Patent ID: 6406122
Filing Date: 2002-06-18
Classification: B41J

Abstract:
In a self-cleaning printer having a print head with a print head surface and a plurality of ink channels terminating in orifices surrounded by said print head surface, said print head further including a fixed gutter for receiving non-deflected ink drops exiting said orifices, a cleaning assembly for removing contaminants from said print head surface and said orifices comprising:a cup defining a cavity with an open end adapted to make contact with said print head surface; an inflow channel providing an entry pathway into said cavity; and an outflow channel providing an exit pathway from said cavity, said outflow channel comprising a gutter channel within said fixed gutter; wherein said inflow and outflow channels are predisposed for directing the flow of cleaning liquid into said cavity, over said print head surface and said orifices and out of said cavity of said cup so that contaminants are removed from said print head.