JP4821633B2 - Fluid ejecting apparatus and fluid ejecting apparatus cleaning method - Google Patents

Description

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

  Generally, an ink jet printer (hereinafter simply referred to as “printer”) is known as a fluid ejecting apparatus that ejects ink (fluid) from a nozzle of a recording head (fluid ejecting head) to a target. In such a printer, an ink cartridge (fluid storage means) for storing ink is detachably attached, and ink supplied from the ink cartridge via an ink supply path (fluid supply path) is recorded on a paper ( Printing is executed by spraying onto the target. In addition, in order to reduce the ejection failure of the recording head ink during printing, these printers have powerful cleaning such as so-called choke cleaning that forcibly discharges thickened ink or bubbles from the nozzles of the recording head. It is supposed to be executed.

  In this choke cleaning, a choke valve (differential pressure on-off valve) provided on the ink supply path is closed, and suction is performed from the nozzle forming surface side of the recording head by a suction pump (suction means), thereby generating a negative pressure in the recording head. And the bubbles present in the recording head are expanded. Then, by driving a pressurizing pump (pressurizing means) for pressurizing the inside of the ink cartridge, the choke valve on the ink supply path is forcibly opened, and ink flows from the ink cartridge into the recording head all at once. Let As a result, highly viscous ink and expanded bubbles in the recording head are discharged together with the ink from each nozzle formed in the recording head.

  In such choke cleaning, when the pressure pump is driven at a constant speed, the amount of ink discharged from the recording head varies depending on the remaining amount of ink remaining in the ink cartridge. was there. In this case, ink is discharged from the recording head more than necessary, or ink with high viscosity or expanded bubbles in the recording head cannot be discharged from each nozzle due to insufficient ink discharge amount (that is, cleaning). Sometimes failed).

Therefore, recently, the remaining amount of ink in the ink cartridge is calculated before the chalk cleaning is executed, and the pressure pump is driven at a driving speed corresponding to the calculated remaining amount of ink to perform the chalk cleaning. A cleaning method has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In the cleaning method disclosed in Patent Document 1, since the driving speed of the pressure pump is set according to the remaining amount of ink in the ink cartridge, the timing of opening the choke valve varies during choke cleaning. It is supposed to be suppressed. For this reason, the variation in the discharge amount of ink discharged from the recording head in one choke cleaning is suppressed, so that wasteful consumption of ink and cleaning failure are suppressed.
JP 2006-218828 A

  Incidentally, the remaining amount of ink in the ink cartridge calculated by the cleaning method described in Patent Document 1 is not based on actual measurement, but the usage conditions of the printer (the total number of prints on the paper, the number of times of cleaning, etc.) Is an estimated value based on For this reason, an error occurs in the calculated remaining amount of ink, and the driving speed of the pressure pump may not be set to a speed corresponding to the actual remaining amount of ink in the ink cartridge. In addition, the opening timing of the choke valve is delayed due to the secular change in the pressurization efficiency of the pressurizing pump, and as a result, the ink discharge amount that should be discharged by the choke cleaning may not be discharged. Therefore, the cleaning method described in Patent Document 1 has room for improvement in terms of suppressing variation in the amount of ink discharged from the recording head during one choke cleaning.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to accurately stabilize the amount of fluid discharged from the fluid ejecting head during cleaning according to the remaining amount of fluid in the fluid storage means. It is an object of the present invention to provide a fluid ejecting apparatus and a fluid ejecting apparatus cleaning method that can be realized.

  In order to achieve the above object, the fluid ejection device cleaning method of the present invention is configured to eject the fluid guided from the fluid storage unit to the fluid ejection head side through the fluid supply path based on the pressure applied by the pressurizing unit. A cleaning method for a fluid ejecting apparatus that sucks and discharges from a nozzle formed in a head by suction means, wherein the pressure in the fluid storage means increased by the pressure of the pressurizing means is equal to or higher than a preset pressure threshold value And setting at least one of a driving speed of the pressurizing unit and a driving start timing of the pressurizing unit depending on the elapsed time measured in the measuring step. And a discharging step of discharging the fluid from the fluid ejecting head by driving the pressurizing means based on the conditions set in the setting step. To.

  According to this invention, the remaining amount of the fluid stored in the fluid storage means is estimated by measuring the elapsed time until the pressure in the fluid storage means becomes equal to or higher than the pressure threshold. In other words, when the remaining amount of fluid in the fluid storage unit is large, the elapsed time is shorter than when the remaining amount of fluid in the fluid storage unit is small. Then, according to the measured elapsed time, at least one of the driving speed of the pressurizing unit and the drive start timing of the pressurizing unit is accurately set, and the pressurizing unit is driven based on the setting condition. Then, cleaning for discharging the fluid from the fluid ejecting head is performed. Further, the elapsed time is acquired by driving a pressurizing unit used at the time of cleaning. For this reason, at least one of the driving speed of the pressurizing unit and the timing of starting the driving of the pressurizing unit is accurately set in consideration of the secular change of the pressurizing efficiency of the pressurizing unit. Therefore, the amount of fluid discharged from the fluid ejecting head during cleaning can be accurately stabilized according to the remaining amount of fluid in the fluid storage means.

  According to the cleaning method of the fluid ejecting apparatus of the present invention, the fluid guided from the fluid storing means to the fluid ejecting head side through the fluid supply path based on the pressure applied by the pressurizing means is sucked from the nozzle formed in the fluid ejecting head. When sucking and discharging by the means, the differential pressure on / off valve provided in the fluid supply path is closed by the suction force of the suction means, and the downstream side of the differential pressure on / off valve in the fluid supply path is reduced In the state, the differential pressure on-off valve is opened by the pressure of the fluid sent to the fluid ejecting head side via the fluid supply path based on the pressure applied by the pressurizing means, and the fluid is discharged from the fluid ejecting head. A cleaning method for a fluid ejecting apparatus, wherein an elapsed time until the pressure in the fluid storage means increased by the pressure applied by the pressurizing means becomes equal to or higher than a preset pressure threshold is measured. A setting stage for setting at least one of a driving speed of the pressurizing unit and a driving start timing of the pressurizing unit according to the elapsed time measured in the measuring stage, and the setting stage And a discharge stage for opening the differential pressure on-off valve and discharging the fluid from the fluid ejecting head by driving the pressurizing means based on the condition set in (1).

  According to this invention, the remaining amount of the fluid stored in the fluid storage means is estimated by measuring the elapsed time until the pressure in the fluid storage means becomes equal to or higher than the pressure threshold. In other words, when the remaining amount of fluid in the fluid storage unit is large, the elapsed time is shorter than when the remaining amount of fluid in the fluid storage unit is small. In accordance with the measured elapsed time, at least one of the driving speed of the pressurizing unit and the driving start timing of the pressurizing unit is accurately set. Further, the elapsed time is acquired by driving a pressurizing unit used at the time of cleaning. For this reason, at least one of the driving speed of the pressurizing unit and the timing of starting the driving of the pressurizing unit is accurately set in consideration of the secular change of the pressurizing efficiency of the pressurizing unit. Then, the so-called choke cleaning is performed by driving the pressurizing unit based on the set condition. Therefore, the amount of fluid discharged from the fluid ejecting head during choke cleaning can be accurately stabilized according to the remaining amount of fluid in the fluid storage means.

  In the fluid ejection device cleaning method of the present invention, when the driving speed of the pressurizing unit is set in the setting step, the driving speed of the pressurizing unit is such that the elapsed time measured in the measuring step is shorter. Set to be slow.

  According to the present invention, the lower the remaining amount of fluid in the fluid storing means, the higher the driving speed of the pressurizing means is set. On the other hand, the higher the remaining amount of fluid in the fluid storing means, The driving speed of the pressure means is set to be slow. Therefore, even if the remaining amount of fluid in the fluid storage means is small, cleaning failure based on a decrease in the amount of fluid discharged during cleaning is suppressed. Further, even when the remaining amount of fluid in the fluid storage means is large, excessive ink discharge during cleaning is suppressed.

  In the fluid ejection device cleaning method according to the aspect of the invention, in the setting step, when the driving start timing of the pressurizing unit is set, the driving start timing of the pressurizing unit is measured by the measurement step. It is set to be slower as the time is shorter.

  According to the present invention, the lower the remaining amount of fluid in the fluid storage means, the earlier the drive start timing of the pressurizing means is set, while the more remaining amount of fluid in the fluid storage means increases. The timing for starting to drive the pressurizing means is set to be delayed. Therefore, even if the remaining amount of fluid in the fluid storage means is small, cleaning failure based on a decrease in the amount of fluid discharged during cleaning is suppressed. Further, even when the remaining amount of fluid in the fluid storage means is large, excessive ink discharge during cleaning is suppressed.

  The cleaning method for a fluid ejecting apparatus of the present invention further includes a pressure reducing step for reducing the pressure in the fluid storage means after the execution of the measurement step, and the discharging step is executed after the pressure reducing step.

  According to the present invention, since the decompression stage is surely executed before the discharge stage is executed, even if the pressure in the fluid storage means is increased by the execution of the measurement stage, the fluid storage means is executed before the discharge stage is executed. The inside is depressurized. Accordingly, since variations in pressure in the fluid storage means during execution of the discharge stage are suppressed, occurrence of variations in the amount of fluid discharged from the fluid ejecting head during cleaning is well suppressed.

  The fluid ejection device according to the present invention includes a fluid storage unit that stores a fluid, a pressurization unit that pressurizes the fluid from the fluid storage unit and sends the fluid to a fluid supply path, and the fluid based on the pressure applied by the pressurization unit A fluid ejecting head that ejects the fluid supplied through the supply path from the nozzle; a fluid receiving means that contacts the fluid ejecting head in a state in which the fluid can be sucked from the nozzle; and By exerting a suction force in a state of being in contact with the head, the fluid ejected from the fluid storing means to the fluid ejecting head side through the fluid supply path based on the applied pressure of the pressurizing means. In a fluid ejecting apparatus, comprising: suction means for sucking from the nozzle of the head and discharging it into the fluid receiving means; pressure detecting means for detecting the pressure in the fluid storing means; and driving of the pressurizing means. Measuring means for measuring an elapsed time from when the pressure is detected until the pressure detected by the pressure detecting means becomes equal to or higher than a preset pressure threshold, and the pressurization according to the elapsed time measured by the measuring means A setting unit that sets at least one of a driving speed of the unit and a driving start timing of the pressurizing unit, and controls the driving of the pressurizing unit based on the condition set by the setting unit and drives the suction unit And controlling means for discharging the fluid from the fluid ejecting head into the fluid receiving means.

  According to this invention, the remaining amount of the fluid stored in the fluid storage means is estimated by measuring the elapsed time until the pressure in the fluid storage means becomes equal to or higher than the pressure threshold. In other words, when the remaining amount of fluid in the fluid storage unit is large, the elapsed time is shorter than when the remaining amount of fluid in the fluid storage unit is small. Then, according to the measured elapsed time, at least one of the driving speed of the pressurizing unit and the drive start timing of the pressurizing unit is accurately set, and the pressurizing unit is driven based on the setting condition. Then, cleaning for discharging the fluid from the fluid ejecting head is performed. Further, the elapsed time is acquired by driving a pressurizing unit used at the time of cleaning. For this reason, at least one of the driving speed of the pressurizing unit and the timing of starting the driving of the pressurizing unit is accurately set in consideration of the secular change of the pressurizing efficiency of the pressurizing unit. Therefore, the amount of fluid discharged from the fluid ejecting head during cleaning can be accurately stabilized according to the remaining amount of fluid in the fluid storage means.

  The fluid ejection device according to the present invention includes a fluid storage unit that stores a fluid, a pressurization unit that pressurizes the fluid from the fluid storage unit and sends the fluid to a fluid supply path, and the fluid based on the pressure applied by the pressurization unit A fluid ejecting head that ejects the fluid supplied through the supply path from the nozzle; a differential pressure on-off valve provided in the middle of the fluid supply path; and a fluid ejecting head that is capable of sucking fluid from the nozzle. A fluid receiving means that abuts and a suction force exerted in a state where the fluid receiving means is in contact with the fluid ejecting head, thereby sucking fluid from the nozzle of the fluid ejecting head and discharging it into the fluid receiving means A suction means for closing, and closing the differential pressure on / off valve by the suction force of the suction means and reducing the pressure downstream of the differential pressure on / off valve in the fluid supply path. pressure In the fluid ejecting apparatus, the differential pressure on-off valve is opened by the pressure of the fluid delivered to the fluid ejecting head side via the fluid supply path, and the fluid is discharged into the fluid receiving means. A pressure detecting means for detecting the pressure in the means, and a measurement for measuring an elapsed time from when the driving of the pressurizing means is started until the pressure detected by the pressure detecting means exceeds a preset pressure threshold value A setting means for setting at least one of a driving speed of the pressurizing unit and a driving start timing of the pressurizing unit according to an elapsed time measured by the measuring unit, and a condition set by the setting unit And controlling the driving of the pressurizing means and controlling the driving of the suction means based on the above, thereby discharging the fluid from the fluid ejecting head into the fluid receiving means. And control means for.

  According to this invention, the remaining amount of the fluid stored in the fluid storage means is estimated by measuring the elapsed time until the pressure in the fluid storage means becomes equal to or higher than the pressure threshold. In other words, when the remaining amount of fluid in the fluid storage unit is large, the elapsed time is shorter than when the remaining amount of fluid in the fluid storage unit is small. In accordance with the measured elapsed time, at least one of the driving speed of the pressurizing unit and the driving start timing of the pressurizing unit is accurately set. Further, the elapsed time is acquired by driving a pressurizing unit used at the time of cleaning. For this reason, at least one of the driving speed of the pressurizing unit and the timing of starting the driving of the pressurizing unit is accurately set in consideration of the secular change of the pressurizing efficiency of the pressurizing unit. Then, the so-called choke cleaning is performed by driving the pressurizing unit based on the set condition. Therefore, the amount of fluid discharged from the fluid ejecting head during choke cleaning can be accurately stabilized according to the remaining amount of fluid in the fluid storage means.

(First embodiment)
Hereinafter, a first embodiment in which a fluid ejecting apparatus and a fluid ejecting apparatus cleaning method of the present invention are embodied will be described with reference to FIGS. In the following description of the present specification, the terms “front-rear direction”, “left-right direction”, and “up-down direction” indicate the front-rear direction, left-right direction, and up-down direction indicated by arrows in FIGS. Shall.

  As shown in FIG. 1, an ink jet printer 10 as a fluid ejecting apparatus includes a main body frame 11 having a rectangular shape in plan view, and a platen 12 extends in the main frame 11 along the left-right direction as the main scanning direction. It is constructed to extend. On the platen 12, a sheet (not shown) as a target is fed along a front-rear direction which is a sub-scanning direction by a paper feeding mechanism (not shown). A rod-shaped guide shaft 13 is installed in the main body frame 11 in parallel with the longitudinal direction (left-right direction) of the platen 12.

  A carriage 14 is supported on the guide shaft 13 so as to be capable of reciprocating in the axial direction (left-right direction) of the guide shaft 13. The carriage 14 is connected to a carriage motor 16 provided on the back surface of the main body frame 11 via an endless timing belt 15 stretched between a pair of pulleys 15 a provided on the inner surface of the rear wall of the main body frame 11. Yes. Therefore, the carriage 14 is reciprocated along the guide shaft 13 by driving the carriage motor 16.

  A recording head 17 as a fluid ejecting head is mounted on the lower surface side of the carriage 14 facing the platen 12. On the carriage 14, a plurality (four in this embodiment) of valve units 18 that supply ink as a temporarily stored fluid to the recording head 17 are provided. As shown in FIG. 3, the lower surface of the recording head 17 is a nozzle forming surface 17a in which a plurality of nozzles 19 (only six are shown in FIG. 3) are opened. Then, printing is performed by ejecting ink droplets from each nozzle 19 onto a sheet (not shown) fed onto the platen 12.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a cartridge holder 20 is provided at the right end in the main body frame 11, and a plurality of ink cartridges 21 as fluid storage means are detachably attached to the cartridge holder 20 (this embodiment). (4). As shown in FIG. 2, each ink cartridge 21 includes a case 22 having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. In the air chamber 23 formed in each case 22, ink having a different color for each ink cartridge 21 is provided. Each filled ink pack 24 is accommodated.

  Each of these ink packs 24 is obtained by filling various types of ink into a flexible film formed in a bag shape. In FIG. 2, the ink pack 24 in a state where the ink in the ink pack 24 is not consumed (that is, the state where the remaining ink amount is the maximum amount = the initial amount) is drawn with a two-dot chain line, and the ink in the ink pack 24 is slightly The ink pack 24 that has been consumed and reduced is drawn with a solid line.

  Further, each ink pack 24 and each valve unit 18 individually corresponding to each ink pack 24 (ink cartridge 21) are respectively connected via an ink supply path 25 constituting a fluid supply path, as shown in FIG. It is connected. Therefore, the ink in each ink cartridge 21 flows in the ink supply path 25 toward the valve unit 18 in a state where each ink cartridge 21 is mounted on the cartridge holder 20, and then temporarily stored in the valve unit 18. It has come to be.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a pressurizing unit 26 is disposed in the vicinity of the cartridge holder 20 at the right end of the main body frame 11. The pressurizing unit 26 is a device that pumps pressurized air into the ink cartridge 21 via an air supply path 27, and includes a pressurizing pump 28, a pressure sensor 29, and an atmosphere release valve 30 as pressurizing means. ing.

  The air supply path 27 is branched into a plurality (four in this embodiment) with a distributor 31 downstream of the atmosphere release valve 30 as a boundary. The branched air supply paths 27 are connected to the corresponding ink cartridges 21 at their respective leading ends (downstream ends). Therefore, when the pressurization pump 28 of the pressurization unit 26 is driven, the air pumped from the pressurization pump 28 is introduced into the case 22 of each ink cartridge 21 via the air supply path 27. It has become. Then, each ink pack 24 is crushed by the pressure of the pressurized air sent into each case 22, and the ink in each ink pack 24 is sent into each valve unit 18 via the ink supply path 25. It has come to be.

  A maintenance unit 32 is disposed near the right end of the main body frame 11 and at the home position of the carriage 14. As shown in FIG. 3, the maintenance unit 32 contacts the nozzle forming surface 17a of the recording head 17 (specifically, the area where the opening of each nozzle 19 is formed) so as to surround the opening of each nozzle 19. A cap (fluid receiving means) 33 made of a synthetic resin having a bottomed square box shape with an open upper side is provided.

  The cap 33 is connected to an elevating device 34 for elevating the cap 33. Then, with the carriage 14 moved to the non-printing region, the cap 33 is lifted by the lifting device 34, so that the upper end of the cap 33 comes into close contact with the nozzle forming surface 17 a of the recording head 17, and The opening is surrounded and comes into contact with the recording head 17. Hereinafter, the state in which the cap 33 is in contact with the recording head 17 so that the upper end is in close contact with the nozzle forming surface 17a is also referred to as “contact state”.

  A discharge port 35 is formed through the bottom wall portion of the cap 33, and a discharge tube 36 is connected to the discharge port 35. A suction pump 37 (for example, a tube pump) as a suction means is provided in the middle portion of the discharge tube 36. Further, the tip (downstream end) of the discharge tube 36 is connected to a waste ink tank 38. The maintenance unit 32 performs so-called choke cleaning using the valve unit 18 on the carriage 14.

  As shown in FIG. 4, each of these valve units 18 includes a base material 39 made of a synthetic resin, and a recess 40 is formed on one side surface (upper surface in FIG. 4) of each base material 39. Introduced passages 41 penetrating the base material 39 are opened at the bottom surfaces of the respective recesses 40, and the respective introduced passages 41 communicate with the respective ink supply passages 25 connected to the respective ink cartridges 21. is doing. Further, a protrusion 42 is formed on the bottom surface of each recess 40, and a discharge path 43 is opened on the top surface of each protrusion 42. The discharge paths 43 are formed through the base material 39 and communicate with the recording head 17 side.

  In addition, a flexible film 44 is fixed to one side surface of each base material 39 in a state where a slack is provided on the concave portion 40 side, and each concave portion 40 is sealed by each film 44. Yes. And the pressure chamber 45 enclosed by the inner surface of each recessed part 40 and each film 44 in the sealing state is each formed. Therefore, when ink is supplied to each valve unit 18 from the ink supply path 25, the ink flows into each pressure chamber 45 via the introduction path 41.

  When the amount of ink flowing into each pressure chamber 45 increases, each film 44 is separated from each protrusion 42 as shown in FIG. When the amount of ink in each pressure chamber 45 further increases and the pressure received from the ink increases, each film 44 swells to one side (the upper side in FIG. 4). Therefore, in the present embodiment, the recess 40, the protrusion 42, the film 44, and the like constitute a choke valve 46 as a differential pressure on-off valve. In addition, the introduction path 41, the recess 40, and the ejection path 43 constitute a fluid supply path together with the ink supply path 25.

Next, chalk cleaning will be described below with reference to FIGS.
In the case of chalk cleaning, as shown in FIG. 3, the cap 33 is raised and brought into contact with the recording head 17, whereby a cap inner space 47 is formed by the lower surface of the recording head 17 and the inner surface of the cap 33. Is done. When the suction pump 37 is driven in this state, air and ink in the cap inner space 47 are sucked into the suction pump 37 through the discharge tube 36. As a result, the cap inner space 47 is in a negative pressure state, and this negative pressure acts on each nozzle 19 of the recording head 17, and ink in the recording head 17 is discharged from each nozzle 19 to the cap inner space 47. The

  When the suction pump 37 is further driven, ink in each valve unit 18 as well as in the recording head 17 is sucked. As a result, the ink in each pressure chamber 45 is discharged to the downstream side from each discharge path 43, whereby the ink in each pressure chamber 45 decreases. When the suction pump 37 continues to be driven, each film 44 is displaced toward each protrusion 42 side (lower side in FIG. 4) as the ink in each pressure chamber 45 decreases, as shown in FIG. Each film 44 comes into contact with each projection 42 and each discharge path 43 is closed. If the driving of the suction pump 37 is further continued, the pressure on the downstream side from the inlet of each discharge passage 43 is further reduced.

  When the negative pressure downstream from the inlet of each discharge passage 43 is accumulated, the pressurizing pump 28 is driven. Then, ink is supplied from each ink cartridge 21 into each valve unit 18, and ink is introduced into each pressure chamber 45. Thereafter, as the amount of ink delivered to each pressure chamber 45 increases, when the ink pressure becomes greater than the negative pressure, each film 44 is displaced in a direction away from each protrusion 42 (upward in FIG. 5). Then, each discharge passage 43 is opened.

  As a result, the ink flows into the discharge passages 43 where the negative pressure is accumulated, and the thickened ink and bubbles staying downstream from the ink supply passages 25 and the pressure chambers 45 are increased in flow velocity. The ink is discharged from each nozzle 19 of the recording head 17 together with the ink. In this way, so-called chalk cleaning is performed. The ink discharged from each nozzle 19 of the recording head 17 is discharged to the waste ink tank 38 through the cap 33 and the discharge tube 36.

Next, the pressurizing unit 26 will be described with reference to FIG.
As shown in FIG. 6, the pressurizing unit 26 is unitized by attaching a pressurizing pump 28, a pressure sensor 29, and an atmosphere release valve 30 to the upper surface of the mounting plate 48. The pump motor 49, which is a drive source, is composed of an electric motor capable of forward and reverse rotation. A support shaft 50 is supported by a wall portion 48a erected on the end edge (right end edge in FIG. 6) of the mounting plate 48, and a first gear 51 is provided at the tip (left end in FIG. 6) of the support shaft 50. It is rotatably supported. The pinion gear 52 attached to the output shaft of the pump motor 49 meshes with the first gear 51, and the first gear 51 meshes with the second gear 53 that is the input gear of the pressure pump 28. ing. Accordingly, the first gear 51, the pinion gear 52, and the second gear 53 constitute a transmission mechanism 54 that transmits the rotation of the pump motor 49 as a rotation input to the pressure pump 28.

  The pressurizing pump 28 is a bellows type pump provided with an expansion / contraction member 55 made of a bottomed cylindrical synthetic resin having a bellows-like peripheral wall. The expansion member 55 has its opening end (left end in FIG. 6) sealed with a sealing portion 56, so that the inside thereof becomes a pump chamber. A pressure feeding tube 57 for feeding pressurized air from the pressure pump 28 toward the pressure sensor 29 is connected to the sealing portion 56.

  Further, a pressing member 60 in which a flat plate-like fixing portion 58 and an operating rod 59 are integrally formed is fixed to the base end portion (the right end portion in FIG. 6) of the expandable member 55. The operating rod 59 is inserted into a cylindrical body 53 a provided in the second gear 53, and the second gear 53 is supported so as to be rotatable relative to the operating rod 59.

  Further, a hole (not shown) is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical body 53a, and the driver 61 is attached. A spiral circumferential cam groove is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the operating rod 59, and the driver 61 is engaged with the cam groove. When the second gear 53 rotates around the operating rod 59, the drive element 61 revolves around the operating rod 59 and slides along the cam groove of the operating rod 59. Then, the actuating rod 59 performs a reciprocating linear motion in the A arrow direction and the B arrow direction in FIG. 6 based on the shape of the cam groove. That is, the operating rod 59, the cylindrical body 53 a, and the driver 61 constitute a power conversion mechanism 62 that converts the rotational motion of the second gear 53 into the reciprocating linear motion of the operating rod 59.

  Therefore, the rotational motion input to the power conversion mechanism 62 from the pump motor 49 via the transmission mechanism 54 is converted into the reciprocating linear motion of the operating rod 59 by the power converting mechanism 62, and accompanying this reciprocating linear motion of the operating rod 59. The expansion / contraction member 55 is configured to expand / contract (displace). As the expansion / contraction operation of the expansion / contraction member 55 increases / decreases the volume of the pump chamber in the expansion / contraction member 55, the pressurization pump 28 pumps air to the pumping tube 57 in the process of decreasing the volume of the pump chamber. Yes.

  The pressure sensor 29 is connected to the pressure feeding tube 57 of the pressure pump 28. The pressure sensor 29 is a sensor capable of detecting the pressure of pressurized air pumped by the pressure pump 28 and outputting a pressure value corresponding to the pressure. The atmospheric pressure release valve 30 is connected to the pressure sensor 29 via the communication pipe 63.

  In addition to the communication pipe 63, an air supply path 27 is connected to the atmosphere release valve 30. The air release valve 30 has a valve release lever 64 that can be pushed by a pressing member of a valve opening mechanism (not shown) disposed in the vicinity thereof. When the valve release lever 64 is pushed in, the atmosphere release valve 30 acts to open the internal flow path connecting the communication pipe 63 and the air supply path 27 to the atmosphere, and is pumped from the pressure pump 28. Pressurized air is not supplied into the air supply path 27. On the other hand, in a state where the valve release lever 64 is not pushed, the internal flow path of the atmospheric release valve 30 is not opened to the atmosphere, and pressurized air fed from the pressure pump 28 is supplied to each ink via the air supply path 27. The cartridge 21 is supplied. The above-described valve opening mechanism that performs the pushing operation of the valve opening lever 64 is connected to the pump motor 49 via a gear mechanism (not shown) so as to be able to transmit power, and when the pump motor 49 is reversed, the valve opening mechanism is connected. The pressing member is configured to push the valve opening lever 64.

  A position detector 65 for detecting the origin position (home position) of the telescopic member 55 is attached on the mounting plate 48 in the vicinity of the pressurizing pump 28. The position detector 65 includes a limit switch, a photo sensor, and the like, and includes a detection lever 66. Then, when the telescopic member 55 is disposed at the origin position that is the maximum position, the fixing portion 58 of the pressing member 60 pushes the detection lever 66, so that the position detector 65 outputs a detection signal later. It outputs to the control apparatus 70 (refer FIG. 7) to perform.

Next, the electrical configuration of the ink jet printer 10 will be described with reference to FIG.
As shown in FIG. 7, the ink jet printer 10 includes a control device 70 as control means. The input side interface of the control device 70 is electrically connected to the pressure sensor 29, the position detector 65, and the operation switch SW that is operated when the above-described choke cleaning is executed. On the other hand, the carriage motor 16, the lifting device 34, the suction pump 37, the pump motor 49, and the like are electrically connected to the output side interface of the control device 70. The control device 70 individually controls driving of the carriage motor 16, the lifting device 34, the suction pump 37, the pump motor 49, and the like based on the input signal and the like.

  In the control device 70, a CPU 71, a ROM 72, a RAM 73, a timer 74, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) 75, and the like are provided. The ROM 72 stores various control programs (such as choke cleaning processing described later) for controlling the ink jet printer 10, various thresholds (such as pressure thresholds and driving time thresholds described later), and various maps (such as the map described in detail in FIG. 8). ) And the like are stored in advance. The RAM 73 stores various information (e.g., elapsed time described later) that can be appropriately rewritten while the ink jet printer 10 is being driven. The timer 74 starts time measurement when a control signal from the CPU 71 or the ASIC 75 is input.

Next, the map stored in the ROM 72 will be described with reference to FIG.
The map shown in FIG. 8 is a map for setting the drive speed VS1 of the pressurizing pump 28 (that is, the normal rotation speed of the pump motor 49) according to the elapsed time T1 described later. Specifically, the elapsed time T1 and the driving speed VS1 of the pressurizing pump 28 are in a proportional relationship, and the driving speed VS1 of the pressurizing pump 28 is set to be slower as the elapsed time T1 is shorter. It has become. When the elapsed time T1 is “0 (zero)”, the driving speed VS1 of the pressurizing pump 28 is set to the minimum speed VS0 (> 0 “zero”).

  Next, among the various control processes executed by the control device 70 of the present embodiment, the choke cleaning process routine executed when the choke cleaning is executed is shown in the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 and the timing chart shown in FIG. This will be described below.

  The control device 70 executes a choke cleaning process routine when the operation switch SW is operated. In the choke cleaning process routine, the control device 70 causes the air release valve 30 of the pressurizing unit 26 to be temporarily opened by reversing the pump motor 49 (step S10). Subsequently, after stopping the reverse rotation of the pump motor 49, the control device 70 acquires the elapsed time T1 by executing the pressurization completion time measurement process described in detail in FIG. 10 (step S11). The elapsed time T1 is a value corresponding to the remaining amount of ink stored in each ink cartridge 21, and increases as the remaining amount of ink in each ink cartridge 21 decreases. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the control device 70 also functions as a measurement unit that measures the elapsed time T1. Step S11 corresponds to a measurement stage.

  Subsequently, the control device 70 reverses the pump motor 49 to open the atmosphere release valve 30 of the pressurizing unit 26 again, so that the pressure in each ink cartridge 21 is approximately equal to the atmospheric pressure (step S12). . Therefore, in the present embodiment, step S12 corresponds to a decompression stage.

  Then, after stopping the reverse rotation of the pump motor 49, the control device 70 starts driving the suction pump 37 and closes each choke valve 46 (step S13). Subsequently, the control device 70 reads the map shown in FIG. 8 from the ROM 72, and sets the driving speed VS1 of the pressurizing pump 28 corresponding to the elapsed time T1 acquired in step S11 (step S14). Therefore, in the present embodiment, the control device 70 also functions as a setting unit that sets the drive speed VS1 of the pressurizing pump 28 (the forward rotation speed of the pump motor 49) according to the elapsed time T1. Step S14 corresponds to a setting stage.

  Subsequently, the control device 70 causes the pump motor 49 to rotate forward so as to start driving the pressurizing pump 28 at the drive speed VS1 set in step S14 (step S15). Then, the pressure value PA (that is, the pressure value detected based on the input signal from the pressure sensor 29) of the pressurized air pumped into each ink cartridge 21 corresponds to the remaining amount of ink in each ink cartridge 21. Since the pressurizing pump 28 is driven at the driving speed VS1, the pressure rises as shown by a solid line in FIG. When the driving time of the pressurizing pump 28 elapses the valve opening time TP1, the pressure value PA of the pressurized air that is pumped into each ink cartridge 21 (that is, the pressure in each ink cartridge 21) becomes the open pressure value PA1. As a result, the closed choke valves 46 are opened. Then, so-called choke cleaning is performed in which the ink in each ink cartridge 21 is supplied into the recording head 17 at once and discharged into the cap 33. Therefore, in the present embodiment, step S15 is in a discharging stage in which each choke valve 46 is opened and ink is discharged from the recording head 17 by driving the pressure pump 28 based on the conditions set in step S14. Equivalent to.

  Subsequently, the control device 70 reads the driving time T2 from the start of driving of the pressurizing pump 28 from the timer 74, and the driving time T2 is set to be longer than the valve opening time TP1 described above. It is determined whether or not the threshold value KT2 has been exceeded (step S16). This drive time threshold value KT2 is a time corresponding to the execution period of choke cleaning, and is set in advance by experiments, simulations, or the like.

  If the determination result in step S16 is a negative determination (T2 ≦ KT2), the control device 70 repeatedly executes the determination process in step S16 until the determination result in step S16 becomes a positive determination. On the other hand, if the determination result in step S16 is affirmative (T2> KT2), the control device 70 stops driving the suction pump 37 (step S17) and stops driving the pressure pump 28 (step S18). . Thereafter, the control device 70 ends the choke cleaning process routine.

  Here, when the pressure pump 28 is driven at a driving speed VS1 that does not correspond to the remaining amount of ink in each ink cartridge 21 (that is, the pump motor 49 is rotated forward at a normal rotation speed that does not correspond to the remaining amount of ink). ) Is as shown below. That is, when the pressurization pump 28 is driven at a driving speed faster than an appropriate driving speed VS1 corresponding to the remaining amount of ink in each ink cartridge 21, as shown by a broken line in FIG. The increasing speed of the pressure value PA of the pressurized air fed into the cartridge 21 becomes faster than that indicated by the solid line in FIG. Therefore, the pressure value PA of the pressurized air becomes equal to or higher than the open pressure value PA1 when a short valve opening time TP2 shorter than the valve opening time TP1 has elapsed, and the desired timing is reached. Each choke valve 46 opens as soon as possible. Therefore, more ink than necessary is discharged from the recording head 17 into the cap 33 before the driving of the pumps 28 and 37 is stopped.

  On the other hand, when the pressure pump 28 is driven at a driving speed slower than an appropriate driving speed VS1 corresponding to the remaining amount of ink in each ink cartridge 21, as shown by a two-dot chain line in FIG. The increasing speed of the pressure value PA of the pressurized air fed into each ink cartridge 21 is slower than that indicated by the solid line in FIG. Therefore, even if the drive time of the pressurizing pump 28 has elapsed the valve opening time TP1, the pressure value PA of the pressurized air is less than the open pressure value PA1, and each choke valve 46 remains closed. When the driving time of the pressurizing pump 28 elapses longer than the valve opening time TP1, the pressure value PA of the pressurized air finally reaches the open pressure value PA1 and each choke valve 46 opens. Will do. That is, each choke valve 46 is opened later than the desired timing. For this reason, the amount of ink discharged from the recording head 17 into the cap 33 becomes less than the required amount before the driving of the pumps 28 and 37 is stopped. As a result, the inside of the recording head 17 and the fluid supply path. The thickened ink, bubbles, etc. could not be discharged together with the ink into the cap 33, and there was a possibility that chalk cleaning would fail.

  However, in this embodiment, the pressurization pump 28 is driven at a driving speed VS1 corresponding to the remaining amount of ink in each ink cartridge 21 (that is, the elapsed time T1), as shown in FIG. The time from the start of driving the pressurizing pump 28 to the opening of each choke valve 46 is stabilized at the valve opening time TP1. For this reason, the period during which each choke valve 46 is open is almost the same every time, so that the amount of ink discharged from the recording head 17 into the cap 33 during one choke cleaning is stabilized.

Next, the pressurization completion time measurement process (pressurization completion time measurement process routine) in step S11 will be described in detail based on the flowchart shown in FIG.
The control device 70 starts driving the pressure pump 28 by causing the pump motor 49 to rotate forward at a predetermined speed set in advance (step S20). Subsequently, the control device 70 causes the timer 74 to start measuring the elapsed time T1 (step S21). Then, the control device 70 detects the pressure value PA of the pressurized air pressure-fed into each ink cartridge 21 from the pressure unit 26 based on the input signal from the pressure sensor 29, and the pressure value PA is preset. It is determined whether or not the pressure threshold value is KPA (for example, “10” KPa (kilopascal)) or more (step S22).

  When the air release valve 30 is not opened, the pressurizing pump 28 and each ink cartridge 21 communicate with each other via the air supply path 27. Therefore, the pressure in each ink cartridge 21 is about the same as the pressure value PA of the pressurized air. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the pressure sensor 29 and the control device 70 also function as pressure detection means for detecting the pressure in the ink cartridge 21 (= pressure value PA of pressurized air).

  When the determination result of step S22 is negative (PA <KPA), the control device 70 repeatedly executes the determination process of step S22 until the determination result of step S22 becomes a positive determination. On the other hand, when the determination result of step S22 is affirmative (PA ≧ KPA), the control device 70 acquires the elapsed time T1 from the timer 74 to that time and stores it in the RAM 73 (step S23). Subsequently, the control device 70 stops the driving of the pressurizing pump 28 by stopping the forward rotation of the pump motor 49 (step S24), and then ends the pressurization completion time measurement processing routine.

Therefore, in this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
(1) By actually measuring the elapsed time T1 until the pressure (pressure value PA of pressurized air) in each ink cartridge (fluid storage means) 21 becomes equal to or higher than the pressure threshold KPA, the ink cartridge 21 is stored in each ink cartridge 21. The remaining ink level is estimated. That is, when the remaining amount of ink in each ink cartridge 21 is large, the elapsed time T1 is shorter than when the remaining amount of ink in each ink cartridge 21 is small. Then, according to the measured elapsed time T1, the driving speed VS1 of the pressurizing pump (pressurizing means) 28 is accurately set, and the pressurizing pump 28 is driven based on the setting condition, whereby the recording head ( Choke cleaning for discharging ink from the fluid ejecting head 17 is executed. Therefore, the driving speed VS1 of the pressurizing pump 28 is set based on the elapsed time T1 corresponding to the remaining amount of ink in each ink cartridge 21, and each closed choke valve (differential pressure on-off valve) 46 is opened. Stabilization of the timing to open the valve. Therefore, the amount of ink discharged from the recording head 17 during choke cleaning can be accurately stabilized according to the remaining amount of ink in each ink cartridge 21.

  (2) Further, in this embodiment, the remaining of ink (fluid) in each ink cartridge (fluid storing means) 21 is driven by driving a pressurizing pump (pressurizing means) 28 used at the time of performing chalk cleaning. The elapsed time T1 corresponding to the quantity is acquired. Therefore, the driving speed VS1 of the pressurizing pump 28 set based on the elapsed time T1 is a speed that takes into account the secular change of the pressurizing efficiency of the pressurizing pump 28. Therefore, it is possible to suppress variation in the amount of ink discharged from the recording head 17 during choke cleaning due to the change in pressurization efficiency of the pressurization pump 28 over time.

  (3) The valve is closed by setting the drive speed VS1 of the pressurizing pump (pressurizing unit) 28 to be higher as the remaining amount of ink (fluid) in each ink cartridge (fluid storing unit) 21 is smaller. The timing at which each choke valve (differential pressure on-off valve) 46 is opened is advanced. On the other hand, by setting the drive speed VS1 of the pressure pump 28 to be slower as the remaining amount of ink in each ink cartridge 21 increases, the timing at which each closed choke valve 46 opens is delayed. ing. As a result, it is possible to open each choke valve 46 that is closed at substantially the same timing regardless of the remaining amount of ink in each ink cartridge 21. Therefore, even if the remaining amount of ink in each ink cartridge 21 is small, it is possible to suppress the failure of chalk cleaning based on a decrease in the amount of ink discharged during chalk cleaning. Further, even when the remaining amount of ink in each ink cartridge 21 is large, excessive discharge of ink during choke cleaning can be suppressed.

(4) Even if the pressure in each ink cartridge (fluid storage means) 21 has increased due to the execution of step S11 (pressurization completion time measurement process), which is a measurement stage, the execution of step S12, which is the decompression stage, is performed. The pressure in each ink cartridge 21 is reduced to approximately the same as the atmospheric pressure. Thereafter, step S15 corresponding to the discharging stage is executed. For this reason, since the discharge stage is executed after the pressure in each ink cartridge 21 becomes substantially equal to the atmospheric pressure, the ink (fluid) from the recording head (fluid ejecting head) 17 at the time of choke cleaning. It is possible to satisfactorily suppress the occurrence of variations in the amount of discharge.
(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the control contents of the choke cleaning processing routine, the point that the pressurizing pump 28 is driven at a predetermined speed set in the choke cleaning, and the like. Therefore, in the following description, parts different from those of the first embodiment will be mainly described, and the same or corresponding member configurations as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted. Shall.

  A map shown in FIG. 12 is stored in the ROM 72 of the control device 70 of the present embodiment. The map shown in FIG. 12 is a map for setting the wait time TW of the pressurizing pump 28 at the time of choke cleaning according to the elapsed time T1 described above. Specifically, the elapsed time T1 and the driving speed VS1 of the pressurizing pump 28 are in a proportional relationship, and the shorter the elapsed time T1, the longer the wait time TW of the pressurizing pump 28 is set. When the elapsed time T1 is “0 (zero)”, the wait time TW is set to the maximum value TW0. The wait time TW is increased so that each choke valve 46 in the closed state is opened when the valve opening time TP1 has elapsed since the start of choke cleaning (ie, driving of the suction pump 37). This is the time for adjusting the drive start timing of the pump 28.

  Next, the choke cleaning processing routine executed by the control device 70 of the present embodiment will be described below based on the flowchart shown in FIG. 13 and the timing chart shown in FIG.

  The control device 70 executes a choke cleaning process routine when the operation switch SW is operated. In the choke cleaning process routine, the control device 70 sequentially executes steps S30, S31, and S32 corresponding to steps S10, S11, and S12 described above. Therefore, in this embodiment, step S31 corresponds to the measurement stage, and step S32 corresponds to the pressure reduction stage.

  Then, the control device 70 reads the map shown in FIG. 12 from the ROM 72, and sets the weight time TW of the pressurizing pump 28 corresponding to the elapsed time T1 acquired in step S31 (step S33). Therefore, in the present embodiment, the control device 70 also functions as a setting unit that sets the drive start timing of the pressurizing pump 28 according to the elapsed time T1. Step S33 corresponds to a setting stage.

  Subsequently, after stopping the reverse rotation of the pump motor 49, the control device 70 starts driving the suction pump 37 and closes each choke valve 46 (step S34). And the control apparatus 70 determines whether the elapsed time after the drive of the suction pump 37 started passed the wait time TW set in step S33 (step S35). When this determination result is a negative determination, the control device 70 repeatedly executes the determination process of step S35 until the determination result of step S35 becomes a positive determination. On the other hand, when the determination result of step S35 is affirmative, the control device 70 drives the pressure pump 28 by rotating the pump motor 49 forward at a preset rotation speed (step S36).

  In the present embodiment, the pressurizing pump 28 is driven at a preset driving speed. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 14, as the remaining amount of ink in each ink cartridge 21 is smaller, the rate of increase in the pressure in each ink cartridge 21 (that is, the pressure value PA of the pressurized air) is slower. However, since the wait time TW is set longer as the remaining amount of ink in each ink cartridge 21 is larger, the suction pump 37 is started regardless of the remaining amount of ink in each ink cartridge 21. When the valve opening time TP1 has elapsed, the pressure in each ink cartridge 21 becomes equal to or greater than the open pressure value PA1. Then, each choke valve 46 that has been closed is opened.

  Then, the control device 70 determines whether or not the driving time T2 of the suction pump 37 has exceeded a preset driving time threshold value KT2 (step S37). If this determination result is a negative determination (T2 ≦ KT2), the control device 70 repeatedly executes the determination process of step S37 until the determination result of step S37 becomes a positive determination. On the other hand, when the determination result in step S37 is affirmative (T2> KT2), the control device 70 stops driving the suction pump 37 (step S38) and stops driving the pressure pump 28 (step S39). . Thereafter, the control device 70 ends the choke cleaning process routine.

  Therefore, also in the present embodiment, the time from when each choke valve 46 that has been closed is opened to when the pumps 28 and 37 are stopped is equal to the elapsed time T1 (that is, the inside of each ink cartridge 21). The time is almost the same regardless of the remaining amount of ink. For this reason, substantially the same ink is discharged from the recording head 17 into the cap 33 every time the chalk cleaning is performed.

Therefore, in this embodiment, in addition to the effect (4) of the first embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
(5) The elapsed time T1 corresponding to the remaining amount of ink stored in each ink cartridge (fluid storage means) 21 is measured, and the pressurizing pump (pressurizing means) at a timing according to the elapsed time T1. ) 28 is started. As a result, variation in the valve opening time TP1 from when the choke cleaning is started (that is, when the suction pump 37 is started) until each choke valve (differential pressure on-off valve) 46 opened is suppressed is suppressed. Is done. For this reason, even when the driving speed of the pressure pump 28 is kept constant at the time of chalk cleaning, the timing of starting the driving of the pressure pump 28 is adjusted so as to correspond to the remaining amount of ink in each ink cartridge 21. The amount of ink discharged from the recording head 17 at the time of chalk cleaning can be stabilized accurately.

  (6) Further, in this embodiment, the remaining of the ink (fluid) in each ink cartridge (fluid storing means) 21 is driven by driving the pressurizing pump (pressurizing means) 28 used at the time of performing the chalk cleaning. The elapsed time T1 corresponding to the quantity is acquired. Therefore, the wait time TW set based on the elapsed time T1 is a value that takes into account the secular change in the pressurization efficiency of the pressurization pump 28. Therefore, it is possible to suppress variation in the amount of ink discharged from the recording head 17 during choke cleaning due to the change in pressurization efficiency of the pressurization pump 28 over time.

  (7) The wait time TW is shortened so that the drive start timing of the pressure pump (pressure means) 28 becomes earlier as the remaining amount of ink (fluid) in each ink cartridge (fluid storage means) 21 decreases. By setting, the timing for opening each choke valve (differential pressure on-off valve) 46 that is closed is advanced. On the other hand, by setting the wait time TW to be longer so that the drive start timing of the pressure pump 28 is delayed as the remaining amount of ink in each ink cartridge 21 increases, The timing for opening the differential pressure on-off valve 46 is delayed. As a result, it is possible to open each choke valve 46 that is closed at substantially the same timing regardless of the remaining amount of ink in each ink cartridge 21. Therefore, even if the remaining amount of ink in each ink cartridge 21 is small, it is possible to suppress the failure of chalk cleaning based on a decrease in the amount of ink discharged during chalk cleaning. Further, even when the remaining amount of ink in each ink cartridge 21 is large, excessive discharge of ink during choke cleaning can be suppressed.

In addition, you may change each said embodiment into another embodiment as follows.
In the first embodiment, step S12 corresponding to the depressurization stage may be executed at any timing as long as it is between step S11 and step S14. That is, step S12 may be executed after the process of step S13.

  -Also in the second embodiment, step S32 corresponding to the depressurization stage may be executed at any timing as long as it is between step S31 and step S34. That is, step S32 may be executed after the process of step S33.

  In the first embodiment, each valve unit 18 may be omitted, and ink may be directly supplied from the ink supply path 25 to the recording head 17. Also in this case, cleaning is performed to discharge ink from the recording head 17 into the cap 33 by driving the suction pump 37 and the pressure pump 28 with the cap 33 in contact with the recording head 17. become. Even in this configuration, the amount of ink discharged from the recording head 17 into the cap 33 during cleaning can be stabilized by setting the driving speed VS1 of the pressure pump 28 according to the elapsed time T1. it can.

  In the first embodiment, not only the driving speed VS1 of the pressurizing pump 28 but also the timing for starting the driving of the pressurizing pump 28 (that is, the wait time TW) is set according to the elapsed time T1. May be.

  In each of the embodiments described above, the cleaning method of the ink jet printer 10 is applied to, for example, selective cleaning in which only ink suction / discharge corresponding to any one of the nozzles 19 is selectively performed. May be.

In each of the above embodiments, the choke valve 46 may be provided not on the valve unit 18 but on the ink supply path 25 as long as it is on the fluid supply path.
In each of the above embodiments, on the fluid supply path, not the choke valve 46 but an electromagnetic valve that opens and closes by a control signal from the control device 70 may be used. In this case, it is desirable that the control device 70 controls the driving of the electromagnetic valve so that the valve is opened after the valve opening time TP1 has elapsed since the start of choke cleaning. Even if comprised in this way, the discharge amount of the ink discharged | emitted at the time of chalk cleaning can be stabilized irrespective of the residual amount of the ink in each ink cartridge 21. FIG.

In each of the above embodiments, the ink jet printer 10 may be provided with one or a plurality of ink cartridges 21 other than four.
In each of the above-described embodiments, the fluid ejecting apparatus is a so-called full type in which the recording head 17 has an overall shape corresponding to the length in the width direction (left-right direction) of the paper in the direction intersecting the paper conveyance direction (front-back direction). It may be embodied in a line type printer.

  In each of the above embodiments, the fluid ejecting apparatus is embodied in the ink jet printer 10, but is not limited to this, and other fluids (liquid or liquid in which particles of functional material are dispersed or mixed in the liquid) are not limited thereto. Body, and fluid bodies such as gels) may be embodied in a fluid ejecting apparatus that ejects or discharges the body. For example, a liquid material ejecting apparatus that ejects a liquid material that is dispersed or dissolved in materials such as electrode materials and color materials (pixel materials) used in the manufacture of liquid crystal displays, EL (electroluminescence) displays, and surface-emitting displays. Further, a liquid ejecting apparatus that ejects a bio-organic matter used for biochip manufacturing, or a liquid ejecting apparatus that ejects a liquid that is used as a precision pipette and serves as a sample may be used. In addition, transparent resin liquids such as UV curable resin to form liquid injection devices that pinpoint lubricant oil onto precision machines such as watches and cameras, and micro hemispherical lenses (optical lenses) used in optical communication elements. A liquid ejecting apparatus that ejects a liquid onto the substrate, a liquid ejecting apparatus that ejects an etching solution such as acid or alkali to etch the substrate, and a fluid ejecting apparatus that ejects a fluid such as a gel (for example, a physical gel) It may be. The present invention can be applied to any one of these fluid ejecting apparatuses. In the present specification, the term “fluid” is a concept that does not include a fluid consisting only of a gas and a fluid consisting only of a granular material (including a granular material and a powder). , Organic solvents, solutions, liquid resins, liquid metals (including metal melts), liquids, fluids, and the like.

1 is a schematic plan view of an ink jet printer according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the ink cartridge according to the first embodiment. The schematic diagram of the maintenance unit of 1st Embodiment. The principal part schematic sectional drawing of the valve unit in which a choke valve is a valve open state. The principal part schematic sectional drawing of the valve unit in which a choke valve is a valve closing state. The top view of a pressurization unit. 1 is a block circuit diagram showing an electrical configuration of an ink jet printer. The map which shows the relationship between the drive speed of a pressurization pump, and elapsed time. The flowchart explaining the chalk cleaning process routine of 1st Embodiment. The flowchart explaining a pressurization completion time measurement process routine. The timing chart explaining the raise of the pressure value of pressurized air, and the timing which a choke valve opens. The map which shows the relationship between the waiting time of a pressurization pump, and elapsed time. The flowchart explaining the chalk cleaning process routine of 2nd Embodiment. The timing chart explaining the raise of the pressure value of pressurized air, and the timing which a choke valve opens.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Inkjet printer (fluid ejecting apparatus), 17 ... Recording head (fluid ejecting head), 19 ... Nozzle, 21 ... Ink cartridge (fluid storage means), 25 ... Ink supply path (fluid supply path), 28 ... Pressurization Pump (pressurizing means), 29 ... Pressure sensor (pressure detecting means), 33 ... Cap (fluid receiving means), 37 ... Suction pump (suction means), 40 ... Recess (fluid supply path), 41 ... Introduction path (fluid) Supply path), 43 ... Discharge path (fluid supply path), 46 ... Choke valve (differential pressure on-off valve), 70 ... Control device (pressure detection means, measurement means, setting means, control means), KPA ... Pressure threshold, PA ... pressure value of pressurized air (pressure in the fluid storage means), T1 ... elapsed time, VS1 ... drive speed.

Claims (7)

A fluid ejecting apparatus for causing a fluid guided from a fluid storing means to a fluid ejecting head side via a fluid supply path based on a pressure applied by a pressurizing means to be sucked and discharged by a suction means from a nozzle formed in the fluid ejecting head. A cleaning method,
A measurement step of measuring an elapsed time until the pressure in the fluid storage means increased by the pressure applied by the pressurizing means becomes equal to or higher than a preset pressure threshold;
A setting stage for setting at least one of the driving speed of the pressurizing means and the timing of the start of driving the pressurizing means according to the elapsed time measured in the measuring stage;
A fluid ejecting apparatus cleaning method comprising: a discharging step of discharging the fluid from the fluid ejecting head by driving the pressurizing unit based on the condition set in the setting step. When the fluid guided from the fluid storage means to the fluid ejecting head side via the fluid supply path through the fluid supply path is sucked by the suction means from the nozzle formed in the fluid ejecting head, the fluid is discharged. The differential pressure on / off valve provided in the supply passage is closed by the suction force of the suction means, and the pressure on the pressurizing means is increased in a state where the downstream side of the differential pressure on / off valve in the fluid supply passage is depressurized. A fluid ejection device cleaning method for opening the differential pressure on-off valve by the pressure of fluid delivered to the fluid ejection head side via the fluid supply path and discharging the fluid from the fluid ejection head,
A measurement step of measuring an elapsed time until the pressure in the fluid storage means increased by the pressure applied by the pressurizing means becomes equal to or higher than a preset pressure threshold;
A setting stage for setting at least one of the driving speed of the pressurizing means and the timing of the start of driving the pressurizing means according to the elapsed time measured in the measuring stage;
A fluid ejecting apparatus comprising: a discharge step of opening the differential pressure on-off valve to discharge the fluid from the fluid ejecting head by driving the pressurizing unit based on the condition set in the setting step. Method. 2. The driving speed of the pressurizing unit is set so as to be slower as the elapsed time measured in the measuring step is shorter when the driving speed of the pressurizing unit is set in the setting step. The method for cleaning a fluid ejection device according to claim 2. In the setting step, when setting the drive start timing of the pressurizing unit, the drive start timing of the pressurizing unit is set to be delayed as the elapsed time measured in the measurement step is shorter. The method for cleaning a fluid ejection device according to claim 1 or 2. 5. The method according to claim 1, further comprising a depressurization step of depressurizing the pressure in the fluid storage means after execution of the measurement step, wherein the discharge step is performed after execution of the depressurization step. A method for cleaning a fluid ejection device according to claim 1. Fluid storage means for storing fluid, pressurization means for pressurizing the fluid from the fluid storage means and delivering the fluid to the fluid supply path, and supplied via the fluid supply path based on the pressure applied by the pressurization means A fluid ejecting head for ejecting the fluid from the nozzle; a fluid receiving means for contacting the fluid ejecting head in a state in which the fluid can be sucked from the nozzle; and a state in which the fluid receiving means is in contact with the fluid ejecting head. By exerting a suction force, the fluid guided from the fluid storing means to the fluid ejecting head side through the fluid supply path based on the applied pressure of the pressurizing means is sucked from the nozzle of the fluid ejecting head. A fluid ejecting apparatus comprising suction means for discharging the fluid into the fluid receiving means;
Pressure detecting means for detecting pressure in the fluid storage means;
A measuring unit that measures an elapsed time from when the driving of the pressurizing unit is started until the pressure detected by the pressure detecting unit becomes equal to or higher than a preset pressure threshold;
Setting means for setting at least one of the driving speed of the pressurizing means and the timing for starting driving the pressurizing means according to the elapsed time measured by the measuring means;
Control means for discharging the fluid from the fluid ejecting head into the fluid receiving means by controlling the driving of the pressurizing means and controlling the driving of the suction means based on the conditions set by the setting means. A fluid ejection device provided. Fluid storage means for storing fluid, pressurization means for pressurizing the fluid from the fluid storage means and delivering the fluid to the fluid supply path, and supplied via the fluid supply path based on the pressure applied by the pressurization means A fluid ejecting head for ejecting the fluid from the nozzle, a differential pressure on-off valve provided in the middle of the fluid supply path, a fluid receiving means for contacting the fluid ejecting head in a state where the fluid can be sucked from the nozzle, A suction means for sucking a fluid from the nozzle of the fluid ejecting head by exerting a suction force in a state where the fluid accepting means is in contact with the fluid ejecting head, and discharging the fluid into the fluid receiving means; The fluid supply path is closed based on the pressure applied by the pressurizing means in a state in which the differential pressure on / off valve is closed by the suction force of the suction means and the downstream side of the differential pressure on / off valve in the fluid supply path is reduced. In and is opened to the differential pressure on-off valve by the pressure of fluid delivered to the fluid ejecting head side, the fluid ejecting apparatus that discharges the fluid in said fluid receiving means,
Pressure detecting means for detecting pressure in the fluid storage means;
A measuring unit that measures an elapsed time from when the driving of the pressurizing unit is started until the pressure detected by the pressure detecting unit becomes equal to or higher than a preset pressure threshold;
A setting unit that sets at least one of a driving speed of the pressurizing unit and a driving start timing of the pressurizing unit according to the elapsed time measured by the measuring unit; and the condition based on the condition set by the setting unit A fluid ejecting apparatus comprising: control means for controlling the drive of the pressurizing means and controlling the drive of the suction means to discharge the fluid from the fluid ejecting head into the fluid receiving means.

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