Patent ID: 6726304
Filing Date: 2004-04-27
Classification: B41J

Abstract:
An inkjet printhead including a cleaning structure defining:a) an outlet orifice plate having a plurality of orifices for ejecting ink droplets and having a surface formed of material including silver or gold; b) means defining a pumping cavity in communication with the orifices for receiving ink and formed, at least in part, of a piezo electric material which, when energized, squeezes the pumping cavity to eject ink through the orifice; and c) a cleaning station including means for applying a cleaning liquid to clean the orifice plate, such cleaning liquid including a hydrophobic additive in the liquid having a strong affinity for the material which forms the orifice surface and coats such surface to form a protective coating of such additive so that if a portion of the protective coating is removed, such portion will be repaired by the additive material.