IP Library Granted Patent US 7,371,024
Granted Patent B2
US 7,371,024 · App. 10/986,788 · Granted May 13, 2008

Printhead assembly

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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 7,371,024
App. No.
10/986,788
Granted
May 13, 2008
Kind
B2
Abstract

A printer includes a pair of opposed printhead assemblies for double-sided printing. Each printhead assembly includes first and second print modules having respective first and second elongate print heads. A single printhead circuit board controls both of the print modules and is coupled to them by means of a flexible PCB. Contact pads on the flexible PCB abut terminals formed on moldings of each of the print modules. In order to reduce manufacturing costs the moldings are mirror images of each other. Ink reservoirs are formed in the moldings with ink ports located at either end. Plugs are inserted into, and seal, the outermost ink ports.

Claims (16)

1. A printer having at least one printhead assembly comprising:

first and second print modules including first and second opposed elongate printheads;

a paper path extending between said first and second opposed elongate printheads such that said first and second elongate printheads print on opposite sides of a page as it transported therepast by opposed rollers, the first and second print modules being arcuate about the associated opposed roller so as to position the first and second printheads in proximity of the opposed rollers; and

a single printed circuit board arranged to control the first and second print modules.

2. A printer according to claim 1 , wherein the printed circuit board is coupled to the first and second print modules by flexible members.

3. A printer according to claim 1 , wherein the flexible members comprise flex PCBs.

4. A printer according to claim 3 , wherein the flex PCBs terminate in pads that are in electrical contact with corresponding terminal pads respectively located on the first and second print modules.

5. A printer according to claim 4 , wherein the terminal pads are located on first and second moldings of the first and second print modules respectively.

6. A printer according to claim 5 , wherein the first and second moldings are mirror images of each other.

7. A printer according to claim 6 , wherein the first and second moldings each have ink inlets formed at either end and plugs located in said inlets at one end.

8. A printer according to claim 1 wherein said PCB includes two print engine controllers and associated memory devices.

9. A printer having at least one printhead assembly comprising:

first and second print modules including first and second opposed elongate print heads;

a paper path extending between said first and second opposed elongate printheads such that said first and second elongate printheads print on opposite sides of a page as it transported therepast by opposed rollers, the first and second print modules being arcuate about the associated opposed roller so as to position the first and second printheads in proximity of the opposed rollers; and

a single printed circuit board coupled to the first and second print modules; and

flexible PCBs in electrical communication with said printed circuit board terminating in pads in electrical contact with terminal pads respectively located on first and second moldings of the first and second print modules.

Assignments (2)
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Jul 17, 2012
From: SILVERBROOK RESEARCH PTY. LIMITED AND CLAMATE PTY LIMITED
To: ZAMTEC LIMITED
Reel/Frame 028568/0148 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Nov 15, 2004
From: SILVERBROOK, KIA
To: SILVERBROOK RESEARCH PTY. LTD.
Reel/Frame 015999/0641 →