US Patent 7497548 Inkjet recording apparatus

The inkjet recording apparatus has a capping device for cleaning the inkjet nozzles. The capping device has an interconnected cell type porous elastic member housed in a recessed area which is connected to suction. During the cleaning operation, the porous elastic member is pressed against the surface of the nozzle such that the porous member is compressed. Suction is then started in the recess area and ink is drawn from the nozzle. By compressing the porous member, the recess area is decreased in size and good negative pressure can be obtained so as to the draw the ink from the nozzle. When the pressure ceases and the porous member is expanded, and ink is drawn from the surface of the nozzle member and soaks into the porous member. Suction is then again started to remove the ink from the recess and from the porous member.