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Methods and apparatus for inkjet print head cleaning using an inflatable bladder

A technology for inkjet printing and cleaning equipment, applied in printing, printing devices, etc., can solve problems such as slowness and easy damage

Inactive Publication Date: 2008-09-24
APPLIED MATERIALS INC
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

This method usually involves shutting down the inkjet printhead and taking it out of a clean production environment, which is slow and prone to damage or changing the original required position of the inkjet printhead

Method used

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  • Methods and apparatus for inkjet print head cleaning using an inflatable bladder
  • Methods and apparatus for inkjet print head cleaning using an inflatable bladder
  • Methods and apparatus for inkjet print head cleaning using an inflatable bladder

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Embodiment Construction

[0040] The present invention provides a method and apparatus for cleaning an inkjet printing head. According to the present invention, a pressure roller brings a movable cleaning medium into contact with or in close proximity to the nozzle plate of an inkjet print head, thereby wiping the nozzle plate clean. For example, the moving cleaning medium can be placed proximate to the nozzle plate so that liquid ink stuck to the nozzle plate (eg, core) can be removed without contacting the nozzle plate. The moving cleaning medium can also contact the nozzle plate by the pressure roller to wipe off the liquid ink on the nozzle plate and / or wipe off any unwanted substances. In another embodiment, pressure is applied by a pressure roller to cause contact of the cleaning medium with the nozzle plate sufficient to remove or wipe off any residue on the nozzle plate, but not to cause misalignment of the inkjet printhead or structural damage to the nozzle plate . Note that the nozzle plate...

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PUM

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Abstract

Methods and apparatus for cleaning a nozzle plate of an inkjet print head are provided. A first method includes positioning a cleaning medium proximate the inkjet print head, determining a pressure for an inflatable bladder to apply against the cleaning medium, contacting the cleaning medium with the bladder with the determined pressure, and moving the cleaning medium relative to the inkjet print head so as to clean the inkjet print head. The method also includes purging ink from the inkjet print head prior to the bladder contacting the cleaning medium and pre-jetting ink from the inkjet print head after moving the cleaning medium. Numerous other aspects are provided.

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention relates to an inkjet printing system used in forming a flat panel display, and in particular relates to a method and equipment for cleaning an inkjet printing head. Background technique [0002] The flat panel display industry has attempted to use inkjet printing to manufacture display devices, especially color filters. However, inkjet printheads used for inkjet printing may become flooded with ink, clogged, covered, or otherwise unusable in the inkjet printing process. Conventional methods for cleaning inkjet printheads include a manual wiping method. This method usually involves shutting down the inkjet printhead and taking it out of a clean production environment, which is slow and prone to damage or changing the original desired position of the inkjet printhead. Accordingly, there is a need for improved methods and apparatus that can be used for inkjet printhead cleaning. Contents of the invention [0003] A particular as...

Claims

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Application Information

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Patent Type & Authority Applications(China)
IPC IPC(8): B41J2/165B41J15/16
CPCB41J2/16535B41J2/16526B41J2/165B41J2/01
Inventor Q·商S·栗田F·C·什
Owner APPLIED MATERIALS INC