KR100959216B1 - Inkjet printer having arcuately moveable printhead and capping mechanism for printhead - Google Patents

Abstract

A capping mechanism is disclosed for a printhead (51) having a plurality of nozzles arranged to deliver ink onto print media which is transported past the printhead. The capping mechanism comprises actuating means (84, 85) arranged to move the printhead (51) in an arcuate direction away from a transport plane of the print media, from a printing first position to a capping second position, and a capping member (82) which is arranged to engage in nozzle capping engagement (57) with the printhead when the printhead is in the second position.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention [0001] The present invention relates to an inkjet printer having a print head movable in an arcuate shape and a capping mechanism for a print head,

The present invention relates generally to inkjet printers, and more particularly to a capping mechanism and method for a pagewidth printhead assembly for an inkjet printer. A "pagewidth" printhead assembly refers to a printhead assembly that has a length that extends across the entire width of the medium (paper, card, fabric, etc.) to be printed and remains in the stationary position, Lt; RTI ID = 0.0 > ink < / RTI >

Pending application

The following applications are filed by the applicant at the same time as the present application.

CAAPCT CACPCT CADPCT CAEPCT CAFPCT

The disclosures of these pending applications are incorporated herein by reference. The applications are identified by a Filing Docket Number, which, once transferred, will be replaced with the corresponding application number.

Cross-reference to related patent applications

Some applications are listed by document number. They will be replaced when the application number is known.

Justice

Although the expressions "pagewidth print head" and "pagewidth print head assembly" have a length extending across the entire width of the medium to be printed (paper, card, fabric, etc.) and remain in stationary position, The invention is applicable to an integrated printhead and printhead assembly that is controlled to deposit ink print across the entire print width of the print medium.

The expression "reciprocating printhead" typically refers to a printhead that is integrated with an ink cartridge, is supported by a reciprocating carriage and is used for printing while scanning across a progressively advancing print medium. It can be applied to a type of print head which is controlled to deposit ink.

A printhead of an inkjet printer has a series of nozzles that deposit individual ink droplets on a print medium to form a desired print image. These nozzles are integrated in various types of printheads and their proper function is critical to producing high quality images. Thus, even a single nozzle, any partial or total blockage can have a significant impact on the printed image, especially in the case of a pagewidth printer.

The nozzles are prone to clogging because they are exposed to ever-present paper dust and often tend to dry in the nozzles during a very short idle period. That is, the ink awaiting delivery from the nozzle forms a meniscus at the nozzle inlet, and when exposed to air, the ink solvent evaporates leaving a nozzle clog deposit.

To maintain the functionality of the printheads, a servicing system is typically used, which provides one or more functions of capping, purging, and wiping. The capping involves covering the resting nozzle to prevent exposure of the ink to dry air. Purification is normally performed by evacuating the capping chamber, thereby sucking the sediment from the printhead which has the potential to block or block the nozzle. Wiping is performed in conjunction with capping and / or purging functions and involves cleaning the membrane across the surface of the printhead.

Most conventional inkjet printers use a reciprocating carriage having a printhead (often in the form of a cartridge) and driven to traverse a short stationary page or a portion of the width of the print medium. In such a printer, a service station is provided at one side of the printing zone so that the printhead is traversed to the service station, where the printhead is serviced and / Docked for the same amount of time. However, including the service station, it is recognized that the overall width of the printer is increased, which is problematic in the context of the tendency to minimize the dimensions of the desktop printer.

In addition, the above-described maintenance system can not be suitably utilized in connection with a pagewidth printer having a stationary printhead assembly that extends across the entire width of the printing zone as described above. The printhead assembly effectively defines the printing zone and can not be moved out of the zone for maintenance. In addition, pagewidth printheads have a considerably large surface area and include a significantly greater number of nozzles than conventional inkjet printheads, especially in the case of large format printers, all of these nozzles are typically employed It follows a completely different approach to maintenance.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a first aspect,

(a) (i) at least one pagewidth print head and

    (ii) a plurality of nozzles located along the at least one print head and arranged to direct ink onto the print medium when in use, the print media being transported past the at least one print head, , And

(b) at least one capping member having (i) a length corresponding substantially to that of the at least one print head,

    (ii) a first actuating mechanism arranged to move the at least one print head in an arcuate direction from a first position to a second position, and

    (iii) when the at least one printhead is in the second position, move the at least one capping member in a direction perpendicular to the at least one printhead to effect nozzle capping engagement of the at least one printhead. a capping mechanism having a second actuating mechanism arranged to move in a direction normal,

And a printer.

Optionally, the at least one capping member is actually formed as a one-piece member.

[0402] Optionally the at least one capping member comprises conjoined capping member portions having an overall length corresponding substantially to that of the at least one print head.

[0404] Optionally the at least one capping member comprises a body portion formed of a rigid material, and a) a lip portion of an integrally formed elastomeric material and b) a capping portion having a cavity surrounded by the lip portion. and a capping portion, the lip portion being peripherally configured to generally surround the nozzle.

Optionally, the printheads are arranged in a confronting relationship when in the first position.

In a further aspect,

 (a) (i) two opposed pagewidth print heads and

    (ii) a plurality of nozzles located along each print head and arranged in use to deliver ink onto the print media as it is transported past the at least one print head, and

(b) (i) two capping members positioned adjacent each one of the print heads and having a length corresponding substantially to the length of the print head,

  (ii) a first actuating mechanism arranged to move each print head in an arcuate direction from a first position to a second position, and

   (iii) a second actuating mechanism configured to move the capping member in a direction perpendicular to each print head to effect nozzle capping engagement of each print head when each of the print heads is in a second position, The capping mechanism

And a printer.

[0214] Optionally each of the capping members is formed as a one-piece member.

[0403] Optionally each of the capping members comprises conjoined capping member portions having an overall length corresponding substantially to the length of each of the print heads.

[0301] Optionally each of the capping members comprises a body portion formed of a rigid material and a capping portion having a) a lip portion of an integrally formed elastomeric material and b) a cavity surrounded by the lip portion, the lip portion having a perimeter Consists of.

Optionally, the print heads are disposed in confronting relationship when in the first position.

In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the pagewidth print head assembly is positioned along two opposed pagewidth print heads and each print head and when in use the print medium is transported past the at least one print head, And a plurality of nozzles arranged to deliver ink to the nozzles;

The capping member being located adjacent the print heads and having a length corresponding substantially to the length of the print head;

The first actuating mechanism being arranged to effect relative movement of the print heads from a first position to a printing second position;

The second actuating mechanism is arranged to interpose the capping member between the print heads to effect nozzle capping engagement of the two print heads when the print heads are in the second position.

[0303] In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein: the pagewidth print head assembly has a single pagewidth print head;

The capping member being located at a non-capping first position spaced from the print head, facing the print head;

For a camming engagement with the capping member to effect a linear transition from a non-capping first position of the capping mechanism to a second position at which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the print head There is provided a printer further comprising an arrayed motor drive portion.

[0224] In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein: the capping member is located in a non-capping first position adjacent the at least one print head;

The capping mechanism further having purging means coupled to the capping member and arranged to receive material that is purged from the nozzle environment of the at least one print head;

Wherein the second actuating mechanism is arranged to effect transitioning of the capping member from a non-capping first position to a second position in which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the print head.

In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the pagewidth print head assembly is positioned along two print pagewidth printheads and each print head and when in use prints ink as it is transported past the at least one print head A plurality of nozzles arranged to be delivered onto the medium;

Wherein the capping mechanism comprises:

A capping member coupled to each of the print heads and having a length corresponding substantially to the length of the print head and movable between a non-capping first position and a second position in which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the associated print head absence; And

There is provided a printer having an actuating mechanism associated with each capping member and arranged to effect each transition of the capping member from its first position to its second position.

[0303] In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein: the pagewidth print head assembly has a single pagewidth print head;

The capping member is located in a non-capping first position spaced from the print head;

Wherein the second actuating mechanism is arranged to effect an arcuate transition of the capping member from a non-capping first position to a second position wherein the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the print head.

[0303] In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein: the pagewidth print head assembly has a single pagewidth print head;

The capping mechanism further having purging means associated with the capping member and arranged to receive material that is purged from the nozzle environment of the print head;

Wherein the second actuating mechanism is arranged to effect transitioning of the capping member in an arcuate direction from a non-capping first position to a second position in which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the print head.

In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the second actuating mechanism comprises an arcuate mold opposite the first direction to effect nozzle capping engagement of the at least one printhead when the at least one printhead is in the second position. There is provided a printer arranged to move at least one capping member in two directions.

In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the first actuating mechanism is arranged to move at least one print head in an arcuate second direction from a first position to a second position and to a third position;

Wherein the second actuating mechanism is configured to allow nozzle capping engagement of the at least one print head when the at least one print head is in the second position and to allow cleaning of the nozzles when the at least one print head is in the third position The printer is arranged to move at least one capping member in an arcuate second direction opposite to that of the first direction.

In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping mechanism comprises a rotatable turret having a longitudinal length corresponding substantially to that of the at least one print head,

A longitudinally extending capping member carried by the turret,

A purging chamber supported by the turret and connected in fluid passage communication with the suction device;

A first actuating mechanism arranged to selectively rotate the turret to position the capping member or purging chamber in alignment with the nozzles of the at least one print head,

There is provided a printer having a second actuating mechanism arranged to effect movement of the turret, thereby selectively positioning the aligned one of the capping member and the purging chamber in combination with the at least one print head.

[0215] In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping mechanism has a rotatable turret having a longitudinal length corresponding substantially to that of the at least one print head,

A longitudinally extending capping member carried by the turret, and

A printer having an actuating mechanism arranged to effect rotation of the turret to move the capping member from a non-capping first position to a second position in which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the at least one print head .

In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping mechanism comprises a carrier positioned adjacent the at least one print head and having a longitudinal length corresponding substantially to that of the at least one print head,

A longitudinally extending capping member pivotally mounted to the carrier and having a longitudinal length corresponding substantially to that of the at least one print head,

 There is provided a printer having an actuating mechanism arranged to effect a pivoting of the capping member from a non-capping first position to a second position wherein the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the at least one print head.

[0303] In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein: the capping member is formed from a flexible sheet-like material and has a width corresponding substantially to the length of the at least one print head;

The second actuating mechanism is arranged to effect relative movement of the capping member and the at least one print head to a position in which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the at least one print head.

In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping member is formed from a flexible sheet-like material and has a width corresponding substantially to that of the at least one print head, the flexible sheet- There is provided a printer provided as a replaceable roll for withdrawing a portion of the material for capping engagement.

In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping member is formed from a flexible sheet-like material and has a width corresponding substantially to that of the at least one print head, the flexible sheet- And a portion of the material is withdrawn to position it in capping engagement;

The capping mechanism further comprising a take-up reel arranged to take up consumed capping material and then perform a capping operation.

[0254] In a further aspect there is provided a printer,

a) a lip portion integrally formed with the body portion; And

and b) a cavity surrounded by the lip portion, the lip portion being peripherally configured to surround the nozzle on the at least one print head, the body portion having a length substantially corresponding to the at least one print head .

In a second aspect,

(a) (i) at least one pagewidth print head and

    (ii) a plurality of nozzles located along the at least one print head and arranged to direct ink onto the print medium when in use, the print media being transported past the at least one print head, , And

(b) (i) at least one capping member having a length corresponding substantially to that of the at least one print head,

    (ii) a first actuating mechanism arranged to move the at least one print head in an arcuate direction from a first position to a second position, and

    (iii) arrange the at least one capping member to move laterally relative to the at least one print head to effect nozzle capping engagement of the at least one print head when the at least one print head is in the second position Capping mechanism having a second actuating mechanism

And a printer.

[0452] Optionally the at least one capping member is formed as an integral member.

[0402] Optionally the at least one capping member comprises conjoined capping member portions having an aggregate length corresponding substantially to that of the at least one print head.

[0402] Optionally the at least one capping member comprises a body portion formed of a rigid material and a capping portion having a) an integrally formed elastomeric material lip portion and b) a cavity surrounded by the lip portion, wherein the lip portion Respectively.

Optionally, the printheads are disposed in confronting relationship when in the first position.

In a further aspect,

 (a) (i) two opposed pagewidth print heads and

    (ii) a plurality of nozzles located along each print head and arranged in use to deliver ink onto the print media as it is transported past the at least one print head, and

(b) (i) two capping members positioned adjacent each one of the print heads and having a length corresponding substantially to the length of the print head,

  (ii) a first actuating mechanism arranged to move each print head in an arcuate direction from a first position to a second position, and

   (iii) a second actuator arranged to linearly move the capping member transversely with respect to each print head to effect nozzle capping engagement of the respective print head when each of the print heads is in a second position, Capping mechanism with a locking mechanism

And a printer.

[0214] Optionally each of the capping members is formed as a one-piece member.

[0403] Optionally each of the capping members comprises conjoined capping member portions having an overall length corresponding substantially to the length of each of the print heads.

[0322] Optionally each of the capping members is formed from an elastomeric material and has a body, a cavity integrally formed with a lip portion and a lip surrounded by the lip portion, the lip portion being circumferentially configured to generally surround the nozzle.

Optionally, the print heads are disposed in confronting relationship when in the first position.

In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the pagewidth print head assembly is positioned along two opposed pagewidth print heads and each print head and when in use the print medium is transported past the at least one print head, And a plurality of nozzles arranged to deliver ink to the nozzles;

The capping member being located adjacent the print heads and having a length corresponding substantially to the length of the print head;

The first actuating mechanism being arranged to effect relative movement of the print head from a first position to a printing second position;

The second actuating mechanism is arranged to interpose the capping member between the print heads to effect nozzle capping engagement of the two print heads when the print heads are in the second position.

[0303] In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein: the pagewidth print head assembly has a single pagewidth print head;

The capping member being located in a non-capping first position spaced from the print head, facing the print head;

Further comprising a motor driver arranged for capping engagement with the capping member to effect a linear transition from a first position where the capping mechanism is not capping to a second position at which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the print head, Is provided.

[0224] In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein: the capping member is located in a non-capping first position adjacent the at least one print head;

The capping mechanism further having purging means connected to the capping member and arranged to receive material that is purged from the nozzle environment of the at least one print head;

The second actuating mechanism is arranged to effect transitioning of the capping member from a non-capping first position to a second position in which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the print head.

In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the pagewidth print head assembly is positioned along each of the two offset pagewidth print heads and the print head and includes a plurality of pagewidth print head assemblies arranged to be delivered onto the print medium when ink is transported past the print head in use Having a nozzle;

A capping member coupled to each of the printheads and having a length corresponding substantially to that of the printhead, the capping member having a first position where each of the capping members is not capping, A capping member moveable between a first position and a second position in which the capping member is located; And

There is provided a printer having an actuating mechanism coupled to each capping member and arranged to effect each transition of the capping member from its first position to its second position.

[0303] In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein: the pagewidth print head assembly has a single pagewidth print head;

The capping member is located in a non-capping first position spaced from the print head;

Wherein the second actuating mechanism is arranged to effect an arcuate transition of the capping member from a non-capping first position to a second position in which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the print head.

[0303] In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein: the pagewidth print head assembly has a single pagewidth print head;

The capping member is located in a non-capping first position adjacent the print head;

The capping mechanism further having purging means connected to the capping member and arranged to receive material that is purged from the nozzle environment of the print head;

The second actuating mechanism is arranged to effect transitioning of the capping member in an arcuate direction from a non-capping first position to a second position in which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the print head .

In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the second actuating mechanism comprises an arcuate mold opposite to that in the first direction for effecting nozzle caphension of the at least one printhead when the at least one printhead is in the second position, There is provided a printer arranged to move at least one capping member in two directions.

In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the first actuating mechanism is arranged to move at least one print head in an arcuate second direction from a first position to a second position and to a third position;

Wherein the second actuating mechanism is configured to allow nozzle capping engagement of the at least one print head when the at least one print head is in the second position and to allow cleaning of the nozzles when the at least one print head is in the third position The printer is arranged to move at least one capping member in an arcuate second direction opposite to that of the first direction.

[0215] In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping mechanism has a rotatable turret having a longitudinal length corresponding substantially to that of the at least one print head,

A longitudinally extending capping member carried by the turret,

A purging chamber supported by the turret and connected in fluid passage communication with the suction device;

A first actuating mechanism arranged to selectively rotate the turret to position the capping member or purging chamber in alignment with the nozzles of the at least one print head,

There is provided a printer having a second actuating mechanism arranged to effect movement of the turret, thereby selectively positioning the aligned one of the capping member and the purging chamber in combination with the at least one print head.

[0215] In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping mechanism has a rotatable turret having a longitudinal length corresponding substantially to that of the at least one print head,

A longitudinally extending capping member carried by the turret, and

A printer having an actuating mechanism arranged to effect rotation of the turret to move the capping member from a non-capping first position to a second position in which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the at least one print head .

In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping mechanism comprises a carrier positioned adjacent the at least one print head and having a longitudinal length substantially corresponding to the length of the at least one print head,

A longitudinally extending capping member pivotally mounted to the carrier and having a longitudinal length corresponding substantially to that of the at least one print head,

 There is provided a printer having an actuating mechanism arranged to effect a pivoting of the capping member from a non-capping first position to a second position wherein the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the at least one print head.

[0160] In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein: the capping member is formed from a flexible sheet-like material and has a width corresponding substantially to the length of the at least one print head;

The second actuating mechanism is arranged to effect relative movement of the capping member and the at least one print head to a position in which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the at least one print head.

In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping member is formed from a flexible sheet-like material and has a width corresponding substantially to that of the at least one print head, the flexible sheet- There is provided a printer provided as a replaceable roll for pulling out a part of the material for positioning in a capping manner.

In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping member is formed from a flexible sheet-like material and has a width corresponding substantially to that of the at least one print head, the flexible sheet- And a portion of the material is withdrawn to position it in capping engagement;

Wherein the capping mechanism further comprises a take-up reel arranged to take up consumed capping material and then perform a capping operation.

[0254] In a further aspect there is provided a printer,

a) a lip portion integrally formed with the body portion; And

and b) a cavity surrounded by the lip portion, the lip portion being peripherally configured to surround the nozzle on the at least one print head, the body portion having a length substantially corresponding to the at least one print head .

In a third aspect,

(a) (i) two opposed pagewidth print heads and

    (ii) a pagewidth print head assembly having a plurality of nozzles located along each print head and arranged to deliver ink onto the print medium when the print medium is transported past the at least one print head in use, and

(b) a capping member positioned adjacent the print heads and having a length corresponding substantially to that of the print head,

    (ii) a first actuating mechanism arranged to effect relative movement of the print head from a first printing position to a second, spaced-apart position, and

    (iii) a capping mechanism having a second actuating mechanism arranged to interpose the capping member between the print heads to effect nozzle capping engagement of the two print heads when the print heads are in the second position

And a printer.

Optionally, the second actuating mechanism is configured to move the capping member in a transverse direction relative to the print head when the capping member moves from a position adjacent the print heads to a position in which the capping member is interposed between the print heads, Respectively.

[0322] Optionally the capping member has two opposed capping portions, each one of which is arranged to be coupled in nozzle capping engagement with a respective one of the print heads when in the second position.

[0402] Optionally the capping member comprises a body portion formed from a rigid material and having the capping portions positioned thereon, each capping portion having a) an integrally formed lip portion and b) a cavity surrounded by the lip portion, And the lip portion is peripherally configured to entirely surround the nozzle on each of the printheads.

[0402] Optionally the capping member is formed as an integral member.

Optionally, the print heads are disposed in confronting relationship when in the first position.

In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein: the first actuating mechanism is arranged to move the print head in an arcuate direction from a first position to a second position;

The second actuating mechanism is arranged to move the capping member in a direction perpendicular to the print head to effect nozzle capping engagement of the print head when the print head is in the second position.

In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein: the first actuating mechanism is arranged to move the print head in an arcuate direction from a first position to a second position;

The second actuating mechanism is arranged to move the capping member in a transverse direction relative to the print head to effect nozzle capping engagement of the print head when the print head is in the second position.

[0304] In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein: the capping member is located in a non-capping first position adjacent the print head;

The capping mechanism further having purging means associated with the capping member and arranged to receive material that is purged from the nozzle environment of the print head;

The printer is arranged to effect transitioning of the capping member from a first, non-capping position of the second actuating mechanism to a capping second position in which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the print head.

In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the first actuating mechanism is arranged to move the print head in a second arcuate direction from a first position to a second position and to a third position;

Wherein the second actuating mechanism is configured to move the capping member in an arcuate second direction opposite to that of the first direction to effect nozzle capping engagement of the print head when the print head is in the second position. Is provided.

In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the first actuating mechanism is arranged to move the print head in a second arcuate direction from a first position to a second position and to a third position;

Wherein the second actuating mechanism is configured to move the capping member in an arcuate second direction opposite to that of the first direction to effect nozzle capping engagement of the print head when the print head is in the second position. Is provided.

In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the first actuating mechanism is arranged to move the print head in a second arcuate direction from a first position to a second position and to a third position;

The second actuating mechanism may include a second actuating mechanism configured to engage the nozzle capping engagement of the print head when the print head is in the second position and to engage the second actuating mechanism when the print head is in the third position, A printer is provided that is arranged to move the capping member in an arc-shaped second direction.

[0216] In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping mechanism has a rotatable turret having a longitudinal length corresponding substantially to that of the print head,

A longitudinally extending capping member carried by the turret,

A purging chamber supported by the turret and connected in fluid passage communication with the suction device;

A first actuating mechanism arranged to selectively rotate the turret to position the capping member or purging chamber in alignment with the nozzles of the print head,

There is provided a printer having a second actuating mechanism arranged to effect movement of the turret, thereby selectively positioning the aligned one of the capping member and the purging chamber in combination with the print head.

[0216] In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping mechanism has a rotatable turret having a longitudinal length corresponding substantially to that of the print head,

A longitudinally extending capping member carried by the turret, and

A printer having an actuating mechanism arranged to effect rotation of the turret to move the capping member from a non-capping first position to a second position in which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the at least one print head .

In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping mechanism comprises a carrier positioned adjacent the print head and having a longitudinal length substantially corresponding to the length of the print head,

A longitudinally extending capping member pivotally mounted to the carrier and having a longitudinal length corresponding substantially to that of the print head,

 There is provided a printer having an actuating mechanism arranged to effect a pivoting of the capping member from a non-capping first position to a second position wherein the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the at least one print head.

[030] In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein: the capping member is formed from a flexible sheet-like material and has a width corresponding substantially to the length of the print head;

The second actuating mechanism is arranged to effect relative movement of the capping member and the print head to a position in which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the print head.

[0324] Optionally the capping member is formed from a flexible sheet-like material and has a width corresponding substantially to that of the print head, such that the flexible sheet-like material, such as a capping member in use, There is provided a printer provided as a replaceable roll for pulling out a part thereof.

[0224] In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping member is formed from a flexible sheet of material and has a width corresponding substantially to the length of the print head, such that the flexible sheet-like material is positioned in nozzle capping engagement with the print head, Provided as a replaceable roll for withdrawing a portion of the material;

Wherein the capping mechanism further comprises a take-up reel arranged to take up consumed capping material and then perform a capping operation.

[0254] In a further aspect there is provided a printer,

a) a lip portion integrally formed with the body portion; And

b) a cavity surrounded by the lip portion, the lip portion being peripherally configured to surround the nozzle on the print head, the body portion having a length substantially corresponding to the print head.

In a fourth aspect,

(a) (i) a single pagewidth printhead and

    (ii) a pagewidth print head assembly located along the print head and having a plurality of nozzles arranged to deliver ink onto the print medium when in use, the print media being transported past the at least one print head, and

(b) a capping member having a length substantially corresponding to the length of the print head and spaced from the print head, the capping member located at a non-capping first position opposite the print head,

    (ii) a motor driver arranged for camming engagement with the capping member to effect a linear transition from the first position to a second position at which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the print head have.

[0324] Optionally the actuating mechanism is arranged to effect transitioning of the capping member in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction of the print medium past the print head.

Optionally the capping member is located under the print head when in the first position and the capping member is raised from a first position to a second position to effect nozzle capping engagement of the print head.

[0402] Optionally the capping member comprises a body portion formed of a rigid material and a capping portion having a) an integrally formed elastomeric material portion and b) a cavity surrounded by the lip portion, wherein the lip portion surrounds the print head nozzle Respectively.

[0402] Optionally the capping member is formed as an integral member.

[0402] Optionally the capping mechanism comprises: a first actuating mechanism arranged to move the print head in an arcuate direction from a first to a second position; And

And a second actuating mechanism arranged to move the capping member in a direction perpendicular to the print head to effect nozzle capping engagement of the print head when the print head is in the second position.

[0402] Optionally the capping mechanism comprises: a first actuating mechanism arranged to move the print head in an arcuate direction from a first to a second position; And

And a second actuating mechanism arranged to move the capping member transverse to the print head to effect nozzle capping engagement of the print head when the print head is in the second position.

[0403] Optionally the capping mechanism further comprises purging means associated with the capping member and arranged to receive material that is purged from the nozzle environment of the print head.

[0301] Optionally the capping mechanism comprises a rotatable turret having a longitudinal length corresponding substantially to that of the print head,

A longitudinally extending capping member carried by the turret,

A purging chamber supported by the turret and connected in fluid passage communication with the suction device;

A first actuating mechanism arranged to selectively rotate the turret to position the capping member or purging chamber in alignment with the nozzles of the print head,

And a second actuating mechanism arranged to effect movement of the turret, thereby selectively aligning one of the capping member and the purging chamber in engagement with the print head.

[0301] Optionally the capping mechanism comprises a rotatable turret having a longitudinal length corresponding substantially to that of the print head,

A longitudinally extending capping member carried by the turret, and

And an actuating mechanism arranged to effect rotation of the turret to move the capping member from a non-capping first position to a second position in which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the print head.

[030] In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein: the capping member is formed from a flexible sheet-like material and has a width corresponding substantially to the length of the print head;

The second actuating mechanism is arranged to effect relative movement of the capping member and the print head to a position in which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the print head.

[0224] In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping member is formed from a flexible sheet of material and has a width corresponding substantially to the length of the print head, such that the flexible sheet-like material is positioned in nozzle capping engagement with the print head, There is provided a printer provided as a replaceable roll for taking out a part of the material.

[0224] In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping member is formed from a flexible sheet of material and has a width corresponding substantially to the length of the print head, such that the flexible sheet-like material is positioned in nozzle capping engagement with the print head, Provided as a replaceable roll for withdrawing a portion of the material;

Wherein the capping mechanism further comprises a take-up reel arranged to take up consumed capping material and then perform a capping operation.

[0254] In a further aspect there is provided a printer,

a) a lip portion integrally formed with the body portion; And

b) a cavity surrounded by the lip portion, the lip portion being peripherally configured to surround the nozzle on the print head, the body portion having a length substantially corresponding to the print head.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention,

(a) (i) at least one pagewidth print head and

    (ii) a plurality of nozzles located along the at least one print head and arranged to direct ink onto the print medium when in use, the print media being transported past the at least one print head, , And

(b) a capping member (i) positioned at a non-capping first position adjacent the at least one print head, the capping member being associated with the at least one print head and having a length corresponding substantially to that of the at least one print head,

    (ii) purging means associated with the capping member and arranged to receive material that is purged from the nozzle environment of the at least one print head, and

    (iii) an actuating mechanism arranged to effect transitioning from the first position to the capping member to a second position at which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the print head.

In yet another aspect,

(a) (i) a single pagewidth printhead and

    (ii) a pagewidth print head assembly located along the print head and having a plurality of nozzles arranged to deliver ink onto the print medium when in use, the print media being transported past the at least one print head, and

(b) a capping member coupled to the print head and having a length substantially corresponding to the length of the print head and located at a non-capping first position adjacent the print head,

    (ii) purging means associated with the capping member and arranged to receive material that is purged from the nozzle environment of the print head, and

    (iii) an actuating mechanism arranged to effect transitioning from the first position to the capping member to a second position at which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the print head.

[0214] Optionally the capping member is located in a spaced-apart relationship with the print head when in the first position.

[0321] Optionally the actuating mechanism is arranged to effect a linear transition of the capping member from the first position to the second position.

[0324] Optionally the purging means is arranged to suck purged material from the nozzle environment of the print head.

[0322] Optionally the capping member is formed from a) an elastomeric material lip portion and b) a cavity surrounded by the lip portion, the lip portion circumferentially configured to surround the print head nozzles.

[0402] Optionally the capping member is formed as an integral member.

Optionally, the chamber is located in the capping member and is connected in fluid passage communication with the cavity, the chamber being arranged to be connected to a suction device to suck material from the nozzle environment of the print head.

Optionally, the actuating mechanism is arranged to effect transitioning of the capping member in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction of the print medium past the print head.

[0321] Optionally when in the first position, the capping member is located under the print head and the capping member is raised from a first position to a second position to effect nozzle capping engagement of the print head.

In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping / purging mechanism has a first actuating mechanism arranged to move the at least one print head in an arcuate direction from a first position to a second position; And

A second actuating mechanism arranged to move the capping member in a direction perpendicular to the at least one print head to effect nozzle capping engagement of the at least one print head when the at least one print head is in the second position Is provided.

In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping / purging mechanism has a first actuating mechanism arranged to move the at least one print head in an arcuate direction from a first position to a second position; And

Further comprising a second actuating mechanism arranged to move the capping member transversely with respect to the at least one print head to effect nozzle capping engagement of the at least one print head when the at least one print head is in the second position Is provided.

In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the pagewidth print head assembly is positioned along two opposed pagewidth print heads and each print head and when in use the print medium is transported past the at least one print head, The nozzle having a plurality of nozzles arranged to deliver the ink to the nozzles;

The capping member located adjacent the print head and having a length corresponding substantially to the length of the print head;

A first actuating mechanism arranged to effect relative movement of the print head from a printing first position to a spaced second position; And

A printer is provided that includes a second actuating mechanism arranged to interpose the capping member between the print heads to effect nozzle capping engagement of the two print heads when the print heads are in the second position.

[0303] In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein: the pagewidth print head assembly has a single pagewidth print head;

Wherein the capping mechanism is provided with a motor driver arranged for camming engagement with the capping member to effect a linear transition from a non-capping first position to a second position in which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the print head have.

In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the pagewidth print head assembly is positioned along the two offset pagewidth print heads and the respective print heads, and when in use the ink is transferred onto the print media as it is transported past the at least one print head The nozzle having a plurality of nozzles arranged to deliver the ink;

Wherein the capping / purging mechanism comprises: a capping member associated with each printhead, the capping member having a length substantially corresponding to the length of the printhead, A capping member moveable between a second position in which the capping member is located; And

There is provided a printer having an actuating mechanism associated with each capping member and arranged to effect each transition of the capping member from its first position to its second position.

[0303] In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein: the pagewidth print head assembly has a single pagewidth print head;

The capping member is located in a non-capping first position spaced from the print head;

Wherein the actuating mechanism is arranged to effect an arcuate transition of the capping member from a non-capping first position to a second position at which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the print head.

[0303] In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein: the pagewidth print head assembly has a single pagewidth print head;

Wherein the actuating mechanism is arranged to effect transitioning of the capping member in an arcuate direction from a non-capping first position to a second position in which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the print head.

In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping / purging mechanism has a first actuating mechanism arranged to move the at least one print head in an arcuate direction from a first position to a second position; And

A second actuating arrangement arranged to move the capping member in an arcuate second direction opposite to that of the first direction to effect nozzle capping engagement of the at least one print head when the at least one print head is in the second position There is provided a printer having an apparatus.

In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping / purging mechanism comprises: a first actuating mechanism arranged to move the at least one print head in an arcuate direction from a first position to a second position and a third position; And

Wherein the at least one printhead is in a second position and the nozzle capping engagement of the at least one printhead when the at least one printhead is in the second position, And a second actuating mechanism arranged to move the capping member in the arc-shaped second direction.

In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping / purging mechanism comprises a rotatable turret having a longitudinal length corresponding substantially to that of the at least one print head,

A longitudinally extending capping member carried by the turret,

A purging chamber supported by the turret and connected in fluid passage communication with the suction device;

A first actuating mechanism arranged to selectively rotate the turret to position the capping member or purging chamber in alignment with the nozzles of the at least one print head,

There is provided a printer having a second actuating mechanism arranged to effect movement of the turret, thereby selectively positioning the aligned one of the capping member and the purging chamber in combination with the at least one print head.

In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping / purging mechanism comprises a rotatable turret having a longitudinal length corresponding substantially to that of the at least one print head,

A longitudinally extending capping member carried by the turret, and

A printer having an actuating mechanism arranged to effect rotation of the turret to move the capping member from a non-capping first position to a second position in which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the at least one print head .

In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping / purging mechanism comprises a carrier positioned adjacent the at least one print head and having a longitudinal length substantially corresponding to the length of the at least one print head,

A longitudinally extending capping member pivotally mounted to the carrier and having a longitudinal length corresponding substantially to that of the at least one print head,

 There is provided a printer having an actuating mechanism arranged to effect a pivoting of the capping member from a non-capping first position to a second position wherein the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the at least one print head.

[0160] In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein: the capping member is formed from a flexible sheet-like material and has a width corresponding substantially to the length of the at least one print head;

The second actuating mechanism is arranged to effect relative movement of the capping member and the at least one print head to a position in which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the at least one print head.

In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping member is formed from a flexible sheet-like material and has a width corresponding substantially to that of the at least one print head, the flexible sheet- There is provided a printer provided as a replaceable roll for pulling out a part of the material for positioning in a capping manner.

In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping member is formed from a flexible sheet-like material and has a width corresponding substantially to that of the at least one print head, the flexible sheet- And a portion of the material is withdrawn to position it in capping engagement;

Wherein the capping / purging mechanism further comprises a take-up reel arranged to take up consumed capping material and then perform a capping operation.

[0254] In a further aspect there is provided a printer,

a) a lip portion integrally formed with the body portion; And

and b) a cavity surrounded by the lip portion, the lip portion being peripherally configured to surround the nozzle on the at least one print head, the body portion having a length substantially corresponding to the at least one print head .

In a sixth aspect,

(a) (i) two opposed pagewidth print heads and

    (ii) a pagewidth print head assembly having a plurality of nozzles located along each print head and arranged to deliver ink onto the print medium when the print medium is transported past the at least one print head in use, and

(b) a capping member (i) associated with each printhead, the capping member having a length substantially corresponding to the length of the printhead, A capping member moveable between a first position and a second position,

    (ii) an actuating mechanism coupled to each capping member and arranged to effect transitioning of each capping member from its first position to its second position,

And a printer.

[0324] Optionally the print heads are oriented in mutually opposite relationship and are arranged to transmit ink onto the opposite side of the print medium when the print medium is transported past the at least one print head.

[0322] Optionally the capping members, when in the first position, are located in a vertical spatial relationship with respect to each print head and positioned one by one on each side of the print media transfer surface through the printer.

[0222] Optionally, each actuating mechanism is arranged to effect a transition of the associated capping member in a direction perpendicular to the direction of transport of the print media past each print head.

[0158] Optionally, each of the capping members comprises a) a lip portion of an elastomeric material and b) a cavity surrounded by the lip portion, the lip portion being configured to surround the print head nozzle.

Optionally, each of the capping members is actually formed as a one-piece member.

In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping mechanism has: a first actuating mechanism arranged to move the print head in an arcuate direction from a first position to a second position; And

There is provided a printer further having a second actuating mechanism arranged to move the capping member in a direction perpendicular to the print head to effect nozzle capping engagement of the print head when the print head is in the second position.

In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping mechanism has: a first actuating mechanism arranged to move the print head in an arcuate direction from a first position to a second position; And

There is provided a printer further having a second actuating mechanism arranged to move the capping member transverse to the print head to effect nozzle capping engagement of the print head when the print head is in the second position.

In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping mechanism is further coupled to the capping member and further arranged with a purging means arranged to receive material that is purged from the nozzle environment of the print head.

In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping mechanism has: a first actuating mechanism arranged to move the print head in an arcuate direction from a first position to a second position; And

Further comprising a second actuating mechanism arranged to move the capping member in an arcuate second direction opposite to that of the first direction to effect nozzle capping engagement of the print head when the print head is in the second position Is provided.

In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping mechanism further comprises: a first actuating mechanism arranged to move the print head in an arcuate direction from a first position to a second position and a third position; And

Moving the capping member in an arcuate second direction opposite to that of the first direction to effect nozzle capping engagement of the print head when the print head is in the second position and to allow cleaning of the nozzle when the print head is in the third position The second actuating mechanism being arranged to direct the second actuating mechanism to move the second actuating mechanism.

[0216] In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping mechanism has a rotatable turret having a longitudinal length corresponding substantially to that of the print head,

A longitudinally extending capping member carried by the turret,

A purging chamber supported by the turret and connected in fluid passage communication with the suction device;

A first actuating mechanism arranged to selectively rotate the turret to position the capping member or purging chamber in alignment with the nozzles of the print head,

There is provided a printer having a second actuating mechanism arranged to effect movement of the turret, thereby selectively positioning the aligned one of the capping member and the purging chamber in combination with the print head.

[0216] In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping mechanism has a rotatable turret having a longitudinal length corresponding substantially to that of the print head,

A longitudinally extending capping member carried by the turret, and

A printer having an actuating mechanism arranged to effect rotation of the turret to move the capping member from a non-capping first position to a second position in which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the at least one print head .

In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping mechanism comprises a carrier positioned adjacent the print head and having a longitudinal length substantially corresponding to the length of the print head,

A longitudinally extending capping member pivotally mounted to the carrier and having a longitudinal length corresponding substantially to that of the print head,

 There is provided a printer having an actuating mechanism arranged to effect a pivoting of the capping member from a non-capping first position to a second position wherein the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the at least one print head.

[030] In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein: the capping member is formed from a flexible sheet-like material and has a width corresponding substantially to the length of the print head;

The second actuating mechanism is arranged to effect relative movement of the capping member and the print head to a position in which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the print head.

[0224] In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping member is formed from a flexible sheet of material and has a width corresponding substantially to the length of the print head, such that the flexible sheet-like material is positioned in nozzle capping engagement with the print head, There is provided a printer provided as a replaceable roll for taking out a part of the material.

[0224] In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping member is formed from a flexible sheet of material and has a width corresponding substantially to the length of the print head, such that the flexible sheet-like material is positioned in nozzle capping engagement with the print head, Provided as a replaceable roll for withdrawing a portion of the material;

Wherein the capping mechanism further comprises a take-up reel arranged to take up consumed capping material and then perform a capping operation.

[0254] In a further aspect there is provided a printer,

a) a lip portion integrally formed with the body portion; And

b) a cavity surrounded by the lip portion, the lip portion being peripherally configured to surround the nozzle on the print head, the body portion having a length substantially corresponding to the print head.

In a seventh aspect,

(a) (i) a single pagewidth printhead and

    (ii) a pagewidth print head assembly positioned along the print head and having a plurality of nozzles arranged to deliver ink onto the print medium when the print medium is transported past the print head in use, and

(b) a capping member having: (i) a capping member having a length substantially corresponding to the length of the print head and located in a non-capping first position spaced from the print head, and

    (ii) an actuating mechanism arranged to effect transition of the capping member from the first position to a second position in which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the print head,

And a printer.

[0324] Optionally the actuating mechanism is arranged to effect transitioning of the capping member in a direction generally perpendicular to the transport direction of the print media past the print head.

Optionally the capping member is located under the print head when in the first position and the capping member is raised in an arcuate direction from a first position to a second position to effect nozzle capping engagement of the print head.

[0322] Optionally the capping member comprises a) a lip portion of an elastomeric material and b) a cavity surrounded by the lip portion, the lip portion configured to surround the print head nozzle.

[0402] Optionally the capping member is formed as an integral member.

[0402] Optionally the capping mechanism comprises: a first actuating mechanism arranged to move the print head in an arcuate direction from a first to a second position; And

And a second actuating mechanism arranged to move the capping member in a direction perpendicular to the print head to effect nozzle capping engagement of the print head when the print head is in the second position.

In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping mechanism has: a first actuating mechanism arranged to move the print head in an arcuate direction from a first position to a second position; And

There is provided a printer further having a second actuating mechanism arranged to move the capping member transverse to the print head to effect nozzle capping engagement of the print head when the print head is in the second position.

[0304] In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein: the capping member is located in a non-capping first position adjacent the print head;

Wherein the capping mechanism is associated with the capping member and has a purging means arranged to receive material that is purged from the nozzle environment of the print head.

[0304] In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein: the capping member is located in a non-capping first position adjacent the print head;

The capping mechanism further having purging means connected to the pumping member and arranged to receive material that is purged from the nozzle environment of the print head;

Wherein the actuating mechanism is arranged to effect transitioning of the capping member in an arcuate direction from a non-capping position to a second position in which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the print head.

In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping mechanism has: a first actuating mechanism arranged to move the print head in an arcuate direction from a first position to a second position; And

Further comprising a second actuating mechanism arranged to move the capping member in an arcuate second direction opposite to that of the first direction to effect nozzle capping engagement of the print head when the print head is in the second position Is provided.

In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping mechanism further comprises: a first actuating mechanism arranged to move the print head in an arcuate direction from a first position to a second position and a third position; And

Moving the capping member in an arcuate second direction opposite to that of the first direction to effect nozzle capping engagement of the print head when the print head is in the second position and to allow cleaning of the nozzle when the print head is in the third position The second actuating mechanism being arranged to direct the second actuating mechanism to move the second actuating mechanism.

[0216] In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping mechanism has a rotatable turret having a longitudinal length corresponding substantially to that of the print head,

A longitudinally extending capping member carried by the turret,

A purging chamber supported by the turret and connected in fluid passage communication with the suction device;

A first actuating mechanism arranged to selectively rotate the turret to position the capping member or purging chamber in alignment with the nozzles of the print head,

There is provided a printer having a second actuating mechanism arranged to effect movement of the turret, thereby selectively positioning the aligned one of the capping member and the purging chamber in combination with the print head.

[0216] In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping mechanism has a rotatable turret having a longitudinal length corresponding substantially to that of the print head,

A longitudinally extending capping member carried by the turret, and

A printer having an actuating mechanism arranged to effect rotation of the turret to move the capping member from the non-capping first position to a second position in which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the at least one print head, .

In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping mechanism comprises a carrier positioned adjacent the print head and having a longitudinal length substantially corresponding to the length of the print head,

A longitudinally extending capping member pivotally mounted to the carrier and having a longitudinal length corresponding substantially to that of the print head,

There is provided a printer having an actuating mechanism arranged to effect a pivoting of the capping member from a non-capping first position to a second position wherein the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the at least one print head.

[030] In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein: the capping member is formed from a flexible sheet-like material and has a width corresponding substantially to the length of the print head;

The second actuating mechanism is arranged to effect relative movement of the capping member and the print head to a position in which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the print head.

[0224] In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping member is formed from a flexible sheet of material and has a width corresponding substantially to the length of the print head, such that the flexible sheet-like material is positioned in nozzle capping engagement with the print head, There is provided a printer provided as a replaceable roll for taking out a part of the material.

[0224] In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping member is formed from a flexible sheet of material and has a width corresponding substantially to the length of the print head, such that the flexible sheet-like material is positioned in nozzle capping engagement with the print head, Provided as a replaceable roll for withdrawing a portion of the material;

Wherein the capping mechanism further comprises a take-up reel arranged to take up consumed capping material and then perform a capping operation.

[0254] In a further aspect there is provided a printer,

a) a lip portion integrally formed with the body portion; And

b) a cavity surrounded by the lip portion, the lip portion being peripherally configured to surround the nozzle on the print head, the body portion having a length substantially corresponding to the print head.

In an eighth aspect of the present invention,

(a) (i) a single pagewidth printhead and

    (ii) a pagewidth print head assembly positioned along the print head and having a plurality of nozzles arranged to deliver ink onto the print medium when the print medium is transported past the print head in use, and

(b) a capping member associated with the print head, the capping member having a length substantially corresponding to the length of the print head and located in a non-capping first position adjacent the print head,

    (ii) purging means associated with the capping member and arranged to receive material that is purged from the nozzle environment of the print head, and

    (iii) a capping / purging mechanism having an actuating mechanism arranged to effect transition of the capping member from the first position to a second position in which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the print head

And a printer.

[0354] Optionally the capping member is located in a substantially opposed relationship with respect to the print head when in the first position.

[0324] Optionally the purging means comprises a suction device arranged to suck purged material from the nozzle environment of the printhead.

[0322] Optionally the capping member comprises a) a lip portion of an elastomeric material and b) a cavity surrounded by the lip portion, the lip portion configured to surround the print head nozzle.

[0402] Optionally the capping member is formed as an integral member.

[0324] Optionally a capping member is disposed within the capping member and the chamber is in fluid communication with the cavity, the chamber being arranged to be connected to an inhalation device, thereby sucking the substance from the nozzle environment of the printhead can do.

[0324] Optionally the actuating mechanism is arranged to effect transitioning of the capping member in a direction generally perpendicular to the transport direction of the print media past the print head.

In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping member is located under the print head when in the first position and the capping member is moved in an arcuate direction from a first position to a second position to effect nozzle capping engagement of the print head A printer that is raised is provided.

In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping / purging mechanism has a first actuating mechanism arranged to move the print head in an arcuate direction from a first position to a second position; And

There is provided a printer further having a second actuating mechanism arranged to move the capping member in a direction perpendicular to the print head to effect nozzle capping engagement of the print head when the print head is in the second position.

In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping / purging mechanism has a first actuating mechanism arranged to move the print head in an arcuate direction from a first position to a second position; And

There is provided a printer further having a second actuating mechanism arranged to move the capping member transverse to the print head to effect nozzle capping engagement of the print head when the print head is in the second position.

In a further aspect there is provided a printer in which the capping member is located in a non-capping first position spaced from the print head.

In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping / purging mechanism comprises: a first actuating mechanism arranged to move the print head in an arcuate second direction from a first position to a second position; And

Further comprising a second actuating mechanism arranged to move the capping member in an arcuate second direction opposite the first direction of the nozzle to effect nozzle capping engagement of the print head when the print head is in the second position Is provided.

In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping / purging mechanism has a first actuating mechanism arranged to move the print head in an arcuate direction from a first position to a second position and a third position; And

Moving the capping member in an arcuate second direction opposite to that of the first direction to effect nozzle capping engagement of the print head when the print head is in the second position and to allow cleaning of the nozzle when the print head is in the third position The second actuating mechanism being arranged to direct the second actuating mechanism to move the second actuating mechanism.

In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping / purging mechanism comprises a rotatable turret having a longitudinal length substantially corresponding to the length of the printhead,

A longitudinally extending capping member carried by the turret,

A purging chamber supported by the turret and connected in fluid passage communication with the suction device;

A first actuating mechanism arranged to selectively rotate the turret to position the capping member or purging chamber in alignment with the nozzles of the print head,

There is provided a printer having a second actuating mechanism arranged to effect movement of the turret, thereby selectively positioning the aligned one of the capping member and the purging chamber in combination with the print head.

In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping / purging mechanism comprises a rotatable turret having a longitudinal length substantially corresponding to the length of the printhead,

A longitudinally extending capping member carried by the turret, and

A printer having an actuating mechanism arranged to effect rotation of the turret to move the capping member from the non-capping first position to a second position in which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the at least one print head, .

In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping / purging mechanism comprises a carrier positioned adjacent the print head and having a longitudinal length substantially corresponding to the length of the print head,

A longitudinally extending capping member pivotally mounted to the carrier and having a longitudinal length corresponding substantially to that of the print head,

There is provided a printer having an actuating mechanism arranged to effect a pivoting of the capping member from a non-capping first position to a second position wherein the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the at least one print head.

[030] In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein: the capping member is formed from a flexible sheet-like material and has a width corresponding substantially to the length of the print head;

The second actuating mechanism is arranged to effect relative movement of the capping member and the print head to a position in which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the print head.

[0224] In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping member is formed from a flexible sheet of material and has a width corresponding substantially to the length of the print head, such that the flexible sheet-like material is positioned in nozzle capping engagement with the print head, There is provided a printer provided as a replaceable roll for taking out a part of the material.

[0224] In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping member is formed from a flexible sheet of material and has a width corresponding substantially to the length of the print head, such that the flexible sheet-like material is positioned in nozzle capping engagement with the print head, Provided as a replaceable roll for withdrawing a portion of the material;

Wherein the capping / purging mechanism further comprises a take-up reel arranged to take up consumed capping material and then perform a capping operation.

[0254] In a further aspect there is provided a printer,

a) a lip portion integrally formed with the body portion; And

b) a cavity surrounded by the lip portion, the lip portion being peripherally configured to surround the nozzle on the print head, the body portion having a length substantially corresponding to the print head.

In a ninth aspect of the present invention,

(a) (i) at least one pagewidth print head and

    (ii) a plurality of nozzles located along the at least one print head and arranged to direct ink onto the print medium when in use, the print media being transported past the at least one print head, , And

(b) at least one capping member having (i) a length corresponding substantially to that of the at least one print head,

    (ii) a first actuating mechanism arranged to move the at least one print head in an arcuate second direction from a first position to a second position, and

    (iii) move at least one capping member in an arcuate second direction opposite to that of the first direction to effect nozzle capping engagement of the at least one print head when the at least one print head is in the second position A capping mechanism having an aligned second actuating mechanism

And a printer.

[0452] Optionally the at least one capping member is formed as an integral member.

[0402] Optionally the at least one capping member comprises conjoined capping member portions having an aggregate length corresponding substantially to that of the at least one print head.

[0402] Optionally the at least one capping member comprises a body portion formed of a rigid material, and a capping portion having a) an integrally formed elastomeric material lip portion and b) a cavity surrounded by the lip portion, .

Optionally, the print heads are disposed in confronting relationship when in the first position.

In yet another aspect,

(a) (i) two opposed pagewidth print heads and

    (ii) a pagewidth print head assembly positioned along the print head and having a plurality of nozzles arranged to deliver ink onto the print medium when the print medium is transported past the print head in use, and

(b) (i) two capping members positioned adjacent each one of the print heads and having a length corresponding substantially to the length of the print head,

    (ii) a first actuating mechanism arranged to move each print head in an arcuate second direction from a first position to a second position, and

    (iii) a second, arranged to move the capping member in an arcuate second direction opposite to that of the first direction to effect nozzle capping engagement of each of the print heads when the respective print head is in the second position, A capping mechanism having an actuating mechanism

And a printer.

[0214] Optionally each of the capping members is formed as a one-piece member.

[0403] Optionally each of the capping members comprises conjoined capping member portions having an overall length corresponding substantially to the length of each of the print heads.

[0402] Optionally the at least one capping member comprises a body portion formed of a rigid material, and a capping portion having a) an integrally formed elastomeric material lip portion and b) a cavity surrounded by the lip portion, .

Optionally, the print heads are disposed in confronting relationship when in the first position.

Optionally, the second actuating mechanism includes at least one capping in a direction perpendicular to the at least one print head to effect nozzle capping engagement of the at least one print head when the at least one print head is in the second position, So as to move the member.

Optionally, the second actuating mechanism may include at least one capping in the transverse direction relative to the at least one print head to effect nozzle capping engagement of the at least one print head when the at least one print head is in the second position So as to move the member.

In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the pagewidth print head assembly is positioned along two opposed pagewidth print heads and each print head and when in use the print medium is transported past the at least one print head, And a plurality of nozzles arranged to deliver ink to the nozzles;

The capping member being located adjacent the print head and having a length corresponding substantially to the length of the print head;

The first actuating mechanism being arranged to effect relative movement of the print head from a first position to a printing second position;

The second actuating mechanism is arranged to interpose the capping member between the print heads to effect nozzle capping engagement of the two print heads when the print head is in the second position.

[0224] In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein: the capping member is located in a non-capping first position adjacent the at least one print head;

The capping mechanism further having purging means associated with the capping member and arranged to receive material that is purged from the nozzle environment of the at least one print head;

Wherein the second actuating mechanism is arranged to effect transitioning of the capping member from a non-capping first position to a second position in which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the print head.

In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the pagewidth print head assembly is positioned along the two offset pagewidth print heads and the respective print heads, and when in use the ink is transferred onto the print media as it is transported past the at least one print head The nozzle having a plurality of nozzles arranged to deliver the ink;

Wherein the capping mechanism comprises:

A capping member coupled to each of the print heads and having a length corresponding substantially to the length of the print head and movable between a non-capping first position and a second position in which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the associated print head absence; And

There is provided a printer having an actuating mechanism associated with each capping member and arranged to effect each transition of the capping member from its first position to its second position.

[0303] In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein: the pagewidth print head assembly has a single pagewidth print head;

The capping member is located in a non-capping first position spaced from the print head;

Wherein the second actuating mechanism is arranged to effect an arcuate transition of the capping member from a non-capping first position to a second position wherein the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the print head.

[0303] In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein: the pagewidth print head assembly has a single pagewidth print head;

The capping mechanism further having purging means associated with the capping member and arranged to receive material that is purged from the nozzle environment of the print head;

Wherein the second actuating mechanism is arranged to effect transitioning of the capping member in an arcuate direction from a non-capping first position to a second position in which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the print head.

In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein: the first actuating mechanism is arranged to move the at least one print head in an arcuate direction from a first position to a second position and a third position;

And a second actuating mechanism is arranged to allow cleaning of the nozzles when the at least one printhead is in the third position.

[0215] In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping mechanism has a rotatable turret having a longitudinal length corresponding substantially to that of the at least one print head,

A longitudinally extending capping member carried by the turret,

A purging chamber supported by the turret and connected in fluid passage communication with the suction device;

A first actuating mechanism arranged to selectively rotate the turret to position the capping member or purging chamber in alignment with the nozzles of the print head,

There is provided a printer having a second actuating mechanism arranged to effect movement of the turret, thereby selectively positioning the aligned one of the capping member and the purging chamber in combination with the print head.

[0215] In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping mechanism has a rotatable turret having a longitudinal length corresponding substantially to that of the at least one print head,

A longitudinally extending capping member carried by the turret, and

A printer having an actuating mechanism arranged to effect rotation of the turret to move the capping member from a non-capping first position to a second position in which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the at least one print head .

In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping mechanism comprises a carrier positioned adjacent the at least one print head and having a longitudinal length substantially corresponding to the length of the at least one print head,

A longitudinally extending capping member pivotally mounted to the carrier and having a longitudinal length corresponding substantially to that of the at least one print head,

There is provided a printer having an actuating mechanism arranged to effect a pivoting of the capping member from a non-capping first position to a second position wherein the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the at least one print head.

[0160] In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein: the capping member is formed from a flexible sheet-like material and has a width corresponding substantially to the length of the at least one print head;

The second actuating mechanism is arranged to effect relative movement of the capping member and the print head to a position in which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the at least one print head.

[0213] In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping member is formed from a flexible sheet-like material and has a width corresponding substantially to the length of the at least one print head, wherein the flexible sheet- There is provided a printer provided as a replaceable roll for pulling out a part of the material for positioning in a capping manner.

[0213] In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping member is formed from a flexible sheet-like material and has a width corresponding substantially to the length of the at least one print head, wherein the flexible sheet- And a portion of the material is withdrawn to position it in capping engagement;

Wherein the capping mechanism further comprises a take-up reel arranged to take up consumed capping material and then perform a capping operation.

[0254] In a further aspect there is provided a printer,

a) a lip portion integrally formed with the body portion; And

b) a cavity surrounded by the lip portion, the lip portion being peripherally configured to surround the nozzle on the print head, the body portion having a length substantially corresponding to the print head.

In a tenth aspect of the present invention,

(a) (i) at least one pagewidth print head and

    (ii) a plurality of nozzles located along the at least one print head and arranged to direct ink onto the print medium when in use, the print media being transported past the at least one print head, , And

(b) at least one capping / purging member having (i) a length substantially corresponding to a length of the at least one print head,

    (ii) a first actuating mechanism arranged to move the at least one print head in an arcuate second direction from a first position to a second position and a third position, and

    (iii) move at least one capping / purging member in an arcuate second direction opposite to that of the first direction to effect nozzle capping engagement of the at least one print head when the at least one print head is in the second position A capping mechanism having a second actuating mechanism arranged to urge the capping mechanism

And a printer.

Optionally, the at least one capping / purging member is actually formed as a one-piece member.

[0352] Optionally the at least one capping / purging member comprises conjoined capping member portions having an overall length corresponding substantially to that of the at least one print head.

[0402] Optionally the at least one capping / purging member comprises a body portion, a lip portion formed of an elastomeric material, a capping cavity surrounded by a lip portion, a purging chamber surrounded by a lip portion, As shown in FIG.

[0252] Optionally the capping cavity and the purging chamber form integral portions of the capping / purging chamber.

[0324] Optionally the purging chamber in the at least one capping / purging chamber is connected to a suction device.

[0322] Optionally the purging chamber is connected to the inhalation device by an extractor tube.

Optionally, the print heads are disposed in confronting relationship when in the first position.

In yet another aspect,

(a) (i) two opposed pagewidth print heads and

    (ii) a pagewidth print head assembly positioned along each print head and having a plurality of nozzles arranged to deliver ink onto the print medium when the print medium is transported past the print head in use, and

(b) (i) two capping members positioned adjacent each one of the print heads and having a length corresponding substantially to the length of the print head,

    (ii) a first actuating mechanism arranged to move each print head in an arcuate second direction from a first position to a second position, and

    (iii) an arcuate shape opposite to that in the first direction to effect nozzle capping engagement of each print head when each of the print heads is in the second position and to allow cleaning of the nozzles when the print heads are in the third position A capping / purging mechanism having a second actuating mechanism arranged to move the capping member in two directions

And a printer.

Optionally, each of the capping / purging members is actually formed as a one-piece member.

[0403] Optionally each of the capping / purging members comprises conjoined capping member portions having an overall length corresponding substantially to the length of each print head.

[0322] Optionally the capping / purging member has a body portion, a lip portion formed of an elastomeric material, a capping cavity surrounded by a lip portion, and a purging chamber surrounded by the lip portion, the lip portion configured to surround the print head nozzle.

[0252] Optionally the capping cavity and the purging chamber form integral portions of the capping / purging chamber.

[0322] Optionally the purging chamber in the capping / purging chamber is connected to a suction device.

[0322] Optionally the purging chamber is connected to the inhalation device by an extractor tube.

Optionally, the print heads are disposed in confronting relationship when in the first position.

Optionally, the second actuating mechanism includes at least one capping in a direction perpendicular to the at least one print head to effect nozzle capping engagement of the at least one print head when the at least one print head is in the second position, So as to move the member.

Optionally, the second actuating mechanism may include at least one capping in the transverse direction relative to the at least one print head to effect nozzle capping engagement of the at least one print head when the at least one print head is in the second position So as to move the member.

In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the pagewidth print head assembly is positioned along two opposed pagewidth print heads and each print head and in use transfers ink onto the print media as it is transported past the print head A plurality of nozzles arranged so as to be spaced apart from each other;

Wherein the capping / purging member is located adjacent the print head and has a length corresponding substantially to the length of the print head;

The first actuating mechanism being arranged to effect relative movement of the print head from a first position to a printing second position;

The second actuating mechanism is arranged to interpose a capping / purging member between the print heads to effect nozzle capping engagement of the two print heads when the print head is in the second position .

[0224] In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein: the capping / purging member is located in a non-capping first position adjacent the at least one print head;

The capping / purging mechanism further having purging means connected to the capping / purging member and arranged to receive material that is purged from the nozzle environment of the print head;

Wherein the second actuating mechanism is arranged to effect transitioning of the capping / purging member from the non-capping first position to a second position where the capping / purging member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the print head have.

In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the pagewidth print head assembly is positioned along the two offset pagewidth print heads and the respective print heads and is configured to transfer ink onto the print media as it is transported past the print head in use A plurality of nozzles arranged;

Wherein the capping mechanism comprises:

A capping member coupled to each print head and having a length corresponding substantially to the length of the print head, the capping member having a first position where each is not capping and a second position where the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the associated print head. A capping member movable between positions; And

There is provided a printer having an actuating mechanism associated with each capping member and arranged to effect each transition of the capping member from its first position to its second position.

[0303] In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein: the pagewidth print head assembly has a single pagewidth print head;

The capping / purging member is located in a non-capping first position spaced from the print head;

Wherein the second actuating mechanism is arranged to effect an arcuate transition of the capping / purging member from the non-capping first position to a second position at which the capping / purging member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the print head .

[0303] In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein: the pagewidth print head assembly has a single pagewidth print head;

The capping / purging member is located in a non-capping first position adjacent the print head;

The capping / purging mechanism further having purging means connected to the capping / purging member and arranged to receive material that is purged from the nozzle environment of the print head;

The second actuating mechanism is arranged to effect transitioning of the capping member in an arcuate direction from a non-capping first position to a second position in which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the print head .

In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping / purging mechanism comprises a rotatable turret having a longitudinal length corresponding substantially to that of the at least one print head,

A longitudinally extending capping member carried by the turret,

A purging chamber supported by the turret and connected in fluid passage communication with the suction device;

A first actuating mechanism arranged to selectively rotate the turret to position the capping member or purging chamber in alignment with the nozzles of the print head,

There is provided a printer having a second actuating mechanism arranged to effect movement of the turret, thereby selectively positioning the aligned one of the capping member and the purging chamber in combination with the print head.

In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping / purging mechanism comprises a rotatable turret having a longitudinal length corresponding substantially to that of the at least one print head,

A longitudinally extending capping member carried by the turret, and

A printer having an actuating mechanism arranged to effect rotation of the turret to move the capping member from a non-capping first position to a second position in which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the at least one print head .

In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping / purging mechanism comprises a carrier positioned adjacent the at least one print head and having a longitudinal length substantially corresponding to the length of the at least one print head,

A longitudinally extending capping member pivotally mounted to the carrier and having a longitudinal length corresponding substantially to that of the at least one print head,

There is provided a printer having an actuating mechanism arranged to effect a pivoting of the capping member from a non-capping first position to a second position wherein the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the at least one print head.

[0214] In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein: the capping / purging member is formed from a flexible sheet-like material and has a width corresponding substantially to the length of the at least one print head;

The second actuating mechanism is arranged to effect relative movement of the capping / purging member and the print head to a position where the capping / purging member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the at least one print head.

In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping / purging member is formed from a flexible sheet-like material and has a width substantially corresponding to the length of the at least one print head, wherein the flexible sheet- There is provided a printer provided as a replaceable roll that draws a portion of the material to position the print head in nozzle capping engagement.

In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping / purging member is formed from a flexible sheet-like material and has a width substantially corresponding to the length of the at least one print head, wherein the flexible sheet- Provided as a replaceable roll for withdrawing a portion of the material to position the print head in nozzle capping engagement;

Wherein the capping / purging mechanism further comprises a take-up reel arranged to take up consumed capping material and then perform a capping operation.

[0251] In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein: the capping /

a) a lip portion integrally formed with the body portion; And

b) a cavity surrounded by the lip portion, the lip portion being peripherally configured to surround the nozzle on the print head, the body portion having a length substantially corresponding to the print head.

In an eleventh aspect,

(a) (i) at least one pagewidth print head and

   (ii) a pagewidth print head assembly having a plurality of nozzles located along the at least one print head and arranged to deliver ink onto print media as it is moved past the at least one print head in use, and

(b) a rotatable turret having (i) a longitudinal length corresponding substantially to that of the at least one print head,

   (ii) a capping member carried by the turret and extending in a longitudinal direction,

   (iii) a purging chamber supported by the turret and connected in fluid passage communication with the suction device,

   (iv) a first actuating mechanism arranged to selectively rotate the turret to align the capping member or the purging chamber in alignment with the at least one printhead nozzles, and

   (v) at least one print having a second actuating mechanism arranged to effect movement of the turret such that one of the capping member and the purging chamber is selectively positioned in combination with the at least one print head Capping / purging mechanism coupled with the head

And a printer.

Optionally, a longitudinally extending platen is also supported by the turret and the first actuating mechanism is configured to rotate the turret to a position where the platen is aligned and positioned in spaced relation to the at least one print head. .

In a further aspect,

(a) (i) a pagewidth print head and

   (ii) a plurality of nozzles located along the print head and arranged in use to deliver ink onto print media as it is transported past the print head, and

(b) a rotatable turret having (i) a longitudinal length substantially corresponding to the length of the print head,

    (ii) a capping member carried by the turret and extending in a longitudinal direction,

   (iii) a purging chamber supported by the turret and connected in fluid passage communication with the suction device,

   (iv) a first actuating mechanism arranged to selectively rotate the turret to align the capping member or the purging chamber in alignment with the at least one printhead nozzles, and

   (v) a capping member coupled to the printhead having the capping member positioned selectively in engagement with the printhead and a second actuating mechanism arranged to effect movement of the turret by an aligned one of the purging chambers, Purifier

And a printer.

Optionally, a longitudinally extending platen is also supported by the turret and the first actuating mechanism is configured to move the platen to a position where the platen is aligned and positioned in spaced relation to the at least one print head. As shown in Fig.

[0404] Optionally the capping member is formed of a substantially monolithic member and has a length corresponding substantially to that of the print head.

[0402] Optionally the capping member comprises conjoined member portions having an overall length corresponding substantially to that of the print head.

[0322] Optionally the capping member comprises a body portion, a lip portion formed of an elastomeric material, and a cavity surrounded by the lip portion, and wherein the lip portion is circumferentially disposed to surround the print head nozzles.

[0402] Optionally the purging chamber comprises a longitudinally extending member and has a length corresponding substantially to the length of the print head.

[0218] Optionally the purging chamber comprises conjoined portions having an overall length corresponding substantially to that of the print head.

[0324] Optionally the purging chamber comprises a body portion, a lip portion formed of an elastomeric material, and a cavity surrounded by the lip portion, and the lip portion is circumferentially disposed to surround the print head nozzles.

[0324] Optionally the turret has a generally triangular cross-section and the platen, the capping member and the purging chamber are disposed on each side of the turret.

In a further aspect there is provided a capping / purging mechanism,

At least one capping member having a length corresponding substantially to that of the at least one print head,

A first actuating mechanism arranged to move the at least one print head in an arcuate direction from a first position to a second position; And

Arranged to move at least one capping member in a vertical direction relative to the at least one print head to effect nozzle capping engagement of the at least one print head when the at least one print head is in a second position, A printer having an actuating mechanism is provided.

In a further aspect there is provided a capping / purging mechanism,

At least one capping member having a length corresponding substantially to that of the at least one print head,

A first actuating mechanism arranged to move the at least one print head in an arcuate direction from a first position to a second position; And

Arranged to move at least one capping member laterally relative to the at least one print head to effect nozzle capping engagement of the at least one print head when the at least one print head is in a second position, A printer having an actuating mechanism is provided.

In a further aspect there is provided a pagewidth printhead assembly having two opposed pagewidth print heads and a respective pagewidth print head and a respective pagewidth print head positioned along each pagewidth print head for transferring ink onto print media as it is transported past the print head, A plurality of nozzles arranged so as to be spaced apart from each other; And

Wherein the capping /

A capping member positioned adjacent the print heads and having a length corresponding substantially to that of the print head,

A first actuating mechanism arranged to effect relative movement of the print head from a first position to a second position spaced apart from the printing,

A printer is provided having a second actuating mechanism arranged to interpose the capping member between the print heads to effect nozzle capping engagement of the two print heads when the print heads are in the second position have.

[0303] In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein: the pagewidth print head assembly has a single pagewidth print head; Also

Wherein the capping /

A capping member having a length substantially corresponding to the length of the print head and located in a non-capping first position spaced from the print head from the opposing print head,

And a motor driver arranged to perform a linear transition from the first position to a second position in which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the print head for camming engagement with the capping member.

In a further aspect there is provided a capping / purging mechanism,

A capping member coupled to the at least one print head, the capping member having a length substantially corresponding to a length of the at least one print head and adjacent to the at least one print head, Lt; / RTI >

Purging means associated with the capping member and arranged to receive purged material from a nozzle environment of the at least one print head,

And an actuating mechanism arranged to effect transitioning of the capping member from the first position to a second position at which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the print head.

In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the pagewidth print head assembly is positioned along two offset pagewidth print heads and each print head and, in use, directs ink onto the print media as it is transported past the print head A plurality of nozzles arranged; Also

Wherein the capping /

A capping member coupled to each of the print heads and having a length corresponding substantially to the length of the print head and movable between a non-capping first position and a second position in which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the associated print head absence; And

There is provided a printer having an actuating mechanism associated with each capping member and arranged to effect transitioning from a first position to a second position of each of the capping members.

[0302] In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein: the pagewidth print head assembly has a single pagewidth print head; Also

Wherein the capping /

A capping member having a length substantially corresponding to the length of the print head and located in a non-capping first position spaced from the print head,

There is provided a printer having an actuating mechanism arranged to effect an arcuate transition of the capping member from a first position to a second position at which the capping member is positioned for nozzle capping engagement with the print head.

In a further aspect there is provided a pagewidth print head assembly having a single pagewidth print head,

Wherein the capping /

A capping member associated with the print head, the capping member having a length substantially corresponding to the length of the print head and located in a non-capping first position adjacent the print head,

Purging means associated with the capping member and arranged to receive purged material from the nozzle environment of the print head,

And an actuating mechanism arranged to effect transitioning of the capping member from the first position in an arcuate direction to a second position at which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the print head.

In a further aspect there is provided a capping /

At least one capping member having a length corresponding substantially to that of the at least one print head,

A first actuating mechanism arranged to move the at least one print head from a first position to a second position in an arcuate first direction,

Arranged to move at least one capping member in an arcuate second direction opposite to the first direction to effect nozzle capping engagement of the at least one print head when the at least one print head is in a second position There is provided a printer having a second actuating mechanism.

In a further aspect there is provided a capping / purging mechanism,

At least one capping / purging member having a length corresponding substantially to that of the at least one print head,

A first actuating mechanism arranged to move the at least one print head from a first position to a second position and a third position in an arcuate first direction,

To allow nozzle capping engagement of the at least one print head when the at least one print head is in a second position and to allow cleaning of the nozzles when the at least one print head is in a third position A second actuating mechanism arranged to move the at least one capping / purging member in an arcuate second direction opposite to the first direction.

[0302] In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the second actuating mechanism is configured to rotate the capillary to move the capping member from a non-capping first position to a second position located in nozzle capping engagement with the at least one print head, The printer is arranged to perform the printing operation.

In a further aspect there is provided a capping / purging mechanism,

A carrier positioned adjacent the at least one print head and having a longitudinal length substantially corresponding to the length of the at least one print head,

A longitudinally extending capping member rotatably mounted to the carrier and having a longitudinal length corresponding substantially to that of the at least one print head,

There is provided a printer having an actuating mechanism arranged to effect rotation of the capping member from a non-capping first position to a second position at which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the at least one print head.

In a further aspect there is provided a capping / purging mechanism,

A capping member formed from a flexible sheet-like material and having a width corresponding substantially to the length of the at least one print head,

There is provided a printer having an actuating mechanism arranged to effect relative movement of the capping member and the at least one print head to a position where the capping member is in nozzle capping engagement with the at least one print head

In another aspect, the capping / purging mechanism comprises

And a capping member formed from a flexible sheet-like material and having a width substantially corresponding to the length of the at least one print head, wherein the flexible sheet-like material is in nozzle capping engagement with the at least one print head, such as the capping member in use There is provided a printer supplied as a replaceable roll that causes a portion of the material to be withdrawn for positioning.

In a further aspect there is provided a capping / purging mechanism,

And a capping member formed from a flexible sheet-like material and having a width substantially corresponding to the length of the at least one print head, wherein the flexible sheet-like material is in nozzle capping engagement with the at least one print head, Shaped roll that allows a portion of the material to be withdrawn for positioning,

There is provided a printer having a take-up reel arranged to take up consumed capping material and then perform a capping operation.

[0254] In a further aspect there is provided a printer,

a) a lip portion integrally formed on the body portion; And

b) a cavity surrounded by said lip portion, said lip portion being disposed circumferentially around said nozzles on said at least one print head, and wherein said body portion is substantially corresponding to a length of said at least one print head Is provided.

In a twelfth aspect,

(a) (i) at least one pagewidth print head and

   (ii) a plurality of nozzles located along the at least one print head and arranged to deliver ink onto the print medium being transported past the at least one print head,

(b) a rotatable turret having (i) a longitudinal length corresponding substantially to that of the at least one print head,

   (ii) a capping member carried by the turret and extending in a longitudinal direction,

   (iii) actuating arranged to effect rotation of the turret to move from a first position in which the capping member is not capped to a second position in which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the at least one print head A capping mechanism associated with at least one printhead having a mechanism

And a printer.

Optionally, when the capping member is in the first position, the turret engages a purging chamber aligned with the printhead nozzles

In yet another aspect,

(a) (i) a pagewidth print head and

   (ii) a plurality of nozzles located along the print head and arranged to deliver ink onto the print medium being transported past the print head, and

(b) a rotatable turret having (i) a longitudinal length substantially corresponding to the length of the print head,

   (ii) a capping member carried by the turret and extending in a longitudinal direction,

   (iii) an actuating mechanism arranged to effect rotation of the turret to move from a first position where the capping member is not capped to a second position in which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the print head Capping mechanism coupled with the head

Is provided.

Optionally, when the capping member is in the first position, the turret engages a purging chamber aligned with the printhead nozzles

[0214] Optionally the turret has a land portion extending in a longitudinal direction and having a substantially flat land portion, the land portion being located adjacent to the print head when the capping member is in a non-capping first position

[0353] Optionally the capping member is supported by the eccentric land portion of the turret.

Optionally, the purging chamber is located inside the turret.

[0252] Optionally the purging chamber is open to the flat land of the turret via a port.

[0322] Optionally the purging chamber is connected to a suction device.

Optionally, the flat land portion of the turret forms a substantially platen when the capping member is in the first position.

[0401] Optionally the capping member is formed as a substantially one-piece member and has a length corresponding substantially to that of the print head.

[0322] Optionally the capping member comprises a body portion, a lip portion formed of an elastomeric material and a cavity surrounded by the lip portion, and the lip portion is circumferentially disposed to surround the print head nozzles.

[0402] Optionally the capping member comprises conjoined member portions having an overall length corresponding substantially to that of the print head.

[0353] Optionally the capping member is supported by the eccentric land portion of the turret.

[0254] In a further aspect there is provided a printer,

At least one capping member having a length corresponding substantially to that of the at least one print head,

A first actuating mechanism arranged to move the at least one print head in an arcuate direction from a first position to a second position; And

Arranged to move the at least one capping member in a direction perpendicular to the at least one print head to effect nozzle capping engagement of the at least one print head when the at least one print head is in a second position A printer having a second actuating mechanism is provided.

[0254] In a further aspect there is provided a printer,

At least one capping member having a length corresponding substantially to that of the at least one print head,

A first actuating mechanism arranged to move the at least one print head in an arcuate direction from a first position to a second position; And

Wherein the capping member is configured to move the at least one capping member laterally relative to the at least one print head to effect nozzle capping engagement of the at least one print head when the at least one print head is in a second position. There is provided a printer having a two-actuating mechanism.

In a further aspect there is provided a pagewidth printhead assembly having two opposed pagewidth printheads and a plurality of nozzles each of which is disposed along a respective printhead, Arranged to deliver ink onto the medium; Also

Wherein the capping mechanism comprises:

A capping member disposed adjacent the print head and having a length corresponding substantially to that of the print head,

A first actuating mechanism arranged to effect relative movement from a first position to the printing head to a second position spaced apart from the printing position,

There is provided a printer having a second actuating mechanism arranged to interpose the capping member between the print heads to effect nozzle capping engagement of the two print heads when the print head is in a second position .

[0302] In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein: the pagewidth print head assembly has a single pagewidth print head; Also

Wherein the capping mechanism comprises:

A capping member having a length substantially corresponding to the length of the print head and located in a non-capping first position spaced from the opposing print head,

And a motor driver arranged to perform a linear transition from the first position to a second position in which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the print head for camming engagement with the capping member.

[0254] In a further aspect there is provided a printer,

A capping member associated with the at least one print head, the capping member having a length substantially corresponding to the length of the at least one print head and located in a non-capping first position adjacent the at least one print,

Purging means associated with the capping member and arranged to receive purged material from a nozzle environment of the at least one print head,

And an actuating mechanism arranged to effect transitioning of the capping member from the first position to a second position at which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the print head.

In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the pagewidth print head assembly is positioned along two offset pagewidth print heads and each print head and, in use, directs ink onto the print media as it is transported past the print head A plurality of nozzles arranged; Also

Wherein the capping mechanism comprises:

A capping member coupled to each of the print heads and having a length corresponding substantially to the length of the print head and movable between a non-capping first position and a second position in which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the associated print head absence; And

And an actuating mechanism coupled to each capping member and arranged to effect a transition of each of the capping members from a first position to a second position.

[0302] In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein: the pagewidth print head assembly has a single pagewidth print head; Also

Wherein the capping mechanism comprises:

A capping member having a length substantially corresponding to the length of the print head and located at a non-capping first position spaced from the print head,

And an actuating mechanism arranged to effect an arcuate transition of the capping member from the first position to a second position at which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the print head.

[0302] In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein: the pagewidth print head assembly has a single pagewidth print head; Also

Wherein the capping mechanism comprises:

A capping member associated with the print head, the capping member having a length substantially corresponding to the length of the print head and located in a non-capping first position adjacent the print head,

Purging means associated with the capping member and arranged to receive purged material from the nozzle environment of the print head,

And an actuating mechanism arranged to effect transitioning of the capping member from the first position in an arcuate direction to a second position in which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the print head .

[0254] In a further aspect there is provided a printer,

At least one capping member having a length corresponding substantially to that of the at least one print head,

A first actuating mechanism arranged to move the at least one print head from a first position to a second position in an arcuate first direction,

The at least one capping member is moved in an arcuate second direction opposite to the first direction to effect nozzle capping engagement of the at least one print head when the at least one print head is in the second position And a second actuating mechanism arranged to move the second actuating mechanism.

[0254] In a further aspect there is provided a printer,

At least one capping member having a length corresponding substantially to that of the at least one print head,

A first actuating mechanism arranged to move the at least one print head from a first position to a second position and a third position in an arcuate first direction,

To allow nozzle capping engagement of the at least one print head when the at least one print head is in a second position and to allow cleaning of the nozzles when the at least one print head is in a third position There is provided a printer having a second actuating mechanism arranged to move the at least one capping member in a second, arcuate direction opposite to the first direction.

[0254] In a further aspect there is provided a printer,

A purge chamber supported by the turret and connected in fluid passage communication with the suction device,

A first actuating mechanism selectively arranged to cause the purging chamber to selectively rotate the turret to align the capping member or the purging chamber in alignment with the nozzles of the at least one print head,

A printer having a second actuating mechanism arranged to effect movement of the turret by being selectively positioned in combination with the at least one print head, the capping member and an aligned one of the purging chambers being selectively provided.

[0254] In a further aspect there is provided a printer,

A carrier positioned adjacent the at least one print head and having a longitudinal length substantially corresponding to the length of the at least one print head,

A longitudinally extending capping member rotatably mounted to the carrier and having a longitudinal length corresponding substantially to that of the at least one print head,

There is provided a printer having an actuating mechanism arranged to effect rotation of the capping member from a non-capping first position to a second position at which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the at least one print head.

[0254] In a further aspect there is provided a printer,

A capping member formed from a flexible sheet-like material and having a width corresponding substantially to the length of the at least one print head,

There is provided a printer having an actuating mechanism arranged to effect relative movement of the capping member and the at least one print head to a position in which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the at least one print head.

In a further aspect there is provided a capping mechanism

And a capping member formed of a flexible sheet-like material and having a width substantially corresponding to the length of the at least one print head, wherein the flexible sheet- And to withdraw a portion of the material to position it.

[0254] In a further aspect there is provided a printer,

And a capping member formed from a flexible sheet-like material and having a width corresponding substantially to the length of the at least one print head, wherein the flexible sheet-like material is in contact with the at least one print head, such as the capping member, And to withdraw a portion of the material to position it,

There is provided a printer having a take-up reel arranged to take up consumed capping material and then perform a capping operation.

[0254] In a further aspect there is provided a printer,

a) a lip integrally formed on the body portion; And

b) a cavity surrounded by the lip, wherein the lip is circumferentially disposed to surround the nozzles on the at least one print head, and wherein the body has a length substantially corresponding to the length of the at least one print head Is provided.

In a thirteenth aspect,

(a) (i) at least one pagewidth print head and

   (ii) a plurality of nozzles located along the at least one print head and arranged to deliver ink onto the print media being transported past the at least one print head, and

(b) a carrier (i) positioned adjacent the at least one print head and having a longitudinal length corresponding substantially to that of the at least one print head,

   (ii) a longitudinally extending capping member rotatably mounted to the carrier and having a longitudinal length corresponding substantially to that of the at least one print head, and

   (iii) an actuating mechanism arranged to effect rotation of the capping member from a non-capping first position to a second position at which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the at least one print head A capping mechanism coupled with the printhead

And a printer.

Optionally, the carrier couples a purging chamber that receives material to be purged from the printhead nozzles

In yet another aspect,

(a) (i) a pagewidth print head and

   (ii) a plurality of nozzles located along the print head and arranged to deliver ink to a print medium being transported past the print head, and

(b) a carrier having (i) a longitudinal length located adjacent the print head and having a longitudinal length substantially corresponding to the length of the print head,

   (ii) a longitudinally extending capping member rotatably mounted to the carrier and having a longitudinal length corresponding substantially to that of the print head, and

   (iii) a capping mechanism coupled to the print head, the capping mechanism having an actuating mechanism arranged to effect rotation of the capping member from a non-capping first position to a second position in which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the print head,

Is provided.

Optionally, the carrier couples a purging chamber that receives material to be purged from the printhead nozzles

[0322] Optionally the purging chamber is connected to a suction device.

Optionally the carrier is spaced from the printhead to form a lower edge that is positioned in opposed relation to the printhead and through which the print medium is transported past the printhead in use

[0322] Optionally the capping member has a body portion, a lip portion formed of an elastomeric material, and a cavity surrounded by the lip portion, and the lip portion is circumferentially disposed to surround the print head nozzles.

[0254] In a further aspect there is provided a printer,

At least one capping member having a length corresponding substantially to that of the at least one print head,

A first actuating mechanism arranged to move the at least one print head in an arcuate direction from a first position to a second position; And

Arranged to move the at least one capping member in a direction perpendicular to the at least one print head to effect nozzle capping engagement of the at least one print head when the at least one print head is in a second position A printer having a second actuating mechanism is provided.

[0254] In a further aspect there is provided a printer,

At least one capping member having a length corresponding substantially to that of the at least one print head,

A first actuating mechanism arranged to move the at least one print head in an arcuate direction from a first position to a second position; And

The capping member being arranged to move the at least one capping member in a lateral direction relative to the at least one print head to effect nozzle capping engagement of the at least one print head when the at least one print head is in a second position; There is provided a printer having a two-actuating mechanism.

In a further aspect there is provided a pagewidth printhead assembly having two opposed pagewidth print heads and a respective pagewidth print head and a respective pagewidth print head positioned along each pagewidth print head for transferring ink onto print media as it is transported past the print head, A plurality of nozzles arranged so as to be spaced apart from each other; Also

Wherein the capping mechanism comprises:

A capping member positioned adjacent the print heads and having a length corresponding substantially to that of the print head,

A first actuating mechanism arranged to effect relative movement of the print head from a first position to a printing second position,

There is provided a printer having a second actuating mechanism arranged to interpose the capping member between the print heads to effect nozzle capping engagement of the two print heads when the print heads are in a second position .

[0302] In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein: the pagewidth print head assembly has a single pagewidth print head; Also

Wherein the capping mechanism comprises:

A capping member having a length corresponding substantially to the length of the print head and located at a non-capping first position spaced from the opposing print head,

And a motor driver arranged to perform a linear transition from the first position to a second position in which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the print head for camming engagement with the capping member.

[0254] In a further aspect there is provided a printer,

A capping member associated with the at least one print head, the capping member having a length substantially corresponding to the length of the at least one print head and located in a non-capping first position adjacent the at least one print head,

Purging means associated with the capping member and arranged to receive purged material from a nozzle environment of the at least one print head,

And an actuating mechanism arranged to effect transitioning of the capping member from the first position to a second position at which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the print head.

In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the pagewidth print head assembly is positioned along two offset pagewidth print heads and each print head and, in use, directs ink onto the print media as it is transported past the print head A plurality of nozzles arranged; Also

Wherein the capping mechanism comprises:

A capping member coupled to each of the print heads and having a length corresponding substantially to the length of the print head and movable between a non-capping first position and a second position in which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the associated print head absence; And

There is provided a printer having an actuating mechanism associated with each capping member and arranged to effect transitioning from a first position to a second position of each of the capping members.

[0302] In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein: the pagewidth print head assembly has a single pagewidth print head; Also

Wherein the capping mechanism comprises:

A capping member having a length substantially corresponding to the length of the print head and located at a non-capping first position spaced from the print head,

And an actuating mechanism arranged to effect an arcuate transition from the first position to a second position wherein the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the print head.

[0302] In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein: the pagewidth print head assembly has a single pagewidth print head; Also

Wherein the capping mechanism comprises:

A capping member associated with the print head, the capping member having a length substantially corresponding to the length of the print head and located in a non-capping first position adjacent the print head,

Purging means associated with the capping member and arranged to receive purged material from the nozzle environment of the print head,

And an actuating mechanism arranged to effect transitioning of the capping member from the first position in an arcuate direction to a second position at which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the print head.

[0254] In a further aspect there is provided a printer,

At least one capping member having a length corresponding substantially to that of the at least one print head,

A first actuating mechanism arranged to move the at least one print head from a first position to a second position in an arcuate first direction,

To move the at least one capping member in an arcuate second direction opposite to the first direction to effect nozzle capping engagement of the at least one print head when the at least one print head is in the second position There is provided a printer having a second actuating mechanism arranged therein.

[0254] In a further aspect there is provided a printer,

At least one capping member having a length corresponding substantially to that of the at least one print head,

A first actuating mechanism arranged to move the at least one print head from a first position to a second position and a third position in an arcuate first direction,

To allow nozzle capping engagement of the at least one print head when the at least one print head is in a second position and to allow cleaning of the nozzles when the at least one print head is in a third position A second actuating mechanism arranged to move the at least one capping member in an arcuate second direction opposite to the first direction.

[0254] In a further aspect there is provided a printer,

A purging chamber supported by the turret and connected in fluid passage communication with the suction device,

A first actuating mechanism configured to selectively rotate the turret to align the capping member or the purging chamber in alignment with the nozzles of the at least one print head,

A printer having a second actuating mechanism arranged to effect movement of the turret by being selectively positioned in combination with the at least one print head, the capping member and an aligned one of the purging chambers being selectively provided.

[0254] In a further aspect there is provided a printer,

A rotatable turret having a length in the vertical direction substantially corresponding to the length of said at least one print,

A capping member supported by the turret and extending in a vertical direction,

And an actuating mechanism arranged to effect rotation of the turret to move from a first position in which the capping member is not capped to a second position in which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the at least one print head A printer is provided.

[0254] In a further aspect there is provided a printer,

A capping member formed from a flexible sheet-like material and having a width corresponding substantially to the length of the at least one print head,

There is provided a printer having an actuating mechanism arranged to effect relative movement of the capping member and the at least one print head to a position in which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the at least one print head.

In a further aspect there is provided a capping mechanism

And a capping member formed from a flexible sheet-like material and having a width substantially corresponding to the length of the at least one print head, wherein the flexible sheet-like material is in nozzle capping engagement with the at least one print head, such as the capping member in use There is provided a printer supplied as a replaceable roll that causes a portion of the material to be withdrawn for positioning.

[0254] In a further aspect there is provided a printer,

And a capping member formed from a flexible sheet-like material and having a width substantially corresponding to the length of the at least one print head, wherein the flexible sheet-like material is in nozzle capping engagement with the at least one print head, such as the capping member in use Shaped roll which causes a portion of the material to be withdrawn for positioning,

There is provided a printer having a take-up reel arranged to take up consumed capping material and then perform a capping operation.

[0254] In a further aspect there is provided a printer,

a) a lip portion integrally formed on the body portion; And

b) a cavity surrounded by the lip portion, the lip portion being circumferentially disposed to surround the nozzles in the at least one print head, and wherein the body portion substantially corresponds to the length of the at least one print head A printer having a length is provided.

In a fourteenth aspect,

(a) (i) at least one pagewidth print head and

   (ii) a plurality of nozzles located along the at least one print head and arranged to deliver ink onto the print media being transported past the at least one print head, and

(b) a capping member (i) formed from a flexible sheet-like material and having a width substantially corresponding to the length of the at least one print head,

   (ii) an actuating mechanism arranged to effect relative movement of the capping member and the at least one print head to a position in which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the at least one print head, A capping mechanism coupled with the printhead

Is provided.

In a further aspect,

(a) (i) at least one pagewidth print head and

   (ii) a plurality of nozzles located along the at least one print head and arranged to deliver ink onto the print media being transported past the at least one print head, and

(b) a capping member (i) formed from a flexible sheet-like material and having a width substantially corresponding to the length of the at least one print head,

   (ii) an actuating mechanism arranged to position the capping member in nozzle capping engagement with the at least one print head, and wherein the capping mechanism coupled to the at least one print head

Is provided.

In a further aspect,

(a) a pagewidth print head assembly having- (i) two pagewidth print heads and

   (ii) a pagewidth print head assembly having a plurality of nozzles located along each print head and arranged to deliver ink to a print medium being moved between the print heads,

(b) a capping member formed from (i) a flexible sheet-like material and having a width substantially corresponding to the length of the print heads,

   (ii) an actuating mechanism arranged to position the capping member in nozzle capping engagement with the print heads between the two print heads, wherein the capping mechanism

Is provided.

[0215] Optionally the capping member comprises a single layer sheet-like material.

[0403] Optionally the capping member comprises a multi-layer sheet-like material.

[0403] Optionally the capping member comprises a compressible sheet-like material.

Optionally, a fluid delivery means is provided for delivering fluid to a plurality of areas of the capping member.

[0402] Optionally the capping member is formed from a sheet-like material having hydrophobic properties.

[0404] Optionally the capping member is formed from a closed cell thermoplastic material.

[0402] Optionally the capping member is formed from a sheet-like material having hydrophilic properties.

[0402] Optionally the capping member is formed from an open cell silicone material.

[0254] In a further aspect there is provided a printer,

A first actuating mechanism arranged to move the at least one print head in an arcuate direction from a first position to a second position,

The capping member being arranged to move the at least one capping member in a direction perpendicular to the at least one print head to effect nozzle capping engagement of the at least one print head when the at least one print head is in the second position. There is provided a printer having a two-actuating mechanism.

[0254] In a further aspect there is provided a printer,

A first actuating mechanism arranged to move the at least one print head in an arcuate direction from a first position to a second position,

The capping member being arranged to move the at least one capping member laterally relative to the at least one print head to effect nozzle capping engagement of the at least one print head when the at least one print head is in the second position. There is provided a printer having a two-actuating mechanism.

In a further aspect there is provided a pagewidth printhead assembly having two opposed pagewidth print heads and a respective pagewidth print head and a respective pagewidth print head positioned along each pagewidth print head for transferring ink onto print media as it is transported past the print head, A plurality of nozzles arranged so as to be spaced apart from each other;

The capping member being located adjacent the print heads and having a length substantially corresponding to the length of the print head; Also,

Wherein the capping mechanism comprises:

A first actuating mechanism arranged to effect relative movement of the print head from a first position to a second position spaced apart from printing,

There is provided a printer having a second actuating mechanism arranged to interpose the capping member between the print heads to effect nozzle capping engagement of the two print heads when the print heads are in a second position .

[0302] In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein: the pagewidth print head assembly has a single pagewidth print head;

The capping mechanism being located at a first position spaced apart from the opposing print head and not capping; And,

Wherein the capping mechanism further comprises a motor driver for directing the capping member from the non-capping first position for camming engagement with the capping member to a second position in which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the print head There is provided a printer arranged to perform a linear transition.

[0303] In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein: the capping member is located in a non-capping first position adjacent the at least one print head;

Wherein the capping mechanism further comprises a purging means, the purging means being arranged to receive the purged material from the nozzle environment of the at least one print head, the purging means being associated with the capping member; And

The actuating mechanism is arranged to effect transitioning of the capping member from the capping-free first position to a second position where the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the print head.

In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the pagewidth print head assembly is positioned along two offset pagewidth print heads and each print head and, in use, directs ink onto the print media as it is transported past the print head A plurality of nozzles arranged; Also

Wherein the capping mechanism comprises:

A capping member coupled to each of the print heads and having a length corresponding substantially to the length of the print head and movable between a non-capping first position and a second position in which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the associated print head absence; And

There is provided a printer having an actuating mechanism associated with each capping member and arranged to effect a transition of each of the capping members from a first position to a second position.

[0302] In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein: the pagewidth print head assembly has a single pagewidth print head;

The capping member being located at a first position spaced apart from the print head and not capping; Also

And an actuating mechanism arranged to effect an arcuate transition of the capping member from a non-capping first position to a second position at which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the print head.

[0302] In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein: the pagewidth print head assembly has a single pagewidth print head;

The capping member being located at a first position adjacent to and non-capping the print head;

Wherein the capping mechanism further comprises purifying means coupled to the capping member and arranged to receive purified material from the nozzle environment of the print head; Also

Wherein the actuating mechanism is arranged to effect a transition of the capping member from a first position that is not capped in an arcuate direction to a second position in which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the print head .

[0254] In a further aspect there is provided a printer,

A first actuating mechanism arranged to move the at least one print head from a first position to a second position in an arcuate first direction; And

To move the at least one capping member in an arcuate second direction opposite to the first direction to effect nozzle capping engagement of the at least one print head when the at least one print head is in the second position There is provided a printer having a second actuating mechanism arranged therein.

[0254] In a further aspect there is provided a printer,

A first actuating mechanism arranged to move the at least one print head from a first position to a second position and a third position in an arcuate first direction,

To allow nozzle capping of the at least one print head when the at least one print head is in a second position and to allow cleaning of the nozzles when the at least one print head is in a third position, And a second actuating mechanism arranged to move the at least one capping member in an arcuate second direction opposite to the first direction.

[0254] In a further aspect there is provided a printer,

A rotatable turret having a longitudinal length substantially corresponding to the length of the at least one print head,

A capping member carried by the turret and extending in a longitudinal direction,

A purge chamber supported by the turret and connected in fluid passage communication with the suction device,

A first actuating mechanism configured to selectively rotate the turret to align the capping member or the purging chamber in alignment with the nozzles of the at least one print head,

A printer having a second actuating mechanism arranged to effect movement of the turret by being selectively positioned in combination with the at least one print head, the capping member and an aligned one of the purging chambers being selectively provided.

[0254] In a further aspect there is provided a printer,

A rotatable turret having a longitudinal length substantially corresponding to the length of said at least one print,

A capping member carried by the turret and extending in a longitudinal direction,

And an actuating mechanism arranged to effect rotation of the turret to move from a first position in which the capping member is not capped to a second position in which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the at least one print head A printer is provided.

[0254] In a further aspect there is provided a printer,

A carrier positioned adjacent the at least one print head and having a longitudinal length substantially corresponding to the length of the at least one print head,

A longitudinally extending capping member rotatably mounted to the carrier and having a longitudinal length corresponding substantially to that of the at least one print head,

There is provided a printer having an actuating mechanism arranged to effect rotation of the capping member from a non-capping first position to a second position in which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the at least one print head .

In a further aspect there is provided a printer wherein the flexible sheet-like material is supplied as a replaceable roll that, in use, causes a portion of the material to be withdrawn, such as the capping member, for positioning in nozzle capping engagement with the at least one print head have.

In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the flexible sheet-like material is supplied as a replaceable roll that, in use, causes the portion of the material to be withdrawn, such as the capping member, for positioning in nozzle capping engagement with the at least one print head; Also

Wherein the capping mechanism further comprises a take-up reel arranged to take up consumed capping material and then perform a capping operation.

[0254] In a further aspect there is provided a printer,

a) a lip portion integrally formed on the body portion; And

b) a cavity surrounded by the lip portion, the lip portion being circumferentially disposed to surround the nozzles in the at least one print head, and wherein the body portion substantially corresponds to the length of the at least one print head A printer having a length is provided.

In a fifteenth aspect,

(a) (i) at least one pagewidth print head and

(ii) a plurality of nozzles located along the at least one print head and arranged to deliver ink onto the print media being transported past the at least one print head, and

(b) a capping mechanism comprising a capping member associated with the at least one print head and formed of a flexible sheet-like material, the capping mechanism having a width substantially corresponding to the length of the at least one print head, There is provided a printer that, in use, is provided as a replaceable roll that, like the capping member, causes a portion of the material to be withdrawn for positioning in nozzle capping engagement with the at least one print head.

[0215] Optionally the capping member comprises a single layer sheet-like material.

[0403] Optionally the capping member comprises a multi-layer sheet-like material.

[0403] Optionally the capping member comprises a compressible sheet-like material.

[0402] Optionally the capping member is formed from a sheet-like material having hydrophobic properties.

[0404] Optionally the capping member is formed from a closed cell thermoplastic material.

[0402] Optionally the capping member is formed from a sheet-like material having hydrophilic properties.

Optionally the capping member is formed from an open cell silicone material.

Optionally, a cutting mechanism is provided for selectively cutting a portion of the material from the replaceable roll.

In yet another aspect,

(a) (i) a pagewidth print head and

   (ii) a plurality of nozzles located along the print head and arranged to deliver ink onto the print medium being transported past the print head, and

(b) a capping member (i) formed from a flexible sheet-like material and having a width substantially corresponding to the length of the print head, wherein the flexible sheet- Shaped roll,

   (ii) a capping mechanism coupled to the printhead, the printhead having a platen positioned adjacent the printhead and arranged to engage the capping member and to be positioned in nozzle capping engagement with the printhead,

Is provided.

[0215] Optionally the capping member comprises a single layer sheet-like material.

[0403] Optionally the capping member comprises a multi-layer sheet-like material.

[0403] Optionally the capping member comprises a compressible sheet-like material.

[0402] Optionally the capping member is formed from a sheet-like material having hydrophobic properties.

[0404] Optionally the capping member is formed from a closed cell thermoplastic material.

[0402] Optionally the capping member is formed from a sheet-like material having hydrophilic properties.

Optionally the capping member is formed from an open cell silicone material.

Optionally, a cutting mechanism is provided for selectively cutting a portion of the material from the replaceable roll.

Optionally, an actuating mechanism is provided to effect movement of the platen by causing the capping member to move toward the nozzle capping engagement with the print head.

In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping mechanism has a first actuating mechanism arranged to move the at least one print head in an arcuate direction from a first position to a second position,

Arranged to move the at least one capping member in a direction perpendicular to the at least one print head to effect nozzle capping engagement of the at least one print head when the at least one print head is in a second position, A printer having an actuating mechanism is provided.

[0254] In a further aspect there is provided a printer,

A first actuating mechanism arranged to move the at least one print head in an arcuate direction from a first position to a second position,

The capping member being arranged to move the at least one capping member laterally relative to the at least one print head to effect nozzle capping engagement of the at least one print head when the at least one print head is in the second position. There is provided a printer having a two-actuating mechanism.

In a further aspect there is provided a pagewidth printhead assembly having two opposed pagewidth print heads and a respective pagewidth print head and a respective pagewidth print head positioned along each pagewidth print head for transferring ink onto print media as it is transported past the print head, A plurality of nozzles arranged so as to be spaced apart from each other;

The capping member being located adjacent the print heads and having a length corresponding substantially to the length of the print head; Also

Wherein the capping mechanism comprises:

A first actuating mechanism arranged to effect relative movement of the print heads from a first position to a second position spaced apart from printing; And

There is provided a printer having a second actuating mechanism arranged to interpose the capping member between the print heads to effect nozzle capping engagement of the two print heads when the print heads are in a second position .

[0302] In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein: the pagewidth print head assembly has a single pagewidth print head;

The capping member is located in a non-capping first position spaced from the opposing print head; Also

The capping mechanism may include a motor drive portion arranged to effect a linear transition from the non-capping first position for camming engagement with the capping member to a second position in which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the print head And a printer having the printer.

[0303] In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein: the capping member is located in a non-capping first position adjacent the at least one print head; Also

Wherein the capping mechanism comprises:

Purging means associated with the capping member and arranged to receive purged material from a nozzle environment of the at least one print head; And

Wherein the capping member is arranged to effect transitioning of the capping member from the non-capping first position to a second position in which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the print head.

In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the pagewidth print head assembly is positioned along two offset pagewidth print heads and each print head and, in use, directs ink onto the print media as it is transported past the print head A plurality of nozzles arranged; Also

Wherein the capping mechanism comprises:

A capping member coupled to each of the print heads and having a length corresponding substantially to the length of the print head and movable between a non-capping first position and a second position in which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the associated print head absence; And

There is provided a printer having an actuating mechanism associated with each capping member and arranged to effect a transition of each of the capping members from a first position to a second position.

[0302] In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein: the pagewidth print head assembly has a single pagewidth print head;

Wherein the capping member is located in a non-capping first position spaced from the print head, and

The capping mechanism having an actuating mechanism arranged to effect an arcuate transition from a non-capping first position of the capping member to a second position in which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the print head, Is provided.

[0303] In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein: the pagewidth print head assembly has a single pagewidth print head;

The capping member being located at a first position adjacent to and non-capping the print head; Also

Wherein the capping mechanism comprises:

Purging means associated with the capping member and arranged to receive purged material from the nozzle environment of the print head,

The printer further having an actuating mechanism arranged to effect transitioning of the capping member from the non-capping first position in the arcuate direction to a second position in which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the print head .

[0254] In a further aspect there is provided a printer,

A first actuating mechanism arranged to move the at least one print head from a first position to a second position in an arcuate first direction; And

To move the at least one capping member in an arcuate second direction opposite to the first direction to effect nozzle capping engagement of the at least one print head when the at least one print head is in the second position There is provided a printer having a second actuating mechanism arranged therein.

[0254] In a further aspect there is provided a printer,

A first actuating mechanism arranged to move the at least one print head from a first position to a second position and a third position in an arcuate first direction,

To allow nozzle capping of said at least one print head when said at least one print head is in a second position and to allow for cleaning of said nozzles when said at least one print head is in a third position, There is provided a printer having a second actuating mechanism arranged to move at least one capping member in an arcuate second direction opposite to the first direction.

[0254] In a further aspect there is provided a printer,

A rotatable turret having a length in the vertical direction substantially corresponding to the length of said at least one print,

A capping member carried by the turret and extending in a vertical direction,

A first actuating mechanism arranged to selectively rotate the turret to align with the nozzles of the at least one print head to position the capping member or the purging chamber;

There is provided a printer having a second actuating mechanism arranged to effect movement of the turret, thereby selectively positioning an aligned one of the capping member and the purging chamber in combination with the at least one print head.

[0254] In a further aspect there is provided a printer,

A rotatable turret having a length in the vertical direction substantially corresponding to the length of said at least one print,

A capping member supported by the turret and extending in a vertical direction,

And an actuating mechanism arranged to effect rotation of the turret to move from a first position in which the capping member is not capped to a second position in which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the at least one print head A printer is provided.

[0254] In a further aspect there is provided a printer,

A carrier positioned adjacent the at least one print head and having a longitudinal length substantially corresponding to the length of the at least one print head,

A longitudinally extending capping member rotatably mounted to the carrier and having a longitudinal length corresponding substantially to that of the at least one print head,

There is provided a printer having an actuating mechanism arranged to effect rotation from a first position in which the capping member is not capped to a second position in which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the at least one print head .

[0303] In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping mechanism is arranged to effect relative movement of the capping member and the at least one print head to a position in which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the at least one print head. A printer having a printing mechanism is further provided.

In a further aspect there is provided a printer wherein the capping mechanism further comprises a take-up reel arranged to take up consumed capping material and then perform a capping operation.

[0254] In a further aspect there is provided a printer,

a) a lip portion integrally formed on the body portion; And

b) a cavity surrounded by the lip portion, the lip portion being circumferentially disposed to surround the nozzles in the at least one print head, and wherein the body portion substantially corresponds to the length of the at least one print head A printer having a length is provided.

In a sixteenth aspect,

(a) (i) at least one pagewidth print head and

   (ii) a plurality of nozzles located along the at least one print head and arranged to deliver ink onto a print medium being transported past the at least one print head, and

(b) a capping member (i) formed of a flexible sheet-like material and having a width substantially corresponding to the length of the at least one print head, and (iii) the flexible sheet- And is provided as a replaceable roll that causes a portion of the material to be withdrawn to position it as the capping member,

  (ii) a capping mechanism in combination with at least one printhead having a take-up reel arranged to take up consumed capping material and then perform a capping operation.

[0215] Optionally the capping member comprises a single layer sheet-like material.

[0403] Optionally the capping member comprises a multi-layer sheet-like material.

[0403] Optionally the capping member comprises a compressible sheet-like material.

[0402] Optionally the capping member is formed from a sheet-like material having hydrophobic properties.

[0404] Optionally the capping member is formed from a closed cell thermoplastic material.

[0402] Optionally the capping member is formed from a sheet-like material having hydrophilic properties.

Optionally the capping member is formed from an open cell silicone material.

In yet another aspect,

(a) (i) a pagewidth print head and

   (ii) a plurality of nozzles located along the print head and arranged to deliver ink onto the print medium being transported past the print head, and

(b) a capping member (i) formed from a flexible sheet-like material and having a width substantially corresponding to the length of the print head, wherein the flexible sheet- And to withdraw a portion of the material to position it,

  (ii) a platen positioned adjacent to the printhead and arranged such that the capping member is engaged and positioned in nozzle capping engagement with the printhead, and

  (iii) a take-up reel arranged to take up the spent capping material and to perform the capping operation, and a capping mechanism

Is provided.

[0215] Optionally the capping member comprises a single layer sheet-like material.

[0403] Optionally the capping member comprises a multi-layer sheet-like material.

[0403] Optionally the capping member comprises a compressible sheet-like material.

[0402] Optionally the capping member is formed from a sheet-like material having hydrophobic properties.

[0404] Optionally the capping member is formed from a closed cell thermoplastic material.

[0402] Optionally the capping member is formed from a sheet-like material having hydrophilic properties.

Optionally the capping member is formed from an open cell silicone material.

[0254] In a further aspect there is provided a printer,

  A first actuating mechanism arranged to move the at least one print head in an arcuate direction from a first position to a second position; And

  Arranged to move the at least one capping member in a direction perpendicular to the at least one print head to effect nozzle capping engagement of the at least one print head when the at least one print head is in a second position A printer having a second actuating mechanism is provided.

[0254] In a further aspect there is provided a printer,

  A first actuating mechanism arranged to move the at least one print head in an arcuate direction from a first position to a second position; And

  The capping member being arranged to move the at least one capping member in a lateral direction relative to the at least one print head to effect nozzle capping engagement of the at least one print head when the at least one print head is in a second position; There is provided a printer having a two-actuating mechanism.

In a further aspect there is provided a pagewidth printhead assembly having two opposed pagewidth print heads and a respective pagewidth print head and a respective pagewidth print head positioned along each pagewidth print head for transferring ink onto print media as it is transported past the print head, A plurality of nozzles arranged so as to be spaced apart from each other;

The capping member being located adjacent the print head and having a length corresponding substantially to the length of the print head; Also

Wherein the capping mechanism comprises:

  A first actuating mechanism arranged to effect relative movement of the print head from a first position to a printing second position,

  There is provided a printer having a second actuating mechanism arranged to interpose the capping member between the print heads to effect nozzle capping engagement of the two print heads when the print heads are in a second position .

[0302] In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein: the pagewidth print head assembly has a single pagewidth print head;

The capping member is located in a first position that is spaced apart from the opposing print head and is not capping, and

The capping mechanism may include a motor drive portion arranged to effect a linear transition from the non-capping first position for camming engagement with the capping member to a second position in which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the print head And a printer having the printer.

[0303] In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein: the capping member is located in a non-capping first position adjacent the at least one print head; Also

Wherein the capping mechanism comprises:

  Purging means associated with the capping member and arranged to receive purged material from a nozzle environment of the at least one print head,

  The printer further comprising an actuating mechanism arranged to transition the capping member from a non-capping first position to a second position in which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the print head.

In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the pagewidth print head assembly is positioned along two offset pagewidth print heads and each print head and, in use, directs ink onto the print media as it is transported past the print head A plurality of nozzles arranged; Also

Wherein the capping mechanism comprises:

A capping member coupled to each of the print heads and having a length corresponding substantially to the length of the print head and movable between a non-capping first position and a second position in which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the associated print head absence; And

There is provided a printer having an actuating mechanism associated with each capping member and arranged to effect a transition from a first position to a second position, each of the capping members

[0302] In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein: the pagewidth print head assembly has a single pagewidth print head;

Wherein the capping mechanism is located in a first position spaced apart from the print head and not capping,

Wherein the capping mechanism has an actuating mechanism arranged to effect an arcuate transition from a first position in which the capping member is not capping to a second position in which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the print head .

[0302] In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein: the pagewidth print head assembly has a single pagewidth print head;

Wherein the capping member is located in a non-capping first position adjacent the print head, and

Wherein the capping mechanism comprises:

  Purging means associated with the capping member and arranged to receive purged material from the nozzle environment of the print head; And

  The printer further comprising an actuating mechanism arranged to transition from a first position in which the capping member is not capped in an arcuate direction to a second position in which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the print head have.

[0254] In a further aspect there is provided a printer,

A first actuating mechanism arranged to move the at least one print head from a first position to a second position in an arcuate first direction,

Arranged so as to move at least one capping member in an arcuate second direction opposite to the first direction to effect nozzle capping engagement of the at least one print head when the at least one print head is in a second position There is provided a printer having a second actuating mechanism.

[0254] In a further aspect there is provided a printer,

  A first actuating mechanism arranged to move the at least one print head from a first position to a second position and a third position in an arcuate first direction,

  To allow nozzle capping of said at least one print head when said at least one print head is in a second position and to allow for cleaning of said nozzles when said at least one print head is in a third position, There is provided a printer having a second actuating mechanism arranged to move at least one capping / purging member in an arcuate second direction opposite to the first direction.

[0254] In a further aspect there is provided a printer,

  A rotatable turret having a longitudinal length substantially corresponding to the length of the at least one print head,

  A capping member carried by the turret and extending in a vertical direction,

  A purging chamber supported by the turret and connected in fluid passage communication with the suction device,

  A first actuating mechanism arranged to selectively rotate the turret to position the capping member or purging chamber in alignment with the nozzles of the at least one print head,

  There is provided a printer having a second actuating mechanism arranged to effect movement of the turret, thereby selectively positioning the aligned one of the capping member and the purging chamber in combination with the at least one print head.

[0254] In a further aspect there is provided a printer,

  A rotatable turret having a longitudinal length substantially corresponding to the length of the at least one print head,

  A capping member carried by the turret and extending in a longitudinal direction,

  And an actuating mechanism arranged to effect rotation of the turret to move from a first position in which the capping member is not capped to a second position in which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the at least one print head A printer is provided.

[0254] In a further aspect there is provided a printer,

  A carrier positioned adjacent the at least one print head and having a longitudinal length substantially corresponding to the length of the at least one print head,

  A longitudinally extending capping member rotatably mounted to the carrier and having a longitudinal length corresponding substantially to that of the at least one print head,

  Wherein the capping member is arranged to rotate from a first position in which the capping member is not capped to a second position in which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the at least one print head.

[0302] In a further aspect there is provided a printer, wherein the capping mechanism is arranged to effect relative movement of the capping member and the at least one print head to a position in which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the at least one print head. A printer having a printing mechanism is further provided.

[0254] In a further aspect there is provided a printer,

  a) a lip portion integrally formed on the body portion; And

  b) a cavity surrounded by said lip portion, said lip portion being disposed circumferentially around said nozzles in said at least one print head, and wherein said body portion substantially corresponds to a length of said at least one print head A printer having a length is provided.

In a seventeenth aspect the present invention provides a capping member,

The pagewidth print head assembly

  (i) at least one pagewidth print head; And

  (ii) a plurality of nozzles located along the at least one print head,

Wherein the capping member comprises:

  a) a lip portion integrally formed on the body portion; And

  b) a cavity surrounded by said lip portion;

The lip portion is disposed circumferentially around the nozzles at the at least one print head and the body portion has a length corresponding substantially to the length of the at least one print head .

Optionally, the lip portion is formed of an elastomeric material.

Optionally, the body portion is formed of a rigid material.

Optionally, the body portion is formed of a metal.

Optionally, the body portion is formed of a plastic material.

Optionally, the body portion and the lip portion are formed in a single structure through the entire length of the member.

[0324] Optionally the capping portion is formed on each of the two sides of the body portion.

Optionally, a purging chamber is formed in the member.

[0301] In a further aspect there is provided a capping member for incorporation in a capping mechanism of a printer having the pagewidth print head assembly,

The capping member having a length corresponding substantially to the length of the at least one print head,

Wherein the capping mechanism comprises:

  A first actuating mechanism arranged to move the at least one print head in an arcuate direction from a first position to a second position,

  Wherein the capping member is moved in a direction perpendicular to the at least one print head to effect nozzle capping engagement of the at least one print head when the at least one print head is in a second position, A capping member having a locking mechanism is provided.

[0301] In a further aspect there is provided a capping member for incorporation in a capping mechanism of a printer having the pagewidth print head assembly,

The capping member having a length corresponding substantially to the length of the at least one print head,

Wherein the capping mechanism comprises:

  A first actuating mechanism arranged to move the at least one print head in an arcuate direction from a first position to a second position,

  A second actuating mechanism configured to move the capping member laterally relative to the at least one print head to effect nozzle capping engagement of the at least one print head when the at least one print head is in a second position; There is provided a capping member having a mechanism.

[0301] In a further aspect there is provided a capping member for incorporation in a capping mechanism of a printer having the pagewidth print head assembly,

The pagewidth print head assembly includes two opposed pagewidth print heads and a plurality of nozzles located along each print head and arranged to deliver ink onto print media as it is transported past the print head in use Lt; / RTI &

Wherein the capping member is configured to be positioned adjacent to the print heads and has a length corresponding substantially to the length of the print heads,

Wherein the capping mechanism comprises:

  A first actuating mechanism arranged to effect relative movement from a first position to a second position spaced apart from the print heads,

  Wherein the printheads are provided with a capping member having a second actuating mechanism for interposing the capping member between the printheads to effect nozzle capping engagement of the two printheads when in the second position have.

[0301] In a further aspect there is provided a capping member for incorporation in a capping mechanism of a printer having the pagewidth print head assembly,

Wherein the pagewidth print head assembly has a single pagewidth print head,

The capping member is configured to be located at a non-capping first position spaced from the opposing print head and having a length corresponding substantially to the length of the print head, and

Wherein the capping mechanism has a motor driver arranged for camming engagement with the capping member, wherein the capping member is movable from the first position by the motor driver to a second position in which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the print head The capping member is configured to be linearly transferred to the position.

[0534] In a further aspect there is provided a capping member for incorporation in a capping / purging mechanism of a printer having the pagewidth print head assembly,

Wherein the capping member is configured to be positioned at a first position adjacent to the at least one print head and not capping, the print head having a length substantially corresponding to the length of the print head,

Wherein the capping /

  Purging means associated with the capping member and arranged to receive purged material from a nozzle environment of the at least one print head,

  And an actuating mechanism to cause the capping member to transition from the first position to a second position in which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the print head.

[0301] In a further aspect there is provided a capping member for incorporation in a capping mechanism of a printer having the pagewidth print head assembly,

The pagewidth print head assembly having two pagewidth print heads and a plurality of nozzles located along each print head and arranged to deliver ink onto a print medium that is moved past the print heads,

The capping member having a length substantially corresponding to the length of the print heads and coupled to one of the print heads and having a first position that is not capping and a second position where the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the associated print head. 2 position, and further,

The capping mechanism having an actuating mechanism associated with the cape member, the capping member being configured to transition from the first position to the second position by the actuating mechanism.

[0301] In a further aspect there is provided a capping member for incorporation in a capping mechanism of a printer having the pagewidth print head assembly,

Wherein the pagewidth print head assembly has a single pagewidth print head,

The capping member having a length corresponding substantially to the length of the print head and configured to be located in a non-capping first position spaced from the print head,

The capping mechanism having an actuating mechanism operable by the actuating mechanism to move the capping member from the first position to an arcuate transition to a second position in which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the print head, The capping member being adapted to pass through the capping member.

[0534] In a further aspect there is provided a capping member for incorporation in a capping / purging mechanism of a printer having the pagewidth print head assembly,

Wherein the pagewidth print head assembly has a single pagewidth print head,

Wherein the capping member is configured to be positioned at a first position adjacent to the print head and having a length substantially corresponding to the length of the print head and not capping,

Wherein the capping /

  Purging means associated with the capping member and arranged to receive purged material from the nozzle environment of the print head,

  There is provided a capping member having an actuating mechanism for causing the capping member to transition from the first direction in an arcuate direction to a second position in which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the print head.

[0301] In a further aspect there is provided a capping member for incorporation in a capping mechanism of a printer having the pagewidth print head assembly,

The capping member having a length corresponding substantially to the length of the at least one print head,

Wherein the capping mechanism comprises:

  A first actuating mechanism arranged to move the at least one print head from a first position to a second position in an arcuate first direction, and

  To move the capillary in an arcuate second direction opposite to the first direction to effect nozzle capping engagement of the at least one print head when the at least one print head is in the second position A capping member having a second actuating mechanism is provided.

[0534] In a further aspect there is provided a capping member for incorporation in a capping / purging mechanism of a printer having the pagewidth print head assembly,

The capping member having a length corresponding substantially to the length of the at least one print head,

Wherein the capping /

  A first actuating mechanism arranged to move the at least one print head from a first position to a second position and a third position in an arcuate first direction,

  To allow nozzle capping engagement of the at least one print head when the at least one print head is in the second position and to allow cleaning of the nozzles when the at least one print head is in a third position There is provided a capping member having a second actuating mechanism for moving the capillary in an arcuate second direction opposite to the first direction.

[0536] In a further aspect there is provided a capping member for incorporation in a capping / purging mechanism of a printer having the pagewidth print head assembly, the capping / purging mechanism coupled to the at least one print head, And a length in the vertical direction substantially corresponding to the length of the turret,

Wherein the capping member is a capping member configured to be supported by the turret and extending in a vertical direction,

Wherein the capping /

A purging chamber supported by the turret and connected in fluid passage communication with the suction device,

A first actuating mechanism arranged to selectively rotate the turret to position the capping member or purging chamber in alignment with the nozzles of the at least one print head,

  There is provided a capping member further having a second actuating mechanism arranged to effect movement of the turret, thereby selectively placing the aligned one of the capping member and the purging chamber in combination with the at least one print head .

[0214] In a further like matter a capping member for incorporation in a capping mechanism of a printer having the pagewidth print head assembly, wherein the capping mechanism is coupled to the at least one print head and comprises a substantially And a rotatable turret having a corresponding length in the vertical direction,

Wherein the capping member is a capping member configured to be supported by the turret and extending in a vertical direction,

Wherein the capping mechanism includes an actuating mechanism arranged to effect rotation of the turret wherein the capping member is movable from a first position not capping with the turret to the capping member, The capping member is configured to be moved to a second position that is located in a combined position.

[0534] In a further aspect there is provided a capping member for incorporation in a capping mechanism of a printer having the pagewidth print head assembly, the capping mechanism being coupled to the at least one print head and configured to position And having a longitudinal length substantially corresponding to the length of the at least one print head,

The capping member extends in a vertical direction and is adapted to have a length in a vertical direction that is rotatably mounted to the carrier and substantially corresponding to the length of the at least one printhead,

Wherein the capping mechanism further comprises an actuating mechanism, wherein the capping member is moved by the actuating mechanism from a non-capping first position to a position in which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the at least one print head The capping member is configured to be rotated to the two position.

[0301] In a further aspect there is provided a capping member for incorporation in a capping mechanism of a printer having the pagewidth print head assembly,

Wherein the capping member is formed from a flexible sheet-like material and has a width substantially corresponding to the length of the at least one print head,

Wherein the capping mechanism is associated with the at least one print head and further comprises an actuating mechanism, wherein the capping member and the at least one print head are moved by the actuating mechanism such that the capping member is in contact with the at least one print There is provided a capping member configured to be relatively moved to a position in which the head and nozzle capping are coupled and positioned.

[0301] In a further aspect there is provided a capping member for incorporation in a capping mechanism of a printer having the pagewidth print head assembly,

Wherein the capping mechanism is associated with the at least one print head,

Wherein the capping member is formed from a flexible sheet-like material and has a width corresponding substantially to the length of the at least one print head, wherein the flexible sheet-like material is in nozzle capping engagement with the at least one print head, There is provided a capping member which is fed as an interchangeable roll that causes a portion of the material to be withdrawn for positioning.

[0301] In a further aspect there is provided a capping member for incorporation in a capping mechanism of a printer having the pagewidth print head assembly,

Wherein the capping member is formed from a flexible sheet-like material and has a width corresponding substantially to the length of the at least one print head, wherein the flexible sheet-like material is in nozzle capping engagement with the at least one print head, Is supplied as a replaceable roll that causes a portion of the material to be withdrawn to position it,

The capping mechanism is provided with a capping member coupled to the at least one print head and having a take-up reel arranged to take up consumed capping material and then perform a capping operation.

[0030] In an eighteenth aspect, the present invention provides a capping mechanism for a pagewidth print head assembly,

The pagewidth print head assembly includes:

  (a) at least one pagewidth print head; And

  (b) a plurality of nozzles located along the at least one print head and arranged in use to deliver ink onto print media as the print media is transported past the at least one print head,

Wherein the capping mechanism comprises:

  i) the at least one capping member having a length corresponding substantially to that of the at least one printhead, and

  ii) the at least one capping member and the at least one print head are configured to perform a relative linear transition to a position between the at least one capping member and the at least one print head where nozzle capping engagement is performed A capping mechanism for a pagewidth print head assembly having actuating means arranged therein.

Optionally, the actuating means is configured to move the capping member from a first position that is not capping the at least one capping member to a second position in which the at least one capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the at least one print head .

In another aspect, the invention is a capping mechanism for a pagewidth print head assembly,

The pagewidth print head assembly

  (a) a pagewidth print head and

  (b) a plurality of nozzles located along the print head and arranged in use to deliver ink onto the print media as it is transported past the print head,

Wherein the capping mechanism comprises:

  i) a capping member having a length corresponding substantially to that of the print head, and

  and ii) an actuating mechanism arranged to effect a linear transition of the capping member from a non-capping first position to a second position at which the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the print head, And a capping mechanism for the capping mechanism.

[0402] Optionally the capping member is formed substantially as an integral member.

[0402] Optionally the capping member comprises conjoined member portions having an overall length corresponding substantially to that of the print head.

[0402] Optionally the capping member has a body portion formed of a rigid material and a capping portion having a) an integrally formed elastomeric material lip portion and b) a cavity surrounded by the lip portion, As shown in FIG.

[0322] Optionally the capping member is arranged to be connected to a suction device to cause material to be sucked from the nozzle environment of the print head.

Optionally, a chamber is located in the capping member and is connected in fluid passage communication with the cavity, the chamber being arranged to be connected to a suction device that allows material to be sucked from the nozzle environment of the printhead.

Optionally, a second actuating mechanism is provided for effecting movement of the print head to the second position.

Optionally, the second actuating mechanism is arranged to impart linear movement to the print head.

Optionally the second actuating mechanism is arranged to impart arcuate movement to the printhead.

Optionally the capping member is positioned in opposed relationship to the print head and the actuating mechanism is configured to move the capping member to the print head when performing a linear transition of the capping member from a first position to a second position, And are arranged to move in the vertical direction.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a capping mechanism comprising:

The pagewidth print head assembly

  (a) two opposed pagewidth print heads and

  (b) a plurality of nozzles arranged in use to deliver ink onto the print medium as it is transported past the print head,

Wherein the capping mechanism comprises:

  i) a capping member coupled to each print head and having a length corresponding substantially to that of the print heads, and

  and ii) an actuating mechanism arranged to effect a linear transition of each of the capping members from a non-capping first position to a second position where each of the capping members is located in nozzle capping engagement with the associated print head A capping mechanism for a pagewidth printhead assembly is provided.

[0216] Optionally each of the capping members is formed as a substantially one-piece member.

[0213] Optionally each of the capping members comprises conjoined member portions having an overall length corresponding substantially to that of the print head.

[0301] Optionally each of the capping members has a body portion formed of a rigid material and a capping portion, the capping portion having a) an integrally formed elastomeric material lip portion and b) a cavity surrounded by the lip portion, The lip portion is disposed circumferentially to surround the nozzles as a whole.

Optionally, another actuating mechanism is provided to effect movement of the print heads to the second position.

Optionally, the further actuating mechanisms are arranged to impart linear movement to the printhead.

Optionally, the further actuating mechanisms are arranged to impart arcuate movement to the printhead.

[0321] Optionally the capping members are located in opposed relationship with the respective print heads when the print heads are in the second position, and when performing the linear transition of the capping members from the first position to the second position The actuating mechanisms are arranged to move the respective capping members in a direction perpendicular to the combined print heads.

The capping members are positioned transversely with respect to the respective print heads when the printheads are in the second position, and when the printheads are in the second position, when performing the linear transition of the capping members from the first position to the second position, The actuating mechanisms are arranged to move the respective capping members laterally.

Optionally, another actuating mechanism is provided for dividing the linear movement into at least one of the print heads, wherein when in the first position the capping members are positioned transverse to the print heads In addition, when linearly transitioning from the first position to the second position, the capping members are moved transversely to a position between the print heads.

[0252] In a further aspect there is provided a capping mechanism for a pagewidth print head assembly,

The pagewidth print head assembly

  (a) two offset pagewidth print heads and

  (b) a plurality of nozzles located along each print head and arranged in use to deliver ink onto the print media as it is transported past the print heads,

Wherein the capping mechanism comprises:

  i) a capping member coupled to each print head and having a length corresponding substantially to that of the print heads, and

  and ii) actuating mechanisms arranged to effect relative linear transitions of the coupled capping members and the print heads to a position where the capping members are located in nozzle capping engagement with the associated print heads .

[0328] Optionally the actuating mechanisms are arranged such that each of the capping members performs a linear transition from a non-capping first position to a second position where each of the capping members is located in nozzle capping engagement with the associated print head do.

[0328] Optionally when the capping members are positioned in opposed relationship to the respective print heads and thereupon perform a linear transition of the capping members from the first position to the second position, the actuating mechanisms engage the respective capping members And are arranged to move the members in a direction perpendicular to the combined print heads.

In a further aspect,

(a) (i) at least one pagewidth print head and

   (ii) a plurality of nozzles located along the at least one print head and arranged in use to deliver ink onto the print media as it is transported past the at least one print head, and

(b) i) at least one capping member having a length corresponding substantially to that of the at least one print head, and

  and ii) actuating arranged to effect a relative linear transition of the at least one capping member and the at least one print head to a position where nozzle capping engagement is effected between the at least one capping member and the at least one print head A printer comprising a capping mechanism having means.

[0252] In a further aspect there is provided a method of capping a pagewidth print head assembly,

The pagewidth print head assembly

  a) at least one pagewidth print head and

  b) a plurality of nozzles located along the at least one print head and arranged in use to deliver ink onto print media as the print media is transported past the at least one print head;

And,

There is provided a capping method comprising performing a relative linear transition of the at least one printhead and the at least one associated capping member to a position where at least one capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the at least one printhead.

[0074] In a nineteenth aspect the present invention provides a capping mechanism for a printhead,

The print head comprising: a plurality of nozzles arranged to deliver ink onto a print medium that is transported past the print head during use; and a plurality of nozzles located away from a transfer surface of the print medium in a circular arc- The capping mechanism comprising actuating means arranged to move the print head to a second position for capping and a capping member arranged in nozzle capping engagement with the print head when the print head is in the second position Thereby providing a capping mechanism.

In yet another aspect,

  a) at least one printhead having a plurality of nozzles arranged to deliver ink onto print media as it is transported past the print medium in use, and

  b) actuating means arranged to move the print medium away from the conveying surface of the print medium in an arcuate direction, from a first position for printing to a second position for capping, A capping mechanism having a capping member arranged to engage in nozzle capping engagement with the print head when in position.

[0252] In a further aspect there is provided a capping mechanism for a pagewidth print head assembly,

The pagewidth print head assembly

  a) at least one pagewidth print head and

  b) a plurality of nozzles located along the print head and arranged in use to deliver ink onto print media as it is transported past the print head;

The capping mechanism

  i) at least one capping member having a length corresponding substantially to that of the at least one print head, and

  ii) from a first position where said at least one print head is printed in an arcuate direction away from the transfer surface of said print medium, said at least one capping member being in a nozzle capping engagement with said at least one print head There is provided a capping mechanism having actuating means arranged to move to a second position to be engaged

[0526] Optionally the at least one capping member is formed into a substantially one-piece member.

[0214] Optionally the at least one capping member comprises conjoined member portions having an overall length corresponding substantially to that of the print head.

[0325] Optionally the at least one capping member comprises a body portion formed of a rigid material and a capping portion, wherein the capping portion comprises a) an integrally formed elastomeric material lip portion and b) a cavity surrounded by the lip portion, The portion is circumferentially disposed to entirely surround the nozzles of the combined printhead.

[0322] Optionally the at least one capping member is arranged to be connected to a suction device for allowing material to be sucked from the nozzle environment of the associated print head.

Optionally, the purging chamber is arranged to be connected to a suction device which is located in the at least one capping member and which allows material to be sucked from the nozzle environment of the print head.

Optionally, another actuating mechanism is provided to effect movement of the at least one capping member from the non-capping position to the second position.

Optionally the further actuating mechanism is arranged to impart linear movement to the at least one capping member.

Optionally, the further actuating mechanism is arranged to impart arcuate movement to the at least one capping member.

Optionally, the at least one capping member is located in a facing relationship with the print head coupled when the print head is in the second position, and wherein the at least one capping member, from the non- The further actuating mechanism is arranged to move the at least one capping member in a direction perpendicular to the associated print head.

Optionally the at least one capping member is positioned adjacent to and laterally adjacent to the at least one print head and the further actuating mechanism is arranged to move the at least one capping member from the transverse direction to the second position do.

[0252] In a further aspect there is provided a capping mechanism for a pagewidth print head assembly,

The pagewidth print head assembly

  a) two pagewidth printheads and

  b) a plurality of nozzles located along each print head and arranged in use to deliver ink onto the print media as it is transported past the print heads;

The capping mechanism

  i) a capping member coupled to each print head and having a length corresponding substantially to that of the print heads, and

  ii) moving each print head from a first position for printing in an arcuate direction away from the delivery surface of the print media, to a second position at which the capping member is engaged with the mated print head and nozzle capping engagement, There is provided a capping mechanism having an actuating means arranged to move the capping mechanism.

[0301] Optionally, each capping member is formed as a substantially one-piece member.

[0302] Optionally each capping member comprises conjoined member portions having an overall length corresponding substantially to that of the print head.

[0302] Optionally each capping member has a body portion formed of a rigid material and a capping portion having a) an integrally formed elastomeric material lip portion and b) a cavity surrounded by the lip portion, As shown in FIG.

Optionally, each capping member is arranged to be connected to a suction device that allows material to be sucked from the nozzle environment of the associated print head.

Optionally, the purging chamber is arranged to be connected to a suction device positioned within each capping member and allowing material to be sucked from the nozzle environment of the associated print head.

Optionally, another actuating mechanism is provided to effect movement of each of the capping members from the non-capping position to the second position.

[0302] Optionally the further actuating mechanism is arranged to impart linear movement to each of the capping members.

[0302] Optionally the further actuating mechanism is arranged to impart an arcuate movement to each of the capping members.

Optionally, each of the capping members is positioned in a facing relationship with the print head coupled when the print head is in the second position, and wherein the further actuating mechanism is configured to move the capping member from the non- The capping members are arranged to move each of the capping members in a direction perpendicular to the associated print head.

Optionally, each of the capping members is positioned adjacent to and juxtaposed to a combined one of the print heads, and the further actuating mechanism moves each of the capping members laterally to the second position .

In a further aspect,

a) (i) at least one pagewidth print head and

  (ii) a plurality of nozzles located along the at least one print head and arranged in use to deliver ink onto the print media as it is transported past the print head; And

b) (i) at least one capping member having a length corresponding substantially to that of the at least one print head, and

  (ii) from a first position in which the at least one print head is printed in an arcuate direction away from the transfer surface of the print medium, the at least one capping member is in nozzle capping engagement with the at least one print head And a capping mechanism having actuating means arranged to move to a second position in which it is engaged.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a capping method of a printhead,

The printhead having a plurality of nozzles arranged in use to deliver ink onto the print media as it is transported past the printhead; The method further comprises moving the print head from a first position for printing in an arcuate direction away from a delivery surface of the print medium to a second position for capping, And engaging the printhead with the capping member in engagement.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a capping method of a pagewidth print head assembly,

The pagewidth print head assembly

  a) at least one pagewidth print head and

  b) a plurality of nozzles arranged in use to deliver ink onto the print medium as it is transported past the print head; The method further comprising the step of removing the at least one print from the first position for printing in an arcuate direction away from the delivery surface of the print media to a second position at which the capping member is engaged with the at least one print head in nozzle capping engagement, And moving the head.

In a twentieth aspect the present invention is a capping / purging mechanism for a pagewidth print head assembly,

The pagewidth print head assembly

  a) at least one pagewidth print head, and

  b) a plurality of nozzles located along the at least one print head and arranged in use to deliver ink onto print media as the print media is transported past the at least one print head;

Further, the capping / purging mechanism

  i) at least one capping member having a length corresponding substantially to that of the at least one print head,

  ii) means arranged to move the at least one printhead and / or the at least one capping member to a position where the at least one capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the at least one printhead, and

  and iii) at least one purging chamber arranged to receive the purged material from the at least one printhead.

[0526] Optionally the at least one capping member is formed into a substantially one-piece member.

[0214] Optionally the at least one capping member comprises conjoined member portions having an overall length corresponding substantially to that of the print head.

[0324] Optionally the at least one capping member has a body portion formed of a rigid material and a capping portion, the capping portion having a) an integrally formed elastomeric material lip portion and b) a cavity surrounded by the lip portion, And is circumferentially disposed to entirely surround the nozzles.

[0215] Optionally the at least one purging chamber is connectable with a suction device.

[0324] Optionally the at least one purging chamber is connectable to the inhalation device through an extraction tube.

[0353] Optionally the at least one purging chamber is integrated with the at least one capping member.

[0322] Optionally the at least one purging chamber is connected in fluid passage communication with the at least one capping member.

[0214] Optionally the at least one purging chamber is supported by a support member that supports the at least one capping member.

[0215] Optionally the at least one capping member and the at least one purging chamber form integral portions of the capping / purging member.

Optionally, the means arranged to move the at least one print head and / or the at least one capping member are spaced apart from a surface that feeds the print medium through the print head assembly to the position of the nozzle capping engagement, The first actuating means being arranged to move the at least one print head in the direction of the arrow.

Optionally, the means arranged to move the at least one printhead and / or the at least one capping member are arranged to move the at least one printhead and the at least one capping member in an arcuate direction The first actuating means and the second actuating means being arranged to move to the first position.

Optionally, the first actuating means is arranged to move the at least one print head to another position in which the purging chamber is arranged to receive purged material from the at least one print head.

Optionally, the second actuating means is arranged to move the at least one capping member to another position in which the purging chamber is arranged to receive purged material from the at least one print head.

Optionally, the means arranged to move the at least one printhead and / or the at least one capping member is configured to move the at least one capping member and the at least one purging chamber in a linear direction to a position of nozzle capping engagement And actuating means arranged to move.

[0253] In a further aspect there is provided a capping / purging mechanism for a pagewidth print head assembly,

The pagewidth print head assembly

  a) a pagewidth print head, and

  b) a plurality of nozzles located along the print head and arranged in use to deliver ink onto print media as it is transported past the print head;

Further, the capping / purging mechanism

  i) a capping member having a length corresponding substantially to that of the at least one print head,

  ii) means arranged to move the capping member and / or the printhead to a position where the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the printhead, and

  iii) a capping / purging mechanism having a purging chamber arranged to receive purged material from the printhead.

[0402] Optionally the capping member is formed substantially as an integral member.

[0402] Optionally the capping member comprises conjoined member portions having an overall length corresponding substantially to that of the print head.

[0324] Optionally the capping member has a body portion formed of a rigid material and a capping portion having a) an integrally formed elastomeric material lip portion and b) a cavity surrounded by the lip portion, And is disposed circumferentially to surround the whole.

Optionally, the purging chamber is connectable to a suction device.

Optionally, the purging chamber is connectable to the suction device through an extraction tube.

Optionally, the purging chamber is integrated with the capping member.

[0404] Optionally the purging chamber is connected in fluid passage communication with the at least one capping member.

[0322] Optionally the purging chamber is also carried by a support that supports the capping member.

[0352] Optionally the capping member and the purging chamber form integral portions of the capping / purging member.

Optionally, the means arranged to move the printhead and / or the capping member are arranged to move the printhead in an arcuate direction away from a surface that feeds the print medium through the printhead assembly to the position of the nozzle capping engagement The first actuating means being arranged to move.

Optionally, the means arranged to move the print head and / or the capping member comprises actuating means arranged to move the capping member in an arcuate direction to a position of nozzle capping engagement.

Optionally, the first actuating means is arranged to move the at least one print head to another position in which the purging chamber is arranged to receive purged material from the at least one print head.

[0214] Optionally the capping member and the purging chamber are both supported by a rotatable turret.

[0253] In a further aspect there is provided a capping / purging mechanism for a pagewidth print head assembly,

A pagewidth printhead assembly

  a) two opposed pagewidth print heads, and

  b) a plurality of nozzles located along the print head and arranged in use to deliver ink onto print media as it is transported past the print heads;

Further, the capping / purging mechanism

  i) a capping member coupled to each print head and having a length corresponding substantially to that of the print heads,

  ii) means arranged to move the printheads and the capping members to a position where the capping members are located in nozzle capping engagement with the print heads, and

iii) a capping / purging mechanism coupled to each of the capping members and having a purging chamber arranged to receive purged material from the at least one print head.

[0322] Optionally the means arranged to utilize the printheads and the capping members comprises actuating means arranged to move the capping members and the printheads into positions of nozzle capping engagement in an arcuate direction.

In yet another aspect,

a) (i) at least one pagewidth print head, and

  (ii) a plurality of nozzles located along the at least one print head and arranged in use to deliver ink onto the print media as it is transported past the at least one print head, And

b) at least one capping member having (i) a length corresponding substantially to that of the at least one print head,

  (ii) arranged to move the at least one printhead and / or the at least one capping member to a position where the at least one capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the plurality of pieces at the at least one printhead Means and

  (iii) a capping / purging mechanism having at least one purging chamber arranged to receive purged material from the at least one printhead.

[0215] In a further aspect there is provided a method of capping and purging a pagewidth print head assembly,

The pagewidth print head assembly

  a) at least one pagewidth print head

  b) a plurality of nozzles located along the at least one print head and arranged in use to deliver ink onto print media as the print media is transported past the at least one print;

The method comprises:

  i) moving the at least one printhead and / or at least one associated capping member to a position where the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the at least one print head simultaneously or separately,

  and ii) effecting removal of material from the at least one printhead through a purging chamber associated with the at least one capping member.

[0060] In a twenty first aspect the present invention is a capping mechanism for a pagewidth print head assembly,

The pagewidth print head assembly

  a) at least one pagewidth print head and

  b) a plurality of nozzles located along the at least one print head and arranged in use to deliver ink onto print media as it is transported past the print head;

The capping mechanism

  i) a capping member formed from a flexible sheet-like material and having a width corresponding substantially to that of the at least one print head, and

  and ii) means arranged to move the capping member and / or the at least one printhead to a position where the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the at least one print head.

[0252] In a further aspect there is provided a capping mechanism for a pagewidth print head assembly,

The pagewidth print head assembly

  a) at least one pagewidth print head

  b) a plurality of nozzles located along the at least one print head and arranged in use to deliver ink onto print media as it is transported past the print head;

The capping mechanism

  i) a capping member formed from a flexible sheet-like material and having a width corresponding substantially to that of the at least one print head, and

  and ii) means arranged to position the capping member in nozzle capping engagement with the at least one print head.

[0404] Optionally the capping member comprises a single layer sheet-like material.

[0401] Optionally the capping member comprises a multi-layer sheet-like material.

[0403] Optionally the capping member comprises a compressible sheet-like material.

Optionally, the means is provided for delivering fluid to a region between the multiple layers of the capping member.

[0402] Optionally the capping member is formed from a sheet-like material having hydrophobic properties.

[0404] Optionally the capping member is formed from a closed cell thermoplastic material.

[0402] Optionally the capping member is formed from a sheet-like material having hydrophilic properties.

Optionally the capping member is formed from an open cell silicone material.

[0404] Optionally the capping member comprises a separate capping member.

[0402] Optionally the capping member comprises one roll of the capping member material.

In a further aspect there is provided a capping mechanism comprising the roll of capping member material as the capping member is being fed to a position for nozzle capping engagement with the at least one print head in use.

In a further aspect there is provided a capping mechanism comprising a spool for receiving the capping member consumed by capping operation.

In another aspect, the invention is a capping mechanism for a pagewidth print head assembly,

A pagewidth printhead assembly

  a) pagewidth print head and

  b) a plurality of nozzles located along the print head and arranged in use to deliver ink onto the print medium as it is transported past the print head

The capping mechanism

  i) a capping member formed from a flexible sheet-like material and having a width substantially corresponding to the length of the print head, and

  and ii) a platen positioned adjacent the print head and positioned to position the capping member in nozzle capping engagement with the at least one print head.

[0215] Optionally the capping member comprises a single layer sheet-like material.

[0403] Optionally the capping member comprises a multi-layer sheet-like material.

[0403] Optionally the capping member comprises a compressible sheet-like material.

Optionally, means for delivering fluid to areas of the capping member between the multiple layers are provided.

[0402] Optionally the capping member is formed from a sheet-like material having hydrophobic properties.

[0404] Optionally the capping member is formed from a closed cell thermoplastic material.

[0402] Optionally the capping member is formed from a sheet-like material having hydrophilic properties.

Optionally the capping member is formed from an open cell silicone material.

[0404] Optionally the capping member comprises a respective capping member.

[0401] Optionally the capping member comprises the capping member material of one roll.

In a further aspect the present invention provides a capping mechanism comprising a capping member material of the roll from a position where the capping member is fed and nozzle capping engagement with the at least one print head.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a capping mechanism comprising a spool for receiving the spent capping member by capping operation.

In yet another aspect,

a) a printer comprising (i) at least one pagewidth print head and

  (ii) a plurality of nozzles located along the at least one print head and arranged in use to deliver ink onto the print media as it is transported past the at least one print head, And

b) a capping member (i) formed of a flexible sheet-like material and having a width corresponding substantially to the length of the at least one print head, and

  (ii) means for arranging the capping member and / or the at least one print head to move to a position where the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the at least one print head .

In yet another aspect,

a) a printer comprising (i) at least one pagewidth print head and

  (ii) a plurality of nozzles located along the at least one print head and arranged in use to deliver ink onto the print media as it is transported past the print head, and

b) a capping member (i) formed of a flexible sheet-like material and having a width corresponding substantially to the length of the at least one print head, and

  (ii) means arranged to position the capping member in nozzle capping engagement with the at least one print head.

[0252] In a further aspect there is provided a method of capping a pagewidth print head assembly,

A pagewidth printhead assembly

  a) at least one pagewidth print head and

  b) a plurality of nozzles located along the at least one print head and arranged to deliver ink onto the print media as it is transported past the at least one print head;

The method comprises moving the capping member having the at least one printhead and / or the flexible sheet-like configuration to a position where the capping member is located in nozzle capping engagement with the at least one printhead.

[0252] In a further aspect there is provided a method of capping a pagewidth print head assembly,

A pagewidth printhead assembly

  a) at least one pagewidth print head and

  b) a plurality of nozzles located along the at least one print head and arranged in use to deliver ink onto the print media as it is transported past the at least one print head;

The method provides a capping method comprising positioning a capping member having a flexible sheet-like configuration in nozzle capping engagement with the at least one printhead.

[0060] In a twenty-second aspect the present invention provides a capping mechanism for a printhead,

The printhead having a plurality of nozzles disposed therein for delivering ink onto a print medium that is transported past the printhead in use;

Wherein the capping mechanism comprises:

  a) a capping member disposed in contact with the print head in nozzle capping engagement,

  b) a carrier to support the capping member, and

  c) arrange the carriage to move back and forth between a first position in which the capping member is located remotely relative to the print head and a second position in which the capping member is positioned to contact the print head An actuating mechanism for actuating the actuator;

Wherein the capping member is rotatably mounted to the carrier and includes a transitional movement of the carrier between a transition position located intermediate the first position and the second position and the second position, A capping mechanism is arranged to rotate relative to the carrier.

[0214] In a further aspect there is provided a method of capping a printhead,

The printhead having a plurality of nozzles arranged in use to deliver ink onto a print medium transported past the printhead;

The method comprises:

  i) performing a movement of the carrier and the capping member carried by the carrier from a first position spaced from the print head to a second position at which the capping member is moved in nozzle capping engagement with the print head,

  ii) moving the carrier and the capping member during movement from the first position to the second position via a transition position; and

  and iii) performing a rotational movement of the capping member relative to the carrier during transitional movement between the transition position and the second position by the carrier.

Optionally, the transitional movement by the carrier is less than the movement made by the carrier between the first position and the second position.

[0216] In a further aspect there is provided a capping mechanism for a pagewidth print head having a plurality of nozzles located along the print head and arranged to transfer ink to the print head as it is transported past the print head , The capping mechanism

  a) a capping member having a length substantially corresponding to the length of the print head and arranged to contact the print head in nozzle capping engagement,

  b) a carrier to support the capping member, and

  c) an actuator arranged to effect rearward and forward movement of the carrier between a first position in which the capping member is spaced relative to the print head and a second position in which the capping member is positioned in contact with the print head, And a locking mechanism;

Wherein the capping member is arranged to be rotatably mounted to the carrier and to rotate relative to the carrier during transitional and rearward movement of the carrier between a transition position and a second position, And a capping mechanism is located midway between the first position and the second position.

[0623] Optionally the actuating mechanism is arranged to rotatably move the carrier between the first position and the second position during the capping operation.

[0302] Optionally the carrier is rotatably mounted to a support member through a rotating component having a first pivot axis, the capping member having a pivoting device portion having a second pivot axis spaced parallel and spaced from the first pivot axis And is rotatably mounted on the carrier.

[0302] Optionally the capping member has a capping element that is radially displaced from the second pivot axis, wherein a radial displacement of the capping element from the second pivot axis is greater than a radial displacement of the capping element from the second pivot axis Relative to the spacing between the second pivot shafts.

Optionally, the distance between the first pivot axis and the second pivot axis is approximately three times the radial displacement of the capping member from the second pivot axis.

Optionally, the transition position is located at a distance from the second position, which is shorter than the distance between the first position and the second position.

Optionally, the ratio of the transitional rotational movement of the carrier to the total rotational movement of the carrier between the first position and the second position is in the range of 1:12 to 1:20.

[0402] Optionally the capping element comprises a substantially rigid channel-shaped element.

[0401] Optionally the capping element incorporates a lip formed of an elastomeric material.

Optionally the capping element is configured such that the recessed portion of the capping element is substantially closed against loss of contained moisture and contaminant entry to engage the front portion of the carrier when the carrier is located in the first position .

[0401] Optionally the capping element incorporates a lip formed of an elastomeric material, the lip being arranged to be positioned about the print head nozzles when the capping element is in the second position, Wherein the concave portion of the body portion is arranged to engage with the front portion of the carrier when the carrier is located in the first position, substantially closed against loss of contained moisture and contaminant entry.

[0324] Optionally the capping member has at least one first braking member, wherein the first braking member is in contact with the print head, such that the carrier makes a transitional movement from the transition position to the second position, And is arranged to effect rotation of the capping member relative to the carrier.

[0402] Optionally the capping member has at least one second braking member, wherein the second braking member is in contact with the carrier such that the carrier moves from the transition position to the first position, As shown in FIG.

Optionally, the capping member is rotatably mounted on the carrier by a pivot shaft, the coating axis extending along a peripheral edge of the carrier.

Optionally, a biasing mechanism is mounted to the capping member to engage the carrier by biasing the capping member to a certain extent in a direction away from the print head and nozzle capping engagement.

[0252] Optionally the biasing mechanism comprises a torsion spring.

[0322] Optionally the carrier is mounted on the support member by spaced apart end plates mounted on the print head.

Optionally, the actuating mechanism comprises an electric motor, the electric motor being connected to the carrier and arranged to impart rotational motion to the carrier by a crank and a motion converting mechanism.

Optionally, at least one abutment is located adjacent the print head and when the carrier approaches the first position, the capping member is moved away from the supply path of the print media to enable rotation of the capping member .

Optionally, the capping element of the capping element is configured such that the recess of the capping element is substantially closed against loss of contained moisture and contaminant entry, such that when the carrier is located in the first position, .

[0404] Optionally the capping mechanism and the printhead are arranged to operate in an inkjet printer.

Optionally the capping mechanism is arranged for mechanical engagement with the capping mechanism protector portion and the capping mechanism protector portion is a cover member arranged to engage the capping mechanism while the capping mechanism is not engaged with the print head .

In a further aspect there is provided a capping mechanism comprising:

  a) the capping mechanism is disposed for mechanical engagement with the capping mechanism protector portion, and the capping mechanism protector portion is comprised of a cap member arranged to engage the capping mechanism while the capping mechanism is not engaged with the print head And also

  b) the capping mechanism, the capping mechanism protector, and the print head are provided with a capping mechanism arranged to operate within an inkjet printer.

In a twenty-third aspect, the present invention provides an inkjet printer,

  a) a printhead having a plurality of nozzles arranged to deliver ink onto print media being transported past the printhead in use, and

  b) a capping mechanism for the print head,

The capping mechanism

  i) a capping member disposed in contact with the print head in nozzle capping engagement,

  ii) a carrier to support the capping member, and

  iii) arranged to effect rearward and forward movement of the carrier between a first position in which the capping member is spaced relative to the print head and a second position in which the capping member is positioned in contact with the print head An actuating mechanism;

Wherein the capping member is rotatably mounted to the carrier and wherein transitional movement of the carrier backward and forward between the transition position and the second position intermediate the first and second positions is performed To rotate relative to the carrier.

In another aspect, the invention is an inkjet printer,

  a) a pagewidth print head having a plurality of nozzles located in accordance with the print and arranged to deliver ink onto print media being transported past the print in use, and

  b) having a capping mechanism for the print head;

The capping mechanism

  i) a capping member having a length corresponding substantially to the length of the print head and arranged to contact the print head in nozzle capping engagement,

  ii) a carrier to support the capping member, and

  and iii) a rearward and forward movement of the carrier between a first position at which the capping member is spaced relative to the print head and a second position at which the capping member is positioned in contact with the print head And an actuating mechanism arranged thereon;

Wherein the capping member is rotatably mounted to the carrier and wherein transitional movement of the carrier backward and forward between the transition position and the second position intermediate the first and second positions is performed To rotate relative to the carrier.

Optionally the actuating mechanism is arranged to rotatably move the carrier between the first position and the second position while the capping action is being performed.

[0302] Optionally the carrier is rotatably mounted to a support member through a rotating component having a first pivot axis and the capping member is rotatably mounted to the carrier via a rotational arrangement having a second pivot axis spaced apart from and equilibrium with the first pivot axis And is rotatably installed.

The capping element is displaced radially from the second pivot axis and the amount of radial displacement of the capping element from the second pivot axis is greater than the amount of radial displacement of the capping element from the second pivot axis, Axis and the second pivot axis.

Optionally, the spacing between the first pivot axis and the second pivot axis is approximately three times the radial displacement of the capping element from the second pivot axis.

Optionally, the transition position is located at a distance from the second position, which is shorter than the distance between the first position and the second position.

Optionally, the ratio of the transitional rotational movement of the carrier to the total rotational movement of the carrier between the first position and the second position is in the range of 1:12 to 1:20.

[0402] Optionally the capping element comprises a substantially rigid channel-shaped element.

[0401] Optionally the capping element incorporates a lip formed of an elastomeric material.

Optionally the capping element is configured such that the recessed portion of the capping element is substantially closed against loss of contained moisture and contaminant entry to engage the front portion of the carrier when the carrier is located in the first position .

[0401] Optionally the capping element engages a lip formed of an elastomeric material, the lip being arranged to be positioned about the print head nozzles when the capping member is in the second position, Wherein the concave portion of the body portion is arranged to engage with the front portion of the carrier when the carrier is located in the first position, substantially closed against loss of contained moisture and contaminant entry.

[0402] Optionally the capping member has a first braking member, wherein the first braking member is adapted to contact the print head and thereby cause the carrier to make a transitional movement from the transition position to the second position, And are arranged to effect rotation of the capping member.

[0302] Optionally the capping member has a second braking member, wherein the second braking member is in contact with the carrier such that rotation of the capping member relative to the carrier while the carrier is moving from the transition position to the first position Lt; / RTI >

Optionally, the capping member is rotatably mounted on the carrier by a pivot shaft, the coating axis extending along a peripheral edge of the carrier.

Optionally, a biasing mechanism is mounted to the capping member to engage the carrier by biasing the capping member to a certain extent in a direction away from the print head and nozzle capping engagement.

[0252] Optionally the biasing mechanism comprises a torsion spring.

[0322] Optionally the carrier is mounted on the support member by spaced apart end plates mounted on the print head.

Optionally, the actuating mechanism comprises an electric motor, the electric motor being connected to the carrier and arranged to impart rotational motion to the carrier by a crank and a motion converting mechanism.

Optionally, the abutment is located adjacent the printhead and when the carrier approaches the second position, the capping member is moved away from the supply path of the print media to enable rotation of the capping member.

Optionally, the capping element of the capping element is configured such that the recess of the capping element is substantially closed against loss of contained moisture and contaminant entry, such that when the carrier is located in the first position, .

Optionally, the printer further comprises a protective device portion for the capping mechanism, wherein the protective device portion comprises a cover member arranged to engage the capping mechanism while the capping mechanism is not engaged with the print head.

In a twenty-fourth aspect, the present invention provides a protective device for a capping device portion for a print head, wherein the protective device portion is a cover member arranged to engage the capping device portion while the capping device is not engaged with the printhead .

In a further aspect there is provided a method of protecting a printer capping device against moisture consumption and / or contaminant entry, the method comprising: during the capping device engaging the print head, Member.

In a further aspect there is provided a protective device portion for a capping device, such as a capping device for a printhead having a plurality of ink delivery nozzles,

a) the capping mechanism

  i) a capping member disposed in nozzle capping engagement with the print head,

  ii) a carrier to support the capping member, and

  and iii) a rearward and forward movement of the carrier between a first position at which the capping member is spaced relative to the print head and a second position at which the capping member is positioned in contact with the print head An actuating mechanism arranged; Also

b) The protector portion is provided with a protector comprising a cover member arranged to engage the capping member when the capping member is located in the first position.

[0224] In a further aspect there is provided a protective device portion for a capping device, in the form of a capping mechanism for a pagewidth printhead having a plurality of nozzles located along the print head,

a) the capping mechanism comprises:

  i) a capping member having a length corresponding substantially to that of the print head and arranged to contact the print head in nozzle capping engagement,

  ii) a carrier to support the capping member, and

  and iii) a rearward and forward movement of the carrier between a first position at which the capping member is spaced relative to the print head and a second position at which the capping member is positioned in contact with the print head And an actuating mechanism arranged thereon;

b) the capping member is rotatably mounted to the carrier and is configured to move between a first position located intermediate the first position and the second position and a transitional < RTI ID = 0.0 > Is rotatably arranged with respect to the carrier during its being performed; Also

c) The protector is provided with a protective device consisting of a cap member arranged to be engaged by the capping member when the capping member is located in the first position.

[0402] Optionally the lid member comprises the carrier.

Optionally the actuating mechanism is arranged to rotatably move the carrier between a first position and a second position while the capping action is being performed.

[0302] Optionally the carrier is rotatably mounted on a support through a rotating component having a first pivot axis and the capping member is rotatably mounted to the carrier via a rotational arrangement having a second pivot axis parallel to and spaced from the first pivot axis Lt; / RTI >

[0402] Optionally the capping member has a capping element that is radially displaced from the second pivot axis, the radial displacement of the capping element from the second pivoting axis is greater than a radial displacement of the capping element from the first pivot axis and the second pivot axis, Respectively.

Optionally the spacing between the first pivot axis and the second pivot axis is approximately three times the radial displacement of the capping element from the second pivot axis.

Optionally, the transition position is located at a distance from the second position, which is shorter than the distance between the first position and the second position.

Optionally, the ratio of the transitional rotational movement of the carrier to the total rotational movement of the carrier between the first position and the second position is in the range of 1:12 to 1:20.

[0402] Optionally the capping element comprises a substantially rigid channel-shaped element.

[0401] Optionally the capping element incorporates a lip formed of an elastomeric material.

Optionally the capping element is configured such that the recessed portion of the capping element is substantially closed against loss of contained moisture and contaminant entry to engage the front portion of the carrier when the carrier is located in the first position .

[0401] Optionally the capping element engages a lip formed of an elastomeric material, the lip being arranged to be positioned about the print head nozzles when the capping member is in the second position, Wherein the concave portion of the body portion is arranged to engage with the front portion of the carrier when the carrier is located in the first position, substantially closed against loss of contained moisture and contaminant entry.

[0324] Optionally the capping member has at least one first braking member, wherein the first braking member is in contact with the print head, such that the carrier makes a transitional movement from the transition position to the second position, And is arranged to effect rotation of the capping member relative to the carrier.

[0402] Optionally the capping member has at least one second braking member, wherein the second braking member is in contact with the carrier such that the carrier moves from the transition position to the first position, As shown in FIG.

Optionally, the capping member is rotatably mounted on the carrier by a pivot shaft, the coating axis extending along a peripheral edge of the carrier.

Optionally, a biasing mechanism is mounted to the capping member to engage the carrier by biasing the capping member to a certain extent in a direction away from the print head and nozzle capping engagement.

[0252] Optionally the biasing mechanism comprises a torsion spring.

Optionally, the actuating mechanism comprises an electric motor, the electric motor being connected to the carrier and arranged to impart rotational motion to the carrier by a crank and a motion converting mechanism.

Optionally, at least one abutment is located adjacent the print head and when the carrier approaches the first position, the capping member is moved away from the supply path of the print media to enable rotation of the capping member .

In a further aspect there is provided, as a protective device portion,

The printhead having a plurality of nozzles arranged to deliver ink onto print media being transported past the printhead in use; Also

Wherein the capping mechanism comprises:

  a) a capping member disposed in contact with the print head in nozzle capping engagement,

  b) a carrier to support the capping member, and

  and c) performing a backward and forward movement of the carrier between a first position in which the capping member is spaced apart from the print head and a second position in which the capping member is positioned in contact with the print head And an actuating mechanism arranged thereon;

Wherein the capping member is rotatably mounted to the carrier and wherein transitional movement of the carrier backward and forward between the transition position and the second position intermediate the first and second positions, There is provided a protective device arranged to rotate relative to the carrier during its operation.

In a further aspect there is provided, as a protective device portion,

The printhead having a plurality of nozzles arranged to deliver ink onto print media being transported past the printhead in use; Also

Wherein the capping mechanism comprises:

  a) a capping member disposed in contact with the print head in nozzle capping engagement,

  b) a carrier to support the capping member, and

  and c) performing a backward and forward movement of the carrier between a first position in which the capping member is spaced apart from the print head and a second position in which the capping member is positioned in contact with the print head And an actuating mechanism arranged thereon;

Wherein the capping member is rotatably mounted to the carrier and wherein transitional movement of the carrier backward and forward between the transition position and the second position intermediate the first and second positions, And arranged to rotate relative to the carrier during actuation,

The print, the capping mechanism, and the protector are provided with protective devices arranged for use in an inkjet printer.

[0324] Optionally the capping mechanism and the printhead are arranged for use in an inkjet printer.

In a twenty-fifth aspect, the present invention provides an inkjet printer having a protector for a capping device for a printhead in a printer, wherein the protector is configured to couple the capping device to the capping device while the capping device is not engaged with the printhead. As shown in Fig.

In another aspect, the invention is an inkjet printer having a protective device portion for a capping device, such as a capping device for a printhead having a plurality of ink delivery nozzles,

a) the capping mechanism

  i) a capping member disposed in contact with the nozzle capping engagement

  ii) a carrier to support the capping member, and

  and iii) a rearward and forward movement of the carrier between a first position at which the capping member is spaced relative to the print head and a second position at which the capping member is positioned in contact with the print head An actuating mechanism arranged; Also

b) the protector portion comprises a cover member disposed such that the capping member is coupled to the capping member when the capping member is in the first position.

In another aspect the present invention is an inkjet printer having a protective device portion for a capping device in the form of a capping mechanism for a pagewidth printhead having a plurality of nozzles located along the printhead,

a) the capping mechanism comprises:

  i) a capping member having a length corresponding substantially to that of the print head and arranged to contact the print head in nozzle capping engagement,

  ii) a carrier to support the capping member, and

  iii) the capping member is disposed to effect rearward and forward movement of the carrier between a first position in which the capping member is spaced apart from the print head and a second position in which the capping member is positioned in contact with the print head An actuating mechanism;

b) the capping member is moved transversely rearwardly and forwardly between a transition position, which is rotatably mounted on the carrier, and which is located intermediate the first and second positions, and the second position, Is arranged to rotate relative to the carrier

and c) the protector portion comprises a cover member arranged to be engaged by the capping member when the capping member is placed in the first position.

[0402] Optionally the lid member comprises the carrier.

Optionally the actuating mechanism is arranged to rotatably move the carrier between the first position and the second position while the capping action is being performed.

Optionally the carrier is rotatably mounted to a support member through a rotating component having a first pivot axis and wherein the capping member is rotatably coupled to the carrier through a rotational arrangement having a second pivot axis parallel to and spaced from the first pivot axis, As shown in Fig.

[0328] Optionally the capping member is displaced radially from the second pivot axis and the amount of radial displacement of the capping member from the second pivot axis is small relative to the spacing between the first pivot axis and the second pivot axis .

Optionally, the spacing between the first pivot axis and the second pivot axis is approximately three times the radial displacement of the capping element from the second pivot axis.

Optionally, the transition position is located at a distance from the second position, which is shorter than the distance between the first position and the second positions.

Optionally, the ratio of the transitional rotational movement of the carrier to the total rotational movement of the carrier between the first position and the second position is in the range of 1:12 to 1:20.

[0402] Optionally the capping element comprises a substantially rigid channel-shaped element.

[0401] Optionally the capping element incorporates a lip formed of an elastomeric material.

[0403] Optionally the capping member is arranged to engage the front side of the carrier when the carrier is located in the first position, whereby the recessed portion of the capping member is substantially free of contaminants Lt; / RTI >

[0401] Optionally the capping element engages a lip formed of an elastomeric material, the lip being arranged to be positioned about the print head nozzles when the capping member is in the second position, Wherein the concave portion of the body portion is arranged to engage with the front portion of the carrier when the carrier is located in the first position, substantially closed against loss of contained moisture and contaminant entry.

[0324] Optionally the capping member has at least one first braking member, wherein the first braking member is in contact with the print head, such that the carrier makes a transitional movement from the transition position to the second position, And is arranged to effect rotation of the capping member relative to the carrier.

[0402] Optionally the capping member has at least one second braking member, wherein the second braking member is in contact with the carrier such that the carrier moves from the transition position to the first position, As shown in FIG.

Optionally, the capping member is rotatably mounted on the carrier by a pivot shaft, the coating axis extending along a peripheral edge of the carrier.

Optionally, a biasing mechanism is mounted to the capping member to engage the carrier by biasing the capping member to a certain extent in a direction away from the print head and nozzle capping engagement.

[0252] Optionally the biasing mechanism comprises a torsion spring.

Optionally, the actuating mechanism comprises an electric motor, the electric motor being connected to the carrier and arranged to impart rotational motion to the carrier by a crank and a motion converting mechanism.

Optionally, at least one abutment is located adjacent the print head and when the carrier approaches the first position, the capping member is moved away from the supply path of the print media to enable rotation of the capping member .

In a further aspect there is provided an inkjet printer,

The printhead having a plurality of nozzles arranged to deliver ink onto print media being transported past the printhead in use; Also

Wherein the capping mechanism comprises:

  a) a capping member disposed in contact with the print head in nozzle capping engagement,

  b) a carrier to support the capping member, and

  and c) performing a backward and forward movement of the carrier between a first position in which the capping member is spaced apart from the print head and a second position in which the capping member is positioned in contact with the print head And an actuating mechanism arranged thereon;

Wherein the capping member is pivotally mounted on the carrier and wherein transitional movement of the carrier backward and forward between the transition position and the second position is located intermediate the first and second positions, Is arranged so as to rotate relative to the carrier during a printing operation.

The present invention is embodied in various arrangements, some of which are illustrated by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Figure 1 shows a diagram of a printer incorporating a printhead assembly having two substantially identical printheads.

Figure 2 is a perspective view of one of the printheads viewed in the direction of the printing zone of the printhead.

Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of one of the printheads.

Figure 4 shows a perspective view of an end portion of a channeled support member removed from the printhead of Figure 3 and a fluid delivery line connected to the support member.

Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional view of the connections formed between the fluid delivery lines and the channel-like support member of Figure 4;

Figure 6 shows a printed circuit board on which electronic components are mounted when removed from the casing portion of the printhead of Figure 3;

Figures 7 (a), (b) and (c) show the first capping mechanism in block diagram form.

Figures 8 (a), 8 (b) and 8 (c) show the second capping mechanism in block diagram form.

Figures 9 (a), 9 (b) and 9 (c) show the third capping mechanism in block diagram form.

Figures 10 (a), (b), (c) and (d) show in block diagram form a fourth capping mechanism comprising a pruning facility.

Figure 11 shows a perspective view of a capping member of a type suitable for use in the apparatuses shown in Figures 7-10.

Figure 12 shows a cross-sectional perspective view of a portion of a print chip mounted on a printhead and incorporating print fluid transfer nozzles and nozzle actuators.

Figure 13 shows a longitudinal section of a single nozzle in a quiescent state.

Figure 14 shows a longitudinal section of a single nozzle in an initial activation state.

Figure 15 shows a longitudinal section of a single nozzle in a later activation state.

Fig. 16 is a perspective view of the single nozzle in the active state shown in Fig. 15. Fig.

17 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the nozzle of Fig.

Figure 18 shows the sectional elevation of the nozzle of Figure 16;

Fig. 19 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of the nozzle of Fig. 14;

Fig. 20 is a plan view of the nozzle of Fig. 13;

Fig. 21 shows a view similar to Fig. 20 except that the lever arm is provided and the movable nozzle portions are omitted.

FIG. 22 illustrates the data flow and function performed by a print engine controller (hereinafter referred to as "PEC") forming one of the circuit components shown in FIG.

Figure 23 shows the PEC of Figure 22 in the context of the overall printing system architecture.

FIG. 24 shows the architecture of the PEC of FIG. 23. FIG.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, a pagewidth printhead assembly 50 is comprised of two substantially identical pagewidth printheads 51 mounted within a printer 52. This printer is schematically illustrated because it can be configured with any of a number of printer types, including desktop, office, commercial and wide format printers. The printer can also incorporate a single sheet feed system or roll-feed system (not shown) for the print media, and can include alpha-numeric images, graphic images Or decorative images, the latter relating to the printing of textiles and wall coverings.

Each of the printheads 51 may be of any type that is incorporated into the present invention, for example, by the type and reference described in the copending U. S. patent applications of the present applicant, . However, other types of pagewidth printheads (including thermal activated or piezo-electric activated bubble jet printers) known in the art may alternatively be used.

As illustrated in Figures 2 to 6, each printhead 51 includes four printhead modules 55, each module in turn,

a) a support member (56) of plastic material,

b) four printhead microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) with integrated circuit chips 57 (here simply referred to as "printhead chips"),

c) a fluid distribution arrangement 58 in which each printhead chip 57 is mounted to the support member 56, and

d) a flexible printed circuit connector (59) for connecting power and signals to each printhead chip (57);

And a unitary arrangement in which the unit is arranged.

It is understood, however, that each printhead 51 may comprise substantially four or more modules 55 and / or substantially four or more printhead chips 57 may be mounted in each module There will be.

Each chip (described in greater detail below) has 7680 nozzles therein for delivering printing fluid onto the surface of the print medium, and as far as possible compressed air or other gas And further has 640 nozzles for delivery to the medium.

Four printhead modules 55 are detachably positioned within a channel portion 60 of a casing 61 via a support member 56 which is connected to flexible PCB connectors 63a Mounted on four printed circuit boards 62 (one for each printhead module 55) to control the delivery of computer-controlled power and drive signals to the printhead chips 57 And an electric circuit element (63). As shown in Figures 1 and 2, power and print activating signals are conveyed through conductors 64 to one end of the two printheads 51, And transferred to the other end of the two printheads 51 by transfer lines 65. However, both the ink and power can be transferred to one end of the printheads, and, as is currently contemplated, there are other alternative arrangements when the printhead assembly 50 is integrated in an ink-supply cartridge .

The printed circuit boards 62 are supported on plastic material molds 66 located within the casing 61 and the moldings are arranged in order to provide electrical power to the printhead chips 57 and electrical circuit elements Which also carries bus bars 67 that carry the gas. The cover 68 typically covers the casing 61 and when the cover is closed it covers a load element (not shown) that pushes the flexible printed circuit connector 59 against the bus bars 67, element (69).

The four printhead modules 55 may incorporate four coupled support members 56 or alternatively a single support member 56 may extend along the entire length of the printhead 51 to form a total of four printheads May be provided to be shared by both the head modules. That is, a single support member 56 can support a total of 16 printhead chips 57.

As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the support member 56 includes an extrusion formed of seven longitudinally extending closed channels 70, the upper surface of which has a millimeter-sized A group 71 of millimetric sized holes is provided. Each group includes seven individual holes 72 that extend to each one of the channels 70 and each group of holes is connected to one of the printhead chips 57. In addition, the holes 72 in each group are positioned across the support member 56 in the longitudinal direction of the support member. A coupling device 73 is provided to connect the fluid within each of the seven channels 70 from each one of the fluid delivery lines 65.

A fluid distribution arrangement is provided for channeling fluids (printing ink, air and fixative, if necessary) to one of the printhead chips 57 from each group 71 of holes. (58) are provided. The printing fluids are transferred from the six of the seven channels 70 to the twelve rows of nozzles on each printhead chip 57 (i.e., one fluid per two rows) through the fluid distribution devices 58 in millimeters to micrometers Unit of fluid distribution is achieved. For a more detailed description of a device to accomplish this process, reference may be made to the above-referenced co-pending U.S. patent applications.

An exemplary embodiment for one printhead chip 57 is described in more detail as an example of a print engine controller for a printhead 51 at the end of the description associated with this figure, with reference to Figs. 12-21. The print engine controller will be described later with reference to Figs. 22 to 24.

A print media guide 74 is mounted to each printhead 51 and is attached to the printheads 57 by means of printhead chips 57 in such a manner that the print medium does not come into contact with the nozzles of the printhead chips. Are formed and arranged in such a manner as to guide the print medium passing through the printing zone, as defined collectively.

The fluids delivered to the printheads 51 may be determined by the functionality of the printer 52. However, as illustrated, a facility is provided for delivering six print fluids and air to the printhead chips 57 through the seven channels 70 of the support member 56. These six printing fluids,

Cyan printing ink,

Magenta printing ink,

Yellow printing ink,

Black printing ink,

Infrared ink,

Fixative

. ≪ / RTI >

The filtered air may be delivered during use to a pressure slightly above atmospheric pressure by a pressurized source (not shown) incorporated into the printer.

Having identified the salient features of the pagewidth print head, various embodiments of a capping mechanism that characterizes the present invention will now be described with reference to an enlarged view of Figs. 7-11.

In the capping mechanism shown in Fig. 7 (a), two (duplex) printheads 51 are positioned adjacent to each other and define a gap 80 through which the print medium is conveyed in the direction of the arrow 81 do. The two capping members 82 are positioned adjacent to the print heads and are inclined at an angle of about 40 with respect to the print medium feeding direction.

For example, when capping is required between consecutive print runs, the printheads 51 are configured to cap the nozzles from a first position that does not print or cap, as shown in Figure 7 (b) And is rotated in an arcuate direction through approximately 40 degrees to the second position. The capping members 82 are then moved linearly to a point located in nozzle capping engagement with the printhead chips 57 on each printhead 51 in the direction of arrow 83 as shown in Figure 7 (c) do.

As shown in block diagram form in FIG. 7 (c), actuating mechanisms 84 and 85 are employed to achieve movement of the printheads 51 and capping members 82 described above. These mechanisms may include geared motor drives, pneumatic actuators, or other mechanisms known in the art for effecting movement of relatively small mechanical devices.

By the mechanism shown in Figs. 7 (a) to 7 (c), the print medium can be held in position between the print heads 51 during a capping operation. Also, since the capping members 82 are usually moved toward each of the print heads 51, any possibility that can cause friction between the capping members and the print areas of the print heads is avoided.

As shown in Figs. 8 (a) to 8 (c), the mechanism is similar to the mechanism described above, so that the same reference numerals are used to confirm that it is the same member. However, instead of moving the capping members 82 in a direction perpendicular to the print zone of the printheads 51, in this case, the actuating mechanisms 85 may be capped laterally relative to the printheads 51 And linear movements of the members 82 are performed.

In the mechanism shown in Fig. 9 (a), as in the case of the mechanism shown in Fig. 7 (a), the two print heads 51 are positioned adjacent to each other and together they are aligned in the direction of the arrow 81 Thereby defining a gap 80 to be transported. The two capping members 82 are positioned adjacent to the print heads and are inclined at an angle of about 80 with respect to the feed direction of the print medium.

For example, when capping is required between consecutive print runs, the printheads 51 are moved from a non-capping first position to a second position capping the nozzles, as shown in Figure 9 (b), at approximately 40 Lt; / RTI > in the arcuate direction. Thereafter, the capping members 82 are positioned 40 in the direction of arrow 83, as shown in Figure 9 (c), positioned in nozzle capping engagement with the printhead chips 57 on each printhead 51 Lt; / RTI > in the opposite arcuate direction.

As shown in block diagram form in FIG. 9 (c), actuating mechanisms 84 and 85 are used to effect the above-described movement of the printhead 51 and the capping member 82. As described above, these mechanisms may include geared motor drive devices, pneumatic actuators, or other mechanisms known in the art for effecting movement of relatively small mechanical devices.

10 (a), 10 (b), 10 (c) and 10 (d) are similar in structure and function to the capping mechanism shown in Figures 9 (a), (b) Lt; RTI ID = 0.0 > a < / RTI > nozzle. In this embodiment, the capping member 86 incorporates a chamber 87 that is dual-structured as a cleaning member and is arranged to receive material that is purged from the nozzles in the printhead chips 57. The extraction tube 88 extends toward the chamber 87 and is connected to the device 88, such as a suction pump, within the printer 50 to suck material that is purged from the nozzle environment of the printhead.

If capping is desired, the printheads 51 are rotated in an arcuate direction over 40 [deg.] To the position shown in Fig. 10 (b). Thereafter, the capping members 86 are moved in the direction of the arrow 83 as shown in Fig. 10 (c) by capping members in nozzle capping engagement with the printhead chips 57 on each printhead 51 And is rotated in an opposite arcuate direction over 40 [deg.] To the point where it is located. Thereafter, the printheads 51 are rotated over another angle of about 20 degrees to position the printhead chips 57 adjacent the chambers 87, as shown in Figure 10 (d) The nozzle is cleaned.

When cleaning is required regardless of capping, the printheads 51 will be rotated over a full 60 degrees and the capping members 86 will move in opposite directions 40 so that the printhead chips 57 can align with the purging chamber 87 Lt; / RTI >

As in the case of the mechanism described with reference to Figs. 7 (a) to 7 (c), the mechanisms illustrated in Figs. 8, 9 and 10 can be operated without interference with the movement of the printing medium.

The capping members 82 have a configuration as shown in Fig. 11 and the capping members 86 have a configuration (not shown in detail) including the configuration shown in Fig. As such, the capping members include a capping portion having a body portion 100 and a lip portion 101 formed integrally therewith that is molded or otherwise secured onto the body portion and surrounds the cavity 102. [ The body portion 100 is formed of a metal such as aluminum or a rigid plastic material, and the capping portion (including the lip portion 101) is formed of an elastomeric material.

The lip portion 101 is peripherally configured to surround all of the printhead chips 57 and the adjacent areas of each printing area or the printheads 51. In addition, the cavity 102 may be provided with a hydrophobic material or a hydrophilic material, depending on whether the capping member functions and the fluid to be removed from the printhead is released from the capping member or remains on the capping member. Or embedded.

The capping members 82, 86 may be formed substantially of one-piece members having a length corresponding to the length of the printhead to be capped, or of a shorter length corresponding to the length of the printhead May be in a connected form.

One of the printhead chips 57 will now be described in more detail with reference to Figures 12 to 24.

As described above, each of the printhead chips 57 is provided with 7680 print fluid delivery nozzles 150. These nozzles are arranged in twelve columns 151, each with 640 nozzles at a nozzle spacing X of 32 microns. Adjacent rows are staggered at an interval equal to 1.5 times the nozzle spacing such that a row of nozzles is located midway between two nozzles of adjacent rows. There is also a nozzle spacing Y of 80 microns between adjacent rows of nozzles.

The rows of two adjacent nozzles 150 are fed with a printing fluid from a conventional source. This takes into account the spacing of the denser ink dots during printing than is feasible in a single row of nozzles by a staggered arrangement and also provides a sufficient supply of nozzles to accommodate nozzle failures level of redundancy.

The printhead chips 57 are fabricated using an integrated circuit fabrication technique and also implement a micro-electromechanical system (MEMS), as previously indicated. Each printhead chip 57 includes a silicon wafer substrate 152 and a 0.42 micron 1P4M 12 volt CMOS micro-processing circuit is formed on the wafer. A silicon dioxide layer 153 is formed on the substrate 152 as a dielectric layer and aluminum electrode contact layers 154 are formed on the silicon oxide layer 153. [ Both the substrate 152 and the oxide layer 153 are etched to define the ink channel 155 and an aluminum diffusion barrier 156 is positioned around the ink channel 155.

A passivation layer 157 made of silicon nitride is formed on the aluminum contact layers 154 and the oxide layer 153. [ Portions of the protective layer 157 located over the contact layers 154 have openings 158 to provide a passageway for these contact layers.

Each nozzle 150 includes a nozzle chamber 159 defined by a nozzle wall 160, a nozzle roof 161 and a radially inner nozzle rim 162. The ink channel 155 is in fluid communication with the chamber 159.

The movable rim 163, which includes a movable seal lip, is located at the lower end of the nozzle wall 160. An encircling wall 165 surrounding and surrounding the nozzle and providing a stationary seal lip is provided on the movable rim 163 when the nozzle 150 is in a rest state, ). The fluidic seal 167 is formed by the surface tension of the ink trapped between the stationary seal 166 and the movable seal 164. This prevents ink leakage from the chamber while providing a low resistance coupling between the peripheral wall 165 and the nozzle wall 160.

The nozzle wall 160 defines a lever arrangement portion that is mounted to a carrier 168 having a generally U-shaped cross section with a base 169 attached to the layer 157. The lever device also includes a lever arm 170 extending from the nozzle wall and incorporating a lateral stiffening beam 171. The lever arm 170 is formed of titanium nitride and is attached to a pair of passive beams 172 located on the sides of the respective nozzles as best shown in FIGS. The other end of the passive beams 172 is attached to the carrier 168.

The lever arm 170 is attached to the actuator beam 173 formed of TiN. This attachment to the actuator beam is in some respects small, but at a higher critical distance than the attachments to the passive beam 172.

16 and 19, the actuator beam 173 is substantially U-shaped in the plane and defines a current path between one of the electrodes 174 and the opposing electrode 175 . Each electrode 174, 175 is electrically connected to each point of the contact layer 154. The actuator beam 173 is also mechanically secured to the anchor 176 and the anchor 176 is configured to inhibit movement of the actuator beam toward the left side of Figures 13-15 when the nozzle arrangement is activated.

The actuator beam 173 is a conductor made of TiN but has a sufficiently high electrical resistance to cause self-heating when current passes between the electrodes 174, Since no current flows through passive beams 172, these passive beams do not undergo thermal expansion.

In operation, the nozzle is filled with ink 177 defining a meniscus 178 under the influence of surface tension. This ink is kept in the chamber 159 by the meniscus, and generally does not leak unless there are other physical influences.

In order to inject ink from the nozzles, a current passing through the actuator beam 173 passes between the contacts 174, 175. Self-heating of the beam 173 causes the beam to expand, and the beam has a size and shape that causes it to expand significantly in the horizontal direction with respect to FIGS. This expansion is limited to the left by the anchor 176, so that the end of the actuator beam adjacent to the lever arm 170 is pushed to the right.

The relative horizontal inflexibility of the passive beams 172 prevents the passive beams from allowing more horizontal movement of the lever arm 170. [ However, the relative displacement of the respective passive beams and the point of attachment of the actuator beam to the lever arm is now such that the lever arm 170 is normally downwardly biased by pivoting or hinging motion Resulting in a twisting movement that causes movement. However, the absence of a constant pivot point means that the rotation is about the pivoting region defined by the bending of the passive beams 172.

The downward movement (and slight rotation) of the lever arm 170 is amplified by the distance from the passive beams 172 to the nozzle wall 160. Although the surface tension of the ink does not allow the ink to leak, and the fluid seal 167 is stretched by this movement, the downward movement of the nozzle walls and the loop, as shown in Fig. 14, Resulting in an increase in pressure in chamber 159 causing curl 178 to expand.

As shown in Fig. 15, the drive current is interrupted at an appropriate time and the actuator beam 173 rapidly cools and shrinks. This contraction causes the lever arm to begin to return to its quiescent position, which in turn causes a pressure drop in the chamber 159. The interaction of the momentum of the bulging ink and the inherent surface tension and the negative pressure caused by the upward movement of the nozzle chamber 159 causes the dilated meniscus 178 to become thin and ultimately So that the ink droplets 179 remain in appearance until they contact the passing print medium.

Immediately after the ink droplet 179 is separated (separated), the meniscus 178 forms a concave shape shown in Fig. The pressure in the chamber 159 is kept relatively low due to the surface tension until the ink is sucked up through the inlet 155, which returns the nozzle device and ink to the rest state shown in Fig.

As best seen in Figure 16, the printhead chip 57 also incorporates a test mechanism that can be used both periodically, both after manufacture and after the printhead assembly is installed. The test fixture includes a pair of contacts 180 that are connected to a test circuit element (not shown). A bridging contact 181 is provided on the finger protrusion 182 extending from the lever arm 170. Since the bridging contact 181 is on the opposite side of the passive beams 172, the operation of the nozzle causes the bridging contact 181 to move upward and contact these contacts 180. The test circuit element can be used to confirm that its operation results in this closure of the circuit formed by the contacts 180, 181. If this circuit is properly closed, it can generally be assumed that the nozzle is working.

As mentioned previously, the integrated circuits of the printhead chips 57 are controlled by a print engine controller (PEC) integrated circuit, which is the drive electronics 63. One or more PEC integrated circuits 100 are provided (depending on the requested printing speed) to enable page-width printing on pages of varying sizes or on successive sheets. Each printed circuit board 62 is supported in a support molding 66 that supports one PEC integrated circuit 190 (Figure 22) that interfaces with the four printhead chips 57 , This PEC integrated circuit 190 essentially drives the integrated circuits of the printhead chips 57 and also transmits the received print data in a form suitable for printing.

One example of a PEC integrated circuit suitable for driving printhead chips is disclosed in commonly assigned U. S. Patent Application Serial Nos. 09 / 575,108 (Docket No. PEC01US), 09 / 575,109 (Docket No. PEC02US), 09 / 575,110 09 / 607,985 (Docket No. PEC04US), 09 / 607,990 (Docket No. PEC05US) and 09 / 606,999 (Docket No. PEC07US), which are incorporated herein by reference.

However, a brief description of this circuit is provided below with reference to Figs. 22-24.

The data flow and functions performed by the PEC integrated circuit 190 are described for the case where this PEC integrated circuit 190 is provided for driving the printhead 51 with a plurality of printhead modules 55 . It is four modules as described above. In addition, as described above, each printhead module 55 provides six channels for printing fluid, which are as follows.

● Cyan, Magenta and Yellow (CMY) for standard color printing;

Black text for black text and other black or grayscale (K);

• Infrared for tag-enabled applications

  (IR); And

● Fixer (F) that enables high-speed printing.

Images are supplied to the PEC integrated circuit 190 by the computer, which is programmed to perform various processing steps 191-194 that affect when printing an image prior to delivery to the PEC integrated circuit 190. [ These steps typically receive the image data (step 191) and also store the data in a memory buffer of a computer system in which image layouts can be created and any required objects can be added (Step 192). The pages from this memory buffer are rasterized (step 193) and then compressed prior to delivery to the PEC integrated circuit 190 (step 194). As the image data is received, the PEC integrated circuit 190 processes this data to drive the integrated circuits of the printhead chips 57.

Because of the pagewidth format of the printhead assembly, each image must be printed at a constant speed to avoid creating visible artifacts. This means that the print speed must be changed to match the input data rate. As a result, document rasterization and document printing are separated to ensure that the printhead assembly has a constant data feed. In this device, the image is not printed until it is completely rasterized, and a compressed version of each rasterized page image is stored in memory to achieve a high constant print speed.

Since contone color images are reproduced by stochastic dithering, except that black text and line graphics are reproduced directly using dots, the compressed image And includes a foreground bi-level black layer and a background contone color layer that are separated from each other in format. The black layer is synthesized on the contone layer after the contone layer is dithered. If necessary, the last layer of tags (in IR or black ink) is optionally added to the output image.

The dither matrix selection regions of the image description are compressed with lossless compression to a negligible size and are also referred to as contone resolution bi-level bitmaps that form part of the compressed image. Rasterized. The IR layer of the printed page includes tags that are selectively encoded at a programmable density. Each compressed image is passed to a PEC integrated circuit 190 and then stored in a memory buffer 195. The compressed image is then retrieved and supplied to image expander 196 where the images are retrieved. If desired, any dither may be provided to the arbitrary contone layer by the dithering means 197 and any arbitrary black-bi-level layer, along with any infrared tags that may be rendered by the rendering means 199, Can be synthesized on the contone layer by a synthesizer (198). The PEC integrated circuit 190 then drives the integrated circuits of the printhead chips 57 to print the composite image data in a step 200 for producing the printed image 201.

The process performed by the PEC integrated circuit 190 may be considered to consist of a number of completely different steps. The first step has the ability to expand the JPEG-compressed contone CMYK layer. In parallel, bi-level IR tag data can be encoded from the compressed image. The second stage derives the contone CMYK layer using the dither matrix selected in the dither matrix selection map and, if necessary, composites the bi-level black layer over the resulting bi-level K layer and adds the IR layer to the image. Also, a fixative layer is created at each dot location where C, M, Y, K, or IR channels are needed. The last step prints the bi-level CMYK + IR data through the printhead assembly 50.

23 shows a PEC integrated circuit 190 in the context of an overall printing system architecture. This architecture includes the following various components.

A PEC integrated circuit 190 that is responsible for receiving compressed page images for storage in the memory buffer 202, performing page expansion, and black layer synthesis and transferring dot data to the printhead chips 57 ). The PEC integrated circuit 190 may also communicate with the master quality assurance (QA) integrated circuit 203 and may communicate with the ink cartridge quality assurance integrated circuit. The PEC integrated circuit 190 also provides a means for retrieving printhead assembly properties to ensure optimal printing.

A memory buffer 202 for scratching the use during the printing of a given page and for storing the compressed image. The structure and operation of memory buffers are known to those skilled in the art and a range of standard integrated circuits and techniques for use may be employed.

- Master integrated circuit (203) in accordance with ink cartridge QA integrated circuit (204). The structure and operation of QA integrated circuits is also known to those skilled in the art and a range of well known QA processes may be used.

The PEC integrated circuit 190 performs substantially the functions of the four basic levels.

Reception of compressed pages through a serial interface such as IEEE 1394.

• Act as a print engine to produce images from a compressed form. The print engine functions include expanding the image, deregulating the contone layer, compositing the black layer on the contone layer, selectively adding infrared tags, and transmitting the resulting image to the integrated circuits of the printhead chips .

Act as a print controller for controlling the printhead chips 57 and the stepper motors 102, 108, 111 of the printing system.

• Acting as two standard low-speed serial ports for communicating with two QA integrated circuits. In this regard, two ports are used rather than a single port to ensure robust security during the authentication procedure.

These functions will now be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 24, which provides a more specific and exemplary example of a PEC integrated circuit architecture.

The PEC integrated circuit 190 combines with a single microcontroller CPU core 204 to perform the following functions.

Performing QA integrated circuit authentication protocols through the serial interface 205 between print images.

Driving the stepper motors of the printing system via a parallel interface 206 during printing to control delivery of the print media to the printer.

● Synchronize the various components of the PEC integrated circuit 190 during printing.

Provide a means to interface with external data requests (programming registers, etc.).

Providing means for interfacing with the low data demands of the printhead assemblies (e. G., Reading eigenvectors and recording pulse profiles).

Providing means for recording portrait and landscape tag structures in external DRAM 207. [

To perform image expansion and print processing, the PEC integrated circuit 190 includes a high-speed serial interface (e.g., a standard IEEE 1394 interface) 208, a standard JPEG decoder 209, a standard group 4 fax decoder 210, (PHI) 214 that communicates with the printhead chip / synthesizer (HC) 211, the custom tag encoder 212, the line loader / formatter (LLF) 213 and the printhead chips 57 do. The decoders 209 and 210 and the tag encoder 212 are buffered in the HC 211. The tag encoder 212 assigns infrared tags to images.

This print engine function operates in a double-buffered manner. That is, one image is transferred from the high-speed serial interface 208 via the DRAM interface 215 and the data bus 216 to the external DRAM (not shown), while the previously loaded image is read from the DRAM 207 and passed through the print engine process 34). When the image is printed, the image just loaded becomes the image being printed, and a new image is loaded through the high-speed serial interface 208. [

In the first mentioned stage, the process extends any JPEG-compressed contone (CMYK) layers and expands any of the two group 4 fax-compressed bi-level data streams. These two streams are a matte for selecting between a black layer and dither matrices for contone dithering. In a second step, in parallel with the first step, any tags for rendering later in IR or black ink are encoded.

Finally, in a third step, the contone layer is dithered and position tags and bi-level spot layers (bi-level spot layers) are formed on the resulting bi-level dithered layer, level spot layer) is synthesized. The data stream is ideally adjusted to produce smooth transitions to overlap the overlapping segments of the printhead assembly and to prevent dead nozzles in the printhead assemblies Instead it is ideally adjusted to fill. Up to six channels of bi-level data are generated at this stage.

However, it should be understood that not all of the six channels need be activated. For example, the printhead modules 55 may provide for CMY only if K is pushed into the CMY channels and the IR is ignored. Alternatively, if the IR ink is not used, these position tags can be printed in K. The resulting bi-level CMYK-IR dot-data is buffered and formatted for printing in the integrated circuits of the printhead chips 57 through a set of line buffers (not shown). Most of these line buffers may ideally be stored in the external DRAM 207. [ In the last step, six channels of bi-level dot data are printed through the PHI 214.

The HC 211 combines the function of half-toning a contone (typically a CMYK) layer into a bi-level version and deposits a spot 1 by level layer (spot1 bi-level layer). In the absence of K ink, HC 211 functions to properly map K over CMY dots. It selects between the two dither matrices according to the pixel-by-pixel basis, based on the value corresponding to the dither matrix selection map. The input to the HC 211 is an extended contone layer (from the JPEG decoder 205) through the buffer 217, a layer of bi-level spots extended through the buffer 218, An extended dither matrix selection bitmap having the same resolution as the tone layer, and tag data having a full dot resolution through the buffer (FIFO) 220.

The HC 211 uses the two dither matrices, which are read from the external DRAM 207, to the maximum. The output from the HC 211 to the LLF 213 is a set of printer resolution bi-level image lines that spans six color planes. Typically, the contone layer is CMYK or CMY, and the bi-level spot 1 layer is K. Once started, the HC 211 continues to detect an "end-of-image" condition, or until it is apparently stopped through a control register (not shown) do.

LLF 213 receives dot information from HC 211 and loads the dots for a given print line into an appropriate buffer storage (some on an integrated circuit (not shown) and some on The input to the LLF 213 is a series of six 32-bit words (or words) that are input to the external DRAM 207 and also to the order required by the integrated circuit of the printhead chips 57. More specifically, (words) and one data valid bit, all of which are generated by the HC 211.

As described above, the physical arrangement of the nozzles 150 of the printhead chips is in two offset rows 151, which means that odd and even dots of the same color are for two different lines. There are also many lines between dots of one color and dots of another color. Since the six color planes for the same dot position are calculated by the HC 211 at one time, it is necessary to delay the dot data for each color plane until the same dot is located below the appropriate color nozzle. The size of each buffer line depends on the width of the printhead assembly. A single PEC integrated circuit 190 may be used to generate dots for up to 16 printhead chips 57, in which case a single odd or even buffer line may comprise 16 sets of 640 dots, a total of 10,240 bits (1280 bytes).

This PHI 214 is a means for the PEC integrated circuit 190 to load the dots to be printed on the printhead chips 57 and to control the actual dot printing process. It receives the input from the LLF 213 and outputs the data to the printhead chips 57. The PHI 214 can handle a variety of printhead assembly lengths and formats.

The combined eigenvectors of each printhead assembly 50, 51 may be read back via the serial interface 205. [ The characterization vector includes information on dead nozzle information as well as corresponding printhead module alignment data. Each printhead module may be interrogated via a low-speed serial bus 221 to return the eigenvectors of the printhead module.

The characterization vectors from the plurality of printhead modules constitute a nozzle defect list for the complete printhead assembly and allow the PEC integrated circuit 190 to compensate for the damaged nozzles during printing, Can be combined to allow you to do. As long as the number of damaged nozzles is small, this compensation can produce indistinguishable results from the nozzles of the printhead assembly using nozzles that are not damaged at all.

Some features of the pagewidth print head incorporating the chip and the print engine controller described above are summarized as follows.

1. The printhead may typically have at least four color channels.

2. The printhead can typically incorporate at least 1400 ink delivery nozzles per inch of print width for each color.

3. The printhead can incorporate a total of at least 50,000 nozzles.

4. The dot printing processing rate and the ink drop deposition rate of the printhead may be about 10 ⁹ sec ^-1 or more.

5. The volume deposited per ink droplet may be of the order of 2 x 10 < ^-12 > or less.

6. Energy level consumption per ink droplet jet can be of the order of 200 x ^10-9 J or less.

It should be understood that the principles and principles of use of the capping mechanism in accordance with the present invention may be realized in various configurations. Thus, for example, as described in detail above, various changes and modifications can be made to the configurations.

Claims (27)

A capping mechanism for a printhead having a plurality of nozzles, the capping mechanism comprising: An actuating means arranged to move the print head in an arcuate direction away from the conveying surface of the print medium from a first position to a second position, And a capping member for engaging the print head when the print head is in a second position for capping the plurality of nozzles, Wherein the capping member is disposed opposite the transfer surface at a first angle, Wherein the capping member is configured to move linearly with respect to the print head and to move in a direction parallel to the delivery surface to engage the print head such that friction between the capping member and the plurality of nozzles is prevented, Capping mechanism. At least one printhead having a plurality of nozzles arranged to deliver ink onto print media being transported past the printhead in use, A capping mechanism having an actuating means arranged to move the print head away from the delivery surface of the print medium in an arcuate direction from a first position to a second position, And a capping member for engaging the print head when the print head is in a second position for capping the plurality of nozzles, Wherein the capping member is disposed opposite the transfer surface at a first angle, Wherein the capping member is configured to move linearly with respect to the print head and move in a direction parallel to the delivery surface to engage the print head such that friction between the capping member and the plurality of nozzles is prevented. delete The method according to claim 1, Wherein the capping member is formed substantially as a one-piece member. The method according to claim 1, Wherein the capping member comprises conjoined capping member portions having an overall length substantially corresponding to a length of the print head. The method according to claim 1, Wherein the capping member comprises: A body portion formed of a rigid material, and a) an integral lip portion of an elastomeric material and b) a capping portion having a cavity surrounded by said lip portion, ≪ / RTI & The lip portion being circumferentially configured to entirely surround the nozzles of the associated print head. The method according to claim 1, Wherein the capping member is connected to a suction device such that material can be drawn from the nozzle environment of the associated print head. The method according to claim 1, Wherein a purging chamber is located within the capping member and the purging chamber is disposed to be connected to a suction device such that material can be drawn from the nozzle environment of the print head. The method according to claim 1, Further comprising another actuating mechanism for moving the capping member from the non-capping position to the second position. delete delete delete delete The method according to claim 1, Wherein the actuating means is configured to move the print head in an arcuate fashion at the same angle as the first angle. 3. The method of claim 2, Wherein the actuating means is configured to move the print head in an arcuate fashion at the same angle as the first angle. delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete

Images