Classifications

• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
  • B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
  • B41J2/00—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
  • B41J2/005—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
  • B41J2/01—Ink jet
  • B41J2/135—Nozzles
  • B41J2/165—Prevention or detection of nozzle clogging, e.g. cleaning, capping or moistening for nozzles
  • B41J2/16517—Cleaning of print head nozzles
  • B41J2/16552—Cleaning of print head nozzles using cleaning fluids
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
  • B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
  • B41J2/00—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
  • B41J2/005—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
  • B41J2/01—Ink jet
  • B41J2/135—Nozzles
  • B41J2/165—Prevention or detection of nozzle clogging, e.g. cleaning, capping or moistening for nozzles
  • B41J2/16517—Cleaning of print head nozzles
  • B41J2/16552—Cleaning of print head nozzles using cleaning fluids
  • B41J2002/16555—Air or gas for cleaning

Definitions

• the invention relates to a printing device for applying an ink to at least one print carrier and a printing method suitable for this purpose.
• ink e.g. An organic solvent-based ink is applied to a heated printing substrate by an ink-jet printing method.
• Inkjet printing process may in this case comprise a plurality of individual sub-operations during which e.g. a printing module with a print head passes over a surface of the print carrier to be printed.
• EP 0 805 030 B1 describes a protective flap assembly in a continuous ink jet printhead which includes a protective flap to allow print drops to exit the printhead.
• the arrangement includes a
• a protective flap seal that cooperates with the protective flap to receive fluid flow and pass through a fishing neck.
• the fluid flow here refers to an ink jet that is built up in a start-up phase by a droplet generator.
• the protective flap assembly includes a heater integrally formed with the protective flap seal to prevent condensation on the protective flap.
• solvent may accumulate on the print module, in particular on the print head or in the vicinity of the print head. This can have a negative impact on one
• ink drops can be deflected during a printing process and thus can not land in a desired area. Furthermore, can the emitted ink is diluted, resulting in, for example, an irregular coloring. Furthermore, uncontrollable satellite drops can arise, which can also lead to irregularities in a printed image. Another disadvantage may arise when the solvent condenses on the whole
• the ink may be a solvent-containing ink.
• the ink contains not only a dye but also a solvent, in particular an organic solvent.
• the printing device can be used in particular for printing security documents, e.g. ID cards, in particular company IDs or ID cards, are used.
• the printing device comprises at least one printing module, wherein the printing module comprises at least one print head.
• the printing module comprises several Printheads, wherein a printhead may include, for example, a row of nozzles with a plurality of juxtaposed nozzles.
• the printing module and the at least one print head can be arranged invariably in their relative position and orientation to each other.
• the printing module (and thus also the at least one print head) can be movable relative to the print carrier.
• the printing module e.g. the printing module to be movable while the print carrier during a printing process static, ie stationary, is.
• the printing module during a printing operation static so be stationary, while the print carrier is moved.
• both print module and print carrier can be moved in one printing operation.
• the printing device may comprise a printing area.
• the printing region designates a region of the printing device in which the at least one printing substrate can be arranged or arranged or by which the at least one printing substrate is moved.
• ink may be blasted from the printhead to the printing area.
• the printing module is movable and the printing area is stationary.
• a print carrier arranged in the printing area can also be stationary.
• the printing device may e.g. comprise at least one holding device for the at least one print carrier, by means of which the print carrier e.g. static, so fixed, can be fixed.
• the holding device can be arranged such that the printing module can be moved via a print carrier arranged on or on the holding device.
• both the printing module and the print carrier are moved in one printing operation.
• the printing device may e.g. comprise a holding and adjusting device, by means of which the at least one print carrier can be moved. It is also conceivable that only the print carrier is moved during a printing operation while the printing module is stationary.
• both the printing module and the printing area are stationary during a printing operation, while the printing medium is moved through the printing area, for example by means of a suitable holding and adjusting device.
• the printing module (and thus also the at least one print head) are in one
• Printing process so movable relative to the print carrier or print area so that ink from the at least one print head can be irradiated in the direction of the print area or on the print carrier.
• the printing device may comprise a holding device in or on which the at least one print carrier can be fastened.
• the printing module can be moved in such a way over the holding device and a print carrier arranged therein or in that printing ink can be irradiated from the at least one print head onto the print carrier.
• the at least one print head or an outlet of the at least one print head can be arranged on an underside of the print module.
• the print module may be movable in one or more directions relative to the print carrier or the print area.
• the pressure device comprises at least one device for generating a fluid flow.
• the device for generating a fluid flow in this case is different from the at least one print head.
• the at least one fluid stream may be an air stream.
• the means for generating a fluid flow may be e.g. a fan, a blower device or a fan device.
• the device for generating a fluid flow can in this case in position and
• Alignment be arranged invariably relative to the printing module.
• the device for generating a fluid flow can be arranged on the pressure module.
• the device for generating a fluid flow can also be arranged in or on the printing device in such a way that a position and orientation relative to the printing module, in particular during a printing process, is variable.
• a fluid flow generated by means of the at least one device for generating a fluid flow can be guided along an outer side of the pressure module.
• the outside here denotes one side of the printing module, e.g. a bottom on the
• Solvent can condense.
• guiding means that the generated fluid flow flows along the outside. Is the printing module eg only in or against a first direction, eg one
• Printing module in a second direction e.g. a transverse direction
• the second direction may be transverse to the first direction.
• the second direction may include an angle of 90 ° with the first direction.
• the movement of the printing module in the first direction may be a linear movement.
• the printing module can move both in the first direction and in a second direction perpendicular thereto.
• Fluid flow in particular an air flow
• the pressure module can be volatilized by which condensate solvent collections.
• the solvent condensed on the outside of the pressure module can be blown off or sucked off.
• the condensed solvent in the liquid state e.g. as a droplet, or in a gaseous state, e.g. after renewed evaporation, be transported away.
• the at least one device for generating a fluid flow can be arranged such that the fluid flow is generated by suction on the outside of the pressure module befind Anlagen air or by blowing off on the Au noxseite the pressure module befindaji air. This results in an advantageous manner that a print quality no longer, as described above, can be degraded by condensed solvent.
• a fluid flow takes place between sub-processes of a printing process, wherein a printing process can comprise a plurality of sub-processes.
• each ink can be applied to the at least one print carrier.
• the fluid flow is at an outside of the Au
• Print module feasible, wherein on the Au .seite of the printing module, an outlet of the at least one printhead is arranged.
• the outlet of the at least one print head in this case denotes the area of the print head from which ink is ejected in the direction of the at least one print carrier.
• the outlet may for example also be referred to as nozzle of the at least one print head. This can be done in Advantageously, contamination of printheads by condensed
• Solvent can be avoided.
• the printing module can be moved to a maintenance position.
• the printing module is so relative to the print carrier or printing area of
• the fluid flow generated by means of the at least one device for generating a fluid flow is feasible along the outside of the pressure module when the pressure module is in the at least one maintenance position.
• the fluid flow generated by means of the at least one device for generating a fluid flow along the Au .seite the pressure module is exclusively feasible if the
• Pressure module is in the at least one maintenance position.
• a service position may indicate a position of the print module in which ink emitted or dropped out of the outlet of the at least one printhead can not enter the print area or on the print carrier, e.g. not on the
• Print carrier can drip.
• the printing module can be located in the at least one maintenance position next to the printing area or next to the print carrier.
• One or more maintenance positions of the print module can exist here.
• a maintenance position may be a position of the printing module in which a change in the direction of movement of the printing module takes place relative to the printing area.
• the maintenance position may be a so-called reversing position, reversing position or turning position, in which a reversal of the direction of movement of the printing module.
• a direction of the fluid flow may be selected such that the fluid does not flow in the direction of the pressure region or in the direction of the pressure carrier when the pressure module is in the maintenance position.
• a direction of the fluid flow may be selected such that the fluid flows away from the pressure region or flows at a predetermined distance parallel to at least one side or at least one edge of the pressure region.
• the printing module is in at least one during a printing process
• Reversible position movable. In the reversing position, a reversal of a
• Movement direction of the pressure module wherein a generated by means of the at least one means for generating a fluid flow or by at least one further means for generating a fluid flow generated further fluid flow along the at least one outer side of the pressure module is feasible when the pressure module is in the at least one reversing position , If the printing module is in the reversing position so a maintenance operation is feasible.
• the reversing position represents a further maintenance position.
• a further maintenance device can be arranged at the reversing position, wherein the
• the printing module is moved during a first part of the printing process in a direction of movement of the at least one maintenance position in the at least one reversing position, wherein the pressure module during another
• Sub-operation of the printing process against the direction of movement is moved from the at least one reversing position in the at least one maintenance position. This can be done during the parting process as well as during the rest
• Subprocess a print carrier be printed or printed.
• a period of a maintenance operation performed while the print module is in the reverse position may be a predetermined (short) period of time.
• the duration of a service operation performed while the print module is in the reverse position may be shorter than a period of a service operation performed while the print module is in the service position.
• Reversing position is equal to one or shorter than one to reverse the
• Movement be required time duration.
• Printing process with multiple sub-operations sufficient, especially with short maintenance intervals, maintenance of the printhead is possible. Also, this can advantageously result in a time savings in a printing process, in which the print module is being serviced, since the printhead is serviced in the reverse position but is not stopped for longer than necessary.
• the printing device comprises at least one
• Means for guiding a fluid flow wherein the fluid flow generated by means of at least one or by means of the at least one further device for generating a fluid flow by means of the at least one device for guiding a
• the at least one device for guiding a fluid flow can be adjustable in this case.
• a direction of the fluid flow can be changed by adjusting the device.
• the device may be motor-adjustable, e.g. can the
• Device is an actively adjustable flow flap, which is adjustable for example by means of an actuator to be. By an adjustment, e.g. different areas of the outside are flowed through by the fluid flow.
• the at least one device for guiding a fluid flow can, for example, have or form at least one fluid inlet and / or at least one fluid outlet.
• the at least one device for generating a fluid flow may in this case be arranged in the flow direction in front of the at least one air inlet and / or after the at least one air outlet.
• the means for conducting a fluid flow may e.g. be at least partially designed as a guide channel.
• the at least one device for guiding a fluid flow can be arranged such that the fluid flow is not guided in the direction of the pressure region or of the pressure carrier.
• the at least one device for guiding a fluid flow can be arranged and / or configured such that the fluid flow is guided away from the pressure region of the pressure device or the print carrier or at a predetermined distance parallel to at least one side or at least one edge of the pressure region.
• the at least one device for guiding a fluid flow may also be designed such that a solvent transported in the fluid flow can not reach the pressure region or the pressure carrier.
• a solvent transported in the fluid flow can not reach the pressure region or the pressure carrier.
• at least a part of the at least one device for guiding a fluid flow as a fluid channel be formed, wherein the fluid channel is closed towards the pressure area or the print carrier.
• These predetermined subregions can be subregions, for example, in which
• Outlets of printheads are arranged.
• the entire Au .seite or a large part of the outside of the pressure module is vorströmbar, since solvent is not exclusively in the range of
• Outlets of the printheads can condense.
• the entire outside or desired areas of the outside can also be sequentially, e.g. by adjusting a device for guiding a fluid flow to be flowed.
• the printing device comprises at least one
• a temperature of the fluid flow is adjustable. This results in an advantageous manner that a temperature of the fluid flow can be adjusted.
• condensed solvent can be evaporated again by a temperature stream which has been tempered to a predetermined temperature, which advantageously makes possible a simplified and more secure removal of the condensed solvent from the outside of the pressure module. This reduces e.g. a risk that transported by the fluid flow liquid
• Solvent can not be completely removed by the fluid flow out of the pressure range out and inadvertently emerges from the fluid flow and thus can fall or drip on a print carrier.
• the printing device comprises at least one
• an amount of air for example, to a quantity or a volume of condensed solvent can be adjusted.
• the amount of fluid can also be adjusted via a fluid volume, for example.
• the fluid quantity can also be adjusted by the at least one or the at least one further device for generating a fluid flow.
• the device for adjusting a fluid quantity may be, for example, a valve.
• the printing device comprises a
• the maintenance device comprises or forms at least a part of the at least one device for guiding a fluid flow.
• the maintenance device may comprise the at least one device for generating a fluid flow and / or the at least one device for
• Temperature control of a fluid flow and / or the at least one means for adjusting a fluid amount is provided.
• the maintenance device may in this case also comprise a receiving region for receiving a pressure module, wherein the receiving region and the device for guiding a fluid flow are arranged relative to each other such that a fluid flow generated by the at least one device for generating a fluid flow along at least one Au .seite a pressure module feasible is when one
• Printing module is arranged in the receiving area, e.g. after it has been moved into the receiving area after a partial process.
• a maintenance device does not necessarily have to be part of a printing device.
• the maintenance device may e.g. structurally arranged next to a holding device for a print carrier.
• a printing method for applying an ink to at least one print carrier ink from at least one print head being applied to a print carrier arranged in the print area.
• the at least one print head can be moved relative to a print area or the print carrier.
• Moving printing so relative to the printing area or print carrier moves that ink from the at least one print head can be applied to a arranged in the printing area print carrier. Furthermore, a fluid flow is generated in a maintenance process and guided along an outer side of a pressure module. At least one outlet of the at least one print head can be arranged on the outside.
• the maintenance process can be carried out in particular when the pressure module is in the maintenance or reversing position explained above. This advantageously improves a quality of subsequent printing operations or subsequent sub-processes of a printing operation.
• the printing module is moved to a maintenance position after the printing process or after a partial operation of the printing process.
• the printing module (and thus also the print head) relative to the print carrier or the
• Pressure range of the printing device moves so that the printing module is in a maintenance position, wherein the pressure module throughout the
• the printing module can be positioned with respect to the printing area or a printing carrier arranged therein such that condensed solvent can not drip onto the printing substrate.
• the previously proposed printing device may comprise a separating device, for example a dividing wall, which can be arranged between the printing module and the printing region. This can be arranged, for example, during the maintenance process between the printing module and the printing area, for example, inserted. This results in an advantageous manner that during the maintenance process by the fluid flow from the Au JOseite of the printing module transported away solvent can not inadvertently get into the printing area and on a print carrier arranged therein.
• a separating device for example a dividing wall
• the print module during a printing operation or after a
• Sub-operation moves in at least one reversing position, wherein in the reversing position, a reversal of a direction of movement of the printing module.
• a fluid flow is generated and along an outside of the print module, is arranged at the at least one outlet of the at least print head, with the print module is in the reversing position during the further maintenance operation.
• the further maintenance process between two sub-processes of a printing operation can be performed.
• the fluid flow is generated for a predetermined period of time.
• the pressure module lingers in the for a defined period of time
• Printing module is located in a reversing position, so the predetermined period of time can be chosen such that the printing operation is not interrupted.
• the predetermined time period may be equal to or shorter than one for reversing the
• Movement direction of the print module required time duration. This results in that the print module can be serviced only briefly, but often.
• a temperature and / or an air quantity and / or a path of the fluid flow can be set.
• the proposed printing method and the proposed printing device advantageously allow fewer defects due to, for example, stains and smears on the print substrate or the printing material and thus less Committee.
• Fig. 1 is a schematic side view of an inventive
• Fig. 2 is a schematic side view of another invention
• 3a shows a schematic bottom view of an unpolluted printing module
• Fig. 3b is a schematic bottom view of a soiled pressure module
• Fig. 4 is a schematic plan view of that shown in Fig. 1
• Fig. 1 is a schematic side view of a printing device 1 is shown.
• the printing device comprises a printing module 2.
• the printing module 2 comprises three printing heads 3, of which, for the sake of simplicity, only one printing head 3 is provided with a reference numeral.
• a maintenance device 4 also shown is a part of a maintenance device 4, wherein the pressure module 2 is positioned above the maintenance device 4.
• the print module 2 is positioned above the service device 4 in a maintenance position.
• the maintenance device 4 is in this case in a direction of movement of the printing module 2, which is marked with an arrow 5 (see FIG. 4), arranged in front of a printing area 6, wherein in the printing area 6 to be printed a print carrier (not shown) can be arranged.
• Outlets of the print heads 3 are in this case arranged on an underside 7 of the printing module 2.
• the underside 7 of the printing module 2 is in this case arranged opposite an upper side 8 of the maintenance device. Between the Bottom 7 and the top 8 is located in the maintenance position, an air gap. Through this air gap, an air flow can be performed, wherein a direction of the air flow with an arrow 9 (see also Fig. 2) is shown, wherein the arrow 9 in Fig. 1 in the drawing plane inside shows.
• the air flow can be generated in this case, for example by means of a blower, not shown. This can be done in an advantageous manner
• Printing process or a sub-process of a printing process is condensed, be transported away.
• FIG. 2 shows a schematic side view of a printing device 1 in a further embodiment. It is shown here that the maintenance device 4 comprises guide channels 10 which guide an air flow (arrow 9) through an air gap located between a bottom 7 of the pressure module 2 and an upper side 8 of the maintenance device 4.
• Fig. 3a is a schematic bottom view of a printing module 2 is shown, which is unpolluted.
• a print head 3 a plurality of rows of nozzles 1 1, that is, a plurality of outlets arranged in a row comprises, wherein for the sake of clarity, only one row of nozzles 1 1 is provided with a reference numeral.
• Accumulations 12 in the region of the printheads 3 and the nozzle rows 1 1, but also between the printheads 3 may be arranged. This illustrates that a fluid flow should preferably be conducted along an entire bottom surface 7 of the pressure module 2 in order to carry away the condensed solvent collections 12.
• Fig. 4 is a schematic plan view of the printing device 1 shown in Fig. 1 is shown. Here it is shown that the maintenance device 4 is arranged in front of a printing area 6 of the printing device 1.
• the printing module 2 is located in one
• the printing module 2 in the maintenance position, a reversal of the direction of movement (arrow 5) performs.
• the printing module 2 in a first sub-operation of a printing operation, can move from the maintenance position shown in FIG. 4 to a reversed position 13 indicated by dashed lines
• the reversing position 13 denotes a Turning position of the printing module 2.
• the direction of movement of the printing module 2 is reversed, wherein this is moved in a further sub-operation of the printing operation in a direction opposite to the direction of movement (see arrow 5) back into the maintenance position on the printing area 6.
• a flow of air can be guided along a bottom side 7 (see FIG. 1) of the pressure module 2 in a maintenance operation. It is also conceivable that the printing module 2 dwells in the reversing position 13 for a predetermined period of time, wherein an air flow is also conducted along the underside 7 of the printing module 2 in this predetermined period of time. For this, e.g. a further maintenance device in the direction of movement (see arrow 5) behind the printing area 6 in the region of
• Reversing position 13 are arranged. In this case, therefore, a maintenance of the printing module 2 between sub-processes of the printing process.
• a partition (not shown) between the maintenance device 4 and the printing area 6 can be arranged.
• a direction of the air flow which is illustrated by an arrow 9 (see Fig. 2), transversely to the direction of movement shown in Fig. 4, which is represented by an arrow 5.

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• Ink Jet (AREA)

Priority Applications (1)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Publications (1)

Family

ID=49003781

Family Applications (1)

Country Status (3)

Citations (6)

Family Cites Families (5)

• 2012
  • 2012-08-24 DE DE102012215095.1A patent/DE102012215095A1/de active Pending
• 2013
  • 2013-08-23 EP EP13750888.3A patent/EP2888111B1/fr active Active
  • 2013-08-23 WO PCT/EP2013/067502 patent/WO2014029858A1/fr not_active Ceased

Patent Citations (6)

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