Inkjet Head Recovery via Backflow to Prevent Residue

The patent applies reverse flow operation where the liquid supply mechanism reverses the direction of cleaning liquid flow after the wiping operation. The cleaning liquid that was initially supplied from the cleaning liquid supplying openings flows backward toward these openings, creating negative pressure that draws residual liquid back and prevents it from dropping or attaching to recording media. This inversion of flow direction resolves the contradiction by maintaining cleaning effectiveness while eliminating the harmful soiling effect.

The patent recovers residual cleaning liquid by implementing a backflow operation where the liquid supply mechanism reverses flow direction to draw cleaning liquid back toward the cleaning liquid supplying openings. This recovery process prevents excess cleaning liquid from dropping and soiling internal components while maintaining sufficient cleaning performance during the initial supply phase.

The patent implements a continuous process where the backflow operation immediately follows the wiping operation without interruption. The liquid supply mechanism continuously operates to reverse the flow direction and draw residual cleaning liquid back, ensuring that the useful action of preventing soiling continues throughout the recovery process. This continuous action maintains high cleaning efficiency while eliminating the harmful effect of liquid attachment to recording media.