阅读说明：本技术 具有可枢转打印头载架的打印模块 (Printing module with pivotable printhead carrier ) 是由 大卫·伯克 诺曼·贝里 哈里克·塞尔万安东尼萨米 雷伊诺瓦尔·帕西尼奥安西亚诺 苏恩·基特范 于 2019-09-16 设计创作，主要内容包括：一种打印模块,包括：托架,该托架限定纵向腔体和在纵向腔体的第一端处的通入开口；定位在纵向腔体中的长形打印头载架,该打印头载架可围绕在托架的与第一端相反的第二端处的枢转轴线枢转；以及可纵向滑动地与打印头载架接合的长形打印头。通过打印头载架的枢转并使打印头相对于打印头载架纵向滑动穿过通入开口,可从托架上移除打印头。(A print module, comprising: a bracket defining a longitudinal cavity and an access opening at a first end of the longitudinal cavity; an elongate printhead carrier positioned in the longitudinal cavity, the printhead carrier being pivotable about a pivot axis at a second end of the carriage opposite the first end; and an elongate printhead longitudinally slidably engaged with the printhead carrier. The printhead is removable from the carriage by pivoting the printhead carrier and sliding the printhead longitudinally relative to the printhead carrier through the access opening.)

1. A print module, comprising:

a cradle defining a longitudinal cavity and an access opening at a first end of the longitudinal cavity;

an elongate printhead carrier positioned in the longitudinal cavity, the printhead carrier being pivotable about a pivot axis at a second end of the carriage opposite the first end; and

an elongate printhead longitudinally slidably engaged with the printhead carrier,

wherein the printhead is removable from the carriage by pivoting of the printhead carrier and sliding the printhead longitudinally relative to the printhead carrier through the access opening.

2. The print module of claim 1, wherein the printhead carrier includes a rail and the printhead includes an elevated hanger slidably engaged with the rail.

3. The print module of claim 1, wherein the first end of the printhead carrier includes a slidable latch for latching engagement with the first end of the carriage.

4. The printhead module of claim 1, wherein the access opening has one or more retention features for retaining the first end of the printhead carrier in an elevated position.

5. The printing module of claim 1, wherein the pivot axis is transverse to the longitudinal axis.

6. The print module of claim 1, further comprising a supply assembly slidably received in the carriage.

7. The print module of claim 6, wherein the supply component comprises one or more of:

an ink coupler for connecting an ink supply to the printhead; and

a PCB for providing data and/or power to the printhead.

8. The print module of claim 6, wherein the supply assembly includes a push pin configured to push a central portion of the printhead toward a lower seat portion of the carriage.

9. The print module of claim 6, wherein the first end of the printhead carrier is connected to the supply assembly via a mechanical linkage.

10. The print module of claim 9, wherein the carriage includes a fixed stop configured to abut a reaction plate of the printhead carrier to limit movement of the printhead carrier during pivotal movement of the printhead carrier.

11. The print module of claim 10, wherein the stop comprises a tongue extending from the carriage toward the printhead assembly, the tongue configured to abut a reaction plate of the printhead carrier.

12. The printing module of claim 11, wherein the tab passes through a tab slot of the carriage during movement of the supply assembly.

13. The print module of claim 1, comprising a guide positioned at the access opening, the guide having an upper surface configured to guide the printhead into the longitudinal cavity without contacting an ink ejection face of the printhead.

14. The printing module of claim 13, wherein the guide comprises: a pair of support shoulders positioned to support a longitudinal edge region of the printhead; and a recess between the support shoulders, the recess being aligned with an ink ejection face of the printhead.

15. The print module of claim 1, wherein the length of the printhead is at least 200 mm.

Technical Field

The invention relates to a page width printing engine and a printing module thereof. It has been developed primarily for enabling replacement of the print head in a print module without requiring access to the print engine from above.

Background

Commercially available fromPage-wide technology inkjet printers are used in many different printing applications, including desktop printers, digital inkjet printers, and wide format printers.Printers typically include one or more stationary ink jet print head cartridges of at least 200mm in length, which may be user-friendlyAnd (4) changing. For example, desktop label printers include a single user-replaceable multi-color printhead cartridge, high speed inkjet printers include multiple user-replaceable monochrome printhead cartridges aligned along a media feed direction, and wide format printers include multiple user-replaceable printhead cartridges arranged in staggered overlap so as to span a wide pagewidth.

US 2017/0313061 (the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference) describes a commercial page-wide printing system comprising a two-dimensional array of monochrome printing modules.

US 2018/0222198 (the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference) describes a full-color pagewidth printhead having two rows of chips receiving ink from a common manifold.

Digital multifunction printers (MFPs) employing pagewidth inkjet technology are increasingly considered as potential replacements for traditional laser MFPs. Digital inkjet technology has the advantages of high speed, low cost, and high print quality. However, as the toner cartridge and the fuser as consumables need to be replaced regularly in the laser MFP, various components (e.g., a head cartridge, ink, a service module, etc.) used in pagewidth inkjet printing also need to be replaced regularly. In a typical multi-function printer for business use, a user accesses the internal components via one or more door panels positioned on one side of the machine. Also, the paper drawer is located on the same side as the door panel. This allows the machine to be placed against the wall of an office or in a corner of an office while still allowing paper filling and maintenance to be performed when needed. In order for digital inkjet MFPs to compete with conventional laser copiers, users expect that digital inkjet machines will maintain similar form factors and service accessibility as compared to their conventional laser counterparts.

Heretofore, digital inkjet print engines having replaceable page-wide printheads required access to the print module from an upper portion of the print engine in order to replace the printheads. For example, the print module described in US 2017/0313061 is lifted up from a support carriage to replace the printhead cartridge.

It is therefore desirable to provide a digital inkjet print engine that employs page-wide technology whereby replacement of the printhead cartridge can be accomplished via side access only. From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that such a print engine will be suitable for use in digital inkjet multifunction printers/copiers and other types of pagewidth printers where easy printhead replacement is required.

Disclosure of Invention

In a first aspect, there is provided a print module comprising:

a bracket defining a longitudinal cavity and an access opening at a first end of the longitudinal cavity;

an elongate printhead carrier positioned in the longitudinal cavity, the printhead carrier being pivotable about a pivot axis at a second end of the carriage opposite the first end; and

an elongate printhead longitudinally slidably engaged with the printhead carrier,

wherein the printhead is removable from the carriage by pivoting the printhead carrier and sliding the printhead longitudinally relative to the printhead carrier through the access opening.

Preferably, the printhead carrier comprises a track and the printhead comprises an elevated suspension slidably engaged with the track.

In some embodiments, the first end of the printhead carrier includes a slidable latch for latching engagement with the first end of the carriage. Typically, the access opening has one or more retention features for retaining the first end of the printhead carrier in the raised position.

Preferably, the pivot axis is transverse to the longitudinal axis.

Preferably, the printing module further comprises a supply assembly slidably received in the carriage.

Preferably, the supply assembly comprises one or more of:

an ink coupler for connecting an ink supply to the printhead; and

a PCB for providing data and/or power to the printhead.

Preferably, wherein the supply assembly comprises a push pin configured to push the central portion of the print head towards the lower seat portion of the carriage.

In some embodiments, the first end of the printhead carrier is connected to the supply assembly via a mechanical linkage. Typically, the carriage includes a fixed stop configured to abut a reaction plate of the printhead carrier to limit movement of the printhead carrier during pivotal movement of the printhead carrier.

Preferably, the stop comprises a tongue extending from the carriage towards the printhead assembly, the tongue being configured to abut a reaction plate of the printhead carrier. Typically, the tab passes through the tab slot of the carriage during movement of the supply assembly.

Preferably, the guide is positioned at the access opening, the guide having an upper surface configured to guide the printhead into the longitudinal cavity without contacting an ink ejection face of the printhead. Typically, the guide comprises: a pair of support shoulders positioned to support a longitudinal edge region of the printhead; and a recess between the support shoulders, the recess being aligned with the ink ejection face of the printhead.

Preferably, the length of the print head is at least 200 mm.

In a second aspect, there is provided a print module comprising:

a carriage having a seat for receiving the printhead;

an elongate printhead assembly received in the carrier, the printhead assembly including a printhead having first and second ink ports at opposite longitudinal ends thereof; and

a supply assembly slidably movable relative to the carriage along an axis perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the printhead, the supply assembly including first and second ink couplers secured with the supply assembly and connected to respective first and second ink ports,

wherein the printing module is configured such that movement of the supply assembly disconnects the second ink coupling before disconnecting from the first ink coupling.

Preferably, the first and second ink couplings are positioned at opposite longitudinal ends of the printhead.

Preferably, the first end of the printhead assembly is operatively connected to the supply assembly.

Preferably, the second end of the printhead assembly is pivotally connected to the carriage.

Preferably, the raising of the supply assembly relative to the pedestal raises a first end of the printhead assembly relative to a second end.

Preferably, the printhead assembly is connected to the supply assembly via an articulated link.

Preferably, the first end of the carriage includes a securing tongue extending towards the printhead assembly, the tongue being configured to abut a reaction plate of the printhead assembly.

Preferably, abutment of the tongue with the reaction plate disconnects the first ink coupler from the printhead during raising of the first end of the printhead.

Preferably, the tongue passes through a tongue groove of the carriage during movement of the supply assembly.

Preferably, the printing module comprises a lifting mechanism for slidably moving the supply assembly relative to the support.

Preferably, the supply assembly includes a set of first ink couplers and a set of second ink couplers.

Preferably, each set of ink couplers is mounted on a respective ink coupler bracket.

Preferably, each ink coupler bracket includes a plurality of locators aligned with the printhead assembly.

Preferably, the locator includes locating pins that extend toward the printhead assembly.

In a third aspect, there is provided a print module comprising:

a cradle having a longitudinal cavity;

an elongate printhead carrier positioned in the longitudinal cavity, the printhead carrier having a first end and a second end, the printhead carrier being pivotable relative to the carriage about a pivot axis at the second end;

a supply assembly slidably movable relative to the carriage along an axis perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the printhead carrier, the supply assembly including one or more ink couplers for fluidly connecting with a printhead received in the printhead carrier; and

a mechanical linkage interconnecting the first end of the printhead carrier and the supply assembly,

wherein reciprocation of the supply assembly moves the printhead carrier between the tilted and non-tilted positions.

The print module according to the third aspect advantageously moves the printhead to a tilted position to be longitudinally removed during linear movement of the supply assembly and uncoupling of the ink coupler. In this way, the user performs a minimum number of steps in order to remove and replace the print head in the print module.

Preferably, the print module is configured for removal and insertion of the print head in a tilted position.

Preferably, the printing module is configured to print in a non-tilted position.

Preferably, in the non-tilted position, the print head is datumed against a fixed lower support of the carriage.

Preferably, the second end of the printhead carrier is pivotally mounted to the carriage.

Preferably, the pivot axis is transverse to the longitudinal axis of the printhead.

Preferably, the supply assembly comprises first and second ink couplers positioned for coupling to first and second ink ports at opposite longitudinal ends of the printhead.

Preferably, the first ink coupler has sufficient coupling force with the first ink port to raise the first end of the printhead carrier during movement of the supply assembly.

Preferably, the securing tab of the carriage is positioned for abutment with a reaction plate of the printhead carrier, thereby decoupling the first ink coupler from the first ink port when in a predetermined position.

Preferably, the mechanical linkage holds the printhead carrier in the tilted position after the first ink coupler is decoupled from the first ink port.

Preferably, the mechanical linkage extends with movement of the supply assembly after the first ink coupler is decoupled from the first ink port.

Preferably, the mechanical linkage is articulated.

Preferably, the tongue passes through a tongue groove of the carriage during movement of the supply assembly.

In a fourth aspect, there is provided a print module comprising:

a cradle having a longitudinal cavity;

an elongate printhead assembly positioned in the longitudinal cavity; and

a supply assembly slidably movable relative to the carriage along an axis perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the printhead assembly, the supply assembly including one or more ink couplers for fluidly connecting with a printhead of the printhead assembly,

wherein the carriage includes a fixed stop configured to abut a reaction plate of the printhead assembly to limit movement of the printhead assembly during movement of the supply assembly away from the printhead assembly.

Advantageously, the print module according to the fourth aspect enables ink couplings at opposite ends of the printhead to be sequentially uncoupled. This is advantageous because it minimizes the maximum decoupling force required as compared to decoupling the ink couplers at the same time. Furthermore, when combined with the tilting motion of the print head, the printing module is conveniently configured for longitudinal removal of the print head via movement of the supply assembly.

Preferably, the printhead assembly includes a printhead carrier and a printhead.

Preferably, the limiting member comprises a tongue extending from the carriage towards the printhead assembly, the tongue being configured to abut a reaction plate of the printhead carriage.

Preferably, the tongue passes through a tongue groove of the carriage during movement of the supply assembly.

Preferably, the printhead assembly is pivotally mounted to the carriage.

Preferably, the pivot axis of the printhead assembly is transverse to the longitudinal axis of the printhead.

Preferably, during movement of the supply assembly, the first end of the printhead assembly is raised relative to the second end containing the pivot axis.

Preferably, abutment of the stop with the reaction plate allows decoupling of the first ink coupler from the first ink port at the first end of the printhead during linear movement of the supply assembly.

Preferably, an articulation link between the supply assembly and the printhead assembly retains the printhead assembly after the first ink coupler is decoupled from the first ink port.

Preferably, the articulation link extends as the supply assembly moves after the stop abuts the reaction plate.

It will of course be understood that preferred embodiments relating to one aspect are equally applicable to all relevant aspects.

More generally, there is provided a print engine comprising a print module as described herein. More generally, a printer (e.g., a multifunction printer with a side access panel or door) is provided that includes a print engine as described herein. The print module, print engine and printer as described herein are advantageously adapted for a longitudinally loaded printhead.

As used herein, the term "print module" is considered to refer to a component assembly that includes a printhead (e.g., an inkjet printhead) for printing. Typically, the print module itself is a component of the print engine, which may include other components, such as maintenance components (e.g., cappers, wipers, etc.) and associated mechanisms for moving these components.

As used herein, the term "ink" is considered to mean any printing fluid that can be printed from an inkjet printhead. The ink may or may not contain a colorant. Thus, the term "ink" may encompass conventional dye-based or pigment-based inks, infrared inks, fixatives (e.g., precoats and finishes), 3D printing fluids, and the like.

As used herein, the term "mounted" includes both direct mounting and indirect mounting via an intervening portion.

Drawings

Specific embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a printing device in the form of a digital inkjet MFP;

FIG. 1A shows an internal print engine and inking module of the digital inkjet MFP shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of a print engine;

FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view of the print engine;

FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of the print engine;

FIG. 5 illustrates a maintenance subcomponent of the print engine;

FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of a print module according to a first embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a rear perspective view of a print module according to a first embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an ink jet print head;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a carriage for a print module according to a first embodiment;

FIG. 10 is a top perspective view of a supply assembly for a print module according to a first embodiment;

FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of the supply assembly shown in FIG. 10 with the PCB removed;

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the supply assembly shown in FIG. 10 with the PCB removed;

figure 13 shows a lever mechanism at a first end of a print module according to a first embodiment;

FIG. 14 shows a slide lock mechanism of a print module according to a first embodiment;

15A and 15B illustrate a PCB clamping mechanism;

16A-16C are schematic side views illustrating removal of a printhead from a pivoting printhead carrier;

FIG. 17 is an enlarged view of a first end of a print module according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 18 is an enlarged view of a second end of a print module according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a printhead carrier for a print module according to a first embodiment;

FIG. 20 shows a latch mechanism of the printhead carrier of FIG. 19 in a latched position;

FIG. 21 shows the latch mechanism of FIG. 20 with the guide plate removed;

FIG. 22 shows the latch mechanism of FIG. 20 in an unlatched position;

23A and 23B are schematic end views of the print module according to the first embodiment, showing the latch in a lowered position and a raised position;

FIG. 24 is a front perspective view of a print module according to a second embodiment;

FIG. 25 is a rear perspective view of the print module shown in FIG. 24;

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of a carriage for the print module shown in FIG. 24;

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of the carriage shown in FIG. 26 with a scissor lift mechanism;

FIG. 28 is an enlarged view of a first end of a print module according to the second embodiment;

FIG. 29 is an enlarged view of a second end of a print module according to the second embodiment;

FIG. 30 is a perspective view of a supply assembly for a print module according to a second embodiment;

FIG. 31 is an enlarged view of the first end of the supply assembly shown in FIG. 30;

FIG. 32 shows a first end of a print module according to a second embodiment with the actuating handle removed;

FIG. 33 shows an actuating handle of a print module according to a second embodiment;

FIG. 34 is a perspective view of a print module according to the second embodiment after release of the slide lock mechanism;

FIG. 35 is an enlarged view of the first end of the print module shown in FIG. 34 with the actuating handle removed;

FIG. 36 is a perspective view of a printing module according to the second embodiment after releasing the raised scissor lift mechanism;

FIG. 37 is an enlarged end perspective view of the print module carriage shown in FIG. 36;

FIG. 38 is a cross-sectional view of the print module shown in FIG. 36;

FIG. 39 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a first end of the print module shown in FIG. 36; and

fig. 40 is a perspective view of a printhead carrier according to a second embodiment.

Detailed Description

Print engine

Referring to fig. 1, a printing apparatus in the form of a digital inkjet multifunction printer 1 ("MFP") is shown. The multifunction printer 1 includes various standard features such as a user interface 3, a scanner 4 and an output tray 5, as well as a paper drawer 6 and a user access panel 7, which is located on the same side as the paper drawer. The user may open the user access panel 7 to allow lateral access to the various internal components of the multifunction printer 1. FIG. 1A shows an inkjet print engine 10 and associated inking module 12 accessible via a user access panel 7. As will be described in detail below, the print engine 10 is specifically configured for longitudinal side loading of the printhead.

Referring to fig. 2-4, the print engine 10 is shown in isolation. The print engine 10 includes a frame 15 for fixedly mounting to a frame (not shown) of the multi-function printer 1. The first printing module 17 is movably connected to the frame 15 via a module lifting mechanism 19 for raising and lowering the printing module relative to the frame. The print engine 10 is shown with the first print module 17 in its raised (maintenance) position in fig. 2 to 4, and the print engine is shown with the print module in its lowered (printing) position in fig. 1A.

The module lift mechanism 19 takes the form of a rack and pinion mechanism comprising a pair of racks 21 mounted to opposite ends of a back plate 22 of the frame 15 and a corresponding pair of pinions 23 in mesh with the racks, the pinions being fixedly mounted about interconnected pinion shafts 25. The module lift mechanism 19 is driven by a lift motor 27 that is operatively connected to one of the pinion gears 23 to move the pair of pinion gears along the rack gear by rotation of the interconnected pinion shaft 25.

The pinion shafts 25 are rotatably mounted between a pair of lifting brackets 29 that receive the respective pinion gears 23 such that the lifting brackets can be lowered or raised by the module lifting mechanism 19. The lifting brackets 29 are interconnected via an elongate mounting beam 31 that extends longitudinally along the length of the print engine 10. The upper part of the print module 17 has suitable mounting fixtures 30 for fixed attachment to mounting beams 31 (see fig. 6). Thus, the first printing module 17 can be raised and lowered between the maintenance position (fig. 2 to 4) and the printing position (fig. 1A), respectively, via actuation of the lifting motor 27. A spring mechanism (not shown) engaged with the lifting bracket 29 may be used to assist in lifting the first printing module 17, while a support slide (not visible in fig. 2-4) attached to each lifting bracket supports one side of each rack 21 to counteract the moment of the printing module.

The lower portion of the frame 15 includes an L-shaped frame 32 secured to the back plate 22. The L-shaped frame 32 houses a maintenance subassembly 33 of the print engine 10 and is shown separately in fig. 5. The maintenance subassembly 33 includes a printhead capper 35 and a wiper carriage 37 for performing maintenance operations on the elongate inkjet printhead 50 of the first printing module 17. A print head capper 35 housed in the long arm 39 of the L-shaped frame may extend laterally from the back plate 22 of the frame 15 via a scissor mechanism 40 to cap the print head. The wiper carriage 37, housed in the short arm 41 of the L-shaped frame, is movable back and forth along the longitudinal axis of the first printing module 17 to wipe the print head. In the configuration shown in fig. 2-5, the capper 35 is in a laterally extended position in which the printhead is capped and the wiper carriage 37 is in a parked or "home" position received within the short arm 41 of the L-shaped frame 32. The maintenance subassembly 33 is similar in function and mechanism to the maintenance module described in US 2017/0313061, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Thus, for a more detailed description of the function and mechanism of the maintenance subassembly 33, the skilled person refers to US 2017/0313061.

Printing module (first embodiment)

Referring to fig. 6 to 7, the first printing module 17 according to the first embodiment is shown separately. The first print module 17 is generally elongated and serves the primary function of removably mounting a printhead cartridge 50 (or "printhead 50") as shown in fig. 8. (the printhead cartridge 50 is described in detail in US 2018/0222198, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference). The first print module 17 houses a pair of opposing PCBs 52 and a pair of ink couplers 54, as well as various mechanisms for removably connecting the PCBs and ink couplers to the printhead 50 and inserting/removing the printhead into/from the print module. In particular, the first printing module 17 comprises a carriage 56 and a movable supply assembly 60.

Referring to fig. 9, the bracket 56 includes: a lower seat 57 defining a longitudinal cavity 59 for receiving the printhead 50; front and rear bracket side plates 58 extending upwardly from the support; a first end housing 78A and a second end housing 78B secured to the support. First end housing 78A and second end housing 78B each have a foot portion connected to anchor points 80 of standoffs 57 and an upper portion containing mounting fixture 30 for attachment to mounting beam 31 of print engine 10. Resilient fastening means 82 are used to attach end housings 78A and 78B to anchor points 80 to provide a degree of tolerance to module lift mechanism 19 when referencing print module 10 to its print and maintenance positions.

A supply assembly 60 is slidably received in the carriage 56 between the front and rear carriage side plates 58, and is liftable toward and away from the pedestal 57 (containing the print head 50) by a lever mechanism 62, as will be described in greater detail below.

Referring to fig. 10-12, the supply assembly 60 includes a pair of front and rear PCB mounting plates 64 extending parallel to the bracket side plates 58. As shown in fig. 10, the opposing PCBs 52 are each secured to a respective PCB mounting plate 64 with a space defined between the opposing PCBs. The fan assembly supported between the two PCB mounting plates 64 includes a fan 70 and a ducting arrangement 71 to allow airflow into the space between the PCBs 52 to cool the various electronic components. Structural rigidity is provided by first and second end brackets 68A and 68B interconnecting front and rear PCB mounting plates 64.

First end bracket 68A and second end bracket 68B each have a mounting bracket 69 extending longitudinally outwardly therefrom for mounting a set of ink couplers 54 via respective ink coupler brackets 72 suspended from the mounting brackets. Thus, the ink coupler 54 is secured with the supply assembly 60 and moves in unison with the PCB 52. At opposite ends of supply assembly 60 there are two sets of ink couplers 54 corresponding to inlet ports 74 and outlet ports 75 at opposite ends of printhead 50.

The two sets of ink couplers 54, ink coupling brackets 72, and mounting shelves 69 positioned at opposite ends of the first printing module 17 are contained in respective first and second end housings 78A and 78B of the carriage 56. The first end housing 78A at the first end of the first printing module 17 is shown as transparent in fig. 6 and 7 to reveal the ink coupler 54 and associated mounts.

Referring now to fig. 7 and 13, movement of the supply assembly 60 relative to the carriage 56 is accomplished by a lever mechanism 62. The lever mechanism 62 includes a pair of cam levers 84 that engage corresponding latches 86 that project outwardly from the first and second end brackets 68A, 68B. The cam lever 84 is fixedly mounted about a lever shaft 88 that extends longitudinally along the rear of the first print module 17 and is supported by a bushing 89 that is fixed to the rear PCB mounting plate 64. One end of the lever shaft 88 extends beyond the first end housing 78A and has a lever handle 90 for actuation by a user. Clockwise rotation of the lever handle 90 and the lever shaft 88 (as viewed in fig. 7 and 13) actuates the lever mechanism 62 via a camming engagement between the cam lever 84 and the latch 86, thereby causing downward movement of the supply assembly 60 toward the printhead 50. The ink couplers 54 are quick connect couplers that form a fluid connection with the printhead 50 once lowered into engagement with the printhead inlet and outlet ports 74, 75. Conversely, counterclockwise rotation of the lever handle 90 raises the supply assembly 60 and disengages the ink coupler 50 from the printhead inlet and outlet ports 74, 75.

Referring to fig. 8 and 12, the supply assembly 60 includes a pair of opposed push pins projecting laterally inwardly from each PCB mounting plate 58. Push pin 76 is positioned for alignment with a complementary recess 77 defined in a central portion of printhead 50. When the lever mechanism 62 is actuated to move the supply assembly 60 towards the print head 50, the pushpins 76 engage the notches 77 to push the print head 50 down into seating (datum) engagement with the seats 57. Thus, the elongate printhead 50 is forced downwardly at each end via the ink couplings 54 and in the middle via the push pins 76.

Referring to fig. 14, a sliding lock mechanism 92 is used to hold the supply assembly 60 in its raised or lowered position. The lock mechanism 92 includes first and second retainers 94 configured for locking engagement with laterally projecting locking pins 96 of the first and second end brackets 68A, 68B. The pair of holders 94 are connected via a slide plate 98 that is longitudinally slidably movable by pushing a lock handle 99 connected thereto at a first end to disengage the holders 94 from the lock pin 96 and allow the supply assembly 60 to be moved using the lever mechanism 62. Once the supply assembly 60 is lowered into position, pulling back the locking handle 99 toward the first end of the first printing module 17 reengages the corresponding retaining member 94 with the locking pin 96 to prevent movement of the supply assembly and effectively disable the lever mechanism 62. As shown in fig. 14, the supply assembly 60 is in its raised position with the locking pin 96 disengaged from the retainer 94. In this raised position, the locking pin 96 at the first end engages a retention feature 95 positioned above the first retainer 94. The retaining feature 95 is connected to the slide plate 98 and serves the purpose of retaining the supply assembly 60 in its raised position during removal and replacement of the printhead.

As described above, the ink connection to the printhead 50 is made by lowering the supply assembly 60 along the nominal z-axis using the lever handle 90 of the lever mechanism 62. With the supply assembly 60 in its lowered position, the opposing rows of PCB contacts 101 are positioned adjacent respective printhead contacts 103 that extend along opposite longitudinal sides of the printhead 50. However, the electrical connection between the supply assembly 60 and the printhead 50 is made in a separate step from the ink connection, thereby minimizing the force required to replace the printhead 50 from only one end of the print engine 10. Referring now to fig. 15A and 15B, a pair of clamping bars 105 are longitudinally rotatably mounted in the carrier 57, each clamping bar extending parallel to a respective row of PCB contacts 101. The clamping bars 105 are each independently rotatable by means of a respective clamping lever 107 fixedly mounted to the clamping bar and positioned at a first end of the first printing module 17. Each clamping bar 105 is configured for camming engagement with a respective resilient flange 108 extending from a lower portion of each PCB mounting plate 58. Each resilient flange 108 is aligned with a respective PCB contact 101 of the PCB 52 and is positioned between a respective clamping lever 105 and a respective row of printhead contacts 103 with the supply assembly 60 in its lowered position. In the illustrated embodiment, each clamping bar 105 has a longitudinal cut-out facing the printhead 50 when each clamping bar is in its unclamped position (fig. 13A) such that the PCB contacts 101 are disengaged from the printhead contacts 103. Rotation of the clamping levers 107 towards each other causes the PCB contacts 101 to be clamped along the nominal x-axis against the printhead contacts 103 via the camming action of the clamping levers 105 against the resilient flanges 108. Fig. 15A shows the gripping shank 105 in its undamped position and fig. 15B shows the gripping shank in its clamped position. (supply assembly 60 is shown in its raised position in fig. 15B, but it will be appreciated that clamping PCB contact 101 against printhead contact 103 requires lowering the supply assembly).

The first end housing 78A at the first end of the first print module 17 defines an access opening 110 for longitudinal insertion and removal of the print head 50 along the nominal y-axis. The printhead carrier 112 is pivoted at the second end of the first printing module about a pivot axis 116 transverse to the longitudinal axis of the first printing module 17, so that the end of the printhead carrier near the access opening 110 at the first end of the printing module can be lifted to the printhead access position.

Fig. 16A to 16C illustrate the basic pivoting movement of the printhead carrier 112 for removing the printhead 50. In fig. 16A, the printhead is fully engaged with the printhead carrier and sits horizontally in a seat 57 in the printing configuration. In fig. 16B, the printhead 50 is still fully engaged with the printhead carrier 112, but the printhead carrier has been pivoted about the pivot axis 116 at the second end of the pedestal 57 so that the first end of the printhead carrier 112 (and the printhead 50) is raised relative to the second end. In fig. 16C, the printhead 50 is longitudinally slidably removed from the printhead carrier 112 by pulling the printhead away from the printhead carrier and through the access opening 110 of the carriage 56.

Fig. 17 and 18 are enlarged views of the first and second ends of the first printing module 17, respectively. In fig. 17, an elevated cradle 114 of the printhead 50 engages the printhead carrier 112 and is visible through the access opening 110. In fig. 18, a pair of trunnions 118 (only one trunnion is visible in fig. 18) define the pivot axis 116 and provide pivotal engagement between the pivot brackets 122 of the printhead carrier 112 and the pedestal 57.

The printhead carrier 112, shown in isolation in fig. 19, includes a latch bracket 120 at a first end thereof and a pivot bracket 122 at a second end thereof, with a pair of spaced apart rails 126 extending therebetween. The track 126 is configured to suspend the elevated cradle 114 of the printhead 50 when the printhead is slidably inserted into the printhead carrier 112 from a first end. Referring briefly to fig. 8, the overhead hanger 114 is generally T-shaped and includes a pair of elongated flanges 128 extending laterally in opposite directions from respective mounting bars 129 on an upper portion of the printhead 50. Returning to fig. 19, latch bracket 120 includes an asymmetric key feature 130 in the form of a keyway for keyed engagement with a complementary key protrusion 132 extending upwardly from printhead 50. The keying features 130 and complementary keying tabs 132 ensure that the printhead 50 can only be slidably inserted into the printhead carrier 112 in the correct orientation.

Referring to fig. 20-22, a latch 134 is slidably connected to the latch bracket 120 to latch or release the printhead carrier 112, thereby latching the printhead 50 in its print position, or allowing the printhead carrier to be pivotally moved to remove the printhead. The latches 134 engage in a pair of slots of the latch bracket 120 for sliding movement along the longitudinal axis of the first printing module 17. The latch 134 includes a latch handle 136 for user actuation and a pair of tabs 138 for latching engagement with complementary latch slots 140, which are defined in a guide plate 142 (and a seat end plate 144) at a first end of the seat 57. Fig. 20 shows the latch 134 in its latched configuration with the tab 138 engaged in the latch slot 140 of the guide plate 142. In fig. 21, the guide plate 142 and the seat end plate 144 have been removed to reveal the sliding mechanism 143 of the latch relative to the latch bracket 120, as well as the tab 138. Fig. 22 shows the latch 134 in an unlatched position, where the latch handle 136 is pushed inward and the tab 138 is disengaged from the latch slot 140. In this unlocked configuration, the printhead carrier 112 is free to pivot about the pivot axis 116 so that the first end of the printhead 50 can be raised into alignment with the access opening, thereby enabling the printhead to be longitudinally slidably removed from the print module (fig. 16B and 16C).

The guide plate 142 is formed of a suitable material (e.g., plastic) to allow the print head to slide freely along its upper surface during insertion or removal of the print head. Further, as best seen in fig. 20, the upper guide surface 148 of the guide plate 142 is contoured so that the printhead 50 can be removed from the first printhead module 17 without damaging the ink ejection face thereof. Specifically, the guide surface 148 has a central recess 150 positioned between a pair of support shoulders 152. The support shoulder 152 contacts the lower longitudinal edge region of the printhead 50 while the recess 150 is spaced from the ink ejection face of the printhead (containing the sensitive printhead die), thereby minimizing any potential damaging contact between the first printing module 17 and the ink ejection face during longitudinal removal or insertion of the printhead.

To remove the print head 50 from the first printing module 17, the user facing the first end of the printing module performs the following sequence of steps. First, the clamping lever 107 is rotated in the opposite direction to release the PCB contact 101 from the printhead contact 103. Next, the locking handle 99 is pushed inward to release the lever mechanism 62. With the lever mechanism released, the lever handle 90 is rotated counterclockwise to disengage the ink coupler 54 from the printhead 50 and raise the supply assembly 60 away from the printhead. Next, the latch handle 138 is pushed inward to unlock the printhead carrier 112 and, still holding the latch handle, the printhead carrier 112 is pivoted upward so that the printhead 50 is aligned with the access opening 110 of the carriage 56. (as best shown in fig. 23A and 23B, the latch 134 has opposing winglets 155 configured for supporting the printhead carrier 112 via engagement with retention notches 157 defined in the access opening 110 when the latch is raised). With the first end of the printhead carrier 112 raised and retained by the retention notch 157, the printhead 50 may be removed from the first print module 17 by sliding the printhead longitudinally relative to the printhead carrier 112 and out through the access opening 110. The reverse sequence of steps is used to insert the replacement printhead 50 into the first printing module 17.

It will be appreciated that all of the steps in the above sequence may be performed by a user who may only reach one end of the print engine 10. Thus, the print engine 10 is suitable for use in a multifunction printer of the type described above, wherein the user access panel is positioned on one side of the printer.

Second printing Module (second embodiment)

Referring to fig. 24 and 25, a second print module 200 according to a second embodiment is shown in isolation. The second print module 200 has the same form factor as the first print module 17 and also functions to removably mount the printhead cartridge 50 (or "printhead 50") shown in fig. 8. Where relevant, the same reference numerals will be used to describe the same or similar features having the same function in the first and second printing modules 17 and 200.

The second printing module 200 is designed for fixed attachment to a mounting beam 31 (see fig. 2) of the print engine 10 and, for this purpose, comprises a corresponding mounting fixture 30 at an upper portion of the second printing module. Like the first printing module 17, the second printing module 200 houses a pair of opposing PCBs 52 and a pair of ink couplers 54 for detachably connecting the PCBs and ink couplers to the printhead 50, thereby enabling insertion/removal of the printhead. In addition, second print module 200 includes carriage 56 and movable supply assembly 60 to enable such ink and electrical connections.

However, the second printing module 200 includes an alternative scissor lift 202 for moving the supply assembly 60 relative to the carriage 56, as will be described in more detail below. Further, in contrast to the various handles and levers described above in connection with the first embodiment, the actuation of the scissor lift mechanism 202, the slide lock mechanism 92, and the PCB clamping mechanism is controlled by a single multi-function actuation handle 203. However, the pivotal movement of the printhead carrier 112 is still a common feature of the mechanisms used in both the first and second print modules 17 and 200, by the longitudinal sliding movement of the printhead 50 relative to the carrier (via the elevated cradle 114) to insert/remove the printhead (see fig. 16A-16C).

Referring to fig. 26, the bracket 56 according to the second embodiment includes: a lower seat 57 defining a longitudinal cavity 59 for receiving the printhead 50; front and rear bracket side plates 58 extending upwardly from the support; a first end housing 78A and a second end housing 78B secured to the support. First end housing 78A and second end housing 78B each have a foot portion connected to anchor points 80 of standoffs 57 and an upper portion having mounting fixtures 30 for attachment to mounting beams 31 of print engine 10. Resilient fastening means 82 are used to attach end housings 78A and 78B to anchor points 80 to provide a degree of tolerance to module lift mechanism 19 when referencing print module 10 to its print and maintenance positions. Additionally, the bracket 56 according to the second embodiment includes a pair of support brackets 204 secured between the opposing bracket side plates 58 for supporting the scissor lift mechanism 202. Fig. 27 to 29 show a carriage 56 according to a second embodiment having a sliding lock mechanism 92, a scissor lift mechanism 202 and an actuating handle 203. The operation of the slide lock mechanism 92 and the scissor lift mechanism 202 is described in more detail below.

The supply assembly 60 according to the second embodiment is shown separately in fig. 30 and 31. Similar to the first embodiment, a supply assembly 60 according to the second embodiment is slidably received between front and rear bracket side plates 58 in the bracket 56 and is raisable toward and away from the support 57.

Similar to the first embodiment, the supply assembly 60 according to the second embodiment further includes a pair of front and rear PCB mounting plates 64 extending parallel to the bracket side plate 58, each having a respective resilient flange 108 at a lower portion thereof. The opposing PCBs 52 are each secured to a respective PCB mounting plate 64 with a space defined between the opposing PCBs. Also, the fan assembly supported between the two PCB mounting plates 64 has a fan 70 and a duct arrangement 71 (not visible in fig. 30 and 31) to allow airflow into the space between the PCBs 52 to cool the various electronic components (see fig. 10 and 11). Structural rigidity is provided by first and second end brackets 68A and 68B interconnecting front and rear PCB mounting plates 64. (the front and rear mounting plates 64 and the first and second end brackets 68A and 68B are collectively referred to as a "supply assembly housing").

First end bracket 68A and second end bracket 68B each have a respective mounting bracket 69 extending longitudinally outwardly therefrom for mounting sets of ink couplers 54 via respective ink coupler brackets 72 suspended from the mounting brackets. Thus, in the same manner as the first embodiment, the ink coupler 54 is secured with the supply assembly 60 and moves in unison with the PCB 52. Alignment pins 205 extending downward from ink coupling bracket 72 are configured to align ink coupling 54 with corresponding printhead inlet and outlet ports 74, 75 during engagement of supply assembly 60 with printhead 50.

Additionally, each mounting bracket 69 of the supply assembly 60 according to the second embodiment includes a corresponding sleeve 208 for receiving a lifting rod 210 of the scissor lift 202. Thus, the sleeves 208 at each end of the supply assembly 60 provide a means by which the supply assembly can be raised (and lowered) relative to the carriage 56. Locking pins 96 for locking the scissor lift 202 project outwardly from both sides of each mounting bracket 96.

Features of scissor lift mechanism 202 and sliding lock mechanism 92 in print module 200 according to the second embodiment will now be described with reference to a printhead removal operation. Initially, as shown in fig. 24 and 25, the sliding lock mechanism 92 is locked with the printhead 50 fully inserted into the print module 200 in the printing configuration. In the printing configuration, all of the ink couplers 54 are fluidly connected to the printhead 50, the PCB contacts 101 are electrically connected to the printhead contacts 103, and the printhead 50 is datum corrected against the pedestal 57.

Fig. 32 shows print module 200 with actuating handle 203 and support 57 removed to reveal details of both slide lock mechanism 92 and PCB clamping mechanism 93. The slide lock mechanism 92 includes a pair of slide plates 98, each having a retainer 94 that engages a corresponding locking pin 96 projecting laterally outward from each mounting bracket 69 of the supply assembly 60. Each slide plate 98 further includes a respective slide actuator 212 secured with the slide plate 98 for engagement with the actuation handle 203. The slide plate pin 214 of the actuation handle 203 engages a complementary notch feature 216 of the slide actuator 212 to effect longitudinal sliding movement of the slide plate 98. Thus, the user pulls on the handle 203, sliding the slide plate 98 longitudinally toward the user and disengaging the retainer 94 from the locking pin 96, thereby releasing the supply assembly 60 from its locked position.

In addition to releasing the supply assembly 60 from its locked position, the longitudinal sliding movement of the slide plate 98 simultaneously releases the PCB contacts 101 from the printhead contacts 103. Referring to fig. 32 and 35, each slide plate 98 has a plurality of clips 218 projecting inwardly from a lower clip portion 219 thereof. Each clip 218 engages a corresponding cam tab 220 of an adjacent resilient flange 108 by means of a clip slot 222 defined in a side wall of the seat 57 (see fig. 26). In the locked position shown in fig. 32, the clips 218 push each resilient flange 108 inward to push the PCB contacts 101 into engagement with the printhead contacts 103. After the sliding plate 98 is longitudinally slidably moved, as shown in fig. 35, the clips 218 release the resilient flanges 108 outwardly by virtue of the spring bias of the resilient flanges and the sloped profile of the cam projections 220, thereby disengaging the PCB contacts 101 from the printhead contacts 103. Thus, the sliding plate 98, which is slidable in the longitudinal direction by pulling the actuating handle 203, performs the dual function of releasing the sliding lock mechanism 92 while releasing the opposing resilient flanges 108 and PCB contacts 101 from the engaged (electrically connected) position to the disengaged (electrically disconnected) position.

The actuating handle 203 is engaged not only with the slide plate 98 via the slide plate pin 214 and the slide actuator 212, but also with the scissor lift 202 for the purpose of raising and lowering the supply assembly 60, as will be described below. Referring first to FIG. 27, scissor lift 202 includes a pair of first and second scissor arms 224 and 226 on each side of print module 200. Each first scissor arm 224 has an upper end pivotally connected to one of the support brackets 204 and a lower end portion connected to the actuation handle 203 via scissor pins 228 of the actuation handle which are slidably received in corresponding handle slots 230 defined in the lower end portion of the first scissor arm (see fig. 32 and 33). Thus, as described above, each first scissor arm 224 is configured to allow sliding movement of the actuation handle 203 to release the sliding lock mechanism 92 by means of a slidable scissor pin 228 received in a handle slot 230. Returning to FIG. 27, the second scissor arm 226 has an upper end pivotally connected to the opposing support bracket 204 and a middle portion pivotally engaged with the first scissor arm to define a scissor axis 232. A parallel pair of first scissor arms 224 are interconnected at their lower ends via respective lift rods 210 to lift the supply assembly 60. Likewise, a parallel pair of second scissor arms are interconnected at their lower ends via respective lifting rods 210 (see fig. 28 and 29). Each lift rod 210 is received in a sleeve 208 of a corresponding mounting bracket 69 such that movement of the scissor lift 202 is transferred to linear movement of the supply assembly 60 via engagement of the lift rods 210 with their respective sleeves 208.

FIG. 36 shows a print module 200 with the scissor lift mechanism (and supply assembly 60) in its raised position for removal of the printhead. Thus, to raise the supply assembly 60, the user simply grasps the actuating handle 203, pulls it toward him to release the sliding lock mechanism 92 and PCB clamping mechanism 93 as described above, and then raises the actuating handle upward to actuate the scissor lift mechanism 202. The scissor lift 202 may be latched in the raised position via engagement between the slide plate pin 214 of the actuation handle 203 and a corresponding catch 238 fixed to the first end housing 78A (see fig. 37). This enables both hands of the user to be free to pull the printhead 50 longitudinally from the print module 200.

The printhead 50 is slidably received in the printhead carrier 112 via its elevated hanger 114. However, in contrast to the print module 17 according to the first embodiment, the printhead carrier 112 in the second embodiment is connected to the supply assembly 60 via a pair of articulated links 240, as best shown in fig. 38 and 39. The lower end of each articulation link 240 is pivotally connected to the printhead carrier 112 and the upper end is pivotally connected to the mounting bracket 69 via the locking pin 96. Thus, upward movement of the supply assembly 60 raises a first end of the printhead carrier 112 via the holding force of the ink coupler 54 and the articulation link 240 at the first end, while an opposite second end of the printhead carrier is pivotally connected to the pedestal 57, thereby tilting the printhead carrier upward at the first end to remove the printhead, as described in connection with the schematic illustrations 16A-16C.

With initial upward movement of supply assembly 60, ink coupler 54 at second end 20 of print module 200 is disconnected from printhead 50. However, due to the initial upward movement of the printhead 50 and printhead carrier 112, the ink couplings 54 at the first end 18 of the print module 200 do not disconnect simultaneously with the ink couplings at the second end. To achieve a fluid disconnect at the first end of the printhead 50, a securing tab 242 depends downwardly from the first end housing 78A to engage the printhead carrier 112. During upward movement of the supply assembly 60, the tabs 242 pass through tab slots 244 of the mounting bracket 69 and abut a reaction plate 246 at a first end of the printhead carrier 112. Thus, the tabs 242 limit upward movement of the printhead carrier 112 and allow the ink coupler 54 at the first end to be pulled away from the printhead 50 and disconnected from the printhead. Meanwhile, as the support assembly 60 moves upward for fluid disconnection, the articulation link 240 extends further and continues to support the printhead carrier 112. Advantageously, the ink couplings 54 at the first and second ends 18, 20 are separately disconnected, which reduces the force required to disconnect the connections compared to the first embodiment, in which both sets of ink couplings are disconnected simultaneously.

In fig. 39, the articulation links are shown extended with the tongues abutting the reaction plate 246 of the printhead carrier 112 and the ink couplers 54 at both ends of the printhead 50 are disconnected. In this configuration, the printhead 50 is ready to be slidingly removed from the printhead carrier and replaced by a user. To replace the print head, the user performs the reverse order of the steps described above: the replacement printhead 50 is first slid longitudinally into the printhead carrier 112; the user grasps the actuating handle 203 and unlatches it from the catch 238; the user then moves the actuation handle 203 downward to actuate the scissor lift 202 and move the supply assembly 60 downward, which movement places the ink couplers 54 in fluid connection with the inlet/outlet ports at both ends of the printhead 50 and also aligns the printhead fiducials into the standoffs 57; finally, the user pushes the actuation handle 203 inward (i.e., away from the user) to actuate the PCB clamping mechanism 93 and make an electrical connection, and actuates the sliding lock mechanism 92 to lock the supply assembly 60 in the print position.

It will of course be understood that the present invention has been described by way of example only and modifications of detail can be made within the scope of the invention as defined in the accompanying claims.