Patent ID: 6334662
Filing Date: 2002-01-01
Classification: B41J

Abstract:
A method of cleaning an ink jet printhead having a nozzle face in which at least one printhead nozzle is formed, comprising the steps of positioning a cleaning head containing a suction nozzle in front of the nozzle face, so that it forms a small gap therewith, and drawing ink out of the printhead nozzle, whereby the ink is caused to spread or flow in said gap in a direction parallel to the nozzle face, wherein pressure waves are generated in an ink volume which forms a liquid bridge between the nozzle face and the suction nozzle by activating the printhead so that ink is ejected from the at least one printhead nozzle that opens into the gap wherein the ink drawn out of the printhead nozzle is used for scavenging the nozzle and for cleaning the nozzle face.