Method and arrangement for maintaining the nozzles of an ink print head clean by forming a solvent-enriched microclimate in an antechamber containing the nozzles

US5929877A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Franoctyp-Postalia AG & Co. · DE

Inventors

• Ulrich Hetzer · Berlin, DE
• Jurgen Quass · Berlin, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Jun 6, 1996
• Grant date: Jul 27, 1999
• Expiry date: Jun 6, 2016

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B41J2/16552
• WIPO field: Textile and paper machines
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A microclimate enriched by solvent vapors is produced in the antechamber during print operation and also predominates during the print pauses, the microclimate having a slightly higher pressure than the outer atmosphere. In this way all nozzles are equally protected against drying out. During print pauses of longer duration, the antechamber is closed and, if needed, is rinsed with solvent. The antechamber is formed by the ink print head being set back in relation to the front wall of the housing. In the front wall opposite the nozzles, openings are made whose width is larger than the diameter of a nozzle opening. The antechamber has a trough-shaped area for the inlet and outlet of solvent by capillary action, and a non-capillary area for the solvent vapors. A seal bonnet is provided for sealing during longer print pauses and cleaning processes.