Ink jet printer with cleaning mechanism having a wiper blade and transducer and method of assembling the printer
US6241337A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 28, 1998 |
| Grant date | Jun 5, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 28, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB41J2002/16567
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An ink jet printer with cleaning mechanism having a wiper blade and transducer, and method of assembling same. The printer comprises a print head having a surface thereon surrounding a plurality of ink ejection orifices. The orifices are in communication with respective ones of a plurality of ink channels formed in the print head. A cleaning liquid delivering wiper is provided as a means to a clean print head. Further, sonic or ultrasonic transducer is provided to energize the wiper and the cleaning liquid flowing through solvent delivering channels in wiper. Contaminant residing on the surface is entrained in the cleaning liquid while the wiper flushes contaminant from the surface. Cleaning liquid and contaminant is transported away through a number of devices; return passageways internal to the wiper in combination with wicking channels, return passageways provided in a canopy, and return passageways provided in a trailing hood. In addition, a piping circuit is associated with the print head for filtering the particulate matter from the solvent and for recirculating clean solvent to the surface of the print head.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.