Apparatus and method for cleaning an inkjet printhead

US7918530B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• R.R. Donnelley · US

Inventors

• Dan E. Kanfoush · Grand Island, US
• Kevin J. Hook · Grand Island, US
• Anthony V. Moscato · North Tonawanda, US
• Theodore F. Cyman, Jr. · Grand Island, US
• Lawrence Pilon · Hamburg, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Feb 2, 2007
• Grant date: Apr 5, 2011
• Expiry date: Jan 14, 2030

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B41J2202/20
• WIPO field: Textile and paper machines
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A cleaning system for an inkjet printhead comprises an inkjet printhead having an inkjet nozzle array associated therewith. The inkjet printhead is in fluid communication with a first source of a first pressurized fluid. A fluid nozzle associated with the inkjet printhead is in fluid communication with a second source of a second pressurized fluid. The cleaning system further comprises a collection plate. Ink is forcibly ejected from the inkjet printhead by the first source of the first pressurized fluid. A stream of the second pressurized fluid is guided by the fluid nozzle across a surface of the inkjet printhead to direct ink ejected from the inkjet printhead onto the collection plate.