Inkjet image forming apparatus and cleaning method for inkjet image forming apparatus

摘要

An inkjet image forming apparatus includes inkjet heads each of which has two or more nozzle rows from which ink of different colors is injected (each of the nozzle rows includes nozzle holes), a wipe unit that includes wipers and carries out a wipe process to wipe away ink remained on a surface on which the nozzle rows are formed by the wipers, and a flush unit that carries out a flush process after the wipe process by injecting ink from nozzle holes into which ink of different color from color of ink that is injected from the nozzle holes flows during the wipe process. According to the apparatus, an amount of ink consumed in the flush process can be reduced and a replacement cycle of a mist-absorbing material for absorbing ink mists generated during the flush process can be prolonged.

主权项

1. An inkjet image forming apparatus comprising:
a plurality of inkjet heads each of which has two or more nozzle rows from which ink of different colors is injected, each of the nozzle rows including nozzle holes formed in a surface; a wipe unit that includes wipers and carries out a wipe process to wipe away ink from the surface in which the nozzle rows are formed, the wipers are movable in a wiping direction that is perpendicular to a transfer direction of a print sheet past the plurality of inkjet heads; and a flush unit that carries out a variable flush process after the wipe process by injecting ink from at least some of the nozzle holes and ink is not injected from the remaining nozzle holes.