Overspraying technology for inkjet printers

Abstract

This invention provides a technique for handling and reducing ink overspray in an inkjet printer. In an example, an ink overspray collector for an inkjet printer may include: a first opening defining a first printing area of ​​the inkjet printer, and a frame surrounding the first opening. The frame is configured to receive overspray from the operation of the inkjet printer, and the frame may be formed of a woven material. In some examples, the controller of the inkjet printer may reduce the amount of ink ejected near the edges of the printing medium to reduce overspray.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application filed on June 28, 2021, with application number 202110721809.3 and invention title "Overspraying Technology for Inkjet Printers".

[0002] Priority application

[0003] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63 / 078,268, filed on September 14, 2020, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0004] This document relates to printing, and more specifically, to techniques for reducing or addressing ink overspray in inkjet printers. Background Technology

[0005] Card products include, for example, credit cards, ID cards, driver's licenses, passports, and other card products. Such card products typically include printed information such as photographs, account numbers, ID numbers, and other personal information. Documents may also include data encoded in, for example, smart card chips, magnetic stripes, or barcodes.

[0006] A card production system includes a processing unit that processes a card substrate (hereinafter referred to as a "card") to form a final card product. Such a process may include printing, lamination or transfer, data reading, data writing, and / or other processes for forming the desired document. An inkjet card printer is a form of card production system that uses an inkjet printhead to print an image onto the card.

[0007] Overspray can occur when the inkjet printhead prints near the edge of the printing media or substrate. If left unprotected, overspray can fall and accumulate on components of the inkjet card printer, negatively impacting printer performance and print quality if not removed. Conventional printers employ overspray collectors because removing ink from complex components is a time-consuming and cumbersome task. Some overspray collectors are disposable, adding extra waste to the inkjet card printer process. Non-disposable overspray collectors can be time-consuming to remove, clean, and replace. Furthermore, non-disposable overspray collectors may be easily damaged, further complicating removal and replacement. Summary of the Invention

[0008] A technique for handling and reducing ink overspray from an inkjet printer is provided. In an example, an ink overspray collector for an inkjet printer may include: a first opening defining a first printing area of ​​the inkjet printer, and a frame surrounding the first opening. The frame is configured to receive overspray from the operation of the inkjet printer, and the frame may be formed of a woven material. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 The diagram presents a block side view of an example inkjet card printer based on this topic.

[0010] Figure 2 The illustration shows a top view of a sample inkjet card printer based on this topic.

[0011] Figure 3 The overall illustration shows a perspective view of the card feeder of an example inkjet card printer according to this topic.

[0012] Figure 4 The illustration shows an example ink overspray collector based on this topic.

[0013] Figure 5 The illustration generally depicts an exemplary method for adjusting ink deposition to reduce ink overspray.

[0014] Figure 6 The illustration generally depicts an exemplary method for adjusting ink deposition to reduce ink overspray.

[0015] Figure 7 The illustration generally depicts an exemplary method for adjusting ink deposition to reduce ink overspray. Detailed Implementation

[0016] Examples of this disclosure generally relate to reducing and addressing overspray in inkjet card printers. In some examples, the inkjet card printer may include an ink overspray collector that can be easily removed, cleaned, and reinstalled. In some examples, the controller of the inkjet card printer may execute commands that cause the inkjet card printer to reduce the amount of ink deposited at the edges of the card from the amount that would normally be deposited for a given image, thereby reducing ink overspray. In some examples, a combination of techniques may be used to reduce overspray and reduce waste resulting from the operation of the inkjet card printer.

[0017] Figure 1 and Figure 2These are simplified side and top views of an inkjet card printer 100 or a portion thereof, according to this subject matter. In some examples, the inkjet card printer 100 includes a printing unit 102 and a card conveyor 104. The card conveyor 104 is configured to feed individual cards 106 along a processing axis 108. The printing unit 102 includes an inkjet printhead 110 and a stage 112. The printhead 110 is configured to perform a printing operation on individual cards 106 supported by the card conveyor 104 and positioned at a printing position 114 along the processing axis 108. The stage 112 is configured to move the printhead 110 through a printing area 116 during the printing operation.

[0018] In some examples, the inkjet card printer 100 includes a controller 118, which represents one or more different controllers of the inkjet card printer 100. Each controller 118 includes at least one processor configured to execute program instructions stored in a computer-readable medium or memory of the inkjet card printer 100 or another location. The processor may also be represented by the controller 118. Any suitable computer-readable medium or memory consistent with the subject matter can be utilized, including, for example, hard disks, CD-ROMs, optical storage devices, flash memory, magnetic storage devices, or other suitable computer-readable media or memory that does not include transient waves or signals. The controller 118 executes instructions to control the components of the inkjet card printer 100 to perform the functions and method steps described herein.

[0019] In some examples, the inkjet card printer 100 may include one or more card feeders 120, such as card feeders 120A and 120B, each configured to convey card 106 to and receive card 106 from card conveyor 104. The inkjet card printer 100 may also include one or more card flippers 122, such as flippers 122A and 122B, configured to reverse card 106. A card dispenser 124, such as a card cassette containing a stack of cards, may be provided to dispense cards 106 for processing by the inkjet card printer 100, and processed cards may be ejected and collected by a suitable card collector (e.g., a card storage unit) 126.

[0020] The inkjet printhead 110 is configured to perform direct printing operations on pairs of cards 106 supported in the print position 114 along the processing axis 108. During the printing operation, such as Figure 2As shown, the stage 112 can move the printhead 110 along a first scan axis 130 generally parallel to the processing axis 108 and a second scan axis 132 generally perpendicular to the processing axis 108. As used herein, the term "first scan axis" refers to the axis along which the printhead 110 is moved by the stage 112 during the active printing phase of operation, during which ink is ejected from the printhead 110 to form an image on the card 106. The term "second scan axis" refers to the axis along which the printhead 110 is moved by the stage 112 to a position for the next active printing phase during the inactive printing phase (when no ink is ejected from the printhead).

[0021] In some examples, the stage 112 and printhead 110 may occupy the print area 116 during the printing operation, the print area 116 being... Figure 1 and Figure 2 The dashed box indicates this. The printing area 116 may generally extend from the processing axis 108 into at least a portion of the space above the card conveyor 104 and card feeder 120, or the printing area 116 may extend directly above the processing axis 108 into at least a portion of the space above the card conveyor 104 and card feeder 120. The printing area 116 may also surround the card conveyor 104 and card feeder 120, such as... Figure 2 As shown in the image.

[0022] In some examples, each card feeder 120 includes a lifting mechanism 134 for moving the card feeder 120 to a lowered position, in which the card feeder 120 is displaced from the printing area 116, for example, displaced below the printing area 116, as by Figure 1 Card feeder 120A and Figure 3 The card feeders 120A and 120B are shown in the diagram. Figure 3 This is an isometric view of the card conveyor 104 and the card feeder 120 in their lowered position 136.

[0023] The lifting mechanism 134 can also move the card feeder 120 to a raised position, in which at least a portion of the card feeder 120 extends into the printing area 116, and the card feeder 120 is positioned to feed or receive cards 106 from or to the card conveyor 104, as described above. Figure 1 The card feeder 120B is shown in the diagram. Therefore, the card feeder 120 can be moved to the raised position of the card feeder 120 by the lifting mechanism 134, so as to feed the card 106 to or receive the card 106 from the card conveyor 104.

[0024] Therefore, the lifting mechanism 134 can be used to move the card feeder 120 from the raised position to the lowered position so that the print head 110 can be moved by the stage 112 through the printing area 116 and perform the printing operation. In the raised position, at least a portion of the card feeder 120 will obstruct the printing operation, and in the lowered position, the card feeder 120 will not obstruct the printing area 116.

[0025] In some examples, the card conveyor 104 includes belts 140, such as a first belt 140A and a second belt 140B (i.e., belt feeders or conveyors), each of which is supported by rollers 142 for movement along the belt path. In one example, each of the first belt 140A and the second belt 140B is supported by four rollers 142, which are formed by a belt frame 144, such as sidewalls 146A and 146B of the belt frame 144. Figure 3 Support. Belt 140 includes an exposed portion 150 adjacent to the processing axis 108. The exposed portion 150 of each belt in Belt 140 is used to feed the card 106 along the processing axis 108 and support the card 106 in the printing position 114.

[0026] Motors 154A and 154B can independently drive the first belt 140A and the second belt 140B along the belt paths of the first belt 140A and the second belt 140B. Therefore, the exposed portion 150 of the first belt 140A can be independently fed with the card 106 along the processing axis 108 using motor 154A in the direction toward the second belt 140B or in the direction toward the card feeder 120A, and the exposed portion 150 of the second belt 140B can be independently fed with the card 106 along the processing axis 108 using motor 154B in the direction toward the first belt 140A or in the direction toward the card feeder 120B.

[0027] The belt 140 of the card conveyor 104 can take any suitable form. In some examples, belt 140 is a conventional vacuum belt coupled to a vacuum source 158 (i.e., a negative pressure source), such as a regenerative vacuum blower. Vacuum source 158 can be shared by belt 140, such as... Figure 1 As shown, or separately, vacuum sources 158A and 158B can be used by belts 140A and 140B, respectively. Chamber 160 is connected to the exposed portion 150 of belt 140 via the negative pressure generated by vacuum source 158. The negative pressure is transmitted through... Figure 2 and Figure 3The hole 162 in the strip shown communicates with the top side of the exposed portion 150, and negative pressure is used to secure the card 106 to the exposed portion 150 during card feeding and printing operations. Therefore, when the card 106 engages with the top surface of the exposed portion 150 of one of the strips 140, the negative pressure generated by vacuum source 158 or vacuum sources 158A and 158B adheres the card 106 to the strip 140. When the strip 140 is driven by the corresponding motor 154, the adhered card 106 is driven along the processing axis.

[0028] For example, refer to Figure 2 With the card feeder 120 in its lowered position and the card 106 held in the printing position 114 against the exposed portions 150 of the belts 140A and 140B due to the negative pressure generated by the vacuum source 158 or vacuum sources 158A and 158B, the stage 112 can move the print head 110 above the card 106 along the first scanning axis 130 (processing axis 108) while the print head 110 prints image lines onto the surface 166, as indicated by arrow 170. As the print head 110 moves past the end of the card 106 adjacent to the card feeder 120B, the stage 112 displaces the print head 110 along the second scanning axis 132, as indicated by arrow 172. Then, the stage 112 moves the print head 110 backward along the first scanning axis 130 (arrow 174), during which time the print head 110 prints image lines onto the surface 166 of the card 106. The stage 112 again moves the position of the print head 110 along the second scan axis 132 (arrow 176), and the print head 110 prints image lines as the stage 112 moves the print head 110 along the first scan axis 130 (arrow 178). These steps of printing image lines are repeated while moving the print head 110 along the first scan axis 130 and shifting its position along the second scan axis 132, until the image has been printed onto the surface 166 of the card 106. Therefore, a single printing operation can simultaneously print images onto two cards 106 supported on the belt 140.

[0029] In order to print a complete edge-to-edge image on card 106, printhead 110 can be configured to print an image slightly larger than the surface 166 of card 106. As a result, some ink will be over-sprayed onto the edges of card 106.

[0030] In some examples, the exposed surface 150 of each strip 140 has a smaller surface area than that of card 106. That is, the width and length of the exposed strip surface 150 are chosen such that the width and length of the exposed strip surface 150 are smaller than the corresponding width and length of card 106, as in Figure 2As shown in the overall diagram, card 106 is indicated by dashed lines. Therefore, when card 106 is in the print position 114, the entire exposed tape surface 150 is covered by card 106, and the peripheral portion 180 of card 106 extends beyond the edge of the exposed tape surface 150. This allows printhead 110 to print an image extending to the edge of surface 166 of card 106 while protecting the exposed tape surface 150 from ink contamination.

[0031] In some examples, each card feeder 120 includes at least one pair of pinch rollers 190, such as pinch roller pairs 190A and 190B. In some examples, at least a portion of one or both of the pinch roller pairs 190 extends into the printing area 116 when the card feeder 120 is in the raised position. Pinch roller pairs 190A and 190B are positioned adjacent to ports 192 and 194 of the card feeder 120, respectively, wherein port 192 is positioned adjacent to the input / output end 196 of the corresponding tape 140, such as... Figure 3 As shown in the diagram. Each pinch roll pair 190 may include an idler roll 197 and a motorized feed roll 198 supported by the pinch feeder frame 200, for example, between sidewalls 201A and 201B of the frame 200, as shown in the diagram. Figure 3 As shown in the example. Although idler roller 197 is shown as the top roller in the provided example, it is understood that the positions of rollers 197 and 198 can be reversed. Figure 3 As shown, the cover 202 can be positioned between the pinch roller pairs 190A and 190B to cover part of the path through which the card 106 is fed by the card feeder 120.

[0032] Card feeders 120A and 120B each include motors 204A and 204B for driving a motorized roller 198 to feed a card 106 supported between one or both of the pinch roller pairs 190A and 190B along a card feed axis 208. The separate motor 204 of feeder 120 allows controller 118 to independently control card feeder 120. Thus, for example, card feeder 120A can be used to convey card 106 to belt 140A, while card feeder 120B conveys card 106 to collector 126.

[0033] The card feed axis 208 of each feeder 120 is substantially parallel to a vertical plane extending through the processing axis 108. Therefore, as... Figure 2 As shown in the top view, the card feed axis 208 of the feeder 120 is oriented to be substantially parallel (e.g., ±5 degrees) to the processing axis 108 in a horizontal plane.

[0034] In some examples, the lifting mechanism 134 causes the frame 200 of the card feeder 120 to pivot about the axis 210 during the movement of the card feeder 120 between the raised and lowered positions of the card feeder 120. Figure 3 Pivoting. Therefore, the orientation of the card feed axis 208 relative to the processing axis 108 in the vertical plane changes as the card feeder 120 moves between an elevated position 138 and a lowered position 136. When the card feeder 120 is in the lowered position, the card feed axis 208 forms an angle (e.g., 20 to 50 degrees) with the processing axis 108 in the vertical plane. When the card feeder 120 is in the elevated position, the card feed axis 208 is substantially parallel to the processing axis 108 in the vertical plane, thereby allowing the card feeder 120 to use one or more of the pinch roller pairs 190 to transfer cards 106 to adjacent belts 140, or to receive cards 106 from adjacent belts 140.

[0035] In some examples, the pivot axis 210 is defined by a pivotable connection 212 between the card feeder frame 200 and the belt frame 144, such as Figure 3 As shown in the figure. In one example, a pivotable connector or hinge 212 is formed between the sidewalls 201A and 201B of the card feeder frame 200 and the corresponding sidewalls 146A and 146B of the belt frame 144.

[0036] During the exemplary lifting operation in which the card feeder 120 moves from the lowered position to the raised position, the controller 118 actuates the motor 220 of the lifting mechanism 134 to drive a cam (not shown) along the path... Figure 3 Arrow 224 indicates the direction of rotation about axis 222. As the cam rotates, it drives the card feeder frame 120 to pivot about pivot axis 210 until the card feeder 120 reaches the raised position. This operation can be reversed to move the card feeder 120 back to the lowered position.

[0037] Ideally, each card feeder 120 supports the received card 106 such that the central axis of the card 106 is aligned with the card feed axis 208. This ensures that the card 106 is fed to the adjacent belt 140 aligned with the processing axis 108, which allows the card 106 to be accurately positioned in the printing position 114 on the belt 140 and the image to be accurately printed onto the card surface 166.

[0038] Printer 100 may include one or more sensors 250 to facilitate various card feeding operations, such as receiving card 106 in card feeder 120 and positioning card 106 in print position 114 on belt 140. In one example, printer 100 includes card sensor 250 for detecting the presence or absence of a card at each side of card conveyor 104. In some examples, card sensor 250 is positioned between pinch roller pair 190A and adjacent belt 140. In some examples, card sensor 250 is supported by card feeder frame 200.

[0039] During the reception of card 106 by card feeder 120 in its lowered position, sensor 250 can be used to detect the leading edge of card 106 as it is fed toward conveyor belt 140, indicating that card 106 is fully received in card feeder 120. Card feeder 120 can then move from the lowered position to the raised position. After card feeder 120 moves to the raised position, the corresponding card sensor 250 can be used to detect the trailing edge of card 106 as it is fed to the adjacent belt 140. Controller 118 can use this detection of the trailing edge of card 106 to control belt 140 to position card 106 in the desired printing position 114.

[0040] Card sensor 250 can also be used via controller 118 to control the reception of card 106 from belt 140 by card feeder 120. For example, as card 106 is fed from belt 140 toward card feeder 120, card sensor 250 can detect the leading edge of card 106. This detection can be used by controller 118 to control pinch roller pair 190 to receive card 106 in card feeder 120. Card 106 can then be fed into card feeder 120 using pinch roller pair 190 until sensor 250 detects the trailing edge of card 106, indicating that card 106 has been fully received in card feeder 120 and card feeder 120 is ready to move to lower position 136 of feeder 120.

[0041] As described above, the printer may optionally include one or more card flippers 122 driven by one or more motors 264. The card flippers 122 can be used to reverse the card 106 to facilitate printing operations on both sides of the card 106. Each card flipper 122 may be configured to receive a card 106 from an adjacent card feeder 120, card dispenser (flipper 122A), or card collector (flipper 122B), rotate the card 106 about the flipping axis 260 to reverse the card 106, and pass the reversed card 106 back to the adjacent card feeder 120, which can then convey the reversed card 106 to the card conveyor 104 and the printing unit 102 for printing operations.

[0042] Some examples of this disclosure relate to a method of printing an image onto one or more cards 106 using an inkjet card printer 100. In one example of this method, a card 106, which may have been received from a dispenser 124 and fed to the card feeder 120A via a card flipper 122A, is supported by a pair of gripper rollers 190 of the card feeder 120A in a lowered position. The card feeder 120A is then moved to an elevated position using a corresponding lifting mechanism 134, and the card 106 is ejected from the card feeder 120A onto a belt 140A using the gripper rollers 190A. The card feeder 120A is then moved to a lowered position and away from the printing area 116 using the lifting mechanism 134, and the card 106 is fed along the processing axis 108 to the printing position 114 via the belt 140A. Figure 2 The image is then printed onto the surface 166 of the card 106 using the print head 110, which includes moving the print head 110 along with the stage 112 through the printing area 116.

[0043] In some examples, the inkjet card printer 100 may include a curing lamp 111 to aid in the curing of recently ejected ink. This curing lamp 111 may project ultraviolet (UV) light to cure UV-curable ink. In some examples, the curing lamp 111 may be attached to the inkjet printhead 110 and may move with the inkjet printhead 110. In some examples, the curing lamp 111 may be attached to an axis separate from the inkjet printhead axis and may move independently of the inkjet printhead 110. In operation, after printing an image, a conventional system causes the irradiated curing light to pass through the entire width or length of the printed medium to cure or harden the printed ink. For the inkjet printer according to this subject matter, after an image has been printed onto the printing medium using curable ink, the curing lamp 111 may pass over the image at a curing speed and may move over the unprinted portions of the printing medium, or retract over the cured portions of the image at a speed higher than the curing speed.

[0044] In some examples, printer 100 includes an ink overspray collector 182 that surrounds the periphery of the exposed tape surface 150 and extends beyond the edge of card 106 when card 106 is in the print position 114 of card 106, as shown. Figure 2As shown in the diagram. Therefore, collector 182 is positioned to receive ink sprayed onto the longitudinal and lateral edges of card 106 during printing operations. In some examples, the surface of the ink overspray collector 182, configured to receive oversprayed ink, is positioned below or offset from the bottom surface of the card 106 to be printed by a distance x to allow ink buildup. This offset can allow ink buildup on the finished card via the ink overspray collector 182 without overspraying to transfer to the underside of the finished card or to the underside of a new card entering the printing area. In some examples, the ink overspray collector 182 is a disposable component that can be periodically removed and replaced by the operator of printer 100. Collector 182 can be formed of plastic, paper, cardboard, or other suitable materials. In some examples, collector 182 is a single piece of material having an opening 184A for the exposed belt surface 150 of belt 140A and an opening 184B for the exposed belt surface 150 of belt 140B.

[0045] In some examples, the ink overspray collector 182 is a reusable component that can be easily cleaned and reused to reduce inkjet printer waste. In some examples, the ink overspray collector 182 may include a coating material that allows for relatively quick and / or easy (e.g., in seconds) removal of oversprayed ink. In some examples, the reusable component is rigid enough to maintain its shape when mounted and loaded with oversprayed ink, and flexible enough to allow for easy removal from the machine, easy removal of ink from the component's surface, and easy remounting. In some examples, the material of the ink overspray collector 182 is a coated woven material with low ink adhesion, allowing oversprayed ink to adhere to the ink overspray collector during operation, but easily separate from the surface of the ink overspray collector during brief breaks in inkjet printer operation. In some examples, the woven material may include glass fiber. In some examples, the coating may include polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).

[0046] Figure 4An example ink overspray collector is shown in general. The ink overspray collector 182 may include openings 184A, 184B for corresponding exposed surface 150 of corresponding bands 140A, 140B. In some examples, the openings 184A, 184B extend closely to the shape of the printing medium, such that corresponding bands 140A, 140B are not exposed to receiving ink overspray when the printing medium is being printed. The ink overspray collector 182 may have a pair of long sides 181A, 181B and a pair of short sides 183A, 183B generally arranged in a rectangular shape or covering area. Each long side 183A, 183B may include optional inward recesses 185A, 185B. Each short side may include optional outward recesses 187A, 187B. In some examples, when installed in an inkjet card printer, one or more of the inward recesses 185A, 185B or the outward recesses 187A, 187B can be captured or used to secure the ink overspray collector 182 in place.

[0047] In some examples, the ink overspray collector 182 may be symmetrical about a center line extending parallel to the long sides 181A, 181B. In some examples, the ink overspray collector 182 may be symmetrical about a center line extending parallel to the short sides 183A, 183B. The symmetry of the ink overspray collector allows for proper mounting to an inkjet card printer in more than one orientation, which can save time.

[0048] It is understood that examples of ink overspray collectors may be included without departing from the scope of this topic. Figure 4 Examples include more or fewer openings. The rectangular-shaped coverage area of ​​the illustrated ink overspray collector 184 effectively covers and protects the mechanism of the inkjet card printer from ink overspray. It is understood that the mechanism of other inkjet card printers may be better protected from ink overspray by ink overspray collectors having a coverage area with a different shape than the rectangular shape shown, and such ink overspray collectors are not outside the scope of this subject matter. It should also be understood that the ink overspray collector may have additional or other protrusions for securing the ink overspray collector without departing from the scope of this subject matter.

[0049] In some examples, the controller of the sample inkjet card printer can also help handle ink overspray, for example, by reducing the amount of overspray. In some examples, typically, the controller can provide overspray adjustment when the inkjet printhead is positioned near the edge of the print area. Ink overspray adjustment can include reducing the amount of ink distributed near the edge of the print media or near the print area of ​​the printer compared to the amount of ink otherwise distributed without overspray adjustment. Using less ink than otherwise distributed without overspray adjustment can reduce the amount of ink overspray.

[0050] In some examples, overspray adjustment of ink distribution from the printhead may include reducing the number of ink droplets compared to the amount required to provide the complete image being printed. In some examples, overspray adjustment of ink distribution from the printhead may include reducing the size of the ink droplets compared to the size required to provide the complete image being printed. In some examples, overspray adjustment of ink distribution from the printhead may include reducing the number of ink droplets of certain colors, such that the edges of the image are faded to the background color provided by the surface of the printing medium. In some examples, overspray adjustment may include one or more of the above techniques combined with each other. In some examples, the overspray technique is applied to the nozzles of the printhead, which distribute ink within a specific distance from the edge of the printing medium while printing a given image. In various examples, this specific distance is less than 20 mm, less than 10 mm, less than 5 mm, or less than 2 mm from the edge of the printing medium or the edge of the printed area.

[0051] Figure 5 An example method for reducing ink overspray is generally illustrated. At 501, the inkjet printhead may pass over the card. At 503, in response to the inkjet printhead passing over the card, ink may be ejected toward the card to print at least a portion of an image. The image may extend to a first edge of the card, which is perpendicular to the direction of travel of the inkjet printhead. At 505, the inkjet printhead may approach the first edge of the card. At 507, ink ejection is reduced or reduced at a distance from the first edge from the desired ink volume to reduce ink overspray at the first edge. In some examples, this specific distance from the edge of the printing medium or the edge of the printing area may be less than 20 mm, less than 10 mm, less than 5 mm, or less than 2 mm. As used herein, the desired ink volume is the amount of ink that would be allocated without employing an overspray reduction method. In some examples, reducing the amount of ink from the required amount can take the following forms: reducing the number of ink droplets from the required number of ink droplets used to form the image, reducing the size of ink droplets from the required size of ink droplets used to form the image, reducing the number of ink droplets of certain colors to fade the image to the color of the card surface, or a combination thereof. Figure 4 The inkjet printhead 111A is shown in the controller's call function. Figure 5 The approximate example position and relative direction of travel when using the ink reduction method.

[0052] Figure 6 An example method for reducing ink overspray is generally illustrated. At 601, the inkjet printhead can begin passing over the card from a starting position not above the card to print an image onto the card. At 603, the inkjet printhead can approach a first edge of the card perpendicular to the direction of travel of the inkjet printhead. The image can extend from the first edge of the card. At 605, ink ejection is reduced from the required amount of ink used to form the image near the first edge to reduce ink overspray at the first edge. At 607, as the printhead passes over the card and a certain distance away from the first edge, ink can be ejected toward the card according to the required amount of ink to print at least a portion of the image. In some examples, this specific distance can be more than 20 mm, more than 10 mm, more than 5 mm, or more than 2 mm from the edge of the printing medium or the edge of the printing area. In some examples, reducing the amount of ink from the required ink volume can take the following forms: reducing the number of ink droplets from the required number of ink droplets used to form the image, reducing the size of ink droplets from the required size of ink droplets used to form the image, reducing the number of ink droplets of certain colors to fade the image to the color of the card surface, or a combination thereof. As the printhead passes over the card and toward the center of the card near the first edge, the amount of ink reduction can be reduced to the desired amount while eliminating the possibility of significant ink overspray at the first edge. Figure 4 This shows the inkjet printhead 111B that can be called by the controller. Figure 6 The approximate example position and relative direction of travel when using the ink reduction method.

[0053] Figure 7 An example method for reducing ink overspray is generally shown. At 701, the inkjet printhead can perform the printing process above a first edge. The first edge can be parallel to the travel direction of the inkjet printhead. At 703, ink can be ejected toward the card during the printing process to print at least a portion of an image. The image can extend from the first edge of the card. At 705, the ejection of ink from the printhead near the edge is reduced from the amount of ink required to form the image, and ink overspray at the first edge is reduced. In some examples, reducing the amount of ink from the required amount can take the form of reducing the number of ink droplets from the required number of ink droplets to form the image, reducing the droplet size from the size of the ink droplets required to form the image, reducing the number of ink droplets of certain colors to fade the image to the color of the card surface, or a combination thereof. At 707, the ink ejected from the inkjet nozzles away from the edge of the printhead can be the amount of ink required to form the image during the printing process. Figure 4The inkjet printhead 111C is shown in the controller's call function. Figure 7 The approximate example position and relative direction of travel when using the ink reduction method.

[0054] Examples and notes

[0055] In the first example, Example 1, an apparatus for an inkjet printer is shown, the apparatus comprising: a first opening defining a first printing area of ​​the inkjet printer; a frame surrounding the first opening, the frame configured to receive overspray from operations of the inkjet printer; and wherein the frame is formed of a woven material.

[0056] In Example 2, the subject of Example 1 includes a frame coated with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).

[0057] In Example 3, the subject matter of Examples 1 to 2 includes a second opening that defines a second printing area of ​​the inkjet printer; and wherein the frame extends around the second opening to receive overspray.

[0058] In Example 4, the subject of Examples 1 to 3 includes a frame defining a rectangular coverage area, and the rectangular coverage area includes a first long side and a second long side, as well as a first short side and a second short side.

[0059] In Example 5, the subject of Example 4 includes, where the first long side and the second long side include inward cuts.

[0060] In Example 6, the subject of Example 5 includes the following: the device is symmetrical about the center line that bisects the first long side and the second long side; and the device is symmetrical about the center line that bisects the first short side and the second short side.

[0061] In Example 7, the subject of Examples 4 to 6 includes an arrangement in which the device is symmetrical about the center line that bisects the first and second long sides.

[0062] In Example 8, the subject of Examples 4 to 7 includes an arrangement in which the device is symmetrical about the center line that bisects the first and second short sides.

[0063] In Example 9, the subject matter of Examples 1 through 8 includes a frame formed of woven glass fiber.

[0064] Example 10 is a method for operating an inkjet printer, the method comprising: moving an inkjet printhead on a card to print at least a portion of an image onto the card; ejecting ink from an inkjet nozzle of the inkjet printhead toward the card in a desired amount of ink in response to the inkjet printhead passing over the card; and reducing the amount of ink ejected from the inkjet printhead from the desired amount of ink to print at least a portion of the image in response to the printhead printing at least a portion of the image near an edge of the card, thereby reducing ink overspray across the edge.

[0065] In Example 11, the subject of Example 10 includes reducing the amount of ink ejected, which includes reducing the number of ink droplets ejected from the inkjet printhead compared to the number of droplets required for the image.

[0066] In Example 12, the subject matter of Examples 10 to 11 includes reducing the amount of ink ejected, which includes reducing the droplet size of the ink ejected from the inkjet printhead compared to the droplet size of the ink required for the image.

[0067] In Example 13, the subject matter of Examples 10 to 12 includes reducing the amount of ink ejected, which includes reducing the number of droplets of a certain color of ink ejected from the inkjet printhead compared to the number of droplets of a color used for the desired amount of ink, in order to fade the image to the color of the card's surface near the edges and reduce ink overspray at the edges.

[0068] In Example 14, the subject matter of Examples 10 to 13 includes an edge perpendicular to the direction of movement of the inkjet printhead relative to the card.

[0069] In Example 15, the subject matter of Examples 10 to 14 includes an edge parallel to the direction of movement of the inkjet printhead relative to the card.

[0070] In Example 16, the subject matter of Example 15 includes reducing the amount of ink ejected, which includes reducing the number of ink droplets ejected from the inkjet printhead near the edge, compared to the number of droplets required for the image, in order to reduce ink overspray at the edges.

[0071] In Example 17, the subject matter of Examples 15 and 16 includes reducing the amount of ink ejected, which includes reducing the droplet size of ink ejected from the inkjet printhead near the edge, compared to the droplet size of the ink required for the image, in order to reduce ink overspray at the edges.

[0072] In Example 18, the subject matter of Examples 15 to 17 includes reducing the amount of ink ejected, which comprises reducing the number of droplets of that color ejected from the inkjet printhead near the edge, compared to the number of droplets of that color used for the desired amount of ink, in order to fade the image to the color of the card surface near the edge and reduce ink overspray at the edge.

[0073] Example 19 is a machine-readable medium including instructions that, when executed by processing circuitry, cause the processing circuitry to perform operations including: moving an inkjet printhead on a card to print at least a portion of an image onto the card; ejecting ink from an inkjet nozzle of the inkjet printhead toward the card in a desired amount of ink in response to the inkjet printhead passing over the card; and reducing the amount of ink ejected from the inkjet printhead for printing at least a portion of the image from the desired amount of ink in response to the printhead printing at least a portion near the edge of the card, to reduce ink overspray beyond the edge.

[0074] In Example 20, the subject of Example 19 includes an operation that reduces the amount of ink ejected, which involves reducing the number of ink droplets ejected from the inkjet printhead near the edge, relative to the number of droplets required for the image, in order to reduce ink overspray at the edges.

[0075] In Example 21, the subject matter of Examples 19 and 20 includes an operation that reduces the amount of ink ejected, which involves reducing the droplet size of the ink ejected from the inkjet printhead near the edge, compared to the droplet size of the ink required for the image, in order to reduce ink overspray at the edge.

[0076] In Example 22, the subject matter of Examples 19 to 21 includes an operation that reduces the amount of ink ejected, which involves reducing the number of droplets of ink of color ejected from the inkjet printhead near the edge, compared to the number of droplets of color used for the desired amount of ink, in order to fade the image to the color of the card surface near the edge and reduce ink overspray at the edge.

[0077] Example 23 is at least one machine-readable medium including instructions that, when executed by processing circuitry, cause the processing circuitry to perform operations implementing any of the examples 1 through 22.

[0078] Example 24 is an apparatus that includes devices for implementing any of the examples 1 through 22.

[0079] Example 25 is a system used to implement any of the examples in Examples 1 through 22.

[0080] Example 26 is a method for implementing any of the examples in Examples 1 through 22.

[0081] The above detailed description includes reference to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the detailed description. The drawings illustrate specific embodiments in which the invention can be practiced. These embodiments are also referred to herein as “examples.” These examples may include elements other than those shown or described. However, the inventors also contemplate examples that provide only those elements shown or described. Furthermore, the inventors also contemplate examples using any combination or arrangement of those elements (or one or more aspects of those elements) shown or described with respect to a particular example (or one or more aspects of that particular example) or with respect to other examples shown or described herein (or one or more aspects of other examples).

Claims

1. A method for operating an inkjet printer, the method comprising: Move the inkjet printhead on the card to print an image onto the card; In response to the inkjet printhead passing over the card, ink is ejected from the inkjet printhead toward the card in the required amount of ink; In response to the inkjet printhead approaching the edge of the card, the amount of ink ejected from the inkjet printhead is reduced from the desired ink volume to reduce overspraying of ink beyond the edge; and Oversprayed ink is received by an ink overspray collector formed of woven material, wherein the surface of the ink overspray collector is positioned below the bottom surface of the card.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, Reducing the amount of ink ejected includes reducing the number of ink droplets ejected from the inkjet printhead compared to the number of droplets used for the required amount of ink.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein, Reducing the amount of ink ejected includes reducing the droplet size of the ink ejected from the inkjet printhead compared to the droplet size used for the required amount of ink.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein, Reducing the amount of ink ejected includes reducing the number of droplets of that color ejected from the inkjet printhead compared to the number of droplets of that color used for the required amount of ink, in order to fade the image to the color of the card's surface near the edges and reduce ink overspray at the edges.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The edge is parallel to the direction of movement of the inkjet printhead relative to the card.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The edge is perpendicular to the direction of movement of the inkjet printhead relative to the card.

7. A machine-readable medium including instructions that, when executed by processing circuitry, cause the processing circuitry to perform an operation, the operation comprising: Move the inkjet printhead on the card to print an image onto the card; In response to the inkjet printhead passing over the card, ink is ejected from the inkjet printhead toward the card in the required amount of ink; In response to the inkjet printhead approaching the edge of the card, the amount of ink ejected from the inkjet printhead is reduced from the desired ink volume to reduce overspraying of ink beyond the edge; and Oversprayed ink is received by an ink overspray collector formed of woven material, wherein the surface of the ink overspray collector is positioned below the bottom surface of the card.

8. The machine-readable medium according to claim 7, wherein, The operation of reducing the amount of ink ejected includes reducing the number of ink droplets ejected from the inkjet nozzles near the edge of the inkjet printhead compared to the number of droplets used for the required amount of ink.

9. The machine-readable medium according to claim 7, wherein, The operation of reducing the amount of ink ejected includes reducing the size of the ink droplets ejected from the inkjet printhead near the edge, compared to the droplet size used for the desired amount of ink.

10. The machine-readable medium according to claim 7, wherein, The operation of reducing the amount of ink ejected includes reducing the number of droplets of that color ejected from the inkjet nozzles near the edge of the inkjet printhead compared to the number of droplets of that color used for the required amount of ink, in order to fade the image to the color of the card's surface near the edge and reduce ink overspray at the edge.

11. The machine-readable medium according to any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein, The edge is parallel to the direction of movement of the inkjet printhead relative to the card.

12. The machine-readable medium according to any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein, The edge is perpendicular to the direction of movement of the inkjet printhead relative to the card.

13. An inkjet printer, comprising: An inkjet printhead, the inkjet printhead comprising a plurality of inkjet printing nozzles; Controller, the controller is configured to: Move the inkjet printhead on the card to print an image onto the card; In response to the inkjet printhead passing over the card, ink is ejected from each of the plurality of inkjet printhead nozzles of the inkjet printhead toward the card; as well as In response to the inkjet printhead approaching the edge of the card, the amount of ink ejected from at least some of the plurality of inkjet print nozzles is reduced to reduce ink overspray beyond the edge; and An overspray collector, formed of a woven material for receiving oversprayed ink, wherein the surface of the overspray collector is positioned below the bottom surface of the card.

14. The inkjet printer according to claim 13, wherein, Reducing the amount of ink ejected includes reducing the number of ink droplets ejected from at least some of the plurality of inkjet printing nozzles.

15. The inkjet printer according to claim 13 or 14, wherein, Reducing the amount of ink ejected includes reducing the droplet size of the ink ejected from at least some of the plurality of inkjet printing nozzles.

Images