Modular printhead incorporating a capping device
View Patent ↗A modular printhead includes an elongate spine defining longitudinal internal passages for carrying ink. The spine further defines sets of holes along its length with each set having holes in fluid communication with respective passages. A plurality of printhead modules serially engage along the spine with respective sets of holes. Each printhead module defines inlets aligned in fluid communication with respective holes and internal chambers in fluid communication with respective inlets. Each printhead module includes an ink ejection integrated circuit (IC) which is fed the ink from the internal chamber. A capping device is mounted relative to the spine and is configured to cover the IC's when not in use.
1. A modular printhead comprising:
an elongate spine defining longitudinal internal passages for carrying ink, the spine further defining sets of holes along its length with each set having holes in fluid communication with respective passages;
a plurality of printhead modules serially engaged along the spine with respective sets of holes, each printhead module defining inlets aligned in fluid communication with respective holes and internal chambers in fluid communication with respective inlets, each printhead module having an ink ejection integrated circuit (IC) which is fed the ink from the internal chambers; and
an elongate U-channel retaining the plurality of printhead modules and the spine within a cavity defined by the U-channel, said U-channel exerting a retaining force on the spine and each printhead module such that inlets defined in each printhead module are sealingly engaged with respective holes in the spine.
2. A modular printhead as claimed in claim 1 , wherein each set of holes consists of a plurality of holes which are arranged to form a substantially straight line.
3. A modular printhead as claimed in claim 2 , wherein the straight line is oriented obliquely with respect to the spine.
4. A modular printhead as claimed in claim 1 , wherein each printhead module has at least one flexible printed circuit board (PCB) electrically coupled to the IC.
5. A modular printhead as claimed in claim 4 , wherein said at least one flexible PCB has a first PCB extending from the IC and a second flexible PCB electrically coupled to and extending from the first flexible PCB.
6. A modular printhead as claimed in claim 5 , wherein the first flexible PCB has a finer pitch than the second flexible PCB.
7. A modular printhead as claimed in claim 5 , wherein the second flexible PCB carries two busbars for powering each printhead module.
8. A modular printhead as claimed in claim 4 , wherein said at least one flexible PCB wraps around the printhead module and the spine.