Components Item Function Off-axis coupling assembly This is a rubber spring link located on the side plate of the scan axis (area where the Carriage moves). It links the primer system with the Carriage when the Carriage is located in its maximum left position. This system ensures the pressure from the primer reaches the printhead for nozzle servicing. Prime Pump This is an air pump which provides the necessary pressure for printhead servicing and nozzle repair. The Prime Pump is suspended on a rubber holder to minimize the noise that the Prime Pump makes while in operation. Primer Tubes The tubes take the air from the Prime Pump to the off-axis coupling.
There is a T link feature connected to a tube that goes inside the service station; the purpose of this tube is to release the air pressure from the system. The tube is pinched by the shuttle of the service station when reaching a certain position; this action closes the circuit and allows the system to be pressurized. With the movement of the service station the tube is released, allowing the pressure from the system to escape. Notes and considerations Any leakage in the primer system will generate poor or no priming, this will affect nozzle heath (or even cause the printhead startup to fail).
Bear in mind that the system is not just for the Prime Pump and tubes, the prime pressure is transmitted via the off-axis coupling to the Carriage and from there to the printhead assembly and from there to the cartridges. ENWW Subsystems 7