Methods and apparatus for cleaning an inkjet print head
US6698863B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 13, 2002 |
| Grant date | Mar 2, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 11, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB41J25/308
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Apparatus and methods of cleaning the nozzle area and the ink nozzle of a print head of an inkjet imaging apparatus include devices of moving the nozzle area into contact with an imaging media, wherein the nozzle area is moved relative to the imaging media to thereby scrub contaminants and the like from the nozzle area and the ink nozzle. The is accomplished by way of an actuating mechanism that can be configured either to move the print head or to move a backup object which, in turn, moves the imaging media. The print head can be configured to spray ink onto the imaging media just prior to bringing the nozzle area and imaging media into contact with one another, wherein the wet ink can have a solvent effect during the scrubbing of the nozzle area against the imaging media.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.