Cap/Wipe/Purge Assembly; Figure 5-10 The Cap /Wipe/Purge Assembly - Tektronix Phaser 340 Service Manual

5
Theory of Operation

Cap/wipe/purge assembly

5-12 Phaser 340 Color Printer
The cap/wipe/purge assembly is a long, shallow cup with an elastomeric
gasket. When raised and pressed against the face of the printhead, it forms an
airtight seal. After forming the seal, a vacuum is applied to the faceplate to suck
out air bubbles and any debris that may be obstructing the printhead nozzles.
Following the vacuum cycle, the cap/wipe/purge assembly performs a wipe
operation on the faceplate using its squeegee-like wiper blade. The
cap/wipe/purge assembly also receives the ink ejected from the printhead
during the flush portion of the printhead maintenance cycle. The flushed ink is
routed to the waste tray of the drum maintenance tray. The cap/wipe/purge
assembly is heated to keep the waste ink fluid during the wipe and purge
operations.
The cap/wipe/purge assembly is attached to a pair of parallel belts on a rotating
shaft. To perform a printhead maintenance cycle, the printhead is first tilted
away from the drum. Then the cap/wipe/purge assembly motor drives the
cap/wipe/purge assembly belts, which pull the attached cap/wipe/purge
assembly up to the faceplate of the printhead. The printhead is then tilted
forward to seal against the cap/wipe/purge assembly.
When the cap/wipe/purge assembly is in its lowered home position, it unlocks
the maintenance tray so it can be removed. If the cap/wipe/purge assembly is
away from its home position the drum maintenance tray is locked in place.
Vacuum inlet

Figure 5-10 The cap /wipe/purge assembly

Warning
When servicing the printer be careful of the cap/wipe/purge
assembly as it passes the printhead. If a damaged wiper blade of
cap/wipe/purge assembly catches on the printhead it could flip hot
liquid ink upward into your face.
Gasket
Heater element
Wiper blade
9100-74