High deflection capping system for inkjet printheads
US6386678B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 16, 2000 |
| Grant date | May 14, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 15, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB41J2/16508
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A high deflection capping system has an elastomeric sealing member with a sealing lip that, when viewed in cross section, forms a smiling-shaped seal against an inkjet printhead to provide improved printhead sealing, particularly when sealing over surface irregularities on the printhead. This high deflection sealing member may be onsert molded onto a support frame. A series of these sealing lips being molded on a single flexible frame to simultaneously seal several adjacent inkjet printheads, with the flexible frame having a border region with one or more cap bases attached to the frame by plural suspension spring elements. The suspension spring elements have both cantilever and torsional characteristics which allow the bases to tilt and twist independent of one another to seal each printhead. Alternatively, the support frame may be designed to support only a single high deflection sealing member. A venting system is also provided with vapor diffusion handling capabilities.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.