Cleaning system for a continuous ink jet printer
US7150512B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 17, 2004 |
| Grant date | Dec 19, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 30, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB41J2002/16567
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A cleaning system for a continuous ink jet printer includes a first solvent supply conduit connected to a solvent source for conveying solvent through a supply opening and onto the front face of the print head. A second solvent supply conduit is connected to the solvent source for conveying solvent through a supply opening and onto a surface of the catcher. The solvent that is supplied to the print head and the catcher is removed under vacuum and returned to the ink supply system. The cleaning system may include an orifice unclogging mechanism that causes said solvent disposed on said front face to flow into said orifice in the reverse of the direction ink flows through said orifice for printing. The cleaning system may also include a piezoelectric element for generating a stress wave in the print head during cleaning. The piezoelectric element may comprise a piezoelectric oscillator that is also used during printing to creates perturbations in the ink flow at the nozzle so as to generate a stream of spaced drops from the nozzle.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.