Assembly of inkjet printhead incorporating testing procedure

• US 7,207,646 B2
• Filed: 11/18/2004
• Issued: 04/24/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 06/30/1999
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Memjet Technology Ltd. (Memjet Limited)
• Original Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty Limited
• Inventors: Silverbrook, Kia, King, Tobin Allen
• Primary Examiner(s): NGUYEN, THINH H
• Application Number:
  US10/990,552
• Publication Number:
  US 20050068363A1
• Time in Patent Office: 887 Days
• Field of Search: None
• US Class Current: 347/19
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 2/14 Structure thereof only for on-demand ink jet heads
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 2/1433 Structure of nozzle plates
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 2/145 Arrangement thereof
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 2/155 for line printing
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 2/175 Ink supply systems ; Circuit parts therefor
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 2/21 for multi-colour printing
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 2002/14362 Assembling elements of heads
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 2002/14419 Manifold
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 2002/14459 Matrix arrangement of the pressure chambers
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 2002/14491 Electrical connection
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 2202/19 Assembling head units
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 2202/20 Modules
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 2202/21 Line printing
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49401 Fluid pattern dispersing device making, e.g., ink jet

Abstract

A method of assembling an inkjet printhead commences with mounting a plurality of printheads on a plurality of printhead segment carriers. The printheads are then tested for correct operation and any defective printheads are replaced and the replaced printheads are tested. Once correct operation for all printheads on a carrier is confirmed, the printhead carrier is secured in place in a slot of an elongate member that receives an array of printhead carriers.

Claims

1. A method of assembling an inkjet printhead assembly that includes a hollow elongate member of substantially constant cross-section along its length having a base wall, two sidewall sections extending from the base wall, and at least one internal web extending inwardly from said base wall, said sidewall sections and webs defining a plurality of ink supply channels each in fluid communication with a slot extending along the elongate member, and free edges of said sidewall sections and said at least one internal web defining a periphery of a slot extending along the member, a plurality of printhead segment carriers positioned in the slot, at least one printhead segment mounted to each printhead segment carrier and means for connection of each of said ink supply channels to a respective ink supply source, the method comprising the steps of:

mounting a plurality of printheads on a plurality of printhead segment carriers;

testing each printhead of a carrier for correct operation;

replacing any defective printheads;

testing any replaced printheads;

after confirming correct operation for all printheads on a printhead segment carrier, securing the printhead segment carrier within its respective slot.

2. A method according to claim 1, wherein the printhead segments are installed in the printhead segment carriers to be positioned longitudinally relative to each other before being secured and immobilized within the slot.

3. A method according to claim 1 wherein the printhead segment carriers are secured within their respective slots after confirming correct operation of the entire assembly.