CPC B41J 2/1433 (2013.01) [B41J 2/1652 (2013.01); B41J 2/16505 (2013.01); B41J 2/16508 (2013.01); B41J 2/16511 (2013.01); B41J 2/16532 (2013.01); B41J 2/16552 (2013.01); B41J 2/16588 (2013.01); B41J 2/1752 (2013.01); B41J 11/008 (2013.01); B41J 25/001 (2013.01); B41J 25/003 (2013.01); B41J 25/304 (2013.01); B41J 25/34 (2013.01); B41J 29/02 (2013.01); B41J 2002/16555 (2013.01); B41J 2202/20 (2013.01); B41J 2202/21 (2013.01)] | 9 Claims |
1. A compliant printhead locating apparatus for a print module, comprising:
(a) a printing apparatus having a printing platform over which a movable print module may extend, said print module constituting a self-contained printing unit having its own fluid supply, printhead drive electronics and printhead assembly;
(b) said printing apparatus and said print module having a cooperative guidance and positioning mechanism for accurately guiding and positioning said printhead assembly into a precise location over said printing platform;
(c) said printhead assembly being flexibly mounted to a remainder of said print module by a separate coupling device which facilitates flexible compliant self-aligning movement of said printhead assembly in multiple directions about a center of said coupling device; and
(d) said coupling device incorporating a set of springs positioned to permit slight compression and extension between said printhead assembly and said remainder of said printing module, as well as 360 degree flexible movement therebetween.
|
2. A compliant printhead locating apparatus for a print module, comprising:
(a) a printing apparatus having a printing platform over which a movable print module may extend, said print module constituting a self-contained printing unit having its own fluid supply, printhead drive electronics and printhead assembly;
(b) said printing apparatus and said print module having a cooperative guidance and positioning mechanism for accurately guiding and positioning said printhead assembly into a precise location over said printing platform;
(c) said printhead assembly being flexibly mounted to a remainder of said print module by a separate coupling device which facilitates flexible compliant self-aligning movement of said printhead assembly in multiple directions about a center of said coupling device;
(d) said coupling device being comprised of a remote center compliance device capable of flexible compliant movement in all directions about a center of said coupling device; and
(e) said remote center compliance device being comprised of a plurality of spaced spring members extending between said printhead assembly and said remainder of said printing module.
|
3. A compliant printhead locating apparatus for a print module, comprising:
(a) a printing apparatus having a printing platform over which a plurality of movable print modules may extend, each of said print modules constituting a self-contained printing unit having its own single-source fluid supply, printhead drive electronics and printhead assembly;
(b) said printing apparatus and each of said print modules having a separate cooperative guidance and positioning mechanism for accurately guiding and positioning said printhead assembly of each of said printing modules into a precise location over said printing platform; and
(c) said printhead assembly of each of said printing modules being flexibly mounted to a remainder of its associated said print module by a separate coupling device which permits slight compression and extension between said printhead assembly and said remainder of said printing module, as well as 360 degree flexible self-aligning movement therebetween.
|