Clean-in place system for an ink jet printhead
US6254216A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 29, 1998 |
| Grant date | Jul 3, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 29, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB41J2/185
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A clean-in-place system for use in an ink jet printhead has a compartment and an end plate with a slot therein to permit ink drops to be projected from the compartment onto a substrate to be marked. For cleaning purposes, a shutter is disposed adjacent the slot to seal it. Thereafter, the pump floods the compartment with ink solvent from a solvent reservoir. The solvent may be agitated by air or a mechanical device. Thereafter, a drain line is used to remove the solvent from the compartment. The pneumatic shutter is reopened after the solvent is withdrawn to enhance the drying of the components. The shutter may consist of an inflatable member and a pump for supplying compressed air to the inflatable member to inflate and deflate it.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.