System for supplying ink to an ink jet head

US6024443A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Francotyp-Postalia GmbH · DE

Inventors

• Wolfgang Muhl · Hohen Neuendorf, DE
• Michael Seikel · Berlin, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 9, 1997
• Grant date: Feb 15, 2000
• Expiry date: Dec 9, 2017

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B41J2/17523
• WIPO field: Textile and paper machines
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

The system for supplying ink to an ink jet head includes a plurality of modules in a stacked construction. Several ink jet printing modules are supplied jointly through a flexible connection, via an ink hose extending between the ink jet head and an ink tank. One common adapter connects to an inlet connection neck for each module. The inlet connection necks communicate fluidically with a common supply conduit present in tabs, which are formed on the faces of the printing modules, and which extend parallel to a side edge of the modules. The common adapter has a pressure equalization diaphragm and a filter, and it is mounted resiliently and rubber-elastically on the inlet connection necks. The pressure fluctuations are thereby balanced out, drafts of air in individual jets are limited, and soiling of the ink conduits by foreign particles is prevented. The rubber-elastic connection of the adapter and the inlet connection neck with the ink jet printing modules makes the relatively low demands made in terms of tolerance in the ink supply independent of the very stringent demands in terms of tolerance in the modular construction.