AN ANTI-CLOGGING NOZZLE SYSTEM FOR AN INK JET PRINTER

摘要

An anti-clogging nozzle system for a continuous ink-jet printer is disclosed. A printing nozzle (10) has both an ink inlet (12) and an ink outlet (28) permitting constant ink flow behind the nozzle orifice during printing. A pressure sensor (38) monitors the ink flow and signals clogs to an automatic unclogging system (34, 36). The unclogging system includes a control circuit (36) to initiate an unclogging operating cycle when necessary. One of two unclogging modes is employed, both of which require the control system (36) to operate an unclogging valve (34) to vary pressure in the ink return line (28).