Patent Description:
Printing apparatuses such as thermal transfer over-printers are routinely used on production lines for printing on to packaging and the like. Such production lines, particularly food packaging lines, for example, may be required to be cleaned on a regular schedule and this typically involves the use of sprayed liquids. Such liquids, if allowed to come into contact with the internal components of a printing apparatus, may cause damage to the printing apparatus, potentially leading to malfunction and/or reduced lifespan of the printing apparatus. Hazardous situations may also occur, which may cause damage to other parts of the production line and/or injury to personnel. It will be understood that the ingress of solids, for example dust, may also cause damage to internal components of a printing apparatus, and therefore ingress protection against solids and/or liquids for reasons other than cleaning operations may be desirable.

It is known in the art to enclose printing apparatuses in a waterproof bag or hood during cleaning of production lines. However, this method is time consuming as each printing apparatus needs to be manually covered. Further, additional storage space would be needed for the covers, making this method undesirable. An alternative method of protecting printing apparatuses during production line cleaning is to remove the or each printing apparatus from the production line during the cleaning process. Not only is this method time consuming and labour intensive, but it risks damaging the printing apparatus, and requires correct reinstallation after the cleaning process. Incorrect reinstallation of the printing apparatus can lead to errors, wasted time, and wasted materials/products, for example. It is also known in the art to exchange one or more functional parts of the printer with dummy parts during cleaning, to protect sensitive components.

Again, this method is time consuming and labour intensive, and there is an inherent risk of incorrect reinstallation.

It is also necessary to clean the printheads of printing apparatuses, for example thermal transfer overprinters. A thermal transfer printhead is involved in high temperature printing processes. When the printhead comes into contact with an ink ribbon coated with a layer of ink, heating elements within the printhead are activated to melt the ink on the ribbon and cause its transfer to a target substrate. This can cause a small amount of waste material to be burnt off from the ink ribbon and deposited on the printhead. Therefore, a daily cleaning regime is usually recommended.

<CIT> discloses a hot foil printer containing a hot stamping foil. There is a stationary shutter cover forming the base of a cartridge, having an opening through which the hot stamping foil stamps a medium. A shutter is slidably mounted on the inside of the shutter cover.

An aim of the present disclosure is to provide an improved printing assembly and/or parts thereof, and a method of operation of such a printing assembly and/or parts thereof.

Representative features are set out below, which stand alone or may be combined, in any combination, with one or more features disclosed in the text and/or drawings of the specification.

There is provided a casing for a printing apparatus, the casing including.

wherein the cover member is moveable relative to the body between an open position in which the aperture of the cover member is substantially aligned with the printing opening of the body, and a closed position in which at least a part of the cover member substantially closes the printing opening of the body.

The casing may include a movement mechanism for moving the cover member relative to the body.

The movement mechanism may include at least one roller around which a part of the cover member is able to be wound.

The movement mechanism may include at least one engagement member provided on the cover member, and at least one respective opening in the body, wherein a part of the or each engagement member extends through its respective opening.

Movement of the cover member relative to the body may be controlled or controllable manually and/or mechanically and/or electrically.

When the cover member is in the closed position relative to the body, the cover member may provide protection against the ingress of solids and/or liquids into the casing.

The cover member may include a cleaning portion for cleaning a printhead.

There is also provided a printing assembly including a printhead and a casing having any combination of features described above and/or in the detailed description and/or in the claims set out below.

There is also provided a control system for a printing assembly, wherein the control system includes a control device which is operable to control the movement of the cover member relative to the body.

The control device may be operable to control a plurality of printing assemblies.

There is also provided an operation method of a printing assembly including a casing as described herein, wherein the method includes controlling the movement of the cover member relative to the body of the casing, between the open position and the closed position.

The operation method may include controlling movement of the printhead between a printing position and a non-printing position.

The operation method may include a printhead cleaning operation.

The printhead cleaning operation may include at least one or any combination of the following steps:.

The operation method may include controlling the operation of a plurality of printing assemblies.

In order that the present disclosure may be more readily understood, preferable embodiments thereof will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, for example, there is shown a part of a printing assembly which includes a casing <NUM> which is configured to house at least a part of a printing apparatus <NUM> (only part of which is shown in the figures). The casing <NUM> includes a body <NUM> which may be moulded or formed by attaching a plurality of wall components together. Where wall components are attached together, additional sealing methods or components may be utilised to inhibit the ingress of liquids and/or solids between the wall components. A portion of the body <NUM> may have a double-walled or double-skinned configuration, or the whole body <NUM> may be double-walled.

The body <NUM> includes a printing opening <NUM>. The opening <NUM> may be provided in a first wall <NUM> of the body <NUM>. The first wall <NUM> may be double-walled, having an inner wall 15a and an outer wall 15b. The opening <NUM> may be provided in the inner wall 15a and the outer wall 15b. The perimeter of the opening <NUM> may have smoothed edges 16a, as shown in <FIG>, for example. The edges 16a of the opening <NUM> may be radiused. The edges 16a of the opening <NUM> may be chamfered. The edges 16a of the opening <NUM> may be chamfered and radiused. The body <NUM> may also include side walls <NUM>, <NUM>. Each of the side walls <NUM>, <NUM> may be connected to the first wall <NUM>.

<FIG> and <FIG> are cutaway views of the part of the printing assembly. It will be understood that the body <NUM> may be a closed body with the exception of the printing opening <NUM>. The body <NUM> may be closed by engagement with a part of the printing apparatus <NUM> or another device. For example, the printing apparatus <NUM> may include a cassette upon which are mounted reels of inked ribbon, and the body <NUM> may be configured to engage with a part of the cassette so as to close the body <NUM>. The printing opening <NUM> may be the only means of ingress into the body <NUM> when the casing <NUM> is in use, the body <NUM> being otherwise sealed. A sealing formation, for example a gasket, may surround at least a part of perimeter of the printing opening <NUM>.

The printing apparatus <NUM> may include a printhead <NUM>. The printhead <NUM> may be moveable relative to the casing <NUM> between a printing position and a housed position. The printhead <NUM> may also be moveable to a cleaning position. The cleaning position may be a housed position. The printhead <NUM> may be moveable relative to the casing <NUM> such that in a printing position at least a part of the printhead <NUM> extends through the printing opening <NUM>, to enable the printing apparatus <NUM> to carry out a printing operation on a substrate located approximately adjacent but external to the casing <NUM>. In the housed position, the printhead <NUM> may be positioned inside the casing <NUM>. It will be understood that the whole of the printhead <NUM> may be positioned inside the casing <NUM> when the printhead <NUM> is in the housed position. It will be understood that other positions of the printhead <NUM> relative to the casing <NUM> are possible. The printhead <NUM> may move between the printing position and a non-printing position while in use, for example. It may not be necessary or desirable for the printhead <NUM> to retract into the casing <NUM> during every non-printing operation. Such printing apparatuses typically operate at very high speeds, and it is advantageous to minimise the amount of movement of the printhead between printing operations, so as to enable printing speeds to be optimised.

The casing <NUM> may be configured to house additional components of the printing apparatus <NUM>, for example rotatable spools for carrying reels of inked ribbon and/or motors and/or other moveable and/or electronic components (not shown).

The casing <NUM> includes a cover member <NUM>. Features of the cover member <NUM> are shown in detail in <FIG>, for example. The cover member <NUM> has a first face 40a, and a second face 40b. The cover member has a width W and a length L, measured between a first end 40c of the cover member <NUM> and a second end 40d of the cover member <NUM>. The first face 40a may be an inner face of the cover member <NUM>, at least a part of which, in use, is directed towards the inside of the body <NUM>. The second face 40b, may be an outer face of the cover member <NUM>, at least a part of which, in use, may be directed to face outwardly relative to the body <NUM>. The cover member <NUM> may include a plurality of layers. The cover member <NUM> may include a flexible sheet of material. The cover member <NUM> may include a water-resistant or waterproof portion. The whole of the cover member <NUM> may be water-resistant or waterproof. The cover member <NUM> may be manufactured from or include a portion that is formed from a polymer. The cover member <NUM> may be manufactured from or include a portion that is formed from closed cell foam. The cover member <NUM> or a portion thereof may be compressible. The cover member <NUM> may be integral with the casing.

The cover member <NUM> includes an aperture <NUM>. The aperture <NUM> of the cover member <NUM> may be configured to be a similar size and or shape to the printing opening <NUM> of the body <NUM>. The edges 42a of the perimeter of the aperture <NUM> may be smoothed, for example chamfered and/or rounded, for example as shown in <FIG>.

The cover member <NUM> may include a sealing arrangement <NUM>. The sealing arrangement <NUM> may include one or more of a sealing member <NUM> and a plug member <NUM>. The sealing member <NUM> may be in the form of a gasket or thickened portion of the cover member <NUM> which at least partially surrounds the perimeter of the aperture <NUM>. The sealing member <NUM> may be attached to either face 40a, 40b of the cover member <NUM>, or may, for example, be sandwiched between layers of the cover member <NUM>.

The plug member <NUM> may include a portion of material which may be configured to be a similar shape and/or or size to the printing opening <NUM>. The plug member <NUM> may be spaced from the aperture <NUM>, or may be positioned adjacent the aperture <NUM>. The plug member <NUM> may be a thickened portion of the cover member <NUM>. The plug member <NUM> may be provided on the first or second face 40a, 40b of the cover member <NUM>, or may be provided as an intermediate layer between the first and second faces 40a, 40b of the cover member <NUM>.

The cover member <NUM> may include one or more reinforcement members <NUM> to strengthen the cover member <NUM>. The or each reinforcement member <NUM> may be provided in the region of the aperture <NUM>. The or each reinforcement member <NUM> may be in the form of a strip of stiffening material extending lengthwise or widthways along the cover member <NUM> on each side of the aperture <NUM>. The aperture <NUM> may be surrounded by reinforcement members <NUM>.

The cover member <NUM> may be attached to the body <NUM> or otherwise mounted for movement relative to the body <NUM>. The cover member <NUM> may be sandwiched between the inner wall 15a and the outer wall 15b of the first wall <NUM>.

The cover member <NUM> is moveable between a first, closed position and a second, open position relative to the body <NUM>. In the first, closed position, a portion of the cover member <NUM> substantially covers the printing opening <NUM> of the body <NUM>. It will be appreciated that more than one position of the cover member <NUM> relative to the body <NUM> may provide a closed position. In the second, open position, at least a part of the aperture <NUM> is aligned with the printing opening <NUM>.

The casing <NUM> may include a movement mechanism <NUM> for moving the cover member <NUM> relative to the body <NUM>.

The movement mechanism <NUM> may include at least one roller. The movement mechanism <NUM> may include a pair of rollers <NUM>, <NUM> (as shown in <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, for example). The movement mechanism <NUM> may include an operating member. The operating member may include one or more rotatable knobs <NUM>, <NUM>. The or each rotatable knob <NUM>, <NUM> may be manually and/or mechanically and/or electrically rotatable. The or each roller <NUM>, <NUM> may be electrically operable, for example, each roller <NUM>, <NUM> may be rotatable by one or motors. The movement mechanism <NUM> may be controlled by a control device <NUM> which may be operable to control the movement mechanism <NUM> automatically (for example following a timed or programmed routine), or in response to an input or signal, which may be an operator input and/or a feedback signal. The control device may control the movement mechanisms <NUM> of a plurality of casings <NUM>. The control device <NUM> is shown in dashed lines since its position is not significant. It may be positioned internally or externally of the casing <NUM>.

The or each roller <NUM>, <NUM> may be housed inside the casing <NUM>, for example inside the body <NUM>. The body <NUM> may include a pair of roller housings 13a, 13b, each of which is configured to receive one of the rollers <NUM>, <NUM> and at least a portion of the cover member <NUM>.

The first end 40c and the second end 40d of the cover member <NUM> may be attached to a respective one of the rollers <NUM>, <NUM>, such that rotation of the rollers <NUM>, <NUM> effects winding and unwinding of the cover member <NUM> on to and off the rollers <NUM>, <NUM>, to cause movement of the cover member <NUM> between the rollers <NUM>, <NUM>.

In use, the body <NUM> of the casing <NUM> is positioned around the at least a part of the printing apparatus <NUM> to provide a printing assembly. A part of the printing apparatus <NUM> (e.g., a cassette plate) may be positioned adjacent the body <NUM>, to substantially close the casing <NUM>. The cover member <NUM> may be manually or automatically positioned in a default position. The default position of the cover member <NUM> may be the open position or the closed position. In the open position, the aperture <NUM> of the cover member <NUM> is at least partially aligned with the printing opening <NUM>, such that a part of the printing apparatus <NUM> (i.e., at least a part of the printhead <NUM>) may extend at least partially through the printing opening <NUM> and the aperture <NUM> of the cover member <NUM>. In the open position of the cover member <NUM>, the printing apparatus <NUM> may carry out a printing operation on to a substrate which may be located externally of the casing <NUM>.

The control device <NUM> may control movement and/or printing operations of the printhead <NUM>.

When the cover member <NUM> is in the open position, the portion of the cover member <NUM> adjacent the aperture <NUM> may surround the printing opening <NUM> of the body <NUM>, and seal against the body <NUM>, so as to inhibit the ingress of dust and/or liquids between the cover member <NUM> and the body <NUM>. The material of the cover member <NUM> may be compressed between the inner and outer walls 15a, 15b of the body <NUM> to seal around the aperture <NUM>.

When the cover member <NUM> is to be moved to the closed position, the rollers <NUM>, <NUM> are rotated to move the cover member <NUM> relative to the body <NUM>. The direction of rotation of each roller <NUM>, <NUM> to effect the desired movement will be dependent on how each end 40c, 40d of the cover member <NUM> is attached to its corresponding roller <NUM>, <NUM>. Each end 40c, 40d of the cover member <NUM> is windable on to and off its respective roller <NUM>, <NUM> by rotation of at least one of the rollers <NUM>, <NUM>. It will be understood that rotating only one of the rollers <NUM>, <NUM>, may be sufficient to pull the cover member <NUM> in the desired direction, thus winding the cover member <NUM> on to that roller <NUM>, <NUM>, and unwinding a similar or substantially the same amount of the cover member <NUM> off the other roller <NUM>, <NUM>.

Where provided, the smoothed (e.g. chamfered/radiused) edges 16a of the printing opening <NUM>, and/or the smoothed (e.g. chamfered) edges 42a of the aperture <NUM> of the cover member <NUM> protect against the cover member <NUM> catching, snagging or becoming ruckled as the cover member <NUM> moves relative to the body <NUM>. For example, a smooth edge of the aperture <NUM> is able to slide over a smooth edge of the printing opening <NUM> more easily than a flat or blunt edge of the aperture <NUM> will slide over a flat or blunt edge of the printing opening <NUM>. Where the first wall <NUM> is double walled, it will be understood that the edges 42a of the aperture <NUM> which extend widthways, i.e. across the width W of the cover member <NUM> are required to slide between the inner and outer walls 15a, 15b as the edges 42a of the aperture <NUM> move past the edges 16a of the printing opening <NUM>. Smoothing one or both of the edges 16a of the printing opening <NUM> and the edges 42a of the aperture <NUM> has the effect of guiding each edge 42a of the aperture <NUM> between the inner and outer walls 15a, 15b, and reducing the risk of snagging, tearing or otherwise damaging the cover member <NUM>.

The or each roller <NUM>, <NUM> may be rotated by manual rotation of the or each respective knob <NUM>, <NUM>. Additionally or alternatively, the cover member <NUM> may be moved in response to a signal, for example an electrical signal provided by a control device <NUM>, and/or a feedback signal. The control device <NUM> may operate one or more motors to rotate one or both rollers <NUM>, <NUM> to carry out movement of the cover member <NUM> relative to the body <NUM> between the first and second positions.

It will be understood that for the purposes of ingress protection, it is desirable for the printing apparatus <NUM> to be positioned inside the body <NUM> when the cover member <NUM> is moved towards the closed position, at least, to avoid obstructing or damaging the cover member <NUM>. However, there may be circumstances in which it is desirable to move the printing apparatus towards a printing position when the cover member <NUM> is in the closed position, for example for the purpose of cleaning the printhead <NUM>, as will be explained below.

When the cover member <NUM> is in the closed position relative to the body <NUM>, the cover member <NUM> covers or substantially covers the printing opening <NUM> of the body <NUM>, such that the casing <NUM> is sealed.

In the closed position, the second face 40b of the cover member <NUM> is positioned sufficiently closely to the body <NUM>, for example the cover member <NUM> is sandwiched sufficiently tightly between the inner wall 15a and the outer wall 15b of the first wall <NUM> that the printing opening <NUM> is adequately sealed by the cover member <NUM>, so as to meet the desired ingress protection (IP) rating. Where at least a part (for example a layer) of the cover member <NUM> is manufactured from a compressible material, for example closed cell foam, the cover member <NUM> is compressed against the body <NUM>, for example the perimeter of the printing opening <NUM>, so as to provide an adequate seal. It will be understood that the seal may be broken by operation of the movement mechanism <NUM>. In other words, the seal is a temporary seal.

In the closed position, where provided, the plug member <NUM> may be substantially aligned with the printing opening <NUM>. The plug member <NUM> may engage with the printing opening <NUM> so as to enhance the seal between the cover member <NUM> and the body <NUM>, so as to protect against the ingress of solids and/or liquids into the casing <NUM> when the cover member <NUM> is in the closed position.

To move the cover member <NUM> to the open position relative to the body <NUM>, the movement mechanism <NUM> may be operated in reverse compared with the movement to move the cover member <NUM> to the closed position. For example, if the rollers <NUM>, <NUM> are rotated clockwise to move the cover member <NUM> from the open position to the closed position, anticlockwise rotation of the rollers <NUM>, <NUM> may move the cover member <NUM> from the closed position to the open position. It will be understood that further rotation of the rollers <NUM>, <NUM> in the same direction as the direction which moved the cover member <NUM> to the open position may enable the cover member <NUM> to be moved to an alternative closed position.

An alternative casing <NUM> is shown in <FIG>, for example. The casing <NUM> is configured to house at least a part of a printing apparatus <NUM>. The features of the printing apparatus <NUM> may be identical to those described above.

The casing <NUM> includes a body <NUM> which may be moulded or formed by attaching a plurality of wall components together. Where wall components are attached together, additional sealing methods or components may be utilised to inhibit the ingress of liquids and/or solids between the wall components. The body <NUM> may be double-walled or may include a double walled portion. The body <NUM> includes a first wall <NUM>. The body <NUM> may include a first side wall <NUM> and a second side wall <NUM>.

The body <NUM> includes a printing opening <NUM>. The printing opening <NUM> may be provided in the first wall <NUM>. The perimeter of the opening <NUM> may have smoothed edges 116a. The edges 116a of the opening <NUM> may be radiused. The edges of the opening 116a may be chamfered. The edges 116a of the opening <NUM> may be chamfered and radiused for the reasons outlined above.

The first wall <NUM> may be double-walled, having an inner wall 115a and an outer wall 115b. The first side wall <NUM> and/or the second side wall <NUM> may be double-walled, having respective inner walls 117a, 119a and respective outer walls 117b, 119b. It will be understood that the body <NUM> may be a closed body with the exception of the printing opening <NUM>. The body <NUM> may be closed by engagement with a part of the printing apparatus <NUM> or another device. For example, the printing apparatus <NUM> may include a cassette upon which are mounted reels of inked ribbon, and the body <NUM> may be configured to engage with a part of the cassette so as to close the body <NUM>. The printing opening <NUM> may be the only means of liquid and/or particle ingress into the body <NUM> when the casing <NUM> is in use, the body <NUM> being otherwise sealed.

As explained above, the printhead <NUM> may be moveable relative to the casing <NUM> between a printing position and a housed position in which the printhead <NUM> is positioned inside the body <NUM>. The printhead <NUM> may also be movable to a cleaning position. The cleaning position may be a housed position. The casing <NUM> may be configured to house additional components of the printing apparatus <NUM>, for example rotatable spools for carrying reels of inked ribbon and/or motors and/or other moveable and/or electronic components (not shown).

The casing <NUM> includes a cover member <NUM>. The cover member <NUM> has a first face 140a, and a second face 140b. The cover member <NUM> may be formed as a substantially continuous loop, for example as shown in <FIG>. The cover member <NUM> may have a width W. The first face 140a may be an inner face of the cover member <NUM>, at least a part of which, in use, may be directed towards the inside of the body <NUM>. The second face 140b, may be an outer face of the cover member <NUM>, at least a part of which, in use, may be directed to face outwardly relative to the body <NUM>. The cover member <NUM> may include a plurality of layers. The cover member <NUM> may include a flexible sheet of material. The cover member <NUM> may include a water-resistant or waterproof portion. The whole of the cover member <NUM> may be water-resistant or waterproof. The cover member <NUM> may be manufactured from or include a portion that is formed from a polymer. The cover member <NUM> may be manufactured from or include a portion that is formed from closed cell foam. The cover member <NUM> or a portion thereof may be compressible.

The cover member <NUM> includes an aperture <NUM>. The aperture <NUM> of the cover member <NUM> may be configured to be a similar size and or shape to the printing opening <NUM> of the body <NUM>. The edges 142a of the perimeter of the aperture <NUM> may be smoothed, for example chamfered, for the reasons explained above.

The cover member <NUM> may include a sealing arrangement similar to that of the cover member <NUM>. The sealing arrangement may include one or more of a sealing member and a plug member as described above.

The cover member <NUM> may include one or more reinforcement members <NUM> to strengthen the cover member <NUM>. The or each reinforcement member <NUM> may be provided in the region of the aperture <NUM>. Reinforcement members <NUM> may surround the aperture <NUM>. The or each reinforcement member <NUM> may be similar in any or all respects to the or each reinforcement member <NUM> described above.

The cover member <NUM> may be mounted for movement relative to the body <NUM>. The cover member <NUM> may be sandwiched between the inner walls 115a, 117a, 119a and the outer walls 115b, 117b, 119b of the body.

The cover member <NUM> is moveable between a first, closed position and a second, open position. The cover member <NUM> may be moveable in a substantially clockwise or anticlockwise direction relative to the body <NUM>. In the first, closed position, a portion of the cover member <NUM> substantially covers the printing opening <NUM> of the body <NUM>. In the second, open position, at least a part of the aperture <NUM> of the cover member <NUM> is aligned with the printing opening <NUM>.

The movement mechanism <NUM> may include an operating member. The operating member may include an engagement member <NUM>. The movement mechanism <NUM> may include a second engagement member <NUM>. The or each engagement member <NUM>, <NUM> may be a manually engageable. The or each engagement member <NUM>, <NUM> may be a handle or knob, for example. The or each engagement member <NUM>, <NUM> may be provided on the second (outer) face 140b of the cover member <NUM>. The or each engagement member <NUM>, <NUM> may have a length which is similar to, or otherwise corresponds with the width W of the cover member <NUM>, however, it will be appreciated that this is not essential.

The size and/or shape of the or each engagement member <NUM>, <NUM> may improve and/or optimise the strength and/or rigidity of the cover member <NUM>, for example to reduce the likelihood of deformation and/or tearing of the cover member <NUM> as a result of torsion and/or shear forces being applied to the cover member <NUM> when the cover member <NUM> is moved relative to the body <NUM>.

The movement mechanism <NUM> may include an opening <NUM> in the first side wall <NUM> of the body <NUM> (see <FIG>). Where the body <NUM> (in particular the side wall <NUM>) is double walled, the opening <NUM> may be provided only in the outer wall 117b of the first side wall <NUM>. The opening <NUM> may have a first end 118a and a second end 118b. The opening <NUM> may be a slot. The opening <NUM> may be a pair of slots, each having a first end 118a and a second end 118b. The first engagement member <NUM> may include a portion which extends through the opening <NUM>. The movement mechanism <NUM> may include a second opening <NUM> in the second side wall of the body <NUM>. Where the body <NUM> (in particular the side wall <NUM>) is double walled, the second opening <NUM> may be provided only in the outer wall 119b of the second side wall <NUM>. The second opening <NUM> may have a first end 120a and a second end 120b. The second opening <NUM> may be a slot. The second opening <NUM> may be a pair of slots, each having a first end 120a and a second end 120b. The second engagement member <NUM> may include a portion which extends through the second opening <NUM>. The or each of the first and second engagement member <NUM>, <NUM> may be slidable along the respective opening <NUM>, <NUM>. The length of the or each opening <NUM>, <NUM> may be selected to enable a sufficient travel distance of the cover member <NUM> relative to the body <NUM> to move the cover member <NUM> between its closed position and its open position. The or each opening <NUM>, <NUM> may be positioned such that a part of the cover member <NUM> covers the or each opening <NUM>, <NUM> at least when the cover member <NUM> is in a closed position relative to the body <NUM>. The or each opening <NUM>, <NUM> may be positioned such that a part of the cover member <NUM> always covers the or each opening <NUM>, <NUM>, regardless of whether the cover member <NUM> is in an open position or a closed position.

In use, the body <NUM> of the casing <NUM> is positioned around the at least a part of the printing apparatus <NUM> to form a printing assembly. A part of the printing apparatus <NUM> (e.g., a cassette plate) may be positioned adjacent the body <NUM>, to substantially close the casing <NUM>. The cover member <NUM> may be manually or automatically positioned in a default position. The default position may be the open position or the closed position. In the open position, the aperture <NUM> of the cover member <NUM> is at least partially aligned with the printing opening <NUM>, such that a part of the printing apparatus <NUM> (i.e., a part of the printhead14) is able to extend at least partially through the printing opening <NUM> and the aperture <NUM>. In the open position of the cover member <NUM>, the printing apparatus <NUM> is able to carry out a printing operation on to a substrate which may be located externally of the casing <NUM>.

When the cover member <NUM> is in the open position the sealing member (where provided) may be positioned around the printing opening <NUM> of the body <NUM>, so as to protect against the ingress of particles, e.g., dust, and/or liquids between the cover member <NUM> and the body <NUM>.

When the cover member <NUM> is to be moved between the open position and the closed position, one or both of the engagement members <NUM>, <NUM> are moved to move the cover member <NUM> relative to the body <NUM>.

<FIG> shows the cover member <NUM> in a closed position. When the cover member <NUM> is in the closed position, the cover member <NUM> covers or substantially covers the printing opening <NUM> of the body <NUM>, such that the casing <NUM> is sealed. A part of the aperture <NUM> is adjacent the first side wall <NUM>, in the example shown. It will be appreciated that there may be more than one position of the cover member <NUM> relative to the body <NUM> which provides a closed position. The aperture <NUM> of the cover member <NUM> may be positioned such that no part of the aperture <NUM> is aligned with the printing opening <NUM> in the closed position. The cover member <NUM> substantially covers and seals the printing opening <NUM>.

It will be understood that at least the second face 140b of the cover member <NUM> is positioned sufficiently closely to the body <NUM>, for example where the body <NUM> is double-walled, the cover member <NUM> may be sandwiched sufficiently tightly between the inner wall 115a and the outer wall 115b of the first wall <NUM> (and preferably the inner walls 117a, 119a, and the outer walls 117b, 119b of the first and second side walls <NUM>, <NUM>) that the printing opening <NUM> is adequately sealed by the cover member <NUM>, so as to meet the desired ingress protection (IP) rating. Where at least a part (for example a layer) of the cover member <NUM> is manufactured from a compressible material, for example closed cell foam, the cover member <NUM> is compressed against the body <NUM>, for example around the perimeter of the printing opening <NUM>, so as to provide an adequate seal. It will be understood that the seal between the cover member <NUM> and the body <NUM> may be broken by operation of the movement mechanism <NUM>. In other words, the seal is a temporary seal.

Where provided, the plug member may be substantially aligned with the printing opening <NUM> in the closed position. The plug member may engage with the printing opening <NUM> so as to enhance a seal between the cover member <NUM> and the body <NUM>, so as to protect against the ingress of solids and/or liquids into the casing <NUM> when the cover member <NUM> is in the closed position.

In the example shown in <FIG>, the cover member <NUM> is in a closed position in which the first engagement member <NUM> is positioned at towards the first end 118a of the first opening <NUM> and the second engagement member <NUM> is positioned towards the second end 120b of the second opening <NUM>. To move the cover member <NUM> to an open position relative to the body <NUM>, one or both of the engagement members <NUM>, <NUM> is moved towards the other end 118b, 120a of its respective opening <NUM>, <NUM>. It will be appreciated that the cover member <NUM> may reach the open position before each engagement member <NUM>, <NUM> has reached the other end 118b, 120a of its respective opening <NUM>, <NUM>. Engagement and movement of one of the engagement members <NUM>, <NUM> may be sufficient to cause movement of the other engagement member <NUM>, <NUM> along its respective opening <NUM>, <NUM>. This may depend on the rigidity of the cover member <NUM>. It will be understood that this is one of at least two alternative methods of moving the cover member <NUM> from its closed position to its open position; and is explained as an example only.

The cover member <NUM> may be moved relative to the body <NUM> in response to a signal. Movement of the cover member <NUM> may be controlled manually, mechanically or electrically, for example. The or each movement mechanism <NUM> may be operable manually, mechanically or electrically, for example. The or each engagement member <NUM>, <NUM> may be moveable relative to the or each respective opening <NUM>, <NUM> by a motor or motors, for example. A control device <NUM> may provide a signal to control the movement of the cover member <NUM> relative to the body <NUM>. The control of movement of the cover member <NUM> may be in response to a programmed or timed routine, or may be in response to an input, for example a user input. The control device <NUM> is shown in dashed lines since its position is not significant. It may be positioned internally or externally of the casing <NUM>.

The control device <NUM>, <NUM> which is capable of controlling the movement of the cover member <NUM>, <NUM> relative to the respective body <NUM>, <NUM> may be part of a control system <NUM>, <NUM>. The control system <NUM>, <NUM> may be operable to control printing operations, etc. of the printing apparatus <NUM>, by operation of a printing apparatus control device. The control device <NUM>, <NUM> may be the same as or separate from such a printing apparatus control device.

The control device <NUM>, <NUM> may be operable to control the opening and closing of a plurality of casings <NUM>, <NUM>, by controlling the movement of the respective movement mechanism <NUM>, <NUM> of each casing <NUM>, <NUM>. It will be understood that where a plurality of casings <NUM>, <NUM> are controlled, they may be opened and closed in a sequence or simultaneously, for example, i.e., in any appropriate or desired manner.

The control system <NUM>, <NUM> may determine or monitor the position and/or movement of the cover member <NUM>, <NUM> relative to the body <NUM>, <NUM>. The control system <NUM>, <NUM> may include one or more sensors and one or more sensed elements for detecting the position of the cover member <NUM>, <NUM> relative to the body <NUM>, <NUM>. For example, the cover member <NUM>, <NUM> may include one or more sensed elements <NUM>, <NUM>, for example a metallic or reflective element, and one or more sensors, each of which is operable to detect the presence and/or absence of the or each sensed element <NUM>, <NUM>, to control the or each motor which is responsible for movement of the cover member <NUM>, <NUM> relative to the body <NUM>, <NUM>. The or each sensed element <NUM>, <NUM> may act as a switch for controlling operation of the motor as the cover member <NUM>, <NUM> moves relative to the body <NUM>, <NUM>. It will be understood that the position of the or each sensor and the or each sensed element <NUM>, <NUM> may be reversed, for example, the or each sensed element <NUM>, <NUM> may be provided on or near the body <NUM>, <NUM>. One or more of the inner walls 15a, 115a, 117a, 119a may include one or more monitoring apertures <NUM>, <NUM> to facilitate the monitoring of position and/or movement of the cover member <NUM>, <NUM> relative to the body <NUM>, <NUM>. For example, the or each sensed element <NUM>, <NUM> may need to be directly sensed, rather than through a part of the body <NUM>, <NUM>, therefore providing one or more monitoring apertures <NUM>, <NUM>, enables direct sensing of the sensed element <NUM>, <NUM> by a sensor positioned adjacent the monitoring aperture <NUM>, <NUM>. The or each sensor may be positioned inside or outside the body <NUM>, <NUM>.

Additionally or alternatively, the or each motor responsible for the movement of the cover member <NUM>, <NUM> relative to the body <NUM>, <NUM> may be controlled by a programmed or timed routine.

The cover member <NUM>, <NUM> may include one or more cleaning portions <NUM>, <NUM>. The or each cleaning portion <NUM>, <NUM> may be provided on the first, inner face 40a, 140a of the cover member <NUM>, <NUM>. The or each cleaning portion <NUM>, <NUM> may include an abrasive material. The or each cleaning portion <NUM>, <NUM> may be positioned such that the printhead <NUM> may be brought into contact with the cleaning portion <NUM>, <NUM> or one of the cleaning portions <NUM>, <NUM> during a cleaning operation. The or each cleaning portion <NUM>, <NUM> may be positioned on the cover member <NUM>, <NUM> such that the cleaning portion <NUM>, <NUM> pr at least one of the cleaning portions <NUM>, <NUM> is positioned adjacent the printhead <NUM> when the cover member <NUM>, <NUM> is in a closed position relative to the body <NUM>, <NUM>.

To carry out a cleaning operation, the cover member <NUM>, <NUM> may be moved relative to the body <NUM>, <NUM> into a cleaning position. Relative movement between the printhead <NUM> and the cleaning portion <NUM>, <NUM> may be carried out, by moving at least one of the printhead <NUM> and the cover member <NUM>, <NUM>. The abrasive material removes residual ink from the printhead. Residual ink on the printhead can affect performance of the printing apparatus since the print quality can be reduced. Regular, for example daily, cleaning of printheads is recommended. Providing a cleaning portion <NUM>, <NUM> on the cover member <NUM>, <NUM>, enables printhead cleaning to be carried out at the same time as cleaning the production line, whilst simultaneously providing ingress protection for the printing apparatus <NUM>. The cover member <NUM>, <NUM> must be stiff enough to be able to withstand the force of the printhead <NUM> bearing against it during the printhead cleaning operation. The cover member <NUM>, <NUM> should not distort or break as a result of a printhead cleaning operation. The control system <NUM>, <NUM> may control the performance of a cleaning operation, controlling the movement of the cover member <NUM>, <NUM>, and/or the printhead <NUM>. The cleaning operation may include one or more of the following steps: moving the cover member <NUM>,<NUM> to a closed position relative to the body <NUM>, <NUM>, positioning the cleaning portion <NUM>, <NUM> adjacent or near the printhead <NUM>, moving the printhead <NUM> and the cover member <NUM>, <NUM> relative to one another, by movement of one or both of the cover member <NUM>, <NUM> and the printhead <NUM>; moving the cover member <NUM>, <NUM> relative to the body <NUM>, <NUM> to move the cover member <NUM>, <NUM> to an open position relative to the body <NUM>, <NUM>.

As described and shown herein, the cover member <NUM>, <NUM> is moveable "side to side" between the open and closed positions. However, it will be understood that the cover member <NUM>, <NUM> may additionally or alternatively move "front to back" relative to the body <NUM>, <NUM>. In other words, first and second directions of movement of the cover member <NUM>, <NUM> relative to the body <NUM>, <NUM> may cause the position of the aperture <NUM>, <NUM> of the cover member <NUM>, <NUM> to alter relative to the side walls <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. The cover member <NUM>, <NUM> may additionally or alternatively move in directions substantially perpendicular to the first and second directions, such that the aperture <NUM>, <NUM> of the cover member <NUM>, <NUM> moves relative to the opening <NUM>, <NUM>, between the open and closed positions (in the directions shown by the double-headed arrow A in <FIG>), but does not substantially move relative to the side walls <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. It will be understood that the arrangement of the features provided to enable movement of the cover member <NUM>, <NUM> will be appropriate to the direction(s) of movement of the cover member <NUM>, <NUM>. A movement mechanism <NUM> may be provided which is similar to one of the movement mechanisms <NUM>, <NUM>, described above. <FIG> shows a pair of rollers <NUM>, <NUM> which operate in a similar fashion to the rollers <NUM>, <NUM>, but which are oriented substantially perpendicularly relative to the body <NUM>, compared with the orientation of the rollers <NUM>, <NUM>. The cover member <NUM> of <FIG> is moveable by rotating one or both of the rollers <NUM>, <NUM>.

The casing as disclosed herein provides ingress protection which does not require separate bags or covers. The cover member provides integrated ingress protection, which, being integrated with the printing assembly, is always available, and is quick and simple to operate. The printing apparatus or parts thereof do not have to be removed from the printing assembly during cleaning of the production line to protect the printing apparatus from the ingress of liquids and or solids.

The addition of the cleaning portion enables a printhead cleaning operation to be carried out simultaneously with a cleaning process for the production line in which the printing assembly is installed. This saves time and labour.

Claim 1:
A casing (<NUM>, <NUM>) for a printing apparatus (<NUM>), the casing (<NUM>, <NUM>) including
a body (<NUM>, <NUM>) having a printing opening (<NUM>, <NUM>), and
a cover member (<NUM>, <NUM>) having an aperture (<NUM>, <NUM>),
characterised in that
the cover member (<NUM>, <NUM>) is moveable relative to the body (<NUM>, <NUM>) between an open position in which at least a part of the aperture (<NUM>, <NUM>) of the cover member (<NUM>, <NUM>) is substantially aligned with the printing opening (<NUM>, <NUM>) of the body (<NUM>, <NUM>), and a closed position in which at least a part of the cover member (<NUM>, <NUM>) substantially closes the printing opening (<NUM>, <NUM>) of the body (<NUM>, <NUM>).