Cleaning device and cleaning method using the same

Abstract

A cleaning device and a cleaning method using the same are disclosed. The cleaning device includes a head carriage including a plurality of inkjet heads, a flushing unit accommodating ink ejected from the inkjet heads, at least one suction unit sucking ink mist flying when any one of the head carriage and the flushing unit moves, and a control portion controlling movement of the head carriage and the flushing unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a cleaning apparatus and a cleaning method using the same. Background Technology

[0002] Recently, thanks to technological advancements, smaller, lighter, and higher-performance display products are being produced. Display devices with advantages such as miniaturization, lightweight design, and low power consumption, such as plasma displays, liquid crystal displays, and organic light-emitting diode displays, are attracting significant attention.

[0003] In manufacturing the display device, an inkjet printing method that offers advantages such as cost savings is used. In this inkjet printing method, cleaning the printhead is essential, and various devices for cleaning the printhead are being developed. Summary of the Invention

[0004] One object of the present invention is to provide a cleaning device capable of cleaning inkjet heads.

[0005] Another object of the present invention is to provide a cleaning method using the cleaning device.

[0006] However, the purpose of this invention is not limited to the above-described purpose, and various extensions can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention.

[0007] It is possible that a cleaning apparatus according to an embodiment for achieving an object of the present invention includes: a headstock including a plurality of inkjet heads; a rinsing unit for containing ink ejected from the inkjet heads; at least one suction unit for suctioning ink mist that is dispersed when either the headstock or the rinsing unit moves; and a control unit for controlling the movement of the headstock and the rinsing unit.

[0008] In one embodiment, the rinsing unit may move from a first position to a second position, and the suction unit may overlap with the rinsing unit moved to the second position and be positioned above the rinsing unit.

[0009] In one embodiment, the head frame may be moved from a third position to a fourth position, and the suction unit may overlap with the head frame moved to the fourth position and be disposed below the head frame.

[0010] In one embodiment, the head frame may move in a first direction, and the suction unit may be configured to move from the head frame toward a second direction opposite to the first direction.

[0011] In one embodiment, the head frame and the suction unit may be spaced apart from each other, and the distance between the head frame and the suction unit may be constant.

[0012] Alternatively, a cleaning apparatus according to another embodiment for achieving an object of the present invention may include: a headstock including a plurality of inkjet heads; a cleaning unit for spraying cleaning fluid onto the inkjet heads; at least one suction unit for suctioning cleaning fluid mist dispersed when either the headstock or the cleaning unit moves; and a control unit for controlling the movement of the headstock and the cleaning unit.

[0013] In one embodiment, the cleaning unit may move from a first position to a second position, and the suction unit may overlap with the cleaning unit that has moved to the second position and be positioned above the cleaning unit.

[0014] In one embodiment, the head frame may be moved from a third position to a fourth position, and the suction unit may overlap with the head frame moved to the fourth position and be disposed below the head frame.

[0015] In one embodiment, the head frame may move in a first direction, and the suction unit may be configured to move from the head frame toward a second direction opposite to the first direction.

[0016] In one embodiment, the head frame and the suction unit may be spaced apart from each other, and the distance between the head frame and the suction unit may be constant.

[0017] Alternatively, a cleaning method according to one embodiment for achieving another object of the present invention may include: a step of receiving ink ejected from a plurality of inkjet heads included in a headstock into a rinsing unit; a step of moving any one of the headstock and the rinsing unit; and a step of suctioning ink mist dispersed during the movement of any one of the headstock and the rinsing unit by one or more suction units.

[0018] In one embodiment, the rinsing unit may move from a first position to a second position, and the suction unit may suction the ink mist above the rinsing unit that has moved to the second position.

[0019] In one embodiment, the headstock may move from a third position to a fourth position, and the suction unit may suction the ink mist below the headstock that has moved to the fourth position.

[0020] In one embodiment, the headstock may move in a first direction, and the suction unit may be configured to suction the ink mist in a second direction opposite to the first direction in which the headstock moves.

[0021] In one embodiment, the distance between the head frame and the suction unit may be constant.

[0022] (Invention Effects)

[0023] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the ink mist generated during the cleaning of the inkjet head by the suction unit can be suctioned and removed by the suction unit.

[0024] When using the inkjet head, ink may remain inside. This ink can damage the inkjet head, necessitating a cleaning process. The inkjet head can be cleaned using a flushing unit or a cleaning unit. However, cleaning may generate ink mist that disperses into the surrounding area. Furthermore, the ink mist may move with the movement of the printhead holder, the flushing unit, and the cleaning unit.

[0025] When the ink mist remains or moves, it may contaminate surrounding equipment. To remove the ink mist, a suction unit can be installed above or below the headstock, the rinsing unit, and the cleaning unit. The suction unit can suck up the ink mist and effectively remove it.

[0026] When the ink mist is removed, peripheral equipment remains uncontaminated. Furthermore, the ink mist does not fall onto the substrate during the printing process, thus reducing defects. This, in turn, improves productivity.

[0027] Furthermore, the ink mist can be effectively removed by the suction unit by moving the printhead, the rinsing unit, and the cleaning unit. That is, residual ink mist can be removed immediately after cleaning the printhead, thereby reducing the cleaning operation time. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing a cleaning apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 2 It is shown Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of an example of a cleaning device.

[0030] Figure 3 It is shown Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of another example of a cleaning device.

[0031] Figure 4 Viewed from the headframe side, including Figure 1 A plan view of the suction unit in the cleaning device.

[0032] Figure 5 It is used to illustrate that it includes Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the suction unit in the cleaning device.

[0033] Figure 6 It is shown Figure 1 Side view of the cleaning device.

[0034] Figure 7 It is used to illustrate that it includes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the suction unit in the cleaning device.

[0035] Figure 8 This is a perspective view showing a cleaning apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 9 It is shown Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of an example of a cleaning device.

[0037] Figure 10 It is shown Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of another example of a cleaning device.

[0038] Figure 11 This is a flowchart illustrating a cleaning method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 12 This is a flowchart illustrating a cleaning method according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 13 This is a perspective view showing a cleaning apparatus according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] (Explanation of reference numerals in the attached diagram)

[0042] 10: Inkjet head cleaning device; 20: Ink mist.

[0043] 30: Cleaning fluid mist 100: Head frame

[0044] 110: Inkjet head; 120: Multiple printouts

[0045] 200: Flushing unit; 210: Flushing and recovery station

[0046] 220: Flushing suction port 230: Vacuum pump

[0047] 300: Suction unit; 310: Suction port

[0048] 320: Upper suction unit; 330: First lower suction unit

[0049] 340: Second suction unit; 350: Rear suction unit

[0050] 360: Vacuum pump; 400: Control unit

[0051] 500: Cleaning unit; 510: Cleaning fluid spray nozzle

[0052] 520: Cleaning fluid recovery port

[0053] 530: Cleaning tank Detailed Implementation

[0054] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals are used for the same components in the drawings, and repeated descriptions of the same components are omitted.

[0055] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing a cleaning apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 It is shown Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of an example of a cleaning device. For example, Figure 2 This can be viewed from the front (direction A), including... Figure 1 Cross-sectional view of the head frame, rinsing unit, upper suction unit and first lower suction unit in the cleaning device.

[0056] Reference Figure 1 as well as Figure 2 The cleaning device 10 may include a head frame 100, a rinsing unit 200, a suction unit 300, and a control unit 400.

[0057] The headframe 100 can move in a first direction D1, a second direction D2 opposite to the first direction D1, a third direction D3 perpendicular to the first direction D1, and a fourth direction D4 opposite to the third direction D3. For example, a linear motor (not shown) for moving the headframe 100 can be provided in the headframe 100. The headframe 100 can move in the first direction D1, the second direction D2, the third direction D3, and the fourth direction D4 via the linear motor. Apart from the linear motor, any configuration that allows the headframe 100 to move in the first direction D1, the second direction D2, the third direction D3, and the fourth direction D4 is acceptable. The first direction D1 and the second direction D2 can be the X-direction in a plane, and the third direction D3 and the fourth direction D4 can be the Y-direction orthogonal to the X-direction in a plane.

[0058] Multiple inkjet heads 110 can be configured below the headstock 100. Multiple inkjet nozzles 120 can be formed below the multiple inkjet heads 110. Ink can be ejected from the multiple inkjet nozzles 120.

[0059] The washing unit 200 can accommodate the ink ejected from the inkjet head 110. Consequently, the multiple nozzles 120 formed in the inkjet head 110 are not blocked by the ink ejected through the nozzles 120, allowing for smooth ink ejection.

[0060] The rinsing unit 200 can move in a first direction D1, a second direction D2 opposite to the first direction D1, a third direction D3 perpendicular to the first direction D1, and a fourth direction D4 opposite to the third direction D3. For example, a linear motor (not shown) for moving the rinsing unit 200 can be provided in the rinsing unit 200. The rinsing unit 200 can move in the first direction D1, the second direction D2, the third direction D3, and the fourth direction D4 via the linear motor. Apart from the linear motor, any configuration that allows the rinsing unit 200 to move in the first direction D1, the second direction D2, the third direction D3, and the fourth direction D4 is acceptable.

[0061] The rinsing unit 200 may include a plurality of rinsing and recovery stations 210. The plurality of rinsing and recovery stations 210 can clean the inkjet head 110 in a manner that accommodates ink ejected from the inkjet head 110. To facilitate cleaning of the inkjet head 110, the number of rinsing and recovery stations 210 may be equal to or greater than the number of the plurality of nozzles 120 of the inkjet head 110.

[0062] The rinsing and recovery station 210 can accommodate ink ejected through the nozzle 120 of the headstock 100. For example, when the rinsing and recovery station 210 is positioned below the headstock 100, it can accommodate ink ejected through the nozzle 120 of the headstock 100. Additionally, the rinsing and recovery station 210 can also accommodate ink ejected through the nozzle 120 of the headstock 100 when either the rinsing unit 200 or the headstock 100 is moved.

[0063] Figure 3 It is shown Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of another example of a cleaning device. For example, Figure 3 This can be viewed from the front (direction A), including... Figure 1 Cross-sectional view of the head frame, rinsing unit, upper suction unit and first lower suction unit in the cleaning device.

[0064] Reference Figure 3 The rinsing unit 200 may be provided with multiple rinsing suction ports 220. The rinsing suction ports 220 can clean the inkjet head 110 by suctioning ink ejected from the inkjet head 110. The number of rinsing suction ports 220 is not limited; there may be one or more. Multiple ports are preferred to improve suction efficiency. In this case, the rinsing unit 200 may also include a vacuum pump 230 for suction. Apart from the vacuum pump 230, any configuration capable of suction is acceptable.

[0065] The flushing suction port 220 can draw in ink ejected through the nozzle 120 of the headstock 100. For example, when the flushing suction port 220 is positioned below the headstock 100, it can accommodate ink ejected through the nozzle 120 of the headstock 100. Furthermore, the flushing suction port 220 can continue to operate and draw in ink and ink mist 20 even when either the flushing unit 200 or the headstock 100 is moved.

[0066] When the washing unit 200 receives ink ejected from the inkjet head 110, ink mist 20 may be generated and dispersed to the surrounding area. The ink mist 20 may move in the direction of movement of the washing unit 200 and the headstock 100 when the washing unit 200 or the headstock 100 moves. At this time, the moving ink mist 20 may contaminate other equipment such as the worktable substrate (not shown).

[0067] To extract ink mist 20 that is dispersed during the cleaning of the inkjet head 110 by the washing unit 200 or during the movement of either the headstock 100 or the washing unit 200, a suction unit 300 may be provided. To effectively extract and remove ink mist 20, one or more suction units 300 may be provided. For example, the suction unit 300 may include an upper suction unit 320, a first lower suction unit 330, a second lower suction unit 340, and a rear suction unit 350.

[0068] Figure 4 It is shown that it includes Figure 1 A plan view of the suction unit in the cleaning device. For example, Figure 4 It can be shown as including Figure 1 The plan view above the second lower suction unit in the display device.

[0069] Reference Figure 4 The second suction unit 340 may include a suction port 310 for suctioning ink mist 20. For effective suction of ink mist 20, there may be one or more suction ports 310. For example... Figure 4 As shown, the suction port 310 can be oblong. Alternatively, the suction port 310 can be elliptical, circular, square, rectangular, etc. To generate a strong suction force, the suction unit 300 may also include a vacuum pump 360.

[0070] The cleaning device 10 may also include a control unit 400. The control unit 400 can control the movement of the headstock 100 and the rinsing unit 200. The control unit 400 can move the headstock 100 and the rinsing unit 200 by determining the positions of the headstock 100 and the rinsing unit 200 that can effectively remove ink mist 20. The movement sequence of the headstock 100 and the rinsing unit 200 is not restricted; they can move simultaneously. When the headstock 100 and the rinsing unit 200 are not moved, the generated ink mist 20 may remain near them and may not be quickly removed. In this case, the surrounding equipment may be contaminated due to the prolonged retention of ink mist 20. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the cleaning device 10 can effectively remove the ink mist 20 by the suction unit 300 by moving the headstock 100 or the rinsing unit 200. Therefore, the equipment around the inkjet head 110 can remain uncontaminated. That is, after the inkjet head 110 is cleaned by the rinsing unit 200, the residual ink mist 20 can be removed immediately. As a result, the cleaning operation time can be reduced.

[0071] Figure 5 It is used to illustrate that it includes Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the suction unit in a cleaning device. For example, Figure 5 It can be a cross-sectional view used to illustrate the operation of the upper suction unit and the first lower suction unit in removing ink mist as the rinsing unit moves.

[0072] Reference Figure 2 as well as Figure 5 In one embodiment, the rinsing unit 200 can move from a first position PST1 to a second position PST2, and the upper suction unit 320 can overlap with the rinsing unit 200 moved to the second position PST2 and be disposed above the rinsing unit 200. The upper suction unit 320 can suction the ink mist 20 attracted by the movement of the rinsing unit 200. After the rinsing unit 200 moves to the second position PST2, the first lower suction unit 330 can suction the ink mist 20 present at the first position PST1. In another embodiment, the suction unit 300 may further include a third lower suction unit disposed below the rinsing unit 200 moved to the second position PST2.

[0073] The direction of movement of the rinsing unit 200 is not limited to the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 shown in the figure. The rinsing unit 200 can move above or below the suction unit 300. The position of the suction unit 300 is not limited. However, since the ink mist 20 moves along the top of the rinsing unit 200, it is more preferable that the suction unit 300 is positioned above the rinsing unit 200.

[0074] Figure 6 It is shown Figure 1Side view of the cleaning device. Figure 7 It is used to illustrate that it includes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the suction unit in a cleaning device. For example, Figure 6 This can be viewed from the side (direction B), including... Figure 1 Cross-sectional views of the head frame, rinsing unit, first lower suction unit, second lower suction unit, and rear suction unit in the cleaning device. Figure 7 It can be a cross-sectional view used to illustrate the operation of the second lower suction unit and the rear suction unit in removing ink mist when the headstock moves.

[0075] Reference Figure 6 as well as Figure 7 In one embodiment, the headstock 100 can move from a third position PST3 to a fourth position PST4, and the second lower suction unit 340 can overlap with the headstock 100 moved to the fourth position PST4 and be disposed below the headstock 100. The second lower suction unit 340 can suction the ink mist 20 attracted by the movement of the headstock 100. For example, after the headstock 100 moves to the fourth position PST4, the second lower suction unit 340 can suction the ink mist 20 attracted by the movement of the headstock 100.

[0076] The headstock 100 can move in any direction, not limited to the third direction D3 and the fourth direction D4 as shown in the figure. The headstock 100 can move above or below the suction unit 300. The position of the suction unit 300 is not limited, but since the ink mist 20 moves along the bottom surface of the headstock 100, it is more preferable to position the suction unit 300 below the headstock 100.

[0077] The head frame 100 can move in a third direction D3, and the back suction unit 350 can be configured from the head frame 100 in a fourth direction D4 opposite to the third direction D3. The head frame 100 and the suction unit 300 can be spaced apart from each other, and the distance 'a' between the head frame 100 and the back suction unit 350 can be constant. However, the distance 'a' between the head frame 100 and the back suction unit 350 can also be non-constant. The back suction unit 350 can be located in a direction opposite to the direction of movement of the head frame 100 (e.g., the third direction D3) (e.g., the fourth direction D4) and can move together with the head frame 100. Similar to the head frame 100, the back suction unit 350 can also be provided with a linear motor (not shown) for moving the back suction unit 350. The back suction unit 350 can be moved in the first direction D1, the second direction D2, the third direction D3, and the fourth direction D4 by the linear motor. In addition, any configuration is acceptable as long as the suction unit 300 moves in the first direction D1, the second direction D2, the third direction D3, and the fourth direction D4.

[0078] After the headstock 100 moves to the third direction D3, the ink mist 20 remaining in the third position PST3 and the ink mist 20 that has moved due to the movement of the headstock 100 can be effectively removed from the back of the headstock 100. The third direction D3 can be changed to other directions. At this time, the back suction unit 350 can also be located in a direction opposite to other directions (e.g., the first direction D1) (e.g., the second direction D2).

[0079] Figure 8 This is a perspective view showing a cleaning apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 9 It is shown Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of an example of a cleaning device. For example, Figure 9 This can be viewed from the front (direction A), including... Figure 8 Cross-sectional views of the head frame, cleaning unit, first lower suction unit, and upper suction unit in the cleaning device.

[0080] Reference Figure 8 as well as Figure 9 According to another embodiment of the present invention, the cleaning device 11 may include a head frame 100, a cleaning unit 500, and a suction unit 300. The suction unit 300 may include an upper suction unit 320, a first lower suction unit 330, a second lower suction unit 340, and a back suction unit 350.

[0081] However, apart from the cleaning unit 500 and the cleaning liquid mist 30, the cleaning device 11 can be compared with the reference. Figure 1 The cleaning device 10 described herein is substantially the same. The cleaning unit 500 and the cleaning liquid mist 30 will now be described in detail.

[0082] The cleaning unit 500 can be a unit that sprays cleaning fluid toward the inkjet head 110 to clean the inkjet head 110. As a result, the multiple nozzles 120 formed in the inkjet head 110 will not be blocked by the ink ejected through the nozzles 120, and ink can be ejected smoothly.

[0083] The cleaning unit 500 can move in a first direction D1, a second direction D2 opposite to the first direction D1, a third direction D3 perpendicular to the first direction D1, and a fourth direction D4 opposite to the third direction D3. For example, a linear motor (not shown) for moving the cleaning unit 500 can be provided in the cleaning unit 500. The cleaning unit 500 can move in the first direction D1, the second direction D2, the third direction D3, and the fourth direction D4 via the linear motor. Apart from the linear motor, any configuration that allows the cleaning unit 500 to move in the first direction D1, the second direction D2, the third direction D3, and the fourth direction D4 is acceptable.

[0084] The cleaning unit 500 may include a plurality of cleaning fluid injection ports 510. The plurality of cleaning fluid injection ports 510 can clean the inkjet head 110 by injecting cleaning fluid into the inkjet head 110. To facilitate cleaning the inkjet head 110, the number of cleaning fluid injection ports 510 may be equal to or greater than the number of multiple printouts 120 of the inkjet head 110. Furthermore, the positions of the cleaning fluid injection ports 510 and the positions of the inkjet head 110 may correspond. When the cleaning fluid injection ports 510 are positioned below the headstock 100, they can inject cleaning fluid into the inkjet head 110. Additionally, the cleaning unit 500 may include a cleaning fluid recovery port 520 for removing the cleaning fluid.

[0085] Figure 10 It is shown Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of another example of a cleaning device. For example, Figure 10 This can be viewed from the front (direction A), including... Figure 8 Cross-sectional view of the head frame, cleaning unit, upper suction unit and first lower suction unit in the cleaning device.

[0086] Reference Figure 10 The cleaning unit 500 may include a head drive unit (not shown) of an upper and lower lifting headstock 100 and a cleaning tank 530 for cleaning the downwardly moving inkjet head 110. For cleaning the inkjet head 110, the cleaning tank 530 may contain cleaning fluid 540. The cleaning tank 530 is shaped as an open container to hold the cleaning fluid 540. The cleaning tank 530 may be positioned below the inkjet head 110 and can clean the inkjet head 110 moving downwards via the head drive unit. Additionally, the cleaning unit 500 may include a cleaning fluid recovery port 520 for removing the cleaning fluid 540.

[0087] The head drive unit may include a lifting device (not shown) for lifting the head frame 100. For example, the lifting device may be a lift-type lifting mechanism or a general lift-type lifting mechanism including ropes. Otherwise, any configuration is acceptable as long as the head frame 100 is lifted in the fifth direction D5 and the sixth direction D6. The fifth direction D5 and the sixth direction D6 may be directions orthogonal to the first direction D1, the second direction D2, the third direction D3, and the fourth direction D4 in the plane.

[0088] When cleaning fluid 540 is sprayed in cleaning unit 500 to clean inkjet head 110, cleaning fluid mist 30 may be generated and dispersed to the surrounding area. The cleaning fluid mist 30 may move in the direction of movement of cleaning unit 500 and headstock 100. At this time, the moving cleaning fluid mist 30 may contaminate the substrate of the worktable and other equipment.

[0089] To extract cleaning fluid mist 30 that is dispersed during the cleaning of the inkjet head 110 by the headstock 100 or any of the cleaning units 500 after cleaning the inkjet head 110, or during the cleaning of the inkjet head 110, a suction unit 300 may be provided. To effectively extract and remove the cleaning fluid mist 30, one or more suction units 300 may be provided. For example, the suction unit 300 may include an upper suction unit 320, a first lower suction unit 330, a second lower suction unit 340, and a rear suction unit 350.

[0090] The cleaning apparatus 11 may also include a control unit 400. The control unit 400 can control the movement of the headstock 100 and the cleaning unit 500. To immerse the inkjet head 110 in the cleaning tank 530 for cleaning, the control unit 400 can move the headstock 100 downwards. Alternatively, the headstock 100 and the cleaning unit 500 can be moved by determining the position where the cleaning mist 30 can be effectively removed. The movement sequence of the headstock 100 and the cleaning unit 500 is not restricted; they can move simultaneously. When the headstock 100 and the cleaning unit 500 are not moving, the generated cleaning mist 30 may remain near them and may not be quickly removed. In this case, the surrounding equipment may be contaminated due to the prolonged residue of the cleaning mist 30. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the cleaning device 11 can effectively remove the cleaning liquid mist 30 by the suction unit 300 through the movable headstock 100 or the cleaning unit 500, without contaminating surrounding equipment. That is, after cleaning the inkjet head 110 by the cleaning unit 500, the residual cleaning liquid mist 30 can be removed immediately. Consequently, the cleaning operation time can be reduced.

[0091] Figure 11 This is a flowchart illustrating a cleaning method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0092] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 2 as well as Figure 11 According to an embodiment of the present invention, the cleaning method 1000 may include the steps of receiving ink ejected from an inkjet head 110 included in a headstock 100 into a rinsing unit 200 (S100), moving either the headstock 100 or the rinsing unit 200 (S200), and sucking up ink mist 20 scattered during the movement of either the headstock 100 or the rinsing unit 200 by one or more suction units 300 (S300).

[0093] First, ink can be ejected from the printhead 110, which is included in the headstock 100, for cleaning purposes. When the printhead 110 is used, a large amount of ink may remain inside it. When ink remains inside the printhead 110 instead of being ejected, it can cause damage to the printhead 110.

[0094] The washing unit 200 can accommodate ink ejected from the inkjet head 110 from below the printhead 100 (S100). In addition to accommodating and ejecting ink, the washing unit 200 can also perform the function of drawing and ejecting ink. An ejector port (not shown) may be provided for ejecting the accommodated ink. When the washing unit 200 accommodates ink ejected from the inkjet head 110, ink mist 20 may be generated, which may not be completely removed by the washing unit 200.

[0095] Step S200 can be performed to move either the headstock 100 or the rinsing unit 200. At this time, the control unit 400 can control the movement of the headstock 100 and the rinsing unit 200. The control unit 400 can determine the position of the suction unit 300, the headstock 100, and the rinsing unit 200, and after determining the position, can move the headstock 100 and the rinsing unit 200 to a position where ink mist 20 can be easily removed. The position where ink mist 20 can be easily removed can be a position where the suction unit 300 is located above or below it. For example, the control unit 400 can move the rinsing unit 200 below the upward suction unit 320. Additionally, the headstock 100 can be moved above the second downward suction unit 340.

[0096] Next, the remaining ink mist 20 can be dispersed by the movement of the headstock 100 and the washing unit 200. The dispersed ink mist 20 can be drawn in by one or more suction units 300 (S300). The suction unit 300 can operate and draw in the ink mist 20 even when the headstock 100 or the washing unit 200 is not moved.

[0097] Next, the rinsing unit 200 can move from the first position PST1 to the second position PST2, and the upper suction unit 320 can suction the ink mist 20 above the rinsing unit 200 which has moved to the second position PST2. In other words, as Figure 5 As shown, the step (S200) of moving either the headstock 100 or the rinsing unit 200 may include moving the rinsing unit 200 from a first position PST1 to a second position PST2. The step (S300) of sucking up the ink mist 20 scattered during the movement of either the headstock 100 or the rinsing unit 200 by the suction unit 300 may include sucking up the ink mist 20 by the suction unit 300 disposed above the rinsing unit 200.

[0098] When the rinsing unit 200 moves, the ink mist 20 may be pulled along by the rinsing unit 200. At this time, the upper suction unit 320, located above the rinsing unit 200, can suction the ink mist 20. The rinsing unit 200 can contain or suction the ink mist 20 as it moves. The upper suction unit 320, located above the rinsing unit 200, can suction ink mist 20 that has not been removed by the rinsing unit 200. Additionally, the first lower suction unit 330, located below the first position PST1, can suction ink mist 20 remaining in the first position PST1 when the rinsing unit 200 moves. At this time, the ink mist 20 can be removed.

[0099] Next, as Figure 7 As shown, the headstock 100 can move from the third position PST3 to the fourth position PST4, and the suction unit 300 can suction the ink mist 20 above the headstock 100 when it has moved to the fourth position PST4. In other words, the step (S200) of moving either the headstock 100 or the rinsing unit 200 can include the step of moving the headstock 100 from the third position PST3 to the fourth position PST4, and the step (S300) of suctioning the ink mist 20 scattered during the movement of either the headstock 100 or the rinsing unit 200 can include the step of suctioning the ink mist 20 by the suction unit 300 positioned below the headstock 100.

[0100] When the headstock 100 moves, the ink mist 20 may be pulled along by the headstock 100. At this time, the second suction unit 340, located below the headstock 100, can suction the ink mist 20. The second suction unit 340 located below the headstock 100 can suction the ink mist 20 that has not been removed by the rinsing unit 200. In addition, the first suction unit 330 located below the third position PST3 can suction the ink mist 20 that remains in the third position PST3 when the headstock 100 moves. In this step, the ink mist 20 can be removed.

[0101] The rinsing unit 200 and the head frame 100 can move sequentially. The head frame 100 can move first, or the rinsing unit 200 can move first. The rinsing unit 200 and the head frame 100 can move simultaneously. That is, the movement order of the rinsing unit 200 and the head frame 100 is not restricted. However, the movement order can be determined by the control unit 400.

[0102] Refer again Figure 7The headstock 100 can move in a third direction (D3), and the back suction unit 350 can be configured to move from the headstock 100 in a fourth direction (D4) opposite to the third direction (D3). The second suction unit 340 can suction the ink mist 20 that has moved in the third direction (D3) due to the movement of the headstock 100. Conversely, the back suction unit 350 can effectively remove the ink mist 20 that has moved with the movement of the headstock 100, as well as any residual ink mist 20.

[0103] The distance 'a' between the head frame 100 and the back suction unit 350 can be constant. However, the distance 'a' between the head frame 100 and the back suction unit 350 can also be variable. The head frame 100 and the back suction unit 350 can move simultaneously. The suction unit 300 may remain stationary while the head frame 100 moves. The suction unit 300 may move after the head frame 100 has moved. The movement of the back suction unit 350 can also be controlled by the control unit 400.

[0104] Figure 12 This is a flowchart illustrating a cleaning method according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0105] Reference Figure 8 , Figure 9 as well as Figure 12 According to another embodiment of the present invention, the cleaning method 2000 may include the steps of spraying cleaning fluid into the inkjet head 110 included in the headstock 100 (S400), moving the headstock 100 and any one of the cleaning units 500 (S500), and suctioning the cleaning fluid mist 30 scattered during the movement of the headstock 100 and any one of the cleaning units 500 by one or more suction units 300 (S600).

[0106] First, for cleaning, cleaning fluid can be sprayed from the cleaning fluid spray nozzle 510 included in the cleaning unit 500. When the printhead 110 is used, a large amount of ink may remain in the printhead 110. When ink remains in the printhead 110 instead of being ejected, it may cause damage to the printhead 110.

[0107] The step (S400) of spraying cleaning fluid into the inkjet head 110 included in the headstock 100 can be performed. In this step (S400), cleaning fluid mist 30 may be generated, which may not be completely removed by the cleaning unit 500. In addition to cleaning fluid mist 30, ink mist 20 may also be generated, but for ease of explanation, they will be collectively referred to as cleaning fluid mist 30 below.

[0108] The movement of either the head frame 100 or the cleaning unit 500 can be performed. At this time, the control unit 400 can control the movement of the head frame 100 and the cleaning unit 500. The control unit 400 can determine the positions of the suction unit 300, the head frame 100, and the cleaning unit 500. After determining the positions, the control unit 400 can move the head frame 100 and the cleaning unit 500 to a position where the cleaning liquid mist 30 can be easily removed. A position where the cleaning liquid mist 300 can be easily removed can be a position where the suction unit 300 is positioned above or below it. For example, the control unit 400 can move the cleaning unit 500 below the upward suction unit 320. Additionally, the head frame 100 can be moved above the second downward suction unit 340.

[0109] Next, the residual cleaning fluid mist 30 may disperse when the headstock 100 and the cleaning unit 500 move. The step (S600) can be performed by one or more suction units 300 to suction the dispersed cleaning fluid mist 30. The suction unit 300 can operate and suction the cleaning fluid mist 30 even when the headstock 100 or the cleaning unit 500 is not moving.

[0110] Next, refer to again Figure 9 The cleaning unit 500 can move from the first position PST1 to the second position PST2, and the upper suction unit 320 can suction the cleaning liquid mist 30 above the cleaning unit 500 which has moved to the second position PST2. In other words, the step (S500) of moving either the head frame 100 or the cleaning unit 500 can include the step of moving the cleaning unit 500 from the first position PST1 to the second position PST2, and the step (S600) of suctioning the cleaning liquid mist 30 scattered during the movement of either the head frame 100 or the cleaning unit 500 can include the step of suctioning the cleaning liquid mist 30 by the suction unit 300 positioned above the cleaning unit 500.

[0111] When the cleaning unit 500 moves, the cleaning mist 30 may be pulled along with it. At this time, the suction unit 300 positioned above the cleaning unit 500 can suction the cleaning mist 30. The cleaning unit 500 can contain or suction the cleaning mist 30 as it moves. The upper suction unit 320 positioned above the cleaning unit 500 can suction any cleaning mist 30 that has not been removed by the cleaning unit 500. Additionally, the first lower suction unit 330 located below the first position PST1 can suction the cleaning mist 30 remaining in the first position PST1 when the cleaning unit 500 moves. In this step, the cleaning mist 30 can be removed.

[0112] Next, refer to again Figure 7When the head frame 100 moves from the third position PST3 to the fourth position PST4, the suction unit 300 can suction the cleaning mist 30 above the cleaning unit 500 which has moved to the fourth position PST4. In other words, the step of moving either the head frame 100 or the cleaning unit 500 (S500) can include the step of moving the head frame 100 from the third position PST3 to the fourth position PST4, and the step of suctioning the cleaning mist 30 scattered during the movement of either the head frame 100 or the cleaning unit 500 by the suction unit 300 (S600) can include the step of suctioning the cleaning mist 30 by the suction unit 300 disposed below the head frame 100.

[0113] When the headframe 100 moves, the cleaning fluid mist 30 may be pulled along by the headframe 100. At this time, the second suction unit 340 located below the headframe 100 can suction the cleaning fluid mist 30. The second suction unit 340 located below the headframe 100 can suction the cleaning fluid mist 30 that has not been removed by the cleaning unit 500. In addition, the first suction unit 330 located below the third position PST3 can suction the cleaning fluid mist 30 that remains in the third position PST3 when the headframe 100 moves. In this step, the cleaning fluid mist 30 can be removed.

[0114] The cleaning unit 500 and the head frame 100 can move sequentially. The head frame 100 can move first, or the cleaning unit 500 can move first. The cleaning unit 500 and the head frame 100 can move simultaneously. That is, the movement order of the cleaning unit 500 and the head frame 100 is not restricted. However, the movement order can be determined by the control unit 400.

[0115] Figure 13 This is a perspective view showing a cleaning apparatus according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.

[0116] Reference Figure 2 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 as well as Figure 13The cleaning device 12 may include a headstock 100, a rinsing unit 200, an upper suction unit 320, a first lower suction unit 330, a second lower suction unit 340, and a rear suction unit 350. One or more suction units 300 may be movable. For example, after the headstock 100 moves from a third position PST3 to a fourth position PST4, the upper suction unit 320 may move from a fifth position PST5 to a sixth position PST6 to remove ink mist 20 scattered due to the movement of the headstock 100. The sixth position PST6 may be above the rinsing unit 200. Instead of the rinsing unit 200 or the headstock 100, the upper suction unit 320 may be moved to remove ink mist 20. Similar to the headstock 100, the suction unit 300 may also be equipped with a linear motor (not shown) for moving the suction unit 300. The suction unit 300 may be moved in a first direction D1, a second direction D2, a third direction D3, and a fourth direction D4 by the linear motor. In addition, any configuration is acceptable as long as the suction unit 300 moves in the first direction D1, the second direction D2, the third direction D3, and the fourth direction D4.

[0117] The above description refers to preferred embodiments of the present invention. However, those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and alterations can be made to the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the claims.

[0118] This invention can be applied to various cleaning devices.

Claims

1. A cleaning device, characterized in that, include: The printhead unit includes multiple inkjet heads; A rinsing unit that contains the ink ejected from the inkjet head; At least one suction unit is capable of moving relative to the head frame and the washing unit, and suctioning ink mist that is dispersed when either the head frame or the washing unit moves. as well as After the inkjet head is cleaned by the rinsing unit, the control unit controls the movement of the headstock and the rinsing unit to move either the headstock or the rinsing unit to a position where the suction unit is located above or below.

2. The cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The rinsing unit moves from the first position to the second position. The suction unit overlaps with the flushing unit, which has moved to the second position, and is positioned above the flushing unit.

3. The cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The headframe moves from the third position to the fourth position. The suction unit overlaps with the head frame that has moved to the fourth position and is positioned below the head frame.

4. The cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The headframe moves in the first direction. The suction unit is positioned from the headframe toward a second direction opposite to the first direction.

5. A cleaning device, characterized in that, include: The printhead unit includes multiple inkjet heads; The cleaning unit sprays cleaning fluid into the inkjet head; At least one suction unit is capable of moving relative to the head frame and the cleaning unit, and suctioning the cleaning liquid mist that is dispersed when either the head frame or the cleaning unit moves. as well as After the inkjet head is cleaned by the cleaning unit, the control unit controls the movement of the headstock and the cleaning unit to move either the headstock or the cleaning unit to a position where the suction unit is located above or below.

6. The cleaning apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that, The cleaning unit moves from the first position to the second position. The suction unit overlaps with the cleaning unit, which has moved to the second position, and is positioned above the cleaning unit.

7. The cleaning apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that, The headframe moves from the third position to the fourth position. The suction unit overlaps with the head frame that has moved to the fourth position and is positioned below the head frame.

8. The cleaning apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that, The headframe moves in the first direction. The suction unit is positioned from the headframe toward a second direction opposite to the first direction.

9. A cleaning method, characterized in that, include: The step of receiving ink ejected from multiple inkjet heads included in the headstock into the washing unit; The step of moving either the head frame or the rinsing unit to a position where a suction unit is located above or below, so that the head frame can move relative to the suction unit; as well as The step of suctioning ink mist that has been dispersed during the movement of either the printhead or the washing unit after the printhead has been cleaned by the washing unit using one or more of the suction units.

10. The cleaning method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The rinsing unit moves from the first position to the second position. The suction unit draws the ink mist above the rinsing unit, which has moved to the second position.

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