Rotary priming system for inkjet printheads

摘要

A rotary priming service station system is provided for priming inkjet printheads in an inkjet printing mechanism. A platform pivoted to a rotatable tumbler supports a plunger-actuated rolling diaphragm cap. A trigger mechanism is pivoted to the sled to actuate the cap plunger, which pulls down on the cap to draw a negative priming pressure on the nozzles when the cap is sealed against the printhead. A retractable stand-off finger project through the sled to separate the diaphragm cap from the printhead until the cap begin to draw the negative priming pressure. Through tumbler rotation and printhead motion, the trigger mechanism is cocked and activated. The platform supports a wiper that performs a fast post-prime wipe of the printhead. The tumbler rotates the cap and wiper against a blotting mechanism to blot away any primed ink residue. A method is also provided for priming inkjet printheads in an inkjet printing mechanism.