Pressure device with reservoir coupling

Abstract

Printing device (21), wherein the printing device (21) has at least two receiving devices (22) for receiving a respective storage container (01), and wherein the printing device (21) has at least one communication module (28), and wherein the at least one communication module (28) has at least one transmitting and / or receiving unit suitable for contactless data transmission between this transmitting and / or receiving unit and at least one data module (07) of a storage container (01), characterized in that each of the at least two receiving devices (22) has at least one coupling element (26), and that the at least two coupling elements (26) are connected to one another and to at least one inkjet print head (24) via at least one line system (27) for operating fluids, and that the at least one coupling element (26) is designed as at least one screw connection (26) and / or a needle (26) and / or a plug connection (26).is designed and that the at least one communication module (28) is encapsulated in a dust-tight and liquid-tight manner by means of an encapsulation and that each of the at least two receiving devices (22) has at least one such communication module (28) and that the at least one coupling element (26) is arranged below the at least one communication module (28) and that at least one straight connection of a coupling element (26) of a receiving device (22) with a communication module (28) of this receiving device (22) intersects a spatial area which is provided for a storage container (01) to be connected to the respective receiving device (22) and / or which is occupied by a storage container (01) connected to the respective receiving device (22).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a printing device according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] Storage containers for use in printing devices, particularly printing machines, for example in inkjet printing devices for industrial applications, as well as in the home and office sector, are known. Such storage containers are preferably storage containers for operating fluids of the printing device, in particular ink storage containers and / or solvent storage containers. Storage containers with a dimensionally stable outer body are often used, which have at least one shape-variable storage body within their interior, usually in the form of a bag that contracts during withdrawal of the corresponding operating fluid, for example, during ink withdrawal.The outer bodies often also contain additional elements, such as electronic circuits and memory devices, via which information about the current fill level of the reservoir and / or the type of contents and / or manufacturer information and / or a date of manufacture, etc., can be exchanged with the printing device. Depending on the operating time, this data can be updated and written to this memory. This makes it possible, for example, to issue a warning as soon as the amount in the reservoir falls below a certain value, so that the user can replace the reservoir with a new one in a timely manner.

[0003] In addition, the said outer body often has, particularly in the case of printing devices in the office sector and / or in the case of marking systems in the industrial sector, additional devices, for example electronic and / or fluidic devices, such as ink filters and / or nozzles with associated control devices, so that the outer body in conjunction with these additional devices represents a functional printing module which can be operated, for example, via external electrical control signals.

[0004] Such a pressure module therefore has a considerable degree of complexity, which means that both manufacturing costs and operating costs are relatively high, since the entire pressure module is usually replaced and disposed of after the storage container and in particular the storage body have been emptied.

[0005] Simpler storage containers, for example, consist of only a rigid outer body with a variable-shape storage element, such as a bag, inside, as well as electronic devices for exchanging information. This reduces the complexity of the entire storage container and thus lowers manufacturing and operating costs. Such storage containers are also usually replaced as a whole after being emptied.

[0006] Storage containers in an even simpler design, on the other hand, have only one container, which is either designed as a dimensionally stable body and requires additional devices for ventilation when emptying, or is designed as a non-dimensionally stable body, for example as a bag, which requires a correspondingly complex holding device for its holding.

[0007] Communication between the aforementioned electronic devices and the printing device's control system is generally achieved via electrical contacts, which supply power to the electrical device on the reservoir and transfer data between the reservoir and the printer's control system. For this purpose, the receiving device for the reservoir has, for example, a series of contact pins, which, when the reservoir is inserted and secured in the receiving device, come into contact with corresponding contact surfaces on the reservoir, thus establishing electrical contacts.This can cause problems, particularly in industrial applications involving printing or marking devices, because the contacts on both sides are at least temporarily unprotected. This poses the risk of oxidation of metal surfaces and / or contamination of the contact surfaces by oil, dust, moisture, or leaked ink, which can lead to communication failure and thus a faulty state of the entire printing device. Inks and solvents used for industrial applications, in particular, are sometimes very aggressive or adhere strongly to a wide variety of materials, resulting in increased cleaning effort if the contacts become contaminated with such inks.

[0008] Furthermore, difficulties can arise from the fact that the mechanical alignment of the storage container to the receiving device must be very precise, which requires a precisely designed receiving device, and the storage containers must be secured with sufficient contact force to press the contact surfaces together. This can be particularly compromised by wear.

[0009] From US 2008 / 0186367 A1 a storage container of a printing device is known, wherein the storage container has at least one opening and wherein at least one surface element of an outer side of the storage container opposite the opening has a surface normal pointing in a first direction and wherein the storage container has at least one data module which has at least one transmitting and / or receiving unit for contactless communication with at least one communication module of a printing device and wherein data is stored on the data module which can be read out by means of at least one communication module of a printing device.

[0010] From US 2008 / 0186367 A1 a printing device is further known, wherein the printing device has at least two receiving devices for receiving a storage container in each case and wherein the printing device has at least one communication module and wherein the at least one communication module has at least one transmitting and / or receiving unit which is suitable for contactless data transmission between this transmitting and / or receiving unit and at least one data module of a storage container in each case and wherein the printing device has at least one line system.

[0011] WO 97 / 28001 A1 and DE 697 12 184 T2 each disclose a printing device having two receiving devices for receiving a respective storage container. The printing device has at least one communication module that has at least one transmitting and / or receiving unit suitable for contactless data transmission between this transmitting and / or receiving unit and at least one data module of a storage container. WO 97 / 28001 A1 and DE 697 12 184 T2 each further disclose a method for operating a printing device.

[0012] US 2012 / 0194583 A1 discloses a printing device having at least two receiving devices, each for receiving a storage container. The printing device has at least one communication module, and the at least one communication module has at least one transmitting and / or receiving unit suitable for contactless data transmission between this transmitting and / or receiving unit and at least one data module of a storage container. US 2012 / 0194583 A1 also discloses a method for operating a printing device.

[0013] US 2002 / 0113850 A1 discloses a printing device having a receiving device for receiving a storage container. The printing device has a communication module that has a transmitting and / or receiving unit suitable for contactless data transmission between this transmitting and / or receiving unit and a data module of a storage container. US 2002 / 0113850 A1 also discloses a method for operating a printing device.

[0014] DE 28 38 875 A1 describes a printing device which has a storage container.

[0015] US 7 431 436 B1 discloses a printing device which has at least two receiving devices, each for receiving a storage container, wherein the printing device has at least one communication module and wherein the at least one communication module has at least one transmitting and / or receiving unit which is suitable for contactless data transmission between this transmitting and / or receiving unit and at least one data module of a storage container, and wherein each of the at least two receiving devices has at least one coupling element and is connected to at least one inkjet print head via at least one line system for operating fluids. US 7 431 436 B1 also discloses a method for operating a printing device.

[0016] EP 1 981 716 B1 discloses a device and method for refilling storage containers. A coupling element in the form of a needle is removable.

[0017] Continuously operating inkjet printers operate on the principle that ink to be printed is drawn from a reservoir, for example by means of negative pressure, and preferably pumped using positive pressure by pumps into a pressure chamber, preferably located in a print head, which has at least one nozzle on a side facing an object to be printed. Ink initially emerges from the at least one nozzle as a continuous ink jet, which breaks up into individual droplets. For this purpose, at least one modulation element is attached to the pressure chamber, for example, which generates pressure fluctuations in the emerging ink jet, so that after emerging from the nozzle, after a short time, it breaks up into individual, similar ink droplets at a defined distance.The size of the ink droplets depends, for example, on the applied modulation frequency, the nozzle diameter, and the pressure generated by the pump, and can be adjusted within the system's predetermined limits based on the combination of these parameters. Shortly before the ink droplets break away from the ejected ink jet, each ink droplet is imparted with an individual electrical charge, with the magnitude of the charge depending primarily on the desired impact position on the object to be printed.

[0018] To ensure electrical charging, the ink is electrically conductive. During the charging process, ink droplets have not yet been separated from the ink jet emerging from the nozzle of the inkjet printer, so that due to electrical influence, free charge carriers in the ink are moved towards or away from the charging electrode, depending on the polarity and strength of an external charging voltage, whereby the ink chamber and thus the ink reservoir is held electrically at ground potential, for example. The charging electrode has no mechanical contact with the ink jet. If an ink droplet breaks away from the ink jet while it is in the field area of ​​the charging electrode, the electrical charges migrated into the droplet due to the influence remain in the droplet volume, and this appears electrically charged to the outside even after it has broken away.A charge separation occurs immediately before the droplet breaks off at the leading edge of the ink jet. The resulting charge imbalance in the breakaway droplet remains, and in this example, the droplet leaves the field area of ​​the charging electrode negatively charged. A charge remains on the detached ink droplet, the magnitude of which, preferably at a constant electrical conductivity of the ink, corresponds to the applied charging voltage. Thus, changing the charging voltage can also change the charge quantity on each droplet.

[0019] After their initially straight-line flight, the electrically charged ink droplets enter the electrostatic field of a plate capacitor and, depending on their individual charge, are deflected more or less from their straight-line trajectory. After leaving the electrostatic field, they continue to fly at a specific angle to their original trajectory depending on their charge. Using this principle, different impact positions on a surface to be written on can be selected with individual ink droplets, although in this design this only occurs in one deflection direction. To mask out individual droplets from the typeface or if printing is not required, the ink droplets are given a specific fixed charge or remain uncharged, so that after leaving the electrostatic field of the plate capacitor, they hit a collecting tube from where they are pumped back into the ink tank via a pump system.This causes the unused ink to circulate, which has led to the term continuous inkjet printer.

[0020] The inks used for this purpose have certain required or desired properties, such as the aforementioned electrical conductivity or the shortest possible drying time. A short drying time in particular requires the use of volatile solvents as a carrier liquid in the ink. Solvents used for this purpose include methyl ethyl ketone, alcohols, acetone or generally organic solvents. Due to the principle behind this, ink droplets emerge from the aforementioned nozzle even when the printer is not in operation and only return to the ink circuit via the collection tube after traveling a certain distance in the inkjet print head. During their flight along this distance, the ink droplets are exposed to the ambient air, where they lose some of their solvent due to the volatility of the aforementioned solvents used in the ink.As a result, the solvent content in the ink circuit continually decreases over an extended period of operation of the inkjet printer, which leads to an increase in the viscosity of the ink and thus to a malfunction or failure of the printer. To prevent this, a specific proportion of solvent is added to the ink continuously, at regular intervals, or as needed from a designated reservoir. This is achieved, for example, by adding a specific amount of solvent to the ink system at a timed interval or by adding a specific amount of solvent as needed via a viscosity measurement. For this purpose, different pumps and / or valves and / or filters and / or measuring devices are provided in the ink system, which must be brought into different contact with one another depending on requirements.Therefore, extensive piping between the aforementioned devices is required to ensure functionality.

[0021] Typically, the respective devices, such as pumps and / or valves and / or filters and / or measuring devices, are mounted on at least one base plate or mounting plate. The individual devices are typically connected to one another using hose connectors, which requires a considerable amount of time during manufacturing. Furthermore, the connection of the individual devices is prone to errors, which can lead to significant rework. Furthermore, for service purposes, it is often necessary to design at least certain hose connections as detachable, which leads to increased costs due to the connecting elements required.In addition, due to the space available in the inkjet printer's housing, it is often not possible to arrange all devices in an optimally accessible manner, which can lead to complex assembly work in the event of servicing and thus significantly extended downtimes of the inkjet printer.

[0022] The invention is based on the object of creating a printing device.

[0023] The object is achieved according to the invention by the features of claim 1.

[0024] The advantages achievable with the invention are, in particular, that the preferred storage container can be manufactured and handled very easily and cost-effectively and is less prone to errors. In particular, the preferably arranged and / or used transmitting and / or receiving devices have the advantage that a contactless exchange of signals and / or data is possible between a printing device and the storage container, and is essentially insensitive to contamination. Preferably, a contactless exchange of signals and / or data is also possible between a storage container and an external communication device. Such an exchange of signals and / or data is preferably encrypted and therefore insensitive to external interference and protected against manipulation.One advantage of a preferred storage container is that the storage container allows for manufacturing and / or installation with less precision than if it had contact surfaces for electrical contacts. One advantage of a preferred storage container is that the storage container can be refilled and / or recycled after being emptied, particularly because at least one data module of the storage container can be rewritten with data.

[0025] A preferred storage container of a printing device, which has at least one opening, wherein at least one surface element of an outer side of the storage container opposite the opening has a surface normal pointing in a first direction and wherein the storage container can be transferred from a first operating state to a second operating state by applying a negative pressure to an interior of the storage container and wherein an outer body of the storage container has a different shape in the second operating state than in the first operating state and wherein the direction of the surface normal of the at least one surface element of the outer side of the storage container in the second operating state deviates from a direction of the surface normal of the at least one surface element of the outer side of the storage container in the first operating state by a maximum of 60°, has the particular advantagethat a data module and / or a marking can be arranged on this surface element, which can be read and / or written to and / or read in each of the two operating states.

[0026] A preferred storage container of a printing device, which has at least one opening and at least one outer body, wherein at least the outer body of the storage container consists at least partially of a mixture of an HDPE (high density polyethylene), i.e. a polyethylene with a density between 0.94 g / cm^3 and 0.97 g / cm^3 on the one hand and an LDPE (low density polyethylene), i.e. a polyethylene with a density between 0.915 g / cm^3 and 0.935 g / cm^3 on the other hand, has the particular advantage that this storage container can be changed in its shape reversibly and / or essentially with a prescribed sequence, whereby in particular an orientation of at least one surface element of its outer side can be influenced.

[0027] A preferred storage container of a printing device, which has at least one data module which has at least one transmitting and / or receiving unit for contactless communication with at least one communication module of a printing device, wherein the storage container can be transferred from a first operating state to a second operating state by applying a negative pressure to an interior of the storage container and wherein an outer body of the storage container has a different shape in the second operating state than in the first operating state, has the particular advantage that the storage container can be produced cost-effectively, is easy to handle and yet is suitable for data exchange with the printing device.

[0028] By means of a preferred method for emptying an exchangeable storage container of a printing device, in which in the second operating state a normal direction of the at least one data module has a second orientation which deviates from the normal direction of the at least one data module in the first operating state by a maximum of 60°, it is always ensured that communication between the data module and the printing device is possible.

[0029] A preferred printing device which has at least two receiving devices for receiving a respective storage container, wherein the printing device has at least one communication module and wherein the at least one communication module has at least one transmitting and / or receiving unit which is suitable for contactless data transmission between this transmitting and / or receiving unit and at least one data module of a storage container, and wherein each of the at least two receiving devices has at least one coupling element and wherein the at least two coupling elements are connected to one another and to at least one inkjet print head via at least one line system for operating fluids, has the particular advantage that, by means of appropriate data comparison, it can be prevented that incompatible operating fluids,such as, for example, different inks and / or inks and incompatible solvents being mixed together in a common line system and thereby, for example, rendered unusable. This applies in particular to a preferred method for operating a printing device, wherein at least two storage containers, each having at least one data module, are inserted into at least two respective receiving devices of the printing device, and wherein data is read from at least one data module of each of the at least two storage containers by means of at least one communication module, and wherein a machine control system, based on at least the data read from the at least two data modules, checks whether the joint use of the operating fluids contained in the at least two storage containers in the printing device is permissible.

[0030] For this reason, a reservoir of a printing device is particularly preferred, which reservoir has at least one data module on which data is stored that can be read out by at least one communication module of a printing device. The data stored on the at least one data module contains information about settings that must be made on the printing device when using the operating fluid contained in the reservoir. This offers, among other advantages, that the printing device is always correctly adjusted, regardless of the operator. This reduces the probability of errors and thus costs due to downtime. For example, if components of an ink change from one delivery to the next, the operator does not even need to be informed about new, necessary settings of the printing device; instead, the corresponding settings are automatically implemented by the printing device without errors.

[0031] For example, this is shown in a preferred method for operating a printing device, wherein at least one storage container having at least one data module is inserted into a receiving device of the printing device and wherein data is read out from the at least one data module of the at least one storage container by means of at least one communication module of the printing device and wherein a machine control checks settings of the printing device based on at least the read-out data and / or changes settings of the printing device depending on the read-out data.

[0032] Preferably, at least one data module contains information about how often the storage container has already been inserted into a printing device. This makes it possible, for example, to estimate how severely a cover of an opening has already been damaged and whether further insertion of the storage container into the same or another printing device is permissible without risk of leaks.

[0033] Preferably, the at least one data module is arranged on a side of the reservoir opposite the at least one opening of the reservoir, so that communication devices of the printing device and receiving devices of the printing device can be arranged spatially separated from one another. This prevents hazards that would arise if electronics were arranged near potential leakage points of operating fluids.

[0034] Preferably, at least one data module contains information about how much liquid has already been withdrawn from the reservoir. This is preferably the only information that can be written by a normal user, while all other information can only be read by a normal user but can be written and read by a manufacturer. This guarantees convenient and safe operation for the user and flexibility for the manufacturer.

[0035] A preferred printing device which has at least one line system, wherein the printing device has at least one base plate which has a first main side and a second main side opposite the first main side, and wherein at least one channel is arranged on the first main side of the at least one base plate, through which at least one line of the at least one line system is defined, which is delimited by the at least one base plate on the one hand and at least one cover on the other hand, and wherein the at least one base plate has at least two passages,which each connect the at least one channel to the second main side of the at least one base plate, and wherein at least one ink reservoir and / or at least one solvent reservoir and / or at least one inkjet print head on the second main side of the at least one base plate is and / or can be connected directly and / or via at least one intermediate connecting line to at least one of the at least two passages of the at least one channel, has the particular advantage that the printing device is inexpensive and easy to manufacture and operate, for example because the line system completely or at least partially replaces otherwise conventional tubing.

[0036] A further advantage is that the base plate not only defines and forms the piping system, but also provides a connection system that can further serve as a support plate and / or mounting plate for fluidic devices and / or other devices. A further advantage is that the base plate can serve as a mounting plate for at least one sheet metal housing, which can be folded away, thus making the base plate accessible from three sides.

[0037] A further advantage is that the at least one channel in the base plate provides a predefined, fixed, structurally optimized piping system that is less prone to failure than a system of hoses. No elastic lines are required, which could become brittle and / or leaky. Preferably, the at least one cover is reversibly connected, i.e., in particular, detachably, to the at least one base plate. This ensures that the piping system can be made accessible, for example, for maintenance purposes.

[0038] Embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawings and are described in more detail below.

[0039] They show: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of a storage container in a first operating state in a frontal view; Fig. 2 a schematic representation of the storage container in the first operating state in a side view; Fig. 3 a schematic representation of the storage container in the first operating state in a view from above; Fig. 4 a schematic representation of the storage container in the first operating state in a view from below; Fig. 5 a schematic sectional view of the storage container in the second operating state along the section line V - V in Fig. 9; Fig. 6 a schematic sectional view of the storage container in the second operating state along the section line VI - VI in Fig. 9; Fig. 7 a schematic representation of the storage container in the second operating state in a view from above; Fig. 8 is a schematic representation of the storage container in the second operating state in a view from below; Fig. 9 a schematic sectional view of the storage container in the second operating state along the section line IX - IX in Fig. 5; Fig. 10 is a schematic representation of an embodiment of the storage container with formations in a side view; Fig. 11 a schematic representation of an embodiment of the storage container with formations in a side view; Fig. 12 a schematic representation of an embodiment of the storage container with formations in a side view; Fig. 13 a schematic representation of a printing device; Fig. 14 a schematic representation of a cover of a base plate of the printing device in a view from below; Fig. 15 a schematic representation of the cover of the base plate of the printing device in a side view; Fig. 16 a schematic representation of the cover of the base plate of the printing device in a side view; Fig. 17 a schematic representation of the base plate of the printing device in a perspective view obliquely from below; Fig. 18 a schematic representation of the base plate of the printing device in a view from above.

[0040] A printing device 21, in particular a printing press 21, which is preferably designed as an inkjet printing device 21, in particular an inkjet printing press 21, preferably has at least one line system 27. The at least one line system 27 is in particular at least one liquid line system 27 and / or at least one line system 27 for operating fluids. The at least one line system 27 preferably serves to transport at least one operating fluid of the printing device 21. Such an operating fluid is, for example, at least one ink and / or at least one solvent. When reference is made to an ink in the following, this particularly means a printing ink that is preferably suitable for use in an inkjet printing device 21. Unless contradictions arise, this is also to be understood as a printing ink in general.The at least one line system 27 is preferably at least one line system 27 of at least one inking unit of the printing device 21 and / or at least one printing ink line system 27 and / or at least one ink line system 27 and / or at least one solvent line system 27.

[0041] The at least one ink preferably contains at least one solvent, for example water and / or an organic solvent. The at least one line system 27 preferably has at least one line 31. The at least one line 31 of the line system 27 is preferably connected and / or connectable to at least one reservoir 01. The at least one reservoir 01 is in particular at least one reservoir 01 for at least one operating fluid of the printing device 01. The at least one reservoir 01 is preferably designed as an ink reservoir 01 and / or as a solvent reservoir 01. Therefore, in the following, reference is made to at least one reservoir 01, whereby this is always understood to mean at least one ink reservoir 01 and / or at least one solvent reservoir 01.In particular, the at least one storage container 01 is a storage container 01 of the printing device 21 and, as such, is preferably detachably and / or removablely and preferably replaceably connected and / or connectable to the printing device 21. The printing device 21 preferably has at least one receiving device 22 for the at least one detachable and / or removable and preferably replaceable storage container 01. The printing device 21 preferably has at least one inkjet print head 24, which is more preferably also connected to the at least one line system 27, for example via at least one intermediate, preferably flexible connecting line 46.

[0042] First, a storage container 01 is described by way of example. The storage container 01 preferably has at least one outer body 02. The at least one outer body 02 is preferably the at least one part of the storage container 01 that, when the storage container 01 is closed, is in contact with the surroundings of the storage container 01. The at least one outer body 02 can consist of several components, but is preferably formed as a single piece. The storage container 01 and preferably the at least one outer body 02 of the storage container 01 preferably has at least one and more preferably exactly one opening 03. The storage container 01 can preferably be filled and / or emptied via the at least one opening 03. Each opening 03 is preferably closed and / or closable by means of a closure 04. The at least one closure 04 is designed, for example, as a press-on closure 04, but preferably as a twist-off closure 04.Preferably, the closure 04 has at least one flexible region that can be pierced relatively easily by means of a pointed object, for example, a coupling element 26 designed as a needle 26. In this way, the storage container 01 can be connected, for example, to the printing device 21. This flexible region is made, for example, from a rubber and / or an elastomer and / or is designed as a sealing element. Alternatively, the storage container 01 initially has no opening 03 until the at least one outer body 02 is pierced, for example, by means of a pointed object, for example, a needle 26.

[0043] The storage container 01 has at least one and preferably exactly one interior space 06. The at least one interior space 06 is delimited by the outer body 02 and the at least one closure 04 and in particular separated from an exterior space. The outer body 02 is preferably single-walled. This means that the outer body 02 preferably both delimits the interior space 06 with its inner side and forms the outer side of the storage container 01 with its outer side. In particular, therefore, preferably no bag is arranged in an interior of the outer body 02 and / or the storage container 01. Therefore, the storage container 01 is preferably at least partially and more preferably completely single-walled. The storage container 01 has at least one surface element 08 of an outer side of the storage container 01, which surface element is preferably opposite the at least one opening 03.More preferably, the at least one surface element 08 is located opposite the at least one opening 03, regardless of the operating state of the storage container 01 and in particular in every operating state of the storage container 01. When reference is made below to an operating state of the storage container 01, this is to be understood in particular as a shape of the storage container 01, which preferably results from the pressure conditions in the interior 06 and / or outside the storage container 01.

[0044] Preferably, the outer body 02 of the storage container 01, and more preferably the entire storage container 01, is formed at least partially from at least one reversibly deformable material. Preferably, at least the outer body 02 of the storage container 01 is formed from this at least one reversibly deformable material. This at least one material is preferably a plastic. A preferred material is, for example, a mixture of an HDPE (high-density polyethylene, i.e., a polyethylene with a preferred density between 0.94 grams per cubic centimeter (g / cm^3) and 0.97 grams per cubic centimeter (g / cm^3)) and an LDPE (low-density polyethylene, i.e., a polyethylene with a preferred density between 0.915 grams per cubic centimeter (g / cm^3) and 0.935 grams per cubic centimeter (g / cm^3)). The mixing ratio of HDPE to LDPE is preferably between 1 to 4 on the one hand and 4 to 1 on the other.This means that the proportion of HDPE in the mixture is preferably between 20% and 80%, and the proportion of LDPE is preferably between 80% and 20%. More preferably, the mixing ratio of HDPE to LDPE is 1:1. Preferably, the proportions of HDPE and LDPE add up to 100%. However, the material can also alternatively or additionally contain PPE (polyphenylene ether) and / or PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene).

[0045] The storage container 01 preferably has dimensions other than zero in three spatial directions aligned orthogonally to one another in every operating state. The storage container 01 preferably has a height lying between 5 cm and 50 cm, more preferably between 10 cm and 30 cm and even more preferably between 15 cm and 25 cm. The storage container 01 preferably has a width lying between 5 cm and 30 cm, more preferably between 7 cm and 20 cm and even more preferably between 9 cm and 15 cm. The storage container 01 preferably has a depth lying between 5 cm and 30 cm, more preferably between 7 cm and 20 cm and even more preferably between 9 cm and 15 cm. The height, width and depth are preferably each oriented orthogonally to one another.

[0046] A liquid arranged within the reservoir 01, in particular an operating fluid, for example an ink and / or a solvent, can preferably be removed from the reservoir 01 by applying a negative pressure to the at least one opening 03. Since the reservoir 01 preferably has no vent opening, the reservoir 01 preferably contracts when liquid is removed due to the negative pressure. This preferably occurs in an at least substantially controlled and / or predetermined manner, which is determined by the shape and material of the reservoir 01.

[0047] For example, by applying a negative pressure to the interior 06 of the storage container 01, a volume formed by the interior 06 can be reduced. In a first operating state of the storage container 01, in particular in a first shape of the storage container 01, the interior 06 of the storage container 01 has a first volume. The storage container 01 is preferably undeformed as long as it is in the first operating state. The first operating state is preferably present, for example, when at least one opening 03 of the storage container 01 is unlocked and / or when pressure equalization between the interior 06 of the storage container 01 and an environment is possible and / or present.

[0048] Preferably, at least in the first operating state, apart from the at least one opening 03 and the at least one closure 04, the storage container 01 has a shape that substantially corresponds to a cuboid or a cylinder or a cone or a sphere. Preferably, the storage container 01 has formations 09 on at least one of its outer sides and preferably at least on two mutually opposite outer sides, which are designed, for example, in the form of ribs 09 and / or thickened portions 09 and / or thinned portions 09. More preferably, these formations 09 are arranged on each corresponding outer side in at least two rows, between which a predetermined bending line 11 runs. This preferably defines a shape and / or a sequence in which the storage container 01 contracts in a controlled manner from the first operating state into another, in particular a second, operating state when it is emptied.In particular, the storage container 01 is preferably characterized in that the storage container 01 has at least two formations 09 on at least one outer side, which are arranged spatially separated from one another on the at least one outer side and surround at least one region formed as a predetermined bending line 11 between one another on at least two sides. The at least one predetermined bending line 11 preferably extends parallel to the direction B of the surface normal of the at least one surface element 08 and / or to an orientation of a direction A, in particular normal direction A of the at least one data module 07, at least in the first operating state and more preferably in every operating state.

[0049] In further operating states of the storage container 01, the interior space 06 of the storage container 01 has volumes that differ from the first volume and are in particular smaller than the first volume. In particular, in at least one second operating state, the interior space 06 of the storage container 01 has a second volume that is smaller than the first volume. The second volume is preferably at most 25% of the first volume. More preferably, the second volume is at most 10% of the first volume. Even more preferably, the second volume is at most 5% of the first volume. Even more preferably, the second volume is at most 2% of the first volume.

[0050] During a transition from the first operating state of the storage container 01 to another operating state, in particular to the second operating state, due to an applied negative pressure and / or when the volume of the interior 06 of the storage container 01 decreases due to an applied negative pressure, a deformation of the storage container 01, in particular with regard to at least part of its outer side, inevitably occurs, in particular due to the single-walled structure of the storage container 01. Preferably, the storage container 01 can therefore be transferred from the first operating state to the second operating state by applying a negative pressure to the interior 06 of the storage container 01. Preferably, the outer body 02 of the storage container 01, which in particular delimits the interior 06, has a different shape in the second operating state than in the first operating state.

[0051] The at least one surface element 08 of the outside of the storage container 01, preferably opposite the at least one opening 03, preferably has a surface normal pointing in a first direction B. Preferably, a first direction B of the surface normal of the at least one surface element 08 of the outside of the storage container 01 in the second operating state deviates from a direction B of the surface normal of the at least one surface element 08 of the outside of the storage container 01 in the first operating state by at most 60°, more preferably at most 45°, even more preferably at most 30°, and even more preferably at most 15°.

[0052] The storage container 01 preferably has at least one and more preferably exactly one data module 07, even more preferably at least one data module 07 which has at least one transmitting and / or receiving unit for contactless, in particular wireless, communication with at least one communication module 28 of the printing device 21. Contactless is to be understood in particular as meaning that there is no physical contact. Preferably, the at least one data module 07 has a normal direction A. The normal direction A is preferably a direction of strongest received and / or transmitted power of the at least one receiver and / or the at least one transmitter of the at least one data module 07. The normal direction A of the at least one data module 07 is also called the transmitting direction A of the at least one data module 07.An orientation of the normal direction A of the at least one data module 07 is not necessarily, but preferably in every operating state of the storage container 01, oriented parallel to the first direction B of the surface normal of the at least one surface element 08 of the outside of the storage container 01. Preferably, an orientation of the normal direction A in the second operating state deviates from an orientation of the normal direction A of the at least one data module 07 in the first operating state by a maximum of 60°, more preferably a maximum of 45°, even more preferably a maximum of 30°, and even more preferably a maximum of 15°. Preferably, the at least one data module 07 is arranged on a side of the storage container 01 opposite the at least one opening 03.

[0053] Data is preferably stored on the at least one data module 07, which data can preferably be read out by means of the at least one communication module 28 of the printing device 21, more preferably read out wirelessly. Data can preferably be exchanged contactlessly, in particular wirelessly, between the at least one data module 07 and corresponding devices, for example the at least one communication module 28 of the printing device 21. The at least one data module 07 is preferably designed as an RFID module 07 (radio frequency identification module) and / or as an optical data module 07. The at least one data module 07 preferably has at least one data memory, in particular a memory, and at least one transmitting unit, in particular a transmitter, and at least one receiving unit, in particular a receiver. The at least one data module 07 preferably has at least one processor element for processing data.The at least one transmitting unit and the at least one receiving unit are preferably designed as a combined transmitting and / or receiving unit, in particular in the case of an RFID module 07. The at least one transmitting unit and / or the at least one receiving unit and / or the at least one transmitting and / or receiving unit is preferably designed as at least one antenna, more preferably in the form of at least one conductor loop and even more preferably in the form of at least one conductor coil with multiple turns.

[0054] The data module 07 is at least readable. In particular, data from the at least one memory of the at least one data module 07 can be transmitted contactlessly, in particular wirelessly, to at least one reading device, for example the at least one communication module 28 of the printing device 21. The data module 07 is preferably writable. In particular, data can be transmitted contactlessly, in particular wirelessly, from at least one transmitting device, for example the at least one communication module 28 of the printing device 21, to the at least one data module 07 and in particular into the at least one memory of the at least one data module, and / or data in the at least one memory of the at least one data module 07 can be changed by means of at least one transmitting device, for example the at least one communication module 28 of the printing device 21.Preferably, the at least one data module 07 has at least one memory that can be repeatedly written to and read from without contact.

[0055] Preferably, energy can also be transmitted contactlessly, in particular wirelessly, to the at least one data module 07 by means of the at least one receiver. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one data module 07 preferably has at least one energy source, which is preferably rechargeable, but in an alternative form can also be designed as a non-rechargeable energy source. The at least one energy source is designed, for example, as at least one capacitor and / or at least one accumulator.

[0056] Preferably, the at least one surface element 08 of the outer side of the storage container 01 carries the at least one data module 07, more preferably in every operating state of the storage container 01.As a result, as described, preferably when the volume of the interior 06 of the storage container 01 is reduced by negative pressure compared to ambient pressure, regardless of the actual volume of the interior 06 of the storage container 01, the orientation of the normal direction A of the at least one data module 07 and / or the direction B of the surface normal of the surface element 08 carrying the at least one data module 07 of the outside of the storage container 01 always deviates by a maximum of 60°, more preferably a maximum of 45°, even more preferably a maximum of 30° and even more preferably a maximum of 15° from the orientation of the normal direction A of the at least one data module 07 and / or from the direction B of the surface normal of this surface element 08 carrying the at least one data module 07 of the outside of the storage container 01 when the pressure in the interior 06 of the storage container 01 is equalized with the ambient pressure.

[0057] Alternatively or in addition to the at least one data module 07, a marking, for example in the form of a barcode, can also be arranged on the at least one surface element 08. Due to the guaranteed alignment of the surface element 08, this marking is always sufficiently legible, for example, by machine.

[0058] Preferably, a center of gravity and / or a geometric center of the at least one data module 07 in the second operating state deviates from the center of gravity and / or the geometric center of the at least one data module 07 in the first operating state by preferably at least 0.1 cm, more preferably by at least 0.5 cm, and even more preferably by at least 1 cm. The center of gravity is understood to be the physical center of gravity of the at least one data module 07. The geometric center is understood to be a point that corresponds to the physical center of gravity at a constant density of the at least one data module 07.Preferably, the center of gravity and / or the geometric center of the at least one data module 07 in the second operating state preferably deviates by a maximum of 15 cm, more preferably a maximum of 10 cm, even more preferably a maximum of 5 cm, and even more preferably a maximum of 2 cm from the center of gravity and / or the geometric center of the at least one data module 07 in the first operating state. This is preferably ensured in that a position of at least one point of the surface element 08 carrying the at least one data module 07 on the outside of the storage container 01 in the second operating state preferably deviates by a maximum of 15 cm, more preferably a maximum of 10 cm, even more preferably a maximum of 5 cm, and even more preferably a maximum of 2 cm from a position of this at least one point of this surface element 08 carrying the at least one data module 07 on the outside of the storage container 01 in the first operating state.

[0059] Preferably, the at least one surface element 08 carrying the at least one data module 07 preferably performs a limited translational movement and more preferably no significant or even more preferably no rotational movement at all when the storage container 01 transitions from the first operating state to another operating state, for example the second operating state.

[0060] Preferably, the normal direction A of the at least one data module 07 in the first operating state and in the second operating state and more preferably in each operating state of the storage container 01 caused by negative pressure in the interior 06 of the storage container 01 points with at least one component away from the at least one opening 03 and / or with at least one component in a direction that is opposite to an outflow direction C defined by the at least one opening 03.

[0061] The at least one data module 07 is preferably fastened, for example detachably, but more preferably non-detachably, to the surface element 08 of the outside of the storage container 01 carrying the at least one data module 07. This particularly refers to cases in which the at least one data module 07 is detachably or preferably non-detachably glued to the storage container 01 by means of an adhesive connection and / or is detachably or preferably non-detachably fully or partially integrated into the material of the storage container 01, in particular is melted in and / or is detachably or non-detachably fully or partially embedded in a potting compound and / or adhesive. The potting compound and / or adhesive is preferably firmly, in particular non-detachably, connected to the storage container 01. The at least one data module 07 is preferably designed to be dust-tight and / or liquid-tight.Further preferably, the at least one data module 07 is encapsulated in a dust-tight and liquid-tight manner by means of an encapsulation, wherein the encapsulation is further preferably resistant to solvents. In particular, the encapsulation is preferably resistant to acetone (also called propanone or dimethyl ketone) and / or alcohols and / or MEK (also called butanone or methyl ethyl ketone) and / or toluene (also called methylbenzene) and / or organic solvents. The encapsulation of the at least one data module 07 is preferably resistant to inorganic and / or organic acids and / or inorganic and / or organic alkalis.

[0062] Due to the at least partial formation of the storage container 01 from the at least one reversibly deformable material, the storage container 01 can preferably be converted from the second operating state and / or another operating state back into the first operating state. This is possible on the one hand by the storage container 01, which is in the second or other operating state, being converted back into the first operating state by applying excess pressure, for example after removal of the closure 04, or by automatically converting itself back into the first operating state due to pressure equalization upon removal of the closure 04. Preferably, a storage container 01 which has been emptied and converted into the first operating state is refilled with at least one liquid, for example an ink and / or a solvent, and reused.

[0063] The storage container 01 allows a method for emptying the replaceable storage container 01 of the printing device 21, wherein the storage container 01 has at least one opening 03 and is initially in the first operating state, in which an outer body 02 of the storage container 01 has a first shape and the direction B of the surface normal of the at least one surface element 08 opposite the at least one opening 03 of the outside of the storage container 01 preferably has a first orientation, and wherein by applying a negative pressure to the interior 06 of the storage container 01, the storage container 01 is transferred to the second operating state, in which the outer body 02 has a different shape than in the first operating state and in which the direction B of the surface normal of the at least one surface element 08 preferably has a second orientation,which deviates from the orientation of the direction B of the surface normal of the at least one surface element 08 in the first operating state by at most 60°, preferably at most 45°, more preferably at most 30°, and even more preferably at most 15°. Preferably, the normal direction A of the at least one data module 07 of the storage container 01 in the first operating state has the first orientation and in the second operating state the orientation which deviates from the normal direction A of the at least one data module 07 in the first operating state by at most 60°, preferably at most 45°,more preferably deviates by a maximum of 30° and even more preferably by a maximum of 15°. More preferably, the orientation of the normal direction A of the at least one data module 07 during the transition from the first operating state to the second operating state deviates at any time from the orientation of the normal direction A of the at least one data module 07 in the first operating state by a maximum of 60°, preferably a maximum of 45°, more preferably a maximum of 30° and even more preferably a maximum of 15°.

[0064] Preferably, when transferring the storage container 01 from the first operating state to the second operating state, the volume of the interior 06 of the storage container 01 is reduced from the first volume to the second volume and / or the center of gravity and / or the geometric center of the at least one data module 07 and / or the at least one surface element 08 is moved by preferably at least 0.1 cm. Preferably, when transferring the storage container 01 from the first operating state to the second operating state, a volume occupied by the storage container 01 is reduced by at least 25%, more preferably by at least 50%, and even more preferably by at least 75%.

[0065] Preferably, at least in the first operating state of the storage container 01, in particular before the negative pressure is applied to the interior 06, at least one signal is transmitted contactlessly, in particular wirelessly, from the at least one data module 07 of the storage container 01 to at least one communication module 28 of the printing device 21 and / or at least in the second operating state of the storage container 01, at least one signal is transmitted contactlessly, in particular wirelessly, from the at least one data module 07 of the storage container 01 to at least one, and more preferably the same, communication module 28 of the printing device 21. Preferably, a machine control of the printing device 21 decides, depending on this at least one signal, whether the negative pressure is applied to the interior 06.

[0066] The data stored on the at least one data module 07 preferably contain information about settings that are to be set on the printing device 21 when using the operating fluid contained in the reservoir 01. For example, the data stored on the at least one data module 07 contain information about settings for at least one ratio of ink and solvent to one another and / or settings for a temperature of at least one ink and / or at least one solvent and / or settings for a viscosity of at least one ink and / or at least one solvent and / or settings for a target value of a conductivity of at least one ink and / or information about a relationship between temperature and viscosity of a fluid contained in the reservoir 01. The corresponding settings are preferably made in the form of ranges with limit values.

[0067] The data stored on the at least one data module 07 preferably further contain information about whether an ink or a solvent is contained in the storage container 01 and / or into which receiving device 22 the storage container 01 is to be inserted and / or whether and to what extent, from certain temperatures onwards, solvent must be added at all and / or in different doses to the ink in order to compensate for increased evaporation rates.

[0068] This enables in particular a method for operating a printing device 21, wherein at least one storage container 01, which has at least one data module 07, is inserted into a receiving device 22 of the printing device 21 and wherein by means of at least one communication module 28 of the printing device 21, data is read out, preferably contactlessly, from the at least one data module 07 of the at least one storage container 01 and wherein the machine control checks settings of the printing device 21 based on at least the read-out data and / or changes settings of the printing device 21 depending on the read-out data.Preferably, by means of the machine control system, target data for settings of the printing device 21 obtained from the data read from the at least one data module 07 are compared with actual data for these settings of the printing device 21. If there is at least one deviation between the actual data and the target data, the corresponding settings of the printing device 21 are changed depending on the read data. Preferably, the corresponding settings of the printing device 21 are changed according to the target data read from the at least one data module 07 by means of the at least one communication module 28.As described, the data read out from the at least one data module 07 preferably contain information about settings of at least one ratio of ink and solvent to one another and / or settings of a temperature of at least one ink and / or at least one solvent and / or settings of a viscosity of at least one ink and / or at least one solvent and / or settings of a target value of a conductivity of at least one ink and / or information about a relationship between temperature and viscosity of a liquid contained in the storage container 01.

[0069] The printing device 21 has at least one printing unit 23 and preferably a plurality of printing units 23. In the case of a printing device 21 designed as an inkjet printing device 21, the at least one printing unit 23 has at least one inkjet print head 24. The at least one inkjet print head 24 is preferably connected and / or connectable to the at least one line system 27 of the printing device 21. The printing device 21 has at least one receiving device 22 for at least one storage container 01 and preferably at least two receiving devices 22, each for at least one, and preferably each for exactly one, storage container 01. Preferably, the storage container 01 can be and / or is fixed in the at least one receiving device 22 by means of at least one fixing device 29. The at least one fixing device 29 can be a component of the storage container 01, but is preferably a component of the at least one fixing device 22.Each receiving device 22 preferably has at least one coupling element 26, by means of which a liquid-tight connection between the interior 06 of the respective storage container 01 and the line system 27 of the pressure device 21 can be and / or is established. The coupling element 26 can, for example, have the form of a screw connection 26 and / or a needle 26 and / or a plug connection 26. By means of such a needle 26, the closure 04 and / or the outer body 02 of the storage container 01 can be and / or is pierced.When a connection is established between the at least one line system 27 of the printing device 21 and the interior space 06 of the storage container 01, at least one operating fluid, preferably ink and / or solvent, can be withdrawn continuously or discontinuously from the storage container 01 and fed to the at least one line system 27 of the printing device 21, in particular by applying negative pressure to the storage container 01 and in particular for conveying the ink and / or solvent through the at least one inkjet print head 24.

[0070] At least one receiving device 22 and preferably each receiving device 22 of the printing device 21 is preferably assigned at least one communication module 28 and more preferably a respective communication module 28. The at least one communication module 28 preferably has at least one transmitting and / or receiving unit. The at least one transmitting and / or receiving unit of the at least one communication module 28 is preferably designed as at least one antenna, more preferably in the form of at least one conductor loop and even more preferably in the form of at least one conductor coil with multiple turns. The at least one communication module 28 is preferably at least temporarily in data communication with the machine control of the printing device 21.Data can be exchanged contactlessly, in particular wirelessly, between the at least one communication module 28 of a respective receiving device 22 and the at least one data module 07 of a storage container 01 received or to be received in the respective receiving device 22, at least in one direction (unidirectional) and preferably in both directions (bidirectional). The at least one communication module 28 is preferably designed to be dust-tight and / or liquid-tight. More preferably, the at least one communication module 28 is encapsulated in a dust-tight and liquid-tight manner by means of an encapsulation, wherein the encapsulation is more preferably resistant to solvents. In particular, the encapsulation is preferably resistant to acetone (also called propanone or dimethyl ketone) and / or alcohols and / or MEK (also called butanone or methyl ethyl ketone) and / or toluene (also called methylbenzene) and / or other organic solvents.Preferably, the encapsulation of the at least one communication module 28 is resistant to inorganic and / or organic acids and / or inorganic and / or organic alkalis.

[0071] Preferably, each receiving device 22 and its associated at least one communication module 28 are arranged aligned with one another in such a way that a spatial area provided for and / or occupied by a storage container 01 connected to the respective receiving device 22 is arranged between the at least one communication module 28 of the respective receiving device 22 and the respective coupling element 26 of the respective receiving device 22. This means that at least one and preferably every straight-line connection of a coupling element 26 of a receiving device 22 to a communication module 28 of this receiving device 22 intersects a spatial area that is provided for a storage container 01 to be connected to the respective receiving device 22 and / or that is occupied by a storage container 01 connected to the respective receiving device 22.Preferably, at least one, and more preferably each, receiving device 22 is characterized in that the at least one coupling element 26 is arranged below the at least one communication module 28. For example, storage containers 01 can then be arranged in such a receiving device 22, which have an opening 03 at one end and a data module 07 at an opposite end. Such storage containers 01 preferably have the shape of a bottle, for example a cylindrical or cuboid bottle, wherein a bottom surface of the bottle is equipped with the data module 07 and the bottle is or is inserted upside down into the respective receiving device 22.For example, in this way it is ensured that when the reservoir 01 is inserted, at least one data module 07 of the reservoir 01 is arranged opposite the communication module 28 of the receiving device 22 receiving the ink reservoir 01.

[0072] A distance between the at least one coupling element 26 and the at least one communication module 28 of the respective receiving device 22, which distance is preferably adapted to the dimensions of the storage container 01 and more preferably adjustable, ensures that a distance between the at least one communication module 28 of the receiving device 22 and the data module 07 of the storage container 01 is less than a maximum usable range of signals transmitted and / or received by the at least one communication module 28 of the receiving device 22 and / or the at least one data module 07 of the storage container 01. This maximum usable range is preferably at least 10 cm, more preferably at least 50 cm, and even more preferably at least 100 cm.A carrier frequency of the signals emitted and / or transmittable and / or received and / or receivable by the at least one communication module 28 of the receiving device 22 and / or by the at least one data module 07 of the storage container 01, in particular radio signals, is preferably between 10 MHz (ten megahertz) and 15 MHz (fifteen megahertz), more preferably between 13 MHz (thirteen megahertz) and 14 MHz (fourteen megahertz) and even more preferably 13.56 MHz (thirteen point five six megahertz).

[0073] In one embodiment, communication between the at least one data module 07 of the storage container 01 and the at least one communication module 28 of the receiving device 22 takes place alternatively or additionally preferably via optical signals, in particular light signals. For this purpose, the at least one data module 07 and / or the at least one communication module 28, in addition to or alternatively to at least one antenna, preferably has at least one light-emitting component, for example at least one light-emitting diode (LED) and / or at least one laser source and / or at least one light-registering component, for example at least one light sensor.The light used preferably has at least one wavelength which is in the ultraviolet range (1 nm to 380 nm, one nanometer to three hundred and eighty nanometers) and / or in the visible range (380 nm to 780 nm, three hundred and eighty nanometers to seven hundred and eighty nanometers) and / or in the infrared range (780 nm to 1 mm, seven hundred and eighty nanometers to one millimeter) of the electromagnetic spectrum.

[0074] Regardless of the carrier frequency or wavelength of the signals exchanged between the at least one communication module 28 of the receiving device 22 and the at least one data module 07 of the storage container 01, the exchanged signals and / or data stored in the at least one memory of the at least one data module 07 and / or data stored in at least one memory of the at least one communication module 28 are preferably encrypted. Preferably, at least one corresponding key exists, and more preferably, several keys exist for encrypting and / or decrypting the exchanged signals and / or the stored data. The corresponding key(s) preferably grant different rights and thus access to signals and / or data of varying scope.These rights preferably depend, for example, on the printing device 21 and / or the type of ink used and / or the type of solvent used and / or the user of the printing device 21 and / or the supplier of the ink and / or the solvent and / or the manufacturer of the printing device 21. Data dependent on operating parameters and / or data dependent on the devices involved are preferably included in the encryption.

[0075] Preferably, data and / or signals exchanged between the at least one data module 07 and the at least one communication module 28 are encrypted and / or decrypted and / or processed and / or stored in the at least one data module 07 and / or in the at least one communication module 28 and / or in the machine control of the printing device 21.Such exchanged and / or stored data preferably contain information about a current state of the printing device 21 and / or about a type of operating fluid arranged in the reservoir 01, in particular ink and / or solvent and / or about the type of ink used in the printing device 21 and / or about a consumption of the ink and / or about a remaining stock of ink and / or solvent in the reservoir 01 and / or about a frequency of use of the reservoir 01 and / or about a manufacturer identification for the operating fluid located in the reservoir 01, in particular ink and / or solvent and / or about a date of manufacture and / or a service life of the operating fluid located in the reservoir 01, in particular ink and / or solvent.

[0076] Preferably, the at least one data module 07 of the storage container 01 is capable of exchanging data and signals with at least one other communication module than the at least one communication module 28 of the receiving device 22, for example an external communication module 28. In this way, relevant data is preferably already supplied to the corresponding data module 07 before the storage container 01 is used, for example about the type and quantity of the contents of the storage container 01 and about requirements for the printing device 21 determined by the contents of the storage container 01. In this case, it is preferably possible for data to be exchanged between the at least one data module 07 of the storage container 01 and the at least one external communication module 28 over a distance of more than 100 cm.In this way, for example, the contents of deliveries from multiple storage containers 01 can be easily recorded and checked at once, for example when they are delivered in bundles. Preferably, a second, different carrier frequency and / or wavelength and / or at least one different key is used for an exchange of data and / or signals between the at least one data module 07 and the at least one external communication module 28 than for the exchange of data and / or signals between the at least one data module 07 and the at least one communication module 28 of the receiving device 22 of the printing device 21. The corresponding key(s) in turn preferably grant different rights and thus access to signals and / or data of varying scope.These rights, in turn, preferably depend, for example, on the printing device 21 and / or the type of ink used and / or the type of solvent used and / or the user of the printing device 21 and / or the supplier of the ink or solvent and / or the manufacturer of the printing device 21. Preferably, the at least one data module 07 can be reset to an original state and / or reinitialized with respect to its stored data using a corresponding key.

[0077] The printing device 21 preferably has at least one and more preferably exactly one base body 32, in particular at least one base plate 32. The at least one base plate 32 serves as a mounting plate 32. The at least one base plate 32 preferably has dimensions other than zero in three mutually orthogonal spatial directions. The at least one base plate 32 preferably has a substantially plate-shaped, in particular preferably cuboid-shaped, shape. The at least one base plate 32 preferably has at least two and preferably exactly two mutually opposite main sides 33; 44. The printing device 21 preferably has the at least one base plate 32, which has a first main side 33 and a second main side 44 opposite the first main side 33.Preferably, a minimum dimension of the at least one base plate 32, for example, a height of the at least one base plate 32, is orthogonal to at least one and preferably the at least two main sides 33; 44 of the at least one base plate. Preferably, the at least two main sides 33; 44 are the largest sides of the at least one base plate 32 in terms of their area.

[0078] Preferably, at least one, and more preferably exactly one, first main side 33 of the at least one base plate 32 has at least one, and preferably a plurality of, channels 34. The at least one channel 34, preferably together with a cover 36 arranged and / or arrangeable on the at least one base plate 32, forms the at least one line 31 of the at least one line system 27. The at least one channel 34 preferably extends parallel to the at least one first main side 33 over a length that is greater than a depth of the at least one channel 34, over which the at least one channel 34 extends orthogonally to this first main side 33. Preferably, the length of the at least one channel 34 is at least three times as great, more preferably at least five times as great, and even more preferably at least ten times as great as the depth of the at least one channel 34.A width of the at least one channel 34 preferably extends orthogonally to the depth of the at least one channel 34 and orthogonally to the length of the at least one channel 34. The at least one channel 34 preferably has dimensions other than zero in three mutually orthogonal spatial directions.

[0079] The at least one channel 34 is preferably delimited by the at least one base plate 32 in five mutually orthogonal and / or parallel directions, in particular in and opposite to the direction of its length as well as in and opposite to the direction of its width and in the direction of its depth. Opposite to the direction of its depth, the at least one channel 34 is preferably delimited by the at least one cover 36, more preferably exclusively by the at least one cover 36. The at least one cover 36 is preferably designed as at least one and more preferably as exactly one common cover plate 36, by which preferably at least two and more preferably all channels 34 of the at least one base plate 32 are and / or can be delimited. The at least one cover 36 is preferably connected and / or connectable to the at least one base plate 32 in a dust-tight and liquid-tight manner.Preferably, the at least one cover 36 is detachable, for example connected and / or connectable to the at least one base plate 32 by means of at least one screw connection.

[0080] Preferably, at least one sealing element 39 is and / or can be arranged between the at least one base plate 32 and the at least one cover 36 in a sealing manner, sealing the at least one line 31. The at least one sealing element 39 is and / or can be arranged, for example, on the at least one base plate 32 or on the at least one cover 36. The at least one sealing element 39 preferably seals the at least one channel 34 against the environment and against other channels 34. The at least one sealing element 39 is preferably a sealing element 39 that is common to all channels 34. The at least one sealing element 39 preferably consists of a flexible plastic material and / or an elastomer, for example rubber. The at least one sealing element 39 preferably has the shape of a mat 39 provided with recesses.For example, the at least one sealing element 39 is formed as a coating 39, for example a flexible coating 39 made of a plastic, in particular an elastomer and / or a rubber. Such a coating 39 is preferably applied to the at least one base plate 32 and / or the at least one cover 36.

[0081] Preferably, the at least one base plate 32 has at least one and preferably a plurality of, and more preferably at least one and even more preferably at least two passages 37 per channel 34. The at least one passage 37 represents a flow-through connection of the at least one channel 34 to a second main side 44 of the at least one base plate 32 facing away from the at least one channel 34.

[0082] Preferably, at least one component of the at least one line system 27, through which at least one operating fluid flows and / or through which it can flow, is arranged and / or can be arranged with the at least one passage 37 on the second main side 44 of the at least one base plate 32, facing away from the at least one channel 34, and is further preferably connected to at least two passages 37 that are assigned to different channels 34. Preferably, the at least one passage 37 has connections to which the at least one component of the line system 37 can be connected, further preferably directly, i.e. without further intermediate components. Preferably, the at least one base plate 32 has at least one and further preferably a plurality of fastening aids 41, by means of which the at least one component of the at least one line system 27 is and / or can be fastened to the at least one base plate 32.The at least one fastening aid 41 is designed, for example, as a screw 41 and / or as a bore 41 and / or as a thread 41 and / or as a clamp 41 and / or as a groove 41 and / or as a pin 41. At least some of the fastening aids 41 are preferably provided for fastening additional housing parts of the printing device 21.

[0083] For example, at least one component designed as a valve is preferably arranged on the second main side 44 of the at least one base plate 32, said main side facing away from the at least one channel 34, in such a way that a first connection of this at least one valve is connected to a first passage 37 of a first channel 34 and that a second connection of this at least one valve is connected to a second passage 37 of a second channel 34. In this way, the first and the second channel 34 are and / or can be connected to one another via the at least one valve. For example, a second passage 37 of the second channel 34 is connected to a component designed as a pump, which is preferably also arranged on the second side of the at least one base plate 32 facing away from the at least one channel 34. The at least one valve is then arranged so as to be connected to the at least one pump via the second channel 34.

[0084] The at least one base plate 32 preferably has the at least one receiving device 22. The at least one base plate 32 preferably has the at least one coupling element 26. The at least one base plate 32 preferably has at least one and preferably a plurality of recesses for receiving the at least one component, for example designed as a pump and / or valve and / or filter element and / or pressure compensation element. The at least one base plate 32 preferably has at least one and preferably a plurality of recesses for receiving at least one sensor and / or at least one electronic component and / or at least one electronic assembly.Preferably, the at least one base plate 32 consists of at least one ink-resistant and / or solvent-resistant material, for example a material that is resistant to acetone (also called propanone or dimethyl ketone) and / or alcohols and / or MEK (also called butanone or methyl ethyl ketone) and / or toluene (also called methylbenzene) and / or organic solvents. Preferably, the at least one base plate 32 consists of at least aluminum and / or steel and / or non-ferrous metal and / or a metal alloy and / or plastic and / or glass fiber reinforced plastic and / or carbon fiber reinforced plastic. The at least one base plate 32 is preferably produced using an injection molding process.

[0085] The at least one cover 36 preferably consists of at least aluminum and / or steel and / or non-ferrous metal and / or a metal alloy and / or plastic and / or glass fiber reinforced plastic and / or carbon fiber reinforced plastic. The at least one cover 36 is preferably produced using an injection molding process. Preferably, the at least one cover 36 is detachably connected and / or connectable to the at least one base plate 32, for example by means of at least one screw connection. Alternatively, the at least one cover 36 is non-detachably connected and / or connectable to the at least one base plate 32, for example by means of at least one material connection, in particular at least one adhesive connection and / or a welded connection. Preferably, the at least one cover 36 has at least one and more preferably a plurality of feet 42, which are designed as feet 42 of the printing device 21.Preferably, the at least one cover 36 has at least one base 42 of the printing device 21 on a side facing away from the at least one base plate 32 and / or the at least one base plate 32 has at least one base 42 of the printing device 21, in particular on the second main side 44. Preferably, the at least one cover 36 is simultaneously a base plate 36 of the printing device 21, in particular a base plate 36 of the printing device 21 supporting the printing device 21.

[0086] The at least one cover 36 preferably has at least one and more preferably a plurality of fastening aids 41, by means of which, for example, the at least one cover 36 is fastened and / or can be fastened to the at least one base plate 32. The at least one fastening aid 41 is in turn designed, for example, as a screw 41 and / or as a bore 41 and / or as a thread 41 and / or as a clamp 41 and / or as a groove 41 and / or as a pin 41. At least some of the fastening aids 41 are preferably provided for fastening further housing parts of the printing device 21.

[0087] Preferably, the first main side 33 of the at least one base plate 32 faces upward, and the second main side 44 of the at least one base plate 44 faces downward. Preferably, the at least one cover 36 is arranged below the at least one base plate 32. The at least one base plate 32 and / or the at least one cover 36 preferably has at least one ventilation opening 43, so that air can flow through a housing of the printing device 21 for cooling.

[0088] The printing device 21, in particular printing machine 21, which has the at least one line system 27, which can preferably be filled and / or filled at least partially with ink and / or solvent, is preferably characterized in that the printing device 21 has the at least one base plate 32, which has the first main side 33 and the second main side 44 opposite the first main side 33, and in that on the first main side 33 of the at least one base plate 32, the at least one channel 34 is arranged, through which the at least one line 31, which is delimited by the at least one base plate 32 on the one hand and the at least one cover 36 on the other hand, of the at least one line system 27 is fixed, and in that the at least one base plate 32 has the at least two passages 37,which connect the at least one channel 34 to the second main side 44 of the at least one base plate 32, and that, in particular, at least in one operating state, at least one ink reservoir 01 and / or at least one solvent reservoir 01 and / or at least one inkjet print head 24 on the second main side 44 of the at least one base plate 32 is and / or can be connected directly and / or via at least one intermediate, preferably flexible connecting line 46 to at least one of the at least two passages 37 of the at least one channel 34. By interposing a preferably flexible connecting line 46 between the base plate 32 and the inkjet print head 24, the inkjet print head 24 can be arranged in different positions and used flexibly.

[0089] Preferably, as described, at least one component of the at least one line system 27, through which at least one operating fluid flows and / or can flow, for example, is additionally arranged and / or can be arranged on the second main side 44 of the at least one base plate 32 and is connected and / or connectable to the at least one channel 34 via at least one of the at least two passages 37. Preferably, the at least one base plate 32 has at least one fastening aid 41, by means of which at least one component of the at least one line system 27 is fastened and / or can be fastened to the at least one base plate 32. Preferably, the at least one receiving device 22 for storage containers 01 is arranged and / or can be arranged on the second main side 44 and is connected and / or connectable to the at least one channel 34 via at least one passage 37.

[0090] The printing device 21 preferably has at least two receiving devices 22 for receiving a storage container 01 each, wherein the printing device 21 has the at least one communication module 28 and more preferably at least two communication modules 28 and wherein the at least one communication module 28 and preferably each of the at least two communication modules 28 has at least one transmitting and / or receiving unit which is suitable for contactless data transmission between this transmitting and / or receiving unit and at least one data module 07 of a storage container 01.Preferably, each of the at least two receiving devices 22 has at least one coupling element 26, and the at least two coupling elements 26 are connected to one another and to at least one inkjet print head 24 via the at least one line system 27, in particular in a connection suitable for transporting at least one operating fluid, in particular ink and / or solvent. Preferably, each of the at least two receiving devices 22 has at least one such communication module 28.

[0091] Preferably, operating fluids, for example ink and / or solvent, can be conveyed by means of at least one pump from at least two different storage containers 01 via at least two coupling elements 26 of at least two different receiving devices 22 into at least one common container and / or at least one common line 31. Such a container is, for example, a mixing chamber and / or a pressure equalization container and / or an internal storage container of the printing device 21.

[0092] The method for operating the printing device 21, in which at least two storage containers 01, each having at least one data module 07, are inserted into at least two respective receiving devices 22 of the printing device 21, is preferably characterized in that data is read out, preferably contactlessly, from at least one data module 07 of the at least two storage containers 01 by means of at least one communication module 28, and in that the machine control of the printing device 21 uses at least the data read out from the at least two data modules 07 to check whether the joint use of the operating fluids contained in the at least two storage containers 01 in the printing device 21 is permissible. Preferably, before the data is read out from the at least two data modules 07 by means of the at least one communication module 28, the at least two storage containers 01 are inserted into the printing device 21.In this way, it is ensured that no unnecessary attempts are made to read corresponding data from storage containers 01 located merely in the vicinity of the printing device 21. Alternatively or additionally, it would also be possible for the data to be read from the at least two data modules 07 by means of the at least one communication module 28 before the at least two storage containers 01 are inserted into the printing device 21. A corresponding signal could then be sent to an operator so that, for example, in the case of a storage container 01 filled with an incompatible operating fluid, this corresponding storage container 01 is not even inserted into the receiving device 22 of the printing device 21. For example, an ink and a solvent that is incompatible with this ink and / or not contained therein are incompatible.

[0093] The data is preferably read out from the at least one data module 07 by means of at least one communication module 28 for each storage container 01. A negative pressure is preferably applied to the at least two storage containers 01 at the earliest after the check. Data stored in the at least one data module 07 is preferably changed by means of the at least one communication module 28, in particular contactlessly. For example, during a printing operation, a counter can measure a withdrawn quantity of operating fluid and change corresponding information in the at least one data module 07, for example information about a fill level of the corresponding storage container 01. Furthermore, information can be stored about how often the storage container 01 has already been connected to a printing device 21 and / or to which printing devices 21 the storage container 01 has already been connected.

[0094] Preferably, a distance between the at least one data module 07 of the storage container 01 inserted into the receiving device 22 and the at least one communication module 28 is at most 15 cm, more preferably at most 10 cm and even more preferably at most 8 cm.

[0095] Preferably, data exchange between communication devices 28 of the printing device 01 on the one hand and storage containers 01 on the other hand takes place at any one time only for one storage container 01. In this way, mutual interference in the communication can be prevented. List of reference symbols 01 Reservoir, ink reservoir, solvent reservoir 02 Outer body 03 Opening (01) 04 Closure, press-on closure, twist closure (01; 03) 05 - 06 Interior (01) 07 Data module, RFID module, radio frequency identification module 08 Surface element (01) 09 Formation, rib, thickening, thinning 10 - 11 Predetermined bending line 21 printing device, printing machine, inkjet printing device, inkjet printing machine 22 Mounting device 23 printing unit 24 inkjet printhead 25 - 26 coupling element, screw connection, needle, plug connection 27 piping system, liquid piping system, printing ink piping system, ink piping system, solvent piping system (21) 28 Communication module (22) 29 Fixing device 30 - 31 Line 32 Base body, base plate, mounting plate (21) 33 Main page, first (32) 34 channels 35 - 36 Cover, cover plate, base plate 37 Passage 38 - 39 Sealing element, mat, coating 40 - 41 Fastening aid, screw, hole, thread, clamp, groove, tenon 42 Stand (21; 36) 43 Ventilation opening 44 Main page, second (32) 45 - 46 connecting line A direction, normal direction, transmission direction (07) B direction, first (08) C Outflow direction (03)

Claims

[1] Printing device (21), wherein the printing device (21) has at least two receiving devices (22) for receiving a storage container (01) in each case, and wherein the printing device (21) has at least one communication module (28), and wherein the at least one communication module (28) has at least one transmitting and / or receiving unit which is suitable for contactless data transmission between this transmitting and / or receiving unit and at least one data module (07) of a storage container (01), characterized bythat each of the at least two receiving devices (22) has at least one coupling element (26) and that the at least two coupling elements (26) are connected to one another and to at least one inkjet print head (24) via at least one line system (27) for operating fluids and that the at least one coupling element (26) is designed as at least one screw connection (26) and / or a needle (26) and / or a plug connection (26) and that the at least one communication module (28) is encapsulated in a dust-tight and liquid-tight manner by means of an encapsulation and that each of the at least two receiving devices (22) has at least one such communication module (28) and that the at least one coupling element (26) is arranged below the at least one communication module (28) and that at least one linear connection of a coupling element (26) of a receiving device (22) with a communication module (28) of this receiving device (22) forms aSpatial area which is provided for a storage container (01) to be connected to the respective receiving device (22) and / or which is occupied by a storage container (01) connected to the respective receiving device (22). [2] Printing device according to claim 1, characterized by that by means of at least one pump (38) liquids can be conveyed from at least two different storage containers (01) via at least two coupling elements (26) of at least two different receiving devices (22) into at least one common container and / or at least one common line (31).

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