Patent Publication Number: US-8123332-B2

Title: Printhead assembly with a printhead maintenance station

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/246,715 filed on Oct. 11, 2005 all of which are herein incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to a maintenance station for an inkjet printhead. It has been developed primarily for facilitating maintenance operations, such as sealing, cleaning or unblocking nozzles in an inkjet printhead. 
     CO-PENDING APPLICATIONS 
     The following applications have been filed by the Applicant simultaneously with the present application: 
                                                    11/246,676   11/246,677   11/246,678   11/246,679   11/246,680   11/246,681       11/246,714   11/246,713   11/246,689   11/246,671   11/246,670   11/246,669       11/246,704   11/246,710   11/246,688   11/246,716   11/246,707   11/246,706       11/246,705   11/246,708   11/246,693   11/246,692   11/246,696   11/246,695       11/246,694   11/246,687   11/246,718   7,322,681   11/246,686   11/246,703       11/246,691   11/246,711   11/246,690   11/246,712   11/246,717   11/246,709       11/246,700   11/246,701   11/246,702   11/246,668   11/246,697   11/246,698       11/246,699   11/246,675   11/246,674   11/246,667   7,303,930   11/246,672       11/246,673   11/246,683   11/246,682                    
The disclosures of these co-pending applications are incorporated herein by reference
 
     CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     Various methods, systems and apparatus relating to the present invention are disclosed in the following US patents/patent applications filed by the applicant or assignee of the present invention: 
                                                    6,750,901   6,476,863   6,788,336   7,249,108   6,566,858   6,331,946       6,246,970   6,442,525   7,346,586   09/505,951   6,374,354   7,246,098       6,816,968   6,757,832   6,334,190   6,745,331   7,249,109   7,197,642       7,093,139   10/636,263   10/636,283   10/866,608   7,210,038   10/902,883       10/940,653   10/942,858   11/003,786   7,258,417   7,293,853   7,328,968       7,270,395   11/003,404   11/003,419   7,334,864   7,255,419   7,284,819       7,229,148   7,258,416   7,273,263   7,270,393   6,984,017   7,347,526       11/071,473   11/003,463   11/003,701   11/003,683   11/003,614   7,284,820       7,341,328   7,246,875   7,322,669   6,623,101   6,406,129   6,505,916       6,457,809   6,550,895   6,457,812   7,152,962   6,428,133   7,204,941       7,282,164   10/815,628   7,278,727   10/913,373   10/913,374   10/913,372       7,138,391   7,153,956   10/913,380   10/913,379   10/913,376   7,122,076       7,148,345   11/172,816   11/172,815   11/172,814   10/407,212   7,252,366       10/683,064   10/683,041   6,746,105   7,156,508   7,159,972   7,083,271       7,165,834   7,080,894   7,201,469   7,090,336   7,156,489   10/760,233       10/760,246   7,083,257   7,258,422   7,255,423   7,219,980   10/760,253       10/760,255   10/760,209   7,118,192   10/760,194   7,322,672   7,077,505       7,198,354   7,077,504   10/760,189   7,198,355   10/760,232   7,322,676       7,152,959   7,213,906   7,178,901   7,222,938   7,108,353   7,104,629       7,246,886   7,128,400   7,108,355   6,991,322   7,287,836   7,118,197       10/728,784   10/728,783   7,077,493   6,962,402   10/728,803   7,147,308       10/728,779   7,118,198   7,168,790   7,172,270   7,229,155   6,830,318       7,195,342   7,175,261   10/773,183   7,108,356   7,118,202   10/773,186       7,134,744   10/773,185   7,134,743   7,182,439   7,210,768   10/773,187       7,134,745   7,156,484   7,118,201   7,111,926   10/773,184   7,018,021       11/060,751   11/060,805   11/188,017   11/097,308   11/097,309   7,246,876       11/097,299   11/097,310   11/097,213   7,328,978   7,334,876   7,147,306       09/575,197   7,079,712   6,825,945   7,330,974   6,813,039   6,987,506       7,038,797   6,980,318   6,816,274   7,102,772   7,350,236   6,681,045       6,728,000   7,173,722   7,088,459   09/575,181   7,068,382   7,062,651       6,789,194   6,789,191   6,644,642   6,502,614   6,622,999   6,669,385       6,549,935   6,987,573   6,727,996   6,591,884   6,439,706   6,760,119       7,295,332   6,290,349   6,428,155   6,785,016   6,870,966   6,822,639       6,737,591   7,055,739   7,233,320   6,830,196   6,832,717   6,957,768       09/575,172   7,170,499   7,106,888   7,123,239   10/727,181   10/727,162       10/727,163   10/727,245   7,121,639   7,165,824   7,152,942   10/727,157       7,181,572   7,096,137   7,302,592   7,278,034   7,188,282   10/727,159       10/727,180   10/727,179   10/727,192   10/727,274   10/727,164   10/727,161       10/727,198   10/727,158   10/754,536   10/754,938   10/727,160   10/934,720       7,171,323   10/296,522   6,795,215   7,070,098   7,154,638   6,805,419       6,859,289   6,977,751   6,398,332   6,394,573   6,622,923   6,747,760       6,921,144   10/884,881   7,092,112   7,192,106   11/039,866   7,173,739       6,986,560   7,008,033   11/148,237   7,195,328   7,182,422   10/854,521       10/854,522   10/854,488   7,281,330   10/854,503   7,328,956   10/854,509       7,188,928   7,093,989   10/854,497   10/854,495   10/854,498   10/854,511       10/854,512   10/854,525   10/854,526   10/854,516   7,252,353   10/854,515       7,267,417   10/854,505   10/854,493   7,275,805   7,314,261   10/854,490       7,281,777   7,290,852   10/854,528   10/854,523   10/854,527   10/854,524       10/854,520   10/854,514   10/854,519   10/854,513   10/854,499   10/854,501       7,266,661   7,243,193   10/854,518   10/854,517   10/934,628   7,163,345       10/760,254   10/760,210   10/760,202   7,201,468   10/760,198   10/760,249       7,234,802   7,303,255   7,287,846   7,156,511   10/760,264   7,258,432       7,097,291   10/760,222   10/760,248   7,083,273   10/760,192   10/760,203       10/760,204   10/760,205   10/760,206   10/760,267   10/760,270   7,198,352       10/760,271   7,303,251   7,201,470   7,121,655   7,293,861   7,232,208       7,328,985   7,344,232   7,083,272   11/014,764   11/014,763   7,331,663       11/014,747   7,328,973   11/014,760   11/014,757   7,303,252   7,249,822       11/014,762   7,311,382   11/014,723   11/014,756   11/014,736   11/014,759       11/014,758   11/014,725   7,331,660   11/014,738   11/014,737   7,322,684       7,322,685   7,311,381   7,270,405   7,303,268   11/014,735   11/014,734       11/014,719   11/014,750   11/014,749   7,249,833   11/014,769   11/014,729       7,331,661   11/014,733   7,300,140   11/014,755   11/014,765   11/014,766       11/014,740   7,284,816   7,284,845   7,255,430   11/014,744   7,328,984       11/014,768   7,322,671   11/014,718   11/014,717   11/014,716   11/014,732       7,347,534   11/097,268   11/097,185   11/097,184                    
The disclosures of these applications and patents are incorporated herein by reference.
 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Inkjet printers are commonplace in homes and offices. More recently, inkjet printers have been proposed for use in portable devices, such as digital cameras, mobile phones etc. Furthermore, with the advent of MEMS technology, whereby inexpensive photolithographic techniques from the semiconductor industry are used to manufacture microelectomechanical systems, the possibility of disposable inkjet printers is becoming a commercial reality. The present Applicant has developed many different types of MEMS inkjet printheads, some of which are described in the patents and patent applications listed in the above cross reference list. 
     The contents of these patents and patent applications are incorporated herein by cross-reference in their entirety. 
     Although the cost and power requirements of inkjet printheads is being reduced through the use of MEMS technology and improved inkjet nozzle designs, it is also necessary to reduce the cost and power requirements of other printer components, in order to incorporate inkjet printers into portable devices or to provide disposable inkjet printers. 
     A crucial aspect of inkjet printing is maintaining the printhead in an operational printing condition throughout its lifetime. A number of factors may cause an inkjet printhead to become non-operational and it is important for any inkjet printer to include a strategy for preventing printhead failure and/or restoring the printhead to an operational printing condition in the event of failure. Printhead failure may be caused by, for example, printhead face flooding, dried-up nozzles (due to evaporation of water from the nozzles—a phenomenon known in the art as decap), or particulates fouling nozzles. 
     In some cases, printhead failure may be remedied by simply firing nozzles periodically using a ‘keep wet cycle’. This strategy does not require any external mechanical maintenance of the printhead and may be appropriate when a nozzle has not been fired for a relatively short period of time (e.g. less than 60 seconds). A ‘keep wet cycle’ can be used to address decap, and the consequent formation of viscous plugs in nozzles, during active printing. 
     However, a ‘keep wet cycle’ cannot be used when the printer is left idle over long periods of time, for example, when it is in between print jobs, switched off or in transit. Furthermore, a ‘keep wet cycle’ is not appropriate for clearing severely blocked nozzles and does not address the problem of printhead face flooding. Accordingly, inkjet printers typically include a printhead maintenance station, which is designed to prevent printhead failure and/or remediate printheads to an operational condition. 
     One measure that has been used for preventing printhead failure is sealing the printhead, thereby preventing evaporation of water and the drying up of nozzles. Commercial inkjet printers are typically supplied with a sealing tape across the printhead, which the user removes when the printer is installed for use. The sealing tape protects the primed printhead from particulates and prevents the nozzles from drying up during transit. Sealing tape also controls flooding of ink over the printhead face. 
     Aside from one-time use sealing tape on new printers, sealing has also been used as a strategy for maintaining printheads in an operational condition during printing. In some commercial printers, a gasket-type sealing ring and cap engages around a perimeter of the printhead when the printer is idle. With the printhead capped in this way, evaporation of water from the nozzles is minimized, and a relatively humid atmosphere can be maintained above the nozzles, thereby minimizing the extent to which nozzles dry up. 
     Furthermore, gasket-type sealing rings have been combined with suction cleaning in prior art maintenance stations. A vacuum may be connected to the sealing cap and used to suck ink from the nozzles. The sealing cap minimizes nozzle drying and entrance of particulates from the atmosphere, while the suction ensures any blocked nozzles are cleared prior to printing. Hence, this type of maintenance station employs both preventative and remedial measures. 
     Another remedial strategy used in prior art printhead maintenance stations is a rubber squeegee. The squeegee does not act as seal; rather, it is wiped across the printhead and removes any flooded ink. Squeegee cleaning may be used immediately prior to printing, after the vacuum flush described above. 
     The printhead maintenance strategies described above have several shortcomings, especially in the present age of inkjet printing. Modern inkjet printers are required to have smaller drop volumes, and hence smaller nozzle openings, for high resolution photographic printing. It is also desirable to use stationary pagewidth printheads for high-speed printing, as opposed to scanning printheads. It is also desirable to reduce the overall cost of inkjet printers and incorporate them into low-powered portable devices, such as digital cameras and mobile phones. 
     Current printhead maintenance strategies are unable to provide inkjet printers, which meet these demands. With smaller nozzle openings (of the order of 5-20 microns), nozzle blocking due to decap becomes a serious problem. At present, the only reliable way of dealing with blocked nozzles is to use a suction pad. However, suction devices are bulky, expensive and consume large amounts of power, making them unsuitable for many inkjet applications. Furthermore, suction pads are wasteful of ink and can consume up to 0.25 ml of ink with each remediation. 
     Additionally, none of the prior art maintenance stations are able to provide a printhead ready for printing after a single maintenance operation. Typically, it is necessary to employ separate preventative (e.g. sealing) and remedial (e.g. suction and squeegee-cleaning) measures in order to provide a fully operational printhead. However, operations such as squeegee-cleaning are not suitable for all types of printhead, because it exerts shear stress across the printhead and can damage sensitive nozzle structures. 
     Therefore, it would be desirable to provide an inkjet printhead maintenance station, which combines both preventative and remedial measures. It would further be desirable to provide an inkjet printhead maintenance station, which can be fabricated at low cost and is therefore suitable for fabrication of a disposable printer. It would be further desirable to provide an inkjet printhead maintenance station, which does not significantly impact on the overall size of the printer and is therefore suitable for incorporation into handheld electronic devices. It would be further desirable to provide an inkjet printhead maintenance station, which does not impact on the overall power consumption of the printer and is therefore suitable for incorporation into battery-powered electronic devices. It would be further desirable to provide an inkjet printhead maintenance station, which does not waste large quantities of ink with each remedial operation. It would further be desirable to provide an inkjet printhead maintenance station, which cleans ink from a flooded printhead without exerting high shear stresses across the printhead. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In a first aspect, there is provided a printhead maintenance station for maintaining a printhead in an operable condition, said maintenance station comprising: 
     an elastically deformable pad having a contact surface for sealing engagement with an ink ejection face of said printhead; and 
     an engagement mechanism for moving said pad between a first position in which the contact surface is sealingly engaged with said face, and a second position in which said contact surface is disengaged from said face, 
     wherein said maintenance station is configured such that said contact surface is progressively contacted with said face during sealing engagement and peeled away from said face during disengagement. 
     In a second aspect, there is provided a printhead assembly for maintaining a printhead in an operable condition, said assembly comprising: 
     a printhead having an ink ejection face; and 
     a printhead maintenance station comprising:
         an elastically deformable pad having a contact surface for sealing engagement with said face; and   an engagement mechanism for moving said pad between a first position in which said contact surface is sealingly engaged with said face and a second position in which said contact surface is disengaged from said face,
 
wherein said printhead assembly is configured such that said contact surface is progressively contacted with said face during sealing engagement and peeled away from said face during disengagement.
       

     In a third aspect, there is provided a method of maintaining a printhead in an operable condition, said method comprising the steps of: 
     providing an elastically deformable pad having a contact surface for sealing engagement with an ink ejection face of said printhead; and 
     moving said pad between a first position in which said contact surface is sealingly engaged with said face and a second position in which said contact surface is disengaged from said face, 
     wherein said movement causes said contact surface to be progressively contacted with said face during sealing engagement and peeled away from said face during disengagement. 
     In a fourth aspect, there is provided a method of unblocking nozzles in a printhead, said method comprising the steps of: 
     providing an elastically deformable pad having a contact surface for sealing engagement with an ink ejection face of said printhead; and 
     moving said pad from a first position in which said contact surface is sealingly engaged with said face to a second position in which said contact surface is disengaged from said face, 
     wherein said movement causes said contact surface to be peeled away from said face during disengagement. 
     In a fifth aspect, there is provided a method of removing ink flooded across an ink ejection face of a printhead, said method comprising the steps of: 
     providing an elastically deformable pad having a contact surface for sealing engagement with an ink ejection face of said printhead; and 
     moving said pad from a first position in which said contact surface is sealingly engaged with said face to a second position in which said contact surface is disengaged from said face, 
     wherein said movement causes said contact surface to be peeled away from said face during disengagement. 
     In a sixth aspect, there is provided a method of sealing nozzles in an ink ejection face of a printhead, said method comprising the steps of: 
     providing an elastically deformable pad having a contact surface for sealing engagement with an ink ejection face of said printhead; and 
     moving said pad from a second position in which said contact surface is disengaged from said face to a first position in which said contact surface is sealingly engaged with said face, 
     wherein said movement causes said contact surface to be progressively contacted with said face during sealing engagement. 
     In a seventh aspect, there is provided a method of maintaining a printhead in an operable condition, said method comprising the steps of: 
     providing an elastically deformable pad having a contact surface for sealing engagement with an ink ejection face of said printhead; and 
     moving said pad between a first position in which said contact surface is sealingly engaged with said face and a second position in which said contact surface is disengaged from said face, 
     wherein said movement is such that ink wets from said printhead onto said contact surface during disengagement, but remain substantially in or on said printhead during engagement. 
     In an eighth aspect, there is provided a printhead maintenance station for maintaining a printhead in an operable condition, said maintenance station comprising: 
     an elastically deformable pad having a contact surface for sealing engagement with an ink ejection face of said printhead, said contact surface being sloped with respect to said face; and 
     an engagement mechanism for moving said pad between a first position in which the contact surface is sealingly engaged with said face, and a second position in which said contact surface is disengaged from said face, 
     wherein said engagement mechanism moves said pad substantially perpendicularly with respect to said face. 
     In a ninth aspect, there is provided a printhead maintenance station for maintaining a printhead in an operable condition, said maintenance station comprising: 
     an elastically deformable cylinder having a contact surface for sealing engagement with an ink ejection face of said printhead; and 
     an engagement mechanism for moving said cylinder between a first position in which said contact surface is sealingly engaged with said face, and a second position in which said contact surface is disengaged from said face, 
     wherein said engagement mechanism moves said cylinder substantially perpendicularly with respect to said face. 
     In a tenth aspect, there is provided a printhead maintenance station for maintaining a printhead in an operable condition, said maintenance station comprising: 
     an elastically deformable roller having a contact surface for contacting an ink ejection face of said printhead; and 
     a mechanism for rolling said roller across said face. 
     In an eleventh aspect, there is provided a method of maintaining a printhead in an operable condition, said method comprising the steps of: 
     providing an elastically deformable roller having a contact surface for contacting an ink ejection face of said printhead; and 
     rolling said roller across said face. 
     In a twelfth aspect, there is provided a printhead maintenance station for maintaining a printhead in an operable condition, said maintenance station comprising: 
     an elastically deformable pad having a contact surface for sealing engagement with an ink ejection face of said printhead; and 
     an engagement mechanism for reciprocally moving said pad between a first position in which said contact surface is sealingly engaged with said face, and a second position in which said contact surface is disengaged from said face, 
     wherein said engagement mechanism is configured to move said pad rotatably with respect to said printhead such that, during engagement, a first part of said surface is contacted with said face prior to a second part of said surface, and during disengagement said second part is disengaged from said face prior said first part. 
     In a thirteenth aspect, there is provided a printhead assembly comprising:
         a printhead having an ink ejection face; and   a wicking element positioned for receiving ink from an edge portion of said printhead and/or an edge portion of a pad being disengaged from said face.       

     In a fourteenth aspect, there is provided a printhead maintenance station for maintaining a printhead in an operable condition, said maintenance station comprising: 
     an elastically deformable pad having a contact surface for sealing engagement with an ink ejection face of said printhead; and 
     an engagement mechanism for moving said pad between a first position in which said contact surface is sealingly engaged with said face, a second position in which said contact surface is disengaged from said face, and a third position in which said contact surface is engaged with a pad cleaner. 
     In a fifteenth aspect, there is provided a method of maintaining a printhead in an operable condition, said method comprising the steps of: 
     providing an elastically deformable pad having a contact surface for sealing engagement with an ink ejection face of said printhead; and 
     moving said pad between a first position in which said contact surface is sealingly engaged with said face, a second position in which said contact surface is disengaged from said face, and a third position in which said contact surface is engaged with a pad cleaner. 
     In a sixteenth aspect, there is provided a printhead assembly comprising: 
     a printhead mounted on a support, said printhead having an ink ejection face; and 
     a film cooperating with said support to define a wicking channel, 
     wherein said wicking channel is positioned for receiving ink from an edge portion of said printhead and/or an edge portion of a pad being disengaged from said face. 
     In a seventeenth aspect, there is provided a method of removing ink from an ink ejection face of a printhead, said method comprising the steps of: 
     (a) moving said ink towards an edge portion of said printhead; and 
     (b) wicking said ink away from said edge portion. 
     For the avoidance of doubt, the term “progressively contacted” is used to mean a type of engagement, which is opposite to “peeling away”. In other words, different portions of the contact surface progressively come into contact with the ink ejection face at different times during engagement. Likewise, different portions of the contact surface are progressively peeled away from the ink ejection face at different times during disengagement. The specification and drawings below describe in detail this type of engagement and disengagement, and various ways of achieving such engagement and disengagement. 
     The printhead maintenance station advantageously combines both preventative and remedial measures for maintaining an inkjet printhead in an operable condition. In terms of preventative measures, the contact surface seals the ink ejection face, thereby minimizing evaporation of water from the nozzles and minimizing the effects of ink drying up inside the nozzles. Sealing engagement of the contact surface with the ink ejection face also protects the printhead from particulates in the atmosphere, which can damage or block nozzles. Typically, the pad is held in its first position when the printhead is left idle over relatively long periods. However, the pad may be moved into sealing engagement at any time when the printhead is not printing. 
     In terms of remedial measures, the contact surface cleans ink from the ink ejection face due to the unique interaction between the contact surface and the printhead. From a detailed analysis of advancing and receding contact angles, the present inventors have found that peeling disengagement of the contact surface from the ink ejection face has the effect of moving ink along the contact surface (or the ink ejection face) towards an edge portion. Once deposited at an edge portion, the ink may be readily removed. A detailed explanation of the principle of advancing and receding contact angles, and how these relate to the present invention is given below. 
     In addition to cleaning flooded ink from the ink ejection face, the peeling disengagement action of the contact surface from the printhead also has the effect of unblocking nozzles. Peeling disengagement generates a negative pressure above nozzles in the printhead and, hence, draws out viscous ink material or particulate contaminants blocking the nozzles. Accordingly, the peeling disengagement has the combined effects of clearing blocked nozzles and removing ink to an edge portion of the contact surface or printhead. 
     A further advantage of the printhead maintenance station is that it has a simple design, which is compact, can be manufactured at low cost and consumes very little power. The suction devices of the prior art require external pumps, which add significantly to the cost and power consumption of prior art printers. Moreover, the requirement of an external vacuum pump adds significantly to the bulk of prior art printers. By obviating the need for a vacuum pump to effectively unblock printhead nozzles, the present invention allows inkjet printers to be installed into a wider range of devices and also opens up the potential for a commercially-viable disposable inkjet printer. 
     A further advantage of the printhead maintenance station is that nozzles can be unblocked without wasting large quantities of ink. Whereas prior art suction devices are wasteful of ink, adding to the overall cost of printer operation, the present invention withdraws only a minimum quantity of ink from nozzles during remediation. Moreover, by depositing the ink onto an edge portion of the pad (and/or the printhead), the means for removing this ink is greatly simplified. 
     A further advantage of the printhead maintenance station is that the cleaning action exerts minimal shear stress across the ink ejection face. Accordingly, sensitive nozzle structures are less likely to be damaged during maintenance when compared to, for example, wiping or squeegee cleaning of printheads. 
     Optionally, the pad is substantially coextensive with the printhead. A pad configured in this way ensures maintenance of the entire printhead, whilst simplifying the design of the maintenance station as far as possible. As described below a portion of the pad may extend beyond one end of the printhead, although this type of arrangement is still understood to be within the definition of the term ‘substantially coextensive’. 
     Optionally, the contact surface is substantially uniform, so that ink can flow freely across its surface. Optionally, the contact surface should have a minimal number of pits or indentations, to avoid trapping ink in micro-pockets and consequently reducing the efficacy of the cleaning action. 
     The pad is elastically deformable and, preferably, has minimal or no creep. Elastic deformability provides sealing engagement of the pad with the printhead. Moreover, it ensures the pad can be used repeatedly without loss of either sealing or cleaning performance. Suitable materials for forming the pad include thermosetting or thermoplastic elastomers. For example, the pad may be comprised of silicone, polyurethane, Neoprene®, Santoprene® or Kraton®. Optionally, the pad is comprised of a silicone rubber. 
     Optionally a peel zone between the contact surface and the ink ejection face advances and retreats transversely across the ink ejection face during engagement and disengagement. In this embodiment, ink retreats with the peel zone in a longitudinal line towards a longitudinal edge portion of the contact surface or printhead as the pad is peeled away. This has the advantage that the ink travels a minimum distance across the ink ejection face and maximizes the cleaning efficiency of the maintenance station. 
     Optionally, the engagement mechanism moves the pad substantially perpendicularly with respect to the ink ejection face. This arrangement has the advantage of simplifying the motion of the pad and, moreover, the means for achieving this. For example, a simple solenoid or motor/cam arrangement, consuming very little power, may be used to provide reciprocal linear movement of the pad. 
     Optionally, the pad is received in a housing with the pad being slidably movable relative to the housing. Typically, the pad extends through a slit in the housing in the first position and the pad is retracted into the housing in the second position. Optionally, the pad is mounted on a support arm, the arm having lugs at each end for engagement with the engagement mechanism. The lugs extend through complementary slots in side walls of the housing, thereby allowing sliding movement of the support arm and the pad. 
     With the pad being moved perpendicularly with respect to the ink ejection face, the unique engagement action of the contact surface is usually determined by the profile of the contact surface itself. Optionally, the pad is configured so that the contact surface is sloped with respect to the ink ejection face. Accordingly, during perpendicular engagement of the pad with the ink ejection face, a first end of the contact surface is contacted before a second end of the contact surface. Sloping of the contact surface may be in the form of a linear gradient (i.e. the contact surface is flat). For example, the contact surface may be angled at 5-30°, 8-20° or 10-15° with respect to the ink ejection face. Alternatively, sloping of the contact surface may be in the form of a curved or rounded gradient. In either case, progressive contact of the surface with the ink ejection face is ensured during engagement. Likewise, a peeling motion is ensured during disengagement. 
     Optionally, the pad is wedge-shaped with an angled surface of the wedge being the contact surface presented to the ink ejection face. A wedge-shaped pad is advantageous, since its manufacture is relatively facile using conventional molding, machining or laser-cutting techniques. 
     Optionally, a peel zone between the contact surface and the ink ejection face advances and retreats longitudinally along the printhead during engagement and disengagement. In this embodiment, ink retreats with the peel zone in a tranverse line towards a transverse edge portion of the contact surface or ink ejection face as the pad is peeled away. An advantage of this arrangement is that excess ink is concentrated into a smaller area by the cleaning action, making its removal more facile. 
     Optionally, the engagement mechanism is configured to move the pad rotatably with respect to the ink ejection face. An advantage of this arrangement is that the pad need not be specially shaped to provide the requisite engagement and disengagement action. A simple cuboid block of silicone rubber may be employed as the pad, with the rotational movement ensuring that a first end of the contact surface is contacted with the ink ejection face before a second end of the contact surface. 
     As mentioned above, engagement of the pad may be provided so as to engage the contact surface progressively transversely across the printhead, or progressively longitudinally along the ink ejection face. Optionally, the pad is mounted on an arm, which is rotatably mounted about a pivot. Optionally, the pivot axis is substantially parallel with a transverse axis of the printhead such that the contact surfaces engages progressively longitudinally along the ink ejection face. 
     The maintenance station is typically configured so that peeling disengagement of the contact surface from the ink ejection face draws ink from the printhead towards an edge portion of the contact surface, the ink ejection face, or both. This cleaning action may be used to clear blocked nozzles and remove ink flooded on the surface of the ink ejection face. 
     The speed of engagement and disengagement, together with the contact time, may be varied in order to optimize the cleaning action. Optimal cleaning will also depend on other factors, such as the size of printhead, the elasticity of the pad, the shape of the pad, the motion of the engagement mechanism etc. The skilled person will readily be able to optimize cleaning of the printhead for any given system by varying one or more of these parameters. 
     The pad may be moved according to a predetermined algorithm, depending on the expected severity of nozzle blockage. For example, different maintenance actions may be suitable for different printer conditions (e.g. first use, paper jam, recovery, user intervention etc.). Some situations may require five reciprocal movements of the pad, whereas other situations may require only one engage/disengage sequence. Suitable algorithms may be programmed into a control system controlling operation of the printhead maintenance station. 
     Optionally, the maintenance station further comprises an ink removal system for removing ink deposited on an edge portion of the contact surface or ink ejection face. The ink removal system advantageously avoids build up of ink on the pad or on the printhead, and channels any surplus ink away from the printhead. 
     The ink removal system may comprise any substrate or mechanism that can effectively remove ink from the edge portion(s). For example, the pad may be moved and contacted with an absorbent material after it has disengaged from the printhead. 
     Optionally, the ink removal system comprises a wicking element positioned adjacent an edge of the printhead. Ink which has been deposited towards the edge of the printhead and the pad is absorbed into the wicking element, which may simply be an absorbent material, and removed by wicking through the material. This arrangement has the advantage of simplicity and obviates the need for additional moving parts or a vacuum system in the maintenance station. 
     Optionally, the wicking element is positioned away from wirebonds on the printhead. The wirebonds are usually positioned along one longitudinal edge portion of the printhead, and the wicking element is optionally positioned adjacent an opposite longitudinal edge portion. Optionally, the wicking element extends into a cavity defined by a print media guide and a support to which the guide is mounted. This advantageously avoids ink from flooding and becoming trapped inside this cavity. 
     Optionally, the ink removal system further comprises an ink collector for receiving ink, which has wicked through the wicking element. By channeling surplus ink into a dedicated collector, the ink may be continuously taken away from the printhead region and cannot re-contaminate the printhead. 
     Optionally, the ink removal system comprises a film attached to the printhead support, wherein the film defines a wicking channel. The film is positioned such that the channel receives ink from an edge portion of the face and/or an edge portion of the pad being disengaged from the face. Optionally, the wicking channel is tapered to provide a capillary action. Optionally, a channel inlet is positioned adjacent proximal to the printhead and a channel outlet is positioned distal from the printhead, the channel being tapered towards the channel outlet. The channel inlet is typically defined by a proximal edge portion of the film, while the channel outlet is defined by a distal edge portion of the film. 
     Optionally, the film is anchored to the support along its distal edge portion via a plurality of anchor points. Typically, the anchor points are spaced apart to allow ink to exit the channel outlet. Alternatively, the distal edge portion of the film is attached to the print media guide and the distal edge portion be sandwiched between the print media guide and the support. Such an arrangement has manufacturing advantages in an automated assembly process when compared to bonding the film directly to the support. 
     Optionally, the film is substantially coextensive with the printhead and positioned adjacent a longitudinal edge thereof. Optionally, a plurality of vents are defined in the film. The vents are positioned for receiving ink from an outer surface of the film. Typically, the vents are positioned towards the channel inlet. The vents may take the form of elongate slots extending parallel with a longitudinal edge of the film. 
     Typically, the film is resiliently displaceable and is usually comprised of a polymer. Examples of suitable polymer films include polyester, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyacrylate films etc. 
     Optionally, an edge portion of the pad extends beyond an edge of the printhead, such that at least part of the pad abuts the film when the pad is engaged with the face. Accordingly, the channel may be resiliently defined as the pad disengages from the face. 
     As an alternative, or in addition to the wicking element or wicking channel adjacent the printhead, the pad is optionally moveable to a third position in which it is engaged with a pad cleaner. Typically, the pad is rotated into engagement with the pad cleaner after disengagement from the ink ejection face of the printhead. The pad cleaner may be, for example, a rubber squeegee or an absorbent pad and typically forms part of the printhead maintenance station. 
     The invention has been developed primarily for use with a pagewidth inkjet printhead. Optionally, the printhead comprises a plurality of nozzles, with each nozzle having a diameter of less than 20 microns or less than 15 microns. 
     However, the invention is equally applicable to any type of printhead where sealing and/or remedial measures are required to maintain the printhead in an operable condition. For example, the invention may be used in connection with standard scanning inkjet printheads in order to simplify conventional maintenance stations. 
     In a first aspect the present invention provides a printhead maintenance station for maintaining a printhead in an operable condition, said maintenance station comprising: 
     an elastically deformable pad having a contact surface for sealing engagement with an ink ejection face of said printhead; and 
     an engagement mechanism for moving said pad between a first position in which said contact surface is sealingly engaged with said face, and a second position in which said contact surface is disengaged from said face, 
     wherein said maintenance station is configured such that said contact surface is progressively contacted with said face during sealing engagement and peeled away from said face during disengagement. 
     Optionally, said pad is substantially coextensive with said printhead. 
     Optionally, said contact surface is substantially uniform. 
     Optionally, said pad is comprised of silicone, polyurethane, Neoprene®, Santoprene® or Kraton®. 
     Optionally, a peel zone between said contact surface and said ink ejection face advances and retreats transversely across said face during engagement and disengagement. 
     Optionally, said engagement mechanism moves said pad substantially perpendicularly with respect to said ink ejection face. 
     Optionally, said contact surface is sloped with respect to said ink ejection face such that, during engagement, a first part of said surface is contacted with said face prior to a second part of said surface. 
     Optionally, said pad is wedge-shaped. 
     Optionally, a peel zone between said contact surface and said ink ejection face advances and retreats longitudinally along said face during engagement and disengagement. 
     Optionally, said engagement mechanism is configured to move said pad rotatably with respect to said printhead such that, during engagement, a first part of said surface is contacted with said ink ejection face prior to a second part of said surface. 
     Optionally, said pad is fixed to an arm and said arm is rotatably mounted about a pivot, wherein said pivot is substantially parallel with a transverse axis of said printhead. 
     Optionally, said pad is biased towards said first position. 
     Optionally, said peeling disengagement draws ink from said printhead towards an edge portion of said contact surface and/or said face. 
     In a further aspect the maintenance station further comprising an ink removal system for removing ink from an edge portion of said contact surface and/or said face. 
     Optionally, said ink removal system comprises a wicking element or wicking channel positioned adjacent an edge of said printhead. 
     Optionally, said wicking element or wicking channel is positioned to receive ink from said edge portion of said contact surface when said contact surface is being disengaged from said face. 
     Optionally, said ink removal system further comprises an ink collector for receiving ink wicked through said wicking element or wicking channel. 
     Optionally, said printhead is an inkjet printhead. 
     Optionally, said printhead is a pagewidth printhead. 
     In a second aspect the present invention provides a printhead assembly for maintaining a printhead in an operable condition, said assembly comprising: 
     a printhead having an ink ejection face; and 
     a printhead maintenance station comprising:
         an elastically deformable pad having a contact surface for sealing engagement with said face; and   an engagement mechanism for moving said pad between a first position in which       

     said contact surface is sealingly engaged with said face and a second position in which 
     said contact surface is disengaged from said face, 
     wherein said printhead assembly is configured such that said contact surface is progressively contacted with said face during sealing engagement and peeled away from said face during disengagement. 
     Optionally, said pad is substantially coextensive with said printhead. 
     Optionally, said contact surface is substantially uniform. 
     Optionally, said pad is comprised of silicone, polyurethane, Neoprene®, Santoprene® or Kraton®. 
     Optionally, a peel zone between said contact surface and said ink ejection face advances and retreats transversely across said face during engagement and disengagement. 
     Optionally, said engagement mechanism moves said pad substantially perpendicularly with respect to said ink ejection face. 
     Optionally, said contact surface is sloped with respect to said ink ejection face such that, during engagement, a first part of said surface is contacted with said face prior to a second part of said surface. 
     Optionally, said pad is wedge-shaped. 
     Optionally, a peel zone between said contact surface and said ink ejection face advances and retreats longitudinally along said face during engagement and disengagement. 
     Optionally, said engagement mechanism is configured to move said pad rotatably with respect to said printhead such that, during engagement, a first part of said surface is contacted with said ink ejection face prior to a second part of said surface. 
     Optionally, said pad is fixed to an arm and said arm is rotatably mounted about a pivot, wherein said pivot is substantially parallel with a transverse axis of said printhead. 
     Optionally, said pad is biased towards said first position. 
     Optionally, said peeling disengagement draws ink from said printhead towards an edge portion of said contact surface and/or said face. 
     In a further aspect there is provided a printhead assembly, further comprising an ink removal system for removing ink from an edge portion of said contact surface and/or said face. 
     Optionally, said ink removal system comprises a wicking element or wicking channel positioned adjacent an edge of said printhead. 
     Optionally, said wicking element or wicking channel is positioned to receive ink from said edge portion of said contact surface when said contact surface is being disengaged from said face. 
     Optionally, said ink removal system further comprises an ink collector for receiving ink wicked through said wicking element or wicking channel. 
     Optionally, said printhead is an inkjet printhead. 
     Optionally, said printhead is a pagewidth printhead. 
     Optionally, said printhead comprises a plurality of ink ejection nozzles, each nozzle having a diameter of less than 20 microns. 
     In a third aspect the present invention provides a method of maintaining a printhead in an operable condition, said method comprising the steps of: 
     providing an elastically deformable pad having a contact surface for sealing engagement with an ink ejection face of said printhead; and 
     moving said pad between a first position in which said contact surface is sealingly engaged with said face and a second position in which said contact surface is disengaged from said face, 
     wherein said movement causes said contact surface to be progressively contacted with said face during sealing engagement and peeled away from said face during disengagement. 
     Optionally, said pad is substantially coextensive with said printhead. 
     Optionally, said contact surface is substantially uniform. 
     Optionally, said pad is comprised of silicone, polyurethane, Neoprene®, Santoprene® or Kraton®. 
     Optionally, a peel zone between said contact surface and said ink ejection face advances and retreats transversely across said face during engagement and disengagement. 
     Optionally, said pad is moved substantially perpendicularly with respect to said ink ejection face. 
     Optionally, said contact surface is sloped with respect to said ink ejection face such that, during engagement, a first part of said surface is contacted with said face prior to a second part of said surface. 
     Optionally, said pad is wedge-shaped. 
     Optionally, a peel zone between said contact surface and said ink ejection face advances and retreats longitudinally along said face during engagement and disengagement. 
     Optionally, said pad is moved rotatably with respect to said printhead such that, during engagement, a first part of said surface is contacted with said ink ejection face prior to a second part of said surface. 
     Optionally, said pad is fixed to an arm and said arm is rotatably moved about a pivot, wherein said pivot is substantially parallel with a transverse axis of said printhead. 
     Optionally, said pad is biased towards said first position. 
     Optionally, said peeling disengagement draws ink from said printhead towards an edge portion of said contact surface and/or said face. 
     Optionally, ink deposited on an edge portion of said contact surface and/or said face is removed. 
     Optionally, said ink is removed using a wicking element or wicking channel positioned adjacent an edge of said printhead. 
     Optionally, said wicking element or wicking channel receives ink from said edge portion of said contact surface when said contact surface is being disengaged from said face. 
     Optionally, said ink is wicked through said wicking element or wicking channel and received in an ink collector. 
     Optionally, said printhead is an inkjet printhead. 
     Optionally, said printhead is a pagewidth printhead. 
     In a fourth aspect the present invention provides a method of unblocking nozzles in a printhead, said method comprising the steps of: 
     providing an elastically deformable pad having a contact surface for sealing engagement with an ink ejection face of said printhead; and 
     moving said pad from a first position in which said contact surface is sealingly engaged with said face to a second position in which said contact surface is disengaged from said face, 
     wherein said movement causes said contact surface to be peeled away from said face during disengagement. 
     Optionally, said pad is substantially coextensive with said printhead. 
     Optionally, said contact surface is substantially uniform. 
     Optionally, said pad is comprised of silicone, polyurethane, Neoprene®, Santoprene® or Kraton®. 
     Optionally, a peel zone between said contact surface and said ink ejection face retreats transversely across said face during disengagement. 
     Optionally, said pad is moved substantially perpendicularly with respect to said ink ejection face. 
     Optionally, said contact surface is sloped with respect to said ink ejection face such that, during disengagement, a first part of said surface is separated from said face prior to a second part of said surface. 
     Optionally, said pad is wedge-shaped. 
     Optionally, a peel zone between said contact surface and said ink ejection face retreats longitudinally along said face during disengagement. 
     Optionally, said pad is moved rotatably with respect to said printhead such that, during disengagement, a first part of said surface is separated from said ink ejection face prior to a second part of said surface. 
     Optionally, said pad is fixed to an arm and said arm is rotatably moved about a pivot, wherein said pivot is substantially parallel with a transverse axis of said printhead. 
     Optionally, said pad is biased towards said first position. 
     Optionally, said peeling disengagement draws ink from said printhead towards an edge portion of said contact surface and/or said face. 
     Optionally, ink deposited on an edge portion of said contact surface and/or said face is removed. 
     Optionally, said ink is removed using a wicking element or wicking channel positioned adjacent an edge of said printhead. 
     Optionally, said wicking element or wicking channel receives ink from said edge portion of said contact surface when said contact surface is being disengaged from said face. 
     Optionally, said ink is wicked through said wicking element or wicking channel and received in an ink collector. 
     Optionally, said nozzles are blocked with viscous ink. 
     Optionally, said printhead is an inkjet printhead. 
     Optionally, said printhead is a pagewidth printhead. 
     In a fifth aspect the present invention provides a method of removing ink flooded across an ink ejection face of a printhead, said method comprising the steps of: 
     providing an elastically deformable pad having a contact surface for sealing engagement with an ink ejection face of said printhead; and 
     moving said pad from a first position in which said contact surface is sealingly engaged with said face to a second position in which said contact surface is disengaged from said face, 
     wherein said movement causes said contact surface to be peeled away from said face during disengagement. 
     Optionally, said pad is substantially coextensive with said printhead. 
     Optionally, said contact surface is substantially uniform. 
     Optionally, said pad is comprised of silicone, polyurethane, Neoprene®, Santoprene® or Kraton®. 
     Optionally, a peel zone between said contact surface and said ink ejection face retreats transversely across said face during disengagement. 
     Optionally, said pad is moved substantially perpendicularly with respect to said ink ejection face. 
     Optionally, said contact surface is sloped with respect to said ink ejection face such that, during disengagement, a first part of said surface is separated from said face prior to a second part of said surface. 
     Optionally, said pad is wedge-shaped. 
     Optionally, a peel zone between said contact surface and said ink ejection face retreats longitudinally along said face during disengagement. 
     Optionally, said pad is moved rotatably with respect to said printhead such that, during disengagement, a first part of said surface is separated from said ink ejection face prior to a second part of said surface. 
     Optionally, said pad is fixed to an arm and said arm is rotatably moved about a pivot, wherein said pivot is substantially parallel with a transverse axis of said printhead. 
     Optionally, said pad is biased towards said first position. 
     Optionally, said peeling disengagement draws ink from said printhead towards an edge portion of said contact surface and/or said face. 
     Optionally, ink deposited on an edge portion of said contact surface and/or said face is removed. 
     Optionally, said ink is removed using a wicking element or wicking channel positioned adjacent an edge of said printhead. 
     Optionally, said wicking element or wicking channel receives ink from said edge portion of said contact surface when said contact surface is being disengaged from said face. 
     Optionally, said ink is wicked through said wicking element or wicking channel and received in an ink collector. 
     Optionally, said printhead is an inkjet printhead. 
     Optionally, said printhead is a pagewidth printhead. 
     In a sixth aspect the present invention provides a method of sealing nozzles on an ink ejection face of a printhead, said method comprising the steps of: 
     providing an elastically deformable pad having a contact surface for sealing engagement with said ink ejection face; and 
     moving said pad from a second position in which said contact surface is disengaged from said face to a first position in which said contact surface is sealingly engaged with said face, 
     wherein said movement causes said contact surface to be progressively contacted with said face during sealing engagement. 
     Optionally, said pad is substantially coextensive with said printhead. 
     Optionally, said contact surface is substantially uniform. 
     Optionally, said pad is comprised of silicone, polyurethane, Neoprene®, Santoprene® or Kraton®. 
     Optionally, a peel zone between said contact surface and said ink ejection face advances transversely across said face during engagement. 
     Optionally, said pad is moved substantially perpendicularly with respect to said ink ejection face. 
     Optionally, said contact surface is sloped with respect to said ink ejection face such that, during engagement, a first part of said surface is contacted with said face prior to a second part of said surface. 
     Optionally, said pad is wedge-shaped. 
     Optionally, a peel zone between said contact surface and said ink ejection face advances longitudinally along said face during engagement. 
     Optionally, said pad is moved rotatably with respect to said printhead such that, during engagement, a first part of said surface is contacted with said ink ejection face prior to a second part of said surface. 
     Optionally, said pad is fixed to an arm and said arm is rotatably moved about a pivot, wherein said pivot is substantially parallel with a transverse axis of said printhead. 
     Optionally, said pad is biased towards said first position. 
     Optionally, ink from said printhead is not drawn onto said contact surface during said engagement. 
     Optionally, said printhead is an inkjet printhead. 
     Optionally, said printhead is a pagewidth printhead. 
     In a seventh aspect the present invention provides a method of maintaining a printhead in an operable condition, said method comprising the steps of: 
     providing an elastically deformable pad having a contact surface for sealing engagement with an ink ejection face of said printhead; and 
     moving said pad between a first position in which said contact surface is sealingly engaged with said face and a second position in which said contact surface is disengaged from said face, 
     wherein said movement is such that ink wets from said printhead onto said contact surface during disengagement, but remains substantially in or on said printhead during engagement. 
     Optionally, an advancing contact angle of said ink on said contact surface during engagement is greater than a receding contact angle of said ink on said contact surface during disengagement. 
     Optionally, said pad is substantially coextensive with said printhead. 
     Optionally, said contact surface is substantially uniform. 
     Optionally, said pad is comprised of silicone, polyurethane, Neoprene®, Santoprene® or Kraton®. 
     Optionally, a peel zone between said contact surface and said ink ejection face advances and retreats transversely across said face during engagement and disengagement. 
     Optionally, said pad is moved substantially perpendicularly with respect to said ink ejection face. 
     Optionally, said contact surface is sloped with respect to said ink ejection face such that, during engagement, a first part of said surface is contacted with said face prior to a second part of said surface. 
     Optionally, said pad is wedge-shaped. 
     Optionally, a peel zone between said contact surface and said ink ejection face advances and retreats longitudinally along said face during engagement and disengagement. 
     Optionally, said pad is moved rotatably with respect to said printhead such that, during engagement, a first part of said surface is contacted with said ink ejection face prior to a second part of said surface. 
     Optionally, said pad is fixed to an arm and said arm is rotatably moved about a pivot, wherein said pivot is substantially parallel with a transverse axis of said printhead. 
     Optionally, said pad is biased towards said first position. 
     Optionally, said disengagement draws ink towards an edge portion of said contact surface. 
     Optionally, ink deposited on an edge portion of said contact surface is removed. 
     Optionally, said ink is removed using a wicking element or wicking channel positioned adjacent an edge of said printhead. 
     Optionally, said wicking element or wicking channel receives ink from said edge portion of said contact surface when said contact surface is being disengaged from said face. 
     Optionally, said ink is wicked through said wicking element or wicking channel and received in an ink collector. 
     Optionally, said printhead is an inkjet printhead. 
     Optionally, said printhead is a pagewidth printhead. 
     In an eighth aspect the present invention provides a printhead maintenance station for maintaining a printhead in an operable condition, said maintenance station comprising: 
     an elastically deformable pad having a contact surface for sealing engagement with an ink ejection face of said printhead, said contact surface being sloped with respect to said face; and 
     an engagement mechanism for moving said pad between a first position in which the contact surface is sealingly engaged with said face, and a second position in which said contact surface is disengaged from said face, 
     wherein said engagement mechanism moves said pad substantially perpendicularly with respect to said face. 
     Optionally, said pad is substantially coextensive with said printhead. 
     Optionally, said contact surface is substantially uniform. 
     Optionally, said pad is comprised of silicone, polyurethane, Neoprene®, Santoprene® or Kraton®. 
     Optionally, said contact surface is flat. 
     Optionally, said pad is wedge-shaped. 
     Optionally, said contact surface is curved. 
     Optionally, a peel zone between said contact surface and said ink ejection face advances and retreats transversely across said face during engagement and disengagement. 
     Optionally, said pad is biased towards said first position. 
     Optionally, said pad is received in a housing and said pad is slidably movable relative to said housing. 
     Optionally, said pad extends through a slit in said housing in said first position and said pad is retracted into said housing in said second position. 
     Optionally, said pad is mounted on a support arm, said arm having a lug at each end for engagement with said engagement mechanism, wherein said lugs extend through complementary slots in side walls of said housing, thereby allowing sliding movement of said support arm. 
     Optionally, said peeling disengagement draws ink from said printhead towards a longitudinal edge portion of said contact surface and/or said face. 
     In a further aspect there is provided a maintenance station, further comprising an ink removal system for removing ink from an edge portion of said contact surface and/or said face. 
     Optionally, said ink removal system comprises a wicking element or wicking channel positioned adjacent an edge of said printhead. 
     Optionally, said wicking element or wicking channel is positioned to receive ink from said edge portion of said contact surface when said contact surface is being disengaged from said face. 
     Optionally, said ink removal system further comprises an ink collector for receiving ink wicked through said wicking element or wicking channel. 
     Optionally, said printhead is an inkjet printhead. 
     Optionally, said printhead is a pagewidth printhead. 
     In a ninth aspect the present invention provides a printhead maintenance station for maintaining a printhead in an operable condition, said maintenance station comprising: 
     an elastically deformable cylinder having a contact surface for sealing engagement with an ink ejection face of said printhead; and 
     an engagement mechanism for moving said cylinder between a first position in which said contact surface is sealingly engaged with said face, and a second position in which said contact surface is disengaged from said face, 
     wherein said engagement mechanism moves said cylinder substantially perpendicularly with respect to said face. 
     Optionally, said cylinder is substantially coextensive with said printhead. 
     Optionally, said contact surface is substantially uniform. 
     Optionally, said cylinder is comprised of silicone, polyurethane, Neoprene®, Santoprene® or Kraton®. 
     Optionally, said cylinder is offset from said printhead. 
     Optionally, a peel zone between said contact surface and said ink ejection face advances and retreats transversely across said face during engagement and disengagement. 
     Optionally, said cylinder is biased towards said first position. 
     Optionally, said peeling disengagement draws ink from said printhead towards a predetermined region on said cylinder and/or an edge portion of said face. 
     In a further aspect there is provided a maintenance station, further comprising an ink removal system for removing ink from a predetermined region of said contact surface and/or said face. 
     Optionally, said ink removal system comprises a wicking element or wicking channel positioned adjacent an edge of said printhead. 
     Optionally, said wicking element or wicking channel is positioned to receive ink from said predetermined region of said contact surface when said contact surface is being disengaged from said face. 
     Optionally, said ink removal system further comprises an ink collector for receiving ink wicked through said wicking element or wicking channel. 
     Optionally, said printhead is an inkjet printhead. 
     Optionally, said printhead is a pagewidth printhead. 
     In a tenth aspect the present invention provides a printhead maintenance station for maintaining a printhead in an operable condition, said maintenance station comprising: 
     an elastically deformable roller having a contact surface for contacting an ink ejection face of said printhead; and 
     a mechanism for rolling said roller across said face. 
     Optionally, said roller is substantially coextensive with said printhead. 
     Optionally, said contact surface is substantially uniform. 
     Optionally, said roller is comprised of silicone, polyurethane, Neoprene®, Santoprene® or Kraton®. 
     Optionally, said roller rolls transversely across said printhead. 
     Optionally, a leading peel zone between said roller and said face is dry relative to a tailing peel zone between said roller and said face. 
     Optionally, said rolling action draws ink from said printhead towards a predetermined region on said roller and/or an edge portion of said face. 
     In a further aspect there is provided a maintenance station, further comprising an ink removal system for removing ink from said roller and/or said face. 
     Optionally, said ink removal system comprises a wicking element or wicking channel positioned adjacent an edge of said printhead. 
     Optionally, said wicking element or wicking channel is positioned to receive ink from said roller after it has roller across said face. 
     Optionally, said ink removal system further comprises an ink collector for receiving ink wicked through said wicking element or wicking channel. 
     Optionally, said printhead is an inkjet printhead. 
     Optionally, said printhead is a pagewidth printhead. 
     In an eleventh aspect the present invention provides a method of maintaining a printhead in an operable condition, said method comprising the steps of: 
     providing an elastically deformable roller having a contact surface for contacting an ink ejection face of said printhead; and 
     rolling said roller across said face. 
     Optionally, said roller is substantially coextensive with said printhead. 
     Optionally, said contact surface is substantially uniform. 
     Optionally, said roller is comprised of silicone, polyurethane, Neoprene®, Santoprene® or Kraton®. 
     Optionally, said roller rolls transversely across said printhead. 
     Optionally, a contact angle hysteresis between a leading peel zone of said roller and a tailing peel zone of said roller is caused by said rolling action. 
     Optionally, a leading peel zone of said roller is dry relative to a tailing peel zone of said roller. 
     Optionally, said rolling action draws ink from said printhead towards a predetermined region on said roller and/or an edge portion of said face. 
     In a further aspect there is provided a method, further comprising an ink removal system for removing ink from said roller and/or said face. 
     Optionally, said ink removal system comprises a wicking element or wicking channel positioned for receiving ink from said roller and/or said face. 
     Optionally, said ink removal system further comprises an ink collector for receiving ink wicked through said wicking element or wicking channel. 
     Optionally, said roller is rolled reciprocally across said face. 
     Optionally, said printhead is an inkjet printhead. 
     Optionally, said printhead is a pagewidth printhead. 
     In a twelfth aspect the present invention provides a printhead maintenance station for maintaining a printhead in an operable condition, said maintenance station comprising: 
     an elastically deformable pad having a contact surface for sealing engagement with an ink ejection face of said printhead; and 
     an engagement mechanism for reciprocally moving said pad between a first position in which said contact surface is sealingly engaged with said face, and a second position in which said contact surface is disengaged from said face, 
     wherein said engagement mechanism is configured to move said pad rotatably with respect to said printhead such that, during engagement, a first part of said surface is contacted with said face prior to a second part of said surface, and during disengagement said second part is disengaged from said face prior to said first part. 
     Optionally, said pad is substantially coextensive with said printhead. 
     Optionally, said contact surface is substantially uniform. 
     Optionally, said pad is comprised of silicone, polyurethane, Neoprene®, Santoprene® or Kraton®. 
     Optionally, said pad is substantially cuboid. 
     Optionally, a peel zone between said contact surface and said ink ejection face advances and retreats longitudinally along said face during engagement and disengagement. 
     Optionally, said pad is fixed to an arm and said arm is rotatably mounted about a pivot, wherein said pivot is substantially parallel with a transverse axis of said printhead. 
     Optionally, said pad is biased towards said first position. 
     Optionally, said contact surface is progressively contacted with said face during sealing engagement and peeled away from said face during disengagement. 
     Optionally, said peeling disengagement draws ink from said printhead towards an edge portion of said contact surface and/or said face. 
     In a further aspect there is provided a maintenance station, further comprising an ink removal system for removing ink from an edge portion of said contact surface and/or said face. 
     Optionally, said ink removal system comprises a wicking element or wicking channel positioned adjacent an edge of said printhead. 
     Optionally, said wicking element or wicking channel is positioned to receive ink from said edge portion of said contact surface when said contact surface is being disengaged from said face. 
     Optionally, said ink removal system further comprises an ink collector for receiving ink wicked through said wicking element or wicking channel. 
     Optionally, said printhead is an inkjet printhead. 
     Optionally, said printhead is a pagewidth printhead. 
     In a thirteenth aspect the present invention provides a printhead maintenance station for maintaining a printhead in an operable condition, said maintenance station comprising: 
     an elastically deformable pad having a contact surface for sealing engagement with an ink ejection face of said printhead; and 
     an engagement mechanism for reciprocally moving said pad between a first position in which said contact surface is sealingly engaged with said face, and a second position in which said contact surface is disengaged from said face, 
     wherein said engagement mechanism is configured to move said pad rotatably with respect to said printhead such that, during engagement, a first part of said surface is contacted with said face prior to a second part of said surface, and during disengagement said second part is disengaged from said face prior to said first part. 
     Optionally, said pad is substantially coextensive with said printhead. 
     Optionally, said contact surface is substantially uniform. 
     Optionally, said pad is comprised of silicone, polyurethane, Neoprene®, Santoprene® or Kraton®. 
     Optionally, said pad is substantially cuboid. 
     Optionally, a peel zone between said contact surface and said ink ejection face advances and retreats longitudinally along said face during engagement and disengagement. 
     Optionally, said pad is fixed to an arm and said arm is rotatably mounted about a pivot, wherein said pivot is substantially parallel with a transverse axis of said printhead. 
     Optionally, said pad is biased towards said first position. 
     Optionally, said contact surface is progressively contacted with said face during sealing engagement and peeled away from said face during disengagement. 
     Optionally, said peeling disengagement draws ink from said printhead towards an edge portion of said contact surface and/or said face. 
     In a further aspect there is provided a maintenance station, further comprising an ink removal system for removing ink from an edge portion of said contact surface and/or said face. 
     Optionally, said ink removal system comprises a wicking element or wicking channel positioned adjacent an edge of said printhead. 
     Optionally, said wicking element or wicking channel is positioned to receive ink from said edge portion of said contact surface when said contact surface is being disengaged from said face. 
     Optionally, said ink removal system further comprises an ink collector for receiving ink wicked through said wicking element or wicking channel. 
     Optionally, said printhead is an inkjet printhead. 
     Optionally, said printhead is a pagewidth printhead. 
     In a fourteenth aspect the present invention provides a printhead maintenance station for maintaining a printhead in an operable condition, said maintenance station comprising: 
     an elastically deformable pad having a contact surface for sealing engagement with an ink ejection face of said printhead; and 
     an engagement mechanism for moving said pad between a first position in which said contact surface is sealingly engaged with said face, a second position in which said contact surface is disengaged from said face, and a third position in which said contact surface is engaged with a pad cleaner. 
     Optionally, said maintenance station is configured such that said contact surface is progressively contacted with said face during sealing engagement and peeled away from said face during disengagement. 
     Optionally, said pad is substantially coextensive with said printhead. 
     Optionally, said contact surface is substantially uniform. 
     Optionally, said pad is comprised of silicone, polyurethane, Neoprene®, Santoprene® or Kraton®. 
     Optionally, a peel zone between said contact surface and said ink ejection face advances and retreats transversely across said face during engagement and disengagement. 
     Optionally, said engagement mechanism moves said pad linearly between said first and second positions, said linear movement being substantially perpendicular to said ink ejection face. 
     Optionally, said contact surface is sloped with respect to said ink ejection face such that, during engagement, a first part of said surface is contacted with said face prior to a second part of said surface. 
     Optionally, said pad is biased towards said first position relative to said second position. 
     Optionally, said peeling disengagement draws ink from said printhead towards an edge portion of said contact surface and/or said face. 
     Optionally, said engagement mechanism rotates said pad between said second and third positions. 
     Optionally, said engagement mechanism comprises a cam surface for abutment with a cradle on which said pad is mounted, said abutment causing rotation of said cradle from said second position to said third position. 
     Optionally, said pad is biased towards said second position relative to said third position. 
     Optionally, said pad cleaner is positioned remotely from said printhead. 
     Optionally, said maintenance station further comprises said pad cleaner. 
     Optionally, said pad cleaner is positioned for removing ink deposited on said contact surface from said printhead. 
     Optionally, said pad cleaner comprises a squeegee or an absorbent pad. 
     Optionally, said printhead is an inkjet printhead. 
     Optionally, said printhead is a pagewidth printhead. 
     In a fifteenth aspect the present invention provides a method of maintaining a printhead in an operable condition, said method comprising the steps of: 
     providing an elastically deformable pad having a contact surface for sealing engagement with an ink ejection face of said printhead; and 
     moving said pad between a first position in which said contact surface is sealingly engaged with said face, a second position in which said contact surface is disengaged from said face, and a third position in which said contact surface is engaged with a pad cleaner. 
     Optionally, said movement causes said contact surface to be progressively contacted with said face during sealing engagement and peeled away from said face during disengagement. 
     Optionally, said pad is substantially coextensive with said printhead. 
     Optionally, said contact surface is substantially uniform. 
     Optionally, said pad is comprised of silicone, polyurethane, Neoprene®, Santoprene® or Kraton®. 
     Optionally, a peel zone between said contact surface and said ink ejection face advances and retreats transversely across said face during engagement and disengagement. 
     Optionally, said pad is moved linearly between said first and second positions, said linear movement being substantially perpendicular with respect to said ink ejection face. 
     Optionally, said contact surface is sloped with respect to said ink ejection face such that, during engagement, a first part of said surface is contacted with said face prior to a second part of said surface. 
     Optionally, a peel zone between said contact surface and said ink ejection face advances and retreats longitudinally along said face during engagement and disengagement. 
     Optionally, said pad is biased towards said first position relative to said second position. 
     Optionally, said peeling disengagement draws ink from said printhead towards an edge portion of said contact surface and/or said face. 
     Optionally, said pad is rotated between said second and third positions. 
     Optionally, said rotation is caused by abutment of a cradle on which said pad is mounted with a cam surface. 
     Optionally, said pad is biased towards said second position relative to said third position. 
     Optionally, said pad cleaner is positioned remotely from said printhead. 
     Optionally, said pad cleaner is positioned for removing ink deposited on said contact surface from said printhead. 
     Optionally, said pad cleaner comprises a squeegee or an absorbent pad. 
     Optionally, a sequential printhead maintenance cycle is performed, said maintenance cycle comprising the steps of: 
     (a) linearly moving said pad from said second position to said first position; 
     (b) linearly moving said pad from said first position to said second position; 
     (c) rotating said pad from said second position to said third position; 
     (d) rotating said pad from said third position back to said second position; 
     (e) optionally repeating steps (a)-(d) until said printhead is fully operable. 
     Optionally, said printhead is an inkjet printhead. 
     Optionally, said printhead is a pagewidth printhead. 
     In a sixteenth aspect the present invention provides a printhead assembly comprising:
         a printhead mounted on a support, said printhead having an ink ejection face; and   a film cooperating with said support to define a wicking channel,
 
wherein said wicking channel is positioned for receiving ink from an edge portion of said printhead and/or an edge portion of a pad being disengaged from said face.
       

     Optionally, said film defines a tapered wicking channel. 
     Optionally, a channel inlet is proximal to said printhead and a channel outlet is distal from said printhead. 
     Optionally, said channel is tapered towards said channel outlet. 
     Optionally, a proximal edge portion of said film at least partially defines said channel inlet and a distal edge portion of said film at least partially defines said channel outlet. 
     Optionally, said film is anchored to said support along said distal edge portion. 
     Optionally, a plurality of anchor points are spaced apart along said distal edge portion. 
     Optionally, said distal edge portion of said film is attached to a print media guide. 
     Optionally, said distal edge portion of said film is sandwiched between said print media guide and said support. 
     Optionally, said channel outlet is in fluid communication with an ink collector. 
     Optionally, said film is substantially coextensive with said printhead and positioned adjacent a longitudinal edge of said printhead. 
     Optionally, a plurality of vents are defined in said film, said vents being positioned for receiving ink from an outer surface of said film. 
     Optionally, said vents are positioned towards said channel inlet. 
     Optionally, each vent is an elongate slot extending substantially parallel with a longitudinal edge of said film. 
     Optionally, said film is resiliently displaceable. 
     Optionally, said printhead is wirebonded along a longitudinal edge portion and said film is positioned adjacent an opposite longitudinal edge portion of said printhead. 
     In a further aspect there is provided a printhead assembly, further comprising a print media guide mounted on said support, said film channeling ink into a cavity defined between said guide and said support. 
     In a further aspect there is provided a printhead assembly, further comprising a printhead maintenance station, said maintenance station comprising:
         a pad having a sloped contact surface for engagement with said ink ejection face; and   an engagement mechanism for moving said pad between a first position in which said contact surface is sealingly engaged with said face, and a second position in which said contact surface is disengaged from said face, said engagement mechanism moving said pad substantially perpendicularly with respect to said face.       

     Optionally, an edge portion of said pad extends beyond an edge of said printhead, such that at least part of said pad abuts said film when said pad is engaged with said face. 
     Optionally, said channel is resiliently defined as said pad disengages from said face. 
     In a seventeenth aspect the present invention provides a method of removing ink from an ink ejection face of a printhead, said method comprising the steps of: 
     (a) moving said ink towards an edge portion of said printhead; and 
     (b) wicking said ink away from said edge portion. 
     Optionally, said edge portion is a longitudinal edge portion. 
     Optionally, said printhead is wirebonded along a longitudinal edge portion and ink is moved towards an opposite longitudinal edge portion. 
     Optionally, said ink is moved using peeling action. 
     Optionally, said peeling action is provided by a pad being peeled away from said face. 
     Optionally, said pad has a sloped contact surface relative to said face. 
     Optionally, said ink is wicked into an ink collector. 
     Optionally, said ink is wicked through a wicking channel. 
     Optionally, said wicking channel is tapered. 
     Optionally, said wicking channel is defined at least partially by a film. 
     Optionally, a channel inlet is proximal to said edge portion and a channel outlet is distal from said edge portion, said channel being tapered towards said channel outlet. 
     Optionally, said film is substantially coextensive with said printhead and positioned adjacent a longitudinal edge portion of said printhead. 
     Optionally, a plurality of vents are defined in said film, said vents being positioned for receiving ink from an outer surface of said film. 
     Optionally, said film is a polymer film. 
     Optionally, said film is resiliently displaceable. 
     Optionally, said ink is wicked through a wicking element. 
     Optionally, said wicking element is comprised of an absorbent material. 
     Optionally, said wicking element is positioned adjacent said edge portion. 
     Optionally, said printhead is a pagewidth inkjet printhead. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Specific forms of the present invention will be now be described in detail, with reference to the following drawings, in which:— 
         FIG. 1  shows an equilibrium contact angle for a wetting droplet of liquid on a surface; 
         FIG. 2  shows an equilibrium contact angle for a non-wetting droplet of liquid on a surface; 
         FIG. 3  shows advancing and receding contact angles for a droplet of liquid moving along a surface; 
         FIG. 4A  is a side view of a contact surface before engagement with an ink ejection face of a printhead; 
         FIG. 4B  is a side view of a contact surface partially engaged with the ink ejection face during engagement; 
         FIG. 4C  shows in detail a peel zone between the contact surface and a printhead nozzle during engagement; 
         FIG. 4D  shows in detail the peel zone in  FIG. 4C  after it has advanced past the nozzle; 
         FIG. 5A  is a side view of the contact surface sealingly engaged with the ink ejection face; 
         FIG. 5B  is a side view of a contact surface partially engaged with the ink ejection face during disengagement; 
         FIG. 5C  shows in detail a peel zone between the contact surface and a printhead nozzle during disengagement; 
         FIG. 5D  shows in detail the peel zone in  FIG. 4C  as it retreats from the nozzle; 
         FIG. 5E  shows in detail the peel zone in  FIG. 4D  after it has retreated from the nozzle; 
         FIG. 6  is a side view of the contact surface immediately after it has disengaged from the ink ejection face; 
         FIG. 7  is a longitudinal side section view through a printhead maintenance station according to the invention; 
         FIG. 8  is a side view of the printhead maintenance station shown in  FIG. 7 ; 
         FIG. 9  is a transverse side section view of the printhead maintenance station shown in  FIG. 7 ; 
         FIG. 10  is an end view of the printhead maintenance station shown in  FIG. 7 ; 
         FIG. 11  is an exploded perspective view of the printhead maintenance station shown in  FIG. 7 ; 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of a pad moving perpendicularly with respect to an ink ejection face of a printhead; 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view of a pad; 
         FIG. 14  is a perspective view of a pad; 
         FIG. 15A-C  are schematic side views of a cylindrical pad at various stages of engagement with an ink ejection face of a printhead; 
         FIG. 16A-C  are schematic side views of a contact surface being brought into engagement with an ink ejection face of a printhead by rotational movement; 
         FIG. 17  is a schematic side view of a roller being rolled across an ink ejection face of a printhead; 
         FIG. 18  is a schematic side view of a printhead assembly comprising a wicking element; 
         FIG. 19  is a schematic side view of a printhead assembly comprising a wicking channel; 
         FIG. 20  is a plan view of the printhead and film shown in  FIG. 19 ; 
         FIG. 21  is a schematic side view of the printhead assembly shown in  FIG. 19  with the pad fully engaged; 
         FIG. 22  is a schematic side view of the printhead assembly shown in  FIG. 21  at the point of disengagement; and 
         FIGS. 23A-D  are transverse side section views of a printhead maintenance station, having a rotating pad cleaning action, in various stages of a printhead maintenance cycle. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS 
     Contact Angle Hysteresis 
     In general terms, and as mentioned above, the present invention relies on an understanding of contact angles—specifically, a hysteresis between advancing and receding contact angles. 
     The shape of a droplet of liquid on a solid surface is determined by its contact angle(s). Depending on factors such as the surface tension in the liquid and the interactive forces between the solid and the liquid, the shape of the droplet will change.  FIG. 1  shows a droplet of liquid  1  having a contact angle of 20° on a solid surface  2 . With acute contact angles, the liquid is said to be “mostly wetting” the surface  2 .  FIG. 2  shows a droplet of another liquid  3  having a contact angle of 110° on the solid surface  2 . With obtuse contact angles, the liquid is said to be “mostly non-wetting”. 
     The contact angles shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2  are static or equilibrium contact angles. Since the droplet is symmetrical, the contact angle measured on either side of the droplet would be the same. However, the situation changes if the droplet of liquid is moving.  FIG. 3  shows a droplet of liquid  4  moving down the surface  2 , which is now sloped. As shown in  FIG. 3 , the shape of the droplet changes when it is moving. The result is that the contact angle on its leading (advancing) edge is greater than the contact on its tailing (receding) edge. In other words, the droplet is more wetting when receding and less wetting when advancing. The contact angle designated as θ A  in  FIG. 3  is called the Advancing Contact Angle, and the contact angle designated as θ R  in  FIG. 3  is called the Receding Contact Angle. 
     For a typical droplet of ink moving across a silicone surface, the advancing contact angle is about 90°, whereas the receding contact angle is about 15°. Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is understood by the present inventors that this contact angle hysteresis is responsible for the cleaning action provided by the present invention. 
     In  FIGS. 4A and 4B , a flexible pad  6  having a contact surface  7  is progressively brought into contact with a printhead  5  having an ink ejection face  8 .  FIG. 4C  shows an exploded view of a peel zone  9  in  FIG. 4B , when the contact surface  7  is partially in contact with the ink ejection face  8 .  FIG. 4C  shows in detail the behaviour of ink  11  as the surface  7  is contacted with a nozzle opening  10  on the printhead. Ink  11  in the nozzle opening  10  makes contact with the contact surface  7  as it advances across the printhead  5 . However, since the advancing contact angle θ A  of the ink  11  on the contact surface  7  is relatively non-wetting (about 90°), the ink has little or no tendency to wet onto the contact surface  7 . Hence, as shown in  FIG. 4D , the ink  11  remains on the ink ejection face  8  or in the nozzle  10 , and the peel zone  9  advancing across the ink ejection face is relatively dry. 
     In  FIGS. 5A and 5B , the reverse process is shown as the flexible pad  6  is peeled away from the ink ejection face  8 . Initially, as shown in  FIG. 5A , the contact surface  7  is sealingly engaged with the ink ejection face  8 . In  FIG. 5B , the contact surface  7  is peeled away from the ink ejection face  8 , and the peel zone  9  retreats across the face.  FIG. 5C  shows a magnified view of the peel zone  9  as the contact surface  7  is peeled away from the nozzle opening  10  on the printhead  5 . Ink  11  in the nozzle opening  10  makes contact with the contact surface  7  as it recedes across the ink ejection face  8 . However, since the receding contact angle θ R  of the ink  11  on the surface  7  is relatively wetting (about 15°), the ink in the nozzle opening  10  now tends to wet onto the contact surface  7 . Hence, as shown in  FIGS. 5D and 5E , the peel zone  9  retreating across the ink ejection face  8  is wet, carrying with it a droplet of ink  12  drawn from the nozzle opening  10  or from the ink ejection face  8 . This has the effect of clearing blocked nozzles in the printhead  5  and cleaning ink flooded on the ink ejection face  8 . 
       FIG. 6  shows the flexible pad  6  as the last part of the contact surface  7  is peeled away from the ink ejection face  8 . The contact surface  7  has collected a bead of ink  12  at the final point of contact with the printhead  5 . 
     As will be readily appreciated from the foregoing discussion, the present invention may be implemented in many different forms, provided that the contact surface  7  is contacted with the ink ejection face  8  so as to produce a contact angle hysteresis. Various forms of the invention are described in detail below. 
     Printhead Maintenance Station Having Linear Pad Movement 
     Referring to  FIGS. 7 to 11 , a printhead maintenance station  20  comprises an elastically deformable pad  6  having a contact surface  7 . The pad  6  is mounted on a support  23 , having a recess  24  for receiving the pad. The support  23  is mounted on a support arm  25  having lugs  26  protruding from each end. The pad  21 , support  23  and support arm  25  are bonded together to form a pad sub-assembly. 
     A housing  30  comprises a body  31  and a cap  32 , which is snap-fitted to the body with a plurality of snap-locks  33 . The two-part construction of the housing  30  enables it to be assembled by receiving the pad sub-assembly in the body  31  and then snap-fitting the cap  32  onto the body. The lugs  26  protruding from each end of the support arm  25  are received in complementary slots  34  in the housing  30 . Accordingly, the support arm  25  is slidably movable within the slots  34 , allowing the pad  6  to move slidably relative to the housing  30 . 
     The extent of movement of the pad  6  is defined by the slots  34 . In a first position shown in  FIG. 7 , the lugs  26  abut an upper end  37  of each slot  34  and the pad  6  protrudes, at least partially, from the housing  30 . In a second position (not shown), the lugs  26  abut a lower end  38  of each slot  34 , defined by the cap  32 , and the pad  6  is withdrawn inside the housing  30 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 11 , a pair of springs  35  are fixed to the cap  32  and urge against a lower surface  36  of the support arm  25 . The springs  35  bias the pad  6  towards the first position shown in  FIG. 7 . 
     The pad  6  is movable between the first and second positions by means of an engagement mechanism  40 , which is shown in  FIG. 7 . The engagement mechanism  40  comprises a motor  41 , which rotates a pair of cams  42 , engaged with respective lugs  26  at each end of the support arm  25 . Rotation of the motor  41  and the cam  42  causes linear sliding movement of the support arm  25  and, hence, the pad  6 . Accordingly, the pad  6  may be moved reciprocally between the first and second positions upon actuation of the motor  41 . 
     In the first position, the contact surface  7  is sealingly engaged with the ink ejection face  8 , as shown in detail in  FIG. 5A . In the second position, the contact surface  7 , is disengaged from the ink ejection  8 , as shown in  FIG. 4A . In between these two positions, the contact surface  7  may be either progressively contacting or peeling away from the ink ejection face  8 . 
       FIG. 12  shows the perpendicular movement of the pad  6  with respect to the ink ejection face  8 . As discussed above, this movement together with the profile of the contact surface  7  allows the printhead  5  to be maintained in an operable condition by sealing, cleaning and/or nozzle-clearing actions. 
     Alternative Pad Configurations 
     In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 4-12 , the pad  6  is moved linearly and substantially perpendicularly with respect to the ink ejection face  8 . The pad  6  is shown in  FIGS. 4A and 12  having a sloped contact surface  7  in the form of a straight-line gradient. This sloped contact surface  7  allows it to be progressively contacted with and peeled away from the ink ejection face  8  during engagement and disengagement respectively. 
     However, the contact surface may adopt other profiles and still achieve a similar effect when moved perpendicularly with respect to the ink ejection face  8 .  FIGS. 13 and 14  show two alternative configurations for the pad  6  in which the contact surface  7  has a curved profile in cross-section. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 15A-C , the pad may alternatively be in the form of a cylinder  50 , extending along the length of the printhead  5 . The cylinder may be moved perpendicularly with respect to the ink ejection face  8  so that it is in either an engaged or a disengaged position.  FIGS. 15A-C  show progressive contacting of a curved contact surface  51  of the cylinder  50  so that it is brought into sealing engagement with the ink ejection face  8 . The reverse process of peeling the contact surface  51  away from the ink ejection face  8  cleans the face or clears blocked nozzles on the printhead  5 , as described above. The cylinder  50  is offset from the printhead  5  so that any ink drawn from the printhead moves towards an edge portion of the printhead during disengagement, and not towards the centre. 
     Any of these alternative pads may readily be incorporated into the printhead maintenance station  20  described above by simple replacement of the pad  6  in  FIG. 11 . 
     Printhead Maintenance Station Having Rotational Pad Movement 
     In all the embodiments described thus far, the contact surface  7  has been sloped. With a sloped contact surface  7 , linear motion of the pad  6  produces the peeling action required by the invention. However, as an alternative, the pad  6  may be moved rotationally in order to achieve the progressive engagement and peeling disengagement from the ink ejection face  8 . 
     In  FIGS. 16A-C , there is shown a pad  60  mounted on an arm  61 , which is attached to a pivot  62  at one end. The arm  61  is rotated by means of a motor  63  connected to the pivot  62 . The pad  60  has a flat contact surface  64 , which is progressively contacted with the ink ejection face  8  by virtue of the rotational movement of the arm  61 . In the reverse process (not shown), the pad  60  is peeled away from the ink ejection face  8  also by virtue of the rotational movement of the arm  61 . The pad  60  may be cuboid-shaped in this embodiment, since the requisite engagement and disengagement action is generated by the rotational movement of the pad. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 16A-C , the pad is progressively contacted (and, by the reverse process, peeled away) along the longitudinal direction of the printhead  5 . The printhead  5  has longitudinal rows of nozzles (not shown), with each row ejecting the same colored ink. By engaging/disengaging the pad  60  along the longitudinal direction of the printhead  5 , color mixing between adjacent rows of nozzles is minimized as ink is drawn longitudinally along the ink ejection face  8  towards a transverse edge portion of the face and the pad  60 . 
     Printhead Maintenance Station Having Rolling Pad Movement 
     As shown in  FIG. 17 , the pad may alternatively be in the form a roller  70 , which extends along the length of the printhead  5 . In this embodiment, the roller  70  is rolled transversely across the ink ejection face  8  so that a leading peel zone  71  between the roller and the face is dry, and a tailing peel zone  72  between the roller and the face is wet. As explained above, this difference is due to an advancing contact angle at the leading peel zone  71  being greater than a receding contact angle at the tailing peel zone  72 . Accordingly, the rolling action has the effect of cleaning the ink ejection face  8  due to this contact angle hysteresis. Unlike the embodiments described above, in this embodiment, advancing and receding contact angles are experienced simultaneously by different surfaces of the roller  70 . 
     The roller  70  is rolled across the ink ejection face using a rolling mechanism  73 . The rolling mechanism  73  comprises a pivot arm  74  to which the roller  70  is rotatably mounted at one end. The pivot arm  74  is pivoted about a pivot  75 , and an opposite end of the arm is moved by means of a solenoid  76 . Actuation of the solenoid  76  causes the pivot arm  74  to pivot and the roller  70  is consequently rolled transversely across the ink ejection face  8 . 
     Absorbent Wicking Element Adjacent Printhead for Removing Ink 
     In all the embodiments described above, the cleaning action of the pad  6  generally deposits ink towards a predetermined region of the contact surface  7 , which is typically an edge portion. Some ink may also be deposited on an edge portion of the ink ejection face  8 —either a transverse edge portion or a longitudinal edge portion depending on the configuration or movement of the pad  6 . 
       FIG. 18  shows an embodiment where deposited ink  81  is removed by means of a wicking element  80  positioned adjacent a longitudinal edge  83  of the printhead  5 . The wicking element  80  wicks ink away from a longitudinal edge portion  82  of the contact surface  7  and/or the ink ejection face  8 . From  FIG. 18 , it can be seen that the edge portion  82  of the contact surface  7  extends past an edge of the printhead  5 , allowing the edge portion  82  to contact with the wicking element  80  adjacent the printhead. Hence, ink deposited at the edge portion  82 , as the contact surface  7  peels away from the ink ejection face  8 , is transferred onto the wicking element  80 . The edge portion  82  is the final point of contact between the contact surface  7  and the ink ejection face  8  during disengagement. 
     The pad  6  and wicking element  80  are configured to move ink away from an opposite longitudinal edge portion  84  of the printhead  5 , which comprises wirebond encapsulant  85 . The encapsulant  85  protects wirebonds (not shown) connecting the printhead  5  to other printer components (not shown). 
     The crowded environment around the printhead  5  means that the wirebonded edge portion  84  is relatively inaccessible. It is an advantage of the present invention that the pad  6  can access and move ink away from this severely crowded edge portion  84 . 
     The wicking element  80  is formed from an absorbent material, such as paper or foam, and is positioned in a cavity defined between a print media guide  86  and a support  87  on which the printhead  5  and print media guide are mounted. The print media guide  86  has a guide surface  88  for guiding print media past the printhead  5  when the pad  6  is fully disengaged from the ink ejection face  8 . 
     An ink collector  89  receives ink that has wicked through the wicking element  80 , ensuring that ink is always removed away from the printhead  5 . 
     Wicking Channel Adjacent Printhead for Removing Ink 
     With repeated maintenance operations, the wicking element  80  may become damaged after repeated engagement of the pad  6 . In particular, if the wicking element  80  is comprised of paper and saturated with absorbed ink, it may disintegrate when contacted with the contact surface  7 . Whilst more robust wicking materials may be used, a problem remains in that wicking rates through the material are relatively slow. 
     In an alternative embodiment, and referring to  FIGS. 19 and 20 , a film  120  is positioned adjacent the longitudinal edge  83  of the printhead  5 . The film  120  has a proximal longitudinal edge  121  and a distal longitudinal edge  122  relative to the printhead  5 . The film  120  cooperates with the support  87  to define a wicking channel  124 . The distal longitudinal edge  122  may be attached to the support  87  via a plurality of anchor points  123 . The anchor points  123  may be, for example, spots of adhesive spaced apart along the distal edge  122 . Alternatively, the distal edge  122  of the film  120  may be fixed to the paper guide  86 , and the film held in position by being sandwiched between the support  87  and the paper guide. 
     The film  120  is typically a biaxially oriented polyester film (e.g. Mylar® film). Due to the stiffness and resilience of the film  120 , attachment to the support  87  along the distal longitudinal edge  122  provides a tapered wicking channel  124 . A channel inlet  125  is provided adjacent the longitudinal edge  83  of the printhead  5 , while a channel outlet  126  is provided distal from the printhead  5 . 
     Due to the tapering of the wicking channel  124 , ink received in the channel inlet  125  wicks rapidly along the channel towards the channel outlet  126  by capillary action, thereby removing ink away from the printhead  5 . Furthermore, since the anchor points  123  are spaced apart along the distal longitudinal edge  122  of the film  120 , ink can flow in between the anchor points and exit the channel outlet  126 . 
     A secondary wicking element  127  is positioned between the media guide  86  and the support  87  at the channel outlet  126 . The secondary wicking element  87  is positioned to receive ink from the channel outlet  126  and wicks ink into the ink collector  89 . The secondary wicking element  127  is comprised of an absorbent material, such as paper or foam. Since the secondary wicking element  127  is not physically contacted by the pad  6  during printhead maintenance operations, it has a comparatively long lifetime compared to the wicking element  80  described above. 
     Referring to  FIG. 20 , a plurality of vents in the form of slots  128  are defined in the film  120  towards its proximal longitudinal edge  121 . The slots  128  are positioned for receiving any ink, which does not enter the channel inlet  125 . For example, any ink deposited on the outer surface of the film  120  (i.e. the upper surface of the film  120  as shown in  FIG. 19 ) during printhead maintenance, is wicked into the channel  124  via the slots  128 . The elongate slots  128 , extending longitudinally along the film  120 , have been shown to be particularly effective in wicking ink into the channel  124 . However, any shape of vent may equally be used for the same purpose. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 21 and 22 , there is shown a printhead maintenance operation including cooperation of the contact surface  7  and the film  120 . In  FIG. 21 , the pad  6  is fully engaged with the printhead  5 . The edge portion  82  of the contact surface  7  abuts against the film  120 , urging the film against the support  87 . The edge portion  82  contacts the film  120  so that the vents  128  are sealed by the contact surface  7 . In this way, any ink on the edge portion  82  of the contact surface  7  is squeezed into the vents  128  and into the channel  124 , during engagement of the pad  6 . 
     In  FIG. 22 , the contact surface  7  has peeled away from the ink ejection face  8  so that ink  81  has moved towards the edge portions  82  and  83 . Due to the resilience of the film  120  (and due, in part, to stiction forces between the film  120  and the contact surface  7 ), the tapered channel  124  is defined as the pad  6  is disengaged from the printhead  5 . Accordingly, as shown in  FIG. 22 , the ink  81  removed from the ink ejection face  8  is positioned in the channel inlet  125  at the point of disengagement. 
     Once the ink  81  has entered the channel inlet  125 , it is rapidly wicked towards the channel outlet  126  due to the tapering of the channel  124  and the capillary action provided thereby. The ink  81  is subsequently received by the secondary wicking element  127  and deposited into the ink collector  89 . Hence, efficient and rapid removal of ink  81  away from the contact surface  7  and/or printhead  5  is achieved. 
     Engagement Mechanism with Rotating Pad-Cleaning Action 
     As described above, a wicking element  80  or film  120  may be positioned adjacent an edge portion  83  of the printhead  5 , so that ink  81  is removed from the contact surface  7 , ready for the next cleaning sequence. 
     In an alternative embodiment, the maintenance station may be configured so that ink is removed from contact surface  7  after the pad  6  is disengaged from the printhead face  8 . In this embodiment, the engagement mechanism is configured to move the contact surface  7  into engagement with a remote cleaning means after it has disengaged from the printhead face  8 . For example, rotation of the pad  6  after disengagement may be used to bring the contact surface  7  into cleaning engagement with a squeegee or blotter. Rotation may, for example, rock the pad through an arc and past a squeegee. Alternatively, rotation may be fully through 180° using a similar mechanism to those used in rotating ‘self-inking’ stamps. Self-inking stamps have been known for decades in the stamping art (see, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 239,779; 405,704; 669,137; 827,347; 1,121,940; 2,079,080; 2,312,727; 2,919,645; 3,364,856; 3,402,663; 3,631,799; 3,952,653; 3,988,987; 4,432,281 and 4,852,489, the contents of which are incorporated herein by cross-reference), and the skilled person will readily appreciate how such stamping mechanisms may be used to rotate the pad  6  through 180° onto a blotter after it has disengaged from the printhead face  8 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 23A , there is shown in cross-section a printhead cartridge  91  comprising the printhead  5  mounted on support  87 . Encapsulated wirebonds  85  extend from one longitudinal edge of the printhead  5 , while the media guide  86  is fixed to the support  87  on an opposite side of the printhead. Still referring to  FIG. 23A , there is also shown a printhead maintenance station  100  comprising the pad  6  having the contact surface  7  for engagement with the ink ejection face  8  of the printhead  5 . The pad is mounted on a cradle  101 , which can be moved vertically towards the printhead  5  and which can also be rotated or rocked towards a rubber squeegee  102  fixed to a wall  103  of the maintenance station  100 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 23B , the sloped contact surface  7  is brought into sealing engagement with the printhead face  8  by moving the pad  6  vertically upwards using an engagement mechanism (not shown) similar to that shown in  FIGS. 7-11 . 
     In  FIG. 23C , the printhead face  8  is cleaned by moving the pad  6  vertically downwards, thereby peeling the contact surface  7  away from the printhead face. A droplet of ink  104  is deposited along an edge portion of the contact surface  7  after it has disengaged from the printhead. 
     In  FIG. 23D , the engagement mechanism (not shown) moves the cradle  101  further downwards so that its bottom surface  105  abuts with a cam surface  106  on the maintenance station. Abutment of the cradle  101  with the cam surface  106  causes the cradle to rock towards the rubber squeegee  102 . The squeegee  102  removes the ink droplet  104  from the contact surface  7  as it rocks past the squeegee. This cleans the pad ready for re-use in the next maintenance cycle. Any suitable cleaning means, such as a foam pad, may of course be used to clean the pad  6  instead of the rubber squeegee  102  shown in  FIGS. 19A-D . 
     Finally, the cradle  101  is moved back into the position shown in  FIG. 23A , which completes the maintenance cycle. A biasing mechanism (not shown) rocks the cradle  101  back into its vertical position shown in  FIG. 23A  as the cradle is moved upwards and away from the cam surface  106 . 
     It will, of course, be appreciated that the present invention has been described purely by way of example and that modifications of detail may be made within the scope of the invention, which is defined by the accompanying s.