Cleaning Unit for Viscous Fluid Printing with Automated Member Replacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cleaning units for printing devices do not facilitate easy replacement of consumable cleaning members, particularly lacking automation in this process.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning unit with a cleaning head that moves between contact and standby positions, a holder that supports and winds the cleaning member, and a driving section that connects and disconnects to wind the member, allowing for easy detachment and replacement of the cleaning member.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the cleaning member is designed as a consumable component for cleaning the screen mask, then the cleaning effectiveness is improved, but the replacement complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning member is segmented into a modular structure comprising a cleaning member holder that can be detached from the base section. The holder contains cleaning members (cleaning papers) that can be individually replaced, while the holder itself can be exchanged as a complete unit. This segmentation allows for flexible replacement strategies - either individual cleaning members or the entire holder assembly - thereby reducing replacement complexity while maintaining cleaning effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates dynamic replacement mechanisms where the holder moving section can automatically transport the holder between the fixing position and replacing position. The connecting section dynamically connects and disconnects the cleaning driving section from the first shaft, enabling automated replacement processes that reduce operational complexity while ensuring reliable cleaning performance.
2Productivity
If automated replacement of the cleaning member is implemented, then the productivity is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated replacement system is segmented into distinct functional modules: the holder moving section for transportation, the connecting section for drive connection/disconnection, and the base section for positioning. This modular segmentation allows the automation system to be implemented in a structured manner, where each module performs a specific function, thereby managing device complexity while achieving high replacement productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The holder acting as an intermediary component facilitates automated replacement. The holder moving section transports the holder, which contains the cleaning members, between fixed and replacing positions. The connecting section serves as an intermediary mechanism that connects the cleaning driving section to the first shaft on the holder, enabling automated winding and replacement without requiring direct complex interaction between all system components.
3Ease of operation
If the cleaning head passes through the opening section to contact the screen mask, then the cleaning accessibility is improved, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The holder structure is segmented to include a specific opening section that allows the cleaning head to pass through and access the screen mask. This opening is strategically positioned in the holder body, creating a clear passage while maintaining the structural integrity of the holder. The segmentation of the holder into regions (including the opening section and the shaft mounting areas) enables improved cleaning accessibility without requiring complete structural redesign.
Data Source
AI summary
A cleaning unit is used for a printing device that performs a viscous fluid printing process on a printing target using a screen mask. A cleaning unit includes a cleaning head that moves a cleaning member, which cleans the screen mask between a cleaning position where the cleaning member is brought into contact with the screen mask and a standby position, and cleans the screen mask at the cleaning position, a cleaning member holder that supports a first shaft and a second shaft, over which the cleaning member is bridged, and has an opening section allowing the cleaning head to pass therethrough, a base section that detachably fixes the cleaning member holder at a fixing position, a holder moving section that moves the cleaning member holder between the fixing position of the base section and a replacing position where the cleaning member holder is detached from the base section and is unloaded to an outside, and a cleaning driving section that has a connecting section, which is connected and disconnected to and from the first shaft in the cleaning member holder, and drives the first shaft to wind.