EP0786349A1 - Cleaning device for ink jet franking machine - Google Patents

Cleaning device for ink jet franking machine Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0786349A1
EP0786349A1 EP97400145A EP97400145A EP0786349A1 EP 0786349 A1 EP0786349 A1 EP 0786349A1 EP 97400145 A EP97400145 A EP 97400145A EP 97400145 A EP97400145 A EP 97400145A EP 0786349 A1 EP0786349 A1 EP 0786349A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
cleaning
cleaning device
motor
lever
franking machine
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP97400145A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0786349B1 (en
Inventor
Michel Fajour
Jean-Pierre Gregoire
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Quadient Technologies France SA
Original Assignee
Neopost Technologies SA
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Neopost Technologies SA filed Critical Neopost Technologies SA
Publication of EP0786349A1 publication Critical patent/EP0786349A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0786349B1 publication Critical patent/EP0786349B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07B—TICKET-ISSUING APPARATUS; FARE-REGISTERING APPARATUS; FRANKING APPARATUS
    • G07B17/00—Franking apparatus
    • G07B17/00459—Details relating to mailpieces in a franking system
    • G07B17/00508—Printing or attaching on mailpieces
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
    • B41J2/00—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
    • B41J2/005—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
    • B41J2/01—Ink jet
    • B41J2/135—Nozzles
    • B41J2/165—Preventing or detecting of nozzle clogging, e.g. cleaning, capping or moistening for nozzles
    • B41J2/16517—Cleaning of print head nozzles
    • B41J2/16535—Cleaning of print head nozzles using wiping constructions
    • B41J2/16538—Cleaning of print head nozzles using wiping constructions with brushes or wiper blades perpendicular to the nozzle plate
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
    • B41J2/00—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
    • B41J2/005—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
    • B41J2/01—Ink jet
    • B41J2/135—Nozzles
    • B41J2/165—Preventing or detecting of nozzle clogging, e.g. cleaning, capping or moistening for nozzles
    • B41J2/16517—Cleaning of print head nozzles
    • B41J2/16535—Cleaning of print head nozzles using wiping constructions
    • B41J2/16544—Constructions for the positioning of wipers
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07B—TICKET-ISSUING APPARATUS; FARE-REGISTERING APPARATUS; FRANKING APPARATUS
    • G07B17/00—Franking apparatus
    • G07B17/00459—Details relating to mailpieces in a franking system
    • G07B17/00508—Printing or attaching on mailpieces
    • G07B2017/00516—Details of printing apparatus
    • G07B2017/00556—Ensuring quality of print

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a maintenance device for cleaning a printing module of an ink jet print head of a franking machine, and in particular a device for maintenance by scraping surfaces ejecting at least one row of nozzles from this printing module.
  • the critical problem of the quality of the printing provided by the printing module that is to say by the ejection nozzles of the print head incorporating this module.
  • the nozzles are notably subjected to air, which can cause the ink contained in the printing module to dry.
  • the quality of printing is particularly essential in the field of mail processing where the printed postal imprint represents a monetary value.
  • the object of the present invention is a maintenance device which allows regular cleaning of the print head ejection nozzles of a franking machine, in order to rid them of dust or ink particles, possibly dry. , which could cover the ends and therefore reduce their effectiveness.
  • Another object of the invention is to provide a device which very easily adapts to a base of the franking machine.
  • Yet another object of the invention is to provide a device which can be used in addition to a device for protecting the printing module also developed by the applicant and which is the subject of a patent application filed on same day.
  • a device for cleaning the external surfaces of a row of ejection nozzles integrated into at least one printing module of an inkjet printing head of a franking machine a base of which comprises cleaning means for scraping these ink ejection surfaces, characterized in that these cleaning means are mounted on a support means which can move under the action of motor means, via a connecting rod-crank system, between a first position in which the cleaning means are separated from the printing module and a second position in which the cleaning means have scraped the external surfaces of the ejection nozzles.
  • the cleaning means mounted at one end of an articulated scanning lever comprise compensation support means, with respective springs, each carrying a set of independent scraping brushes, to transform the initial circular movement of these support means into a rectilinear movement of the brushes in contact with the ejection surfaces of the printing module.
  • each set of brushes has an active end surface with two sharp edges to allow scraping of the ejection surfaces of the printing module when moving the support means from said first position to said second position and vice versa.
  • the vertical plane passing through an axis of articulation of the scanning lever is inclined at a predetermined angle a with respect to the longitudinal plane of a row of ejection nozzles of the printing module, so that each elementary brush belonging to a given set of brushes scrapes only one nozzle and only one of a given row.
  • the connecting rod-crank system is formed on the one hand by a rod connected to the other end of the articulated sweeping lever and on the other hand by a Maltese cross driven in rotation by a driving shaft which is itself driven in rotation by the motor means.
  • the drive of the Maltese cross by the drive means is provided by means of a drive gear mounted on the drive shaft and a set of toothed gears connecting this drive wheel to the drive means.
  • the motor means comprise either a first energy storage motor means formed by a spring which is tensioned during the movement of the support means from said first to said second position and expands during the return movement from said second position to said first position or a second motor means which controls the movement of the support means from said first to said second position and simultaneously ensures energy recharging of the first motor means.
  • the cleaning device may further comprise a cam mounted on the driving shaft, driven in rotation with it, and which cooperates with means for holding the support means in position in said first position.
  • These means for holding the support means in said first position comprise a latching lever cooperating with a shoulder of the cam and actuated by an electromagnet which is automatically deactivated during a cut in the power supply to the franking machine.
  • the snap lever is controlled by the electromagnet via a link.
  • the invention also relates to any franking machine provided with an ink jet print head and a base comprising a cleaning device as described above.
  • FIGS. 1 to 3 show a cleaning device according to the invention in two distinct operating positions.
  • This device 2 incorporated into a base 4 of a franking machine comprises a body 6 on which cleaning means 8 can be mounted for cleaning by scraping a printing module 10 from a jet jet printing head. ink 12 of this franking machine.
  • the cleaning means 8 In the position of FIGS. 1 and 2, the cleaning means 8 occupy an initial position released from a document transport path 14.
  • the cleaning means are mounted on a support means 20 which can be moved along a mainly circular path (which will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 4), from the initial position to a final position in which the cleaning means scraping of the printing module, by means of a rod-crank drive system 22.
  • the rod part of this system consists of a rod 24 whose length can be adjustable as a function of the desired displacement distance for the cleaning means and a first end of which is fixed to the support means 20, and the crank part, which is articulated at a second end of this link, consists of a Maltese cross 26 of a conventional assembly known as a "cross of Malta "also comprising a driving shaft 28 on which are mounted a driving disc provided with an eccentric pin or lug 30 and a brake disc and whose axis of rotation 32 is parallel to the axis of rotation 34 of the Maltese cross.
  • the sliding of the lug 30 in a radial groove 36 practiced at one of the arms of the Maltese cross 26 allows it to be driven only on a fraction of a turn during a complete rotation of the disc coach.
  • the drive disc which is secured by a pin 38 of a drive toothed wheel 40 is itself rotated, through a set of toothed pinions 42, or from a first drive means 44 constituted by a simple rechargeable energy accumulator such as an elastic element or else a suspended mass, during the movement from said second position to said first position, ie from a second drive means 54, during the movement from said first position to said second position (see in particular Figure 2).
  • the drive wheel 40 can be maintained in a determined position, corresponding for example to the initial position of the cleaning means, by retaining means formed by a latching lever 46 engaged with an associated shoulder of a cam 48 secured to this wheel.
  • the release of the latching lever 46 is ensured by an electromagnet 50 which acts on a link 52 secured to this lever.
  • the support means 20 on which the cleaning means 8 are arranged comprises an articulated scanning lever 56, having a stirrup shape, and at the upper end of which are mounted compensation support means 58, 60 (one per row of ejection nozzles) with respective springs 62, 64 each carrying a set of independent scraping brushes 66, 68 whose corresponding active end surface has two sharp edges 70, 72 to allow scraping in the two directions of movement of the means support.
  • the vertical plane passing through the hinge axis 74 of the lever 56 is advantageously inclined at an angle a relative to the longitudinal plane of the rows of ejection nozzles of the printing module 10 so that each brush elementary belonging to a given set of brushes scrapes only one nozzle and only one of a determined row.
  • the compensation means are designed to transform the circular displacement of the active ends 70, 72 of the scraper blades into a rectilinear displacement, parallel to the nozzle ejection surfaces, when these brushes contact the external surface of the nozzles so that that they do not undergo any crushing and thus keep their maximum scraping efficiency.
  • FIG. 4 illustrates this transformation of movement well with the two graphs 76, 78 which respectively show, for a round trip of the support means 20, the trajectories of the location of the points of the end of the support 58 and that of the active end a brush 66 mounted on this support.
  • the operation of the device is as follows.
  • the second motor means 54 is actuated, which drives the cam 48 in a counterclockwise direction while simultaneously arming the motor spring 44.
  • this cam associated with the pin 30 drives the Maltese cross 46 which by means of the connecting rod 24 actuates the articulation lever 56 so as to pivot the cleaning means 8 from the initial released position to the final active position after scraping the print module.
  • An end-of-travel means (not shown) is of course provided for detecting this final position and then controlling the stopping of the second motor 54.
  • the motor spring 44 can relax, which results in a reversal of the movements previous, that is to say a rotation in the opposite direction of the cam 48 which returns the Maltese cross 26 to its first position and therefore also the cleaning means 8, by means of the link 24 and the articulation lever 56.
  • the return position is naturally limited by the relaxation of the spring 44 which returns to its initial rest position.
  • the mainspring 44 will preferably be initially tensioned.
  • the electromagnet 50 permanently pulls, via the link 52, the latching lever 46, which prevents rotation along F of cam 48 and thus fixes the initial position of the cleaning means 8. In this case, starting the cleaning phase described above will cause additional tension of the spring 44.
  • the scraping of the nozzles is carried out both during the outward journey (from the released position to the final active position) by the edges 70 and during the return journey (from the final active position to the released position ) by the edges 72.
  • a person skilled in the art is capable of implementing the complementary means not described in detail, necessary to limit the sudden movements of the articulation lever 56 or the overcurrents of the second motor 54, in particular when it is stopped.

Abstract

The device provides cleaning for the external surfaces of a row of jet nozzles integrated within the print head of an ink jet franking machine. Cleaning is provided by scraping the surfaces of the ink jet mechanism, the cleaning element (8) being mounted on a support (20) which may be displaced under the action of two motors (44,54) by means of a lever system (22). The two positions of the cleaner comprise one removed from the head, and one scraping across the surface of the head. The cleaner is mounted at one end of a scanning lever (56) comprising a compensation device with springs (58,60) acting on specific cleaning blades (66,68) to ensure adequate pressure on the blades during the cleaning action. The initial circular movement of the support is transformed into a rectilinear movement for the cleaning blades.

Description

Domaine de l'inventionField of the invention

La présente invention concerne un dispositif de maintenance pour le nettoyage d'un module d'impression d'une tête d'impression à jet d'encre d'une machine à affranchir, et en particulier un dispositif pour l'entretien par raclage des surfaces d'éjection d'au moins une rangée de buses de ce module d'impression.The present invention relates to a maintenance device for cleaning a printing module of an ink jet print head of a franking machine, and in particular a device for maintenance by scraping surfaces ejecting at least one row of nozzles from this printing module.

Art antérieurPrior art

Avec la technologie à jet d'encre, se pose, dans le domaine de l'affranchissement postal, le problème critique de la qualité de l'impression fournie par le module d'impression, c'est à dire par les buses d'éjection de la tête d'impression incorporant ce module. En effet, en l'absence de protection spécifique, les buses sont notamment soumises à l'air, ce qui peut entraîner un séchage de l'encre contenue dans le module d'impression. Or, la qualité de l'impression est particulièrement essentielle dans le domaine du traitement de courrier où l'empreinte postale imprimée représente une valeur monétaire.With inkjet technology, there arises in the field of postage, the critical problem of the quality of the printing provided by the printing module, that is to say by the ejection nozzles of the print head incorporating this module. In fact, in the absence of specific protection, the nozzles are notably subjected to air, which can cause the ink contained in the printing module to dry. However, the quality of printing is particularly essential in the field of mail processing where the printed postal imprint represents a monetary value.

Définition et objet de l'inventionDefinition and object of the invention

La présente invention a pour but un dispositif de maintenance qui permette un nettoyage régulier des buses d'éjection de la tête d'impression d'une machine à affranchir, afin de débarrasser celles-ci de poussières ou de particules d'encre, éventuellement sèches, qui pourraient en recouvrir les extrémités et donc en diminuer l'efficacité. Un autre but de l'invention est de proposer un dispositif qui s'adapte très simplement sur une base de la machine à affranchir. Encore un autre but de l'invention est de fournir un dispositif qui puisse être mis en oeuvre en complément d'un dispositif de protection du module d'impression développé également par la demanderesse et faisant l'objet d'une demande de brevet déposée le même jour.The object of the present invention is a maintenance device which allows regular cleaning of the print head ejection nozzles of a franking machine, in order to rid them of dust or ink particles, possibly dry. , which could cover the ends and therefore reduce their effectiveness. Another object of the invention is to provide a device which very easily adapts to a base of the franking machine. Yet another object of the invention is to provide a device which can be used in addition to a device for protecting the printing module also developed by the applicant and which is the subject of a patent application filed on same day.

Ces buts sont atteints par un dispositif de nettoyage des surfaces externes d'une rangée de buses d'éjection intégrée à au moins un module d'impression d'une tête d'impression à jet d'encre de machine à affranchir dont une base comporte des moyens de nettoyage pour le raclage de ces surfaces d'éjection d'encre, caractérisé en ce que ces moyens de nettoyage sont montés sur un moyen support qui peut se déplacer sous l'action de moyens moteurs, par l'intermédiaire d'un système bielle-manivelle, entre une première position dans laquelle les moyens de nettoyage sont écartés du module d'impression et une seconde position dans laquelle les moyens de nettoyage ont raclé les surfaces externes des buses d'éjection.These objects are achieved by a device for cleaning the external surfaces of a row of ejection nozzles integrated into at least one printing module of an inkjet printing head of a franking machine, a base of which comprises cleaning means for scraping these ink ejection surfaces, characterized in that these cleaning means are mounted on a support means which can move under the action of motor means, via a connecting rod-crank system, between a first position in which the cleaning means are separated from the printing module and a second position in which the cleaning means have scraped the external surfaces of the ejection nozzles.

La simplicité du système employé qui permet l'intégration de ce dispositif de nettoyage directement au niveau de la base d'une machine à affranchir sans en compliquer considérablement l'architecture autorise une maintenance préventive très efficace par un nettoyage périodique de la tête, ce qui a pour conséquence une amélioration notable de la qualité d'impression qui, dans le domaine du traitement de courrier, revêt une importante primordiale.The simplicity of the system used which allows the integration of this cleaning device directly at the base of a franking machine without considerably complicating the architecture allows very effective preventive maintenance by periodic cleaning of the head, which has as a consequence a notable improvement in the quality of printing which, in the field of the treatment of mail, assumes an important important.

Avantageusement, les moyens de nettoyage montés à une extrémité d'un levier articulé de balayage comportent des moyens support de compensation, à ressorts respectifs, portant chacun un ensemble de balais de raclage indépendants, pour transformer le mouvement circulaire initial de ces moyens support en un mouvement rectiligne des balais au contact des surfaces d'éjection du module d'impression.Advantageously, the cleaning means mounted at one end of an articulated scanning lever comprise compensation support means, with respective springs, each carrying a set of independent scraping brushes, to transform the initial circular movement of these support means into a rectilinear movement of the brushes in contact with the ejection surfaces of the printing module.

De plus, chaque ensemble de balais comporte une surface d'extrémité active avec deux arêtes vives pour permettre un raclage des surfaces d'éjection du module d'impression lors du déplacement du moyen support de ladite première position vers ladite seconde position et vice versa.In addition, each set of brushes has an active end surface with two sharp edges to allow scraping of the ejection surfaces of the printing module when moving the support means from said first position to said second position and vice versa.

De préférence, le plan vertical passant par un axe d'articulation du levier de balayage est incliné d'un angle a prédéterminé par rapport au plan longitudinal d'une rangée de buses d'éjection du module d'impression, de telle sorte que chaque balai élémentaire appartenant à un ensemble de balais donné ne racle qu'une buse et une seule d'une rangée déterminée.Preferably, the vertical plane passing through an axis of articulation of the scanning lever is inclined at a predetermined angle a with respect to the longitudinal plane of a row of ejection nozzles of the printing module, so that each elementary brush belonging to a given set of brushes scrapes only one nozzle and only one of a given row.

Le système bielle-manivelle est formé d'une part d'une biellette reliée à l'autre extrémité du levier articulé de balayage et d'autre part d'une croix de Malte entraînée en rotation par un arbre menant qui est lui-même entraîné en rotation par les moyens moteurs. L'entraînement de la croix de Malte par les moyens moteurs est assuré par l'intermédiaire d'une roue dentée d'entraînement montée sur l'arbre menant et d'un ensemble de pignons dentés reliant cette roue d'entraînement aux moyens moteurs.The connecting rod-crank system is formed on the one hand by a rod connected to the other end of the articulated sweeping lever and on the other hand by a Maltese cross driven in rotation by a driving shaft which is itself driven in rotation by the motor means. The drive of the Maltese cross by the drive means is provided by means of a drive gear mounted on the drive shaft and a set of toothed gears connecting this drive wheel to the drive means.

Les moyens moteurs comportent soit un premier moyen moteur à accumulation d'énergie formé par un ressort qui est tendu pendant le déplacement du moyen support de ladite première vers ladite seconde position et se détend pendant le déplacement de retour de ladite seconde position vers ladite première position soit un second moyen moteur qui commande le déplacement du moyen support de ladite première à ladite seconde position et assure simultanément une recharge en énergie du premier moyen moteur.The motor means comprise either a first energy storage motor means formed by a spring which is tensioned during the movement of the support means from said first to said second position and expands during the return movement from said second position to said first position or a second motor means which controls the movement of the support means from said first to said second position and simultaneously ensures energy recharging of the first motor means.

Le dispositif de nettoyage selon l'invention peut comporter en outre une came montée sur l'arbre menant, entraînée en rotation avec lui, et qui coopère avec des moyens de maintien en position du moyen support dans ladite première position. Ces moyens de maintien du moyen support dans ladite première position comportent un levier d'encliquetage coopérant avec un épaulement de la came et actionné par un électroaimant qui est désactivé automatiquement lors d'une coupure de l'alimentation en énergie de la machine à affranchir. Le levier d'encliquetage est commandé par l'électroaimant par l'intermédiaire d'une biellette.The cleaning device according to the invention may further comprise a cam mounted on the driving shaft, driven in rotation with it, and which cooperates with means for holding the support means in position in said first position. These means for holding the support means in said first position comprise a latching lever cooperating with a shoulder of the cam and actuated by an electromagnet which is automatically deactivated during a cut in the power supply to the franking machine. The snap lever is controlled by the electromagnet via a link.

L'invention se rapporte également à toute machine à affranchir munie d'une tête d'impression à jet d'encre et d'une base comportant un dispositif de nettoyage tel que décrit précédemment.The invention also relates to any franking machine provided with an ink jet print head and a base comprising a cleaning device as described above.

Brève description des dessinsBrief description of the drawings

D'autres caractéristiques et avantages de la présente invention ressortiront mieux de la description suivante, faite à titre indicatif et non limitatif, en regard des dessins annexés, sur lesquels:

  • la figure 1 est une vue en coupe du dispositif de nettoyage selon l'invention, dans une position initiale dégagée, pendant le fonctionnement normal de la machine à affranchir,
  • la figure 2 est une vue de dessus partielle du dispositif de nettoyage de la figure 1,
  • la figure 3 est une vue en coupe du dispositif de nettoyage selon l'invention, dans une position finale après raclage du module d'impression de la machine à affranchir par des moyens de nettoyage, et
  • la figure 4 représente deux graphes correspondant respectivement aux trajectoires de deux points d'un moyen de balayage du dispositif de la figure 1.
Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will emerge more clearly from the following description, given by way of non-limiting illustration, with reference to the appended drawings, in which:
  • FIG. 1 is a sectional view of the cleaning device according to the invention, in an initial released position, during normal operation of the franking machine,
  • FIG. 2 is a partial top view of the cleaning device in FIG. 1,
  • FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the cleaning device according to the invention, in a final position after scraping off the printing module of the franking machine by cleaning means, and
  • FIG. 4 represents two graphs corresponding respectively to the trajectories of two points of a scanning means of the device of FIG. 1.

Description détaillée d'un mode de réalisation préférentielDetailed description of a preferred embodiment

Considérons tout d'abord les figures 1 à 3 qui montrent un dispositif de nettoyage selon l'invention dans deux positions distinctes de fonctionnement. Ce dispositif 2 incorporé à une base 4 d'une machine à affranchir comporte un corps 6 sur lequel peuvent être montés des moyens de nettoyage 8 destinés à nettoyer par raclage un module d'impression 10 d'une tête d'impression à jet d'encre 12 de cette machine à affranchir. Dans la position des figures 1 et 2, les moyens de nettoyage 8 occupent une position initiale dégagée d'un chemin de transport de documents 14.Let us first consider Figures 1 to 3 which show a cleaning device according to the invention in two distinct operating positions. This device 2 incorporated into a base 4 of a franking machine comprises a body 6 on which cleaning means 8 can be mounted for cleaning by scraping a printing module 10 from a jet jet printing head. ink 12 of this franking machine. In the position of FIGS. 1 and 2, the cleaning means 8 occupy an initial position released from a document transport path 14.

Les moyens de nettoyage sont montés sur un moyen support 20 qui peut être déplacé selon une trajectoire principalement circulaire (qui sera décrite plus en détail en regard de la figure 4), de la position initiale à une position finale dans laquelle les moyens de nettoyage ont procédé au raclage du module d'impression, au moyen d'un système d'entraînement bielle-manivelle 22. La partie bielle de ce système est constituée par une biellette 24 dont la longueur peut être réglable en fonction de la distance de déplacement souhaitée pour les moyens de nettoyage et dont une première extrémité est fixée au moyen support 20, et la partie manivelle, qui est articulée à une seconde extrémité de cette biellette, est constituée par une croix de Malte 26 d'un assemblage classique dit à "croix de Malte" comportant également un arbre menant 28 sur lequel sont montés un disque entraîneur muni d'un pion ou ergot excentré 30 et un disque frein et dont l'axe de rotation 32 est parallèle à l'axe de rotation 34 de la croix de Malte. Le coulissement de l'ergot 30 dans une rainure radiale 36 pratiquée au niveau de l'un des bras de la croix de Malte 26 permet à celle-ci d'être entraînée seulement sur une fraction de tour lors d'une rotation complète du disque entraîneur. Le disque entraîneur qui est solidaire par une goupille 38 d'une roue dentée d'entraînement 40 est lui-même entraîné en rotation, au travers d'un ensemble de pignons dentés 42, soit à partir d'un premier moyen moteur 44 constitué par un simple accumulateur d'énergie rechargeable tel un élément élastique ou bien encore une masse suspendue, pendant le déplacement de ladite seconde position à ladite première position, soit à partir d'un second moyen moteur 54, pendant le déplacement de ladite première position à ladite seconde position (voir notamment la figure 2).The cleaning means are mounted on a support means 20 which can be moved along a mainly circular path (which will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 4), from the initial position to a final position in which the cleaning means scraping of the printing module, by means of a rod-crank drive system 22. The rod part of this system consists of a rod 24 whose length can be adjustable as a function of the desired displacement distance for the cleaning means and a first end of which is fixed to the support means 20, and the crank part, which is articulated at a second end of this link, consists of a Maltese cross 26 of a conventional assembly known as a "cross of Malta "also comprising a driving shaft 28 on which are mounted a driving disc provided with an eccentric pin or lug 30 and a brake disc and whose axis of rotation 32 is parallel to the axis of rotation 34 of the Maltese cross. The sliding of the lug 30 in a radial groove 36 practiced at one of the arms of the Maltese cross 26 allows it to be driven only on a fraction of a turn during a complete rotation of the disc coach. The drive disc which is secured by a pin 38 of a drive toothed wheel 40 is itself rotated, through a set of toothed pinions 42, or from a first drive means 44 constituted by a simple rechargeable energy accumulator such as an elastic element or else a suspended mass, during the movement from said second position to said first position, ie from a second drive means 54, during the movement from said first position to said second position (see in particular Figure 2).

La roue d'entraînement 40 peut être maintenue dans une position déterminée, correspondant par exemple à la position initiale des moyens de nettoyage, par des moyens de retenue formés par un levier d'encliquetage 46 en prise avec un épaulement associé d'une came 48 solidaire de cette roue. Le déblocage du levier d'encliquetage 46 est assuré par un électroaimant 50 qui agit sur une biellette 52 solidaire de ce levier.The drive wheel 40 can be maintained in a determined position, corresponding for example to the initial position of the cleaning means, by retaining means formed by a latching lever 46 engaged with an associated shoulder of a cam 48 secured to this wheel. The release of the latching lever 46 is ensured by an electromagnet 50 which acts on a link 52 secured to this lever.

Le moyen support 20 sur lequel sont disposés les moyens de nettoyage 8 comporte un levier articulé de balayage 56, ayant une forme d'étrier, et à l'extrémité haute duquel sont montés des moyens support de compensation 58, 60 (un par rangée de buses d'éjection) à ressorts respectifs 62, 64 portant chacun un ensemble de balais de raclage indépendants 66, 68 dont la surface d'extrémité active correspondante comporte deux arêtes vives 70, 72 pour permettre un raclage dans les deux sens de déplacement du moyen support. On notera que le plan vertical passant par l'axe d'articulation 74 du levier 56 est avantageusement incliné d'un angle a par rapport au plan longitudinal des rangées de buses d'éjection du module d'impression 10 de telle sorte que chaque balai élémentaire appartenant à un ensemble de balais donné ne racle qu'une buse et une seule d'une rangée déterminée.The support means 20 on which the cleaning means 8 are arranged comprises an articulated scanning lever 56, having a stirrup shape, and at the upper end of which are mounted compensation support means 58, 60 (one per row of ejection nozzles) with respective springs 62, 64 each carrying a set of independent scraping brushes 66, 68 whose corresponding active end surface has two sharp edges 70, 72 to allow scraping in the two directions of movement of the means support. Note that the vertical plane passing through the hinge axis 74 of the lever 56 is advantageously inclined at an angle a relative to the longitudinal plane of the rows of ejection nozzles of the printing module 10 so that each brush elementary belonging to a given set of brushes scrapes only one nozzle and only one of a determined row.

Les moyens de compensation sont conçus pour transformer le déplacement circulaire des extrémités actives 70, 72 des balais de raclage en un déplacement rectiligne, parallèle aux surfaces d'éjection des buses, lors du contact de ces balais avec la surface externe des buses de telle sorte qu'ils ne subissent aucun écrasement et gardent ainsi leur efficacité de raclage maximale. La figure 4 illustre bien cette transformation de mouvement avec les deux graphes 76, 78 qui montrent respectivement, pour un aller et retour des moyens support 20, les trajectoires du lieu des points de l'extrémité du support 58 et celui de l'extrémité active d'un balais 66 monté sur ce support.The compensation means are designed to transform the circular displacement of the active ends 70, 72 of the scraper blades into a rectilinear displacement, parallel to the nozzle ejection surfaces, when these brushes contact the external surface of the nozzles so that that they do not undergo any crushing and thus keep their maximum scraping efficiency. FIG. 4 illustrates this transformation of movement well with the two graphs 76, 78 which respectively show, for a round trip of the support means 20, the trajectories of the location of the points of the end of the support 58 and that of the active end a brush 66 mounted on this support.

Le fonctionnement du dispositif se présente comme suit.The operation of the device is as follows.

Pour démarrer la phase de nettoyage du module d'impression de la machine d'affranchissement, le second moyen moteur 54 est actionné ce qui entraîne la came 48 dans un sens antihoraire tout en armant simultanément le ressort moteur 44. Dans sa rotation, cette came associée au pion 30 entraîne la croix de Malte 46 qui par l'intermédiaire de la biellette 24 actionne le levier d'articulation 56 de façon à faire pivoter les moyens de nettoyage 8 de la position dégagée initiale à la position active finale après raclage du module d'impression. Un moyen de fin de course (non représenté) est bien entendu prévu pour détecter cette position finale et commander alors l'arrêt du second moteur 54. Dès cet instant précis, le ressort moteur 44 peut se détendre, ce qui entraîne une inversion des mouvements précédents, c'est à dire une rotation en sens inverse de la came 48 qui ramène la croix de Malte 26 dans sa position première et donc également les moyens de nettoyage 8, par l'intermédiaire de la biellette 24 et du levier d'articulation 56. La position de retour est naturellement limitée par la détente du ressort 44 qui reprend sa position de repos initiale. Toutefois, il est possible de limiter cette détente et maintenir une tension interne au ressort par les moyens de retenue, notamment le levier d'encliquetage 46, qui peuvent ainsi imposer une position de dégagement prédéterminée.To start the cleaning phase of the printing module of the franking machine, the second motor means 54 is actuated, which drives the cam 48 in a counterclockwise direction while simultaneously arming the motor spring 44. In its rotation, this cam associated with the pin 30 drives the Maltese cross 46 which by means of the connecting rod 24 actuates the articulation lever 56 so as to pivot the cleaning means 8 from the initial released position to the final active position after scraping the print module. An end-of-travel means (not shown) is of course provided for detecting this final position and then controlling the stopping of the second motor 54. From this precise moment, the motor spring 44 can relax, which results in a reversal of the movements previous, that is to say a rotation in the opposite direction of the cam 48 which returns the Maltese cross 26 to its first position and therefore also the cleaning means 8, by means of the link 24 and the articulation lever 56. The return position is naturally limited by the relaxation of the spring 44 which returns to its initial rest position. However, it is possible to limit this relaxation and maintain internal tension in the spring by the retaining means, in particular the latching lever 46, which can thus impose a predetermined release position.

En outre, afin de permettre une utilisation conjointe du dispositif de maintenance selon l'invention avec le dispositif d'encapuchonnage développé par la demanderesse, le ressort moteur 44 sera de préférence initialement tendu. Ainsi, dans la position dégagée de la figure 1, l'électroaimant 50 tire en permanence, par l'intermédiaire de la biellette 52, le levier d'encliquetage 46, ce qui empêche la rotation suivant F de la came 48 et fixe ainsi la position initiale des moyens de nettoyage 8. Dans ce cas, le démarrage de la phase de nettoyage décrit précédemment va entraîner une tension supplémentaire du ressort 44. Par contre, lors d'une coupure inopinée de l'alimentation en énergie de la machine à affranchir ou d'un arrêt volontaire de celle-ci, la désactivation de l'électroaimant 50 va provoquer le dégagement du levier d'encliquetage 46 et la rotation, dans le sens horaire, de la came 48 sous l'effet de l'action du ressort moteur 44 revenant à une position moins tendue. On peut remarquer toutefois, sur la figure 1, que cette rotation n'aura aucun effet sur le positionnement de la croix de Malte 26 qui demeurera immobile.In addition, in order to allow joint use of the maintenance device according to the invention with the hooding device developed by the applicant, the mainspring 44 will preferably be initially tensioned. Thus, in the disengaged position of FIG. 1, the electromagnet 50 permanently pulls, via the link 52, the latching lever 46, which prevents rotation along F of cam 48 and thus fixes the initial position of the cleaning means 8. In this case, starting the cleaning phase described above will cause additional tension of the spring 44. On the other hand, during an unexpected cut in the energy supply to the franking machine or of a voluntary stopping of the latter, the deactivation of the electromagnet 50 will cause the disengaging of the latching lever 46 and the rotation, clockwise, of the cam 48 under the effect of the action of the motor spring 44 returning to a less taut position. It can be noted, however, in Figure 1, that this rotation will have no effect on the positioning of the Maltese cross 26 which will remain stationary.

Par ailleurs, on peut noter que le raclage des buses est effectué à la fois pendant le trajet aller (de la position dégagée à la position active finale) par les arêtes 70 et pendant le trajet retour (de la position active finale à la position dégagée) par les arêtes 72.Furthermore, it can be noted that the scraping of the nozzles is carried out both during the outward journey (from the released position to the final active position) by the edges 70 and during the return journey (from the final active position to the released position ) by the edges 72.

Bien évidemment, l'homme de l'art est apte à mettre en oeuvre les moyens complémentaires non décrits en détail, nécessaires pour limiter les mouvements brusques du levier d'articulation 56 ou les surintensités du second moteur 54, notamment lors de son arrêt. On peut par exemple utiliser une diode, dite diode de roue libre, associée au second moteur 54 pour éliminer tout risque de surintensité à l'arrêt de ce moteur 54. Une éventuelle mise en contact brutale des balais contre les surfaces externes des buses peut ainsi être évitée par un contrôle de la vitesse de retour du levier d'articulation.Obviously, a person skilled in the art is capable of implementing the complementary means not described in detail, necessary to limit the sudden movements of the articulation lever 56 or the overcurrents of the second motor 54, in particular when it is stopped. One can for example use a diode, known as freewheeling diode, associated with the second motor 54 to eliminate any risk of overcurrent when this motor 54 stops. A possible brutal contacting of the brushes against the external surfaces of the nozzles can thus be avoided by checking the return speed of the articulation lever.

Claims (11)

Dispositif de nettoyage des surfaces externes d'une rangée de buses d'éjection intégrée à au moins un module d'impression d'une tête d'impression à jet d'encre de machine à affranchir dont une base comporte des moyens de nettoyage pour le raclage de ces surfaces d'éjection d'encre, caractérisé en ce que ces moyens de nettoyage (8) comportent des moyens support de compensation (58, 60), à ressorts respectifs (62, 64), portant chacun un ensemble de balais de raclage indépendants (66, 68), et sont montés à une extrémité d'un levier support (20 ; 56) qui peut se déplacer sous l'action de moyens moteurs (44, 54), par l'intermédiaire d'un système bielle-manivelle (22), entre une première position dans laquelle les moyens de nettoyage sont écartés du module d'impression (10) et une seconde position dans laquelle les moyens de nettoyage ont raclé les surfaces externes des buses d'éjection, le mouvement circulaire initial des moyens support étant transformé en un mouvement rectiligne des balais au contact des surfaces d'éjection du module d'impression (10).Device for cleaning the external surfaces of a row of ejection nozzles integrated into at least one printing module of an inkjet printing head of a franking machine, a base of which includes cleaning means for scraping these ink ejection surfaces, characterized in that these cleaning means (8) comprise compensating support means (58, 60), with respective springs (62, 64), each carrying a set of brushes independent scrapers (66, 68), and are mounted at one end of a support lever (20; 56) which can move under the action of motor means (44, 54), via a connecting rod system -crank (22), between a first position in which the cleaning means are separated from the printing module (10) and a second position in which the cleaning means have scraped the external surfaces of the ejection nozzles, the circular movement initial support means being transformed into a movement rectilinear brushes in contact with the ejection surfaces of the printing module (10). Dispositif de nettoyage selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que chaque ensemble de balais comporte une surface d'extrémité active avec deux arrêtes vives (70, 72) pour permettre un raclage des surfaces d'éjection du module d'impression (10) lors du déplacement du moyen support (20) de ladite première position vers ladite seconde position et vice versa.Cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that each set of brushes has an active end surface with two sharp edges (70, 72) to allow scraping of the ejection surfaces of the printing module (10) during displacement of the support means (20) from said first position to said second position and vice versa. Dispositif de nettoyage selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que le plan vertical passant par un axe d'articulation (74) du levier de balayage (56) est incliné d'un angle a prédéterminé par rapport au plan longitudinal d'une rangée de buses d'éjection du module d'impression (10), de telle sorte que chaque balai élémentaire (66, 68) appartenant à un ensemble de balais donné ne racle qu'une buse et une seule d'une rangée déterminée.Cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that the vertical plane passing through an articulation axis (74) of the scanning lever (56) is inclined at a predetermined angle a relative to the longitudinal plane of a row of print module ejection nozzles (10), so that each elementary brush (66, 68) belonging to a given set of brushes scrapes only one nozzle and only one of a determined row. Dispositif de nettoyage selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que le système bielle-manivelle est formé d'une part d'une biellette (24) reliée à l'autre extrémité du levier articulé de balayage (56) et d'autre part d'une croix de Malte (26) entraînée en rotation par un arbre menant (28) qui est lui-même entraîné en rotation par les moyens moteurs (44, 54).Cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that the connecting rod-crank system is formed on the one hand by a rod (24) connected to the other end of the articulated scanning lever (56) and on the other hand by 'a Maltese cross (26) driven in rotation by a driving shaft (28) which is itself driven in rotation by the motor means (44, 54). Dispositif de nettoyage selon la revendication 4, caractérisé en ce que l'entraînement de la croix de Malte (26) par les moyens moteurs (44, 54) est assuré par l'intermédiaire d'une roue dentée d'entraînement (40) montée sur l'arbre menant (28) et d'un ensemble de pignons dentés (42) reliant cette roue d'entraînement aux moyens moteurs.Cleaning device according to claim 4, characterized in that the drive of the Maltese cross (26) by the motor means (44, 54) is ensured by means of a drive toothed wheel (40) mounted on the drive shaft (28) and a set of toothed pinions (42) connecting this drive wheel to the drive means. Dispositif de nettoyage selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que les moyens moteurs comportent un premier moyen moteur à accumulation d'énergie formé par un ressort (44) qui est tendu pendant le déplacement du moyen support (20) de ladite première vers ladite seconde position et se détend pendant le déplacement de retour de ladite seconde position vers ladite première position.Cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that the motor means comprise a first energy storage motor means formed by a spring (44) which is tensioned during the movement of the support means (20) from said first to said second position and relaxes during the return movement from said second position to said first position. Dispositif de nettoyage selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que les moyens moteurs comportent un second moyen moteur (54) qui commande le déplacement du moyen support (20) de ladite première à ladite seconde position et assure simultanément une recharge en énergie du premier moyen moteur (44).Cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that the motor means comprise a second motor means (54) which controls the movement of the support means (20) from said first to said second position and simultaneously ensures a recharge of energy from the first means motor (44). Dispositif de nettoyage selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce qu'il comporte en outre une came (48) montée sur l'arbre menant (28), entraînée en rotation avec lui, et qui coopère avec des moyens (46-52) de maintien en position du moyen support (20) dans ladite première position.Cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises a cam (48) mounted on the driving shaft (28), driven in rotation with it, and which cooperates with means (46-52) of holding the support means (20) in position in said first position. Dispositif de nettoyage selon la revendication 8, caractérisé en ce que les moyens de maintien du moyen support (20) dans ladite première position comportent un levier d'encliquetage (46) coopérant avec un épaulement de la came (48) et actionné par un électroaimant (50) qui est désactivé automatiquement lors d'une coupure de l'alimentation en énergie de la machine à affranchir.Cleaning device according to claim 8, characterized in that the means for holding the support means (20) in said first position comprise a latching lever (46) cooperating with a shoulder of the cam (48) and actuated by an electromagnet (50) which is automatically deactivated when the energy supply to the franking machine is cut off. Dispositif de nettoyage selon la revendication 9, caractérisé en ce que le levier d'encliquetage (46) est commandé par l'électroaimant (50) par l'intermédiaire d'une biellette (52).Cleaning device according to claim 9, characterized in that the latching lever (46) is controlled by the electromagnet (50) by means of a link (52). Machine à affranchir munie d'une tête d'impression à jet d'encre et d'une base comportant un dispositif de nettoyage selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 10.Franking machine provided with an ink jet print head and a base comprising a cleaning device according to any one of claims 1 to 10.
EP97400145A 1996-01-26 1997-01-23 Cleaning device for ink jet franking machine Expired - Lifetime EP0786349B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR9600923 1996-01-26
FR9600923A FR2744060B1 (en) 1996-01-26 1996-01-26 CLEANING DEVICE OF INK JET POSTAGE MACHINE

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EP0786349A1 true EP0786349A1 (en) 1997-07-30
EP0786349B1 EP0786349B1 (en) 1999-08-18

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EP (1) EP0786349B1 (en)
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US6536874B1 (en) * 2002-04-12 2003-03-25 Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd Symmetrically actuated ink ejection components for an ink jet printhead chip
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US8128195B2 (en) * 2009-01-14 2012-03-06 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. Cross-wipe cleaning of page-wide array printing
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US5880755A (en) 1999-03-09
DE69700411T2 (en) 2000-01-20
DE69700411D1 (en) 1999-09-23
EP0786349B1 (en) 1999-08-18
FR2744060B1 (en) 1998-04-30
FR2744060A1 (en) 1997-08-01

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