Multi-channel valve apparatus for printhead

A multi-channel valve apparatus for a multi-channel printhead, the apparatus comprising:

• a body;
• a plurality of ink ports defined through the body, each ink port being configured to receive therethrough a respective one of a plurality of ink tubes interconnecting a plurality of ink containers with the printhead;
• a plurality of gas ports defined through the body, each gas port being configured to receive therethrough a respective one of a plurality of gas tubes interconnecting a plurality of gas vents with the printhead;
• a first pinch element arranged to be moved into and out of pinching contact with the ink tubes so as to respectively block and allow fluid flow through the ink tubes;
• a second pinch element arranged to be moved into and out of pinching contact with the gas tubes so as to respectively block and allow fluid flow through the gas tubes;
• and
• a pinch drive arrangement for selectively moving the first and second pinch elements, the pinch drive arrangement comprising:
• a shaft rotatably mounted to the body;
• one or more eccentric cams fixedly mounted on the shaft;
• and
• one or more springs connected to the first and second pinch elements, the springs being configured for biasing the first and second pinch elements towards the eccentric cams and towards pinching engagement with respective ink and gas tubes,
• wherein the ink tubes are positioned between the first pinch element and the shaft, and the gas tubes are positioned between the second pinch element and the shaft.