A print head cleaning apparatus and method

Abstract

The application discloses a printing nozzle cleaning device and a cleaning method, and belongs to the technical field of printing equipment. The device comprises a liquid supply container and a cleaning tank for storing cleaning liquid. The liquid supply container is connected with the inlet and outlet of the printing nozzle through a liquid supply pipeline. A valve, a circulating pump and a buffer bottle are installed on the liquid supply pipeline. A sealing plate is arranged at the opening of the cleaning tank. The sealing plate, the printing nozzle and the cleaning tank form a sealed cabin for preventing the cleaning liquid from evaporating. A liquid level control port is formed in the side wall of the sealed cabin. The distance between the liquid level control port and the bottom of the cleaning tank is greater than the distance between the liquid spraying surface of the printing nozzle and the bottom of the cleaning tank. A waste liquid discharge port is formed in the bottom of the sealed cabin. The application has the advantages that the automatic cleaning process of the whole nozzle can be realized, the clogged nozzle holes can be cleaned, the cleaning efficiency is improved, and the cleaning liquid is saved.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application belongs to the field of printing equipment, and particularly relates to a printing nozzle cleaning device and a cleaning method. BACKGROUND

[0002] It is known that the printing nozzle is one of the core components of the printer. During printing or long-term storage, the printing nozzle often has the fault of nozzle blockage due to various reasons. Once the nozzle is blocked, the printing quality will be reduced. Therefore, preventing the printing nozzle from being blocked is one of the core works to ensure the normal work of the printing equipment.

[0003] At present, in order to solve the technical problem of printing nozzle blockage, engineers have designed a large number of cleaning devices for different printing equipment. These traditional cleaning devices have achieved the function of nozzle cleaning to a certain extent, but the traditional cleaning devices still have the following defects:

[0004] 1. The traditional cleaning tank only has the function of containing cleaning liquid. During use, the engineer needs to judge the amount of cleaning liquid in the cleaning tank according to experience. If it is not handled in time, it will overflow. If it is handled frequently, it will consume a lot of manpower, and at the same time, it will also cause waste of cleaning liquid;

[0005] 2. The traditional cleaning tank has poor sealing, which causes volatilization of the cleaning liquid, further causing waste of the cleaning liquid;

[0006] 3. It is found in practice that in most nozzle blockage faults, only a small number of nozzles are blocked, and a large number of nozzles are in a non-blocked state. During the process of cleaning the printing nozzle by using the traditional cleaning device, most of the cleaning liquid flows out from the normal nozzle, and the small number of nozzles that are blocked are almost not passed through by the cleaning liquid. At the same time, in order to achieve the cleaning effect, the use amount of cleaning liquid needs to be increased, and the cleaning time needs to be prolonged. The negative effects are: on the one hand, a large amount of cleaning liquid is wasted, and the cleaning efficiency is reduced; on the other hand, a large amount of cleaning liquid passes through the normal nozzle for a long time, which causes a certain degree of damage to the normal nozzle.

[0007] Therefore, based on the above problems, it is necessary to provide a printing nozzle cleaning device and a cleaning method to solve the above problems. SUMMARY

[0008] The present application aims to meet the actual needs, and provides a printing nozzle cleaning device and a cleaning method, which can maximize the use amount of cleaning liquid under the premise of meeting the efficient cleaning of the printing nozzle.

[0009] The first aspect is to provide a printing head cleaning device, which comprises a liquid supply container for storing cleaning liquid and a cleaning tank; the liquid supply container is connected with the inlet and outlet of the printing head through a liquid supply pipeline; a valve, a circulating pump and a buffer bottle are installed on the liquid supply pipeline; a sealing plate is arranged at the opening of the cleaning tank, and the sealing plate, the printing head and the cleaning tank form a sealed cabin for preventing the cleaning liquid from volatilizing; a liquid level control port is formed in the side wall of the sealed cabin, and the distance between the liquid level control port and the bottom of the cleaning tank is greater than the distance between the liquid ejection surface of the printing head and the bottom of the cleaning tank; a waste liquid discharge port is formed in the bottom of the sealed cabin.

[0010] In the scheme of the printing head cleaning device, a first container for storing deionized water is further included, and the first container is connected with the liquid supply pipeline.

[0011] In the scheme of the printing head cleaning device, a heating system for heating the cleaning liquid to 30-80 DEG C is arranged in the liquid supply container.

[0012] In the scheme of the printing head cleaning device, the liquid level control port is connected with the liquid supply container through a recovery pipeline.

[0013] In the scheme of the printing head cleaning device, a liquid level sensor is arranged in the cleaning tank, and the liquid level sensor is connected with a controller and an alarm.

[0014] In the scheme of the printing head cleaning device, a valve, a circulating pump and a filter are installed on the recovery pipeline.

[0015] In the scheme of the printing head cleaning device, a filter is installed on the liquid supply pipeline.

[0016] In the scheme of the printing head cleaning device, the liquid supply container is connected with a first inlet and outlet and a second inlet and outlet of the printing head through a liquid supply pipeline.

[0017] In the scheme of the printing head cleaning device, a hydraulic pressure sensor is installed on the buffer bottle, and the controller is connected with the hydraulic pressure sensor.

[0018] In the scheme of the printing head cleaning device, a nozzle selection part is arranged at the outlet of the printing head; the nozzle selection part comprises a plugging unit for plugging a first type of nozzle, and the first type of nozzle is a normal nozzle which does not need to be cleaned; and the nozzle selection part further comprises an opening unit for cleaning a second type of nozzle, and the second type of nozzle is a blocked nozzle which needs to be cleaned.

[0019] In the scheme of the printing head cleaning device, the plugging unit is made of a corrosion-resistant material, and the opening unit is a through hole formed on the plugging unit.

[0020] In the above-mentioned printing head cleaning device, the blocking units are multiple, and each blocking unit is provided with a through hole of different size.

[0021] In the above-mentioned printing head cleaning device, a flushing mechanism for flushing the second type of nozzle is arranged at the opening unit; the flushing mechanism comprises a spraying part for spraying liquid to the liquid outlet surface of the second type of nozzle, and a plurality of nozzles are arranged on the surface of the spraying part.

[0022] In the above-mentioned printing head cleaning device, the nozzle selection part further comprises a driving mechanism for driving the movement of the blocking unit and a lifting mechanism for driving the lifting of the driving mechanism; the driving mechanism comprises a driving roller and a driven roller; the blocking unit is sleeved on the driving roller and the driven roller, and the driving roller is connected with a motor.

[0023] In the above-mentioned printing head cleaning device, the liquid inlet and outlet port is further communicated with a collection pipeline for recycling the cleaning liquid in the printing head, and a valve and a circulating pump are arranged on the collection pipeline.

[0024] In the above-mentioned printing head cleaning device, the valve and the circulating pump are connected with the controller.

[0025] In a second aspect, a second object of the present application is to provide a printing head cleaning method, which utilizes the printing head cleaning device of the first aspect to complete the following actions:

[0026] S1, preparation: injecting cleaning liquid into the liquid supply container; opening the valve for controlling the opening and closing of the liquid level control port and the pump, and closing the valve for controlling the opening and closing of the waste liquid discharge port;

[0027] S2, selecting a cleaning mode, the cleaning mode comprising a circulation mode, a positive pressure mode, a combination mode and a pipeline cleaning mode; wherein:

[0028] the circulation mode is: in a preset time period, alternately executing a first working mode and a second working mode, the first working mode is: the cleaning liquid enters the printing head from the first liquid inlet and outlet port, flows out from the second liquid inlet and outlet port and the lower part of the printing head, and the cleaning liquid flowing out from the second liquid inlet and outlet port is returned to the liquid supply container through the collection pipeline; the second working mode is: the cleaning liquid enters the printing head from the second liquid inlet and outlet port, flows out from the first liquid inlet and outlet port and the lower part of the printing head, and the cleaning liquid flowing out from the first liquid inlet and outlet port is returned to the liquid supply container through the collection pipeline;

[0029] the positive pressure mode is: the cleaning liquid enters the printing head from the first liquid inlet and outlet port and the second liquid inlet and outlet port at the same time, and the cleaning liquid flows out from the lower part of the printing head and enters the sealed warehouse;

[0030] the combination mode is: cyclically executing the circulation mode and the positive pressure mode according to the set time length and number of times.

[0031] The pipeline cleaning mode is: opening the waste liquid discharge port, deionized water enters the printing nozzle from the first inlet and outlet and / or the second inlet and outlet, and the deionized water flows out from below the printing nozzle into the sealed warehouse; finally, it is discharged from the waste liquid discharge port.

[0032] Further, the valve and the circulating pump on the recovery pipeline are opened at a certain time, and the cleaning liquid in the sealed warehouse is returned to the liquid supply container.

[0033] Further, the printing nozzle cleaning process comprises:

[0034] S21, determining the position of the blocked nozzle;

[0035] S22, according to the position of the blocked nozzle, adjusting the position of the nozzle selection part, so that the first type of nozzle is in a blocked state, and the second type of nozzle is in an open state;

[0036] S23, opening the valve and the circulating pump on the liquid supply pipeline, so that the cleaning liquid enters the printing nozzle from the first inlet and outlet and / or the second inlet and outlet, and the second type of nozzle in the nozzle is cleaned.

[0037] The application has the advantages and positive effects that:

[0038] (1) The application designs a cleaning tank structure, a sealing plate is arranged on the cleaning tank to form a sealed warehouse, which reduces the contact between the cleaning liquid and the air, prevents the volatilization of the cleaning liquid, and ensures that the cleaning process can always be recycled without being reduced due to volatilization, thereby saving the cost of cleaning liquid;

[0039] (2) The amount of cleaning liquid in the sealed warehouse is adjusted through the liquid level control port arranged on the side wall of the cleaning tank, and a liquid level alarm is arranged, which will automatically alarm when the liquid level of the cleaning liquid is lower than the height of the printing nozzle liquid surface, reminding personnel to add cleaning liquid, and the liquid level height is controlled through the liquid level control port, so that the printing nozzle liquid surface is prevented from being in contact with air for a long time, the blockage is more serious, and the waste of cleaning liquid caused by too much cleaning liquid is also prevented;

[0040] (3) The application can realize automatic operation through the closed pipeline, and the nozzle can be automatically cleaned for a long time without being watched, thereby saving the cleaning liquid;

[0041] (4) The application can selectively clean the nozzles through the nozzle selection part, that is, only the target nozzle (generally the blocked nozzle) is cleaned in the cleaning process, and other nozzles are not cleaned; this cleaning method has the following advantages:

[0042] I. Can realize the high efficiency cleaning work to the blocked jet hole, the present application utilizes the jet hole selection part to block the normal jet hole, makes that the cleaning liquid can only pass from the blocked jet hole, improves the efficiency of cleaning;

[0043] II. Can reduce the corrosion damage of cleaning liquid to normal jet hole, because the cleaning liquid has certain corrosion, therefore, if adopting a large amount of cleaning liquid to clean and flush the normal jet hole, can cause certain degree of damage to the jet hole, and the cleaning liquid in the present application can only pass from the blocked jet hole, reduces the corrosion flushing time of cleaning liquid to normal jet hole;

[0044] III. When the cleaning interval of the second type jet hole, the second type jet hole outlet can be flushed by the flushing mechanism, improve the cleaning efficiency. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0045] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application, the drawings needed in the embodiment description will be briefly introduced, obviously, the drawings in the following description are only some embodiments of the present application, and for those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained without creative labor on the basis of these drawings.

[0046] Figure 1 The structure schematic view of the printing jet head cleaning device provided by the first, second and third embodiments of the present application;

[0047] Figure 2 The structure schematic view of the working state of the fourth embodiment of the present application;

[0048] Figure 3 The top view of the jet hole selection part provided by the fourth embodiment of the present application;

[0049] Figure 4 The structure schematic view of the working state of the fifth embodiment of the present application.

[0050] In the figure: 1, print head; 201, first inlet and outlet port; 202, second inlet and outlet port; 3, cleaning tank; 301, sealing plate; 302, sealing chamber; 303, liquid level control port; 304, waste liquid discharge port; 305, liquid level sensor; 4, flushing mechanism; 5, lifting mechanism; 501, driving roller; 502, driven roller; 503, annular structure; 504, rectangular hole; 505, jet hole area; 6, recovery pipeline; 601, first pump; 602, first filter; 603, fifth three-way electromagnetic valve; 701, first container; 702, liquid supply container; 703, second filter; 704, third filter; 705, second pump; 706, third pump; 707, buffer bottle; 708, hydraulic sensor; 709, first three-way electromagnetic valve; 710, second three-way electromagnetic valve; 8, collection pipeline; 801, third three-way electromagnetic valve; 802, fourth pump; 803, fifth pump; 804, fourth filter; 805, fifth filter; 9, waste liquid barrel; 901, fourth electromagnetic valve. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0051] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the drawings in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present application, rather than all the embodiments of the present application. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative labor fall within the scope of protection of the present application.

[0052] For ease of description, spatial relative terms such as "upper", "lower", "left", "right" and the like are used in the embodiments to describe the relationship of one element or feature to another element or feature as shown in the drawings. It should be understood that, in addition to the orientation shown in the drawings, the spatial terms are intended to include different orientations of the device in use or operation. For example, if the device in the drawing is inverted, the element described as being "below" other elements or features will be positioned "above" the other elements or features. Therefore, the exemplary term "below" can include both upward and downward orientations. The device can be positioned in other ways (rotated 90 degrees or positioned in other orientations), and the spatial relative descriptions used herein can be interpreted accordingly.

[0053] Moreover, relational terms such as "first" and "second" and the like are used only to distinguish one from another of a same name, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between the parts.

[0054] In the description of the present application, it is also necessary to explain that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "arrangement", "installation", "connection", "connection" should be understood broadly, for example, it can be fixedly connected, or it can be detachably connected, or integrally connected; it can be mechanically connected, or it can be electrically connected; it can be directly connected, or it can be indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, or it can be connected inside two elements. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in the present application can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0055] Please refer to Figures 1 to 4 ;

[0056] First embodiment

[0057] The present application provides a kind of printing head cleaning device, as shown in Figure 1 Including storage cleaning fluid supply container 702 and cleaning tank 3, supply container 702 is communicated with the inlet and outlet of printing head 1 by supply pipeline;Valve, circulating pump, filter and buffer bottle 707 are installed on supply pipeline.

[0058] Supply container 702 is provided with heating system, the working of heating system is controlled by controller, the cleaning fluid is heated, so that the temperature of cleaning fluid is kept at 30℃-80℃, also can be set constant or gradually according to actual situation Temperature, improve cleaning efficiency.Supply container is communicated with the first inlet and outlet 201 of printing head 1, the second inlet and outlet 202 by supply pipeline, illustratively, cleaning fluid enters the first inlet and outlet 201 in turn through the first three-way electromagnetic valve 709, the second filter 703, the second pump 705, the buffer bottle 707, the second three-way electromagnetic valve 710, or cleaning fluid enters the second inlet and outlet 202 in turn through the first three-way electromagnetic valve 709, the second filter 703, the second pump 705, the buffer bottle 707, the third three-way electromagnetic valve 801, wherein the filter can reduce impurities and improve cleaning efficiency;Hydraulic sensor 708 is installed on buffer bottle 707, to test the pressure in buffer bottle 707, to avoid excessive pressure in pipeline, the controller is connected with hydraulic sensor 708, to facilitate the realization of automatic control;When supply container 702 is used, open valve and circulating pump, inject cleaning fluid into printing head, wherein filter and pump can be connected in parallel with a set of same for standby, such as Figure 1 The third filter 704 and the third pump 706 in it;

[0059] The present application also includes a first container 701, the first container 701 is used to store deionized water, the first container 701 is also communicated with the supply pipeline;Deionized water arranged in the first container 701 is injected into the supply pipeline, which can be used to clean more obvious attachments, or to inject cleaning fluid after cleaning.

[0060] A sealing plate 301 is arranged at the opening of the cleaning tank 3, the sealing plate 301, the printing head 1 and the cleaning tank 3 form a sealed cabin 302 which prevents the cleaning liquid from volatilizing; the liquid spraying surface of the printing head 1 is located in the sealed cabin 302, wherein the liquid spraying surface refers to the lower surface of the printing head, i.e. the surface on which the lowest part of the nozzle is located; the arrangement of the sealed cabin 302 makes the cleaning environment in a closed state, reduces the contact between the cleaning liquid and the air, reduces the volatilization of the cleaning liquid, and enables the cleaning liquid to be recycled during the whole process.

[0061] A liquid level control port 303 is arranged on the side wall of the sealed cabin 302, the distance between the liquid level control port 303 and the bottom of the cleaning tank 3 is greater than the distance between the liquid spraying surface of the printing head 1 and the bottom of the cleaning tank 3, the arrangement of the liquid level control port 303 facilitates the control of the height of the liquid level of the cleaning liquid, thereby ensuring that the liquid spraying surface of the printing head 1 is always in contact with the liquid level of the cleaning liquid, and plays a moisturizing role on the nozzle of the printing head; the liquid level control port 303 is communicated with the liquid supply container 702 through a recovery pipeline 6, and a valve, a circulating pump and a filter are arranged on the recovery pipeline 6, such as a first pump 601, a first filter 602 and a fifth three-way electromagnetic valve 603 as shown in the figure, the filter can filter the impurities in the cleaning liquid, thereby recycling the cleaning liquid. Figure 1

[0062] A liquid level sensor 305 is arranged in the cleaning tank 3, and the liquid level sensor 305 is connected with a controller and an alarm, respectively. When the liquid level in the cleaning tank is lower than the height of the liquid spraying surface of the printing head, the alarm device will automatically alarm, thereby preventing the printing head from being in contact with the air for a long time and making the blockage more serious; the arrangement of the liquid level sensor 305 can accurately control the amount of the cleaning liquid in the cleaning tank: when the cleaning liquid is lower than the height of the liquid level sensor 305, the electric signal of the liquid level sensor 305 can be transmitted to the controller along the wire; when the liquid level of the cleaning liquid is higher than the liquid level sensor 305, the part of the cleaning liquid which is higher than the liquid level sensor 305 directly flows out from the liquid level control port 303, so that the amount of the cleaning liquid is small and the purpose of saving the cleaning liquid is achieved.

[0063] A waste liquid discharge port 304 is arranged at the bottom of the sealed cabin 302, and the used waste liquid is discharged into a waste liquid tank 9 through a fourth electromagnetic valve 901, and the recovery pipeline 6 can also be communicated with the waste liquid tank 9 for direct discharge.

[0064] A collection pipeline 8 for recycling the cleaning liquid in the printing head can be communicated with the two liquid inlet and outlet ports, and a third three-way electromagnetic valve 801, a fourth pump 802 and a fourth filter 804 are also arranged in the collection pipeline 8, thereby recycling the cleaning liquid in the printing head; wherein the valve and the pump can be connected in parallel with a same set for standby, such as a fifth pump 803 and a fifth filter 805 as shown in the figure. Figure 1

[0065] ​​Exemplarily, the liquid level control port 303 is a horizontal round port or a square port. The shape of the liquid level control port 303 is exemplarily described as a preferred case, and in actual application, the liquid level control port 303 can be set according to requirements, and the application does not make specific limitations.

[0066] The pump, the valve, the alarm and the like in the foregoing content need to be connected with the controller to realize automatic control through the controller setting, and reduce labor cost.

[0067] It should be noted that the pump, the valve, the alarm, the controller and the like in the application are not limited in specific type or model, and are subject to the technical effects of the application.

[0068] Second embodiment

[0069] Based on the content of the foregoing embodiment, the working principle of the printing nozzle cleaning device is as follows:

[0070] S1, preparation: inject cleaning liquid into the liquid supply container 702; open the valve and the pump for controlling the opening and closing of the liquid level control port 303, i.e., the five-way electromagnetic valve 603 and the first pump 601, and close the valve for controlling the opening and closing of the waste liquid discharge port 304, i.e., the fourth electromagnetic valve 901;

[0071] S2, select the cleaning mode, the cleaning mode including the circulation mode, the positive pressure mode, the combination mode and the pipeline cleaning mode; wherein:

[0072] The circulation mode is: in a preset time period, alternately execute the first working mode and the second working mode, the first working mode is: the cleaning liquid enters the printing nozzle 1 from the first inlet and outlet port 201, flows out from the second inlet and outlet port 202 and the lower part of the printing nozzle 1, and the cleaning liquid flowing out from the second inlet and outlet port 202 returns to the liquid supply container 702 through the collection pipeline 8; the second working mode is: the cleaning liquid enters the printing nozzle 1 from the second inlet and outlet port 202, flows out from the first inlet and outlet port 201 and the lower part of the printing nozzle 1, and the cleaning liquid flowing out from the first inlet and outlet port 201 returns to the liquid supply container 702 through the collection pipeline 8;

[0073] The positive pressure mode is: the cleaning liquid enters the printing nozzle 1 from the first inlet and outlet port 201 and the second inlet and outlet port 202 at the same time, and the cleaning liquid flows out from the lower part of the printing nozzle 1 and enters the sealed warehouse 302;

[0074] The combination mode is: according to the set time length and the number of times, the circulation mode and the positive pressure mode are cyclically executed;

[0075] The pipeline cleaning mode is: open the waste liquid discharge port 304, the deionized water enters the printing nozzle 1 from the first inlet and outlet port 201 and / or the second inlet and outlet port 202, the deionized water flows out from the lower part of the printing nozzle 1 and enters the sealed warehouse 302, and finally is discharged from the waste liquid discharge port 304.

[0076] Wherein, the valve and circulating pump on the recycling pipeline 6 are opened in time, so as to return the cleaning liquid in the sealed cabin 302 to the liquid supply container 702.

[0077] Specifically, as shown in the following table: Figure 1

[0078] 1. Circulation mode

[0079] First working mode: the second to fifth pumps run at the pre-set rotating speed, and the first pump is opened in time. By controlling the opening and closing states of the first, second and third three-way electromagnetic valves 709, 710 and 801, the cleaning liquid flows into the second inlet and outlet 202 and flows out of the first inlet and outlet 201. In this working mode, the opening and closing states of the above three three-way electromagnetic valves are as follows: the port of the first three-way electromagnetic valve 709 connected with the first container 701 is closed, the other two ports of the first three-way electromagnetic valve 709 are opened, the port of the second three-way electromagnetic valve 710 connected with the collecting pipeline 8 is closed, the other two ports of the second three-way electromagnetic valve 710 are opened, the port of the third three-way electromagnetic valve 801 connected with the liquid supply pipeline is closed, and the other two ports of the third three-way electromagnetic valve 801 are opened.

[0080] Second working mode: the second to fifth pumps run at the pre-set rotating speed, and the first pump is opened in time. By controlling the opening and closing states of the first, second and third three-way electromagnetic valves 709, 710 and 801, the cleaning liquid flows into the first inlet and outlet 201 and flows out of the second inlet and outlet 202. In this working mode, the opening and closing states of the above three three-way electromagnetic valves are as follows: the port of the first three-way electromagnetic valve 709 connected with the first container 701 is closed, the other two ports of the first three-way electromagnetic valve 709 are opened, the port of the second three-way electromagnetic valve 710 connected with the liquid supply pipeline is closed, the other two ports of the second three-way electromagnetic valve 710 are opened, the port of the third three-way electromagnetic valve 801 connected with the collecting pipeline 8 is closed, and the other two ports of the third three-way electromagnetic valve 801 are opened.

[0081] The first working mode and the second working mode in the cleaning mode are alternately performed, and the alternation time is set according to the needs, such as 30s, 20s, 40s, 60s, which is not limited in the present application.

[0082] 2. Positive pressure mode

[0083] ​The second pump 705 and the third pump 706 adjust the rotating speed in real time according to the feedback value of the hydraulic sensor 708, so that the buffer bottle pressure value is stable, and the fourth pump 802 and the fifth pump 803 are closed; the first pump 601 adjusts the rotating speed according to the speed of the second pump 705 and the third pump 706, so that the liquid level of the cleaning liquid in the cleaning tank is stable within the pre-set range; the port of the first three-way electromagnetic valve 709 communicating with the first container 701 is closed, the other two ports of the first three-way electromagnetic valve 709 are opened, the ports of the second three-way electromagnetic valve 710 and the collection pipeline 8 are closed, the port of the third three-way electromagnetic valve 801 communicating with the collection pipeline 8 is closed, and the other two ports of the second three-way electromagnetic valve 710 and the third three-way electromagnetic valve 801 are opened, at this time, the cleaning liquid flows in from the first inlet and outlet 201 and the second inlet and outlet 202 at the same time.

[0084] 3. Combination mode

[0085] The combination mode is to cyclically execute the cycle mode and the positive pressure mode according to the pre-set time length and the number of times of the user.

[0086] 4. Pipeline flushing

[0087] The first pump to the fifth pump operate at the pre-set rotating speed, the port of the first three-way electromagnetic valve 709 communicating with the liquid supply container 702 is closed, the other two ports of the first three-way electromagnetic valve 709 are opened, the fourth electromagnetic valve 901 and the fifth three-way electromagnetic valve 603 are opened, and the other three-way electromagnetic valves are all closed, the deionized water enters from the first inlet and outlet 201 and flows out from the second inlet and outlet 202; at this time, the excess liquid in the deionized water flows out from the two ports and enters the waste liquid barrel 9.

[0088] Third embodiment

[0089] Based on the above-mentioned embodiments, for the design of a printing head with M rows and N columns of nozzles, further optimization is set, and target position blockage positioning cleaning is realized, where M and N are both natural numbers greater than 0; specifically, a nozzle selection part is arranged at the outlet of the printing head; when cleaning, the outlet of the printing head is vertically downward, and the nozzle selection part includes:

[0090] A plugging unit for plugging a type of nozzles, the type of nozzles being normal nozzles that do not need to be cleaned;

[0091] An opening unit for cleaning a type of nozzles, the type of nozzles being blocked nozzles that need to be cleaned.

[0092] The plugging unit is made of corrosion-resistant material, which can avoid the corrosion of the plugging unit by the cleaning liquid, such as using ethylene propylene diene rubber (EPDM) or polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) material; at the same time, the two materials are also flexible materials, which are convenient for matching the structure of the nozzle to plug, and the plugging unit is made of a ring structure 503 of corrosion-resistant flexible material. The open unit is a through hole opened on the plugging unit, which can be a rectangular hole 504 or other required shape. In order to meet the plugging situation in different situations, the plugging unit can be multiple, each of which is provided with through holes of different sizes and shapes. When used, the through holes of different sizes and shapes can be determined according to the position, number, size, etc. of the plugged nozzles, and then the corresponding plugging unit of the through hole is selected.

[0093] The nozzle area 505 is directly below the M-row N-column nozzle.

[0094] The flushing mechanism 4 for flushing the second type of nozzle is arranged at the open unit, so as to realize the automatic plugging process; the flushing mechanism 4 includes a spraying part for spraying liquid to the liquid surface of the second type of nozzle, and a plurality of nozzles are arranged on the surface of the spraying part.

[0095] The nozzle selection part further includes a driving mechanism for driving the plugging unit to move and a lifting mechanism 5 for driving the driving mechanism to move up and down.

[0096] The driving mechanism includes a driving roller 501 and a driven roller 502; the plugging unit is sleeved on the driving roller 501 and the driven roller 502, and the driving roller 501 is connected with a motor, which can be a closed-loop motor.

[0097] Therefore, S2 can further include the following content:

[0098] S21, determining the position of the plugged nozzle; there are many ways to determine the plugged nozzle, in this embodiment, the following way can be used: before cleaning, the nozzle prints a test strip of nozzle state, through which the congested area of the nozzle can be seen; the user can manually select the cleaning area according to the test strip, and then automatically position the nozzle selection part to the area to be cleaned according to the user's selection;

[0099] S22, adjusting the position of the nozzle selection part according to the position of the plugged nozzle, so that the first type of nozzle is in a plugging state and the second type of nozzle is in an open state; first, ensure that the height of the plugging unit is less than the height of the nozzle, drive the driving roller 501 to rotate through the motor, and then drive the plugging unit to move, when the through hole reaches directly below the plugged nozzle, turn off the motor; then drive the lifting mechanism 5 to make the plugging unit adhere to the surface of the nozzle.

[0100] S23, open the valve on the liquid supply pipeline and the circulating pump, so that the cleaning liquid enters the print head through the inlet and outlet, and the second type of nozzle in the print head is cleaned.

[0101] A 5mm wide through hole is arranged on the upper surface of the rotating belt (a ring structure 503 made of corrosion-resistant flexible material), and the width direction is the movement direction of the rotating belt. During operation, the through hole can be positioned below the blocked nozzle by using a high-precision closed-loop motor, and then the rotating belt is attached to the print head by using the lifting mechanism 5. By accurately controlling the position of the flexible material, the blocked nozzle can be accurately cleaned, and the cleaning liquid is prevented from eroding the normal nozzle.

[0102] In summary, by arranging the nozzle selection part and the flushing mechanism 4, the purpose of accurately and effectively cleaning the blocked print head nozzle is achieved, and the cleaning liquid can be saved.

[0103] Fourth embodiment

[0104] Based on the above embodiments, preferably, the injection part is a rectangular cavity, and the side facing the bottom of the print head is a flushing outlet surface. When cleaning the print head, the outlet surface is 15mm away from the surface of the print head, and a large number of 0.1mm diameter holes are densely distributed in a 5mm wide area (the same width as the through hole) on the outlet surface. When the flushing mechanism 4 is continuously injected with sufficient pressure and volume of liquid, the liquid will be sprayed from the small holes on the outlet surface and form a liquid column, which plays a role in flushing the print head.

[0105] When cleaning the second type of nozzle, the flushing mechanism 4 can be used to flush the outlet of the second type of nozzle, improving the cleaning efficiency.

[0106] In summary, under the premise of meeting the efficient cleaning of the print head, the use of cleaning liquid is maximized.

[0107] In order to realize automatic control, the valve in the above embodiment is an electromagnetic valve, but in specific scenarios, a manual valve can also be selected according to needs.

[0108] The above only describes the preferred embodiments of the present application, and it should be noted that for ordinary skilled persons in the art, without departing from the principles of the present application, a number of improvements and refinements can be made, and these improvements and refinements should also be considered within the scope of protection of the present application.

Claims

1. A printhead cleaning device, comprising a liquid supply container (702) for storing cleaning fluid and a cleaning tank (3); the liquid supply container (702) is connected to the inlet and outlet of the printhead (1) via a liquid supply pipeline; a valve, a circulation pump, and a buffer bottle (707) are installed on the liquid supply pipeline; characterized in that: A sealing plate (301) is provided at the opening of the cleaning tank (3). The sealing plate (301), the printing nozzle (1) and the cleaning tank (3) together form a sealed chamber (302) to prevent the cleaning liquid from evaporating. A liquid level control port (303) is provided on the side wall of the sealed chamber (302). The distance between the liquid level control port (303) and the bottom of the cleaning tank (3) is greater than the distance between the spray surface of the printing nozzle (1) and the bottom of the cleaning tank (3). Waste liquid outlet (304) is provided at the bottom of the sealed chamber (302).

2. The printhead cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a primary container (701) for storing deionized water, which is connected to a liquid supply line.

3. The printhead cleaning device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The liquid supply container (702) is equipped with a heating system that heats the cleaning liquid to 30°C to 80°C.

4. The printhead cleaning device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The liquid level control port (303) is connected to the liquid supply container (702) through the recovery pipeline (6).

5. The printhead cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that, A liquid level sensor (305) is provided in the cleaning tank (3), and the liquid level sensor (305) is connected to the controller and the alarm respectively.

6. The printhead cleaning device according to claim 4, characterized in that, Valves, a circulation pump and a filter are installed on the recovery pipeline (6).

7. The printhead cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that, A filter is installed on the liquid supply line.

8. The printhead cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The liquid supply container is connected to the first liquid inlet (201) and the second liquid inlet (202) of the print head (1) through a liquid supply pipeline.

9. The printhead cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that, A hydraulic sensor (708) is installed on the buffer bottle (707), and the controller is connected to the hydraulic sensor (708).

10. The printhead cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The printhead (1) is provided with a nozzle selection section at its liquid outlet; the nozzle selection section includes: A sealing unit for sealing a type of nozzle, wherein the type of nozzle is a normal nozzle that does not require cleaning; An open unit for cleaning two types of nozzles, wherein the two types of nozzles are clogged nozzles that need to be cleaned.

11. The printhead cleaning device according to claim 10, characterized in that, The sealing unit is made of corrosion-resistant material, and the opening unit is a through hole opened on the sealing unit.

12. The printhead cleaning device according to claim 11, characterized in that, The sealing unit comprises multiple units, each with a through hole of a different size.

13. The printhead cleaning device according to claim 10, characterized in that, A flushing mechanism (4) for flushing the second type of nozzles is provided at the open unit; The flushing mechanism (4) includes a spraying part that sprays liquid onto the liquid surface of the second type of spray holes, and a plurality of spray holes are provided on the surface of the spraying part.

14. The printhead cleaning device according to claim 10, characterized in that, The nozzle selection unit also includes a drive mechanism that drives the sealing unit to move and a lifting mechanism (5) that drives the drive mechanism to move up and down; The driving mechanism includes a driving roller (501) and a driven roller (502); the sealing unit is sleeved on the driving roller (501) and the driven roller (502), and the driving roller (501) is connected to a motor.

15. The printhead cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inlet and outlet are also connected to a collection pipe (8) for recovering the cleaning fluid in the print head (1), and the collection pipe (8) is equipped with a valve and a circulation pump.

16. The printhead cleaning device according to any one of claims 1-15, characterized in that, The valves and circulating pump are connected to the controller.

17. A method for cleaning a printhead, characterized in that, Using the printhead cleaning device according to any one of claims 1-16, the following actions are performed: S1. Preparation: The liquid supply container is connected to the first liquid inlet / outlet (201) and the second liquid inlet / outlet (202) of the print head (1) through the liquid supply pipeline; the liquid inlet / outlet is connected to a collection pipeline (8) for recovering the cleaning liquid in the print head (1), and the collection pipeline (8) is equipped with a valve and a circulation pump; the cleaning liquid is injected into the liquid supply container (702); Open the valve and pump that control the liquid level control port (303) to open and close the valve that controls the waste liquid discharge port (304) to open and close; S2. Select the cleaning mode, which includes circulation mode, positive pressure mode, combined mode, and pipeline cleaning mode; wherein: The cycle mode is as follows: within a preset time period, the first working mode and the second working mode are executed alternately. The first working mode is as follows: the cleaning fluid enters the print head (1) from the first inlet / outlet (201), flows out from the second inlet / outlet (202) and below the print head (1), and the cleaning fluid flowing out from the second inlet / outlet (202) flows back to the supply container (702) through the collection pipe (8). The second working mode is as follows: the cleaning fluid enters the print head (1) from the second inlet / outlet (202), flows out from the first inlet / outlet (201) and below the print head (1), and the cleaning fluid flowing out from the first inlet / outlet (201) flows back to the supply container (702) through the collection pipe (8). The positive pressure mode is as follows: the cleaning fluid enters the print head (1) simultaneously from the first inlet / outlet (201) and the second inlet / outlet (202), and the cleaning fluid flows out from below the print head (1) and enters the sealed chamber (302); The combined mode is as follows: based on the set duration and number of times, the cyclic mode and the positive pressure mode are executed in a loop. The pipeline cleaning mode is as follows: open the waste liquid outlet (304), deionized water enters the print head (1) from the first inlet / outlet (201) and / or the second inlet / outlet (202), the deionized water flows out from below the print head (1) and enters the sealed chamber (302); finally, it is discharged from the waste liquid outlet (304).

18. The printhead cleaning method according to claim 17, characterized in that, The valve and circulation pump on the recovery pipeline (6) are opened periodically to return the cleaning fluid in the sealed chamber (302) to the supply container (702).

19. The printhead cleaning method according to claim 17, characterized in that, The cleaning process for the printhead (1) includes: S21. Determine the location of the blocked nozzle; S22. Adjust the position of the nozzle selection unit according to the location of the blocked nozzle, so that the first type of nozzle is in a blocked state and the second type of nozzle is in an open state. S23. Open the valve and circulation pump on the liquid supply line so that the cleaning liquid enters the print head from the first inlet / outlet (201) and / or the second inlet / outlet (202) to clean the second type of nozzles in the print head.

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