Nozzle waste ink cleaning device

Abstract

The utility model provides a nozzle waste ink cleaning device which comprises a suction nozzle moving module, a suction nozzle head module, a jet printing head module, a nozzle moving module, a waste ink recovery module, an air suction module and a round rubber roller module. The spray printing head module is connected with the spray head moving module, the spray printing head module and the round rubber roller module are oppositely arranged, the spray printing direction of the spray printing head module faces the round rubber roller module, the suction nozzle head module is arranged on one side of the round rubber roller module, the suction nozzle head module is connected with the suction nozzle head lifting module, and the suction nozzle head lifting module is arranged on the other side of the round rubber roller module. The waste ink recovery module, the air suction module and the suction nozzle head module are sequentially connected through pipelines. The device can achieve automatic cleaning and collect waste ink on the surface of the nozzle, and maintenance engineers can conveniently and efficiently clean the waste ink on the surface of the nozzle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of digital printing and dyeing equipment technology, specifically to a printhead waste ink cleaning device. Background Technology

[0002] Digital printing and dyeing equipment is widely used in the dyeing and printing process of garment fabrics. However, during use, the arc-shaped digital inkjet system within this equipment may experience issues such as poor print quality, clogged nozzles, white streaks in the printed pattern, and impurities on the nozzle surface when printing takes a long time or the machine is idle for extended periods. These problems necessitate manual shutdown of the equipment to clean and collect the waste ink generated on the nozzle surface. Because maintenance is required for up to 85% of the equipment's operation, the large number of nozzles, the time-consuming cleaning process, and the easily damaged nozzle surfaces when cleaned with a lint-free cloth, all place extremely high demands on the maintenance personnel's operational procedures. Traditional methods of cleaning and collecting waste ink from printhead surfaces require manually stopping the equipment and repeatedly cleaning and absorbing the waste ink with a lint-free cloth. This process involves many steps, is time-consuming, has low cleaning efficiency, and easily scratches or bumps the printheads, leading to frequent printhead replacements and high costs for printhead consumables. Furthermore, the waste ink absorbed by the lint-free cloth cannot be centrally processed, posing an environmental risk to the workshop. Utility Model Content

[0003] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this utility model proposes a printhead waste ink cleaning device that can automatically clean and collect waste ink from the printhead surface, facilitating efficient cleaning of the printhead surface by maintenance engineers. It is applied to the automated and efficient cleaning and collection of waste ink from the printhead nozzle surface of digital printing and dyeing arc equipment.

[0004] The technical solution of this utility model is implemented as follows:

[0005] A printhead waste ink cleaning device includes a suction nozzle moving module, a suction nozzle module, a printhead module, a printhead moving module, a waste ink recovery module, a suction module, and a circular rubber roller module. The printhead module is connected to the printhead moving module, and the printhead module is positioned opposite the circular rubber roller module with the printing direction facing the circular rubber roller module. The suction nozzle module is located on one side of the circular rubber roller module and is connected to a suction nozzle lifting module. The suction module, waste ink recovery module, and suction nozzle module are sequentially connected by pipes. The suction nozzle moving module moves to bring the suction nozzle module into contact with the printhead module, and the printhead moving module moves to cause the printhead module to reciprocate. The suction module cleans the printhead module during its movement using the suction nozzle module.

[0006] A further technical solution in this embodiment is that the suction nozzle moving module is disposed on one side of the axial direction of the circular rubber roller module. The suction nozzle moving module includes a lifting and fixing frame, a lifting mechanism, and a suction nozzle head connecting plate. The lifting mechanism is disposed on the lifting and fixing frame, the suction nozzle head connecting plate is fixed on the lifting mechanism, and the suction nozzle head module is disposed on the suction nozzle head connecting plate on the side close to the inkjet head module.

[0007] A further technical solution in this embodiment is that the lifting mechanism is configured as a lifting cylinder.

[0008] A further technical solution in this embodiment is that the nozzle module includes a contact plate, a cavity seat, a nozzle fixing seat, and an ink tube connected in sequence. The surface of the contact plate is adapted to the print head module. The contact plate is provided with several through holes. A nozzle cavity is formed inside the cavity seat. The through holes are interconnected with the nozzle cavity. The nozzle cavity is connected to the waste ink recycling module through the ink tube.

[0009] A further technical solution in this embodiment is that the suction head module also includes a telescopic mechanism, which is disposed between the cavity seat and the fixed seat. The telescopic mechanism includes a telescopic spring and a spring guide post. One end of the spring guide post is fixed to the fixed seat, and the other end is slidably disposed in the cavity seat. The telescopic spring is sleeved on the spring guide post.

[0010] A further technical solution in this embodiment is that the printhead module includes a mounting base plate, a plurality of printheads, an orientation adjustment mechanism, a circulating ink supply tank, and a movable top plate. The movable top plate is disposed on the printhead moving module, the circulating ink supply tank is connected to the movable top plate, the orientation adjustment mechanism and the mounting base plate are disposed at the bottom end of the circulating ink supply tank near the circular rubber roller module, the mounting base plate is connected to the orientation adjustment mechanism, and the printheads are spaced apart on the mounting base plate.

[0011] A further technical solution in this embodiment is that the mounting base plate is provided with a plurality of grooves, and the nozzle is disposed at the bottom of the grooves.

[0012] A further technical solution in this embodiment is that the printhead moving module includes a crossbeam fixing seat, a drive mechanism, a pair of limit sensors, a pair of sensing plates, a matching linear guide rail, and a moving slider; the linear guide rail is fixed to the lower side of the crossbeam fixing seat, the moving slider can be installed on the linear guide rail, the drive mechanism is connected to the slider to make the moving slider move along the linear guide rail, the limit sensors are provided at both ends of the linear guide rail, the sensing plates are provided at both ends of the moving slider, and the printhead module is connected to the moving slider.

[0013] A further technical solution in this embodiment is that the driving mechanism is configured as a linear motor, and the linear motor is connected to the moving slider.

[0014] A further technical solution in this embodiment is that the waste ink recycling module includes a waste ink storage tank, a filter box, and filter cotton. The waste ink storage tank is provided with the filter box that can be pulled outwards, and the filter cotton is disposed in the filter box.

[0015] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following advantages:

[0016] This invention, by setting a printhead moving module, enables the printhead module and the suction head module to move in contact with each other. During the movement, the suction head module cleans the printhead through the suction module and the waste ink recovery module, realizing automated cleaning and collection of waste ink on the printhead surface. This efficient, high-precision, and non-damaging printhead cleaning device replaces the manual process of cleaning and collecting waste ink on the printhead surface with a lint-free cloth, thus solving the environmental problem of waste ink in the workshop. Attached Figure Description

[0017] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a printhead waste ink cleaning device according to the present invention;

[0019] Figure 2 for Figure 1 The left view;

[0020] Figure 3 for Figure 1 The right view;

[0021] Figure 4 for Figure 3 A magnified view of a section at point A in the middle;

[0022] Figure 5 for Figure 3 A partial enlarged view of point B in the middle;

[0023] Figure 6 for Figure 1 Top view.

[0024] Attached image labels:

[0025] 1- Nozzle moving module; 11- Lifting and fixing frame; 12- Lifting mechanism; 13- Nozzle head connecting plate;

[0026] 2-Mouthpiece module; 21-Contact plate; 22-Cavity seat; 23-Mouthpiece mounting base; 24-Ink tube; 25-Telescopic mechanism;

[0027] 3-Printhead module; 31-Mounting base plate; 32-Orientation adjustment mechanism; 33-Circulating ink supply tank; 34-Moving top plate;

[0028] 4- Nozzle moving module; 41- Crossbeam fixing seat; 42- Limit sensor; 43- Linear guide rail; 44- Moving slider;

[0029] 5- Waste ink recycling module; 51- Waste ink storage tank; 52- Filter box;

[0030] 6-Suction module;

[0031] 7-Circular rubber roller module. Detailed Implementation

[0032] The technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, and not all of them. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0033] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this utility model and for 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. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," "third," and "fourth," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0034] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; 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; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0035] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown, Figure 1 This is the back of a printhead waste ink cleaning device disclosed in this utility model embodiment, including a suction nozzle moving module 1, a suction nozzle module 2, a printhead module 3, a printhead moving module 4, a waste ink recovery module 5, a suction module 6, and a circular rubber roller module 7; the printhead module 3 is connected to the printhead moving module 4, the printhead module 3 and the circular rubber roller module 7 are arranged opposite each other with the printing direction facing the circular rubber roller module 7, the suction nozzle module 2 is arranged on one side of the circular rubber roller module 7, the suction nozzle module 2 is connected to the suction nozzle lifting module, and the suction module 6, the waste ink recovery module 5, and the suction nozzle module 2 are connected in sequence through pipes; the suction nozzle moving module 1 moves to make the suction nozzle module 2 fit with the printhead module 3, the printhead moving module 4 moves to make the printhead module 3 reciprocate, and the suction module 6 works to make the suction nozzle module 2 clean the printhead module 3 during the moving process. The suction nozzle moving module 1 raises the suction nozzle module 2 to a height where it can contact the printhead module 3, and then returns the suction nozzle module 2 to its original position. The suction nozzle module 2 ensures contact and contact with the printhead module 3 and performs suction cleaning on the printhead module 3. The printhead module 3 prints the pattern, and the circular rubber roller module 7 carries the pattern. The printhead moving module 4 drives the printhead module 3 to move back and forth from station A (printing position) to station B (cleaning position), while simultaneously driving the printhead to move axially along the circular rubber roller module 7, ensuring that the pattern printed by the printhead module 3 is stably and accurately sprayed onto the surface of the circular rubber roller. The waste ink recovery module 5 filters and stores waste ink, and the suction module 6 provides stable suction for the suction nozzle module 2. These are described in detail below:

[0036] like Figure 3 As shown, the nozzle moving module 1 is disposed on one axial side of the circular rubber roller module 7. The nozzle moving module 1 includes a lifting fixing frame 11, a lifting mechanism 12, and a nozzle head connecting plate 13. The lifting mechanism 12 is disposed on the lifting fixing frame 11, and the nozzle head connecting plate 13 is fixed on the lifting mechanism 12. The nozzle head module 2 is disposed on the nozzle head connecting plate 13 on the side close to the inkjet head module 3. Those skilled in the art will understand that the moving direction of the nozzle moving module 1 can be vertical, inclined, or horizontal. The lifting mechanism 12 can be a lifting cylinder, a drive motor, a magnetic suction device, etc. In this embodiment, the preferred lifting mechanism 12 is configured as a vertical lifting cylinder, which, through connection with the nozzle head connecting plate 13, causes the nozzle head module 2 to rise or fall. A lifting slider is also disposed at the lower end of the nozzle head connecting plate 13, and a lifting guide rail is also disposed on the lifting fixing frame 11. The lifting guide rail is located on both sides of the lifting cylinder. Through the cooperation of the lifting slider and the lifting guide rail, the lifting process of the nozzle head connecting plate 13 can be made more stable, preventing it from deviating.

[0037] like Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, the nozzle head module 2 includes a contact plate 21, a cavity seat 22, a nozzle head fixing seat 23, and an ink tube 24 connected in sequence. The surface of the contact plate 21 is adapted to the printhead module 3. The contact plate 21 is provided with several through holes. A nozzle cavity is formed inside the cavity seat 22. The through holes and the nozzle cavity are interconnected. The nozzle cavity is connected to the waste ink recovery module 5 through the ink tube 24. When the suction module 6 is turned on, the nozzle cavity and the through holes form a suction channel, thereby removing the waste ink on the printhead module 3. Those skilled in the art will understand that in order to make the contact plate 21 fit tightly with the printhead, the cross-sectional shape of the contact plate 21 matches the cross-sectional shape of the printhead module 3, and there is no gap when the two fit together. In this embodiment, the printhead module 3 is concave, and the contact plate 21 is convex. At the same time, the diameter and number of through holes on the contact plate 21 can be adjusted according to actual needs.

[0038] Furthermore, to ensure a tight fit between the nozzle module 2 and the printhead module 3, the nozzle module 2 also includes a telescopic mechanism 25. The telescopic mechanism 25 is positioned between the cavity seat 22 and the fixed seat. The telescopic mechanism 25 includes a telescopic spring and a spring guide post. One end of the spring guide post is fixed to the fixed seat, and the other end slides within the cavity seat 22. The telescopic spring is sleeved on the spring guide post. The elastic force of the telescopic spring presses the contact plate 21 against the printhead module 3, ensuring that no gap forms between the printhead module 3 and the nozzle module 2 during movement, effectively improving the cleaning effect. Specifically, the nozzle module 2 is tilted on the nozzle connecting plate 13, closer to the printhead module 3.

[0039] like Figure 4 As shown, the printhead module 3 includes a mounting base plate 31, several printheads, an orientation adjustment mechanism 32, a circulating ink supply tank 33, and a movable top plate 34. The movable top plate 34 is mounted on the printhead moving module 4. The circulating ink supply tank 33 is connected to the movable top plate 34. The orientation adjustment mechanism 32 and the mounting base plate 31 are located at the bottom of the circulating ink supply tank 33 near the circular rubber roller module 7. The mounting base plate 31 is connected to the orientation adjustment mechanism 32. The printheads are spaced apart on the mounting base plate 31. The orientation adjustment mechanism 32 is configured as a three-way adjustment structure, which adjusts the concentricity, parallelism, and vertical height between the printheads and the circular rubber roller module 7. The movable top plate 34 is centrally located and vertically positioned. The connecting wires required for the circulating ink supply tank 33 and the printheads pass through the movable top plate 34 and are connected to the top of the printhead moving module 4, ensuring that the connecting wires do not deform or become entangled during movement.

[0040] Furthermore, the mounting base plate 31 has several grooves, with the nozzle positioned at the bottom of the grooves. Specifically, the nozzle is recessed inward by 0.2mm, ensuring that the nozzle orifice surface is protected from damage during cleaning. The smaller inner diameter of the grooves also enhances the suction force and airflow generated by the suction head module 2.

[0041] like Figure 5 As shown, the printhead moving module 4 includes a crossbeam fixing base 41, a drive mechanism, a pair of limit sensors 42, a pair of sensing plates, a matching linear guide rail 43, and a moving slider 44. The linear guide rail 43 is fixed to the lower side of the crossbeam fixing base 41, and the moving slider 44 can be installed on the linear guide rail 43. The drive mechanism is connected to the slider to make the moving slider 44 move along the linear guide rail 43. Limit sensors 42 are provided at both ends of the linear guide rail 43, and sensing plates are provided at both ends of the moving slider 44. The printhead module 3 is connected to the moving slider 44. Those skilled in the art will understand that the movement trajectory of the printhead moving module 4 can be a straight line or an arc, and the movement direction can be unidirectional, reciprocating, or multidirectional. The movement trajectory of the printhead moving module 4 is related to the arrangement of the printheads. Since this embodiment uses contact-type relative movement for suction cleaning, the movement trajectory can be adjusted according to the arrangement of the printheads. In this embodiment, the drive mechanism is configured as a linear motor, and the linear motor is connected to the moving slider 44. In another embodiment, the drive mechanism is located on the top of the crossbeam fixing seat 41, the upper end of the movable top box is connected to the drive mechanism, and the lower end is connected to the circulating ink supply tank 33. The drive mechanism drives the movable top box, thereby driving the print head module 3.

[0042] like Figure 1 As shown, the waste ink recycling module 5 includes a waste ink storage tank 51, a filter box 52, and filter cotton. The waste ink storage tank 51 is equipped with a pull-out filter box 52, and the filter cotton is placed inside the filter box 52. When waste ink is sucked into the waste ink storage tank 51 through the ink tube 24, it is blocked by the filter cotton and falls into the waste ink storage tank 51, preventing the waste ink from being sucked into the suction module 6 and causing damage.

[0043] In this embodiment, the suction module 6 is configured as a blower to provide suction. The circular rubber roller module 7 includes a circular rubber roller, a motor, and an equipment mounting frame. The motor drives the circular rubber roller to rotate to carry the pattern. The equipment mounting frame is used to fix all the above components so that they form a whole, which is convenient for production and installation.

[0044] The working principle of the printhead waste ink cleaning device proposed in this embodiment is as follows:

[0045] The startup process requires that the digital printing equipment detects poor print quality during the printing process, either manually or through visual monitoring equipment. If so, the equipment must be stopped to analyze whether the abnormal print quality is caused by waste ink on the printhead surface. If not, the cleaning device command will not be triggered; if so, the cleaning device command will be triggered, and the cleaning device program in the digital inkjet system will start after the trigger command is completed.

[0046] The cylinder in the nozzle moving module 1 pushes out the nozzle head module 2 according to the pre-adjusted lifting stroke height and speed; the lifting height sensor collects the position of the nozzle head module 2 and feeds it back to the cleaning device program to automatically start the blower; the blower start signal is fed back to the cleaning device program.

[0047] The linear motor driving the printhead moving module 4 works, driving the printhead module 3 to move to the right from station A according to the pre-adjusted travel path and speed. The suction head module 2 collects the waste ink from the printhead surface into the waste ink recovery tank module. After the right sensor moves to the right limit sensor 42 at station B, the operation stops and the initial cleaning is completed. The signal from the right limit sensor 42 is fed back to the cleaning device program. Then the above process is repeated in the opposite direction.

[0048] After the printhead waste ink cleaning is completed, the nozzle moving module 1 returns to its original position, the blower stops working, and the cleaning device program enters the standby state.

[0049] This embodiment has at least the following advantages:

[0050] The main advantages are as follows:

[0051] 1. Avoid the tedious process of manually cleaning and absorbing waste ink on the printhead surface with a lint-free cloth, thus improving the maintenance efficiency of printhead cleaning.

[0052] 2. Reduce the probability of damage to the nozzle orifice due to the material properties of the nozzle itself, which makes it easily scratched and bumped, and reduce the purchase cost of the nozzle;

[0053] 3. Reduce the cost of purchasing printhead consumables and resolve the environmental risks caused by the inability to centralize waste ink in the workshop.

[0054] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present utility model should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A printhead waste ink cleaning device, characterized in that, It includes a suction nozzle moving module (1), a suction nozzle head module (2), a print head module (3), a print head moving module (4), a waste ink recovery module (5), a suction module, and a circular rubber roller module (7); the print head module (3) is connected to the print head moving module (4), the print head module (3) is arranged opposite to the circular rubber roller module (7) and the printing direction is towards the circular rubber roller module (7), the suction nozzle head module (2) is arranged on one side of the circular rubber roller module (7), the suction nozzle head module (2) is connected to the suction nozzle lifting module, and the suction module, the waste ink recovery module (5), and the suction nozzle head module (2) are connected in sequence through pipes; The suction nozzle moving module (1) moves to make the suction nozzle head module (2) fit into the print head module (3), the print head moving module (4) moves to make the print head module (3) reciprocate, and the suction module works to make the suction nozzle head module (2) clean the print head module (3) during the moving process.

2. The printhead waste ink cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The nozzle moving module (1) is located on one side of the axial direction of the circular rubber roller module (7). The nozzle moving module (1) includes a lifting fixing frame (11), a lifting mechanism (12), and a nozzle head connecting plate (13). The lifting mechanism (12) is located on the lifting fixing frame (11), and the nozzle head connecting plate (13) is fixed on the lifting mechanism (12). The nozzle head module (2) is located on the nozzle head connecting plate (13) on the side close to the inkjet head module (3).

3. The printhead waste ink cleaning device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The lifting mechanism (12) is configured as a lifting cylinder.

4. The printhead waste ink cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The nozzle head module (2) includes a contact plate (21), a cavity seat (22), a nozzle head fixing seat (23), and an ink tube (24) connected in sequence. The surface of the contact plate (21) is adapted to the print head module (3). The contact plate (21) is provided with several through holes. The cavity seat (22) forms a nozzle cavity. The through holes are connected to the nozzle cavity. The nozzle cavity is connected to the waste ink recycling module (5) through the ink tube (24).

5. The printhead waste ink cleaning device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The nozzle module (2) further includes a telescopic mechanism (25), which is disposed between the cavity seat (22) and the fixed seat. The telescopic mechanism (25) includes a telescopic spring and a spring guide post. One end of the spring guide post is fixed to the fixed seat, and the other end is slidably disposed in the cavity seat (22). The telescopic spring is sleeved on the spring guide post.

6. The printhead waste ink cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The printhead module (3) includes a mounting base plate (31), several printheads, an orientation adjustment mechanism (32), a circulating ink supply tank (33), and a movable top plate (34). The movable top plate (34) is mounted on the printhead moving module (4). The circulating ink supply tank (33) is connected to the movable top plate (34). The orientation adjustment mechanism (32) and the mounting base plate (31) are located at the bottom of the circulating ink supply tank (33) near the circular rubber roller module (7). The mounting base plate (31) is connected to the orientation adjustment mechanism (32). The printheads are spaced apart on the mounting base plate (31).

7. The printhead waste ink cleaning device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The mounting base plate (31) is provided with several grooves, and the nozzle is located at the bottom of the grooves.

8. The printhead waste ink cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The printhead moving module (4) includes a crossbeam fixing seat (41), a drive mechanism, a pair of limit sensors (42), a pair of sensing plates, a matching linear guide rail (43), and a moving slider (44). The linear guide rail (43) is fixed to the lower side of the crossbeam fixing seat (41), and the moving slider (44) can be installed on the linear guide rail (43). The drive mechanism is connected to the slider so that the moving slider (44) moves along the linear guide rail (43). The limit sensors (42) are provided at both ends of the linear guide rail (43), and the sensing plates are provided at both ends of the moving slider (44). The printhead module (3) is connected to the moving slider (44).

9. The printhead waste ink cleaning device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The drive mechanism is configured as a linear motor, which is connected to the movable slider (44).

10. The printhead waste ink cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The waste ink recycling module (5) includes a waste ink storage tank (51), a filter box (52) and filter cotton. The waste ink storage tank (51) is provided with the filter box (52) that can be pulled outward, and the filter cotton is placed in the filter box.

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