Cleaning Adapter for Printheads in Container Printing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cleaning methods for inkjet print heads in high-throughput printing systems require significant space, are complex, and disrupt production as they necessitate moving the print heads out of their operational position for cleaning, leading to reduced throughput and potential contamination.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning adapter is integrated into the transport system, allowing the cleaning adapter to be positioned in front of the print head within the system, enabling on-the-fly cleaning without moving the print head, using mechanical wiping elements or flushing solutions collected within the adapter, which prevents contamination and maintains print head functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the print head is moved to a separate cleaning position for cleaning, then the cleaning function can be performed, but the throughput of the system is reduced and the cleaning operation becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning function is merged with the printing position by integrating cleaning means directly at the printing position. The cleaning adapter is positioned in front of the print head within the printing machine, allowing cleaning to occur at the same location where printing occurs, eliminating the need to move the print head to a separate cleaning position.
Solution Approach 2:
The printing position is given multi-functionality by combining both printing and cleaning functions at the same location. The cleaning adapter can be introduced instead of a container to be printed, and the same transport system and positioning mechanism handle both printing containers and the cleaning adapter, allowing the system to perform multiple functions without additional dedicated positions.
2Reliability
If the print head is moved out of operational position for cleaning, then cleaning can be performed, but the cleaning operation becomes complex requiring precise repositioning
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning function is merged with the printing position by integrating cleaning means directly at the printing position. The cleaning adapter is positioned in front of the print head within the printing machine, allowing cleaning to occur at the same location where printing occurs, eliminating the need to move the print head to a separate cleaning position.
3Reliability
If a mechanical scraper or wiper is used to clean the print head, then cleaning can be performed, but the space requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning means are extracted from a separate cleaning device and integrated directly into the cleaning adapter that is positioned in front of the print head. The cleaning adapter itself serves as the cleaning device, eliminating the need for additional space-consuming separate cleaning equipment. The cleaning function is taken out from a dedicated cleaning station and embedded within the adapter that fits into the existing transport system.
4Reliability
If flushing solutions are used to clean the print head, then cleaning can be performed, but contamination of surrounding areas occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning means are extracted from a separate cleaning device and integrated directly into the cleaning adapter that is positioned in front of the print head. The cleaning adapter itself serves as the cleaning device, eliminating the need for additional space-consuming separate cleaning equipment. The cleaning function is taken out from a dedicated cleaning station and embedded within the adapter that fits into the existing transport system.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning adapter acts as an intermediary between the flushing solution and the print head. It directs the flushing solution precisely onto the print head nozzles and collects the runoff, preventing contamination of surrounding areas. The adapter serves as a controlled interface that mediates the cleaning process, containing the flushing solution within a defined space.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution allows for efficient, precise, and space-saving cleaning of print heads during ongoing operations, reducing downtime and ensuring high print quality by integrating cleaning directly into the production process without moving the print heads, thus enhancing system efficiency and reducing production losses.
Implementation Method 1
All nozzles can also be actuated, possibly even multiple times, so that the nozzles that are rarely used can also be flushed. Flushing can also take place with the ink actually used for printing.
Data Source
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AI summary
A cleaning adapter cleans print heads in an installation for the printing of containers. The installation includes a printing machine having an inkjet print head and a transport system that moves the containers to be printed. The container is moved past the print head and, in so doing, is printed with liquid printing inks. The cleaning adapter is designed in such a way that it is introducible into the transport system in place of one of the containers to be printed and is moveable to the print head for cleaning purposes. The cleaning adapter comprises a container which is hollow in portions and has an opening. The cleaning adapter, in regions thereof in which the transport system acts thereon during transport, has an external form corresponding to the containers to be printed, so that the cleaning adapter is configured to be positioned utilizing the transport system.