JP2001138540A - Printing head protecting apparatus and operation control method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a printing head protecting apparatus for an ink jet printer capable of preventing not only the clogging of nozzles but also the color mixture of ink at the time of starting and capable of reducing the waste of ink. SOLUTION: A printing head protecting apparatus is equipped with a cap 5 covering the printing surface 1a of the printing head of an ink jet printer at the time of non-printing operation, a cap transfer mechanism 15 allowing the cap 5 to advance or retreat with respect to the printing surface 1a of the printing head 1 and a main control part 17A for controlling the operation of the cap transfer mechanism 15 in a predetermined timing. A moisture retaining liquid supply mechanisms for supplying a predetermined amount of a moisture retaining liquid to the cap is provided in the cap and the main control part 17A has a liquid supply operation control function for controlling the operation of the moisture retaining liquid supply mechanism 4 in a predetermined timing.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a print head protection device and an operation control method thereof, and more particularly, to a print head protection device for an ink jet printer print head and an operation control method thereof.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, non-impact recording systems have been widely adopted in printers in that noise during recording is extremely small and the recording speed is high. Among the non-impact recording methods, the ink jet recording method is a recording method for recording characters, figures, and the like by attaching an ink liquid onto a recording paper by flying the ink liquid from a print head for printing. According to this ink jet recording method, recording can be performed on plain paper without performing a special fixing process. This ink jet recording system is roughly classified into three types: a continuous ejection type, an on-demand type (impulse type), and an electrostatic attraction type. Among them, the on-demand type has a structure in which a discharge energy generating element such as a piezoelectric element is driven only when necessary to discharge an ink liquid from an ink nozzle. For this reason, there is an advantage that useless ink consumption is reduced. However, according to this generally known on-demand type ink jet printer, it is possible to perform high-speed recording on plain paper, but when printing is not performed, that is, when the print head is not used for a long time, Ink evaporates, paint and the like clog the nozzles, and cannot be used in subsequent printing.

[0003] An apparatus for preventing the clogging of the print head which solves this problem is disclosed in JP-A-03-138157, JP-A-04-355153 and JP-A-07-2502.
It is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. Among them, JP-A-03-1
The device for preventing clogging disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 38157 discloses a cap for shutting off a nozzle of an inkjet head from the outside, a pump connected to this cap via a pipe, and holding ink to be supplied to the above-described nozzle. Ink tank, a storage tank for holding the moisturizing liquid to be supplied to the above-described nozzle, and a flow path provided between the above-mentioned nozzle and the ink tank and between the nozzle and the storage tank for communicating with each other. It has a configuration provided with a switching valve for switching the flow path and the flow path on the moisturizing liquid side. And
With this configuration, when the operation of the print head is stopped for a long time, the cap is periodically brought into close contact with the nozzle surface, the ink-side flow path is closed, the moisturizing liquid-side flow path is opened, and the pump is operated. In addition to sucking and discharging the ink inside the head, the moisturizing liquid is sucked from the storage tank to replace the inside of the head with the moisturizing liquid, thereby preventing clogging of the print head. Also, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 04-35515
No. 3, the device for preventing clogging is disclosed in
A porous body having a high ink retention property is provided inside a cap that shuts off a nozzle of an inkjet head from the outside, and ink is supplied to the porous body by supplying ink to the porous body by a pump. The print head is kept moist by contacting the print head with the print head. Further, in the apparatus for preventing clogging disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 07-250020, a cap covering a print head is connected to a discharge ink tank provided with an ink holding member therein. And when the print head is covered with a cap,
The print head is kept moist by keeping the inside of the cap moist with the vapor of the waste ink.

[0004]

However, in the conventional example disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 03-138157, the ink inside the head is forcibly discharged, so that a large amount of ink is consumed except for the printing operation. There is a disadvantage that the cost increases. On the other hand, JP-A-04-3551
In the conventional example disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 53, the ink held by the porous body is wasted, and the ink adheres to the nozzle surface, so that different inks are mixed and the image of the printed matter is coarsely deteriorated. In order to solve this, a large amount of preliminary ejection is required, which causes a disadvantage that ink consumption increases. Further, when the printing head is not used for a long period of time and left unattended, the capacity of the ink inside the cap becomes insufficient, and there is a disadvantage that the nozzle surface gradually dries. On the other hand, in the conventional example disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 07-25020, in the initial state, the inside of the waste ink tank is empty, and there is a problem that it is impossible to keep moisture until a certain amount of ink is accumulated. . Furthermore, since the structure is not such that the nozzle surface and the waste ink are in direct contact with each other, there is an inconvenience that sufficient moisture retention cannot be obtained.

[0005]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned conventional problems, and it is intended to prevent nozzle clogging, prevent color mixing of ink at the time of starting, and reduce waste of ink. It is an object of the present invention to provide a print head protection device for an ink jet printer and an operation control method for the same, which are capable of performing the above.

[0006]

In order to achieve the above object, in each of the inventions relating to a print head protection device according to claims 1 to 5, a cap for covering a print surface of a print head for an ink jet printer during a non-printing operation is provided. A cap transfer mechanism for pushing or retracting the cap toward the printing surface of the print head, and a main control unit for controlling the operation of the cap transfer mechanism at a predetermined timing are provided. Further, a moisturizing liquid supply mechanism for supplying a predetermined amount of moisturizing liquid to the cap described above is provided along with the cap. Further, the main control section has a liquid supply operation control function for controlling the operation of the moisturizing liquid supply mechanism at a predetermined timing.

For this reason, in each of the first to fifth aspects of the present invention, during a non-printing operation, the main control unit controls the cap transfer mechanism at a predetermined timing to raise the cap, thereby lowering the printing surface of the print head from below. cover. At this time, the main control unit (liquid supply operation control function) controls the moisturizing liquid supply mechanism at a predetermined timing to supply the moisturizing liquid to the inside of the cap. For this reason, since the print head is moisturized with the moisturizing liquid, drying of the ink is prevented and clogging of the nozzles of the print head is prevented.

Here, the driving portion of the above-described cap transfer mechanism may be formed by an electromagnetic solenoid. By doing so, a lightweight and inexpensive cap transfer mechanism can be obtained.

Further, the above-mentioned moisturizing liquid supply mechanism is, specifically, a storage tank for storing the above-mentioned moisturizing liquid, a pipe section for transferring the moisturizing liquid which communicates the storing tank with the cap, And a liquid transfer pump for transferring a predetermined amount of the above-mentioned moisturizing liquid from the above-mentioned storage tank to the above-mentioned cap.

For this reason, the liquid supply operation control function of the main control unit controls the liquid transfer pump at a predetermined timing, so that the moisturizing liquid in the storage tank flows through the piping and is automatically supplied to the cap.

Further, the above-mentioned liquid transfer pump is a reversible liquid transfer pump for transferring a predetermined amount of the moisturizing liquid from one (storage tank) to the other (cap) or from the other (cap) to one (storage tank). Then it is even better. In this case, when no moisturizing liquid is needed inside the cap during printing operation or the like, the pump is rotated in reverse to return the moisturizing liquid from the cap to the storage tank, thereby preventing the moisturizing liquid from evaporating.

Further, the above-mentioned main control section drives and controls the above-mentioned liquid transfer pump at a predetermined timing after the cap retreat operation by the above-mentioned cap transfer mechanism, draws out the above-mentioned moisturizing liquid from inside the above-mentioned cap, and stores the above-mentioned storage tank. A liquid suction operation control function for returning to For this reason, when removing the moisturizing liquid from the cap by the liquid transfer pump, the liquid transfer pump is driven and controlled at a predetermined timing after the cap retreat operation, so that the inside of the cap does not become negative pressure, so that the inside of the cap is easily removed from the inside of the cap. Can absorb moisturizer.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a print head protecting device for covering a print surface of a print head for an ink jet printer during a non-printing operation, and directing the cap toward the print surface of the print head. The apparatus includes a cap transfer mechanism for pushing out or retreating, and a main control unit for controlling the operation of the cap transfer mechanism at a predetermined timing. Further, a humectant supply / discharge mechanism for supplying a predetermined amount of humectant to the cap or sucking out the humectant from the cap and discharging the same to the outside is provided in the cap. Furthermore, the main control unit described above
A switching operation control function is provided for controlling the switching between the supply and discharge of the moisturizing liquid supply / discharge mechanism and the supply or discharge of the moisturizing liquid at a predetermined timing.

For this reason, in each of the inventions described in claims 6 to 8, the main control unit controls the cap transfer mechanism at a predetermined timing to raise the cap during the non-printing operation, thereby lowering the print surface of the print head from below. cover. At this time, the main control unit (switching operation control function) switches the moisturizing liquid supply mechanism to the liquid supply side at a predetermined timing and controls the supply operation, thereby supplying the moisturizing liquid inside the cap. For this reason, since the print head is moisturized with the moisturizing liquid, drying of the ink is prevented and clogging of the nozzles of the print head is prevented. When the moisturizing liquid inside the cap becomes unnecessary during a printing operation or the like, the main control unit (switching operation control function) switches the moisturizing liquid supply mechanism to the liquid discharging side at a predetermined timing and performs the discharging operation. By controlling, the moisturizing liquid inside the cap is discharged. For this reason, unnecessary moisturizing liquid is discharged, and when the print surface of the print head is moisturized again, a new moisturizing liquid is used, so that a high moisturizing effect is maintained and color mixing of ink is prevented. .

Here, the above-mentioned moisturizing liquid supply / discharge mechanism, specifically, a storage tank for storing the above-mentioned moisturizing liquid, a piping section for transferring the moisturizing liquid which communicates the storing tank with the cap, A liquid supply / discharge pump provided in the piping section and having reversibility; a liquid discharge pipe branched from the piping section on the storage tank side of the liquid supply / discharge pump; The above-mentioned main control unit is configured to have a switching valve unit provided at a branch portion from the above-mentioned piping unit, and the main control unit is configured to supply the liquid to the cap by interlocking the switching valve unit and the liquid supply / discharge pump. The liquid discharging operation is selected and set, and the above-described switching operation control function is executed.

Therefore, when supplying the moisturizing liquid to the inside of the cap, the main control unit (switching operation control function) operates the switching valve unit and the liquid supply / discharge pump at a predetermined timing to link the liquid to the cap. The supply operation is selected and set, and the moisturizer is automatically supplied inside the cap. For this reason, the print head is moisturized with the moisturizing liquid, so that drying of the ink is prevented and clogging of the nozzles of the print head is prevented. When the moisturizing liquid is discharged from the inside of the cap, the main control unit (switching operation control function) interlocks the switching valve unit and the liquid supply / discharge pump at a predetermined timing to selectively set the liquid discharging operation to the cap. And the moisturizer inside the cap is automatically drained. For this reason, unnecessary moisturizing liquid is discharged, and when the print surface of the print head is moisturized again, a new moisturizing liquid is used, so that a high moisturizing effect is maintained and color mixing of ink is prevented. .

Further, the above-mentioned switching valve portion may be constituted by the above-mentioned first opening / closing valve provided on the storage tank side and the above-mentioned second opening / closing valve provided on the liquid discharge pipe side. . In this case, after closing the second opening / closing valve together with opening the first opening / closing valve, the liquid supply / discharge pump is operated to the supply side, so that the moisturizing liquid is automatically supplied into the cap. . In addition, after opening the second opening / closing valve in conjunction with closing the first opening / closing valve, the liquid supply / discharge pump is operated to the discharge side, whereby the moisturizing liquid inside the cap is automatically discharged.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a print head protecting device which covers a print surface of a print head for an ink jet printer during a non-printing operation, and which is provided with the cap of the print head described above. The apparatus includes a cap transfer mechanism that pushes out or retreats toward the surface, and a main control unit that controls the operation of the cap transfer mechanism at a predetermined timing. Further, a humectant supply / discharge mechanism for supplying a predetermined amount of humectant to the cap or sucking the humectant from the cap and discharging the same to the outside is provided in the cap. Further, the main control unit has a liquid supply / discharge operation function for controlling the operation of the moisturizing liquid supply / discharge mechanism at a predetermined timing.

For this reason, in each of the inventions according to the ninth to fourteenth aspects, the main control unit controls the cap transfer mechanism at a predetermined timing to raise the cap during the non-printing operation, thereby lowering the print surface of the print head from below. cover. At this time, the main control unit (switching operation control function) switches the moisturizing liquid supply mechanism to the liquid supply side at a predetermined timing and controls the supply operation, thereby supplying the moisturizing liquid inside the cap.
For this reason, since the print head is moisturized with the moisturizing liquid,
Drying of the ink is prevented, and clogging of the nozzles of the print head is prevented. When the moisturizing liquid inside the cap becomes unnecessary during a printing operation or the like, the main control unit (switching operation control function) switches the moisturizing liquid supply mechanism to the liquid discharging side at a predetermined timing and performs the discharging operation. By controlling, the moisturizing liquid inside the cap is discharged, so that the unnecessary moisturizing liquid is discharged, and when the print surface of the print head is moisturized again, a new moisturizing liquid is used. For this reason, a high moisturizing effect is maintained and color mixing of ink is prevented.

Further, the above-described moisturizing liquid supply / discharge mechanism includes a liquid supply mechanism for supplying a predetermined amount of the above-mentioned moisturizing liquid to the cap, and sucks and discharges the above-mentioned moisturizing liquid from the cap at a predetermined timing to the outside. And a liquid discharging mechanism. Further, the above-mentioned main control unit has a switching drive control function of switching between the above-mentioned liquid supply mechanism unit and the liquid discharge mechanism unit at a predetermined timing, and then controlling the operation thereof.

For this reason, the main control unit (switching drive control function)
By switching the liquid supply mechanism and the liquid discharge mechanism at a predetermined timing, the supply of the humectant to the cap and the discharge of the humectant from the cap are performed. Since the liquid supply mechanism and the liquid discharge mechanism are provided separately as described above, the new moisturizing liquid and the discharged moisturizing liquid are prevented from being mixed with each other, preventing the color mixture of the ink and maintaining a high moisturizing effect. Is done.

In this case, the liquid supply mechanism section is, specifically, a storage tank for storing the above-mentioned moisturizing liquid, and a first piping for transferring the moisturizing liquid which communicates the storage tank with the above-mentioned cap. A liquid supply pump provided in the first pipe for transferring a predetermined amount of the above-mentioned moisturizing liquid from the above-mentioned storage tank to the above-mentioned cap. For this reason, the liquid supply pump operates according to a command from the main control unit (switching drive control function), and the humectant is automatically supplied to the cap through the first pipe from the storage tank.

Further, a first opening / closing valve for supplying liquid is provided in a first pipe portion located between the above-mentioned storage tank and the liquid supply pump, and the above-mentioned main control unit is provided with the above-mentioned liquid supply pump. And a liquid supply valve opening control function for controlling the opening of the first opening / closing valve by prioritizing the start control of the liquid supply. For this reason, the opening of the first opening / closing valve is controlled by a command from the main control unit (liquid supply valve opening control function). Thereafter, the liquid supply pump operates in response to a command from the main control unit (switching drive control function), and the first supply from the storage tank is performed.
The humectant is automatically supplied to the cap by flowing through the pipe.

Here, specifically, the above-mentioned liquid discharging mechanism is connected to the second moisturizing liquid discharging mechanism provided on the above-mentioned cap.
And a liquid discharge pump which is provided in the second pipe and sends out the moisturizing liquid in the cap described above to the outside. Therefore, the liquid discharge pump is operated by a command from the main control unit (switching drive control function), and the humectant is discharged to the outside through the second pipe from the cap.

Further, a second opening / closing valve for discharging the liquid is provided in a second pipe portion located on the liquid delivery side of the liquid discharging pump, and the main control unit described above starts the liquid discharging pump. Main control unit that controls the opening and closing of the second opening / closing valve by prioritizing the control (liquid discharge valve opening control function)
It has. For this reason, the opening of the second opening / closing valve is controlled by a command from the main control unit (liquid discharge valve opening control function). After this, the main control unit (switching drive control function)
, The liquid discharge pump operates and the humectant is discharged to the outside through the second pipe from the cap.

The invention according to claim 15 relates to the invention relating to the print head protection device according to claims 1 to 14,
The above-mentioned main control unit has a liquid supply control function of controlling the drive of the above-mentioned liquid supply mechanism unit to supply the above-mentioned moisturizing liquid into the above-mentioned cap, prior to the pushing operation of the above-mentioned cap transfer mechanism with respect to the above-mentioned cap. Have.
For this reason, since the supply pressure of the pump does not directly act on the nozzles of the print head, the penetration of the moisturizing liquid into the nozzles is minimized, and there is no need to perform a preliminary discharge at the start of the printing operation. Since normal printing can be performed immediately after the start, it is possible to suppress wasteful consumption of ink due to purge discharge at the beginning of printing. Ink consumption can be reduced.

Further, the invention according to claim 16 relates to the invention relating to the print head protection device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the above-mentioned storage tank is detachably mounted on the above-mentioned piping section. For this reason, when the moisturizing liquid in the storage tank is exhausted, the supply of the moisturizing liquid can be easily performed by replacing the entire storage tank.

Further, the invention according to claim 17 relates to the invention relating to the print head protection device according to claims 1 to 14, wherein the moisturizing liquid is a colorless and transparent liquid containing no coloring agent. Therefore, color mixing of ink can be prevented.

Further, the invention according to claim 18 relates to the invention relating to the print head protection device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein a part or all of the above-mentioned pipe portion is formed by a flexible resin hose. For this reason, since the piping portion is flexible, the cap transfer mechanism can be easily formed, and the print head moisturizing device can be reduced in weight.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a cap for covering a print surface of a print head for an ink jet printer during a non-printing operation, and a cap for covering the print surface of the print head for a non-print operation. A cap transfer mechanism that pushes or retracts toward
A moisturizing liquid supply mechanism for supplying a predetermined amount of moisturizing liquid to the cap described above, and while the print head is operating, the cap is set to the retracted state via the cap transfer mechanism described above, and the cap is set as described above. When the print head completes its printing operation and stops at a preset non-printing operation position, the above-mentioned moisturizing liquid supply mechanism is driven at a predetermined timing to supply a predetermined amount of moisturizing liquid to the above-mentioned cap. A moisturizing liquid supply step, operating when a predetermined amount of moisturizing liquid is supplied to the cap, extruding the cap transfer mechanism described above by a predetermined amount toward the print surface of the print head, and pressing the print surface of the print head A printing surface fitting step of fitting with a cap.

Therefore, since the supply pressure of the pump does not directly act on the nozzles of the print head, the penetration of the moisturizing liquid into the nozzles is minimized, and it is necessary to perform preliminary discharge at the start of the printing operation. And the consumption of ink can be reduced.

Further, in the invention relating to the operation control method of the print head protection device according to the twentieth aspect, when the above-mentioned print head is set to the operating state, it is actuated immediately, and the above-mentioned cap is retracted via the above-mentioned cap transfer mechanism. It is preferable to provide a humectant discharging step of setting the state described above and thereafter operating the humectant supplying mechanism to suck and discharge the humectant from the above-described cap. In this case, the used moisturizer is discharged to prevent color mixing of the ink, and a new moisturizer can be used.
A high moisturizing effect is always maintained.

[0033]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [First Embodiment of the Present Invention] A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 (A) and 1 (B). The ink jet printer includes at least a print head 1 and a print head protection device 3 that keeps the print head 1 sealed and moisturized from the outside air when the print head 1 stops recording. The print head 1 is mounted on a carriage C, and is guided and supported by the carriage C so as to be able to reciprocate in a recording area along a guide rail R. The print head protection device 3 described above is provided at a predetermined position (so-called home position) within the movement range of the carriage C and outside the recording area.

The print head 1 is of an ink jet type for printing characters and figures on printing paper by ejecting ink from nozzles. The print head 1 includes a plurality of nozzles formed on the print surface 1a and a plurality of pressure chambers (not shown) corresponding to the respective nozzles. Further, each pressure chamber is connected to each ink tank (not shown) for storing ink via a valve. Each of the ink tanks stores ink of a different color. Then, the valve is opened to fill the pressure chamber with ink from the ink tank, and by applying ejection energy to the ink in the pressure chamber, ink droplets are ejected from each nozzle. Characters and figures are drawn with these ink droplets.

As shown in FIG. 1A, the print head protection device 3 includes a cap 5 for covering the print surface 1a of the print head 1 for an ink jet printer during a non-printing operation, and the cap 5 A cap transfer mechanism 15 for extruding or retreating toward the first printing surface 1a;
A main control unit 17 for controlling the operation of the cap transfer mechanism 15 at a predetermined timing is provided. Further, a moisturizing liquid supply mechanism 4 for supplying a predetermined amount of the moisturizing liquid 6 to the cap 5 described above is provided alongside the cap 5 described above.

Here, as the moisturizing liquid 6, a liquid for moisturizing the nozzles of the print head 1 is used. As the moisturizing liquid 6, a colorless and transparent ink containing no paint, no pigment or the like is used. The moisturizing liquid 6 contains a high-boiling-point solvent (e.g., diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, glycerin, or the like) that does not easily evaporate, and does not contain water.

The cap 5 is shaped to cover the print head 1. The cap 5 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and an opening 51 is formed on an upper surface thereof. The opening 51 is provided with a seal member 52. When the seal member 52 contacts the carriage C, the cap 5 and the carriage C
Is sealed. Further, a cover (not shown) that covers the opening 51 can be provided in the opening 51 of the cap 5. This cover is formed to be openable and closable, and is in a covered state except that the cap 5 and the carriage C are in contact with each other. By forming in this way, evaporation of the moisturizing liquid 6 is prevented. In addition, it is possible to prevent the humectant 6 from spilling outside when the inkjet printer is moved. The cap 5 can be made of a synthetic resin, or can be made of steel such as aluminum. Further, two holes are formed on the lower surface of the cap 5 at predetermined intervals. A piping section 11 described below is connected to each of the holes.

It is also possible to provide a liquid level detecting means inside the cap 5. The liquid level detecting means outputs a signal to the main control unit 17 when the liquid level of the moisturizing liquid 6 in the cap 5 becomes lower than a predetermined height. This liquid level detecting means is, for example,
A float type that floats on the liquid surface is used.
When the moisturizing liquid evaporates by the liquid level detecting means and becomes equal to or less than a predetermined amount, a signal for supplying the moisturizing liquid to a main control unit 17 described later is output.

The moisturizing liquid supply mechanism 4 includes a storage tank 9 for storing the moisturizing liquid 6, piping sections 11 and 13 for transferring the moisturizing liquid that connects the storage tank 9 and the cap 5, and pipe sections 11 and 13 for transferring the moisturizing liquid. A predetermined amount of the moisturizing liquid 6 is provided in the storage tank 9.
And a liquid transfer pump 7 </ b> A that transfers the liquid to the cap 5.

The pipes 11 and 13 include a pipe 11 connecting the liquid transfer pump 7A and the cap 5 and a pipe 13 connecting the liquid transfer pump 7A and the storage tank 9. Is formed. The pipe portion 11 is bifurcated from the storage pump 7A and is connected to a hole provided in the cap 7. By dividing the first piping section 11 in this manner, the moisturizing liquid 6 can be supplied promptly. This pipe section 11 can be formed without being divided. The pipe sections 11 and 13 are partially or entirely formed of a bendable resin hose with a sufficient length that does not hinder the operation of the cap transfer mechanism 15. For this reason, when the cap transfer mechanism described later is operated, it does not bend and does not hinder the operation.

The liquid transfer pump 7A is connected to the cap 5 via a pipe 11 and the other is connected to the first
Tank 9. This liquid transfer pump 7A
Is a reversible liquid transfer pump 7A for transferring a predetermined amount of the moisturizing liquid 6 from one (storage tank 9) to the other (cap 5) or from the other (cap 5) to one (storage tank 9).
It is also possible to use When the reversible liquid transfer pump 7A is used, when the moisturizing liquid 6 is not required inside the cap 5 at the time of non-printing operation or the like, the moisturizing liquid 6 is sucked from the cap 5 and returned to the moisturizing liquid tank 9. This prevents the moisturizing liquid 6 from evaporating.

The storage tank 9 is formed in such a size that the moisturizing liquid 6 can be supplied to the cap 5 a plurality of times. The upper surface of the storage tank 9 is covered with an openable / closable cap. By opening the cap, the moisturizing liquid 6 is supplied. Here, as shown in FIG. 2, the storage tank 9 can be formed in a cartridge type that is detachable from the piping 13. In detail, one cylindrical engagement portion is provided at the end of the pipe portion 13, and the other cylindrical engagement portion detachably engaged with the one engagement portion is provided on the wall surface of the storage tank 9. Is formed. With this configuration, when the moisturizing liquid 6 in the storage tank 9 is exhausted, the storage tank 9 is replaced, so that the moisturizing liquid 6 can be easily replaced.
Can be replenished.

The cap transfer mechanism 15 is provided on the outer lower surface of the cap 5 and substantially at the center. The cap transfer mechanism 15 pushes or retracts the cap 5 toward the print surface 1a of the print head 1. The cap transfer mechanism 15 is formed of, for example, an electromagnetic solenoid.
The electromagnetic solenoid is connected to a main control unit 17 described later, and is controlled by the main control unit 17 at a predetermined timing. Further, the cap transfer mechanism 15 can be formed by combining a motor and a ball screw.

Further, a guide mechanism (not shown) is provided in the vicinity of the cap transfer mechanism 15 to allow the cap transfer mechanism 15 to be pushed or retracted. The guide mechanism, the cap transfer mechanism 15,
The storage tank 9, the liquid transfer pump 7A, a main control unit 17 described later, and the like are held in an ink jet printer.

The main control unit 17 has a CPU for performing arithmetic processing.
And a memory for storing various information. The main controller 17 can be replaced with a main controller for controlling the ink jet printer. The main control device has a home position return operation control function for returning the carriage C to a predetermined home position at the time of non-printing operation of the ink jet printer, for example, at the time of power-off or at the time of recording stop. The home position return operation control function also has an operation control function of returning the carriage C to the home position when the power is turned on again when the carriage C stops without returning to the home position due to a power failure or the like.

The main controller 17 includes contact detecting means 20 provided on the side wall surface of the cap 5 for detecting contact between the cap C and the print head 1 and outputting a contact signal, and held near the home position of the ink jet printer. And a position detecting means 21 for detecting that the print head 1 is located at a position (home position) at which the cap C can be covered and outputting a position signal to the main control unit 17A. The contact detecting means 20 and the position detecting means 21 are formed by proximity switches. As the position detecting means 21, a means provided in advance in the ink jet printer can be used.

The main controller 17 controls the carriage C during non-printing.
Is controlled to cover the print head 1 with the cap 5 by controlling the push-out or retreat operation of the cap transfer mechanism 15 when is at the home position. This control is performed until the proximity switch 20 outputs a contact signal. Further, the main control unit 17 operates the liquid transfer pump 7A until the moisturizing liquid 6 inside the cap 5 reaches a predetermined amount. The predetermined amount is such that when the print head 1 is covered with the cap 5, the print surface 1 a of the print head 1 is just immersed in the moisturizing liquid 6 and the moisturizing liquid 6 does not overflow from the inside of the cap 5.

Further, the main controller 17 has a liquid supply operation control function, a liquid suction operation control function, and a liquid supply control function. The liquid supply operation control function is a function of controlling the operation of the moisturizing liquid supply mechanism 4 at a predetermined timing. The predetermined timing is a timing at which the supply of the moisturizing liquid 6 is completed before the print head 1 is immersed in the moisturizing liquid 6 by the transfer by the cap transfer mechanism 15. The liquid suction operation control function is a function of driving and controlling the liquid transfer pump 7A at a predetermined timing after the retreat operation of the cap 5 by the cap transfer mechanism 15 to suck out the moisturizing liquid 6 from the inside of the cap 5 and return it to the storage tank 9. This function makes it easier for air to enter between the cap 5 and the print head 1, so that the humectant is easily discharged. Further, the liquid supply control function is a function of controlling the drive of the moisturizing liquid supply mechanism 4 to supply the moisturizing liquid 6 into the cap 5 prior to the pushing operation of the cap transfer mechanism 15 with respect to the cap 5. With this function, it is possible to prevent the supply pressure of the first pump 7A from acting on the inside of the nozzle of the print head 1. Therefore, it is possible to minimize the discharge of the moisturizing liquid 6 from the nozzle at the time of reprinting, so that the waste of ink due to the preliminary discharge of ink is minimized.

Further, the main controller 17A stops the print head 1 without returning to the home position due to a power failure or the like,
When the inkjet printer is stopped without being capped for a long time and the power of the ink jet printer is turned on again, the print head is returned to the home position, the moisturizing liquid 6 is supplied into the cap, and the cap transfer mechanism 15 pushes out the cap 5 by a predetermined amount.
Has a recapping operation control function for covering the print head 1 for a predetermined time.

Here, in the present embodiment, downward (FIG. 1)
The cap 5 is pushed up or down with respect to the print head 1 in the direction (A) by the cap transfer mechanism 15, but can be pushed out or down with respect to the horizontal print head. It is.
In this case, in order to prevent the humectant from leaking from the cap, a porous body having excellent holding properties of the humectant is provided inside the cap. The porous body is provided inside the cap 5 so as to come into contact with the tip of the print head when the print head 1 is covered with the cap 5. When the print head is covered with the cap during non-printing, the porous body holding the moisturizing liquid comes into contact with the print head, and the print head 1 is kept moist.

An operation control method according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 (A) and 1 (B). First, while the print head 1 is in operation, the cap 5 is set to the retracted state via the cap transfer mechanism 15, and the print head 1 completes its print operation and the print operation, and the preset non-print operation position (home position) When stopped at the predetermined position, the moisturizing liquid supply mechanism 15 is driven at a predetermined timing to supply a predetermined amount of the moisturizing liquid 6 to the cap 5 (moisturizing liquid supply step). Here, whether or not the printing operation has been completed is determined by whether or not the printing operation has been stopped at the home position for a predetermined time. The supply of the moisturizing liquid 6 by the moisturizing liquid supply mechanism 15 is performed by sucking the moisturizing liquid 6 from the storage tank 9 and discharging the same to the cap 5 by the liquid transfer pump 7A.

Next, when a predetermined amount of the moisturizing liquid 6 is supplied to the cap 5, the cap transfer mechanism 15 is pushed out toward the printing surface 1a of the print head 1 by a predetermined amount.
As shown in (B), the print surface 1a of the print head 1 is fitted with the cap 5 (print surface fitting step). These operations are performed by a backup power supply provided in the inkjet printer when the power of the inkjet printer is turned off.

When the print head 1 is set to the operation state, the operation is started immediately, the cap 5 is set to the retracted state via the cap transfer mechanism 15, and then the moisturizing liquid supply mechanism is operated to remove the cap 5 from the inside. The moisturizing liquid 6 is sucked and discharged (humidifying liquid discharging step). Moisturizing liquid supply mechanism 15
Is discharged by sucking the moisturizing liquid 6 inside the cap 5 by the liquid transfer pump 7A. Here, regarding the moisturizing liquid 6 inside the cap 5,
There is also a method of storing it in the cap 5 as it is. In this case, the opening 51 of the cap 5 is covered with a cover (not shown) to prevent the moisturizing liquid 6 from evaporating. Since the print surface 1a of the print head 1 is moisturized by the moisturizing liquid 6 during non-printing due to the operation as described above, solidification of the ink inside the nozzles of the print surface 1a is prevented.

Further, the operation control method of the first embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. This flowchart is used by being called from a main program by a timer interrupt or the like in a subroutine program.

First, it is determined whether or not the print head 1 is not printing (step S100). In the case of printing, the printing operation is performed as it is. Then, in the case of non-printing, it is determined whether or not the print head 1 is stopped at a preset non-printing operation position (home position). If the print head 1 is not at the home position, a process of returning to the home position is performed (S102). Then, when the print head 1 is at the home position, it is determined whether or not a predetermined amount of the moisturizing liquid 6 is supplied into the cap 5 (step S103). Moisturizing liquid 6 inside cap 5
Is not supplied, the moisturizing liquid supply mechanism 4 is operated in the supply direction (step S104).

If the moisturizing liquid 6 has been supplied to the inside of the cap 5, it is determined whether or not the printing surface 1a of the print head 1 is covered by the cap 5 (step S105). The print surface 1a of the print head 1 is a cap 5
If not, the cap transfer mechanism 14 operates in the pushing direction (step S106).

If the print surface 1a of the print head 1 is covered with the cap 5, it is determined whether or not the print head 1 is set to the operating state (step S).
107). If the print head 1 is not set to the operating state, the cap transfer mechanism 15 is kept operating in the pushing direction (step S108). Then, when the print head 1 is set to the operating state, it is determined whether or not the cap 5 is retracted (step S109). If the cap 5 has not retreated, the cap transfer mechanism 15 operates in the retreating direction (step S110). When the cap 5 is retracted, it is determined whether to keep the moisturizing liquid 6 inside the cap 5 or return it to the storage tank 9 (step S1).
11). When the moisturizing liquid 6 is retained, the opening 51 is covered with a cover in order to prevent evaporation. When returning the moisturizing liquid 6 to the storage tank 9, the moisturizing liquid supply mechanism 4
Operates in the direction of discharging the moisturizing liquid 6.

[Second Embodiment of the Present Invention] The second embodiment of the present invention
Will be described with reference to FIGS. 4A and 4B.
A predetermined amount of the moisturizing liquid 6 is supplied to the cap 5 or the cap 5
A moisturizing liquid supply / discharge mechanism 4A for sucking and discharging the moisturizing liquid 6 from the outside is provided along with the cap 5. In addition, the main control unit 17A has a switching operation control function of controlling switching of liquid supply / discharge of the moisturizing liquid supply mechanism 4A and supply or discharge of the moisturizing liquid 6 at a predetermined timing. This is different from the first embodiment. Except for these points, the third embodiment is almost the same as the first embodiment.

The moisturizing liquid supply / discharge mechanism 4A includes a storage tank 9 for storing the moisturizing liquid 6, piping sections 11 and 13 for transferring the moisturizing liquid connecting the storage tank 9 and the cap 5, and pipe sections 11 and 13. 13, a liquid supply / discharge pump 7B provided with reversibility, and a liquid discharge pipe 14 branched from the piping section 13 on the storage tank 9 side of the liquid supply / discharge pump 7B.
And a switching valve section 8 provided at a branch portion of the liquid discharge pipe 14 from the pipe section.

The switching valve section 8 includes a storage tank 9.
The first opening / closing valve 18 provided on the side, and the liquid discharge pipe 14
And a second opening / closing valve 19 provided on the side. The first and second opening / closing valves 18 and 19 are electromagnetic valves. This solenoid valve is connected to the main control unit 17A. The signals from the main control unit 17A are used for the first and second signals.
Open / close valves 18 and 19 are opened and closed. Thereby, the flow path between the liquid supply / discharge pump 7B and the storage tank 9 and the flow path between the liquid supply / discharge pump 7A and the liquid discharge pipe 14 are opened and closed. Here, the switching valve section may be one switching valve instead of two opening / closing valves.

The liquid discharge pipe 14 is provided to be branched between the storage tank 9 and the liquid supply / discharge pump 7B. It is also possible to connect a discharge tank for discharging the moisturizing liquid 6 to the end of the liquid discharge pipe 14.

The liquid supply / discharge pump 7B has reversibility. For this purpose, a predetermined amount of the moisturizing liquid 6 is transferred from the storage tank 9 to the cap 5 or from the cap 5 to the discharge pipe 14.
The liquid supply / discharge pump 7B is controlled at a predetermined timing by the main controller 17A.

The main control section 17A operates the switching valve section 8 and the liquid supply / discharge pump 7B in conjunction with each other to selectively set the liquid supply or liquid discharge operation to the cap 5, and to execute the switching operation control function. I have.

An operation control method according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. First, while the print head 1 is in operation, the cap 5 is set to the retracted state via the cap transfer mechanism 15, and the print head 1 completes its print operation and the print operation, and the preset non-print operation position (home position) When stopped at the predetermined position, the moisturizing liquid supply mechanism 15 is driven at a predetermined timing to supply a predetermined amount of the moisturizing liquid 6 to the cap 5 (moisturizing liquid supply step). The supply of the moisturizing liquid 6 by the moisturizing liquid supply mechanism 15 is performed by opening the first opening / closing valve 18, closing the second opening / closing valve 19, and sucking the moisturizing liquid 6 from the storage tank 9 by the liquid supply / discharge pump 7 </ b> B. This is done by discharging to the side. By supplying the moisturizing liquid 6 to the cap 5 in advance before the capping is performed, the discharge pressure of the liquid transfer pump 7A does not directly act on the nozzles of the print head 1, so that the color mixture of the ink accumulated in the nozzles is reduced. Be relaxed.

Next, when the predetermined amount of the moisturizing liquid 6 is supplied to the cap 5, the cap transfer mechanism 15 is pushed out toward the print surface 1a of the print head 1 by a predetermined amount, and the cap transfer mechanism 15 is pushed out.
As shown in (B), the print surface 1a of the print head 1 is fitted with the cap 5 (print surface fitting step). These operations are performed by a backup power supply provided in the inkjet printer when the power of the inkjet printer is turned off.

When the print head 1 is set to the operation state, the operation is started immediately, the cap 5 is set to the retracted state via the cap transfer mechanism 15, and the moisturizing liquid supply / discharge mechanism 4A is thereafter operated to activate the cap 5. The moisturizing liquid 6 is sucked and discharged from the inside (moisturizing liquid discharging step). When discharging the moisturizing liquid 6 of the moisturizing liquid supply mechanism 15, the first on-off valve 18
This is performed by opening the second opening / closing valve 19 with the valve closed, and sucking the moisturizing liquid 6 inside the cap 5 by the liquid supply / discharge pump 7B. Here, there is a method of storing the moisturizing liquid 6 inside the cap 5 as it is inside the cap 5 or a method of collecting it in the storage tank 9. First, when the moisturizing liquid 6 is stored in the cap 5 as it is, in order to prevent the moisturizing liquid 6 from evaporating, the cap 5 is covered with a cover (not shown).
Opening 51 is covered. When the moisturizing liquid 6 is collected in the storage tank 9, the first on-off valve 18 is opened, the second on-off valve 19 is closed, and the cap 5 is opened by the first pump 7A.
The moisturizing liquid 6 inside is sucked.

The flow chart of the operation control method according to the second embodiment of the present invention is almost the same as that in FIG. 3, except that the moisturizing liquid 6 may be discharged in step S111. The operation of discharging the moisturizing liquid 6 by the moisturizing liquid supply / discharge mechanism 4A is performed.

[Third Embodiment of the Present Invention] The third embodiment of the present invention
The embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. A moisturizing liquid supply / discharge mechanism 4B for supplying a predetermined amount of the moisturizing liquid 6 to the cap 5 or sucking out the moisturizing liquid 6 from the cap 5 and discharging the same to the outside is provided along with the cap 5, and the main controller 17B controls the moisturizing at a predetermined timing. The third embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that a liquid supply / discharge operation function for controlling the operation of the liquid supply / discharge mechanism 4B is provided.
Except for these points, the third embodiment is almost the same as the first embodiment.

The humectant supply / discharge mechanism 4B includes a liquid supply mechanism 4B1 for supplying a predetermined amount of the humectant 6 to the cap 5, and a liquid discharge mechanism for sucking the humectant 6 from the cap 5 at a predetermined timing and discharging the same to the outside. 4B2.

The liquid supply mechanism 4B1 includes the moisturizing liquid 6
And a first piping 11A, 1 for transferring the moisturizing liquid, which connects the storage tank 9 and the cap 5 to each other.
3A and a liquid supply pump 7C provided in the first pipes 11A and 13A to transfer a predetermined amount of the moisturizing liquid 6 from the storage tank 9 to the cap 5. In addition, the first piping portions 11A and 13A located between the storage tank 9 and the liquid supply pump 7C are provided with a first opening / closing valve 18 for supplying liquid.

The liquid discharging mechanism 4B2 is provided with a cap 5
Second pipes 11B and 13B for discharging the moisturizing liquid provided in
And a liquid discharge pump 7D that is provided in the second pipes 11B and 13B and sends out the moisturizing liquid 6 in the cap 5 to the outside. Further, 19 second opening / closing valves for discharging liquid are provided in the second piping portions 11B and 13B located on the liquid delivery side of the liquid discharge pump 7D.

The first and second opening / closing valves 18 and 19 are electromagnetic valves. This solenoid valve is connected to the main control unit 17B. The first and second opening / closing valves 18 and 19 are opened / closed by a signal from the main control unit 17B. Thereby, the flow path between the liquid supply pump 7C and the storage tank 9 and the flow path between the liquid discharge pump 7D and the discharge side of the second piping portions 11B and 13B are opened and closed.

As the liquid supply pump 7C, a reversible pump can be used. In the case of reversibility, a predetermined amount of the moisturizing liquid 6 can be returned from the cap 5 to the storage tank 9. The liquid supply pump 7C and the liquid discharge pump 7D are controlled at a predetermined timing by the main control unit 17B.

The main control section 17B has a switching drive control function of switching the liquid supply mechanism section 4B1 and the liquid discharge mechanism section 4B2 at a predetermined timing and then controlling the operation thereof. The main control unit 17B has a liquid supply valve opening control function of controlling the opening by driving the first opening / closing valve 18 prior to the start control of the liquid supply pump 7C. Further, the main control unit 17B has a liquid discharge valve opening control function of driving the second opening / closing valve 19 to control the opening / closing prior to the start control of the liquid discharge pump 7D.

An operation control method according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. First, while the print head 1 is in operation, the cap 5 is set to the retracted state via the cap transfer mechanism 15, and the print head 1 completes its print operation and the print operation, and the preset non-print operation position (home position) When stopped at the predetermined position, the moisturizing liquid supply mechanism 15 is driven at a predetermined timing to supply a predetermined amount of the moisturizing liquid 6 to the cap 5 (moisturizing liquid supply step). The supply of the moisturizing liquid 6 from the moisturizing liquid supply mechanism 15 is performed by opening the first opening / closing valve 18 and closing the second opening / closing valve 19, sucking the moisturizing liquid 6 from the storage tank 9 by the liquid supply pump 7C, and closing the cap 5 side. Is performed by discharging the ink. By supplying the moisturizing liquid 6 to the cap 5 before performing capping in this way, the liquid transfer pump 7A
Does not directly act on the nozzles of the print head 1, so that the color mixture of the ink accumulated in the nozzles is reduced.

Next, when a predetermined amount of the moisturizing liquid 6 is supplied to the cap 5, the cap transfer mechanism 15 is pushed out toward the printing surface 1 a of the print head 1 by a predetermined amount to push the printing surface 1 a of the print head 1. The cap 5 is fitted (printing surface fitting step). These operations are performed by a backup power supply provided in the inkjet printer when the power of the inkjet printer is turned off.

Then, as soon as the print head 1 is set to the operating state, the operation is started, the cap 5 is set to the retracted state via the cap transfer mechanism 15, and the moisturizing liquid supply / discharge mechanism 4B is operated thereafter. The moisturizing liquid 6 is sucked and discharged from the inside (moisturizing liquid discharging step). When discharging the moisturizing liquid 6 of the moisturizing liquid supply / discharge mechanism 4B, the second opening / closing valve 19 is opened while the first opening / closing valve valve 18 is closed, and suction is performed by the discharge pump 7D. here,
As for the moisturizing liquid 6 inside the cap 5, there are a method of storing the moisturizing liquid 6 in the cap 5 as it is and a method of collecting it in the storage tank 9. First, when the moisturizing liquid 6 is stored in the cap 5 as it is, in order to prevent evaporation of the moisturizing liquid 6,
The opening 51 of the cap 5 is covered with the cover. Moisturizing liquid 6
Is collected in the storage tank 9, the first opening / closing valve 18 is opened, the second opening / closing valve 19 is closed, and the liquid supply pump 7C sucks the moisturizing liquid 6 inside the cap 5.

Note that the flowchart of the operation control method according to the third embodiment of the present invention is almost the same as that of FIG. 3, except that the moisturizing liquid may be discharged in step S111. The operation of discharging the moisturizing liquid 6 by the moisturizing liquid supply / discharge mechanism 4B is performed.

[0079]

As described above, in the invention relating to the print head protection device according to the first to fifth aspects, a moisturizing liquid supply mechanism for supplying a predetermined amount of moisturizing liquid to the cap is provided along with the cap. Since the main control unit has a liquid supply operation control function for controlling the operation of the above-described moisturizing liquid supply mechanism at a predetermined timing, the liquid supply operation control function controls the moisturizing liquid supply mechanism at a predetermined timing. Thus, since the moisturizing liquid is supplied to the inside of the cap, since the print head is moisturized with the moisturizing liquid, drying of the ink is prevented and clogging of the nozzles of the print head is prevented.

Further, in the invention relating to the print head protecting device according to claims 6 to 8, a humectant supply mechanism for supplying a predetermined amount of humectant to the cap or sucking out the humectant from the cap and discharging the same to the outside is provided in the cap. Further, since the main control unit has a switching operation control function of controlling switching of liquid supply / discharge of the moisturizing liquid supply mechanism and supply or discharge of the moisturizing liquid at a predetermined timing, the moisturizing liquid is internally provided. By covering the print head with the cap supplied with the ink, the print head is moisturized with the moisturizing liquid, and the nozzles of the print head are prevented from being clogged. In addition, when the moisturizing liquid inside the cap becomes unnecessary during printing operation, etc., the moisturizing liquid inside the cap is discharged, so that if the moisturizing liquid on the print head is moistened again, a new moisturizing liquid can be used. In addition, a high moisturizing effect is maintained, and color mixing of ink is prevented.

According to the invention relating to the print head protecting device according to the ninth to fourteenth aspects, the humectant supply / discharge mechanism for supplying a predetermined amount of humectant to the cap or sucking the humectant from the cap and discharging the same to the outside is provided. In addition, the main control unit has a liquid supply / discharge operation function that controls the operation of the moisturizing liquid supply / discharge mechanism at a predetermined timing. The covering prevents the ink from drying and prevents the nozzles of the print head from being clogged. In addition, when the moisturizing liquid inside the cap becomes unnecessary during printing operation, etc., the moisturizing liquid inside the cap is discharged, so that when the print surface of the print head is moisturized again, a new moisturizing liquid is used. ,
A high moisturizing effect is maintained and color mixing of the ink is prevented.

In the invention relating to the print head protection device according to the fifteenth aspect, the main control section controls the drive of the liquid supply mechanism section to supply the moisturizing liquid into the cap prior to the pushing operation of the cap transfer mechanism with respect to the cap. The supply control function minimizes the penetration of the moisturizing liquid into the nozzle, eliminates the need to perform multiple preliminary discharges at the start of printing operation, and reduces wasteful ink consumption due to purge discharge at the beginning of printing. Can be suppressed.

According to the invention relating to the print head protection device of the present invention, the storage tank is detachably provided to the pipe portion, so that when the storage tank runs out of moisture, the storage tank is replaced every time. This makes it possible to easily supply the moisturizing liquid.

In the invention relating to the print head protecting device according to the seventeenth aspect, color mixture of ink can be prevented by using a moisturizing liquid as a colorless and transparent liquid containing no coloring agent.

According to the invention relating to the print head protecting device of the eighteenth aspect, since a part or all of the piping is formed of a flexible resin hose, the piping is flexible, so that the cap transfer mechanism can be easily provided. In addition to being able to form, it is possible to reduce the weight of the print head moisturizing device.

In the invention relating to the operation control method of the print head protection device according to the nineteenth aspect, when a predetermined amount of moisturizing liquid is supplied to the cap, the cap transfer mechanism is pushed out by a predetermined amount toward the print surface of the print head. Since the printing surface is fitted with the printing surface of the printing head with the cap, the supply pressure of the pump does not directly act on the nozzles of the printing head. Penetration is minimized, and there is no need to perform preliminary ejection at the start of a printing operation, so that ink consumption can be reduced.

Further, in the invention relating to the operation control method of the print head protection device according to the twentieth aspect, when the print head is set to the operating state, it is activated immediately, and the cap is set to the retracted state via the cap transfer mechanism. After that, the method includes a humectant discharge step of operating the humectant supply mechanism to suck and discharge the humectant from the inside of the cap. Therefore, by discharging the used humectant, color mixing of ink is prevented. Also, because a new moisturizer is available,
A high moisturizing effect is always maintained.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 1A is a diagram illustrating a state before the head protection mechanism is operated, and FIG. 1B is a diagram illustrating a state after the head protection mechanism is operated.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a case where a first tank of FIG. 1 is made detachable.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an operation control flowchart of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram showing a second embodiment of the present invention.
4A is a diagram illustrating a state before the print head protection mechanism is operated, and FIG. 4B is a diagram illustrating a state after the print head protection mechanism is operated.

FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram showing a third embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 1 print head 1a printing surface 3, 3A, 3B head protection mechanism 5 cap 4 moisturizing liquid supply mechanism 4A, 4B moisturizing liquid supply / discharge mechanism 6 moisturizing liquid 7A liquid transfer pump 7B liquid supply / discharge pump 7C liquid supply pump 7D liquid discharge pump 8 Switching valve section 9 Storage tank 11, 13 Pipe section 11A, 13A First pipe section 11B, 13B Second pipe section 14 Liquid discharge pipe 15 Cap transfer mechanism 17, 17A, 17B Main control section 18 First open / close valve 19 Second open / close valve

Claims (20)

[Claims] 1. A cap for covering a print surface of a print head for an ink jet printer during a non-printing operation, a cap transfer mechanism for pushing or retracting the cap toward the print surface of the print head, and an operation of the cap transfer mechanism. A main control unit that controls the moisturizing liquid at a predetermined timing, and a moisturizing liquid supply mechanism that supplies a predetermined amount of moisturizing liquid to the cap is provided along with the cap. A print head protection device comprising a liquid supply operation control function for controlling the operation of a liquid supply mechanism. 2. The print head protection device according to claim 1, wherein the drive unit of the cap transfer mechanism is formed by an electromagnetic solenoid. 3. The humectant supply mechanism includes a storage tank for storing the humectant, a tubing for transferring the humectant connecting the storage tank and the cap, and the humectant provided in the pipe. 3. The print head protection device according to claim 1, further comprising: a liquid transfer pump that transfers a predetermined amount of the liquid from the storage tank toward the cap. 4. The moisturizing liquid supply mechanism, a storage tank for storing the moisturizing liquid, a piping section for transferring the moisturizing liquid that communicates the storage tank with the cap, and the moisturizing liquid provided in the piping section. 3. The print head protection device according to claim 1, further comprising a reversible liquid transfer pump for transferring a predetermined amount of the liquid from one side to the other side or from the other side to the one side. 5. The liquid suction pump according to claim 5, wherein the main control unit controls the driving of the liquid transfer pump at a predetermined timing after the cap retreat operation by the cap transfer mechanism to suck out the moisturizing liquid from the inside of the cap and return the liquid to the storage tank. The print head protection mechanism according to claim 4, further comprising a function. 6. A cap for covering a print surface of a print head for an ink jet printer during a non-printing operation, a cap transfer mechanism for pushing or retracting the cap toward the print surface of the print head, and an operation of the cap transfer mechanism. And a main control unit that controls a predetermined timing of the humidifier. A humectant supply / discharge mechanism that supplies a predetermined amount of humectant to the cap or sucks the humectant from the cap and discharges the same to the outside is provided in the cap. In addition, the main control unit has a switching operation control function of controlling switching of liquid supply and discharge of the moisturizing liquid supply and discharge mechanism and supply or discharge of the moisturizing liquid at a predetermined timing. Printhead protection device. 7. A storage tank for storing the humectant, a tubing for transferring the humectant which communicates the storage tank with the cap, and a reversible mechanism mounted on the tubing. Liquid supply / discharge pump having a characteristic, a liquid discharge pipe provided by branching from the pipe section on the storage tank side of the liquid supply / discharge pump, and a liquid discharge pipe provided at a branch portion of the liquid discharge pipe from the pipe section. A switching valve unit, wherein the main control unit operates the switching valve unit and a liquid supply / discharge pump in conjunction with each other to selectively set a liquid supply or liquid discharge operation to the cap and to perform the switching operation control function. 7. The print head protection mechanism according to claim 6, wherein the following is executed. 8. The switching valve unit according to claim 1, wherein a first opening / closing valve provided on the storage tank side and a second opening / closing valve provided on the liquid discharge pipe side. Item 7. A print head protection mechanism according to Item 7. 9. A cap for covering a print surface of a print head for an ink jet printer during a non-printing operation, a cap transfer mechanism for pushing or retracting the cap toward the print surface of the print head, and a cap transfer mechanism for the cap A main control unit for controlling the operation of the cap at a predetermined timing, a humectant supply / discharge mechanism for supplying a humectant of a predetermined amount to the cap or sucking the humectant from the cap and discharging the same to the outside, A print head protection device, wherein the main control unit has a liquid supply / discharge operation function of controlling operation of the moisturizing liquid supply / discharge mechanism at a predetermined timing. 10. A liquid supply mechanism for supplying a predetermined amount of the moisturizing liquid to the cap, and a liquid discharging mechanism for sucking out the moisturizing liquid from the cap at a predetermined timing and discharging the same to the outside. The main control unit has a switching drive control function of driving and controlling the operation after switching the liquid supply mechanism unit and the liquid discharge mechanism unit at a predetermined timing. The print head protection device according to claim 9. 11. The liquid supply mechanism is provided in a storage tank for storing the moisturizing liquid, a first pipe for transferring the moisturizing liquid that communicates the storage tank with the cap, and a first pipe. 11. The print head protection device according to claim 10, further comprising a liquid supply pump for transferring a predetermined amount of the moisturizing liquid from the storage tank to the cap. 12. A first opening / closing valve for supplying a liquid to a first piping portion located between the storage tank and the liquid supply pump, wherein the main control unit controls the start of the liquid supply pump. 12. The print head protection device according to claim 11, further comprising a liquid supply valve opening control function of driving the first opening / closing valve and controlling the opening of the first opening / closing valve. 13. A liquid discharging mechanism, comprising: a second pipe for discharging a moisturizing liquid provided on the cap; and a liquid discharging mechanism provided on the second pipe for sending out the moisturizing liquid in the cap to the outside. 13. The print head protection device according to claim 10, wherein the print head protection device comprises a pump. 14. A second piping portion for discharging a liquid is provided in a second piping portion located on a liquid delivery side of the liquid discharge pump, wherein the main control section has priority over a start control of the liquid discharge pump. 14. The print head protection device according to claim 13, further comprising a liquid discharge valve opening control function for driving and controlling the opening and closing of the second opening / closing valve. 15. A liquid supply control function for controlling the driving of the liquid supply mechanism to supply the moisturizing liquid into the cap prior to the pushing operation of the cap transfer mechanism with respect to the cap. The printhead protection device according to any one of claims 10 to 14, wherein: 16. The storage tank according to claim 3, wherein said storage tank is detachably attached to said pipe portion.
The print head protection device according to any one of the above. 17. The print head protection device according to claim 1, wherein the moisturizing liquid is a colorless and transparent liquid containing no coloring agent. 18. The print head according to claim 3, wherein a part or the whole of the pipe portion is formed by a flexible resin hose. Protective equipment. 19. A cap for covering a print surface of a print head for an ink jet printer during non-printing operation, a cap transfer mechanism for pushing or retracting the cap toward the print surface of the print head, and a predetermined amount of the cap. A moisturizing liquid supply mechanism for supplying a moisturizing liquid, while the print head is in operation, the cap is set to a retracted state via the cap transfer mechanism, and the print head completes its printing operation and printing operation. A moisturizing liquid supply step of driving the moisturizing liquid supply mechanism at a predetermined timing when the moisturizing liquid is stopped at a preset non-printing operation position and supplying a predetermined amount of the moisturizing liquid to the cap; The cap transfer mechanism is actuated when it is supplied to the print head, and is pushed out by a predetermined amount toward the print surface of the print head to cause the print surface of the print head to be pushed out. Operation control method of the print head protection apparatus, characterized by comprising a printing surface to be fitted step of fitting the in the cap. 20. A cap for covering a printing surface of a print head for an ink jet printer during a non-printing operation, a cap transfer mechanism for extruding or retracting the cap toward the printing surface of the print head, and a cap having a predetermined amount. A moisturizing liquid supply mechanism for supplying a moisturizing liquid, while the print head is in operation, the cap is set to a retracted state via the cap transfer mechanism, and the print head completes its printing operation and printing operation. A moisturizing liquid supply step of driving the moisturizing liquid supply mechanism at a predetermined timing when the moisturizing liquid is stopped at a preset non-printing operation position to supply a predetermined amount of the moisturizing liquid to the cap; The cap transfer mechanism is actuated when it is supplied to the print head, and is pushed out by a predetermined amount toward the print surface of the print head to cause the print surface of the print head to be pushed. A printing surface fitting step for fitting with the cap, and immediately operating as soon as the print head is set to the operating state, setting the cap to a retracted state via the cap transfer mechanism, and thereafter supplying the moisturizing liquid. Operating the mechanism to draw in and discharge the moisturizing liquid from inside the cap.