Patent Abstract:
An ink jet printer with cleaning mechanism having a wiper blade and transducer, and method of assembling same. The printer comprises a print head having a surface thereon surrounding a plurality of ink ejection orifices. The orifices are in communication with respective ones of a plurality of ink channels formed in the print head. A cleaning liquid delivering wiper is provided as a means to a clean print head. Further, sonic or ultrasonic transducer is provided to energize the wiper and the cleaning liquid flowing through solvent delivering channels in wiper. Contaminant residing on the surface is entrained in the cleaning liquid while the wiper flushes contaminant from the surface. Cleaning liquid and contaminant is transported away through a number of devices; return passageways internal to the wiper in combination with wicking channels, return passageways provided in a canopy, and return passageways provided in a trailing hood. In addition, a piping circuit is associated with the print head for filtering the particulate matter from the solvent and for recirculating clean solvent to the surface of the print head.

Full Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention generally relates to ink jet printer apparatus and methods and more particularly relates to an ink jet printer with cleaning mechanism having a wiper blade and transducer, and method of assembling the printer. 
     An ink jet printer produces images on a receiver by ejecting ink droplets onto the receiver in an imagewise fashion. The advantages of non-impact, low-noise, low energy use, and low cost operation in addition to the capability of the printer to print on plain paper are largely responsible for the wide acceptance of ink jet printers in the marketplace. 
     In this regard, “continuous” ink jet printers utilize electrostatic charging tunnels placed close to the point where ink droplets are being ejected in the form of a stream. Selected ones of the droplets are electrically charged by the charging tunnels. The charged droplets are deflected downstream by the presence of deflector plates that have a predetermined electric potential difference between them. A gutter may be used to intercept the charged droplets, while the uncharged droplets are free to strike the recording medium. 
     In the case of “on demand” ink jet printers, at every orifice a pressurization actuator is used to produce the ink jet droplet. In this regard, either one of two types of actuators may be used. These two types of actuators are heat actuators and piezoelectric actuators. With respect to heat actuators, a heater placed at a convenient location heats the ink and a quantity of the ink will phase change into a gaseous steam bubble and raise the internal ink pressure sufficiently for an ink droplet to be expelled to the recording medium. With respect to piezoelectric actuators, a piezoelectric material is used, which piezoelectric material possess piezoelectric properties such that an electric field is produced when a mechanical stress is applied. The converse also holds true; that is, an applied electric field will produce a mechanical stress in the material. Some naturally occurring materials possessing this characteristics are quartz and tourmaline. The most commonly produced piezoelectric ceramics are lead zirconate titanate, lead metaniobate, lead titanate, and barium titanate. 
     Inks for high speed ink jet printers, whether of the “continuous” or “piezoelectric” type, have a number of special characteristics. For example, the ink should incorporate a nondrying characteristic, so that drying of ink in the ink ejection chamber is hindered or slowed to such a state that by occasional spitting of ink droplets, the cavities and corresponding orifices are kept open. The addition of glycol facilitates free flow of ink through the ink jet chamber. 
     Of course, the ink jet print head is exposed to the environment where the ink jet printing occurs. Thus, the previously mentioned orifices are exposed to many kinds of air born particulates. Particulate debris may accumulate on surfaces formed around the orifices and may accumulate in the orifices and chambers themselves. That is, the ink may combine with such particulate debris to form an interference burr that blocks the orifice or that alters surface wetting to inhibit proper formation of the ink droplet. Also, the ink may simply dry-out and form hardened deposits on the print head surface and in the ink channels. The particulate debris and deposits should be cleaned from the surface and orifice to restore proper droplet formation. In the prior art, this cleaning is commonly accomplished by brushing, wiping, spraying, vacuum suction or spitting of ink through the orifice. 
     Thus, inks used in ink jet printers can be said to have the following problems: the inks tend to dry-out in and around the orifices resulting in clogging of the orifices; the wiping of the orifice plate causes wear on plate and wiper and the wiper itself produces particles that clog the orifice; cleaning cycles are time consuming and slow productivity of ink jet printers. Moreover, printing rate declines in large format printing where frequent cleaning cycles interrupt the printing of an image. Printing rate also declines in the case when a special printing pattern is initiated to compensate for plugged or badly performing orifices. 
     Ink jet print head cleaners are known. A wiping system for ink jet print heads is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,614,930 titled “Orthogonal Rotary Wiping System For Inkjet Printheads” issued Mar. 25, 1997 in the name of William S. Osborne et al. This patent discloses a rotary service station that has a wiper supporting tumbler. The tumbler rotates to wipe the print head along a length of linearly aligned nozzle. In addition, a wiper scraping system scrapes the wipers to clean the wipers. However, Osborne et al. do not disclose use of an external solvent to assist cleaning and also does not disclose complete removal of the external solvent. 
     Therefore, there is a need to provide a suitable ink jet printer with cleaning mechanism having a wiper blade and transducer, and method of assembling the printer, which cleaning mechanism is capable of simultaneously cleaning the print head surface and ink channels. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     An object of the present invention is to provide an ink jet printer with cleaning mechanism having wiper blade and transducer, and method of assembling the printer, and method of assembling the printer, which cleaning mechanism simultaneously cleans a surface of a print head belonging to the printer as the cleaning mechanism cleans ink channels formed in the print head. 
     With the above object in view, the invention resides in an ink jet printer, comprising a print head having a surface thereon and an ink channel therein; and a cleaning mechanism associated with said print head and adapted to simultaneously clean contaminant from the surface and the ink channel, said cleaning mechanism including a wiper having a plurality of wicking channels therein alignable with the surface, the wicking channels communicating with a passageway formed in said cleaning mechanism; and a sonic vibrator connected to said wiper for vibrating said wiper, so that said vibrator cleans the contaminant from the surface. 
     According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, an ink jet printer comprises a print head having a surface thereon surrounding a plurality of ink ejection orifices. The orifices are in communication with respective ones of a plurality of ink channels formed in the print head. A solvent delivering wiper has a plurality of internal passageways formed therethrough alignable with the surface which delivers a liquid solvent cleaning agent to the surface to flush contaminant from the surface. In this manner, contaminant residing on the surface is entrained in the solvent while the wiper flushes contaminant from the surface. A transducer is integrated in the wiper blade, which is capable of serving three functions. The transducer can be used to produce a mechanical vibration in the wiper, it can be used as the means to pump the cleaning solvent, or it can be used to ultrasonically energize the cleaning solvent. The solvent delivering wiper has a second passageway alignable with the surface which vacuums solvent and entrained contaminant from the surface. To aid in the removal of cleaning solvent and contaminant, wicking channels or groves are provided on the beveled edge of the wiper blade. The previously described wiper and transducer will here-in-below be referred to as a cleaning block. Moreover, a piping circuit is provided for filtering the particulate matter from the solvent and for recirculating clean solvent to the surface of the print head. 
     In addition, a translation mechanism is connected to the wiper for translating, the wiper across the print head surface. In this regard, the translation mechanism may comprise a lead-screw threadably engaging the wiper. Moreover, a displacement mechanism is connected to the wiper for displacing the wiper to a position proximate the surface of the print head to enable cleaning of the ink channels and the surface of the print head. The cleaning block, associated translation mechanism, and plumbing will be referred to hereinbelow as a cleaning mechanism. 
     A feature of the present invention is the provision of a cleaning mechanism associated with the print head, which cleaning mechanism is adapted to simultaneously clean contaminant from the print head surface and ink channels. 
     An advantage of the present invention is that cleaning time is reduced because the print head surface and ink channels are cleaned simultaneously. 
     These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon a reading of the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the drawings wherein there are shown and described illustrative embodiments of the invention. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing-out and distinctly claiming the subject matter of the present invention, it is believed the invention will be better understood from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein: 
     FIG. 1 is a view in plan of a first embodiment ink jet printer, the printer having a reciprocating print head and a pivotable platen roller disposed adjacent the print head; 
     FIG. 2 is a view in plan of the first embodiment of the printer showing the pivotable platen roller pivoting in an arc outwardly from the print head; 
     FIG. 3 is a view taken along section line  3 — 3  of FIG. 1, this view showing a cleaning mechanism poised to move to a position adjacent the print head to clean the print head; 
     FIG. 4 is a view in partial elevation of the print head and adjacent platen roller; 
     FIG. 5 is a view in elevation of the first embodiment printer, this view showing the cleaning mechanism having been moved into position to clean the print head; 
     FIG. 6 is a view in perspective of a first embodiment cleaning block belonging to the cleaning mechanism, the first embodiment cleaning block here shown cleaning the print head; 
     FIG. 7A is an isometric view of the first embodiment cleaning block; 
     FIG. 7B is an isometric view of the second embodiment cleaning block; 
     FIG. 7C is an isometric view of the third embodiment cleaning block; 
     FIG. 8A is a view in vertical section of the first embodiment cleaning block while the first embodiment cleaning block cleans the print head; 
     FIG. 8B is a view in vertical section of a second embodiment cleaning block while the second embodiment cleaning block cleans the print head; 
     FIG. 9 is a view in elevation of a second embodiment ink jet printer, this view showing the cleaning mechanism disposed in an upright position and poised to move to a location adjacent the print head to clean the print head, which print head is capable of being pivoted into an upright position; 
     FIG. 10 is a view in elevation of the second embodiment printer, this view showing the cleaning mechanism having been moved into position to clean the print head not pivoted into an upright position; 
     FIG. 11 is a view in elevation of a third embodiment ink jet printer, this view showing the print head pivoted into an upright position and poised to move to a location adjacent the upright cleaning mechanism to clean the print head; 
     FIG. 12 is a view in elevation of the third embodiment printer, this view showing the print head having been moved into position to clean the print head; 
     FIG. 13 is a view in elevation of a fourth embodiment ink jet printer, this view showing the print head in a horizontal position and poised to move laterally to a location adjacent the cleaning mechanism to clean the print head; 
     FIG. 14 is a view in elevation of the fourth embodiment printer, this view showing the print head having been moved into position to clean the print head; 
     FIG. 15 is a view in plan of a fifth embodiment ink jet printer, the printer having a non-reciprocating “page-width” print head; 
     FIG. 16 is a view taken along section line  16 — 16  of FIG. 15, this view showing the print head in a horizontal position and poised to move laterally to a location adjacent the cleaning mechanism to clean the print head; and 
     FIG. 17 is a view in elevation of the fifth embodiment printer, this view showing the print head having been moved into position to clean the print head. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The present description will be directed in particular to elements forming part of, or cooperating more directly with, apparatus in accordance with the present invention. It is to be understood that elements not specifically shown or described may take various forms well known to those skilled in the art. 
     Therefore, referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, there is shown a first embodiment ink jet printer, generally referred to as  10 , for printing an image  20  (shown in phantom) on a receiver  30  (also shown in phantom), which may be a reflective-type receiver (e.g., paper) or a transmissive-type receiver (e.g., transparency). Receiver  30  is supported on a platen roller  40  capable of being rotated by a platen roller motor  50  engaging platen roller  40 . Thus, when platen roller motor  50  rotates platen roller  40 , receiver  30  will advance in a direction illustrated by a first arrow  55 . Platen roller  40  is adapted to pivot outwardly about a pivot shaft  57  along an arc  59  for reasons disclosed hereinbelow. Many designs for feeding paper for printing are possible. Another mechanism utilizes a first set of feed rollers to dispose receiver onto a plate for printing. A second set of feed rollers remove the receiver when printing is completed. 
     Referring to FIGS. 1,  3  and  4 , printer  10  also comprises a reciprocating print head  60  disposed adjacent to platen roller  40 . Print head  60  includes a plurality of ink channels  70  formed therein (only six of which are shown), each channel  70  terminating in a channel outlet  75 . In addition, each channel  70 , which is adapted to hold an ink body  77  therein, is defined by a pair of oppositely disposed parallel side walls  79   a  and  79   b.  Print head  60  may further include a cover plate  80  having a plurality of orifices  90  formed therethrough colinearly aligned with respective ones of channel outlets  75 , such that each orifice  90  faces receiver  30 . A surface  95  of cover plate  80  surrounds all orifices  90  and also faces receiver  30 . Of course, in order to print image  20  on receiver  30 , an ink droplet  100  is released from ink channel  70  through orifice  90  in direction of receiver  30  along a preferred axis  105  normal to surface  95 , so that droplet  100  is suitably intercepted by receiver  30 . To achieve this result, print head  60  may be a “piezoelectric ink jet” print head formed of a piezoelectric material, such as lead zirconium titanate (PZT). Such a piezoelectric material is mechanically responsive to electrical stimuli so that side walls  79   a/b  simultaneously inwardly deform when electrically stimulated. When side walls  79   a/b  simultaneously inwardly deform, volume of channel  70  decreases to squeeze ink droplet  100  from channel  70  and through orifice  90 . 
     Referring again to FIGS. 1,  3  and  4 , a transport mechanism, generally referred to as  110 , is connected to print head  60  for reciprocating print head  60  between a first position  115   a  thereof and a second position  115   b  (shown in phantom). In this regard, transport mechanism  110  reciprocates print head  60  in direction of a second arrow  117 . Print head  60  slidably engages an elongate guide rail  120 , which guides print head  60  parallel to platen roller  40  while print head  60  is reciprocated. Transport mechanism  110  also comprises a drive belt  130  attached to print head  60  for reciprocating print head  60  between first position  115   a  and second position  115   b,  as described presently. In this regard, a reversible drive belt motor  140  engages belt  130 , such that belt  130  reciprocates in order that print head  60  reciprocates with respect to platen  40 . Moreover, an encoder strip  150  coupled to print head  60  monitors position of print head  60  as print head  60  reciprocates between first position  115   a  and second position  115   b.  In addition, a controller  160  is connected to platen roller motor  50 , drive belt motor  140 , encoder strip  150  and print head  60  for controlling operation thereof to suitably form image  20  on receiver  30 . Such a controller may be a Model CompuMotor controller available from Parker Hannifin, Incorporated located in Rohnert Park, Calif. 
     As best seen in FIG. 4, it has been observed that surface  95  may have contaminant thereon, such as particulate matter  165 . Such particulate matter  165  also may partially or completely obstruct orifice  90 . Particulate matter  165  may be, for example, particles of dirt, dust, metal and/or encrustations of dried ink. The contaminant may also be an unwanted film (e.g., grease, oxide, or the like). Although the description herein refers to particulate matter, it is to be understood that the invention pertains to such unwanted film, as well. Presence of particulate matter  165  is undesirable because when particulate matter  165  completely obstructs orifice  90 , ink droplet  100  is prevented from being ejected from orifice  90 . Also, when particulate matter  165  partially obstructs orifice  90 , flight of ink droplet  105  may be diverted from preferred axis  105  to travel along a non-preferred axis  167  (as shown). If ink droplet  100  travels along non-preferred axis  167 , ink droplet  100  will land on receiver  30  in an unintended location. In this manner, such complete or partial obstruction of orifice  90  leads to printing artifacts such as “banding”, a highly undesirable result. Also, presence of particulate matter  165  on surface  95  may alter surface wetting and inhibit proper formation of droplet  100 . Therefore, it is desirable to clean (i.e., remove) particulate matter  165  to avoid printing artifacts and improper formation of droplet  100 . 
     Referring to FIGS. 3,  5 ,  6 ,  7 A,  8 A and  8 B, first embodiment cleaning block  175  includes a solvent delivering wiper  210  with a transducer  180  mounted atop the wiper. Wiper  210  has a first set of multiple internal areaways  220  formed therethrough. Solvent delivering wiper  210  is oriented with respect to surface  95  such that first areaways  220  are alignable with surface  95  for reasons disclosed presently. In this regard, first areaways  220  are alignable with surface  95  for delivering a liquid solvent cleaning agent to surface  95  in order to flush particulate matter  165  from surface  95  (as shown). Of course, particulate matter  165  will be entrained in the solvent as the solvent flushes particulate matter  165  from surface  95 . Wiper  210  may also include a blade portion  225  integrally formed therewith for lifting contaminant  165  from surface  95  as cleaning wiper blade  210  traverses surface  95  in direction of a third arrow  227 . The transducer  180  is mounted atop the cleaning wiper blade  210  by any suitable means known in the art, such as by a suitable screw fastener (not shown). The transducer has a wire harness  195  extending from it, leading to a controller  190 . The transducer is driven via the controller, which produces a mechanical vibration in the cleaning wiper blade  210 . This mechanical vibration produces a shearing type effect in the blade portion  225  as it transverses the printhead surface  95 , which aids in the removal of stubborn particulate matter  165 . It may be understood that wicking channels  230  and a second set of multiple internal cuts  240  in combination with vacuum pump  290  co-act to remove solvent and particulate matter  165  which may have been left by blade portion  225  as blade portion  225  traverses surface  95  (as shown). 
     As best seen in FIG. 7, a second embodiment cleaning block  242  includes a solvent delivering wiper  210  with a transducer  180  mounted internal to the wiper. The second embodiment cleaning block  242  serves the same function as first embodiment cleaning block  235  with the only exception being in the placement and functionality of transducer  180 . In the second embodiment, the transducer  180  is mounted internal to solvent delivering wiper  210  and serves as an extra means of controlling the solvent flow through first set of multiple internal areaways  220 . The transducer is activated via controller  190  and wiring harness  195 , and is capable of controlling the solvent delivered to the surface  95 . 
     As best seen in FIG. 7C, a third embodiment cleaning block  244  includes a solvent delivering wiper  210 , a solvent manifold  200  and transducer  180  mounted behind the solvent manifold. The third embodiment cleaning block  244  serves the same function as first embodiment cleaning block  235  and second embodiment  242 . In the third embodiment, solvent manifold  200  is attached to the solvent delivering wiper  210  by any suitable means known in the art, such as by a suitable screw fastener (not shown). Attached to the rear of manifold  200  is transducer  180  also connected by any suitable means known in the art, such as by a suitable screw fastener (not shown). The transducer is connected to and controlled by controller  190  via wiring harness  195 . When the transducer is activated, it ultrasonically energizes the solvent in the manifold. The solvent is ejected onto surface  95  and the removal of particulate  165  is enhanced by the energized solvent. 
     FIG. 8A shows first embodiment cleaning block  175  in a scraping mode defined as having an angle θ less than 90 degrees. FIG. 8B shows first embodiment cleaning block  175  in a wiping mode defined as having an angle θ greater than 90 degrees. 
     Returning to FIGS. 3,  5 ,  6 ,  7 A,  7 B,  8 A, and  8 B, a piping circuit, generally referred to as  250 , is associated with print head  60  for reasons disclosed momentarily. In this regard, piping circuit  250  includes a first piping segment  260  coupled to first areaway  220  formed through wiper  210 . A discharge pump  270  is connected to first piping segment  260  for discharging the solvent into first piping segment  260 . In this manner, the solvent discharges into first set of areaways  220  formed within the wiper  210  and onto surface  95  while discharge pump  270  discharges the solvent into first piping segment  260 . It may be appreciated that the solvent discharged onto surface  95  is chosen such that the solvent also, at least in part, acts as lubricant to lubricate surface  95 . Surface  95  is lubricated in this manner, so that previously mentioned blade portion  225  will not substantially mar, scar, or otherwise damage surface  95  and any electrical circuitry which may be present on surface  95 . In addition, a second piping segment  280  is coupled to a second set of cuts  240  formed within the wiper  210 . A vacuum pump  290  is connected to second piping segment  280  for inducing negative pressure (i.e., pressure less than atmospheric pressure) in second piping segment  280 . Thus, negative pressure is induced in second set of cuts  240  and in second piping segment  280 . As negative pressure is induced on second piping segment  280 , the solvent and entrained particulate matter  165  are vacuumed from surface  95  to enter second set of cuts  240 . 
     Referring now to third embodiment cleaning block  244 , shown in FIG. 7C, the piping circuit generally referred to as  250  is similar to that in the first and second embodiments previously discussed in detail. The difference in the third embodiment is that first piping segment  260  is coupled to the first set of multiple internal areaways  220  via a passageway internal to solvent manifold  200 . Likewise, second piping segment  280  is coupled to the second set of multiple internal cuts  240  via a passageway internal to solvent manifold  200 . It should be noted that the two passageways in manifold  200  are unconnected, with one being used for the fresh solvent introduced to the wiper and the other used for the “dirty” solvent sucked from surface  95 . 
     Referring yet again to FIGS. 3,  5 ,  6 ,  7 A,  7 B,  7 C,  8 A, and  8 B, interposed between first piping segment  260  and second piping segment  280  is a solvent supply reservoir  300  having a supply of the solvent therein. Discharge pump  270 , which is connected to first piping segment  260 , draws the solvent from reservoir  300  and discharges the solvent into second areaways  220  by means of first piping circuit  260 . Hence, it may be appreciated that first piping circuit  260  extends from wiper  210  to reservoir  300 . In addition, vacuum pump  290 , which is connected to second piping segment  280 , pumps the solvent and particulate matter  165  from print head surface  95  toward reservoir  300 . Connected to second piping segment  280  and interposed between vacuum pump  290  and reservoir  300  is a filter  310  for capturing (i.e., separating-out) particulate matter  165  from the solvent, so that the solvent supply in reservoir  300  is free of particulate matter  165 . Of course, when filter  310  becomes saturated with particulate matter  165 , filter  310  is replaced by an operator of printer  10 . Thus, circuit  250  defines a recirculation loop for recirculating contaminant-free solvent across surface  95  to efficiently clean surface  95 . In addition, connected to first segment  260  is a first valve  314 , which first valve  314  is interposed between wiper  210  and discharge pump  270 . Moreover, connected to second segment  280  is a second valve  316 , which second valve  316  is interposed between reservoir  300  and vacuum pump  290 . Presence of first valve  314  and second valve  316  make it more convenient to perform maintenance on cleaning mechanism  170 . That is, first valve  314  and second valve  316  allow cleaning mechanism  170  to be easily taken out-of service f or maintenance. For example, to replace filter  310 , discharge pump  270  is shut-off and first valve  314  is closed. Vacuum pump  290  is operated until solvent and particulate matter are substantially evacuated from second piping segment  280 . At this point, second valve  316  is closed and vacuum pump  290  is shut-off. Next, saturated filter  310  is replaced with a clean filter  310 . Thereafter, cleaning mechanism  170  is returned to service substantially in reverse to steps used to take cleaning mechanism  170  out-of service. 
     Still referring to FIGS. 3,  5 ,  6 ,  7 A,  8 A, and  8 B, a translation mechanism, generally referred to as  320 , is connected to cleaning block  175  for translating cleaning block  175  across surface  95  of print head  60 . In this regard, translation mechanism  320  comprises an elongate externally threaded lead-screw  330  threadably engaging cleaning block  175 . Engaging lead-screw  330  is a motor  340  capable of rotating lead-screw  330 , so that cleaning block  175 , traverses surface  95  as lead-screw  330  rotates. In this regard, cleaning block  175  traverses surface  95  in direction of a fourth arrow  345 . In addition, cleaning block  175  is capable of being translated to any location on lead-screw  330 , which preferably extends the length of guide rail  120 . Being able to translate cleaning block  175  to any location on lead-screw  330  allows cleaning block  175  to clean print head  60  wherever print head  60  is located on guide rail  120 . Moreover, connected to motor  340  is a displacement mechanism  350  for displacing cleaning block  175  to a position proximate surface  95  of print head  60 . 
     Referring now to FIGS. 2,  3  and  5 , platen roller  40  is disposed adjacent to print head  60  and, unless appropriate steps are taken, will interfere with displacing cleaning block  175  to a position proximate surface  95 . Therefore, it is desirable to move platen roller  40  out of interference with cleaning block  175 , so that cleaning block  175  can be displaced proximate surface  95 . Therefore, according to the first embodiment of printer  10 , platen roller  40  is pivoted outwardly about previously mentioned pivot shaft  57  along arc  59 . After platen roller  40  has been pivoted, displacement mechanism  350  is operated to displace cleaning block  175  to a position proximate surface  95  to begin removal of particulate matter  165  from ink channel  70  and surface  95 . 
     Turning now to FIGS. 9 and 10, there is shown a second embodiment ink jet printer  360  capable of simultaneously removing particulate matter  165  from ink channel  70  and surface  95 . Second embodiment ink jet printer  360  is substantially similar to first embodiment ink jet printer  10 , except that platen roller  40  is fixed (i.e., non-pivoting). Also, according to this second embodiment printer, print head  60  pivots about a pivot pin  370  to an upright position (as shown). Moreover, cleaning mechanism  170  is oriented in an upright position (as shown) and displacement mechanism  350  displaces cleaning block  175 , so that cleaning block is moved to a location proximate surface  95 . 
     Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, there is shown a third embodiment ink jet printer  400  capable of simultaneously removing particulate matter  165  from ink channel  70  and surface  95 . Third embodiment ink jet printer  400  is substantially similar to first embodiment ink jet printer  10 , except that platen roller  40  is fixed (i.e., non-pivoting). Also, according to this third embodiment printer, print head  60  pivots about pivot pin  370  to an upright position (as shown) and displacement mechanism  350  displaces printer  400  (except for platen roller  40 ), so that printer  400  is moved to a location proximate cleaning mechanism  170 . Moreover, cleaning mechanism  170  is oriented in a fixed upright position (as shown). 
     Referring to FIGS. 13 and 14, there is shown a fourth embodiment ink jet printer  410  capable of simultaneously removing particulate matter  165  from ink channel  70  and surface  95 . Fourth embodiment ink jet printer  410  is substantially similar to first embodiment ink jet printer  10 , except that platen roller  40  is fixed (i.e., non-pivoting) and cleaning assembly  170  is off-set from an end portion of platen roller  40  by a distance “X”. Also, according to this third embodiment printer, displacement mechanism  350  displaces printer  410  (except for platen roller  40 ), so that printer  410  is moved to a location proximate cleaning mechanism  170 . 
     Referring to FIGS. 15,  16  and  17 , there is shown a fifth embodiment ink jet printer, generally referred to as  420 , for printing image  20  on receiver  30 . Second printer  400  is a so-called “page-width” printer capable of printing across width W of receiver  30  without reciprocating across width W. That is, printer  420  comprises print head  60  of length substantially equal to width W. Connected to print head  60  is a carriage  430  adapted to carry print head  60  in direction of first arrow  55 . In this regard, carriage  430  slidably engages an elongate slide member  440  extending parallel to receiver  30  in direction of first arrow  55 . A print head drive motor  450  is connected to carriage  430  for operating carriage  430 , so that carriage  430  slides along slide member  440  in direction of first arrow  55 . As carriage  430  slides along slide member  440  in direction of first arrow  55 , print head  60  also travels in direction of first arrow  55  because print head  60  is connected to carriage  430 . In this manner, print head  60  is capable of printing a plurality of images  20  (as shown) in a single printing pass along length of receiver  30 . In addition, a first feed roller  460  engages receiver  30  for feeding receiver  30  in direction of first arrow  55  after all images  20  have been printed. In this regard, a first feed roller motor  470  engages first feed roller  460  for rotating first feed roller  460 , so that receiver  30  feeds in direction of first arrow  55 . Further, a second feed roller  480 , spaced-apart from first feed roller  460 , may also engage receiver  30  for feeding receiver  30  in direction of first arrow  55 . In this case, a second feed roller motor  490 , synchronized with first feed roller motor  470 , engages second feed roller  480  for rotating second feed roller  480 , so that receiver  30  smoothly feeds in direction of first arrow  55 . Interposed between first feed roller  460  and second feed roller  480  is a support member, such as a stationary flat platen  500 , for supporting receiver  30  thereon as receiver feeds from first feed roller  460  to second feed roller  480 . Of course, previously mentioned controller  160  is connected to print head  60 , print head drive motor  450 , first feed roller motor  470  and second feed roller motor  490  for controlling operation thereof in order to suitably form images  20  on receiver  30 . 
     Still referring to FIGS. 15,  16  and  17 , according to this fifth embodiment printer  420 , displacement mechanism  350  displaces printer  410  (except for feed rollers  460 / 480  and platen  500 ), so that printer  410  is moved to a location proximate cleaning mechanism  170 . 
     The solvent cleaning agent mentioned hereinabove may be any suitable liquid solvent composition, such as water, isopropanol, diethylene glycol, diethylene glycol monobutyl ether, octane, acids and bases, surfactant solutions and any combination thereof. Complex liquid compositions may also be used, such as microemulsions, micellar surfactant solutions, vesicles and solid particles dispersed in the liquid. 
     It may be understood from the teachings hereinabove, that an advantage of the present invention is that cleaning time is reduced. This is so because surface  95  of print head  60  is cleaned of contaminant simultaneously with cleaning ink channels  70  formed in the print head  60 . 
     While the invention has been described with particular reference to its preferred embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements of the preferred embodiments without departing from the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation and material to a teaching of the present invention without departing from the essential teachings of the invention. For example, with respect to the second embodiment printer  360 , displacement mechanism  350  may be foldable to the upright position from a substantially horizontal position. This configuration of the invention will minimize the external envelope of printer  360  when print head  60  is not being cleaned by cleaning mechanism  170 , so that printer  360  can be located in a confined space with limited headroom. Also, the second set of multiple internal cuts  240  can be replaced with a vacuum canopy described in commonly assigned patent application Ser. No. 09/221,526 filed Dec. 28, 1998 and patent application Ser. No. 09/195,727 filed Nov. 18, 1998. Another example is the addition of a vacuum hood to any of the hereinabove described embodiments. Such a vacuum hood is also disclosed in commonly assigned patent application Ser. No. 09/221,526 filed Dec. 28, 1998 and patent application Ser. No. 09/195,727 filed Nov. 18, 1998. 
     Therefore, what is provided is an ink jet printer with cleaning mechanism having a wiper blade and transducer, and method of assembling the printer, which cleaning mechanism is capable of simultaneously cleaning the print head surface and ink channels. 
     Parts List 
       10  . . . first embodiment ink jet printer 
       20  . . . image 
       30  . . . receiver 
       40  . . . platen roller 
       50  . . . platen roller motor 
       55  . . . first arrow 
       57  . . . pivot shaft 
       59  . . . arc 
       60  . . . print head 
       70  . . . ink channel 
       75  . . . ink channel outlet 
       77  . . . ink body 
       79   a/b  . . . side walls 
       80  . . . cover plate 
       90  . . . orifice 
       95  . . . surface 
       100  . . . ink droplet 
       105  . . . preferred axis of ink droplet ejection 
       110  . . . transport mechanism 
       115   a  . . . first position (of print head) 
       115   b  . . . second position (of print head) 
       117  . . . second arrow 
       120  . . . guide rail 
       130  . . . drive belt 
       140  . . . drive belt motor 
       150  . . . encoder strip 
       160  . . . controller 
       165  . . . particulate matter 
       167  . . . non-preferred axis of ink droplet ejection 
       170  . . . cleaning mechanism 
       175  . . . first embodiment cleaning block 
       180  . . . transducer 
       190  . . . transducer controller 
       195  . . . wiring harness 
       200  . . . seal solvent manifold 
       210  . . . cleaning wiper blade 
       220  . . . areaways 
       225  . . . blade portion 
       227  . . . third arrow 
       230  . . . wicking channels 
       240  . . . cuts 
       242  . . . second embodiment cleaning block 
       244  . . . third embodiment cleaning block 
       246  . . . wiper portion 
       250  . . . piping circuit 
       260  . . . first piping segment 
       270  . . . discharge pump 
       280  . . . second piping segment 
       290  . . . vacuum pump 
       300  . . . reservoir 
       310  . . . filter 
       314  . . . first valve 
       316  . . . second valve 
       320  . . . translation mechanism 
       330  . . . lead-screw 
       340  . . . motor 
       345  . . . fourth arrow 
       350  . . . displacement mechanism 
       360  . . . second embodiment ink jet printer 
       370  . . . pivot pin 
       400  . . . third embodiment ink jet printer 
       410  . . . fourth embodiment ink jet printer 
       420  . . . fifth embodiment ink jet printer 
       430  . . . carriage 
       440  . . . slide member 
       450  . . . print head drive motor 
       460  . . . first feed roller 
       470  . . . first feed roller motor 
       480  . . . second feed roller 
       490  . . . second feed roller motor 
       500  . . . stationary platen

Technology Classification (CPC): 1