication with a respective feeding duct (24) of an individual head (2), and with two return openings (33), each one placed in communication with a respective return duct (25) of an individual head (2); wherein the individual heads (2) are arranged on the support element (3) and retained thereon on the coupling surfaces (26). - The printhead (1) of Claim 1, wherein the printhead (1) is adapted such that, in use, the pressure of fluid in the fluid chambers (21) is substantially equal across all fluid chambers (21) of the printhead (1).
- The printhead (1) of any preceding claim, wherein the support element (3) is a longitudinal support element (3).
- The printhead (1) of any preceding claim, wherein, the internal cavity (31) comprises a longitudinal duct (31) having a fluid delivery portion (311) and a fluid return portion (312), wherein the fluid delivery portion (311) and the fluid return portion (312) are separated by a dividing portion (313) extending along the longitudinal duct (31), and wherein the delivery portion (311) is in fluid communication with the return portion (312) towards a first end of the duct (31).
- The printhead (1) according to Claim 4, wherein the cross section profile of the fluid delivery portion (311) and/or the fluid return portion (312) varies along the length of the duct (31).
- The printhead (1) according to Claim 5, wherein the profile of the fluid delivery portion (311) and/or the fluid return portion (312) varies linearly.
- The printhead (1) according to Claim 5, wherein the profile of the fluid delivery portion (311) and/or the fluid return portion (312) varies non-linearly.
- The printhead (1) according to any preceding claim wherein the internal cavity (31) is provided in the support element (1) as a removable insert (310).
- The printhead (1) according to any of claims 1 to 8, wherein the internal cavity (31) is fabricated integral to the support element (3).
- A printer, having a printhead according to one of the preceding claims.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
GB1321106.5A GB2520745A (en) | 2013-11-29 | 2013-11-29 | An improved support bar for a printhead |
PCT/IB2014/066428 WO2015079422A1 (en) | 2013-11-29 | 2014-11-28 | An improved support bar for a printhead |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP3092127A1 EP3092127A1 (en) | 2016-11-16 |
EP3092127B1 true EP3092127B1 (en) | 2019-11-20 |
Family
ID=49979549
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP14821286.3A Not-in-force EP3092127B1 (en) | 2013-11-29 | 2014-11-28 | An improved support bar for a printhead |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP3092127B1 (en) |
GB (1) | GB2520745A (en) |
WO (1) | WO2015079422A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE102022110481A1 (en) | 2022-04-29 | 2023-11-02 | Koenig & Bauer Ag | Ink jet printing device with branching unit |
Families Citing this family (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2016122613A1 (en) * | 2015-01-30 | 2016-08-04 | Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. | Printing fluid delivery system for printers |
IT201700019466A1 (en) * | 2017-02-21 | 2018-08-21 | Tecno Italia S R L | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR THE DECORATION OF MANUFACTURED ARTICLES BY DIGITAL PRINTING |
JP6939009B2 (en) * | 2017-03-28 | 2021-09-22 | セイコーエプソン株式会社 | Liquid discharge device |
IT201900002151A1 (en) * | 2019-02-14 | 2020-08-14 | Tecno Italia S R L | DEVICE FOR THE DISPENSING OF ENAMEL |
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2014
- 2014-11-28 EP EP14821286.3A patent/EP3092127B1/en not_active Not-in-force
- 2014-11-28 WO PCT/IB2014/066428 patent/WO2015079422A1/en active Application Filing
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DE102022110481A1 (en) | 2022-04-29 | 2023-11-02 | Koenig & Bauer Ag | Ink jet printing device with branching unit |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
GB2520745A (en) | 2015-06-03 |
GB201321106D0 (en) | 2014-01-15 |
EP3092127A1 (en) | 2016-11-16 |
WO2015079422A1 (en) | 2015-06-04 |
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