Multi-chip printhead unit for a pagewidth printer

• US 7,794,049 B2
• Filed: 07/11/2008
• Issued: 09/14/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 08/09/2004
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty Limited
• Original Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty Limited
• Inventors: Silverbrook, Kia, Nakazawa, Akira, Berry, Norman Michael
• Primary Examiner(s): Huffman; Julian D
• Application Number:
  US12/171,295
• Publication Number:
  US 20080266357A1
• Time in Patent Office: 795 Days
• Field of Search: 347/42, 347/49
• US Class Current: 347/42
• CPC Class Codes: C09B 47/0675 having oxygen or sulfur linked directly to the skeleton
• CPC Class Codes: C09D 11/328 characterised by dyes

Abstract

Provided is an elongate multi-chip printhead unit for a pagewidth printer. The unit includes a number of integrated circuits laid end-to-end, each having a multitude of micro-electromechanical nozzles for ejecting printing fluid. The unit also includes an ink distribution molding defining a plurality of elongate conduits for distributing printing fluid to the printhead. Also included is a printed circuit board (PCB) configured to relay data signals from a printer controller to respective ends of the integrated circuits, as well as busbars positioned to provide drive current to the micro-electromechanical nozzles of the printhead. The busbars are retained in position at one end by a socket, and at both ends by wrap-around wings of the PCB. The unit further includes a support member for holding the integrated circuits, molding, busbars and PCB in appropriate alignment.

Claims

1. An elongate multi-chip printhead unit for a pagewidth printer, said unit comprising:

a number of integrated circuits laid end-to-end, each having a multitude of micro-electromechanical nozzles for ejecting printing fluid;

an ink distribution molding defining a plurality of elongate conduits for distributing printing fluid to the printhead;

a printed circuit board (PCB) configured to relay data signals from a printer controller to respective ends of the integrated circuits;

busbars positioned to provide drive current to the micro-electromechanical nozzles of the printhead, the busbars retained in position at one end by a socket, and at both ends by wrap-around wings of the PCB; and

a support member for holding the integrated circuits, molding, busbars and PCB in alignment with each other.

2. The printhead of claim 1, wherein the PCB is flexible and extends a length of the printhead and includes first and second electrical connectors.

3. The printhead of claim 2, wherein the electrical connectors define respective flexible connectors having contact areas operatively positioned in contact with respective output connectors from the printer controller.

4. The printhead of claim 1, which includes an ink distribution plate for feeding printing fluid into apertures along a length of the printhead.

5. The printhead of claim 4, wherein the distribution plate is a multi-layer construction for distributing printing fluid selected from the group consisting of colored inks, infrared inks, ink fixatives and pressurized air.

6. The printhead of claim 1, wherein the molding defines sets of fluid apertures along a length thereof to distribute printing fluids from the conduits to the ink distribution plate.

7. The printhead of claim 6, wherein the molding includes a plug with nozzles at an end thereof, the plug operatively fitting in a corresponding socket of the printer to receive printing fluids therefrom.