JP2016132125A - Inkjet recording device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an inkjet recording device that can more surely clean nozzles of a recording head.SOLUTION: An inkjet recording device comprises: a recording head having a nozzle formation surface where a nozzle region and a non-nozzle region are formed; a cap which can be brought into contact with the nozzle formation surface; and a suction pump which sucks air inside the cap to bring the cap into a negative pressure state, and performs suction operation for sucking ink from a nozzle array by driving the suction pump in a state that the cap is brought into contact with the nozzle region and relatively moving the cap and the recording head in a predetermined direction. The inkjet recording device further comprises: measuring means which measures a negative pressure value inside the cap when the suction pump is driven in a state that the cap is brought into contact with the non-nozzle region; and adjusting means which adjusts a negative pressure value produced inside the cap when performing the suction operation on the basis of the negative pressure value measured by the measuring means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 14

Description

  The present invention relates to a recording apparatus using an ink jet system.

  Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-151561 discloses an apparatus that recovers nozzle clogging by sucking ink from a recording head. In the apparatus described in Patent Document 1, a suction unit that is shorter than the length of the nozzle row of the recording head is applied in the nozzle row forming direction in a state where a negative pressure lower than the atmospheric pressure is generated by the negative pressure generation unit. It is described that ink is sucked from a nozzle row by moving in contact therewith. Further, it is described that a pressure fluctuation means for changing the pressure generated by the negative pressure generation means is added.

JP-A-5-201028

  However, as in the apparatus of Patent Document 1 described above, it is not possible to guarantee the actual negative pressure value when performing the suction operation only by controlling the pressure generated by the negative pressure generating means with the pressure fluctuation means, and the nozzle eye The nozzle recovery performance such as clogging may not be maintained. For example, the suction path is clogged when the adhesion to the head is reduced due to deformation or settling of the suction cap, or when the negative pressure that can be generated due to aging or deterioration of the negative pressure generating means is reduced. There is a case that the negative pressure value cannot be ensured when, for example, occurs.

  As a result, there is a possibility that a printed matter with a defective image is generated due to a defective ink discharge of the recording head. Further, even if the operation for recovering the nozzle clogging is performed in the recording apparatus, the operation is not sufficiently improved, and the convenience for the user may be lowered.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide an ink jet recording apparatus that can more reliably clean the nozzles of a recording head.

  In order to achieve the above object, an inkjet recording apparatus according to the present invention includes a nozzle region in which a plurality of nozzles that eject ink are arranged in a predetermined direction and a non-nozzle in which the nozzle row is not arranged. And a recording head having a nozzle forming surface provided with a region, a cap that can contact the nozzle forming surface, and a suction pump that sucks air inside the cap to bring it into a negative pressure state. An ink jet that performs a suction operation of sucking ink from the nozzle row by driving the suction pump in a state where the nozzle is in contact with the nozzle region and relatively moving the cap and the recording head in the predetermined direction. A negative pressure inside the cap when the suction pump is driven in a state where the cap is in contact with the non-nozzle region. Measuring means for measuring the pressure, and adjusting means for adjusting the negative pressure value generated inside the cap when performing the suction operation based on the negative pressure value measured by the measuring means. To do.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the inkjet recording device which can clean the nozzle of a recording head more reliably can be provided.

1 is a perspective view of a main part of a recording apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of the recording apparatus according to the embodiment of the invention. It is sectional drawing which shows the state at the time of cleaning operation. It is a figure which shows the structure of a recording head. It is a figure which shows the structure of a nozzle tip. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of a cleaning mechanism. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of a cleaning mechanism. It is a figure which shows the structure of a suction unit. It is the elements on larger scale which show the positional relationship of a nozzle tip and a suction cap. It is a figure which shows the structure of a cleaner unit. It is a perspective view which shows operation | movement of a cleaning mechanism. 3 is a flowchart showing a first cleaning operation. 10 is a flowchart showing a second cleaning operation. 10 is a flowchart showing a third cleaning operation. 10 is a flowchart showing a fourth cleaning operation.

(First embodiment)
Embodiments of an ink jet recording apparatus according to the present invention will be specifically described below with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration of a main part of the recording apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a state during the cleaning operation of the recording apparatus.

  The recording apparatus according to the present embodiment is a printing apparatus that performs recording on a sheet using the recording head 2 while conveying the sheet in the conveyance direction (first direction). The recording apparatus 1 includes a holder for holding a sheet 4 such as roll paper, a transport mechanism 7 that transports the sheet 4 in a first direction at a predetermined speed, and a recording unit 3 that performs recording on the sheet 4 by the recording head 2. . The sheet 4 is not limited to a continuous sheet such as roll paper, but may be a cut sheet. The recording apparatus 1 further includes a cleaning unit 6 that cleans the nozzle surface of the recording head 2. Further, a downstream of the recording unit 3 in the sheet conveyance direction includes a cutter unit for cutting the sheet 4, a drying unit for drying the sheet, a discharge tray, and the like (not shown).

  The recording unit 3 includes one or more recording heads 2 corresponding to the respective color inks. In the present embodiment, the four recording heads 2 corresponding to the four colors of CMYK are used, but the present invention is not limited to this. Each color ink is supplied from the ink tank to the recording head 2 via a tube. The four recording heads 2 are held together by a head holder 5. The head holder 5 has a mechanism that can move in the vertical direction so that the distance between the recording head 2 and the surface of the sheet 4 can be changed. Moreover, it has a mechanism capable of parallel movement in a direction (second direction) intersecting the first direction.

  The cleaning unit 6 has four cleaning mechanisms 9 corresponding to the four recording heads 2. Details of the cleaning mechanism 9 will be described later. The cleaning unit 6 is configured to be slidable in the first direction by a drive motor (not shown). 1 and 2 show the state during recording, and the cleaning unit 6 is located downstream of the recording unit 3 in the sheet conveying direction. FIG. 3 shows a state during the cleaning operation, and the cleaning unit 6 is located immediately below the recording head 2 of the recording unit 3. 2 and 3 show the movable range of the cleaning unit 6 with arrows.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the structure of the recording head 2 in the present embodiment. As the inkjet method, a method using a heating element, a method using a piezo element, a method using an electrostatic element, a method using a MEMS element, or the like can be adopted. The recording head 2 is a line type recording head in which an ink jet type nozzle array that discharges ink over a full width range of a sheet that is assumed to be used is formed. The arrangement direction of the nozzle rows is a predetermined direction (second direction) intersecting the first direction, for example, a direction orthogonal to the first direction. In FIG. 4B, the nozzle tips 120 are arranged on the nozzle forming surface 124 along the second direction. The nozzle forming surface 124 has a nozzle region 124a in which nozzle rows are arranged and a non-nozzle region 124b in which nozzle rows are not arranged.

  FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the nozzle chip 120 constituting the recording head 2. The nozzle chip 120 includes a nozzle surface 122 on which a plurality of nozzle rows 121 that eject ink are formed. Further, a nozzle substrate in which an energy element corresponding to each nozzle is embedded is provided. The nozzle substrate of the nozzle chip 120 is provided on the nozzle forming surface 124. The nozzle substrate and the nozzle forming surface 124 are connected by an electrical connection portion. The electrical connection portion is covered with a sealing portion 123 made of a resin material, and is protected so that corrosion and disconnection do not occur. As shown in FIG. 5B, when the nozzle surface 122 is viewed from the side surface, the sealing portion 123 is formed on the nozzle forming surface 124. The sealing portion 123 is a convex portion that protrudes in the direction of ejecting ink from the nozzle surface 122. In one nozzle chip 120, the sealing portion 123 is provided in the vicinity of two end portions at both ends of the nozzle surface 122 with respect to the formation direction (second direction) of the nozzle row 121. As described above, the sealing portion 123 is provided in a raised shape so as to be close to the plurality of nozzle rows 121 and protrude with a gentle step in the vertical direction from the nozzle surface 122.

  6 and 7 are perspective views showing the configuration of one cleaning mechanism 9 that the cleaning unit 6 has. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a state of the cleaning mechanism 9 when the cleaning mechanism 9 is under the recording head 2 (during a cleaning operation). FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a state of the cleaning mechanism 9 when the cleaning mechanism 9 is not present under the recording head 2. The cleaning unit 6 is provided with a cleaning mechanism 9, a head cap 51, and a positioning member 71.

  The cleaning mechanism 9 includes a suction unit 46 for sucking ink from the nozzle row 121 of the recording head 2, a moving mechanism 40 that moves the suction unit 46 along the wiping direction (second direction), and a frame that integrally supports them. 47. The suction unit 46 is a unit having a suction cap 11 (cap) described later. The moving mechanism 40 moves the suction unit 46 guided and supported by the two shafts 45 in the second direction by driving the driving source. The drive of the drive motor 41 that is a drive source rotates the drive shaft 37 via the reduction gears 42 and 43. Then, the rotation of the drive shaft 37 is transmitted by the belt 44 and the pulley, thereby moving the suction unit 46.

  In FIG. 7, the head cap 51 is held by a cap holder 52. The cap holder 52 is biased upward by a spring which is an elastic body with respect to the nozzle forming surface 124 of the recording head 2 and is configured to be movable in the vertical direction against the spring. While the frame 47 is at the cap position, the recording head 2 moves in the vertical direction to closely contact and separate from the head cap 51. By closely contacting and capping the nozzle forming surface 124, drying of the nozzle is suppressed.

  The positioning member 71 is configured to determine the positional relationship between the recording head 2 and the cleaning unit 6 by contacting the head positioning member 81 provided on the head holder 5 during the cleaning operation and capping.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the suction unit 46. The suction unit 46 includes a suction cap 11 (cap) corresponding to the nozzle tip 120 and capable of contacting the nozzle forming surface 124. The suction cap 11 is held by the suction holder 12. The suction holder 12 is urged upward by a spring 14 that is an elastic body with respect to the nozzle forming surface 124 of the recording head 2, and can move in the vertical direction against the spring. Further, it is supported by a displacement mechanism having an elastic body. This displacement mechanism is for absorbing the movement of the moving suction cap 11 over the sealing portion 123.

  The suction cap 11 (cap) is connected to the tube 15 via the suction holder 12. A suction pump 16 is connected to the tip of the tube 15. When the suction pump 16 is driven in a state where the suction cap 11 is in contact with the nozzle forming surface 124, the suction pump 16 sucks air inside the suction cap 11 and puts the inside into a negative pressure state. The cap of the present invention refers to a portion of the suction unit 46 that comes into contact with the nozzle forming surface 124 in order to absorb ink. For example, in addition to the suction cap 11 described above, when the ink is sucked by directly contacting the tip of the tube, the tip of the tube is also included in the cap.

  The tube 15 is provided with a pressure measuring means 17 (measuring means) such as a pressure sensor connected to the suction cap 11 and the suction pump 16. The pressure measuring means 17 is for measuring the negative pressure value when the suction pump 16 is driven in a state where the suction cap 11 is in contact with the nozzle forming surface 124 to bring the inside into a negative pressure state. It is. The negative pressure value inside the suction cap 11 is measured, and based on the negative pressure value, an adjustment operation for adjusting the negative pressure value generated when performing the suction operation is performed. Details will be described later.

  The suction holder 12 is supported by a contact amount adjusting mechanism 21 that can adjust the contact amount of the suction cap 11 to the nozzle forming surface 124 of the recording head 2. The adjustment mechanism 21 has a lead screw 22. The suction screw 12 can be moved in the vertical direction by rotating the lead screw 22 via the gear train 23 by a drive source (not shown) and converting the rotation into vertical movement. By moving the suction holder 12 in the vertical direction, the contact amount of the suction cap 11 with respect to the nozzle formation surface 124 of the recording head 2 can be adjusted via the spring 14.

  FIG. 9 is a partially enlarged view showing the positional relationship between the nozzle tip 120 of the recording head 2 and the suction cap 11. The suction cap 11 is arranged in a range that covers the plurality of nozzle rows 121 included in the corresponding nozzle chip 120 in the first direction. The contact surface of the suction cap 11 has a width Dc in the second direction. The width Dc is a range that covers a part of the nozzle row in the second direction, and is a width corresponding to several to several tens of nozzles.

  FIG. 10 shows a cleaner unit 30 (cleaning means) that can clean the suction cap 11. A cleaner holder 31 is provided in the cleaner unit 30 at a position facing the suction unit 46. The cleaner holder 31 holds a blade-like cleaner 32 for scraping off ink and dust adhering to the suction cap 11 when the recording head 2 is cleaned. In FIG. 10, when the suction unit 46 moves in the direction of the arrow, the suction cap 11 comes into contact with the cleaner 32, and ink or dust attached to the suction cap 11 is scraped off by the cleaner 32. Thus, the suction cap 11 is cleaned by the cleaner unit 30.

  This completes the description of each configuration of the recording apparatus according to the present embodiment.

  Hereinafter, the cleaning operation of the recording head in the recording apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described.

  First, the suction operation by the suction cap 11 in the cleaning operation will be described. FIG. 11 is a side view for explaining the suction operation of the recording head 2 by the suction cap 11. In operation, first, the suction cap 11 and the nozzle forming surface 124 of the recording head 2 are brought into contact with each other. Then, the position (suction operation position) in the vertical direction (third direction) of the recording head 2 is set, and the nozzle forming surface 124 and the suction cap 11 are brought into contact with each other. In this state, the suction pump 16 is driven to bring the inside of the suction cap 11 into a negative pressure state, and the suction unit 46 is moved relative to the recording head 2 in the second direction. Then, ink can be sucked from the nozzle row 121 arranged in the nozzle region 124 a of the nozzle forming surface 124. When the suction unit 46 is relatively moved in the second direction, the suction cap 11 is pushed downward because there is the sealing portion 123 protruding from the nozzle forming surface 124 with respect to the recording head 2. As described above, in the suction unit 46, the suction holder 12 can be displaced in the direction of escape (third direction) with respect to the nozzle surface. Therefore, even if the suction cap 11 is pressed, the movement of the suction holder 12 Absorbed by displacement.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a first cleaning operation in the first embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, the first cleaning operation will be described with reference to the flowchart.

  In the first cleaning operation, when the negative pressure value when the suction cap 11 is brought into contact with the non-nozzle region 124b is not a predetermined value before the suction operation by the suction cap 11, the contact amount is adjusted by the adjustment mechanism 21. The negative pressure value is adjusted to adjust (adjustment means).

  First, the suction mechanism 11 of the suction unit 46 is moved to the position of the non-nozzle region 124b of the nozzle forming surface 124 by the moving mechanism 40 to bring the suction cap 11 and the nozzle forming surface 124 into contact with each other (S101). Here, the reason for moving to the position of the non-nozzle region 124b is to adjust the negative pressure value when the suction operation is performed at the position of the non-nozzle region 124b. This is because if the negative pressure value is adjusted at the position of the nozzle region 124a, ink is sucked even during the adjustment operation, and the ink is wasted. Next, the suction pump 16 is driven in a state where the suction cap 11 and the nozzle formation surface 124 are in contact with each other, and the inside of the suction cap 11 is brought into a negative pressure state (S102). Then, the negative pressure value inside the suction cap 11 is measured by the pressure measuring means 17 (S103).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the negative pressure value is a predetermined value (S104). Here, the predetermined value is a predetermined negative pressure value sufficient to suck ink from the nozzle row 121. Here, the predetermined value is set to about −30 kPa. When it is determined that the negative pressure value is a predetermined value, the suction pump 16 is continuously driven so as to maintain the negative pressure value (S105). In this state, the suction unit 46 is relatively moved in the second direction, and a suction operation for sucking ink from the nozzle row 121 arranged in the nozzle region 124a of the nozzle forming surface 124 is performed (S106). As a result, ink can be sucked from the nozzle row 121 by the suction cap 11 at a predetermined negative pressure value.

  If it is determined in S104 that the negative pressure value is not a predetermined value, the contact amount of the suction cap 11 with respect to the nozzle forming surface 124 is adjusted by the adjustment mechanism 21 (S107). For example, when the negative pressure value is less than a predetermined value, the suction holder 12 is moved closer to the nozzle forming surface 124 by the adjusting mechanism 21. In this way, the amount of contact of the suction cap 11 with respect to the nozzle formation surface 124 can be increased by moving the suction holder 12 in a direction closer to the nozzle formation surface 124 by the adjustment mechanism 21. As a result, the contact pressure of the suction cap 11 with respect to the nozzle forming surface 124 is increased, and the negative pressure value inside the suction cap 11 can be increased. Then, it is determined again whether the negative pressure value is a predetermined value (S104). If it is determined to be the predetermined value, the suction pump 16 is continuously driven so as to maintain the negative pressure value. (S105). In this state, the suction unit 46 is relatively moved in the second direction, and a suction operation for sucking ink from the nozzle row 121 arranged in the nozzle region 124a of the nozzle forming surface 124 is performed (S106).

  Thus, by performing the operation of adjusting the contact amount in S107 to adjust the negative pressure value, the suction cap 11 can suck ink from the nozzle row 121 with a predetermined negative pressure value.

  In this embodiment, the contact amount is adjusted by the adjustment mechanism 21, but the contact amount is adjusted by moving the moving mechanism 40 or the recording head 2 in the vertical direction without using the adjustment mechanism 21. It is also good.

(Second Embodiment)
Since the configuration of the recording apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention is the same as that of the first embodiment, illustration and description of the configuration are omitted.

  In the second embodiment, a recording head cleaning operation, which is a different part from the above-described embodiment, will be described.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a second cleaning operation in the second embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, the second cleaning operation will be described with reference to the flowchart.

  In the second cleaning operation, if the negative pressure value when the suction cap 11 is brought into contact with the non-nozzle region 124b is not a predetermined value before the suction operation by the suction cap 11, the suction cap 11 is cleaned by the cleaning unit. Then, the negative pressure value is adjusted (adjustment means).

  First, the suction mechanism 11 of the suction unit 46 is moved to the position of the non-nozzle region 124b of the nozzle forming surface 124 by the moving mechanism 40 to bring the suction cap 11 and the nozzle forming surface 124 into contact with each other (S201). Next, with the suction cap 11 and the nozzle forming surface 124 in contact with each other, the inside of the suction cap 11 is brought into a negative pressure state by the suction pump 16 (S202). Then, the negative pressure value inside the suction cap 11 is measured by the pressure measuring means 17 (S203).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the negative pressure value is a predetermined value (S204). When it is determined that the negative pressure value is a predetermined value, the suction pump 16 is continuously driven so as to maintain the negative pressure value (S205). In this state, the suction unit 46 is relatively moved in the second direction, and a suction operation for sucking ink from the nozzle row 121 arranged in the nozzle region 124a of the nozzle formation surface 124 is performed by the suction cap 11 (S206). . Accordingly, ink can be sucked from the nozzle row 121 by the suction cap 11 at a predetermined negative pressure value.

  In S204, when it is determined that the negative pressure value is not the predetermined value, the suction unit 46 is moved to the position of the cleaner unit 30 (cleaning means) by the moving mechanism 40. Then, the ink and dust adhering to the suction cap 11 are cleaned by the cleaner unit 30 (S207). By performing this cleaning, the adhesion between the suction cap 11 and the nozzle forming surface 124 that has been reduced by ink or dust adhering to the suction cap 11 is recovered, and the negative pressure value generated inside the suction cap 11. Recovery is expected. Thereafter, the suction cap 11 of the suction unit 46 is moved again to the position of the non-nozzle region 124b of the nozzle forming surface 124 by the moving mechanism 40, and the suction cap 11 and the nozzle forming surface 124 are brought into contact with each other (S201). . Then, it is determined whether or not the negative pressure value is a predetermined value in this state (S204). When it is determined that the negative pressure value is a predetermined value, the suction pump 16 is continuously driven so as to maintain the negative pressure value (S205). In this state, the suction unit 46 is relatively moved in the second direction, and a suction operation for sucking ink from the nozzle row 121 arranged in the nozzle region 124a of the nozzle formation surface 124 is performed by the suction cap 11 (S206). .

  In this way, by performing the operation of cleaning the suction cap 11 and adjusting the negative pressure value in S207, the suction cap 11 can suck ink from the nozzle row 121 at a predetermined negative pressure value.

(Third embodiment)
Since the configuration of the recording apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention is the same as that of the first embodiment, illustration and description of the configuration are omitted.

  In the third embodiment, a recording head cleaning operation, which is a part different from the above embodiment, will be described.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a third cleaning operation in the third embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, the third cleaning operation will be described with reference to the flowchart.

  In the third cleaning operation, before the suction operation by the suction cap 11, the negative pressure value adjusting means is combined, and when the negative pressure value is not a predetermined value, the suction cap is given to the user of the apparatus. Notification of replacement and maintenance.

  First, the suction mechanism 11 of the suction unit 46 is moved to the position of the non-nozzle region 124b of the nozzle forming surface 124 by the moving mechanism 40, and the suction cap 11 and the nozzle forming surface 124 are brought into contact with each other (S301). Next, the inside of the suction cap 11 is brought into a negative pressure state by the suction pump 16 in this state (S302). In this state, the negative pressure value inside the suction cap 11 is measured by the pressure measuring means 17 (S303). Then, it is determined whether or not the negative pressure value is a predetermined value (S304). When it is determined that the negative pressure value is a predetermined value, the suction pump 16 is continuously driven so as to maintain the negative pressure value. (S305). In this state, the suction cap 11 performs a suction operation for sucking ink from the nozzle row 121 arranged in the nozzle region 124a of the nozzle formation surface 124 (S306). Accordingly, ink can be sucked from the nozzle row 121 by the suction cap 11 at a predetermined negative pressure value.

  In S304, when it is determined that the negative pressure value is not the predetermined value, the moving unit 40 moves the suction unit 46 to the position of the cleaner unit 30 (cleaning means). Then, the ink and dust adhering to the suction cap 11 are cleaned by the cleaner unit 30 (S307). Thereafter, the suction cap 11 of the suction unit 46 is moved again to the position of the non-nozzle region 124b of the nozzle forming surface 124 by the moving mechanism 40, and the suction cap 11 and the nozzle forming surface 124 are brought into contact with each other (S301). . In this state, the inside of the suction cap 11 is brought into a negative pressure state by the suction pump 16 (S302). Then, the negative pressure value inside the suction cap 11 is measured by the pressure measuring means 17 (S303). If it is still determined that the negative pressure value is not the predetermined value (S304), the contact amount between the suction cap 11 and the nozzle forming surface 124 is adjusted by the adjustment mechanism 21 (S308). Nevertheless, when it is determined that the negative pressure value is not the predetermined value (S304), the apparatus user is notified that it is time to replace or maintain the suction cap 11 (S309).

  In this way, by causing the apparatus user to be notified of a nozzle recovery failure before an image defect print is generated due to an ink ejection defect of the recording head 2, it is possible to prevent the productivity and user convenience of the recording apparatus from being lowered. can do.

(Fourth embodiment)
Since the configuration of the recording apparatus according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention is the same as that of the first embodiment, illustration and description of the configuration are omitted.

  In the fourth embodiment, a recording head cleaning operation, which is a part different from the above embodiment, will be described.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a fourth cleaning operation in the fourth embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, the fourth cleaning operation will be described with reference to the flowchart.

  In the fourth cleaning operation, the suction amount by the suction pump 16 is adjusted before the suction operation by the suction cap 11 when the negative pressure value when the suction cap 11 is brought into contact with the non-nozzle region 124b is not a predetermined value. Then, the negative pressure value is adjusted (adjustment means).

  First, the suction mechanism 11 of the suction unit 46 is moved to the position of the non-nozzle region 124b of the nozzle formation surface 124 by the moving mechanism 40, and the suction cap 11 and the nozzle formation surface 124 are brought into contact with each other (S401). Next, the suction pump 16 is driven to bring the inside of the suction cap 11 into a negative pressure state (S402). Then, the negative pressure value inside the suction cap 11 is measured by the pressure measuring means 17 (S403).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the negative pressure value is a predetermined value (S404). When it is determined that the negative pressure value is a predetermined value, the suction pump 16 is continuously driven so as to maintain the negative pressure value (S405). In this state, the suction unit 46 is relatively moved in the second direction, and a suction operation for sucking ink from the nozzle row 121 is performed (S406). As a result, ink can be sucked from the nozzle row 121 by the suction cap 11 at a predetermined negative pressure value.

  If it is determined in S404 that the negative pressure value is not a predetermined value, the suction amount of the suction pump 16 is adjusted (S407). In particular, when the negative pressure value is less than a predetermined value, the suction amount by the suction pump 16 is increased to increase the negative pressure value inside the suction cap 11. Then, it is determined again whether the negative pressure value is a predetermined value (S404). If it is determined to be the predetermined value, the suction pump 16 is continuously driven so as to maintain the negative pressure value. (S405). In this state, the suction unit 46 is relatively moved in the second direction, and a suction operation for sucking ink from the nozzle row 121 arranged in the nozzle region 124a of the nozzle forming surface 124 is performed (S406).

  In this way, by adjusting the suction amount of the suction pump 16 in S407, the negative pressure value when performing the suction operation is adjusted, and the suction cap 11 can suck ink from the nozzle row 121 at a predetermined negative pressure value. it can.

2 Recording head 11 Suction cap 16 Suction pump 17 Pressure measuring means 21 Adjustment mechanism 30 Cleaner unit 40 Movement mechanism 46 Suction unit 120 Nozzle tip 124 Nozzle formation surface 124a Nozzle area 124b Non-nozzle area

Claims (9)

A recording head having a nozzle forming surface provided with a nozzle region in which a plurality of nozzles that eject ink are arranged in a predetermined direction and a non-nozzle region in which the nozzle row is not disposed;
A cap capable of contacting the nozzle forming surface;
A suction pump that sucks air inside the cap and places it in a negative pressure state,
A suction operation for sucking ink from the nozzle row is performed by driving the suction pump in a state where the cap is in contact with the nozzle region and relatively moving the cap and the recording head in the predetermined direction. An inkjet recording apparatus that performs
Measuring means for measuring a negative pressure value inside the cap when the suction pump is driven in a state where the cap is in contact with the non-nozzle region;
An inkjet recording apparatus comprising: an adjusting unit that adjusts a negative pressure value generated in the cap when performing the suction operation based on a negative pressure value measured by the measuring unit.   2. The ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a negative pressure value generated inside the cap when the suction operation is performed by the adjusting unit is adjusted before the suction operation.   The adjusting means adjusts a contact amount of the cap with respect to the non-nozzle region based on a negative pressure value measured by the measuring means, and generates a negative pressure generated in the cap when performing the suction operation. The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the value is adjusted.   The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising a contact amount adjusting mechanism capable of adjusting a contact amount of the cap with the non-nozzle region.   The adjusting means adjusts a suction amount by the suction pump based on a negative pressure value measured by the measuring means, and adjusts a negative pressure value generated inside the cap when performing the suction operation. The ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: A cleaning means capable of cleaning the cap;
The adjusting means adjusts a negative pressure value generated in the cap when the cleaning means cleans the cap based on the negative pressure value measured by the measuring means and performs the suction operation. The ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:   The adjustment means adjusts a negative pressure value generated in the cap when performing the suction operation when the negative pressure value measured by the measurement means is less than a predetermined value. The ink jet recording apparatus according to any one of 1 to 6.   After adjusting the negative pressure value generated inside the cap when performing the suction operation by the adjusting means, if the negative pressure value measured by the measuring means is less than a predetermined value, to the device user The ink-jet recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a notification that it is a replacement time or a maintenance time of the cap is provided.   9. The line type print head according to claim 1, wherein the print head is a line type print head in which an ink jet type nozzle array for discharging ink over a full width range of a sheet assumed to be used is formed. 2. An ink jet recording apparatus according to 1.

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