Patent · US Expired

Service station for inkjet printheads

US6497471B1 · kind B1 · utility

24Cited by
7References
7Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateMay 15, 2000
Grant dateDec 24, 2002
Priority date
Expiry dateMay 15, 2020

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB41J2/16552
  • WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A service station system for cleaning printheads, particularly inkjet printheads is provided. The service station includes a body having a seal attached thereto and at least one pressure operated sprayer attached to the body within an area demarcated by the seal. Each sprayer includes a bent cap, which enables spraying a cleaning agent at a predetermined spray angle. The sprayers are positioned so that substantially all of the nozzle plate will be wetted by the cleaning agent when the seal, the body and the nozzle plate are positioned to form an enclosed volume. The service station also includes a pressure release valve to keep the pressure within the enclosed volume at atmospheric level during spraying.

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