Patent ID: 6557984
Filing Date: 2003-05-06
Classification: B41J

Abstract:
An ink-jet printing apparatus comprising:an ink-jet printing head including: a plurality of ejection openings arranged in a row for ejecting ink; a plurality of ink passages respectively communicating with said plurality of ejection openings; ink ejection means provided in said plurality of ink passages; a common liquid chamber connected to said plurality of ink passages in common; an ink supply portion for supplying the ink to said common liquid chamber; control means, provided between said ink supply portion and said common liquid chamber, for controlling a supply amount of the ink supplied from said ink supply portion; an atmosphere communication opening, arranged on an extension of the row of said ejection openings, for communicating said common liquid chamber with outside; first capping means for placing said ejection openings within a first sealably enclosed space; first suction means for reducing a pressure within said enclosed space between said first capping means and said printing head; second capping means for placing said atmosphere communication opening within a second sealably enclosed space; second suction means for reducing a pressure within said enclosed space between said second capping means and said printing head; and wherein said first suction means and said second suction means are driven at respectively independent timing.