Desktop inkjet printer self-cleaning system

Abstract

This invention provides a self-cleaning system for a desktop inkjet printer, including a power module, a time relay, a start relay, and a desktop inkjet printer start circuit. The power module supplies power to the time relay and start relay when the printer is off. The time relay and start relay are linked; when the time relay is turned on at a set time, the start relay is energized, thereby triggering the desktop inkjet printer start circuit to start and execute the printer's built-in self-cleaning program. When the time relay is turned off after a delay, the start relay is de-energized, thereby triggering the desktop inkjet printer start circuit to de-energize and stop executing the self-cleaning program. This desktop inkjet printer self-cleaning system can periodically execute the start-up self-cleaning program when the printer is off, ensuring that the printhead does not become clogged.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of inkjet printer technology, and more specifically, to a self-cleaning system for desktop inkjet printers. Background Technology

[0002] In industrial applications, inkjet printers are printing devices that use ink and high-precision printheads to print. Ink is usually a substance made up of pigment and water. After printing, the printhead assembly is usually moved to the ink stack for moisturizing and scraping to ensure that the printhead is clean and moist. This is mainly to prevent ink from condensing at the printhead and clogging it.

[0003] When the equipment is shut down for a period of time and then restarted, traditional inkjet printers come with a cleaning program that cleans the printhead assembly by spraying ink or water and other cleaning agents to ensure that the printheads are unobstructed.

[0004] As people's personalized needs develop, traditional large-format industrial inkjet printers are becoming smaller to meet the various needs of small studios and small advertisers. When the equipment is miniaturized, the number of printheads is greatly reduced, and complex structures such as ink stacks are often removed. Only by retaining the cleaning function can the printheads be kept running smoothly.

[0005] However, the personalized usage requirements of desktop inkjet printers also make it difficult for them to operate continuously for long periods of time. They are often started, prepared, and shut down temporarily according to personalized order requirements, with small batches. Once the shutdown time exceeds a certain period of time, the ink may solidify. Even if the cleaning function is activated, it is difficult to flush the printhead to a smooth state, resulting in a high maintenance rate and insufficient ease of use.

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, people have been seeking an ideal technological solution. Utility Model Content

[0007] The purpose of this invention is to address the shortcomings of existing technologies by providing a desktop inkjet printer self-cleaning system that utilizes the self-cleaning function performed by the printer during startup. This system is designed to automatically start at a set time when the printer is off, triggering the self-cleaning function to execute automatically. After the self-cleaning function is completed, the printer is immediately shut down, thus ensuring that the printhead remains unobstructed for an extended period.

[0008] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by this utility model is: a self-cleaning system for a desktop inkjet printer, including a power module, a time relay, a start relay, and a desktop inkjet printer start circuit; The power module is used to supply power to the time relay and the start relay when the desktop inkjet printer is turned off. The time relay is linked to the start relay. When the time relay is turned on at a set time, the start relay is energized, which in turn triggers the desktop inkjet printer's start circuit to start and execute the self-cleaning program built into the desktop inkjet printer. When the time relay is turned off after a delay, the start relay is turned off, which in turn triggers the desktop inkjet printer's start circuit to de-energize and stop executing the self-cleaning program.

[0009] This invention utilizes the principle that inkjet printers have a built-in self-cleaning function when they are turned on. A time relay and a start relay are added to the start circuit. By using the delay function of the time relay, the start relay is triggered at regular intervals when the inkjet printer is turned off for a long time, thus performing the inkjet printer's power-on action and triggering the self-cleaning function. This completes the function of automatically executing the self-cleaning function at regular intervals when the printer is off, and turning off the printer after the self-cleaning is completed, thereby avoiding the problem of inkjet printer head clogging.

[0010] Based on the above, the time from when the time relay is turned on to when it is turned off after a delay is greater than or equal to the time it takes for the desktop inkjet printer to complete a full self-cleaning procedure.

[0011] Its advantage is that it allows the self-cleaning process to be fully completed, ensuring the cleaning effect of the nozzle.

[0012] Based on the above, it also includes a main control switch, which is an interlock switch. The power module is a first power supply, the input terminal of which is connected to the mains power, and the output terminal of which is connected to the main control switch. When the desktop inkjet printer startup circuit is de-energized, the closed branch of the main control switch is connected to the input side of the time relay. The output side of the time relay is connected to the input side of the startup relay, and the output side of the startup relay is connected to the desktop inkjet printer startup circuit. When the desktop inkjet printer startup circuit is de-energized, the disconnected branch of the main control switch is directly connected to the input side of the startup relay.

[0013] Its advantage is that by utilizing the interlock function of the main control switch, the normal printer startup action is isolated from the self-cleaning action in the power-off state. The time relay only starts when the main control switch is off, and is always in a power-off state when the main control switch is on, thus avoiding conflict between the two and saving electricity.

[0014] Based on the above, the desktop inkjet printer's startup circuit is equipped with a second power supply, which is used to power the startup circuit of the desktop inkjet printer. The second power supply is the desktop inkjet printer's built-in switching power supply.

[0015] The advantage is that the initial power supply required for the modification can be as small as possible, used only for powering the relays, thus saving modification costs and reducing modification difficulty.

[0016] Based on the above, the first power supply is a power supply with an input of 220V AC and an output of 24V DC.

[0017] Its advantages are that its parameters are relatively simple, the procurement cost is lower, and the difficulty of modifying the equipment is relatively small.

[0018] Based on the above, the second power supply is a switching power supply with an input of 220V AC and an output of 24V / 42V DC.

[0019] The advantage is that the second power supply, as the main power source, can meet the printer's basic power needs without requiring any additional modifications to the power supply.

[0020] Based on the above, the start relay is also equipped with a push-button physical switch.

[0021] Physical switches ensure safety during use.

[0022] Based on the above, the starting relay is a solid-state relay.

[0023] Solid-state relays have a series of characteristics such as being contactless, having a long lifespan, fast response speed, and being resistant to interference.

[0024] This invention has substantial features and advancements compared to existing technologies. Specifically, this invention utilizes the characteristic that the self-cleaning function of a desktop inkjet printer is activated during startup. By adding a time relay and a startup relay to the startup circuit, and using the time relay's delayed start and delayed stop characteristics, the startup relay is driven to switch on and off at regular intervals. This ensures that the inkjet printer's startup action is executed at regular intervals when the printer is off, thereby driving the self-cleaning function to be executed at regular intervals, ensuring that the printhead is not clogged by ink condensation due to prolonged shutdown. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 This is a circuit connection diagram of the self-cleaning system for desktop inkjet printers in this utility model.

[0026] In the diagram: 1. First power supply; 2. Time relay; 3. Start relay; 4. Control switch; 5. Second power supply. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The technical solution of this utility model will be further described in detail below through specific embodiments.

[0028] like Figure 1 As shown, a self-cleaning system for a desktop inkjet printer includes a power module, a time relay 2, a start relay 3, and a desktop inkjet printer start circuit.

[0029] The power module is used to supply power to the time relay 2 and the start relay 3, and the start relay 3 is used to drive the on / off of the desktop inkjet printer start circuit.

[0030] In this embodiment, the power supply module is a first power supply 1, and the desktop inkjet printer's startup circuit is equipped with a second power supply 5. The first power supply 1 supplies power to the time relay and the startup relay, while the second power supply 5 supplies power to the entire printer, especially the startup circuit. The first power supply 1 is a 220V AC input and 24V DC output power supply, powering the time relay 2 and the startup relay 3. Since this power supply only handles switching, a miniature power supply can be used, resulting in relatively low upgrade costs.

[0031] The second power supply 5 is a switching power supply with an input of 220V AC and an output of 24V / 42V DC. In this embodiment, the second power supply 5 is the switching power supply built into the inkjet printer. It has a wider output range and needs to supply power to more electrical devices, such as control boards, various sensors, and drive motors.

[0032] In the circuit design, the time relay 2 is linked with the start relay 3. When the time relay 2 is turned on at a set time, the start relay 3 is energized, which in turn triggers the desktop inkjet printer start circuit to start and execute the self-cleaning program. When the time relay 2 is turned off after a delay, the start relay 3 is turned off, which in turn triggers the desktop inkjet printer start circuit to stop executing the self-cleaning program.

[0033] In this embodiment, in order to achieve thorough cleaning, the time from when the time relay 2 is turned on to when it is turned off after a delay is greater than or equal to the time when the desktop inkjet printer executes the complete self-cleaning program. This ensures that the self-cleaning program is fully completed and guarantees the cleaning effect of the printhead.

[0034] In the specific circuit design, it also includes a main control switch 4, which is an interlock switch. The input terminal of the first power supply 1 is connected to the mains power, and the output terminal of the first power supply 1 is connected to the main control switch 4. When the desktop inkjet printer startup circuit is de-energized, the closed branch of the main control switch 4 is connected to the input side of the time relay. The output side of the time relay 2 is connected to the input side of the startup relay 3. The output side of the startup relay 2 is connected to the desktop inkjet printer startup circuit, which is shown as the second power supply 5 in the attached figure. Other parts are omitted. When the desktop inkjet printer startup circuit is de-energized, the disconnected branch of the main control switch 4 is directly connected to the input side of the startup relay 3.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment, the start relay is further equipped with a push-button physical switch for greater stability.

[0036] The time relay used in this embodiment is a solid-state relay, which is durable.

[0037] Explanation of the modification principle: The original inkjet printer's startup function components included a power switch, a main control switch, and a cleaning module. When the startup switch was turned on, it would trigger the cleaning module to work, execute a self-cleaning program, and rinse the printhead.

[0038] Desktop inkjet printers need to meet personalized printing needs, and their use is characterized by fragmented time applications, resulting in relatively long and unpredictable downtime, requiring regular cleaning of the printhead.

[0039] Based on its original structure, a time relay 2 and a start relay 3 are added, and a miniature power supply is added as the first power supply 1. They are connected together through a linkage control circuit. For details, please refer to [reference needed]. Figure 1 .

[0040] When the power-on button of the main control switch 4 is off, the time relay 2 for the automatic cleaning function will activate. The power-on button and the time relay for the cleaning function are interlocked, which can achieve the functions of protection and saving electricity.

[0041] When the printer is powered off, when the timer relay 2 reaches its set time, the timer relay 2 outputs power to the start relay 3, powering on the inkjet printer. It then uses its built-in cleaning program to complete one cleaning cycle. After the cleaning cycle is complete, the timer relay 2 stops outputting power, the start relay 3 is de-energized, and the inkjet printer is powered off again. The printer will then automatically power on again when the timer relay is activated, allowing for a second cleaning cycle. This process repeats continuously, ensuring the inkjet printer can self-clean even when powered off.

[0042] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solution of this utility model and not to limit it; although the utility model has been described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the specific implementation of this utility model or equivalent substitutions can be made to some technical features without departing from the spirit of the technical solution of this utility model, and all such modifications and substitutions should be covered within the scope of the technical solution claimed by this utility model.

Claims

1. A self-cleaning system for a desktop inkjet printer, characterized in that: Includes a power module, time relay, start relay, and desktop inkjet printer start circuit; The power module is used to supply power to the time relay and the start relay when the desktop inkjet printer is turned off. The time relay is linked to the start relay. When the time relay is turned on at a set time, the start relay is energized, which in turn triggers the desktop inkjet printer's start circuit to start and execute the self-cleaning program built into the desktop inkjet printer. When the time relay is turned off after a delay, the start relay is turned off, which in turn triggers the desktop inkjet printer's start circuit to de-energize and stop executing the self-cleaning program.

2. The desktop inkjet printer self-cleaning system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The time from when the time relay is turned on to when it is turned off after a delay is greater than or equal to the time it takes for the desktop inkjet printer to complete a full self-cleaning procedure.

3. The desktop inkjet printer self-cleaning system according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a main control switch, which is an interlocked switch. The power module is a first power supply, the input of which is connected to the mains power, and the output of which is connected to the main control switch. When the desktop inkjet printer startup circuit is de-energized, the closed branch of the main control switch is connected to the input side of the time relay. The output side of the time relay is connected to the input side of the startup relay, and the output side of the startup relay is connected to the desktop inkjet printer startup circuit. When the desktop inkjet printer startup circuit is de-energized, the disconnected branch of the main control switch is directly connected to the input side of the startup relay.

4. The desktop inkjet printer self-cleaning system according to claim 3, characterized in that: The desktop inkjet printer's startup circuit is equipped with a second power supply, which is used to power the startup circuit of the desktop inkjet printer. The second power supply is the desktop inkjet printer's built-in switching power supply.

5. The desktop inkjet printer self-cleaning system according to claim 3, characterized in that: The first power supply is a power supply with an input of 220V AC and an output of 24V DC.

6. The desktop inkjet printer self-cleaning system according to claim 4, characterized in that: The second power supply is a switching power supply with an input of 220V AC and an output of 24V / 42V DC.

7. The desktop inkjet printer self-cleaning system according to claim 5, characterized in that: The start relay is also equipped with a push-button physical switch.

8. The desktop inkjet printer self-cleaning system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The starting relay is a solid-state relay.

Images