JP2012121334A - Fluid ejecting apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a technique by which the interior of a capping device for moisture retention can be fully humidified.SOLUTION: A fluid ejecting apparatus includes: a head for ejecting a fluid; a first capping device for moisture retention for keeping the head wet; and a first moisture retention liquid supply part for supplying to the first capping device, a first moisture retention liquid for keeping the head wet when the first capping device covers the head. The first moisture retention liquid supply part has a first tank which stores the first moisture retention liquid, and the first capping device has a moisture retention liquid storage part for storing the first moisture retention liquid supplied from the first moisture retention liquid supply part. The first moisture retention liquid supply part supplies the first moisture retention liquid stored in the first tank to the first capping device by utilizing a head difference between the first moisture retention liquid stored in the first tank and the first moisture retention liquid storage part.

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique for eliminating clogging of a nozzle in a fluid ejecting apparatus that ejects fluid.

  Conventionally, in an ink jet recording apparatus, ink is ejected to recording paper or the like through a nozzle, so that residual ink thickens in the vicinity of the nozzle and the nozzle becomes clogged. It was. Therefore, an ink jet recording apparatus that covers the head with a moisture retention cap device and supplies moisture to the space inside the moisture retention cap device to keep the head moist and prevent drying of residual ink in a state where printing processing is not performed. It has been proposed (see Patent Document 1 below).

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-334962

  Also in the above-described ink jet recording apparatus, when moisture is not sufficiently supplied to the moisturizing cap device, or when moisture supplied to the moisturizing cap device is not sufficiently evaporated in the space covering the head inside the moisturizing cap device. However, since the head is not sufficiently moisturized, there is a problem that the ink remaining in the nozzles is thickened.

  The above problem is not limited to the ink jet recording apparatus, but includes fluids other than ink (liquids, liquids in which particles of functional materials are dispersed, and solids such as powders that can be ejected as fluids) ).

  An object of this invention is to provide the technique which can fully humidify the inside of the cap apparatus for moisture retention.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is to solve at least a part of the problems described above, and the invention can be implemented as the following forms or application examples.

  Application Example 1 A fluid ejecting apparatus for ejecting a fluid, the head ejecting the fluid, a first moisturizing cap apparatus for covering the head and moisturizing the head, and the first A first moisturizing liquid supply unit for supplying a first moisturizing liquid for moisturizing the head when the moisturizing cap apparatus covers the head to the first moisturizing cap apparatus; The first moisturizing liquid supply unit has a first tank for storing the first moisturizing liquid, and the first moisturizing cap device is supplied from the first moisturizing liquid supply unit. A first moisturizing liquid storage section for storing the first moisturizing liquid, and the first moisturizing liquid supply section includes the first moisturizing liquid stored in the first tank, Stored in the first tank by utilizing the water head difference with the first moisturizing liquid reservoir. Supplying a serial first moisturizing liquid to the first moisturizing cap device, a fluid ejection device.

  In the fluid ejection device of Application Example 1, the first moisturizing liquid supply unit uses the water head difference between the first moisturizing liquid accumulated in the first tank and the first moisturizing liquid storage unit to Is supplied to the first moisturizing cap device, a large amount of moisturizing liquid can be supplied to the first moisturizing cap device, and the inside of the first moisturizing cap device can be sufficiently humidified. it can.

  Application Example 2 In the fluid ejection device according to Application Example 1, the first moisturizing liquid supply unit stores the first moisturizing liquid stored in the first tank in the first moisturizing cap apparatus. In the case of supplying, the position of the head of the first moisturizing liquid stored in the first tank is higher than the position of the head of the first moisturizing liquid stored in the first moisturizing liquid storage unit. When the first moisturizing liquid supply unit does not supply the first moisturizing liquid stored in the first tank to the first moisturizing cap device, the first moisturizing liquid is accumulated in the first tank. The fluid ejecting apparatus is configured such that the position of the head of the first moisturizing liquid is lower than the position of the head of the first moisturizing liquid accumulated in the first moisturizing liquid reservoir.

  By doing in this way, by adjusting the position of the head of the 1st moisturizing liquid collected in the 1st tank, and the position of the 1st moisturizing liquid storage part, the 1st to the 1st moisturizing cap device Whether or not the moisturizing liquid can be supplied can be controlled. Therefore, it is possible to avoid constantly supplying the first moisturizing liquid to the first moisturizing cap device, and to reduce the consumption of the first moisturizing liquid.

  Application Example 3 In the fluid ejection device according to Application Example 1 or Application Example 2, the first moisturizing cap device includes an absorbing member that can absorb the first moisturizing liquid, and When the moisturizing liquid supply unit supplies the first moisturizing liquid to the first moisturizing cap device, the position of the upper surface of the absorbing member is the position of the first moisturizing liquid accumulated in the first tank. A fluid ejecting apparatus configured to be positioned lower than a water head.

  In this way, the absorbing member can absorb and hold the first moisturizing liquid, and the first moisturizing liquid absorbed by the absorbing member can evaporate to humidify the head. it can.

  Application Example 4 In the fluid ejection device according to Application Example 1 or Application Example 2, the first moisturizing cap device has a hollow shape, and the first moisturizing liquid reservoir is the first moisture retaining device. An upper surface of the recess when the first moisturizing liquid supply unit supplies the first moisturizing liquid to the first moisturizing cap apparatus. Is a fluid ejecting apparatus configured to be lower than the head of the first moisturizing liquid accumulated in the first tank.

  By doing in this way, the 1st moisturizing liquid can be stored in a crevice, and the head can be humidified because the 1st moisturizing liquid stored in the crevice evaporates.

  [Application Example 5] The fluid ejection device according to any one of Application Examples 1 to 4, and further, at least one of the first moisturizing cap device and the first tank is moved up and down. The first moisturizing liquid supply unit lowers the first moisturizing cap device or raises the first tank by using the elevating unit to raise the water head difference. A fluid ejecting apparatus that supplies the first moisturizing liquid stored in the first tank to the first moisturizing cap device by using the above.

  By doing so, the first moisturizing liquid accumulated in the first tank by lowering the first moisturizing cap device using the elevating part or raising the first tank, and the first A water head difference from the first moisturizing liquid stored in the moisturizing liquid storage unit can be generated.

  Application Example 6 The fluid ejecting apparatus according to any one of Application Examples 1 to 5, wherein the fluid is ejected toward the object to be processed in which the head is disposed at a predetermined position. When performing a preliminary discharge process for discharging the fluid separately from the process, a preliminary discharge cap device for receiving the fluid, and a means for moisturizing the preliminary discharge cap device to cover the preliminary discharge cap device A second moisturizing liquid supply unit for supplying the second moisturizing cap apparatus and a second moisturizing liquid for moisturizing the preliminary ejection cap apparatus to the second moisturizing cap apparatus; The second moisturizing liquid supply unit has a second tank for storing the second moisturizing liquid, and the second moisturizing cap device is supplied from the second moisturizing liquid supply unit. The second moisturizing liquid to be stored A second moisturizing liquid storage unit, the preliminary ejection cap device is disposed inside the second moisturizing cap device, and the second moisturizing cap device is the preliminary ejection cap device. The second moisturizing liquid supply unit is configured to be in contact with the bottom of the first moisturizing cap device to take a stacked state, and the second moisturizing liquid supply unit is stored in the second tank. Supplying the second moisturizing liquid stored in the second tank to the second moisturizing cap device by utilizing a water head difference between the moisturizing liquid and the second moisturizing liquid storage unit; Fluid ejection device.

  By doing so, the inside of the second moisturizing cap device can be sufficiently humidified, and drying of the fluid received by the preliminary ejection cap device in the preliminary ejection processing can be suppressed.

  Application Example 7 In the fluid ejecting apparatus according to any one of Application Examples 1 to 6, the fluid is a liquid ejecting apparatus.

  By doing in this way, it can suppress that the liquid adhering to the head dries and thickens or solidifies.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of an ink jet printer that is a fluid ejecting apparatus as an embodiment of the present invention. Explanatory drawing which shows the detailed structure of the home position H1 vicinity in the power-off state in a 1st Example. Explanatory drawing which shows the detailed structure of the home position H1 vicinity during the printing process execution in 1st Example. Explanatory drawing which shows the detailed structure of the home position H1 vicinity in the power-off state in a 2nd Example. Explanatory drawing which shows the detailed structure of the home position H1 vicinity during the printing process execution in 2nd Example. Explanatory drawing which shows the detailed structure of the home position H1 vicinity in the power-off state in a 3rd Example. Explanatory drawing which shows the detailed structure of the home position H1 vicinity during the printing process execution in 3rd Example. Explanatory drawing which shows the detailed structure of the home position H1 vicinity in the power-off state in a 4th Example. Explanatory drawing which shows the detailed structure of the home position H1 vicinity during the printing process execution in 4th Example. Explanatory drawing which shows the detailed structure of the home position H1 vicinity in the suction recovery process execution in a 4th Example. Explanatory drawing which shows the detailed structure of the home position H1 vicinity in the suction recovery process execution in a 4th Example. Explanatory drawing which shows the detailed structure of the moisture retention cap apparatus in a 5th Example. Explanatory drawing which shows the detailed structure of the cap apparatus for moisture retention in a 6th Example. Explanatory drawing which shows the detailed structure of the moisture retention cap apparatus in a 7th Example. Explanatory drawing which shows the detailed structure of the absorber used for the cap for moisture retention in an 8th Example.

Hereinafter, the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described in the following order based on examples.
A. First embodiment:
B. Second embodiment:
C. Third embodiment:
D. Fourth embodiment:
E. Fifth embodiment:
F. Sixth embodiment:
G. Seventh embodiment:
H. Eighth embodiment:
I. Variations:

A. First embodiment:
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of an ink jet printer which is a fluid ejecting apparatus as an embodiment of the present invention. The printer 1000 includes a frame 11, and a platen 25 is disposed on the frame 11. On the platen 25, the printing paper P1 is delivered by a paper feeding mechanism (not shown). The printer 1000 also includes a carriage 10, which is supported by a carriage member 23 so as to be movable in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) of the platen 25, and reciprocates via a timing belt 21 by a carriage motor 23. It is configured to be exercised.

  An ink cartridge 12 is mounted on the carriage 10. Also, an ink jet recording head (not shown) (hereinafter simply referred to as “head”) is mounted below the carriage 10. The carriage 10 moves along the platen 25 to convey a head (not shown) so as to reciprocate on the printing paper P1. At this time, ink is ejected from a head (not shown), and a printing process is executed.

  In the frame 11, an area where ink can be ejected from a head (not shown) (hereinafter referred to as “printing area”) PA is a non-printing area where ink is not ejected. Position H1 is provided. The carriage 10 is configured to be movable between the print area PA and the home position H1.

  At the home position H1, a moisturizing cap device 50, a moisturizing cap device lifting / lowering means 60, a water tank 100, and a water tank lifting / lowering means 110 are arranged. The moisturizing cap device 50 is disposed so as to cover the ejection surface of the head (not shown) when the power is off, for the following reason. After the printing process or flushing process (a process that removes thickened ink by ejecting a predetermined amount of ink from all nozzles separately from the printing process), etc., on the ejection surface of the head (not shown) or inside the nozzle Ink drops may remain attached. In this case, if the ink adhering to the ejection surface or the like dries, the nozzle hole may be blocked and cause ejection failure. Therefore, in order to prevent the ink adhering to the ejection surface and the like from being dried, the ejection surface of the head (not shown) is covered with the moisturizing cap device 50 when the power is turned off.

  The moisturizing cap device lifting / lowering means 60 can move the moisturizing cap device 50 up and down. As the moisturizing cap device lifting / lowering means 60, for example, a known lifting mechanism such as a mechanism combining a motor and a screw screw can be used. Water is stored inside the water tank 100, and moisture for keeping the head moisturized is supplied to the moisturizing cap device 50. As the moisturizing liquid for moisturizing the head, any liquid capable of moisturizing residual ink such as glycerin can be used instead of water.

  FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a detailed configuration near the home position H1 in the power-off state in the first embodiment. When the printer 1000 is turned off, the carriage 10 is disposed at the home position H1. Even when the power is on, the carriage 10 and the moisturizing cap device 50 are in the same arrangement as shown in FIG. 2 in a state where the printing process or the flushing process is not executed (standby state). .

  The water tank 100 and the moisture retention cap device 50 are connected by a tube 102. One end of the tube 102 is connected to the inside of the water tank 100, and the stored water W <b> 1 in the water tank 100 enters the tube 102. Here, the head of the stored water W1 in the water tank 100 is located at a height h1 from the frame bottom surface 11g. Below the water tank 100, a water tank raising / lowering means 110 is disposed. The water tank lifting / lowering means 110 adjusts the position of the water tank 100 so that the head of the stored water W1 maintains the height h1 even when the stored water W1 in the water tank 100 is supplied to the moisture retention cap device 50 and decreases. adjust. As such a water tank raising / lowering means 110, it can be comprised with a spring, for example. In this case, since the weight of the entire water tank 100 decreases as the stored water W1 decreases, the entire water tank 100 rises and the position of the water head can maintain the height h1.

  The moisturizing cap device 50 includes a cap holder 52, a cap portion 54 disposed on the cap holder 52 and projecting in the Z-axis direction, and a sheet-like absorbent material 56 disposed at the bottom of the space surrounded by the cap portion 54. And. The cap holder 52 is connected with a moisturizing cap device lifting / lowering means 60. The cap portion 54 can be made of, for example, synthetic rubber. One end of the tube 102 passes through the cap portion 54 and reaches the absorbent material 56. As the absorbent material 56, for example, any member that can absorb and retain water, such as urethane, PVA (polyvinyl alcohol) sponge, or non-woven fabric, can be used.

  For example, when the carriage 10 returns from the printing area PA to the home position H1 and shifts to the standby state after printing is finished, the moisturizing cap device lifting / lowering means 60 raises the moisturizing cap device 50. Then, the cap part 54 comes into contact with the bottom surface S1 of the carriage 10, and a substantially sealed space AR1 surrounded by the bottom surface S1, the cap part 54, and the absorbent material 56 is formed. At this time, moisture is held in the absorbent material 56, and the moisture evaporates to humidify the space AR1. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the ink remaining in the ejection surface S2 and the nozzle (not shown) of the head 14 from being dried and to suppress the increase in the viscosity of the residual ink.

  Here, in the power-off state (standby state), the height h0 of the upper surface S5 of the absorbent material 56 is higher than the height h1 of the head of the stored water W1 in the water tank 100. Therefore, in this state, the stored water W1 is not supplied as a liquid from the water tank 100 to the moisturizing cap device 50. However, the stored water W <b> 1 that has entered the tube 102 evaporates, and very little water is supplied to the absorbent material 56.

  The above-described moisturizing cap device 50 corresponds to the first moisturizing cap device in the claims. Further, the water tank 100 and the tube 102 are the first moisturizing liquid supply unit in the claims, the water tank 100 is the first tank in the claims, the water tank elevating means 110 and the moisturizing cap apparatus elevating means 60 are It corresponds to the elevating part in the claims. Moreover, the absorbent material 56 or the cap part 54 or the cap holder 52 functions as a first moisturizing liquid storage part in the claims.

  FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a detailed configuration near the home position H1 during execution of the printing process in the first embodiment. When shifting from the standby state (FIG. 2) to the execution state of the printing process, the moisturizing cap device lifting / lowering means 60 lowers the moisturizing cap device 50. Then, the carriage 10 (FIG. 1) moves to the print area PA. Here, the moisturizing cap device lifting / lowering means 60 (FIG. 3) is configured so that the position of the upper surface S5 (FIG. 3) of the absorbent material 56 becomes a height h2 lower than the height h1 of the stored water W1. 50 is lowered. Then, the stored water W1 flows from the water tank 100 to the absorbent 56 due to the water head difference d1 (h1-h2) between the stored water W1 and the absorbent 56 (the head of water absorbed by the absorbent 56). When water is held only on the lower side of the absorbent material 56, the water head difference is larger than the water head difference between the upper surface S5 of the absorbent material 56 and the stored water W1. Even in this case, the stored water W1 flows into the absorbent material 56 due to the water head difference. Thus, even if water is lost by evaporation from the absorbent material 56 in the power-off state and standby state (FIG. 2), water is supplied from the water tank 100 to the absorbent material 56 during execution of the printing process.

  As described above, in the printer 1000, when the moisturizing cap device 50 is lowered before the carriage 10 is moved for printing processing, the upper surface S5 of the absorbent material 56 is the head of the stored water W1 in the water tank 100. It is comprised so that it may become a lower position. Therefore, a water head difference occurs between the absorbent material 56 and the stored water W1, and the stored water W1 can be supplied to the absorbent material 56 using this water head difference. Therefore, a large amount of water can be supplied to the moisturizing cap device 50, and the space AR1 inside the moisturizing cap device 50 can be sufficiently humidified.

B. Second embodiment:
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a detailed configuration near the home position H1 in the power-off state in the second embodiment. The printer of the second embodiment is different from the printer 1000 (FIGS. 1 to 3) in the configuration of the moisturizing cap device, and other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment.

  Specifically, the moisturizing cap device 50a in the second embodiment does not include an absorbent material inside. Further, the cap holder 52 is formed with a concave portion 57 in a portion facing the space surrounded by the cap portion 54. In the power-off state and the standby state, water as a moisturizing liquid is stored in the recess 57 as the stored water W2. The stored water W2 evaporates in the substantially sealed space AR2 surrounded by the bottom surface S1, the cap portion 54, and the cap holder 52 of the head 14, and humidifies the head 14. At this time, the position of the upper surface of the recess 57 (the surface of the cap holder 52 facing the space AR2) is configured to be a height h10 higher than the height h11 of the stored water W1 in the water tank 100. Accordingly, the stored water W <b> 1 is not supplied from the water tank 100 to the moisturizing cap device 50.

  FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a detailed configuration near the home position H1 during execution of the printing process in the second embodiment. Similarly to the first embodiment, the carriage 10 moves to the printing area PA during the printing process, and the moisturizing cap device lifting / lowering means 60 lowers the moisturizing cap device 50a. At this time, the moisturizing cap device lifting / lowering means 60 is used for moisturizing so that the position of the upper surface of the recess 57 (the surface of the cap holder 52 facing the space AR2) becomes a height h12 lower than the height h11 of the stored water W1. The cap device 50a is lowered. Then, a water head difference d2 (h11-h12) is generated between the stored water W1 and the upper surface of the recess 57, and the stored water W1 is supplied from the water tank 100 to the moisturizing cap device 50 via the tube 102. Become. At this time, it can also comprise so that the stored water W1 may be supplied exceeding the storable amount of the recessed part 57. FIG. In this case, the stored water W <b> 1 supplied to the moisturizing cap device 50 is collected in other portions surrounded by the cap portion 54 in addition to the concave portion 57. It should be noted that the distance by which the moisture retention cap device 50a is lowered and the storage amount of the stored water W1 in the water tank 100 can be obtained in advance by experiments so that the stored water W1 does not overflow from the cap portion 54.

  Then, when the power is turned off (standby state) next, the moisturizing cap device 50a is raised and disposed at the position shown in FIG. Then, since the position (height h10) of the upper surface of the recess 57 (the upper surface of the cap holder 52) is higher than the height h11 of the stored water W1 in the water tank 100, the stored water W1 accumulated in the cap portion 54 is The water is discharged into the water tank 100 through the tube 102. However, the stored water W2 collected in the recess 57 remains without being discharged into the water tank 100. Therefore, in the power-off state (standby state), the stored water W2 evaporates and humidifies the space AR2, and drying of ink attached to the ejection surface S2 and the like can be suppressed.

  As described above, also in the second embodiment, the stored water W1 is supplied to the moisturizing cap device 50a using the water head difference d2 between the stored water W1 in the water tank 100 and the recess 57. I have to. Therefore, the printer in the second embodiment has the same effect as the printer 1000 in the first embodiment.

C. Third embodiment:
FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a detailed configuration near the home position H1 in the power-off state in the third embodiment. The printer in the third embodiment is different from the printer 1000 (FIGS. 1 to 3) in that the height of the water head in the water tank is not constant, and the other configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment.

  Specifically, under the water tank 100a in the third embodiment, instead of the water tank lifting / lowering means 110 (FIG. 2) constituted by a spring or the like as the lifting / lowering means, a moisturizing cap device lifting / lowering means 60 and Similar lifting / lowering means 150 is arranged. In the power off state (standby state), the position of the upper surface S5 of the absorbent 56 in the moisture retention cap device 50 is a height h10 that is higher than the height h21 of the head of the stored water W1 in the water tank 100a. Accordingly, similarly to the first embodiment, the stored water W1 is not supplied from the water tank 100a to the moisturizing cap device 50.

  FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a detailed configuration in the vicinity of the home position H1 during execution of the printing process in the third embodiment. As in the first embodiment, during the execution of the printing process, the carriage 10 moves to the printing area PA, and the moisturizing cap device lifting / lowering means 60 lowers the moisturizing cap device 50. And the raising / lowering means 150 raises the water tank 100a. Then, when the upper surface S5 of the absorbent material 56 becomes the height h22 and the head of the stored water W1 in the water tank 100a becomes the height h23, the descent of the moisture retention cap device 50 and the rise of the water tank 100a are stopped. To do. At this time, a water head difference d3 (h23-h22) occurs between the absorbent material 56 and the stored water W1 in the water tank 100a, and the stored water W1 flows into the absorbent material 56. After that, when shifting to the power-off state (standby state), the elevating means 150 lowers the water tank 100a, and the moisturizing cap apparatus elevating means 60 raises the moisturizing cap apparatus 50.

  As described above, also in the third embodiment, the stored water W1 is supplied to the moisturizing cap device 50 using the water head difference between the stored water W1 in the water tank 100a and the absorbent material 56. I have to. Therefore, the printer in the third embodiment has the same effect as the printer 1000 in the first embodiment. The amount of the stored water W1 in the water tank 100a decreases as it is supplied to the moisturizing cap device 50. Therefore, during the printing process, the distance of the water tank 100a to be raised is gradually increased so that the position of the head of the stored water W1 in the water tank 100a is the position of the upper surface S5 of the absorbent 56 in the moisturizing cap device 50. It can also be made higher.

D. Fourth embodiment:
FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing a detailed configuration near the home position H1 in the power-off state in the fourth embodiment. The printer according to the fourth embodiment is different from the printer 1000 (FIGS. 1 to 3) in the following four points, and other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment. That is, as a cap device, in addition to a moisturizing cap device 50 (hereinafter referred to as a first moisturizing cap device 50), a suction recovery cap device 300 and a second moisturizing cap device 200 are provided. A point having a water tank 400 for supplying water as a moisturizing liquid to the second moisturizing cap device 200, a point having a moving mechanism 500 instead of the moisturizing cap device lifting means 60, The printer 1000 is different from the printer 1000 in that a pump 320 for setting the inside of the suction recovery cap device 300 to a negative pressure is provided.

  In the printer according to the fourth embodiment, a suction recovery process for removing ink remaining in the nozzles of the head 14 by suction is performed separately from the printing process. When the suction recovery process is executed, the suction recovery cap device 300 receives the ink discharged from the nozzles covering the discharge surface S2 of the head 14. In addition, the pump 320 forcibly discharges the residual ink in the nozzle through the tube 310 using the suction recovery cap device 300 as a negative pressure.

  The second moisturizing cap device 200 is a cap device for moisturizing the suction recovery cap device 300. The reason why the suction recovery cap device 300 is moisturized is as follows. If the suction recovery cap device 300 is not moisturized, the ink ejected into the suction recovery cap device 300 in the suction recovery process will be dried and thickened. Then, clogging of the ink adsorbing member (sponge or the like) arranged in the suction recovery cap device 300 occurs, leading to a decrease in the ink adsorption capability and a decrease in the suction force of the nozzle. is there.

  The second moisturizing cap device 200 has substantially the same configuration as the first moisturizing cap device 50. That is, the second moisturizing cap device 200 includes a cap holder 202, a cap portion 204, and an absorbent material 206. A support member 305 is disposed at the center of the absorbent material 206, and a suction recovery cap device 300 is disposed above the support member 305. The configuration of the suction recovery cap device 300 is different from the first moisturizing cap device 50 in that it is not connected to the water tank and is connected to the pump 320, and the other configurations are the same.

  The first moisturizing cap device 50 is supported from below by two support members 58a and 58b. The two support members 58a and 58b are connected to the moving mechanism 500 via a slide hole 550 provided in the frame 11 (FIG. 1). The moving mechanism 500 moves the two support members 58a and 58b up and down. By sliding left and right, the first moisturizing cap device 50 can be moved vertically and horizontally. The moving mechanism 500 is disposed behind the slide hole 550 (outside the frame 11).

  Similarly, the second moisturizing cap device 200 is supported from below by two support members 208a and 208b. These two support members 208a and 208b are connected to the moving mechanism 500 through a slide hole 550. The moving mechanism 500 can move the second moisturizing cap device 200 up and down by sliding the two support members 208a and 208b up and down.

  In the water tank 400, water as a moisturizing liquid is stored as stored water W3. Similar to the water tank 100, the water tank 400 is connected to the second moisturizing cap device 200 (absorbing material 206) via the tube 402, and below the water tank 400 is a water tank lifting / lowering means. 410 is arranged. Similar to the water tank lifting / lowering means 110, the water tank lifting / lowering means 410 adjusts the position of the water tank 400 so that the head of the stored water W3 in the water tank 400 maintains the height h41.

  The suction recovery process described above corresponds to the preliminary ejection process in the claims. Further, the printing process is the effective ejection process in the claims, the suction recovery cap device 300 is the preliminary ejection cap device in the claims, and the second moisture retention cap device 200 is the second moisture retention cap device in the claims. The stored water W3 is in the second moisturizing liquid in the claims, the water tank 400 and the tube 402 are in the second moisturizing liquid supply section in the claims, and the absorbent 206 is in the second moisturizing liquid storage section in the claims. , Respectively.

  In the power-off state and standby state, the first moisturizing cap device 50 contacts the bottom surface S1 of the carriage 10, and a substantially sealed space AR1 is formed as in the first embodiment. Then, drying of ink adhering to the ejection surface S2 of the head 14 due to evaporation of moisture from the absorbent material 56 is suppressed. At this time, since the height h0 of the upper surface S5 of the absorbent material 56 is higher than the height h31 of the head of the stored water W1 in the water tank 100, the first moisture retention from the water tank 100 is similar to the first embodiment. The stored water W1 is not supplied to the cap device 50.

  The second moisturizing cap device 200 is also in contact with the bottom surface of the first moisturizing cap device 50 (the bottom surface of the cap holder 52) by the cap portion 204. Therefore, a substantially sealed space AR3 surrounded by the bottom surface of the cap holder 52, the cap portion 204, and the absorbent 206 is formed. The space AR3 is humidified by evaporating the moisture absorbed by the absorbent 206, and drying of the ink ejected into the suction recovery cap device 300 can be suppressed. In the power-off state (standby state), the height h40 of the upper surface S3 of the absorbent material 206 is higher than the height h41 of the head of the stored water W3 in the water tank 400. The stored water W3 is not supplied.

  FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a detailed configuration in the vicinity of the home position H1 during execution of the printing process in the fourth embodiment. At the start of the printing process, the moving mechanism 500 simultaneously lowers the first moisturizing cap device 50 and the second moisturizing cap device 200 at the same speed. As a result, the space AR3 is not opened and the humidity in the space AR3 is maintained. At this time, the moving mechanism 500 is configured so that the height h32 of the upper surface S5 of the absorbent material 56 of the first moisturizing cap device 50 is lower than the height h31 of the head of the stored water W1 in the water tank 100. The first moisturizing cap device 50 (and the second moisturizing cap device 200) is lowered. Therefore, a water head difference d4 (h31-h32) occurs between the absorbent material 56 and the head of the stored water W1 in the water tank 100, and the stored water W1 is supplied from the water tank 100 to the moisturizing cap device 50. It becomes.

  At this time, in the second moisturizing cap device 200, the position of the upper surface S3 of the absorbent 206 is a height h42 higher than the height h41 of the head of the stored water W3 in the water tank 400. Therefore, the stored water W3 is not supplied from the water tank 400 to the second moisture retention cap device 200.

  FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a detailed configuration near the home position H1 during execution of the suction recovery process in the fourth embodiment. When shifting from the standby state (FIG. 8) to the suction recovery process, the moving mechanism 500 first lowers the first moisturizing cap device 50 and the second moisturizing cap device 200 slightly. Thereafter, the moving mechanism 500 moves the first moisturizing cap device 50 to the left from the home position H1, and further lowers the second moisturizing cap device 200 at the home position H1. At this time, the moving mechanism 500 lowers the second moisturizing cap device 200 so that the height h43 of the upper surface S3 of the absorbent material 206 is lower than the height h41 of the head of the stored water W3 in the water tank 400. . Then, a water head difference d5 (h41-h43) is generated between the absorbent material 206 and the stored water W3 in the water tank 400, and the stored water W3 is transferred from the water tank 400 to the second moisturizing cap device 200 (absorbent material 206). Is supplied.

  FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a detailed configuration near the home position H1 during execution of the suction recovery process in the fourth embodiment. In addition, in FIG. 11, the state after time is shown compared with the state shown in FIG. The movement mechanism 500 lowers the second moisturizing cap device 200 to the position shown in FIG. 10 and supplies the stored water W3 to the absorbent 206, and then raises the second moisturizing cap device 200. Then, when the cap portion 204 of the second moisturizing cap device 200 comes into contact with the bottom surface S <b> 1 of the carriage 10, the moving mechanism 500 stops the rising of the second moisturizing cap device 200. Then, the pump 320 sucks the residual ink from the nozzles (not shown) of the head 14 using the suction recovery cap device 300 as a negative pressure. At this time, the height h44 of the upper surface S3 of the absorbent material 206 is configured to be higher than the head height h41 of the stored water W3 in the water tank 400, and the stored water W3 is not supplied to the absorbent material 206. .

  As described above, also in the fourth embodiment, the stored water W1 is supplied to the moisturizing cap device 50 using the water head difference d4 between the stored water W1 in the water tank 100 and the absorbent material 56. I am doing so. Therefore, the printer in the fourth embodiment has the same effect as the printer 1000 in the first embodiment. In addition to the power-off state (standby state), the suction recovery cap device 300 is covered and moisturized by the second moisturizing cap device 200 even during printing processing. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the drying of the ink ejected into the suction recovery cap device 300 in the suction recovery processing, and to suppress the decrease in the ink adsorption capability and the decrease in the suction force of the nozzle in the suction recovery cap device 300. it can. In addition, since the stored water W3 is supplied to the second moisturizing cap device 200 using the water head difference d5 between the stored water W3 in the water tank 400 and the absorbent 206, the second moisturizing cap. The spaces AR3 and AR4 inside the apparatus 200 can be sufficiently humidified.

E. Fifth embodiment:
FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing a detailed configuration of the moisture retention cap device according to the fifth embodiment. In FIG. 12, for convenience of explanation, a part of the front wall surface of the moisture retention cap device 50 b is omitted. The printer of the fifth embodiment is different from the printer 1000 (FIGS. 1 to 3) in the configuration of the moisturizing cap device 50b, and the other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment.

  Specifically, the moisturizing cap device 50b includes a bowl-shaped cap holder 52b, a cap portion 54a formed along an upper end portion of the cap holder 52b, and an absorbent material 56a disposed inside the cap holder 52b. It has. As the cap part 54a, it can be comprised with elastic members, such as rubber | gum, for example. Here, the absorbent material 56a has a sheet-like shape in which a plate-like member made of urethane or the like is formed into a concavo-convex shape (spangled), and is disposed at the bottom inside the cap holder 52b.

  When the stored water W1 in the water tank 100 is supplied to the moisturizing cap device 50b, in the example of FIG. 12, a part (valley part) of the absorbent material 56a is stored in the stored water W4 accumulated in the cap holder 52b. I'm immersed. And the stored water W4 absorbed in the trough of the absorbent material 56a rises up the peak of the absorbent material 56a by the capillary force and diffuses throughout the absorbent material 56a. In the power-off state (standby state), the stored water W4 absorbed by the absorbent material 56a evaporates and humidifies the inside of the cap holder 52b. In the fifth embodiment, the cap holders 52b and 56a correspond to the first moisturizing liquid reservoir in the claims.

  In this way, in the moisture retention cap device 50b, the absorbent material 56a has an uneven shape (a zigzag shape), so that the surface area can be increased compared to a configuration in which the absorbent material is a flat plate. . Therefore, the amount of moisture evaporation per unit time can be increased as compared with the configuration in which the absorbent material is a flat plate, and the space inside the cap holder 52b can be made high humidity in a shorter time. Note that the absorbent material 56a is not limited to a zigzag shape, but can be any irregular shape that has a larger surface area than the planar shape. Further, the above-described moisturizing cap device 50b can be applied to the printers of the third and fourth embodiments.

F. Sixth embodiment:
FIG. 13 is an explanatory view showing a detailed configuration of the moisture retention cap device according to the sixth embodiment. In the printer of the sixth embodiment, the moisturizing cap device 50c does not include the absorbent material 56a, the point that the bottom surface 55 inside the cap holder 52c is uneven, and the fine grooves in the vertical direction over the entire surface of the bottom surface 55. Unlike the printer of the fifth embodiment, the other configurations are the same as those of the fifth embodiment. In the sixth embodiment, the cap holder 52c corresponds to the first moisturizing liquid reservoir in the claims.

  Even in such a configuration, as in the fifth embodiment, compared to the configuration in which the bottom surface of the absorbent material or the cap holder is a flat plate, the portion in contact with the stored water W4 in the cap holder 52c and the power off The surface area of the portion where the stored water W4 evaporates in a state or the like can be further increased. Therefore, the space inside the cap holder 52c can be made high humidity in a relatively short time. The above-described moisturizing cap device 50c can also be applied to the printers of the first to fourth embodiments.

G. Seventh embodiment:
FIG. 14 is an explanatory view showing a detailed configuration of the moisture retention cap device according to the seventh embodiment. Unlike the printer of the sixth embodiment, the printer of the seventh embodiment differs from the printer of the sixth embodiment in that the side surface 56c of the surface inside the cap holder 52d of the moisturizing cap device 50d has an uneven shape. This is the same as the sixth embodiment. The printer of the seventh embodiment having such a configuration has the same effects as the printer of the sixth embodiment. The moisturizing cap device 50d can also be applied to the printers of the first to fifth embodiments. In the seventh embodiment, the cap holder 52d corresponds to the first moisturizing liquid reservoir in the claims.

H. Eighth embodiment:
FIG. 15 is an explanatory view showing a detailed configuration of an absorbent material used for a moisture retention cap in the eighth embodiment. The printer of the eighth embodiment is different from the printer 1000 (FIGS. 1 to 3) in the shape of the absorbent material, and the other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment.

  Specifically, the absorbent material 56d of the eighth embodiment resembles a so-called honeycomb structure in which a large number of sheets 59 in which plate-like absorbent members similar to those of the fifth embodiment are folded are arranged in the Y-axis direction. It has a configuration. Since the absorbent material 56d has such a shape, the surface area of the absorbent material 56d can be made relatively large, the amount of moisture evaporated per unit time can be increased, and the space AR1 inside the cap holder 52 can be made shorter. High humidity can be achieved over time. In the eighth embodiment, the cap part 54 (FIG. 2) and the absorbent material 56d (FIG. 15) correspond to the first moisturizing liquid storage part in the claims. The absorbent material 56d can also be applied to the printers of the third and fourth embodiments.

I. Variations:
In addition, elements other than the elements claimed in the independent claims among the constituent elements in the above embodiments are additional elements and can be omitted as appropriate. The present invention is not limited to the above-described examples and embodiments, and can be implemented in various modes without departing from the gist thereof. For example, the following modifications are possible.

I1. Modification 1:
In each of the above-described embodiments, in the power-off state (standby state), the height of the upper surface of the absorbent material (first embodiment or the like) or the height of the upper surface of the recess 57 (second embodiment), that is, moisture retention. The position of the head of the water accumulated inside the cap device for water is higher than the position of the head of the stored water W1 in the water tank. A position can also be made below into the position of the head of the stored water W1. Even in such a case, for example, in the first embodiment, the head of the stored water W1 in the water tank 100 (FIG. 2) is located between the upper surface S5 of the absorbent material 56 and the discharge surface S2 of the head 14. If configured to be positioned, the head 14 is not immersed in water in the power-off state (standby state). That is, in general, when the stored water W1 (moisturizing liquid) in the water tank is supplied to the moisturizing cap device, the position of the head of the stored water W1 in the water tank is the water accumulated in the moisturizing cap device. Any configuration higher than the position of the water head can be applied to the fluid ejection device of the present invention.

I2. Modification 2:
In the fourth embodiment described above, the cap device used as the preliminary discharge cap device is the suction recovery cap device 300. However, instead of the suction recovery cap device 300 or together with the suction recovery cap device 300, flushing is performed. A box (not shown) can also be used. Here, the flushing box is a cap device for receiving ink ejected when performing a so-called flushing operation in which a predetermined amount of ink is ejected from all nozzles to remove thickened ink and the like. That is, in general, any cap device for the preliminary discharge process can be used in the fluid ejecting apparatus of the present invention.

I3. Modification 3:
In each of the above-described embodiments, the water tank lifting / lowering means 110 and 410 are used in order to make the position of the head of the stored water W1 in the water tanks 100 and 100a or the stored water W3 in the water tank 400 substantially constant. However, instead of these, it is possible to supply water to the water tanks 100, 100a, 400 by the reduced amount using a pump. In such a case, for example, a predetermined amount of water can be supplied at regular time intervals by a pump.

I4. Modification 4:
In each of the above-described embodiments, the timing at which water is supplied from the water tanks 100 and 100a to the moisturizing cap devices 50 and 50a to 50d is during the execution of the printing process or the suction recovery process (fourth embodiment). However, instead of this, a timing for performing the water supply process may be provided separately from the timing for executing the printing process and the suction recovery process. Specifically, the moisture retention cap devices 50 and 50a to 50d can be lowered or the water tank 100a can be raised at any timing when the printing process and the suction recovery process are not performed.

I5. Modification 5:
In each of the above-described embodiments, the moisturizing cap devices 50 and 50a to 50d are in contact with the bottom surface S1 of the carriage 10 in the power-off state (standby state). It can also be the surface S2. Even in this case, the cap portion 54 is disposed so as to surround the region of the ejection surface S2 where the nozzle ejection holes are formed, so that drying of the ink adhering to the vicinity of the nozzles can be suppressed.

I6. Modification 6:
In each of the above-described embodiments, the number of heads 14 provided on the bottom surface S1 of the carriage 10 is one, but it may be two or more instead. Even in this case, the moisturizing cap devices 50 and 50a to 50d cover at least a part of the plurality of heads, so that drying of the residual ink in the covered heads can be suppressed. Further, in this case, when a plurality of suction recovery cap devices 300 (FIG. 8) are provided corresponding to each of the plurality of heads, the second moisturizing cap device 200 performs the plurality of suction operations. It is also possible to cover at least a part of the recovery cap device 300.

I7. Modification 7:
In the second embodiment described above, only one recess 57 is formed on the upper surface of the cap holder 52, but the number of recesses is not limited to one, and a plurality of recesses may be provided. Further, a sponge such as urethane may be disposed in the recess 57. That is, in general, any moisturizing head cap device having a moisturizing liquid reservoir for accumulating water (humidifying liquid) supplied from the water tanks 100 and 100a can be used in the fluid ejecting apparatus of the present invention. .

I8. Modification 8:
In the above-described third embodiment, during the printing process, the moisture retaining cap device 50 is lowered and the water tank 100a is raised to generate the water head difference d3. However, the water tank 100a is raised. It can also be configured to generate a hydraulic head difference only. In this case, the position of the moisturizing cap device 50 during execution of the printing process remains in the position in the power-off state (standby state), and thus becomes an obstacle when the carriage 10 moves to the printing area PA. Therefore, for example, the carriage 10 can be lifted together with the guide member 24, and the carriage 10 can be moved to the printing area PA to perform the printing process.

I9. Modification 9:
In each of the embodiments described above, the water tanks 100 and 100a are lowered or the moisturizing cap devices 50 and 50a to 50d are raised in order to cause a water head difference. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Absent. For example, the position of the water tank and the moisturizing cap device can be left as they are, and the head of the stored water in the water tank can be raised only when water is supplied to the moisturizing cap device. As such a configuration, for example, using a pump, water is supplied to the water tank to raise the head of the stored water W1, or water is discharged from the water tank to lower the head of the stored water W1. Can produce a head differential. That is, in general, any configuration capable of causing a head difference between water (moisturizing liquid) in the water tank and water in the moisturizing cap device can be applied to the fluid ejecting apparatus of the present invention.

I10. Modification 10:
In each of the above-described embodiments, the ink jet printer has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the fluid other than ink (a liquid in which particles of liquid or functional material are dispersed, or a fluid as a fluid) The present invention can be applied to any fluid ejecting apparatus that ejects a solid (including a solid that can be ejected). For example, the present invention is applied to a liquid material ejecting apparatus that ejects a liquid material that contains a material such as an electrode material or a color material used in the manufacture of a liquid crystal display, an EL (electroluminescence) display, or a surface emitting display in a dispersed or dissolved state. You can also. In addition, a liquid injection device that injects bio-organic matter used in biochip manufacturing, a liquid injection device that injects a sample liquid that is used as a precision pipette, and a precision device such as a watch or a camera. Etching the liquid ejecting device that injects a transparent resin liquid such as ultraviolet curable resin onto the substrate to form a liquid ejecting device that performs, a micro hemispherical lens (optical lens) used for optical communication elements, etc. Therefore, the present invention can also be applied to a liquid ejecting apparatus that ejects an etching solution such as acid or alkali, or an ejecting apparatus that ejects a solid such as toner.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Carriage, 11 ... Frame, 11g ... Frame bottom surface, 12 ... Ink cartridge, 14 ... Head, 21 ... Timing belt, 23 ... Carriage motor, 24 ... Guide member, 25 ... Platen, 50 ... Moisturizing cap device (first , 50a, 50b, 50c, 50d ... Moisturizing cap device, 52, 52b, 52c, 52d ... Cap holder, 54, 54a ... Cap portion, 55 ... Bottom, 56d ... Side, 56, 56a, 56d ... Absorbing material, 57 ... Recess, 58a ... Support member, 59 ... Sheet, 60 ... Moisturizing cap device elevating means, 100, 100a ... Water tank, 102 ... Tube, 110 ... Water tank elevating means, 150 ... Elevating means, 200 ... second moisturizing cap device, 202 ... cap holder, 204 ... cap portion, 206 ... Collecting material, 208a ... support member, 300 ... cap device for suction recovery, 305 ... support member, 310 ... tube, 320 ... pump, 400 ... water tank, 402 ... tube, 410 ... water tank lifting means, 500 ... moving mechanism, 550 ... Slide hole, 1000 ... Printer, P1 ... Print paper, H1 ... Home position, W1-W4 ... Reserved water, d1-d5 ... Water head difference, S2 ... Discharge surface, S3 ... Upper surface, S5 ... Upper surface, PA ... Print Area, AR1, AR2, AR3 ... space.

Claims (7)

A fluid ejecting apparatus for ejecting a fluid,
A head for ejecting the fluid;
A first moisturizing cap device for covering the head and moisturizing the head;
A first moisturizing liquid supply unit for supplying a first moisturizing liquid for moisturizing the head when the first moisturizing cap apparatus covers the head to the first moisturizing cap apparatus. When,
With
The first moisturizing liquid supply unit has a first tank for storing the first moisturizing liquid,
The first moisturizing cap device has a first moisturizing liquid storage section for storing the first moisturizing liquid supplied from the first moisturizing liquid supply section,
The first moisturizing liquid supply unit uses the water head difference between the first moisturizing liquid stored in the first tank and the first moisturizing liquid storage unit to supply the first tank to the first tank. A fluid ejection device that supplies the stored first moisturizing liquid to the first moisturizing cap device. The fluid ejection device according to claim 1,
When the first moisturizing liquid supply unit supplies the first moisturizing liquid stored in the first tank to the first moisturizing cap device, the first moisturizing liquid stored in the first tank is stored in the first tank. The position of the water head of the first moisturizing liquid is higher than the position of the water head of the first moisturizing liquid stored in the first moisturizing liquid reservoir;
When the first moisturizing liquid supply unit does not supply the first moisturizing liquid stored in the first tank to the first moisturizing cap device, the first moisturizing liquid stored in the first tank is stored in the first tank. The fluid ejecting apparatus is configured such that the position of the head of one moisturizing liquid is lower than the position of the head of the first moisturizing liquid stored in the first moisturizing liquid reservoir. The fluid ejection device according to claim 1 or 2,
The first moisturizing cap device has an absorbent member capable of absorbing the first moisturizing liquid,
When the first moisturizing liquid supply unit supplies the first moisturizing liquid to the first moisturizing cap device, the position of the upper surface of the absorbing member is the first tank accumulated in the first tank. A fluid ejecting apparatus configured to be lower than the head of the moisturizing liquid. The fluid ejection device according to claim 1 or 2,
The first moisturizing cap device has a hollow shape,
The first moisturizing liquid reservoir is configured as a recess formed in the bottom inside the first moisturizing cap device,
When the first moisturizing liquid supply unit supplies the first moisturizing liquid to the first moisturizing cap device, the position of the upper surface of the recess is the first tank accumulated in the first tank. A fluid ejecting apparatus configured to be at a position lower than the head of the moisturizing liquid. The fluid ejection device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising:
An elevating part for elevating and lowering at least one of the first moisturizing cap device and the first tank;
The first moisturizing liquid supply unit uses the water head difference to lower the first moisturizing cap device by using the elevating unit or to raise the first tank. A fluid ejection device that supplies the first moisturizing liquid stored in a tank to the first moisturizing cap device. The fluid ejection device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising:
The preliminary discharge cap device for receiving the fluid when performing the preliminary discharge process for discharging the fluid separately from the effective discharge process for discharging the fluid toward the processing target disposed at a predetermined position. When,
A second moisturizing cap device for covering the preliminary ejection cap device and moisturizing the preliminary ejection cap device;
A second moisturizing liquid supply unit for supplying a second moisturizing liquid for moisturizing the preliminary ejection cap apparatus to the second moisturizing cap apparatus;
With
The second moisturizing liquid supply unit has a second tank for storing the second moisturizing liquid,
The second moisturizing cap device has a second moisturizing liquid storage section for storing the second moisturizing liquid supplied from the second moisturizing liquid supply section,
The preliminary ejection cap device is disposed inside the second moisturizing cap device,
The second moisturizing cap device is configured to be in contact with the bottom of the first moisturizing cap device and take a stacked state to moisturize the preliminary discharge cap device.
The second moisturizing liquid supply unit uses a water head difference between the second moisturizing liquid stored in the second tank and the second moisturizing liquid storage unit to supply the second tank. A fluid ejecting apparatus that supplies the stored second moisturizing liquid to the second moisturizing cap apparatus. The fluid ejection device according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
The fluid ejecting apparatus, wherein the fluid is a liquid.

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