Printhead and ink supply arrangement suitable for utilization in a print on demand camera system
View Patent ↗A printhead and ink supply arrangement suitable for utilization in a print on demand camera system includes a housing. A baffle unit is encased in the housing and, together with the housing, defines a number of ink storage chambers. The baffle unit is configured to inhibit ink acceleration as a result of movement of the camera system. An ink distribution manifold is arranged on the baffle unit and defines a series of slots. The series are in fluid communication with respective storage chambers and ink outlets. A printhead is arranged on the ink distribution manifold to receive ink via the ink outlets.
1. A printhead and ink supply arrangement suitable for utilization in a print on demand camera system, the printhead and ink supply arrangement comprising:
a housing, a top surface of the housing defining a series of hydrophobically sealed holes for facilitating an egress of air from within the housing;
a baffle unit encased in the housing and, together with the housing, defining a number of ink storage chambers, the baffle unit being configured to inhibit ink acceleration as a result of movement of the camera system;
an ink distribution manifold arranged on the baffle unit and defining a series of slots, the series of slots being in fluid communication with respective storage chambers and ink outlets; and
a printhead arranged on the ink distribution manifold to receive ink via the ink outlets, wherein
one end wall of the baffle unit includes a series of pierceable portions for receiving a supply conduit, the pierceable portions facilitating a flow of ink into the ink storage chambers.
2. A printhead and ink supply arrangement as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the housing and the baffle unit define three ink storage chambers for inks of different colors.
3. A printhead and ink supply arrangement as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the printhead is in the form of a printhead integrated circuit.
4. A printhead and ink supply arrangement as claimed in claim 3 , wherein the manifold defines a printhead aperture, the printhead integrated circuit being secured in the aperture with a suitable adhesive.
5. A printhead and ink supply arrangement as claimed in claim 4 , wherein the printhead integrated circuit is of an elongate structure and is attached to the ink distribution manifold by means of silicone gel or a like resilient adhesive.
6. A printhead and ink supply arrangement as claimed in claim 5 , wherein the adhesive is applied only to interconnecting faces of the aperture and printhead integrated circuit so that a risk of blocking ink supply passages formed in the printhead integrated circuit is minimised.
7. A printhead and ink supply arrangement as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the baffle unit includes a number of spaced apart baffles formed to reduce acceleration of the ink in the storage chambers.