Ink-jet image forming apparatus and method of controlling ink flow
US8342666B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 3, 2008 |
| Grant date | Jan 1, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 30, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB41J2/17596
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An ink-jet image forming apparatus. The ink-jet image forming apparatus includes a print head having a plurality of nozzles to eject ink, an ink tank to store the ink, an ink supply passage to supply the ink in the ink tank to the print head, an ink return passage to return the ink in the print head to the ink tank, a regulator mounted in the ink supply passage to regulate ink flow supplied to the print head, a shut-off valve mounted in the ink supply passage, between the ink tank and the regulator, to intercept ink flow supplied to the regulator, and an ink pump mounted in the ink return passage to forcedly flow the ink in the ink return passage. The ink pump is configured to be driven in forward and reverse directions so as to change an ink flow direction. Since the shut-off valve intercepts forcedly the ink flow in the ink supply passage, the ink in the ink tank is prevented from flowing abnormally to the print head and leaking from the print head.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.