Modular printhead that incorporates alignment mechanisms
View Patent ↗A modular printhead includes an elongate chassis. A plurality of engagement plates are arranged in series along the chassis and are each movable transversely with respect to the chassis. Each engagement plate defines a set of apertures. A plurality of printhead modules is mounted on respective engagement plates. Each printhead module includes a molding assembly which defines a set of ink supply conduits which extend through the apertures. Each printhead module further includes a printhead integrated circuit which is in fluid communication with the set of ink supply conduits and which is configured to print ink supplied via the conduits. A movement arrangement is configured to move each engagement plate and printhead module transversely with respect to the longitudinal axis of the chassis.
1. A modular printhead comprising:
an elongate chassis;
a plurality of engagement plates arranged in series along the chassis and movable in parallel with respect to the chassis, each engagement plate defining a set of apertures;
a plurality of printhead modules each mounted on respective engagement plates, each printhead module including a molding assembly which defines a set of ink supply conduits which extend through the apertures, each printhead module further including a printhead integrated circuit which is in fluid communication with the set of ink supply conduits and which is configured to print ink supplied via the conduits; and
a movement arrangement configured to move each engagement plate and printhead module in parallel with respect to the longitudinal axis of the chassis.
2. A modular printhead as claimed in claim 1 , which includes an elastomeric strip that defines a plurality of sets of sockets arranged to engage with respective sets of conduits of the molding assembly.
3. A modular printhead as claimed in claim 2 , further comprising an elongate reservoir molding defining a set of ink chambers and arranged to be in fluid communication with the conduits of the molding assembly, the elastomeric strip being interposed between the molding assembly and the reservoir molding to provide sealing engagement.
4. A modular printhead as claimed in claim 3 , further comprising a pair of end moldings configured to be fastened to the reservoir molding to seal closed the reservoir molding.
5. A modular printhead as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the engagement plates are integrally formed with the chassis and are each interconnected with the chassis by a quartet of hinged arms.
6. A modular printhead as claimed in claim 5 , wherein the movement arrangement comprises a plurality of lever mechanisms each defining a fulcrum that bears against the chassis so that the lever mechanisms act upon respective engagement plates.
7. A modular printhead as claimed in claim 6 , wherein the movement arrangement further comprises a plurality of adjustment blocks fixed to respective lever mechanisms.
8. A modular printhead as claimed in claim 7 wherein the movement arrangement further comprises a plurality of adjustment screws which threadedly engage the chassis and extend through the chassis to bear against respective blocks.