Printhead assembly capping device

摘要

A capping device ( 12 ) for a printhead assembly ( 10 ) of a pagewidth drop on demand inkjet printer is formed of spring steel and includes an elastomeric onsert ( 47 ) having a series of recesses ( 56 ) which create chambers positioned over air inlet and exhaust holes ( 30 ) of each printhead module ( 11 ) of the assembly. These allow the air to flow from one inlet to the next outlet. When the capping device is moved to its capped position, the airways ( 32 ) are sealed off so as to prevent air from drying out and therefore blocking the delicate nozzles ( 62 ) of the printheads. Another function of the molding is to cover and clamp against nozzle guards ( 24 ) of the assembly to protect against drying out and also to keep foreign particles such as paper dust from entering and damaging the printer nozzles ( 62 ).