JP2002292883A - Ink drying prevention device, ink jet recording head storage container and ink jet recorder - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent ink from drying for a long term without pressing the air into an ink jet recording head by a simple constitution. SOLUTION: An ink drying prevention device 102 has a cap member 104 for sealing ink discharge openings 16 through contact to an ink discharge face 14 in a swelling state, and a swelling means 106 for swelling the cap member 104. The cap member 104 is swollen into contact to the ink discharge face thereby sealing the ink discharge openings 16. Therefore, it is not necessary to swell the cap member 104 more after the cap member 104 seals the ink discharge openings 16, and the air is prevented from being forced by the cap member 104 into nozzles 18.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an ink drying prevention device, an ink jet recording head storage container provided with the ink drying prevention device, and an ink jet recording device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art An ink jet recording apparatus ejects ink as ink droplets in accordance with image information from an ink discharge port formed on an ink discharge surface of an ink jet recording head, and adheres the ink droplet to a recording medium to perform printing ( Image recording). In such an ink jet recording apparatus, if a state in which printing is not performed continues for a long time, the ink dries and clogs the nozzles (ink flow path), or dust (dust) adheres to the ink ejection surface, so Missing dots may occur, resulting in poor print quality or impossible printing. Therefore, when printing is paused for a certain period, when printing with ink of different colors,
Alternatively, when the recording method is changed, the recording head is moved to a predetermined position in the ink jet recording apparatus, and the ink is prevented from being inadvertently dried by the ink drying prevention device. Further, the used recording head may be detached from the ink jet recording apparatus and stored in a storage container provided with an ink drying prevention device.

[0003] As such an ink drying prevention device,
Some use a so-called sealing cap. In this closed cap method, an elastic cap opened toward the ink ejection surface is prepared, and the peripheral portion of the cap is pressed against the ink ejection surface so as to surround the periphery of the ink ejection port. Attach to the inkjet recording head. This creates a sealed space between the ink ejection surface and the cap, and prevents drying of the ink from the ink ejection ports.

However, in the closed cap method, air may be pushed into the nozzles when the cap is pressed against the ink ejection surface or due to environmental changes (temperature rise or pressure drop) after the cap is mounted on the ink jet recording head. . In order to discharge this air, the ink jet recording head
For example, a maintenance operation such as a vacuum operation needs to be performed. However, a large amount of time and cost are required for the maintenance depending on the amount of pushed air.

In order to avoid such inconveniences, there has been proposed a configuration in which a cap is provided with an air communication hole. That is, by providing a communication hole in the cap and communicating between the inside of the cap and the outside (atmosphere), an excessive increase in pressure inside the cap is mitigated, and pushing of air into the nozzle is avoided.

However, since the air communication hole allows the inside and outside of the cap to communicate with each other even when the ink drying prevention device is attached to the ink jet recording head, the ink is gradually released from the air communication hole into the atmosphere. It is difficult to prevent the ink from evaporating and drying the ink for a long period of time.

On the other hand, there has been proposed an ink drying prevention device using a close contact cap. In the close contact cap method, a cap formed of an elastic member or the like is brought into close contact with the ink ejection surface so as to cover the ink ejection port, and the ink ejection port is shut off from the outside air.

However, even in this close contact cap method, since air exists between the cap and the ink discharge surface, when the cap is brought into close contact with the ink discharge surface,
Air may be pushed into the nozzle.

Such air can be reduced to some extent by, for example, improving the positional accuracy between the cap and the ink discharge surface (ink jet recording head) or controlling the pressure at the time of close contact. If such high-precision control is performed, the configuration of the ink drying prevention device becomes complicated or the cost is increased.

[0010]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned facts, and has an ink drying prevention apparatus capable of preventing drying of ink for a long time with a simple structure without pushing air into an ink jet recording head. Another object of the present invention is to provide an ink jet recording head storage container and an ink jet recording apparatus to which the ink drying prevention device is applied.

[0011]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an ink drying prevention device for preventing drying of ink inside an ink jet recording head, wherein the ink drying preventing device is configured to be inflatable, and is capable of expanding the ink jet recording head in an expanded state. A cap member that is in contact with the ink ejection surface to seal the ink ejection port and is capable of absorbing the expansion pressure in a portion that is not in contact with the ink ejection surface; and at least a portion of the cap member is relatively positioned with respect to the ink ejection surface. And contact means for moving and contacting.

In this ink drying prevention device, at least a part of the cap member in the expanded state is moved relative to the ink jet recording head by the contact means.
Then, the ink ejection port is sealed by contacting the ink ejection surface of the ink jet recording head. Thereby, drying of the ink from the ink discharge ports is prevented, and clogging of the nozzles can be prevented even when the inkjet recording head is not used for a long period of time. In addition, it is possible to prevent foreign matter from adhering to the ink ejection port and its vicinity.

The cap member is capable of absorbing the inflation pressure in a portion not in contact with the ink discharge surface while the cap member is inflated and in contact with the ink discharge surface to seal the ink discharge port.
For this reason, the pressure acting on the ink ejection port from the cap member is reduced, and air is not pushed from the ink ejection port into the inside of the inkjet recording head (particularly, inside the nozzle). Therefore, the time required for maintenance and the process can be simplified when the inkjet recording head is reused (when image recording is performed again) or the like.

In addition, the ink drying prevention device can be configured with a simple structure without requiring a complicated mechanism or control to prevent air from being pushed into the ink jet recording head.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the contact means has a relative displacement means for relatively displacing the ink jet recording head and the cap member. And

That is, the cap member moves as a whole relative to the ink jet recording head, and contacts the ink discharge surface to seal the ink discharge port.

In this configuration, a pre-expanded cap member may be used. This eliminates the need for a member for positively expanding the cap member. Can be simplified.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the contact means has an expanding means for expanding the cap member.

That is, when the cap member is expanded by the expansion means, it contacts the ink discharge surface of the ink jet recording head and seals the ink discharge ports. Thereby, drying of the ink from the ink discharge port is prevented.

In this configuration, in addition to the expansion of the cap member by the expansion means, the ink discharge port may be sealed by further moving the cap member relatively to the ink jet recording head. The discharge port may be sealed. In the latter configuration, a means for relatively bringing the cap member closer to the ink jet recording head becomes unnecessary, so that the configuration of the ink drying prevention device can be simplified.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the third aspect of the present invention, the cap member is an inflatable member that expands by supplying a fluid, and the inflating means supplies the fluid to the inflatable member. And a fluid supply means for expanding the expansion member.

That is, the ink discharge port can be reliably sealed with a simple structure in which the fluid is supplied to the expansion member by the fluid supply means and the expansion member is simply expanded.
Even if the expansion member further expands after coming into contact with the ink ejection surface, the expansion pressure is absorbed by the expansion of the portion of the expansion member that is not in contact with the ink ejection surface.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the fourth aspect of the present invention, the cap member includes a liquid-absorbing member that expands by absorbing a liquid, and the fluid supply means is provided on the liquid-absorbing member. Liquid supply means for supplying a liquid.

Accordingly, the liquid-absorbing member to which the liquid is supplied by the liquid supply means expands, and comes into contact with the ink discharge surface of the ink jet recording head to seal the ink discharge port.
Even if the liquid-absorbing member further expands after sealing the ink ejection port, this expansion pressure can be absorbed by the expansion of the liquid-absorbing member in a portion not in contact with the ink ejection surface.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in accordance with the fifth aspect of the present invention, the liquid absorbing member is disposed between the liquid absorbing member and the ink ejection surface of the ink jet recording head, and the liquid absorbing member does not transmit therethrough. A transmission member.

Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the liquid absorbing member from adhering to the ink ejection surface.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a removing means for removing the liquid-absorbing member attached to the ink ejection surface of the ink jet recording head. .

That is, even if the liquid absorbing member adheres to the ink ejection surface of the ink jet recording head,
Since it can be removed by the removing means, there is no effect on the ejection of ink droplets when image recording is performed again.

Further, by adopting the structure having the removing means as described above, it is possible to select a liquid-absorbing member having a large adhesive force to the ink ejection surface, and the material selection range is widened.

In addition, since the liquid absorbing member used for sealing the ink discharge port is not substantially used, the ink ejection port can always be sealed with the unused liquid absorbing member.

In the invention according to claims 5 to 7, the liquid absorbing member is not particularly limited.
As described in claim 8, a configuration including a crosslinked sodium polyacrylate-based polymer can be adopted.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the invention of the fourth or fifth aspect, the inflating member includes a bag-shaped member formed in a bag shape, and the fluid supply means is provided in the bag-shaped shape. A fluid can be supplied to the inside of the member.

Therefore, by merely supplying a fluid to the inside of the bag-shaped member by the fluid supply means, the bag-shaped member can be expanded and the bag-shaped member can be brought into close contact with the ink discharge surface, thereby sealing the ink discharge port.

The fluid supplied to the inside of the bag-shaped member is not particularly limited, and may be gas (air or the like) or liquid (water or the like). Further, the liquid absorbing member of claim 5 is housed in advance in the bag-shaped member, and the liquid-absorbing member is expanded by supplying a liquid, so that the bag-shaped member is eventually expanded. There may be. In this configuration, a part of the bag-shaped member is located between the liquid-absorbing member and the ink ejection surface, and is configured to substantially double as the non-transmissive member according to claim 5. Is also possible.

According to the tenth aspect, in the first aspect,
The invention according to any one of claims 9 to 12, further comprising a support member that supports the cap member and that can shut off the ink discharge port from outside air while the cap member seals the ink discharge port.

Accordingly, with the cap member sealing the ink discharge port, the periphery of the ink discharge port is further shielded from the outside air by the support member. Therefore, it is possible to more reliably prevent the ink from drying. Further, in the case where the cap member has a liquid absorbing member, the evaporation of the liquid from the liquid absorbing member can be prevented, so that the state in which the cap member seals the ink discharge port is maintained for a long period of time. it can.

[0037] According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, the third to third aspects are provided.
The moving means for moving the cap member relatively between a separated position separated from the ink jet recording head and an approach position closer to the ink jet recording head according to any one of claims 10 to 12, It is characterized by the following.

The term "approaching position" as used herein means a position where when the cap member expands, it comes into contact with the ink ejection surface of the ink jet recording head to seal the ink ejection port.
The “separated position” refers to a position at which the ink ejection port of the ink jet recording head is not sealed and the ink ejection port is not sealed even if the cap member expands.

Accordingly, when the cap member is at the separated position, the cap member is sufficiently separated from the ink ejection surface, so that the operation of the ink jet recording head (such as ejection of ink droplets) is not affected.

When sealing the ink discharge ports, the moving member moves the cap member relatively to the approach position. By expanding the cap member, the ink ejection port can be reliably sealed.

The movement between the separated position and the approach position by the moving means may be performed relatively between the cap member and the ink jet recording head.

Further, in the configuration in which the cap member is supported by the support member, the cap member may be moved by moving the support member by the moving means.

In the twelfth aspect of the present invention,
An ink drying prevention device according to claim 11 is provided.

Therefore, by storing the ink jet recording head in this ink jet recording head storage container,
Drying of the ink from the inside of the ink jet recording head can be prevented by the ink drying prevention device, and clogging of the ink ejection ports due to drying and solidification of the ink can be reduced.

Further, since the ink jet recording head storage container is provided with the ink drying prevention device according to any one of the first to ninth aspects, it is possible to press air into the ink jet recording head with a simple structure. Can be prevented.

According to the thirteenth aspect of the present invention,
An ink drying prevention device according to claim 11 is provided.

This ink jet recording apparatus is characterized in that
Since the ink drying prevention device according to any one of claims 9 to 9 is provided, the ink drying prevention device is provided.
Drying of the ink inside the ink jet recording head can be reliably prevented. Further, with a simple configuration, it is possible to prevent air from being pushed into the ink jet recording head.

According to the fourteenth aspect of the present invention,
9. An ink jet recording apparatus comprising the ink drying prevention device according to claim 8, wherein the fluid supply unit is configured to discharge ink from an ink jet recording head to the liquid absorbing member. Features.

This ink jet recording apparatus is characterized in that
Since the ink drying prevention device according to any one of the first to eighth aspects is provided, it is possible to reliably prevent the drying of the ink inside the inkjet recording head. Further, with a simple configuration, it is possible to prevent air from being pushed into the ink jet recording head.

Further, in this ink jet recording apparatus, the fluid supply means is constituted by discharging ink from the ink jet recording head to the liquid absorbing member. Seal the outlet. Since the ink jet recording head also serves as the liquid supply means, the number of components can be reduced.

[0051]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [Ink Drying Prevention Device] (Basic Configuration) FIG. 1 shows a basic configuration of an ink drying prevention device 102 of the present invention. The ink drying prevention device 102 has a cap member 104 that contacts the ink ejection surface 14 of the inkjet recording head 12 and seals the ink ejection port 16. Cap member 1
04 is constituted by an inflatable inflatable member,
As shown in FIG. 1 (C), a part thereof contacts the ink ejection surface 14 in an expanded state. In general, a plurality of ink ejection ports 16 are formed on the ink ejection surface 14 of the inkjet recording head 12, and the plurality of ink ejection ports 16 can be simultaneously sealed by the cap member 104. In addition, the ink jet recording head 12 shown in FIG. 1 has an ink tank 21 for storing the ink supplied to the ink chamber 20, and the ink supplied from the ink tank 21 to the ink chamber 20 is The ink is ejected from the ink ejection port 16 as an ink droplet through the nozzle 18.

Furthermore, the ink drying prevention device 10 of the present invention
2, the expansion means 10 for expanding the cap member 104
6. The expansion means 106 is appropriately selected according to the material and shape of the cap member 104, as will be described in detail later, so that the cap member 104 can be sufficiently expanded to seal the ink discharge port 16. Things.

The ink drying prevention device 102 of the present invention
Then, while supporting the cap member 104, the separating position (see FIG. 1A) and the approaching position (FIG. 1B or 1C)
Support member 108 which is relatively movable between
It is preferable to have The "separated position" here
The term “close position” refers to a position where the cap member 104 does not contact the ink ejection surface 14 even when the cap member 104 is expanded. Refers to a position where the seal can be securely made. Therefore, the specific configuration is not limited as long as it can move between the "separated position" and the "approached position". Further, the cap member 104 and the ink ejection surface 14 (the inkjet recording head 12) only need to relatively move between the "separated position" and the "approached position", and the cap member 104 is fixed. In addition, a configuration in which only the inkjet recording head 12 moves, or a configuration in which both the cap member 104 and the inkjet recording head 12 move may be used. Furthermore, the direction of the relative movement is not limited, and the relative movement may be performed in any direction such as the normal direction of the ink ejection surface 14 or the main scanning direction of the inkjet recording head 12.

In the ink drying prevention apparatus of the present invention, the cap member 104 is not fixed to the ink ejection surface 14 (the ink jet recording head 12) by the support member 108, but is fixed. Configuration. For example, when the inkjet recording head 12 has a length equal to an image recording width (for example, a width approximately equal to the recording paper P (see FIG. 11)) (a so-called line head), the inkjet recording head 12 Since there is no need to move (main scanning), it is fixed. In this case, if the cap member 104 is fixed so as to face the ink ejection surface 14 with a predetermined gap therebetween, the recording paper P passes through this gap so that the recording paper P Image recording becomes possible. In the state where the recording paper P does not exist in the gap, the cap member 10
When the ink ejection port 16 is expanded, the ink ejection port 16 can be sealed by the cap member 104.

The cap member 104 is not particularly limited as long as it can contact the ink discharge surface 14 by expansion and seal the ink discharge port 16. For example, there is a configuration in which the cap member 104 is a deformable bag-shaped member, and is expanded by flowing a liquid or gas into the inside of the bag-shaped member.

Further, as the cap member 104, a deformable porous body or a similarly deformable liquid absorbing member (for example, liquid absorbing gel) can be used.

The pressure required for the deformation and expansion of the cap member 104 is not more than a pressure that does not push the ink meniscus of the ink discharge port 16 during capping. The holding pressure of the ink meniscus is, for example, a nozzle diameter of 10
μm and the ink surface tension is 40 mN / m, the pressure at which the ink meniscus is held in the nozzle 18 is about 1.6.
Since it is × 10 ⁴ Pa, a material that expands or deforms under this pressure may be selected.

When such a cap member 104 is used, since the cap member 104 expands due to the supply of fluid, a fluid supply device such as a gas supply device or a liquid supply device is appropriately selected as the expansion means of the present invention. Can be used. Examples of the gas supply device include, but are not limited to, a pump and a syringe for sending air or any other gas to the cap member 104.

Further, as the liquid supply device, a holding member (porous body or the like) capable of impregnating and holding a liquid such as water, ink, an organic solvent or the like is provided. Using the cap member 104
And a storage member for storing these liquids is provided, and is supplied to the cap member 104 by pressurizing with a pressurizing device such as a pump or a syringe or using a head pressure. A configuration in which the cap member 104 is supplied by contacting the
However, the present invention is not limited to these, and examples include a configuration in which the composition is applied to the cap member 104, a configuration in which the composition is supplied to the cap member 104 by gravity, and a configuration in which the composition is supplied by atomization using a spray device.

The specific structure of the support member 108 is not limited, and a general elevating mechanism can be employed. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, while configuring an “X” -shaped link mechanism 110 configured by two links,
It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which a support table 109 is attached to the link mechanism 110. A side wall 109W is formed on the support table 109, and the cap member 104 is supported inside the side wall 109. The cap member 104 can be moved closer to or away from the ink ejection surface 14 by raising and lowering the support table 109 using a drive device (for example, a motor or a solenoid) not shown.

In the ink drying prevention apparatus 102 of the present invention having such a basic configuration, the cap member 104 is expanded and brought into contact with the ink discharge surface 14 of the ink jet recording head 12 to seal the ink discharge port 16. At this time, first, the cap member 1 is driven by driving the support member 108.
04 to the approach position by raising the cap member 10
4 may be expanded, or the cap member 104 may be raised while expanding. Alternatively, the cap member 1
After a portion of the ink jetting portion 04 contacts the ink ejection surface 14, the cap member 104 may be expanded to seal the ink ejection port 16. In any case, the cap member 1
After the ink seals the ink discharge port 16, there is no need to further expand the cap member 104. For this reason, the pressure acting on the ink ejection surface 14 from the cap member 104 at the time of contact is smaller than, for example, a conventional contact-type ink drying prevention device. Further, even when the cap member 104 is inflated after sealing to improve the adhesion between the cap member 104 and the ink ejection surface 14, the inflation pressure of the cap member 104 does not contact the ink ejection surface 14. It is absorbed by the expansion and deformation of the part. Thus, the ink ejection surface 1 of the inkjet recording head 12
4, the ink ejection port 16 can be sealed by contacting the cap member 104 with a small contact pressure.
The cap member 104 does not push air into the nozzle 18, and no air is present in the nozzle 18 in the capping state (or even if it is present, its amount is smaller than that of a conventional ink drying prevention device or the like). Less). For this reason, there is no inconvenience that the supply of ink is hindered by the air (bubbles) in the nozzle 18 when the image recording is restarted due to the air entering the nozzle 18.
Further, it is possible to prevent the ink in the nozzle 18 from drying. Also, in the maintenance operation for the ink jet recording head 12, air (bubbles) in the nozzle 18 is also used.
Since the amount of ink discharged to remove the ink (the amount of ink discharged by the so-called vacuum operation) is reduced, the maintenance operation can be performed at low cost and in a short time. Further, since the air does not enter the inside of the ink jet recording head 12 (the ink chamber 20 and the like), the situation where the ink droplets cannot be ejected from the ink jet recording head 12 does not occur.

Moreover, in order to prevent the air from being pushed into the nozzles 18, the ink drying prevention device 102 can be constructed with a simple structure without requiring a complicated mechanism or control as in the related art.

FIG. 2 shows an example different from that shown in FIG. 1 as the basic structure of the ink drying prevention device of the present invention.

In the ink drying prevention device 102 ′, as can be seen from FIG. 2A, the cap member 104 ′ is supported by the support member 108 in a state of being expanded in advance. Therefore, the ink ejection port 16 can be sealed only by driving the support member 108 and bringing the cap member 104 ′ into close contact with the ink ejection surface 14 without further expanding the cap member 104 ′, as shown in FIG. The number of capping steps can be reduced as compared with the conventional method. Further, since the expansion means 106 is not required, the configuration of the ink drying prevention device 102 'is also simplified.

In the configuration shown in FIG. 2, the cap member 104 'only needs to be relatively close to the ink jet recording head 12 so as to be in close contact with the ink ejection surface 104. In this respect, the configuration shown in FIG. As in the case of the above, these may be relatively moved (or displaced) and approached. In the configuration shown in FIG. 2, the means for relatively moving or displacing the cap member 104 'and the ink jet recording head 12 is the relative moving means and the contact means in the present invention.

Hereinafter, each embodiment of the ink drying prevention device of the present invention will be described. In the following embodiments,
The same components, members, and the like are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted as appropriate.

(First Embodiment) FIG. 3 shows a first embodiment of the present invention.
The ink drying prevention device 112 of the embodiment is shown.

The ink drying prevention device 112 according to the first embodiment
In this embodiment, a liquid absorbing member 114 made of liquid absorbing gel particles or the like is used as the cap member 104, and the supporting member 1
08 on the support table 109. Support base 10
Side wall 109W erected upward from around 9
Thereby, the liquid absorbing member 114 is prevented from flowing out carelessly. The support member 108 is attached to a housing (not shown), and slides in the left-right direction in FIG.

Further, in the ink drying prevention device 112 of the first embodiment, a liquid supply device 116 for supplying liquid to the liquid absorbing member 114 is provided as the expansion means 106 of the present invention, and is fixed to a housing (not shown). I have.

As shown in FIG. 3A, in the normal state (non-capping state), the liquid absorbing member 114 is dried and shrunk, but below the liquid supply device 116 (at a position where liquid can be supplied). In (2), when the liquid is supplied, it expands (swells). As shown in FIG. 3B, the liquid absorbing member 114
In the expanded state, the support member 108 is moved below the inkjet recording head 12, and a driving device (not shown) of the support member 108 is driven to raise the support table 109. As a result, as shown in FIG. 4C, the liquid absorbing member 114 comes into contact with the ink discharge surface 14 and the ink discharge port 16
Seal. At this time, the ink ejection port 16 is sealed without applying a contact pressure to the liquid absorbing member 114, and the ink inside the nozzle 18 and the outside air can be shut off, so that the air is pushed into the nozzle 18. There is no.

In particular, in a configuration in which a gel is used as the cap member 104 and the gel contacts the ink ejection surface 1,
Even if some air remains between the gel and the ink ejection surface 14, air escapes by deforming the gel itself,
It is possible to reliably prevent air from being pushed into the nozzle 18. Further, since the gel is deformed and adheres to minute irregularities on the ink ejection surface 14, drying of the ink in the nozzles 18 can be more reliably prevented. In addition, since the drying and solidification of the ink in the nozzles 18 are reliably prevented in this way, clogging of the nozzles 18 (so-called hard plug) due to this is not caused.

The liquid-absorbing member 114 is not particularly limited as long as it can be expanded by absorbing liquid, and may be a starch-based member, a cellulose-based member, a synthetic polymer-based member, or the like. it can. Specific examples of the synthetic polymer type include a crosslinked polyacrylate type, a crosslinked polyvinyl alcohol type, a polyvinyl alcohol-polyacrylate type, a starch-polyacrylate type, and the like. Crosslinked carboxymethylcellulose-based polymers, crosslinked sodium polyacrylate-based polymers, and the like are preferred.

As the liquid supply device 116, a configuration utilizing the above-mentioned capillary force, a configuration supplying by pressurizing with a pressurizing device, a configuration utilizing a water head pressure, a configuration supplying in contact with the liquid absorbing member 114, etc. , Without any particular restrictions. In the configuration in which the sponge roller is brought into contact with the liquid absorbing member 114, for example, a sponge roller made of polyurethane or the like impregnated with moisture is used, and when the sponge roller is supplied while being rotated appropriately, the supply can be performed uniformly in a short time.

In the relationship between the liquid absorbing member 114 and the liquid absorbed by the liquid absorbing member 114, it is difficult for the liquid to evaporate, and the liquid absorbing member 114 substantially absorbs and holds the liquid. What is kept may be selected. With this configuration, the liquid absorbing member 114 is maintained in an expanded state. In this case, the liquid provided with the liquid supply device 116 may be supplied to the liquid-absorbing member 114. However, if the liquid-absorbing member 114 absorbs the liquid in advance, the basic configuration shown in FIG. A certain ink drying prevention device 102 'can be configured.

(Second Embodiment) FIG. 4 shows a second embodiment of the present invention.
The ink drying prevention device 122 of the embodiment is shown.

The ink drying prevention device 122 of the second embodiment
In the first embodiment, the cap member 104 includes a liquid-absorbing member 114 similar to that of the first embodiment and a bag-like member 124 that accommodates the liquid-absorbing member 114.
24 is fixed on the support table 109.

The bag-like member 124 is made of a material (or a material having such a hole) through which the liquid supplied from the liquid supply device 116 to the liquid-absorbing member 114 does not pass. It is configured and has a certain flexibility (elasticity) so as to be deformable as a whole. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 4A, in the normal state, the liquid absorbing member 114 is not expanded, and the bag-like member 12
4 is also shrinking. Then, when the liquid is supplied from the liquid supply device 116, the liquid passes through the bag-like member 124 and reaches the liquid-absorbing member 114 inside, so that as shown in FIG. 114 expands and the bag-like member 124
Also swell. Then, when the support member 108 is raised, the bag-like member 124 comes into contact with the ink discharge surface 14 to seal the ink discharge port 16 as shown in FIG.

As described above, in the ink drying prevention device 122 of the second embodiment, the liquid absorbing member 114 is
4 does not directly contact the ink jet recording head 1
Even when the support member 108 is lowered when the second member 2 is reused, the liquid absorbing member 114 does not adhere to and remain on the ink ejection surface 14 (at this point, the bag-like member 124 is substantially ). Therefore, the operation of removing the liquid absorbing member 114 attached to the ink ejection surface 14 becomes unnecessary. The liquid absorbing member 11 on the support 109
Since the amount of No. 4 does not decrease, by supplying water again to the dried liquid absorbing member 114, the liquid absorbing member 114 can be used repeatedly.

Examples of the material of the bag-like member 124 of the second embodiment include, but are not limited to, a bag made of a porous film made of polyethylene and having a thickness of about 50 μm.

The bag-like member 124 and the liquid-absorbing member 11
In relation to the liquid absorbed by the liquid 4, the liquid may be selected so that the liquid does not easily pass through the bag-like member 124 and the liquid absorbing member 114 substantially maintains the state of absorbing and holding the liquid. In this configuration, if the liquid absorbing member 114 absorbs the liquid in advance without providing the liquid supply device 116,
The evaporation of the liquid is prevented by the bag-like member 124 and the liquid-absorbing member 1
14 is maintained in the expanded state, so that the ink drying prevention device 102 'having the basic configuration shown in FIG. 2 can be configured.

(Third Embodiment) FIG. 5 shows a third embodiment of the present invention.
The ink drying prevention device 132 of the embodiment is shown.

Ink Drying Prevention Device 132 of Third Embodiment
In the embodiment, the cap member 104 includes a liquid-absorbing member 114 similar to that of the first embodiment and a film-like member 134 disposed on the upper surface of the liquid-absorbing member 114. As the film-like member 134, the bag-like member 124 of the second embodiment is used.
Similarly to the above, the liquid supplied from the liquid supply device 116 to the liquid-absorbing member 114 is permeable, but the liquid-absorbing member 114 itself is made of a material that is not permeable (or having such a hole), and It has a certain flexibility (elasticity) so that it can be deformed. Further, the film-like member 1
The size of 34 is such that when the ink discharge port 16 is sealed, the liquid absorbing member 114 does not contact the ink discharge surface 14, and instead, the film-like member 134
It is large enough to make contact.

In the normal state, the ink drying prevention device 132 of the third embodiment having such a configuration as shown in FIG. 5A similarly to the ink drying prevention device 122 of the second embodiment. Since the liquid member 114 is not expanded, the film member 134 is not in contact with the ink ejection surface 14. Then, when the liquid is supplied from the liquid supply device 116, the liquid passes through the membrane member 134 and reaches the liquid-absorbing member 114, and as shown in FIG.
4 expands. When the support member 108 is raised in this state, as shown in FIG. 4C, the film member 134 comes into contact with the ink ejection surface 14 to seal the ink ejection port 16.

As described above, also in the ink drying prevention device 132 of the third embodiment, since the liquid absorbing member 114 does not directly contact the ink ejection surface 14, the support member 108 is used when the ink jet recording head 12 is reused. Even if it is lowered, the liquid absorbing member 114 does not adhere to the ink ejection surface 14 and remains. Therefore, the operation of removing the liquid absorbing member 114 attached to the ink ejection surface 14 becomes unnecessary. Also,
Since the amount of the liquid absorbing member 114 on the support table 109 does not decrease, the liquid absorbing member 114 can be used repeatedly by supplying water to the dried liquid absorbing member 114 again.

As the material of the film-like member 134 of the third embodiment, as in the second embodiment, for example, a polyethylene porous film having a thickness of about 50 μm can be mentioned, but is not limited to this.

In the third embodiment, the liquid absorbing member 11
It is also possible to supply the liquid from a portion of 4 that is not covered by the film-like member 134. In this case, since the liquid supplied from the liquid supply device 116 does not need to pass through the membrane member 134, the types of materials that can be used for the membrane member 134 increase.

Further, similarly to the first embodiment, the liquid absorbing member 1
In the relationship between 14 and the liquid absorbed by the liquid-absorbing member 114, it is difficult to evaporate the liquid. Good. In this configuration, since the liquid absorbing member 114 is maintained in the expanded state, it is possible to configure the ink drying prevention device 102 ′ which is the basic configuration shown in FIG.

(Fourth Embodiment) FIG. 6 shows a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
The ink drying prevention device 142 of the embodiment is shown.

Ink Drying Prevention Device 142 of Fourth Embodiment
Here, the bag-like member 144 is arranged on the support table 109. The inside of the bag-shaped member 144 is hollow unlike the second embodiment, and has a communication hole 144H. The bag-shaped member 144 is connected to the gas supply device (the pump 146 in the present embodiment) from the communication hole 144H via the tube 148. The bag-like member 144 is made of a material through which the gas supplied from the pump 146 does not permeate, and has a certain flexibility (elasticity) so as to be deformable as a whole. In the normal state, gas is not supplied from the pump 146 as shown in FIG.
The bag-shaped member 144 is contracted. Then, when gas is supplied from the pump 146, the bag-like member 144 expands as shown in FIG. Then, when the support member 108 is raised, the bag-shaped member 144 comes into contact with the ink ejection surface 14, and is deformed along the ink ejection surface 14 and closely adhered thereto.
Seals the ink ejection port 16.

As described above, in the ink drying prevention device 142 of the fourth embodiment, the liquid absorbing member 114 is not used, and consumable members and consumable parts other than the liquid absorbing member 114 are also used. Absent. Therefore, there is no need to consider the consumption and deterioration of these consumable members and the like, and the ink ejection opening 1
6 can be sealed.

The gas supply device of the fourth embodiment is not particularly limited as long as it can supply a gas necessary for inflating the bag-like member 144.
In addition to 6, a syringe or the like can be used.

Also, unlike the bag-like member 124 of the second embodiment, it is not necessary to consider the liquid permeability of the bag-like member 144 of the fourth embodiment, so that more types of materials can be used. .

Further, a configuration may be adopted in which the gas is sealed in the bag-like member 144 and the bag-like member 144 is supported by the support table 109 in an inflated state. Since the member 144 is maintained in the expanded state, the ink drying prevention device 102 ′ having the basic configuration shown in FIG. 2 can be configured.

FIG. 7 shows an ink drying prevention device 142 'which is a modification of the fourth embodiment.

In the ink drying prevention device 142 ′, a film-like member 144 ′ made of a material having elasticity such as rubber and impermeable to gas is stretched over a side wall 109 W of the support table 109. Membrane member 144 'and support 109
Is a closed space.

The heat generating member 14 is provided on the bottom of the support 109.
6 'is attached. The heat generating member 146 'is connected to a control circuit (not shown), and generates heat when energized by the control circuit. In the normal state, the heat generating member 146 ′ is not energized, and the film member 144 ′ has a flat shape as shown in FIG. 7A (at least it does not bulge toward the ink ejection surface 14). ) Is the heating member 146 '
When the air in the closed space between the film member 144 ′ and the support table 109 is heated by the heat generated by the heat generating member, the air expands.
As shown in (2), the film-like member 144 'swells toward the ink ejection surface 14. Therefore, when the support member 108 is raised in this state as shown in FIG.
4 ′ is in close contact with the ink ejection surface 14 and seals the ink ejection port 16. After the sealing, the expanded state of the film member 144 ′ may be maintained by appropriately maintaining the heat generation state. However, even after the expanded state of the film member 144 ′ is released due to the temperature drop, the film member 144 ′ may be maintained. If the support member 108 is positioned at a relative position where the surface does not separate from the ink ejection surface 14 (see FIG. 7D), the ink drying prevention function can be maintained with less power to the heat generating member 146 ′. preferable.

In the ink drying prevention device 142, the support member 144 'and the support base 144' are formed in advance so that the film member 144 'bulges toward the ink ejection surface 14 as shown in FIG. Air may be pressurized and sealed in a closed space with the airtight container 109. Thereby, the heating member 14
6 ′ becomes unnecessary, and the ink drying prevention device 102 ′ having the basic configuration shown in FIG. 2 can be formed.

The ink drying prevention device 1 shown in FIG.
At 42 ′, the bag-like member 144 ′ is replaced with the film-like member 144 ′ similarly to the ink drying prevention device 142 shown in FIG.
May be provided. Conversely, in the ink drying prevention device 142 shown in FIG. 6, a film-like member 144 'shown in FIG. 7 may be provided instead of the bag-like member 144.

(Fifth Embodiment) FIG. 8 shows a fifth embodiment of the present invention.
The ink drying prevention device 152 of the embodiment is shown.

Ink Drying Prevention Device 152 of Fifth Embodiment
In this embodiment, the cap member 104 has the same liquid-absorbing member 114 and bag-like member 124 as in the third embodiment,
The side wall 109W of the support table 109 is formed higher than in the third embodiment, and the width of the support table 109 is made equal to the width of the nozzle unit 22 of the inkjet recording head 12. The height of the side wall 109W is, as shown in FIG.
With the liquid absorbing member 114 expanding and the bag-like member 124 expanding and sealing the ink discharge port 16 securely, the side wall 109 is removed.
The upper end surface of W is in close contact with the ink ejection surface 14 and the liquid absorbing member 1
14 and the bag-like member 124.
Therefore, in this state, evaporation of the liquid from the liquid absorbing member 114 is prevented, and the state in which the bag-like member 124 seals the ink discharge port 16 can be more reliably maintained for a long period of time.

Note that the height of the side wall 109 W is
Before the seal 24 completely seals the ink ejection port 16, it is preferable that the upper end face has a height that does not contact the ink ejection face 14. That is, when the upper end surface of the side wall 109W comes into contact with the ink ejection surface 14 first, and then the bag-like member 124 is inflated, the nozzle 18 does not absorb the inflation pressure.
There is a risk of acting inside.

In the fifth embodiment, the cap member supported by the support table 109 is not limited to the above. For example, as in the first embodiment, the liquid absorbing member 114
In the configuration in which only the supporting member 109 is supported by the support 109 or the configuration in which the film-like member 134 is disposed on the liquid-absorbing member 114 as in the fourth embodiment, the film-like member 134 is not surrounded by the bag-like member 124 Since the liquid is likely to evaporate,
It is preferable to increase the height of the side wall 109W of 09 to prevent the liquid from evaporating.

It is preferable that the ink drying prevention device of each of the above-described embodiments can be used as a component of an ink jet recording head storage container or an ink jet recording device by unitizing each member. It doesn't have to be. [Inkjet recording head storage container] Next, the inkjet recording head storage container of the present invention will be described.

(Sixth Embodiment) FIG. 9 shows a sixth embodiment of the present invention.
An ink jet recording head storage container 162 of the embodiment is shown. The ink jet recording head storage container 162 has a container main body 164 having an opening 164H formed at an upper portion and capable of accommodating the ink jet recording head 12, a lid member 166 capable of closing the opening 164H,
have. In the container main body 164, the ink drying prevention device 102 of the present invention (which may be any of the ink drying prevention devices of the above-described embodiments) is disposed, but the link mechanism 110 constituting the support member 108 is provided. Are omitted, and the support table 109 is directly fixed to the container body 164.

A positioning plate 168 is disposed above the ink drying prevention device 102. In general, the ink jet recording head 12 is composed of an ink storage section composed of an ink tank 21 and an ink chamber 20, and a nozzle section 22 protruding from the ink chamber 20, and the nozzle section 22 is larger than the main body of the ink jet recording head 12. It is often formed small in plan view. In correspondence with the ink jet recording head 12 having such a configuration, a positioning hole 168H into which the nozzle portion 22 is fitted without any gap is formed at the center of the positioning plate 168. Therefore, when the nozzle portion 22 of the inkjet recording head 12 is fitted into the positioning hole 168H, the inkjet recording head 1
2 is positioned relative to the ink drying prevention device 102 in a method (horizontal direction) along the ink ejection surface 14.

Further, the height of the positioning plate 168 is set to a predetermined value in the vertical direction when the nozzle portion 22 is fitted into the positioning hole 168H and the lower surface of the ink chamber 20 is in contact with the upper surface of the positioning plate 168. (The position at which the ink jet recording head 12 is positioned is referred to as a capping position). When the ink jet recording head 12 is at the capping position, the cap member 104 of the ink drying prevention device 102
Is expanded, the cap member 104 is
4 and seals the ink discharge port 16.

In the ink jet recording head storage container 162 of the sixth embodiment having such a configuration, the ink jet recording head 12 can be stored and stored inside the container main body 164.

Further, by sealing the ink ejection port 16 of the ink jet recording head 12 with the cap member 104 of the ink drying prevention device 102, the ink ejection port 16 can be sealed without pushing air into the nozzle 18, Can be prevented from drying.

(Seventh Embodiment) FIG. 10 shows an ink jet recording head storage container 172 according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.
It is shown.

The ink jet recording head storage container 172 of the seventh embodiment is similar to the ink jet recording head storage container 162 of the sixth embodiment, in that the container main body 164 and the lid member 1 are provided.
66, and the ink drying prevention device 102 is arranged in the container main body 164.

The positioning plate 1 of the sixth embodiment
Instead of 68, a positioning groove 174 is formed in the inner surface of the side wall of the container main body 164 along the vertical direction. Also,
In correspondence with the positioning grooves 174, the positioning pins 2 are inserted from the side of the ink chamber 20 of the ink jet recording head 12.
4 are protruded. The positioning groove 174 has a positioning portion 174A formed to have the same width as the diameter of the positioning pin 24 from the center to the lower end, and a (substantially triangular) introduction portion 174B whose width gradually increases upward from the positioning portion 174A.
And is composed of

When the ink jet recording head 12 is housed in the container body 164 such that the positioning pins 24 are inserted into the positioning grooves 174, at the initial stage, the introduction section 1 is moved.
Since the width of the upper end of 74B is larger than the diameter of positioning pin 24, positioning pin 24 can be inserted into positioning hole 168H even when inkjet recording head 12 is misaligned with respect to container body 164. When the inkjet recording head 12 is moved downward, the positioning pins 24 are moved to the positioning portions 174 of the positioning holes 168H.
A, and when the inkjet recording head 12 is further moved downward, the positioning pin 24 is moved to the positioning portion 174.
The bottom of A is reached. In this state, the downward and horizontal movement of the inkjet recording head 12 is restricted, and the inkjet recording head 12 is positioned at the same capping position as in the sixth embodiment.

The number of the positioning grooves 174 and the positioning pins 24 is not particularly limited as long as the ink jet recording head 12 can be reliably positioned.

In the above-described ink jet recording head storage containers 162 and 172, the timing of the operation of accommodating the ink jet recording head 12 in the container main body 164 and the operation of expanding the expansion member 104 of the ink drying prevention device 102 are particularly limited. However, any of them may be the first. For example, a sensor for detecting that the ink jet recording head 12 has been housed at the capping position is provided on the container main body 164 or the like, and based on a signal from this sensor, the expansion member 104 is It can be configured to expand. [Inkjet Recording Apparatus] Next, the inkjet recording apparatus of the present invention will be described.

(Eighth Embodiment) FIG. 11 shows an ink jet recording apparatus 182 according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention.

The ink jet recording apparatus 182 includes an ink jet recording head 12, control means (not shown) for controlling ejection means (not shown) arranged in the ink jet recording head 12 in accordance with an image signal, and an image signal. A moving unit 184 for moving the inkjet recording head 12 and a conveying unit 186 such as an auto sheet feeder for conveying the recording paper P are provided. Transportation means 18
Reference numeral 4 denotes a carriage section 184A on which the inkjet recording head 12 is mounted, a carriage shaft 184B fixed to a housing 182H of the inkjet recording apparatus 182 and supporting the carriage section 184A so as to be movable in the horizontal direction in the drawing, and a carriage section 184A. And an endless drive belt 184C to which is attached. In the vicinity of the standby area of the inkjet recording head 12, the ink drying prevention device 102 of the present invention is disposed. In FIG. 11, the ink drying prevention device 102
The ink drying prevention device 1 having the same configuration as the second embodiment
Although 22 is shown, the ink drying prevention device provided in the inkjet recording device 182 is not particularly limited as long as it is the ink drying prevention device of the present invention.

Further, a cleaning means constituted by a blade 188 is arranged near the ink drying prevention device 102. When the ink jet recording head 12 is located at the maintenance position, the blade 188 moves so that unnecessary ink attached to the ink ejection surface 14 can be removed. Further, the maintenance device 190 performs maintenance on the ink jet recording head 12 so that desired printing performance can be maintained.

A liquid supply device 116 is provided in the housing 182H, and can supply liquid to the liquid absorbing member 114 of the ink drying prevention device 102.

In the ink jet recording apparatus 182 having such a configuration, at the time of image recording, ink is discharged from the ink discharge port 16 of the ink jet recording head 12 in accordance with an image signal, and the ink jet recording head 12 is driven by a driving belt. Carriage shaft 184B
Move along. Further, the recording paper P is also transported by the transport unit 186.
To move in an arbitrary direction (generally, a direction orthogonal to the moving direction of the inkjet recording head 12).
Through these operations, images such as pictures and characters are recorded on the recording paper P.

When the ink jet recording apparatus 182 enters the non-image recording mode or is turned off, the ink jet recording head 12 returns to the standby area. Also,
The liquid is supplied from the liquid supply device 116 to the liquid-absorbing member 114, and the liquid-absorbing member 114 expands.
08 moves and rises. With these, the bag-like member 12
4 seals the ink discharge port 16 in close contact with the ink discharge surface 14, so that the drying of the ink in the nozzle 18 is prevented. In addition, air is not accidentally pushed into the nozzle 18.

When an image is recorded by the ink jet recording device 182, the support member 108 is lowered to separate the bag-like member 124 from the ink ejection surface 14. As described above, since the drying of the ink in the nozzles 18 is prevented, the ink jet recording head 12 is in an optimal state for ejecting ink droplets without causing the ink to thicken or solidify. Further, since no careless air does not exist in the nozzle 18, for example, when performing a maintenance operation of a dummy jet or the like, the process can be simplified, and maintenance can be performed in a short time and at low cost.

(Ninth Embodiment) FIG. 12 shows an ink jet recording apparatus 192 according to a ninth embodiment. In this ink jet recording apparatus 192, the ink jet recording apparatus 182 of the eighth embodiment has the same components,
The same reference numerals are given to members and the like, and the description is omitted. FIG. 13 shows a step of sealing the ink ejection ports 16 of the ink jet recording head 12 in the ink jet recording apparatus 192.

The ink jet recording apparatus 1 of the ninth embodiment
Reference numeral 92 denotes a housing 182H in which an ink drying prevention device 194 having substantially the same configuration as the ink drying prevention device 112 of the first embodiment is disposed, but the liquid supply device 116 is not provided. The ink droplet D ejected from the ink jet recording head 12 is
To act as a liquid to be supplied to the That is, when sealing the ink discharge port 16, FIG.
As shown in (B), the standby position of the inkjet recording head 12 is set so that the liquid absorbing member 114 is above the ink ejection surface 14 so that the ink droplets D from the inkjet recording head 12 land. In this state, when the ink droplet D is ejected from the ink ejection port 16 of the ink jet recording head 12, the ink droplet D
4 and the liquid absorbing member 114 expands.

Other than the above, the configuration is substantially the same as that of the ink jet recording apparatus 182 of the eighth embodiment. Therefore,
Also in this ink jet recording apparatus 192, ink is ejected from the ink ejection port 16 of the ink jet recording head 12 according to the image signal, and the ink jet recording head 12 moves along the carriage shaft 184B. By moving in any direction, images such as pictures and characters are recorded on the recording paper P.

In the non-image recording mode of the ink jet recording apparatus 192, when the power is turned off, and the like, the ink jet recording head 12 returns to the standby area. Here, as shown in FIG. 13B, the ink jet recording head 12 ejects ink droplets D, and the ink droplets D are absorbed by the liquid absorbing member 114, and the liquid absorbing member 114 expands. Next, the support member 1
98 is driven to raise the support table 109. FIG.
As shown in (C), the liquid absorbing member 114 contacts the ink discharge surface 14 and seals the ink discharge port 16, so that the ink in the nozzle 18 is prevented from drying. The air is not accidentally pushed into the nozzle 18.

As described above, in the ink jet recording apparatus 192 of the ninth embodiment, the ink jet recording head 12
The ink absorbing member 114 is expanded by utilizing the ink droplets D discharged from the liquid absorbing member 114 and absorbing the ink droplets. Since there is no need to provide a separate liquid supply device 116 (see FIG. 3 and the like), the structure of the inkjet recording device 192 can be simplified, and the cost can be reduced.

(Tenth Embodiment) FIG. 14 partially shows an ink jet recording apparatus 202 according to a tenth embodiment. The overall configuration of the ink jet recording apparatus 202 is substantially the same as that of the ninth embodiment, and is not shown. Further, unlike the ninth embodiment, a configuration in which the liquid is supplied from the liquid supply device 116 to the liquid-absorbing member 114 is illustrated. However, as in the inkjet recording device 192 of the ninth embodiment, the liquid is supplied from the inkjet recording head 12. The liquid absorbing member 114 may be configured to expand by the ejected ink droplets (the liquid supply device 116 is unnecessary).

In the ink jet recording apparatus 202 according to the tenth embodiment, at least the surface energy of the ink ejection surface 14 is larger than the surface energy of the support 109 in consideration of the surface energy of the ink ejection surface 14 and the surface energy of the support 109. The materials of the ink ejection surface 14 and the support 109 are selected so as to be relatively large. Therefore, when the liquid absorbing member 114 is separated from the state where the liquid absorbing member 114 is attached to the ink ejection surface 14 by lowering the support member 108, most of the liquid absorbing member 114 remains attached to the ink ejection surface 14, and the other portions are left. It remains on the support 109. The liquid absorbing member 114 and the ink ejection surface 14 in the expanded state
When the adhesive force between the liquid absorbing members 114 is set to be larger than the adhesive force (cohesion) between the liquid absorbing members 114, the liquid absorbing members 1
14 can remain on the support base 119,
More preferred.

[0129] In the housing 182H, a liquid absorbing member supply device 204 is disposed. The liquid-absorbing member supply device 204 includes a storage container 2 in which the liquid-absorbing member is stored in advance.
06, and is rotatably attached to an opening at the lower part of the storage container 206, and a predetermined amount of the liquid absorbing member 114 is
And a discharge roller 208 for discharging the toner to the outside. When the liquid absorbing member supply device 204 is driven in a state where the support table 109 is located below the liquid absorbing member supply device 204, the liquid absorbing member can be supplied onto the support table 109.

In the ink jet recording apparatus 202 of the tenth embodiment having such a structure, ink is discharged from the ink discharge ports 16 of the ink jet recording head 12 according to the image signal, and the ink jet recording head 12 is moved to the carriage. By moving along the shaft 184B and further moving the recording paper P in any direction,
Images such as pictures and characters are recorded on the recording paper P.

In the non-image recording mode of the ink jet recording apparatus 192, when the power is turned off, and the like, the ink jet recording head 12 returns to the standby area. Here, as shown in FIG. 14A, liquid is supplied to the liquid absorbing member 114 from the liquid supply device 116 (or ink droplets are ejected from the ink jet recording head 12 and landed), and the liquid absorbing member 114 is discharged. 1
14 is inflated. Further, as shown in FIG. 14B, the support member 108 is raised to seal the ink discharge ports 16. Thus, drying of the ink in the nozzle 18 can be prevented without inadvertently forcing air into the nozzle 18.

When an image is to be recorded again by the ink jet recording apparatus 182, the supporting member 108 is lowered to separate the bag-like member 124 from the ink ejection surface 14, as shown in FIG. Here, since most of the liquid absorbing member 114 adheres to the ink ejection surface 14, the removal of the ink by the blade 188 prevents the ejection of ink droplets from the inkjet recording head 12 or causes the ink droplets to become unstable. It does not become. In addition, support table 1
09, the amount of the liquid absorbing member 114 is small,
As shown in FIG. 14D, the support member 108 moves below the liquid-absorbing member supply device 204, and the liquid-absorbing member supply device 204 is further driven. 114 is supplied. Thereby, the ink drying prevention device 112 is in a state where the ink ejection port 16 can be sealed again. In particular, since the unused liquid absorbing member 114 is replenished on the support table 109, the sealing stability when the sealing of the ink discharge ports 16 is repeated is improved.

In the tenth embodiment, the support 1
More liquid-absorbent members 114 may remain on the support table 109 when 09 is lowered. That is, whether the liquid-absorbing member 114 relatively adheres to the ink ejection surface 14 or remains on the support table 109 depends on the adhesive force between the liquid-absorbing member 114 and the ink ejection surface 14 and the support table 109. (Surface energy) is dominant. Therefore, if the material is selected such that the surface energy of the support 109 is higher than the surface energy of the ink ejection surface 14, most of the liquid absorbing member 114 remains on the support 109. In this case, the liquid absorbing member 114 remaining on the support table 109 may be removed by a blade 188 or the like.

Further, even when there is a large difference in surface energy between the support table 109 and the ink ejection surface 14, at least a part of the liquid absorbing member 114 often adheres to a surface having a larger surface energy. Therefore, it is preferable to remove the liquid absorbing member 114 from both the ink ejection surface 14 and the support table 109. In particular, when the liquid absorbing member 114 remains on both of them, the liquid absorbing member 1
Preferably, 14 is removed.

In general, the material of the ink ejection surface 14 of the ink jet recording head 12 is often determined in advance.
9 materials can be determined. For example, when the ink ejection surface 14 is made of a material having a relatively large surface energy, the surface (at least the upper surface) of the support 109 is made of a material having a lower surface energy than the ink ejection surface 14. As a result, the adhesiveness of the liquid absorbing member 114 to the ink ejection surface 14 becomes relatively high, and more liquid absorbing members 114 adhere to the ink ejection surface 14, and thus adhere to the ink ejection surface 14 and remain. The liquid absorbing member 114 is removed. In particular, the removal efficiency increases as the amount of the liquid-absorbing member 114 attached to the ink ejection surface 14 increases, for example, by increasing the difference in surface energy.
This is preferable because the repetition stability of the sealing performance is improved. For example, when the ink ejection surface 14 is made of polyimide, the above condition is satisfied if the surface of the support table 109 is made of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).

On the other hand, when the ink ejection surface 14 is made of a material having a relatively small surface energy, the surface (at least the upper surface) of the support table 109 is made of a material having a higher surface energy than the ink ejection surface 14. It consists of. As a result, the adhesiveness of the liquid absorbing member 114 to the support table 109 becomes relatively high, and more liquid absorbing member 114 remains on the support table 109. Therefore, the liquid absorbing member 114 on the support table 109 is removed. I do. In particular, also in this case, the removal efficiency increases as the amount of the liquid-absorbing member 114 remaining on the support table 109 increases, such as by increasing the difference in surface energy, so that the repetition stability of the sealing performance is improved, preferable.

[0137]

[Example 1] In Example 1, an ink drying prevention apparatus 102 (see FIG. 3) according to the first embodiment of the present invention was used, and the ink jet recording apparatus 182 shown in FIG. A confirmation test of the ink drying prevention effect was performed using an ink jet recording apparatus (provided with a liquid supply apparatus 116).

As the ink jet recording head 12,
An aqueous thermal ink jet recording head (using an aqueous ink and ejecting ink droplets by thermal energy from a heating element) was used.

As the liquid absorbing member 114 constituting the cap member 104, dried particles of sodium polyacrylate (hereinafter, abbreviated as “gel” as appropriate) were used.

As the liquid supply device 116, a roller made of polyurethane sponge impregnated with water was used.

Then, the dried particles of sodium polyacrylate were held on the support table 109 at a thickness of 1 mm, brought into contact with the above-mentioned roller impregnated with water, and water was supplied. The contact was made to prevent the ink from drying from the nozzles 18. At this time, no contact pressure was applied. The gel swelled, deformed and adhered along the ink ejection surface 14, and sealed off the ink inside the nozzle 18 from outside air. The gel did not deform after the contact with the ink ejection surface 14 and pushed the ink in the nozzle 18.

(Effect Confirmation Test) The above-described ink drying prevention device 1 is attached to the ink jet recording head 12 after image recording.
02 in normal room (20 ° C, 50% RH)
Left for months. After the standing, the gel was separated from the ink ejection surface 14, and the gel remaining on the ink ejection surface 14 was removed with a blade 188 (see FIG. 12). The blade is made of rubber and is generally used for the ink jet recording apparatus 182. When an image was recorded in this state, a clear image could be recorded as before the image was left.

[Comparative Example 1] Instead of the cap member (dry particles of sodium polyacrylate) of Example 1, a conventional silicone rubber contact-type cap was mounted (100 g / cm using a spring). (Contact pressure of ² ) was applied, and the image recording test was performed after leaving the same as in Example 1. As a result, some nozzles could not discharge ink droplets. Upon disassembly and inspection, it was found that air had entered the nozzles and ink could not be supplied. Therefore, when the inside of the nozzle was sucked and air clogging was removed and the image was recorded, a clear image could be recorded as before, but a few minutes of waiting time and ink disposal were necessary for elimination. .

Further, when the same cap was brought into contact with the ink ejection surface 14 with almost no contact pressure and left in the same manner, and an image recording test was carried out, only a faint image could be recorded. It was found that the ink dried from the gap between the ink ejection surface and the cap, and clogged after standing.

Example 2 In Example 2, a test for confirming the effect of preventing ink drying was performed using the ink jet recording apparatus 192 of the ninth embodiment. The ink jet recording head 12 and the liquid absorbing member 114 had the same configuration as in the first embodiment.

Then, when the image recording was stopped, 0.5 ml of ink droplets were ejected from the ink jet recording head 12 onto the gel and expanded to prevent the ink from drying from the nozzles 18. At this time, no contact pressure was applied. The gel swelled and deformed and adhered along the ink discharge surface, thereby sealing off the ink inside the nozzle 18 from outside air. The gel did not deform after the contact with the ink ejection surface 14 and pushed the ink in the nozzle 18.

(Effect Confirmation Test) The above-described ink drying prevention device 1 is attached to the ink jet recording head 12 after image recording.
02 in a normal room (20 ° C, 50% RH)
Left for one month. After standing, the gel was separated from the ink ejection surface 14 and further removed with a blade 188 (see FIG. 12). The blade is made of rubber and is generally used for the ink jet recording apparatus 182. When an image was recorded in this state, a clear image could be recorded as before the image was left.

Example 3 In Example 3, a test was conducted to confirm the effect of preventing ink drying using the ink jet recording apparatus 202 of the tenth embodiment. The basic configuration of the ink jet recording head 12 was the same as that of Example 1, and the ink ejection surface 14 was made of polyimide resin. The surface of the support 109 is made of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTF).
E).

Then, the same gel as that of Example 1 was applied to a thickness of 1 m.
m on the support 109 and supply water,
The gel was brought into contact with the ink ejection surface 14. At this time, no contact pressure was applied. The gel swelled, deformed and adhered along the ink ejection surface 14, and sealed the ink inside the nozzle 18 by shutting off the outside air. After contact with the ink ejection surface 14, the gel did not deform and push the ink in the nozzle 18.

Before image recording, the support member 108 is driven to move the support table 109 away from the portion of the ink jet recording head 12 facing the ink ejection surface 14,
The gel remaining on the ink ejection surface 14 was rubbed and removed with a blade 188 made of urethane rubber. A small amount of gel remaining in the nozzle 18 was removed by performing a so-called dummy jet. Thereafter, normal image recording was performed using the inkjet recording head 12.

After the image recording is completed, a gel is attached to the support table 109 from the liquid-absorbing member supply device 204 to replenish it.
It was used again for sealing in the above procedure. (Effect Confirmation Test) After the image has been recorded, the ink drying prevention device provided in the ink jet recording device 182 is mounted on the ink jet recording head 12 after the image is recorded, and the normal room (20)
C., 50% RH) for 1 week. After the standing, the gel was separated from the ink ejection surface 14, and the remaining gel was removed with a blade 188 (see FIG. 12). The blade is made of rubber and is generally used for the ink jet recording apparatus 182. When an image was recorded in this state, a clear image could be recorded as before the image was left.

After the image recording, a new gel was supplied and sealed again, and the standing and the image recording were repeated. However, no clogging of the nozzle 18 occurred and a clear recorded image could be obtained.

In a configuration in which the gel is repeatedly used without removing the gel from the ink ejection surface 14, the sealability may be deteriorated. Therefore, the ink thickened when the seal is released adheres around the ink ejection port 16. However, the level is almost no problem in a visual image, but a minute dot disorder may occur at the start of image recording.

In this embodiment, since the ink ejection surface 14 is less contaminated and there is almost no dot disturbance at the start of image recording as compared with the case where a gel (liquid-absorbent member 114) is used repeatedly, the ejection performance is more stable. And a clear image could be repeatedly recorded over a longer period of time.

[0155]

According to the present invention having the above-described structure, it is possible to prevent the drying of the ink for a long time with a simple structure without pushing air into the ink jet recording head.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view schematically showing a basic configuration of an ink drying prevention device according to the present invention, in which (A) shows a state before sealing an ink discharge port, and (B) shows a state in which an ink discharge port is being sealed. (C) shows a state in which the ink discharge port is sealed.

FIG. 2 is a front view schematically showing an example different from that shown in FIG. 1 as a basic configuration of the ink drying prevention device of the present invention, wherein (A) shows a state before the ink discharge port is sealed, (B) shows a state in which the ink discharge ports are sealed.

FIGS. 3A and 3B are front views schematically showing the ink drying prevention device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, wherein FIG. 3A shows a state before sealing the ink discharge ports, and FIG. (C) shows a state in which the ink discharge port is sealed, respectively.

FIGS. 4A and 4B are front views schematically showing an ink drying prevention device according to a second embodiment of the present invention, wherein FIG. 4A shows a state before the ink discharge ports are sealed, and FIG. (C) shows a state in which the ink discharge port is sealed, respectively. It is a sectional view showing an ink drying prevention device of a third embodiment of the present invention.

5A and 5B are front views schematically showing an ink drying prevention device according to a third embodiment of the present invention, wherein FIG. 5A shows a state before sealing the ink discharge ports, and FIG. 5B shows a state before the ink discharge ports are sealed. (C) shows a state in which the ink discharge port is sealed, respectively.

FIG. 6 is a front view schematically showing an ink drying prevention device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, in which (A) shows a state before sealing an ink discharge port, and (B) shows a state before the ink discharge port is sealed. (C) shows a state in which the ink discharge port is sealed, respectively.

FIGS. 7A and 7B are front views schematically showing an ink drying prevention device according to a modification of the fourth embodiment of the present invention, in which FIG. 7A shows a state before the ink discharge ports are sealed, and FIG. Is in the process of being sealed, (C) is a state in which the ink ejection port is sealed, and (D) is a position in which the support member is in contact with the ink ejection surface even when the expansion of the film-like member is released. Each state is shown.

8A and 8B are front views schematically showing an ink drying prevention device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, in which FIG. 8A shows a state before the ink ejection port is sealed, and FIG. 8B shows a state before the ink ejection port is sealed. (C) shows a state in which the ink discharge port is sealed, respectively.

FIG. 9 is a partially cutaway perspective view showing an ink jet recording head storage container according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a partially cutaway perspective view showing an ink jet recording head storage container according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating an ink jet recording apparatus according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating an inkjet recording apparatus according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 13A and 13B partially show an ink jet recording apparatus according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention, in which FIG. 13A shows a state before the ink discharge port is sealed, FIG. C) shows a state in which the ink discharge ports are sealed.

FIGS. 14A and 14B partially show an ink jet recording apparatus according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention, wherein FIG. 14A shows a state in which an ink ejection port is being sealed, FIG. C) shows a state in which the liquid-absorbing member is separated from the ink ejection surface, (D) shows a state in which the liquid-absorbing member is being supplied, and (E) shows a state in which the supply of the liquid-absorbing member is completed. .

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 12 Ink jet recording head 14 Ink ejection surface 16 Ink ejection port 18 Nozzle 102 Ink drying prevention device 102 'Ink drying prevention device 104 Cap member 104' Cap member 106 Expansion means 108 Supporting member (moving means) 112 Ink drying prevention device 114 Liquid absorption Liquid member (expansion member, cap member) 116 Liquid supply device (expansion means) 122 Ink drying prevention device 124 Bag-shaped member (non-permeable member, cap member) 132 Ink drying prevention device 134 Film-shaped member (non-permeable member, cap member) 142) Ink drying prevention device 144 Bag-shaped member (cap member) 146 Pump (gas supply device, expansion means) 152 Ink drying prevention device 162 Ink jet recording head storage container 172 Ink jet recording head storage container 182 Ink jet DOO recording device 188 a blade (removal means) 192 inkjet recording apparatus 202 inkjet recording apparatus 204 liquid absorbing member supply device

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────の Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Tetsu Mori 2274 Hongo, Ebina-shi, Kanagawa Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd. In-house (72) Inventor Hiroaki Sato 2274 Hongo, Ebina-shi, Kanagawa Prefecture Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd. Ebina Office F-term (reference) 2C056 EA17 EC22 EC28 JA02 JA10 JA21 JA25 KC07

Claims (14)

[Claims] An ink drying prevention device for preventing drying of ink inside an ink jet recording head, wherein the ink drying preventing device is configured to be expandable, and in an expanded state, contacts an ink discharge surface of the ink jet recording head to seal an ink discharge port. Together with a cap member capable of absorbing the expansion pressure in a portion not in contact with the ink ejection surface, and contact means for moving at least a part of the cap member relative to the ink ejection surface to make contact therewith. Characteristic ink drying prevention device. 2. The ink drying prevention device according to claim 1, wherein the contact unit has a relative displacement unit that relatively displaces the ink jet recording head and the cap member. 3. The ink drying prevention device according to claim 1, wherein the contacting means has an expanding means for expanding the cap member. 4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the cap member is an expansion member that expands by supplying a fluid, and the expansion unit is a fluid supply unit that supplies a fluid to the expansion member to expand the expansion member. The ink drying prevention device according to claim 3, wherein: 5. The liquid discharge device according to claim 1, wherein the cap member includes a liquid-absorbing member that expands by absorbing the liquid, and the fluid supply unit includes a liquid supply unit that supplies the liquid to the liquid-absorbing member. The ink drying prevention device according to claim 4, wherein 6. The liquid-absorbing member according to claim 5, further comprising: a non-transmissive member disposed between the liquid-absorbing member and the ink ejection surface of the ink jet recording head and not transmitting the liquid-absorbing member. Ink drying prevention device. 7. The ink drying prevention device according to claim 5, further comprising: a removing unit configured to remove the liquid-absorbing member attached to an ink ejection surface of the inkjet recording head. 8. The ink drying prevention device according to claim 5, wherein the liquid-absorbing member includes a crosslinked sodium polyacrylate-based polymer. 9. The bag according to claim 4, wherein the inflatable member includes a bag-shaped member formed in a bag shape, and the fluid supply means is capable of supplying a fluid to the inside of the bag-shaped member. Or Claim 5
3. The ink drying prevention device according to claim 1. 10. The support member according to claim 1, further comprising: a support member that supports the cap member and that is capable of shielding the ink discharge port from outside air while the cap member seals the ink discharge port. Ink drying prevention device. 11. A moving means for relatively moving the cap member between a separated position separated from the ink jet recording head and an approach position closer to the ink jet recording head. The ink drying prevention device according to any one of claims 3 to 10. 12. An ink jet recording head storage container provided with the ink drying prevention device according to any one of claims 1 to 11. 13. An ink jet recording apparatus comprising the ink drying prevention device according to claim 1. Description: 14. An ink jet recording apparatus comprising the ink drying prevention device according to claim 5, wherein the fluid supply means discharges ink from an ink jet recording head to the liquid absorbing member. An ink jet recording apparatus comprising: