Replaceable inkjet ink solvent application system
US6224186A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 8, 1999 |
| Grant date | May 1, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 8, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB41J2/16552
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A replaceable inkjet printhead cleaner service station system has separate replaceable cleaning units for each printhead in an inkjet printing mechanism, which has a pallet that moves the cleaning units translationally to service the printheads. Each cleaning unit has a printhead wiper, a printhead snout wiper, a capping system, a spittoon, and optionally, an ink solvent application system. The application system has a reservoir body impregnated with an ink solvent, and a solvent distribution member including a unitary applicator wick having a ramped portion located to apply the ink solvent to the printhead when an edge of the printhead is brought into contact with the wick. A wick support spring is preloaded to supply a substantially consistent amount of ink solvent to the printhead, regardless of vertical spacing or tolerance variations therebetween. A method is provided for cleaning an inkjet printhead, along with a printing mechanism employing such a system.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.