Patent ID: 6513900
Filing Date: 2003-02-04
Classification: B41J

Abstract:
A printer for printing images by ejecting ink droplets from a plurality of nozzles, comprising:a print head having a plurality of nozzles; and a sensor including a light-emitting element configured to emit detection light and a light-receiving element configured to receive the detection light, and configured to inspect operation of a nozzle by determining whether the detection light has been blocked by the ink droplets ejected by the nozzle, the sensor further comprising: a first condensing element configured to condense the detection light; and an apertured element having an aperture for the detection light, wherein the light-emitting element and the first condensing element are configured such that a focal point of the detection light is below a part of the print head where the plurality of nozzles are arranged, and the apertured element and the first condensing element disposed such that the detection light intersects ejecting paths of the ink droplets at an exit side of the apertured element and the first condensing element, thereby reducing variation of a width of the detection light intersecting the ejecting paths of the ink droplets.