Patent · US Active

Maintenance apparatus, liquid ejecting apparatus, and maintenance method

US8491088B2 · kind B2 · utility

0Cited by
16References
9Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateMay 20, 2011
Grant dateJul 23, 2013
Priority date
Expiry dateAug 16, 2031

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB41J2/19
  • WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A maintenance apparatus that removes bubbles from a nozzle is provided in a printer that includes a recording head having a nozzle capable of ejecting ink from a nozzle opening formed in a nozzle formation surface. The maintenance apparatus includes: a pressurizing pump that pressurizes the ink in the nozzle in a direction in which the ink is discharged from the nozzle opening; and a contact member having an upper surface that makes contact with the nozzle formation surface so as to cover the nozzle opening, and that has, formed therein, a flow channel whose pressure loss is greater than that of the nozzle and that allows air to pass through from the side of the upper surface. The ink within the nozzle is pressurized by the pressurizing pump in a state in which the contact member is in contact with the nozzle formation surface.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.