Spray head state maintenance device and DNA chip printing synthesis system

Abstract

The utility model discloses a nozzle state maintenance device and a DNA chip printing synthesis system. The spray head state maintenance device comprises a driving assembly, a first sliding block with the moving freedom degree is installed at the power output end of the driving assembly; a second sliding block is fixedly arranged on the side portion of the first sliding block. The transmission assembly comprises a guide inclined rail clamped with the second sliding block and a vertical plate for mounting the guide inclined rail; the guide inclined rail has the freedom degree of ascending or descending under driving of the second sliding block. A moisturizing ink pad assembly is fixedly arranged at the top of the vertical plate; the moisturizing ink pad assembly comprises an ink absorption top plate, a groove is formed in the ink absorption top plate, and a moisturizing pad matched with the nozzle is arranged in the groove; and the ink suction assembly comprises an ink suction pump and a waste ink storage bottle, the ink suction pump is connected with the groove, and the groove forms a negative pressure environment facing the corresponding nozzle under the action of the ink suction pump. The device can ensure the good state of the spray head in the ink-jet printing process, effectively reduce volatilization and diffusion of reagents, and realize no blockage, no ink interruption and no ink overflow of the spray head.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the interdisciplinary field of inkjet printing and DNA synthesis, and in particular to a printhead condition maintenance device and a DNA chip printing and synthesis system. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of DNA synthesis, precise control of ink ejection is crucial to ensuring the accuracy and efficiency of the synthesis process. The printhead, as the direct actuator for ink ejection, directly affects the quality of DNA synthesis. Because DNA synthesis is extremely sensitive to the environment, any improper diffusion of ink (organic solvent) can adversely affect the synthesis results. Therefore, professional and meticulous maintenance of the printhead is of paramount importance.

[0003] Existing printhead maintenance technologies mainly focus on cleaning and upkeep. Common maintenance methods include regularly cleaning the printhead to remove residual ink and dust, and using specific maintenance solutions to keep the printhead moist and unobstructed. However, these methods have revealed some problems in practical applications. First, traditional maintenance measures are often not ideal, failing to thoroughly remove dirt and blockages inside the printhead. Second, the operation process is relatively complex, requiring professional personnel, increasing the difficulty and cost of maintenance. Furthermore, the chemical reagents used in DNA synthesis differ significantly in properties from traditional inks. Traditional printhead maintenance devices and methods are not entirely suitable for the field of DNA synthesis, failing to guarantee the printhead's optimal condition during inkjet printing and failing to achieve the goals of preventing printhead clogging, ink interruptions, and ink overflows, while minimizing the volatilization, diffusion, and fusion of chemical reagents. Utility Model Content

[0004] In view of this, the present disclosure provides a printhead condition maintenance device and a DNA chip printing and synthesis system, which at least partially solves the problems existing in the prior art that cannot guarantee the good condition of the printhead during inkjet printing, cannot achieve printhead non-clogging, non-interruption of ink, non-overflow of ink, and cannot guarantee that chemical reagents evaporate, diffuse, or fuse less.

[0005] In a first aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a nozzle status maintenance device, comprising:

[0006] A drive assembly has a first slider mounted on its power output end, the first slider having a degree of freedom to move along the longitudinal axis of the power output end of the drive assembly; a second slider is fixed to the side of the first slider.

[0007] The transmission assembly includes a guide rail that engages with the second slider and a vertical plate for mounting the guide rail. The longitudinal axis of the guide rail is set at a preset angle with the moving direction of the first slider. The guide rail has the freedom to move up or down under the drive of the second slider.

[0008] A moisturizing ink pad assembly is fixedly installed on the top of the upright plate; the moisturizing ink pad assembly includes an ink-absorbing top plate, the ink-absorbing top plate has a groove, and a moisturizing pad matching the printhead is disposed in the groove;

[0009] The ink suction assembly includes an ink suction pump and a waste ink storage bottle connected to the ink suction pump. The ink suction pump is connected to the groove, and the groove forms a negative pressure environment facing the corresponding printhead under the action of the ink suction pump.

[0010] Optionally, the drive assembly includes a drive motor and a lead screw mounted on the power output end of the drive motor;

[0011] The drive motor is mounted on the support plate, and the support plate is provided with a linear guide rail that engages with the bottom of the first slider. The linear guide rail is arranged parallel to the lead screw.

[0012] The first slider is sleeved on the lead screw and threadedly connected to the lead screw.

[0013] Optionally, an elastic element is provided between the moisturizing pad and the groove, and the moisturizing pad is higher than the groove when the elastic element is in a naturally extended state;

[0014] A through hole is provided in the groove, and the ink pump is connected to the through hole through a pipeline.

[0015] Optionally, the center of the moisturizing pad is aligned with the center of the corresponding nozzle;

[0016] The top area of ​​the moisturizing pad is smaller than the surface cross-section of the nozzle, but larger than the sum of the areas of all the holes on the nozzle.

[0017] Optionally, the distance from the top of the moisturizing pad to the lower surface of the nozzle in the initial position is H1, and the rising distance of the moisturizing pad from the initial position to the target position is H2, where Δ = H2 - H1;

[0018] 1mm≤△≤3mm.

[0019] Optionally, the support plate is provided with a first side plate, a second side plate, a third side plate, a fourth side plate, and a bearing mounting plate. The first side plate, the second side plate, the third side plate, and the fourth side plate are all fixedly installed on the bottom of the bearing mounting plate. The first side plate is arranged adjacent to the second side plate and opposite to the third side plate. The drive motor is mounted on the support plate through the second side plate. The ink absorption assembly is installed on the outside of the fourth side plate.

[0020] The bottom of the ink-absorbing top plate is provided with several columns; the columns are fitted with shaft support seats that are fixedly installed to the bottom of the ink-absorbing top plate.

[0021] The top of the bearing mounting plate is equipped with a linear bearing component that matches the column, and the linear bearing component is matched with the shaft support seat.

[0022] Optionally, a tension spring is provided between the top of the bearing mounting plate and the ink-absorbing top plate, and the tension spring has a preset tension force.

[0023] Optionally, a limit sensor is installed on the upright plate;

[0024] A first bracket and a second bracket are installed on the side of the first side plate, and a first sensor is installed on the first bracket;

[0025] The second sensor is mounted on the second bracket;

[0026] Both the first sensor and the second sensor are configured to correspond to the limiting sensor sheet.

[0027] Optionally, a slider limiting component is installed at one end of the linear guide rail;

[0028] A motor protection stop is installed at the other end of the linear guide rail.

[0029] Secondly, this application discloses a DNA chip printing synthesis system, including a central control center, a DNA synthesis device, and a nozzle status maintenance device; both the DNA synthesis device and the nozzle status maintenance device are signal-connected to the central control center.

[0030] The printhead condition maintenance device disclosed in this application, through the coordinated action of the drive component and the transmission component, can perform fine mechanical adjustments to the printhead. The design of the first slider, the second slider, and the guide rail can convert the horizontal movement of the first slider into the upward or downward movement of the guide rail, thereby precisely controlling the distance between the moisturizing ink pad assembly and the printhead, achieving precise lifting and lowering control, and improving the accuracy of printhead condition maintenance. The design of the ink suction assembly, especially the combination of the ink suction pump and the groove, creates a negative pressure environment facing the printhead. This negative pressure can effectively prevent improper ink diffusion, reduce the volatilization of chemical reagents and the diffusion of useless components, and ensure environmental consistency and composition. The setting of the ink suction pump and waste ink storage bottle allows for the automatic discharge and storage of waste ink during maintenance, greatly simplifying the cleaning process, reducing the need for manual operation, and lowering the risk of human error.

[0031] The above description is merely an overview of the technical solution disclosed herein. In order to better understand the technical means of this disclosure and to implement it in accordance with the contents of the specification, and to make the above and other objects, features and advantages of this disclosure more apparent and understandable, preferred embodiments are described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0032] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this disclosure, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this disclosure. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0033] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a nozzle status maintenance device provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] Figure 2 for Figure 1 An explosion diagram.

[0035] Figure 3 for Figure 2 An assembly diagram of the moisturizing ink pad assembly and the transmission assembly.

[0036] Figure 4 for Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the assembly of the transmission component and the second slider.

[0037] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0038] 100. Drive assembly; 110. Drive motor; 120. Lead screw;

[0039] 210. First slider; 220. Second slider;

[0040] 310. Guide rail; 320. Vertical plate; 330. Limit sensor plate;

[0041] 400. Moisturizing ink pad assembly; 410. Ink-absorbing top plate; 420. Groove; 430. Moisturizing pad; 440. Column; 450. Shaft support base; 460. Sheet metal upper cover;

[0042] 500. Ink absorption assembly;

[0043] 610. Bearing plate; 620. Linear guide rail; 630. First side plate; 640. Second side plate; 650. Third side plate; 660. Fourth side plate; 670. Bearing mounting plate; 671. Linear bearing component; 680. Slider limiting component; 690. Motor protection block;

[0044] 710. First sheet metal cover; 720. Second sheet metal cover. Detailed Implementation

[0045] The present disclosure will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. Furthermore, it should be noted that, for ease of description, only the parts relevant to the present disclosure are shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0046] It should be noted that, where there is no conflict, the embodiments and features described in this disclosure can be combined with each other. The technical solutions of this disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0047] Unless otherwise stated, the exemplary implementations / embodiments shown are to be understood as providing exemplary features of various details that provide ways in which the technical concepts of this disclosure can be implemented in practice. Therefore, unless otherwise stated, the features of various implementations / embodiments may be additionally combined, separated, interchanged and / or rearranged without departing from the technical concepts of this disclosure.

[0048] The use of crosshairs and / or shading in the accompanying drawings is generally used to clarify the boundaries between adjacent components. Thus, unless otherwise stated, the presence or absence of crosshairs or shading does not convey or indicate any preference or requirement for the specific material, material properties, dimensions, proportions, commonalities between the illustrated components, or any other characteristics, properties, etc., of the components. Furthermore, in the accompanying drawings, the dimensions and relative dimensions of components may be exaggerated for clarity and / or descriptive purposes. When exemplary embodiments can be implemented differently, a specific process sequence may be performed in a different order than that described. For example, two consecutively described processes may be performed substantially simultaneously or in the reverse order of their description. Furthermore, the same reference numerals denote the same components.

[0049] When a component is referred to as being "on" or "above" another component, "connected to," or "joined to" another component, the component may be directly on, directly connected to, or directly joined to the other component, or there may be intermediate components. However, when a component is referred to as being "directly on" another component, "directly connected to," or "directly joined to" another component, there are no intermediate components. Therefore, the term "connection" can refer to a physical connection, an electrical connection, etc., and may or may not have intermediate components.

[0050] For descriptive purposes, this disclosure may use spatial relative terms such as “below,” “under,” “below,” “down,” “above,” “above,” “higher,” and “side (e.g., in a “sidewall”)” to describe the relationship between one component and another component as shown in the accompanying drawings. In addition to the orientations depicted in the drawings, the spatial relative terms are also intended to encompass different orientations of the device during use, operation, and / or manufacture. For example, if the device in the drawings is flipped, a component described as “below” or “under” another component or feature would subsequently be positioned “above” said other component or feature. Thus, the exemplary term “below” can encompass both “above” and “below” orientations. Furthermore, the device may be otherwise positioned (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), thus interpreting the spatial relative descriptive terms used herein accordingly.

[0051] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms “a” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well. Furthermore, when the terms “comprising” and / or “including” and variations thereof are used in this specification, it indicates the presence of the stated features, integrals, steps, operations, parts, components, and / or groups thereof, but does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integrals, steps, operations, parts, components, and / or groups thereof. It should also be noted that, as used herein, the terms “substantially,” “about,” and other similar terms are used as approximate terms rather than as terms of degree, thus explaining the inherent biases in measurements, calculated values, and / or provided values ​​that would be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0052] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2This application discloses a printhead status maintenance device, including: a drive assembly 100, a transmission assembly and an ink suction assembly 500. A first slider 210 is installed at the power output end of the drive assembly 100. The first slider 210 has a degree of freedom to move along the longitudinal axis of the power output end of the drive assembly 100, that is, the first slider 210 can move under the drive of the drive assembly 100.

[0053] Specifically, the drive assembly 100 includes a drive motor 110 and a lead screw 120 mounted on the power output end of the drive motor 110. The drive motor 110 is mounted on a support plate 610, and the support plate 610 is provided with a linear guide rail 620 that engages with the bottom of the first slider 210. The linear guide rail 620 is arranged parallel to the lead screw 120. The first slider 210 is sleeved on the lead screw 120 and threadedly connected to the lead screw 120. The linear guide rail 620 ensures the linear movement of the first slider 210.

[0054] In this embodiment, the drive motor 110 is offset, which ensures that the ink-absorbing top plate 410 is located in a relatively central position, while also ensuring that the overall structure is compact and occupies less space.

[0055] Simultaneously refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 The first slider 210 is fixedly provided with a second slider 220 on its side. In this embodiment, the first slider 210 is an L-shaped slider. The bottom of the first side of the L-shaped slider is provided with a locking groove that matches the linear guide rail 620. The second slider 220 is fixedly provided on the second side of the L-shaped slider.

[0056] The transmission assembly includes a guide rail 310 that engages with the second slider 220 and a vertical plate 320 for mounting the guide rail 310. The longitudinal axis of the guide rail 310 is set at a preset angle with the moving direction of the first slider 210. The guide rail 310 has the freedom to rise or fall under the drive of the second slider 220.

[0057] The preset included angle is α, where 30°≤α≤45°.

[0058] A moisturizing ink pad assembly 400 is fixedly provided on the top of the upright plate 320; the moisturizing ink pad assembly 400 includes an ink-absorbing top plate 410, on which a groove 420 (i.e., a chamber) is formed, and a moisturizing pad 430 matching the printhead is provided in the groove 420. In this embodiment, matching the printhead can be understood as the moisturizing pad 430 being sufficient to fit tightly against the corresponding printhead, satisfying the moisturizing of the area corresponding to the printhead; wherein, each printhead corresponds to one moisturizing pad 430, and each printhead can be maintained individually, and the ink and gas generated during maintenance are absorbed by the corresponding moisturizing pad 430.

[0059] The ink suction assembly 500 includes an ink suction pump and a waste ink storage bottle (not shown in the figure) connected to the ink suction pump. The ink suction pump is connected to the groove 420 through a pipeline. Under the action of the ink suction pump, the groove 420 forms a negative pressure environment facing the corresponding printhead. That is, when the ink suction pump is started, it provides negative pressure and forms a negative pressure environment in the groove 420 area.

[0060] Specifically, before flash printing, ink pressing, and cleaning, the ink suction pump is activated to create a negative pressure environment within the groove 420 (i.e., the moisturizing pad 430 and its surroundings). When there are reagents at the printhead that are about to evaporate or diffuse, the negative pressure of the negative pressure environment will instantly suck away these reagents (i.e., the chemical reagents generated during printhead maintenance) and transfer them to the waste ink storage bottle through the ink suction pump. This ensures that there are almost no evaporating or diffused reagents in the surrounding environment, effectively reducing or even avoiding printhead clogging and uneven ink spraying caused by ink residue, dust, ink diffusion and fusion during use, thus ensuring printing quality and normal operation of the equipment.

[0061] Furthermore, before flash printing or waste ink pressing is performed, the moisturizing pad 430 will rise to the designated position in advance, and the ink pump will start a certain time in advance to form a negative pressure environment, reducing the diffusion of ink into the environment caused by ink pressing or flash printing.

[0062] After a flash or waste ink press is performed, the moisturizing pad 430 will descend with a delay, and the ink pump will shut down for a period of time to maintain a negative pressure environment and prevent ink residue caused by the waste ink press or flash from spreading into the environment.

[0063] In operation, the drive motor 110 starts, driving the lead screw 120 to rotate, which in turn drives the first slider 210 to move along the lead screw 120. When the first slider 210 moves closer to the drive motor 110, it is equivalent to the second slider 220 moving closer to the drive motor 110. Since the second slider 220 is fixed on the first slider 210, the second slider 220 can only move horizontally. Through the engagement and matching of the second slider 220 with the guide rail 310, the guide rail 310 will be driven to move upward. Since the guide rail 310, the upright plate 320, and the moisturizing ink pad assembly 400 are all fixedly connected, the moisturizing ink pad assembly 400 will be driven to move upward. Conversely, when the first slider 210 moves away from the drive motor 110, the transmission component will drive the moisturizing ink pad assembly 400 to move downward.

[0064] In this embodiment, the vertical plate 320 includes a first plate for mounting the guide rail 310 and a vertical connecting plate fixedly connected to the first plate. The top of the vertical connecting plate is fixedly connected to the ink-absorbing top plate 410.

[0065] Furthermore, an elastic element is provided between the moisturizing pad 430 and the groove 420, preferably a spring; when the elastic element is in its naturally extended state, the moisturizing pad 430 is higher than the groove 420, and when it is pressed on the nozzle surface, the spring can provide a certain buffering effect, thereby protecting the nozzle.

[0066] Preferably, a through hole is provided at the bottom of the groove 420. The ink pump is connected to the through hole through a pipeline. When the moisturizing pad 430 comes into contact with the printhead, the moisturizing pad 430 is preferably lower than the top of the groove 420 to ensure that the reagent from the printhead is absorbed by the moisturizing pad 430 and will not escape into the surrounding environment. The negative pressure environment formed in this way will surround the entire moisturizing pad 430. Therefore, the reagent present in the groove 420 and the moisturizing pad 430 can be quickly collected into the waste ink storage bottle under the action of suction.

[0067] Furthermore, the center of the moisturizing pad 430 is preferably aligned with the center of the corresponding nozzle; the top area of ​​the moisturizing pad 430 is smaller than the surface cross-section of the nozzle, but larger than the sum of the areas of all the holes on the nozzle, ensuring effective maintenance of the nozzle while avoiding any design waste of the moisturizing pad 430.

[0068] In this embodiment, the distance from the top of the moisturizing pad 430 to the lower surface of the nozzle in the initial position is H1, and the rising distance of the moisturizing pad 430 from the initial position to the target position is H2. Δ = H2 - H1, 1mm ≤ Δ ≤ 3mm. By setting it in this way, the moisturizing pad 430 can be kept in close contact with the nozzle, ensuring the maintenance effect on the nozzle's condition.

[0069] In this embodiment, the support plate 610 is provided with a first side plate 630, a second side plate 640, a third side plate 650, a fourth side plate 660, and a bearing mounting plate 670. The first side plate 630, the second side plate 640, the third side plate 650, and the fourth side plate 660 are all fixedly installed on the bottom of the bearing mounting plate 670. The first side plate 630 is arranged adjacent to the second side plate 640 and opposite to the third side plate 650. The drive motor 110 is installed on the support plate 610 through the second side plate 640. The ink absorption assembly 500 is installed on the outside of the fourth side plate 660.

[0070] Furthermore, an L-shaped first sheet metal cover 710 is provided on the outer side of the first side plate 630 and the second side plate 640, and an L-shaped second sheet metal cover 720 is provided on the outer side of the second side plate 640 and the third side plate 650. The first sheet metal cover 710, the second sheet metal cover 720 and the fourth side plate 660 form a protective cover around the perimeter.

[0071] The outer side of the ink-absorbing top plate 410 is provided with a sheet metal upper cover 460 to protect the ink-absorbing top plate 410.

[0072] The bottom of the ink-absorbing top plate 410 is provided with several columns 440, and each column 440 is fitted with a shaft support seat 450 that is fixedly installed on the bottom of the ink-absorbing top plate 410; the top of the bearing mounting plate 670 is equipped with a linear bearing component 671 that matches the column 440, and the linear bearing component 671 is matched with the shaft support seat 450. The setting of the shaft support seat 450 can ensure that the ink-absorbing top plate 410 will not directly contact the linear bearing component 671, thereby protecting the ink-absorbing top plate 410 during the lifting process.

[0073] The lower end of the column 440 extends through the shaft support 450 and then into the linear bearing component 671. When the ink-absorbing top plate 410 rises or falls, the column 440 can rise or fall relative to the linear bearing component 671. That is, the column 440 has the freedom of movement to rise or fall along the longitudinal axis of the linear bearing component 671. The linear bearing component 671 can guide the column 440.

[0074] Furthermore, a tension spring is provided between the top of the bearing mounting plate 670 and the ink-absorbing top plate 410. The tension spring has a preset tension force, which pulls the ink-absorbing top plate 410 close to the bearing mounting plate 670 when the ink-absorbing top plate 410 is in its initial assembly state (i.e., downward tension force). During the upward movement of the ink-absorbing top plate 410, it still has a downward tension force, ensuring the stability of the ink-absorbing top plate 410 and preventing unnecessary movement or vibration when no external force is applied. At the same time, when the ink-absorbing top plate 410 is subjected to external force to rise or fall, the tension spring can provide a certain buffering effect, absorbing part of the impact force, thereby protecting the relevant components from damage.

[0075] Simultaneously refer to Figure 4 In this embodiment, a limit sensor 330 is installed on the upright plate 320; a first bracket and a second bracket are installed on the side of the first side plate 630, a first sensor is installed on the first bracket, and a second sensor is installed on the second bracket; the first sensor and the second sensor are both configured to correspond to the limit sensor 330.

[0076] The first bracket is positioned above the second bracket, meaning the first sensor is positioned above the second sensor. When the second sensor detects the limit sensor 330, it indicates that the upright plate 320 has risen to the preset humidity level, triggering the drive motor 110 to stop.

[0077] When the second sensor detects the limit sensor 330, it indicates that the upright plate 320 has descended to the preset origin position, and then the drive motor 110 is triggered to stop.

[0078] In this embodiment, a slider limiter 680 is installed at one end of the linear guide 620 to limit the first slider 210 and prevent the first slider 210 from slipping off the lead screw 120; a motor protection block 690 is installed at the other end of the linear guide 620 to prevent the first slider 210 from damaging the drive motor 110.

[0079] In this embodiment, the engagement of the second slider 220 with the guide rail 310 ensures relative movement between them. Specifically, the fixedly connected transmission assembly and the moisturizing ink pad assembly 400 can be considered as a whole. The horizontal movement of the whole is limited by the linear bearing 671, which is matched with the column 440 and installed on the top of the bearing mounting plate 670, so that the whole can only rise or fall. Therefore, when the second slider 220 and the first slider 210 move horizontally along the lead screw 120, they act on the guide rail 310, which controls the rise or fall of the guide rail 310, which is equivalent to controlling the rise or fall of the moisturizing ink pad assembly 400.

[0080] In this implementation, the number of ink pumps and waste ink storage bottles connected to the ink pumps are set to correspond to the number of moisturizing pads 430 and the number of printheads, that is, one printhead corresponds to one moisturizing pad 430, one ink pump, and one waste ink storage bottle.

[0081] When there are multiple printheads, the multiple recesses 420 are arranged side by side, and the corresponding multiple ink pumps are arranged side by side, which makes the installation simple and efficient, while reducing the path of the connecting pipeline.

[0082] Each ink pump has an inlet and an outlet, with the inlet connected to a through-hole via piping. When there are multiple ink pumps, each outlet is connected to a multi-way connector via a sub-pipeline. The multi-way connector is then connected to the waste ink storage bottle via a main pipe. Because in this field, the entire printhead condition maintenance device, except for the waste ink storage bottle, is sealed in a glove box, the sub-pipelines, multi-way connectors, and main pipe configuration effectively reduce the number of external connecting pipes and ensure a tight seal.

[0083] The printhead condition maintenance device disclosed in this application is an innovative device designed to address the shortcomings in the precision and effectiveness of printhead maintenance in existing technologies, particularly the challenges faced by printheads interacting with chemical reagents in the field of DNA synthesis. It fully considers the special characteristics of the inks used in DNA synthesis and the stringent environmental requirements of the synthesis process. Specifically, through the synergistic action of the drive and transmission components, the printhead can be precisely mechanically adjusted. The design of the first slider, second slider, and guide rail allows the horizontal movement of the first slider to be converted into the upward or downward movement of the guide rail, thereby precisely controlling the distance between the moisturizing ink pad assembly and the printhead, achieving precise lifting and lowering control, and improving the accuracy of printhead condition maintenance. The design of the ink-absorbing assembly, especially the combination of the ink pump and the groove, creates a negative pressure environment facing the printhead. This negative pressure effectively prevents improper ink diffusion, reduces the volatilization of chemical reagents and the diffusion of useless components, ensuring environmental consistency and synthetic quality. The ink pump and waste ink storage bottle allow for the automatic discharge and storage of waste ink during maintenance, greatly simplifying the cleaning process, reducing the need for manual operation, and lowering the risk of human error.

[0084] In this application, the combined use of drive and transmission components, along with the integrated design of the negative pressure and humidification systems, effectively reduces reliance on specialized technicians, decreases maintenance complexity and cost, and improves maintenance efficiency. The nozzle condition maintenance device proposed in this application effectively ensures control precision, reduces environmental impact, enhances humidification function, and improves ease of operation, providing a better technical solution for highly sensitive applications such as DNA synthesis, thereby significantly improving the accuracy and efficiency of DNA synthesis.

[0085] The device disclosed in this application, through the adoption of advanced cleaning technology and intelligent maintenance processes, can achieve efficient cleaning of the printhead, reduce ink residue and diffusion, thereby ensuring the accuracy and stability of DNA synthesis. At the same time, the operation process is simple, highly automated, and has low maintenance costs, meeting the practical needs of a wide range of DNA synthesis researchers and users.

[0086] Secondly, this application discloses a DNA chip printing synthesis system, including a central control center, a DNA synthesis device, and a nozzle status maintenance device, wherein the DNA synthesis device and the nozzle status maintenance device are both signal-connected to the central control center.

[0087] Based on the standby state of the DNA synthesis equipment, the central control center controls the drive component to move the moisturizing ink pad assembly toward the printhead in the DNA synthesis equipment until the moisturizing pad in the moisturizing ink pad assembly covers the printhead (i.e., when it rises to the preset position) and stops moving. This position is the moisturizing position. The moisturizing pad in the moisturizing ink pad assembly covers the printhead, thus maintaining the state of the printhead, because under normal conditions, the printhead is always in a moisturizing state.

[0088] When a task instruction is received (including printing instructions, ink wiping instructions, and situations where the printhead is used or processed), the central control center controls the drive component to move the moisturizing ink pad assembly away from the printhead in the DNA synthesis device until it returns to its original position (i.e., the initial position). When the central control center receives the instruction from the printhead status maintenance device that the moisturizing ink pad assembly has returned to its original position, it issues an instruction to start the DNA printing and synthesis device. Only then will the DNA synthesis device start, and specifically, the X-axis printing module in the DNA synthesis device can move freely.

[0089] When flash printing / pressing ink is required (with the printhead stationary), the central control center controls the drive component to move the moisturizing ink pad component to the moisturizing / pressing position according to the flash printing / pressing ink command. The moisturizing / pressing ink position is the position between the moisturizing position and the origin position, that is, the moisturizing / pressing ink position is above the origin position and below the moisturizing position.

[0090] Specifically, the distance from the moisturizing / pressing ink position to the printhead is greater than 0 and not greater than 2mm.

[0091] The DNA chip printing and synthesis system disclosed in this application integrates a central control center, DNA synthesis equipment, and printhead status maintenance device. Through intelligent control strategies, it ensures precise coordination of printhead status maintenance and task execution at different working stages. Specifically, through intelligent control of the central control center, the moisturizing ink pad assembly can automatically move to the moisturizing position, ensuring that the printhead is always moist under normal conditions, preventing the printhead from becoming clogged or experiencing performance degradation due to dryness, especially during long-term standby or intermittent use. Upon receiving a printing command or other task command, the moisturizing ink pad assembly automatically returns to its original position, freeing up space for normal printhead use, reducing the need for manual operation, and improving the accuracy and consistency of operation.

[0092] The central control center precisely controls the drive components according to task instructions (such as print instructions, ink wipe instructions, etc.) to ensure that the moisturizing ink pad assembly moves to the correct position at the appropriate time. This precise coordination not only ensures effective moisturization of the printhead but also optimizes the workflow of the printing synthesis equipment and improves overall efficiency. The DNA synthesis equipment will only start after the moisturizing ink pad assembly has completely returned to its original position. This safe start-up mechanism ensures that printing will only begin when the printhead is ready, avoiding work interruptions or quality problems caused by poor printhead condition.

[0093] During flash spray / press ink operation, the moisturizing ink pad assembly moves to the moisturizing / press ink position, which is between the origin position and the moisturizing position. This ensures that the printhead can perform necessary processing without moving. This design completes the flash spray or press ink operation in place, avoiding unnecessary wear and errors of the printhead during movement.

[0094] The integrated printhead condition maintenance device works seamlessly with the DNA synthesis equipment, enabling flash / press ink operations to be performed under precise control, ensuring refined and efficient operation. Through the intelligent control of the maintenance device, the moisturizing ink pad assembly can be precisely moved closer to or further away from the printhead at the correct time, ensuring the most effective use of chemical reagents and minimal waste. At the same time, it ensures the consistency between the printhead and the surrounding environment, reducing improper diffusion and volatilization of chemical reagents, and improving the stability and quality of the synthesis process.

[0095] The DNA chip printing synthesis system disclosed in this application achieves automation of printhead moisturizing management, coordinated optimization of task execution, flexibility of on-site processing, and reduction of chemical reagent waste and diffusion through an intelligent central control center and a precise printhead status maintenance device. These benefits together improve the efficiency and accuracy of DNA chip printing synthesis, ensuring the continuity of the synthesis process and high-quality output.

[0096] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment / mode," "some embodiments / modes," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment / mode or example is included in at least one embodiment / mode or example of this application. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment / mode or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments / modes or examples. Furthermore, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments / modes or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments / modes or examples.

[0097] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0098] Those skilled in the art should understand that the above embodiments are merely for illustrating the present disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. Those skilled in the art can make other changes or modifications based on the above disclosure, and these changes or modifications still fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A nozzle status maintenance device, characterized in that, include: A drive assembly has a first slider mounted on its power output end, the first slider having a degree of freedom to move along the longitudinal axis of the power output end of the drive assembly; a second slider is fixed to the side of the first slider. The transmission assembly includes a guide rail that engages with the second slider and a vertical plate for mounting the guide rail. The longitudinal axis of the guide rail is set at a preset angle with the moving direction of the first slider. The guide rail has the freedom to move up or down under the drive of the second slider. A moisturizing ink pad assembly is fixedly installed on the top of the upright plate; the moisturizing ink pad assembly includes an ink-absorbing top plate, the ink-absorbing top plate has a groove, and a moisturizing pad matching the printhead is disposed in the groove; The ink suction assembly includes an ink suction pump and a waste ink storage bottle connected to the ink suction pump. The ink suction pump is connected to the groove, and the groove forms a negative pressure environment facing the corresponding printhead under the action of the ink suction pump.

2. The nozzle status maintenance device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drive assembly includes a drive motor and a lead screw mounted on the power output end of the drive motor. The drive motor is mounted on the support plate, and the support plate is provided with a linear guide rail that engages with the bottom of the first slider. The linear guide rail is arranged parallel to the lead screw. The first slider is sleeved on the lead screw and threadedly connected to the lead screw.

3. The nozzle status maintenance device according to claim 2, characterized in that, An elastic element is provided between the moisturizing pad and the groove, and the moisturizing pad is higher than the groove when the elastic element is in a naturally extended state. A through hole is provided in the groove, and the ink pump is connected to the through hole through a pipeline.

4. The nozzle status maintenance device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The center of the moisturizing pad is aligned with the center of the corresponding nozzle. The top area of ​​the moisturizing pad is smaller than the surface cross-section of the nozzle, but larger than the sum of the areas of all the holes on the nozzle.

5. The nozzle status maintenance device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The distance from the top of the moisturizing pad to the lower surface of the nozzle when it is in the initial position is H1, and the distance the moisturizing pad rises from the initial position to the target position is H2, Δ = H2 - H1; 1mm≤△≤3mm.

6. The nozzle status maintenance device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The support plate is provided with a first side plate, a second side plate, a third side plate, a fourth side plate, and a bearing mounting plate. The first side plate, the second side plate, the third side plate, and the fourth side plate are all fixedly installed on the bottom of the bearing mounting plate. The first side plate is arranged adjacent to the second side plate and opposite to the third side plate. The drive motor is mounted on the support plate through the second side plate. The ink absorption assembly is installed on the outside of the fourth side plate. The bottom of the ink-absorbing top plate is provided with several columns; the columns are fitted with shaft support seats that are fixedly installed to the bottom of the ink-absorbing top plate. The top of the bearing mounting plate is equipped with a linear bearing component that matches the column, and the linear bearing component is matched with the shaft support seat.

7. The nozzle status maintenance device according to claim 6, characterized in that, A tension spring is provided between the top of the bearing mounting plate and the ink-absorbing top plate, and the tension spring has a preset tension force.

8. The nozzle status maintenance device according to claim 6, characterized in that, Limit sensor plates are installed on the upright plate; A first bracket and a second bracket are installed on the side of the first side plate, and a first sensor is installed on the first bracket; The second sensor is mounted on the second bracket; Both the first sensor and the second sensor are configured to correspond to the limiting sensor sheet.

9. The nozzle status maintenance device according to claim 2, characterized in that, A slider limiting component is installed at one end of the linear guide rail; A motor protection stop is installed at the other end of the linear guide rail.

10. A DNA chip printing and synthesis system, characterized in that, It includes a central control center, a DNA synthesis device, and a nozzle status maintenance device as described in any one of claims 1-9; both the DNA synthesis device and the nozzle status maintenance device are signal-connected to the central control center.

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