Flexible frame onsert capping of inkjet printheads
US5936647A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 31, 1996 |
| Grant date | Aug 10, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 31, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB41J2/16508
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A flexible frame onsert molded capping system has an elastomeric sealing lip onsert molded onto a flexible, flat, springy support frame, preferably with series of these sealing lips being molded on a single flexible frame to simultaneously seal several adjacent inkjet printheads. The frame has a border region with one or more cap bases attached to the frame by plural suspension spring elements. The suspension spring elements have both cantilever and torsional characteristics which allow the bases to tilt and twist independent of one another to seal each printhead, even when the orifice plates of adjacent printheads are not in a coplanar alignment. Use of a single piece frame, and onsert molding of the cap lips thereon, decreases the number of parts required to assemble an inkjet printing mechanism, leading to a more economical unit which is easier to assemble.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.