Variable force wiper for maintenance station of imaging device
US9120316B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 29, 2012 |
| Grant date | Sep 1, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 11, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB41J2/16544
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A wiper for a maintenance station of an imaging device includes a foundational body and a flexible blade. The body rigidly attaches to the maintenance station. The blade attaches to the body. The blade scrapes fluid and debris from a printhead during use. The blade comprises a flexible material having terminal sections intervened by a central section. Each terminal section connects to the body with a thicker expanse of flexible material, whereas the central section connects to the body with a thinner expanse. The connection provides the terminal sections with a higher wiping force and a shorter effective beam length for wiping an encapsulant of the printhead and gives while the central section a lower wiping force and a longer effective beam length for wiping a nozzle plate of the printhead. The embodiments note curved surfaces with variable radiuses where the expanses of flexible material connect to the body.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.