Ink supply tube guiding system for large format printer
US6247802A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 29, 1999 |
| Grant date | Jun 19, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 29, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB41J2/175
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An ink supply tube guiding system for a large format inkjet printer includes front and rear oppositely facing tube guide channels each having a lower flange which supports the ink tubes which convey printer ink from stationary reservoirs to printheads mounted on a transversely movable printhead carriage. The tube guide channels provide support for the flexible ink supply tubes which are preferably bundled together in a vertically extending plane which has front and rear reaches of the tubes respectively supported by the front and rear channels and a reversed bend between the front and rear tube ridges which is self-supporting between the guide channels. The tube guide channels and ridges which support the guide channels on the printer frame provide a rigid structure in which the flexible ink tubes may be smoothly guided while minimizing wear of the flexible ink tubes.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.