Capper assembly for a pagewidth printhead cartridge

A capping assembly caps a pagewidth printhead of an inkjet printer by moving into and out of a body that has a surface opposite the printhead, The surface has a slot in it open to the interior of the body, The body is configured to extend the length of the printhead, and a capping element is housed within the body. The capping element has a rim portion adapted to cap at least a portion of said printhead and it is movable with respect to said body between a first and a second position. In the first position, the rim portion extends from the body, and in the second position, the rim portion is contained within the body.

Cradle unit for electrically engaging with a pagewidth printhead cartridge

A cradle unit for an inkjet printer comprising: a body complementary to a removable inkjet cartridge of a type having a pagewidth printhead and an ink supply; and a controller for controlling the operation of the printhead to facilitate printing; wherein, a plurality of terminals are located along the length of the body to contact corresponding terminals located along the length of the removable inkjet cartridge to enable electrical communication between the controller and the cartridge.

Inkjet printer with replaceable printhead requiring zero-insertion-force

An inkjet printer comprising a replaceable pagewidth printhead with an array of nozzles and printhead contacts for transmitting power and print data to the nozzles; and corresponding contacts for supplying the power and print data to the printhead contacts; and a selective biasing mechanism; such that the printhead contacts and the corresponding contacts are biased into engagement during printing and released from biased engagement when installing or removing the printhead.

Electromagnetically controlled capper assembly for capping a pagewidth printhead cartridge

A capping assembly for capping a pagewidth printhead of an inkjet printer comprising: a body configured to extend the length of the printhead; a capping element housed within the body and having a rim portion adapted to cap at least a portion of the printhead; a displacement assembly housed within the body for moving the capping element between a first position where the rim portion of the capping element extends from said body, and a second portion where the portion of the capping element is contained within the body; wherein, the displacement assembly is controlled by an electromagnet which determines the position.

Pagewidth printhead assembly having abutting integrated circuits arranged thereon

A pagewidth printhead assembly for an inkjet printer comprising: a body portion for receiving ink from one or more ink sources and distributing the ink along the length of the printhead assembly; a plurality of integrated circuits extending the length of the printhead assembly, each integrated circuit having a plurality of nozzles formed in rows thereon, each of the nozzles being arranged in use to deliver the ink onto passing print media; and an ink distribution member upon which the integrated circuits are fixed and which distributes the ink from the body portion to the nozzles of the integrated circuits; wherein the integrated circuits are aligned in an abutting arrangement across the length of the ink distribution member.

PRINT ENGINE WITH INK STORAGE MODULES INCORPORATING COLLAPSIBLE BAGS

A print engine for an inkjet printer unit includes a cradle unit and a replaceable cartridge unit to be releasably received within the cradle unit. The cartridge unit includes an elongate body defining a row of cavities; an ink storage module assembly including a plurality of ink storage modules received within the cavities, each ink storage module including a collapsible ink storage bag extending between a pair of plates; and a printhead assembly mounted to the body and including an ink ejection integrated circuit (IC) connected to receive ink from the ink storage modules. Each ink storage module further includes a biasing means configured to bias the plates apart so that the bag expands and thereby maintains ink within the bag at negative pressure.

PRINTHEAD MAINTENANCE FACILITY WITH MULTIPLE INDEPENDENT DRIVES

A printhead maintenance facility for an inkjet printer having a pagewidth printhead and a media path for feeding sheets of media substrate in a media feed direction wherein the pagewidth printhead has a nozzle face defining an elongate array of nozzles extending the printing width of the media substrate. The printhead maintenance facility has a wiper member extending the length of the nozzle array, a chassis for supporting the wiper member and a maintenance drive. The maintenance drive has a first actuator for moving the wiper member towards or away from the nozzle face, and a second actuator for rotating wiper member about an axis extending transverse to the media feed direction, wherein the first actuator and the second actuator are independently operable.

Ink refill unit with cartridge constriction actuators

An ink refill unit for replenishing an ink cartridge in an inkjet printer, the ink cartridge having an interface for engaging the ink refill, an ink storage compartment partially defined by a tubular flexible wall, and a constrictor mechanism for constricting the flexible tubular wall by a predetermined amount, the ink refill unit comprising: a body containing a quantity of ink; a docking portion for engaging the interface of the cartridge, the docking portion having an ink outlet for connection to an inlet port on the interface, and a plurality of constrictor actuators for actuating the constrictor mechanism as the ink refill unit engages the interface and releases the constrictor mechanism as the ink refill unit disengages the interface.

Pagewidth printhead cartridge having multiple ink storage capacity

A cartridge unit for an inkjet printer comprising: a body portion having a plurality of ink storage compartments; and a pagewidth printhead assembly configured to receive ink from ink storage compartments and distribute said ink to a plurality of nozzles arranged in use to deliver the ink onto passing print media; wherein the ink storage compartments comprise an absorption material which stores the ink therein under capillary action for supply to the nozzles of the printhead assembly.

System for mounting a capper assembly to a pagewidth printhead

A capping assembly for capping a pagewidth printhead of an inkjet printer. The capping assembly has a body configured to extend the length of the printhead and a capping element housed within said body and movable with respect to the body to cap at least a portion of the printhead. The body includes a mounting element for removably mounting said capping assembly to said printhead.

Pagewidth printhead cartridge having a longitudinally extending electrical contact

A cartridge unit for an inkjet printer comprising a body portion housing one or more ink storage compartments; a pagewidth printhead assembly configured to receive ink from the one or more ink storage compartments and having a plurality of nozzles arranged in use to deliver the ink onto passing print media; and an electrical connector in electrical communication with the nozzles of the printhead assembly and disposed along the length of the printhead assembly for mating with a corresponding connectors of the inkjet printer to control operation of the nozzles.

PRINTHEAD MAINTENANCE ASSEMBLY FOR INKJET PRINTER

A printhead maintenance assembly for an inkjet printer includes a movable chassis arranged in a housing; an endless belt mounted on the chassis, the endless belt having a contact surface reciprocally movable between a first position in which the contact surface is engaged with the printhead and a second position in which the contact surface is disengaged from the printhead; a pair of spools mounted on the chassis and on which the belt is mounted, one of the spools being a toothed drive spool and the other being an idler spool; a drive gear driven by a drive motor and engaged with the drive spool, the drive gear, the drive spool, and the drive motor forming a conveyor mechanism for conveying the belt in a direction substantially parallel with a longitudinal axis of the printhead; and a cleaning station mounted on the chassis and positioned to clean the belt as the belt moves past. The contact surface is sloped with respect to the printhead ...

Inkjet printer unit having a high speed print engine

An inkjet printer unit including: a media input tray for supplying print media for printing; a print engine for printing an image on said print media; and a media output tray for collecting the printed media; wherein the print engine contains a removable inkjet cartridge of a type having a pagewidth printhead and an ink supply and a cradle having a body adapted to receive the removable inkjet cartridge and to control the operation of the printhead for printing.

Inkjet printhead with electrical disconnection of printhead prior to removal

An inkjet printer comprising: a replaceable pagewidth printhead with an array of nozzles and printhead contacts for transmitting power and print data to the nozzles; and, corresponding contacts for supplying the power and print data to the printhead contacts; and, a cover member for movement between open and closed positions; wherein, in the open position, the printhead can be installed or removed, and the cover member is in the closed position during printing; such that, the printhead contacts and the corresponding contacts are moved into engagement when the cover member is moved to the closed position, and the printhead contacts and the corresponding contacts disengage when the cover member is moved to the open position.

PRINTHEAD MAINTENANCE FACILITY WITH INTERCHANGEABLE STATIONS

A printhead maintenance facility with a core that mounts in an inkjet printer for movement relative to an inkjet printhead. The core has a plurality of maintenance station mounting sites, each with engagement formations. The core also has a plurality of maintenance structures for operation with the printhead, the plurality of maintenance structures each being mountable to at least one other of the plurality of maintenance station mounting sites.

Replaceable pagewidth printhead cartridge

A cartridge unit for an inkjet printer is provided. The cartridge unit has a body portion having one or more ink storage compartments, and a pagewidth printhead assembly which is mountable to the body. The printhead assembly is configured to receive ink from the compartment(s) and to distribute the ink along the length of the printhead assembly.

Reservoir assembly for a pagewidth printhead cartridge

The invention relates to a reservoir assembly for a pagewidth printhead cartridge. The cartridge has a fluid distribution molding with priming inlets in fluid communication with fluid channels for supplying printing fluid to a plurality of printhead integrated circuits. The reservoir assembly includes a reservoir compartment arranged in fluid communication with the fluid channels via a fluid outlet. The reservoir includes a porous absorbent material located inside the compartment to absorb printing fluid delivered via the priming inlets. The reservoir assembly also includes a bypass fluid path arranging the fluid outlet and a well region of the compartment in fluid communication, said bypass fluid path having a bypass valve to facilitate priming the reservoir compartment with printing fluid.

Cradle unit having a cover assembly with ink refill port

A cradle unit for an inkjet printer is provided. The cradle unit has a body complementary to a removable inkjet cartridge of a type having a pagewidth printhead and a refillable ink supply, and a controller for controlling the operation of the printhead to facilitate printing. The body includes a cover assembly for enclosing the removable inkjet cartridge within the body. The cover assembly has at least one port formed therein through which a refill unit is received for refilling the ink supply of the cartridge.

LOW INSERTION FORCE FLUID COUPLING

A fluid coupling for establishing a sealed connection between a first conduit and a second conduit that has a seal seat and a compression member. The compression member is movable relative to the seal seat in which an annular seal is positioned. An engagement mechanism moves the second conduit from a disengaged position where there is no sealed fluid connection between the first and second conduits, to an engaged position where the compression member moves toward the seal seat to compress the annular seal to form a sealed fluid connection.

METHOD OF ASSEMBLING PRINTHEAD CAPPING MECHANISM

A method of assembling a gear arrangement for a capper of an inkjet printer includes the steps of: mounting a first gear assembly to the printer to cooperate with a motor gear for driving rotation of the first gear assembly, the first gear assembly including a driving gear from which a code feature protrudes, the driving gear meshed with the motor gear; engaging the printer with a jig; and mounting a second gear assembly to the printer using the jig, the second gear assembly mounted to cooperate with the first gear assembly to be rotatable therewith and to further cooperate with a capper for capping a printhead so that the rotation of the second gear assembly moves the capper out of and into capping position. The step of mounting the second gear assembly further includes a step of sliding a slider block of the holding feature about the code feature of the driving gear, whereby the code feature cooperate with the holding feature to maintain the first gear assembly at a predetermined position during the mounting of the second gear assembly.

Method of refilling a high speed print engine

A method of refilling a supply of printing fluid in a printing unit, comprising the steps of: removably mounting a dispenser of printing fluid to the printing unit so as to align an outlet of the dispenser with an inlet of a printing fluid storage chamber of the printing unit; determining an amount of printing fluid needed to substantially refill the printing fluid storage chamber; and selectively dispensing an amount of printing fluid from the dispenser corresponding to the determined amount.

Pagewidth printhead assembly having an improved ink distribution structure

A pagewidth printhead assembly for an inkjet printer that has a body portion for receiving ink from one or more ink sources and having one or more channels formed therein for distributing the ink substantially along the length of the printhead assembly, and one or more integrated circuits extending substantially the length of the printhead assembly. The or each integrated circuit has a plurality of nozzles, each being arranged in use to deliver the ink onto passing print media. The assembly also has an ink distribution member upon which the or each integrated circuit is fixed and which distributes the ink from the body portion to each of the integrated circuits. The ink distribution member is a unitary element having a plurality of conduits formed therethrough. Each of the conduits having an inlet which receives ink from one of the channels of the body portion and an outlet which delivers the ink to a predetermined number of nozzles of the one or more integrated circuits.

Control system for controlling the refilling operation of a print engine

A system for controlling refilling of a print engine by a printing fluid refill unit, comprising: an information storage element incorporated in the refill unit for storing information on the amount of printing fluid contained in the refill unit; and an information reader incorporated in the print engine for reading the information stored by the storage element when the refill unit is mounted to the print engine and for controlling the refilling of the print engine with the printing fluid contained in the refill unit based on the information read.

Refill unit for engaging with, and closing the outlet valve from an ink storage compartment

A refill unit is provided for refilling a negatively pressurized ink storage compartment that supplies ink to a printhead assembly via a normally open outlet valve. The refill unit has a body having a deformable ink bag containing a quantity of ink, and an outlet valve actuator for closing the outlet valve as the refill unit engages the ink storage compartment.

PRINTHEAD MAINTENANCE FACILITY WITH PAGEWIDTH ABSORBENT ELEMENT

A printhead maintenance facility for an inkjet printer having a pagewidth printhead and a media path for feeding sheets of media substrate in a media feed direction wherein the pagewidth printhead has a nozzle face defining an elongate array of nozzles extending the printing width of the media substrate. The printhead maintenance facility has a wiper member extending the length of the nozzle array, an absorbent pad extending the length of the wiper member and a maintenance drive for moving the wiper member such that it wipes the array of nozzles and subsequently wipes the absorbent pad.

Printer Control Circuitry For Reading Ink Information From A Refill Unit

A refill unit for refilling an ink cartridge that forms part of an inkjet printer. The printer also having a printhead, control circuitry and an interface for releasably engaging the refill unit. The refill unit has a body containing a quantity of ink, an ink outlet, and a memory circuit for storing information relating to at least one characteristic of the ink. During use the memory circuit allows to the control circuit to interrogate it to verify that the ink in the refill unit is suitable for the printer.

PRINTHEAD MAINTENANCE FACILITY WITH BALANCED LIFT MECHANISM

A printhead maintenance facility for an inkjet printer having a pagewidth printhead and a media path for feeding sheets of media substrate in a media feed direction wherein the pagewidth printhead has a nozzle face defining an elongate array of nozzles extending the printing width of the media substrate. The printhead maintenance facility has a wiper member extending the length of the nozzle array, a chassis for supporting the wiper member and a maintenance drive for moving the wiper member towards, and away from, the nozzle face, the maintenance drive being configured to apply a moving force to the chassis at a first bearing point proximate one end of the wiper member, and configured to apply an equal moving force to the chassis at a second bearing point proximate the other end of the wiper member. The first bearing point and the second bearing point are equidistant from a longitudinal mid-point of the wiper member.

Printer with motor driven maintenance station

An inkjet printer is provided having a printhead with an array of nozzles, a maintenance assembly for moving between a capped position where the assembly covers the array of nozzles, and an uncapped position spaced from the array of nozzles and a motorized drive for moving the maintenance assembly between the capped position and the uncapped position. The maintenance assembly has a capper for covering the array and a cleaner for wiping the array, such that the motorized drive uses a cam shaft arrangement for moving the cleaner relative to the capper.

Ink refill unit with ink level indicator

An ink refill unit for replenishing an ink cartridge in an inkjet printer is provided. The ink refill unit has a body containing ink, an ink outlet for engaging a complementary ink inlet in the cartridge, and a visual indicator to provide a visual indication when a predetermined quantity of ink has flowed from the refill unit into the cartridge.

Printer Having Simple Connection Printhead

A printer is provided having a removably secured cradle in which a cartridge having a pagewidth printhead and printing fluid supply is removably received. The cradle has a printed circuit board mounted on pivoting arms such that terminals on the printed circuit board contact, upon the pivoting arms being pivoted toward the cartridge, corresponding terminals of the cartridge, and a controller for controlling operation of the received cartridge via the connected terminals of the cradle and cartridge.

Inkjet printer with cartridge cradle having interfaces for refill units

A cradle for holding an ink cartridge within an inkjet printer, the cartridge having a plurality of ink storage compartments. The cradle has a plurality of interfaces respectively corresponding to the ink storage compartments. Each of the interfaces is configured to receive an ink refill unit for replenishing the corresponding ink storage compartment.

Cover assembly for a cradle unit having an ink refilling actuator provided therein

A cover assembly is provided for a cradle unit of an inkjet printer having a body complementary to a removable inkjet cartridge of a type having a pagewidth printhead and an ink supply and a controller for controlling the operation of the printhead to facilitate printing. The cover assembly has a refill actuator for dispensing ink from an ink refill unit into the refillable ink supply of the removable inkjet cartridge.

PRINTHEAD MAINTENANCE FACILITY WITH NOZZLE WIPER MOVABLE PARALLEL TO MEDIA FEED DIRECTION

A maintenance facility for an inkjet printer having a pagewidth printhead and a media path for feeding sheets of media substrate in a media feed direction. The pagewidth printhead has an elongate array of nozzles extending the printing width of the media substrate and the maintenance facility has a wiper member extending the length of the nozzle array, the wiper member mounted in the printer adjacent the media path and, a maintenance drive for moving the wiper member such that it wipes the array of nozzles in a direction parallel to the media feed direction.

Ink refill unit for maintaining negative pressure in negatively pressurized ink storage compartment

A refill unit for refilling an ink storage compartment supplying a printhead assembly with an array of nozzles is provided. The refill unit has a body containing a quantity of ink, an ink outlet, and a repressurizing arrangement. During use, the ink storage compartment is maintained at a negative pressure to avoid inadvertent ink leakage from the nozzles. Accordingly, upon engagement of the refill unit with the ink storage compartment, the repressurizing arrangement causes part of the ink storage compartment to be inwardly depressed as the ink from the body is drawn into the ink storage compartment through the ink outlet by the negative pressure until pressure equalization. Further, upon subsequent disengagement of the refill unit from the ink storage compartment, the repressurizing arrangement releases the inwardly depressed part of the ink storage compartment to re-establish the negative pressure.

Ink refill unit with sequential valve actuators

A refill unit for refilling an ink storage compartment is provided. The ink storage compartment has an interface for releasably engaging with the refill unit. The interface has valves for controlling ink flows into, and out of, the storage compartment. The refill unit has a body containing a quantity of ink, an ink outlet, and valve actuators for actuating the valves when the refill unit engages the interface, such that the valve actuators actuate the valves in a predetermined sequence.

Cradle unit having a refill actuator for operating a refill unit

A cradle unit for an inkjet printer comprising: a body complementary to a removable inkjet cartridge of a type having a pagewidth printhead and a refillable ink supply; and a controller for controlling the operation of the printhead to facilitate printing; wherein, said body is configured to receive a refill unit for supplying refill ink to the cartridge and includes a refill actuator for dispensing ink from said refill unit into said refillable ink supply.

System for securing integrated circuits to a pagewidth printhead assembly

A pagewidth printhead assembly for an inkjet printer comprising: a body portion for receiving ink from one or more ink sources and having one or more channels formed therein for distributing the ink substantially along the length of the printhead assembly; one or more integrated circuits extending substantially the length of the printhead assembly, each integrated circuit having a plurality of nozzles, each of the nozzles being arranged in use to deliver the ink onto passing print media; and an ink distribution member upon which each integrated circuit is fixed and which distributes the ink from the body portion to each of the integrated circuits; wherein the ink distribution member comprises a first layer which directs the ink from the one or more channels of the body portion for delivery to each integrated circuit, and a second layer attached to said first layer for receiving and securing each integrated circuit in a position to receive the ink from the first layer.

Ink refill unit with keyed connection ink cartridge

An ink refill unit is provided for replenishing an ink cartridge in an inkjet printer. The ink cartridge has an interface for engaging the ink refill unit and the ink refill unit has a body containing a quantity of ink, and an ink outlet for engaging an ink inlet in the interface. A feature of the ink refill unit and a feature of the interface form a pair of complementary features that have a keyed connection with each other when the ink refill unit engages the interface.

PRINTHEAD HAVING FLUID SUPPLY THROUGH SEALING FILM

A printhead is provided having a printhead integrated circuit having ejection nozzles and fluid channels for supplying fluid to the nozzles, a support structure supporting the integrated circuit, the support structure having conduits for supplying fluid to the channels, and a sealing film fixing the integrated circuit to the support structure. The sealing film has apertures providing sealed fluid communication between the conduits and the channels. The channels are divided into isolated channel sections by walls. Each aperture of the sealing film is positioned at one of the walls so as to provide fluid communication to both of the channel sections either side of the respective wall. 1. A printhead comprising:a printhead integrated circuit having ejection nozzles and fluid channels for supplying fluid to the nozzles;a support structure supporting the integrated circuit, the support structure having conduits for supplying fluid to the channels; anda sealing film fixing the integrated circuit to the support structure, the sealing film having apertures providing sealed fluid communication between the conduits and the channels,wherein the channels are divided into isolated channel sections by walls, each aperture of the sealing film being positioned at one of the walls so as to provide fluid communication to both of the channel sections either side of the respective wall.2. A printhead according to wherein the sealing film is more than 25 microns thick.3. A printhead according to wherein the sealing film is more than 50 microns thick.4. A printhead according to wherein the sealing film is more than 100 microns thick.5. A printhead according to wherein the sealing film is about 200 microns thick. A printhead according to wherein the sealing film is a polymer laminate with a central support web between to outer layers of adhesive. The present application is a Continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/540,360 filed Aug. 12, 2009, which is a Continuation of U.S. ...

PRINTHEAD INTEGRATED CIRCUIT HAVING FRONTSIDE INLET CHANNELS AND BACKSIDE INK SUPPLY CHANNELS

Provided is a cartridge unit for a printer. The cartridge unit has upper and lower plate members having an ink bag located between the plate members to define an ink volume. The plate members can be displaced towards and away from each other by an external force. A bag constrictor assembly engages the plate members and is configured to act on the bag when the plate members are displaced towards each other to reduce the ink volume. A valve insert has an inlet valve to facilitate refilling of the bag with ink and an outlet valve to facilitate ink delivery to a printhead. A filter cover is positioned between the valve insert and the ink bag to filter contaminants and air bubbles passing between the ink bag and said valve insert. 17-. (canceled)9. The printhead integrated circuit of claim 8 , wherein each inlet channel has a first width and the ink supply channel has a second width claim 8 , the second width being greater than the first width.10. The printhead integrated circuit of claim 8 , wherein the nozzle chambers are arranged in pairs of rows claim 8 , each paired row of nozzle chambers extending longitudinally along the frontside and having a corresponding paired row of inlet channels claim 8 , and wherein each ink supply channel has a width sufficient for supplying ink to a corresponding paired row of inlet channels.11. The printhead integrated circuit of claim 8 , wherein each ink supply channel has an aspect ratio of less than 3:1 claim 8 , the aspect ratio being defined by the ratio of a channel depth to a channel width.12. The printhead integrated circuit of claim 8 , further comprising drive circuitry disposed at the frontside of the substrate and a passivation layer disposed on the drive circuitry claim 8 , wherein the nozzle chambers are disposed on the passivation layer.13. The printhead integrated circuit of claim 12 , wherein each nozzle chamber comprises an actuator electrically connected to the drive circuitry.14. The printhead integrated circuit of ...

REPLACABLE PRINTHEAD CARTRIDGE FOR INKJET PRINTER

A replaceable printhead cartridge includes: an elongate cartridge body having an elongate structure with a plurality of longitudinally extending channels; a pagewidth printhead mounted on the elongate structure; a first fluid coupling positioned towards one end of the elongate structure; and a second fluid coupling positioned towards an opposite end of the elongate structure. The first and second fluid couplings each has an interface plate supporting a plurality of spouts positioned for sealed engagement with corresponding apertures in a complementary socket of a printer. The spouts are in fluid communication with the respective ends of corresponding longitudinally extending channels. The spouts extend from respective interface plates in a direction transverse to a longitudinal axis of the cartridge body and parallel with a media feed direction. 113-. (canceled)15. A printhead cartridge according to claim 14 , wherein each interface plate has surface formations individually associated with each of the spouts respectively claim 14 , the surface formations defining preferred flow paths along the interface plate for any residual ink draining away from the spouts under gravity claim 14 , the preferred flow paths being configured to avoid any other spouts.16. A printhead cartridge according to claim 15 , wherein the surface formations are grooves in the interface plate.17. A printhead cartridge according to claim 16 , wherein the spouts are arranged in a circular formation on the interface plate.18. A printhead cartridge according to claim 14 , wherein each of the spouts has an end formation configured for engagement with a shut off valve in the complementary socket of the printer.19. A printhead cartridge according to claim 18 , wherein each of the spouts has at least one aperture in a side wall thereof.20. A printhead cartridge according to claim 14 , wherein the pagewidth printhead has a plurality of printhead ICs mounted to the elongate structure such that the ...

Removable printhead assembly for single-pass inkjet printer

A removable printhead assembly for a single-pass inkjet printer, the printhead assembly including: a body adapted for user removal and insertion in the printer; an elongate ink manifold assembly mounted in the body, the ink manifold assembly having a plurality of longitudinally extending ink channels, a plurality of outlets defined in a mounting surface; and a plurality of ink conduits connecting each ink channel to a corresponding set of outlets; a plurality of printhead chips mounted on the mounting surface; a plurality of pressure regulator assemblies for delivering ink to the printhead chips at a negative pressure; a plurality of electrical connectors; and a plurality of ink ports.

PAGEWIDTH PRINTHEAD ASSEMBLY HAVING INK DISTRIBUTION MEMBER

A pagewidth printhead assembly for an inkjet printer includes: a plurality of channels for distributing the ink along a length of the printhead assembly; a plurality of printhead integrated circuits; and an ink distribution member upon which the printhead integrated circuits are fixed and which distributes ink from the channels to the printhead integrated circuits. The ink distribution member has a plurality of ink supply holes and a plurality of ink supply conduits defined in a surface thereof and the printhead integrated circuits are fixed to the ink distribution member via a bonding film. The bonding film includes a plurality of through-holes coinciding with the ink supply holes and end portions of the ink supply conduits. 16-. (canceled)7. A pagewidth printhead assembly for an inkjet printer , the pagewidth printhead assembly comprising:a plurality of channels for receiving ink from one or more ink sources and distributing the ink along a length of the printhead assembly;a plurality of integrated circuits extending the length of the printhead assembly, each integrated circuit having a plurality of nozzles formed in rows thereon, each of the nozzles being arranged in use to deliver the ink onto passing print media; andan ink distribution member upon which the integrated circuits are fixed and which distributes the ink from the plurality of channels to the integrated circuits, wherein:the ink distribution member has a plurality of ink supply holes and a plurality of ink supply conduits defined in a surface thereof, each ink supply conduit having an end portion;the integrated circuits are fixed to the ink distribution member via a bonding film, the bonding film covering the ink supply conduits defined in the surface of the ink distribution member; andthe bonding film includes a plurality of through-holes coinciding with the ink supply holes and the end portions of the ink supply conduits.8. The pagewidth printhead assembly of claim 7 , wherein the integrated ...

INK DISTRIBUTION MEMBER FOR MOUNTING PRINTHEAD INTEGRATED CIRCUIT

An elongate ink distribution member for mounting a printhead integrated circuit. The ink distribution member includes a plurality of longitudinally extending ink supply channels and a mounting surface having a plurality of ink supply conduits defined therein. The ink supply conduits are arranged in sets with each set of ink supply conduits being in fluid communication with a respective one of the ink supply channels. The ink supply conduits extend generally transversely from an upstream outer region towards a downstream inner region of the mounting surface. 17-. (canceled)8. An elongate ink distribution member for mounting one or more printhead integrated circuits , the ink distribution member comprising:a plurality of longitudinally extending ink supply channels; and the ink supply conduits are arranged in sets, each set of ink supply conduits being in fluid communication with a respective one of the ink supply channels; and', 'the ink supply conduits extend generally transversely from an upstream outer region towards a downstream inner region of the mounting surface., 'a mounting surface having a plurality of ink supply conduits defined therein, wherein9. The ink distribution member of claim 8 , which is comprised of a micromolded polymer.10. The ink distribution member of claim 8 , which is comprised of a liquid crystal polymer.11. The ink distribution member of claim 8 , further comprising a set of ink supply holes spaced apart along a central longitudinal axis of the mounting surface claim 8 , the set of ink supply holes being in fluid communication with a respective one of the ink supply channels.12. The ink distribution member of comprising an upper molding and a lower molding claim 8 , wherein the upper molding defines the longitudinally extending ink supply channels and the lower molding defines the mounting surface.13. An ink distribution assembly comprising: a plurality of longitudinally extending ink supply channels; and', 'a mounting surface having a ...

REMOVABLE PRINTHEAD ASSEMBLY

A removable printhead assembly for a single-pass inkjet printer. The printhead assembly comprises: an elongate body adapted for removal and insertion in a cradle of the printer; an ink manifold assembly having a mounting surface defining a plurality of ink outlets; a plurality of printhead chips mounted on the mounting surface; one or more pressure regulator assemblies for delivering ink to the printhead chips at a predetermined backpressure; and a plurality of electrical terminals positioned along a length of the body for establishing electrical connection with a printer controller of the printer. The electrical terminals extend along one side of the elongate body, which is perpendicular to the mounting surface. 2. The printhead assembly of claim 1 , wherein each pressure regulator assembly comprises an ink reservoir and a pressure regulator.4. The printer of claim 3 , wherein each pressure regulator assembly comprises an ink reservoir and a pressure regulator. The present application is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/180,585 filed Feb. 14, 2014, which is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/773,488 filed Feb. 21, 2013, now issued U.S. Pat. No. 8,672,450, which is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/773,655 filed May 4, 2010, now issued U.S. Pat. No. 8,500,259, which is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/007,817 filed Jan. 16, 2008, now issued U.S. Pat. No. 7,712,882, which is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/014,739 filed Dec. 20, 2004, now issued U.S. Pat. No. 7,331,660, which is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/760,254 filed Jan. 21, 2004, now issued U.S. Pat. No. 7,448,734.In the interests of brevity, the disclosure of the parent application is incorporated in its entirety into the present specification by cross reference.The present invention relates to a cradle unit for a high speed print engine, and more particularly to a cradle unit ...

Printer Having Regenerative Intermediary Drive

A printer includes: a media tray; a picker; a media guide for guiding the media sheets around a media feed path towards a print zone; a main drive roller assembly positioned upstream of the print zone; and an intermediary drive roller assembly positioned between the picker and the main drive roller assembly. The intermediary drive roller assembly includes: an intermediary idler roller mounted on an intermediary idler shaft; and an intermediary drive roller having a gripping surface engaged with the intermediary idler roller. An intermediary drive shaft is pivotally connected to a support shaft via a swing arm, such that the intermediary drive shaft is arcuately moveable relative to the intermediary idler shaft to provide a variable distance therebetween. 2. The printer of claim 1 , further comprising a datum plate mounted perpendicularly with respect to the media feed path for engaging a side edge of each media sheet conveyed around the media guide.3. The printer of claim 2 , wherein the intermediary drive shaft claim 2 , the intermediary idler shaft and the support shaft extend through respective openings in the datum plate.4. The printer of claim 2 , wherein the intermediary drive and idler rollers are both tilted towards the datum plate in a media feed direction.5. The printer of claim 4 , wherein the intermediary drive and idler shafts extend non-perpendicularly relative to the datum plate.6. The printer of claim 4 , wherein the datum plate extends over at least 80% of a length of the media feed path from the media tray to the drive roller assembly.7. The printer of claim 1 , wherein a first end of the intermediary drive shaft is received in a bearing claim 1 , the bearing having a clearance allowing arcuate movement of an opposite second end of the intermediary drive shaft.8. The printer of claim 7 , wherein the swing arm pivotally interconnects the second end of the intermediary drive shaft and an end of the support shaft.9. The printer of claim 1 , wherein ...

REMOVABLE PRINTHEAD CARTRIDGE HAVING PLURALITY OF PRINTHEAD CHIPS

A removable printhead cartridge for a single-pass inkjet printer, the printhead assembly including: a body adapted for user removal and insertion in the printer; an elongate ink manifold assembly mounted in the body, the ink manifold assembly having a plurality of longitudinally extending ink channels, a plurality of outlets defined in a mounting surface; and a plurality of ink conduits connecting each ink channel to a corresponding set of outlets; a plurality of printhead chips mounted on the mounting surface; a plurality of ink storage modules, each containing a device for delivering ink to the printhead chips at a negative pressure; and a plurality of electrical connectors. 17-. (canceled)8. A removable printhead cartridge for a single-pass inkjet printer , the printhead cartridge comprising:a body adapted for user removal and insertion in the printer;an elongate ink manifold assembly mounted on the body, the ink manifold assembly comprising: a plurality of longitudinally extending ink channels; a plurality of outlets defined in a mounting surface of the ink manifold assembly; and a plurality of ink conduits connecting each ink channel to a corresponding set of said outlets;a plurality of printhead chips mounted on the mounting surface of the ink manifold assembly, each printhead chip receiving ink from each ink channel via a respective set of said outlets;a plurality of ink storage modules for delivering ink to the printhead chips at a negative pressure, each ink storage module comprising a respective device for maintaining the negative pressure, each ink storage module being fluidically connected to a respective ink channel, each ink storage module being positioned above the ink manifold assembly when the removable printhead cartridge is mounted in the printer; anda plurality of electrical connectors for establishing electrical connection with the printer when the removable printhead cartridge is inserted in the printer.9. The printhead cartridge of claim 8 , ...

Printhead cartridge cradle having control circuitry

A printhead cartridge cradle is provided having a frame, a printed circuit board pivotally supported by the frame, a cover pivotally supported by the frame to pivot between a closed position at which a printhead cartridge is secured within the frame and the printed circuit board is pivoted to connect control circuitry on the printed circuit board with a controller of the secured cartridge and an open position at which access for the cartridge with the frame is provided and the printed circuit board is pivoted to disconnect the control circuitry and controller, and a motor operatively connected to a maintenance gear and actuator arrangement and a wiper gear and actuator arrangement for maintaining and wiping a printhead of the secured cartridge under control of the connected control circuitry.

Cartridge unit for printer

Provided is a cartridge unit for a printer. The cartridge unit has upper and lower plate members having an ink bag located between the plate members to define an ink volume. The plate members can be displaced towards and away from each other by an external force. A bag constrictor assembly engages the plate members and is configured to act on the bag when the plate members are displaced towards each other to reduce the ink volume. A valve insert has an inlet valve to facilitate refilling of the bag with ink and an outlet valve to facilitate ink delivery to a printhead. A filter cover is positioned between the valve insert and the ink bag to filter contaminants and air bubbles passing between the ink bag and said valve insert.

Print cartrdge cradle unit incorporating maintenance assembly

A cradle unit for receiving a print cartridge to form a print engine, the cradle unit includes a main body defining an opening for receiving said cartridge, the main body having a frame structure including end plates with drive and exit rollers mounted therebetween; a printed circuit board (PCB) pivotally mounted between the end plates for housing control electronics for controlling the operation of the print engine; a cover assembly for securing said cartridge in the opening, the cover assembly pivotally mounted between the end plates, the cover assembly configured to pivot the PCB into electrical contact with a printhead controller on the cartridge when in a closed position, and to pivot the PCB out of electrical connection with said printhead controller when in an open position; and a maintenance assembly mounted to the main body, the maintenance assembly movable between a capping state where a printhead of the print cartridge is capped, and a printing stage where a printhead of the print cartridge is uncapped.

Reservoir assembly for supplying fluid to printhead

A fluid reservoir assembly for supplying fluid to a printhead is provided. The assembly has a reservoir compartment in fluid communication with fluid channels for supplying the fluid to the printhead via a fluid outlet, the reservoir compartment having an air vent and a bypass fluid path interconnecting the fluid outlet and a well region within the compartment, and a valve in the bypass fluid path for priming the reservoir compartment with fluid via the bypass fluid path.

Pagewidth printhead assembly with ink and data distribution

A pagewidth printhead assembly for an inkjet printer, that has an elongate ink distribution member mounted with a series of inlets spaced along the length of the elongate ink distribution member, one or more integrated circuits fixed to the ink distribution member, the or each integrated circuit having nozzles for ejecting ink supplied by the distribution member onto a passing media substrate, and an electrical connector for transmitting data to the or each integrated circuit, the electrical connector having an elongate array of contacts for electrical connection with a corresponding array of contacts on the inkjet printer.

Printer print engine with cradled cartridge unit

A print engine for a printer unit includes a cradle unit including a print engine controller provided on flex printed circuit board, and a cover assembly for covering a recess defined by the cradle; a replaceable cartridge unit received within the recess of the cradle unit in a releasable manner, the replaceable cartridge having a body, an ink storage module assembly, and a pagewidth printhead assembly; and a print media transport means for transporting print media. The ink storage module assembly includes a plurality of ink storage modules received in the body from a first side, and the pagewidth printhead assembly is mounted to the body at a second side opposite the first side. The cover assembly is engaged with the flex printed circuit board to pivot the flex printed circuit board in and out of electrical engagement with the pagewidth printhead assembly upon closing and opening of the cover assembly with respect to the recess.

Printer print engine with cradled cartridge unit

A print engine for a printer unit includes a cradle unit including a print engine controller provided on flex printed circuit board, and a cover assembly for covering a recess defined by the cradle; a replaceable cartridge unit received within the recess of the cradle unit in a releasable manner, the replaceable cartridge having a body, an ink storage module assembly, and a pagewidth printhead assembly; and a print media transport means for transporting print media. The ink storage module assembly includes a plurality of ink storage modules received in the body from a first side, and the pagewidth printhead assembly is mounted to the body at a second side opposite the first side. The cover assembly is engaged with the flex printed circuit board to pivot the flex printed circuit board in and out of electrical engagement with the pagewidth printhead assembly upon closing and opening of the cover assembly with respect to the recess.

Inkjet print engine having printer cartridge incorporating maintenance assembly and cradle unit incorporating maintenance drive assembly

An inkjet print engine includes a printer cartridge having an elongate body and a pair of mounting posts provided at either end of the elongate body, the printer cartridge further and defining a plurality of partitions; an ink storage module assembly having a row of ink storage modules interleaved with the partitions; a printhead assembly mounted to the elongate body and including at least one ink ejection integrated circuit (IC) connected to receive ink from the ink storage modules; an elongate maintenance assembly mounted between the posts and configured to cap and clean the IC; a cradle unit for removably receiving the printer cartridge; and a maintenance drive assembly mounted to the cradle unit for actuating against the maintenance assembly to facilitate cleaning of the IC.

Pagewidth printhead assembly with ink and data distribution

A pagewidth printhead assembly for an inkjet printer, that has an elongate ink distribution member mounted with a series of inlets spaced along the length of the elongate ink distribution member, one or more integrated circuits fixed to the ink distribution member, the or each integrated circuit having nozzles for ejecting ink supplied by the distribution member onto a passing media substrate, and an electrical connector for transmitting data to the or each integrated circuit, the electrical connector having an elongate array of contacts for electrical connection with a corresponding array of contacts on the inkjet printer.

Printhead cartridge cradle having control circuitry

A printhead cartridge cradle is provided having a frame, a printed circuit board pivotally supported by the frame, a cover pivotally supported by the frame to pivot between a closed position at which a printhead cartridge is secured within the frame and the printed circuit board is pivoted to connect control circuitry on the printed circuit board with a controller of the secured cartridge and an open position at which access for the cartridge with the frame is provided and the printed circuit board is pivoted to disconnect the control circuitry and controller, and a motor operatively connected to a maintenance gear and actuator arrangement and a wiper gear and actuator arrangement for maintaining and wiping a printhead of the secured cartridge under control of the connected control circuitry.

Reservoir assembly for supplying fluid to printhead

A fluid reservoir assembly for supplying fluid to a printhead is provided. The assembly has a reservoir compartment in fluid communication with fluid channels for supplying the fluid to the printhead via a fluid outlet, the reservoir compartment having an air vent and a bypass fluid path interconnecting the fluid outlet and a well region within the compartment, and a valve in the bypass fluid path for priming the reservoir compartment with fluid via the bypass fluid path.

Cartridge unit for printer

Provided is a cartridge unit for a printer. The cartridge unit has upper and lower plate members having an ink bag located between the plate members to define an ink volume. The plate members can be displaced towards and away from each other by an external force. A bag constrictor assembly engages the plate members and is configured to act on the bag when the plate members are displaced towards each other to reduce the ink volume. A valve insert has an inlet valve to facilitate refilling of the bag with ink and an outlet valve to facilitate ink delivery to a printhead. A filter cover is positioned between the valve insert and the ink bag to filter contaminants and air bubbles passing between the ink bag and said valve insert.

Print cartrdge cradle unit incorporating maintenance assembly

A cradle unit for receiving a print cartridge to form a print engine, the cradle unit includes a main body defining an opening for receiving said cartridge, the main body having a frame structure including end plates with drive and exit rollers mounted therebetween; a printed circuit board (PCB) pivotally mounted between the end plates for housing control electronics for controlling the operation of the print engine; a cover assembly for securing said cartridge in the opening, the cover assembly pivotally mounted between the end plates, the cover assembly configured to pivot the PCB into electrical contact with a printhead controller on the cartridge when in a closed position, and to pivot the PCB out of electrical connection with said printhead controller when in an open position; and a maintenance assembly mounted to the main body, the maintenance assembly movable between a capping state where a printhead of the print cartridge is capped, and a printing stage where a printhead of the print cartridge is uncapped.

Inkjet printer with printhead cartridge and ink cartridge

An inkjet printer comprising: a printer body; a printhead cartridge for installation in the printer body; an ink cartridge containing a supply of ink, the ink cartridge having a docking face for engagement with a complementary face to supply the printhead cartridge with ink; wherein, the complementary face is partially provided by the printhead cartridge and partially provided by the printer body.

Printhead maintenance facility with multiple independent drives

A printhead maintenance facility for an inkjet printer having a pagewidth printhead and a media path for feeding sheets of media substrate in a media feed direction wherein the pagewidth printhead has a nozzle face defining an elongate array of nozzles extending the printing width of the media substrate. The printhead maintenance facility has a wiper member extending the length of the nozzle array, a chassis for supporting the wiper member and a maintenance drive. The maintenance drive has a first actuator for moving the wiper member towards or away from the nozzle face, and a second actuator for rotating wiper member about an axis extending transverse to the media feed direction, wherein the first actuator and the second actuator are independently operable.

Printer control circuitry for reading ink information from a refill unit

A refill unit for refilling an ink cartridge that forms part of an inkjet printer. The printer also having a printhead, control circuitry and an interface for releasably engaging the refill unit. The refill unit has a body containing a quantity of ink, an ink outlet, and a memory circuit for storing information relating to at least one characteristic of the ink. During use the memory circuit allows to the control circuit to interrogate it to verify that the ink in the refill unit is suitable for the printer.

Removable printhead cartridge having plurality of printhead chips

A removable printhead cartridge for a single-pass inkjet printer, the printhead assembly including: a body adapted for user removal and insertion in the printer; an elongate ink manifold assembly mounted in the body, the ink manifold assembly having a plurality of longitudinally extending ink channels, a plurality of outlets defined in a mounting surface; and a plurality of ink conduits connecting each ink channel to a corresponding set of outlets; a plurality of printhead chips mounted on the mounting surface; a plurality of ink storage modules, each containing a device for delivering ink to the printhead chips at a negative pressure; and a plurality of electrical connectors.

Cradle unit which electromagnetically operates printhead capper

A cradle unit is provided which has a body complementary to a removable printhead cartridge, the removable printhead cartridge having a pagewidth printhead and a capper assembly, a controller for controlling operation of the printhead to facilitate printing when the removable printhead cartridge is received within the body, and an electromagnet assembly on the body which is controlled by the controller for operating the capper assembly of the removable printhead cartridge to permit the operation of the printhead.

Maintenance system having modular sled

A maintenance system for a printhead, the system having a sled slidably arranged with respect to the printhead a media platen module supported by the sled a capper module supported by the sled a wiper module supported by the sled; and a selection mechanism for selectively sliding the sled to align one of the platen, capper and wiper modules with the printhead, and for moving the aligned module to a position in proximity of the printhead.

Method of refilling a printing unit

A method of refilling a supply of printing fluid in a printing unit. The method comprises the steps of removably mounting a dispenser unit of printing fluid to the printing unit so as to align and engage a plurality of outlets of the dispenser unit with a plurality of inlets of a plurality of printing fluid storage chambers of the printing unit, the dispenser unit being configured so that only one outlet of the plurality of outlets connects to printing fluid stored within an enclosure of the dispenser unit; determining an amount of printing fluid needed to refill the printing fluid storage chamber via the inlet engaged with said one outlet; disengaging a ratchet mechanism of the dispenser unit so as to facilitate a reduction of volume in the enclosure by a plunger; and engaging the plunger so as to effect the reduction of volume in the enclosure until the ratchet mechanism is reengaged, thereby dispensing fluid from the enclosure into the printing fluid storage chamber. The steps of disengaging the ratchet mechanism and engaging the plunger are repeated until the determined amount of printing fluid is dispensed into the printing fluid storage chamber.

Printhead maintenance facility with nozzle face wiper having single skew blade

A printhead maintenance facility for an inkjet printer that has a printhead with a nozzle face defining an array of nozzles. The printhead maintenance facility has a wiper member for wiping the nozzle face and a maintenance drive for moving the wiper member across the array of nozzles in a wiping direction. The wiper member has a single blade extending in a line skew to the wiping direction.

Cartridge for printer having fluid flow arrangement

A cartridge for a printer is provided having a body defining a number of fluid reservoirs, a lid covering the body to seal fluid inside the reservoirs, and a printhead operatively fed with fluid from the reservoirs. A base of each reservoir is provided with a raised portion which surrounds a fluid outlet through which fluid flows for supply to the printhead. Each raised portion being molded in the body to separate the outlet from the base of each reservoir to ensure a sufficient flow rate of fluid from the reservoir.

Method of assembling pagewidth printhead capping arrangement

A method of assembling a capping mechanism of an inkjet printer, the method comprising the steps of: providing a support frame for at least one elongate shaft; positioning the shaft so as to be supported at its longitudinal first and second ends by the support frame; positioning a bearing of a fixing plate about the first end of the shaft, the bearing being configured to allow rotation of the shaft, the rotation providing transport of a capper out of, and into, a capping position on a pagewidth printhead; and slidably engaging the fixing plate with the support frame so as to fix the shaft thereto, wherein, during the sliding engagement, the elongate shaft pivots about the second end due to the configuration of the bearing.

Printer with zero insertion force printhead cartridge

An inkjet printer has a printhead cartridge with a pagewidth printhead defining an array of nozzles for ejecting ink onto a media substrate. The printhead cartridge has a fluid coupling in fluid communication with the array of nozzles. The printer also has a cradle for supporting the printhead cartridge such that the array of nozzles is adjacent a media feed path extending through the printer, the cradle having a latch mechanism for retaining the printhead cartridge, an ink reservoir for containing supply of ink and a complementary coupling for fluid communication with the ink reservoir. The fluid coupling and the complementary coupling are configured to establish a sealed fluid connection using mechanical advantage provided by user actuation of the latch mechanism to retain the printhead cartridge in the cradle.

Printhead Assembly With Ink Supply To Nozzles Through Polymer Sealing Film

An inkjet printhead assembly with a printhead integrated circuit formed on a wafer substrate, the printhead integrated circuit having an array of ink ejection nozzles, the array having a first section with nozzles for ejecting ink of a first color, and a second section with nozzles for ejecting ink of a second color. The assembly also having an integrated circuit support structure for mounting in the printer adjacent a media feed path, the integrated circuit support structure having conduits for supplying the printhead integrated circuit with ink of the first color and the second color and, a polymer sealing film between the integrated circuit support structure and the printhead integrated circuit for fixing the printhead integrated circuit to the integrated circuit support structure. The polymer sealing has apertures that allow sealed fluid communication between the conduits of the support structure carrying ink of the first color and the nozzles of the first section and sealed fluid communication between the conduits of the support structure carrying ink of the second color and the nozzles of the second section. No fluid communication exists between the first section of the array and the second section of the array. The printhead integrated circuit has channels for supplying ink to the array of ink ejection nozzles. Each of the channels being divided into channel sections by transverse walls. The apertures in the polymer sealing film are positioned at each of the transverse walls such that each of the apertures supplies ink to both the channel sections either side of one of the transverse walls.

Cartridge unit having negatively pressurized ink storage

A cartridge unit 10 for an inkjet printer, with an ink storage compartment 46 and an ink feed system 30 for connection to a printhead 22 . The ink storage compartment has a displaceable wall section 48 so that its variable storage volume 46 is variable. The displaceable wall 48 is biased 54 toward expanding the variable storage volume 46 so that there is a negative pressure in the ink storage volume 46 , such that ink does not inadvertently leak from the ink ejection nozzles.

Printhead cartridge insertion protocol

A method of inserting a printhead cartridge in a printer, the printhead cartridge having a printhead with a nozzle face defining an array of nozzles for ejecting ink on to a media substrate fed past the printhead in a media feed direction, by providing a printer with at least three ink tanks for storing the inks of different colour, the printer also having a cradle defining a reference surface for engaging a datum point on the printhead cartridge to support the nozzle face at a precise spacing from a media feed path, a fluid interface in fluid communication with the ink tanks, and a latch for securing the printhead cartridge in the cradle, the latch being movable between an open position where access to the cradle is unobstructed, and a closed position where access to the cradle is obstructed, placing the printhead cartridge in the cradle such that the data point rests on the reference surface while the latch is in the open position, the printhead cartridge having a fluid coupling positioned to align with the fluid interface when placed in the cradle, moving the latch to the closed position to secure the printhead cartridge in cradle, providing a mechanical linkage between the latch and the fluid interface such that the fluid interface sealingly engages the fluid coupling upon moving the latch to the closed position wherein, any force exerted on the printhead cartridge during sealing engagement of the fluid interface and the fluid coupling is not directed to disengage the reference surface from the datum point.

Pagewidth printhead assembly cartridge with micro-capillary feed

A cartridge for a pagewidth printhead assembly is provided. The cartridge includes a body assembly having a lid and main body operatively defining a plurality of fluid chambers when assembled, each chamber comprising a stack of polymer layers with a micro-capillary array of channels formed therein to form an absorbent assembly. The cartridge includes a plurality of printhead integrated circuits (IC) each having a plurality of micro-electromechanical nozzle arrangements for ejecting printing fluid onto a printing medium, in use. The cartridge also includes a fluid distribution member operatively arranging each chamber in fluid communication with each IC.

Media clearance mechanism for printer

A media clearance mechanism for a printer, the media clearance mechanism having a door hingedly mounted to a body of the printer which can be opened to expose a media width of a media path to a media width printhead of the printer; a media diverter mounted to the door such that when the door is in a closed position the door and the diverter define guiding portions of the path, the diverter being pivotally mounted to the door so that the diverter pivots out of the way upon opening of the door; and a displacement mechanism configured to retract the diverter with the opening movement of the door and to reposition the diverter for media guiding with the closing movement of the door.

Method of assembling printhead capping mechanism

A method of assembling a gear arrangement for a capper of an inkjet printer, the method comprising the steps of: mounting a first gear assembly to the printer so as to cooperate with a motor gear for driving rotation of the first gear assembly, the first gear assembly having a code feature; and mounting a second gear assembly the printer so as to cooperate with the first gear assembly to be rotatable therewith, the second gear assembly, in use, cooperating with a capper for capping a printhead so that the rotation of the second gear assembly moves the capper out of and into its capping position, wherein in the step of mounting the second gear assembly the code feature of the first gear assembly is arranged to cooperate with a holding feature of a mounting arrangement used to mount the second gear assembly to the printer, the code feature being configured so that the cooperation with the holding feature maintains the first gear assembly at a predetermined position during the mounting of the second gear assembly.

System for forming medium in printhead

【課題】本発明は、媒体幅プリントヘッドにより印刷するための媒体を成形するためのシステムを提供する。【解決手段】本発明に係るシステムは、複数の流体射出ノズルを有する媒体幅プリントヘッドと、印刷範囲と平行な平面に対して所定角度をなす印刷範囲内へ媒体を輸送するように配置される入力ローラと、印刷範囲と平行な平面に対して所定角度をなす印刷範囲から外へ媒体を輸送するように配置される出力ローラと、媒体が印刷範囲を通って輸送される際に、媒体を支持し、成形するための長尺状のプラテンであって、印刷範囲の媒体輸送方向上流側に配置される一連の上流リブと、媒体輸送方向に対して印刷範囲の媒体輸送方向下流側に配置される一連の下流リブとを有する、プラテンとを備え、リブは、輸送された媒体が、印刷範囲内のリブと接触することにより、ノズルの近傍を通る制約された湾曲経路に適合するように構成される。【選択図】図１６

Rotating printhead maintenance facility with tubular chassis

A maintenance facility for an inkjet printer having a pagewidth printhead and a media path for feeding sheets of media substrate in a media feed direction. The pagewidth printhead has an elongate array of nozzles extending the printing width of the media substrate and the maintenance facility has a tubular chassis mounting in the printer such that it can rotate about its longitudinal axis and a plurality of maintenance stations mounted to an exterior surface of the tubular chassis. At least one of the maintenance stations is a wiper member positioned for wiping contact with the elongate array of nozzles.

Method for controlling the ink refilling procedure of a print engine

A method of controlling refilling of a printing unit by a printing fluid refill cartridge is provided. In the method, information on an amount of printing fluid contained in the refill cartridge is stored in an information storage element of the cartridge, the refill cartridge is mounted to the printing unit, the information on the amount of printing fluid is read with an information reader incorporated in the printing unit, and the refilling of the printing unit with printing fluid contained in the refill cartridge is controlled based on the information read.

Printhead nozzle face wiper blade with multiple, inclined contact sections

Ink refill unit with incremental millilitre ink ejection for print cartridge

An ink refill unit for a print cartridge is provided. The unit includes a housing which defines a fluid path in fluid communication with an outlet. The unit also includes an ink reservoir having an ejection port arranged in fluid communication with the fluid path inside the housing, and an ejector assembly configured to incrementally eject ink from the reservoir when the assembly is actuated by the print cartridge. The ejector assembly is configured so that the amount of the printing fluid ejected from the reservoir by the ejector assembly is between 6 ml and 50 ml per increment.

Pagewidth printhead cartridge having an integral capper unit associated therewith

A cartridge unit for an inkjet printer comprising: a body portion having one or more ink storage compartments; a pagewidth printhead assembly mountable to said body portion and configured to receive ink from the one or more compartments for printing; and a capper unit mountable to said body portion so as to extend along the length of the printhead assembly, the capper unit housing a capping element which is movable with respect to the capper unit to contact a surface of the printhead assembly.

Pivotable pcb retension arrangement for inkjet cartridge cradle

Disclosed is a cradle for holding an ink cartridge within an inkjet printer. The cradle comprises a recess for receiving and releasably retaining the ink cartridge; an interface corresponding to an ink storage compartment of the ink cartridge; a pair of arms for receiving and retaining a PCB assembly containing a print engine, each of the arms adapted to engage with a first end of a corresponding tension spring; and a cover assembly pivotally attached to the cradle, the cover adapted to engage with a second end of the tension springs. The interface is provided on the cover assembly. The tension springs are engaged with the cover assembly and the PCB assembly such that movement of the cover assembly to an open position relieves a tension in the tension springs with respect to the PCB assembly, whereby the PCB assembly pivots away from corresponding electrical contacts of the inkjet printer.

Inkjet printer unit having a high speed print engine

A pagewidth printhead assembly for an inkjet printer comprises: a body portion for receiving ink from one or more ink sources and distributing the ink to an ink distribution member; a plurality of integrated circuits extending the length of the printhead assembly, each integrated circuit having a plurality of nozzles formed in rows thereon, each of the nozzles being arranged in use to deliver the ink onto passing print media; and the ink distribution member upon which the integrated circuits are fixed and which distributes the ink from the body portion to the integrated circuits. The integrated circuits are aligned in an abutting arrangement across the length of the ink distribution member.

Method Of Refilling A Printing Unit

A method of refilling a supply of printing fluid in a printing unit. The method comprises the steps of removably mounting a dispenser unit of printing fluid to the printing unit so as to align and engage a plurality of outlets of the dispenser unit with a plurality of inlets of a plurality of printing fluid storage chambers of the printing unit, the dispenser unit being configured so that only one outlet of the plurality of outlets connects to printing fluid stored within an enclosure of the dispenser unit; determining an amount of printing fluid needed to refill the printing fluid storage chamber via the inlet engaged with said one outlet; disengaging a ratchet mechanism of the dispenser unit so as to facilitate a reduction of volume in the enclosure by a plunger; and engaging the plunger so as to effect the reduction of volume in the enclosure until the ratchet mechanism is reengaged, thereby dispensing fluid from the enclosure into the printing fluid storage chamber. The steps of disengaging the ratchet mechanism and engaging the plunger are repeated until the determined amount of printing fluid is dispensed into the printing fluid storage chamber.

Printhead maintenance facility with interchangeable stations

Refill unit for simultaneously engaging with, and opening inlet valve to, an ink cartridge

A refill unit 155 for refilling a ink storage compartment 46 that supplies ink to a printhead 22 . The ink storage compartment 46 having an interface 61 for receiving the refill unit 155 . The interface 61 having an inlet valve 18 biased to its closed configuration. The refill unit 155 has an inlet valve actuator 152 for opening the inlet valve 18 as the refill unit 155 engages the ink interface 61 so that the ink in the body is in fluid communication with the ink storage compartment 46 . By configuring the refill unit so that it opens the inlet valve on the ink cartridge at the same time that it docks with the cartridge, the risk of dust or other contaminants getting into the cartridge is reduced. This improves the performance and operational life of the printhead nozzles.

Pagewidth printhead cartridge having an integral capper unit associated therewith

PAGEWIDTH PRINTHEAD CARTRIDGE HAVING AN INTEGRAL CAPPER UNIT ASSOCIATED THEREWITH A cartridge unit for an inkjet printer comprising:a body portion having one or more ink storage compartments;a pagewidth printhead assembly mountable to said body portion and configured to receive ink from the one or more compartments for printing; and a capper unit mountable to said body portion so as to extend along the length of the printhead assembly, the capper unit housing a capping element which is movable with respect to the capper unit to contact a surface of the printhead assembly.

Securing arrangement for securing a refill unit to a print engine during refilling

A securing arrangement for securing a printing fluid refill cartridge to a printing unit comprising a first engagement member arranged in the vicinity of an outlet of the refill cartridge through which printing fluid contained therein is dispensable and a second engagement member arranged in the vicinity of a refill port of the printing unit and configured to be removably securable with the first engagement member so as to engage and hold the refill port and the outlet together.

Air tight ink cartridge with unobstructed ink outlet

An ink cartridge that has a rigid housing. The housing has a docking face for abutting a printer such that, when installed, the docking face faces downwards. The cartridge also has an ink storage volume and an ink outlet valve for fluid communication with the printhead. The ink outlet valve and an air inlet are both being positioned in the docking face. A variable volume structure within the ink storage volume inflates with air as ink is drawn from the outlet. The variable volume structure has a section that displaces upwardly within the ink storage volume as it inflates with air. An air inlet spaced from the outlet valve is in fluid communication with the variable volume structure to lets air into the ink storage volume as ink is drawn out through the outlet valve. A conduit in the ink storage volume is connected to the ink outlet valve at one end, with the other end being open to ink within the ink storage volume. The other end is positioned remote from the docking face such that it does not get obstructed by the variable volume structure as the variable volume structure inflates.

Refill unit for engaging with, and closing the outlet valve from an ink storage compartment

REFILL UNIT FOR ENGAGING WITH, AND CLOSING THE OUTLET VALVE FROM AN INK STORAGE COMPARTMENT A refill unit 155 contains a body of ink for refilling a negatively pressurized ink storage compartment 46 that in thurn supplies ink to a printhead assembly 22. The ink storage compartment supplies the printhead 22 via a normally open outlet valve 16. When refill unit 155 releasably engages the ink storage compartment 46, an outlet valve actuator 159 closes the outlet valve 16 as the refill unit 155 engages the ink storage compartment 46.The ink storage compartment is maintained at a negative pressure to avoid ink leakage from the printhead. However, during an ink refill process, the negative pressure is removed when the ink storage volume is filled to capacity. Without the negative pressure in the ink storage compartment, there is a high risk of ink leakage. It is possible to re-establish the negative pressure by slightly increasing the compartments capacity immediately after refilling, but until the negative pressure is reestablished, there is a high likelihood of leakage. By designing the refill unit to shut the outlet valve as it engages the storage compartment, ink leakage is prevented until the negative pressure is reestablished.

Ink refill unit with incremental millilitre ink ejection for print cartridge

An ink refill unit for a print cartridge is provided. The unit includes a housing which defines a fluid path in fluid communication with an outlet. The unit also includes an ink reservoir having an ejection port arranged in fluid communication with the fluid path inside the housing, and an ejector assembly configured to incrementally eject ink from the reservoir when the assembly is actuated by the print cartridge. The ejector assembly is configured so that the amount of the printing fluid ejected from the reservoir by the ejector assembly is between 6 ml and 50 ml per increment.

Printhead maintenance facilty with elongate nozzle face wiper

A maintenance facility for an inkjet printer having a printhead and a media path for feeding sheets of media substrate in a media feed direction. The printhead has an elongate array of nozzles and the maintenance facility has a wiper member extending at least the length of the nozzle array. The wiper member mounted in the printer adjacent the media path and, the maintenance facility has a maintenance drive for moving the wiper member such that it wipes the array of nozzles in a direction normal to its longitudinal extent.

Printer with criss-cross duplexer

印表機包括：固定的噴墨印刷頭；媒體饋送路徑，其導引印刷媒體通過印刷頭二次；以及饋送機制，其以固定不變的速度來饋送印刷媒體而單向通過媒體饋送路徑。媒體饋送路徑包括：第一區段，其建構成從印刷頭的第一側而以相對於印刷頭的第一方向來饋送印刷媒體通過印刷頭；在第一區段下游的第二區段，該第二區段係建構成導引印刷媒體繞著單一迴圈，而迴圈係定位在印刷頭之相反於第一側的第二側；以及在第二區段下游的第三區段，該第三區段係建構成從印刷頭的第二側而以相對於印刷頭的相反第二方向來饋送印刷媒體通過印刷頭。

Maintenance system having modular sled

A maintenance system for a printhead, the system having a sled slidably arranged with respect to the printhead a media platen module supported by the sled a capper module supported by the sled a wiper module supported by the sled; and a selection mechanism for selectively sliding the sled to align one of the platen, capper and wiper modules with the printhead, and for moving the aligned module to a position in proximity of the printhead.

Printer with ink cartridge for sealed connection with inlet valve prior to valve actuation

An inkjet printer with a printhead assembly and at least one replaceable ink cartridge, has an ink inlet valve on the printhead assembly for sealed connection to an outlet on the ink cartridge. The inlet valve has an inlet opening and a movable valve member biased into sealing engagement with the inlet opening. The outlet has a complementary member for depressing the movable valve member out of engagement with the inlet opening to open the valve. The inlet opening has an external formation about its periphery for sealing against the outlet before the complementary member depresses the movable valve member.

Refillable ink cartridge with ink bypass channel for refilling

A refillable ink cartridge has an ink port for both supplying ink to a printhead and refilling the cartridge. An ink reservoir has ink absorbent material disposed therein with a main fluid channel extending between the ink port and the ink absorbent material. A bypass fluid channel with a control valve extends between the main fluid channel the said absorbent material. The bypass control valve is configured to allow ink to flow through the bypass fluid channel only when refilling the ink reservoir via the ink port.

Capper assembly having a biased capper element for capping a pagewidth printhead cartridge

A capping assembly caps a pagewidth printhead of an inkjet printer by retracting into and out of a body. The body is configured to extend the length of the printhead, and a capping element housed within the body and movable with respect to the body between a first and a second position. The first position is where a portion of the capping element extends from the body, and the second position is where the capping element is contained within the body. The capping element is biased into the first position to keep the printhead capped when the printer is powered down.

Printhead cartridge with two fluid couplings

A printhead cartridge for an inkjet printer that has a ink reservoir for supplying ink to the printhead cartridge and waste ink outlet for receiving ink from the printhead cartridge. The printhead cartridge has a cartridge body configured the user insertion and removal from the inkjet printer, a pagewidth printhead and the cartridge body, wherein the pagewidth printhead defines an array of nozzles for ejecting ink onto a media substrate. The cartridge also has a first fluid coupling for fluid communication between the pagewidth printhead and the ink reservoir and a second fluid coupling for fluid communication between the pagewidth printhead and the waste ink outlet. During use, the first and second fluid couplings establish fluid communication with the ink tank and the waste ink outlet respectively, upon insertion of the cartridge body in the inkjet printer.

A Print Engine for an Inkjet Printer

Pivotable PCB retension arrangement for inkjet cartridge cradle

Disclosed is a cradle for holding an ink cartridge within an inkjet printer. The cradle comprises a recess for receiving and releasably retaining the ink cartridge; an interface corresponding to an ink storage compartment of the ink cartridge; a pair of arms for receiving and retaining a PCB assembly containing a print engine, each of the arms adapted to engage with a first end of a corresponding tension spring; and a cover assembly pivotally attached to the cradle, the cover adapted to engage with a second end of the tension springs. The interface is provided on the cover assembly. The tension springs are engaged with the cover assembly and the PCB assembly such that movement of the cover assembly to an open position relieves a tension in the tension springs with respect to the PCB assembly, whereby the PCB assembly pivots away from corresponding electrical contacts of the inkjet printer.

Securing arrangement for securing a refill unit to a print engine during refilling

A securing arrangement for securing a printing fluid refill cartridge to a printing unit comprising a first engagement member arranged in the vicinity of an outlet of the refill cartridge through which printing fluid contained therein is dispensable and a second engagement member arranged in the vicinity of a refill port of the printing unit and configured to be removably securable with the first engagement member so as to engage and hold the refill port and the outlet together.

Refill unit for incrementally filling fluid container

A refill unit for a fluid container is provided. The unit has a housing defining a fluid path in fluid communication with an outlet and configured to be operatively engaged with the fluid container, a fluid reservoir having an ejection port arranged in fluid communication with the fluid path inside the housing, and an ejector assembly having a piston and cylinder reservoir, said piston having a thread which engages a screw thread in an internal wall of the cylinder, the piston rotationally biased by a wound spring and the ejector assembly having a pawl-and-ratchet detent preventing the biased piston threading into the reservoir until the pawl is actuated by operative engagement of the fluid container with the housing to incrementally eject fluid from

Ink cartridge for constant ink pressure

An ink cartridge for an inkjet printer is configured to keep the ink pressure in the printhead constant. The cartridge has a sealed ink storage volume, an ink outlet for sealed fluid communication between the printhead and the ink storage volume, an air bag in the ink storage volume for expanding as ink is drawn through the ink outlet to keep a constant head of ink above the outlet valve. The air inlet for the air bag is a frangible that is ruptured as the cartridge is installed and the ink outlet opens.

Printhead nozzle face wiper with non-linear contact surface

A maintenance facility for an inkjet printer that has a printhead with an array of nozzles defined in a nozzle face and media feed assembly for moving sheets of print media past the printhead in a media feed direction. The printhead maintenance facility has a wiper member having a contact surface for wiping the nozzle face and a maintenance drive for moving the wiper member over the printhead in a direction parallel to the media feed direction. The contact surface has a nonlinear configuration such that during a wiping operation the contact surface will have two sections simultaneously in contact with the nozzle face.

Print cradle assembly for a printhead cartridge

Provided is a print cradle assembly for a printhead cartridge. The cradle assembly includes a docking bay molding and a media feed drive assembly positioned on the docking bay molding and configured to feed media through the assembly. The cradle assembly also includes a printed circuit board (PCB) with a printer controller for controlling the media feed drive assembly and operation of the cartridge, as well as a heatshield mounted to the PCB for shielding the printer controller from electromagnetic interference (EMI) and user contact with the PCB.

Printer with mutually engaging ink cartridge, printhead cartridge and printer body

An inkjet printer that has a printer body, a printhead cartridge for installation in the printer body, and an ink cartridge for supplying the printhead cartridge with ink. The ink cartridge has an ink outlet valve and an air inlet, the ink outlet valve engaging an ink inlet valve on the printhead cartridge, and the air inlet engaging a complementary formation on the printer body to open the air inlet and locate the ink cartridge.

Method of assembling printer media transport arrangement

A method of assembling a print media transport arrangement of a printer, the method comprising the steps of: providing a support frame for at least one elongate roller; positioning the roller so as to be supported at its longitudinal first and second ends by the support frame; positioning a bearing of a fixing plate about the first end of the roller, the bearing being configured to allow rotation of the roller, the rotation, in use, providing transport of print media within the printer; and slidably engaging the fixing plate with the support frame so as to fix the roller thereto, wherein, during the sliding engagement, the elongate roller pivots about the second end due to the configuration of the bearing.

Ink cartridge having enlarged end reservoirs

The invention provides for an ink cartridge unit for an inkjet printer. The cartridge includes an elongate main body defining a number of rectangular ink reservoirs along a length thereof, with end reservoirs being larger than reservoirs interposed between the end reservoirs, said end reservoirs being configured to store ink more readily consumed during a printing process. The cartridge also includes a lid assembly covering the main body to seal ink inside the ink reservoirs, and a printhead assembly operatively fed with ink from the ink reservoirs in the main body.

Printhead nozzle face wiper with array of pads

A maintenance facility for an inkjet printer that has a printhead with an array of nozzles defined in a nozzle face. The printhead maintenance facility has a wiper member having an array of contact pads mounted for movement independent of each other and a maintenance drive for moving the wiper member over the printhead in the media feed direction such that the array of contact pads wipe all the nozzles defined in the nozzle face.

Printer with zero insertion force printhead cartridge

Printer unit with print engine that expands compressed image data

A printer unit is arranged to print documents received from a computer system. The printer unit has a print engine having control electronics. The control electronics are configured to receive document image data from the computer system in the form of a compressed, multi-layer page image. They buffer the image and expand the image to generate an expanded contone layer, a black layer and a layer for infrared printing.

Printer having media clearance mechanism

A printer having a media width printhead; a media path from a media input area to the printhead; a door hingedly mounted to a body of the printer which can be opened to expose the media path a media diverter mounted to the door such that when the door is in a closed position the door and the diverter define guiding portions of the path, the diverter being pivotally mounted to the door so that the diverter pivots out of the way upon opening of the door; and a displacement mechanism configured to retract the diverter with the opening movement of the door and to reposition the diverter for media guiding with the closing movement of the door.

Rotating printhead maintenance facility with tubular chassis

A maintenance facility for an inkjet printer having a pagewidth printhead and a media path for feeding sheets of media substrate in a media feed direction. The pagewidth printhead has an elongate array of nozzles extending the printing width of the media substrate and the maintenance facility has a tubular chassis mounting in the printer such that it can rotate about its longitudinal axis and a plurality of maintenance stations mounted to an exterior surface of the tubular chassis. At least one of the maintenance stations is a wiper member positioned for wiping contact with the elongate array of nozzles.

Dispenser unit for refilling printing unit

A dispenser unit for dispensing ink to refill a supply of printing fluid in a printing unit includes a body assembly; a plurality of ink outlets provided on a bottom side of the body assembly, the plurality of ink outlets each for engaging with respective ink inlets of the printing unit; a compressible ink storage volume provided within the body assembly, the compressible ink storage volume having a sealed end and an outlet end connected to no more than one of the plurality of ink outlets; a plunger provided within the housing and abutting the sealed end of the compressible ink storage volume; and a compressing actuator for compressing the plunger against the sealed end of the compressible ink storage volume, thereby facilitating a dispensing of ink from within the compressible ink storage volume into the printing unit via the ink outlet to which the outlet end of the compressible ink storage volume is connected.

Reservoir assembly for a pagewidth printhead cartridge

A reservoir assembly for a pagewidth printhead cartridge has a fluid distribution molding with priming inlets in fluid communication with fluid channels for supplying printing fluid to a plurality of printhead integrated circuits. The assembly includes a reservoir compartment arranged in fluid communication with the fluid channels via a fluid outlet. The reservoir compartment defines a vent hole to facilitate pressure equalization in the compartment and a bypass fluid path interconnecting the fluid outlet and a well region defined by the compartment. A bypass valve is operatively arranged with respect to the fluid path to facilitate priming the reservoir compartment with printing fluid.

Pagewidth printhead maintenance facility having fluid drainage

A printhead maintenance facility is provided having a storage reservoir for storing fluid ejected by a printhead, and a core movable relative to the printhead. The core has an internal structure defining the storage reservoir and having a port in fluid communication with the storage reservoir, and an external structure movable relative to the internal structure and having a drain movable into registration with the port to establish fluid communication between the drain and storage reservoir. The printhead is pagewidth and the internal and external structures are at least as long as the pagewidth.

Cartridge unit having negatively pressurized ink storage

A cartridge unit (10) for an inkjet printer, with an ink storage compartment (46) and an ink feed system (30) for connection to a printhead (22). The ink storage compartment has a displaceable wall section (48) so that its variable storage volume (46) is variable. The displaceable wall (48) is biased (54) toward expanding the variable storage volume (46) so that there is a negative pressure in the ink storage volume (46), such that ink does not inadvertently leak from the ink ejection nozzles. Without negative pressure, an ink meniscus can bulge from the nozzles. The meniscus will 'pin' itself to the edge of the nozzle aperture and may be strong enough to stop ink leakage. However, paper dust or other contaminants will eventually stop the bulging meniscus from pinning itself on the nozzle rim and leakage occurs. A negative pressure in the ink storage volume makes the meniscus invert back into the nozzle aperture. As the meniscus does not bulge out of the nozzle, paper dust on the nozzle surface does not break the surface tension to cause leakage.

Printhead maintenance facility with ink storage and driven vacuum drainage coupling

A inkjet printhead maintenance facility that has an ink storage reservoir for holding ink ejected from the inkjet printhead during a maintenance operation and, an outlet coupling in fluid communication with the ink storage reservoir and configured for connection to a vacuum source to draw ink out of the ink storage reservoir.

Printhead cartridge insertion protocol

A printhead cartridge is inserted in a printer in accordance with a particular protocol. The printer has a cradle with a reference surface for engaging a datum point on the printhead cartridge to support the nozzle face at a precise spacing from a media feed path. The printer also has a latch for securing the printhead cartridge in the cradle. The protocol involves the steps of placing the printhead cartridge in the cradle such that the datum point rests on the reference surface, moving the latch to the closed position to secure the printhead cartridge in cradle, providing a mechanical linkage between the latch and a fluid interface to ink tanks in the printer. The fluid interface sealingly engages the fluid coupling upon moving the latch to the closed position without urging the reference surface to disengage from the datum point.

Valve Assembly With A Pressure Regulator For A Printhead Cartridge

The invention provides for a valve assembly for a printhead cartridge. The valve assembly includes a flanged valve stem defining an inlet opening with a skirt engaging portion for operatively engaging an outlet port of the cartridge. The valve assembly also includes a depressible valve member within the stem, and a pressure regulator having a spacer with a central hub, a diaphragm with central inlet opening, and a clip defining an outlet opening. The clip is configured to operatively engage the valve stem to sandwich the valve member, spacer and diaphragm between the valve stem and clip, so that ink from the cartridge is able to flow into the inlet opening and exit via the outlet opening when the valve is open.

Ink refill unit with a working outlet and other dummy outlets

An ink refill unit is provided for refilling a printer ink cartridge unit. The ink refill unit includes a base assembly which houses internal ink refilling components and defines a plurality of outlets for docking with the cartridge unit. Each outlet corresponds to a respective type of ink with only one of the outlets working. The ink refilling components include a syringe assembly coupled in fluid communication with the working outlet. A lid assembly fits onto the base assembly to cover the ink refilling components.

Printer having regenerative intermediary drive

Patroneneinheit mit einem mit unterdruck beaufschlagten tintenspeicher

Printhead maintenance facility with nozzle face wiper having multiple contact blades

A printhead maintenance facility for an inkjet printer that has a printhead with the nozzle face defining an array of nozzles. The printhead maintenance facility has a wiper member for wiping the nozzle face, and a maintenance drive for moving the wiper member across the array of nozzles in the nozzle face. The wiper member has a plurality of parallel blades, each of the plurality of blades being dimensioned to wipe all the nozzles in a single traverse across the nozzle face.

Printer having regenerative intermediary drive

A printer includes: a media tray; a picker; a media guide for guiding the media sheets around a media feed path towards a print zone; a main drive roller assembly positioned upstream of the print zone; and an intermediary drive roller assembly positioned between the picker and the main drive roller assembly. Theintermediary drive roller assembly includes: an intermediary idler roller mounted on an intermediary idler shaft; and an intermediary drive roller having a gripping surface engaged with the intermediary idler roller. An intermediary drive shaft is pivotally connected to a support shaft via a swing arm, such that the intermediary drive shaft is arcuately moveable relative to the intermediary idler shaft to provide a variable distance therebetween.

Low insertion force fluid coupling

Low insertion force fluid coupling

A fluid coupling for establishing a sealed connection between a first conduit and a second conduit that has a seal seat and a compression member. The compression member is movable relative to the seal seat in which an annular seal is positioned. An engagement mechanism moves the second conduit from a disengaged position where there is no sealed fluid connection between the first and second conduits, to an engaged position where the compression member moves toward the seal seat to compress the annular seal to form a sealed fluid connection.

Printhead maintenance facility with bi-directional wiper member

A printhead maintenance facility for an inkjet printer having a pagewidth printhead and a media path for feeding sheets of media substrate in a media feed direction wherein the pagewidth printhead has a nozzle face defining an elongate array of nozzles extending the printing width of the media substrate. The printhead maintenance facility has a wiper member for wiping the nozzle face, a chassis for supporting the wiper member and a maintenance drive for selectively moving the wiper member across the nozzle face in a first direction or a second direction.

Low insertion force fluid coupling

低插入力的流體管接頭