Printhead assembly capping device

摘要

A capping device for a printhead assembly of a pagewidth drop on demand ink jet printer is formed of spring steel and includes an elastomeric onsert having a series of recesses which create chambers positioned over air inlet and exhaust holes of each printhead module 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 are sealed off so as to prevent air from drying out and therefore blocking the delicate nozzles of the printheads. Another function of the molding is to cover and clamp against nozzle guards 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.