Cap Mechanism; Wiping Mechanism - Epson Stylus 1500 Service Manual

Cap Mechanism

The cap mechanism prevents printhead nozzles from drying and keeps bubbles from forming
inside the nozzles while the printer is not in use. The printer performs the capping operation
automatically when it is not printing. If printer power is turned off during printing or ink system
operations, capping is performed and then turn off. (The power switch is located in the secondary
circuit, which allows this operation to be performed.) This printer has two caps: one for the black
printhead and one for the color printhead.
Black Printhead
C a p 2
To Waste Ink Pad
A ir V alv e

Wiping Mechanism

The wiping mechanism cleans the surface of the printhead when the printer is in the ink system
sequence. When the paper feed drive motor rotates backward (CCW), power from the motor (via
the clutch unit and gears) is transmitted to the head cleaner (wiper) drive gear. The head cleaner
moves across the carriage unit's path. When the motor rotates forward (CW), the head cleaner
moves toward the front to remove itself from the carriage unit's path. Both the black and color
printheads are cleaned by this wiper.
Carriage Unit
Printhead
PF Motor
Gear Train
Wiping Mechanism
EPSON Stylus 1500 Service Manual
Color Cartridge (Option)
Carriage
1 '
Hinge
1
Air Tube
V a lv e S pri ng
Figure 2-16. Cap Mechanism
Carriage Switch Lever
Head Cleaner
Head Cleaner Lever
Disengage
Mechanism
Pump Gear / Clutch
Figure 2-17. Wiping Mechanism
Operating Principles
Cap Hol der
C a p 1
To Waste Ink Pad
Right Side Frame
Carriage Unit
Head Cleaner
Lever
2-15