Patent EP0726153A2 successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
EP0726153A2
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EP
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Ink-jet print head storage apparatus
Assignee: Olivetti Tecnost SpA
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Filing: 1995-12-14
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Granted: —
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Expires: 2015-12-14
Abstract
Abstract The storage apparatus permits preservation under optimum conditions of an only partially used, interchangeable ink jet print head, when not in use on the relative printer; it is apt to accommodate both a print head for black printing and one for colour printing, in the same way and with the same orientation as provided for their insertion in the printer's print head carriage, in a single cavity. Insertion of the print head in the storage apparatus automatically selects and commands the specific capping system for that type of print head, capable of efficaciously isolating and protecting the nozzles, even for long periods of time.
Inventors
- 👤 Antonio Toniolo
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
EP
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 14:15
CPC Classifications
B; B41; B41J; B41J2/00; B41J2/005; B41J2/01; B41J2/135; B41J2/165; B41J2/16505; B41J2/16508
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 17
Claim 1
Independent Claim
115 words
A storage apparatus for ink jet print heads (50a) of at least a first (50b) and a second type (50c), said print heads having a support face (52) bearing nozzles (51) for discharging ink droplets and apt to be fitted interchangeably with an orientation in a device for generating images on a medium, comprising capping means (15, 80) apt for coupling to said support face (52) for isolating and protecting said nozzles (51), characterized in that said capping means (15, 80) comprise a first sealing member (18, 81) and a second sealing member (17, 82) apt to be brought selectively into coupling to said first type (50b) and to said second type (50c) of printhead.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
40 words
A storage apparatus according to claim 1., further comprising containing means (10) having an aperture (14) for insertion of said first (50b) and of said second type (50c) of printhead, characterized in that said insertion automatically determines said selective coupling.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
36 words
A storage apparatus according to claim 2., characterized in that said aperture (14) is unique and that said insertion occurs with the said orientation for said first (50b) and for said second type (50c) of printhead.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
60 words
A storage apparatus according to any of the above claims further comprising positioning means (30, 60) of said capping means (15, 80), characterized in that said positioning means are selectively actuated by said first (50b) and by said second type (50c) of printhead to bring said capping means into coupling contact with said first and said second type of printhead.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
155 words
A storage apparatus for ink jet print heads of at least a first (50b) and a second type (50c),said print heads having a support face (52) bearing nozzles (51) for discharging ink droplets and apt to be fitted interchangeably with an orientation in a device for generating images on a medium, comprising capping means (15) apt for coupling to said support face for isolating and protecting said nozzles, characterized in that said capping means (15) comprise a first sealing member (18) and a second sealing member (17), respectively attached to a first (22) and to a second support (21) member, each coaxially translatable with respect to the other and that said first (18) and said second sealing member (17) are brought selectively into coupling contact with said first type (50b) and with said second type (50c) of printhead by means of the relative axial translation between said first (22) and said second support member (21).
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
40 words
A storage apparatus according to claim 5., further comprising containing means (10) having an aperture (14) for insertion of said first (50b) and of said second type (50c) of printhead, characterized in that said insertion automatically determines said selective coupling.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
36 words
A storage apparatus according to claim 6., characterized in that said aperture (14) is unique and that said insertion occurs with the said orientation for said first (50b) and for said second type (50c) of printhead.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
148 words
A storage apparatus for ink jet print heads of at least a first (50b) and a second type (50c),said print heads having a support face (52) bearing nozzles (51) for discharging ink droplets and apt to be fitted interchangeably with an orientation in a device for generating images on a medium, comprising capping means (80) apt for coupling to said support face for isolating and protecting said nozzles, characterized in that said capping means comprise a first (81) and a second sealing member (82), respectively attached to the end of a first arm and to the end of a second arm of a V-shape support (77), and that said first (81) and said second sealing member (82) are brought selectively into coupling contact with said first type (50b) and with said second type (50c) of printhead by means of rotation about the relative apex of said V-shape support.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
40 words
A storage apparatus according to claim 8., further comprising containing means (10) having an aperture (14) for insertion of said first (50b) and of said second type (50c) of printhead, characterized in that said insertion automatically determines said selective coupling.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
36 words
A storage apparatus according to claim 9., characterized in that said aperture (14) is unique and that said insertion occurs with the said orientation for said first (50b) and for said second type (50c) of printhead.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
45 words
A storage apparatus according to any of the claims from 1. to 10., characterized in that said capping means (15, 80) are in connection with the outside atmosphere by means of a pipe of capillary section of considerable length, arranged according to a serpentine path.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
51 words
A storage apparatus according to any of the claims from 1. to 11., characterized in that said ink jet printheads (50a) belong to a group consisting of monobloc disposable heads, refillable heads, heads containing a monochromatic ink, heads containing three coloured inks heads containing three coloured inks and a black ink.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
41 words
A storage apparatus according to any of the claims from 1. to 11., characterized in that said first type of printhead (50b) is a printhead for black printing and said second type (50c) of printhead is a printhead for colour printing.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
43 words
A storage apparatus according to any of the claims from 1. to 11., further comprising retention means of the said printheads, characterized in that said retention means provide a tactile and auditory sensation on correct insertion of said printheads in said storage apparatus.
Claim 15
Independent Claim
109 words
A method for storage of ink jet print heads of at least a first (50b) and a second type (50c) having a support face (52) bearing nozzles (51) for discharging ink droplets and apt to be fitted interchangeably in a device for generating images on a medium, comprising the phases of: disposing of a storage apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, inserting that print head of said first (50b) and said second type (50c), whichever of the two is not fitted in said device for generating images on a medium, in said storage apparatus, so as to isolate and protect said nozzles (51) of said print head.
Claim 16
Independent Claim
92 words
A device for generating images on a medium, comprising ink jet print heads of at least a first (50b) and a second type (50c) apt to be fitted interchangeably in a print head carriage and having a support face (52) bearing nozzles (51) for discharging ink droplets, characterized in that it comprises internally a storage apparatus for collecting that print head of said first (50b) and said second type (50c), which is not fitted in said print head carriage, so as to isolate and protect said nozzles (51) of said print head.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
24 words
A device according to claim 16., characterized in that said storage apparatus is in accordance with any of the claims from 1. a 14..
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US5155497A
Cited
EP0560266A2
Cited
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