Patent · US Active

Image forming apparatus

US8919921B2 · kind B2 · utility

2Cited by
4References
19Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateNov 8, 2013
Grant dateDec 30, 2014
Priority date
Expiry dateNov 8, 2033

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB41J2/16579
  • WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

An image forming apparatus includes a recording head, an ejection detector, and a cleaner. The ejection detector detects ejection or non-ejection of droplets from the head and has an electrode member disposed in an area in which the electrode member is opposable to the head. The cleaner cleans the electrode member after ejection or non-ejection of droplets from nozzles of the head is detected by detection of electric changes of the electrode member generated when the droplets ejected from the nozzles land on the electrode member with a potential difference created between a nozzle face of the head and the electrode member and the nozzle face opposed to the electrode member. The cleaner includes a wiping member to wipe droplets adhering to the electrode member. The wiping member and the electrode member are configured to be relatively moved in parallel to a nozzle array direction to clean the electrode member.

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