Patent classifications
B41J29/56
Printhead engagement mechanism for long printheads
A print module includes: a cradle having a nest for receiving a printhead; an elongate printhead received in the nest, the printhead having first and second ink ports at opposite longitudinal ends thereof; and a supply assembly slidably movable relative to the cradle along an axis perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the printhead. The supply assembly includes first and second ink couplings positioned for complementary engagement with the first and second ink ports of the printhead and a depressor positioned between the first and second ink couplings. The printhead has a portion configured for complementary engagement with the depressor, such that lowering of the supply assembly urges the printhead towards the nest via engagement of the depressor with the printhead.
Print module having pivotable printhead carrier
A print module includes: a cradle defining a longitudinal cavity and an access opening at a first end of the longitudinal cavity; an elongate printhead carrier positioned in the longitudinal cavity, the printhead carrier being pivotable about a pivot axis at a second end of the cradle opposite the first end; and an elongate printhead longitudinally slidably engaged with the printhead carrier. The printhead is removable from the cradle via pivoting of the printhead carrier and longitudinally sliding the printhead relative to the printhead carrier through the access opening.
Print module having pivotable printhead carrier
A print module includes: a cradle defining a longitudinal cavity and an access opening at a first end of the longitudinal cavity; an elongate printhead carrier positioned in the longitudinal cavity, the printhead carrier being pivotable about a pivot axis at a second end of the cradle opposite the first end; and an elongate printhead longitudinally slidably engaged with the printhead carrier. The printhead is removable from the cradle via pivoting of the printhead carrier and longitudinally sliding the printhead relative to the printhead carrier through the access opening.
Printhead cradle with longitudinal rail engaging printhead overhead hanger
A print module includes: a cradle defining a longitudinal cavity and an access opening at a first end of the longitudinal cavity; a printhead carrier positioned in the longitudinal cavity, the printhead carrier comprising a longitudinal rail; and an elongate printhead having a longitudinal overhead hanger for complementary longitudinal sliding engagement with the rail. The printhead is removable from the cradle via longitudinal sliding movement of the printhead relative to the printhead carrier through the access opening.
Printhead cradle with longitudinal rail engaging printhead overhead hanger
A print module includes: a cradle defining a longitudinal cavity and an access opening at a first end of the longitudinal cavity; a printhead carrier positioned in the longitudinal cavity, the printhead carrier comprising a longitudinal rail; and an elongate printhead having a longitudinal overhead hanger for complementary longitudinal sliding engagement with the rail. The printhead is removable from the cradle via longitudinal sliding movement of the printhead relative to the printhead carrier through the access opening.
Print module with movable PCB and ink couplings actuated by lift mechanism
A print module includes: a cradle having a nest for receiving a printhead; an elongate printhead received in the nest; a supply assembly slidably movable relative to the cradle along an axis perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the printhead; and a lift mechanism for reciprocally lowering and raising the supply assembly towards and away from the printhead, the lift mechanism having a single actuator handle positioned at the first end of the cradle. Movement of the actuator handle causes engagement or disengagement between the printhead and the supply assembly via sliding movement of the supply module relative to the cradle.
Print module with movable PCB and ink couplings actuated by lift mechanism
A print module includes: a cradle having a nest for receiving a printhead; an elongate printhead received in the nest; a supply assembly slidably movable relative to the cradle along an axis perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the printhead; and a lift mechanism for reciprocally lowering and raising the supply assembly towards and away from the printhead, the lift mechanism having a single actuator handle positioned at the first end of the cradle. Movement of the actuator handle causes engagement or disengagement between the printhead and the supply assembly via sliding movement of the supply module relative to the cradle.
Print module having guide for protecting printhead during longitudinal side-loading
A print module includes: a cradle defining a longitudinal cavity and an access opening at a first end of the longitudinal cavity; an elongate printhead positioned in the longitudinal cavity; and a guide positioned at the access opening, the guide having an upper surface configured for guiding the printhead into the longitudinal cavity without contacting an ink ejection face of the printhead. The printhead is removable from the cradle via longitudinal sliding movement of the printhead through the access opening.
Print module having guide for protecting printhead during longitudinal side-loading
A print module includes: a cradle defining a longitudinal cavity and an access opening at a first end of the longitudinal cavity; an elongate printhead positioned in the longitudinal cavity; and a guide positioned at the access opening, the guide having an upper surface configured for guiding the printhead into the longitudinal cavity without contacting an ink ejection face of the printhead. The printhead is removable from the cradle via longitudinal sliding movement of the printhead through the access opening.
Print module with tongue engagement of printhead carrier for fluidic disconnection
A print module including: a cradle having a longitudinal cavity; an elongate printhead assembly positioned in the longitudinal cavity; and a supply assembly slidably movable relative to the cradle along an axis perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the printhead assembly, the supply assembly having one or more ink couplings for fluidic connection to a printhead of the printhead assembly. The cradle includes a fixed limiter configured for abutment with a reaction plate of the printhead assembly so as to limit movement of the printhead assembly during movement of the supply assembly away from the printhead assembly.