Cartridge unit assembly with ink storage modules and a printhead IC for a printer
View Patent ↗The invention relates to a cartridge unit assembly for a printer. The assembly includes a main body having a rectangular frame. An ink storage module assembly has ink storage modules. The rectangular frame has a number of compartments therein for operatively locating the ink storage modules. An ink outlet molding is fast with the main body, the molding having ink outlets corresponding to each of the ink storage modules. A printhead assembly has an ink distribution assembly in fluid communication with the ink storage modules. A printhead integrated circuit (IC) is located on the ink distribution assembly to receive ink. An air sleeve is configured to direct pressurized air from an air source across the IC.
1. A cartridge unit assembly for a printer, said assembly comprising:
a main body having a rectangular frame;
an ink storage module assembly having ink storage modules, the rectangular frame having a number of compartments therein for removably locating the ink storage modules;
an ink outlet molding fast with the main body;
a printhead assembly having an ink distribution assembly in fluid communication with the ink storage modules via the ink outlet molding and a printhead integrated circuit (IC) located on the ink distribution assembly to receive ink;
a maintenance assembly configured to cap and wipe the printhead IC; and
an air sleeve configured to direct pressurized air from an air source across the IC.
2. The cartridge unit of claim 1 , wherein the frame has an open top and longitudinally extending side walls defining the compartments for receiving the ink storage modules.
3. The cartridge unit of claim 1 , wherein the main body includes a pair of posts that project from an underside of the frame at either end for mounting the maintenance assembly to the main body.
4. The cartridge unit of claim 1 , wherein the frame includes a series of ink downpipes along one longitudinal wall of the frame, each downpipe having an O-ring seal at its upper end to form a sealed connection with ink outlets of respective ink storage modules.
5. The cartridge unit of claim 4 , having ink filling ports formed in lower parts of each ink downpipe, said filling ports sealed by polymer sealing balls.
6. The cartridge unit of claim 1 , wherein the main body includes a plate mounted to the frame and the outlet molding to provide structural rigidity.