JP2002234196A - Liquid jet device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a liquid jet device capable of adequately sucking a liquid at a nozzle opening section based on a precipitating condition of the liquid in a liquid vessel. SOLUTION: This liquid jet device comprises a liquid vessel disposing section 36 where the liquid vessel 1 having a liquid chamber 1a for containing the liquid wherein precipitation of the involved component can occur, a head member 17 having a nozzle, and a liquid communication passage 17a that allows the inner section of the liquid chamber 1a of the liquid vessel 1 disposed at the liquid vessel disposing section 36 to communicate with the nozzle. Information of the condition of precipitation relating to the precipitation of the liquid in the liquid chamber 1a of the liquid vessel 1 is obtained by a precipitation condition obtaining section. A cleaning section 23a for sucking the liquid on the nozzle portion is controlled based on the precipitation condition information obtained by the precipitation condition obtaining section.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a liquid ejecting apparatus having a head member for ejecting a liquid droplet from a nozzle opening, and more particularly to a liquid ejecting apparatus in which a liquid container for supplying a liquid to a nozzle opening is replaceable. About.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In general, an ink jet recording apparatus, which is an example of a liquid ejecting apparatus, includes a recording head having a nozzle opening, and ejection driving means (for example, a piezoelectric vibrator or a heating element) for ejecting ink at the nozzle opening. Discharge control means for controlling the discharge drive means according to the print data. The supply of ink to the nozzle opening is performed by an ink cartridge (ink container) and an ink communication path from the ink cartridge to the nozzle opening. The ink cartridge is usually replaceable.

The recording quality of an ink jet recording apparatus is as follows.
Basically, it depends on the resolution of the print head defined by the diameter and number of nozzle openings, but it can also be influenced by the type and viscosity of ink, the degree of bleeding on the recording medium, and the like.

[0004] For example, at the nozzle opening, the ink solvent (eg, water) evaporates gradually since the ink is exposed to air. Due to the evaporation of the ink solvent, the viscosity of the ink at the nozzle opening increases, deteriorating the image quality of the recorded image. For this reason, in the ink jet recording apparatus, suction of ink from the nozzle opening (called cleaning) is performed as a measure to prevent the viscosity of the ink at the nozzle opening.

[0005] In particular, the installation (replacement) of the ink cartridge
In this case, cleaning is performed until the conduction of ink from the new ink cartridge to the nozzle opening is stabilized.

[0006]

On the other hand, pigment inks are used as inks having excellent light fastness. The pigment ink is composed of, for example, a pigment, a dispersant, a solvent, and an additive, and is an ink particularly excellent in ultraviolet light resistance.

Conventionally, pigment ink has been housed in an ink cartridge in a state of being penetrated into a foam material (foam system) so that a negative pressure state can be easily and stably provided. However, the ink cartridge of the foam system has a problem that the ink remaining amount is large and the ink storage efficiency (ink filling amount / unit deposition) is small.

Further, since the pigment ink is a liquid in which pigment particles are dispersed in a solvent by a dispersant, a sedimentation phenomenon easily occurs. In particular, in the case of the foam type ink cartridge, since the stirring of the pigment ink is substantially difficult to be performed,
It is not possible to prevent the sedimentation phenomenon that occurs in pigment ink,
This can lead to deterioration of the recording quality.

Therefore, the present inventors have been developing an ink cartridge of a pigment ink of a type that does not use a foam material. A particular problem with this type of ink cartridge is that bubbles are trapped by the undulation of the ink surface and the ink surface is bubbling. In the case of the dye ink, the generated bubbles disappear immediately, but in the case of the pigment ink, the disappearance of the bubbles is poor, and the recording quality may be deteriorated. In particular, in the case of a pigment ink containing a resin-based dispersant or a surfactant, bubble disappearance is extremely poor.

Japanese Patent Application No. 200 filed by the present applicant
Japanese Patent Application No. 0-321319 describes an ink cartridge in which foaming due to such air bubble intake is prevented. The contents described in Japanese Patent Application No. 2000-321319 are incorporated herein by reference to form a part of the contents described in the present specification.

However, Japanese Patent Application No. 2000-32131
In the ink cartridge described in No. 9, while bubbling due to intake of bubbles is effectively prevented, sedimentation of ink in the flow path before and after the filter chamber may be a problem. This is because the flow path before and after the filter chamber is narrow, and the stirring effect by the scanning movement of the cartridge or the like can hardly be expected.

The inventor of the present invention has noticed that the prevention of bubbling due to the intake of air bubbles and the securing of the stirring effect by the scanning movement of the cartridge are basically contradictory issues. That is, when the prevention of bubbling due to the intake of bubbles is realized, the stirring effect by the scanning movement of the cartridge or the like may be insufficient. In that case, the ink density may be non-uniform in at least a partial flow path in the ink cartridge, particularly in a flow path relatively close to the nozzle opening.

The present invention has been made in view of such a point, and an ink jet recording apparatus capable of suitably sucking ink in a nozzle opening portion based on the sedimentation state of ink in an ink cartridge. In general, it is an object of the present invention to provide a liquid ejecting apparatus capable of suitably sucking a liquid at a nozzle opening based on a settling state of a liquid in a liquid container.

[0014]

According to the present invention, there is provided a liquid container installation section in which a liquid container having a liquid chamber for accommodating a liquid capable of causing sedimentation of a component is installed, a head member having a nozzle opening, A liquid communication path that communicates the interior of the liquid chamber of the liquid container installed in the liquid container installation section with the nozzle opening, and sedimentation state information on the sedimentation state of the liquid in the liquid chamber of the liquid container installed in the liquid container installation section. A settling state acquisition unit to be acquired, a cleaning unit to suck the liquid at the nozzle opening, and a cleaning control unit to control the cleaning unit based on the settling state information of the liquid acquired by the settling state acquisition unit. A liquid ejecting apparatus characterized in that:

The present invention is particularly intended for an ink jet recording apparatus using a pigment ink, but is not limited thereto, and is applicable to a general liquid ejecting apparatus using a liquid in which a sedimentation phenomenon of a component can occur. What you get.

According to the present invention, the sedimentation state information of the liquid in the liquid chamber of the liquid container is obtained, and the cleaning unit is controlled based on the sedimentation state information. When the sedimentation state of the liquid is equal to or higher than the predetermined level, the target liquid ejecting operation can be performed after sucking the liquid in the flow path.

Various modes can be adopted as the settling state obtaining section for obtaining the settling state information regarding the settling state of the liquid in the liquid chamber of the liquid container. For example, it is theoretically possible to use a sensor for actually measuring the sedimentation state. Specifically, it is also possible to reduce the size of a sensor for measuring the concentration difference, viscosity, and the like, and to embed the sensor in a liquid container.

At present, it is not preferable to use a sensor for actually measuring the sedimentation state in terms of cost. The present inventor proposes, as a practical form, a mode in which the sinking state is acquired from the duration of the sinking phenomenon. In this case, it is preferable to consider the easiness of the sedimentation phenomenon of the liquid itself.

More specifically, it is preferable that the settling state information is information based on an elapsed time after the installation from the time when the liquid container was installed in the liquid container installation section to the current time. In this case, the sedimentation state acquisition unit includes an installation time storage unit that stores the installation time point, a clock function unit that recognizes a current time point, and an elapsed time after installation time calculation that calculates an elapsed time from the installation time to the current time point. And a part.

In this case, more preferably, the cleaning control unit controls the cleaning unit such that the initial suction amount of the liquid increases according to the length of the elapsed time after the installation.

More preferably, the settling state information is further information based on the likelihood of a settling phenomenon of the liquid itself, and the liquid container is provided with settling characteristic information on the likelihood of the settling phenomenon of the liquid in the liquid chamber. A sedimentation characteristic storage unit that stores sedimentation state information, wherein the sedimentation state acquisition unit reads the sedimentation characteristic information stored in the sedimentation characteristic storage unit of the liquid container installed in the liquid container installation unit, A settling state estimating unit for estimating a settling state of the liquid from the elapsed time after the installation and the settling characteristic information.

In this case, more preferably, the cleaning control unit controls the cleaning unit such that the initial suction amount of the liquid increases in accordance with the settling state.

The above embodiment is effective when a sufficient stirring operation is performed immediately before the installation of the liquid container, for example, by a user's manual operation. In that case, the elapsed time after installation is substantially the duration of the sedimentation phenomenon.

Alternatively, it is preferable that the settling state information is information based on a post-manufacturing elapsed time from a manufacturing time of the liquid container to a current time. In this case, the liquid container has a manufacturing storage unit that stores manufacturing time information related to the manufacturing time of the liquid container, and the settling state obtaining unit stores the manufacturing time information of the liquid container installed in the liquid container installation unit. A manufacturing time information reading unit that reads manufacturing time information stored in the unit, a clock function unit that recognizes the current time, and, based on the manufacturing time information, the elapsed time after manufacturing from the manufacturing time of the liquid container to the current time. And a post-manufacturing elapsed time calculation unit.

In this case, more preferably, the cleaning control unit controls the cleaning unit such that the initial suction amount of the liquid increases according to the length of the elapsed time after the manufacturing.

More preferably, the settling state information is information based on the likelihood of occurrence of a settling phenomenon of the liquid itself, and the liquid container has a settling characteristic relating to the likelihood of occurrence of a settling phenomenon of the liquid in the liquid chamber. A sedimentation characteristic storage unit that stores information, wherein the sedimentation state acquisition unit is a characteristic information reading unit that reads sedimentation characteristic information stored in the sedimentation characteristic storage unit of the liquid container installed in the liquid container installation unit; A settling state estimating unit for estimating a settling state of the liquid from the elapsed time after manufacture and the settling characteristic information.

In this case, more preferably, the cleaning control unit controls the cleaning unit such that the initial suction amount of the liquid increases in accordance with the settling state.

The above embodiment is effective when a sufficient stirring operation cannot be performed after the production of the liquid container. In that case,
This is because the elapsed time after production is substantially the duration of the sedimentation phenomenon.

Alternatively, it is preferable that the settling state information is information based on an elapsed time after the previous ejection from the last liquid ejection time to the current time. In this case, the settling state acquisition unit calculates a pre-discharge time storage unit that stores the previous liquid discharge time, a clock function unit that recognizes the current time, and calculates an elapsed time from the previous liquid discharge time to the current time. And a post-predischarge elapsed time calculation unit.

In this case, more preferably, the cleaning control unit controls the cleaning unit such that the initial suction amount of the liquid increases according to the length of the elapsed time after the previous ejection.

More preferably, the settling state information is information based on the likelihood of a settling phenomenon of the liquid itself, and the liquid container has a settling characteristic relating to the likelihood of the settling phenomenon of the liquid in the liquid chamber. A sedimentation characteristic storage unit that stores information, the sedimentation state obtaining unit reads a sedimentation characteristic information stored in a storage unit of a liquid container installed in the liquid container installation unit, and a characteristic information reading unit that reads the sedimentation characteristic information. A settling state estimating unit for estimating the settling state of the liquid from the elapsed time after the previous ejection and the settling characteristic information.

In this case, more preferably, the cleaning control unit controls the cleaning unit such that the initial suction amount of the liquid increases in accordance with the settling state.

The above embodiment is effective when the elapsed time after the previous ejection is extremely long and there is a possibility that the sedimentation phenomenon is progressing during that time. In this case, the elapsed time after the previous ejection substantially corresponds to the duration of the sedimentation phenomenon.

Alternatively, the settling state information is preferably information based on an elapsed time after the previous stirring from the previous stirring time of the liquid container to the current time. In this case, the settling state acquisition unit calculates a previous stirring time storage unit that stores the previous liquid stirring time, a clock function unit that recognizes the current time, and calculates the elapsed time from the previous liquid stirring time to the current time. And a post-agitating elapsed time calculating unit.

In this case, more preferably, the cleaning control section controls the cleaning section so that the initial suction amount of the liquid is increased in accordance with the length of the elapsed time after the previous stirring.

[0036] More preferably, the information on the settling state of the liquid is further information based on the likelihood of the settling phenomenon of the liquid itself, and the liquid container is easily settled by the settling phenomenon of the liquid in the liquid chamber. A sedimentation characteristic storage unit that stores sedimentation characteristic information relating to the sedimentation characteristic information, wherein the sedimentation state detection unit reads the sedimentation characteristic information stored in the storage unit of the liquid container installed in the liquid container installation unit. A sedimentation state estimating unit for estimating the sedimentation state of the liquid from the elapsed time after the pre-stirring and the sedimentation characteristic information.

In this case, more preferably, the cleaning control unit controls the cleaning unit such that the initial suction amount of the liquid increases in accordance with the settling state.

The above embodiment is effective when the liquid container can be stirred. In this case, the elapsed time after the pre-stirring is substantially the duration of the sedimentation phenomenon. The mode of stirring the liquid container is not particularly limited.

Further, the present invention has a liquid container installation section in which a liquid container having a plurality of liquid chambers respectively accommodating a plurality of types of liquids in which sedimentation phenomena of contained components can occur, and a plurality of nozzle openings. A head member, a plurality of liquid communication passages for communicating the interior of each liquid chamber of the liquid container installed in the liquid container installation section with each nozzle opening, and each liquid chamber of the liquid container installed in the liquid container installation section A sedimentation state acquiring unit for acquiring sedimentation state information relating to the sedimentation state of the liquid, a plurality of cleaning units for aspirating each liquid at a plurality of nozzle openings, and the sedimentation state information of each liquid chamber acquired by the sedimentation state acquisition unit And a cleaning control unit for controlling each of the plurality of cleaning units based on the liquid ejecting apparatus.

According to the present invention, appropriate cleaning can be performed for each liquid in each liquid chamber based on the settling state information of the liquid in each liquid chamber.

[0041]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a first embodiment of an ink jet recording apparatus according to the present invention.
2 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a printing mechanism inside the apparatus.
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the ink jet recording apparatus according to the present embodiment includes a housing 3 and a black ink cartridge 1.
(Liquid container) and a carriage 11 on which the color ink cartridge 2 (liquid container) is placed.

As shown in FIG. 1, an operation panel 4 is provided on the upper surface of the housing 3. In this case, the operation panel 4
Includes a power switch 5, an ink cartridge replacement command switch 6, a black ink cleaning command switch 7, a color ink cleaning command switch 8, a black ink end indicator 9, and a color ink end indicator 1.
0 is provided.

As shown in FIG. 2, the carriage 11 is driven by a carriage driving motor 13 via a timing belt 12.
And is slidably supported by the guide member 14. The guide member 14 is arranged in parallel with the platen 15. As a result, the carriage 11 can reciprocate in parallel with the platen 15. This moving direction is called a main operation direction.

On the lower surface of the carriage 11, a black ink recording head 17 in which a plurality of nozzle openings for discharging black ink are arranged, and three color inks of yellow, magenta and cyan are respectively discharged. And a recording head 18 for color ink in which a plurality of nozzle openings are arranged.

A recording medium 16 such as a recording paper is supported on the surface of the recording head 17 for black ink and the recording head 18 for color ink which are opposed to each other so as to be movable in a direction perpendicular to the main operation direction. This direction is called the sub-scanning direction.

A part of the non-printing area of the recording heads 17 and 18 (the right side area in FIG. 2) is provided with a capping unit 19.
(Cleaning unit). The capping unit 19 includes a cap 20a for sealing the nozzle opening of the black ink recording head 17 and a cap 20b for sealing the nozzle opening of the color ink recording head 18 for each color.
To 20d.

In this case, these caps 20a-20
“d” is mounted on the same slider 21, and is a quadruple pump unit 23 a to 23 d driven by a motor or the like.
23d (cleaning unit) is connected via a tube (not shown). Thus, each of the caps 20a to 20d receives the supply of the negative pressure independently, and sucks ink from the nozzle openings of each of the recording heads 17 and 18 for each color, that is, performs a cleaning process.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the black ink cartridge 1. As shown in FIG. 3, the black ink cartridge 1
Has an ink chamber 1a for accommodating black ink, and an ink supply port 26 for connecting the ink chamber 1a to the ink communication passage 17a of the black ink recording head 17 is provided on the bottom surface 25. The bottom surface 25 is provided with a semiconductor storage unit 27 (characteristic storage unit and manufacturing storage unit) which is an electrically rewritable memory device. Further, the electric contact 33 for accessing the semiconductor storage means 27 is also
It is provided on the bottom surface 25.

In this case, the semiconductor storage means 27 stores information on the time of manufacture of the black ink cartridge 1, for example, information on the date of manufacture and the characteristics of the ink contained in the ink chamber 1a. And sedimentation characteristic information on the likelihood of occurrence. In the ink chamber 1a, a black pigment ink is stored so as not to penetrate the foam material.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the color ink cartridge 2. As shown in FIG. 4, the color ink cartridge 2 includes ink chambers 2 for individually storing yellow, magenta, and cyan inks as color inks.
a, 2b, 2c, and each ink chamber 2a, 2b,
2c and ink communication path 1 of recording head 18 for color ink
8a can be connected to the bottom surface 2
8. Further, the bottom surface 28 is provided with a semiconductor storage means 32 which is an electrically rewritable memory device.
(Storage unit) is provided. Further, the semiconductor storage means 3
Electrical contacts 34 for access to 2 are also provided on bottom surface 28.

In this case, the semiconductor storage means 32 stores information on the point of manufacture of the color ink cartridge 2, for example, the date of manufacture and information on the characteristics of the ink contained in each of the ink chambers 2a to 2c. And sedimentation characteristic information relating to the ease of occurrence of the sedimentation phenomenon. In each of the ink chambers 2a to 2c, a pigment ink of each color is stored so as not to penetrate the foam material.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the head holder 35 (ink container installation portion) on which the cartridges 1 and 2 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 are mounted. As shown in FIG. 5, the head holder 35 has electrical contacts 36 and 3 that can electrically contact the electrical contacts 33 and 34 of each of the cartridges 1 and 2.
7 are provided. These electrical contacts 36 and 37
Are connected to information reading units 38 and 39 (manufacturing time information reading unit and characteristic information reading unit) for reading information stored in the semiconductor storage units 27 and 32, respectively. The information reading units 38 and 39 are connected by a flexible cable 40.
It is connected to a control device 41 (see FIG. 2) of the recording apparatus main body.

The semiconductor storage units 27 and 32 may be read-only storage units that cannot be written. Alternatively, when these are writable storage units, the information reading units 38 and 39 may have a writing function for the semiconductor recording units 27 and 32.

Here, an example of the internal structure of each of the ink chambers 1a and 2a to 2c will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 6 is a view showing a longitudinal section of the ink chamber 100 (1a, 2a to 2c), and FIG. 7 is a view showing the filter chamber 105 of FIG.
It is a figure which shows the cross section of the vicinity. Details of the internal structure shown in these figures are described in the aforementioned Japanese Patent Application No. 2000-321319.

As shown in FIG. 6, the ink chamber 100 is substantially divided into a second ink chamber 103 as an upper area and a first ink chamber 101 as a lower area by a dividing wall 102 extending in a substantially horizontal direction. Have been. The second ink chamber 103 is further roughly divided into a first buffer chamber 115, a second buffer chamber 116, and a filter chamber 105.

Further, the flow path A rising vertically from the lower side of the first ink storage chamber 101 to the side wall 130 by the flow path forming walls 111a to 111j and the divided wall 102, and the second ink storage chamber A flow path B extending in the horizontal direction above the upper part 103, a flow path C from the first buffer chamber 115 to the second buffer chamber 116 bypassing the lower side of the filter chamber 105, and a flow path from below the second buffer chamber 116. A channel D that rises parallel and adjacent to the channel A and a channel E that extends parallel and adjacent to the channel B and communicates with the inside of the filter chamber 105.
And are formed.

The space (small gap) between the flow path A and the side wall 130 and the space above the flow path B are areas that come into contact with the air chamber 121. The air chamber 121 is open to the atmosphere via a gas permeable membrane stretched on the upper surface side.

As shown in FIG. 7, a differential pressure valve accommodating chamber 104 is formed behind the filter chamber 105 via a central wall 106. The central wall 106 is the differential pressure valve accommodation chamber 104
It has a central convex valve seat 106a protruding to the side and a plurality of through holes 106b provided around the central convex valve seat 106a.

In the filter chamber 105, the central wall 106
The filter 118 is disposed so as to face the filter 118 via a gap.

The differential pressure valve accommodating chamber 104 has the central wall 10
A substantially circular membrane valve 140 having a center hole 140b is disposed so as to be opposed to 6. The membrane valve 140 is fixed to the differential pressure valve accommodating chamber 104 at an outer peripheral portion 140a thereof,
The center portion is in contact with the center wall 106 (FIG. 7).
7 (a)) and the separated state (FIG. 7 (b)), that is, the center hole 140b abuts against the central convex valve seat 106a in the closed state (FIG. 7 (a)) and the separated open state (FIG. 7 (a)). FIG.
(B)), it can be elastically deformed and moved.

The membrane valve 140 is normally urged by the coil spring 142 toward the central convex valve seat 106a of the central wall 106 as shown in FIG. 7A, and is in contact with the central wall 106. . However, when a predetermined negative pressure is generated in the ink supply port 114 (26, 29 to 31) due to the consumption of the ink, the negative pressure causes the membrane valve 140 to move the valve seat 106a as shown in FIG. Away from you. Thereby, the center hole 140b and the through hole 10
The ink in the filter chamber 105 moves into the differential pressure valve accommodating chamber 104 via 6b. When the negative pressure is eliminated by the movement of the ink, the membrane valve 140 returns to the state shown in FIG. 7A again by the restoring force of the coil spring 142.

As shown in FIG. 6, the differential pressure valve accommodating chamber 104 is provided with an ink supply port 114 through an ink supply path 113 extending in the first ink accommodating chamber 101 so as not to communicate with the first ink accommodating chamber 101. (26, 29-31).

In the ink cartridge having the internal structure as described above, the ink is
When a negative pressure is generated in the valve 14, the membrane valve 140
Moves away from the valve seat 106a against the urging force of the coil spring 142. Thereby, the center hole 140b and the through hole 10
The ink in the filter chamber 105 moves into the differential pressure valve accommodating chamber 104 via 6b, and further flows into the ink supply port 114.

Further, as the ink in the filter chamber 105 moves into the differential pressure valve accommodating chamber 104, the ink in the flow paths E to A moves toward the filter chamber 105 in order. Then, the ink at the bottom of the first ink storage chamber 101 newly enters the flow path A.

Here, since the flow paths EA are formed to be narrow in a maze, bubbles that may be present in the ink are generated in the first ink storage chamber 101, the first buffer chamber 115, and the second buffer chamber 116. And the intrusion into the filter chamber 105 is significantly suppressed.

Accordingly, the ink in the ink cartridge 100 is supplied to the first ink chamber 101 and the first buffer chamber 11.
In the fifth and second buffer chambers 116, for example, the ink cartridge may be swung (stirred) by the scanning movement of the ink cartridge, but the swing may prevent the ink supply pressure to the ink supply port 114 from becoming unstable.

In the ink cartridge 100 as described above, for example, when a long time has elapsed since the previous ink ejection, the ink may settle in the filter chamber 105 and the flow path portions before and after the filter chamber 105. The difference in density caused by the sedimentation phenomenon is not eliminated even when the ink cartridge 100 is idle, for example, because the flow path portion is relatively narrow and a substantial stirring action is not performed. Therefore, if the ink in the portion is used, the recording quality deteriorates.

As will be described in detail below, in the present embodiment, the ink in the portion where the density difference does not disappear can be sucked by cleaning. This effectively prevents the recording quality from deteriorating.

FIG. 8 is a schematic block diagram of the control device 41. As shown in FIG. 8, a push switch 43 is provided at a position where the ink cartridges 1 and 2 of the carriage 11 face each other.
44 are provided respectively. Each push switch 43,
Reference numeral 44 is connected to the ink cartridge installation determining unit 42, and determines whether each of the ink cartridges 1 and 2 has been installed (replaced).

The carriage motor control section 45 controls the carriage 11 under the control of the main
5 is moved in parallel.

Suction control unit 47 (cleaning control unit)
Under the control of the main control unit 46, the nozzle openings of the recording heads 17 and 18 are sealed by the capping unit 19 via the carriage motor control unit 45, and the suction pumps 23a to 23a are controlled via the pump control unit 48.
The suction force and suction time of 23d are controlled.

The printing / flushing control unit 49 drives the head driving unit 50 based on recording data from a host (not shown), and appropriately ejects ink droplets from nozzle openings of the recording heads 17 and 18 for printing. Is to be executed. Further, the head driving unit 50 is driven in accordance with the degree of viscosity increase of the ink and the like, and the ink at the nozzle opening portions of the recording heads 17 and 18 is finely vibrated to execute a flushing process.

The main controller 46 controls the carriage motor controller 4 based on print data from a host (not shown).
5. Printing / flushing control unit 49 and suction control unit 47
Is controlled. In addition, the main control unit 46
It is connected to a clock function unit 46a that recognizes the current time point. The clock function unit 46a may have its own clock function, but normally obtains clock information from the host.

Here, the main control unit 46 of the present embodiment comprises:
When the ink cartridge installation determination unit 42 determines that the black ink cartridge 1 has been installed, the information stored in the semiconductor storage unit 27 of the new black ink cartridge 1, that is, the date of manufacture of the new ink cartridge 1 The date and the sedimentation characteristic information on the black ink contained in the ink cartridge 1 are acquired via the information reading unit 38 and stored in the storage unit 46c.

An arithmetic unit 46b (elapsed time calculation unit after manufacture) provided in the main control unit 46 calculates the elapsed time from the acquired date of manufacture to the present time.

The calculating section 46b calculates an initial ink suction amount based on the length of the elapsed time. This calculation method will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 9 is a graph showing the measured OD value of the ink discharged from the ink cartridge of the type described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7 after standing for two years after production. The OD value is an index substantially proportional to the density of the ink.

As shown in FIG.
In the range of g, the OD value sharply rises, and is 5 g to 2 g.
In the range of 0 g, the OD value gradually decreases and thereafter stabilizes at a predetermined level. Therefore, in this case, it is preferable that the initial suction amount of the ink is at least 5 g or more.

The deviation of the OD value from the predetermined level as shown in FIG. 9 is a result of the sedimentation of the ink in the flow path near the filter chamber 105. The extent of this deviation depends on the duration of the ink settling phenomenon, in this case the elapsed time from the date of manufacture to the current time.

Accordingly, when a predetermined time or more has elapsed after the production, the initial suction amount of the ink is determined according to the length of the elapsed time after the production in order to discharge the ink having a density difference due to the sedimentation phenomenon of the ink by the cleaning process. Many are set. Here, it is preferable to take into account the sedimentation characteristic information of the black ink (easiness of occurrence of the sedimentation phenomenon) in addition to the length of the elapsed time after production. In this case, the calculation unit 46b functions as a settling state estimation unit.

Alternatively, when the ink cartridge installation judging section 42 judges that the black ink cartridge 1 has been installed, the main control section 46 uses the clock function section 46a to acquire information on the installation time and store it. The information is stored in the unit 46c.

Depending on the form of the ink cartridge, the sedimentation state of the ink in the narrow channel portion of the ink cartridge may be caused by the user shaking the ink cartridge up and down or rotating before installing the ink cartridge. In some cases, it can be resolved. In such a case, the sedimentation of the ink, which may be a problem in the subsequent ink jet recording apparatus, continues from the time of installation of the ink cartridge.

Therefore, in this case, the calculation section 46b (elapsed time calculation section after installation) provided in the main control section 46 calculates the elapsed time from the acquired installation time to the current time.

The calculating section 46b calculates the initial ink suction amount based on the length of the elapsed time. This calculation can also be performed based on data measured in advance as shown in FIG. Also in this case, it is preferable to consider the sedimentation characteristic information of the black ink (easiness of occurrence of the sedimentation phenomenon) in addition to the length of the elapsed time.

Alternatively, the main control unit 46 controls the clock function unit 4
The information relating to the previous black ink ejection is acquired by utilizing the information 6a, and is stored in the storage unit 46c.

Depending on the mode of use of the ink jet recording apparatus, the use of black ink may be interrupted for a long time after the previous black ink ejection. In such a case,
The sedimentation of the ink, which may be a problem in the subsequent ink jet recording apparatus, continues from the previous ink ejection time.

Therefore, in this case, the calculation section 46b (pre-discharge elapsed time calculation section) provided in the main control section 46 calculates the elapsed time from the last ink discharge time obtained to the current time. Has become.

The calculating section 46b calculates the initial ink suction amount based on the elapsed time. This calculation can also be performed based on data measured in advance as shown in FIG. Also in this case, it is preferable to consider the sedimentation characteristic information of the black ink (easiness of occurrence of the sedimentation phenomenon) in addition to the length of the elapsed time.

Alternatively, when an agitating mechanism for agitating the ink cartridge is provided, the main control unit 46 uses the clock function unit 46a to acquire information on the last time the ink cartridge was agitated, and stores it in the storage unit 46c. It is designed to remember.

When a stirring mechanism for stirring the ink cartridge is provided, it is preferable that the settling state of the ink is always eliminated before the ink is ejected by utilizing the stirring mechanism. However, there are cases where the use of the stirring mechanism and the cleaning (suction) of the ink having the density difference can be selectively performed in consideration of various factors such as cost. In such a case, the sedimentation of the ink, which may be a problem in the ink jet recording apparatus, continues from the previous stirring time.

Accordingly, in this case, the calculation section 46b (calculation section for the elapsed time after the previous stirring) provided in the main control section 46 calculates the elapsed time from the obtained previous stirring time to the current time. ing.

The calculating section 46b calculates the initial ink suction amount based on the elapsed time. This calculation can also be performed based on data measured in advance as shown in FIG. Also in this case, it is preferable to consider the sedimentation characteristic information of the black ink (easiness of occurrence of the sedimentation phenomenon) in addition to the length of the elapsed time.

The main control section 46 and the suction control section 47 control the suction pump 23a in accordance with the obtained initial suction amount of black ink to execute the ink filling suction processing at the time of installing an ink cartridge or the like. I have.

Similarly, the main control unit 46 of the present embodiment
When the ink cartridge installation determination unit 42 determines that the color ink cartridge 2 has been installed, the information stored in the semiconductor storage unit 32 of the new color ink cartridge 2, that is, the date of manufacture of the new ink cartridge 2 The date and the sedimentation characteristic information of each ink contained in the ink cartridge 2 are acquired via the information reading unit 39 and stored in the storage unit 46c.

An arithmetic unit 46b (elapsed time calculating unit after manufacturing) provided in the main control unit 46 calculates the elapsed time from the acquired manufacturing date to the current time.

The calculating section 46b calculates the initial suction amount of each color ink based on the length of the elapsed time. The details of this calculation are substantially the same as in the case of black ink. Here, in addition to the length of the elapsed time, it is preferable to consider the sedimentation characteristic information of each color ink (the ease with which a sedimentation phenomenon occurs).

Alternatively, when the ink cartridge installation judging section 42 judges that the color ink cartridge 2 has been installed, the main control section 46 uses the clock function section 46a to acquire information on the installation time and store it. Part 46c
Is to be remembered.

In this case, the calculating section 46b (post-installation elapsed time calculating section) provided in the main control section 46 calculates the elapsed time from the acquired installation time to the current time.

The calculating section 46b calculates the initial ink suction amount based on the length of the elapsed time. This calculation can also be performed based on data measured in advance as shown in FIG. Also in this case, it is preferable to take into account the sedimentation characteristic information of each color ink (easiness of occurrence of the sedimentation phenomenon) in addition to the length of the elapsed time.

Alternatively, the main control section 46 may control the clock function section 4
The information relating to the previous color ink ejection is acquired by utilizing 6a and stored in the storage unit 46c.

In this case, the calculation section 46b (pre-discharge elapsed time calculation section) provided in the main control section 46 calculates the elapsed time from the last acquired color ink discharge time to the current time. ing.

The calculating section 46b calculates the initial ink suction amount based on the elapsed time. This calculation can also be performed based on data measured in advance as shown in FIG. Also in this case, it is preferable to take into account the sedimentation characteristic information of each color ink (easiness of occurrence of the sedimentation phenomenon) in addition to the length of the elapsed time.

Alternatively, when an agitating mechanism for agitating the ink cartridge is provided, the main control unit 46 uses the clock function unit 46a to acquire information on the last time the ink cartridge was agitated, and stores it in the storage unit 46c. It is designed to remember.

In this case, an arithmetic unit 46b (elapsed time after pre-stirring calculation unit) provided in the main control unit 46 calculates the elapsed time from the obtained previous stirring time to the present time. .

The calculating section 46b calculates the initial suction amount of ink based on the length of the elapsed time. This calculation can also be performed based on data measured in advance as shown in FIG. Also in this case, it is preferable to take into account the sedimentation characteristic information of each color ink (easiness of occurrence of the sedimentation phenomenon) in addition to the length of the elapsed time.

The main control unit 46 and the suction control unit 47 control the suction pumps 23b to 23b in accordance with the obtained initial suction amounts of the respective inks.
3d is controlled to execute the ink filling suction process at the time of installing the ink cartridge or the like.

Next, the operation of the present embodiment having the above configuration will be described.

When the black ink cartridge 1 is installed (replaced), the ink cartridge installation determining unit 42 determines that the black ink cartridge 1 has been installed (replaced) based on a signal from the push switch 43.

Then, the main control unit 46 determines the information stored in the semiconductor storage means 27 of the new black ink cartridge 1, that is, the date of manufacture of the new ink cartridge 1 and the black date of the ink cartridge 1. Ink sedimentation characteristic information is obtained via the information reading unit 38.

Next, the operation unit 4 provided in the main control unit 46
6b calculates the elapsed time from the acquired date of manufacture to the current time. Alternatively, the elapsed time from the installation time of the ink cartridge to the current time is calculated. Alternatively, the elapsed time from the previous black ink ejection time to the current time is calculated. Alternatively, the elapsed time from the previous stirring time of the ink cartridge to the current time is calculated.

Further, the calculating section 46b estimates the sedimentation state of the black ink based on the length of the elapsed time and the sedimentation characteristic information of the black ink, and calculates the initial suction amount of the black ink.

If the elapsed time is longer than a predetermined time,
It is presumed that a density difference is generated due to the sedimentation of ink in a particularly narrow flow path portion in the ink chamber 1a.
For this reason, it is difficult to perform high-quality printing using the ink in the portion. Therefore, in order to discharge such ink by the cleaning process, the initial suction amount of ink is set to be large according to the length of the elapsed time.

The main control unit 46 and the suction control unit 47 control the suction pump 23a in accordance with the obtained initial suction amount of the ink, and execute the black ink filling suction process when the ink cartridge is installed.

Similarly, when the color ink cartridge 2 is installed (exchanged), the ink cartridge installation determining section 4
2 determines that the color ink cartridge 2 has been replaced by a signal from the press switch 44.

Then, the main control unit 46 determines the information stored in the semiconductor storage means 32 of the new color ink cartridge 2, that is, the date of manufacture of the ink cartridge 2 and the date of manufacture of the new ink cartridge 2. The settling characteristic information of the color ink is acquired via the information reading unit 39.

Next, the operation unit 4 provided in the main control unit 46
6b calculates the elapsed time from the acquired date of manufacture to the current time. Alternatively, the elapsed time from the installation time of the ink cartridge to the current time is calculated. Alternatively, the elapsed time from the previous ejection time of each ink to the current time is calculated. Alternatively, the elapsed time from the previous stirring time of the ink cartridge to the current time is calculated.

Further, the calculating section 46b estimates the sedimentation state of each ink based on the length of the elapsed time and the sedimentation characteristic information of each ink, and calculates the initial suction amount of each ink.

When the elapsed time is equal to or longer than a predetermined time,
In a particularly narrow channel portion in each of the ink chambers 2a to 2c,
It is presumed that a density difference has occurred due to the ink sedimentation phenomenon. For this reason, it is difficult to perform high-quality printing using the ink in the portion. Therefore, in order to discharge such ink by the cleaning process, the initial suction amount of each ink is set to be large according to the length of the elapsed time.

The main control unit 46 and the suction control unit 47 control the suction pumps 23 b to 23 b in accordance with the obtained initial suction amounts of the respective inks.
By controlling 3d, the filling suction process of each color ink at the time of installing an ink cartridge or the like is executed.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the suction pumps 23a to 23d are controlled based on the information on the sedimentation state of each ink in the ink cartridges 1, 2, so that the ink cartridges 1, 2 At the time of installation or the like, an appropriate ink filling suction process (cleaning) can be performed.

Next, an ink jet recording apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 10 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a printing mechanism inside an ink jet recording apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 11 is a schematic block diagram showing a control system of the apparatus shown in FIG.

As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the capping unit 19 of the ink jet recording apparatus of this embodiment comprises a cap 20a for sealing the nozzle opening of the black ink recording head 17, a color ink recording head. 1
And a cap 20e for sealing the eight nozzle openings in common.

In this case, these caps 20a, 20a
“e” is mounted on the same slider 21 and has a dual pump unit 23a driven by a motor or the like.
23e (cleaning unit) is connected via a tube (not shown). Thus, each of the caps 20a and 20e independently receives the supply of the negative pressure and sucks ink from the nozzle openings of the corresponding recording heads 17 and 18, that is, performs a cleaning process.

Other structures are the same as those of the first structure shown in FIGS.
This is the same configuration as that of the embodiment. In the second embodiment, the same parts as those in the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 8 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description is omitted.

According to the present embodiment, the suction pumps 23a and 23e are controlled based on the information on the ink sedimentation state of the ink cartridges 1 and 2. Thereby, at the time of setting the ink cartridges 1 and 2 or the like, appropriate ink filling suction processing (cleaning) can be performed.

In particular, for the color ink cartridge 2, since the suction pump 23e is commonly controlled for each ink contained in each of the ink chambers 2a to 2c, a simple filling and suctioning operation can be performed when the ink cartridge is installed. Processing (cleaning) can be performed.

Next, an ink jet recording apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 12 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a printing mechanism inside an ink jet recording apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 13 is a schematic block diagram showing a control system of the apparatus shown in FIG.

As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the capping unit 19 of the ink jet recording apparatus of the present embodiment has the nozzle opening of the black ink recording head 17 and the nozzle opening of the color ink recording head 18 in common. It has a cap 20g for sealing.

In this case, the common cap 20g is mounted on the slider 21, and is connected to a single pump unit 23g (cleaning unit) driven by a motor or the like via a tube (not shown). . Thus, the cap 20g receives the supply of the negative pressure and sucks ink from all the nozzle openings of the recording heads 17 and 18, that is, performs a cleaning process.

The other structure is the same as that of the second embodiment shown in FIGS. In the third embodiment, the same portions as those of the second embodiment shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description is omitted.

According to the present embodiment, the suction pump 23g is commonly controlled based on the information on the ink sedimentation state of the ink cartridges 1 and 2. Thereby, at the time of setting the ink cartridges 1 and 2 or the like, appropriate ink filling suction processing (cleaning) can be performed.

In each of the embodiments described above, the recording head 17 for black ink and the recording head 18 for color ink are formed separately, but they may be formed integrally.

[0134]

As described above, according to the present invention, the settling state information of the liquid in the liquid chamber of the liquid container is obtained, and the cleaning unit is controlled based on the settling state information. When the sedimentation state of the liquid in the relatively close flow path is equal to or higher than a predetermined level, the target liquid ejecting operation can be performed after sucking the liquid in the flow path.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of an ink jet recording apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing the embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a printing mechanism inside the apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view illustrating an example of a black ink cartridge.

FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of a three-color ink cartridge.

FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of a holder on which an ink cartridge is mounted.

FIG. 6 is a longitudinal sectional view of an example of an ink chamber.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the vicinity of a filter chamber in the ink chamber of FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is a schematic block diagram showing a control system of the apparatus shown in FIG.

FIG. 9 is a graph showing an example of an OD value for each consumed ink amount.

FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view showing a second embodiment of the ink jet recording apparatus according to the present invention.

11 is a schematic block diagram showing a control system of the apparatus shown in FIG.

FIG. 12 is a schematic perspective view showing a third embodiment of the ink jet recording apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a schematic block diagram showing a control system of the apparatus shown in FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Black ink cartridge 2 Color ink cartridge 3 Housing 4 Operation panel 5 Power switch 11 Carriage 12 Timing belt 13 Carriage drive motor 14 Guide member 15 Platen 16 Recording medium 17 Black ink recording head 17a Ink communication path 18 Color ink recording head 18a Ink communication path 19 Capping unit 20a-20d, 20e, 20g Cap 21 Slider 23a-23d, 23e, 23g Suction pump 27, 32 Semiconductor storage means 33, 34 Electrical contact 35 Head holder 38, 39 Information reading unit 40 Flexible cable 41 Control unit 42 Ink cartridge installation determination unit 43, 44 Press switch 45 Carriage motor control unit 46 Main control unit 46a Clock function unit 46b Operation unit 46c Storage unit 47 suction control unit 48 pump drive unit 49 printing / flushing control unit 50 head drive unit 100 ink chamber 101 first ink storage chamber 102 partition wall 103 second ink storage chamber 104 differential pressure valve storage chamber 105 filter chamber 106 central wall 106a central convex Valve seat 106b Through-holes 111a to 111j Flow path forming wall 114 Ink supply port 115 First buffer chamber 116 Second buffer chamber 118 Filter 121 Air chamber 130 Side wall 140 Membrane valve 140a Outer portion 140b Center hole 142 Coil spring

Claims (19)

[Claims] 1. A liquid container installation section in which a liquid container having a liquid chamber for accommodating a liquid capable of causing sedimentation of a contained component is installed; a head member having a nozzle opening; and a liquid container installation section. A liquid communication path that communicates the interior of the liquid chamber of the liquid container with the nozzle opening, a sedimentation state acquisition unit that acquires sedimentation state information on the sedimentation state of the liquid in the liquid chamber of the liquid container installed in the liquid container installation unit, A cleaning unit that sucks the liquid at the nozzle opening, a cleaning control unit that controls the cleaning unit based on the settling state information of the liquid acquired by the settling state acquisition unit,
A liquid ejecting apparatus comprising: 2. The sedimentation state information is information based on an elapsed time after the installation from the time when the liquid container is installed in the liquid container installation part to the current time, and the sedimentation state acquisition part stores the installation time. An installation time storage unit, a clock function unit that recognizes a current time point, and a post-installation elapsed time calculation unit that calculates an elapsed time from the installation time point to the current time point. 2. The liquid ejecting apparatus according to 1. 3. The cleaning control unit according to claim 1, wherein the cleaning control unit controls the cleaning unit such that the initial suction amount of the liquid increases according to the length of the elapsed time after the installation. 3. The liquid ejecting apparatus according to 2. 4. The settling state information is information based on the likelihood of a settling phenomenon of the liquid itself, and the liquid container stores settling characteristic information on the likelihood of the settling phenomenon of the liquid in the liquid chamber. A sedimentation characteristic storage unit that stores therein, the sedimentation state acquisition unit is a characteristic information reading unit that reads sedimentation characteristic information stored in a sedimentation characteristic storage unit of a liquid container installed in a liquid container installation unit, The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising: a settling state estimating unit that estimates a settling state of the liquid from the elapsed time after installation and the settling characteristic information. 5. The liquid according to claim 4, wherein the cleaning control unit controls the cleaning unit such that the initial suction amount of the liquid increases according to the settling state. Injection device. 6. The settling state information is information based on an elapsed time after manufacturing from a manufacturing time point of the liquid container to a current time point, and the liquid container stores manufacturing time information relating to the manufacturing time point of the liquid container. A sedimentation state obtaining part, wherein the sedimentation state obtaining part reads a manufacturing time information stored in a manufacturing time storage part of the liquid container installed in the liquid container installation part, and recognizes a current time point. A clock function unit, comprising: a post-manufacturing elapsed time calculating unit that calculates a post-manufacturing elapsed time from a manufacturing time of the liquid container to a current time based on the manufacturing time information. 2. The liquid ejecting apparatus according to 1. 7. The cleaning control unit according to claim 1, wherein the cleaning unit controls the cleaning unit such that the initial suction amount of the liquid increases according to the length of the elapsed time after the manufacturing. 7. The liquid ejecting apparatus according to 6. 8. The sedimentation state information is information based on the likelihood of a sedimentation phenomenon of the liquid itself, and the liquid container stores sedimentation characteristic information on the ease of the sedimentation phenomenon of the liquid in the liquid chamber. A sedimentation characteristic storage unit that stores therein, the sedimentation state acquisition unit is a characteristic information reading unit that reads sedimentation characteristic information stored in a sedimentation characteristic storage unit of a liquid container installed in a liquid container installation unit, The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising: a settling state estimating unit configured to estimate a settling state of the liquid from the elapsed time after manufacture and the settling characteristic information. 9. The liquid according to claim 8, wherein the cleaning control unit controls the cleaning unit such that the initial suction amount of the liquid increases according to the settling state. Injection device. 10. The sedimentation state information is information based on an elapsed time after a previous ejection from a previous liquid ejection time to a current time, and the sedimentation state acquiring unit is configured to store a previous liquid ejection time at a previous ejection time. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a storage unit; a clock function unit that recognizes a current time; and a post-predischarge elapsed time calculation unit that calculates an elapsed time from a previous liquid discharge time to a current time. 2. The liquid ejecting apparatus according to 1. 11. The cleaning control unit according to claim 11, wherein the cleaning unit controls the cleaning unit such that the initial suction amount of the liquid increases according to the length of the elapsed time after the previous ejection. Item 11. The liquid ejecting apparatus according to item 10. 12. The settling state information further includes information based on the likelihood of occurrence of a settling phenomenon of the liquid itself, and the liquid container stores settling characteristic information on the likelihood of occurrence of a settling phenomenon of the liquid in the liquid chamber. A sedimentation characteristic storage unit that stores therein, the sedimentation state obtaining unit, a characteristic information reading unit that reads sedimentation characteristic information stored in a storage unit of a liquid container installed in the liquid container installation unit, and the pre-discharge. The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 10, further comprising: a settling state estimating unit configured to estimate a settling state of the liquid from the elapsed time and the settling characteristic information. 13. The liquid according to claim 12, wherein the cleaning control unit controls the cleaning unit such that the initial suction amount of the liquid increases in accordance with the settling state. Injection device. 14. The sedimentation state information is information based on an elapsed time after the previous stirring from the previous stirring time of the liquid container to the present time, and the sedimentation state acquiring unit is configured to store the previous liquid stirring time. A stirring time storage unit, a clock function unit for recognizing a current time point, and a post-stirring elapsed time calculating unit for calculating an elapsed time from the previous liquid stirring time to the current time. The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 1. 15. The cleaning control unit according to claim 15, wherein the cleaning unit controls the cleaning unit such that the initial suction amount of the liquid increases according to the length of the elapsed time after the pre-stirring. Item 15. The liquid ejecting apparatus according to item 14. 16. The information relating to the settling state of the liquid is further information based on the likelihood of occurrence of a settling phenomenon of the liquid itself. A sedimentation characteristic storage unit that stores characteristic information, wherein the sedimentation state detection unit reads a sedimentation characteristic information stored in a storage unit of the liquid container installed in the liquid container installation unit; The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 14, further comprising: a settling state estimating unit configured to estimate a settling state of the liquid from the elapsed time after the pre-stirring and the settling characteristic information. 17. The liquid according to claim 16, wherein the cleaning control unit controls the cleaning unit such that the initial suction amount of the liquid increases according to the settling state. Injection device. 18. A liquid container installation section in which a liquid container having a plurality of liquid chambers respectively accommodating a plurality of types of liquids in which sedimentation of a contained component may occur, a head member having a plurality of nozzle openings, A plurality of liquid communication passages for communicating the interior of each liquid chamber of the liquid container installed in the liquid container installation section with each nozzle opening, and the sedimentation of liquid in each liquid chamber of the liquid container installed in the liquid container installation section A sedimentation state acquisition unit that acquires sedimentation state information relating to the state, a plurality of cleaning units that sucks each liquid at the plurality of nozzle openings, and a sedimentation state information of each liquid chamber acquired by the sedimentation state acquisition unit, A liquid ejecting apparatus comprising: a cleaning control unit that controls each of a plurality of cleaning units. 19. The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the liquid contained in the liquid container is a pigment ink.