Compact printer with capping mechanism
View Patent ↗A compact printer has a powered roller for moving printable media past a fixed printhead. A nozzle capping mechanism for the printhead includes a capping arm operatively associated with the powered roller, a cap supported by the capping arm and movable with the capping arm between a position protecting the printhead and a position spaced from the printhead. The cap rests adjacent the printhead with the capping arm moving the cap away from the printhead when the powered roller rotates.
1. A compact printer comprising:
at least one powered roller for moving printable media past a fixed printhead;
a nozzle capping mechanism for the printhead, the nozzle capping mechanism having:
at least one capping arm operatively associated with the powered roller;
a cap supported by said capping arm movable with said capping arm between a position protecting the printhead and a position spaced from said printhead;
said cap resting adjacent said printhead and the capping arm moving said cap away from said printhead when said powered roller rotates.
2. The compact printer of claim 1 further comprising a clutch providing said operative association between said at least one capping arm and said powered roller.
3. The compact printer of claim 2 wherein the clutch is a frictional clutch.
4. The compact printer of claim 1 further comprising a motive means associated with said capping arm, said motive means moving said capping arm when said powered roller rotates.
5. The compact printer of claim 4 wherein said motive means is a solenoid.
6. The compact printer of claim 4 wherein said motive means is a gear between said at least one powered roller and said capping arm.
7. The compact printer of claim 1 wherein the cap comprises one or more seals that locate adjacent said printhead.
8. The compact printer of claim 7 where there is a single seal that locates either side around said printhead.
9. The compact printer of claim 7 wherein said one or more seals are elastomeric seals.
10. The compact printer of claim 1 wherein said cap comprises one or more seals that locate adjacent said printhead and a blotter that locates near said printhead.
11. The compact printer of claim 1 wherein there are two capping arms spaced apart to allow printable media to pass between said two capping arms.