EP1162071B1 - Cleaning a liquid jet device - Google Patents
Cleaning a liquid jet device Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP1162071B1 EP1162071B1 EP01304624A EP01304624A EP1162071B1 EP 1162071 B1 EP1162071 B1 EP 1162071B1 EP 01304624 A EP01304624 A EP 01304624A EP 01304624 A EP01304624 A EP 01304624A EP 1162071 B1 EP1162071 B1 EP 1162071B1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- plate
- purge
- opening
- vacuum
- ink
- 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
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
- B41J2/16517—Cleaning of print head nozzles
- B41J2/16552—Cleaning of print head nozzles using cleaning fluids
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
- B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
- B41J2/00—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
- B41J2/005—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
- B41J2/01—Ink jet
- B41J2/135—Nozzles
- B41J2/165—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
-
- 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
- B41J2/16517—Cleaning of print head nozzles
- B41J2/1652—Cleaning of print head nozzles by driving a fluid through the nozzles to the outside thereof, e.g. by applying pressure to the inside or vacuum at the outside of the print head
-
- 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
- B41J2/14—Structure thereof only for on-demand ink jet heads
- B41J2002/14362—Assembling elements of heads
Landscapes
- Ink Jet (AREA)
- Electrical Discharge Machining, Electrochemical Machining, And Combined Machining (AREA)
- Jet Pumps And Other Pumps (AREA)
- Surgical Instruments (AREA)
- Cleaning Or Drying Semiconductors (AREA)
- Percussion Or Vibration Massage (AREA)
- Perforating, Stamping-Out Or Severing By Means Other Than Cutting (AREA)
- Particle Formation And Scattering Control In Inkjet Printers (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- This invention relates generally to the field of liquid jetting systems and relates, more particularly, to the means and methods used to maintain a liquid jet device of a liquid jetting system in proper working order.
- An example of a liquid jet device with which this invention is concerned is a printer head of an ink jet printer. In some instances, such a printer head relies upon capillary action to move a working liquid (e.g. ink) to the printer head and includes means mounted within the head for directing ink through an orifice toward a target substrate. Such ink-directing means can include an actuator, such a piezoelectric device or an electrostatic membrane, for directing ink through an orifice upon appropriate actuation of the actuator or, in the alternative, can include a thermal device wherein heat, which is applied to the ink, serves as the mechanism for directing ink through an orifice.
- Commonly, a liquid chamber, or ink flow passageway, is provided in the printer head which conducts ink from a source, by way of a conduit connected between the source and the printer head, and past the ink-directing means to the orifice. During normal operation of the printer head, ink must be present in the ink flow passageway so that operation of the ink-directing means effects a drawing of ink into the passageway and a subsequent pushing of ink, under pressure, through the orifice and toward a target surface. If, however, air enters the ink flow passageway through the orifice (as could be the case if the printing head were accidentally struck or jostled) or if the orifice becomes blocked, for example, by debris or dirt which may become lodged within the orifice, operation of the ink-directing means neither draws additional ink into the passageway, nor effectively pushes ink through the orifice. Consequently, for effective operation of the printer head, the ink flow passageway must be devoid of air, and the orifices of the printer head must remain free of blockage.
- Air which is present in an ink flow passageway of a printer head and any blockage (surface or internal blockage) of the orifices of a printer head is commonly removed by a purging or head-cleaning operation which requires that additional ink be forced through the conduit and ink flow passageways by way of a purge bulb, pump or other means for forcing ink through the conduit and toward the printer head orifices. Such a purging or head-cleaning process, however, normally pushes ink, as well as air or blockage matter (e.g. debris), through the orifices so that ink, which is pushed from the orifices, flows downwardly along the front (i.e. the face plate) of the printer head. To prevent the ink which flows downwardly along the front of the printer head from touching or being smeared upon surfaces desired to remain free of ink, the ink is manually wiped from the front of the printing head with an absorbent sheet of material. However, such a purging and subsequent cleaning procedure requires manual intervention in, and disruption of, the printing operation and is usually a messy, undesirable job. Furthermore, if such a process is required to be performed on a printer head stationed along an assembly line, assembly line production may have to halted in order to satisfactorily service the printer head, thereby causing the loss of production time.
- It would therefore be desirable to provide a new and improved system and method for maintaining the front of a printer head in a relatively clean condition, even when ink is pushed through the orifices of the printer head during a purging or head cleaning operation wherein air or blockage material is purged from the ink flow passageways.
- JP-A-10202908 discloses an inkjet printer wherein the print head may be moved over a cap having a vacuum channel and a purge channel formed therein during a purging or cleaning operation.
- This invention resides in an apparatus for purging air, surface blockage or internal blockage from a liquid jet apparatus during a purging or cleaning operation, the liquid jet apparatus having at least one orifice through which liquid is ejected by the liquid jet apparatus during a jetting operation, the liquid jet apparatus having a vacuum opening and a purge opening formed therein, the apparatus comprising, a plate defining an opening therein, the plate configured to overlie a portion of the liquid jet apparatus with the plate opening overlying the liquid jet apparatus orifice during both the purging or cleaning operation and the jetting operation, the plate having a vacuum channel and a purge channel, a portion of the vacuum channel overlying the vacuum opening in the liquid jet apparatus and a portion of the purge channel overlying the purge opening in the liquid jet apparatus during both the purging or cleaning operation and the jetting operation, each of the vacuum channel and the purge channel being in flow communication with the opening in the plate.
- In another aspect of the invention a liquid jet apparatus for jetting a liquid onto a target comprises a body having at least one orifice through which liquid is ejected by the liquid jet apparatus during a jetting operation, a face plate carried by the body, the face plate having an orifice therein through which the liquid is ejected, the face plate further including a purge opening and a vacuum opening formed therein, a vacuum source operably connected to the vacuum opening, a pressurized air source operably connected to the purge opening, and, an apparatus for purging air, surface blockage or internal blockage in accordance with the present invention, wherein the purge channel and the vacuum channel are configured for cooperating with the vacuum source and the pressurized air source to purge air, surface blockage or internal blockage from the liquid jet apparatus during a purging or cleaning operation.
- Particular embodiments in accordance with this invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings; in which:-
- Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an ink jet printing system;
- Fig. 2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a fragment of a printer head of the prior art;
- Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the printer head of the Fig. 1 printing system, shown with the cavity-providing assembly of the Fig. 1 purge/clean system attached thereto;
- Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the printer head of Fig. 3, shown exploded;
- Fig. 5 is a view of the Fig. 3 cavity-providing assembly, shown exploded;
- Fig. 6 is a view of the Fig. 3 cavity-providing assembly, shown assembled;
- Fig. 7 is a view of a fragment of the gasket of the cavity-providing assembly as seen in the circle labeled 7-7 in Fig. 5, but drawn to a slightly larger scale;
- Fig. 8 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a fragment of the Fig. 6 assembly taken generally along lines 8-8 of Fig. 6;
- Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken about along line 9-9 of Fig. 8;
- Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken about along line 10-10 of Fig. 9;
- Fig. 11 is a view of the flowover plate of the Fig. 6 assembly as seen from the back in Fig. 5;
- Fig. 12 is a view illustrating schematically the purging, withdrawing and pressure-creating means of the Fig. 1 purge/clean system;
- Fig. 13 is a perspective view of a print head, similar to Fig. 4, illustrating an alternate embodiment of portions of the purge/clean system;
- Fig. 14 is a rear view of the maintenance module plate of Fig. 13, showing the acid etched regions of the plate;
- Fig. 15 is an enlarged view of the identified region of Fig. 14, illustrating the etched pattern in the plate; and,
- Fig. 16 is a front perspective view of the plate of Fig. 14 illustrating the mounting clips for mounting the plate to the printer head.
- Turning now to the drawings in greater detail and considering first Fig. 1, there is shown an ink
jet printing system 20 within which an embodiment, generally indicated 22, of a purge/clean system is incorporated. Furthermore, theprinting system 20 is shown utilized in a typical environment of use wherein theprinting system 20 is used to print indicia, such as abar code 24, upon the side of acarton 26 being moved along a movingconveyor 28 in the direction indicated by thearrow 29. To this end, theprinting system 20 includes an inkjet printer head 30 mounted in a stationary condition adjacent theconveyor 28, asupply 32 of ink, and a conduit, orhose 34, for conducting the ink from thesupply 32 to theprinter head 30. In this connection, the ink is conducted through theconduit 34 to thehead 30 by capillary action. - The
printer head 30 of the depictedsystem 20 includes suitable ink-directing means, generally indicated 31, for directing ink through and out of thehead 30 toward the surface of a target, such as the side of acarton 26. Although such ink-directing means 31 can take any of a number of forms, such as thermal ink jet mechanisms (such as are embodied in printer heads available from Canon U.S.A., Inc. under the trade designation "Bubble Jet") and electrostatic transducers, the ink-directing means 31 of the depictedsystem 20 is piezoelectric-based in that actuation of piezoelectric devices within the printer head 30 effects the movement of ink through and out of thehead 30 toward the surface of a target, such as the side of acarton 26. Furthermore, although thesystem 20 described herein is an ink jet printing system, the principles of the present invention can be embodied in other liquid jetting systems. Accordingly, the principles of the present invention can be variously applied. - For controlling the actuation of the ink-directing means 31 of the
printer head 30, acontrol box 36 containing suitable control circuitry (not shown) is mounted adjacent theprinter head 30, a plurality ofwires 38 extend between theprinter head 30 and the control circuitry positioned within thecontrol box 36. Theprinting system 20 is also provided with sensing means, including anelectric eye 40, which is appropriately wired to thecontrol box 36 for sensing the presence of acarton 26 moving along theconveyor 28. During operation of theprinting system 20, the movement of acarton 26 along theconveyor 28 is detected by theelectric eye 40 which, in turn, initiates a predetermined sequence of events leading to the actuation of theprinter head 30. In particular, appropriate piezoelectric devices in thehead 30 are actuated, as desired, to print theindicia 24 upon the side of thecarton 26 following a period of time necessary for acarton 26 to move from theelectric eye 40 to a desired position in front of theprinter head 30. It follows, therefore, that the actuation of theprinter head 30 is coordinated with the speed of thecartons 26 as they move along theconveyor 28. - The structure and operation of a piezoelectric-based ink jet printer head is known so that a detailed description of them is not believed to be necessary. However, to enhance the appreciation of the contributions of the Fig. 1 purge/
clean system 22, there is schematically illustrated in Fig. 2 a fragment of a priorart printer head 42 having abody 44, aface plate 46 defining anorifice 48 attached across the front of thebody 44 and apiezoelectric device 50 mounted within thebody 44 adjacent theorifice 48. In addition, there is defined within thebody 44 an ink flow passageway 52 (or liquid chamber) along which ink is permitted to flow from an ink supply to theorifice 48. In the depictedhead 42, theface plate 46 provides a chamber wall of theink flow passageway 52, and the exterior surface of theface plate 46 provides the front of thehead 42. - Due to the surface tension of the ink which normally spans the
orifice 48 between operating cycles of theprinter head 42, the ink normally does not flow out through theorifice 48 unless forced to do so. However, by energizing and de-energizing thepiezoelectric device 50 so that thedevice 50 rapidly contracts and expands, ink is drawn into thepassageway 52 from the supply and is then pushed, under pressure, through theorifice 48 toward the surface of a target. If, however, air is present in theink passageway 52, expansion and contraction of thepiezoelectric device 50 does not adequately draw ink into thepassageway 52 where it can be subsequently pushed through theorifice 48. If, therefore, air is injected or drawn into thepassageway 52 through the orifice 48 (as may be the case if thehead 42 is jostled or struck by acarton 26 moving along the conveyor 28), the air must be purged from thepassageway 52 to render theprinter head 42 fully operable. - The
printer head 42 is similarly rendered inoperable for its intended purpose if itsorifice 48 is blocked with blockage matter, such as debris or dirt. More specifically, the blockage matter (which can be surface blockage that blocks theorifice 48 at the surface of theface plate 46 or internal blockage that becomes lodged within theorifice 48 or ink flow passageway 52) prevents the passage of ink out of theorifice 48 by the actuation of thepiezoelectric device 50 and prevents the flow of ink through thepassageway 52 of thehead 42 in the desired manner. Therefore, in the event that theorifice 48 becomes blocked with blockage matter, such as debris, the blockage material must be removed, e.g. purged, from thepassageway 52 in a head-cleaning operation. As will be apparent herein, the purge/clean system 22 associated with theprinting system 20 of Fig. 1 is adapted to readily purge air and blockage matter from theorifice 48 andpassageway 52 in an advantageous manner. - With the foregoing in mind and with reference to Figs. 3 and 4, the
printer head 30 of the inkjet printing system 20 of Fig. 1 includes a face plate 58 (Fig. 4) through which a linear row oforifices 60 are defined, and the purge/clean system 22 incorporated within the Fig. 1system 20 includes means, generally indicated 62, associated with theface plate 58 for providing, or defining, a collection cavity 64 (best shown in Fig. 10) adjacent theface plate 58 for collecting ink which has been expelled from theprinter head 30 by way of theorifices 60 and means, generally indicated 66 in Fig. 1, for withdrawing the ink which is collected, or contained, within thecollection cavity 64. In addition to theface plate 58 and as best shown in the exploded view of Fig. 4, theprinter head 30 also includes an internal operating (i.e. piezoelectric-based) componentry, generally indicated 70, within which ink-moving piezoelectric devices are supported andouter housing members componentry 70. Theinternal componentry 70 includes amount 76 to which theface plate 58 is attached so that theface plate 58 is held in a stationary condition against the front of thecomponentry 70. - The
face plate 58 has front andrear surfaces orifices 60 are arranged along aline 68 which extends centrally along the length of theplate 58. In addition, theface plate 58 has a rectangular outer periphery and is attached to themount 76 with several (e.g. sixteen total)screws 82 which are inserted through screw-acceptingopenings 84 provided along theface plate 58 and are threadably received by internally-threaded openings provided in themount 76. As will be apparent herein, four of thescrews 82 which are secured at the corners of theface plate 58 are removed from theface plate 58 and, in turn, used to secure the cavity-providingmeans 62 to themount 76 with the same screw holes in theface plate 58. - Although the
collection cavity 64 can be formed by any of a number of components and in any of a number of configurations, the depictedcollection cavity 64 is formed by appropriately-shaped cutouts and grooves, described herein, formed in a plurality of cavity-providing plate members, orplates front surface 78 of theface plate 58. Eachplate face plate 58 with screws 82 (e.g. the aforementioned four screws 82) and mount openings which are used to attach theface plate 58 to themount 76. Accordingly, each of the cavity-providingplates openings 91 defined at the corners of theplates openings 84 of theface plate 58 for acceptance of the shanks of thescrews 82 so that theplates face plate 58, are tightly held between the heads of thescrews 82 and the surface of themount 76. In addition, eachplate holes 93 for accepting alignment pins associated with thehead 30 to facilitate the assembly ofplates - Within the depicted purge/
clean system 22 and with reference to Figs. 5 and 6, the cavity-providingplates means 62 includes a first plate 86 (referred to hereinafter as a gasket 86) which is positioned in contact with so as to substantially cover thefront surface 78 of theface plate 58, a second, orflowover plate 88 which is positioned in contact with so as to substantially cover thefront surface 78 of thegasket 86, and a third, or coverplate 90 which is positioned in contact with so as to substantially cover the front surface of theflowover plate 88. - With reference to Figs. 5-9, the
gasket 86 is platen-like in form and has outer, substantially rectangular dimensions which conform generally to those of theface plate 58. In addition, thegasket 86 includes a through-opening 92 which extends along the length of thegasket 86 and opposing rows ofnotches 94 which communicate with the through-opening 92 (as best shown in Fig. 7) so that thenotches 94 extend laterally from the through-opening 92. The material out of which thegasket 86 is constructed can be any of a number of materials, but is preferably stainless steel. - The flowover plate 88 (best shown in Figs. 5 and 11) is also platen-like in form, but has somewhat of an L shape, and includes three parallel slot-like through-
openings plate 88. The (middle) through-opening 98 positioned between the other two (outer) through-openings gasket 86, and the two outer through-openings notches 94 of thegasket 86 when theflowover plate 88 is positioned in its operative, overlying relationship with thegasket 86. Furthermore and as best shown in Fig. 11, there is defined along one leg of the L-shape of the plate 88 (and along the side thereof opposite the gasket 86) a pair ofgrooves openings bores plate 88. - The cover plate 90 (best shown in Figs. 5 and 6) is plate-like in form having somewhat of an L-shape which corresponds generally to that of the
flowover plate 88 and is provided with a slot-like through-opening 112 which extends substantially centrally therealong. The material out of which each of theflowover plate 88 and thecover plate 90 is constructed is stainless steel, although other materials can be used. - When the
gasket 86,flowover plate 88 andcover plate 90 are connected to the face plate 58 (with the aforementioned four screws 82) in the aforedescribed overlying relationship and as best shown in Figs. 8 and 9), theorifices 60 provided within theface plate 58 are aligned with the central through-opening 92 of thegasket 86, the middle through-opening 98 of theflowover plate 88 and the through-opening 112 of thecover plate 90. With the through-openings orifices 60 in this manner, ink which is forcibly pushed through theorifices 60 by way of the piezoelectric devices mounted in theprinter head 30 is permitted to travel toward a target surface, or substrate, unobstructed by the cavity-definingplates printer head 30 of the depictedprinting system 20 has a maximum throw distance, or distance that the ink is accurately thrown from theorifices 60, of about 6 mm (0.25 inches). Consequently, it is preferred that the collective thicknesses of thegasket 86 andplates carton 26, to pass across the front of thecover plate 90 in close proximity, i.e. within about 0.25 inches (6mm), of theorifices 60. It also follows from the foregoing that with thegasket 86,flowover plate 88 andcover plate 90 connected to theface plate 58 in the aforedescribed overlying relationship, a pair of continuous passages extend between theorifices 60 and the through-bores flowover plate 88 by way of thenotches 94, outer through-openings grooves orifices 60 communicate with the through-bore 106 by way of the outer through-opening 96 andgroove 103, while theorifices 60 also communicate with the through-bore 108 by way of the outer though-opening 100 andgroove 102. As will be explained in greater detail herein, a vacuum is drawn in thecavity 64 by way of the through-bore 108 during a purging or head-cleaning operation while pressurized air is introduced into thecavity 64 by way of the through-bore 106 so that a flow of air is induced across theorifices 60 from the through-opening 96 toward the through-opening 100. This induced air flow, as well as the canted condition of the head 30 (as shown in Fig. 1) which disposes the (pressurized) through-opening 96 above the through-opening 100, effects the flow of ink which is expelled from theorifices 60 during a purging or cleaning operation into the through-opening 100, rather than into the through-opening 96. Consequently and due to the influence of gravity and the induced flow of air from the through-opening 96 toward the through-opening 100, ink which is expelled from theorifices 60 during a purging or cleaning operation flows into the portion of thecavity 64 provided by the through-opening 100, rather than into the portion of thecavity 64 provided by the through-opening 96. - In addition to the cavity-providing
means 62 and with reference to Figs. 1 and 12, the depicted purge/clean system 22 also includes means, generally indicated 114, for purging air from the ink flow passageways and blockage matter which has become lodged within theorifices 60 of theprinter head 30 and means, generally indicated 116, for withdrawing ink which has been purged from theorifices 60 and is present upon the front surface of theface plate 58. In the depicted purge/clean system 22, the purging means 114 includes apurge pump 118 which is connected in-line with theconduit 34 leading to theprinter head 30 for pumping, when desired, a small volume of ink through theconduit 34 from thesupply 32 so that any air which is contained within the ink flow passageways and any blockage matter which is lodged within theorifices 60 is pushed, or expelled, through theorifices 60 along with the ink which is pumped through theprinter head 30 by thepurge pump 118. For relief of the pump-induced pressure within theprinter head 30, a return line 120 (having acheck valve 122 mounted therein) is connected between theprinter head 30 andsupply 32 so that some of the ink which is pumped to theprinter head 30 by thepump 118 to return to thesupply 32. - It follows that actuation of the
purge pump 118 expels ink, as well as air and blockage matter, from theorifices 60 of theprinter head 30, and this expelled ink ordinarily would flow downwardly along thefront surface 78 of theface plate 58. However, the cavity-providingmeans 62 described above prevents the exposure of this expelled ink to surfaces which are desired to be kept clean and the withdrawing means 116 cooperates with the through-opening 100 of the cavity-providingmeans 62 to remove this expelled ink from theface plate 58 so that ink in prevented from accumulating upon theface plate 58. - With reference still to Figs. 1 and 12, the withdrawing means 116 of the depicted purge/
clean system 22 includes avacuum pump 124, acontroller 126 within which thevacuum pump 124 is mounted, and anair flow network 128 connected between thevacuum pump 124 and the through-bore 108 of theflowover plate 88. Theair flow network 128 of the depictedsystem 22 includes afirst vacuum hose 130 which is connected between acollection reservoir assembly 132 and the inlet of thevacuum pump 124 and asecond vacuum hose 134 which is connected between thecollection reservoir assembly 132 and the through-bore 108 (Fig. 5) of theflowover plate 88. To facilitate the attachment of thevacuum hose 134 to theflowover plate 88, an air hose connector 136 (Figs. 5 and 6) is threadably received by the though-bore 108, and asealing ring 138 is interposed between appropriate surfaces of theconnector 136 and theflowover plate 88 to seal theconnector 136 to theplate 88. - With reference again to Figs. 1 and 12, the
collection reservoir assembly 132 includes areservoir 142 and alid 144 through which a pair ofconduit segments conduit segment vacuum hoses lid 144,reservoir 142 andconduit segments pump 124 through theair flow network 128. Control of the operation of thevacuum pump 124, as well as thepurge pump 118, is had by way of suitable controls mounted within thecontroller 126 and which are appropriately wired to thevacuum pump 124 and thepurge pump 118. - During operation of the purge/
clean system 22, thevacuum pump 124 is actuated to draw air toward thepump 124 from thecavity 64 of the cavity-providingmeans 62 though theair flow network 128, and the operation of thepurge pump 118 is initiated to pump a low volume of ink through theprinter head orifices 60 so that any air which may be present in the ink passageways and any blockage matter which is lodged within theorifices 60 of theprinter head 30 is expelled through theorifices 60. Since the interior of thecavity 64 of thecavity providing means 62 communicates with the atmosphere by way of thenotches 94 and aligned through-openings gasket 86 andplates vacuum pump 124 through thecavity 64 of the cavity-providingmeans 62 and then through theair flow network 128 by way of thegroove 102 and through-bore 108. - Therefore, any ink which is expelled from the
orifices 60 during an air-purging or head-cleaning operation and which begins to flow downwardly along thefront surface 78 of theface plate 58 is drawn through thenotches 94 and into the outer through-opening 100 of theflowover plate 88 by the influence of thevacuum pump 124, as well as by the influence of gravity. Consequently, thegasket 86 acts as a manifold through which ink is permitted to be drawn into the outer through-opening 100 of theflowover plate 88 from thefront surface 78 of theface plate 58. Once the ink enters the through-opening 100, it is drawn downwardly by the vacuum pump 124 (as well as by the influence of gravity) toward the though-bore 108 where it is drawn through theair flow network 128 toward thevacuum pump 124. Therefore, the though-opening 100 and groove 102 act as flow channels through which the expelled ink moves downwardly through the cavity-providingmeans 62. Upon reaching the collection reservoir 142 (Fig. 12) by way of theair flow network 128, the ink falls from theinlet conduit segment 148 and is collected within thereservoir 142 for reuse or disposal. Since ink separates from the combined air and ink contents drawn through theair flow network 128 at thereservoir 142, only air is moved along thevacuum hose 130 which extends from thereservoir 142 to thevacuum pump 124. - The operation of the purge/
clean system 22 can be initiated, for example, by pressing of "start" switch associated with thecontroller 126 which, in turn, actuates thevacuum pump 124 and thepurge pump 118. Shut-off of the vacuum and purge pumps 124, 118 can be effected after a predetermined period of time (e.g. a few seconds) with appropriate timing controls. The ability to manually initiate operation of the purge/clean system 22 is advantageous when, or if, air becomes entrained within any ink flow passageway of theprinter head 30 during operation or any of theorifices 60 become blocked, and it is desired that a purging operation be initiated immediately to rectify the situation. In the alternative or in addition, actuation of the purge/clean system 22 can be automatically initiated at predetermined intervals to ensure that theorifices 60 or ink flow passageways of theprinter head 30 are free from air and orifice-blockage matter following those predetermined intervals. For example, with appropriate programmable componentry mounted within thecontroller 126, thecontroller 126 can be programmed to automatically initiate an operating cycle of the purge/clean system 22 at the initiation of an assembly line operation to ensure that theprinter head 30 is free from air and blockage matter at start-up of operation. - If the
purge pump 118 which is selected for use with the purging means 114 possesses appreciably more strength than thevacuum pump 124, it may desirable that thepurge pump 118 be operated intermittently, rather than continuously, during the operation of thevacuum pump 124. To this end, the controls of thecontroller 126 can be selected (or programmed) to intermittently actuate and de-actuate thepurge pump 118 while thevacuum pump 124 is operated during an operating cycle of the purge/clean system 22. - It follows from the foregoing that a purge/
clean system 22 has been described which removes ink from thefront surface 78 of theface plate 58 during an air-purging and head-cleaning operation performed upon theprinter head 30. - Consequently, the
face plate 58 of theprinter head 30 is maintained relatively free of ink which is expelled from theorifices 60 during an air-purging and head-cleaning operation, and no manual methods are needed to wipe ink from the front of theprinter head 30 to prevent the expelled ink from contacting or marking a surface desired to remain free of ink. - It is also a feature of the purge/
clean system 22 that it includes means, generally indicated 152 in Figs. 1 and 12, for creating a zone of above-atmospheric pressure in a region adjacent thefront plate 58 of theprinter head 30 of a printing system to help maintain theorifices 60 of thefront plate 58 relatively clean, or in other words, free of matter, such as unwanted dust and debris, which could otherwise become lodged within theorifices 60. In the depictedsystem 22, the creating means 152 utilizes thecavity 64 of the cavity-providingmeans 62, and this providedcavity 64 surrounds the region adjacent thefront plate 58 within which the zone of above-atmospheric pressure is desired to be created. - Furthermore, the creating means 152 also includes a source, indicated 169, of pressurized air, which can be a fan or a
compressor 171, which is situated to one side of theprinter system 20 and further includes aconduit 170 connected between thepressurized air source 169 and the through-bore 106 for conducting the pressurized air from thesource 169 to the portion of thecavity 64 provided by the through-opening 96. In this connection, an air flow connector 137 (Figs. 5 and 6) is threadably received by the through-bore 106, and theconduit 170 is joined to theconnector 137. Theconnector 137 is sealed against theflowover plate 88 with asealing ring 138. Therefore, during operation of the pressure-creatingmeans 152, air from thepressurized air source 169 is conducted into the through-opening 96 of thecavity 64 by way of theconduit 170 andconnector 137 so that the internal pressure of thecavity 64 exceeds atmospheric pressure. - In practice, the internal pressure of the
cavity 64 need not exceed atmospheric pressure by an appreciable amount (and can, in fact, be as small as 1.0 psig) to develop an environment within thecavity 64 wherein any leakage of air out of thecavity 64, such as through the aligned through-openings orifices 60. Consequently, the pressure of the air delivered to thecavity 64 from, thesource 169 need not be very great so that the energy expended to pressurize the air at thesource 169 can (for energy-conserving measures) be relatively small. - As long as the pressure-creating
means 152 is operating, the likelihood that unwanted dirt or dust will lodge within and block theorifices 60 of theprinter head 30 is relatively small. Consequently, it is preferable that the pressure-creatingmeans 152 be operated continually-even during printing operations performed with the printing system with which the purge/clean system 22 is used. During simultaneous operation of the purge/clean system 22 and the pressure-creatingmeans 152 and as mentioned earlier, ink which is expelled from theorifices 60 during a purging or head-cleaning operation is forced to flow, under the influence of gravity and an induced flow of air across theorifices 60 from the though-opening 96 toward the through-opening 100, into the through-opening 100 of thecavity 94 for collection, rather than into the though-opening 96. - It will be understood that numerous modifications and substitutions can be had to the aforedescribed system. For example, although the aforedescribed purge/
clean system 22 has been shown and described as including purging means 114 for forcing ink through theface plate orifices 60 during a purging or head-cleaning operation, the cavity-providingmeans 62 and the withdrawing means 116 can be used without the purging means 114 to retrofit the printer head of an existing ink jet printing system so that ink which is expelled from the face plate with conventional purging means associated with the printing system can be removed with the cavity-providingmeans 62 and the withdrawingmeans 116. - An alternate embodiment of a portion of the purge/clean system 222 is shown in FIGS. 13-16. In this embodiment, the vacuum and
air pressure conduits print head 230, rather than as separate conduits as shown in the embodiment exemplified in Fig. 6. That is, bothconduits head 230 and provideopenings face plate 258. In this embodiment, a single plate , as indicated at 288, is used to provide acavity 264 that is used for ink withdrawal and acavity 252 to provide positive air pressure. Theplate 288 is commonly referred to as maintenance module. - The
plate 288 includes afront surface 290, which is that surface opposing the surface on which printing is carried out (e.g., the target), and arear surface 292 that abuts the printhead face plate 258. Theplate 288 includes a slot-like opening 298 through which the ink is propelled onto the target. This slot-like opening 298 corresponds toopenings - The
ink withdrawal cavity 252 is formed as a vacuum channel, indicated generally at 274, formed in therear surface 292 of theplate 288. A plurality of finger-like notches 276 are formed in theplate 288, and extend between thevacuum channel 274 and theslot opening 298. Thenotches 276 thus provide flow communication between theslot 298 and thevacuum channel 274. In a current embodiment, thechannel 274 is oriented generally parallel to theslot 298 and thenotches 276 are formed transverse to both theslot 298 and thechannel 274. - The
channel 274 terminates at anend 278 that corresponds to thevacuum opening 236 in theface plate 258. In this manner, thechannel 274, at about theend 278, overlies thevacuum opening 236 in theface plate 258. Thus, vacuum is provided to the plate 288 (and thus to theslot 298, via the notches 276) by direct communication of theopening 236 to thechannel 274. - The positive
pressure air cavity 252 is formed as a purge orpositive pressure channel 280, and is also formed in therear surface 292 of theplate 288. Like thevacuum channel 274, thepurge channel 280 is oriented generally parallel to theslot 298, and finger-like notches 282 extend between theslot 298 and thechannel 280. Thepurge channel 280 terminates at an end 284 that overlies the purge or pressure opening 272 formed in theface plate 258. Air is provided at a positive pressure to the slot 298 (by thechannel 280 via the notches 282) to carry out the purge functions described above. - In the illustrated embodiment, the vacuum and purge
channels plate 288, generally parallel to one another, on opposing sides of theslot 298. In a preferred embodiment, thevacuum channel 274 is disposed above theslot 298, and thechannel end 278 is at a downward incline or angle relative to the main portion of thechannel 274. In this manner, as ink is drawn from about theslot 298, it flows downward, with gravity, toward thevacuum opening 236 in theface plate 258. - Conversely, the
purge channel 280 is located below theslot 298 and the purge air flow is upward into theslot 298. The purge channel end 284 is formed generally aligned with the main portion of thechannel 280. - In a present embodiment, the
plate 288 has a thickness of about 0.25 mm (0.010 inches, about 10 mils) and thechannels notches plate 288 thickness and etching depth provides sufficient rigidity to theplate 288 and sufficient flow capabilities at thechannels notches - A further enhancement of the alternate maintenance module is that it is configured to readily install on the
print head 230, over theface plate 258. In a current embodiment, clip likeportions 238 extend rearwardly from theplate 288, generally transverse thereto. Theclips 238 are urged over, and engagesides 260 of theface plate 258 to secure themaintenance module plate 288 by a snap-fit. This arrangement reduces or eliminates the need for screws or other fasteners to secure themaintenance module plate 288 to theprint head 230. Thus, by a simple frictional or snap-fit over the printinghead face plate 258, themaintenance module plate 288 is held in place. - The snap-fit configuration permits two or more of the otherwise used fastener or screw openings to be used to provide the vacuum and purge
openings head face plate 258. Thus, theprint head 230 can be configured so that the internally carriedconduits print head 230. In addition, the snap-fit configuration also permits readily aligning theplate 288 over theface plate 258. Such alignment is necessary to assure that the jetted ink is directed through the slottedopening 298 in the plate and onto the target for printing. - Additionally, it has been found that during operation, contaminants can be inadvertently spread onto the
maintenance module plate 288. For example, in a packaging line operation, such as a boxing or crating operation in which an adhesive is applied to the boxes or crate, ribbons of adhesive can be land on thefront surface 290 of theplate 288. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, this adhesive must be removed, so that it does not build up on thesurface 290 of theplate 288, in order to maintain proper operation of theprint head 230. - A
maintenance module 288 in accordance with the present invention can include a coating or layer, as indicated at C in Fig. 16, of a low friction material thereon. A present material is a fluoropolymer, such as TEFLON or the like. Such a material facilitates readily cleaning thefront surface 290 of theplate 288 in the event that theplate 288 becomes dirty or contaminated by, for example, adhesive ribbons and the like.
Claims (10)
- An apparatus for purging air, surface blockage or internal blockage from a liquid jet apparatus during a purging or cleaning operation, the liquid jet apparatus having at least one orifice through which liquid is ejected by the liquid jet apparatus during a jetting operation, the liquid jet apparatus having a vacuum opening and a purge opening formed therein, the apparatus comprising:a plate (88) defining an opening (98) therein, the plate (88) configured to overlie a portion of the liquid jet apparatus with the plate opening (98) overlying the liquid jet apparatus orifice (60) during both the purging or cleaning operation and the jetting operation, the plate (88) having a vacuum channel and a purge channel (64), a portion (108) of the vacuum channel overlying the vacuum opening in the liquid jet apparatus and a portion of the purge channel (106) overlying the purge opening in the liquid jet apparatus during both the purging or cleaning operation and the jetting operation, each of the vacuum channel and the purge channel (64) being in flow communication with the opening (98) in the plate (88).
- An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the opening (98) in the plate (88) is an elongated slot.
- An apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the vacuum and purge channels (64) are elongated channels extending generally parallel to the elongated slot (98).
- An apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the vacuum and purge channels (64) are disposed on opposing sides of the elongated slot (98).
- An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each the vacuum and the purge channels (64) includes a plurality of notches (94) extending between a respective channel (64) and the slot (98).
- An apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the notches (94) extend generally transverse to and between their respective channels (64) and the elongated slot (98).
- An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the plate (88) defines a front side and a rear side, the rear side abutting the ink jet apparatus, and wherein the front side has a low friction coating thereon.
- An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the plate is a single, unitary plate.
- An apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the plate is an assembly of multiple adjacent plates (90,88,86).
- A liquid jet apparatus for jetting a liquid onto a target, comprising:a body having at least one orifice through which liquid is ejected by the liquid jet apparatus during a jetting operation;a face plate carried by the body, the face plate having an orifice therein through which the liquid is ejected, the face plate further including a purge opening and a vacuum opening formed therein;a vacuum source operably connected to the vacuum opening;a pressurized air source operably connected to the purge opening; and,an apparatus for purging air, surface blockage or internal blockage according to claim 1, wherein the purge channel and the vacuum channel (64) are configured for cooperating with the vacuum source and the pressurized air source to purge air, surface blockage or internal blockage from the liquid jet apparatus during a purging or cleaning operation.
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US590742 | 2000-06-08 | ||
US09/590,742 US6406125B1 (en) | 2000-06-08 | 2000-06-08 | System and method for maintaining the front of a fluid jet device in a relatively clean condition |
US09/775,237 US6457802B2 (en) | 2000-06-08 | 2001-02-01 | System and method for maintaining the front of a fluid jet device in a relatively clean condition |
US775237 | 2001-02-01 |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP1162071A1 EP1162071A1 (en) | 2001-12-12 |
EP1162071B1 true EP1162071B1 (en) | 2006-11-22 |
Family
ID=27080937
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP01304624A Expired - Lifetime EP1162071B1 (en) | 2000-06-08 | 2001-05-25 | Cleaning a liquid jet device |
Country Status (10)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP1162071B1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP2002011892A (en) |
CN (1) | CN1189326C (en) |
AT (1) | ATE345934T1 (en) |
AU (1) | AU756643B2 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2349097C (en) |
DE (1) | DE60124621T2 (en) |
DK (1) | DK1162071T3 (en) |
MX (1) | MXPA01005702A (en) |
TW (1) | TW527286B (en) |
Families Citing this family (11)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US6406125B1 (en) * | 2000-06-08 | 2002-06-18 | Illinois Tool Works Inc. | System and method for maintaining the front of a fluid jet device in a relatively clean condition |
EP1330361B1 (en) | 2000-10-31 | 2009-07-22 | Zipher Limited | Printing apparatus |
US6637862B2 (en) * | 2002-02-08 | 2003-10-28 | Illinois Tool Works, Inc. | Maintenance module for fluid jet device |
US6848766B2 (en) * | 2002-10-11 | 2005-02-01 | Eastman Kodak Company | Start-up and shut down of continuous inkjet print head |
US20050099451A1 (en) * | 2003-11-04 | 2005-05-12 | Videojet Technologies Inc. | Method and apparatus for reducing debris accumulation in an ink jet printhead |
CN100395112C (en) * | 2003-12-24 | 2008-06-18 | 杭州宏华数码科技股份有限公司 | Real time automatic cleaning method and apparatus for ink-jet head of digital ink-jet printer |
EP2089232B1 (en) * | 2006-12-01 | 2012-08-01 | Fujifilm Dimatix, Inc. | Non-wetting coating on a fluid ejector |
JP6132352B2 (en) * | 2010-05-02 | 2017-05-24 | エックスジェット エルティーディー. | Printing system with self-purge, precipitation prevention, and gas removal structure |
CN103041943B (en) * | 2013-01-10 | 2015-09-02 | 深圳市华星光电技术有限公司 | Nozzle cleaning device and the coating machine with this nozzle cleaning device |
JP6241092B2 (en) * | 2013-06-28 | 2017-12-06 | セイコーエプソン株式会社 | inkjet printer |
JP6792708B2 (en) | 2017-03-31 | 2020-11-25 | ヒューレット−パッカード デベロップメント カンパニー エル.ピー.Hewlett‐Packard Development Company, L.P. | Primer for printhead |
Family Cites Families (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JPH02108549A (en) * | 1988-09-26 | 1990-04-20 | Tektronix Inc | Method and device for washing ink-jet-head |
US5184147A (en) * | 1991-04-22 | 1993-02-02 | Tektronix, Inc. | Ink jet print head maintenance system |
JP3417449B2 (en) * | 1997-01-20 | 2003-06-16 | セイコーエプソン株式会社 | Ink jet recording device |
-
2001
- 2001-05-25 DK DK01304624T patent/DK1162071T3/en active
- 2001-05-25 DE DE60124621T patent/DE60124621T2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2001-05-25 AT AT01304624T patent/ATE345934T1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2001-05-25 EP EP01304624A patent/EP1162071B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2001-05-29 CA CA002349097A patent/CA2349097C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2001-06-04 CN CNB011157380A patent/CN1189326C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2001-06-06 MX MXPA01005702A patent/MXPA01005702A/en active IP Right Grant
- 2001-06-07 AU AU51798/01A patent/AU756643B2/en not_active Ceased
- 2001-06-07 JP JP2001172501A patent/JP2002011892A/en active Pending
- 2001-06-08 TW TW090114104A patent/TW527286B/en not_active IP Right Cessation
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
AU756643B2 (en) | 2003-01-16 |
DE60124621D1 (en) | 2007-01-04 |
EP1162071A1 (en) | 2001-12-12 |
ATE345934T1 (en) | 2006-12-15 |
TW527286B (en) | 2003-04-11 |
CN1344620A (en) | 2002-04-17 |
DE60124621T2 (en) | 2007-09-13 |
CA2349097C (en) | 2006-10-24 |
JP2002011892A (en) | 2002-01-15 |
MXPA01005702A (en) | 2003-08-20 |
CN1189326C (en) | 2005-02-16 |
CA2349097A1 (en) | 2001-12-08 |
AU5179801A (en) | 2001-12-13 |
DK1162071T3 (en) | 2007-03-19 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US6457802B2 (en) | System and method for maintaining the front of a fluid jet device in a relatively clean condition | |
US5250962A (en) | Movable ink jet priming station | |
US5574485A (en) | Ultrasonic liquid wiper for ink jet printhead maintenance | |
US6293648B1 (en) | Liquid ink printer having a customer replaceable multiple function printhead capping assembly | |
US5555461A (en) | Self cleaning wiper blade for cleaning nozzle faces of ink jet printheads | |
EP1162071B1 (en) | Cleaning a liquid jet device | |
US5790146A (en) | Fluid applicator for maintenance of liquid ink printers | |
EP0597677B1 (en) | Wiper blade cleaning system for ink jet printheads | |
US5210550A (en) | Maintenance station for ink jet printers | |
US6742882B2 (en) | Air purge device for ink jet recording apparatus | |
US5367326A (en) | Ink jet printer with selective nozzle priming and cleaning | |
JPH06143592A (en) | Cap start mechanism for capping ink-jet print head | |
US7798599B2 (en) | Fluid-ejection device service station | |
US6334662B2 (en) | Method and apparatus for cleaning an ink jet printhead | |
JP7014933B2 (en) | Printing machine | |
EP1219434A1 (en) | A self-cleaning ink jet printer and print head with cleaning fluid flow system | |
JP2003127436A (en) | Inkjet recorder | |
JP3640139B2 (en) | Ink purging apparatus and ink purging method for printing press | |
US5572243A (en) | Ink jet printer priming element | |
EP0936071B1 (en) | Method and apparatus for cleaning an ink jet printhead | |
JPH05220970A (en) | Print head and maintenance mechanism thereof | |
JP2003237094A (en) | Maintenance module for fluid jet device | |
EP1110733A1 (en) | Ink jet printer including a printhead and a method of removing bubbles from ink jet printheads |
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: A1 Designated state(s): AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE TR |
|
AX | Request for extension of the european patent |
Free format text: AL;LT;LV;MK;RO;SI |
|
17P | Request for examination filed |
Effective date: 20020514 |
|
AKX | Designation fees paid |
Free format text: AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE TR |
|
17Q | First examination report despatched |
Effective date: 20040811 |
|
GRAP | Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1 |
|
GRAS | Grant fee paid |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3 |
|
GRAA | (expected) grant |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210 |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: B1 Designated state(s): AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE TR |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: NL Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20061122 Ref country code: AT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20061122 Ref country code: CH Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20061122 Ref country code: LI Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20061122 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: GB Ref legal event code: FG4D |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: CH Ref legal event code: EP |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: IE Ref legal event code: FG4D |
|
REF | Corresponds to: |
Ref document number: 60124621 Country of ref document: DE Date of ref document: 20070104 Kind code of ref document: P |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: SE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20070222 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: ES Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20070305 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: DK Ref legal event code: T3 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: PT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20070423 |
|
NLV1 | Nl: lapsed or annulled due to failure to fulfill the requirements of art. 29p and 29m of the patents act | ||
PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: FI Payment date: 20070530 Year of fee payment: 7 |
|
PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: DK Payment date: 20070531 Year of fee payment: 7 |
|
PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: BE Payment date: 20070615 Year of fee payment: 7 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: CH Ref legal event code: PL |
|
ET | Fr: translation filed | ||
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 |
Effective date: 20070823 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: MC Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20070531 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: GR Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20070223 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: IE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20070525 |
|
BERE | Be: lapsed |
Owner name: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC. Effective date: 20080531 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: DK Ref legal event code: EBP |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: FI Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20080525 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: BE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20080531 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: DK Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20080531 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: CY Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20061122 Ref country code: LU Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20070525 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: TR Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20061122 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: HK Ref legal event code: WD Ref document number: 1043088 Country of ref document: HK |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: FR Ref legal event code: PLFP Year of fee payment: 16 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: FR Ref legal event code: PLFP Year of fee payment: 17 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: FR Ref legal event code: PLFP Year of fee payment: 18 |
|
PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: FR Payment date: 20200525 Year of fee payment: 20 Ref country code: DE Payment date: 20200528 Year of fee payment: 20 |
|
PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: GB Payment date: 20200527 Year of fee payment: 20 Ref country code: IT Payment date: 20200522 Year of fee payment: 20 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: DE Ref legal event code: R071 Ref document number: 60124621 Country of ref document: DE |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: GB Ref legal event code: PE20 Expiry date: 20210524 |
|
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: 20210524 |