System for detecting leakage of phase change inks

摘要

A printing apparatus includes a printhead module having an ink leakage detector to detect a leaked phase change ink. The ink leakage detector includes a plurality of resistance temperature detectors or resistive thermal devices to detect the leaked phase change ink. A horizontally mounted overdriven thermistor can also be used to detect leaked ink.

主权项

1. A printing apparatus to deposit heated phase change ink on recording media comprising:
a printhead having an inlet for receiving heated phase change ink from a source of ink; a heated conduit having a first end and a second end, the first end of the heated conduit being operatively connected to the inlet of the printhead and the second end being operatively connected to the source of ink to carry heated phase change ink from the source of ink to the printhead; a planar member that underlies at least a portion of the heated conduit the planar member extending away from the printhead and the inlet of the printhead and being located between the first end of the heated conduit operatively connected to the inlet of the printhead and the second end operatively connected to the source of ink; a temperature sensing device positioned on the planar member between the first end of the heated conduit and the second end of the heated conduit, the temperature sensing device being configured to generate an electrical signal indicative of heated phase change ink contacting the temperature sensing device outside the printhead, the temperature sensing device being positioned on the planar member at a location where gravity directs heated phase change ink that has leaked from the heated conduit into contact with the temperature sensing device; and an annunciator operatively connected to the temperature sensing device to receive the electrical signal generated by the temperature sensing device, the annunciator being configured to generate a signal indicative that heated phase change ink external to the heated conduit and printhead is contacting the temperature sensing device.