Image forming apparatus, method of suctioning liquid from nozzles of recording head and computer readable information recording medium
US8500240B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 25, 2011 |
| Grant date | Aug 6, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 1, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB41J2002/16594
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An image forming apparatus includes a recording head configured to have a nozzle face on which nozzles that discharge liquid droplets are formed; a cap configured to cap the nozzle face of the recording head; a discharge path configured to be connected to the cap; a suction pump configured to be provided in the discharge path and be made of a tube pump; and an atmosphere opening part configured to open an airtight space, created when the nozzle face is capped by the cap, to the atmosphere. The atmosphere opening part is configured to communicate with the inside of the cap at a position higher than a surface of liquid discharged into the cap, and a check valve configured to prevent a flow of the liquid toward the cap from the suction pump is provided in the discharge path.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.