Ink port adapter for inkjet head

Ink port adapters for multi-color inkjet heads. In one embodiment, the ink port adapter includes two hose fittings for connecting to hoses, and four openings that align with four ink ports of a four-color inkjet head. The adapter includes one ink path that connects one of the hose fittings to two of the openings, and another ink path that connects the other hose fitting to the other two openings. The adapter therefore converts the four-color inkjet head into a two-color inkjet head.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The following disclosure relates to the field of printing, and in particular, to inkjet heads used in printing.

BACKGROUND

Inkjet printing is a type of printing that propels drops of ink (also referred to as droplets) onto a medium, such as paper, a substrate for 3D printing, etc. The core of an inkjet printer includes one or more print heads (referred to herein as inkjet heads) having multiple ink channels arranged in parallel to discharge droplets of ink. A typical ink channel includes a nozzle, a chamber, and a mechanism for ejecting the ink from the chamber and through the nozzle, which is typically a piezoelectric actuator connected to a diaphragm. To discharge a droplet from an ink channel, a drive circuit provides a drive waveform to the piezoelectric actuator of that ink channel that includes a jetting pulse. In response to the jetting pulse, the piezoelectric actuator generates pressure oscillations inside of the ink channel to push the droplet out of the nozzle. The drive waveforms provided to individual piezoelectric actuators control how droplets are ejected from each of the ink channels.

Inkjet heads are typically configured as single-color, two-color, or four-color heads. Users select the type of inkjet head based on their printing needs. For example, if a user has a need for both two-color and four-color printing, then they will select both a two-color and a four-color inkjet head. Users may therefore need to purchase multiple types of inkjet heads based their printing needs.

SUMMARY

Embodiments described herein include adapters for multi-color inkjet heads that reduce the number of colors that are printed with the inkjet heads. For example, an adapter may allow a four-color inkjet head to print in two-color or single-color. An adapter may allow a two-color inkjet head to print in single-color. Therefore, use of adapters as described herein advantageously gives users flexibility in how multi-color inkjet heads are used for printing.

One embodiment is an apparatus including an ink port adapter. The ink port adapter comprises a body having a first surface and a second surface, two hose fittings that extend from the first surface of the body for connecting to hoses, four openings on the second surface of the body that align with four ink ports on one end of a four-color inkjet head, a first ink path through the body that connects a first one of the hose fittings to a first one of the openings and to a second one of the openings, and a second ink path through the body that connects a second one of the hose fittings to a third one of the openings and to a fourth one of the openings. This type of ink port adaptor is for converting a four-color inkjet head to a two-color inkjet head.

In another embodiment, the apparatus includes o-rings to be compressed between the four openings of the ink port adapter and the four ink ports of the inkjet head.

In another embodiment, the o-rings are seated in recesses in the four ink ports of the inkjet head.

In another embodiment, the apparatus further includes fastening members configured to attach the ink port adapter to the four-color inkjet head.

In another embodiment, the ink port adapter further includes a plurality of connecting holes through the body to align with threaded holes on the inkjet head. The fastening members are inserted through the connecting holes of the ink port adapter to screw into the threaded holes on the inkjet head.

In another embodiment, a first one of the hose fittings connects with a first hose that supplies a first color of ink, and a second one of the hose fittings connects with a second hose that supplies a second color of ink.

Another embodiment is an apparatus that includes an ink port adapter. The ink port adapter includes a body having a first surface and a second surface, a hose fitting that extends from the first surface of the body for connecting to a hose, four openings on the second surface of the body that align with four ink ports on one end of a four-color inkjet head, and an ink path through the body that connects the hose fitting to each of the openings. This type of ink port adaptor is for converting a four-color inkjet head to a single-color inkjet head.

Another embodiment is an apparatus that includes an ink port adapter. The ink port adapter includes a body having a first surface and a second surface, a hose fitting that extends from the first surface of the body for connecting to a hose, two openings on the second surface of the body that align with two ink ports on one end of a two-color inkjet head, and an ink path through the body that connects the hose fitting to each of the openings. This type of ink port adaptor is for converting a two-color inkjet head to a single-color inkjet head.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1illustrates an inkjet head100. Although not visible inFIG. 1, inkjet head100includes a nozzle surface102with one or more rows of nozzles that jet or eject droplets of liquid material, such as ink (e.g., water, solvent, oil, or UV-curable). Opposite the nozzle surface102is the side of inkjet head100used for input/output (I/O) of ink, electronic signals, etc. This side of inkjet head100is referred to as the I/O side104. I/O side104includes electronics106that connect to a data source through cabling108. Electronics106control how the nozzles of inkjet head100jet droplets of ink. As will be described in more detail below, I/O side104also includes ink ports for transferring ink into or out of inkjet head100. Although the term “ink” is used herein, inkjet head100is capable of dispersing different types of liquid material used for printing.

FIG. 2illustrates the I/O side104of inkjet head100in one example. In the example shown inFIG. 2, inkjet head100is a four-color head. I/O side104has two ends202-203that are separated by electrical connectors206-207. Each end202-203includes four ink ports. For example, end202includes ink ports210,212,214, and216. End203includes ink ports211,213,215, and217. An ink port represents an opening for receiving ink from an ink supply, or transferring ink out of inkjet head100. Ink ports210-217provide a pathway to ink manifolds within inkjet head100. An ink manifold is a conduit within an inkjet head for providing ink to a plurality of ink channels/nozzles for jetting.FIG. 3is a schematic view of inkjet head100as shown inFIG. 2. Ink ports210-211provide pathways to an ink manifold310for a first color. Ink ports212-213provide pathways to an ink manifold312for a second color. Ink ports214-215provide pathways to an ink manifold314for a third color. Ink ports216-217provide pathways to an ink manifold316for a fourth color. Each of the ink manifolds310-316connects to a row of nozzles320-322, and provides ink to the nozzles320-322for jetting.

FIG. 4illustrates the I/O side104of inkjet head100in another example. In the example shown inFIG. 4, inkjet head100is a two-color head. I/O side104has two ends402-403that are separated by electrical connectors406-407. Each end402-403includes two ink ports. For example, end402includes ink ports410and412. End403includes ink ports411and413.FIG. 5is a schematic view of inkjet head100as shown inFIG. 4. Ink ports410-411provide pathways to ink manifolds510and512for a first color. Ink ports412-413provide pathways to ink manifolds514and516for a second color. Each of the ink manifolds510-516connects to a row of nozzles520-522, and provides ink to the nozzles520-522for jetting.

When using multi-color inkjet heads as described above, a user may want to reduce the number of colors that are used with an inkjet head. For example, if a user has a four-color inkjet head, he/she may want to operate the four-color inkjet head as a two-color or a single-color inkjet head. If a user has a two-color inkjet head, he/she may want to operate the two-color inkjet head as a single-color inkjet head. To accommodate this, ink port adapters are described herein that allow multi-color inkjet heads to be used with a reduced number of colors. For example, an ink port adapter may convert a four-color inkjet head for use as a two-color or a single-color inkjet head. An ink port adapter may convert a two-color inkjet head for use as a signal-color inkjet head. Descriptions of the ink port adapters are described below.

FIG. 6illustrates one end of a four-color inkjet head600in an exemplary embodiment. End602is separated from the other end (not shown) of inkjet head600by electrical connectors606-607. End602includes four ink ports610-613, which comprise openings for transferring ink to/from inkjet head600. Although not visible inFIG. 6, each ink port610-613connects to an ink manifold within inkjet head600. In this embodiment, ink ports610-613may each include a recess620-623for receiving an o-ring, which is described further below. End602also includes threaded holes630-632for receiving a fastening member, such as a screw or bolt.

Although inkjet head600is a four-color inkjet head, it may be used as a two-color inkjet head with the use of an ink port adapter as described herein.FIG. 7is an isometric view of an ink port adapter700in an exemplary embodiment. Ink port adapter700is an apparatus configured to convert a four-color inkjet head to a two-color inkjet head. Ink port adapter700includes a body701having a top surface702and a bottom surface703. Although the terms “top” and “bottom” are used herein, it is merely to distinguish the surfaces702-703inFIG. 7. The body701of ink port adapter700may be made from plastic, Teflon®, or any other desired material. Top surface702includes hose fittings710-711, which are hollow cylindrical features that extend from top surface702to act as a connection point for a hose, such as from an ink reservoir. A hose is able to slide over each of hose fittings710-711. Although not shown inFIG. 7, hose fittings710-711may be barbed or have other surface features for securing a hose. Ink port adapter700also includes a plurality of connecting holes720-722that pass from top surface702to bottom surface703to align with threaded holes630-632on inkjet head600. Fastening members730, such as screws or bolts, are inserted through connecting holes720-722, and screw into threaded holes630-632to secure ink port adapter700to inkjet head600.

FIGS. 8A-8Billustrate top and bottom views of ink port adapter700in an exemplary embodiment. The top view801inFIG. 8Aillustrates hose fittings710-711and connecting holes720-722on top surface702of ink port adapter700. The bottom view802inFIG. 8Billustrates four openings810-813on bottom surface703of ink port adapter700, and connecting holes720-722. As is evident from top view801and bottom view802, connecting holes720-722pass through the body701of ink port adapter700from top surface702to bottom surface703. Openings810-813are configured to align with the four ink ports610-613of inkjet head600(seeFIG. 6). Although not visible inFIGS. 8A-8B, an ink path passes through body701that connects hose fitting710to openings810-811. Another separate ink path passes through body701that connects hose fitting711to openings812-813. An ink path is a hollow channel through body701that allows ink to flow, such as between a hose fitting710-711on top surface702and multiple openings810-813on bottom surface703.

FIGS. 9-10are cross-sectional views of ink port adapter700being attached to inkjet head600in an exemplary embodiment.FIG. 9is a cross-section along line9-9ofFIG. 6, andFIG. 10is a cross-section along line10-10ofFIG. 6. Ink ports610-613of inkjet head600include recesses620-623, respectively. O-rings902may be inserted into recesses620-623. When compressed, o-rings902provide a seal between ink port adapter700and inkjet head600. Openings810-813on ink port adapter700align with ink ports610-613to provide a fluid connection. An ink path910connects hose fitting710to openings810-811. Therefore, ink flowing from a hose into hose fitting710will travel through adapter700to both opening810and opening811. Another ink path911connects hose fitting711to openings812-813. Therefore, ink flowing from a hose into hose fitting711will travel through adapter700to both opening812and opening813.

When in use, ink port adapter700is placed onto end602of inkjet head600, and is fastened to inkjet head600with fastening members730. InFIG. 6, the other end (not shown) of inkjet head600will have a similar configuration with ink ports, and an ink port adapter may be attached to the other end of inkjet head600in a similar manner. Hoses are connected to hose fittings710-711. The hoses may be attached to ink reservoirs of different colors to supply two colors of ink to inkjet head600. When one color of ink is supplied through the hose connected to hose fitting710, the ink will flow through hose fitting710, through ink path910, and out openings810-811into ink ports610-611of inkjet head600. When another color of ink is supplied through the hose connected to hose fitting711, the ink will flow through hose fitting711, through ink path911, and out openings812-813into ink ports612-613of inkjet head600. Thus, even though inkjet head600has four ink ports610-613on each end for receiving four colors of ink, ink port adapter700allows inkjet head600to operate while receiving only two colors of ink.

Although o-rings902are illustrated inFIGS. 9-10, other types of sealing mechanisms may be used between ink port adapter700and inkjet head600. For example, a gasket may be used as a sealing mechanism in another embodiment. When a gasket is used, recesses620-623may not be needed in ink ports610-613.

Inkjet head600(seeFIG. 6) may also be used as a single-color inkjet head with the use of another ink port adapter.FIG. 11is an isometric view of an ink port adapter1100in an exemplary embodiment. Ink port adapter1100is an apparatus configured to convert a four-color inkjet head to a single-color inkjet head. Ink port adapter1100includes a body1101having a top surface1102and a bottom surface1103. Top surface1102includes a hose fitting1110. Ink port adapter1100also includes a plurality of connecting holes1120-1122that pass from top surface1102to bottom surface1103to align with threaded holes630-632on inkjet head600. Fastening members1130are inserted through connecting holes1120-1122, and screw into threaded holes630-632to secure ink port adapter1100to inkjet head600.

FIGS. 12A-12Billustrate top and bottom views of ink port adapter1100in an exemplary embodiment. The top view1201inFIG. 12Aillustrates hose fitting1110and connecting holes1120-1122on top surface1102of ink port adapter1100. The bottom view1202inFIG. 12Billustrates four openings1210-1213on bottom surface1103of ink port adapter1100, and connecting holes1120-1122. As is evident from top view1201and bottom view1202, connecting holes1120-1122pass through the body1101of ink port adapter1100from top surface1102to bottom surface1103. Openings1210-1213are configured to align with the four ink ports610-613of inkjet head600(seeFIG. 6). Although not visible inFIGS. 12A-12B, an ink path passes through body1101that connects hose fitting1110to openings1210-1213.

FIGS. 13-14are cross-sectional views of ink port adapter1100being attached to inkjet head600in an exemplary embodiment.FIG. 13is a cross-section along line9-9ofFIG. 6, andFIG. 14is a cross-section along line10-10ofFIG. 6. Ink ports610-613of inkjet head600include recesses620-623, respectively. O-rings902may be inserted into recesses620-623. When compressed, o-rings902provide a seal between ink port adapter1100and inkjet head600. Openings1210-1213on ink port adapter1100align with ink ports610-613to provide a fluid connection. An ink path1310connects hose fitting1110to openings1210-1213. Therefore, ink flowing from a hose into hose fitting1110will travel through adapter1100to each of openings1210-1213.

When in use, ink port adapter1100is placed onto end602of inkjet head600, and is fastened to inkjet head600with fastening members1130. InFIG. 6, the other end (not shown) of inkjet head600will have a similar configuration with ink ports, and an ink port adapter may be attached to the other end of inkjet head600in a similar manner. A hose is connected to hose fitting1110. The hose may be attached to an ink reservoir of a single color to supply one color of ink to inkjet head600. When one color of ink is supplied through the hose connected to hose fitting1110, the ink will flow through hose fitting1110, through ink path1310, and out openings1210-1213into ink ports610-613of inkjet head600. Thus, even though inkjet head600has four ink ports on each end for receiving four colors of ink, ink port adapter1100allows inkjet head600to operate while receiving only one color of ink.

FIG. 15illustrates one end of a two-color inkjet head1500in an exemplary embodiment. End1502is separated from the other end (not shown) of inkjet head1500by electrical connectors1506-1507. End1502includes two ink ports1510-1511, which comprise openings for transferring ink to/from inkjet head1500. Although not visible inFIG. 15, each ink port1510-1511connects to an ink manifold within inkjet head1500. In this embodiment, ink ports1510-1511may each include a recess1520-1521for receiving an o-ring, which is described further below. End1502also includes threaded holes1530-1532for receiving a fastening member, such as a screw or bolt.

Although inkjet head1500is a two-color inkjet head, it may be used as a single-color inkjet head with the use of an ink port adapter.FIG. 16is an isometric view of an ink port adapter1600in an exemplary embodiment. Ink port adapter1600is an apparatus configured to convert a two-color inkjet head to a single-color inkjet head. Ink port adapter1600includes a body1601having a top surface1602and a bottom surface1603. Top surface1602includes a hose fitting1610. Ink port adapter1600also includes a plurality of connecting holes1620-1622that pass from top surface1602to bottom surface1603to align with threaded holes1530-1532on inkjet head1500. Fastening members1630, such as screws or bolts, are inserted through connecting holes1620-1622, and screw into threaded holes1530-1532to secure ink port adapter1600to inkjet head1500.

FIGS. 17A-17Billustrate top and bottom views of ink port adapter1600in an exemplary embodiment. The top view1701inFIG. 17Aillustrates hose fitting1610and connecting holes1620-1622on top surface1602of ink port adapter1600. The bottom view1702inFIG. 17Billustrates two openings1710-1711on bottom surface1603of ink port adapter1600, and connecting holes1620-1622. As is evident from top view1701and bottom view1702, connecting holes1620-1622pass through the body1601of ink port adapter1600from top surface1602to bottom surface1603. Openings1710-1711are configured to align with the two ink ports1510-1511of inkjet head1500(seeFIG. 15). Although not visible inFIGS. 17A-17B, an ink path passes through body1601that connects hose fitting1610to openings1710-1711.

FIG. 18is a cross-sectional view of ink port adapter1600being attached to inkjet head1500in an exemplary embodiment.FIG. 18is a cross-section along line18-18ofFIG. 15. Ink ports1510-1511of inkjet head1500include recesses1520-1521, respectively. O-rings902may be inserted into recesses1520-1521. When compressed, o-rings902provide a seal between ink port adapter1600and inkjet head1500. Openings1710-1711on ink port adapter1600align with ink ports1510-1511to provide a fluid connection. An ink path1810connects hose fitting1610to openings1710-1711. Therefore, ink flowing from a hose into hose fitting1610will travel through adapter1600to both opening1710and opening1711.

When in use, ink port adapter1500is placed onto end1502of inkjet head1500, and is fastened to inkjet head1500with fastening members1630. InFIG. 15, the other end (not shown) of inkjet head1500will have a similar configuration with ink ports, and an ink port adapter may be attached to the other end of inkjet head1500in a similar manner. A hose is connected to hose fitting1610. The hose may be attached to an ink reservoir of a single color to supply one color of ink to inkjet head1500. When one color of ink is supplied through the hose connected to hose fitting1610, the ink will flow through hose fitting1610, through ink path1810, and out openings1710-1711into ink ports1510-1511of inkjet head1500. Thus, even though inkjet head1500has two ink ports on each end for receiving two colors of ink, ink port adapter1600allows inkjet head1500to operate while receiving only one color of ink.

The ink port adapters described above are able to transform multi-color inkjet heads for use with fewer colors. For example, if an ink port adapter is attached to a four-color inkjet head, then the four-color inkjet head may be used as a two-color or single-color inkjet head. If an ink port adapter is attached to a two-color inkjet head, then the two-color inkjet head may be used as a single-color inkjet head. Therefore, a consumer may not have to buy new inkjet heads for different applications. A consumer may buy a four-color head, and use that four-color head for four-color printing in one application, two-color printing in another application (with an adapter), or single-color printing in yet another application (with an adapter). Use of the ink port adapters described above advantageously gives the consumer flexibility in printing with an individual inkjet head.