EP3450177A1 - Cleaning station for a direct printing unit - Google Patents

Cleaning station for a direct printing unit Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3450177A1
EP3450177A1 EP18170331.5A EP18170331A EP3450177A1 EP 3450177 A1 EP3450177 A1 EP 3450177A1 EP 18170331 A EP18170331 A EP 18170331A EP 3450177 A1 EP3450177 A1 EP 3450177A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
cleaning
head
nozzle
print head
suction nozzle
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP18170331.5A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP3450177B1 (en
Inventor
Viktor Gette
Josef Schindler
Dr. Johannes Regensburger
Christian Hajek
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.)
Krones AG
Original Assignee
Krones AG
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Krones AG filed Critical Krones AG
Publication of EP3450177A1 publication Critical patent/EP3450177A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP3450177B1 publication Critical patent/EP3450177B1/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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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
    • B41J2/16552—Cleaning of print head nozzles using cleaning fluids
    • 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
    • B41J2/16505—Caps, spittoons or covers for cleaning or preventing drying out
    • B41J2/16508—Caps, spittoons or covers for cleaning or preventing drying out connected with the printer frame
    • B41J2/16511—Constructions for cap positioning
    • B41J2/16514—Constructions for cap positioning creating a distance between cap and printhead, e.g. for suction or pressurising
    • 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
    • B41J2/1652—Cleaning of print head nozzles by driving a fluid through the nozzles to the outside thereof, e.g. by applying pressure to the inside or vacuum at the outside of the print head
    • B41J2/16532—Cleaning of print head nozzles by driving a fluid through the nozzles to the outside thereof, e.g. by applying pressure to the inside or vacuum at the outside of the print head by applying vacuum only
    • 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
    • B41J2/16517—Cleaning of print head nozzles
    • B41J2/16535—Cleaning of print head nozzles using wiping constructions
    • B41J2/16538—Cleaning of print head nozzles using wiping constructions with brushes or wiper blades perpendicular to the nozzle plate
    • 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
    • B41J3/00—Typewriters or selective printing or marking mechanisms characterised by the purpose for which they are constructed
    • B41J3/407—Typewriters or selective printing or marking mechanisms characterised by the purpose for which they are constructed for marking on special material
    • B41J3/4073—Printing on three-dimensional objects not being in sheet or web form, e.g. spherical or cubic objects
    • 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
    • B41J2/16552—Cleaning of print head nozzles using cleaning fluids
    • B41J2002/16555—Air or gas for cleaning

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a cleaning station according to the preamble of claim 1 and a direct printing machine with the cleaning station.
  • Print heads for direct inkjet printing on containers usually have a large number of fine print nozzles which must be cleaned at regular intervals to ensure perfect print images on containers to be printed.
  • a cleaning station is known, which is mounted in the area of a direct printing machine to clean printheads on the direct printing machine.
  • up to two superposed horizontally displaceably mounted printheads can be driven simultaneously to the cleaning station and cleaned at this.
  • the printheads are then sprayed, for example, with a cleaning liquid, stripped with a wiper lip of the pressure nozzles and sucked, and collected the thus removed cleaning liquid with ink residues and finally pumped out.
  • the problem here is that, in particular when vacuuming cleaning fluid and ink residues with relatively precise distance must be worked to avoid both damage to the print nozzles and a suction of ink from the printing nozzles. Furthermore, the spraying of the printheads usually leads to contamination in the vicinity of the cleaning station and / or printheads by sprays and / or splashes with ink residues.
  • a cleaning station designed for a direct printing station of a direct printing machine and comprises at least one with respect to at least one print head of the direct printing station in particular vertically movable cleaning head for cleaning the print head.
  • the cleaning head comprises a cleaning nozzle for ejecting a cleaning liquid and a suction nozzle for sucking the cleaning liquid from the print head.
  • the cleaning head further comprises at least one spacer roller protruding, in particular via the suction nozzle, toward the print head for maintaining a minimum distance between the suction nozzle and the print head.
  • the suction nozzle is arranged, for example, above and / or below the cleaning nozzle.
  • the minimum distance can be adjusted by means of the spacer roller so that excess ink residues and cleaning liquid are sucked out at the edge of the printing nozzles and / or between them, without additionally sucking ink from the printing nozzles. Consequently, the cleaning effect can also be optimized.
  • the printhead comprises an optionally also foil-like nozzle plate with the pressure nozzles and a dimensionally stable enclosure made of metal, in particular stainless steel, for the nozzle plate.
  • the printhead is also seated in a non-stick printhead plate.
  • the spacer roll rolls in the suction preferably on the dimensionally stable enclosure and thereby maintains a defined Absaugabstand between the suction nozzle and the pressure nozzles.
  • the defined extraction distance prevents damage and especially scratching of the printhead.
  • the minimum distance during suction is preferably 0.1 to 0.2 mm.
  • the maximum distance during suction is preferably 0.3 to 0.5 mm.
  • the enclosure could project beyond the nozzle plate of the printhead.
  • the printhead can be driven with the printhead plate preferably under a predetermined contact pressure against the spacer roller in the direction of the suction nozzle. During the extraction and simultaneous vertical movement of the cleaning head, the spacer roller thus remains in constant contact with the print head.
  • the cleaning head further comprises an inwardly elastically resilient support for the suction nozzle and the spacer roller.
  • Suction nozzle and spacer roller are then preferably part of an in the cleaning head springing assembly. This favors a constant contact of the spacer roller with the print head even with a non-ideal orthogonal adjustment of the cleaning station with respect to the print head, with manufacturing tolerances or the like.
  • the compliant bearing facilitates pressing the printhead against the spacer roller with a suitable pressing force that equally enables reliable contact of the spacer roller with the printhead and gentle relative movement of the cleaning station and printhead to one another.
  • the cleaning head further comprises a linear guide for the suction nozzle and the spacer roller away from the print head / to the print head and in particular horizontally aligned.
  • the suction nozzle and the spacer roller are then part of a common Assembly displaceable by means of the linear guide.
  • the suction nozzle can thereby drive with reproducible and controllable distance over the pressure nozzles.
  • the cleaning head preferably comprises a cleaning liquid wiping lip arranged between the suction nozzle and the cleaning nozzle.
  • the wiper lip allows cleaning of the print head plate and the mechanically stable enclosure of the nozzle plate in a single operation.
  • the stripping of the enclosure serves in particular to minimize contamination of the spacer roller with ink residues and / or cleaning liquid or to avoid altogether.
  • the wiper lip is preferably shaped so that it does not touch the nozzle plate. As a result, an unnecessary wear of the nozzle plate can be avoided and, in particular, dirt particles, dried-on ink residues or the like can be pressed by the wiper lip into the pressure nozzles.
  • the wiper lip is preferably designed in such a way that cleaning fluid draining therefrom is conducted with ink residues downwards in the direction of a drain and / or sump.
  • a drainage channel can be integrated on the upper side of the wiper lip, so that cleaning liquid dripping down from above is passed with ink residues therein laterally to the drainage and / or collecting trough.
  • the wiper lip is also preferably formed as a splash guard for the cleaning fluid and ink residues upwards.
  • the wiper lip consists for example of a suitable elastic material, such as silicone rubber, of an elastic thermoplastic or the like.
  • the spacer roller is preferably present on the cleaning head at least twice and in particular at least fourfold, and then arranged both above and below the suction nozzle. This allows a guide of the suction nozzle via the print head with a small and constant Absaugabstand even with a not ideal parallel guidance of the cleaning station along the surface to be cleaned of the print head.
  • the cleaning nozzle is preferably arranged in a cleaning chamber open towards the print head.
  • the cleaning chamber then has, for example, a rear wall, in which the cleaning nozzle is arranged, as well as side walls such that cleaning fluid and ink residues from the side walls and the rear wall can drain into a drain and / or collecting trough arranged below.
  • the ceiling of the cleaning chamber can be from a Cover plate are formed or from a drain pan another, arranged above cleaning chamber.
  • the cleaning nozzle is for example a hollow cone nozzle and / or a flat jet nozzle. Such nozzles can be arranged in any combination and number in the cleaning chamber.
  • Hollow cone nozzles are suitable for a particularly fine wetting of the printhead nozzles with low consumption of cleaning fluid.
  • Flat jet nozzles are particularly suitable for the directional wetting of the nozzle plate, its enclosure and / or the surrounding printhead plate optionally from a plurality of variably adjustable nozzles. Individual flat jet nozzles could be blocked, for example by means of screw plugs. Likewise, individual flat jet nozzles could be tilted and / or pivoted.
  • the number of rays, beam intensity, and / or beam angle for wetting the nozzle plate, its enclosure, and / or the printhead plate can be flexibly adapted to particular printhead types, levels of contamination, or the like.
  • the cleaning chamber is bordered on both sides by splash guard strips that reach down into a drain and / or collecting trough for the cleaning fluid and / or ink residues.
  • the splash guard strips are preferably made of a material resistant to the cleaning fluid and ink residues and formed, for example, as elastic sealing lips.
  • the splash guard strips preferably engage in corresponding grooves on the print head, wherein a clearance to compensate for tolerances and / or positioning inaccuracies is provided between the splashguards and the grooves. By the intervention of the splash guard is still sufficient splash protection in the lateral direction between the cleaning chamber and printhead given.
  • Cleaning fluid and ink residue can then run down on the inside of the splash guard and be collected by the drain and / or collection trough.
  • the splash guard are preferably down over their attachment to the cleaning head over. This facilitates a targeted dripping of the cleaning fluid and ink residues in the drain and / or sump. Consequently, soiling can be reliably avoid by splashes, running cleaning liquid or the like.
  • the cleaning head further comprises at least one pressure gas nozzle arranged between the cleaning nozzle and the suction nozzle for blowing off the cleaning liquid from the print head.
  • the removal of residues of the cleaning agent and / or of ink residues can be specifically improved by means of compressed air or similar compressed gas.
  • compressed gas nozzles can be adjusted in terms of their beam angle with respect to the printhead to be cleaned in a suitable manner.
  • compressed gas nozzles can be targeted for individual areas of the print head and selectively switched on or switched off.
  • the cleaning station further comprises a lifting device with a rotor for lifting the cleaning head from a parking position into a cleaning area.
  • the cleaning area is then preferably above the parking position.
  • the print head to be cleaned can then be moved horizontally from its working position into the cleaning area.
  • the cleaning head can then preferably be moved along the print head in the vertical direction in order to spray the print head in a targeted manner and to blow off, strip and suck off liquids from wetted surfaces.
  • the printheads can then additionally be moved to a parking position.
  • Printheads that are not needed for a particular print image can thereby be protected from potentially adverse effects such as UV light from ping lamps, dust or the like.
  • parking positions enable careful positioning of the printheads at the end of production, overnight or the like.
  • the cleaning station comprises two on the runner superimposed cleaning heads.
  • the cleaning heads are preferably modular and firmly mounted one above the other.
  • the cleaning chamber of the upper cleaning head can be closed at the bottom of a sump, which also serves as a cover for the cleaning chamber of the lower cleaning head.
  • Cleaning fluid and ink residue can then be passed from the sump of the upper cleaning head in the cleaning chamber of the lower cleaning head and run there on the side walls and / or the rear wall in a down-closing drain pan.
  • Both cleaning heads may otherwise have similar characteristics, so that two printheads can be cleaned simultaneously or overlapping.
  • the cleaning station comprises a further lifting device with a rotor for lifting a third cleaning head laterally offset with respect to the stacked first and second cleaning heads from a parking position into a cleaning area for a third print head.
  • the positioning of the associated print head also occurs in the third cleaning head as described above. Consequently, three printheads with a total of vertically overlapping pressure nozzles can be cleaned simultaneously at the cleaning station as previously described.
  • the third cleaning head then essentially has the features described with respect to the first and second cleaning heads.
  • All cleaning heads are preferably modular and preferably differ only by the ceilings and collecting / drainage pans their cleaning chambers.
  • the lifting device for the first and second cleaning head is then preferably designed as a pneumatically controlled multi-position cylinder, the further lifting device for the third cleaning head, for example, as a pneumatic cylinder with only one switching position.
  • the lifting devices are preferably formed with locking elements for the raised cleaning heads, for example, to prevent their sagging in case of power failure and / or pneumatic failure. Among other things, this serves to protect the printheads.
  • the lifting devices preferably further comprise linear guides for the cleaning heads, optionally in the form of telescopic rails.
  • the walls of the cleaning chamber, drain and / or collecting troughs, splash guard strips, spacer rollers, wiper lips or similar surfaces that come into direct contact with the cleaning fluid and ink residues are preferably provided with a hydrophobic and / or with respect to the cleaning fluid and printing inks resistant coating.
  • the coating may, for example, have a lotus effect for improved cleaning of the coated surfaces.
  • a coating of the type "Tufram 615P" is particularly suitable.
  • the printhead plate is preferably coated accordingly to facilitate its cleaning.
  • these are preferably arranged so that at the same time several print heads for overlapping printing in the so-called “stitching" can be cleaned with them.
  • Such printheads are in their working positions total offset both vertically and horizontally to each other. This results in a corresponding positioning of the print heads in their cleaning areas.
  • the printheads are preferably formed for purge during ongoing operation of the associated direct printing machine, the cleaning station then being adapted to start up the cleaning area during the purge.
  • the direct printing station comprises a cleaning station according to at least one of the preceding claims and to the cleaning head / cleaning heads horizontally movable to print heads. Each associated cleaning head and print head can then be moved vertically or horizontally in a common cleaning area.
  • the printheads comprise dimensionally stable enclosures for the printing nozzles and / or nozzle plate, wherein the spacer roller is arranged or the spacer rollers are arranged at a distance from each other so that they can roll on the enclosure next to the printing nozzles. This allows non-contact cleaning of the pressure nozzles with a constant distance to suction nozzles moving across it.
  • the printheads are seated in printhead plates having vertically extending grooves for engaging splash guard rails formed on the cleaning heads.
  • This allows a reliable side splash protection with simultaneous play between the splash guard and the grooves of the cover plate.
  • a reliable function in terms of splash protection and the required relative movement between the cleaning head and printhead is given even with dimensional tolerances and / or positioning tolerances.
  • the cleaning station 100 comprises vertically movable cleaning heads 1, 2, 3 for cleaning horizontally movable printheads 4, 5, 6.
  • the printheads 4, 5, 6 are in the Fig. 1 partially obscured by the cleaning heads 1, 2, 3.
  • the cleaning heads 1, 2, 3 are attached to lifting devices 7, 8 and can be raised at these parking positions 9, 10 in cleaning areas 11, 12, 13, ie substantially to the height of the associated print heads 4, 5, 6.
  • a first cleaning head 1 and a second cleaning head 2 are fixedly arranged one above the other and can be moved together on a first lifting device 7.
  • a first lifting device 7 includes, for example, a pneumatically driven multi-position cylinder 7a with a rotor 7b and a first vertical linear guide 7c.
  • the first cleaning head 1 can be raised in a vertical direction 14 into a first cleaning area 11 common to a first print head 4, and a second cleaning head 2 into a second cleaning area 12 common to a second print head 5.
  • the first and second print head 4, 5 are separated from each other from their working positions in the first and second cleaning region 11, 12 in the horizontal direction 15 movable. In their working positions, the first and second print heads 4, 5 are arranged in alignment for an overlapping combination printing.
  • a third cleaning head 3 is mounted separately vertically movable on a second lifting device 8 in the printing direction laterally offset thereto.
  • the second lifting device 8 comprises, for example, a pneumatically operated setting cylinder 8a with a rotor 8b and a second linear guide 8c for the third cleaning head 3.
  • the third cleaning head 3 can be lifted into a third cleaning area 13 common to a third print head 6.
  • the third print head 6 can also be moved horizontally from its working position into the third cleaning area 13 for this purpose.
  • the third print head 6 is in its working position preferably vertically between and horizontally adjacent to the first and second print head 4, 5 for a combination overlapping in the vertical direction by means of the three print heads 4, 5, 6th
  • the Fig. 2 shows an example of the third cleaning head 3 in an oblique view. Unless otherwise described, the first and second cleaning heads 1, 2 comprise corresponding technical features.
  • the cleaning head 3 accordingly comprises a cleaning nozzle 21 for ejecting a cleaning liquid, for example as a hollow cone-shaped jet. Further, above the cleaning nozzle 21, a suction nozzle 22 is provided for sucking the cleaning liquid and ink residues dissolved therein from the associated print head 6. With the suction nozzle 22 spacer rollers 23 are fixed to a common carrier 24 and slidably mounted in the horizontal direction 25 in the cleaning head 3.
  • the elastically yielding bearing comprises, for example, compression springs 26a (FIG. Fig. 4 ), which projects the pressure rollers 23 with respect to a rigid housing 28 of the cleaning head 3 by a projection 29.
  • a stop 30 is preferably formed in the cleaning head 3, so that the projection 29 of the spacer rollers 23 via the housing 28 does not fall below a minimum of, for example, 1 to 5 mm.
  • the spacer rollers 23 are on the holder 24 preferably in the direction of the print head 6 to be cleaned via the suction nozzle 22, so that the suction nozzle 22 does not touch a nozzle plate formed on the print head 6 with their mechanically sensitive pressure nozzles during suction.
  • the spacer rollers 23 roll preferably on a mechanically stable enclosure of the nozzle plate.
  • a minimum value of the suction distance between the suction nozzle and the nozzle plate can be maintained even if the nozzle plate and its dimensionally stable enclosure have mutually aligned surfaces.
  • the dimensionally stable enclosure could protrude beyond the nozzle plate to maintain a minimum suction distance (unless the work function of the printhead is adversely affected).
  • the spacer rollers 23 would then not or only slightly project beyond the suction nozzle 22.
  • the suction nozzle 22 and the spacer rollers 23 are arranged to each other and spring-mounted only to stop 30 that contact of the sensitive pressure nozzles with the suction nozzle 22 and the housing 28 is prevented at all times.
  • a horizontally aligned wiper lip 31 and lateral, in particular vertically aligned splash guard strips 32 can be seen, as well as optional compressed gas nozzles 33.
  • the wiper lip 31 serves to strip cleaning liquid and / or ink residues of print head areas laterally next to the nozzle plate, in particular also from the region of the dimensionally stable enclosure, on which the spacer rollers 23 roll. As a result, contamination of the spacer rollers 23 can be avoided.
  • the area of the pressure nozzles should be omitted.
  • the wiper lip 31 has, for example, a central recess 31a only for the area of the pressure nozzles.
  • the compressed gas nozzles 33 are, for example, flat jet nozzles and preferably directed obliquely downward, so that cleaning liquid and / or ink residues are driven from the print head 6 down into a drain and / or collecting trough 34.
  • the compressed gas nozzles 33 can also be adjusted for this purpose about a horizontal axis in order to adapt the direction of the emitted compressed gas jets to the respective requirements for blowing off the print head 6.
  • the drain and / or collection trough 34 is preferably formed on the third cleaning head 3 so that the cleaning liquid and ink residues collected there can be pumped out. This also applies to the in the Fig. 1 shown lower first cleaning head. 1
  • the drain and / or collecting trough 34 is preferably designed so that cleaning fluid and ink residues are passed to the side walls and / or to the rear wall of the underlying first cleaning head 1 and there until its expiry and / or or collection trough 34 run down.
  • FIG. 2 can recognize the housing 28 of the second and third cleaning head 2, 3 on its upper side a cover plate 28 a, which is replaced at the first (lower) cleaning head 1 by the sump 34 of the second (upper) cleaning head 2 to the flow of cleaning liquid and To allow ink residues down.
  • the side walls 28b, the rear wall 28c and the wiper lip 31 and the splash guard 32 limit together with the drain and / or collection trough 34, a cleaning chamber 35 in which the printhead to be cleaned 6 is wetted by the cleaning nozzle 21.
  • additional splash guard and / or drain walls 36 can be formed around the cleaning nozzle 21, which facilitate, for example, a targeted drainage of cleaning liquid and / or ink residues downwards.
  • the Fig. 4 illustrates the clean-up printhead 6 with the spacer rollers 23 rolling thereon.
  • the printhead 6 comprises a front-side printhead plate 41, in which vertically extending grooves 42 are formed. These are used to engage the side splash guard 32.
  • a defined clearance between the splash guard 32 and the grooves 42 is allowed to compensate for manufacturing tolerances and positioning tolerances during the cleaning process. Nonetheless, the engagement of the splash guard bars 32 prevents lateral spewing of cleaning fluid and ink residue from the common cleaning area 13 of the cleaning head 3 and printhead 6.
  • the print head further comprises a mechanically sensitive nozzle plate 43 having a plurality of raster-shaped pressure nozzles and a dimensionally stable enclosure 44 for the nozzle plate 43.
  • the enclosure 44 is preferably made of a metal and in particular of stainless steel.
  • the enclosure 44 serves as a rolling surface for the spacer rollers 23.
  • the spacer rollers 23 and the dimensionally stable enclosure 44 hold the suction nozzle 22 during the cleaning of the print head at the Absaugabstand to the nozzle plate 43.
  • the sensitive pressure nozzles thus come into contact neither with the spacer rollers 23 nor with the suction nozzle 22, as well as with components of the housing 28th
  • a predetermined minimum distance MA between the suction nozzle 22 and the nozzle plate 43 of 0.2 mm is not exceeded.
  • the Absaugabstand is always between the minimum distance MA of 0.2 mm and a maximum distance of, for example, 0.5 mm for optimal extraction of liquids from the surface of the nozzle plate 43. This can be on the one hand by the relative arrangement of the suction nozzle 22 and the spacer rollers 23 and / or the relative arrangement of the nozzle plate 43 and the enclosure 44 in the horizontal direction 15, 25 cause and on the other hand by the elastic support 26th
  • the Fig. 5 illustrates the minimum distance MA to be maintained between the suction nozzle 22 and the nozzle plate 43 in the aligned nozzle plate 43 and dimensionally stable enclosure 44 (left) and protruding enclosure 44 (right).
  • the minimum distance MA is exaggerated for clarity.
  • the minimum distance MA to the nozzle plate 43 can by the supernatant (in the Fig. 5 to the left side) of the rollers 23 via the suction nozzle 22 can be set / adjusted.
  • the print head 6 is moved in the horizontal direction 15 on contact with the spacer rollers 23, so that the spacer rollers 23 and the suction nozzle 22 in their common bracket 24 by means of the resilient bearing 26 compress.
  • the compression springs 26a provide a suitable contact pressure during the suction.
  • the adjustment of the elastically resilient mounting 26 is then formed such that on the one hand reliable contact of the spacer rollers 23 is given with the dimensionally stable enclosure 44, taking into account dimensional tolerances and / or positioning inaccuracies in the cleaning and on the other hand, a contact of the print head 6 with the housing 28th the cleaning head 3 is reliably avoided.
  • the approach of the print head 6 and the cleaning head 3 in the horizontal direction 15 is preferably carried out by means of an electrically controlled adjusting unit 45 for the print head 6, but would in principle also by a corresponding linear unit on the cleaning head 3 conceivable.
  • the approach of the cleaning head 3 to the print head 6 in the vertical direction 14 is preferably carried out by means of the lifting device 8.
  • a vertical adjustability of the print head 6 would also be conceivable here, at least in the region of the cleaning head 3.
  • the cleaning heads 1, 2, 3, for example, by means of the lifting devices 7, 8 are raised to defined switching positions in the cleaning areas 11, 12, 13 and lowered there again controlled each time when cleaning.
  • the above-mentioned features are preferably formed on all cleaning heads 1, 2, 3 of the cleaning station 100.
  • the cleaning heads 1, 2, 3 are in this case substantially modular, so that they, for example, by omitting the cover plate 28a and / or replacement in the form of a suitable drain and / or collection trough 34 to each other to be stacked.
  • the compressed gas nozzles 33 can be accommodated in a separate blow-off module of the housing 28 and the blow-off module can only be optionally integrated into the cleaning station 1, 2, 3.
  • the supply of the individual cleaning heads 1, 2, 3 can be done via conventional hose and cable connections optionally protected by so-called energy chains. These are particularly suitable for protecting pressure hoses for compressed air, vacuum and / or the cleaning fluid.
  • cleaning heads 1, 2, 3 The number and arrangement of the cleaning heads 1, 2, 3 described is merely exemplary. In particular, due to their modular design, cleaning heads 1, 2, 3 can be combined in a flexible arrangement, for example, as a single cleaning stations, double cleaning stations or triple cleaning stations.
  • the cleaning station 100 with the cleaning heads 1, 2, 3 is also part of a direct printing station 200 as the associated printheads 4, 5, 6.
  • a direct printing machine (not shown) a plurality of direct printing stations 200 in the periphery of a container table for transporting the to be printed Container arranged in a known manner.
  • the printheads 4, 5, 6 in any order and / or at the same time to the associated cleaning heads 1, 2, 3 drive to perform the cleaning of the printheads 4, 5, 6 time-saving and pollution of adjacent machine assemblies to the functioning direct printing station 200 ,

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  • Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
  • Ink Jet (AREA)
  • Inking, Control Or Cleaning Of Printing Machines (AREA)

Abstract

Beschrieben wird eine Reinigungsstation für eine Direktdruckstation mit wenigstens einem insbesondere vertikal beweglichen Reinigungskopf zum Reinigen des wenigstens einen Druckkopfs. Dabei umfasst der Reinigungskopf eine Reinigungsdüse zum Ausstoßen einer Reinigungsflüssigkeit und eine Absaugdüse zum Absaugen der Reinigungsflüssigkeit vom Druckkopf. Dadurch, dass der Reinigungskopf ferner wenigstens eine insbesondere über die Absaugdüse vorstehende Abstandsrolle zum Einheiten eines Mindestabstands zwischen der Absaugdüse und dem Druckkopf umfasst, ist eine bezüglich an dem Druckkopf vorhandener Druckdüsen berührungslose Absaugung mit konstantem und an eine effektive Absaugung angepasstem Abstand zwischen Absaugdüse und Druckdüsen möglich.

Figure imgaf001
Described is a cleaning station for a direct printing station with at least one in particular vertically movable cleaning head for cleaning the at least one print head. In this case, the cleaning head comprises a cleaning nozzle for ejecting a cleaning liquid and a suction nozzle for sucking the cleaning liquid from the print head. By virtue of the fact that the cleaning head also comprises at least one spacer roller projecting above the suction nozzle for uniting a minimum distance between the suction nozzle and the print head, contactless suction with constant distance between the suction nozzle and the pressure nozzles adapted to an effective suction is possible with respect to the print head ,
Figure imgaf001

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft eine Reinigungsstation gemäß Oberbegriff des Anspruchs 1 und eine Direktdruckmaschine mit der Reinigungsstation.The invention relates to a cleaning station according to the preamble of claim 1 and a direct printing machine with the cleaning station.

Druckköpfe für den Tintenstrahl-Direktdruck auf Behälter weisen in der Regel eine Vielzahl feiner Druckdüsen auf, die zur Gewährleistung einwandfreier Druckbilder auf zu bedruckenden Behältern in regelmäßigen Abständen gereinigt werden müssen. Zu diesem Zweck ist aus der DE 10 2013 217 685 A1 eine Reinigungsstation bekannt, die im Bereich einer Direktdruckmaschine befestigt wird, um Druckköpfe an der Direktdruckmaschine zu reinigen. Hierbei können bis zu zwei übereinander horizontal verschiebbar gelagerte Druckköpfe gleichzeitig an die Reinigungsstation gefahren und an dieser gereinigt werden. Die Druckköpfe werden dann beispielsweise mit einer Reinigungsflüssigkeit besprüht, diese mit einer Abstreiflippe von den Druckdüsen abgestreift und abgesaugt, und die derart entfernte Reinigungsflüssigkeit mit Tintenresten aufgefangen und schließlich abgepumpt.Print heads for direct inkjet printing on containers usually have a large number of fine print nozzles which must be cleaned at regular intervals to ensure perfect print images on containers to be printed. For this purpose is from the DE 10 2013 217 685 A1 a cleaning station is known, which is mounted in the area of a direct printing machine to clean printheads on the direct printing machine. Here, up to two superposed horizontally displaceably mounted printheads can be driven simultaneously to the cleaning station and cleaned at this. The printheads are then sprayed, for example, with a cleaning liquid, stripped with a wiper lip of the pressure nozzles and sucked, and collected the thus removed cleaning liquid with ink residues and finally pumped out.

Problematisch ist hierbei, dass insbesondere beim Absaugen von Reinigungsflüssigkeit und Tintenresten mit vergleichsweise präzisem Abstand gearbeitet werden muss, um sowohl eine Beschädigung der Druckdüsen als auch ein Absaugen von Tinte aus den Druckdüsen zu vermeiden. Ferner führt das Besprühen der Druckköpfe in der Regel zu Verunreinigungen im Umfeld der Reinigungsstation und/oder Druckköpfe durch Sprühnebel und/oder Spritzer mit Tintenresten.The problem here is that, in particular when vacuuming cleaning fluid and ink residues with relatively precise distance must be worked to avoid both damage to the print nozzles and a suction of ink from the printing nozzles. Furthermore, the spraying of the printheads usually leads to contamination in the vicinity of the cleaning station and / or printheads by sprays and / or splashes with ink residues.

Es besteht daher der Bedarf für eine gleichermaßen flexible, präzise und sauber arbeitende Reinigungsstation für Druckköpfe einer Direktdruckmaschine für Behälter.There is therefore a need for an equally flexible, precise and clean cleaning station for printheads of a direct printing machine for containers.

Wenigstens eine der oben gestellten Aufgaben wird mit einer Reinigungsstation gemäß Anspruch 1 gelöst. Demnach ist diese für eine Direktdruckstation einer Direktdruckmaschine ausgelegt und umfasst wenigstens einen bezüglich wenigstens eines Druckkopfs der Direktdruckstation insbesondere vertikal beweglichen Reinigungskopf zum Reinigen des Druckkopfs. Dabei umfasst der Reinigungskopf eine Reinigungsdüse zum Ausstoßen einer Reinigungsflüssigkeit und eine Absaugdüse zum Absaugen der Reinigungsflüssigkeit vom Druckkopf. Erfindungsgemäß umfasst der Reinigungskopf ferner wenigstens eine insbesondere über die Absaugdüse zum Druckkopf hin vorstehende Abstandsrolle zum Einhalten eines Mindestabstands zwischen der Absaugdüse und dem Druckkopf. Die Absaugdüse ist beispielsweise oberhalb und/oder unterhalb der Reinigungsdüse angeordnet.At least one of the above objects is achieved with a cleaning station according to claim 1. Accordingly, this is designed for a direct printing station of a direct printing machine and comprises at least one with respect to at least one print head of the direct printing station in particular vertically movable cleaning head for cleaning the print head. In this case, the cleaning head comprises a cleaning nozzle for ejecting a cleaning liquid and a suction nozzle for sucking the cleaning liquid from the print head. According to the invention, the cleaning head further comprises at least one spacer roller protruding, in particular via the suction nozzle, toward the print head for maintaining a minimum distance between the suction nozzle and the print head. The suction nozzle is arranged, for example, above and / or below the cleaning nozzle.

Dies ermöglicht ein berührungsloses Reinigen der Druckdüsen, wodurch sich die Lebensdauer der Druckköpfe erhöht. Zudem kann der Mindestabstand mit Hilfe der Abstandsrolle so eingestellt werden, dass überschüssige Tintenreste und Reinigungsflüssigkeit am Rand der Druckdüsen und/oder dazwischen abgesaugt werden, ohne zusätzlich Tinte aus den Druckdüsen herauszusaugen. Folglich lässt sich auch die Reinigungswirkung optimieren.This allows non-contact cleaning of the print nozzles, which increases the life of the print heads. In addition, the minimum distance can be adjusted by means of the spacer roller so that excess ink residues and cleaning liquid are sucked out at the edge of the printing nozzles and / or between them, without additionally sucking ink from the printing nozzles. Consequently, the cleaning effect can also be optimized.

Der Druckkopf umfasst eine gegebenenfalls auch folienartige Düsenplatte mit den Druckdüsen und eine formstabile Einfassung aus Metall, insbesondere Edelstahl, für die Düsenplatte. Der Druckkopf sitzt ferner in einer antihaftbeschichteten Druckkopfplatte. Die Abstandsrolle rollt bei der Absaugung vorzugsweise auf der formstabilen Einfassung ab und hält dadurch einen definierten Absaugabstand zwischen der Absaugdüse und den Druckdüsen ein. Der definierte Absaugabstand verhindert ein Beschädigen und insbesondere Verkratzen des Druckkopfs.The printhead comprises an optionally also foil-like nozzle plate with the pressure nozzles and a dimensionally stable enclosure made of metal, in particular stainless steel, for the nozzle plate. The printhead is also seated in a non-stick printhead plate. The spacer roll rolls in the suction preferably on the dimensionally stable enclosure and thereby maintains a defined Absaugabstand between the suction nozzle and the pressure nozzles. The defined extraction distance prevents damage and especially scratching of the printhead.

Der Mindestabstand beim Absaugen beträgt vorzugsweise 0,1 bis 0,2 mm. Der Höchstabstand beim Absaugen beträgt vorzugsweise 0,3 bis 0,5 mm. Zu diesem Zweck steht vorzugsweise die Abstandsrolle über die Absaugdüse vor. Alternativ oder ergänzend könnte die Einfassung über die Düsenplatte des Druckkopfs vorstehen.The minimum distance during suction is preferably 0.1 to 0.2 mm. The maximum distance during suction is preferably 0.3 to 0.5 mm. For this purpose, preferably the spacer roller on the suction nozzle before. Alternatively or additionally, the enclosure could project beyond the nozzle plate of the printhead.

Der Druckkopf lässt sich mit der Druckkopfplatte vorzugsweise unter einem vorgegebenen Anpressdruck gegen die Abstandsrolle in Richtung auf die Absaugdüse hin fahren. Während der Absaugung und gleichzeitiger Vertikalbewegung des Reinigungskopfs bleibt die Abstandsrolle mit dem Druckkopf somit ständig in Kontakt.The printhead can be driven with the printhead plate preferably under a predetermined contact pressure against the spacer roller in the direction of the suction nozzle. During the extraction and simultaneous vertical movement of the cleaning head, the spacer roller thus remains in constant contact with the print head.

Vorzugsweise umfasst der Reinigungskopf ferner eine nach innen elastisch nachgiebige Lagerung für die Absaugdüse und die Abstandsrolle. Absaugdüse und Abstandsrolle sind dann vorzugsweise Bestandteil einer in den Reinigungskopf einfedernden Baugruppe. Dies begünstigt einen ständigen Kontakt der Abstandsrolle mit dem Druckkopf auch bei einer nicht ideal orthogonalen Verstellung der Reinigungsstation bezüglich des Druckkopfes, bei Fertigungstoleranzen oder dergleichen. Zudem erleichtert die nachgiebige Lagerung das Andrücken des Druckkopfs an die Abstandsrolle mit einer geeigneten Andrückkraft, die gleichermaßen einen zuverlässigen Kontakt der Abstandsrolle mit dem Druckkopf und eine schonende Relativbewegung der Reinigungsstation und des Druckkopfs zueinander ermöglicht.Preferably, the cleaning head further comprises an inwardly elastically resilient support for the suction nozzle and the spacer roller. Suction nozzle and spacer roller are then preferably part of an in the cleaning head springing assembly. This favors a constant contact of the spacer roller with the print head even with a non-ideal orthogonal adjustment of the cleaning station with respect to the print head, with manufacturing tolerances or the like. In addition, the compliant bearing facilitates pressing the printhead against the spacer roller with a suitable pressing force that equally enables reliable contact of the spacer roller with the printhead and gentle relative movement of the cleaning station and printhead to one another.

Vorzugsweise umfasst der Reinigungskopf ferner eine vom Druckkopf weg / zum Druckkopf hin und insbesondere horizontal ausgerichtete Linearführung für die Absaugdüse und die Abstandsrolle. Die Absaugdüse und die Abstandsrolle sind dann als Bestandteil einer gemeinsamen Baugruppe mittels der Linearführung verschiebbar. Insbesondere in Kombination mit der elastisch nachgiebigen Lagerung lässt sich die Absaugdüse dadurch mit reproduzierbarem und kontrollierbarem Abstand über die Druckdüsen fahren.Preferably, the cleaning head further comprises a linear guide for the suction nozzle and the spacer roller away from the print head / to the print head and in particular horizontally aligned. The suction nozzle and the spacer roller are then part of a common Assembly displaceable by means of the linear guide. In particular, in combination with the elastically yielding storage, the suction nozzle can thereby drive with reproducible and controllable distance over the pressure nozzles.

Vorzugsweise umfasst der Reinigungskopf eine zwischen der Absaugdüse und der Reinigungsdüse angeordnete Abstreiflippe für die Reinigungsflüssigkeit. Die Abstreiflippe ermöglicht eine Reinigung der Druckkopfplatte und der mechanisch stabilen Einfassung der Düsenplatte in einem gemeinsamen Arbeitsgang.The cleaning head preferably comprises a cleaning liquid wiping lip arranged between the suction nozzle and the cleaning nozzle. The wiper lip allows cleaning of the print head plate and the mechanically stable enclosure of the nozzle plate in a single operation.

Das Abstreifen der Einfassung dient insbesondere dazu, eine Verschmutzung der Abstandsrolle mit Tintenresten und/oder Reinigungsflüssigkeit möglichst gering zu halten oder ganz zu vermeiden. Die Abstreiflippe ist vorzugsweise derart geformt, dass sie die Düsenplatte dabei nicht berührt. Dadurch lässt sich ein unnötiger Verschleiß der Düsenplatte vermeiden und insbesondere auch, dass Schmutzpartikel, angetrocknete Tintenreste oder dergleichen von der Abstreiflippe in die Druckdüsen gedrückt werden.The stripping of the enclosure serves in particular to minimize contamination of the spacer roller with ink residues and / or cleaning liquid or to avoid altogether. The wiper lip is preferably shaped so that it does not touch the nozzle plate. As a result, an unnecessary wear of the nozzle plate can be avoided and, in particular, dirt particles, dried-on ink residues or the like can be pressed by the wiper lip into the pressure nozzles.

Die Abstreiflippe ist vorzugsweise derart ausgebildet, dass davon ablaufende Reinigungsflüssigkeit mit Tintenresten nach unten in Richtung einer Ablauf- und/oder Sammelwanne geleitet wird. Auf der Oberseite der Abstreiflippe kann hierzu eine Ablaufrinne integriert sein, damit von oben herab tropfende Reinigungsflüssigkeit mit Tintenresten darin seitlich zur Ablauf- und/oder Sammelwanne geleitet wird. Die Abstreiflippe ist zudem vorzugsweise als Spritzschutz für die Reinigungsflüssigkeit und Tintenreste nach oben hin ausgebildet. Die Abstreiflippe besteht beispielsweise aus einem geeigneten elastischen Material, wie Silikonkautschuk, aus einem elastischen thermoplastischen Kunststoff oder dergleichen.The wiper lip is preferably designed in such a way that cleaning fluid draining therefrom is conducted with ink residues downwards in the direction of a drain and / or sump. For this purpose, a drainage channel can be integrated on the upper side of the wiper lip, so that cleaning liquid dripping down from above is passed with ink residues therein laterally to the drainage and / or collecting trough. The wiper lip is also preferably formed as a splash guard for the cleaning fluid and ink residues upwards. The wiper lip consists for example of a suitable elastic material, such as silicone rubber, of an elastic thermoplastic or the like.

Vorzugsweise ist die Abstandsrolle wenigstens in zweifacher und insbesondere in wenigstens vierfacher Ausführung an dem Reinigungskopf vorhanden und dann sowohl oberhalb als auch unterhalb der Absaugdüse angeordnet. Dies ermöglicht eine Führung der Absaugdüse über den Druckkopf mit geringem und gleichbleibendem Absaugabstand auch bei einer nicht ideal parallelen Führung der Reinigungsstation entlang der zu reinigenden Oberfläche des Druckkopfs.The spacer roller is preferably present on the cleaning head at least twice and in particular at least fourfold, and then arranged both above and below the suction nozzle. This allows a guide of the suction nozzle via the print head with a small and constant Absaugabstand even with a not ideal parallel guidance of the cleaning station along the surface to be cleaned of the print head.

Vorzugsweise ist die Reinigungsdüse in einer zum Druckkopf hin offenen Reinigungskammer angeordnet. Die Reinigungskammer besitzt dann beispielsweise eine Rückwand, in der die Reinigungsdüse angeordnet ist, sowie Seitenwände derart, dass Reinigungsflüssigkeit und Tintenreste von den Seitenwänden und der Rückwand in eine unterhalb angeordnete Ablauf- und/oder Sammelwanne ablaufen können. Die Decke der Reinigungskammer kann von einem Abdeckblech gebildet werden oder von einer Ablaufwanne einer weiteren, darüber angeordneten Reinigungskammer.The cleaning nozzle is preferably arranged in a cleaning chamber open towards the print head. The cleaning chamber then has, for example, a rear wall, in which the cleaning nozzle is arranged, as well as side walls such that cleaning fluid and ink residues from the side walls and the rear wall can drain into a drain and / or collecting trough arranged below. The ceiling of the cleaning chamber can be from a Cover plate are formed or from a drain pan another, arranged above cleaning chamber.

Die Reinigungsdüse ist beispielsweise eine Hohlkegeldüse und/oder eine Flachstrahldüse. Derartige Düsen können in beliebiger Kombination und Anzahl in der Reinigungskammer angeordnet sein.The cleaning nozzle is for example a hollow cone nozzle and / or a flat jet nozzle. Such nozzles can be arranged in any combination and number in the cleaning chamber.

Hohlkegeldüsen eigenen sich für eine besonders feine Benetzung der Druckkopfdüsen bei geringem Verbrauch an Reinigungsflüssigkeit.Hollow cone nozzles are suitable for a particularly fine wetting of the printhead nozzles with low consumption of cleaning fluid.

Flachstrahldüsen eignen sich besonders für das gerichtete Benetzen der Düsenplatte, ihrer Einfassung und/oder der umgebenden Druckkopfplatte gegebenenfalls aus mehreren, variabel einstellbaren Düsen. Einzelne Flachstrahldüsen könnten beispielsweise mittels Verschlussschrauben geblockt werden. Ebenso könnten einzelne Flachstrahldüsen gekippt und/oder geschwenkt werden.Flat jet nozzles are particularly suitable for the directional wetting of the nozzle plate, its enclosure and / or the surrounding printhead plate optionally from a plurality of variably adjustable nozzles. Individual flat jet nozzles could be blocked, for example by means of screw plugs. Likewise, individual flat jet nozzles could be tilted and / or pivoted.

Folglich können Strahlanzahl, Strahlintensität und/oder Strahlwinkel für das Benetzen der Düsenplatte, ihrer Einfassung und/oder der Druckkopfplatte flexibel an bestimmte Druckkopftypen, Verschmutzungsgrade oder dergleichen angepasst werden.Consequently, the number of rays, beam intensity, and / or beam angle for wetting the nozzle plate, its enclosure, and / or the printhead plate can be flexibly adapted to particular printhead types, levels of contamination, or the like.

Vorzugsweise ist die Reinigungskammer beidseitig von Spritzschutzleisten eingefasst, die bis in eine Ablauf- und/oder Sammelwanne für die Reinigungsflüssigkeit und/oder Tintenreste hinab reichen. Die Spritzschutzleisten sind vorzugsweise aus einem gegenüber der Reinigungsflüssigkeit und Tintenresten resistenten Material gefertigt und beispielsweise als elastische Dichtlippen ausgebildet.Preferably, the cleaning chamber is bordered on both sides by splash guard strips that reach down into a drain and / or collecting trough for the cleaning fluid and / or ink residues. The splash guard strips are preferably made of a material resistant to the cleaning fluid and ink residues and formed, for example, as elastic sealing lips.

Die Spritzschutzleisten greifen vorzugsweise in korrespondierende Nuten am Druckkopf ein, wobei zwischen den Spritzschutzleisten und den Nuten ein Spiel zum Ausgleich von Toleranzen und/oder Positionierungsungenauigkeiten vorgesehen ist. Durch das Eingreifen der Spritzschutzleisten ist dennoch ein ausreichender Spritzschutz in seitlicher Richtung zwischen Reinigungskammer und Druckkopf gegeben.The splash guard strips preferably engage in corresponding grooves on the print head, wherein a clearance to compensate for tolerances and / or positioning inaccuracies is provided between the splashguards and the grooves. By the intervention of the splash guard is still sufficient splash protection in the lateral direction between the cleaning chamber and printhead given.

Reinigungsflüssigkeit und Tintenreste können dann auf der Innenseite der Spritzschutzleisten herab laufen und von der Ablauf- und/oder Sammelwanne aufgefangen werden. Zu diesem Zweck stehen die Spritzschutzleisten vorzugsweise nach unten über ihre Befestigung am Reinigungskopf über. Dies erleichtert ein zielgerichtetes Abtropfen der Reinigungsflüssigkeit und Tintenreste in die Ablauf- und/oder Sammelwanne. Folglich lassen sich Verschmutzungen durch Spritzer, ablaufende Reinigungsflüssigkeit oder dergleichen zuverlässig vermeiden.Cleaning fluid and ink residue can then run down on the inside of the splash guard and be collected by the drain and / or collection trough. For this purpose, the splash guard are preferably down over their attachment to the cleaning head over. This facilitates a targeted dripping of the cleaning fluid and ink residues in the drain and / or sump. Consequently, soiling can be reliably avoid by splashes, running cleaning liquid or the like.

Vorzugsweise umfasst der Reinigungskopf ferner wenigstens eine zwischen der Reinigungsdüse und der Absaugdüse angeordnete Druckgasdüse zum Abblasen der Reinigungsflüssigkeit vom Druckkopf. Dadurch lässt sich die Beseitigung von Rückständen des Reinigungsmittels und/oder von Tintenresten gezielt mittels Druckluft oder dergleichen Druckgas verbessern. Auch Druckgasdüsen lassen sich hinsichtlich ihres Strahlwinkels bezüglich des zu reinigenden Druckkopfs auf geeignete Weise einstellen. Ebenso können Druckgasdüsen gezielt für einzelne Bereiche des Druckkopfs vorhanden sein und gezielt zugeschaltet oder weggeschaltet werden.Preferably, the cleaning head further comprises at least one pressure gas nozzle arranged between the cleaning nozzle and the suction nozzle for blowing off the cleaning liquid from the print head. As a result, the removal of residues of the cleaning agent and / or of ink residues can be specifically improved by means of compressed air or similar compressed gas. Even compressed gas nozzles can be adjusted in terms of their beam angle with respect to the printhead to be cleaned in a suitable manner. Likewise, compressed gas nozzles can be targeted for individual areas of the print head and selectively switched on or switched off.

Vorzugsweise umfasst die Reinigungsstation ferner eine Hubvorrichtung mit einem Läufer zum Anheben des Reinigungskopfs von einer Parkposition in einen Reinigungsbereich. Der Reinigungsbereich ist dann vorzugsweise oberhalb der Parkposition. Entsprechend lässt sich der zu reinigende Druckkopf dann von seiner Arbeitsposition horizontal in den Reinigungsbereich fahren. Im Reinigungsbereich kann der Reinigungskopf dann vorzugsweise in vertikaler Richtung am Druckkopf entlang gefahren werden, um den Druckkopf gezielt zu besprühen sowie Flüssigkeiten von benetzten Oberflächen abzublasen, abzustreifen und abzusaugen.Preferably, the cleaning station further comprises a lifting device with a rotor for lifting the cleaning head from a parking position into a cleaning area. The cleaning area is then preferably above the parking position. Accordingly, the print head to be cleaned can then be moved horizontally from its working position into the cleaning area. In the cleaning area, the cleaning head can then preferably be moved along the print head in the vertical direction in order to spray the print head in a targeted manner and to blow off, strip and suck off liquids from wetted surfaces.

Vorzugsweise können die Druckköpfe dann zusätzlich in eine Parkposition gefahren werden. Druckköpfe, die für ein bestimmtes Druckbild nicht benötigt werden, können dadurch vor potentiell nachteiligen Einflüssen, wie beispielsweise UV-Licht von Pinning-Lampen, Staub oder dergleichen, geschützt werden. Ebenso ermöglichen Parkpositionen eine schonende Positionierung der Druckköpfe am Produktionsende, über Nacht oder dergleichen.Preferably, the printheads can then additionally be moved to a parking position. Printheads that are not needed for a particular print image can thereby be protected from potentially adverse effects such as UV light from ping lamps, dust or the like. Likewise, parking positions enable careful positioning of the printheads at the end of production, overnight or the like.

Vorzugsweise umfasst die Reinigungsstation zwei auf dem Läufer übereinander sitzende Reinigungsköpfe. Die Reinigungsköpfe sind vorzugsweise modular aufgebaut und fest übereinander montiert. Beispielsweise kann die Reinigungskammer des oberen Reinigungskopfs nach unten hin von einer Auffangwanne abgeschlossen sein, die gleichzeitig als Decke für die Reinigungskammer des unteren Reinigungskopfs dient. Reinigungsflüssigkeit und Tintenreste können dann von der Auffangwanne des oberen Reinigungskopfs in die Reinigungskammer des unteren Reinigungskopfs geleitet werden und dort an den Seitenwänden und/oder der Hinterwand in eine nach unten abschließende Ablaufwanne laufen. Beide Reinigungsköpfe können ansonsten gleichartige Merkmale aufweisen, sodass zwei Druckköpfe gleichzeitig oder überlappend gereinigt werden können.Preferably, the cleaning station comprises two on the runner superimposed cleaning heads. The cleaning heads are preferably modular and firmly mounted one above the other. For example, the cleaning chamber of the upper cleaning head can be closed at the bottom of a sump, which also serves as a cover for the cleaning chamber of the lower cleaning head. Cleaning fluid and ink residue can then be passed from the sump of the upper cleaning head in the cleaning chamber of the lower cleaning head and run there on the side walls and / or the rear wall in a down-closing drain pan. Both cleaning heads may otherwise have similar characteristics, so that two printheads can be cleaned simultaneously or overlapping.

Vorzugsweise umfasst die Reinigungsstation eine weitere Hubvorrichtung mit einem Läufer zum Anheben eines bezüglich der übereinander sitzenden ersten und zweiten Reinigungsköpfe seitlich versetzten dritten Reinigungskopfs von einer Parkposition in einen Reinigungsbereich für einen dritten Druckkopf. Die Positionierung des zugeordneten Druckkopfs erfolgt auch bei dem dritten Reinigungskopf wie oben beschrieben. Folglich lassen sich drei Druckköpfe mit insgesamt vertikal überlappenden Druckdüsen gleichzeitig an der Reinigungsstation wie zuvor beschrieben reinigen. Auch der dritte Reinigungskopf weist dann im Wesentlichen die bezüglich des ersten und zweiten Reinigungskopfs beschriebenen Merkmale auf.Preferably, the cleaning station comprises a further lifting device with a rotor for lifting a third cleaning head laterally offset with respect to the stacked first and second cleaning heads from a parking position into a cleaning area for a third print head. The positioning of the associated print head also occurs in the third cleaning head as described above. Consequently, three printheads with a total of vertically overlapping pressure nozzles can be cleaned simultaneously at the cleaning station as previously described. The third cleaning head then essentially has the features described with respect to the first and second cleaning heads.

Sämtliche Reinigungsköpfe sind vorzugsweise modular ausgebildet und unterscheiden sich vorzugsweise nur durch die Decken und Auffang-/ Ablaufwannen ihrer Reinigungskammern.All cleaning heads are preferably modular and preferably differ only by the ceilings and collecting / drainage pans their cleaning chambers.

Die Hubvorrichtung für den ersten und zweiten Reinigungskopf ist dann vorzugsweise als pneumatisch gesteuerter Mehrstellungszylinder ausgebildet, die weitere Hubvorrichtung für den dritten Reinigungskopf beispielsweise als pneumatischer Zylinder mit nur einer Schaltstellung.The lifting device for the first and second cleaning head is then preferably designed as a pneumatically controlled multi-position cylinder, the further lifting device for the third cleaning head, for example, as a pneumatic cylinder with only one switching position.

Die Hubvorrichtungen sind vorzugsweise mit Feststellelementen für die angehobenen Reinigungsköpfe ausgebildet, um beispielsweise deren Absacken bei einem Stromausfall und/oder Pneumatikausfall zu verhindern. Dies dient unter anderem einem Schutz der Druckköpfe.The lifting devices are preferably formed with locking elements for the raised cleaning heads, for example, to prevent their sagging in case of power failure and / or pneumatic failure. Among other things, this serves to protect the printheads.

Die Hubvorrichtungen umfassen vorzugsweise ferner Linearführungen für die Reinigungsköpfe, gegebenenfalls in Form von Teleskopschienen.The lifting devices preferably further comprise linear guides for the cleaning heads, optionally in the form of telescopic rails.

Die Wände der Reinigungskammer, Ablauf- und/oder Sammelwannen, Spritzschutzleisten, Abstandsrollen, Abstreiflippen oder dergleichen Oberflächen, die in direkten Kontakt mit der Reinigungsflüssigkeit und Tintenresten kommen, sind vorzugsweise mit einer hydrophoben und/oder bezüglich der Reinigungsflüssigkeit und Drucktinten resistenten Beschichtung versehen. Die Beschichtung kann beispielsweise einen Lotuseffekt zur verbesserten Reinigung der beschichteten Oberflächen aufweisen. Besonders geeignet ist beispielsweise eine Beschichtung vom Typ "Tufram 615P". Auch die Druckkopfplatte ist vorzugsweise entsprechend beschichtet, um ihre Reinigung zu erleichtern.The walls of the cleaning chamber, drain and / or collecting troughs, splash guard strips, spacer rollers, wiper lips or similar surfaces that come into direct contact with the cleaning fluid and ink residues are preferably provided with a hydrophobic and / or with respect to the cleaning fluid and printing inks resistant coating. The coating may, for example, have a lotus effect for improved cleaning of the coated surfaces. For example, a coating of the type "Tufram 615P" is particularly suitable. Also, the printhead plate is preferably coated accordingly to facilitate its cleaning.

Bei Reinigungsstationen mit mehreren Reinigungsköpfen sind diese vorzugsweise so angeordnet, dass mit ihnen gleichzeitig mehrere Druckköpfe für ein überlappendes Drucken im sogenannten "Stitching" gereinigt werden können. Derartige Druckköpfe sind in ihren Arbeitspositionen insgesamt sowohl vertikal als auch horizontal zueinander versetzt. Daraus folgt eine entsprechend Positionierung der Druckköpfe auch in ihren Reinigungsbereichen.In cleaning stations with a plurality of cleaning heads, these are preferably arranged so that at the same time several print heads for overlapping printing in the so-called "stitching" can be cleaned with them. Such printheads are in their working positions total offset both vertically and horizontally to each other. This results in a corresponding positioning of the print heads in their cleaning areas.

Die Druckköpfe sind vorzugsweise für ein Purgen während des laufenden Betriebs der zugehörigen Direktdruckmaschine ausgebildet, wobei die Reinigungsstation dann zum Anfahren des Reinigungsbereichs während des Purgens ausgebildet ist.The printheads are preferably formed for purge during ongoing operation of the associated direct printing machine, the cleaning station then being adapted to start up the cleaning area during the purge.

Die gestellte Aufgabe wird ebenso mit einer Direktdruckstation für Behälter gemäß Anspruch 12 gelöst. Demnach umfasst die Direktdruckstation eine Reinigungsstation nach wenigstens einem der vorigen Ansprüche und auf den Reinigungskopf / die Reinigungsköpfe horizontal zu bewegbare Druckköpfe. Jeweils einander zugeordneter Reinigungskopf und Druckkopf können dann vertikal bzw. horizontal in einen gemeinsamen Reinigungsbereich bewegt werden.The stated object is also achieved with a direct printing station for containers according to claim 12. Accordingly, the direct printing station comprises a cleaning station according to at least one of the preceding claims and to the cleaning head / cleaning heads horizontally movable to print heads. Each associated cleaning head and print head can then be moved vertically or horizontally in a common cleaning area.

Vorzugsweise umfassen die Druckköpfe formstabile Einfassungen für die Druckdüsen und/oder Düsenplatte, wobei die Abstandsrolle so angeordnet ist oder die Abstandsrollen so im Abstand zueinander angeordnet sind, dass sie neben den Druckdüsen auf der Einfassung abrollen kann / können. Dies ermöglicht eine berührungslose Reinigung der Druckdüsen mit gleichbleibendem Abstand zu darüber hinweg bewegten Absaugdüsen.Preferably, the printheads comprise dimensionally stable enclosures for the printing nozzles and / or nozzle plate, wherein the spacer roller is arranged or the spacer rollers are arranged at a distance from each other so that they can roll on the enclosure next to the printing nozzles. This allows non-contact cleaning of the pressure nozzles with a constant distance to suction nozzles moving across it.

Vorzugsweise sitzen die Druckköpfe in Druckkopfplatten mit vertikal verlaufenden Nuten für den Eingriff von an den Reinigungsköpfen ausgebildeten Spritzschutzleisten. Dies ermöglicht einen zuverlässigen seitlichen Spritzschutz bei gleichzeitigem Spiel zwischen den Spritzschutzleisten und den Nuten der Abdeckplatte. Dadurch ist eine zuverlässige Funktion hinsichtlich des Spritzschutzes und der geforderten Relativbewegung zwischen Reinigungskopf und Druckkopf auch bei Maßtoleranzen und/oder Positionierungstoleranzen gegeben.Preferably, the printheads are seated in printhead plates having vertically extending grooves for engaging splash guard rails formed on the cleaning heads. This allows a reliable side splash protection with simultaneous play between the splash guard and the grooves of the cover plate. As a result, a reliable function in terms of splash protection and the required relative movement between the cleaning head and printhead is given even with dimensional tolerances and / or positioning tolerances.

Eine bevorzugte Ausführungsform der Erfindung ist den Zeichnungen dargestellt. Es zeigen:

Fig. 1
eine schematische Darstellung einer Reinigungsstation;
Fig. 2
eine Schrägansicht eines zugehörigen Reinigungskopfes;
Fig. 3
einen Längsschnitt durch den Reinigungskopf;
Fig. 4
eine Schrägansicht des Reinigungskopfs mit zugehörigem Druckkopf; und
Fig. 5
eine schematische seitliche Ansicht des Mindest-Absaugabstands.
A preferred embodiment of the invention is shown in the drawings. Show it:
Fig. 1
a schematic representation of a cleaning station;
Fig. 2
an oblique view of an associated cleaning head;
Fig. 3
a longitudinal section through the cleaning head;
Fig. 4
an oblique view of the cleaning head with associated printhead; and
Fig. 5
a schematic side view of the minimum extraction distance.

Wie die Fig. 1 erkennen lässt, umfasst die Reinigungsstation 100 in einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform vertikal bewegliche Reinigungsköpfe 1, 2, 3 zur Reinigung horizontal beweglicher Druckköpfe 4, 5, 6. Die Druckköpfe 4, 5, 6, sind in der Fig. 1 teilweise von den Reinigungsköpfen 1, 2, 3 verdeckt.As the Fig. 1 In a preferred embodiment, the cleaning station 100 comprises vertically movable cleaning heads 1, 2, 3 for cleaning horizontally movable printheads 4, 5, 6. The printheads 4, 5, 6 are in the Fig. 1 partially obscured by the cleaning heads 1, 2, 3.

Die Reinigungsköpfe 1, 2, 3 sind an Hubvorrichtungen 7, 8 befestigt und können an diesen von Parkpositionen 9, 10 in Reinigungsbereiche 11, 12, 13, also im Wesentlichen auf die Höhe der zugehörigen Druckköpfe 4, 5, 6, angehoben werden.The cleaning heads 1, 2, 3 are attached to lifting devices 7, 8 and can be raised at these parking positions 9, 10 in cleaning areas 11, 12, 13, ie substantially to the height of the associated print heads 4, 5, 6.

Vorzugsweise sind ein erster Reinigungskopf 1 und ein zweiter Reinigungskopf 2 fest übereinander angeordnet und gemeinsam auf einer ersten Hubvorrichtung 7 bewegbar. Diese umfasst beispielsweise einen pneumatisch angetriebenen Mehrstellungszylinder 7a mit einem Läufer 7b und eine erste vertikale Linearführung 7c.Preferably, a first cleaning head 1 and a second cleaning head 2 are fixedly arranged one above the other and can be moved together on a first lifting device 7. This includes, for example, a pneumatically driven multi-position cylinder 7a with a rotor 7b and a first vertical linear guide 7c.

Mit Hilfe des Mehrstellungszylinders 7a kann der erste Reinigungskopf 1 in einen mit einem ersten Druckkopf 4 gemeinsamen ersten Reinigungsbereich 11 in vertikaler Richtung 14 angehoben werden und ein zweiter Reinigungskopf 2 in einen mit einem zweiten Druckkopf 5 gemeinsamen zweiten Reinigungsbereich 12.With the aid of the multi-position cylinder 7a, the first cleaning head 1 can be raised in a vertical direction 14 into a first cleaning area 11 common to a first print head 4, and a second cleaning head 2 into a second cleaning area 12 common to a second print head 5.

Der erste und zweite Druckkopf 4, 5 sind getrennt voneinander aus ihren Arbeitspositionen in den ersten und zweiten Reinigungsbereich 11, 12 in horizontaler Richtung 15 fahrbar. In ihren Arbeitspositionen sind der erste und zweite Druckkopf 4, 5 für einen überlappenden Kombinationsdruck fluchtend übereinander angeordnet.The first and second print head 4, 5 are separated from each other from their working positions in the first and second cleaning region 11, 12 in the horizontal direction 15 movable. In their working positions, the first and second print heads 4, 5 are arranged in alignment for an overlapping combination printing.

Vorzugsweise ist in Druckrichtung seitlich dazu versetzt ein dritter Reinigungskopf 3 separat vertikal bewegbar an einer zweiten Hubvorrichtung 8 befestigt. Die zweite Hubvorrichtung 8 umfasst beispielsweise einen pneumatisch betriebenen Einstellungszylinder 8a mit einem Läufer 8b und eine zweite Linearführung 8c für den dritten Reinigungskopf 3. Daran lässt sich der dritte Reinigungskopf 3 in einen mit einem dritten Druckkopf 6 gemeinsamen dritten Reinigungsbereich 13 anheben.Preferably, a third cleaning head 3 is mounted separately vertically movable on a second lifting device 8 in the printing direction laterally offset thereto. The second lifting device 8 comprises, for example, a pneumatically operated setting cylinder 8a with a rotor 8b and a second linear guide 8c for the third cleaning head 3. The third cleaning head 3 can be lifted into a third cleaning area 13 common to a third print head 6.

Auch der dritte Druckkopf 6 lässt sich zu diesem Zweck horizontal aus seiner Arbeitsposition in den dritten Reinigungsbereich 13 fahren. Der dritte Druckkopf 6 befindet sich in seiner Arbeitsstellung vorzugsweise vertikal zwischen und horizontal neben dem ersten und zweiten Druckkopf 4, 5 für einen in vertikaler Richtung überlappenden Kombinationsdruck mittels der drei Druckköpfe 4, 5, 6.The third print head 6 can also be moved horizontally from its working position into the third cleaning area 13 for this purpose. The third print head 6 is in its working position preferably vertically between and horizontally adjacent to the first and second print head 4, 5 for a combination overlapping in the vertical direction by means of the three print heads 4, 5, 6th

Die Fig. 2 zeigt beispielhaft den dritten Reinigungskopf 3 in einer Schrägansicht. Sofern nichts anderes beschrieben ist, umfassen der erste und zweite Reinigungskopf 1, 2 entsprechende technische Merkmale.The Fig. 2 shows an example of the third cleaning head 3 in an oblique view. Unless otherwise described, the first and second cleaning heads 1, 2 comprise corresponding technical features.

Der Reinigungskopf 3 umfasst demnach eine Reinigungsdüse 21 zum Ausstoßen einer Reinigungsflüssigkeit beispielsweise als hohlkegelförmiger Strahl. Ferner ist oberhalb der Reinigungsdüse 21 eine Absaugdüse 22 vorhanden zum Absaugen der Reinigungsflüssigkeit und darin gelöster Tintenreste vom zugeordneten Druckkopf 6. Mit der Absaugdüse 22 sind Abstandsrollen 23 an einem gemeinsamen Träger 24 befestigt und in horizontaler Richtung 25 verschiebbar in dem Reinigungskopf 3 gelagert.The cleaning head 3 accordingly comprises a cleaning nozzle 21 for ejecting a cleaning liquid, for example as a hollow cone-shaped jet. Further, above the cleaning nozzle 21, a suction nozzle 22 is provided for sucking the cleaning liquid and ink residues dissolved therein from the associated print head 6. With the suction nozzle 22 spacer rollers 23 are fixed to a common carrier 24 and slidably mounted in the horizontal direction 25 in the cleaning head 3.

Wie ferner die Fig. 3 diesbezüglich erkennen lässt, ist für die Halterung 24 mit der Absaugdüse 22 und den Abstandsrollen 23 eine nach innen elastisch nachgiebige Lagerung 26 ausgebildet sowie eine horizontal ausgerichtete Linearführung 27.How further the Fig. 3 can be seen in this regard, for the holder 24 with the suction nozzle 22 and the spacer rollers 23 an elastically resilient inwardly bearing 26 is formed and a horizontally oriented linear guide 27th

Die elastisch nachgiebige Lagerung umfasst beispielsweise Druckfedern 26a (Fig. 4), die die Andruckrollen 23 bezüglich eines starren Gehäuses 28 des Reinigungskopfs 3 um einen Überstand 29 vorstehen lässt. Für die Halterung 24 ist vorzugsweise ein Anschlag 30 im Reinigungskopf 3 ausgebildet, sodass der Überstand 29 der Abstandsrollen 23 über das Gehäuse 28 ein Mindestmaß von beispielsweise 1 bis 5 mm nicht unterschreitet.The elastically yielding bearing comprises, for example, compression springs 26a (FIG. Fig. 4 ), which projects the pressure rollers 23 with respect to a rigid housing 28 of the cleaning head 3 by a projection 29. For the holder 24, a stop 30 is preferably formed in the cleaning head 3, so that the projection 29 of the spacer rollers 23 via the housing 28 does not fall below a minimum of, for example, 1 to 5 mm.

Die Abstandsrollen 23 stehen an der Halterung 24 vorzugsweise in Richtung auf den zu reinigenden Druckkopf 6 über die Absaugdüse 22 über, sodass die Absaugdüse 22 eine am Druckkopf 6 ausgebildete Düsenplatte mit ihren mechanisch empfindlichen Druckdüsen beim Absaugen nicht berührt. Dabei rollen die Abstandsrollen 23 vorzugsweise auf einer mechanisch stabilen Einfassung der Düsenplatte ab.The spacer rollers 23 are on the holder 24 preferably in the direction of the print head 6 to be cleaned via the suction nozzle 22, so that the suction nozzle 22 does not touch a nozzle plate formed on the print head 6 with their mechanically sensitive pressure nozzles during suction. The spacer rollers 23 roll preferably on a mechanically stable enclosure of the nozzle plate.

In diesem Fall kann ein Mindestwert des Absaugabstands zwischen Absaugdüse und Düsenplatte auch dann eingehalten werden, wenn die Düsenplatte und ihre formstabile Einfassung miteinander fluchtende Oberflächen aufweisen.In this case, a minimum value of the suction distance between the suction nozzle and the nozzle plate can be maintained even if the nozzle plate and its dimensionally stable enclosure have mutually aligned surfaces.

Ergänzend oder alternativ könnte die formstabile Einfassung über die Düsenplatte vorstehen, um einen Mindestwert des Absaugabstands einzuhalten (sofern die Arbeitsfunktion des Druckkopfs dadurch nicht beeinträchtigt wird). Die Abstandsrollen 23 müssten dann nicht oder nur weniger über die Absaugdüse 22 vorstehen.Additionally or alternatively, the dimensionally stable enclosure could protrude beyond the nozzle plate to maintain a minimum suction distance (unless the work function of the printhead is adversely affected). The spacer rollers 23 would then not or only slightly project beyond the suction nozzle 22.

In jedem Fall sind die Absaugdüse 22 und die Abstandsrollen 23 derart zueinander angeordnet und nur bis zum Anschlag 30 einfedernd gelagert, dass ein Kontakt der empfindlichen Druckdüsen mit der Absaugdüse 22 und dem Gehäuse 28 jederzeit verhindert wird.In any case, the suction nozzle 22 and the spacer rollers 23 are arranged to each other and spring-mounted only to stop 30 that contact of the sensitive pressure nozzles with the suction nozzle 22 and the housing 28 is prevented at all times.

In den Fig. 2 und 3 sind ferner eine horizontal ausgerichtete Abstreiflippe 31 und seitliche, insbesondere vertikal ausgerichtete Spritzschutzleisten 32 zu erkennen sowie optionale Druckgasdüsen 33.In the Fig. 2 and 3 Furthermore, a horizontally aligned wiper lip 31 and lateral, in particular vertically aligned splash guard strips 32 can be seen, as well as optional compressed gas nozzles 33.

Die Abstreiflippe 31 dient dazu, Reinigungsflüssigkeit und/oder Tintenreste von Druckkopfbereichen seitlich neben der Düsenplatte abzustreifen, insbesondere auch von dem Bereich der formstabilen Einfassung, auf dem die Abstandrollen 23 abrollen. Dadurch lässt sich eine Verschmutzung der Abstandsrollen 23 vermeiden. Der Bereich der Druckdüsen soll davon jedoch ausgespart werden. Zu diesem Zweck weist die Abstreiflippe 31 beispielsweise eine zentrale Aussparung 31a nur für den Bereich der Druckdüsen auf.The wiper lip 31 serves to strip cleaning liquid and / or ink residues of print head areas laterally next to the nozzle plate, in particular also from the region of the dimensionally stable enclosure, on which the spacer rollers 23 roll. As a result, contamination of the spacer rollers 23 can be avoided. However, the area of the pressure nozzles should be omitted. For this purpose, the wiper lip 31 has, for example, a central recess 31a only for the area of the pressure nozzles.

Die Druckgasdüsen 33 sind beispielsweise Flachstrahldüsen und vorzugsweise schräg nach unten gerichtet, sodass Reinigungsflüssigkeit und/oder Tintenreste vom Druckkopf 6 nach unten hin in eine Ablauf- und/oder Sammelwanne 34 getrieben werden. Die Druckgasdüsen 33 können zu diesem Zweck auch um eine horizontale Achse verstellbar sein, um die Richtung der abgegebenen Druckgasstrahlen an die jeweiligen Anforderungen zum Abblasen des Druckkopfs 6 anzupassen.The compressed gas nozzles 33 are, for example, flat jet nozzles and preferably directed obliquely downward, so that cleaning liquid and / or ink residues are driven from the print head 6 down into a drain and / or collecting trough 34. The compressed gas nozzles 33 can also be adjusted for this purpose about a horizontal axis in order to adapt the direction of the emitted compressed gas jets to the respective requirements for blowing off the print head 6.

Die Ablauf- und/oder Sammelwanne 34 ist am dritten Reinigungskopf 3 vorzugsweise so ausgebildet, dass die dort gesammelte Reinigungsflüssigkeit und Tintenreste abgepumpt werden können. Dies gilt ebenso für den in der Fig. 1 dargestellten unteren ersten Reinigungskopf 1.The drain and / or collection trough 34 is preferably formed on the third cleaning head 3 so that the cleaning liquid and ink residues collected there can be pumped out. This also applies to the in the Fig. 1 shown lower first cleaning head. 1

Bei dem darauf befestigten zweiten Reinigungskopf 2 ist die Ablauf- und/oder Sammelwanne 34 vorzugsweise so ausgebildet, dass Reinigungsflüssigkeit und Tintenreste an die Seitenwände und/oder an die Rückwand des darunter liegenden ersten Reinigungskopfs 1 geleitet werden und dort bis in dessen Ablauf- und/oder Sammelwanne 34 herunter laufen.In the attached second cleaning head 2, the drain and / or collecting trough 34 is preferably designed so that cleaning fluid and ink residues are passed to the side walls and / or to the rear wall of the underlying first cleaning head 1 and there until its expiry and / or or collection trough 34 run down.

Wie die Fig. 2 erkennen lässt, umfasst das Gehäuse 28 des zweiten und dritten Reinigungskopfs 2, 3 auf seiner Oberseite eine Deckplatte 28a, die beim ersten (unteren) Reinigungskopf 1 durch die Sammelwanne 34 des zweiten (oberen) Reinigungskopfs 2 ersetzt wird, um den Durchfluss von Reinigungsflüssigkeit und Tintenresten nach unten zu ermöglichen.As the Fig. 2 can recognize the housing 28 of the second and third cleaning head 2, 3 on its upper side a cover plate 28 a, which is replaced at the first (lower) cleaning head 1 by the sump 34 of the second (upper) cleaning head 2 to the flow of cleaning liquid and To allow ink residues down.

Die Seitenwände 28b, die Rückwand 28c sowie die Abstreiflippe 31 und die Spritzschutzleisten 32 begrenzen gemeinsam mit der Ablauf- und/oder Sammelwanne 34 eine Reinigungskammer 35, in der der zu reinigende Druckkopf 6 von der Reinigungsdüse 21 benetzt wird. Gegebenenfalls können um die Reinigungsdüse 21 zusätzliche Spritzschutz- und/oder Ablaufwände 36 ausgebildet sein, die beispielsweise ein gezieltes Ablaufen von Reinigungsflüssigkeit und/oder Tintenresten nach unten hin erleichtern.The side walls 28b, the rear wall 28c and the wiper lip 31 and the splash guard 32 limit together with the drain and / or collection trough 34, a cleaning chamber 35 in which the printhead to be cleaned 6 is wetted by the cleaning nozzle 21. Optionally, additional splash guard and / or drain walls 36 can be formed around the cleaning nozzle 21, which facilitate, for example, a targeted drainage of cleaning liquid and / or ink residues downwards.

Die Fig. 4 verdeutlich den zu reinigen Druckkopf 6 mit den daran abrollenden Abstandsrollen 23. Demnach umfasst der Druckkopf 6 eine frontseitige Druckkopfplatte 41, in der vertikal verlaufende Nuten 42 ausgebildet sind. Diese dienen dem Eingriff der seitlichen Spritzschutzleisten 32. Hierbei wird ein definiertes Spiel zwischen den Spritzschutzleisten 32 und den Nuten 42 zugelassen, um Herstellungstoleranzen und Positionierungstoleranzen während des Reinigungsprozesses auszugleichen. Nichtsdestoweniger verhindert das Eingreifen der Spritzschutzleisten 32 ein seitliches Herausspritzen von Reinigungsflüssigkeit und Tintenresten aus dem gemeinsamen Reinigungsbereich 13 von Reinigungskopf 3 und Druckkopf 6.The Fig. 4 illustrates the clean-up printhead 6 with the spacer rollers 23 rolling thereon. Accordingly, the printhead 6 comprises a front-side printhead plate 41, in which vertically extending grooves 42 are formed. These are used to engage the side splash guard 32. Here, a defined clearance between the splash guard 32 and the grooves 42 is allowed to compensate for manufacturing tolerances and positioning tolerances during the cleaning process. Nonetheless, the engagement of the splash guard bars 32 prevents lateral spewing of cleaning fluid and ink residue from the common cleaning area 13 of the cleaning head 3 and printhead 6.

De Druckkopf umfasst ferner eine mechanisch empfindliche Düsenplatte 43 mit einer Vielzahl rasterförmig angeordneter Druckdüsen und eine formstabile Einfassung 44 für die Düsenplatte 43. Die Einfassung 44 besteht vorzugsweise aus einem Metall und insbesondere aus Edelstahl. Die Einfassung 44 dient als Abrollfläche für die Abstandsrollen 23.The print head further comprises a mechanically sensitive nozzle plate 43 having a plurality of raster-shaped pressure nozzles and a dimensionally stable enclosure 44 for the nozzle plate 43. The enclosure 44 is preferably made of a metal and in particular of stainless steel. The enclosure 44 serves as a rolling surface for the spacer rollers 23.

Die Abstandsrollen 23 und die formstabile Einfassung 44 halten die Absaugdüse 22 während der Reinigung des Druckkopfs auf dem Absaugabstand zur Düsenplatte 43. Die empfindlichen Druckdüsen kommen somit weder mit den Abstandrollen 23 noch mit der Absaugdüse 22 in Kontakt, ebenso wenig mit Bestandteilen des Gehäuses 28.The spacer rollers 23 and the dimensionally stable enclosure 44 hold the suction nozzle 22 during the cleaning of the print head at the Absaugabstand to the nozzle plate 43. The sensitive pressure nozzles thus come into contact neither with the spacer rollers 23 nor with the suction nozzle 22, as well as with components of the housing 28th

Stattdessen wird ein vorgegebener Mindestabstand MA zwischen der Absaugdüse 22 und der Düsenplatte 43 von 0,2 mm nicht unterschritten. Vorzugsweise liegt der Absaugabstand stets zwischen dem Mindestabstand MA von 0,2 mm und einem Maximalabstand von beispielsweise 0,5 mm für eine optimale Absaugung von Flüssigkeiten von der Oberfläche der Düsenplatte 43. Dies lässt sich einerseits durch die relative Anordnung der Absaugdüse 22 und der Abstandsrollen 23 und/oder die relative Anordnung der Düsenplatte 43 und der Einfassung 44 in horizontaler Richtung 15, 25 bewirken und andererseits durch die elastische Lagerung 26.Instead, a predetermined minimum distance MA between the suction nozzle 22 and the nozzle plate 43 of 0.2 mm is not exceeded. Preferably, the Absaugabstand is always between the minimum distance MA of 0.2 mm and a maximum distance of, for example, 0.5 mm for optimal extraction of liquids from the surface of the nozzle plate 43. This can be on the one hand by the relative arrangement of the suction nozzle 22 and the spacer rollers 23 and / or the relative arrangement of the nozzle plate 43 and the enclosure 44 in the horizontal direction 15, 25 cause and on the other hand by the elastic support 26th

Die Fig. 5 verdeutlicht den einzuhaltenden Mindestabstand MA zwischen der Absaugdüse 22 und der Düsenplatte 43 bei miteinander fluchtender Düsenplatte 43 und formstabiler Einfassung 44 (links) und bei überstehender Einfassung 44 (rechts). Der Mindestabstand MA ist zur Verdeutlichung übertrieben dargestellt. Der Mindestabstand MA zur Düsenplatte 43 kann durch den Überstand (in der Fig. 5 zur linken Seite hin) der Laufrollen 23 über die Absaugdüse 22 vorgegeben / eingestellt werden.The Fig. 5 illustrates the minimum distance MA to be maintained between the suction nozzle 22 and the nozzle plate 43 in the aligned nozzle plate 43 and dimensionally stable enclosure 44 (left) and protruding enclosure 44 (right). The minimum distance MA is exaggerated for clarity. The minimum distance MA to the nozzle plate 43 can by the supernatant (in the Fig. 5 to the left side) of the rollers 23 via the suction nozzle 22 can be set / adjusted.

Zum Herstellen des vorgegebenen Absaugabstands wird der Druckkopf 6 in horizontaler Richtung 15 auf Kontakt an die Abstandsrollen 23 herangefahren, sodass die Abstandsrollen 23 und die Absaugdüse 22 in ihrer gemeinsamen Halterung 24 mittels der elastisch nachgiebigen Lagerung 26 einfedern.To produce the predetermined Absaugabstands the print head 6 is moved in the horizontal direction 15 on contact with the spacer rollers 23, so that the spacer rollers 23 and the suction nozzle 22 in their common bracket 24 by means of the resilient bearing 26 compress.

Hierbei geben beispielsweise die Druckfedern 26a einen geeigneten Anpressdruck während der Absaugung vor. Der Verstellbereich der elastisch nachgiebigen Lagerung 26 ist dann derart ausgebildet, dass einerseits ein zuverlässiger Kontakt der Abstandsrollen 23 mit der formstabilen Einfassung 44 auch unter Berücksichtigung von Maßtoleranzen und/oder Positionierungsungenauigkeiten bei der Reinigung gegeben ist und andererseits ein Kontakt des Druckkopfs 6 mit dem Gehäuse 28 des Reinigungskopfs 3 zuverlässig vermieden wird.In this case, for example, the compression springs 26a provide a suitable contact pressure during the suction. The adjustment of the elastically resilient mounting 26 is then formed such that on the one hand reliable contact of the spacer rollers 23 is given with the dimensionally stable enclosure 44, taking into account dimensional tolerances and / or positioning inaccuracies in the cleaning and on the other hand, a contact of the print head 6 with the housing 28th the cleaning head 3 is reliably avoided.

Die Annäherung des Druckkopfs 6 und des Reinigungskopfs 3 in horizontaler Richtung 15 erfolgt vorzugsweise mittels einer elektrisch gesteuerten Verstelleinheit 45 für den Druckkopf 6, wäre jedoch prinzipiell auch durch eine entsprechende Lineareinheit am Reinigungskopf 3 denkbar.The approach of the print head 6 and the cleaning head 3 in the horizontal direction 15 is preferably carried out by means of an electrically controlled adjusting unit 45 for the print head 6, but would in principle also by a corresponding linear unit on the cleaning head 3 conceivable.

Ebenso wird die Annäherung des Reinigungskopfs 3 an den Druckkopf 6 in vertikaler Richtung 14 vorzugsweise mittels der Hubvorrichtung 8 durchgeführt. Denkbar wäre jedoch auch hier eine vertikale Verstellbarkeit des Druckkopfs 6 zumindest im Bereich des Reinigungskopfs 3.Likewise, the approach of the cleaning head 3 to the print head 6 in the vertical direction 14 is preferably carried out by means of the lifting device 8. However, a vertical adjustability of the print head 6 would also be conceivable here, at least in the region of the cleaning head 3.

Die Reinigungsköpfe 1, 2, 3 können beispielsweise mittels der Hubvorrichtungen 7, 8 an definierte Schaltpositionen in den Reinigungsbereichen 11, 12, 13 angehoben werden und dort jeweils beim Reinigen wieder kontrolliert abgesenkt werden.The cleaning heads 1, 2, 3, for example, by means of the lifting devices 7, 8 are raised to defined switching positions in the cleaning areas 11, 12, 13 and lowered there again controlled each time when cleaning.

Die oben genannten Merkmale sind vorzugsweise an sämtlichen Reinigungsköpfen 1, 2, 3 der Reinigungsstation 100 ausgebildet. Die Reinigungsköpfe 1, 2, 3 sind hierbei im Wesentlichen modular ausgebildet, sodass sie beispielsweise durch Weglassen der Deckplatte 28a und/oder Ersatz in Form einer geeigneten Ablauf- und/oder Sammelwanne 34 aufeinander stapeln lassen. Ebenso können die Druckgasdüsen 33 in einem eigenen Abblasmodul des Gehäuses 28 untergebracht sein und das Abblasmodul lediglich optional in die Reinigungsstation 1, 2, 3 integriert werden.The above-mentioned features are preferably formed on all cleaning heads 1, 2, 3 of the cleaning station 100. The cleaning heads 1, 2, 3 are in this case substantially modular, so that they, for example, by omitting the cover plate 28a and / or replacement in the form of a suitable drain and / or collection trough 34 to each other to be stacked. Likewise, the compressed gas nozzles 33 can be accommodated in a separate blow-off module of the housing 28 and the blow-off module can only be optionally integrated into the cleaning station 1, 2, 3.

Die Versorgung der einzelnen Reinigungsköpfe 1, 2, 3 kann über herkömmliche Schlauch- und Kabelverbindungen gegebenenfalls geschützt durch sogenannte Energieketten erfolgen. Diese eignen sich insbesondere zum Schutz von Druckschläuchen für Druckluft, Vakuum und/oder die Reinigungsflüssigkeit.The supply of the individual cleaning heads 1, 2, 3 can be done via conventional hose and cable connections optionally protected by so-called energy chains. These are particularly suitable for protecting pressure hoses for compressed air, vacuum and / or the cleaning fluid.

Die Anzahl und Anordnung der beschriebenen Reinigungsköpfe 1, 2, 3 ist lediglich beispielhaft. Insbesondere aufgrund ihrer modularen Bauweise lassen sich Reinigungsköpfe 1, 2, 3 in flexibler Anordnung beispielsweise als Einfach-Reinigungsstationen, Doppel-Reinigungsstationen oder Dreifach-Reinigungsstationen kombinieren.The number and arrangement of the cleaning heads 1, 2, 3 described is merely exemplary. In particular, due to their modular design, cleaning heads 1, 2, 3 can be combined in a flexible arrangement, for example, as a single cleaning stations, double cleaning stations or triple cleaning stations.

Die Reinigungsstation 100 mit den Reinigungsköpfen 1, 2, 3 ist ebenso Bestandteil einer Direktdruckstation 200 wie die zugehörigen Druckköpfe 4, 5, 6. Vorzugsweise sind dann in einer Direktdruckmaschine (nicht dargestellt) mehrere Direktdruckstationen 200 in der Peripherie eines Behältertisches zum Transport der zu bedruckenden Behälter auf bekannte Weise angeordnet.The cleaning station 100 with the cleaning heads 1, 2, 3 is also part of a direct printing station 200 as the associated printheads 4, 5, 6. Preferably, then in a direct printing machine (not shown) a plurality of direct printing stations 200 in the periphery of a container table for transporting the to be printed Container arranged in a known manner.

Mit den Hubvorrichtungen 7, 8 lassen sich unterschiedliche Parkpositionen 9, 10 anfahren sowie zugeordnete Reinigungsbereiche 11, 12, 13. Hierbei könnten auch Transportsicherungspositionen (nicht dargestellt) für einzelne Druckköpfe 4, 5, 6 oder dergleichen angefahren werden.With the lifting devices 7, 8 different parking positions 9, 10 can be approached and associated cleaning areas 11, 12, 13. In this case also transport securing positions (not shown) for individual print heads 4, 5, 6 or the like could be approached.

Ferner lassen sich die Druckköpfe 4, 5, 6 in beliebiger Reihenfolge und/oder gleichzeitig an die zugeordneten Reinigungsköpfe 1, 2, 3 fahren, um die Reinigung der Druckköpfe 4, 5, 6 zeitsparend und ohne Verschmutzung benachbarter Maschinenbaugruppen an der funktionstüchtigen Direktdruckstation 200 durchführen.Furthermore, the printheads 4, 5, 6 in any order and / or at the same time to the associated cleaning heads 1, 2, 3 drive to perform the cleaning of the printheads 4, 5, 6 time-saving and pollution of adjacent machine assemblies to the functioning direct printing station 200 ,

Claims (14)

Reinigungsstation (100) für eine Direktdruckstation (200) mit wenigstens einem Druckkopf (4, 5, 6), umfassend wenigstens einen bezüglich des wenigstens einen Druckkopfs (4, 5, 6) insbesondere vertikal beweglichen Reinigungskopf (1, 2, 3) zum Reinigen des wenigstens einen Druckkopfs (4, 5, 6), wobei der Reinigungskopf (1, 2, 3) eine Reinigungsdüse (21) zum Ausstoßen einer Reinigungsflüssigkeit und eine Absaugdüse (22) zum Absaugen der Reinigungsflüssigkeit vom wenigstens einen Druckkopf (4, 5, 6) umfasst, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Reinigungskopf (1, 2, 3) ferner wenigstens eine insbesondere über die Absaugdüse (22) vorstehende Abstandsrolle (23) zum Einhalten eines Mindestabstands (MA) zwischen der Absaugdüse (23) und dem wenigstens einen Druckkopf (4, 5, 6) umfasst.Cleaning station (100) for a direct printing station (200) with at least one print head (4, 5, 6), comprising at least one cleaning head (1, 2, 3) for cleaning, which is movable vertically with respect to the at least one print head (4, 5, 6) the at least one print head (4, 5, 6), wherein the cleaning head (1, 2, 3) comprises a cleaning nozzle (21) for ejecting a cleaning liquid and a suction nozzle (22) for sucking the cleaning liquid from the at least one print head (4, 5, 6), characterized in that the cleaning head (1, 2, 3) further comprises at least one spacer roller (23) projecting above the suction nozzle (22) for maintaining a minimum distance (MA) between the suction nozzle (23) and the at least one print head (4, 5, 6). Reinigungsstation nach Anspruch 1, wobei der Reinigungskopf (1, 2, 3) ferner eine nach innen elastisch nachgiebige Lagerung (26) für die Absaugdüse (22) und die Abstandsrolle (23) umfasst.Cleaning station according to claim 1, wherein the cleaning head (1, 2, 3) further comprises an inwardly elastically resilient storage (26) for the suction nozzle (22) and the spacer roller (23). Reinigungsstation nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, wobei der Reinigungskopf (1, 2, 3) ferner eine nach innen und insbesondere horizontal ausgerichtete Linearführung (27) für die Absaugdüse (22) und die Abstandsrolle (23) umfasst.Cleaning station according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the cleaning head (1, 2, 3) further comprises an inwardly and in particular horizontally oriented linear guide (27) for the suction nozzle (22) and the spacer roller (23). Reinigungsstation nach wenigstens einem der vorigen Ansprüche, wobei der Reinigungskopf (1, 2, 3) eine zwischen der Absaugdüse (22) und der Reinigungsdüse (21) angeordnete Abstreiflippe (31) für die Reinigungsflüssigkeit umfasst.Cleaning station according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the cleaning head (1, 2, 3) comprises a cleaning liquid scraper lip (31) arranged between the suction nozzle (22) and the cleaning nozzle (21). Reinigungsstation nach wenigstens einem der vorigen Ansprüche, wobei die Abstandsrolle (23) wenigstens zweifach und insbesondere wenigstens vierfach vorhanden ist und sowohl oberhalb als auch unterhalb der Absaugdüse (22) angeordnet ist.Cleaning station according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the spacer roller (23) is present at least twice and in particular at least fourfold and is arranged both above and below the suction nozzle (22). Reinigungsstation nach wenigstens einem der vorigen Ansprüche, wobei die Reinigungsdüse (21) in einer zum wenigstens einem Druckkopf (4, 5, 6) hin offenen Reinigungskammer (35) angeordnet ist.Cleaning station according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the cleaning nozzle (21) is arranged in a cleaning chamber (35) open towards the at least one print head (4, 5, 6). Reinigungsstation nach Anspruch 6, wobei die Reinigungskammer (35) beidseitig von Spritzschutzleisten (32) eingefasst ist, die bis in eine Ablauf- und/oder Sammelwanne (34) für die Reinigungsflüssigkeit hinab reichen.Cleaning station according to claim 6, wherein the cleaning chamber (35) is bordered on both sides by splash guard strips (32) which reach down into a drainage and / or collecting trough (34) for the cleaning liquid. Reinigungsstation nach wenigstens einem der vorigen Ansprüche, wobei der Reinigungskopf (1, 2, 3) ferner wenigstens eine zwischen Reinigungsdüse (21) und Absaugdüse (22) angeordnete Druckgasdüse (33) zum Abblasen der Reinigungsflüssigkeit vom wenigstens einem Druckkopf (4, 5, 6) umfasst.Cleaning station according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the cleaning head (1, 2, 3) further comprises at least one compressed gas nozzle (33) arranged between cleaning nozzle (21) and suction nozzle (22) for blowing off the cleaning liquid from the at least one print head (4, 5, 6 ). Reinigungsstation nach wenigstens einem der vorigen Ansprüche, ferner umfassend eine Hubvorrichtung (7) mit einem Läufer (7a) zum Anheben des Reinigungskopfs (1, 2) von einer Parkposition (9) in einen Reinigungsbereich (11, 12).Cleaning station according to at least one of the preceding claims, further comprising a lifting device (7) with a rotor (7a) for lifting the cleaning head (1, 2) from a parking position (9) into a cleaning area (11, 12). Reinigungsstation nach Anspruch 9, mit zwei auf dem Läufer (7a) übereinander sitzenden Reinigungsköpfen (1, 2).Cleaning station according to claim 9, with two cleaning heads (1, 2) sitting one above the other on the rotor (7a). Reinigungsstation nach Anspruch 10, ferner umfassend eine weitere Hubvorrichtung (8) mit einem Läufer (8a) zum Anheben eines bezüglich der übereinander sitzenden Reinigungsköpfe (1, 2) seitlich versetzten Reinigungskopfs (3) von einer Parkposition (10) in einen Reinigungsbereich (13).Cleaning station according to claim 10, further comprising a further lifting device (8) with a rotor (8a) for lifting a cleaning head (3) laterally offset with respect to the superposed cleaning heads (1, 2) from a parking position (10) into a cleaning area (13). , Direktdruckstation (200) für Behälter, mit der Reinigungsstation (100) nach wenigstens einem der vorigen Ansprüche und mit horizontal auf die Reinigungsköpfe (1, 2, 3) zu bewegbaren Druckköpfen (4, 5, 6).Direct printing station (200) for containers, comprising the cleaning station (100) according to at least one of the preceding claims and with print heads (4, 5, 6) being movable horizontally onto the cleaning heads (1, 2, 3). Direktdruckstation nach Anspruch 12, wobei die Druckköpfe (4, 5, 6) eine Düsenplatte (43) mit Druckdüsen und eine formstabile Einfassung (44) für die Düsenplatte (43) umfassen, und wobei die Abstandsrollen (23) so angeordnet sind, dass sie neben der Düsenplatte (43) auf der Einfassung (44) abrollen können.A direct printing station according to claim 12, wherein the print heads (4, 5, 6) comprise a nozzle plate (43) with printing nozzles and a dimensionally stable enclosure (44) for the nozzle plate (43), and wherein the spacer rollers (23) are arranged to along the nozzle plate (43) on the enclosure (44) can roll. Direktdruckstation nach Anspruch 12 oder 13, wobei die Druckköpfe (4, 5 ,6) ferner frontseitige Druckkopfplatten (41) mit vertikal verlaufenden Nuten (42) für einen Eingriff von an den Reinigungsköpfen (1, 2, 3) ausgebildeten Spritzschutzleisten (32) umfassen.A direct printing station according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the print heads (4, 5, 6) further comprise front print head plates (41) having vertically extending grooves (42) for engaging splash guard rails (32) formed on the cleaning heads (1, 2, 3) ,
EP18170331.5A 2017-09-04 2018-05-02 Cleaning station for a direct printing unit Active EP3450177B1 (en)

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CN109421379B (en) 2020-10-27
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EP3450177B1 (en) 2022-05-25

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