Capping Mechanism - Epson Stylus COLOR 1160 Service Manual

EPSON Stylus COLOR 860/1160

2.1.1.9 Capping Mechanism

The capping mechanism, which is driven by the pump unit, caps the printhead
closely to maintain air tightness of the cap. This operation is required to
vacuum ink from the ink cartridges, printhead, cavity, and cap. Also, to moisten
the inside of the cap while the printer power is off, this mechanism works to
keep the cap and the printhead surface in a tight contact. This function
prevents ink from clogging while the printer is not in use.
Negative pressure
Closed state
Operating Principles
SC440/640/740 models
Flag for Carriage
Ink Eject Valve
Valve
Released state
Flags for
Frame
Figure 2-13. Valveless Capping Mechanism
For a specific feature of the Stylus COLOR 860/1160, it has a newly designed
valveless capping mechanism instead of other printers' capping mechanism
that integrates an air valve. An air valve is usually equipped to remove bubbles
created inside the cap by releasing the negative pressure. However, due to
change in the ink sequence, the new valveless capping mechanism enables
this printer to maintain the initial ink charge and cleaning effects at the same
level as before. Figure 2-13 outlines the valveless capping mechanism.
SC860/1160 models
Air valve is not assembled
in this portion.
Overview
Flag for Carriage
Ink Eject Valve
Negative pressure
Revision C
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