Printer printhead cleaning apparatus

Abstract

This application discloses a printer printhead cleaning device, comprising: a base frame, a cleaning tank, an ultrasonic cleaning device, and a water cleaning system. The base frame is equipped with slide rails and a lifting assembly. The cleaning tank is installed on the base frame and has an inlet and an outlet, and is equipped with an ultrasonic generator. The ultrasonic cleaning device is movably and vertically mounted on the base frame and positioned above the cleaning tank. The printhead is mounted on the ultrasonic cleaning device. The ultrasonic cleaning device can periodically lift the printhead and remove it from the cleaning tank to avoid ultrasonic damage to the printhead. The ultrasonic cleaning device can drive the printhead to slide horizontally and repeatedly to shake off the water in the printhead and improve the cleaning effect. The water cleaning system includes a first cleaning connector and a second cleaning connector installed in the cleaning tank. A first pipe connects the cleaning fluid storage tank and the first cleaning connector. A second pipe connects the cleaning fluid storage tank and the second cleaning connector. A third pipe connects the cleaning fluid storage tank and the inlet to form multiple water circulation paths, thereby improving cleaning efficiency and quality.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the technical field of inkjet printer printhead cleaning equipment, and particularly to a printer printhead cleaning device. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of inkjet printing technology, the printhead, as a core executing component, typically has nozzles with apertures that are extremely small. This structural characteristic makes the nozzles susceptible to clogging due to the intrusion of foreign objects or the deposition of impurities in the ink itself, which in turn causes printhead malfunctions, manifesting as poor ejection phenomena such as slanted spraying and missed spraying, directly affecting print quality and equipment stability.

[0003] Especially for UV inkjet printers, the UV inks used have photocuring properties—under ultraviolet light irradiation, UV inks readily undergo a rapid curing reaction. The solid residue generated by the reaction adheres to the inner wall of the printhead's flow channels, which is not only difficult to remove naturally but also continues to accumulate, significantly increasing the risk of flow channel blockage and posing a more severe challenge to printhead lifespan and printing reliability.

[0004] Current mainstream nozzle cleaning solutions in the industry have significant limitations. The specific process is as follows: 1. A special cleaning solution is drawn using a syringe and injected under pressure into both the inlet and outlet of the nozzle, using hydraulic pressure to clear the flow channels; 2. After initial clearing, the nozzle is transferred to an ultrasonic cleaning tank, where ultrasonic vibrations remove residual impurities. However, this solution has two major problems: First, due to the limitations of the ultrasonic energy mechanism, prolonged high-frequency oscillation can easily damage the precision internal structure of the nozzle. Therefore, operators must be present throughout the process and strictly control the cleaning time, resulting in personnel being unable to leave the operation and low work efficiency. Second, the cleaning process involves multiple manual transfers and operations, making the overall steps cumbersome, and the consistency of manual operation is difficult to guarantee, easily affecting the stability of the cleaning effect. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application aims to address at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, this application proposes a printer printhead cleaning device that can automatically clean printer printheads, achieving high operating efficiency, stable cleaning results, and reduced labor costs.

[0006] A printer head cleaning device according to an embodiment of this application includes:

[0007] The base frame is equipped with slide rails and lifting components;

[0008] A cleaning tank is installed on the base frame. The cleaning tank is provided with a water inlet and a water outlet. An ultrasonic generator is installed in the cleaning tank.

[0009] A lifting bracket is slidably mounted on the slide rail and connected to the lifting assembly, which drives the lifting bracket to rise and fall.

[0010] A sliding frame is horizontally slidably mounted on the lifting support and positioned above the cleaning tank;

[0011] A drive assembly is mounted on the lifting bracket and connected to the sliding frame. The drive assembly drives the sliding frame to slide horizontally relative to the lifting bracket.

[0012] Mounting bracket, mounted on the sliding bracket, the mounting bracket is used to fix the nozzle;

[0013] The first cleaning connector and the second cleaning connector are both installed in the cleaning tank. The first cleaning connector is connected to the ink inlet, and the second cleaning connector is connected to the ink outlet.

[0014] Cleaning fluid storage tank, used to store cleaning fluid;

[0015] The first pipe connects the cleaning fluid storage tank and the first cleaning connector;

[0016] The second pipe connects the cleaning fluid storage tank and the second cleaning connector;

[0017] The third pipe connects the cleaning fluid storage tank and the water inlet.

[0018] In some embodiments of this application, the lifting support includes:

[0019] The first and second protrusions are spaced apart;

[0020] A through hole is provided between the first boss and the second boss, and the cleaning pool is provided inside the through hole;

[0021] A crossbar passes through the sliding frame, and the two ends of the crossbar are respectively installed on the first boss and the second boss;

[0022] The drive assembly is mounted on the first boss, and the drive assembly drives the sliding frame to slide from the first boss to the second boss; the crossbar is sleeved with an elastic element, and the two ends of the elastic element abut against the sliding frame and the second boss respectively, and the elastic element pushes the sliding frame to slide from the second boss to the first boss.

[0023] In some embodiments of this application, the crossbar is equipped with a locking element, which is adjustablely fixed to the crossbar;

[0024] The two ends of the elastic element abut against the sliding frame and the locking element, respectively.

[0025] In some embodiments of this application, the driving component includes:

[0026] The drive structure is mounted on the first boss;

[0027] A cam structure is installed at the output end of the drive structure;

[0028] The sliding frame is equipped with a follower structure, which abuts against the cam structure.

[0029] In some embodiments of this application, the first boss is mounted with a first top plate, and the first top plate is provided with a first clamping structure;

[0030] The second boss is equipped with a second top plate, and the second top plate is provided with a second clamping structure;

[0031] The two ends of the crossbar are respectively installed on the first clamping structure and the second clamping structure;

[0032] The first top plate is detachably connected to the first boss, and / or the second top plate is detachably connected to the second boss.

[0033] In some embodiments of this application, both ends of the mounting bracket are connected to the sliding bracket, the middle part of the mounting bracket is bent toward the cleaning pool and extends into the cleaning pool; the nozzle is mounted in the middle part of the mounting bracket.

[0034] In some embodiments of this application, the first pipeline is equipped with a first control valve to control the opening and closing of the first pipeline, and the second pipeline is equipped with a second control valve to control the opening and closing of the second pipeline.

[0035] The printer head cleaning device further includes a fourth pipe and a fifth pipe. The fourth pipe is connected to the inlet end of the first control valve and the outlet end of the second control valve; the fifth pipe is connected to the outlet end of the first control valve and the inlet end of the second control valve.

[0036] The fourth pipeline is equipped with a fourth control valve to control the on / off state of the fourth pipeline, and the fifth pipeline is equipped with a fifth control valve to control the on / off state of the fifth pipeline.

[0037] In some embodiments of this application, the first pipeline is equipped with a first pump body, and the first pump body and the first control valve are arranged sequentially along the flow direction from the cleaning fluid storage tank to the first cleaning connector.

[0038] The second pipeline is equipped with a second pump body, and the second pump body and the second control valve are arranged in sequence along the flow direction from the cleaning fluid storage tank to the second cleaning connector.

[0039] In some embodiments of this application, the drain outlet is connected to a sixth pipe, which is connected to the inlet end of the second pump body, and a sixth control valve is installed on the sixth pipe.

[0040] In some embodiments of this application, there are two cleaning fluid storage tanks, and the first pipeline includes two first branch pipes, which are respectively connected to the two cleaning fluid storage tanks. Each of the two first branch pipes is equipped with a seventh control valve.

[0041] The second pipeline includes two second branch pipes, which are respectively connected to the two cleaning fluid storage tanks, and each of the two second branch pipes is equipped with an eighth control valve.

[0042] The printer head cleaning device according to the embodiments of this application has at least the following beneficial effects:

[0043] The lifting component drives the lifting bracket to rise, which in turn lifts the nozzle upwards from the cleaning tank via the mounting bracket, thus preventing high-frequency oscillations from damaging the nozzle's internal precision structure. The sliding bracket is horizontally mounted on the lifting bracket, and the drive component drives the sliding bracket to slide horizontally back and forth, which can throw out the cleaning fluid in the nozzle, making it easier for the cleaning fluid to re-enter the nozzle and improve the cleaning effect. By controlling the automatic operation of the lifting component and the drive component, automatic cleaning of the nozzle can be achieved, avoiding nozzle damage, reducing the difficulty of manual operation, and improving cleaning efficiency and quality. The cleaning fluid can circulate from the first pipe to the second pipe, or from the second pipe to the first pipe, or from the first pipe to the drain outlet, or from the second pipe to the drain outlet, providing multiple circulation cleaning methods. This allows for the rational arrangement of cleaning steps according to actual conditions, improving cleaning efficiency and quality.

[0044] Additional aspects and advantages of this application will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of this application. Attached Figure Description

[0045] The present application will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments, wherein:

[0046] Figure 1 This is an isometric view of an embodiment of this application;

[0047] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the first circulation path of the water circulation system according to an embodiment of this application;

[0048] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a second circulation path of the water circulation system according to an embodiment of this application;

[0049] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a third circulation path of the water circulation system according to an embodiment of this application;

[0050] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the fourth circulation path of the water circulation system according to an embodiment of this application;

[0051] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the fifth circulation path of the water circulation system according to an embodiment of this application;

[0052] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the sixth circulation path of the water circulation system according to an embodiment of this application;

[0053] Figure 8 for Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the structure of the cleaning fluid storage tank;

[0054] Figure 9 for Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the ultrasonic cleaning device;

[0055] Figure 10 for Figure 9 Enlarged view of point A in the middle;

[0056] Figure 11 for Figure 9 Enlarged view of point B in the middle;

[0057] Figure 12 for Figure 9 A schematic diagram of the ultrasonic cleaning device from the bottom view.

[0058] Figure 13 for Figure 12 A magnified view of point C in the middle.

[0059] Icon labels:

[0060] Base frame 1000, slide rail 1010, first detection structure 1020, second detection structure 1030, mounting base 1040, cleaning table 1050;

[0061] Cleaning tank 2000, first cleaning connector 2100, second cleaning connector 2200, first liquid level sensor 2300, ultrasonic generator 2400, drain outlet 2500;

[0062] Waterway cleaning system 3000, cleaning fluid storage tank 3100, tank body 3110, detection window 3111, tank cover 3120, second liquid level sensor 3121, pipe joint 3122, air filter 3123, first pipe 3200, first control valve 3210, first pump body 3220, first branch pipe 3230, seventh control valve 3231, second pipe 3300, second control valve 3310, second pump body 3320, second branch pipe 3330, eighth control valve 3331, third... Pipeline 3400, third control valve 3410, third pump body 3420, check valve 3430, third branch pipe 3440, fourth pipeline 3500, fourth control valve 3510, fifth pipeline 3600, fifth control valve 3610, sixth pipeline 3700, sixth control valve 3710, waste liquid tank 3800, wastewater pipe 3810, fourth pump body 3811, fourth branch pipe 3820, ninth control valve 3821, cleaning fluid original tank 3900, supply pipe 3910, fifth pump body 3911;

[0063] Ultrasonic cleaning device 4000, lifting bracket 4100, first boss 4110, first top plate 4111, first clamping structure 4112, second boss 4120, second top plate 4121, second clamping structure 4122, crossbar 4130, elastic element 4131, locking element 4132, sensing structure 4140, lifting assembly 4200, lifting motor 4210, lead screw 4220, sliding frame 4300, follower structure 4310, drive assembly 4400, drive structure 4410, cam structure 4420, mounting bracket 4500. Detailed Implementation

[0064] The embodiments of this application are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain this application, and should not be construed as limiting this application.

[0065] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the orientation descriptions, such as up, down, etc., are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

[0066] In the description of this application, "multiple" refers to two or more. The use of "first" and "second" is for the purpose of distinguishing technical features only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance, or implicitly indicating the number of technical features indicated, or the order in which the technical features are indicated.

[0067] In the description of this application, unless otherwise expressly defined, terms such as "setup," "installation," and "connection" should be interpreted broadly, and those skilled in the art can reasonably determine the specific meaning of the above terms in this application in conjunction with the specific content of the technical solution.

[0068] Reference Figures 1 to 13 This application discloses a printer printhead cleaning device, including a water cleaning system 3000 and an ultrasonic cleaning device 4000. The water cleaning system 3000 cleans the printhead by circulating cleaning fluid, and the ultrasonic cleaning device 4000 generates ultrasonic waves through an ultrasonic generator 2400 to vibrate the printhead at high frequency, thereby shaking off the solidified ink blocks in the printhead and improving the cleaning effect. The water cleaning system 3000 and the ultrasonic cleaning device 4000 complement each other to improve the cleaning effect and cleaning efficiency of the printhead.

[0069] Reference Figure 1 As shown, the printer head cleaning equipment of this embodiment includes a base frame 1000 and a cleaning tank 2000. The cleaning tank 2000, the water cleaning system 3000, and the ultrasonic cleaning device 4000 are all installed on the base frame 1000. (Refer to...) Figure 1 As shown, the base frame 1000 is equipped with a cleaning platform 1050, and the cleaning tank 2000 is installed on the cleaning platform 1050; (Refer to...) Figure 9 , Figure 12 As shown, the cleaning tank 2000 is equipped with an inlet and an outlet 2500. The cleaning tank 2000 is also equipped with an ultrasonic generator 2400 and a first liquid level sensor 2300. The ultrasonic generator 2400 is used to cause the cleaning fluid in the cleaning tank 2000 to oscillate at high frequency. The first liquid level sensor 2300 is used to detect the liquid level in the cleaning tank 2000, ensuring that the liquid level is within a set range. The cleaning tank 2000 is also equipped with a first cleaning connector 2100 and a second cleaning connector 2200. The first cleaning connector 2100 is connected to the ink inlet of the printhead, and the second cleaning connector 2200 is connected to the ink outlet of the printhead. The printhead cleaned in this embodiment has three interconnected positions: an ink inlet, an ink outlet, and an ink jet nozzle. Both the ink inlet and the ink outlet can be connected to pipelines, while the ink jet nozzle is formed by multiple ink outlet holes, therefore the ink jet nozzle cannot be connected via pipelines. The inkjet nozzles are prone to clogging. During cleaning, the inkjet nozzles are usually immersed in the cleaning solution in the cleaning tank 2000, while the ink inlet and outlet do not need to be immersed in the cleaning solution.

[0070] In some embodiments of this application, the water cleaning system 3000 includes a cleaning fluid storage tank 3100, a first pipe 3200, a second pipe 3300, and a third pipe 3400. The cleaning fluid storage tank 3100 is used to store cleaning fluid. The first pipe 3200 connects the cleaning fluid storage tank 3100 and a first cleaning connector 2100. The second pipe 3300 connects the cleaning fluid storage tank 3100 and a second cleaning connector 2200. The third pipe 3400 connects the cleaning fluid storage tank 3100 and a water inlet.

[0071] Reference Figures 2 to 7 As shown, the first pipe 3200 is equipped with a first pump body 3220, the second pipe 3300 is equipped with a second pump body 3320, and the third pipe 3400 is equipped with a third pump body 3420. The third pump body 3420 is used to pump the cleaning fluid in the cleaning fluid storage tank 3100 into the cleaning tank 2000. The first pump body 3220 is used to pump the cleaning fluid in the cleaning fluid storage tank 3100 into the ink inlet of the printhead through the first cleaning connector 2100, or to pump the cleaning fluid in the cleaning tank 2000 into the cleaning fluid storage tank 3100 sequentially through the inkjet nozzle, the ink inlet, and the first cleaning connector 2100. The second pump body 3320 is used to pump the cleaning fluid in the cleaning fluid storage tank 3100 into the ink outlet of the printhead through the second cleaning connector 2200, or to pump the cleaning fluid in the cleaning tank 2000 into the cleaning fluid storage tank 3100 sequentially through the inkjet nozzle, the ink outlet, and the second cleaning connector 2200.

[0072] In some specific embodiments of this application, the first pump body 3220 and the second pump body 3320 are typically gear pumps, and the third pump body 3420 is typically a diaphragm pump. The unit flow rate of the gear pump is greater than that of the diaphragm pump, and the cost of the gear pump is also greater than that of the diaphragm pump. The first pump body 3220 and the second pump body 3320 are gear pumps, which can clean the inside of the nozzle through a large flow flushing function. However, the third pump body 3420 can only supply water to the cleaning tank 2000 and cannot have a rinsing effect on the nozzle. Therefore, setting the third pump body 3420 as a diaphragm pump will not affect the cleaning efficiency of the nozzle and can effectively reduce the equipment cost.

[0073] In some specific embodiments of this application, both the first pipe 3200 and the second pipe 3300 are equipped with filters, which are installed at the outlet ends of the first pump body 3220 and the second pump body 3320. The first pipe 3200 is equipped with a first control valve 3210 to control the opening and closing of the first pipe 3200, and the second pipe 3300 is equipped with a second control valve 3310 to control the opening and closing of the second pipe 3300. The first control valve 3210 is installed at the outlet end of the first pump body 3220, and the second control valve 3310 is installed at the outlet end of the second pump body 3320. To prevent backflow of water in the cleaning tank 2000, the third pipe 3400 is equipped with a one-way valve 3430, which is installed at the outlet end of the third pump body 3420.

[0074] In some embodiments of this application, the water cleaning system 3000 further includes a fourth pipe 3500 and a fifth pipe 3600. The fourth pipe 3500 is connected to the inlet end of the first control valve 3210 and the outlet end of the second control valve 3310; the fifth pipe 3600 is connected to the outlet end of the first control valve 3210 and the inlet end of the second control valve 3310; the fourth pipe 3500 is equipped with a fourth control valve 3510 to control the opening and closing of the fourth pipe 3500, and the fifth pipe 3600 is equipped with a fifth control valve 3610 to control the opening and closing of the fifth pipe 3600.

[0075] In some embodiments of this application, the drain outlet 2500 is connected to a sixth pipe 3700, the sixth pipe 3700 is connected to the second pipe 3300, and the sixth pipe 3700 is connected to the inlet end of the second pump body 3320; the sixth pipe 3700 is equipped with a sixth control valve 3710 to control the opening and closing of the sixth pipe 3700.

[0076] In some embodiments of this application, reference is made to Figures 1 to 7 As shown, there are two cleaning fluid storage tanks 3100. The two cleaning fluid storage tanks 3100 can be used to store cleaning fluids of different concentrations or types to suit different cleaning objects or cleaning steps.

[0077] Accordingly, the first pipeline 3200 includes two first branch pipes 3230, which are respectively connected to two cleaning fluid storage tanks 3100. Each of the two first branch pipes 3230 is equipped with a seventh control valve 3231, and both are connected to the inlet end of the first pump body 3220. The second pipeline 3300 includes two second branch pipes 3330, which are respectively connected to the two cleaning fluid storage tanks 3100. Both second branch pipes 3330 are equipped with an eighth control valve 3331, and both second branch pipes 3330 are connected to the inlet end of the second pump body 3320; the third pipeline 3400 includes two third branch pipes 3440, which are respectively connected to two cleaning fluid storage tanks 3100, both third branch pipes 3440 are equipped with a third control valve 3410, and both third branch pipes 3440 are connected to the inlet end of the third pump body 3420.

[0078] The water cleaning system 3000 of this application embodiment, through the layout of the above structure, can form six different circulation modes to clean the nozzles. The six circulation modes are as follows:

[0079] 1. The ink circulation from the printhead inlet to the outlet is as follows: Figure 2 As shown: The cleaning fluid in the cleaning fluid storage tank 3100 enters the first pipeline 3200 through the first branch pipe 3230, and then enters the ink inlet of the printhead through the first pump body 3220, filter, first control valve 3210, and first cleaning connector 2100; then it enters the second pipeline 3300 through the ink outlet of the printhead and the second cleaning connector 2200, and then enters the second branch pipe 3330 through the second control valve 3310, filter, and second pump body 3320, and flows back to the cleaning fluid storage tank 3100; in this cycle, the first control valve 3210, the second control valve 3310, the seventh control valve 3231, and the eighth control valve 3331 are open, while the third control valve 3410, the fourth control valve 3510, the fifth control valve 3610, and the sixth control valve 3710 are closed;

[0080] II. Circulation from ink outlet to ink inlet of the printhead, refer to... Figure 3As shown: The cleaning fluid in the cleaning fluid storage tank 3100 enters the first pipeline 3200 through the first branch pipe 3230, then enters the fourth pipeline 3500 through the first pump body 3220 and the filter, and then enters the second pipeline 3300 through the fourth control valve 3510, and then enters the ink outlet of the printhead through the second cleaning connector 2200; then it enters the first pipeline 3200 through the ink inlet of the printhead and the first cleaning connector 2100, then enters the fifth pipeline 3600 through the first pipeline 3200, enters the second pipeline 3300 through the fifth control valve 3610, flows through the filter and the second pump body 3320, enters the second branch pipe 3330, and flows back to the cleaning fluid storage tank 3100; in this cycle, the fourth control valve 3510, the fifth control valve 3610, the seventh control valve 3231 and the eighth control valve 3331 are open, and the first control valve 3210, the second control valve 3310, the third control valve 3410 and the sixth control valve 3710 are closed;

[0081] III. Circulation from printhead inlet to printhead outlet (refer to...) Figure 4 As shown: The cleaning fluid in the cleaning fluid storage tank 3100 enters the first pipeline 3200 through the first branch pipe 3230, and then enters the ink inlet of the printhead through the first pump body 3220, filter, first control valve 3210, and first cleaning connector 2100; then it enters the cleaning tank 2000 through the ink nozzle of the printhead, and enters the sixth pipeline 3700 through the drain outlet 2500 of the cleaning tank 2000. After flowing through the sixth control valve 3710 and filter, it enters the second pipeline 3300, and then enters the second branch pipe 3330, and flows back to the cleaning fluid storage tank 3100. In this cycle, the first control valve 3210, the sixth control valve 3710, the seventh control valve 3231, and the eighth control valve 3331 are open, while the second control valve 3310, the third control valve 3410, the fourth control valve 3510, and the fifth control valve 3610 are closed.

[0082] IV. Circulation from the ink outlet of the printhead to the ink jet nozzle, refer to... Figure 5 As shown: The cleaning fluid in the cleaning fluid storage tank 3100 enters the first pipeline 3200 through the first branch pipe 3230, then enters the fourth pipeline 3500 through the first pump body 3220 and the filter, then enters the second pipeline 3300 through the fourth control valve 3510, and then enters the ink outlet of the printhead through the second cleaning connector 2200; then it enters the cleaning tank 2000 through the ink outlet of the printhead, then enters the sixth pipeline 3700 through the drain outlet 2500 of the cleaning tank 2000, flows through the sixth control valve 3710 and the filter, then enters the second pipeline 3300, then enters the second branch pipe 3330, and flows back to the cleaning fluid storage tank 3100; in this cycle, the fourth control valve 3510, the sixth control valve 3710, the seventh control valve 3231 and the eighth control valve 3331 are open, and the first control valve 3210, the second control valve 3310, the third control valve 3410 and the fifth control valve 3610 are closed;

[0083] V. Circulation from the printhead ink nozzle to the ink inlet, refer to... Figure 6 As shown: The cleaning fluid in the cleaning fluid storage tank 3100 enters the third pipeline 3400 through the third branch pipe 3440, and then enters the cleaning tank 2000 through the third pump body 3420 and the one-way valve 3430; then it enters the first cleaning connector 2100 through the ink inlet of the printhead, and enters the first pipeline 3200, then the fifth pipeline 3600 through the first pipeline 3200, and enters the second pipeline 3300 through the fifth control valve 3610. After flowing through the filter and the second pump body 3320, it enters the second branch pipe 3330 and flows back to the cleaning fluid storage tank 3100. In this cycle, the third control valve 3410, the fifth control valve 3610 and the eighth control valve 3331 are open, and the first control valve 3210, the second control valve 3310, the fourth control valve 3510, the sixth control valve 3710 and the seventh control valve 3231 are closed.

[0084] VI. The ink circulation from the printhead nozzle to the ink outlet is as follows: Figure 7 As shown: The cleaning fluid in the cleaning fluid storage tank 3100 enters the third pipeline 3400 through the third branch pipe 3440, and then enters the cleaning tank 2000 through the third pump body 3420 and the one-way valve 3430; then it enters the second cleaning connector 2200 through the ink outlet of the printhead, and enters the second pipeline 3300, flows through the second control valve 3310, the filter, and the second pump body 3320, and then enters the second branch pipe 3330, and flows back to the cleaning fluid storage tank 3100; in this cycle, the second control valve 3310, the third control valve 3410 and the eighth control valve 3331 are open, and the first control valve 3210, the fourth control valve 3510, the fifth control valve 3610, the sixth control valve 3710 and the seventh control valve 3231 are closed.

[0085] In the actual cleaning process of the nozzle, one or more of the above-mentioned circulation paths can be used to clean the nozzle, or a reasonable sequence of circulation paths can be used. This embodiment does not impose any limitations.

[0086] It is important to note that, of the above circulation paths, the first to fourth circulation paths can be used with the ultrasonic cleaning device 4000, while the fifth and sixth circulation paths cannot. This is because the ultrasonic cleaning device 4000 can drive the printhead to rise and fall relative to the cleaning tank 2000, moving the printhead above the surface of the cleaning fluid in the cleaning tank 2000. In the fifth and sixth circulation paths, the cleaning fluid enters the printhead from the ink nozzle. Once the printhead moves above the surface of the cleaning fluid, the cleaning fluid cannot continue to enter the printhead, causing the fifth and sixth circulation paths to be interrupted. In the first to fourth circulation paths, the cleaning fluid enters the printhead from either the ink inlet or the ink outlet. The first cleaning connector 2100 is connected to the ink inlet via a pipeline, and the second cleaning connector 2200 is connected to the ink outlet via a pipeline. Even if the printhead rises and falls, it does not affect the entry and exit of the cleaning fluid. Therefore, the first to fourth circulation paths can be used with the ultrasonic cleaning device 4000.

[0087] In some embodiments of this application, the water cleaning system 3000 further includes a waste liquid tank 3800, which is connected to a cleaning fluid storage tank 3100 via a wastewater pipe 3810. A fourth pump body 3811 is installed on the wastewater pipe 3810. Specifically, refer to 2 to... Figure 7 As shown, both cleaning fluid storage tanks 3100 are connected to the waste fluid tank 3800. The wastewater pipe 3810 includes two fourth branch pipes 3820, each equipped with a ninth control valve 3821. The fourth pump body 3811 can be a low-cost diaphragm pump. When the cleaning fluid in the cleaning fluid storage tank 3100 becomes dirty after circulating a certain number of times, it needs to be replaced. In this case, the dirty cleaning fluid in the cleaning fluid storage tank 3100 needs to be pumped to the waste fluid tank 3800 first.

[0088] In some embodiments of this application, the water cleaning system 3000 further includes a cleaning fluid original container 3900, which is connected to the cleaning fluid storage tank 3100 via a supply pipe 3910. A fifth pump body 3911 and a filter are installed on the supply pipe 3910. Specifically, refer to 2 to Figure 7 As shown, the number of original cleaning solution containers 3900 corresponds to the number of cleaning solution storage tanks 3100. Typically, two cleaning solution storage tanks 3100 are used to store cleaning solutions of different concentrations; therefore, two original cleaning solution containers 3900 of different concentrations are correspondingly provided. The fifth pump body 3911 is preferably a low-cost diaphragm pump, used to pump the cleaning solution from the original cleaning solution containers 3900 to the cleaning solution storage tanks 3100.

[0089] In some embodiments of this application, reference is made to Figure 8As shown, the cleaning fluid storage tank 3100 includes a tank body 3110 and a tank cover 3120. The tank body 3110 defines a cavity for storing the cleaning fluid. The side wall of the cavity is provided with a detection window 3111, which is made of transparent material. The tank cover 3120 is detachably connected to the tank body 3110. The tank cover 3120 is equipped with a second liquid level sensor 3121 and multiple pipe joints 3122. The second liquid level sensor 3121 detects the liquid level in the tank body 3110. The multiple pipe joints 3122 are respectively connected to the first pipe 3200, the second pipe 3300, and the third pipe 3400, and redundant pipe joints 3122 are also reserved.

[0090] In some embodiments of this application, the can lid 3120 and the can body 3110 are sealed together by fasteners such as bolts. The can lid 3120 is provided with an air filter 3123 to connect the containment cavity with the outside atmosphere, so as to avoid contamination of the cleaning fluid stored in the containment cavity by impurities in the air.

[0091] In some embodiments of this application, reference is made to Figures 9 to 13 As shown, the ultrasonic cleaning device 4000 includes a lifting bracket 4100, a lifting assembly 4200, a sliding frame 4300, a drive assembly 4400, and a mounting frame 4500. The base frame 1000 is equipped with a slide rail 1010, which is vertically arranged. The lifting bracket 4100 is slidably mounted on the slide rail 1010. The lifting assembly 4200 is mounted on the base frame 1000 and connected to the lifting bracket 4100. The lifting assembly 4200 drives the lifting bracket 4100 to rise and fall. Multiple slide rails 1010 are provided, and multiple slide rails 1010 are used to guide the lifting bracket 4100 to rise and fall. The sliding frame 4300 is horizontally slidably mounted on the lifting bracket 4100 and positioned above the cleaning tank 2000; the drive assembly 4400 is mounted on the lifting bracket 4100 and connected to the sliding frame 4300, and the drive assembly 4400 drives the sliding frame 4300 to slide horizontally; the mounting bracket 4500 is mounted on the sliding frame 4300 and is used to fix the nozzle.

[0092] In some embodiments of this application, reference is made to Figure 9 As shown, the lifting bracket 4100 includes two spaced-apart first protrusions 4110 and second protrusions 4120. A through hole is provided between the first protrusions 4110 and the second protrusions 4120, and the cleaning tank 2000 is disposed in the through hole. A crossbar 4130 is erected between the first protrusions 4110 and the second protrusions 4120. The crossbar 4130 passes through the sliding frame 4300, and the sliding frame 4300 is slidably mounted on the crossbar 4130. The driving assembly 4400 is used to drive the sliding frame 4300 to slide along the crossbar 4130. Specifically, the crossbar 4130 is horizontally arranged, and there are multiple crossbars 4130, which are horizontally spaced to improve the stability of the horizontal sliding of the sliding frame 4300.

[0093] In some embodiments of this application, a first boss 4110 is fitted with a first top plate 4111, and the first top plate 4111 is provided with a first clamping structure 4112; a second boss 4120 is fitted with a second top plate 4121, and the first top plate 4111 is provided with a second clamping structure 4122; both ends of the crossbar 4130 are respectively installed on the first clamping structure 4112 and the second clamping structure 4122; the first top plate 4111 is detachably connected to the first boss 4110, and / or the second top plate 4121 is detachably connected to the second boss 4120. Specifically, refer to... Figure 10 , Figure 11 As shown, the first clamping structure 4112 and the second clamping structure 4122 preferably adopt the same structure to reduce manufacturing and maintenance costs. Furthermore, the first top plate 4111 is preferably detachably connected to the first boss 4110, and the second top plate 4121 is preferably detachably connected to the second boss 4120, so that the first top plate 4111 and the second top plate 4121 can be replaced individually without replacing the first boss 4110 and the second boss 4120, thus reducing maintenance costs. The first boss 4110 and the second boss 4120 can be fixedly connected to the lifting bracket 4100 by welding, integral molding, or other methods to improve the stability of the first boss 4110 and the second boss 4120. The first top plate 4111 and the first boss 4110 are preferably detachably connected by bolts or similar fasteners; similarly, the second top plate 4121 and the second boss 4120 are preferably detachably connected by bolts or similar fasteners.

[0094] In some embodiments of this application, the drive assembly 4400 is mounted on the first boss 4110, and the drive assembly 4400 drives the sliding bracket 4300 to slide from the first boss 4110 to the second boss 4120. Specifically, refer to... Figure 11 As shown, the drive assembly 4400 includes a drive structure 4410 and a cam structure 4420. The drive structure 4410 is mounted on the first boss 4110, and the cam structure 4420 is mounted on the output end of the drive structure 4410. The drive structure 4410 is typically a motor, and it drives the cam structure 4420 to rotate axially. The sliding frame 4300 is equipped with a follower structure 4310, which abuts against the cam structure 4420. When the cam structure 4420 rotates axially, it can drive the sliding frame 4300 to slide from the first boss 4110 to the second boss 4120 through the follower structure 4310.

[0095] In some embodiments of this application, the follower structure 4310 is detachably mounted to the sliding frame 4300, and the follower structure 4310 is axially rotatably mounted to the sliding frame 4300. Specifically, refer to... Figure 11As shown, the follower structure 4310 is preferably a cylindrical structure. The follower structure 4310 is axially mounted on the sliding frame 4300 and can synchronously rotate relative to the cam structure 4420 when the cam structure 4420 rotates axially. This avoids the follower structure 4310 continuously contacting the cam structure 4420 at the same position, which could cause structural deformation or damage and extend the service life of the follower structure 4310 and the cam structure 4420.

[0096] In some embodiments of this application, the crossbar 4130 is fitted with an elastic member 4131, the two ends of which abut against the sliding frame 4300 and the second boss 4120, respectively. The elastic member 4131 pushes the sliding frame 4300 to slide from the second boss 4120 to the first boss 4110. Specifically, refer to... Figure 10 As shown, the elastic element 4131 is preferably a spring. When the sliding frame 4300 moves towards the second boss 4120 under the push of the cam structure 4420, the elastic element 4131 is compressed. As the cam structure 4420 continues to rotate, the elastic element 4131 releases its elastic potential energy, pushing the sliding frame 4300 towards the first boss 4110. The cam structure 4420 continues to rotate, cooperating with the elastic element 4131 to realize the reciprocating sliding of the sliding frame 4300. The reciprocating sliding speed of the sliding frame 4300 can be achieved by adjusting the rotation speed of the cam structure 4420. The reciprocating sliding of the sliding frame 4300 will drive the mounting frame 4500 to slide synchronously, thereby driving the nozzle mounted on the mounting frame 4500 to move synchronously back and forth, simulating the action of manual shaking, and throwing out the cleaning fluid inside the nozzle.

[0097] In some embodiments of this application, to facilitate adjustment of the elastic force of the elastic element 4131, a locking element 4132 is also installed on the crossbar 4130. The locking element 4132 is adjustablely fixed to the crossbar 4130, and the two ends of the elastic element 4131 abut against the sliding frame 4300 and the locking element 4132, respectively. The locking element 4132 has a locked state and a released state. When the locking element 4132 is in the released state, its position can be adjusted along the crossbar 4130. When the locking element 4132 is in the locked state, it is fixed relative to the crossbar 4130, and in particular, it cannot move axially relative to the crossbar 4130. The locking element 4132 can be of different shapes and sizes depending on the actual situation, and is not limited in this embodiment.

[0098] In some embodiments of this application, both ends of the mounting bracket 4500 are connected to the sliding bracket 4300, the middle portion of the mounting bracket 4500 bends towards the cleaning tank 2000 and extends into the cleaning tank 2000; the nozzle is mounted in the middle portion of the mounting bracket 4500. Specifically, refer to... Figure 1As shown, the mounting bracket 4500 is U-shaped, and both ends of the mounting bracket 4500 are connected to the sliding bracket 4300 by fasteners such as bolts, so as to facilitate the disassembly and replacement of the mounting bracket 4500.

[0099] Reference Figure 12 As shown, multiple ultrasonic generators 2400 are installed at the bottom of the cleaning tank 2000. When the printhead is immersed in the cleaning solution in the cleaning tank 2000, the ultrasonic waves emitted by the ultrasonic generators 2400 can dislodge the solidified ink blocks inside the printhead, thereby improving the cleaning effect. However, continuous ultrasonic vibration can cause the printhead to heat up due to the frequent impact of cleaning solution bubbles, which may damage the internal components of the printhead. Therefore, after the ultrasonic vibration is set for a certain duration, the printhead needs to be stopped from undergoing ultrasonic vibration for the set duration to avoid damage to the printhead.

[0100] Interrupting the continuous ultrasonic vibration of the printhead can be achieved by stopping the ultrasonic generator 2400 or moving the printhead to a position detached from the cleaning fluid. However, frequent starting and stopping of the ultrasonic generator 2400 can affect its lifespan, so moving the printhead to a position detached from the cleaning fluid is generally preferred. During ultrasonic cleaning, the printhead's internal components are subjected to intense vibrations from the cleaning fluid, causing them to heat up. When the lifting assembly 4200 drives the lifting bracket 4100 to rise above the surface of the cleaning fluid in the detached cleaning tank 2000, it facilitates rapid cooling of the printhead, reducing the probability of printhead damage. In addition, by cooperating with the elastic element 4131, the drive assembly 4400 drives the printhead to move horizontally back and forth to fling out the cleaning fluid inside the printhead, which facilitates the timely removal of ink blocks shaken off from inside the printhead, improving the cleaning effect inside the printhead.

[0101] By adopting the ultrasonic cleaning device 4000 of this application, the nozzle can be automatically raised, lowered and spun dry, avoiding damage to the nozzle from ultrasonic vibration over a long period of time. At the same time, the degree of manual intervention is low, there is no need to frequently move the nozzle, and the cleaning efficiency is high and the cleaning quality is stable.

[0102] In some embodiments of this application, reference is made to Figure 12 As shown, the lifting assembly 4200 includes a lifting motor 4210 and a lead screw 4220. The base frame 1000 is provided with a mounting base 1040, on which the lifting motor 4210 is mounted. The lead screw 4220 is axially rotatably mounted on the base frame 1000, connected to the output end of the lifting motor 4210, and is drively connected to the lifting bracket 4100. The lifting motor 4210 drives the lead screw 4220 to rotate axially, and the axial rotation of the lead screw 4220 drives the lifting bracket 4100 to rise and fall along the slide rail 1010. To precisely control the lifting height of the lifting bracket 4100, the lifting motor 4210 can be a servo motor or a stepper motor, etc.

[0103] It is conceivable that the lifting assembly 4200 can also adopt structures such as telescopic motors, telescopic cylinders, and telescopic hydraulic cylinders, depending on the actual situation.

[0104] In some embodiments of this application, the base frame 1000 is equipped with a first detection structure 1020 and a second detection structure 1030, and the lifting support 4100 is equipped with a sensing structure 4140. The sensing structure 4140 cooperates with the first detection structure 1020 and the second detection structure 1030 to limit the end position of the travel of the lifting support 4100. Specifically, refer to... Figure 13 As shown, the first detection structure 1020 and the second detection structure 1030 preferably adopt the same detection structure to reduce manufacturing and maintenance costs; the first detection structure 1020 and the second detection structure 1030 can adopt contact switches, inductive switches, or other structures, and the sensing structure 4140 can adopt metal sheets or other structures.

[0105] It is conceivable that in some other embodiments, the first detection structure 1020 and the second detection structure 1030 may also adopt limiting structures, such as limiting blocks; the sensing structure 4140 may adopt a protrusion or similar structure, which abuts against the limiting block to limit the travel end point of the lifting bracket 4100. By using the detection structure and the sensing structure 4140 to limit the travel end point of the lifting bracket 4100, the detection structure and the sensing structure 4140 will not collide relative to each other, causing the lifting bracket 4100 to shake, resulting in better stability of the lifting bracket 4100 and thus ensuring stability during the nozzle cleaning process.

[0106] The printer head cleaning device of this application embodiment uses a lifting component 4200 to drive a lifting bracket 4100 to rise, which in turn allows the printhead to be lifted and detached from the cleaning tank 2000 via a mounting bracket 4500, thus avoiding damage to the internal precision structure of the printhead caused by high-frequency oscillations. A sliding bracket 4300 is horizontally slidably mounted on the lifting bracket 4100, and a driving component 4400 drives the sliding bracket 4300 to slide horizontally back and forth, which can dislodge the cleaning fluid from the printhead, facilitating the printhead's re-entry into the cleaning fluid circulation and improving the cleaning effect. By controlling the lifting component 4200 and the driving component 4400... The automatic operation enables automatic cleaning of the nozzles and avoids damage to them, reducing the difficulty of manual operation and improving cleaning efficiency and quality. The cleaning fluid can circulate from the first pipe 3200 to the second pipe 3300, or from the second pipe 3300 to the first pipe 3200, or from the first pipe 3200 to the drain outlet 2500, or from the second pipe 3300 to the drain outlet 2500, or from the inlet to the drain outlet 2500. There are multiple circulation cleaning modes, which makes it easy to reasonably arrange the cleaning steps according to the actual situation and improve cleaning efficiency and quality.

[0107] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. In addition, those skilled in the art can combine the different embodiments or examples described in this specification.

[0108] The embodiments of this application have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, this application is not limited to the above embodiments. Within the scope of knowledge possessed by those skilled in the art, various changes can be made without departing from the spirit of this application.

Claims

1. A printer printhead cleaning device for cleaning printer printheads, the printhead including an ink inlet, an ink outlet, and an ink jet nozzle; characterized in that, include: The base frame is equipped with slide rails and lifting components; A cleaning tank is installed on the base frame. The cleaning tank is provided with a water inlet and a water outlet. An ultrasonic generator is installed in the cleaning tank. The lifting bracket is slidably installed on the slide rail and connected to the lifting assembly. When the lifting assembly drives the lifting bracket to rise above the liquid surface of the cleaning liquid in the cleaning tank, it can facilitate rapid cooling of the nozzle and reduce the probability of nozzle damage. A sliding frame is horizontally slidably mounted on the lifting support and positioned above the cleaning tank; A drive assembly is mounted on the lifting bracket and connected to the sliding frame. The drive assembly drives the sliding frame to slide horizontally relative to the lifting bracket. Mounting bracket, mounted on the sliding bracket, the mounting bracket is used to fix the nozzle; The first cleaning connector and the second cleaning connector are both installed in the cleaning tank. The first cleaning connector is connected to the ink inlet, and the second cleaning connector is connected to the ink outlet. Cleaning fluid storage tank, used to store cleaning fluid; A first pipeline connects the cleaning fluid storage tank and the first cleaning connector; a first control valve is installed on the first pipeline to control the opening and closing of the first pipeline; a first pump body is installed on the first pipeline along the flow direction from the cleaning fluid storage tank to the first cleaning connector; the first pump body and the first control valve are arranged sequentially. The second pipeline connects the cleaning fluid storage tank and the second cleaning connector; the second pipeline is equipped with a second control valve to control the opening and closing of the second pipeline; the second pipeline is equipped with a second pump body along the flow direction from the cleaning fluid storage tank to the second cleaning connector; the second pump body and the second control valve are arranged in sequence. The third pipe connects the cleaning fluid storage tank and the water inlet; A fourth pipe is connected to the inlet end of the first control valve and the outlet end of the second control valve. The fourth pipe is equipped with a fourth control valve to control the opening and closing of the fourth pipe. The fifth pipe is connected to the outlet end of the first control valve and the inlet end of the second control valve; the fifth pipe is equipped with a fifth control valve to control the on / off state of the fifth pipe; The sixth pipe connects the drain outlet to the inlet of the second pump body; the sixth pipe is equipped with a sixth control valve.

2. The printer head cleaning equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lifting support includes: The first and second protrusions are spaced apart; A through hole is provided between the first boss and the second boss, and the cleaning pool is provided inside the through hole; A crossbar passes through the sliding frame, and the two ends of the crossbar are respectively installed on the first boss and the second boss; The drive assembly is mounted on the first boss, and the drive assembly drives the sliding frame to slide from the first boss to the second boss; the crossbar is sleeved with an elastic element, and the two ends of the elastic element abut against the sliding frame and the second boss respectively, and the elastic element pushes the sliding frame to slide from the second boss to the first boss.

3. The printer head cleaning equipment according to claim 2, characterized in that, The crossbar is equipped with a locking element, which is adjustablely fixed to the crossbar; The two ends of the elastic element abut against the sliding frame and the locking element, respectively.

4. The printer head cleaning equipment according to claim 2, characterized in that, The driving component includes: The drive structure is mounted on the first boss; A cam structure is installed at the output end of the drive structure; The sliding frame is equipped with a follower structure, which abuts against the cam structure.

5. The printer head cleaning device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first boss is equipped with a first top plate, and the first top plate is provided with a first clamping structure; The second boss is equipped with a second top plate, and the second top plate is provided with a second clamping structure; The two ends of the crossbar are respectively installed on the first clamping structure and the second clamping structure; The first top plate is detachably connected to the first boss, and / or the second top plate is detachably connected to the second boss.

6. The printer head cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Both ends of the mounting bracket are connected to the sliding bracket, and the middle part of the mounting bracket bends toward the cleaning pool and extends into the cleaning pool; the nozzle is installed in the middle part of the mounting bracket.

7. The printer head cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Along the flow direction from the cleaning fluid storage tank to the water inlet, the third pipeline is sequentially equipped with a third pump body and a one-way valve.

8. The printer head cleaning equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cleaning fluid storage tank is provided in two parts. The first pipeline includes two first branch pipes, which are respectively connected to the two cleaning fluid storage tanks. Each of the two first branch pipes is equipped with a seventh control valve. The second pipeline includes two second branch pipes, which are respectively connected to the two cleaning fluid storage tanks, and each of the two second branch pipes is equipped with an eighth control valve.

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