CLEAN-IN-PLACE SYSTEM FOR AN INK JET PRINTHEAD

摘要

A clean-in-place system is disclosed for use in an ink jet printhead (10). The clean-in-place system features a compartment (17) in which the printhead components (18a, 20, 22, 24) are disposed. An end plate (28) has a slot (26) therein to permit ink drops to be projected from the compartment (17) onto a substrate to be marked. For cleaning purposes, a pneumatic shutter (42) is disposed adjacent the slot (26) to seal it. Thereafter, the compartment (17) is flooded with ink solvent (107) by means of a pump (103) from a solvent reservoir. The solvent may be agitated by air or mechanical means. Thereafter, a drain line (116, 117) is used to remove the solvent from the compartment (17) and air is blown therethrough to dry the components. The pneumatic shutter (42) is reopened after the solvent is withdrawn to enhance the drying of the components. The shutter (42) may consist of an inflatable tubular member and a pump for supplying compressed air to the tubular member (42) to inflate and deflate it.