EP1222245A1

EP1222245A1 - Cleaning composition, method for cleaning a silk screen and cleaning device

Info

Publication number: EP1222245A1
Application number: EP00969652A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Alexandre Moscatelli
Original assignee: Chim 92
Current assignee: Chim 92
Priority date: 1999-10-19
Filing date: 2000-10-19
Publication date: 2002-07-17
Anticipated expiration: 2020-10-19
Also published as: EP1222245B1; DE60012767D1; US6579381B1; ES2225236T3; CA2355703A1; ATE272704T1; DE60012767T2; JP2003512203A; AU7931700A; WO2001029168A1; CA2355703C

Abstract

The invention concerns a cleaning composition comprising an aqueous solution containing between 0.05 to 5 wt. % of sodium metaperiodate and between 0.05 and 0.75 wt. % of sulphuric acid, and an aqueous solution of 0.5 to 90 wt. % of a mixture of dialkylesters and of 0.5 to 50 wt. % of a non-ionic surfactant. The method for cleaning a silk screen consists in exposing it to such a composition to eliminate ink, the masking product and the ghost image. The device for cleaning comprises a first section (4) wherein are a first ramp (26) of nozzles for spraying a cleaning composition on the screen (2) and a second ramp (32) of nozzles for spraying water under high pressure, and with which is associated a drain tank (20) for recovering the cleaning product and a reservoir (14) of cleaning product separate from the drain tank (20).

Description

Cleaning composition, method for cleaning a screen screen and cleaning device

The present invention belongs to the field of screen maintenance used in printing, and more particularly in screen printing.

In screen printing, screens are used which consist of a frame in which a canvas is stretched, originally made of silk but now more commonly made of nylon / polyester, which has very fine meshes (of the order of 100 μm). . On these screens, we first apply a masking product intended to fill the meshs of the canvas, then we apply ink which passes through the meshes left free and which correspond to the imprint of the pattern to be reproduced on the print media.

For each new pattern to be printed using this technique, the screen must be cleaned by removing the ink and masking product. Conventionally, the screen is cleaned in three phases which are as follows:

- in a first phase, orτ treats the screen with an organic solvent which makes it possible to remove the ink, then a rinsing with water is carried out, under high pressure to remove the solvent and the ink residues,

- In a second phase, an aqueous solution of an oxidizing agent such as sodium periodate, known as a degreasing solution, is applied to the screen in order to remove the masking product from the clogged meshes, then a new rinsing is carried out. water, under high pressure, and

- In a third phase, the ghost image remaining on the screen is eliminated, using a chlorinated product, and a final rinsing with water is carried out under high pressure.

This cleaning is carried out either manually or automatically in washing tunnels where the stages take place successively in different compartments.

The devices currently used for this cleaning have four compartments. Each compartment is associated with a tray intended to contain a product corresponding to the aforementioned phases. In the first compartment, there is a tank containing a solvent capable of dissolving the inks used in screen printing. In this compartment, the screen is sprayed with the product in the tank by nozzles which are mounted on a vertical ramp. The vertical ramp moves in a horizontal direction to spray the entire surface of the screen. The sprayed product falls by gravity, with the ink, into the tank. The second compartment also includes a tank containing solvent. The latter is also sprayed using a vertical ramp moving in a horizontal direction on the screen. This solvent is cleaner than that of the first tank. Solvent recycling devices located in the first and second tanks are provided to increase the life of the product contained in these tanks.

Before moving from the second to the third compartment, the screen is washed with high pressure water.

In the third compartment, the corresponding tray contains a degreasing product for removing the masking product. This product is also applied to the screen using nozzles arranged on a vertical ramp which moves horizontally.

In the last fourth compartment, the screen is washed with high pressure water.

The screen is then ready to undergo a new stage, that of the removal of the ghost image.

During cleaning, the screen is therefore unavailable for a period which can go up to a day or more.

Indeed, and as an example to illustrate the loss of time spent cleaning a screen, the last phase which consists in eliminating the ghost image, is carried out by application on both sides of the screen, a product based on chlorine and soda, which is left to act for at least half a day. At the end of this action time, the screen is washed with a solvent to remove ink, masking and chlorine product residues, the solvent is left to act, then the screen is rinsed with water , under high pressure. After drying, the screen is again available for future use.

Another disadvantage of cleaning screens is the very great pollution they cause, because effective solvents, such as halogenated hydrocarbons, are harmful and not biodegradable, and moreover, the residual mixture of water, solvents and of ink collected is difficult to recycle These solvents are also flammable and their handling, especially in large quantities, is dangerous

The problem of the heaviness and the duration of the cleaning process has already been studied. Thus, according to document FR-A-2 354 377, a composition for cleaning a screen is known, making it possible both to eliminate the ink and the masking product, this composition consisting of a mixture of an organic solvent, in particular gamma-butyrolactone, N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone or dimethylformarnide (DMF), an oxidizing agent such as sodium periododate, and possibly a surfactant The treatment of the screen with this composition is however not completely satisfactory because a preliminary step of treatment of the screen with white-spiπt proves necessary to remove the excess ink In addition, this solution does not does not solve the problem of pollution by residual organic solvents, and can use particularly toxic solvents such as DMF

To limit the pollution caused by cleaning compositions and their consequences on the environment, document WO-A-90/08603 provides a composition in which the organic solvents conventionally used are replaced by a mixture of dibasic esters such as esters dimethyls chosen from succinate, adipate and dimethyl glutarate, which is used in the presence of a surfactant This mixture of esters, active on printing ink, is not toxic and is biodegradable The preferred surfactant is nonionic such as an ethoxylated aliphatic alcohol or an ethoxylated alkylphenol An advantageous composition comprises from 90-100% by weight of the above-mentioned mixture of esters and 10-0% by weight of an ethoxylated aliphatic alcohol

However, this composition does not dissolve the masking product, and its action must be supplemented in a conventional manner by a degreasing step, then a treatment step with a chlorinated product to eliminate the ghost image.

In the absence of a truly effective solution, the screen cleaning processes have remained the same for many years, that is to say for at least thirty years, and widely followed in screen printing, despite their numerous drawbacks According to the invention, a cleaning composition has been developed which makes it possible to resolve all the disadvantages encountered by traditional cleaning methods, including partial solutions of the prior art.

The invention provides an effective composition and method for cleaning a screen printing screen which leads, in a single step, to the removal of both the ink and the masking product. This composition is very advantageous because it has a specific activity vis-à-vis the products to be removed from the screen, but has no corrosive effect capable of damaging the canvas or of causing it to age prematurely. In addition, the cleaning according to the invention does not leave or substantially does not remain a ghost image so that the screen, after drying, can be directly reused.

The advantage of the cleaning power of the composition is twofold.

First, and as said before, this power is exercised vis-à-vis all the products and residues to be removed from the mesh of the canvas, but, moreover, it is almost immediate, and therefore the period of immobilization of the screen due to cleaning is considerably reduced.

Despite its effectiveness, this composition is not polluting. Based on non-toxic products and safe neither for the manipulator nor for the environment, it is very advantageous.

Thus, a first subject of the invention is a cleaning composition comprising: an aqueous solution comprising from 0.05 to 5% by weight of sodium metaperiodate and from 0.05 to 0.75% by weight of sulfuric acid, and a solution of 0.5 to 90% by weight of a mixture of dialkylesters and of 0.5 to 50% by weight of a nonionic surfactant.

The percentages mentioned in the present description and the claims are expressed by weight of constituents relative to the weight of the solution when a solution is defined as above, or relative to the final weight of the composition when the composition is defined, like this will be encountered in the following description.

Thus, the proportions of the various constituents of a composition of the invention are defined to obtain a composition suitable for the ink to be eliminated. Advantageously, a composition as defined above also comprises 1 to 15% by weight of periodic acid. A particular composition of the invention comprises

0.05 to 5% by weight of sodium metapenodate,

0.05 to 0.75% by weight of sulfuric acid,

1 to 15% of periodic acid, 0.5 to 90% by weight of a mixture of dialkylesters, and

0.5 to 50% by weight of a nonionic surfactant

A composition of the invention also meets the following characteristics, considered independently or in combination

The mixture of dialkylesters comprises or consists of a mixture of glutarate, succinate and dialkyl adipate, preferably it is a mixture of glutarate, succinate and dimethyl adipate, the proportions of which are advantageously 61- 67% for glutarate, 20-26% for succinate and 13-19% for adipate

The nonionic surfactant is an alkylphenol ethoxide, and preferably nonylphenol ethoxide.

A particularly suitable composition comprises an aqueous solution of 0.1 to 0.5% by weight of sodium metapenodate and 0.1 to 0.5% by weight of sulfuric acid, an aqueous solution of 1 to 20% by weight a mixture of dialkylesters and from 1 to 22% by weight of a nonionic surfactant

Another object of the invention is a method for cleaning a screen printing screen, according to which the screen printing screen is exposed to a composition as it has just been defined.

To this end, before the exposure step, the two aqueous solutions of said composition are mixed

Preferably, the exposure of the screen to the composition is carried out by spraying (or spraying), a technique which will be more particularly used if the cleaning is carried out in tunnels, it can also be done manually by application for example by means glass wiper After the exposure time, which can vary from one to five minutes, the screen is rinsed with water, preferably under high pressure

The invention also relates to the use of a composition as defined above for cleaning a screen used in screen printing

The implementation of the process of the invention no longer requires bulky installations, a single compartment sufficient to expose the screen to the cleaning composition, to rinse it or even to dry it. Thus, yet another object of the invention is a device for cleaning screens (2) used in screen printing, comprising at least a first compartment (4) in which there is a first ramp (26) of nozzles intended for spraying a cleaning composition on the screen (2) and a second ramp (32) of nozzles intended to spray water under high pressure, and with which is associated a tank (20) for recovering the cleaning product, said device comprising furthermore a tank (14) of cleaning composition separate from the recovery tank (20).

In this way, the product that is sprayed on the screen to be cleaned is a clean product, which does not contain diluted ink. This results in more efficient cleaning, and it is no longer useful to provide two compartments for cleaning the screen. This structure also makes it possible to use the same tank for recovering the degreasing product.

The container for recovering the cleaning composition is preferably equipped with a filtration system, in order to comply with the legislation in force governing discharges into the sewer. The filtration system will be adapted to reject only the product including the D.C.O. is less than 2000.

In an advantageous embodiment, the first and second ramps are joined to one another so as to form only one unit.

Preferably, the ramps are arranged horizontally. In this case, it will preferably be chosen to have mobile ramps and a fixed screen during spraying. The ramps then advantageously move from bottom to top and then from top to bottom to obtain good cleaning. To complete the cleaning, the device advantageously includes motorized rotary brushes, with an axis substantially perpendicular to the plane of the screen.

In one embodiment, the ramps are movable relative to a screen to be cleaned which remains fixed during the spraying of cleaning composition and water, as already mentioned above. However, we could have a mobile screen and fixed ramps. In this case, the ramps would preferably be vertical.

To allow better cleaning, the device advantageously includes a second double ramp arranged so that the screen to be cleaned is located between the two double ramps and can be sprayed on both sides. Advantageously, the device comprises two dosers, one taking a predetermined amount of a solution of sodium metaperiodate and sulfuric acid, the other taking a predetermined amount of a solution of a mixture of dialkylesters and a nonionic surfactant, said dosers being equipped with a water supply. In one of the dosers, an aqueous solution of sodium metaperiodate and sulfuric acid will be obtained, and in the other doser, an aqueous solution of a mixture of dialkylesters and a nonionic surfactant will be obtained . The sampled products are stored in tanks placed inside or outside the device. The dosers are hydraulic or electric.

To also allow the elimination of any ghost images, the device advantageously comprises a second compartment provided with spray means movable relative to the screen. These mobile spraying means comprise for example a double ramp, one ramp being intended for spraying a product allowing the elimination of ghost images and the other ramp for spraying under high water pressure.

In order to allow rapid drying of the product allowing the elimination of ghost images, the second compartment is advantageously provided with a forced air system making it possible to propel hot air into the second compartment. To further improve drying, provision can be made for the second compartment to have a ramp which is movable relative to the screen allowing the blowing of hot air towards the screen. Better drying is further achieved when the first compartment has a ramp movable relative to the screen, this ramp being a suction ramp intended to initiate drying of the screen.

To avoid the appearance of streaks on the screen after passing through the device according to the invention, means are advantageously provided for oscillating the screen. In this way, during the operations relating to the rinsing and drying of the screen, a better distribution of the flux is obtained on the screen, which makes it possible to avoid the appearance of streaks corresponding to the spraying limits of two neighboring nozzles. .

The invention also relates to a kit for cleaning and degreasing a screen used in screen printing, this kit comprising a first chamber containing an optionally aqueous solution of alkyl phenol ethoxide and dialkyl esters and a second chamber containing an aqueous solution sodium metaperiodate and sulfuric acid. In any case, the invention will be clearly understood with the aid of the description which follows, providing an example of a preferred composition of the invention, then with reference to the appended schematic drawing, representing by way of nonlimiting example a preferred embodiment of a device according to the invention and according to which

FIG. 1 is a partially exploded perspective view of a device according to the invention, and

Figure 2 is a sectional view along the section line II-II of Figure 1 In a preferred embodiment, an aqueous composition is obtained for cleaning a screen used in screen printing as follows

firstly, 20% by weight of alkyl phenol ethoxide is placed,

- 13% of a mixture of commercially available dimethylesters are then added, - the whole is dissolved in 66.4% of water,

- 0.25% sulfuric acid is added, and

- 0.25% by weight of sodium metaperiodate is added

The composition thus obtained makes it possible to clean a screen printing screen by removing both the inks deposited on this screen and the masking emulsions which are there.

The use of a product to remove the ghost image is generally unnecessary after use of the cleaning composition described above Of course, depending on the inks and emulsions used, the proportions indicated above may vary The composition thus obtained is non-flammable Its pH is slightly acidic (between 5.5 and 6) It is not harmful, and meets European standards in terms of biodegradability which define the minimum threshold of 90% biodegradability

The cleaning composition described above can be easily filtered after use. Thus, after filtration, the water can be recovered and reused for rinsing under high pressure.

A device allowing the implementation of the method of the invention is described below with reference to the figures presented above

FIG. 1 represents a cleaning device making it possible to carry out the elimination of the ink, the etching and the removal of ghost images from a screen 2 used in screen printing II comprises a first compartment 4 and a second compartment 6. Each compartment is in the form of a box. The dimensions of the assembly are adapted to the size of the screens to be cleaned.

A conveyor allows a screen 2 to be introduced into the first compartment and then to pass it to the second compartment. This conveyor comprises a motorized transfer chain 8 and an upper guide 10. The screen 2 is placed on the chain and is kept in vertical position thanks to the upper guide 10. An opening 12 made in an external wall of the first compartment 4 allows the introduction of screen 2 on the conveyor. The first compartment is associated with a reservoir 14 intended to contain a cleaning solution, a pump 16 for pumping the product located in this reservoir 14, a high pressure pump 18 for pumping water, a drainage tank 20, a double ramp 22 of nozzles and a chain system 24 allowing the displacement of the double ramp 22. The reservoir 14 is intended to contain a composition of the invention. The pump 16 makes it possible to pump the composition contained in the reservoir 14 towards the double ramp 22. This double ramp 22 is arranged horizontally. It is formed by two parallel, horizontal ramps, joined to each other. A first ramp 26 is connected to the pump 16 by a flexible pipe 28. This first ramp 26 is equipped with small nozzles 30 used to spray the product contained in the reservoir 14. The spraying pressure is for example between 2 and 4 bars .

The second ramp 32 of the double ramp 22 is connected to the high pressure pump 18 by a flexible pipe 34. This second ramp 32 is provided with larger nozzles 36 allowing water to be sprayed under a pressure of approximately 120 bars.

The double ramp 22 is arranged horizontally. The chain system 24 makes it possible to move this double ramp 22 from bottom to top and then from top to bottom in a motorized manner. The double ramp 22 is fixed near each of its ends to a chain which is itself mounted around two pulleys, one of which is driven by a motor. Such a system is known to those skilled in the art and is not described in detail in the present description. Any other system making it possible to move the double ramp may also be suitable. On the other side of the screen 2, there is a simple suction drying ramp 38. This ramp 38 also extends horizontally and can be moved from bottom to top and then from top to bottom using two chain systems 24 as described above

Under the screen 2 and the endless belt 8, there is the drainage tank 20 This tank is intended to recover the product and the water falling by gravity after being sprayed by one of the booms of the double boom 22 This drainage tank is connected to the sewer or to a filtration system If the composition indicated above is used, this tank 20 can be directly connected to the sewer because the composition is biodegradable However, to save money of water, it is also possible to connect the drain pan to a filtration system in order to recycle the water. Thus, the high-pressure pump 18 can be supplied directly with water by a water supply network or it can be supplied with water by recycled water The filtration system has not been shown in the drawing but it could of course be integrated into this device When it is provided, the second compartment 6 has a structure very close to that from the first co mpartiment We find in this second compartment 6 a tank 40, a pump 42 associated with this tank, a high pressure pump 44 intended for pumping water, and a drain pan not shown. We also find on one side of the carpet 8 which also crosses the second compartment, a double ramp mounted on two chain systems such as chain systems 24 On the other side of the treadmill 8 there is also a single ramp mounted on two chain systems For the sake of clarity, this double ramp and this simple ramp have not been shown in the drawing The reservoir 40 contains a product, known to those skilled in the art, making it possible to eliminate ghost images found on a screen printing screen This product is a chlorinated gel The pump 42 allows, via a flexible hose not shown, to send the product contained in the reservoir 40 to a ramp of the corresponding double ramp The product p allowing to eliminate a ghost image is then sprayed by nozzles at a pressure of approximately 2 bars The high pressure pump 44 is in turn connected to the other ramp of the double ramp of the second compartment by another flexible hose This ramp also includes nozzles intended to spray water under a pressure of approximately 120 bars. The simple ramp is, unlike the simple boom of the first compartment 4, provided with nozzles blowing hot air Un fan and a heating resistor, not shown in the drawing, allow air to be sent at around 30 ° to this ramp from where it is blown towards the screen

The evacuation tank receives the products which fall by gravitation from the screen 2 In addition to the ramp blowing hot air, there is provided in the second compartment a forced air system 46

The operation of this device is then as follows: The screen 2 is routed automatically by the belt 8 and using the upper guide 10 inside the first compartment 4 The double ramp 22 is then in the low position Once the screen 2 in place, the first ramp 26 is supplied by the pump 16 with the composition of the invention The double ramp then begins to move upwards Once at the top of screen 2, it moves downwards continuing to spray the composition The surplus product, mixed with ink and masking product then falls into the drain pan 20 After leaving the product to act for a few seconds, or a few tens of seconds, on the screen 2, the second ramp 32 of the double ramp 22 is supplied with water by the high pressure pump 18 The double ramp 22 then moves up again until it reaches the top of the screen 2 then it moves towards the down to find his initial position The screen is thus rinsed off perfectly The rinsing water, to which the composition is mixed, as well as inks and masking product, is then found in the drain pan 20

Screen 2 is pre-dried using the suction ramp 38 This ramp is also moved from its initial position at the bottom of screen 2 upwards to the top of screen 2 and then towards its initial position Any excess water is thus removed from screen 2 Preferably, screen 2 oscillates horizontally from left to right to avoid forming vertical streaks. A cam system not shown allows this movement. The amplitude of the oscillations is for example a few centimeters Once the suction ramp 38 has returned to its initial position, the screen 2 is conveyed towards the second compartment 6 The product making it possible to eliminate ghost images is then sprayed by the nozzles of a ramp of the double ramp in this compartment Pump 42 sends the product to this ramp The latter moves from bottom to top and then from top to bottom in order to spray the product over the entire surface of the screen The system me with forced air 46 is then started II propels air inside compartment to try to keep it at a temperature of about 30 ° A dehumidifier not shown can be associated with the forced air system 46 so that it sends dry air into the second compartment 6 During this time, the single ramp blowing hot air moves from bottom to top and then from top to bottom in order to blow hot air on the whole screen 2 and to thoroughly dry the product intended to eliminate a possible ghost image Several passages from bottom to top and then from top to bottom of the fan ramp can be provided The product used to eliminate the ghost image acts when it is dry Once this product is well dried and has acted, double ramp of the second compartment 4 is then supplied with pressurized water by the high pressure pump 44 The ramp then moves from bottom to top and then from top to bottom by spraying water each time over the entire surface of the screen 2 Water spray and product t intended to eliminate ghost images then fall into the drainage bin of the second compartment 6

To avoid making vertical streaks on the screen 2, it is also possible in the second compartment to plan to oscillate the screen 2 in the horizontal direction. Here too, an oscillation of an amplitude of a few centimeters is sufficient once the screen rinsed, it is automatically routed to the outside of the second compartment 6 and of the device described above. It can then be received manually or else one can also imagine an automatic tray for receiving screens at the exit of this second compartment. 6 Similarly, it is possible to have an automatic screen charger at the entrance to the first compartment 4

It goes without saying that the invention is not limited to the preferred embodiment described above by way of nonlimiting example, on the contrary it embraces all the variant embodiments within the scope of the claims below. Thus, for example, instead of having a single reservoir for the composition at the level of the first compartment, one could have two distinct reservoirs, one of them containing an aqueous solution comprising from 0.05 to 5% by weight of sodium metaperiodate and 0.05 to 0.75% by weight of sulfuric acid, and the other containing an aqueous solution of 0.5 to 90% by weight of a mixture of dialkylesters and from 0.5 to 50 % by weight of a nonionic surfactant The same boom could spray these two simultaneously products.

The fact that the ramps move from bottom to top and then from top to bottom is a preferred embodiment. A vertical ramp moving horizontally can also be envisaged. The provision of a double ramp (composition ^" + water) is optional. We could indeed have two separate ramps.

Cleaning a screen according to the method of the invention does not generally result in the appearance of a ghost image. In most cases, it is therefore unnecessary to have a second compartment. The suction and blower bars are optional. Therefore, the systems for oscillating these ramps are also optional.

Any other conveying, loading, unloading system of screens can of course be suitable in the present invention.

Claims

CLAIMS1 Cleaning composition, characterized in that it comprises an aqueous solution comprising from 0.05 to 5% by weight of sodium metaperiodate and from 0.05 to 0.75% by weight of sulfuric acid, and a solution of 0 , 5 to 90% by weight of a mixture of dialkylesters and from 0.5 to 50% by weight of a nonionic surfactant2 Composition according to claim 1, characterized in that it additionally comprises 1 to 15% by weight Periodic acid 3 Composition according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it comprises 0.05 to 5% by weight of sodium metaperiodate, 0.05 to 0.75% by weight of sulfuric acid, 1 to 15 % of periodic acid, 0.5 to 90% by weight of a mixture of dialkylesters, and 0.5 to 50% by weight of a nonionic surfactant 4 Composition according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in what the mixture of dialkylesters comprises or consists of a mixture of glutarate, succinate and dialkyl adipate 5 Composition according to re vendication 4, characterized in that the mixture of dialkylesters comprises or consists of a mixture of glutarate, succinate and dimethyl adipate6 Composition according to claim 5, characterized in that the mixture comprises or consists of a mixture of 61-67% dimethyl glutarate, 20-26% dimethyl succinate and 13-19% dimethyl adipate7 Composition according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the nonionic surfactant is an alkylphenol ethoxide8 Composition according to claim 7, characterized in that the alkylphenol ethoxide is nonylphenol ethoxide9 Composition according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that it comprises an aqueous solution of 0.1 to 0.5% by weight sodium metaperiodate and 0.1 to 0.5% by weight of sulfuric acid, and an aqueous solution of 1 to 20% by weight of a mixture of dialkylesters and 1 to 22% by weight of a surfactant non-ionic 10. Proc edé to clean a screen printing screen, characterized in that the screen printing screen is exposed to a composition according to any one of claims 1 to 9.11. Process according to Claim 10, characterized in that, before the exposure step, the two aqueous solutions of the said composition are mixed. 12. Method according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the screen is exposed to the composition by spraying or by manual application, for example by means of a window wetting agent. 13. Use of a composition according to any one of claims 1 to 9, for cleaning a screen used in screen printing. Device for cleaning screens (2) used in screen printing, comprising a first compartment (4) in which there is a first ramp (26) of nozzles intended to spray a cleaning composition on the screen (2) and a second ramp (32) of nozzles intended to spray water under high pressure, and with which is associated a tank (20) for recovering the cleaning product, characterized in that it comprises a reservoir (14) of separate cleaning composition of the recovery tank (20). 15. Device according to claim 14, characterized in that the first (26) and second (32) ramps are contiguous to each other so as to form only one unit (22) .16. Device according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that the ramps are arranged horizontally. 17. Device according to any one of claims 14 to 16, characterized in that it comprises motorized rotary brushes, of axis substantially perpendicular to the plane of the screen.18. Device according to any one of claims 14 to 17, characterized in that the ramps (22) are movable relative to a screen (2) to be cleaned which remains fixed during the spraying of cleaning composition and water. . Device according to any one of Claims 14 to 18, characterized in that it comprises a second double ramp (22) arranged so that the screen (2) to be cleaned is located between the two double ramps and can be sprayed on both sides. 20. Device according to any one of claims 14 to 19, characterized in that it comprises two dosers, one taking a predetermined amount of a solution of sodium meta-periodate and sulfuric acid, the other taking a predetermined amount of a solution of a mixture of dialkylesters and a nonionic surfactant, said dosers being equipped with a water supply. 21. Device according to any one of claims 14 to 20, characterized in that it comprises a second compartment (6) provided with spraying means (22) movable relative to the screen (2). 22. Device according to claim 21, characterized in that the mobile spraying means comprise a double ramp (22), a ramp (26) being intended for spraying a product allowing the elimination of ghost images and the another ramp (32) for spraying under high water pressure. 23. Device according to claim 21 or 22, characterized in that the second compartment (6) is provided with a forced air system (46) making it possible to propel hot air into the second compartment.24. Device according to any one of claims 21 to 23, characterized in that the second compartment (6) comprises a ramp movable relative to the screen allowing the blowing of hot air towards the screen. 25. Device according to any one of Claims 21 to 24, characterized in that the first compartment (4) comprises a ramp (38) movable relative to the screen (2), this ramp being a suction ramp intended to initiate drying of the screen. 26. Device according to one of claims 14 to 25, characterized in that means are provided for oscillating the screen. 27. Kit for cleaning a screen printing screen, characterized in that it comprises a first cavity containing an aqueous solution comprising from 0.05 to 5% by weight of sodium metaeriodate and from 0.05 to 0.75% in weight of sulfuric acid, and a second cavity containing a solution of 0.5 to 90% by weight of a mixture of dialkylesters and 0.5 to 50% by weight of a nonionic surfactant. AMENDED CLAIMS [received by the International Bureau on March 30, 2001 (March 30, 2001); original claims 1-27. replaced by new claims 1-29 (4 pages)]

1. Method for cleaning a screen printing screen in which the screen is exposed to a cleaning composition, characterized in that, by application of the cleaning composition, the inks and masking emulsions are removed in a single step, then the screen is rinsed with water.

2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that, by removing the inks and masking emuisioπs, we also remove the ghost images.

3. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the screen is exposed to the composition by pulvéπsation or by manual application for example by means of a glass wetting agent of the composition.

4 Method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the composition comprises: an aqueous solution comprising from 0.05 to 5% by weight of sodium metaeriodate and from 0.05 to 0.75% by weight sulfuπque acid, and a solution of 0.5 to 90% by weight of a mixture of dialkylesters and 0.5 to 50% by weight of a nonionic surfactant.

5. Method according to your claim 4, characterized in that, before the exposure step, the two aqueous solutions of said composition are mixed.

6. Cleaning composition, characterized in that it comprises an aqueous solution comprising from 0.05 to 5% by weight of sodium metapenodate and from 0.05 to 0.75% by weight of sulfunque acid, and a solution of 0.5 to 90% by weight of a mixture of dialkylesters and 0.5 to 50% by weight of a nonionic surfactant.

7. Composition according to claim 6, caractéπsée in that it comprises: an aqueous solution of 0.1 to 0.5% by weight of sodium metaperiodate and 0.1 to 0.5% by weight of sulfuric acid , and an aqueous solution of 1 to 20% by weight of a mixture of dialkylesters and from 1 to 22% by weight of a nonionic surfactant.

8. Composition according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that it further comprises 1 to 15% by weight of periodic acid.

9. Composition according to claim 8, characterized in that it comprises: 0.05 to 5% by weight of sodium metaperiodate,

0.05 to 0.75% by weight of sulfuric acid,

1 to 15% of periodic acid,

0.5 to 90% by weight of a mixture of dialkylesters, and

0.5 to 50% by weight of a nonionic surfactant.

10. Composition according to any one of claims 6 to 9, characterized in that the mixture of dialkylesters comprises or consists of a mixture of glutarate, succinate and dialkyl adipate.

11. Composition according to ia claim 10, characterized in that the mixture of dialkylesters comprises or consists of a mixture of glutarate, succinate and dimethyl adipate.

12. Composition according to claim 11, characterized in that the mixture comprises or consists of a mixture of 61-67% of dimethyl glutarate, of 20-26% of dimethyl succinate and 13-19% of dimethyl adipate.

13. Composition according to any one of claims 6 to 12, characterized in that the nonionic surfactant is an alkylphenol-ethoxide.

14. Composition according to claim 13, characterized in that the alkylphéπol ethoxide is noπylphenol ethoxide.

15. Use of an active composition with respect to both inks and masking emulsions for cleaning a screen used in screen printing.

16. Device for cleaning screens (2) used in screen printing comprising a first compartment (4) in which there is a first ramp (26) of nozzles intended to spray a cleaning composition on the screen (2) and a second ramp (32) of nozzles intended to spray water under high pressure, and with which is associated a tank (20) for recovering the cleaning product, characterized in that it comprises a reservoir (14) of cleaning composition separated from the recovery tank (20).

17. Device according to claim 16, characterized in that the first (26) and second (32) ramps are joined to one another so as to form only one unit (22).

18. Device according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that the ramps are arranged hoπzoπtalement.

19. Device according to any one of claims 16 to 18, characterized in that it comprises motorized rotary brushes, of axis substantially perpendicular to the plane of the screen.

20. Device according to any one of claims 16 to 19, characterized in that the ramps (22) are movable relative to a screen (2) to be cleaned which remains fixed during the spraying of cleaning composition and water .

21. Device according to any one of claims 16 to 20, characterized in that it comprises a second double ramp (22) arranged so that the screen (2) to be cleaned is located between the two double ramps and can be sprayed on both sides.

22. Device according to any one of claims 16 to 21, characterized in that it comprises two dosers, one taking a predetermined amount of a solution of sodium meta-periodate and sulfuric acid, the other taking a predetermined quantity of a solution of a mixture of dialkylesters and of a nonionic surfactant, said dosers being equipped with a water supply.

23. Device according to any one of claims 16 to 22, characterized in that it comprises a second compartment (6) provided with spraying means (22) movable relative to the screen (2).

24. Device according to claim 23, characterized in that the mobile spraying means comprise a double ramp (22), a ramp (26) being intended for spraying a product allowing the elimination of ghost images and the another ramp (32) for spraying under high water pressure.

25. Device according to claim 23 or 24, characterized in that the second compartment (6) is provided with a forced air system (46) for propelling hot air into the second compartment.

26. Device according to any one of claims 23 to 25, characterized in that the second compartment (6) comprises a ramp movable relative to the screen allowing the blowing of hot air towards the screen

27. Device according to any one of claims 23 to 27, characterized in that the first compartment (4) comprises a ramp (38) mobilized relative to the screen (2), this ramp being a suction ramp intended to initiate screen drying.

28. Device according to one of claims 16 to 27, characterized in that means are provided for oscillating the screen.

29. Kit for cleaning a screen printing screen, characterized in that it comprises a first cavity containing an aqueous solution comprising from 0.05 to 5% by weight of sodium metaperiodate and from 0.05 to 0.75 % by weight of sulfuric acid, and a second cavity containing a solution of 0.5 to 90% by weight of a mixture of dialkylesters and from 0.5 to 50% by weight of a nonionic surfactant.