(12) United States Patent
`Silverbrook
`
`(10) Patent N0.:
`(45) Date of Patent:
`
`US 6,880,914 B2
`Apr. 19, 2005
`
`US006880914B2
`
`(54) INKJET PAGEWIDTH PRINTER FOR HIGH
`VOLUME PAGEWIDTH PRINTING
`
`(75) Inventor: Kia Silverbrook, Balmain (AU)
`
`(73) Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd,
`Balmain (AU)
`
`( * ) Notice:
`
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 154(b) by 0 days.
`
`DE
`DE
`
`(21) Appl. No.: 10/713,092
`(22) Filed:
`Nov. 17, 2003
`(65)
`Prior Publication Data
`
`US 2004/0095431 A1 May 20, 2004
`
`Related US. Application Data
`
`(63) Continuation of application No. 10/120,350, ?led on Apr.
`12, 2002, now Pat. No. 6,652,052, which is a continuation
`in-part of application No. 09/112,767, ?led on Jul. 10, 1998,
`now Pat. No. 6,416,167.
`Foreign Application Priority Data
`
`(30)
`
`Jul. 15, 1997
`Mar. 25, 1998
`
`(AU) ............................................ .. PO7991
`(AU) ............................................ .. PO2592
`
`(51) Int. C1.7 ............................ .. B41J 2/145, B41J 2/21
`
`(52) US. Cl. .......................................... .. 347/40; 347/43
`
`(58) Field of Search .......................... .. 347/108, 20, 29,
`347/40_43, 49, 54—56, 84, 85, 104
`References Cited
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`(Continued)
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
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`NoWorolski, J. Mark et al, “Process for in—plane and out—
`of—plane single—crystal—silicon thermal microactuators”.
`Sensors and Actuators, A, CH, Elsevier—Sequola S.A., Lau
`sanne, vol. 55, No. 1, Jul. 15, 1996, pp 65—69, XP004077979
`ISSN: 0924—4247.
`
`(Continued)
`Primary Examiner—Stephen D. Meier
`Assistant Examiner—An H. Do
`(57)
`ABSTRACT
`An inkjet printer for high-volume pageWidth printing
`includes a support structure. Aplaten assembly is positioned
`in the support structure, the platen assembly de?ning a
`pageWidth printing Zone. A print assembly is positioned
`operatively With respect to the platen assembly. The print
`assembly includes a chassis that is mounted on the support
`structure to span the printing Zone. Aplurality of printhead
`modules is positioned on the chassis. Each printhead module
`has a carrier, a printhead chip mounted on the carrier and a
`?exible printed circuit board connected to the chip to
`provide the chip With control signals. The printhead modules
`are positioned so that the printhead chips overlie the printing
`Zone. Aplurality of printed circuit boards is mounted on the
`chassis. Each printed circuit board has control circuitry that
`is connected to a predetermined number of printhead chips.
`The printer includes a feed mechanism for feeding print
`media through the printing Zone, over the platen assembly.
`
`7 Claims, 14 Drawing Sheets
`
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`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`DE
`DE
`DE
`DE
`DE
`DE
`DE
`DE
`DE
`DE
`EP
`EP
`EP
`EP
`EP
`EP
`EP
`EP
`EP
`EP
`EP
`EP
`EP
`EP
`EP
`EP
`FR
`GB
`GB
`
`GB
`JP
`JP
`JP
`JP
`JP
`JP
`JP
`JP
`JP
`
`32 45 283
`34 30 155
`37 16 996
`39 34 280
`43 28 433
`195 16 997
`195 17 969
`195 32 913
`196 23 620
`196 39 717
`0 092 229
`0 398 031
`0 427 291
`0 431 338
`0 478 956
`0 506 232
`0 510 648
`0 627 314
`0 634 273
`0 713 774
`0 737 580
`0 750 993
`540338
`0 882 590
`899684
`940975
`2 231 076
`792 145
`1 428 239
`
`2 262 152
`58 112747
`58 116165
`61 025849
`61 268453
`01 105746
`01 115639
`01 128839
`01 257058
`01 306254
`
`6/1984
`2/1986
`12/1988
`4/1990
`3/1995
`11/1995
`11/1995
`3/1996
`12/1996
`4/1997
`10/1983
`11/1990
`5/1991
`6/1991
`4/1992
`9/1992
`10/1992
`12/1994
`1/1995
`5/1996
`10/1996
`1/1997
`1/1998
`12/1998
`3/1999
`9/1999
`12/1974
`3/1958
`3/1976
`
`6/1993
`7/1983
`7/1983
`2/1986
`11/1986
`4/1989
`5/1989
`5/1989
`10/1989
`12/1989
`
`JP
`JP
`JP
`
`JP
`JP
`JP
`JP
`JP
`JP
`JP
`JP
`JP
`JP
`JP
`JP
`JP
`JP
`JP
`JP
`W0
`W0
`
`02 050841
`2-92643
`24023544
`
`2-265752
`03 653348
`03 112662
`03 180350
`40 4001051
`04 118241
`04 126255
`04 141429
`404001051 A
`4-353458
`04 368851
`05 28765
`05 318724
`6-91865
`6 91866
`-
`07 314665
`W0 94 18010
`W0 97 12689
`
`2/1990
`4/1990
`4/1990
`
`2/1990
`/1990
`10/1990
`3/1991
`5/1991
`8/1991
`1/1992
`4 /1992
`4/1992
`5/1992
`6/1992
`12/1992
`12/1992
`10/1993
`12/1993
`4/1994
`4
`/1994
`12/1995
`8 /1994
`4/1997
`
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`_
`_
`_
`Ataka, Manabu et al, “Fabrication and Operation of
`Polymide Bimorph Actuators for Ciliary Motion System”.
`Journal of Microelectromechanical Systems, US, IEEE Inc.
`NeW York, vol. 2, No. 4, Dec. 1, 1993, pp 146—150,
`XP000443412, ISSN: 1057—7157.
`Yamagata, Yutaka et al, “A Micro Mobile Mechanism Using
`.
`.
`.
`.
`,,
`Thermal Expansion and its Theoretical Analysis . Procee
`d .
`f h W k h
`.
`1
`h .
`1
`eing o t e or s op on micro e ectro mec an1ca systems
`(MEMS), US, NGW YOI‘k, IEEE, VOl. WOI‘kShOp 7, Jan. 25,
`1994, pp 142—147, XP000528408, ISBN: 078031834 X.
`DerWent Abstract Accession No. 2001—020348/03, To1, JP
`2000—293335 A(Seiko Epson Corporation) Oct. 20, 2000*
`DerWent Abstract Accession No. 98—081618/08, JP
`09_314915 A (Canon Kabushiki Kaisha) Dec. 9, 1997*
`
`* cited by examiner
`
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`FIG. 5
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`US 6,880,914 B2
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`1
`INKJET PAGEWIDTH PRINTER FOR HIGH
`VOLUME PAGEWIDTH PRINTING
`
`This is a Continuation Application of Ser. No. 10/120,
`350 ?led on Apr. 12,2002, now US. Pat. No. 6,652,052,
`Which is a Continuation-in-Part of Application Ser. No.
`09/112,767 ?led on Jul. 10, 1998, now US. Pat. No.
`6,416,167, herein incorporated by reference.
`
`STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY
`SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
`
`10
`
`Not Applicable
`
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`
`This invention relates to an inkjet printer for high volume
`pageWidth printing.
`
`REFERENCED PATENT APPLICATIONS
`
`The following United States applications and patents are
`hereby incorporated by reference:
`
`6,227,652
`6,394,581
`6,257,705
`6,241,342
`6,302,528
`6,390,603
`
`6,213,588
`6,244,691
`6,247,794
`6,247,792
`6,283,582
`6,362,843
`
`6,213,589
`6,257,704
`6,234,610
`6,264,307
`6,239,821
`6,293,653
`
`6,231,1 63
`6,416,168
`6,247,793
`6,254,220
`6,338,547
`6,312,107
`
`6,247,795
`6,220,694
`6,264,306
`6,234,611
`6,247,796
`6,227,653
`
`6,362,868,
`09/693,703
`
`09/422,893
`
`09/425,420
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`High volume, high-resolution printing is an objective that
`has been sought by the manufacturers of Wide format
`printers for some time. Wide format printers have been
`available to the public for many years. Examples of popular
`Wide format printers are the HeWlett Packard (HP) 1000/
`5000, the HP 3000/3500, the Epson 7000/10 000 and many
`others.
`These printers all have a traversing printhead that
`traverses a print medium While depositing ink on the
`medium. Applicant believes that these printers suffer from
`inherent disadvantages, particularly When attempts are made
`to utiliZe the design of such printers in order to achieve faster
`printing speeds at high resolutions.
`Central to the problem of achieving high printing speeds
`is the ability to achieve a printhead that is capable of
`generating the necessary number of ink dots at a suitable
`rate. Further, in order to achieve accurate printing, it is
`desirable that a roW or band of the image be created in as
`little print cycles as possible, and preferably in a single print
`cycle. It folloWs that it is undesirable for a traversing
`printhead to be used in an attempt to achieve high print
`speeds and that a single printhead incorporating a suitable
`number of ink-jet noZZles is required.
`Thermal printheads also referred to as bubble jet print
`heads and pieZoelectric printheads have been available for
`some time. These suffer from excessive heat build up and
`energy consumption and have therefore been found by the
`applicant to not be suitable for use in a pageWidth con?gu
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
`
`2
`ration. A number of disadvantages associated With such
`printheads are set out in US. Pat. No. 6,443,555.
`The applicant has developed a printhead chip that is
`capable of producing images having a resolution as high as
`1600 dpi. These chips are manufactured using integrated
`circuit fabrication techniques. Details of the chips are pro
`vided in the above referenced applications and patents.
`Applicant believes that these printhead chips are extremely
`suitable for use in Wide format printers. The reason for this
`is that such chips operate at extremely high speeds due to the
`large number of noZZle arrangements required in a single
`chip and due to the fact that such chips can be driven at an
`extremely high cyclical rate.
`The Applicant has been faced With a number of dif?culties
`in order to achieve the effective use of such printhead chips
`in Wide format printers. One particular difficulty identi?ed
`by the Applicant is the effective control of a number of such
`printhead chips to achieve accurate printing. This control
`must incorporate the use of effective image processing tools
`that are capable of processing stored images at a rate that
`corresponds With the physical rate of printing achievable by
`a number of the above printhead chips.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`According to a ?rst aspect of the invention, there is
`provided an inkjet printer for high-volume pageWidth print
`ing that comprises
`a support structure;
`a platen assembly positioned in the support structure, the
`platen assembly de?ning a pageWidth printing Zone;
`a print assembly positioned operatively With respect to the
`platen assembly, the print assembly comprising
`a chassis that is mounted on the support structure to span
`the printing Zone;
`a plurality of printhead modules positioned on the chassis,
`each printhead module having a carrier, a printhead
`chip mounted on the carrier and a ?exible printed
`circuit board connected to the chip to provide the chip
`With control signals, the printhead modules being posi
`tioned so that the printhead chips overlie the printing
`Zone; and
`a plurality of printed circuit boards mounted on the
`chassis, each printed circuit board having control cir
`cuitry that is connected to a predetermined number of
`printhead chips; and
`a feed mechanism for feeding print media through the
`printing Zone, over the platen assembly.
`The support structure may include a pair of spaced feet
`and a leg extending from each foot, the print assembly being
`mounted on the legs to span the legs.
`An ink distribution arrangement may be mounted on the
`chassis to supply the printhead chips With ink. An ink
`reservoir assembly may also be mounted on the chassis and
`in ?uid communication With the ink distribution arrange
`ment to supply the ink distribution arrangement With ink.
`The ink reservoir assembly may include an ink reservoir
`structure that de?nes a plurality of elongate channels that
`extend across the printing Zone, differently colored inks
`being received in respective channels. Each channel may be
`connectable to a respective ink cartridge With a suitable ink
`conduit.
`Each printhead module may be detachably mounted on
`the chassis to facilitate replacement of the printhead module.
`The feed mechanism may include a media roll that spans
`the legs and a take up spool that also spans the legs, the roll
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`3
`and the spool being rotatable to feed media from the media
`roll, through the printing Zone and onto the take-up spool.
`The printer may include a plurality of capping devices,
`associated With respective printhead modules. Each capping
`device may be mounted on the chassis and may be displace
`able betWeen an operative position in Which the capping
`device serves to cap the printhead chip of its associated
`module and an inoperative position in Which the capping
`device is displaced from the printhead chip.
`According to a second aspect of the invention, there is
`provided a method of processing an image for printing, the
`method comprising the steps of:
`receiving image data in an image storage format;
`transforming the image data into print data at a rate of at
`least one billion pixels per second; and
`communicating the print data to a printhead.
`According to a third aspect of the invention, there is
`provided an image processing apparatus for a printer, the
`image processing apparatus comprising
`a data input means that is con?gured to receive image data
`in an image storage format;
`a data processing means that is operatively connected to
`the data input means and is con?gured to process the image
`data at a rate of at least one billion pixels per second to
`transform the data into print data; and
`a data communication means that is operatively connected
`to the data processing means and is con?gured to commu
`nicate the print data to a printhead.
`According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is
`provided an inkjet printer that comprises
`a support structure;
`a platen positioned in the support structure;
`a print assembly positioned operatively With respect to the
`platen to de?ne a printing Zone betWeen the platen and the
`print assembly, the print assembly comprising
`an elongate carrier; and
`a number of printhead chips positioned on the carrier, the
`printhead chips together de?ning a printhead;
`an image processing apparatus that is operatively
`arranged With respect to the print assembly, the image
`processing apparatus comprising
`a data input means con?gured to receive image data in an
`image storage format;
`a data processing means that is con?gured to process the
`image data at a rate of at least one billion pixels per
`second to transform the data into print data; and
`a data communication means that is con?gured to com
`municate the print data to the printhead; and
`a feed mechanism positioned on the support structure for
`feeding a print medium though the printing Zone.
`The invention is noW described, by Way of example, With
`reference to the accompanying draWings. The folloWing
`description is not intended to limit the broad scope of the
`above summary.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`In the draWings,
`FIG. 1 shoWs a schematic, three-dimensional vieW of part
`of a printing mechanism of a print assembly incorporating
`an image processing apparatus, in accordance With the
`invention, of a printer, also in accordance With the invention;
`FIG. 2 shoWs a front vieW of the printing mechanism of
`FIG. 1;
`FIG. 3 shoWs a rear vieW of the printing mechanism of
`FIG. 1;
`
`15
`
`25
`
`35
`
`45
`
`55
`
`65
`
`4
`FIG. 4 shoWs a three dimensional, external vieW of the
`printer;
`FIG. 5 shoWs a schematic, three-dimensional vieW of
`operative parts of the printer;
`FIG. 6 shoWs a schematic, exploded vieW of the printer;
`FIG. 7 shoWs a schematic, side sectioned vieW of a
`portion of the printer incorporating the print assembly;
`FIG. 8 shoWs an exploded vieW of an operative portion of
`the printing mechanism;
`FIG. 9 shoWs a cross sectional vieW of an operative
`portion of the printing mechanism;
`FIG. 10 shoWs a high-level block diagram of the image
`processing apparatus;
`FIG. 11 shoWs an expanded block diagram of a page
`expansion unit of the image processing apparatus;
`FIG. 12 shoWs a block diagram of the image processing
`apparatus incorporating the page expansion unit;
`FIG. 13 shoWs a schematic, three-dimensional vieW of
`part of a printhead chip of the print assembly of the printer,
`shoWing one noZZle arrangement of the printhead chip; and
`FIG. 14 shoWs a schematic, three-dimensional vieW of a
`printhead module that incorporates a printhead chip.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
`INVENTION
`
`In FIG. 4, reference numeral 10 generally indicates a
`printer, in accordance With the invention.
`The printer 10 has a support structure 12 that supports a
`print assembly 14 above a substrate. The support structure
`12 includes a pair of spaced feet 16 and a leg 18 extending
`from each foot 16. The print assembly 14 is mounted on the
`legs 18 to span the legs 18.
`A media tray 20 is positioned betWeen the legs 18. The
`media tray 20 is con?gured to store suitable print media,
`such as paper 22.
`The paper 22 is fed from a media feed mechanism in the
`form of a media roll 166 through the print assembly 14 and
`on to a take up spool 24. An electronics enclosure 26 is also
`positioned betWeen the legs 18 to enclose various electronic
`components that are described beloW.
`The print assembly 14 includes a lid 28, With a handle 30,
`and a front cover 32. The lid 28 and front cover 32 are
`positioned betWeen a pair of end moldings 34.
`The print assembly 14 also includes a color TFT LCD 36
`With touch screen navigation. A stop button 38 is also
`provided to enable a user to stop operation of the print
`assembly 14.
`The print assembly 14 and its various components are
`shoWn in further detail in the remaining Figures.
`In FIGS. 1 to 3, reference numeral 40 generally indicates
`a printing mechanism of the print assembly 14. As can be
`seen in the draWings, the printing mechanism 40 is seg
`mented. In particular, the printing mechanism 40 includes an
`image processing apparatus, in accordance With the
`invention, that includes nine printed circuit boards (PCB’s)
`42 connected to each other With corresponding connector
`blocks 44.
`The printing mechanism 40 further includes a printhead
`41 having seventy-tWo printhead modules 46. Each PCB 42
`is con?gured to control eight printhead modules 46. It
`folloWs that nine PCB’s 42 are provided. The printhead
`modules 46 are described in further detail beloW.
`Each PCB 42 includes a print engine controller (PEC) 48.
`The PEC’s 48 are also described in further detail beloW.
`
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`5
`Each PCB 42 also includes a memory storage device in
`the form of memory chips and more particularly in the form
`of 64 Mbit external DRAM chips 50. The DRAM chips 50
`cooperate With the PEC 48 in a manner that is described
`beloW.
`Further, each PCB 42 includes a quality authentication
`(QA) chip 52. Details of a suitable QA chip are set out in the
`above referenced U.S. Pat. No. 6,362,868 and are therefore
`not set out in this description. The QA chip 52 serves to
`inhibit unauthoriZed re?lling of ink in the manner described
`in US. Pat. No. 6,362,868, in addition to other functions
`such as ensuring the quality of print media used With the
`printer 10.
`An endmost PCB 42 includes a serial connector 54 that
`permits serial data cables 56 to be connected to the PCB’s
`42.
`Each PCB 42 is connected to its associated printhead
`modules 46 With a ?exible PCB 58.
`The printing mechanism 40 includes a metal chassis 60
`that eXtends betWeen a pair of side moldings 61 that are
`positioned in the end moldings 34. The PCB’s 42 are
`mounted on the chassis 60. The chassis 60 has a generally
`U-shaped cross section. A channel 62 of an Invar alloy is
`positioned on the chassis 60.
`A chassis molding 64 of a plastics material is positioned
`on an outside of the chassis 60 and the channel 62. Each
`PCB 42 is mounted on the chassis molding 64.
`The chassis molding 64 de?nes a pair of recesses 66 on an
`outer side of the chassis molding 64. The recesses 66 eXtend
`a length of the chassis molding 64. Abusbar 68 is positioned
`in each recess 66. The busbars 68 are con?gured to supply
`electrical poWer to the PCB’s 42.
`An ink reservoir assembly 70 is positioned in the Invar
`channel 62. The ink reservoir assembly 70 includes an ink
`distribution arrangement 72. Each printhead module 46 is
`positioned on a respective ink distribution arrangement 72.
`In particular, each printhead module 46 is removably
`mounted on its ink distribution arrangement 72 to facilitate
`removal and replacement When necessary.
`The ink reservoir assembly 70 includes a plurality of ink
`reservoir moldings 76. Each ink reservoir molding 76 cor
`responds With an associated printhead module 46. The ink
`reservoir moldings 76 are positioned end-to-end along and
`Within the Invar channel 62. Each ink reservoir molding 76
`de?nes a plurality of elongate ink channels 74, each accom
`modating a differently colored ink. Thus, effective elongate
`ink channels eXtend a length of the Invar channel 62.
`An end cap molding 78 is positioned on an endmost ink
`reservoir molding 76. The end cap molding 78 has a plurality
`of connectors 80 de?ned thereon and in alignment With
`respective ink channels 74 When the end cap molding 78 is
`positioned on said endmost ink reservoir molding 76. The
`connectors 80 are connectable to an ink hose connector 82.
`The ink hose connector 82 is, in turn, connected to each of
`a plurality of ink hoses 84. It folloWs that each hose 84 is in
`?uid communication With a respective ink channel 74. Each
`hose 84 supplies the ink reservoir assembly 70 With ink of
`a particular color. For eXample, the hoses 84 can carry Cyan
`(C), Magenta (M), YelloW (Y) and Black
`inks, respec
`tively. In this case, four hoses 84 are provided. Also, each
`reservoir molding 76 de?nes four ink channels 74.
`Alternatively, the hoses 84 can carry Cyan (C), Magenta
`(M), YelloW (Y), Red (R), Green (G) and Blue (B) inks,
`respectively. In this case, siX hoses 84 are provided. Also,
`each reservoir molding 76 then de?nes siX ink channels 74.
`Instead of siX differently colored inks, the siX hoses 84 can
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`carry CMYK and Infrared (IR) inks and a ?Xative
`high speed printing so that the inks can dry rapidly.
`Each hose 84 is connected to a respective ink container 86
`(FIG. 5), so that each hose 84 is connected betWeen an ink
`container 86 and a particular ink channel 74. The hoses 84
`are connected to their respective containers 86 With T-piece
`connectors 94 shoWn in FIG. 1.
`The print assembly 14 includes a plurality of capping
`devices 88 that correspond With respective printhead mod
`ules 46. Each capping device 88 is displaceable betWeen an
`operative position in Which it serves to cap its respective
`printhead module 46, to inhibit drying of ink, and an
`inoperative position in Which ink can be ejected from the
`printhead module 46. A camshaft 90 is positioned in the
`chassis 60. A translating member 92 interconnects the cam
`shaft 90 and the capping devices 88, so that rotational
`movement of the camshaft 90 results in reciprocal move
`ment of the capping devices 88 betWeen their operative and
`inoperative positions.
`The camshaft 90 is driven With a suitable motor, indicated
`generally at 96 in FIG. 5.
`Further detail of the print assembly 14 is shoWn in FIG.
`7. As can be seen in this draWing, the front cover 32, the lid
`28 and a rear cover 98 together de?ne a housing 100 for the
`print assembly 14.
`A plurality of ink cartridges 102 is positioned beneath the
`lid 28. Each ink cartridge 102 stores one of the inks
`mentioned above. Each ink cartridge 102 is positioned
`betWeen a pair of clips 104 so that it can be replaced When
`necessary. Each ink cartridge 102 and a respective ink
`reservoir 86 are in ?uid communication With each other,
`When the ink cartridge 102 is received betWeen the clips 104.
`Apair of platens, in the form of an upper platen 106 and
`a loWer platen 108 is positioned Within the housing 100. A
`pair of spaced primary rollers in the form of an upper
`primary roller 110 and a loWer primary roller 112 is provided
`to displace the paper 22 through the print assembly 14. The
`upper roller 110 is positioned at an upper end of the platens
`106, 108, While the loWer roller 112 is positioned betWeen
`the platens 106, 108. The rollers 110, 112 are con?gured to
`drive a sheet of the paper 22 over, consecutively, an inner
`surface of the loWer platen 108 and an outer surface of the
`upper platen 106. Thus, the paper 22 passes over the upper
`roller 110, While the loWer roller 112 is positioned betWeen
`upWardly and doWnWardly moving portions of the paper 22.
`A brush 114 is pivotally mounted at 116 to the housing
`100. The brush 114 has an arcuate transverse pro?le that
`corresponds With the upper primary roller 110. The brush
`114 is positioned in the housing 100 so that the paper 22 can
`pass betWeen the brush 114 and the housing 100.
`A pinch roller 118 is positioned doWnstream of the brush
`114 to bear against the upper primary roller 110. Thus, When
`the paper 22 is displaced from betWeen the brush 114 and the
`upper primary roller 110, the pinch roller 118 retains the
`paper 22 against lateral movement.
`The upper platen 106 de?nes an upper printing Zone 120
`and a loWer cutting Zone 122. A gap 124 is de?ned betWeen
`the upper and loWer printing Zones 120, 122. Aplurality of
`spiked Wheels 126 is partially received through the gap 124
`to engage the paper 22 and the loWer primary roller 112. A
`crossbar 128 is operatively positioned With respect to the
`spiked Wheels 126 to retain the spiked Wheels 126 in
`position. The spiked Wheels 126 and the pinch roller 118 are
`con?gured so that a suitable tension is set up in the paper 22
`When the paper 22 passes over the printing Zone 120 of the
`upper platen 106.
`
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`US 6,880,914 B2
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`7
`The chassis 60 and channel 62 are positioned above the
`printing Zone 120 of the upper platen 106. The chassis 60
`and the channel 62 are connected to a displacement mecha
`nism 129 so that the chassis 60 and channel 62 can be
`displaced from the printing Zone 120 When necessary. In
`particular, the chassis 60 and channel 62 are displaceable
`betWeen an operative position in Which the printhead mod
`ules 46 are a distance from the printing Zone 120 that is
`suitable for printing and an inoperative position in Which the
`paper 22 can be released from the printing Zone 120.
`The chassis 60 and channel 62 are connected to the pinch
`roller 118 With suitable metalWork 130. Further, the chassis
`60 and channel 62 are connected to the crossbar 128. It
`folloWs that, When the displacement mechanism 129 is
`operated, the pinch roller 118 and the spiked Wheels 126 are
`displaced from the upper platen 106 together With the
`chassis 60 and the channel 62.
`The displacement mechanism 129 includes a camshaft
`132 and a pusher 134. The pusher 134 is connected to the
`chassis 60 and the channel 62 so that, upon rotation of the
`camshaft 132, the chassis 60 and channel 62 are displaced
`toWards and aWay from the printing Zone of the upper platen
`106.
`Upper idler rollers 136 are rotatably mounted above the
`upper platen 106 so that the paper 22 is received betWeen the
`upper platen 106 and the upper idler rollers 136.
`A loWer, sprung idler roller 138 is mounted on the loWer
`platen 108 to be partially received through a gap 140 de?ned
`in the loWer platen 108. The sprung idler roller 138 is
`con?gured and positioned to bear against the loWer primary
`roller 112. Thus, an upWardly moving portion of the paper
`22 is gripped, and passes betWeen, the loWer primary roller
`112 and the sprung idler roller 138.
`The print assembly 14 includes a cutting mechanism 142
`that is mounted in the housing 100 above the cutting Zone
`122 of the upper platen 106. The cutting mechanism
`includes a cutter 146 that traverses the paper 22 to cut the
`paper 22. The cutting mechanism 142 includes an optical
`sensor 144 so that the cutter 146 can be stopped When it
`reaches an end of a cutting stroke. The cutting Zone 122
`de?nes a cutting formation 148 that cooperates With the
`cutter 146 to facilitate cutting of the paper 22.
`As can be seen in FIG. 6, the print assembly 14 includes
`an air impeller 150 and a motor 152 to drive the air impeller
`150. The air impeller 150 serves to generate an air current
`Within the housing 100 for cooling purposes. An air ?lter
`153 is also positioned in the housing 100 to ?lter the air
`passing through the housing 100. The air impeller 150 also
`serves to generate the air current to a suf?cient extent to
`minimiZe the build up of dust on the printhead modules 46.
`As can further be seen in FIG. 6, the primary rollers 110,
`112 are connected to a gearbox 154 that is mounted on a
`bracket 156. The gearbox 154 and bracket 156 are posi
`tioned on one of the legs 18 and covered With one of the end
`moldings 34. Thus, the primary rollers 110, 112 serve to
`drive the paper 22 through the print assembly 14.
`Aprinthead bracket 157 is positioned in the housing 100
`and extends betWeen the legs 18. The printhead bracket 157
`provides a support structure for the chassis 60 and channel
`62. The printhead bracket 157 also provides a support
`structure for the upper idler rollers 136.
`The housing 100 is shaped to de?ne an opening 158 for
`passage of the paper 22 into and out of the print assembly 14.
`Feed rollers 162 are rotatably mounted on a tie bar 160 that
`extends betWeen the legs 18. The feed rollers 162 are
`positioned so that the paper 22 passes over the feed rollers
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`162 When the paper is fed into the print assembly 14. The tie
`bar 160 also serves a structural purpose in that it provides
`structural rigidity to the printer 10.
`Discharge rollers 164 are rotatably mounted on the upper
`platen 106. The discharge rollers 164 are positioned so that
`the paper 22 passes over the discharge rollers 164 When the
`paper 22 is fed from the print assembly 14.
`Both the media roll 166 and the take up spool 24 are
`driven With a media roll drive motor 168 and a take up spool
`drive motor 170, respectively (FIG. 5).
`The printer 10 includes a poWer supply unit 172 that is
`positioned in the electronics enclosure 26. The poWer supply
`unit 172 is con?gured to be poWered by either a 110V or
`220V poWer supply. Further, the poWer supply unit 172 is
`con?gured so that up to 90 Amps can be draWn from the
`poWer supply unit 172. The poWer supply unit 172 is
`connected With poWer cables 173 to various components of
`