EP1976705B1 - Hand-operated stamp and ink storage body unit therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

A hand-operated stamp (1) includes an at least partially open-pored printing plate (27) which can be displaced counter to a spring force, from a resting position in which it is retracted into a housing (2), into a printing position by an actuation element (3). The printing plate rests against an ink storage body (25) in order to receive stamping ink therefrom, the ink storage body being mounted in a holder (24) which at least partially encloses it. The holder (24) is trough-shaped and is directly locked with a connecting part (6) which is locked with the actuation unit and which comprises at least one refill support (40, 41) which is oriented towards an ink refill opening (42, 43) in the base wall of the holder (24).

Description

The invention relates to a handstamp with a means of an operating unit from a retracted into a housing rest position against spring force in an impression position displaceable, partially open-pored impression plate, as indicated in the introductory part of claim 1. Such a hand stamp is out EP-A-0 934 832 known.

The invention further relates to a color storage body unit for storing stamping ink for a partially open-pored impression plate of such a pre-inked stamp, according to the introductory part of claim 16, wherein such a color storage body unit stands out from itself US Pat. No. 6,302,022 is known.

Handstamps as mentioned in the introduction are usually referred to as pre-inked stamps (precolored stamps). The stamping ink required to produce the stamp impressions is stored in the storage body, which forwards the stamping ink to the impression plate. The storage body can be based on a variety of technologies, such as on a salt washout, on a gel system or on a foam (vinyl foam) method, in particular, the gel system has proven to be advantageous. But it is also possible to integrate the impression plate and the storage body in a single element containing the stamping ink to be printed (see, eg US 6,360,661 B1 ), but the production is then relatively expensive.

In a newer method, the so-called flash system is in an open-cell foam material, such as EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate), for producing a separate impression plate by means of short-term exposures ("flash" - "flash", in particular with Help of xenon lights) bring about closure of pores of the open cell material in those areas where no stamp is to be produced; in those areas where a stamp imprint is to be generated, however, the pores of the impression plate remain open. Accordingly, to apply the desired image for the stamp imprint on the stamp plate blanks, For example, pre-cut EVA plates are placed in an exposure apparatus, together with a foil having the desired stamp imprint image produced, for example, by means of a computer. By a single or multiple lightning-like lighting the impression plate is generated. This EVA impression plate is then to be supplied for operation with stamping ink, to which the stamping ink (pre) impregnated storage body, in particular of PVA foam material, is used.

Such storage bodies are usually provided in bag packs. If the storage body, e.g. the pre-soaked PVA material, taken from the packaging and inserted into the stamp, this usually does not go off without contamination: Already when slicing the packaging, the cutting tool (eg a pair of scissors) is soiled with stamping ink, and such pollution is afterwards also inevitably for a pair of tweezers or the like. Tool used for removing the PVA material from the packaging and for insertion into the stamp housing.

In the DE 2 152 324 A a hand stamp is described with a porous stamp block and a storage body within a frame in a holder. Disadvantageous here is the refilling of color, since only after removing the handle and a top surface with protective film storage body can be completely refilled, since the filler neck is centrally formed.

From the WO 02/28658 A a hand stamp is known which comprises a pre-colored one-piece stamp plate which is arranged in a holder. The disadvantage here, inter alia, that no separate from an impression plate storage body is provided and when replacing the stamp plate, which is also the storage body, the types must be made new to the new stamp plate.

In the US 5,855,170 A there is disclosed a refillable stamp in which a stamp plate, a cotton layer and a storage body are mounted in a holder body. The holder body is latched with an actuating part and displaceable relative to a housing. For refilling ink, the holder body has two nozzles. A disadvantage of this stamp is that the assembly of the stamp plate together with storage body as mentioned above leads to contamination.

From the US 4,676,162 A is a stamp with simple rubber stamp plate known. In this case, the stamp plate is held in a socket by means of a frame having latching elements. The actuation takes place via a handle, which moves against the spring force via a piston, the socket with the stamp plate in the punch housing down to produce a stamp on a pad. The disadvantage is that this stamp is not refillable, which is why after consumption of the stamping the entire stamp or the stamp plate must be replaced.

In the US 6,302,022 B1 a hand stamp is shown, which is to be regarded as the closest prior art, wherein a storage body is held together with a stamp plate in a holder. These two parts are releasably connected via two separate, lateral, spring-loaded push buttons. For refilling ink, it is supplied via openings in a cover part of the holder. A disadvantage of this stamp is especially the elaborate mounting structure and associated with an expensive and costly production, moreover, the handling when refilling ink (stamping ink) is cumbersome.

It is an object of the invention to remedy this situation and to propose a handstamp or a storage body unit as mentioned above, not only the risk of contamination when removing the storage body from a package and when inserted into the stamp housing is avoided and this removal and the Insertion can be carried out in the form of simple steps, but also in the simplest way it is possible to remove a storage body whose stamping ink has been used up again from the stamp, for example for purposes of Nachtränkens or especially for the purpose of replacement. On the other hand, it should also be possible, the storage body in situ, ie nachzutränken in the state inserted into the housing of the stamp, with stamping ink. Here is the stamp training be easy and get along with as few items as possible.

To solve this problem, the invention provides a handstamp and a storage body unit as defined in claims 1 and 16 before. Advantageous embodiments and further developments are specified in the dependent claims.

In the present handstamp of the color memory body, which consists for example of PVA material (PVA poly-vinyl acetate) and but of PE material (PE polyethylene) mounted in a trough-shaped holder, the storage body on or includes, and with the storage body can be manipulated pollution-free. The storage body unit formed from the storage body and the holder can thus be removed from the packaging (which can then preferably be box-like) without the storage material itself having to be directly attacked and inserted into a stamp housing. It is particularly advantageous if the holder encloses the storage body as possible on all sides, apart from the side facing the impression plate side, and the trough-shaped holder is formed for this purpose by a cassette. In order to keep in the assembled state, the impression plate against the storage body - in the holder - is preferably on the support a coupling part available; this coupling part can be closed, for example, all around, so be annular (with the ring shape is also a rectangular in plan view closed shape to understand). For the coupling of the impression plate to the storage body of the coupling part can overlap the impression plate at least partially. On the other hand, it can be provided that the coupling part with the holder, in particular cassette, is releasably latched.

A releasable connection by snapping is also provided between the holder and the operating unit of the hand punch, via the connecting part; In particular, the connecting part may have two latching legs which pass through an opening on the upper side of the punch housing and which are provided with latching projections in a latching recess (for example with undercut walls) in the holder, for example in a bottom wall of the cassette, can be engaged. On the one hand to simplify the production and on the other hand, the assembly or the disassembly, in terms of replacement of the storage body, it is also beneficial if the connecting part is connected to an outer handle portion of the actuator by latching or snapping.

The training with the locking legs can also be used with advantage such that between the locking legs a compression spring supporting part of the housing is arranged, wherein the compression spring on the other hand is supported on an opposite region of the actuating unit and the connecting part.

The locking legs can also be used with particular advantage for other functions. Thus, when preassembling the operating unit on the housing before the color memory unit is mounted, the locking legs lock the actuator unit with the housing, which can be provided that the locking legs in a pre-assembly, for connecting the actuator unit with the housing, with locking projections the The edge of the opening at the top of the housing engage behind. A further, particularly advantageous function in terms of ejection of a storage unit can be achieved if the locking legs have a cooperating with the edge of the opening at the top of the housing control surface, wherein the locking legs when moving inward into the housing interior, via the hub when generating a Stempelabdrucks going to be resiliently deflected by the control surface to release the holder. In order to enable this inward movement of the locking legs beyond the normal impression stroke, if necessary, the handle part is to be removed beforehand, if it is provided that the handle part with its lower edge by abutment against a shoulder of the housing of the punch the downward stroke in generating a Stamp imprint limited.

In order to easily refill stamping ink in the storage body, the trough-like holder is formed with at least one Farbnachfüllöffnung in the bottom wall of the tub. To distribute the latter as quickly as possible over the storage body when refilling the stamping ink, it is also advantageous if at the Farbnachfüllöffnung connect in the bottom wall of the tub radially extending groove-shaped channels for color distribution over the storage body. Furthermore, the at least one filler neck is formed in alignment with the color refill opening in the holder. The filler neck can then facilitate the refilling of the stamping ink in the manner of a filling funnel. On the other hand, an advantageous use of the filler neck is also given by the fact that a color cartridge (spare cartridge) can be stored therein.

Pre-inked stamps or flash stamps usually use an oil-based stamping ink that dries quickly, which can result in rapid drying out. In order to counteract this, the housing can be associated with a cap which releasably closes the lower opening, wherein the cover is preferably latched to the housing.

Furthermore, the stamp housing may have slip protection elements on its underside resting on the base to be stamped.

For the storage and delivery of the color storage body unit, even before the application of the impression plate, it is favorable if the coupling part on the side opposite the opening for mounting the impression plate side of the holder, e.g. frictionally engaged, is attached.

Fig. 1

eine schaubildliche Ansicht eines Pre-inked-Handstempels; Fig. 2 einen Längsschnitt durch diesen Handstempel von Fig. 1 in dessen Ruhestellung;

Fig. 3

einen Querschnitt durch diesen Handstempel gemäß Fig. 1 und 2;

Fig. 4

einen Längsschnitt ähnlich Fig. 2, wobei in Fig. 4 jedoch die Abdruckstellung des Handstempels gezeigt ist;

Fig.

5 einen vergleichbaren Längsschnitt durch Stempelgehäuse und Betätigungseinheit des Handstempels gemäß Fig. 1 bis 4 in einer Vormontage-Stellung, noch ohne Farb-Speicherkörpereinheit; die Fig. 6 und 7 in Längsschnitten ähnlich Fig. 4 den Vorgang beim Auswerfen einer Speicherkörpereinheit, wobei der Griffteil der Betätigungseinheit abgenommen wurde;

Fig. 8

schaubildlich eine Speicherkörpereinheit mit einem ringförmigen Koppelteil, jedoch ohne Abdruckplatte, wobei der Koppelteil noch an der Oberseite des Speicherkörpers vorliegt;

Fig. 9

eine auseinandergezogene Darstellung der Teile des Handstempels gemäß den Fig. 1 bis 7;

Fig. 10

eine auseinandergezogene schaubildliche Darstellung der Teile einer Speicherkörpereinheit einschließlich einer Abdruckplatte;

Fig. 11

in einer ebenfalls auseinandergezogenen schaubildlichen Darstellung eine Komponente, bestehend aus Stempelgehäuse und Betätigungseinheit in vormontierter Stellung, eine Speicherkörpereinheit sowie eine an der Unterseite des Gehäuses verrastbare Abdeckung;

Fig. 12

in einem Längsschnitt ähnlich Fig. 2 eine Ausführungsform des Handstempels mit Stempelfarben-Nachfüllpatronen;

Fig. 13

eine auseinandergezogene Darstellung dieses Handstempels gemäß Fig. 12; und

Fig. 14

eine schaubildliche Unteransicht des Handstempels gemäß Fig. 1 oder 12, zur Veranschaulichung von Rutschsicherungselementen an der Unterseite des Stempelgehäuses.

The invention will be explained below with reference to illustrated in the drawings, particularly preferred embodiments, to which, however, it should not be limited. In detail show:

Fig. 1

a perspective view of a pre-inked hand stamp; Fig. 2 a longitudinal section through this handstamp of Fig. 1 in its rest position;

Fig. 3

a cross section through this hand stamp according to Fig. 1 and 2 ;

Fig. 4

similar to a longitudinal section Fig. 2 , where in Fig. 4 however, the imprint position of the handstamp is shown;

FIG.

5 shows a comparable longitudinal section through punch housing and actuating unit of the hand stamp according to FIG Fig. 1 to 4 in a pre-assembly position, still without color storage unit body; the Fig. 6 and 7 similar in longitudinal sections Fig. 4 the process of ejecting a storage body unit, wherein the handle part of the operating unit has been removed;

Fig. 8

Schaubildlich a storage unit body with an annular coupling part, but without impression plate, the coupling part is still present at the top of the storage body;

Fig. 9

an exploded view of the parts of the hand stamp according to the Fig. 1 to 7 ;

Fig. 10

an exploded perspective view of the parts of a storage unit body including an impression plate;

Fig. 11

in a likewise exploded perspective view of a component consisting of punch housing and actuator unit in the preassembled position, a storage body unit and a latchable on the underside of the housing cover;

Fig. 12

similar in a longitudinal section Fig. 2 an embodiment of the hand stamp with stamp ink refill cartridges;

Fig. 13

an exploded view of this hand stamp according to Fig. 12 ; and

Fig. 14

a perspective bottom view of the hand stamp according to Fig. 1 or 12 , illustrating anti-slip elements on the underside of the stamp housing.

In Fig. 1 is a hand stamp 1, a so-called pre-inked or pre-inked hand stamp 1, shown, said hand stamp 1 a stamp housing 2 (hereinafter referred to as housing 2) and an attached thereon actuator unit 3 contains. At the bottom of the housing 2, a cover 4 is snapped in the form of a cap to close the stamp base as possible and thus counteract drying out of the stamping ink contained.

As in particular from the Fig. 2 to 4 it can be seen, the actuating unit 3 of the hand stamp 1 is divided into two parts, on the one hand an upper handle part 5 and on the other hand, a lower, inner connecting part 6 are provided. These two parts 5, 6 are connected to each other by latching, wherein on the two longitudinal sides of an upper trough part 7 of the connecting part 6 locking projections 8 are provided which engage in associated recesses 9 of the handle part 5 in the mounted position, see. also except Fig. 2 to Fig. 4 the Fig. 9 , Out Fig. 3 moreover, it can be seen that the grip part 3 can have a hood 10, which is preferably transparent so as to enable the reading of a label sheet 11 attached underneath.

To secure the position of the connecting part 6 projects with the edge 12 of the trough part 7 in corresponding recesses 13 of the handle part 5, see. especially Fig. 2 , The connecting part 6 further has below the trough part 7 integrally with this locking leg 14, 15, which are substantially plate-shaped, see. also Fig. 9 , And at their free lower ends hook-shaped outwardly projecting latching projections 16 have. These locking legs 14, 15 engage in the mounted position, see for example Fig. 2 and 4 and also Fig. 9 , through openings 17, 18 at the top 20 of the housing 2, being in the preassembled position of the actuating unit 3 and housing 2, see Fig. 5 , the edges of the openings 17, 18 engage behind the hook-shaped latching projections 16.

Between the locking legs 14, 15 a compression coil spring 19 is arranged, which is supported on the one hand in the housing top 20 in the region of a centering projection 21 and on the other hand on a retaining projection 22 on the inside of the connecting part 6. This compression spring 19 presses apart the two components actuating unit 3 and housing 2, so that the locking projections 16 in the pre-assembly position according to Fig. 5 under spring pressure at the bottom of the edges of the opening 17, 18 abut.

From the pre-assembly position according to Fig. 5 For example, the operating unit 3 and the housing 2 may be further pushed together relative to one another to connect the locking projections 16 to a color storage body unit 23 by latching. This color storage body unit 23 has, as in particular from the Fig. 9 . 10 and 11 shows a holder 24th for a storage body 25, which consists of a foam material, in particular PVA or PE, and is used for storing stamping ink. The storage body 25 can be pre-assembled in the trough-shaped holder or cassette 24 by gluing or by a press fit. In this pre-assembled configuration, together with an annular coupling part 26 which is rectangular in plan view, the storage-body unit 23 (without impression plate 27, cf. Fig. 9 and 10 ) are stored in a box-shaped package 28, see Fig. 8 , When inserting the held in the holder or cartridge 24 storage body 25 in the hand stamp 1, the desired impression plate 27, which was previously prepared by the flash method described above, for example, each stamp user applied to the bottom of the storage body 25 and through Removing the annular coupling part 26 of the cassette 24 (in the position according to FIG Fig. 8 ) and pushing on and snapping the coupling part 26 from the underside of the cassette 24 forth (see Fig. 10 or Fig. 9 ) mounted on the storage body unit 23, wherein the coupling member 26 by means of locking hooks 29 snaps behind Rastabsätzen 30 of the cassette 24 and so holds the impression plate 27 firmly pressed against the storage body 25 in this mounted operating position. The coupling member 26 engages with an inwardly projecting flange edge 31 a stepped edge 32 of the impression plate 27, see. also Fig. 2 ,

In the arrangement of the storage body unit 23 for delivery according to Fig. 8 in which the coupling part 26 is still placed on top of the cassette 24, the locking projections 29 of the coupling member 26 are simply frictionally on the side of the cassette 24, in the range of wall recesses 33, see Fig. 9 and 10 ,

In the in Fig. 2 and 3 shown rest position of the hand stamp 1, the storage body unit 23 (now including impression plate 27) is withdrawn into the interior of the housing 2, and it is with the locking legs 14, 15 by engagement of the locking projections 16 under undercut edges 34 a detent recess 35 on the Top or upper (bottom) wall 24 'of the cassette 24 is connected. With their bottom are the Locking projections 16 in this position on the bottom 36 of the catch (latching recess) 35, so that upon a downward movement of the actuating unit 3, the storage body unit 23 from the rest position according to Fig. 2 (and 3 ) in the impression position according to Fig. 4 can be moved, against the force of the compression spring 19. Before generating a stamp imprint by such an operation while moving the storage body unit 23 together with the impression plate 27 as shown in the drawing down, see also the arrow 37 in Fig. 4 , is the in Fig. 2 Cover 4 shown still remove from the housing 2. This cap-shaped cover 4 is detachably connected via latching projections 38 and mating locking recesses 39 on the inside of the housing 2 with the latter by latching, see, for example Fig. 2 and 9 ,

In detail, the force exerted on the handle part 5 force is transmitted to the cartridge 24 via the trough part 7 and thus the connecting part 6 on actuation of the hand stamp 1, wherein on the one hand serve the locking legs 14, 15, on the other hand, but also neck 40, 41, the when mounted storage body unit 23 in step-shaped refill openings 42, 43 of the cassette 24 engage. These nozzles 40, 41 can be used as refill nozzles for refilling stamping ink into the storage body 25 - with the handle part 5 removed - apart from the fact that they also serve to transmit power during the stamping operation.

The refill openings 42, 43 are, for example, circular, and on the underside of the opening edges 44 radially or radially arranged groove-shaped channels 45 are formed so as to replenish the stamping ink this stamping ink easier to distribute over the storage body 25.

The impression position of the punch 1 is in Fig. 4 shown, wherein it is seen that in this position the "bracket", ie the actuator unit 3 with its handle portion 5, on the upper side 20 (s. Fig. 5 ) of the housing 2 comes to rest, thereby limiting the stroke in generating the stamp impression.

If starting from the position according to Fig. 4 and when removed Handle part 5 of the connecting part 6 further - against the spring force of the compression spring 19 - is moved downward, see arrow 37 in Fig. 6 run on the locking legs 14, 15 outside, ie on the opposite sides, provided oblique control surfaces 46 on oblique opening edges 47 of the openings 17, 18 at or top 20 of the punch housing, and the further downward movement of the connecting part 6, the locking legs 14, 15 like out Fig. 7 apparent to each other, from their in Fig. 6 shown detent position in the in Fig. 7 shown release position, deflected. Thereby, the cassette 24 with the storage body 25, the impression plate 27 and the coupling part 26 is released, so that these four parts as a unit, as in Fig. 11 be seen (storage body unit 23) are released so as to allow either refilling of stamping ink outside the stamp housing 2 or a replacement of this unit 23. The locking legs 14, 15 can thus also be referred to as (control) scenes for the control of the release of the unit 23. In the illustrated embodiment, the control surfaces 46 are formed by the locking legs 14, 15 are angled double, ie cranked; but it would also be conceivable, of course, to form on the locking legs 14, 15 simply control cam, which form the control surfaces 46.

The embodiment of the present hand stamp 1 as in Fig. 12 and 13 shown corresponds for the most part to that according to Fig. 1 to 11 , so that a new description of the construction of this hand stamp 1 may be unnecessary, as far as agreement is given. In contrast to the embodiment according to Fig. 1 to 11 is at hand stamp 1 according to Fig. 12 and 13 a further use of the nozzle 40, 41 of the connecting part 6 of the actuator unit 3, namely the recording of stamp ink refill cartridges 50, 51, said refill cartridges may be closed at its top with a cover 52, 53.

Out Fig. 14 Finally, it is still apparent that on the underside of there frame-shaped housing 2, on the housing-Aufsetzfläche 54, anti-skid elements 55, for example, from relatively soft elastomeric material having a high friction can be attached.

The individual components of the described hand stamp 1 are preferably made of plastic material. In particular, the cassette 24 may for example consist of a thermoplastic, such as in particular ABS, whereas the annular coupling part 26 may be made of POM or polycarbonate, but possibly also ABS. The storage body consists for example of PVA or PE foam material, the latter being preferred, since when impressed an elastic deformation and return to the initial state is given, while PVA material is pressed permanently; in particular, the impression plate 27 consists of EVA foam material whose pores on the impression side have been sealed by welding during exposure as described by the so-called flash method in those areas where no impression is to follow.

Claims (20)

1. Hand-operated stamp (1) comprising a partially open-pored printing plate (27) which is displaceable against a spring force from a resting position, in which it is retracted in a housing (2), into a printing position by means of an actuating unit (3), said printing plate (27) resting against an ink storage member (25) so as to receive stamping ink therefrom, said ink storage member being mounted in a retaining means (24) at least partially enclosing said ink storage member, characterised in that the retaining means (24) is trough-shaped and is directly latched with a connecting part (6) which, in turn, is latched with the actuating unit (3), said connecting part (6) having at least one refilling socket (40, 41) oriented towards an ink-refilling opening (42, 43) in the bottom wall of the retaining means (24).
2. The hand-operated stamp according to claim 1, characterised in that the connecting part (6) has two latching legs (14, 15) extending through openings (17, 18) on the upper side (20) of the housing (2) for latching engagement with a latch (35) provided on a wall part (24') of the retaining means (24).
3. The hand-operated stamp according to claim 2, characterised in that the connecting part (6) is latched with an external handle part (5) of the actuating unit (3).
4. The hand-operated stamp according to claim 2 or 3, characterised in that a part (21) of the housing (2) supporting a compression spring (19) is arranged between the latching legs (14, 15), the compression spring (19), on the other side, being supported on an oppositely arranged area (22) of the actuating unit (3) or of the connecting part (6), respectively.
5. The hand-operated stamp according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterised in that in a pre-mounted position, the latching legs (14, 15) engage behind the rim of the openings (17, 18) on the upper side (20) of the housing (2) by means of latching projections (16) so as to connect the actuating unit (3) with the housing (2).
6. The hand-operated stamp according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterised in that the latching legs (14, 15) include a cam surface (46) cooperating with the rim of the openings (17, 18) on the upper side (20) of the housing (2), wherein the latching legs (14, 15), when moving into the housing interior beyond the stroke provided when making a stamp imprint, are deflected by the cam surface (46) for releasing the retaining means (24).
7. The hand-operated stamp according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that for distributing ink over the storage member (25), radially extending, groove-shaped channels (45) join to the ink refilling openings (42, 43) in the bottom wall (24') of the trough.
8. The hand-operated stamp according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that the filling socket (41, 42) is designed for accommodating an ink cartridge (50, 51).
9. The hand-operated stamp according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterised in that the housing (2) has anti-slip safety elements (55) provided on its lower side.
10. The hand-operated stamp according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterised in that the housing (2) has an associated cover (4) releasably closing the lower side thereof.
11. The hand-operated stamp according to claim 10, characterised in that the cover (4) can be latched, or is latched, with the housing (2).
12. The hand-operated stamp according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterised in that the retaining means (24) is formed by a cassette.
13. The hand-operated stamp according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterised in that an, e.g., ring-shaped coupling member (26) is provided on the retaining means (24) for coupling the printing plate (27) to the storage member (25).
14. A hand-operated stamp according to claim 13, characterised in that the coupling member (26) engages over the printing plate (27) at least in parts thereof.
15. The hand-operated stamp according to claim 13 or 14, characterised in that the coupling member (26) can be latched, or is latched, with the retaining means (24).
16. An ink storage member unit (23) for storing stamping ink and for delivering the same to a partially open-pored printing plate (27) of a pre-inked hand-operated stamp according to any one of claims 1 to 15, comprising an ink storage member (25) mounted in a retaining means (24) which encloses the former, which retaining means (24) is trough-shaped and adapted to be directly latched to a connecting part (6) of the hand-operated stamp, and the trough-shaped retaining means (24) is designed with at least one ink-refilling opening (42, 43) in the bottom wall (24') of the trough, characterised in that the retaining means (24) is formed by a cassette.
17. The ink storage member unit according to claim 16, characterised in that an, e.g., ring-shaped coupling member (26) is provided on the retaining means (24) for coupling the printing plate (27) to the storage member (25).
18. The ink storage member unit according to claim 17, characterised in that in the operating position the coupling member (26) engages over the printing plate (27) at least in parts thereof.
19. The ink storage member unit according to claim 17, characterised in that the coupling member (26) is mounted by, e.g., friction fit, on that side of the retaining element (24) which is arranged opposite the opening for attaching the printing plate (27).
20. The ink storage member unit according to any one of claims 16 to 19, characterised in that for distributing ink over the storage member (25), radially extending, groove-shaped channels (45) join to the ink refilling openings (42, 43) in the bottom wall (24') of the trough.

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