Patent ID: 6257697
Filing Date: 2001-07-10
Classification: B41J

Abstract:
A fluid-ejecting apparatus for ejecting a specified fluid to a recording medium by using a fluid-ejecting head having an ejection surface where a plurality of orifices for ejecting the specified fluid are formed, comprising:wiping means having a wipe member, the wipe member having a wiping area for wiping said ejection surface of the fluid-ejecting head during contact with said ejection surface, the wipe member consisting of a porous member, and the wipe member shaped for providing substantially uniform pressure on said ejection surface during contact with said ejection surface;a washing bath storing a wash fluid for washing at least said wipe member of said wiping means;absorption means for absorbing the fluid in said wipe member after washing at least said wipe member;transport means for moving said wiping means between an upward position where said wiping means wipes said ejection surface of the fluid-ejecting head with the wiping area of said wipe member, and in which said wiping means does not contact the wash fluid stored in said washing bath, and a downward position where the entire wiping area of said wipe member is dipped into said wash fluid stored in said washing bath and is washed thereby, and in which the fluid-ejecting head does not contact said wiping means;supply means for supplying an additional wash fluid to said washing bath; anddischarging means for discharging a portion of the wash fluid from said washing bath.