Patent · US Expired

Multi-finned wiping system for inkjet printheads

US5815176A · kind A · utility

53Cited by
5References
27Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateJan 30, 1996
Grant dateSep 29, 1998
Priority date
Expiry dateJan 30, 2016

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB41J2/16541
  • WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A multi-finned wiping system is provided for wiping an inkjet printhead that accumulates ink residue when used in an inkjet printing mechanism. A service station supports a wiper that contacts and wipes ink residue from the printhead. The service station also supports a cleaner that contacts and cleans the wiper. Either the wiper or the cleaner maybe constructed is of a resilient material comprising plural fins arranged to define an interstice between adjacent fins to capture the ink residue in the interstice. Interaction of the wiper and cleaner during the cleaning process pumps ink residue from the interstice to ready the fins for the next cleaning cycle. An inkjet printing mechanism having such a finned wiping system is also provided, along with a method of wiping accumulated ink residue from an inkjet printhead installed in an inkjet printing mechanism.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.