Fiber cleaning system for inkjet printhead wipers
US5949448A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 31, 1997 |
| Grant date | Sep 7, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 31, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB41J2/16541
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A fiber wiper cleaning system is provided for removing ink residue from a wiper after wiping an inkjet printhead in an inkjet printing mechanism. A service station supports the wiper while removing ink residue from the printhead through relative motion of the wiper and printhead. The service station has a fiber wiper cleaner that contacts and cleans the wiper to present the printhead with a fresh wiping surface during the next wiping stroke. Any auxiliary flaps used to clean areas adjacent the printhead are also cleaned using this system. Interaction of the wiper and cleaner pumps ink residue from between the cleaner fibers to ready the fibers for the next cleaning cycle. An inkjet printing mechanism having such a fiber wiper cleaning 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.