EP2130679B1 - Device for cleaning blotting elements for an ink printing head - Google Patents

Device for cleaning blotting elements for an ink printing head Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2130679B1
EP2130679B1 EP09005738A EP09005738A EP2130679B1 EP 2130679 B1 EP2130679 B1 EP 2130679B1 EP 09005738 A EP09005738 A EP 09005738A EP 09005738 A EP09005738 A EP 09005738A EP 2130679 B1 EP2130679 B1 EP 2130679B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
ink
sponge
print apparatus
holder
cleaning
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.)
Not-in-force
Application number
EP09005738A
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German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP2130679B2 (en
EP2130679A1 (en
Inventor
Axel Ortmann
Wolfgang Muhl
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.)
Francotyp Postalia GmbH
Original Assignee
Francotyp Postalia GmbH
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Publication date
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Application filed by Francotyp Postalia GmbH filed Critical Francotyp Postalia GmbH
Publication of EP2130679A1 publication Critical patent/EP2130679A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2130679B1 publication Critical patent/EP2130679B1/en
Publication of EP2130679B2 publication Critical patent/EP2130679B2/en
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Classifications

    • 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
    • B41J2/005—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
    • B41J2/01—Ink jet
    • B41J2/135—Nozzles
    • B41J2/165—Prevention or detection of nozzle clogging, e.g. cleaning, capping or moistening for nozzles
    • B41J2/16517—Cleaning of print head nozzles
    • B41J2/16535—Cleaning of print head nozzles using wiping constructions
    • 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
    • B41J2/005—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
    • B41J2/01—Ink jet
    • B41J2/135—Nozzles
    • B41J2/165—Prevention or detection of nozzle clogging, e.g. cleaning, capping or moistening for nozzles
    • B41J2/16585—Prevention or detection of nozzle clogging, e.g. cleaning, capping or moistening for nozzles for paper-width or non-reciprocating print heads
    • B41J2/16588—Print heads movable towards the cleaning unit
    • 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
    • B41J2/005—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
    • B41J2/01—Ink jet
    • B41J2/135—Nozzles
    • B41J2/165—Prevention or detection of nozzle clogging, e.g. cleaning, capping or moistening for nozzles
    • B41J2/16517—Cleaning of print head nozzles
    • B41J2/16535—Cleaning of print head nozzles using wiping constructions
    • B41J2/16541—Means to remove deposits from wipers or scrapers
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07B—TICKET-ISSUING APPARATUS; FARE-REGISTERING APPARATUS; FRANKING APPARATUS
    • G07B17/00—Franking apparatus
    • G07B17/00459—Details relating to mailpieces in a franking system
    • G07B17/00508—Printing or attaching on mailpieces
    • G07B2017/00516—Details of printing apparatus
    • G07B2017/00524—Printheads
    • G07B2017/00532—Inkjet
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07B—TICKET-ISSUING APPARATUS; FARE-REGISTERING APPARATUS; FRANKING APPARATUS
    • G07B17/00—Franking apparatus
    • G07B17/00459—Details relating to mailpieces in a franking system
    • G07B17/00508—Printing or attaching on mailpieces
    • G07B2017/00516—Details of printing apparatus
    • G07B2017/00556—Ensuring quality of print

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a device for cleaning wiping elements for an ink jet print head of an ink dispenser, according to the type specified in the preamble of claim 1.
  • the invention is suitable for an ink jet printing device used for mail processing mailing machines and other ink jet printing devices.
  • the modern franking machines with inkjet technology use, for example, Hewlett Packard print heads and so-called wiping elements to remove the excess ink from the print head.
  • the printhead moves over a stationary wiper element or the wiper element moves over the stationary head.
  • the excess ink is taken away by the wiping elements and scraped off on scraper elements (doctor blades). Since the HP printheads have a relatively small printhead surface, this is usually enough.
  • the applicant is aware of a device for cleaning an ink jet print head for a Centormail® type franking machine.
  • the inkjet print head is part of every ink cartridge.
  • Two ink cartridges are interchangeably arranged in a receptacle.
  • the receptacle is pivotable to a print position so that the ink print head is stationary during printing in a print window of a guide plate for the flat mail pieces (print carrier).
  • a cleaning and sealing station serves as a maintenance station and is also arranged adjustable behind the guide plate and can be moved to the ink jet print head to and from this again.
  • a scraper is placed separately from the printhead or its holder on a Abstreiferhalter, the latter being attached to the chassis.
  • Two wipers are used to wipe the wiper lips, which are arranged on a carriage of a cleaning and sealing station (RDS), when the carriage moves away from the ink jet print head and returns to its original position.
  • RDS cleaning and sealing station
  • the invention has for its object to improve maintenance and to provide a device for cleaning wiper elements in an ink printing device, wherein the deposition and drying of excess ink residue on the wiper elements is avoided by the action of the device.
  • the cleaning of the wiping elements should be made possible regardless of the movement of the print head and can be integrated in the maintenance process of the printing unit, without causing additional expense.
  • An ink receiving means has been developed which passively receives ink in its interior and which is disposed on the chassis of the printing apparatus at a location where an at least one unidirectional service station is moved past, the service station having wiping elements which supply ink to the ink during the advancing movement Release the ink receptacle.
  • the ink receiving means is preferably a sponge assembly and consists of a sponge holder, a sponge body and a holding plate.
  • the sponge body absorbs the ink by wicking due to the well-known capillary effect and thus removes excess ink from the wiping elements after each wiping operation, ie, immediately after wiping the print head surface, as the maintenance station travels or the carriage of RDS returns from wiping to its original position , It can thus be ensured that the wiping elements only wipe over the print heads in the cleaned state.
  • the sponge assembly is fixed in the rear part of the chassis as a separate assembly that the sponge element itself is easily replaceable when the RDS was moved to the sealing position in the front part. An automatic suction of the ink from the sponge can be omitted, so that compared to solution after EP 885 726 A1 a simpler and cheaper version is present.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the known device 1 * of the franking machine of the type Centormail® shown from the front right bottom.
  • a printhead receptacle 12 * carries two ink printheads 110 *, 120 * and is pivoted about an axis 121 * to a cleaning position.
  • a cleaning and sealing device (RDS) 13 * carrying wiping elements 1311 * has been moved to a starting position in the rear part of the franking machine.
  • RDS 13 * and the printhead receptacle 12 * a Abstreiferhalter 1317 * is arranged.
  • the wiper holder carries scrapers on its downwardly facing edges, at which the stripped ink drips down first. However, a residue of ink will adhere through adhesion and may then dry.
  • FIG. 2a The preamble of the arrangement of some assemblies of an ink jet printing device according to the invention in connection with the device for cleaning wiper elements will be explained.
  • An ink delivery means 2 and an ink receiving means 4 are arranged along a path on which a service station 3 is moved.
  • FIG. 2b Fig. 2 is a perspective view of an improved apparatus 1 for cleaning wiping elements for an inkjet print head from the front right lower.
  • the arrangement of the assemblies in the printing device of the known franking machine of the type Centormail® to each other is the same principle as in the Fig. 1 has been shown, but instead of a scraper holder, an ink receiving means 4 is used, which is arranged between an ink discharge means 2 and a maintenance station 3 at the rear of the chassis.
  • a print head receptacle can be used as the ink delivery means 2
  • a cleaning and sealing device 13 can be used as the maintenance station 3
  • a sponge assembly 1.4 with at least one sponge holder 14 and a sponge body 142 can be used as the ink receptacle 4.
  • FIG. 3a shows a perspective view of the sponge assembly from the front left bottom.
  • the sponge assembly 1.4 consists of a sponge holder 14, a sponge body 142 and a retaining plate 144.
  • the rear part of the sponge holder is formed flat at the bottom and has two cams 148 and an opening 147 for attachment.
  • the front part 141 is downwardly box-shaped with a large downwardly directed opening, in which the sponge body 142 is secured to the retaining plate 144 on the sponge holder 14.
  • the opening 147 for attachment in the rear part of the sponge holder is arranged centrally. Through the box 141 or through another box at the transition to the flat rear part of the sponge holder results in a stop edge for a - not shown - mounting plate of the chassis.
  • FIG. 3b shows a perspective view of the sponge assembly from the front left below in exploded view.
  • the sponge holder 14 has an elongated approximately rectangular opening 140 in the box 141, the cross-sectional area of which tapers inwardly.
  • the sponge body 142 preferably has a wedge shape tapering toward the bottom of the opening and has a rounded, rounded shape matching the opening in the sponge holder.
  • the opening 140 is bounded by four side walls of the box 141, two passageways 143 and 146 being formed in two opposite side walls which allow the wiper lips to slide therethrough when the RDS wipes the wiper lips on the sponge in a maintenance phase.
  • a wall piece 145 is respectively between the passages 143 and 146 of the side wall and the opposite side wall of the box 141st
  • the retaining plate 144 is bent in a U-shape, wherein its side surfaces 1441 and 1442 are slightly bent inwards and thereby exert a spring force on the sponge holder 14 in the mounted state.
  • the base of the retaining plate 144 has the dimensions of the largest cross-sectional area on the surface of the sponge body.
  • the base 1445 of the retaining plate has two rectangular openings 1443, 1446 extending into the two side surfaces 1441 and 1442, each suitable for one pass of a pair of wiping elements for each printhead during wiping. The two openings are spaced apart according to the spacing of both printheads in the printhead receptacle.
  • the front part of the sponge holder is flat at the top and is shaped like a box with a large downward opening.
  • the opening has a width B and a length L, with B ⁇ L.
  • the sponge 142 is made, for example, from an ecologically degradable synthetically manufactured material and may also be reused after washing out the ink. It may be washed out with an antibacterial solvent if a prolonged period of time has elapsed and its capacity to absorb ink is exhausted.
  • FIG. 4 Figure 3 is a perspective view of the improved front lower right device shown with the printhead receptacle 12 and RDS 13 in the sealing position.
  • the printheads are protected from drying out in this position.
  • the ink may dry on the sponge holder 14 sponge.
  • FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the improved device from the rear right above, with RDS 13 in the starting position.
  • the printhead receptacle 12 is pivotally mounted between two side walls of a rack of the ink printing apparatus, whose left side wall 101 is shown in the background of the view.
  • the RDS 13 is located in the drawn starting position in the lower rear part of the frame, the left side wall has an incorporated guide in the form of an obliquely upwards extending oblong hole 1012 in which the carriage of the RDS 13 is guided, ie slides along, when the RDS 13 is moved to the sealing position.
  • the printhead receptacle 12 has an axis of rotation 121 in the upper front part of the frame. Between the RDS 13 and the printhead receptacle 12 an ink receiving means, preferably a sponge assembly with the sponge holder 14 in the rear of the frame is arranged and fastened in the manner shown by means of a screw 15 on the sheet metal part 16 of the chassis of the printing device of the postage meter.
  • the sponge holder 14 has a box-shaped cavity 149 in the upper part.
  • the ink receiving means is inexpensive from a synthetically produced sponge, but no suitable naturally occurring substances should be excluded.
  • the shape of the ink receiving means must be adapted to the number and shape of the wiping elements (wiper lips) so that it is suitable for wiping them.
  • the number of wiper lips is in the above embodiment, only two per printhead.
  • an absorbent nonwoven having a hygroscopic effect or cooperating with a suitable hygroscopic material or coated or impregnated with a suitable chemical element or chemical compound is suitable.
  • the ink receiving means may also comprise a special absorbent foam.
  • the foam, sponge, fleece can be round or square or cut in any suitable form.
  • the ink receiving agent should not exclude a passively acting agent or substance or chemical element or chemical compound, but only active agents.
  • the ink receiving means 4 can be realized in any desired form and is arranged on the chassis of the ink printing device at a location at which an at least in one direction movable maintenance station 3 or RDS 13 is moved past.
  • the ink delivery means 2 does not have to be realized in the illustrated embodiment, but may alternatively, i. E. other than shown, or constructed in a modified form.

Landscapes

  • Ink Jet (AREA)

Abstract

Device for cleaning wiper elements of an ink printer head of an ink releasing device comprises an ink holder arranged on the frame of an ink printer on a site which a maintenance station passes. The maintenance station has wiper elements which releases ink to the holder when it passes. Preferred Features: The ink holder is arranged between the maintenance station and a printing head holder in the rear part of the ink printer.

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft eine Vorrichtung zur Reinigung von Wischelementen für einen Tintendruckkopf eines Tintenabgabemittels, gemäß der im Oberbegriff des Patentanspruchs 1 angegebenen Art. Die Erfindung ist für eine Tintendruckvorrichtung geeignet, die Postverarbeitungs-Adressier- und Frankiermaschinen und anderen Tintendruckgeräten eingesetzt wird.The invention relates to a device for cleaning wiping elements for an ink jet print head of an ink dispenser, according to the type specified in the preamble of claim 1. The invention is suitable for an ink jet printing device used for mail processing mailing machines and other ink jet printing devices.

Aus der europäischen Patentanmeldung EP 885 726 A1 der Anmelderin geht bereits die Verwendung eines Schwammelementes bei einer Frankiermaschine vom Typ Jetmail® hervor, das am Druckkopf befestigt ist und zum Abwischen der Wischlippen dient, die auf einem Schlitten einer Reinigungs- und Dichtstation (RDS) angeordnet sind. Die Lösung ist kostenfufwändig, denn auf der im Vergleich mit HP-Druckköpfen viel größeren Druckkopfobertläche des speziellen Druckkopfes der Jetmail® sammelt sich auch mehr Tinte an, die vom Schwamm abgewischt und aufgenommen werden muss. Da wegen der großen Tintenmenge auch die Aufnahmekapazität des Schwammes bald überschritten wird, sind zur Wartung zeit- und kostenaufwendige Maßnahmen nötig, mittels derer die überschüssige Tinte am Schwammelement abgesaugt wird.From the European patent application EP 885 726 A1 The Applicant already discloses the use of a sponge element in a Jetmail® type postage meter which is attached to the printhead and serves to wipe off the wiper lips disposed on a carriage of a cleaning and sealing station (RDS). The solution is costly because the much larger printhead surface area of the Jetail®'s dedicated printhead, compared to HP printheads, also collects more ink that needs to be wiped off and picked up by the sponge. Since the capacity of the sponge is soon exceeded because of the large amount of ink, time-consuming and costly measures are necessary for maintenance, by means of which the excess ink is sucked on the sponge element.

Die modernen Frankiermaschinen mit Inkjet-Technologie verwenden beispielsweise Druckköpfe von Hewlett Packard und sogenannte Wischelemente, um die überschüssige Tinte vom Druckkopf zu entfernen. Dabei verfährt entweder der Druckkopf über ein stehendes Wischelement oder das Wischelement verfährt über den stehenden Kopf. Die überschüssige Tinte wird durch die Wischelemente mitgenommen und an Abstreiferelementen (Rakeln) abgestriffen. Da die HP-Druckköpfe eine relativ kleine Druckkopfoberfläche aufweisen, reicht das gewöhnlich auch aus.The modern franking machines with inkjet technology use, for example, Hewlett Packard print heads and so-called wiping elements to remove the excess ink from the print head. In this case, either the printhead moves over a stationary wiper element or the wiper element moves over the stationary head. The excess ink is taken away by the wiping elements and scraped off on scraper elements (doctor blades). Since the HP printheads have a relatively small printhead surface, this is usually enough.

Aus der europäischen Patentanmeldung EP 1 782 954 A1 der Anmelderin ist eine Vorrichtung zur Reinigung eines Tintendruckkopfes für eine Frankiermaschine vom Typ Centormail® bekannt. Der Tintendruckkopf ist Bestandteil einer jeden Tintenkartusche. Zwei Tintenkartuschen sind in einer Aufnahme auswechselbar angeordnet. Die Aufnahme ist in eine Druckposition schwenkbar, so dass der Tintendruckkopf während des Druckens stationär in einem Druckfenster einer Führungsplatte für die flachen Poststücke (Druckträger) angeordnet ist. Eine Reinigungs- und Dichtstation dient als Wartungsstation und ist gleichfalls hinter der Führungsplatte verstellbar angeordnet und kann auf den Tintendruckkopf zu und von diesem wieder weg bewegt werden. Ein Abstreifer ist separat vom Druckkopf oder dessen Halter auf einem Abstreiferhalter angeordnet, wobei letzterer am Chassis befestigt ist. Zwei Abstreifer dienen zum Abwischen der Wischlippen, die auf einem Schlitten einer Reinigungs- und Dichtstation (RDS) angeordnet sind, wenn der Schlitten sich vom Tintendruckkopf wieder weg bewegt und in seine Ausgangsposition zurückfährt.From the European patent application EP 1 782 954 A1 The applicant is aware of a device for cleaning an ink jet print head for a Centormail® type franking machine. The inkjet print head is part of every ink cartridge. Two ink cartridges are interchangeably arranged in a receptacle. The receptacle is pivotable to a print position so that the ink print head is stationary during printing in a print window of a guide plate for the flat mail pieces (print carrier). A cleaning and sealing station serves as a maintenance station and is also arranged adjustable behind the guide plate and can be moved to the ink jet print head to and from this again. A scraper is placed separately from the printhead or its holder on a Abstreiferhalter, the latter being attached to the chassis. Two wipers are used to wipe the wiper lips, which are arranged on a carriage of a cleaning and sealing station (RDS), when the carriage moves away from the ink jet print head and returns to its original position.

Die postalischen Anforderungen an die digitale Lesbarkeit eines Frankierabdruckes sollen mit Sicherheit erfüllt werden.The postal requirements for the digital readability of a franking imprint should be fulfilled with certainty.

Nun wurde empirisch festgestellt, dass die bisher in der Frankiermaschine vom Typ Centormail® eingesetzten Abstreifer zur Reinigung der Wischlippen oft nicht ausreichen, so dass Tintenreste auf den Wischelementen antrocknen. Vielfach bewirkt die eingetrocknete Tinte bei einem erneuten Wischen über die feuchten Köpfe Verunreinigungseffekte, welche die Druckqualität vermindern oder ggf. zum Ausfall des Druckkopfes führen könnten.It has now been empirically determined that scrapers previously used in the Centormail® type franking machine are often insufficient to clean the wiper lips, so that ink residues on the wiper elements dry up. In many cases, when the ink is wiped over the wet heads again, the dried-on ink causes contamination effects which could reduce the print quality or possibly lead to the failure of the print head.

Der Erfindung liegt die Aufgabe zugrunde, die Wartung zu verbessern und eine Vorrichtung zur Reinigung von Wischelementen bei einem Tintendruckgerät zu schaffen, wobei die Ablagerung und Antrockung überschüssiger Tintenreste auf den Wischelementen durch die Wirkung der Vorrichtung vermieden wird. Die Reinigung der Wischelemente soll unabhängig von der Bewegung des Druckkopfes ermöglicht werden und im Wartungsablauf des Druckwerkes eingebunden werden können, ohne dass dadurch ein zusätzlicher Aufwand entsteht.The invention has for its object to improve maintenance and to provide a device for cleaning wiper elements in an ink printing device, wherein the deposition and drying of excess ink residue on the wiper elements is avoided by the action of the device. The cleaning of the wiping elements should be made possible regardless of the movement of the print head and can be integrated in the maintenance process of the printing unit, without causing additional expense.

Die Aufgabe wird mit den Merkmalen des Patentanspruchs 1 gelöst.The object is achieved with the features of claim 1.

Es wurde ein Tintenaufnahmemittel entwickelt, welches Tinte passiv in seinem Inneren aufnimmt und dass am Chassis des Druckgerätes an einer Stelle angeordnet ist, an welcher eine mindestens in eine Richtung verfahrbare Wartungsstation vorbeibewegt wird, wobei die Wartungsstation Wischelemente aufweist, die während der Vorbeibewegung Tinte an das Tintenaufnahmemittel abgeben. Das Tintenaufnahmemittel ist vorzugsweise eine Schwammbaugruppe und besteht aus einem Schwammhalter, einem Schwammkörper und einem Halteblech. Der Schwammkörper bindet die Tinte durch Aufsaugen aufgrund des bekannten Kapillareffektes und entfernt somit kostengünstig die überschüssige Tinte nach jedem Wischvorgang von den Wischelementen, d.h. direkt nach dem Wischen der Druckkopfoberfläche, wenn die Wartungsstation verfahren wird bzw. der Schlitten der RDS vom Wischen in seine Ausgangsposition zurückkehrt. Damit kann sichergestellt werden, das die Wischelemente jeweils nur im gereinigten Zustand über die Druckköpfe wischen. Die Schwammbaugruppe ist im hinteren Teil des Chassis als eigenständige Baugruppe feststehend angeordnet, dass das Schwammelement selbst leicht wechselbar ist, wenn die RDS in die Dichtposition im vorderen Teil verfahren wurde. Ein automatisches Absaugen der Tinte aus dem Schwamm kann entfallen, so dass gegenüber Lösung nach EP 885 726 A1 eine einfachere und kostengünstige Ausführung vorliegt.An ink receiving means has been developed which passively receives ink in its interior and which is disposed on the chassis of the printing apparatus at a location where an at least one unidirectional service station is moved past, the service station having wiping elements which supply ink to the ink during the advancing movement Release the ink receptacle. The ink receiving means is preferably a sponge assembly and consists of a sponge holder, a sponge body and a holding plate. The sponge body absorbs the ink by wicking due to the well-known capillary effect and thus removes excess ink from the wiping elements after each wiping operation, ie, immediately after wiping the print head surface, as the maintenance station travels or the carriage of RDS returns from wiping to its original position , It can thus be ensured that the wiping elements only wipe over the print heads in the cleaned state. The sponge assembly is fixed in the rear part of the chassis as a separate assembly that the sponge element itself is easily replaceable when the RDS was moved to the sealing position in the front part. An automatic suction of the ink from the sponge can be omitted, so that compared to solution after EP 885 726 A1 a simpler and cheaper version is present.

Vorteilhafte Weiterbildungen der Erfindung sind in den Unteransprüchen gekennzeichnet bzw. werden nachstehend zusammen mit der Beschreibung der bevorzugten Ausführung der Erfindung anhand der Figuren näher dargestellt. Es zeigen:

Figur 1,
Perspektivische Ansicht der bekannten Vorrichtung zur Reinigung von Wischelementen für einen Tintendruckkopf einer bekannten Frankiermaschine des Typs Centormail® von vorn rechts unten, mit RDS in einer Ausgangsposition,
Figur 2a,
Prinzig der Anordnung von einigen Baugruppen eines erfindungsgemäßen Tintendruckgerätes mit der Vorrichtung zur Reinigung
Figur 2b,
Perspektivische Ansicht der verbesserten Vorrichtung zur Reinigung von Wischelementen für einen Tintendruckkopf von vom rechts unten,
Figur 3a,
Perspektivische Ansicht der Schwammbaugruppe von vorn links unten,
Figur 3b,
Perspektivische Ansicht der Schwammbaugruppe von vorn links unten in gesprengter Darstellung,
Figur 4,
Perspektivische Ansicht der verbesserten Vorrichtung von vorn rechts unten, mit RDS in der Dichtposition,
Figur 5,
Perspektivische Ansicht der verbesserten Vorrichtung von hinten rechts oben, mit RDS in der Ausgangsposition.
Advantageous developments of the invention are characterized in the subclaims or will be described below together with the Description of the preferred embodiment of the invention with reference to the figures shown in more detail. Show it:
FIG. 1,
Perspective view of the known device for cleaning wiping elements for an inkjet print head of a known franking machine of the Centormail® type from the front right bottom, with RDS in a starting position,
FIG. 2a,
Principle of the arrangement of some modules of an ink jet printing device according to the invention with the device for cleaning
FIG. 2b,
Perspective view of the improved apparatus for cleaning wiping elements for an inkjet print head from the bottom right,
FIG. 3a,
Perspective view of the sponge assembly from the front left bottom,
FIG. 3b,
Perspective view of the sponge assembly from the front left below in an exploded view,
FIG. 4,
Perspective view of the improved device from the front right lower, with RDS in the sealing position,
FIG. 5,
Perspective view of the improved device from the rear right top, with RDS in the starting position.

In der Figur 1 wird eine perspektivische Ansicht der bekannten Vorrichtung 1* der Frankiermaschine des Typs Centormail® von vorn rechts unten dargestellt. Eine Druckkopfaufnahme 12* trägt zwei Tintendruckköpfe 110*, 120* und ist um eine Achse 121* in eine Reinigungsposition geschwenkt dargestellt. Eine Reinigungs- und Dichtvorrichtung (RDS) 13*, die Wischelemente 1311* trägt, ist in eine Ausgangsposition im hinteren Teil der Frankiermaschine verfahren worden. Zwischen der RDS 13* und der Druckkopfaufnahme 12* ist ein Abstreiferhalter 1317* angeordnet. Der Abstreiferhalter trägt Abstreifer an seinen nach unten weisenden Kanten, an welchen die abgestriffene Tinte zunächst nach unten abtropft. Jedoch bleibt ein Rest Tinte durch Adhäsion haften und kann dann antrocknen.In the FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the known device 1 * of the franking machine of the type Centormail® shown from the front right bottom. A printhead receptacle 12 * carries two ink printheads 110 *, 120 * and is pivoted about an axis 121 * to a cleaning position. A cleaning and sealing device (RDS) 13 * carrying wiping elements 1311 * has been moved to a starting position in the rear part of the franking machine. Between the RDS 13 * and the printhead receptacle 12 * a Abstreiferhalter 1317 * is arranged. The wiper holder carries scrapers on its downwardly facing edges, at which the stripped ink drips down first. However, a residue of ink will adhere through adhesion and may then dry.

Anhand der Figur 2a wird das Prinzig der Anordnung von einigen Baugruppen eines erfindungsgemäßen Tintendruckgerätes in Verbindung mit der Vorrichtung zur Reinigung von Wischelementen erläutert. Ein Tintenabgabemittel 2 und ein Tintenaufnahmemittel 4 sind entlang eines Pfades angeordnet, auf welchem eine Wartungsstation 3 verfahren wird.Based on FIG. 2a The preamble of the arrangement of some assemblies of an ink jet printing device according to the invention in connection with the device for cleaning wiper elements will be explained. An ink delivery means 2 and an ink receiving means 4 are arranged along a path on which a service station 3 is moved.

In der Figur 2b wird eine perspektivische Ansicht einer verbesserten Vorrichtung 1 zur Reinigung von Wischelementen für einen Tintendruckkopf von vorn rechts unten dargestellt. Die Anordnung der Baugruppen in der Druckeinrichtung der bekannten Frankiermaschine des Typs Centormail® zueinander ist vom Prinzip dieselbe, wie in der Fig. 1 gezeigt wurde, jedoch wird statt eines Abstreiferhalters ein Tintenaufnahmemittel 4 verwendet, das zwischen einem Tintenabgabemittel 2 und einer Wartungsstation 3 am hinteren Teil des Chassis angeordnet ist. Als Tintenabgabemittel 2 kann eine Druckkopfaufnahme, als Wartungsstation 3 kann eine Reinigungs- und Dichtvorrichtung 13 und als Tintenaufnahmemittel 4 kann eine Schwammbaugruppe 1.4 mit mindestens einem Schwammhalter 14 und einem Schwammkörper 142 zum Einsatz kommen.In the FIG. 2b Fig. 2 is a perspective view of an improved apparatus 1 for cleaning wiping elements for an inkjet print head from the front right lower. The arrangement of the assemblies in the printing device of the known franking machine of the type Centormail® to each other is the same principle as in the Fig. 1 has been shown, but instead of a scraper holder, an ink receiving means 4 is used, which is arranged between an ink discharge means 2 and a maintenance station 3 at the rear of the chassis. A print head receptacle can be used as the ink delivery means 2, a cleaning and sealing device 13 can be used as the maintenance station 3, and a sponge assembly 1.4 with at least one sponge holder 14 and a sponge body 142 can be used as the ink receptacle 4.

Die Figur 3a zeigt eine perspektivische Ansicht der Schwammbaugruppe von vorn links unten. Die Schwammbaugruppe 1.4 besteht aus einem Schwammhalter 14, einem Schwammkörper 142 und einem Halteblech 144. Der hintere Teil des Schwammhalters ist unten flach ausgebildet und weist zwei Nocken 148 und eine Öffnung 147 zur Befestigung auf. Der vordere Teil 141 ist nach unten kastenförmig mit einer großen nach unten gerichteten Öffnung ausgebildet, in welcher der Schwammkörper 142 mit dem Halteblech 144 am Schwammhalter 14 befestigt ist.The FIG. 3a shows a perspective view of the sponge assembly from the front left bottom. The sponge assembly 1.4 consists of a sponge holder 14, a sponge body 142 and a retaining plate 144. The rear part of the sponge holder is formed flat at the bottom and has two cams 148 and an opening 147 for attachment. The front part 141 is downwardly box-shaped with a large downwardly directed opening, in which the sponge body 142 is secured to the retaining plate 144 on the sponge holder 14.

Die Öffnung 147 zur Befestigung im hinteren Teil des Schwammhalters ist mittig angeordnet. Durch den Kasten 141 oder durch einen weiteren Kasten am Übergang zum flachen hinteren Teil des Schwammhalters ergibt sich eine Anschlagskante für ein - nicht gezeigtes - Befestigungsblech des Chassis.The opening 147 for attachment in the rear part of the sponge holder is arranged centrally. Through the box 141 or through another box at the transition to the flat rear part of the sponge holder results in a stop edge for a - not shown - mounting plate of the chassis.

Die Figur 3b zeigt eine perspektivische Ansicht der Schwammbaugruppe von vorn links unten in gesprengter Darstellung. Der Schwammhalter 14 weist eine längliche annähernd rechteckige Öffnung 140 im Kasten 141 auf, deren Querschnittsfläche sich nach innen verjüngt. Der Schwammkörper 142 hat vorzugsweise eine sich keilförmig in Richtung des Bodens der Öffnung verjüngende und oberflächlich eine abgerundete rechteckige Form passend zur Öffnung im Schwammhalter. Die Öffnung 140 wird durch vier Seitenwände des Kastens 141 begrenzt, wobei in zwei gegenüberliegende Seitenwände jeweils zwei Durchlässe 143 und 146 eingeformt sind, welche die Wischlippen hindurchgleiten lassen, wenn die RDS die Wischlippen am Schwamm in einer Wartungsphase abwischt. Ein Wandstück 145 steht jeweils zwischen den Durchlässe 143 und 146 der Seitenwand und der gegenüberliegenden Seitenwand des Kastens 141.The FIG. 3b shows a perspective view of the sponge assembly from the front left below in exploded view. The sponge holder 14 has an elongated approximately rectangular opening 140 in the box 141, the cross-sectional area of which tapers inwardly. The sponge body 142 preferably has a wedge shape tapering toward the bottom of the opening and has a rounded, rounded shape matching the opening in the sponge holder. The opening 140 is bounded by four side walls of the box 141, two passageways 143 and 146 being formed in two opposite side walls which allow the wiper lips to slide therethrough when the RDS wipes the wiper lips on the sponge in a maintenance phase. A wall piece 145 is respectively between the passages 143 and 146 of the side wall and the opposite side wall of the box 141st

Das Halteblech 144 ist u-förmig gebogen, wobei dessen Seitenflächen 1441 und 1442 leicht nach innen gebogen sind und dadurch im montierten Zustand eine Federkraft auf den Schwammhalter 14 ausüben. Die Grundfläche des Halteblechs 144 hat die Abmaße der größten Querschnittsfläche an der Oberfläche des Schwammkörpers. Die Grundfläche 1445 des Halteblechs weist zwei rechteckige Öffnungen 1443, 1446 auf, die sich in die beiden Seitenflächen 1441 und 1442 erstrecken, jede passend für einen Durchlauf eines Paares an Wischelementen für jeweils einen Druckkopf beim Abwischen. Die beiden Öffnungen sind voneinander beabstandet entsprechend des Abstandes beider Druckköpfe in der Druckkopfaufnahme.The retaining plate 144 is bent in a U-shape, wherein its side surfaces 1441 and 1442 are slightly bent inwards and thereby exert a spring force on the sponge holder 14 in the mounted state. The base of the retaining plate 144 has the dimensions of the largest cross-sectional area on the surface of the sponge body. The base 1445 of the retaining plate has two rectangular openings 1443, 1446 extending into the two side surfaces 1441 and 1442, each suitable for one pass of a pair of wiping elements for each printhead during wiping. The two openings are spaced apart according to the spacing of both printheads in the printhead receptacle.

Der vordere Teil des Schwammhalters ist oben flach und ist nach unten kastenförmig mit einer großen nach unten gerichteten Öffnung ausgebildet. Die Öffnung hat eine Breite B und eine Länge L, mit B < L.The front part of the sponge holder is flat at the top and is shaped like a box with a large downward opening. The opening has a width B and a length L, with B <L.

Der Schwamm 142 wird beispielsweise aus einem ökologisch abbaubaren synthetisch hergestellten Material gefertigt und kann ggf. nach einem Auswaschen der Tinte auch wiederverwendet werden. Er wird ggf. mit einem antibakteriell wirkenden Lösungsmittel ausgewaschen, wenn ein längeres Zeitintervall abgelaufen ist und seine Aufnahmekapazität für Tinte erschöpft ist.The sponge 142 is made, for example, from an ecologically degradable synthetically manufactured material and may also be reused after washing out the ink. It may be washed out with an antibacterial solvent if a prolonged period of time has elapsed and its capacity to absorb ink is exhausted.

In der Figur 4 ist eine perspektivische Ansicht der verbesserten Vorrichtung von vorn rechts unten, mit der Druckkopfaufnahme 12 und RDS 13 in der Dichtposition dargestellt. Die Druckköpfe sind in dieser Position vor einem Austrocknen geschützt. Im Unterschied dazu, darf die Tinte am Schwamm des Schwammhalters 14 trocknen.In the FIG. 4 Figure 3 is a perspective view of the improved front lower right device shown with the printhead receptacle 12 and RDS 13 in the sealing position. The printheads are protected from drying out in this position. In contrast, the ink may dry on the sponge holder 14 sponge.

In der Figur 5 ist eine perspektivische Ansicht der verbesserten Vorrichtung von hinten rechts oben, mit RDS 13 in der Ausgangsposition. Die Druckkopfaufnahme 12 ist zwischen zwei Seitenwänden eines Gestells der Tintendruckvorrichtung schwenkbar angeordnet, dessen linke Seitenwand 101 im Hintergrund der Ansicht dargestellt ist. Die RDS 13 befindet sich in der gezeichneten Ausgangsposition im unteren hinteren Teil des Gestells, dessen linke Seitenwand eine eingearbeitete Führung in Form eines schräg nach vorn oben verlaufenden Langloches 1012 aufweist, in welchem der Schlitten der RDS 13 geführt wird, d.h. entlang gleitet, wenn die RDS 13 in die Dichtposition verfahren wird.In the FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the improved device from the rear right above, with RDS 13 in the starting position. The printhead receptacle 12 is pivotally mounted between two side walls of a rack of the ink printing apparatus, whose left side wall 101 is shown in the background of the view. The RDS 13 is located in the drawn starting position in the lower rear part of the frame, the left side wall has an incorporated guide in the form of an obliquely upwards extending oblong hole 1012 in which the carriage of the RDS 13 is guided, ie slides along, when the RDS 13 is moved to the sealing position.

Die Druckkopfaufnahme 12 hat eine Drehachse 121 im oberen vorderen Teil des Gestells. Zwischen der RDS 13 und der Druckkopfaufnahme 12 ist ein Tintenaufnahmemittel, vorzugsweise eine Schwammbaugruppe mit dem Schwammhalter 14 im hinteren Teil des Gestells angeordnet und in der dargestellten Weise mittels einer Schraube 15 am Blechteil 16 des Chassis der Druckeinrichtung der Frankiermaschine befestigt. Der Schwammhalter 14 weist im Oberteil eine kastenförmige Kavität 149 auf.The printhead receptacle 12 has an axis of rotation 121 in the upper front part of the frame. Between the RDS 13 and the printhead receptacle 12 an ink receiving means, preferably a sponge assembly with the sponge holder 14 in the rear of the frame is arranged and fastened in the manner shown by means of a screw 15 on the sheet metal part 16 of the chassis of the printing device of the postage meter. The sponge holder 14 has a box-shaped cavity 149 in the upper part.

Das Tintenaufnahmemittel besteht kostengünstig aus einem synthetisch hergestellten Schwamm, jedoch sollen keine geeigneten natürlich vorkommenden Stoffe ausgeschlossen werden.The ink receiving means is inexpensive from a synthetically produced sponge, but no suitable naturally occurring substances should be excluded.

Die Form des Tintenaufnahmemittels muss natürlich der Anzahl und Form der Wischelemente (Wischlippen) so angepasst werden, dass es zum Abwischen derselben geeignet ist. Die Anzahl der Wischlippen beträgt im o.g. Ausführungsbeispiel nur zwei pro Druckkopf.Of course, the shape of the ink receiving means must be adapted to the number and shape of the wiping elements (wiper lips) so that it is suitable for wiping them. The number of wiper lips is in the above embodiment, only two per printhead.

Alternativ zur vorliegenden Ausführungsform kann natürlich auch ein äquivalentes Tintenaufnahmemittel eingesetzt werden, welches aus einem anderen Material mit ähnlichen Eigenschaften basiert.As an alternative to the present embodiment, it is of course also possible to use an equivalent ink receptacle which is based on another material with similar properties.

Beispielsweise ist ein saugfähiges Vlies geeignet, das eine hygroskopische Wirkung hat bzw. mit einem geeigneten hygroskopischen Stoff bzw. Material zusammen wirkt, mit einem geeigneten chemischen Element oder einer chemischen Verbindung beschichtet oder getränkt ist. Das Tintenaufnahmemittel kann auch einen speziellen saugfähigen Schaumstoff aufweisen. Der Schaumstoff, Schwamm, Vlies kann rund oder eckig bzw. in einer beliebigen geeigneten Form zugeschnitten sein. Das Tintenaufnahmemittel soll kein passiv wirkendes Mittel oder Stoff bzw. chemisches Element oder keine chemische Verbindung ausschließen, sondern nur aktiv wirkende Mittel.For example, an absorbent nonwoven having a hygroscopic effect or cooperating with a suitable hygroscopic material or coated or impregnated with a suitable chemical element or chemical compound is suitable. The ink receiving means may also comprise a special absorbent foam. The foam, sponge, fleece can be round or square or cut in any suitable form. The ink receiving agent should not exclude a passively acting agent or substance or chemical element or chemical compound, but only active agents.

Das Tintenaufnahmemittel 4 kann in beliebiger Form realisiert sein und ist am Chassis des Tintendruckgerätes an einer Stelle angeordnet, an welcher eine mindestens in eine Richtung verfahrbare Wartungsstation 3 bzw. RDS 13 vorbeibewegt wird.The ink receiving means 4 can be realized in any desired form and is arranged on the chassis of the ink printing device at a location at which an at least in one direction movable maintenance station 3 or RDS 13 is moved past.

Das Tintenabgabemittel 2 muss nicht in der gezeigten Ausführungsform realisiert werden, sondern kann auch alternativ, d.h. anders als gezeigt, oder in modifizierter Form aufgebaut sein.The ink delivery means 2 does not have to be realized in the illustrated embodiment, but may alternatively, i. E. other than shown, or constructed in a modified form.

Die Erfindung ist nicht auf die vorliegenden Ausführungsform beschränkt, da offensichtlich weitere andere Anordnungen bzw. Ausführungen der Erfindung entwickelt bzw. eingesetzt werden können, die - vom gleichen Grundgedanken der Erfindung ausgehend - von den anliegenden Schutzansprüchen umfasst werden.The invention is not limited to the present embodiment, since obviously other other arrangements or embodiments of the invention can be developed or used, which - based on the same basic idea of the invention - are encompassed by the attached claims.

Claims (8)

  1. An ink print apparatus with a maintenance station (3) having wiper elements (1311) and with a device (14) comprising ink-absorption means (4) for cleaning the wiper elements (1311), wherein the ink-absorption means (4) is arranged on the chassis of the ink print apparatus at a place past which a maintenance station (3) movable in at least one direction can be moved, and wherein ink can be delivered to the ink-absorption means (4) by means of the wiper elements (1311) while travelling past them, characterized in that the ink can be passively absorbed in the inside of the ink-absorption means (4).
  2. An ink print apparatus according to Claim 1, characterized in that the ink-absorption means (4) is arranged between the maintenance station (3) and the print head holder (12) in the rear part of the ink print apparatus.
  3. An ink print apparatus according to Claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the maintenance station (3) is a cleaning and sealing station (13) and that the ink-absorption means (4) is a sponge assembly (1.4) composed of a sponge holder (14), a sponge body (142) and a holding sheet (144), wherein the sponge body binds the ink by absorbing it due to the known capillary effect.
  4. An ink print apparatus according to Claim 3, characterized in that the sponge body (142) is made of an ecologically degradable, synthetically manufactured material.
  5. An ink print apparatus according to Claim 3, characterized in that the front part of the sponge holder (14) is flat on its top and, towards the base, has a box-shaped form with a large opening (140) pointing downwards, said opening having a width B and a length L and being of rectangular dimensions.
  6. An ink print apparatus according to Claims 3 or 4, characterized in that the sponge holder (14) has an oblong, almost rectangular opening (140) in the box (141) the cross-sectional area of which tapers towards the inside.
  7. An ink print apparatus according to Claims 3 and 5, characterized in that the sponge body (142) has a wedge-shaped form tapering in direction to the bottom of the opening (140) and, on the surface, a rounded rectangular form matching the opening (140) in the sponge holder.
  8. An ink print apparatus according to one of the Claims 1 to 2 above, characterized in that it is a postal-item processing, addressing and/or franking machine.
EP09005738.1A 2008-06-06 2009-04-24 Device for cleaning blotting elements for an ink printing head Not-in-force EP2130679B2 (en)

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DE202008007604U DE202008007604U1 (en) 2008-06-06 2008-06-06 Device for cleaning wiper elements for an inkjet print head

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DE202012005904U1 (en) 2012-06-15 2012-07-16 Francotyp-Postalia Gmbh franking machine
JP6578915B2 (en) * 2015-12-02 2019-09-25 ブラザー工業株式会社 Maintenance material
EP3676097B1 (en) 2017-08-31 2024-04-10 Entrust Datacard Corporation Drop-on-demand print head cleaning mechanism and method
CN112218763B (en) 2018-05-11 2022-10-21 恩图鲁斯特有限公司 Card processing system with drop on demand printhead auto-maintenance routines
DE102019118989A1 (en) * 2019-07-12 2021-01-14 Weidmüller Interface GmbH & Co. KG Printer for printing plate-like printing media, cleaning device for the printer and methods for maintaining the printer

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US5949448A (en) † 1997-01-31 1999-09-07 Hewlett-Packard Company Fiber cleaning system for inkjet printhead wipers
DE19726643C1 (en) 1997-06-18 1998-07-23 Francotyp Postalia Gmbh Arrangement for cleaning an ink print head
US6659585B2 (en) * 2001-10-31 2003-12-09 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, Lp. System and method for draining ink from ink receiving devices
JP2003320688A (en) * 2002-05-01 2003-11-11 Seiko Epson Corp Inkjet recorder
JP2005022193A (en) 2003-07-01 2005-01-27 Canon Inc Ink jet recorder
JP2005103781A (en) 2003-09-29 2005-04-21 Brother Ind Ltd Inkjet printer
DE102005052150B4 (en) 2005-11-02 2007-09-20 Francotyp-Postalia Gmbh Device for cleaning an ink jet print head
US7806507B2 (en) * 2006-01-25 2010-10-05 Seiko Epson Corporation Liquid ejection apparatus, capping device, and installation device for liquid absorber

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EP2130679A1 (en) 2009-12-09
US20090303284A1 (en) 2009-12-10
US8888233B2 (en) 2014-11-18
DE202008007604U1 (en) 2008-08-21
ATE526168T1 (en) 2011-10-15

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