Patent ID: 8075112
Filing Date: 2011-12-13
Classification: B41J

Abstract:
1. A printhead assembly for an inkjet printer, the printhead assembly comprising: an elongate ink distribution molding assembly defining longitudinal ink ducts and an air duct; a laminated ink distribution stack mounted to the ink distribution molding assembly, the laminated ink distributions tack defining ink passages and at least one air passage in fluid communication with respective said ink ducts and said air duct; a plurality of ink ejection integrated circuits (IC's) mounted to the laminated ink distribution stack in fluid communication with the ink ducts and configured to eject ink supplied from the ink ducts; and a cover defining a plurality of apertures through which ink ejected from the IC's passes, the cover being mounted to define a space between the IC's and the cover in which space pressurised air is provided from said air passage through the apertures to clean the apertures, wherein the ink distribution molding assembly includes an air valve molding defining a channel with a series of openings, the air valve molding being received within the air duct, and the ink distribution molding assembly includes at least one compression spring maintaining a sealing inter-engagement of the air valve molding with the lamination stack to prevent air leakage when the air supply is closed.