Compact printer system and novel capping mechanism

• US 6,416,160 B1
• Filed: 05/23/2000
• Issued: 07/09/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 05/25/1999
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Zamtec Limited (Memjet Limited)
• Original Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty Limited
• Inventors: Silverbrook, Kia
• Primary Examiner(s): Yockey, David F.
• Application Number:
  US09/575,194
• Time in Patent Office: 777 Days
• Field of Search: 347/32, 347/29, 347/31
• US Class Current: 347/32
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 11/008 Controlling printhead for accurately positioning print image on printing material, e.g. with the intention to control the width of margins
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 13/02 Rollers roller platens B41J11/04
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 13/103 for the sheet feeding section
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 13/12 specially adapted for small cards, envelopes, or the like , e.g. credit cards, cut visiting cards
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 19/207 Encoding along a bar
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 2/01 Ink jet
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 2/155 for line printing
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 2/16508 connected with the printer frame
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 2/16579 Detection means therefor, e.g. for nozzle clogging
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 2/17503 Ink cartridges
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 2/17513 Inner structure
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 2/1752 Mounting within the printer
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 2/17523 Ink connection
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 2/17553 Outer structure
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 2/17566 Ink level or ink residue control
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 23/02 Mechanical power drives
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 29/02 Framework
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 29/023 with reduced dimensions
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 29/393 Devices for controlling or analysing the entire machine ; Controlling or analysing mechanical parameters involving printing of test patterns
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 3/36 for portability , i.e. hand-held printers or laptop printers B41J3/4075 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 3/44 : Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms having dual functions or combined with, or coupled to, apparatus performing other functions
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 3/445 : Printers integrated in other types of apparatus, e.g. printers integrated in cameras
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 3/46 : Printing mechanisms combined with apparatus providing a visual indication
• CPC Class Codes: G03B 15/05 : Combinations of cameras with electronic flash apparatus; Electronic flash units
• CPC Class Codes: G03B 17/02 : Bodies
• CPC Class Codes: G03B 17/50 : with both developing and finishing apparatus
• CPC Class Codes: G03B 2215/05 : Combinations of cameras with electronic flash units
• CPC Class Codes: G03B 29/00 : Combinations of cameras, projectors or photographic printing apparatus with non-photographic non-optical apparatus, e.g. clocks or weapons; Cameras having the shape of other objects combinations with flash apparatus G03B15/03
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/32 : for games, toys, sports, or amusements
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/3232 : wherein the operator is informed
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/3262 : Player actions which determine the course of the game, e.g. selecting a prize to be won, outcome to be achieved, game to be played
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00249 : with a photographic apparatus, e.g. a photographic printer or a projector photographic apparatus per se G03B, G03D
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00265 : with a photographic printing apparatus
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00278 : with a printing apparatus, e.g. a laser beam printer
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00347 : with another still picture apparatus, e.g. hybrid still picture apparatus circuits or arrangements for control or supervision between image input and image output device H04N1/32
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00397 : Switches, knobs or the like
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00538 : Modular devices, i.e. allowing combinations of separate components, removal or replacement of components
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00541 : with detachable image reading apparatus
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00557 : Connection or assembly of components or elements H04N1/00538 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/0083 : Arrangements for transferring signals between different components of the apparatus, e.g. arrangements of signal lines or cables for control or supervision between image input and output device H04N1/32
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00962 : Input arrangements for operating instructions or parameters, e.g. updating internal software program loading in general G06F9/445; network-specific protocols involving the movement of software or configuration parameters H04L67/34
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/107 : with manual scanning
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/2112 : using still video cameras
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/2154 : the still video camera incorporating a hardcopy reproducing device, e.g. a printer
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/32358 : using picture signal storage, e.g. at transmitter H04N1/17 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/32598 : Bus based systems
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/387 : Composing, repositioning or otherwise geometrically modifying originals
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/405 : Halftoning, i.e. converting the picture signal of a continuous-tone original into a corresponding signal showing only two levels
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/52 : Circuits or arrangements for halftone screening
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/60 : Colour correction or control H04N1/54 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/6019 : using look-up tables H04N1/6025 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/62 : Retouching, i.e. modification of isolated colours only or in isolated picture areas only
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2101/00 : Still video cameras
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/001 : Sharing resources, e.g. processing power or memory, with a connected apparatus or enhancing the capability of the still picture apparatus
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/0081 : Image reader H04N2201/0091 - H04N2201/0094 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/0082 : Image hardcopy reproducer H04N2201/0091 - H04N2201/0094 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/0084 : Digital still camera
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/0096 : Portable devices
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 23/50 : Constructional details
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 23/51 : Housings

Abstract

A compact printer having a printhead, a powered roller and a novel capping mechanism. The printhead prints on printable media that is passed adjacent to the printhead by the powered rollers. The capping mechanism has a pair of spaced apart capping arms that are bridged by a cap. The cap is moved between a position that protects the printhead and a position that enables the printhead to print on the media. The powered roller causes the capping arms to be moved between these positions and also moves the printable media past the printhead between the cap and the printhead.

Claims

1. A compact printer comprising:

a fixed printhead for printing printable media;

at least one powered roller moving said printable media past said printhead; and

a nozzle capping mechanism having a pair of spaced apart capping arms bridged by a cap;

said capping arms operatively associated with said powered roller, said powered roller rotating to move the cap between a position protecting the fixed printhead and a position enabling the printhead to print on said printable media wherein said powered roller rotates to move said printable media past said printhead between said cap and said printhead.

2. The compact printer of claim 1 further comprising a clutch providing said operative association between said capping arms and said powered roller.

3. The compact printer of claim 2 wherein the clutch is a frictional clutch.

4. The compact printer of claim 1 further comprising a motive device associated with said capping arm, said motive device moving said capping arms when said powered roller rotates.

5. The compact printer of claim 4 wherein said motive device is a solenoid.

6. The compact printer of claim 4 wherein said motive device is a gear between said at least one powered roller and said capping arms.

7. The compact printer of claim 1 wherein the cap comprises one or more seals that locate adjacent said fixed printhead.

8. The compact printer of claim 7 wherein there is a single seal that locates either side around said fixed printhead.

9. The compact printer of claim 7 wherein said one or more seals are elastomeric seals.

10. The compact printer of claim 1 wherein said cap comprises one or more seals that locate adjacent said printhead and a blotter that locates near said fixed printhead.

11. A compact printer comprising:

at least one powered roller for moving printable media past a fixed printhead; and

a nozzle capping mechanism for capping the fixed printhead, the nozzle capping mechanism having;

a pair of capping arms with at least one capping arm operatively associated with the powered roller; and

a cap supported by said capping arm movable with said capping arm between a first position protecting the printhead and a second position spaced from said printhead;

wherein said cap rests adjacent said fixed printhead in said first position and the capping arm moves said cap away from said printhead to said second position when said powered roller rotates;

and wherein printable media is passed by said powered roller between said cap and said fixed printhead and between said capping arms when the capping arms are in said second position.

12. The compact printer or claim 11 further comprising a clutch providing said operative association between said at least one capping arm and said powered roller.

13. The compact printer of claim 12 wherein the clutch is a frictional clutch.

14. The compact printer of claim 11 further comprising a motive device associated with said capping arm, said motive device moving said capping arm when said powered roller rotates.

15. The compact printer of claim 14 wherein said motive device is a solenoid.

16. The compact printer of claim 14 wherein said motive device is a gear between said at least one powered roller and said capping arm.

17. The compact printer of claim 11 wherein the cap comprises one or more seals that locate adjacent said fixed printhead.

18. The compact printer of claim 17 wherein there is a single seal that locates either side around said fixed printhead.

19. The compact printer of claim 17 wherein said one or more seals are elastomeric seals.

20. The compact printer of claim 11 wherein said cap comprises one or more seals that locate adjacent said printhead and a blotter that locates near said fixed printhead.

21. A nozzle capping mechanism for a printer having a fixed printhead that prints onto printable media, said nozzle capping mechanism comprising:

a pair of spaced apart capping arms bridged by a cap;

at least one powered roller operatively associated with said capping arms to move said cap between a first position protecting the fixed printhead and a second position enabling the printhead to print on said printable media as said printable media moves past said printhead between said cap and said printhead;

wherein said powered roller rotates in a first direction to move said cap to said position and passes said printable media between said cap and said printhead to enable the printhead to print on said printable media, and said powered roller rotates in an opposite direction to move said cap to said position protecting the fixed printhead.

22. The nozzle capping mechanism of claim 21 further comprising a clutch providing said operative association between said capping arms and said powered roller.

23. The nozzle capping mechanism of claim 22 wherein the clutch is a frictional clutch.

24. The nozzle capping mechanism of claim 21 further comprising a motive device associated with said capping arms, said motive device moving said capping arm when said powered roller rotates.

25. The nozzle capping mechanism of claim 24 wherein said motive device is a solenoid.

26. The nozzle capping mechanism of claim 24 wherein said motive device is a gear between said at least one powered roller and said capping ails.

27. The nozzle capping mechanism of claim 21 wherein the cap comprises one or more seals that locate adjacent said fixed printhead.

28. The nozzle capping mechanism of claim 27 wherein there is a single seal that locates either side around said fixed printhead.

29. The nozzle capping mechanism of claim 27 wherein said one or more seals are elastomeric seals.

30. The nozzle capping mechanism of claim 21 wherein said cap comprises one or more seals that locate adjacent said printhead and a blotter that locates near said fixed printhead.

31. A nozzle capping mechanism for a fixed printhead of a compact printer, said mechanism comprising:

at least one powered roller for moving printable media past said printhead

a pair of spaced apart capping arms operatively associated with the powered roller; and

a cap bridging said capping arms and movable with said capping arm between a first position protecting the fixed printhead and a second position spaced from said printhead;

wherein said cap resting adjacent said fixed printhead in said first position and the capping arm move said cap away from said fixed printhead when said powered roller rotates;

and wherein printable media is fed by the powered roller between the spaced apart capping arms when the capping arms are in the second position.

32. The nozzle capping mechanism of claim 31 further comprising a clutch providing said operative association between said capping arms and said powered roller.

33. The nozzle capping mechanism of claim 32 wherein the clutch is a frictional clutch.

34. The nozzle capping mechanism of claim 31 further comprising a motive device associated with said capping arms, said motive device moving said capping arms when said powered roller rotates.

35. The nozzle capping mechanism of claim 34 wherein said motive device is a solenoid.

36. The nozzle capping mechanism of claim 34 wherein said motive device is a gear between said at least one powered roller and said capping arms.

37. The nozzle capping mechanism of claim 31 wherein the cap comprises one or more seals that locate adjacent said fixed printhead.

38. The nozzle capping mechanism of claim 37 wherein there is a single seal that locales either side around said fixed printhead.

39. The nozzle capping mechanism of claim 37 wherein said one or more seals are elastomeric seals.

40. The nozzle capping mechanism of claim 31 wherein said cap comprises one or more seals that locate adjacent said printhead and a blotter that locates near said fixed printhead.