Patent ID: 7404614
Filing Date: 2008-07-29
Classification: B41J,H01L

Abstract:
1. A droplet discharge device that discharges a droplet to a workpiece, comprising: a head including a plurality of nozzles capable of discharging droplets of a supplied liquid; a device capable of sealing and suctioning a surface of at least one of the plurality of nozzles of the head; a controller that controls a suction operation and a flushing operation such that during the suction operation, the device capable of sealing and suctioning seals and suctions the surface of the at least one nozzle, and during the flushing operation, the surface of the at least one nozzle is left sealed and the head discharges at least one droplet from the at least one nozzle such that the surface of the at least one nozzle is left moist, wherein the flushing operation is performed when a number of clogged nozzles exceeds a predetermined number; and a selecting device that selects at least one of the suction operation and the flushing operation.