Printer with ink pressure regulator
US8033635B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 30, 2009 |
| Grant date | Oct 11, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 30, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB41J29/08
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An inkjet printer includes a printhead integrated circuit (IC) with an array of nozzles for ejecting ink on to print media; an ink supply reservoir for storing ink; an ink supply line defining a flow path from the ink supply reservoir to the printhead IC; a valve in the ink supply line proximate the printhead IC selectively closing the flow path to the printhead IC; an ink purge actuator for forcing a volume of ink out of the printhead under pressure; a printhead maintenance system having a collection roller for rotating such that the collection roller surface collects ink purged from the printhead and draws the ink away; and a pressure regulator provided in the ink supply reservoir downstream from the ink supply reservoir. The pressure regulator is normally biased shut, and operable to open upon a threshold pressure difference between ink upstream of the pressure regulator and ink downstream of the pressure regulator.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.