Inkjet Printer Head Flushing via Segmented Cap and Receiver Operations

The flushing operation is divided into two distinct phases: a first flushing operation where the recording head is stationary and discharges ink toward the cap, and a second flushing operation where the recording head moves in the main scanning direction while discharging ink toward the flushing receiving member. This segmentation allows the system to achieve both reliable ink containment during the stationary phase and high productivity during the moving phase.

The first flushing operation performs preliminary ink discharge toward the cap before the recording head begins its movement during the second flushing operation. This preliminary action ensures that a portion of the ink is contained reliably before the high-speed movement occurs, preventing ink from landing outside the flushing receiving member while still allowing fast movement during the second operation.

The flushing operation is segmented into two temporal phases: the first flushing operation occurs while the recording head is stationary, and the second flushing operation occurs while the recording head moves. This segmentation extends the total flushing duration beyond what would be possible during movement alone, while maintaining high productivity by utilizing both stationary and moving periods for flushing.

The flushing operation continues without interruption by performing the first flushing operation during the stationary period and then seamlessly transitioning to the second flushing operation during movement. This continuity ensures that the total flushing duration is maximized while maintaining productivity, as the useful action of flushing ink is performed throughout both phases without idle time.