JP2008168530A - Clocking device for fluid ejection device, and fluid ejection device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a clocking device for a fluid ejection device, which can correctly count up time even if the clocking device undergoes a non-electrified state over a period, and to provide the fluid ejection device. <P>SOLUTION: The clocking device in an ink-jet printer comprises a recording head 19 having nozzles 22 for ejecting ink, and a second waste ink recovery section 37 for recovering waste ink discharged from the recording head 19. The clocking device includes: a waste ink storage section 41 for temporarily storing therein the waste ink discharged from the recording head 19; a communication hole 42 communicating between the waste ink storage section 41 and the second waste ink recovery section 37, for flowing out the waste ink stored in the waste ink storage section 41 into the second waste ink recovery section 37 with time; and a control device for counting up a time, based on an amount of the waste ink flowed from the waste ink storage section 41 into the second waste ink recovery section 37 via the communication hole 42. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a timing device in a fluid ejection device and a fluid ejection device including the timing device.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an ink jet printer (hereinafter simply referred to as “printer”) is known as a fluid ejecting apparatus that ejects ink (fluid) from a nozzle of a recording head (fluid ejecting head) to a target (for example, a patent). Reference 1). In such a printer, in order to reduce ink ejection defects during printing, cleaning that forcibly discharges thickened ink or bubbles from the nozzles of the recording head and collects them in a waste ink tank (waste fluid recovery unit) is performed. It is done regularly.

Therefore, in order to accurately execute such periodic cleaning (also referred to as timer cleaning), the printer described in Patent Document 1 includes a timer device (hereinafter referred to as “conventional timer device”) including a timer, for example. .)), And time management inside the printer is performed by this conventional timing device. That is, the printer described in Patent Document 1 detects an elapsed time from the end of the previous cleaning based on a time counted by a conventional timing device, and the elapsed time is set to a preset elapsed time threshold (for example, 10 days), the timer cleaning is executed.
JP 2000-289229 A

  By the way, in the printer described in Patent Document 1, the conventional timekeeping device is usually provided with a capacitor for storing electric power in a power supply state. And in the case of a non-power-supply state, the conventional time measuring device measures time with the electric power stored in the capacitor. However, in such a printer, when the non-powered state continues for a long time, the electric power stored in the capacitor is lost, and it may become impossible to measure the time by the conventional time measuring device. In this case, even if the power stored in the capacitor is exhausted and the power supply is turned on again, and the time measurement by the conventional timing device is resumed, there is a period during which the time measurement cannot be performed. It was hard to say that it was a good value.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a timing device in a fluid ejecting apparatus capable of accurately measuring time even when there is a period in which power is not supplied. The object is to provide a fluid ejection device.

  In order to achieve the above object, a timing device in a fluid ejecting apparatus of the present invention includes a fluid ejecting head having a nozzle for ejecting a fluid, and a waste fluid recovery unit that recovers the waste fluid discharged from the fluid ejecting head. A waste fluid reservoir that temporarily stores waste fluid discharged from the fluid ejecting head, and a waste fluid that is stored in the waste fluid reservoir is the waste fluid recovery unit. A communication passage communicating the waste fluid storage section and the waste fluid collection section so as to flow out into the section over time, and the waste fluid collection section flowing out from the waste fluid storage section through the communication passage Time measuring means for measuring time based on the amount of waste fluid.

  According to this invention, even when the fluid ejecting apparatus is in a non-powered state, the waste fluid in the waste fluid storage part continues to flow out to the waste fluid recovery part over time via the communication path. Then, when the fluid ejecting apparatus that has been in a non-powered state is in a power-feeding state again, an elapsed time during the non-powered period is detected by detecting the amount of waste fluid that has flowed out of the waste fluid reservoir into the waste fluid recovery unit. Is detected. Therefore, even if there is a period during which the power supply is not performed, the time can be accurately measured.

  In the timing device in the fluid ejection device according to the present invention, the timing means flows out the degree of change over time of the amount of waste fluid stored in the waste fluid storage portion from the waste fluid storage portion into the waste fluid recovery portion. Obtained as the amount of waste fluid.

According to this invention, the time is measured by detecting the change with time of the amount of the waste fluid stored in the waste fluid storage section.
In the timing device in the fluid ejection device of the present invention, the waste fluid reservoir is provided with an upper surface height detection means for detecting the height of the upper surface of the waste fluid stored in the waste fluid reservoir. The time counting means acquires the amount of waste fluid stored in the waste fluid storage section based on the height of the upper surface of the waste fluid detected by the upper surface height detection means.

  If the amount of waste fluid in the waste fluid reservoir is detected from the weight of the waste fluid in the waste fluid reservoir, the following problem may occur. That is, when the waste fluid is composed of a plurality of types of fluids having different weights per unit volume, there is a possibility that an error may occur in detection accuracy when the blending ratio of various fluids is changed. In this respect, in the present invention, since the amount of the waste fluid in the waste fluid reservoir is detected from the height of the upper surface of the waste fluid in the waste fluid reservoir, it depends on the mixing ratio of various fluids constituting the waste fluid. It becomes possible to detect without any.

In the timing device in the fluid ejection device of the present invention, a fluid absorber that absorbs the waste fluid is provided in the waste fluid recovery section.
According to this invention, the waste fluid that has flowed into the waste fluid recovery part from the waste fluid storage part via the communication path is absorbed and held in the fluid absorber in the waste fluid recovery part. Therefore, it is suppressed that the waste fluid in a waste fluid collection | recovery part flows back to the waste fluid storage part side via a communicating path.

  In the timing device in the fluid ejecting apparatus of the present invention, the waste fluid storage part and the waste fluid recovery part are partitioned through a partition wall, and the communication path is configured by a communication hole formed through the partition wall. The fluid absorber is disposed in the waste fluid recovery section in a state of being in contact with a portion of the partition wall where the communication hole is formed.

  According to this invention, the waste fluid in the waste fluid storage part flows into the waste fluid recovery part via the communication path (communication hole) by the capillary phenomenon exhibited by the fluid absorber in the waste fluid recovery part. Therefore, it is avoided that the waste fluid in the waste fluid reservoir forms a meniscus in the communication path. Therefore, unlike the case where a meniscus is formed in the communication path, the waste fluid in the waste fluid reservoir can be reliably flowed over time to the waste fluid recovery part.

  The timing device in the fluid ejecting apparatus of the present invention is provided at a position where the fluid discharged as the waste fluid from the fluid ejecting head passes at a stage before being stored in the waste fluid storage section, and the fluid is allowed to pass through. In addition, a bubble capturing means for capturing bubbles contained in the fluid is further provided.

  According to the present invention, the bubble trapping means regulates the inflow of bubbles (gas) into the waste fluid reservoir that are relatively susceptible to the influence of the external atmosphere conditions (temperature, humidity, etc.). Therefore, it is possible to stabilize the outflow amount per unit time of the waste fluid flowing out from the waste fluid storage unit into the waste fluid recovery unit via the communication path, compared to the case where the bubbles flow into the waste fluid storage unit. It becomes possible.

The timing device in the fluid ejection device of the present invention further includes a waste fluid flow path for allowing the waste fluid overflowing from the waste fluid reservoir to exceed the storage limit into the waste fluid recovery unit.
In general, in the case of a configuration in which no waste fluid flow path is provided, it is necessary to increase the internal volume of the waste fluid reservoir so that the storage limit of the waste fluid reservoir is not exceeded due to the inflow of waste fluid. In this regard, in the present invention, the waste fluid that has overflowed from the waste fluid storage part beyond the storage limit of the waste fluid storage part due to the inflow of the waste fluid flows into the waste fluid recovery part via the waste fluid flow path. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the size of the waste fluid reservoir as compared with a configuration in which the waste fluid channel is not provided.

  The fluid ejecting apparatus of the present invention includes a fluid ejecting head having a nozzle for ejecting a fluid, a waste fluid recovery unit that recovers the waste fluid discharged from the fluid ejecting head, and a timing device in the fluid ejecting apparatus. Prepared.

According to this invention, various processes of the fluid ejecting apparatus are executed based on the time measured by the time measuring device.
The fluid ejecting apparatus according to the aspect of the invention further includes a cleaning unit that discharges the fluid from the fluid ejecting head as a waste fluid by performing cleaning for sucking the fluid from the nozzle of the fluid ejecting head.

  According to the present invention, the waste fluid discharged from the nozzle of the fluid ejecting head is stored in the waste fluid storage portion by driving the cleaning means. Therefore, it is avoided that the waste fluid is lost in the waste fluid reservoir.

  In the fluid ejecting apparatus according to the aspect of the invention, the cleaning unit may set in advance a manual cleaning that is performed when a cleaning start unit that gives an opportunity to start cleaning is operated, and an elapsed time after the last cleaning is completed. At least the timer cleaning can be performed among the timer cleaning that is performed after the predetermined time has elapsed and the replacement cleaning that is performed when the fluid container that stores the fluid to be supplied to the fluid ejecting head is attached or detached. The elapsed time is measured by the timing device.

  According to this invention, the timer cleaning is executed when the elapsed time measured by the timing device exceeds a predetermined time.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment embodying a timing device and a fluid ejecting apparatus in a fluid ejecting apparatus of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In the following description of the present specification, when referring to “front-rear direction”, “left-right direction”, and “up-down direction”, the front-rear direction (sub-scanning direction) and the left-right direction (main scanning direction) indicated by arrows in FIG. ) And the vertical direction respectively.

  As shown in FIG. 1, an ink jet printer 11 as a fluid ejecting apparatus includes a frame 12 having a substantially rectangular box shape. A platen 13 is provided at the lower part in the frame 12 along the left-right direction which is the longitudinal direction thereof. On the platen 13, the paper P is fed from the rear side by a paper feed mechanism (not shown) based on driving of a paper feed motor 14 provided at the lower back of the frame 12.

  A guide shaft 15 is installed above the platen 13 in the frame 12 along the longitudinal direction of the platen 13. A carriage 16 is supported on the guide shaft 15 so as to be capable of reciprocating along the axial direction (left-right direction) of the guide shaft 15. That is, the carriage 16 is supported so as to be reciprocally movable along the longitudinal direction of the guide shaft 15 by inserting the guide shaft 15 through a support hole 16a formed penetrating in the left-right direction.

  A driving pulley 17a and a driven pulley 17b are rotatably supported at positions corresponding to both ends of the guide shaft 15 on the inner surface of the rear wall of the frame 12. An output shaft of a carriage motor 18 serving as a drive source for reciprocating the carriage 16 is connected to the drive pulley 17a, and an endless timing connected to the carriage 16 is connected between the pair of pulleys 17a and 17b. A belt 17 is hung. Accordingly, the carriage 16 is movable in the left-right direction via the endless timing belt 17 by the driving force of the carriage motor 18 while being guided by the guide shaft 15.

  A recording head 19 as a fluid ejecting head is provided on the lower surface side of the carriage 16, while an ink cartridge 20 as a fluid container that stores a plurality of types of ink (fluid) supplied to the recording head 19 on the carriage 16. Is detachably mounted. As shown in FIG. 2, the ink stored in the ink cartridge 20 is supplied to the nozzles 22 that open on the nozzle forming surface 19 a formed on the lower surface of the recording head 19 by driving the piezoelectric element 21. It has become.

  A home position for positioning the carriage 16 when the recording head 19 is maintained is provided at the right end in the frame 12, that is, in the non-printing area where the paper P does not reach. A maintenance unit 23 serving as a cleaning unit that performs various maintenance operations is provided below the carriage 16 in the home position so that ink ejection from the recording head 19 to the paper P is well maintained. Is provided.

Next, the maintenance unit 23 will be described below with reference to FIG.
As shown in FIG. 2, the maintenance unit 23 can come into contact with the nozzle forming surface 19 a of the recording head 19 (specifically, the area where the opening of each nozzle 22 is formed) so as to surround each nozzle 22. A cap 24 made of a synthetic resin having a bottomed square box shape with an upper opening is provided. In the cap 24, a rectangular plate-like ink absorbing material 25 made of a flexible porous material is laid so as to cover the entire inner bottom surface of the cap 24. A square frame-shaped sealing member 26 made of a flexible member such as rubber is provided on the entire upper surface of the cap 24.

  The cap 24 is connected to an elevating device 27 for elevating the cap 24. Then, with the carriage 16 moved to the non-printing area, the cap 24 is lifted by the lifting device 27 so that the upper surface of the seal member 26 is in close contact with the nozzle forming surface 19 a of the recording head 19. 22 is in a state of surrounding the recording head 19. The state in which the cap 24 is in contact with the recording head 19 so that the seal member 26 is in close contact with the nozzle forming surface 19a in this way is also referred to as “contact state”. The upper surface of the absorbent 25 is slightly separated from the nozzle forming surface 19a.

  A discharge portion 28 having a discharge passage 28 a for discharging ink from the inside of the cap 24 to the outside of the cap 24 is provided on the lower surface of the cap 24 so as to extend downward. One end portion (upstream end portion) of a discharge tube 29 made of a flexible material is connected to the discharge portion 28, and the other end portion (downstream end portion) of the discharge tube 29 is a waste ink tank. 30 is inserted. Therefore, the cap 24 and the waste ink tank 30 are communicated with each other via the discharge tube 29. A tube pump 31 that is driven to exert a suction force in the cap 24 is disposed at an intermediate portion of the discharge tube 29.

  The tube pump 31 is driven in a contact state in which the seal member 26 of the cap 24 is in close contact with the nozzle forming surface 19a of the recording head 19 so as to surround each nozzle 22, thereby increasing the viscosity of the ink in each nozzle 22. Is sucked together with bubbles or the like and discharged into the waste ink tank 30 through the cap 24 and the discharge tube 29, so-called cleaning is performed. In the following description, the ink discharged from the recording head 19 into the cap 24 is also referred to as “waste ink (waste fluid)”.

  Further, a filter (bubble capturing means) 32 having a mesh shape is provided on the downstream side in the discharge tube 29 (that is, on the downstream side of the tube pump 31). Therefore, bubbles contained in the waste ink that has flowed toward the waste ink tank 30 in the discharge tube 29 when the cleaning is executed are captured by the filter 32.

Next, the configuration within the waste ink tank 30 will be described below.
The waste ink tank 30 includes a rectangular box-shaped tank case 33 made of a material excellent in gas barrier properties and water vapor barrier properties (metal such as stainless steel), and the tank case 33 is opened above. A first through hole 34 is formed through the upper end of the left side surface of the tank case 33 so that the inside of the tank case 33 communicates with the outside. The downstream side of the discharge tube 29 is fitted into the first through hole 34. ing. Therefore, the downstream end of the discharge tube 29 is located in the tank case 33.

  A rectangular plate-shaped partition wall 35 is provided in the tank case 33 to divide the internal space into left and right sides. The left side space constitutes the first waste ink recovery unit 36 and the right side space is discarded. A second waste ink recovery unit 37 as a fluid recovery unit is configured. Further, the waste ink tank 30 is provided with a closing plate 38 for closing the opening above the first waste ink recovery unit 36. The closing plate 38 is formed of a material having excellent gas barrier properties and water vapor barrier properties, similar to the tank case 33.

  A second through hole 39 is formed through the upper end of the partition wall 35 to allow the first waste ink collection unit 36 and the second waste ink collection unit 37 to communicate with each other. One end (upstream end) of the inflow conduit 40 is fitted. The inflow conduit 40 is formed so as to have a substantially inverted “L” shape, and the other end (downstream end) is accommodated in the second waste ink collection unit 37, which will be described later. 43 is in close contact with the upper surface. Therefore, the waste ink that has flowed into the first waste ink collection unit 36 via the discharge tube 29 is a waste fluid storage unit that is a region below the one-dot chain line shown in FIG. 2 in the first waste ink collection unit 36. Is temporarily stored in the waste ink storage unit 41. Then, the waste ink overflowing from the waste ink storage unit 41 beyond the storage limit of the waste ink storage unit 41 flows in the waste ink inflow passage (waste fluid flow path) 40a in the inflow conduit 40 and reaches the first position. 2 It flows into the waste ink collecting part 37 side.

  In addition, a communication hole 42 is formed in the lower end portion of the partition wall 35 as a communication path that connects the waste ink storage unit 41 of the first waste ink recovery unit 36 and the second waste ink recovery unit 37. The waste ink in the waste ink storage section 41 of the first waste ink collection section 36 flows out into the second waste ink collection section 37 through the communication hole 42.

  In the second waste ink collection part 37, a square plate-like waste ink absorber (fluid absorber) 43 made of a flexible porous material is accommodated. The waste ink absorbing material 43 is disposed in a state where the left side surface thereof is in close contact with the partition wall 35 so as to be in close contact (contact) with the partition wall 35 where the communication hole 42 is formed. For this reason, the waste ink in the waste ink storage unit 41 of the first waste ink collection unit 36 gradually enters the second waste ink collection unit 37 via the communication hole 42 due to the capillary phenomenon exhibited by the waste ink absorber 43. It flows in and is absorbed and retained by the waste ink absorber 43.

  Therefore, the size and shape of the communication hole 42 are set to such a size and shape that the waste ink can flow through the inside due to the capillary phenomenon exhibited by the waste ink absorbing material 43. Further, the volume of the waste ink storage unit 41 of the first waste ink collection unit 36 is determined when a predetermined time (for example, “10” days) elapses from a state where the waste ink storage unit 41 is filled with the waste ink. The liquid level (upper surface) of the waste ink in the waste ink storage unit 41 is set to be substantially the same position as the upper end portion of the communication hole 42 in the height direction (vertical direction).

  In the waste ink tank 30 of the present embodiment, the height level of the liquid level of the waste ink temporarily stored in the waste ink storage unit 41 of the first waste ink recovery unit 36 (that is, the position in the vertical direction) is set. A liquid level detection device 44 is provided as upper surface height detection means for detection. The liquid level detection device 44 is provided with a plurality (five in the present embodiment) of liquid level detection sensors 44a, 44b, 44c, 44d, and 44e for detecting the presence of liquid such as waste ink. Each of these liquid level detection sensors 44a to 44e is attached to the part corresponding to the waste ink storage part 41 in the partition wall 35 so as to be arranged at equal intervals in the height direction.

  Specifically, the first liquid level detection sensor 44a is in a state where the waste ink storage unit 41 is filled with the waste ink (that is, the liquid level of the waste ink is the same in the vertical direction as the line indicated by the one-dot chain line in FIG. When two days have passed from the position), the arrangement position in the vertical direction is arranged above the liquid level of the waste ink. That is, the first liquid level detection sensor 44a cannot detect the waste ink when two days have passed since the waste ink storage unit 41 is filled with the waste ink.

  The second liquid level detection sensor 44b is arranged in the vertical direction when two days have elapsed since the arrangement position of the first liquid level detection sensor 44a and the liquid level of the waste ink are in the same position in the vertical direction. It is arranged so that the position is above the liquid level of the waste ink. The third liquid level detection sensor 44c is arranged in the vertical direction when two days have elapsed since the arrangement position of the second liquid level detection sensor 44b and the liquid level of the waste ink are in the same position in the vertical direction. It is arranged so that the position is above the liquid level of the waste ink.

  The fourth liquid level detection sensor 44d is arranged in the vertical direction when two days have passed since the arrangement position of the third liquid level detection sensor 44c and the liquid level of the waste ink are in the same position in the vertical direction. It is arranged so that the position is above the liquid level of the waste ink. The fifth liquid level detection sensor 44e is arranged in the vertical direction when two days have elapsed since the arrangement position of the fourth liquid level detection sensor 44d and the liquid level of the waste ink are in the same position in the vertical direction. It is arranged so that the position is above the liquid level of the waste ink.

Next, the electrical configuration of the ink jet printer 11 will be described with reference to FIG.
As shown in FIG. 3, the ink jet printer 11 includes a control device 45 that controls the entire printer 11. The input interface of the control device 45 is electrically connected with a liquid level detection device 44 and an operation switch SW as a cleaning start means operated to give a trigger for starting cleaning by the maintenance unit 23. Yes. On the other hand, the paper feed motor 14, the carriage motor 18, each piezoelectric element 21, the lifting device 27, the tube pump 31, and the like are electrically connected to the output side interface of the control device 45. The control device 45 drives the paper feed motor 14, the carriage motor 18, each piezoelectric element 21, the lifting device 27, the tube pump 31, and the like according to input signals from the liquid level detection device 44 and the operation switch SW. Each is controlled separately.

  In the control device 45, a CPU 46, a ROM 47, a RAM 48, an EEPROM (Electronically Erasable and Programmable Read Only Memory) 49, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) 50, and the like are provided. The ROM 47 stores various control programs (such as cleaning execution determination processing described later) for controlling the ink jet printer 11, various tables (tables indicating cleaning patterns described later), and various thresholds (predetermined time described later). ) And the like are stored in advance. The RAM 48 stores various information that can be appropriately rewritten while the ink jet printer 11 is being driven. Further, the EEPROM 49 stores various information (such as a first elapsed time to be described later) that should not be erased even if the ink jet printer 11 is in a non-powered state.

Next, the table stored in the ROM 47 will be described with reference to FIG.
The table shown in FIG. 4 shows a plurality of types (three types in the present embodiment) of cleaning patterns applied in the cleaning performed by the maintenance unit 23 of the present embodiment. That is, in the predetermined area of the ROM 47, each cleaning pattern is classified and stored for each type of cleaning (manual cleaning, timer cleaning, replacement cleaning).

  Specifically, the manual cleaning is performed when the operation switch SW is operated, and one type of manual cleaning pattern MCL is set. The timer cleaning is performed when the elapsed time from the end of the previous cleaning exceeds a predetermined time (10 days in the present embodiment), and one type of timer cleaning pattern TCL is set. Has been. Further, the replacement cleaning is cleaning performed when the ink cartridge 20 is attached / detached and replaced, and one type of replacement cleaning pattern CCL is set.

  Each of the cleaning patterns MCL, TCL, and CCL corresponds to a difference in ink suction flow velocity (also referred to as “suction force”) from each nozzle 22 of the recording head 19 when cleaning based on each pattern is executed. And can be classified into two. That is, the manual cleaning pattern MCL is classified as a weak cleaning pattern because the suction flow rate of ink (waste ink) from the recording head 19 is set slower than the other cleaning patterns TCL and CCL.

  On the other hand, the timer cleaning pattern TCL and the replacement cleaning pattern CCL are classified as strong cleaning patterns because the suction flow rate of ink from the recording head 19 is set faster than the manual cleaning pattern MCL. The timer cleaning pattern TCL and the replacement cleaning pattern CCL are discarded when cleaning based on the strong cleaning pattern is performed in a state where there is no waste ink in the waste ink storage unit 41 in the first waste ink collection unit 36. The ink storage unit 41 is set to be filled with waste ink.

  When the cleaning based on the weak cleaning pattern is executed, since the ink suction flow rate is low, even if bubbles are generated in the recording head 19, the bubbles are discharged into the cap 24 together with the ink. It may remain without being. On the other hand, when the cleaning based on the strong cleaning pattern is executed, the ink suction flow rate is sufficiently high. Therefore, even if bubbles are generated in the recording head 19, the bubbles together with the ink are not covered by the cap 24. It is surely discharged inside.

Next, a cleaning execution determination processing routine relating to cleaning among the processing routines executed by the control device 45 of the present embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6.
The control device 45 executes a cleaning execution determination process routine as a pre-process when printing on the paper P is executed. In this cleaning execution determination processing routine, the control device 45 reads the first elapsed time T1 from the end of the previous cleaning from the EEPROM 49 by executing the elapsed time acquisition process described in detail in FIG. (Step S10). Subsequently, the control device 45 determines whether or not the first elapsed time T1 read in step S10 has exceeded a preset predetermined time KT1 (step S11). If the determination result is affirmative (T1> KT1), the control device 45 proceeds to step S13, which will be described later, to execute timer cleaning.

  On the other hand, when the determination result of step S11 is negative (T1 ≦ KT1), the control device 45 determines whether or not the ink cartridge 20 has been replaced (step S12). If the determination result is affirmative, the control device 45 proceeds to step S13 described later to perform replacement cleaning.

  In step S13, the control device 45 selects a strong cleaning pattern and causes the maintenance unit 23 to perform cleaning based on the strong cleaning pattern. That is, if the determination result in step S11 is affirmative, the control device 45 reads the timer cleaning pattern TCL from the ROM 47 and controls the maintenance unit 23 to execute timer cleaning based on the timer cleaning pattern TCL. If the determination result in step S12 is affirmative, the control device 45 reads the replacement cleaning pattern CCL from the ROM 47 and controls the maintenance unit 23 to execute replacement cleaning based on the replacement cleaning pattern CCL.

  And the control apparatus 45 determines whether the cleaning based on the process of step S13 was complete | finished (step S14). When this determination result is a negative determination, the control device 45 determines that the cleaning by the maintenance unit 23 is still being executed, and repeatedly executes the determination process of step S14 until the determination result of step S14 becomes an affirmative determination. To do. On the other hand, if the determination result of step S14 is affirmative, the control device 45 resets the first elapsed time T1 to “0 (zero)” and the first elapsed time T1 (= “0 (zero)”). Is stored in the EEPROM 49 (step S15). Thereafter, the control device 45 proceeds to step S19, which will be described later.

  On the other hand, when the determination result of step S12 is negative, the control device 45 determines whether or not the operation switch SW has been operated (step S16). When the determination result is negative, the control device 45 determines that the condition for executing cleaning is not satisfied, and ends the cleaning execution determination processing routine. On the other hand, if the determination result of step S16 is affirmative, the control device 45 selects a weak cleaning pattern (ie, manual cleaning pattern MCL) and causes the maintenance unit 23 to perform cleaning based on the weak cleaning pattern (step S16). S17).

  And the control apparatus 45 determines whether the cleaning based on the process of step S17 was complete | finished (step S18). When this determination result is a negative determination, the control device 45 determines that the cleaning by the maintenance unit 23 is still being executed, and repeatedly executes the determination process of step S18 until the determination result of step S18 becomes an affirmative determination. To do. On the other hand, if the determination result of step S18 is affirmative, the control device 45 proceeds to step S19, which will be described later.

  In step S <b> 19, the control device 45 detects the level position of the liquid level of the waste ink temporarily stored in the waste ink storage unit 41 in the first waste ink recovery unit 36 from the liquid level detection device 44. And the detected height position is stored in a predetermined area of the EEPROM 49. That is, when the control device 45 can detect the waste ink by all the liquid level detection sensors 44a to 44e among the liquid level detection sensors 44a to 44e of the liquid level detection device 44, the liquid level of the waste ink. Is determined to be above the arrangement position of the first liquid level detection sensor 44a. Further, the control device 45, when the waste ink cannot be detected by the first liquid level detection sensor 44a and the second liquid level detection sensor 44b among the liquid level detection sensors 44a to 44e of the liquid level detection device 44. Then, it is determined that the liquid level of the waste ink is between the arrangement position of the second liquid level detection sensor 44b and the arrangement position of the third liquid level detection sensor 44c. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the control device 45 detects the height position of the liquid level of the waste ink in the waste ink storage unit 41, and determines the amount of waste ink stored in the waste ink storage unit 41 based on the detection result. To detect. Thereafter, the control device 45 ends the cleaning execution determination processing routine.

Next, an elapsed time acquisition process routine (elapsed time acquisition process) will be described with reference to FIG.
In the elapsed time acquisition processing routine, the control device 45 determines the height level of the liquid level of the waste ink temporarily stored in the waste ink storage unit 41 in the first waste ink recovery unit 36 from the liquid level detection device 44. Is detected based on the detection signal (step S30). Subsequently, the control device 45 reads the height position of the liquid level of the waste ink in the waste ink storage unit 41 detected by the process of step S19 executed immediately after the previous cleaning from a predetermined area of the EEPROM 49. Then, the control device 45 determines the height position of the waste ink liquid level in the read waste ink storage section 41 and the height position of the waste ink liquid level in the waste ink storage section 41 detected in step S30. The difference is detected (step S31).

  Subsequently, the control device 45 estimates the second elapsed time T2 immediately after the previous cleaning is completed from the difference in the liquid level of the waste ink detected in step S31 (step S32). That is, in the present embodiment, the control device 45 determines the degree of change in the liquid level of waste ink in the waste ink storage unit 41 (that is, the degree of change in the amount of waste ink stored in the waste ink storage unit 41). This is detected as the outflow amount of waste ink that has flowed out of the storage unit 41 into the second waste ink recovery unit 37 through the communication hole 42. Then, the control device 45 estimates the elapsed time (second elapsed time T2 after the previous cleaning is completed in the present embodiment) from the detected amount of waste ink that has been detected. Therefore, in this embodiment, the control device 45 functions as a time measuring means. Further, the waste ink reservoir 41, the communication hole 42, the liquid level detection device 44, and the control device 45 constitute a time measuring device in the ink jet printer 11.

  Here, a specific estimation method (detection method) of the second elapsed time T2 will be described in detail. In the predetermined area of the EEPROM 49, it is stored that the liquid level of the waste ink in the waste ink reservoir 41 immediately after the previous cleaning is between the first liquid level detection sensor 44a and the second liquid level detection sensor 44b. It shall be. In step S31, it is assumed that the current level of waste ink in the waste ink storage unit 41 is between the third liquid level detection sensor 44c and the fourth liquid level detection sensor 44d. Then, in this case, the control device 45 determines that the amount of waste ink stored in the waste ink storage unit 41 has decreased by approximately four days from immediately after the end of the previous cleaning. As a result, the control device 45 estimates that the second elapsed time T2 from the end of the previous cleaning is 4 days.

  Subsequently, the control device 45 reads the first elapsed time T1 from the EEPROM 49 (step S33). Then, the control device 45 adds the second elapsed time T2 (for example, 2 days) estimated in step S32 to the first elapsed time T1 (for example, 6 days) read out in step S33, thereby obtaining the first elapsed time. T1 is updated, and the updated first elapsed time T1 (8 days) is stored in the EEPROM 49 (step S34). Thereafter, the control device 45 ends the elapsed time acquisition process routine.

Therefore, in this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
(1) Even when the ink jet printer (fluid ejecting apparatus) 11 is in a non-powered state, the waste ink (waste fluid) in the waste ink reservoir (waste fluid reservoir) 41 passes through the communication hole (communication passage) 42. Through the second waste ink recovery unit (waste fluid recovery unit) 37 over time. Then, when the ink jet printer 11 is in a power supply state, the second elapsed time T2 is estimated by detecting the total amount of waste ink that has flowed from the waste ink storage unit 41 into the second waste ink collection unit 37. (Detected). Therefore, unlike the conventional case in which the timer is driven, the first is based on the amount of waste ink that has flowed out of the waste ink storage unit 41 that continues to change over time even during non-power supply, into the second waste ink collection unit 37. Since it is the structure which estimates 2 elapsed time T2, the time measurement of the period in a non-power-supply state can also be performed. Therefore, even if there is a period during which the power supply is not performed, the time (first elapsed time T1) can be accurately measured.

  (2) The elapsed time during the non-power supply period includes the amount of waste ink (waste fluid) stored in the waste ink storage unit (waste fluid storage unit) 41 detected before the non-power supply state and the power supply state again. It is estimated from the difference from the amount of waste ink stored in the waste ink storage unit 41 detected after becoming. Therefore, it is possible to reliably measure the time of the period when the power supply is not performed.

  (3) If the amount of waste ink (waste fluid) stored in the waste ink storage unit (waste fluid storage unit) 41 is detected from the weight of waste ink in the waste ink storage unit 41, the following problem will occur. May occur. In other words, when waste ink is composed of a plurality of types of inks (fluids) having different weights per unit volume, there is a risk that an error will occur in detection accuracy when the mixing ratio of various inks changes. There is. In this regard, in the present embodiment, since the amount of waste ink stored in the waste ink storage unit 41 is detected from the height of the liquid level of the waste ink in the waste ink storage unit 41, various types of waste ink are configured. It is possible to detect without depending on the mixing ratio of the ink. Accordingly, the second elapsed time T2 can be measured more accurately.

  (4) Waste ink (waste fluid) that has flowed into the second waste ink recovery part (waste fluid recovery part) 37 from the waste ink storage part (waste fluid storage part) 41 via the communication hole (communication path) 42 In the second waste ink collection unit 37, the ink is held by the waste ink absorber (fluid absorber) 43. For this reason, it is possible to suppress the waste ink in the second waste ink collection unit 37 from flowing back to the waste ink storage unit 41 via the communication hole 42.

  (5) The waste ink in the waste ink storage part (waste fluid storage part) 41 is a capillary phenomenon exhibited by the waste ink absorber (fluid absorber) 43 in the second waste ink recovery part (waste fluid recovery part) 37. As a result, the ink flows into the second waste ink collecting part 37 through the communication hole (communication path) 42. Therefore, it is avoided that the waste ink in the waste ink reservoir 41 forms a meniscus in the communication hole 42. Therefore, unlike the case where a meniscus is formed in the communication hole 42, the waste ink in the waste ink storage unit 41 can surely flow over time to the second waste ink collection unit 37 side.

  (6) The inflow of bubbles (gas) into the waste ink storage part (waste fluid storage part) 41 that is relatively more susceptible to the influence of the external atmosphere conditions (temperature, humidity, etc.) than the liquid such as ink is filtered (bubbles) (Capturing means) 32. Therefore, as compared with the case where air bubbles flow into the waste ink storage unit 41, the second waste ink recovery unit (waste fluid recovery unit) from the waste ink storage unit 41 through the communication hole (communication path) 42. The outflow amount per unit time of the waste ink (waste fluid) flowing out into the unit 37 can be stabilized. Therefore, the second elapsed time T2 can be measured more accurately.

  (7) If the second through hole 39 and the inflow conduit 40 of the partition wall 35 are not provided, the waste ink reservoir ( It is necessary to increase the internal volume of the waste ink storage unit 41 (first waste ink recovery unit 36) so as not to exceed the storage limit of the waste fluid storage unit) 41. In this regard, in the present embodiment, the waste ink overflowing from the waste ink storage unit 41 beyond the storage limit of the waste ink storage unit 41 due to the inflow of the waste ink flows in the inflow conduit 40 and flows into the second waste. The ink flows into the ink recovery unit (waste fluid recovery unit) 37. Therefore, the waste ink storage unit 41 (first waste ink recovery unit 36) can be downsized as compared with the configuration in which the inflow conduit 40 is not provided.

  (8) Since the tank case 33 and the blocking plate 38 are formed of materials having excellent gas barrier properties and water vapor barrier properties, the waste ink solvent in the waste ink storage portion 41 is volatilized and the waste ink is stored. It can suppress discharging outside the part 41 (tank case 33).

  (9) In addition, the other end (downstream end) of the inflow conduit 40 is in close contact with the upper surface of the waste ink absorbing material 43 in the second waste ink recovery section 37. Therefore, the waste ink (gas) volatilized in the waste ink storage unit 41 can be prevented from flowing out of the waste ink storage unit 41 through the inflow conduit 40. In addition, it is possible to suppress the air from flowing into the waste ink reservoir 41 via the inflow conduit 40.

  (10) When cleaning is performed, waste ink (waste fluid) discharged from the recording head (fluid ejecting head) 19 flows into the waste ink storage unit 41 via the cap 24 and the discharge tube 29. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the waste ink from being lost in the waste ink storage unit 41 by performing the cleaning.

  (11) In the present embodiment, the time (first elapsed time T1) measured by the liquid level detection device 44 and the control device 45 is used to measure the timing for executing the timer cleaning. Therefore, even if there is a period in which the ink jet printer 11 is in a non-powered state, timer cleaning can be executed at an appropriate timing.

  (12) When cleaning based on the weak cleaning pattern is executed, step S15 is not executed. That is, the timer cleaning is executed when a predetermined time KT1 has elapsed since the cleaning based on the strong cleaning pattern capable of reliably removing the bubbles in the recording head 19 is executed. For this reason, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of ink ejection failure when ink is ejected onto the paper P.

The above embodiment may be changed to another embodiment as described below.
In the above embodiment, manual cleaning and replacement cleaning need not be performed as long as the timer cleaning can be performed.

  In the above embodiment, the present invention may be embodied in the ink jet printer 11 that periodically performs flushing. Then, regular flushing (so-called regular flushing) may be performed based on the time measured by the liquid level detection device 44 and the control device 45. In this case, it is desirable to detect the liquid level of the waste ink in the waste ink storage unit 41 after the flushing is completed.

  In the above embodiment, the inflow conduit 40 may be configured such that the other end (downstream end) does not contact the waste ink absorbing material 43. Even if comprised in this way, the effect of said (1)-(8) can be acquired.

In addition, the inflow conduit 40 may not be provided. In this case, the second through hole 39 formed in the partition wall 35 functions as a waste fluid channel.
Furthermore, the second through hole 39 may not be formed in the partition wall 35. In this case, the volume of the first waste ink recovery unit 36 is larger than that of the above embodiment so that all the waste ink discharged from the recording head 19 by cleaning can be temporarily stored in the first waste ink recovery unit 36. It is desirable to make it larger.

  In the above embodiment, the filter 32 may be disposed above the waste ink storage unit 41 in the first waste ink collection unit 36. When configured in this way, the air bubbles captured by the filter 32 flow to the second waste ink recovery unit 37 side via the inflow conduit 40.

  Further, the filter 32 may be arranged in both the upper position than the waste ink storage unit 41 in the discharge tube 29 and the first waste ink collection unit 36. Even if comprised in this way, the effect similar to the said embodiment can be acquired.

In the above embodiment, the waste ink absorbing material 43 may not be in close contact with the partition wall 35. Also in this case, the effects (1) to (4) can be obtained.
In the above embodiment, the waste ink absorbing material 43 may not be provided in the second waste ink collection unit 37. Also in this case, the effects (1) to (3) can be obtained.

  In the above embodiment, the partition wall 35 may be disposed so as to partition the space in the tank case 33 vertically. In this case, the upper space in the tank case 33 constitutes the first waste ink recovery portion 36 having the waste ink storage portion (waste fluid storage portion) 41, and the lower space is the second waste ink recovery portion 37. Will be configured.

  In the embodiment described above, a tank case that functions as the first waste ink recovery unit 36 (waste ink storage unit 41) and a tank case that functions as the second waste ink recovery unit 37 may be provided separately. In this case, the discharge tube 29 is connected to a tank case that functions as the first waste ink recovery unit 36. In addition, it is desirable that the inside of each tank case as described above be communicated via a pipe functioning as a communication path.

  In the above embodiment, the liquid level detection device 44 may be configured to include only the fifth liquid level detection sensor 44e. Even with this configuration, it is possible to measure the timing for executing the timer cleaning.

  In the above-described embodiment, a device for detecting the degree of change in the weight of the waste ink in the first waste ink collection unit 36 may be provided instead of the liquid level detection device 44. Even in such a configuration, the effects (1) and (2) can be obtained.

  In the above embodiment, a device for detecting the weight of the waste ink absorbing material 43 in the second waste ink collecting unit 37 may be provided instead of the liquid level detecting device 44. Even with this configuration, it is possible to detect the amount of waste ink that has flowed from the waste ink storage unit 41 into the second waste ink collection unit 37 via the communication hole 42.

  In the above embodiment, the cap 24 may be configured so that waste ink is sucked from the recording head 19 when the tube pump 31 is driven in a state where a part of the cap 24 is in contact with the recording head 19. For example, the cap 24 may be configured such that the upper portion thereof can abut on the side surface of the recording head 19.

  In the above-described embodiment, the fluid ejecting apparatus has a so-called overall shape in which the recording head 19 has an overall shape corresponding to the length in the width direction (left-right direction) of the paper P in the direction intersecting the transport direction (front-back direction) of the paper P. It may be embodied in a full line type printer.

  In the above embodiment, the fluid ejecting apparatus is embodied in the ink jet printer 11. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a fluid other than ink (liquid or liquid material in which particles of functional material are dispersed or mixed in the liquid) In addition, the present invention can be embodied in a fluid ejecting apparatus that ejects or discharges a fluid such as a gel or a solid that can be ejected as a fluid. For example, a liquid material ejecting apparatus that ejects a liquid material that is dispersed or dissolved in materials such as electrode materials and color materials (pixel materials) used in the manufacture of liquid crystal displays, EL (electroluminescence) displays, and surface-emitting displays. Further, a liquid ejecting apparatus that ejects a bio-organic matter used for biochip manufacturing, or a liquid ejecting apparatus that ejects a liquid that is used as a precision pipette and serves as a sample may be used. In addition, transparent resin liquids such as UV curable resin to form liquid injection devices that pinpoint lubricant oil onto precision machines such as watches and cameras, and micro hemispherical lenses (optical lenses) used in optical communication elements. A liquid ejecting apparatus that ejects liquid onto the substrate, a liquid ejecting apparatus that ejects an etching solution such as acid or alkali to etch the substrate, and a fluid ejecting apparatus that ejects a fluid such as a gel (eg, physical gel) Further, it may be a granular material ejecting apparatus (for example, a toner ejecting apparatus in a toner jet type recording apparatus) that ejects a solid such as toner (powder particles) as an example. The present invention can be applied to any one of these fluid ejecting apparatuses. In the present specification, the term “fluid” is a concept that does not include a fluid consisting only of gas. Examples of the fluid include liquid (inorganic solvent, organic solvent, solution, liquid resin, liquid metal (metal melt), etc. ), Liquids, fluids, powders (including granules and powders), and the like.

1 is a schematic perspective view of an ink jet printer according to an embodiment. The schematic diagram of the maintenance unit in this embodiment. The block circuit diagram which shows the electric constitution of this embodiment. A table showing each cleaning pattern. The flowchart explaining a cleaning execution determination processing routine. The flowchart explaining the elapsed time acquisition process routine.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 ... Inkjet printer (fluid ejecting apparatus), 19 ... Recording head (fluid ejecting head), 20 ... Ink cartridge (fluid container), 22 ... Nozzle, 23 ... Maintenance unit (cleaning means), 32 ... Filter (bubble trapping) Means), 35 ... partition wall, 37 ... second waste ink recovery part (waste fluid recovery part), 40a ... waste ink inflow path (waste fluid flow path), 41 ... waste ink storage part (waste fluid storage part, timing device) 42 ... Communication hole (communication path, timing device), 43 ... Waste ink absorbing material (fluid absorber), 44 ... Liquid level detection device (timer device, upper surface height detection means), 45 ... Control device (timer device, (Time measuring means), KT1... Predetermined time, SW... Operation switch (cleaning start means), T1... First elapsed time, second elapsed time.

Claims (10)

A timing device in a fluid ejecting apparatus, comprising: a fluid ejecting head having a nozzle for ejecting fluid; and a waste fluid recovery unit that recovers waste fluid discharged from the fluid ejecting head,
A waste fluid reservoir that temporarily stores waste fluid discharged from the fluid ejection head;
A communication path that connects the waste fluid storage unit and the waste fluid recovery unit so that the waste fluid stored in the waste fluid storage unit flows out into the waste fluid recovery unit over time;
A timing device in a fluid ejecting apparatus, comprising: time measuring means for measuring time based on the amount of waste fluid that has flowed out of the waste fluid storage section into the waste fluid collection section through the communication path. 2. The time measuring means acquires the degree of change over time of the amount of waste fluid stored in the waste fluid storage unit as the amount of waste fluid that has flowed out of the waste fluid storage unit into the waste fluid recovery unit. The time measuring device in the fluid ejecting apparatus according to 1. The waste fluid reservoir is provided with an upper surface height detection means for detecting the height of the upper surface of the waste fluid stored in the waste fluid reservoir.
3. The fluid ejecting apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the time measuring unit acquires an amount of waste fluid stored in the waste fluid storage unit based on a height of an upper surface of the waste fluid detected by the upper surface height detection unit. Timing device. The time measuring device in the fluid ejection device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a fluid absorber that absorbs the waste fluid is provided in the waste fluid recovery unit. The waste fluid storage part and the waste fluid recovery part are partitioned through a partition wall, and the communication path is configured by a communication hole formed through the partition wall,
The time measuring device in the fluid ejecting apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the fluid absorber is disposed in the waste fluid recovery portion in a state of being in contact with a portion of the partition wall where the communication hole is formed. The fluid discharged from the fluid ejecting head as a waste fluid is provided at a position where the fluid passes in a stage before being stored in the waste fluid reservoir, and when the fluid is allowed to pass, air bubbles contained in the fluid are captured. The time measuring device in the fluid ejecting apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising bubble capturing means for performing the operation. The waste fluid flow path for making the waste fluid which exceeded the storage limit from the inside of the said waste fluid storage part flow in into the said waste fluid collection | recovery part, It further provided with any one of Claims 1-6. Timing device in fluid ejection device. A fluid ejecting head having a nozzle for ejecting fluid;
A waste fluid recovery section for recovering the waste fluid discharged from the fluid ejection head;
A fluid ejecting apparatus comprising: the timing device in the fluid ejecting apparatus according to claim 1. The fluid ejecting apparatus according to claim 8, further comprising a cleaning unit that discharges the fluid from the fluid ejecting head as a waste fluid by performing cleaning for sucking the fluid from the nozzle of the fluid ejecting head. The cleaning means is executed after manual cleaning that is performed when a cleaning start means that gives an opportunity to start cleaning is operated, and after an elapse of a predetermined time that is set in advance from the end of the previous cleaning. Timer cleaning, and at least the timer cleaning can be performed among the replacement cleaning performed at the time of attaching and detaching the fluid container that contains the fluid to be supplied to the fluid ejecting head. The fluid ejecting apparatus according to claim 9, which is measured by a timing device.

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