JPH10324004A - Ink jet printer - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent ink surely from being dried up and to prevent ink from being wasted at the time of initial supply. SOLUTION: The ink jet printer comprises a cap 221 which can surround the ink jet nozzles 207 of respective nozzle units 200C-200B, and ink non- absorbers 223C-223B being loaded in the cap 221 such that the jet hole 207J of each ink jet nozzle 207 can be closed. The ink jet printer further comprises a cap means 220 for switching the relative positron of each nozzle unit 200C-200B and the cap 221 selectively between a position P1 where respective ink jet nozzles 207 are surrounded by the cap 221 and a position P2 where each jet hole 207J is closed by the ink non-absorber 223C-223B.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an ink jet printer capable of color printing by jetting ink from an ink jet nozzle of a nozzle unit for each color onto a printing surface.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art An ink jet printer prints characters, images, and the like by jetting (flying) ink from a fine ink jet nozzle equivalent to one dot. Clogging easily occurs. In particular, in an ink jet printer capable of color printing having ink jet nozzles for each color, since the number of nozzles is larger than that for a single color ink jet printer, measures to prevent nozzle clogging are more important.

Therefore, in an ink jet printer, when printing is stopped for a certain period or more, the ink jet nozzle is covered with a cap (that is, capped) to prevent ink drying.

As shown in FIG. 6, a general ink jet printer is integrated with an ink tank (ink cassette) 213P and has one dot in the row direction of the print medium M (the width direction (X) of the print surface M1). Inkjet nozzle 207 for a plurality of dots in the row direction (direction orthogonal to the paper surface)
The print head 200P having P is reciprocated over the entire length in the row direction (X) using reciprocating means, and ink jets to print characters and images on the print surface M1.

In such a serial type ink jet printer, after printing is stopped, the print head 200P is moved to the printing surface M1.
The print head is largely moved in the width direction (X) to move out of the print area to a vacant area.
7P is covered by the cap 221P of the cap means 220P. That is, capping is performed.

[0006] Capping is performed by closing the tip (jet hole) of the ink jet nozzle 207P with a contact member (porous ink absorbing member 223P such as sponge) provided in the cap 221P. In addition,
The capping is performed for the purpose of preventing the ink from drying as described above.
This is also performed when initial supply to P is performed.

By the way, the above-mentioned conventional print head is reciprocated over the entire length in the line direction to print one line, and after printing one line, print medium [plain paper, plastic film (OHP).
Film) etc.] The printing speed can be greatly increased as compared with a so-called serial type ink jet printer in which M is fed by one line in the column direction and repeated, and continuous printing operation can be performed over many sheets. The present applicant has proposed an ink jet printer that can be made much smaller than a printer (for example, Japanese Patent Application No. 8-2969).
No. 57).

That is, in FIG. 7, the rotating body (drum 10) is rotatable in one direction (Y) about the rotation axis and can hold the print medium M on the outer peripheral surface 11 thereof. A nozzle unit (print head) 200 for each color (for example, yellow, magenta, cyan, and black) is provided in the rotation direction (Y) of the drum 10.

Therefore, an integrated nozzle unit 200 for each color or an integrated nozzle unit 200 for each color in which a plurality of nozzle unit elements are arranged in the row direction (for example, between Print medium M rotating while being reciprocated by the pitch
Ink can be printed in the row direction by spraying ink from each inkjet nozzle 207, and can be printed in the column direction while utilizing the rotation of the drum 10 during the forward movement of the pitch between the inkjet nozzles. That is, since the row-direction printing and the column-direction printing can proceed at the same time, the printing speed can be significantly increased.

Further, since the nozzle unit 200 for each color and the ink tank (ink cassette) 213 for each color are arranged at a distance from each other via a tube, the nozzle unit 200 for each color can be lightened and reciprocated in the row direction. The fact that the moving speed can be greatly increased also contributes to further increase in printing speed, and ink tanks (ink cassettes) 2 for each color.
13 can be greatly expanded, so that, for example, a continuous printing operation of 500 sheets or more can be performed.

In order to realize these, one side (right side in FIG. 7) of the drum 10 is provided with a feeding means 60 and a medium feeding means 9.
0, and on the other side (left side in FIG. 7), the medium peeling means 140, the medium discharge / conveyance means 160, and the direction switching means 190
Are provided.

The feeding means 60 can selectively feed the printing medium M one by one from one of the cassette feeding means 71 and the manual feeding means 61. The medium supply means 90 feeds the fed print medium M to the drum 1 at a predetermined timing.
Feed to the 0 side. The medium peeling means 140 peels the print medium M from the drum 10 after printing, and
0 discharges and conveys the peeled print medium M to the left in FIG. The direction switching unit 190 selectively switches between the discharge tray 192 and the upper discharge tray 193.

The nozzle units 200 for each color include:
Ink is supplied from the ink tank (ink cassette) 213 for each color by the ink supply means 210.

As shown in FIG. 8, the ink supply means 210 is provided with an ink pressure chamber 206 of each color nozzle unit 200.
And the ink tank 213 for each color and the ink supply tube 2
15 and an ink supply tube 217, an urging means 216 is provided in each ink supply tube 215, and a tube opening / closing means 218 is provided in each supply tube 217 to start / stop each urging means 216 and open / close each tube. By selecting the opening operation / closing operation of the means 218, it is possible to switch the initial supply of ink into the nozzle unit 200 (206) for each color, air bleeding, prime and the like.

In this way, since the feeding, supply, holding, printing, peeling, and discharging / conveying of the printing medium M can be continuously performed, multicolor printing of, for example, 20 sheets or more of A4 size can be performed in one minute.

[0016]

By the way, in the above-mentioned proposed ink jet printer, the nozzle units 200 for each color are formed from a large number of ink jet nozzles 207 arranged in the width direction (X) of the printing surface M1. Therefore, similarly to a general ink jet printer (serial type ink jet printer), if each color nozzle unit 200 is moved to an empty area in the width direction (X) of the printing surface M1 and capped, the empty area is regarded as the empty area. (X) It is necessary to secure a large space enough for the long nozzle unit 200 for each color, and the printer becomes large. In addition, the nozzle unit 200 for each color must be largely moved in the width direction (X), so that it takes a long time to prepare for capping and return to the printing position after capping, and to increase the printing speed. Is an obstacle. In addition, the nozzle unit 200 for each color
, The positioning accuracy with respect to the printing surface M1 tends to decrease, and it is difficult to achieve high quality printing.

[0017] The above-mentioned inconvenience also occurs in a conventional line type ink jet printer having a print head that is long in the width direction of the printing surface M1. Also, in a serial type ink jet printer, a similar problem occurs when, for example, many ink jet nozzles are arranged in the width direction of a printing surface to reduce the reciprocating movement time (shortening the printing time). Will happen.

In the above-mentioned general ink jet printer (serial type ink jet printer),
Since the ink absorber 223P of the cap 221P closes and caps the ink jet nozzle 207P of the nozzle unit 200P for each color, the ink in the nozzle 207P is sucked out by the ink absorber 223P, and the ink is wasted. Occurs.

Further, the ink absorbed by the ink absorber 223P is solidified, and the solidified ink may not completely close the jet holes of the nozzles 207P with the ink absorber 223P, and may cause a gap. Further, ink may be attached from the ink absorber 223P to a jet hole or the like that comes into contact with the ink absorber 223P.

Further, it is difficult to remove the ink (waste ink) absorbed by the ink absorber 223P of the cap 221P, and the cap 221P is removed at a relatively short time interval.
There is a problem from the viewpoint of handling, such as the necessity of replacement.

A first object of the present invention is to cover the ink jet nozzles of the nozzle units for each color with a cap so that drying of the ink can be reliably prevented, and that the ink is prevented from being wasted during initial supply of the ink. An object of the present invention is to provide an easy-to-handle ink jet printer that can perform the above-described operations. A second object is to provide an ink jet printer capable of achieving downsizing, high speed printing, and high quality printing.

[0022]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a cap capable of surrounding an ink jet nozzle of a nozzle unit for each color, and a non-ink absorber mounted in the cap and capable of closing a jet hole of each ink jet nozzle. Cap means for selectively switching the relative position between each color nozzle unit and the cap between a cap state position surrounding each ink jet nozzle with a cap and a closed state position closing each jet hole with a non-ink absorber. This is an ink jet printer provided with.

In this invention, for example, when printing is stopped for a certain period of time or more, the relative position between the nozzle unit for each color and the cap is switched to the cap state position. Thereby, the ink jet nozzle of each color nozzle unit is surrounded by the cap. as a result,
The air layer near the jet hole of each inkjet nozzle is filled with the vapor of the ink and is maintained at the saturated vapor pressure, so that it is possible to reliably prevent the ink from drying.

When the printing is stopped for a long time, the ink can be replenished (i.e., spit) from each ink jet nozzle to replenish the ink in the cap and maintain the saturated vapor pressure. . Thus, it is possible to reliably prevent the ink from drying over a long period of time.

When ink is initially supplied to the nozzle units for each color, the relative position between the nozzle units for each color and the cap is switched to the closed position. Thereby, the jet holes of the ink jet nozzles of the nozzle units for each color are closed by the non-ink absorber. Here, since the non-ink absorber does not absorb the ink, it does not suck out the ink from the inside of each nozzle, and the attached ink can be easily removed. Therefore,
It is possible to prevent wasteful consumption of ink at the time of initial supply of ink and the like, and to facilitate handling.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, each of the color nozzle units is formed so as to be reciprocally movable in an axial direction intersecting with a printing surface, and is capable of entering and exiting between the printing nozzle and each color nozzle unit with the cap separated. An ink jet printer which is formed and is switchable between the cap state position and the closed state position by moving the nozzle unit for each color.

In this invention, the moving direction of each color nozzle unit during capping is different from the width direction of the printing surface, and the moving distance from the printing surface can be greatly reduced. Therefore, it is not necessary to secure a large empty space in the width direction of the printing surface, and preparation for capping and return to the printing position can be completed in a short time, which does not hinder speeding up of printing. Further, when the print head is returned to the print position, the relative positioning between the print head and the print surface can be accurately performed.

Further, since the cap state and the closed state are switched by utilizing the movement of the nozzle unit for each color, there is no need to move the cap in two different directions.
The cap moving mechanism does not become complicated or large. In addition, since the nozzle unit for each color and the cap can be simultaneously moved to switch to the above-mentioned positions, capping can be performed more quickly.

As a result, the same operation and effect as those of the first aspect of the invention can be obtained, and further, downsizing, high-speed printing, and high-quality printing can be achieved.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the nozzle unit for each color is formed of a number of ink jet nozzles arranged in the width direction of the printing surface, and the cap and the non-ink absorber extend in the width direction of the printing surface. An ink jet printer which is provided with a slant surface inclined from one side in the width direction to the other side below the non-ink absorber in the cap.

In this invention, since the nozzle units for each color are formed from a large number of ink jet nozzles arranged in the width direction of the printing surface, printing in the width direction of the printing surface can be performed quickly. Further, such a large number of inkjet nozzles can be surrounded by a cap (or closed with a non-ink absorber). The ink (waste ink) discharged into the cap by the spits or the like flows along the inclined surface and is collected at one place. As a result, the same operation and effect as those of the first and second aspects of the invention can be obtained, furthermore, the printing speed can be further increased, and the waste ink processing can be easily performed.

[0032]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The present invention is applied to an ink jet printer having the same configuration as the previously proposed ink jet printer shown in FIG. 7, and as shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, a cap means 220 is provided, and a nozzle unit 200 for each color (ink jet nozzle 207) is provided. The relative position between the nozzle 207 and the cap 221 is determined by the cap state P1 surrounding the ink jet nozzles 207 by the cap 221 and the jet holes 20 of the
It is formed to be able to selectively switch between a closed state position P2 for closing 7J.

The same components as those of the previously proposed ink jet printer (FIG. 7) are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be simplified or omitted.

In the ink jet printer, each color nozzle unit 200 is formed so as to be able to reciprocate in the axial direction crossing the printing surface M1, and a cap 221 is provided between each color nozzle unit 200 and the printing surface M1. It is formed so that it can be moved in and out, and can be switched between the cap state position P1 and the closed state position P2 by moving each color nozzle unit 200 side.

Here, the printing surface M1 is an arc surface centered on the rotation axis J1 of the rotating body (drum 10). The axis crossing the printing surface M1 is the rotation axis J
A vertical axis J2 orthogonal to 1 is set.

As the nozzle unit 200 for each color, for example, cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y),
Each nozzle unit for black (B) (200C, 20
0M, 200Y, 200B) are selected. Nozzle unit for each color (200C, 200M, 200Y, 20
0B) is formed from a number of inkjet nozzles 207 arranged in the width direction (X) of the printing surface M1.

Specifically, each color nozzle unit (20
0C to 200B) are displaced in the rotation direction (Y) of the drum 10 and are integrally arranged in a line in the width direction of the printing surface M1 (the direction perpendicular to the paper surface in FIG. 2) (for example, , 4) nozzle unit elements (not shown). Nozzle unit for each color (200C
To 200B) includes a printing surface M1.
Are arranged at a predetermined pitch (for example, 1/75 inch) in the width direction (X).

Each color nozzle unit (200C to 200C)
B) is a vertical axis J which can reciprocate by the pitch between inkjet nozzles in the width direction (X) of the printing surface M1 on the support member 241 of the nozzle unit moving means 240 shown in FIG.
It is supported so that it can move up and down in two directions. The nozzle units for the respective colors (200C to 200B) are formed so as to be selectively positioned at the cap state position P1, the closed state position P2, and the print position P0 using the nozzle unit moving means 240.

Here, the print position P0 is a position where ink can be jetted downward from each ink jet nozzle 207 of each color nozzle unit (200C to 200B) and printed on the print surface M1. This print position P0 is
For example, the distance between the jet hole 207J of each nozzle 207 and the drum outer peripheral surface 11 is selected to be 0.5 to 1 mm.

The cap 221 is attached to each ink jet nozzle 20 of each color nozzle unit (200C to 200B).
7 can be surrounded. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, the cap 221 is disposed in the width direction (X) of the printing surface M1.
As shown in FIG. 1 (A), each tip portion comes into sealing contact with the orifice surface 209 of each color nozzle unit (200C to 200B), and the corresponding color nozzle unit (200C to 200B). ) Seal frame members (222C, 2C) capable of surrounding each inkjet nozzle 207.
22M, 222Y, 222B). The seal frame members (222C to 222B) are formed from an elastic member (for example, silicon rubber).

The non-ink absorbers (223C, 223C)
M, 223Y, and 223B) extend in the width direction (X) of the printing surface M1, and are mounted in the cap 221 and each color nozzle unit (200C, 200M, 2).
(00Y, 200B) of each ink jet nozzle 207 can be closed. The non-ink absorbers (223C to 223B) are made of an elastic material that does not absorb ink.

In the cap 221, as shown in FIG.
Non-ink absorber (223C, 223M, 223Y, 22
3B) The inclined surface (224C, 22) inclined from one side (left side) to the other side (right side) in the width direction (X) of the printing surface M1 below the printing surface M1.
4M, 224Y, 224B) are provided. As a result, the ink (waste ink) ejected into the cap 221 by the spits or the like is applied to each inclined surface (224C to 224C).
B) flows from one side to the other side, is collected at one place, and is provided via an ink discharge tube 225 to external waste ink collecting means [226C, 226M, 226Y, 226B].
(Recovery tank 227, suction pump 228, etc.)].

The cap 221 is connected to the cap moving means 23.
0 is formed so as to be able to enter and exit between the nozzle units (200C to 200B) for each color which are moved and separated in the horizontal direction and the printing surface M1 (drum outer peripheral surface 11).

As shown in FIG. 3, the cap moving means 230 is provided with a pair of guide rods (231L, 2
31R) and both guide rods have both guide rods (231L, 23R).
1R) Cap support member 2 movably supported in (1R)
32, and is formed so as to be able to enter and retract between the drum 10 and the nozzle units (200C to 200B) for the respective colors separated from the cap 221.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described. Each ink jet nozzle 207 of each color nozzle unit (200C to 200B) is positioned at the print position P0, and from the jet hole 207J of each nozzle 207 to the print surface M1 of the print medium M held by the rotating drum 10 for the ink. Jet and print characters and images.

After printing is stopped, the nozzle unit for each color (20
0C to 200B) is raised by a predetermined distance from the printing position P0 to form a gap between the nozzle unit (200C to 200B) and the drum 10 in which the cap 221 can be interposed.

Next, the cap moving means 230 is driven to move the cap 221 rightward from the standby position shown by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 2, and thereafter (or simultaneously), the nozzle unit for each color (200C to 200B) ) Is lowered to position them at the cap state position P1. This allows
Each ink jet nozzle 207 of each color nozzle unit (200C to 200B) is surrounded by a cap 221. Therefore, the air layer near the jet hole 207J of each inkjet nozzle 207 is filled with the vapor of the ink and is maintained at the saturated vapor pressure, so that the drying of the ink can be reliably prevented.

When the printing stop state is for a long period of time, the cap unit 2 is ejected from the nozzle units 207 for each color in idle (ie, spits).
Ink 21 is supplemented with ink to maintain the saturated vapor pressure. At this time, since the tip of each nozzle 207 and the non-ink absorber 233 in the cap 221 are slightly separated from each other, the spit can be smoothly performed. Thus, it is possible to reliably prevent the ink from drying over a long period of time.

The ink (waste ink) discharged into the cap 221 by the spits or the like is
After flowing along each inclined surface (224C to 224B) in 1 and being collected at one location, it is collected by each waste ink collecting means (226C to 226B) via each ink discharge tube 225.

The nozzle unit for each color (200C ~
When the ink is initially supplied to the nozzle 200B), the relative position between the nozzle unit for each color (200C to 200B) and the cap 221 is switched to the closed position P2. Thereby, the nozzle unit for each color (200C to 2C)
00B) Jet hole 2 of inkjet nozzle 207
07J is closed by the non-ink absorber (223C to 223B).

Here, the non-ink absorber (223C)
223B) do not absorb ink, so each nozzle 20
There is no such thing as sucking ink from inside 7,
The attached ink can be easily removed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the ink from being wasted when the ink is initially supplied. In addition, maintenance can be easily performed.

When printing is resumed, the nozzle units for the respective colors (200C to 200B) are slightly raised, and then the cap 221 is moved to the left in FIG. 2 to be positioned at the standby position. Then, after the movement of the cap 221 (or
Nozzle unit for each color (simultaneously with movement)
00B) is lowered to position the print position P0.

According to this embodiment, the nozzle unit for each color (200C to 200B) and the cap 22
The position relative to 1 can be selectively switched between a cap state position P1 surrounding each inkjet nozzle 207 with a cap 221 and a closed state position P2 closing a jet hole 207J of each nozzle 207 with a non-ink absorber (223C to 223B). Since the cap unit 220 is provided, by switching to the cap state position P1 when printing is stopped, the air layer in the vicinity of the jet hole 207J of each ink jet nozzle 207 can be maintained at the ink saturated vapor pressure, and ink drying can be reliably prevented.

When ink is initially supplied to the nozzle unit 200 for each color, by switching to the closed position P2, the jet hole 207J of each nozzle 207 is switched.
Can be closed without absorbing ink with the non-ink absorbers (223C to 223B). Therefore, it is possible to prevent the ink from being wastefully consumed at the time of initial supply of the ink and to facilitate the handling.

The nozzle unit 200 for each color is formed so as to be able to reciprocate in the direction of the axis (J2) crossing the printing surface M1, and the ink jet nozzle 207 of the nozzle unit 200 for each color and the printing surface M1 (drum) are separated from the cap 221. It is formed so as to be able to enter and exit with the outer peripheral surface 11),
In addition, since the cap state position P1 and the closed state position P2 can be switched by moving the nozzle unit 200 for each color, there is no need to secure a large empty space in the width direction of the printing surface M1 and prepare for capping. In addition, the return to the printing position can be completed in a short time, and does not hinder high-speed printing. Further, the nozzle unit 200 for each color and the printing surface M1 when returning to the printing position P0
Relative positioning can be performed accurately. As a result, miniaturization,
Higher printing speed and higher quality printing can be achieved.

Further, the cap state position P1 and the closed state position P2 are switched by moving the nozzle unit 200 for each color in the direction of the axis (J2) crossing the printing surface M1, so that the cap 221 is moved in two different directions. There is no need, and the cap moving means 230 does not become complicated or large. In addition, since the nozzle unit 200 for each color and the cap 221 can be simultaneously moved to switch to each of the above positions, capping can be performed more quickly.

Further, the cap 221 and the non-ink absorbers (223C to 223B) are arranged in the width direction (X) of the printing surface M1.
The inclined surfaces (224C to 224B) inclined from one side in the width direction (X) to the other direction below the non-ink absorbers (223C to 223B) within the cap 221.
Is provided, printing in the width (row) direction (X) of the printing surface M1 can be performed quickly. Further, such a large number of ink jet nozzles 207 can be surrounded by the cap 221 (or closed by the non-ink absorbers (223C to 223B)). The ink discharged into the cap by the spits or the like flows down the inclined surfaces (224C to 224B) and is collected at one place. Therefore, waste ink processing can be easily performed.

[0058]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the relative position between the ink jet nozzle and the cap of the nozzle unit for each color is determined by the cap state surrounding each ink jet nozzle by the cap and the jet hole of each nozzle by the non-ink absorber. Since the cap means capable of selectively switching between the closed state and the closed state is provided, it is possible to reliably prevent the ink from drying over a long period of time. In addition, it is possible to prevent the ink from being wastefully consumed at the time of initial supply of the ink and to facilitate the handling.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the nozzle units for each color are formed so as to be reciprocally movable in the axial direction intersecting the printing surface, and the cap means is separated from the nozzle unit for each color and the printing surface. Since it is formed as possible and can be switched between the cap state position and the closed state position by moving the nozzle unit for each color, the same effect as that of the invention of claim 1 can be obtained. Higher printing speed and higher quality printing can be achieved.

According to the third aspect of the invention, the ink jet nozzles for each color are formed from a large number of ink jet nozzles arranged in the width direction of the printing surface, and the cap and the non-ink absorber extend in the width direction of the printing surface. And an inclined surface inclined from one side in the width direction to the other side in the width direction is provided below the non-ink absorber in the cap, so that the same effect as in the inventions of the first and second aspects is obtained. Besides being able to play,
The waste ink processing can be easily performed while further increasing the printing speed.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram for describing an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is also a view for explaining a cap means.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view for explaining a cap and a cap moving means.

FIG. 4 is a view for explaining a positional relationship between a non-ink absorber in a cap and an inclined surface.

FIG. 5 is also a diagram for explaining the overall configuration.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a cap unit applied to a serial type inkjet printer.

FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining a previously proposed inkjet printer.

FIG. 8 is a view for explaining an ink supply unit.

[Explanation of symbols]

Reference Signs List 10 Drum (rotating body) 11 Outer peripheral surface 200C, 200M, 200Y, 200B Nozzle unit for each color 207 Inkjet nozzle 207J Jet hole 220 Cap means 221 Cap 222C, 222M, 222Y, 222B Seal frame member 223C, 223M, 223Y, 223B Non-ink Absorber 224C, 224M, 224Y, 224B Inclined surface 230 Cap moving means 240 Nozzle unit moving means 241 Head support member P0 Printing position P1 Cap state position P2 Closed state position

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. A cap which can surround an ink jet nozzle of each color nozzle unit, and a non-ink absorber mounted in the cap and capable of closing a jet hole of each ink jet nozzle. An ink jet printer provided with cap means capable of selectively switching between a cap state where each ink jet nozzle is surrounded by a cap and a closed state where each jet hole is closed by a non-ink absorber. 2. The nozzle unit for each color is formed so as to be reciprocable in an axial direction crossing a printing surface, and the cap is formed so as to be able to enter and exit between the nozzle unit for each color and the printing surface separated from each other. 2. The ink jet printer according to claim 1, wherein the cap state and the closed state are switchable by moving each color nozzle unit. 3. The nozzle unit for each color is formed of a number of ink jet nozzles arranged in the width direction of the printing surface, and the cap and the non-ink absorber extend in the width direction of the printing surface; The ink jet printer according to claim 1, wherein an inclined surface that is inclined from one side in the width direction to the other direction is provided below the non-ink absorber in the cap.