Patent ID: 6969144
Filing Date: 2005-11-29
Classification: B41J

Abstract:
1. An inkjet print engine assembly, comprising: an inkjet printhead assembly, comprising: (a) an ink distribution assembly that is in fluid communication with an ink supply; (b) at least one printhead that is mounted on the ink distribution assembly, the, or each, printhead having at least one printhead chip that incorporates a plurality of micro-electromechanical nozzles; and (c) at least one nozzle guard, wherein each of the at least one nozzle guards defines a plurality of micro-apertures, each of the at least one nozzle guards being mounted adjacent one or more of the at least one printhead chips such that each micro-aperture is in fluid communication with a corresponding nozzle so that ink ejected from the nozzles passes through the respective corresponding micro-apertures; a rotary platen assembly that is mounted for rotation about an axis, the rotary platen assembly comprising: (d) an axially extending platen surface; and (e) an axially extending capping arrangement, the capping arrangement being disposed on the platen assembly at a position circumferentially spaced from the platen surface; and a drive mechanism configured to rotate the platen assembly about its axis, thereby enabling the platen surface and the capping arrangement to selectively be moved into operative engagement with the printhead assembly, the capping arrangement including a sealing structure that is shaped and dimensioned to engage the printhead assembly in a region about the, or each, printhead, so that the, or each, printhead is sealed from the environment when the capping arrangement is in said operative condition, without the sealing structure being in contact with the micro-apertures when the capping arrangement is in the operative position.