Image forming apparatus
US8506066B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 9, 2012 |
| Grant date | Aug 13, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 9, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T137/309
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
In an image forming apparatus ejecting droplets of a liquid, a valve unit is provided to connect a liquid tank with a discharge flow path connecting the valve unit with a waste liquid tank. The valve unit has a first valve having a communication path, a spring biasing the first valve to open, a valve sheet, and a second valve to open or close the discharge flow path in conjunction with movement of the first valve. When a discharging device is not driven, the first valve maintains an open state while the second valve maintains a close state. When the discharging device is driven, the second valve achieves an open state and air flows through the communication path. When the liquid flows through the communication path, the first valve is moved to achieve a closed state while the second valve maintains the open state, thereby closing the discharge flow path.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.