JP2007245609A - Liquid jet device and nozzle sealing method of injection head in liquid jet device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a liquid jet device which can seal a nozzle without giving a bad influence on the nozzle. <P>SOLUTION: The liquid jet device has a recording head 30 for injecting liquid from a nozzle opening 25, sealing members 14a and 14b which are made to bring into close contact with a sealing surface of the recording head 30 in a nozzle face of the recording head 30 to close the nozzle opening 25, and a control means for controlling the sealing operation by the sealing members 14a and 14b by shifting control of the sealing members 14a and 14b and the recording head 30. The control means brings a region other than the nozzle trains 15a and 15b of the nozzle face into contact with the sealing surfaces of the sealing members 14a and 14b, relatively moves the sealing members 14a and 14b and the recording head 30 in the state, and controls to seal the nozzle opening 25 by sliding the sealing members 14a and 14b on the nozzle face and stopping the sealing surface at a position where the sealing surface covers the nozzle trains 15a and 15b. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a liquid ejecting apparatus used as an ink jet recording apparatus that forms dots on a recording medium by ejecting ink droplets from nozzles mainly corresponding to print data, and a nozzle sealing method for an ejecting head in the liquid ejecting apparatus. It is.

  As a liquid ejecting apparatus that ejects liquid onto a target, an ink jet recording apparatus that performs printing by ejecting ink onto a recording sheet is known. The recording head in this ink jet recording apparatus increases the ink viscosity due to the evaporation of the solvent from the nozzle opening because the ink pressurized in the pressure generation chamber is ejected from the nozzle as ink droplets onto the recording paper for printing. In addition, the ink is solidified, the dust is attached, and the bubbles are mixed, resulting in a discharge failure state.

  For this purpose, the ink jet recording apparatus is provided with a cap member for sealing the nozzle opening of the recording head during non-printing and a wiping member for cleaning the nozzle forming surface as necessary. This cap member not only functions as a lid for preventing the ink of the nozzle opening from drying, but also when the nozzle opening is clogged, the nozzle forming surface is sealed by the cap member, It also has a function of eliminating clogging of the nozzle openings by applying a negative pressure from the suction pump to the space in the member to suck and discharge ink from the nozzle openings.

  Forcible suction and discharge processing of ink performed to eliminate clogging of the recording head is called a cleaning operation. For example, when printing is resumed after a long pause of the recording apparatus, or when the user has a defective printing state. This operation is performed when the cleaning switch is operated by recognizing this, and is accompanied by an operation of wiping the nozzle forming surface of the recording head with a wiping member made of an elastic plate such as rubber after discharging the ink from the recording head.

In such an ink jet recording apparatus, a presser member that is in close contact with the nozzle surface corresponding to the nozzle opening is provided in a cap formed of an elastic member to suppress evaporation of the solvent from the nozzle opening during the rest period of the apparatus. An apparatus is disclosed (Patent Document 1 below). Further, an apparatus is disclosed in which wiping is performed at the contact edge of the cap member (Patent Document 2 below).
JP-A-5-77433 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-9684

  However, since the press member is brought into contact with the nozzle surface by being pressed against the nozzle surface, there is a possibility that bubbles or dust may be pushed into the nozzle opening when the press member closes the nozzle opening. . As described above, when the apparatus is suspended for a long time with air bubbles and dust entering the nozzle, the air bubbles and dust are hardened and removed in the nozzle, which may adversely affect the discharge performance. Further, since the pressing member is pressed against and closely adhered to the nozzle surface, the meniscus of the nozzle opening is broken when the pressing member is separated, and a maintenance operation is required to recover the meniscus. Further, in the apparatus of Patent Document 2 described above, cleaning and wiping are performed for all nozzle rows, so that even when maintenance is required for only one nozzle row, ink is sucked from all nozzle rows. There is a problem that the amount of ink consumed for maintenance is large.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that it provides a liquid ejecting apparatus capable of sealing a nozzle without adversely affecting the nozzle and a nozzle sealing method for an ejecting head in the liquid ejecting apparatus. To do.

In order to achieve the above object, a liquid ejecting apparatus of the present invention includes an ejecting head that ejects liquid from a nozzle, a sealing member that closes a sealing surface on the nozzle surface of the ejecting head to close the nozzle, and the above Control means for controlling the sealing operation by the sealing member by controlling the movement of the sealing member and / or the ejection head,
The control means abuts the sealing surface of the sealing member on a region other than the nozzle of the nozzle surface, moves the sealing member and the ejection head relatively in that state, and slides the sealing member on the nozzle surface. The gist is to control the nozzle to be sealed by stopping at a position where the sealing surface covers the nozzle.

  In order to achieve the above object, a method for sealing a nozzle of an ejection head in a liquid ejection apparatus according to the present invention includes: an ejection head that ejects liquid from a nozzle; and a sealing surface of the ejection head in close contact with the nozzle. A nozzle sealing method in a liquid ejecting apparatus including a sealing member that closes the nozzle, the sealing surface of the sealing member being brought into contact with a region other than the nozzle on the nozzle surface, The gist is to seal the nozzle by relatively moving the ejection head, sliding the sealing member on the nozzle surface, and stopping the nozzle at a position where the sealing surface covers the nozzle.

  According to the present invention, the sealing surface of the sealing member is brought into contact with a region other than the nozzle of the nozzle surface, and the sealing member and the ejection head are relatively moved in this state, and the sealing member is moved on the nozzle surface. Since the nozzle is sealed by sliding it and stopping at a position where the sealing surface covers the nozzle, there is no need to push air bubbles or dust into the nozzle opening when closing the nozzle opening, as in the past. Performance can be secured. In this way, the nozzle can be sealed without adversely affecting the nozzle.

  In the present invention, the control means moves the sealing member and the ejection head relatively from the sealing state where the sealing surface of the sealing member stops at the position covering the nozzle, and moves the sealing member on the nozzle surface. When releasing the sealing of the nozzle by sliding, the maintenance operation for recovering the meniscus is not required when the sealing of the nozzle by the sealing member is released without destroying the meniscus of the nozzle. .

  In the present invention, when the sealing surface of the sealing member is provided for each nozzle group of the ejection head, the sealing surface of the sealing member is provided for each nozzle group. Therefore, the thickness dimension of the sealing member can be reduced, and the sliding distance when sealing the nozzle by sliding the sealing member on the nozzle surface can be shortened and secured on the nozzle surface. The slide space to be reduced can be reduced, and the ejection head can be reduced in size.

  In the present invention, when the sealing surface of the sealing member is provided corresponding to each nozzle row of the ejection head, the sealing surface of the sealing member is provided corresponding to each nozzle row. Therefore, the thickness dimension of the sealing member can be reduced and formed into a blade shape, and the sliding distance when sealing the nozzle by sliding the sealing member on the nozzle surface can be shortened. Therefore, the slide space ensured on the nozzle surface can be reduced, and the ejection head can be reduced in size.

  In the present invention, the sealing member also functions as a wiping member for wiping the nozzle surface, and the control means seals the sealing member with the sealing surface of the sealing member in contact with the nozzle surface. When the wiping is controlled by relatively moving the jet head and the nozzle, the sealing member for sealing the nozzle also serves as the wiping member for wiping the nozzle surface, so the number of parts can be reduced and the apparatus can be downsized. It is advantageous for cost reduction. In addition, both the nozzle sealing operation and the wiping operation are common operations in which the sealing member and the ejection head are relatively moved while the sealing surface of the sealing member is in contact with the nozzle surface. , The operating efficiency is improved.

  In the present invention, the sealing member is provided in an internal space of an outer cap member that caps the nozzle surface, so that the nozzle can be sealed with the sealing member and the nozzle surface can be capped with the outer cap member. In this case, the nozzle surface is further capped with the outer cap member in a state where the nozzle is sealed with the sealing member, thereby further preventing evaporation of the solvent from the nozzle in the state of being left and restarting. The maintenance operation when it is done can be made light. Therefore, it is possible to shorten the maintenance operation time and to reduce the amount of liquid consumed for maintenance.

In the present invention, an inner cap member that caps the nozzle surface via a space between the sealing members is constituted by at least two sealing members, and the space in the inner cap member is communicated with the suction means to form a nozzle. When suction is performed with an inner cap that has a smaller capacity than the outer cap, the rise of negative pressure at the start of suction is accelerated. Accordingly, the suction time can be shortened.
In this case, when the sealing surface of the sealing member is provided corresponding to each nozzle group or nozzle row of the ejection head, suction maintenance for each nozzle group or nozzle row is performed by the inner cap member. Compared to conventional products that perform suction from all nozzles, the amount of liquid consumed for maintenance can be greatly reduced.

  In the present invention, when the inner cap member and the outer cap member are configured to be relatively displaced in the forward / backward direction with respect to the nozzle surface, either the outer cap member or the inner cap member is advanced / retreated. Only by the operation, the cap member can be brought into a position where the function of the other cap member can be exerted, and the movement of the cap can be easily controlled.

  In the present invention, when the inner cap member moves forward and backward with respect to the nozzle surface by moving the outer cap member forward and backward with respect to the nozzle surface, the outer cap after the sealing surface of the inner cap member first contacts the nozzle surface. When the opening edge of the member is configured to contact the nozzle surface, when sealing, wiping or sucking the nozzle using the inner cap member / sealing member, the sealing surface of the inner cap member The outer cap member is advanced with respect to the nozzle surface until the nozzle contacts the nozzle surface, and the above processes are executed. When capping with the outer cap member becomes necessary, the opening edge of the outer cap member contacts the nozzle surface. The outer cap member may be advanced with respect to the nozzle surface until capping. In this way, the position of the inner cap member and the outer cap member can be brought into a position where the functions of the inner cap member and the outer cap member can be exhibited only by the forward / backward movement of the outer cap member, and the movement of the cap can be easily controlled.

  In the present invention, the air release state of the inner space of the inner cap member can be turned on and off by the operation of the outer cap member moving forward and backward with respect to the nozzle surface in a state where the sealing surface of the inner cap member is in contact with the nozzle surface. When the nozzle is sealed and sucked, the outer cap member is moved back and forth with respect to the nozzle surface so as to turn off the air release state in the inner cap member, and the liquid in the inner cap member is When performing idle suction or the like for sucking and discharging the outer cap member, the outer cap member may be moved back and forth with respect to the nozzle surface so as to turn on the air release state in the inner cap member. In this way, it is possible to turn on and off the standby open state in the inner cap member only by the forward / backward movement of the outer cap member, so that the operation becomes common and the operation efficiency is improved.

  Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment embodying the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 1 is a plan view showing the basic configuration of the recording apparatus. Reference numeral 1 denotes a carriage 1, which is guided by a scanning guide member 4 through a timing belt 3 driven by a carriage motor 2, in the longitudinal direction of the paper feeding member 5, that is, a recording paper as an ejection target. It is configured to reciprocate in the main scanning direction which is the width direction. Although not shown in the drawing, an ink jet recording head 30 that ejects ink as liquid from nozzles is mounted on the carriage 1 on the surface facing the paper feeding member 5.

  The carriage 1 is equipped with pressure adjusting units 7 a to 7 d for reducing and adjusting the pressure of the ink when supplying ink to the recording head 30. In this embodiment, four pressure adjusting portions 7a to 7d are provided corresponding to each ink in order to temporarily store each ink therein.

  The pressure adjusting units 7a to 7d are respectively connected to the ink cartridges 9a to 9d mounted on the cartridge holder 8 serving as a cartridge mounting unit disposed in the apparatus main body via the flexible ink supply tube 10. , Black, yellow, magenta and cyan inks are supplied.

  The recording head 30 has two nozzle rows 15a and 15b extending in the paper feed direction on the nozzle forming surface, and ejects four colors of ink from the two nozzle rows 15a and 15b. Yes. Black ink is ejected from one nozzle row 15a, and yellow, magenta, and cyan color inks are ejected from the other nozzle row 15b.

  Ink cartridges 9a to 9d as main tanks, that is, liquid cartridges, are formed so that the outer configuration thereof is flat. In the cartridge holder 8, so-called vertical placement is performed so that the flat surfaces face each other in the vertical direction. It is installed in a state.

  On the other hand, in the non-printing area (home position) on the movement path of the carriage 1, capping means 11 that can seal the nozzle forming surface of the recording head 30 is arranged. On the upper surface of the capping means 11, an outer cover that covers almost the entire nozzle forming surface of the recording head 30 as a cap member formed of a flexible material such as rubber that can seal the nozzle forming surface of the recording head 30 is provided. A cap member 13 and an inner cap member 12 provided in the outer cap member 13 are provided. The nozzles of the recording head 30 can be sealed when the carriage 1 moves to the home position.

  Although the details of the structure and function of the inner cap member 12 and the outer cap 13 will be described later, the inner cap member 12 has the sealing surfaces of the blade-shaped sealing members 14a and 14b along the two nozzle rows 15a and 15b. The nozzle openings 25 are sealed in close contact with the nozzle rows 15a and 15b. In this example, the sealing surface is an end surface facing the nozzle surface of the blade-shaped sealing members 14a and 14b. In this state, the outer cap member 13 functions to prevent the nozzle openings 25 of the recording head 30 from drying during the rest period of the recording apparatus by capping the entire nozzle forming surface.

  The inner cap member 12 is connected to one end of a tube 16 in a suction pump 27 (tube pump), which will be described later, and performs capping for each of the nozzle rows 15a and 15b to apply a negative pressure by the suction pump 27 to the nozzle opening 25. Thus, a cleaning operation for sucking and discharging ink is performed for each of the nozzle rows 15a and 15b. Further, the inner cap member 12 rubs the sealing surfaces of the blade-shaped sealing members 14a and 14b along the two nozzle rows 15a and 15b against the nozzle forming surface, so that the nozzles of the recording head 30 can be used as necessary. It is comprised so that a formation surface can be wiped off and cleaned.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the system configuration of the recording apparatus.

  In the figure, reference numeral 46 denotes print control means, and print data, which is liquid ejection data, is input from the printer driver in response to the input of a print command in a printer driver built in a host computer (not shown). The printer driver is configured so that the utility can input recording paper size, monochrome / color printing selection, recording mode selection, font data, print command, and the like by input from an input device (not shown) on the utility. ing.

  Then, the print control unit 46 generates bitmap data based on the print data, generates a drive signal by the head drive unit 48 and inputs it to the piezoelectric vibrator that is the actuator of the recording head 30, and the ink droplets from the recording head 30. Is to be discharged. At this time, a paper feed control means (not shown) controls a movement of the recording paper in the sub-scanning direction by controlling a paper feed motor (not shown) according to an instruction from the print control means 46. In addition, the carriage control unit 47 controls the carriage motor 2 that is a pulse motor in response to an instruction from the print control unit 46 to control the carriage 1 to reciprocate in the main scanning direction.

  The head driving unit 48 functions as a driving unit and receives a flushing command signal from the flushing control unit 45 in addition to a driving signal based on print data, and outputs a driving signal for flushing to the recording head 30. . By this flushing operation, ink unrelated to printing is ejected from the nozzles to the inner cap member 12 as a flushing box, thereby discharging the thickened ink near the nozzles and restoring the ejection characteristics of the recording head 30.

  Further, when the jetting characteristics of the nozzle opening 25 cannot be sufficiently recovered only by flushing, the nozzle rows 15 a and 15 b are sealed with the inner cap member 12 under the control of the cleaning control means 49, and the suction pump 27 with the pump driving means 43. Is driven to suck the inside cap member 12, thereby performing a cleaning process that applies a negative pressure to the nozzle and sucks and discharges the ink. The sucked ink is collected in the waste liquid collection tank 22.

  Here, the mechanism by which the discharge capacity of the nozzles is reduced will be described. During printing, the nozzle surface of the recording head 30 is released from the inner cap member 12 and the outer cap member 13, and is further reciprocated by the carriage 1. ing. If the ink is not ejected in such a state, the solvent evaporates from the ink present in the nozzle opening, the viscosity gradually increases, and the ejection capacity decreases. Further, nozzles that frequently eject ink droplets during printing are supplied with new ink one after another, and clogging does not occur so much, but nozzles that have few opportunities to eject ink droplets tend to clog. Therefore, as the nozzle discharge amount is small and the idle time is long, the thickening proceeds, and the degree thereof varies from nozzle to nozzle.

  Since the type of liquid to be ejected is different for each nozzle row 15a, 15b, the degree of thickening is different for each nozzle row 15a, 15b. For example, in the nozzle row 15a that ejects black ink and the nozzle row 15b that ejects color ink, thickening proceeds in the nozzle row 15b that ejects color ink during monochrome printing, and black ink is ejected during color printing. The thickening proceeds at the nozzle row 15b to be discharged. For this reason, cleaning is performed for each of the nozzle rows 15a and 15b by the inner cap member 12 to recover the ejection performance, so that it is not necessary to suck ink from the nozzle rows 15a and 15b that are not so thickened. The ink consumed can be saved.

  In this example, the case has been described in which the liquid ejected by the ejection head is ink, and the ejection capability of the nozzle is reduced due to the increased viscosity of the ink. However, the mechanism by which the ejection characteristics are degraded varies depending on the type of liquid to be ejected. In some cases, the present invention is applicable not only to ink but also to an apparatus that ejects various liquids as long as the lowered nozzle ejection characteristics can be recovered by liquid ejection.

  Further, the carriage control means 47 performs movement control for reciprocating the carriage 1 in the main scanning direction during the printing operation, and also moves the carriage 1 to a flushing position other than the printing area at a predetermined flushing timing. Movement control is performed in which the nozzle rows 15a and 15b are made to face the inner cap member 12 and moved to a position where a flushing operation is performed.

  The carriage control unit 47 performs movement control for moving the recording head 30 to the position of the capping unit 11 when the apparatus is turned off or when a cleaning operation is performed. At this time, movement control is performed to move the nozzle rows 15a and 15b to the position of the sealing surface in the sealing operation of sealing the nozzles by the sealing members 14a and 14b constituting the inner cap member 12. Further, the carriage control means 47 performs movement control for moving the nozzle rows 15a and 15b to a position where they face the inner cap member 12 during the cleaning operation.

  The cap control means 44 controls the operation of moving the outer cap member 13 forward and backward toward the nozzle surface, and seals the nozzle surface by the outer cap member 13 and the nozzles by the sealing members 14 a and 14 b constituting the inner cap member 12. The sealing operation of the rows 15a and 15b, the capping operation of the nozzle rows 15a and 15b by the inner cap member 12 during cleaning, and the like are controlled.

  That is, the nozzle sealing operation by the sealing members 14a and 14b constituting the inner cap member 12 includes the movement control of the carriage 1 in the main scanning direction by the carriage control means 47 and the outer cap member 13 by the cap control means. This is realized by controlling the forward and backward movement of the sealing members 14a and 14b constituting the inner cap member 12 with respect to the nozzle surface, and the carriage control means 47 and the cap control means 44 may include the sealing members 14a and 14b and / or It functions as a control means for controlling the sealing operation by the sealing members 14a and 14b by controlling the movement of the recording head 30.

  Similarly, the capping operation for cleaning by the inner cap member 12 and the release of capping are performed by the movement control of the recording head 30 by the carriage control unit 47 and the elevation control of the inner cap member 12 and the outer cap member 13 by the cap control unit 44. It controls the operation, the movement of the outer cap member 13 and the recording head 30 for flushing, the capping operation by the outer cap member 13, the capping opening operation, and the like. Details of these operations will be described later.

  In the cleaning operation of the recording head 30, when the ink cartridge 9 is first mounted when the printer body is used for the first time, the ink is first filled in the flow path of the recording head 30, the pressure adjusting unit 7, and the like. It is also executed during the initial filling operation. Also, when the ink cartridge 9 is replaced or when the used ink cartridge 9 is once removed and reloaded, air is mixed into the flow path of the recording head 30 along with the replacement or reloading. This is executed to forcibly suck out the mixed bubbles from the recording head 30 and remove them.

  In the cleaning operation, when the printer main body is left without being used, even if the nozzles are sealed with the inner cap member 12 and the outer cap member 13, If the time (the time from the previous power-off to the current power-on) is long, the solvent gradually evaporates from the ink present in the nozzle openings, the viscosity increases, and the discharge capacity decreases, which is recovered. When the power is turned on for cleaning, suction by the cleaning mode is executed under the control of the cleaning control means 49.

  In addition, if the printing operation is continued, bubbles remaining in the flow path may gradually accumulate in the upstream part of the internal filter, so cleaning control is performed for cleaning that periodically removes the bubbles by forced suction. The suction by the cleaning mode may be executed under the control of the means 49.

  Each of the above suction operations may have different suction conditions depending on situations such as initial filling, replacement of the ink cartridge 9, and suction at the time of cleaning. Therefore, the rotation speed and operation of the suction pump 27 are controlled by the cleaning control means 49. By controlling the time, suction in a predetermined suction mode is executed.

  3-1 to 3-3 and FIG. 4 show the structure of the inner cap member 12 and the outer cap member 13, and the movement control of the carriage 1, that is, the recording head 30, by the carriage control means 47 and the cap control by the cap control means 44. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the position control of the recording head 30 and the inner cap member 12 and the outer cap member 13 by the elevation control.

  First, the structure of the inner cap member 12 and the outer cap member 13 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The outer cap member 13 has a box shape with an open upper surface, and is configured so that it can cover and cover substantially the entire nozzle surface by bringing the upper open end into close contact with the nozzle surface. The outer cap member 13 is moved up and down by an elevating mechanism using a cam mechanism or the like (not shown) so that the outer cap member 13 and the inner cap member 12 provided therein are moved forward and backward toward the nozzle surface. (Arrows A and B shown in the figure). This raising / lowering operation is controlled by the cap control means 44 described above.

  A holding member 17 that holds the inner cap member 12 is provided at a substantially central portion of the outer cap member 13. The holding member 17 holds the inner cap member 12 in a state where the upper open portion of the inner cap member 12 is exposed from the upper opening 20.

  The inner cap member 12 includes two blade-like sealing members 14a and 14b extending in the direction of the nozzle rows 15a and 15b corresponding to the two nozzle rows 15a and 15b. The sealing members 14a and 14b have upper sealing surfaces corresponding to the nozzle rows 15a and 15b of the recording head 30, and the sealing surfaces of the nozzle surfaces of the recording head 30 are nozzles as will be described later. The nozzle openings 25 of the nozzle rows 15a and 15b are sealed in close contact with each other.

  The at least two sealing members 14a and 14b constitute an inner cap member 12 that caps the nozzle surface via a space between the sealing members 14a and 14b. Specifically, the front and rear ends of the two sealing members 14a and 14b extending in the nozzle row 15a and 15b direction are connected by a blade-like member to form an elongated inner cap member 12 extending in the nozzle row 15a and 15b direction. Has been. The space in the inner cap member 12 is communicated with a suction pump 27 as a suction means via a tube 16 and can suck ink by applying a negative pressure to the nozzle openings 25 constituting the nozzle rows 15a and 15b. It is configured as follows.

  That is, the interval between the two nozzle rows 15a and 15b is set to be larger than the width dimension of each sealing member 14a and 14b, and one sealing member 14b is inserted into both nozzle rows during the suction. The sealing surface of the sealing member 14b does not cover the nozzle opening 25 when positioned between 15a and 15b and coming into contact with the nozzle surface.

  The inner cap member 12 is accommodated in the holding member 17 with the sealing surface exposed from the opening 20. In this state, the inner cap member 12 is urged toward the nozzle surface by the urging member 18 built in the holding member 17, and the locking member 19 is formed to project from the outer surface of the inner cap member 12. Is engaged with the opening 20 of the holding member 17 so that the positioning in the height direction is performed. In this state, the sealing surface of the inner cap member 12 protrudes toward the nozzle surface from the open end of the outer cap member 13.

  On the other hand, the outer cap member 13 is positioned in the height direction by bringing the lower surface into contact with the positioning member 24. The inner cap member 12 is held in the holding member 17 in a state of being urged by the urging member 18, so that the inner cap member 12 and the outer cap member 13 are relatively moved in the advancing / retreating direction with respect to the nozzle surface. It is configured to be able to be displaced in position.

  Since the sealing surface of the inner cap member 12 is closer to the nozzle surface than the open end of the outer cap member 13, the inner cap member 12 is moved to the nozzle surface by moving the outer cap member 13 forward and backward. When moving forward and backward with respect to the surface, the opening edge of the outer cap member 13 contacts the nozzle surface after the sealing surface of the inner cap member 12 first contacts the nozzle surface.

  When the outer cap member 13 is raised from the state of FIG. 3A, the inner cap member 12 held by the outer cap member 13 is also raised together with the outer cap member 13. First, the inner cap member 12 The sealing surface is in contact with the nozzle surface. When the outer cap member 13 is further raised, the outer cap member 13 continues to rise while the inner cap member 12 is pushed downward against the biasing force of the biasing member 18, and the opening end of the outer cap member 13 eventually becomes the nozzle. It touches the surface.

  On the other hand, an air release port 21 is formed on the lower surface of the inner cap member 12 so as to project the internal space of the inner cap member 12 to the atmosphere. In addition, an opening / closing member 23 that opens and closes the atmosphere opening port 21 in contact with the atmosphere opening port 21 is provided at a location facing the atmosphere opening port 21 of the outer cap member 13. The atmosphere opening valve 21 and the opening / closing member 23 constitute an atmosphere opening valve 28. As a result, when the outer cap member 13 moves forward and backward with respect to the nozzle surface while the sealing surface of the inner cap member 12 is in contact with the nozzle surface, the atmosphere release valve 28 is opened and closed, and the inner cap member 12 The internal space is configured to be turned on and off.

  When the outer cap member 13 is raised from the state of FIG. 3-1 (A), the sealing surface of the inner cap member 12 contacts the nozzle surface as described above, and when the outer cap member 13 is further raised, The outer cap member 13 rises and the opening / closing member 23 comes into contact with the atmosphere opening port 21, closes the atmosphere opening port 21 to release the atmosphere opening state in the inner cap member 12, and the inside cap member 12 is in a sealed state. . Thereafter, when the outer cap member 13 is further raised, the open end of the outer cap member 13 comes into contact with the nozzle surface as described above.

  The outer cap member 13 and the inner cap member 12 as described above are controlled to move up and down by the cap control means 44 (arrows A and B in the figure). The recording head 30 is controlled to move in the main scanning direction by the carriage control means 47 (arrows C and D in the figure). By these movement controls, the recording head 30, the inner cap member 12, and the outer cap member 13 are positioned.

  A basic position will be described with reference to FIGS. 3-1 to 3-3 and FIG.

  FIG. 3A is a basic position (hereinafter referred to as “HP”). Both the inner cap member 12 and the outer cap member 13 are lowered until the outer cap member 13 comes into contact with the positioning member 24, and the nozzle row 15a, Reference numeral 15b denotes a state in which the recording head 30 is positioned at positions facing the sealing members 14a and 14b constituting the inner cap member 12.

  FIG. 3B is a first position (hereinafter referred to as “P1”). The recording head 30 is arranged such that one nozzle row 15a is positioned between the two sealing members 14a and 14b from the HP. The atmosphere release valve 28 is in an open state while performing the movement control and raising the outer cap member 13 in this state to bring the sealing surface of the inner cap member 12 into contact with the nozzle surface.

  3C is the second position (hereinafter referred to as “P2”), and the outer cap member 13 is further lifted from P1 where the sealing surface of the inner cap member 12 is brought into contact with the nozzle surface, so that the atmosphere The open valve 28 is closed.

  3D is the third position (hereinafter referred to as “P3”), and the positions where the nozzle rows 15 a and 15 b face the sealing members 14 a and 14 b constituting the inner cap member 12 in the recording head 30. At that position, the outer cap member 13 is raised to bring the sealing surface of the inner cap member 12 into contact with the nozzle surface, the outer cap member 13 is further raised to close the atmosphere release valve 28, and the outer cap member 13 Is raised and the open end of the outer cap member 13 is in contact with the nozzle surface.

FIG. 3-3 (E) is P1 described above.
FIG. 3-3 (F) is the first position (hereinafter referred to as “P1 ′”), and the sealing members 14a, 14b of the inner cap member 12 are positioned next to the nozzle rows 15a, 15b and are located on the nozzle surface. In this state, the recording head 30 is moved in the arrow C direction from P1 in the contact state, and the nozzle rows 15a and 15b are stopped at the positions covered by the sealing surfaces of the sealing members 14a and 14b.

  FIG. 4 shows a state in which the positional relationship among the inner cap member 12, the outer cap member 13, and the nozzle rows 15a and 15b at each position is viewed in a direction perpendicular to the nozzle surface.

FIG. 4A shows a state in which the nozzle rows 15a and 15b face the sealing members 14a and 14b constituting the inner cap member 12, and such a positional relationship is obtained in the above-described HP, P3, and P1 ′. .
FIG. 4B shows a state in which one nozzle row 15a is located between the two sealing members 14a and 14b constituting the inner cap member 12, and such a positional relationship is obtained at P1 and P2 described above. .
FIG. 4C shows a state in which the other nozzle row 15 b is located between the two sealing members 14 a and 14 b constituting the inner cap member 12. In the above-described P2, such a positional relationship is obtained when the other nozzle row 15b is sucked.

  Next, a sealing operation, a cleaning operation, a wiping operation, and a flushing operation for sealing each nozzle opening 25 of the recording head 30 realized by movement control of the inner cap member 12, the outer cap member 13, and the recording head 30, respectively. explain.

  FIGS. 5-1 to 5-2 are diagrams for explaining the sealing operation of each nozzle opening 25 and the nozzle surface of the recording head 30. FIGS.

  5-1 (A) is an HP, and the position movement is performed in the following manner as shown in FIG. 5-1 (B) → FIG. 5-2 (C) → FIG. 5-2 (D) → FIG. 5-2 (E). To perform the sealing operation.

  That is, the recording head 30 is moved in the D direction from the HP in which the nozzle rows 15a and 15b shown in FIG. 5-1 (A) face the sealing members 14a and 14b, as shown in FIG. 5-1 (B). Then, the sealing members 14a and 14b are moved so as to be positioned next to the nozzle rows 15a and 15b, respectively.

  Next, the outer cap member 13 is raised in the direction of arrow A while the recording head 30 is in that position, and the sealing members 14a and 14b constituting the inner cap member 12 as shown in FIG. The sealing surface is brought into contact with the nozzle surface (P1). Then, the recording head 30 is moved in the direction of arrow C from this state, and is stopped at a position where the sealing surfaces of the sealing members 14a and 14b cover the nozzle rows 15a and 15b, as shown in FIG. (P1 ′). The planar positional relationship between the nozzle rows 15a and 15b and the sealing members 14a and 14b at this time is as shown in FIG.

  That is, the sealing surfaces of the sealing members 14a and 14b are brought into contact with a region other than the nozzles on the nozzle surface, and the sealing members 14a and 14b and the recording head 30 are moved relative to each other in this state. The nozzle 14 is controlled to be sealed by sliding 14b on the nozzle surface and stopping at a position where the sealing surface covers the nozzle. In this state, the nozzle openings 25 constituting the nozzle rows 15a and 15b are covered and sealed with the sealing surfaces of the sealing members 14a and 14b, thereby preventing evaporation of the ink solvent.

  Then, the outer cap member 13 is raised and, as shown in FIG. 5-2 (E), the outer cap member 13 is raised to close the air release valve 28, and then the outer cap member 13 is further raised to The nozzle surface is capped by bringing the open end of the cap member 13 into contact with the nozzle surface. That is, the nozzle is sealed with the sealing members 14 a and 14 b provided in the internal space of the outer cap member 13 that caps the nozzle surface, and the nozzle surface is capped with the outer cap member 13.

  Thus, after the nozzle opening 25 is closed and sealed with the sealing surfaces of the sealing members 14a and 14b, the nozzle surface is further capped with the outer cap member 13, so that the ink solvent evaporates from the nozzle opening 25. The prevention effect becomes more remarkable.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the sealing members 14a and 14b are slid on the nozzle surface and stopped at the position where the sealing surface covers the nozzle, but the sealing is released. In this case, the sealing members 14a and 14b can be slid on the nozzle surface.

  That is, from the state of FIG. 5-2 (E), the opening edge of the outer cap 13 shown in FIG. 5-2 (D) is separated from the nozzle surface, the air release valve 28 is opened, and the inner cap member 12 is sealed. The outer cap member 13 is lowered until the stop surface is in contact with the nozzle surface. Then, by moving the recording head 30 in the arrow D direction in this state, the sealing members 14a and 14b and the recording head are moved from the sealed state where the sealing surfaces of the sealing members 14a and 14b stop at the positions covering the nozzles. 30 is moved relatively, and as shown in FIG. 5-2 (C), the sealing members 14a and 14b are slid on the nozzle surface and controlled so as to release the sealing of the nozzle.

  FIG. 6A to FIG. 6B are diagrams for explaining the cleaning operation and the wiping operation of the recording head 30.

  6-1 (A) is HP, and the position movement is performed in the following manner as shown in FIG. 6-1 (B) → FIG. 6-2 (C) → FIG. 6-2 (D) → FIG. 6-2 (E). To perform the sealing operation.

  That is, the recording head 30 is moved in the D direction from the HP in which the nozzle rows 15a and 15b shown in FIG. 6-1 (A) face the sealing members 14a and 14b, as shown in FIG. 6-1 (B). In addition, the nozzle row 15a is moved so as to be positioned between the two sealing members 14a and 14b.

  Next, the outer cap member 13 is raised in the direction of arrow A, and the sealing surfaces of the sealing members 14a and 14b constituting the inner cap member 12 come into contact with the nozzle surface as shown in FIG. Further, the outer cap member 13 is raised until the atmosphere release valve 28 is closed. The planar positional relationship between the nozzle rows 15a and 15b and the sealing members 14a and 14b at this time is as shown in FIG. 4B, and each nozzle opening 25 of the nozzle row 15a is an internal space of the inner cap member 12. It will be in the state opened toward.

  In this state, the suction pump 27 is driven to apply a negative pressure to the inner space of the inner cap member 12 to suck and discharge ink from each nozzle opening 25 constituting the nozzle row 15a. When the suction for a predetermined time is completed, the outer cap member 13 is lowered in the direction of arrow B, and as shown in FIG. 6-2 (D), the air release valve 28 is opened, and the sealing surface of the inner cap member 12 becomes the nozzle surface. The state remains in contact. In this state, the suction pump 27 is driven to discharge the ink accumulated in the internal space of the inner cap member 12 and perform so-called idle suction for introducing air into the inner cap member 12.

  Next, after the idle suction is completed, the recording head 30 is moved in the direction of arrow D, and as shown in FIG. 6-2 (E), the ink faces the inside of the inner cap member 12 and the ink adheres by cleaning. Wiping of the adhering ink is performed by sliding the sealing members 14a and 14b along the nozzle surface of the portion. That is, the sealing members 14a and 14b also function as wiping members for wiping the nozzle surface, and the sealing member 14a is in a state where the sealing surfaces of the sealing members 14a and 14b are in contact with the nozzle surface. , 14b and the recording head 30 are moved relative to each other to control wiping. After completion of wiping, the suction pump 27 is driven to suck and discharge the ink accumulated in the inner cap member 12.

  The moving distance of the recording head 30 at the time of wiping, that is, the wiping distance is set to be at least the interval between the sealing members 14a and 14b. This is because at the time of cleaning, the nozzle surface exposed between the sealing members 14a and 14b gets wet with the ink, so that wiping for at least that distance is necessary.

  Here, the cleaning operation and the wiping operation for one nozzle row 15a have been described, but the cleaning operation and the wiping operation for the other nozzle row 15a are the same, and the description thereof will be omitted.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the flushing operation of the recording head 30.

  FIG. 7A shows the HP, and the sealing operation is performed by moving the position in FIG. 7B.

  That is, the recording head 30 is moved in the D direction from the HP where the nozzle rows 15a and 15b shown in FIG. 7A face the sealing members 14a and 14b, and as shown in FIG. One nozzle row 15a is moved so as to be positioned between the two sealing members 14a and 14b.

  Next, in this state, flushing discharge is performed only from the nozzle row 15a located between the two sealing members 14a and 14b, and after flushing for a predetermined number of shots, the suction pump 27 is driven to drive the inner cap member. The ink ejected into the nozzle 12 is sucked and discharged.

  Here, the flushing operation for one nozzle row 15a has been described, but the flushing operation for the other nozzle row 15a is the same, and the description thereof is omitted.

  According to the first embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

  That is, according to the present embodiment, the sealing surfaces of the sealing members 14a and 14b are brought into contact with a region other than the nozzles on the nozzle surface, and the sealing members 14a and 14b and the recording head 30 are relatively moved in this state. In order to seal the nozzle by sliding the sealing members 14a and 14b on the nozzle surface and stopping at a position where the sealing surface covers the nozzle, Dust is not pushed into the nozzle opening 25, and discharge performance can be ensured. In this way, the nozzle can be sealed without adversely affecting the nozzle.

  Further, the control means relatively moves the sealing members 14a and 14b and the recording head 30 from the sealing state where the sealing surfaces of the sealing members 14a and 14b stop at the position where the nozzles cover the nozzles. 14a and 14b are slid on the nozzle surface to release the sealing of the nozzle. Therefore, when the sealing of the nozzle by the sealing members 14a and 14b is released, the meniscus of the nozzle is not broken and the meniscus is recovered. Maintenance operation is not required.

  Further, since the sealing surfaces of the sealing members 14a and 14b are provided corresponding to the nozzle rows 15a and 15b of the recording head 30, the sealing surfaces of the sealing members 14a and 14b are used as the nozzle rows 15a. , 15b can be provided correspondingly, so that the thickness of the sealing members 14a, 14b can be reduced to form a blade, and the sealing members 14a, 14b can be slid on the nozzle surface. The sliding distance when sealing the nozzle can be shortened, the sliding space secured on the nozzle surface can be reduced, and the recording head 30 can be miniaturized.

  The sealing members 14a and 14b also function as wiping members for wiping the nozzle surface, and the control means is in a state where the sealing surfaces of the sealing members 14a and 14b are in contact with the nozzle surface. In order to control the wiping by relatively moving the sealing members 14a and 14b and the recording head 30, the sealing members 14a and 14b for sealing the nozzle also serve as the wiping member for wiping the nozzle surface. This is advantageous in reducing the size and cost of the apparatus. Further, both the sealing operation of the nozzles and the wiping operation move the sealing members 14a and 14b and the recording head 30 relatively with the sealing surfaces of the sealing members 14a and 14b in contact with the nozzle surfaces. Since this is a common operation, the operation efficiency is improved.

  The sealing members 14a and 14b are provided in the inner space of the outer cap member 13 that caps the nozzle surface, and the nozzles are sealed by the sealing members 14a and 14b and the nozzles by the outer cap member 13. Since the surface can be capped, the nozzle surface is further capped with the outer cap member 13 in a state where the nozzle is sealed with the sealing members 14a and 14b. Can be further prevented, and the maintenance operation when restarted can be minimized. Therefore, it is possible to shorten the maintenance operation time and to reduce the amount of liquid consumed for maintenance.

  Further, the inner cap member 12 that caps the nozzle surface via the space between the sealing members 14a and 14b is constituted by at least two sealing members 14a and 14b, and the space in the inner cap member 12 is sucked. Because it is configured to be able to suck the liquid by applying negative pressure to the nozzle by communicating with the means, suction maintenance is performed with the inner cap with a smaller capacity than the outer cap, so the negative pressure rises at the start of suction As a result, the suction time can be shortened accordingly.

  Further, since the sealing surfaces of the sealing members 14a and 14b are provided corresponding to the nozzle rows 15a and 15b of the recording head 30, the inner cap member 12 performs suction maintenance for each of the nozzle rows 15a and 15b. This makes it possible to significantly reduce the amount of liquid consumed for maintenance compared to conventional products that perform suction from all nozzles.

  Further, since the inner cap member 12 and the outer cap member 13 are configured to be able to be displaced relative to each other in the advancing / retreating direction with respect to the nozzle surface, either the outer cap member 13 or the inner cap member 12 is advanced / retreated. Only by the operation, the cap member can be brought into a position where the function of the other cap member can be exerted, and the movement of the cap can be easily controlled.

  Further, when the inner cap member 12 advances and retreats with respect to the nozzle surface by moving the outer cap member 13 forward and backward with respect to the nozzle surface, the outer cap member 13 is removed after the sealing surface of the inner cap member 12 first contacts the nozzle surface. Since the opening edge of the cap member 13 is configured to come into contact with the nozzle surface, the inner cap member is used when the inner cap member 12 and the sealing members 14a and 14b are used for sealing, wiping, and suctioning the nozzle. The outer cap member 13 is advanced with respect to the nozzle surface until the 12 sealing surface comes into contact with the nozzle surface, and the above processes are executed. When capping with the outer cap member 13 becomes necessary, the outer cap member 13 The capping may be performed by advancing the outer cap member 13 with respect to the nozzle surface until the opening edge comes into contact with the nozzle surface. In this way, the position of the inner cap member 12 and the outer cap member 13 can be brought into a position where the functions of the inner cap member 12 and the outer cap member 13 can be exhibited only by the forward / backward movement of the outer cap member 13, and the movement control of the cap can be easily performed.

  Further, the state in which the inner cap member 12 is open to the atmosphere can be turned on and off by the operation in which the outer cap member 13 advances and retreats with respect to the nozzle surface when the sealing surface of the inner cap member 12 is in contact with the nozzle surface. Therefore, when sealing and sucking the nozzle, the outer cap member 13 is moved forward and backward with respect to the nozzle surface so as to turn off the air release state in the inner cap member 12, and the inner cap member 12 When performing idle suction or the like for sucking and discharging the liquid, the outer cap member 13 may be moved back and forth with respect to the nozzle surface so as to turn on the air release state in the inner cap member 12. In this manner, the standby state in the inner cap member 12 can be turned on and off only by the forward and backward movement of the outer cap member 13, and the operation is made common and the operation efficiency is improved.

  8 to 10 show a second embodiment of the present invention.

  In this example, the present invention is applied to a recording head 30 having four nozzle rows 15a to 15d and ejecting black, yellow, and cyan magenta inks, respectively.

  As shown in FIG. 8, one inner cap member 12a includes a pair of sealing members 14a and 14b corresponding to a pair of nozzle rows 15a and 15b. Similarly, the other inner cap member 12b includes a pair of sealing members 14c and 14d corresponding to the pair of nozzle rows 15c and 15d.

  The first inner cap member 12a and the second inner cap member 12b communicate with the suction pump 27 via the first on-off valve 29a and the second on-off valve 29b, respectively. Thereby, when the nozzle rows 15a and 15b are sucked by the first inner cap member 12a, the suction pump 27 is driven with the first on-off valve 29a opened and the second on-off valve 29b closed. Is called. Further, when the nozzle rows 15c and 15d are sucked by the second inner cap member 12b, the suction pump 27 is driven with the second on-off valve 29a closed and the second on-off valve 29b opened. .

  It is also possible to open both of the on-off valves 29a and 29b and suck or flush the two nozzle rows 15a and 15c at the same time, or suck or flush the other two rows of nozzle rows 15b and 15d at the same time. is there.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the opening / closing valves 29 a and 29 b are controlled by the valve control means 42 in response to a command signal from the cleaning control means 49 or the flushing control means 45.

  FIG. 10A shows the inner cap members 12a and 12b and the outer cap in a state where the four nozzle rows 15a to 15d are sealed by the four sealing members 14a to 14d constituting the two inner cap members 12a and 12b. 3 is a diagram illustrating a planar positional relationship between a member 13 and a recording head 30. FIG.

  FIG. 10B shows the inner cap members 12a and 12b and the outer cap when the two inner cap members 12a and 12b perform suction or flushing with respect to two nozzle rows 15a and 15c among the four nozzle rows 15a to 15d. 3 is a diagram illustrating a planar positional relationship between a member 13 and a recording head 30. FIG.

  FIG. 10C shows the inner cap members 12a, 12b when the two inner cap members 12a, 12b perform suction or flushing with respect to the other two nozzle rows 15b, 15d among the four nozzle rows 15a-15d. 3 is a diagram showing a planar positional relationship between an outer cap member 13 and a recording head 30. FIG.

  The holding structure of the inner cap members 12a and 12b with respect to the outer cap member 13, the position displacement operation of the inner cap members 12a and 12b accompanying the raising and lowering of the outer cap member 13, the opening and closing operation of the atmosphere release valve 28, etc. are as described above. The sealing operation, the cleaning operation, the wiping operation, and the flushing operation realized by the movement control of the recording head 30 and the elevation control of the outer cap member 13 are the same as those in the first embodiment, respectively. Description is omitted.

  This embodiment also has the same operational effects as the first embodiment described above.

  FIG. 11 shows a third embodiment of the present invention.

  In this example, there are four nozzle rows 15a to 15d, and the present invention is applied to a recording head 30 of a type that ejects black, yellow, and cyan magenta inks. 15a to 15d can be sealed, cleaned, and flushed.

  As shown in FIG. 11A, in this embodiment, adjacent nozzle rows 15a and 15b form a first nozzle group 31a, and other adjacent nozzle rows 15c and 15d set a second nozzle group 31b. Forming. The inner cap member 12 includes two sealing members 14a and 14b. The sealing surfaces of the sealing members 14a and 14b correspond to the nozzle groups 31a and 31b of the recording head 30, respectively. Is provided. That is, one sealing member 14a is formed in a blade shape with a width that covers the nozzle rows 15a and 15b with two rows of sealing surfaces, and the other sealing member 14b has a width of two sealing surfaces. It is formed in a blade shape having a width that covers the nozzle rows 15c and 15d.

  As shown in FIG. 11B, the interval between the inner nozzle rows 15b and 15c in each nozzle group 31a and 31b is set to be larger than the width dimension of each of the sealing members 14a and 14b. Accordingly, when the one sealing member 14a is positioned between the two nozzle groups 31a and 31b and abuts against the nozzle surface during the suction or the like, the sealing surface of the sealing member 14a is the inner nozzle. The nozzle openings 25 of the rows 15b and 15c are not covered.

  The holding structure of the inner cap member 12 with respect to the outer cap member 13, the position displacement operation of the inner cap member 12 accompanying the raising and lowering of the outer cap member 13, the opening and closing operation of the air release valve 28, and the like are the same as in the first embodiment described above. In addition, the sealing operation, the cleaning operation, the wiping operation, and the flushing operation realized by the movement control of the recording head 30 and the elevation control of the outer cap member 13 are the same as those in the first embodiment described above, and thus the description thereof is omitted. .

  According to this embodiment, since the sealing surfaces of the sealing members 14a and 14b are provided corresponding to the nozzle groups of the recording head 30, the sealing surfaces of the sealing members 14a and 14b are used for each nozzle. Since the thickness of the sealing members 14a and 14b can be reduced because it only needs to be provided corresponding to each of the groups 31a and 31b, the nozzles are sealed by sliding the sealing members 14a and 14b on the nozzle surface. It is possible to shorten the sliding distance when performing the recording, to reduce the sliding space secured on the nozzle surface, and to reduce the size of the recording head 30.

  Further, since the sealing surfaces of the sealing members 14a and 14b are provided corresponding to the nozzle groups 31a and 31b of the recording head 30, the inner cap member 12 performs suction maintenance for each of the nozzle groups 31a and 31b. This makes it possible to significantly reduce the amount of liquid consumed for maintenance compared to conventional products that perform suction from all nozzles.

  Further, when wiping, two nozzle rows 15a and 15b can be wiped at one time with one sealing member 14a, and two nozzle rows 15c and 15d can be wiped at once with the other sealing member 14b. Since wiping can be performed, wiping efficiency is good.

  Other than that, there exists an effect similar to the said 1st and 2nd embodiment.

  In each of the embodiments described above, the recording head 30 can be applied to a liquid ejecting apparatus that uses a piezoelectric vibrator as a pressure generating element that is a driving element that ejects liquid, or a liquid ejecting type that uses a heating element. It can also be applied to a device.

  In addition, as a typical example of the liquid ejecting apparatus, there is an ink jet recording apparatus provided with the above-described ink jet recording head for image recording. However, the present invention is an example of another liquid ejecting apparatus such as a liquid crystal display. Device with color material ejection head used for color filter production, device with electrode material (conductive paste) ejection head used for electrode formation such as organic EL display, surface emitting display (FED), etc., used for biochip production The present invention can be applied to various liquid ejecting apparatuses such as an apparatus having a biological organic matter ejecting head and an apparatus having a sample ejecting head as a precision pipette.

1 is a plan view illustrating a schematic configuration of a recording apparatus according to a first embodiment. It is a functional block diagram which shows the control circuit of 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the positional relationship of the structure of a cap member inside and outside, and a recording head. It is a figure which shows the positional relationship of both inner and outer cap members and a recording head. It is a figure which shows the positional relationship of both inner and outer cap members and a recording head. It is a figure which shows the positional relationship of an inner cap member, an outer cap member, and a nozzle row. It is a figure explaining sealing operation. It is a figure explaining sealing operation. It is a figure explaining cleaning operation and wiping operation. It is a figure explaining cleaning operation and wiping operation. It is a figure explaining flushing operation | movement. It is a figure which shows schematic structure of 2nd Embodiment. It is a functional block diagram which shows the control circuit of 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the positional relationship of the both inner and outer cap members of 2nd Embodiment, and a nozzle row. It is a figure which shows schematic structure of 3rd Embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Carriage, 2 Carriage motor, 3 Timing belt, 4 Scanning guide member, 5 Paper feed member, 7 Pressure adjustment part, 7a-7d Pressure adjustment part, 8 Cartridge holder, 9 Ink cartridge, 9a-9d Ink cartridge, 10 Ink supply Tube, 11 capping means, 12 inner cap member, 12a inner cap member, 12b inner cap member, 13 outer cap member, 14a sealing member, 14b sealing member, 14c sealing member, 14d sealing member, 15a nozzle row, 15b Nozzle row, 15c Nozzle row, 15d Nozzle row, 16 tube, 17 holding member, 18 biasing member, 19 locking member, 20 opening, 21 air opening, 22 waste liquid recovery tank, 23 opening / closing member, 24 positioning member, 25 Nozzle opening, 27 Suction pump, 28 Air release valve, 29a Open / close valve, 29b Open / close valve, 30 recording head, 31a nozzle group, 31b nozzle group, 42 valve control means, 43 pump drive means, 44 cap control means, 45 flushing control means, 46 print control means, 47 carriage control means, 48 Head drive means, 49 Cleaning control means

Claims (11)

An ejection head that ejects liquid from the nozzle; a sealing member that closes the sealing surface on the nozzle surface of the ejection head to close the nozzle; and the sealing by movement control of the sealing member and / or the ejection head Control means for controlling the sealing operation by the member,
The control means abuts the sealing surface of the sealing member on a region other than the nozzle of the nozzle surface, moves the sealing member and the ejection head relatively in that state, and slides the sealing member on the nozzle surface. Then, the liquid ejecting apparatus is controlled to seal the nozzle by stopping at a position where the sealing surface covers the nozzle.   The control means moves the sealing member and the ejection head relatively from the sealing state where the sealing surface of the sealing member stops at the position covering the nozzle, and slides the sealing member on the nozzle surface. The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the liquid ejecting apparatus is controlled to release sealing of the nozzle.   The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sealing surface of the sealing member is provided corresponding to each nozzle group of the ejecting head.   The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sealing surface of the sealing member is provided corresponding to each nozzle row of the ejecting head.   The sealing member functions also as a wiping member for wiping the nozzle surface, and the control means moves the sealing member and the ejection head in a state where the sealing surface of the sealing member is in contact with the nozzle surface. The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the wiping is controlled by relatively moving the wiping.   The sealing member is provided in an internal space of an outer cap member that caps the nozzle surface, and is configured to seal the nozzle with the sealing member and to cap the nozzle surface with the outer cap member. The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 1.   An inner cap member that caps the nozzle surface via a space between the sealing members is configured by at least two sealing members, and the space in the inner cap member communicates with the suction means to apply a negative pressure to the nozzle. The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the liquid ejecting apparatus is configured so that the liquid can be sucked by being given.   The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the inner cap member and the outer cap member are configured to be able to be displaced relative to each other in a forward / backward direction with respect to the nozzle surface.   When the inner cap member moves forward and backward with respect to the nozzle surface by moving the outer cap member forward and backward, the opening edge of the outer cap member after the sealing surface of the inner cap member first contacts the nozzle surface The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the liquid ejecting apparatus is configured to contact the nozzle surface.   When the sealing surface of the inner cap member is in contact with the nozzle surface, the outer cap member is configured to be able to turn on and off the air release state of the inner space of the inner cap member by moving back and forth with respect to the nozzle surface. The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 8 or 9. A nozzle sealing method in a liquid ejecting apparatus, comprising: an ejection head that ejects liquid from a nozzle; and a sealing member that closes the sealing surface on the nozzle surface of the ejection head and closes the nozzle. The sealing surface of the member is brought into contact with a region other than the nozzle on the nozzle surface, and the sealing member and the ejection head are moved relative to each other in this state, and the sealing member is slid on the nozzle surface so that the sealing surface is the nozzle. A nozzle sealing method for an ejecting head in a liquid ejecting apparatus, wherein the nozzle is sealed by stopping at a position covering the nozzle.

Images