Canon SmartBase MPC400, Service Manual

Page: 42 / 179

2-12
SmartBase MPC600F/MPC400 Chapter 2: Technical Reference
3.4 Purge Section
3.4.1 Purge section functions
In order to maintain good printing quality, the purge section maintains the BJ cartridge's nozzles. The
purge section's functions consist of capping and cleaning.
a) Capping
The purge unit's cap is pressed against the print head's face to protect the nozzles from dust, etc., and to
prevent the nozzles from drying out. To prevent the capping position from shifting, the carriage is
locked in place at the same time.
When the cap is open while the printer is on standby for printing and a certain period of time elapses
(55 sec. with no paper or 20 min. with paper loaded), the print head will be capped automatically. You
can also cap the print head by pressing the ON/OFF button to turn off the machine.
b) Cleaning
Cleaning executes the following operations:
Wiping: Paper residue and dried ink on the print head's face plate are wiped off.
Suction: The ink is sucked out of the print head to refresh the nozzles with new ink.
Maintenance jet: To eliminate any air bubbles in the head's nozzles and to remove waste particles near
the nozzle openings, ink is ejected from the nozzles onto the cap and maintenance jet receptacle.
Cleaning is performed at the times below to ensure that the head produces high-quality printing.