JP6020136B2 - Liquid ejecting apparatus and liquid ejecting method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a liquid ejecting apparatus such as an ink jet printer and a liquid ejecting method.

  Conventionally, as a kind of liquid ejecting apparatus, an ink jet printer that performs printing by ejecting ink (liquid) from a nozzle formed in a liquid ejecting head is known. Some of these printers perform suction cleaning by forming a plurality of nozzle rows in a liquid ejecting head and selectively sucking the nozzles in units of nozzle rows to discharge ink (for example, Patent Documents). 1, 2).

JP-A-10-329328 JP 2005-144911 A

  By the way, the suction cap that selectively suction-cleans the nozzles in units of nozzle rows performs suction cleaning by covering only the nozzle rows formed by the nozzles to be sucked. For this reason, there is a problem in that the nozzles of the nozzle row formed by the nozzles that are not sucked open, and the ink evaporates.

  In particular, when the nozzles are suction-cleaned in order in units of nozzle rows, the ink is evaporated and thickened from the previously cleaned nozzles, and there is a possibility that good ink ejection from the nozzles cannot be performed.

  Such a problem is not limited to a printer having a suction cap that selectively sucks nozzles in units of nozzle rows, but is generally common in liquid ejecting apparatuses having a suction cap and liquid ejecting methods in the liquid ejecting apparatus. It has become.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a liquid ejecting apparatus and a liquid ejecting method that can eject liquid from a nozzle satisfactorily.

Hereinafter, means for solving the above-described problems and the effects thereof will be described.
In a liquid ejecting apparatus that solves the above-described problem, a nozzle forming surface in which nozzle rows composed of a plurality of nozzles arranged in the first direction are formed in two or more rows with an interval in a second direction intersecting the first direction. A liquid ejecting head having a suction cap, a suction cap that covers a part of the nozzle rows formed on the nozzle forming surface, a suction mechanism that sucks the inside of the suction cap, and a nozzle forming surface. Two or more non-suction caps that cover a part of the nozzle rows of the nozzle rows, a moving mechanism that relatively moves the non-suction caps and the cap group including the suction caps, and the liquid ejecting head; and And a control unit that controls the moving mechanism so that the suction cap covers the nozzle row in order from the nozzle row located on one side along the second direction. In addition, when the suction cap covers a part of the nozzle rows, the moving mechanism is configured so that the non-suction cap covers all the nozzle rows located on one side of the nozzle rows covered by the suction cap. The non-suction cap can be controlled to cover all the nozzle rows formed on the nozzle forming surface.

  According to this configuration, when the suction cap covers a part of the nozzle rows, all the nozzle rows located on one side of the nozzle rows covered with the suction cap can be covered with the non-suction cap. The suction cap covers sequentially from the nozzle row located on one side. Therefore, when the nozzle of the nozzle row covered by the suction cap and sucked by the suction mechanism is sucked by the suction mechanism, the nozzle row covered by the suction cap is covered by the non-suction cap. it can. In other words, the suction cap can sequentially suction from the nozzle row located on one side to the nozzle row located on the other side, and the nozzle rows that have been sucked can be sequentially covered with the non-suction cap in this order. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the evaporation of the liquid from the nozzles of the nozzle row that has been previously suction-cleaned, and it is possible to eject the liquid from the nozzles satisfactorily.

  Some liquids ejected from the liquid ejecting head contain a humectant. For this reason, for example, if the nozzle row is covered with a cap to which the liquid is attached, the moisturizing agent contained in the liquid may promote the evaporation of the liquid from the nozzle. In this respect, according to this configuration, since all the nozzle rows can be covered with the non-suction cap that does not perform suction from the nozzles, for example, even when the liquid is not ejected for a long time, the liquid is evaporated from the nozzles. Can be suppressed.

  In the liquid ejecting apparatus, when the suction cap covers a part of the nozzle rows, the control unit is configured such that the nozzle row positioned on the other side of the nozzle row covered by the suction cap also has the non-suction cap. It is preferable to control the moving mechanism so as to cover it.

  According to this configuration, in addition to the nozzle array that has been subjected to suction cleaning, the nozzle array before suction cleaning can be covered with the non-suction cap. Therefore, the evaporation of the liquid from the nozzle can be further suppressed.

  In the liquid ejecting apparatus, the moving mechanism includes a head moving mechanism that moves the liquid ejecting head along the second direction, and a cap moving mechanism that moves the suction cap and the non-suction cap integrally. The cap moving mechanism is configured such that the suction cap and the non-suction cap can be brought into contact with the nozzle forming surface so as to cover the nozzle row and a non-contact position different from the contact position. It is preferable to move.

  According to this configuration, since the cap moving mechanism moves the suction cap and the non-suction cap together, the time during which the nozzles in the nozzle row are opened is shorter than when the suction cap and the non-suction cap are sequentially moved. can do. Therefore, the evaporation of the liquid from the nozzle can be further suppressed.

  In the liquid ejecting apparatus, the cap moving mechanism includes a driving source and a cam member that rotates based on a driving force of the driving source, and the suction cap and the non-suction cap are accompanied by rotation of the cam member. It is preferable to move between the contact position and the non-contact position.

  According to this configuration, since the suction cap and the non-suction cap can be moved by rotating the cam member, for example, even when the number of non-suction caps is large, the cap moving mechanism is prevented from becoming complicated. Can do.

  Further, in the liquid ejecting apparatus that solves the above-described problem, the first nozzle row and the second nozzle row configured to include a plurality of nozzles arranged in the first direction intersect with the first direction. A liquid ejecting head having a nozzle forming surface formed in order of the first nozzle row and the second nozzle row from one side in the second direction with an interval in two directions; and the nozzle forming surface A suction cap that covers some of the nozzle rows formed, a suction mechanism that sucks the inside of the suction cap, and a portion of the nozzle rows that are formed on the nozzle formation surface. From the first non-suction cap and the second non-suction cap, and the other side opposite to the one side in the second direction, the suction cap, the first non-suction cap, the second non-suction cap, The cap is configured to have And a moving mechanism that relatively moves the liquid ejecting head, and a control unit that controls the moving mechanism, wherein the control unit has the suction cap from the one side in the second direction to the first side. The moving mechanism is controlled so as to cover the nozzle row and the second nozzle row in this order, and when the suction cap covers the second nozzle row, the first non-suction cap becomes the first nozzle. The moving mechanism is controlled so as to cover the row, and when the first non-suction cap covers the second nozzle row, the second non-suction cap covers the first nozzle row. The moving mechanism is controlled.

  According to this configuration, when the suction cap covers the second nozzle row, the first nozzle row can be covered with the first non-suction cap. Therefore, when the nozzle of the nozzle row covered by the suction cap and sucked by the suction mechanism is sucked by the suction mechanism, the nozzle row covered by the suction cap is covered by the non-suction cap. it can. In other words, the suction cap can sequentially suction from the nozzle row located on one side to the nozzle row located on the other side, and the nozzle rows that have been sucked can be sequentially covered with the non-suction cap in this order. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the evaporation of the liquid from the nozzles of the nozzle row that has been previously suction-cleaned, and it is possible to eject the liquid from the nozzles satisfactorily.

  In the cap group of the liquid ejecting apparatus, a third non-suction cap is provided on the other side of the suction cap, and the control unit is configured to cover the first nozzle row. In addition, it is preferable to control the moving mechanism so that the third non-suction cap covers the second nozzle row.

  According to this configuration, in addition to the nozzle row that has been subjected to suction cleaning, the nozzle row before suction cleaning can be covered with the third non-suction cap. Therefore, the evaporation of the liquid from the nozzle can be further suppressed.

  Further, in the liquid ejecting method for solving the above-described problem, a nozzle row including a plurality of nozzles arranged along the first direction has two or more nozzles formed with an interval in the second direction intersecting the first direction. A portion of the nozzle row formed on the nozzle formation surface that is covered with the suction cap by contacting a suction cap so as to cover the nozzle row on the nozzle formation surface in the liquid jet head having a formation surface A first suction step for sucking liquid from the nozzles of the nozzle row, and a nozzle row different from the nozzle row formed by the nozzles sucked in the first suction step is covered with the suction cap, and then the nozzles of the nozzle row A second suction step for sucking the liquid and covering the nozzle row sucked in the first suction step with a non-suction cap and all the nozzles formed on the nozzle formation surface Nozzle rows of a and a non-suction step of covering at least two of the non-suction caps.

  According to this configuration, the same operational effects as those of the liquid ejecting apparatus can be obtained.

1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a printer according to a first embodiment. The schematic diagram of a nozzle formation surface. The schematic diagram of the maintenance part at the time of carrying out suction cleaning of the 1st nozzle row. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 4-4 in FIG. The schematic diagram of the maintenance part at the time of carrying out suction cleaning of the 2nd nozzle row. The schematic diagram of the maintenance part at the time of carrying out suction cleaning of the 3rd nozzle row. The schematic diagram of the maintenance part at the time of carrying out suction cleaning of the 4th nozzle row. The schematic diagram of the maintenance part at the time of covering all the nozzle rows with a non-suction cap. The schematic diagram of the maintenance part and liquid-jet head of 2nd Embodiment. The schematic diagram of the maintenance part at the time of carrying out suction cleaning of the 2nd nozzle row. The schematic diagram of the maintenance part at the time of carrying out suction cleaning of the 3rd nozzle row. The schematic diagram of the maintenance part at the time of carrying out suction cleaning of the 4th nozzle row. The schematic diagram of the maintenance part at the time of covering all the nozzle rows with a non-suction cap.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of an ink jet printer (hereinafter also simply referred to as “printer”) as an example of a liquid ejecting apparatus will be described with reference to the drawings.
As shown in FIG. 1, in a frame 12 having a substantially rectangular box shape in the printer 11, a support base 14 that supports an ejection medium 13 having a predetermined width coincides with the width direction X of the ejection medium 13. It is provided in a state of letting it. The ejected medium 13 is transported in a transport direction Y that intersects both the vertical direction Z and the width direction X (orthogonal in this embodiment) by a paper feed mechanism (not shown) while being supported by the support base 14. .

  A guide shaft 16 extending along the width direction X is installed above the support base 14 in the frame 12. A carriage 17 is supported on the guide shaft 16 so as to be capable of reciprocating along the width direction X that is the scanning direction.

  A driving pulley 18 and a driven pulley 19 are rotatably supported in the frame 12. The drive pulley 18 is connected to an output shaft of a carriage motor 20 that is a drive source when the carriage 17 is reciprocated. A part of the drive pulley 18 and the driven pulley 19 is connected to the carriage 17. An endless timing belt 21 is stretched over. Accordingly, the carriage 17 reciprocates in the width direction X via the endless timing belt 21 by the driving force of the carriage motor 20 while being guided by the guide shaft 16.

  At least one (four in this embodiment) ink cartridges 23 that store ink as an example of liquid are detachably mounted on the carriage 17. Note that each ink cartridge 23 of this embodiment contains ink of each color of black, cyan, magenta, and yellow.

  Further, a liquid ejecting head 27 having a nozzle forming surface 26 on which a plurality of nozzles 25 capable of ejecting ink is formed is mounted on the lower surface of the carriage 17 on the support base 14 side. Therefore, in this embodiment, the guide shaft 16, the carriage 17, the drive pulley 18, the driven pulley 19, the carriage motor 20, and the timing belt 21 constitute a head moving mechanism 29 that moves the liquid ejecting head 27 along the width direction X. ing.

  As illustrated in FIG. 2, the nozzle formation surface 26 of the liquid ejecting head 27 includes nozzle rows 31 to 34 including a plurality of nozzles 25 arranged in the transport direction Y as an example of the first direction. As an example, two or more rows (4 rows in this embodiment) are formed with an interval in the width direction X.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a maintenance unit 36 that performs maintenance of the liquid ejecting head 27 is provided in the home position HP where the ejected medium 13 to be conveyed and the liquid ejecting head 27 do not face each other in the frame 12. .

  The maintenance unit 36 is ejected from the liquid ejecting head 27, a cap 37 that can contact the nozzle forming surface 26 so as to cover at least one nozzle row 31 to 34, a wiper 38 that wipes ink from the nozzle forming surface 26, and the liquid ejecting head 27. And a flushing box 39 capable of receiving ink. Further, the maintenance unit 36 has a contact position (position shown in FIG. 3) where the cap 37 and the wiper 38 can contact the nozzle forming surface 26, and a non-contact position (position shown in FIG. 1) different from the contact position. And an elevating device 40 as an example of a cap moving mechanism for moving between them.

  The cap 37 includes non-suction caps 41 to 44, a suction cap 46 to which a suction pump 45 as an example of a suction mechanism is connected, and a support member 47 that supports the non-suction caps 41 to 44 and the suction cap 46. ing. Therefore, since the non-suction caps 41 to 44 and the suction cap 46 are both supported by the same (common) support member 47 that moves up and down, they are moved together by the lifting device 40. That is, it moves up and down simultaneously with one drive source.

  The non-suction caps 41 to 44 are caps that do not suck ink from the nozzles 25 or accept ink ejected from the nozzles 25. The non-suction caps 41 to 44 evaporate ink in the nozzles 25 when printing is stopped or not used. It is a cap used for suppression or the like. The non-suction caps 41 to 44 have a function of keeping the inside of the sealed space between the nozzle forming surface 26 in contact with the nozzle forming surface 26 when the printer 11 is left unused. Sometimes referred to as a leaving cap or moisturizing cap.

  As shown in FIG. 3, two or more non-suction caps 41 to 44 (in the present embodiment, the same number as the nozzle rows 31 to 34 and four) are provided side by side in the width direction X. The non-suction caps 41 to 44 can cover the nozzle rows 31 to 34 one by one by being positioned at the contact positions, and are formed on the nozzle forming surface 26 by the non-suction caps 41 to 44. All the nozzle rows 31 to 34 are covered. Further, the non-suction caps 41 to 44 are provided on one side of the suction cap 46 in the width direction X. Here, the one side is a direction (−X direction) on the side where the home position HP is arranged with respect to the support base 14.

  On the other hand, the suction cap 46 is provided on the other side of the non-suction caps 41 to 44 in the width direction X. Here, the other side is a direction (+ X direction) opposite to the side on which the home position HP is disposed with respect to the support base 14. The suction cap 46 is a cap for performing suction cleaning for sucking ink from the nozzle 25, and suction is performed when the suction pump 45 sucks the inside of the suction cap 46 while being in contact with the nozzle forming surface 26. Perform cleaning. Further, the suction cap 46 can cover one nozzle row by being positioned at the contact position.

  That is, the non-suction caps 41 to 44 and the suction cap 46 cover some of the nozzle rows 31 to 34 formed on the nozzle formation surface 26, respectively. The head moving mechanism 29 and the lifting device 40 constitute an example of a moving mechanism that relatively moves the cap group including the non-suction caps 41 to 44 and the suction cap 46 and the liquid ejecting head 27.

  Further, the non-suction caps 41 to 44 and the suction cap 46 are provided in the width direction X at the same intervals as the intervals of the nozzle rows 31 to 34. Therefore, by aligning one cap of all the non-suction caps 41 to 44 and the suction cap 46 with one of all the nozzle rows 31 to 34, the other nozzle rows can be moved to other than the one cap. It is possible to cover with the non-suction caps 41 to 44 or the suction cap 46. Specifically, for example, when the first nozzle row 31 is covered with the second non-suction cap 42, the second nozzle row 32 and the third nozzle row 33 are moved by the third non-suction cap 43 and the fourth non-suction cap 44. The fourth nozzle row 34 is covered with a suction cap 46 (see FIG. 7).

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the lifting device 40 includes a maintenance motor 49 as an example of a drive source, a rotating shaft 50 connected to the maintenance motor 49, and a set of cam members that rotate integrally with the rotating shaft 50. 51, 52.

  The first cam member 51 rotates based on the driving force of the maintenance motor 49 and presses the support member 47. Therefore, when the non-suction caps 41 to 44 and the suction cap 46 move between the contact position and the non-contact position as the first cam member 51 rotates, the suction cap 46 is positioned at the contact position. In synchronization with this operation, the non-suction caps 41 to 44 are also positioned at the contact positions at substantially the same timing. When the suction cap 46 is located at the non-contact position, the non-suction caps 41 to 44 are also positioned at the non-contact position at substantially the same timing in synchronization with this operation. That is, the lifting device 40 has a contact position where the suction cap 46 and the non-suction caps 41 to 44 can contact the nozzle forming surface 26 so as to cover the nozzle rows 31 to 34, and a contact position different from the contact position. Move between positions.

  On the other hand, the second cam member 52 rotates based on the driving force of the maintenance motor 49 to displace the wiper 38. The first cam member 51 and the second cam member 52 are fixed to the rotating shaft 50 with different phases. Therefore, the cap 37 and the wiper 38 can be displaced between the contact position and the non-contact position at different timings.

Next, the control unit 53 that controls the driving of the printer 11 will be described.
As shown in FIG. 1, the control unit 53 controls the drive of the carriage motor 20, the suction pump 45, and the maintenance motor 49, and controls the ejection of ink from the nozzles 25, so that printing on the ejected medium 13 and liquid Maintenance processing of the ejection head 27 is executed.

  In the maintenance process of the present embodiment, the controller 53 controls the carriage motor 20 and the suction motor 46 so that the suction cap 46 covers the nozzle rows 31 to 34 in order from the first nozzle row 31 located on one side along the width direction X. The maintenance motor 49 is driven and controlled. In this case, the one side in the width direction X is the side where the nozzle row first covered with the suction cap 46 is located in the nozzle rows 31 to 34. Moreover, the other side in the width direction X is a side where the nozzle row that is later covered by the suction cap 46 is located among the nozzle rows 31 to 34.

  Next, the operation of the printer 11 when performing maintenance processing of the liquid ejecting head 27 will be described. The maintenance process of the liquid ejecting head 27 is executed when the printer 11 is turned on or when a predetermined time has elapsed since the previous maintenance process. The maintenance process can be executed by selecting the nozzle rows 31 to 34 for performing the suction cleaning. However, in the following description, the case where all the nozzle rows 31 to 34 are targeted for suction cleaning will be described as an example. To do.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the control unit 53 first drives the carriage motor 20, and the first nozzle row 31 and the suction cap 46 face each other among the nozzle rows 31 to 34 formed on the nozzle forming surface 26. The carriage 17 is stopped at the position to be moved. Thereafter, the control unit 53 drives the maintenance motor 49 to move the cap 37 upward to the contact position so that the suction cap 46 contacts the nozzle forming surface 26 so as to cover the first nozzle row 31 and the suction pump. 45 is driven. Then, suction cleaning is performed to suck ink from the nozzles 25 of the first nozzle row 31 covered with the suction cap 46, and the sucked ink is discharged to a drain tank (not shown) (first suction step).

  When the suction cleaning of the first nozzle row 31 is completed, the control unit 53 drives the maintenance motor 49 to move the cap 37 downward to the non-contact position and position the wiper 38 at the contact position. Then, the controller 53 drives the carriage motor 20 to move the carriage 17 along the width direction X, thereby wiping ink from the nozzle forming surface 26 with the wiper 38. Further, the control unit 53 performs control so that ink is ejected from all the nozzles 25 toward the flushing box 39 at the timing when the liquid ejecting head 27 passes over the flushing box 39.

  As shown in FIG. 5, subsequently, the controller 53 drives the carriage motor 20, and the position where the second nozzle row 32 and the suction cap 46 face each other among the nozzle rows 31 to 34 formed on the nozzle forming surface 26. The carriage 17 is stopped. Thereafter, the control unit 53 drives the maintenance motor 49 to move the cap 37 upward to the contact position. Then, the second nozzle row 32 different from the first nozzle row 31 previously suction-cleaned is covered with the suction cap 46. Therefore, when the controller 53 drives the suction pump 45, suction cleaning is performed to suck ink from the nozzles 25 constituting the second nozzle row 32 covered by the suction cap 46, and the sucked ink is drained (not shown) It is discharged to the tank (second suction step).

  At this time, the first nozzle row 31 previously cleaned by suction is in a state of being covered by the fourth non-suction cap 44 substantially simultaneously with the timing at which the second nozzle row 32 is covered by the suction cap 46, Ink evaporation from the nozzles 25 is suppressed. That is, the fourth non-suction cap 44 is a nozzle row different from the second nozzle row 32 covered by the suction cap 46, and covers the first nozzle row 31 located on one side of the second nozzle row 32.

  When the suction cleaning of the second nozzle row 32 is completed, the control unit 53 drives the maintenance motor 49 and the carriage motor 20 to execute wiping and flushing from all the nozzles 25.

Similarly, after that, the control unit 53 causes the third nozzle row 33 to perform suction cleaning, wiping, and flushing in order, and then causes the fourth nozzle row 34 to perform suction cleaning.
As shown in FIG. 6, at the time of suction cleaning of the third nozzle row 33, the second nozzle row 31 is substantially simultaneously with the timing at which the first nozzle row 31 previously suction-cleaned is covered with the third non-suction cap 43. The nozzle row 32 is covered with the fourth non-suction cap 44. That is, the third non-suction cap 43 and the fourth non-suction cap 44 are located on one side of the third nozzle row 33 covered by the suction cap 46 and all the nozzle rows (first nozzle row 31 and first nozzle row 31 and The second nozzle row 32) is covered.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 7, during the suction cleaning of the fourth nozzle row 34, the first nozzle row 31 previously suction-cleaned is covered with the second non-suction cap 42, and the second nozzle row 32 is not in the third non-suction. Covered by the suction cap 43, the third nozzle row 33 is covered by the fourth non-suction cap 44. That is, the second non-suction cap 42 to the fourth non-suction cap 44 are located on one side of the fourth nozzle row 34 covered by the suction cap 46 and all the nozzle rows (first nozzle row 31 to 31) that have been subjected to suction cleaning. The third nozzle row 33) is covered.

  When the suction cleaning of all the nozzle rows 31 to 34 is completed, the control unit 53 drives the maintenance motor 49 and the carriage motor 20 to execute wiping and flushing from all the nozzles 25. Further, the control unit 53 drives the carriage motor 20 to stop the carriage 17 at the standby position where the first nozzle row 31 faces the first non-suction cap 41 and drives the maintenance motor 49 to apply the cap 37. Move to contact position (non-suction step).

  Then, as shown in FIG. 8, the other second nozzle row 32 to the fourth nozzle row 34 are also in the second non-suction substantially simultaneously with the timing when the first nozzle row 31 is covered with the first non-suction cap 41. The cap 42 to the fourth non-suction cap 44 are covered. That is, since the non-suction caps 41 to 44 are provided more than the number of the nozzle rows 31 to 34 (the same number in this embodiment), all the nozzle rows formed on the nozzle forming surface 26 by the non-suction caps 41 to 44. 31-34 are covered.

According to the first embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
(1) When the suction cap 46 covers a part of the nozzle rows (for example, the second nozzle row 32), all the nozzle rows (for example, the first nozzles) located on one side of the nozzle row covered with the suction cap 46 Row 31) can be covered with non-suction caps 41-44. Note that the suction cap 46 covers the nozzle rows located on one side in order. Therefore, when the nozzle 25 consisting of the nozzles 25 previously covered by the suction cap 46 and sucked by the suction pump 45 is sucked by the suction pump 45 when the nozzles 25 of the nozzle row later covered by the suction cap 46 are sucked by the suction pump 45, It can cover with the suction caps 41-44. In other words, the suction cap 46 can sequentially suction from the first nozzle row 31 toward the fourth nozzle row 34, and the suctioned nozzle rows can be sequentially covered with the non-suction caps 41 to 44 in this order. Accordingly, it is possible to suppress the evaporation of ink from the nozzles 25 of the nozzle row that has been previously suction-cleaned, and it is possible to eject the inks from the nozzles 25 favorably.

  (2) Some inks ejected from the liquid ejecting head 27 contain a humectant. Therefore, for example, if the nozzle rows 31 to 34 are covered with a cap to which ink is attached, the moisturizing agent contained in the ink may promote the evaporation of the ink from the nozzle 25. In that respect, since all the nozzle rows 31 to 34 can be covered with the non-suction caps 41 to 44 that do not perform suction from the nozzles 25, for example, the ink from the nozzles 25 can be left without performing ink ejection for a long time. Evaporation can be suppressed.

  (3) Since the lifting device 40 moves the suction cap 46 and the non-suction caps 41 to 44 integrally, the nozzles of the nozzle rows 31 to 34 are compared with the case where the suction cap 46 and the non-suction caps 41 to 44 are moved in order. The time during which 25 is open can be shortened. Therefore, the evaporation of ink from the nozzle 25 can be further suppressed.

  (4) Since the suction cap 46 and the non-suction caps 41 to 44 can be moved by rotating the first cam member 51, for example, even when the number of the non-suction caps 41 to 44 is large, the lifting device 40. Can be prevented from becoming complicated.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment of the printer 11 will be described with reference to the drawings. In the second embodiment, the number of non-suction caps provided in the cap 37 is different from that in the first embodiment. And since it is substantially the same as 1st Embodiment in another point, the overlapping description is abbreviate | omitted by attaching | subjecting the same code | symbol about the same structure.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the cap 37 further includes a fifth non-suction cap 55, a sixth non-suction cap 56, and a seventh non-suction cap 57 on the other side of the suction cap 46 in the width direction X in order from one side. That is, the non-suction caps 41 to 44 and 55 to 57 of the present embodiment are only one number (seven) less than twice the number (four) of the nozzle rows 31 to 34 formed on the nozzle forming surface 26. Is provided. Then, four non-suction caps 41 to 44 are provided on one side so as to sandwich the suction cap 46 in the width direction X, and three non-suction caps 55 to 57 are provided on the other side. The non-suction caps 41 to 44, 55 to 57 and the suction cap 46 are provided in the width direction X at the same intervals as the intervals of the nozzle rows 31 to 34.

  Next, the operation of the printer 11 when performing maintenance processing of the liquid ejecting head 27 will be described. In the following, an example will be described in which all the nozzle rows 31 to 34 are sequentially cleaned from the first nozzle row 31 located on one side in the width direction X.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the control unit 53 first drives the carriage motor 20, the maintenance motor 49, and the suction pump 45 in this order to perform suction cleaning of the first nozzle row 31. At this time, the second nozzle row 32 to the fourth nozzle row 34 before being subjected to suction cleaning are respectively covered with a fifth non-suction cap 55 to a seventh non-suction cap 57 located on the other side of the suction cap 46. Thus, ink evaporation from the nozzles 25 is suppressed. When the suction cleaning of the first nozzle row 31 is completed, the control unit 53 performs wiping and performs flushing that ejects ink only from the nozzles 25 of the first nozzle row 31 that has performed suction cleaning.

  As shown in FIG. 10, subsequently, the controller 53 drives the carriage motor 20, the maintenance motor 49, and the suction pump 45 in this order to perform suction cleaning of the second nozzle row 32. At this time, the first nozzle row 31 that has been previously cleaned by suction is covered with the fourth non-suction cap 44, and the evaporation of ink from the nozzles 25 is suppressed. On the other hand, the third nozzle row 33 and the fourth nozzle row 34 before being cleaned by suction are covered with the fifth non-suction cap 55 and the sixth non-suction cap 56, and the evaporation of ink from the nozzles 25 is suppressed. Is done. When the suction cleaning of the second nozzle row 32 is completed, the control unit 53 performs wiping and performs flushing that ejects ink only from the nozzles 25 of the second nozzle row 32 that has performed suction cleaning.

  Similarly, after that, the controller 53 sequentially performs suction cleaning of the third nozzle row 33, wiping, and flushing from the nozzles 25 of the third nozzle row 33, and then performs suction cleaning of the fourth nozzle row 34. .

  As shown in FIG. 11, during the suction cleaning of the third nozzle row 33, the first nozzle row 31 previously suction-cleaned is covered with the third non-suction cap 43 and the second nozzle row 32 is the fourth. Covered by a non-suction cap 44. The fourth nozzle row 34 before being subjected to suction cleaning is covered with the fifth non-suction cap 55.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 12, during the suction cleaning of the fourth nozzle row 34, the first nozzle row 31 previously suction-cleaned is covered with the second non-suction cap 42, and the second nozzle row 32 is not in the third non-suction. Covered by the suction cap 43, the third nozzle row 33 is covered by the fourth non-suction cap 44.

  When the suction cleaning of all the nozzle rows 31 to 34 is completed, the control unit 53 drives the maintenance motor 49 and the carriage motor 20 to execute wiping and flushing from the nozzles 25 of the fourth nozzle row 34. Further, the controller 53 drives the carriage motor 20 to move the carriage 17 to the standby position, and drives the maintenance motor 49 to move the cap 37 to the contact position.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 13, the first nozzle row 31 is covered with the first non-suction cap 41, and the other second nozzle row 32 to fourth nozzle row 34 are also in the second non-suction cap 42 to fourth non-suction. Covered with a suction cap 44.

According to the second embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
(5) In addition to the nozzle rows that have been subjected to suction cleaning, the nozzle rows before suction cleaning can also be covered with the non-suction caps 55-57. Therefore, ink evaporation from the nozzle 25 can be further suppressed.

In addition, you may change the said embodiment as follows.
-In each above-mentioned embodiment, if the raising / lowering apparatus 40 moves the cap 37, it can be changed arbitrarily. For example, the cap 37 may be moved by winding a wire connected to the cap 37 using a hoisting machine. Further, for example, the cap 37 may be pressed and moved by inflating the shape by sending air into the variable volume space forming member.

  In each of the above embodiments, the lifting device 40 may be omitted. For example, the liquid ejecting head 27 may be provided so as to be movable also in the vertical direction Z. Further, the cap 37 may be moved in the width direction X without providing the head moving mechanism 29. That is, the moving mechanism may move the liquid ejecting head 27 and the cap 37 to move the cap group including the non-suction caps 41 to 44 and the suction cap 46 relative to the liquid ejecting head 27.

In the above embodiments, the non-suction caps 41 to 44 and the suction cap 46 may be moved separately. Further, the non-suction caps 41 to 44 may be moved individually.
In the second embodiment, the number of non-suction caps 55 to 57 provided on the other side may be larger than the number of non-suction caps 41 to 44 provided on one side. For example, three non-suction caps may be provided on one side and four non-suction caps may be provided on the other side. The position facing the non-suction cap on the other side may be set as a standby position, and the nozzle rows 31 to 34 may be covered with the non-suction cap on the other side during standby.

  In each of the above embodiments, the number of non-suction caps 41 to 44 may be smaller than the number of nozzle rows 31 to 34 formed on the nozzle forming surface 26. For example, the first non-suction cap 41 may not be provided. In this case, when the liquid ejecting head 27 is located at the standby position, the first nozzle row 31 to the third nozzle row 33 are covered with the second non-suction cap 42 to the fourth non-suction cap 44. The fourth nozzle row 34 is covered with a suction cap 46. When the number of nozzle rows formed on the nozzle forming surface 26 is two, the number of non-suction caps 41 to 44 may be one.

  In each of the above embodiments, the suction cleaning may be performed by selecting from the nozzle rows 31 to 34. For example, when the first nozzle row 31 and the third nozzle row 33 are subjected to suction cleaning, first, the first nozzle row 31 is covered with the suction cap 46 and suction cleaning is performed. Subsequently, the third nozzle row 33 is covered with the suction cap 46 for suction cleaning, and the first nozzle row 31 is covered with the third non-suction cap 43. Thereafter, the third nozzle row 33 is covered with the third non-suction cap 43 and the first nozzle row 31 is covered with the first non-suction cap 41. In this case, the first nozzle row 31 previously covered with the suction cap 46 functions as an example of the first nozzle row, and the third nozzle row 33 later covered with the suction cap 46 is the second nozzle row 33. It functions as an example of a nozzle row. Furthermore, the first non-suction cap 41 that covers the first nozzle row 31 after the first nozzle row 31 and the third nozzle row 33 is cleaned serves as an example of the second non-suction cap, and the third nozzle row 33 is The covering third non-suction cap 43 functions as an example of the first suction cap. In this case, in the second embodiment, when the suction cap 46 covers the first nozzle row 31, the sixth non-suction cap 56 that covers the third nozzle row 33 functions as an example of the third non-suction cap. When three or more nozzle rows are sequentially cleaned by suction, the nozzle row first covered with the suction cap 46 functions as an example of the first nozzle row, and the nozzle row covered with the suction cap 46 next. Functions as an example of the second nozzle row.

  In each of the above embodiments, the non-suction caps 41 to 44 and the suction cap 46 may be large enough to cover a plurality of nozzle rows. In this case, an example of the first nozzle row and an example of the second nozzle row are constituted by two or more nozzle rows in units of nozzle rows covered by the suction cap 46 at a time. The sizes of the non-suction caps 41 to 44 and the suction cap 46 may be different. For example, the three nozzle rows of the first nozzle row 31 to the third nozzle row 33 are formed on the nozzle forming surface 26, and the non-suction caps for two rows covering the two nozzle rows in order from one side, for one row A non-suction cap for two rows, a suction cap for two rows, and a non-suction cap for one row may be provided. When performing the maintenance process, first, the first nozzle row 31 and the second nozzle row 32 are covered with a suction cap, and suction cleaning is performed. At this time, the third nozzle row 33 is covered with a non-suction cap for one row located on the other side of the suction cap. Subsequently, the second nozzle row 32 and the third nozzle row 33 are covered with a suction cap and subjected to suction cleaning. At this time, the first nozzle row 31 is covered with a non-suction cap for one row located on one side of the suction cap. When the suction cleaning is finished, the first nozzle row 31 and the second nozzle row are covered with two rows of non-suction caps located on the most side, and the third nozzle row 33 is located on one side of the suction cap. Covered with one row of non-suction caps. At this time, it is not necessary to provide a non-suction cap for one row located on the other side of the suction cap.

  In the first embodiment, the amount of ink ejected from the nozzle 25 during flushing is changed in the nozzle row covered with the non-suction caps 41 to 44 and the nozzle row not covered among the nozzle rows 31 to 34. Also good. For example, during suction cleaning of the second nozzle row 32, the first nozzle row 31 is covered with the fourth non-suction cap 44, whereas the third nozzle row 33 and the fourth nozzle row 34 are any non-suction caps. 41 to 44 are not covered. Therefore, the amount of ink ejected from the nozzles 25 of the third nozzle row 33 and the fourth nozzle row 34 may be increased as compared with the amount of ink ejected from the nozzles 25 of the first nozzle row 31. Similarly to the second embodiment, ink may be ejected only from the nozzles 25 of the nozzle row that has been subjected to suction cleaning.

  In the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, ink may be ejected from the nozzles 25 of the nozzle rows other than the nozzle rows that have been subjected to suction cleaning during flushing. At this time, the amount of ink ejected from the nozzles 25 of the nozzle row that has been subjected to suction cleaning may be different from the amount of ink ejected from the nozzles 25 of the nozzle row that has not been subjected to suction cleaning. For example, when suction cleaning of the first nozzle row 31 is performed, the ink is ejected from the nozzles 25 of the second nozzle row 32 to the fourth nozzle row 34 rather than the amount of ink ejected from the nozzles 25 of the first nozzle row 31. The amount of ink may be reduced.

  In each of the above embodiments, the control unit 53 may perform suction cleaning by covering with the suction cap 46 sequentially from the fourth nozzle row 34 side during the maintenance process. That is, in this case, one side and the other side are reversed in the width direction X, and the side on which the fourth nozzle row 34 previously covered by the suction cap 46 is formed becomes one side, and the first covered later by the suction cap 46. The side where the nozzle row 31 is formed is the other side. In the width direction X, the non-suction caps 41 to 44 and the suction cap 46 are also arranged in reverse.

  In the above embodiment, the liquid ejecting apparatus may be a liquid ejecting apparatus that ejects or discharges liquid other than ink. Note that the state of the liquid ejected as a minute amount of liquid droplets from the liquid ejecting apparatus includes a granular shape, a tear shape, and a thread-like shape. The liquid here may be any material that can be ejected from the liquid ejecting apparatus. For example, it may be in a state in which the substance is in a liquid phase, such as a liquid with high or low viscosity, sol, gel water, other inorganic solvents, organic solvents, solutions, liquid resins, liquid metals (metal melts ). Further, not only a liquid as one state of a substance but also a substance in which particles of a functional material made of a solid such as a pigment or a metal particle are dissolved, dispersed or mixed in a solvent is included. Typical examples of the liquid include ink and liquid crystal as described in the above embodiment. Here, the ink includes general water-based inks and oil-based inks, and various liquid compositions such as gel inks and hot melt inks. As a specific example of the liquid ejecting apparatus, for example, a liquid containing a material such as an electrode material or a color material used for manufacturing a liquid crystal display, an EL (electroluminescence) display, a surface emitting display, or a color filter in a dispersed or dissolved form. There is a liquid ejecting apparatus for ejecting the liquid. Further, it may be a liquid ejecting apparatus that ejects a bio-organic matter used for biochip manufacturing, a liquid ejecting apparatus that ejects liquid as a sample that is used as a precision pipette, a printing apparatus, a micro dispenser, or the like. 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. May be a liquid ejecting apparatus that ejects the liquid onto the substrate. Further, it may be a liquid ejecting apparatus that ejects an etching solution such as acid or alkali in order to etch a substrate or the like.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 ... Printer (an example of liquid ejecting apparatus), 25 ... Nozzle, 26 ... Nozzle formation surface, 27 ... Liquid ejecting head, 29 ... Head moving mechanism (an example of moving mechanism), 31-34 ... Nozzle row, 40 ... Lifting device (An example of a cap moving mechanism, an example of a moving mechanism) 41 to 44, 55 to 57... Non-suction cap, 45... Suction pump (an example of a suction mechanism), 46. , 51... First cam member, 53... Control unit, X... Width direction (an example of the second direction), Y.

Claims (7)

A liquid ejecting head having a nozzle forming surface in which two or more nozzle rows each having a plurality of nozzles arranged along the first direction are formed at intervals in a second direction intersecting the first direction;
A suction cap covering a part of the nozzle rows of the nozzle rows formed on the nozzle forming surface;
A suction mechanism for sucking the inside of the suction cap;
Two or more non-suction caps that cover some of the nozzle rows formed on the nozzle forming surface;
A moving mechanism that relatively moves the liquid ejecting head and the cap group including the non-suction cap and the suction cap;
A control unit for controlling the moving mechanism,
The control unit controls the moving mechanism so that the suction cap covers the nozzle row sequentially from the nozzle row located on one side along the second direction, and the suction cap covers a part of the nozzle rows. When covering, the moving mechanism is controlled so that the non-suction cap covers all nozzle rows located on one side of the nozzle row covered by the suction cap,
The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the non-suction cap can cover all nozzle rows formed on the nozzle formation surface. When the suction cap covers a part of the nozzle rows, the control unit moves the moving mechanism so that the non-suction caps also cover the nozzle rows located on the other side of the nozzle rows covered by the suction caps. The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the liquid ejecting apparatus is controlled. The moving mechanism includes a head moving mechanism that moves the liquid ejecting head along the second direction;
A cap moving mechanism for moving the suction cap and the non-suction cap integrally;
The cap movement mechanism moves the suction cap and the non-suction cap between a contact position where the nozzle formation surface can be contacted so as to cover the nozzle row and a non-contact position different from the corresponding contact position. The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the liquid ejecting apparatus is a liquid ejecting apparatus. The cap moving mechanism is
A driving source;
A cam member that rotates based on the driving force of the driving source,
The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the suction cap and the non-suction cap move between the contact position and the non-contact position in accordance with rotation of the cam member. The first nozzle row and the second nozzle row configured to have a plurality of nozzles arranged along the first direction have an interval in a second direction intersecting the first direction, and the second nozzle row A liquid ejecting head having a nozzle forming surface formed in the order of the first nozzle row and the second nozzle row from one side in the direction;
A suction cap covering a part of the nozzle rows of the nozzle rows formed on the nozzle forming surface;
A suction mechanism for sucking the inside of the suction cap;
A first non-suction cap and a second non-suction cap covering a part of the nozzle rows of the nozzle rows formed on the nozzle forming surface;
A group of caps configured in the order of the suction cap, the first non-suction cap, and the second non-suction cap from the other side opposite to the one side in the second direction; and the liquid ejection A moving mechanism for relatively moving the head,
A control unit for controlling the moving mechanism,
The control unit controls the moving mechanism so that the suction cap covers the first nozzle row and the second nozzle row in this order from the one side in the second direction, and the suction cap When the second nozzle row is covered, the moving mechanism is controlled so that the first non-suction cap covers the first nozzle row, and the first non-suction cap covers the second nozzle row. In this case, the liquid ejecting apparatus is characterized in that the moving mechanism is controlled so that the second non-suction cap covers the first nozzle row. In the cap group, a third non-suction cap is provided on the other side of the suction cap,
The control unit controls the moving mechanism so that the third non-suction cap covers the second nozzle row when the suction cap covers the first nozzle row. Item 6. The liquid ejecting apparatus according to Item 5. The nozzle forming surface of the liquid ejecting head having a nozzle forming surface in which two or more nozzle rows each having a plurality of nozzles arranged along the first direction are formed at intervals in a second direction intersecting the first direction. A suction cap is brought into contact with the nozzle row so as to cover the nozzle row, and a first portion of the nozzle row formed on the nozzle forming surface sucks liquid from the nozzles of a part of the nozzle row covered with the suction cap. A suction step;
A nozzle row different from the nozzle row formed by the nozzles sucked in the first suction step is covered with the suction cap to suck liquid from the nozzles of the nozzle row, and the suction sucked in the first suction step A liquid ejecting method comprising: a second suction step that covers a nozzle row with a non-suction cap; and a non-suction step that covers all nozzle rows formed on the nozzle formation surface with two or more non-suction caps. .