| 摘要 |
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a cleaning device for achieving suitable maintenance of the liquid ejection surface by moistening the liquid ejection surface by breaking no meniscus in a nozzle, and to provide a liquid ejector and a cleaning method. SOLUTION: Fine liquid droplets in the shape of mist generated in a fine liquid droplet generator 21 by shaking at a frequency of 2.4 MHz or above are sprayed to the ejection surface 12A, and the fine liquid droplets adhering to the ejection surface 12A aggregate to moisten the ejection surface 12A. Since the ejection surface 12A is wiped subsequently by means of a blade 18, the ink adhering to the ejection surface 12A dissolves into the fine liquid droplet, and deposits on the ejection surface 12A such as dust is isolated from the ejection surface 12A before being surely wiped off by means of a blade 18. Since fine liquid droplets (water) is employed for moistening the ejection surface 12A, preferable moistening of the ejection surface 12A is achieved by breaking no meniscus in the nozzle. Since the quantity of fine liquid droplets is varied depending on the amount of deposits, removability of deposits is enhanced and useless quantity of fine liquid droplets is reduced. COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT
|
