JP3543314B2 - Ink jet recording device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is an ink jet recording apparatus that has a recording head that moves in the width direction of a recording sheet, and performs printing on the recording sheet by discharging ink droplets toward the recording sheet based on print data. In particular, the present invention relates to a capping device for eliminating clogging of a nozzle opening for discharging ink droplets.
[0002]
[Prior art]
With the development of personal computers, graphic processing has become relatively easy to execute. Therefore, there is a demand for a recording apparatus capable of outputting a hard copy of, for example, a color image displayed on a display with high quality. To meet such a demand, a recording apparatus equipped with an ink jet recording head has been provided.
[0003]
This ink jet recording apparatus is used for many printings including color printing, since noise at the time of printing is relatively small and small dots can be formed with high density.
[0004]
Such an ink jet recording apparatus includes an ink jet recording head that receives supply of ink from an ink storage unit, and a paper feeding unit that moves a recording sheet relatively to the recording head, and performs recording according to a print signal. Recording is performed by ejecting ink droplets on recording paper to form dots while moving the head.
[0005]
A recording head capable of ejecting black, yellow, cyan, and magenta inks is provided on the carriage, and not only text printing with black ink but also full-color printing is possible by changing the ejection ratio of each ink.
[0006]
In such an ink jet recording head, the ink pressurized in the pressure generating chamber is ejected from the nozzle opening as ink droplets onto the recording paper to perform printing, so that the ink viscosity increases due to evaporation of the solvent from the nozzle opening. Also, there is a problem that clogging of the nozzle opening due to solidification of the ink, adhesion of dust, mixing of air bubbles, and the like, cause ejection abnormalities, resulting in poor printing.
[0007]
For this purpose, the ink jet recording apparatus usually includes capping means for sealing a nozzle plate, which is a nozzle forming surface of a recording head, when printing is not performed, and a cleaning member for cleaning the nozzle plate as necessary.
[0008]
This capping means not only functions as a lid for preventing drying of the ink in the nozzle opening described above, but also causes clogging of the nozzle opening or in the event of abnormal discharge due to the incorporation of air bubbles, the nozzle by the cap member. The plate is sealed, and the negative pressure from the suction pump as a negative pressure generating means sucks ink from the nozzle opening to eliminate clogging of the nozzle opening, and also has a function of discharging mixed bubbles from the nozzle opening. Have.
[0009]
The process of removing clogging of the recording head and forcibly discharging ink to discharge mixed air bubbles from the nozzle openings is usually called a cleaning operation. It is executed when the user operates the cleaning switch by recognizing blurred printing.After the capping unit seals the nozzle plate and discharges ink, the cleaning member made of an elastic plate such as rubber is used to clean the nozzle plate. Wiping is performed.
[0010]
By the way, the capping means used in this type of ink jet recording apparatus has a configuration as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, for example. That is, FIG. 10 is a longitudinal sectional view of the capping unit in a state where the recording head is capped, and FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the recording head sealed by the capping unit.
[0011]
10 and 11, a cap unit 13 as capping means has a rectangular cap holder 21 having an open upper surface, and a flexible substance, particularly rubber, which is housed in the cap holder 21 and has ink resistance. And a cup-shaped cap member 22 formed of an elastic member such as the above. The cap member 22 is formed such that its upper edge slightly protrudes from the cap holder 21.
[0012]
In addition, an ink absorbing member 23 made of a porous material having excellent ink resistance and ink absorbing property is housed in the inner bottom of the cap member 22. Further, a slider 24 for supporting the lower bottom portion of the cap holder 21 is provided, and when the carriage moves to the capping means side, the slider 24 is raised upward while maintaining the slider 24 in a substantially horizontal posture by the action of a rotating arm (not shown) or the like. The nozzle plate 8 a of the recording head 8 can be moved and sealed by the cap member 22.
[0013]
On the other hand, a suction port 25 is formed in the cap case 22 so as to penetrate the cap member 22, and a suction tube 26 is connected to the suction port 25 of the cap case 22 and connected to a suction pump as negative pressure generating means. Have been. Although not shown in FIG. 11, an air release port is formed so as to penetrate the cap member 22 as necessary, and the inside of the cap case 22 is configured to be open to the atmosphere by opening an air valve. ing.
[0014]
In the above-described configuration, the slider is pushed up by the movement of the carriage toward the capping unit, and the upper edge 22 a of the cap member 22 seals the nozzle plate 8 a of the recording head 8. By operating the suction pump, a negative pressure is applied to the inside of the cap case 22 via the suction tube 26. As a result, ink is sucked from the nozzle openings 8 b of the recording head 8, and the sucked ink is absorbed by the ink absorbing material 23 stored in the cap member 22 and stored in the cap member 22.
[0015]
At the time when the suction of the ink from the nozzle opening 8b of the recording head 8 is completed, the pressure inside the cap member 22 is returned to the positive pressure by opening the air valve (not shown). By operating the suction pump (not shown) while the air valve is open, the ink stored in the cap member 22 is sucked by the suction pump and discharged to a drain ink tank (not shown).
[0016]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
According to the cap unit 13 described above, the cap member 22 is formed of an elastic member such as rubber or elastomer so that the nozzle plate 8a of the recording head 8 can be sealed. The material is hermetically sealed with the nozzle plate 8a by the elasticity of the material.
[0017]
Therefore, when an attempt is made to suction ink from the nozzle openings 8b by applying a negative pressure to the inside of the cap member 22, there is a problem that the cap member 22 is deformed inward due to the negative pressure as shown in FIGS. .
[0018]
In general, the cap unit 13 is configured to be able to move up and down with respect to the recording head 8 by the above-described rotating arm or the like based on the movement of the carriage. Care has been taken to reduce the load of movement, ie, the load on the carry motor. However, the lower the elasticity of the material of the cap member 22, the more remarkable the degree of the deformation described above.
[0019]
In addition, in recent years, the number of nozzle openings 8b provided in the nozzle plate 8a has also increased, and accordingly, the suction capacity of the suction pump has been increased. The maximum negative pressure can reach approximately -0.8 atm.
[0020]
Under such conditions, the upper edge 22a of the cap member 22 is deformed so as to fall inward, and in this state, the upper edge 22a of the cap member 22 is pressed against the nozzle plate 8a. Further, the upper end edge 22a is in a deformed state in which it falls down inward.
[0021]
For this reason, the sealing portion formed by the upper end edge 22a of the cap member 22 reaches the nozzle opening 8a as shown in FIG. 11, and there is a problem that a normal ink suction operation from the nozzle opening cannot be performed. appear.
[0022]
The present invention has been made in view of such a problem, and by suppressing the action in which the cap member is pressed against the nozzle plate in a predetermined range, it is possible to prevent the cap member from remarkably falling down. It is an object of the present invention to provide a configuration of a capping unit that can be obtained, and to provide an ink jet recording apparatus with improved reliability.
[0023]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
According to a preferred embodiment of the ink jet recording apparatus according to the present invention made to achieve the above object, an ink jet recording head for discharging ink droplets from nozzle openings, and a nozzle forming surface of the recording head are sealed. An ink jet recording apparatus comprising a cap member for stopping and a capping means for sucking ink from a nozzle opening by receiving a negative pressure from a negative pressure generating means. A space member that abuts the nozzle forming surface based on deformation of the cap member due to The space member is integrally formed with a cap holder for accommodating the cap member, and has a head formed at the tip thereof, and the ink absorbing material arranged at the inner bottom of the cap member by the head is directed toward the nozzle plate. It is characterized in that it also serves as a fixing member that prevents deformation .
[0024]
In one preferred form in this case, the space member is configured to be arranged at an opening peripheral portion of a cap holder that stores the cap member.
[0025]
In another preferred embodiment in this case, the space member is formed upright from the inner bottom portion of the cap holder that houses the cap member.
[0026]
In any of the above embodiments, it is preferable that the space member is formed of a softer member than a member constituting the nozzle forming surface.
[0027]
Further, it is preferable that a longitudinal section of the distal end portion of the space member that comes into contact with the nozzle forming surface is formed in an arc shape, and that three or more space members are formed in the capping means.
[0028]
Further, it is preferable that the space member is disposed so as to avoid a position facing the nozzle opening of the recording head when the capping unit seals the nozzle forming surface of the recording head.
[0029]
In any of the above cases, preferably, the space member also serves as a fixing member that prevents the ink absorbing material disposed on the inner bottom portion of the cap member from being deformed toward the nozzle plate. You.
[0030]
In a preferred form in this case, the space member is configured by implanting a separate pin member having a head at a tip end in a cap holder that stores a cap member, and the head portion is formed on an inner bottom portion of the cap member by the head portion. The arrangement also serves as a fixing member for preventing the arranged ink absorbing material from being deformed toward the nozzle plate.
[0031]
In another preferred embodiment in this case, the space member is integrally formed with a cap holder for housing the cap member, and a head is formed by heating and deforming a tip of the space member. The ink absorbing member disposed at the bottom also serves as a fixing member that prevents the ink absorbing member from being deformed toward the nozzle plate.
[0032]
In any of these cases, the head of the space member is provided with an ink guide groove so that ink droplets attached to the head of the space member can be guided to the ink absorbing material. Is desirable.
[0033]
According to the ink jet recording apparatus including the capping unit configured as described above, the capping unit includes the space member that contacts the nozzle forming surface based on the deformation of the cap member due to the negative pressure from the negative pressure generating unit. Therefore, even if a relatively low elastic material is used for the cap member, the space member can abut on the nozzle forming surface to prevent the cap member from excessively falling.
[0034]
Thus, it is possible to prevent the problem that the seal portion formed by the upper end edge of the cap member reaches the nozzle opening portion and the normal ink suction operation from the nozzle opening cannot be performed. Cleaning action can be guaranteed.
[0035]
Since the space member functions by contacting the nozzle plate, which is the nozzle forming surface, the dimension between the two can be kept constant, and the normal and normal head cleaning operation can be constantly performed repeatedly. Can be.
[0036]
In addition, the space member also serves as a fixing member that prevents the ink absorbing material disposed on the inner bottom portion of the cap member from being deformed toward the nozzle plate, so that the ink absorbing material housed in the cap member can be reduced. Even if swollen, it is possible to reduce adverse effects on the nozzle openings due to ink bubbles generated on the upper surface of the ink absorbing material.
[0037]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an ink jet recording apparatus according to the present invention will be described based on an embodiment shown in the drawings. FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of an ink jet recording apparatus to which the present invention is applied. In the drawing, reference numeral 1 denotes a carriage, and a guide member 4 is provided via a timing belt 2 which reciprocates by driving a carriage motor 3. And is reciprocated in the axial direction of the platen 5.
[0038]
A black recording head 7 and a color recording head 8 are mounted on the side of the carriage 1 facing the recording paper 6, and a black ink cartridge 9 for supplying ink to each recording head is provided above the black recording head 7 and a color recording head 8. A color ink cartridge 10 is detachably mounted.
[0039]
In the figure, reference numeral 11 denotes a capping device arranged outside the non-printing area, in which a cap unit 12 constituting capping means for a black head and a cap unit 13 constituting capping means for a color head are arranged. . A suction pump 16 for applying a negative pressure to each cap unit of the capping device 11 is disposed below the capping device 11.
[0040]
The cap units 12 and 13 function as capping means for preventing drying of the nozzle openings during the idle period of the printing apparatus. In addition, the negative pressure from the suction pump 16 is applied to the printing heads 7 and 8 to suck ink. It also has a function as a means for performing. A cleaning member 17 made of an elastic material such as rubber is arranged near the capping device 11, and the wiping of the nozzle plate in each of the recording heads 7 and 8 is executed as the carriage moves toward the capping device 11. It is configured to be able to.
[0041]
FIG. 2 shows a cross section of a first embodiment of one of the cap units 12, 13, for example, a cap unit 13 for a color head. Note that the basic configuration of the cap unit 13 is the same as that shown in FIG. 10 described above, and the corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and therefore, the description of each part described above is omitted.
[0042]
In FIG. 2, a space member 31 is arranged on the cap holder 21 of the cap unit 13 so as to rise upward at the periphery of the opening of the cap holder 21. The vertical cross section of the space member 31 is formed in an arc shape, and the height of the tip is set to be slightly lower than the upper end edge 22 a of the cap member 22.
[0043]
FIG. 3 shows a state where the nozzle plate 8a of the recording head 8 is sealed by the cap unit 13 in which the space member 31 is arranged. When the nozzle plate 8a of the recording head 8 is sealed by the cap unit 13 as shown in FIG. 3, the upper edge 22a of the cap member 22 made of rubber or elastomer comes into contact with the nozzle plate 8a and is deformed. In addition, the tip of the space member 31 comes into contact with the nozzle plate 8a with this deformation.
[0044]
By this operation, the upper edge 22a of the cap member 22 is brought into close contact with the nozzle plate 8a with an appropriate pressure due to the elastic force of the cap member 22, and the nozzle openings 8b formed in the nozzle plate 8a can be sealed.
[0045]
FIG. 4 shows the recording head 8 seen through the state shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, two space members 31 are arranged on one side of the rectangular cap holder 21 so as to be separated from each other, and one space member 31 is arranged on the center of the other side opposite to this. , There are a total of three space members 31.
[0046]
By arranging the three space members 31 on the opposing peripheral edges of the cap holder 21 in this manner, the space members 31 come into contact with the nozzle plate 8a in a form supported at three points. The upper end edge 22a is uniformly deformed, and the square upper end edge 22a is uniformly brought into close contact with the nozzle plate 8a.
[0047]
It is desirable that each of the space members 31 be made of a synthetic resin or the like which is a soft member as compared with, for example, stainless steel which constitutes the nozzle plate 8a of the recording head 8, and the nozzle plate 8a has such a structure. The problem of damaging can be avoided.
[0048]
According to the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, when a negative pressure is applied by the suction pump 16 via the suction tube 26 in a state where the nozzle plate 8 a of the recording head 8 is sealed by the cap unit 13. Although the upper edge 22a of the cap member 22 is slightly curved inward, the position is regulated by the presence of the space member 31, so that the upper edge 22 of the cap member 22 is still deformed and falls inward. No symptoms occur.
[0049]
Therefore, as in the conventional example shown in FIG. 11, the upper edge 22a of the cap member 22 falls extremely inward due to the synergistic action of the suction and the pressure, and the upper edge 22a reaches the nozzle opening 8a, and the nozzle opening 8a is closed. It is possible to effectively avoid the problem that the normal ink suction operation cannot be performed.
[0050]
Although the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 2 to 4 shows a configuration in which three space members are arranged, for example, four or more space members may be arranged.
[0051]
next FIG. Shows a sectional view of a second embodiment of the cap unit. Note that FIG. Are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description of those parts will be omitted.
[0052]
FIG. In the second embodiment, the space member 31 is formed in an upright state integrally with the cap holder 21 made of synthetic resin, and the tip portion of the space member 31 penetrates through the ink absorbing material 23 and protrudes upward. Configuration.
[0053]
The distal end of the space member 31 is formed in a hemispherical shape, and the height of the distal end is set to be slightly lower than the upper edge 22 a of the cap member 22. The space member 31 will be described later. FIG. Are arranged at six places in the same manner as in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, and the six space members 31 are configured to abut on the nozzle plate 8a while being supported at multiple points.
[0054]
Therefore, the upper end edge 22a of the cap member 22 is uniformly deformed, and the square upper end edge 22a comes into close contact with the nozzle plate 8a.
[0055]
next FIG. Is a sectional view showing a third embodiment of the cap unit, and FIG. Is FIG. In the state shown in FIG. 5, the recording head 8 is shown in a see-through state. Note that FIG. and FIG. Are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description of those parts will be omitted.
[0056]
FIG. and FIG. In the third embodiment shown in FIG. 6, six space members 31 rising integrally from the inner bottom of the cap holder 21 are projected upward through the ink absorbing material 23, and the leading ends are heated and deformed. By doing so, the head 31a is formed.
[0057]
The head 31a also serves as a fixing member that prevents the ink absorbing member 23 disposed on the inner bottom of the cap member 22 from being deformed toward the nozzle plate 8a. Accordingly, even if the ink absorbing material 23 absorbs ink and swells, the distance between the ink absorbing material 23 and each nozzle opening 8b of the recording head 8 can be ensured in the capping state.
[0058]
Therefore, it is possible to prevent ink bubbles generated when the inside of the cap unit is opened to the atmosphere from reaching the nozzle openings 8b, or to reduce the degree thereof. Therefore, it is possible to avoid the problem that the meniscus of the nozzle opening 8b is destroyed by ink bubbles entering the nozzle opening 8b or the like, and printing defects such as so-called missing dots or color mixing occur. Become.
[0059]
The head 31a can be formed by pressing a heating member having a hemispherical concave surface. In this case, preferably, by simultaneously heating and deforming the six space members 31 in one step, the space members 31 can be finished to the same height, and set to be slightly lower than the upper edge 22a of the cap member 22. Can be done.
[0060]
Also FIG. As shown in the figure, the space member 31 is arranged so as to avoid the position facing the nozzle opening 8b of the recording head when the capping unit seals the nozzle forming surface of the recording head. That is, FIG. As shown in (1), the head 31a of each space member 31 is disposed so as to be located between the nozzle rows, avoiding immediately below the nozzle rows formed by the respective nozzle openings 8b. Accordingly, at the time of ink suction, the degree of the ink discharged from the recording head 8 remaining as ink droplets on the head 31a of the space member 31 can be reduced, and the ink can be swept satisfactorily.
[0061]
FIG. Is an enlarged sectional view of a part of the cap unit according to the fourth embodiment. Note that FIG. Are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description of those parts will be omitted.
[0062]
FIG. In the fourth embodiment shown in FIG. 7, when the upper end of the space member 31 integrally raised from the inner bottom of the cap holder 21 is heated and deformed to form the head 31a, the hemispherical head 31a is formed. Further, a state in which an ink guide groove 31b is provided is shown.
[0063]
The ink guide groove 31b can be formed by pressing a heating member having, for example, a plate-like member disposed in a hemispherical concave surface.
[0064]
By providing the ink guiding groove 31b in this manner, the ink discharged from the recording head 8 and attached to the head 31a of the space member 31 is immediately absorbed by the ink absorbing material 23 through the guiding groove 31b. The number of the ink guide grooves 31b is not limited to one as shown in the figure, and an appropriate number is provided according to the size of the hemispherical head. In this case, the ink guide grooves may be arranged so as to cross.
[0065]
Each of the examples described above shows a form in which the space member 31 is formed integrally with the cap holder 21, but a separate pin-shaped member may be used as the space member 31. That is, by implanting a separate pin-shaped member in, for example, the cap holder 21, it is possible to obtain the same form and operation and effect as described above.
[0066]
FIG. 9 shows an external configuration of various space members implanted in the cap holder. In other words, the space member 31 shown in FIG. 9A has the upper surface of the head 31a formed flat. In the space member shown in FIG. 9A, since the upper surface of the head 31a is formed flat, the ink rides on the upper surface due to the surface tension of the ink, and the ink is discharged from the capping device. Even afterwards, the problem of ink remaining remains.
[0067]
Therefore, it is preferable to form the head 31a of the space member 31 in a hemispherical shape as shown in FIG. By forming the head of the space member in a hemispherical shape in this manner, the phenomenon that ink remains on the head 31a of the space member 31 due to surface tension can be reduced. Absorbed.
[0068]
9 (c) and 9 (d) show the space member 31 viewed from the front and side directions orthogonal to each other, and the head 31a of the space member 31 is formed in a hemispherical shape as shown in the figure. In addition, it is more preferable that the ink guide groove 31b is further formed on the upper surface of the hemispherical head. By providing the ink guide groove 31b in this manner, the ink attached to the head 31a of the space member 31 is immediately absorbed by the ink absorbing material 23 through the guide groove 31b.
[0069]
Each of the space members 31 shown in FIG. 9 is implanted in the cap holder 21 such that the height of the head end thereof is slightly lower than the upper end edge 22a of the cap member 22. Similarly to the embodiment, the upper edge 22a of the cap member 22 is brought into close contact with the nozzle plate 8a with an appropriate pressure due to the elastic force of the cap member 22, and the nozzle openings 8b formed in the nozzle plate 8a can be sealed.
[0070]
【The invention's effect】
As is apparent from the above description, the ink jet recording apparatus according to the present invention has the capping means provided with the space member that comes into contact with the nozzle forming surface based on the deformation of the cap member due to the sealing of the nozzle forming surface. The action of pressing the member against the nozzle plate can be suppressed within a predetermined range.
[0071]
Therefore, a remarkable collapse phenomenon of the cap member can be prevented by the synergistic action of the negative pressure and the pressure bonding, and a normal head cleaning action can be guaranteed.
[0072]
In addition, since the space member is also used as a fixing means for the ink absorbing material, even if the ink absorbing material accommodated in the cap member swells, the ink bubbles generated on the upper surface of the ink absorbing material may be generated. An adverse effect on the nozzle opening can be reduced. Accordingly, a highly reliable recording apparatus capable of effectively avoiding a problem that a meniscus of the nozzle opening is destroyed by ink bubbles entering the nozzle opening and a printing trouble such as so-called missing dots is generated. be able to.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an ink jet recording apparatus to which the present invention is applied.
FIG. 2 is a sectional view showing a first embodiment of a capping unit mounted on the recording apparatus shown in FIG.
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which a nozzle opening of a recording head is sealed by a capping unit illustrated in FIG. 2;
FIG. 4 is a plan view showing the recording head in a see-through state in the sealed state shown in FIG. 3;
FIG. 5 FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a fourth embodiment of the capping unit mounted on the recording apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1. .
FIG. 6 FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a second embodiment of a capping unit mounted on the recording apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1. .
FIG. 7 FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a third embodiment of the capping unit mounted on the recording apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1. .
FIG. 8 FIG. 8 is a plan view showing the recording head in a see-through state when the recording head is sealed by the capping unit shown in FIG. 7. .
FIG. 9 is an external configuration diagram of various space members implanted in the capping unit.
FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a case where a recording head is sealed by a conventional capping unit.
11 is a plan view showing the recording head in a see-through state when the recording head is sealed by the capping unit shown in FIG. 10;
[Explanation of symbols]
1 carriage
5 Platen
6 Recording paper
7 Recording head for black ink
8 Recording head for color ink
8a Nozzle plate
8b nozzle opening
9 Black ink cartridge
10. Ink cartridge for color
12 Cap unit (for black ink)
13 Cap unit (for color ink)
16 Suction pump (negative pressure generating means)
17 Cleaning member
21 Cap holder
22 Cap member
22a top edge
23 Ink absorber
24 Slider
25 suction port
26 Suction tube
31 Space members
31a head
31b Ink guide groove

Claims (10)

An ink jet recording head for ejecting ink droplets from a nozzle opening, and a capping means for providing a cap member for sealing a nozzle forming surface of the recording head and sucking ink from the nozzle opening by receiving a negative pressure from a negative pressure generating means An inkjet recording device equipped with
The capping means includes a space member that contacts the nozzle forming surface based on deformation of the cap member due to sealing of the nozzle forming surface ,
The space member is formed integrally with a cap holder that houses the cap member, forms a head at the tip, and the head deforms the ink absorbing material disposed at the inner bottom of the cap member toward the nozzle plate. An ink jet recording apparatus characterized in that it also serves as a fixing member for preventing the ink jet recording. 2. The ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the space member is disposed at a peripheral edge of an opening of a cap holder that stores the cap member. 3. 2. The ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the space member is formed upright from an inner bottom of a cap holder that stores the cap member. 3. 4. The ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the space member is formed of a softer member than a member forming a nozzle forming surface. 5. The ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a vertical section of the distal end portion of the space member that comes into contact with the nozzle forming surface is formed in an arc shape. 6. The ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein three or more space members are formed in the capping unit. 4. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the space member is disposed so as to avoid a position facing a nozzle opening of the print head when the capping unit seals a nozzle forming surface of the print head. An ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 6. An ink jet recording head for ejecting ink droplets from a nozzle opening, and a capping means for providing a cap member for sealing a nozzle forming surface of the recording head and sucking ink from the nozzle opening by receiving a negative pressure from a negative pressure generating means An inkjet recording device equipped with
The front Symbol capping means abutting spacing member to the nozzle forming surface on the basis of the deformation of the cap member by sealing the nozzle formation surface is provided,
The space member is configured by implanting a separate pin member having a head at a tip end in a cap holder that stores a cap member, and the ink absorbing material disposed at the inner bottom portion of the cap member by the head is provided. features and to Louis inkjet type recording apparatus that has a configuration which also serves as a fixing member for preventing the deformation in the nozzle plate side. 2. The ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the head is formed by heating and deforming a tip portion of a cap holder . The space member, the ink guide groove is applied to its head, according to claim 1, the ink droplets adhering to the head of the spacing member is characterized by being configured so as to be guided to the ink absorbing material, according to claim 8 or An ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 9 .

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