Patent attributes
A capping apparatus for an ink-jet printhead protects a printhead of an ink-jet cartridge moved to a service station by a carriage during a standby mode. The apparatus includes a cap which seals the lower surface of the ink-jet cartridge surrounding the printhead, is spaced from the printhead by a predetermined gap and forms a sealed space; a cap holder which is connected to the lower portion of the cap and supports the cap; and a support portion which is connected to the lower portion of the cap holder and attaches to and detaches the cap and the cap holder from the lower surface of the ink-jet cartridge. A boss which penetrates the cap holder is formed in the cap, and an insertion element inserted into the boss to form a vent path to connect the sealed space to the outside.
