Printer with serially arranged printhead modules for wide format printing
View Patent ↗A printer includes an elongate print assembly defining a transverse path along which print media can pass. The print assembly includes a plurality of printhead modules configured to print upon the print media. A support structure is arranged to support the print assembly. The support structure includes a pair of spaced legs which extend from respective ends of the print assembly and each terminates in a respective foot. A supply spool is rotationally mounted between the legs and is configured to carry a wound length of the print media which passes along the path. An uptake spool is rotationally mounted between the legs and the printed print medium can be wound onto it.
1. A printer comprising:
an elongate print assembly defining a print media path along which print media can pass and comprising a plurality of serially arranged printhead modules configured to print upon the print media;
a support structure which is arranged to support the print assembly, the support structure comprising a pair of spaced legs which extend from respective ends of the print assembly and each terminates in a respective foot;
a supply spool rotationally mounted between the legs and being configured to carry a wound length of the print media which passes along the path; and
an uptake spool rotationally mounted between the legs and onto which the printed print medium can be wound.
2. A printer as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the print assembly comprises:
a pair of spaced apart end moldings; and
a lid which extends between the end moldings and is pivotal with respect to the end moldings.
3. A printer as claimed in claim 2 , wherein the print assembly further comprises:
a pair of spaced apart rollers which are rotationally mounted between the end moldings and are arranged so that the print media passes over the rollers in opposite directions; and
a pair of spaced apart platens which extend between the rollers and support the print media passing between the rollers in respective directions.
4. A printer as claimed in claim 2 , wherein the print assembly further comprises one or more releasable ink cartridges in fluid communication with the printhead modules, and which can be removed from the print assembly when the lid is pivoted to an open position.
5. A printer as claimed in claim 2 , further comprising a pair of covers which extend between the end moldings and together with the lid define a housing, one of the covers being pivotally connected with respect to the end moldings to enable access to the printhead assembly.
6. A printer as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the supply spool is located between the print assembly and the uptake spool.
7. A printer as claimed in claim 1 , further comprising an elongate electronics enclosure which extends between the legs at a location proximal to the feet and houses electronics components for controlling the operation of the printhead modules.