A nozzle cleaning device

Abstract

The application discloses a nozzle cleaning device, which comprises at least one liquid storage tank, at least one liquid pipeline, a gas pipeline, a gas-liquid switching control valve and a transmission pipeline; the liquid storage tank is used for storing cleaning liquid; one end of each liquid pipeline is in communication with the liquid outlet of each liquid storage tank in a one-to-one correspondence, and the other end of each liquid pipeline is in communication with the liquid inlet of the gas-liquid switching control valve; one end of the gas pipeline is in communication with a gas source, and the other end of the gas pipeline is in communication with the gas inlet of the gas-liquid switching control valve; one end of the transmission pipeline is in communication with the gas-liquid outlet of the gas-liquid switching control valve, and the other end of the transmission pipeline is in communication with the liquid inlet of a nozzle to be cleaned. The technical scheme provided by the application can improve the cleaning quality and cleaning efficiency of the nozzle cleaning device on the nozzle to be cleaned.

Description

A nozzle cleaning device Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of printing technology, and more particularly to a printhead cleaning device. Background Technology

[0002] The printhead, a component of inkjet printing equipment, is an expensive consumable. After the printing equipment has been working continuously for a period of time, the printhead nozzles may become clogged due to external environment, operating conditions, and ink settling in the pipeline. At this time, it is necessary to clean the printhead to restore the printing effect of the equipment.

[0003] In existing technologies, printhead cleaning is generally done using vacuum suction. The suction head is placed close to the surface of the printhead nozzle, and the blockage in the printhead is sucked out. However, vacuum suction is a physical process, which is difficult to completely remove serious blockages in the printhead nozzle and cannot meet the printing effect of high-end printing. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This invention provides a nozzle cleaning device to improve cleaning quality and efficiency.

[0005] This invention provides a nozzle cleaning device, comprising: at least one liquid storage tank, at least one liquid pipeline, a gas pipeline, a gas-liquid switching control valve, and a transmission pipeline;

[0006] The storage tank is used to store cleaning fluid;

[0007] One end of each liquid pipeline is connected to the outlet of each liquid storage tank, and the other end of each liquid pipeline is connected to the liquid inlet of the gas-liquid switching control valve.

[0008] One end of the gas pipeline is connected to a gas source, and the other end of the gas pipeline is connected to the gas inlet of the gas-liquid switching control valve.

[0009] One end of the transmission pipeline is connected to the gas-liquid outlet of the gas-liquid switching control valve, and the other end of the transmission pipeline is connected to the liquid inlet of the nozzle to be cleaned.

[0010] Optionally, the nozzle cleaning device may also include: at least one liquid pressure gauge and at least one inlet valve;

[0011] Each of the liquid pressure gauges and each of the liquid inlet valves are installed in each of the liquid pipelines in a corresponding manner.

[0012] The liquid pressure gauge is located on the side of the inlet valve near the liquid storage tank, and the liquid pressure gauge is used to detect the liquid pressure in the liquid pipeline;

[0013] The inlet valve is activated when the liquid pressure is within a preset pressure range and deactivated when the liquid pressure exceeds the preset pressure range.

[0014] Optionally, the nozzle cleaning device may also include: at least one three-way valve and at least one back pressure line;

[0015] Each of the three-way valves and each of the back pressure lines are respectively installed in each of the liquid lines;

[0016] The three-way valve is located on the side of the inlet valve close to the liquid pressure gauge. The first end of the three-way valve is connected to the liquid pipeline on the side close to the liquid pressure gauge. The second end of the three-way valve is connected to the liquid pipeline close to the inlet valve. The third end of the three-way valve is connected to one end of the back pressure pipeline. The other end of the back pressure pipeline is connected to the return port of the storage tank.

[0017] The three-way valve controls the liquid in the liquid pipeline near the liquid pressure gauge to pass through the three-way valve to the liquid pipeline near the inlet valve when the liquid pressure is within the preset pressure range, and controls the liquid in the liquid pipeline near the liquid pressure gauge to return to the storage tank through the back pressure pipeline when the liquid pressure exceeds the preset pressure range.

[0018] Optionally, the nozzle cleaning device further includes: at least one pressure regulating pump; each of the pressure regulating pumps is correspondingly installed in each of the liquid pipelines;

[0019] The pressure regulating pump is located on the side of the liquid pressure gauge near the liquid storage tank; the pressure regulating pump is used to regulate the liquid pressure in the liquid pipeline.

[0020] Optionally, the nozzle cleaning device further includes: at least one first filter, with each first filter being disposed in one of the liquid pipelines;

[0021] The first filter is used to filter the cleaning solution.

[0022] Optionally, the nozzle cleaning device may also include: a second filter;

[0023] The second filter is located in the transmission pipeline and is used to filter liquids or gases in the transmission pipeline.

[0024] Optionally, the nozzle cleaning device may also include: a liquid outlet pipeline, a gas-liquid valve, and a waste liquid tank;

[0025] The gas-liquid valve is located in the liquid outlet pipeline. One end of the liquid outlet pipeline is connected to the liquid outlet of the nozzle to be cleaned, and the other end of the liquid outlet pipeline is connected to the waste liquid tank.

[0026] The liquid outlet pipeline is used to transfer the cleaning liquid that has passed through the nozzle to be cleaned to the waste liquid tank;

[0027] The waste liquid tank is also used to hold the cleaning liquid that has passed through the nozzle of the nozzle to be cleaned.

[0028] Optionally, when the nozzle cleaning device includes a liquid line, the liquid storage tank can be reused as the waste liquid tank.

[0029] Optionally, the nozzle cleaning device may also include: a gas pressure gauge and an air inlet valve;

[0030] Both the gas pressure gauge and the inlet valve are installed in the gas pipeline, and the gas pressure gauge is located on the side of the inlet valve away from the gas-liquid switching control valve.

[0031] The gas pressure gauge is used to detect the gas pressure in the gas pipeline;

[0032] The intake valve is activated when the gas pressure is within a preset pressure range and deactivated when the gas pressure exceeds the preset pressure range.

[0033] Optionally, the nozzle cleaning device may also include: an air filter and an air compressor;

[0034] The air filter and air compressor are both installed in the gas pipeline and are located on the side of the gas pressure gauge away from the gas-liquid switching control valve.

[0035] The air filter is used to filter the gas in the gas pipeline;

[0036] The air compressor is used to adjust the gas pressure in the gas pipeline.

[0037] The technical solution provided by this invention includes a nozzle cleaning device comprising at least one liquid storage tank, at least one liquid pipeline, one gas pipeline, one gas-liquid switching control valve, and one transmission pipeline. When a nozzle to be cleaned needs to be cleaned, the liquid inlet and gas-liquid outlet of the gas-liquid switching control valve are first connected, allowing the cleaning liquid in the storage tank to enter the nozzle to be cleaned sequentially through the liquid pipeline, the gas-liquid switching control valve, the transmission pipeline, and the liquid inlet. The cleaning liquid is then used to clean the nozzle. After the cleaning liquid has finished cleaning, the liquid inlet and gas-liquid outlet of the gas-liquid switching control valve are disconnected, and the gas inlet and gas-liquid outlet of the gas-liquid switching control valve are connected, allowing the gas source to enter the nozzle to be cleaned sequentially through the gas pipeline, the gas-liquid switching control valve, the transmission pipeline, and the liquid inlet, removing residual cleaning liquid from the nozzle and improving the cleaning quality and efficiency of the nozzle. Attached Figure Description

[0038] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a nozzle cleaning device provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of another nozzle cleaning device provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of another nozzle cleaning device provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 4 is a structural schematic diagram of another nozzle cleaning device provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a nozzle cleaning device provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of another nozzle cleaning device provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 7 is a structural schematic diagram of another nozzle cleaning device provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0045] Figure 8 is a structural schematic diagram of another nozzle cleaning device provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0046] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the invention and not intended to limit it. Furthermore, it should be noted that, for ease of description, the accompanying drawings show only the parts relevant to the present invention, and not all of the structures.

[0047] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a nozzle cleaning device provided in an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 1, the nozzle cleaning device includes: at least one liquid storage tank 11, at least one liquid pipeline 10, a gas pipeline 20, a gas-liquid switching control valve 31, and a transmission pipeline 30. The liquid storage tank 11 is used to store cleaning liquid. One end of each liquid pipeline 10 is connected to the liquid outlet o of each liquid storage tank 11, and the other end of each liquid pipeline 10 is connected to the liquid inlet ln of the gas-liquid switching control valve 31. One end of the gas pipeline 20 is connected to a gas source, and the other end of the gas pipeline 20 is connected to the gas inlet gn of the gas-liquid switching control valve 31. One end of the transmission pipeline 30 is connected to the gas-liquid outlet gl of the gas-liquid switching control valve 31, and the other end of the transmission pipeline 30 is connected to the liquid inlet in of the nozzle 40 to be cleaned.

[0048] The storage tank 11 can be a cylindrical tank made of stainless steel, and its material and structure can be designed according to actual needs. The material of the liquid pipeline 10 can be the same as or different from that of the storage tank 11; for example, the material of the liquid pipeline 10 may include aluminum alloy or polypropylene, and can be set according to actual needs. The material of the gas pipeline 20 may include copper or steel, etc., without specific limitations. The gas source may include air. The cleaning fluid may include ester-based cleaning fluids, without specific limitations.

[0049] Specifically, when cleaning the nozzle 40, the cleaning solution in the storage tank 11 is first introduced into the liquid inlet ln of the gas-liquid switching control valve 31 through the liquid pipeline 10. The gas-liquid switching control valve 31 is then controlled to open the connection between the liquid inlet ln and the gas-liquid outlet gl inside the gas-liquid switching control valve 31. This allows the cleaning solution in the storage tank 11 to enter the nozzle 40 to be cleaned through the gas-liquid switching control valve 31, the transmission pipeline 30, and the liquid inlet in, cleaning the blockages in the nozzle 40. The cleaning solution is sprayed from the nozzle of the nozzle 40 to remove residual ink and cleaning fluid from the printhead 40 to be cleaned. The cleaning time for the printhead 40 to be cleaned can be set according to actual needs. For example, the cleaning time for the printhead 40 to be cleaned is 30 seconds. After the cleaning is completed, the gas-liquid switching control valve 31 is controlled to close the connection between the liquid inlet ln and the gas-liquid outlet gl inside the gas-liquid switching control valve 31, and the connection between the gas inlet gn and the gas-liquid outlet gl inside the gas-liquid switching control valve 31 is opened. The gas pipeline 20 is designed to allow gas from the gas pipeline 20 to enter the printhead 40 to be cleaned via the gas-liquid switching control valve 31, the transmission pipeline 30, and the liquid inlet inlet. This removes residual cleaning fluid from the transmission pipeline 30 and the printhead 40, ensuring that the cleaned printhead 40 is free of excess cleaning fluid and preventing cleaning fluid residue from affecting the inkjet quality of subsequent printheads. Furthermore, the liquid storage tanks 11 connected to each liquid pipeline 10 can contain the same or different cleaning fluids. When the cleaning fluids stored in each liquid storage tank 11 are different... If a cleaning solution is used to clean the nozzle 40, and the cleaning solution is not cleaned with gas from the gas line 20, then when another cleaning solution is used for cleaning, the two cleaning solutions may react in the nozzle 40, further clogging it, reducing the cleaning quality, and making the cleaning process more complicated. Therefore, the nozzle cleaning device provided in this embodiment of the invention, which simultaneously provides a liquid line 10 and a gas line 20, can improve the cleaning quality and efficiency of the nozzle 40.

[0050] It is understood that the number of liquid storage tanks 11 is the same as the number of liquid lines 10. The printhead cleaning device can be equipped with one liquid line 10 or multiple liquid lines 10. For example, when the printhead to be cleaned has been used for a short time or has only minor internal ink blockage, only one cleaning solution can be used to clean the printhead. In this case, the printhead cleaning device can be equipped with only one liquid line 10. When the printhead to be cleaned has been used for a long time or has severe internal ink blockage, two or more cleaning solutions are required to clean the printhead. In this case, the printhead cleaning device can be equipped with two or more liquid lines 10. Figure 1 only shows an example of a printhead cleaning device with three liquid lines. The number of liquid lines 10 can be set according to actual needs and is not specifically limited here.

[0051] The technical solution of this invention includes a nozzle cleaning device comprising at least one liquid storage tank, at least one liquid pipeline, one gas pipeline, one gas-liquid switching control valve, and one transmission pipeline. When a nozzle to be cleaned needs to be cleaned, the liquid inlet and gas-liquid outlet of the gas-liquid switching control valve are first connected, allowing the cleaning liquid in the storage tank to enter the nozzle to be cleaned sequentially through the liquid pipeline, the gas-liquid switching control valve, the transmission pipeline, and the liquid inlet. After the cleaning liquid has finished cleaning, the liquid inlet and gas-liquid outlet of the gas-liquid switching control valve are disconnected, and the gas inlet and gas-liquid outlet of the gas-liquid switching control valve are connected, allowing the gas source to enter the nozzle to be cleaned sequentially through the gas pipeline, the gas-liquid switching control valve, the transmission pipeline, and the liquid inlet, removing residual cleaning liquid from the nozzle and improving the cleaning quality and efficiency of the nozzle.

[0052] Optionally, Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of another nozzle cleaning device provided in an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 2, the nozzle cleaning device further includes at least one liquid pressure gauge 12 and at least one liquid inlet valve 13; each liquid pressure gauge 12 and each liquid inlet valve 13 are respectively arranged in each liquid pipeline 10; the liquid pressure gauge 12 is located on the side of the liquid inlet valve 13 near the liquid storage tank 11, and the liquid pressure gauge 12 is used to detect the liquid pressure in the liquid pipeline 10; the liquid inlet valve 13 is turned on when the liquid pressure is within a preset pressure range, and turned off when the liquid pressure exceeds the preset pressure range.

[0053] The liquid pressure gauge 12 includes low-pressure, medium-pressure, and high-pressure types, which can be selected according to actual needs. For example, the pressure range that the liquid pressure gauge 12 can detect is 15 kPa-100 kPa. The inlet valve 13 includes gate valves, ball valves, butterfly valves, diaphragm valves, and plunger valves, which can be selected according to actual needs, and no specific limitation is made here.

[0054] Specifically, during inkjet printing, the printhead 40 to be cleaned needs to withstand a certain inkjet pressure to ensure that the ink can be evenly sprayed onto the structure to be coated. Therefore, the printhead 40 can withstand a certain range of pressure. The higher the pressure of the cleaning fluid, the better the cleaning effect of the printhead 40. However, when the pressure of the cleaning fluid exceeds the maximum pressure that the printhead 40 can withstand, it is easy to damage the internal structure of the printhead. Therefore, a liquid pressure gauge 12 needs to be installed in the liquid pipeline 10 to detect the liquid pressure in the liquid pipeline 10 in real time. When the pressure of the printhead 40 to be cleaned is within the preset range, the inlet valve 13 can be opened to allow the cleaning fluid to reach the printhead 40 to be cleaned through the inlet valve 13, the gas-liquid switching control valve 31, and the transmission pipeline 30, which has a good cleaning effect on the ink blockage points in the printhead 40. When the liquid pressure gauge 12 detects that the liquid pressure in the liquid pipeline 10 exceeds the preset range of the pressure that the printhead 40 to be cleaned can be opened, the inlet valve 13 can be opened to prevent the cleaning fluid from reaching the printhead 40 to be cleaned through the inlet valve 13, the gas-liquid switching control valve 31, and the transmission pipeline 30, which would damage the printhead 40.

[0055] Understandably, a preset pressure range can be selected within the pressure tolerance range of the printhead 40 to be cleaned. When the liquid pressure in the liquid line 10 is lower than the minimum preset pressure or exceeds the maximum preset pressure, the inlet valve 13 is controlled to disconnect to prevent insufficient cleaning of ink clogging points due to low cleaning liquid pressure, resulting in poor cleaning quality, or damage to the printhead 40 to be cleaned due to high cleaning pressure. When the liquid pressure in the liquid line 10 is within the preset pressure range, the ink clogging points in the printhead 40 to be cleaned can be completely removed, resulting in good cleaning quality. The preset pressure range can be obtained through experiments, etc. For example, the pressure tolerance range of the printhead to be cleaned is 0 kPa-80 kPa, and the preset pressure range is 50 kPa-70 kPa.

[0056] Optionally, Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of another nozzle cleaning device provided in an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 3, the nozzle cleaning device further includes at least one three-way valve 14 and at least one back pressure line 15; each three-way valve 14 and each back pressure line 15 are respectively arranged in each liquid line 10; the three-way valve 14 is located on the side of the inlet valve 13 near the liquid pressure gauge 12, the first end of the three-way valve 14 is connected to the liquid line 10 on the side near the liquid pressure gauge 12, and the second end of the three-way valve 14 is connected to the liquid line 10 near the inlet valve 13. 10 is connected, the third end of the three-way valve 14 is connected to one end of the back pressure line 15, and the other end of the back pressure line 15 is connected to the return port r of the liquid storage tank 11; when the liquid pressure is within the preset pressure range, the three-way valve 14 controls the liquid in the liquid line 10 near the liquid pressure gauge 12 to pass through the three-way valve 14 to the liquid line 10 near the inlet valve 13, and when the liquid pressure exceeds the preset pressure range, it controls the liquid in the liquid line 10 near the liquid pressure gauge 12 to return to the liquid storage tank 11 through the back pressure line 15.

[0057] The three-way valve 14 includes wedge type, packing type, and grooved type, which can be selected according to actual needs, and no specific limitation is made here. The material of the back pressure line 15 can be the same as or different from the material of the liquid line 10. For example, the material of the back pressure line 10 may include aluminum alloy or polypropylene.

[0058] Specifically, when the liquid pressure gauge 12 detects that the liquid pressure in the liquid line 10 exceeds the preset pressure range, if the cleaning fluid in the liquid line 10 is not stopped from entering the printhead 40 to be cleaned in time, it will result in insufficient cleaning pressure, leading to incomplete cleaning of the clogged ink dots, or excessive cleaning pressure, causing damage to the printhead 40 to be cleaned. In this case, it is necessary to control the three-way valve 14 to control the liquid in the liquid line 10 near the liquid pressure gauge 12 to return to the liquid storage tank 11 through the back pressure line 15, without the need for additional control of the inlet valve; when the liquid pressure gauge 12 detects that the liquid line 10 exceeds the preset pressure range, it will result in insufficient cleaning pressure, leading to incomplete cleaning of the clogged ink dots, or excessive cleaning pressure, leading to damage to the printhead 40 to be cleaned. When the liquid pressure in line 10 is within the preset pressure range, the cleaning fluid under this pressure will not damage the printhead 40 to be cleaned, and it has a good cleaning effect on the ink blockage points in the printhead 40 to be cleaned. At this time, the liquid in the liquid line 10 near the liquid pressure gauge 12 is controlled to pass through the three-way valve 14 to the liquid line 10 near the inlet valve 13. At the same time, the inlet valve 13 is controlled to open so that the cleaning fluid in the liquid line 10 can reach the printhead 40 to be cleaned, thereby improving the cleaning quality and cleaning efficiency.

[0059] Understandably, to improve cleaning quality, a heating structure can be installed in the storage tank 10. This structure heats the cleaning solution in the storage tank 10 to a preset temperature during the cleaning of the printhead, accelerating the dissolution rate of the clogged printhead and further improving cleaning efficiency and quality. The heating structure includes an electric heater, and the preset temperature can be set according to actual needs, for example, 40℃.

[0060] Optionally, referring to Figure 3, the nozzle cleaning device also includes at least one pressure regulating pump 16; each pressure regulating pump 16 is correspondingly arranged in each liquid pipeline 10; the pressure regulating pump 16 is located on the side of the liquid pressure gauge 12 near the liquid storage tank 11; the pressure regulating pump 16 is used to regulate the liquid pressure in the liquid pipeline 10.

[0061] The pressure regulating pump 16 includes gear pumps, diaphragm pumps, screw pumps, etc., which can be selected and set according to actual needs, and no specific limitation is made here.

[0062] Specifically, when the liquid pressure in the liquid pipeline 10 is lower than the preset minimum pressure, the output power of the pressure regulating pump 16 can be increased, thereby increasing the liquid pressure passing through the pressure regulating pump 16; when the liquid pressure in the liquid pipeline 10 exceeds the preset maximum pressure, the output power of the pressure regulating pump 16 can be decreased, thereby reducing the liquid pressure passing through the pressure regulating pump 16, so that the liquid pressure in the liquid pipeline 10 is within the preset pressure range, improving the cleaning quality and cleaning efficiency of the nozzle to be cleaned. The analog voltage input to the pressure regulating pump 16 can be adjusted, thereby adjusting the output power of the pressure regulating pump 16. The larger the input analog voltage, the larger the output power of the pressure regulating pump 16; the smaller the input analog voltage, the smaller the output power of the pressure regulating pump 16. The specific adjustment amount can be set according to actual needs, and no specific limitation is made here.

[0063] Optionally, Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of another nozzle cleaning device provided in an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 4, the nozzle cleaning device further includes at least one first filter 17, and each first filter 17 is disposed in each liquid pipeline 10 in a one-to-one correspondence; the first filter 17 is used to filter the cleaning liquid.

[0064] The first filter 17 includes disc filters, sand filters, and carbon filters, which can be set according to actual needs, and no specific limitation is made here.

[0065] Specifically, the first filter 17 is used to filter large particulate impurities in the cleaning fluid to prevent larger particulate impurities from clogging the nozzle to be cleaned and to ensure cleaning quality. The level of impurities filtered by the first filter 17 can be set according to actual needs. For example, the first filter 17 can filter impurity particles larger than 5μm.

[0066] Optionally, Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a nozzle cleaning device provided in an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 5, the nozzle cleaning device further includes a second filter 32; the second filter 32 is located in the transmission pipeline 30 and is used to filter liquids or gases in the transmission pipeline 30.

[0067] The second filter 32 includes disc filters, sand filters, and carbon filters, which can be set according to actual needs, and no specific limitation is made here.

[0068] Specifically, the second filter 32 is used to filter large particulate impurities in the liquid or gas in the transmission pipeline 30, to prevent larger particulate impurities from clogging the nozzle to be cleaned and to ensure cleaning quality. The level of impurities filtered by the second filter 32 can be set according to actual needs. For example, the second filter 32 can filter impurity particles larger than 5μm.

[0069] Optionally, Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of another nozzle cleaning device provided in an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 6, the nozzle cleaning device further includes a liquid outlet pipe 50, a gas-liquid valve 51, and a waste liquid tank 52. The gas-liquid valve 51 is located in the liquid outlet pipe 50. One end of the liquid outlet pipe 50 is connected to the liquid outlet port ot of the nozzle 40 to be cleaned, and the other end of the liquid outlet pipe 50 is connected to the waste liquid tank 52. The liquid outlet pipe 50 is used to transfer the cleaning liquid passing through the nozzle 40 to be cleaned to the waste liquid tank 52. The waste liquid tank 52 is also used to contain the cleaning liquid passing through the nozzle 41 of the nozzle 40 to be cleaned.

[0070] The materials of the liquid outlet pipe 50 and the waste liquid tank 52 can be the same or different, including aluminum alloy, stainless steel and other materials, which can be set according to actual needs. The structure of the waste liquid tank 52 can be cylindrical or other shapes, and no specific limitation is made here.

[0071] Specifically, the waste liquid container 52 includes an opening so that the cleaning fluid passing through the nozzle 41 of the printhead 40 to be cleaned can enter the waste liquid container 52 through the opening, so that the waste liquid in the waste liquid container 52 can be treated uniformly in the future. When there is a lot of ink blockage inside the printhead 40 to be cleaned and it is difficult to clean, multiple cleaning fluids can be introduced into the printhead 40 to be cleaned in a certain order to completely remove the ink blockage in the printhead 40 to be cleaned.

[0072] For example, taking a printhead cleaning device comprising three liquid lines as an example, the cleaning fluid in each storage tank is different, namely a moisturizing fluid, a repair fluid, and a cleaning fluid. When the printhead 40 to be cleaned is clogged with ink and difficult to clean, the gas-liquid valve 51 is first opened to use the moisturizing fluid to clean the floating ink in the printhead 40 to be cleaned, and then discharged through the storage pipeline 50 to the waste liquid tank 52. The moisturizing fluid cleaning time is 30 seconds. Then, gas is used to discharge the residual moisturizing fluid in the printhead 40 to be cleaned to the waste liquid tank 52 to prevent the moisturizing fluid from reacting with the subsequent cleaning fluid. The reaction further clogs the nozzle, then the gas-liquid valve 51 is disconnected, allowing the moisturizing solution to be discharged through the nozzle 41 of the nozzle 40 to be cleaned. This process lasts for 30 seconds, during which gas is used to discharge the moisturizing solution in the transmission line 30 and the nozzle 40 to be cleaned through the nozzle 41. Then, a repair solution is used to clean the nozzle 40, and the repair solution is discharged through the storage line 50 into the waste liquid tank 52. The repair solution cleaning lasts for 30 seconds, and gas is used to discharge any remaining repair solution in the nozzle 40 to the waste liquid tank 52 to prevent subsequent cleaning solutions from being used without proper cleaning. The method directly reacts with the clogged ink points, then controls the gas-liquid valve 51 to disconnect, allowing the repair fluid to be discharged through the nozzle 41 of the printhead 40 to be cleaned. This process lasts for 30 seconds. Gas is used to discharge the repair fluid in the transmission line 30 and the printhead 40 to be cleaned through the nozzle 41. Then, the printhead 40 to be cleaned is cleaned with cleaning fluid, and the cleaning fluid is discharged into the waste liquid tank 52 through the storage line 50. The cleaning time is 30 seconds. Gas is used to discharge the residual cleaning fluid in the printhead 40 to be cleaned into the waste liquid tank 52 to prevent the cleaning fluid from fusing with the ink. Water remains in the printhead, reforming ink blockages. Then, the gas-liquid valve 51 is disconnected, allowing the cleaning fluid to be discharged through the nozzle 41 of the printhead 40 to be cleaned. This process lasts for 30 seconds. Gas is used to discharge the cleaning fluid in the transmission line 30 and the cleaning fluid in the printhead 40 to be cleaned through the nozzle 41. Depending on the severity of ink blockage in the printhead 40 to be cleaned, the cleaning and repair fluid are used repeatedly for a certain number of cycles. After cleaning with the repair fluid and purging the printhead to be cleaned with gas, the printhead 40 to be cleaned is cleaned with a moisturizing fluid, and the remaining moisturizing fluid is purged with gas.

[0073] It should be noted that the cleaning time in the above process is only an example. The cleaning time can be set according to actual needs, and no specific limit is made here.

[0074] Understandably, humectant solutions are quite versatile. When the ink blockage in the printhead is minor, humectant solutions alone can clean it. However, when the ink blockage is severe, humectant solutions alone are insufficient. In such cases, a combination of humectant solution, repair solution, and cleaning solution is required. The cleaning solution can react with the ink blockage and easily dissolve the blockage points. However, the humectant solution is prone to reacting with the cleaning solution. Therefore, a repair solution is added during the cleaning process to act as a buffer and prevent the reaction between the humectant solution and the cleaning solution from affecting the cleaning effect.

[0075] Optionally, Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of another nozzle cleaning device provided in an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 7, when the nozzle cleaning device includes a liquid pipeline 10, the liquid storage tank 11 is reused as a waste liquid tank 52. In this way, the utilization rate of the cleaning liquid can be improved, and the nozzle cleaning device has a simple structure.

[0076] Optionally, Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of another nozzle cleaning device provided in an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 8, the nozzle cleaning device further includes a gas pressure gauge 21 and an air inlet valve 22. Both the gas pressure gauge 21 and the air inlet valve 22 are disposed in the gas pipeline 20, and the gas pressure gauge 21 is located on the side of the air inlet valve 22 away from the gas-liquid switching control valve 31. The gas pressure gauge 21 is used to detect the gas pressure in the gas pipeline 20. The air inlet valve 22 is turned on when the gas pressure is within a preset pressure range and turned off when the gas pressure exceeds the preset pressure range.

[0077] The gas pressure gauge 21 includes low-pressure, medium-pressure, and high-pressure types, which can be selected according to actual needs. For example, the pressure range detectable by the gas pressure gauge 21 is 15 kPa-100 kPa. The inlet valve 22 includes gate valves, ball valves, butterfly valves, diaphragm valves, and plunger valves, which can be selected according to actual needs; no specific limitation is made here. The preset pressure range can be obtained through experiments. When the gas pressure is less than the minimum value of the preset pressure range, the effect of removing residual cleaning fluid from the nozzle 40 to be cleaned is poor. When the gas pressure is greater than the maximum value of the preset pressure range, the nozzle 40 to be cleaned is easily damaged. For example, the preset pressure range is 50 kPa-70 kPa.

[0078] Specifically, a gas pressure gauge 21 is installed in the gas pipeline 20 to detect the gas pressure in the gas pipeline 20 in real time. When the gas pressure in the gas pipeline 20 is detected by the gas pressure gauge 21 to be within the preset pressure range, the inlet valve 22 can be opened to allow gas to pass through the inlet valve 22, the gas-liquid switching control valve 31, and the transmission pipeline 30 to the nozzle 40 to be cleaned, thereby removing residual cleaning liquid from the nozzle 40. When the gas pressure in the gas pipeline 20 is detected by the gas pressure gauge 21 to be exceeded by the preset pressure range, the inlet valve 22 can be opened to prevent gas from passing through the inlet valve 22, the gas-liquid switching control valve 31, and the transmission pipeline 30 to the nozzle 40 to be cleaned and causing damage to the nozzle 40.

[0079] Optionally, referring to Figure 8, the nozzle cleaning device also includes an air filter 23 and an air compressor 24; both the air filter 23 and the air compressor 24 are located in the gas pipeline 20 and are located on the side of the gas pressure gauge 21 away from the gas-liquid switching control valve 31; the air filter 23 is used to filter the gas in the gas pipeline 20; the air compressor 24 is used to adjust the gas pressure in the gas pipeline 20.

[0080] The air filter 23 includes plate type, pleated type, and bag type, etc., and the air compressor 24 includes centrifugal type and scroll type, etc., which can be selected according to actual needs, and no specific limitation is made here. The relative positions of the air filter 23 and the air compressor 24 in the gas pipeline 20 are not specifically limited here.

[0081] Specifically, the air filter 23 can filter large particulate impurities in the gas source, preventing them from entering the nozzle 40 to be cleaned and further clogging it. When the gas pressure in the gas pipeline 20 is lower than the minimum value of the preset pressure range, the gas compression efficiency of the air compressor 24 can be increased to improve the gas pressure in the gas pipeline 20. When the gas pressure in the gas pipeline 20 is higher than the maximum value of the preset pressure range, the gas compression efficiency of the air compressor 24 can be reduced to decrease the gas pressure in the gas pipeline 20. This allows the gas entering the nozzle 40 to spray out the residual cleaning liquid, improving cleaning quality and efficiency.

[0082] Note that the above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and the technical principles employed. Those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described herein, and various obvious changes, readjustments, combinations, and substitutions can be made without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, although the present invention has been described in detail through the above embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and may include many other equivalent embodiments without departing from the concept of the present invention, the scope of which is determined by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A nozzle cleaning device, characterized in that, include: At least one liquid storage tank, at least one liquid pipeline, one gas pipeline, one gas-liquid switching control valve, and one transmission pipeline; The storage tank is used to store cleaning fluid; one end of each liquid pipeline is connected to the outlet of each storage tank, and the other end of each liquid pipeline is connected to the liquid inlet of the gas-liquid switching control valve; one end of each gas pipeline is connected to a gas source, and the other end of each gas pipeline is connected to the gas inlet of the gas-liquid switching control valve; one end of each transmission pipeline is connected to the gas-liquid outlet of the gas-liquid switching control valve, and the other end of each transmission pipeline is connected to the inlet of the nozzle to be cleaned; the nozzle cleaning device further includes: at least one liquid pressure gauge, at least one inlet valve, at least one three-way valve, and at least one back pressure pipeline; each liquid pressure gauge and each inlet valve are correspondingly installed in each liquid pipeline; the liquid pressure gauge is located on the side of the inlet valve near the storage tank, and the liquid pressure gauge is used to detect the liquid pressure in the liquid pipeline; the inlet valve is activated when the liquid pressure is within a preset pressure range. The three-way valve is configured to disconnect when the liquid pressure exceeds the preset pressure range; each of the three-way valves and each of the back pressure lines are correspondingly arranged in each of the liquid lines; the three-way valve is located on the side of the inlet valve near the liquid pressure gauge, the first end of the three-way valve is connected to the liquid line near the liquid pressure gauge, the second end of the three-way valve is connected to the liquid line near the inlet valve, the third end of the three-way valve is connected to one end of the back pressure line, and the other end of the back pressure line is connected to the return port of the storage tank; when the liquid pressure is within the preset pressure range, the three-way valve controls the liquid in the liquid line near the liquid pressure gauge to reach the liquid line near the inlet valve through the three-way valve, and when the liquid pressure exceeds the preset pressure range, it controls the liquid in the liquid line near the liquid pressure gauge to return to the storage tank through the back pressure line.

2. The nozzle cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: At least one pressure regulating pump; each of the pressure regulating pumps is installed in one of the liquid pipelines; The pressure regulating pump is located on the side of the liquid pressure gauge near the liquid storage tank; the pressure regulating pump is used to regulate the liquid pressure in the liquid pipeline.

3. The nozzle cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: At least one first filter is provided in each of the liquid pipelines, and each first filter is disposed in a corresponding manner in each of the liquid pipelines; The first filter is used to filter the cleaning solution.

4. The nozzle cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: A second filter; the second filter is located in the transmission pipeline and is used to filter liquids or gases in the transmission pipeline.

5. The nozzle cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: Liquid outlet pipeline, gas-liquid valve and waste liquid tank; The gas-liquid valve is located in the liquid outlet pipeline. One end of the liquid outlet pipeline is connected to the liquid outlet of the nozzle to be cleaned, and the other end of the liquid outlet pipeline is connected to the waste liquid tank. The liquid outlet pipeline is used to transfer the cleaning liquid that has passed through the nozzle to be cleaned to the waste liquid tank. The waste liquid tank is also used to contain the cleaning liquid that has passed through the nozzle of the nozzle to be cleaned.

6. The nozzle cleaning device according to claim 5, characterized in that, When the nozzle cleaning device includes a liquid pipeline, the storage tank is reused as the waste liquid tank.

7. The nozzle cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: A gas pressure gauge and an inlet valve are provided; both the gas pressure gauge and the inlet valve are installed in the gas pipeline, and the gas pressure gauge is located on the side of the inlet valve away from the gas-liquid switching control valve; the gas pressure gauge is used to detect the gas pressure in the gas pipeline; the inlet valve is turned on when the gas pressure is within a preset pressure range, and turned off when the gas pressure exceeds the preset pressure range.

8. The nozzle cleaning device according to claim 7, characterized in that, Also includes: An air filter and an air compressor are provided; both the air filter and the air compressor are located in the gas pipeline and are situated on the side of the gas pressure gauge away from the gas-liquid switching control valve; the air filter is used to filter the gas in the gas pipeline; the air compressor is used to adjust the gas pressure in the gas pipeline.

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