Ink leak detection system in inkjet printing devices
US6402277B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 31, 2000 |
| Grant date | Jun 11, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 31, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB41J2/17596
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An inkjet printing device has a frame, a transversely moveable printhead carriage, carrying a plurality of inkjet printheads, mounted for reciprocating movement on the frame, ink supply reservoirs mounted on the frame and flexible ink supply tubes for delivering ink from each of the ink reservoirs to a corresponding inkjet printhead. The device further includes an ink leakage detection system with an ink collector for collecting an ink leak from the ink supply tubes, and a sensing circuit coupled to the collecting unit, capable of detecting the presence of ink in the ink collector. A method of detecting the ink leak in the inkjet printing device includes the step of: conveying the ink leak from an ink delivery system to the ink collector, both comprised by the inkjet printing device; sensing when the ink is present in the ink collector; providing the information that an ink leakage is present in the device; and stopping the device.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.