Patent ID: 6220691
Filing Date: 2001-04-24
Classification: B41J

Abstract:
A fiber tracking management system for controlling fibers clinging to an inkjet printhead installed in a carriage which traverses over a printzone to print an image on a print media with ink ejected from the printhead in an inkjet printing mechanism, with the inkjet printhead having an orifice plate from which the ink is ejected and a cheek region adjacent to the orifice plate, the fiber tracking management system comprising:a sled which moves between a rest position and a capping position;a printhead cap supported by the sled to seal the orifice plate when the sled is in the capping position;a fiber crushing member comprising a pad of a compressible material supported by the sled to contact the printhead when the sled is in the servicing position and crush fibers dangling from the printhead against the printhead, with the crushing member defining a slot therethrough, with the cap being located in the slot, and with the crushing member crushing said dangling fibers against the cheek region;wherein the cap extends a first distance from the sled when in the rest position the crushing member extends a second distance from the sled greater than the first distance, and the cap extends a third distance from the sled when in the capping position, with said third distance being less than said first distance, wherein the difference between said first distance and said second distance is substantially equal to the difference between the first distance and the third distance.