JP2012179780A - Maintenance method, and liquid ejection device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a maintenance method which can perform a desired cleaning operation, and a liquid ejection device.SOLUTION: It is determined whether or not an amount of liquid accumulated in a liquid accumulation part reaches a prescribed amount or larger when a first signal for indicating the execution of second cleaning different from first cleaning is inputted into the liquid ejection device, it is determined whether or not the first cleaning is executed when the amount reaches the prescribed amount or larger, the second cleaning is executed on the basis of the first signal when it is determined that the first cleaning has been executed, and the first cleaning is executed in place of the second cleaning when it is determined that the first cleaning has not been executed. Thus, the shortage of the liquid used for the first cleaning can be avoided. By this, the desired cleaning operation can be performed.

Description

  The present invention relates to a maintenance method and a liquid ejecting apparatus.

  As a liquid ejecting apparatus, an ink jet recording apparatus that ejects ink from a nozzle of an ejecting head onto a recording medium is known. In such an ink jet recording apparatus, the ejection speed and ejection amount of ink from the nozzles change with the passage of time, and the ejection state of ink changes. For this reason, in order to maintain the ejection speed and ejection amount of the ink within a desired range, a cleaning operation such as a suction operation or a flushing operation for discharging the ink from the ejection head is periodically performed (for example, , See Patent Document 1).

JP 11-320912 A

  However, in a cleaning operation performed periodically in this way, a certain amount of ink is consumed. For this reason, if the amount of ink stored in the ink cartridge is less than the amount of ink consumed in the cleaning operation at the timing of performing the cleaning operation, the ink is insufficient and it is difficult to perform the intended cleaning operation. It becomes. If the cleaning operation is not performed in this way, there may be a problem that the ink in the nozzles is thickened or the ink jetting property is deteriorated due to the mixing of bubbles.

  In view of the circumstances as described above, an object of the present invention is to provide a maintenance method and a liquid ejecting apparatus capable of performing an intended cleaning operation.

  A maintenance method according to the present invention includes a liquid ejecting head having a nozzle forming surface on which a nozzle for ejecting a liquid supplied from a liquid storage portion is formed, and a cap portion that receives the liquid discharged from the nozzle. A maintenance method for maintaining the liquid ejecting head in the liquid ejecting apparatus, wherein the first cleaning determining step determines whether or not to perform the first cleaning for discharging the liquid from the nozzle to the cap portion; A first liquid amount determination step for determining whether or not the amount of the liquid stored in the liquid storage portion is equal to or larger than a predetermined amount when it is determined in the first cleaning determination step that the first cleaning is performed; The first cleaning is performed when it is determined in the first liquid amount determination step that the amount is not less than the predetermined amount. When it is determined that the amount is less than the predetermined amount, the first cleaning step in which the first cleaning is not executed, and the execution of the second cleaning different from the first cleaning is instructed after the first cleaning step. A second liquid amount determination step of determining whether or not the amount of the liquid stored in the liquid storage portion is equal to or greater than the predetermined amount when the first signal is input to the liquid ejecting apparatus; A second cleaning determination step for determining whether or not the first cleaning has been executed in the first cleaning step when it is determined that the amount is equal to or greater than the predetermined amount in the two liquid amount determination step; and the second cleaning determination In the step, when it is determined that the first cleaning is performed, the second cleaning is performed based on the first signal, and the first cleaning is performed. When it is determined that not running grayed and a second cleaning step of performing the first cleaning in place of the second cleaning.

  According to the present invention, when the first signal instructing execution of the second cleaning different from the first cleaning is input to the liquid ejecting apparatus, the amount of the liquid stored in the liquid storage unit is determined. It is determined whether or not the amount is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount. When it is determined that the amount is equal to or greater than the predetermined amount, it is determined whether or not the first cleaning has been performed. The second cleaning is executed based on the first cleaning, and when it is determined that the first cleaning is not executed, the first cleaning is executed instead of the second cleaning, so that the first cleaning is used. Insufficient liquid can be avoided. Thereby, an intended cleaning operation can be performed.

In the maintenance method, after the first cleaning step, when the second signal different from the first signal instructing execution of the second cleaning is input to the liquid ejecting apparatus, the liquid When it is determined that the amount of the liquid stored in the storage unit is equal to or greater than the predetermined amount in the third liquid amount determination step and the third liquid amount determination step. When it is determined that the first cleaning is executed in the third cleaning determination step and the third cleaning determination step that determines whether or not the first cleaning is executed in the first cleaning step, If it is determined that the liquid is ejected from the liquid jet head based on the second signal and it is determined that the liquid is not being executed, a third cleaning process that executes the first cleaning is performed. Further comprising a door.
According to the present invention, when a second signal different from the first signal instructing execution of the second cleaning is input to the liquid ejecting apparatus, the amount of liquid stored in the liquid storage unit is determined. It is determined whether or not the amount is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount. When it is determined that the amount is equal to or greater than the predetermined amount, it is determined whether or not the first cleaning is performed. When it is determined that the liquid is ejected from the liquid ejecting head based on the signal and the first cleaning is not performed, a sufficient cleaning operation can be performed without running out of liquid. it can. Thereby, a favorable injection operation can be performed.

In the third cleaning step, the maintenance method includes a fourth liquid amount determination step that determines whether or not the amount of the liquid stored in the liquid storage portion is equal to or greater than the predetermined amount, and the fourth liquid amount. When it is determined in the determination step that the amount is not less than the predetermined amount, the first cleaning is executed.
According to the present invention, in the third cleaning step, it is determined whether or not the amount of the liquid stored in the liquid storage portion is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount. As a result, it is possible to perform a sufficient cleaning operation without running out of liquid. Thereby, a favorable injection operation can be performed.

In the maintenance method, the predetermined amount is equal to or larger than the amount of the liquid discharged by the first cleaning.
According to the present invention, since the predetermined amount is equal to or larger than the amount of liquid discharged by the first cleaning, it is possible to more reliably avoid the shortage of liquid used for the first cleaning.

In the maintenance method, the cap portion can seal the nozzle forming surface, and the first cleaning is performed in a state where the cap portion seals a space on the nozzle forming surface. Including aspirating the open space.
According to the present invention, the cap portion can seal the nozzle forming surface, and in the first cleaning, the cap portion sucks the sealed space in a state of sealing the space on the nozzle forming surface. The liquid can be more reliably discharged from the nozzle. In this case, the liquid consumption during the discharging operation can be sufficiently covered.

In the maintenance method, the cap portion can seal the nozzle forming surface, and the second cleaning is performed in a state where the cap portion seals a space on the nozzle forming surface. At least one of suctioning the space, and discharging the liquid from the plurality of nozzles and receiving the cap portion in a state where the cap portion is disposed to face the nozzle forming surface. Including.
According to the present invention, the cap portion can seal the nozzle forming surface, and in the second cleaning, the cap portion sucks the sealed space in a state where the space on the nozzle forming surface is sealed. And the operation including at least one of discharging the liquid from the plurality of nozzles in a state where the cap portion is arranged to face the nozzle forming surface and receiving the cap portion. An optimal discharge operation can be selected according to the injection state.

  A liquid ejecting apparatus according to the present invention has a nozzle forming surface on which a plurality of nozzles for ejecting liquid supplied from a liquid storing unit is formed, and a liquid ejecting head movable independently of the liquid storing unit. A cap portion that receives the liquid discharged from the plurality of nozzles; a first cleaning determination step that determines whether or not to perform a first cleaning that discharges the liquid from the nozzles to the cap portion; A first liquid amount determination step for determining whether or not the amount of the liquid stored in the liquid storage portion is equal to or larger than a predetermined amount when it is determined in the one cleaning determination step that the first cleaning is performed; If it is determined in the liquid amount determination step that the amount is greater than or equal to the predetermined amount, the first cleaning is performed, and if it is determined that the amount is less than the predetermined amount, the first cleaning is performed. After the first cleaning step that does not perform the cleaning, and after the first cleaning step, the first signal that instructs execution of the second cleaning different from the first cleaning is input to the liquid ejecting apparatus. When it is determined that the amount of the liquid stored in the liquid storage unit is equal to or greater than the predetermined amount in a second liquid amount determination step for determining whether or not the amount is the predetermined amount or more, A second cleaning determination step for determining whether or not the first cleaning has been performed in the first cleaning step, and the first cleaning when it is determined that the first cleaning has been performed in the second cleaning determination step. If it is determined that the second cleaning is executed and the first cleaning is not executed on the basis of the signal, the second cleaning is used instead. And a control unit to perform a second cleaning step, of executing the first cleaning.

  According to the present invention, when the first signal instructing execution of the second cleaning different from the first cleaning is input to the liquid ejecting apparatus, the amount of the liquid stored in the liquid storage unit is determined. It is determined whether or not the amount is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount. When it is determined that the amount is equal to or greater than the predetermined amount, it is determined whether or not the first cleaning has been performed. The second cleaning is executed based on the first cleaning, and when it is determined that the first cleaning is not executed, the first cleaning is executed instead of the second cleaning, so that the first cleaning is used. Insufficient liquid can be avoided. Thereby, an intended cleaning operation can be performed.

1 is a diagram illustrating an overall configuration of a printing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a partial configuration of a printing apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a control device of the printing apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an operation state of the printing apparatus according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an operation state of the printing apparatus according to the embodiment. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control device of the printing apparatus according to the present embodiment. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control device of the printing apparatus according to the present embodiment.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a printing apparatus PRT (liquid ejecting apparatus) according to the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, an ink jet printing apparatus will be described as an example of the printing apparatus PRT.

  The printing apparatus PRT shown in FIG. 1 is an apparatus that performs a printing process while conveying a sheet-like medium M such as paper, a plastic sheet, or a resin film. The printing apparatus PRT includes a housing PB, an inkjet mechanism IJ that ejects ink onto the medium M, an ink supply mechanism IS that supplies ink to the inkjet mechanism IJ, a transport mechanism CV that transports the medium M, and an inkjet mechanism IJ. The maintenance mechanism MN that performs the maintenance operation of the above and the control device CONT that controls these mechanisms.

  The housing PB is formed so that one direction is a longitudinal direction. Each part of the inkjet mechanism IJ, the ink supply mechanism IS, the transport mechanism CV, the maintenance mechanism MN, and the control device CONT is attached to the housing PB. A platen 13 is provided in the housing PB. The platen 13 is a support member that supports the medium M. The platen 13 has a flat support surface 13 a directed to the medium M. The support surface 13a is a surface that supports the medium M.

  The transport mechanism CV includes a transport roller and a motor that drives the transport roller. The transport mechanism CV transports the medium M in the short direction of the housing PB so that the medium M passes over the platen 13. In the transport mechanism CV, the transport timing, transport amount, and the like are controlled by the control device CONT.

  The inkjet mechanism IJ has a head H that ejects ink and a head moving mechanism AC that holds and moves the head H. The head H has a nozzle forming surface Ha that ejects ink. The nozzle forming surface Ha is arranged in a state directed to the support surface 13a. A plurality of nozzles NZ (see FIG. 2) are formed on the nozzle forming surface Ha.

  In the following, the following definition is given for how to take out ink. First, when ejecting ink toward the medium M at the time of printing or recording, it is expressed as “ejection”. Further, when ink is ejected to a portion different from the medium M by borderless printing or various maintenance operations, it is expressed as “discharge”. Further, a case where ink is ejected from the head H including “discharge” and “discharge” is expressed as “ejection”.

  The head moving mechanism AC moves the head H in the longitudinal direction of the housing PB. The head moving mechanism AC has a carriage 4 for fixing the head H. The carriage 4 is in contact with a guide shaft 8 that extends in the longitudinal direction of the housing PB. The head moving mechanism AC has a mechanism for moving the carriage 4 along the guide shaft 8, for example, a pulse motor 9, a driving pulley 10, an idle pulley 11, and a timing belt 12.

  The maintenance mechanism MN is provided in an area (home position) outside the area where printing is performed on the medium M. The maintenance mechanism MN includes a capping mechanism CP that covers the nozzle formation surface Ha of the head H, a wiping mechanism WP that wipes the nozzle formation surface Ha, and the like. A pump mechanism SC such as a suction pump is connected to the capping mechanism CP. Waste ink discharged from the head H to the maintenance mechanism MN side is recovered by a waste liquid recovery mechanism (not shown).

  The ink supply mechanism IS supplies ink to the head H. A plurality of ink cartridges IC are accommodated in the ink supply mechanism IS. The printing apparatus PRT of this embodiment has a configuration (off-carriage type) in which the ink cartridge IC is mounted at a position different from the head H. The ink cartridge IC is connected to the head H via the supply tube TB and the sub tank 2. The ink cartridge IC is provided with an ink remaining amount detection unit 90 capable of detecting the remaining amount of ink inside.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the capping mechanism CP and the pump mechanism SC. FIG. 2 shows a case where the head H is disposed at the home position (a chain line in the figure).
As shown in FIG. 2, the capping mechanism CP includes a cap member 51, an absorbing member 52, and a cam mechanism 53.

  The cap member 51 is formed in a tray shape, and includes a storage portion 51a and a sealing portion 51b. The container 51a is a part that receives ink discharged from the head H. The sealing part 51b seals the space on the nozzle forming surface Ha while being in contact with the nozzle forming surface Ha of the head H.

  The absorbing member 52 is disposed in the accommodating portion 51 a of the cap member 51. The absorbing member 52 is formed of a porous material such as sponge. The absorbing member 52 absorbs and holds the ink received in the storage portion 51a. The cam mechanism 53 is an eccentric cam mechanism having a shaft member 53a and a rotating member 53b. The cam mechanism 53 adjusts the distance between the cap member 51 and the head H by adjusting the contact position of the rotating member 53b with the cap member 51.

  The pump mechanism SC is connected to the accommodating portion 51 a of the cap member 51 through the connection pipe 54. The pump mechanism SC sucks the accommodating portion 51a. As the pump mechanism SC, for example, a tube pump mechanism can be used. The pump mechanism SC is connected to the control device CONT.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the printing apparatus PRT.
The control device CONT is connected to an input device IP for inputting various information related to the operation of the printing device PRT, and a storage device MR for storing various information related to the operation of the printing device PRT.

  In addition, the transport mechanism CV, the head H, the head moving mechanism AC, and the maintenance mechanism MN are connected to the control device CONT. The control device CONT controls the movement of the capping mechanism CP in the maintenance mechanism MN, the timing of driving and switching of the pump mechanism SC, the operation of the remaining ink amount detection unit 90, and the like. The printing apparatus PRT has a timer (not shown) that measures time, and the control apparatus CONT is connected to the timer.

  Next, the operation of the printing apparatus PRT configured as described above will be described. The control device CONT causes the printing device PRT to perform a printing operation by the head H, a cleaning operation of the head H by the maintenance mechanism MN, and the like.

  First, the printing operation will be described. When a predetermined print start signal is input to the printing apparatus PRT, the control apparatus CONT arranges the medium M at a position facing the head H by the transport mechanism CV. After the medium M is arranged, the control device CONT inputs a drive signal to the head H based on the image data of the image to be printed while moving the head H. When a drive signal is input to the head H, ink is ejected from the nozzle NZ. A desired image is formed on the medium M by the ink ejected from the nozzles NZ.

  Next, a case where the cleaning operation is performed will be described. The cleaning operation is performed to ensure the ejection characteristics of the head H. The controller CONT performs a flushing operation and a suction operation using the capping mechanism CP as the cleaning operation. When performing the cleaning operation, the control device CONT moves the head H to the home position and opposes the accommodating portion 51 a of the cap member 51.

  When performing the flushing operation of the cleaning operation, the control device CONT discharges the ink D from the head H to the storage portion 51a as shown in FIG. 4 after making the head H face the storage portion 51a. The discharged ink D is absorbed and held by the absorbing member 52 disposed in the storage portion 51a.

  The head H may cause ejection failure due to thickening of the ink D of the nozzle NZ or adhesion of dust near the opening of the nozzle NZ depending on the usage time. For this reason, the ejection characteristics of the head H are maintained or recovered by performing a flushing operation for pre-jetting ink from the nozzles NZ and discharging thickened ink, dust, or the like during non-recording processing.

  When the suction operation is performed in the cleaning operation, the control device CONT seals the space K on the nozzle formation surface Ha of the head H by the cap member 51 and operates the pump mechanism SC as shown in FIG. As a result of this operation, the space K becomes a negative pressure, so that the ink is discharged from the nozzles NZ to the accommodating portion 51a due to the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the head H.

  In the present embodiment, the suction force can be adjusted, for example, in two stages (strong suction force and weak suction force) by adjusting the magnitude of the negative pressure. Hereinafter, a suction operation using a strong suction force is referred to as a strong suction operation, and a suction operation using a weak suction force is referred to as a weak suction operation.

  The above-described cleaning operation is classified into two types, regular cleaning (first cleaning) and manual cleaning (second cleaning). Periodic cleaning is performed each time a predetermined period (eg, half a year) elapses from the previous cleaning operation. The predetermined period includes not only mere time but also the number of ink ejections from the head, the total printing time from the previous regular cleaning, and the like. In the regular cleaning, a strong suction operation is performed.

  Manual cleaning is performed when a manual cleaning start signal (predetermined signal) is input to the printing apparatus PRT. In manual cleaning, at least one of a flushing operation, a weak suction operation, and a strong suction operation is performed based on a cleaning start signal. The cleaning start signal is a signal output from an operation unit provided in the apparatus main body or an external control means (for example, a PC, a mobile phone, a smartphone, a portable game machine, etc.) connected to the apparatus main body.

  In such a cleaning operation, a constant amount of ink is consumed in both the flushing operation and the suction operation. Here, it is assumed that the ink consumption increases in the order of the flushing operation, the weak suction operation, and the strong suction operation. Since a certain amount of ink is consumed in the cleaning operation, if the remaining amount of ink stored in the ink cartridge IC is less than the amount of ink consumed in the cleaning operation at the timing of performing the cleaning operation, the ink is insufficient. However, it is difficult to perform the intended cleaning operation.

On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the control device CONT performs the following operation.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart regarding the cleaning operation according to the present embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 6, first, when the above-described print start signal is input (YES in step 601), the control device CONT determines whether or not periodic cleaning is necessary (step 602).

  In this operation, the control device CONT checks whether or not a predetermined period has elapsed since the previous periodic cleaning was performed. If the predetermined period has elapsed, it is determined that a new periodic cleaning operation needs to be performed. If the predetermined period has not elapsed, it is determined that it is not necessary to perform periodic cleaning. When it is determined that it is not necessary to perform periodic cleaning (NO in step 602), the control device CONT causes the maintenance mechanism MN to perform a printing operation (step 606).

  If it is determined that it is necessary to perform regular cleaning (YES in step 602), the control device CONT causes the ink remaining amount detecting unit 90 to detect the ink remaining amount of the ink cartridge IC (step 603). As a result of the detection, when the remaining amount of ink is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount (for example, ink consumption in regular cleaning) (YES in step 604), the control unit CONT drives the maintenance mechanism MN to perform regular cleaning. (Step 605) After the regular cleaning, the head H, the transport mechanism CV, the head moving mechanism AC, and the like are driven to perform a printing operation (Step 606).

  On the other hand, if the remaining amount of ink is smaller than the predetermined amount as a result of the detection (NO in step 604), the control device CONT performs the printing operation without performing regular cleaning (step 606). At this time, the control device CONT stores in the storage device MR that periodic cleaning has not been performed (step 607). Hereinafter, the state in which the periodic cleaning has not been performed is stored as a state in which the unexecuted flag is set.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart regarding the cleaning operation according to the present embodiment.
After the operation shown in FIG. 6, the control device CONT performs the operation shown in FIG. The control device CONT checks whether or not the ink cartridge IC has been replaced (step 700).

  After the ink cartridge IC is replaced (YES in step 700), it is confirmed whether a print start signal and a manual cleaning start signal are input. When the manual cleaning start signal is input in a state where the print start signal is not input (NO in step 701 and YES in step 702), the control device CONT detects the remaining amount of ink in the ink cartridge. If the result of detection is less than the predetermined amount (NO in step 703), for example, an error signal is output. As a result of the detection, if it is equal to or larger than the predetermined amount (YES in step 703), it is confirmed whether or not the above-mentioned unexecuted flag is set (step 704).

  When the non-execution flag is set (YES in step 704), the control device CONT performs regular cleaning instead of manual cleaning (step 705). Therefore, the control device CONT causes the strong suction operation to be performed even if the operation content in the manual cleaning indicates the flushing operation or the weak suction operation. Note that the unexecuted flag is reset after the regular cleaning.

  When the unexecuted flag is not set (NO in step 704), the control device CONT determines whether or not periodic cleaning is necessary by the same method as described above. That is, when a manual cleaning start signal is input, if a predetermined period has elapsed since the previous periodic cleaning, it is determined that periodic cleaning is necessary, and if the predetermined period has not elapsed, periodic cleaning is not necessary. Judge.

  If it is determined that periodic cleaning is necessary (YES in step 706), the control device CONT causes periodic cleaning to be performed instead of manual cleaning (step 705). Therefore, as in the case where there is an unexecuted flag, the control device CONT causes the strong suction operation to be performed even if the operation content in the manual cleaning indicates the flushing operation or the weak suction operation. On the other hand, the control unit CONT determines the elapsed time from the previous periodic cleaning, and if it is determined that the periodic cleaning is not required (NO in step 706), the control unit CONT performs manual cleaning as instructed (step 707). If a print start signal is input after regular cleaning or manual cleaning is performed (YES in step 708), a printing operation is performed (step 710).

  When the print start signal is input in a state where the manual cleaning start signal is not input (YES in step 701), the control device CONT detects the ink remaining amount of the ink cartridge. As a result of the detection, if it is equal to or larger than the predetermined amount (YES in step 709), it is confirmed whether or not the above-mentioned non-execution flag is set. Periodic cleaning is performed (step 711). If the unexecuted flag is not set (NO in step 710), it is determined whether or not periodic cleaning is necessary. If it is determined that it is necessary (YES in step 712), periodic cleaning is executed (step 712). 711) If it is determined that it is not necessary (NO in step 712), the process proceeds to a printing operation (step). If the result of detection in step 709 is less than the predetermined amount (NO in step 709), for example, an unexecuted flag is set again (step 714), and then a printing operation is performed (step 713).

  According to this embodiment, when the amount of ink remaining in the ink cartridge IC is less than the predetermined amount at the timing when the predetermined period has elapsed since the previous periodic cleaning, the ink cartridge IC is replaced without performing the periodic cleaning. Thereafter, when a manual cleaning start signal is input to the control device CONT of the printing apparatus PRT, the periodic cleaning is performed instead of the manual cleaning, so that it is possible to avoid a shortage of liquid used for the periodic cleaning. . Thereby, an intended cleaning operation can be performed. When regular cleaning is necessary, the ink in the nozzles may be thickened or air bubbles may be mixed therein. Therefore, such a state can be improved and a good injection operation can be performed.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, when the print start signal is input in a state where the manual cleaning start signal is not input after the ink cartridge IC is replaced, the periodic cleaning is performed prior to the printing operation. A sufficient cleaning operation can be performed without running out of ink. Thereby, a favorable injection operation can be performed.

The technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and appropriate modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.
For example, in the above embodiment, as an example of the predetermined amount to be compared with the remaining ink amount in the determination in step 604, the ink consumption amount in the regular cleaning has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the regular cleaning is performed. Any other value may be used as long as it is greater than or equal to the ink consumption.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the case where there existed a two-stage aspect of strong suction operation and weak suction operation as an example was demonstrated and demonstrated, it is not restricted to this. For example, the aspect in which the strength of the suction force is provided in three or more stages may be used, or the strength of the suction force may be constant.

  In the above embodiment, the strong cleaning operation is performed in the regular cleaning. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, at least one of the weak suction operation, the suction operation using other suction force, and the flushing operation is used. One mode may be used. Of course, in the regular cleaning, a plurality of the above operations may be combined.

  In order to secure a predetermined amount of ink, not only the replacement of the cartridge but also the ink storage part for storing the ink mounted on the main body is replenished, or the used ink cartridge IC is refilled with ink. In this case, the ink may be supplemented. In the above embodiment, the “replacement” of the ink cartridge IC is an operation for supplementing the ink of the ink cartridge IC, such as when the ink cartridge IC is replenished or refilled as well as simply replacing the old and new ink cartridge ICs. Is included.

  In the above embodiment, a printing apparatus that employs an inkjet system as a printing system has been described. Further, the recording apparatus is not limited to a printing apparatus, and may be another recording apparatus such as a FAX apparatus, a copying apparatus, or a multi-function machine having a plurality of functions. Further, as the recording apparatus, a liquid ejecting apparatus including a liquid ejecting head that ejects or ejects a small amount of liquid droplets other than ink may be employed.

  In addition, a droplet means the state of the liquid discharged from the said liquid ejecting apparatus, and shall also include what pulls a tail in granular shape, tear shape, and thread shape. The liquid here may be any material that can be ejected by the liquid ejecting apparatus. For example, it may be in a state in which the substance is in a liquid phase, such as a liquid with high or low viscosity, sol, gel water, other inorganic solvents, organic solvents, solutions, liquid resins, liquid metals (metal melts ) And a liquid as one state of a substance, as well as a material in which particles of a functional material made of a solid such as a pigment or metal particles are dissolved, dispersed or mixed in a solvent. Further, representative examples of the liquid include ink and liquid crystal as described in the above embodiment.

  Here, the ink includes general water-based inks and oil-based inks, and various liquid compositions such as gel inks and hot melt inks. As a specific example of the liquid ejecting apparatus, for example, a liquid containing a material such as an electrode material or a color material used for manufacturing a liquid crystal display, an EL (electroluminescence) display, a surface emitting display, a color filter, or the like in a dispersed or dissolved state. It may be a liquid ejecting apparatus, a textile printing apparatus, or the like.

PRT ... Printing device MN ... Maintenance mechanism CONT ... Control device H ... Head Ha ... Nozzle forming surface CP ... Capping mechanism SC ... Pump mechanism WP ... Wiping mechanism IC ... Ink cartridge TB ... Supply tube MR ... Storage device NZ ... Nozzle D ... Ink K: Space 2 ... Sub tank 4 ... Carriage 51 ... Cap member 90 ... Ink remaining amount detection unit

Claims (7)

The liquid ejecting in a liquid ejecting apparatus, comprising: a liquid ejecting head having a nozzle forming surface on which a nozzle for ejecting a liquid supplied from a liquid storage unit is formed; and a cap unit that receives the liquid discharged from the nozzle. A maintenance method for maintaining the head,
A first cleaning determination step of determining whether or not to execute a first cleaning for discharging the liquid from the nozzle to the cap portion;
A first liquid amount determination step for determining whether or not the amount of the liquid stored in the liquid storage portion is equal to or larger than a predetermined amount when it is determined in the first cleaning determination step that the first cleaning is performed; ,
If it is determined in the first liquid amount determination step that the amount is equal to or greater than the predetermined amount, the first cleaning is performed, and if it is determined that the amount is less than the predetermined amount, the first cleaning is not performed. 1 cleaning process,
After the first cleaning step, when a first signal instructing execution of a second cleaning different from the first cleaning is input to the liquid ejecting apparatus, the liquid is stored in the liquid storage unit. A second liquid amount determination step of determining whether or not the amount of the liquid is equal to or greater than the predetermined amount;
A second cleaning determination step of determining whether or not the first cleaning has been executed in the first cleaning step when it is determined that the amount is equal to or greater than the predetermined amount in the second liquid amount determination step;
In the second cleaning determination step, when it is determined that the first cleaning is executed, the second cleaning is executed based on the first signal, and it is determined that the first cleaning is not executed. And a second cleaning step of performing the first cleaning instead of the second cleaning. After the first cleaning step, when a second signal different from the first signal instructing execution of the second cleaning is input to the liquid ejecting apparatus, the second liquid signal is stored in the liquid storage unit. A third liquid amount determination step of determining whether or not the amount of the liquid that is present is equal to or greater than the predetermined amount;
A third cleaning determination step of determining whether or not the first cleaning has been executed in the first cleaning step when it is determined that the amount is equal to or greater than the predetermined amount in the third liquid amount determination step;
In the third cleaning determination step, when it is determined that the first cleaning has been executed, when it is determined that the liquid is ejected from the liquid ejecting head based on the second signal and is not executed. The maintenance method according to claim 1, further comprising: a third cleaning step that executes the first cleaning. In the third cleaning step, a fourth liquid amount determination step of determining whether or not the amount of the liquid stored in the liquid storage portion is equal to or greater than the predetermined amount;
The maintenance method according to claim 2, wherein the first cleaning is executed when it is determined that the amount is equal to or greater than the predetermined amount in the fourth liquid amount determination step. The maintenance method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the predetermined amount is an amount that is equal to or greater than an amount of the liquid discharged by the first cleaning. The cap portion can seal the nozzle forming surface,
5. The first cleaning includes sucking the sealed space in a state where the cap portion seals the space on the nozzle formation surface. 6. The maintenance method described. The cap portion can seal the nozzle forming surface,
The second cleaning is performed by sucking the sealed space in a state where the cap portion seals the space on the nozzle forming surface, and the cap portion is disposed to face the nozzle forming surface. The maintenance method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, including at least one of discharging the liquid from a plurality of the nozzles in a state of being received and causing the cap portion to receive the liquid. A liquid ejecting head having a nozzle forming surface on which a plurality of nozzles for ejecting the liquid supplied from the liquid storing unit are formed, and movable independently of the liquid storing unit;
A cap portion for receiving the liquid discharged from the plurality of nozzles;
A first cleaning determination step for determining whether or not to perform the first cleaning for discharging the liquid from the nozzle to the cap portion; and when the first cleaning is determined to be performed in the first cleaning determination step When it is determined in the first liquid amount determination step that determines whether or not the amount of the liquid stored in the liquid storage portion is equal to or larger than a predetermined amount, the first liquid amount determination step is equal to or larger than the predetermined amount. When the first cleaning is performed and it is determined that the amount is less than the predetermined amount, a first cleaning step in which the first cleaning is not performed and a first cleaning step after the first cleaning step are different from the first cleaning. When the first signal instructing execution of cleaning 2 is input to the liquid ejecting apparatus, the amount of the liquid stored in the liquid storage unit is The first cleaning is performed in the first cleaning step when it is determined in the second liquid amount determining step and the second liquid amount determining step whether or not the predetermined amount is exceeded. When it is determined that the first cleaning is executed in the second cleaning determination step and the second cleaning determination step, the second cleaning is executed based on the first signal, and the second cleaning is executed. A liquid ejecting apparatus comprising: a control unit that performs a second cleaning step of executing the first cleaning instead of the second cleaning when it is determined that the first cleaning is not performed.

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