Ink-write device with interchangeable write head

摘要

A cassette containing a printing head removably installed in an ink jet printing machine. The cassette includes a housing which encloses the printing head in a protective manner when the cassette is removed from the machine and when the cassette is installed in the machine and the printing head is in an inoperative position. The head and housing are provided with locking elememts for securing the head in the housing when the cassette is to be removed. The machine includes a carriage for moving the printing head past a record carrier during printing operations, locking elements for locking the printing head onto the carriage when the cassette is installed in the machine, a receptacle for holding the housing in the machine, and a mechanism for releasing the locking elements when the printing head is in the inoperative position to permit removal of the cassette from the machine.