Nozzle maintenance device, ink-jet printing equipment and nozzle maintenance method

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of ink-jet 3D printing, in particular to a spray head maintenance device, ink-jet printing equipment and a spray head maintenance method. The nozzle maintenance device comprises a driving assembly and a maintenance assembly, the maintenance assembly is in transmission connection with the driving assembly, the maintenance assembly comprises an ink scraping piece and a liquid box, an opening is formed in the top end of the liquid box, and the ink scraping piece movably penetrates through the liquid box; the driving assembly can drive the ink scraping piece to ascend to the ink scraping position protruding out of the opening, the ink scraping piece is further provided with an avoiding position retracting into the liquid box, and when the ink scraping piece is located at the avoiding position, the driving assembly can drive the liquid box to ascend to cover the spray head so as to shield light or preserve moisture of the spray head. According to the spray head maintenance device, cleaning, ink scraping, shading and moisturizing of the spray head can be achieved, the spray head is prevented from being blocked, the printing quality is improved, and the service life of the spray head is prolonged. In addition, the sprayer maintenance device is simple and compact in structure and more reasonable in layout operation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of inkjet 3D printing technology, and in particular to a printhead maintenance device, inkjet printing equipment, and printhead maintenance method. Background Technology

[0002] Polymer jetting technology is an additive manufacturing method that uses an inkjet printhead to jet photosensitive resin in a specific pattern layer by layer and cures it under ultraviolet light. After printing for a period of time, ink residue can easily remain on the printhead, causing it to become clogged. In addition, the photosensitive resin is also prone to curing under ambient ultraviolet light. Therefore, a printhead maintenance device is needed to clean the printhead in a timely manner to ensure its normal operation.

[0003] Existing printhead maintenance devices include a doctor blade assembly, which is driven by a drive unit to remove residual ink from the outside of the printhead. However, these devices only remove external ink residue. When the printhead is not used for extended periods, the ink inside can solidify, causing clogging, reduced print quality, and shortened printhead lifespan. Furthermore, existing printhead maintenance devices are complex in structure and have an inefficient layout.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a printhead maintenance device, inkjet printing equipment, and printhead maintenance method to solve the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a printhead maintenance device, inkjet printing equipment, and printhead maintenance method to achieve printhead cleaning, ink scraping, light shielding, and moisture retention, thereby preventing printhead clogging, improving print quality, and extending printhead lifespan. Furthermore, the printhead maintenance device has a simple and compact structure and a more reasonable layout and operation.

[0006] To achieve this objective, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] A nozzle maintenance device, comprising:

[0008] Driver components; and

[0009] A maintenance component is connected to the drive component. The maintenance component includes a doctor blade and a liquid cartridge. The top of the liquid cartridge has an opening. The doctor blade is movably inserted into the liquid cartridge. The drive component can drive the doctor blade to rise to a doctor blade position protruding from the opening. The doctor blade also has a retractable position inside the liquid cartridge. When the doctor blade is in the retractable position, the drive component can drive the liquid cartridge to rise and cover the printhead to shield or moisturize the printhead.

[0010] As an optional solution, the driving component includes:

[0011] Rotary drive components; and

[0012] A cam drive component includes a drive shaft, a first cam, and a second cam. The drive shaft is connected to the rotary drive component. The first cam and the second cam are arranged at intervals along the axial direction of the drive shaft. Both the first cam and the second cam are sleeved and fixed to the drive shaft. The first cam is configured to lift the ink scraper, and the second cam is configured to lift the liquid cartridge.

[0013] As an optional solution, the driving component further includes:

[0014] A first drive roller is rotatably connected to the bottom of the doctor blade, and the edge of the first drive roller rolls and abuts against the edge of the first cam in a vertical direction; and

[0015] The second transmission roller is rotatably connected to the bottom of the liquid box, and the edge of the second transmission roller rolls and abuts against the edge of the second cam in the vertical direction.

[0016] As an alternative, the first cam and the second cam have the same shape, and the first cam is deflected relative to the second cam by 30° to 270° with the axis of rotation of the drive shaft as the center of rotation.

[0017] As an optional solution, the rotary drive includes:

[0018] Drive motor;

[0019] The first gear is connected to the output shaft of the drive motor.

[0020] The second gear meshes with the first gear, and the second gear is connected to the drive shaft for transmission.

[0021] As an optional solution, the nozzle maintenance device further includes:

[0022] Mounting assembly, wherein the drive shaft is rotatably connected to the mounting assembly; and

[0023] A reset assembly includes a first reset member and a second reset member. The first reset member is connected between the liquid cartridge and the wiper element and is configured to drive the wiper element to reset to the clearance position. The second reset member is connected between the mounting assembly and the liquid cartridge and is configured to drive the liquid cartridge to descend and reset to the initial position.

[0024] As an optional solution, the ink scraper includes:

[0025] A doctor blade that protrudes from the opening and contacts the printhead;

[0026] A doctor blade fixing plate is located inside the liquid box, and the doctor blade is fixedly installed on the doctor blade fixing plate.

[0027] A doctor blade connecting rod extends vertically and slides through the liquid container in the vertical direction. The top end of the doctor blade connecting rod passes through the bottom wall of the liquid container and is fixedly connected to the doctor blade fixing plate.

[0028] The doctor blade mounting plate is fixedly connected to the bottom end of the doctor blade connecting rod.

[0029] As an optional solution, the nozzle maintenance device further includes:

[0030] The liquid draining assembly includes a liquid draining pipe and a switch valve disposed on the liquid draining pipe. A liquid draining port is provided at the lowest point of the liquid box, and the inlet of the liquid draining pipe is connected to the liquid draining port.

[0031] An inkjet printing device includes a printhead assembly and a printhead maintenance device as described above. The printhead assembly is provided with a printhead, a liquid cartridge is capable of rising to cover the printhead, and the printhead assembly is capable of moving horizontally relative to the printhead maintenance device to allow the scraper element at the scraper position to clean the printhead.

[0032] A nozzle maintenance method, applied to the nozzle maintenance device described above, the nozzle maintenance method comprising the following steps:

[0033] When the printhead needs to be cleaned, the drive assembly drives the scraper to rise relative to the liquid cartridge to a scraper position protruding from the opening;

[0034] When it is necessary to shield the printhead from light or moisturize it, the scraper retracts to the clearance position inside the liquid cartridge relative to the liquid cartridge, and the drive assembly drives the liquid cartridge to rise and cover the printhead.

[0035] The beneficial effects of this invention are:

[0036] This invention provides a printhead maintenance device. This device includes a maintenance assembly comprising a scraper and a liquid cartridge. The scraper can move to a scraping position to clean the printhead, preventing residual ink from clogging the printhead. The liquid cartridge covers the printhead to provide light protection or moisture retention, preventing ink from curing and clogging under ambient ultraviolet light. This effectively avoids printhead clogging, improves print quality, and extends printhead lifespan. Furthermore, by movably inserting the scraper into the liquid cartridge, the device allows the cartridge to collect and store dripping ink during printhead cleaning. When the scraper is retracted into the liquid cartridge, a drive assembly raises the cartridge to cover the printhead. This design results in a simple, compact structure and a more rational layout and operation for the printhead maintenance device.

[0037] The present invention also provides an inkjet printing device that, by applying the above-mentioned printhead maintenance device, achieves cleaning, ink scraping, light shielding, and moisture retention of the printhead, effectively preventing printhead clogging, improving print quality, extending printhead lifespan, and making the entire inkjet printing device simple, compact, and more rationally laid out.

[0038] The present invention also provides a printhead maintenance method, which is applied to the above-mentioned printhead maintenance device. When the printhead needs to be cleaned, the drive component drives the scraper to rise relative to the liquid cartridge to the scraper position protruding from the opening. When the printhead needs to be shielded from light or moisturized, the scraper retracts relative to the liquid cartridge to the clearance position inside the liquid cartridge, and the drive component drives the liquid cartridge to rise to cover the printhead. This achieves printhead cleaning, scraping, light shielding, and moisturizing, effectively preventing printhead clogging, improving print quality, and extending printhead lifespan. Attached Figure Description

[0039] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the nozzle maintenance device provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 ;

[0040] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the printhead maintenance device provided in this embodiment of the invention, showing the printhead being scraped by the scraper when the scraper is in the scraper position.

[0041] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the nozzle maintenance device provided in the embodiment of the present invention, which covers the nozzle in a liquid box to shield or moisturize the nozzle.

[0042] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the nozzle maintenance device provided in this embodiment of the invention, in which the nozzle is covered by a liquid box to shield or moisturize the nozzle.

[0043] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the cam transmission component provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the nozzle maintenance device provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 .

[0045] In the picture:

[0046] 10. Sprayer head maintenance device; 20. Sprayer head assembly; 201. Sprayer head mounting plate; 202. Sprayer head; 30. Guide rail;

[0047] 1. Drive assembly; 11. Rotary drive component; 111. Drive motor; 112. First gear; 113. Second gear; 12. Cam transmission component; 121. Drive shaft; 122. First cam; 123. Second cam; 13. First transmission roller; 14. Second transmission roller; 2. Maintenance assembly; 21. Doctor blade; 211. Doctor blade; 2111. Doctor blade; 212. Doctor blade fixing plate; 213. Doctor blade connecting rod; 21 4. Squeegee mounting plate; 22. Liquid box; 221. Liquid box body; 2211. Opening; 2212. Drain port; 2213. Boss; 222. Liquid box connecting rod; 223. Connecting plug; 224. Sealing ring; 3. Mounting assembly; 4. Reset assembly; 41. First reset component; 42. Second reset component; 5. Detection assembly; 51. Positioning rod; 52. Sensor; 6. Drain assembly; 61. Switch valve; 62. Drain pipeline. Detailed Implementation

[0048] To make the technical problems solved by the present invention, the technical solutions adopted, and the technical effects achieved clearer, the technical solutions of the present invention will be further described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0049] In the description of this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected," "linked," and "fixed" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0050] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0051] In the description of this embodiment, the terms "upper," "lower," "left," and "right," etc., refer to the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for ease of description and simplification of operation, 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. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the present invention. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are used only for distinction in description and have no special meaning.

[0052] Existing printhead maintenance devices include a doctor blade assembly, which is driven by a drive unit to remove residual ink from the outside of the printhead. However, these devices only remove external ink residue. When the printhead is not used for extended periods, the ink inside can solidify, causing clogging, reduced print quality, and shortened printhead lifespan. Furthermore, existing printhead maintenance devices are complex in structure and have an inefficient layout.

[0053] To solve the above problems, such as Figures 1-4 As shown, this embodiment provides a printhead maintenance device 10, which includes a drive assembly 1 and a maintenance assembly 2. The maintenance assembly 2 is convexly connected to the drive assembly 1. The maintenance assembly 2 includes a doctor blade 21 and a liquid cartridge 22. The top of the liquid cartridge 22 has an opening 2211. The doctor blade 21 is movably inserted into the liquid cartridge 22. The drive assembly 1 can drive the doctor blade 21 to rise to a doctor blade position protruding from the opening 2211. The doctor blade 21 also has a retractable position inside the liquid cartridge 22. When the doctor blade 21 is in the retractable position, the drive assembly 1 can drive the liquid cartridge 22 to rise and cover the printhead 202 to shield the printhead 202 from light or keep it moist.

[0054] like Figure 2 As shown, when it is necessary to clean the ink residue on the outside of the printhead 202, the scraper 21 can move to the scraper position protruding from the opening 2211 to clean the printhead 202, thus preventing the ink residue on the outside of the printhead 202 from clogging it; as Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, when it is necessary to shield or moisturize the printhead 202, the scraper 21 retracts into the liquid cartridge 22, and the liquid cartridge 22 rises to cover the printhead 202, thereby shielding or moisturizing the printhead 202. This prevents the ink (here referring to photosensitive resin) in the printhead 202 from curing and clogging under ambient ultraviolet light, effectively avoiding the problem of printhead 202 clogging, improving print quality, and extending the service life of the printhead 202. In addition, by movably inserting the scraper 21 into the liquid cartridge 22, the printhead maintenance device 10 allows the liquid cartridge 22 to catch and store dripping ink when the scraper 21 cleans the printhead 202. Furthermore, when the scraper 21 is in the retracted position inside the liquid cartridge 22, the drive assembly 1 can drive the liquid cartridge 22 to rise and cover the printhead 202, making the printhead maintenance device 10 simple and compact in structure and more rational in layout and operation.

[0055] Optionally, in this embodiment, as Figure 1 and Figure 5 As shown, the drive assembly 1 includes a rotary drive 11 and a cam drive 12. The cam drive 12 includes a drive shaft 121, a first cam 122, and a second cam 123. The drive shaft 121 is connected to the rotary drive 11. The first cam 122 and the second cam 123 are arranged at intervals along the axial direction (front and back direction in the figure) of the drive shaft 121. The first cam 122 and the second cam 123 are both sleeved and fixed to the drive shaft 121. The first cam 122 is used to lift the ink scraper 21, and the second cam 123 is used to lift the liquid box 22. The rotary drive component 11 rotates via the drive shaft 121, which in turn drives the first cam 122 and the second cam 123 to rotate. When the highest point of the first cam 122 reaches its highest position, the scraper 21 is lifted to the scraping position by the first cam 122. When the highest point of the first cam 122 is no longer at its highest position, the scraper 21 can return to the clearance position. When the scraper 21 is in the clearance position, the second cam 123, driven by the drive shaft 121, rotates its highest point to its highest position, thereby lifting the liquid cartridge 22 by the second cam 123. The structural design of the drive component 1 allows for the driving of both the scraper 21 and the liquid cartridge 22 with a single drive component 1, while also ensuring the independence of their respective movements and preventing interference between the movements of the scraper 21 and the liquid cartridge 22. Furthermore, the use of the cam transmission component 12 to lift and drive the maintenance component 2 simplifies the structure and ensures the reliability of the drive.

[0056] It should be noted that in other embodiments, the drive assembly 1 can also be designed as two independent drive units, one of which drives the ink scraper 21 to rise and fall, and the other drive unit drives the liquid cartridge 22 to rise and fall. The drive unit can be in the form of a drive cylinder.

[0057] Optionally, in this embodiment, as Figure 1 As shown, the drive assembly 1 also includes a first transmission roller 13 and a second transmission roller 14. The first transmission roller 13 is rotatably connected to the bottom of the doctor blade 21, and its edge rolls against the edge of the first cam 122 in a vertical direction. The second transmission roller 14 is rotatably connected to the bottom of the liquid cartridge 22, and its edge rolls against the edge of the second cam 123 in a vertical direction. This arrangement reduces wear on the first cam 122 and the second cam 123, improves protection for both cams, extends their service life, and avoids frictional damage to the doctor blade 21 and the liquid cartridge 22. Optionally, in other embodiments, the edge of the first cam 122 can directly roll against the bottom of the doctor blade 21 in a vertical direction, and the edge of the second cam 123 can directly roll against the bottom of the liquid cartridge 22 in a vertical direction.

[0058] Optionally, in this embodiment, as Figure 5 As shown, the first cam 122 and the second cam 123 have the same shape, and the first cam 122 is deflected relative to the second cam 123 by 30° to 270° about the axis of the drive shaft 121. This arrangement avoids the highest points of the first cam 122 and the second cam 123 being simultaneously at their highest positions, thus preventing the scraper 21 and the liquid cartridge 22 from being simultaneously lifted. When the scraper 21 is lifted to the scraping position by the first cam 122, the liquid cartridge 22 is not lifted, ensuring that the scraper 21 protrudes from the opening 2211. When the liquid cartridge 22 is lifted to its highest position by the second cam 123, the scraper 21 is in a retracted position within the liquid cartridge 22. Optionally, the deflection angle of the first cam 122 relative to the second cam 123 can be 30°, 50°, 70°, 90°, 110°, 150°, 200°, or 270°; in this embodiment, 90° is preferred. Optionally, in this embodiment, the first cam 122 and the second cam 123 can be disc cams.

[0059] Optionally, in this embodiment, refer to Figure 1 and Figure 5As shown, two second cams 123 are spaced apart along the axial direction (front-back direction in the figure) of the drive shaft 121. A first cam 122 is located between the two second cams 123. Each second cam 123 rolls against a corresponding second drive roller 14, ensuring the stability and reliability of the lifting drive for the entire liquid box 22. In other embodiments, the number of second cams 123 and first cams 122 can be set according to requirements.

[0060] Optionally, in this embodiment, as Figure 1 As shown, the rotary drive component 11 includes a drive motor 111, a first gear 112, and a second gear 113. The first gear 112 is drive-connected to the output shaft of the drive motor 111, the second gear 113 meshes with the first gear 112, and the second gear 113 is drive-connected to the transmission shaft 121. The drive motor 111 drives the first gear 112 to rotate, which in turn drives the second gear 113 to rotate, and the second gear 113 drives the transmission shaft 121 to rotate. The transmission between the drive motor 111 and the transmission shaft 121 is achieved through the first gear 112 and the second gear 113, ensuring the accuracy of the transmission. Optionally, in this embodiment, the outer diameter of the second gear 113 is larger than the outer diameter of the first gear 112, thereby effectively reducing the rotational speed of the transmission shaft 121 and making it easier to adjust the movement of the liquid cartridge 22 and the ink scraper 21.

[0061] Optionally, in this embodiment, as Figure 1 and Figure 4 As shown, the nozzle maintenance device 10 also includes a mounting assembly 3, on which a drive motor 111 is mounted, and a transmission shaft 121 is rotatably connected. By providing the mounting assembly 3, the drive motor 111 is fixed in place, and the transmission shaft 121 is supported. Optionally, in this embodiment, the mounting assembly 3 is in the form of a mounting plate.

[0062] Optionally, in this embodiment, as Figure 4As shown, the ink scraper 21 includes a scraper blade 211, a scraper fixing plate 212, a scraper connecting rod 213, and a scraper mounting plate 214. The scraper fixing plate 212 is located inside the liquid container 22, and the scraper blade 211 is fixedly mounted on the scraper fixing plate 212. The scraper blade 211 can protrude from the opening 2211 and contact the print head 202. The scraper connecting rod 213 extends in the vertical direction and slides through the liquid container 22 in the vertical direction. The top end of the scraper connecting rod 213 passes through the bottom wall of the liquid container 22 and is fixedly connected to the scraper fixing plate 212. The bottom end of the scraper connecting rod 213 is fixedly connected to the scraper mounting plate 214, and a first transmission roller 13 is rotatably connected to the scraper mounting plate 214. The structural design of the aforementioned doctor blade 21 allows the doctor blade connecting rod 213 to slide up and down relative to the liquid container 22, thereby providing guidance for the lifting and lowering movement of the doctor blade 21 and ensuring the reliability of its movement. Optionally, in this embodiment, the doctor blade 211 can be made of silicone material, thereby avoiding damage to the printhead 202 and improving the protection of the printhead 202. Optionally, in this embodiment, multiple scraper blades 2111 are spaced apart along the left-right direction on the doctor blade 211, and each scraper blade 2111 extends along the front-back direction, effectively improving the cleaning effect on the printhead 202. In addition, the design of the doctor blade 211 allows the multiple scraper blades 2111 to be integrally formed, resulting in a simple structure, easy installation, and ensuring the stability of the doctor blade 211.

[0063] In this embodiment, as Figures 1-4 As shown, the liquid cartridge 22 includes a cartridge body 221, a cartridge connecting rod 222, and a connecting plug 223. The top of the cartridge body 221 has an opening 2211 for covering the nozzle 202, and the bottom of the cartridge body 221 is rotatably connected to a second transmission roller 14. The cartridge connecting rod 222 extends vertically, with its top fixedly connected to the bottom of the cartridge body 221. The cartridge connecting rod 222 slides through the mounting assembly 3, and its bottom passes through the mounting assembly 3 and is fixedly connected to the connecting plug 223. The cartridge connecting rod 222 provides guidance for the vertical movement of the liquid cartridge 22 relative to the mounting assembly 3, ensuring the reliability of the liquid cartridge 22's movement. Furthermore, the connecting plug 223 prevents the cartridge connecting rod 222 from detaching from the mounting assembly 3.

[0064] Optionally, in this embodiment, as Figure 4As shown, a boss 2213 is provided on the inner bottom wall of the liquid cartridge body 221. The boss 2213 is hollow. The scraper connecting rod 213 slides through the inner bottom wall of the liquid cartridge body 221 and is inserted into the boss 2213. The height of the boss 2213 is higher than the liquid level in the liquid cartridge body 221, thereby preventing the ink in the liquid cartridge body 221 from leaking out through the scraper connecting rod 213 at the insertion position of the liquid cartridge body 221.

[0065] Optionally, in this embodiment, as Figure 4 and Figure 6 As shown, the liquid container 22 also includes a sealing ring 224, which is embedded in the top of the liquid container body 221 and surrounds the opening 2211. By setting the sealing ring 224, the sealing effect of the liquid container body 221 covering the nozzle 202 is effectively improved.

[0066] Optionally, in this embodiment, as Figure 4 and Figure 6 As shown, the printhead maintenance device 10 also includes a drainage assembly 6, which includes a drainage pipe 62 and a switch valve 61 installed on the drainage pipe 62. A drainage port 2212 is provided at the lowest point of the ink cartridge body 221, and the inlet of the drainage pipe 62 is connected to the drainage port 2212. When the switch valve 61 is closed, the ink cartridge body 221 can collect and store the dripping ink when the ink scraper 21 cleans the printhead 202. When it is necessary to moisturize the printhead 202, the ink cartridge body 221 containing the ink is placed over the printhead 202, thereby providing a sealed and humid environment for the printhead 202 and achieving a moisturizing effect. When it is necessary to shield the printhead 202 from light, open the switch valve 61 so that the ink in the liquid cartridge body 221 is discharged through the drain port 2212 and the drain pipe 62. Then, cover the printhead 202 with the liquid cartridge body 221 to provide a sealed environment for the printhead 202 and achieve the purpose of shielding the printhead 202 from light.

[0067] Optionally, in this embodiment, as Figure 4As shown, the printhead maintenance device 10 also includes a reset assembly 4, which includes a first reset member 41 and a second reset member 42. The first reset member 41 is connected between the liquid cartridge 22 and the doctor blade 21, and is used to drive the doctor blade 21 to reset to the avoidance position. The second reset member 42 is connected between the mounting assembly 3 and the liquid cartridge 22, and is used to drive the liquid cartridge 22 to descend and reset to the initial position. Optionally, in this embodiment, the first reset member 41 can be an elastic element, such as a spring. The first reset member 41 can not only drive the doctor blade 21 to reset to the avoidance position, but also ensure the reliability of the rolling contact between the wheel edge of the first transmission roller 13 and the wheel edge of the first cam 122 in the vertical direction. Similarly, the second reset member 42 can also be an elastic element, such as a spring. The second reset member 42 can not only drive the liquid cartridge 22 to descend and reset to the initial position, but also ensure the reliability of the rolling contact between the wheel edge of the second transmission roller 14 and the wheel edge of the second cam 123 in the vertical direction. Specifically, in this embodiment, the first reset member 41 is sleeved on the scraper connecting rod 213, and the two ends of the first reset member 41 abut against the lower end face of the liquid box body 221 and the scraper mounting plate 214, respectively. When the scraper 21 is lifted, the first reset member 41 is compressed. When the first cam 122 rotates a certain angle and no longer lifts the scraper 21, the elastic restoring force of the first reset member 41 can make the first transmission roller 13 descend and remain in contact with the first cam 122, thereby ensuring that the scraper 21 is reset to the avoidance position. In this embodiment, the second reset member 42 is sleeved on the liquid box connecting rod 222, and both ends of the second reset member 42 abut against the lower end face of the mounting assembly 3 and the connecting plug 223, respectively. When the liquid box 22 is lifted, the second reset member 42 is compressed. When the second cam 123 rotates a certain angle and no longer lifts the liquid box 22, the elastic restoring force of the second reset member 42 allows the second transmission roller 14 to descend and remain in contact with the second cam 123, thereby ensuring the liquid box 22 is reset. The above arrangement achieves the positioning and installation of the first reset member 41 and the second reset member 42, making the structure more reliable.

[0068] Optionally, in this embodiment, as Figure 6As shown, the printhead maintenance device 10 also includes a detection component 5, which is used to detect the rotation angle of the drive shaft 121, thereby better monitoring the position of the liquid cartridge 22 and the doctor blade 21. Specifically, in this embodiment, the detection component 5 includes a positioning rod 51 and a sensor 52. The positioning rod 51 is fixedly sleeved on the drive shaft 121, so that the positioning rod 51 can rotate with the drive shaft 121. The sensor 52 is fixedly installed on the mounting component 3. When the positioning rod 51 rotates to a position that blocks the sensor 52, the sensor 52 sends a first detection signal. When the positioning rod 51 rotates to a position that does not block the sensor 52, the sensor 52 sends a second detection signal, thereby better detecting the rotation angle of the drive shaft 121.

[0069] like Figures 2-4 As shown, this embodiment also provides an inkjet printing device, which includes a printhead assembly 20 and the aforementioned printhead maintenance device 10. The printhead assembly 20 is equipped with a printhead 202, and the liquid cartridge 22 can rise to cover the printhead 202. The printhead assembly 20 can move horizontally (left-right in the figure) relative to the printhead maintenance device 10 to allow the scraper 21 in the scraping position to clean the printhead 202. The inkjet printing device provided in this embodiment, by applying the aforementioned printhead maintenance device 10, achieves cleaning, scraping, light shielding, and moisturizing of the printhead 202, effectively preventing clogging of the printhead 202, improving print quality, extending the service life of the printhead 202, and making the overall structure of the inkjet printing device simple and compact, with a more reasonable layout and operation.

[0070] Optionally, in this embodiment, as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the nozzle assembly 20 includes a nozzle mounting plate 201, on which multiple nozzles 202 are spaced apart, with each scraper 2111 corresponding to one nozzle 202. When the liquid tank 22 is covered by multiple nozzles 202, a sealing ring 224 is sandwiched between the liquid tank body 221 and the nozzle mounting plate 201.

[0071] In addition, the inkjet printing device provided in this embodiment also includes a guide rail 30, which extends in the left and right direction. The printhead mounting plate 201 is slidably connected to the guide rail 30, so that the printhead mounting plate 201 can drive multiple printheads 202 to move in the left and right direction, thereby ensuring the cleaning and scraping effect of the scraper 21 on the printhead 202 in the scraping position.

[0072] This embodiment also provides a nozzle maintenance method. The nozzle maintenance method provided in this embodiment is applied to the nozzle maintenance device 10 described above, and the nozzle maintenance method includes the following steps:

[0073] When the printhead 202 needs to be cleaned, the drive assembly 1 drives the scraper 21 to rise relative to the liquid tank 22 to the scraper position protruding from the opening 2211.

[0074] When it is necessary to shield the printhead 202 from light or keep it moist, the scraper 21 retracts to a clearance position inside the liquid cartridge 22 relative to the liquid cartridge 22, and the drive assembly 1 drives the liquid cartridge 22 to rise and cover the printhead 202.

[0075] The printhead maintenance method provided in this embodiment achieves cleaning, ink scraping, light shielding, and moisture retention of the printhead 202, effectively preventing clogging of the printhead 202, improving print quality, and extending the service life of the printhead 202.

[0076] Furthermore, it should be noted that when it is necessary to moisturize the printhead 202, simply cover the printhead 202 with the ink cartridge body 221 containing the ink, thereby providing a sealed and humid environment for the printhead 202 and achieving a moisturizing effect. When it is necessary to shield the printhead 202 from light, open the switch valve 61 to allow the ink in the ink cartridge body 221 to be discharged through the drain port 2212 and the drain pipe 62, and then cover the printhead 202 with the ink cartridge body 221, thereby providing a sealed environment for the printhead 202 and achieving light shielding.

[0077] Obviously, the above embodiments of the present invention are merely examples for clearly illustrating the present invention, and are not intended to limit the implementation of the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make other variations or modifications based on the above description. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively describe all embodiments here. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A nozzle maintenance device, characterized in that, include: Driver component (1); as well as Maintenance component (2) is connected to drive component (1). Maintenance component (2) includes a scraper (21) and liquid cartridge (22). The top of liquid cartridge (22) is provided with an opening (2211). The scraper (21) is movably inserted into liquid cartridge (22). Drive component (1) can drive scraper (21) to rise to a scraping position protruding from the opening (2211). Scraper (21) also has a retractable position inside liquid cartridge (22). When scraper (21) is in the retractable position, drive component (1) can drive liquid cartridge (22) to rise and cover printhead (202) to shield or moisturize printhead (202).

2. The nozzle maintenance device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The driving component (1) includes: Rotary drive (11); and A cam drive component (12) includes a drive shaft (121), a first cam (122), and a second cam (123). The drive shaft (121) is connected to the rotary drive component (11). The first cam (122) and the second cam (123) are arranged at intervals along the axial direction of the drive shaft (121). The first cam (122) and the second cam (123) are both sleeved and fixed to the drive shaft (121). The first cam (122) is configured to lift the ink scraper (21), and the second cam (123) is configured to lift the liquid container (22).

3. The nozzle maintenance device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The driving component (1) further includes: A first transmission roller (13) is rotatably connected to the bottom of the doctor blade (21), and the edge of the first transmission roller (13) rolls and abuts against the edge of the first cam (122) in the vertical direction; and The second transmission roller (14) is rotatably connected to the bottom of the liquid box (22), and the edge of the second transmission roller (14) rolls and abuts against the edge of the second cam (123) in the vertical direction.

4. The nozzle maintenance device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first cam (122) and the second cam (123) have the same shape, and the first cam (122) rotates about the axis of the drive shaft (121) with a rotation center of 30° to 270° relative to the second cam (123).

5. The nozzle maintenance device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The rotary drive (11) includes: Drive motor (111); The first gear (112) is connected to the output shaft of the drive motor (111) via a transmission connection; The second gear (113) meshes with the first gear (112), and the second gear (113) is connected to the drive shaft (121) in a driving connection.

6. The nozzle maintenance device according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that, The nozzle maintenance device also includes: Mounting assembly (3), on which the drive shaft (121) is rotatably connected; and The reset assembly (4) includes a first reset member (41) and a second reset member (42). The first reset member (41) is connected between the liquid cartridge (22) and the wiper (21) and is configured to drive the wiper (21) to reset to the clearance position. The second reset member (42) is connected between the mounting assembly (3) and the liquid cartridge (22) and is configured to drive the liquid cartridge (22) to descend and reset to the initial position.

7. The nozzle maintenance device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The doctor blade (21) includes: A doctor blade (211) that protrudes from the opening (2211) and contacts the printhead (202); The doctor blade fixing plate (212) is located inside the liquid box (22), and the doctor blade (211) is fixedly installed on the doctor blade fixing plate (212); A doctor blade connecting rod (213) extends vertically and slides through the liquid container (22) along the vertical direction. The top end of the doctor blade connecting rod (213) passes through the bottom wall of the liquid container (22) and is fixedly connected to the doctor blade fixing plate (212). The doctor blade mounting plate (214) is fixedly connected to the bottom end of the doctor blade connecting rod (213).

8. The nozzle maintenance device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The nozzle maintenance device also includes: The liquid draining assembly (6) includes a liquid draining pipe (62) and a switch valve (61) disposed on the liquid draining pipe (62). A liquid draining port (2212) is provided at the lowest point of the liquid box (22). The inlet of the liquid draining pipe (62) is connected to the liquid draining port (2212).

9. An inkjet printing device, characterized in that, The device includes a printhead assembly (20) and a printhead maintenance device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the printhead assembly (20) is provided with a printhead (202), the liquid cartridge (22) is capable of rising to cover the printhead (202), and the printhead assembly (20) is capable of moving horizontally relative to the printhead maintenance device so that the scraper (21) in the scraper position cleans the printhead (202).

10. A method for maintaining a nozzle, characterized in that, The nozzle maintenance method, applicable to the nozzle maintenance device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, comprises the following steps: When the printhead (202) needs to be cleaned, the drive assembly (1) drives the scraper (21) to rise relative to the liquid cartridge (22) to the scraper position protruding from the opening (2211); When it is necessary to shield or moisturize the printhead (202), the doctor blade (21) retracts to the clearance position inside the liquid cartridge (22) relative to the liquid cartridge (22), and the drive assembly (1) drives the liquid cartridge (22) to rise and cover the printhead (202).

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