SCANNING INKJET PRINTING SYSTEM

摘要

An inkjet printing apparatus includes an inkjet print head arranged to be moveable in a direction of movement along a guiding assembly. The guiding assembly includes a support structure; a strip mounted on the support structure, the strip being substantially rigid and straight in a first direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of movement and mounted in such way that a straightness in the direction of movement is provided; and an air bearing system operatively coupled to the strip. The strip extends in a vertical plane, the vertical plane being substantially parallel to the direction of movement and being substantially parallel to the first direction. The air bearing system is configured to control a position of the inkjet print head in a horizontal plane relative to the strip during movement of the print head in the direction of movement, the horizontal plane being substantially perpendicular to the vertical plane. Employing such a strip and a suitable mounting method for mounting the strip on the support structure, it is enabled to select a cost-effective and/or light-weight support structure.

主权项

1. Inkjet printing apparatus comprising an inkjet print head arranged to be moveable in a direction of movement along a guiding assembly, the guiding assembly comprising
a. a support structure having a support surface extending in a horizontal plane and a mounting surface in a vertical plane, the vertical plane being substantially perpendicular to the horizontal plane; b. a strip mounted on the mounting surface of the support structure and providing a guiding surface, the strip being substantially rigid and straight in a first direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of movement and mounted in such way that a straightness in the direction of movement is provided; and c. an air bearing system operatively coupled to the strip;wherein the strip extends in a vertical plane, the vertical plane being substantially perpendicular to the direction of movement and being substantially parallel to the first direction;wherein the print head is supported on the support surface; and
wherein the air bearing system is configured to control a position of the inkjet print head within a horizontal plane by guiding movement of the print head in the direction of movement along the guiding surface provided by the strip.