JP2010201788A - Fluid jetting apparatus and cleaning method for the same - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a fluid jetting apparatus which can correctly convey a medium at a low cost and can quickly switch cleaning and recording, and to provide a cleaning method for the fluid jetting apparatus. <P>SOLUTION: The inkjet printer 1 including a recording head 6 for jetting ink adopts such a configuration that it has a cap member 71 that is set opposed to the recording head 6 and can contact to a nozzle formation surface 21A to surround a plurality of nozzles; a platen 81 that constitutes part of a conveyance path for conveying a recording paper P, can move between a shielding position to shield the recording head 6 and the cap member 71 from each other and a non-shielding position to retreat from the shielding position, and is equipped with a through-hole 83 that penetrates in the opposing direction; and a suction pump 72 that performs a suction action via the cap member 71 brought into contact with the nozzle formation surface 21A and performs the suction action via the cap member 71 from the through-hole 83 of the platen 81 located on the shielding position. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a fluid ejecting apparatus and a fluid ejecting apparatus cleaning method.

As a fluid ejecting apparatus that ejects a fluid onto a medium, for example, inkjet printers described in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 below are known.
In order to maintain a plurality of ink jet heads, the ink jet printer in Patent Document 1 loosens an endless transport belt that supports paper sheets disposed below the ink jet heads, so that the gap between the ink jet heads and the transport belts is relaxed. After the separation, the maintenance unit is raised and the cap is brought into close contact with the nozzle surface of the inkjet head to perform a desired cleaning process.
The ink jet printer in Patent Document 2 has a configuration in which electrodes are arranged along a transport belt that transports a medium in order to accurately transport the medium in a region opposite to the ink jet head, and the medium is electrostatically attracted to the transport belt. .

JP 2006-321239 A Japanese Patent No. 3969863

However, in Patent Document 1, an endless transport belt is difficult to secure the joint strength and cannot be bent at a small angle. Therefore, the diameter of the transport belt roller inevitably increases, The maintenance unit arranged below is separated from the inkjet head. Therefore, there is a problem that the large-scale mechanism as described above is required, and it takes time for the maintenance unit to move up and down.
Further, in Patent Document 2, there is a problem that an electrode for attracting the medium to the transport belt must be provided separately, which increases the number of parts and increases the cost.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and provides a fluid ejecting apparatus and a fluid ejecting apparatus cleaning method that can accurately transport a medium at low cost and can quickly switch between a cleaning process and a recording process. The purpose is to do.

In order to solve the above-described problems, the present invention provides a fluid ejecting apparatus including a fluid ejecting head that ejects the fluid onto a medium from an ejecting surface provided with a plurality of nozzles that eject fluid. And a cap member that can be in contact with the ejection surface so as to surround the plurality of nozzles, constitute a part of a conveyance path that conveys the medium, and the fluid ejection head and the cap member A medium supporting member that includes a through-hole that is movable between a shielding position that shields between the shielding position and a non-shielding position that is retracted from the shielding position and that penetrates in the opposite direction; and the cap that is in contact with the ejection surface A suction device that performs a suction operation through the member, and a suction device that performs the suction operation from the through hole of the medium support member located at the shielding position through the cap member. That.
By adopting such a configuration, in the present invention, the cap support member is exposed by moving the medium support member disposed between the opposing fluid ejecting head and the cap member from the shield position to the non-shield position. Since the fluid ejecting head and the cap member can be directly opposed to each other, the cap member can be brought into contact with the fluid ejecting head and the fluid can be sucked by the suction device. In addition, by performing a suction operation through a cap member from a through-hole provided in the medium support member, the medium is adsorbed to the medium support member to stabilize the posture, and the medium is accurately conveyed at the position facing the fluid ejecting head. It becomes possible to do. And by using a cap member and a suction device in common, the number of parts can be reduced.

In the present invention, a configuration is adopted in which a control device that controls the driving of the suction device according to the type of the medium is provided.
By adopting such a configuration, in the present invention, the driving of the suction device is controlled according to the type of the medium.

In the present invention, a configuration is adopted in which a second control device that controls the driving of the suction device in accordance with the weight per predetermined area of the medium is employed.
By adopting such a configuration, in the present invention, if the suction device is always driven at the time of transporting the medium, the life of the suction device may be shortened. By switching the driving of the suction device between a medium that has a light weight per predetermined area (for example, thin paper) that is likely to occur and a medium that has a heavy weight per predetermined area that is difficult to warp during transportation (for example, thick paper), The lifetime can be reduced and the energy consumption can be reduced.

In the present invention, a configuration is adopted in which a detection device that detects at least one of temperature and humidity and a third control device that controls the driving of the suction device according to the detection result of the detection device are employed. To do.
By adopting such a configuration, in the present invention, if the suction device is always driven during conveyance of the medium, the life of the suction device may be shortened. For example, the medium absorbs moisture contained in the air. Long life of the suction device by switching the drive of the suction device between high-temperature and high-humidity that tends to warp during transportation and when the medium is hard to absorb moisture and temperature and humidity are difficult to warp during transportation And energy consumption can be reduced.

In the present invention, a plurality of the through holes are provided along the width direction of the transport path perpendicular to the transport direction of the medium, and the suction force for respectively adjusting the suction force at the through holes in the width direction. A configuration having an adjusting device is adopted.
By adopting such a configuration, the present invention can stably convey the medium in the width direction by adjusting the suction force in the width direction.

In the present invention, the suction force adjusting device adopts a configuration in which the suction force at the through holes at least at both ends in the width direction is adjusted to be higher than the suction force at the through holes at other positions. .
By adopting such a configuration, in the present invention, it is possible to stabilize both ends in the width direction of a medium that is particularly likely to be warped by increasing the suction force of the through holes at both ends in the width direction.

In the present invention, a plurality of the through holes are provided along the conveyance direction of the medium, and a second suction force adjusting device that adjusts the suction force at the through holes in the conveyance direction is provided. adopt.
By adopting such a configuration, in the present invention, it is possible to stably convey the medium in the conveyance direction by adjusting the suction force in the conveyance direction.

Moreover, in this invention, the said attraction | suction force adjustment apparatus employ | adopts the structure of adjusting so that the attraction | suction force in the said through-hole may become high sequentially as it goes to the said conveyance direction.
By adopting such a configuration, in the present invention, the medium that has received the fluid absorbs moisture and tends to warp the front side in the transport direction. Therefore, the suction direction of the through-hole is sequentially increased toward the transport direction to thereby transport the medium in the transport direction. The posture in can be stabilized.

In the present invention, the driving of at least one of the suction force adjusting device and the second suction force adjusting device is controlled based on pattern data for ejecting the fluid in a predetermined pattern onto the medium. A configuration having a fourth control device is employed.
By adopting such a configuration, in the present invention, the characteristic of the ease of warping of the medium changes depending on the pattern of ejecting the fluid. Therefore, by adjusting the suction force at the through hole according to the pattern data, Stable conveyance can be realized.

In the present invention, the medium support member has a substantially plate shape having a support portion for supporting the medium on the side where the fluid ejecting head is provided.
By adopting such a configuration, in the present invention, since the distance between the fluid ejecting head and the fluid receiving member can be shortened, the time required for the fluid receiving member to contact the fluid ejecting head is shortened, or A flushing operation can be performed without moving the fluid receiving member.

In the present invention, a configuration is adopted in which the moving direction of the medium support member is the transport direction of the medium.
By adopting such a configuration, in the present invention, since the medium support member can be moved in the short side direction of the cap member, the movement distance between the shielding position and the non-shielding position is shortened. Can do.

In the present invention, a plurality of units having the fluid ejecting head, the cap member, the medium support member, and the suction device are provided along the medium transport direction, and the units are arranged according to the position of the medium. A configuration is adopted in which a fifth control device that sequentially executes movement of the medium support member of each unit along the transport direction is employed.
By adopting such a configuration, in the present invention, the cleaning process can be performed without stopping or interrupting the recording process on the medium. For example, when the medium finishes moving from one medium support member, the medium support member is moved from the shield position to the non-shield position, and the flushing operation is performed. At this time, since the medium is present on the medium support member on the other side (the front side in the medium conveyance direction), the fluid ejecting head ejects the medium. For this reason, it is possible to perform ejection on the medium with the other fluid ejecting head while performing the flushing operation with one fluid ejecting head.

In the present invention, the fluid ejecting apparatus cleaning method described above may include a first movement step of moving the medium support member from the shielding position to the non-shielding position, and after the first movement step. A cleaning process including a flushing operation for ejecting the fluid from the fluid ejecting head to the cap member, and a second moving process for moving the medium support member from the non-shielding position to the shielding position after the cleaning process; Then, after the second moving step, there is adopted a configuration including a suction step of performing a suction operation from the through hole through the cap member.
By adopting such a configuration, in the present invention, the cap support member is exposed by moving the medium support member disposed between the opposing fluid ejecting head and the cap member from the shield position to the non-shield position. By making the fluid ejecting head and the cap member directly face each other, a cleaning process including a flushing operation from the fluid ejecting head to the cap member can be performed. After the above step, a suction operation is performed through a cap member from a through-hole provided in the medium support member, so that the medium is adsorbed to the medium support member to stabilize the posture, and the medium is placed at a position opposite to the fluid ejecting head. It becomes possible to convey accurately. In the suction operation, the number of components can be reduced by using a suction device that sucks the fluid accumulated in the cap member.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an ink jet printer according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a perspective view showing a main configuration of an ink jet printer according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is sectional drawing which shows the principal part structure of the inkjet printer in 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a top view which shows the principal part structure of the inkjet printer in 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the arrangement state of the nozzle in the nozzle formation surface in 1st Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating an internal configuration of a recording head according to the first embodiment of the invention. It is a flowchart which shows the cleaning process in 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart explaining the attraction | suction process in 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining operation | movement of the inkjet printer in 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing which shows the principal part structure of the inkjet printer in 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the principal part structure of the inkjet printer in 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structure of the platen in 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the principal part structure of the inkjet printer in 5th Embodiment of this invention. It is a top view which shows the structure of the platen in 6th Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining operation | movement of the inkjet printer in 7th Embodiment of this invention.

  Hereinafter, each embodiment of the fluid ejection device according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In each drawing used for the following description, the scale of each member is appropriately changed to make each member a recognizable size. In this embodiment, an ink jet printer (hereinafter referred to as an ink jet printer) is exemplified as the fluid ejecting apparatus according to the invention.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an inkjet printer 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a main configuration of the inkjet printer 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the main configuration of the inkjet printer 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a plan view showing the main configuration of the inkjet printer 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
2 to 4, the conveyance direction of the recording paper (medium) P is the X direction, the conveyance path width direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction is the Y direction, and the height orthogonal to the X direction and the Y direction. The vertical direction may be referred to as the Z direction and will be described below.

 The ink jet printer 1 performs a recording process of printing predetermined information or an image on a recording sheet by ejecting ink (fluid) onto the recording sheet P. As shown in FIG. 1, the inkjet printer 1 includes an input device 2, a storage device 3, a control device (second control device, third control device) 4, a recording paper transport device 5, and a recording head (fluid ejection). Head) 6, capping device 7, platen moving device 8, and temperature / humidity sensor (detection device) 9.

The input device 2 is used to input various commands and data related to recording processing from the outside to the control device 4. The input device 2 ejects ink onto the recording paper P from an operation panel operated by the user or the recording head 6. It includes a communication device for inputting image data (pattern data) or the like for forming an image (pattern) from the outside. Note that the user can select the type of recording paper P (for example, plain paper, thin paper, thick paper, etc.) on which recording processing is performed by operating the operation panel.
The storage device 3 stores operation programs for various components related to recording processing and data input from the input device 2.
The control device 4 electrically controls the operation of various components, and includes an input device 2, a storage device 3, a recording paper transport device 5, a recording head 6, a capping device 7, a platen moving device 8, and a temperature / humidity sensor. 9 includes various input / output interface circuits for exchanging data with 9 and a CPU for performing predetermined arithmetic processing based on the data.
The temperature / humidity sensor 9 detects the temperature and humidity of the external environment of the inkjet printer 1 and is configured to output the detection result to the control device 4 at predetermined time intervals.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the recording paper transport device 5 includes a plurality of transport rollers 51 that transport the recording paper P along a transport path extending in the X direction. The conveyance roller 51 is configured to move the recording paper P in the + X direction by rotating around a rotation axis extending in the Y direction.

  The recording head 6 has a nozzle forming surface (ejection surface) 21A provided with a plurality of nozzles 17 for ejecting ink. This recording head 6 is arranged so that the nozzle forming surface 21A faces in the −Z direction. In this embodiment, a total of two (recording heads 6a and 6b) are provided at a predetermined interval in the transport direction. Yes.

Here, the configuration of the recording head 6 will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an arrangement state of the nozzles 17 on the nozzle forming surface 21A according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the internal configuration of the recording head 6 in the first embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 5, a plurality of nozzles 17 are provided along the width direction of the transport path on the nozzle formation surface 21 </ b> A to form a nozzle row 16. A total of five nozzle rows 16 are provided along the transport direction. The nozzle arrays 16Y, 16M, 16C, 16K1, and 16K2 are configured to eject ink corresponding to each color of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), black (K1), and pigment black (K2), respectively. (See FIG. 4).
Note that the recording heads 6 may be arranged so as to be shifted in the Y direction by half the pitch between the nozzles 17. Thereby, the resolution which prints with respect to the recording paper P can be improved.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the recording head 6 includes a head main body 18 and a flow path forming unit 22 connected to the head main body 18. The flow path forming unit 22 includes a vibration plate 19, a flow path substrate 20, and a nozzle substrate 21, and forms a common ink chamber 29, an ink supply port 30, and a pressure chamber 31. Further, the flow path forming unit 22 includes an island portion 32 that functions as a diaphragm portion, and a compliance portion 33 that absorbs pressure fluctuation in the common ink chamber 29. The head main body 18 is formed with an accommodation space 23 for accommodating the drive unit 24 together with the fixing member 26, and an internal flow path 28 for guiding ink to the flow path forming unit 22.

  According to the recording head 6 having the above configuration, when a drive signal is input to the drive unit 24 via the cable 27, the piezoelectric element 25 expands and contracts. As a result, the diaphragm 19 is deformed (moved) in a direction toward and away from the cavity. For this reason, the volume of the pressure chamber 31 changes and the pressure of the pressure chamber 31 containing ink fluctuates. Ink is ejected from the nozzles 17 due to this pressure fluctuation.

  Returning to FIG. 3, the platen (medium support member) 81 (81 a, 81 b) constituting a part of the conveyance path for conveying the recording paper P is moved between the recording head 6 and the cap member 71 by the platen moving device 8. It is configured to be reciprocally movable along the transport direction (X direction) between the shielding position to be shielded and the non-shielding position to be retreated from the shielding position. The platen 81 has a substantially plate shape extending in the transport direction, and supports the recording paper P on the surface 81 (supporting portion) A side on which the recording head 6 is provided. The surface 81A of the platen 81 may have ribs (unevenness) for supporting the recording paper P flat. The platen 81 is formed with a plurality of through-holes 83 penetrating in the Z direction (opposite direction). The through-holes 83 form a row along the width direction of the transport path, and this row is provided in a total of two rows with a predetermined distance in the transport direction (see FIG. 2).

  The platen moving device 8 rotates with a rack (not shown) provided on the side where the cap member 71 of the platen 81 is provided (the back surface 81B side) and a rotation axis that can mesh with the rack and extend in the width direction of the conveyance path. And a free pinion 82. The platen moving device 8 is configured to move the platen 81 between the shielding position and the non-shielding position by rotating the pinion 82. At the shield position, the platen 81a and the platen 81b are configured to form a continuous support surface that supports the recording paper P by bringing the end portions 81C into contact with each other.

The capping device 7 is provided corresponding to each recording head 6, and includes a cap member 71, a suction pump (suction device) 72, an air release valve 73, and a waste ink tank 74.
The cap member 71 has a substantially bowl shape that opens on the side facing the recording head 6 (see FIG. 2). The opening edge portion of the cap member 71 is referred to as a lip portion (contact portion) 71A. The lip portion 71A is formed of an elastic member such as a rubber member, and is configured to be able to contact the nozzle forming surface 21A so as to surround the plurality of nozzles 17. The lip portion 71A is configured to be able to contact the back surface 81B so as to surround the plurality of through-holes 83 when the platen 81 is in the shielding position. In the cap member 71, an absorbent material 75 such as a sponge for absorbing ink is provided. The cap member 71 is configured to be movable in the vertical direction (Z direction) by a cap member moving device 71B (not shown in FIG. 2, see FIG. 3).

  The cap member moving device 71 </ b> B has a position where the cap member 71 is separated from the platen 81 by a predetermined distance (the position shown in FIG. 3, hereinafter referred to as a separated position) under the control of the control device 4. A position where the back surface 81B and the lip portion 71A abut (the position shown in FIG. 9A, hereinafter referred to as a platen abutting position), and a position where the nozzle forming surface 21A of the recording head 6 and the lip portion 71A abut ( The position is moved between the position shown in FIG. 9B and hereinafter referred to as the nozzle formation surface contact position. As an example of the configuration of the cap member moving device 71B, a known configuration such as a rack and pinion mechanism or a cam mechanism can be employed.

The suction pump 72 is provided in a pipe 76 connected to the bottom of the cap member 71 and performs a suction operation via the cap member 71. After the cap member 71 is positioned at the contact position and an airtight chamber is formed between the recording head 6 and the cap member 71, the suction pump 72 is driven to bring the airtight chamber into a negative pressure state, and each nozzle 17 The operation of sucking ink with increased viscosity or adhering dust to adjust the meniscus and ejecting ink normally from the recording head 6 is called an ink suction operation. The operation of ejecting ink from the recording head 6 to the cap member 71 is called a flushing operation. The ink suction operation and the flushing operation are collectively called a cleaning process. The suction operation by the suction pump 72 includes an operation of discarding the ink accumulated in the cap member 71 by the flushing operation in the waste ink tank 74 in addition to the ink suction operation.
The air release valve 73 is for releasing the negative pressure state of the airtight chamber, and is provided in a pipe 77 connected to the bottom of the cap member 71. The atmosphere release valve 73 is configured to be able to adjust the degree of opening (opening degree) of the gas flow path via the pipe 77.
The waste ink tank 74 is connected to each pipe 76 and configured to store ink from each cap member 71.

Subsequently, a cleaning process (cleaning method) of the inkjet printer 1 having the above-described configuration will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the cleaning process in the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining a suction process in the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the inkjet printer 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
In the initial state, as shown in FIG. 9A, the platen 81 is located at the shielding position. The cap member 71 is located at the platen contact position. In this state, the inkjet printer 1 conveys the recording paper P and ejects ink from the recording head 6 to perform recording processing. The ink jet printer 1 performs the flushing operation of the recording head 6 every predetermined driving time or every number of printed sheets (for example, 5 to 10 sheets).

  First, the control device 4 gives a drive command to the cap member moving device 71B to move the cap member 71 from the platen contact position to the separated position (step S1: cap member moving step). Next, the control device 4 gives a drive command to the platen moving device 8 to move the platen 81 from the shielding position to the non-shielding position (step S2: first moving step).

  By moving the platen 81 in the above process, the cap member 71 and the recording head 6 are directly opposed to each other. In this way, after the platen 81 is completely retracted from the cap member 71, the control device 4 gives a drive command to the cap member moving device 71B to move the cap member 71 from the spaced position to the nozzle formation surface. It moves to the contact position (step S3: cap member moving step). As shown in FIG. 9B, the lip portion 71 </ b> A of the cap member 71 contacts the nozzle forming surface 21 </ b> A so as to surround the plurality of nozzles 17.

Next, the control device 4 causes a flushing operation to eject (eject) ink from the recording head 6 to the cap member 71 (step S4: cleaning process). The recording head 6 may cause a discharge failure due to thickening of ink in the nozzle 17 or adhesion of dust near the opening of the nozzle 17 depending on usage time. For this reason, the ejection characteristics of the recording head 6 are maintained or restored by performing a flushing operation in which ink or dust that has been thickened by preliminary ejection of ink from the nozzles 17 is discharged during non-recording processing.
Here, after the cap member 71 is positioned at the nozzle formation surface contact position and an airtight chamber is formed between the recording head 6 and the cap member 71, the suction pump 72 is driven to cause the airtight chamber to be negatively pressurized. An ink suction operation for forcibly sucking ink having increased viscosity or adhering dust from each nozzle 17 may be performed.
Further, the flushing operation may be performed at the standby position without bringing the cap member 71 into contact with the recording head 6. Since the platen 81 of the present embodiment has only the function of supporting the recording paper P and the function of cleaning the cap member 71, the platen 81 can be made thin in a substantially plate shape, and the recording head 6 can be formed even when the cap member 71 is in the standby position. And the ink ejected during the flushing operation does not become mist.

  Next, the control device 4 gives a drive command to the cap member moving device 71B to move the cap member 71 from the nozzle formation surface contact position to the separated position (step S5: cap member moving step). Then, the control device 4 gives a drive command to the platen moving device 8, and moves the platen 81 from the non-shielding position to the shielding position as shown in FIG. 9C (step S6: second moving step).

  When the above steps are completed, the control device 4 performs the next step in order to restart the recording process. First, the control device 4 gives a drive command to the cap member moving device 71B to move the cap member 71 from the separated position to the platen contact position (step S7: cap member moving process (contact process)). As shown in FIG. 9A, the lip portion 71 </ b> A of the cap member 71 contacts the back surface 81 </ b> B so as to surround the plurality of through holes 83. Then, after the lip portion 71A comes into contact with the back surface 81B, the process proceeds to the suction step (step S8).

  In the suction process, as shown in FIG. 8, first, it is determined whether or not to drive the suction pump 72 based on the basis weight of the recording paper P and the detection result by the temperature / humidity sensor 9 (step S81: suction). Pump drive judgment process). That is, if the suction pump 72 is always driven when the recording paper P is transported, the pump life may be shortened. Therefore, the suction pump 72 is driven only when a paper jam is likely to occur. And driving considering energy consumption becomes possible. This will be specifically described below.

The control device 4 determines whether or not to drive the suction pump 72 according to the basis weight of the recording paper P (paper weight per predetermined area (1 m ² )). The basis weight of the recording paper P includes the data that the user has selected the type of the recording paper P by operating the operation panel of the input device 2, the type and basis weight of the recording paper P stored in the storage device 3 in advance. Is obtained based on the corresponding table data. For example, when the selected recording paper P is plain paper, the basis weight is 50 g / m ² , when it is thin paper, the basis weight is 40 g / m ^2, and when it is thick paper, the basis weight is 60 g / m ² . Desired.
Here, the control device 4 determines that the suction operation is necessary when a thin paper having a small basis weight that is likely to be warped during the conveyance and easily generate a paper jam is selected. On the other hand, when a plain paper or cardboard having a large basis weight that does not easily warp during conveyance is selected, it is determined that a suction operation is not necessary.

  Further, the control device 4 determines whether or not to drive the suction pump 72 according to the detection result of the temperature / humidity sensor 9. The environment for recording processing is normally assumed to be an environment where the temperature is 25 ° C. and the humidity is about 50%. Therefore, for example, in a high-temperature and high-humidity environment where the temperature is 35 ° C. and the humidity is about 65%, the recording paper P may be warped (curled) by absorbing moisture in the air. If the recording paper P is warped, there is a risk of causing a paper jam or image formation failure. Therefore, the control device 4 determines that a suction operation is necessary in the above environment or in an environment where the recording paper P is more likely to absorb moisture. To do. On the other hand, the control device 4 determines that the suction operation is not necessary in other environments.

  Next, when any one of the determinations based on the basis weight, temperature, and humidity determines that suction is necessary, the control device 4 gives a drive command to the suction pump 72 and performs a suction operation via the through-hole 83. (Step S82: Suction pump driving process). On the other hand, when both the determination based on the basis weight, the temperature, and the humidity determine that the suction is not necessary, the control device 4 gives a drive stop command to the suction pump 72 so as not to execute the suction operation. In addition, the control device 4 adjusts the suction force of the suction pump 72 according to the basis weight, temperature, and humidity. For example, when the type of the recording paper P is thin paper and is hot and humid, the recording paper P is particularly likely to warp, so the control device 4 adjusts the suction force by the suction pump 72 higher than usual.

  When the suction pump 72 is driven by the control device 4, air is sucked from the through-hole 83 as shown in FIG. By the suction from the through-hole 83, the recording paper P is attracted to the surface 81A of the platen 81 at a position facing the recording head 6, and the posture is stabilized. Therefore, ink can be appropriately ejected onto the recording paper P without causing paper jam, and image formation defects can be prevented.

Therefore, according to the first embodiment described above, the inkjet printer 1 includes the recording head 6 that ejects ink onto the recording paper P from the nozzle forming surface 21A provided with the plurality of nozzles 17 that eject ink. A cap member 71 that is arranged to face the head 6 and can contact the nozzle forming surface 21A so as to surround the plurality of nozzles 17, and constitutes a part of the transport path for transporting the recording paper P and the recording head 6 A platen 81 having a through-hole 83 penetrating in the opposite direction and movable between a shielding position that shields between the cap member 71 and a non-shielding position that retreats from the shielding position, and a nozzle forming surface 21A The suction operation is performed through the cap member 71 that is in contact, and the suction is performed through the cap member 71 from the through-hole 83 of the platen 81 located at the shielding position. By adopting the configuration of having the suction pump 72 that performs the operation, the cap member is moved by moving the platen 81 disposed between the opposing recording head 6 and the cap member 71 from the shielding position to the non-shielding position. Since the recording head 6 and the cap member 71 can be directly opposed to each other, the ink can be sucked by the suction pump 72 while the cap member 71 is brought into contact with the recording head 6. Further, by performing a suction operation through the cap member 71 from the through-hole 83 provided in the platen 81, the recording paper P is attracted to the platen 81 to stabilize the posture, and the recording paper P is positioned at the position facing the recording head 6. Can be accurately conveyed. In the suction operation, the number of parts can be reduced by using the suction pump 72 that sucks the ink accumulated in the cap member 71.
Therefore, in the first embodiment, there is an effect that it is possible to provide the ink jet printer 1 that can accurately convey the recording paper P at low cost and can quickly switch between the cleaning process and the recording process.

  In the first embodiment, by adopting the configuration in which the control device 4 that controls the driving of the suction pump 72 according to the basis weight of the recording paper P is employed, the suction pump 72 is controlled when the recording paper P is conveyed. Since the life of the suction pump 72 may be shortened if it is always driven, suction is performed with a thin paper with a small basis weight that tends to warp during transport and a paper jam with a large basis weight that does not easily warp during transport. By switching the driving of the pump 72, the life of the suction pump 72 can be extended and the energy consumption can be reduced.

  In the first embodiment, the control device 4 employs a configuration in which the suction pump 72 is driven or the drive of the suction pump 72 is stopped according to the basis weight. The suction pump 72 can be driven when the suction operation is necessary, and the suction pump 72 can be stopped when the suction operation is not necessary. It becomes.

  Moreover, in 1st Embodiment, the control apparatus 4 employ | adopts the structure of performing the control which adjusts the suction force of the suction pump 72 according to basic weight, and is recording paper according to basic weight (thickness). Since the warpability of P is different, the recording paper P can be appropriately adsorbed on the platen 81 by adjusting the suction force according to the basis weight.

  Moreover, in 1st Embodiment, the structure which has the temperature / humidity sensor 9 which detects temperature and humidity, and the control apparatus 4 which controls the drive of the said suction pump 72 according to the detection result of the said temperature / humidity sensor 9 is comprised. If the suction pump 72 is always driven when the recording paper P is transported, the life of the suction pump 72 may be shortened. Therefore, the recording paper P absorbs moisture contained in the air and is being transported. Long life of the suction pump 72 by switching the driving of the suction pump 72 between high temperature and high humidity, which is likely to cause paper jam due to warping, and when the recording paper P is at a temperature and humidity where the recording paper P is difficult to absorb moisture and hardly warp during conveyance. And energy consumption can be reduced.

  Further, in the first embodiment, the control device 4 employs a configuration in which the suction pump 72 is driven or the suction pump 72 is stopped according to the detection result. The suction pump 72 is driven when the suction operation is necessary, and when the suction operation is not necessary, the suction pump 72 is driven when the suction operation is not necessary. The drive can be stopped.

  Further, in the first embodiment, the control device 4 employs a configuration in which the suction force of the suction pump 72 is adjusted according to the detection result, so that the recording paper according to the temperature and humidity. Since the degree of warping of P differs, the recording paper P can be appropriately adsorbed to the platen 81 by adjusting the suction force according to temperature and humidity.

  In the first embodiment, the platen 81 has a substantially plate shape that supports the recording paper P on the side where the recording head 6 is provided, so that the platen 81 is interposed between the recording head 6 and the cap member 71. Therefore, the time for the cap member 71 to contact the recording head 6 can be shortened, or the flushing operation can be performed without moving the cap member 71. Therefore, the cleaning process and the recording process can be switched quickly.

  In the first embodiment, by adopting a configuration in which the moving direction of the platen 81 is the conveyance direction of the recording paper P, the platen 81 can be moved in the short side direction of the cap member 71. Therefore, the moving distance between the shielding position and the non-shielding position can be shortened.

  In the first embodiment, the inkjet printer 1 is a cleaning method, in which the print head 6 is moved after the first movement step of moving the platen 81 from the shielding position to the non-shielding position and the first movement step. A cleaning process including a flushing operation for ejecting the ink onto the cap member 71, a second moving process for moving the platen 81 from the non-shielding position to the shielding position after the cleaning process, and a second moving process. The platen 81 disposed between the opposing recording head 6 and the cap member 71 is shielded by adopting a configuration in which a suction step of performing a suction operation from the through-hole 83 via the cap member 71 is employed later. The cap member 71 is exposed by moving from the position to the non-shielding position, and the recording head 6 and the cap are It is to face the flop member 71 directly, a cleaning process including the flushing operation of the recording head 6 to the cap member 71 can be executed. After the above process, a suction operation is performed from the through-hole 83 provided in the platen 81 through the cap member 71, so that the recording paper P is attracted to the platen 81 to stabilize the posture, and at the position facing the recording head 6. The recording paper P can be accurately conveyed. In the suction operation, the number of parts can be reduced by using a suction device that sucks the ink accumulated in the cap member 71.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In addition, description of the part which has the same structure as the said embodiment shall be omitted.
FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the main configuration of the inkjet printer 1 according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
In the second embodiment, the control device (fourth control device, suction force adjusting device) 4 applies the suction force in the through-holes 83 (83a, 83b) in the transport direction of the recording paper P based on the image data in the transport direction. It is different from the above embodiment in that it is adjusted so as to increase gradually as it goes to.

For example, when a pattern for ejecting ink onto the recording paper P starts from the leading end of the recording paper P, the front side (+ X side) in the transport direction of the recording paper P that has absorbed ink is indicated by a two-dot chain line in FIG. May curl and cause paper jams. Therefore, the control device 4 adjusts the suction operation on the suction pump 72b side to be stronger than the suction operation on the suction pump 72a side, and increases the suction force in the through-hole 83b to curl the recording paper P on the front side in the transport direction. Suppress.
Therefore, in the second embodiment, it is possible to stably convey the recording paper P in the conveyance direction by adjusting the suction force in the conveyance direction.
The suction force in the through-hole 83a and the through-hole 83b is adjusted by making the suction output in the suction pump 72a and the suction pump 72b the same, and adjusting the opening degree in the atmosphere release valve 73a and the atmosphere release valve 73b. It may be configured to.

(Third embodiment)
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In addition, description of the part which has the same structure as the said embodiment shall be omitted.
Fig.11 (a) is a top view which shows the principal part structure of the ink-jet printer 1 in 3rd Embodiment of this invention, FIG.11 (b) is the line view KK sectional drawing in Fig.11 (a). Show.
As shown in FIG. 11A, a plurality of recording heads 6 are provided along the width direction of the transport path, and a row a of recording heads 6a1, 6a2, and 6a3 and a row b of recording heads 6a1, 6a2, and 6a3. A total of two rows are configured. The plurality of recording heads 6 are arranged in a staggered arrangement alternately along the width direction. That is, the recording head 6a1, the recording head 6b1, the recording head 6a2, the recording head 6b2, the recording head 6a3, and the recording head 6b3 are sequentially arranged along the Y direction. Further, a through-hole 83 and a capping device 7 are provided so as to correspond to the respective recording heads 6 (see FIG. 11B, the row b side is not shown).
In the third embodiment, the control device (fourth control device, second suction force adjusting device) 4 is based on the image data in the through-hole 83 in the width direction of the transport path orthogonal to the transport direction of the recording paper P. This is different from the above embodiment in that the suction force is adjusted to increase at both ends in the width direction.

For example, when there are patterns for ejecting ink onto the recording paper P up to both ends in the width direction of the recording paper P, the both ends in the width direction of the recording paper P that has absorbed the ink are shown by two-dot chain lines in FIG. Curls as shown and can cause paper jams. Therefore, the control device 4 adjusts the suction operation of the suction pump 72a1 and the suction pump 72a3 so as to be stronger than the suction operation of the suction pump 72a2, and increases the suction force in the through-hole 83a1 and the through-hole 83a3 to increase the width direction both ends. Curling of the recording paper P is suppressed. Note that it is desirable to similarly adjust the suction force at the through-holes 83 in the row b.
Accordingly, in the third embodiment, the posture of the recording paper P in the width direction can be stabilized and conveyed by adjusting the suction force in the width direction.

(Fourth embodiment)
Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In addition, description of the part which has the same structure as the said embodiment shall be omitted.
FIG. 12A is a plan view showing a platen 81 in the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12B shows a cross-sectional view taken along line LL in FIG.
In the above embodiment, the suction force at the through hole 83 is adjusted by adjusting the opening of the suction pump 72 and the opening of the air release valve 73. In the fourth embodiment, the diameter of the through hole 83 is adjusted. This is different from the above embodiment in that the suction force in the through-hole 83 is adjusted by adjusting the pressure.

As shown in FIG. 12A, the platen 81 in the fourth embodiment is formed so that the diameter of the through-hole 83 increases sequentially toward the end in the conveyance path width direction. Moreover, as shown in FIG.12 (b), in the cap member 71 in 4th Embodiment, the rib 71C for ensuring intensity | strength along the conveyance path width direction is provided with two or more at equal intervals. In addition, pipes 76 are connected to the bottoms of the regions divided by the ribs 71 </ b> C, and the suction pump 72 collectively performs a suction operation via the pipes 76.
According to the above configuration, when the suction pump 72 is driven, since the diameter of the through-hole 83 is different, the suction force increases toward both ends in the conveyance path width direction, and the suction force in the width direction is increased without performing electrical control. It becomes possible to adjust. Therefore, it is possible to contribute to saving of memory resources compared to the above embodiment.

(Fifth embodiment)
Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In addition, description of the part which has the same structure as the said embodiment shall be omitted.
FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a main configuration of the inkjet printer 1 according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
The ink jet printer 1 according to the fifth embodiment is different from the above embodiment in that the platen 81 moves in the width direction (Y direction) of the transport path. According to this configuration, the platen moving device 8 causes the platen 81 to reciprocate in the Y direction, so that the cap member 71 is exposed.

  A cleaning member 10 that cleans ink attached to the back surface 81 </ b> B of the platen 81 as the platen moving device 8 moves is provided on the side of the cap member 71. The cleaning member 10 is provided on the side portion of the cap member 71 on the side in which the platen 81 moves from the shielding position to the non-shielding position. The cleaning member 10 protrudes in the + Z direction to a position where it can come into contact with the back surface 81B of the platen 81 when the cap member 71 is in the separated position. The cleaning member 10 is a rubber or sponge that can be elastically deformed in the Z direction so as not to cause poor adhesion between the cap member 71 and the platen 81 when the cap member 71 is located at the platen contact position. Moreover, it is desirable to be comprised from the member which has a restoring property.

(Sixth embodiment)
Next, a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In addition, description of the part which has the same structure as the said embodiment shall be omitted.
FIG. 14 is a plan view showing the configuration of the platen 81 in the sixth embodiment of the present invention.
14A shows the time when the platen 81a is located at the shielding position, and FIG. 14B shows the time when the platen 81a is located at the non-shielding position.
In the sixth embodiment, the platen 81 is divided into two in the width direction of the conveyance path, and each moves simultaneously in the opposite direction between the shielding positions adjacent to each other and the non-shielding positions that are separated from each other. , Different from the above embodiment. According to this configuration, the occupied area for shielding the cap member 71 in one region can be reduced, and the distance required for the movement between the shielding position and the non-shielding position is halved. As a result, the recording process and the cleaning process can be switched more quickly than in the above embodiment.

(Seventh embodiment)
Next, a seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In addition, description of the part which has the same structure as the said embodiment shall be omitted.
FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the inkjet printer 1 according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention.
As described above, the inkjet printer 1 includes a plurality of (two in this embodiment) units each including the recording head 6, the cap member 71, the platen 81, and the suction pump 72 along the conveyance direction (X direction) of the recording paper P. ) As shown in FIG. 15, the control device (fifth control device) 4 in the seventh embodiment sequentially moves the platens 81 a and 81 b of each unit along the transport direction according to the position of the recording paper P. This embodiment is different from the above embodiment in that the cleaning process is performed without stopping or interrupting the recording process for the recording paper P.

  Specifically, first, the control device 4 obtains the current position of the recording paper P based on the transport amount of the recording paper P by the recording paper transport device 5 and the size of the recording paper P. Next, when the recording paper P reaches a predetermined position, the control device 4 determines whether or not the next recording paper P is fed and whether or not a flushing operation is necessary. If there is recording data on the next recording paper P, the control device 4 feeds the next recording paper P. However, the control device 4 varies the sheet feeding timing depending on whether or not a flushing operation is necessary.

  Note that the predetermined position for determining whether or not to feed the paper does not overlap with the current recording paper P when the next recording paper P is fed without performing the flushing operation, and is wasteful time. It is a position that is not too far away so as not to be damaged. For this reason, when the flushing operation determination is negative (in the case of normal paper feeding), the timing of paper feeding takes into account various errors, and is a timing that is, for example, about 5 to 10 mm away from the current recording paper P. It is said. However, when a flushing operation is necessary, paper feeding is performed after a certain period of time compared to when the flushing operation determination is negative. This is because the following operation is performed when the flushing operation is performed.

  The control device 4 determines whether or not the platen 81a, 81b supports the recording paper P from the current position of the recording paper P. The determination as to whether or not the platens 81a and 81b support the recording paper P may be made by providing sensors for detecting the presence or absence of the recording paper P in the platens 81a and 81b, respectively. Further, a sensor is provided in the transport path of the recording paper P upstream of the platens 81a and 81b, and the position of the recording paper P is determined from the detection of the sensor and the transport amount of the recording paper P. The platens 81a and 81b It may be determined whether or not P is supported.

  As shown in FIG. 15A, when the control device 4 determines that the recording paper P has moved from the platen 81a, it gives a drive command to the platen moving device 8 to move the platen 81a from the shield position to the non-shield position. And the flushing operation of the recording head 6a is performed. On the other hand, since the recording paper P exists on the platen 81b, the control device 4 causes the platen 81b to stand by in the shielding position and performs a recording process on the recording paper P with the recording head 6b.

  When the flushing operation (about 0.2 seconds in time) of the recording head 6a is completed, the control device 4 gives a drive command to the platen moving device 8 to prepare for the recording paper P to be conveyed next, and the platen 81a. Is moved from the non-shielding position to the shielding position (see FIG. 15B). On the other hand, in the recording head 6b, the recording process up to the rear end of the recording paper P is completed.

  That is, after the trailing edge of the recording paper P is removed from the platen 81a, the platen 81a is moved from the shielding position to the non-shielding position, the recording head 6a is flushed, and the platen 81a is moved from the non-shielding position to the shielding position. Thereafter, the next recording sheet P moves onto the platen 81a. When the flushing operation is necessary, the control device 4 feeds the paper at intervals such that the interval between the recording papers P is such an interval.

Further, as shown in FIG. 15C, when the control device 4 determines that the recording paper P has moved from the platen 81b, the control device 4 gives a drive command to the platen moving device 8 to move the platen 81b from the shielding position. The recording head 6b is flushed by moving to the shielding position. On the other hand, since there is a newly conveyed recording sheet P on the platen 81a, the control device 4 causes the platen 81a to stand by in the shielding position and performs a recording process on the recording sheet P with the recording head 6a.
When the flushing operation of the recording head 6b is finished, the control device 4 gives a drive command to the platen moving device 8 to receive the recording paper P supported by the platen 81a, and shields the platen 81b from the non-shielding position. It will move to a position (refer FIG.15 (d)).

  As described above, according to the seventh embodiment, while the recording process of one recording head 6 is being performed, the flushing operation of the other recording head 6 can be performed, and the recording process on the recording paper P is stopped. Alternatively, since the cleaning process can be performed without interruption, the problem that the recording paper P cannot be conveyed during the maintenance of the recording head 6 can be solved.

  As mentioned above, although preferred embodiment of this invention was described referring drawings, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment. Various shapes, combinations, and the like of the constituent members shown in the above-described embodiments are examples, and various modifications can be made based on design requirements and the like without departing from the gist of the present invention.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, the control device, the second control device, the third control device, the suction force adjustment device, and the second suction force adjustment device have been described as the control device 4, but the present invention is limited to this configuration. Instead of this, a configuration may be adopted in which a device is provided for each function.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, it has been described that the determination of the driving of the suction pump 72 is performed according to the temperature and the humidity. However, the determination of the driving of the suction pump 72 is performed with either the temperature or the humidity. It may be a configuration.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the fluid ejecting apparatus is the ink jet printer 1 has been described as an example. However, the fluid ejecting apparatus is not limited to the ink jet printer, and may be an apparatus such as a copying machine and a facsimile.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where the fluid ejecting apparatus is a fluid ejecting apparatus that ejects a fluid (liquid material) such as ink has been described as an example. However, the fluid ejecting apparatus according to the present invention is not limited to ink. The present invention can be applied to a fluid ejecting apparatus that ejects or discharges another fluid. Fluids that can be ejected by the fluid ejecting apparatus include fluids, liquids in which particles of functional materials are dispersed or dissolved, gel-like fluids, solids that can be ejected as fluids, and powders (such as toner). .

  In the above-described embodiment, as the fluid (liquid material) ejected from the fluid ejecting apparatus, not only ink but also fluid corresponding to a specific application can be applied. By providing the fluid ejecting apparatus with an ejecting head capable of ejecting a fluid corresponding to the specific application, ejecting the fluid corresponding to the specific application from the ejecting head, and attaching the fluid to a predetermined object, A given device can be manufactured. For example, the fluid ejecting apparatus (liquid ejecting apparatus) according to the present invention uses a predetermined material such as an electrode material or a color material used for manufacturing a liquid crystal display, an EL (electroluminescence) display, and a surface emitting display (FED). The present invention is applicable to a fluid ejecting apparatus that ejects a fluid (liquid material) dispersed (dissolved) in a dispersion medium (solvent).

Further, the fluid ejecting apparatus may be a fluid ejecting apparatus that ejects a bio-organic matter used for biochip manufacturing, or a fluid ejecting apparatus that ejects a fluid that is used as a precision pipette and serves as a sample.
In addition, transparent resin liquids such as UV curable resins to form fluid injection devices that inject lubricating oil onto precision machines such as watches and cameras, micro hemispherical lenses (optical lenses) used in optical communication elements, etc. For example, a fluid ejecting apparatus that ejects a liquid onto a substrate, a fluid ejecting apparatus that ejects an etching solution such as acid or alkali to etch the substrate, a fluid ejecting apparatus that ejects gel, and a powder such as toner. It may be a toner jet recording apparatus that ejects a solid. The present invention can be applied to any one of these fluid ejecting apparatuses.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Inkjet printer (fluid ejecting apparatus), 4 ... Control apparatus (2nd control apparatus, 3rd control apparatus, 4th control apparatus, 5th control apparatus, suction force adjustment apparatus, 2nd suction force adjustment apparatus), 6 ... Recording head (fluid ejection head), 9 ... temperature / humidity sensor (detection device), 17 ... nozzle, 21A ... nozzle formation surface (ejection surface), 71 ... cap member, 72 ... suction pump (suction device), 81 ... platen ( (Medium support member), 81A ... surface (support portion), 83 ... through-hole, S2 ... first moving step, S4 ... cleaning step, S6 ... second moving step, S8 ... suction step, P ... recording paper (medium)

Claims (13)

A fluid ejecting apparatus comprising a fluid ejecting head that ejects the fluid onto a medium from an ejection surface provided with a plurality of nozzles that eject fluid.
A cap member disposed opposite to the fluid ejecting head and capable of contacting the ejecting surface so as to surround the plurality of nozzles;
It is part of a transport path for transporting the medium, and is movable between a shielding position that shields between the fluid ejecting head and the cap member, and a non-shielding position that retreats from the shielding position. A medium support member having a through-hole penetrating in a direction to
A suction device that performs a suction operation through the cap member in contact with the ejection surface and performs a suction operation through the cap member from the through-hole of the medium support member located at the shielding position. A fluid ejecting apparatus.   The fluid ejecting apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a control device that controls driving of the suction device according to a type of the medium.   3. The fluid ejecting apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a second control device that controls driving of the suction device in accordance with a weight per predetermined area of the medium. A detection device for detecting at least one of temperature and humidity;
The fluid ejecting apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a third control device that controls driving of the suction device according to a detection result of the detection device. A plurality of the through-holes are provided along the width direction of the transport path orthogonal to the transport direction of the medium,
5. The fluid ejecting apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a suction force adjusting device that adjusts a suction force at each of the through holes in the width direction.   6. The fluid according to claim 5, wherein the suction force adjusting device adjusts the suction force at least in the through holes at both ends in the width direction so as to be higher than the suction force at the through holes at other positions. Injection device. A plurality of the through holes are provided along the conveyance direction of the medium,
The fluid ejecting apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a second suction force adjusting device that adjusts a suction force at the through-hole in the transport direction.   The fluid ejecting apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the suction force adjusting device adjusts so that the suction force at the through-holes sequentially increases in the transport direction.   A fourth control device that controls driving of at least one of the suction force adjusting device and the second suction force adjusting device based on pattern data for ejecting the fluid in a predetermined pattern onto the medium; The fluid ejecting apparatus according to claim 5, wherein   The fluid ejecting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the medium support member has a substantially plate shape having a support portion that supports the medium on a side where the fluid ejecting head is provided. .   The fluid ejecting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a movement direction of the medium support member is a conveyance direction of the medium. A plurality of units having the fluid ejecting head, the cap member, the medium support member, and the suction device are provided along the transport direction of the medium,
12. The fluid ejection according to claim 1, further comprising a fifth control device that sequentially executes movement of the medium support member of each unit along the transport direction in accordance with the position of the medium. apparatus. A method for cleaning a fluid ejection device according to any one of claims 1 to 12,
A first movement step of moving the medium support member from the shielding position to the non-shielding position;
A cleaning step including a flushing operation of ejecting the fluid from the fluid ejecting head to the cap member after the first moving step;
A second movement step of moving the medium support member from the non-shielding position to the shielding position after the cleaning step;
And a suction step of performing a suction operation from the through hole through the cap member after the second moving step.

Images