Movable Ink Collection Member for Digital Print Heads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Industrial digital printing devices face challenges with complex designs due to large removable lids, ink leakage during nozzle cleaning, and compromised printing quality from excess ink drops, which increase construction complexity and environmental contamination.
Innovation Solution
A digital printing device with movable collection members that integrate into the machine's design, allowing for ink collection without additional lids, enabling efficient ink removal and cleaning while maintaining compactness and ease of use, and incorporating suction systems to prevent ink dispersion and improve printing quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If removable lids are used to seal the nozzle plate in non-operating conditions, then ink leakage is prevented, but the device complexity increases due to technically complex design solutions and compromises concerning convenience of use and size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the lid function with the collection member into a single integrated component. The collection member is shaped to define a collection tank that seals the nozzle plate when positioned below it during non-operating conditions, eliminating the need for separate lids and reducing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The collection member serves multiple functions: it collects excess ink in operating conditions, seals the nozzle plate in non-operating conditions, and provides structural support. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed in the system
2Ease of operation
If the cleaning bar is translated below the nozzle plate for nozzle cleaning, then nozzle cleaning is achieved, but ink leaks from the head and falls below the head, compromising the cleaning of the machine and environment
Solution Approach 1:
The collection member is integrated with the cleaning system, positioned to receive cleaning fluid and collect ink during the cleaning operation. This integration ensures that ink leaked during cleaning is immediately captured rather than falling onto the machine or environment
Solution Approach 2:
The collection tank acts as an intermediary between the cleaning bar and the environment, intercepting and containing ink that leaks during the cleaning process. This mediator prevents harmful ink from reaching areas that would require additional cleaning
3Manufacturing precision
If dedicated suction stations are placed downstream of single nozzle plates to remove excess ink drops, then printing quality is improved, but the construction complexity of the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The suction function is merged with the collection member into a single integrated component. The collection member includes both the collection tank for receiving excess ink and the suction device for actively removing it, eliminating the need for separate suction stations and reducing construction complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The collection member serves as a multi-functional component that collects excess ink, seals the nozzle plate, and actively removes ink through integrated suction. This universal component replaces multiple separate systems, simplifying the overall device construction
4Object-affected harmful factors
If collection members are positioned below the nozzle plate to collect ink, then ink collection is effective, but the device size increases and convenience of use is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The collection member is designed to be movable relative to the nozzle plate, transitioning between a first position below the nozzle plate for ink collection and a second position away from the nozzle plate for compact storage. This dynamic positioning allows effective ink collection when needed while maintaining a compact device size when the collection function is not active
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides a compact, user-friendly digital printing device that effectively collects ink from nozzle plates in non-operating conditions, prevents ink leakage during cleaning, and enhances printing quality by ensuring ink removal before it reaches subsequent modules.
Implementation Method 1
These lids are connected to a suction system, arranged to remove the collected ink from the lid itself
Implementation Method 2
This operation provides for a purge action of the head obtained by imposing a positive pressure in the ink circuit thereof
Data Source
AI summary
A digital printing device, arranged to print onto a printing medium that is relatively movable with respect to a fixed frame in an advancement direction; comprising at least one printing module and equipped with at least one print head (4) whose nozzle plate (5) is arranged to print and at least one collection member (6), so shaped at the top as to define a collection tank (8); wherein said collection member (6) and said printing module are relatively movable with respect to each other so as to be able to take at least two alternative configurations, among which: at least one collection configuration, in which said collection member (6) is located below said printing module; and a printing configuration in which said collection member (6) is side by side, along said advancement direction, with the printing module.