Device for cleaning an ink jet print head

US6183059A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Francotyp-Postalia GmbH · DE

Inventors

• Wolfgang Muhl · Hohen Neuendorf, DE
• Michael Seikel · Berlin, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Jun 18, 1998
• Grant date: Feb 6, 2001
• Expiry date: Jun 18, 2018

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G07B2017/00524
• WIPO field: Textile and paper machines
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

An assembly for cleaning an ink jet print head which is stationary in a postage meter and/or addressing machine behind a guide plate for imprintable media in a print window. The ink jet print head is pivotable between a printing position and a cleaning and/or sealing position. A cleaning and sealing device is also disposed behind the guide plate and it is selectively movable towards the ink jet print head for cleaning and/or sealing. The cleaning and sealing device includes a sealing cap adapted to the front side of the ink jet print head, along with a transversely sweeping wiper lip and a vacuuming device. The sealing cap defines a suction region for the wiper lip, and the ink jet print head in its housing has a compartment with a replaceable absorbent filling. The wiper lip is not only stripped along the filling but also vacuumed via the suction region. The suction region is also used to vacuum the filling. This prevents soiling of the nozzle face from residual ink on the wiper lip.