Patent · US Active

Flow path unit and image forming apparatus that includes flow path unit

US8579422B2 · kind B2 · utility

4Cited by
4References
6Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateJan 17, 2012
Grant dateNov 12, 2013
Priority date
Expiry dateJan 20, 2032

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB41J2202/12
  • WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A flow path unit includes: a tank that accumulates a discharge fluid; a main flow path pipe that is connected to the tank and that includes a horizontal section that transfers the discharge fluid in the horizontal direction; a diverging flow path pipe that diverges in plurality from the main flow path pipe and in which each is respectively connected to a plurality of discharge units that discharge the discharge fluid; a pump; a bypass flow path pipe that is connected to the main flow path pipe; a valve that switches the flow or otherwise of the discharge fluid in the bypass flow path pipe by opening and closing; and a control unit that switches between a first control state of recycling the discharge fluid in a flow path that passes through the horizontal section.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.