EP3233501B1 - Print head module - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a printhead module for a single-pass inkjet printer, which includes a housing component with a crossbar, on which a number of printheads are arranged, the position of which is adjusted to at least one reference position. The invention further relates to a single-pass ink jet printer with such a print head module.

While in a conventional inkjet printer the printheads mounted on a carriage spray ink droplets in the transverse direction line by line onto the medium transported discontinuously in the running direction, in a single-pass inkjet printer the printheads in printhead modules of the type mentioned at the outset are mounted in the transverse direction over the entire width of the print medium. The print medium is continuously moved in the running direction. While a conventional inkjet printer can achieve print speeds of up to 2 m per minute, a single-pass inkjet printer can achieve print speeds of more than 50 m per minute. For color printing, several print head modules are mounted one behind the other in the running direction in a single-pass inkjet printer. A primary color, in particular cyan, magenta and yellow and possibly black, is assigned to each of the print head modules. Printhead modules with a special color are added for special printing applications.

A single-pass inkjet printer is particularly suitable for industrial use in which bulk goods have to be printed and high throughput is therefore important. A single-pass inkjet printer is also suitable for printing large objects due to the high printing speeds. A single-pass ink jet printer is therefore particularly suitable for industrial applications in the furniture or ceramics industry, where floor coverings such as laminates or ceramic tiles, worktops, moldings or the like are to be decorated. A wide variety of inks are used, which, for example, are resistant to a later protective coating.

Compared to conventional printing methods, such as gravure printing, the single-pass inkjet printer is also used for small batch sizes, where the production of a printing roller is not worthwhile. A single-pass inkjet printer, on the other hand, also allows the decor to be individualized as well as so-called impossible decors that cannot be achieved with rollers. The single-pass inkjet printer is not limited to a continuous repetition of a print pattern or repeat, as is the case with a roller print.

A printhead module for a single-pass inkjet printer achieves dimensions of more than 1 m in the transverse direction and in the height, with a tendency to even larger print widths and thus to a further increase in dimensions prevailing. The individual print heads combined in the crossbar of the print head module reach widths of up to several 10 cm. Resolutions of up to 600 x 600 dpi (dots per inch) and more are achieved. Each print head contains several thousand nozzles. Accordingly, a plurality of print heads are arranged in the print head module, which in turn contain a large number of print nozzles. In particular, the transverse bracket of the print head module extends over the entire print width or over the entire width of the print medium.

Positional deviations of a few micrometers (µm) are visible to the human eye in a printed image. With the resolutions mentioned above, the individual nozzles of a print head are only a few 10 µm apart. The size of an image or print dot itself is in the range of 10 µm. It can be seen that in a single-pass inkjet printer with several print head modules arranged one behind the other in the direction of travel of the medium, an adjustment of the print heads in the micrometer range is necessary in order to achieve a qualitative produce a high-quality print. The adjustment of a print head module in a single-pass inkjet printer is therefore complex. For example, the position of the print heads must be recorded under a light microscope and set manually, which is a laborious process. The construction of a single-pass inkjet printer is relatively lengthy. An adjustment must also be carried out after each replacement of a print head module. This leads to an unnecessary increase in downtime.

From the WO 2011/157281 A1 a print head module of the type mentioned is known. This printhead module has a hanger portion on its housing for gravity-aligned suspension. The print heads arranged on the housing are adjusted to at least one reference position. The hanging attachment of the print head module, which is possible via the hanging part, allows easier installation and removal in the vertical direction. At the same time, the hanging arrangement of the print head module enables self-alignment due to the force of gravity acting on the center of gravity. When inserting the hanging print head module, this already gives a rough positioning to a later device-fixed print position. In particular, the hanging attachment allows self-adjustment of the print head module in the device-fixed printing position, for which open bearing elements are provided, for example, on the single-pass inkjet printer, sinking into the bearing pieces of the print head module when lifting with exact alignment. A manual readjustment is not necessary. When the print head module is precisely aligned, the print heads, which are adjusted in position relative to a reference position, also achieve an exact alignment of the print heads with respect to the single-pass ink jet printer.

Out of US 2011/0149003 A1 a single-pass inkjet printer is known in which a frame construction, referred to as a head retaining member and carrying a plurality of print head modules, is pivotably mounted about the axis of a paper transport drum (drum). In order to change the print heads, the frame structure can be pivoted from a printing position in which the frame structure is arranged over the paper transport drum into an inclined position. Starting from this inclined position, the frame construction then moved away from the paper transport drum in a horizontal direction by means of two pull-out shafts.

The object of the invention is to achieve a further increase in the dimensions of the print head module and thus the achievable print width of a single-pass inkjet printer, without reducing the positioning accuracy of the print heads.

This object is achieved for a print head module for a single-pass inkjet printer according to the invention in that a housing component with a crossbar extending in the X direction, on which a number of print heads are arranged, which are position-adjusted to at least one reference position, and a support frame with support means for supporting the support frame, the housing component being mounted on the support frame so as to swing about a pendulum axis.

The stated object is also achieved according to the invention by a single-pass inkjet printer which comprises a frame construction and at least one print head module of the aforementioned type, the support frame of the print head module being placed on at least one support arranged on the frame construction by means of the support means.

In a first step, the invention is based on the assumption that when a print head module known from the prior art is enlarged, undesirable changes in the position of the print heads occur due to the increasing intrinsic weight. The housing of the print head module changes its shape under a weight load. If the print head module is dimensioned to be wider than 1 m in the transverse or X-direction, the exact positioning of the print heads is difficult due to the given deformation.

In a second step, the invention is based on the consideration of reducing the weight load on the housing component carrying the print heads, in order to reduce the material stress caused by its own weight. Material reinforcement in the print head module to improve its dimensional stability would undesirably lead to a further increase in weight, which would increase the structural and material complexity of its storage and would make the handling of the print head module more difficult during assembly and disassembly.

In order to reduce the weight load on the housing component carrying the print heads, the invention provides a support frame which is placed on a support of the single-pass inkjet printer by means of support means. Thus, the weight of the support frame is borne by the pedestal of the single-pass inkjet printer. The housing component carrying the print heads as such is mounted in an oscillating manner on the support frame. This further provides for easy self-alignment by gravity when lifted into the single pass ink jet printer. The support frame offers the possibility of accommodating heavy components of the printhead module, such as the control boards of the printheads or supply lines for operating resources, lines for electrical energy, control lines for information signals, lines or pipes for air or electrical fuses, etc. The housing component is relieved of weight. The support frame also offers the possibility of dissipating weight structurally at predetermined positions, and thereby defining the load on the housing component carrying the print heads. In other words, the invention provides for the print head module to be divided into a supporting frame that can be laid down and a swinging housing component that carries the print heads.

The invention thus offers the advantage of further increasing the dimension of the print head module, particularly in the transverse or X direction, in order to achieve larger print widths, while retaining the possibility of simple and precise adjustment of the print heads. A portion of the weight of the printhead module is dissipated via the support frame into the bed of the single-pass inkjet printer. Any material deformation of the housing component carrying the print heads due to its own weight is reduced to a minimum.

The print head module, in particular the transverse bracket carrying the print heads, preferably extends over the entire print width or over the entire width of the print medium. With the invention, printing widths and thus transverse dimensions of the print head module or the transverse bracket of more than 2 m are achieved. At the same time, the print heads can still be precisely positioned in the micrometer range.

An orthogonal coordinate system is used for the further description, the three spatial directions being denoted by the X, Y and Z directions. The directions used refer to the positive space sector. Accordingly, if a component is located "above" another component along one of the spatial axes, its corresponding axis section is larger. Conversely, the axial section of a component is smaller if it is "below" another component with respect to the spatial axis mentioned.

In a preferred embodiment of the printhead module, the pendulum axis is located in the Z-direction above the crossbar of the housing component that accommodates the printheads. In other words, the crossbar “hangs” on the support frame, so that when the print head module is lifted vertically, it is positioned under the pendulum axis by gravity and can be pivoted by an inclination or polar angle relative to the support frame. As a result, inclined device-fixed printing positions can also be achieved in a simple manner by self-adjustment when lifting, which are necessary, for example, in the case of a technically desired curved course of the printing medium.

The pendulum axis is also advantageously aligned parallel to the X-direction, ie in a transverse direction perpendicular to the running direction of the print medium. The pendulum axis thus runs parallel to the main direction of the crossbar. Swinging the crossbar around the swing axis does not then lead to a change in the azimuth angle. An azimuthal rotation of the print head module or the crossbar is given, for example, by a corresponding displacement of the support frame in the support. As an alternative or in addition, a small amount of play is preferably provided in the bearing of the pendulum axle, in order to avoid a small azimuthal torsion to allow the housing component or the crossbar relative to the support frame.

In a further preferred embodiment of the print head module, the support means of the support frame are arranged in the Z-direction above the pendulum axis. In other words, the support frame and thus the housing component swinging on it "hangs" on the support means. The printhead module, placed on the pedestal of the single-pass inkjet printer, swings downwards in a gravity-oriented orientation. As a result, in addition to simple assembly and disassembly in the vertical direction, it is possible to place the print head module as a whole on the support without any additional tools or fasteners. Due to gravity, the stored print head module remains stable on the support due to its own weight. For this purpose, the center of mass of the print head module is expediently arranged below the support means of the support frame with respect to the Z-direction. In particular, this may need to be taken into account if additional modules are placed on the support frame.

The support frame preferably comprises two support arms spaced apart from one another in the X direction, with the support means being arranged in the area of the free ends of the support arms. Support arms offer the possibility of structurally shifting the support point of the support frame. For example, the support arms are each extended laterally in the X-direction beyond the crossbar. As a result, the support on the single-pass inkjet printer can be structurally spaced from the housing component, which in turn is advantageous for a desired self-adjustment of the print head module and in particular the housing component when lifting into corresponding bearing means of the single-pass inkjet printer.

The support frame expediently comprises a cross member which extends in the X direction and is arranged above the pendulum axle in the Z direction. The mechanical stability of the print head module is increased by such a cross member. If necessary, additional modules are placed on the crossbeam. The weight-bearing components of the printhead module are mounted directly on the crossbeam or indirectly via a corresponding frame construction.

Mounting aids are also advantageously arranged in the Z-direction above the center of mass of the print head module for lifting in and out in the vertical direction, which is freely oriented by gravity. Using such mounting aids, the print head module is automatically aligned essentially according to the device-fixed printing position to be achieved by means of gravity. During assembly, the corresponding bearing means of the single-pass inkjet printer make a fine adjustment in terms of a deviation from the gravity-oriented alignment of the print head module, such as a tilt or an azimuthal rotation, but also an offset in the X or Y direction, since the print head module is lifted so that it can move freely. In particular, the assembly aids are designed as cable fastening means, with the assembly and disassembly of the print head module being accomplished in the vertical direction by means of a cable lifting system.

In a further preferred embodiment of the print head module, a coupling module is placed on the support frame in the Z direction, which includes a first coupling part with a plurality of first connections at least for the supply of operating resources and for the provision of electrical energy, the support frame having a second coupling part with a plurality of second connections which are complementary to the first connections, and wherein the first coupling part and the second coupling part can be mechanically coupled and uncoupled with one another to establish a connection between the first connections and the second connections. In other words, the coupling module is coupled to the printhead module via a multi-coupling, which both connects various connections for operating resources, electricity, control signals, etc. in the case of a coupling, and also creates a mechanical connection. For example, the mechanical connection of the coupling parts is established via a screw connection. When the two coupling parts approach each other, the first and second connections are also coupled. Conversely, decoupling takes place by loosening the screw connection, with the complementary connections moving away from one another. The screw connection is particularly preferred designed to be motorized. Securing means are preferably included which prevent unintentional opening of the coupled parts.

The provision of a coupling module, which is connected mechanically and in terms of connection technology to the print head module or its support frame by means of a multi-coupling, offers several advantages. For example, this allows for a simplified connection of the print head module to the control and supply lines. The control and the supply of the large number of print heads are thus carried out via a single central module. On the other hand, the load from the supplied control and supply lines is also dissipated via the support frame without loading the housing component that supports the print heads. The coupling module is particularly preferably supplemented by reservoirs, such as ink tanks. Their weight also has no effect on the housing component carrying the print heads. Furthermore, the coupling module allows easy decoupling and coupling of the print head module via the multi-coupling, which makes sense with regard to repair and maintenance work. When the coupling module is removed, the print head module is easier to access. Overall, the print head module is thus easier to maintain and repair. In addition, it can be installed and removed more easily.

The coupling module is expediently placed on the cross member of the support frame. The assembly aids are advantageously arranged on the clutch module. The weight of the coupling module is absorbed directly by the support frame via the cross member. The printhead module can be lifted in and out of the single-pass inkjet printer via the coupling module. The print head module can be easily picked up and removed via the multi-coupling.

In a further expedient configuration of the print head module, the housing component comprises two side walls which extend in the Z direction and which are connected to the transverse bracket, with the support frame being arranged between the side walls. In other words, this gives the housing component a bow or U-shape overall, with the limbs being formed by the side walls are. The pendulum axis is defined in particular by a respective pivot bearing at the free ends of the side walls, with the pendulum axis piercing through the side walls at the pivot bearing.

In a preferred embodiment, the or each pivot bearing is designed as a radial plain bearing. A radial slide bearing allows the crossbar of the oscillating housing component carrying the print heads to be offset relative to the supporting frame along the oscillating axis. This facilitates fine positioning of the printhead module during assembly.

Particularly preferably, the or each radial slide bearing is formed by a guide pin that extends in the X direction and is guided through an oversized opening. As a result, additional degrees of freedom in the X and Y directions are granted to the crossbar of the housing component that carries the print heads relative to the support frame. If the freedom of movement is to be additionally restricted in one of the two directions for reasons of clearly defining the spatial position of the housing component, this is done by a corresponding reduction in the play between the opening and the guide pin. In particular, an opening is preferably designed as an elongated hole, with the freedom from play being restricted, for example in the Y direction. If, in the case of two such plain bearings, one opening is designed as an elongated hole aligned in the Z direction and the other opening is designed as an oversized round bore, an azimuthal rotation of the housing component relative to the support frame is possible, although the pivot point is fixed by one plain bearing with an elongated hole is.

The guide pin of the or each radial slide bearing is expediently mounted on the support frame, which is guided in an opening on the housing component, in particular in a side cheek. Such a configuration enables simple assembly of the housing component on the support frame. For this purpose, for example, the guide pin is designed as a guide screw.

More preferably, a side wall is mounted on both sides on the crossbar and on the side walls of the housing component. The housing component is mechanically stabilized via the side wall. Internal components contained in the housing component can also be supported against the side wall, whereas in an open design a displacement of such components can lead to undesired twisting of the crossbar carrying the print heads.

In a preferred embodiment, the support means of the support frame each comprise a planar support surface extending in the X-Y plane. With a fixed Z position, such a support surface enables the support frame and thus the print head module to be positioned variably in the X-Y plane. The storage position of the support frame in the X-Y plane results from the automatic fine adjustment when lowering the print head module using the counter bearings or catches provided on the single-pass inkjet printer.

Advantageously, at least one support bearing is additionally included to support the support frame on the housing component in the Y direction. A proportion of the weight of the support frame is transferred to the housing component via such a support bearing as required. As a result, the assumed and desired position of the crossbar carrying the print heads is stabilized when the single-pass inkjet printer is in operation. The support bearing is designed in particular in such a way that in the event of an offset in the Z direction when the print head module is lifted, it increases the freedom of movement in the Y direction, and thus in the lifted position of the print head module the pendulum movement or an inclination of the housing component relative to the support frame by the polar angle allows. In the raised state, the support bearing is then preferably designed in such a way that it limits the degrees of freedom in the Z direction and in the Y direction. In particular, a ball pivot bearing is provided as a support bearing. Two support bearings are preferably provided, which are spaced apart from one another in the X-direction. A fixed-loose bearing or a loose-loose bearing is expediently used as a bearing combination with respect to the X-direction. In this case, one of the support bearings is preferably designed as a fixed bearing and the other of the support bearings is designed as a fixed bearing. The fixed bearing is preferably a ball pivot bearing with a conical or ball socket formed. The floating bearing is advantageously designed as a prismatic thrust bearing, in particular also as a ball pivot bearing. A prismatic pan running in the X-direction is provided. Such an embodiment makes it possible to absorb a longitudinal offset of the crossbar support in the X-direction, for example as a result of thermal cycling. *

Advantageously, at least two bearing pieces spaced apart in the X-direction are arranged on the housing component of the print head module, which are each designed for self-adjusting positioning in an open bearing. The bearings, which are self-adjusting in particular in the vertical direction, are not complicated in design, in particular when, more preferably, catch means are arranged on the housing component for rough positioning in relation to the bearing seat of the bearing pieces. It is only necessary that the two bearing elements realizing the bearing automatically find each other during the gradual insertion of the print head module in particular in a gravity-oriented vertical alignment, which ultimately determines the final printing position. Suitable bearing pieces are designed to cooperate with, for example, a pan, blade or tip bearing. In this respect, the bearing pieces are in particular conical, tapered, edged, pointed or spherical.

In a further preferred embodiment, the bearing pieces are mounted on the housing component in a height-adjustable manner. In this way, production-related dimensional tolerances can be compensated for or the print heads can be adjusted in height or in the Z-direction to the printing position.

In a preferred embodiment, one of the bearing pieces is designed for positioning in a fixed bearing and the other of the bearing pieces is designed for positioning in a floating bearing in the X direction or transverse direction. An expansion of the print head module in the transverse direction, for example, is in turn intercepted via the movable bearing. In an expedient embodiment, the fixed bearing is in each case designed as a ball pivot bearing and the floating bearing is given by a prismatic thrust guide in the transverse direction. For this purpose, the bearing pieces are preferably in the form of ball pivots educated. The fixed bearing is then advantageously equipped with a punctiform rotary bearing with a conical socket, in which the spherical end of the pin is received and positioned when the print head module is inserted vertically. In particular, the prismatic thrust guide is also designed as a ball-and-socket bearing, although the socket is designed with a prismatic cross-section along the transverse direction. The prism slide guide then fixes the parallel position of the print head module to the cross direction. In the transverse direction itself, there is still a linear offset as a degree of freedom.

More preferably, a stop piece for striking a stop surface is arranged on the print head module. In particular, such a stop piece aligns the inclination of the print head module around the polar angle when the print head module is lifted in vertically.

The stop piece particularly advantageously comprises a ball pivot extending in the transverse direction or in the X-direction. When the suspended print head module moves into the printing position, the ball pivot gradually comes into contact with a device-fixed stop surface, which finally positions the ball pivot in the Y direction or the running direction of the print medium. A ball pivot, together with a convex stop surface, for example, allows a defined stop regardless of the vertical height. In the final printing position, the respective print head module is then precisely fixed, for example, by the two open bearings, namely a ball pivot bearing as a fixed bearing and a prismatic slide guide as a floating bearing, as well as by the stop piece leaning against the stop surface. The inclination or polar angle is determined by the abutted stop piece. The corresponding guidance is taken over by the stop piece in interaction with the device-fixed vertical stop surface.

By determining the position of the print heads in relation to at least one reference position, they are always aligned identically when the print head module reaches the print position, except for unavoidable dimensional tolerances. In other words, each print head module always has the same positional alignment of its respective print heads with respect to at least one reference position. This will create a easy replacement of the print head module achieved. The position of the printheads of the replaced and a newly inserted printhead module are identical with regard to the device side.

This measure eliminates the need for time-consuming readjustment of a print head module that is used. After simply inserting the print head module, the print heads are already adjusted to the dimensional tolerances. It is only when the single-pass inkjet printer is rebuilt that the print head modules first have to be aligned in the respective bearing positions on the device side due to manufacturing tolerances. However, due to the identical pre-positioning of the printheads of all printhead modules, this is also easy to do on site.

For the purpose of adjusting the position of the printheads, they are mounted in the printhead module such that they can be displaced in the X and Y directions, for example. In order to adjust the position, the print head module is brought into a mounting position comparable to the subsequent printing position before it is delivered using a suitable tool. The individual print heads are then adjusted to a reference position, for example under the light microscope in the micrometer range.

The print heads are preferably positioned in relation to the bearing pieces, for example the ball pivots. For this purpose, the print head modules are inserted into the corresponding workpiece according to the later printing position before delivery. This tool has the identical bearings as the later single-pass inkjet printer. In particular, the print heads are parallelized and aligned in the X and Y directions.

The single-pass ink jet printer that accommodates the print head module preferably has a support for counter-supporting the support frame, which includes a flat support surface that is supported via a ball joint. With an in particular freely movable ball joint, the bearing surface of the support is automatically aligned parallel to the bearing surface of the bearing means of the support frame when the print head module is set down. Consequently, this automatically results in a stable, because flat, placement of the print head module on the single-pass inkjet printer. The orientation of the ball and socket joint results in a flat support, in particular when the print head module has an angle of inclination in the printing position with a print medium guided in an arc.

The at least two bearing pieces of the housing component of the at least one print head module, which are spaced apart in the X direction, are preferably—if provided—positioned in each case in an open bearing arranged on the frame construction of the single-pass inkjet printer. The corresponding advantages of a simple self-adjustment resulting from this have already been explained above.

The stop piece of the housing component of the at least one print head module expediently rests against a stop surface arranged on the frame construction of the single-pass inkjet printer. As described above, this results in an exact and reproducible alignment of the print head module.

Fig. 1

in einer teilweise aufgebrochenen dreidimensionalen Darstellung ein Druckkopfmodul für einen Single-Pass-Tintenstrahldrucker mit einem Tragrahmen, mit einem daran pendelnd montierten Gehäusebauteil mit Druckköpfen und mit einem dem Tragrahmen aufgesetzten Kupplungsmodul,

Fig. 2

das Druckkopfmodul nach Fig. 1 in einer vergrößerten Detailansicht,

Fig. 3

den Tragrahmen des Druckkopfmoduls nach Fig. 1 in einer vergrößerten Detailansicht und

Fig. 4

im Ausschnitt einen Tintenstrahldrucker mit einem Druckkopfmodul nach Fig. 1, welches in einer gerätefesten Druckposition abgelegt ist.

Embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail with reference to a drawing. show:

1

in a partially broken three-dimensional representation, a print head module for a single-pass inkjet printer with a support frame, with a housing component with print heads mounted in a floating manner and with a clutch module placed on the support frame,

2

the printhead module 1 in an enlarged detail view,

3

the support frame of the print head module 1 in an enlarged detail view and

4

shows an ink jet printer with a print head module 1 , which is stored in a device-fixed printing position.

In 1 a printhead module 1 for a single-pass inkjet printer is shown in a three-dimensional and partially broken representation. The print head module 1 comprises a housing component 2 which is mounted in an oscillating manner on a supporting frame 3 . The corresponding pendulum axis 5 is drawn. A coupling module 6 is also placed on the supporting frame 3 .

The housing component 2 mounted on the support frame 3 so as to oscillate about the pendulum axis 5 comprises a crossbar 8 extending in the X-direction, along which a plurality of print heads 10 that are positioned relative to one another are mounted. The crossbar 8 is fastened between two side walls 12 each extending in the Z-direction. A side wall 13 is mounted on both sides of the crossbar 8 and the side walls 12 . The side wall 13 stabilizes the housing component 2 mechanically. It also prevents unwanted displacement of components accommodated inside the print head module 1 .

The pendulum axis 5 is defined by two radial sliding bearings 14 each located at the upper ends of the side walls 12 . The housing component 2 can be pivoted about the pendulum axis 5 relative to the support frame 3 . A linear offset of the housing component 2 relative to the support frame 3 is also made possible along the X-direction.

The support frame 3 includes a cross member 17 which also extends in the X direction and on which support arms 18 which extend beyond the housing component 2 in the X direction are mounted on both sides. Support means 20 are formed at the free ends of the support arms 18 for counter-support or storage on a corresponding device-fixed support of the single-pass inkjet printer.

The pendulum axis 5 and the support means 20 are arranged above the center of mass S of the print head module 1 in the Z direction. The pendulum axis 5 is also defined above the crossbar 8 carrying the print heads 10 . In other words, in the case of a gravity-oriented alignment, the crossbar 8 hangs below the support frame 2 or below the crossbeam 17. Also the print head module 1 as such hangs with the support frame 3 and housing component 2 below the support means 20. The print head module 1 placed on the support means 2 is in this respect already aligned by gravity according to an intended device-fixed printing position and can therefore easily be switched on and off the single-pass inkjet printer be excavated.

The transverse bracket 8 with the print heads 10 arranged therein extends over the entire print width or over the entire width of a print medium. The crossbar 8 has a length of 2.5 m, for example.

The corresponding supply and drive units 23 for the print heads 10, operating and supply lines 24, bundles of cables 25 for supply and control lines, electrical fuses 26 and the control boards 27 for the print heads 10 are mounted on the support frame 3 via a corresponding frame construction. As a result, the housing component 2 and thus in particular the transverse bracket 8 carrying the print heads 10 are relieved of weight. The housing component 2 carries only the print heads 10 as such. The print heads 10 themselves are displaceably mounted on the transverse bracket 8 in the X and Y directions.

By relieving the weight of the housing component 2 carrying the print heads 10, a dimensional increase in the print head module 1 is possible. The print heads 10 can be positioned exactly in the printing position on the single-pass ink jet printer. A change in position of the print heads 10 as a result of a weight-related material deformation is below the tolerance limit. The position of the print heads 10 can be fixed and is stable in the micrometer range. The weight of many components of the print head module 1 is transferred to the support frame 3 . The support frame 3 is placed on the support means 20 in a counter bearing on the single-pass ink jet printer. The main weight of the print head module 1 is absorbed by the corresponding support via the support means 20 .

In order to lift the print head module 1 in and out in a vertical and gravity-oriented orientation, mounting aids 30 are provided on the coupling module 6, to which a cable of a cable lifting system is mounted. The clutch module 6 is Mechanically and in terms of connection technology, the cross member 17 of the support frame 3 is attached via a multi-coupling. For this purpose, the coupling module 6 includes a first coupling part 31 which couples to a second coupling part 32 which is firmly connected to the cross member 17 .

The first coupling part 31 has a number of first connections 34 . Correspondingly, the second coupling part 32 includes second connections 35 that are complementary to this. The first and second connections 34, 35 are in the form of equipment lines, control lines or electrical lines for the power supply. The first coupling part 31 and the second coupling part 32 are mechanically coupled via a motor 36, for example by means of a screw connection, with the first connections 34 being connected to the second connections 35 at the same time. In particular, equipment lines are coupled to one another in an equipment-tight manner. Ink tanks 38 are also arranged on the coupling module 6 . Next strain relief 40 are mounted for the appropriate cable bushings.

Bearing pieces 42 are mounted on the housing component 2 and in each case on its side walls 12 for positioning in an open bearing of the single-pass inkjet printer. The bearing pieces 42 are designed, for example, as height-adjustable ball pivots. The corresponding bearing elements on the single-pass inkjet printer are designed as bearing pans open at the top with a conical or spherical pan or with a prismatic pan. In addition, catch means 43 are each mounted on the side walls 12 of the housing component 2 . The catch means 43 are designed, for example, with a wedge shaft which, when the print head module 1 is lowered, engages with a catch wedge on the single-pass inkjet printer and is thereby oriented so that the print head module 1 with the respective bearing pieces 42 automatically moves into the bearing sockets when it is lowered of the open bearing and thereby reaches the desired and precisely aligned printing position. For this purpose, a corresponding play of the housing component 2 relative to the support frame 3 is allowed via the correspondingly designed radial slide bearings 14 . Variable positioning in the XY plane is also possible via a flat contact surface of the contact means 20 enabled on the single-pass inkjet printer. A fixing in the Y-direction takes place via the stop piece 44 when it is raised.

Out of 2 are shown in an enlarged detailed view of the printhead module 1 according to FIG 1 Storage details are shown. The stop piece 44 is designed as a ball pivot, which is aligned and fixed in a prismatic guide in the Y-direction when it is lowered. The assembly aids 30 are in the form of cable fastening means 47 . A height-adjustable bearing piece 42 and the catch means 43 attached to it are clearly visible.

The radial plain bearings 14 arranged on both side walls 12 of the housing component 2 each comprise a guide pin 50 which passes through an opening 51 in the respective side wall 12 . The opening 51 is oversized here, so that an offset of the housing component 2 relative to the support frame 3 is also possible in the Y-Z plane, depending on the given play. It is also evident that the housing component 2 can be displaced linearly in the X-direction along the pendulum axis 5 in relation to the support frame 3 . The flat support surface 49 can be seen on the support means 20 .

Out of Fig.3 the support frame 3 of the print head module 1 accommodated in the housing component 2 follows 1 evident. As in 2 the flat support surface 49 on the support means 20 can be seen. Inside the support frame 3, the control boards 27 and operating medium lines 24 are accommodated.

The crossbeam 17 of the support frame 3 is mounted between two side plates 53 extending in the Z-direction. The guide pin 50 of the radial slide bearing 14 is screwed into each of the two side plates 53 . A support bearing 56 is formed at the lower end of the side plates 53, with which the support frame 3 can be additionally supported on the housing component 2. This makes it possible to transfer part of the weight of the support frame 3 and the components accommodated therein to the housing component 2 and in particular to the crossbar 8 carrying the print heads. As a result, if necessary, the Printing position of the housing component 2 can be stabilized on the single-pass inkjet printer.

The support bearings 56 provided on both sides include a ball stud 57. The ball stud 57 is mounted on the side plate 53. FIG. The correspondingly complementary bearing element is given as a bearing socket, which is fastened on the inside of the corresponding side wall 12 of the housing component 2 in each case.

One of the support bearings 56 includes a ball or cone socket 61. The other of the support bearings 56 includes a prism socket 62 as a complementary bearing element. While the ball or cone socket 61 defines an exact pivot point of the support frame 3 on the housing component 2, the prism socket 62 a length offset in the X-direction as a result of thermal cycling.

In 4 a single pass inkjet printer 65 is shown. This includes a frame structure 66 to which the printhead module 1 accordingly 1 is filed. In particular, the support means 20 are placed on the support arms 18 on a support 68 . The support 68 here comprises a flat support surface 70 which is rotatably mounted in a ball joint 71 . The bearing surface 70 of the bearing 68 is oriented in the ball joint 71 by the weight of the laid-down support frame 3, so that a flat bearing is always provided regardless of the angle of inclination of the print head module 1.

The bearing pieces 42 on the side walls of the housing component 2 are accommodated in the corresponding bearing pans of the open bearings 74 in a position-adjusted manner. The respective catch means 43 are positioned on corresponding catch wedges.

The stop piece 44 on a side wall of the housing component 2 is defined as a stop surface 75 on the frame construction 66 . The running direction L of a print medium can be seen.

Reference List

1

printhead module

2

housing component

3

supporting frame

5

pendulum axle

6

clutch module

8th

crossbar

10

printheads

12

sidewall

13

Side wall

14

radial plain bearing

17

cross member

18

Beam

20

support means

23

Supply and drive unit

24

resource management

25

bundle of cables

26

fuses

27

control boards

30

assembly aids

31

first clutch part

32

second clutch part

34

first connections

35

second connections

36

engine

38

ink tank

40

strain relief

42

stock piece

43

catch means

44

stop piece

47

rope fasteners

49

bearing surface

50

guide pin

51

opening

53

Page sheet

56

support bearing

57

ball stud

61

ball socket

62

prism pan

65

Single pass inkjet printer

66

frame construction

68

In stock

70

bearing surface

71

ball joint

74

open camp

75

stop surface

L

running direction

S

center of mass

Claims (15)

1. Printhead module (1) for a single pass ink jet printer (65) comprising a frame construction (66), on which the printhead module (1) is supportable,
   characterised in
   that the printhead module (1) comprises a housing component (2) with a transverse bracket (8) extending in an X-direction, on which a number of printheads (10) are arranged, which are positionally adjusted to at least one reference position, and wherein the printhead module (1) comprises a support frame (3) with support means (20) for supporting the support frame (3) on a support (68) of the frame construction (66), wherein the housing component (3) is mounted on the support frame (3) so as to swing about a swing axis (5), wherein the X-direction together with a Y-direction and a Z-direction form an orthogonal coordinate system.
2. Printhead module (1) according to claim 1,
   wherein the swing axis (5) is located above the transverse bracket (8) in the Z-direction.
3. Printhead module (1) according to claim 1 or 2,
   wherein the swing axis (5) is aligned parallel to the X-direction.
4. Printhead module (1) according to one of the preceding claims,
   wherein the support means (20) of the supporting frame (3) are arranged above the swing axis (5) in the Z-direction.
5. Printhead module (1) according to one of the preceding claims,
   wherein the support means (20) of the support frame (3) are arranged in the Z-direction above the center of mass (S) of the printhead module (1).
6. Printhead module (1) according to one of the preceding claims,
   wherein the support frame (3) comprises two support arms (18) spaced from each other in the X-direction, and wherein the support means (20) are arranged in the region of the free ends of the support arms (18).
7. Printhead module (1) according to one of the preceding claims,
   wherein the support frame (3) comprises a cross member (17) extending in the X-direction and arranged above the swing axis (5) in the Z-direction.
8. Printhead module (1) according to one of the preceding claims,
   wherein the swing axis (5) is fixed by at least one radial plain bearing (14).
9. Printhead module (1) according to one of the preceding claims,
   wherein at least one support bearing (56) is comprised for supporting the support frame (3) on the housing component (2) in the Y-direction.
10. Printhead module (1) according to one of the preceding claims,
    wherein at least two bearing pieces (42) spaced apart in the X-direction are arranged on the housing component (2), each of which is designed for self-adjusting positioning in an open bearing (74).
11. Printhead module (1) according to claim10,
    wherein catching means (43) are arranged on the housing component (2) for rough positioning with respect to the bearing seat of the bearing pieces (42).
12. Printhead module (1) according to one of the preceding claims,
    wherein at least the control boards (27) of the printheads (10) as well as, in particular, supply lines (24) for operating media, electrical energy, air and/or coolant, control lines for information signals, fuses (26) and/or supply or drive units (23) for the printheads (10) are mounted on the support frame (3).
13. Single-pass inkjet printer (65) with a frame construction (66) and with at least one printhead module (1) according to one of the preceding claims, the supporting frame (3) of which is supported by means of the supporting means (20) on at least one support (68) arranged on the frame construction (66).
14. Single-pass inkjet printer (65) according to claim 13,
    wherein the at least one support (68) comprises a flat bearing surface (70) supported by a ball joint (71).
15. Single-pass inkjet printer (65) by claim 13 or 14,
    wherein the at least two bearing pieces (42) of the housing component (2) of the at least one printhead module (1), spaced apart in the X-direction, are each positioned in an open bearing (74) arranged on the frame construction (66).

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