Print Head Cleaning Device with Segmented Pressure Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cleaning methods for inkjet print heads risk pushing dirt into nozzles, leading to clogging, especially with inks containing large pigments, which can severely impact print quality, particularly in security document production.
Innovation Solution
A device with a cleaning head module featuring a replaceable pressure element having projections that fit into recesses on the print head, allowing for comprehensive cleaning of the underside and nozzles, with optional vibration and additional teeth for enhanced ink removal, ensuring optimal adaptation to different print head designs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a pressure element is pressed against the print head to clean the surface, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but dirt can be pushed into the nozzles causing clogging
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure element is segmented with multiple projections distributed across its surface, each capable of engaging with recesses on the print head. This segmentation allows cleaning force to be distributed across multiple contact points, preventing concentration of force that could push dirt into nozzles while maintaining overall cleaning effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure element features projections with varying sizes, shapes, and distributions tailored to match specific recess patterns on different print head models. This local adaptation ensures that cleaning pressure is applied precisely where needed (at recess locations) while avoiding areas where dirt could be forced into nozzles.
2Device complexity
If a generic pressure element is used for cleaning, then device simplicity is maintained, but cleaning effectiveness is reduced due to inability to adapt to different print head designs
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure element is designed as a replaceable module that can be exchanged between different print head models. Each pressure element is optimized for a specific print head design, but the overall system achieves universality through modular replaceability, allowing the same cleaning device to service multiple print head configurations without redesigning the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure element incorporates movable or flexible projections that can adapt their position and contact pressure dynamically during the cleaning process. This dynamic capability allows a single pressure element design to accommodate variations in recess patterns across different print head models, reducing the need for multiple specialized components.
3Ease of manufacture
If the pressure element is fixed in design, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but adaptability to different print head configurations is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure element is designed as a low-cost, replaceable component that can be manufactured using simple processes. Rather than investing in expensive, highly adaptable pressure elements, the system uses economical pressure elements that can be quickly replaced when worn or when changing print head models, reducing overall system cost while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
Pressure elements are pre-configured with projection patterns matched to specific print head recess patterns during manufacturing. This preliminary adaptation allows the pressure elements to be produced using standard, cost-effective processes while still achieving optimal cleaning performance for their designated print head models when deployed.
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
The solution provides a thorough and efficient cleaning process that effectively removes ink residues and dirt from the print head, preventing clogging and maintaining print quality, even with inks containing large pigments, and is adaptable to various print head designs.
Implementation Method 1
The friction of the projection on the recess surface additionally caused by the movement improves the cleaning result
Implementation Method 2
The projection can be designed as a vibration head, in particular as an ultrasound head, which generates vibrations, in particular in the ultrasonic frequency range
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device (1) for cleaning a printhead (2) with a cleaning head module (4), wherein the cleaning head module (4) has a pressure element (3) and is adjustable between a cleaning position in which the pressure element is pressed against a printhead underside (22) of the printhead (2), and a release position in which the pressure element (3) is released from the printhead (2). The pressure element (3) has at least one projection (11) on the side facing the printhead underside (22), which, in a cleaning position, is received in a recess (19) formed on the printhead underside (22). The invention further relates to an inkjet printer and a method for cleaning a printhead.