Secure printing apparatus with removable print head

摘要

Secure printing apparatus, for example printing apparatus of a postage meter, is disclosed in which an ink jet print head (21; 50) with integral ink supply is removable by a user of the apparatus. In order to maintain security of the apparatus, a parking station (32; 65) remote from a printing station (33; 64) is provided for the print head and removal of the print head can be effected only at the parking station through an aperture (27) in a secure housing (26) at the parking station. When the print head is moved to the parking station electrical connections (20; 59) to the print head are disengaged from the print head and means (34; 66) are provided to prevent access to those electrical connections at the parking station. <IMAGE>