# US 10,870,298 B2 · Print module containing printhead tilting mechanism

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- Number: US 10,870,298 B2
- Document ID: US10870298B2
- Status: Granted
- Kind: B2
- Application number: 16/591,529
- Filed: 2019-10-02
- Published: 2020-04-09
- Granted: 2020-12-22
- Earliest claimed: 2018-10-03
- Assignees: Memjet Technology Limited
- Applicants: Memjet Technology Limited
- Inventors: David Burke; Norman Berry; Harrick Selvan Anothonysamy; Reynovel Pacinio Anciano; Soon Keat Fah; Poh Lai Say
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US10870298B2

## CPC

- B41J 2/175: Ink supply systems {; Circuit parts therefor}
- B41J 2/16585: {for paper-width or non-reciprocating print heads}
- B41J 2/1752: {Mounting within the printer}
- B41J 2/17523: {Ink connection}
- B41J 2/1753: {Details of contacts on the cartridge, e.g. protection of contacts}
- B41J 25/304: Bodily-movable mechanisms for print heads or carriages movable towards or from paper surface
- B41J 29/02: Framework
- B41J 29/13: Cases or covers
- B41J 29/377: Cooling or ventilating arrangements
- B41J 29/54: Locking devices applied to printing mechanisms
- B41J 29/56: and manually actuated
- B41J 2/17526: {Electrical contacts to the cartridge}
- B41J 2/235: Print head assemblies
- B41J 25/34: Bodily-changeable print heads or carriages
- B41J 2202/20: Modules
- B41J: TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS

## Abstract

A print module including: a cradle having a longitudinal cavity; an elongate printhead carrier positioned in the longitudinal cavity, the printhead carrier having a first end and a second end, the printhead carrier being pivotable relative to the cradle about a pivot axis the second end; a supply assembly slidably movable relative to the cradle along an axis perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the printhead carrier, the supply assembly having ink couplings for fluidic connection to a printhead received in the printhead carrier; and a mechanical linkage interconnecting the first end of the printhead carrier and the supply assembly. Reciprocal movement of the supply assembly moves the printhead carrier between a tilted position and a non-tilted position.

## Claims

### Claim 1

A print module comprising:
a cradle having a longitudinal cavity;
an elongate printhead carrier positioned in the longitudinal cavity, the printhead carrier having a first end and a second end, the printhead carrier being pivotable relative to the cradle about a pivot axis the second end;
a supply assembly slidably movable relative to the cradle along an axis perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the printhead carrier, the supply assembly comprising one or more ink couplings for fluidic connection to a printhead received in the printhead carrier; and
a mechanical linkage interconnecting the first end of the printhead carrier and the supply assembly,
wherein reciprocal movement of the supply assembly moves the printhead carrier between a tilted position and a non-tilted position.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The print module of claim 1, wherein the print module is configured for printhead removal and insertion in the tilted position.

### Claim 3 (depends on 1)

The print module of claim 1, wherein the print module is configured for printing in the non-tilted position.

### Claim 4 (depends on 3)

The print module of claim 3, wherein the printhead is datumed against a fixed lower nest of the cradle in the non-tilted position.

### Claim 5 (depends on 4)

The print module of claim 4, wherein the second end of the printhead carrier is pivotally mounted to the nest.

### Claim 6 (depends on 1)

The print module of claim 1, wherein the pivot axis is transverse to a longitudinal axis of the printhead.

### Claim 7 (depends on 1)

The print module of claim 1, wherein the supply assembly comprises first and second ink couplings positioned for coupling to first and second ink ports at opposite longitudinal ends of the printhead.

### Claim 8 (depends on 7)

The print module of claim 7, wherein the first ink coupling has sufficient coupling force with the first ink port so as to raise the first end of the printhead carrier during movement of the supply assembly.

### Claim 9 (depends on 8)

The print module of claim 8, wherein a fixed tongue of the cradle is positioned for abutment with a reaction plate of the printhead carrier, thereby decoupling the first ink coupling from the first ink port at a predetermined position.

### Claim 10 (depends on 9)

The print module of claim 9, wherein the mechanical linkage holds the printhead carrier in the tilted position subsequent to decoupling of the first ink coupling from the first ink port.

### Claim 11 (depends on 10)

The print module of claim 10, wherein the mechanical linkage extends with movement of the supply assembly subsequent to decoupling of the first ink coupling from the first ink port.

### Claim 12 (depends on 11)

The print module of claim 11, wherein the mechanical linkage is hinged.

### Claim 13 (depends on 9)

The print module of claim 9, wherein the tongue passes through a tongue slot of the cradle during movement of the supply assembly.