Method for connecting a flexible printed circuit board (PCB) to a printhead assembly

US7877875B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd · AU

Inventors

• Stephen Richard O'Farrell · Sydney, AU
• Jan Waszczuk · Sydney, AU
• Stephen John Sleijpen · Sydney, AU
• James Philip Andrew · Fawn Drive, AU
• Craig Donald Strudwicke · Sydney, AU
• William Granger · Sydney, AU
• Mark Janos · Sydney, AU

Key dates

• Filing date: Aug 19, 2008
• Grant date: Feb 1, 2011
• Expiry date: Aug 20, 2028

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10T29/49401
• WIPO field: Textile and paper machines
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A method for connecting a flexible printed circuit board (PCB) to a printhead assembly that includes a printhead carrier and an ink ejection printhead carried by the carrier. The method includes the steps of: adhering the PCB to a first surface of the printhead; receiving the printhead and PCB in a mechanical nest, and actuating the nest into a position below a heated platen assembly; heating the heated platen assembly and actuating the heated platen assembly rectilinearly towards the nest, the heated platen assembly thereby compressing the PCB and the printhead; actuating a forming bar assembly, provided adjacent the heated platen assembly, rectilinearly towards the nest, the forming bar assembly thereby bending a portion of the PCB extending beyond the printhead towards the printhead assembly; and heating a heater cartridge and actuating the heater cartridge rectilinearly towards the print head printhead in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction in which the forming bar assembly is actuated, whereby the PCB is connected to the printhead and bonded to the printhead carrier.