Pivotable PCB retension arrangement for inkjet cartridge cradle
View Patent ↗Disclosed is a cradle for holding an ink cartridge within an inkjet printer. The cradle comprises a recess for receiving and releasably retaining the ink cartridge; an interface corresponding to an ink storage compartment of the ink cartridge; a pair of arms for receiving and retaining a PCB assembly containing a print engine, each of the arms adapted to engage with a first end of a corresponding tension spring; and a cover assembly pivotally attached to the cradle, the cover adapted to engage with a second end of the tension springs. The interface is provided on the cover assembly. The tension springs are engaged with the cover assembly and the PCB assembly such that movement of the cover assembly to an open position relieves a tension in the tension springs with respect to the PCB assembly, whereby the PCB assembly pivots away from corresponding electrical contacts of the inkjet printer.
1. A cradle for holding an ink cartridge within an inkjet printer, the cradle comprising:
a recess for receiving and releasably retaining the ink cartridge;
an interface corresponding to an ink storage compartment of the ink cartridge;
a pair of arms for receiving and retaining a PCB assembly, each of the arms adapted to engage with a first end of a corresponding tension spring; and
a cover assembly pivotally attached to the cradle, the cover adapted to engage with a second end of the tension springs, wherein
the interface is provided on the cover assembly, and
the tension springs are engaged with the cover assembly and the pair of arms such that movement of the cover assembly between a closed and opened position causes the PCB assembly to pivot into and out of contact with corresponding electrical contacts of the inkjet printer.
2. The cradle according to claim 1 , wherein the tension springs are engaged with the cover assembly and the pair of arms such that movement of the cover assembly to an opened position relieves a tension in the tension springs with respect to the PCB assembly, whereby the PCB assembly pivots away from corresponding electrical contacts of the inkjet printer.
3. The cradle according to claim 1 , wherein the tension springs are engaged with the cover assembly and the pair of arms such that movement of the cover assembly to a closed position tensions the tensions springs, whereby the PCB assembly pivots towards and into contact with corresponding electrical contacts of the inkjet printer.
4. The cradle according to claim 3 , wherein the cover assembly opens to allow the cartridge to be inserted into the recess, and closes to retain the ink cartridge such that the interface is overlaid on a corresponding ink storage compartment of the ink cartridge.
5. The cradle according to claim 1 , wherein the interface is configured to receive an ink refill unit for replenishing the ink storage compartment.
6. The cradle according to claim 5 , wherein the interface is keyed to only receive an ink refill that is appropriate for the ink storage compartment corresponding to the interface.
7. The cradle according to claim 6 , wherein the cover assembly has five interfaces, one for cyan, magenta, yellow, black and infra red inks respectively.
8. The cradle according to claim 1 , further comprising a printhead maintenance assembly for an inkjet printhead, the printhead having an array of nozzles formed therein, the printhead maintenance assembly comprising:
a capper to cover the array of nozzles when the printhead is not in use; and,
a cleaner for engaging the nozzle plate and wiping across the nozzles,
wherein the cleaner is positioned between opposing sides of the capper.