EP1064153B1 - Inkjet printer for printing on goods - Google Patents

Inkjet printer for printing on goods Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1064153B1
EP1064153B1 EP99919108A EP99919108A EP1064153B1 EP 1064153 B1 EP1064153 B1 EP 1064153B1 EP 99919108 A EP99919108 A EP 99919108A EP 99919108 A EP99919108 A EP 99919108A EP 1064153 B1 EP1064153 B1 EP 1064153B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
inkjet printer
reservoir
fluid
label
reservoir bottle
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP99919108A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP1064153A1 (en
Inventor
Jan Slomianny
Andreas Slomianny
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E B S GmbH
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E B S GmbH
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    • 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
    • B41J2/17—Ink jet characterised by ink handling
    • B41J2/175—Ink supply systems ; Circuit parts therefor
    • B41J2/17503—Ink cartridges
    • B41J2/17543—Cartridge presence detection or type identification
    • B41J2/17546—Cartridge presence detection or type identification electronically
    • 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
    • B41J2/17—Ink jet characterised by ink handling
    • B41J2/175—Ink supply systems ; Circuit parts therefor
    • 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
    • B41J2/17—Ink jet characterised by ink handling
    • B41J2/175—Ink supply systems ; Circuit parts therefor
    • B41J2/17566—Ink level or ink residue control

Definitions

  • the invention relates to an inkjet printer for the labeling of Were. with a computer controlling the operating processes with at least one interchangeable storage bottle that comes with a known quantity of one Liquid. e.g. a solvent or pigment. with a installed intermediate container. the one from the storage bottle with the Liquid is filled. and with an installed arrangement for detecting the amount of the liquid taken from the storage bottle, as well as on the Use of such a storage bottle in an ink jet printer Art.
  • a computer controlling the operating processes with at least one interchangeable storage bottle that comes with a known quantity of one Liquid. e.g. a solvent or pigment. with a installed intermediate container. the one from the storage bottle with the Liquid is filled. and with an installed arrangement for detecting the amount of the liquid taken from the storage bottle, as well as on the Use of such a storage bottle in an ink jet printer Art.
  • Inkjet printers for labeling goods typically have one significantly higher consumption of liquids such as pigment liquid and Inkjet printer solvents used to print paper.
  • liquids such as pigment liquid and Inkjet printer solvents used to print paper.
  • Inkjet printer of the type mentioned at the beginning for the labeling of goods the liquids required for operation and labeling, especially pigment and solvent, supplied from storage bottles that for example, have a volume of one liter.
  • EP 0 282 049 describes an ink system for inkjet matrix printers, the a reservoir for thick ink, a second reservoir for Has solvent and an intermediate container as a mixing container.
  • This Ink system has a conveying device that works exclusively with compressed air is driven. By dividing the previously known ink chamber into three Each container is one of the most important conveying functions of the ink system assigned separate container. Thus, an adaptation to the respective Conveying function and monitoring, for example, the viscosity of the ink respectively. The amount can then be adjusted by measuring the viscosity Thick ink or solvent that is fed into the mixing container is reached become. About watching a swimmer sitting in the mixing tank , it is possible to determine whether actually from the respective Storage containers liquid is sucked in or whether these containers are empty. This system is complex and it is not possible to determine whether the The correct liquid is in the storage container. Except for the viscosity, none further property of the liquids can be checked.
  • EP 0 720 916 and EP 0 789 322 also show Printers or systems with storage containers.
  • WO 85/01104 is a Inkjet printing system for labeling goods shown one connected ink tank and an unconnected reserve tank having.
  • EP 0 720 916 shows an ink jet printer with one Labeling ink supply container and a computer that this Checks markings.
  • EP 0 789 322 discloses interchangeable storage containers for printers or copiers that have an information store that both for determining the level of the container during operation as well for the transfer of other information, such as printer drivers can be used. None of the in the various publications described systems allows control of the liquids within the Storage container in that the use of an improper Liquid is prevented. Another problem is that the The fill level of the storage container can be checked, but when it is completely empty the ink supply tank abruptly stops printing.
  • the expiration time is fine and that that Output signal of the arrangement for detecting the from the storage bottle withdrawn amount of liquid on the computer and after removing the a known amount of liquid from one of the storage bottles "Storage bottle empty” is output, and that the signal "Storage bottle empty” dispensed when the storage bottle is empty, but the intermediate container is still is at least partially filled.
  • each storage bottle is individually labeled.
  • Your Labeling contains encrypted information about those in it contained liquid. especially the expiration date.
  • the label contains additional information about the Liquid, for example type of liquid. Amount of liquid. viscosity contain.
  • the label is displayed when a new storage bottle is inserted in entered the computer, the entry is made manually, for example, by read the label and into a keypad of the inkjet printer is entered, or automatically, for example with a reader or even one Reading device, which is located in the holder in which the storage bottle is located in the inkjet printer.
  • test program in the computer.
  • the entered label is sent to him fed. It checks the label by permitting it Compares labels.
  • the label can be decrypted or not.
  • the normal operation of the inkjet printer only then released if at least one selected test criterion. e.g. the expiration time, is okay.
  • the normal operation of the inkjet printer is Connection to it blocked and normal operation only released when a new label has been entered.
  • the inkjet printer only accepts a new storage bottle then, if the entered identification is correct. Refilling and reinserting this makes an old, empty storage bottle impossible.
  • the Inkjet printer only accepts proper supply bottles. This ensures that the inkjet printer can only be operated with the liquids can and only processes liquids for which it is designed. This will avoided, for example, by a wrong liquid, for example a wrong one Solvent, a seal is destroyed, the printing result deteriorates will or even a dangerous operating condition can occur, for example at a flammable or explosive liquid.
  • the marking is preferably in the form of a seal at the location of the storage bottle attached, which will be damaged when inserted into the inkjet printer must, because the supply bottle must be opened there. So the labeling goes lost if the storage bottle was inserted once.
  • the signal "storage bottle empty "any withdrawal of liquid from the storage container is blocked.
  • a pump is blocked between the storage bottle and intermediate container. Only after entering a new, encrypted label is the normal one Operation of the inkjet printer released again.
  • the storage bottle preferably has a volume that is significantly larger than the volume of the intermediate container.
  • the intermediate container takes over in a preferred Embodiment the task, the amount of liquid withdrawn from the storage bottle capture. Due to the intermediate container, the storage bottle is not required own means for recording the amount of liquid currently contained in it be so the storage bottle can be designed very easily.
  • the amount of liquid removed from the storage bottle determined by the number of prints made with the inkjet printer Points is counted. A certain amount of liquid is consumed per point, this can be determined by counting the pressure points applied.
  • the methods described are particularly suitable for the determination of pigment liquid.
  • For the detection of solvent it is advantageous to simply time the operation of the inkjet printer and also the Temperature and possibly other parameters.
  • the signal "storage bottle empty" is emitted, if the storage bottle is empty, but the intermediate container is still at least partially is filled. This means that the inkjet printer will continue to operate can be. It can be continued for a reasonable period of time, the new storage bottle can be inserted during this.
  • the computer preferably has a clock for determining the expiry date internal date generated. This internal date is shown with the date in the Marking compared. If the information does not match, the new one will be used Storage bottle not accepted, the inkjet printer is not taking his normal operation. If the inkjet printer is not in its normal The company is located at all because the wrong identification was entered Label has been entered or the like, a corresponding one Display output, for example appears in a display field of the inkjet printer the message "wrong entry". The corresponding message is written that a user can clearly distinguish between incorrect operation of the inkjet printer, for example, due to a component failure and the incorrect identification being entered can distinguish.
  • the marking is machine-readable trained, for example, it is designed in the form of a bar code.
  • the label is not read and the keyboard of the inkjet printer must be entered in this, but the entry of the label done automatically and is therefore simplified.
  • the labeling is read when a new storage bottle arrives their right place in the inkjet printer.
  • the inkjet printer has a computer that controls the internal operations 20. Furthermore, he has at least one storage bottle accommodated in a holder 22 24 in which there is a liquid, for example pigment or a solvent. According to the invention, a storage bottle 24 of the simplest type is used. It has no windows for light barriers for level detection, nor any mechanical peculiarities or an unusual closure. Via a suction line 26, in which a pump 28 is located, is located in the storage bottle 24 Liquid 30 removed and fed to an installed intermediate container 32. In the embodiment according to FIG. 1, this has an arrangement 34 for detection equipped with the amount of liquid 30 removed from the storage bottles 24. For this a sensor 34 is arranged in the intermediate container 32, for example a capacitive one Sensor. Its output is connected to the computer 20.
  • the computer 20 sends a signal issued "storage bottle empty". This signal appears on the display, for example 36. It can also be output acoustically, for example in the form of a Tons.
  • the storage bottle 24 is empty, the intermediate container 32 but still sufficiently filled that the printing process continues for a certain time can be.
  • the empty storage bottle 24 can now be replaced by a new, filled storage bottle 24 can be replaced.
  • the keyboard 40 is connected to the computer 20 connected.
  • the inkjet printer When the "supply bottle empty" signal is issued, the inkjet printer performs its normal operation only until the 32 still existing in the intermediate container Amount of liquid is used up. Then the operation is blocked by e.g. the pump 28 is blocked. Normal operation only resumed if proper labeling has been entered.
  • a reading device 42 is provided in the holder 22 is connected to the computer 20.
  • the reader 42 automatically detects a label 38, which is located on the storage bottle 24. It is a manual entry then no longer necessary.
  • the arrangement for recording the amount removed from the storage bottle Liquid is designed differently. Either the number of droplets is counted issued from a print head 44 and printed on a product, not shown here have been and after a certain number of droplets, for example 50 million, the signal "empty storage bottle” issued. Or it will be during the Operation of the inkjet printer both recorded and summed up the operating time also at least determines the temperature. From this data it is then determined how much Liquid, e.g. solvent, is lost during operation is. The amount of liquids to be used anyway, for example for the printing process, is taken into account.
  • Liquid e.g. solvent
  • the identification 38 can be a bar code, as in The figure also shown, which is detected by an optical reader 42. It can but a chip 38 can also be used as the identification, which contains the relevant data carries within itself. This chip stores the necessary data permanently, so it is not volatile. It can be permanently connected to the storage bottle 24. When refilling the supply bottle 24 is overwritten with new information. He points also has a transmission device in the reader 42, which is used here as a device Data acquisition is designed to have its counterpart. The transfer of data can Electromagnetic, magnetic, capacitive or any other way. With magnetic Coupling, the chip 38 has a coil, which is a corresponding coil in the data acquisition device 42 is assigned. The information becomes inductive transfer. The inductive coupling can also be used for an AC voltage from the device to the chip to transfer this electrical power to be able to supply.
  • the data transmission between the chip 38 and the data acquisition device 42 can only run in one direction, that is from chip 38 to data acquisition device 42 can also run in the opposite direction, so that the chip information receives from the data acquisition device 42 and stores them.
  • the invention relates to the use of a storage bottle 24 in an inkjet printer, wherein the storage bottle 24 a) is filled with a liquid 30 which is required for the operation of the inkjet printer and b) with a label 38 is provided, the data necessary for the computer 20 for the operation of the Inkjet printer included.

Landscapes

  • Ink Jet (AREA)
  • Particle Formation And Scattering Control In Inkjet Printers (AREA)
  • Ink Jet Recording Methods And Recording Media Thereof (AREA)

Abstract

The present invention relates to an inkjet printer for printing on goods, wherein said printer comprises a computer for controlling the operation process, at least one replaceable tank in the shape of a bottle filled with a previously known quantity of a liquid, an intermediate container arranged in the printer and filled with the liquid from the tank as well as a device also arranged in the printer for detecting the quantity of liquid drawn from the tank. The invention is characterized in that the tank includes an identification element comprising a coded piece of information related to the liquid it contains. The identification elements is inputted into the computer when a new tank is mounted, while said computer comprises a verification program for checking the inputted identification element and for authorizing normal operation of the inkjet printer only when one at least selected verification criterion is correct, such as the use-by date.

Description

Die Erfindung bezieht sich auf einen Tintenstrahldrucker für die Beschriftung von Waren. mit einem die Betriebsabläufe steuernden Rechner mit mindestens einer austauschbaren Vorratsflasche, die mit einer vorbekannten Menge einer Flüssigkeit. z.B. einem Lösungsmittel oder Pigment, gefüllt ist. mit einem installierten Zwischenbehälter. der aus der Vorratsflasche Jeweils mit der Flüssigkeit angefüllt wird. und mit einer installierten Anordnung zur Erfassung der aus der Vorratsflasche entnommenen Menge an der Flüssigkeit, sowie auf die Verwendung einer derartigen Vorratsflasche in einem Tintenstrahldrucker dieser Art.The invention relates to an inkjet printer for the labeling of Were. with a computer controlling the operating processes with at least one interchangeable storage bottle that comes with a known quantity of one Liquid. e.g. a solvent or pigment. with a installed intermediate container. the one from the storage bottle with the Liquid is filled. and with an installed arrangement for detecting the amount of the liquid taken from the storage bottle, as well as on the Use of such a storage bottle in an ink jet printer Art.

Tintenstrahldrucker für die Beschriftung von Waren haben typischerweise einen deutlich höheren Verbrauch an Flüssigkeiten wie Pigmentflüssigkeit und Lösungsmittel als Tintenstrahldrucker, mit denen Papier bedruckt wird. Bei dem Tintenstrahldrucker der eingangs genannten Art für die Beschriftung von Waren werden die für den Betrieb und die Beschriftung notwendigen Flüssigkeiten, insbesondere also Pigment und Lösungsmittel, aus Vorratsflaschen zugeführt, die beispielsweise ein Volumen von einem Liter haben.Inkjet printers for labeling goods typically have one significantly higher consumption of liquids such as pigment liquid and Inkjet printer solvents used to print paper. In which Inkjet printer of the type mentioned at the beginning for the labeling of goods the liquids required for operation and labeling, especially pigment and solvent, supplied from storage bottles that for example, have a volume of one liter.

Als Vorratsflaschen möchte man möglichst handelsübliche, preiswerte Standardflaschen einsetzen. Speziell geformte Behälter, die nur in konkrete Tintenstrahldrucker passen, sind dagegen teurer. Dieser geldliche Aspekt wird aber noch durch einen anderen Aspekt übertroffen. Es kommt immer wieder vor. dass ein Kunde ein bereits benutzte. leere Vorratsflasche erneut auffüllt, dabei aber nicht die geforderte Flüssigkeit verwendet. Es kommt auch vor. dass nicht genau passende Flüssigkeiten von anderen Herstellern in zumindest vergleichbaren Vorratsflaschen angeboten werden. Eine nicht passende Flüssigkeit, beispielsweise ein falsches Lösungsmittel, kann Jedoch in einfachen Fällen zu einem schlechten Druckergebnis, in schwerwiegenden Fällen zu einem Ausfall des Tintenstrahldruckers führen. Für den Hersteller des Tintenstrahldruckers ist es nicht immer einfach, bei Beanstandungen, insbesondere bei Garantieansprüchen festzustellen, ob ein Drucker mit korrekten Flüssigkelten oder mit falschen Flüssigkeiten betrieben wurde.As storage bottles, one would like to have commercially available, inexpensive ones Insert standard bottles. Specially shaped containers that only come in concrete Inkjet printers fit, however, are more expensive. But this monetary aspect will surpassed by another aspect. It happens again and again. that a customer has already used one. refills the empty storage bottle again, but doing so does not use the required liquid. It also happens. that not exactly matching liquids from other manufacturers in at least comparable ones Storage bottles are offered. An inappropriate liquid, for example an incorrect solvent, however, can in simple cases lead to a bad one Printing result, in serious cases to a failure of the Inkjet printer. It is for the manufacturer of the inkjet printer not always easy, with complaints, especially with warranty claims determine if a printer has correct fluids or incorrect fluids Liquids were operated.

Die EP 0 282 049 beschreibt ein Tintensystem für Tintenstrahlmatrixdrucker, das einen Vorratsbehälter für Dicktinte, einen zweiten Vorratsbehälter für Lösungsmittel und einen Zwischenbehälter als Mischbehälter aufweist. Dieses Tintensystem hat eine Fördervorrichtung, die ausschließlich durch Druckluft angetrieben wird. Durch die Aufteilung der vorbekannten Tintenkammer in die drei einzelnen Behälter ist jeder wichtigen Förderfunktion des Tintensystems ein separater Behälter zugeordnet. Somit kann eine Anpassung an die jeweilige Förderfunktion und eine Überwachung beispielsweise der Viskosität der Tinte erfolgen. Über die Messung der Viskosität kann dann eine Anpassung der Menge an Dicktinte oder Lösungsmittel, die in den Mischbehälter eingespeist werden, erreicht werden. Über die Beobachtung eines Schwimmers, der sich im Mischbehälter befindet, ist es möglich festzustellen, ob tatsächlich aus den jeweiligen Vorratsbehältern Flüssigkeit angesaugt wird oder ob diese Behälter leer sind. Dieses System ist aufwendig und es ist nicht möglich zu ermitteln, ob sich in den Vorratsbehältern die korrekte Flüssigkeit befindet. Außer der Viskosität kann keine weitere Eigenschaft der Flüssigkeiten überprüft werden.EP 0 282 049 describes an ink system for inkjet matrix printers, the a reservoir for thick ink, a second reservoir for Has solvent and an intermediate container as a mixing container. This Ink system has a conveying device that works exclusively with compressed air is driven. By dividing the previously known ink chamber into three Each container is one of the most important conveying functions of the ink system assigned separate container. Thus, an adaptation to the respective Conveying function and monitoring, for example, the viscosity of the ink respectively. The amount can then be adjusted by measuring the viscosity Thick ink or solvent that is fed into the mixing container is reached become. About watching a swimmer sitting in the mixing tank , it is possible to determine whether actually from the respective Storage containers liquid is sucked in or whether these containers are empty. This system is complex and it is not possible to determine whether the The correct liquid is in the storage container. Except for the viscosity, none further property of the liquids can be checked.

Auch die Druckschriften WO 85/01104, EP 0 720 916 und EP 0 789 322 zeigen Drucker bzw. Systeme mit Vorratsbehältern. In der WO 85/01104 ist ein Tintenstrahldrucksystem für die Beschriftung von Waren gezeigt, das einen angeschlossenen Tintenbehälter und einen nicht angeschlossenen Reservebehälter aufweist. Die EP 0 720 916 zeigt einen Tintenstrahldrucker mit einem eine Kennzeichnung aufweisenden Tintenzufuhrbehälter und einem Rechner, der diese Kennzeichnungen prüft. Die EP 0 789 322 offenbart austauschbare Vorratsbehälter für Drucker oder Kopierer, die einen Informationsspeicher aufweisen, der sowohl für die Ermittlung des Füllstandes des Behälters während des Betriebes als auch für die Übergabe von sonstigen Informationen, wie beispielsweise Druckertreibern genutzt werden können. Keines der in den verschiedenen Druckschriften beschriebenen Systeme ermöglicht eine Kontrolle der Flüssigkeiten innerhalb der Vorratsbehälter dahingehend, dass die Verwendung einer unsachgemäßen Flüssigkeit verhindert wird. Auch stellt sich als Problem dar, dass zwar der Füllstand der Vorratsbehälter überprüfbar ist, jedoch bei vollständiger Entleerung des Tintenvorratsbehälters der Druckvorgang abrupt abbricht.The publications WO 85/01104, EP 0 720 916 and EP 0 789 322 also show Printers or systems with storage containers. In WO 85/01104 is a Inkjet printing system for labeling goods shown one connected ink tank and an unconnected reserve tank having. EP 0 720 916 shows an ink jet printer with one Labeling ink supply container and a computer that this Checks markings. EP 0 789 322 discloses interchangeable storage containers for printers or copiers that have an information store that both for determining the level of the container during operation as well for the transfer of other information, such as printer drivers can be used. None of the in the various publications described systems allows control of the liquids within the Storage container in that the use of an improper Liquid is prevented. Another problem is that the The fill level of the storage container can be checked, but when it is completely empty the ink supply tank abruptly stops printing.

Hier setzt nun die Erfindung ein. Sie hat es sich zur Aufgabe gemacht, einen Tintenstrahldrucker der eingangs genannten Art dahingehend weiterzubilden, dass trotz Verwendung von möglichst einfachen, handelsüblichen Vorratsflaschen der Tintenstrahldrucker selbsttätig eine Kontrolle darüber durchführt, ob eine in ihn eingesetzte neue Vorratsflasche mit einer korrekten Flüssigkeit befüllt ist. Dabei soll insbesondere verhindert werden, dass gerade wegen der Verwendung einfacher Flaschen eine ungewollte Verwechslung zweier mit unterschiedlichen Flüssigkeiten gefüllten Vorratsflaschen auftreten kann. Ein abrupter Abbruch des Druckvorgangs bei vollständiger Entleerung einer der Vorratsflaschen soll ebenfalls verhindert werden.This is where the invention begins. It has set itself the task of one inkjet of the type mentioned at the outset to the effect that despite Use of the simplest, commercially available storage bottles of the Inkjet printer automatically checks whether there is one in it inserted new storage bottle is filled with a correct liquid. there should in particular be prevented from being easier because of the use Bottles an unwanted confusion of two with different liquids filled storage bottles can occur. An abrupt termination of the printing process if one of the storage bottles is completely emptied, this should also be prevented become.

Ausgehend von dem Tintenstrahldrucker der eingangs genannten Art wird diese Aufgabe dadurch gelöst, dass mindestens zwei Vorratsflaschen mit unterschiedlichen Flüssigkeiten vorgesehen sind, dass die Vorratsflaschen eine Kennzeichnung aufweisen, die eine verschlüsselte Information über die enthaltene Flüssigkeit, z. B. Verfallsdatum, Art der Flüssigkeit, Menge der Flüssigkeit, Viskosität usw. enthalten, dass die Kennzeichnung beim Einsetzen einer neuen Vorratsflasche in den Rechner eingegeben wird, dass im Rechner ein Prüfprogramm vorliegt, das die in ihm eingegebene Kennzeichnung prüft und den normalen Betrieb des Tintenstrahldruckers nur dann freigibt, wenn mindestens ein ausgewähltes Prüfkriterium, z.B. die Verfallszeit, in Ordnung ist, und dass das Ausgangssignal der Anordnung zur Erfassung der aus der Vorratsflasche entnommenen Menge an Flüssigkeit am Rechner anliegt und nach Entnahme der vorbekannten Menge an Flüssigkeit aus einer der Vorratsflaschen ein Signal "Vorratsflasche leer" ausgegeben wird, und dass das Signal "Vorratsflasche leer" abgegeben wird, wenn die Vorratsflasche leer, aber der Zwischenbehälter noch mindestens teilweise gefüllt ist.Starting from the inkjet printer of the type mentioned above, this is Problem solved in that at least two storage bottles with different liquids are provided that the storage bottles a Have identification that contains encrypted information about the Liquid, e.g. B. expiry date, type of liquid, amount of liquid, Viscosity etc. contain that marking when inserting a new one Storage bottle is entered into the calculator that a check program in the calculator is present that checks the label entered in it and the normal Operation of the inkjet printer only releases if at least one selected test criterion, e.g. the expiration time is fine and that that Output signal of the arrangement for detecting the from the storage bottle withdrawn amount of liquid on the computer and after removing the a known amount of liquid from one of the storage bottles "Storage bottle empty" is output, and that the signal "Storage bottle empty" dispensed when the storage bottle is empty, but the intermediate container is still is at least partially filled.

Erfindungsgemäß ist Jede Vorratsflasche individuell gekennzeichnet. Ihre Kennzeichnung beinhaltet eine verschlüsselte Information über die in ihr enthaltene Flüssigkeit. insbesondere das Verfallsdatum. Vorzugsweise hat Jede Vorratsflasche ihre eigene, individuelle Kennzeichnung, die bei keiner weiteren Vorratsflasche auftritt. In der Kennzeichnung sind weitere Angaben über die Flüssigkeit, beispielsweise Art der Flüssigkeit. Menge der Flüssigkeit. Viskosität enthalten. Die Kennzeichnung wird beim Einsetzen einer neuen Vorratsflasche in den Rechner eingegeben, die Eingabe erfolgt dabei beispielsweise manuell, indem die Kennzeichnung abgelesen und in ein Tastenfeld des Tintenstrahldruckers eingegeben wird, oder maschinell, beispielsweise mit einem Lesegerät oder gar einer Lesevorrichtung, die sich in der Halterung befindet, in der die Vorratsflasche sich im Tintenstrahldrucker befindet.According to the invention, each storage bottle is individually labeled. Your Labeling contains encrypted information about those in it contained liquid. especially the expiration date. Preferably everyone has Storage bottle your own, individual labeling, which no other Supply bottle occurs. The label contains additional information about the Liquid, for example type of liquid. Amount of liquid. viscosity contain. The label is displayed when a new storage bottle is inserted in entered the computer, the entry is made manually, for example, by read the label and into a keypad of the inkjet printer is entered, or automatically, for example with a reader or even one Reading device, which is located in the holder in which the storage bottle is located in the inkjet printer.

Im Rechner liegt ein Prüfprogramm vor. ihm wird die eingegebene Kennzeichnung zugeleitet. Es prüft die Kennzeichnung, in dem es sie mit zulässigen Kennzeichnungen vergleicht. Dabei kann die Kennzeichnung entschlüsselt werden oder nicht. Der normale Betrieb des Tintenstrahldruckers wird nur dann freigegeben, wenn mindestens ein ausgewähltes Prüfkriterium. z.B. die Verfallszeit, in Ordnung ist. Zusätzlich ist eine Vorrichtung zur Erfassung der aus dem Vorratsbehälter entnommenen Menge an Flüssigkeiten vorhanden, deren Ausgangssignal ebenfalls am Rechner anliegt. Nach Entnahme der vorbekannten Menge an Flüssigkeit aus einem Vorratsbehälter wird ein Signal "Vorratsflasche leer" ausgegeben. Der normale Betrieb des Tintenstrahldruckers wird im Anschluß daran gesperrt und erst dann wieder der normale Betrieb freigegeben, wenn eine neue Kennzeichnung eingegeben wurde.There is a test program in the computer. the entered label is sent to him fed. It checks the label by permitting it Compares labels. The label can be decrypted or not. The normal operation of the inkjet printer only then released if at least one selected test criterion. e.g. the expiration time, is okay. In addition, there is a device for recording the amount of liquids removed from the storage container available, whose output signal is also present on the computer. After removal the known amount of liquid from a storage container is a signal "storage bottle empty ". The normal operation of the inkjet printer is Connection to it blocked and normal operation only released when a new label has been entered.

Erfindungsgemäß akzeptiert der Tintenstrahldrucker eine neue Vorratsflasche nur dann, wenn die eingegebene Kennzeichnung stimmt. Das Nachfüllen und Wiedereinsetzen einer alten, entleerten Vorratsflasche wird dadurch unmöglich gemacht. Der Tintenstrahldrucker akzeptiert nur ordnungsgemäße Vorratsflaschen. Dadurch ist sichergestellt, dass der Tintenstrahldrucker nur mit den Flüssigkeiten betrieben werden kann und nur solche Flüssigkeiten verarbeitet, für die er ausgelegt ist. Dadurch wird beispielsweise vermieden, dass durch eine falsche Flüssigkeit, beispielsweise ein falsches Lösungsmittel, eine Dichtung zerstört wird, das Druckergebnis verschlechtert wird oder gar ein gefährlicher Betriebszustand auftreten kann, beispielsweise bei einer brennbaren oder explosiven Flüssigkeit.According to the invention, the inkjet printer only accepts a new storage bottle then, if the entered identification is correct. Refilling and reinserting this makes an old, empty storage bottle impossible. The Inkjet printer only accepts proper supply bottles. This ensures that the inkjet printer can only be operated with the liquids can and only processes liquids for which it is designed. This will avoided, for example, by a wrong liquid, for example a wrong one Solvent, a seal is destroyed, the printing result deteriorates will or even a dangerous operating condition can occur, for example at a flammable or explosive liquid.

Vorzugsweise ist die Kennzeichnung in Form eines Siegels an der Stelle der Vorratsflasche angebracht, die beim Einsetzen in den Tintenstrahldrucker beschädigt werden muß, weil dort die Vorratsflasche geöffnet werden muß. Damit geht die Kennzeichnung verloren, wenn die Vorratsflasche einmal eingesetzt wurde.The marking is preferably in the form of a seal at the location of the storage bottle attached, which will be damaged when inserted into the inkjet printer must, because the supply bottle must be opened there. So the labeling goes lost if the storage bottle was inserted once.

In einer bevorzugten Weiterbildung der Erfindung wird zugleich mit dem Signal "Vorratsflasche leer" jedwede Entnahme von Flüssigkeit aus dem Vorratsbehälter gesperrt. Es wird beispielsweise eine Pumpe zwischen Vorratsflasche und Zwischenbehäiter gesperrt. Erst nach Eingabe einer neuen, verschlüsselten Kennzeichnung wird der normale Betrieb des Tintenstrahldruckers wieder freigegeben.In a preferred development of the invention, the signal "storage bottle empty "any withdrawal of liquid from the storage container is blocked. For example, a pump is blocked between the storage bottle and intermediate container. Only after entering a new, encrypted label is the normal one Operation of the inkjet printer released again.

Vorzugsweise hat die Vorratsflasche ein Volumen, das deutlich größer ist als das Volumen des Zwischenbehälters. Der Zwischenbehälter übernimmt in einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform die Aufgabe, die aus der Vorratsflasche entnommene Menge an Flüssigkeit zu erfassen. Aufgrund des Zwischenbehälters muß die Vorratsflasche nicht mit eigenen Mitteln zur Erfassung der in ihr aktuell enthaltenen Menge an Flüssigkeit ausgerüstet sein, die Vorratsflasche kann also sehr einfach ausgebildet werden.The storage bottle preferably has a volume that is significantly larger than the volume of the intermediate container. The intermediate container takes over in a preferred Embodiment the task, the amount of liquid withdrawn from the storage bottle capture. Due to the intermediate container, the storage bottle is not required own means for recording the amount of liquid currently contained in it be so the storage bottle can be designed very easily.

In einer anderen Ausführung wird die aus der Vorratsflasche entnommene Flüssigkeitsmenge dadurch bestimmt, dass die Anzahl der mit dem Tintenstrahldrucker gedruckten Punkte gezählt wird. Pro Punkt wird eine gewisse Menge an Flüssigkeit verbraucht, diese kann man durch Zählen der aufgebrachten Druckpunkte bestimmen.In another embodiment, the amount of liquid removed from the storage bottle determined by the number of prints made with the inkjet printer Points is counted. A certain amount of liquid is consumed per point, this can be determined by counting the pressure points applied.

Die beschriebenen Verfahren eignen sich insbesondere für die Bestimmung von Pigmentflüssigkeit. Für die Erfassung von Lösungsmittel ist es vorteilhaft, einfach die Zeit des Betriebs des Tintenstrahldruckers zu registrieren und dabei zusätzlich noch die Temperatur und möglicherweise andere Parameter zu berücksichtigen.The methods described are particularly suitable for the determination of pigment liquid. For the detection of solvent, it is advantageous to simply time the operation of the inkjet printer and also the Temperature and possibly other parameters.

In einer bevorzugten Weiterbildung wird das Signal "Vorratsflasche leer" abgegeben, wenn zwar die Vorratsflasche leer ist, aber der Zwischenbehälter noch zumindest teilweise gefüllt ist. Dies bedeutet, dass der Betrieb des Tintenstrahldruckers weitergeführt werden kann. Er kann für eine angemessene Zeitspanne weitergeführt werden, während dieser kann die neue Vorratsflasche eingebracht werden.In a preferred development, the signal "storage bottle empty" is emitted, if the storage bottle is empty, but the intermediate container is still at least partially is filled. This means that the inkjet printer will continue to operate can be. It can be continued for a reasonable period of time, the new storage bottle can be inserted during this.

Für die Bestimmung des Verfallsdatums hat der Rechner vorzugsweise eine Uhr, die ein internes Datum erzeugt. Dieses interne Datum wird mit der Datumsangabe in der Kennzeichnung verglichen. Stimmen die Angaben nicht überein, wird die neu eingesetzte Vorratsflasche nicht akzeptiert, der Tintenstrahldrucker nimmt nicht seinen normalen Betrieb auf. Wenn der Tintenstrahldrucker sich nicht in seinem normalen Betrieb befindet, weil eine falsche Kennzeichnung eingegeben wurde, überhaupt keine Kennzeichnung eingegeben wurde oder dergleichen, wird eine entsprechende Anzeige ausgegeben, beispielsweise erscheint in einem Anzeigefeld des Tintenstrahldruckers die Nachricht "falsche Eingabe". Die entsprechende Nachricht ist so abgefaßt, dass ein Benutzer klar zwischen einem fehlerhaften Arbeiten des Tintenstrahldruckers, beispielsweise durch Ausfall eines Bauteils, und der Eingabe einer falschen Kennzeichnung unterscheiden kann.The computer preferably has a clock for determining the expiry date internal date generated. This internal date is shown with the date in the Marking compared. If the information does not match, the new one will be used Storage bottle not accepted, the inkjet printer is not taking his normal operation. If the inkjet printer is not in its normal The company is located at all because the wrong identification was entered Label has been entered or the like, a corresponding one Display output, for example appears in a display field of the inkjet printer the message "wrong entry". The corresponding message is written that a user can clearly distinguish between incorrect operation of the inkjet printer, for example, due to a component failure and the incorrect identification being entered can distinguish.

In einer weiteren, bevorzugten Ausführung ist die Kennzeichnung maschinenlesbar ausgebildet, beispielsweise ist sie in Form eines Strichcodes ausgeführt. Dies hat den Vorteil, dass die Kennzeichnung nicht erst gelesen und über die Tastatur des Tintenstrahldruckers in diesen eingegeben werden muß, sondern die Eingabe der Kennzeichnung maschinell erfolgt und damit vereinfacht ist. In einer besonderen Weiterbildung erfolgt ein Lesevorgang der Kennzeichnung, wenn eine neue Vorratsflasche an ihren richtigen Platz im Tintenstrahldrucker gebracht wurde.In a further preferred embodiment, the marking is machine-readable trained, for example, it is designed in the form of a bar code. This has the Advantage that the label is not read and the keyboard of the inkjet printer must be entered in this, but the entry of the label done automatically and is therefore simplified. In a special training the labeling is read when a new storage bottle arrives their right place in the inkjet printer.

Weitere Vorteile und Merkmale der Erfindung ergeben sich aus den übrigen Ansprüchen sowie der nun folgenden Beschreibung von nicht einschränkend zu verstehenden Ausführungsbeispielen der Erfindung, die unter Bezugnahme auf die Zeichnung näher erläutert werden. In dieser zeigen:

FIG. 1:
eine schematische Darstellung, im wesentlichen als Ansicht vorn, eines Tintenstrahldruckers für die Beschriftung von Waren und
FIG. 2:
eine Darstellung ähnlich Figur 1 eines Tintenstrahldruckers, jedoch in einer anderen Ausführung.
Further advantages and features of the invention emerge from the remaining claims and the following description of non-restrictive exemplary embodiments of the invention, which are explained in more detail with reference to the drawing. In this show:
FIG. 1:
a schematic representation, essentially as a front view, of an inkjet printer for the labeling of goods and
FIG. 2:
a representation similar to Figure 1 of an inkjet printer, but in a different embodiment.

Der Tintenstrahldrucker hat einen die internen Betriebsabläufe steuernden Rechner 20. Weiterhin hat er mindestens eine in einer Halterung 22 untergebrachte Vorratsflasche 24, in der sich eine Flüssigkeit befindet, beispielsweise Pigment oder ein Lösungsmittel. Erfindungsgemäß wird eine Vorratsflasche 24 einfachster Bauart verwendet. Sie hat weder Fenster für Lichtschranken zur Niveauerfassung, noch irgendwelche mechanischen Besonderheiten oder einen ungewöhnlichen Verschluß. Über eine Saugleitung 26, in der sich eine Pumpe 28 befindet, wird die in der Vorratsflasche 24 befindliche Flüssigkeit 30 entnommen und einem installierten Zwischenbehälter 32 zugeführt. In der Ausführung nach Figur 1 ist dieser mit einer Anordnung 34 zur Erfassung aus der Vorratsflaschen 24 entnommenen Menge an Flüssigkeit 30 ausgestattet. Hierzu ist ein Sensor 34 im Zwischenbehälter 32 angeordnet, beispielsweise ein kapazitiver Sensor. Sein Ausgang ist mit dem Rechner 20 verbunden. Wenn das innerhalb zweier Pegel erfaßte Niveau der Flüssigkeit 30 im Zwischenbehälter 32 abgefallen ist, wird dies dem Rechner 20 gemeldet, der die entsprechenden Informationen speichert. Ist der Zwischenbehälter 32 mehrfach entleert worden und entspricht die Zahl der Entleerungen einer vorgegebenen Menge an Flüssigkeit, so wird vom Rechner 20 ein Signal ausgegeben "Vorratsflasche leer". Dieses Signal erscheint beispielsweise auf der Anzeige 36. Es kann aber auch akustisch ausgegeben werden, beispielsweise in Form eines Tons.The inkjet printer has a computer that controls the internal operations 20. Furthermore, he has at least one storage bottle accommodated in a holder 22 24 in which there is a liquid, for example pigment or a solvent. According to the invention, a storage bottle 24 of the simplest type is used. It has no windows for light barriers for level detection, nor any mechanical peculiarities or an unusual closure. Via a suction line 26, in which a pump 28 is located, is located in the storage bottle 24 Liquid 30 removed and fed to an installed intermediate container 32. In the embodiment according to FIG. 1, this has an arrangement 34 for detection equipped with the amount of liquid 30 removed from the storage bottles 24. For this a sensor 34 is arranged in the intermediate container 32, for example a capacitive one Sensor. Its output is connected to the computer 20. If that is within two Level detected level of the liquid 30 in the intermediate container 32 has dropped, this will reported to the computer 20, which stores the corresponding information. Is the Intermediate container 32 has been emptied several times and corresponds to the number of empties a predetermined amount of liquid, the computer 20 sends a signal issued "storage bottle empty". This signal appears on the display, for example 36. It can also be output acoustically, for example in the form of a Tons.

In dem beschriebenen Zustand ist die Vorratsflasche 24 leer, der Zwischenbehälter 32 aber noch so ausreichend gefüllt, dass der Druckvorgang noch eine gewisse Zeit weitergeführt werden kann. Die entleerte Vorratsflasche 24 kann nun durch eine neue, gefüllte Vorratsflasche 24 ausgetauscht werden. Auf dieser befindet sich eine Kennzeichnung 38. Sie besteht beispielsweise aus Zahlen und Buchstaben. Sie wird in eine Tastatur 40 des Tintenstrahldruckers eingegeben. Die Tastatur 40 ist mit dem Rechner 20 verbunden. Im Rechner befindet sich eine interne Uhr, die ein internes Datum erzeugt. Dieses Datum wird mit dem in der Kennzeichnung 38 enthaltenen Datum verglichen. Es werden noch weitere Vergleiche durchgeführt. So ist im Rechner 20 beispielsweise die Art der Flüssigkeit hinterlegt. Auch diese ist in der Kennzeichnung enthalten. Stimmen die aus der Kennzeichnung gelesene Information und die im Rechner abgespeicherte Information über die Art der Flüssigkeit überein, so wird das entsprechende Prüfkriterium positiv. Sind alle ausgewählten Prüfkriterien positiv, so wird der normale Betrieb des Tintenstrahldruckers freigegeben.In the state described, the storage bottle 24 is empty, the intermediate container 32 but still sufficiently filled that the printing process continues for a certain time can be. The empty storage bottle 24 can now be replaced by a new, filled storage bottle 24 can be replaced. There is a label on this 38. It consists, for example, of numbers and letters. It will turn into one Keyboard 40 of the inkjet printer entered. The keyboard 40 is connected to the computer 20 connected. There is an internal clock in the computer that generates an internal date. This date is compared with the date contained in the marking 38. Further comparisons are made. For example, in the computer 20 the type of liquid deposited. This is also included in the labeling. Are the information read from the label and the information in the computer correct? stored information on the type of liquid match, so will the corresponding Test criterion positive. If all selected test criteria are positive, then the normal operation of the inkjet printer is released.

Wenn das Signal "Vorratsflasche leer" ausgegeben wird, führt der Tintenstrahldrucker seinen normalen Betrieb nur solange durch, bis die noch im Zwischenbehälter 32 vorhandene Menge an Flüssigkeit aufgebraucht ist. Danach wird der Betrieb gesperrt, indem z.B. die Pumpe 28 gesperrt wird. Der normale Betrieb erst dann wieder aufgenommen, wenn eine ordnungsgemäße Kennzeichnung eingegeben wurde.When the "supply bottle empty" signal is issued, the inkjet printer performs its normal operation only until the 32 still existing in the intermediate container Amount of liquid is used up. Then the operation is blocked by e.g. the pump 28 is blocked. Normal operation only resumed if proper labeling has been entered.

In der Ausführung nach Figur 2 ist in der Halterung 22 ein Lesegerät 42 vorgesehen, es ist mit dem Rechner 20 verbunden. Das Lesegerät 42 erfaßt automatisch eine Kennzeichnung 38, die sich auf der Vorratsflasche 24 befindet. Eine manuelle Eingabe ist dann nicht mehr nötig.In the embodiment according to FIG. 2, a reading device 42 is provided in the holder 22 is connected to the computer 20. The reader 42 automatically detects a label 38, which is located on the storage bottle 24. It is a manual entry then no longer necessary.

Auch die Anordnung zur Erfassung der aus der Vorratsflasche entnommenen Menge an Flüssigkeit ist anders ausgeführt. Entweder wird die Anzahl der Tröpfchen gezählt, die aus einem Druckkopf 44 abgegeben und auf eine hier nicht dargestellten Ware aufgedruckt wurden und es wird nach einer gewissen Anzahl von Tröpfchen, beispielsweise 50 Millionen, das Signal "Vorratsflasche leer" ausgegeben. Oder es wird während des Betriebs des Tintenstrahldruckers sowohl die Betriebszeit erfaßt und aufsummiert, als auch zumindest die Temperatur bestimmt. Aus diesen Daten wird dann ermittelt, wieviel Flüssigkeit, beispielsweise Lösungsmittel, während des Betriebs verlorengegangen ist. Die ohnehin einzusetzende Menge an Flüssigkeiten, beispielsweise für den Druckvorgang, wird dabei berücksichtigt.Also the arrangement for recording the amount removed from the storage bottle Liquid is designed differently. Either the number of droplets is counted issued from a print head 44 and printed on a product, not shown here have been and after a certain number of droplets, for example 50 million, the signal "empty storage bottle" issued. Or it will be during the Operation of the inkjet printer both recorded and summed up the operating time also at least determines the temperature. From this data it is then determined how much Liquid, e.g. solvent, is lost during operation is. The amount of liquids to be used anyway, for example for the printing process, is taken into account.

In der Ausbildung nach Figur 1 kann die Kennzeichnung 38 ein Strichcode sein, wie in der Figur auch dargestellt, der von einem optischen Lesegerät 42 erfaßt wird. Es kann als Kennzeichnung aber auch ein Chip 38 verwendet werden, der die relevanten Daten in sich trägt. Dieser Chip speichert die notwendigen Daten permanent, er ist also nicht flüchtig. Er kann permanent mit der Vorratsflasche 24 verbunden sein. Bei einer Neufüllung der Vorratsflasche 24 wird er überschrieben mit neuer Information. Er weist zudem eine Übertragungsvorrichtung auf, die im Lesegerät 42, das hier als Gerät zur Datenerfassung ausgelegt ist, ihr Gegenstück hat. Die Übertragung der Daten kann elektromagnetisch, magnetisch, kapazitiv oder auf anderem Wege erfolgen. Bei magnetischer Kopplung hat der Chip 38 eine Spule, der eine entsprechende Spule im Datenerfassungsgerät 42 zugeordnet ist. Auf induktivem Wege wird die Information übertragen. Die induktive Kopplung kann dabei auch dazu benutzt werden, eine Wechselspannung vom Gerät in den Chip zu übertragen, um diesem elektrische Leistung zuführen zu können.In the embodiment according to FIG. 1, the identification 38 can be a bar code, as in The figure also shown, which is detected by an optical reader 42. It can but a chip 38 can also be used as the identification, which contains the relevant data carries within itself. This chip stores the necessary data permanently, so it is not volatile. It can be permanently connected to the storage bottle 24. When refilling the supply bottle 24 is overwritten with new information. He points also has a transmission device in the reader 42, which is used here as a device Data acquisition is designed to have its counterpart. The transfer of data can Electromagnetic, magnetic, capacitive or any other way. With magnetic Coupling, the chip 38 has a coil, which is a corresponding coil in the data acquisition device 42 is assigned. The information becomes inductive transfer. The inductive coupling can also be used for an AC voltage from the device to the chip to transfer this electrical power to be able to supply.

Die Datenübertragung zwischen dem Chip 38 und dem Datenerfassungsgerät 42 kann nur in eine Richtung verlaufen, also vom Chip 38 zum Datenerfassungsgerät 42, sie kann aber auch zusätzlich in umgekehrter Richtung verlaufen, so dass der Chip Informationen vom Datenerfassungsgerät 42 erhält und diese abspeichert.The data transmission between the chip 38 and the data acquisition device 42 can only run in one direction, that is from chip 38 to data acquisition device 42 can also run in the opposite direction, so that the chip information receives from the data acquisition device 42 and stores them.

Die Erfindung bezieht sich auf die Verwendung einer Vorratsflasche 24 in einem Tintenstrahldrucker, wobei die Vorratsflasche 24 a) mit einer Flüssigkeit 30 gefüllt ist, die für den Betrieb des Tintenstrahldruckers benötigt wird und b) mit einer Kennzeichnung 38 versehen ist, die für den Rechner 20 notwendige Daten für den Betrieb des Tintenstrahldruckers beinhaltet.The invention relates to the use of a storage bottle 24 in an inkjet printer, wherein the storage bottle 24 a) is filled with a liquid 30 which is required for the operation of the inkjet printer and b) with a label 38 is provided, the data necessary for the computer 20 for the operation of the Inkjet printer included.

Claims (11)

  1. Inkjet printer for printing on goods comprising
    a computer (20) controlling the operational processes,
    at least one exchangeable reservoir bottle (24) filled with a previously known quantity of a fluid (30), with a solvent or pigment for example,
    an installed intermediate container (32) that is recharged with fluid (30) from the reservoir bottle (24) and
    an installed arrangement designed to detect the quantity of fluid (30) drawn from the reservoir bottle (24),
    characterized in that at least two reservoir bottles (24) having different liquids are provided, that the reservoir bottles (24) are provided with a label (38) carrying coded information about the fluid (30) it contains, e.g., an expiration date, the kind of fluid (30), the quantity of fluid (30), its viscosity and so on, that the label (38) is fed into the computer when inserting a new reservoir bottle (24), that the computer (20) is provided with a test program that checks the label (38) fed and that only allows normal operation of the inkjet printer when at least one selected test criterion, e.g., the expiration date, is alright and that the output signal of the arrangement designed to detect the quantity of fluid (30) drawn from the reservoir bottle (24) is applied to the computer and that a signal "reservoir bottle empty" is delivered when the previously known quantity of fluid (30) has been drawn from the reservoir bottle (24), and that this signal "reservoir bottle empty" is delivered when the reservoir bottle (24) is empty, but the intermediate container (32) is still at least partly filled.
  2. Inkjet printer according to claim 1, characterized in that at the same time as the computer (20) emits the signal "reservoir bottle empty", it suspends the tapping of fluid (30) from the reservoir bottle (24) and only allows the tapping of fluid (30) from the new reservoir bottle (24) after a new coded label (38) has been fed.
  3. Inkjet printer according to claim 1, characterized in that the volume of the reservoir bottle (24) is greater than the volume of the intermediate container(32), in particular more than six times the volume of said intermediate container (32).
  4. Inkjet printer according to claim 1, characterized in that the volume of the reservoir bottle (24) is more than 10 times the volume of said intermediate container (32).
  5. Inkjet printer according to claim 1, characterized in that the computer (20) has a time unit that produces an internal date and that this internal date is compared with the date indicated on the label (38).
  6. Inkjet printer according to claim 1, characterized in that the computer (20) is provided with a memory in which the information from the label (38), like the kind of fluid (30), the quantity of fluid (30), its viscosity, are stored and that these data are preferably deleted when a new reservoir bottle (24) is inserted.
  7. Inkjet printer according to claim 1, characterized in that, on an inkjet printer with two or more reservoir bottles (24) with various fluids (30), the reservoir bottles (24) are mechanically formed in different ways and that the insertion of a bottle at a place assigned to another bottle with another fluid (30) is mechanically hindered.
  8. Inkjet printer according to claim 1, characterized in that the label (38) is machine readable and is a bar code for example.
  9. Inkjet printer according to claim 8, characterized by a holding device (22) for a reservoir bottle (24) characterized in that a scanning device (42) for the label (38) is arranged in said holding device (22) and that, when an empty reservoir bottle (24) is replaced by a new, full reservoir bottle (24), at least one scanning of the label (38) is performed automatically as soon as the new reservoir bottle (24) has taken place in the holding device (22).
  10. Inkjet printer according to claim 9, characterized in that it has at least two holding devices (22) for reservoir bottles (24) with various fluids (30) and that the reservoir bottles (24) for the various holding devices (22) are built according to the same design principle but differ from each other by their label (38).
  11. Use of a reservoir bottle (24) in an inkjet printer according to claim 1, wherein the reservoir bottle (24) is a) filled with a fluid (30) that is required for the operation of the inkjet printer and b) provided with a label (38) that contains data needed by the computer (20) for the operation of the inkjet printer.
EP99919108A 1998-03-21 1999-03-22 Inkjet printer for printing on goods Expired - Lifetime EP1064153B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE19812480A DE19812480A1 (en) 1998-03-21 1998-03-21 Ink-jet printer for labeling goods
DE19812480 1998-03-21
PCT/DE1999/000804 WO1999048694A1 (en) 1998-03-21 1999-03-22 Inkjet printer for printing on goods

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1064153A1 EP1064153A1 (en) 2001-01-03
EP1064153B1 true EP1064153B1 (en) 2003-08-27

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EP99919108A Expired - Lifetime EP1064153B1 (en) 1998-03-21 1999-03-22 Inkjet printer for printing on goods

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US (1) US7434900B2 (en)
EP (1) EP1064153B1 (en)
JP (1) JP2002507507A (en)
CN (1) CN1170684C (en)
AT (1) ATE248063T1 (en)
AU (1) AU747217B2 (en)
CA (1) CA2321248C (en)
DE (2) DE19812480A1 (en)
PL (1) PL193247B1 (en)
WO (1) WO1999048694A1 (en)

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WO2013120702A1 (en) 2012-02-16 2013-08-22 Ebs Ink-Jet Systeme Gmbh Inkjet printer for labeling goods
WO2015101433A1 (en) 2014-01-06 2015-07-09 Ebs Ink-Jet Systeme Gmbh Inkjet printer for printing a product and having a handheld unit, and method for printing a product
WO2017174708A1 (en) 2016-04-06 2017-10-12 Ebs Ink Jet Systeme Gmbh Inkjet printer for labelling goods having a writing head and having a storage vessel
DE102017105013A1 (en) 2016-04-12 2017-10-12 Ebs Ink Jet Systeme Gmbh Ink jet printer for the labeling of goods with a writing head, a storage container and a holding device
WO2017174763A1 (en) 2016-04-07 2017-10-12 Ebs Ink Jet Systeme Gmbh Inkjet printer for marking goods, comprising a write head
EP3231615A1 (en) 2016-04-12 2017-10-18 EBS Ink-Jet Systeme GmbH Inkjet printer for printing on goods with a filter and filter of such an ink jet printer
EP3231623A1 (en) 2016-04-12 2017-10-18 EBS Ink-Jet Systeme GmbH Adjustable ink printer for printing on goods
WO2017191244A1 (en) 2016-05-04 2017-11-09 Ebs Ink Jet Systeme Gmbh Storage bottle for a consumable liquid having an inner projection
US10507664B2 (en) 2016-04-12 2019-12-17 Ebs Ink Jet Systeme Gmbh Liquid cartridge, and a method for filling a cartridge of this type with a liquid

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DE10000435A1 (en) * 2000-01-10 2001-07-12 Mann & Hummel Filter Monitoring maintenance-intensive replacement parts involves storing part specifying data, reading into evaluation unit at predefined times or at predetermined intervals using suitable reader
JP2002116667A (en) * 2000-10-06 2002-04-19 Toshiba Tec Corp Discriminating device and device to be discriminated
EP1568504B1 (en) * 2000-11-27 2008-10-22 Océ-Technologies B.V. Method of preparing ink containers filled with ink
JP2002178531A (en) * 2000-12-08 2002-06-26 Mimaki Engineering Co Ltd Mechanism for measuring ink consumption of ink jet recorder
DE20313856U1 (en) * 2003-09-06 2005-01-13 Weidmüller Interface GmbH & Co. KG Printer and marker e.g. for marking electrical devices, connector, cables, has multiplicity of markers and combined into mat with markers provide run of mat by printer with imprinting.
DE102006003054B4 (en) * 2006-01-20 2014-10-02 Phoenix Contact Gmbh Method, liquid supply unit and measuring device for a level indicator
BRPI0810982A2 (en) 2007-04-27 2019-09-24 Wilson tool int inc new assemblies and methods for processing workpieces on water hammer presses
GB0720289D0 (en) * 2007-10-12 2007-11-28 Videojet Technologies Inc Ink jet printer
ZA200806473B (en) * 2008-01-31 2009-04-29 Aptuit Laurus Pvt Ltd An efficient process to induce enantioselectivity in procarbonyl compounds
JP5123699B2 (en) * 2008-03-10 2013-01-23 株式会社リコー Image forming apparatus and program
US8757171B2 (en) * 2009-10-06 2014-06-24 Mattel, Inc. Finger positioning device for a printer
USD751500S1 (en) 2014-08-01 2016-03-15 Wilson Tool International Inc. Battery cartridge
USD744554S1 (en) 2014-08-01 2015-12-01 Wilson Tool International Inc. Tool
US9507332B2 (en) 2014-08-01 2016-11-29 Wilson Tool International Inc. Multi-use active tool assembly
USD756452S1 (en) 2014-08-01 2016-05-17 Wilson Tool International Inc. Cartridge
USD755863S1 (en) 2014-08-01 2016-05-10 Wilson Tool International Inc. Tool
CN105216451B (en) * 2015-09-25 2017-08-22 深圳市红源资产管理有限公司 Ink storage container and ink authoring system for Medical ink jet printer
US10315814B2 (en) * 2017-08-04 2019-06-11 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Transfer cap
CN108724957B (en) * 2018-06-11 2020-09-11 安徽天斯努信息技术股份有限公司 Automatic ink absorbing device of ink horn for cloud printer

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Cited By (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2013120702A1 (en) 2012-02-16 2013-08-22 Ebs Ink-Jet Systeme Gmbh Inkjet printer for labeling goods
WO2015101433A1 (en) 2014-01-06 2015-07-09 Ebs Ink-Jet Systeme Gmbh Inkjet printer for printing a product and having a handheld unit, and method for printing a product
WO2017174708A1 (en) 2016-04-06 2017-10-12 Ebs Ink Jet Systeme Gmbh Inkjet printer for labelling goods having a writing head and having a storage vessel
WO2017174763A1 (en) 2016-04-07 2017-10-12 Ebs Ink Jet Systeme Gmbh Inkjet printer for marking goods, comprising a write head
DE102017105013A1 (en) 2016-04-12 2017-10-12 Ebs Ink Jet Systeme Gmbh Ink jet printer for the labeling of goods with a writing head, a storage container and a holding device
EP3231615A1 (en) 2016-04-12 2017-10-18 EBS Ink-Jet Systeme GmbH Inkjet printer for printing on goods with a filter and filter of such an ink jet printer
EP3231623A1 (en) 2016-04-12 2017-10-18 EBS Ink-Jet Systeme GmbH Adjustable ink printer for printing on goods
US9937738B2 (en) 2016-04-12 2018-04-10 Ebs Ink Jet Systeme Gmbh Adjustable inkjet printer for the labeling of goods
US10195864B2 (en) 2016-04-12 2019-02-05 Ebs Ink Jet Systeme Gmbh Inkjet printer for the labeling of goods, comprising a filter, and a filter of such an inkjet printer
US10507664B2 (en) 2016-04-12 2019-12-17 Ebs Ink Jet Systeme Gmbh Liquid cartridge, and a method for filling a cartridge of this type with a liquid
WO2017191244A1 (en) 2016-05-04 2017-11-09 Ebs Ink Jet Systeme Gmbh Storage bottle for a consumable liquid having an inner projection

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CN1170684C (en) 2004-10-13
DE19812480A1 (en) 1999-09-23
AU747217B2 (en) 2002-05-09
CA2321248C (en) 2006-01-03
PL343107A1 (en) 2001-07-30
EP1064153A1 (en) 2001-01-03
CN1293621A (en) 2001-05-02
JP2002507507A (en) 2002-03-12
ATE248063T1 (en) 2003-09-15
AU3700399A (en) 1999-10-18
WO1999048694A1 (en) 1999-09-30
US20060012659A1 (en) 2006-01-19
US7434900B2 (en) 2008-10-14
PL193247B1 (en) 2007-01-31
DE59906777D1 (en) 2003-10-02
CA2321248A1 (en) 1999-09-30

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