Automatic thermal printhead cleaning system

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to thermal printhead servicing, and more particularly to an automatic printhead cleaning system and a method for printhead cleaning.

BACKGROUND

Generally speaking, residue buildup occurring on thermal printheads (TPH) is a common issue affecting many thermal printers. Such buildup of dirt and other debris can often be traced back to a direct thermal label surface or ribbon backing. Over time, the buildup may solidify and become permanent, resulting in a barrier between the TPH heating elements and thermal labels, and significantly affecting the print quality of produced images. To overcome this issue, heating elements need to be cleaned on a regular basis.

Standard means of preventing buildup often default to providing manual cleaning kits, which are not always user-friendly, and do not guarantee regular maintenance of the system. Modern semi-automated servicing means tend to lack proper integration of the cleaning system with the thermal printers. For example, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,969,731 issued to Michael et al., and in U.S. Pat. No. 5,300,958 issued to Burke et al., a cleaning means are maintained the in a fixed position, instead of moving along the printhead for improved efficiency. In U.S. Pat. No. 3,983,813 issued to Tani, and in Japanese Pat. No. 2006,015,711 issued to Toshiyasu, while the system is configured to move along a printhead, the level of system integration is insufficient to provide a fully automated service.

Therefore, a need exists for an efficient integration of an automatic printhead cleaning system into a thermal printer. In addition to ease of use, automating the cleaning process can serve a preventative function, thus improving the printer's performance and lifespan.

SUMMARY

Accordingly, in one aspect, the present invention embraces an automatic thermal printhead (TPH) cleaning system, configured to move along a thermal printhead during a cleaning cycle.

In an exemplary embodiment, a thermal printhead cleaning system includes a thermal printhead, and a belt assembly having two pulleys configured for supporting a belt aligned with the printhead. A carriage is operably coupled to the belt, and configured move along the TPH. A solution transfer assembly is configured for transferring cleaning solution from a cleaning solution reservoir to a cleansing member attached to the carriage and facing the TPH. A motor is configured for moving the belt along the longitudinal axis.

In another exemplary embodiment, a printhead servicing device includes a printing operation counter, a printhead, a wiper assembly, a solvent container, and a lateral feed mechanism configured for driving the wiper assembly in reciprocating motion along the printhead.

In another aspect, the present invention embraces a method for thermal printhead cleaning. The method includes counting a number of printing operations to start a cleaning cycle, dispensing a cleaning substance to a cleansing applicator of a cleaning assembly, and actuating a motorized assembly for transporting the cleaning assembly along the printhead.

The foregoing illustrative summary, as well as other exemplary objectives and/or advantages of the invention, and the manner in which the same are accomplished, are further explained within the following detailed description and its accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A graphically depicts a bottom perspective view of a thermal printhead cleaning system, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 1B graphically depicts a top perspective view of the thermal printhead cleaning system, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 1C graphically depicts an enlarged portion of the thermal printhead cleaning system, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 schematically depicts a block diagram of a printhead servicing device, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 3 schematically depicts a method for printhead cleaning, according to an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention embraces a system and method for cleaning a thermal printhead.

In an exemplary embodiment, a thermal printhead (TPH) cleaning system 100 (FIGS. 1A, 1B and 1C) includes a thermal printhead 102 having a longitudinal axis 104, a top face 106 and a bottom face 108, and a first end 110 and a second end 112. A belt assembly 114 has a first pulley 116 operably coupled to the top face 106 of the TPH 102 and disposed near the first end 110 of the TPH 102, and a second pulley 118 disposed at a predetermined distance from the first pulley 116. The first and second pulleys 116 and 118, respectively, are configured for supporting a belt 120 aligned with the longitudinal axis 104 and disposed above the top face 106 of the TPH 102. A carriage 122 is operably coupled to the belt 120, and configured to be moved along the TPH 102 (as shown in FIG. 1C). A solution transfer assembly 124 is operably coupled to the carriage 122, and configured for transferring cleaning solution from a cleaning solution reservoir 126 through one or more tubes 128 connecting the reservoir 126 and the solution transfer assembly 124, to a cleansing member 130 (FIG. 1C) attached to the carriage 122 and facing the TPH 102. A motor 132 is operably coupled to the second pulley 118, and configured for moving the belt 120 along the longitudinal axis 104.

In an embodiment, the cleaning system 100 can include a counter configured for triggering the cleaning system 100 when a number of printing operations reaches a predetermined threshold. The cleansing member 130 can include foam and/or be detachable. In an embodiment, the belt 120 can include a rope, a cable, or other means obvious to those skilled in the art.

In another exemplary embodiment, a printhead servicing device 200 (FIG. 2) includes a printing operation counter 202 (not shown), configured for initiating a cleaning cycle, and a printhead 204 having a lifted mode and a printing mode. A wiper assembly 206 is operably coupled with the printhead 204, and has a printhead wiper 208 and an engagement means 210 configured for putting the printhead wiper 208 at least in partial contact with the printhead 204. A solvent container 212 is operably coupled to the wiper assembly 206, and configured for providing solvent 214 to the printhead wiper 208. A lateral feed mechanism 216 is operably coupled to the printhead 204 and the wiper assembly 206, and configured for driving the wiper assembly 206 in reciprocating motion along the printhead 204.

In an embodiment, the lateral feed mechanism 216 can include a belt, a gear configured for supporting the belt, and a rotating means configured for moving the belt. Depending on an embodiment, different drive mechanisms, such as screw/worm drive, an arrangement of gears, or a system of gears and rods, can be used. The solvent 214 can be fluid, and may include isopropyl alcohol. Additionally or alternatively, the printhead wiper 208 can include one or more cotton and/or foam swabs or fabric. In an embodiment, the rotating means can include a motor.

FIG. 3 shows a method 300 for printhead cleaning, according to an embodiment. At 302, a number of printing operations is counted. At 304, once the number of printing operations reaches a predetermined value (for example, 1000 operations), a cleaning cycle is started by lifting a printhead from a printing position. At 306, a cleaning substance is dispensed from a container operably coupled to the printhead, to a cleansing applicator of a cleaning assembly. At 308, a motorized assembly for transporting the cleaning assembly along the printhead is actuated for a predetermined time duration or number of passes, while providing at least partial contact between the cleansing applicator and the printhead.

In an embodiment, the method 300 can include keeping the cleaning assembly in a stand-by mode at a location proximal to the printhead and outside a print zone, when the printhead cleaning cycle is not being executed. Additionally or alternatively, the method 300 can include terminating the transporting of the cleaning assembly along the printhead, returning the cleaning assembly in a stand-by mode, and lowering the printhead to the printing position. In an embodiment, the method 300 can include dispensing the cleaning substance (for example, a liquid) from the container operably coupled to the printhead, to a transfer station, and transferring the cleaning substance from the transfer station to the cleansing applicator of the cleaning assembly.

Device and method components are meant to show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein. In various embodiments, the sequence in which the elements of appear in exemplary embodiments disclosed herein may vary. Two or more method steps may be performed simultaneously or in a different order than the sequence in which the elements appear in the exemplary embodiments.

To supplement the present disclosure, this application incorporates entirely by reference the following commonly assigned patents, patent application publications, and patent applications:

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In the specification and/or figures, typical embodiments of the invention have been disclosed. The present invention is not limited to such exemplary embodiments. The use of the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. The figures are schematic representations and so are not necessarily drawn to scale. Unless otherwise noted, specific terms have been used in a generic and descriptive sense and not for purposes of limitation.