Printhead assembly configured to purge printheads of a printer
The invention provides for a printhead assembly configured to purge printheads of a printer. The assembly includes duplex printheads arranged opposite each other to define a print media feed gap between them, and two purging members each defining a purging chamber arranged in fluid communication with a suction pump. The assembly also includes actuating mechanisms configured to move the printheads to a purging position where the printheads are located adjacent the chambers so that the suction pump is able to remove material purged from said printheads.
1. A printhead assembly configured to purge printheads of a printer, said assembly comprising:
duplex printheads arranged opposite each other to define a print media feed gap between them;
two purging members each defining a purging chamber arranged in fluid communication with a suction pump; and
actuating mechanisms configured to move the printheads to a purging position where the printheads are located adjacent the chambers so that the suction pump is able to remove material purged from said printheads.
2. The printhead assembly of claim 1 , wherein the actuating mechanisms are configured to move the printheads in an arcuate direction relative to the media feed gap.
3. The printhead assembly of claim 1 , including extractor tubes arranging the purging chambers in fluid communication with the suction pump.
4. The printhead assembly of claim 1 , wherein the actuating mechanisms are configured to move the printheads to a first position where the printheads are able to print onto media fed through the feed gap.
5. The printhead assembly of claim 1 , wherein the actuating mechanisms are configured to move the printheads to a second position where the purging members are located in capping engagement with the printheads.
6. The printhead assembly of claim 1 , wherein the purging members are operatively located adjacent the printheads and are inclined at an angle with respect to the print media feed gap.
7. The printhead assembly of claim 1 , wherein the actuating mechanisms are geared motor drives and pneumatic actuators.