Inkjet printing system

Abstract

A formulation unit for an inkjet printing machine, wherein the inkjet printing machine comprises a printing unit with a printing device and with an ink supply device for supplying ink to the printing device. The formulation unit comprises at least one preparation device for the preparation of ink and at least one storage tank for storing prepared ink.

Claims

1. A formulation unit for an inkjet printing machine, comprising at least one preparation device for preparation of same or different ink connected with at least one storage tank for storing the prepared ink, wherein the at least one storage tank is connectable to an ink supply device of a printing unit of the inkjet printing machine for supplying the same of different ink from the at least one storage tank to a printing device of the inkjet printing machine, wherein the preparation device comprises a dye dosing device, which is designed to receive a dye package and to empty a content of the dye package into the preparation tank or a feed line thereto, wherein the dye package comprises a security label containing data and the formulation unit further comprises a label reader for reading the data.

2. The formulation unit of claim 1, wherein the connection from the at least one tank to the printing device is adapted to supply the ink continuously from the storage tank to the printing device during a printing process.

3. The formulation unit of claim 1, wherein the at least one preparation device is adapted to prepare the ink and to supply the ink to the at least one storage tank while the ink is supplied from the at least one storage tank to the printing device.

4. The formulation unit of claim 1, wherein the at least one preparation device comprises at least one preparation tank and at least one circulation tube for circulating ingredients filled in the at least one preparation tank.

5. The formulation unit of claim 4, wherein the at least one preparation device comprises at least one preparation pump or at least one preparation turbine.

6. The formulation unit of claim 1, wherein the at least one dye package is designed as capsule, casing, cartridge, soft pack, blister or can and optionally comprises at least one predetermined breaking point for emptying the at least one dye package.

7. The formulation unit of claim 1, wherein the at least one preparation device comprises at least one ink filter for filtering the prepared ink.

8. The formulation unit of claim 1, further comprising at least one degassing device, which is arranged between the at least one preparation device and the at least one storage tank.

9. The formulation unit of claim 8, wherein the at least one degassing device comprises at least one degassing component where the ink is subjected to below atmospheric pressure.

10. The formulation unit of claim 8, wherein the at least one storage tank is buffer vacuum container, which is connected directly to an ink inlet of the printing device.

11. An inkjet printing machine comprising: the formulation unit of claim 1 and a printing unit comprising a printing device for jetting ink onto a substrate, an ink supply device for supplying ink to the printing device, and a substrate supply device for supplying the substrate to the printing device.

12. The inkjet printing machine of claim 11, wherein the substrate is a textile.

13. A method for preparing an ink using the formulation unit for an inkjet printing machine of claim 1, comprising filling the preparation tank with a first amount of deionized water; adding a predetermined amount of dye or colour; mixing the ingredients filled into the preparation tank; adding a second amount of deionized water; further mixing the ingredients filled into the preparation tank.

14. A method for preparing an ink using the formulation unit for an inkjet printing machine of claim 1, comprising filling the preparation tank with a first amount of deionized water; adding a predetermined amount of one or more additive chemicals; adding a predetermined amount of dye; mixing ingredients filled into the preparation tank; adding a second amount of deionized water; further mixing the ingredients filled into the preparation tank.

15. A formulation unit for an inkjet printing machine, comprising at least one preparation device for preparation of same or different ink connected with at least one storage tank for storing the prepared ink, wherein the at least one storage tank is connectable to an ink supply device of a printing unit of the inkjet printing machine for supplying the same of different ink from the at least one storage tank to a printing device of the inkjet printing machine, wherein the preparation device comprises a dye dosing device, which is designed to receive a dye package and to empty a content of the dye package into the preparation tank or a feed line thereto, wherein the at least one dye dosing device comprises at least one package connector for accepting a section of at least one dye package, a cutter for opening the at least one dye package and a sprinkler for directing a liquid towards the at least one dye package.

16. An inkjet printing machine comprising: the formulation unit of claim 15 and a printing unit comprising a printing device for jetting ink onto a substrate, an ink supply device for supplying ink to the printing device, and a substrate supply device for supplying the substrate to the printing device.

17. The inkjet printing machine of claim 16, wherein the substrate is a textile.

18. A method for preparing an ink using the formulation unit for an inkjet printing machine of claim 15, comprising filling the preparation tank with a first amount of deionized water; adding a predetermined amount of dye or colour; mixing the ingredients filled into the preparation tank; adding a second amount of deionized water; further mixing the ingredients filled into the preparation tank.

19. A method for preparing an ink using the formulation unit for an inkjet printing machine of claim 15, comprising filling the preparation tank with a first amount of deionized water; adding a predetermined amount of one or more additive chemicals; adding a predetermined amount of dye; mixing ingredients filled into the preparation tank; adding a second amount of deionized water; further mixing the ingredients filled into the preparation tank.

20. The formulation unit of claim 15, wherein the connection from the at least one storage tank to the printing device is adapted to supply the ink continuously from the storage tank to the printing device during a printing process.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

(1) Further advantages, features and possible applications of the present invention ensue from the following description in conjunction with the figures.

(2) FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of an exemplary inkjet printing machine according to the invention,

(3) FIG. 2 shows a schematic diagram of an exemplary preparing device and storage tank of a formulation unit according to the invention,

(4) FIG. 3 shows a schematic diagram of a further exemplary preparing device and storage tank of a formulation unit according to the invention,

(5) FIG. 4 shows a schematic diagram of an exemplary formulation unit according to the invention,

(6) FIG. 5 shows a schematic diagram of an exemplary degassing device according to the invention,

(7) FIG. 6a shows schematically an exemplary dye package according to the invention,

(8) FIG. 6b shows schematically a further exemplary dye package according to the invention,

(9) FIG. 7 shows a schematic view of an exemplary dye dosing device according to the invention,

(10) FIG. 8 shows a schematic view of a further exemplary dye dosing device according to the invention,

(11) FIG. 9 shows a schematic view of a preferred embodiment of a dye package,

(12) FIG. 10 shows a schematic view of the dye package of FIG. 9 from a different perspective,

(13) FIG. 11 shows a schematic view of a further preferred embodiment of a dye package,

(14) FIG. 12 shows a schematic view of a further preferred embodiment of a dye package including a preferred seal,

(15) FIG. 13 shows a schematic view of a further preferred embodiment of a dye package,

(16) FIG. 14 shows a schematic view of a detail of a preferred dye dosing device,

(17) FIG. 15 shows a schematic view of a detail of the preferred dye dosing device of FIG. 14 including a section of a preferred dye package before step j),

(18) FIG. 16 shows a schematic view of a detail of the preferred dye dosing device of FIG. 14 including a section of a preferred dye package after step j),

(19) FIG. 17 shows a schematic view of a detail of the preferred dye dosing device of FIG. 14 during step k),

(20) FIG. 18 shows a flowchart of a preferred method to operate the dye dosing device of FIGS. 14 to 17.

(21) FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of an exemplary inkjet printing machine 1 according to the invention. The inkjet printing machine 1 comprises a printing unit 10 and a formulation unit 20. The printing unit 10 comprises a printing device 11 moving along an axis and jetting ink onto a textile 15 which is supplied by means of a substrate supply device 12 to the printing device. The printing unit 10 further comprises an ink supply device 13 for supplying ink to the printing device 11.

(22) The exemplary formulation unit 20 comprises eight preparation devices 30 for preparing ink. The number of preparation devices depends in particular on the number of inks which are used for print procedures and can vary according to the application of the inkjet printing machine. Also inkjet printing machines with a formulation unit having 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12 or even more preparation devices 30 are possible. Each preparation device 30 is connected to a storage tank 50 which is, in the exemplary inkjet printing machine 1 constantly connected to the ink supply device 13 for supplying ink from the storage tank 50 to the printing device 11. In another not shown embodiment the storage tank 50 is not constantly connected to the inkjet printing machine 1. Such embodiments may comprise a second storage tank into which ink from the formulation unit 20 is supplied and which is constantly connected to the ink supply device 13.

(23) A preparation device 30 comprises a preparation tank 32 for receiving the ingredients of the ink and at least one preparation pump 35a or preparation turbine 35b (both indicated in FIG. 1 by reference numeral 35) for mixing the ingredients in the preparation tank 32 and for pumping the ink into the storage tank 50.

(24) The formulation unit has a control device 60 which may be integrated into the control device of the inkjet printing machine 1. When performing a manual preparation procedure, the operator enters for example the amount (for example 900 or 1000 g) and colour of the dye which is in the dye-package that he is going to use for the preparation of ink at the touch screen display of the control device 60. The control device 60, for example a PLC-control operates the different components at least of the formulation unit 20. Subsequently the relevant equipment of the preparation device 30 automatically measures the correct amount of deionised water and of the necessary additives and supplies these ingredients into the preparation tank 32. Then the preparation device 30 is operated to mix the ingredients for example by circulating the mixture by means of the preparation pump 35a or preparation turbine 35b until the dye is distributed homogenously, e.g. dissolved, which may take 5 minutes. Then the preparation device 30 of the formulation unit 20 automatically passes the ink through an ink filter 37 (shown in FIGS. 2 and 3) and into the storage tank 50. Preferably the ink filter 37 is a fine mesh filter with a mesh in the rage up to few micrometers. In one embodiment the preparation pump 35a is a self-priming membrane pump which is air-operated and has a positive displacement. With this kind of pump the cleanness of the preparation device 30 is facilitated.

(25) FIG. 2 shows a schematic diagram of an exemplary preparing device 30 and storage tank 50 of a formulation unit 20 according to the invention. The work flow of this exemplary preparing device 30 is as follows: A dosing pump 34 passes a predetermined amount of water from a deionised water inlet 31 into a preparation tank 32. The amount of water dosed by the dosing pump 34 is controlled by the control device 60 (shown in FIG. 1). A dye dosing device 38 serves for dosing the dye which is also supplied from the dye dosing device 38 into the preparation tank 32. The dye can have a solid form e.g. a powder form or a granulated form or the dye can have a liquid form, as e.g. a colour-concentrate. The dye dosing device 38 is responsible for adjusting the concentration of the dye through exact volumetric addition and for supplying the dye as soon as a request comes from the control device 60. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the dye dosing device 38 is arranged at a feed line 38f to the preparation tank 32.

(26) For applications where the dye used requires further additives for the preparation of ink, the formulation unit 20 comprises an additive dosing device 39 (shown with dotted lines), which supplies a predetermined amount of additives, e.g. diluents and/or further chemicals into the preparation tank 32.

(27) The preparation tank 32 of the exemplary embodiment is heatable as is especially beneficial for the solution of some kinds of dyes, in particular for dyes, preferably in form of a colour-concentrate having a high viscosity. In an exemplary embodiment a colour-concentrate with a very high viscosity is used. It becomes fluid when water is added and heated to 55 centigrade. When all ingredients are received in the preparation tank 32, the valve 36 is closed and the preparation pump 35a is activated. The preparation pump 35a circulates the mixture from the preparation tank 32 through the circulation tube 33 and back to the preparation tank 32 until the dye is distributed homogenously within the liquid. In one embodiment with about 2 liters capacity of the preparation tank and an ink volume of about 1.5 liters, the solution or dispersion circulation takes about five minutes for example.

(28) After the circulation process is completed, the valve 36 is operated to close the connection to the circulation tube 33 and thereby to open the connection to an ink filter 37. Now, the preparation pump 35a passes the solution through the ink filter 37 and thereby out of the preparation unit 20.

(29) The exemplary embodiment of the formulation unit shown in FIG. 2 further comprises a degassing device 48 which is arranged in the formulation unit 20 in the connection between the preparation unit 20 and the storage tank 50. Although the preparation of the ink by means of circulating the ingredients reduces the introduction of air into the ink, small air bubbles within the ink can still reduce the quality of the ink. The degassing device 48 which is arranged after the ink filter 37 extracts gasses from the ink before the ink is supplied into the storage tank 50 of the formulation unit 20. From the outlet 51 of the storage tank 50 the ink is supplyable to a printing device 10 of an inkjet printing machine 1 (shown in FIG. 1).

(30) FIG. 3 shows a further schematic diagram of an exemplary preparing device 30 and storage tank 50 of a formulation unit 20 according to the invention. The exemplary preparing device 30 of FIG. 3 corresponds to a large extent to the exemplary preparing device 30 of FIG. 2, apart from comprising a preparation turbine 35b for mixing the ink. In the embodiment of FIG. 3, the mixing turbine 35b is installed within the circulation tube 33. The exemplary mixing turbine 35b comprises two propellers which, for preparing ink, drive the mixture of the ingredients in high speed manner through circulation tube 33 and preparation tank 32, respectively.

(31) FIG. 4 shows a schematic diagram of a further exemplary formulation unit 20 according to the invention. The schematically shown formulation unit 20 comprises eight preparing devices 30. Such a formulation unit 20 with eight preparing devices 30 will for example have a size of approximately 1 meter length, 0.5 meter breadth and 1.2 meter height. A PLC control 60 will manage the dosing pump 34 at the inlet of deionised water, the preparation pump 35a and the valve 36 for switching the process from circulating the ingredients of the ink for solving them to the supply of the ink solution to the ink filter 37. FIG. 4 shows the use of a preparation pump 35a for mixing the ingredients of the ink. In the same way it is also possible to apply a preparation turbine 35b for mixing the ingredients of the ink.

(32) For the preparation of ink with the examplaratory embodiment of the formulation unit 20 of FIG. 4 a prepacked dye in form of a colour powder is used, which is filled manually into the preparation tank 32. Also the additives required to prepare an ink are contained in a package which is filled manually into the preparation tank 32. Additionally a predetermined amount of deionised water has to be added, which is dosed by means of the dosing pump 34. Apart from the differences with filling the ingredients of the ink into the preparation tank 32, the procedure of preparing the ink with the formulation unit 20 is performed according to the workflow as described with reference to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3.

(33) FIG. 5 shows a schematic diagram of an exemplary degassing device 48 according to the invention. The degassing device 48 is arranged between the preparation device 30 and the storage tank 50. After the preparation in the preparation tank 32 the ink goes through an ink filter 37 not shown in FIG. 5. For degassing the ink, a degassing pump 42 provides a continuous flow of the ink through a degassing component 43. The continuous flow may for example be 0.5 liters per minute; according to the ink preparation capacity of the formulation unit and/or the ink consumption capacity of the ink jetting process, the flow rate may vary accordingly. In an alternative embodiment it is also possible that the preparation pump 35a or the preparation turbine 35b, respectively provides a sufficient continuous flow of the ink through the degassing component 48. In such an embodiment an additional degassing pump 42 can be omitted.

(34) The degassing component 43 is connected via vacuum piping 45 to a vacuum pump 44 which provides for below atmospheric pressure for example about 0.9 bar. As the prepared ink passes through the degassing component 43 most of the gaseous particles are expelled from the prepared ink. Subsequent the degassing procedure, the ink is conducted into the storage tank 50. To prevent a re-entry of gaseous components into the ink the storage tank 50 is for example designed as a vacuum buffer tank in which a below atmospheric pressure is maintained.

(35) FIG. 6a shows schematically an exemplary dye package 70 according to the invention. The dye package 70 of FIG. 6a is of substantially cylindrical shape and contains a dye within its inner volume. The dye contained in the dye package 70 may have any suitable form from solid to liquid like powder, granulates, pastes, gels or fluids. In the exemplary embodiment the dye package has a top 71 comprising a perforated seal 72 which is discontinued at a top bending area 73 at which the top is permanently fixed to the main body of the dye package 70. The bottom 75 of the dye package 70 is designed corresponding to the top 71 of the dye package 70. The bottom 75 comprises a bottom perforated seal 74 which runs close to the edge of the bottom 75 and which allows the bottom 75 to open to the outside of the dye package 70 as soon as the pressure on the bottom 75 rises above a certain amount. The perforation ends at a bottom bending area 76 at which the bottom 75 is permanently fixed to the dye package 70. To prevent an unintentional break of the perforated seal 72, 74 it is advantageous to protect the top 71 and bottom 75 with an appropriate seal protecting means, for example a cap.

(36) The perforated seals 72, 74 and the bending areas 73, 76 are adapted to empty the dye package 70 by means of a stamp (not shown) which presses on the top 71 and breaks the perforation of the top perforated seal 72. As a result of the increased pressure within the dye package 70 the perforation of the bottom perforated seal 74 breaks and the content of the dye package 70 is emptied at the bottom side of the dye package 70 to the outside. As the top and the bottom of the dye package 70 are fixed to the dye package at the top and bottom bending areas, there is no risk that parts of the dye package 70 end up within the dye. To allow for sliding the whole content of the dye package 70 into the preparation tank 32, the stamp should fit inside and slide along the side walls of the dye package 70.

(37) In a special embodiment of the dye package 70 the top 71 comprises a rigid top element 71a with a seal 72a at its circumference without having a top bending area 73. The rigid top element 71a itself serves as a stamp which is connectable to an actuation means. By exerting pressure on the rigid top element 71a with the actuation means, the top seal 72a breaks and by further exerting pressure with the actuation means the bottom perforated seal 74 breaks and the dye contained within the dye package 70 slides at the bottom side out of the dye package 70. Preferably the circumference of the rigid top element 71a fits in and is well adapted to the inner wall of the dye package 70 for moving the dye completely out of the dye package 70. In a special embodiment the rigid element 71a may be provided with a lip for emptying the dye preferably free of residues.

(38) With more free-flowing dyes, it suffices to maintain the pressure until the bottom perforation seal 74 is broken, in contrast, less free-flowing dyes have to be expelled by means of a stamp passing through the whole dye package 70. The dye package may be manufactured of any suitable material for example plastics, metals or coated paper board. In a special embodiment the wall of a dye package 70 is made from coated paper board and the top and bottom portions are made of metal as for example a pringle box.

(39) FIG. 6b shows schematically a further exemplary dye package 70 according to the invention having an elliptic cross section. The advantage of an elliptic cross section is that the arrangement of the dye package 70 with regard to the rotational orientation is enhanced.

(40) FIG. 7 shows a schematic view of an exemplary dye dosing device 38a according to the invention. The dye dosing device 38a is arranged within the preparation tank 32 of which a detail of the wall is shown in FIG. 7. The dye dosing device 38a is in one embodiment fixedly connected to the preparation tank 32. In another embodiment it is also possible to have the dye dosing device 38a as an additional kit for the preparation device 30 which can be mounted at the preparation tank 32 depending on the employed dye supply.

(41) Dye packages 70 are insertible into the dye dosing device 38a through an opening 32a in the wall of the preparation tank 32 which is open- and closeable by means of a cover (not shown). The dye dosing device 38a comprises a steel frame 80 which has substantially a cylindrical form and which is open to the upper circumferential side. At the bottom side the steel frame 80 comprises a stopper 81 which serves to support the dye package within the dye dosing device 38a. The stopper 81 also serves for preventing the bottom perforated seal 74 to break beyond the bottom bending area 76 and thus preventing the bottom 75 of the dye package 70 to enter the preparation tank 32. A view of the bottom 75 of the dye package 70 is shown at the lower left side of FIG. 7.

(42) An actuator 82 is connected to a stamp 83 or to a rigid top element 71a arranged at the top of the dye package 70. By moving the actuation means 82, 83 or 71a in the direction from the top 71 to the bottom 75 of the dye package 70, the top perforation seal 72 breaks and as a result of further movement and rising pressure within the dye package 70 also the bottom perforation seal 74 breaks and thus the dye within the dye package 70 slides into the preparation tank 32. For facilitating the flow of the dye out of the package, the dye dosing device 38a of this exemplary embodiment is arranged inclined to the horizontal.

(43) FIG. 8 shows a schematic view of a further exemplary dye dosing device according to the invention. The dye dosing device 38b is arranged at the outside wall of the preparation tank 32 of which a detail is shown in FIG. 8. Dye packages 70 are vertically insertible into the dye dosing device 38b. At the bottom side of the inserted dye packages 70, the dye dosing device 38b is arranged at the preparation tank 32. Located here, an opening 32a is arranged in the wall of the preparation tank 32 which is open- and closeable by means of a cover (not shown). The opening comprises in particular a seal 32b to receive the bottom of a dye package 70 preferably dust- and/or spill-tight. After dosing the dye, the opening is closed for preparing the ink.

(44) The dye dosing device 38b comprises a steel frame 80 having an elliptic form which is open to the upper circumferential side. (See lower left side of FIG. 8.) This facilitates the insertion of a likewise elliptic dye package 70 at the corresponding rotational position. At the bottom side also the steel frame 80 of the embodiment of FIG. 8 comprises a stopper 81 which prevents the dye package to enter the preparation tank 32. Stopper 81 also serves for preventing the bottom perforated seal 74 to break beyond the bottom bending area 76 and thus preventing the bottom 75 of the dye package 70 to enter the preparation tank 32. Also for this embodiment it is also possible to provide the dye dosing device 38a as an add-on kit for the preparation device 30 which can be mounted at the preparation tank 32.

(45) In this exemplary embodiment a security label 90 is arranged at the dye package 70. On this security label 90 data respective to the content of the dye package 70 is stored. The dye dosing device 38b comprises further a label reader 91 which reads the data stored on the security label 90. The data is transmitted to the control device 60 (see FIGS. 1, 3) and by controlling the data it can be ensured that the dye package 70 comprises the requested content.

(46) FIG. 9 shows a schematic view of a preferred embodiment of a dye package. The collapsible package 70 has a main body with several harmonica type wall sections 90, with a flat package bottom and with the dye release opening 87 essentially parallel to the package bottom. The dye release opening 87 may be covered by a seal 72 or a removable lid. A cross-section, which is essentially perpendicular to the flat package bottom, of the main body is essentially trapezoid, in particular when the dye package 70 is filled with dye and the dye release opening 87 is covered. The collapsible package 70 may be transferred from a first state (as shown) into its collapsed state, in particular by a stamp of the dye dosing device, while releasing the dye. The collapsible package 70 may be stacked conveniently in the dye dosing device and may be unstacked by the formulation unit.

(47) FIG. 10 shows a schematic view of the dye package 70 of FIG. 9 from a different perspective. The figure shows the main body with its harmonica type wall sections 90 and the flat package bottom in its first state.

(48) FIG. 11 shows a schematic view of a further preferred embodiment of a dye package 70. The main body of the dye package 70 is essentially cylindrical and extends along a longitudinal axis. The lid of the dye package 70 is removed from the essentially cylindrical dye release opening 87. Through the dye release opening 87 the movable piston 93 can be seen which may be imposed by a stamp and which helps to release the dye from the dye package 70.

(49) FIG. 12 shows a schematic view of a further preferred embodiment of a dye package 70 including a preferred seal 72. The main body of the dye package 70 is quite similar to the main body of FIG. 11. The dye release opening 87 is partly closed by the seal 72 which is sectionally connected to a wall of the dye package 70. The seal 72 comprises a sealing section 88 and a strap 89 which serves to sectionally separate of the sealing section 88 from the main body.

(50) FIG. 13 shows a schematic view of a further preferred embodiment of a dye package 70. The main body of the dye package 70 comprises an essentially cylindrical dye release opening 87 or first end, extends along the longitudinal axis and has a hexagonal cross-section essentially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. By the hexagonal cross-section, a higher talk about its longitudinal axis may be applied to to the dye package 70 while connecting it to the formulation unit or one of its dye dosing devices.

(51) FIG. 14 shows a schematic view of a detail of a preferred dye dosing device 38. The dye dosing device 38 comprises a package connector 84 for accepting a section of one of the dye packages 70, a cutter 85 for opening the dye package 70 and a sprinkler 86 for directing a liquid towards the dye package 70.

(52) The package connector 84 comprises a socket 94 for accepting a wall section of the dye package 70 and the dye release opening 87. The socket 94 comprises a socket thread 95 for accepting the locking projection of the dye package 70 as well as the locking element to releasably engage with the locking projection. The socket 94 also comprises an opening through which the dye may be fed to the preparation tank or feed line.

(53) The cutter 85 is provided with a blade 97 and arranged to move the blade 97 to follow a circular path to cut the seal of the dye package accepted by the socket 94. Preferably, the circular path is restricted to an angle between 180° and 345°, more preferably approximately 280°. The cutter is provided to cut the seal of the dye container. The blade 97 is arranged at an angle to the plane of the circular arc part, i.e. the plane of the sealing section. The cutter 85 serves to at least sectionally open a wall section of the dye package or seal of the dye package.

(54) The sprinkler 86 is provided to direct the liquid towards the seal and into the dye package to improve the release of the dye. Also, the sprinkler 86 is provided to direct the liquid towards the preparation tank or feed line which may improve the transport of the dye. The sprinkler 86 is arranged adjacent to the socket 94.

(55) FIG. 15 shows a schematic view of a detail of the preferred dye dosing device 38 of FIG. 14 including a section of a preferred dye package 70 before step j). The explanations referring to the dye dosing device 38 of FIG. 14 apply. The dye container 70 comprises an essentially circular dye release opening 87 (not shown) which is closed by a seal (not shown) and the locking projection 92. The locking projection 92 is intended to be accepted by the socket thread 95.

(56) FIG. 16 shows a schematic view of a detail of the preferred dye dosing device of FIGS. 14 and 15 including a section of a preferred dye package 70 after step j). The explanations referring to the dye dosing device 38 of FIGS. 14 and 15 apply as well as the explanations referring to the preferred by dye package 70. Here, the locking projection 92 is accepted by the socket thread 95. The dye package 70 has not been rotated yet about its longitudinal axis and the locked state is not yet achieved.

(57) FIG. 17 shows a schematic view of a detail of the preferred dye dosing device 38 of FIG. 14, 15 during step k). The explanations referring to the dye dosing device 38 of FIGS. 14 and 15 apply. The cutter 85 is in the process to open the seal 72 at least in sections.

(58) The blade 97 has travelled a part of its circular path and has cut the seal 72 along a certain distance.

(59) FIG. 18 shows a flow chart of a preferred method to operate the dye dosing device of FIGS. 14 to 17. The preferred method comprises the steps: j) introducing one of the dye packages into the package connector, preferably into the socket, preferably introducing the locking projection of the dye package into the socket thread, preferably rotating the dye package about its longitudinal axis into the locked state, k) opening the dye package, particularly cutting the seal of the dye package within the socket and/or the second end of the dye package, with the cutter, particularly moving a blade of the cutter along the circular arc or path covering an angle between 180° and 345°, l) directing the liquid towards the seal or into the dye package with the sprinkler for improved release of the dye from the dye package,
preferably, as indicated by dashed boxes, with at least one of the steps m) directing the liquid towards the seal with the sprinkler to remove dirt from the outside of the seal, preferably before step k), and/or n) directing the liquid also towards the preparation tank or feed line with the sprinkler to promote the transport of the dye, preferably during step l), and/or o) discharging liquid from the formulation unit or from the dye dosing device to dispose of dirt from the outside of seal, preferably before step k), preferably after or during step m), and/or p) removing the dye package from the package connector, preferably after releasing the locking projection, preferably after emptying the dye package.

REFERENCE NUMERALS

(60) 1 inkjet printing machine 10 printing unit 11 printing device 12 substrate supply device 13 ink supply device 15 textile 20 formulation unit 30 preparation device 31 water inlet 32 preparation tank 32a opening 32b seal 33 circulation tube 34 dosing pump 35 preparation pump, preparation turbine 35a preparation pump 35b preparation turbine 36 valve 37 ink filter 38, 38a dye dosing device 38f feed line 39 additive dosing device 42 degassing pump 43 degassing component 44 vacuum pump 45 vacuum piping 48 degassing device 50 storage tank 51 outlet of the storage tank 60 control device 70 dye package 71 top 71a top element 72, 72a seal 73 top bending area 74 seal 75 bottom 76 bottom bending area 80 steel frame 81 stopper 82 actuation means 83 stamp 84 package connector 85 cutter 86 sprinkler 87 dye release opening 88 sealing section of seal 72 89 strap of seal 72 90 foldable section of dye package 70 91 planar wall section of dye package 70 92 locking projection of dye package 70 93 piston, disk 94 socket 95 socket thread 96 locking element 97, 97a blade of cutter