Method of shutting down a continuous ink jet printer for maintaining positive pressure at the printhead
US7213902B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 5, 2004 |
| Grant date | May 8, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 13, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB41J2/185
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The method for shutting down an ink jet printhead and an ink jet printing station, wherein the method includes maintaining a constant positive pressure at the drop generator by closing the cross flush valve or ensuring that the cross flush valve is closed, thereby closing off the fluid return line to create a constant positive pressure through the drop generator and the orifice into the fluid line. The shutdown continues by stopping the flow of fluid from the fluid supply line and circulating cleaning fluid through at least one filter, into the drop generator, out through the orifice structure, into the fluid line, and into a reservoir. The shutdown ends by flowing pressurized air, which is preferably clean of particulates, through the filter, drop generator, orifice structure, and fluid line to displace substantially all the cleaning fluid from the filter, drop generator, and orifice structure.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.