Patent ID: 7543907
Filing Date: 2009-06-09
Classification: B41J

Abstract:
1. An ink jet recording apparatus comprising: an ink jet recording head having nozzle orifices from which inkdrops are ejected; an ink storage unit for storing ink to be supplied to the recording head; an ink flow passage communicating the ink storage unit and the recording head; a valve unit for opening/closing the ink flow passage, a capping unit for sealing the nozzle orifices; a suction pump for reducing pressure in an internal space of the capping unit to discharge inkdrops from the nozzles when the capping unit seals the nozzle orifices; and a control unit for controlling the valve unit, the capping unit and the suction pump in such order that: a) the capping unit seals the nozzle orifice; b) the suction pump decompresses the internal space of the capping unit after the sealing of the nozzle orifice; c) the valve unit closes the ink flow passage after a first predetermined time period elapses after the decompressing of the suction pump; d) the valve unit opens the ink flow passage a second predetermined time period elapses after the closing of the valve unit; and e) the suction pump continues decompressing the internal space of the capping unit for a third predetermined time period after the opening of the valve unit.