EP1883538B1 - Locating device for an ink-jet printer - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention describes an inkjet printer (1) for printing different media (2), with a print head arrangement (3) comprising at least one print head (4) for printing the medium (2) and with a printing table (11) forming a support plane (12) for supporting the printing medium (2), and orifices (13) of a suction system (14) are provided in at least certain regions in the support plane (12) for retaining the printing medium (2) during the printing operation, as well as a forward feed mechanism (6) for the printing medium (2). In the region of the printing table (11), the printing medium (2) is provided with at least one pressing mechanism (16), at least in the region of a side edge oriented in the forward feed direction (7), with a pressing force which acts in the direction perpendicular to the support plane (12).

Description

The invention relates to an inkjet printing device for different media to be printed, with a printhead assembly having at least one print head for printing the medium and a printing table, which forms a support plane for supporting the medium to be printed and at least partially openings in the support plane a negative pressure device for holding the medium to be printed are arranged during the printing process, and a feed device for the medium to be printed, wherein the feed device is formed by at least one endless circulating conveyor belt, and in the region of the printing table the medium to be printed at least in the region of Feed direction aligned side edge is assigned at least one pressing device with a force acting in relation to the support plane vertical direction pressing force.

The US 6,582,072 B1 discloses a printing device for media to be printed with a printhead assembly having at least one printhead for printing on the media. As a feed device an endlessly circulating conveyor belt is provided. A printing table forms a support plane for supporting the medium to be printed, openings in the support plane opening a vacuum device for holding the medium to be printed. In the region of the print head, a pressure zone arranged transversely to the feed direction is formed. This is preceded by a holding zone in the feed direction. Furthermore, a pressure roller for the medium to be printed is arranged in the region of the holding zone, which presses in cooperation with the circulating conveyor belt, the medium to be printed with a predeterminable pressing force to the conveyor belt and subsequently to the printing table. Instead of the pressure roller can be assigned to the medium to be printed, at least in the region of an aligned in the feed direction side edge a fixed, smooth and bent formed Andrück- or guide member. This is also arranged in the region of the holding zone.

The JP 11-157285 A discloses a printing device for media to be printed, comprising a printhead assembly having at least one printhead for printing on the media. This printing device comprises a printing table, which forms a support plane for supporting the medium to be printed. In this support level open openings of a vacuum device, which are provided for holding the medium to be printed during the printing process. For the transport of the medium to be printed, a drive shaft arranged below the support plane is provided on which drive rollers are fastened on both sides. These interact with pressure rollers, which cooperate with the aligned in the feed direction side edges of the medium to be printed and cause the drive movement of the medium. Between the drive rollers friction wheels are additionally arranged on the drive shaft. By sucking the medium to be printed in the region of the support plane, there is an additional concern of the medium to be printed on the friction wheels, whereby the drive movement is supported for the medium to be printed.

From the EP 1 022 147 A For example, a media transport system for transporting a sheet of a particular medium in a marking device has become known. The media transport system includes a retractable drive assembly and an output drive assembly. The retractable drive assembly receives and transports the sheet in the process direction, in which the top and bottom surfaces of the sheet are touched. The retractable drive assembly applies a retraction drive force to the blade. The output drive assembly receives and transports the sheet contacting the top and bottom surfaces of the sheet. The output drive assembly is spaced from the feed drive assembly and exerts an output drive force on the sheet. Between the feed drive assembly and the output drive assembly, a fixed plate is arranged as a printing table, which is provided with openings and channels for applying vacuum. The media transport system further includes edge guides which extend along the fixed plate in the processing direction. The edge guides receive, guide and hold the edge of the sheet flat. The advancing movement of the medium to be printed takes place by means of retraction drive rollers arranged in the catchment area and output drive rollers arranged in the exit area.

The EP 1 060 897 A describes a printing device for media to be printed with a printhead assembly having at least one printhead. Below the print head of the printing table is arranged, which forms a support plane for the medium to be printed. In the support plane in turn open openings of a vacuum device, which are provided for holding the medium to be printed during the printing process. When Feed device is an endless circulating conveyor belt, which is arranged between the printing table and the print head and also has suction openings. In a catchment area of the printing device, a pair of pressure rollers aligned transversely to the feed direction are arranged upstream of the print head in the transport direction. An inner pressure roller is arranged below the conveyor belt and an outer pressure roller above the same. The medium to be printed is thereby passed over its entire width transversely to the feed direction between the pair of pressure rollers. An additional pressure roller is seen downstream of the printhead and cooperates with the drive roller for the conveyor belt in the feed direction.

In previously known inkjet printing devices, the holder was made by sucking the medium to be printed by the arranged in the support plane openings and the associated vacuum device. When printed sheet material in predeterminable sizes as well as by the application of the printed image by the inkjet printhead assembly could not be avoided in all applications, a warping of the medium to be printed.

The present invention has for its object to achieve a planar surface of the medium to be printed in the support plane of the printing table.

This object of the invention is achieved by an ink jet printing apparatus according to claim 1.

The resulting by the features of the characterizing part of claim 1 surprising advantage is that in addition to the holding device formed by the vacuum device is associated with the medium to be printed in the region of its aligned in the feed direction side edges at least one pressing device, as well as these marginal areas are aligned in the pressure area of the printhead assembly planar to the support plane and pressed against this. Thus, the same distance between the print head and the surface of the medium to be printed can always be maintained during the printing process. As a result, a perfect print quality of the printed image to be printed on the medium to be printed is achieved even in these marginal areas, without causing distortion or even blurring of the printed image during the printing process. By applied by the pressing force on the medium to be printed, not only the central surface of the medium to be printed on the printing table or the feed device are created, but it with stiffer to be printed media such as paper or cardboard with higher sheet weight there is a support of the vacuum device as a result of the additional pressing device. Furthermore, this ensures undisturbed operation of the printhead assembly in its printing area. Nevertheless, a stable mounting of the pressing device is ensured via the frame parts on the base of the inkjet printing device. As a result, almost the entire longitudinal extension of the pressing device for applying the pressing force is utilized to the medium to be printed. As a result of the circulating conveyor belt, a relative adjustment of the medium to be printed in the feed direction can thus be carried out at a fixed printing table, and the printing process can be carried out stepwise in printing areas or printing lines oriented transversely to the direction of advance.

Also advantageous is a further embodiment according to claim 2, characterized in that the pressing means to different dimensions of the medium to be printed, in particular its width, relatively easily, without high manipulation effort, is possible.

It is also advantageous embodiment according to claim 3, as this can also be quickly taken into account different thicknesses or thicknesses of the medium to be printed and so easy the necessary for passing the medium to be printed gap between the support plane, in particular the printing table or the feed device and the pressing device can be adapted quickly and in addition still fine adjustments can be carried out during operation.

The embodiment according to claim 4, it is possible on both sides of the medium to be printed to achieve a perfect investment of the same as well as a planar alignment with respect to the support plane in the area of the surface to be printed.

In the embodiment according to claim 5, it is advantageous that thereby a reference edge is stationary or arranged with respect to the inkjet printing device, in particular its printing table, and the further pressing device, depending on the width of the medium to be printed on the associated frame members transversely to Adjusted feed direction and thus can be adjusted.

Through the development according to claim 6 ensures that a rapid adjustment can be made transversely to the feed direction and usually a simple adaptation to different widths of the medium to be printed.

Due to the embodiments according to claims 7 to 9, the width of the same even before the entry of the medium to be recorded and then an automatic adjustment of the guide width of the pressing device to the respective widths to be printed of the medium to be printed quickly done. In addition, a control of the supplied medium in relation to the printing width in terms of the applied print image is possible.

Also advantageous is an embodiment according to claim 10, characterized in that the printed image can be applied to almost to the side edges of the medium to be printed on this and only a minimal covered by the pressing device strip remains on which no printed image can be applied. As a result, high efficiency is achieved with proper application of the printed image.

According to an embodiment as described in claim 11 or 12, a jamming of the medium to be printed between the pressing device and the printing table or the feed device is advantageously avoided and also achieved a longitudinal guide during the passage of the medium to be printed by the inkjet printing device ,

In this case, an embodiment according to claim 13 proves advantageous because a fixed Arrangement of the pressing device is made possible relative to the printing table or feed device and still a secure and even support of the medium to be printed is achieved.

However, an embodiment according to claims 14 to 18 is also advantageous. An additional arrangement possibility of a guide profile or stiffening profile is created with which it is possible to be able to print different thicknesses or thicknesses of the medium to be printed with the inkjet printing device. Thicknesses or thicknesses up to 1 cm or more are possible, as is necessary, for example, in the case of cardboard or corrugated board. In addition, an additional stiffening of the flat profile of the pressing device is achieved, whereby over the entire entire longitudinal extent of the pressing device proper alignment and thus conditioning of the medium to be printed on the support plane is created.

In accordance with claim 19, despite the low thickness or thickness of the flat profile stiffening of the flat profile against deflection in the direction perpendicular to the support plane and over the longitudinal extent of the flat profile, a nearly uniform pressing force on the medium to be printed are exercised.

In the embodiment according to claim 20, on the one hand, a good support is achieved with rapid exchange possibility of the pressing device and, on the other hand, with appropriate support of the support element on the flat profile, a relative, mutual displacement of these components possible. In this case, the support of the support elements via interposition of an adjustment, in particular one or more holding elements take place.

Through the development according to claim 21 it is achieved that a perfect supply of the medium to be printed out takes place in the pressing device. In this case, the medium to be printed in the inlet region is roughly aligned and then introduced into the guide channel, in which also simultaneously the pressing force is exerted by the pressing on the medium positioned.

Finally, however, a training as described in claim 22 is possible, as a result Even in the area of the printing table a flat support of the medium to be printed can be achieved and still can be done over a larger longitudinal area printing.

The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings.

Fig. 1

eine Tintenstrahl-Druckvorrichtung mit einer erfindungsgemäßen Andrückeinrichtung, in Seitenansicht und schematisch vereinfachter Darstellung;

Fig. 2

die Tintenstrahl-Druckvorrichtung nach Fig. 1 in Ansicht und schematisch vereinfachter Darstellung;

Fig. 3

eine erfindungsgemäße Andrückeinrichtung in schaubildlich vereinfachter Darstellung;

Fig. 4

das Flachprofil der Andrückeinrichtung nach Fig. 3 in Draufsicht;

Fig. 5

das Flachprofil der Andrückeinrichtung nach den Fig. 3 und 4 in Ansicht mit einem zusätzlichen Winkelprofil;

Fig. 6

ein Ende der Andrückeinrichtung nach den Fig. 3 bis 5 in Draufsicht und vereinfacht schematischer Darstellung, teilweise geschnitten;

Fig. 7

den Endbereich der Andrückeinrichtung nach Fig. 6 in Seitenansicht und schematisch vereinfachter Darstellung, teilweise geschnitten.

Show it:

Fig. 1

an ink-jet printing device with a pressing device according to the invention, in side view and schematically simplified representation;

Fig. 2

the inkjet printing device after Fig. 1 in view and schematically simplified representation;

Fig. 3

a pressing device according to the invention in a diagrammatically simplified representation;

Fig. 4

the flat profile of the pressure device after Fig. 3 in plan view;

Fig. 5

the flat profile of the pressing device after the Fig. 3 and 4 in view with an additional angle profile;

Fig. 6

an end of the pressing device according to the Fig. 3 to 5 in plan view and simplified schematic representation, partially cut;

Fig. 7

the end of the pressing device according to Fig. 6 in side view and schematically simplified illustration, partially cut.

By way of introduction, it should be noted that in the differently described embodiments, the same parts are provided with the same reference numerals or the same component names, wherein the disclosures contained throughout the description are transmitted mutatis mutandis to the same parts with the same reference numerals or component names can. Also, the position information selected in the description, such as top, bottom, side, etc. related to the immediately described and illustrated figure and are to be transferred to a new position analogous to the new situation. Furthermore, individual features or combinations of features from the different exemplary embodiments shown and described can also represent independent, inventive or inventive solutions.

In the Fig. 1 to 7 In simplified terms, an ink-jet printing apparatus 1 or its components for different media 2 to be printed is illustrated in a greatly simplified manner. The ink-jet printing apparatus 1 in this case comprises at least one print head arrangement 3 with at least one print head 4 for printing on the medium 2.

Like in the Fig. 1 shown schematically simplified, the medium to be printed 2 of the inkjet printing device 1 is supplied in a feed area 5 and conveyed by means of a feed device 6 shown in the feed direction 7 or transport direction - according to registered arrow - to a discharge area 8 further through. Between the supply area 5 and the removal area 8, a pressure area 9 is formed by the print head arrangement 3, in particular the print head 4.

The printhead assembly 3 may be supported on a frame part 10 of the ink-jet printing apparatus 1 shown in a simplified manner, as is well known in the art. Therefore, a detailed description is omitted here.

Furthermore, the inkjet printing device 1 comprises a printing table 11, which forms a planar support plane 12 for supporting the medium 2 to be printed. Furthermore, at least partially arranged openings 13 of a vacuum device 14, which are provided for holding the medium 2 to be printed during the printing process, open into the support plane 12. This is done by the built-up pressure difference by so-called suction.

The feed device 6 is formed in this embodiment shown here by at least one endless circulating conveyor belt 15. Regardless of that would be However, it is also possible to assign the printing table 11 directly to the feed device 6 and to move the medium 2 during the printing process in the feed direction 7 on the print head assembly 3 in a known manner together with the printing table past it.

If at least one or more conveyor belts 15 are used as the feed device 6, corresponding openings 13 or slots or the like are also to be provided in this or these, in order to achieve suction of the medium 2 to be printed by the vacuum device 14 and connected to the support plane 12 , The structure of the lower atmospheric pressure relative to the atmospheric pressure can be effected by a vacuum pump schematically indicated schematically.

The vacuum device 14 described above in conjunction with the printing table 11 and optionally the feed device 6 forming conveyor belt 15 ensures that the fed in the supply area 5 to be printed medium 2 sucked on the feed device 6 and the printing table 11 and thus for the printing process to be performed in Section of the printing area 9 is fixedly secured to the flat support plane 12 formed by the printing table 11 and the feed device 6.

How better of the Fig. 2 can be seen, in addition to the vacuum device 14 in the region of the printing table 11 at least in the region of an aligned in the feed direction 7 side edge an additional pressing device 16 is assigned to the medium 2 to be printed, which acting on the edge region of the medium 2 with respect to the support plane 12 vertical direction pressing force affects the medium to be printed 2. This pressing device 16 serves to improve a buckling or poor holding of the edge portion of the medium 2 at the support plane 12, to allow here also a completely flat printing surface in the section of the printing area 9 for printing by the print head assembly 3. For example, when cut sheet material is used as the medium 2, depending on the type of storage and stored moisture, it tends to have some warping in the peripheral area. If a somewhat stiffer material is used as the medium 2, the vacuum device 14 in conjunction with the openings 13 is usually insufficient to provide a completely even support on the support plane 12 of the printing table 11 or the conveyor belt 15 even in the edge region of the side edges of the medium 2 to ensure formed feed device 6.

In order to adapt to different thicknesses of the medium 2 to be printed, the pressing device 16 is designed or held relative to the support plane 12 in a direction perpendicular to the support plane 12 relative to the support plane. This adjustment serves to be able to perform a quick adjustment and fine adjustment to the different thicknesses of the medium to be printed 12 in a simple manner, in particular without high Umrüstaufwand. Thus, this performed height adjustment relative to the support plane 12, for example manually by screw spindles or the like, but also automatically by adjusting drives in conjunction with a control device of the ink jet printing device 1 not shown here.

In order to adapt the pressing device 16 or pressure devices 16 to different widths transversely to the feed direction 7 of the medium 2 to be printed at least one pressing device 16 is formed relative to the pressure table 11 in a direction perpendicular to the side edge of the medium 2 and parallel to the support plane 12 direction. In this case, a pressing device 16 is preferably assigned to both side edges of the medium 2 to be printed, which extends in the longitudinal direction, that is to say in the feed direction 7, at least over the printing region 9 of the print head arrangement 3.

As already briefly described above, the inkjet printing device 1 comprises at least one frame part 10 or 17, which are indicated here only in simplified form and connected to a base frame or base frame of the inkjet printing device 1 which is not described here. These frame parts 10, 17 are transverse to the feed direction 7, in particular aligned perpendicular thereto. The printhead assembly 3 is mounted on one of these frame parts 10, 17, in the present embodiment on the frame part 10, adjustable for carrying out the printing operation on this transversely to the feed direction 7 or stored. Also, the pressing device 16 is supported on at least one of these frame parts 10, 17 of the inkjet printing device 1 optionally with the interposition of holding or adjusting devices on this. Preferably, however, the pressing device 16 in its longitudinal extension to each one in the feed direction 7 distances and in the vertical direction to the support plane 12 spaced frame part 10, 17 of the inkjet printing device 1 is supported. Thus, the two frame parts 10, 17 transversely, in particular perpendicular, aligned to the feed direction 7 and seen in the vertical direction, above the printing table 11, in particular the support plane 12, arranged and with the base frame fixed, but if necessary adjustable, supported.

To achieve the longest possible pressing region of the pressing device 16, it is advantageous if the pressing device 16 respectively at their spaced apart in the feed direction 7 ends 18, 19 at each one in the feed direction 7 and with respect to the feed direction 7 transversely, in particular perpendicular, aligned and in vertical direction to the support plane 12 spaced arranged frame part 10, 17 of the inkjet printing device 1 is mounted.

At the in Fig. 2 illustrated embodiment, both pressing devices 16 according to registered arrows transversely, in particular vertically, to the feed direction 7 on the frame part 10, 17 are adjustably supported. But it would also be possible, only one of the pressing devices 16 with respect to the feed direction 7 fixed to the frame member 10, 17 and the further pressing device 16 with respect to the feed direction 7 transversely, in particular vertically, to adjustably to the frame parts 10, 17 to support.

How further from the Fig. 1 can be seen, it is advantageous if the pressing device 16 is associated with at least one adjustment 20 for the adjustment with respect to the side edge of the medium to be printed 2 vertical and parallel to the support plane 12 direction. This adjusting device 20 may be formed most diverse and may include at least one profile 21 in the embodiment shown here, which is angled and on the frame parts 10, 17, preferably on the opposite sides, arranged or supported thereon. For longitudinal adjustment in the direction of the transverse to the feed direction 7 aligned frame parts 10, 17, a guide assembly 22 is further provided, which, for example, by a profiled rail 23, which is supported on the profile 21 may be formed. With this rail 23 of the guide assembly 22 is a guide carriage 24 is engaged, with which the entire adjusting device 20 transversely to the feed direction 7 in the direction of the frame parts 10, 17 can be displaced or adjusted. For easier displacement and exact alignment of the pressing device 16 with respect to the longitudinal side edges of the medium 2 to be printed, it is advantageous if the pressing device 16 is associated with at least one adjusting device 20 with a drive motor 25. By way of example a form-fitting drive connection, the adjustment can thus be performed transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to the feed direction 7 become. This positive drive connection between the drive motor 25 and the fixed frame parts 10, 17, in particular the profile 21, can be done for example via a gear rack and pinion connection. But it would also spindle drives or stepper motors or other drive connections such as Reibradverbindungen possible. If both ends 18, 19 of the pressing device 16 each assigned its own adjusting device 20, a simultaneous parallel adjustment can be performed.

Furthermore, the adjusting device 20, in particular the drive motor 25, are in line connection with a control device 26 shown schematically simplified. As a result, it would be possible, for example, to predefine a width of the medium 2 to be printed on the inkjet printing device 1 via an input device, which is not shown, and to adjust the adjustment device 20, in particular with the drive motor 25, via the control device 26 to the effect that the adjustment devices 20 connected pressing device 16 to the width and thus the side edges of the medium to be printed 2 can be preset and tuned. For automatic detection of aligned in the direction of feed 7 side edges of the medium to be printed 2, it would also be possible to provide at least one sensor for detecting a direction aligned in the feed direction side edge of the medium to be printed 2 in the feed area 5 of the printing table 11, wherein preferably the sensor with the control device 26 line connected. A detailed illustration of the sensor was omitted for better clarity in these representations. Preferably, however, corresponding sensors could also be associated with both side edges, with which an exact alignment of the pressing device 16 over the widths of the supplied medium 2 is easily made possible by the control device 26.

When printing the medium 2, the print head 4 of the inkjet printing device 1 is guided along the medium 2 in an exactly predeterminable distance from a printing plane formed to the printing medium 2. Since this distance between the printing plane of the medium to be printed 2 and the print head 4 is only relatively small, the pressure device 16 may extend beyond the printing plane formed by the medium to be printed 2 on the side facing away from the support plane 12 only minimally. Thus, in this embodiment, the pressing device 16 is formed substantially by a flat profile 27 with flat sides 28, 29 and extending therefrom longitudinal side edges 30, 31. The Flat profile 27 has a substantially rectangular cross section, which has a thickness of for example about 2 mm, for example at a width transverse to its longitudinal extent of 40 mm.

In the region of the first longitudinal side edge 30, the flat profile 27 has a flat side 29 facing the flat side 28 which is offset relative to the support plane 12 and extends from the first longitudinal side edge 30 towards the other opposite longitudinal side edge 31 , This pressing surface 32 may, for example, be offset from the flat plane 29 facing the support plane 12 by an amount of 0.5 to 1 mm. Starting from the first longitudinal side edge 30, the pressing surface 32 extends only over a partial region of the width of the flat profile 27 in the direction of the further longitudinal side edge 31. This extent can amount, for example, to one quarter of the width of the flat profile 27.

As a result of the above-described displacement of the pressing surface 32 relative to the flat side 29, a transitional region 33 forms between the pressing surface 32 and the flat side 29 of the flat profile 27, which can additionally form a longitudinal guide section 34 for the medium 2 to be printed. In order to achieve an exact support of the medium to be printed 2 and, if appropriate, a sufficient guide thereof in the feed direction 7, the support plane 12 facing flat side 29 of the flat profile 27 is disposed directly adjacent or adjacent thereto. The support plane 12 for the medium 2 can form either directly the printing table 11 and the conveyor belt 15 of the feed direction 6.

Furthermore, the flat profile 27 at the opposite of the pressing surface 32 longitudinal side edge 31 have a web-like projection 35, the thickness 36 is formed in the direction perpendicular to its longitudinal extent less than the thickness of the flat profile 27 in the same direction in space. In this case, the thinner formed projection 35 is preferably planar surface to the flat side 29, which is the support plane 12 is facing formed. It would be possible to arrange the projection 35 in longitudinal extension of the flat profile 27 both continuously and only in regions at predeterminable locations.

This web-like projection 35 serves, for example, if a thicker or stronger medium 2 is to be printed on this to support an additional angle profile 37 or aufzustecken and on the one hand to achieve stiffening of the flat profile 27 and, on the other hand, a longitudinal guide for the medium 2 to be printed.

How better of the Fig. 5 can be seen, a first leg 38 of the angle section 37 has a groove-shaped recess 39 for receiving the web-like projection 35. In order to ensure a small thickness of the pressing device 16 in the region of the additional angle profile 37 in the region of the flat plane 28 away from the support plane 12, a leg surface 40 of the first leg 38 of the angle profile 37 is almost planar to the flat side 28 of the flat profile 27 aligned on the side facing away from the support plane 12 side.

Another leg 41 of the angle section 37 extends in the direction of the support surface 12. Due to the small thickness of the flat profile 27 in the direction perpendicular to the support plane 12, this also has a lower resistance moment against deflection in this direction. Therefore, it is advantageous if the pressing device 16 formed by the flat profile 27 is held biased in the longitudinal extent thereof between the frame parts 10, 17 arranged at a distance in the feed direction 7. By this bias one obtains an artificial stiffening of the flat profile 27, whereby despite the small thickness of the flat profile 27, a sufficient pressing force can be achieved on the side edges extending in the longitudinal direction of the medium 2 to be printed and, associated therewith, a completely planar support on the support plane 12.

How best of all from the Fig. 3 can be seen, a support member 42, 43 is arranged on the flat profile 27 at the mutually averted ends 18, 19, wherein these are each supported on the spaced apart in the feed direction 7 frame parts 10, 17 optionally with the interposition of the adjusting device 20 are supported. This makes it possible to easily perform a rapid change of the pressing device 16 can.

From a synopsis of Fig. 3 . 6 and FIG. 7 shows schematically a possible embodiment of the previously described pretensioning possibility of the flat profile 27 of the pressing device 16 in its direction of its longitudinal extension. The two support elements 42, 43 are fixed to the frame parts 10, 17 via the intermediary of the adjusting device 20 supported. This support can take place, for example, via a holding element 44 of the adjusting device 20, which can also be used simultaneously for the distance adjustment of the pressing device 16 with respect to the supporting plane 12. This adjusting element 44 is connected to the support element 43, in order to be able to transmit the tensile forces emanating from the flat profile 27 on the one hand, and to be able to perform a height adjustment of the flat side 29 or the pressing surface 32 with respect to the medium 2 to be printed.

On the flat profile 27 is in the region of the end 19 at this at least one stop member 45 fixed thereto and this in turn is guided in the longitudinal direction of the flat profile 27 in the support member 43 via a longitudinal guide to allow a relative displacement of the support member 43 relative to the flat profile 27 without that a lifting of the support element 43 takes place in the direction perpendicular to its longitudinal extent of the flat profile 27. This guide can be done by a variety of guide devices according to the known prior art, such as a dovetail guide, a T-slot guide or the like.

The stop element 45 is associated with an actuating element 46, which is formed for example by a guided in the support element 43 bolts. Preferably, the stop element 45 is aligned in the longitudinal direction of the flat profile 27, wherein the adjusting element 46 is angled, in particular normal thereto, aligned. In a designated contact area of the stop element 45 and the adjusting element 46, these preferably have obliquely to the longitudinal extent aligned shelves 47, 48, which are in the form of an inclined plane engaged with each other. If the actuator 46, for example via a lever assembly 49 - see Fig. 3 - according to the arrow in the Fig. 6 - Moved relative to the support member 43, there is a relative adjustment of the supported on the frame members 10, 17 fixed support member 43 and the stop member 45 connected flat profile 27. This is biased upon actuation of the lever assemblies 49, for example in the form of a pliers closing movement in that the displacement of the flat profile 27 relative to the support element 43 takes place through the mutually engaging support surfaces 47, 48, and thus the tensile force is exerted on the flat profile 27 of the pressure device 16. With self-locking selected angle can be dispensed with in the biased position to an additional positional fixation. It should be noted that the one shown here Biasing device for the flat profile 27 has been selected only as an example for a variety of possible embodiments. In addition, however, any other clamping elements such as cylinder-piston assemblies, spindle drives, etc. are conceivable.

For easier and safer supply and to avoid possible damage to the medium to be printed 2, it is still advantageous if at the pressing member 16, in particular the flat profile 27, at least at the feed area 5 end facing 18, a guide 50 or one or more vanes is arranged, as simplified in the Fig. 1 is indicated. A funnel-shaped guide surface, which widens in a funnel-shaped manner opposite the feed direction 7, passes without offset into the pressing surface 32 formed on the flat profile 27, as is generally known in such systems.

The embodiments show possible embodiments of the inkjet printing device 1, it being noted at this point that the invention is not limited to the specifically illustrated embodiments thereof.

For the sake of order, it should finally be pointed out that for a better understanding of the construction of the inkjet printing device 1, in particular the pressing device 16, these or their components have been shown partially unevenly and / or enlarged and / or reduced.

REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

Ink jet printer

2

medium

3

Printhead assembly

4

printhead

5

feed area

6

feeder

7

feed direction

8th

discharge area

9

pressure range

10

frame part

11

print table

12

support plane

13

opening

14

Vacuum device

15

conveyor belt

16

pressing device

17

frame part

18

The End

19

The End

20

adjustment

21

profile

22

guide assembly

23

rail

24

guide carriage

25

drive motor

26

control device

27

low profile

28

flat side

29

flat side

30

Longitudinal side edge

31

Longitudinal side edge

32

pressing surface

33

Transition area

34

Longitudinal guide section

35

approach

36

Strength

37

angle section

38

leg

39

recess

40

limb surface

41

leg

42

supporting

43

supporting

44

retaining element

45

stop element

46

actuator

47

footprint

48

footprint

49

lever assembly

50

guide

Claims (22)

1. Inkjet printer (1) for printing different media (2), with a print head arrangement (3) comprising at least one print head (4) for printing the medium (2) and with a printing table (11) constituting a support plane (12) for supporting the printing medium (2), and orifices (13) of a suction system (14) are provided in the support plane (12) in at least certain regions for retaining the printing medium (2) during the printing operation, as well as a forward feed mechanism (6) for the printing medium (2), and the forward feed mechanism (6) is provided in the form of at least one endlessly circulating conveyor belt (15), and in the region of the printing table (11), at least one pressing mechanism (16) is provided for the printing medium (2), at least in the region of a side edge oriented in the forward feed direction (7), with a pressing force which acts in the direction perpendicular to the support plane (12), characterised in that the pressing mechanism (16) is disposed in at least a printing region (9) of the print head arrangement (3) and is essentially provided in the form of a flat section (27) with flat faces (28, 29) and longitudinal side edges (30, 31) extending in between, and the pressing mechanism (16) is retained respectively at its ends (18, 19) spaced apart from one another in the forward feed direction (7) on a respective frame part (10, 17) of the printer (1) disposed at a distance apart in the forward feed direction (7) and oriented transversely to the forward feed direction (7), in particular perpendicular thereto, and disposed at a distance apart in the direction perpendicular to the support plane (12).
2. Inkjet printer (1) as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that the pressing mechanism (16) is displaceable relative to the printing table (11) in a direction perpendicular to the side edge and parallel with the support plane (12).
3. Inkjet printer (1) as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the pressing mechanism (16) is displaceable relative to the support plane (12) in a direction perpendicular to the support plane (12).
4. Inkjet printer (1) as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterised in that a pressing mechanism (16) is provided for each of the two side edges.
5. Inkjet printer (1) as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the first pressing mechanism (16) is mounted on the frame part (10, 17) so as to be stationary with respect to the forward feed direction (7) and the other pressing mechanism (16) is mounted on the frame part (10, 17) so that it can be moved transversely to the forward feed direction (7), in particular perpendicular thereto.
6. Inkjet printer (1) as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the pressing mechanism (16) is provided with at least one displacement mechanism (20) for effecting the displacement perpendicular to the side edge and parallel with the support plane (12).
7. Inkjet printer (1) as claimed in claim 6, characterised in that the displacement mechanism (20) has at least one drive motor (35).
8. Inkjet printer (1) as claimed in claim 6 or 7, characterised in that the displacement mechanism (20) is electrically connected to a control unit (26).
9. Inkjet printer (1) as claimed in claim 8, characterised in that at least one sensor is provided in a feed-in region (5) of the printing table (11) oriented in the forward feed direction for detecting the side edge of the printing medium (2) and the sensor is electrically connected to the control unit (26).
10. Inkjet printer (1) as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the pressing mechanism (16) extends by only a minimum across a printing plane formed by the printing medium (2) towards the side remote from the support plane (12).
11. I. Inkjet printer (1) as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that, in the region of a first longitudinal side edge (30), the flat section (27) has a pressing surface (32), offset from the flat face (29) directed towards the support plane (12), extending in the direction towards the oppositely lying flat face (28) which extends from the first longitudinal side edge (30) in the direction towards the other longitudinal side edge (31).
12. Inkjet printer (1) as claimed in claim 11, characterised in that a transition region (33) between the pressing surface (32) und the flat face (29) of the flat section (27) directed towards the support plane (12) forms a longitudinal guide portion (34) for the printing medium (2).
13. Inkjet printer (1) as claimed in one of claims 1, 11 or 12, characterised in that the flat face (29) of the flat section (27) directed towards the support plane (12) is disposed directly adjacent to or adjoining the latter.
14. Inkjet printer (1) as claimed in one of claims 1, 11 to 13, characterised in that the flat section (27) has a web-type shoulder (35) on the other longitudinal side edge (31), the thickness (36) of which in the direction perpendicular to its longitudinal extension is slimmer than a thickness of the flat section (27) in the same spatial direction.
15. Inkjet printer (1) as claimed in claim 14, characterised in that an angled section (37) is retained on the web-type shoulder (35).
16. Inkjet printer (1) as claimed in claim 15, characterised in that a first leg (38) of the angled section (37) has a groove-shaped recess (39) for accommodating the web-type shoulder (35).
17. Inkjet printer (1) as claimed in claim 15 or 16, characterised in that a leg surface (40) of the first leg (38) of the angled section (37) is virtually flush with the flat face (28) of the flat section (27) facing away from the support plane (12).
18. Inkjet printer (1) as claimed in one of claims 15 to 17, characterised in that another leg (41) of the angled section (37) is oriented in the direction towards the support surface (12).
19. Inkjet printer (1) as claimed in one of claims 1, 11 to 18, characterised in that the pressing mechanism (16) formed by the flat section (27) is retained so that it is tense in its longitudinal extension between the frame parts (10, 17) spaced apart in the forward feed direction (7).
20. Inkjet printer (1) as claimed in one of claims 1, 11 to 19, characterised in that, a respective support element (42, 43) is provided on the flat section (27) at the ends (18, 19) facing away from one another and these are supported on the frame parts (10, 17) disposed at a distance apart from one another in the forward feed direction (7).
21. Inkjet printer (1) as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterised in that at least one baffle mechanism (50) is provided on the pressing mechanism (16) at least at the end (18) facing a feed-in region (5).
22. Inkjet printer (1) as claimed in one of claims 1 to 21, characterised in that the forward feed mechanism (6) co-operates with the printing table (11).

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