Patent ID: 6874956
Filing Date: 2005-04-05
Classification: B41J

Abstract:
1. Apparatus for adjusting printhead-to-media spacing in a printer having a frame and a shiftable printhead-carrying carriage mounted on the frame for lateral movement relative to the frame, the apparatus comprising: a first stationary mechanical contact actuator anchored to the frame and disposed beyond one end of a print-job range; a first movable mechanical contact actuator movable with the carriage, positioned toward that side of the carriage which generally faces the first stationary actuator, and engageable with the first stationary actuator during movement of the carriage beyond the one end of the print-job range to cause a positional adjustment of the carriage which effects a change in printhead-to-media spacing; and a rotatable component, wherein said first stationary actuator includes a projection mounted on an elongate rail which at least partially supports the carriage during lateral movement, and the first movable actuator takes the form of a rotation-implementing first cam drivingly joined to the rotatable component, and engageable with the projection during movement of the carriage beyond the one end of the print-job range to cause rotation of the rotatable component.