Capping Mechanism - Epson Stylus Color 1520 Service Manual

EPSON Stylus COLOR 1520

2.2.7 Capping Mechanism

The capping mechanism covers the printheads with the cap holders to prevent ink around the nozzles from
increasing in viscosity while the printer is in stand-by or power is off. The cap is individually equipped for the
black and color printheads. When the CR moves right, the cap holder also shifts right and strikes the right
frame. This motion opens the air valve to release air in the cap. To start printing, the CR moves right from
the home position to strike the right frame with the cap holder so that the air valve opens. This brings
negative pressure in the cap back to normal and the CR goes back to the home position. The power switch
of the printer uses a secondary circuit that keeps power on until the capping operation is complete, even if
the printer is turned off during the operation.
Color Ink Cartridge
Black Ink Cartridge
Cap Holder
CR
Cap 2
Cap 1
To the waste ink drain pads
To the waste ink drain pads
1'
Air Valve
Hinge
Air Tube
1
Valve Spring
Right Frame
Figure 2-15. Capping Mechanism
2-14