Device for balanced uniform flow and simplified construction to remove fluid from an ink jet printer
AssigneeScitex Digital Printing, Inc.
InventorsRobert J. Simon, Bruce A. Bowling
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The present invention provides for an improvement in the removal of fluid from an ink jet printhead. A branched structure having multiple groups of branches creates a flow geometry, with each group of branches having a connecting trunk. The fluid flow is then able to be directed from each plurality of branches down the connecting trunk. Pressure drops at the branching nodes are minimized by directing the flow from the combined branches down the connected trunk. Expansion losses at the branching nodes are minimized by funneling down the flow at the branching nodes, with the trunk having a narrower channel than the combination of the joined branches.
Claims15
A method for providing improved fluid flow within a catcher, having an associated catcher plate, of an ink jet printer system having an ink jet array and catcher means for collecting non-printed ink drops and returning the collected fluid to the fluid system, where the improved fluid flow provides uniform ink removal across the width of the ink jet array, comprising the steps of:
- using a branched structure comprised of multiple pluralities of branches to create a flow channel geometry;
- connecting each plurality of branches to a connecting trunk;
- directing the flow from each plurality of branches down the connecting trunk, whereby the flow starts at outer branches and exits the catcher assembly at a lowest trunk or branching node, from which the fluid returns to the fluid tank.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.