Devices, systems, and methods for controlling airflow through vacuum platen of printing systems via airflow zones
US11660888B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 30, 2021 |
| Grant date | May 30, 2023 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 30, 2041 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB65H2801/06
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A printing system comprises printheads to eject ink to a deposition region. Print media are held by vacuum suction against a movable support surface, which moves over a vacuum platen. The vacuum platen comprises platen holes through which the vacuum suction is communicated. An airflow control system comprises airflow zones, each comprising a group of the platen holes, a duct, and a valve, the duct and the valve being arranged to selectively control vacuum suction through the group of the platen holes. For each of the printheads, at least one of the airflow zones is located under the respective printhead. Thus, airflow through platen holes under the printheads can be selectively controlled by selectively controlling the vacuum suction in the airflow zones.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.