Web Inkjet Printing Device with Lateral Printhead Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inkjet printing devices with transfer printing sleds require a significant amount of installation space in terms of height for maintenance operations, as the cleaning unit is typically located below the transfer printing sled and must be moved upward for cleaning.
Innovation Solution
The inkjet printing device is designed with a modular structure where the cleaning elements are arranged laterally next to the space in the print operation state, allowing them to move below the printing unit in the maintenance state, thus enabling efficient cleaning of the print heads without the need for extensive height space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the cleaning unit is arranged below the transfer printing sled and moved upward for cleaning, then the print heads can be cleaned, but a relatively large amount of installation space in terms of height is required
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning unit is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to transition between a retracted position (during printing) and an extended position (during cleaning). This dynamic arrangement enables the cleaning elements to access the print heads without requiring permanent vertical space, resolving the contradiction between cleaning accessibility and installation height.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of moving the cleaning unit vertically upward below the transfer printing sled, the invention extends the cleaning unit laterally outward from the printing unit. This dimensional change from vertical movement to lateral extension allows the cleaning elements to reach the print heads while minimizing the required installation height.
2Length of stationary object
If the cleaning unit is arranged laterally beside the space, then installation space is minimized, but the cleaning elements must move into the space below the printing unit for cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning unit is integrated with the printing unit as a combined assembly, where the cleaning elements are part of the same movable structure as the printing elements. This merging reduces the need for separate cleaning mechanisms and simplifies the overall device architecture while maintaining compact dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable assembly serves multiple functions: it acts as the printing unit during normal operation and as the cleaning unit when extended laterally. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated separate mechanisms, reducing device complexity while achieving both compact size and effective cleaning capability.
3Ease of operation
If the transfer printing sled is moved out of the space during maintenance, then cleaning access is improved, but the printing operation requires the sled to be in the space
Solution Approach 1:
The printing unit and cleaning functions are segmented into separate movable components within the same assembly. The printing elements remain stationary relative to the recording medium, while the cleaning elements can be independently extended laterally. This segmentation allows cleaning access without requiring movement of the transfer printing sled, maintaining printing operation continuity.
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 design allows for simple and efficient cleaning of the print heads while minimizing the required installation space, achieving a compact and modular inkjet printing device that maintains high printing efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The cleaning elements can thereby comprise spraying and/or wiping elements
Implementation Method 2
The cleaning elements can thereby comprise spraying and/or wiping elements
Implementation Method 3
The soil particles that are thereby released and/or cleaning fluid dripping down can then be captured in a collection pan arranged below the space
Data Source
AI summary
An inkjet printing device for printing to a recording medium includes a printing unit that has a plurality of print bars that respectively have one or more print heads. The printing device also includes a transfer printing sled to guide the recording medium, which can be moved into and out of a space below the printing unit. In a print operation state, the transfer printing sled is arranged in the space and guides the recording medium during printing. In a maintenance operation state, the transfer printing sled is moved out of the space. The printing device also includes at least one cleaning element for cleaning at least one print head of the printing module.In the transport direction of the recording medium, the at least one cleaning element is arranged laterally next to the space in the print operation state and in this space in the maintenance operation state.