Printhead Cleaning Module Using Inverted Solvent Cloth Motion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cleaning methods for print heads, particularly those with inkjet printing devices, often fail to reliably remove dried ink from nozzles without risking clogging, especially when dealing with inks containing large pigments, which can lead to reduced print quality.
Innovation Solution
A device and method utilizing a cleaning head module with a cleaning element, such as a solvent-impregnated cloth, that is moved in a controlled manner to ensure mechanical contact and removal of dirt from the print head nozzles, using a combination of directional movements and actuation to prevent clogging and ensure thorough cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional squeegees are used to wipe away dried ink, then cleaning action is provided, but dirt is pushed into nozzles causing clogging
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of pushing dirt outward with a squeegee, the cleaning element is moved in the opposite direction - into and along the nozzle area - allowing dirt to be lifted and removed rather than pushed deeper into nozzles
Solution Approach 2:
A flexible cleaning element (cloth or foam) is used instead of a rigid squeegee, allowing gentle contact with the nozzle surface that lifts dirt without forcing it into the nozzles
2Manufacturing precision
If cleaning elements are pressed against printhead to ensure contact, then cleaning effectiveness improves, but risk of damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning device varies the contact pressure parameter during operation - applying pressure when needed for effective cleaning while reducing or eliminating pressure at other times to prevent damage to the printhead
3Productivity
If cleaning element is moved continuously through nozzle area, then cleaning coverage improves, but dirt may be smeared across multiple nozzles
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning element is moved in reverse direction through the nozzle area, which prevents dirt from being smeared forward to subsequent nozzles while still providing complete coverage of all nozzle openings
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning element is designed to be disposable or easily replaceable, allowing it to be discarded after single-use cleaning to prevent cross-contamination and smearing of dirt across multiple nozzles
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 reliable and complete cleaning of print head nozzles, preventing damage and ensuring optimal print quality by effectively removing dried ink without pushing debris further into the nozzles, even with inks containing large pigments.
Implementation Method 1
The cleaning element can, in particular, be a cleaning element impregnated with a solvent
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method and to a device for cleaning a printhead (2). Said device (1) comprises a cleaning head module (4) which can be moved in and counter to a direction of cleaning (RR). Said cleaning head module (2) can be moved, when moving in the direction of cleaning (RR), from a release position into a pressure position, and when moving counter to the direction of cleaning (RR), from the pressure position into the release position.