Automatic circulating cleaning device for spray head and nozzle of UV ink-jet printer

Abstract

The invention discloses an automatic circulating cleaning device for a spray head and a nozzle of a UV ink-jet printer, which comprises a material box, a sub-circulating conveying mechanism and a filtering mechanism, and an adjusting control part is arranged between the circulating conveying mechanism and the UV ink-jet printer nozzle, wherein the adjusting control part is used for controlling the cleaning agent to clean the interior of the nozzle and discharging the cleaning agent into the material box through the ink inlet in any side when being opened, and controlling the cleaning agent to clean the nozzle and discharging the cleaning agent into the material box through the nozzle when being closed. The practical problem that in the prior art, the production cost is high due to the fact that the UV ink-jet printer nozzle which cannot be cleaned through ink dripping can only be abandoned is solved, and the problems that the nozzle cleaning effect is not ideal, the cleaning efficiency is low and the nozzle is prone to being damaged due to the fact that a manual cleaning mode is adopted are solved. According to the invention, the actual difficulty in the jet printing work of a printing enterprise is solved, the production cost is saved, and the production benefit is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of inkjet printing equipment, and particularly to an automatic circulation cleaning device for a UV inkjet printer nozzle and spray head. Background Art

[0002] In terms of product identification and traceability, inkjet printers play a crucial role. It can provide clear, accurate, and tamper-proof identification for various commodities, enabling consumers to conveniently obtain relevant product information, and thus has become an important device in modern industrial production.

[0003] Currently, the basic working principle of an inkjet printer is as follows: An ink system (including components such as an ink tank, filter, and pump) provides a stable and continuous ink supply for the spray head. Under the pressure of the ink supply pump, the ink is ejected through the nozzle to form a continuous ink stream. The control system precisely controls the spray head to eject according to the preset inkjet content and the moving speed of the product, and sprays the ink onto the product surface in the form of tiny droplets to form the required identification. The inks used in existing inkjet printers are classified into water-based inks, oil-based inks, ultraviolet curable inks, and solvent-based inks according to type, and different inks have different application directions and advantages. Since ultraviolet curable ink (UV ink) has the characteristics of instant curing, fast drying speed, high resolution, and good adhesion, it is suitable for high-demand inkjet printing occasions, such as the two-dimensional code on cigarette packaging boxes.

[0004] During the inkjet printing process of a UV inkjet printer, since the aperture of the nozzle on the spray head is extremely small, even smaller than the diameter of a human hair. Once impurities appear in the ink or the ink dries up, it will completely block the spray head and nozzle, resulting in quality problems such as white lines and ink bleeding in the printed two-dimensional code, as Figure 1 shown, leading to abnormal inkjet printing. According to technical analysis, the main reasons are as follows, as Figure 2 shown:

[0005] (1) Ink drying and blocking the spray head: When the environmental temperature is too high, if the machine is left idle for a long time without protection measures for the spray head, the ink in the spray head will dry up naturally, and drip cleaning of the spray head is ineffective, and the spray head is easily scrapped.

[0006] (2) Photo-curing blocking the spray head: When the spray head is exposed to ultraviolet light for a long time, the UV ink will solidify and clog the spray head and nozzle.

[0007] (3) Contamination blocking the spray head: A large amount of dust and paper fluff in the air are easily attached to the periphery of the spray hole along with the air flow, resulting in nozzle blockage.

[0008] Regarding the problem of nozzle blockage of the inkjet head, it can generally be solved by ink dripping cleaning. However, if the cleaning is ineffective, it needs to be returned to the manufacturer for cleaning. The cleaning cost of the manufacturer is high and the time is long, which affects the production of the machine. Judging from the past, the use effect of the inkjet head after cleaning is also unsatisfactory. Some inkjet heads cannot be cleaned and can only be replaced, thus increasing the production cost of the enterprise. The current patented technologies for cleaning the inkjet head and nozzle of the inkjet printer are as follows:

[0009] CN202823958U discloses an automatic cleaning device for an inkjet head of an inkjet printer, which includes an inkjet head cleaning cover (1) for accommodating the inkjet head of the inkjet printer, a gas supply device (3) connected to the inkjet head cleaning cover (1) through an air pipe (8), a liquid conveying device (2) connected to the inkjet head cleaning cover (1) through a disinfectant liquid inlet pipe (61), a cleaning agent storage device (7) connected to the liquid conveying device (2) through a disinfectant liquid outlet pipe (62), and a control device (4) for controlling the operation of the gas supply device (3) and the liquid conveying device (2). A liquid nozzle (12) for flushing the inkjet head of the inkjet printer and a gas nozzle (11) for drying the inkjet head of the inkjet printer are arranged in the inkjet head cleaning cover (1). The gas nozzle (11) is communicated with the air pipe (8), and the liquid nozzle (12) is communicated with the disinfectant liquid inlet pipe (61).

[0010] CN213472562U discloses an inkjet printer convenient for cleaning the inkjet head and nozzle, which includes a telescopic sleeve rod. The upper end of the telescopic sleeve rod is movably installed with a telescopic rod. A fixing ring is fixedly installed at the connection between the telescopic sleeve rod and the telescopic rod at the upper end of the telescopic sleeve rod. The upper end of the telescopic rod is fixedly installed with an adjusting seat. A first fixing knob is fixedly installed at the upper end of the adjusting seat. An installation plate is movably installed at the front end of the adjusting seat. The upper end of the installation plate is fixedly installed with an inkjet printer body. A second fixing knob is fixedly installed at the lower end of the installation plate. The inkjet printer body and the installation plate are fixedly connected through the second fixing knob. A printing head is fixedly installed at the front end of the inkjet printer body. A feed pipe is fixedly communicated at the rear end of the inkjet printer body.

[0011] It can be seen from the above patented technologies that although the prior art realizes the automatic cleaning of the inkjet head and nozzle of the inkjet printer, compared with manual cleaning, it solves the problems of inkjet head damage and low cleaning efficiency, but there are still some defects. First, the current automatic cleaning devices for the inkjet head and nozzle of the inkjet printer can only be used to clean the inkjet heads of ordinary inkjet printers with relatively simple structures. Since the external and internal structures of UV inkjet heads are quite different from those of ordinary inkjet heads, such as Figure 3As shown in the figure, the existing automatic cleaning device cannot clean the nozzle of the UV inkjet printer. Second, since the inside of the UV inkjet printer nozzle contains a circuit board and a phase detection electrode for accurately detecting the charging condition of the ink drop break point, in order to avoid damage to the above-mentioned electronic devices during cleaning, the nozzle can only be disassembled and cleaned. Third, for the UV inkjet printer nozzle that cannot be cleaned by dripping ink in the prior art, only manual cleaning can be used, that is, a syringe is used to inject cleaning aids such as UV nozzle moisturizing liquid, UV cleaning liquid, and CG nano UV repair liquid into the ink inlet and outlet on both sides of the nozzle in sequence. After such cyclic operation for many times, obviously, due to problems such as the limited pressure of the syringe and the dosage of the aids, a good cleaning effect cannot be achieved. It is not only time-consuming and laborious, with low cleaning effect and cleaning efficiency, but also the nozzle is extremely easy to be damaged during the operation process.

[0012] Therefore, how to automatically and cyclically clean the inside and nozzle holes of the blocked nozzle without disassembling the nozzle, fundamentally eliminate the blockage problem, reduce production costs, and improve printing quality has become a difficult problem that technicians in the inkjet equipment field urgently need to solve. Summary of the Invention

[0013] Aiming at the deficiencies of the prior art, the technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a UV inkjet printer nozzle and nozzle automatic cyclic cleaning device with a simple structure, low cost, without the need to disassemble the nozzle, and capable of automatically and cyclically cleaning the inside and nozzle holes of the blocked nozzle to fundamentally eliminate the blockage problem.

[0014] To solve the above technical problems, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is: a UV inkjet printer nozzle and nozzle automatic cyclic cleaning device, including a material box with an inner cavity for storing cleaning agent, a workbench for fixing the UV inkjet printer nozzle is arranged on the material box, and further includes a cyclic conveying mechanism respectively connected to the ink inlet on both sides of the UV inkjet printer nozzle and the material box for transporting the cleaning agent in the material box to the inside of the nozzle through any one of the ink inlets for cleaning the inside of the nozzle and the nozzle, a filtering mechanism for pre-removing impurities before the cleaning agent continuously sprayed out during the cleaning process through the nozzle or the nozzle and then returned to the material box is transported to the inside of the nozzle again, and an adjustment control component is arranged between the cyclic conveying mechanism and the UV inkjet printer nozzle, which controls the cleaning agent to clean the inside of the nozzle and discharge the cleaning agent into the material box through any one of the ink inlets when it is opened, and controls the cleaning agent to clean the nozzle and discharge the cleaning agent into the material box through the nozzle when it is closed.

[0015] The above-mentioned UV inkjet printer nozzle and nozzle automatic circulation cleaning device, the circulation conveying mechanism includes a liquid suction pipe communicating with the material box, and a power pump connected to the liquid suction pipe for driving the cleaning agent in the material box to be conveyed into the UV inkjet printer nozzle. An inlet pipe is connected to the output end of the power pump, and the inlet pipe communicates with one of the ink inlets on either side of the UV inkjet printer nozzle. The filtering mechanism is arranged on the inlet pipe or the liquid suction pipe.

[0016] The above-mentioned UV inkjet printer nozzle and nozzle automatic circulation cleaning device, the filtering mechanism includes a primary filter and a secondary filter connected in series in sequence. The liquid inlet end of the primary filter is connected to the output end of the power pump through an inlet pipe, and the liquid outlet end of the secondary filter is connected to the ink inlet on either side of the UV inkjet printer nozzle through an inlet pipe.

[0017] The above-mentioned UV inkjet printer nozzle and nozzle automatic circulation cleaning device, the filtering mechanism includes a primary filter and a secondary filter connected in series in sequence. The liquid inlet end of the primary filter is connected to the liquid suction pipe, the liquid outlet end of the secondary filter is connected to the power pump through the liquid suction pipe, and the output end of the power pump is connected to the ink inlet on either side of the UV inkjet printer nozzle through an inlet pipe.

[0018] The above-mentioned UV inkjet printer nozzle and nozzle automatic circulation cleaning device, the adjustment and control component includes an adjustment pipeline with one end connected to the other ink inlet on the side of the inlet pipe connected to the UV inkjet printer nozzle and the other end connected to the inner cavity of the material box, and a circulation pipeline for connecting the two ink inlets on the other side of the UV inkjet printer nozzle to realize internal repeated cleaning. A rotary valve for opening and closing the adjustment pipeline is arranged on the adjustment pipeline.

[0019] The above-mentioned UV inkjet printer nozzle and nozzle automatic circulation cleaning device, a drain interface extending downward into the inner cavity is arranged on the workbench. When the rotary valve is opened, it controls the cleaning agent after cleaning to flow from the UV inkjet printer nozzle into the material box. The other end of the adjustment pipeline is communicated with the drain interface, and the rotary valve is arranged on the drain interface.

[0020] The above-mentioned UV inkjet printer nozzle and nozzle automatic circulation cleaning device, the material box includes a box body. An opening for adding, replacing the cleaning agent and observing the degree of impurity pollution of the cleaning agent is opened at the top of the box body, and a cover plate covering the opening forms the workbench. A clamping groove for fixing the UV inkjet printer nozzle is opened on the cover plate, and the nozzle of the UV inkjet printer nozzle extends downward along the clamping groove into the inner cavity of the material box.

[0021] The above-mentioned UV inkjet printer nozzle and nozzle automatic circulation cleaning device, the cover plate includes a fixed cover plate screwed to the material box and a movable cover plate movably connected to the material box for facilitating the addition, replacement of the cleaning agent and observing the degree of impurity pollution of the cleaning agent. The clamping groove is opened on the fixed cover plate.

[0022] For the above UV inkjet printer nozzle and nozzle automatic circulation cleaning device, the side wall of the material box close to the UV inkjet printer nozzle is set as an inclined plate with the bottom inclined towards the inner cavity of the material box. The inclined plate and the side wall on the opposite side form an inner cavity with a funnel-shaped longitudinal section. A fixed pipe extending from outside the material box to the bottom of the inner cavity and fixed on the side wall is arranged on the side wall on the opposite side, and the liquid suction pipe is communicated with the fixed pipe.

[0023] For the above UV inkjet printer nozzle and nozzle automatic circulation cleaning device, a control box for accommodating a circulating conveyor mechanism and a filtering mechanism is arranged on one side of the material box. A power supply module electrically connected to the circulating conveyor mechanism is arranged in the control box, and a plug for supplying power extending outside the control box and connected to the power supply module. The control box includes a box body with an opening on one side and a cover body adapted to the opening on the side. A heat dissipation groove is arranged on the upper part of the cover body, and a radiator for automatically controlling the temperature of the circulating conveyor mechanism is arranged on the lower part. The radiator is signal-connected to the power supply module through a temperature sensor.

[0024] The advantages of the UV inkjet printer nozzle and nozzle automatic circulation cleaning device of the present invention are as follows:

[0025] 1. By arranging a material box, a workbench, and a power pump, the nozzle to be cleaned is fixed on the workbench, and at the same time, by means of the cyclic cleaning of the cleaning agent in the material box, the problems of nozzle damage, low cleaning efficiency, and poor cleaning effect caused by traditional hand-held cleaning of the nozzle are solved.

[0026] 2. By arranging a primary filter and a secondary filter, before the cleaning agent continuously ejected from the nozzle or nozzle during the cleaning process and returned to the material box is conveyed into the nozzle again, the means of pre-removing impurities is adopted to avoid the problem of secondary blockage of the nozzle by impurities, dust, and dried waste ink particles in the cleaning agent, and further improve the cleaning effect.

[0027] 3. The circulating cleaning of the cleaning agent between the "material box - power pump - primary filter - secondary filter - UV inkjet printer nozzle" is controlled by using a liquid suction pipe, a liquid inlet pipe, an adjusting pipeline, and a circulating pipe, realizing the purpose of continuous and automatic cleaning, and greatly improving the cleaning efficiency. By arranging an adjusting control component, the opening and closing of the rotary valve cooperate with the liquid discharge interface, and by flexibly switching to control the circulating path and discharge position of the cleaning agent, the independent and efficient cleaning of the inside of the UV inkjet printer nozzle and the nozzle is realized.

[0028] 4. The present invention realizes the cyclic cleaning of the nozzle, solving the problems of ineffective ink dripping cleaning and damage to the nozzle of the inkjet printer. By adopting a double filtration system, it can effectively clean the blocked part of the nozzle. By adopting a cyclic cleaning system, it can effectively save the cleaning agent. The flow rate and pressure are controlled by an electric control system, which can improve the cleaning effect for severely blocked nozzles. The present invention has a simple structure and low cost, with broad application prospects and is suitable for industrialized popularization and application. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of a defective two-dimensional code printed after the nozzle and the spray head are blocked during actual production;

[0030] Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the problem of blockage of the nozzle and the spray head during actual production;

[0031] Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the external structure of the nozzle of a UV inkjet printer in the prior art;

[0032] Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the overall structure of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 5 Enlarged full-sectional structure diagram of the material box;

[0034] Figure 6 Schematic diagram of the external structure of the control box;

[0035] Figure 7 Schematic diagram of the internal structure of the control box.

[0036] Figure 8 Schematic diagram of the overall structure of the present invention after installing the nozzle of a UV inkjet printer;

[0037] Figure 9 Enlarged structure diagram of the connection between the nozzle of a UV inkjet printer and the present invention through a liquid inlet pipe, an adjustment pipeline and a circulation pipe;

[0038] Figure 10 Schematic diagram of the principle of the connection between the nozzle of a UV inkjet printer and the present invention through a liquid inlet pipe, an adjustment pipeline and a circulation pipe;

[0039] Figure 11 Schematic diagram of the working process of cleaning the inside of the nozzle of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 12 Schematic diagram of the working process of cleaning the nozzle of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 13 Schematic diagram of the pipeline connection structure for cleaning the nozzle of a UV inkjet printer with a group of ink inlet hole structures by the present invention;

[0042] Figure 14This is the pipeline connection structure diagram for simultaneously cleaning multiple groups of UV inkjet printer nozzles in the present invention;

[0043] Figure 15 This is the comparison diagram of the test effects of the UV inkjet printer nozzles before and after cleaning;

[0044] Figure 16 This is the comparison diagram of the two-dimensional code effects printed by the UV inkjet printer nozzles before and after cleaning respectively. Specific implementation mode

[0045] The following further elaborates on the present invention in detail in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0046] In the present invention, unless otherwise stated, the orientation terms such as "upper" and "lower" generally refer to the upper and lower in the actual use or working state of the device, specifically the drawing direction in the accompanying drawings; while "inner" and "outer" refer to the contour of the device. Additionally, in the description of this application, the term "including" means "including but not limited to". The terms first, second, third, etc. are only used as labels without imposing numerical requirements or establishing an order. The term "multiple" means "two or more".

[0047] Embodiment 1:

[0048] As Figure 4 shown, a UV inkjet printer nozzle and nozzle automatic circulation cleaning device includes a material box 3 with an inner cavity 2 for storing cleaning agent 1, and a workbench 5 for fixing the UV inkjet printer nozzle 4 is arranged on the material box 3. Among them, the material box 3 includes a box body 6, an opening 7 for adding, replacing the cleaning agent and observing the impurity pollution degree of the cleaning agent is opened at the top of the box body 6, and a cover plate 8 covering the opening 7 to form the workbench 5. A clamping groove 9 for fixing the UV inkjet printer nozzle 4 is opened on the cover plate 8, and the nozzle 25 of the UV inkjet printer nozzle 4 extends downward along the clamping groove 9 into the inner cavity 2 of the material box 3.

[0049] The cover plate 8 includes a fixed cover plate 10 screwed to the material box 3 and a movable cover plate 11 movably connected to the material box 3, and the clamping groove 9 is opened on the fixed cover plate 10. Designing the cover plate 8 in the form of a fixed cover plate 10 and a movable cover plate 11 can, when the device is not in use, manually cover the movable cover plate 11 on the opening 7 of the material box 3 to prevent dust from entering the material box 3, and it can be conveniently removed during use, making the taking and placing more convenient. At the same time, the flexible form of the movable cover plate 11 can facilitate the addition, replacement of the cleaning agent and the observation of the impurity pollution degree of the cleaning agent.

[0050] As Figure 5As shown in the figure, when cleaning, since the pressure of the cleaning agent ejected downward from the nozzle 4 of the UV inkjet printer into the cartridge 3 is relatively high and continuously discharged, in order to prevent the cleaning agent ejected under high pressure from splashing when it contacts the liquid level of the cleaning agent in the cartridge 3, the side wall 12 of the cartridge 3 close to the nozzle 4 of the UV inkjet printer is set as an inclined plate with the bottom inclined toward the inner cavity 2 of the cartridge 3. The inclined plate and the opposite side wall 13 form an inner cavity 2 with a funnel-shaped longitudinal section. A fixed pipe 14 extending from outside the cartridge 3 to the bottom of the inner cavity 2 and fixed to the side wall 13 is provided on the opposite side wall 13. Due to the relatively small bottom space of the cartridge 3 with an inclined structure in the present invention, on the premise of meeting the requirements of the cleaning agent liquid level and realizing cyclic cleaning with the lowest liquid level, the amount of cleaning agent added can be greatly reduced, thereby reducing costs.

[0051] As Figures 6 - 7 shown, a control box 17 for accommodating the circulating conveying mechanism 15 and the filtering mechanism 16 is provided on one side of the cartridge 3. A power supply module 18 electrically connected to the circulating conveying mechanism 15, and a plug 19 extending outside the control box 17 for providing power and connected to the power supply module 18 are provided in the control box 17. The control box 17 includes a box body 20 with an opening on one side, and a cover body 21 adapted to the opening on the side. A heat dissipation groove 22 is provided on the upper part of the cover body 21, and a radiator 23 for controlling the temperature of the power pump 27 in the box body 20 is provided on the lower part. The radiator 23 is fixed to the inner surface of the cover body 21 by screws. In order to automatically control the temperature of the power pump 27 and ensure the normal operation of the power pump 27, the radiator 23 is signal-connected to the power supply module through a temperature sensor. When the temperature of the power pump 27 exceeds the set temperature (usually set at 40 °C), the temperature sensor automatically sends a signal to control the radiator 23 to start and blow air to cool the power pump 27.

[0052] As Figures 8 - 10 shown, in the embodiment of the present invention, a UV inkjet printer nozzle with two groups of ink inlet structures is taken as an example. The ink inlets include a first ink inlet 24-1 on the left, a second ink inlet 24-2, a third ink inlet 24-3 on the right, and a fourth ink inlet 24-4. A circulating conveying mechanism 15 for conveying the cleaning agent 1 in the cartridge 3 to the nozzle through any one of the ink inlets on both sides of the UV inkjet printer nozzle 4 for cleaning the inside of the nozzle and the nozzle 25 is included. The circulating conveying mechanism 15 includes a liquid suction pipe 26 communicating with the cartridge 3. One end of the liquid suction pipe 26 is communicated with the fixed pipe 14, and a power pump 27 for driving the cleaning agent 1 in the cartridge 3 to be conveyed into the UV inkjet printer nozzle 4 is connected to the other end of the liquid suction pipe 26. A liquid inlet pipe 28 is connected to the output end of the power pump 27, and the liquid inlet pipe 28 is connected to the first ink inlet 24-1 on the left side of the UV inkjet printer nozzle 4.

[0053] In order to prevent impurities, dust, dried waste ink particles, etc. washed off during the cyclic cleaning process from entering the interior of the UV inkjet printer head 4 again and causing secondary blockage, the present invention further provides a filtering mechanism 16 for pre-filtering the cleaning agent 1 to remove impurities before the cleaning agent 1 continuously ejected from the UV inkjet printer head 4 or the nozzle 25 during the cleaning process is conveyed back into the interior of the UV inkjet printer head 4. The filtering mechanism 16 of this embodiment is provided on the liquid inlet pipe 28. As Figure 7 shown, the filtering mechanism 16 includes a primary filter 29 and a secondary filter 30 connected in series in sequence. Among them, the liquid inlet end of the primary filter 29 is connected to the output end of the power pump 27 through the liquid inlet pipe 28, and the liquid outlet end of the secondary filter 30 is connected to the first ink inlet 24-1 on the left side of the UV inkjet printer head 4 through the liquid inlet pipe 28.

[0054] As Figure 4 、 8 、9, 10 shown, a regulating control component 31 is provided between the cyclic conveying mechanism 15 and the UV inkjet printer head 4. When it is opened, it controls the cleaning agent 1 to clean the interior of the printer head and discharges the cleaning agent 1 into the material box 3 through any one of the ink inlets. When it is closed, it controls the cleaning agent 1 to clean the nozzle 25 and discharges the cleaning agent 1 into the material box 3 through the nozzle 25. The regulating control component 31 includes a regulating pipeline 32 with one end connected to the second ink inlet 24-2 on the left side of the UV inkjet printer head 4 and the other end connected to the inner cavity 2 of the material box 3, and a circulating pipeline 33 for connecting the third ink inlet 24-3 and the fourth ink inlet 24-4 on the right side of the UV inkjet printer head 4, so that the first ink inlet 24-1, the second ink inlet 24-2, the third ink inlet 24-3 on the right side, the fourth ink inlet 24-4, and the UV inkjet printer head 4 are all connected, enabling the cleaning agent to circulate and clean inside it repeatedly. A rotary valve 34 for opening and closing the regulating pipeline 32 is provided on the regulating pipeline 32. A drain interface 35 is provided on the workbench 5 and extends downward into the inner cavity 2. When the rotary valve 34 is opened, it controls the cleaning agent after cleaning to flow from the UV inkjet printer head 4 into the material box 3. The other end of the regulating pipeline 32 is connected to the drain interface 35, and the rotary valve 34 is provided on the drain interface 35.

[0055] In the automatic cyclic cleaning device of the present invention, the specific structures, models, and requirements of the main accessories are as follows:

[0056] 1. Regarding the power pump 27 and each pipeline:

[0057] Since the gear pump has a simple and compact structure, small volume, low price, strong self-priming ability; a large rotational speed range, can withstand impact loads, is easy to maintain, and works reliably. Therefore, the power pump 27 of the present invention selects a micro gear pump, and its specific specifications and models are as follows:

[0058] Pump type Motor type Voltage Flow rate Micro gear pump DC motor 6V 2.3A

[0059] Among them, the power pump 27 is installed on the inner wall of the box body 20 through a customized rubber fixing seat that meets the requirements, and the rubber fixing seat plays a role in fixing and shock absorption. Components such as the liquid suction pipe 26, the liquid inlet pipe 28, the regulating pipeline 32, and the circulation pipe 33 select silicone hoses with a model of 3mm * 5mm to achieve stable liquid transmission. At the same time, the cost is low, it is resistant to aging, and the soft structure is also convenient for assembly and connection. Due to different situations of nozzle blockage, for severely blocked nozzles, the present invention can set a control system to control and adjust the flow rate and pressure of the micro gear pump, increase the flow rate per unit time, improve the infusion pressure, and enhance the cleaning of severely blocked nozzles and spray nozzles.

[0060] 2. Regarding the primary filter 29 and the secondary filter 30:

[0061] Since the disc filter has a larger filtration area, small fiber gaps in the filter medium, and high conveying efficiency, it can achieve efficient and thorough filtration, has strong corrosion resistance and durability, is inexpensive, and can reduce energy consumption and maintenance costs. The columnar filter has good corrosion resistance, heat resistance, and pressure resistance, large flow rate per unit area, good filtration performance, and is also inexpensive. And both the disc filter and the columnar filter are disposable consumables and are convenient to replace. Therefore, the present invention selects a disc filter for the primary filter 29 and a columnar filter for the secondary filter 30, and connects them in sequence through silicone hoses. The specific parameter standards are as follows:

[0062]

[0063]

[0064] 3. Regarding the power supply module 18, the temperature sensor, the radiator 23, and the cartridge 3:

[0065] Since the switching power supply module adjusts the output voltage through switching actions and has a relatively high efficiency, usually 60 - 70%. In the structure of the switching power supply, there is no transformer and heat sink in the middle, so the volume is very small. The inside of the switching power supply is all electronic components, with high efficiency and little heat generation. Compared with the linear power supply module, it has obvious advantages such as high efficiency, low cost, small volume, and little heat generation. Therefore, the present invention selects a switching power supply module (AC - DC power supply module) for the power supply module 18.

[0066] Regarding the selection of the temperature sensor, since the temperature control switch works reliably, has a simple structure, and is convenient to install. It uses a bimetallic strip as the temperature - sensing element controller, with sensitive action response and long service life. It is small in volume, has an insulated shell, and is widely used for the overheat and over - current double - protection of motors, transformers, and general electrical equipment. Therefore, it is used as the temperature sensor of the present invention.

[0067] During the use of the micro gear pump, the DC motor inside it runs and generates heat. Continuous overheating will cause problems to the micro gear pump. Therefore, in order to extend the service life of the micro gear pump and avoid shutdown of the device due to overheating and inability to clean, a radiator 23 is used to cool down the micro gear pump. Since the cooling fan has the advantages of low price, simple installation, small size, safety and reliability, and maintenance-free, etc. Therefore, according to the basic characteristics such as voltage, current, rated power, and rotational speed adapted to the entire device of the present invention, a DC cooling fan with a voltage < 36V and a current of 0.20 - 0.75A is selected as the radiator 23 of the present invention.

[0068] Since the cartridge 3 needs to store the cleaning agent, and the cleaning agent after cleaning contains impurities, waste ink, etc., and stainless steel has high strength, good wear resistance and corrosion resistance, and is easy to process with strong economic applicability. Therefore, in order to extend the service life of the cartridge 3 and avoid the occurrence of rust and corrosion problems, the cartridge 3 is made of stainless steel.

[0069] The working process of the present invention is as follows;

[0070] 1. Clean the (inside) nozzle of the UV inkjet printer:

[0071] As Figure 11 shown, install the nozzle 4 of the UV inkjet printer on the workbench 5, connect the liquid inlet pipe 28 to the first ink inlet 24-1 on the left side of the nozzle 4 of the UV inkjet printer ( Figure 11 the first ink inlet 24-1 is not shown due to the angle problem), connect one end of the regulating pipeline 32 to the second ink inlet 24-2 on the left side of the nozzle 4 of the UV inkjet printer, and the other end to the drain interface 35. Finally, use the circulation pipe 33 to connect the third ink inlet 24-3 ( Figure 11 the third ink inlet 24-3 is not shown due to the angle problem) and the fourth ink inlet 24-4 on the right side of the nozzle 4 of the UV inkjet printer respectively, and open the rotary valve 34. At this time, start the power pump 27, and the cleaning agent 1 in the cartridge 3 passes through the suction pipe 26 → power pump 27 → primary filter 29 → secondary filter 30 to reach the liquid inlet pipe 28, and enters the inside of the nozzle 4 of the UV inkjet printer through the first ink inlet 24-1 (each ink inlet communicates with the inside of the nozzle). Since the diameters of several nozzles 25 at the bottom of the nozzle 4 of the UV inkjet printer are very small, the cleaning agent 1 needs a large pressure to spray out from the nozzles 25. When the rotary valve 34 is opened, the cleaning agent 1 will preferentially discharge from the second ink inlet 24-2 on the left side of the nozzle 4 of the UV inkjet printer, and is discharged into the cartridge 3 through the regulating pipeline 32 and the drain interface 35. As the power pump 27 continues to operate, after the cleaning agent 1 is circulated and rinsed through the above-mentioned conveying process for a certain period of time, the inside of the nozzle of the UV inkjet printer is cleaned.

[0072] 2. Clean the nozzles of the UV inkjet printer:

[0073] As Figure 12As shown, the connection process of each part is the same as the process of cleaning the UV inkjet printer nozzle (inside), so it will not be repeated here. After the connection is completed, close the rotary valve 34. At this time, start the power pump 27, and the cleaning agent 1 in the material box 3 reaches the liquid inlet pipe 28 through the suction pipe 26 → power pump 27 → primary filter 29 → secondary filter 30, and enters the interior of the UV inkjet printer nozzle 4 through the first ink inlet 24-1. Since the rotary valve 34 is closed, the cleaning agent 1 cannot be discharged into the material box 3 through the second ink inlet 24-2 → regulating pipeline 32 → discharge interface 35, and can only be sprayed out from the nozzle 25. In the process of continuous high-pressure spraying, the cleaning of the UV inkjet printer nozzle is achieved.

[0074] Embodiment 2:

[0075] The same parts as those in Example 1 will not be described in detail. The difference between this embodiment and Example 1 is that in this embodiment, the filtering mechanism is located before the power pump, i.e., the filtering mechanism includes a primary filter and a secondary filter connected in series. The liquid inlet of the primary filter is connected to a liquid pipe, and the liquid outlet of the secondary filter is connected to the power pump via a liquid pipe. The output of the power pump is connected to the ink inlet on either side of the UV inkjet printer nozzle via a liquid inlet pipe. This arrangement of this embodiment can reduce or even prevent various impurities removed from cleaning from entering the power pump 27 along with the cleaning agent, effectively reducing damage to the power pump 27 and extending the service life of the entire device.

[0076] Example 3:

[0077] At present, there may be differences in the design and structure of the UV inkjet printer nozzles of different brands and models. For example, the ink inlet holes of the UV inkjet printer nozzle described in Example 1 are designed as two groups, that is, there are two ink inlet holes on each side of the nozzle, such as Figure 3 As shown, the primary purpose is to achieve higher printing efficiency and better printing results. By using two sets of ink inlet holes, the printhead can spray ink from two directions simultaneously, significantly improving printing speed and efficiency. This design enables the printhead to complete more printing tasks in a shorter time, which is particularly effective when processing large amounts of data or on high-speed production lines, thereby improving printing efficiency. For example, the demanding QR codes on cigarette packages described in the background of this invention can be used. Furthermore, the design of two sets of ink inlet holes ensures a uniform supply of ink, reducing the risk of ink blockage. If one set of ink inlet holes experiences a problem, the other set can still operate normally, thus ensuring the continuity and stability of the printing process and improving print quality. Furthermore, the design of two sets of ink inlet holes facilitates maintenance and cleaning. When one set of ink inlet holes requires maintenance, the other set can continue to operate, reducing downtime and improving production efficiency. By adjusting the flow rate and pressure of the two sets of ink inlet holes, the printing effect can be better controlled. For example, in applications requiring high-precision printing, more delicate printing results can be achieved by precisely controlling the flow rate of the two sets of ink inlet holes.

[0078] Of course, there are many types and models of UV inkjet printer nozzles for different application scenarios and product requirements. For example, when the requirements for printing speed and efficiency are not high, most inkjet printers use a design with a group of ink inlets, that is, there is only one ink inlet on each side of the nozzle, as Figure 13 shown.

[0079] When cleaning the UV inkjet printer nozzle 4 of this model, the liquid inlet pipe 28 can be connected to one ink inlet on either side, one end of the regulating pipeline 32 is connected to one ink inlet on the other side, and other structures, connection methods, and the cleaning process are the same as those in Embodiment 1. In this way, the UV inkjet printer nozzle of this model can be cleaned, improving the application range of the device.

[0080] Embodiment 4:

[0081] As Figure 14 shown, in actual production, there may be multiple printing devices in the printing workshop, and each printing device has multiple nozzles (including spare nozzles). There is often a problem that different printing devices are blocked simultaneously. When multiple UV inkjet printer nozzles 4 are blocked and need to be cleaned simultaneously, in order to improve the cleaning efficiency, the present invention can clean multiple nozzles in series simultaneously. When meeting the requirement of cleaning multiple nozzles simultaneously, according to the size specifications of the nozzles, components such as the material box and workbench can be made in a widened manner to enable multiple UV inkjet printer nozzles 4 to be installed on the workbench for simultaneous cleaning. Of course, the UV inkjet printer nozzle of the group of ink inlet model shown in Embodiment 3 can also be cleaned in series simultaneously.

[0082] Regarding the test before and after cleaning the UV inkjet printer nozzle and the comparison of printing effects:

[0083] As Figure 15 shown, when testing the UV inkjet printer nozzle before cleaning, it can be clearly seen that there are many ink breakage points in the test pattern. After cleaning, it can be seen that the nozzle sprays ink normally and the ink breakage points disappear. As Figure 16 shown, from the comparison of the two-dimensional codes printed before and after cleaning the UV inkjet printer nozzle, it can be clearly seen that quality problems such as white lines and ink bleeding in the two-dimensional code printed by the cleaned UV inkjet printer nozzle have all disappeared, and the two-dimensional code printing quality meets the standard requirements.

[0084] The total input cost of the automatic circulation cleaning device of the present invention is as follows:

[0085]

[0086] Regarding the actual economic benefits generated by the present invention:

[0087] In 2024, a total of 3 Spender JY920R nozzles that the manufacturer could not clean and had to scrap were cleaned using the automatic circulation cleaning device of the present invention. All of them have now been installed on the machine and are in normal use. Moreover, this device can achieve continuous benefits throughout the service life of the UV inkjet printer nozzles. Specifically as follows:

[0088] Investment during the event (yuan) 1520 yuan Cost savings during the event (yuan) Sprinklers 3 (pcs) * 34452 (yuan) = 103356 yuan Total revenue (yuan) 103356 - 1520 = 101836 yuan

[0089] In summary, the present invention not only solves the practical problem in the prior art that for UV inkjet printer nozzles that cannot be cleaned by dripping ink, they can only be discarded, resulting in relatively high production costs, but also solves the problems caused by manual cleaning, such as unsatisfactory cleaning effect, low cleaning efficiency, and easy damage to the nozzles. The present invention solves the practical difficulties existing in the printing work of printing enterprises, saves production costs, and improves production efficiency.

[0090] Of course, the above description is not a limitation of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the above examples. Any changes, modifications, additions, or substitutions made by those of ordinary skill in the art within the scope of the essence of the present invention shall fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An automatic circulation cleaning device for the nozzle of a UV inkjet printer head, characterized in that: It includes a cartridge with an inner cavity for storing cleaning agent. A workbench for fixing the nozzle of the UV inkjet printer is provided on the cartridge. It also includes a circulating conveying mechanism that is respectively connected to the ink inlet on both sides of the UV inkjet printer nozzle and the cartridge, and is used to convey the cleaning agent in the cartridge into the nozzle through any one of the ink inlets on either side for cleaning the inside of the nozzle and the nozzle. A filtering mechanism is used to pre-filter the cleaning agent that returns to the cartridge after continuously spraying through the nozzle or the nozzle during the cleaning process before conveying it back into the inside of the nozzle again. An adjustment and control component is provided between the circulating conveying mechanism and the UV inkjet printer nozzle. When it is opened, it controls the cleaning agent to clean the inside of the nozzle and discharge the cleaning agent into the cartridge through any one of the ink inlets on either side. When it is closed, it controls the cleaning agent to clean the nozzle and discharge the cleaning agent into the cartridge through the nozzle.

2. The UV inkjet printer nozzle and nozzle automatic circulation cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The circulating conveying mechanism includes a liquid suction pipe communicated with the cartridge, and a power pump connected to the liquid suction pipe for driving the cleaning agent in the cartridge to be conveyed into the UV inkjet printer nozzle. An inlet pipe is connected to the output end of the power pump, and the inlet pipe is communicated with one of the ink inlets on either side of the UV inkjet printer nozzle. The filtering mechanism is arranged on the inlet pipe or the liquid suction pipe.

3. The UV inkjet printer nozzle and nozzle automatic circulation cleaning device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The filtering mechanism includes a primary filter and a secondary filter connected in series in sequence. The liquid inlet end of the primary filter is connected to the output end of the power pump through the inlet pipe, and the liquid outlet end of the secondary filter is communicated with the ink inlet on either side of the UV inkjet printer nozzle through the inlet pipe.

4. The UV inkjet printer head and nozzle automatic circulation cleaning device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The filtering mechanism includes a primary filter and a secondary filter connected in series in sequence. The liquid inlet end of the primary filter is connected to the liquid suction pipe, and the liquid outlet end of the secondary filter is connected to the power pump through the liquid suction pipe. The output end of the power pump is communicated with the ink inlet on either side of the UV inkjet printer nozzle through the inlet pipe.

5. The UV inkjet printer nozzle and nozzle automatic circulation cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The adjustment and control component includes an adjustment pipeline with one end connected to the other ink inlet on the side of the inlet pipe connected to the UV inkjet printer nozzle, and the other end connected to the inner cavity of the cartridge, and a circulating pipeline for connecting the two ink inlets on the other side of the UV inkjet printer nozzle to achieve internal repeated cleaning. A rotary valve for opening and closing the adjustment pipeline is arranged on the adjustment pipeline.

6. The UV inkjet printer nozzle and nozzle automatic circulation cleaning device according to claim 5, characterized in that: A drain interface that extends downward into the inner cavity is provided on the workbench. When the rotary valve is opened, it controls the cleaning agent after cleaning to flow from the UV inkjet printer nozzle into the cartridge. The other end of the adjustment pipeline is communicated with the drain interface, and the rotary valve is arranged on the drain interface.

7. The UV inkjet printer nozzle and nozzle automatic circulation cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cartridge includes a cartridge body. An opening for adding, replacing the cleaning agent and observing the degree of impurity pollution of the cleaning agent is opened at the top of the cartridge body, and a cover plate covering the opening forms the workbench. A clamping groove for fixing the UV inkjet printer nozzle is opened on the cover plate. The nozzle of the UV inkjet printer extends downward along the clamping groove into the inner cavity of the cartridge.

8. The UV inkjet printer nozzle and nozzle automatic circulation cleaning device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The cover plate includes a fixed cover plate screwed to the cartridge and a movable cover plate movably connected to the cartridge for facilitating the addition, replacement of the cleaning agent and observing the degree of impurity pollution of the cleaning agent. The clamping groove is opened on the fixed cover plate.

9. The UV inkjet printer nozzle and nozzle automatic circulation cleaning device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The side wall of the material box near the nozzle of the UV inkjet printer is provided with an inclined plate with the bottom inclined towards the inner cavity of the material box. The inclined plate and the side wall on the opposite side form an inner cavity with a funnel-shaped longitudinal section. A fixed pipe extending from outside the material box to the bottom of the inner cavity and fixed on the side wall is provided on the side wall on the opposite side, and the liquid suction pipe is communicated with the fixed pipe.

10. The UV inkjet printer nozzle and nozzle automatic circulation cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that: A control box for accommodating the circulating conveying mechanism and the filtering mechanism is provided on one side of the material box. A power supply module electrically connected to the circulating conveying mechanism and a plug extending outside the control box for providing power and connected to the power supply module are provided in the control box. The control box includes a box body with an opening on one side and a cover body adapted to the opening on the side. A heat dissipation groove is provided at the upper part of the cover body, and a radiator for automatically controlling the temperature of the circulating conveying mechanism is provided at the lower part. The radiator is signal-connected to the power supply module through a temperature sensor.

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