US 2011/0085009 A1 · INK SUPPLY SYSTEM

Abstract

An ink supply system for an ink jet printer, particularly a continuous ink jet printer, has a manifold assembly of two parts that are brought together at interfacing surfaces. At least one of the surfaces has a plurality of ink flow channels for conveying ink around an ink circuit between components. The other of the interfacing surfaces is configured to close and seal the channels. A plurality of ports is provided in fluid communication with the channels, the circuit components being connectable to the ports. The manifold assembly provides for a compact and neat arrangement free of many tubes and pipes. The lower number of connections significantly reduces the risk of leakage.

Claims26

Dependent claims

An ink supply system for an ink jet printer, the system comprising:

an ink circuit comprising a plurality of circuit components and fluid paths for conveying fluid between components;
an ink reservoir for containing ink;
a connector for fluid connection between the printer and the ink reservoir, the connector comprising a plurality of connection ports;
and
a manifold defining in part the fluid paths and supported over the reservoir, the manifold in fluid communication between the connector and the ink reservoir, the manifold having a plurality of manifold ports in fluid communication with the connection ports, and the circuit components being adjacent to the manifold and connected thereto at the manifold ports.

2 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Ink supply system

Life of this patent

Ink supply system

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims26