Levered print head module adjustment system

#The present invention relates to inkjet printers and in particular to pagewidth inkjet printers.

#Various methods, systems and apparatus relating to the present invention are disclosed in the following co-pending applications filed by the applicant or assignee of the present invention on 24 May 2000:

#PCT/AU00/00578 PCT/AU00/00579 PCT/AU00/00581 PCT/AU00/00580 PCT/AU00/00582 PCT/AU00/00587 PGT/AU00/00588 PCT/AU00/00589 PCT/AU00/00583 PCT/AU00/00593 PCT/AU00/00590 PCT/AU00/00591 PCT/AU00/00592 PCT/AU00/00584 PCT/AU00/00585 PCT/AU00/00586 PCT/AU00/00594 PCT/AU00/00595 PCT/AU00/00596 PCT/AU00/00597 PCT/AU00/00598 PCT/AU00/00516 PCT/AU00/00517 PCT/AU00/00511

#A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

#FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the underside of a modular printhead according to the present invention;

#FIG. 2 shows an exploded perspective view of the modular printhead shown in FIG. 1;

#Referring to the figures, the modular printhead (1) includes a plurality of printhead modules (2) mounted to a metal chassis (3) which acts as a support frame. The modules (2) are sealed units with four independent ink chambers that feed the inkjet nozzles in a printhead chip (8). As best seen in FIG. 2, each printhead module (2) is plugged into a reservoir moulding (11) that supplies the ink through a self sealing elastomeric strip (12).

#The entire modular printhead (1) may itself be a module of a larger printhead having two levels of modularity. Accordingly, the length of the overall printhead is arbitrary.

#Referring to FIGS. 7 to 9, the printhead modules (2) each comprise a printhead chip (8) bonded to a TAB (tape automated bond) film (6) accommodated and supported by a micro moulding (5), which is in turn adapted to mate with the cover moulding (4). The printhead chip (8) is typically a micro electro mechanical system(s) (MEMS) device.