Abstract:
A maintenance system for a printhead, the system having an ingestion member for ingesting waste fluid from the printhead; and a container for containing said ingested waste fluid, the container being flexible so as to expand as an amount of contained waste fluid increases.

Description:
FIELD OF INVENTION 
       [0001]    The invention relates to maintenance systems, apparatus and methods for maintaining a printhead and to the configuration and arrangement of the components of such systems and apparatus. In particular, maintenance of a fluid ejection printhead, such as an inkjet printhead, is provided. More particularly, maintenance of an inkjet media width printhead is provided. 
       CO-PENDING APPLICATIONS 
       [0002]    The following applications have been filed by the Applicant simultaneously with the present application: 
         [0000]                                                KPF001US   KPF002US   KPF003US   KPF004US   KPF005US       KPF006US   KPF007US   KPF008US   KPF009US   KPF010US       KPF011US   KPF012US   KPF013US   KPF014US   KPF015US       KPF016US   KPF017US   KPF018US   KPF019US   KPF020US       KPF021US   KPF022US   KPF023US   KPF024US   KPF025US       KPF026US   KPF027US   KPF028US   KPF029US   KPF030US       KPF031US   KPF032US   KPF033US   KPF034US   KPF035US       KPF036US   KPF037US   KPF038US   KPF039US   KPF040US       KPF041US   KPF042US   KPF043US   KPF044US   KPF045US       KPF046US   KPF047US   KPF048US   KPF049US   KPF050US       KPM001US   KPM002US   KPM003US   KPM004US   KPM005US       KPM006US   KPM007US   KPM008US   KPM009US   KPM010US       KPM011US   KPM012US   KPM013US   KPM014US   KPM015US       KPM016US   KPM018US   KPM019US   KPM020US   LNP001US       LNP002US   LNP003US   LNP004US   LNP005US   LNP006US       LNP007US   LNP008US   LNP009US   LNP010US   LNP011US       LNP012US   LNP013US   LNP014US   LNP015US   LNP016US       LNP017US   LNP018US   LNP019US                    
The disclosures of these co-pending applications are incorporated herein by reference. The above applications have been identified by their filing docket number, which will be substituted with the corresponding application number, once assigned.
 
       CROSS-REFERENCE TO OTHER APPLICATIONS 
       [0003]    The following patents or patent applications filed by the applicant or assignee of the present invention are hereby incorporated by cross-reference. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
             
             
               
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       BACKGROUND OF INVENTION 
       [0004]    Most inkjet printers have a scanning or reciprocating printhead that is repeatedly scanned or reciprocated across the printing width as the media incrementally advances along the media feed path. This allows a compact and low cost printer arrangement. However, scanning printhead based printing systems are mechanically complex and slow in light of accurate control of the scanning motion and time delays from the incremental stopping and starting of the media with each scan. 
         [0005]    Media width printheads resolve this issue by providing a stationary printhead spanning the media. Such media width printers offer high performance but the large array of inkjet nozzles in the media width printheads is difficult to maintain. For example, there is a need to maintain the printheads which becomes exceptionally difficult when the array of nozzles is as long as the media is wide. Further, the maintenance stations typically need to be located offset from the printheads so as not to interfere with media transport. 
         [0006]    Some previous systems move the printheads to the servicing stations when not printing. However, when a printhead is returned to its operative position its alignment for correct printing is prone to drift until eventually visible artifacts demand hardware and/or software mechanisms to realign the printhead. In other previous systems, the service stations translate from their offset position to service the printheads while the printheads are raised sufficiently above the media path. Both of these system designs suffer from drawbacks of large printer width dimensions, complicated design and control, and difficulty in maintaining printhead alignment. Further, these systems add size to the printer. Thus, there is a need to have a media wide printhead maintenance solution that is simpler, more compact and more effective for media wide printing systems. 
         [0007]    Further, the high media transport speeds used in such media width printers have typically lead to more complex media transport systems in the printers, due to the need to minimize media feed errors. Thus, there is a need to have a media transport solution that is simpler and more reliable for media wide printing systems. 
       SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
       [0008]    In one aspect, the invention provides a maintenance system for a printhead, the system comprising: 
         [0009]    a sled slidably arranged with respect to the printhead; 
         [0010]    a media platen module supported by the sled; 
         [0011]    a capper module supported by the sled; 
         [0012]    a wiper module supported by the sled; and 
         [0013]    a selection mechanism for selectively sliding the sled to align one of the platen, capper and wiper modules with the printhead, and for moving the aligned module to a position in proximity of the printhead. 
         [0014]    Optionally, the platen, capper and wiper modules are serially arranged on the sled. 
         [0015]    Optionally, the printhead is a media width printhead and the platen, capper and wiper modules each have a length corresponding to the media width. 
         [0016]    Optionally, the selection mechanism comprises a rack and pinion mechanism for the selective sliding of the sled. 
         [0017]    Optionally, the rack and pinion mechanism comprises a rack on each end of the sled corresponding to each end of the platen, capper and wiper modules, and a pinion gear on each end of a shaft so as to each couple with a corresponding one of the racks and a motor. 
         [0018]    Optionally, the selection mechanism further comprises a sensor for sensing a position of the platen, capper and wiper modules. 
         [0019]    Optionally, the selection mechanism further comprises a controller connected to the sensor and motor. 
         [0020]    Optionally, the controller controls operation of the motor in response to a sensing result output by the sensor. 
         [0021]    Optionally, the selection mechanism comprises a lift mechanism for said movement of the aligned module, the lift mechanism comprising a lift arm for engaging with the aligned module and a motor for causing the lift arm to lift and lower the engaged module, the lifted position being in proximity of the printhead. 
         [0022]    Optionally, the lift mechanism further comprises a cam engaged with the motor, the cam arranged to be engaged and disengaged with the lift arm to cause said lifting and lowering of the engaged module. 
         [0023]    Optionally, the lift mechanism further comprises a spring attached to the lift arm for biasing the lift arm to the lowered position. 
         [0024]    In another aspect, the invention provides a printer comprising: 
         [0025]    a media width printhead; 
         [0026]    a sled slidably arranged with respect to the printhead; 
         [0027]    a media platen module supported by the sled; 
         [0028]    a capper module supported by the sled; 
         [0029]    a wiper module supported by the sled; and 
         [0030]    a selection mechanism for selectively sliding the sled to align one of the platen, capper and wiper modules with the printhead, and for moving the aligned module to a position in proximity of the printhead. 
         [0031]    Optionally, the platen, capper and wiper modules are serially arranged on the sled. 
         [0032]    Optionally, the printhead is a media width printhead and the platen, capper and wiper modules each have a length corresponding to the media width. 
         [0033]    Optionally, the selection mechanism comprises a rack and pinion mechanism for the selective sliding of the sled. 
         [0034]    Optionally, the rack and pinion mechanism comprises a rack on each end of the sled corresponding to each end of the platen, capper and wiper modules, and a pinion gear on each end of a shaft so as to each couple with a corresponding one of the racks and a motor. 
         [0035]    Optionally, the selection mechanism further comprises a sensor for sensing a position of the platen, capper and wiper modules. 
         [0036]    Optionally, the selection mechanism further comprises a controller connected to the sensor and motor. 
         [0037]    Optionally, the controller controls operation of the motor in response to a sensing result output by the sensor. 
         [0038]    Optionally, the selection mechanism comprises a lift mechanism for said movement of the aligned module, the lift mechanism comprising a lift arm for engaging with the aligned module and a motor for causing the lift arm to lift and lower the engaged module, the lifted position being in proximity of the printhead. 
         [0039]    Optionally, the lift mechanism further comprises a cam engaged with the motor, the cam arranged to be engaged and disengaged with the lift arm to cause said lifting and lowering of the engaged module. 
         [0040]    Optionally, the lift mechanism further comprises a spring attached to the lift arm for biasing the lift arm to the lowered position. 
         [0041]    In another aspect, the invention provides method of maintaining a printhead, the method comprising: 
         [0042]    when printing with the printhead, translating a modular sled relative to the printhead so as to align a media platen module supported by the sled with the printhead; 
         [0043]    after printing with the printing, translating the sled relative to the printhead so as to align a wiper module supported by the sled with the printhead and operating a wiper roller of the wiper module so as to wipe a printing face of the printhead; and 
         [0044]    after said wiping and prior to commencement of printing with the printhead, translating the sled relative to the printhead so as to align a capper module supported by the sled with the printhead so as to cap the printing face of the printhead. 
         [0045]    Optionally, the printhead is a media width printhead and the platen, capper and wiper modules each have a length corresponding to the media width. 
         [0046]    Optionally, the sled is translated by operation of a pinion gear on a rack of the sled. 
         [0047]    Optionally, the sled comprises a rack on each end of the sled corresponding to each end of the platen, capper and wiper modules, and a pinion gear on each end of a shaft so as to each couple with a corresponding one of the racks and a motor. 
         [0048]    Optionally, the method further comprises sensing with a sensor a position of the platen, capper and wiper modules relative to the printhead. 
         [0049]    Optionally, the method further comprises displacing each aligned module relative to the sled to place the aligned module in proximity of the printhead. 
         [0050]    In another aspect, the invention provides a printing assistance apparatus for a printhead, the apparatus comprising: 
         [0051]    a platen for supporting media during printing on the media by the printhead; and 
         [0052]    a wick element positioned within the platen, the wick element being formed of porous material so that fluid on said platen is transferred from the platen by wicking to the porous material. 
         [0053]    Optionally, the printhead is a media width printhead and the platen and wick element each have a length greater than the media width. 
         [0054]    Optionally, the platen comprises a slot having a longitudinal length along the media width, the wick element being located in the slot. 
         [0055]    Optionally, the wick element is removably clipped within the slot. 
         [0056]    Optionally, the platen comprises datum elements which contact the printhead so that a surface of the platen which supports the media is spaced from fluid ejection nozzles of the printhead by a first distance, the wick element being positioned within the platen so that wick element is spaced from the nozzles by a second distance greater than the first distance. 
         [0057]    Optionally, the porous material of the wick element is hydrophilic polyethylene. 
         [0058]    In another aspect, the invention provides a printing assistance apparatus for a media width printhead, the apparatus comprising: 
         [0059]    an elongate platen having a surface for supporting media across the media width during printing on the media by fluid ejection nozzles of the printhead; and 
         [0060]    a wick element positioned within the platen for wicking fluid ejected by the nozzles from said supporting surface, the wick element having an elongate body positioned within the platen and a plurality of pads projecting from the body along the longitudinal length body toward the printhead, the pads being separated by notches. 
         [0061]    Optionally, the wick element is formed of porous material. 
         [0062]    Optionally, the platen comprises a slot having a longitudinal length along the media width, the wick element being located in the slot. 
         [0063]    Optionally, the wick element is removably clipped within the slot. 
         [0064]    Optionally, the platen comprises datum elements which contact the printhead so that the supporting surface is spaced from the nozzles by a first distance, the wick element being positioned within the platen so that wick element is spaced from the nozzles by a second distance greater than the first distance. 
         [0065]    In another aspect, the invention provides a printing assistance apparatus for a media width printhead, the printhead having a plurality of rows of fluid ejection nozzles extending along the media width, the apparatus comprising: 
         [0066]    an elongate platen having a surface for supporting media across the media width as the media travels past the printhead along a media travel direction, the platen having an elongate slot along the media width; 
         [0067]    a wick element positioned within the slot for wicking fluid ejected by the nozzles from said supporting surface; and 
         [0068]    an alignment mechanism for aligning the platen with the printhead so that the opposed longitudinal edges of the slot are respectively positioned upstream and downstream of the media travel direction with respect to a centerline along the length the nozzle rows with the upstream edge being closer to the centerline than the downstream edge such that an upstream surface area of the wick element is less than a downstream surface area of the wick element 
         [0069]    Optionally, the wick element is formed of porous material. 
         [0070]    Optionally, the wick element is removably clipped within the slot. 
         [0071]    Optionally, the platen comprises datum elements which contact the printhead so that the supporting surface is spaced from the nozzles by a first distance, the wick element being positioned within the slot so that wick element is spaced from the nozzles by a second distance greater than the first distance. 
         [0072]    In another aspect, the invention provides a system for shaping media for printing by a media width printhead, the system comprising: 
         [0073]    a media width printhead having a plurality of fluid ejection nozzles defining a media width print zone; 
         [0074]    input rollers disposed relative to the printhead so as to transport media into the print zone at an angle to a plane parallel with the print zone; 
         [0075]    output rollers disposed relative to the printhead so as to transport media out of the print zone at an angle to a plane parallel with the print zone; and 
         [0076]    an elongate platen for supporting and shaping the media as the media is transported through the print zone, the platen having a series of upstream ribs disposed upstream of the print zone with respect to the media transport direction and a series of downstream ribs disposed downstream of the print zone with respect to the media transport direction, 
         [0077]    wherein the ribs are configured so that the transported media adopts a constrained curved path past the nozzles through contact with the ribs in the print zone. 
         [0078]    Optionally, the platen comprises a slot having a longitudinal length along the media width, the upstream ribs being disposed on the upstream side of the slot and the downstream ribs being disposed on the downstream side of the slot. 
         [0079]    Optionally, an outer surface of each of the upstream ribs is angled with respect to said parallel plane such that a portion of each of the upstream ribs closest to the slot is closer to the printhead than a portion of each of the upstream ribs furthest from the slot. 
         [0080]    Optionally, an outer surface of each of the downstream ribs is angled with respect to said parallel plane such that a portion of each of the downstream ribs closest to the slot is closer to the printhead than a portion of each of the downstream ribs furthest from the slot. 
         [0081]    Optionally, the input and output rollers are relatively disposed so that upstream and downstream angles to said parallel plane are about 10° to 12°. 
         [0082]    Optionally, the platen comprises datum elements which contact the printhead so that the upstream and downstream ribs are spaced from the nozzles. 
         [0083]    Optionally, the ribs are periodically positioned along the elongate length of the platen and are each aligned with the media transport direction along their respective length. 
         [0084]    Optionally, the platen is formed of a molded plastics material body and the ribs are integrally molded in the body. 
         [0085]    In another aspect, the invention provides a method of shaping media for printing by a media width printhead, the method comprising: 
         [0086]    transporting media into a print zone defined by a plurality of fluid ejection nozzles of the printhead with input rollers at an angle to a plane parallel with the print zone; 
         [0087]    transporting media out of the print zone with output rollers at an angle to said parallel plane; and 
         [0088]    supporting and shaping the media as the media is transported through the print zone with an elongate platen, the platen having a series of upstream ribs disposed upstream of the print zone with respect to the media transport direction and a series of downstream ribs disposed downstream of the print zone with respect to the media transport direction, 
         [0089]    wherein the ribs are configured so that the transported media is in contact with the ribs in the print zone and adopts a constrained curved path past the nozzles. 
         [0090]    Optionally, the platen comprises a slot having a longitudinal length along the media width, the upstream ribs being disposed on the upstream side of the slot and the downstream ribs being disposed on the downstream side of the slot. 
         [0091]    Optionally, an outer surface of each of the upstream ribs is angled with respect to said parallel plane such that a portion of each of the upstream ribs closest to the slot is closer to the printhead than a portion of each of the upstream ribs furthest from the slot. 
         [0092]    Optionally, an outer surface of each of the downstream ribs is angled with respect to said parallel plane such that a portion of each of the downstream ribs closest to the slot is closer to the printhead than a portion of each of the downstream ribs furthest from the slot. 
         [0093]    Optionally, the media is transported into the print zone so that a leading edge of the media contacts the outer surfaces of the upstream ribs, is guided towards the printhead along the outer surfaces, then passes over the slot and through the print zone of the nozzles, at which point the media bends in a cantilevered fashion such that only point-contact with said closest portions of the upstream ribs is made by the remaining portions of the media. 
         [0094]    Optionally, the media is transported through the print zone so that the leading edge of the media then point-contacts said closest portions of the downstream ribs to bridge the slot and then leaves contact with the downstream ribs to be presented to the output rollers so that the media is stably cantilevered at its point-contact with the upstream ribs. 
         [0095]    Optionally, the media is transported out of the print zone so that a trailing edge of the media leaves the input rollers, transitions from the upstream ribs to the downstream ribs, and the leaves the print zone. 
         [0096]    In another aspect, the invention provides a maintenance apparatus for a printhead, the apparatus comprising: 
         [0097]    a rotatable shaft; 
         [0098]    a porous material about the shaft; and 
         [0099]    a mechanism for rotating the shaft so that the porous material rotates against the printhead, the porous material being configured to absorb fluid from the printhead during said rotation. 
         [0100]    Optionally, the mechanism comprises a gear train rotatably mounted within a swing arm pivotally mounted to one end of the shaft. 
         [0101]    Optionally, the apparatus further comprises a sled and a wiper module supported by the sled, the shaft being rotatably mounted in the wiper module. 
         [0102]    Optionally, the apparatus further comprises a lift mechanism for lifting the wiper module from the sled to position the porous material in proximity of the printhead. 
         [0103]    Optionally, the apparatus further comprises a media transport roller for transporting media past the printhead, the media transport roller having a gear which operatively contacts the gear train of the swing arm as the wiper module is lifted from the sled such that rotation of the media transport roller causes rotation of the shaft. 
         [0104]    Optionally, the wiper module is arranged so that the gear train contacts the media transport roller gear to commence rotation of the shaft when the wiper module is remote from the printhead. 
         [0105]    Optionally, the swing arm is configured to pivot relative to the wiper module so that the gear train remains in contact with the media transport roller gear independent of the lifted position of the wiper module. 
         [0106]    Optionally, the apparatus further comprises a compressible core mounted to the shaft, the porous material being provided over the core, 
         [0107]    wherein the lift mechanism is configured to position the porous material against the printhead so as to compress the compressible core. 
         [0108]    Optionally, the core is formed of extruded closed-cell foam. 
         [0109]    Optionally, the porous material is formed of non-woven microfiber. 
         [0110]    Optionally, the non-woven microfiber is wrapped about the core by a spiralling technique so that at least two layers of the microfiber are present about the core with an adhesive between the layers. 
         [0111]    Optionally, the apparatus further comprises a hydrophobic film is disposed between the core and the porous material. 
         [0112]    Optionally, the film is formed of a pressure sensitive adhesive. 
         [0113]    In another aspect, the invention provides a maintenance system for a printhead, the system comprising: 
         [0114]    a sled; 
         [0115]    a wiper module supported by the sled, the wiper module comprising a rotatable shaft and a porous material about the shaft; 
         [0116]    a lift mechanism for lifting the wiper module from the sled to position the porous material against the printhead; 
         [0117]    a rotation mechanism for rotating the shaft so that the porous material rotates against the printhead, the porous material being configured to absorb fluid from the printhead during said rotation; and 
         [0118]    a sliding mechanism for sliding the sled relative to the printhead so that the rotating porous material is wiped across the printhead. 
         [0119]    Optionally, the rotation mechanism comprises a gear train rotatably mounted within a swing arm pivotally mounted to one end of the shaft. 
         [0120]    Optionally, the rotation mechanism further comprises a media transport roller for transporting media past the printhead, the media transport roller having a gear which operatively contacts the gear train of the swing arm as the wiper module is lifted from the sled by the lift mechanism such that rotation of the media transport roller causes rotation of the shaft. 
         [0121]    Optionally, the swing arm is configured to pivot relative to the wiper module so that the gear train remains in contact with the media transport roller gear independent of the lifted position of the wiper module. 
         [0122]    Optionally, the sliding mechanism comprises a rack on each end of the sled corresponding to each end of the wiper module, and a pinion gear on each end of a shaft so as to each couple with a corresponding one of the racks and a motor. 
         [0123]    Optionally, the wiper module further comprises a compressible core mounted to the shaft, the porous material being provided over the core; and the lift mechanism is configured to position the porous material against the printhead so as to compress the compressible core. 
         [0124]    Optionally, the core is formed of extruded closed-cell foam. 
         [0125]    Optionally, the porous material is formed of non-woven microfiber. 
         [0126]    Optionally, the non-woven microfiber is wrapped about the core by a spiralling technique so that at least two layers of the microfiber are present about the core with an adhesive between the layers. 
         [0127]    Optionally, a hydrophobic film is disposed between the core and the porous material. 
         [0128]    Optionally, the film is formed of a pressure sensitive adhesive. 
         [0129]    In another aspect, the invention provides a method of wiping a printhead, the method comprising: 
         [0130]    controlling a lift mechanism to lift a wiper module from a supporting sled to position a porous material of the wiper module against the printhead; 
         [0131]    controlling a rotation mechanism to rotate a shaft of the wiper module about which the porous material is provided so that the porous material rotates against the printhead, the porous material being configured to absorb fluid from the printhead during said rotation; and 
         [0132]    controlling a sliding mechanism to slide the sled relative to the printhead so that the rotating porous material is wiped across the printhead. 
         [0133]    Optionally, the rotation mechanism is controlled so that a gear train rotatably mounted within a swing arm pivotally mounted to one end of the shaft contacts a media transport roller for transporting media past the printhead, the media transport roller having a gear which operatively contacts the gear train of the swing arm as the wiper module is lifted from the sled by the lift mechanism such that rotation of the media transport roller causes rotation of the shaft. 
         [0134]    Optionally, the swing arm is configured to pivot relative to the wiper module so that the gear train remains in contact with the media transport roller gear independent of the lifted position of the wiper module. 
         [0135]    Optionally, the sliding mechanism is controlled by operating a motor to rotate a pinion gear on each end of a shaft along a rack on each end of the sled corresponding to each end of the wiper module. 
         [0136]    Optionally, the lift mechanism is controlled to compress a compressible core to the shaft of the wiper module against the printhead. 
         [0137]    In another aspect, the invention provides a maintenance apparatus for a printhead, the apparatus comprising: 
         [0138]    a porous member for rotatably contacting the printhead to absorb particulates from the printhead; and 
         [0139]    a scraper for contacting the porous member to remove the absorbed particulates from the porous member during said rotation. 
         [0140]    Optionally, the printhead is a media width printhead, and the porous member and the scraper are elongate with a longitudinal length of at least the media width. 
         [0141]    Optionally, the porous member is rotatably mounted to a wiper module supported by a sled and the scraper is removably mounted to the wiper module. 
         [0142]    Optionally, the scraper is clipped to the wiper module. 
         [0143]    Optionally, the scraper is mounted to the wiper module so that the scraper contacts the porous member on a vertical circumferential region of the porous member below the upper circumferential region of the porous member which contacts the printhead. 
         [0144]    Optionally, the scraper is disposed at a sloped angle relative to the porous member such that the sloped scraper contacts the porous member at a tangent to the circumference of the porous member. 
         [0145]    Optionally, the wiper module comprises compressible core mounted to a rotatable shaft, the porous member being provided over the core. 
         [0146]    Optionally, the porous member is formed of non-woven microfiber. 
         [0147]    Optionally, the non-woven microfiber is wrapped about the core by a spiralling technique so that at least two layers of the microfiber are present about the core with an adhesive between the layers. 
         [0148]    Optionally, the apparatus further comprises a hydrophobic film is disposed between the core and the porous material. 
         [0149]    Optionally, the film is formed of a pressure sensitive adhesive. 
         [0150]    Optionally, the scraper is mounted to the wiper module so that contact pressure is exerted on the compressible core. 
         [0151]    Optionally, the scraper is resiliently flexible. 
         [0152]    Optionally, the scraper is a resiliently flexible sheet of Mylar. 
         [0153]    In another aspect, the invention provides a maintenance apparatus for a printhead, the apparatus comprising: 
         [0154]    a seal for sealing against a surface of the printhead which has fluid ejection nozzles, the seal being configured to form a sealed space about said nozzles; and 
         [0155]    a porous material positioned within the seal to be in proximity of said nozzles in the sealed space, fluid egested by said nozzles contacting, and being transferred to, the porous material in the sealed space. 
         [0156]    Optionally, the seal is formed of a resilient material. 
         [0157]    Optionally, the apparatus further comprises a capper module having a body on which the seal is mounted and in which the porous material is disposed. 
         [0158]    optionally, sidewalls of the seal have a wave profile with a lower section of the sidewalls defining a groove configured to be held over a ridge of the body of the capper module and an upper section of the sidewalls defining a cantilevered beam terminating at a free outer surface such that pressing contact of the outer surface against the surface of the printhead causes bending of the cantilevered beam 
         [0159]    Optionally, a base of the body has ribs on which a lower surface of the porous material is supported. 
         [0160]    Optionally, the porous material is a hydrophilic polyethylene. 
         [0161]    In another aspect, the invention provides a maintenance apparatus for a media width printhead, the printhead having a plurality of rows of fluid ejection nozzles extending along the media width for ejecting fluid onto media as the media travels past the printhead along a media travel direction, the apparatus comprising: 
         [0162]    a seal for sealing against a surface of the printhead having the nozzle rows, the seal being configured to form a sealed space about the nozzle rows; and 
         [0163]    a wick element positioned within the seal for wicking fluid ejected by the nozzles from the sealed space, the wick element having an outer surface sloped in the media travel direction; and 
         [0164]    an alignment mechanism for aligning the seal with the printhead so that a portion of the sloped outer surface of the wick element closest to the printhead is positioned upstream of the media travel direction with respect to a centerline along the length the nozzle rows and a portion of the sloped outer surface of the wick element furthest from the printhead is positioned downstream of the media travel direction. 
         [0165]    Optionally, the seal is formed of a resilient material. 
         [0166]    Optionally, the apparatus further comprises a capper module having a body on which the seal is mounted and in which the porous material is disposed. 
         [0167]    Optionally, sidewalls of the seal have a wave profile with a lower section of the sidewalls defining a groove configured to be held over a ridge of the body of the capper module and an upper section of the sidewalls defining a cantilevered beam terminating at a free outer surface such that pressing contact of the outer surface against the surface of the printhead causes bending of the cantilevered beam 
         [0168]    Optionally, a base of the body has ribs on which a lower surface of the porous material is supported. 
         [0169]    Optionally, the porous material is a hydrophilic polyethylene. 
         [0170]    In another aspect, the invention provides a method of maintaining a printhead comprising the steps of: 
         [0171]    bringing a porous material within a predetermined distance from fluid ejection nozzles of the printhead at a non-printing phase of the printhead; and 
         [0172]    holding the porous material at said predetermined distance during said non-printing phase, 
         [0173]    wherein the predetermined distance is selected to allow a fluid flow path to form between the nozzles and porous material which causes transfer of fluid egested by the nozzles to the porous material and then induces the flow path to break off. 
         [0174]    Optionally, the predetermined distance between the porous material and the nozzles is about 1.1 millimeters. 
         [0175]    Optionally, the porous material is brought to said predetermined distance by a lift mechanism. 
         [0176]    Optionally, the porous material is arranged in a capping mechanism for capping the printhead. 
         [0177]    Optionally, the capping mechanism comprises a seal for sealing against a surface of the printhead having said nozzles, the porous material being surrounded by the seal so as to be at said predetermined distance during said sealing. 
         [0178]    Optionally, the porous material is held at said predetermined distance by the lift mechanism. 
         [0179]    In another aspect, the invention provides a maintenance apparatus for a printhead, the apparatus comprising: 
         [0180]    a first porous member for contacting the printhead to absorb fluid from the printhead; and 
         [0181]    a second porous member for contacting the first porous member to absorb fluid from the first porous member. 
         [0182]    Optionally, the apparatus further comprises a sled and a wiper module supported by the sled, the first porous member being mounted in the wiper module and the second porous member being mounted in the sled. 
         [0183]    Optionally, the apparatus further comprises a lift mechanism for lifting the wiper module from the sled to position the first porous member in proximity of the printhead. 
         [0184]    Optionally, the second porous member has a plurality of towers projecting from a pad held within a channel of the sled, the towers being arranged to contact the first porous member when the wiper module is in a non-lifted position within the sled. 
         [0185]    Optionally, the towers are configured to project through windows in the wiper module when the wiper module is in the non-lifted position within in the sled. 
         [0186]    Optionally, the first porous member is mounted on a compressible core and the towers are configured to compress the first porous member during said contact so that fluid held by the first porous member is wicked to the towers and into the pad. 
         [0187]    Optionally, the compressible core is mounted on a rotatable shaft within the wiper module, the apparatus comprising a mechanism for rotating the shaft so that the first porous member rotates against the printhead when the wiper module is in the lifted position. 
         [0188]    Optionally, the lift mechanism is configured to position the first porous member against the printhead so as to compress the compressible core. 
         [0189]    In another aspect, the invention provides a maintenance system for a printhead, the system comprising: 
         [0190]    an ingestion member for ingesting waste fluid from the printhead; and 
         [0191]    a container for containing said ingested waste fluid, the container being flexible so as to expand as an amount of contained waste fluid increases. 
         [0192]    Optionally, the container is positioned within a body of a printer having the printhead between a media input area and a printed media output area. 
         [0193]    Optionally, the container is a modular assembly of fluid containing modules. 
         [0194]    Optionally, each module is formed of flexible, collapsible material so as to define expandable bags which are substantially flat when empty of fluid and are expanded otherwise. 
         [0195]    Optionally, the ingestion member is an absorbent material which fills each module. 
         [0196]    Optionally, the absorbent material is a polymer which is a powder when dry and a stiff gel when wet. 
         [0197]    Optionally, the modules are linked to each other by a wick element which provides capillary wicking paths between the modules. 
         [0198]    In another aspect, the invention provides a printer comprising: 
         [0199]    a printhead having a plurality of fluid ejection nozzles; 
         [0200]    an ingestion member for ingesting waste fluid from the printhead; and 
         [0201]    a container for containing said ingested waste fluid, the container being flexible so as to expand as an amount of contained waste fluid increases. 
         [0202]    Optionally, the container is positioned within a body of a printer having the printhead between a media input area and a printed media output area. 
         [0203]    Optionally, the container is a modular assembly of fluid containing modules. 
         [0204]    Optionally, each module is formed of flexible, collapsible material so as to define expandable bags which are substantially flat when empty of fluid and are expanded otherwise. 
         [0205]    Optionally, the ingestion member is an absorbent material which fills each module. 
         [0206]    Optionally, the absorbent material is a polymer which is a powder when dry and a stiff gel when wet. 
         [0207]    Optionally, the modules are linked to each other by a wick element which provides capillary wicking paths between the modules. 
         [0208]    In another aspect, the invention provides a media clearance mechanism for a printer, the media clearance mechanism comprising: 
         [0209]    a door hingedly mounted to a body of the printer which can be opened to expose a media width of a media path to a media width printhead of the printer; 
         [0210]    a media diverter mounted to the door such that when the door is in a closed position the door and the diverter define guiding portions of the path, the diverter being pivotally mounted to the door so that the diverter pivots out of the way upon opening of the door; and 
         [0211]    a displacement mechanism configured to retract the diverter with the opening movement of the door and to reposition the diverter for media guiding with the closing movement of the door. 
         [0212]    Optionally, the media path is a curved media path from a media input area to the printhead of the printer. 
         [0213]    Optionally, the displacement mechanism comprises slots within sidewalls at either end of the door and tracking pins on arms at either end of the diverter, the slots having a serpentine form and the tracking pins engaging with the respective slots thereby connecting the diverter to the door 
         [0214]    Optionally, the serpentine form of each slot has two inflection points, with the inflection point which is directed towards the media path being upstream of the inflection point which is directed away from the media path with respect to a media travel direction along the media path. 
         [0215]    Optionally, pivot pins project from each of the sidewalls of the door at the outer side of the downstream inflection points of each slot and the free end of each arm has a yoke which engages with the respective pivot pin as the diverter tracks along the slots. 
         [0216]    In another aspect, the invention provides a printer comprising: 
         [0217]    a media width printhead; 
         [0218]    a media path from a media input area to the printhead; 
         [0219]    a door hingedly mounted to a body of the printer which can be opened to expose the media path; 
         [0220]    a media diverter mounted to the door such that when the door is in a closed position the door and the diverter define guiding portions of the path, the diverter being pivotally mounted to the door so that the diverter pivots out of the way upon opening of the door; and 
         [0221]    a displacement mechanism configured to retract the diverter with the opening movement of the door and to reposition the diverter for media guiding with the closing movement of the door. 
         [0222]    Optionally, the media path is a curved media path. 
         [0223]    Optionally, the displacement mechanism comprises slots within sidewalls at either end of the door and tracking pins on arms at either end of the diverter, the slots having a serpentine form and the tracking pins engaging with the respective slots thereby connecting the diverter to the door 
         [0224]    Optionally, the serpentine form of each slot has two inflection points, with the inflection point which is directed towards the media path being upstream of the inflection point which is directed away from the media path with respect to a media travel direction along the media path. 
         [0225]    Optionally, pivot pins project from each of the sidewalls of the door at the outer side of the downstream inflection points of each slot and the free end of each arm has a yoke which engages with the respective pivot pin as the diverter tracks along the slots. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         [0226]    The exemplary features, best mode and advantages of the invention will be understood by the description herein with reference to accompanying drawings, in which: 
           [0227]      FIG. 1  is a block diagram of the main system components of a printer; 
           [0228]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a printhead of the printer; 
           [0229]      FIG. 3  illustrates the printhead with a cover removed; 
           [0230]      FIG. 4  is an exploded view of the printhead; 
           [0231]      FIG. 5  is an exploded view of the printhead without inlet or outlet couplings; 
           [0232]      FIG. 6  illustrates an isometric view of the printer with most components other than those of a maintenance system for the printer omitted; 
           [0233]      FIG. 7  illustrates an opposite isometric view of the printer as illustrated in  FIG. 6 ; 
           [0234]      FIG. 8  schematically illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a modular maintenance sled of the maintenance system; 
           [0235]      FIG. 9  is an exploded view of the sled as illustrated  FIG. 8 ; 
           [0236]      FIG. 10  is a first exploded perspective view of a platen module of the sled; 
           [0237]      FIG. 11  is a second exploded perspective view of the platen module; 
           [0238]      FIG. 12  illustrates the assembled platen module; 
           [0239]      FIG. 13  illustrates a close up view of one end of the platen module; 
           [0240]      FIG. 14  illustrates a close up view of another end of the platen module; 
           [0241]      FIG. 15  is a cross-sectional view of the platen module; 
           [0242]      FIG. 16  illustrates an exemplary media path through a print zone of the printhead; 
           [0243]      FIGS. 17A-17F  illustrate subsequent stages of media travel through the media path; 
           [0244]      FIG. 18  is a cross-sectional view of the platen module in operational position relative to the printhead; 
           [0245]      FIG. 19  is a first isometric view of a wiper module of the sled; 
           [0246]      FIG. 20  is a second isometric view of the wiper module; 
           [0247]      FIG. 21  is an exploded perspective view of the wiper module; 
           [0248]      FIGS. 22A and 22B  illustrate different positions for the wiper module relative to a driven roller of the printer; 
           [0249]      FIG. 23  illustrates a close up view of one end of the wiper module; 
           [0250]      FIG. 24  illustrates a close up view of another end of the wiper module; 
           [0251]      FIG. 25  illustrates an exemplary spring arrangement of a wiper element of the wiper module; 
           [0252]      FIG. 26  illustrates a wiper roller in isolation from the wiper element; 
           [0253]      FIG. 27  is a cross-sectional view of the wiper module; 
           [0254]      FIG. 28  an isometric view of a capper module of the sled; 
           [0255]      FIG. 29  is an exploded perspective view of the capper module; 
           [0256]      FIG. 30  is a cross-sectional view of the capper module; 
           [0257]      FIG. 31  illustrates a portion of a printing face of the printhead; 
           [0258]      FIG. 32  illustrates the capper module with a capper element omitted and a wick element disassembled from the capper module; 
           [0259]      FIG. 33  illustrates the wick element assembled in the capper module; 
           [0260]      FIG. 34  illustrates a channel of the capper module with the wick and capper elements omitted; 
           [0261]      FIG. 35  illustrates a drainage port of the capper module with a valve disassembled from the port; 
           [0262]      FIG. 36  illustrates the valve assembled in the port; 
           [0263]      FIG. 37  is a bottom isometric view of the maintenance sled; 
           [0264]      FIG. 38  illustrates a translation mechanism of the sled; 
           [0265]      FIG. 39  is a close up view of one section of the displacement mechanism; 
           [0266]      FIG. 40  is a close up view of another section of the displacement mechanism; 
           [0267]      FIG. 41  illustrates a motor arrangement of the displacement mechanism; 
           [0268]      FIG. 42A  is a cross-sectional view of the printer with most components omitted and illustrating the capper module engaged with a lift mechanism of the maintenance system in a non-lifted position; 
           [0269]      FIG. 42B  illustrates the capper module engaged with the lift mechanism in a lifted position; 
           [0270]      FIG. 42C  illustrates the capper module in a capped position on the printhead; 
           [0271]      FIG. 43A  is a cross-sectional view of the printer with most components omitted and illustrating the platen module engaged with the lift mechanism in a non-lifted position; 
           [0272]      FIG. 43B  illustrates the platen module engaged with the lift mechanism in a lifted position; 
           [0273]      FIG. 43C  illustrates the platen module in an operational position relative to the printhead; 
           [0274]      FIG. 44A  is a cross-sectional view of the printer with most components omitted and illustrating the wiper module engaged with the lift mechanism in a non-lifted position; 
           [0275]      FIG. 44B  illustrates the wiper module engaged with the lift mechanism in a lifted position; 
           [0276]      FIG. 44C  illustrates the wiper module in an operational position relative to the printhead; 
           [0277]      FIG. 45  is a close up view of one section of the lift mechanism; 
           [0278]      FIG. 46  is a close up view of another section of the lift mechanism; 
           [0279]      FIG. 47  illustrates a top isometric view of the sled with the modules removed; 
           [0280]      FIG. 48A  is a cross-sectional view of the sled illustrating the platen module position; 
           [0281]      FIG. 48B  illustrates the view of  FIG. 48A  with a body of the platen module omitted; 
           [0282]      FIG. 49  is a cross-sectional view of the sled illustrating the capper module position; 
           [0283]      FIG. 50A  is a cross-sectional view of the sled illustrating the wiper module position; 
           [0284]      FIG. 50B  illustrates the view of  FIG. 50A  with a wiper roller of the wiper module omitted; 
           [0285]      FIG. 51  illustrates alignment of drainage holes in the sled with a vent in a housing of the printer; 
           [0286]      FIG. 52  illustrates a fluid collector of the maintenance system in isolation with fluid storage modules in a collapsed state; 
           [0287]      FIG. 53  illustrates the fluid collector with the fluid storage modules in an expanded state; 
           [0288]      FIG. 54  is a perspective view of the printer with a casing of the printer removed to illustrate a media jam removal door; 
           [0289]      FIG. 55  illustrates the view of  FIG. 54  with a portion of a body of the printer removed; 
           [0290]      FIG. 56  illustrates a fully closed state of the media jam removal door; 
           [0291]      FIGS. 57A and 57B  illustrate opposite views of a media diverter of the media jam removal door; 
           [0292]      FIGS. 58A and 58B  illustrate successive opened states of the media jam removal door; 
           [0293]      FIG. 59  illustrates a fully open state of the media jam removal door; and 
           [0294]      FIGS. 60A and 60B  illustrate successive closed states of the media jam removal door. 
       
    
    
       [0295]    One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction, the arrangements of components, and the arrangement of steps set forth in the description herein and/or illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or being carried out in various other ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
       [0296]    An exemplary block diagram of the main system components of a printer  100  is illustrated in  FIG. 1 . The printer  100  has a printhead  200 , fluid distribution system  300 , maintenance system  600  and electronics  800 . 
         [0297]    The printhead  200  has fluid ejection nozzles for ejecting printing fluid, such as ink, onto passing print media. The fluid distribution system  300  distributes ink and other fluids for ejection by the nozzles of the printhead  200 . The maintenance system  600  maintains the nozzles of the printhead  200  so that reliable and accurate fluid ejection is provided. 
         [0298]    The electronics  800  operatively interconnects the electrical components of the printer  100  to one another and to external components/systems. The electronics  800  has control electronics  802  for controlling operation of the connected components. An exemplary configuration of the control electronics  802  is described in US Patent Application Publication No. 20050157040 (Applicant&#39;s Docket No. RRC001US), the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. 
         [0299]    The printhead  200  may be provided as a media width printhead cartridge removable from the printer  100 , as described in US Patent Application Publication No. 20090179940 (Applicant&#39;s Docket No. RRE017US), the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. This exemplary printhead cartridge includes a liquid crystal polymer (LCP) molding  202  supporting a series of printhead ICs  204 , as illustrated in  FIGS. 2-5 , which extends the width of media substrate to be printed. When mounted to the printer  100 , the printhead  200  therefore constitutes a stationary, full media width printhead. 
         [0300]    The printhead ICs  204  each comprise ejection nozzles for ejecting drops of ink and other printing fluids onto the passing media. The nozzles may be MEMS (micro electro-mechanical) structures printing at true 1600 dpi resolution (that is, a nozzle pitch of 1600 nozzles per inch), or greater. The fabrication and structure of suitable printhead ICs  204  are described in detail in US Patent Application Publication No. 20070081032 (Applicant&#39;s Docket No. MNN001US), the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. 
         [0301]    The LCP molding  202  has main channels  206  extending the length of the LCP molding  202  between associated inlet ports  208  and outlet ports  210 . Each main channel  206  feeds a series of fine channels (not shown) extending to the other side of the LCP molding  202 . The fine channels supply ink to the printhead ICs  204  through laser ablated holes in the die attach film via which the printhead ICs are mounted to the LCP molding, as discussed below. 
         [0302]    Above the main channel  206  is a series of non-priming air cavities  214 . These cavities  214  are designed to trap a pocket of air during printhead priming. The air pockets give the system some compliance to absorb and damp pressure spikes or hydraulic shocks in the printing fluid. The printers are high speed pagewidth or media width printers with a large number of nozzles firing rapidly. This consumes ink at a fast rate and suddenly ending a print job, or even just the end of a page, means that a column of ink moving towards (and through) the printhead  200  must be brought to rest almost instantaneously. Without the compliance provided by the air cavities  214 , the momentum of the ink would flood the nozzles in the printhead ICs  204 . Furthermore, the subsequent ‘reflected wave’ could otherwise generate sufficient negative pressure to erroneously deprime the nozzles. 
         [0303]    The printhead cartridge has a top molding  216  and a removable protective cover  218 . The top molding  216  has a central web for structural stiffness and to provide textured grip surfaces  220  for manipulating the printhead cartridge during insertion and removal with respect to the printer  100 . Movable caps  222  are provided at a base of the cover and are movable to cover an inlet printhead coupling  224  and an outlet printhead coupling  226  of the printhead  200  prior to installation in the printer. The terms “inlet” and “outlet” are used to specify the usual direction of fluid flow through the printhead  200  during printing. However, the printhead  200  is configured so that fluid entry and exit can be achieved in either direction along the printhead  200 . 
         [0304]    The base of the cover  218  protects the printhead ICs  204  and electrical contacts  228  of the printhead prior to installation in the printer and is removable, as illustrated in  FIG. 3 , to expose the printhead ICs  204  and the contacts  228  for installation. The protective cover may be discarded or fitted to a printhead cartridge being replaced to contain leakage from residual ink therein. 
         [0305]    The top molding  216  covers an inlet manifold  230  of the inlet coupling  224  and an outlet manifold  232  of the outlet coupling  226  together with shrouds  234 , as illustrated in  FIG. 4 . The inlet and outlet manifolds  230 , 232  respectively have inlet and outlet spouts  236 , 238 . Five each of the inlet and outlet ports or spouts  236 , 238  are shown in the illustrated embodiment of the printhead  200 , which provide for five ink channels, e.g., CYMKK or CYMKIR. Other arrangements and numbers of the spouts are possible to provide different printing fluid channel configurations. For example, instead of a multi-channel printhead printing multiple ink colors, several printheads could be provided each printing one or more ink colors. 
         [0306]    Each inlet spout  236  is fluidically connected to a corresponding one of the inlet ports  208  of the LCP molding  202 . Each outlet spout  238  is fluidically connected to a corresponding one of the outlet ports  210  of the LCP molding  202 . Thus, for each ink color, supplied ink is distributed between one of the inlet spouts  236  and a corresponding one of the outlet spouts  238  via a corresponding one of the main channels  206 . 
         [0307]    From  FIG. 5  it can be seen that the main channels  206  are formed in a channel molding  240  and the associated air cavities  214  are formed in a cavity molding  242 . Adhered to the channel molding  240  is a die attach film  244 . The die attach film  244  mounts the printhead ICs  204  to the channel molding  240  such that the fine channels, which are formed within the channel molding  240 , are in fluid communication with the printhead ICs  204  via small laser ablated holes  245  through the film  244 . 
         [0308]    The channel and cavity moldings  240 , 244  are mounted together with a contact molding  246  containing the electrical contacts  228  for the printhead ICs and a clip molding  248  in order to form the LCP molding  202 . The clip molding  248  is used to securely clip the LCP molding  202  to the top molding  216 . 
         [0309]    LCP is the preferred material of the molding  202  because of its stiffness, which retains structural integrity along the media width length of the molding, and its coefficient of thermal expansion which closely matches that of silicon used in the printhead ICs, which ensures good registration between the fine channels of the LCP molding  202  and the nozzles of the printhead ICs  204  throughout operation of the printhead  200 . However, other materials are possible so long as these criteria are met. 
         [0310]    The fluid distribution system  300  may be configured as described in the Applicant&#39;s US Provisional Patent Application No. 61345552 (Docket No. KPF001PUS). 
         [0311]    The maintenance system  600  for maintaining the printhead  200  and the fluid distribution system  300  may be arranged relative to the printhead  200  as illustrated in  FIGS. 6 and 7 , which show the printer  100  with most components other than those of the maintenance system  600  omitted for clarity. Various embodiments of the maintenance system  600  and its various components are now described in detail. 
         [0312]    The maintenance system  600  maintains the printhead  200 , and thereby the fluid distribution system  300 , in operational order throughout the operational life of the printhead  200 . 
         [0313]    After each print cycle of the printhead  200 , and during periods of non-use of the printhead  200 , the maintenance system  600  is used to cap the ejection nozzles of the printhead  200  so as to prevent drying of fluid within the nozzles. This reduces problems with subsequent printing due to blockages in the nozzles. 
         [0314]    The maintenance system  600  is also used to clean a printing face of the printhead  200  by wiping the printhead ICs. Further, the maintenance system  600  is also used to capture fluid which the printhead ‘spits’ or egests from the nozzles during priming and maintenance cycles, for further details on the priming procedure see the incorporated description of the Applicant&#39;s US Provisional Patent Application No. 61345552 (Docket No. KPF001PUS). 
         [0315]    Further, the maintenance system  600  is also used to provide support for media during printing in a clean manner which minimizes fluid transfer onto the media. 
         [0316]    Furthermore, the maintenance system  600  stores the ink and other printing fluids collected during these functions within the printer  100  for later disposal or re-use. 
         [0317]    To achieve these functions, the maintenance system  600  employs a modular sled  602  and fluid collector  603 . The sled  602  houses several maintenance modules each having a different function. In the illustrated embodiment of  FIGS. 8 and 9 , the maintenance modules include a platen module  604 , a wiper module  606  and a capper module  608 . The sled  602  is housed by a housing  102  of the printer  100  so as to be selectively displaceable relative to the printhead  200  and so that media  104  for printing is able to pass between the printhead  200  and the sled  602 . Further, the maintenance modules are displaceable with respect to the sled. The displacement of the sled selectively aligns each of the maintenance modules with the printhead and the displacement of the aligned maintenance modules brings the aligned maintenance modules into operational position with respect to the printhead, which is discussed in detail later. 
         [0318]      FIGS. 10-18  illustrate various exemplary aspects of the platen module  604 . The platen module  604  is an assembly of a body  610  and a wick element  612 . The body  610  is elongate so as extend along a length longer than the media width of the printhead  200 . The platen module  602  is housed within an elongate frame  614  of the sled  602 . The frame  614  has a base  618  and sidewalls  620  projecting from the base within which notches  620   a  are defined. 
         [0319]    The notches  620   a  removably receive retainer elements  622  at the longitudinal ends of the body  610  of the platen module  604 . This engagement of the notches and retainers allows the platen module  604  to be held by the frame  614  in an unsecured, yet constrained manner. That is, the platen module effectively “floats” within the sled, which facilitates the displacement of the platen module relative to the sled. 
         [0320]    The platen module  604  is assembled in the frame  614  so that a platen surface  624  of the body  610  faces the printhead  200  which provides support for media being printed on as the media passes the printhead  200  when the platen module  604  is in its operational position. 
         [0321]    In the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 10-18 , the platen  624  has a series of rib elements  626  and  628  periodically positioned on either side of a slot  630  which extends through the platen  624  along the elongate length of the platen module  604 . When the platen module  604  is aligned with the printhead  200  through the selective displacement of the sled  602 , the slot  630  is aligned with the nozzles. The body  610  of the platen module  604  is preferably formed of a molded plastics material, and the ribs  626 , 628  are preferably integrally molded in the body  610 . However, other arrangements are possible, such as fixing the ribs to the platen body. 
         [0322]    The narrow ribs  626 , 628  project from a surface  624   a  of the platen  624  to be aligned with the direction of media travel past the printhead  200  along their length and are configured to assist in guiding and shaping of the media within a print zone in the vicinity of the ejection nozzles of the printhead  200  when the platen module  604  is in its operational position. The guiding minimizes possibility of contact of the media with the printing face of the printhead  200 , and the shaping minimizes a rate of change of spacing between different portions of the media and the nozzles. 
         [0323]    As illustrated in  FIG. 16 , the media  104  is transported or driven into the print zone by input rollers  106  of the printer  100  at a level elevated from an outer face  626   a  of each of the ribs  626 , which are located upstream of the nozzles with respect to the travel direction of the media  104 , so as to be angled from a plane parallel with the print zone defined by the printhead  200  and the platen  624 . Further, the media is transported or driven out of the print zone by output rollers  108  of the printer  100  at a level elevated from an outer face  628   a  of each of the ribs  628 , which are located downstream of the nozzles with respect to the travel direction of the media  104 , so as to be angled from the parallel plane of the print zone. Upstream and downstream angles of about 10° to 12° are preferred, however other angles are possible. 
         [0324]    Providing media entry and exit into the print zone at an angle together with contact between the media  104  and the platen  624  in the print zone ensures that the media  104  adopts a constrained path past the nozzles. That is, the media  104 , which is typically paper or other flexible media, is caused to curve along this constrained path which acts to stiffen the media in the print zone and thereby maintain a substantially constant media-to-nozzle spacing for all portions of the media, which is particularly important in borderless printing applications. 
         [0325]    As seen most clearly in  FIGS. 13-15 , the outer surface  626   a  of each of the upstream ribs  626  is also angled with respect to the parallel plane of the platen  624  such that a portion  626   b  of each of the ribs  626  closest to the slot  630  is closer to the printhead  200  than (e.g., higher than) a portion  626   c  of each of the ribs  626  furthest from the slot  630 . Similarly, the outer surface  628   a  of each of the downstream ribs  628  is also angled with respect to the parallel plane of the platen  624  such that a portion  628   b  of each of the ribs  628  closest to the slot  630  is closer to the printhead  200  than (e.g., higher than) a portion  628   c  of each of the ribs  628  furthest from the slot  630 . These relative structures of the ribs  624 , 626  assist in the media guiding and shaping as follows. 
         [0326]    As illustrated in  FIGS. 17A and 17B , a leading edge  104   a  of the media  104  driven by the input rollers  106  at the above-described angle to the platen  624  contacts the outer surfaces  626   a  of the upstream ribs  626  and is guided towards the printhead  200  along the outer surfaces  626   a . In this way, the outer surfaces  626   a  of the ribs  626  act as a ramp for the leading edge  104   a  of the media  104 . The leading edge of the media  104  then passes over the slot  630  and through the print zone of the nozzles, at which point the inherit stiffness of the media  104  causes the media  104  to bend in a cantilevered fashion such that only point-contact with the portions  626   b  of the ribs  626 , which are rounded as illustrated, is made by the remaining portions of the media. 
         [0327]    As illustrated in  FIGS. 17C and 17D , the leading edge of the media  104  then point-contacts the portions  628   b  of the downstream ribs  628  to bridge the slot  630  and then due to the bend adopted by the media  104 , the leading edge  104   a  of the media  104  leaves contact with the ribs  628  to be presented to the nip of the output rollers  108 . In this way, the media is stably cantilevered at its point-contact with the upstream ribs  626  which maintains a substantially constant trajectory of the media through the print zone, thereby providing a substantially constant media-to-nozzle spacing for all portions of the media. 
         [0328]    As illustrated, the portions  628   b  of the ribs  628  are slightly further away from the printhead  200  relative to (e.g., lower than) the portions  626   b  of the ribs  626 . Also, the portions  628   b  have a substantially flat profile at an angle opposite to the angle of the remaining portions of the ribs  628 . In this way, the leading edge of the media  104 , which has a trajectory across the slot  630  from the ribs  626  below the parallel plane to the platen  624  relative to the printhead  200 , contacts the ribs  628  in a smooth, non-abrupt manner. This reduces bounce of the media  104  within the print zone and minimizes possible jams within the slot  630 . 
         [0329]    As illustrated in  FIGS. 17E and 17F , a trailing edge  104   b  of the media  104  leaves the nip of the input rollers  106  to be driven by the output rollers  108  only, and due to the bend in the media  104  the trailing portion and edge of the media  104  are caused to become substantially parallel with the parallel plane of the platen  624 . Then the trailing edge  104   b  of the media  104  is driven beyond the ribs  626  to be suspended over the slot  630 . This causes the media  104  to come back into point-contact with the portions  628   b  of the downstream ribs  628  thereby transitioning from the upstream ribs  626  to the downstream ribs  628 , which assists in maintaining the earlier trajectory of the media  104  through the print zone. 
         [0330]    The trailing edge  104   b  of the media  104  is unsupported once it passes beyond the portions  628   b  of the ribs  628 . Depending on the weight of the media, this lack of support may cause reverse bending of the trailing portion of the media. The angle of the outer surfaces  628   a  of the ribs  628  prevents this trailing portion of the media from making any further contact with the platen  422  which could otherwise cause disruption of the media exit. 
         [0331]    The above-described media shaping is applicable to either discrete page or continuous web printing applications of the printer, since in either case leading and trailing edges of the media are present at some point of the printing cycle. 
         [0332]    In the environment of the print zone, aerosols from the printed ink and the like and overprinting of ink, etc, particularly in borderless printing applications, causes fluid to collect on the surface of the platen, including the outer surfaces of the ribs. The above-described configuration of the ribs which provides point-contact between the ribs and the media minimizes the transfer of the collected fluid to the media. The point-contact also minimizes drag on the media through the print zone, which could affect media travel speed and therefore printing quality. Further, the provision of the relatively narrow ribs reduces the accumulation of the collected fluid on the outer surfaces of the ribs which contact the media, as the fluid is encouraged to flow away from the outer surfaces of the ribs to the surface  624   a  of the platen  624  and away from the printhead  200  through the slot  630 . 
         [0333]    In the illustrated embodiment, the ribs  626 , 628  are uniformly provided (e.g., each of the ribs  626  are equally spaced from one another and each of the ribs  628  are equally spaced from one another) across the media width of the print zone so that the media guiding and shaping is uniform across the media width. However, other arrangements are possible, such as having the ribs at the peripheries of the media width closer together than those central to the media width, so as to provide additional support at the sides of the media to prevent curling at the edges. 
         [0334]    Further, each of the ribs  626  is illustrated as being aligned with a corresponding one of the ribs  628 . However, other arrangements are possible in which the ribs  626  are offset from the ribs  628 , so as to prevent warping of the media between the ribs along the media width. Furthermore, more or less ribs than the number illustrated can be used depending on the type of media being used by the printer. For example, it is possible to have an arrangement in which the ribs are eliminated and the resultant continuous surface  624   a  of the platen  624  is angled on the upstream and downstream sides of the slot  630  similar to the ribs in the illustrated embodiment. Alternatively, the angled profile of either or both of the upstream and downstream ribs or sides of the platen surface can be eliminated. Such alternative arrangements would only be desirable in printing applications where aerosol and printing overspray are negligible factors such that fluid accumulation on the platen  624  is minimal. 
         [0335]    Further still, other exemplary arrangements may adopt on-plane media entry and/or exit trajectories relative to the printing face of the printhead. In such arrangements, the media shaping aspects of the platen can be eliminated. 
         [0336]    The platen  624  is preferably molded from a plastics material. In this way, the body  610  of the platen  624  can be molded as a one-piece unit integrally comprising the retainers  622  and the ribs  626 , 628 , and having the slot  630  accurately formed therein, without the need for any cutting. The material of the platen  624  preferably has similar thermal expansion characteristics to the printhead  200 , so that alignment of the platen  624  and the printhead  200  is maintained throughout all operational cycles and environments. 
         [0337]    As discussed earlier, the surface of the platen is configured so that ink and other fluids in the printing environment from printing operation flows to the slot. During various stages of printing it may be advantageous to cause ejection nozzles of the printhead which have not printed for some time to ‘spit’ some ink in order to keep the nozzles ‘wet’. The use of the term ‘wet’ is to be understood as meaning that the fluid within the nozzles is replenished with fresh fluid or is kept from drying, thereby reducing the likelihood of the fluid drying out within the nozzles, which could otherwise cause nozzle blockages. This is particularly important with respect to ink which is formed from dye suspended in a liquid such as water, because the liquid quickly evaporates when the ink is exposed to air causing the dye to leave suspension in the form of sediment. This keep-wet spitting operation is carried out between pages of the fed media, and therefore minimal disruption to the media feed is preferred. Accordingly, the platen module  604  is preferably left in place during the keep-wet spitting operation. 
         [0338]    In order to capture the ink or other printing fluid ejected during keep-wet spitting and priming procedures, the wick element  612  of the platen module  604  is located in the slot  630  so as to be aligned with the printing face of the printhead  200 . The wick element  612  is formed of a hydrophilic porous material which can be molded and has a porosity with a bead and void size which permits absorption of ink. For example, hydrophilic polyethylene is preferred, which can be used to make the wick element  612  by a process akin to sintering, being molded together into its final shape. The use of the term “hydrophilic” is to be understood as meaning that any liquid, not only water, is absorbed by the material which is said to be “hydrophilic”. 
         [0339]    As illustrated in  FIGS. 10-12 , the wick element  612  is elongate and shaped to fit within a recess  610   a  of the body  610  so as to extend along the length of the platen module  604 . The wick element  612  has notches  612   a  defined within a flange  612   b  defining a wick body at either side which engage with rails  610   b  within the recess  610   a . The wick element  612  is held within the body  610  by clips  610   c  associated with the rails  610   b , which clip over the underside of the flange  612   b  with respect to the orientation illustrated in the drawings. In this way, the wick element is removable from the platen module, such that replacement of the wick element is possible if the effectiveness of the wicking of the porous material of the wick element reduces over time. 
         [0340]    This clipped engagement secures the wick element  612  within the body  610  so that pads  612   c  which project normally from the flange  612   b  align with, and project through, the slot  630  but so as not to project past the outer surfaces  626   a , 628   a  of the ribs  626 , 628  with respect to the printhead  200 , as illustrated in  FIGS. 13-15 . 
         [0341]    In particular, the pads  612   c  are spaced below the outer surfaces of the ribs, which form a reference surface  624   b  of the platen  624 , so that the media  104  never comes into contact with the wick element  612 . This prevents transfer of ink onto the media. On the other hand, the pads  612   c  are not spaced too far below the reference surface  624   b  so that the wick element  612  is in close proximity to the printhead  200 . This ensures that ink is captured whilst in ballistic flight from the nozzles, which minimizes aerosol or misting about the print zone. In the illustrated embodiment, the distance of the reference surface  624   b  from the printhead ICs  204  is about 1.1 millimeters and the outer surface of the pads  612   c  is about 0.35 millimeters below the reference surface  624   b . The manner in which these distances are set is discussed in detail later. 
         [0342]    Due to closeness of the wick element  612  to the printing face of the printhead  200 , build-up of the captured fluid on the pads  612   c , particularly as the fluid dries on the wick element  612 , by an amount which causes the built-up fluid to contact the printing face must be prevented. This build-up, which can particularly form as stalagmites in regions where overspray from the media occurs in borderless printing, is prevented by forming the wick element  612  so that notches  612   d  are defined between the pads  612   c , as illustrated in  FIG. 10 . This arrangement encourages the captured fluid to be absorbed into the main porous body of the wick element  612  rather than collecting on the outer surfaces of the pads  612   c.    
         [0343]    The width of the printhead ICs  204  of the printhead  200  along the media travel direction is of the order of one or two millimeters, or less depending on the number of nozzle rows incorporated on the printhead ICs  204 . As illustrated in  FIG. 18 , when the platen module  604  is in its operational position an alignment mechanism of the maintenance system  600  aligns the platen module  604  with the printhead  200  so that a centerline of the nozzles of the printhead ICs  204  along the media width than a downstream edge  630   b  of the slot  630 . In the illustrated embodiment, the wick element  612  has a width of about 5.5 millimeters and the slot  630  has a width of about six millimeters so as to accommodate the wick element  612 , and the upstream edge  630   a  is about 1.6 millimeters from the centerline whereas the downstream edge  630   b  is about four millimeters from the centerline. 
         [0344]    Configuring this offset alignment between the slot  630  and the printhead ICs  204  causes the wick element  612  to be offset from the centerline of the printhead ICs  204  also. Accordingly, a greater surface area of the wick element  612  is disposed downstream of the centerline of the printhead ICs  204  than upstream. This is done because there is a tendency during printing for the ink aerosol to be entrained in the same direction as the media travel, and therefore more of the aerosol is directly captured by the offset wick element  612 . 
         [0345]    Once the wick element  612  is saturated with captured ink, the ink will tend to naturally drain through the wick element  612  through capillary action under gravity with respect to the assembled arrangement of the platen module  604  in the sled  602 . The draining ink is encouraged to drain from a specific region of the wick element  612  into the underlying sled  602  so that the drained ink can be suitably contained. This is achieved by forming the wick element  612  with a drainage ridge  612   e  projecting normally from the flange  612   b  in a direction opposite to the projection of the pads  612   c.    
         [0346]    As illustrated in  FIGS. 10-12 , the drainage ridge  612   e  is a triangular projection having a peak which is aligned with a drainage detail  632  in the base  618  of the sled  602 , as is illustrated in  FIGS. 47 ,  48 A and  48 B and is discussed in more detail later. By this configuration, the capillary ink draining through the porous body of the wick element  612  drains out of the wick element  612  from the peak into the drainage detail  632 . 
         [0347]    Both this drainage and offset aerosol capture are also assisted by forming the outer surfaces of the pads  612   c  to be sloped in the media travel direction, as illustrated in  FIGS. 13-15 . In particular, the top surface of the wick element is not located directly below the printhead ICs and therefore the ejected fluid strikes the wick element in its sloped region thereby encouraging the captured fluid to be drawn away from the printing face and through the wick element. This reduces stagnation areas within the body of the wick element in which the fluid could dry causing reduction of effectiveness of the wick element. 
         [0348]    In the above-described embodiment, the fluid captured by the wick element is allowed to drain through and out of the wick under gravity. An alternative embodiment could employ suction by a suction pump connected to the platen module through tubing. 
         [0349]      FIGS. 19-27  illustrate various exemplary aspects of the wiper module  606 . The wiper module  606  is an assembly of a body  634 , a wiper element  636  and a scraper element  638 . The body  634  is elongate so as extend along a length longer than the media width of the printhead  200 . The wiper module  606  is housed within the elongate frame  614  of the sled  602  so as to be adjacent the platen module  604 , as illustrated in  FIG. 8 . 
         [0350]    The notches  620   a  in the sidewalls  620  of the frame  614  removably receive retainer elements  639  and  641  at the longitudinal ends of the body  634  of the wiper module  606 . This engagement of the notches and retainers allows the wiper module  606  to be held by the frame  614  in an unsecured, yet constrained manner. That is, the wiper module effectively “floats” within the sled, which facilitates the displacement of the wiper module relative to the sled. The wiper module  606  is assembled in the frame  614  so that the wiper element  636  faces the printhead  200  when the wiper module  606  is in its operational position. 
         [0351]    The wiper element  636  is an assembly of a wiper roller  640  on a shaft  642  and a drive mechanism  644  at one end of the shaft  642 . The wiper roller  640  has a length at least as long as the media width of the printhead  200  and is caused to rotate through rotation of the shaft  642  by the drive mechanism  644 . The drive mechanism  644  has a gear train  646  rotatably mounted within a swing arm  648  pivotally mounted at the one end of the shaft  642 . In the illustrated embodiment, the swing arm  648  has two arms  650  and  652 . The arms  650 , 652  are assembled together with the gear train  646  disposed therebetween. Other arrangements are possible however, such as a swing arm having a single arm, so long as the swing arm is able to swing relative to the body  634  of the wiper module  606 , as discussed in detail below. 
         [0352]    The gear train  646  has a first gear  654  mounted on the shaft  642 , a second gear  656  being a compound, driven gear which contacts a gear  106   a  of a driven roller  106   b  of the input rollers  106 , and a third gear  658  being a compound gear intermediate the first and second gears  654 , 656 . 
         [0353]    The second and third gears  656 , 658  are rotatably mounted to the swing arm  648  by passing respective pins  650   a  of the arm  650  through holes  656   a , 658   a  of the second and third gears  656 , 658  and then through respective holes  652   a  in the arm  652 . 
         [0354]    The first gear  654  is rotatably mounted to the swing arm  648  by passing an end portion  660  of the shaft  642  through a hole  650   b  in the arm  650 , a hole  654   a  in the first gear  654  and then through a hole  652   b  in the arm  652 . As illustrated in  FIG. 21 , the end portion  660  of the shaft  642  has a series of sections  660   a - 660   d  of successively smaller diameter from the wiper roller  640  to the end of the shaft  642 . 
         [0355]    The smallest diameter section  660   d  is configured to pass through the hole  654   a  in the first gear  654  and the hole  652   b  in the arm  652 , whilst the adjacent inner section  660   c  has a diameter larger than the diameter of the hole  654   a  in the first gear  654 . As such, the first gear  564  is securely retained within the swing arm  648  whilst allowing rotation of the shaft  642  and first gear  564  relative to the swing arm  648 . 
         [0356]    The adjacent section  660   c  is configured to pass through the hole  650   b  in the arm  650 , whilst the next adjacent inner section  660   b  has a diameter larger than the diameter of the hole  650   b  in the arm  650 . As such the swing arm  648  is securely held on the shaft  642  whilst allowing rotation of the shaft  642  relative to the swing arm  648 . 
         [0357]    The next adjacent section  660   b  is configured to pass through a collar  662 , whilst the adjacent, largest diameter section  660   d  has a diameter larger that the internal diameter of the collar  662 . Accordingly, the collar  662  is securely held on the shaft  642 . 
         [0358]    The largest diameter section  660   a  is configured to receive a clip  664 . An end portion  666  at the other longitudinal end of the shaft  642  similarly has two sections of different diameter, with the smaller diameter section configured to receive another collar  662  and the larger diameter section configured to receive another clip  664 . The clips  664  are passed through apertures  668  in the corresponding ends of the body  634 , as illustrated in  FIGS. 23 and 24 , to be clipped to the body  634 . This clipping removably and rotatably secures the wiper element  640  to the body  634 . 
         [0359]    In this secured assembly, the retainer element  639  at one end of the body  634  has a bay  639   a  in which the swing arm  648  is received and a notch  639   b  in which the section  660   b  of the end portion  660  of the shaft  642  is supported between the corresponding collar  662  and the swing arm  648 . The retainer element  641  at the other end of the body  634  has a notch  641   a  in which the smallest diameter section of the end portion  666  of the shaft  642  is supported with the corresponding collar  662  butted thereagainst. As illustrated, the notches  639   b , 641   a  define semi-circular openings each having a radius which is fits the radius of the corresponding cylindrical sections of the shaft  642 . 
         [0360]    As the wiper module  606  is lifted from the frame  614  of the sled  602  into its operational position, the second gear  656  contacts the gear  106   a  of the driven roller  106   b . Rotation of the driven roller  106   b  by a drive motor  110  of the printer  100  is imparted to the second gear  656  via the gear  106   a . This rotation is transferred to the shaft  642  through the gear train  646  thereby rotating the wiper roller  640 . This rotation of the wiper roller  640  is used to wipe ink from the printing face of the printhead  200 , as discussed in detail below. 
         [0361]    In the illustrated embodiment, the gear train gears down the rotational speed of the driven roller at a 3:1 ratio, because of the high speed of the driven roller, which is used to transport as many as 120 pages per minute past the printhead  200 . However, other arrangements are possible to provide a suitable rotational speed of the wiper roller, such as a different gearing ratios and/or a variable speed drive motor. 
         [0362]    By this arrangement, rotation of the wiper element  636  is driven by the drive motor  110  of the input rollers  106  of the printer  100 . This eliminates the need for a additional dedicated motor for the wiper module  606 , thereby reducing the number of parts and power requirements of the maintenance system  600 . In order to separate the media driving and wiper driving aspects of the input rollers  106 , the drive motor  110  is preferably a reversible motor and the control electronics  802  controls the motor  110  so that the drive roller  106   b  is driven in a first rotational direction when transporting media for printing, and in a second rotational direction, opposite the first direction, when driving the wiper roller  636 . However, driving in the same direction is possible. 
         [0363]    The driven roller  106   b  is mounted within the body  102  of the printer  100  as illustrated in  FIGS. 6 and 7  so that contact between the second gear  656  of the wiper element  636  and the gear  106   a  of the driven roller  106   b  occurs prior to the wiper module  606  reaching its wiping position relative to the printhead  200  at which the wiper roller  640  comes into contact with the printing face of the printhead  200 . In this way, the wiper roller  640  is already rotating as it contacts the printhead  200 . This rotating contact prevents the wiper roller  640  from blotting the nozzles of the printhead  200 , which could otherwise disturb the menisci within the nozzles. 
         [0364]    As the wiper module  606  is transitioned from its contact position with the driven roller  106   b  of the printer  100  to its wiping position the contact, and therefore driving transmission, between the second gear  656  and the gear  106   a  of the driven roller  106   b  is maintained by resilient swinging of the swing arm  648 , as illustrated in  FIG. 22B . 
         [0365]    The swing arm  648  is able to swing relative to the body  634  of the wiper module  606  due to a pivot point about the shaft  642  secured within the holes  650   a . 650   b  of the arms  650 , 652  of the swing arm  648 . Resistance to this swinging is provided by a spring  670  so that the second gear  656  of the swing arm  648  is urged against the contact gear  106   a  of the driven roller  106   b . This urged contact is further facilitated by mounting the gear  106   a  on the drive roller  106   b  using a spring pin  106   c  (see  FIG. 22B ). In the illustrated embodiment of  FIG. 25 , the spring  670  is held within a plunger  672  between a lower surface of the arms  650 , 652  and an aperture  674  in the body  634 , as illustrated in  FIG. 23 . This arrangement anchors the spring  670  to the body  634  at one end of the spring, thereby creating a cantilevered spring. The illustrated spring  670  is a compression spring, however other springs, such as a bent cantilevered spring, or other biasing means can be used so long as the swing arm is biased toward the drive roller gear. 
         [0366]    This biased contact of the swing arm and the driven roller of the printer not only provides rotation of the wiper roller prior to contact with the printing face of the printhead, as discussed above, but also keeps the wiper roller rotating throughout the wiping contact and after the wiper module is lowered from the printhead. In the illustrated embodiment, the rotational speed imparted to the wiper roller is about 20 millimeters per second. Accordingly, the wiper roller is prevented from being in stationary contact with the printhead at any point during operation of the wiper module, which prevents blotting as discussed above and prevents deformation of the wiper roller about its circumference. 
         [0367]    The rotational wiping of ink, other fluids and debris, such as media dust and dried ink. from the printing face of the printhead  200  by the wiper roller  640  is primarily performed after priming of the printhead  200  (see the incorporated description of the Applicant&#39;s US Provisional Patent Application No. 61345552 (Docket No. KPF001PUS) and after completion of a printing cycle. However, wiping can be performed at any time through selection of the wiper module  606 . 
         [0368]    The removal of ink and other fluids from the printing face of the printhead  200  is facilitated by forming the wiper roller  640  of a porous wicking material which is compressed against the printing face so as to encourage wicking of the fluid into the wiper roller  640 , and the removal of debris from the printing face is facilitated by the rotation of the wiper roller. 
         [0369]    In the illustrated embodiment of  FIG. 26 , the wiper roller  640  has a compressible core  640   a  mounted to the shaft  642  and a porous material  640   b  provided over the core  640   a . In the exemplary embodiment, the core  640   a  is formed of extruded closed-cell silicone or polyurethane foam and the porous material  640   b  is formed of non-woven microfiber. Using microfiber prevents scratching of the printing face, whilst using non-woven material prevents shedding of material strands from the wiper roller and into the nozzles of the printhead. The non-woven microfiber is wrapped about the core by a spiralling technique so that at least two layers of the microfiber are present about the core with an adhesive between the layers. Using two or more layers provides sufficient fluid absorption and compressibility of the porous material from the core, which aids fluid absorption, whilst spiralling reduces the possibility of the porous material being unwrapped from the core during the high-speed rotation of the wiper roller. 
         [0370]    In the illustrated embodiment, the outer diameter of the wiper roller is about 12 millimeters, and the amount deflection of the compressible wiper roller due to the pressing contact made on the printhead is about 0.5 millimeters. This configuration provides an absorption capacity of about four to five milliliters, at saturation, in the absorbent material  640   b  of the wiper roller  640 . It has been found by the Applicant that about 20 wiping operations of the printhead accumulates about three milliliters of ink in the wiper roller. 
         [0371]    The Applicant has found that the use of microfiber which is compressed against the printing face of the printhead whilst rotating the microfiber, causes ink to be drawn from the nozzles into the microfiber by capillary action. The amount of ink drawn from the nozzles is not so much that drying of the nozzles occurs, but is sufficient to remove any dried ink from the nozzles. 
         [0372]    In order to prevent to core from absorbing the fluid collected in the microfiber, which could otherwise cause over-saturation of the wiper roller  640  leading to transfer of the absorbed fluid back to the printhead  200 , a hydrophobic film  640   c  is disposed between the core  640   a  and the porous material  640   b . In the exemplary embodiment, the film  640   c  is formed of a pressure sensitive adhesive. The use of the term “hydrophobic” is to be understood as meaning that any liquid, not only water, is repelled by the material which is said to be “hydrophobic”. 
         [0373]    Fluid and debris collected on the surface of the wiper roller  640  is further prevented from being transferred back to the printing face by the scraper element  638 . The scraper element  638  has an elongate scraper  676  which contacts the outer porous material  640   b  of the wiper roller  640  along the elongate length of the wiper roller  640  so as to flick particles of debris from the wiper roller  640 . 
         [0374]    The scraper  676  is removably mounted to the body  634  of the wiper module  606  by a clip frame  678 . The clip frame  678  is received by details  634   a  of the body  634  as illustrated in  FIGS. 21 and 27 , to secure the frame  678  to the body  634 . The clip frame  678  has clips  678   a  which are removably received through holes  676   a  in the scraper  676  thereby clipping the scraper  676  to the frame  678 . 
         [0375]    This clipped assembly arranges the scraper  676  so as to contact the wiper roller  640  on a vertical circumferential region of the wiper roller below the upper circumferential region of the wiper roller which contacts the printing face of the printhead  200 . The scraper  676  is disposed at a sloped angle relative to the wiper roller  640  by the secured frame  678 , such that the sloped scraper  676  contacts the wiper roller  640  at a tangent to the circumference of the wiper roller  640 . 
         [0376]    In particular, the scraper  676  slopes into the wiper roller  640  as illustrated in  FIG. 27  and exerts contact pressure on the compressible wiper roller  640  in a region of wiper roller  640  which is rotationally returning to the upper circumferential region of the wiper roller  640  in the rotational direction of arrow A illustrated in  FIG. 27 . That is, the scraper  676  is positioned upstream of the rotational wiping direction of the wiper roller  640 . This positional arrangement ensures that particles are removed by the scraper  676  from portions of the wiper roller  640  prior to those portions re-contacting the printhead  200 . Further, the contact pressure arrangement assists in draining of excess fluid absorbed by the porous material  640   b  from the wiper roller  640  through compression of the porous material  640   b  into a drainage area  679  in the base  618  of the sled  602 , as is illustrated in  FIGS. 47 ,  50 A and  50 B and is discussed in more detail later. 
         [0377]    These functions of the scraper element  638  are assisted by employing a resiliently flexible scraper  676  which provides the contact pressure. In the preferred embodiment, the scraper  676  is a resiliently flexible sheet of Mylar with a thickness of about 0.2 millimeters, however other materials of different thickness which are inert to ink and other printing fluids can be used. The clipped assembly of the scraper  676  to the wiper module body  634  enables removal of the scraper  676  for cleaning or replacement if warping of the thin flexible sheet occurs. 
         [0378]      FIGS. 28-31  illustrate various exemplary aspects of the capper module  608 . The capper module  608  is an assembly of a body  680 , a capper element  682  and a wick element  684 . The body  680  is elongate so as extend along a length longer than the media width of the printhead  200  so that the wick element  684  extends at least the length of the media width. The capper module  608  is housed within the elongate frame  614  of the sled  602  so as to be adjacent the platen module  604 , as illustrated in  FIG. 8 . 
         [0379]    The notches  620   a  in the sidewalls  620  of the frame  614  removably receive retainer elements  686  at the longitudinal ends of the body  680  of the capper module  608 . This engagement of the notches and retainers allows the capper module  608  to be held by the frame  614  in an unsecured, yet constrained manner. That is, the capper module effectively “floats” within the sled, which facilitates the displacement of the capper module relative to the sled. The capper module  608  is assembled in the frame  614  so that the capper element  682  faces the printhead  200  when the capper module  608  is in its operational position. 
         [0380]    The capper module  608  is used to seal the nozzles of the printhead  200  after a printing cycle or during a non-printing phase, i.e., when printing is not taking place, so as to protect the printhead from dehydration. To achieve this, the capper module  608  is lifted so that the capper element  682  is pressed against the printing face of the printhead  200 . The capper element  682  is formed as a elongate resilient lip having a length longer than the assembled length of the printhead ICs  204  along the printhead  200  so that the lip surrounds the printhead ICs  204 . The material of the capper element  682  is preferably rubber, and more preferably butyl rubber, which provides low air permeability and a low water vapor transmission rate, whilst being inert to ink. 
         [0381]    Sidewalls of the capper element lip have a wave profile as illustrated in  FIG. 30 , which facilitates compression of an outer surface of the capper element  682  onto the printing face for sealing. In particular, the wave profile of the lower section of the sidewalls of the capper element lip defines a groove  682   a  configured to be held over a ridge  680   a  of the body  680 . In assembly, the flexible material of this lower section of the capper element  682  is stretched over the ridge  680   a  and is then allowed to contract over the ridge  680   a  so as to be retained. This arrangement eliminates the need to glue the capper element  682  to the body  680  which could otherwise cause adhesion of the capper element  682  to the printhead  200 . 
         [0382]    By suitable relative configuration of the capper element  682  and the body  680  the flexible material of the capper element  682  is compressed against the body  680  thereby providing a hermetic seal therebetween. The use of the term “hermetic” in relation to a seal is to be understood as meaning that the seal is considered fluid tight, and therefore prevents transmission of fluids including gases and liquids through the seal which is termed “hermetic”. 
         [0383]    The wave profile of the upper section of the sidewalls of the capper element lip defines a cantilevered beam  682   b  terminating at a free outer surface  682   c . When the outer surface  682   c  is pressed against the printing face of the printhead  200 , the cantilevered beam  682   b  of the capper element  682  allows the capper element  682  to hermetically seal over the surface topography of the printing face, which may take the form illustrated in  FIG. 31 . In  FIG. 31 , the dotted line illustrates the approximate location of the seal provided by the capper element  682  which can be seen as traversing different levels on the printing face. These different levels are defined in the drawing along with typical negative z-axis height values relative to the printhead ICs  204  of the various features of the printing face, where the z-axis is normal to the printing face as shown. 
         [0384]    The flexibility of the cantilevered section  682   b  of the capper element  682 , also assists in smooth engagement and disengagement of the capper element  682  with the printhead  200 . Providing smooth engagement and disengagement reduces the possibility of disturbing the ink menisci in the nozzles of the printhead  200 , due to bumping of the printhead  200  during capping and un-capping. 
         [0385]    The body  680  of the capper module  608 , as well as the body  610  of the platen module  604  and the body  634  of the wiper module  606 , are preferably molded from a plastics material having thermal expansion characteristics similar to the thermal expansion characteristics of the printing face of the printhead  200 . Such a material is a 10% glass fibre reinforced combination of polyphenylene ether and polystyrene, such as Noryl 731. This provides registration of the selected modules with the printhead  200  during all operational states of the printer. 
         [0386]    In the case of the capper module  608 , the uniformly distributed force acting downward on the capper module  608  in its capped position due to the sealing deflection of the capper element  682  can cause sagging of plastics material of the elongate capper module  608 , which could compromise the seal of the capper element  682 . In order to prevent this, an elongate stiffening frame  688  is clipped over the body  680 . The stiffening frame  688  is a rigid U-shaped channel member which assists in preventing the elongate capper module  608  from sagging and maintains straightness of the capper module  608  along its length. This ensures that the relative positions of the capper module and printhead remain substantially constant during capping. 
         [0387]    The stiffening frame  688  is preferably formed of sheet metal. Accordingly, a thermal expansion mismatch may occur between the body  680  and the stiffening frame  688 , thereby asserting additional stresses on the body  680  which could circumvent the straightening function of the stiffening frame  688 . This thermal mismatch is accommodated by providing the stiffening frame  688  with a degree of freedom along its elongate length. In particular, slots  688   a  on both sidewalls of the channel formed by the stiffening frame  688  which clip over tabs  690  on the sides of the body  680  are formed so that they are larger than the tabs  690 , thereby allowing so movement along the elongate length of the body  680  relative to the stiffening frame  688 . 
         [0388]    Secured retention of the capper element  682  on the body  680  about the groove  682   a  and ridge  680   a  is also improved by the stiffening frame  688 , which presses against the engaged groove  682   a  and ridge  680   a , as illustrated in  FIG. 30 . 
         [0389]    As illustrated in the drawings, the lip formed by the capper element  682  together with a channel  692  within the body  680  provides a hollow space within capper module  608 . This hollow space formed by the channel  692  is configured to be aligned with the printhead ICs  204  of the printhead  200  when the capper module  608  is in its operational position, and provides a means for further functions of the capper module  608 . 
         [0390]    During capping of the printhead  200 , priming of the printhead  200  and keep-wet spitting operations may be carried out. For further details on the priming procedure see the incorporated description of Applicant&#39;s US Provisional Patent Application No. 61345552 (Docket No. KPF001PUS). Accordingly, the channel  692  of the capper module  608  is used to capture the fluid ejected by the printhead nozzles during these priming and keep-wet operations. 
         [0391]    The various priming procedures performed cause ejection of relatively large volumes of ink in a short span of time, up to 10 milliliters in two seconds. Accordingly, the interior volume of the capper module is dimensioned to accommodate this large volume of ink whilst ensuring that the captured ink level (inclusive of any ink capillary action occurring around the inside perimeter of the capper element) does not reach the printing face of the printhead. Capture and extraction of the ink or other printing fluid ejected during keep-wet spitting and priming procedures is assisted by the wick element  684  which is disposed within the channel  692 . In the illustrated embodiment, the wick element wicks about six to eight millimeters at this high flow rate and the capper module body provides flow paths of about eight millimeters around the wick element. The captured fluids are alos quickly drained from the capper module, as is discussed later. 
         [0392]    The wick element  684  is formed of a hydrophilic porous material which can be molded and has a porosity with a bead and void size which permits absorption of ink at the above-described large volumes and rate of ink ejection from the printhead. For example, hydrophilic polyethylene is preferred, which can be used to make the wick element  684  by a process akin to sintering, being molded together into its final shape. 
         [0393]    As illustrated in  FIGS. 32 and 33 , the wick element  684  is elongate and shaped to fit within the channel  692  of the body  680  so as to extend along the length of the capper module  608 . Ribs  694  are provided on a base  680   b  of the body  680  on which a lower surface  684   a  of the wick element  684  is supported. The wick element  684  has notches  684   b  defined along one elongate side thereof which engage with notches  694   a  in the ribs  694  on the corresponding side of the channel  692 . This notched engagement constrains movement of the wick element  684  along the length of the body  680 , which maintains accurate alignment of the wick element  684  along the combined length of the printhead ICs  204  of the printhead  200 . 
         [0394]    In the illustrated embodiment, the wick element  684  is held within the body  680  by screws, however other arrangements are possible, such as clips or the like, so long as an upper surface  684   c  of the wick element  684  does not project past the capper element  682  with respect to the printhead  200 , as illustrated in  FIGS. 28 and 30 , but is close enough to the nozzles of the printhead  200  so that a fluid ‘bridge’ is formed between the nozzles and the wick element  684  as a natural flow path for the ink. 
         [0395]    In particular, the distance of the upper surface  684   c  of the wick element  684  from the nozzles, when the capper module  608  is in its capped position, is set so that the upper surface  684   c  comes into sufficient contact with the ink drops so as to wick off the maximum amount of ink before the flow path breaks off and so that the ink has a sufficient gap that induces break-off of the ink from the nozzles after priming, so that the fluid bridge does not remain. In the illustrated embodiment, the distance between the wick element  684  and the printhead ICs  204  is about 1.1 millimeters. The manner in which this distance is set is discussed in detail later. 
         [0396]    This wicking effect between the nozzles and the wick element continues even after priming is complete. Therefore, the control electronics  802  is configured to allow a certain amount of dwell time between the end of the priming procedure and the un-capping operation. A dwell time of about 10 to 30 seconds has been found to be sufficient for the various priming procedures. This dwell time allows the ink bridge between the wick element and the nozzles to naturally drain and break on its own. If this process were prematurely interrupted, for example, by lowering the capper module from the capped position too soon, the printhead ICs, and localized surroundings, will likely be partially flooded with ink. Further, the wicking effect and allowed dwell time leaves a minimal amount of ink on the printhead  200  for the wiper module  606  to clean off after priming. This prevents large droplets of ink being left on the printhead  200  that would quickly saturate the wiper roller  640 . 
         [0397]    Once the wick element  684  is saturated with captured ink, the ink will tend to naturally drain through the wick element  684  through capillary action under gravity with respect to the assembled arrangement of the capper module  608  in the sled  602 . The capillary drained ink through the porous body of the wick element is allowed to drain from the lower surface  684   a  of the wick element  684  into the underlying base  680   b  of the body  680  since the ribs  692  provide a space between the wick element  684  and the base  680   b.    
         [0398]    Both this drainage and offset aerosol capture, as discussed previously in relation to the platen module, are also assisted by forming the outer surfaces of the wick element  684  to be sloped in the media travel direction, as illustrated in  FIGS. 30 and 32 , and by offsetting the upper surface  684   b  of the wick element  684  from the printhead ICs. In this way, the ejected fluid strikes the wick element in its sloped regions thereby encouraging the captured fluid to be drawn away from the printing face and through the wick element. This reduces stagnation areas within the body of the wick element in which the fluid could dry causing reduction of effectiveness of the wick element. 
         [0399]    When the capper module  608  is returned to its uncapped or home position in the sled  602 , the fluid collected in the capper module  608  is allowed to drain from the capper module  608  to the underlying sled  602  via a port  695  through the base  680   b , illustrated in  FIGS. 34-36 . To assist this draining, the base  680   b  is sloped toward the port  695 , as illustrated in  FIGS. 35 ,  36  and  49 . The port  695  is aligned with a drainage detail  696  in the base  618  of the sled  602 , as is illustrated in  FIGS. 47 and 49  and is discussed in more detail later. A valve  698  is positioned in the port  695 . The valve  698  is normally closed so that the capper module is completely hermetically sealed whilst in the capped position and during the travel of the capper module to and from the uncapped position within the sled  602 , i.e., when the retainer elements  686  are fully received in the notches  620   a  of the frame  614 . 
         [0400]    In the illustrated embodiment, the valve  698  is a ball float valve having a ball float  698   a  connected to resiliently flexible wings  698   b . The flexible wings  698   b  are connected to barbs  695   a  of the port  695  so that the wings  698   b  are able to bend about the barbs  695   a , thereby moving the ball float  698   a  relative to the port  695 . The normally closed position of the valve  698  is shown in  FIG. 36  at which the wings  698   b  are un-flexed and the ball float  698   a  is held and sealed against the port  698 . The valve  698  is opened upon return of the capper module  608  to the sled  602  by a valve actuator or projection  699  on the base  618  of the sled  602  coming into contact with and pressing the valve  698  to flex the wings  698   b  and move the ball float  698   a  away from the port  695  (see  FIG. 49 ). 
         [0401]    In the above-described embodiment, the fluid captured by the wick element and capper module is allowed to drain through and out of the wick and capper module under gravity. An alternative embodiment could employ suction by a suction pump connected to the capper module through tubing. 
         [0402]      FIGS. 37-41  illustrate various exemplary aspects of a displacement mechanism  700  for the modular sled  602 . The displacement mechanism  700  is used to provide the selective displacement of the sled  602  relative to the housing  102  of the printer  100  and the printhead  200  which selectively aligns each of the maintenance modules with the printhead. 
         [0403]    In the illustrated embodiment, the displacement mechanism  700  is a dual rack and pinion mechanism, having a rack  702  at either elongate end of the sled  602 , which are aligned with the media travel direction when sled  602  is installed in the printer  100 , and a pinion gear  704  at either end of a shaft  706 , which is aligned with the media width direction. The sled  602  is mounted to the housing  102  of the printer  100  at the racked ends through sliding engagement of rails  708  on the sled  602  with linear bushings  710  mounted on sidewalls  102   a  of the housing  102 . In particular, as illustrated in  FIGS. 39 and 40 , the rails  708  are received between upper and lower sections  710   a  and  710   b , respectively, of the bushings  710 . 
         [0404]    The shaft  706  is rotationally mounted to the housing  102  of the printer  100  at either end through apertures  712  in the lower sections  710   b  of the bushings  710 . One end of the shaft  706  passes through one of the bushings  710  and has a drive gear  714  on the other side of the housing  102 . The drive gear  714  is coupled to a motor  716  via a gear train  718 . The motor  716  is controlled by the control electronics  802  to drive rotation of the shaft  706  via the coupled gears thereby sliding the sled  602  along the linear bushings  710 . Selective positioning of the sled  602  to align the modules with the printhead is achieved by providing position sensors which communicate with the control electronics. One of ordinary skill in the art understands possible arrangement of such position sensors, so they are not discussed in detail herein. 
         [0405]    The use of the dual rack and pinion mechanism for translating the sled relative to the printhead, provides un-skewed and accurate displacement of the sled, which facilitates true alignment of the modules with the printhead. Other arrangements are possible however, so long as this un-skewed and accurate displacement of the sled is provided. For example, a belt drive system could be employed to displace the sled. 
         [0406]    Once a selected one of the modules is aligned with the printhead, the aligned module is lifted from the sled into its respective afore-described operational position. Lifting of the modules is performed by a lift mechanism  720 , various exemplary aspects of which are illustrated in  FIGS. 42A-46 . 
         [0407]    The lift mechanism  720  has rocker arms  722  pivotally mounted to either sidewall  102   a  of the housing  102  at a pivot point  724 . Each rocker arm  722  has an arm portion  726  and a cam follower portion  728  defined on opposite sides of the respective pivot point  724 . 
         [0408]    The lift mechanism  720  also has a cam shaft  728  which is rotationally mounted between the sidewalls  102   a  to be aligned with the media width direction. The cam shaft  728  has cam wheels  730  and  732  at respective ends thereof. The cam shaft  728  is disposed so that an eccentric cam surface  730   a , 732   a  of each respective cam wheel  730 , 732  is in contact with the cam follower portion of a respective one of the rocker arms  722 . The eccentric cam surfaces  730   a , 732   a  of the eccentric cams  730 , 732  are coincident with one another, such that rotation of the cam shaft  728  causes simultaneous and equal pivoting of the rocker arms  722  through rotated contact of the eccentric cam surfaces  730   a , 732   a  against the cam followers  728 . 
         [0409]    This pivoting of the rocker arms  722  is constrained by the profile of the eccentric cam surfaces  730   a , 732   a  and by a spring  734  mounted between each rocker arm  722  and a base  102   b  of the printer housing  102 . In the illustrated embodiment, the springs  734  are compression springs, such that when the rocker arms  722  are pivoted to their lowest orientation the springs  734  are compressed, as illustrated in  FIGS. 42A ,  43 A and  44 A, and when the rocker arms  722  are pivoted to their highest orientation the springs  734  are at their rest position, as illustrated in  FIGS. 42B ,  43 B and  44 B. 
         [0410]    Rotation of the cam shaft  728  is provided by a motor  736  which is mounted to the housing  102  of the printer  100 . In particular, the motor  736  is mounted on a plate  737  which in turn is mounted to the printer housing  102  (or is an integral part thereof) so that a worm screw  738  of the motor  736  is parallel to the sidewalls  102   a  of the printer housing  102 . The worm screw  738  contacts an outer circumferential surface  730   b  of the cam wheel  730 , which acts as a worm gear, so that the thread of the worm screw  738  meshes with ridges  730   c  along the outer circumferential surface  730   b , as illustrated in  FIG. 45 . The threads of the worm screw  738  are helical, preferably right-handed with a 5° orientation and an involute profile. Likewise, the ridges  730   c  are helical, preferably right-handed with a 5° orientation and an involute profile. Accordingly, rotation of the worm screw  738  through operation of the motor  736  under control of the control electronics  802  causes rotation of the cam wheel  730  which rotates the cam shaft  728 . 
         [0411]    The rotated position of the eccentric cam surfaces  730   a , 732   a  is determined by an optical interrupt sensor  739  mounted on the sidewall  102   a  of the printer housing  102  adjacent the other cam wheel  732 . The optical interrupt sensor  739  cooperates with a slotted outer circumferential surface  732   b  of the cam wheel  732 , as illustrated in  FIG. 46 , in a manner well understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. 
         [0412]    When the sled  602  is being translated by the displacement mechanism  700  to select one of the modules, the cams are controlled so that the rocker arms  722  are at their lowest position. In this lowest position, projections  740  of the arm portions  726  of the rocker arms  722 , which project toward the sled  602 , are able to pass through recesses in the retainer elements of the modules, such that displacement of the sled  602  is not inhibited. Once the selected module is in position, the cams are controlled so that the rocker arms  722  are moved to their highest position. During this transition of the rocker arms  722  from the lowest to the highest position, the projections  740  engage lift surfaces  742  of the retainer elements  622 , 639 , 641 , 686 . This engagement causes the selected module to be lifted with the rocker arms  722 . The lift surfaces  742  are parallel to the base  618  of the sled  602  and are substantially flat. That is, in the illustrated embodiment the flat lift surfaces are horizontal. 
         [0413]    With respect to the platen and capper modules  604 , 608 , as these modules are lifted higher, tabs  744  of the respective retainer elements  622 , 686 , which project normally (e.g., vertically) from the lift surface  742 , enter channels  746  of alignment blocks  748  mounted to the sidewalls  102   a  of the printer housing  102 . 
         [0414]    As illustrated, the channels  746  are oriented parallel with the tabs  744  and have a funnelled open end  746   a . In the illustrated embodiment, the funnelled open end  746   a  is at an angle of about 20° from the rest of the corresponding channel  746 . This funnelled open end  746   a , relative mounted positions of the alignment blocks  748  and the printhead  200 , and the dimensions of the notches  620   a  in the sidewalls  620  of the sled frame  614 , allow correction of misalignment of the lifted modules relative to the printhead by funnelling the tabs  744  to the correct alignment. In order to maintain the platen and capper modules at the correct orientation (i.e., parallel to the printing face of the printhead) during this alignment correction, the projections  740  of the rocker arms  722  have a curved profile in contact with the substantially flat lift surfaces  742  of the retainer elements which allows smooth shifting of the modules relative to the rocker arms  722 . 
         [0415]    With respect to the wiper module  606 , the retainer elements  639 , 641  are not provided with tabs since relative alignment of the wiper roller  640  and the printhead  200  is less important, for reasons discussed later. The retainer elements  639 , 641  do however have stiffening elements  749  at which the projections  740  of the rocker arms  722  contact the lift surfaces  742 . The stiffening elements  749  provide increased rigidity to the retainer elements, and in particular the retainer element  639 , which ensures effective swinging of the swing arm  648  throughout lifting and lowering of the wiper module  608 . 
         [0416]    At the highest position of the rocker arms  722 , the springs  734  are configured to be fully expanded. At this full expansion of the springs  722  the cam followers  728  leave contact with the eccentric cam surfaces  730   a , 732   a . That is, the rocker arms are biased to the lifted position and the cams are rotated to obstruct this bias to lower the rocker arms and to un-obstruct this bias to allow the rocker arms to lift. In this way, the contact force applied by the modules to the printhead  200  is only dependent on the configuration of the springs  734 . In the illustrated embodiment, the springs are configured to provide a contact force of about 20 Newtons, which facilitates the respective functions of the modules. 
         [0417]    With respect to the platen module  604 , at the highest position of the rocker arms  722 , datums  750  on either longitudinal end of the body  610  of the platen module  604  are located so as to contact the printing face of the printhead  200  beyond the media width of the printing face, so that the media  104  is able to pass between the engaged printhead  200  and platen module  604 . The dimensions of the datums  750  set the afore-described distance between the reference surface  624   b  of the ribs  626 , 628  and the printhead ICs  204 . Accordingly, the media spacing between the platen and printhead is set by “datuming” the platen off the printhead. 
         [0418]    With respect to the wiper module  606 , at the highest position of the rocker arms  722 , the wiper roller  640  is compressed against the printing face. With respect to the capper module  608 , at the highest position of the rocker arms  722 , the capper element  682  hermetically seals over the surface topography of the printing face whilst setting the afore-described distance between the wick element  684  and the printhead ICs  204 . 
         [0419]    In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the springs  734  are compression springs mounted between the rocker arms and the base of the printer housing so that the rocker arms are biased to the lifted position. However, other arrangements are possible, such as mounting compression springs between the rocker arms and the sidewalls of the printer housing to provide similar bias, or using leaf or expansion springs to provide similar or different bias, so long as the amount of applied force on the printhead by the modules is within a tolerable range. 
         [0420]    As mentioned earlier, accurate alignment of the wiper module with the printhead is not provided. This is because, displacement of the wiper module relative to the printhead during wiping is desired so as to maximize the amount of fluid and debris that can be wiped from the printhead. That is, a greater surface area of the printing face can be wiped by moving the wiper module and wiping in difficult areas to wipe due to the different topographical levels on the printing face provided by the different components can be achieved. 
         [0421]    This translational wiping operation is achieved by operating the displacement mechanism  700  to displace the sled  602  whilst the wiper module  608  is in its wiping position with the wiper roller  640  contacting the printhead  200  and rotating under drive of the drive mechanism  644 , as illustrated by the double-headed arrow A in  FIG. 44C . As is illustrated in  FIG. 44B , the notches  620   a  in the sidewalls  620  of the sled frame  614  are dimensioned so that, in the wiping position, the retainer elements  639  and  641  of the wiper module  606  do not leave the constraint of the notches  620   a . Accordingly, as the sled  602  is displaced the wiper module is also displaced in the same manner. 
         [0422]    The amount of displacement possible for translational wiping is dependent on the length and size of the gear train  646  of the swing arm  648 , as contact with the gear  106   a  on the driven roller  106   b  must be maintained for wiping rotation. That is, as the wiper module  606  is moved in the media travel direction relative to the printhead  200 , the swing arm  648  swings towards its horizontal orientation due to the bias of the spring  668 . During this swinging, engagement of the driven end gear of the gear train  646 , e.g., the second gear  656 , with the gear  106   a  on the driven roller  106   b  is maintained, and therefore rotational wiping occurs, until the wiper module  606  is moved too far from the driven roller  106   b . Therefore, the translational wiping is monitored, by suitable sensors as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, under control of the control electronics  802  so that rotational wiping is never ceased during displacement of the wiper module  606  across the printhead  200 . 
         [0423]    Upon completion of a wiping procedure, the wiper module  606  is lowered from the printhead  200  and rotation of the wiper roller  640  is ceased before the wiper module  606  is brought to its non-wiping or home position in the sled  602  due to the de-coupling of the drive mechanism  644  from the input rollers  106  and the friction provided by the pressing contact of the scraper  676  and the wiper roller  640 . 
         [0424]    As discussed above, the fluid captured by the platen, wiper and capper modules drains into the sled. As illustrated in  FIG. 47  the sled  602  has the drainage areas  632 ,  679  and  696  in the base  618 . The drainage areas are defined in the base  618 , such as by molding, to provide discrete paths to holes  752  and  754  in the base  618 , from which the fluid in the drainage areas is able to leave the sled  602 . For example, the sled  602  may be molded from a plastics material, such as a 10% glass fibre reinforced combination of polycarbonate and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (PC/ABS). The discrete paths are defined by walls  618   a  which act as drainage ribs which constrain the fluid in the sled  602  from free movement during displacement of the sled  602 . In the is way, the captured fluid is able to drain from the sled without being ‘sloshed’ around the sled which could cause the fluid to be ‘splashed’ onto the printhead. 
         [0425]    The drainage area  632  receives fluid drained from the wick element  612  of the platen module  604 , as illustrated in  FIGS. 48A and 48B , and is configured such that its discrete path routes the received fluid to the hole  752  in the base  618 . Similarly, the drainage area  696  receives fluid drained from the capper module  608  through the above-described engagement of the valve  698  and the projection  699 , as illustrated in  FIGS. 47 and 49 , and is configured such that its discrete path routes the received fluid to the hole  752  in the base  618 . 
         [0426]    The drainage area  679  receives fluid drained from the wiper module  606 , as illustrated in  FIGS. 50A and 50B , and is configured such that its discrete path routes the received fluid to the hole  754  in the base  618 . In order to assist drainage of the fluid absorbed by the wiper roller  640  of the wiper module  606 , the drainage area  679  has a wick element  756  formed of a hydrophilic porous material which can be molded and has a porosity with a bead and void size which permits absorption of ink. For example, hydrophilic polyethylene is preferred, which can be used to make the wick element  756  by a process akin to sintering, being molded together into its final shape. 
         [0427]    The wick element  756  has a number of towers or bars  758  projecting from a pad  760 . The pad  760  is held in a channel  762  defined along the elongate length of the base  618  of the sled  602  coincident with the home position of the wiper module  606 . The pad  760  has a wick  764  which projects from the pad  760  within a channel  766  in the base  618 . The channel  766  is defined in the base  618  to be normal to the channel  762  across the width of the base  618  and to lead to the hole  754 . The wick  764  has a bent end portion  764   a  which projects from the hole  754 . 
         [0428]    As illustrated most clearly in the cut-away partial detailed view of  FIG. 50B , the towers  758  are arranged to project through windows  765  provided uniformly along the elongate length of the wiper module body  634  (see also  FIGS. 23 and 24 ) when the wiper module  606  is at its home position in the sled  602 . The towers  758  have sufficient height and rigidity to contact and compress the wiper roller  640  so that fluid held by the absorbent material  640   b  of the wiper roller  640  is wicked to the porous towers  758  into the porous pad  760  and then drained from the hole  754  of the sled  602  via the wick  764 . 
         [0429]    The amount of contact pressure provided by the towers on the wiper roller, the number of towers provided (for example, five towers are provided in the illustrated embodiment, however more or less towers can be provided depending on the media width and the capacity of the wiper roller), and porosity of the material of the sled wick element and the outer layers of the wiper roller are selected so that once three milliliters of fluid has been absorbed by the wiper roller (which occurs after about 20 wiping operations as discussed earlier) the fluid is able to wick to the sled wick element. This results in the wiper roller being kept from saturation at four to five milliliters (discussed earlier) which results in consistent and reliable wiping of the printhead. 
         [0430]    The holes  752  and  754  in the base  618  of the sled  602  are arranged to align with a vent  112  in the housing  102  of the printer  100 , as illustrated in  FIG. 51 , at all translated positions of the sled  602  relative to the housing  102 . The vent  112  is defined as a recess dimensioned to capture all fluid drained from the modules of the sled and has a plurality of vent holes  112   a  from which the captured fluid is able drain. 
         [0431]    As illustrated in  FIGS. 6 ,  7 ,  52  and  53 , the fluid collector  603  of the maintenance system  600  is located relative to the vent  112  so as to collect the drained fluid for storage. In the illustrated embodiment, the fluid collector  603  is a modular assembly of fluid storage modules  766  and  768 , and is removably positioned within a body  114  of the printer  100  between a media input area  116  and a printed media output area  118 , however other arrangements are possible so long as the fluid from the sled is able to drain to the fluid collector and be stored for later removal. 
         [0432]    In the exemplary embodiment, the storage modules  766 , 768  are formed of flexible, collapsible material so as to define expandable bags which are substantially flat when empty of fluid and are expanded otherwise. The storage modules  766 , 768  are filled with an absorbent material which absorbs fluid causing expansion of the material. For example, the absorbent material may be a polymer which is a powder when dry and a stiff gel when wet, such as superabsorbent polymer. 
         [0433]    The storage module  766  has a port  770  located in registration with the vent  112  of the printer  100  into which the fluid from the vent  112  is able to drain. As the fluid enters the port  770  it contacts the internal absorbent material causing the absorbent material to wet and expand. The storage module  766  is linked to the other storage modules  768  by an internal wick element  772  which provides capillary wicking paths between the storage modules. As such, when the absorbent material in the storage module  766  is saturated with fluid, further fluid drained from the modular sled  602  wicks to the other storage modules  768  via the wick element  772  so as to be absorbed and stored by the absorbent material in the storage modules  768 . 
         [0434]    In the illustrated embodiment, the four storage modules  766 , 768  provide a storage capacity of about one liter of ink, etc, however more or less storage capacity provided by more or less modules is possible. Suitable sensing arrangements may be used to sense when the storage modules  766 , 768  have expanded to their full levels, or if rigid storage modules are alternatively used direct sensing of the fluid level within the storage modules may be provided. The sensing result is provided to the control electronics  802  which may provide an indication of the full state to a user of the printer  100  so that the storage modules  766 , 768  can be replaced or emptied. Alternatively, the modularity of the fluid collector  603  allows individual ones of the storage modules to be removed and replaced periodically prior to saturation of all of the storage modules. However, other arrangements are possible in which the fluid collector  603  has a single storage element. 
         [0435]    The afore-described components of the maintenance system  600  provide a means of maintaining the printhead  200  and fluid distribution system  300  in operational condition by maintaining the printing environment about the printhead  200  free from unwanted wet and dried ink and debris. In particular, the linear translating sled with selectable maintenance modules provides a simple and compact manner of maintaining the stationary, full media width printhead. Providing the capper module with a fluid absorbing spittoon allows ‘wet’ capping of the printhead which prevents drying of the fragile ejection nozzles. Providing the platen module with a fluid absorbing spittoon also allows the printhead to remain ‘wet’ during printing and free from ink which is misdirected or misted in the vicinity of the printhead especially in borderless printing applications. Employing the drive motor of the printer to drive at least the wiper roller of the wiper module provides further compactness and simplicity. However, other wiper module arrangements are possible, such as that described in US Provisional Patent Application No. 61345572 (Docket No. LNP001PUS). 
         [0436]    Another aspect of the maintenance system  600  is maintenance of a path along which the media  104  is transported to the printhead  200  for printing, which is now discussed with respect to  FIGS. 54-60B . Two media paths are provided in the exemplary embodiment. One of the media paths is from the media input area  116  to the printhead  200  and is defined by a curved media path  774 , as illustrated in  FIG. 54 . Details of a suitable form of this curved path are described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/397,274 (Applicant&#39;s Docket No. RRE059US), the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. The other media path is from a manual feed media input area  120  to the printhead  200  and is defined as a substantially straight media path  776 . The media paths  774 , 776  are separated by an elongate media diverter  778  which extends across the media width. 
         [0437]    During printing, media jams may occur along the media paths, particularly the curved media path  774 . In order to clear such jams, the body  114  of the printer  100  has a hinged door  122  which can be opened to expose the entire media width of the media path  774 . 
         [0438]    The media diverter  778  is mounted to the door  122  such that when the door  122  is in its closed position the door  122  and the diverter  778  define guiding portions of both the media paths  774 , 776  (see  FIG. 56 ). The diverter  778  is pivotally mounted to the door  122  so that the diverter  778  may pivot out of the way upon opening of the door  122  so that the diverter  778  does not hinder clearance of media jams. Whilst it is advantageous to have the diverter pivot automatically with the movement of the door, which omits the need for a user to manually move the diverter, the Applicant has found that upon re-closure of the door after jam clearance the diverter is likely to flip about its pivot thereby not allowing automatic repositioning of the diverter, which results in user intervention being need after all. 
         [0439]    In order to prevent the occurrence of such flipping of the diverter, the maintenance system  600  provides a displacement mechanism  780  for the diverter  778  as illustrated in  FIG. 55 , which not only automatically retracts the diverter with the opening movement of the door  122  but also automatically repositions the diverter for media guiding with the closing movement of the door  122  without user intervention. 
         [0440]    The diverter displacement mechanism  780  has slots  782  within the sidewalls  122   a  at either end of the door  122  and tracking pins  778   a  on arms  778   b  at either end of the diverter  778 , as illustrated in  FIGS. 57A and 57B . The slots  782  are of a serpentine form having two inflection points  782   a  and  782   b , with the inflection point  782   a  which is directed towards the media path  774  being upstream of the inflection point  782   b  which is directed away from the media path  774  with respect to the media travel direction along the media path  774 . In the illustrated embodiment, the serpentine form is a zigzag, however a curved form is possible. 
         [0441]    The tracking pins  778   a  engage with the respective slots  782  which connects the diverter  778  to the door  122 . The tracking pins  778   a  slide within the slots  782  and track along the serpentine form of the slots  782  as the door  122  is moved. This tracking allows the diverter  778  to pivot relative to the door  122 . Pivot pins  784  project from each of the sidewalls  122   a  at the outer side of the downstream inflection points of each of the slots  782 . The free end of each the arms  778   b  has a notch or yoke  778   c  which engages with the respective pivot pin  784  as the diverter  778  tracks along the slots  782 . This engagement provided by the diverter displacement mechanism  780  acts as a yoke mechanism which prevents uncontrolled flipping of the diverter  778  as follows. 
         [0442]    When the door  122  is in the closed position illustrated in  FIG. 56 , the tracking pins  778   a  are at the upstream inflection points  782   a  of the slots  782  such that the diverter  778  is in its home position and passively guides the media  104  coming from either the media input area  116  or the manual feed media input area  120 . As the door  122  is partially opened in the direction of arrow B illustrated in  FIG. 58A , the tracking pins  778   a  of the diverter  778  slide in the slots  782  causing movement of the diverter  778  away from the media path  774  to a partially retracted orientation. 
         [0443]    As the door  122  is opened further, as illustrated in  FIG. 58B , the yokes  778   c  of the diverters  778  contact and pivot on the pivot pins  784 , at which point the diverter  778  is at its fully retracted orientation. The engaged yokes  778   c  and pivot pins  784  prevent the diverter  778  from moving from the fully retracted orientation until the door  122  is fully open, at which point the tracking pins  778   a  of the diverter  778  slide past the downstream inflection points  782   b  of the slots  782  to the end of the slots  782 , as illustrated in  FIG. 59 , retaining the diverter  778  in the fully retracted orientation. 
         [0444]    When the door  122  is partially closed in the direction of arrow C illustrated in  FIG. 60A , the tracking pins  778   a  of the diverter  778  slide back along the slots  782  and when the yokes  778   c  engages the pivot pins  784  the movement of the diverter  788  is controlled so that the diverter  788  remains in the fully retracted orientation, without flipping which would otherwise occur. 
         [0445]    When the door  122  is further closed, as illustrated in  FIG. 60B , the tracking pins  778   a  slide past the downstream inflection points  782   b  of the slots  782  toward the upstream inflection points  782   a  which causes the diverter  778  to return to the partially retracted orientation, so that as the door  122  is fully closed, as illustrated in  FIG. 56 , the diverter  778  is able to return to its home position within the media paths  774 , 776 . 
         [0446]    While the present invention has been illustrated and described with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof, various modifications will be apparent to and might readily be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. Accordingly, it is not intended that the scope of the claims appended hereto be limited to the description as set forth herein, but, rather, that the claims be broadly construed.