Patent · US Expired

Replaceable capping system for inkjet printheads

US6402290B1 · kind B1 · utility

11Cited by
22References
27Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateAug 16, 2000
Grant dateJun 11, 2002
Priority date
Expiry dateAug 28, 2020

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB41J2/16538
  • WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A replaceable inkjet printhead cleaner service station system has separate replaceable cleaning units for each printhead in an inkjet printing mechanism, which has a pallet that moves the cleaning units translationally to service the printheads. Each cleaning unit has a printhead wiper, a printhead snout wiper, a capping system, a spittoon, and optionally, an ink solvent application system. A service station pallet moves a replaceable base between rest and sealing positions, with the base defining a cam surface. A sled has a cam follower that rides along the cam surface, with the sled supporting a cap lip. An activation wall extends from the sled to engage the printhead and move the sled along the cam surface to the sealing position through linear motion of the pallet while the printhead remains stationary. A method is provided for sealing an inkjet printhead, along with a printing mechanism employing such a capping system.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.