EP0550429B1 - Printing module for an ink-printing system with an ink storage container with an integrated ink-printing head - Google Patents

Printing module for an ink-printing system with an ink storage container with an integrated ink-printing head Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0550429B1
EP0550429B1 EP90914523A EP90914523A EP0550429B1 EP 0550429 B1 EP0550429 B1 EP 0550429B1 EP 90914523 A EP90914523 A EP 90914523A EP 90914523 A EP90914523 A EP 90914523A EP 0550429 B1 EP0550429 B1 EP 0550429B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
ink
storage container
housing
container according
ink storage
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
EP90914523A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0550429A1 (en
Inventor
Hilarion Braun
Wolfgang Schullerus
Harald Schulz
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.)
Eastman Kodak Co
Original Assignee
Siemens AG
Eastman Kodak Co
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 Siemens AG, Eastman Kodak Co filed Critical Siemens AG
Priority to EP90914523A priority Critical patent/EP0550429B1/en
Publication of EP0550429A1 publication Critical patent/EP0550429A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0550429B1 publication Critical patent/EP0550429B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime 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
    • B41J2/175—Ink supply systems ; Circuit parts therefor
    • B41J2/17503—Ink cartridges
    • B41J2/1752—Mounting within the printer
    • 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
    • B41J2/17513—Inner structure
    • 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
    • Y10T29/00—Metal working
    • Y10T29/49—Method of mechanical manufacture
    • Y10T29/49401—Fluid pattern dispersing device making, e.g., ink jet

Definitions

  • the invention relates to an ink reservoir for an ink printing device with an ink print head that can be arranged thereon, and a method for its production.
  • Ink printing devices with ink printing heads which operate according to the piezoelectric or thermoelectric principle, are generally known.
  • an ink print head is generally moved along a recording medium with the aid of an electromotive drive device and a print image is generated on the recording medium when the ink printing head is excited as a function of the character.
  • the ink printhead is supplied with ink from an ink reservoir, which can either be arranged stationary or can be moved along the recording medium together with the ink printhead.
  • the ink printhead can form an exchangeable printing module together with the ink reservoir.
  • the capacity of the ink reservoir is limited due to the required driving forces and the small possible size. Furthermore, care must be taken to ensure that, despite high dynamic loads, an uninterrupted supply of ink to the ink print head is ensured from the ink reservoir.
  • the ink supply container must also be constructed so that the ink supply stored therein can be fully used for the writing operation.
  • ink reservoir with an integrated thermoelectric print head is known.
  • Ink reservoir and ink printhead form a structural unit in the form of a printing module, which is arranged on a printer carriage of the printing device.
  • the entire housing of the ink reservoir is filled with a porous material made of polyurethane foam, which has a controlled porosity.
  • At the bottom of the ink supply container there is an ink removal opening in the form of a collar-shaped connecting part which extends into the ink supply container and is closed off from the porous material by a metal mesh grid. This serves to prevent air bubbles and dirt particles from entering the ink supply system.
  • the porous material made of polyurethane foam is pressed into the housing under pressure, so that a compression zone results in the immediate vicinity of the connection area.
  • the pore size in this compression area is smaller than in a region of the foam which is further away from the connection area. This measure is intended to increase the capillary forces in the vicinity of the connection area so that ink can be supplied to the connection area safely.
  • the tubular connection area protruding into the container space reduces the usable ink supply. There is also the risk that, due to the small size of the connection area in relation to the total supply, the mesh will easily clog with air bubbles and thus block the ink supply. Due to the foam compression, there is still the danger that singular areas with different capillary behavior arise. This can create ink islands in the foam. A complete emptying of the foam of ink is therefore only possible to a limited extent. Complete drainage also assumes that the foam is completely saturated with ink. Depletion zones have an adverse effect on ink transport.
  • the object of the invention is to provide an ink supply container with an associated ink print head for an ink print device and a method for its production is designed with little effort and enables the most complete emptying possible.
  • the penetration of air bubbles into the ink supply system of the ink print head should be prevented without causing an interruption in the ink supply.
  • the arrangement of a large-area filter element in connection with the storage element in connection with an ink collecting area located under the filter element enables undisturbed ink removal even if the filter element is partially clogged by air bubbles or dirt.
  • the large dirt capacity that can be achieved in this way can make a separate cleaning of the storage element before the introduction into the ink reservoir unnecessary.
  • the container volume can be better utilized.
  • the storage element made of melamine-formaldehyde foam (MF) has no compression areas and therefore no local pore size variation due to targeted compression. This enables easy mounting of the filter element in the ink reservoir with extended tolerances of the reservoir element.
  • the large-area filter element made of plastic fabric which can be wetted with ink in connection with the storage element also acts as a blocking element for penetrated air bubbles if the storage element is only slightly impregnated with ink. In order to Large air bubbles can stick to the filter element without disturbing the ink supply. Despite this partial blocking of the filter element, a continuous ink supply is guaranteed.
  • the filter element retains its air-blocking effect even if it partially protrudes from the ink level in the foam, because inside the ink reservoir there is a climate saturated with moisture, which prevents the filter from drying.
  • the ink collecting area arranged under the filter element with spacing means for ensuring a predetermined distance between the filter element and a bottom surface of the ink collecting area also enables ink flow when the supply element presses against the screen. It is not possible to pinch off the ink supply opening.
  • the entire ink reservoir can be manufactured very easily in the plastic injection molding process without having to pay attention to exact tolerances.
  • the cover that closes the ink supply container also serves as protection for the ink print head or as a sealing surface for a sealing cap arranged in the printer.
  • the arrangement of the ink printhead and a contact plate on a mounting surface on the outside of the ink reservoir enables simple and reliable contacting of the printing module in a holding device of a printer carriage of the printing device.
  • Guide and positioning elements arranged in the holding device ensure reliable, clear and wear-free positioning, even when the pressure module is changed frequently.
  • An ink printing device shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 contains a printer carriage 10 in the form of a holder for exchangeably accommodating a printing module 11.
  • the printer carriage 10 is guided on guide rods 12 and is, for example, about an electromotive drive device 13 moves over ropes 14 in printing operation on these guide rods 12, of which only one is shown here, back and forth.
  • the print module itself consists of a housing 15 made of plastic injection molding with a mounting surface 16 for an ink print head 17, which is designed as a so-called bubble jet ink print head - a print head that works with heating elements as drive elements.
  • it is also possible to use other types of ink printheads for example ink printheads with piezoelectric drive elements.
  • the ink print head 17 used in the exemplary embodiment, which operates on the thermoelectric principle, is constructed in layers in accordance with the illustration in FIG. 3 and has nozzle channels 18 with heating elements 19 arranged therein.
  • An ink chamber 21 with an approximately circular ink supply opening 22 is located upstream of the nozzle channels in the transport direction of the ink 20.
  • the ink supply opening 22 leads through a silicon substrate layer carrying the nozzle channels 18 with a base layer 24 made of aluminum arranged underneath. However, this base layer 24 can also be dispensed with or it can consist of a different material.
  • the ink chamber 21 and the nozzle channels 18 are covered by a cover layer 25 in the form of a cover plate.
  • the ink print head 17 is fastened on the mounting surface 16 of the housing 15 in such a way (FIG. 1) that the nozzle channels 18 run parallel to the mounting surface 16.
  • a vapor bubble is formed in a known manner above the heating elements 19, which ensures that the ink 20 is expelled in droplets via nozzle outlet openings 26 of the nozzle channels 18.
  • a contact plate 27 is fastened to the mounting surface 16, for example by gluing, which has corresponding raised contact nipples 28 corresponding to the number of heating elements to be controlled - in this case 50 heating elements (FIG. 1, FIG. 8 ).
  • connection nipples are connected via lines 29 to a connection area 30, the contact plate 27 is designed as a printed circuit board.
  • the ink print head 17 itself also has a connection area 31, into which all connection lines of the heating elements 19 open.
  • the connection between the connection area 30 of the contact plate and the connection area 31 of the ink print head is made, for example, by bonding or other known connection techniques or, for example, by a plug contact.
  • the printing module 11 basically consists of an ink reservoir 32 with an ink print head 17 arranged thereon.
  • the ink reservoir itself, in accordance with the illustration in FIG. 4, consists of the housing 15 with the mounting surface 16 for the ink print head, wherein the mounting surface 16 has an ink supply opening 33 which cooperates with the ink supply opening 22 of the ink print head 17, as can be seen from the detailed illustration of the bottom region of the ink supply container in FIG. 5 or FIG. 6.
  • An ink collecting area 34 is formed in the housing 15 of the ink reservoir 32 adjacent to the mounting surface 16 inwards.
  • a filter element 36 in the form of a plastic network made of polyamide with ink passing channels (pores) with a diameter of 3 - 35 »m and a filter thickness of about 0.1 mm.
  • a plastic mesh it is also possible to use a metal mesh or another structure that has ink passage channels of the corresponding pore size. Decisive for the selection of the material, however, is its wettability with the ink 20 used.
  • a storage element 38 made of a microchannel-structured, ink-absorbing and dispensing material, for example melamine-formaldehyde foam (MF).
  • MF melamine-formaldehyde foam
  • the storage element can also be made from other, for example fibrous, material.
  • melamine-formaldehyde foam has proven to be a particularly advantageous material. It is a skeletal structure made of three-dimensionally branched fibers. In contrast to the usual foam with partially broken chamber walls, such a skeletal fiber foam has a much higher usable volume.
  • the thin branched fibers form interconnected cavity structures, the fibers having a relatively large length to diameter ratio of about 10: 1 or more. This results in a usable volume of up to 99% in the foam.
  • the pore size, i.e. the size of the cavity structures is approximately 50 »m to 175» m, the majority of the pores being approximately 140 »m to 160» m.
  • the pore size of the smallest pores hardly falls below 75 »m, the pore size is relatively constant, so that the foam can be completely emptied of ink or filled with ink.
  • composition of the foam material As far as the composition of the foam material is concerned, it must be such that it can be wetted by the ink used, but does not swell or absorb components of the ink under the influence of the ink.
  • a material that contains more than 80% melamine-formaldehyde condensate has proven to be a cheap material.
  • Particularly advantageous is an unmodified temperature-adjusted melamine-formaldehyde condensate with three-dimensionally branched fibers, which form a kind of tissue, the fibers being interconnected, with a length to width diameter ratio of approximately 10: 1 or greater and with a fiber density in the The order of 1.1 grams per milliliter or larger. Tissue structures that are too short, i.e. where the length-to-diameter ratio is too low, can reduce the usable storage volume.
  • Melamine foam for use in ink containers can be melamine-formaldehyde condensates which, in addition to melamine, contain up to 50%, preferably 20%, of other materials from the range of temperature-adjusted resins and which, in addition to formaldehyde, also contain other aldehydes.
  • the supply element 38 lies flat on the filter element 36 without any particular pressure and is in contact with it. Through this touch contact, the ink 20 stored in the supply element 38 penetrates through the filter element 36 and fills the ink collecting area 34 underneath. From there it is passed on via the ink supply opening 33 to the ink supply opening 22 of the ink print head 17.
  • the filter element 36 has the task of retaining air bubbles 39 located in the ink supply container (FIG. 6) by capillary action of the ink passage channels 37, so that air bubbles 39 cannot penetrate into the ink supply system of the ink print head. This could cause the ink printhead to fail.
  • the pore size of the ink passage channels 37 is designed so that at the highest pressure difference that occurs between the ink reservoir 32 and the ink print head 17, e.g. due to different levels or due to the influence of a vacuum pump used to flush the print head, no air can penetrate through the filter element 36.
  • the large-scale design of the ink collecting area 34 in connection with the filter element 36 and the storage element 38 ensures that the ink is supplied even if, as shown in FIG. 6, parts of the filter element 36 are blocked by a larger air bubble 39.
  • the filter element 36 retains its air-blocking effect even if it partially protrudes from the ink 20, e.g. shown in Figure 4, because inside the ink container 32, there is a climate saturated with moisture.
  • the filter element can also retain dirt particles.
  • the ink reservoir 32 is covered with a housing cover 41, which is the ink print head 17 enclosing area 42, which represents a touch protection for the ink printhead 17. It also acts as a spacer for the ink printhead 17 to prevent the outlet openings 26 of the ink printhead from coming into contact with the recording medium of the ink printing device and soiling, and it serves as a sealing surface for a sealing cap arranged in the printer, which during long breaks in operation the outlet openings closes.
  • the printing module 11 is fastened in an interchangeable manner in the holder of the printing carriage 10.
  • 43 counter-contact elements 44 are arranged in a holder 10 on a side surface on a film, as shown in FIG.
  • These counter-contact elements 44 consist of raised gold-plated contact nipples, which are fastened to the film 43, an elastic layer 45 made of elastomer being arranged between the film 43 and the side surface of the holder 10, the elasticity of which ensures good contact.
  • the mating contact elements 44 with the film 43 are connected to a film line 46.
  • guide elements 47 are provided in the side surface of the holder 10 and on the printing module for positioning the printing module 11 in the holder in the correct position.
  • the printing module 11 according to FIG. 9 has three openings 48, 49, 50 on its mounting surface, into which the three spherical, for example guide elements 47 engage in the holder 10 when the printing module 11 is inserted (FIG. 10).
  • the guide elements can also be arranged rigidly without springs.
  • the upper opening 48 on the mounting surface 16 consists of a flat, somewhat recessed surface.
  • a further centering opening 49 arranged below this opening 48 consists of a conical slot and one on the right edge of the mounting surface 16 approximately centrally arranged centering opening 50 has the shape of a cone.
  • the pressure module 11 is tied and centered in the holder 10 with regard to all degrees of freedom.
  • a pressing force is exerted on a side surface of the pressure module 11 via a clamping lever 51 (FIG. 2).
  • the pressure module is thus centered via the centering openings 48, 49, 50 and the contact nipples 28 and the mating contact elements 44 come into contact with one another in the correct position.
  • the centering elements 47 also prevent the pressure module from being inserted incorrectly.
  • the printing module 11 is manufactured as follows: First, the housing 15 with the mounting surface 16 and the ink collecting area 34 is produced in the plastic injection molding process. The plastic filter element 36 is then introduced into the ink reservoir 32 and welded to the housing 15 at the edges. The separately produced storage element 38 made of melamine-formaldehyde foam is then inserted into the housing 15, to the extent that the storage element 38 comes into contact with the filter element 36. After the contact plate 27 has been applied and the ink print head 17 has been attached to the mounting surface 16 of the housing 15, the housing 15 is covered with the cover 42. The storage element can then be filled with ink, for example using a hollow needle.
  • Deviating from this production process it is e.g. also possible to fix the ink print head 17 and the contact plate 27 on the mounting surface of the housing 15 immediately after the manufacture of the housing 15 and then to introduce the storage element 38 into the housing.
  • the ink print head After filling the ink reservoir 32 with ink, it is necessary to remove air in the ink collection area and in the ink chamber 21 of the ink print head. For this purpose, e.g. the air is sucked off via a vacuum bell over the nozzle openings of the nozzle channels 18, so that the ink collecting area and the nozzle channels including the nozzle chambers are completely filled with ink.
  • the ink reservoir or the ink reservoir element 38 empties from above, in the direction of the ink supply opening 33. This emptying is independent of the position of the ink print head.
  • the ink print head is arranged in the upper region of the housing 15.

Abstract

A printing module intended for an ink-prinking system, said module being removably secured in a holder, and consisting of an ink storage container with an ink-printing head (17) located thereon. The ink storage container comprises a housing (15) with a mounting surface (16) for an ink-printing head (17) as well as an ink collection region adjacent to the mounting surface. The ink collection region has a large surface area, and is covered with a filter element made from plastic fabric. In addition, the housing contains a storage element (38) made of a micro-channelled ink-absorbing and releasing element, which is in immediate contact with the filter element over a large surface area.

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft einen Tintenvorratsbehälter für eine Tintendruckeinrichtung mit einem darauf anordbaren Tintendruckkopf sowie ein Verfahren zu dessen Herstellung.The invention relates to an ink reservoir for an ink printing device with an ink print head that can be arranged thereon, and a method for its production.

Tintendruckeinrichtungen mit Tintendruckköpfen, die nach dem piezoelektrischen oder thermoelektrischen Prinzip arbeiten, sind allgemein bekannt. Bei derartigen Tintendruckeinrichtungen wird im allgemeinen mit Hilfe einer elektromotorischen Antriebseinrichtung ein Tintendruckkopf entlang von einem Aufzeichnungsträger bewegt und bei zeichenabhängiger Erregung des Tintendruckkopfes ein Druckbild auf dem Aufzeichnungsträger erzeugt. Die Versorgung des Tintendruckkopfes mit Tinte erfolgt aus einem Tintenvorratsbehälter, der entweder stationär angeordnet sein kann oder aber zusammen mit dem Tintendruckkopf entlang dem Aufzeichnungsträger bewegt wird. Der Tintendruckkopf kann dabei zusammen mit dem Tintenvorratsbehälter ein auswechselbares Druckmodul bilden.Ink printing devices with ink printing heads, which operate according to the piezoelectric or thermoelectric principle, are generally known. In such ink printing devices, an ink print head is generally moved along a recording medium with the aid of an electromotive drive device and a print image is generated on the recording medium when the ink printing head is excited as a function of the character. The ink printhead is supplied with ink from an ink reservoir, which can either be arranged stationary or can be moved along the recording medium together with the ink printhead. The ink printhead can form an exchangeable printing module together with the ink reservoir.

Wird der Tintendruckkopf zusammen mit dem Tintenvorratsbehälter in Form eines Druckmodules bewegt, so ist wegen der erforderlichen Antriebskräfte und der geringen möglichen Baugröße die Kapazität des Tintenvorratsbehälters beschränkt. Weiterhin muß dafür Sorge getragen werden, daß trotz hoher dynamischer Belastungen eine unterbrechungsfreie Versorgung des Tintendruckkopfes mit Tinte aus dem Tintenvorratsbehälter gewährleistet wird. Der Tintenvorratsbehälter muß außerdem so aufgebaut sein, daß eine vollständige Nutzung des darin gespeicherten Tintenvorrates für den Schreibbetrieb möglich ist.If the ink print head is moved together with the ink reservoir in the form of a print module, the capacity of the ink reservoir is limited due to the required driving forces and the small possible size. Furthermore, care must be taken to ensure that, despite high dynamic loads, an uninterrupted supply of ink to the ink print head is ensured from the ink reservoir. The ink supply container must also be constructed so that the ink supply stored therein can be fully used for the writing operation.

Aus der US-A-4 771 295 ist ein Tintenvorratsbehälter mit integriertem thermoelektrischen Druckkopf bekannt. Tintenvorratsbehälter und Tintendruckkopf bilden eine Baueinheit in Form eines Druckmoduls, das auf einem Druckerwagen der Druckvorrichtung angeordnet ist. Das gesamte Gehäuse des Tintenvorratsbehälters ist mit einem porösen Material aus Polyurethanschaum gefüllt, der eine kontrollierte Porosität aufweist. Am Boden des Tintenvorratsbehälters ist eine Tintenentnahmeöffnung in Form eines sich in den Tintenvorratsbehälter erstreckenden kragenförmigen Anschlußteiles vorgesehen, das gegenüber dem porösen Material über ein Metallmaschengitter abgeschlossen ist. Dieses dient dazu, das Eindringen von Luftblasen und Schmutzpartikeln in das Tintenversorgungssystem zu verhindern. Das poröse Material aus Polyurethanschaum wird unter Druck in das Gehäuse eingepreßt, so daß sich eine Verdichtungszone in unmittelbarer Umgebung des Anschlußbereiches ergibt. Die Porengröße in diesem Verdichtungsbereich ist kleiner als in einem weiter von dem Anschlußbereich entfernten Bereich des Schaumes. Durch diese Maßnahme soll erreicht werden, daß die Kapillarkräfte in der Umgebung des Anschlußbereiches zunehmen, damit Tinte dem Anschlußbereich sicher zugeführt werden kann.From US-A-4 771 295 an ink reservoir with an integrated thermoelectric print head is known. Ink reservoir and ink printhead form a structural unit in the form of a printing module, which is arranged on a printer carriage of the printing device. The entire housing of the ink reservoir is filled with a porous material made of polyurethane foam, which has a controlled porosity. At the bottom of the ink supply container there is an ink removal opening in the form of a collar-shaped connecting part which extends into the ink supply container and is closed off from the porous material by a metal mesh grid. This serves to prevent air bubbles and dirt particles from entering the ink supply system. The porous material made of polyurethane foam is pressed into the housing under pressure, so that a compression zone results in the immediate vicinity of the connection area. The pore size in this compression area is smaller than in a region of the foam which is further away from the connection area. This measure is intended to increase the capillary forces in the vicinity of the connection area so that ink can be supplied to the connection area safely.

Der in den Behälterraum ragende rohrförmige Anschlußbereich reduziert den ausnutzbaren Tintenvorrat. Es besteht außerdem die Gefahr, daß sich wegen der geringen Größe des Anschlußbereiches im Verhältnis zum Gesamtvorrat das Maschengitter leicht mit Luftblasen zusetzt und damit die Tintenversorgung blockiert. Durch die Schaumverdichtung besteht weiterhin die Gefahr, daß singuläre Bereiche mit voneinander abweichendem kapillarem Verhalten entstehen. Damit können im Schaum Tinteninseln entstehen. Eine vollständige Entleerung des Schaumes von Tinte ist damit nur bedingt möglich. Eine vollständige Entleerung setzt außerdem voraus, daß der Schaum vollständig mit Tinte gesättigt ist. Verarmungszonen wirken sich nachteilig auf den Tintentransport aus.The tubular connection area protruding into the container space reduces the usable ink supply. There is also the risk that, due to the small size of the connection area in relation to the total supply, the mesh will easily clog with air bubbles and thus block the ink supply. Due to the foam compression, there is still the danger that singular areas with different capillary behavior arise. This can create ink islands in the foam. A complete emptying of the foam of ink is therefore only possible to a limited extent. Complete drainage also assumes that the foam is completely saturated with ink. Depletion zones have an adverse effect on ink transport.

Aufgabe der Erfindung ist es, einen Tintenvorratsbehälter mit zugeordnetem Tintendruckkopf für eine Tintendruckeinrichtung und ein Verfahren zu dessen Herstellung bereitzustellen, der aufwandarm ausgestaltet ist und der eine möglichst vollständige Entleerung ermöglicht. Das Eindringen von Luftblasen in das Tintenversorgungssystem des Tintendruckkopfes soll sicher verhindert werden, ohne daß es dabei zu einer Unterbrechung der Tintenversorgung kommt.The object of the invention is to provide an ink supply container with an associated ink print head for an ink print device and a method for its production is designed with little effort and enables the most complete emptying possible. The penetration of air bubbles into the ink supply system of the ink print head should be prevented without causing an interruption in the ink supply.

Diese Aufgabe wird bei einem Tintenvorratsbehälter der eingangs genannten Art gemäß den Merkmalen der Patentansprüche 1 und 20 gelöst.This object is achieved in an ink supply container of the type mentioned at the outset according to the features of claims 1 and 20.

Vorteilhafte Ausführungsformen der Erfindung sind in den Unteransprüchen gekennzeichnet.Advantageous embodiments of the invention are characterized in the subclaims.

Die Anordnung eines großflächigen, mit dem Vorratselement in Verbindung stehenden Filterelementes in Verbindung mit einem unter dem Filterelement befindlichen Tintensammelbereich ermöglicht eine ungestörte Tintenentnahme auch dann, wenn das Filterelement teilweise von Luftblasen oder Schmutz zugesetzt ist. Die so erzielbare große Schmutzkapazität kann ein gesondertes Reinigen des Vorratselementes vor dem Einbringen in den Tintenvorratsbehälter entbehrlich machen.The arrangement of a large-area filter element in connection with the storage element in connection with an ink collecting area located under the filter element enables undisturbed ink removal even if the filter element is partially clogged by air bubbles or dirt. The large dirt capacity that can be achieved in this way can make a separate cleaning of the storage element before the introduction into the ink reservoir unnecessary.

Da außerdem kein Versorgungselement oder ähnliches in den Behälter hineinragt, kann das Behältervolumen besser ausgenutzt werden.In addition, since no supply element or the like protrudes into the container, the container volume can be better utilized.

Das aus Melamin-Formaldehyd-Schaum (MF) bestehende Vorratselement weist keine Verdichtungsbereiche und damit keine lokale Porengrößenvariation durch gezielte Kompression auf. Damit wird eine leichte Montage des Filterelementes in dem Tintenvorratsbehälter mit erweiterten Toleranzen des Vorratselementes möglich.The storage element made of melamine-formaldehyde foam (MF) has no compression areas and therefore no local pore size variation due to targeted compression. This enables easy mounting of the filter element in the ink reservoir with extended tolerances of the reservoir element.

Das großflächige Filterelement aus mit Tinte benetzbarem Kunststoffgewebe in Verbindung mit dem Vorratselement wirkt auch dann noch als Sperrelement für eingedrungene Luftblasen, wenn das Vorratselement nur schwach mit Tinte getränkt ist. Damit können sich ohne Störung der Tintenversorgung große Luftblasen an dem Filterelement festsetzen. Trotz dieser teilweisen Sperrung des Filterelementes ist eine kontinuierliche Tintenversorgung gewährleistet.The large-area filter element made of plastic fabric which can be wetted with ink in connection with the storage element also acts as a blocking element for penetrated air bubbles if the storage element is only slightly impregnated with ink. In order to Large air bubbles can stick to the filter element without disturbing the ink supply. Despite this partial blocking of the filter element, a continuous ink supply is guaranteed.

Das Filterelement behält seine Luftsperrwirkung auch dann noch, wenn es teilweise aus dem Tintenniveau im Schaum herausragt, weil im Inneren des Tintenvorratsbehälters ein mit Feuchtigkeit gesättigtes Klima herrscht, das ein Trocknen des Filters verhindert.The filter element retains its air-blocking effect even if it partially protrudes from the ink level in the foam, because inside the ink reservoir there is a climate saturated with moisture, which prevents the filter from drying.

Zur Sicherung einer zuverlässigen Tintenversorgung ist es allein notwendig, daß Teile des Filterelementes mit dem Vorratselement in Verbindung stehen. Dadurch ist es möglich, den Tintenvorratsbehälter in unterschiedlichen Lagen zu positionieren. Es ist nicht notwendig, die Tintenentnahmestelle an der tiefsten Stelle des Tintenvorratsbehälters anzuordnen. Dies hat bei der Verwendung eines elektrothermisch arbeitenden Tintendruckkopfes den Vorteil, daß der Tintendruckkopf beliebig auf dem Tintenvorratsbehälter angeordnet werden kann, z.B. auch im oberen Bereich des Tintenvorratsbehälters.To ensure a reliable ink supply, it is only necessary that parts of the filter element are connected to the storage element. This makes it possible to position the ink reservoir in different positions. It is not necessary to place the ink supply point at the lowest point of the ink reservoir. When using an electrothermal ink printhead, this has the advantage that the ink printhead can be arranged anywhere on the ink reservoir, e.g. also in the upper area of the ink reservoir.

Der unter dem Filterelement angeordnete Tintensammelbereich mit Abstandsmitteln zur Sicherstellung eines vorgegebenen Abstandes zwischen Filterelement und einer Bodenfläche des Tintensammelbereiches ermöglicht auch dann noch einen Tintenfluß, wenn das Vorratselement gegen das Sieb drückt. Ein Abschnüren der Tintenversorgungsöffnung ist nicht möglich.The ink collecting area arranged under the filter element with spacing means for ensuring a predetermined distance between the filter element and a bottom surface of the ink collecting area also enables ink flow when the supply element presses against the screen. It is not possible to pinch off the ink supply opening.

Der gesamte Tintenvorratsbehälter läßt sich sehr leicht im Kunststoffspritzverfahren herstellen, ohne daß auf exakte Toleranzen geachtet werden muß. Der den Tintenvorratsbehälter abschließende Deckel dient gleichzeitig als Schutz für den Tintendruckkopf bzw. als Dichtfläche für eine im Drucker angeordnete Dichtkappe.The entire ink reservoir can be manufactured very easily in the plastic injection molding process without having to pay attention to exact tolerances. The cover that closes the ink supply container also serves as protection for the ink print head or as a sealing surface for a sealing cap arranged in the printer.

Die Anordnung von Tintendruckkopf und einer Kontaktplatte auf einer Montagefläche an der Außenseite des Tintenvorratsbehälters ermöglicht eine einfache und sichere Kontaktierung des Druckmoduls in einer Halteeinrichtung eines Druckerwagens der Druckeinrichtung.The arrangement of the ink printhead and a contact plate on a mounting surface on the outside of the ink reservoir enables simple and reliable contacting of the printing module in a holding device of a printer carriage of the printing device.

In der Halteeinrichtung angeordnete Führungs- und Positionierungselemente sorgen für eine sichere eindeutige und verschleißfreie Positionierung auch bei häufigem Wechsel des Druckmoduls.Guide and positioning elements arranged in the holding device ensure reliable, clear and wear-free positioning, even when the pressure module is changed frequently.

Ausführungsformen der Erfindung sind in der Zeichnung dargestellt und werden im folgenden beispielsweise näher beschrieben. Es zeigen

  • Figur 1 eine schematische Darstellung eines Druckmoduls bestehend aus einem Tintenvorratsbehälter mit darauf angeordnetem Tintendruckkopf,
  • Figur 2 eine schematische Darstellung einer das Druckmodul aufnehmenden Halterung einer Tintendruckeinrichtung,
  • Figur 3 eine schematische Darstellung des Tintendruckkopfes teilweise in Schnittdarstellung,
  • Figur 4 eine Ansicht des Druckmoduls von oben teilweise in Schnittdarstellung,
  • Figur 5 eine Prinzipdarstellung des Tintenversorgungsbereiches des Tintenvorratsbehälters,
  • Figur 6 eine Prinzipdarstellung der luftsperrenden Wirkung des Filterelementes,
  • Figur 7 eine Frontansicht des Druckmoduls,
  • Figur 8 eine schematische Darstellung des Kontaktbereiches zwischen Druckmodul und Halterung teilweise in Schnittdarstellung,
  • Figur 9 eine Seitenansicht des Druckmoduls und
  • Figur 10 eine Schnittdarstellung der Positionierelemente des Druckmoduls.
Embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawing and are described in more detail below, for example. Show it
  • FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of a printing module consisting of an ink reservoir with an ink print head arranged thereon,
  • FIG. 2 shows a schematic illustration of a holder of an ink printing device that receives the printing module,
  • FIG. 3 shows a schematic illustration of the ink print head, partly in a sectional illustration,
  • FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the printing module from above,
  • FIG. 5 shows a basic illustration of the ink supply area of the ink reservoir,
  • FIG. 6 shows a basic illustration of the air-blocking effect of the filter element,
  • FIG. 7 shows a front view of the printing module,
  • FIG. 8 shows a schematic illustration of the contact area between the pressure module and the holder, partly in a sectional illustration,
  • Figure 9 is a side view of the printing module and
  • Figure 10 is a sectional view of the positioning elements of the printing module.

Eine in den Figuren 1 und 2 dargestellte Tintendruckeinrichtung enthält einen Druckerwagen 10 in Form einer Halterung zur auswechselbaren Aufnahme eines Druckmoduls 11. Der Druckerwagen 10 ist auf Führungsstangen 12 geführt und wird beispielsweise über eine elektromotorische Antriebseinrichtung 13 über Seile 14 im Druckbetrieb auf diesen Führungsstangen 12, von denen hier nur eine dargestellt ist, hin und her bewegt. Das Druckmodul selbst besteht dabei aus einem Gehäuse 15 aus Kunststoffspritzguß mit einer Montagefläche 16 für einen Tintendruckkopf 17, der als sogenannter Bubble-Jet Tintendruckkopf ausgebildet ist - einem Druckkopf, der mit Heizelementen als Antriebselementen arbeitet. Es ist jedoch auch möglich, andere Arten von Tintendruckköpfen zu verwenden, z.B. Tintendruckköpfe mit piezoelektrischen Antriebselementen.An ink printing device shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 contains a printer carriage 10 in the form of a holder for exchangeably accommodating a printing module 11. The printer carriage 10 is guided on guide rods 12 and is, for example, about an electromotive drive device 13 moves over ropes 14 in printing operation on these guide rods 12, of which only one is shown here, back and forth. The print module itself consists of a housing 15 made of plastic injection molding with a mounting surface 16 for an ink print head 17, which is designed as a so-called bubble jet ink print head - a print head that works with heating elements as drive elements. However, it is also possible to use other types of ink printheads, for example ink printheads with piezoelectric drive elements.

Der beim Ausführungsbeispiel verwendete, nach dem thermoelektrischen Prinzip arbeitende Tintendruckkopf 17 ist entsprechend der Darstellung der Figur 3 schichtenweise aufgebaut und weist Düsenkanäle 18 mit darin angeordneten Heizelementen 19 auf. In Transportrichtung der Tinte 20 den Düsenkanälen vorgelagert ist eine Tintenkammer 21 mit einer etwa kreisförmigen Tintenzuführungsöffnung 22. Die Tintenzuführungsöffnung 22 führt durch eine die Düsenkanäle 18 tragende Silizium-Substratschicht mit darunter angeordneter Basisschicht 24 aus Aluminium. Auf diese Basisschicht 24 kann jedoch auch verzichtet werden oder sie kann aus anderem Material bestehen. Abgedeckt ist die Tintenkammer 21 und die Düsenkanäle 18 durch eine Deckschicht 25 in Form einer Abdeckplatte. Der Tintendruckkopf 17 ist auf der Montagefläche 16 des Gehäuses 15 derart befestigt (Figur 1), daß die Düsenkanäle 18 parallel zur Montagefläche 16 verlaufen. Bei Erregung der Heizelemente 19 entsteht in bekannter Weise über den Heizelementen 19 eine Dampfblase, die dafür sorgt, daß die Tinte 20 über Düsenaustrittsöffnungen 26 der Düsenkanäle 18 tröpfchenweise ausgestoßen wird. Zum Anschluß des Tintendruckkopfes 17 an einen der Tintendruckeinrichtung zugeordneten Zeichengenerator ist auf der Montagefläche 16 eine Kontaktplatte 27, z.B. durch Kleben befestigt, die entsprechend der Anzahl der anzusteuernden Heizelemente - in diesem Falle 50 Heizelementen - entsprechende erhabene Kontaktnippel 28 aufweist (Figur 1, Figur 8). Die Kontaktnippel stehen über Leitungen 29 mit einem Anschlußbereich 30 in Verbindung, wobei die Kontaktplatte 27 als gedruckte Leiterplatte ausgebildet ist. Der Tintendruckkopf 17 selbst weist ebenfalls einen Anschlußbereich 31 auf, in den sämtliche Anschlußleitungen der Heizelemente 19 münden. Die Verbindung zwischen dem Anschlußbereich 30 der Kontaktplatte und dem Anschlußbereich 31 des Tintendruckkopfes erfolgt z.B. durch Bonden oder andere bekannte Anschlußtechniken oder Z.B. durch einen Steckkontakt.The ink print head 17 used in the exemplary embodiment, which operates on the thermoelectric principle, is constructed in layers in accordance with the illustration in FIG. 3 and has nozzle channels 18 with heating elements 19 arranged therein. An ink chamber 21 with an approximately circular ink supply opening 22 is located upstream of the nozzle channels in the transport direction of the ink 20. The ink supply opening 22 leads through a silicon substrate layer carrying the nozzle channels 18 with a base layer 24 made of aluminum arranged underneath. However, this base layer 24 can also be dispensed with or it can consist of a different material. The ink chamber 21 and the nozzle channels 18 are covered by a cover layer 25 in the form of a cover plate. The ink print head 17 is fastened on the mounting surface 16 of the housing 15 in such a way (FIG. 1) that the nozzle channels 18 run parallel to the mounting surface 16. When the heating elements 19 are excited, a vapor bubble is formed in a known manner above the heating elements 19, which ensures that the ink 20 is expelled in droplets via nozzle outlet openings 26 of the nozzle channels 18. To connect the ink print head 17 to a character generator assigned to the ink printing device, a contact plate 27 is fastened to the mounting surface 16, for example by gluing, which has corresponding raised contact nipples 28 corresponding to the number of heating elements to be controlled - in this case 50 heating elements (FIG. 1, FIG. 8 ). The contact nipples are connected via lines 29 to a connection area 30, the contact plate 27 is designed as a printed circuit board. The ink print head 17 itself also has a connection area 31, into which all connection lines of the heating elements 19 open. The connection between the connection area 30 of the contact plate and the connection area 31 of the ink print head is made, for example, by bonding or other known connection techniques or, for example, by a plug contact.

Wie aus den Figuren 1 und 4 ersichtlich, besteht das Druckmodul 11 im Prinzip aus einem Tintenvorratsbehälter 32 mit darauf angeordnetem Tintendruckkopf 17. Der Tintenvorratsbehälter selbst wiederum besteht, entsprechend der Darstellung der Figur 4, aus dem Gehäuse 15 mit der Montagefläche 16 für den Tintendruckkopf, wobei die Montagefläche 16 eine Tintenversorgungsöffnung 33 aufweist, die mit der Tintenzuführungsöffnung 22 des Tintendruckkopfes 17 zusammenwirkt, wie aus der Detaildarstellung des Bodenbereichs des Tintenvorratsbehälters Figur 5 bzw. Figur 6 ersichtlich. An die Montagefläche 16 nach innen angrenzend ist im Gehäuse 15 des Tintenvorratsbehälters 32 ein Tintensammelbereich 34 ausgebildet. Er besteht im Prinzip aus einer Vertiefung am Boden des Gehäuses 15 mit einer Vielzahl von Abstandselementen 35 in Form von Rippen oder kleinen Säulen und der vertieft angeordneten Tintenversorgungsöffnung 33. Der Tintensammelbereich 34 mit seinen Abstandselementen 35 ist großflächig abgedeckt durch ein Filterelement 36 in Form eines Kunststoffnetzes aus Polyamid mit Tintenpassierkanälen (Poren) mit einem Durchmesser von 3 - 35 »m und einer Filterdicke von etwa 0,1 mm. Anstelle eines Kunststoffgewebes ist es auch möglich, ein Metallgewebe oder eine andere, Tintenpassierkanäle der entsprechenden Porenweite aufweisende Struktur zu verwenden. Maßgebend für die Auswahl des Materials ist jedoch dessen Benetzbarkeit mit der verwendeten Schreibtinte 20. Der restliche Raum des Tintenvorratsbehälters 32 ist ausgefüllt durch ein Vorratselement 38 aus einem mikrokanalstrukturierten, Tinte absorbierenden und abgebenden Material, z.B. Melamin-Formaldehyd-Schaum (MF). Anstelle von Melamin-Formaldehyd-Schaum (MF) läßt sich das Vorratselement auch aus anderem z.B. fasrigen Material herstellen.As can be seen from FIGS. 1 and 4, the printing module 11 basically consists of an ink reservoir 32 with an ink print head 17 arranged thereon. The ink reservoir itself, in accordance with the illustration in FIG. 4, consists of the housing 15 with the mounting surface 16 for the ink print head, wherein the mounting surface 16 has an ink supply opening 33 which cooperates with the ink supply opening 22 of the ink print head 17, as can be seen from the detailed illustration of the bottom region of the ink supply container in FIG. 5 or FIG. 6. An ink collecting area 34 is formed in the housing 15 of the ink reservoir 32 adjacent to the mounting surface 16 inwards. It basically consists of a recess on the bottom of the housing 15 with a large number of spacer elements 35 in the form of ribs or small columns and the recessed ink supply opening 33. The ink collecting area 34 with its spacer elements 35 is covered over a large area by a filter element 36 in the form of a plastic network made of polyamide with ink passing channels (pores) with a diameter of 3 - 35 »m and a filter thickness of about 0.1 mm. Instead of a plastic mesh, it is also possible to use a metal mesh or another structure that has ink passage channels of the corresponding pore size. Decisive for the selection of the material, however, is its wettability with the ink 20 used. The remaining space of the ink reservoir 32 is filled by a storage element 38 made of a microchannel-structured, ink-absorbing and dispensing material, for example melamine-formaldehyde foam (MF). Instead of melamine-formaldehyde foam (MF), the storage element can also be made from other, for example fibrous, material.

Als besonders vorteilhaftes Material hat sich jedoch Melamin-Formaldehyd-Schaum herausgestellt. Dabei handelt es sich um eine skelettartige Struktur aus untereinander dreidimensional verzweigten Fasern. Im Gegensatz zum üblichen Schaum mit teilweise aufgebrochenen Kammerwänden hat ein derartiger Skelettfaserschaum ein wesentlich höheres nutzbares Volumen. Die dünnen verzweigten Fasern bilden untereinander verbundene Hohlraumstrukturen, wobei die Fasern ein relativ großes Längendurchmesserverhältnis von etwa 10:1 oder mehr haben. Daraus resultiert ein nutzbares Volumen von bis zu 99 % im Schaum. Die Porengröße, d.h. die Größe der Hohlraumstrukturen ist etwa 50 »m bis 175 »m, wobei die Mehrzahl der Poren eine Größe von etwa 140 »m bis 160 »m hat. Da außerdem die Porengröße der kleinsten Poren 75 »m kaum unterschreitet, ergibt sich eine relativ konstante Porengröße, so daß der Schaum vollständig von Tinte entleert bzw. mit Tinte gefüllt werden kann.However, melamine-formaldehyde foam has proven to be a particularly advantageous material. It is a skeletal structure made of three-dimensionally branched fibers. In contrast to the usual foam with partially broken chamber walls, such a skeletal fiber foam has a much higher usable volume. The thin branched fibers form interconnected cavity structures, the fibers having a relatively large length to diameter ratio of about 10: 1 or more. This results in a usable volume of up to 99% in the foam. The pore size, i.e. the size of the cavity structures is approximately 50 »m to 175» m, the majority of the pores being approximately 140 »m to 160» m. In addition, since the pore size of the smallest pores hardly falls below 75 »m, the pore size is relatively constant, so that the foam can be completely emptied of ink or filled with ink.

Was die Zusammensetzung des Schaumstoffmaterials angeht, so muß es so beschaffen sein, daß es von der verwendeten Tinte benetzt werden kann, unter dem Einfluß der Tinte aber nicht aufquillt oder Bestandteile der Tinte aufnimmt. Als günstiges Material hat sich dabei ein Material herausgestellt, das mehr als 80 % Melamin-Formaldehyd-Kondensat enthält. Vorteilhaft ist besonders ein unmodifiziertes temperatureingestelltes Melamin-Formaldehyd-Kondensat mit dreidimensional verästelten Fasern, die eine Art Gewebe bilden, wobei die Fasern untereinander verbunden sind, mit einem Längen- zu Breiten-Durchmesserverhältnis von ungefähr 10:1 oder größer und mit einer Faserdichte in der Größenordnung von 1.1 Gramm je Milliliter oder größer. Gewebestrukturen die zu kurz sind, d.h. bei denen das Längendurchmesserverhältnis zu niedrig ist, können das nutzbare Speichervolumen reduzieren.As far as the composition of the foam material is concerned, it must be such that it can be wetted by the ink used, but does not swell or absorb components of the ink under the influence of the ink. A material that contains more than 80% melamine-formaldehyde condensate has proven to be a cheap material. Particularly advantageous is an unmodified temperature-adjusted melamine-formaldehyde condensate with three-dimensionally branched fibers, which form a kind of tissue, the fibers being interconnected, with a length to width diameter ratio of approximately 10: 1 or greater and with a fiber density in the The order of 1.1 grams per milliliter or larger. Tissue structures that are too short, i.e. where the length-to-diameter ratio is too low, can reduce the usable storage volume.

Melamin-Schaum zum Gebrauch in Tintenbehältern können Melamin-Formaldehyd-Kondensate sein, die zusätzlich zu Melamin noch bis zu 50% vorzugsweise 20 % andere Materialien aus dem Bereich der temperatureingestellten Harze aufweisen und die zusätzlich zum Formaldehyd noch andere Aldehyde aufweisen.Melamine foam for use in ink containers can be melamine-formaldehyde condensates which, in addition to melamine, contain up to 50%, preferably 20%, of other materials from the range of temperature-adjusted resins and which, in addition to formaldehyde, also contain other aldehydes.

Das Vorratselement 38 liegt ohne besonderen Druck flächig auf dem Filterelement 36 auf und steht mit diesem in Berührungskontakt. Durch diesen Berührungskontakt dringt die im Vorratselement 38 gespeicherte Tinte 20 durch das Filterelement 36 und füllt den darunter liegenden Tintensammelbereich 34. Von dort wird sie weitergeführt über die Tintenversorgungsöffnung 33 zur Tintenzuführungsöffnung 22 des Tintendruckkopfes 17.The supply element 38 lies flat on the filter element 36 without any particular pressure and is in contact with it. Through this touch contact, the ink 20 stored in the supply element 38 penetrates through the filter element 36 and fills the ink collecting area 34 underneath. From there it is passed on via the ink supply opening 33 to the ink supply opening 22 of the ink print head 17.

Das Filterelement 36 hat dabei die Aufgabe, durch kapillare Wirkung der Tintenpassierkanäle 37 etwa im Tintenvorratsbehälter befindliche Luftblasen 39 zurückzuhalten (Figur 6), so daß Luftblasen 39 nicht in das Tintenversorgungssystem des Tintendruckkopfes eindringen können. Dies könnte zu einem Ausfall des Tintendruckkopfes führen. Die Porengröße der Tintenpassierkanäle 37 ist dabei so ausgelegt, daß bei der höchsten auftretenden Druckdifferenz zwischen Tintenvorratsbehälter 32 und Tintendruckkopf 17, z.B. wegen unterschiedlichem Niveau oder wegen des Einflusses einer zum Spülen des Druckkopfes dienenden Vakuumpumpe, keine Luft durch das Filterelement 36 dringen kann. Da die Poren oder Tintenpassierkanäle 37 mit der im Tintensammelbereich 34 befindlichen Tinte kommunizieren, bilden sich in den Tintenpassierkanälen 37 an der Grenzfläche zwischen der Luftblase 39 und der Tinte 20 durch kapillare Kräfte nach unten gewölbte Menisken 40. Diese verhindern ein Eindringen von Luft in das Tintenversorgungssystem 33 des Tintendruckkopfes 17. Durch die großflächige Auslegung des Tintensammelbereiches 34 in Verbindung mit dem Filterelement 36 und dem Vorratselement 38 ist eine Tintenversorgung auch dann sichergestellt, wenn, wie in der Figur 6 dargestellt, Teile des Filterelementes 36 durch eine größere Luftblase 39 blockiert sind. Das Filterelement 36 behält seine Luftsperrwirkung auch dann noch, wenn es teilweise aus der Tinte 20 herausragt, wie z.B. in der Figur 4 dargestellt, weil im Innern des Tintenbehälters 32 ein mit Feuchtigkeit gesättigtes Klima herrscht. Das Filterelement kann außerdem Schmutzpartikel zurückhalten.The filter element 36 has the task of retaining air bubbles 39 located in the ink supply container (FIG. 6) by capillary action of the ink passage channels 37, so that air bubbles 39 cannot penetrate into the ink supply system of the ink print head. This could cause the ink printhead to fail. The pore size of the ink passage channels 37 is designed so that at the highest pressure difference that occurs between the ink reservoir 32 and the ink print head 17, e.g. due to different levels or due to the influence of a vacuum pump used to flush the print head, no air can penetrate through the filter element 36. Since the pores or ink passage channels 37 communicate with the ink located in the ink collecting area 34, menisci 40 which bulge downward due to capillary forces are formed in the ink passage channels 37 at the interface between the air bubble 39 and the ink. These prevent air from penetrating into the ink supply system 33 of the ink print head 17. The large-scale design of the ink collecting area 34 in connection with the filter element 36 and the storage element 38 ensures that the ink is supplied even if, as shown in FIG. 6, parts of the filter element 36 are blocked by a larger air bubble 39. The filter element 36 retains its air-blocking effect even if it partially protrudes from the ink 20, e.g. shown in Figure 4, because inside the ink container 32, there is a climate saturated with moisture. The filter element can also retain dirt particles.

Wie in der Figur 7 dargestellt, ist der Tintenvorratsbehälter 32 mit einem Gehäusedeckel 41 abgedeckt, der einen den Tintendruckkopf 17 umschließenden Bereich 42 aufweist, der einen Berührungsschutz für den Tintendruckkopf 17 darstellt. Er wirkt außerdem als Abstandshalter für den Tintendruckkopf 17, um zu verhindern, daß die Austrittsöffnungen 26 des Tintendruckkopfes mit dem Aufzeichnungsträger der Tintendruckeinrichtung in Berührung kommen und so verschmutzen, und er dient als Dichtfläche für eine im Drucker angeordnete Dichtkappe, die in längeren Betriebspausen die Austrittsöffnungen verschließt.As shown in FIG. 7, the ink reservoir 32 is covered with a housing cover 41, which is the ink print head 17 enclosing area 42, which represents a touch protection for the ink printhead 17. It also acts as a spacer for the ink printhead 17 to prevent the outlet openings 26 of the ink printhead from coming into contact with the recording medium of the ink printing device and soiling, and it serves as a sealing surface for a sealing cap arranged in the printer, which during long breaks in operation the outlet openings closes.

Wie eingangs im Zusammenhang mit den Figuren 1 und 2 ausgeführt, ist das Druckmodul 11 in der Halterung des Druckerwagens 10 auswechselbar befestigt. Um diese Befestigung und die Kontaktierung des Tintendruckkopfes 17 mit der Steuerung der Tintendruckeinrichtung sicher bewerkstelligen zu können, sind entsprechend der Darstellung der Figur 8 in der Halterung 10 an einer Seitenfläche auf einer Folie 43 Gegenkontaktelemente 44 angeordnet. Diese Gegenkontaktelemente 44 bestehen aus erhabenen vergoldeten Kontaktnippeln, die auf der Folie 43 befestigt sind, wobei zwischen der Folie 43 und der Seitenfläche der Halterung 10 eine aus Elastomer bestehende elastische Schicht 45 angeordnet ist, die durch ihre Elastizität für eine gute Kontaktgabe sorgt. Die Gegenkontaktelemente 44 mit der Folie 43 stehen in Verbindung mit einer Folienleitung 46.As stated at the beginning in connection with FIGS. 1 and 2, the printing module 11 is fastened in an interchangeable manner in the holder of the printing carriage 10. In order to be able to securely accomplish this fastening and the contacting of the ink print head 17 with the control of the ink print device, 43 counter-contact elements 44 are arranged in a holder 10 on a side surface on a film, as shown in FIG. These counter-contact elements 44 consist of raised gold-plated contact nipples, which are fastened to the film 43, an elastic layer 45 made of elastomer being arranged between the film 43 and the side surface of the holder 10, the elasticity of which ensures good contact. The mating contact elements 44 with the film 43 are connected to a film line 46.

Weiterhin sind in der Seitenfläche der Halterung 10 und am Druckmodul Führungselemente 47 für eine lagerichtige Positionierung des Druckmoduls 11 in der Halterung vorgesehen. Zu diesem Zwecke weist das Druckmodul 11 gemäß Figur 9 an seiner Montagefläche drei Öffnungen 48, 49, 50 auf, in die im eingesetzten Zustand des Druckmoduls 11 in die Halterung 10 die drei kugelförmigen, z.B. Führungselemente 47 eingreifen (Figur 10). Die Führungselemente können jedoch auch starr ohne Federn angeordnet sein. Entsprechend der Darstellung der Figur 9 besteht die obere Öffnung 48 auf der Montagefläche 16 aus einer planen etwas vertieft angeordneten Fläche. Eine unterhalb dieser Öffnung 48 angeordnete weitere Zentrieröffnung 49 besteht aus einem konischen Schlitz, und eine am rechten Rand der Montagefläche 16 etwa mittig angeordnete Zentrieröffnung 50 hat die Form eines Kegels. Durch die Zentrieröffnungen 48, 49, 50 wird im Zusammenwirken mit den kugelförmigen Zentrierelementen 47 das Druckmodul 11 in der Halterung 10 hinsichtlich sämtlicher Freiheitsgrade gefesselt und zentriert. Zum Einsetzen des Druckmoduls in die Halterung wird zunächst das Druckmodul 11 locker in die Halterung 10 eingesetzt und dann über einen Klemmhebel 51 (Figur 2) eine Anpreßkraft auf eine Seitenfläche des Druckmoduls 11 ausgeübt. Damit wird über die Zentrieröffnungen 48, 49, 50 das Druckmodul zentriert und die Kontaktnippel 28 und die Gegenkontaktelemente 44 kommen lagerichtig miteinander in Berührungskontakt. Durch die Zentrierelemente 47 wird außerdem ein falsches Einsetzen des Druckmoduls verhindert.Furthermore, guide elements 47 are provided in the side surface of the holder 10 and on the printing module for positioning the printing module 11 in the holder in the correct position. For this purpose, the printing module 11 according to FIG. 9 has three openings 48, 49, 50 on its mounting surface, into which the three spherical, for example guide elements 47 engage in the holder 10 when the printing module 11 is inserted (FIG. 10). However, the guide elements can also be arranged rigidly without springs. According to the illustration in FIG. 9, the upper opening 48 on the mounting surface 16 consists of a flat, somewhat recessed surface. A further centering opening 49 arranged below this opening 48 consists of a conical slot and one on the right edge of the mounting surface 16 approximately centrally arranged centering opening 50 has the shape of a cone. Through the centering openings 48, 49, 50, in cooperation with the spherical centering elements 47, the pressure module 11 is tied and centered in the holder 10 with regard to all degrees of freedom. To insert the pressure module into the holder, first the pressure module 11 is loosely inserted into the holder 10 and then a pressing force is exerted on a side surface of the pressure module 11 via a clamping lever 51 (FIG. 2). The pressure module is thus centered via the centering openings 48, 49, 50 and the contact nipples 28 and the mating contact elements 44 come into contact with one another in the correct position. The centering elements 47 also prevent the pressure module from being inserted incorrectly.

Hergestellt wird das Druckmodul 11 wie folgt:
Zunächst wird im Kunststoffspritzverfahren das Gehäuse 15 mit der Montagefläche 16 und dem Tintensammelbereich 34 hergestellt. Sodann wird in den Tintenvorratsbehälter 32 das aus Kunststoff bestehende Filterelement 36 eingebracht und an den Rändern mit dem Gehäuse 15 verschweißt. Das gesondert hergestellte Vorratselement 38 aus Melamin-Formaldehyd-Schaum wird dann in das Gehäuse 15 eingesteckt und zwar soweit, daß das Vorratselement 38 mit dem Filterelement 36 in Berührungskontakt kommt. Nach Aufbringen der Kontaktplatte 27 und Befestigen des Tintendruckkopfes 17 auf der Montagefläche 16 des Gehäuses 15 wird das Gehäuse 15 mit dem Deckel 42 abgedeckt. Anschließend kann das Vorratselement, z.B. über eine Hohlnadel, mit Tinte gefüllt werden.The printing module 11 is manufactured as follows:
First, the housing 15 with the mounting surface 16 and the ink collecting area 34 is produced in the plastic injection molding process. The plastic filter element 36 is then introduced into the ink reservoir 32 and welded to the housing 15 at the edges. The separately produced storage element 38 made of melamine-formaldehyde foam is then inserted into the housing 15, to the extent that the storage element 38 comes into contact with the filter element 36. After the contact plate 27 has been applied and the ink print head 17 has been attached to the mounting surface 16 of the housing 15, the housing 15 is covered with the cover 42. The storage element can then be filled with ink, for example using a hollow needle.

Abweichend von diesem Fertigungsverlauf ist es z.B. auch möglich, unmittelbar nach Herstellung des Gehäuses 15 den Tintendruckkopf 17 und die Kontaktplatte 27 auf der Montagefläche des Gehäuses 15 zu befestigen und dann das Vorratselement 38 in das Gehäuse einzubringen.Deviating from this production process, it is e.g. also possible to fix the ink print head 17 and the contact plate 27 on the mounting surface of the housing 15 immediately after the manufacture of the housing 15 and then to introduce the storage element 38 into the housing.

Es ist weiterhin möglich, das Vorratselement 38 durch Schäumen im Gehäuse 15 selbst zu erzeugen.It is also possible to produce the supply element 38 by foaming in the housing 15 itself.

Nach Füllen des Tintenvorratsbehälters 32 mit Tinte ist es notwendig im Tintensammelbereich und in der Tintenkammer 21 des Tintendruckkopfes befindliche Luft zu entfernen. Zu diesem Zwecke wird z.B. über eine Vakuumglocke über die Düsenöffnungen der Düsenkanäle 18 die Luft abgesaugt, so daß sich der Tintensammelbereich und die Düsenkanäle einschließlich der Düsenkammern vollständig mit Tinte füllen. Ist einmal ein geschlossenes kommunizierendes Flüssigkeitssystem aufgebaut, so leert sich der Tintenvorratsbehälter bzw. das Tintenvorratselement 38 von oben her und zwar in Richtung Tintenversorgungsöffnung 33. Dieses Entleeren ist unabhängig von der Position des Tintendruckkopfes. Bei der dargestellten Ausführungsform der Figur 1 ist der Tintendruckkopf im oberen Bereich des Gehäuses 15 angeordnet. Dadurch wird sichergestellt, daß in den Betriebspausen des Tintendruckkopfes keine Tinte aus den Düsenaustrittsöffnungen 26 ausläuft. Infolge der Kapillarwirkung an den Düsenaustrittsöffnungen 26 zwischen Tinte und Luft kann auch keine Luft in die Düsenkanäle über die Düsenaustrittsöffnungen 26 eindringen. Umgekehrt sorgt bei der Betätigung der Heizelemente 19 die Aktivität der Heizelemente dafür, daß Tinte aus dem Vorratselement unabhängig von der Position der Tintenversorgungsöffnung 33 nachgefördert wird. Wichtig ist dabei allein, daß die Tintenversorgungsöffnung 33 vollständig mit Tinte gefüllt ist. Dies wird durch den Tintensammelbereich 34 gewährleistet.After filling the ink reservoir 32 with ink, it is necessary to remove air in the ink collection area and in the ink chamber 21 of the ink print head. For this purpose, e.g. the air is sucked off via a vacuum bell over the nozzle openings of the nozzle channels 18, so that the ink collecting area and the nozzle channels including the nozzle chambers are completely filled with ink. Once a closed communicating liquid system has been built up, the ink reservoir or the ink reservoir element 38 empties from above, in the direction of the ink supply opening 33. This emptying is independent of the position of the ink print head. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the ink print head is arranged in the upper region of the housing 15. This ensures that no ink leaks from the nozzle outlet openings 26 during the breaks in operation of the ink print head. As a result of the capillary action at the nozzle outlet openings 26 between ink and air, no air can penetrate into the nozzle channels via the nozzle outlet openings 26. Conversely, when the heating elements 19 are actuated, the activity of the heating elements ensures that ink is replenished from the storage element regardless of the position of the ink supply opening 33. It is only important that the ink supply opening 33 is completely filled with ink. This is ensured by the ink collecting area 34.

Claims (22)

  1. Ink storage container (32) having
    - a housing (15) having an ink supply opening (33) for the ink printing head (17),
    - an ink-collecting area (34) which is arranged in the housing (15) and communicates with the ink supply opening (33), and
    - having a filter element (36) which covers the ink-collecting area (34), prevents air from penetrating into the ink-collecting area (34) and is in touch-contact with a storage element (38) consisting of a material with a microchannel structure that absorbs and releases ink,
       characterised in that
    - the ink-collecting area (34) is formed exclusively of a recess of a housing wall on the inside of the housing,
    - the longitudinal and cross-dimensions of the boundary surface of the recess covered by the filter element (36) amount to a multiple of the extent of the recess reaching into the housing wall,
    - spacers (35) are provided in the recess in order to guarantee a given spacing between filter element (36) and a base surface of the ink-collecting area (34), and in that
    - the storage element (38) is arranged in the housing (15) in a substantially compression-free manner.
  2. Ink storage container according to claim 1, characterised in that the housing (15) has an assembly surface (16) for the ink printing head (17).
  3. Ink storage container according to claim 2, characterised in that the ink supply opening (33) is arranged in the assembly surface (16) and the ink-collecting area (34) borders directly on the assembly surface (16).
  4. Ink storage container according to one of the claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the ink storage container (32) is developed such that it can be exchanged and secured in a holding support (10) associated with the ink printing device.
  5. Ink storage container according to one of the claims 2 or 3, characterised in that the ink printing head (17) is fixedly arranged on the assembly surface (16) of the ink storage container (32) so as to form a printing module (11) which is developed such that it can be exchanged and secured in the printing device.
  6. Ink storage container according to one of the claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the storage element (38) has foam containing melamine formaldehyde and having a pore size of 50 »m - 175 »m and a length-diameter ratio of the fibres of 10:1 or more.
  7. Ink storage container according to one of the claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the storage element (38) consists of fibrous material, which can be wetted with ink, having a length-diameter ratio of the fibres of 10:1 or more, with the fibres being structured in such a way that pore structures with a pore size of 50 »m - 175 »m are formed.
  8. Ink storage container according to one of the claims 1 to 7, characterised in that the filter element (36) has ducts (37) through which ink passes and which are of such a diameter that when a given maximum pressure difference occurs between upper and lower boundary surfaces of the filter element (36) no air penetrates through the filter element (36) into the ink-collecting area (34).
  9. Ink storage container according to one of the claims 1 to 8, characterised in that the filter element consists of a woven plastics fabric, in particular a woven polyamide fabric.
  10. Ink storage container according to one of the claims 1 to 9, characterised in that the filter element has ducts (pores) (37) through which ink passes and which are of a diameter of between 3 »m and 35 »m.
  11. Ink storage container according to one of the claims 1 to 10, characterised in that the spacers (35) of the ink-collecting area (34) are formed as ribs or webs.
  12. Ink storage container according to one of the claims 1 to 11, characterised in that the ink printing head is formed as an ink printing head (17), which operates according to the thermoelectric principle, having nozzle ducts (18) containing heating elements (19) and having an ink chamber (21) arranged in front of the nozzle ducts in the direction of transportation of ink.
  13. Ink storage container according to claims 1 to 12, characterised in that the ink storage container (32) is closed with a housing lid (41) which has an area (42) which covers the ink printing head (17) and which can be formed as protection against contact for the ink printing head (17).
  14. Ink storage container according to claim 12, characterised in that the ink chamber (21) has a substantially circular ink feed opening (22) which communicates with the ink supply opening (33).
  15. Ink storage container according to claim 14, characterised in that the ink feed opening feeds the ink of the ink chamber (21) substantially perpendicularly to the course of the nozzle ducts (18).
  16. Ink storage container according to one of the claims 1 to 15, characterised in that one housing surface (16) has a contact plate (27) which has contact elements (28) and communicates with connections of the ink printing head, with the contact elements (28) cooperating with corresponding counter-contact elements (44) of a holding support (10) for the accommodation of the ink storage container (32).
  17. Ink storage container according to claim 16, characterised in that the counter-contact elements (44) and/or the contact elements (28) are arranged in an elastic manner.
  18. Ink storage container according to claim 4, characterised in that the holding support (10) has guide elements (47) which are developed in such a way that when the ink storage container (32) is inserted into the holding support (10) guided contact closure is effected between contact elements (44) of the holding support (10) and the ink storage container (32).
  19. Ink storage container according to claim 4, characterised in that the holding support (10) has a clamping device (51) for arresting the ink storage container (32) in the holding support.
  20. Method for producing an ink storage container (32) for an ink printing device with the following method steps:
    - production of a housing (15), using the plastics-injection moulding method, with an ink supply opening (33) for the ink printing head (17) and with a recess in a housing wall on the inside of the housing, with the longitudinal and cross-dimensions of the recess, used exclusively as the ink-collecting area (34), amounting to a multiple of the depth of the recess,
    - covering of the ink-collecting area (34) by means of a filter element (36), and
    - introduction of a storage element (38) consisting of a porous material, which absorbs and releases ink, into the housing (15) in such a way that the storage element (38) and the filter element (36) are brought into touch-contact substantially without pressure and the storage element (38) is contained in the housing (15) in a substantially compression-free manner.
  21. Method according to claim 20, characterised in that the storage element (38) is produced separately and is then introduced into the housing (15).
  22. Method according to claim 20, characterised in that the storage element is produced in the housing (15) itself, for example by means of foam formation.
EP90914523A 1989-10-03 1990-09-28 Printing module for an ink-printing system with an ink storage container with an integrated ink-printing head Expired - Lifetime EP0550429B1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP90914523A EP0550429B1 (en) 1989-10-03 1990-09-28 Printing module for an ink-printing system with an ink storage container with an integrated ink-printing head

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP89118348 1989-10-03
EP89118348 1989-10-03
PCT/EP1990/001640 WO1991004861A1 (en) 1989-10-03 1990-09-28 Printing module for an ink-printing system with an ink storage container with an integrated ink-printing head
EP90914523A EP0550429B1 (en) 1989-10-03 1990-09-28 Printing module for an ink-printing system with an ink storage container with an integrated ink-printing head

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0550429A1 EP0550429A1 (en) 1993-07-14
EP0550429B1 true EP0550429B1 (en) 1994-06-29

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EP90914523A Expired - Lifetime EP0550429B1 (en) 1989-10-03 1990-09-28 Printing module for an ink-printing system with an ink storage container with an integrated ink-printing head

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US (1) US5317339A (en)
EP (1) EP0550429B1 (en)
JP (1) JPH05502410A (en)
DE (1) DE59006328D1 (en)
WO (1) WO1991004861A1 (en)

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DE59006328D1 (en) 1994-08-04
EP0550429A1 (en) 1993-07-14
JPH05502410A (en) 1993-04-28
WO1991004861A1 (en) 1991-04-18
US5317339A (en) 1994-05-31

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