KR100360807B1 - A cartridge for printer nozzle cleaning - Google Patents

Abstract

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a cartridge for cleaning a printer nozzle, the object of which is to completely dissolve and remove foreign substances agglomerated in the nozzle hole together with ink to enable ink cartridge regeneration.

According to the printer nozzle cleaning cartridge according to the present invention, the nozzle hole 13a is made up of a solvent (2) in which ethylene glycol monobutyl ether is dissolved in water as an essential component, and a penetrating agent (3) in which pyrrolidone and methyl chloride are mixed. By dissolving and removing foreign matters agglomerated in), the head 13 drilled through the nozzle hole 13a is completely cleaned. This allows the ink cartridge to be regenerated and waste of resources can be prevented. In addition, by the chemical reaction of the dispersant (4), the corrosion inhibitor (6) and the adsorption inhibitor (7), which is an additional component, the cleaning action proceeds stably, and side effects such as corrosion are prevented.

Description

Cartridge for printer nozzle cleaning

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a printer nozzle cleaning cartridge mounted in an ink jet printer, and more particularly, to cleaning a nozzle of a printer, which enables ink cartridges to be regenerated by cleaning nozzles in which ink and foreign matter agglomerates while water evaporates. It relates to a cartridge.

In general, an ink jet printer includes a carriage reciprocating according to an electrical control signal, and an ink cartridge detachably attached to the carriage and electrically connected to a flexible printed circuit board when mounted. .

The lower head of the ink cartridge is provided with a head having a perforated nozzle hole, and printing is carried out on the paper supplied by flowing out the ink contained in the ink cartridge through the nozzle hole.

The printing ink of the conventional ink cartridge flows out of the head such that pigments (Tacl, SiO ₂ , TiO ₂ , CMC, etc.) and dust contained in the paper adhere to the paper by rapid friction with the paper. Ink agglomerates with foreign matter. Therefore, the nozzle hole is frequently clogged and the printing is not frequently performed.

As such, when the nozzle hole is clogged by foreign matter, the head of the ink cartridge is typically washed by distilled water or purified water, or by forcibly applying air pressure into the ink cartridge through a syringe.

However, since the foreign matter is agglomerated in the nozzle hole together with the ink, it is not easily removed by the method of applying distilled water or air pressure. In addition, there is a disadvantage that the foreign matter agglomeration proceeds again in a short time when the printing is carried out, since the predetermined foreign matter remains after washing.

Particularly, the nozzle hole through which ink flows out is usually 1.0 to 5.0 μ or less, and even if there is only a fine foreign matter, it is frequently clogged. However, since there is no specific method of completely removing the foreign matter to recycle the ink cartridge, most of the nozzle holes are discarded. There is a problem causing waste of resources by disposal.

The present invention is to solve this problem, the object of the present invention is to completely and easily remove the foreign matter agglomerated with the ink in the nozzle hole cleaning the printer nozzle to enable the regeneration of the ink cartridge and to prevent waste of resources It is to provide a cartridge for.

Figure 1 shows the components of the nozzle cleaner for an ink cartridge according to the present invention.

2 is a perspective view showing an integrated ink cartridge into which ink is added together with a cleaning agent according to the present invention.

Figure 3 is a perspective view showing a removable ink cartridge containing a cleaning agent according to the present invention. * Explanation of the main parts of the drawings * 1 ... detergent 2 ... solubilizer 3 ... penetrant 4 ... dispersant 5 ... emulsifiers 6 ... corrosion inhibitors ... 7 adsorption agents ... ... stabilizers

In the printer nozzle cleaning cartridge according to the present invention for achieving the above object, a cleaning agent is stored in a casing detachably coupled to a carriage of a printer provided with a nozzle hole; The detergent is a solvent in which ethylene glycol mono butyl ether (C ₄ H ₃ OCH ₂ CH ₂ OH) is dissolved to dissolve the foreign matter aggregated in the nozzle hole, and the solvent is easily separated between the foreign material gaps. Penetrant mixed with 2-Pyrrolidone and Methyl Chloride for the purpose of permeation, dispersant for dispersing the penetrant and dispersant widely, and emulsifier for catalyzing each compound And a corrosion inhibitor for preventing corrosion, an adsorption agent for preventing the components from being adsorbed on the inner wall of the ink cartridge, and a stabilizer for allowing each compound to function stably.

According to such a structure, the nozzle hole in which the foreign material agglomerates can be easily and completely cleaned, so that the printer ink cartridge can be regenerated and waste of resources can be prevented.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Briefly, the accompanying drawings, Figure 1 shows a specific component of the nozzle cleaner according to the present invention, Figures 2 and 3 schematically show the ink cartridge to which the present invention is applied.

Referring to Figure 1, the nozzle cleaner (1) for a printer ink cartridge according to the present invention is ethylene glycol mono butyl ether (Ethylene Grycol Mono Buthyl Ether, C ₄ H ₃ OCH ₂ CH) to dissolve the foreign matter aggregated in the nozzle hole _A dissolving agent (2) in which ₂ OH) is dissolved, and a penetrating agent (3) in which pyrrolidone (2-Pyrrolidone) and methyl chloride (Methyl Chloride) are mixed in order to easily penetrate the dissolving agent (2) between the foreign matter gaps, and A dispersant (4) for widely dispersing the penetrant (3) and the dissolving agent (2), an emulsifier (5) which catalyzes each compound for assimilation, and a corrosion inhibitor (6) for preventing corrosion, and a nozzle It is a solution in which the adsorbent 7 for preventing the cleaning agent 1 from adsorbing on the inner wall of the ink cartridge and the like and the stabilizer 8 for allowing each compound to work stably are mixed at an appropriate ratio.

The mixed solution constituting the cleaning agent (1) is classified into essential components for directly dissolving and removing foreign substances, and additive components to help the essential components work smoothly and to prevent their side effects. Same as

First, the essential components include a dissolving agent (2) provided at 43 to 48% of the total weight of the entire cleaning agent (1), and a penetrant (3) provided at 25 to 30% of the total weight of the cleaning agent (1).

In addition, the dissolving agent (2) is a basic raw material of the cleaning agent (1), and ethylene glycol (Ethylene Glycol, CH ₃ OHCH ₂ OH), ethyl alcohol, and tripolyphosphate in water in which ethylene glycol monobutyl ether is dissolved. Sodium (polysodium tripolyphosphate) is dissolved more, so strong dissolving agent (3) and additional components are easily dissolved.

This solubilizer (2) comprises sodium tripolyphosphate, ethylene glycol (Ethylene Glycol, CH ₃ OHCH ₂ OH), and ethylene glycol monobutyl ether in approximately 40% water by weight of the total solubility (2). Ethyl alcohol is sequentially added and dissolved, and the manufacturing process thereof is as follows.

First, clean water is put in a stainless steel container, preheated to 50 ~ 60 ℃ to make hot water, 1.0% ~ 1.2% sodium tripolyphosphate is added and completely dissolved until clear, 20 ~ 22% ethylene Glycool is added and stirred to mix uniformly. At this time, preheating the water is for smoothly dissolving sodium tripolyphosphate, and does not interfere with the temperature when ethylene glycol is added.

Subsequently, ethylene glycol monobutyl ether is added and stirred to water in which sodium tripolyphosphate and ethylene glycol are dissolved. When the temperature falls below 30 ° C., 15-20% of ethyl alcohol is added and stirred, cooled, and filtered to complete the solubilizer 2, which is a basic raw material of the detergent 1, that is, the solubilizer 2 ) Is a mixture of ethylene glycol monobutyl ether, ethylene glycol, ethyl alcohol, and sodium tripolyphosphate in water.

In addition, the penetrant (3) is a solution in which methyl alcohol (CH ₃ OH) is mixed in addition to 2-pyrrolidone and methyl chloride, and it is 25 to 30 based on the total weight of the cleaning agent (1). Accounted for%. The penetrant (3) prepared by mixing pyrrolidone, methyl alcohol, and methyl chloride is excellent in volatility and penetrating power, so that moisture can evaporate and easily penetrate into minute cracks of foreign matter agglomerated with ink. It is preferable to keep the methyl alcohol and methyl chloride at a mixture ratio of 5: 3: 2.

In addition, the additional components are used to protect the nozzles and to maintain the stability of the compound, and include a dispersant (4), an emulsifier (5), a corrosion inhibitor (6) and an adsorption agent (7) and a stabilizer (8).

Dispersant (4) is a mixed solution of ethylene glycol mono butyl ether (Ethylene Grycol Mono Buthyl Ether) and nonyl phenol (nonyl phenol 10mole, NP-10) is composed of 1 to 3% by weight of the total detergent (1). The mixing ratio of ethylene glycol monobutyl ether and nonyl phenol 10 mole (NP-10) is preferably maintained at 8: 2, and the chemical properties of these dispersants (2) and the permeant (3) are widely dispersed. As it penetrates into the foreign material gap.

The emulsifier (5) is composed of a nonyl phenol (10 mole, NP-10) solution, accounting for 0.1 ~ 0.5% of the total weight of the detergent (1), thereby causing each compound to assimilate.

Corrosion inhibitor (6) is to prevent the corrosion of the head of the ink cartridge, such as metal due to the essential components that directly dissolve and remove foreign substances, consisting of methyl chloride (Methyl Chloride) and the entire cleaning agent (1) Account for 5 to 10% by weight.

In addition, the adsorption inhibitor 7 is isopropyl alcohol (CH ₃ ) ₂ CHOH, accounting for 15 to 20% of the total weight of the nozzle cleaner. The chemical property of isopropyl alcohol prevents the cleaning agent 1 from sticking to the inner wall of the ink cartridge or the nozzle hole on the perforated head and to agglomerate.

And stabilizer (8) is to enable the essential components to work more stably on the foreign matter, consisting of ethylene glycol (Ethylene Glycol, CH ₃ OHCH ₂ OH) and occupies about 10 to 15% by weight of the total detergent (1) That is, the detergent (1) is composed of ethylene glycol monobutyl ether, ethylene glycol, ethyl alcohol, and water, and 43-48% of the total weight of the detergent (1) to dissolve foreign matter (2). ), A penetrating agent (3) made of 25-30% of the total weight of the cleaning agent (1) by mixing pyrrolidone, methyl chloride and methyl alcohol so that the dissolving agent (2) easily penetrates into the gap between the foreign substances, It consists of a mixed solution of ethylene glycol mono butyl ether and nonyl phenyl so that the penetrant (3) and the solubilizer (2) is widely dispersed to penetrate the gap of foreign matter, 1-3% of the total weight of the detergent (1) By this Dispersant (4), emulsifier (5) consisting of 0.1-0.5% of the total weight of the cleaning agent (1), made of nonyl phenol for each compound to assimilate, head of ink cartridge, etc. It is included as an additional component of the cleaning agent (1) to prevent corrosion, accounting for 5-10% of the total weight of the cleaning agent (1), and the corrosion inhibitor (6) consisting of methyl chloride, and the cleaning agent (1) is an ink cartridge Adsorption inhibitor consisting of isopropyl alcohol and containing 15-20% of the total weight of the cleaning agent 1 as an additional component of the cleaning agent 1 in order to prevent the inner wall or the nozzle hole from sticking to the perforated head. 7) and a stabilizer (8) containing 10-15% of the total weight of the detergent (1) and composed of ethylene glycol so that the essential components can act on the foreign matter more stably.

On the other hand, as described above, the dissolving agent (2) having excellent solubility is a basic raw material, and the penetrant (3), the dispersing agent (4), the emulsifier (5), the corrosion inhibitor (6) and the adsorption inhibitor are described. (7) It is a mixed solution in which etc. were dissolved. Therefore, if the molecular motion of the liquid phase at the time of manufacture of the cleaning agent (1) is the most active 40 ~ 50 ℃ because there is no abnormality in the stirring process, there is no need to limit the temperature range and stirring time separately. In addition, since the most important thing in the manufacture of the washing | cleaning agent (1) is the compounding ratio of the dissolving agent (2) and the penetrating agent (3), after preparing a dissolving agent (2), a penetrant (3), a dispersing agent (4), etc. separately, Most preferred.

Next, the cleaning action and effect through the example in which the cleaning agent 1 according to the present invention configured as described above is added to the integrated ink cartridge together with the water-soluble ink will be described.

Referring to FIG. 2, the integrated ink cartridge 10 is provided with a casing 11 in which ink is contained and a head 13 in which a nozzle hole 13a is perforated so that the contained ink flows out. It is equipped with a water-soluble ink in the casing 11 together with the cleaning agent 1 according to the present invention. That is, the water-soluble ink is a dilution of the ink stock solution in water, and in the preparation thereof, a small amount of the cleaning agent 1 in which the dissolving agent 2, the penetrating agent 3, the dispersing agent 4, and the like are mixed is added. At this time, the cleaning agent (1) is preferably added in about 10% to the weight of water in which the ink stock solution is diluted.

In this way, after the water-soluble ink to which the cleaning agent 1 is added is introduced into the casing 11, the ink cartridge 10 is mounted on a carriage (not shown) of the printer connected to the flexible printed circuit board (not shown). The ink cartridge 10 is electrically connected to the main print substrate of the printer. When a print command is input to the main printed board, the ink cartridge 10 moves reciprocally with the carriage and water-soluble ink flows out through the nozzle hole 13a of the head 13, thereby printing paper (not shown). Printing is in progress.

At this time, since the cleaning agent 1 is added to the water-soluble ink, the cleaning agent 1 also flows out through the nozzle hole 13a when the ink is spilled, thereby cleaning the head 13 where foreign matters adhere to the printing paper by direct friction. do.

That is, since the cohesive force of the water-soluble ink having a hydroxyl group (-OH) is very low, there are some gaps in the foreign matter adhering to the head 13. When the cleaning agent (1) flowing out with the water-soluble ink penetrates into the gap of the foreign matter, the foreign matter is removed while being dissolved by the dissolving agent (2) component composed of a compound such as ethylene glycol monobutyl ether and sodium tripolyphosphate. At this time, the dissolving agent (2) is easily mixed with pyrrolidone, methyl alcohol and methyl chloride, and easily penetrates into the foreign material gap through the penetrating agent (3) having excellent volatility and penetration ability, and also nonylphenol (nonyl phenol 10mole, NP). Since it penetrates widely by the dispersing action of the dispersing agent 4 which consists of -10), foreign matter dissolves and removes at high speed, and the nozzle hole 13a is wash | cleaned.

In addition, the corrosion of the head 13 made of metal is prevented through the emulsifier (5) and the corrosion inhibitor (6) as an additional component, and the cleaning agent (1) is the casing (11) through the adsorption inhibitor (7) and the stabilizer (8). ) It stably performs cleaning without sticking to the inner wall and the head 13. Accordingly, even if the printing is performed for a long time, clogging of the nozzle hole 13a does not occur, thereby improving product reliability of the ink cartridge 10 and reproducing it.

On the other hand, the head 13 can be completely cleaned by the method of directly opening the cap 12 of the ink cartridge 10 and directly inserting the casing 11 into the casing 11 according to the present invention. The spent ink cartridge 10 can be regenerated.

Next, the cleaning action and effect through the example applied to the separate ink cartridge type printer by putting the cleaning agent 1 according to the present invention in a separate cleaning cartridge will be described.

First, the removable ink cartridge is provided with an ink outlet at the bottom, and includes a casing in which ink is contained and a cap covering the casing, and the head (see FIG. 3 and 31) having a nozzle hole formed therein is a flexible printed circuit board (FIG. 3). Reference 32 is fixed to the carriage (see Fig. 3, 30) for reciprocating left and right. 3, the nozzle cleaning cartridge 20 covers the cap 22 after putting the cleaning agent 1 according to the present invention instead of the water-soluble ink into the casing 21 of the same type as the casing of the removable ink cartridge. Is completed.

When such a separate ink cartridge is first mounted with an ink cartridge containing water-soluble ink in a printer of a type, and then printing proceeds for a long time, as described above, the head 31 has pigments and foreign substances contained in the printing paper sticking to each other. The nozzle hole (not shown) is blocked by this, and printing is not performed.

In this way, if printing is not performed by the foreign matter, after disassembling the ink cartridge, the cleaning cartridge 20 containing the cleaning agent 1 according to the present invention is mounted on the carriage 30. When the printing test is carried out, the cleaning agent 1 contained in the cleaning cartridge 20 flows out through the outlet port and the nozzle hole to dissolve and remove the foreign matter aggregated in the head 31. Since the dissolution principle by the cleaning agent 1 is the same as that described above, the description thereof is omitted.

Therefore, since the dedicated nozzle cleaning cartridge 20 is attached to the separate ink cartridge type printer, the head 31 having the nozzle holes drilled can be cleaned as in the embodiment. ) Can be sold as a nozzle cleaning cartridge 20.

As described above in detail, according to the printer nozzle cleaning cartridge according to the present invention, foreign matter aggregated in the nozzle hole by a solvent in which ethylene glycol monobutyl ether is dissolved in water and a penetrating agent in which pyrrolidone and methyl chloride are mixed. By dissolving and removing this, the head perforated in the nozzle hole is completely cleaned. This allows the ink cartridge to be regenerated and waste of resources can be prevented. In addition, the cleaning action is stably progressed by chemical reactions such as dispersant, corrosion inhibitor and adsorption inhibitor, and side effects such as corrosion are prevented.

Claims (19)

delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete The cleaning agent is stored in the casing detachably coupled to the carriage of the printer provided with the nozzle hole; The detergent is a solvent in which ethylene glycol mono butyl ether (C ₄ H ₃ OCH ₂ CH ₂ OH) is dissolved to dissolve the foreign matter aggregated in the nozzle hole, and the solvent is easily separated between the foreign material gaps. Penetrant mixed with 2-Pyrrolidone and Methyl Chloride for the purpose of permeation, dispersant for dispersing the penetrant and dispersant widely, and emulsifier for catalyzing each compound And a corrosion inhibitor for preventing corrosion, an adsorption agent for preventing the components from being adsorbed on the inner wall of the ink cartridge, and a stabilizer for allowing each compound to function stably. cartridge. The method of claim 11, The cleaner, A solubilizer composed of ethylene glycol mono butyl ether, ethylene glycol, ethyl alcohol and water to dissolve foreign substances and composed of 43-48% of the total weight of the detergent; A penetrating agent composed of 25-30% of the total weight of the cleaning agent by mixing pyrrolidone, methyl chloride and methyl alcohol so that the dissolving agent easily penetrates into the gap between the foreign substances, A dispersant composed of a mixed solution of ethylene glycol mono butyl ether and nonyl phenol so that the penetrant and the dispersant are widely dispersed and penetrated into a gap of foreign matter, and comprises 1-3% of the total weight of the cleaner; An emulsifier composed of nonyl phenol for each compound to be assimilated and composed of 0.1-0.5% of the total weight of the cleaner, It is included as an additional component of the cleaning agent to prevent corrosion of the head of the ink cartridge and the like made of a metal material occupies 5-10% of the total weight of the cleaning agent and composed of methyl chloride, An adsorption inhibitor comprising 15-20% of the total weight of the cleaning agent as an additional component of the cleaning agent to prevent the cleaning agent from sticking to the inner wall of the ink cartridge or the nozzle hole by sticking to the perforated head; A print nozzle cleaning cartridge, comprising a stabilizer composed of ethylene glycol and containing 10-15% of the total weight of the cleaning agent so that the essential components can act on the foreign matter more stably. The method of claim 12, The solubilizer of the cleaner, Almost 40% water dissolves 1.0-1.2% sodium tripolyphosphate and 20-22% ethylene glycol, and approximately 1.5% ethylene glycol monobutyl ether and 15-20% ethyl alcohol in 40% water. The nozzle cleaning cartridge of the printer, characterized in that. The method of claim 11, The penetrant of the cleaning agent is produced by mixing methyl alcohol in a solution in which pyrrolidone and methyl chloride are mixed, and pyrrolidone, methyl alcohol and methyl chloride are mixed in a ratio of 5: 3: 2. Nozzle cleaning cartridge. The method of claim 11, The dispersant is a nozzle cleaning cartridge of a printer, characterized in that ethylene glycol mono butyl ether and nonylphenol is mixed in a ratio of 8: 2. delete delete delete delete