JP2012179782A - 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 first cleaning is executed when a signal for discharging liquid from a nozzle after a liquid accumulation part is exchanged, the liquid is discharged from the nozzle when it is determined that the first cleaning has been executed, and the liquid is discharged from the nozzle on the basis of the signal after the first cleaning is executed when it is determined that the first cleaning has not been executed. Thus, the shortage of the liquid used for periodic 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 a predetermined amount, the first cleaning step in which the first cleaning is not performed, and the liquid storage part is replaced after the first cleaning step is performed, and then the liquid is discharged from the nozzle. A second liquid amount determination step and a second liquid amount determination step for 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 a signal for discharging the liquid is input. In the second cleaning determination step and the second cleaning determination step, the second cleaning determination step determines whether the first cleaning has been executed in the first cleaning step. If it is determined that the first cleaning is performed, the liquid is ejected from the nozzle based on the signal, and the first cleaning is not performed. After performing the first cleaning when was boss, and a discharging step of discharging the liquid from the nozzle on the basis of the signal.

  According to the present invention, after the liquid storage part is replaced, when a signal for discharging the liquid is input from the nozzle, it is determined whether or not the first cleaning has been performed, and the first cleaning is performed. If it is determined that the liquid is discharged from the nozzle based on the signal, if it is determined that the first cleaning is not performed, the liquid is discharged from the nozzle based on the signal after the first cleaning is performed. Therefore, it is possible to avoid a shortage of liquid used for regular cleaning. Thereby, an intended cleaning operation can be performed.

  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 of liquid is less than a predetermined amount, the liquid storage portion is replaced after the first cleaning step in which the first cleaning is not performed and the liquid storage portion is replaced after the first cleaning step is performed. A second liquid amount determining step for determining whether or not the amount of the liquid stored in the second liquid amount is equal to or greater than the predetermined amount, and the second liquid amount determining step; A second cleaning determination step for determining whether or not the first cleaning has been executed in one cleaning step; and a case in which it is determined in the second cleaning determination step that the first cleaning has not been executed. And a second cleaning step for performing the first cleaning.

  According to the present invention, after the liquid storage part is replaced, it is determined whether or not the amount of the liquid stored in the liquid storage part is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount. It is determined whether or not the first cleaning is performed, and if it is determined that the first cleaning is not performed, the first cleaning is performed, so that the liquid used for the regular cleaning is insufficient. Can be avoided. Thereby, an intended cleaning operation can be performed.

In the maintenance method described above, after the liquid storage unit is replaced after the first cleaning step is performed and before the signal is input, the maintenance operation after the replacement of the liquid storage unit is performed. A third liquid amount determining step for determining whether or not the amount of the liquid stored in the part is equal to or larger than the predetermined amount, and when it is determined that the amount is equal to or larger than the predetermined amount in the third liquid amount determining step, When it is determined in the first cleaning step that the first cleaning has been executed, and in the third cleaning determination step, the third cleaning determination step determines that the first cleaning has not been executed. And a third cleaning step for executing the first cleaning.
According to the present invention, after the liquid reservoir is replaced and before a signal is input, as a maintenance operation after replacement of the liquid reservoir, is the amount of liquid stored in the liquid reservoir not less than a predetermined amount? If it is determined that the first cleaning has been performed, it is determined whether the first cleaning has been performed. If it is determined that the first cleaning has not been performed, the first cleaning is performed. Therefore, it is possible to avoid a shortage of liquid used for regular cleaning. Thereby, an intended cleaning 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 regular cleaning.
According to the present invention, since the predetermined amount is equal to or larger than the amount of liquid discharged by periodic cleaning, it is possible to more reliably avoid a shortage of liquid used for periodic cleaning.

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

  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. When a signal for ejecting the liquid is input from the nozzle after the liquid storage portion is replaced after the first cleaning step and the first cleaning step are not performed, the liquid storage portion A second liquid amount determination step for determining whether or not the amount of the stored liquid is equal to or greater than the predetermined amount, and the first cleaning step when it is determined that the amount is greater than or equal to the predetermined amount in the second liquid amount determination step. In the second cleaning determination step for determining whether or not the first cleaning has been performed in step S2, and in the second cleaning determination step, if it is determined that the first cleaning has been performed, the nozzle is When it is determined that the first cleaning is not performed by discharging liquid, the first cleaning is performed and then the signal is based on the signal. And a control unit to perform the discharge step, to eject the liquid from the nozzle.

  According to the present invention, after the liquid storage part is replaced, when a signal for discharging the liquid is input from the nozzle, it is determined whether or not the first cleaning has been performed, and the first cleaning is performed. If it is determined that the liquid is discharged from the nozzle based on the signal, if it is determined that the first cleaning is not performed, the liquid is discharged from the nozzle based on the signal after the first cleaning is performed. Therefore, it is possible to avoid a shortage of liquid used for regular cleaning. Thereby, an intended cleaning operation can be performed.

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 execute a first cleaning that discharges the liquid from the nozzles to the cap portion; A first liquid amount determining 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 cleaning determination step that the first cleaning is performed; A first cleaning step in which the first cleaning is performed when it is determined that the amount is greater than or equal to the predetermined amount in the amount determination step, and the first cleaning is not performed when it is determined that the amount is less than the predetermined amount; The amount of the liquid stored in the liquid storage portion after the liquid storage portion is replaced after the first cleaning process is performed is the predetermined amount. Whether or not the first cleaning is executed in the first cleaning step when it is determined in the second liquid amount determination step and the second liquid amount determination step that the amount is equal to or greater than the predetermined amount. Control for performing a second cleaning determination step for determining whether or not the first cleaning is performed in the second cleaning determination step, and a second cleaning step for performing the first cleaning. A part.

  According to the present invention, after the liquid storage part is replaced, it is determined whether or not the amount of the liquid stored in the liquid storage part is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount. It is determined whether or not the first cleaning is performed, and if it is determined that the first cleaning is not performed, the first cleaning is performed, so that the liquid used for the regular cleaning is insufficient. 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 illustrating an operation example of the control device of the printing apparatus according to the present embodiment. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example of the control device of the printing apparatus according to the present embodiment. 10 is a flowchart illustrating another example of 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, a timing belt 12, and the like.

  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 suction 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 or the like 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 the flushing operation is performed in the cleaning operation, the control device CONT makes the head H face the storage portion 51a, and then the control device CONT performs ink D from the head H to the storage portion 51a as shown in FIG. Is discharged. 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.
The controller CONT performs the operation shown in FIG. 7 below after the operation shown in FIG. The control device CONT confirms whether or not the ink cartridge IC has been replaced. After the replacement of the ink cartridge IC (YES in Step 700), the control device CONT performs a maintenance operation such as a setting operation of the ink cartridge IC (Step 701).

  If a print start signal is input after the maintenance operation (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 detection, if it is a predetermined amount or more (YES in step 703), it is confirmed whether or not the above-mentioned non-execution flag is set (step 704). The control device CONT performs regular cleaning (step 705). 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 predetermined period has elapsed since the previous periodic cleaning, it is determined that periodic cleaning is necessary, and when the predetermined period has not elapsed, it is determined that periodic cleaning is unnecessary.

  When it is determined that the regular cleaning is necessary (YES in Step 706), the control device CONT performs the regular cleaning (Step 705). On the other hand, if the control unit CONT determines that the regular cleaning is not required (NO in step 706), the control device CONT performs the printing operation without performing the regular cleaning (step 707).

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, when the amount of ink remaining in the ink cartridge IC is smaller than the predetermined amount at the timing when the predetermined period has elapsed since the previous periodic cleaning, the periodic cleaning is not performed, and the ink cartridge When the print start signal is input after the IC is exchanged, the periodic cleaning is performed prior to the printing operation. Therefore, 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.

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-described embodiment, for example, as illustrated in FIG. 7, an example has been described in which the ink cartridge IC is replaced, the maintenance operation is performed, and the periodic cleaning is performed after the print start signal is input. It is not limited to this. For example, a mode in which periodic cleaning is performed as part of the maintenance operation may be employed.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing another operation example of the control device CONT.
As shown in FIG. 8, the control device CONT checks whether or not the ink cartridge IC has been replaced. After the replacement of the ink cartridge IC (YES in step 800), the control device CONT starts a maintenance operation such as a setting operation of the ink cartridge IC (step 801).

  During this maintenance operation, the control device CONT detects the ink remaining amount of the ink cartridge. If the result of detection is less than the predetermined amount (NO in step 802), 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 802), it is confirmed whether or not the above-mentioned non-execution flag is set. If the non-execution flag is set (YES in step 803), the control device CONT Periodic cleaning is performed (step 804). After the regular cleaning, the unexecuted flag is reset and the maintenance operation is terminated (step 805). When the unexecuted flag is not set (NO in step 803), the control unit CONT determines whether or not periodic cleaning is necessary.

  If it is determined that periodic cleaning is necessary (YES in step 806), the control device CONT performs periodic cleaning (step 804) and then ends the maintenance operation (step 805). On the other hand, if the control unit CONT determines that the regular cleaning is unnecessary (NO in Step 806), the maintenance operation is terminated without performing the regular cleaning (Step 805).

  After terminating the maintenance operation, the control device CONT causes the printing operation to be performed (step 808) when a print start signal is input (YES in step 807).

  As described above, since the periodic cleaning is performed as part of the maintenance operation after the replacement of the ink cartridge IC, it is possible to avoid a shortage of ink used for the periodic cleaning. As a result, a desired cleaning operation can be performed, and a good ejection operation can be performed.

  In addition, since periodic cleaning is performed as part of the maintenance operation, the time from the input of the print start signal to the printing operation can be shortened.

  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. Any other value may be used as long as it is greater than or equal to the ink consumption amount.

  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 liquid storage part is replaced after the first cleaning step is performed, when a signal for discharging the liquid is input from the nozzle, the amount of the liquid stored in the liquid storage part is A second liquid amount determination step of determining whether or not the predetermined amount or more;
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 liquid is ejected from the nozzle based on the signal, and it is determined that the first cleaning is not executed. And a discharge step of discharging the liquid from the nozzle based on the signal after executing the first cleaning. 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,
Second liquid amount determination for determining whether or not the amount of the liquid stored in the liquid storage portion is equal to or greater than the predetermined amount after the liquid storage portion is replaced after the first cleaning step is performed. Process,
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;
A maintenance method comprising: a second cleaning step of executing the first cleaning when it is determined in the second cleaning determination step that the first cleaning is not executed. After the liquid storage section is replaced after the first cleaning step is performed, before the signal is input, the maintenance operation after the replacement of the liquid storage section is stored in the liquid storage section. A third liquid amount determination step of determining whether or not the amount of the liquid 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;
The maintenance method according to claim 1, further comprising: a third cleaning step of executing the first cleaning when it is determined that the first cleaning is not performed in the third cleaning determination step. The maintenance method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the predetermined amount is an amount equal to or larger than an amount of the liquid discharged by the regular cleaning. The cap portion can seal the nozzle forming surface,
5. The regular cleaning includes sucking the sealed space in a state where the cap portion seals the space on the nozzle formation surface. 6. Maintenance method. 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 it is determined that the first cleaning is performed and the amount is less than the predetermined amount, the liquid storage unit is replaced after the first cleaning process and the first cleaning process in which the first cleaning is not performed. After that, when a signal for discharging the liquid is input from the nozzle, is the amount of the liquid stored in the liquid storage unit equal to or greater than the predetermined amount? In the second liquid amount determination step and the second liquid amount determination step, it is determined 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. If it is determined in the second cleaning determination step and the second cleaning determination step that the first cleaning is performed, the liquid is ejected from the nozzle based on the signal and the first cleaning is not performed. And a controller that performs a discharge step of discharging the liquid from the nozzle based on the signal after performing the first cleaning when it is determined. 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 it is determined that the first cleaning is performed and the amount is less than the predetermined amount, the liquid storage unit is replaced after the first cleaning process and the first cleaning process in which the first cleaning is not performed. A second liquid amount determination step and a second liquid amount determination step for determining whether or not the amount of the liquid stored in the liquid storage portion is greater than or equal to the predetermined amount. In the second cleaning determination step and the second cleaning determination step, the first cleaning step determines whether the first cleaning has been executed in the first cleaning step. And a controller that performs a second cleaning step of performing the first cleaning when it is determined that the cleaning is not performed.

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