Inkjet module with printhead insert mount assembly

Abstract

An integrated inkjet module comprising: a chassis; a print head carrier mounted to the chassis; and a printhead insert mount assembly having an insert mount secured to the printhead carrier and a replaceable printhead insertably secured within the insert mount. The printhead insert mount assembly is removable from the printhead carrier, and the printhead is removable from the insert mount only when the printhead insert mount assembly is removed from the printhead carrier.

Description

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to an inkjet module for use in a modular single-pass printing system. Such an inkjet module is developed primarily to facilitate printhead replacement in a robust inkjet module while ensuring reliable benchmarking of the printheads. Background of the Invention

[0003] Available on the market Pagewidth technology inkjet printers are used in many different printing applications, including desktop printers, digital inkjet presses, and wide format printers. The printer typically includes one or more user-replaceable fixed inkjet printhead cartridges having a length of at least 200 mm. For example, a desktop label printer includes a single user-replaceable multi-color printhead cartridge, a high-speed inkjet printer includes multiple user-replaceable monochrome printhead cartridges aligned along the media feed direction, and a wide format printer includes multiple user-replaceable printhead cartridges arranged in a staggered overlapping arrangement to span a wide page width.

[0004] Conventionally, analog printing presses are used for relatively large print runs, where the cost of producing dedicated printing plates is economically feasible. Industrial printing systems are increasingly using single-pass digital inkjet printing for relatively smaller print runs. Digital inkjet printing avoids the high set-up costs of producing printing plates and allows each print job to be customized for a specific customer. Ideally, a web-fed system for an existing analog printing system should be adaptable so that a "plug-and-play" inkjet module can be used instead of, for example, an offset printing station. It is therefore desirable for the inkjet module to occupy a minimum of space relative to the media feed direction, while allowing full-color printing at high speeds with optimal print quality.

[0005] Inkjet printheads need to be replaced periodically, and it is desirable to be able to replace printheads with high reliability and accuracy to minimize alignment errors, especially in printing systems with multiple printheads aligned along a media path. It is also desirable to protect sensitive electronics that deliver power and data to the printhead from ink mist during printing.

[0006] US 10,293,609 describes a full color page width printhead having two rows of chips receiving ink from a common manifold.

[0007] US 10,967,638 describes a print module having a pivotable print head carrier, whereby print head removal and replacement is accomplished by sliding the print head longitudinally into an access opening at one end of the print head carrier.

[0008] US 10,647,137 (the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference) describes a print module that can be lifted upwardly from a sleeve for removal and replacement of the print head. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] In a first aspect, an integrated inkjet module is provided, the integrated inkjet module comprising:

[0011] Chassis;

[0012] a print head carrier mounted to the chassis; and

[0013] A print head insert seat assembly having an insert seat fastened to a print head carrier and a replaceable print head insertably fixed in the insert seat,

[0014] The print head embedding seat assembly can be removed from the print head carrier, and the print head can be removed from the embedding seat only when the print head embedding seat assembly is removed from the print head carrier.

[0015] The printhead insert assembly is typically mounted to the underside of the printhead carrier, which enables the user to replace the printhead in the inkjet module without having to access the printhead carrier from above. The printhead insert assembly provides a convenient unit for replacing the printhead, first of all, the printhead can be replaced in the insert, and thus in the inkjet module. The printhead can only be removed from the insert when the printhead insert assembly is disassembled from the printhead carrier (i.e., completely separated from the printhead carrier from all sides so that the printhead insert assembly can be handled by the user as a discrete unit). In addition, the printhead insert assembly allows the printhead to be accurately and repeatably benchmarked and protects sensitive electronic components from the effects of ink mist, as will be further described.

[0016] Preferably, the inkjet module includes a lift mechanism operably connected to the printhead carrier for raising and lowering the printhead carrier relative to the chassis (ie, away from and toward the media surface).

[0017] Preferably, the print head carrier accommodates at least one of:

[0018] an ink connector for supplying ink to the print head; and

[0019] Electronic circuitry for supplying power and / or data to the printhead.

[0020] Preferably, the insert is datumed relative to the printhead carrier via a first datuming arrangement.

[0021] Preferably, the first datuming arrangement comprises datum pins extending upwardly from each end of the insert seat and datum blocks located at a lower portion of the printhead carrier, each datum block having a respective datum surface for engaging with the insert seat and a respective opening configured for complementary engagement with the datum pin. The datum surfaces provide z-axis datuming, while the datum pins provide x-axis datuming and y-axis datuming.

[0022] Preferably, each datum block is relatively wider than the printhead along the media feed direction.The relatively wide datum blocks provide a robust printhead datuming compared to fastening and datuming the printhead directly to the printhead carrier.

[0023] Preferably, the insert is fastened to the printhead carrier via a screw fastener having a user operable lever handle.

[0024] Preferably, the print head is datumed relative to the insert via a second datuming arrangement.

[0025] Preferably, the second datuming arrangement comprises complementary datum surfaces at respective opposite ends of the print head and the insert.

[0026] Preferably, the insert surrounds the print head on all sides.

[0027] Preferably, the insert seat is configurable in an open position and a closed position, and the insert seat allows the print head to be removed from the insert seat only when it is in the open position and only when the print head insert seat assembly is removed from the print head carrier.

[0028] Preferably, in the closed position, the print head is embeddably secured within the embedding seat.

[0029] Preferably, the insert includes a pair of longitudinal side bars extending parallel to opposite longitudinal sides of the print head and a pair of opposite end bars interconnecting the longitudinal side bars to define a cavity of the insert.

[0030] Preferably, the first longitudinal side bar is fixed and the second longitudinal side bar is relatively movable between an open position and a closed position.

[0031] Preferably, the insert seat comprises a locking mechanism for locking the second longitudinal side bar in the closed position and releasing the second longitudinal side bar to the open position.

[0032] Preferably, the locking mechanism includes a pair of nested seat levers in camming engagement with the second longitudinal side bar to effect linear movement of the second longitudinal side bar towards and away from the first longitudinal side bar.

[0033] Preferably, each nest lever is pivotally mounted on a respective end bar and defines a cam slot that engages a respective follower pin of the second longitudinal side bar.

[0034] Preferably, the printhead engages the insert to form an ink mist seal that protects electronic circuitry housed in the printhead carrier from ink mist.

[0035] Preferably, the insert comprises opposed lips projecting inwardly towards the printhead from respective longitudinal side bars, each lip engaging a longitudinal edge of the printhead to at least partially define an ink mist seal.

[0036] Preferably, the print head has opposed longitudinal flanges projecting laterally outwardly therefrom, and wherein each longitudinal flange is positioned below and overlaps a respective lip.

[0037] Preferably, the insert includes datum pins projecting upwardly from each end bar at opposite ends of the insert cavity, each datum pin being configured for complementary engagement with a printhead carrier.

[0038] Preferably, each datum pin has a hollow central hole for receiving a screw fastener of the printhead carrier.

[0039] Preferably, the inkjet module comprises:

[0040] a chassis having an elongated base plate defining a longitudinal slot;

[0041] a pair of posts extending upwardly from the base plate at opposite ends of the longitudinal slot;

[0042] a pair of brackets having sleeve bushings slidably engaged with the posts;

[0043] An elongated print head carrier is supported between brackets, the print head carrier comprising: a front plate and a rear plate, a cavity being defined between the front plate and the rear plate; a bracket interconnecting the upper portions of the front plate and the rear plate; and a reference block interconnecting the lower portions of the front plate and the rear plate.

[0044] In a second aspect, a print head embedding seat assembly is provided to facilitate replacement of a print head, the print head embedding seat assembly comprising:

[0045] an insert seat configured for removable fastening to a printhead carrier; and

[0046] A replaceable print head can be embedded and fixed in an embedding seat, and the embedding seat surrounds all sides of the print head.

[0047] The embedding seat can be configured in an open position and a closed position, and the print head is allowed to be removed from the embedding seat only when the embedding seat is in the open position and only when the print head embedding seat assembly is removed from the print head carrier.

[0048] Preferred features of the print head cartridge assembly are described above in conjunction with the first aspect.

[0049] In a third aspect, a method for replacing a print head in an inkjet module is provided, the method comprising the following steps:

[0050] Disassembling a print head embedding seat assembly from a print head carrier of an inkjet module, the print head embedding seat assembly comprising an embedding seat and a print head embeddably fixed in the embedding seat;

[0051] Open the insert and remove the print head;

[0052] inserting a replacement printhead into the opened nest and then closing the nest to reform the printhead nest assembly; and

[0053] Fasten the printhead insert assembly to the printhead carrier.

[0054] Preferably, the insert surrounds all sides of the printhead in the printhead insert assembly.

[0055] Preferably, the insert includes a pair of longitudinal side bars extending parallel to opposite longitudinal sides of the print head and a pair of opposite end bars interconnecting the longitudinal side bars to define a cavity of the insert.

[0056] Preferably, the step of opening the insert comprises releasing a locking mechanism of the insert.

[0057] Preferably, releasing the locking mechanism moves the second longitudinal side bar away from the first longitudinal side bar.

[0058] Preferably, the second longitudinal side bar is linearly movable towards and away from the first longitudinal side bar and the locking mechanism comprises a pair of recessed seat levers in camming engagement with the second longitudinal side bar.

[0059] Preferably, the step of opening the insert seat comprises pivoting each insert seat lever about its respective pivot axis, each lever being pivotally mounted on a respective end rod and each pivot axis being parallel to the direction in which droplets are ejected from the print head.

[0060] Preferably, the print head is obliquely removed from the insert cavity via the upper side of the insert.

[0061] Preferably, the step of inserting a replacement print head comprises the following steps:

[0062] Moving the replacement print head obliquely from the upper side of the insert housing cavity toward the insert housing cavity;

[0063] positioning a longitudinal edge of the print head beneath the inwardly projecting lip of the first longitudinal side bar; and

[0064] Rotate the print head to align parallel to the horizontal plane of the insert.

[0065] Preferably, the step of closing the nest includes using a locking mechanism to move the second longitudinal side bar towards the first longitudinal side bar, thereby reforming the printhead nest assembly.

[0066] Preferably, the printhead engages a cartridge in the printhead cartridge assembly to form an ink mist seal that protects electronic circuitry housed in the printhead carrier from ink mist.

[0067] Preferably, respective flanges extend laterally outwardly from opposite longitudinal sides of the printhead, said flanges engaging respective opposite lips projecting inwardly towards the printhead from opposite longitudinal side bars of the insert, thereby at least partially defining an ink mist seal.

[0068] In a fourth aspect, an integrated inkjet module is provided, the integrated inkjet module comprising:

[0069] a chassis comprising an elongated base plate defining a longitudinal slot;

[0070] a pair of posts extending upwardly from the base plate at opposite ends of the longitudinal slot;

[0071] a pair of brackets having sleeve bushings slidably engaged with the posts;

[0072] An elongated printhead carrier supported between the brackets, the printhead carrier comprising: a front plate and a rear plate defining a cavity therebetween; a bracket interconnecting upper portions of the front plate and the rear plate; and a pair of reference blocks interconnecting lower portions of the front plate and the rear plate;

[0073] a print head mounted to the reference block; and

[0074] a lifting mechanism operably connected to each carriage for raising and lowering the print head carrier relative to the base plate,

[0075] Therein, the print head is movable between a printing position, in which the print head protrudes through the longitudinal slot, and a raised position, in which the print head is raised relative to the substrate.

[0076] Preferably, the base plate is C-shaped in plan view, having a pair of transverse arms extending transversely from opposite ends of the longitudinal base member, and the longitudinal slot is an open longitudinal slot defined between the transverse arms at the front side of the inkjet module.

[0077] Preferably, the inkjet module further comprises a rear wall and an end wall extending upward from the base plate.

[0078] Preferably, the lifting mechanism comprises a lead screw mechanism having a pair of lead screws extending parallel to the column, each lead screw having a respective lead nut connected to a respective bracket.

[0079] Preferably, each lead screw is operably connected to a common lift motor via a pulley belt assembly.

[0080] Preferably, each sleeve bushing has a lower flange portion for datuming engagement with the substrate in the printing position.

[0081] Preferably, the inkjet module comprises a cap for capping the print head, the cap being linearly slidably movable in a direction parallel to the lateral arm towards and away from the print head.

[0082] Preferably, the inkjet module comprises a cover shell positioned towards a rear side of the inkjet module, wherein the cover is covered by the cover shell during idle periods.

[0083] Preferably, the cover shell is pivotally mounted to the rear wall via rocker arms configured for camming engagement with respective cam guides located at each end of the closure so that sliding movement of the closure towards the cover shell causes the cover shell to pivot and cover the closure.

[0084] Preferably, the inkjet module further comprises a wiper for wiping the print head longitudinally in a direction parallel to its longitudinal axis.

[0085] Preferably, the wiper rests at one end of the longitudinal slot; and one of the carriages has a carriage top and carriage side walls configured to cover the wiper in the printing position.

[0086] Preferably, the cavity of the printhead carrier houses a supply module for the printhead.

[0087] Preferably, the supply module comprises one or more PCBs for supplying power and / or data to the print head.

[0088] Preferably, the supply module further comprises a fan for cooling the PCB, and the bracket has a truss structure allowing airflow to pass through an upper side of the print head carrier.

[0089] Preferably, the print head is mounted to the reference block via an insert surrounding the print head.

[0090] Preferably, the reference block is referenced relative to the embedding seat, and the width dimension of the reference block along the medium feeding direction is greater than the width dimension of the print head.

[0091] As used herein, the term "inkjet module" refers to an assembly of components that includes an inkjet printhead, such as an elongated printhead configured for single-pass printing (referred to in the art as a "page-width" or "line-head" printhead). An inkjet module typically also includes maintenance components and / or ink delivery components to provide a fully integrated inkjet system. The inkjet module itself can be a component of a modular printing system that can include, for example, a plurality of inkjet modules. The inkjet modules can be aligned, for example, along a media feed direction for very high speed printing, or multiple inkjet modules can be positioned in a staggered overlapping arrangement on a media feed path for wide format printing.

[0092] As used herein, the term "ink" refers to any printing fluid that can be printed from an inkjet printhead. The ink may or may not contain a colorant. Accordingly, the term "ink" may include traditional dye-based or pigment-based inks, infrared inks, color fixatives (e.g., pre-coatings and finishing agents), 3D printing fluids, solar inks, etc.

[0093] As used herein, the term "mounting" includes both direct mounting and indirect mounting via intervening parts. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0094] Specific embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which

[0095] In the figure:

[0096] Figure 1 is a front top perspective view of the inkjet module when the print head is in a lowered position;

[0097] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A rear perspective view of the inkjet module shown;

[0098] Figure 3 is a front top perspective view of the inkjet module when the print head is in a raised position;

[0099] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a portion of an inkjet module, wherein the bracket is shown in a transparent manner to reveal

[0100] Sleeve bushing;

[0101] Figure 5 showing a portion of a printhead carrier with the printhead insert assembly removed;

[0102] Figure 6 is a top perspective view of an inkjet module, showing a lifting mechanism;

[0103] Figure 7 An inkjet module is shown with an end wall removed to expose a capping assembly and a cover shell;

[0104] FIG. 8A to FIG. 8C It is the side of the engagement between the cam guide of the cover assembly and the rocker arm of the cover housing.

[0105] view;

[0106] Fig. 9 is a top perspective view of the print head embedding seat assembly in a closed position;

[0107] Fig.10 is a top perspective view of the print head embedding seat assembly in an open position;

[0108] Fig.11 is a bottom perspective view of the print head embedding seat assembly shown in FIG8;

[0109] Fig.12 is a perspective view of the print head inserted into the embedding seat;

[0110] Fig.13 A separate insert is shown in an open position; and

[0111] Fig.14 It is a plan view of a portion of the insert. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0112] Figures 1 to 7 An integrated inkjet module 1 suitable for use in an industrial printing system is shown. The inkjet module 1 is a self-contained unit comprising an elongated printhead 3 configured for single-pass printing and the necessary components for capping, wiping, and delivering ink, power, and data to the printhead in a compact, fully integrated assembly. The printhead 3 contains two rows of butted print chips 5 mounted on a single uniform ink manifold, as described in US 10,293,609 and US 10,967,638, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0113] The inkjet module 1 can be used alone or as a modular component of a single-pass printing system including multiple such inkjet modules. For example, the inkjet modules can be fully aligned in a stacked arrangement along the media feed path, or positioned in a staggered overlapping arrangement on a wider media feed path. Therefore, the integrated inkjet module 1 allows a single-pass printing system to be easily constructed in a universal and scalable manner. Merely by way of example, the applicant's commonly filed U.S. application No. ____ (attorney case number FXB029US) entitled "PRINTING UNIT WITH TANDEM INKJET MODULES" describes a high-speed industrial printing unit comprising a relative pair of such inkjet modules 1.

[0114] The inkjet module 1 comprises a chassis 10 having an elongated base plate 12 from which a rear wall 14 and a pair of opposing end walls 16 extend upwardly. In addition to providing structural rigidity to the chassis 10, the rear wall 14 also serves as a support for mounting various fluid components (e.g., pinch valves 15 and pumps 17) and electronic components (e.g., module controller PCB 19) on its front and rear faces. An opening in the rear wall 14 allows fluid connections to be made from the rear face of the inkjet module 1 without requiring access from above.

[0115] The base plate 12 is generally C-shaped in plan view, having a pair of transverse arms 18 extending from opposite ends of a longitudinal base member 20 along a nominal x-axis of the inkjet module 1. An open longitudinal slot 22 is defined between the transverse arms 18 at the front side of the inkjet module 1. The open longitudinal slot 22 extends parallel to the longitudinal axis along a nominal y-axis of the inkjet module 1 and is configured to receive an elongated printhead 3. Thus, the printhead 3 is positioned asymmetrically in the inkjet module 1 toward the front side thereof, thereby allowing the printheads of oppositely oriented inkjet modules to be positioned in close proximity. The printhead 3 can be lowered through the slot 22 for printing, or raised above the base plate 12 for maintenance (e.g., capping and / or wiping).

[0116] A pair of posts 24 extend upwardly from the lateral arms 18 of the substrate 12 at opposite ends of the open longitudinal slot 22. Each post 24 is anchored to the substrate 12 at its lower end and fixed to the respective end wall 16 at its upper end. A pair of brackets 26 are slidably engaged with the posts 24 via respective sleeve bushings 28 inserted into each bracket. Each sleeve bushing 28 is slidably movable relative to the respective post 24, thereby allowing the bracket 26 to move vertically linearly toward and away from the substrate 12 along the nominal z-axis of the inkjet module 1. A flange portion 29 located at the lower end of each sleeve bushing 28 is secured to each bracket 26 and references its respective bracket relative to the substrate 12 in the printhead lowered position ( Figure 1 ).

[0117] An elongated printhead carrier 30 is fixedly supported between the carriages 26 and is linearly slidable therewith. The printhead carrier 30 includes spaced-apart front and rear carrier plates 32 that interconnect the carriages 26 and define a cavity 34 therebetween for housing electronic components that supply power and data to the printhead 3. Brackets 38 interconnect the upper portions of the carrier plates 32, and a pair of reference blocks 40 interconnect the lower portions of the carrier plates. The reference blocks 40 are positioned at opposite longitudinal ends of the printhead carrier 30, facing the respective carriages 26. The supported printhead carrier 30, in combination with the sleeve bushings 28, posts 24 and chassis 10, provides a robust support structure for the printhead 3. The printhead 3 itself is secured within a complementary insert 102 to form a printhead insert assembly 100 (see Fig. 9), the assembly is mounted to a reference block 40 via a screw fastener 42 engaged with an embedded seat.

[0118] The print head 3 can be moved in the printing position ( Figure 1 ) and maintenance position ( Figure 3 ) between the substrate 12 and the substrate 12 for linear sliding movement. Figure 6 As best shown, the lift mechanism includes a pair of lead screws 44 that are rotatably mounted to the base plate 12 and extend upwardly parallel to the post 24. Each lead screw 44 has a corresponding lead nut 46 that is fixedly connected to a corresponding carriage via a lead nut connector 48. The lead screws 44 are rotatable by interconnected pulley belt assemblies 50 that are operably connected to a common lift motor 52. Accordingly, the printhead 3 can be moved between a raised position and a lowered position via actuation of the lift motor 52, which causes the lead screws 44 to rotate simultaneously via the pulley belt assembly 50, thereby raising or lowering the printhead carrier 30 that is connected to the lead nuts 46 via the carriage 26.

[0119] like Figure 3 As best shown, the inkjet module 1 includes a wiper carriage 54 resting at one end of the longitudinal slot 22, the wiper carriage having a microfiber wiping web 56. In the printhead raised position, the wiper carriage 54 can be moved longitudinally along the length of the printhead 3 by a wiper moving mechanism 57 mounted on a longitudinal wiper support 55 to wipe ink and debris off the printhead surface. In the printhead lowered position ( Figure 1 ), a bracket in the bracket 26 having a bracket top 27 and bracket side walls 29 shields the wiper carriage 54. Thus, the bracket top 27 and bracket side walls 29 provide at least some protection from ink mist and / or debris that may contaminate the wiper carriage 54 via the open front face of the inkjet module 1 during printing.

[0120] The inkjet module 1 further includes a capping assembly 60 which rests toward the rear wall 14 and which is linearly slidably movable along a transverse capping track 62 toward and away from the printhead 3 by a rack and pinion mechanism 64. The capping assembly 60 includes a capping base 66 slidably engaged with the capping track 62, a peripheral printhead cap 68 mounted on the capping base, and cam guides 70 fixedly mounted to the capping base at opposite ends of the printhead cap. Figure 3In the parked (covered) position of the capping assembly shown, the printhead cap 68 is covered by a cover shell 72 which is pivotally mounted to the rear wall 14 of the chassis 10. The cover shell 72 takes the form of a rigid plate which seals against the peripheral seal 69 of the printhead cap 68 and maintains a humid environment within the printhead cap when the printhead cap is not used to cap the printhead 3. The wiper moving mechanism 57 is mounted on a wiper support 55 which is fixedly attached to the rear wall 14, directly above the cover shell 72.

[0121] When capping the printhead, the capping assembly 60 is moved laterally away from the cover shell 72 to align with the printhead 3, and the lifting mechanism is used to gently lower the printhead onto the printhead cover 68 to the capping position. As the printhead is raised, the capping assembly 60 moves laterally backward toward the rear wall 14 to engage the cam rear surface 73 of the cam guide 70 with the engagement node 77 of the corresponding rocker arm 74 at each end of the cover shell. The rocker arm 74 is pivotally mounted to the rear wall 14 and allows the cover shell 72 to pivot upward when engaged with the cam guide 70, thereby enabling the capping assembly 60 to slide and move under the cover shell. Once the capping assembly 60 reaches its rearmost parking position, the cover shell 72 is pivoted downward back to the covering position with the help of the profile of the cam guide 70 and the rocker arm 74, in which the printhead cover 68 is covered by the cover shell.

[0122] Fig. 8A The cam rear surface 73 of the cam guide 70 is shown engaging the engagement node 77 of the rocker arm 74 as the closure assembly 60 approaches the rear wall 14 . Figure 8B The rocker arm 73 is shown pivoting upwardly as the closure assembly transitions to its covering position. Figure 8C The capping assembly 60 is shown in its rearmost parked position, with the swing arm 74 pivoted back to a horizontal plane and the print head cap 68 covered by the cover shell 72. When capping the print head, the capping assembly 60 is moved from Figure 8C Its parked position is shown sliding towards the print head 3. The cam front surface 75 of the cam guide 70 engages with the engagement node 77 of the rocker arm 74 to pivot the rocker arm upwards and allow the capping assembly to slide towards the print head 3.

[0123] As mentioned above, now refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6, the printhead carrier 30 defines a cavity 34 between its front and rear plates 32. The cavity 34 accommodates a supply module 80, which includes front and rear PCBs 82 for supplying power and / or data to the printhead 3. A cooling fan 84 is positioned between the PCBs 82 for cooling the electronic components using cool air drawn into the cavity 34 from the upper side of the printhead carrier 30. The bracket 38 defining the top portion of the printhead carrier 30 has an open truss structure that allows cool air to pass through the cavity 34 and circulate between the PCBs 82. The supply module 80 further includes an ink connector 86 for engaging with complementary ink ports 88 at opposite ends of the printhead 3. The supply module 80 forms an ink connection and an electrical connection with the printhead 3 when the printhead (fixed in its printhead embedding seat assembly 100) is mounted on the printhead carrier 30, as will be explained in more detail below.

[0124] Fig. 9 and Fig.10 The print head insert assembly 100 is shown separately. Fig. 9 As shown, the insert seat is in its closed position, wherein the print head 3 can be inserted and fixed in the insert seat 102 and is surrounded by the insert seat from all sides. Fig.10 In the embodiment, the insert seat 102 is in its open position, which allows the print head 3 to be removed from the insert seat, but the premise is that the print head insert seat assembly 100 is completely removed from the print head carrier 30. In other words, the print head 3 must be combined with the insert seat 102 to form the print head insert seat assembly 100, and then the print head (e.g., a replacement print head) can be installed in the inkjet module 1 by fastening the insert seat 102 to the print head carrier 30.

[0125] The insert 102 is configured to be removably fastened to the printhead carrier 30 via a pair of screw fasteners 42 that extend vertically through the height of the printhead carrier 30. Each screw fastener 42 has a screw lever 43 and a screw tip, with one end of the screw lever accessible to the user from above the printhead carrier 30 and the screw tip protruding through a recessed opening 41 ( Figure 5). The upper surface of the insert seat 102 has a pair of reference pins 104, which are configured for complementary engagement with the recessed openings 41 of the reference block 40. To install the print head insert seat assembly 100, each screw fastener 42 passes through the hollow hole 105 of the corresponding reference pin 104 and is screwed into the threaded nut insert 106 of the insert seat 102. Therefore, the print head insert seat assembly 100 can be securely fixed to the print head carrier 30 by accurate reference control by complementary reference engagement between the reference pins 104 and the recessed openings 41 in each reference block 40. The insert seat 102 enables the use of relatively large reference pins 104 that are separate from the print head 3 to perform highly accurate and repeatable reference between the print head carrier 30 and the print head insert seat assembly 100.

[0126] The printhead insert assembly 100 is screwed and fastened to the printhead carrier 30 via the reference block 40, and the ink connection and electrical connection between the printhead 3 and the supply module 80 are formed at the same time. The ink ports 88 at the opposite ends of the printhead 3 are raised to engage with the ink connectors 86 of the supply module 80. Similarly, the electrical contacts 109 extending along the opposite longitudinal sides of the printhead 3 are electrically contacted with the complementary PCB contacts 89 of the corresponding PCB 82 in the supply module 80. During the installation of the printhead insert assembly 100, when the printhead 3 is raised between the PCBs, the spring-biased PCB mounting plate 90 of the supply module 80 allows the PCBs 82 to flex laterally away from each other. The spring bias provides a reliable electrical connection, and the required insertion force (for the ink connection and the electrical connection) is provided by the screw fastener 42, which can be easily operated by the user using the screw lever 43. Accordingly, this arrangement eliminates the movable supply assembly and the two-stage ink and electrical connections described in US 10,967,638.

[0127] The print head insert assembly 100 can be in the print head lowered position ( Figure 1 ) or print head raised position ( Figure 3 ) is fastened to the printhead carrier 30, depending on which configuration is more accessible in the particular modular setting of the inkjet module 1. Figure 5 As shown, the printhead cartridge assembly 100 has been removed in the printhead lowered position.

[0128] Reference now Fig.10 and Fig.13, the insert seat 102 can be configured in the insert seat open position for removal and insertion of the print head. The insert seat 102 includes a first longitudinal side bar 110 and a second longitudinal side bar 112 extending parallel to opposite longitudinal sides of the print head 3, and a pair of shorter transverse end bars 114, which interconnect each end of the longitudinal side bars to define a rectangular (oblong) insert seat cavity 115. The first longitudinal side bar 110 and the end bar 114 are fixed, while the second longitudinal side bar 112 can move toward and away from the first longitudinal side bar between the open position and the closed position.

[0129] Each end bar 114 has a dowel pin 116 that receives the movable second longitudinal side bar 112. Sliding movement of the second longitudinal side bar 112 relative to the fixed dowel pin 116 provides relative linear movement of the second longitudinal side bar toward and away from the first longitudinal side bar 110.

[0130] The movement of the second longitudinal side bar 112 is achieved by a locking mechanism that configures the insert seat 102 in a closed position or an open position. The locking mechanism includes a pair of insert seat levers 120, each of which is pivotally attached to a corresponding end bar 114 and has a pivot axis perpendicular to the horizontal plane of the insert seat (i.e., parallel to the direction of ejection of droplets from the print head 3). Each insert seat lever 120 defines a cam slot 122, which engages with a corresponding follower pin 124, which extends parallel to the pivot axis at opposite ends of the second longitudinal side bar 112. By means of the cam engagement between the cam slot 122 and the follower pin 124, the pivotal movement of each insert seat lever 120 away from its corresponding end bar 114 causes the second longitudinal side bar 112 to move linearly away from the first longitudinal side bar 110 so as to open the insert seat 102. Conversely, pivotal movement of each insert seat lever 120 toward the corresponding end bar 114 moves the second longitudinal side bar 112 linearly toward the first longitudinal side bar 110 to lock the insert seat 102 closed. Each insert seat lever 120 has a finger grip portion 126 at the end opposite the pivot axis for the user to actuate the locking mechanism.

[0131] The insert 102 is configured to form an ink mist seal around the print head 3 in its closed position. The ink mist seal prevents ink mist from entering the supply module 80, thereby protecting the sensitive electronic circuit system on the PCB 82 from being contaminated by any ink mist generated during the printing process. The ink mist seal includes a pair of opposed first and second longitudinal lips 130 that protrude inwardly toward the print head from the corresponding first and second longitudinal side bars 110 and 112. Each lip 130 engages with a longitudinal edge region 132 of the print head 3 to form a portion of the ink mist seal.

[0132] In order to insert the print head 3 into the insert seat 102, the insert seat is first configured to its open position, such as Fig.13Then tilt the print head at an angle ( Fig.12 ) is guided laterally toward the first longitudinal side bar 110 into the open insert seat cavity 115. The first longitudinal flange 134 on one side of the print head 3 is first held at an angle below the longitudinal lip 130 of the first longitudinal side bar 110 to overlap the lip, and then the print head is rotated about its longitudinal axis into a plane parallel to the plane of the insert seat. The print head datums 136 located at opposite ends of the print head 3 engage with the complementary insert seat datums 138 to accurately and repeatably position the print head in the insert seat ( Fig.14 ).

[0133] When the print head 3 is correctly positioned in the opened insert ( Fig.10 ), the insert seat lever 120 pivots inwardly to close the second longitudinal side rod 112 and lock the insert seat 102 into its closed position, thereby forming a locked print head insert seat assembly 100 ( Fig. 9 ). Closure of the insert seat 102 moves the longitudinal lip 130 of the second longitudinal side bar 112 toward the print head 3 to complete the ink mist seal, wherein each longitudinal flange 134 of the print head is positioned below and overlaps its corresponding longitudinal lip.

[0134] The complete print head insert seat assembly 100 can then be fixed to the print head carrier 30 using the screw fastener 42 as described above. When the print head is removed, the reverse procedure is followed, whereby the print head insert seat assembly 100 is removed from the print head carrier 30, the insert seat lever 120 is used to open the insert seat, and the print head 3 is removed from the opened insert seat 102 at an angle.

[0135] It will of course be understood that the present invention has been described by way of example only and that modifications of detail may be made within the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. An integrated inkjet module, comprising: Chassis; a print head carrier, the print head carrier being mounted to the chassis; as well as A print head embedding seat assembly, the print head embedding seat assembly having an embedding seat fastened to the print head carrier and a replaceable print head embeddably fixed in the embedding seat, wherein the print head embedding seat assembly can be removed from the print head carrier, and the print head can be removed from the embedding seat only when the print head embedding seat assembly is removed from the print head carrier.

2. The inkjet module of claim 1, further comprising a lifting mechanism operably connected to the print head carrier for raising and lowering the print head carrier relative to the chassis.

3. The inkjet module according to claim 1, wherein: The printhead carrier accommodates at least one of: an ink connector for supplying ink to the print head; and An electronic circuit system is provided for supplying power and / or data to the print head.

4. The inkjet module according to claim 1, wherein: The insert is datumed relative to the printhead carrier via a first datuming arrangement.

5. The inkjet module according to claim 6, wherein: The first datum arrangement includes a datum pin and a datum block, wherein the datum pin extends upward from each end of the embedding seat, and the datum block is located at the lower portion of the print head carrier, each datum block having a corresponding datum surface for engaging with the embedding seat and a corresponding opening configured for complementary engagement with the datum pin.

6. The inkjet module according to claim 5, wherein: Each reference block is relatively wider than the print head along the medium feeding direction.

7. The inkjet module according to claim 5, wherein: The insert is secured to the printhead carrier via a screw fastener having a user-operable lever handle.

8. The inkjet module according to claim 1, wherein: The print head is datumed relative to the insert via a second datuming arrangement.

9. The inkjet module according to claim 8, wherein: The second datuming arrangement includes complementary datum surfaces located at respective opposite ends of the print head and the insert.

10. The inkjet module according to claim 1, wherein: The insert surrounds all sides of the print head.

11. The inkjet module according to claim 10, wherein: The insert seat can be configured in an open position and a closed position, and the insert seat allows the print head to be removed from the insert seat only when it is in the open position and only when the print head insert seat assembly is removed from the print head carrier.

12. The inkjet module according to claim 11, wherein: In the closed position, the print head may be embeddedly secured within the embedding seat.

13. The inkjet module according to claim 12, wherein: The insert includes a pair of longitudinal side bars extending parallel to opposite longitudinal sides of the print head and a pair of opposite end bars interconnecting the longitudinal side bars to define an insert cavity.

14. The inkjet module according to claim 13, wherein: The first longitudinal side bar is fixed, and the second longitudinal side bar is relatively movable between the open position and the closed position.

15. The inkjet module according to claim 14, wherein: The insert seat includes a locking mechanism for locking the second longitudinal side bar in the closed position and releasing the second longitudinal side bar to the open position.

16. The inkjet module according to claim 15, wherein: The locking mechanism includes a pair of embedded seat levers that are cammingly engaged with the second longitudinal side bar to effect linear movement of the second longitudinal side bar toward and away from the first longitudinal side bar.

17. The inkjet module according to claim 16, wherein: Each nest lever is pivotally mounted on a respective end bar and defines a cam slot that engages a respective follower pin of the second longitudinal side bar.

18. The inkjet module according to claim 10, wherein: The printhead engages the insert to form an ink mist seal that protects electronic circuitry housed in the printhead carrier from ink mist.

19. The inkjet module according to claim 18, wherein: The insert includes opposed lips projecting inwardly from respective longitudinal side bars toward the printhead, each lip engaging a longitudinal edge of the printhead to at least partially define the ink mist seal.

20. The inkjet module of claim 19, wherein: The printhead has opposing longitudinal flanges projecting laterally outwardly from the printhead, and wherein each longitudinal flange is positioned below and overlaps a respective lip.

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