System for priming a pagewidth printhead cartridge

摘要

An ink priming system for a cartridge unit of the type having a pagewidth printhead assembly in fluid communication with one or more ink storage compartments, the system having a priming inlet provided on said pagewidth printhead assembly for receiving a supply of ink for priming the cartridge unit, and an ink flow passage providing fluid connection between said pagewidth printhead assembly and one of the ink storage compartments. During use, the priming system allows the the ink supplied to the priming inlet of the pagewidth printhead assembly to flow from the pagewidth printhead assembly to the ink storage compartment via the ink flow passage to prime both the pagewidth printhead assembly and the ink storage compartment with ink simultaneously.