Self-cleaning ink jet printer using ultrasonics and method of assembling same

Abstract

Self-cleaning printer having ultrasonics and method of assembling same for cleaning a print head surface and ink ejection orifices. The printer comprises a print head defining a plurality of ink channels therein, each ink channel terminating in an ink ejection orifice. The print head also has a surface thereon surrounding all the orifices. Particulate matter may reside on the surface and also may completely or partially obstruct the orifice. Therefore, a cleaning assembly is disposed relative to the surface and/or orifice for directing a flow of fluid along the surface and/or across the orifice to clean the particulate matter from the surface and/or orifice. The cleaning assembly includes an ultrasonic transducer in communication with the fluid for generating ultrasonic vibrations causing pressure waves within the fluid. Presence of the pressure waves induces a hydrodynamic force in the fluid. This force acts against the particulate matter to clean the particulate matter from the surface and/or orifice. A pump is also provided for pumping the fluid from the surface and/or orifice as the surface and/or orifice is cleaned. As the surface and/or orifice is cleaned, the particulate matter is entrained in the fluid. A filter is provided to separate the particulate matter from the fluid.