Printhead having nested modules

• US 8,556,386 B2
• Filed: 06/16/2011
• Issued: 10/15/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 06/30/1999
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Memjet Technology Ltd. (Memjet Limited)
• Original Assignee: Zamtec Limited (Memjet Limited)
• Inventors: Silverbrook, Kia, King, Tobin Allen
• Primary Examiner(s): NGUYEN, LAMSON D
• Application Number:
  US13/162,525
• Publication Number:
  US 20110242221A1
• Time in Patent Office: 852 Days
• Field of Search: 347/40, 347/42, 347/43, 347/49, 347 64- 65
• US Class Current: 347/49
• 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 printhead is provided having an elongate support having a plurality of internal webs protruding from a base section to define a plurality of parallel fluid supply channels, a shim supported by the support and defining a plurality of rows of openings through which fluid from respective supply channels is supplied, and a plurality of elongate printhead modules supported serially on the shim. Each module defines a plurality of fluid supply passages through which fluid passes to fluid ejection nozzles from respective rows of the openings. Either end of each module defines complementary formations such that adjacent modules nest together.

Claims

1. A printhead comprising:

an elongate support having a plurality of internal webs protruding from a base section to define a plurality of parallel fluid supply channels;

a shim supported by the support and defining a plurality of rows of openings through which fluid from respective supply channels is supplied; and

a plurality of elongate printhead modules supported serially on the shim, each module defining a plurality of fluid supply passages through which fluid passes to fluid ejection nozzles from respective rows of the openings, either end of each module defining complementary formations such that adjacent modules nest together.

2. A printhead as claimed in claim 1, wherein the complementary formations are stepped.

3. A printhead as claimed in claim 1 comprising a pair of molded endcaps mounted on either end of the support which is extruded.

4. A printhead as claimed in claim 3, wherein one of the endcaps defines a plurality of fluid inlet tubes in fluid communication with respective fluid supply channels.

5. A printhead as claimed in claim 4, wherein the other endcap defines a plurality of serpentine grooves to equalize the gas pressure in respective fluid supply channels.

6. A printhead as claimed in claim 1, wherein each module has a shield plate covering the ejection nozzles and defining slots in register with the ejection nozzles so that fluid can be ejected through the slots.

7. A printhead as claimed in claim 1, wherein the support is shaped to provide a form-lock for retaining opposite edges of the shim as a snap fit.