Inkjet printer incorporating capping mechanism actuated by flexible arm
An inkjet printer includes a printhead assembly for ejecting ink upon print media; a capping molding for engaging a face of the printhead assembly; and an actuator for actuating the capping molding against and away from the printhead assembly. The actuator includes a flexible arm attached at one end to the capping molding and at the other end to slip and drive wheels. The slip and drive wheels facilitating actuation of the capping molding via the flexible arm. The flexible arm facilitates conformation of the capping molding against the printhead assembly.
1. An inkjet printer comprising:
a printhead assembly for ejecting ink upon print media;
a capping molding for engaging a face of the printhead assembly; and
an actuator for actuating the capping molding against and away from the printhead assembly, the actuator including a flexible arm attached at one end to the capping molding and at the other end to slip and drive wheels, the slip and drive wheels facilitating actuation of the capping molding via the flexible arm, wherein
the flexible arm facilitates conformation of the capping molding against the printhead assembly.
2. An inkjet printer as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the capping molding assembly comprises an elastomeric seal configured to form an airtight seal with the printhead assembly.
3. An inkjet printer as claimed in claim 2 , wherein the capping molding assembly further comprises a sponge surrounded by the elastomeric seal.
4. An inkjet printer as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the capping mechanism further comprises biasing means configured to bias the capping molding assembly in capping engagement with the printhead assembly.
5. An inkjet printer as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the drive wheel is engaged with the slip wheel to rotate the slip wheel between two slip points, a first slip point being a point at which the flexible arm pushes the capping molding against the printhead assembly, and the second slip point being a point at which the flexible arm disengages the capping molding from the printhead assembly.