Process and device for cleaning the nozzles of inkjet printers, and print head and printer incorporating such a device
First Claim
1. Process of cleaning at least one ink nozzle of a ink jet printer when the jet is stopped, said process comprising the following successive stages:
- the spraying of a cleaning solvent towards the ink nozzle, at an angle to the ink jet, from a fixed cleaning jet situated downstream of the nozzle. the blowing of dry air towards the front face of the ink nozzle from said cleaning jet
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Process and device for cleaning the nozzles of ink jet printers, and the print head incorporating such a device.
A fixed cleaning jet (22) is installed on the print head, downstream of the ink nozzle to be cleaned (18) and offset to one side of it. When the ink jet stops, a given volume of solvent is sprayed by this cleaning jet, which hits the nozzle (18) at an angle. In this way the front face of the droplet generator is cleaned and scoured, and the ink residues are ejected towards the opposite side of the housing (36). Dry compressed air is then blown through the cleaning jet towards the ink nozzle (18) to dry the front of the nozzle and the ink residues deposited on the side of the housing (36).
7 Citations
15 Claims
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1. Process of cleaning at least one ink nozzle of a ink jet printer when the jet is stopped, said process comprising the following successive stages:
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the spraying of a cleaning solvent towards the ink nozzle, at an angle to the ink jet, from a fixed cleaning jet situated downstream of the nozzle. the blowing of dry air towards the front face of the ink nozzle from said cleaning jet - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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- 8. Device for cleaning at least one ink nozzle of an ink jet printer when the jet is stopped, said device comprising a fixed cleaning jet situated downstream of the ink nozzle and able to spray cleaning solvent and then blow dry air towards the ink nozzle, at an angle to the ink jet, when the device is operated.
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14. Print head comprising at least one ink nozzle and a device for cleaning said nozzle comprising a fixed cleaning jet located downstream of the ink nozzle and able to spray cleaning solvent then blow dry air towards the ink nozzle, at an angle to the ink jet, when the device is operated.
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15. Printer comprising at least one print head comprising at least one ink nozzle and a device for cleaning said nozzle comprising a fixed cleaning jet located downstream of the ink nozzle and able to spray cleaning solvent then blow dry air towards the ink nozzle, at an angle to the ink jet, when the device is operated
Specification