Patent ID: 6350023
Filing Date: 2002-02-26
Classification: B41J,G06F,H04N

Abstract:
An ink supply unit for a printhead, the ink supply unit comprisinga molded component which is engageable with a lid, wherein the molded component is shaped to define a plurality of vias for, respectively, cyan, yellow and magenta ink, the component defining a slot in which the printhead is receivable, so that the vias are in fluid communication with through wafer channels defined in the printhead to supply the printhead with ink; wherein the molded component is also shaped to define a plurality of sub-channels for cyan, yellow and magenta ink, respectively, and three main channels, each main channel in fluid communication with the respective sub-channels for cyan, yellow and magenta ink, each main channel being of greater cross-sectional area than each respective sub-channel; wherein each main channel has cross-sectional dimensions of approximately 1 mmÃ—1mm, each sub-channel has cross-sectional dimensions of approximately 20 &mgr;mÃ—100 &mgr;m and each via has cross-sectional dimensions of approximately 200 &mgr;mÃ—50 &mgr;m; and wherein the molded component also defines three ink inlets, each ink inlet being in fluid communication with a respective main channel so that cyan, yellow and magenta ink can flow into the molded component.