ink supply system

Abstract

An ink supply system (200) for supplying a printhead (102) of an inkjet printing device (100) with ink (202) is described, wherein the ink supply system (200) comprises an ink reservoir (205) for receiving ink (202), and an intermediate reservoir (217) which is fluidly connected to the ink reservoir (205) via a line (219) and which is configured to temporarily store ink (202) for the operation of the printhead (102). The ink supply system (200) further comprises a vacuum pump (314) which is configured to create a vacuum (320) in the intermediate reservoir (217) such that the vacuum (320) draws ink (202) from the ink reservoir (205) through the line (219) into the intermediate reservoir (217).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an ink supply system for providing ink to an inkjet printing device, and a method for filling an ink reservoir of a printing device.

[0002] An inkjet printing device for printing onto a recording medium can comprise one or more print bars, each with one or more printheads. The nozzles of each printhead are configured to eject ink droplets to print pixels of a printed image onto the recording medium. The individual printheads of the one or more print bars are supplied with ink by an ink supply system, which typically includes an ink reservoir for each print bar, from which ink is supplied for the operation of the inkjet printing device. The individual ink reservoirs may be interchangeable and can each be used to fill a fixed intermediate reservoir of the ink supply system with ink.

[0003] This document addresses the technical problem of achieving a particularly efficient and reliable filling of an intermediate reservoir with ink from an ink supply container. This problem is solved by the features of independent claim 1 and by the features of independent claim 10.

[0004] According to one aspect, an ink supply system for supplying ink to a printhead of an inkjet printing device is described. The ink supply system comprises an ink reservoir for receiving ink and an intermediate reservoir, which is fluidly connected to the ink reservoir via a line and is configured to temporarily store ink for the operation of the printhead. Furthermore, the ink supply system includes a vacuum pump configured to create a vacuum in the intermediate reservoir, so that the vacuum draws ink from the ink reservoir through the line into the intermediate reservoir.

[0005] According to another aspect, a method for filling an intermediate reservoir of an ink supply system of an inkjet printing device with ink from an ink reservoir that is fluidly connected to the intermediate reservoir via a line is described. The method includes creating a vacuum in the intermediate reservoir such that the vacuum draws ink from the ink reservoir through the line into the intermediate reservoir, in particular by suction.

[0006] Exemplary embodiments of the invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the schematic drawing. These show: Fig. 1 a block diagram of an exemplary inkjet printing device; Fig. 2 an exemplary ink supply system for a print bar of an inkjet printing device; Fig. 3a an exemplary ink supply system with a vacuum pump and with several sub-supply systems; Fig. 3b an exemplary time course of the negative pressure during the filling of an intermediate container; and Fig. 4 A flowchart of an exemplary procedure for filling an intermediate container with ink from an ink reservoir.

[0007] The in Fig. The printing device 100 shown in Figure 1 is designed for printing onto a sheet-shaped, flat, plate-shaped, or web-shaped recording medium 120. The recording medium 120 can be made of paper, cardboard, carton, metal, plastic, textiles, a combination thereof, and / or other suitable and printable materials. The recording medium 120 is guided through the printing unit 140 of the printing device 100 along the transport direction 1, indicated by an arrow.

[0008] In the illustrated example, the printing unit 140 of the printing device 100 comprises two printing bars 102, each printing bar 102 being usable for printing with ink of a specific color, e.g., black, cyan, magenta, and / or yellow, and optionally MICR ink. Different printing bars 102 can be used for printing with different inks. Furthermore, the printing device 100 typically includes at least one fuser or drying unit, which is not integrated into Fig. 1 is shown and is set up to fix a printed image printed on the recording medium 120.

[0009] A print bar 102 can comprise one or more print heads 103, which may be arranged side by side in several rows to print the pixels of different columns 31, 32 of a print image onto the recording medium 120. In the Fig. In the example shown, a print bar 102 comprises five printheads 103, each printhead 103 printing the pixels of a group of columns 31, 32 of a print image onto the recording medium 120. The number of printheads 103 of a print bar 102 can be, for example, 5, 10 or more.

[0010] Each printhead 103 of the printing unit 140 comprises in the Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, several nozzles 21, 22 are provided, each nozzle 21, 22 being configured to fire or propel ink droplets onto the recording medium 120. For example, a printhead 103 of the printing unit 140 can comprise several thousand effectively used nozzles 21, 22 arranged along several rows transverse to the transport direction 1 of the recording medium 120. By means of the nozzles 21, 22 of a printhead 103 of the printing unit 140, pixels of a line of a printed image can be printed onto the recording medium 120 transverse to the transport direction 1, i.e., along the width of the recording medium 120.

[0011] The printing device 100 further comprises a control device 101, e.g. a control hardware and / or a controller, which is configured to control the actuators of the individual nozzles 21, 22 of the individual printheads 103 of the printing unit 140 in order to apply the printed image to the recording medium 120 depending on print data.

[0012] The printing unit 140 of the printing device 100 thus comprises at least one printing bar 102 with K nozzles 21, 22, which can be arranged in one or more printheads 103 and which can be controlled with a specific line rate to print one line at a time, running transversely to the transport direction 1 of the recording medium 120, with K pixels or K columns 31, 32 of a printed image onto the recording medium 120, e.g. with K>1000. In the illustrated example, the nozzles 21, 22 are fixed in the printing device 100, and the recording medium 120 is moved past the stationary nozzles 21, 22 at a specific transport speed.

[0013] Fig. Figure 2 shows an exemplary ink supply system 200 configured to supply ink 202 to one or more printheads 103 of at least one print bar 102 of the printing device 100. The ink supply system 200 includes an ink reservoir 205 configured to store ink 202. The ink reservoir 205 can, for example, be configured to store and / or receive 100 liters or more of ink 202.

[0014] The ink reservoir 205 can have an outer shell 203 that encloses an inner shell 201 of the ink reservoir 205. The inner shell 201 can be designed as a container, in particular a closed one, for receiving ink 202. The inner shell 201 can, for example, be formed by a flexible bag, the bag being made of, for example, plastic. The flexible inner shell 201 can contract when ink 202 is dispensed, so that the ink 202 can be reliably and completely removed from the inner shell 201, in particular by pumping or suction.

[0015] The inner shell 201, which is particularly flexible, can be arranged within a preferably rigid outer shell 203 of the ink reservoir 205. The outer shell 203 can form a supporting structure for the inner shell 201. In particular, the outer shell 203 can ensure that the ink reservoir 205 can be placed stably, for example, on a table, on the floor, or on a shelf. The outer shell 203 can, for example, be made of cardboard, preferably cubic. The ink reservoir 205 can, for example, be designed as a so-called "bag-in-box".

[0016] The ink 202 can be drawn from the ink reservoir 205, particularly from the inner casing 201, via a dispensing opening 209, which is located, for example, at the bottom of the ink reservoir 205. For this purpose, a line 219 can be connected to the dispensing opening 209 of the ink reservoir 205. The dispensing opening 209 can have a coupling to which the line 219 can be detachably connected. Furthermore, a pump 214 can be arranged on the line 219, which is configured to pump ink 202 from the ink reservoir 205.

[0017] The ink 202 taken from the ink reservoir 205 can be conveyed via line 219 to an intermediate reservoir 217, from where the ink 202 can be pumped by means of a further pump 218 to the one or more printheads 103 of the print bar 102. A filter unit 212 can be arranged on line 219, which is configured to filter the ink 202 taken from the ink reservoir 205 in order to filter out impurities and / or sediment from the ink 202. This reliably prevents the nozzles 21, 22 of the one or more printheads 103 of the print bar 102 from becoming clogged due to contaminated ink 202.

[0018] It is typically desirable to transfer as much of the ink 202 from the ink reservoir 205 as possible into the intermediate reservoir 217. However, this can lead to air being pumped into the intermediate reservoir 217 along with the ink 202, particularly when the ink reservoir 205, and especially its inner lining 201, is nearly empty. This can impair the print quality of the print bar 102. Furthermore, the pump 214 may be affected by the pumping of air.

[0019] Fig. Figure 3a shows an ink supply system 200, which in the illustrated example comprises Q sub-supply systems 300 for Q different pressure bars 102 of the printing device 100, with Q ≥ 1. The Q sub-supply systems 300 can each provide different inks 202, e.g., inks 202 of different colors. Each sub-supply system 300 has an intermediate reservoir 217 for ink 202, which is fluidly connected via a line 219 to an ink reservoir 205. The ink 202 from the intermediate reservoir 217 can be conveyed, in particular pumped, to the respective pressure bar 102.

[0020] The ink supply system 200 comprises a vacuum pump 314, in particular a vacuum pump, which is configured to create a physical vacuum in each of the individual intermediate reservoirs 217 of the Q partial supply systems 300. A single vacuum pump 314 may be used for the Q different intermediate reservoirs 217. The vacuum pump 314 can be used to create a vacuum sequentially or simultaneously in each of the Q intermediate reservoirs 217 in order to fill the respective intermediate reservoir 217 with ink 202 from the respective ink reservoir 205.

[0021] The ink supply system 200 can include a pressure sensor 315 which is configured to detect measurements relating to the vacuum effected by the vacuum pump 314.

[0022] A partial supply system 300 can each have a first valve 301, in particular a reservoir valve, arranged on the line 219 between the ink reservoir 205 and the intermediate reservoir 217 of the partial supply system 300. Furthermore, the partial supply system 300 can have a second valve 302, in particular a vacuum valve, arranged between the intermediate reservoir 217 and the vacuum pump 314. Finally, the partial supply system 300 can have a third valve 303, in particular a supply valve, arranged between the intermediate reservoir 217 and the pressure bar 102 supplied by the partial supply system 300.

[0023] To transfer ink 202 from the ink reservoir 205 of a partial supply system 300 to the intermediate reservoir 217 of the partial supply system 300, the first valve 301 and the second valve 302 of the partial supply system 300 can be opened, and the third valve 303 of the partial supply system 300 can be closed. The vacuum pump 314 is operated to create a vacuum in the intermediate reservoir 217, thereby drawing ink 202 from the ink reservoir 205 through line 219 into the intermediate reservoir 217. The amount of ink 202 transferred into the intermediate reservoir 217 can depend on one or more parameters, including: • the duration for which the negative pressure is created and / or for which the first valve 301 and / or the second valve 302 are open; • the value of the vacuum; and / or • the degree of opening and / or the opening cross-section of the first valve 301.

[0024] The filling of the intermediate reservoir 217 can be stopped by closing the first valve 301 and / or the second valve 302. Furthermore, opening the third valve 303 allows ink 202 to be pumped from the intermediate reservoir 217 to the pressure bar 102.

[0025] In a corresponding manner, the individual intermediate containers 217 of the Q partial supply systems 300 can be sequentially filled with ink 202. It can be ensured that only the second valve 302 of a single partial supply system 300 is open at any given time, while the second valves 302 of the Q-1 other partial supply systems 300 are closed.

[0026] Fig. Figure 3b shows an exemplary time course 321 of the vacuum 320 in the intermediate reservoir 217 of a partial supply system 300 as a function of time 330. From a first point in time 331, the vacuum 320 is created and / or the second valve 302 is opened. As a result, the vacuum 320 in the intermediate reservoir 217 decreases, causing ink 202 to be conveyed, in particular drawn, from the ink reservoir 205 into the intermediate reservoir 217. The value of the vacuum 320 remains essentially constant if the delivery rate of the vacuum pump 314, e.g., the rotational speed of the vacuum pump 314, remains unchanged.

[0027] From a second time point 332, the vacuum 320 decreases and reaches a vacuum threshold value 322 at a third time point 333. The decrease in vacuum 320 indicates that the ink reservoir 205, and in particular the inner lining 201 of the ink reservoir 205, is almost empty. When it is detected that the vacuum 320 reaches or falls below the predefined vacuum threshold value 322, it can be determined that the ink reservoir 205 has reached a low fill level and, in particular, is empty. The decrease in vacuum 320 can be detected based on the readings of the pressure sensor 315. The decrease in vacuum 320 typically leads to an increase in the electrical power consumed by the vacuum pump 314. Therefore, alternatively or additionally, the electrical output of the vacuum pump 314 can be used as an indication that the ink reservoir 205 has reached its lower fill level.

[0028] It should be noted that in this document, a negative pressure of 320 typically has a negative value. A decrease in negative pressure 320 typically corresponds to an increase in the magnitude of the negative pressure value.

[0029] In general, the (control) device 101 of the printing device 100 and / or the ink supply system 200 can be configured to determine vacuum information regarding the vacuum value 320 in an intermediate reservoir 217 of the ink supply system 200. The vacuum information can be determined based on the readings of a pressure sensor 215 and / or on the electrical power consumed by the vacuum pump 214. Based on the vacuum information, it can be determined whether the ink reservoir 205, from which the intermediate reservoir 217 is filled, is empty or not. If it is detected that the ink reservoir 205 is empty, the filling of the intermediate reservoir 217 can be stopped, for example, by closing the first valve 301 and / or the second valve 302.Furthermore, a message indicating that the ink reservoir 205 needs to be replaced can be issued via a user interface of the printing device 100 and / or the ink supply system 200.

[0030] The measures described in this document reliably prevent air from entering the intermediate reservoir 217 of a partial supply system 300 and / or ensure that the ink reservoir 205 of the partial supply system 300 is emptied as completely as possible. This can be achieved by using a vacuum pump 314, or possibly a single pump, which generates a vacuum 320 to draw ink 202 from the inner sleeve 201 of the ink reservoir 205 and transfer it to the intermediate reservoir 217. During this process, the third valve 303 to the pressure bar 102 is closed, while the first valve 301 to the intermediate reservoir 217 is opened.

[0031] The vacuum pump 314 can be operated until the intermediate reservoir 217 has a sufficiently high fill level. The vacuum pump 314 can be used simultaneously or sequentially for different intermediate reservoirs 217.

[0032] When the desired fill level of an intermediate reservoir 217 is reached, the second valve 302 to the vacuum pump 314 and the first valve 301 to the ink reservoir 205 can be closed. Furthermore, the third valve 303 to the pressure bar 102 can be opened.

[0033] The empty ink reservoir 205 can be detected using the vacuum pump 314. When the ink 202 is pumped to the intermediate reservoir 217 and the vacuum value 320 reaches or falls below a certain vacuum threshold value 322, it can be concluded that the ink reservoir 205 is empty. Alternatively or additionally, an empty ink reservoir 205 can be detected by measuring the current consumption of the vacuum pump 214.

[0034] Fig.Figure 4 shows a flowchart of a process 400, which may be computer-implemented, for filling an intermediate reservoir 217 of an ink supply system 200 of an inkjet printer 100 with ink 202 from an ink reservoir 205, wherein the ink reservoir 205 is fluidly connected to the intermediate reservoir 217 via a line 219. The ink reservoir 205 may be replaceable. For example, the ink supply system 200 may have a shelf on which the ink reservoir 205 can be placed by a user. Furthermore, the ink reservoir 205 may have a coupling at the inlet opening 209 to which the line 219 can be detachably connected. The inlet opening 209 of the ink reservoir 205 may, for example, have a hose coupling, possibly with a valve. Alternatively, the intermediate reservoir 217 may be permanently installed in the ink supply system 200.The method 400 can be carried out by a control device 101 of the ink supply system 200 and / or the printing device 100.

[0035] Method 400 comprises creating a vacuum 320 in the intermediate reservoir 217, such that the vacuum 320 draws ink 202 from the ink reservoir 205 into the intermediate reservoir 217 via the line 219. The vacuum 320 typically has a value lower than the ambient pressure, which may be essentially zero. The vacuum 320 can be created by a vacuum pump 314, in particular a vacuum pump, of the ink supply system 200. By creating a vacuum 320, the ink 202 can be drawn from the ink reservoir 205 into the intermediate reservoir 217 in a particularly reliable and complete manner.

[0036] Furthermore, this document describes an ink supply system 200 for supplying at least one print bar 102 of an inkjet printing device 100 with ink 202. The ink supply system 200 can have one or more sub-supply systems 300 for the corresponding one or more print bars 102 of the printing device 100. The individual sub-supply systems 300 can each be configured to supply a specific type of ink 202, e.g., ink 202 of a specific color. Thus, different types of ink 202 can be supplied by the different sub-supply systems 300. The different types of ink 202 can be supplied in different ink reservoirs 205.

[0037] The ink supply system 200, particularly as part of a partial supply system 300, includes an ink reservoir 205 for holding ink 202. The ink reservoir 205 may have a flexible inner liner 201 in which the ink 202 is stored. The ink reservoir 205 may be designed as a separate unit, e.g., as a separate box, which can be conveniently placed by a user on a shelf of the ink supply system 200 and detachably connected to a line 219 via a coupling. This enables a particularly efficient and convenient supply of ink 202.

[0038] The ink supply system 200 further comprises, for example as part of a partial supply system 300, an intermediate reservoir 217, which is fluidly connected to the ink reservoir 205 via a line 219 and is configured to temporarily store ink 202 for the operation of the pressure bar 102. The intermediate reservoir 217 can be permanently installed in the ink supply system 200. The intermediate reservoir 217 can be designed as a buffer reservoir, which ensures a continuous supply of ink 202 to the pressure bar 102 for a specific buffer period.

[0039] Furthermore, the ink supply system 200 comprises a vacuum pump 314, which is configured to create a vacuum 320 in the intermediate reservoir 217, such that the vacuum 320 draws ink 202 from the ink reservoir 205 into the intermediate reservoir 217 via the line 219. The line 219 can be connected to the lower side, particularly the bottom, of the intermediate reservoir 217, so that ink 202 is drawn into the intermediate reservoir 217 via the lower side. Alternatively, the vacuum pump 314 can be configured to draw air from the intermediate reservoir 217 via the opposite, upper side to create the vacuum 320 in the intermediate reservoir 217.

[0040] The ink supply system 200 can thus be designed such that the ink 202 is drawn from the ink reservoir 205 into the intermediate reservoir 217, rather than pumped. This reliably prevents air from being trapped in the ink 202 located in the intermediate reservoir 217. Furthermore, this ensures that the ink reservoir 205 is completely emptied in a reliable and gentle manner.

[0041] The ink supply system 200, particularly as part of a partial supply system 300, can include a reservoir valve 301 configured to allow or prevent the flow of ink 202 from the ink reservoir 205 via the line 219 to the intermediate reservoir 217. The reservoir valve 301 can be arranged on the line 219 to the intermediate reservoir 217. Furthermore, the ink supply system 200, particularly as part of a partial supply system 300, can include a supply valve 303 configured to allow or prevent the flow of ink 202 from the intermediate reservoir 217 to the pressure bar 102. The supply valve 303 can be arranged on a line from the intermediate reservoir 217 to the pressure bar 102.

[0042] The control device 101 of the ink supply system 200 and / or the printing device 100 can be configured to ensure that the reservoir 217 is open and the supply valve 303 is closed for filling with ink 202. Furthermore, the control device 101 can be configured to ensure that the reservoir 301 is closed and the supply valve 303 is open for supplying ink 202 to the printing bar 102. This ensures a particularly reliable filling of the reservoir 217 with ink 202, thus guaranteeing a consistently reliable supply of ink 202 to the printing bar 102.

[0043] The control device 101 can be configured to cause a vacuum 320 to be created in the intermediate reservoir 217 at a start time 331, so that ink 202 is pumped from the ink reservoir 205 into the intermediate reservoir 217 from the start time 331 onwards. For this purpose, the vacuum valve 302, located between the vacuum pump 314 and the intermediate reservoir 217, can be opened at the start time 331. Alternatively or additionally, the operation of the vacuum pump 314 can be started at the start time 331.

[0044] The control device 101 can further be configured to determine at a subsequent end time that the intermediate reservoir 217 has a specific target fill level of ink 202. The control device 101 can, for example, be configured to determine one or more parameters relating to the delivery rate at which ink 202 is conveyed from the ink reservoir 205 via the line 219 into the intermediate reservoir 217. Exemplary parameters are: • Vacuum information regarding the value of the vacuum 320 in the intermediate container 317; • the opening cross-section of the line 219, in particular of the reservoir valve 301, between the ink reservoir 205 and the intermediate reservoir 217; and / or • a flow property, e.g. the viscosity, of the ink 202 in the ink reservoir 205.

[0045] It can then be precisely determined, based on one or more parameters, that the intermediate container 217 has the target fill level of ink 202.

[0046] Furthermore, the control device 101 can be configured, in response to the determination that the intermediate reservoir 217 has reached the target fill level of ink 202, to prevent any further ink 202 from being pumped from the ink reservoir 205 into the intermediate reservoir 217. This ensures a particularly reliable and efficient filling of the intermediate reservoir 217.

[0047] The control device 101 can be configured to determine vacuum information relating to the vacuum value 320 in the intermediate reservoir 317. The vacuum information can be determined based on readings from a pressure sensor 315 of the ink supply system 200, wherein the pressure sensor 315 is configured to record readings relating to the vacuum value 320 in the intermediate reservoir 317. Alternatively or additionally, the vacuum information can be determined based on the electrical power consumed by the vacuum pump 314 to generate the vacuum 320.

[0048] The control device 101 can also be configured to determine, based on the vacuum information, whether the ink reservoir 205 has reached or fallen below a minimum fill level. The minimum fill level can, for example, correspond to a fill level of 10% or less of the total volume of the fully filled ink reservoir 205.

[0049] In response to the determination that the ink reservoir 205 has reached or fallen below a minimum fill level, an action can be taken with regard to the ink reservoir 205. Examples of such actions are: • preventing ink 202 from being pumped from the ink reservoir 205 into the intermediate reservoir 217. This can be achieved, for example, by closing the reservoir valve 301; and / or • Displaying a message via a user interface of the ink supply system 200 and / or the printing device 100 indicating that the ink reservoir 205 has reached or fallen below its minimum fill level. The user may be specifically advised that the ink reservoir 205 should be replaced.

[0050] Monitoring the fill level of the ink reservoir 205 enables particularly reliable and convenient filling of the intermediate reservoir 217 with ink 202.

[0051] The printing device 100 can have Q different printing bars 102, with Q > 1. The ink supply system 200 can comprise Q different sub-supply systems 300 for providing ink 202 to the corresponding Q printing bars 102, each sub-supply system 300 comprising an ink reservoir 205 and an intermediate reservoir 217, each fluidly connected to the other via a line 219. The vacuum pump 314 can be configured to create a vacuum 320 in each of the intermediate reservoirs 217 of the Q sub-supply system 300 in order to pump ink 202 from the respective ink reservoir 205 via the respective line 219 into the respective intermediate reservoir 217. Thus, a single vacuum pump 314 can be used efficiently to fill Q different intermediate reservoirs 217.

[0052] The Q partial supply systems 300 can each include a vacuum valve 302 configured to decouple the vacuum pump 314 from the intermediate reservoir 217 of the respective partial supply system 300 or to connect it fluidly to the intermediate reservoir 217 of the respective partial supply system 300. The control device 101 can be configured to open the vacuum valves 302 of the Q partial supply systems 300 individually and mutually exclusive, in particular such that a vacuum 320 is successively created in the individual intermediate reservoirs 217 of the Q partial supply systems 300 in order to successively fill the individual intermediate reservoirs 217 of the Q partial supply systems 300 with ink 202. The vacuum pump 314 can thus be used at successive time intervals to create the vacuum 320 in exactly one intermediate reservoir 217 at a time.This allows for particularly reliable filling of the different intermediate containers 217 using a single vacuum pump 314.

[0053] This document also describes a printing device 100 which includes the ink supply system 200 described in this document.

[0054] The measures described in this document can achieve a particularly efficient and robust ink supply to one or more printing bars 102 of an inkjet printing device 100. Reference symbol list 1. Transport direction (of the recording medium) 21, 22 nozzle Columns 31 and 32 (of the printed image) 100 printing device 101 (Control) device 102 pressure bars 103 Printhead 120 recording media 140 printed works 200 ink supply system 201 Inner liner (storage container) 202 ink 203 Outer shell (storage container) 205 storage containers 209 Sampling opening 212 Filter unit 214 Pump 217 intermediate containers 218 Pump 219 Management 300 partial supply system 301-303 Valve 314 Vacuum pump 315 Pressure sensor 320 negative pressure 321 Time course of the negative pressure 322 Vacuum threshold 330 Time 331-333 Time 400 methods for filling an intermediate container 401 Procedure step

Claims

[1] Ink supply system (200) for supplying a print bar (102) of an inkjet printing device (100) with ink (202); wherein the ink supply system (200) comprises, - an ink reservoir (205) for holding ink (202); - an intermediate reservoir (217) which is fluidly connected to the ink reservoir (205) via a line (219) and which is configured to temporarily store ink (202) for the operation of the pressure bar (102); and - a vacuum pump (314) which is configured to create a vacuum (320) in the intermediate reservoir (217) so that, by means of the vacuum (320), ink (202) is pumped from the ink reservoir (205) via the line (219) into the intermediate reservoir (217). [2] Ink supply system (200) according to claim 1, wherein the ink supply system (200) comprises, - a reservoir valve (301) configured to allow or prevent the flow of ink (202) from the ink reservoir (205) via the line (219) to the intermediate reservoir (217); - a supply valve (303) configured to allow or prevent the flow of ink (202) from the intermediate reservoir (217) to the pressure bar (102); and - a control device (101) which is configured to cause the intermediate reservoir (217) to be filled with ink (202), that the storage valve (301) is open and that the supply valve (303) is closed. [3] Ink supply system (200) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the ink supply system (200) comprises a control device (101) which is configured to - to cause a vacuum (320) to be created in the intermediate container (217) at a start time (331), so that ink (202) is pumped from the ink reservoir (205) into the intermediate container (217) from the start time (331); - to determine at a subsequent end time that the intermediate reservoir (217) has a target ink level (202); and - in response to the determination to cause that no more ink (202) is pumped from the ink reservoir (205) into the intermediate reservoir (217). [4] Ink supply system (200) according to claim 3, wherein the control device (101) is configured, - to determine one or more parameters relating to a delivery rate at which ink (202) is delivered from the ink reservoir (205) via the line (219) to the intermediate reservoir (217); wherein the one or more parameters include, -- Vacuum information relating to a value of the vacuum (320) in the intermediate container (317); -- an opening cross-section of the line (219) between the ink reservoir (205) and the intermediate reservoir (217); and / or -- a flow property of the ink (202) in the ink reservoir (205); and - to determine, based on one or more parameters, that the intermediate reservoir (217) has the target ink level (202). [5] Ink supply system (200) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the ink supply system (200) comprises a control device (101) which is configured to - To determine vacuum information relating to a value of the vacuum (320) in the intermediate container (317); - to determine, based on the vacuum information, that the ink reservoir (205) has reached or fallen below a lower fill level; and - in response to the determination to take action relating to the ink reservoir (205), the action comprising in particular, -- causing no more ink (202) to be pumped from the ink reservoir (205) into the intermediate reservoir (217); and -- the output of a notification via a user interface indicating that the ink reservoir (205) has reached or fallen below the lower fill level. [6] Ink supply system (200) according to claim 5, wherein the control device (101) is configured to determine the vacuum information, - based on measured values ​​from a pressure sensor (315) of the ink supply system (200); and / or - based on an electrical power input that the vacuum pump (314) receives to generate the vacuum (320). [7] Ink supply system (200) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein - the line (219) is connected to a lower side of the intermediate reservoir (217), so that ink (202) is conveyed into the intermediate reservoir (217) via the lower side; and / or - the vacuum pump (314) is designed to pump air out of the intermediate reservoir (217) via an upper side of the intermediate reservoir (217) in order to create the vacuum (320). [8] Ink supply system (200) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein - the pressure device (100) has different pressure bars (102) with Q>1; - the ink supply system (200) Q comprises different sub-supply systems (300) for providing ink (202) for the corresponding Q print bars (102); - each of the individual sub-supply systems (300) comprises an ink reservoir (205) and an intermediate reservoir (217), each of which is fluidly connected to the other via a line (219); and - the vacuum pump (314) is designed to create a vacuum (320) in each of the intermediate reservoirs (217) of the Q partial supply system (300) in order to pump ink (202) from the respective ink reservoir (205) via the respective line (219) into the respective intermediate reservoir (217). [9] Ink supply system (200) according to claim 8, wherein - the Q partial supply systems (300) each comprise a vacuum valve (302) configured to decouple the vacuum pump (314) from the intermediate reservoir (217) of the respective partial supply system (300) or to couple it fluidly to the intermediate reservoir (217) of the respective partial supply system (300); and - the ink supply system (200) includes a control device (101) which is configured to open the vacuum valves (302) of the Q partial supply systems (300) in an individual and mutually exclusive manner, so that a vacuum (320) is successively created in the individual intermediate reservoirs (217) of the Q partial supply systems (300) in order to successively fill the individual intermediate reservoirs (217) of the Q partial supply systems (300) with ink (202). [10] Method (400) for filling an intermediate reservoir (217) of an ink supply system (200) of an inkjet printing device (100) with ink (202) from an ink reservoir (205) which is fluidly connected to the intermediate reservoir (217) via a line (219); wherein the method (400) comprises, - Creating (401) a vacuum (320) in the intermediate container (217) so that the vacuum (320) draws ink (202) from the ink reservoir (205) through the line (219) into the intermediate container (217).

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