Inkjet printing machine with ink line system and pressure regulator, and a method for operating an inkjet printing machine

Abstract

The invention relates to an inkjet printing machine comprising an inkjet printhead and an ink line system with a gas receiving area connected to a vacuum source via a gas line, wherein at least one pressure regulator for controlling the pressure within the gas receiving area and a measuring device for detecting values ​​representing current consumption and / or power consumption of the pressure regulator are arranged, and wherein the measuring device is circuit-wise connected to a computing device comprising a storage device with a significance threshold stored therein and an evaluation device configured toa method for operating an inkjet printing machine, wherein values ​​representing the current consumption and / or the power consumption of the pressure regulator are compared with at least one significance threshold, and wherein the computing device outputs an exceedance signal via an output device when the significance threshold is exceeded; and a method for operating an inkjet printing machine, wherein values ​​representing the current consumption and / or the power consumption of the pressure regulator are monitored by means of an evaluation device, and an exceedance signal is output when these values ​​deviate from a defined range.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an inkjet printing machine with an ink line system and pressure regulator according to the preamble of claim 1 and to a method for operating an inkjet printing machine.

[0002] German patent DE 10 2022 110 481 A1 discloses an inkjet printing machine with an ink line system. In this system, printheads are connected to a supply and a return reservoir, and the corresponding vacuum pressure is set in each reservoir by means of a vacuum source and pressure regulators.

[0003] For the proper transport of ink in an ink piping system, gas collection zones are typically incorporated. These zones are designed to collect gas above the surface of the liquid ink within the system, allowing for pressure regulation. Leaks in this piping system—for example, due to faulty connections or defective components such as printheads—are problematic because they can lead to difficulties. Even if the leaks are so minor that the system initially remains functional, problems such as foaming of the ink, increased energy consumption for vacuum pumps and pressure regulators, unwanted heat generation, and increased wear on these components can result.

[0004] Using existing pressure sensors to detect leaks is often not possible because they are designed for significantly larger measuring ranges than the fluctuations that occur with leaks. Furthermore, the pressure is regulated by the pressure regulators, making pressure losses difficult to measure.

[0005] The invention is based on the objective of creating an inkjet printing machine with an ink line system and pressure regulator, as well as a method for operating an inkjet printing machine.

[0006] The problem is solved according to the invention by the features of claim 1 and the features of claim 7.

[0007] An inkjet printing machine comprises at least one inkjet printhead and at least one ink line system, the ink line system having at least one gas receiving area. This gas receiving area is specifically designed to be filled with gas during printing, which is in contact with ink arranged in the ink line system during printing. This gas receiving area of ​​the ink line system is connected to at least one vacuum source via at least one gas line. At least one pressure regulator is arranged to control the pressure prevailing within the gas receiving area. The pressure regulator is preferably connected to a power supply for the inkjet printing machine.

[0008] At least one measuring device is arranged by means of which values ​​representing the current consumption and / or power consumption of the pressure regulator can be recorded. These values ​​can be, for example, measured values ​​or converted values. The measuring device is connected circuit-wise to a computing device, which is in particular a computing device of the inkjet printing machine. The computing device preferably has at least one storage device in which at least one significance threshold is stored. The computing device preferably has at least one evaluation device configured to directly or indirectly compare values ​​representing the current consumption and / or power consumption of the pressure regulator with the at least one significance threshold.For example, at least one evaluation unit is configured to directly or indirectly compare measured values ​​determined by the measuring device with at least one significance threshold. The processing unit is configured to output at least one threshold signal via an output device, preferably part of the inkjet printing machine, when the at least one significance threshold is exceeded. This offers the particular advantage that leaks in the ink line system of the inkjet printing machine can be detected early and reliably. In particular, no additional pressure sensor is required; instead, a current and / or power consumption measuring device can be used. Thus, leak detection is universally possible, especially independent of the type or model of the pressure regulator and its potentially present specific interface.

[0009] The piping system preferably includes a supply reservoir, wherein ink can preferably be supplied to the supply reservoir from an ink storage tank via at least one supply line. Preferably, at least one intermediate line leads from the supply reservoir to at least one printhead. Preferably, at least one system line for returning ink to the ink storage tank is arranged from the supply reservoir via at least one supply overflow. Preferably, the at least one gas absorption area is arranged at least partially within the supply reservoir. For example, the at least one gas absorption area is designed as the first gas absorption area. The piping system preferably includes a return reservoir, wherein preferably at least one intermediate line leads from at least one printhead to the return reservoir.Preferably, at least one discharge line for the return transport of ink to the ink reservoir is arranged from the return reservoir via at least one discharge overflow. Preferably, the at least one gas absorption area is arranged at least partially within the return reservoir. For example, this at least one gas absorption area is designed as a second gas absorption area, which is arranged in particular in addition to the first gas absorption area.

[0010] A preferred method is for operating an inkjet printing machine, wherein the inkjet printing machine is preferably configured as described above. In particular, the inkjet printing machine comprises at least one inkjet printhead and at least one ink line system, wherein the ink line system includes at least one gas receiving area, preferably filled with gas that is in contact with ink arranged in the ink line system, wherein this at least one gas receiving area of ​​the ink line system is connected to the at least one vacuum source via the at least one gas line, and wherein the at least one pressure regulator is arranged by means of which the pressure prevailing within the gas receiving area is regulated. Preferably, the at least one pressure regulator is connected to a power supply for the inkjet printing machine.Preferably, values ​​representing the current consumption and / or power consumption of the pressure regulator are recorded. Preferably, the current consumption and / or power consumption of the values ​​representing at least one pressure regulator are monitored by means of the evaluation unit of the computing unit. Preferably, if these values ​​deviate at least partially from a defined valid range, the computing unit outputs at least one exceedance signal via the output device.

[0011] In a further development, the inkjet printing machine and / or the method is preferably characterized by the fact that the at least one exceedance signal is at least an optical signal and / or that the at least one exceedance signal is at least an acoustic signal and / or that the at least one exceedance signal is at least an electrical signal and / or that the inkjet printing machine has at least one output device for outputting optical signals and / or for outputting acoustic signals and / or for outputting electrical signals.

[0012] In an alternative or additional embodiment, the method is preferably characterized by the fact that values ​​representing the current consumption and / or power consumption of the at least one pressure regulator are recorded by means of at least one measuring device, and that this measuring device is connected to the computing device via a circuit. In an alternative or additional embodiment, the method is preferably characterized by the fact that the computing device has at least one storage device in which at least one significance threshold is stored, and that the values ​​representing the current consumption and / or power consumption of the at least one pressure regulator are compared with the at least one significance threshold by means of the evaluation device of the computing device.In an alternative or additional further training, the procedure is preferably characterized by the fact that the computing device outputs the at least one exceedance signal via the output device when at least one significance threshold is exceeded - in particular by at least one measured value.

[0013] The specified significance threshold is preferably determined based on historical operating data from the inkjet printing press. The specified significance threshold is further preferably determined based on historical operating data from the inkjet printing press using an algorithm based on artificial intelligence and / or machine learning. The operating data preferably includes measured values ​​from at least one measuring device. For example, this algorithm includes at least one classification model. Thus, a classification model based on a machine learning algorithm is preferably used to determine the at least one specified significance threshold. For example, this algorithm includes methods for anomaly detection, such as univariate anomaly detection, but preferably multivariate anomaly detection.This involves the use of techniques such as deep learning methods like autoencoders or LSTM autoencoders.

[0014] One advantage is that at least one significance threshold can be optimally defined. Another advantage is that reliable monitoring is possible even if the regular printing behavior in the ink line system changes over time or due to job-related factors, and protection against the negative effects of leaks is optimized for the specific conditions of the inkjet printing press.

[0015] In an alternative or additional further development, the method is preferably characterized by the fact that the inkjet printing machine has several pressure regulators and that values ​​representing a respective current consumption and / or a respective power consumption of the respective pressure regulator are recorded by means of a respective measuring device and that a respective significance threshold is stored in the at least one storage device for each of these measuring devices, which are determined on the basis of operating data of the inkjet printing machine determined in the past and that values ​​from several or each of these measuring devices are used to determine the respective significance thresholds.This allows for further optimized monitoring, especially because changes in pressure in the first gas absorption area across the liquid ink can lead to changes in pressure in the second gas absorption area.

[0016] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings and are described in more detail below.

[0017] They show: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of an inkjet printing machine for web-shaped substrate; Fig. 2 a schematic representation of an inkjet printing machine for sheet-shaped substrate; Fig. 3 a schematic representation of an inkjet printing device with printing points, branching units, feed reservoirs, return reservoirs, positioning devices and maintenance devices, wherein printheads of two printing points are arranged in a respective printing position and printheads of two further printing points are arranged in a respective mounting position; Fig. 4 a schematic representation according to Fig. 3, wherein printheads of two print points are arranged in a respective printing position and printheads of two further print points are arranged in a respective maintenance position; Fig. 5 a schematic representation of an ink line system of an inkjet printing device with an exemplary branching unit; Fig. 6 a schematic representation of a branching unit with four connected printheads.

[0018] A printing machine 01 is preferably configured as an inkjet printing machine 01. The printing machine 01 preferably has at least one inkjet printing unit 04, which is configured in particular as an inkjet printing assembly 04. For example, the printing machine 01 has exclusively printing units 04 that are configured as inkjet printing units 04. Alternatively, in addition to at least one inkjet printing unit 04, the printing machine 01 has at least one printing unit 06 or application unit 06 that operates according to a form-based printing process. The printing machine 01 and / or the at least one inkjet printing unit 04 preferably has at least one inkjet printhead 03, or simply printhead 03, and more preferably several inkjet printheads 03, in particular at least three. The at least one inkjet printhead 03 is preferably configured as a piezoelectric printhead 03.Alternatively, the at least one inkjet printhead is, for example, a thermal inkjet printhead. The printing machine 01 preferably serves to print on substrate 02 or substrate material 02. The substrate 02 is, for example, configured as a substrate web 02 or as at least one, and preferably a plurality, of sheets 02. The printing machine 01 is, for example, configured as a roll-to-roll printing machine 01 or as a sheet-fed printing machine 01. Preferably, the substrate 02 is transported along a transport path and / or in a transport direction T through the printing machine 01 and / or through the at least one inkjet printing unit 04.

[0019] The printing press 01 preferably has at least one substrate source 08; 09. Depending on the design of the printing press 01, the at least one substrate source 08; 09 is configured, for example, as a sheet feeder 08 or, for example, as a roll unwinding device 09 and / or roll changer 09. The printing press 01 has, for example, at least one drying device 11. The printing press 01 has, for example, at least one substrate delivery device 12; 13, which, depending on the design of the printing press 01, is configured, for example, as a sheet delivery unit 12 or, for example, as a rewinding device 13.

[0020] The at least one inkjet printing device 04, for example, has at least one printhead arrangement extending over the entire working width of the inkjet printing device 04 and / or the printing machine 01. This printhead arrangement has at least one printhead 03 and preferably several printheads 03. In the case of only one printhead 03 per printhead arrangement, this single printhead 03 preferably extends over the entire working width of the inkjet printing device 04 and / or the printing machine 01. However, the preferred case is in which several printheads 03 together form the respective printhead arrangement and, with their respective working areas, together cover the entire working width of the inkjet printing device 04 and / or the printing machine 01.The working width of the inkjet printing device 04 and / or the printing machine 01 is preferably defined as the maximum width that a substrate 02 may have in order to still be able to be processed by the inkjet printing device 04 and / or the printing machine 01 and / or corresponds to the maximum width of the respective substrate 02 that can be processed by the inkjet printing device 04 and / or the printing machine 01.

[0021] The inkjet printing machine 01 has at least one printing point 16, 17, 18, 19 along a transport path provided for the transport of substrate 02 between the at least one substrate source 08; 09 and the at least one substrate dispensing device 12; 13, to which at least one inkjet printhead 03 is assigned. Preferably, the inkjet printing machine 01 has several such printing points 16, 17, 18, 19.

[0022] The inkjet printing machine 01 preferably has at least one first printing point 16 for a first ink. This first printing point 16 is preferably associated with at least one first inkjet printhead 03. The first ink preferably has a first color. A printing point 16, 17, 18, 19 is preferably understood to be the area in which ink droplets of a color associated with this printing point 16, 17, 18, 19 are or can be applied to the substrate 02. The inkjet printing machine 01 preferably has at least one second printing point 17 for a second ink. This second printing point 17 is preferably associated with at least one second inkjet printhead 03. The second ink preferably has a second color, which is further preferably different from the first color. The inkjet printing machine 01 preferably has at least one third printing point 18 for a third ink.This third printing point 18 is preferably assigned at least one third inkjet printhead 03. The third ink preferably has a third color, which is further preferably different from the first and second colors. The inkjet printing machine 01 preferably has at least one fourth printing point 19 for a fourth ink. This fourth printing point 19 is preferably assigned at least one fourth inkjet printhead 03. The fourth ink preferably has a fourth color, which is further preferably different from the first, second, and third colors. Depending on requirements, the inkjet printing machine 01 has further printing points for additional inks. The inkjet printing machine 01 preferably has at least one first priming head 07 for at least one first priming agent.

[0023] The inkjet printing machine 01 preferably has at least one ink line system 84 for ink. Preferably, several printheads 03, for example several printheads 03 that are assigned to the same printing location 16; 17; 18; 19, have at least a partial common ink line system 84 for ink.

[0024] The ink line system 84 preferably has at least one pre-fill reservoir 36, which is also called the normal reservoir 36 and / or is, for example, designed as a pre-fill pipe 36. Preferably, at least one pre-fill reservoir 36 is arranged for each print point 16; 17; 18; 19. For example, at least one inlet chamber 22 is arranged, from which several supply lines 26 branch off, each of which is connected to a respective printhead supply line 28 of a respective printhead 03. The at least one pre-fill reservoir 36 is connected directly or preferably indirectly to an ink reservoir 24. Preferably, the at least one inlet chamber 22 is connected to the pre-fill reservoir 36 at least via a first intermediate line 37. Preferably, the at least one pre-fill reservoir 36 is connected to the ink reservoir 24 via a supply system 38.Preferably, the supply system 38 comprises at least one supply pump 39 and / or at least one supply filter 41 and / or corresponding supply lines 42, 43, 44. Preferably, the at least one supply reservoir 36 comprises at least one supply overflow 46, particularly to maintain a constant fill level in the at least one supply reservoir 36. A bypass system 61 is preferably arranged downstream of the supply overflow 46. Preferably, the at least one supply reservoir 36 is connected to the ink reservoir 24 via the bypass system 61. Preferably, the bypass system 61 comprises at least one bypass pump 62 and / or at least one bypass buffer 63 and / or at least one bypass filter 64 and / or corresponding system lines 66, 67, 68, 69 of the bypass system 61.

[0025] The ink line system 84 preferably has at least one return reservoir 47, which is designed, for example, as a return pipe 47. Preferably, at least one return reservoir 47 is arranged for each print point 16; 17; 18; 19. Preferably, at least one drain chamber 23 is arranged, from which several disposal lines 27 branch off, each of which is connected to a respective printhead discharge line 29 of a respective printhead 03. The at least one return reservoir 47 is connected directly or preferably indirectly to the ink reservoir 24. Preferably, the at least one drain chamber 23 is connected to the return reservoir 47 at least via a second intermediate line 48. Preferably, the at least one return reservoir 47 is connected to the ink reservoir 24 via a discharge system 49.Preferably, the discharge system 49 comprises at least one discharge pump 51 and / or at least one discharge buffer 58 and / or at least one discharge filter 52 and / or corresponding discharge lines 53, 54, 56, 57. Preferably, the at least one return reservoir 47 comprises at least one discharge overflow 59, in particular to maintain a constant fill level in the at least one return reservoir 47.

[0026] Preferably, the at least one inkjet printing device 04 has several ink reservoirs 36, more preferably at least one ink reservoir 36 per print location 16; 17; 18; 19. For example, printheads 03 of the inkjet printing device 04 are movably arranged by means of corresponding positioning devices 71; 72; 73; 74, for example into different positions such as printing positions and / or rest positions. For example, printheads 03 assigned to a print location 16 are movable relative to printheads 03 assigned to another print location 17; 18; 19. This is achieved, for example, by linear guides. Preferably, the ink reservoirs 36 are movably arranged together with the respective printheads 03. Preferably, two ink reservoirs 36 are arranged per double row of printheads 03, i.e., in particular, four ink reservoirs 36 per print location 16; 17; 18; 19. 19 with two double rows of printheads 03 per print position 16; 17; 18; 19 respectively.Two pre-reservoirs 36 per print location 16; 17; 18; 19 in a double row of printheads 03 per print location 16; 17; 18; 19. Preferably, the inkjet printing device 04 has at least one and more preferably exactly one return-reservoir 47 per print location 16; 17; 18; 19 and / or per positioning device 71; 72; 73; 74, which is at least indirectly connected to several, in particular two or preferably four, pre-reservoirs 36.

[0027] Preferably, the ink reservoir 24 and the respective supply reservoir 36 and the respective return reservoir 47 are connected to a vacuum source 78 via gas lines 76 and, for example, with at least one pressure regulator 77 interposed. Preferably, the discharge buffer 58 and the bypass buffer 63 are connected to this or another vacuum source 78 via gas lines 79 and, for example, with at least one pressure regulator 81 interposed.

[0028] The inkjet printing device 04 preferably comprises at least three printheads 03 designed as inkjet printheads 03 and, in particular, at least one ink line system 84. Preferably, each of the at least three printheads 03 has a respective printhead supply line 28 and a respective printhead discharge line 29. As described, preferably at least one inlet chamber 22 is arranged, from which the multiple supply lines 26 branch off. In an alternative embodiment, all printhead supply lines 28 are directly connected to the respective supply reservoir 36, and all printhead discharge lines 29 are directly connected to the respective return reservoir 47.

[0029] The inkjet printing device 04, for example, has at least one branching unit 21. The at least one branching unit 21 preferably has an inlet chamber 22, in particular the inlet chamber 22 already mentioned. The inlet chamber 22 is preferably fluidically connected to the ink reservoir 24 via an inlet line 89 of the branching unit 21 and a feed system 86. The feed system 86 preferably comprises at least supply lines 42, 43, 44 and / or the feed reservoir 36 and / or the feed overflow 46 and / or the feed pump 39 and / or the feed filter 41. Preferably, several supply lines 26 branch off from the inlet chamber 22. The at least one branching unit 21 preferably has the outlet chamber 23. The drainage chamber 23 is preferably connected to the ink reservoir 24 via an output line 91 of the branching unit 21 and a return system 87.The return system 87 preferably comprises at least discharge lines 53; 54; 56; 57 and / or the return reservoir 47 and / or at least one discharge overflow 59 and / or at least one discharge pump 51 and / or at least one discharge filter 52. Preferably, several disposal lines 27 branch off from the discharge chamber 23.

[0030] Preferably, the at least three printheads 03 are connected via their respective printhead supply lines 28 to a respective supply line 26 of the branching unit 21. Preferably, the at least three printheads 03 are connected via their respective printhead discharge lines 29 to a respective disposal line 27 of the branching unit 21. For example, each of the supply lines 26 is assigned a respective adjustable flow restrictor 31, by means of which a flow rate to the respective printhead 03 can be influenced and, in particular, adjusted. For example, such a flow restrictor 31 has at least one adjusting screw, the position of which can be changed by means of a thread such that the cross-sectional area through which a corresponding supply line 36 can be changed.

[0031] For example, at least one bypass line 88 is arranged through which the inlet chamber 22 is directly connected to the outlet chamber 23. Preferably, the outlet chamber 23 is arranged higher than the inlet chamber 22 with respect to a vertical direction V. More preferably, the outlet chamber 23 is arranged directly above the inlet chamber 22.

[0032] In an alternative or additional embodiment, the inkjet printing device 04 is preferably characterized in that each main body 33 and the at least one branching unit 21 are formed in one piece. Preferably, cavities 22; 23; 26; 27; 88; 89; 91 of the main body 33 form at least the inlet chamber 22 and the supply lines 26 and the outlet chamber 23 and the disposal lines 27, and more preferably also the at least one bypass line 88 and / or the at least one input line 89 and / or the at least one output line 91.

[0033] In an alternative or additional embodiment, the inkjet printing device 04 is preferably characterized in that at least one pressure sensor 32 is connected to the inlet chamber 22 and / or that at least one pressure sensor 34 is connected to the outlet chamber 23.

[0034] In an alternative or additional embodiment, the inkjet printing device 04 is preferably characterized in that it has at least three branching units 21, and that each of the at least three branching units 21 is connected to at least three printheads 03 via respective printhead feed lines 28 and respective printhead return lines 29. Thus, preferably at least nine printheads 03 are arranged. For example, several branching units 21 are arranged side by side in a transverse direction A. The transverse direction A is preferably oriented horizontally and orthogonally to the transport direction T.

[0035] In an alternative or additional embodiment, the inkjet printing device 04 is preferably characterized in that the inlet line 89 of the at least one branching unit 21 is connected via a first intermediate line 37 to a supply reservoir 36, which has a supply overflow 46 and / or which is connected via at least one gas line 76 to a vacuum source 78. In an alternative or additional embodiment, the inkjet printing device 04 is preferably characterized in that the outlet line 91 of the at least one branching unit 21 is connected via a second intermediate line 48 to a return reservoir 47, which has a discharge overflow 59 and / or which is connected via at least one gas line 79 to a vacuum source 78.

[0036] The inkjet printing machine 01 comprises at least one inkjet printhead 03 and the ink line system 84. The ink line system 84 has at least one gas receiving area 92; 93. This gas receiving area 92, 93 is specifically designed to be filled with gas during printing operation, which is in contact with ink arranged in the ink line system 84 during printing operation. Such a gas receiving area 92; 93 is filled with gas, in particular air, during printing operation. This gas receiving area 92; 93 of the ink line system 84 is connected to the vacuum source 78 via at least one gas line 76; 79. Such a connection can be implemented directly or indirectly, i.e., by interposing further lines and / or components.The respective gas absorption area 92; 93 is, for example, the area of ​​the piping system 84 that is not filled with ink but is located above a surface of the ink. In particular, if there are lines and / or line sections that are completely filled with ink during printing operation, there are preferably several separate gas absorption areas 92; 93.

[0037] For example, the ink line system 84 has a first gas absorption area 92, which is specifically associated with the feed reservoir 36. At least parts of this first gas absorption area 92 are then arranged within the feed reservoir 36. Preferably, the first gas absorption area 92 extends, for example, through at least one gas line 76 to the vacuum source 78. Preferably, the first gas absorption area 92 extends, for example, through at least one system line 66 to the bypass buffer 63. Preferably, the first gas absorption area 92 of the ink line system 84 is connected to the at least one vacuum source 78 via at least one first gas line 76.

[0038] For example, the ink line system 84 has a second gas intake area 93, which is specifically associated with the return reservoir 47. At least parts of this second gas intake area 93 are then arranged within the return reservoir 47. Preferably, the second gas intake area 93 extends, for example, through at least one gas line 79 to the vacuum source 78. Preferably, the second gas intake area 93 extends, for example, through at least one discharge line 53 to the discharge buffer 58. Preferably, the second gas intake area 93 of the ink line system 84 is connected to the at least one vacuum source 78 via at least one second gas line 79.

[0039] As described, preferably at least one pressure regulator 77; 81 is arranged for regulating the pressure prevailing within the gas intake area 92; 93. In particular, preferably at least one first pressure regulator 77 is arranged for regulating the pressure prevailing within the first gas intake area 92 and / or preferably at least one second pressure regulator 81 is arranged for regulating the pressure prevailing within the second gas intake area 93.

[0040] Preferably, during printing, the pressure in the first gas intake area 92 is set to a different value than in the second gas intake area 93, and more preferably to a higher value. This forces the transport of ink from the supply reservoir 36 through the printheads 03 into the return reservoir 47. While some of the ink flowing into the printheads 03 is ejected in the form of droplets to create printed images, another, possibly larger, portion is fed to the discharge system 49. For example, during printing, a first vacuum relative to atmospheric pressure prevails in the first gas intake area 92. The first vacuum is preferably at least 50 mbar (5 kPa) and more preferably at least 60 mbar (6 kPa). The first vacuum is preferably at most 79 mbar (7.9 kPa) and more preferably at most 75 mbar (7.5 kPa).For example, during pressurized operation, a second negative pressure relative to atmospheric pressure prevails in the second gas intake area 93. This second negative pressure is preferably at least 80 mbar (8 kPa) and more preferably at least 85 mbar (8.5 kPa). The second negative pressure is preferably at most 110 mbar (11 kPa) and more preferably at most 100 mbar (10 kPa). For example, to clean the nozzles of the printheads 03, an overpressure of approximately 1 bar (100 kPa) can be applied in both gas intake areas 92 and 93. Short-term pressure fluctuations due to leaks, for example, are at most 3 mbar before they are regulated.

[0041] The at least one pressure regulator 77; 81 is preferably arranged connected to a power supply 94 of the inkjet printing machine 01. In particular, the at least one first pressure regulator 77 is preferably arranged connected to this power supply 94 of the inkjet printing machine 01 and / or the at least one second pressure regulator 81 is preferably arranged connected to this power supply 94 of the inkjet printing machine 01.

[0042] At least one measuring device 96; 97 is arranged by means of which values ​​representing the current consumption and / or power consumption of the pressure regulator 77; 81 can be detected. These values ​​can be direct measured values ​​or values ​​derived from or converted from measured values. Preferably, at least one first measuring device 96 is arranged by means of which values ​​representing the first current consumption and / or the first power consumption of the first pressure regulator 77 can be detected. Preferably, at least one second measuring device 97 is arranged by means of which values ​​representing the second current consumption and / or the second power consumption of the second pressure regulator 81 can be detected.

[0043] The measuring device 96; 97 is connected circuit-wise to a computing device 98, which is in particular a computing device 98 of the inkjet printing machine 01. Preferably, the first measuring device 96 is connected circuit-wise to the computing device 98 and / or the second measuring device 97 is connected circuit-wise to the computing device 98. The computing device 98 preferably has at least one storage device in which at least one significance threshold is stored. Preferably, a first significance threshold and / or a second significance threshold is stored in this way.

[0044] The computing device 98 preferably comprises at least one evaluation device 99 configured to compare values ​​representing the current consumption and / or power consumption of the pressure regulator 77; 81, in particular directly or indirectly, with at least one significance threshold. The at least one evaluation device 99 is preferably configured to compare values ​​representing the first current consumption and / or power consumption of the first pressure regulator 77, in particular directly or indirectly, with at least one first significance threshold. The at least one evaluation device 99 is preferably configured to compare values ​​representing the second current consumption and / or power consumption of the second pressure regulator 81, in particular directly or indirectly, with at least one second significance threshold.For example, the at least one evaluation unit 99 is preferably configured to directly or indirectly compare measured values ​​obtained from the first and / or second measuring unit 96; 97 with the respective significance threshold of at least one.

[0045] In one embodiment, the first and / or second stored significance threshold is manually set, for example, by an operator when starting up the inkjet printing machine 01 and / or by an operator during preparation and / or during a printing operation. Preferably, the first and / or second stored significance threshold is determined based on operating data of the inkjet printing machine 01 obtained in the past.

[0046] For example, the first and / or second stored significance threshold is determined on the basis of fixed predefined rules based on operating data of inkjet printing machine 01 obtained in the past.

[0047] Preferably, the inkjet printing machine 01 is characterized by the fact that the first and / or second significance threshold is determined based on historical operating data of the inkjet printing machine 01 using an algorithm based on artificial intelligence and / or machine learning. This algorithm includes, for example, at least one classification model. It also includes methods for anomaly detection, such as univariate anomaly detection, but preferably multivariate anomaly detection. Deep learning techniques such as autoencoders or LSTM autoencoders are used for this purpose. The at least one significance threshold preferably functions essentially as a limit value. While the at least one significance threshold can, in principle, change over time, it is preferably uniquely defined at every point in time (after the initial learning).

[0048] Preferably, the operating data of the inkjet printing machine 01 determined in the past, on the basis of which the first and / or second stored significance threshold is determined, include measured values ​​of the measuring device 96; 97, in particular of the first measuring device 96 and / or the second measuring device 97.

[0049] The computing device 98 is preferably configured to output at least one exceedance signal via at least one output device 101 when at least one significance threshold is exceeded—in particular by at least one measured value. The at least one output device 101 is preferably part of the inkjet printing machine 01. For example, the at least one exceedance signal is at least an optical signal. Such an optical signal is, for example, the activation or deactivation of at least one light or warning light, or the triggering or changing of a message on a display device. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one exceedance signal is, for example, at least an acoustic signal. Such an acoustic signal is, for example, the activation or deactivation of a beep or the output of a voice message.Alternatively or additionally, this is at least one exceedance signal, for example, at least one electrical signal. Such an electrical signal is, for example, the storage of an error code in a memory or a control signal for controlling, activating, or deactivating a device. Preferably, the inkjet printing machine 01 has at least one output device for outputting optical signals and / or at least one output device for outputting acoustic signals and / or at least one output device for outputting electrical signals.

[0050] Preferably, the inkjet printing machine 01 has at least substantially its own ink line system 84 for each color and / or each printing location, configured as described, i.e., preferably at least four such ink line systems 84. For example, a common vacuum source 78 is arranged for all of these ink line systems 84. In particular, each of these ink line systems 84 preferably has at least one feed reservoir 36, at least one return reservoir 47, and at least two pressure regulators 77; 81. The inkjet printing machine 01 therefore preferably has at least four pressure regulators 77; 81.

[0051] Preferably, each printhead 03 can be arranged in at least one rest position and, more preferably, in at least two different rest positions, particularly by means of the respective positioning device 71; 72; 73; 74. The at least one rest position is, for example, configured as at least one maintenance position and / or as at least one assembly position.

[0052] Preferably, each of the printheads 03 is assigned and / or assignable to at least one maintenance device 82 in its respective maintenance position. This respective maintenance device 82 is, for example, arranged to be movable along a provision path, in particular a linear one, between at least one parking position and at least one operating position, in particular by means of at least one feeding device 83.

[0053] The following describes a method for operating an inkjet printing machine 01, preferably configured as previously described. In particular, this inkjet printing machine 01 preferably comprises at least one inkjet printhead 03 and at least one ink line system 84, wherein the ink line system 84 has at least one gas receiving area 92; 93, which is preferably filled with gas that is in contact with ink arranged in the ink line system 84. This gas receiving area 92; 93 of the ink line system 84 is connected, as described, to at least one vacuum source 78 via at least one gas line 76; 79. As described, at least one pressure regulator 77; 81 is arranged by means of which the pressure prevailing within the gas receiving area 92; 93 is regulated.

[0054] Preferably, the method is characterized by the acquisition of values ​​representing, in particular, a first current consumption and / or a first power consumption of, in particular, the first pressure regulator 77. Alternatively or additionally, values ​​representing, in particular, a second current consumption and / or a second power consumption of, in particular, the second pressure regulator 81 are acquired. Preferably, the values ​​representing, in particular, the first and / or second current consumption and / or the first and / or second power consumption of, in particular, the first and / or second pressure regulator 77; 81 are monitored by means of the evaluation unit 99 of the computing unit 98. Preferably, in the event of at least a partial deviation of these values ​​from a range defined as valid, the computing unit 98 outputs at least one exceedance signal via an output unit 101 – which is preferably part of the inkjet printing machine 01.

[0055] Preferably, the method is alternatively or additionally characterized in that the at least one pressure regulator 77; 81 is arranged to be connected to the power supply 94 of the inkjet printing machine 01 and that values ​​are recorded by means of the at least one, in particular first, measuring device 96, which represent the current consumption and / or the power consumption of the pressure regulator 77. Alternatively or additionally, the method is preferably characterized in that values ​​are recorded by means of the at least one, in particular second, measuring device 97, which represent the current consumption and / or the power consumption of the pressure regulator 81.

[0056] As described, preferably the first and / or the second measuring device 96; 97 is connected to the computing device 98 via a circuit and / or the computing device 98 preferably has at least one storage device in which at least one, in particular first and / or second, significance threshold is stored.

[0057] Preferably, the method is characterized in that the stored significance threshold is determined based on historical operating data from inkjet printing machine 01. Further preferably, the method is characterized in that the stored significance threshold is determined based on historical operating data from inkjet printing machine 01 using an algorithm based on artificial intelligence and / or machine learning.

[0058] The at least one significance threshold is, for example, manually defined. Alternatively, the at least one significance threshold is determined by fixed rules or by using fuzzy logic. Preferably, the at least one significance threshold is determined by using an algorithm based on artificial intelligence and / or machine learning.

[0059] For example, this algorithm includes at least one classification model. Preferably, a classification model based on a machine learning algorithm is used to determine the at least one stored significance threshold. For example, this algorithm includes methods for anomaly detection, such as univariate anomaly detection, but preferably multivariate anomaly detection. Deep learning techniques such as autoencoders or LSTM autoencoders are used for this purpose. The at least one significance threshold is preferably generated by the algorithm while the inkjet printing press 01 and / or the ink line system 84 operate without errors. The at least one significance threshold preferably functions essentially as a limit value.At least one significance threshold can in principle change over time, but is preferably clearly defined at each point in time (especially after initial learning).

[0060] The computing device 98 preferably comprises at least one evaluation device 99, by means of which the values ​​representing, in particular, the first and / or second current consumption and / or the first and / or second power consumption of, in particular, the first and / or second pressure regulator 77; 81 – for example, measured values ​​determined by, in particular, the first and / or second measuring device 96; 97 – are compared, in particular directly or indirectly, with the at least one, in particular, first and / or second significance threshold. Preferably, when the at least one significance threshold is exceeded, in particular by at least one measured value, the computing device 98 preferably outputs the at least one exceedance signal via the output device 101. The at least one exceedance signal is preferably of the type described above.

[0061] Preferably, the inkjet printing machine 01 has several pressure regulators 77; 81, particularly as described above. Preferably, values ​​representing the current consumption and / or power consumption of each pressure regulator 77; 81 are recorded by means of a respective measuring device 96; 97. More preferably, a respective significance threshold is stored in the at least one storage device for each of these measuring devices 96; 97, which is determined based on operating data of the inkjet printing machine 01 obtained in the past. Preferably, values ​​from several, or more preferably, from each of these measuring devices 96; 97 are used to determine the respective significance thresholds.Preferably, for several and more preferably for each of these pressure regulators 77; 81, values ​​representing the respective current consumption and / or power consumption of the respective pressure regulator 77; 81 – for example, measured values ​​determined by the respective measuring device 96; 97 – are compared, in particular directly or indirectly, with the at least one respective significance threshold by means of the evaluation device 99. The computing device 98 preferably outputs the at least one exceedance signal via the output device 101 when the at least one significance threshold is exceeded, in particular by at least one measured value. Reference symbol list 01 Printing press, inkjet printing press, roll-to-roll printing press, sheet-fed printing press 02 Substrate, substrate web, sheet, printing material 03 Inkjet printhead, piezo printhead, printhead 04 Inkjet printing unit, inkjet printing unit 05 - 06 Printing setup, order setup 07 Primer head, first 08 Substrate source, arc feeder 09 Substrate source, roll unwinding device, roll changer 10 - 11 Drying equipment 12 Substrate dispensing device, sheet delivery 13 Substrate dispensing device, winding device 14 - 15 - 16 pressure point, first 17. Pressure point, second 18 Pressure point, third 19 Pressure point, fourth 20 - 21 branching unit 22 Inlet area 23 Drainage area 24 ink reservoirs 25 - 26 Supply line 27 Disposal line 28 Printhead feed line 29 Printhead drain line 30 - 31 Volume flow limiters 32 Pressure sensor 33 Main body (21) 34 Pressure sensor 35 - 36 Supply stock, normal supply, supply pipe 37 Intermediate line, first 38 Feed system 39 Supply pump 40 - 41 Inlet filters 42 Supply line 43 Supply line 44 Supply line 45 - 46 Inlet overflow 47 Return reservoir, return pipe 48 Intermediate line, second 49 Waste collection system 50 - 51 Drainage pump 52 exhaust filters 53 Discharge line 54 Discharge line 55 - 56 Discharge line 57 Discharge line 58 Discharge buffers 59 Discharge overflow 60 - 61 Bypass system, detour system 62 Bypass pump 63 Bypass buffers 64 Bypass filters 65 - 66 System Management 67 System Management 68 System Management 69 System Management 70 - 71 Positioning device 72 Positioning device 73 Positioning device 74 Positioning device 75 - 76 Gas pipeline 77 Pressure regulators 78 Vacuum source 79 Gas pipeline 80 - 81 Pressure regulators 82 Maintenance device 83 Feeding device 84 Ink Line System 85 - 86 Lead system 87 Return system 88 Bypass line 89 Entrance line 90 - 91 Output line 92 Gas intake area, first 93 Gas intake area, second 94 Power supply 95 - 96 Measuring device, first 97 Measuring device, second 98 Computer equipment 99 Evaluation unit 100 - 101 Output device A transverse direction T Transport direction V direction, vertical

Claims

[1] Inkjet printing machine (01), wherein the inkjet printing machine (01) comprises at least one inkjet printhead (03) and at least one ink line system (84), wherein the ink line system (84) comprises at least one gas receiving area (92; 93), and wherein this at least one gas receiving area (92; 93) of the ink line system (84) is connected to at least one vacuum source (78) via at least one gas line (76; 79), and wherein at least one pressure regulator (77; 81) is arranged for regulating the pressure prevailing within the at least one gas receiving area (92; 93), characterized by, that at least one measuring device (96; 97) is arranged by means of which values ​​can be recorded that represent a current consumption and / or a power consumption of the pressure regulator (77; 81), and that the measuring device (96; 97) is connected to a computing device (98) via a circuit, and that the computing device (98) has at least one storage device in which at least one significance threshold is stored, and that the computing device (98) has at least one evaluation device (99) which is configured to compare values ​​representing the current consumption and / or the power consumption of the pressure regulator (77; 81) with the at least one significance threshold, and that the computing device (98) is configured to output at least one exceedance signal via an output device (101) when the at least one significance threshold is exceeded. [2] Inkjet printing machine according to claim 1, characterized by, that at least one stored significance threshold is determined on the basis of operating data of the inkjet printing machine (01) obtained in the past. [3] Inkjet printing machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that at least one stored significance threshold is determined on the basis of operating data of the inkjet printing machine (01) obtained in the past by means of an artificial intelligence-based algorithm. [4] Inkjet printing machine according to claim 1 or 2 or 3, characterized by, that the piping system (84) has a pre-reservoir (36) and that ink from an ink reservoir (24) can be supplied to the pre-reservoir (36) via at least one supply line (42; 43; 44) and that at least one intermediate line (37) leads from the pre-reservoir (36) to at least one printhead (03) and that at least one system line (66) for a return transport of ink to the ink reservoir (24) is arranged from the pre-reservoir (36) via at least one supply overflow (46) and that the at least one gas absorption area (92) is arranged at least partially within the pre-reservoir (36). [5] Inkjet printing machine according to claim 1 or 2 or 3 or 4, characterized by, that the piping system (84) has a return reservoir (47) and that at least one intermediate line (48) leads from at least one printhead (03) to the return reservoir (47) and that at least one discharge line (53; 54; 56; 57) is arranged from the return reservoir (47) via at least one discharge overflow (59) for a return transport of ink to the ink reservoir (24) and that the at least one gas absorption area (93) is arranged at least partially within the return reservoir (47). [6] Inkjet printing machine according to claim 1 or 2 or 3 or 4 or 5, characterized by, that at least one exceedance signal is at least an optical signal and / or that at least one exceedance signal is at least an acoustic signal and / or that at least one exceedance signal is at least an electrical signal and / or that the inkjet printing machine (01) has at least one output device (101) for outputting optical signals and / or for outputting acoustic signals and / or for outputting electrical signals. [7] Method for operating an inkjet printing machine (01), wherein the inkjet printing machine (01) has at least one inkjet printhead (03) and at least one ink line system (84), and wherein the ink line system (84) has at least one gas receiving area (92; 93) filled with gas that is in contact with ink arranged in the ink line system (84), and wherein at least one gas receiving area (92; 93) of the ink line system (84) is connected to at least one vacuum source (78) via at least one gas line (76; 79), and wherein at least one pressure regulator (77; 81) is arranged by means of which the pressure prevailing within the at least one gas receiving area (92; 93) is regulated. characterized by, that values ​​are recorded which represent a current consumption and / or a power consumption of the at least one pressure regulator (77; 81) and that, by means of an evaluation unit (99) a computing unit (98), the current consumption and / or the power consumption of the at least one pressure regulator (77; 81) are monitored and that, in the event of at least a partial deviation of these values ​​from a range defined as valid, the computing unit (98) outputs at least one exceedance signal via an output unit (101). [8] Method according to claim 7, characterized by, that the values ​​representing the current consumption and / or power consumption of the at least one pressure regulator (77; 81) are recorded by means of at least one measuring device (96; 97), and that the measuring device (96; 97) is connected to the computing device (98) via a circuit, and that the computing device (98) has at least one storage device in which at least one significance threshold is stored, and that the values ​​representing the current consumption and / or power consumption of the at least one pressure regulator (77; 81) are compared with the at least one significance threshold by means of the evaluation device (99) of the computing device (98), and that the computing device (98) outputs the at least one exceedance signal via an output device (101) when the at least one significance threshold is exceeded. [9] Method according to claim 7 or 8, characterized by, that at least one stored significance threshold is determined on the basis of operating data of the inkjet printing machine (01) obtained in the past. [10] Method according to claim 7 or 8 or 9, characterized by , that at least one stored significance threshold is determined on the basis of operating data of the inkjet printing machine (01) obtained in the past by means of an algorithm based on artificial intelligence and / or machine learning. [11] Method according to claim 10, characterized by , that a classification model based on a machine learning algorithm is used to determine at least one stored significance threshold. [12] Method according to claim 7 or 8 or 9 or 10 or 11, characterized by, that the inkjet printing machine (01) has several pressure regulators (77; 81) and that values ​​are recorded by means of a respective measuring device (96; 97) which represent a respective current consumption and / or a respective power consumption of the respective pressure regulator (77; 81) and that a respective significance threshold is stored in the at least one storage device for each of these measuring devices (96; 97), which are determined on the basis of operating data of the inkjet printing machine (01) determined in the past and that values ​​from several or each of these measuring devices (96; 97) are used to determine the respective significance thresholds.

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