Droplet ejection apparatus and ejection failure recovery method
US7150513B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 27, 2004 |
| Grant date | Dec 19, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 13, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB41J2002/14411
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A droplet ejection apparatus is provided having a plurality of droplet ejection heads each ejecting liquid within a cavity through a nozzle in the form of droplets by driving an actuator with a driving circuit. The apparatus includes: ejection failure detecting means for detecting an ejection failure of the droplet ejection heads and a cause thereof; and recovery means for performing a recovery process depending on the cause of the ejection failure if the ejection failure detecting means detects the ejection failure when the droplets are ejected through the nozzles. Also, if a failing nozzle is detected, a recovery process is performed depending on the cause of the ejection failure at least for the failing nozzle. Thereafter, detection by the ejection failure detecting means is repeated by forcing the failing nozzle to perform a droplet ejection operation alone.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.