Direct Print Head Cleaning Device for Container Printing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing container treatment machines face challenges in reliably and cost-effectively cleaning direct print heads due to nozzle clogging and ink residue removal, with current methods either damaging nozzles or consuming excessive ink and introducing contaminants.

Innovation Solution

A cleaning device that applies a cleaning liquid externally to the direct print head, allowing even distribution and effective removal of dried ink residues without using printing ink, and includes a collection system for environmentally friendly disposal of the cleaning fluid, along with a design that allows simultaneous cleaning of multiple heads and integration with the transport device for efficient operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If mechanical dabbing is used to clean the direct print head, then ink residues can be removed, but the nozzles can be damaged and particles can be introduced into non-clogged nozzles

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning effectivenessVSAvoidnozzle damage and particle contamination

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical dabbing system with a fluid-based cleaning system. A cleaning liquid is supplied through a cleaning device that contacts the print head, dissolving and flushing out ink residues without mechanical contact. This substitution eliminates the harmful mechanical forces that damage nozzles and introduce particles, while maintaining effective cleaning through chemical dissolution and fluid flow.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a hydraulic cleaning mechanism where cleaning liquid is pumped through a cleaning device and flow channel to flush the print head nozzles. The fluid dynamics approach uses controlled liquid flow to remove residues, replacing mechanical dabbing forces with hydraulic action that is gentler on the nozzle structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Reliability

If printing ink is used to flush the nozzles from the inside, then the nozzles can be cleaned, but a relatively large amount of printing ink is consumed and the distribution of cleaning liquid is not even

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenozzle cleaningVSAvoidprinting ink consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a cleaning liquid as an intermediary substance between the cleaning device and the print head nozzles. This cleaning liquid is specifically designed for cleaning purposes and is supplied through a dedicated flow channel, replacing the use of printing ink as the cleaning medium. The intermediary cleaning liquid achieves better distribution and reduces valuable printing ink consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the cleaning function from the printing ink supply system by creating a separate cleaning liquid supply system. The cleaning device with its dedicated flow channel extracts the cleaning function into an independent subsystem, allowing cleaning operations to use a different liquid that is optimized for cleaning rather than printing, thereby reducing printing ink consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If the direct print head is cleaned regularly, then printing quality is maintained, but the cleaning process interrupts normal printing operations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprinting qualityVSAvoidprinting operation continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables continuous operation by allowing cleaning to occur without interrupting the printing process. The cleaning device can be activated during normal printing operations, and the cleaning liquid flows through the print head while printing continues. This maintains printing quality through regular cleaning while preserving productivity by avoiding interruptions to the printing workflow.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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

Ensures reliable and cost-effective cleaning of direct print heads, reducing ink consumption, preventing nozzle damage, and allowing continuous printing operations without interrupting the normal flow.

Implementation Method 1

the choice of cleaning fluid makes it possible to loosen the heavily dried or hardened ink residues and thus reliably remove them from the direct print head

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSolvation: Solvation

Implementation Method 2

The cleaning liquid flowing off the printhead during cleaning is also collected by the collection device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentEP2862718B1Container handling machine for printing on containers

Publication Date: 2021.10.20 KRONES AG

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AI summary

Container treatment machine (1) for printing on containers (2) with an optionally carousel-shaped transport device (3) for transporting the containers (2), with direct printheads (6) and with a cleaning device (5) for cleaning the direct printheads (6), characterized in that the cleaning device (5) comprises at least one cleaning unit (51) for applying a cleaning fluid to a direct printhead (6) and a collection device (52) for removing used cleaning fluid.