US008678550B2
`
`(12) United States Patent
`Silverbrook
`
`(10) Patent N0.:
`(45) Date of Patent:
`
`US 8,678,550 B2
`*Mar. 25, 2014
`
`PRINTHEAD ASSEMBLY VVITH LAMINATED
`INK DISTRIBUTION STACK
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`Inventor: Kia Silverbrook, Balmain (AU)
`
`Assignee: Zamtec Ltd, Dublin (IE)
`
`Notice:
`
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 154(b) by 793 days.
`
`This patent is subject to a terminal dis-
`claimer.
`
`Appl. No.2 12/834,893
`
`Filed:
`
`Jul. 13, 2010
`
`Prior Publication Data
`
`US 2010/0277538 A1
`
`Nov. 4, 2010
`
`Related U.S. Application Data
`
`Continuation of application No. 11/779,845, filed on
`Jul. 18, 2007, now Pat. No. 7,758,181, which is a
`continuation of application No. 11/227,240, filed on
`Sep. 16, 2005, now Pat. No. 7,258,430, which is a
`continuation of application No. 10/974,751, filed on
`Oct. 28, 2004, now Pat. No. 6,966,625, which is a
`continuation of application No. 10/296,438, filed as
`application No. PCT/AU00/00597 on May 24, 2000,
`now Pat. No. 6,824,242.
`
`(2006.01)
`
`Int. Cl.
`B41] 2/155
`U.S. Cl.
`USPC .......................................................... .. 347/42
`Field of Classification Search
`USPC ............... .. 347/20, 29, 50, 104, 108; 400/649
`See application file for complete search history.
`
`5,316,395
`5,451,991
`5,565,900
`5,757,393
`5,929,877
`5,963,234
`5,997,125
`6,003,971
`6,050,679
`6,250,738
`6,322,206
`6,322,677
`
`>>>>>>>3>CI>
`
`5/1994 Imai
`9/1995 Saito et al.
`10/1996 Cowger
`5/1998 Anderson
`7/1999 l-letzer
`10/ 1999 Miyazawa
`12/1999 Nishioka
`12/1999 Hanks
`4/2000 Howkins
`6/200 Waller
`1 1/200 Boyd
`1 1/200 Woodruff
`
`(Continued)
`
`FOREIGN PATJN1 DOCUM,
`
`EP
`EP
`
`0584823
`0598701 A
`
`2/1994
`5/1994
`
`(Continued)
`Primary Exanziner — Anh '1'. N. V0
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm — Cooley LLP
`(57)
`ABSTRACT
`A print engine assembly includes an elongate chassis defining
`a print media exit slot; an elongate printhead assembly
`mounted relative to the chassis and configured to eject ink
`onto print media; a paper feed meclianism configured to
`transport the print media past the elongate printhead and out
`through the exit slot, the paper feed mechanism comprising a
`pair of bearing moldings received within and mounted on
`opposite ends of the chassis, the paper feed mechanism fur-
`ther comprising at least one roller mounted between the hear-
`ing moldings and a motor mounted to one of said bearing
`moldings to drive said at least one roller; and a platen member
`extending parallel
`to the printhead,
`the platen member
`mounted in tlie bearing moldings. A pair of spacers is
`mounted to either end ofthe chassis and on which said print-
`head assembly is mounted.
`4 Claims, 22 Drawing Sheets
`
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`US 8,678,550 B2
`Page 2
`
`References Cited
`
`US. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`2002/0018090 A1
`2003/0107619 A1
`2009/0027454 A1"
`
`2/2002 Takizawa
`6/2003 K_imJ1a1'a
`1/2009 Sllverbrook .................. .. 347/50
`
`12/2002 Silverbrook
`6,488,422 B1
`9/2004 Silverbrook
`6,788,336 B1
`11/2005 Silverbrook
`6,966,625 B2
`1/2006 Silverbrook
`6,988,784 B2
`7,114,868 B2* 10/2006 Silvcrbrook
`7,328,994 132*
`2/2008 Silverhrook
`7,407,259 B2*
`8/2008 Silverbrook
`7,425,053 B2*
`9/2008 Silverbrook ..
`7,686,416 B2*
`3/2010 Silverbrook
`7,740,338 B2*
`6/2010 Silverbrook
`7,758,181 B2*
`7/2010 Silverbrook
`7,789,485 B2*
`9/2010 Silverbrook
`
`FOREIGN PAT,:Nl DOCUM,:NTS
`
`400/649
`347/104
`347/40
`347/42
`347/20
`347/42
`.. 347/104
`347/42
`
`PP
`GB
`JP
`JP
`JP
`JP
`JP
`JP
`
`0936077 A
`2115748
`04.229274
`03.335934
`09.141333
`11179900
`2000.5430
`2000441691
`
`8/1999
`9/1983
`3/1992
`12/1995
`5/1997
`7/1999
`1/2000
`5/2000
`
`* cited by examiner
`
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`1
`PRINTHEAD ASSEMBLY VVITH LAMINATED
`INK DISTRIBUTION STACK
`
`CROSS—R 4 F 4 RENC 4 TO RELATED
`APPLICATIONS
`
`This application is a Continuation ofU.S. application Ser.
`No.
`l l/779,845 filed Jul. 18, 2007, which is a Continuation
`Application of U.S. Ser. No. 11/227,240 filed on Sep. 16,
`2005, now issued U.S. Pat. No. 7,258,430, which is a Con-
`tinuation Application of U.S. Ser. No. 10/974,751 filed or1
`Oct. 28, 2004, now issued US. Pat. No. 6,966,625, which is
`a ContinuationApplication ofU.S. Ser. No. 10/296,438, filed
`on Nov. 23, 2002, now issued U.S. Pat. No. 6,824,242 which
`is a 371 of PCT/AU00/00597 liled May 24, 2000, the entire
`co11te11ts of wl1ich are herein incorporated by reference.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`The following invention relates to a rotating platen member
`for a printer. More particularly, though not exclusively, the
`invention relates to a rotating platen member incorporating a
`platen surface, a capping device ar1d a test print blotter for ar1
`A4 pagewidth drop on demand printhead in a printer.
`The overall design of a printer in which the rotating platen '
`member can be utilized revolves around the use ofreplaceable
`printhead modules in an array approximately 8 inches (20
`cm) long. An advantage of such a system is the ability to
`easily remove and replace any defective modules in a print-
`head array. This would eliminate having to scrap an entire
`printhead if only one chip is defective.
`A printhead n1od11le in such a printer can be comprised of
`a “Memjet” chip, being a chip having mounted thereon a vast
`number of themro-actuators in micro -mechanics and micro-
`electromechanical systems (MEMS). Such actuators might
`be those as disclosed inU.S. Pat. No. 6,044,646 to the present
`applicant, however, there might be other MEMS print chips.
`The printhead, being the environment within which the
`rotating platen member of the present invention is to be situ-
`ated, might typically have six ink chambers and be capable of
`printing four color process (CMYK) as well as infra-red ink
`and fixative. An air pump would supply filtered air to the
`printhead, which couldbe used to keep foreign particles away
`from its ink nozzles. The printhead module is typically to be
`connected to a replaceable cassette which contains the ink
`supply and mi air filter.
`Each printhead module receives ink via a distribution
`molding that transfers the ink. Typically, ten modules butt
`together to form a complete eight inch printhead assembly
`suitable for printing A4 paper without the need for scanning V
`movement of the printhead across the paper width.
`The printheads themselves are modular, so complete eight
`inch printhead arrays can be configured to form printheads of
`arbitrary width.
`Additionally, a second printhead assembly can be mounted
`on the opposite side of a paper feed path to enable double-
`sided high speed printing.
`CO-PENDING APPLICATIONS
`
`Various methods, systems and apparatus relating to the
`present invention are disclosed in the following co-pending
`applications filed by the applicant or assignee of the present
`invention simultaneously with the present application:
`PCT/AU00/00518, PCT/AU00/00519, PCT/AU00/00520,
`PCT/AU00/00521.,
`PCT/AU00/00522,
`PCT/AU00/
`00523, PCT/AU00/00524, PCT/AU00/00525, PCT/
`
`2
`As 00/00526, PCT/As 00/00527, PCT/AL 00/00528,
`PCT/As 00/00529,
`3CT/AL 00/005 30,
`PC"/AL 00/
`00531, PC"/AL 00/00532, PC"/AL 00/00533, PC"/
`As 00/005 34‘ , PCT/As 00/005 35, PCT/AL 00/0053 6,
`PCT/As 00/00537,
`3CT/AL 00/005 3 8,
`PC’
`00/
`00539, PC"/AL 00/00540, PC"/AL 00/00541, P
`7/
`As 00/00542, PCT/As 00/00543, PCT/AL 00/00544,
`PCT/As 00/00545,
`3CT/AL 00/00547,
`PC’
`00/
`00546, PC"/AL 00/00554, PC"/AL 00/00556, P
`7/
`As 00/005 57, PCT/As 00/005 58, PCT/AL 00/0055 9,
`PCT/As 00/005 60,
`3CT/AL 00/005 61,
`PC’
`00/
`00562, PC"/AL 00/00563, PC"/AL 00/00564, PC"/
`As 00/005 65, PCT/As 00/005 66, PCT/AL 00/00567,
`PCT/As 00/005 68,
`3CT/AL 00/005 69,
`PC'
`00/
`00570, PC"/AL 00/00571, PC"/AL 00/00572, PC"/
`As 00/00573, PCT/As 00/00574, PCT/AL 00/00575,
`3
`PCT/A 00/00576
`3CT/AL 00/005 77,
`PC’
`00/
`00578,
`, 7/AL 00/00579, PCT/AL 00/00581, P , 7/
`As
`PCT/As 00/005 82 PCT/AL 00/00587
`PCT/A
`8
`JCT/AL 00/00589,
`PC’ '/AL 00/
`00583,
`0593, PC'
`'/AL 00/00590, PC'
`'/
`As00/0
`s00/00592, PCT/AL 00/00584,
`PCT/A
`3CT/AI 00/00586,
`PC’
`00/
`00594,
`0595, PCT/AI 00/00596, PCT/
`A 00/0
`00/005 9 8 PCT/AI
`PCT/As
`,
`3C /AL 00/0051 1,
`P
`0050],
`0502, PC"/AL 00/005
`As 00/00504, P
`s 00/00505, PCT/AL
`PCT/As
`JCT/AL 00/00508, PC
`7,
`00509, PC"
`00/00510, PCT/AL 00/00512, PCT/
`As 00/00513, PC /AL 00/00514, PC"/AU00/00515
`The disclosures oft iese co-pending applications are incor-
`poratec herein by cross-reference.
`
`‘Y '
`
`,
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a print
`engine assembly includes an elongate chassis defining a print
`media exit slot; an elongate printhead assembly mounted
`relative to the chassis and configured to eject ink onto print
`media; a paper feed mechanism configured to transport the
`print media past the elongate printhead and out through the
`exit slot, the paper feed mechanism comprising a pair of
`— bearing moldings received within and mounted on opposite
`ends of tlie chassis, the paper feed n1ecl1a11isn1 further com-
`prising at least one roller mounted between the bearing mold-
`ings and a motor mounted to one of said bearing moldings to
`drive said at least one roller; and a platen member extending
`parallel to the printhead, the platen member mounted in the
`bearing moldings. A pair of spacers is mounted to either end
`of the chassis and on which said printhead assembly is
`mounted.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`A preferred form of the present invention will now be
`described by way of example with reference to the accompa-
`nying drawings wherein:
`FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a print engine assem-
`bly
`FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of tlie print engine assem-
`bly of FIG. 1
`FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective View of the print engine
`assembly of FIG. 1.
`FIG. 4 is a schematic front perspective view of a printhead
`assembly.
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`FIG. 5 is a rear schematic perspective View ofthe printhead
`assembly of FIG. 4.
`FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective illustration of the print-
`head assembly.
`FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional e11d elevational view of the
`printhead assembly of FIGS. 4 to 6 with the section taken
`through the centre of the printhead.
`FIG. 8 is a schematic cross—sectional end elevational view
`of the printhead assembly of FIGS. 4 to 6 taken near the left
`end of FIG. 4.
`FIG. 9A is a schematic end elevational view ofmounting of
`the print chip and nozzle guard in the laminated stack struc-
`ture of the printhead
`FIG. 9B is a11 enlarged end elevational cross section ofFIG.
`9A
`FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective illustration of a print-
`head cover assembly.
`FIG. 11 is a schematic perspective illustration of an ink
`distribution molding.
`FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective illustration showing the
`layers forming part of a laminated ink distribution structure
`according to the present invention.
`FIG. 13 is a stepped sectional view from above of the
`structure depicted in FIGS. 9A and 9B,
`FIG. 14 is a stepped scctional vicw from below of the 2
`structure depicted in FIG. 13.
`FIG. 15 is a schematic perspective illustration of a first
`laminate layer.
`FIG. 16 is a schematic perspective illustration of a second
`laminate layer.
`FIG. 17 is a schematic perspective illustration of a third
`laminate layer.
`FIG. 18 is a schematic perspective illustration of a fourth
`laminatc laycr.
`FIG. 19 is a schematic perspective illustration of a fifth
`laminate layer.
`FIG. 20 is a perspective view ofthe air valve molding
`FIG. 21 is a rear perspective View ofthe right hand end of
`the platen
`FIG. 22 is a rear perspective view ofthe left hand end ofthe
`platen
`FIG. 23 is an exploded view of the platen
`FIG. 24 is a transverse cross-scctional vicw of the platen
`FIG. 25 is a front perspective view of the optical paper
`sensor arrangement
`FIG. 26 is a schematic perspective illustration ofa print-
`head assembly and ink lines attached to an ink reservoir
`cassette.
`
`FIG. 27 is a partly exploded view of FIG. 26.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
`
`In FIGS. 1 to 3 of the accompanying drawings there is
`schematically depicted the core components ofa print engine
`asscmbly, showing the gcncral cnvironmcnt in which the
`laminated ink distribution structure of the present invention
`can be located. The print engine assembly includes a chassis
`10 fabricated from pressed steel, aluminium, plastics or other
`rigid material. Chassis 10 is intended to be mounted within
`the body of a printer and serves to mount a printhead assem-
`bly 1 1, a paper feed mechanism and other related components
`witl1ir1tl1e external plastics casing of a printer.
`In general terms, the chassis 10 supports the printhead
`assembly 11 such that ink is ejected therefrom and onto a
`sheet ofpaper or other print medium being transported below
`the printhead then through exit slot 19 by the feed mecha-
`nism. The paper feed mechanism includes a feed roller 12,
`
`‘
`
`4
`feed idler rollers 13, a platen generally designated as 14, exit
`rollers 15 and a pin wheel assembly 16. all driven by a stepper
`motor 17. These paper feed components are mounted
`between a pair of bearing moldings 18, which are in turn
`mounted to the chassis 10 at each rcspcctivc cnd thcrcof
`A printhead assembly 11 is mounted to the chassis 10 by
`means of respective printhead spacers 20 mounted to the
`chassis 10. The spacer moldings 20 increase the prir1tl1ead
`assembly length to 220 mm allowing clearance on either side
`of 210 mm wide paper.
`The printhead construction is shown generally in FIGS. 4
`to 8.
`The printhead assembly 11 includes a printed circuit board
`(PCB) 21 having mountcd thcrcon various clcctronic compo-
`nents including a 64 MB DRAM 22, a PEC chip 23, a QA chip
`connector 24, a microcontroller 25, and a dual motor driver
`chip 26. The pri11tl1ead is typically 203 rnn1 long a11d has te11
`print chips 27 (FIG. 13), each typically 21 mm long. These
`print chips 27 are each disposed at a slight angle to the
`longitudinal axis of the printhead (see FIG. 12), with a slight
`overlap between each print chip which enables continuous
`transmission of ink over the entire length of the array. Each
`print chip 27 is clcctronically connected to an cnd of one of
`the tape automated bond (TAB) films 28, the other end of
`which is maintained in electrical contact with the undersur-
`face of the printed circuit board 21 by means of a TAB film
`backing pad 29.
`The preferred print chip construction is as described in
`U.S. Pat. No. 6,044,646 by the present applicant. Each such
`print chip 27 is approximately 21 111111 long, less than 1 mm
`wide and about 0.3 mm high, and has on its lower surface
`thousands of MEMS inkjet noz7les 30, shown schematically
`in FIGS. 9A and 9B, arranged generally in six lines
`one for
`each ink type to be applied. Each line of nozzles may follow
`a staggered pattern to allow closer dot spacing. Six corre-
`sponding lines of ink passages 31 extend through from the
`rear ofthe print chip to transport ink to the rear of cach nozzlc.
`To protect the delicate nozzles on the surface ofthe print chip
`each print chip has a nozzle guard 43, best seen in FIG. 9A,
`with microapertures 44 aligned with the nozzles 30, so that
`the ink drops ejected at high speed from the nozzles pass
`through these microapertures to be deposited on the paper
`passing over the platen 14.
`Ir1k is delivered to the print chips via a distribution molding
`, 35 and laminated stack 36 arrangement forming part of the
`printhead 11. Ink from an ink casscttc 37 (FIGS. 26 and 27) is
`relayed via individual ink hoses 38 to individual ink inlet
`ports 34 integrally molded with a plastics duct cover 39 which
`forms a lid over the plastics distribution molding 35. The
`distribution molding 35 includes six individual longitudinal
`ink ducts 40 and an air duct 41 which extend throughout the
`length ofthe array. Ink is transferred from the inlet ports 34 to
`respective ink ducts 40 via individual cro ss -flow ink channels
`42, as best seen with reference to FIG. 7. It should be noted in
`this regard that although there are six ducts dcpictcd, a dif-
`ferent number of ducts might be provided. Six ducts are
`suitable for a printer capable of printing four color process
`(CMYK) as well as infra-red ink and fixative.
`Air is delivered to the air duct 41 via an air inlet port 61, to
`supply air to each print chip 27, as described later with refer-
`ence to FIGS. 6 to 8, 20 and 21.
`Situated within a longitudinally extending stack recess 45
`formed in the underside of distribution molding 35 are a
`number of laminated laycrs forming a laminated ink distribu-
`tion stack 36. The layers ofthe laminate are typically formed
`of micro-molded plastics material. The TAB film 28 extends
`from the undersurface of the printhead PCB 21, around the
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`rear of the distribution molding 35 to be received within a
`respective TAB film recess 46 (FIG. 21), a number of which
`are situated along a chip housing layer 47 of the laminated
`stack 36. The TAB film relays electrical signals from the
`printed circuit board 21 to individual print chips 27 supported 5
`by the laminated structure.
`The distribution molding, laminated stack 36 and associ-
`ated components are best described with reference to FIGS. 7
`to 19.
`FIG. 10 depicts the distribution molding cover 39 formed
`as a plastics molding and including a number of positioning
`spigots 48 which serve to locate the upper printhead cover 49
`thereon.
`As sl1owr1 ir1 FIG. 7, an ink transfer port 50 connects one of
`the ink ducts 39 (the fourth duct from the left) down to one of
`six lower ink ducts or transitional ducts 51 ir1 the underside of
`the distribution molding. All of the ink ducts 40 l1ave corre-
`sponding transfer ports 50 con1r11unicatir1g witl1 respective
`ones ofthe transitional ducts 51. The transitional ducts 51 are
`parallel with each other but angled acutely with respect to the
`ink ducts 40 so as to line up with the rows of ink holes of the
`first laycr 52 of the laminated stack 36 to bc dcscribcd bclow.
`The first layer 52 incorporates twenty four individual ink
`holes 53 for each often print chips 27. That is, where ten such I
`print chips are provided, the first layer 52 includes two hun-
`dred and forty ink holes 53. The first layer 52 also includes a
`row of air holes 54 alongside one longitudinal edge thereof.
`The individual groups of twenty four ink holes 53 are
`formed generally ir1 a rectangular array with aligned rows of
`ink holes. Each row of four ink holes is aligned with a tran-
`sitional duct 51 and is parallel to a respective print chip.
`The undersurface of the first layer 52 includes underside
`recesses 55. Each recess 55 communicates with one ofthe ink
`holes of the two cer1tre-rnost rows of four holes 53 (consid-
`ered in the direction transversely across the layer 52). That is,
`holcs 53a (FIG. 13) dclivcr ink to thc right hand rcccss 55a
`shown in FIG. 14, whereas the holes 53b deliver ink to the left
`most underside recesses 55b shown in FIG. 14.
`The second layer 56 includes a pair of slots 57, each receiv-
`ing ink from one ofthe underside recesses 55 ofthe first layer.
`The second layer 56 also includes ink holes 53 which are
`aligned with the outer two sets ofink holes 53 ofthe first layer
`52. That is, ink passing through the outer sixteen ink holes 53
`of the first layer 52 for each print chip pass directly through
`corrcsponding holcs 53 passing through thc sccond laycr 56.
`The underside of the second layer 56 has formed therein a
`number of transversely extending charmels 58 to relay ink
`passing through ink holes 530 and 53d toward the centre.
`These channels extend to align with a pair of slots 59 formed ,
`through a third layer 60 of the laminate. It should be noted in
`this regard that the third layer 60 ofthe laminate includes four
`slots 59 corresponding with each print chip, with two inner
`slots being aligned with the pair of slots formed in the second
`laycr 56 and outer slots between which the inncr slots rcsidc.
`The third layer 60 also includes an array of air holes 54
`aligned with the corresponding air hole arrays 54 provided in
`the first and second layers 52 and 56.
`The third layer 60 has only eight remaining ink holes 53
`corresponding with each print chip. These outermost holes 53
`are aligned with the outermost holes 53 provided in the first
`and second laminate layers. As shown ir1 FIGS. 9A and 9B,
`the third layer 60 includes in its underside surface a trans-
`vcrscly cxtcnding charmcl 61 corrcsponding to each holc 53.
`These channels 61 deliver ink from the corresponding hole 53
`to a position just outside the alignment of slots 59 there-
`through.
`
`6
`As best seen in FIGS. 9A and 9B, the top three layers ofthe
`laminated stack 36 thus serve to direct the ink (shown by
`broken hatched lines in FIG. 9B) from the more widely
`spaced ink ducts 40 of the distribution molding to slots
`aligncd with thc ink passages 31 through thc uppcr surface of
`each print chip 27.
`As shown in FIG. 13, which is a view from above the
`laminated stack, tl1e slots 57 and 59 can in fact be comprised
`of discrete co-linear spaced slot segments.
`The fourth layer 62 of the laminated stack 36 includes an
`array of ten chip—slots 65 each receiving the upper portion of
`a respective print chip 27.
`The fifth and final layer 64 also includes an array of chip-
`slots 65 which rcccivc thc chip and nozzlc guard assembly 43.
`The TAB film 28 is sandwiched between the fourth and
`fifth layers 62 and 64, one or both of which can be provided
`with recesses to acconmrodate the thickness of tl1e TAB film.
`The laminated stack is formed as a precision micro-mold-
`ing, injection molded in anAcetal type material. It accommo-
`_ ‘ dates the array of print chips 27 with the TAB film already
`attached and mates with the cover molding 39 described
`earlier.
`Rib dctails in thc undcrsidc of thc micro-molding provides
`support for the TAB film when they are bonded together. The
`TAB film forms the underside wall of the printhead module,
`as there is suflicient structural integrity between the pitch of
`the ribs to support a flexible film. The edges of the TAB film
`seal on the underside wall of the cover molding 39. The chip
`is bonded onto one hundred micron wide ribs that mm the
`length ofthe micro-molding, providing a final ink feed to the
`print nozzles.
`The design ofthe micro-molding allow for a physical over-
`lap of the print chips when they are butted in a line. Because
`the printhead chips now form a continuous strip with a gen-
`erous tolerance, they can be adjusted digitally to produce a
`near perfect print pattern rather than relying on very close
`tolcranccd moldings and exotic materials to pcrform thc same
`function. The pitch of the modules is typically 20.33 mm.
`The individual layers of the larrrinated stack as well as the
`cover molding 39 and distribution molding can be glued or
`otherwise bonded together to provide a sealed unit. The ink
`paths can be sealed by a bonded transparent plastic film
`serving to indicate when inks are in the ink paths. so they can
`be f11lly capped offwhen tl1e upper part ofthe adhesive film is
`folded over. Ink charging is then complete.
`Thc four uppcr layers 52, 56, 60, 62 of the laminated stack
`36 have aligned air holes 54 which communicate with air
`passages 63 formed as channels fonned in the bottom surface
`of the fourth layer 62, as shown in FIGS. 917 and 13. These
`passages provide pressurised air to the space between the
`print chip surface and the nozzle guard 43 whilst the printer is
`in operation. Air from this pressurised zone passes through
`the rnicro-apertures 44 in the nozzle guard, thus preventing
`the build-up of any dust or unwanted contaminants at those
`apcrturcs. This supply of prcssuriscd air can be turned off to
`prevent ink drying on the nozzle surfaces during periods of
`non-use of the printer, control of this air supply being by
`means ofthe air valve assembly shown in FIGS. 6 to 8, 20 and
`21.
`With reference to FIGS. 6 to 8, within the air duct 41 ofthe
`printhead there is located an air valve molding 66 fonned as
`a cl1anr1el with a series ofapertures 67 in its base. The spacing
`of these apertures corresponds to air passages 68 formed in
`thc basc of thc air duct 41 (scc FIG. 6), thc air valvc molding
`being movable longitudinally within the air duct so that the
`apertures 67 can be brought into alignment with passages 68
`to allow supply tl1e pressurized air through tl1e la111ir1ated
`
`,
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`stack to the cavity between the print chip and the nozzle
`guard, or moved out of alignment to close off the air supply.
`Compression springs 69 maintain a sealing inter—engagement
`of the bottom ofthe air valve molding 66 with the base of the
`air duct 41 to prevent leakage when the valve is closed.
`The air valve molding 66 has a cam follower 70 extending
`from one end thereof, which engages an air valve cam surface
`71 on an end cap 74 of the platen 14 so as to selectively move
`the air valve molding longitudinally within the air duct 41
`according to the rotational positional of the multi-function
`platen 14, which may be rotated between printing, capping
`and blotting positions depending on the operational status of
`the printer, as will be described below in more detail with
`reference to FIGS. 21 to 24. VVhen tl1e platen 14 is ir1 its
`rotational position for printing, the cam holds the air valve ir1
`its open position to supply air to the print chip surface,
`whereas when the platen is rotated to the no11-printing posi-
`tion in which it caps off the micro-apertures of the nozzle
`guard, the cam moves the air valve molding to the valve
`closed position.
`With reference to FIGS. 21 to 24, the platen member 14
`extends parallel to the printhead, supported by a rotary shaft
`73 mounted in bearing molding 18 and rotatable by means of
`gear 79 (see FIG. 3). The shaft is provided with a right hand '
`end cap 74 and left hand end cap 75 at respective ends, having
`cams 76, 77.
`The platen member 14 has a platen surface 78, a capping
`portion 80 and an cxposcd blotting portion 81 cxtcnding
`along its lcngth, cach separated by 120°. During printing, the
`platcn mcmbcr is rotated so that thc platcn surfacc 78 is
`positioned opposite the printhead so that the platen surface
`acts as a support for that portion ofthe paper being printed at
`the time. When the printer is not in use, the platen member is
`rotated so that the capping portion 80 contacts the bottom of
`the printhead, sealing in a locus surrounding the microaper—
`tures 44. This, in combination with the closure ofthe air valve
`by means of the air valve arrangement when the platen 14 is
`in its capping position, maintains a closed atmosphere at the
`print nozzle surface. This serves to reduce evaporation of the
`ink solvent (usually water) and thus reduce drying of ink on
`the print nozzles while the printer is not in use.
`The third function oftlie rotary platen r11err1ber is as an ink
`blotter to receive ink from priming of the print nozzles at
`printcr start up or maintcnancc operations of the printer. Dur-
`ing this printer mode, the platen member 14 is rotated so that
`the exposed blotting portion 81 is located in the ink ejection
`path opposite the nozzle guard 43. The exposed blotting por-
`tion 81 is an exposed part ofa body of blotting material 82 ,
`inside the platen member 14, so that the ink received on the
`exposed portion 81 is drawn into the body of the platen
`r11err1ber.
`Further details of the platen member construction may be
`sccn from FIGS. 23 and 24. Thc platcn mcmbcr consists
`generally of an extruded or molded hollow platen body 83
`which forms the platen surface 78 and receives the shaped
`body ofblotting material 82 ofwhich a part projects through
`a longitudinal slot in the platen body to form the exposed
`blotting surface 81. A flat portion 84 of the platen body 83
`serves as a base for attachment of the capping member 80,
`which consists of a capper housing 85, a capper seal r11er11ber
`86 and a foam member 87 for contacting the nozzle guard 43.
`With rcfcrcncc again to FIG. 1, each bcaring molding 18
`rides on a pair of vertical rails 101. That is, the capping
`assembly is mounted to four vertical rails 101 enabling the
`assembly to move vertica1ly.A spring 102 u11der either end of
`
`8
`the capping assembly biases the assembly into a raised posi-
`tion, maintaining cams 76,77 in contact with the spacer pro-
`jections 100.
`The printhead 11 is capped when not is use by the full-
`5 width capping member 80 using the elastomeric (or similar)
`seal 86. In order to rotate the platen assembly 14, the main
`roller drive motor is reversed. This brings a reversing gear into
`contact with the gear 79 on the end ofthe platen assembly and
`rotates it into one of its three functional positions, each sepa-
`rated by 120°.
`The cams 76, 77 on the platen end caps 74, 75 co-operate
`with projections 100 on the respective printhead spacers 20 to
`control the spacing between the platen member and the print-
`head depending on the rotary position of tlie platen member.
`In this r11ar1ner, the platen is moved away from tl1e prir1tl1ead
`during tl1e transition between platen positions to provide suf-
`iicient clearance from the printhead and moved back to the
`appropriate distances for its respective paper support, cap-
`» ping and blotting functions.
`In addition, the cam arrangement for the rotary platen
`provides a mechanism for fine adjustment of the