Fluid distribution system having multi-path valve for gas venting
View Patent ↗A fluid distribution system for a printhead, the system having a fluid container fluidically interconnected with the printhead via a closed fluid flow loop, a gas vent on the closed loop and a multi-path valve on the closed loop for selectively allowing venting of gas in the closed loop via the gas vent.
1. A fluid distribution system for a printhead, the system comprising:
a fluid container having a first vent open to atmosphere;
a first fluid line connecting the fluid container with an inlet of the printhead;
a second fluid line connecting the fluid container with an outlet of the printhead;
a pump positioned in the second fluid line;
an air line branched from the first fluid line, the air line being open to atmosphere via a second vent; and
a multi-path valve configured for:
selectively opening and closing the air line; and
selectively opening and closing the first fluid line,
wherein, during use, actuation of the pump draws ink through the printhead via the first fluid line when the multi-path valve is in a first state and sucks air into the printhead via the air line when the multi-path valve is in a second state.
2. A system according to claim 1 , wherein the printhead is an elongate printhead spanning a media width.
3. A system according to claim 2 , wherein the air line comprises a filter disposed at one end thereof, the opposed end of the air line joining the first fluid line.
4. A system according to claim 3 , wherein the filter comprises expanded polytetrafluoroethylene.
5. A system according to claim 3 , wherein the first fluid line, the second fluid line and the air line comprise fluid hoses.
6. A system according to claim 1 , wherein the multi-path valve is a multi-channel valve configured for:
opening and closing multiple air lines; and
opening and closing multiple first fluid lines,
wherein each of the multiple air lines and first fluid lines corresponds to a respective fluid container supplying fluid to a respective channel of the printhead.
7. An inkjet printer comprising the fluid distribution system according to claim 1 .
8. A fluid distribution system for a printhead, the system comprising:
a fluid container;
a first fluid line connecting the fluid container with an inlet of the printhead;
a second fluid line connecting the fluid container with an outlet of the printhead;
a pump positioned in the second fluid line;
an air line branched from the first fluid line, the air line being open to atmosphere other than via the fluid container; and
a multi-path valve configured for:
selectively opening and closing the air line; and
selectively opening and closing the first fluid line,
wherein, during use, actuation of the pump draws ink through the printhead via the first fluid line when the multi-path valve is in a first state and sucks air into the printhead via the air line when the multi-path valve is in a second state.
9. A system according to claim 8 , wherein the printhead is an elongate rinthead sr annin a media width.
10. A system according to claim 9 , wherein the air line comprises a filter disposed at one end thereof, the opposed end of the air line joining the first fluid line.
11. A system according to claim 10 , wherein the filter comprises expanded polytetrafluoroethylene.
12. A system according to claim 10 , wherein the first fluid line, the second fluid line and the air line comprise fluid hoses.
13. A system according to claim 8 , wherein the multi-path valve is a multi-channel valve configured for:
opening and closing multiple air lines; and
opening and closing multiple first fluid lines,
wherein each of the multiple air lines and first fluid lines corresponds to a respective fluid container supplying fluid to a respective channel of the printhead.
14. An inkjet printer comprising the fluid distribution system according to claim 8 .