Capping unit for ink jet recording head incorporated in ink jet recording apparatus and method of manufacturing the same
US6406123B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 3, 1999 |
| Grant date | Jun 18, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 3, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB41J2/16508
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A capping member for an ink jet recording head is composed of a cap which is to be brought into contact with a surface of the recording head provided with nozzle orifices, and a cap case for holding the cap. A passage communicating an internal space defined by the cap with a suction hole connected to a suction pump and a passage communicating the internal space with an air hole connected to the outside are respectively formed into a specific shape so as to inhibit vaporization of an ink solvent in the internal space. A tube made of an elastic and restorative material is used for a tube connected to the suction pump. A tube made of a material having high gas-barrier characteristic is used for a tube connected to the capping member. Both of the tube is connected with each other by a connecting member in order to inhibit vaporization of an ink solvent from the tubes. Accordingly, the reliability of printing operation when printing is restarted after the long-term halt of the ink jet recording head is remarkably enhanced. The cap may be formed by fitting into a groove formed on a brim portion of the cup-shaped cap case having high rigidity. Therefore, elasticity of the cap can be contr…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.