EP2475526A1 - Servicing print heads in printing systems - Google Patents

Servicing print heads in printing systems

Info

Publication number
EP2475526A1
EP2475526A1 EP09849328A EP09849328A EP2475526A1 EP 2475526 A1 EP2475526 A1 EP 2475526A1 EP 09849328 A EP09849328 A EP 09849328A EP 09849328 A EP09849328 A EP 09849328A EP 2475526 A1 EP2475526 A1 EP 2475526A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
service
print head
modules
axis
printing system
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
EP09849328A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP2475526B1 (en
EP2475526A4 (en
Inventor
Kelvin Hasseler
Hector Jose Lebron
Minh Chu
Antoni S. Murcia
Eric J. Johnson
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.)
Hewlett Packard Development Co LP
Original Assignee
Hewlett Packard Development Co LP
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 Hewlett Packard Development Co LP filed Critical Hewlett Packard Development Co LP
Publication of EP2475526A1 publication Critical patent/EP2475526A1/en
Publication of EP2475526A4 publication Critical patent/EP2475526A4/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2475526B1 publication Critical patent/EP2475526B1/en
Not-in-force legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Classifications

    • 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
    • B41J2/16585—Preventing or detecting of nozzle clogging, e.g. cleaning, capping or moistening for nozzles for paper-width or non-reciprocating print heads
    • B41J2/16588—Print heads movable towards the cleaning unit
    • 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
    • B41J2/16505—Caps, spittoons or covers for cleaning or preventing drying out
    • B41J2/16508—Caps, spittoons or covers for cleaning or preventing drying out connected with the printer frame
    • B41J2/16511—Constructions for cap positioning
    • 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
    • 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
    • B41J2/16547—Constructions for the positioning of wipers the wipers and caps or spittoons being on the same movable support

Definitions

  • Transport assembly 26 may include any suitable structure configured to receive the media from input assembly 24, to deliver or move the media relative to print head assembly 30 and/or to subsequently move the printed upon media to output assembly 28.
  • transport assembly 26 may include a series of rollers, belts, movable trays, a drum, robotic arms and/or the like. Additionally, transport assembly 26 may include other mechanisms configured to grasp or hold the media as it is moved with respect to print head assembly 30.
  • the print head(s) have different configurations, such as first and second print head configurations, there may be service modules and/or support assemblies configured to service the first print head configuration but not the second print head configuration, and vice-versa.
  • a user may remove service modules and/or support assemblies that are not configured to service a particular print head configuration, and install service modules and/or support assemblies that are configured to service that configuration.
  • the print head has nozzles with different configurations, such as first and second nozzle configurations
  • a user may remove service modules and/or support assemblies that are not configured to service a particular nozzle configuration, and install service modules and/or support assemblies that are configured to service that configuration.
  • service station 126 may include any suitable number of trays and/or any suitable number of service modules.
  • the service station may include two, four, five, or more trays.
  • the one or more of the trays may include one, three, four, five or more service modules.
  • the method may optimize the servicing operations by moving at least one service module into its service position before the print head is in the corresponding maintenance position that allows that module to service the print head.
  • the second service module may be moved into the service position prior to the first service module servicing the print head, prior to the print head moving away from the first service module, or prior to the first service module being moved into the service position so that the first service module can service the print head.

Abstract

Systems and methods for servicing print heads (40) of a printing system (20) are disclosed. The printing system (20) may include a print head (40); a carriage assembly (32) configured to move the print head (40) along a print head axis (P) among a printing position (R), and a plurality of maintenance positions (M) along the print head axis (P); and a plurality of service modules (42) each configured to service the print head (40) and to move along a service axis (S) between a service position (V) adjacent the print head (40) and a stowed position (W) away from the print head (40) relative to the service position (V), wherein each of at least two service modules (42) of the plurality of service modules (42) is configured to service the print head (40) at a different maintenance position (M) of the plurality of maintenance positions (M).

Description

SERVICING PRINT HEADS IN PRINTING SYSTEMS
BACKGROUND
[0001] Printing systems, such as inkjet printers, include one or more print heads. Each print head includes a printing surface having a series of nozzles that are used to dispense drops of ink. Printing systems typically include service stations that service the print head. For example, the service station may periodically clean the print head, detect health of the nozzles, detect alignment of the print head, provide a spittoon for waste ink, cap the nozzles when the print head is not being used, etc. The service station typically has a limited set of servicing functions and is designed for a print head dispensing a particular type of ink.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0002] Fig. 1 is a block diagram of a printing system in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.
[0003] Fig. 2 is a block diagram of a service station of the printing system of Fig. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.
[0004] Fig. 3 is a perspective view of an example of the printing system of Fig. 1 , shown without a portion of its housing to reveal a service station in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.
[0005] Fig. 4 is a partial sectional view of the printing system of Fig. 3 taken along lines 4— 4 in Fig. 3, a print head of the printing system shown in printing and maintenance positions, and service modules of a service station shown in stowed positions in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.
[0006] Fig. 5 is a partial view of the printing system of Fig. 4, the print head shown in two maintenance positions, and service modules shown in service and stowed positions in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.
[0007] Fig. 6 is a flow chart showing an example of a method of servicing a print head in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0008] Fig. 1 shows a printing system 20. The printing system may include a housing 22, an input assembly 24, a transport assembly 26, an output assembly 28, a print head assembly 30, a carriage assembly 32, a print head actuator 34, a service station 36 and a controller 38. Input assembly 24 may include any suitable structure supported by housing 22 and configured to store and deliver media to transport assembly 36. For example, where the media includes sheets of one or more materials, input assembly 24 may include a tray or bin. Additionally, where the media is applied as part of a roll, input assembly 24 may include a supply roll of media.
[0009] Transport assembly 26 may include any suitable structure configured to receive the media from input assembly 24, to deliver or move the media relative to print head assembly 30 and/or to subsequently move the printed upon media to output assembly 28. For example, where the media includes sheets of material, transport assembly 26 may include a series of rollers, belts, movable trays, a drum, robotic arms and/or the like. Additionally, transport assembly 26 may include other mechanisms configured to grasp or hold the media as it is moved with respect to print head assembly 30.
[0010] Output assembly 28 may include any suitable structure configured to receive printed-upon media from transport assembly 26. For example, the output assembly may be configured to provide a person with access to the printed-upon media. Additionally, output assembly 28 may be configured to be connected to another device or transport for moving the printed-upon media to another mechanism for further interaction and/or treatment. Output assembly 28 may include a tray or bin. Although printing system 30 is shown to include input assembly 24, transport assembly 26 and output assembly 28, the printing system may exclude one or more of those assemblies, such as where the media is manually positioned with respect to print head assembly 30.
[0011] Print head assembly 30 may include at least one print head 40 having a plurality of nozzles through which fluid, such as ink, is ejected. The fluid may be ejected or fired vertically, horizontally, and/or any other orientation. When print head assembly 30 includes two or more print heads 40, those print heads may be arranged in any suitable configurations (such as parallel or staggered configurations). Additionally, or alternatively, the nozzles of the print heads may be arranged in any suitable configurations. Print head 40 may be configured to dispense a variety of fluids or inks. For example, the print head may be configured to dispense one of a first ink and second ink. The first and second inks may have one or more different properties, such as density, surface tension, viscosity and/or color. Print head(s) 40 may include thermoresistive print heads. Alternatively, or additionally, the print head(s) may include piezo or piezoelectric or other drop-on-demand or continuous inkjet print heads. Print head(s) 40 may be part of a cartridge which also stores the fluid to be dispensed. Alternatively, or additionally, the print head(s) may be supplied with fluid by an off-carriage ink supply. Print head assembly 30 may include any suitable number of print heads.
[0012] Carriage assembly 32 may include any suitable structure movably supporting print head assembly 30. For example, the carriage assembly may be configured to slide or move along a guide, such as a rod, bar and/or rack gear. The carriage assembly may be configured to removably receive print head assembly 30. Alternatively, or additionally, the carriage assembly may have other configurations.
[0013] Print head actuator 34 may include any suitable structure operatively connected to carriage assembly 32 and configured to move print head assembly 30 and/or the print head along a print head axis P among a plurality of positions, as shown in Fig. 2. For example the plurality of positions may include a printing position R in which the print head is held stationary opposite or adjacent to a media positioned by transport assembly 26 and configured to dispense fluid onto the media, and one or more maintenance positions M in which the print head is located away from the media along the print head axis relative to the printing position and/or adjacent to the service station and configured to be serviced by the service station. A center 41 of the print head may be at a different discrete point T along the print head axis for each maintenance position. [0014] Print head actuator 34 may include a motor operatively connected to print head assembly 30 by a drive train and/or transmission. Additionally, print head actuator 34 may include an electric solenoid and/or hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder assembly. Moving print head assembly 30 away from the media during servicing of the print head may minimize the total space required by service station 36. Additionally, errors in re-positioning print head assembly 30 in the x and y-axes of the media may be eliminated by moving the print head assembly away from the media along an axis different from those axes, such as a vertical axis.
[0015] Service station 36 may include any suitable structure configured to service print head(s) 40 of print head assembly 30 to enhance printing performance of printing system 20 while maintaining printing throughput. Examples of servicing operations include coating, wiping, spitting, priming, drop detecting, capping, aligning, color sensing, scrubbing, extracting, etc.
[0016] The service station may include, for example, a plurality of service modules 42. Each of the service modules may be configured to service the print head and to move along a service axis S between a service position V adjacent the print head, and a stowed position W away from the print head relative to the service position. For example, the service modules may include a first service module 44, a second service module 46 and a third service module 47.
[0017] The first service module may be configured to move along a first service axis S1 between a service position V1 and a stowed position W1 . Additionally, the second service module may be configured to move along a second service axis S2 between a service position V2 and a stowed position W2. Moreover, the third service module may be configured to move along a third service axis S3 between a service position V3 and a stowed position W3, as shown in Fig. 2. At least some of the service modules, such as the first, second and third service modules, may be stacked vertically when in the stowed positions.
[0018] The service modules may have service axes that are arranged in any suitable way(s). For example, the service axes may be different or spaced from each other and/or from the print head axis. Additionally, or alternatively, the service axes may be perpendicular to the print head axis. For example, the print head axis may extend vertically and the service axes may extend horizontally. Alternatively, or additionally, the service axes may be parallel to each other.
[0019] Service modules 42 may include any suitable structure configured to service the print head. Each service module 42 may include, for example, one or more of the following: a priming pump to suction prime the print head, a wiper to wipe the print head, a drop detector to determine health of the nozzles of the print head, a capping assembly configured to cap the nozzles of the print head when the print head is not being used, a spittoon or spit tray to receive ink ejected from the print head, a print head alignment sensor to align two or more print heads, a web of wiping material (dry or pre-soaked) to wipe the print head, a color sensor configured to sense colors printed on the media, a print head scrubbing device configured to scrub the print head (to allow use of harsh ink chemistries, such as latex inks), an extractor or fan configured to extract fumes and/or aerosols from the print head, and consumable paper targets for print head alignment so that users do not need to use media for that alignment. Service modules 42 may additionally, or alternatively, include other structure configured to service the print head and/or other components of the printing system.
[0020] Two or more of the service modules may be identical to each other. For example, the first and second service modules may each be a drop detector. Additionally, or alternatively, two or more of the service modules may be different from each other. For example, the first service module may be a print head scrubbing device, and the second service module may be a print head alignment sensor. Alternatively, or additionally, one or more of the service modules may combine several identical and/or different service components.
[0021] The service modules may be configured to service the print head when the print head is in one of the plurality of maintenance positions. For example, as shown in Fig. 2, first service module 44 may be configured to service the print head when the print head is in a first maintenance position M1 (which may correspond to center 41 of the print head being at a first discrete point T1 on the print head axis), while second service module 46 may be configured to service the print head when the print head is in a second maintenance position M2 (which may correspond to center 41 being at a discrete point T2 on the print head axis). Additionally, or alternatively, at least one of service modules 42 may be configured to service the print head when the print head is in the printing position. For example, second service module 46 may be an extractor configured to extract fume and/or aerosols from the print head while the print head is in the printing position (such as while the print head is printing on the media).
[0022] Service station 36 also may include two or more support assemblies 48, each support assembly including any suitable structure configured to removably receive at least one of the service modules. For example, the service station may include a first support assembly 50 and a second support assembly 52, as shown in Fig. 2. The first support assembly may be configured to removably receive one or more of the service modules, such as any of the first and second service modules. Alternatively, or additionally, the second support assembly may be configured to removably receive one or more of the service modules, such as any of the first and second service modules. The support assemblies may alternatively be configured to removably receive more than one service module. Although first support assembly 50 is shown to removably receive one of the service modules and second support assembly 52 is shown to removably receive two of the service modules, the first and/or second support assemblies may removably receive any suitable number of service modules.
[0023] The service station may include one more support assemblies with two or more sub-assemblies 55, which may move independent of each other and/or along separate service sub-axes B. For example, a third support assembly 54 may include a first sub-assembly 56 and a second sub-assembly 57. Each of the sub-assemblies may include one or more of service modules 42.
[0024] The service station also may include a motor assembly 58, which may include any suitable structure configured to move the support assemblies and/or the service modules between the service and stowed positions. For example, the motor assembly may include a first motor 60 configured to move at least a first of the two or more support assemblies (such as first support assembly 50), and a second motor 62 configured to move at least a second of the two or more support assemblies (such as second support assembly 52). The motor assembly may include additional structure, such as a drive train or transmission that includes gears, belts, screw drives, levers, etc. When each motor is configured to move a single support assembly (with one or more service modules), the service station can move the support assemblies independently depending on the particular service need of the print head and/or other components of the printing system.
[0025] When the service station includes support sub-assemblies, the motor assembly may include a motor for each sub-assembly to allow the subassemblies to move along different service sub-axes B independent of each other. For example, the motor assembly may include a third motor 64 configured to move first sub-assembly 56 along service sub-axes B1 between a service position V3 and a stowed position W3, and a fourth motor 66 configured to move second sub-assembly 57 along service sub-axes B2 between a service position V4 and a stowed position W4.
[0026] The support assemblies and service modules may be modular and/or interchangeable such that the service station may be customized for particular operations, particular print head(s) or print head configurations, particular nozzle arrangements, particular inks, particular media, etc. For example, the support assemblies may initially support particular service modules. Those modules may, however, be removed or separated from the support assemblies and other service modules may be installed. For example, the service modules supported may be a wiper and a spittoon. Those modules may be removed and replaced with a print head alignment sensor and consumable paper targets to perform print head alignment.
[0027] When the print head(s) have different configurations, such as first and second print head configurations, there may be service modules and/or support assemblies configured to service the first print head configuration but not the second print head configuration, and vice-versa. Thus, a user may remove service modules and/or support assemblies that are not configured to service a particular print head configuration, and install service modules and/or support assemblies that are configured to service that configuration. Similarly, when the print head has nozzles with different configurations, such as first and second nozzle configurations, there may be service modules and/or support assemblies configured to service the first nozzle configuration but not the second print head configuration, and vice-versa. Thus, a user may remove service modules and/or support assemblies that are not configured to service a particular nozzle configuration, and install service modules and/or support assemblies that are configured to service that configuration.
[0028] Alternatively, or additionally, the support assemblies may be configured to be removable from the service station. Each support assembly may be configured, for example, to perform a particular service operation. For example, the service station may initially include a first support assembly with one or more service modules configured to suction prime the print head, and a second support assembly with one or more modules configured to receive ink ejected from the print head. Those support assemblies may be removed and replaced with other support assemblies with service modules different from the service modules of the first and second support assemblies. For example, the other support assemblies may include service modules configured to scrub the print head and/or sense colors printed on the media.
[0029] Additionally, or alternatively, one or more of the service modules may be configured to service the print head in one operation but not another operation. For example, the service station may be customized when the print head is used to dispense either a first ink (such as a non-latex ink) or a second ink having one or more properties different from the first ink (such as a latex ink). In that example, one or more of the service modules may be configured to service the print head only when the print head dispenses (or is configured to dispense) the first ink. Alternatively, or additionally, one or more of the other service modules may be configured to service the print head only when the print head dispenses (or is configured to dispense) the second ink. [0030] Controller 38 may include one or more processing units configured to generate control signals directing the operation of transport assembly 26, print head assembly 30, print head actuator 34 and/or service station 36. With respect to the service station, controller 38 may generate control signals directing the operation of, for example, one or more service modules 42 and/or motor assembly 58.
[0031] "Processing unit," as used herein, includes a presently developed or future developed processing unit that executes sequences of instructions contained in a memory. Execution of the sequences of instructions may cause the processing unit to perform steps, such as generating control signals. The instructions may be loaded in a random access memory (RAM) for execution by the processing unit from a read only memory (ROM), a mass storage device, and/or some other persistent storage. Additionally, hard wired circuitry may be used in place of or in combination with software instructions to implement the functions described. For example, controller 38 may be embodied as part of one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs). Unless otherwise specifically noted, the controller is not limited to any specific combination of hardware circuitry and software, or to any particular source for the instructions executed by the processing unit.
[0032] An example of printing system 20 is generally indicated at 120 in Figs. 3-5. Unless specifically excluded, printing system 120 may include one or more components and/or one or more functions of printing system 20. Printing system 120 includes a housing 121 , a print head assembly 122, a carriage assembly 124 and a service station 126.
[0033] Print head assembly 122 includes at least one print head 128. The print head is movably or slidably received by rails 130 and configured to move along vertical print head axis P among a printing position R (shown in dashed lines in Fig. 4) and a plurality of maintenance positions M, which correspond to a center 129 of the print head being at discrete points along the print head axis. Specifically, print head 128 is configured to move among a first maintenance position M1 (shown in Fig. 4) in which the print head is adjacent to the service modules of the first support assembly when those modules are in the service position, a second maintenance position M2 (shown in Fig. 5) in which the print head is adjacent to the service modules of the second support assembly when those modules are in the service position, and a third maintenance position M3 (shown in dashed lines in Fig. 5) in which the print head is adjacent to the service modules of the third support assembly when those modules are in the service position. First maintenance position M1 corresponds to the center of the print head being at a discrete point T1 along the print head axis, while second maintenance position M2 corresponds to the center of the print head being at a discrete point T2 along the print head axis. Additionally, third maintenance position M3 corresponds to the center of the print head being at a discrete point T3 along the print head axis, as shown in Figs. 4-5.
[0034] Carriage assembly 124 includes a carriage motor 132, a carriage screw drive 134 that is configured to drive movement of the print head and/or print head assembly, and a carriage belt 136 that operatively connects the carriage motor and the carriage screw drive. The carriage assembly may sometimes be referred to as a print head elevator.
[0035] Service station 126 includes first and second service modules 138, 140 removably received by a first support assembly or tray 142, third and fourth service modules 144, 146 removably received by a second support assembly 148, and fifth and sixth service modules 150, 152 removably received by a third support assembly 154. Each of the modules is configured to move along a different service axis between a service position and a stowed position.
[0036] Specifically, first service module 138 is configured to move along a service axis S1 between a service position V1 and a stowed position W1 , as shown in Fig. 5. Additionally, third service module 144 is configured to move along a service axis S2 between a service position V2 and a stowed position W2, while fifth service module 150 is configured to move along a service axis S3 between a service position V3 and a stowed position W3. Moreover, each of the first, third and fifth service modules is configured to service the print head at a different maintenance position M. Although not shown in Fig. 5, each of the second, fourth and sixth service modules is configured to move along a different service axis between a service position and a stowed position.
[0037] Service axes S1 , S2 and S3 are different and spaced from each other. Additionally, those axes are horizontal and parallel to each other, and are perpendicular to the print head axis. Each of the first and second service modules includes a wiper, while each of the third and fourth service modules includes a capping assembly. Additionally, each of the fifth and sixth service modules includes a spittoon or spit tray.
[0038] The service station also includes a motor assembly 156 configured to move the trays and/or service modules between the service and stowed positions. Specifically, motor assembly includes first, second and third service motors 158, 160, 162. The motor assembly also includes a first service screw drive 164 that is configured to drive movement of the first support assembly and/or the first and second service modules. Additionally, the motor assembly includes a second service screw drive 166 that is configured to drive movement of the second support assembly and/or the third and fourth service modules. Moreover, the motor assembly includes a third service screw drive 168 that is configured to drive movements of the third support assembly and/or the fifth and sixth service modules.
[0039] Motor assembly 156 also includes first, second, and third service belts 170, 172, 174 that operatively connect the first, second, and third service motors and the first, second and third service screw drives. Although the service station is shown to use one motor to move one support assembly or tray, the service station may use one or more motors 148 to move each tray, or may move two or more trays per motor. Additionally, although motor assembly is shown to include a particular structure, the motor assembly may include any suitable structure configured to move the service modules along service axes between the service and stowed positions.
[0040] Moreover, although service station 126 is shown to include three trays and six service modules, the service station may include any suitable number of trays and/or any suitable number of service modules. For example, the service station may include two, four, five, or more trays. Additionally, or alternatively, the one or more of the trays may include one, three, four, five or more service modules.
[0041] Fig. 6 shows an example of a method, which is generally indicated at 200, of servicing a print head of a printing system, the print head configured to be stationary when dispensing ink on media. While Fig. 6 shows illustrative steps of a method according to one example, other examples may omit, add to, and/or modify any of the steps shown in Fig. 6.
[0042] As illustrated in Fig. 6, the method may include moving the print head along a print head axis, at 202. A first service module may be moved along a first service axis toward the print head, at 204. The first service module may service the print head, at 206. The print head may be moved along the print head axis away from the first service module, at 208. The first service module may be moved along the first service axis away from the print head, at 210. The print head may be moved along the print head axis toward the second service module, at 212. A second service module may be moved along a second service axis toward the print head, at 214. The second service module may service the print head, at 216.
[0043] The method may optimize the servicing operations by moving at least one service module into its service position before the print head is in the corresponding maintenance position that allows that module to service the print head. For example, the second service module may be moved into the service position prior to the first service module servicing the print head, prior to the print head moving away from the first service module, or prior to the first service module being moved into the service position so that the first service module can service the print head.
[0044] The print head axis and first and second service axes may have any suitable spatial relationship(s) with each other and the print head axis. For example, the first and second service axes may be different from, spaced from and/or parallel to each other. Additionally, or alternatively, the first and/or second service axes may be perpendicular to the print head axis. Moreover, the first and second service modules may be configured to service the print head at different maintenance positions of the print head.
[0045] Printing system 20 also may include computer-readable media comprising computer-executable instructions for servicing a print head of a printing system, the computer-executable instructions being configured to perform one or more of the steps of method 200 discussed above.

Claims

WE CLAIM:
1. A printing system (20), comprising:
a print head (40);
a carriage assembly (32) configured to move the print head (40) along a print head axis (P) among a printing position (R) in which the print head (40) is held stationary adjacent the media and is configured to dispense ink onto the media, and a plurality of maintenance positions (M) along the print head axis (P) in which the print head (40) is away from the media relative to the printing position (R); and
a plurality of service modules (42) each configured to service the print head (40) and to move along a service axis (S) between a service position (V) adjacent the print head (40) and a stowed position (W) away from the print head (40) relative to the service position (V), wherein each of at least two service modules (42) of the plurality of service modules (42) is configured to service the print head (40) at a different maintenance position (M) of the plurality of maintenance positions (M).
2. The printing system (20) of claim 1 , wherein the at least two service modules (42) are stacked vertically when in the stowed position.
3. The printing system (20) of claim 1 , further comprising two or more support assemblies (48) with each support assembly (48) being configured to removably receive at least one service module (42) of the plurality of service modules (42).
4. The printing system (20) of claim 3, wherein the plurality of service modules (42) includes a first service module (44) and a second service module (46) different from the first service module (44), a first of the two or more support assemblies (48) being configured to removably receive any of the first (44) and second (46) service modules, and a second of the two or more support assemblies (48) being configured to removably receive any of the first (44) and second (46) service modules.
5. The printing system (20) of claim 3, further comprising a motor assembly (58) including a first motor (60) configured to move at least a first of the two or more support assemblies (48), and a second motor (62) configured to move at least a second of the two or more support assemblies (48).
6. The printing system (20) of claim 1 , wherein the print head (40) is configured to dispense one of a first ink and a second ink having one or more properties different from the first ink, at least one service module (42) of the plurality of service modules (42) being configured to service the print head (40) only when the print head (40) is configured to dispense the first ink.
7. The printing system (20) of claim 6, wherein at least another service module (42) of the plurality of service modules (42) is configured to service the print head (40) only when the print head (40) is configured to dispense the second ink.
8. The printing system (20) of claim 1 , wherein at least one service module (42) of the plurality of service modules (42) is configured to service the print head (40) when the print head (40) is in the printing position (R).
9. The printing system (20) of claim 1 , wherein each of the at least two service modules (42) has a service axis (S) that is perpendicular to the print head axis (P).
10. The printing system (20) of claim 9, wherein the print head axis (P) extends vertically and each of the at least two service modules (42) has a service axis (S) that extends horizontally.
1 1. The printing system (20) of claim 1 , wherein each of the at least two service modules (42) has a service axis (S) that is parallel to other service axes (S).
12. A method (200) of servicing a print head (40) of a printing system (20), the print head (40) configured to be stationary when dispensing ink onto media, comprising:
moving (202) the print head (40) along a print head axis (P) away from the media;
moving (204) a first service module (44) along a first service axis (S1 ) toward the print head (40);
servicing (206) the print head (40) via the first service module (44);
moving (208) the print head (40) along the print head axis (P) away from the first service module (44);
moving (210) the first service module (44) along the first service axis (S1 ) away from the print head (40);
moving (212) a second service module (46) along a second service axis (S2) toward the print head (40);
moving (214) the print head (40) along the print head axis (P) toward the second service module (46); and
servicing (216) the print head (40) via the second service module (46), wherein the first (S1 ) and second (S2) service axes are different from each other.
13. The method (200) of claim 12, wherein moving (212) the second service module (46) toward the print head (40) occurs prior to moving the print head (40) away from the first service module (44).
14. A printing system (20), comprising:
a print head (40);
a carriage assembly (32) configured to move the print head (40) along a print head axis (P) among a printing position (R) in which the print head (40) is held stationary adjacent the media and is configured to dispense ink onto the media, and a plurality of maintenance positions (M) along the print head axis (P) in which the print head (40) is away from the media relative to the printing position (R);
a plurality of service modules (42) configured to service the print head (40); and
first, second and third trays (48) each configured to removably receive one or more service modules (42) of the plurality of service modules (42) and to move each of the one or more service modules (42) along a service axis (S) between a service position (V) adjacent the print head (40) and a stowed position (W) away from the print head (40) relative to the service position (V), wherein a service module (42) removably received by one of the first, second and third trays (48) is configured to service the print head (40) at a maintenance position (M) different from a service module (42) removably received by another of the first, second and third trays (48).
15. The printing system (20) of claim 14, wherein one or more service modules (42) removably received by the first tray (48) include a wiper, one or more service modules (42) removably received by the second tray (48) include a capping assembly, and one or more service modules (42) removably received by the third tray (48) include a spittoon.
EP09849328.1A 2009-09-10 2009-09-10 Servicing print heads in printing systems Not-in-force EP2475526B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/US2009/056562 WO2011031264A1 (en) 2009-09-10 2009-09-10 Servicing print heads in printing systems

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EP2475526A1 true EP2475526A1 (en) 2012-07-18
EP2475526A4 EP2475526A4 (en) 2013-05-29
EP2475526B1 EP2475526B1 (en) 2018-11-14

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Families Citing this family (2)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
SG189040A1 (en) 2010-10-15 2013-05-31 Zamtec Ltd Multiple monochromatic print cartridge printing system and print alignment method
EP3765306A4 (en) 2018-08-28 2021-04-21 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. Printable media

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US20020044168A1 (en) * 2000-10-13 2002-04-18 Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. Printer
EP1462261A2 (en) * 2003-03-27 2004-09-29 Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha Printer maintenance apparatus
US20090096830A1 (en) * 2007-10-16 2009-04-16 Seiko Epson Corporation Fluid ejection apparatus

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GB9902054D0 (en) * 1999-01-29 1999-03-24 Neopost Ltd Ink jet printing mechanism
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US20020044168A1 (en) * 2000-10-13 2002-04-18 Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. Printer
EP1462261A2 (en) * 2003-03-27 2004-09-29 Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha Printer maintenance apparatus
US20090096830A1 (en) * 2007-10-16 2009-04-16 Seiko Epson Corporation Fluid ejection apparatus

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP2475526B1 (en) 2018-11-14
WO2011031264A8 (en) 2011-05-05
WO2011031264A1 (en) 2011-03-17
EP2475526A4 (en) 2013-05-29

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