EP1310837A1 - Vorrichtung zum Management der Luftqualität in einem elektrostatografischen Drucker - Google Patents
Vorrichtung zum Management der Luftqualität in einem elektrostatografischen Drucker Download PDFInfo
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- EP1310837A1 EP1310837A1 EP02024424A EP02024424A EP1310837A1 EP 1310837 A1 EP1310837 A1 EP 1310837A1 EP 02024424 A EP02024424 A EP 02024424A EP 02024424 A EP02024424 A EP 02024424A EP 1310837 A1 EP1310837 A1 EP 1310837A1
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Images
Classifications
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- G—PHYSICS
- G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
- G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
- G03G21/00—Arrangements not provided for by groups G03G13/00 - G03G19/00, e.g. cleaning, elimination of residual charge
- G03G21/20—Humidity or temperature control also ozone evacuation; Internal apparatus environment control
- G03G21/206—Conducting air through the machine, e.g. for cooling, filtering, removing gases like ozone
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
- G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
- G03G21/00—Arrangements not provided for by groups G03G13/00 - G03G19/00, e.g. cleaning, elimination of residual charge
- G03G21/20—Humidity or temperature control also ozone evacuation; Internal apparatus environment control
- G03G21/203—Humidity
Definitions
- the present invention relates to the field of electrophotographic printing and in particular an apparatus and a method for managing the air quality for an electrostatographic printer.
- Such Color printing machines include a number of consecutive ones electrostatographic imaging modules. In every module of one A single color toner image can be electrostatically printed directly from a printing machine respective moving primary imaging element to a moving one Transfer element are transferred, so that gradually a multi-colored toner image arises on the receiving element. It is more common, however, that one in each module such a color electrostatographic printing machine electrostatically a monochrome toner image from a respective moving primary imaging element, e.g. one Photoconductor element, on a moving intermediate transfer element and then from the intermediate transfer member to a moving one Receiving element is transmitted.
- a respective moving primary imaging element e.g. one Photoconductor element
- each in Module on the respective monochrome image from the respective primary imaging element a respective intermediate transmission element and from there to the moving one Receiving element is transmitted.
- the monochrome toner images successively and one above the other transferred to the receiving element, so that in the last Module a multicolored toner image, e.g. a four-color toner image is completed.
- the receiving element is then moved into a fixing station, in which the multicolored toner image is fixed on the receiving element.
- the in the respective modules produced respective monochrome toner images on top of each other transferred so that they are a composite on the intermediate transfer element form multicolored toner image.
- This composite image is then placed on the transmit moving receiving element, which then moves to a fixing station in which the composite image is fixed on the recording element.
- the relative humidity can have a strong influence on the charge-mass ratio of contained in a developer used in a toner station Have toner particles. Therefore, when the relative humidity changes within a particular module of a modular printer in response to a Change in the relative humidity of the environment caused by the corresponding Toner density on an imaging member also varies if not known countermeasures are taken. For example, can the image exposure of the corresponding photoconductive primary imaging element or the charging voltage for the corona sensitization of the corresponding photoconductive primary Imaging element can be adjusted. It gets worse when the relative Humidity due to the relative humidity of the environment within everyone Toner stations of the modules of a modular printer vary.
- a change in relative humidity can be undesirable Cause changes in photoconductivity that may be compensated by e.g. the charging voltage is increased or decreased before the image exposure.
- a voltage applied to transfer the toner must generally be adjusted to those caused by changes in relative humidity Compensate for fluctuations in moisture content.
- Such adjustments disadvantageously require the use of additional special tools in the Machine.
- If the moisture content is not even in a receiving element distributed can also increase the efficiency of electrostatic toner transfer different locations of the receiving element turn out different, what more Causes image damage, e.g. a blob-like transfer.
- a pre-treatment station at a given relative humidity and temperature be pretreated to the moisture content before using the Keep receiving elements within specified limits.
- a change in the internal temperature can e.g. by changing the ambient temperature outside of a machine uncontrolled internal temperature.
- the temperature can vary from module to module distinguish uncontrollably.
- the dimensional changes differ of the components also from module to module, which is the registration of the individual monochrome toner images of a multicolor image on a recording element impaired.
- the operating efficiency of a corona charger is dependent on both the relative humidity and the temperature.
- Many corona charging devices are used in conjunction with the imaging modules used in a modular electrostatographic color printer.
- the formation of pollutants such as ozone or nitrogen oxide (NO x ) depends on the relative humidity and the temperature. If the relative humidity or temperature changes greatly from module to module in a printer with an unregulated indoor environment, problems with regard to the pollution can arise.
- the ozone generated by the corona charging devices can lead to premature aging of the plastic or polymer components of a color electrophotographic printer.
- Ozone attacks the organic photoconductor elements that serve as primary imaging elements. This affects the performance of the photoconductor elements and causes visible damage such as cracking.
- NO x reacts with water vapor to form an acid, such as nitric acid. When these acids come into contact with a surface of a primary imaging element, this can result in a large increase in surface conductivity. This disadvantageously blurs the latent electrostatic image on the primary imaging element.
- Amines that can appear in the air within an electrostatographic device can severely affect image quality. When the relative humidity and amine concentration within the electrostatographic device are high, the latent image tends to become less sharp and blurry. Even at low amine concentrations, the resulting slight blurring of the image can disadvantageously cause blurring of the dots in latent halftone images in the micro range. Amines can also react with the NO x molecules that are often generated by the corona charging device to form chemically difficult to remove ammonium salt deposits, which can collect on the photoconductor surface. If adsorbed water molecules are present, these ammonium salts form a conductive layer of surface electrolytes, which can cause the latent image to blur more than NO x alone.
- Amines can be generated outside the electrophotographic machine or within the electrophotographic machine.
- Typical external amine sources are humidification systems in which steam is generated and released into the ambient air, as is the case, for example, in commercial facilities such as factories or offices with electrostatographic printers.
- Cyclohexylamine is an amine additive frequently used as corrosion protection in such humidification systems, which evaporates in the steam.
- Morpholine can also be used as an amine additive.
- the amine concentrations in the ambient air caused by humidification systems are often high enough to cause serious problems for the electrophotographic imaging process, especially in winter when they are in operation.
- Other external amine sources are ammonia-containing cleaning agents, for example also floor cleaning agents, which are used on or around the electrostatographic printer.
- Blueprint machines which may be near the electrostatographic printer, are also external amine sources.
- Internal amine sources of an electrophotographic machine can be, for example, non-metallic machine components;
- the epoxides used to connect machine parts can separate amines such as polyoxyalkylene amine and aminoethylpiperazine.
- particles such as dust and fibers contaminate the air inside one electrostatographic machine.
- Operations involving the transportation and handling of Paper receptacles that require inside the machine are known to produce often paper dust and paper fibers that are carried in the air.
- Dust stations are also generated, e.g. Developer dust (at a Two-component developer toner dust and carrier particle dust) or Silicon oxide dust and aluminum dust from the as surface additives for toners used substances, which is then carried in the air. Dust and fibers can get out of the electrically charged bodies like the surfaces of the primary Imaging elements and the corona loading devices are attracted and impair the function of picture recorders. Dust and fibers on the surfaces of the primary imaging elements can cause serious image damage, e.g.
- fixing oils e.g. Silicone oil
- Volatile substances of this fixing oil can be found in the air inside be carried on an electrostatographic machine and cause severe damage Components cause thin, especially on corona chargers Include high voltage wires to create the corona discharge.
- fugitive Constituents of silicone oil in the area of a corona charger during the process Operation can decompose on the thin high voltage wires and thereby form Silicon oxide deposits that affect charge performance.
- Volatiles the fixing oil can also disadvantageously on several surfaces inside one electrostatographic machine condense and form there sticky or rubbery Residues that impair machine operation. Hence a management or control of the volatile components of the fixing oil is desirable.
- the noise generated by mechanical elements in an electrophotographic Machine can be reduced or suppressed through the use of soundproofing material as disclosed in US 4,626,048.
- the one with a high one Speed caused by a ducted air flow can be caused by the noise Use of sound screens in connection with sound absorbing material reduced or can be suppressed, as disclosed in US 5,819,137.
- U.S. 3,914,046 describes e.g. the use of a suction device for Remove scattered toner dust.
- a recirculation of air to control the Dust in the area of a developer station is e.g. in US 3,685,485.
- the US 5,481,339 describes the return of the dust filtered out of the air Imaging modules within a modular electrophotographic printer.
- On Filtering out harmful dust in an ionographic machine is e.g. in the US 4,093,368 and described in US 4,154,521.
- a control of the dust through Vacuum, screens and electrostatic effects are described in US 5,028,959.
- US 5,073,796 and US 5,819,137 describe filtering dust out of the into one Air entering the printer and the air inside a printer.
- US 5,056,331 discloses the use of positive pressure inside a printer to create a Prevent external dust from entering the printer.
- the control of the ozone generated by an electrophotographic machine is e.g. in US 3,914,046 and US 4,154,521 and US 5,073,796.
- the US 4,154,521 describes the use of a catalytic filter for the formation of ordinary oxygen from ozone is described.
- US 5,028,959 discloses a Aspiration of ozone from a primary charger through a tube leading to a Filters on an output of the electrophotographic copier leads.
- U.S. 4,178,092 discloses supplying and extracting air to a corona charger Removing harmful gases and heating a photoconductor for chemical desorption active elements generated by the corona charger.
- US 4,093,368 is a circulating air flow within an electrostatographic Described ionography machine, in which the ozone continuously by means of a Ozone filter is removed from the circulating air flow.
- US 5,481,339 and US 5,819,137 disclose the discharge of ozone-containing air from the individual corona charging devices in a printer.
- US 5,028,959 discloses the management of those created in a fusing station volatile constituents of fixing oil by means of a suction tube, coming from a fixing station a filter at an output of an electrophotographic copier.
- the US 5,307,132 discloses the removal of air from the area of a fixing station a tube leading out of an electrophotographic copier.
- the US 5,819,137 discloses the use of a catalyst-like ozone filter, which in one Inlet filter for admitting ambient air from the outside into an electrophotographic Printer is integrated.
- the ambient air can contain amines, e.g. Cyclohexylamine.
- the catalyst-like filter reduces the amine concentration through the filter entering ambient air.
- a system for the detection of amines in the Ambient air and to remove the amines using a chemical filter is in the US 6,096,267.
- Cooling an electrophotographic printer by air moving devices like fans or blowers is e.g. in U.S. 3,914,046, U.S. 5,038,170 and U.S. Pat US 5,819,137.
- US 5,307,132 describes a heat dissipating Fan for removing air from a fuser.
- US 5,751,327 describes cooling devices with serial in a closed cooling circuit connected light emitting diodes (LED) in a printer using a Cooling fluids such as e.g. Water.
- LED light emitting diodes
- Cooling the air circulating in an electrophotographic device is e.g. in the US 5,073,796. Cooling is achieved by using the Peltier effect Device reached without letting air in from outside the device.
- the device comprises a surface cooled during operation and a surface heated during operation.
- the circulating air is cooled by flowing past the cooled surface, where the heat of the heated surface radiates the heat into the room in which the machine is stopped, is guided to baffles.
- the US 5,073,796 air over the heated surface of the exploiting the Peltier effect Device directed and the heated air thus generated for the pretreatment of Sheets of paper used in a pretreatment unit of the device.
- US 4,727,385 discloses a management of the relative humidity in one electrophotographic machine by a dehumidifying / cooling device, which the Exploits the Peltier effect.
- the device comprises a surface which is cooled during operation and a surface surface heated during operation, whereby moist air is conducted over the cooled surface and so is cooled so that the water can be extracted from the moist air, after which the Chilled, dehumidified air can be passed over the heated area to get back to be warmed up.
- US 5,056,331 discloses an electrophotographic Air conditioning unit connected to the machine for air conditioning in and through the electrophotographic machine stirred air without recycling, the air conditioning unit dehumidification of the moist ambient air flowing into the machine causes and dehumidification with or without a change in air temperature can.
- a control of the relative humidity and temperature of the air in one modular electrophotographic printer is disclosed in US 5,481,339, the one Supply of a first air-conditioned air flow with one within an area controlled relative humidity and one controlled within a range Temperature from an air conditioning device integrated in the modular printer Describes pipe connections to each imaging module of the printer.
- US 5,539,500 discloses the Use of a sensor for the relative humidity and a control unit for Control the relative humidity around imaging elements in one electrophotographic machine, the excess moisture in the machine incoming moist ambient air is removed by means of a cooling device and the humidification of the dry ambient air flowing into the machine is achieved by passing the dry air through a saturated membrane. The in the Air flowing into the machine is circulated in the machine and then to the air delivered outside the machine, i.e. not processed and reused.
- Electrostatographic machines in which some of the air inside the machine is processed for reuse, have the advantages of a supply adapted to local requirements and the economical use of resources, air and energy.
- Devices for returning air to filter out dust and ozone from the air in the interior of an electrostatographic machine are disclosed, for example, in the already mentioned US Pat. No. 4,093,368 and the US Pat. No. 5,073,796 which have also already been mentioned.
- the already mentioned US 3,685,485 describes a return of air in the vicinity or inside a toner station, developer particles scattered around the toner station being collected by a filter arranged in a locally circulating air flow assigned to the toner station.
- 5,481,339 teaches filtering out dust and ozone from the air recycled and returned in the modules of a modular electrophotographic printer, the air being passed from each module through separate pipes to an outflow distributor and from there through a suitable dust and ozone filter. The filtered air generated in this way is then air-conditioned in an air conditioning device and passed to an inflow distributor, which directs the cleaned, conditioned air back to the modules.
- US 5,481,339 specifies the flow rate of conditioned air as about 120 m 3 / h (about 71 cfm (cubic feet per minute). This total amount of conditioned air is circulated through the modules of a printer, such as a modular electrophotographic printer used in the Rule 10 modules (five on each side of a continuous recording element in the form of a moving path for duplex imaging) includes.
- Such an overarching Approach includes the cleaning and air conditioning of air for its return and Recycling in the imaging modules as well as managing a differentiated Flow of non-recycled air through the machine to discharge excess Heat and certain pollution generated by the operation of the machine.
- the invention is a device for managing air quality, which is a general management of ambient air quality in a modular creates electrostatographic printer, the printer used to produce color images serves on receiving elements.
- General air quality management includes that Air pollution management, e.g. the content of particles, ozone, amines, and acrolein, which may be present in the printer.
- the overall management of Air quality also includes the supply of conditioned air at a controlled temperature and relative humidity to certain interior areas of the printer.
- the individual imaging modules and certain subsystem devices of the module flows of conditioned air supply, which is subsequently returned and by a in the device for Management of air quality integrated air conditioning device is reprocessed the conditioned air at an appropriate temperature and relative as required Humidity is brought.
- the additional chambers include electrical and mechanical components that serve to operate the modules and operate in a controlled temperature range Need to become.
- Another object of the invention is to manage air quality To enable non-air-conditioned air, which neither the modules nor the additional chambers is fed, but at a high flow rate through other sections of the printer is carried out, e.g. by a fixing station and optionally by a station for Pretreatment of paper.
- the invention provides an air quality management device which separates certain polluted air streams from other streams and the (in Imaging components of the printer used) conditioned flows from the (in the non-imaging components of the printer) Streams separate.
- the air quality management device includes a non-air-conditioned one non-return section through which ambient air from outside the printer is retracted, and a return section for both cleaning and Air conditioning.
- the printer is used to generate color images Receiving elements and includes a first interior and a second Indoors.
- the non-return section is used to manage the air quality of the in the vicinity of a fixing station for fixing the color images on the recording elements led air and optionally the air quality of one possibly in the printer existing station for pretreating paper passing air.
- the second The interior comprises a number of imaging modules arranged one behind the other, which each have devices such as chargers, recorders, toner stations and Cleaning stations are assigned.
- the second interior is from the first Interior delimited by at least one partition.
- the returnless Section serves the management of air quality in the first indoor area, and the Return section is used to manage air quality in the second Indoors.
- the returnless section which is used to derive the first Excess heat is generated inside and the polluted air is used Ambient air through at least one inflow opening through a plurality of in the first Inside flow paths provided to at least one outflow opening passed
- the recirculation-free section at least one air moving device includes a predetermined total airflow.
- the return section of the Air quality management device includes an air conditioning device for Control of the temperature and relative humidity of the air in the second Indoors.
- the air conditioning device comprises at least one input and at least one outlet, each outlet being an outflow of air provides that can be divided into outflowing partial flows that can be individually air-conditioned.
- the return section the air quality management device further comprises at least one Air recirculation device, which with a predetermined total return rate moved back by the air conditioning device, so that the outflowing air flows through a variety of return lines and from there to one arranged near the entrance of the air conditioning device Filter unit is guided, the filter unit being designed such that it is continuous Particles, ozone and amines removed from the air in the second interior.
- the invention is a device for managing air quality, into a modular electrostatographic color printer for the production of color images can be integrated on receiving elements, it being the electrostatographic Color printer by an electrophotographic color printer or an electrographic Color printer can act.
- An exemplary modular color printer in which the invention can be used includes a number arranged one after the other electrostatographic imaging modules.
- a toner image e.g. on monochrome toner image, electrostatically from a respective moving primary Imaging element, e.g. a photoconductor element, on a moving one Intermediate transmission element transmitted and from this intermediate transmission element on a moving receiving element.
- the receiving element is successively moved through the imaging modules, each containing the corresponding toner image from the respective primary imaging element to a respective one Intermediate transmission element and from this to the moving receiving element is transferred, the monochrome toner images one after the other on the Transfer element are transferred so that in the last module a multicolored image, e.g. a four-color picture is completed. Then the receiving element in a Moving station in which the finished multicolored image is fixed on the recording element becomes. Alternatively, the respective toner images generated in the individual modules one above the other are transferred to the intermediate transfer element, so that on this a composite multicolored image is created, which is then transferred to the Receiving element is transmitted. The receiving element is then in a fixing station moved, in which the composite image is fixed on the recording element.
- the electrostatographic color printer with which the inventive device for Air quality management can be used includes a first indoor area and a second inner region, the second inner region being formed by at least one Separating element is separated from the first inner region.
- the air quality of the air present in the first interior area is determined using a closed loop section of the air quality management device, in the ambient air through the first interior and back out of the printer is rejected and optionally a paper pretreatment station for pretreatment which includes paper receiving elements.
- the air quality in the second interior is determined by a return section of the Air quality management device regulated by a device for Controlled flow of conditioned air through the second interior to maintain the temperature and relative humidity of the air within a given Value range includes, the conditioned air for continuous recycling is returned to the second interior. It can be provided that more than one individually air-conditioned air flow directed to different places and used there becomes.
- the second interior comprises e.g. a number arranged one after the other electrophotographic imaging modules that work in conjunction with them Devices such as Corona chargers, picture recorders, toner stations and Cleaning stations are assigned. Usually four or more Imaging modules used.
- One aspect of the invention is to keep polluted air flows isolated Air pollution elements are recorded at the place of their creation.
- 1A shows a generic diagram of a device 100 according to the invention for managing air quality.
- This generic diagram serves as a reference diagram for describing various embodiments of the invention. 1A is used similarly in the following disclosure.
- the dashed line denoted by reference numeral 140 schematically indicates a feedback-free section of the device 100 according to the invention for managing the air quality.
- the dotted line designated by reference numeral 120 schematically indicates a return section of the device 100 for the management of the air quality.
- the non-return section 140 serves to manage the air quality in the first interior 150.
- the return section 120 serves to manage the air quality in both a primary recycling area 130 (hereinafter referred to only as area 130) and an air conditioning device 160.
- the second interior area comprises the area 130 and each another area which contains air to be recycled and recycled by the air conditioning device 160, ie also air which is stirred by one or more lines (not shown) connecting the air conditioning device 160 to the area 130.
- the return section 120 includes at least one mechanism for removing air pollution elements from the return air.
- the air conditioning device 160 (also labeled A / C) comprises at least one outlet (not shown separately) and supplies conditioned air that is circulated through at least one return device (not shown) in the area 130.
- the conditioned air which flows in the direction of the arrow labeled a 1, is discharged from the air conditioning device 160 via at least one entrance (not shown) through a wall 131 into the area 130 and then through a plurality of areas (not shown) provided in the area 130.
- a corresponding return flow which is identified by an arrow labeled a 2 , is derived from the region 130 and leaves it through at least one outflow opening (not shown) in a wall 132.
- the air to be treated is then returned to the air conditioning device 160 via suitable lines after it has previously passed through a filter unit 161, in which air pollution elements, for example particles, ozone and amines, are removed from the air to be recycled and reprocessed.
- the air stream a 1 comprises at least one outflowing partial stream which leaves the air conditioning device 160.
- FIG. 1C An exemplary filter unit 161 that can be used in connection with the device 100 is shown in FIG. 1C.
- the air flow to be returned (which corresponds to the air flow indicated by the arrow a 2 in FIG. 1A) is indicated by the arrow D directed in the direction of the filter unit 161.
- the filter unit 161 includes an inflow opening 163a.
- a discharge line 163b connected to the air conditioning device 160 forwards the filtered air, as indicated by the arrow D '.
- the filter unit 161 comprises a particle filter 164 for removing coarse particles from the air flow D, a particle filter 165 for removing fine particles, an ozone filter 166 for absorbing or decomposing ozone and an amine filter 167 for absorbing or decomposing amines (listed in the order in which they are passed by the air to be filtered).
- the filters 164, 165, 166 and 167 are arranged within a suitable line system which connects the inflow line 163a to the discharge line 163b.
- Short line sections 163c, 163d and 163e generally create a suitable distance 168a or 168b or 168c of approximately 3 mm between the successive filters.
- the filter unit 161 need not include all four filters 164, 165, 166 and 167, but preferably includes filters for removing coarse and fine particles.
- the unit 161 can also comprise fewer or more than four filters, and any number of filters can be provided to remove all types of undesirable pollution elements which are required for cleaning the air to be recycled in the return section of the air quality management device 100.
- the conditioned air of the air stream a 2 has the same temperature and the same relative humidity in all outflowing partial streams, while in other embodiments at least two outflowing partial streams have different temperature and / or moisture properties.
- Air quality management devices are in addition to the first and second Inside a third and / or fourth inside area (not shown in FIG. 1A) provided that do not overlap with the first and second inner regions.
- the air conditioning device 160 includes temperature sensors (not shown) that determine the air temperature of one or more outflowing air streams.
- the air temperature is passed electronically as temperature information to a temperature control (not shown) which controls the air temperature of the at least one outflowing air flow by means of suitable temperature control mechanisms.
- the air conditioning device 160 comprises sensors (not shown) for determining the relative atmospheric humidity of one or more outflowing partial flows.
- the relative air humidity is sent electronically as moisture information to a control (not shown) of the relative air humidity, which controls the relative air humidity of the at least one outflowing air flow by means of suitable control mechanisms.
- the flow rate of the currents a 1 and a 2 is essentially the same and is determined by a predetermined total return rate of the air present in the second inner region.
- the area 130 is further defined by a wall 133 and by at least one separating element 135.
- the walls 131, 132, 133 and the at least one separating element 135 and further walls (not shown) together form a housing of the region 130.
- the walls 151, 152, 153 and the at least one separating element 135 and (not shown) further walls a housing of the first interior.
- the at least one separating element 135 is common to the first inner region 150 and the region 130.
- the recirculation-free section 140 provides an inflow of ambient air from outside the printer, as indicated by arrow a 3 , and an outflow of exhaust air, which is indicated by arrow a 4 , this exhaust air flow being outside the printer, but preferably not to be disposed of in the ambient air area of the printer contains.
- the exhaust air removes the pollution elements generated in the area 150 and excess heat from the printer.
- the exhaust air stream a 4 is preferably fed to an external mechanism for air disposal within the building in which the printer is located. This external mechanism can be designed, for example, as a heating, ventilation or air conditioning system (HVAC system), as is generally present for the building as a whole.
- HVAC system heating, ventilation or air conditioning system
- the inflow a 3 runs through at least one inflow opening (not shown) in the wall 152.
- the corresponding, essentially equally strong exhaust air flow a 4 runs through at least one outflow opening in the wall 151. Both the throughflow rate of the inflow and that of the exhaust air flow are in Substantially equal to a predetermined total flow rate of the first inner region 150.
- the air flow through the first inner region 150 is generated by at least one air movement device (not shown), which moves an air flow from the at least one inflow opening through a multiplicity of flow paths (not shown) in the inner region 150 to the causes at least one outflow opening.
- the inner region 150 is preferably sealed against the ambient air of the printer.
- Each inflow opening of area 150 preferably includes a filter for removal of the particles carried in the air from those entering the first inner region 150 Ambient air.
- the inflow port filter 157 is preferably a high filter Flow rate, similar to a conventional filter, as used in a heating system Is used and e.g. from Fedder Corporation or Grainger Corporation (e.g. Grainger model 5C460) is available.
- a specific for the removal of Amine constructed amine filters 158 can be provided to remove amines from those in the first To remove interior 150 entering ambient air.
- a plurality of through-flow openings 145 and 146 can be assigned to the at least one separating element 135, which can be arranged at any point along the at least one separating element 135.
- one or more air flows indicated by the arrow a 5 can flow from the area 130 into the first inner area 150 (the primary recycling area 130 being integrated into the second inner area).
- one or more air flows indicated by arrow a 6 flow through the one or more flow openings 146 from the first inner region into the area 130.
- the total flow rate of the air flow indicated by arrow a 5 is substantially equal to the total flow rate of the air flow indicated by arrow a 5 6 indicated air flow.
- the flow rate of the air flow indicated by arrow a 5 is a predetermined fraction of the specified total return rate, which is preferably less than 0.33 and can also be essentially zero in certain devices.
- the flow openings 145 and 146 can also be distributed along the length of the at least one separating element 135.
- the flow rate of a flow pattern distributed in this way depends on the position of the at least one associated flow opening 145, 146. In the case of distributed flow, there is usually a point in the distributed flow pattern at which the local net flow between the regions 130 and 150 is essentially zero.
- FIG. 1B An alternative embodiment of the air quality management device according to the invention is shown in FIG. 1B, in which the units denoted by an apostrophe are completely similar to the corresponding unapostrophied units in FIG. 1A.
- Filtered ambient air is conducted from the outside at a pre-specified inflow rate through suitable inflow pipes (not shown) directly into the region 130 ′, as the arrow a 7 indicates.
- the pre-specified inflow rate divided by the total return rate is preferably less than 0.2 and in particular preferably less than 0.05.
- the outflow rate of an air flow flowing out of the second inner region is essentially equal to the inflow rate of the air flow into the printer from the outside.
- This outflowing air stream can be directed from the second inner region into the first inner region, where it is combined with the air stream flowing out from there, or can be passed directly via suitable discharge pipes (not shown) through an optionally provided outflow opening from the second inner volume to a location outside the Out the printer, as indicated by arrow a 8 .
- Such a corresponding outflow rate of an air flow exiting from the second inner region to a location outside the printer is necessary if the aforementioned predetermined fraction of the specified total return rate is essentially zero and essentially no air flows such as the air flows a 5 'and a 6 ' flowing through flow openings are present, ie when the at least one separating element effectively seals the second inner region from the first inner region.
- an air stream a 8 can be combined with an air stream a 4 'for disposal by means of suitable lines (not shown).
- Fig. 2 shows an exemplary schematic air flow diagram by means of a Return section of a device according to the invention for the management of the Air quality in a second interior area of circulated air, with the return section is identified by reference numeral 200.
- the second interior there are five Imaging modules M1, M2, M3, M4 and M5 are provided. However, it can also be a smaller or larger number of modules can be used in the printer.
- Each An imaging module is assigned a toner which, together with the other toners of the other modules form a multicolored toner image that successively from module to module is built up. Typically, four or five modules are used to generate one Recording element used for transferring single-color toner images.
- the plain colors Toner images usually include a toner image generated in a cyan toner module Cyan, a magenta toner image created in a magenta toner module, one in one Yellow toner module produces a yellow toner image and one in a black toner module generated toner image in black. All single-color toner images together form the finished one multicolored toner image that is transferred to the recording element.
- the fifth module can be used to create images in a special toner, e.g. on Special color toner for creating logos. Alternatively, the fifth module can also be used for Generation of a colorless or clear toner layer or a colorless or clear toner image be used.
- modules can also be used, to provide both a special color toner module and a clear toner module to have.
- a larger number of modules can also be used Use special color toner or clear toner.
- any suitable sequence of modules can be used.
- the imaging module M1 generates e.g. a first toner image of a multicolor Toner image and is located in an area 220 defined by lines 241, 242 and 243 is limited.
- the dotted line 240 indicates a separation between the module M1 and the module M2, which can represent a partial wall or no wall.
- the other imaging modules are in similarly delimited areas.
- the Modules M1, M2, M3, M4, M5 each have a corresponding additional chamber A1, A2, A3, Assigned to A4 and A5.
- Each of the auxiliary chambers contains heat generating devices to operate the respective module.
- the heat generating devices include Drive motors e.g. for rotating rotatable elements such as drums or rotatable ones movable belts in the modules, a power supply, circuit boards, etc.
- Additional chamber A1 designated by reference numeral 230, is shown in FIG. 2 by lines 243, 244, 245 and 246 limited.
- the other additional chambers have similar boundary lines on.
- the boundary line 243 represents a common wall which defines the area 220 and separates the additional chamber A1 from each other.
- Rotating drive axles can be (not shown) by Openings in the walls, e.g. in the wall 243, run and connect inside the Additional chambers arranged drive motors with in the corresponding modules arranged rotatable drums or movable belts.
- the openings are preferably sealed around the axes to effectively counter the auxiliary chambers to seal the modules.
- guides for electrical are preferred Wires are provided between the auxiliary chambers and the modules, with the guides preferably provided with seals where the guides through the walls, e.g. the Wall 243, run.
- the seals serve to effectively isolate the To ensure additional chambers from the modules.
- Any of the boundaries between adjoining additional chambers, e.g. the boundary 246 can be used as one complete wall or even as a certain air flow between the Partial wall enabling additional chambers to be formed.
- the air conditioning device 260 shown in FIG. 2 and the inflow filter unit 261 are similar in their function of the units 160 and 161 shown in FIG. 1
- Main circulation device 250 provides the primary impetus for the circulation of air within the return section 200 of the air quality management device.
- the main circulating device which is located in a housing 251, can be used as Blower, fan, suction mechanism or similar be trained. Air conditioned air is from the main circulation device 250 is moved through the housing 251 and there in three Air flows divided, which are indicated by the arrows X, Y and Z and in the the arrows flow in the direction indicated.
- Each of the air flows X, Y, Z is a percentage Partial flow of the air flow flowing out of the outlet of the air conditioning device 260, the percentage being determined by the respective flow resistance.
- the Sum X + Y + Z of the air flow rates is equal to the specified total recirculation rate of the Air in the second interior.
- the air flow X supplies conditioned air for ventilation of the modules, which is supplied to an inflow distributor 201 of the modules, the inflow distributor 201 having outflow pipes through which the air flow X is supplied to the respective air areas (for example the area 220) as approximately uniform module ventilation flows, for example also the individual modules M1, M2, M3, M4 and M5.
- These approximately uniform module ventilation flows which are indicated by the corresponding arrows x 1 , x 2 , x 3 , X 4 and x 5 , provide conditioned air for ventilation of the individual modules.
- the arrows q 1 , q 2 , q 3 , q 4 and q 5 indicate respective exhaust air flows which are led via corresponding exhaust air pipes from the respective area to an outflow distributor 203, from which an air flow X ′ is returned to the filter unit 261 via a line system ,
- the air flow Y delivers conditioned air directly to certain subsystems in the modules M1, M2, M3, M4 and M5.
- the air flow Y is therefore fed to an inflow distributor 202 for supplying the subsystems and from there as approximately uniform subsystem ventilation flows to the modules M1, M2, M3, M4 and M5 as indicated by the arrows y 1 , y 2 , y 3 , y 4 and y 5 be fed.
- Each subsystem stream can comprise, for example, an image-recorder-related current component and a charger-related current component.
- the image recorder-related current components serve to cool a respective image recorder (not shown) in the respective module.
- the charging device-related current components serve to ventilate one or more charging devices (not shown), for example corona charging devices, in the respective module.
- the subsystem current y 1 is therefore shown as being divided into separate currents (by a suitable line system), that is to say into a current-component-related current component j 1 and a charger-related current component k 1 .
- the image-recorder-related current component j 1 is used to cool an image recorder in module M1
- the charging device-related current component k 1 is used to ventilate the corona charging device, for example to ventilate a primary charging device for sensitizing a (not shown) photoconductive primary imaging element in module M1.
- the other sub-system streams in the other modules are, as shown, divided into sub-streams in a similar manner.
- the video recorder-related ventilation flow component and the charger-related ventilation flow component can also be routed directly in the inflow distributor 202 to supply the subsystems to the respective location of the subsystem.
- An image recorder for exposing a photoconductive primary imaging element in a module can comprise, for example, a laser arrangement or an LED arrangement.
- the image recorder is preferably provided with cooling fins, the respective image recorder being cooled by the current component of the image recorder, for example the current component j 1 , from air flowing past the cooling fins.
- the video recorder-related ventilation flow components j 1 , j 2 , j 3 , j 4 and j 5 cool the video recorders and are used for feedback with the exhaust air flows leaving the modules q 1 , q 2 , q 3 , q 4 and q 5 and finally with the air flow X 'united.
- a separate line system (not shown separately in FIG. 2) can also be provided, which conducts the video recorder-related ventilation flow components either individually or together to the filter unit 261.
- the charging device-related ventilation flow components k 1 , k 2 , k 3 , k 4 , k 5 can be used for ventilation of certain charging devices, for example primary charging devices, of the charging devices in the modules and are used for recirculation with the exhaust air flows q 1 , q 2 , leaving the modules. q 3 , q 4 , q 5 and thereby combined with the air flow X '.
- the ozone generated, for example, by the chargers, for example corona chargers, in the modules is carried along and correspondingly by the exhaust air streams q 1 , q 2 , q 3 , q 4 and q 5 leaving the modules, ie in the air stream X ' led back to the filter unit 261.
- a separate line system (not shown separately in FIG. 2) can also be provided, which directs the ozone-laden air back to the filter unit 261 and can be connected directly to the interior of each charging device in the modules M1, M2, M3, M4 and M5.
- the piping system can also remove ozone in the vicinity of each corona charger.
- Another line system directs particle-laden air away from the toner stations (not shown) and the cleaning stations (not shown) in the modules.
- Developer particles can knownly comprise carrier particles, toner particles and other particles, for example silicon dioxide particles, titanium particles and the like.
- a discharge line for waste from the cleaning station is provided in the immediate vicinity of each cleaning station and removes the waste particles occurring in the vicinity of the respective cleaning station.
- Such a cleaning station can be used, for example, to clean a primary imaging element (not shown) or an intermediate transfer element (not shown).
- each of the exhaust air streams p 1 , p 2 , p 3 , p 4 and p 5 thus contains a toner station-related exhaust air flow component and a cleaning station-related exhaust air flow component , both of which are directed to particle-related manifold 204.
- the air carrying the developer dust and the waste particles of the cleaning station is conducted as an air flow W for reprocessing to the filter unit 261, the flow W previously passing through an optionally provided additional filter 271.
- the additional filter 271 serves as an additional combined filter for developer dust and waste materials from the cleaning station.
- an additional air movement device 270 for example a suction device, is provided in an air chamber 272.
- Pipe systems for transporting the developer-polluted air from the respective toner station to a particle-related outflow distributor for collecting the developer-polluted air and for its subsequent forwarding to the optionally provided additional filter 271 or for transporting the waste particles with Cleaning station polluted air from the respective cleaning station to one particle-related outflow distributor and from there to the optionally provided Additional filter 271 or to separate additional filters (not shown) that are used in conjunction with such separate line systems can be used.
- each module M1, M2, M3, M4 and M5 can have a corresponding (not shown) additional developer dust filter and a corresponding (not shown) have additional filters for waste particles from the cleaning station, these two additional filters as separate filters or as a combination filter for each each module can be designed.
- these filters one can continue additional suitable air movement device and a downstream of the filters, with A suitable line system connected to the air chamber 262 can be provided.
- the air-conditioned air flow Z supplies ventilation air for ventilation of the additional chambers A1, A2, A3, A4 and A5.
- the ventilation air for the additional chambers is directed to an inflow manifold 205.
- the main aim of the ventilation of the additional chambers is to dissipate the heat radiated by the heat-generating devices within the additional chambers. Examples of heat-generating devices are mechanical devices, power supply, motors, electrical equipment, electrical circuit boards, etc. The dissipation of excess heat is important, for example, for compliance with mechanical operating tolerances, which are usually sensitive to thermal expansion.
- the ventilation of the additional chambers has the further aim of removing contaminants that are sometimes generated within the additional chambers, e.g.
- the air flow Z is divided into approximately uniform additional chamber air flows z 1 , z 2 , z 3 , z 4 and z 5 for ventilation of the individual additional chambers with conditioned air.
- the air is returned in the form of corresponding exhaust air flows z 6 , z 7 , z 8 , z 9 , z 10 for recycling, the exhaust air flows being directed to an outflow distributor 206, from where an air flow Z ' the air leaving the outflow manifold 206 leads to the filter unit 261.
- the filter unit 261 removes, for example, particles, ozone and amines which arise in the additional chambers and are carried along by the air flow Z '.
- the filter unit 261 generally includes a plurality of filters that are directed toward the air flows X ', W and Z' are arranged in a predetermined order.
- This multitude of filters preferably includes filters similar to the filters shown in Fig. 1A
- Filter unit 161 are formed, i.e. filter unit 261 typically includes at least one coarse particle filter and one fine particle filter and can continue other filters, e.g. include an ozone filter and an amine filter, which here in the Are enumerated in the order in which they come from the air chamber 262 air to be recycled.
- a preferred embodiment of an air conditioning device in the return section the device according to the invention for the management of air quality 3A is shown as reference number 300 in FIG. 3A.
- the one labeled A / C Dashed line 360 surrounds the operating section of the air conditioning device (corresponding to elements 160 and 260 in Figures 1A and 2, respectively).
- the flow directions of the Air flowing through the operating section 360 is filled in by black Arrowheads shown, while empty arrowheads indicate the direction of flow of a coolant within a closed pipe system of the air conditioning device be used.
- the air-conditioned air flows X ", Y" and Z "leave an air chamber 364, from which they are arranged in the air chamber 364 Main circulation device 365 are moved. (Device 365 corresponds to the Device 250 in Fig. 2).
- the air to be reprocessed is for Air conditioning device flows back into an air chamber 362 air flows X "', Y"', Z "' shown.
- the three air flows X "', Y”' and Z “' can each be the three shown in FIG. 2 Air flows correspond to X ', W and Z'; however, if required, a different number can be added air streams 362 flowing in to be reprocessed can be provided.
- the air chamber 362 and the filter unit 361A can alternatively also be integrated into the Air conditioning device can be integrated. After filtering in the filter unit 361A the incoming air streams become one in a mixing chamber 363 Airflow T merged.
- the inflowing air flows X “', Y"' and Z "'in the direction of arrow H via an inflow line 358a into the filter unit 361A. They first pass a coarse particle filter 366 and then one Fine particle filter 367. Filters 366 and 367 are in a line system 358c arranged and separated from each other by an air space 366a.
- the length of the airspace 366a is preferably about 3 mm, but can be optimal if necessary Flow through the filter unit 361A may also be longer or shorter.
- the coarse particle filter 366 (the first filter) serves to trap the largest particles carried in the air to be reprocessed, for example particles whose dimensions are larger than minimum dimensions, which is preferably smaller than the diameter of the toner particles used in the modules.
- the coarse particle filter preferably removes essentially all particles that are 10 ⁇ m in size or larger, and particularly preferably all particles that are 5 ⁇ m in size or larger.
- a preferred coarse particle filter is made, for example, of a 6 denier nonwoven polyester wool with an adhesive, the density of the wool being approximately 2 g / m 2 of the cross-sectional area of the filter.
- the fine particle filter 367 serves to trap fine particles, the dimensions of which are smaller than the minimum dimensions of the particles trapped by the coarse particle filter.
- the fine particle filter is preferably 90% effective for trapping particles with a diameter of approximately 0.1 ⁇ m.
- a preferred material for the fine particle filter consists of needled modacrylic and permanently charged polypropylene electret spun fibers with a filter density of approximately 50 g / m 2 of the filter cross-sectional area.
- the filter unit 361B can also be in close proximity and after the Filter unit 361A may be arranged.
- the air flow T is divided into a first air flow designated V 1 and a second air flow designated V 2 , where V 1 and V 2 are the flow rates of the first air flow and the second air flow, respectively.
- the air flows are directed in a suitable duct system in the direction indicated by the arrows with the tip filled.
- the flow rate ratio V 1 / V 2 can be a fixed ratio that cannot be adjusted during operation of the air conditioning device.
- a mechanism (not shown in FIG. 3A) for adjusting the ratio V 1 / V 2 in real time during operation of the air conditioning device can be provided, for example by the flow resistances V 1 , V 2 individually determining the flow resistances being adjustably controlled.
- the fixed ratio of flow rates V 1 and V 2 is approximately 0.77 ⁇ 0.2.
- the first air stream V 1 is cooled by being guided past an evaporator coil 330 which is provided with thermally conductive cooling fins 333 (shown schematically).
- the cooling fins 333 are in thermal contact with the evaporator coil 330 and cool and dehumidify the first air stream V 1 which is guided past the cooling fins 333.
- the spiral shape of the evaporator coil 330 serves only a symbolic function and is in no way related to the actual shape, which may, for example, be bent in a zigzag shape or shaped in any other manner customary or known in cooling and air conditioning devices.
- the evaporator coil 330 is designed as a thermally conductive tube which contains a coolant which acts as a cold mixture of gas and liquid by means of a coolant circulation mechanism (not shown) through the inside of the tube. After passing through the evaporator coil 330, the first air flow V 1 is combined with the second air flow V 2 , so that a combined air flow T ′ is produced. This merged airflow T 'is passed through a primary line (not shown) past a heating coil 350 after the airflow T' has previously passed through an internal filter unit 361B.
- the filters 368 and 369 are disposed in duct system 369c and from an air space 368a separated from each other.
- the length of the air space 368a is preferably approximately 3 mm, However, it can also last longer if necessary for optimal flow through the filter unit 361B or be shorter.
- the ozone filter 368 is preferably used as a catalytic filter for decomposing ozone in normal oxygen is formed, although other types of ozone filters are used can be.
- a preferred catalytic ozone filter is a TAK-C filter from the company Nicheas in Japan, which is approximately 20 mm thick and approximately 220 cells per square centimeter (560 cells per square inch).
- the 369 amine filter is used to remove cyclohexylamine and other harmful substances Amines and is preferably designed as a catalytic amine filter, as in the Nicheas is available in Japan.
- a preferred amine filter is approx. 30 mm thick and has approximately 138 cells per (350 cells per square inch).
- the filter unit 361B can be located at any suitable location, for example before the division of the air flow T into the air flows V 1 and V 2 or after the heating coil 350.
- the filters of the filter unit 361B can also be integrated into the filter unit 361A, as is the case for example, is shown in Fig. 1C.
- the combined air flow T ' leaves the filter unit 361B via a line 359b in the direction of the arrow H "' and flows through the heating coil 350.
- the heating coil 350 comprises thermally conductive heating fins (shown schematically) 345, which are in thermal contact with the heating coil. The heating coil is used for intermittent heating of the combined air flow T ', ie it is operated with interruptions.
- a flow F 1 of the coolant (indicated by open arrowheads) of the coolant is in the form of a hot compressed gas through the heating coil 350, the heating coil being formed as a thermally conductive tube containing the hot coolant and from which heat is derived for heating the merged air flow T 'passing through the heating fins 345.
- the intermittent operation becomes the heating coil 3 50 controlled by a temperature controller 390 for heating the merged air flow T ′.
- the merged air flow T ' is passed through a humidification unit 380, in which the merged air flow T' is humidified intermittently.
- a cooled and dehumidified air stream (corresponding to stream V 1 ) is passed a heating coil (corresponding to heating coil 350) before being merged with a stream corresponding to stream V 2 , thereby creating a merged air stream arises, which is passed through a filter unit corresponding to filter unit 361B and from there to a humidification unit corresponding to unit 380.
- the other elements of this alternative embodiment are similar to the elements of embodiment 300.
- the merged airflow After leaving the humidification unit 380, the merged airflow, the is now designated T ", passed the main circulation device 365 and occurs as an air flow T "therefrom.
- a temperature sensor 391 determines the temperature of the merged air flow T "'.
- the temperature sensor 391 is with a Temperature control 390 connected.
- One with a controller for the relative Humidity 370 connected sensor for the relative humidity 371 determines the Relative humidity of the merged air flow T "'.
- the merged airflow leaves the air chamber 392 and air conditioning device 300, e.g. divided into several outflowing Air flows X ", Y", Z ".
- sensors 371 and 391 are located here within the Air chamber 392 are located, the sensors can alternatively on any suitable location after the device 365, e.g. in one place within of the duct system conducting the air flow T "'.
- the temperature determined by the temperature sensor 391 and forwarded in the form of an electronic signal to the temperature controller 390 is kept by the temperature controller within a predetermined temperature range, which has a maximum value and a minimum value and contains a target temperature, which is preferably approximately in the middle of the predetermined temperature range ,
- a predetermined temperature range which has a maximum value and a minimum value and contains a target temperature, which is preferably approximately in the middle of the predetermined temperature range
- an activation signal of the temperature control 390 activates the heating function of the heating coil 350 by passing a hot coolant through the heating coil). This is described in more detail below merged air flow T "'is above the target temperature, the inflow of hot coolant through the heating coil 350 is switched off by a switch-off signal of the temperature control 390.
- the target temperature is preferably a setpoint that is determined, for example, by a logic circuit or another suitable mechanism of the temperature control 390.
- a switch-on signal of the temperature control activates a solenoid valve Q, which is designated by reference number 335 and which opens a gate in order to allow a hot coolant flow F 1 to flow into the heating coil 350 at a suitable inflow rate.
- a shutdown signal from the temperature control 390 causes the valve Q to close the gate, as a result of which the inflow of the hot coolant flow F 1 is stopped.
- the minimum temperature of the predetermined temperature range is approximately 20.0 ° C and the maximum temperature is approximately 22.2 ° C.
- the target value of the relative humidity is preferably a setpoint, e.g. from a logic circuit or another appropriate mechanism of control for the relative humidity 370 determined becomes.
- the device for managing the Air quality which is disclosed as embodiment 700 in FIG. 7, is the lowest value of the specified range of relative humidity about 30% and the maximum value about 40%.
- Relative humidity control 370 and temperature control 390 can be formed as separate units, as shown in Fig. 3A, they can however, they can also be combined in a single unit, as e.g. at Watlow Controls, Winona, Minnesota, USA as "Watlow Series 998 Temperature / Process Controller" is available.
- the humidification unit 380 can be configured as any humidification device be used for controllable and intermittent humidification of the merged Current T 'is suitable.
- the humidification unit 380 can be a spray device or an aerosol device, e.g. as a water aerosol injector (e.g. a piezoelectric aerosol generator or a radio frequency aerosol generator), and as Spray nozzles or as moistenable elements, e.g. a pad, foam, a sponge or similar, by a spray device or by immersing in a water tank be moistened.
- a water aerosol or water spray can be placed directly in the merged airflow T 'are introduced, or the merged Airflow can pass or pass through a humidifiable element become.
- the humidification unit 380 preferably includes a drip mechanism and one humidifiable pad that is used together with the drip mechanism as it is is described below with reference to FIG. 8. Activation of the humidification unit 380 caused by a switch-on signal from the controller for the relative air humidity 370, that the drip mechanism actively filters filtered water onto the humidifiable pad, in order to keep the dampened pad in a suitable manner, whereby the flowing together and thereby contacting the merged stream T 'active is moistened. A shutdown of the humidification unit 380 by a shutdown signal from The relative humidity control 370 prevents the filtered water drips onto the dampened pad.
- the drip mechanism is preferably only at Activation switched on and switched off when deactivated.
- the Drip mechanism also via control signals for the relative Humidity 370 can be infinitely adjusted so that it can filter a variable drip rate Water on the humidifiable pad supplies.
- This enables improved control of the relative air humidity and thus causes smaller deviations of the relative Humidity from the target value of the relative humidity of the air flow T "'.
- the humidification unit 380 is used instead of Drip mechanism used a spray device in response to appropriate Activation and deactivation signals of the controller for the relative humidity 370 spray intermittently filtered water from a nozzle onto the humidifiable pad.
- the spray device can also be designed as a constantly running device, e.g.
- a deactivation causes a mechanism to change the spray direction so that e.g. the spray no longer moistens the humidifiable pad, and an activation causes the mechanism to change the spray direction so that the spray mist moistenable pad again moistened in a suitable manner. It can also be any others for intermittent and controllable active humidification of the merged stream T 'suitable mechanism can be used.
- the water used for humidification in the humidification unit 380 usually becomes not evaporated completely efficiently. Therefore e.g. a drain can be provided through which the Water used for moistening that is not during the moistening of the Humidification unit evaporates 380 passing air from which printer is derived.
- the dampening water not evaporated in the dampening unit 380 can alternatively can also be recycled and reused in the humidification unit 380.
- the air conditioning device 300 shown in FIG. 3A comprises a closed circuit in which the coolant is circulated by means of the coolant circulation mechanism, the coolant successively passing through the various devices, including the aforementioned evaporator coil 330 and the heating coil 350. Coolant flows are represented by empty arrow heads.
- the evaporator coil 350 the coolant is converted from the liquid state to the gaseous state by evaporation, as a result of which the first stream V 1 is cooled.
- a pressure regulator 335 (labeled PR) and a compressor 340 for compressing the coolant gas into a compressed and a correspondingly heated coolant gas are provided in succession for the evaporator coil.
- the hot, compressed coolant gas flows to a solenoid valve 355 (designated Q) downstream of the compressor 340, which opens a gate through which the coolant flow is intermittently divided into a main coolant flow F 2 and an intermittent secondary coolant flow F 1 .
- the solenoid valve Q directs the secondary coolant flow F 1 through the heating coil 350, as indicated by the dash-dotted lines in FIG. 3A.
- the intermittent secondary coolant flow F 1 is switched off by the solenoid valve Q as already described.
- an infinitely adjustable three-way valve is provided instead of the solenoid valve 355 for improved control of the individual flows F 1 and F 2 .
- the infinitely adjustable three-way valve enables the infinitely variable adjustment of a controlled secondary flow F 1 over a range of values by means of control signals from the temperature control 390, as a result of which temperature fluctuations in the flow T ′ and thus also the deviations of the air flow T ′′ from the target temperature are reduced negative feedback used, in which an error signal causes an adjustment of the infinitely variable three-way valve in order to bring the temperature of the air flow T "'closer to the target temperature.
- a condenser coil 320 At a location downstream of the solenoid valve 355 (and the heating coil 350) is a condenser coil 320 through which the main coolant flow F 2 and each intermittent secondary coolant flow, for example the flow F 1 , are passed, as shown.
- the condenser coil 320 serves for cooling and thus for the condensation (ie liquefaction) of a part of the coolant and is designed as a thermally conductive tube through which the coolant is passed.
- the coolant After leaving the condenser coil 320, the coolant, which is now in the form of a mixture of liquid and gaseous components, is passed as a coolant flow F 3 through an expansion valve 325 (designated EV) and from there back to the evaporator coil 330.
- An inflow G of ambient air is drawn in from outside the air conditioning device 300 through an inflow opening, which preferably has an inlet filter, which is designed similar to a conventional heating system filter, as is also used for filtering the air flow a 3 shown in FIG. 1A.
- the inflowing ambient air flow G can then be passed through an optionally provided air compressor 310, in which the inflowing ambient air flow is compressed into a compressed air flow.
- the air stream G flows past the thermally conductive cooling fins 315 arranged on a cooling coil 320, which are in thermal contact with the cooling coil.
- the (compressed) airflow absorbs heat from the refrigerant circulating in the evaporator coil, whereby the (compressed) airflow becomes a heated (and expanded) airflow that leaves the air conditioner 300 as an airflow G 'through an exhaust port to outside the printer and preferably disposed of outside the room where the printer is located.
- the coolant used in the closed circuit contains at least one Fluorocarbon.
- the coolant is preferably a Mixture of about 50 percent by weight difluoromethane and 50 percent by weight Pentafluoroethane, e.g. is sold under the name R410A.
- the air conditioning device 400 comprises devices which are suitable for generating at least two flows of individually conditioned air, each flow having an individually controlled relative air humidity. Each of the streams is passed through a corresponding outflow opening, so that the streams can be used separately at different locations within a first return region, as is shown schematically and exemplarily as return region 130 in FIG. 1A.
- the operating range of the air conditioning device 400 is limited by a broken line 460 and a wavy line 465. To the left of the wavy line 465, the air conditioning device 400 corresponds completely to the device 300, ie an air flow T 0 in FIG. 4 is completely equivalent to the combined air flow T ′ in FIG. 3A.
- a combined air flow T 0 flows through a primary line (not shown) which leads away from a heating coil (not shown) which corresponds in all details to the heating coil 350.
- the combined air flow T 0 is divided into more than one partial flow, generally into a number N of such partial flows, which are designated as T 1 , T 2 , ..., T N , where T 1 is the first partial flow and T N is the last partial flow and each partial flow is carried in a corresponding secondary line (not shown).
- a respective partial flow T 1 , T 2 , ..., T N flows through a respective secondary line to a respective humidification unit, each with RHU 1 , RHU 2 , ... RHU N and correspondingly with reference symbols 480a, 480b, .. ., 480n are designated.
- the respective partial stream T 1 ', T 2 ', ..., T N ' now designated with an additional apostrophe (') passes through a respective sensor for the relative air humidity 471a, 471b, ..., 471n and a respective temperature sensor 491a, 491b, ..., 491n.
- Each humidification unit shown in FIG. 4 corresponds in all to the humidification unit 380 shown in FIG.
- each of the sensors for the relative air humidity shown in FIG. 4 corresponds in all to the sensor 370 and each temperature sensor to the sensor 390.
- the humidification units become in conjunction with the corresponding relative humidity control 470 in an intermittent manner similar to that of the air conditioning device 300 to keep a respective relative humidity determined by the respective relative humidity sensor within a predetermined humidity value range that from a respective lowest value of the relative humidity and a respective maximum value of the relative humidity is limited.
- the respective value range of the relative air humidity contains a target value of the relative air humidity, which is preferably in the middle of the respective predetermined value range of the relative air humidity.
- the respective sensor for the relative humidity determines a relative humidity of a partial flow which is below the target value of the relative humidity, it sends a respective signal r 1 , r 2 , ..., r N to the controller for the relative humidity 470, which sends a respective activation signal u 1 , U 2 , ..., u N to the corresponding humidification unit.
- the respective humidification unit is deactivated by a switch-off signal if the relative air humidity determined by the sensor for the relative air humidity lies above the target value of the relative air humidity.
- the temperature of the partial streams T 1 ', T 2 ', ..., T N ' is determined continuously by the corresponding temperature sensor, and the determined temperature is sent to the in the form of a signal t 1 , t 2 , ..., t N Temperature control 490 passed.
- An algorithm for calculating a control temperature provided in a data processor of the temperature control 490 uses all temperature signals t 1 , t 2 , ..., t N at all times.
- the control temperature is maintained by the temperature controller 490 within a predetermined temperature range, which is limited by a minimum temperature and a maximum temperature.
- the predetermined temperature range contains a target temperature, which is preferably approximately in the middle of the temperature range.
- the temperature controller 490 sends an activation signal e to a solenoid valve (which corresponds in function to the solenoid valve Q shown in FIG. 3A) when the calculated control temperature is below the target temperature, so that a hot coolant flow through the air conditioning device 300 in a similar manner Heating coil is conducted. Similarly, the hot coolant flow through the coil is stopped by a temperature control 490 shutdown signal when the calculated control temperature is above the target temperature.
- the individual temperature signals t 1 , t 2 , ..., t N can be weighted differently in the algorithm in order to optimize the performance of the air conditioning device 400.
- each of these partial streams can of course be divided into further outflowing streams for different purposes, for example for use in the modules or the associated additional chambers.
- the device 400 individually air-conditioned partial streams delivers to produce a locally different relative humidity in the vicinity of or in the individual toner stations of the individual modules, whereby a stable, predictable developer performance is achieved.
- an outflowing air stream with a certain temperature (and relative air humidity) can also be subdivided, and the partial streams thus created can be directed to the individual image recorders of the modules in order to cool the image recorders similarly.
- an outflowing partial flow can be divided at a certain temperature in order to generally ventilate each module and each additional chamber, so as to advantageously provide dimensional stability for the mechanical parts such as drums or other elements arranged therein, for those during operation Very narrow tolerance ranges are necessary with regard to the spatial extent.
- Each of the outflowing partial streams S 1 , S 2 ,..., S N has a relative air humidity tailored to it and an individual temperature that deviates by a certain amount from the control temperature.
- Each deviation from the control temperature depends in a specific way on the following factors: the algorithm, the weighting of the temperature signals t 1 , t 2 , ..., t N in the algorithm and the fact that a humidification process of a partial flow is a change in temperature, ie cooling , causes.
- the device 400 offers a more limited control of the temperature of the individual partial flows compared to the control of the relative air humidity.
- each of the outflowing partial streams S 1 , S 2 , ..., S N can be moved by a main circulation device or can be guided along a specific path by an individual circulation mechanism.
- an individual blower (not shown) can therefore be provided in order to move the air flow S 1 .
- individual blowers can also be provided after the humidification units RHU 2 , ..., RHU N in order to move the corresponding air flow S 2 , ..., S N.
- the air conditioning device 500 contains devices which are suitable for generating at least two flows U 1 , U 2 ,..., U N individually conditioned air, the individual flows each having an individually controlled relative air humidity and temperature. Each stream flows through a corresponding outflow opening (not shown) in order to be used separately in different locations of a primary return area, as is also the case with the air conditioning device 400 shown in FIG. 4.
- the elements designated with an apostrophe (') in FIG. 5 correspond to the respective element designated as unapostrophied in FIG. 4.
- the dashed line 560 and the solid line 565 are analogous to the corresponding lines 460 and 465 in FIG. 4.
- the control for the relative In all, air humidity 570 corresponds to the control for the relative air humidity 470.
- the device 500 differs from the device 400 by a number N of integrated temperature setting mechanisms, designated TAM 1 , TAM 2 ,..., TAM N (reference symbols 540a, 540b,. .., 540n).
- the device 500 differs from the device 400 by an integrated temperature controller 590, which is connected to an additional reheating temperature sensor 592, which detects the temperature of the combined current T 0 'after it leaves the heating coil (not shown).
- the temperature sensors 591a, 591b, ..., 591n are all similar in all respects to the temperature sensors 491a, 491b, ..., 491n.
- the relative humidity sensors 571a, 571b, ..., 571n are similar in all respects to the relative humidity sensors 471a, 471b, ..., 471n and are similarly controlled by the relative humidity controller 570.
- the temperature setting mechanisms TAM 1 , TAM 2 , ..., TAM N enable intermittent individual adjustment of the temperature of the partial flows T 1 ", T 2 ", ..., T N measured by the temperature sensors 591a, 591b, ..., 591n ", the individual adjustment being controlled by corresponding signals c 1 , c 2 , ..., c n of the temperature control to the temperature adjustment mechanisms.
- This individual adjustment of the temperature is carried out as a correction or increase in the temperature of the temperature measured by the additional reheating temperature sensor 592 combined flow T 0 'after the heating.
- the 592 temperature measured by the additional reheating temperature sensor of the combined flow T 0' after heating d is transmitted to the temperature controller 590 1 as a signal.
- the temperature controller 590 maintains the temperature by heating within a predetermined temperature range, that of a minimum temperature and a maximum temperature ur is limited.
- the predefined temperature range comprises a target temperature, which is preferably approximately in the middle of the predefined temperature range.
- a turn-on signal d 2 of the temperature controller 590 activates a solenoid valve (the function of which in all respects corresponds to the function of the solenoid valve Q shown in FIG. 3A) when the temperature after heating is lower than the target temperature, causing a flow of hot coolant in a similar manner as in the air conditioning device 300 is guided through the heating coil.
- the circulation of hot coolant in the heating coil is shut off by a shutdown signal from temperature controller 590 when the temperature after heating is higher than the target temperature.
- the described intermittent operation for setting the temperature of a respective partial flow is controlled by a corresponding signal c 1 , c 2 , ..., c n , which the temperature control 590 sends to the respective temperature setting mechanism, the temperature control being preset in such a way that it maintains the temperature of the outflowing partial stream at a predetermined value which lies within a predetermined temperature range limited by a minimum temperature and a maximum temperature.
- the predetermined temperature range for the outflowing partial stream contains a target temperature which is preferably approximately in the middle of the temperature range.
- the temperature setting mechanism is activated by the temperature controller, which causes a corresponding change in the respective temperature of the outflowing partial stream.
- the respective temperature setting mechanism In response to a deactivation signal from the temperature control to the temperature setting mechanism, the respective temperature setting mechanism is deactivated, as a result of which the change in the temperature of the corresponding outflowing partial stream is ended.
- the respective temperature setting mechanism is activated by a corresponding activation signal of the temperature control only if the corresponding temperature sensor determines that the temperature of an outflowing partial flow differs from the target temperature of the respective outflowing partial flow.
- the respective activation is continued until the relevant temperature of the respective outflowing partial stream approximately corresponds to the target temperature, whereupon the activation signal is ended by the corresponding deactivation signal.
- each temperature setting mechanism TAM is the respective humidification unit RHU 'is arranged in an alternative Embodiment a reverse arrangement of these elements can be provided.
- Each of the outflowing partial streams U 1 , U 2 ,..., U N can be moved by a main circulation device, but can also be circulated along a specific path by an individual circulation mechanism (not shown in FIG. 5).
- each of these partial streams can of course in turn be divided into further streams for different purposes, for example for use in the Modules or the associated additional chambers.
- An advantage of embodiment 500 is that the outflowing partial streams also separately controllable temperatures can be used Temperature fluctuations that occur inside the printer due to the conditioned air supplied places asymmetrical arrangement of the heat generating Components arise to partially compensate. These temperature fluctuations are in usually depending on the relative position of the modules to each other and to the heat generating components. There is e.g. the possibility that the individual Video recorder in the different modules no identical temperature environments have, so that individually conditioned air is directed locally to the screen recorder in order to achieve an approximately identical temperature on each screen recorder.
- a temperature setting mechanism 540a, 540b, ..., 540n can be designed as any suitable device for controlled raising or lowering the temperature of the corresponding outflowing partial stream T 1 ", T 2 ", ..., T N ".
- a suitable temperature setting mechanism is preferably electronically controllable, for example via switch-on and switch-off signals of the temperature control 590.
- a suitable temperature setting mechanism is, for example, a device which can be activated and deactivated by the temperature control 590 and which uses the Peltier effect, as described in US Pat. No.
- a temperature setting mechanism may also include, for example, an electrical heating device for heating a specific partial flow, the heating device may include a preferably electrically adjustable temperature control, and a (cooling or) heating element which comprises (cooling or) heating fins and lines contacting a specific partial flow, in which a (cooling or) heating fluid circulates. Any suitable heating or cooling device can be used as the temperature setting mechanism.
- FIG. 6 shows a simplified side view (front view) of a modular electrostatographic printer 600 with specific areas in which the air quality is regulated by an air quality management device according to the invention.
- the printer includes a moving conveyor belt 610 for transporting receiving elements, for example cut paper sheets, through a number of imaging modules arranged one behind the other. 6 shows five such modules M1 ', M2', M3 ', M4', M5 '. However, more or fewer modules could also be provided.
- the modules are separated by partitions, for example partition 640, which have the same properties as partition 240 shown in FIG. 2.
- the conveyor belt 610 is stretched between two drums 620 and 630 and moves driven by the counterclockwise drums 620 , 630 in the direction indicated by arrow m.
- Receiving elements R 0 , R 1 , R 2 ,..., R 6 adhere to the conveyor belt 610, for example due to electrostatic forces.
- Each of these receptacle elements is shown assigned to a module, although a receptacle element can also be located between two modules during transport through the printer.
- the receiving element 645 (R 5 ) is therefore assigned to the module M1 ', the receiving element 655 (R 4 ) to the module M2' etc.
- the conveyor belt 610 includes an upper section 615, which forms a boundary surface that defines the second inner region in more detail. Similarly, the conveyor belt 610 includes a lower portion 605 that defines a boundary surface that defines the first interior.
- the first interior region is also delimited by a wall H 4 such that the lower section 605 and the wall H4 form part of the first interior region, as shown in FIG. 6 (further boundary walls of the first interior region are not shown).
- the air quality management device of printer 600 includes a third Inner area 660.
- the band 610 forms a boundary of this third inner area, the inner surface of which partially surrounds the third inner region 660.
- the (not shown) the front and rear walls also define the third interior area 660.
- the conveyor belt 610 does not contact the front and rear walls, so that between the edges of the tape (the leading and trailing edges of the tape) and the front and rear wall there is a space. These spaces allow an exchange of air between the second interior and the third interior and between the third interior and the first Indoors.
- These flow openings form flow paths between the first Interior area and the second interior area over the third interior area. Such Flow paths are in the device shown generally in Fig. 1A for Air quality management included.
- air essentially flows in the direction indicated by arrow B 0 through the first inner region, ie below the lower section 605 of band 610.
- This direction is similar to the direction of air flow a 3 through the first inner region in FIG. 1A. Due to a general pressure gradient from the right to the left in the section of the first inner region shown in FIG. 6, the air flowing through the throughflow openings tends to flow in the direction of the module M1 'and away from the module M5'. Therefore, less air inflows at the middle modules M2 ', M3' and M4 'than at the end modules M1' and M5 '.
- Module M1 ' is the module into which most of the unclimate air flows
- module M5' is the module from which most of the conditioned air flows. Since the second interior area is a closed area, which preferably has essentially no connection to air from outside the printer, maintaining the flow requires that the total flow rate of the air flowing from the first interior area to the second interior area essentially corresponds to the flow rate of that from the second interior area in corresponds to the first interior air flowing in.
- the air flow B 0 is finally discharged from the printer in the manner already explained with reference to FIG. 1A.
- the conveyor belt 610 serves as a separating element which partially covers the first inner region separates from the second interior.
- the band 610 also defines its function as a separating element, the flow openings between the first inner region and the second interior at the edges of the tape.
- printer 600 includes other separators (not shown), e.g. Walls that separate the first interior from the second interior.
- separating elements preferably do not have any flow openings, i.e. the Flow rates between the first inner region and the second inner region are negligible.
- the air in area 660 is a mixed air, the properties of which are between the Properties of the air present in the first interior and the properties of the air Second indoor area is air, the properties of the temperature and include relative humidity. So although this mixed air in the third interior is not actively regulated, the mixed air must still in the from the device to Management of the air quality of the printer includes 600 regulated air. Out for this reason, the air quality control device closes the third Indoor area.
- the first interior comprises a paper supply (not shown) and a station (not shown) for pretreating paper.
- the paper from the paper supply passes the paper pretreatment station, where it is pretreated in a known manner to achieve a certain relative humidity and a certain temperature.
- the receiving sheet R 6 a pretreated paper sheet, runs straight into the area 635, for example, in order to obtain a toner image from the module M1 '.
- the receiving sheet R 0 has just passed the wall H 2 , from which sheet R 0 is transported in a known manner to a fixing station (not shown).
- the fixing station generally contains a fixing element for fixing the toner on the receiving elements, and a cooling section downstream of the fixing station, in which the fixed images are cooled.
- a significant advantage of the air quality management device used in printer 600 is that air flow B 0 advantageously flows past the fuser station away from the modules (the conduit system being oriented such that air flow B 0 is not in) undesirably cools the fixing portion).
- the air flow B 0 carries volatile substances and aerosols of the fixing oil with it and removes them from the printer.
- the air flow B 0 is preferably strong enough to substantially prevent the contamination caused by the fixing oil from reaching the second inner region, ie penetrating into the modules through the flow openings already described.
- the volatiles of the fixing oil can spread or migrate through the printer, which leads to problems, for example, gluing of components.
- the direction and the preferably large strength of the air flow B 0 has a further advantage with regard to the handling of the pollution by acrolein (also referred to as acrylaldehyde or allyl aldehyde), which is harmful to humans even in low concentrations.
- Acrolein is a volatile substance that is released when certain special papers are heated, for example in the pretreatment station or in the fixing station.
- the direction and strength of the B 0 stream ensure efficient removal of acrolein from the printer.
- the acrolein can be filtered out of the air contained in the second inner region, for example by means of a filter unit designed like the filter unit 161 in FIG. 1A.
- a commercially available 30 mm thick activated carbon filter eg from Nicheas or Puritec
- a preferably strong air flow B 0 also advantageously helps to prevent contamination such as gases or paper dust, for example from the paper handling devices upstream of the conveyor belt, from adhering to the conveyor belt 610 or being absorbed by the belt.
- the lower portion 605 is a first interior (not shown) defining wall parallel to the lower portion 605 may be provided, the (instead of the lower section 605) serves as a boundary of the first interior area and as additional function partially defines the third interior.
- the air flow B 0 can flow in a direction opposite to the direction shown in FIG. 6, ie in the direction of the arrow m instead of against this direction.
- the device 700 includes four housings; one of walls or boundaries 781, 782, 783 and 784 limited first housing 796 with a cooling unit 760 for air conditioning by the Device 760 recirculated and recycled air, one of limitations 773, 774, 775 and at least one separating element 776 limited second housing 799 with a variety of electrostatographic imaging modules and the same number of them Additional chambers associated with imaging modules, one of limitations or Walls 777, 778, 779 and the at least one separating element 776 limited third Housing 798 and one limited by boundaries or walls 784, 785, 786 and 787 fourth housing 797, the boundary 784 being a common one Boundary or wall, which is the first housing 796 and the fourth housing 797 separates from each other and preferably isolated.
- the first housing 796 and the second Housing 799 is part of the return section of the device for managing the Air quality as shown by way of example in FIG. 1A.
- the third housing 798 is part of the feedbackless section as shown in Fig. 1A.
- the fourth case 797 comprises a fourth interior, which is described in more detail below.
- a Air conditioning device 780 of device 700 is partially in the first housing and partially in the second housing and is covered by walls 781, 782, 783, 785, 786 and 787 limited.
- the air conditioning device 780 includes a cooling unit 760.
- the at least one separating element 776 comprises a conveyor belt (not shown) that encloses a third interior (not shown) and similar to that of the third Inner area 660 in the conveyor belt enclosing the printer 600 shown in FIG. 6 610 is formed.
- flow openings 745 and 746 through the third interior
- the at least one separating element 776 comprises in addition to the belt 610 any other suitable separating elements that are used for separating housings 798 and 799 are suitable for each other, e.g. a wall like they already have was described using the printer 600.
- This further separating element (not shown) complements the conveyor belt and preferably has no flow openings between housings 798 and 799.
- the cooling unit 760 is similar in function to that described with reference to FIG. 2 Device 260. It climates air and circulates conditioned air through it Imaging modules and auxiliary chambers, which are preferably similar to those already used 2 described additional chambers are formed and each, as described, are assigned to the imaging modules. Therefore, similar to that in Fig. 2 shown device 200 conditioned air flows XX, YY and ZZ from a main circulation device 750 through outflow openings (not shown) of Air chamber 751 is moved from housing 796 to housing 799 through suitable lines, the air flows corresponding to the air flows X, Y and Z shown in FIG. 2.
- the main circulation device 750 and the air chamber 750 correspond in each Regarding the devices 250 and 251 shown in Fig. 2, i.e.
- the outflowing Air flows XX, YY and ZZ all have the same relative humidity and temperature when they leave the air chamber 751.
- the walls 773 and 783 are through one Air gap 740 is physically separated from each other and the air flows XX, YY, ZZ are passed through this air gap by means of flexible pipe connections.
- the flexible Pipe connections also provide some degree of mechanical insulation by the transmission of the components contained in housings 796 and 799 generated vibrations suppressed.
- the current ZZ is passed to the additional chambers and used there, the Additional chambers in Fig. 7 are symbolically indicated by the dashed line 794 (the Line 794 has no physical meaning).
- the connections to the individual Additional chambers and the outflow openings of the additional chambers are not shown.
- the current ZZ can thus be passed through the additional chambers 794 in succession.
- the Current ZZ is preferably divided so that the individual additional chambers 794 each a partial flow is supplied.
- the air passed through the additional chambers 794 leaves the Additional chambers 794 as a stream ZZ 'to be newly conditioned by a (not shown) common outflow opening. Similar to the current Z 'in FIG.
- the current ZZ' flows through suitable pipes back to an air chamber 762 and from there through a Filter unit 761 to be re-conditioned by the device 760, the pipes preferably made of a flexible material to a certain extent mechanical vibration isolation.
- the Air conditioning device 780 is air chamber 762 and filter unit 761 preferably similar to air chamber 262 and filter unit 261 of FIG. 2.
- the filter unit 761 of this embodiment preferably has similar ones Filters and a similar predetermined filter order as the filter unit 261, e.g. a coarse particle filter, a fine particle filter, an ozone filter and an amine filter, these filters are listed in the order in which they pass through the filter unit 761 flowing air flow ZZ 'are passed.
- the filter unit can e.g. preferably similar to that Filter unit 361A may be formed, as shown in Fig. 3A and 3B, wherein also internal filter unit (not shown) is provided for filtering ozone and amines, which is preferably similar to the unit 361B shown in FIGS. 3A and 3C.
- a differential pressure drop in the filter unit 761 can e.g. measured electronically to the aging of the filters, especially the particle filters, in good time Monitor exchanges. If necessary, an assigned one (not shown) can be assigned Differential pressure switches are operated to change or change the air flow rate Generate warning signal.
- Stream XX is a stream of conditioned air that is used to ventilate the air Image generation modules of the printer is used, which are symbolically represented in FIG dash-dotted line 795 are shown (line 795 has no physical meaning).
- the stream XX can be routed past the individual modules in succession.
- the Stream XX is preferably used for separate supply to the individual modules (which are not are shown individually). In this way, stream XX flows at all primary Imaging elements, intermediate transfer elements, transfer rollers, etc. past that are included in the modules.
- Stream XX also serves for ventilation of subsystem stations of the modules such as charging stations, toner stations, Cleaning stations etc.
- a partial stream P 2 of stream XX is directed towards the surroundings of the toner stations and cleaning stations of the modules.
- the cleaning stations serve, for example, to clean the primary imaging elements, the intermediate transfer elements and all drums or belts that are located in the modules and that have to be cleaned by a cleaning device.
- the remaining part of stream XX for ventilation of the modules is shown as air stream P 1 .
- a stream P 2 ' is drawn off from this environment and returned for reprocessing.
- the stream P 2 'can also come from locations within the toner stations and the cleaning stations of the modules.
- the current P 2 'can be passed through an optionally provided additional filter 771, which is designed similarly to the filter 271 of the device 200 from FIG.
- the filter 771 is a combined filter for filtering out developer dust and that of Cleaning stations generated contamination.
- the stream P 2 After passing through the filter 771, the stream P 2 'flows out through an outflow opening (not shown) as a returnable stream WW, which is similar in its properties to the stream W of FIG. 2.
- the stream WW flows past an additional air movement device 770 arranged in a housing 772 and is passed back from there via pipes to the air chamber 762, the pipes preferably being made of a flexible material in order to ensure a certain degree of mechanical vibration isolation.
- the additional air moving device 770 is similar in function to the device 270 in FIG. 2.
- Certain flows of conditioned air can be used directly in the individual subsystem stations.
- the current YY is thus used at the image recorders and certain charging stations of the imaging modules 795 of the printer.
- a section J of the current YY is used to cool the image recorders (not shown in more detail) in the modules.
- the current J can be passed in succession past the picture recorders.
- the stream J is preferably divided so that a partial stream is passed to the image recorders in each case.
- the rest of the flow YY serves as an air flow K for ventilating certain charging devices in the second interior area, for example primary corona charging devices for charging photoconductive primary imaging elements of the modules.
- the current K can be passed in succession past or through the individual charging devices.
- the stream K is preferably divided so that a partial stream is passed to each of the charging devices in question.
- the air streams J 'and K' leaving these recorders and charging devices are brought together with the air stream P 1 and for reprocessing as a stream XX ', for example via a common outflow opening (not shown) from the housing 799 diverted. Similar to the flow X 'in FIG. 2, the air flow XX' is conducted back to the air chamber 762 via lines which are preferably made of flexible material to ensure a certain degree of mechanical vibration isolation.
- the housing 798 comprises the already described first inner region, which comprises a paper cooling station 791 and a paper heating station 792 for pretreating paper in a pretreatment station of the printer.
- the first inner region comprises a cooling station 790, which is part of a fixing station (not shown in FIG. 7).
- a stream B 3 of ambient air flows into the inner region 798 via at least one inflow opening (not shown) opening into the housing 798.
- the air flow B 3 is filtered in a suitable manner, for example by means of an inflow filter 763 similar to a conventional filter with a high flow rate for a heating system in a residential building, and divided into a plurality of flows, for example into four flows E 1 , E 2 , E 3 , E 4th
- a plurality of flow paths to direct the plurality of air flows connect the at least one inflow opening to at least one outflow opening in wall 779 and direct the plurality of air flows.
- the stream B 3 is used to manage the air quality of the air flowing through the first inner region and present in this inner region, the management deriving the heat generated in the first inner region and removing any ozone, acrolein contamination present in the housing 798. Includes amines or water vapor.
- the current E 1 flows in a flow path through the cooling station 790 for cooling receiving elements after fixing toner images on the receiving elements by means of the fixing element of the fixing station.
- This flow path includes an additional cooling fan 754, which is, for example (as shown) upstream of the cooling station 790 or alternatively downstream and part of the fixing station (not shown).
- the performance of the 754 fan can be adjustable.
- the air flow E 1 flows out of the housing 798 as an air flow E 1 ′ through an outflow opening (not shown) in the wall 779.
- the air flow E 2 flows in a flow path through the paper cooling station 791, an additional pre-cooling fan 755 and an additional after-cooling fan 756 being located in the flow path.
- the paper cooling station is part of the pretreatment station and is used to cool the paper after the pretreatment in heater 792 at elevated temperature.
- the 755 and 756 fans can be adjustable in their output. After passing the cooling station 791, the air flow E 2 flows out of the housing 798 as an air flow E 2 ′ through an outflow opening (not shown) in the wall 779.
- the current E 3 flows past the heating device 792 in a flow path and is discharged from the housing 798 as an air flow E 3 ′ through an outflow opening (not shown) in the wall 779.
- An advantage of device 700 is that harmful vapors, which may be generated by the paper heater, are evacuated through separate pipes, thereby preventing these vapors from spreading inside the printer or escaping from the printer into the room where the printer is located.
- the air flow E 4 flows in at least one flow path through frame sections 793 of the printer.
- the flow E 4 is generally used to ventilate the frame sections of the first interior, which form interior spaces supported by frame elements of the printer. After passing through the frame sections 793, the air flow E 4 is discharged out of the housing 798 as an air flow E 4 ′ through an outflow opening (not shown).
- the exhaust air flows E 1 ', E 2 ', E 3 ', E 4 ' can, as shown in FIG. 7, flow out through separate outflow openings, but can alternatively also be stirred together and discharged from the housing 798 as a combined flow.
- the air of the exhaust air streams E 1 ', E 2 ', E 3 ', E 4 ' flows through flexible connecting lines (not shown) which lead from the housing 798 to the housing 797.
- the flexible interconnect lines provide some mechanical vibration isolation between the third and fourth housings (there is a physical space between walls 779 and 787).
- the paper cooling station 791 and the paper heating station 792 and the respective air flow E 2 and E 3 are not included in the air quality management device, so that fans 755 and 756 (as well as the lines for currents E 2 and E 3 ) are omitted.
- the fourth housing 797 delimited by the walls 784, 785, 786 and 787, encloses a fourth inner region.
- the fourth inner region is separated both from the first inner region and from the second inner region (and also from the third inner region not shown in FIG. 7). There is preferably no air exchange between the fourth inner region and the first inner region nor between the fourth inner region and the second (or third) inner region.
- Air flows E 1 ', E 2 ', E 3 'and E 4 ' are directed through housing 797 by means of suitable conduits (not shown) to be directed through a discharge conduit (not shown) to a disposal location outside the printer.
- the air flows E 1 ', E 2 ', E 3 ', E 4 ' do not mix with the air in the housing 797 and are discharged from the printer as part of an air flow B 2 .
- the air flows E 1 ', E 2 ', E 3 ', E 4 ' are mainly moved by the suction force of a main air moving device 752 arranged in a housing 753 through the different flow paths 790, 791, 792 and 793 (in the devices 754, 755 and 756 are supplementary air movement devices).
- the main air moving device 752 creates suction to draw an ambient air flow B 1 into the housing 797 from outside the printer.
- the ambient air flow B 1 is drawn in from outside the printer through an inflow opening (not shown) and is directed past an inlet filter 764 and a condenser coil 720.
- the air stream B 1 can then be passed through an optionally provided air compressor 710 to compress the storm B 1 to a compressed air stream G ", the air compressor being part of the fourth housing 797.
- the inlet filter 764 is a filter with a high flow rate similar to a commercially available filter For a heating system in a residential house, it filters airborne particles from the air flow B 1 flowing into the housing 797.
- the (compressed) air flow flows past thermally conductive cooling fins 721, which are in thermal contact with the thermally conductive condenser coil 720 (Compressed) airflow absorbs heat from a coolant flowing through the condenser coil 720, which cools the coolant and causes the (compressed) airflow to transition into a heated (expanded) airflow G "'.
- the heated and expanded air flow G "' is discharged through an outflow line (not shown) into the air chamber 753 from the fourth inner region, the air flow G"' being stirred together with the air flow B 2 .
- the fourth interior is nevertheless treated as an integral part of the air quality management device 700 in that the inflow rate of the ambient air B 1 and the flow rate of the compressed air flow G "represent controlled factors in determining the correct functioning of the condenser coil 720.
- the efficient and space-saving use of a single fan 752 for moving the air flows G"', E 1 ', E 2 ', E 3 'and E 4 ' is a special feature of the device 700.
- the air conditioning device 780 is preferably configured similarly to the device 300 shown in FIG. 3A, which means that the device 780 has functionally similar elements, lines and materials as the device 300. Accordingly, the air conditioning device 780 preferably comprises a closed circuit for circulating a coolant, preferably a fluorocarbon coolant, through successive closed-circuit devices, the coolant being circulated as a coolant flow by a coolant circulation mechanism (not shown).
- the coolant circulation mechanism is part of the cooling unit 760.
- the successive devices through which the coolant is circulated are: the condenser coil 720 (similar to the condenser coil 320) from which the coolant in a pipe system 789a in the direction of the arrow i in flows through the wall 784 into the cooling unit 760, an evaporator coil (not shown, similar to the evaporator coil 330) in which the coolant is evaporated from a liquid state to a coolant gas, one (similar to the compressor 355, not shown) Evaporator coil downstream compressor for compressing the refrigerant gas to a compressed refrigerant gas, and a gate (not shown, similar to gate 340) downstream of the compressor, in which the refrigerant stream is divided into a main coolant stream (not shown) and an intermittent secondary coolant stream (not shown), horizon i
- the gate is activated by a solenoid valve (not shown), which enables intermittent circulation of the intermittent secondary coolant flow through a heating coil (not shown).
- the evaporator coil, the compressor for compressing the coolant gas, the gate and the heating coil are all located in the cooling unit 760.
- the condenser coil 720 is arranged downstream of the gate and the heating coil.
- the main coolant flow and the intermittent sub-coolant flow are directed together from unit 760 through wall 784 within pipe system 789b in the direction of arrow i out back to condenser coil 720 where the coolant is again condensed to the liquid state to be again through unit 760 to be circulated.
- the management of the air quality of the air circulating and present in the second interior area includes the dissipation of the excess heat generated in the housing 799 by heat-generating devices, for example for operating the modules 795, by the cooling unit 760 of the air conditioning device 780.
- the heat generated in the second interior area becomes based on the following heat generation values generated: approximately 500 watts by the image recorder, approximately 500 watts by other parts in the modules 795, approximately 1500 watts by the main air circulation device 750 and the additional air movement device 770 and approximately 1500 watts by the heat generating devices arranged in the additional chambers 794.
- the heat generating devices in the return section of device 700 include mechanical devices, power supplies, motors, electrical elements, electrical circuit boards, etc.
- a specified total return rate of air in the second interior is about 0.56 m 3 / sec (1180 cubic feet per minute) and is located in Range between approximately 0.51 m 3 / sec (1080 cubic feet per minute) and 0.65 m 3 / sec (1380 cubic feet per minute).
- the management of the air quality of the air in the first interior area includes the derivation excess heat generated in housing 798.
- the im five imaging modules 795 comprising first interior area regulated heat generation values are e.g. approximately 1000 watts through the cooling unit 790 downstream of the fuser unit, approximately 300 Watts through the additional cooling fan 754, about 1000 watts through the Paper cooler 791, about 300 watts each by the additional Pre-cooling fan 755 and the additional after-cooling fan 756, about 2500 watts from the paper heater 792 and about 4000 watts of the at least one Flow path through frame sections 793.
- the ambient air flow B 1 flowing into the housing 797 is at least about 0.59 m 3 / sec (1250 cubic feet per minute), and the ambient air flow B 3 flowing into the housing 798 is at least about 0.56 m 3 / sec (1180 cubic feet per Minute). Accordingly, the exhaust air flow B 2 is at least about 1.15 m 3 / sec (2430 cubic feet per minute).
- the air flow B 3 corresponds to a specified total flow rate through the first interior, which is approximately 0.56 m 3 / sec + 0.094 m 3 / sec (1180 cubic feet per minute ⁇ 200 cubic feet per minute).
- the exhaust air flow B 2 dissipates a certain amount of the heat generated by a fixing element arranged in the fixing station of the printer for fixing toner images on receiving elements.
- the part of the air flow related to the fixing station and in the first inner region also carries volatile fixing oil substances produced by the fixing station away from the fixing station.
- the fixation station-related current is preferably part of the frame current E 4 '.
- the fixing station is located in the first inner region at a location where the volatile fixing oil substances are removed in an advantageous manner, so that essentially no volatile fixing oil substances reach the modules.
- the volatile fixing oil substances can be derived, for example, from the air flow L 'flowing through from the first inner region to the second inner region.
- the fixing station is preferably arranged such that the air flow related to the fixing station flows past, but not through, the fixing station in order not to disadvantageously cool the fixing element.
- device 700 performs best when the specified total air flow rate through (from non-return controlled section) and the specified Total return rate in the second interior area (regulated by the return section) are about the same.
- the specified total air flow rate and the specified Total return rates preferably differ from each other by less than about 5%.
- a printer using device 700 When a printer using device 700 is in stand-by or Standby mode, i.e. if e.g. no images are generated or the printer not being used in any other way can be used for both the specified Total air flow rate as well as reduced for the specified total recirculation rate Readiness values must be specified to the temperature and relative humidity to keep the air flows XX, YY and ZZ constant at their setpoint and thereby Save operating energy of the printer.
- the Air flow rates can be adjusted appropriately when receiving elements different grammage can be printed.
- the specified Total air flow rate can be specified separately for each grammage of a receiving element and set accordingly.
- Recording elements of different grammages e.g. light types of paper and heavy types of paper usually require derivation different temperatures from the first interior.
- the air streams can e.g. in be set in such a way that those lost in the fuser of the printer Energy is minimized, or that the performance of the pretreatment station for Recording elements of different grammages is optimized.
- FIG. 8 is a schematic illustration of a preferred humidifier 800; as in a humidification unit of the air conditioning device in a Air quality management device according to the invention can be used can.
- 8A shows a side view of the moistening device.
- An airflow 805 is in front of an absorbent, moisturizable pad 810, and has an airflow 806 the moistenable pad 810 passes and is located behind it.
- On Drip mechanism in the form of a tube 820 guides the device 800 filtered water drips and drops 815 filtered water onto an upper area of the humidifiable Edition. The water drops 815 are absorbed by the support. From the humidified Pad 810 evaporating water humidifies airflow 805 so that a humidified Airflow 806 arises.
- Fig. 8B shows a rear view of the pad 810.
- the underside of the tube 820 has one Arrangement of holes 825 through which drops 815 fall.
- the holes 825 of the Tubes 820 are preferably 0.0381 cm (0.015 inches) in diameter and are in spaced at regular intervals of 5.08 cm (2 inches).
- Filtered water is at Needed supplied under pressure, as indicated by arrow 835, with the pipe 820 at its End has a closure 821, so that the water is forced through the Bores 825 flows.
- the pad 810 has an open structure so that the airflow 805 is low Flow resistance flows through the pad. That through the water flow 835 Water that is supplied is usually ordinary deionized water, from which particles enter a water filter unit have been filtered out.
- a preferred water filter unit is the "Ion Exchange" Research II Grade model from International Water Technology Corporation with a low pressure filter operating under a regulated water pressure of about 207 kPa (30 psi) is operated.
- a humidification unit is activated or disabled depending on how it regulates the relative humidity of the Air conditioning device in the return section of the device for managing the Air leaving air quality is necessary.
- the one shown in Figs. 8A and 8B Humidifier 800 is activated by opening a valve (not shown) activates the inflow 835 of water and thus the generation of the drops 815 allows.
- a valve not shown
- the valve after sending out a Activation signal to a valve control mechanism through a (not shown, e.g., similar the controller for the relative humidity 370) for the relative Intermittent air humidity by means of the valve control mechanism (not shown) open.
- the device 800 is deactivated by the valve after the Send a deactivation signal from the controller for the relative humidity the valve control mechanism is closed, causing the generation of the drops 815 is canceled.
- the valve control mechanism is preferably an electrically operated electromagnet.
- the valve by means of the relative humidity control to the Valve control mechanism continuously transmitted control signals. By negative Feedback and an error signal, the drip rate of the drops 815 is continuously adjusted, to provide a variable amount of moisture to stream 806.
- drops 816 of a collecting mechanism and the water thus collected is collected by a Suitable pipe system (not shown) with valves (not shown) back to the pipe 820 directed to be reused for humidification. This is done e.g. with help a back pump mechanism (not shown). If necessary, the collected water for renewed filtering through an optional additional filter (not shown) be directed.
- FIG. 9 is a schematic illustration of a preferred humidification system 900 for Supply of humidification water to a humidification unit of an air conditioning device in an air quality management device according to the invention.
- a main water flow flows through a water pipe 920 in an air conditioner 970.
- the air conditioner 970 one on a floor 935 standing rollable unit with walls, contains certain humidification Elements.
- the water flowing through line 920 flows through a water filter 910 and on to a humidifier 950. Excess water in the Humidifier 950 drips into a pool 930 and is powered by a pump 960 pumped into a water drain 925.
- the humidifier 950 includes preferably a humidification unit that is similar to that shown in FIG 8 device 800 is formed.
- the inflow of water through a Valve 980 is controlled by signals from a controller (not shown) for relative Humidity controlled by a valve control mechanism (not shown) to control the Humidification by the humidification device to that already based on FIG. 8 described way to control.
- the valve 980 shown before the water filter 910 in FIG. 9 can alternatively also in the line system 945 between the filter 910 and the Humidification unit 950 may be arranged. That of a dampened pad (i.e. one like the pad 810 shown in FIG. 8) dripping water in the humidification unit 950 drips into the collecting basin 930.
- evaporator coil of the Air conditioning device 970 can drip water condensate and into the collecting basin 930 collected (e.g., the evaporator coil 330 shown in FIG. 3A) trained evaporator coil is not shown in Fig. 8).
- the device 900 includes a catch basin 940 for collecting water in the case malfunction of water circulation e.g. if the drainage is blocked 925 or the drainage of the collecting basin 930 or if the pump 960 malfunctions. Such a malfunction would result in a malfunction of the humidification control Air conditioner 970 and possibly cause a flood, when the catch basin 940 overflows.
- the Collection basin 940 at least one water level sensor 990 is provided, which sends a signal sends the valve control mechanism to close the valve 980 when the sensor 990 reached the water. This signal also shifts the air conditioner 970 in an operating mode "cooling without humidification".
- coolant is sporadically released by a (in 9) coolant circulation mechanism by the (not shown) Evaporator coil moved, i.e. with reduced relative duty cycle. It takes place preferably less than about 10% of the time a coolant flow, i.e. the relative Duty cycle is preferably less than about 10%. In particular, a relative duty cycle of less than 5% preferred. In comparison, the relative duty cycle of the air conditioning device 300 shown in FIG. 3A preferably 100%. Even with a reduced duty cycle, the temperature of the conditioned air, i.e. of the air leaving the recirculation device 970 a temperature close to the target temperature.
- the present invention has the following in comparison to the prior art listed advantages.
- One advantage is that essentially all of the excess produced by the printer Heat is not radiated or given off to the room in which the printer is located but in the form of an outside of the machine, e.g. in a heating, Ventilation or air conditioning (HVAC system) to be disposed of exhaust air flow from the device for controlling the air quality is derived.
- HVAC system heating, Ventilation or air conditioning
- the operation of the air quality management device is based on advantageously not on a heat exchange with the ambient air, e.g. is the case in US 5,056,331.
- the first inner region has high flow rates. These high flow rates essentially prevent volatile fixing oil substances from reaching sensitive components of the machine, for example the imaging modules, the elements in the modules and the elements in the additional chambers assigned to the modules.
- the main fan moves an air stream with a relatively low flow rate of about 0.034 m 3 / sec (about 71 cubic feet per minute) and circulates it through ten imaging modules of a duplex printer for the continuous printing of sheets.
- the non-return section and the return section of the air quality management device 700 according to the invention move 33 times as much air.
- the relative air humidity is determined in US Pat. No. 5,481,339 and the temperature of the air circulated through an air conditioner by means of the Air conditioning device upstream sensors.
- the Sensors for determining the relative humidity and temperature in an advantageous Way of air conditioning i.e. they are close to the Outflow openings of the devices 300, 400 and 500 shown in FIGS. 3A, 4 and 5, respectively. Since both the temperature and the relative humidity of the air in one Air conditioning device inflowing air after passing through the air conditioning device can change considerably and unpredictably is the present, the tempering and Humidification device downstream position of the sensors to determine the relative Prefer humidity and temperature. It leads to more stable control of the Temperature and relative humidity of the air leaving the air conditioning device than the device of US 5,481,339.
- the modules and are assigned Additional chambers of the printer are each supplied with conditioned air so that the Temperature in each module and each additional chamber at a similar target temperature can be held. Add to that the strong airflow through the first Maintains a relatively uniform temperature in the first inner region.
- the frame of the printer which is usually made of metal, is therefore only small exposed to heat-related loads. In the case of locally different ones Heat generation rates of the various heat generating devices of the printer or if there is a thermal gradient in the ambient air surrounding the printer the loads e.g. otherwise much larger. Therefore, there are only minimal bends or twists of the frame on what is required for compliance with the correct operation high demands on the mechanical tolerances are important.
- both specified total flow rate of the first interior area and the specified Total return rate can be changed from time to time as required, e.g. during the Operation of the printer or between print runs may be necessary.
- a Device (not shown) for changing the through certain flow paths or proportional air volumes flowing through certain return paths e.g. Real time be provided.
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Abstract
Description
- Fig. 1A
- eine schematische Darstellung eines Blockdiagramms einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung zum Management der Luftqualität, die zwei Abschnitte umfasst: einen rückführungslosen Abschnitt und einen Rückführabschnitt, in dem die Luft zur Rückführung klimatisiert und in einer Filtereinheit gefiltert wird;
- Fig. 1B
- die in Fig. 1A dargestellt Vorrichtung mit weiterhin einer Einströmöffnung in den Rückführabschnitt und einer optionalen Ausströmöffnung, wobei die Einströmöffnung zum Einziehen eines Umgebungsluftstroms in den Rückführabschnitt dient und die optionale Ausströmöffnung zum Ausstoß eines entsprechenden Luftstroms aus dem Rückführabschnitt dient;
- Fig. 1C
- eine schematische Seitenansicht einer Ausführungsform der in Fig. 1A gezeigten Filtereinheit;
- Fig. 2
- eine schematische Darstellung von Strömungswegen in einem Rückführabschnitt einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung zum Management der Luftqualität, die zum Einsatz in einer modularen Farbdruckmaschine mit einer Anzahl elektrostatografischer Bebilderungsmodule geeignet ist, wobei die Strömungswege zu den Modulen hin und von den Modulen weg sowie zu den den Modulen zugeordneten Komponenten und Zusatzkammern hin und von diesen weg führen;
- Fig. 3A
- eine schematische Darstellung einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform einer Klimatisiervorrichtung zum Einsatz in der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung zum Management der Luftqualität;
- Fig. 3B
- eine schematische Seitenansicht einer Filtereinheit zum Einsatz in Verbindung mit der in Fig. 3A gezeigten Klimatisiervorrichtung;
- Fig. 3C
- eine schematische Seitenansicht einer zusätzlichen Filtereinheit zum Einsatz in Verbindung mit der in Fig. 3B gezeigten Filtereinheit;
- Fig. 4
- eine schematische Darstellung einer alternativen Ausführungsform einer Klimatisiervorrichtung zum Einsatz in der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung zum Management der Luftqualität;
- Fig. 5
- eine schematische Darstellung einer weiteren alternativen Ausführungsform einer Klimatisiervorrichtung zum Einsatz in der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung zum Management der Luftqualität;
- Fig. 6
- eine vereinfachte Darstellung eines modularen elektrostatografischen Druckers mit einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung zum Management der Luftqualität;
- Fig. 7
- eine schematische Darstellung der Luftströme in einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung zum Management der Luftqualität;
- Fig. 8A
- eine Seitenansicht einer Befeuchtungsvorrichtung zum Einsatz in einer crfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung zum Management der Luftqualität;
- Fig. 8B
- eine Vorderansicht der in Fig. 9 dargestellten Befeuchtungsvorrichtung zum Einsatz in einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung zum Management der Luftqualität; und
- Fig. 9
- eine Anordnung zur Zufuhr von Wasser zur Befeuchtung in einer Klimatisiervorrichtung einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung zum Management der Luftqualität.
- 100, 100'
- Vorrichtung zum Management der Luftqualität
- 120, 120'
- Rückführabschnitt
- 130, 130'
- Recyclingbereich
- 131, 131'
- Trennwand
- 132, 132'
- Wand
- 133, 133'
- Wand
- 135, 135'
- Trennelement
- 140, 140'
- rückführungsloser Abschnitt
- 145, 145'
- Durchströmöffnung
- 146, 146'
- Durchströmöffnung
- 150, 150'
- erster Innenbereich
- 151, 151'
- Wand
- 152, 152'
- Wand
- 153, 153
- Wand
- 157, 157'
- Filter der Einströmöffnung
- 158, 158'
- optionaler Aminfilter
- 160, 160'
- Klimatisiervorrichtung
- 161, 161'
- Filtereinheit
- 163a
- Eintrittsleitung
- 163b
- Ableitung
- 163c
- Leitungsabschnitt
- 163d
- Leitungsabschnitt
- 163e
- Leitungsabschnitt
- 164
- Partikelfilter für grobe Partikel
- 165
- Partikelfilter für feine Partikel
- 166
- Ozonfilter
- 167
- Aminfilter
- 168a
- Abstand
- 168b
- Abstand
- 168c
- Abstand
- 200
- Rückführabschnitt
- 201
- Einströmverteiler
- 202
- Einströmverteiler
- 203
- Ausströmverteiler
- 204
- Ausströmverteiler
- 205
- Einströmverteiler
- 206
- Ausströmverteiler
- 220
- Bereich
- 230
- Hilfskammer A1
- 240
- Trennlinie
- 241, 242, 243, 244, 245, 246
- Begrenzungslinie
- 250
- Hauptzirkulationsvorrichtung
- 251
- Gehäuse
- 260
- Klimatisiervorrichtung
- 261
- Einströmfiltereinheit
- 262
- Luftkammer
- 270
- zusätzliche Luftbewegungsvorrichtung
- 271
- Zusatzfilter
- 272
- Luftkammer
- 300
- Klimatisiervorrichtung
- 310
- Luftkompressor
- 315
- Kühlrippen
- 320
- Verflüssigerschlange
- 325
- Expansionsventil
- 330
- Verdampferschlange
- 333
- Kühlrippen
- 335
- Druckregler
- 340
- Kompressor
- 345
- Heizrippen
- 350
- Heizschlange
- 355
- Magnetventil
- 358a
- Einströmleitung
- 358c
- Leitungssystem
- 359a
- Einströmleitung
- 359b
- Ausströmleitung
- 359c
- Leitungssystem
- 360
- Begrenzung des Betriebsabschnitts der Klimatisiervorrichtung
- 361A
- Filtereinheit
- 361B
- Filtereinheit
- 362
- Luftkammer
- 363
- Mischkammer
- 364
- Luftkammer
- 365
- Hauptzirkulationsvorrichtung
- 366
- Grobpartikelfilter
- 366a
- Luftraum
- 367
- Feinpartikelfilter
- 368
- Ozonfilter
- 368a
- Luftraum
- 369
- Aminfilter
- 370
- Steuerung der relativen Luftfeuchtigkeit
- 371
- Sensor der relativen Luftfeuchtigkeit
- 380
- Luftbefeuchtungseinheit
- 390
- Temperatursteuerung
- 391
- Temperatursensor
- 392
- Luftkammer
- 400
- Klimatisiervorrichtung
- 460
- Begrenzungslinie der Klimatisiervorrichtung
- 465
- Begrenzungslinie der Klimatisiervorrichtung
- 470
- Steuerung der relativen Luftfeuchtigkeit
- 471a, 471b,...,471n
- Sensor der relativen Luftfeuchtigkeit
- 480a, 480b,...480n
- Luftbefeuchtungseinheit
- 490
- Temperatursteuerung
- 491a, 490b,..., 491n
- Temperatursensor
- 500
- Klimatisiervorrichtung
- 540a, 540b,..., 540n
- Temperatureinstellvorrichtung
- 560
- Begrenzungslinie
- 565
- Begrenzungslinie
- 570
- Steuerung der relativen Luftfeuchtigkeit
- 571a, 571b,..., 571n
- Sensor der relativen Luftfeuchtigkeit
- 590
- Temperatursteuerung
- 591a, 591b,...591n
- Temperatursensor
- 592
- zusätzlicher Temperatursensor
- 600
- Vorrichtung zum Management der Luftqualität
- 605
- unterer Abschnitt
- 610
- Transportband
- 615
- oberer Abschnitt
- 620
- Trommel
- 630
- Trommel
- 635
- Innenbereich
- 640
- Abtrennung
- 645
- Aufnahmeelement
- 655
- Aufnahmeelement
- 660
- dritter Innenbereich
- 700
- Vorrichtung zum Management der Luftqualität
- 710
- Luftkompressor
- 720
- Verflüssigerschlange
- 721
- Kühlrippen
- 740
- Luftspalt
- 745, 746
- Durchströmöffnungen
- 750
- Hauptzirkulationsvorrichtung
- 751
- Luftkammer
- 752
- Luftbewegungsvorrichtung
- 753
- Gehäuse
- 754
- Kühlungsventilator
- 755
- Vorkühlventilator
- 756
- Nachkühlventilator
- 760
- Kühleinheit
- 761
- Filtereinheit
- 762
- Luftkammer
- 763
- Einströmöffnungsfilters
- 764
- Einströmöffnungsfilters
- 770
- Luftbewegungsvorrichtung
- 771
- Zusatzfilter
- 772
- Gehäuse
- 773-775
- Begrenzung
- 776
- Trennelement
- 777-779
- Begrenzung
- 780
- Klimatisiervorrichtung
- 781-787
- Begrenzung
- 789a, 789b
- Rohrsystem
- 790
- Postfüserkühlstation
- 791
- Papierkühlstation
- 792
- Papierheizstation
- 793
- Rahmenabschnitte
- 794
- Zusatzkammer
- 795
- Modul
- 796
- erstes Gehäuse
- 797
- viertes Gehäuse
- 798
- drittes Gehäuse
- 799
- zweites Gehäuse
- 800
- Befeuchtungsvorrichtung
- 805
- Luftstrom
- 806
- befeuchteter Luftstrom
- 810
- befeuchtbare Auflage
- 815
- Wassertropfen
- 816
- überschüssige Wassertropfen
- 820
- Rohr
- 821
- Verschluss
- 825
- Bohrungen
- 830
- Auffangbecken
- 835
- Wasserzustrom
- 900
- Befeuchtungssystem
- 910
- Wasserfilter
- 915
- Wand
- 920
- Zuführleitung
- 925
- Wasserableitung
- 930
- Sammelbecken
- 935
- Boden
- 940
- Basissammelbecken
- 945
- Leitungssystem
- 950
- Befeuchtungsvorrichtung
- 960
- Pumpe
- 970
- Klimatisiervorrichtung
- 980
- Ventil
- 990
- Wasserstandsensor
- A/C
- Klimatisiervorrichtung
- A1-A5
- Zusatzkammer
- a1
- Luftströmrichtung
- a2
- Rückführstrom
- a3
- Zustrom von Umgebungsluft
- a4
- Abluftstrom
- a5
- Luftstrom
- a6
- Luftstrom
- a7
- Luftstrom
- a8
- Luftstrom
- B0
- Strömrichtung
- B1
- Umgebungsluftstrom
- B2
- Abluftstrom
- B3
- Luftstrom
- c1, c2,..., cn
- Steuersignal
- D
- rückzuführender Luftstrom
- D'
- gefilterter Luftstrom
- d1
- Temperatursignal
- d2
- Anschaltsignal
- E1, E2, E3, E4
- Luftstrom
- E1', E2', E3', E4'
- Luftstrom
- e
- Anschaltsignal der Temperatursteuerung
- F1, F2, F3
- Kühlmittelstrom
- G
- Zustrom
- G'
- Luftstrom
- G"
- komprimierter Strom
- G"'
- erwärmter Luftstrom
- H
- Einströmrichtung
- H'
- Ausströmrichtung
- H1, H2, H3, H4
- Wand
- H"
- Einströmrichtung
- H"'
- Ausströmrichtung
- iin
- Einströmrichtung
- iout
- Ausströmrichtung
- J
- Teilstrom
- J'
- Luftstrom
- j1, j2,..., jN
- Belüftungsstromanteil des Bildschreiber
- K
- Teilstrom
- K'
- Luftstrom
- k1, k2,..., kN
- Belüftungsstromanteil der Ladevorrichtung
- L, L'
- durchströmender Luftstrom
- M1-M5
- Bilderzeugungsmodul
- M1'-M5'
- Bilderzeugungsmodul
- m
- Bewegungsrichtung
- P1
- Teilstrom
- P2
- Teilstrom
- P2'
- Abluftstrom
- p1, p2, p3, p4, p5
- Abluftstrom
- Q
- Magnetventil
- q1, q2, q3, q4, q5
- Abluftstrom
- R0-R6
- Aufnahmeelement
- r1, r2,..., rN
- Signal
- r1', r2',..., rN'
- Signal
- RHU1, RHU2,..., RHUN
- Luftbefeuchtungseinheit
- RHU1', RHU2',..., RHUN'
- Luftbefeuchtungseinheit
- S1, S2,..., SN
- ausströmender Teilstrom
- T
- Luftstrom
- T', T", T"'
- zusammengeführter Luftstrom
- T0
- Luftstrom
- T1, T2,..., TN
- Teilstrom
- T1', T2',..., TN'
- Teilstrom
- T1", T2",..., TN"
- Teilstrom
- t1, t2,..., tN
- Temperatursignal
- t1', t2',..., tN'
- Temperatursignal
- TAM1, TAM2,..., TAMN
- Temperatureinstellvorrichtung
- U1, U2,..., UN
- ausströmender Teilstrom
- u1, u2,..., uN
- Anschaltsignal
- V1, V2
- Luftstrom
- W
- Luftstrom
- WW
- Luftstrom
- X, Y, Z
- Luftstrom
- X", Y", Z"
- klimatisierte Luftströme
- X"', Y"', Z"'
- wiederaufzubereitende Luftströme
- XX, YY, ZZ
- ausströmende Luftströme
- x1, x2, x3, x4, x5
- Belüftungsstrom
- X'
- Luftstrom
- XX'
- zusammengeführter Strom
- y1, y2, y3, y4, y5
- Teilsystembelüftungsstrom
- z1, z2, z3, z4, z5
- Zusatzkammerluftstrom
- z6, z7, z8, z9, z10
- Abluftstrom
- Z'
- Luftstrom
- ZZ'
- ausströmender Luftstrom
Claims (10)
- Vorrichtung (100) zum Management der Luftqualität zur Verwendung in einem elektrostatografischen Drucker (600) zur Herstellung von Farbbildern auf Aufnahmeelementen (R0-R6, 645, 655) mit einem eine Fixierstation zum Fixieren der Farbbilder auf den Aufnahmeelementen (R0-R6, 645, 655) umfassenden ersten Innenbereich und einem vom ersten Innenbereich (150) mittels mindestens eines Trennelements getrennten, mindestens ein elektrostatografisches Bilderzeugungsmodul und mit diesem zusammenarbeitende Ladevorrichtungen, Bildschreiber, Tonerstationen und Reinigungsstationen umfassenden zweiten Innenbereich (130), wobei die Vorrichtung (100) zum Management der Luftqualität folgendes umfasst:einen rückführungslosen Abschnitt (140) zum Management der Luftqualität der durch den ersten Innenbereich (150) strömenden und im ersten Innenbereich (150) vorhandenen Luft, wobei der erste Innenbereich (150) mindestes eine Einströmöffnung, mindestens eine Ausströmöffnung, eine Vielzahl von die mindestens eine Einströmöffnung mit der mindestens einen Ausströmöffnung verbindenden Durchströmwegen und mindestens eine Luftbewegungsvorrichtung zum Einziehen von Umgebungsluft von außerhalb des Druckers durch die mindestens eine Einströmöffnung in den ersten Innenbereich (150) und zur Bewegung der im ersten Innenbereich (150) vorhandenen Luft in Richtung der mindestens einen Ausströmöffnung und durch die mindestens eine Ausströmöffnung zur Ausleitung der Luft als Abluftstrom aufweist, wobei die mindestens eine Luftbewegungsvorrichtung eine spezifizierte Gesamtluftströmrate zwischen der mindestens einen Einströmöffnung und der mindestens einen Ausströmöffnung liefert;einen Rückführabschnitt (120, 200) zum Management der Luftqualität der im zweiten Innenbereich (130) vorhandenen und zirkulierenden Luft, wobei der Rückführabschnitt (120, 200) eine Klimatisiervorrichtung (160, 260, 300, 360, 400, 500, 780, 970, A/C) mit einem Eingang und mindestens einem Ausgang zur Klimatisierung der im zweiten Innenbereich (130) vorhandenen Luft und dabei zur Ableitung der im zweiten Innenbereich (130) erzeugten überschüssigen Wärme aufweist, wobei jeder Ausgang einen Teil eines mindestens einen ausströmenden Luftstroms bildenden jeweiligen Luftstrom bereitstellt, und wobei der Rückführabschnitt (120, 200) der Vorrichtung (100) zum Management der Luftqualität weiterhin mindestens eine Rückführvorrichtung umfasst, die die im zweiten Innenbereich (130) vorhandene Luft mit einer spezifizierten Gesamtrückführrate durch die Klimatisiervorrichtung bewegt, so dass die die Klimatisiervorrichtung durch den mindestens einen Ausgang der Klimatisiervorrichtung verlassende klimatisierte Luft von der mindestens einen Rückführvorrichtung durch eine Vielzahl von im zweiten Innenbereich (130) vorgesehenen Rückführströmungswegen drängt, die in eine gemeinsame Leitung zusammengeführt werden, um wiederaufzubereitende Luft zu einer in der gemeinsamen Leitung angeordneten Filtereinheit zur Entfernung von Verschmutzungselementen aus der in der Klimatisiervorrichtung aufzubereitenden Luft zu leiten;
wobei die Abluft die im ersten Innenbereich (150) erzeugte überschüssige Wärme und Luftverschmutzung aus dem ersten Innenbereich (150) abführt;
wobei der Rückführabschnitt der Vorrichtung zum Management der Luftqualität mindestens einen Mechanismus zur Entfernung von Luftverschmutzung aus der im zweiten Innenbereich (130) vorhandenen Luft während der Wiederaufbereitung umfasst;
wobei die Klimatisierung und Wiederaufbereitung durch die Klimatisiervorrichtung eine Temperatursteuerungseinheit zur Steuerung der Temperatur des mindestens einen aus der Klimatisiervorrichtung ausströmenden Luftstroms innerhalb eines vorgegebenen Temperaturbereichs umfasst; und
wobei die Klimatisierung und Wiederaufbereitung durch die Klimatisiervorrichtung eine Luftfeuchtigkeitssteuerungseinheit zur Steuerung der relativen Luftfeuchtigkeit des mindestens einen aus der Klimatisiervorrichtung ausströmenden Luftstroms innerhalb eines vorgegebenen Bereichs der relativen Luftfeuchtigkeit umfasst. - Vorrichtung (100) zum Management der Luftqualität nach Anspruch 1,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das mindestens eine Trennelement mindestens einen Durchströmweg zwischen dem ersten Innenbereich (150) und dem zweiten Innenbereich (130) definiert, wobei dem Durchströmweg eine Durchströmrate von Luft von dem ersten Innenbereich (150) in den zweiten Innenbereich (130) und eine im Wesentlichen gleiche Durchströmrate von Luft von dem zweiten Innenbereich (130) in den ersten Innenbereich (150) zugeordnet ist und die Durchströmrate von dem zweiten Innenbereich (130) in den ersten Innenbereich (150) ein vorgegebener Bruchteil der spezifizierten Gesamtrückführrate des Rückführabschnitts der Vorrichtung zum Management der Luftqualität ist. - Vorrichtung zum Management der Luftqualität nach Anspruch 2,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der vorgegebene Bruchteil weniger als 0,33 beträgt. - Vorrichtung zum Management der Luftqualität nach einem der Ansprüche 2 bis 3,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das mindestens eine Trennelement ein Transportband zum Transport der Aufnahmeelemente (R0-R6, 645, 655) vorbei an den hintereinander geschalteten elektrostatografischen Bilderzeugungsmodulen umfasst. - Vorrichtung zum Management der Luftqualität nach Anspruch 4,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Transportband die Form einer einen dritten Innenbereich umgebenden Röhre hat, wobei der dritte Innenbereich mit dem mindestens einen Durchströmweg kommuniziert, was zur Bildung eines Luftgemischs im dritten Innenbereich führt,
wobei das Luftgemisch Eigenschaften zwischen den Eigenschaften der im ersten Innenbereich (150) vorhandenen Luft und den Eigenschaften der im zweiten Innenbereich (130) vorhandenen Luft aufweist, wobei diese Eigenschaften die Temperatur und die relative Luftfeuchtigkeit umfassen. - Vorrichtung zum Management der Luftqualität nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 5,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die aus dem ersten Innenbereich (150) mittels des Abluftstroms abgeführte Luftverschmutzung mindestens ein Verschmutzungselement der folgenden Gruppe von Verschmutzungselementen umfasst: Amine, Acrolein, Ozon, Fixieröldampf, Wasserdampf, Partikel. - Vorrichtung zum Management der Luftqualität nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 6,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass eine Vorrichtung vorgesehen ist, die dazu dient, einen Auffrischungsstrom gefilterter Luft von außerhalb des Druckers mit einer spezifizierten Einströmrate durch mindestens eine Einströmleitung in den zweiten Innenbereich (130) zu leiten,
wobei ein Kompensationsluftstromrate von ungefähr gleicher Stärke wie die spezifizierte Einströmrate den zweiten Innenbereich (130) in Richtung mindestens eines Orts außerhalb des zweiten Innenbereichs (130) verlässt. - Vorrichtung zum Management der Luftqualität nach Anspruch 7,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die spezifizierte Einströmrate geteilt durch die Gesamtrückführrate weniger als 0,2 ergibt. - Vorrichtung zum Management der Luftqualität nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 8,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass in nächster Nähe zu jeder Einströmöffnung ein Aminofilter zum Ausfiltern von Aminverschmutzungen aus der durch die mindestens eine Einströmöffnung in den ersten Innenbereich (150) einströmenden Umgebungsluft und/oder ein Partikelfilter zum Ausfiltern von Verschmutzungspartikeln aus der durch die mindestens eine Einströmöffnung in den ersten Innenbereich (150) einströmenden Umgebungsluft vorgesehen ist. - Vorrichtung zum Management der Luftqualität nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 9,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Rückführabschnitt eine Vorrichtung zur Entfernung von Ozon aus der im zweiten Innenbereich (130) vorhandenen Luft und/oder einen Teil der Filtereinheit bildenden Grobpartikelfilter zur Entfernung von Grobpartikeln aus der im zweiten Innenbereich (130) vorhandenen Luft und/oder einen Teil der Filtereinheit bildenden Feinpartikelfilter zur Entfernung von Feinpartikeln aus der im zweiten Innenbereich (130) vorhandenen Luft umfasst.
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US8298 | 2001-11-13 | ||
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EP1310837A1 true EP1310837A1 (de) | 2003-05-14 |
EP1310837B1 EP1310837B1 (de) | 2010-11-03 |
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EP (1) | EP1310837B1 (de) |
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2001
- 2001-11-13 US US10/008,298 patent/US6771916B2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
2002
- 2002-10-28 DE DE50214742T patent/DE50214742D1/de not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2002-10-28 EP EP02024424A patent/EP1310837B1/de not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2002-10-28 AT AT02024424T patent/ATE487168T1/de active
- 2002-10-28 DE DE10250099A patent/DE10250099A1/de not_active Withdrawn
Patent Citations (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP0629931A1 (de) * | 1993-06-18 | 1994-12-21 | Xeikon Nv | Elektrostatografischer Drucker zum Erzeugen eines Bildes auf einem Empfangselement |
JP2000089647A (ja) * | 1998-09-09 | 2000-03-31 | Canon Inc | 画像形成装置 |
US6308026B1 (en) * | 1999-08-04 | 2001-10-23 | Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd. | Imaging forming apparatus using independent modules |
Non-Patent Citations (1)
Title |
---|
PATENT ABSTRACTS OF JAPAN vol. 2000, no. 06 22 September 2000 (2000-09-22) * |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
DE10250099A1 (de) | 2003-05-22 |
EP1310837B1 (de) | 2010-11-03 |
US6771916B2 (en) | 2004-08-03 |
DE50214742D1 (de) | 2010-12-16 |
US20030091363A1 (en) | 2003-05-15 |
ATE487168T1 (de) | 2010-11-15 |
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