Duplex printer configured to move printheads before capping
View Patent ↗The present invention relates to a duplex printer. The printer includes a support assembly and a pair of printheads mounted for movement with respect to the support assembly and configured to each eject ink upon print media. A print media feed mechanism is configured to feed the print media between the printheads during printing. A pair of movably mounted capping members is configured to cap respective printheads. A printhead movement actuating mechanism is configured to move the printheads into position for capping. A capping member actuating mechanism is configured to move the capping members into position for engagement with the moved printheads.
1. A duplex printer comprising:
a support assembly;
a pair of printheads that are mounted on the support assembly for movement with respect to the support assembly and are each configured to eject ink upon print media;
a print media feed mechanism arranged on the support assembly and configured to feed the print media between the printheads during printing;
a pair of capping members that are mounted on the support assembly for movement with respect to the support assembly and configured to cap respective printheads;
a printhead movement actuating mechanism configured to move the printheads into position for capping; and
a capping member actuating mechanism configured to move the capping members into position for engagement with the moved printheads.
2. A duplex printer as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the printheads are each pivotally mounted and the printhead movement actuating mechanism is configured to pivot the printheads into position for capping.
3. A duplex printer as claimed in claim 2 , wherein the capping member actuating mechanism is configured to translate the capping members into capping engagement with the moved printheads.
4. A duplex printer as claimed in claim 3 , wherein the relative spacing and orientation of the capping members remains substantially constant during translation.
5. A duplex printer as claimed in claim 3 , wherein the capping members separate during translation.
6. A duplex printer as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the printhead movement actuating mechanism is configured to separate the printheads rectilinearly into position for capping.
7. A duplex printer as claimed in claim 6 , wherein the capping member actuating mechanism is configured to translate the capping members between the separated printheads.
8. A duplex printer as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the capping member includes a body portion and an endless lip portion extending from the body portion.
9. A duplex printer as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the print media feed mechanism is configured so that the print media can remain between the printheads during capping.