EP0237974A1 - Procédé et dispositif pour régler la viscosité de l'encre dans une imprimante à jet d'encre - Google Patents

Procédé et dispositif pour régler la viscosité de l'encre dans une imprimante à jet d'encre Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0237974A1
EP0237974A1 EP87103654A EP87103654A EP0237974A1 EP 0237974 A1 EP0237974 A1 EP 0237974A1 EP 87103654 A EP87103654 A EP 87103654A EP 87103654 A EP87103654 A EP 87103654A EP 0237974 A1 EP0237974 A1 EP 0237974A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
ink
viscosity
ink tank
main
switch
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.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP87103654A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Inventor
Gerhard Gloeckler
Klaus Schrodin
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Codi-Jet Markierungs Systeme GmbH
Original Assignee
Codi-Jet Markierungs Systeme GmbH
Contraves GmbH
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Codi-Jet Markierungs Systeme GmbH, Contraves GmbH filed Critical Codi-Jet Markierungs Systeme GmbH
Publication of EP0237974A1 publication Critical patent/EP0237974A1/fr
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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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
    • B41J2/17—Ink jet characterised by ink handling
    • B41J2/195—Ink jet characterised by ink handling for monitoring ink quality
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T137/00—Fluid handling
    • Y10T137/2496—Self-proportioning or correlating systems
    • Y10T137/2499—Mixture condition maintaining or sensing
    • Y10T137/2506—By viscosity or consistency
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T137/00—Fluid handling
    • Y10T137/2496—Self-proportioning or correlating systems
    • Y10T137/2499—Mixture condition maintaining or sensing
    • Y10T137/2509—By optical or chemical property
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T137/00—Fluid handling
    • Y10T137/7287—Liquid level responsive or maintaining systems
    • Y10T137/7313—Control of outflow from tank
    • Y10T137/7323—By float

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a method and a device for regulating the ink viscosity in an inkjet printer, with at least one write or spray head designed for charging and deflecting ink drops, to which ink liquid is supplied via a line system operatively connected to correspondingly assigned medium reservoir containers.
  • the dynamic viscosity (internal friction) of the ink is an essential factor influencing the operational safety of the inkjet printer. Due to the necessary, continuous suction on the catcher tube (drip catcher) by means of a suction pump, a considerable amount of air is also sucked in from the environment, and an excess pressure is created in the main ink tank, which requires a vent that influences the ink viscosity. When the main ink tank is vented, solvent vapors also escape into the environment, which in turn changes the ink viscosity. As soon as the permissible viscosity range of the ink is exceeded, i.e. that the ink becomes more viscous, proper drop formation as well as charging and deflecting the drops and thus a perfect writing function can no longer be guaranteed.
  • the control device is characterized in that - In a container of the control device connected to the ink supply system, a spindle body designed as a float is arranged, which depending on the ink viscosity (ink density) can be brought into or out of engagement with the associated switch by an upward and downward movement.
  • FIG. 1 shows a first exemplary embodiment of the ink supply system for an inkjet printer, shown as a block diagram and designated in its entirety by 75, which essentially comprises a spray head designated by 15 and a control cabinet 70 equipped with appropriate means for building up pressure.
  • the write or spray head 15 shown schematically as a block in FIG. 1 essentially comprises a nozzle body 1 with a nozzle opening 2 and means (not shown in more detail) for charging and deflecting ink drops (not shown), a drip catcher 3, an ink supply valve 12, non-return valves 5, 6 and 8 and a throttle 9.
  • the individual elements of the write or spray head 15 listed above are operatively connected to the individual elements arranged in the control cabinet 70 via lines 11, 10, 7 and 4 that conduct ink liquid.
  • control cabinet 70 denotes an ink main tank, 41 a water tank and 50 a control device which is essentially assigned to the main ink tank 40 as an independent structural unit. Furthermore, one recognizes in the control cabinet 70 a pressure reducer 20 that is operatively connected to a manometer 21 and regulates the operating pressure according to the direction of arrow X, a first filter 22, a pressure pump 23, and a second one Filter 25, two throttles 17, 18, a suction pump 29, a first valve 30 and a second valve 31 assigned to the solvent container 42.
  • the main ink tank 40 is also connected via a line 35 to the control device 50 and via a line 27 with the interposition of the throttle 17 with the manometer 21 provided on the pressure reducer 20.
  • the line 10 connected to the nozzle body 1 with the interposition of the check valve 8 and the throttle 9 opens into the line 27.
  • the line 7 connected to the line 10 upstream of the check valve 8 and the line 4 connected to the drip catcher 3 are connected to the valve 30 .
  • a line 34 connected to the solvent container 42 is connected to the valve 30, or to the line 4, and a line 28 connected to the main ink tank 40 is connected to the line 34 with the interposition of the suction pump 29.
  • the main ink tank 40 is also connected to the water tank 41 via a line 32 for solvent separation, and a vent line 33 is connected to the water tank 41.
  • a line 26 leads from the filter 22 connected to the line 24 with the interposition of the line filter 25 and the throttle 18 to the control device 50.
  • the control device 50 comprises a container 51 in the form of a housing with a recess 52,52 ⁇ in which a ring 55 Centrally guided, designed as a float and provided with a plunger 58 ⁇ spindle body 58 is arranged.
  • the container 51 has an annular channel 54 and is closed by a cover 59.
  • the ring channel 54 is connected to an outlet opening 57 via a bore 56.
  • the outlet opening 57 is designed to receive and fasten the line 35, the line 35 connecting the control device 50 to the main ink tank 40 (FIG. 1).
  • An opening 53 provided for receiving and fastening the line 26 is arranged in the lower region in the container 51.
  • a height-adjustable holding bracket 61 for a switch 60 is arranged and fastened by means not shown.
  • the ink T is removed from the main ink tank 40 via the line 24, the filter 22, the pressure reducer 20 and via the ink supply line 11 fed to the write or spray head 15.
  • the valve 12 is opened, as a result of which the pressure builds up in the nozzle body 1, an ink jet S from an oscillating tappet (not shown) and an ink jet (not shown)
  • a plurality of ink drops are generated by means (not shown), which are deflected in the predetermined direction.
  • the unneeded and undeflected ink drops are captured by the drip catcher 3 and returned to the main ink tank 40 essentially by the action of the suction pump 29.
  • the ink column present in the line 7 during the switch-off process between the check valve 6 and the vent valve 30 is guided into the main ink tank 4 via the line 7, the suction pump 29 and the line 28.
  • the check valve 6 serves to ensure that no ink is pressed in the direction of the nozzle body 1 in the case of a geodetic gradient between the vent valve 30 and the nozzle body 1.
  • part of the ink flow is introduced by the filter 22 via the line 26 into the container 51 of the control device 50.
  • it is introduced horizontally through the opening 53 into the lower recess 52, which is designed as a flow channel.
  • the ink T rises, as shown in FIG. 2, to the upper edge 54 ⁇ of the ring channel 54.
  • the edge 54 ⁇ forms an ink level at a constant height.
  • the ink T shown with arrows and flowing over the edge 54 ⁇ into the ring channel 54 is returned through the bore 56 and the outlet opening 57 via the line 35 into the main ink tank 40.
  • the spindle body 58 which is arranged in the recess 52 in the form of a flow channel and centered by the ring 55, is designed in terms of flow technology in such a way that it maintains a certain one with constant ink viscosity (ink density) and with rising ink T. Takes position.
  • the distance of the proximity switch 60 to the plunger 58 ⁇ is variable due to the adjustable and lockable on the container 51 holding bracket 61 and is set before starting the inkjet printer. If the density of the ink changes, ie that the ink viscosity increases, then the spindle body 58 experiences a lift in the direction of the arrow Y. When the plunger 58 ⁇ contacts the proximity switch 60, the latter triggers a corresponding signal.
  • the signal fed via an electrical line 65 (dashed line in FIG. 1) from the switch 60 to the valve 31 arranged on the solvent container 42 causes the valve 31 to open, so that solvent LM feeds solvent LM into the main ink tank 40 via the line 34 and thereby changing the ink viscosity.
  • the solvent LM dilutes the ink in the line system, causing the spindle body 58 to lower again in the direction of the arrow Y ⁇ (FIG. 2).
  • the valve 31 is closed again by a corresponding signal and the solvent supply to the main ink tank 40 is interrupted. This process, which regulates the ink viscosity, can be repeated as required.
  • the ink supply system designated 75 ⁇ is shown as a second exemplary embodiment, which essentially has the spray head labeled 15 and, in deviation from FIG. 1, a control cabinet labeled 70 ⁇ .
  • the spray head 15 comprising parts 1 to 12 is identical to the spray head shown in FIG.
  • the Parts 20 to 34 and 41, 42 in the control cabinet 70 ⁇ are essentially identical to the parts arranged in the control cabinet 70 according to FIG. 1 and labeled with the same item number.
  • the control device 50 ⁇ is integrated in the main ink tank 40 ⁇ in the control cabinet 70 ⁇ according to FIG. Furthermore, an interrogation device 45 and an ink reservoir 43 with an associated valve 31 ⁇ are additionally provided.
  • the control device 50 ⁇ has a container 51 ⁇ designed as a housing, which bears against the inner wall 44 of the main ink tank 40 ⁇ and is fastened in the upper region by means of screws 62.
  • the container 51 ⁇ is provided with recesses 46, 46 ⁇ , 46 ⁇ .
  • a first centering ring 55 ⁇ is arranged in the recess 46 ⁇ and a second centering ring 55 ⁇ is arranged in the recess 46 ⁇ , through which centering rings 55 ⁇ , 55 ⁇ a spindle body 48 is guided centrally in the recesses 46, 46 ⁇ , 46 ⁇ in the direction of the arrow Z, Z ⁇ .
  • In the lower region of the container 51 ⁇ there is an opening 53 ⁇ for connecting the line 27 (FIG. 3).
  • Furthermore, in the lower area of the main ink tank 40 ⁇ there is an opening 24 ⁇ for connecting the line 24 (FIG. 3).
  • an insert element 47 is arranged, which is designed to receive a proximity switch 60 ⁇ , which is height-adjustable in a manner not shown, and at the same time serves as a closure for the main ink tank 40 ⁇ .
  • the operation of the inkjet printer in connection with the control device 50voriques is essentially identical to the operation of the control device 50 described above.
  • the query unit 45 and the ink reservoir 43 are additionally arranged in the control cabinet 70 ⁇ according to FIG.
  • the interrogation unit 45 is operatively connected to the main ink tank 40 ⁇ via an electrical line 69 and a guard regulation (not shown). With the guard regulation the ink liquid level N in the main ink tank 40 ⁇ is checked, the refilling is regulated and overfilling is prevented.
  • a corresponding signal is supplied from the interrogation unit 45 via an electrical line 67 to the valve 31 ⁇ arranged on the ink reservoir 43 and from the suction pump 29 via line 34 until the required levels N ink conveyed into the main ink tank 40 ⁇ .
  • the spindle body 48 is moved upward in the direction of the arrow Z.
  • the plunger 48 ⁇ contacts the switch 60 ⁇ , this triggers a signal which is fed to the interrogation unit 45 via an electrical line 68.
  • a signal opening the valve 31 is fed to the valve 31 provided on the solvent container 42 via a further electrical line 66.
  • solvent is then conveyed via lines 34 and 28 into the main ink tank 40 ⁇ and thereby changing the ink viscosity.
  • the solvent causes a change in the ink viscosity, so that the spindle body 48 moves in the direction of the arrow Z ⁇ and the plunger 48 ⁇ disengages from the switch 60 ⁇ .
  • the valve 31 is closed again by a corresponding signal and the solvent supply to the main ink tank 40 ⁇ is interrupted again.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Quality & Reliability (AREA)
  • Ink Jet (AREA)
  • Particle Formation And Scattering Control In Inkjet Printers (AREA)
EP87103654A 1986-03-17 1987-03-13 Procédé et dispositif pour régler la viscosité de l'encre dans une imprimante à jet d'encre Withdrawn EP0237974A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CH1070/86 1986-03-17
CH107086 1986-03-17

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0237974A1 true EP0237974A1 (fr) 1987-09-23

Family

ID=4201746

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP87103654A Withdrawn EP0237974A1 (fr) 1986-03-17 1987-03-13 Procédé et dispositif pour régler la viscosité de l'encre dans une imprimante à jet d'encre

Country Status (2)

Country Link
US (1) US4825228A (fr)
EP (1) EP0237974A1 (fr)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0642924A2 (fr) * 1993-09-07 1995-03-15 Matthews International Corp. Méthode et dispositif d'utilisation d'un concentré d'encre dans un système d'impression à jet d'encre

Families Citing this family (21)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB8725465D0 (en) * 1987-10-30 1987-12-02 Linx Printing Tech Ink jet printers
FR2652540B1 (fr) * 1989-10-02 1995-06-02 Imaje Sa Circuit d'encre notamment destine a la mise en pression d'une encre a pigments pour imprimante a jet d'encre.
US5418557A (en) * 1991-10-03 1995-05-23 Videojet Systems International, Inc. Drop quality control system for jet printing
US5551468A (en) * 1994-01-04 1996-09-03 Lemke; Chris A. Fluidic density control for chlor alkali cells
US5847734A (en) 1995-12-04 1998-12-08 Pawlowski, Jr.; Norman E. Air purge system for an ink-jet printer
US5815182A (en) 1995-12-04 1998-09-29 Hewlett-Packard Company Fluid interconnect for ink-jet pen
US5771053A (en) 1995-12-04 1998-06-23 Hewlett-Packard Company Assembly for controlling ink release from a container
US5900895A (en) 1995-12-04 1999-05-04 Hewlett-Packard Company Method for refilling an ink supply for an ink-jet printer
US6196668B1 (en) 1997-05-12 2001-03-06 Marconi Data Systems Ink jet print head modules with common ink supply
JPH10211716A (ja) * 1997-01-29 1998-08-11 Sony Corp プリンタ装置
DE19859436B4 (de) * 1998-12-22 2009-12-24 Heidelberger Druckmaschinen Ag Digitale Farbdosierung
US7428869B2 (en) * 2003-12-19 2008-09-30 Acushnet Company Method of printing golf balls with controlled ink viscosity
US7163283B2 (en) * 2004-10-21 2007-01-16 Eastman Kodak Company Reuse of solvent startup/shutdown fluid for concentration control
GB2447919B (en) * 2007-03-27 2012-04-04 Linx Printing Tech Ink jet printing
EP2200830B1 (fr) * 2007-10-12 2012-09-12 Videojet Technologies, Inc. Module à jet d'encre
JP5209431B2 (ja) * 2008-09-30 2013-06-12 富士フイルム株式会社 インクジェット記録装置
JP4869373B2 (ja) * 2009-03-25 2012-02-08 株式会社東芝 液体循環ユニット、液体循環装置、液滴噴射塗布装置、及び塗布体の形成方法
JP5877170B2 (ja) * 2013-03-21 2016-03-02 富士フイルム株式会社 インクジェット記録装置
US9341283B2 (en) 2013-09-18 2016-05-17 Itt Manufacturing Enterprises Llc. Self setting and stabilized switch target
JP6497028B2 (ja) * 2014-10-29 2019-04-10 ブラザー工業株式会社 液体消費装置
GB2552313A (en) 2016-07-14 2018-01-24 Domino Uk Ltd Improvements in or relating to continuous inkjet printers

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3835881A (en) * 1972-12-29 1974-09-17 Dick Co Ab Method for controlling ink characteristics
FR2393294A1 (fr) * 1977-05-31 1978-12-29 Ibm Dispositif de mesure de la densite d'un fluide utilisable notamment dans une imprimante a jet d'encre
DE3111987A1 (de) * 1980-03-28 1982-01-07 Sharp K.K., Osaka "vorrichtung zur steuerung der viskositaet der tinte in einem tintenstrahldrucker"

Family Cites Families (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4067020A (en) * 1976-09-20 1978-01-03 A. B. Dick Company Noninterrupt ink transfer system for ink jet printer

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3835881A (en) * 1972-12-29 1974-09-17 Dick Co Ab Method for controlling ink characteristics
FR2393294A1 (fr) * 1977-05-31 1978-12-29 Ibm Dispositif de mesure de la densite d'un fluide utilisable notamment dans une imprimante a jet d'encre
DE3111987A1 (de) * 1980-03-28 1982-01-07 Sharp K.K., Osaka "vorrichtung zur steuerung der viskositaet der tinte in einem tintenstrahldrucker"

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
IBM TECHNICAL DISCLOSURE BULLETIN, Band 20, Nr. 2, Juli 1977, Seiten 569-570, Armonk, New York, US; J.W. HASKELL: "Ink concentration monitor" *

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0642924A2 (fr) * 1993-09-07 1995-03-15 Matthews International Corp. Méthode et dispositif d'utilisation d'un concentré d'encre dans un système d'impression à jet d'encre
EP0642924A3 (fr) * 1993-09-07 1997-08-13 Matthews Int Corp Méthode et dispositif d'utilisation d'un concentré d'encre dans un système d'impression à jet d'encre.

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US4825228A (en) 1989-04-25

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