Patent ID: 7083253
Filing Date: 2006-08-01
Classification: B41J

Abstract:
1. An ink jet head cleaning means, comprising: a cleaning member abutted against a nozzle plate formed with a plurality of nozzles respectively communicating with a plurality of pressure chambers for holding ink therein; a mechanism for applying pressure to all of the pressure chambers; means for controlling the pressure applied to each of the pressure chambers by the mechanism for applying the pressure, such that the ink in each of the pressure chambers is brought to a positive pressure state in which ink is extruded form the respective nozzles such that a meniscus of the ink protrudes from the respective nozzles, and a surface tension of the ink holds the protruding meniscus and prevents the ink from dropping from the respective nozzles; and a mechanism for moving the cleaning member along the nozzles while the ink in the pressure chambers is under the positive pressure state.