EP0728585A2 - Ink jet printer with service station - Google Patents

Ink jet printer with service station Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP0728585A2
EP0728585A2 EP96101749A EP96101749A EP0728585A2 EP 0728585 A2 EP0728585 A2 EP 0728585A2 EP 96101749 A EP96101749 A EP 96101749A EP 96101749 A EP96101749 A EP 96101749A EP 0728585 A2 EP0728585 A2 EP 0728585A2
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
carriage
support
print head
translational movement
movement
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.)
Granted
Application number
EP96101749A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0728585A3 (en
EP0728585B1 (en
Inventor
Marc Duperrier
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.)
Olivetti Tecnost SpA
Original Assignee
OCD SA
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 OCD SA filed Critical OCD SA
Publication of EP0728585A2 publication Critical patent/EP0728585A2/en
Publication of EP0728585A3 publication Critical patent/EP0728585A3/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0728585B1 publication Critical patent/EP0728585B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
    • B41J2/00—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
    • B41J2/005—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
    • B41J2/01—Ink jet
    • B41J2/135—Nozzles
    • B41J2/165—Preventing or detecting of nozzle clogging, e.g. cleaning, capping or moistening for nozzles
    • B41J2/16505—Caps, spittoons or covers for cleaning or preventing drying out
    • B41J2/16508—Caps, spittoons or covers for cleaning or preventing drying out connected with the printer frame
    • B41J2/16511—Constructions for cap positioning

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an inkjet printer provided with a movable carriage arranged so as to be able to receive a print head interchangeable with at least one print head of another type, the printer comprising a frame and a maintenance station having at least two types of caps intended to be applied to the print head of the type for which they are intended.
  • inkjet printers it is conventional to protect the ink ejection nozzles of the print head, when it is in the rest position for a long time between printing periods, this in order to avoid drying of the ink leading to blockage of the nozzles.
  • a cap is applied against the nozzle plate which maintains a certain level of humidity.
  • the device which is the subject of the present invention applies to a printer provided with an interchangeable print head which can be plugged into the mobile printing carriage.
  • Different types of heads can be plugged into the carriage, for example a black ink head or a multi-color ink head.
  • US Patent 5,155,497 describes a maintenance station for a printer of this type.
  • This station includes a support rotating 180 ° about an axis parallel to the direction of movement of the carriage and on which two caps are mounted in opposite positions by means of two slides movable longitudinally along this direction of movement of the carriage mobile.
  • the rotating support rotates the slide and the cap corresponding to the head, the carriage then drives the slide longitudinally to apply the cap against the nozzle plate.
  • This maintenance station comprises a large number of parts and is of complicated construction.
  • the maintenance station comprises a cap support on which the caps are arranged side by side in a direction perpendicular to the direction of movement. of the carriage, this support being arranged so as to effect, on the one hand, a first translational movement relative to the frame in a direction parallel to said perpendicular direction to put one of the caps facing the plugged-in printhead on the carriage and, on the other hand, a second translational movement with respect to the frame in a second direction perpendicular to said perpendicular direction making an angle such with the direction of movement of the carriage that the cap selected opposite the head plugged into the carriage is applied against this head plugged in during said second translational movement.
  • the carriage is provided with a selection lever cooperating with the print head inserted on the carriage to occupy distinct positions according to the type of print head inserted, this selection lever being arranged so as to cooperate with a part secured to the support so that the latter is moved according to the first translational movement to operate the selection of the cap to be applied.
  • the selection control of the cap to be applied is carried out in a reliable and simple manner.
  • the support is connected to the frame by means of two pairs of flat springs perpendicular to each other and placed in series, a first of the two pairs of flat springs allowing the first translational movement and the second pair controlling the second translational movement.
  • This arrangement ensures reliable operation while having a very small number of components.
  • Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a part of the printer showing in particular the maintenance station.
  • Figures 2a and 2b are front views showing the carriage a) outside the maintenance station and b) parked in the maintenance station.
  • FIGS. 3a, 3b and 3c are plan views of the carriage with a first print head, a) outside the maintenance station, b) when entering the maintenance station during the selection of the cap, and c) at a standstill in the maintenance station.
  • Figures 4a, 4b and 4c are also plan views of the carriage with a second print head in three different positions relative to the maintenance station.
  • FIGS. 5a, 5b and 5c are side views showing the carriage in different positions relative to the maintenance station, at 5a the carriage is outside the latter, at 5b the carriage is inside the station and fitted with the first print head, and in 5c it is inside the station but fitted with the second print head.
  • the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 5 comprises a carriage 1 carrying a print head 2 of a first type inserted on this carriage and which can be exchanged by at least one print head 3 of another type .
  • the carriage 1 is slidably mounted on a shaft 5 fixed to the frame 7 of the printer by means of a fixing part 8 and moves by a reciprocating movement through a document to print it.
  • the printer has a maintenance station 6 arranged laterally outside the printing area and which is intended to prevent drying of the ink in the nozzles of the printheads and clogging of these nozzles.
  • the maintenance station 6 for this purpose comprises two caps 10 and 11 arranged side by side on a cap holder 12 itself mounted on a movable support 14 of complex structure.
  • the two caps 10 and 11 are arranged side by side in a direction perpendicular to the direction 15 (fig. 2a) of movement of the carriage 1 and the mobile support 14 is arranged so as to carry out a first translational movement relative to the frame 7 to have one or the other of the caps 10, 11 opposite the print head 2 or 3 inserted on the carriage.
  • This mobile support 14 comprises a support plate 16 which carries the cap holder 12 and which is connected to an intermediate plate 18 by a pair of flat springs 17 substantially parallel to the direction 15.
  • the intermediate plate 18 is connected by a second pair flat springs 19 perpendicular to the first pair to a plate 20 secured to the frame 7 of the printer.
  • the maintenance station is provided with a selection and control mechanism 25, comprising a feeler lever 26 pivotally mounted at 27 on the carriage 1.
  • This lever 26 has a feeler element 28 cooperating with the plug-in print head 2 or 3.
  • the feeler lever 26 occupies a different angular position depending on the plugged in print head.
  • the print head 3 of FIG. 4a has a greater width than the print head 2 of FIG. 2a and the lever is therefore pivoted by an angle of approximately 25 ° on the carriage.
  • the mechanism 25 further comprises a ramp 30 fixed on the support plate 16 and capable of cooperating with a finger 29 provided at the end of the feeler lever 26.
  • a ramp 30 fixed on the support plate 16 and capable of cooperating with a finger 29 provided at the end of the feeler lever 26.
  • the mechanism 25 also has a pusher 33 in the form of a tooth 34 secured to the carriage 1 and which is intended to cooperate with a boss 35 in the form of a cam secured to the support plate 16.
  • This boss 35 has two sliding sides 36 and 37 separated by a point on which the tooth 34 is supported when the carriage 1 is moved in the maintenance station 6.
  • the tooth 34 is opposite the sidewall 37, when the finger 29 passes next to the ramp 30 (fig. 4b), and cooperates with this flank 37 to push the support plate 16 to the right in FIG. 4c, to arrange the cap 10 opposite the print head 3.
  • the complex support 14 makes it possible to accomplish the displacement of the caps with a view to their selection and their application against the print head by a very simple construction and requiring no particular drive, except the displacement of the carriage .
  • the feeler lever 26 is brought to a predetermined angular position to cooperate or not with the ramp 30 on the support plate 16 so as to obtain the selection of the appropriate cap which is placed next to the print head.
  • the lateral translation of the support plate is then carried out by sliding the tooth 34 along one of the two sides of the boss 35.
  • the carriage again causes the application of the selected cap against the print head to then be immobilized in the maintenance station with the nozzles covered by the appropriate cap.
  • the support plate 16 returns under the elastic effect of the flat springs 17 and 19 to its initial position illustrated in FIGS. 2a, 3a, 4a and 5a.
  • the embodiment described above has no limiting character and that it can receive any desirable modifications inside the frame as defined by claim 1.
  • the feeler lever 26 could be replaced by a protruding part of the print head acting directly on the ramp 30.
  • the displacement of the support plate of the caps could also be done by direct action on the boss 35 in the form of a cam without pre-selection by the ramp and with or without the presence of a feeler lever 26.
  • the two pairs of flat springs 17 and 19 could be replaced by any other mechanism making it possible to carry out the lateral and application movements of the caps, for example by means of the levers biased by springs towards a rest position.
  • a variant could also be produced using the same principle, allowing the use of three or more different types of printheads.
  • the support plate 16 would carry a central cap and two side caps for example.
  • the direction and magnitude of the perpendicular translational movement will then be defined by the type of print head. cares.
  • One or more caps could be connected by flexible tube to a suction pump allowing priming of the print head or provided with an ink absorbing pad.
  • the maintenance station can also be equipped with one or more flaps intended to wipe the front part of the print heads. These flaps could be mounted retractably or not on the mobile support or on the frame.

Abstract

The printer has a moving carriage (1) designed to receive an interchangeable printing head (2). It has a frame (7) and a servicing position (6) with at least two types of caps (10,11) for applying to the respective printing heads. The service position has a support (14) on which the caps are positioned side-by-side in a direction perpendicular to that of the carriage's travel, with the support able to move relative to the frame to place one of the caps in line with the corresponding printing head on the carriage. The carriage has a selection lever (26) which cooperates with the printing heads and engage them with the caps.

Description

La présente invention concerne une imprimante à jet d'encre munie d'un chariot mobile agencé de façon à pouvoir recevoir une tête d'impression interchangeable avec au moins une tête d'impression d'un autre type, l'imprimante comportant un bâti et une station de maintenance présentant au moins deux types de capuchons destinés à être appliqués sur la tête d'impression du type auquel ils sont destinés.The present invention relates to an inkjet printer provided with a movable carriage arranged so as to be able to receive a print head interchangeable with at least one print head of another type, the printer comprising a frame and a maintenance station having at least two types of caps intended to be applied to the print head of the type for which they are intended.

Dans les imprimantes à jet d'encre, il est conventionnel de protéger les buses d'éjection d'encre de la tête d'impression, lorsqu'elle se trouve en position de repos durant un temps prolongé entre des périodes d'impression, ceci afin d'éviter un séchage de l'encre conduisant à un bouchage des buses.In inkjet printers, it is conventional to protect the ink ejection nozzles of the print head, when it is in the rest position for a long time between printing periods, this in order to avoid drying of the ink leading to blockage of the nozzles.

A cet effet, on applique contre la plaque des buses un capuchon qui maintient un certain taux d'humidité.For this purpose, a cap is applied against the nozzle plate which maintains a certain level of humidity.

Le dispositif faisant l'objet de la présente invention s'applique à une imprimante munie d'une tête d'impression interchangeable enfichable dans le chariot mobile d'impression.The device which is the subject of the present invention applies to a printer provided with an interchangeable print head which can be plugged into the mobile printing carriage.

Différents types de têtes peuvent être enfichés dans le chariot, par exemple une tête à encre noire ou une tête à encre multicolore.Different types of heads can be plugged into the carriage, for example a black ink head or a multi-color ink head.

Pour éviter un salissement, via le capuchon, d'une tête par l'encre d'une autre tête, par exemple d'une tête couleur par une tête noire, on prévoit des capuchons respectifs pour chaque type de tête enfichée.To avoid soiling, via the cap, of a head with the ink of another head, for example of a color head with a black head, respective caps are provided for each type of head inserted.

Le brevet US 5,155,497 décrit une station de maintenance pour une imprimante de ce type. Cette station comprend un support tournant à 180° autour d'un axe parallèle a la direction de déplacement du chariot et sur lequel sont montés en positions opposées deux capuchons par l'intermédiaire de deux coulisseaux déplaçables longitudinalement le long de cette direction de déplacement du chariot mobile. Après détection du type de tête d'impression monté sur le chariot, le support tournant met en place par rotation le coulisseau et le capuchon correspondant à la tête, le chariot entraîne ensuite le coulisseau longitudinalement pour appliquer le capuchon contre la plaque des buses.US Patent 5,155,497 describes a maintenance station for a printer of this type. This station includes a support rotating 180 ° about an axis parallel to the direction of movement of the carriage and on which two caps are mounted in opposite positions by means of two slides movable longitudinally along this direction of movement of the carriage mobile. After detecting the type of print head mounted on the carriage, the rotating support rotates the slide and the cap corresponding to the head, the carriage then drives the slide longitudinally to apply the cap against the nozzle plate.

Cette station de maintenance comprend un grand nombre de pièces et est d'une construction compliquée.This maintenance station comprises a large number of parts and is of complicated construction.

Le but de la présente invention est de remédier à ces inconvénients et elle est caractérisée à cet effet par le fait que la station de maintenance comprend un support de capuchons sur lequel les capuchons sont disposés côte à côte suivant une direction perpendiculaire à la direction de déplacement du chariot, ce support étant agencé de façon à effectuer, d'une part, un premier mouvement de translation par rapport au bâti suivant une direction parallèle à ladite direction perpendiculaire pour mettre l'un des capuchons en regard de la tête d'impression enfichée sur le chariot et, d'autre part, un second mouvement de translation par rapport au bâti suivant une seconde direction perpendiculaire à ladite direction perpendiculaire faisant un angle tel avec la direction de déplacement du chariot que le capuchon sélectionné en regard de la tête enfichée sur le chariot soit appliqué contre cette tête enfichée lors dudit second mouvement de translation.The object of the present invention is to remedy these drawbacks and it is characterized for this purpose by the fact that the maintenance station comprises a cap support on which the caps are arranged side by side in a direction perpendicular to the direction of movement. of the carriage, this support being arranged so as to effect, on the one hand, a first translational movement relative to the frame in a direction parallel to said perpendicular direction to put one of the caps facing the plugged-in printhead on the carriage and, on the other hand, a second translational movement with respect to the frame in a second direction perpendicular to said perpendicular direction making an angle such with the direction of movement of the carriage that the cap selected opposite the head plugged into the carriage is applied against this head plugged in during said second translational movement.

Par ces mesures, on obtient une construction très simple, peu encombrante comportant un nombre de pièces réduit et qui est d'un prix de revient modéré.By these measures, a very simple, space-saving construction is obtained comprising a reduced number of parts and which is of moderate cost.

Selon un mode d'exécution favorable, le chariot est muni d'un levier de sélection coopérant avec la tête d'impression enfichée sur le chariot pour occuper des positions distinctes selon le type de tête d'impression enfichée, ce levier de sélection étant agencé de façon à coopérer avec une pièce solidaire du support de façon que ce dernier soit déplacé suivant le premier mouvement de translation pour opérer la sélection du capuchon à appliquer.According to a favorable embodiment, the carriage is provided with a selection lever cooperating with the print head inserted on the carriage to occupy distinct positions according to the type of print head inserted, this selection lever being arranged so as to cooperate with a part secured to the support so that the latter is moved according to the first translational movement to operate the selection of the cap to be applied.

Grâce à ces caractéristiques, la commande de sélection du capuchon à appliquer est effectuée de façon fiable et simple.Thanks to these characteristics, the selection control of the cap to be applied is carried out in a reliable and simple manner.

Selon un mode d'exécution préféré, le support est relié au bâti par l'intermédiaire de deux paires de ressorts plats perpendiculaires entre eux et mis en série, une première des deux paires de ressorts plats autorisant le premier mouvement de translation et la seconde paire contrôlant le second mouvement de translation.According to a preferred embodiment, the support is connected to the frame by means of two pairs of flat springs perpendicular to each other and placed in series, a first of the two pairs of flat springs allowing the first translational movement and the second pair controlling the second translational movement.

Cette disposition assure un fonctionnement fiable tout en ayant un nombre de composants très réduit.This arrangement ensures reliable operation while having a very small number of components.

D'autres avantages ressortent des caractéristiques exprimées dans les revendications dépendantes et de la description exposant ci-après l'invention plus en détail à l'aide de dessins qui représentent schématiquement et à titre d'exemple un mode d'exécution.Other advantages appear from the characteristics expressed in the dependent claims and from the description setting out the invention below in more detail with the aid of drawings which schematically and by way of example show an embodiment.

La figure 1 est une vue schématique en perspective d'une partie de l'imprimante montrant en particulier la station de maintenance.Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a part of the printer showing in particular the maintenance station.

Les figures 2a et 2b sont des vues frontales montrant le chariot a) en dehors de la station de maintenance et b) parqué dans la station de maintenance.Figures 2a and 2b are front views showing the carriage a) outside the maintenance station and b) parked in the maintenance station.

Les figures 3a, 3b et 3c sont des vues en plan du chariot avec une première tête d'impression, a) en dehors de la station de maintenance, b) en entrant dans la station de maintenance pendant la sélection du capuchon, et c) à l'arrêt dans la station de maintenance.FIGS. 3a, 3b and 3c are plan views of the carriage with a first print head, a) outside the maintenance station, b) when entering the maintenance station during the selection of the cap, and c) at a standstill in the maintenance station.

Les figures 4a, 4b et 4c sont également des vues en plan du chariot avec une seconde tête d'impression dans trois positions différentes par rapport à la station de maintenance.Figures 4a, 4b and 4c are also plan views of the carriage with a second print head in three different positions relative to the maintenance station.

Les figures 5a, 5b et 5c sont des vues latérales montrant le chariot dans des positions différentes par rapport à la station de maintenance, en 5a le chariot est en dehors de cette dernière, en 5b le chariot est à l'intérieur de la station et muni de la première tête d'impression, et en 5c il est à l'intérieur de la station mais muni de la seconde tête d'impression.FIGS. 5a, 5b and 5c are side views showing the carriage in different positions relative to the maintenance station, at 5a the carriage is outside the latter, at 5b the carriage is inside the station and fitted with the first print head, and in 5c it is inside the station but fitted with the second print head.

Le mode d'exécution illustré aux figures 1 à 5 comprend un chariot 1 portant une tête d'impression 2 d'un premier type enfichée sur ce chariot et qui peut être échangée par au moins une tête d'impression 3 d'un autre type. Le chariot 1 est monté coulissant sur un arbre 5 fixé sur le bâti 7 de l'imprimante grâce à une pièce de fixation 8 et se déplace par un mouvement de va-et-vient au travers d'un document pour l'imprimer.The embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 5 comprises a carriage 1 carrying a print head 2 of a first type inserted on this carriage and which can be exchanged by at least one print head 3 of another type . The carriage 1 is slidably mounted on a shaft 5 fixed to the frame 7 of the printer by means of a fixing part 8 and moves by a reciprocating movement through a document to print it.

L'imprimante présente une station de maintenance 6 aménagée latéralement hors de la zone d'impression et qui est destinée à prévenir un séchage de l'encre dans les buses des têtes d'impression et un bouchage de ces buses. La station de maintenance 6 comprend à cet effet deux capuchons 10 et 11 disposés côte à côte sur un portecapuchon 12 lui-même monté sur un support mobile 14 de structure complexe. Les deux capuchons 10 et 11 sont disposés côte à côte suivant une direction perpendiculaire à la direction 15 (fig. 2a) de déplacement du chariot 1 et le support mobile 14 est agencé de façon à effectuer un premier mouvement de translation par rapport au bâti 7 pour disposer l'un ou l'autre des capuchons 10,11 en regard de la tête d'impression 2 ou 3 enfichée sur le chariot.The printer has a maintenance station 6 arranged laterally outside the printing area and which is intended to prevent drying of the ink in the nozzles of the printheads and clogging of these nozzles. The maintenance station 6 for this purpose comprises two caps 10 and 11 arranged side by side on a cap holder 12 itself mounted on a movable support 14 of complex structure. The two caps 10 and 11 are arranged side by side in a direction perpendicular to the direction 15 (fig. 2a) of movement of the carriage 1 and the mobile support 14 is arranged so as to carry out a first translational movement relative to the frame 7 to have one or the other of the caps 10, 11 opposite the print head 2 or 3 inserted on the carriage.

Ce support mobile 14 comprend une plaque-support 16 qui porte le porte-capuchon 12 et qui est reliée à une plaque intermédiaire 18 par une paire de ressorts plats 17 sensiblement parallèles à la direction 15. La plaque intermédiaire 18 est reliée par une seconde paire de ressorts plats 19 perpendiculaires à la première paire à une plaque 20 solidaire du bâti 7 de l'imprimante. Ces deux paires de ressorts-plats 17 et 19 permettent des mouvements de translation de la plaque support 16 selon deux directions perpendiculaires entre elles.This mobile support 14 comprises a support plate 16 which carries the cap holder 12 and which is connected to an intermediate plate 18 by a pair of flat springs 17 substantially parallel to the direction 15. The intermediate plate 18 is connected by a second pair flat springs 19 perpendicular to the first pair to a plate 20 secured to the frame 7 of the printer. These two pairs of flat springs 17 and 19 allow translational movements of the support plate 16 in two directions perpendicular to each other.

Pour effectuer la sélection du capuchon 10 ou 11 qui doit être placé en regard de la tête d'impression 3 ou 2, la station de maintenance est munie d'un mécanisme de sélection et de commande 25, comportant un levier palpeur 26 monté pivotant en 27 sur le chariot 1. Ce levier 26 présente un élément tâteur 28 coopérant avec la tête d'impression 2 ou 3 enfichée. Comme cette tête présente une forme ou un élément de forme différent pour chaque type de tête, le levier palpeur 26 occupe une position angulaire différente selon la tête d'impression enfichée. Ainsi, la tête d'impression 3 de la figure 4a présente une largeur plus grande que la tête d'impression 2 de la figure 2a et le levier est de ce fait pivoté d'un angle de 25° environ sur le chariot.To select the cap 10 or 11 which must be placed opposite the print head 3 or 2, the maintenance station is provided with a selection and control mechanism 25, comprising a feeler lever 26 pivotally mounted at 27 on the carriage 1. This lever 26 has a feeler element 28 cooperating with the plug-in print head 2 or 3. As this head has a different shape or element of shape for each type of head, the feeler lever 26 occupies a different angular position depending on the plugged in print head. Thus, the print head 3 of FIG. 4a has a greater width than the print head 2 of FIG. 2a and the lever is therefore pivoted by an angle of approximately 25 ° on the carriage.

Le mécanisme 25 comprend en outre une rampe 30 fixée sur la plaque-support 16 et susceptible de coopérer avec un doigt 29 prévu à l'extrémité du levier palpeur 26. Ainsi, dans le cas de la tête d'impression 2 des figures 3a à 3c, ce doigt 29 entre en contact avec la rampe 30 pour déplacer la plaque-support 16 vers la gauche à la figure 3b. Au contraire, le doigt 29 passe à côté de la rampe 30 lorsque la tête d'impression 3 plus large est enfichée sur le chariot 1 (figures 4a à 4c).The mechanism 25 further comprises a ramp 30 fixed on the support plate 16 and capable of cooperating with a finger 29 provided at the end of the feeler lever 26. Thus, in the case of the print head 2 of FIGS. 3a to 3c, this finger 29 comes into contact with the ramp 30 to move the support plate 16 to the left in FIG. 3b. On the contrary, the finger 29 passes next to the ramp 30 when the wider print head 3 is plugged into the carriage 1 (Figures 4a to 4c).

Le mécanisme 25 présente en plus un poussoir 33 en forme de dent 34 solidaire du chariot 1 et qui est destiné à coopérer avec un bossage 35 en forme de came solidaire de la plaque-support 16. Ce bossage 35 présente deux flancs de glissement 36 et 37 séparés par une pointe sur lesquels la dent 34 prend appui lorsque le chariot 1 est déplacé dans la station de maintenance 6. Ainsi la dent 34 est en regard du flanc 37, lorsque le doigt 29 passe à côté de la rampe 30 (fig. 4b), et coopère avec ce flanc 37 pour pousser la plaque-support 16 vers la droite à la figure 4c, pour disposer le capuchon 10 en regard de la tête d'impression 3.The mechanism 25 also has a pusher 33 in the form of a tooth 34 secured to the carriage 1 and which is intended to cooperate with a boss 35 in the form of a cam secured to the support plate 16. This boss 35 has two sliding sides 36 and 37 separated by a point on which the tooth 34 is supported when the carriage 1 is moved in the maintenance station 6. Thus the tooth 34 is opposite the sidewall 37, when the finger 29 passes next to the ramp 30 (fig. 4b), and cooperates with this flank 37 to push the support plate 16 to the right in FIG. 4c, to arrange the cap 10 opposite the print head 3.

Au contraire, lorsque le doigt 29 en coopérant avec la rampe 30 opère une sélection, la dent 34 entre en contact avec le flanc 36 et déplace la plaque-support 16 vers la gauche à la figure 3c pour placer le capuchon 11 en regard de la tête d'impression 2.On the contrary, when the finger 29 while cooperating with the ramp 30 operates a selection, the tooth 34 comes into contact with the sidewall 36 and moves the support plate 16 to the left in FIG. 3c to place the cap 11 opposite the print head 2.

Après que la sélection du capuchon 10 ou 11 a été effectuée par flexion des ressorts-plats 17, le chariot 1 continue sa course en poussant la plaque-support 16 par l'intermédiaire du poussoir 33 et du bossage 35, les ressorts-plats 19 sont alors déformés comme cela est montré à la figure 2b. La distance séparant les plaques 18 et 20 est ainsi raccourcie et la plaque-support 16 et les capuchon 10,11 accomplissent un déplacement oblique vers le haut en direction de la tête d'impression 2 ou 3 pour solliciter l'un ou l'autre des capuchons contre la tête d'impression enfichée.After the selection of the cap 10 or 11 has been made by bending the flat springs 17, the carriage 1 continues its race by pushing the support plate 16 via the pusher 33 and the boss 35, the flat springs 19 are then deformed as shown in Figure 2b. The distance separating the plates 18 and 20 is thus shortened and the support plate 16 and the caps 10, 11 perform an oblique upward movement in the direction of the print head 2 or 3 in order to urge one or the other. caps against the plugged-in printhead.

Ainsi, le support complexe 14 permet d'accomplir le déplacement des capuchons en vue de leur sélection et de leur application contre la tête d'impression par une construction très simple et ne nécessitant aucun entraînement particulier, si ce n'est le déplacement du chariot. Lors de l'enfichage de la tête d'impression sur le chariot 1 le levier palpeur 26 est amené à une position angulaire prédéterminée pour coopérer ou non avec la rampe 30 sur la plaque-support 16 de façon à obtenir la sélection du capuchon adéquat qui est mis en regard de la tête d'impression. La translation latérale de la plaque-support est ensuite effectuée par glissement de la dent 34 le long d'un des deux flancs du bossage 35. Après cette translation latérale, le chariot provoque encore l'application du capuchon sélectionné contre la tête d'impression pour ensuite être immobilisé dans la station de maintenance avec les buses recouvertes par le capuchon adéquat. Lors de l'impression la plaque-support 16 retourne sous l'effet élastique des ressorts plats 17 et 19 dans sa position initiale illustrée aux figures 2a, 3a, 4a et 5a.Thus, the complex support 14 makes it possible to accomplish the displacement of the caps with a view to their selection and their application against the print head by a very simple construction and requiring no particular drive, except the displacement of the carriage . When the printing head is plugged into the carriage 1, the feeler lever 26 is brought to a predetermined angular position to cooperate or not with the ramp 30 on the support plate 16 so as to obtain the selection of the appropriate cap which is placed next to the print head. The lateral translation of the support plate is then carried out by sliding the tooth 34 along one of the two sides of the boss 35. After this lateral translation, the carriage again causes the application of the selected cap against the print head to then be immobilized in the maintenance station with the nozzles covered by the appropriate cap. During printing, the support plate 16 returns under the elastic effect of the flat springs 17 and 19 to its initial position illustrated in FIGS. 2a, 3a, 4a and 5a.

Il est bien entendu que le mode de réalisation décrit ci-dessus ne présente aucun caractère limitatif et qu'il peut recevoir toutes modifications désirables à l'intérieur du cadre tel que défini par la revendication 1. En particulier, le levier palpeur 26 pourrait être remplacé par une partie saillante de la tête d'impression agissant directement sur la rampe 30. Le déplacement de la plaque-support des capuchons pourrait également se faire par action directe sur le bossage 35 en forme de came sans pré-sélection par la rampe et avec ou sans la présence d'un levier palpeur 26.It is understood that the embodiment described above has no limiting character and that it can receive any desirable modifications inside the frame as defined by claim 1. In particular, the feeler lever 26 could be replaced by a protruding part of the print head acting directly on the ramp 30. The displacement of the support plate of the caps could also be done by direct action on the boss 35 in the form of a cam without pre-selection by the ramp and with or without the presence of a feeler lever 26.

Les deux paires de ressorts plats 17 et 19 pourraient être remplacées par tout autre mécanisme permettant d'effectuer les mouvements latéraux et d'application des capuchons, par exemple au moyen des leviers sollicités par des ressorts vers une position de repos.The two pairs of flat springs 17 and 19 could be replaced by any other mechanism making it possible to carry out the lateral and application movements of the caps, for example by means of the levers biased by springs towards a rest position.

On pourrait également réaliser grâce au même principe une variante permettant l'utilisation de trois types différents de têtes d'impression ou davantage.A variant could also be produced using the same principle, allowing the use of three or more different types of printheads.

Dans ce cas, la plaque-support 16 porterait un capuchon central et deux capuchons latéraux par exemple. Le sens et la grandeur du mouvement de translation perpendiculaire seront alors définis par le type de tête d'impression enfiché. Un ou plusieurs capuchons pourraient être reliés par tube flexible à une pompe d'aspiration permettant l'amorçage de la tête d'impression ou munis d'un coussin absorbant l'encre. La station de maintenance pourra également être équipée d'une ou plusieurs bavettes destinées à essuyer la partie frontale des têtes d'impression. Ces bavettes pourraient être montées de façon escamotable ou non sur le support mobile ou sur le bâti.In this case, the support plate 16 would carry a central cap and two side caps for example. The direction and magnitude of the perpendicular translational movement will then be defined by the type of print head. cares. One or more caps could be connected by flexible tube to a suction pump allowing priming of the print head or provided with an ink absorbing pad. The maintenance station can also be equipped with one or more flaps intended to wipe the front part of the print heads. These flaps could be mounted retractably or not on the mobile support or on the frame.

Claims (7)

Imprimante à jet d'encre munie d'un chariot mobile (1) agencé de façon à pouvoir recevoir une tête d'impression (2) interchangeable avec au moins une tête d'impression (3) d'un autre type, l'imprimante comportant un bâti (7) et une station de maintenance (6) présentant au moins deux types de capuchons (10,11) destinés à être appliqués sur la tête d'impression (2,3) du type auquel ils sont destinés, caractérisée par le fait que la station de maintenance (6) comprend un support de capuchons (14) sur lequel les capuchons (10,11) sont disposés côte à côte suivant une direction perpendiculaire à la direction de déplacement (15) du chariot, ce support (14) étant agencé de façon à effectuer, d'une part, un premier mouvement de translation par rapport au bâti (7) suivant une direction parallèle à ladite direction perpendiculaire pour mettre l'un des capuchons (10,11) en regard de la tête d'impression (2,3) enfichée sur le chariot (1) et, d'autre part, un second mouvement de translation par rapport au bâti suivant une seconde direction perpendiculaire à ladite direction perpendiculaire faisant un angle tel avec la direction de déplacement (15) du chariot que le capuchon (10,11) sélectionné en regard de la tête enfichée (2,3) sur le chariot (1) soit appliqué contre cette tête enfichée lors dudit second mouvement de translation.Ink jet printer provided with a movable carriage (1) arranged so as to be able to receive a print head (2) interchangeable with at least one print head (3) of another type, the printer comprising a frame (7) and a maintenance station (6) having at least two types of caps (10,11) intended to be applied to the print head (2,3) of the type for which they are intended, characterized by the fact that the maintenance station (6) comprises a cap support (14) on which the caps (10,11) are arranged side by side in a direction perpendicular to the direction of movement (15) of the carriage, this support ( 14) being arranged so as to effect, on the one hand, a first translational movement relative to the frame (7) in a direction parallel to said perpendicular direction to put one of the caps (10,11) opposite the print head (2,3) plugged into the carriage (1) and, on the other hand, a second m translational opening relative to the frame in a second direction perpendicular to said perpendicular direction making an angle such with the direction of movement (15) of the carriage that the cap (10,11) selected opposite the plugged-in head (2,3) on the carriage (1) is applied against this head inserted during said second translational movement. Imprimante selon la revendication 1, caractérisée par le fait que les têtes d'impression (2,3) se distinguent par leur forme ou par au moins un élément de forme distinctif destiné à contrôler le sens et/ou la grandeur du premier mouvement de translation du support (14).Printer according to claim 1, characterized in that the printheads (2,3) are distinguished by their shape or by at least one element of distinctive shape intended to control the direction and / or the magnitude of the first translational movement of the support (14). Imprimante selon la revendication 2, caractérisée par le fait que le chariot (1) est muni d'un levier de sélection (26) coopérant avec la tête d'impression enfichée sur le chariot pour occuper des positions distinctes selon le type de tête d'impression enfichée, ce levier de sélection (26) étant agencé de façon à coopérer avec une pièce (30) solidaire du support (14) de façon que ce dernier soit déplacé suivant le premier mouvement de translation pour opérer la sélection du capuchon (10,11) à appliquer.Printer according to claim 2, characterized in that the carriage (1) is provided with a selection lever (26) cooperating with the print head inserted on the carriage to occupy distinct positions according to the type of head. plugged-in printing, this selection lever (26) being arranged so as to cooperate with a part (30) integral with the support (14) so that the latter is moved according to the first translational movement to operate the selection of the cap (10, 11) to apply. Imprimante selon la revendication 2 ou 3, caractérisée par le fait que le chariot (1) comprend un poussoir (33) agencé de façon à coopérer avec une came (35) solidaire du support (14) pendant le déplacement du chariot pour effectuer ledit premier mouvement de translation suivant l'une ou l'autre des deux directions opposées en fonction de la sélection opérée.Printer according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the carriage (1) comprises a pusher (33) arranged so as to cooperate with a cam (35) integral with the support (14) during the movement of the carriage to effect said first translational movement in one or the other of the two opposite directions depending on the selection made. Imprimante selon l'une des revendications précédentes, caractérisée par le fait que le chariot (1) comprend une partie (33) destinée à coopérer avec une partie (35) correspondante du support (14) pour provoquer le second mouvement de translation du support (14).Printer according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the carriage (1) comprises a part (33) intended to cooperate with a corresponding part (35) of the support (14) to cause the second translational movement of the support ( 14). Imprimante selon l'une des revendications précédentes, caractérisée par le fait que le support (14) est relié au bâti par l'intermédiaire de deux paires de ressorts plats (17,19) perpendiculaires entre eux et mis en série, une première (17) des deux paires de ressorts plats autorisant le premier mouvement de translation et la seconde paire (19) contrôlant le second mouvement de translation.Printer according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support (14) is connected to the frame by means of two pairs of flat springs (17,19) perpendicular to each other and placed in series, a first (17) of the two pairs of flat springs allowing the first translational movement and the second pair (19) controlling the second translational movement. Imprimante selon la revendication 6, caractérisée par le fait que ladite seconde direction faisant un angle avec la direction de déplacement du chariot est contrôlée par la disposition de la seconde paire (19) de ressorts plats par rapport au bâti.Printer according to claim 6, characterized in that said second direction making an angle with the direction of movement of the carriage is controlled by the arrangement of the second pair (19) of flat springs relative to the frame.
EP96101749A 1995-02-22 1996-02-07 Ink jet printer with service station Expired - Lifetime EP0728585B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CH51395 1995-02-22
CH513/95 1995-02-22
CH00513/95A CH690231A5 (en) 1995-02-22 1995-02-22 Jet printer ink.

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0728585A2 true EP0728585A2 (en) 1996-08-28
EP0728585A3 EP0728585A3 (en) 1997-03-19
EP0728585B1 EP0728585B1 (en) 2001-10-31

Family

ID=4188729

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP96101749A Expired - Lifetime EP0728585B1 (en) 1995-02-22 1996-02-07 Ink jet printer with service station

Country Status (4)

Country Link
US (1) US5748205A (en)
EP (1) EP0728585B1 (en)
CH (1) CH690231A5 (en)
DE (1) DE69616395T2 (en)

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5155497A (en) * 1991-07-30 1992-10-13 Hewlett-Packard Company Service station for ink-jet printer
EP0653306A2 (en) * 1993-11-11 1995-05-17 OLIVETTI-CANON INDUSTRIALE S.p.A. Service station for an ink jet printer
EP0674996A1 (en) * 1994-03-31 1995-10-04 Seiko Epson Corporation Capping method for ink jet recording apparatus

Family Cites Families (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4908638A (en) * 1988-12-15 1990-03-13 Xerox Corporation Ink jet marking head having multicolor capability
US5051761A (en) * 1990-05-09 1991-09-24 Xerox Corporation Ink jet printer having a paper handling and maintenance station assembly
US5621441A (en) * 1992-09-21 1997-04-15 Hewlett-Packard Company Service station for inkjet printer having reduced noise, increased ease of assembly and variable wiping capability
US5644347A (en) * 1992-09-21 1997-07-01 Hewlett-Packard Company Inkjet printer with variable wiping capabilities for multiple printheads
JPH06340081A (en) * 1993-04-19 1994-12-13 Xerox Corp Printing head maintenance device for full-width ink jet printer
US5585826A (en) * 1993-04-30 1996-12-17 Hewlett-Packard Company Service station for simultaneous capping/wiping of multiple inkjet cartridges having different inks
US5602573A (en) * 1993-04-30 1997-02-11 Hewlett-Packard Company Service station for inkjet printer having wipers with concave wiping edges
US5424768A (en) * 1993-06-21 1995-06-13 Xerox Corporation Zero-volume maintenance cap for an ink jet printhead
US5644346A (en) * 1994-04-08 1997-07-01 Hewlett-Packard Company Modular wiping unit for inkjet printer
US5548310A (en) * 1994-10-17 1996-08-20 Xerox Corporation Automatic positioning of wiper blades in an ink jet printer maintenance station

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5155497A (en) * 1991-07-30 1992-10-13 Hewlett-Packard Company Service station for ink-jet printer
EP0653306A2 (en) * 1993-11-11 1995-05-17 OLIVETTI-CANON INDUSTRIALE S.p.A. Service station for an ink jet printer
EP0674996A1 (en) * 1994-03-31 1995-10-04 Seiko Epson Corporation Capping method for ink jet recording apparatus

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DE69616395T2 (en) 2002-07-11
US5748205A (en) 1998-05-05
EP0728585A3 (en) 1997-03-19
DE69616395D1 (en) 2001-12-06
CH690231A5 (en) 2000-06-15
EP0728585B1 (en) 2001-10-31

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
FR2713551A1 (en) Ink jet recording apparatus.
CH691799A5 (en) Printer.
EP0720913B1 (en) Maintenance device in an ink jet printing apparatus
EP0719645B1 (en) Ink jet printer
EP1040924A1 (en) Ink jet recording apparatus
EP0728585B1 (en) Ink jet printer with service station
EP1504905B1 (en) On the fly ink-jet nozzle cleaning device
CH693335A5 (en) Device for the feeding of flat materials e.g. for printers, in which a retracting mechanism pushes, during one phase of selection cycle, the movable support back against the action of the elastic spring by a predetermined distance
EP0023269B1 (en) Printer comprising removable dot print head
CH325481A (en) Floating escape mechanism of a typewriter carriage
EP0237690B1 (en) Shiftable printhead
FR2727897A1 (en) NUMBERING MECHANISM
EP0642999B1 (en) Apparatus for introducing sheets of paper
CA1149309A (en) Mechanism for the control of the impact force and the override of the print head in a typewriter
FR2679170A1 (en) PRINTING HEAD FOR PRINTING MACHINE HAVING A ROTARY BARREL FOR PRINTING OBJECTS.
EP0058350B1 (en) Portable labeling machine
JPH0596740A (en) Ink jet recorder
FR2791306A1 (en) Angle adjustment mechanism for headrest for seat in road vehicle has pawl on support arm engaging toothed segment
JPH0342775Y2 (en)
FR2816880A1 (en) Print head for a silk screen printer with screen and support coupled to the wiper and wiper carriage so that the print head descends under gravity
EP0280829B1 (en) Hand-held labeler
CH618630A5 (en)
FR2689450A1 (en) Multicolor printing device.
FR2722141A1 (en) TUBE PUMP FOR INK JET PRINTER
CH551285A (en) PUNCHING MECHANISM OF A WRITING MACHINE.

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A2

Designated state(s): DE FR GB IT

PUAL Search report despatched

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009013

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A3

Designated state(s): DE FR GB IT

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 19970626

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 19990902

RAP1 Party data changed (applicant data changed or rights of an application transferred)

Owner name: OLIVETTI LEXIKON S.P.A.

GRAG Despatch of communication of intention to grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS AGRA

GRAG Despatch of communication of intention to grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS AGRA

GRAH Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS IGRA

GRAH Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS IGRA

RAP1 Party data changed (applicant data changed or rights of an application transferred)

Owner name: OLIVETTI TECNOST S.P.A.

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): DE FR GB IT

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 69616395

Country of ref document: DE

Date of ref document: 20011206

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: IF02

GBT Gb: translation of ep patent filed (gb section 77(6)(a)/1977)

Effective date: 20020206

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

26N No opposition filed
REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: PLFP

Year of fee payment: 20

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20150226

Year of fee payment: 20

Ref country code: IT

Payment date: 20150225

Year of fee payment: 20

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20150217

Year of fee payment: 20

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20150226

Year of fee payment: 20

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R071

Ref document number: 69616395

Country of ref document: DE

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: PE20

Expiry date: 20160206

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF EXPIRATION OF PROTECTION

Effective date: 20160206