EP4331845A1 - Système d'alimentation en encre et procédé d'alimentation en encre pour impression numérique - Google Patents

Système d'alimentation en encre et procédé d'alimentation en encre pour impression numérique Download PDF

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Publication number
EP4331845A1
EP4331845A1 EP23186065.1A EP23186065A EP4331845A1 EP 4331845 A1 EP4331845 A1 EP 4331845A1 EP 23186065 A EP23186065 A EP 23186065A EP 4331845 A1 EP4331845 A1 EP 4331845A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
ink supply
return
ink
tank
pressure
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.)
Pending
Application number
EP23186065.1A
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German (de)
English (en)
Inventor
Sven Kerpe
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Dekron GmbH
Original Assignee
Dekron GmbH
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Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Dekron GmbH filed Critical Dekron GmbH
Publication of EP4331845A1 publication Critical patent/EP4331845A1/fr
Pending legal-status Critical Current

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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
    • B41J2/17—Ink jet characterised by ink handling
    • B41J2/18—Ink recirculation systems
    • 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
    • B41J2/17—Ink jet characterised by ink handling
    • B41J2/175—Ink supply systems ; Circuit parts therefor
    • B41J2/17503—Ink cartridges
    • B41J2/17556—Means for regulating the pressure in the cartridge
    • 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
    • B41J2/17—Ink jet characterised by ink handling
    • B41J2/175—Ink supply systems ; Circuit parts therefor
    • B41J2/17563—Ink filters
    • 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
    • B41J2/17—Ink jet characterised by ink handling
    • B41J2/175—Ink supply systems ; Circuit parts therefor
    • B41J2/17566—Ink level or ink residue control
    • 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
    • B41J2/17—Ink jet characterised by ink handling
    • B41J2/175—Ink supply systems ; Circuit parts therefor
    • B41J2/17566—Ink level or ink residue control
    • B41J2002/17573—Ink level or ink residue control using optical means for ink level indication

Definitions

  • the invention relates to an ink supply system for digital printing, in particular an ink supply system for use in a device for printing articles, in particular containers, with ink, as well as a method for supplying ink in digital printing or a method for operating an ink supply system.
  • Inkjet printing systems are often used when printing items in the food and beverage industry.
  • known ink supply systems are, among other things, their complex structure and their susceptibility to failure, which can lead to frequent failures and long downtimes, for example caused by leaked ink.
  • undesirable pressure fluctuations and ink flow fluctuations can also occur in their lines, which can have a detrimental effect on the printing quality.
  • ink supply system in other industrial areas, for example for printing items in the healthcare sector or in the pharmaceutical industry.
  • an ink supply system described herein for digital printing or printing of articles or for use in a device for printing articles, in particular containers, with ink may comprise one or more, for example at least two, recirculating ink supply devices.
  • Said exemplary printhead may include a plurality of nozzles through which drops of ink may be ejected.
  • An ink flow can be applied or provided to the print head via the pressurized and at least partially filled with ink flow tank.
  • recirculating ink supply device means in particular that ink that has not been consumed or printed by the print head can be diverted to a return tank, from where it can be fed back to the feed tank and can be passed on from the feed tank to the print head .
  • the ink stream/flow can therefore circulate through the components of the ink supply device, whereby used or printed ink can be supplied to the ink supply device from an ink refill reservoir.
  • a recirculating ink supply device described herein is not a so-called "dead-end shooter”.
  • ink can also be understood here to mean, among other things, a printing fluid or a liquid printing medium in general.
  • Some examples of possible inks may include ultraviolet (UV) ink, solvent based ink, latex ink, digital printable primer, or high viscosity ink for Braille or embossing printing.
  • pressure can be understood here in particular to mean a gas pressure or the pressure of a gas volume or an ink pressure or a hydrostatic pressure.
  • Said ink supply system can also include one, in particular exactly one, central forward printing unit and one, in particular exactly one, central return printing unit.
  • At least one ink supply device can be coupled to the central forward printing unit and to the central return printing unit in such a way that the pressure in the forward tank of the at least one ink supply device is provided by the central forward printing unit and the pressure in the return tank of the at least one ink supply device is provided by the central return printing unit becomes.
  • the coupling of said components of the ink supply system for guiding the ink/the ink stream or for applying pressure between the components of the ink supply system or between the components of the ink supply device(s) can take place via hose- and/or tube-like lines/connections.
  • the ink supply system can therefore have a hose and/or pipe system for guiding the ink/the ink stream between the components of the ink supply system or for transmitting gas pressures and ink pressures.
  • the pressure provided by the central forward printing unit may be a constant pressure which is different from the atmospheric pressure prevailing in the working environment of the ink supply system.
  • the pressure provided by the central return pressure unit can also be a constant gas pressure which is different from the atmospheric pressure that prevails in the working environment of the ink supply system.
  • the gas pressure/constant pressure provided by the central feed pressure unit can be different from the pressure/constant pressure provided by the central return pressure unit.
  • the gas provided by the central return pressure unit and by the central supply pressure unit can be, for example, air.
  • the pressure/constant pressure provided by the central feed pressure unit can be larger/higher than the pressure/constant pressure provided by the central return pressure unit.
  • the ink supply system described above and below by way of example simplifies the structure of ink supply systems because it makes it possible to dispense with complicated and trouble-prone pressure control units on the feed tanks and the return tanks of ink supply devices.
  • individual pressure control units attached directly to the flow tanks or the return tanks can be dispensed with.
  • Said central feed printing unit and said central return printing unit can be spatially separated from the other components, such as the print heads or the feed tanks or the return tanks, arranged in positions where installation space conditions are less limited. This can contribute to an optimized and improved use of installation space.
  • the distances between said central supply pressure unit or between said central return pressure unit and the other components, such as the supply tanks or the return tanks, can be several meters or even more.
  • the feed tanks and/or the return tanks can be arranged at least partially or completely below the print heads or below sensitive components, such as the electronics of a controller, so that in the event of a leak of ink from the feed tanks or return tanks, no sensitive components are contaminated with ink or become damaged.
  • sensitive components such as the electronics of a controller
  • the ink supply system described here as an example is also easily scalable due to the central arrangement of the central forward printing unit and the central return printing unit, i.e. the ink supply system can include any number of recirculating ink supply devices.
  • the ink supply system described here by way of example can have a plurality of recirculating ink supply devices, the feed tanks of a plurality of the ink supply devices or the feed tanks of all the ink supply devices being coupled to the central feed printing unit and the central feed printing unit each having a pressure, in particular a constant pressure or each provides the same pressure for the feed tanks of the ink supply devices coupled to the central feed printing unit.
  • the return tanks of a plurality of the ink supply devices of the plurality of recirculating ink supply devices of the ink supply system or the return tanks of all ink supply devices of the ink supply system can be coupled to the central return printing unit.
  • the central return printing unit can provide a pressure, in particular a constant pressure or the same pressure, for the return tanks of the ink supply devices coupled to the central return printing unit.
  • the central feed pressure unit can therefore provide a constant first gas pressure for the feed tanks of all ink supply devices, or for the feed tanks coupled to the central feed print unit, and the central return pressure unit can provide a constant second gas pressure for the return tanks of all ink supply devices, or for those connected to the central return print unit Provide coupled return tanks.
  • the first pressure provided by the central feed pressure unit as an example or the constant first pressure provided as an example and the second pressure provided as an example by the central return pressure unit or the constant second pressure provided as an example can be different from one another.
  • the pressure in the feed tank of the ink supply device can therefore be different from the pressure in the return tank of the ink supply device.
  • the pressure in the supply tank of the ink supply device can be greater/higher than the pressure in the return tank of the ink supply device.
  • flow of an ink supply device can be understood in particular to mean the volume between the print head, or a print head nozzle level of the print head, and the ink level in the flow tank of the ink supply device.
  • the term return of an ink supply device can be understood in particular to mean the volume between the print head, or a print head nozzle level of the print head, and the ink level in the return tank of the ink supply device.
  • Examples of pressure values or pressure value ranges in the flow or return of the respective ink supply device, for example at the level of the print head nozzle level, can be between 0 and +/-200 mbar, for example.
  • the feed and return tanks with the ink levels in the feed and return tanks are placed at the level of the print head nozzle levels of the print head, the feed pressure/return pressure at the level of the print head nozzle level can be equal to the pressure of the central feed pressure tank/return pressure tank.
  • pressure values or pressure value ranges can also be dependent on the height placement of the feed tanks and return tanks relative to the height placement of the print head / print head nozzle level.
  • the feed tanks and return tanks are placed lower than the print head and, for example, the feed and return tanks with the ink levels in the tanks are 500 mm below the print head, e.g. below a nozzle plate of the print head, the following exemplary changes in the prints can occur.
  • the flow pressure range can change, for example, from 0 to 200 mbar to 50 to 250 mbar and the return pressure range can change from 0 to -200 mbar to 50 to -150 mbar, whereby a change in height of 1 cm can correspond to a pressure change of approximately 1 mbar.
  • the ink supply system described here as an example is characterized by a simplified pressure control and thereby saves costs.
  • the central provision of the pressure for the feed tanks and the return tanks by the central feed pressure unit and the central return pressure unit does not have a negative effect on the control, since the pressure spreads at the speed of sound and thus large distances between the feed tanks and the central feed pressure unit. as well as between return tanks and the central return pressure unit.
  • the ink or foam that may have formed in the ink can be absorbed in the hose or pipe system of the ink supply system, which means no damage to the printing system or The print integrity of the ink supply system can be done, as can be the case, for example, with known pressure control units that are integrated into the ink supply.
  • the volume of the central feed printing unit can also be larger, in particular many times larger, than the volume of the respective feed tanks of the ink supply devices that are coupled to the central feed printing unit.
  • the volume of the central return printing unit can be larger, in particular many times larger, than the volume of the respective return tanks of the ink supply devices that are coupled to the central return printing unit.
  • the central forward printing unit and the central return printing unit therefore also provide a large buffer volume to absorb unwanted pressure fluctuations in the ink supply system.
  • the volume of the central forward printing unit or the volume of the central return printing unit can be, for example, 1000 ml to 2000 ml or more.
  • the volume of the central forward printing unit or the volume of the central return printing unit can be, for example, 2000 ml to 10,000 ml or more.
  • the buffer volume can be formed, for example, between the ink level of the respective tank and the remaining gas volume of the respective tanks, including the volume of the central pressure container and the Volume of the hose and/or pipe system.
  • This larger buffer volume compared to known systems not only contributes to simplifying pressure control but also reduces pressure fluctuations in the print heads of the ink supply devices.
  • the improved stability of the printing conditions in the print heads leads to more uniform ink drop formation in the print heads and thus to a more uniform and precise print image. Better color fidelity can also be achieved through smaller deviations in drop volume.
  • the ink supply system described here is also characterized by improved print quality compared to known systems.
  • the ink supply system described herein may further comprise means, for example suction means and/or pump means or pumps, for regulating the height of the ink level in the supply tank and/or in the return tank of the respective ink supply device.
  • the ink level can be understood as the ink filling level.
  • the regulation of the height of the ink level in the supply tank and/or the ink level in the return tank of the respective ink supply device(s) can be carried out completely independently of the regulation of the pressure in the supply tank and/or independently of the regulation of the pressure in the return tank.
  • the ink supply system can have a control circuit for regulating the ink level in the supply tank and the ink level in the return tank of the respective ink supply device, as well as a further control circuit, independent of this, for regulating the pressure in the supply tank and for regulating the pressure in the return tank of the respective ink supply device (s).
  • the meniscus pressure in the print head of the respective ink supply device can be changed or regulated.
  • the meniscus pressure can be understood here to mean the pressure prevailing in the print head, in particular the nominal pressure or the pressure applied to the nozzles or to the pressure openings of the print head.
  • the meniscus pressure influences the quality of ink drop formation during printing.
  • the meniscus pressure is preferably negative, or preferably a negative pressure, in order to be able to avoid unwanted ink escaping from the print head.
  • the ink level in the feed tank and in the return tank can be increased, which can reduce the meniscus pressure in the respective print head.
  • the ink level in the supply tank and in the return tank can be lowered
  • the meniscus pressure change can occur solely due to the changed hydrostatic pressures caused by the ink.
  • the height of the ink column based on the ink level for the respective print head can be used as the relevant parameter for calculating the control of the ink level in the respective supply tanks and return tanks to change the meniscus pressure.
  • the height of the ink column can be understood as the vertical distance between the print head, e.g. one/the nozzle plate of the print head, on which a certain meniscus pressure should be applied, and the ink level in the respective supply or return tank.
  • the hydrostatic pressure can change, which also changes the total pressure, which results from the pressure of the respective central pressure supply unit(s) and the respective hydrostatic pressure.
  • the total pressure can be decisive for the meniscus pressure and the differential pressure.
  • the delivery quantity or flow rate of ink through the respective ink supply device can, among other things, be regulated or controlled.
  • the ink level in the flow tank can be increased, for example, using pumping or suction means, while the ink level in the return tank can be reduced.
  • the ink level in the flow tank can be lowered, for example via pumping or suction means, while the ink level in the return tank can be increased.
  • the exemplary pumping or suction means can be arranged, for example, between the feed tank and the return tank of the respective ink supply device.
  • the exemplary pumping or suction means can also ensure constant ink levels in the tanks.
  • the differential pressure By changing the differential pressure, an individual adjustment of the pressure or total pressure in the respective ink supply can be achieved, the pressure or total pressure in the respective ink supply being composed of the gas pressure and the hydrostatic pressure in the respective ink supply.
  • the constant pressure provided by the central pressure units does not change.
  • the return tanks and/or the feed tanks can also be height-adjustable, so that alternatively or additionally the ink levels in the return tanks and/or the feed tanks or the hydrostatic ink pressure can be influenced or . can be changed or regulated.
  • the ink supply devices of the ink supply system may further comprise heating means for heating the bottoms and/or the side walls of the feed tank and/or the return tank of the respective ink supply device.
  • the hose and/or pipe system of the ink supply devices of the ink supply system can also have heating means, particularly in the vicinity of the feed to the print head.
  • the heating means can be used as preheating in the flow or return tanks, as overall heating in the flow or return tanks or as a combination with preheating in the flow or return tanks and/or hose heating near the print head or as preheating in the flow or return tanks and heating in the print head be carried out
  • Possible heating means can include heating coils and/or heating rods and/or heating mats.
  • the heating means can be used to control the temperature or heat the ink in order to optimize the flow properties of the ink. For example, jetting or the ejection of drops can be determined by the viscosity of the ink. The optimal viscosity can then be ensured by uniformly controlling the temperature of the ink using the heating means.
  • an ink temperature can also be set, which can be greater than the maximum ambient temperature.
  • the side walls of the feed tanks and/or the return tanks of the respective ink supply device can have a wall thickness of more than 2 mm or more than 10 mm or more than 20 mm.
  • the side walls of the flow tanks can therefore serve as a heat buffer to keep the ink at an optimized temperature for optimal flow properties.
  • the height of the side walls of the feed tanks and/or the return tanks of the respective ink supply device can be greater than the maximum extent of the bottom area of the feed tanks and/or the return tanks.
  • the geometry of the feed tanks and/or the return tanks offers numerous advantages. Relatively small footprints in the supply or return tank allow the ink levels to be changed more quickly, as the volume of ink required to be moved for the change is smaller.
  • the ratio between the wall area of the tanks and the ink volume is larger, which means that a larger wall area per unit volume of ink is available for heat transfer from heating means.
  • the ink supply devices can also each have an ink filter, wherein the ink filter can be arranged between the return tank and the supply tank of the respective ink supply device.
  • the optional ink filter can be used to filter out unwanted foreign particles in the ink. Such undesirable foreign particles may have gotten into the return tank during an ink refill, for example.
  • the ink filter can, for example, prevent unwanted foreign particles from getting into the print head and damaging or clogging it.
  • a pumping means for example a pump, between the return tank and the supply tank of a respective ink supply device, which can pump ink from the return tank into the supply tank.
  • this pump can be controlled so that the ink levels in the flow tank and in the return tank remain the same, i.e. the amount of ink delivered by the pump can correspond to the amount of ink released from the flow.
  • the amount removed during the printing process can also be refilled into the return tank using a refill system to keep the ink level constant.
  • the respective return tanks and/or the respective feed tanks of the ink supply devices of the ink supply system described here by way of example can also have agitators.
  • These agitators can prevent undesirable sedimentation of the ink in the respective return tanks and/or in the respective feed tanks of the ink supply devices and ensure that the ink in the tanks maintains its optimal consistency and flow properties.
  • the ink supply system described here by way of example or the ink supply devices of the ink supply system can each have sensors, e.g. ultrasonic sensors, for measuring the ink level in the respective return tanks and/or in the respective feed tanks.
  • sensors e.g. ultrasonic sensors
  • the ink supply devices can each have sensors for measuring the temperature of the ink in the respective return tanks and/or in the respective supply tanks.
  • the ink supply devices can each have sensors for measuring the pressures in the respective return tanks and/or in the respective feed tanks and/or in or on the respective print heads.
  • Said possible exemplary sensors can make their measurement data available to at least one controller.
  • Said at least one controller can be a digital controller, i.e. have one or more processors, whereby the controller can evaluate the measurement data from the exemplary sensors and can control the ink supply system and all of its components based on the measurement data and/or based on your programming.
  • Said exemplary digital controller can be configured, among other things, to control the pressurization of the feed tanks of the ink supply devices via the central feed printing unit and/or the pressurization of the return tanks of the ink supply devices via the central return printing unit.
  • the controller can therefore control the pressurization and pressure distribution in the ink supply system.
  • the digital controller can be configured to control the means for regulating the height of the ink level in the supply tanks and/or in the return tanks of the ink supply devices.
  • control can also control the ink levels in the respective supply tanks and/or in the return tanks of the ink supply devices.
  • the controller can therefore, as described above, control both the meniscus pressure in the print heads of the respective ink supply devices, as well as changes in the differential pressure between the different gas pressures in the supply tanks and the return tanks of the respective ink supply devices.
  • An exemplary method for supplying ink when printing articles, in particular containers, with ink, or an exemplary method for operating an ink supply system with one or more recirculating ink supply devices, wherein the ink supply system or the ink supply devices can have some or all of the features described above, may include the following steps.
  • the conveying of the ink can be effected by a pressure difference between a pressure in the feed and a pressure in the return, the pressure in the feed tank of the respective ink supply device being able to be acted upon/provided by a central feed pressure unit and the pressure in the return tank of the respective ink supply device being supplied by a central one Return pressure unit can be acted upon / provided.
  • Said central feed pressure unit can provide a constant first gas pressure for the feed tanks of all ink supply devices and the central return pressure unit can provide a constant second gas pressure for the return tanks of all ink supply devices, wherein the constant first gas pressure and the constant second gas pressure can be different from each other.
  • the meniscus pressure in the print head of the respective ink supply device can be regulated by adjusting the ink level in the feed tank and in the return tank of the respective ink supply device, wherein an increase in the ink level in the feed tank and in the return tank can cause a reduction in the meniscus pressure, and a reduction in the ink level in the The flow tank and the return tank can cause an increase in the meniscus pressure.
  • a regulation or change of the differential pressure of the ink between the flow and return of the respective ink supply device can be done by adjusting the ink level in the flow tank and in the return tank of the respective ink supply device, whereby the ink level in the flow tank is increased while the ink level in the return tank is reduced, or whereby the The ink level in the supply tank is reduced while the ink level in the return tank is increased.
  • the ink supply system or the respective ink supply devices can also have at least one purge valve, e.g. a pneumatic valve, through which the connection between the print head and the return tank can be closed and whereby a correspondingly high positive meniscus pressure can be built up. Due to the positive meniscus pressure, the ink can be squeezed out of the print head nozzles to clean them.
  • a purge valve e.g. a pneumatic valve
  • the above exemplary steps can be carried out and controlled by said at least one controller, in particular by a digital controller, of the ink supply system.
  • the Fig.1 shows an example of a possible recirculating ink supply device 10, which can be part of an ink supply system described above for printing articles, in particular containers, with ink.
  • the ink supply device 10 shown has an exemplary print head 8, as well as a pressurized flow tank 2, which can be coupled to an input of the print head 8 via the exemplary line 6, for supplying ink to the print head.
  • the ink supply device 10 shown has a pressurized return tank 3, which can be coupled to an output of the print head via line 7, for removing ink that has not been consumed by the print head.
  • the flow tank 2 and the return tank 3 can be housed in a housing 1.
  • the feed tank 2 and the return tank 3 can have their own lids or a common lid.
  • the cover of the housing 1 can cover both the flow tank 2 and the return tank 3.
  • the feed tank 2 is filled with ink 2a up to the ink level 2c and the gas volume 2b of the feed tank is under a pressure that can be provided by a central feed pressure unit (not shown).
  • the feed tank 2 can be connected or coupled to the central feed pressure unit (not shown) via the exemplary line 4.
  • Return tank 3 is, for example, filled with ink 3a up to ink level 3c and the gas volume 3b of the return tank is under a pressure that can be provided by a central return pressure unit (not shown).
  • the return tank 3 can be connected or coupled to the central return pressure unit (not shown) via the exemplary line 5.
  • the return tank 3 can optionally also be connected to a refill system (not shown) via the exemplary line 9 for refilling ink into the ink supply device 10.
  • the possible refilling can be supported or carried out by a possible exemplary pump 14.
  • the possible refilling via line 9 can optionally be regulated via a valve 13.
  • the ink in the refill line 9 can be under a slight overpressure, whereby the ink can be refilled by opening the valve 13.
  • ink is to be removed from the return tank, for example to lower the ink level or to avoid an overflow of the return container when the ink supply is shut down, this can be done via the pump 14.
  • the return tank 3 is, for example, coupled to the flow tank 2 via the line 11, whereby the delivery of ink from the return tank 3 to the flow tank 2 via the line 11 can take place or can be supported by a possible pump 11a.
  • a change in the ink level 2c in the flow tank 2 can be carried out by the pump 11a, whereby the corresponding target level 3c is automatically set in the return tank 3 since the amount of ink in the system is constant.
  • the ink level 3c in the return tank 3 can be reduced by pump 14 and the ink level 2c in the supply tank 2 can be reduced (at the same time) by pump 11a.
  • An ink filter 12 can optionally also be used in the line 11 between the return tank 3 and the feed tank 2.
  • a purge valve 15 can optionally be arranged in the exemplary line 7 for the return of ink from the print head outlet to the return tank 3.
  • the ink supply device 10 may have numerous sensors.
  • ink level sensors 16, 17 for the feed tank 2 and return tank 3 are shown here, for example can be designed as ultrasonic sensors and which can be arranged at the upper end of the tanks.
  • the reference numbers 16a, 17a identify exemplary possible measuring beams (dashed lines) of the ink level sensors 16, 17.
  • 8 pressure sensors 20, 21 can be arranged at the output/return or input/feed of the print head. Pressure sensors can also be arranged at other locations, for example in the return tank 3 and/or in the feed tank 2.
  • the pressure prevailing in the print head e.g. the plane of the print head nozzles, serves as a reference point. Therefore, the pressure sensors 20, 21 are arranged there accordingly.
  • 8 temperature sensors 22, 23 can be arranged at the output/return or input/flow of the print head. Temperature sensors can also be arranged at other locations, for example in the return tank 3 and/or in the feed tank 2.
  • Agitators 24, 25 can optionally be arranged in the return tank 3 and/or in the feed tank 2, which can be driven, for example, via motors 18, 19.
  • the ink supply device 10 can have various heating means/heating elements.
  • An optional heating element 28 is shown here as an example, which can be located near the side wall of the flow tank 2 for heating or temperature control of the ink in the flow tank 2.
  • heating element 28 can also be located in the flow tank 2 itself or in the side wall or in the bottom of the flow tank 2.
  • the reference numeral 26 denotes, by way of example, a digital control which can be in communication connection with various, in particular with all, components of the ink supply device 10 and the ink supply system in general, for controlling the ink supply device 10 or the ink supply system.
  • An optional second controller 27 is also shown as an example, which can be used to control the print head 8.
  • the controller 26 can also take over the tasks of the controller 27, that is, it is possible that the ink supply device 10 or the ink supply system with a plurality of ink supply devices can be controlled solely by a single controller, for example the controller 26.
  • the Fig. 2 shows an example of an ink supply system 100 for use in a device for printing articles, in particular containers, with ink.
  • the exemplary ink supply system 100 has an exemplary plurality, in particular four different, of recirculating ink supply devices 10, 10a, 10b and 10c.
  • the ink supply devices 10, 10a, 10b and 10c can be identical to or the same or similar to that in Fig.1 ink supply device 10 shown.
  • the ink supply devices 10, 10a, 10b and 10c may contain some or all of the ink supply devices 10, 10a, 10b and 10c Fig.1 components described.
  • all ink supply devices 10, 10a, 10b and 10c can each have a feed tank and a return tank, the respective feed tanks each being connected or coupled to a central feed printing unit 29 and the respective return tanks each being connected or coupled to a central return printing unit 30.
  • the flow tank (not shown) of the ink supply devices 10 can be connected to the central flow printing unit 29 via line 4, the flow tank (not shown) of the ink supply device 10a can be connected to the central flow printing unit 29 via line 4a, the flow tank (not shown). ) of the ink supply device 10b can be connected to the central feed printing unit 29 via line 4b, and the feed tank (not shown) of the ink supply device 10c can be connected to the central feed printing unit 29 via line 4c.
  • the return tank (not shown) of the ink supply devices 10 can be connected to the central return printing unit 30 via line 5
  • the return tank (not shown) of the ink supply device 10a can be connected to the central return printing unit 30 via line 5a
  • the return tank (not shown) of the ink supply devices 10b may be connected to the central return printing unit 30 via the line 5b
  • the return tank (not shown) of the ink supply device 10c may be connected to the central return printing unit 30 via the line 5c.
  • the central forward printing unit 29 can therefore pressurize the forward tanks of all ink supply devices 10, 10a, 10b and 10c and the central return printing unit 30 can pressurize the return tanks of all ink supply devices 10, 10a, 10b and 10c.
  • reference number 33 indicates a supply line of supply pressure to the central flow pressure unit 29, which can also be controlled via a valve, for example a proportional valve 31.
  • reference number 34 denotes a supply line of supply pressure to the central return pressure unit 30, which can also be controlled via a valve, for example a proportional valve 32.
  • All components of the ink supply system 100 including the valves 31, 32 of the compressed gas supply for the central forward printing unit 29 and for the central return printing unit 30, can be controlled by a single controller, for example by the controller 26 (not shown, or see Fig.1 ) of the ink supply device 10.
  • the Fig. 3 shows by way of example and schematically three different possible scenarios (I), (II) and (III) for the ink level states in the supply tank 2 and return tank 3 of an ink supply device 10, the ink supply device 10 being identical or analogous to the ink supply devices of the Fig. 2 or the Fig. 1 can be.
  • the meniscus pressure in the print head and the ink flow rate can be regulated by regulating or changing the ink levels in the supply tanks and return tanks of the respective ink supply device.
  • the ink level changes shown as examples in scenarios (I), (II) and (III) can, for example, be brought about via pump or suction means, as described above.
  • the ink level 2c of the ink 2a in the supply tank 2 is at the same height as that
  • the ink level 2c of the ink 2a in the supply tank 2 is also at the same height as the ink level 3c of the ink 3a in the return tank 3. However, this same height is greater by an amount ⁇ h than the initial height in the scenario (I ).
  • This ink level change may result in a change in meniscus pressure in the printhead (not shown) of the ink supply device 10, as described above.
  • the ink level 2c of the ink 2a in the supply tank 2 was increased by an amount ⁇ h compared to the initial height from scenario (I), while the ink level 3c of the ink 3a in the return tank 3 was increased by the amount ⁇ h compared to the initial height from scenario (I) was reduced.
  • this can cause a change in the differential pressure between the pressure in the feed tank 2 or the pressure in the feed and the pressure in the return tank 3 or the pressure in the return.
  • the differential pressure By changing the differential pressure, an individual adjustment of the pressure or total pressure in the respective ink supply can be achieved, the pressure or total pressure in the respective ink supply being composed of the gas pressure and the hydrostatic pressure in the respective ink supply.
  • the constant pressure provided by the central pressure units 29, 30 does not change.
  • the delivery rate or flow rate of ink to be regulated or controlled by the respective ink supply device.
  • the exemplary increase in the ink levels in the supply tank and in the return tank by the amount ⁇ h compared to the initial level of scenario (I) then results, for example, in a change of P Vtot to 70 mbar and a change of P Rtot to -80 mbar, which leading to a changed meniscus pressure P M in the print head of -5 mbar, while the pressure difference between the flow and return remains the same at 150 mbar.
  • the ink level 2c of the ink 2a in the supply tank 2 is raised by an amount ⁇ h compared to the initial height from scenario (I)
  • the ink level 3c of the ink 3a in the return tank 3 is raised by the amount ⁇ h compared to the initial height from scenario (I)
  • the meniscus pressure P M remains unchanged compared to its value of -15 mbar from the initial scenario (I)
  • P Vtot changes from 60 to 70 mbar
  • P Rtot from -90 to -100 mbar
  • the differential pressure P D changes from 150 mbar in the initial scenario (I) to 170 mbar in scenario (III).

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
  • Ink Jet (AREA)
EP23186065.1A 2022-09-02 2023-07-18 Système d'alimentation en encre et procédé d'alimentation en encre pour impression numérique Pending EP4331845A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE102022122252.7A DE102022122252A1 (de) 2022-09-02 2022-09-02 Tintenversorgungssystem und Tintenversorgungsverfahren für den Digitaldruck

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EP4331845A1 true EP4331845A1 (fr) 2024-03-06

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Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2011051172A (ja) * 2009-08-31 2011-03-17 Seiko Epson Corp 液体噴射装置
US9227420B1 (en) * 2014-07-02 2016-01-05 Riso Kagaku Corporation Inkjet printing apparatus
US11135853B1 (en) * 2020-03-13 2021-10-05 Gosantech Co., Ltd. Ink circulation supply system and method for inkjet head

Family Cites Families (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102013110108A1 (de) 2013-09-13 2015-03-19 Khs Gmbh Drucksystem zum Bedrucken von Flaschen oder dergleichen Behältern sowie Druckvorrichtung oder –maschine mit einem solchen Drucksystem
DE102014204190A1 (de) 2014-03-07 2015-09-10 Bundesdruckerei Gmbh Druckmodul, Verfahren zum Bedrucken und Druckeinrichtung
DE102017215475A1 (de) 2017-09-04 2019-03-07 Krones Ag Direktdruckmaschine und -verfahren zur Bedruckung von Behältern mit einem Direktdruck

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2011051172A (ja) * 2009-08-31 2011-03-17 Seiko Epson Corp 液体噴射装置
US9227420B1 (en) * 2014-07-02 2016-01-05 Riso Kagaku Corporation Inkjet printing apparatus
US11135853B1 (en) * 2020-03-13 2021-10-05 Gosantech Co., Ltd. Ink circulation supply system and method for inkjet head

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DE102022122252A1 (de) 2024-03-07

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