Patent Description:
In ink jet printing systems the print is made up of individual droplets of ink generated at a nozzle and propelled towards a substrate. There are two principal systems: drop on demand where ink droplets for printing are generated as and when required; and continuous inkjet printing in which droplets are continuously produced and only selected ones are directed towards the substrate, the others being recirculated to an ink supply.

Continuous ink jet printers supply pressurised ink to a printhead drop generator where a continuous stream of ink emanating from a nozzle is broken up into individual regular drops by, for example, an oscillating piezoelectric element. The drops are directed past a charge electrode where they are selectively and separately given a predetermined charge before passing through a transverse electric field provided across a pair of deflection plates. Each charged drop is deflected by the field by an amount that is dependent on its charge magnitude before impinging on the substrate whereas the uncharged drops proceed without deflection and are collected at a gutter from where they are recirculated to the ink supply for reuse. The charged drops bypass the gutter and hit the substrate at a position determined by the charge on the drop and the position of the substrate relative to the printhead. Typically the substrate is moved relative to the printhead in one direction and the drops are deflected in a direction generally perpendicular thereto, although the deflection plates may be oriented at an inclination to the perpendicular to compensate for the speed of the substrate (the movement of the substrate relative to the printhead between drops arriving means that a line of drops would otherwise not quite extend perpendicularly to the direction of movement of the substrate). The various components of the printhead are typically contained within a cover tube.

In continuous ink jet printing a character is printed from a matrix comprising a regular array of potential drop positions. Each matrix comprises a plurality of columns (strokes), each being defined by a line comprising a plurality of potential drop positions (e.g. seven) determined by the charge applied to the drops. Thus each usable drop is charged according to its intended position in the stroke. If a particular drop is not to be used then the drop is not charged and it is captured at the gutter for recirculation. This cycle repeats for all strokes in a matrix and then starts again for the next character matrix.

Ink is delivered under pressure to the printhead by an ink supply system that is generally housed within a sealed compartment of a cabinet that includes a separate compartment for control circuitry and a user interface panel. The system includes a main pump that draws the ink from a reservoir or tank via a filter and delivers it under pressure to the printhead. As ink is consumed the reservoir is refilled as necessary from a replaceable ink cartridge that is releasably connected to the reservoir by a supply conduit. The ink is fed from the reservoir via a flexible delivery conduit to the printhead. The unused ink drops captured by the gutter are recirculated to the reservoir via a return conduit by a pump. The flow of ink in each of the conduits is generally controlled by solenoid valves and/or other like components.

As the ink circulates through the system, there is a tendency for it to thicken as a result of solvent evaporation, particularly in relation to the recirculated ink that has been exposed to air in its passage between the nozzle and the gutter. In order to compensate for this, "make-up" solvent is added to the ink as required from a replaceable solvent cartridge so as to maintain the ink viscosity within desired limits. The ink and solvent cartridges are filled with a predetermined quantity of fluid and generally releasably connected to the reservoir of the ink supply system so that the reservoir can be intermittently topped-up by drawing ink and/or solvent from the cartridges as required. This solvent may also be used for flushing components of the printhead, such as the nozzle and the gutter, in a cleaning cycle.

Cleaning of the printhead is required since there are various sources of contamination during the printing process; during operation of continuous ink jet printheads, the printhead components are known to become lightly coated with ink and other foreign bodies. The principle causes of the coating are a brief transient spray created as the jet is started and stopped, the continuous albeit very light coating caused by charged microsatellites that are formed during the jet breakoff and charging process, and some splash back from the substrate. According to the ink type and application, the customer is required to clean the printhead on a frequent basis ranging from daily to monthly intervals. The current cleaning process typically involves stopping the ink jet, removing the printhead from the printing location, removing the cover tube or printhead casing from the printhead, placing the printhead in a waste collection vessel, and spraying or pouring solvent onto the contaminated areas of the printhead to clean those areas. This cleaning process tends to be messy for the customer, requires specialist equipment (for example, gloves and glasses etc.), takes a lot of time, requires large quantities of solvent, much of which may go to waste, and if the cleaning process is not performed properly (for example, not performed thoroughly enough and/or on the required time basis) this may lead to printer unreliability. It would therefore be desirable to provide an improved cleaning process for the printhead.

It would be desirable to provide a method of cleaning a printhead that overcomes one or more of the above problems. It would be desirable to provide a printer that is configured to perform an improved printhead cleaning process. It would be desirable to provide a printer that at least partially, or fully, automates the printhead cleaning process. It would be desirable to provide a printhead cleaning process that reduces the amount of solvent required.

<CIT> discloses a method of operating a continuous inkjet printer, the printer comprising a printhead, the printhead comprising a droplet generator comprising a printing nozzle for ejecting an inkjet for printing, at least one electrode for steering the inkjet, and a gutter having an ink receiving orifice for receiving parts of the ink jet which are not used for printing.

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a method of operating a continuous inkjet printer. The printer comprise a printhead. The printhead comprises a droplet generator comprising a printing nozzle for ejecting an inkjet for printing, at least one electrode for steering the ink jet, and a gutter having an ink receiving orifice for receiving parts of the ink jet which are not used for printing. The method comprises performing a cleaning operation. Said cleaning operation comprises: ejecting a solvent jet from the printing nozzle towards the gutter; and causing at least a portion of the solvent ejected in the jet to contact at least a part of the gutter surrounding the orifice for cleaning said part of the gutter surrounding the orifice.

During printing, deposits of ink can form of various parts of the printhead, such as, for example, the external surface of the gutter which surrounds the orifice. By ejecting solvent from the printing nozzle, and causing the solvent to contact parts of the gutter surrounding the orifice, it is possible to wash away such deposits of ink, thereby preventing these deposits from interfering with printing operation.

By ejecting solvent from the printing nozzle, rather than by performing a manual wash process, it is possible simplify the cleaning process, and to minimise solvent usage (e.g. by ensuring the solvent is accurately directed at the areas of interest). For example, a cleaning process of this type may use around <NUM> of solvent to effectively clean a gutter, whereas a manual cleaning operation performed using a wash bottle may, for example, use around <NUM> of solvent.

Moreover, by ejecting solvent from the printing nozzle, rather than from a dedicated solvent ejection nozzle, washing can be performed by a conventional printhead, which has not been specifically modified or adapted for this process (for example by the addition of a dedicated solvent ejection nozzle and associated solvent lines and valves). That is, it is possible to perform this cleaning method using existing hardware, and therefore without adding complexity to the design of existing print heads.

Advantageously, the cleaning method may be performed using printers that are already in operation, by providing a software upgrade.

The solvent jet may be ejected from the printing nozzle towards the gutter along a printing axis which extends from the nozzle to the orifice in a straight line.

Causing the solvent to contact the gutter for cleaning may comprise causing the solvent jet to impinge on said at least a part of the gutter surrounding the orifice. The jet may directly or indirectly impinge on said at least a part of the gutter surrounding the orifice. For example, the jet may be directed so as to strike the external surface of the gutter directly, or may enter the gutter orifice, but then be caused to overflow from the gutter orifice, and thereby flow onto said at least a part of the gutter surrounding the orifice.

The gutter may comprise an ink receiving orifice for receiving ink drops of the ink jet which are not used for printing. The gutter may be provided at a fixed location relative to the nozzle. Each of the gutter and the nozzle may be provided at respective fixed locations on the printhead body.

The at least one electrode may be provided at a fixed location relative to the nozzle and the gutter. The first and second deflection electrodes may be provided at a fixed location relative to the nozzle and the gutter.

The continuous inkjet printer may comprise an ink supply system operable to supply ink to the print head. The ink supply system may also be operable to supply solvent the print head. The ink supply system may comprise an ink cartridge. The ink supply system may comprise a solvent cartridge. The ink supply system may be operable to supply solvent based ink to the printhead during a printing operation and to supply solvent to the printhead during the cleaning operation.

The printer may further comprise a suction source connected to the gutter by a gutter line and configured to apply a negative pressure to the gutter during printing to draw ink which is not used for printing along the gutter line. The method may comprise disabling the suction source for at least a portion of the time when said solvent jet is ejected from the printing nozzle towards the gutter.

Whereas non-printed drops of ink are usually collected by the gutter (under the effect of the suction source), and carried away from the gutter along the gutter line, by disabling the suction source, solvent being directed into the gutter orifice from the nozzle will quickly accumulate and overflow from the orifice, thereby flowing from the orifice onto the regions of the external surface of the gutter which surround the orifice. In this way, it is possible to wash away deposits of ink around the gutter orifice.

The suction source and/or the solvent jet may be pulsed on and off during a cleaning operation. Disabling the suction source may comprise disabling a pump and/or controlling a valve to disconnect a negative pressure source from the gutter (e.g. by closing a valve to prevent the negative pressure source from reaching the gutter, or by opening a valve to allow the negative pressure source to be directed away from the gutter.

Causing at least a portion of the solvent ejected in the jet to contact at least a part of the gutter surrounding the orifice for cleaning said part of the gutter surrounding the orifice may comprise causing at least a portion of the solvent jet to contact at least a part of the gutter surrounding the orifice.

Causing at least a portion of the solvent to contact at least a part of the gutter surrounding the orifice for cleaning may comprise causing the solvent jet to deviate from a printing axis which extends from the nozzle to the gutter orifice.

Causing the solvent jet to deviate from the printing axis may comprise generating an electrostatic field for deflecting the solvent jet.

By generating the electrostatic field, it is possible to induce a charge on the solvent jet, to cause the solvent jet to deviate from the printing axis and impinge on the regions of the external surface of the gutter which surround the orifice.

Generating said electrostatic field may comprise applying a steering voltage to the at least one electrode.

The at least one electrode may comprise an electrode assembly.

The electrode assembly may comprise first and second deflection electrodes for creating an electrostatic field for deflecting ink drops carrying trapped electric charges. Generating said electrostatic field may comprise applying a steering voltage between the first and second deflection electrodes.

The electrode assembly may comprise a charge electrode for trapping electric charges on ink drops of the ink jet. The nozzle may be connected to ground, such that when a voltage is applied to the charge electrode a charging field is established between the nozzle and the charge electrode. The charge electrode may be provided at a fixed location relative to the nozzle and the gutter.

The method may comprise applying a time varying steering voltage to the at least one electrode.

By varying the steering voltage, the solvent jet may be caused to jump around.

The time varying voltage may be comprise a pulsed voltage (e.g. <NUM> seconds period square wave).

The method may comprise varying a rate at which solvent is ejected from the nozzle.

The method may comprise varying a pressure at which solvent is provided to the nozzle.

By varying the pressure and/or flow rate, the solvent jet may be caused to vary between positions and flow patterns (e.g. a straight jet and a spray), thereby causing least a portion of the solvent ejected in the jet to contact at least a part of the gutter surrounding the orifice for cleaning.

The method may comprise periodically turning on and off the solvent jet.

By periodically turning the jet on and off, it is possible to sequentially soak dried ink, and then wash or rinse away any dissolved ink, before again soaking and washing. Such a process may be repeated a plurality of times.

The method may comprise configuring the printhead in a cleaning configuration and then performing said cleaning operation while the printhead is configured in the cleaning configuration.

The method may comprise, after performing a printing operation, configuring the printhead in the cleaning configuration, and, after performing said cleaning operation, returning the printhead to the printing configuration.

When the printhead is in the cleaning configuration, the printhead may be positioned at a wash station remote from a printing location.

The wash station may comprise a printhead support and a solvent receptacle configured to receive rinse solvent.

The method may comprise, when the printhead is in the cleaning configuration, disabling the suction source.

Said disabling of the suction source may be performed for a portion of the time during which the printhead is in the cleaning configuration.

The method may comprise generating a signal indicating that a cleaning operation should be performed.

Said signal may be generated based data relating to operating conditions and/or usage of said printer. For example, said signal may be generated based on one or more of: a type of ink being used, and/or a solvent type, and/or a printing speed, and/or a duration since a previous printing operation, and/or a number of drops emitted since a previous cleaning operation, and/or one or more environmental conditions (e.g. humidity, temperature, etc).

The method may comprise generating said signal indicating that a cleaning operation should be performed based upon a predetermined condition being satisfied. Said predetermined condition may comprise a predetermined number of drops being ejected by the nozzle since a previous cleaning operation was performed.

The predetermined number of drops may, for example, be of the order of <NUM> drops. The predetermined number of drops may be a predetermined number of printed drops. That is, ejected drops which are directed to the gutter may not be counted, whereas ejected drops which are deflected for printing may be counted. The predetermined condition being satisfied may therefore comprise a predetermined number of drops being printed since a previous cleaning operation was performed.

The method may comprise generating said signal indicating that a cleaning operation should be performed based upon a signal being generated by a sensor.

The sensor may comprise an ink build-up sensor. The printhead may comprise an ink build-up sensor. The ink build-up sensor may comprise a sensor configured to detect a build-up of ink on the region surrounding the gutter orifice.

The method may comprise generating said signal indicating that a cleaning operation should be performed based upon a signal being received from a remote monitoring server.

The remote monitoring server may comprise a server configured to receive data relating to operating conditions and/or usage of one or more printers, and configured to process said received data to generated signals indicative of performance of said printers, and/or recommendations relating to control of said printers.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a continuous inkjet printer according to claim <NUM>.

The ink supply system may comprise an ink cartridge and a solvent cartridge, and the ink supply system may be operable to supply solvent based ink to the printhead in a printing mode and to supply solvent to the printhead in a cleaning mode.

The continuous inkjet printer may further comprise a controller configured to control said printer, and to cause said printer to perform said cleaning operation.

The continuous inkjet printer may further comprise a suction source connected to the gutter by a gutter line and configured to apply a negative pressure to the gutter during printing to draw ink which is not used for printing along the gutter line. The printer may be configured to disable the suction source for at least a portion of the time when said solvent jet is ejected from the printing nozzle towards the gutter.

The continuous inkjet printer may further comprise an electrode assembly configured to cause electric charges to be trapped on droplets of ink during printing operations, and to create an electrostatic field for deflecting ink drops carrying trapped electric charges, the printer may be configured to cause the electrode assembly to generate an electrostatic field to cause the solvent jet to be deflected.

Said electrode assembly may comprise a charge electrode for trapping electric charges on ink drops of the ink jet and first and second deflection electrodes for creating an electrostatic field for deflecting ink drops carrying trapped electric charges.

According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided computer readable instructions for a controller of a continuous inkjet printer according to claim <NUM>.

The computer readable instructions may include further instructions for performing any of the method steps described above with reference to the first aspect. For example, the instructions may cause a suction source to be disabled from the gutter, and/or to cause the solvent get to be caused to deviate from a printing axis.

There is also provided a computer readable medium carrying instructions according to the third aspect of the invention.

The computer readable medium may carry further instructions for performing any of the method steps described above with reference to the first aspect. For example, the computer readable medium carry further instructions to cause a suction source to be disabled from the gutter, and/or to cause the solvent get to be caused to deviate from a printing axis.

According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a method of updating a continuous inkjet printer according to claim <NUM>.

By updating the printer in this way, it is possible to enhance the performance of the printer, and obtain the benefits associated with the methods described further above, without modifying the hardware of the printer. Rather, a simple software update can be performed. Providing the instructions may comprise causing the instructions to be stored in a memory accessible by the controller.

Providing the instructions may comprise providing said instructions on a computer readable medium. Providing the instructions may comprise providing said instructions via a wireless network. Providing the instructions may comprise providing said instructions via a wired network.

For purposes of clarity, not every component may be labelled in every drawing. Unless indicated otherwise, arrows in the figures are used to show the intended direction of fluid flow.

Aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are not limited to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. Aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are capable of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways.

<FIG> schematically illustrates an inkjet printer <NUM>. In <FIG>, control signals are illustrated schematically by dashed arrows, and hidden components are illustrated schematically by dashed lines. Inkjet printer <NUM> comprises an ink supply system <NUM>, a print head <NUM> and typically a controller <NUM>. The ink supply system <NUM> may typically comprise an ink mixing system <NUM>. The ink supply system <NUM> is connected to the print head <NUM> by an umbilical cable <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the controller <NUM> may be connected to a remote server 4R via a network 4N to enable remote monitoring and control of the printer <NUM>. However, the remote server 4R is optional, such that the printer <NUM> may operate in isolation.

The ink mixing system <NUM> typically comprises two cartridge connections for engagement with a fluid cartridge. In particular, the ink mixing system <NUM> may comprise an ink cartridge connection for engagement with an ink cartridge <NUM> and a solvent cartridge connection for engagement with a solvent cartridge <NUM>.

Each of the ink and solvent cartridge connections typically comprises a fluid connector for engaging an outlet of respective ink and solvent cartridges <NUM>, <NUM> to allow fluid to flow from the cartridges <NUM>, <NUM> into the ink system and/or print head <NUM>. For example, ink and solvent can be caused to flow into the ink mixing system <NUM> from the cartridges <NUM>, <NUM>. In operation, ink from the ink cartridge <NUM> and solvent from the solvent cartridge <NUM> can be mixed within the ink mixing system <NUM> to generate printing ink of a desired viscosity suitable for use in printing. This ink is supplied to the print head <NUM> and unused ink is returned from the print head <NUM> to the ink mixing system <NUM>. When unused ink is returned to the ink mixing system <NUM> from the print head <NUM>, solvent saturated air may be drawn in with ink from a gutter of the print head <NUM>.

The ink jet printer <NUM> is typically controlled by controller <NUM>. Controller <NUM> receives signals from various sensors within the inkjet printer <NUM> and is operable to provide appropriate control signals to the ink supply system <NUM> and the print head <NUM> to control the flow of ink and solvent through the inkjet printer <NUM>. The controller <NUM> may be any suitable device known in the art, and typically includes at least a processor and memory. The printer may comprise a user interface <NUM>, which may comprise a touch screen, and which allows a user to receive signals, and to input control data for controlling the printer <NUM> (or for causing the controller <NUM> to control the printer <NUM>).

The ink cartridge <NUM> may be provided with an electronic data storage device 8a storing data relating to contained ink (e.g. type and quantity of ink). Similarly, the solvent cartridge <NUM> may be provided with an electronic data storage device 10a storing data relating to contained solvent (e.g. type and quantity of solvent).

Other components within the printer may also be provided with electronic data storage devices. For example, the ink mixing system <NUM> may be provided with an electronic data storage device 5a which may store identification data (e.g. an identification code). Electronic data storage device 5a may also store other types of data, such as identification data relating to the type of ink and/or solvent that the ink mixing system <NUM> can be used with (or has previously been used with), a model number of the ink mixing system <NUM> or inkjet printer <NUM>, a serial number, a manufacture date, an expiration date, a date first used in service, number of hours the ink mixing system <NUM> has been used in the inkjet printer <NUM>, service life, and the like.

The controller <NUM> is arranged to communicate with the electronic data storage devices 8a, 10a via an appropriate electrical contact arranged to contact a corresponding contact on the engaged ink or solvent cartridge <NUM>, <NUM>. The corresponding contact on the cartridges <NUM>, <NUM> allows information to be read from and/or written to data storage devices 8a, 10a.

In operation, ink is delivered under pressure from ink supply system <NUM> to print head <NUM> and recycled back via flexible tubes which are bundled together with other fluid tubes and electrical wires (not shown) into the umbilical cable <NUM>. The ink supply system <NUM> is typically located in a cabinet and the print head <NUM> is disposed outside of the cabinet, connected to the cabinet via the umbilical cable <NUM>.

When installed, the printer <NUM> may be provided with a wash station <NUM>. The wash station <NUM> comprises a printhead support region <NUM> and a solvent receptacle <NUM>. The solvent receptacle may, for example, comprise a bottle attached (e.g. removably) to the bottom of the printhead support region <NUM> and configured to catch any solvent dripping of flowing from the printhead during the cleaning operation. The printhead support region <NUM> comprises a support which can support the printhead in an orientation suitable for cleaning. Such wash stations are routinely provided for prior art printers, and provide a cleaning window <NUM> through which solvent can be sprayed by a wash bottle to clean the components of the print head <NUM> which are exposed through the window <NUM>. It will be appreciated that the print head <NUM>, when in use, is typically encased within the print head cover <NUM>. However, the print head cover <NUM> is typically removed for cleaning purposes.

<FIG> shows schematically components of the print head <NUM> in more detail. The printhead comprises ink droplet generator <NUM> (which may also be referred to as an ink gun) having a nozzle <NUM>, and a gutter <NUM>. During printing operations, a jet of ink is ejected from the nozzle <NUM> of the droplet generator <NUM> towards the gutter <NUM> along a printing axis A. The droplet generator <NUM> further comprises a piezoelectric element <NUM> (not shown in <FIG>) which allows the inkjet to be modulated, causing droplets to form within the jet in a predictable way.

A charge electrode <NUM> is provided adjacent to the droplet generator <NUM> and, as is well known in the art, configured to cause a charge to be induced on droplets as they break off from the ink jet emitted from the droplet generator <NUM>. First and second deflection electrodes <NUM> and <NUM> are arranged either side of the printing axis A and are configured to cause the charged droplets to deflect from the printing axis A and therefore miss the entrance of the gutter <NUM>. A voltage of around <NUM>-<NUM> volts may be applied between the first and second deflection electrodes <NUM>, <NUM> in order to cause the droplets to deflect. By varying the magnitude of the charge voltage applied to the charge electrode <NUM>, the amount of charge induced on each of the droplets can be varied, and in this way the amount of deflection in the static electric field established between the deflection electrodes <NUM>, <NUM> can be varied for each droplet.

The droplet generator <NUM>, gutter <NUM>, charge electrode <NUM> and deflection electrodes <NUM>, <NUM> are all mounted on a printhead substrate <NUM>, meaning that there is a fixed positional relationship between each of these components.

<FIG> shows schematically the operation of the print head <NUM>. A first ink path <NUM> is illustrated which shows the path of an un-deflected droplet of ink from the nozzle <NUM> to the gutter <NUM>. The path <NUM> is coaxial with the printing axis A. A second droplet path <NUM> shows the possible path of a droplet which has had a small charge applied to it by the charge electrode <NUM>, and which is caused to be deflected by the field between the deflection electrodes <NUM>, <NUM>. It can be seen that the second path <NUM> deviates from the first path <NUM> as the droplet passes between the deflection electrodes <NUM>, <NUM> such that a droplet <NUM> passing along the second path <NUM> is caused to miss the gutter <NUM>. A third path <NUM> is also shown which has a greater degree of deflection than the second path <NUM>. It will of course be appreciated that a plurality of similar paths exist each of which is defined by a different extent of deflection from the initial path <NUM>. It will be understood that by varying the extent of deflection of the ink droplets, ink can be caused to impact on a desired positioned of a substrate S placed behind the gutter <NUM>, for example on a packaging line. By continually changing the charge on the charge electrode <NUM> and supplying a continuous stream of droplets from the droplet generator <NUM>, it is possible to print letters and images on moving targets as they gradually move past the print head <NUM>.

During printing some microsatellites or other splashes of ink may be generated which cause ink to accumulate on surfaces of the print head <NUM>. For example, ink may accumulate on the surface of the gutter <NUM>, or on other components of the print head such as for example the deflection electrodes <NUM>, <NUM> or the charge electrode <NUM>.

<FIG> shows the gutter <NUM> in more detail. The gutter comprises an orifice <NUM> into which ink that is not to be printed is received. The gutter further comprises a region <NUM> surrounding the orifice <NUM> which defines the orifice <NUM>, and provides an enclosed gutter flow path for ink and solvent to be carried away from the orifice <NUM> (as described in more detail below).

During printing, ink may rebound from the gutter orifice <NUM> causing deposits to form around the orifice, and even on the region <NUM> surrounding of the orifice <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, a deposit <NUM> is formed on the region <NUM> adjacent to the orifice <NUM>. As the deposit <NUM> gradually grows in size, a distance <NUM> between the deposit <NUM> and the droplet <NUM> will gradually decrease.

The path <NUM> illustrates the path of a least deflected droplet which is intended for use in printing. That is, in use, no deflected droplets are used for printing which are deflected by an amount which is less than that illustrated by the path <NUM>. In order to guarantee high quality printing, each of the droplets passing along the path <NUM> should not impact on any parts of the printhead <NUM> before the substrate S on which printing is to be carried out. As such, it is important that the droplet <NUM> passing along the least deflected path <NUM> does not collide with the deposit <NUM> on the side of the gutter <NUM>. That is, if the distance <NUM> is reduced to zero, then printing quality can be severely impacted.

It is desirable therefore to provide a mechanism for removing the deposit <NUM> from the region <NUM> of the gutter <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the print head <NUM> also includes a sensor <NUM>, which is configured to detect a build-up of the ink on the region <NUM> surrounding the gutter orifice <NUM>. The sensor <NUM> maybe referred to as an ink build-up sensor. The sensor <NUM> may be an optical sensor (although other types of sensor are possible), and may operate as described in published patent application no. The sensor <NUM> may comprise a glass lens which is configured to receive an optical signal and direct it towards a detector provided behind the lens. In this way, the detector may be protected from damage, such as ink contamination.

It will be understood that various pumps and valves may be provided within the ink supply system <NUM> and the print head <NUM>. <FIG> shows various components provided in the printer. In <FIG>, fluid flow through the printer <NUM> is illustrated schematically by solid arrows.

As described above with reference to <FIG>, the printer is configured to receive an ink cartridge <NUM> and a solvent cartridge <NUM>. The cartridges <NUM>, <NUM> are both contained within the ink supply system <NUM>, which further comprises the ink mixing system <NUM>. The ink mixing system comprises a mixing tank <NUM>.

Before printing operations are carried out, ink from the ink cartridge <NUM> is transferred to the mixing tank <NUM> by an ink refill pump <NUM>. When required for printing, ink from the mixing chamber <NUM> can be pumped along an ink supply line <NUM> by an ink pump <NUM> towards the droplet generator <NUM>. An ink valve <NUM> allows the ink supply line <NUM> to be selectively open or closed.

Solvent can be transferred from the solvent cartridge <NUM> to the mixing chamber (e.g. to adjust the viscosity of the ink) along a solvent refill line <NUM> under the action of a flush pump <NUM>. A solvent refill valve <NUM> is configured to selectively block the supply of solvent from the flush pump <NUM> to the ink mixing tank <NUM>. The solvent can also be supplied to the droplet generator <NUM> from the solvent cartridge <NUM> under the influence of the flush pump <NUM> along a solvent supply line <NUM>. A flush valve <NUM> is configured to allow or prevent the flow of solvent along the solvent supply line <NUM>.

Each of the ink supply line <NUM> and solvent supply line <NUM> is combined together to provide a droplet generator supply line <NUM> with the ink valve <NUM> and flush valve <NUM> each being configured to connect either one of the ink supply line <NUM> or solvent supply line <NUM> to the droplet generator supply line <NUM>.

As described above with reference to <FIG>, the gutter <NUM> within the print head <NUM> is configured to collect un-printing ink. The gutter <NUM> is connected via a gutter line <NUM> to the mixing tank <NUM>. A gutter valve <NUM> is provided within the gutter supply <NUM>, and is configured to selectively block or permit fluid to flow along the gutter line <NUM>. A gutter pump <NUM> is also provided within the gutter line and is configured to apply a suction force to the gutter line <NUM> drawing air, ink, or solvent into the gutter <NUM> and causing it to flow along the gutter line <NUM> and into the ink mixing tank <NUM>.

A purge line <NUM> is also provided. The purge line <NUM> is connected between the droplet generator <NUM> and the gutter line <NUM>. A purge valve <NUM> is provided between the droplet generator <NUM> and the point at which the purge line <NUM> meets the gutter line <NUM>, enabling the purge line <NUM> to selectively connect or disconnect the droplet generator <NUM> from the gutter line <NUM>. When the droplet generator <NUM> is connected to the gutter line <NUM> via the purge line <NUM>, the gutter pump <NUM> applies suction along the gutter line <NUM> and the purge line <NUM> to the droplet generator <NUM>.

Each of the ink refill pump <NUM>, the ink pump <NUM>, the flush pump <NUM>, the gutter pump <NUM> are controlled by the controller <NUM>. Similarly the solvent refill valve <NUM>, the ink valve <NUM>, the flush valve <NUM>, the gutter valve <NUM>, and the purge valve <NUM> are also controlled by the controller <NUM>.

It will of course be appreciated that different arrangements of the components may be possible. Moreover, certain ones or these components may be provided by a common component. For example, the ink pump <NUM> may be configured to cause the gutter pump <NUM> to operate. For example, the ink pump <NUM> may, when activated, cause ink to flow along a recirculation path within the ink mixing system <NUM>, thereby activating a Venturi pump which serves the purpose of the gutter pump <NUM>. In this way, activating the ink pump <NUM> may effectively activate the gutter pump <NUM>. Moreover, when the ink valve <NUM> is closed, activating the ink pump <NUM> will not cause any ink to flow along the ink supply line <NUM> and to the droplet generator <NUM>.

During printing operations, the printer may be operated as described in more detail in published patent application no.

The controller <NUM> will now be described in more detail with reference to <FIG>. It can be seen that the controller comprises a CPU 4a which is configured to read and execute instructions stored in a volatile memory 4b which takes the form of a random access memory. The volatile memory 4b stores instructions for execution by the CPU 4a and data used by those instructions. For example, in use, data received from sensors associated with the print head <NUM>, or the ink supply system <NUM> may be stored in the volatile memory 4b.

The controller <NUM> further comprises non-volatile storage 4c, which may be in the form of a solid-state drive. Printing data may be stored on the storage 4c. The controller <NUM> further comprises an I/O interface 4d to which are connected peripheral devices used in connection with the controller <NUM>. More particularly, the user interface <NUM> is connected via the I/O interface 4d and configured to display output from the controller <NUM>, and to receive user input via a touch screen interface. The user interface <NUM> may, for example, display printing data.

Other input devices may also be connected to the I/O interface 4d. Such input devices may include various sensors 4f (e.g. ink build-up sensor <NUM>), which allow the controller <NUM> to receive data relating to the print head. Other output devices <NUM> may also be connected to the I/O interface 4d. Such output devices may include various actuators and switches required for operation of the printer <NUM>, such as those described above with reference to <FIG>.

A network interface <NUM> allows the controller <NUM> to be connected to an appropriate computer network so as to receive and transmit data from and to other computing devices (e.g. remote server 4R). The CPU 4a, volatile memory 4b, storage device 4c, I/O interface 4d, and network interface <NUM>, are connected together by a bus 4i.

In order to perform a cleaning operation, the printer <NUM> may be operated in accordance with the sequence illustrated in <FIG>. As a first step S1, it is determined that a cleaning operation should be carried out. At step S2 the print head <NUM> is reconfigured from a printing configuration (i.e. a configuration in which it can perform printing operations) to be in a cleaning configuration. This may comprise moving the printhead from a location where it is installed for performing printing operations (i.e. a printing location) to a dedicated cleaning location, e.g. a wash station <NUM> as illustrated schematically in <FIG>.

Alternatively, the cleaning configuration may comprise making one or more simple changes to the print head <NUM> while leaving it in its previous location (i.e. printing location). Such changes may comprise, for example, attaching a hood or solvent catcher to the print head <NUM>, so any cleaning solvent will be caught, rather than reaching and possibly contaminating the production line. It will be understood that such a configuration may only be appreciated that in certain circumstances. For example, where the print head <NUM> is oriented in a vertical orientation, with the gutter <NUM> positioned towards the bottom, a solvent catcher may be positioned below the print head <NUM> to enable an in-situ cleaning operation to be performed.

Once the printhead has been placed in the cleaning configuration, at step S3, the cleaning operation can be performed. Once completed, at step S4 the printhead is then returned to the printing configuration. Further printing operations may then be performed at step S5, until a further determination is made for a cleaning operation to be performed, with the process returning to step S1, and repeating as described above.

It will, of course, the appreciated that the process described above may be performed at any convenient interval, or on the basis of any suitable determination that cleaning should be performed. Moreover, while it is described that the process immediately follows, and is followed by, printing operations. In some circumstances, it may be desirable for the cleaning operation to be performed in isolation, or at start-up (i.e. after a period of idle) or at shutdown (i.e. before a period of idle).

The determination that cleaning should be performed may be made by a user selecting a cleaning option via the user interface <NUM>. The user may be prompted to perform a cleaning operation by a software routine running on the controller <NUM>. The software running on the controller may generate a signal (e.g. which may be displayed on the user interface <NUM>) indicating that a cleaning operation should be performed, or recommending that a cleaning operation should be performed at the next convenient time.

Such a signal may be generated based data relating to operating conditions and/or usage of said printer, which may, together or separately, define one or more predetermined conditions. For example, said signal may be generated by taking into account various factors such as, for example, a type of ink being used, a solvent type being used, a printing speed, a duration since a previous printing operation, a number of drops emitted since a previous cleaning operation, one or more environmental conditions (e.g. humidity, temperature, etc.).

In one embodiment the signal indicating that a cleaning operation should be performed may be generated after a predetermined number of printed drops (e.g. <NUM><NUM> drops) has been ejected by the nozzle since a previous cleaning operation was performed. Of course, a different number of drops may be used. Similarly a different metric may also be used. For example, ejected drops (rather than just printed drops) may also be monitored.

In some embodiments an output of the ink build up sensor <NUM> may be monitored and used to generate the signal indicating that a cleaning operation should be performed.

Alternatively, the user may be prompted to perform a cleaning operation by a software routine running on the remote server 4R which is operably connected to the printer <NUM> via the network 4N. For example, the server may comprise a remote monitoring server configured to receive data relating to operating conditions and/or usage of one or more printers, and configured to process said received data to generate signals indicative of performance of said printers, and/or recommendations relating to control of said printers. When the server has determined that a cleaning operation would be beneficial, it may be configured to send a signal to the printer. Upon receiving such a signal, the printer may generate a use prompt via the user interface, or may schedule a cleaning operation at a suitable time.

The cleaning operation (i.e. step S3) will now be described in more detail with reference to the flow diagram shown in <FIG>. At a first step S10, a nozzle rinse procedure is performed. The nozzle rinse procedure may be performed a plurality of times (e.g. greater than <NUM> times) with each iteration comprising opening each of the flush valve <NUM> and the purge valve <NUM> and also applying a modulation voltage at various levels to the piezo electric element <NUM>. The nozzle rinse procedure is used to clean the droplet generator <NUM> and nozzle <NUM> by causing the droplet generator body to vibrate at different amplitudes. During each iteration of the nozzle rinse procedure the flush and purge valves <NUM>, <NUM> may also be opened and closed. Opening and closing the valves <NUM>, <NUM> allows pressure pulsations within the droplet generator <NUM> and the fluid lines connected to the droplet generator <NUM> to cause any fluid within the droplet generator <NUM> to be ejected. Once the nozzle rinse process S10 is complete the procedure passes to step S12 where a gutter rinse process is performed.

During the gutter rinse process the gutter pump <NUM> may be activated to provide a negative pressure on the gutter line <NUM>. The gutter valve <NUM> may also be opened to ensure that the negative pressure is exposed to the orifice <NUM> of the gutter <NUM>. During the gutter rinse process, the flush pump <NUM> may also be activated, to provide a supply of solvent to the droplet generator <NUM>. During the initial portion of the rinse process, a jet of solvent may be caused to flow out of the nozzle <NUM> and into the orifice <NUM> of the gutter <NUM>. However, after a predetermined period of time, the gutter valve <NUM> may be closed. This will result in the negative pressure provided by the gutter pump <NUM> being prevented from reaching the gutter <NUM>, thereby causing the solvent flowing into the gutter orifice <NUM> to quickly fill the region within the gutter <NUM>, and then overflow from the orifice <NUM>. This process will cause the solvent to flow out of the orifice <NUM>, and onto the region <NUM> surrounding the orifice <NUM>, thereby washing away any deposits of ink (e.g. deposit <NUM>) which may have formed on the outer region <NUM> of the gutter <NUM>.

Processing then passes to step S14 during which the solvent jet may be agitated. The solvent jet may be agitated in a number of ways.

For example, in an embodiment, the solvent jet is agitated by periodically activating and deactivating the high voltage supply to provide a switched deflection field between the deflection electrodes <NUM>, <NUM>. For example, a voltage of <NUM>-<NUM> volts (the EHT voltage) may be applied to the deflection electrode <NUM> while a ground voltage is applied to the deflection electrode <NUM>. In this way, an electric field is established between the electrodes <NUM>, <NUM>, causing the jet of solvent between the electrodes <NUM>, <NUM> to become charged. Once the jet has become charged, parts of the jet that have broken off into droplets will be caused to deviate from the print axis A as denoted by path <NUM> in <FIG>. By periodically activating and deactivating the EHT voltage, it is possible to cause the solvent jet to jump around between several positions in a chaotic manner.

It will be understood that this operation is distinct from the steering of ink during the printing process. During printing, a charge is generally first to be applied to a particular droplet by the charge electrode <NUM>, and the deflection electrodes <NUM>, <NUM> are then used to accurately deflect the charged droplet according to the required printing positions in a precisely controlled manner. However, by only using the deflection electrodes and applying a time varying field, it is possible to both charge and deflect the solvent jet with the same set of electrodes. Of course, the charge electrode could also be used to induce a charge on the solvent jet if required.

In more detail, the solvent jet may emerge from the nozzle <NUM> as a continuous jet. Under the influence of surface tension, the jet will eventually break up into droplets. However, depending on the jet conditions (e.g. solvent pressure, flow rate, nozzle size, solvent type, temperature, etc.) the jet may break up randomly into a number of droplets. As droplets break up they will become charged in the deflection field, and further exposure to the deflection field will cause any charged droplets to become deflected. By turning the deflection field on and off periodically, it is possible to cause the jet or droplets to jump around in a somewhat chaotic manner. Of course, it will be appreciated that such behaviour would not be desirable during printing. However, during a cleaning operation, it has been realized that by steering the solvent in this way, it is possible to cause the solvent to impinge upon parts of the gutter <NUM> that would otherwise not be contacted by any solvent, other than negligible amounts via back splash. By causing the jet to be deflected in this way, it is possible to cause solvent to impinge upon the region <NUM> surrounding the orifice <NUM>. In the same way, solvent may also be caused to impinge upon other parts of the printhead, such as, for example, the glass lens of the build-up sensor <NUM>.

The process of turning on and off the EHT voltage may be repeated a plurality of times. For example, the process may be repeated around five times, with an "on" period of around two seconds, followed by an "off" period of around two seconds. Once the solvent jet agitation process has been completed, the cleaning operation proceeds to step S16 where a gutter soaking process is performed.

As described above with reference to the solvent jet agitation process, a jet of solvent is emitted from the nozzle <NUM> towards the gutter <NUM>. In the soaking step S16, the flush valve <NUM> is closed, preventing further solvent from being emitted from the nozzle <NUM>. However, any solvent that has already been directed towards the gutter <NUM>, will remain around the gutter <NUM>, and will soak any remaining ink deposits there. The soaking process may last for a period of for example five seconds. Following the soaking process, there is a further rinse process at step S18.

First, the solvent supply may be restarted and stopped, so as to rinse away any dissolved or softened solvent which has been dislodged or dissolved during the preceding cleaning processes. After the rinse process S18, the soaking process S16 may be repeated again.

At the end of the rinse step S18, the flush valve is again closed to prevent any further solvent from being ejected from the nozzle, and the flush pump may then be disabled.

At a next processing step S20, a gutter clearing process is performed. During the gutter clearing process, the negative pressure is again provided to the gutter <NUM> to draw any remaining solvent in or around the orifice <NUM> into the orifice and along the gutter line <NUM>.

A nozzle clearing process follows at step S22. During the nozzle clearing process S22, the negative pressure may be blocked from reaching the gutter <NUM> (e.g. by closing gutter valve <NUM>), and instead applied to the droplet generator <NUM> (e.g. by opening the purge valve <NUM>). The suction provided to the droplet generator <NUM> may be turned on and off a plurality of times, with a period of dwell time between each switching. Such operation allows the suction applied to the droplet generator <NUM> to drawing any solvent remaining within the droplet generator <NUM> and nozzle <NUM> to be drawn away to the gutter line <NUM>.

Finally, during a drying process S24, the gutter suction pump <NUM> may be disabled before a final wait period of around <NUM> seconds is provided to allow the cleaned gutter <NUM> and nozzle <NUM> to dry.

At the conclusion of the cleaning operation described above, processing may then return to normal printer operations such as for example step S4 described above with reference to <FIG>.

It will, of course be understood that the above described cleaning operation is provided as an example only, and that steps described are not all essential. Similarly, the way in which each process is performed may also be modified (e.g. by changing the sequence, timing, or number of repetitions performed).

For example, a cleaning operation may comprise just step S12 (i.e. a gutter rinse process). Such a step may comprise providing solvent to the gutter <NUM> form the nozzle <NUM>, and allowing the gutter <NUM> to overflow, such that solvent washes away solvent deposits around the gutter orifice <NUM>.

Further, while the jet agitation process S14 is described above, this is not essential for all cleaning operations. Where a jet agitation process is performed, this may be performed in a variety of ways. For example, the solvent jet may be disturbed by modulating the pressure and/or rate at which solvent is pumped to the droplet generator <NUM>. The pressure at which solvent is delivered to the droplet generator may be modified by altering the speed at which the flush pump <NUM> operates. The solvent jet can also be disturbed by switching the flush valve <NUM> on and off. By varying the pressure and/or flow rate, the solvent jet may be caused to vary between positions and flow patterns (e.g. a straight jet and a spray), thereby causing least a portion of the solvent ejected in the jet to contact at least a part of the gutter surrounding the orifice for cleaning (or other regions of the printhead other than the gutter orifice). Such processing may be performed instead of, or as well as, the deflection field jet agitation described above.

Where a deflection field is used in the jet agitation process, this could also be performed differently. For example, a different waveform (e.g. a sinusoid, saw-tooth, ramp, series of steps, etc.) could be applied to the EHT voltage to cause the solvent jet to become charged and deflected.

The cleaning operation described above is primarily concerned with cleaning the gutter <NUM>, and immediately surrounding areas of the printhead <NUM>. It will be understood, however, that the process may also be used to clean other components of the print head <NUM>. For example, the jet may be deflected sufficiently to also clean components such as the ink build up sensor <NUM>. In particular, the process may be used to clean the lens of the ink build-up senor <NUM>. Further, in some embodiments, the jet may be deflected to clean at least a part of the deflection electrodes.

The printer <NUM> may be configured to perform cleaning operations as described herein during manufacture, or at any point after this. For example, a memory associated with the controller <NUM> may be updated to store computer readable instructions configured to cause the printer to perform a cleaning operation. Such an update may be performed by providing computer readable instructions on a suitable a computer readable medium (e.g. a USB drive), or via a wired or wireless network. For example, the software update may be transferred to the printer <NUM> via a Bluetooth connection.

Claim 1:
A method of operating a continuous inkjet printer (<NUM>), the printer (<NUM>) comprising a printhead (<NUM>), the printhead (<NUM>) comprising:
a droplet generator (<NUM>) comprising a printing nozzle (<NUM>) for ejecting an ink jet for printing,
at least one electrode (<NUM>, <NUM>) for steering the inkjet, and
a gutter (<NUM>) having an ink receiving orifice (<NUM>) for receiving parts of the inkjet which are not used for printing;
the method comprising performing a cleaning operation (S3), said cleaning operation (S3) comprising:
ejecting a solvent jet from the printing nozzle (<NUM>) towards the gutter (<NUM>); and
causing at least a portion of the solvent jet to contact at least a part of the gutter (<NUM>) surrounding the orifice (<NUM>) for cleaning said part of the gutter (<NUM>) surrounding the orifice (<NUM>).