System and method for cleaning ink ejection elements

摘要

Absorbent pads are provided at various positions on a substrate of a service station. The substrate may be in the form of a device intended to be implemented during a capping operation of an ink ejection elements, e.g., printheads, pens, etc. The various positions on the substrate generally correspond to various locations on the ink ejection element that are known to accumulate ink and other debris. During use, the substrate is drawn near the ink ejection element to thereby cause contact between the absorbent pads and the various locations. The relative movement between the substrate and the ink ejection element is substantially vertical to thereby greatly reduce the possibility of the absorbent pad damaging the nozzles of the ink ejection element. Absorbent pads are also provided on upstanding members of the substrate to substantially remove ink and debris that may accumulate on the sides of the ink ejection element.