EP1333987A1 - Method and device for aligning print heads - Google Patents

Method and device for aligning print heads

Info

Publication number
EP1333987A1
EP1333987A1 EP01996463A EP01996463A EP1333987A1 EP 1333987 A1 EP1333987 A1 EP 1333987A1 EP 01996463 A EP01996463 A EP 01996463A EP 01996463 A EP01996463 A EP 01996463A EP 1333987 A1 EP1333987 A1 EP 1333987A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
printing
printhead
printing direction
print
print head
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP01996463A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1333987B1 (en
Inventor
Rainer Eck
Michael Koblinger
Karl Erich Albert Schaschek
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Koenig and Bauer AG
Original Assignee
Koenig and Bauer AG
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Koenig and Bauer AG filed Critical Koenig and Bauer AG
Publication of EP1333987A1 publication Critical patent/EP1333987A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1333987B1 publication Critical patent/EP1333987B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41C—PROCESSES FOR THE MANUFACTURE OR REPRODUCTION OF PRINTING SURFACES
    • B41C1/00—Forme preparation
    • B41C1/10—Forme preparation for lithographic printing; Master sheets for transferring a lithographic image to the forme
    • B41C1/1066—Forme preparation for lithographic printing; Master sheets for transferring a lithographic image to the forme by spraying with powders, by using a nozzle, e.g. an ink jet system, by fusing a previously coated powder, e.g. with a laser
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
    • B41J2/00—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
    • B41J2/485—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by the process of building-up characters or image elements applicable to two or more kinds of printing or marking processes
    • B41J2/505—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by the process of building-up characters or image elements applicable to two or more kinds of printing or marking processes from an assembly of identical printing elements
    • B41J2/515—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by the process of building-up characters or image elements applicable to two or more kinds of printing or marking processes from an assembly of identical printing elements line printer type

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a method and device for aligning a print head according to the preamble of claims 1 or 8.
  • GB 2349607 A shows a printing device with a plurality of printing heads which are arranged offset from one another. These print heads are arranged inclined in the radial direction with respect to a printing cylinder.
  • the invention has for its object to provide a method and apparatus for aligning printheads.
  • the advantages that can be achieved with the invention are, in particular, that instead of moving the printhead biaxially, in order to transfer it from the printhead to the print material to adjust the sprayed print image accordingly, the alignment of the print head or its print image can be achieved more easily by the combination of a mechanical alignment in one axis and a timing of the shot of the print head.
  • the printhead is thus moved transversely to the printing direction to align the printhead, while the timing of the printhead is changed to align the printhead in the printing direction.
  • printing direction means the direction of movement of the printed material to be printed relative to the print heads. If printing plates mounted on rotating printing plate cylinders are provided as printing material, the printing direction is perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the printing plate cylinder.
  • the timing of the shot is expediently changed as a function of the printing speed, ie the running speed of the printed material. If the timing of the print head is delayed, the print material continues to pass under the print head and vice versa, so that the print image is adjusted in the printing direction.
  • a plurality of printheads of a multi-head printer can be aligned with one another, with at least one of the printheads being displaced transversely to the printing direction for aligning the printheads and / or at least one of the printheads being controlled to align the printheads in the printing direction.
  • the shift and a change in the time of the shot can be carried out individually for each printhead or, if appropriate, also for groups of the printheads together.
  • the print heads are advantageously moved uniaxially. They are only moved in order to achieve an orientation of the printed image transversely to the printing direction. This considerably simplifies the adjustment. In the case of a shift in only one direction, it need not be taken into account that the printed image could also be shifted in the other axis. The latter is adjusted by the timing of the shooting time. Preferably, all print heads that are moved are moved in the same direction, that is, along parallel axes. This simplifies the alignment process of the print heads relative to each other.
  • the print heads can be moved across the print direction. As a result, the alignment transverse to the printing direction is decoupled from the alignment in the printing direction, which simplifies the alignment process as a whole.
  • the print heads can each be pushed along an axis which encloses an acute angle to the printing direction.
  • a resulting offset of the print heads in the printing direction can be compensated for by a corresponding change in the moment of firing of the respective print head.
  • the displacement of the printheads parallel to the inclined position i. H. parallel to the longitudinal direction of the print heads defined by the row of printing nozzles.
  • an adaptation of the printing screen spacing in the printing direction to the printing nozzle spacing transversely to the printing direction can be accomplished by timing the individual nozzle sections as a function of the printing speed.
  • the alignment can advantageously be carried out using a printhead positioning device for the alignment of the print head only transversely to the print direction and a timing device for controlling the timing of the print head for its alignment in the print direction.
  • the positioning device is preferably designed as a uniaxial displacement device with which the printhead can be displaced along an axis.
  • the displacement axis of the positioning device can be arranged transversely to the printing direction.
  • the printhead positioning device has an axis of displacement which includes an acute angle to the printing direction.
  • the time control device is designed in such a way that the resulting offset of the print head in the printing direction is compensated for by a change in the point in time at which the print head shoots the individual drops.
  • the device has a plurality of print head positioning devices for aligning a plurality of print heads relative to one another.
  • the print heads can preferably be set independently of one another.
  • the control device can be designed in such a way that the time at which the print heads are fired can be set individually and / or in groups.
  • FIG. 1 An embodiment of the invention is shown in the drawing and will be described in more detail below.
  • the single figure shows a schematic representation of a multi-head inkjet printing system with a device for aligning the print heads of the printing system according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.
  • a multi-head inkjet printing system 3 is provided to image the printing plate. This has a pressure bar 4, which is parallel to the longitudinal axis 2 of the printing plate cylinder 1 extends opposite its circumferential side.
  • the print heads 5 are arranged in two rows, the print heads 5 being arranged offset in the different rows transversely to the printing direction 6.
  • the printing direction 6 is determined by the rotational movement of the printing plate cylinder 1, it runs perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 2.
  • the print heads 5 are slidably mounted on the print bar 4.
  • the printheads 5 can be individually displaced relative to the printhead 4 along an axis, so that the position of the respective printhead 5 changes transversely to the printing direction 6, that is to say parallel to the longitudinal axis 2.
  • the print image can be set transversely to the printing direction 6.
  • a time control device 8 which controls the timing of the shot of the individual print heads 5 or the individual print nozzles.
  • One axis is defined by the direction in which the print material is moving. Accordingly, this axis can be aligned by skilful timing of the shooting time of the individual pressure nozzles.
  • the other axis is accordingly transverse to the printing direction, in the example shown parallel to the longitudinal axis 2. This axis alone can accordingly be mechanically aligned more easily.
  • the alignment described can also be used in other printhead printing systems for other printing applications in which the position of the printheads 5 is to be aligned.
  • This printing device applies a means for changing the coating (an additional coating can be applied, properties of a coating can be changed) of a printing form, in particular a planographic printing form of a printing press.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Optics & Photonics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
  • Ink Jet (AREA)
  • Facsimile Heads (AREA)

Abstract

The invention relates to a method and a device for aligning print heads (5) in relation to continuous printed material. According to the invention, to align the print heads (5) in relation to one another, the latter are displaced transversally to the direction of printing (6) and to align the print heads (5) in the direction of printing, the injection times of the print heads are temporally controlled. The print heads (5) can be precisely and simply aligned by the mechanical adjustment of only one axis.

Description

Beschreibungdescription
Verfahren und Vorrichtung zum Ausrichten von DruckköpfenPrinthead alignment method and apparatus
Die Erfindung betrifft ein Verfahren und Vorrichtung zum Ausrichten eines Druckkopfes gemäß dem Oberbegriff der Ansprüche 1 oder 8.The invention relates to a method and device for aligning a print head according to the preamble of claims 1 or 8.
Bei der Bebilderung von Offset-Druckplatten ist es bekannt, Mehrkopf-Drucksysteme, die eine Mehrzahl von Tintenstrahl-Druckköpfen besitzen, zu verwenden. Die Druckköpfe spritzen das entsprechende Medium auf die Druckplatte, die üblicherweise auf einen Druckplattenzylinder aufgezogen ist und sich während des Druckvorganges bewegt. Um ein qualitativ hochwertiges Druckbild zu erreichen, ist es notwendig, die Druckköpfe mit einer Genauigkeit von wenigen μm aufeinander auszurichten. Herkömmliche Druckköpfe besitzen jedoch keine Flächen, an denen sie mittels Anschlägen ausgerichtet werden könnten. Um solche Druckköpfe auf einen gewünschten Punkt zu positionieren, ist deshalb die Position des Druckbildes mit der Sollposition zu vergleichen und sind die Druckköpfe dann entsprechend zu verschieben.When imaging offset printing plates, it is known to use multi-head printing systems that have a plurality of inkjet printing heads. The print heads inject the appropriate medium onto the printing plate, which is usually mounted on a printing plate cylinder and moves during the printing process. In order to achieve a high quality print image, it is necessary to align the print heads with an accuracy of a few μm. However, conventional printheads do not have surfaces on which they can be aligned using stops. In order to position such printheads at a desired point, the position of the print image has to be compared with the target position and the printheads have to be moved accordingly.
Die GB 2349607 A zeigt eine Druckvorrichtung mit einer Mehrzahl von Druckköpfen, die zueinander versetzt angeordnet sind. Dies Druckköpfe sind bezüglich eines Druckzylinders in radialer Richtung geneigt angeordnet.GB 2349607 A shows a printing device with a plurality of printing heads which are arranged offset from one another. These print heads are arranged inclined in the radial direction with respect to a printing cylinder.
Der Erfindung liegt die Aufgabe zugrunde, ein Verfahren und Vorrichtung zum Ausrichten von Druckköpfen zu schaffen.The invention has for its object to provide a method and apparatus for aligning printheads.
Die Aufgabe wird erfindungsgemäß durch die Merkmale der Ansprüche 1 oder 8 gelöst.The object is achieved by the features of claims 1 or 8.
Die mit der Erfindung erzielbaren Vorteile bestehen insbesondere darin, dass anstelle den Druckkopf zweiachsig zu verschieben, um das von dem Druckkopf auf das Druckgut gespritzte Druckbild entsprechend zu justieren, die Ausrichtung des Druckkopfes bzw. seines Druckbildes einfacher durch die Kombination einer mechanischen Ausrichtung in einer Achse und einer Zeitsteuerung des Schusses des Druckkopfes erreicht werden kann. Es wird also zur Ausrichtung des Druckkopfes quer zur Druckrichtung der Druckkopf bewegt, während zur Ausrichtung des Druckkopfes in Druckrichtung der Schusszeitpunkt des Druckkopfes verändert wird. Der Begriff Druckrichtung meint dabei die Bewegungsrichtung des zu bedruckenden Druckgutes relativ zu den Druckköpfen. Sofern auf rotierende Druckplattenzylinder aufgezogene Druckplatten als Druckgut vorgesehen sind, steht die Druckrichtung senkrecht zur Drehachse des Druckplattenzylinders. Die Veränderung des Schusszeitpunktes erfolgt zweckmäßigerweise in Abhängigkeit der Druckgeschwindigkeit, d. h. der Laufgeschwindigkeit des Druckgutes. Wird der Schusszeitpunkt des Druckkopfes verzögert, läuft das Druckgut weiter unter dem Druckkopf durch und umgekehrt, so dass eine Justierung des Druckbildes in Druckrichtung bewirkt wird.The advantages that can be achieved with the invention are, in particular, that instead of moving the printhead biaxially, in order to transfer it from the printhead to the print material to adjust the sprayed print image accordingly, the alignment of the print head or its print image can be achieved more easily by the combination of a mechanical alignment in one axis and a timing of the shot of the print head. The printhead is thus moved transversely to the printing direction to align the printhead, while the timing of the printhead is changed to align the printhead in the printing direction. The term printing direction means the direction of movement of the printed material to be printed relative to the print heads. If printing plates mounted on rotating printing plate cylinders are provided as printing material, the printing direction is perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the printing plate cylinder. The timing of the shot is expediently changed as a function of the printing speed, ie the running speed of the printed material. If the timing of the print head is delayed, the print material continues to pass under the print head and vice versa, so that the print image is adjusted in the printing direction.
Insbesondere können mehrere Druckköpfe eines Mehrkopf-Druckers aufeinander ausgerichtet werden, wobei zur Ausrichtung der Druckköpfe quer zur Druckrichtung zumindest einer der Druckköpfe verschoben wird und/oder zur Ausrichtung der Druckköpfe in Druckrichtung der Schusszeitpunkt zumindest eines der Druckköpfe gesteuert wird. Die Verschiebung sowie eine Veränderung des Schusszeitpunktes kann für jeden Druckkopf einzeln oder gegebenenfalls auch für Gruppen der Druckköpfe gemeinsam durchgeführt werden.In particular, a plurality of printheads of a multi-head printer can be aligned with one another, with at least one of the printheads being displaced transversely to the printing direction for aligning the printheads and / or at least one of the printheads being controlled to align the printheads in the printing direction. The shift and a change in the time of the shot can be carried out individually for each printhead or, if appropriate, also for groups of the printheads together.
In vorteilhafter Weise werden die Druckköpfe einachsig verschoben. Sie werden ausschließlich bewegt, um eine Ausrichtung des Druckbildes quer zur Druckrichtung zu erreichen. Hierdurch vereinfacht sich die Justierung wesentlich. Bei einer Verschiebung in nur eine Richtung braucht nicht darauf geachtet zu werden, dass auch eine Verschiebung des Druckbildes in der anderen Achse bewirkt werden könnte. Letztere wird durch die Zeitsteuerung des Schusszeitpunktes justiert. Vorzugsweise werden alle Druckköpfe, die verschoben werden, in derselben Richtung, d. h. entlang paralleler Achsen, verschoben. Dies vereinfacht den Ausrichtvorgang der Druckköpfe relativ zueinander.The print heads are advantageously moved uniaxially. They are only moved in order to achieve an orientation of the printed image transversely to the printing direction. This considerably simplifies the adjustment. In the case of a shift in only one direction, it need not be taken into account that the printed image could also be shifted in the other axis. The latter is adjusted by the timing of the shooting time. Preferably, all print heads that are moved are moved in the same direction, that is, along parallel axes. This simplifies the alignment process of the print heads relative to each other.
Die Druckköpfe können quer zur Druckrichtung verschoben werden. Hierdurch ist die Ausrichtung quer zur Druckrichtung entkoppelt von der Ausrichtung in Druckrichtung, wodurch der Ausrichtvorgang insgesamt vereinfacht wird.The print heads can be moved across the print direction. As a result, the alignment transverse to the printing direction is decoupled from the alignment in the printing direction, which simplifies the alignment process as a whole.
Gemäß einer anderen bevorzugten Ausführung der Erfindung können die Druckköpfe jeweils entlang einer Achse geschoben werden, die zur Druckrichtung einen spitzen Winkel einschließt. Ein sich dabei ergebender Versatz der Druckköpfe in Druckrichtung kann durch eine entsprechende Veränderung des Schusszeitpunktes des jeweiligen Druckkopfes kompensiert werden. Insbesondere bei schräg gestellten Druckköpfen, d. h. bei Druckköpfen, die mit ihrer Druckdüsenreihe schräg zur Druckrichtung gestellt wurden, um eine dichtere Anordnung der Druckköpfe aufeinander zu erlauben, kann die Verschiebung der Druckköpfe parallel zur Schrägstellung, d. h. parallel zu der durch die Druckdüsenreihe definierte Längsrichtung der Druckköpfe erfolgen. Bei einer Anordnung der Druckköpfe in mehreren Reihen können mit einer solchen Schrägstellung Druckköpfe in verschiedenen Reihen auf einem gemeinsamen schräggestellten Druckkopf halter befestigt sein. Eine Verschiebung kann in Längsrichtung des die Druckköpfe verbindenden Halters erfolgen.According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the print heads can each be pushed along an axis which encloses an acute angle to the printing direction. A resulting offset of the print heads in the printing direction can be compensated for by a corresponding change in the moment of firing of the respective print head. In particular with inclined printheads, i. H. in the case of printheads which have been positioned at an angle to the printing direction with their print nozzle row in order to allow a closer arrangement of the printheads, the displacement of the printheads parallel to the inclined position, i. H. parallel to the longitudinal direction of the print heads defined by the row of printing nozzles. With an arrangement of the printheads in several rows, printheads in different rows can be fastened to a common inclined printhead holder with such an inclined position. A shift can take place in the longitudinal direction of the holder connecting the printheads.
In vorteilhafter Weise kann eine Anpassung des Druckrasterabstandes in Druckrichtung an den Druckdüsenabstand quer zur Druckrichtung durch zeitliche Steuerung der einzelnen Düsenschüsse in Abhängigkeit der Druckgeschwindigkeit bewerkstelligt werden.Advantageously, an adaptation of the printing screen spacing in the printing direction to the printing nozzle spacing transversely to the printing direction can be accomplished by timing the individual nozzle sections as a function of the printing speed.
Die Ausrichtung kann in vorteilhafter Weise durch eine Druckkopf-Positioniereinrichtung zur Ausrichtung des Druckkopfes ausschließlich quer zur Druckrichtung und eine Zeitsteuereinrichtung zur Steuerung des Schusszeitpunktes des Druckkopfes für dessen Ausrichtung in Druckrichtung erreicht werden.The alignment can advantageously be carried out using a printhead positioning device for the alignment of the print head only transversely to the print direction and a timing device for controlling the timing of the print head for its alignment in the print direction.
Vorzugsweise ist die Positioniereinrichtung als einachsige Verschiebeeinrichtung ausgebildet, mit der der Druckkopf entlang einer Achse verschoben werden kann. Die Verschiebeachse der Positioniereinrichtung kann quer zur Druckrichtung angeordnet sein. Gemäß einer vorteilhaften Ausführung der Erfindung besitzt die Druckkopf- Positioniereinrichtung eine Verschiebeachse, die zur Druckrichtung einen spitzen Winkel einschließt. Die Zeitsteuereinrichtung ist derart ausgebildet, dass der sich ergebende Versatz des Druckkopfes in Druckrichtung durch eine Veränderung des Schusszeitpunktes, an dem der Druckkopf die einzelnen Tropfen abschießt, kompensiert wird.The positioning device is preferably designed as a uniaxial displacement device with which the printhead can be displaced along an axis. The displacement axis of the positioning device can be arranged transversely to the printing direction. According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the printhead positioning device has an axis of displacement which includes an acute angle to the printing direction. The time control device is designed in such a way that the resulting offset of the print head in the printing direction is compensated for by a change in the point in time at which the print head shoots the individual drops.
In Weiterbildung der Erfindung besitzt die Vorrichtung eine Mehrzahl von Druckkopf- Positioniereinrichtungen zur Ausrichtung mehrerer Druckköpfe relativ zueinander. Vorzugsweise sind die Druckköpfe unabhängig voneinander separat einstellbar. Die Steuereinrichtung kann derart ausgebildet sein, dass der Schusszeitpunkt der Druckköpfe einzeln und/oder gruppenweise einstellbar ist.In a further development of the invention, the device has a plurality of print head positioning devices for aligning a plurality of print heads relative to one another. The print heads can preferably be set independently of one another. The control device can be designed in such a way that the time at which the print heads are fired can be set individually and / or in groups.
Ein Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung ist in der Zeichnung dargestellt und wird im folgenden näher beschrieben. Die einzige Figur zeigt eine schematische Darstellung eines Mehrkopf-Inkjet-Drucksystems mit einer Vorrichtung zur Ausrichtung der Druckköpfe des Drucksystems gemäß einer bevorzugten Ausführung der Erfindung.An embodiment of the invention is shown in the drawing and will be described in more detail below. The single figure shows a schematic representation of a multi-head inkjet printing system with a device for aligning the print heads of the printing system according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.
Ein Druckplattenzylinder 1 , auf den eine Druckplatte, z. B. eine Offset-Druckplatte aufgezogen sein kann, rotiert in der üblichen Weise um seine Längsachse 2. Um die Druckplatte zu bebildern, ist ein Mehrkopf-Inkjet-Drucksystem 3 vorgesehen. Dieses besitzt einen Druckbalken 4, der sich parallel zur Längsachse 2 des Druckplattenzylinders 1 gegenüberliegend dessen Umfangsseite erstreckt.A printing plate cylinder 1 on which a printing plate, e.g. B. an offset printing plate can be mounted, rotates in the usual way about its longitudinal axis 2. To image the printing plate, a multi-head inkjet printing system 3 is provided. This has a pressure bar 4, which is parallel to the longitudinal axis 2 of the printing plate cylinder 1 extends opposite its circumferential side.
An dem Druckbalken 4 sind eine Vielzahl von Druckköpfen 5 gelagert, die als Tintenstrahlköpfe ausgebildet sind und die Druckflüssigkeit tröpfchenweise auf den Druckplattenzylinder 1 spritzen. Die Druckköpfe 5 sind in zwei Reihen angeordnet, wobei die Druckköpfe 5 in den verschiedenen Reihen quer zur Druckrichtung 6 versetzt angeordnet sind. Die Druckrichtung 6 wird durch die Rotationsbewegung des Druckplattenzylinders 1 bestimmt, sie verläuft senkrecht zur Längsachse 2.A multiplicity of print heads 5, which are designed as ink jet heads and spray the printing fluid drop by drop onto the printing plate cylinder 1, are mounted on the printing bar 4. The print heads 5 are arranged in two rows, the print heads 5 being arranged offset in the different rows transversely to the printing direction 6. The printing direction 6 is determined by the rotational movement of the printing plate cylinder 1, it runs perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 2.
Die Druckköpfe 5 sind auf dem Druckbalken 4 verschieblich gelagert. Mittels einer Druckkopf-Psoitioniereinrichtung 7 können die Druckköpfe 5 einzeln relativ zu dem Druckbalken 4 entlang einer Achse verschoben werden, so dass sich die Position des jeweiligen Druckkopfes 5 quer zur Druckrichtung 6, also parallel zur Längsachse 2 ändert. Hierdurch kann das Druckbild quer zur Druckrichtung 6 eingestellt werden.The print heads 5 are slidably mounted on the print bar 4. By means of a printhead positioning device 7, the printheads 5 can be individually displaced relative to the printhead 4 along an axis, so that the position of the respective printhead 5 changes transversely to the printing direction 6, that is to say parallel to the longitudinal axis 2. As a result, the print image can be set transversely to the printing direction 6.
Um die Ausrichtung der Druckköpfe 5 in Druckrichtung 6 korrigieren bzw. ausrichten zu können, ist eine Zeitsteuerungseinrichtung 8 vorgesehen, die den Schusszeitpunkt der einzelnen Druckköpfe 5 bzw. der einzelnen Druckdüsen steuert.In order to be able to correct or align the alignment of the print heads 5 in the print direction 6, a time control device 8 is provided, which controls the timing of the shot of the individual print heads 5 or the individual print nozzles.
Das Problem der Positionierung bzw. Ausrichtung der mehreren Druckköpfe 5 relativ zueinander in der Ebene wird also durch die Trennung der beiden zu positionierenden Achsen vereinfacht. Die eine Achse wird durch die Richtung, in der sich das Druckgut bewegt, definiert. Diese Achse kann dementsprechend durch eine geschickte zeitliche Steuerung des Schusszeitpunktes der einzelnen Druckdüsen ausgerichtet werden. Die andere Achse liegt dementsprechend quer zur Druckrichtung, also im gezeigten Beispiel parallel zur Längsachse 2. Diese Achse alleine kann dementsprechend einfacher mechanisch ausgerichtet werden.The problem of positioning or aligning the plurality of print heads 5 relative to one another in the plane is thus simplified by the separation of the two axes to be positioned. One axis is defined by the direction in which the print material is moving. Accordingly, this axis can be aligned by skilful timing of the shooting time of the individual pressure nozzles. The other axis is accordingly transverse to the printing direction, in the example shown parallel to the longitudinal axis 2. This axis alone can accordingly be mechanically aligned more easily.
Obwohl das Ausführungsbeispiel das Drucksystem anhand der Bebilderung von Druckplatten beschreibt, kann die beschriebene Ausrichtung auch bei anderen Druckkopf-Drucksystemen für andere Druckanwendungen, bei denen die Position der Druckköpfe 5 auszurichten ist, Verwendung finden.Although the exemplary embodiment of the printing system is based on the illustration of Describing printing plates, the alignment described can also be used in other printhead printing systems for other printing applications in which the position of the printheads 5 is to be aligned.
Diese Druckvorrichtung trägt ein Mittel zum Verändern der Beschichtung (eine zusätzliche Beschichtung kann aufgetragen werden, Eigenschaften einer Beschichtung können verändert werden) einer Druckform, insbesondere einer Flachdruckform einer Druckmaschine auf. This printing device applies a means for changing the coating (an additional coating can be applied, properties of a coating can be changed) of a printing form, in particular a planographic printing form of a printing press.
BezugszeichenlisteLIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS
1 Druckplattenzylinder1 printing plate cylinder
2 Längsachse2 longitudinal axis
3 Mehrkopf-Inkjet-Drucksystem3 Multi-head inkjet printing system
4 Druckbalken4 pressure bars
5 Druckkopf5 printhead
6 Druckrichtung6 printing direction
7 Druckkopf-Positioniereinrichtung7 Printhead positioning device
8 Zeitsteuerungseinrichtung 8 timing device

Claims

Ansprüche Expectations
1. Verfahren zum Ausrichten eines Druckkopfes (5) relativ zum Druckgut, wobei zur Ausrichtung des Druckkopfes (5) in Druckrichtung (6) der Schusszeitpunkt des Druckkopfes (5 ) verändert wird, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass zur Ausrichtung mehrerer Druckköpfe (5) zueinander mindestens ein Druckkopf (5) relativ zu einem anderen Druckkopf (5) quer zur Druckrichtung (6) bewegt wird.1. A method for aligning a printhead (5) relative to the print material, the timing of the printhead (5) being changed to align the printhead (5) in the printing direction (6), characterized in that for aligning a plurality of printheads (5) to one another at least a print head (5) is moved relative to another print head (5) transversely to the printing direction (6).
2. Verfahren nach Anspruch 1 , dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Ausrichtung des Druckkopfes (5) quer zur Druckrichtung (6) im nicht druckenden Zustand des Druckkopfes (5) erfolgt.2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the alignment of the print head (5) transversely to the printing direction (6) takes place in the non-printing state of the print head (5).
3. Verfahren nach Anspruch 1 , dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Druckkopf (5) einachsig verschoben wird.3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the print head (5) is shifted uniaxially.
4. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 3, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Druckkopf (5) entlang einer Achse verschoben wird, die zur Druckrichtung (6) einen spitzen Winkel einschließt, und ein sich ergebender Versatz des Druckkopfes (5) in Druckrichtung (6) durch eine Veränderung des Schusszeitpunktes des Druckkopfes (5) kompensiert wird.4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the print head (5) is displaced along an axis which includes an acute angle to the printing direction (6), and a resulting offset of the printing head (5) in the printing direction ( 6) is compensated for by a change in the timing of the print head (5).
5. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 4, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass mehrere Druckköpfe (5) eines Mehrkopf-Druckers aufeinander ausgerichtet werden, wobei zur Ausrichtung der Druckköpfe (5) quer zur Druckrichtung (6) zumindest einer der Druckköpfe (5) verschoben wird und/oder zur Ausrichtung der Druckköpfe (5) in Druckrichtung (6) der Schusszeitpunkt zumindest eines der Druckköpfe (5) verändert wird.5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that a plurality of printheads (5) of a multi-head printer are aligned with one another, with at least one of the printheads (5) being displaced transversely to the printing direction (6) in order to align the printheads (5) and / or for aligning the print heads (5) in the printing direction (6), the time of the shot of at least one of the print heads (5) is changed.
6. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 5, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass alle Druckköpfe (5), die verschoben werden, entlang paralleler Achsen verschoben werden.6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that all Printheads (5) that are shifted are shifted along parallel axes.
7. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 6, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass eine Anpassung des Druckrasterabstandes in Druckrichtung (6) an den Druckdüsenabstand quer zur Druckrichtung (6) durch zeitliche Steuerung der einzelnen Düsenschüsse in Abhängigkeit der Druckgeschwindigkeit bewerkstelligt wird.7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that an adaptation of the printing screen spacing in the printing direction (6) to the printing nozzle distance transversely to the printing direction (6) is accomplished by timing the individual nozzle sections as a function of the printing speed.
8. Vorrichtung zum Ausrichten eines Druckkopfes (5) relativ zu laufendem Druckgut mit einer Zeitsteuerungseinrichtung (8) zur Steuerung des Schusszeitpunktes des Druckkopfes (5) für dessen Ausrichtung in Druckrichtung (6), gekennzeichnet durch eine Druckkopf-Positioniereinrichtung (7) zur Ausrichtung mindestens eines Druckkopfes (5) relativ zu einem anderen Druckkopf (5) quer zur Druckrichtung (6).8. Device for aligning a printhead (5) relative to running print material with a timing device (8) for controlling the timing of the printhead (5) for its alignment in the printing direction (6), characterized by a printhead positioning device (7) for alignment at least a printhead (5) relative to another printhead (5) transverse to the printing direction (6).
9. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 8, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Druckkopf- Positioniereinrichtung (7) als einachsige Verschiebeeinrichtung ausgebildet ist.9. The device according to claim 8, characterized in that the print head positioning device (7) is designed as a uniaxial displacement device.
10. Vorrichtung nach den Ansprüchen 8 oder 9, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Druckkopf-Positioniereinrichtung (7) eine Verschiebeachse quer zur Druckrichtung (6) besitzt.10. Device according to claims 8 or 9, characterized in that the printhead positioning device (7) has a displacement axis transverse to the printing direction (6).
11. Vorrichtung nach einem der Ansprüche 8, 9 oder 10, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Druckkopf-Positioniereinrichtung (7) eine Verschiebeachse besitzt, die sich in spitzem Winkel zu der Druckrichtung (6) erstreckt, und die Zeitsteuerungseinrichtung (8) derart ausgebildet ist, dass ein sich ergebender Versatz des Druckkopfes (5) in Druckrichtung (6) durch eine Veränderung des Schusszeitpunktes dieses Druckkopfes (5) kompensiert wird. 11. Device according to one of claims 8, 9 or 10, characterized in that the printhead positioning device (7) has a displacement axis which extends at an acute angle to the printing direction (6), and the timing control device (8) is designed in this way that a resulting offset of the printhead (5) in the printing direction (6) is compensated for by a change in the moment of firing of this printhead (5).
12. Vorrichtung nach einem der Ansprüche 8, 9, 10 oder 11, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass mehrere Druckkopf-Positioniereinrichtungen (7) zur Ausrichtung mehrerer Druckköpfe (5) relativ zueinander vorgesehen sind und die Zeitsteuerungseinrichtung (8) derart ausgebildet ist, dass zur Ausrichtung der Druckköpfe (5) in Druckrichtung (6) der Schusszeitpunkt der Druckköpfe (5) einzeln und/oder gruppenweise einstellbar ist.12. Device according to one of claims 8, 9, 10 or 11, characterized in that a plurality of print head positioning devices (7) for aligning a plurality of print heads (5) are provided relative to one another and the timing device (8) is designed such that for alignment the print heads (5) in the printing direction (6) the time of the print heads (5) can be set individually and / or in groups.
13. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 8, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Druckvorrichtung ein Mittel zum Ändern der Beschichtung oder einer Beschichtung einer Druckform aufträgt.13. The apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that the printing device applies a means for changing the coating or a coating of a printing form.
14. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 13, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Druckform als Flachdruckplatte ausgebildet ist. 14. The apparatus according to claim 13, characterized in that the printing form is designed as a planographic printing plate.
EP01996463A 2000-11-17 2001-10-15 Method and device for aligning print heads Expired - Lifetime EP1333987B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE10057062 2000-11-17
DE10057062A DE10057062C1 (en) 2000-11-17 2000-11-17 Printing head alignment method uses variation in printing head firing points and relative displacement of at least one printing head
PCT/DE2001/003945 WO2002040280A1 (en) 2000-11-17 2001-10-15 Method and device for aligning print heads

Publications (2)

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EP1333987A1 true EP1333987A1 (en) 2003-08-13
EP1333987B1 EP1333987B1 (en) 2005-08-17

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US (1) US6805421B2 (en)
EP (1) EP1333987B1 (en)
AT (1) ATE302119T1 (en)
AU (1) AU2002223486A1 (en)
DE (2) DE10057062C1 (en)
WO (1) WO2002040280A1 (en)

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Publication number Publication date
DE10057062C1 (en) 2002-05-23
EP1333987B1 (en) 2005-08-17
ATE302119T1 (en) 2005-09-15
US6805421B2 (en) 2004-10-19
AU2002223486A1 (en) 2002-05-27
US20040036727A1 (en) 2004-02-26
DE50107151D1 (en) 2005-09-22
WO2002040280A1 (en) 2002-05-23

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