Patent ID: 6113292
Filing Date: 2000-09-05
Classification: B41J

Abstract:
A printer head release mechanism for use in a printer defining a recess to releasably mount a recording medium cartridge therein and including a print head and a printer cover to cover the recording medium cartridge when the removable medium cartridge is mounted within the printer, the printer head release mechanism comprising:a rotary member pivotable about a transverse axis thereof and including an operating arm and an opposing coupling arm to releasably engage the printer cover when the printer cover moves to cover the recording medium cartridge;a head moving member in slidable frictional engagement with said operating arm of said rotary member and movable between a first position and a second position within the printer along a guide affixed to the printer proximate the printer recess when the printer cover moves to cover the recording medium cartridge;a spring coupling said head moving member to a fixed spring receptacle within the printer proximate the printer guide and biasing said head moving member against said operating arm of said rotary member towards the first printer position; anda head carrier member coupled to said head moving member and the print head to position the print head away from the recording medium cartridge and bring the print head into contact with recording medium contained in the recording medium cartridge as said head moving member moves towards the second printer position.