Spray head cleaning module and ink-jet printer

Abstract

The invention provides a nozzle cleaning module and an ink-jet printer, and relates to the technical field of printing. The nozzle cleaning module comprises a belt guide roller, a pair of mounting modules and an adjusting module, the two ends of the belt guide roller are each provided with one mounting module, each mounting module comprises a mounting part and an adapter, the adapters are hinged to the mounting parts, the adapters can swing and rotate through hinge connection, the adapters can swing and rotate through hinge connection, and the adapters are in sliding connection with the belt guide roller; the belt guide roller can slide in the axial direction, and the axis of the belt guide roller and the rotating axis of the adapter are collinear. Wherein the mounting part of at least one mounting module is connected with an adjusting module, and the adjusting module is used for adjusting the position of the corresponding mounting part in the adjusting direction so as to drive the mounting part and the belt guide roller to swing. The cleaning stability can be improved, maintenance is convenient, the influence on the printing efficiency is reduced, and the possibility that the spray holes are blocked is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of printing technology, and in particular to a nozzle cleaning module and an inkjet printer. Background Art

[0002] Over extended use, inkjet printers can easily accumulate ink residue, dust, or dried ink mud on the nozzle surface, affecting print quality. Currently, the most common cleaning method involves scraping the nozzle surface with a mechanical scraper to remove ink residue. However, this cleaning method presents the following technical issues: Over time, the scraper blade can become damaged or deformed due to frictional wear during printhead wiping, resulting in reduced cleaning effectiveness. This requires frequent downtime for inspection and blade replacement, impacting printing efficiency and increasing maintenance costs. During the scraping process, residual ink forms on the scraper blade and mounting structure, forming ink sludge. This can be pushed into the nozzles during subsequent cleaning, potentially clogging them. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of this, the purpose of this application is to overcome the shortcomings of the existing technology and provide a nozzle cleaning module and inkjet printer that can improve cleaning stability, facilitate maintenance, reduce the impact on printing efficiency, and reduce the possibility of nozzle clogging.

[0004] This application provides the following technical solutions: In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a nozzle cleaning module, wherein the nozzle cleaning module has a nozzle cleaning station, and the nozzle cleaning module includes: A negative pressure suction component is provided with at least one negative pressure suction port, the negative pressure suction port is in a negative pressure state and forms a negative pressure area, and the negative pressure area covers the nozzle cleaning station.

[0005] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the negative pressure suction assembly includes: An ink absorbing member, wherein the negative pressure suction port is formed on a side of the ink absorbing member facing the nozzle, and the ink absorbing member comprises an ink absorbing cavity and an ink collecting cavity, the ink absorbing cavity and the ink collecting cavity are communicated with each other, the ink collecting cavity can accommodate liquid in the ink absorbing cavity, and the negative pressure suction port is communicated with the ink absorbing cavity; A negative pressure pumping member is connected to the ink absorbing member, and the negative pressure pumping member can pump negative pressure into the ink absorbing chamber.

[0006] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the ink absorbing member includes an ink absorbing container, which has a negative pressure suction port, and the negative pressure suction port is connected to the negative pressure member; wherein, the top of the ink absorbing container is connected to the negative pressure suction port, and the negative pressure suction port is arranged in the middle of the ink absorbing container, so that the top of the ink absorbing container forms the ink absorbing cavity, and the bottom of the ink absorbing container forms the ink collecting cavity.

[0007] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the negative pressure suction port is extended along the arrangement direction of the nozzles; Alternatively, there are multiple negative pressure suction ports, which are spaced apart in the arrangement direction of the nozzles, and each of the negative pressure suction ports can correspond to at least one nozzle.

[0008] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the ink absorbing part further includes an ink absorbing base, which is detachably arranged on the ink absorbing container, the negative pressure suction port is arranged on the ink absorbing base, and a buffer protective layer is provided on the side of the ink absorbing base close to the nozzle.

[0009] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the ink absorbing member further comprises an ink absorbing partition, the ink absorbing partition being disposed in the ink absorbing container and configured to divide the ink absorbing cavity into a plurality of suction flow channels, all of the suction flow channels being connected to the negative pressure exhaust port; Among them, according to the distance between the negative pressure suction port and the negative pressure exhaust port, all the negative pressure suction ports are divided into multiple groups to form multiple suction groups, and each of the suction groups is separately connected to one of the suction channels; in any adjacent suction groups, the suction channel connected to the suction group away from the negative pressure exhaust port has a larger cross-section.

[0010] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the ink absorbing container has a first extension direction and a second extension direction, all the suction groups are sequentially arranged in the first extension direction, the suction flow channels are extended along the first extension direction, and all the outlets of the suction flow channels are sequentially arranged along the second extension direction, and the negative pressure exhaust port is extended along the second extension direction; The suction flow channel has an inlet section and an outlet section, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the inlet section is larger than that of the outlet section.

[0011] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the ink absorbing member further comprises: A suction pipe, wherein the suction pipe is a telescopic pipe or a hose, one end of the suction pipe is connected to the air inlet of the negative pressure extraction member, and the other end of the suction pipe is connected to the negative pressure extraction outlet; The negative pressure suction assembly further includes a position adjusting member connected to the ink absorbing member, and the position adjusting member is used to adjust the distance between the ink absorbing member and the nozzle.

[0012] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the nozzle cleaning module further includes: An ink storage assembly comprises an ink storage container having an inlet chamber and an outlet chamber, wherein the inlet chamber and the bottom of the outlet chamber are connected, the top of the inlet chamber and the negative pressure exhaust port are connected, and the top of the outlet chamber and the air inlet of the negative pressure exhaust member are connected.

[0013] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present application further provides an inkjet printer, which includes a nozzle cleaning module as described in any of the above embodiments.

[0014] The embodiments of the present application have the following advantages: The present application provides a nozzle cleaning module, in which a negative pressure suction component generates a negative pressure area through at least one negative pressure suction port to cover the nozzle cleaning station. When the nozzle moves to the cleaning station, the negative pressure area directly acts on the surface of the nozzle, and the attached ink residue, dust or ink mud is adsorbed to the suction port through the airflow to avoid physical contact. Unlike traditional scraping blades, this module removes pollutants through negative pressure adsorption without mechanical friction, thereby eliminating the risk of scraper wear or deformation. The design of the negative pressure area ensures that all parts of the nozzle surface (including the area around the nozzle hole) can be effectively covered, and the pollutants are directly extracted during the adsorption process to avoid secondary accumulation or clogging of the nozzle hole.

[0015] Therefore, non-contact cleaning eliminates wiper blade wear, significantly reducing maintenance frequency and replacement costs, and extending the life of the cleaning module. Negative pressure adsorption thoroughly removes ink sludge from around the nozzles, preventing contaminants from being pushed into the nozzles, reducing the risk of clogging at the source and ensuring print quality. Mechanical wear of the wiper blade and its mounting structure is eliminated, reducing downtime for maintenance and improving the continuous operation efficiency of the printing equipment. Eliminating the need for consumables (such as wipers) reduces waste generation; and compatibility with a variety of printhead types offers wider applicability.

[0016] In order to make the above-mentioned objects, features and advantages of the present invention more obvious and easy to understand, preferred embodiments are given below and described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, the following is a brief introduction to the drawings required for use in the embodiments. It should be understood that the following drawings only show certain embodiments of the present application and therefore should not be regarded as limiting the scope. For ordinary technicians in this field, other relevant drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative work.

[0018] Figure 1 A schematic structural diagram of a nozzle cleaning module according to an embodiment of the present application is shown; Figure 2 A schematic structural diagram of a nozzle cleaning module provided in an embodiment of the present application from another perspective is shown; Figure 3 A schematic structural diagram of an ink absorbing member provided in an embodiment of the present application from one perspective is shown; Figure 4 A schematic structural diagram of an ink absorbing member provided by an embodiment of the present application from another perspective is shown; Figure 5 A structural schematic diagram of an ink storage container provided by an embodiment of the present application is shown from one perspective.

[0019] Description of main component symbols: 100-ink absorbing part; 110-ink absorbing base; 111-negative pressure suction port; 120-ink absorbing container; 130-suction tube; 140-ink absorbing partition; 150-suction flow channel; 160-negative pressure exhaust port; 200-ink storage container; 210-inlet chamber; 220-outlet chamber; 300-negative pressure suction part; 400-adjusting part. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] The following describes in detail embodiments of the present application. Examples of the embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals throughout represent the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present application and are not to be construed as limiting the present application.

[0021] It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being "fixed to" another element, it may be directly on the other element or there may be an intermediate element. When an element is considered to be "connected to" another element, it may be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intermediate element. Conversely, when an element is referred to as being "directly on" another element, there is no intermediate element. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "left," "right," and similar expressions used herein are for illustrative purposes only.

[0022] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, terms such as "mounted," "connected," "connect," and "fixed" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they may refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integration; mechanical connections or electrical connections; direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; and internal connections between two components or interactions between two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of these terms in this application based on specific circumstances.

[0023] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of the technical features being referred to. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the features. Throughout the description of this application, "plurality" means two or more, unless otherwise specifically defined.

[0024] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this application belongs. The terms used in the template description herein are for the purpose of describing specific embodiments only and are not intended to limit this application. The term "and / or" as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0025] In the related art, when an inkjet printer is used for a long time, ink residue, dust or dried ink mud is easily accumulated on the surface of the nozzle, which affects the printing quality. At present, the common cleaning method mainly uses a scraper to scrape the surface of the nozzle, that is, a mechanical scraper is used to scrape off the ink residue on the nozzle. However, this cleaning method has the following technical problems: the scraper is easily damaged or deformed due to friction loss during the long-term scraping of the nozzle, resulting in a decrease in the cleaning effect. Users need to frequently shut down the machine for inspection and replace the scraper, which affects printing efficiency and increases maintenance costs. During the scraping process, the ink residue will gradually form ink mud on the scraper and the mounting structure, which may be pushed into the nozzle by the scraper during subsequent cleaning, causing the nozzle to be blocked.

[0026] Figure 1, Figure 2 、 Figure 3 、 Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, in order to solve the above technical problems, an embodiment of the present application provides a nozzle cleaning module, the nozzle cleaning module has a nozzle cleaning station, the nozzle cleaning module includes a negative pressure suction component, the negative pressure suction component has at least one negative pressure suction port 111, the negative pressure suction port 111 is in a negative pressure state, and a negative pressure area is formed, and the negative pressure area covers the nozzle cleaning station.

[0027] Among these embodiments, this embodiment provides a nozzle cleaning module. The nozzle cleaning module is used to clean the nozzle of an inkjet printer. The core of the nozzle cleaning module is to use the negative pressure suction principle to replace the traditional mechanical scraper to solve the problems of scraper wear, secondary contamination and nozzle blockage.

[0028] The nozzle cleaning module has a preset nozzle cleaning station. When the inkjet printer performs a cleaning procedure, the printing mechanism drives the nozzle to move to the nozzle cleaning station to prepare for the cleaning operation.

[0029] The nozzle cleaning module includes a negative pressure suction component. The negative pressure suction component is the core component for achieving non-contact cleaning. Specifically, the negative pressure suction component includes one or more negative pressure suction ports 111. In this embodiment, a negative pressure suction port 111 is provided, and the negative pressure suction port 111 is long and extends along the arrangement direction of the nozzle. Of course, in other embodiments, there may also be multiple negative pressure suction ports 111 to ensure the uniformity of the suction force. The negative pressure suction port 111 is connected to a negative pressure source (such as a vacuum pump, an exhaust fan, etc.) through a pipe. When the negative pressure source is started, a negative pressure state is formed inside the negative pressure suction port 111.

[0030] Crucially, the negative pressure suction port 111 creates a negative pressure zone at the printhead cleaning station. When the printhead is moved to the station and docked with the cleaning module, its surface (particularly the nozzle array area) is located within this negative pressure zone. This negative pressure zone is designed to completely cover the effective surface area of ​​the printhead in the cleaning station, ensuring that any ink residue, dust, or dried ink mud on the printhead surface is protected from negative pressure.

[0031] During operation, the negative pressure source continuously operates, maintaining a negative pressure in the negative pressure suction port 111. Ink residue (such as droplets and dried ink mud) on the printhead surface is directly removed from the printhead surface by the appropriately sized suction force generated by the negative pressure area and drawn through the negative pressure suction port 111 into the waste liquid collection device at the rear end. The entire cleaning process requires no physical contact with the printhead surface, achieving contactless cleaning.

[0032] It should be noted that the suction force can be adjusted by the negative pressure source. Also, the suction force can be adjusted by adjusting the distance between the negative pressure suction port and the printhead to ensure that waste ink can be sucked down without affecting the ink in the printhead nozzle, thus ensuring print quality and effect.

[0033] Clearly, by providing a negative pressure suction assembly and the negative pressure area it creates covering the nozzle cleaning station, ink residue and dust can be effectively removed from the nozzle surface by suction. By eliminating the traditional mechanical scraper blade, the wear, breakage, or deformation of the scraper blade caused by friction is fundamentally avoided, significantly reducing the user's maintenance frequency and replacement costs, and improving the operating efficiency of the printing equipment. More importantly, the cleaning process is contactless, eliminating the risk of ink mud accumulated on the scraper blade being pushed into the nozzle orifice and causing blockage, effectively protecting the nozzle and improving print quality and equipment reliability.

[0034] For example, this embodiment refines the structure of the negative pressure suction port 111. The opening end surface of the negative pressure suction port 111 is designed as an inclined or curved surface. This is intended to guide airflow and ink droplets into the suction channel more smoothly, reducing flow resistance and improving suction efficiency. Furthermore, a filter can be installed inside the negative pressure suction port 111 or in the rear-end pipeline to intercept larger ink clumps or impurities, preventing them from entering the negative pressure source and causing damage, while also facilitating centralized cleaning.

[0035] That is, the negative pressure suction component generates a negative pressure area through at least one negative pressure suction port 111, covering the nozzle cleaning station. When the nozzle moves to the cleaning station, the negative pressure area directly acts on the nozzle surface, and the attached ink residue, dust or ink mud is adsorbed to the suction port through the airflow, avoiding physical contact. Unlike traditional scraping blades, this module removes pollutants through negative pressure adsorption without mechanical friction, thereby eliminating the risk of scraper wear or deformation. The design of the negative pressure area ensures that all parts of the nozzle surface (including the area around the nozzle hole) can be effectively covered, and the pollutants are directly extracted during the adsorption process to avoid secondary accumulation or clogging of the nozzle hole.

[0036] Therefore, non-contact cleaning eliminates wiper blade wear, significantly reducing maintenance frequency and replacement costs, and extending the life of the cleaning module. Negative pressure adsorption thoroughly removes ink sludge from around the nozzles, preventing contaminants from being pushed into the nozzles, reducing the risk of clogging at the source and ensuring print quality. Mechanical wear of the wiper blade and its mounting structure is eliminated, reducing downtime for maintenance and improving the continuous operation efficiency of the printing equipment. Eliminating the need for consumables (such as wipers) reduces waste generation; and compatibility with a variety of printhead types offers wider applicability.

[0037] In some embodiments, the negative pressure suction assembly includes an ink absorbing member 100 and a negative pressure extraction member 300. The negative pressure suction port 111 is formed on the side of the ink absorbing member 100 facing the nozzle. The ink absorbing member 100 has an ink absorption chamber and an ink collection chamber. The ink absorption chamber and the ink collection chamber are connected. The ink collection chamber can accommodate liquid in the ink absorption chamber. The negative pressure extraction member 300 is connected to the ink absorbing member 100 and can apply negative pressure to the ink absorption chamber.

[0038] In these embodiments, the ink absorbing member 100 is a member that directly faces the nozzle. A negative pressure suction port 111 is formed on the surface of the ink absorbing member 100 facing the nozzle. In this embodiment, an ink absorbing chamber and an ink collecting chamber are provided inside the ink absorbing member 100. The ink absorbing chamber is located at the upper portion of the ink absorbing member 100, and its top is connected to the negative pressure suction port 111, and is used to receive ink residues sucked from the nozzle surface. The ink collecting chamber is located at the lower portion or side portion of the ink absorbing member 100, and is used to accommodate liquid ink flowing into the ink absorbing chamber. The ink absorbing chamber and the ink collecting chamber are connected to each other through an internal channel, so that the liquid sucked into the ink absorbing chamber can smoothly flow into the ink collecting chamber for temporary storage.

[0039] The negative pressure extraction member 300 is connected to the ink absorption member 100. In this embodiment, the negative pressure extraction member 300 is a miniature vacuum pump, whose air inlet is connected to the ink absorption chamber via a pipe. When cleaning is required, the negative pressure extraction member 300 is activated and begins to operate, continuously extracting air from the ink absorption chamber, lowering the internal pressure below atmospheric pressure, thereby creating a stable negative pressure environment within the ink absorption chamber. Because the negative pressure suction port 111 is connected to the ink absorption chamber, this negative pressure is transmitted to the external space through the negative pressure suction port 111.

[0040] Crucially, when the printhead moves to the printhead cleaning station and faces the negative pressure suction port 111 of the ink absorber 100, the surface of the printhead is located within the negative pressure area formed by the negative pressure suction port 111. The coverage of this negative pressure area is designed to completely cover the effective surface area of ​​the printhead at the cleaning station. Under the strong suction force generated by the negative pressure area, the ink residue on the surface of the printhead is directly peeled off from the surface, passes through the negative pressure suction port 111, first enters the ink absorption chamber, and then flows into the ink collection chamber under the guidance of gravity or airflow for collection. Finally, the waste ink in the ink collection chamber can be regularly discharged through a dedicated ink discharge channel (not shown in the figure) or cleaned by maintenance personnel.

[0041] Clearly, the ink absorption chamber and ink collection chamber within the ink absorber 100 efficiently collect and temporarily store waste ink, preventing it from overflowing and contaminating the interior of the device. The negative pressure extraction member 300 (e.g., a vacuum pump) provides a stable and reliable negative pressure source, ensuring a consistent cleaning effect.

[0042] Furthermore, a filter or baffle (not shown) can be installed in the communication channel between the ink suction chamber and the ink collection chamber, or within the ink collection chamber, to intercept larger ink clumps or impurities, preventing them from clogging the subsequent ink discharge channel and facilitating centralized cleaning. The negative pressure element 300 can also take other forms, such as a Venturi device driven by the printer's electronic control system, which generates negative pressure through high-speed airflow to reduce costs and energy consumption.

[0043] In some embodiments, the ink absorbing member 100 includes an ink absorbing container 120, which has a negative pressure suction port 160, and the negative pressure suction port 160 is connected to the negative pressure member 300; wherein, the top of the ink absorbing container 120 is connected to the negative pressure suction port 111, and the negative pressure suction port 160 is arranged in the middle of the ink absorbing container 120, so that the top of the ink absorbing container 120 forms an ink absorbing cavity, and the bottom of the ink absorbing container 120 forms an ink collecting cavity.

[0044] In these embodiments, the ink absorber 100 is specifically an ink absorber container 120. The ink absorber container 120 has an overall hollow cavity structure. A negative pressure suction port 111 is formed in the center of the top portion of the ink absorber container 120, communicating with the interior of the ink absorber container 120. Crucially, the space at the top of the ink absorber container 120 constitutes the ink absorption chamber. When ink residue on the nozzle surface is drawn away by negative pressure, it first enters this top portion of the ink absorption chamber.

[0045] A negative pressure exhaust port 160 is located in the center of the ink absorbing container 120 (preferably in the upper or lower center of the sidewall). This port 160 is connected to a negative pressure extraction member 300 (a miniature vacuum pump in this embodiment) via a pipe. When the negative pressure extraction member 300 is in operation, it continuously extracts air from the interior of the ink absorbing container 120 through the negative pressure exhaust port 160, thereby creating a negative pressure environment within the ink absorbing container 120. Because the negative pressure suction port 111 is connected to the interior of the ink absorbing container 120, this negative pressure is transmitted to the negative pressure suction port 111, creating a negative pressure area covering the nozzle cleaning station.

[0046] The bottom space of the ink absorption container 120 constitutes the ink collecting chamber. The volume of the ink collecting chamber is significantly larger than the ink absorption chamber at the top. The ink absorption chamber and the ink collecting chamber are not completely separated by a physical partition, but are naturally connected through the continuous space inside the ink absorption container 120. The liquid ink sucked into the top ink absorption chamber will naturally flow downward under the action of gravity and collect in the ink collecting chamber at the bottom for storage. This "upper suction and lower collection" structural design utilizes gravity to assist, ensuring the effective separation and centralized storage of waste ink and preventing waste ink from flowing back to the suction area. An ink discharge port (not shown in the figure) may be provided at the bottom of the ink collecting chamber for regular discharge of accumulated waste ink.

[0047] During operation, the printhead moves to the printhead cleaning station, with its surface facing the negative pressure suction port 111. The negative pressure extraction member 300 is activated, evacuating the ink container 120 through the negative pressure exhaust port 160, creating a negative pressure inside the container (particularly the top ink absorption chamber). Ink residue (droplets, ink sludge) on the printhead surface is drawn into the negative pressure suction port 111 by the suction force of the negative pressure region, entering the top ink absorption chamber. There, gravity flows into the bottom ink collection chamber for temporary storage.

[0048] In some embodiments, the negative pressure suction port 111 extends along the arrangement direction of the nozzles. Alternatively, there are multiple negative pressure suction ports 111, which are spaced apart in the arrangement direction of the nozzles, and each negative pressure suction port 111 can correspond to at least one nozzle.

[0049] In these embodiments, regarding the arrangement of the negative pressure suction port 111, the following two preferred solutions are provided in this embodiment to meet the cleaning requirements of different nozzle structures: Option 1 (Linear Extension): The negative pressure suction port 111 extends along the nozzle array direction of the printhead (usually perpendicular to the printing and scanning direction). This negative pressure suction port 111 is a long, narrow slot or hole. This design is particularly suitable for single wide-format printheads with nozzles arranged in a linear array, or for combination printheads consisting of multiple nozzles arranged closely together. The long, narrow negative pressure suction port 111 can cover the entire width of the nozzle array at once, forming a continuous negative pressure zone, ensuring that residue is evenly and efficiently removed across the entire width of the printhead.

[0050] Option 2 (multi-port interval type): In another optional implementation, the number of negative pressure suction ports 111 is multiple. Multiple negative pressure suction ports 111 are arranged at intervals in the direction of the nozzle arrangement of the nozzle. Each negative pressure suction port 111 can be a circular, square or other polygonal hole. This arrangement is suitable for print heads with a wide nozzle arrangement or composed of multiple independent nozzle modules. By reasonably designing the position and spacing of multiple negative pressure suction ports 111, it can be ensured that each negative pressure suction port 111 can correspond to at least one nozzle (or a nozzle module), thereby achieving accurate and efficient cleaning of each nozzle area. The design of multiple suction ports also increases the redundancy of the system. Even if a suction port is partially blocked, the other suction ports can still work.

[0051] During operation, the printhead moves to the printhead cleaning station, with its surface facing the negative pressure suction port 111 (either a long, narrow slit or multiple, spaced holes). The negative pressure extraction member 300 activates, drawing air from the ink absorber 120 through the negative pressure exhaust port 160, creating a negative pressure inside the ink absorber 120 (particularly the top ink absorption chamber). Ink residue on the printhead surface is drawn into the negative pressure suction port 111 by the suction force of the negative pressure region, entering the top ink absorption chamber. Gravity then flows into the bottom ink collection chamber for temporary storage.

[0052] In some embodiments, the ink absorbing member 100 further includes an ink absorbing base 110 , which is detachably arranged on the ink absorbing container 120 , and a negative pressure suction port 111 is arranged on the ink absorbing base 110 , and a buffer protective layer is arranged on the side of the ink absorbing base 110 close to the nozzle.

[0053] In these embodiments, the ink absorbing base 110 is the component that directly faces the nozzle and is mounted on the top of the ink absorbing container 120 in a detachable manner (e.g., a snap connection, a screw connection, or a magnetic connection). This detachable design is an important feature of this embodiment. A negative pressure suction port 111 is provided on the ink absorbing base 110. The central opening of the ink absorbing base 110 is the negative pressure suction port 111, which is connected to the ink absorption chamber of the ink absorbing container 120 below. The detachable ink absorbing base 110 design allows for long-term use. If the surface of the ink absorbing base 110 becomes scratched, stained, or aged due to accidental collision or long-term exposure, the user or maintenance personnel can easily remove it from the ink absorbing container 120 for separate cleaning, maintenance, or replacement without having to replace the entire ink absorbing container 120 or the entire cleaning module, greatly reducing maintenance costs and downtime.

[0054] A buffering protective layer is provided on the side of the ink absorbing base 110 near the nozzle. This buffering protective layer covers the entire front surface of the ink absorbing base 110, including the edge area of ​​the negative pressure suction port 111. The buffering protective layer is made of a soft, elastic material such as silicone, rubber, or soft polyurethane. Its main functions are: When the printhead descends to the cleaning station, even if there is slight, unintended physical contact with the ink absorber base 110 (e.g., due to positioning errors), the buffering layer absorbs the impact, preventing the hard ink absorber base 110 or its edges from directly impacting the fragile printhead surface or nozzle holes, effectively protecting the printhead from physical damage. Furthermore, it prevents minor scratches on the printhead surface that might otherwise be caused by hard materials.

[0055] In some embodiments, the ink absorbing member 100 further includes an ink absorbing partition 140 disposed within the ink absorbing container 120 and configured to divide the ink absorbing chamber into a plurality of suction channels 150. All suction channels 150 are connected to the negative pressure exhaust port 160. Specifically, based on the distance between the negative pressure suction ports 111 and the negative pressure exhaust port 160, all negative pressure suction ports 111 are divided into multiple groups, forming a plurality of suction groups. Each suction group is connected to a separate suction channel 150. Within any adjacent suction groups, the suction channel 150 connected to the suction group farther from the negative pressure exhaust port 160 has a larger cross-section.

[0056] In these embodiments, the ink absorption baffle 140 is a key optimized component of this embodiment. The ink absorption baffle 140 is arranged inside the ink absorption container 120, in the area of ​​the ink absorption cavity. Its main function is to separate the ink absorption cavity into a plurality of independent suction channels 150. In this embodiment, the ink absorption baffle 140 is one or more plate-like structures, which are fixed in the ink absorption container 120 by welding, bonding or integral molding. All the suction channels 150 are connected to the negative pressure exhaust port 160 provided in the middle of the ink absorption container 120. The design of the ink absorption baffle 140 divides the original single, wide ink absorption cavity into a plurality of parallel suction channels 150 with the same direction.

[0057] Based on the distance between the negative pressure suction ports 111 and the negative pressure exhaust ports 160, all negative pressure suction ports 111 are divided into multiple groups, forming multiple suction groups. For example, in a "multi-port interval" arrangement, several (e.g., two, three, four, or five) negative pressure suction ports 111 located near the negative pressure exhaust ports 160 constitute a first suction group, while several (e.g., two, three, four, or five) located further away from the negative pressure exhaust ports 160 constitute a second suction group. Each suction group is connected to the negative pressure exhaust ports 160 via its corresponding suction channel 150.

[0058] More importantly, in order to balance the suction force of each suction group and ensure uniform cleaning effect of the entire cleaning area, this embodiment adopts a design with a gradual change in the flow channel cross section: in any adjacent suction group, the suction group far away from the negative pressure exhaust port 160 is connected to the suction channel 150 with a larger cross section. Assume that suction group A is closer to the negative pressure exhaust port 160 and suction group B is farther away. Then the cross-sectional area (such as cross-sectional width or height) of the suction channel 150 connected to suction group B is designed to be larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the suction channel 150 connected to suction group A. The principle of this design is: the farther the suction group is from the negative pressure source, the greater the airflow resistance of its flow channel. By increasing the cross-section of the distal suction channel 150, the flow resistance of the channel can be effectively reduced, thereby compensating for the pressure loss caused by the increase in distance, so that the distal suction group and the proximal suction group can obtain relatively balanced negative pressure when working, and ultimately achieve basically consistent cleaning strength in different areas of the nozzle surface (whether close to or far away from the negative pressure exhaust port 160), avoiding the problem of excessive proximal cleaning and insufficient distal cleaning.

[0059] Obviously, by arranging an ink absorption partition 140 in the ink absorption container 120, the ink absorption cavity is divided into multiple independent suction channels 150, and the gradual design of "the suction channel 150 away from the negative pressure exhaust port 160 has a larger cross-section" is adopted. The negative pressure at the suction points at different distances is cleverly balanced, ensuring that all areas of the nozzle surface (especially the distal area) can obtain sufficient and uniform cleaning suction force, completely solving the problem of uneven cleaning effect caused by differences in flow channel resistance, and significantly improving the consistency and reliability of the overall cleaning effect.

[0060] In some embodiments, the ink absorbing container 120 has a first extension direction and a second extension direction. All suction groups are sequentially arranged in the first extension direction. The suction channel 150 extends along the first extension direction, and the outlets of all suction channels 150 are sequentially arranged along the second extension direction. The negative pressure exhaust port 160 extends along the second extension direction. The suction channel 150 has an inlet section and an outlet section, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the inlet section is larger than that of the outlet section.

[0061] In these embodiments, regarding the spatial layout of the ink absorbing container 120 and the design of the suction channel 150, two mutually perpendicular extension directions are defined: a first extension direction: This direction is consistent with the arrangement direction of the nozzle holes of the nozzle head; and a second extension direction: This direction is perpendicular to the first extension direction.

[0062] All suction groups (i.e., groups consisting of negative pressure suction ports 111) are arranged sequentially in the first extension direction. For example, in a "multi-port interval type" solution, multiple negative pressure suction ports 111 are arranged in a row along the first extension direction to form multiple suction groups.

[0063] The suction channels 150 extend along the first extension direction. Each suction channel 150 has a length parallel to the first extension direction, with one end (the inlet end) connected to one or a group of negative pressure suction ports 111 (i.e., a suction group) on the ink absorber base 110 , and the other end (the outlet end) facing the negative pressure exhaust port 160 .

[0064] The outlets of all the suction channels 150 are sequentially arranged along the second extension direction, which means that the outlet ends of all the suction channels 150 do not converge at one point, but are arranged in an orderly manner along the Y direction perpendicular to the arrangement direction of the nozzle holes.

[0065] The negative pressure exhaust port 160 extends along the second extension direction. It is a long, rectangular opening or pipe interface extending along the second extension direction. It communicates with the outlets of all suction channels 150 arranged along the second extension direction, allowing the airflow from all suction channels 150 to converge and be uniformly extracted at a single linear interface along the second extension direction, resulting in a compact structure and smooth flow.

[0066] The suction channel 150 has an inlet section and an outlet section. The cross-sectional area of ​​the inlet section is larger than that of the outlet section. This "larger in front and smaller in the back" channel cross-sectional design has the following advantages: The larger inlet section cross-sectional area can reduce the initial flow resistance of the airflow when it enters the suction channel 150 from the negative pressure suction port 111, so that the negative pressure can be transmitted to the nozzle surface more quickly and effectively, thereby improving the initial suction efficiency.

[0067] According to the principles of fluid mechanics, at a constant flow rate, a decrease in flow channel cross-sectional area leads to an increase in flow velocity. The smaller cross-sectional area of ​​the outlet section helps accelerate the airflow, creating a stronger "ejection" effect. This helps more effectively push the liquid droplets entering the flow channel toward the ink collection chamber, preventing liquid accumulation and blockage within the flow channel.

[0068] Combined with the previously described overall design of "the suction channel 150 away from the negative pressure exhaust port 160 has a larger cross-section", this local "large inlet and small outlet" design can further refine the pressure gradient in the channel, helping to maintain a more stable suction force.

[0069] In some embodiments, the ink absorbing member 100 further includes a suction tube 130 , which is a telescopic tube or a hose. One end of the suction tube 130 is connected to the air inlet of the negative pressure extraction member 300 , and the other end of the suction tube 130 is connected to the negative pressure extraction outlet 160 . The negative pressure suction assembly further includes a position adjusting member 400 , which is connected to the ink absorbing member 100 , and is used to adjust the distance between the ink absorbing member 100 and the nozzle.

[0070] In these embodiments, the ink absorbing member 100 further comprises a suction tube 130, which is a telescopic tube or a hose. For example, the suction tube 130 is a bellows. Of course, it can also be a rubber hose with an excess length reserved.

[0071] One end of the suction tube 130 is connected to the air inlet of the negative pressure element 300, and the other end is connected to the negative pressure exhaust port 160 of the ink absorbing container 120. Using a telescopic tube or a hose as the suction tube 130 has significant advantages: During actual installation, there may be slight misalignment between the ink absorber 100 (fixed to the printer frame) and the negative pressure extractor 300 (possibly installed elsewhere in the chassis), or vibrations due to equipment operation. The flexibility of the telescopic tube or hose absorbs these misalignments and vibrations, preventing stress concentration, damage to the connector, or air leaks caused by a rigid connection.

[0072] The flexible connection makes the installation and disassembly process of the ink absorbing member 100 and the negative pressure extracting member 300 easier, thereby improving production efficiency and maintenance convenience.

[0073] The negative pressure suction assembly also includes a position adjustment member 400, which is connected to the ink absorbing member 100. For example, the specific form of the position adjustment member 400 can be an adjustment screw, an eccentric wheel, a slider guide with a fine-tuning bolt, etc. The main function of the position adjustment member 400 is to adjust the distance between the ink absorbing member 100 and the nozzle. By operating the position adjustment member 400, the gap between the ink absorbing member 100 (especially the buffer protection layer at its front end) and the nozzle surface can be accurately set to ensure that while performing non-contact cleaning, the negative pressure suction port 111 can form a sufficiently strong and uniform negative pressure area to achieve the best cleaning effect. At the same time, precise spacing control also avoids the risk of accidental contact due to a gap that is too small.

[0074] Furthermore, during the cleaning process, the ink absorbing member 100 gradually approaches the nozzle to gradually increase the suction force, without the need for high-power operation, thereby improving cleaning efficiency and reducing energy consumption.

[0075] For example, the adjusting member 400 is an electric push rod, the piston rod of which is connected to the ink absorbing member 100 to push the ink absorbing member 100 up and down to move closer to or away from the nozzle. Of course, in other embodiments, the adjusting member 400 can also be a pneumatic cylinder or a hydraulic cylinder.

[0076] In some embodiments, the nozzle cleaning module also includes an ink storage assembly, the ink storage assembly includes an ink storage container 200, the ink storage container 200 has an inlet chamber 210 and an outlet chamber 220, the inlet chamber 210 and the bottom of the outlet chamber 220 are connected, the top of the inlet chamber 210 is connected to the negative pressure exhaust port 160, and the top of the outlet chamber 220 is connected to the air inlet of the negative pressure exhaust component 300.

[0077] In these embodiments, the nozzle cleaning module further includes an ink storage assembly, which includes an ink storage container 200. The ink storage container 200 is a secondary container for temporarily storing waste ink discharged from the ink absorption container 120. Its capacity is usually larger than that of the ink collection chamber, which plays a role in buffering and extending the maintenance cycle.

[0078] The ink storage container 200 has an inlet cavity 210 and an outlet cavity 220, and the bottoms of the inlet cavity 210 and the outlet cavity 220 are connected. This means that at the bottom of the ink storage container 200, the inlet cavity 210 and the outlet cavity 220 are connected to form a U-shaped or communicating vessel structure.

[0079] The top of the inlet chamber 210 is connected to the negative pressure extraction port 160 of the ink absorbing container 120. This is typically achieved through a pipe or direct connection. When the negative pressure extraction member 300 is in operation, it first extracts air from the top of the inlet chamber 210, thereby creating a negative pressure within the inlet chamber 210. This negative pressure is transmitted to the outlet chamber 220 through the connecting port at the bottom, and ultimately to the negative pressure extraction member 300 through the suction tube 130 connected to the top of the outlet chamber 220. The top of the outlet chamber 220 is connected to the air inlet of the negative pressure extraction member 300 (via the suction tube 130).

[0080] When waste ink within the ink absorbing container 120 flows into the ink collecting chamber due to gravity and is drawn into the inlet chamber 210 of the ink storage container 200 through the negative pressure extraction port 160, the liquid waste ink initially accumulates at the bottom of the inlet chamber 210. Because the inlet chamber 210 and the outlet chamber 220 are connected at their bottoms, the liquid levels in both chambers tend to be equal (the communicating vessel principle). As long as the waste ink level does not exceed the height of the connecting port at the bottom of the two chambers, the space above the outlet chamber 220 will remain gaseous. The negative pressure extraction member 300 extracts gas from the top of the outlet chamber 220. Therefore, even if there is liquid in the inlet chamber 210, as long as the liquid level does not overflow the bottom connecting port, the negative pressure extraction member 300 will not directly contact the liquid, effectively preventing liquid from entering the negative pressure extraction member 300 (such as a vacuum pump) and causing damage or performance degradation.

[0081] Furthermore, the waste ink in the gas then settles under gravity into the ink container 200 and can be cleaned regularly. For example, the waste ink in the ink container 200 can be regularly sucked out and discharged using a negative pressure ink pump and a waste ink pipe. Large particles can also be removed by periodically opening the ink container 200 for cleaning.

[0082] In some embodiments, the present application also provides an inkjet printer, which includes a nozzle cleaning module as described in any of the above embodiments.

[0083] Since the above-mentioned nozzle cleaning module has the above-mentioned technical effects, the inkjet printer including the nozzle cleaning module should have the same technical effects, which will not be described in detail here.

[0084] In all examples shown and described herein, any specific values ​​should be interpreted as merely exemplary and not limiting, and thus other examples of the exemplary embodiments may have different values.

[0085] It should be noted that similar reference numerals and letters denote similar items in the following drawings, and therefore, once an item is defined in one drawing, it does not need to be further defined or explained in subsequent drawings.

[0086] The above-described embodiments merely represent several implementation methods of the present application. While the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present application. It should be noted that a person skilled in the art may make various modifications and improvements without departing from the scope of the present application, and such modifications and improvements are all within the scope of protection of the present application.

Claims

1. A nozzle cleaning module, characterized in that: The nozzle cleaning module has a nozzle cleaning station, and the nozzle cleaning module includes: A negative pressure suction component is provided with at least one negative pressure suction port, the negative pressure suction port is in a negative pressure state and forms a negative pressure area, and the negative pressure area covers the nozzle cleaning station.

2. The nozzle cleaning module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The negative pressure suction component comprises: An ink absorbing member, wherein the negative pressure suction port is formed on a side of the ink absorbing member facing the nozzle, and the ink absorbing member comprises an ink absorbing cavity and an ink collecting cavity, the ink absorbing cavity and the ink collecting cavity are communicated with each other, the ink collecting cavity can accommodate liquid in the ink absorbing cavity, and the negative pressure suction port is communicated with the ink absorbing cavity; A negative pressure pumping member is connected to the ink absorbing member, and the negative pressure pumping member can pump negative pressure into the ink absorbing chamber.

3. The nozzle cleaning module according to claim 2, characterized in that: The ink absorbing part includes an ink absorbing container, which has a negative pressure suction and exhaust port, and the negative pressure suction and exhaust port is connected to the negative pressure suction part; wherein, the top of the ink absorbing container is connected to the negative pressure suction port, and the negative pressure suction and exhaust port is arranged in the middle of the ink absorbing container, so that the top of the ink absorbing container forms the ink absorbing cavity, and the bottom of the ink absorbing container forms the ink collecting cavity.

4. The nozzle cleaning module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The negative pressure suction port is extended along the arrangement direction of the nozzles; Alternatively, there are multiple negative pressure suction ports, which are spaced apart in the arrangement direction of the nozzles, and each of the negative pressure suction ports can correspond to at least one nozzle.

5. The nozzle cleaning module according to claim 3, characterized in that: The ink absorbing member further comprises an ink absorbing base, which is detachably arranged on the ink absorbing container. The negative pressure suction port is arranged on the ink absorbing base, and a buffer protection layer is arranged on the side of the ink absorbing base close to the nozzle.

6. The nozzle cleaning module according to claim 3, characterized in that: The ink absorbing member further comprises an ink absorbing partition, which is arranged in the ink absorbing container and is used to divide the ink absorbing cavity into a plurality of suction flow channels, and all of the suction flow channels are connected to the negative pressure suction outlet; Among them, according to the distance between the negative pressure suction port and the negative pressure exhaust port, all the negative pressure suction ports are divided into multiple groups to form multiple suction groups, and each of the suction groups is separately connected to one of the suction channels; in any adjacent suction groups, the suction channel connected to the suction group away from the negative pressure exhaust port has a larger cross-section.

7. The nozzle cleaning module according to claim 6, characterized in that: The ink absorbing container has a first extension direction and a second extension direction, all the suction groups are sequentially arranged in the first extension direction, the suction flow channel is extended along the first extension direction, and all the outlets of the suction flow channel are sequentially arranged along the second extension direction, and the negative pressure exhaust port is extended along the second extension direction; The suction flow channel has an inlet section and an outlet section, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the inlet section is larger than that of the outlet section.

8. The nozzle cleaning module according to claim 3, characterized in that: The ink absorbing member further comprises: A suction pipe, wherein the suction pipe is a telescopic pipe or a hose, one end of the suction pipe is connected to the air inlet of the negative pressure extraction member, and the other end of the suction pipe is connected to the negative pressure extraction outlet; The negative pressure suction assembly further includes a position adjusting member connected to the ink absorbing member, and the position adjusting member is used to adjust the distance between the ink absorbing member and the nozzle.

9. The nozzle cleaning module according to claim 7, characterized in that: The nozzle cleaning module also includes: An ink storage assembly comprises an ink storage container having an inlet chamber and an outlet chamber, wherein the inlet chamber and the bottom of the outlet chamber are connected, the top of the inlet chamber and the negative pressure exhaust port are connected, and the top of the outlet chamber and the air inlet of the negative pressure exhaust member are connected.

10. An inkjet printer, characterized in that: The inkjet printer comprises the nozzle cleaning module according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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