There is provided an ink-jet recording apparatus, including: a casing which is box-shaped, and which has an internal space; a recording head arranged in the internal space, and configured to jet ink droplets; a carriage which is movable, and is arranged in the internal space, and on which the recording head is mounted; and a dust-proof portion arranged between a movable space and an exterior of the casing, the movable space being a space, in the internal space, in which the carriage is movable.

There is provided an ink-jet recording apparatus, including: a casing which is box-shaped, and which has an internal space; a recording head arranged in the internal space, and configured to jet ink droplets; a carriage which is movable, and is arranged in the internal space, and on which the recording head is mounted; and a dust-proof portion arranged between a movable space and an exterior of the casing, the movable space being a space, in the internal space, in which the carriage is movable.

Mechanisms for adjusting the position of one or more print heads at an extremely fine resolution (e.g., less than 10 μm) are described herein. The adjustment mechanisms include a differential screw and an indexing wheel through which the differential screw extends. One threaded segment of the differential screw is connected to a threaded feature of a flexible body that is coupled to the print head(s), while another threaded segment of the differential screw is connected to a threaded feature of a rigid body that is coupled to a printer assembly. As the indexing wheel and differential screw rotate, the space between the flexible body and the rigid body changes based on the difference between the pitches of the threaded segments. The adjustment mechanisms described herein utilize the accurate, consistent motion of the flexible body upon experiencing pressure to effect predictable changes in the position of the print head(s).

Techniques for more accurately and efficiently replicating the alignment of one or more printer components with respect to another printer component are described herein. Replication may be achieved by using a fixture and a connection media to create a near exact replica of features of the fixture, or to temporarily hold multiple printer components in position while a joining layer of the connection media hardens. More specifically, a connection media, such as epoxy, can be used to fill an intentionally-established gap between connecting bodies or components that are held in a predetermined position by the replication fixture. The replication fixture represents a mechanical mounting interface that influences the position of a print head (or an array of print heads) within a printer housing or printing mechanism. Joining printer components in such a manner enables a stable mechanical coupling to be formed that does not require post operations.

An inkjet print module includes: a printhead having first and second rows of print chips, the printhead having 180 degree rotational symmetry about a print axis parallel to a direction of droplet ejection; a fixed printhead keying feature which is rotationally asymmetric about the print axis notwithstanding the rotational symmetry of the printhead; a cradle for removably receiving the printhead, the cradle having a key assembly for complementary engagement with the fixed printhead keying feature. The key assembly is selectively configurable in either one of first and second cradle configurations so as to receive the printhead either in a first printhead orientation or a second printhead orientation, the second printhead orientation being rotated 180 degrees about the print axis relative to the first printhead orientation.

An inkjet print module includes: a printhead having first and second rows of print chips, the printhead having 180 degree rotational symmetry about a print axis parallel to a direction of droplet ejection; a fixed printhead keying feature which is rotationally asymmetric about the print axis notwithstanding the rotational symmetry of the printhead; a cradle for removably receiving the printhead, the cradle having a key assembly for complementary engagement with the fixed printhead keying feature. The key assembly is selectively configurable in either one of first and second cradle configurations so as to receive the printhead either in a first printhead orientation or a second printhead orientation, the second printhead orientation being rotated 180 degrees about the print axis relative to the first printhead orientation.

A thermal printer includes a platen roller, a thermal head, a head support plate, a frame including a platen roller support portion, a turn support portion configured to support the head support plate, and an urging member configured to urge the head support plate in a direction in which the thermal head approaches the platen roller. The thermal head is fixed to an opposed surface of the head support plate, which is in a first region located on one side with respect to the turn support portion, and is opposed to the platen roller in the first direction. The urging member is interposed between the opposed surface of the head support plate in a second region, which is located on another side with respect to the turn support portion and an urging member support portion of the frame.

A thermal printer includes a platen roller, a thermal head, a head support plate, a frame including a platen roller support portion, a turn support portion configured to support the head support plate, and an urging member configured to urge the head support plate in a direction in which the thermal head approaches the platen roller. The thermal head is fixed to an opposed surface of the head support plate, which is in a first region located on one side with respect to the turn support portion, and is opposed to the platen roller in the first direction. The urging member is interposed between the opposed surface of the head support plate in a second region, which is located on another side with respect to the turn support portion and an urging member support portion of the frame.

A print module includes: a body housing first and second opposed printed circuit boards (PCBs), each of the first and second PCBs having heat-generating electronic components; an air inlet and an air outlet positioned towards an upper part of the body; an air pathway extending between the air inlet and the air outlet; a plurality of heatsinks, each heatsink being thermally coupled with one of the heat-generating components and having an array of cooling fins extending into the air pathway; and an inkjet printhead receiving power and print data from at least one of the first and second PCBs. The inkjet printhead is positioned toward a lower part of the print module.

An adjustment mechanism is structured to adjust and fix a liquid discharge head in position on a base plate. The adjustment mechanism includes a first plate, a second plate, a pivotable cam, and a first biasing unit. The first plate is changeable in position in a circumferential direction relative to the base plate. The first plate is fixed to the base plate. The second plate is mounted on the first plate movably relative to the first plate in a direction different from the circumferential direction. The liquid discharge head is fixed to the second plate. A first biasing unit biases the second plate toward the pivotable cam in a horizontal direction to prevent the second plate from lifting upward off the first plate. The pivotable cam is operable to move the second plate against an biasing force of the first biasing unit and to locate the second plate.