Xerox Phaser 8560MFP Service Documentation page 292

Figure 19 Drum Maintenance
Purge System
Proper Printhead operation is dependant on the correct operation of the purge system. The
purge system uses air pressure and a wiper blade to purge any debris or air bubbles that may
be obstructing the Printhead nozzles. The waste ink that is expelled during the purge is fun-
neled into the waste tray. Following the purge, a wipe operation is performed on the faceplate
using the wiper blade. After the wipe, a cleaning page is printed.
Theory of Operation
Image Output Terminal
To perform a Printhead maintenance cycle, the Printhead is first tilted away from the drum to
allow the wiper assembly to pass by. The wiper blade is then raised in front of the Printhead.
The media path drive governs wiper movement when it engages a clutch on the exit shaft of
the system. The purge pump applies pressure to the ink reservoir for approximately 2.5 sec-
onds. Valves in the reservoir seal when pressure is applied. The pressurization ejects a small
amount of ink from the jets. Following the pressure purge, the Printhead tilts into the wiper
assembly and the wipe cycle begins. The pump runs again with the solenoid for approximately
30 seconds, creating a neutral balance between pressure and ink. The wiper blade lowers and
wipes excess ink from the jets into the ink waste tray. A proper purge covers the length of the
waste tray with a single layer of ink about 20 mm wide.
The level of the ink in the reservoir is kept at a constant level. If the pressure purge tubing is
pinched, the Printhead may not purge properly. In addition, because the purge tubing also acts
as a vent to atmosphere when not purging, a more serious failure can occur if the ink overfills
and the reservoir cannot vent properly.
10/2006
8-20
Figure 20 Purge System
Phaser 8510/8560MFP Multifunction Product
Initial Issue