| 摘要 |
An ink-jet printer comprises a machine frame (14); a printing head (16) provided reciprocatingly movable in a predetermined direction in the machine frame, the printing head including a plurality of nozzles (28) for ejecting ink droplets and at least one nozzle surface (30) on which the nozzles open; ink-supply means (18) for supplying ink to the printing head; material-feeding means (20) for feeding a material to be printed (M) into a printing area (P) opposed to the printing head in the machine frame; and maintenance means (22) provided with a plurality of functional stations distributively arranged at opposite end regions of a reciprocation range of the printing head in the machine frame. The functional stations include a sealing station (58) for substantially sealing and covering the nozzles opening on the nozzle surface of the printing head during an inoperative state of the printer so as to prevent ink in the nozzles from drying, a discharging station (60) for making ink, having an increased viscosity during the inoperative state of the printer, discharge from the nozzles, and a cleaning station (62) for sucking to remove ink, having an increased viscosity during the inoperative state of the printer, and for washing and wiping the nozzle surface. <IMAGE> |
