KR20220163587A - Cleaning repairing device for inkjet print head - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a cleaning and repairing apparatus for an inkjet print head. The cleaning and repairing apparatus for the inkjet print head according to an embodiment of the present invention, after an ink cartridge is removed from a plurality of ink inlets formed in the inkjet print head, may be connected to the ink inlets instead of the ink cartridge to supply a cleaning liquid into the inkjet print head. Provided is the cleaning and repairing apparatus for the inkjet print head, which can significantly improve work convenience.

Description

Cleaning repair device for inkjet print head {CLEANING REPAIRING DEVICE FOR INKJET PRINT HEAD}

The present invention relates to a cleaning and repairing apparatus for an inkjet print head, and more particularly, when the inkjet print head is clogged, the inkjet print head can be easily cleaned without separating the inkjet print head from the inkjet printer, thereby providing convenience in the cleaning operation. It relates to a cleaning and repairing device for inkjet printheads capable of significantly improving performance.

In general, an inkjet printer is a type of non-impact printer that prints by spraying ink finely, and usually prints documents or images using four color inks (black, red, blue, yellow). In this case, the inkjet printer may have higher print quality as the number of colors of ink used increases.

The inkjet printer as described above has low noise and clear print quality, but has disadvantages in that it smears easily and if it is not used for a long time, the ink hardens and the nozzles of the print head are clogged. However, inkjet printers are still used for personal and industrial purposes because they have a very low maintenance cost compared to laser printers.

Conventional inkjet printheads can be classified into a thermal drive type and a piezoelectric drive type according to an ink droplet ejection mechanism. That is, the thermally driven inkjet print head uses a heat source to generate bubbles in the ink and discharges chemical liquid by the expansion force of the bubble to proceed with the process, and the piezoelectric driven inkjet print head uses a piezoelectric element (piezoelectric element). ) is used to discharge the chemical liquid through a plurality of nozzles by the pressure applied to the ink due to the deformation of the piezoelectric element to proceed with the process. Recently, the use of piezoelectric-driven inkjet print heads is relatively expanding.

Meanwhile, an inkjet print head is formed to have a plurality of multiple nozzles. However, since the nozzles of the inkjet print head are formed in a very fine size, the nozzles are frequently clogged according to physical properties of the chemical solution during the course of discharging the chemical solution. As described above, when the nozzles are clogged, the chemicals are abnormally discharged, resulting in printing defects, thereby deteriorating film uniformity and print quality.

When the nozzles of the inkjet print head are clogged or suspected of being clogged, the clogging of the inkjet print head is eliminated by cleaning the inkjet print head. At this time, the operator uses various types of repair devices for cleaning the inkjet print head. The above repair device may be classified into a contact type, a cleaning solution immersion type, and an ultrasonic type according to the cleaning method of the nozzle.

Here, the contact-type repair device is a method of directly wiping the surface of the inkjet print head where the end of the nozzle is disposed using a wiper or directly scratching the surface of the inkjet print head using a blade. Therefore, in this method, there is a risk of damaging the nozzle during the cleaning operation of the inkjet print head, and there is a limit in that it is impossible to clean the inside of the nozzle.

In addition, the cleaning solution immersion type repair device is a method of cleaning the inkjet print head by directly immersing it in a bath containing a cleaning solution. Therefore, since this method is only immersed in the cleaning solution, there is a limit to the removal of solids inside the nozzle, and the time required for cleaning is very long, resulting in a significant decrease in productivity due to the shutdown of the inkjet printer. .

In addition, the ultrasonic repair device is a method of cleaning the surface of the inkjet printhead by immersing the inkjet printhead in a cleaning solution and then applying ultrasonic waves. Therefore, this method may cause damage to the nozzle depending on the material and processing method of the inkjet print head, and also has a disadvantage in that the temperature of the cleaning solution increases during ultrasonic cleaning.

As described above, the conventional repair apparatus has problems such as damage and damage to the nozzle, difficulty in cleaning the inside of the nozzle, and increased cleaning time. Since the cleaning operation is performed with the repair device while the head is disassembled and removed from the inkjet printer, the cleaning operation is very complicated and difficult.

Accordingly, technology development for an inkjet print head cleaning method and a repair device to solve the above problems is being actively pursued. For example, related prior art documents include Korean Patent Registration No. 10-2113432 (Title of Invention: Inkjet Printer Head Exclusive Repair Device, Registration Date: 2020.05.14) and Korean Patent Registration No. 10-2113433 (Invention Title: Inkjet Printer Head) There is a dedicated repair device that cleans and repairs the print head, registration date: 2020.05.14).

Korean Registered Patent No. 10-2113432 (registered on May 14, 2020) Korean Registered Patent No. 10-2113433 (registered on May 14, 2020)

An embodiment of the present invention is a washing and repairing device for an inkjet printhead capable of greatly improving work convenience by simply performing a cleaning operation of an inkjet printhead without separating the inkjet printhead from the inkjet printer when the inkjet printhead is clogged. provides

In addition, in an embodiment of the present invention, an inkjet print head cleaning operation can be quickly performed by removing an ink cartridge from an ink inlet of an inkjet print head and then simply installing a cleaning and repair device in the form of a cartridge to the ink inlet. A washing repair device for the head is provided.

In addition, embodiments of the present invention can uniformly supply a cleaning liquid to a plurality of nozzles formed on the inkjet print head during the cleaning operation of the inkjet print head, and appropriately adjust the sagging of the hose supplying the cleaning liquid during the cleaning process of the inkjet print head. A washing repair device for an inkjet print head capable of preventing a problem is provided.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, after removing an ink cartridge from a plurality of ink inlets formed in an inkjet print head, a cleaning solution is supplied into the inkjet print head by connecting to the ink inlets instead of the ink cartridge. A washing and repairing device for an inkjet print head is provided.

Preferably, the cleaning and repair apparatus for an inkjet print head according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of inlet connectors mounted on the inkjet print head in the form of a cartridge and connected to the ink inlets when the inkjet print head is cleaned. It may include a cartridge jig formed on one side, and a plurality of cleaning liquid supply hoses having one end connected to a plurality of hose connection parts formed on the other side of the cartridge jig and supplying the cleaning liquid to the cartridge jig.

Preferably, the cartridge jig has a jig body in which a portion of the inlet connection parts is formed on one side and the hose connection parts are formed on the other side, and a plurality of guide passages are provided therein to connect the inlet connection parts and the hose connection parts one by one. , Packing members inserted into the inner spaces of the inlet connection parts formed in the jig cover and the jig body and fixed by the jig cover and the jig body so as not to be separated from the inlet connection parts.

The packing member may include a packing insert formed on one side of the packing member and inserted into a part of the inlet connection part, and a packing protrusion formed on the other side of the packing member and inserted into the remaining part of the inlet connection part. have.

Here, the guide passage may be formed to have a smaller size than the inlet connection portion so that the packing insertion portion is caught. A locking jaw may be provided to protrude from the remaining portion of the inlet connection portion so as to engage the packing protrusion.

The packing protrusion may protrude from the packing insertion part in a conical shape, and an inclined surface portion to contact the packing protrusion may be formed on the locking jaw.

Preferably, the cleaning liquid supply hose includes a hose fastener that is respectively fastened to the hose connection portions so as to communicate with the hose connection portions, one end of a flexible hose member connected in communication with the hose fastener, and the other end of the flexible hose member. It may include a hose connector provided in and selectively connected to another hose.

Preferably, the cleaning and repairing apparatus for an inkjet print head according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a hose support for supporting the flexible hose member in combination with the cartridge jig.

For example, the hose support includes a support block having a plurality of through-holes through which the flexible hose members pass through, and a support frame connected to the support block and the cartridge jig to support the support block in a set position. can do.

The support frame may be disposed below the flexible hose members. The support block may be connected to the support frame to be movable along the longitudinal direction of the flexible hose members.

Unlike the above, the washing liquid supply hose includes hose fasteners respectively fastened to the hose connectors so as to communicate with the hose connectors, a first hose member having one end connected to the hose connector, and the other end of the first hose member. It includes a hose connector having one side connected in communication with the hose connector, a second hose member having one end connected to the other side of the hose connector in communication, and a hose connector provided at the other end of the second hose member and selectively connected to another hose. can

The first hose member may be formed of a Teflon material having excellent chemical resistance, and the second hose member may be formed of a silicone material having higher flexibility than the first hose member so as to increase workability of the cleaning liquid supply hose. can

Preferably, in the washing/repairing apparatus for an inkjet print head according to an embodiment of the present invention, the washing liquid supply hoses are uniformly distributed to the washing liquid supply hoses to uniformly distribute the cleaning liquid supplied at a set pressure from the cleaning liquid reservoir in which the cleaning liquid is stored. A cleaning solution distributor detachably connected to the other end may be further included.

For example, the washing liquid distributor has a single washing liquid inlet into which the washing liquid flows and a plurality of washing liquid outlets through which the washing liquid flows out, and distributes the washing liquid flowing into the washing liquid inlet to the washing liquid outlets evenly. A distributor body having a flow path therein, an inlet hose guiding the cleaning liquid from the cleaning liquid storage unit to the cleaning liquid inlet, and a plurality of outlet hoses respectively guiding the cleaning liquid from the cleaning liquid outlets to the other ends of the cleaning liquid supply hoses. can include

The washing liquid inlet may be disposed at the center of the upper surface of the distributor body, and the washing liquid outlets may be spaced apart from each other along an outer circumferential surface of the distributor body.

The distribution passage includes a vertical inflow passage for vertically guiding the washing liquid flowing into the washing liquid inlet to a lower side, and orthogonal to the vertical inflow passage to uniformly distribute the washing liquid flowing into the vertical inflow passage to the washing liquid outlets. It may include a horizontal distribution passage provided horizontally in a radial shape to be.

An inkjet printhead cleaning and repairing device according to an embodiment of the present invention removes an ink cartridge from an ink inlet of the inkjet printhead when the inkjet printhead is clogged, and then simply mounts the cleaning and repairing device in the cartridge type to the inkjet printhead. A cleaning liquid can be supplied to the inside of the print head, whereby the cleaning operation of the inkjet print head can be easily performed using the cleaning repair device while the inkjet print head is mounted without being separated from the inkjet printer.

In addition, in the cleaning and repairing device for an inkjet print head according to an embodiment of the present invention, an ink cartridge is removed from an ink inlet of an inkjet print head, and then the cleaning and repairing device is installed in the ink inlet. Since the cleaning liquid is supplied to the inkjet print head, the cleaning and repair device can be installed quickly and easily during the inkjet print head cleaning operation, greatly improving work convenience. work time can be reduced. Accordingly, in the present embodiment, the cleaning time and man-hours of the inkjet print head can be greatly reduced, and thus, the decrease in productivity due to the operation stoppage of the inkjet printer can be prevented.

In addition, since the cleaning and repairing device for an inkjet print head according to an embodiment of the present invention is a method of cleaning the inside of the inkjet printhead by supplying a cleaning solution to the inside of the inkjet printhead through the cleaning and repairing device, the inside of the nozzle of the inkjet printhead is cleaned. can be stably cleaned, and the problem of nozzle damage during the cleaning process of the inkjet print head can be solved.

In addition, the cleaning and repairing device for an inkjet printhead according to an embodiment of the present invention is provided in the same cartridge form as the ink cartridges connected to the ink inlets, but is simply formed in a jig structure as a whole, so that the cleaning and repairing device is complicatedly formed. Therefore, manufacturing may be facilitated, manufacturing costs of the washing and repairing device may be reduced, and convenience of use and portability of the washing and repairing device may be increased.

In addition, in the cleaning and repairing device for an inkjet print head according to an embodiment of the present invention, the cleaning solution supply hose is made of a highly flexible material to secure workability for the installation work of the cleaning and repairing device, and accordingly, the inkjet printhead cleaning operation can be carried out more smoothly.

In addition, since the cleaning and repair apparatus for an inkjet print head according to an embodiment of the present invention has a structure in which sagging of cleaning liquid supply hoses made of a flexible material is prevented during the process of cleaning the inkjet print head, the cleaning liquid is supplied through the cleaning liquid supply hoses. When the cleaning solution supply hoses are drooped by the cleaning solution, it is possible to prevent the problem of interfering with or colliding with other parts of the inkjet printer in advance. Clogging problems can also be avoided.

In addition, since the cleaning and repair apparatus for an inkjet print head according to an embodiment of the present invention has a structure in which the cleaning liquid flowing into the inlet hose of the cleaning liquid distributor is uniformly distributed to the outflow hoses through the distribution passage formed in the distributor body of the cleaning liquid distributor, The cleaning liquid can be uniformly supplied to the cleaning liquid supply hoses connected to the outflow hoses of the cleaning liquid distributor, and thus the inside of the inkjet print head can be efficiently cleaned by the cleaning liquid uniformly supplied through the plurality of ink inlets during the cleaning operation of the inkjet print head. can be cleaned with

1 is a diagram schematically showing how a cleaning and repairing device for an inkjet print head according to an embodiment of the present invention is installed in an inkjet printer.
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a connection of part 'A' shown in FIG. 1 .
FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating the washing repair device shown in FIG. 1 .
Figure 4 is a front view showing the hose support shown in Figure 3;
FIG. 5 is a plan view illustrating the washing liquid distributor shown in FIG. 3 .
Figure 6 is a plan view showing the distributor body shown in Figure 5;
FIG. 7 is a view showing a cross section taken along line BB shown in FIG. 6;
8 is a diagram schematically illustrating a cleaning and repairing device for an inkjet print head according to another embodiment of the present invention.
9 is a cross-sectional view showing the cleaning solution supply hose shown in FIG. 8;

Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited or limited by the examples. Like reference numerals in each figure indicate like elements.

FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing how a cleaning and repairing device 100 of an inkjet print head 20 according to an embodiment of the present invention is installed in an inkjet printer 10, and FIG. This is a cross-sectional view showing the connection of part 'A'. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the washing repair device 100 shown in FIG. 1 , and FIG. 4 is a front view showing the hose support 500 shown in FIG. 3 . 5 is a plan view showing the washer liquid distributor 400 shown in FIG. 3, FIG. 6 is a plan view showing the distributor body 410 shown in FIG. 5, and FIG. 7 is a cross-section taken along line B-B shown in FIG. is the drawing shown.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2 , a cleaning and repair apparatus 100 for an inkjet print head 20 according to an embodiment of the present invention is formed on the inkjet print head 20 during a cleaning operation of the inkjet print head 20 . After removing the ink cartridges (not shown) from the plurality of ink inlets 30 , they may be connected to the ink inlets 30 instead of the ink cartridges. As described above, the cleaning repair apparatus 100 may clean the inkjet print head 20 by supplying the cleaning solution S to the inside of the inkjet print head 20 through the ink inlets 30 .

That is, in the present embodiment, when the ink is hardened and the nozzles of the inkjet print head 20 are clogged when the inkjet printer 10 is used or not used for a long time, the inkjet print head 20 is removed from the inkjet printer 10 or the inkjet print head 20 is removed from the inkjet printer 10 Even without disassembling the print head 20 , the cleaning operation of the inkjet print head 20 can be conveniently performed using the washing/repair device 100 . Therefore, in the present embodiment, the cleaning operation of the inkjet print head 20 can be quickly performed using the cleaning and repairing device 100, and the working time and man-hours required for the cleaning operation of the inkjet print head 20 can be reduced. It can be reduced to improve work convenience.

The inkjet printer 10 may be provided in various types and sizes, and the number and shape of the ink inlet 30 may also be formed in various structures depending on the inkjet printer 10 . A plurality of ink inlets 30 are provided depending on the design conditions and circumstances of the inkjet printer 10, but in this embodiment, four ink inlets 30 capable of injecting four color inks (black, red, blue, yellow) is described as having been prepared.

For example, the ink inlet 30 includes a cylindrical inlet housing 32 connected to the inkjet print head 20, and an inlet nozzle 34 protruding along the axial direction from the center of an end of the inlet housing 32. can do.

The washing repair device 100 may be formed to be connected in the same cartridge form as the ink cartridges connected to the ink inlets 30 . The cleaning repair device 100 may be detachably connected to the ink inlets 30 during cleaning of the inkjet print head 20 . At this time, the ink inlet 30 may be inserted into the washing repair device 100 in a communication manner when the washing repair device 100 is mounted. The cleaning liquid S may be supplied from the cleaning liquid storage unit (not shown) to the inlet nozzle 34 through the washing repair device 100 .

For reference, a suction unit (not shown) for forcibly supplying the cleaning liquid S may be provided between the cleaning liquid storage unit and the washing repair device 100 . The above-mentioned section may forcibly supply the washing liquid S stored in the washing liquid storage unit to the washing repair device 100 by pumping the washing liquid S at a predetermined pressure. However, when the suction unit is not used, it is preferable to place the cleaning liquid storage unit above the washing repair device 100 in order to secure the supply pressure of the cleaning liquid S by gravity.

For example, the cleaning and repairing device 100 for the inkjet print head 20 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a cartridge jig 200, a cleaning solution supply hose 300, and a cleaning solution distributor 400.

The cartridge jig 200 and the cleaning solution supply hose 300 are manufactured in a pre-connected structure and can be used as one module, and the cleaning solution distributor 400 is attached to the cleaning solution supply hose 300 during the cleaning operation of the inkjet print head 20. Can optionally be connected. The cartridge jig 200 and the cleaning solution supply hose 300 as described above are formed in a simple structure, so that portability can be secured.

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4 , the cartridge jig 200 of this embodiment may be mounted on the inkjet print head 20 in the form of a cartridge during a cleaning operation of the inkjet print head 20 . The cartridge jig 200 may be provided in a box shape made of a metal material, and may be mounted to the ink inlets 30 in a cartridge type.

Here, one side of the cartridge jig 200 may be formed with a plurality of inlet connection parts 202 to be connected to the ink inlets 30 . The inlet connection portion 202 as described above is formed in a groove shape, so that the ink inlet 30 can be connected in an insertion manner. For example, the inlet connection portion 202 includes a first inlet connection portion 214 formed in a groove shape on one side of a jig body 210 to be described later, and a first inlet connection portion 214 to a jig cover 220 to be described later. A second inlet connection portion 224 formed in a hole shape at a corresponding position may be included.

Also, a plurality of hose connection parts 204 for connecting a plurality of cleaning fluid supply hoses 300 may be formed on the other side of the cartridge jig 200 . The hose connection portion 204 as described above may be formed in a groove shape on the other side of the cartridge jig 200 to correspond to the inlet connection portion 202 .

In addition, inside the cartridge jig 200, a plurality of guide passages ( 212) can be provided. The guide passage 212 as described above may be formed to individually connect the hose connection parts 204 and the inlet connection parts 202 one by one.

For example, the cartridge jig 200 may include a jig body 210, a jig cover 220, and a packing member 230.

The jig body 210 may be detachably connected to the ink inlets 30 of the inkjet print head 20 during a cleaning operation of the inkjet print head 20 . First inlet connection parts 214 may be formed on one side of the jig body 210, and hose connection parts 204 may be formed on the other side of the jig body 210. Here, a plurality of guide passages 212 may be provided inside the jig body 210 to connect the first inlet connection parts 214 and the hose connection parts 204 one by one. The guide passage 212 may be formed stepwise with a diameter smaller than that of the first inlet connection part 214 and the hose connection part 204 .

The jig cover 220 may be coupled to one side of the jig body 210 . In the jig cover 220 as described above, second inlet connection parts 224 may be formed at positions corresponding to the first inlet connection parts 214 . A plurality of fastening holes 226 may be formed in the jig cover 220, and a plurality of fastening grooves 216 may be formed at positions corresponding to the fastening holes 226 on one side of the jig body 210. have. At this time, the fastening members 240 are fastened to the fastening holes 226 and the fastening grooves 216, respectively, so that the jig body 210 and the jig cover 220 can be firmly coupled to each other.

The packing member 230 is inserted into the inner space of the inlet connection parts 202 formed by the second inlet connection parts 224 of the jig cover 220 and the first inlet connection parts 214 of the jig body 210, respectively. can be arranged so that The packing member 230 may be formed in a size corresponding to the inner space of the inlet connection part 202 . A hollow hole 230a may be formed to pass through the central portion of the packing member 230 as described above along the central axis. When the ink inlet 30 and the inlet connector 202 are connected to each other, the inlet nozzle 34 of the ink inlet 30 may be pushed through the hollow hole 230a.

Here, the packing member 230 may be inserted into the inner spaces of the inlet connection parts 202 formed at the joint between the jig cover 220 and the jig body 210 . At this time, one side of the packing member 230 may be disposed to be caught in the stepped connection portion of the first inlet connection part 214 and the second guide passage 212, and the other side of the packing member 230 is the second inlet connection part. It may be arranged so as to be caught by the locking jaw 222 provided on the inner circumferential surface of (224). Therefore, both sides of the packing member 230 are fixed in a structure that is caught between the jig cover 220 and the jig body 210, so that the packing member 230 is arbitrarily separated from the inlet connection part 224. Can be prevented, The packing member 230 can be stably supported in a structure sandwiched between the jig cover 220 and the jig body 210 . That is, in this embodiment, the reason for designing and manufacturing the cartridge jig 200 in a structure in which the jig cover 220 and the jig body 210 are separately manufactured and then combined again with the fastening member 240 is the packing member 230 because it can be installed stably.

On the other hand, the packing member 230 is formed on one side of the packing member 230 and is formed on the other side of the packing insertion portion 232 inserted into the first inlet connection portion 214, and the packing member 230 2 may include a packing protrusion 234 inserted into the inlet connection part 224 .

Here, the packing protrusion 234 protrudes sharply in a conical shape from the cylindrical packing insertion part 232 in which the hollow hole 230a is formed in the center, and the hollow hole 230a is in communication with the packing insertion part 232. can be centered. The packing insertion part 232 and the packing projection part 234 as described above may be integrally injection molded.

In addition, when the jig body 210 and the jig cover 220 are mounted, the locking jaw 222 protrudes from the inner circumferential surface of the second inlet connection part 224 to a predetermined height along the circumference in a shape in contact with the packing protrusion 234. It can be. An inclined surface portion 222a for adhering the surface of the packing protrusion 234 may be formed at a portion of the locking protrusion 222 as described above facing the packing protrusion 234 . In particular, the locking jaw 222 protrudes at a height smaller than the radius of the second inlet connection portion 224 to form a nozzle through hole 224b to be described later at a position corresponding to the hollow hole 230a of the packing protrusion 234. can

Meanwhile, when the cartridge jig 200 is mounted on the inkjet print head 20, the ink inlets 30 may penetrate the second inlet connectors 224 and then be inserted into the first inlet connectors 214. have. The locking jaw 222 as described above may form a housing seating portion 224a and a nozzle through hole 224b inside the second inlet connection portion 224 . The inlet housing 32 of the ink inlet 30 may be inserted and seated in the housing seating portion 224a, and the inlet nozzle 34 of the ink inlet 30 may be inserted through the nozzle through-hole 224b. have.

1 to 4, the cleaning solution supply hose 300 of this embodiment may be connected to the cartridge jig 200 in plurality to supply the cleaning solution S to the cartridge jig 200. One end of the cleaning solution supply hose 300 may be connected to the hose connection parts 204 of the cartridge jig 200, respectively, and the other end of the cleaning solution supply hose 300 may be connected to the cleaning solution distributor 400.

For example, the cleaning solution supply hose 300 may include a hose fastener 310, a flexible hose member 320, and a first hose connector 330.

The hose fastener 310 may be connected to each of the hose connectors 204 so as to communicate with each other in a fastening manner. One end of the flexible hose member 320 may be connected to the hose fitting 310 in communication, and the other end of the flexible hose member 320 may be connected to the first hose connector 330 in communication. The first hose connector 330 may be selectively connected to second hose connectors 432 provided in outlet hoses 430 of the washing liquid distributor 400 to be described later.

Here, the flexible hose member 320 may be formed of a hose made of a flexible material longer than a predetermined length. For example, the flexible hose member 320 is formed of a material having flexibility, but in this embodiment, the flexible hose member 320 is described as being formed of a Teflon material having excellent chemical resistance. On the other hand, if the flexible hose member 320 is formed of a flexible material and is longer than the set length, the cleaning solution supply hose 300 can be gently bent into a desired shape while preventing sudden bending deformation. During the cleaning operation of (20), the workability of the cleaning solution supply hose 300 is increased, so that the installation space of the cleaning repair device 100 can be easily secured.

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 , the cleaning and repairing apparatus 100 of the inkjet print head 20 according to an embodiment of the present invention is a hose for stably supporting flexible cleaning solution supply hoses 300 . A support 500 may be further included.

The hose support 500 is provided on the cartridge jig 200 and may be disposed below the cleaning liquid supply hoses 300 so that the cleaning liquid supply hoses 300 are seated thereon. At this time, since the washing liquid supply hoses 300 are stably supported while being seated on the hose support 500, abnormal shaking of the washing liquid supply hoses 300 can be prevented, and the washing liquid supply hoses 300 can be placed in a desired position. It is possible to increase the workability of the washing repair device 100 by fixing the cleaning solution supply hose 300, and by preventing abnormal bending while sagging the cleaning solution supply hose 300, there is also a problem that the cleaning solution supply hose 300 is clogged or collides with other peripheral parts. can be prevented in advance.

For example, the hose support 500 is a support block 510 having a plurality of through holes 512 through which the flexible hose members 320 are disposed, and a support block 510 to be supported at a set position. It may include a support frame 520 connected to the block 510 and the cartridge jig 200.

Here, the support block 510 may be connected to the support frame 520 to be movable along the longitudinal direction of the flexible hose members 320 . Flexible hose members 320 of the cleaning liquid supply hose 300 may be disposed in the through-holes 512 to be slidably movable. At this time, block fixing holes 514 through which the support frame 520 is disposed may be formed on both sides of the support block 510, respectively, and the support frame 520 is inserted into the block fixing hole 514. Fastening holes for fastening and fixing with fastening pins 530 may be respectively formed. As described above, the fastening hole and the block fixing hole 514 may be provided on both sides of the support block 510 in a structure that communicates with each other in a shape orthogonal to each other.

Also, the support frame 520 may be disposed below the flexible hose members 320 to stably support the cleaning solution supply hose 300 . The support frame 520 may be formed of a panel member or a wire member, but in this embodiment, it may be provided with a wire member bent in a 'c' shape. At this time, on both sides of the other side of the jig body 210, frame fixing grooves 218 for fixing both ends of the support frame 520 may be formed, respectively, and both ends of the support frame 520 are frame fixing grooves ( 218) may be formed with fastening holes for fastening with fastening pins 530, respectively. As described above, the fastening hole and the frame fixing groove 218 may be provided on both sides of the jig body 210 in a structure that communicates with each other in a shape orthogonal to each other.

3, 5 to 7, the washing liquid distributor 400 of this embodiment can uniformly distribute the washing liquid S supplied from the washing liquid storage unit at a set pressure to the washing liquid supply hoses 300. . One side of the washing liquid distributor 400 may be connected to the washing liquid storage unit, and the other side of the washing liquid distributor 400 may be detachably connected to the other ends of the washing liquid supply hoses 300 .

For example, the washing liquid distributor 400 may include a distributor body 410 , an inlet hose 420 and an outlet hose 430 .

The distributor body 410 may be formed in any one shape of a cylindrical column or a polygonal column having a predetermined thickness. Hereinafter, in this embodiment, it will be described that the distributor body 410 is formed in the shape of a regular hexagonal prism. At this time, the inlet hose 420 may be connected to the center of the upper surface of the distributor body 410, and the outlet hoses 430 may be connected to the outer circumferential surface of the distributor body 410 so as to be spaced apart from each other at the same angle.

Here, a single washing liquid inlet 412 for introducing the washing liquid S through the inlet hose 420 may be formed in the center of the upper surface of the distributor body 410, and the outer circumferential surface of the distributor body 410 has an outlet hose ( A plurality of cleaning liquid outlets 414 through which the cleaning liquid S is discharged through the 430 may be formed. The washing liquid outlets 414 may be spaced apart at equal intervals along the outer circumference of the distributor body 410, and the washing liquid inlet 412 may be disposed at the center of the upper surface of the distributor body 410.

In addition, a distribution channel 416 may be formed inside the distributor body 410 to uniformly distribute the washing liquid S introduced into the washing liquid inlet 412 to the washing liquid outlets 414 . At this time, the distribution channel 416 may be provided to vertically guide the cleaning liquid S introduced into the cleaning liquid inlet 412 downward and then horizontally distribute the cleaning liquid toward the cleaning liquid outlets 414 in a radial shape.

For example, the distribution channel 416 includes a vertical inlet channel 416a connected to the cleaning liquid inlet 412, and a horizontal distribution channel 416b connected to the vertical inlet channel 416a and the cleaning liquid outlets 414, respectively. can do.

The vertical inflow passage 416a may be provided inside the distributor body 410 in a shape of a passage vertically extending downward from the washing liquid inlet 412 . Accordingly, the vertical inflow passage 416a may be formed in a flow path shape to vertically guide the washing liquid S introduced into the washing liquid inlet 412 downward.

The horizontal distribution passages 416 may be provided inside the distributor body 410 in a shape branching equally from the lower end of the vertical inflow passage 416a to the washer fluid outlets 414 . Accordingly, the horizontal distribution passages 416 may be formed in a flow path shape to uniformly distribute the washing liquid S introduced into the vertical inflow passage 416a to the washing liquid outlets 414 . The horizontal distribution passages 416 as described above branch radially toward the washer fluid outlets 414 centered on the lower end of the vertical inflow passage 416a, but may be provided horizontally in a shape orthogonal to the vertical inflow passage 416a. have.

The inlet hose 420 is a hose for guiding the cleaning liquid S from the cleaning liquid storage unit to the cleaning liquid inlet 412 . A supply valve 422 may be disposed in the inlet hose 420 to regulate the supply of the cleaning liquid S and prevent the back flow of the cleaning liquid S.

The outlet hoses 430 are hoses for guiding the cleaning liquid S from the cleaning liquid outlets 414 to the other ends of the cleaning liquid supply hoses 300, respectively. One end of the outlet hose 430 may be connected to the cleaning solution outlet 414, and the other end of the outlet hose 430 may be detachably connected to the first hose connector 330 of the cleaning solution supply hose 300.

Hereinafter, in this embodiment, the washing liquid outlet 414 and the outflow hose 430 of the washing liquid distributor 400 may be provided in a number corresponding to the washing liquid supply hose 300, and the inlet hose 420 and the outflow hose 430 may be formed in the same similar structure as the cleaning solution supply hose 300. However, a second hose connector 432 to be connected to the first hose connector 330 may be disposed at the other end of the outlet hose 430 .

A cleaning process using the cleaning and repairing device 100 of the inkjet print head 20 according to an embodiment of the present invention configured as described above is as follows.

If the inkjet print head 20 is clogged during use of the inkjet printer 10, separate the ink cartridge from the ink inlets 30 of the inkjet print head 20, and install the ink cartridge jig 200 of the cleaning repair device 100. It is instead mounted on the inlets (30).

Therefore, the cleaning operation of the inkjet print head 20 can be performed using the washing repair device 100 without removing the inkjet print head 20 from the inkjet printer 10 or disassembling the inkjet print head 20 . It can be done simply and quickly.

The ink inlets 30 as described above are connected in communication while being inserted into the inlet connectors 202 of the cartridge jig 200. At this time, the ink injection holes 30 may be connected to guide passages 212 formed in the jig body 210 of the cartridge jig 200 .

When the installation of the cartridge jig 200 is completed, the outlet hoses 430 of the cleaning solution distributor 400 are connected to the cleaning solution supply hoses 300 of the cleaning repair device 100, and the inlet hoses of the cleaning solution distributor 400 ( 420) is connected to the washing liquid reservoir.

At this time, when the washing liquid S stored in the washing liquid storage unit is supplied to the inlet hose 420 of the washing liquid distributor 400, the washing liquid S supplied to the inlet hose 420 is supplied to the distributor body 410 of the washing liquid distributor 400. ) After being introduced into the distributor body 410, it is distributed to the outlet hoses 430 through the distribution passage 416 of the distributor body 410, and the cleaning liquid S distributed to the outlet hoses 430 passes through the cleaning liquid supply hose 300. It is supplied to the cartridge jig 200.

As described above, the cleaning liquid (S) supplied to the cartridge jig 200 is simultaneously delivered to the inlet connectors 202 through the guide passages 212 formed inside the cartridge jig 200 and then to the inlet connectors 202. The ink is supplied into the inkjet print head 20 through the connected ink inlets 30 .

Therefore, the cleaning solution S supplied through the cleaning repair device 100 can clean the inside of the inkjet print head 20 easily and smoothly prevent clogging of the inkjet print head 20 caused by hardening of the ink. can be resolved

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a cleaning and repairing device 1000 of an inkjet print head 20 according to another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a cleaning fluid supply hose 3000 shown in FIG. 8 . .

In FIGS. 8 and 9, the same reference numerals as those shown in FIGS. 1 to 7 denote the same members, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted. Hereinafter, differences from the washing repair device 100 shown in FIGS. 1 to 7 will be mainly described.

Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9 , a washing repair apparatus 1000 of an inkjet print head 20 according to another embodiment of the present invention is a washing repair apparatus 1000 of an inkjet print head 20 shown in FIGS. 1 to 7 ( 100) is formed in a small size for use in the small inkjet printer 10, and the structure of the cleaning solution supply hose 3000 is formed differently.

That is, the washing repair device 1000 of the present embodiment is to be used for the inkjet print head 20 of the inkjet printer 10 having a smaller size than the inkjet printer 10 shown in FIGS. 1 to 7 . It may be formed in a smaller size than the washing repair device 100 shown in . However, since the washing and repairing device 1000 of this embodiment is formed in a small size as a whole, the risk of sagging of the washing liquid supply hose 3000 is relatively reduced, so the hose support 500 shown in FIGS. 1 to 7 use can be omitted.

The cartridge jig 2000 of the wash repair device 1000 is smaller than the cartridge jig 200 shown in FIGS. 1 to 7 , but has the same overall structure as the cartridge jig 200 shown in FIGS. 1 to 7 structure can be provided. In addition, the cleaning liquid distributor 400 of the washing repair device 1000 may also have the same structure as the cleaning liquid distributor 400 shown in FIGS. 1 to 7 . Therefore, a detailed description of the detailed configuration of the cartridge jig 2000 and the cleaning liquid dispenser 400 will be omitted below.

Meanwhile, the washing liquid supply hose 3000 of the washing repair device 1000 may be formed to be very short, less than a predetermined length compared to the washing liquid supply hose 300 shown in FIGS. 1 to 7 . At this time, the cleaning liquid supply hose 3000 may be provided with different types of flexible hose members 3200 made of different materials, and the different types of flexible hose members 3200 may be connected to communicate with each other by a hose connector 3400. That is, the cleaning liquid supply hoses 3000 may be formed in a structure in which heterogeneous flexible hose members 3200 are connected around the hose connector 3400.

As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 , the cleaning liquid supply hose 3000 of this embodiment may include a hose fastener 3100, a flexible hose member 3200, and a first hose connector 3300.

Here, the flexible hose member 3200 may be formed of two types of hoses made of a flexible material shorter than a preset length. Since the washing liquid supply hose 3000 as described above is formed in a short length by the flexible hose member 3200, compared to the washing liquid supply hose 300 shown in FIGS. Hazards can be avoided.

For example, the flexible hose member 3200 of this embodiment may include a first hose member 3210, a second hose member 3220, and a hose connector 3400.

One end of the first hose member 3210 may be connected to the hose fitting 3100, and the other end of the first hose member 3210 may be connected to one side of the hose connector 3400 in communication. One end of the second hose member 3220 may be connected to the other side of the hose connector 3400 in communication, and the other end of the second hose member 3220 may be connected to the first hose connector 3300.

One side of the hose connector 3400 may be provided with a hollow tube fitting part 3410 for inserting the other end of the first hose member 3210 in communication therewith, and the other side of the hose connector 3400 may have a second tube fitting portion 3410. A tube needle portion 3420 may be provided to be inserted into one end of the hose member 3220 in communication therewith.

For reference, in this embodiment, the first hose member 3210 may be formed of a hose made of Teflon material having excellent chemical resistance, and the second hose member 3220 may be made of silicon having excellent flexibility than the first hose member 3200. It may be formed of a hose made of a material. Therefore, since the second hose member 3220 has higher flexibility than the first hose member 3210, the workability of the cleaning liquid supply hose 3200 can be stably secured when the washing repair device 1000 is installed.

As described above, the embodiments of the present invention have been described with specific details such as specific components and limited embodiments and drawings, but these are provided only to help a more general understanding of the present invention, and the present invention is limited to the above embodiments. It is not, and those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations from these descriptions. Therefore, the spirit of the present invention should not be limited to the described embodiments and should not be determined, and all things equivalent or equivalent to the claims as well as the following claims belong to the scope of the present invention.

10: inkjet printer
20: inkjet print head
30: ink inlet
100, 1000: washing repair device
200, 2000: cartridge jig
210: jig body
220: jig cover
230: packing member
300, 3000: cleaning fluid supply hose
400: washing liquid distributor
500: hose support
3400: hose connector
S: washing liquid

Claims (10)

A cleaning and repair apparatus for an inkjet print head characterized by removing an ink cartridge from a plurality of ink inlets formed in the inkjet print head and supplying a cleaning solution to the inside of the inkjet print head by connecting the ink cartridge to the ink inlets instead of the ink cartridge. .
According to claim 1,
a cartridge jig mounted on the inkjet print head in the form of a cartridge and having a plurality of inlet connectors formed on one side thereof to be connected to the ink inlets; and
a plurality of cleaning liquid supply hoses having one end connected to a plurality of hose connection parts formed on the other side of the cartridge jig and supplying the cleaning liquid to the cartridge jig;
Washing and repairing device for an inkjet print head comprising a.
According to claim 2,
The cartridge jig,
A jig body in which a portion of the inlet connection parts is formed on one side, the hose connection parts are formed on the other side, and a plurality of guide passages are provided therein to connect the inlet connection parts and the hose connection parts one by one;
a jig cover coupled to one side of the jig body and formed with the remaining portions of the inlet connectors; and
Packing members inserted into the inner spaces of the inlet connection parts formed in the jig cover and the jig body, respectively, and caught and fixed by the jig cover and the jig body so as not to be separated from the inlet connection parts;
Washing and repairing device for an inkjet print head comprising a.
According to claim 3,
The packing member may include: a packing insert formed on one side of the packing member and inserted into a part of the inlet connection part; And a packing protrusion formed on the other side of the packing member and inserted into the remaining part of the inlet connection part; includes,
The guide passage is formed in a smaller size than the inlet connection portion so that the packing insertion portion is caught,
A locking jaw is provided to protrude from the remaining portion of the inlet connection portion so that the packing protrusion is caught,
The cleaning and repairing device for an inkjet print head according to claim 1 , wherein the packing protrusion protrudes in a conical shape from the packing insertion part, and an inclined surface portion is formed on the locking protrusion to come into contact with the packing protrusion.
According to claim 2,
The washing liquid supply hose,
Hose fasteners respectively fastened to the hose connection parts so as to communicate with the hose connection parts;
A flexible hose member connected to one end in communication with the hose fastener; and
A hose connector provided at the other end of the flexible hose member and selectively connected to another hose,
The cleaning and repairing apparatus for an inkjet print head further comprising a hose supporter coupled to the cartridge jig to support the flexible hose member.
According to claim 5,
The hose support,
a support block formed with a plurality of through-holes through which the flexible hose members pass; and
a support frame connected to the support block and the cartridge jig to support the support block in a set position;
Washing and repairing device for an inkjet print head comprising a.
According to claim 6,
The support frame is disposed below the flexible hose members,
wherein the support block is connected to the support frame so as to be movable along the longitudinal direction of the flexible hose members.
According to claim 7,
The washing liquid supply hose,
Hose fasteners respectively fastened to the hose connection parts so as to communicate with the hose connection parts; a first hose member having one end connected to the hose fastener;
a hose connecting rod having one side connected to the other end of the first hose member in communication; A second hose member having one end connected to the other side of the hose connection rod in communication therewith; and
A hose connector provided at the other end of the second hose member and selectively connected to another hose,
The first hose member is formed of a Teflon material having excellent chemical resistance, and the second hose member is formed of a silicone material having higher flexibility than the first hose member so as to improve the workability of the cleaning solution supply hose. A cleaning repair device for inkjet printheads that
According to any one of claims 2 to 8,
a washing liquid distributor detachably connected to the other ends of the washing liquid supply hoses to uniformly distribute the washing liquid supplied at a set pressure from the washing liquid storage unit in which the washing liquid is stored to the washing liquid supply hoses;
Washing and repairing device for an inkjet print head further comprising a.
According to claim 9,
The washing liquid distributor has a plurality of washing liquid inlets through which the washing liquid flows and a plurality of washing liquid outlets through which the washing liquid flows out, and a distribution channel for uniformly dissolving the washing liquid flowing into the washing liquid inlets into the washing liquid outlets is provided inside. Distributor body provided in; an inlet hose for guiding the washing liquid from the washing liquid storage unit to the washing liquid inlet; and a plurality of outflow hoses respectively guiding the cleaning liquid from the cleaning liquid outlets to the other ends of the cleaning liquid supply hoses,
The washing liquid inlet is disposed at the center of the upper surface of the distributor body, and the washing liquid outlets are spaced apart from each other along the outer circumferential surface of the distributor body,
The distribution passage may include a vertical inflow passage vertically guiding the washing liquid introduced into the washing liquid inlet to a lower side; and a horizontal distribution passage provided horizontally in a radial shape orthogonal to the vertical inflow passage to uniformly distribute the cleaning liquid flowing into the vertical inflow passage to the cleaning liquid outlets. Device.

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