Multi-fluidic cleaning for ink jet print heads
US6196657A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 16, 1999 |
| Grant date | Mar 6, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 16, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB41J2/185
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Multi-fluidic cleaning for an ink jet print head (10) and a method for assembling the same. The print head (10) has a surface (14) defining at least one orifice (16) therethrough, the at least one orifice (16) being susceptible to being obstructed by contaminants. A cleaning assembly (22) of the invention is disposed proximate the surface (14) for directing a flow of fluid along the surface (14) and across the at least one orifice (16) to clean contaminants from the surface (14) and the at least one orifice (16). The cleaning assembly (22) includes a cup (24) sealingly surrounding the at least one orifice (16), the cup (24) defining a cavity (26) therein. The cleaning assembly (22) further includes a valve system (32) in fluid communication with the cavity (26) for allowing a fluid flow stream (44) consisting of alternating segments (46,48,50) of at least one liquid cleaning agent from a liquid cleaning agent source (40,42) and another element such as a gas from a gas source (38) or a second liquid cleaning agent from a liquid cleaning agent source (40,42) into the cavity (26).
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.