JP2008307862A - Fluid discharge device, and its control method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a sufficient adhesion for a sealing member by setting the sealing member in the form of a loop to a medium supporting part, and enabling securement of necessary rigidity and dimensional precision by the medium supporting part. <P>SOLUTION: The fluid discharge device has a head, the medium supporting part, the sealing member and a moving part. A plurality of nozzles from which a fluid is discharged are formed to the head, in a direction that intersects a conveyance direction of a medium to which the fluid is hit. The medium supporting part is arranged at a position opposed to the plurality of nozzles, supporting the medium from the opposite side to a hit surface of the fluid. The sealing member is prepared in the loop form to the medium supporting part. The moving part moves at least one of the head and the medium supporting part so as to make the plurality of nozzles and the sealing member approach or separate from each other. In a standby state, the sealing member is brought in contact with the head, making openings of the plurality of nozzles face to a space partitioned by the head, sealing member and medium supporting part. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a fluid ejection device and a control method thereof.

As an ink jet printer which is a kind of fluid ejection device, a printer having a so-called line head in which a plurality of nozzles are provided in the width direction of a sheet has been proposed (for example, see Patent Document 1). In this printer, the nozzle surface is covered with a cap member for the purpose of suppressing evaporation of the ink solvent.
JP 2005-53119 A

  In the above-described printer, the cap member is provided alone. For this reason, if a cap having a large size over the entire width of the sheet is provided, a sufficient evaporation suppression effect cannot be obtained, or a predetermined pressure is applied when a negative pressure is applied to the space formed by the cap member and the head by a suction mechanism. Ink suction could not be performed. There are various causes for this, but it is also considered that a gap is generated between the head and the cap member due to insufficient rigidity due to a large size.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to ensure adhesion with a head by a cap having sufficient rigidity.

The main invention for achieving the object is as follows:
(A) a head provided with a plurality of nozzles from which fluid is ejected, at least across the width of the medium in a direction intersecting the transport direction of the medium on which the fluid lands;
(B) a medium support unit that is disposed at a position facing the plurality of nozzles and supports the medium from a side opposite to a fluid landing surface;
(C) a seal member provided in a loop on the medium support portion;
(D) a moving unit that moves at least one of the head and the medium support unit so that the plurality of nozzles and the seal member are close to or separated from each other;
Have
(E) In a standby state where the fluid is discharged without discharging the fluid to the medium,
The seal member is brought into contact with the head, and a plurality of nozzle openings are exposed in a space defined by the head, the seal member, and the medium support portion,
(F) In a discharge state in which the fluid is discharged toward the medium,
In the fluid ejection device, the head and the seal member are separated from each other, and a space through which the medium can pass is provided between the openings of the plurality of nozzles and the seal member.

  Other features of the present invention will become apparent from the description of this specification and the accompanying drawings.

  At least the following will be made clear by the description of the present specification and the accompanying drawings.

That is, (A) a head provided with a plurality of nozzles from which fluid is ejected, across at least the width of the medium in a direction intersecting the conveyance direction of the medium on which the fluid lands, and (B) facing the plurality of nozzles. A medium support portion that is disposed at a position where the medium is supported from the side opposite to the fluid landing surface, (C) a seal member provided in a loop shape on the medium support portion, and (D) a plurality of the above-mentioned A moving unit that moves at least one of the head and the medium support unit so as to bring the nozzle and the seal member close to or away from each other; and (E) standby without discharging the fluid to the medium In the standby state, the seal member is brought into contact with the head, and the openings of the plurality of nozzles are exposed in a space defined by the head, the seal member, and the medium support portion, and (F) In a discharge state in which the fluid is discharged toward the body, the head and the seal member are separated from each other to provide a space through which the medium can pass between the openings of the plurality of nozzles and the seal member. It becomes clear that a discharge device can be realized.
According to such a fluid ejection device, the medium support portion has high flatness and dimensional accuracy with respect to the head, and the seal member is provided on the medium support portion. And dimensional accuracy can be ensured. Thereby, sufficient adhesiveness can be ensured.

In this fluid ejection device, the seal member is provided on a surface of the medium support portion facing the head, and the medium support portion has an opening of the nozzle within a range surrounded by the seal member. It is preferable that a concave portion facing is provided.
According to such a fluid ejection device, the fluid ejected from the nozzle and not landed on the medium can be received by the recess.

In this fluid ejection apparatus, it is preferable that the seal member is provided at a position farther from the head than a position where the medium is supported by the medium support portion.
According to such a fluid discharge device, it is possible to prevent a problem that the medium is soiled by the fluid or the like attached to the seal member.

In such a fluid discharge device, it is preferable that the seal member is made of an elastic material.
According to such a fluid ejection device, the seal member can be brought into close contact with the head.

In such a fluid ejection device, it is preferable that the moving unit moves the head.
According to such a fluid ejection device, the head moving mechanism that moves the head according to the thickness of the medium can also be used, and the configuration can be simplified.

It is preferable that the fluid ejecting apparatus further includes a negative pressure generating unit that communicates with a portion of the surface of the medium support unit where the seal member is partitioned and generates a negative pressure.
According to such a fluid ejection device, the fluid can be sucked from the head by operating the negative pressure generating unit.

Such a fluid discharge device preferably includes a fluid holding material that is disposed in the recess and holds the fluid discharged through the nozzle.
According to such a fluid ejection device, it is possible to effectively prevent a problem that the fluid is scattered to other parts.

It is also clarified that the following control method of the fluid ejection device can be realized.
That is, (A) a head provided with a plurality of nozzles from which fluid is ejected, across at least the width of the medium in a direction intersecting the conveyance direction of the medium on which the fluid lands, and (B) facing the plurality of nozzles. A medium support part which is disposed at a position where the medium is supported from the side opposite to the landing surface of the fluid, (C) a seal member provided in a loop shape on the medium support part, and a fluid having (D) A control method for an ejection device, wherein (E) in a standby state in which the fluid is not ejected to the medium and is in a standby state, the seal member is brought into contact with the head, and the head, the seal member, and the (F) In a discharge state in which the fluid is discharged toward the medium, the head and the seal member are separated from each other, with the openings of the plurality of nozzles facing the space defined by the medium support portion. Multiple The medium between the opening of the nozzle and the seal member is provided with a space capable of passing through, it will become apparent that can realize a control method of a fluid ejection device.

=== First Embodiment ===
<Overall Configuration of Printer 1>
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the printer 1. The illustrated printer 1 corresponds to a fluid ejecting apparatus, and ejects ink that is a kind of fluid toward a medium such as paper, cloth, or film. The printer 1 ejects four colors of ink including black ink, cyan ink, magenta ink, and yellow ink. The medium is an object to which fluid is ejected, for example, paper.

  The printer 1 includes a paper transport mechanism 10, a drive signal generation circuit 20, a head unit 30, an ink supply mechanism 40, an ink recovery mechanism 50, a movement mechanism 60, a detector group DG, and a printer-side controller 70. The paper transport mechanism 10 corresponds to a medium transport unit that transports a medium, and transports a paper sheet as a medium in a predetermined transport direction. The drive signal generation circuit 20 functions as a drive signal generation unit, and generates a drive signal COM used for ejecting ink. This drive signal COM is supplied to a head 32 included in the head unit 30. The drive signal COM is applied to a drive element (a heating element or a piezo element, not shown) included in the head 32. The head unit 30 includes a head control unit 31 and a head 32. The head controller 31 controls application of the drive signal COM to the drive element. That is, the head control unit 31 applies a necessary portion of the drive signal COM to the drive element based on the head control signal transmitted from the printer-side controller 70. The head 32 is a portion that ejects ink. The ink supply mechanism 40 is a part that supplies ink to the head 32. In the present embodiment, four colors of ink including black ink, cyan ink, magenta ink, and yellow ink are supplied. The ink collection mechanism 50 collects the ink discharged from the head 32. The ink collection mechanism 50 includes a suction pump 51 and an ink collection unit 52. In the printer 1, the platen 13 (see FIG. 4 and the like) included in the paper transport mechanism 10 also functions as a part of the ink recovery mechanism 50. The moving mechanism 60 is a mechanism for moving the head 32 in a predetermined direction, and corresponds to a kind of moving unit. The paper transport mechanism 10, the head 32, the ink supply mechanism 40, the ink recovery mechanism 50, and the moving mechanism 60 will be described later.

  The detector group DG has a plurality of detectors that monitor the status of the printer 1. Then, the detection result by each detector is output to the printer-side controller 70. The printer-side controller 70 is a central part of the control in the printer 1, and controls each unit based on the print data received from the computer CP and the detection result by the detector group DG, and prints an image on a sheet. For example, a transport signal is output to the paper transport mechanism 10 to transport the paper. A pressure signal is output to the ink supply mechanism 40. A suction signal is output to the ink recovery mechanism 50 to recover the ink discharged from the head 32. The printer-side controller 70 includes an interface unit 71, a CPU 72, and a memory 73. The interface unit 71 exchanges data with the computer CP. The CPU 72 is an arithmetic processing device that performs overall control in the printer 1. The memory 73 stores various information used for the CPU 72.

=== Main Parts of Printer 1 ===
<About the head 32>
The head 32 ejects ink, which is a kind of fluid, and has a rectangular parallelepiped appearance as partly shown in FIG. The head 32 is attached such that the longitudinal direction is aligned with the paper width direction (hereinafter also referred to as the paper width direction). As shown in FIG. 3B, the head 32 has a plurality of nozzles 321 from which ink is ejected. The plurality of nozzles 321 are provided on the bottom surface side of the head 32. The plurality of nozzles 321 are provided on a raised portion 323 provided on the bottom surface of the nozzle 321. The raised portion 323 extends in the longitudinal direction (paper width direction) of the head 32. The plurality of nozzles 321 are also provided in a state of being arranged at a predetermined pitch along the longitudinal direction of the head 32, and constitute a nozzle row 322. The nozzle row 322 is provided with a length equal to or greater than the maximum printable width. For this reason, in the printer 1, an image can be printed at a desired position on the sheet by carrying the sheet once. A plurality of nozzle rows 322 are provided for each color of ink to be ejected (for each type of fluid). Since the head 32 ejects ink of four colors, four nozzle rows 322 are provided. Each nozzle row 322 is provided with a position shifted in the transport direction that intersects the paper width direction (in this printer 1, the paper width direction and the transport direction are substantially orthogonal). For convenience, the opening surface of the nozzle 321 in the raised portion 323 is also referred to as a nozzle surface.

  In the head 32, driving elements (not shown) are provided corresponding to the respective nozzles 321. When the drive signal COM generated by the drive signal generation circuit 20 is applied to the drive element, the drive element operates to eject ink. For example, when the driving element is a heating element, the heating element suddenly generates heat by the application of the drive signal COM. The heat causes the ink to boil, and the ink is ejected from the nozzle 321 by the bubbles. When the drive element is a piezo element, the piezo element is deformed by the application of the drive signal COM. Due to this deformation, a pressure change is given to the ink in the pressure chamber, and the ink is ejected from the nozzle 321. Thus, the head 32 can control the ejection of ink for each nozzle 321.

<Ink Supply Mechanism 40>
As shown in FIG. 1, the ink supply mechanism 40 includes an ink cartridge 41, a pressure pump 42, and a flow path forming member 43.

  The ink cartridge 41 is an ink storage unit that stores ink, and is provided in a form that can be replaced by a user. The ink cartridge 41 includes a case and an ink pack accommodated in the case (none of which is shown). The inside of the case is airtight, and the ink pack is pressurized by the compressed air sent from the pressure pump 42. The ink pack communicates with the flow path forming member 43 through a tube. For this reason, the ink is supplied to the flow path forming member 43 side by pressurization of the ink pack. Here, the ink flow path in the head 32 is provided in series up to the nozzle 321. For this reason, it is possible to select either simply supplying ink to the head 32 or forcibly discharging the ink in the head 32 from the nozzle 321 depending on the degree of pressure of the ink.

  Since the ink is supplied to the head 32 through the flow path forming member 43, the pressure pump 42 corresponds to a pressure unit that pressurizes the ink stored in the ink cartridge 41 to be supplied to the head 32 side. In the printer 1, the pressurizing pump 42 is operated by a pressurizing signal from the printer-side controller 70.

  The flow path forming member 43 is provided between the ink cartridge 41 and the head 32, and supplies the ink supplied from the ink cartridge 41 side to the head 32. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3A, the flow path forming member 43 in the printer 1 is attached to the upper surface of the head 32 (the surface opposite to the nozzle surface). Inside the flow path forming member 43, the number of individual flow paths 431 for flowing ink is provided (four in this example) corresponding to the type of ink. A plurality of joining pipes 324 protrude from the upper surface of the head 32. These joining pipes 324 correspond to introduction portions that introduce the ink in the individual flow paths 431 into the head 32. That is, the ink in the individual flow path 431 flows into the head 32 by inserting the joining pipe 324 into the corresponding individual flow path 431.

<Regarding the paper transport mechanism 10>
As shown in FIG. 6, the paper transport mechanism 10 includes a supply roller 11, a paper discharge roller 12, and a platen 13. The supply roller 11 is provided upstream of the platen 13 in the transport direction. The supply roller 11 is used to send an unprinted portion of the paper to the printing position. The paper discharge roller 12 is provided downstream of the platen 13 in the transport direction. The paper discharge roller 12 is used for transporting a printed portion of the paper in the transport direction.

  The platen 13 corresponds to a medium support portion, and supports the sheet from the back surface (the surface opposite to the ink landing surface) at the printing position. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 2, the platen 13 is disposed at a position facing the plurality of nozzles 321 included in the head 32. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the platen 13 is made of a plate-like member whose upper surface is substantially rectangular. The length of the platen 13 in the long side direction (size in the paper width direction) is set to be slightly wider than the width of the maximum size paper that can be printed. This is because even the maximum size paper is supported over the entire width. Further, the length of the platen 13 in the short side direction (size in the transport direction) is a length that can keep the paper substantially parallel to the nozzle surface and exceeds the formation range of the plurality of nozzle rows 322. Is provided. Furthermore, the platen 13 is given sufficient rigidity so as not to bend in the longitudinal direction. For example, the bending is suppressed by giving a sufficient thickness. This is because the platen 13 is a member for supporting the paper. That is, if the platen 13 bends, the paper supported by the platen 13 may bend and cause image quality deterioration. The platen 13 has a high dimensional accuracy and a high flatness with respect to the head 32 (nozzle surface). This is to prevent the landing position of the ink from deviating from the normal position if the sheet is bent and supported.

  A recess 131 is provided on the upper surface of the platen 13 (the surface facing the nozzle 321). The opening of the recess 131 has a rectangular shape that is slightly smaller than the outer shape of the platen 13. By providing the recess 131, an edge 132 is formed on the upper surface of the platen 13. A plurality of guide portions 133 are provided on the edge portion 132 toward the upper side (the head 32 side). These guide portions 133 support the sheet from the back side by contacting the sheet.

  As can be seen from the cross section in FIG. 5, the recess 131 is configured in two stages. For convenience, the back portion of the recess 131 is also referred to as a bottom portion 134, and the portion on the near side of the bottom portion 134 is also referred to as a middle step portion 135. Here, the planar shape of the bottom 134 is a rectangular shape that is slightly smaller than the opening of the recess 131. The center of the bottom 134 is aligned with the center of the recess 131.

  The middle stage portion 135 corresponds to a portion located outside the opening of the bottom portion 134. The middle step portion 135 is a portion to which the seal member SL is attached. The middle stage portion 135 corresponds to a kind of a surface of the platen 13 that faces the head 32. The seal member SL is a member that contacts the head 32 and surrounds the plurality of nozzles 321 at the time of contact. For this reason, the seal member SL is formed in a loop shape (endless shape), and is arranged in a rectangular shape along the outside of the opening 134 a in the bottom portion 134. The illustrated seal member SL is a thick string having a semicircular cross section, and is made of an elastic material such as an elastomer or a synthetic rubber and excellent in air tightness and liquid tightness. As shown in FIG. 6, the seal member SL is provided at a position farther from the head 32 than the paper support position S by the platen 13. In other words, it is provided at a position deeper than the guide portion 133. By providing the sealing member SL in this way, it is possible to prevent ink attached to the sealing member SL from coming into contact with the paper. Further, the paper can be prevented from being soiled.

  The bottom portion 134 corresponds to a concave portion where the opening of the nozzle 321 faces. For this reason, the planar shape of the bottom part 134 is provided in a rectangular shape that is slightly larger than the formation range of the nozzles 321. Further, the bottom portion 134 is provided within a range surrounded by the seal member SL. The main role of the bottom 134 is to receive ink ejected from each nozzle 321 but not landed on the paper, to receive ink discharged from the head 32 during maintenance of the nozzle 321, and to perform printing for a predetermined period of time. This is to form a space for suppressing the evaporation of the ink solvent from the nozzle 321 in a standby state that is not performed over a period of time. These roles will be described later.

  A communication port 136 a penetrating the platen 13 in the plate thickness direction is provided at the center of the bottom portion 134. A tube connecting portion 136 projects from a portion corresponding to the communication port 136a on the back surface of the platen opposite to the concave portion 131. A collection tube 53 is connected to the tube connection portion 136. The collection tube 53 is for communicating the recess 131 (bottom part 134) of the platen 13 and the ink collection unit 52. A suction pump 51 is disposed in the middle of the collection tube 53. When the suction pump 51 is operated, air and ink can be moved from the bottom 134 side toward the ink recovery unit 52 side. The suction pump 51 corresponds to a negative pressure generating portion that generates a negative pressure, and is communicated with a portion (bottom portion 134) in which the seal member SL is partitioned through the collection tube 53 and the like. To.

<About Ink Collection Mechanism 50 and Movement Mechanism 60>
The ink recovery unit 52 included in the ink recovery mechanism 50 communicates with the platen 13 (bottom 134) through the recovery tube 53 as described above. A suction pump 51 is provided in the middle of the collection tube 53. The suction pump 51 is for moving air and ink, and for example, a tube pump is used. The suction pump 51 operates based on the suction signal from the printer-side controller 70. That is, the printer-side controller 70 controls the suction operation by the suction pump 51.

  The moving mechanism 60 is a part that moves the head 32 in the vertical direction. In other words, the head 32 is moved in the direction approaching the platen 13 and the direction separating from the platen 13. As described above, the platen 13 is provided with the seal member SL. Therefore, the downward direction corresponds to a direction in which the head 32 and the seal member SL are brought close to each other, and the upward direction corresponds to a direction in which the head 32 and the seal member SL are separated from each other. The moving mechanism 60 may have any configuration as long as the head 32 can be moved. For example, a structure in which a support shaft (not shown) that supports the head 32 is moved up and down by an eccentric cam, or a structure that rotates an arm that supports the head 32 may be used. Moreover, the structure which moves the head 32 to an up-down direction using the magnetic force by an electromagnet may be sufficient. In any configuration, the printer-side controller 70 outputs a movement control signal to the power source (motor or electromagnet). That is, the printer-side controller 70 can control the movement of the head 32 by the moving mechanism 60.

  In the present embodiment, the moving mechanism 60 moves the head 32 in order to simplify the configuration. If the nozzle surface is simply brought into contact with the seal member SL, the head 32 may be moved, or the platen 13 may be moved. Here, if the platen 13 is moved, it is necessary to move an accompanying mechanism such as the supply roller 11, the paper discharge roller 12, or a conveyance motor (not shown), and the movement mechanism 60 becomes large. End up. In this regard, as in the present embodiment, when the moving mechanism 60 is configured to move the head 32, the number of objects to be moved can be reduced, and the configuration can be simplified. The printer 1 is also provided with a mechanism for moving the head 32 in the direction of approaching or separating from the medium. This mechanism is provided from the viewpoint of ejecting ink at suitable intervals even for various media having different thicknesses. When the moving mechanism 60 is configured to move the head, the mechanism for moving the head 32 to correspond to the thickness of the medium and the mechanism for moving the head 32 for capping can be used together. In this respect, the configuration can be simplified.

  The printer-side controller 70 moves the head 32 to the upper stop position in the ejection state in which ink is ejected toward the paper. As shown by a solid line in FIG. 6, at the upper stop position, the nozzle surface of the head 32 is positioned above the seal member SL. Specifically, it is located above the scheduled sheet conveyance position (position indicated by reference numeral S in FIG. 6) determined by the guide portion 133 and the like of the platen 13. Thus, a space through which the paper can pass is provided between the nozzle surface (each nozzle 321) and the seal member SL.

  Further, the printer-side controller 70 moves the head 32 to the lower stop position in a standby state where the printer controller 70 is on standby without printing on the paper. As indicated by the alternate long and short dash line in FIG. 6, at the lower stop position, the nozzle surface of the head 32 is in contact with the seal member SL. At this time, the seal member SL is slightly crushed by the pressing force from the head 32 and is in close contact with the nozzle surface of the head 32. Here, since the seal member SL is made of an elastic material such as an elastomer, it is possible to increase the degree of close contact with the nozzle surface and prevent a problem that a gap is generated.

  In this state, each nozzle row 322 (a plurality of nozzles 321) is located inside the seal member SL. That is, the opening of each nozzle 321 faces a space defined by the head 32, the seal member SL, and the platen 13 (mainly the bottom portion 134). Here, since the seal member SL is in close contact with the nozzle surface, the space on the side facing the plurality of nozzles 321 and the outer space are partitioned in an airtight and liquid tight state. In the printer 1, since the sealing member SL is provided on the platen 13 having high rigidity, the necessary rigidity can be secured by the platen 13. The platen 13 has high flatness and dimensional accuracy with respect to the head 32. Also in this respect, the adhesion of the seal member SL to the head 32 can be improved. Therefore, airtightness and liquid tightness between the nozzle surface and the seal member SL can be ensured over the entire paper width direction. Thereby, sufficient evaporation suppression effect can be acquired. This is considered due to the fact that the evaporated ink solvent remains in the space partitioned by the head 32 and the like. That is, since the concentration of the solvent in this space can be made higher than that in the outer space, it is considered that the evaporation of the solvent can be suppressed.

  Further, when the suction pump 51 is operated in a state where the head 32 and the seal member SL are in close contact with each other, the space where the opening of the nozzle 321 faces can be set to a negative pressure. Thereby, the ink in the head 32 can be sucked out to the space side. As a result, ink thickened in the vicinity of the nozzles 321 due to solvent evaporation or the like (hereinafter also referred to as thickened ink) can be discharged to the space side, and the head is made of good ink that is not thickened. 32 can be filled. At this time, since the seal member SL is provided on the platen 13, the deformation of the seal member SL in the suction state can be prevented. For this reason, suction power can be raised.

=== Operation of Printer 1 ===
In a standby state in which the printer waits without discharging ink onto the paper, the printer controller 70 moves the head 32 to the lower stop position. As a result, the seal member SL is brought into contact with the nozzle surface of the head 32 so that the openings of the plurality of nozzles 321 face the space defined by the head 32, the seal member SL, and the platen 13. As a result, the evaporation of the ink solvent through the nozzle 321 is suppressed. Similarly, when performing suction cleaning for sucking ink from the head 32, the printer-side controller 70 moves the head 32 to the lower stop position. On the other hand, in the ejection state in which ink is ejected onto the paper, the printer-side controller 70 moves the head 32 to the upper stop position. Thereby, the head 32 and the seal member SL are separated from each other, and a space through which the sheet can pass is provided between the opening of the nozzle 321 and the platen 13 (the seal member SL). Similarly, when performing flushing for ejecting ink from the head 32, the printer-side controller 70 moves the head 32 to the upper stop position. Hereinafter, the operation will be described focusing on these controls.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a series of processes performed by the printer 1. These processes are performed by the CPU 72 of the printer-side controller 70 controlling each unit in accordance with a computer program stored in the memory 73. For this reason, the computer program has a code for performing these processes.

  In the illustrated process, when the printer 1 is turned on (t1), an initialization operation is performed (t2). In this initialization operation, initial setting in the printer 1 is performed. For example, the program is read and the energization check for each unit is performed. Here, the printer-side controller 70 moves the head 32 to the upper stop position. That is, the platen 13 (seal member SL) and the head 32 (nozzle surface) are separated from each other. After the initialization operation, suction cleaning is performed (t2-t3). As described above, the suction cleaning is an operation of sucking out the ink in the head 32 and is a kind of maintenance operation (operation for bringing the head 32 into a normal state) with respect to the nozzle 321. In this suction cleaning, the printer-side controller 70 moves the head 32 to the lower stop position to bring the seal member SL into contact with the nozzle surface. That is, the capping state is set. Thereafter, the suction pump 51 is operated. As a result, the space partitioned by the head 32 and the like is negativeized, and the ink in the head 32 is sucked out through the nozzles 321. Here, since the sealing member SL is provided on the platen 13, the deformation of the sealing member SL can be prevented and a high suction force can be obtained. Then, the sucked ink is sent to the ink recovery unit 52 through the recovery tube 53. Note that suction cleaning is also performed when air bubbles are discharged from the head 32.

  When the suction cleaning is completed, flushing is performed (t5). This flushing is also a kind of maintenance operation for the nozzle 321. In this flushing, the printer-side controller 70 moves the head 32 to the upper stop position, and applies the flushing drive signal COM to the drive element of the head 32. Accordingly, the drive element performs an operation for ejecting ink, and ink is ejected from each nozzle 321. At this time, the ink ejected from the head 32 is received at the bottom 134 of the platen 13. Note that pressure cleaning may be performed instead of the flushing operation. The pressure cleaning is an operation for forcibly discharging the ink from the head 32 by pressurizing the ink in the ink cartridge 41.

  The ink ejected from the head 32 remains in the bottom portion 134 and the collection tube 53 until the suction pump 51 operates. For this reason, when the capping state is set, the solvent evaporated from the ink remains in the space defined by the head 32 and the like. As a result, the evaporation of the solvent through the opening of the nozzle 321 can be effectively suppressed. When the flushing is completed, preparation for printing on the paper is completed. For this reason, the printer-side controller 70 waits for a print command from the computer CP. When the print command is received (t6), the printer-side controller 70 executes a printing operation.

  If the ink in the ink cartridge 41 falls below the specified amount during the printing operation, the printing operation is interrupted, and a message for prompting the user to replace the cartridge is output. For example, when printing on a plurality of sheets, the printing operation is interrupted and a message is output after printing on a certain sheet is completed and before printing on the next sheet. When the user replaces the ink cartridge 41 based on this message (t7), suction cleaning is performed (t8-t9). Also in this suction cleaning, the printer-side controller 70 moves the head 32 to the lower stop position to bring it into the capping state, and operates the suction pump 51. Thereafter, the printer-side controller 70 moves the head 32 to the upper stop position and performs a flushing operation in a separated state (t10). Then, the remaining paper is printed (t10-t11).

  If the print command is not received even after a predetermined standby time has elapsed after the end of the printing operation, the printer-side controller 70 shifts to the standby mode. In this standby state, the head 32 is moved to the lower stop position to enter the capping state. Thereby, the thickening of the ink in the vicinity of the nozzle 321 can be suppressed. This capping state is maintained even during the period when the power is off (t13−). When the power source is switched to the off state in the separated state, the printer-side controller 70 moves the head 32 to the lower stop position to make the capping state, and then shuts off the power source.

<Summary>
In the printer 1, a seal member SL is provided on a platen 13 having high rigidity. Then, the nozzle surface of the head 32 is brought into contact with the seal member SL so that the opening of each nozzle 321 faces the space defined by the head 32 and the seal member SL. As described above, since the seal member SL is supported by the platen 13, the adhesion between the seal member SL and the nozzle surface in the capping state can be improved. Thereby, in the capping state, evaporation of the ink solvent can be suppressed, and thickening of the ink can be effectively suppressed.

  The seal member SL is provided on the surface of the platen 13 that faces the head 32. In the range surrounded by the seal member SL in the platen 13, a bottom portion 134 (concave portion) where the openings of the plurality of nozzles 321 face is provided. Accordingly, the ink ejected from the nozzle 321 and not landed on the paper can be received by the bottom portion 134.

=== Other Embodiments ===
The above-described embodiment has been described with respect to the printer 1, but the disclosure includes a fluid ejection device and a fluid ejection method. The above-described embodiments are for facilitating understanding of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the present invention. The present invention can be changed and improved without departing from the gist thereof, and it is needless to say that the present invention includes equivalents thereof. In particular, the embodiments described below are also included in the present invention.

  Regarding the head, the printer 1 described above has one long head 32, but a plurality of short heads may be connected. For example, a line head unit may be configured by arranging a plurality of short heads in a staggered manner. Regarding the seal member, in the printer 1 described above, the loop-shaped seal member SL is brought into contact with the nozzle surface, but may be brought into contact with a portion other than the nozzle surface in the head 32. For example, as shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the seal member SL may be brought into contact with the case portion of the head 32. In addition, the seal member SL may be a loop shape and is not limited to an endless string shape. For example, the frame-shaped sealing member may be produced by punching a plate-like member. Regarding the moving mechanism 60, as shown in FIG. 8B, the platen 13 side may be moved. Further, an ink holding member 137 (a kind of fluid holding member) such as felt or sponge may be attached to the bottom portion 134. As a result, the ink discharged through the nozzle 321 is held by the ink holding member 137. Thereby, it is possible to prevent a problem that the ink is scattered to other portions. In addition, since the ink is held, the space is moisturized, and the evaporation suppression effect can be further enhanced.

  In the above-described embodiment, the printer 1 has been described as a fluid ejecting apparatus. However, the printer 1 is not limited to this, and other fluids (liquid or liquid material in which particles of functional material are dispersed) other than ink. In addition, the present invention can be embodied in a fluid ejection device that ejects or ejects a fluid such as a gel or a solid that can be ejected as a fluid. For example, color filter manufacturing apparatus, dyeing apparatus, fine processing apparatus, semiconductor manufacturing apparatus, surface processing apparatus, three-dimensional modeling machine, liquid vaporizer, organic EL manufacturing apparatus (particularly polymer EL manufacturing apparatus), display manufacturing apparatus, film formation The same technology as that of the present embodiment may be applied to various devices to which inkjet technology is applied, such as a device, a powder discharge device, and a DNA chip manufacturing device. These methods and manufacturing methods are also within the scope of application.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a printer. It is a perspective view explaining a head and its peripheral part. FIG. 3A is a side view of the head. FIG. 3B is a bottom view of the head. It is a top view of a platen. It is a partial expansion perspective view of a platen. It is a figure explaining operation typically. It is a figure explaining the flow of operation | movement. FIG. 8A is a bottom view of a head according to another embodiment. FIG. 8B is a diagram schematically illustrating an operation in another embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

13 platen, 131 recess, 134 bottom, 135 middle stage,
137 Ink holding member, 32 heads, 321 nozzles,
322 nozzle array, 50 ink recovery mechanism, 51 suction pump,
60 moving mechanism, 70 printer side controller SL sealing member

Claims (8)

(A) a head provided with a plurality of nozzles from which fluid is ejected, at least across the width of the medium in a direction intersecting the transport direction of the medium on which the fluid lands;
(B) a medium support unit that is disposed at a position facing the plurality of nozzles and supports the medium from a side opposite to a fluid landing surface;
(C) a seal member provided in a loop on the medium support portion;
(D) a moving unit that moves at least one of the head and the medium support unit so that the plurality of nozzles and the seal member are close to or separated from each other;
Have
(E) In a standby state where the fluid is discharged without discharging the fluid to the medium,
The seal member is brought into contact with the head, and a plurality of nozzle openings are exposed in a space defined by the head, the seal member, and the medium support portion,
(F) In a discharge state in which the fluid is discharged toward the medium,
A fluid ejection device, wherein the head and the seal member are spaced apart to provide a space through which the medium can pass between the openings of the plurality of nozzles and the seal member. The fluid ejection device according to claim 1,
The sealing member is
Provided on the surface of the medium support portion facing the head;
In the medium support part,
A fluid ejection device, wherein a recess facing the opening of the nozzle is provided in a range surrounded by the seal member. The fluid ejection device according to claim 2,
The sealing member is
A fluid ejection device provided at a position farther from the head than a position where the medium is supported by the medium support section. The fluid ejection device according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The sealing member is
A fluid ejection device made of an elastic material. The fluid ejection device according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The moving unit is
A fluid ejection device for moving the head. The fluid ejection device according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
A fluid ejecting apparatus comprising a negative pressure generating portion that communicates with a portion of the surface of the medium support portion where the seal member is partitioned and generates a negative pressure. The fluid ejection device according to any one of claims 2 to 6,
A fluid ejection device, comprising: a fluid retaining material disposed in the recess and retaining fluid discharged through the nozzle. (A) a head provided with a plurality of nozzles from which fluid is ejected, at least across the width of the medium in a direction intersecting the transport direction of the medium on which the fluid lands;
(B) a medium support unit that is disposed at a position facing the plurality of nozzles and supports the medium from a side opposite to a fluid landing surface;
(C) a seal member provided in a loop on the medium support portion;
(D) a method for controlling a fluid ejection device comprising:
(E) In a standby state where the fluid is discharged without discharging the fluid to the medium,
The seal member is brought into contact with the head, and a plurality of nozzle openings are exposed in a space defined by the head, the seal member, and the medium support portion,
(F) In a discharge state in which the fluid is discharged toward the medium,
A control method for a fluid ejection device, wherein the head and the seal member are separated from each other, and a space through which the medium can pass is provided between the openings of the plurality of nozzles and the seal member.

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