Handheld self-cleaning ink-jet printer

Abstract

The invention discloses a handheld self-cleaning ink-jet printer which comprises a nozzle, an ink supply assembly and a self-cleaning assembly. The ink supply pipeline assembly comprises an ink box, an ink supply pipeline and an air pump, the ink supply pipeline comprises a first positive pressure air pipe and an ink conveying pipe, the two ends of the first positive pressure air pipe are communicated with the ink box and the positive pressure end of the air pump respectively, and the two ends of the ink conveying pipe are communicated with the ink box and the nozzle respectively; the self-cleaning assembly comprises a cleaning agent box and a cleaning pipeline, the cleaning pipeline comprises a second positive pressure air pipe and a cleaning agent conveying pipe, the two ends of the second positive pressure air pipe communicate with the positive pressure end of the air pump and the cleaning agent box correspondingly, and the two ends of the cleaning agent conveying pipe communicate with the cleaning agent box and the nozzle correspondingly. The ink-jet printer can effectively clean the interior of the nozzle, and prevents ink from being solidified in the nozzle and blocking the nozzle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to an inkjet printer, in particular to a handheld self-cleaning inkjet printer. Background Art

[0002] In modern manufacturing, product identification is a crucial component of quality control and traceability. For example, in shipbuilding, each nesting area generated during the design process contains numerous nesting plates, each of which stores a wealth of part information. This information is numerous, complex, and often redundant. Construction workers must assign a code to all parts after cutting the nesting plates using a CNC cutting machine, facilitating quick interpretation of the part information for installation.

[0003] As a key identification device, inkjet printers are widely used to mark various products with information such as production dates, batch numbers, and barcodes. Inkjet printers are software-controlled, non-contact devices that mark products. In the field of industrial identification, inkjet printers are key production line equipment, and their performance directly affects product traceability efficiency and quality control levels. Existing technologies have the following technical bottlenecks that need to be addressed:

[0004] The nozzle is a crucial and delicate component of an inkjet printer. Nozzle care and maintenance are crucial for its use. The quality of these cares directly impacts the performance and lifespan of the nozzle, ultimately contributing to your equipment's profitability. Extending the nozzle's lifespan is essential for reducing costs. When an inkjet printer stops operating, ink remains in the nozzle. Over time, this ink solidifies, potentially clogging the nozzle.

[0005] For example, the Chinese utility model patent with authorization announcement number CN219523394U discloses a self-cleaning nozzle inkjet printer, which includes a printer body, a nozzle roller, a nozzle assembly, a nozzle port, and a cleaning mechanism. After the printer body finishes working, a cleaning agent enters and wets a sponge block, and the sponge block is used to wipe the ink remaining on the nozzle to achieve a cleaning effect. However, this wiping process can only remove the ink on the nozzle surface. After a period of time, the ink in the nozzle will continue to flow to the nozzle and cause blockage, so the nozzle is not effectively cleaned. In addition, the wiping process is relatively slow and cannot be wiped quickly, which can easily affect the next inkjet printing, resulting in low inkjet printing efficiency. When the device stops working, the residual ink dries up and causes the nozzle to clog, seriously affecting the subsequent use effect.

[0006] Furthermore, a Chinese utility model patent with authorization publication number CN219523394U discloses a self-cleaning inkjet printer head. The design facilitates quick wiping between inkjet prints, ensuring both efficient and effective inkjet printing. However, the nozzle surface is designed to prevent friction with any object. Fine hair can easily cling to the nozzle surface, causing clogging and ink dripping, thus affecting the inkjet printing effect. However, if the ink is not wiped off, it can easily affect subsequent inkjet printing and contaminate the object being coded. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The purpose of the present invention is to overcome the above-mentioned problems and provide a handheld self-cleaning inkjet printer that can effectively clean the inside of the nozzle to prevent ink from solidifying in the nozzle and clogging the nozzle.

[0008] The purpose of the present invention is achieved through the following technical solutions:

[0009] A handheld self-cleaning inkjet printer comprises a nozzle, an ink supply assembly and a self-cleaning assembly;

[0010] The ink supply pipeline assembly includes an ink cartridge, an ink supply pipeline, and an air pump. The ink supply pipeline can be automatically opened and closed. The ink supply pipeline includes a first positive pressure air pipe and an ink delivery pipe. The two ends of the first positive pressure air pipe are respectively connected to the ink cartridge and the positive pressure end of the air pump. The two ends of the ink delivery pipe are respectively connected to the ink cartridge and the nozzle.

[0011] The self-cleaning component includes a detergent box and a cleaning pipeline, which can be automatically opened and closed. The cleaning pipeline includes a second positive-pressure air pipe and a detergent delivery pipe. The two ends of the second positive-pressure air pipe are respectively connected to the positive-pressure end of the air pump and the detergent box, and the two ends of the detergent delivery pipe are respectively connected to the detergent box and the nozzle.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a first solenoid valve and a first check valve are provided on the first positive-pressure air pipe, and the first positive-pressure air pipe is connected to the first port of the first three-way solenoid valve.

[0013] Furthermore, the second port of the first three-way solenoid valve is connected to the negative pressure air pipe, and the third port of the first three-way solenoid valve is connected to the ink cartridge through a pipeline.

[0014] Through the above structure, positive pressure and negative pressure can be automatically switched to provide different power to the ink cartridge so as to perform different operations: driving the ink to move toward the front nozzle and maintaining the pressure balance of the ink.

[0015] Furthermore, both ends of the negative pressure air pipe are connected to the negative pressure ends of the ink cartridge and the air pump respectively.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a second check valve and an air pressure sensor are provided on the negative pressure air pipe.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a second solenoid valve and a third check valve are provided on the second positive pressure air pipe.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a fourth check valve is provided on the detergent delivery pipe, and the detergent delivery pipe is connected to the first port of the second three-way solenoid valve.

[0019] Furthermore, the second port of the second three-way solenoid valve is connected to the ink delivery pipe, and the third port of the second three-way solenoid valve is connected to the nozzle through a pipeline.

[0020] Through the above structure, when the first port and the third port of the second three-way solenoid valve are both opened, it is in self-cleaning mode, so as to deliver the detergent from the detergent box to the nozzle; when the second port and the third port of the second three-way solenoid valve are both opened, it is in inkjet or standby mode, so as to deliver ink to the nozzle, or maintain negative pressure to prevent ink leakage.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the air inlet end of the air pump is connected to a first filter element for filtering out impurities in the air.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the ink delivery tube is provided with a second filter element connected to filter out impurities in the air.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a contour compensation structure is provided on both sides of the nozzle. This contour compensation structure comprises contour rollers and encoders. The contour rollers are rotatably connected to the sides of the nozzle, and the encoders are connected to the contour rollers via a synchronous power transmission structure. This allows for an arc-shaped spray path when printing arc-shaped parts or long characters. The dual-path encoders capture the roller motion parameters, and an algorithm is used to compensate for the print position, preventing distortion in the spray pattern.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the nozzle width is 70 mm, which is 20 mm wider than the current width on the market, and is suitable for large character high-resolution printing requirements.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the shell is prepared by 3D printing technology. Compared with traditional metal shells, the plastic shell reduces the weight of the body and reduces the burden on the operator.

[0026] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0027] 1. The handheld self-cleaning inkjet printer of the present invention is provided with a detergent box and a cleaning pipeline. After printing is completed, the cleaning pipeline can transport the detergent in the detergent box to the nozzle to clean the nozzle, thereby preventing the ink from solidifying in the nozzle and clogging the nozzle.

[0028] 2. The handheld self-cleaning inkjet printer of the present invention applies large-character, high-resolution printing technology to steel QR code printing for the first time. At the same time, it combines the dual-wheel encoder speed acquisition technology to correct the printed characters, improve the printing accuracy, and ensure the printing quality. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the handheld self-cleaning inkjet printer of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 2 It is a front view of the handheld self-cleaning inkjet printer of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 3 It is a schematic exploded view of the three-dimensional structure of the contour compensation structure of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 4 This is a simplified structural diagram of the ink supply component and the self-cleaning component of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] In order to enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solutions of the present invention, the present invention will be further described below in conjunction with embodiments and drawings, but the embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto.

[0034] Combine Figure 1-Figure 2 The handheld self-cleaning inkjet printer of this embodiment includes a plastic shell 1, a nozzle 2, an ink supply component and a self-cleaning component; wherein, the plastic shell 1 is prepared by 3D printing technology. Compared with traditional metal, the plastic shell 1 reduces the weight of the body and reduces the burden on the operator.

[0035] Furthermore, the width of the nozzle 2 is 70 mm, which is 20 mm wider than the current width on the market, and is suitable for the requirements of large character high-resolution printing.

[0036] Combine Figure 4 The ink supply pipeline assembly includes an ink cartridge 3, an ink supply pipeline, and an air pump 4. The ink supply pipeline can be automatically opened and closed. It includes a first positive-pressure air pipe 5, a negative-pressure air pipe 6, and an ink delivery pipe 7. The air pump 4 in this embodiment is a vacuum pump, and one or more can be provided as needed. The first positive-pressure air pipe 5 is connected to the positive-pressure end of the ink cartridge 3 and the air pump 4, respectively. The negative-pressure air pipe 6 is connected to the negative-pressure end of the ink cartridge 3 and the air pump 4, respectively. The ink delivery pipe 7 is connected to the ink cartridge 3 and the nozzle 2, respectively.

[0037] Combine Figure 4 The self-cleaning assembly includes a detergent box 8 and a cleaning pipeline. The cleaning pipeline can be automatically opened and closed. The cleaning pipeline includes a second positive-pressure air pipe 9 and a detergent delivery pipe 10. The two ends of the second positive-pressure air pipe 9 are respectively connected to the positive-pressure end of the air pump 4 and the detergent box 8. The two ends of the detergent delivery pipe 10 are respectively connected to the detergent box 8 and the nozzle 2. The detergent box 8 is detachably arranged inside the plastic housing 1 to facilitate the replenishment of detergent.

[0038] Combine Figure 4 The first positive pressure air pipe 5 is provided with a first solenoid valve 11 and a first check valve 12 , and the first positive pressure air pipe 5 is connected to the first port of the first three-way solenoid valve 13 .

[0039] Furthermore, the second port of the first three-way solenoid valve 13 is connected to the negative pressure air pipe 6 , and the third port of the first three-way solenoid valve 13 is connected to the ink cartridge 3 through a pipeline.

[0040] Through the above structure, positive pressure and negative pressure can be automatically switched to provide different power to the ink cartridge 3 so as to perform different operations: driving the ink to move toward the front nozzle and maintaining the pressure balance of the ink.

[0041] Combine Figure 4 The negative pressure air pipe 6 is provided with a second check valve 14 and an air pressure sensor 15.

[0042] Combine Figure 4 The second positive pressure air pipe 9 is provided with a second solenoid valve 16 and a third check valve 17.

[0043] Combine Figure 4 The detergent delivery pipe 10 is provided with a fourth check valve 18 , and the detergent delivery pipe 10 is connected to the first port of the second three-way solenoid valve 19 .

[0044] Furthermore, the second port of the second three-way solenoid valve 19 is connected to the ink delivery pipe 7 , and the third port of the second three-way solenoid valve 19 is connected to the nozzle 2 through a pipeline.

[0045] Through the above structure, when the first port and the third port of the second three-way solenoid valve 19 are both opened, it is in self-cleaning mode, so as to deliver the detergent from the detergent box 8 to the nozzle 2; when the second port and the third port of the second three-way solenoid valve 19 are both opened, it is in inkjet or standby mode, so as to deliver ink to the nozzle 2, or maintain negative pressure to prevent ink leakage.

[0046] Combine Figure 4 The air inlet end (negative pressure end) of the air pump 4 is connected to the first filter element 20 for filtering out impurities in the air.

[0047] Combine Figure 4 The ink delivery tube 7 is provided with a second filter element 21 connected to filter out impurities in the air.

[0048] Combine Figure 1-Figure 3 A contour compensation structure is installed on both sides of the nozzle 2. This contour compensation structure includes a contour roller 22 and an encoder 23. The contour roller 22 is rotatably connected to both sides of the nozzle 2, and the encoder 23 is connected to the contour roller 22 via a synchronous power transmission structure. In this way, when printing arc-shaped parts or long characters, an arc-shaped spray path is produced. The dual-path encoder 23 collects the roller motion parameters, and an algorithm is used to compensate the printing position to avoid distortion of the spray pattern.

[0049] Combine Figure 4 The working principle of the handheld self-cleaning inkjet printer of this embodiment is as follows:

[0050] Equipment Initialization: To ensure the quality of the spray pattern, the air inside nozzle 2 must be expelled to ensure continuous ink flow. Open the first solenoid valve 11, close the second solenoid valve 16, and start the air pump 4. Air enters through the first filter element 20, passes through the vacuum pump, the first solenoid valve 11, the first check valve 12, and the first three-way solenoid valve 13, and enters the ink cartridge 3. This increases the positive pressure inside the ink cartridge 3, allowing ink to flow through the second filter element 21 and the second three-way solenoid valve 19 to reach the nozzle 2. The air inside the nozzle 2 is expelled until the nozzle 2 is continuously and evenly discharging ink. Normal spraying can then begin.

[0051] In standby mode, to prevent ink from dripping and contaminating the nozzle 2 or the next spray pattern, the nozzle 2 is maintained in a negative pressure state. This negative pressure is balanced with the gravity of the ink, so that the ink can be retained between each pixel electrode of the nozzle 2. When text needs to be printed, the electrodes are squeezed to squeeze out the ink. When printing is not required, the electrodes remain stationary, and the balance between the negative pressure and the gravity of the ink prevents the ink from flowing out. According to the pressure value set by the air pressure sensor 15, the vacuum pump is controlled to operate so that part of the air in the ink cartridge 3 is discharged through the first three-way solenoid valve 13, the second check valve 14 and the air outlet of the vacuum pump, and the negative pressure in the ink cartridge 3 is controlled to prevent the ink in the nozzle 2 from dripping.

[0052] Normal printing: open the first solenoid valve 11, close the second solenoid valve 16, open the first port and the third port of the first three-way solenoid valve 13, the air pressure sensor 15 measures the real-time air pressure of the ink cartridge 3, start the vacuum pump, and the high-pressure gas flows from the first positive pressure air pipe 5 to the ink cartridge 3, driving the ink in the ink cartridge 3 to flow to the nozzle 2; at the same time, the operator holds the handle and moves along the surface to be sprayed, the encoder 23 collects motion data in real time, and the control system dynamically adjusts the inkjet timing to complete the pattern printing.

[0053] End of use: To solve the problem of nozzle 2 being easily clogged and damaged, if the interval between two uses of the printer is long, the handheld inkjet printer should be self-cleaned after each use. Close the first solenoid valve 11, open the second solenoid valve 16, open the first port of the second three-way solenoid valve 19, start the vacuum pump, and high-pressure gas flows from the second positive pressure air pipe 9, enters the detergent box 8 through the second solenoid valve 16 and the third check valve 17, drives the detergent into the detergent delivery pipe 10, passes through the fourth check valve 18 and the second three-way solenoid valve 19 to reach the nozzle 2, and then flows out of the nozzle 2 to achieve the function of cleaning the nozzle 2.

[0054] The above is a preferred embodiment of the present invention, but the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to the above content. Any other changes, modifications, substitutions, combinations, and simplifications made without departing from the spirit and principles of the present invention should be considered as equivalent replacement methods and are included in the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A handheld self-cleaning inkjet printer, characterized in that: including nozzles, ink supply components and self-cleaning components; The ink supply pipeline assembly includes an ink cartridge, an ink supply pipeline, and an air pump. The ink supply pipeline can be automatically opened and closed. The ink supply pipeline includes a first positive pressure air pipe and an ink delivery pipe. The two ends of the first positive pressure air pipe are respectively connected to the ink cartridge and the positive pressure end of the air pump. The two ends of the ink delivery pipe are respectively connected to the ink cartridge and the nozzle. The self-cleaning component includes a detergent box and a cleaning pipeline, which can be automatically opened and closed. The cleaning pipeline includes a second positive-pressure air pipe and a detergent delivery pipe. The two ends of the second positive-pressure air pipe are respectively connected to the positive-pressure end of the air pump and the detergent box, and the two ends of the detergent delivery pipe are respectively connected to the detergent box and the nozzle.

2. The handheld self-cleaning inkjet printer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first positive-pressure air pipe is provided with a first solenoid valve and a first check valve. The first positive-pressure air pipe is connected to the first port of the first three-way solenoid valve.

3. The handheld self-cleaning inkjet printer according to claim 2, characterized in that: The second port of the first three-way solenoid valve is connected to the negative pressure air pipe, and the third port of the first three-way solenoid valve is connected to the ink cartridge through a pipeline.

4. The handheld self-cleaning inkjet printer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The two ends of the negative pressure air pipe are respectively communicated with the ink cartridge and the negative pressure end of the air pump.

5. The handheld self-cleaning inkjet printer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The negative pressure air pipe is provided with a second check valve and an air pressure sensor.

6. The handheld self-cleaning inkjet printer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second positive pressure air pipe is provided with a second solenoid valve and a third check valve.

7. The handheld self-cleaning inkjet printer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cleaning agent delivery pipe is provided with a fourth check valve, and the cleaning agent delivery pipe is connected to the first port of the second three-way solenoid valve.

8. The handheld self-cleaning inkjet printer according to claim 6, characterized in that: The second port of the second three-way solenoid valve is connected to the ink delivery pipe, and the third port of the second three-way solenoid valve is connected to the nozzle through a pipeline.

9. The handheld self-cleaning inkjet printer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The air inlet end of the air pump is connected to a first filter element for filtering impurities in the air; The ink delivery tube is provided with a second filter element connected to filter out impurities in the air.

10. The handheld self-cleaning inkjet printer according to claim 1, characterized in that: Both sides of the nozzle are provided with a profiling compensation structure, which includes a profiling roller and an encoder. The profiling roller is rotatably connected to both sides of the nozzle, and the encoder is connected to the profiling roller through a synchronous power transmission structure.

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