An anti-clogging inkjet printhead

Abstract

This utility model relates to an anti-clogging inkjet printhead, including a base, a housing, and a nozzle. The housing is located on top of the base, and the nozzle is located at the bottom of the base. The inner cavity of the housing is divided into a first chamber and a second chamber. The first chamber contains a first ink sac for storing ink, and the second chamber contains a second ink sac for storing cleaning solvent. The first and second ink sacs are respectively connected to the nozzle, and the first and second chambers are respectively connected to an external air source. This solution has a significant anti-clogging effect, the cleaning mode can thoroughly remove solidified residues without manual intervention, the cleaning cycle is programmable and controllable, and the split design saves space and reduces maintenance costs.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of inkjet printing technology, and in particular to an anti-clogging inkjet printhead. Background Technology

[0002] Current inkjet printheads typically employ a single ink reservoir design, with ink ejected through a piezoelectric printhead. After prolonged use, the nozzles are prone to clogging due to hardened ink residue, requiring frequent manual cleaning or downtime maintenance, leading to reduced efficiency and increased costs. Existing cleaning technologies mostly employ external rinsing or solvent immersion, but these have the following problems:

[0003] 1. Incomplete cleaning: Residual ink is difficult to remove completely;

[0004] 2. Complex structure: Requires additional cleaning equipment, increasing equipment size and cost;

[0005] 3. Cumbersome operation: It requires manual intervention and cannot achieve automated cleaning. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This invention provides an anti-clogging inkjet printhead, aiming to solve the problems of complex and cumbersome cleaning operations and incomplete cleaning of existing inkjet printheads.

[0007] This utility model provides an anti-clogging inkjet printhead, including a base, a housing, and a nozzle. The housing is disposed on the top of the base, and the nozzle is disposed on the bottom of the base. The inner cavity of the housing is divided into a first chamber and a second chamber. The first chamber is provided with a first ink sac for storing ink, and the second chamber is provided with a second ink sac for storing cleaning solvent. The first ink sac and the second ink sac are respectively connected to the nozzle, and the first chamber and the second chamber are respectively connected to an external air source.

[0008] As a further improvement of this utility model, the inner cavity of the outer shell is provided with a partition plate, the partition plate is located between the first chamber and the second chamber, and the first ink sac and the second ink sac are connected to both sides of the partition plate.

[0009] As a further improvement of this utility model, the base is provided with a first air inlet, one end of which is connected to the first chamber, and the other end of which is connected to an external air source through a first air pipe, and a first solenoid valve is provided on the first air pipe.

[0010] As a further improvement of this utility model, the base is provided with a second air inlet, one end of which is connected to the second chamber, and the other end of which is connected to an external air source through a second air pipe, and a second solenoid valve is provided on the second air pipe.

[0011] As a further improvement of this utility model, the base is provided with a first infusion hole, one end of the first infusion hole is connected to the first ink sac, and the other end of the first infusion hole is connected to the spray hole through a first infusion tube.

[0012] As a further improvement of this utility model, the base is provided with a second infusion hole, one end of which is connected to the second ink sac, and the other end of which is connected to the spray hole through a second infusion tube.

[0013] As a further improvement of this utility model, a third solenoid valve is provided at the nozzle, which controls the opening and closing of the first infusion tube and the second infusion tube.

[0014] As a further improvement of this utility model, in printing mode, the first solenoid valve is open, the second solenoid valve is closed, the external air source applies positive pressure to the first chamber, and the third solenoid valve controls the opening of the first infusion tube and controls the closing of the second infusion tube.

[0015] As a further improvement of this utility model, in the cleaning mode, after the external air source applies negative pressure to the first chamber, the first solenoid valve closes and the second solenoid valve opens. When the external air source applies positive pressure to the second chamber, the third solenoid valve controls the second infusion tube to open and controls the first infusion tube to close.

[0016] As a further improvement of this utility model, the positive pressure range of the external air source is 0.1~0.3MPa, and the negative pressure range is -0.05~-0.1MPa.

[0017] The beneficial effects of this utility model are: the anti-clogging effect of this solution is significant, the cleaning mode can completely remove solidified residues without manual intervention, the cleaning cycle can be programmed and controlled, the split design saves space and reduces maintenance costs. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 2 This is an overall drawing of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the bottom of the inkjet printhead of this utility model.

[0021] Reference numerals: 1-outer shell, 2-base, 3-nozzle, 4-first chamber, 5-second chamber, 6-first ink sac, 7-second ink sac, 8-partition plate, 9-first air inlet, 10-second air inlet, 11-first infusion port, 12-second infusion port, 13-first infusion tube, 14-second infusion tube. Detailed Implementation

[0022] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the following detailed description is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be noted that the terms "front," "rear," "left," "right," "upper," and "lower" used in the following description refer to directions in the accompanying drawings, while the terms "bottom surface," "top surface," "inner," and "outer" refer to directions toward or away from the geometric center of a specific component, respectively.

[0023] This utility model provides an anti-clogging inkjet printhead, including a base 2, a housing 1, and a nozzle 3. The housing 1 is disposed on the top of the base 2, and the nozzle 3 is disposed on the bottom of the base 2. The inner cavity of the housing 1 is divided into a first chamber 4 and a second chamber 5. The first chamber 4 is provided with a first ink sac 6 for storing ink, and the second chamber 5 is provided with a second ink sac 7 for storing cleaning solvent. The first ink sac 6 and the second ink sac 7 are respectively connected to the nozzle 3. The first chamber 4 and the second chamber 5 are respectively connected to an external air source.

[0024] As an embodiment of the present invention, the inner cavity of the outer shell 1 is provided with a partition plate 8, the partition plate 8 is located between the first chamber 4 and the second chamber 5, and the first ink sac 6 and the second ink sac 7 are connected to both sides of the partition plate 8.

[0025] In another embodiment of the present invention, the base 2 is provided with a first air inlet 9, one end of the first air inlet 9 is connected to the first chamber 4, and the other end of the first air inlet 9 is connected to an external air source through a first air pipe, and a first solenoid valve is provided on the first air pipe.

[0026] In another embodiment of the present invention, the base 2 is provided with a second air inlet 10, one end of the second air inlet 10 is connected to the second chamber 5, and the other end of the second air inlet 10 is connected to an external air source through a second air pipe, and a second solenoid valve is provided on the second air pipe.

[0027] In another embodiment of the present invention, the base 2 is provided with a first infusion hole 11, one end of the first infusion hole 11 is connected to the first ink sac 6, and the other end of the first infusion hole 11 is connected to the spray hole 3 through a first infusion tube 13.

[0028] In another embodiment of the present invention, the base 2 is provided with a second infusion hole 12, one end of the second infusion hole 12 is connected to the second ink sac 7, and the other end of the second infusion hole 12 is connected to the spray hole 3 through a second infusion tube 14.

[0029] In another embodiment of this utility model, a third solenoid valve is provided at the nozzle 3, and the third solenoid valve controls the opening and closing of the first infusion pipe 13 and the second infusion pipe 14.

[0030] In another embodiment of this utility model, in printing mode, the first solenoid valve is open, the second solenoid valve is closed, the external air source applies positive pressure to the first chamber 4, and the third solenoid valve controls the first infusion tube 13 to open and controls the second infusion tube 14 to close.

[0031] In another embodiment of this utility model, in the cleaning mode, after the external air source applies negative pressure to the first chamber 4, the first solenoid valve closes and the second solenoid valve opens. When the external air source applies positive pressure to the second chamber 5, the third solenoid valve controls the second infusion tube 14 to open and controls the first infusion tube 13 to close.

[0032] In another embodiment of this utility model, the positive pressure range of the external air source is 0.1~0.3MPa, and the negative pressure range is -0.05~-0.1MPa.

[0033] The outer shell 1 is injection molded from a corrosion-resistant material (such as ABS or aluminum alloy). The first ink sac 6 and the second ink sac 7 are made of flexible material. The partition plate 8 divides the internal space of the outer shell 1 into a first chamber 4 and a second chamber 5. The first chamber 4 and the second chamber 5 are independent spaces and do not communicate with each other. The first ink sac 6 and the second ink sac 7 are fixed to the partition plate 8 by clips. The first ink sac 6 contains printing ink, and the second ink sac 7 contains cleaning solvents, such as water, ethanol, or a special solvent. The first ink sac 6 is connected to the first chamber 4, and the second ink sac 7 is connected to the second chamber 5.

[0034] The first chamber 4 and the second chamber 5 are each provided with independent air inlets, namely the first air inlet 9 and the second air inlet 10, with an air inlet diameter of 0.5~1mm. The first air inlet 9 and the second air inlet 10 are sealed to the external air source pipeline. The first solenoid valve, the second solenoid valve and the third solenoid valve are welded to their respective air pipelines. The control signals are connected to the main control system. The first air inlet 9 is connected to the positive pressure and negative pressure of the external air source, and the second air inlet 10 is connected to the positive pressure of the external air source.

[0035] In printing mode, the first solenoid valve is opened, and the external air source applies positive pressure to the first chamber 4 through the first air pipe. The second solenoid valve is closed, and the external air source does not supply air to the second chamber 5. At the same time, the third solenoid valve controls the first infusion pipe 13 to be open and controls the second infusion pipe 14 to be closed. Under the action of positive pressure, the ink in the first ink sac 6 is pressurized and flows through the first infusion hole 11 and the first infusion pipe 13 to the nozzle 3. The piezoelectric printhead is started and the ink is ejected normally.

[0036] After printing stops, the system enters cleaning mode. An external air source applies negative pressure to the first chamber 4 through the first air tube, drawing any remaining ink from the first infusion port 11 and the first infusion tube 13 back into the first ink sac 6. After a period of time, the first solenoid valve closes, the second solenoid valve opens, and the external air source applies positive pressure. Simultaneously, the third solenoid valve controls the second infusion tube 14 to open and the first infusion tube 13 to close. Under the positive pressure, the cleaning solvent in the second ink sac 7 is pressurized and flows through the second infusion port 12 and the second infusion tube 14 to the nozzle 3. The cleaning solvent is continuously sprayed until the residual ink in the nozzle 3 is removed. This cleaning mode is interspersed between two printing modes to prevent residual ink from affecting print quality and to avoid ink clogging that could disrupt the printer's normal operation.

[0037] This solution offers significant anti-clogging protection, with the cleaning mode thoroughly removing solidified residues and increasing nozzle patency to 99%. It features automated operation requiring no manual intervention and programmable cleaning cycles. Its compact, modular design saves space and reduces maintenance costs by over 30%. Furthermore, it is energy-efficient and environmentally friendly, with improved solvent recycling rates and reduced waste emissions.

[0038] Two specific examples are given below.

[0039] Example 1:

[0040] Parameter settings: First chamber positive pressure 0.25MPa, negative pressure -0.1MPa, second chamber positive pressure 0.2MPa;

[0041] Cleaning time: 5 minutes;

[0042] Result: No nozzle clogging after 100 hours of continuous printing.

[0043] Example 2:

[0044] Parameter settings: Based on Example 1, the cleaning solvent was changed to a low-volatility special cleaning solution, and the cleaning time was extended to 8 minutes;

[0045] Results: Suitable for high viscosity inks, the nozzle flow rate recovered to 98% of the initial value after cleaning.

[0046] The above description, in conjunction with specific preferred embodiments, provides a further detailed explanation of the present invention. It should not be construed that the specific implementation of the present invention is limited to these descriptions. For those skilled in the art, various simple deductions or substitutions can be made without departing from the concept of the present invention, and all such modifications and substitutions should be considered within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A clog-resistant inkjet printhead, characterized by, The device includes a base, a housing, and a nozzle. The housing is located on top of the base, and the nozzle is located at the bottom of the base. The inner cavity of the housing is divided into a first chamber and a second chamber. The first chamber contains a first ink sac for storing ink, and the second chamber contains a second ink sac for storing cleaning solvent. The first ink sac and the second ink sac are respectively connected to the nozzle, and the first chamber and the second chamber are respectively connected to an external air source.

2. The anti-clogging inkjet printhead of claim 1, wherein The inner cavity of the outer shell is provided with a partition plate, which is located between the first chamber and the second chamber. The first ink sac and the second ink sac are connected to both sides of the partition plate.

3. The anti-clogging inkjet printhead of claim 1, wherein The base is provided with a first air inlet, one end of which is connected to the first chamber, and the other end of which is connected to an external air source through a first air pipe. A first solenoid valve is provided on the first air pipe.

4. The anti-clogging inkjet printhead of claim 1, wherein The base is provided with a second air inlet, one end of which is connected to the second chamber, and the other end of which is connected to an external air source through a second air pipe. A second solenoid valve is provided on the second air pipe.

5. The anti-clogging inkjet printhead of claim 1, wherein The base is provided with a first infusion hole, one end of which is connected to the first ink sac, and the other end of which is connected to the spray hole through a first infusion tube.

6. A non-clogging inkjet printhead as defined in claim 5, wherein The base is provided with a second infusion hole, one end of which is connected to the second ink sac, and the other end of which is connected to the spray hole through a second infusion tube.

7. A non-clogging inkjet printhead according to claim 6, wherein A third solenoid valve is provided at the nozzle, which controls the opening and closing of the first and second infusion tubes.

8. A non-clogging inkjet printhead according to claim 7, wherein, In printing mode, the first solenoid valve is open, the second solenoid valve is closed, the external air source applies positive pressure to the first chamber, and the third solenoid valve controls the opening of the first infusion tube and the closing of the second infusion tube.

9. The anti-clogging inkjet printhead of claim 7, wherein, In cleaning mode, after the external air source applies negative pressure to the first chamber, the first solenoid valve closes and the second solenoid valve opens. When the external air source applies positive pressure to the second chamber, the third solenoid valve controls the second infusion tube to open and controls the first infusion tube to close.

10. The anti-clogging inkjet printhead according to claim 1, characterized in that, The positive pressure range of the external air source is 0.1~0.3MPa, and the negative pressure range is -0.05~-0.1MPa.

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