JP7318382B2 - LIQUID EJECTING DEVICE, NOZZLE INSPECTION METHOD AND PROGRAM - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a liquid ejecting apparatus that ejects liquid from nozzles, a nozzle inspection method for inspecting nozzles in the liquid ejecting apparatus, and a program for controlling the liquid ejecting apparatus.

As an example of a liquid ejecting apparatus that ejects liquid from nozzles, Patent Document 1 describes an inkjet printer that performs printing by ejecting ink from nozzles. In the inkjet printer described in Patent Document 1, the presence or absence of ink ejection and the ejection direction are individually inspected for each of the plurality of nozzles of the head. Then, if there is a nozzle that does not eject ink, the suction process is executed, and the above inspection is performed again. Further, when there is a nozzle with an abnormality in the ejection direction, the ink ejection operation is performed, and the above inspection is performed again.

JP-A-2006-175849

Here, in the ink jet printer as described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-200011, ink may not be ejected from many nozzles when, for example, the printer is left unused for a long period of time. Also, in such a case, it may be necessary to repeat the suction process many times in order to restore all the nozzles that are not ejecting ink.

In Patent Document 1, in such a case, each of the plurality of nozzles of the head is repeatedly inspected individually for the presence or absence of ink ejection, which increases the time required for this inspection. put away.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a liquid ejection apparatus, a nozzle inspection method, and a program capable of determining non-ejection of liquid from a plurality of nozzles while minimizing the time required for this determination. is.

A liquid ejection apparatus according to the present invention includes a liquid ejection head having a plurality of nozzles, a purge section that performs a purge operation for discharging liquid in the liquid ejection head from the plurality of nozzles, and a control section. , the control unit executes a first determination process for individually determining whether or not each of the plurality of nozzles is an abnormal nozzle having an abnormality in ejection of liquid, and before executing the first determination process, and a purge process for causing the purge unit to perform the purge, and a discharge amount parameter value related to the discharge amount of the liquid discharged by the purge. a second determination process for determining whether or not there is an ejection nozzle; and when it is determined in the second determination process that there is no non-ejection nozzle, the first determination process is performed.

A nozzle inspection method according to the present invention is a liquid ejection apparatus comprising a liquid ejection head having a plurality of nozzles, and a purge unit for performing a purge for discharging liquid in the liquid ejection head from the plurality of nozzles, wherein: A nozzle inspection method for inspecting a plurality of nozzles, comprising: a first determination step of individually determining whether each of the plurality of nozzles is an abnormal nozzle having an abnormality in ejection of liquid; prior to the first determining step, a purge step causing the purge unit to perform the purge; and a second determination step of determining whether or not there is a non-ejection nozzle that does not eject the liquid, and when it is determined that there is no non-ejection nozzle in the second determination step, proceeding to the first determination step. .

A program according to the present invention is for controlling a liquid ejection apparatus comprising a liquid ejection head having a plurality of nozzles, and a purge section for purging liquid in the liquid ejection head from the plurality of nozzles. A program for causing a computer to execute a first judgment process for individually judging whether each of the plurality of nozzles is an abnormal nozzle having an abnormality in ejection of liquid, and executing the first judgment process. liquid is ejected into the plurality of nozzles based on a purge process that causes the purge unit to perform the purge and a discharge amount parameter value related to the amount of liquid discharged by the purge before the purge is performed. a second determination process for determining whether or not there is a non-ejection nozzle that is not ejected, and when the second determination process determines that there is no ejection failure nozzle, the first determination process is performed.

For the first determination process (first determination step), it is necessary to individually drive the liquid ejection heads for the plurality of nozzles, which takes some time. On the other hand, since purging is performed for a plurality of nozzles at once, it takes less time than when the liquid ejection heads are individually driven for the plurality of nozzles. In addition, since the amount of liquid discharged by purging (discharge amount parameter value) varies depending on the number of non-discharging nozzles, it is possible to determine whether or not there is a non-discharging nozzle based on the discharge amount parameter value.

However, when the number of non-ejection nozzles is small, the amount of liquid discharged by purging (discharge amount parameter value) is almost the same as when there are no non-ejection nozzles, so it is based on the value of the discharge amount parameter. Even if it is determined in the second determination process (second determination step) that there are no ejection failure nozzles, some ejection failure nozzles may remain among the plurality of nozzles.

Therefore, in the present invention, the purge process and the second determination process are executed before the first determination process. Execute the process. As a result, the second determination process is executed when there are many ejection failure nozzles, and the first determination process is performed after there are no more ejection failure nozzles or after the number of ejection failure nozzles has decreased. As a result, compared to the case where the first determination process is executed from the beginning, the number of times the first determination process is repeated until all the nozzles are free of liquid ejection problems is reduced. It is possible to shorten the time required to determine whether or not.

1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a printer according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the printer; FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing the flow of processing for determining the presence or absence of non-ejection nozzles in the printer and for recovering the non-ejection nozzles. 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing for determining whether or not there is an ejection failure nozzle and recovering the ejection failure nozzle in Modification 1. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing for determining whether or not there is an ejection failure nozzle and recovering the ejection failure nozzle in Modification 2. FIG. 15 is a flow chart showing the flow of processing for determining whether or not there is an ejection failure nozzle and recovering the ejection failure nozzle in Modification 3. FIG. 18 is a flow chart showing the flow of processing for determining whether or not there is an ejection failure nozzle and recovering the ejection failure nozzle in Modification 4. FIG. 18 is a flow chart showing the flow of processing for determining whether or not there is an ejection failure nozzle and recovering the ejection failure nozzle in Modification 5. FIG. FIG. 12 is a schematic configuration diagram of a printer of modification 6; 19 is a flow chart showing the flow of processing for determining whether or not there is an ejection failure nozzle and recovering the ejection failure nozzle in Modification 6. FIG.

Preferred embodiments of the present invention are described below.

<Overall configuration of the printer>
As shown in FIG. 1, a printer 1 (“liquid ejection device” of the present invention) according to the present embodiment includes a carriage 2, a sub-tank 3, an inkjet head 4 (“liquid ejection head” of the present invention), a platen 5, a conveying It is provided with rollers 6 and 7, a maintenance unit 8 (the "purge section" of the present invention), and the like.

The carriage 2 is supported by two guide rails 11 and 12 extending in the scanning direction. The carriage 2 is connected to a carriage motor 86 (see FIG. 2) via a belt (not shown) or the like. When the carriage motor 86 is driven, the carriage 2 moves along the guide rails 11 and 12 in the scanning direction. In the following description, right and left sides in the scanning direction are defined as shown in FIG.

A sub-tank 3 is mounted on the carriage 2 . Here, the printer 1 has a cartridge holder 14 to which four ink cartridges 15 are detachably attached. The rightmost ink cartridge 15 stores black pigment ink (“liquid”, “first liquid” of the present invention). The three ink cartridges 15 on the left store, from the one on the right, yellow, cyan, and magenta pigment inks (“liquid” and “second liquid” of the present invention). The sub-tank 3 is connected to four ink cartridges 15 attached to a cartridge holder 14 via four tubes 13 . As a result, the four color inks are supplied from the four ink cartridges 15 to the sub-tank 3 .

The inkjet head 4 is mounted on the carriage 2 and connected to the lower end of the sub-tank 3 . The inkjet head 4 is supplied with the four color inks from the sub-tank 3 . The inkjet head 4 also ejects ink from a plurality of nozzles 10 formed on a nozzle surface 4a, which is the lower surface thereof. More specifically, the plurality of nozzles 10 are arranged in the transport direction orthogonal to the scanning direction to form nozzle rows 9, and the inkjet head 4 has four nozzle rows 9 aligned in the scanning direction. have Black pigment ink is ejected from the plurality of nozzles 10 (“first nozzles” in the present invention) that form the rightmost nozzle row 9 , and the plurality of nozzles 10 that form the three nozzle rows 9 on the left. Pigmented inks of yellow, cyan, and magenta are ejected from the (“second nozzles” of the present invention) that constitute the nozzle row 9 on the right side.

A platen 5 is arranged below the inkjet head 4 and faces the plurality of nozzles 10 . The platen 5 extends over the entire length of the recording paper P in the scanning direction and supports the recording paper P from below. The transport roller 6 is arranged upstream of the inkjet head 4 and the platen 5 in the transport direction. The transport roller 7 is arranged downstream of the inkjet head 4 and the platen 5 in the transport direction. The transport rollers 6 and 7 are connected to a transport motor 87 (see FIG. 2) via gears (not shown). When the transport motor 87 is driven, the transport rollers 6 and 7 rotate and the recording paper P is transported in the transport direction.

<Maintenance unit>
The maintenance unit 8 includes a cap 61 , a switching unit 62 , a suction pump 63 and a waste liquid tank 64 . The cap 61 is arranged on the right side of the platen 5 in the scanning direction. The cap 61 has a cap portion 61a (“first cap” of the present invention) and a cap portion 61b (“second cap” of the present invention) arranged on the left side of the cap portion 61a. When the carriage 2 is positioned at the right maintenance position in the scanning direction with respect to the platen 5 , the plurality of nozzles 10 face the cap 61 . More specifically, a plurality of nozzles 10 ejecting black ink, which constitute the rightmost nozzle row 9, face the cap portion 61a, and color (yellow, cyan, A plurality of nozzles 10 for ejecting magenta ink are opposed to the cap portion 61b. Suction ports 66a and 66b are provided in the cap portions 61a and 61b, respectively.

Also, the cap 61 can be moved up and down by a cap lifting mechanism 88 (see FIG. 2). When the carriage 2 is positioned at the maintenance position and the plurality of nozzles 10 and the cap 61 are opposed to each other, the cap lifting mechanism 88 lifts the cap 61 so that the upper end of the cap 61 comes into close contact with the nozzle surface 4a. do. As a result, the plurality of nozzles 10 forming the rightmost nozzle row 9 are covered with the cap portion 61a, and the plurality of nozzles 10 forming the three nozzle rows 9 on the left side are covered with the cap portion 61b. "first capping state" and "second capping state" of the invention). On the other hand, when the cap lifting mechanism 88 lowers the cap 61, the nozzles 10 are in an uncapping state (“first uncapping state”, “second uncapping state”, “second uncapping state”) in which the plurality of nozzles 10 are not covered with the cap portions 61a and 61b. capping state”). In this embodiment, the combination of the carriage 2 and the cap lifting mechanism 88 corresponds to the "switching section" of the present invention. Moreover, the cap 61 is not limited to covering the plurality of nozzles 10 by being in close contact with the nozzle surface 4a. The cap 61 may cover the plurality of nozzles 10 by being in close contact with a frame (not shown) arranged around the nozzle surface 4a of the inkjet head 4, for example.

A microphone 65 (“sound detector” of the present invention) is arranged on the bottom surface of the cap 61 . The microphone 65 detects the volume of sound generated during suction purge and post-purge suction, which will be described later, and outputs a signal corresponding to this.

The switching unit 62 is connected to the suction ports 66a and 66b of the cap portions 61a and 61b and the suction pump 63 via tubes, respectively. The switching unit 62 switches between a state in which the suction port 66a of the cap portion 61a and the suction pump 63 are connected and a state in which the suction port 66b of the cap portion 61b and the suction pump 63 are connected. Thereby, the switching unit 62 can selectively connect the suction pump 63 to either the cap portion 61a or the cap portion 61b. The suction pump 63 is a tube pump or the like, and is connected to the waste liquid tank 64 .

In the maintenance unit 8, the controller 80, which will be described later, controls the carriage motor 86 and the cap lifting mechanism 88 to bring the above-described capping state, and controls the switching unit 62 to control the suction port 66a of the cap portion 61a and the suction pump. 63 is connected, and the suction pump 63 is driven to discharge the black ink in the inkjet head 4 from the plurality of nozzles 10, thereby performing a black suction purge (“purge”, “first purge” in the present invention). ")It can be performed. Further, in the maintenance unit 8, the control device 80, which will be described later, controls the carriage motor 86 and the cap lifting mechanism 88 to bring the capping state described above, and controls the switching unit 62 to control the suction port 66b of the cap portion 61b and the suction pump. 63 is connected, and the suction pump 63 is driven to discharge the color ink in the inkjet head 4 from the plurality of nozzles 10, thereby performing a color suction purge (“purge” of the present invention, “second purge”). ")It can be performed. Further, the ink discharged from the inkjet head 4 by the black suction purge and the color suction purge is stored in the waste liquid tank 64 . In this embodiment, the combination of the cap section 61a, the switching unit 62, the suction pump 63, and the waste liquid tank 64 in the maintenance unit 8 corresponds to the "first purge section" of the present invention. A combination of the cap section 61b, the switching unit 62, the suction pump 63, and the waste liquid tank 64 in the maintenance unit 8 corresponds to the "second purge section" of the present invention.

In the maintenance unit 8, after the above-described black suction purge, the controller 80 (to be described later) controls the switching unit 62 to maintain the state in which the suction port 66a of the cap portion 61a and the suction pump 63 are connected. By controlling the lift mechanism 88 to bring it into the uncapping state and driving the suction pump 63, after the black suction purge, the black ink accumulated in the cap portion 61a is discharged. “Aspirate after first purge”) can be performed. In the maintenance unit 8, after the suction purge of the collar described above, the switching unit 62 maintains the connection between the suction pump 63 and the suction pump 63, and the suction port 6 of the cap portion 61b is controlled by the switching unit 62. By controlling the cap elevating mechanism 88 to bring it into the uncapping state and driving the suction pump 63, after the color suction purge, the color ink accumulated in the cap portion 61b is discharged. ("Aspirate after second purge") can be performed. In addition, ink discharged from the cap 61 by suction after black and color purging is also stored in the waste liquid tank 64 .

<Electrical Configuration of Printer>
Next, the electrical configuration of the printer 1 will be described. Operations of the printer 1 are controlled by the control device 80 . As shown in FIG. 2, the control device 80 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 81, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 82, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 83, a flash memory 84, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) 85, etc. It controls the operations of the carriage motor 86, the inkjet head 4, the transport motor 87, the cap lifting mechanism 88, the switching unit 62, the suction pump 63, and the like. A signal corresponding to the volume of the sound detected by the microphone 65 is also input to the control device 80 .

The printer 1 also has a display section 89 and an operation section 90 in addition to the configuration described above. The display unit 89 is a liquid crystal display or the like, and the control device 80 controls the display unit 89 to display information necessary for the operation of the printer 1 on the display unit 89 . The operation unit 90 includes buttons, a touch panel provided in the display unit 89, and the like. When the operation unit 90 is operated by the user, a signal corresponding to the operation result is input to the control device 80 .

In the control device 80, only the CPU 81 may perform various processes, only the ASIC 85 may perform various processes, or the CPU 81 and the ASIC 85 may cooperate to perform various processes. can be anything. Further, the control device 80 may be one in which one CPU 81 performs processing alone, or may be one in which a plurality of CPUs 81 share the processing. Further, the control device 80 may be one in which one ASIC 85 performs processing alone, or may be one in which a plurality of ASICs 85 share the processing.

<Detection of non-ejection nozzles and recovery of non-ejection nozzles>
Next, in the printer 1, processes for detecting non-ejection nozzles from which ink is not ejected in the plurality of nozzles 10 of the inkjet head 4 and recovering the non-ejection nozzles will be described. This processing is started, for example, when the power of the printer 1 is turned on. In the printer 1, a program for causing the control device 80 to perform this processing is stored in the ROM 82 or the like.

This processing is performed along the flow of FIG. More specifically, the control device 80 starts sound detection based on a signal from the microphone 65 (S101), and then performs black suction purge (S102, "first purge process" of the present invention). After the suction purge of black is completed, sound detection based on the signal from the microphone 65 is stopped (S103).

Subsequently, the control device 80 controls the volume V1 of the sound detected when the suction purge of black is being performed (“discharge amount parameter value”, “first discharge amount parameter value”, “sound detection It is determined whether or not the value of the parameter according to the detection result of the part") exceeds the predetermined sound volume V1a (S104, "determining process during purge" of the present invention). Note that the volume V1 is, for example, the average value of the volume of sounds detected by the microphone 65 while the black suction purge is being performed. The same applies to the volume V3, which will be described later. If the volume V1 is equal to or less than the predetermined volume V1a (S104: NO), the control device 80 determines that there is a non-ejection nozzle among the nozzles 10 that eject black ink, and returns to S101.

When the volume V1 exceeds the predetermined volume V1a (S104: YES), the control device 80 determines that there are no ejection failure nozzles among the nozzles 10 that eject black ink. After sound detection based on the signal is started (S105), post-purge suction of black is performed (S106, "post-purge suction process" and "first post-purge suction process" of the present invention). After the post-purge suction of black is completed, sound detection based on the signal from the microphone 65 is stopped (S107).

Subsequently, the control device 80 controls the time T1 from the time when the post-purging suction of black is started until the volume V2 of the sound detected by the microphone 65 exceeds the predetermined volume V2a (the "discharge amount parameter of the present invention. value”, “value of the second emission amount parameter”, and “value of the parameter according to the detection result of the sound detection unit”), and it is determined whether or not the time T1 exceeds the predetermined time T1a (S108, "Determination process after purge" of the present invention). If the time T1 is equal to or shorter than the predetermined time T1a (S108: NO), the control device 80 determines that there is a non-ejection nozzle among the nozzles 10 that eject black ink, and returns to S101.

If the time T1 exceeds the predetermined time T1a (S108: YES), the control device 80 determines that there is no ejection failure nozzle among the nozzles 10 that eject black ink. After sound detection based on the signal is started (S109), the suction purge of the collar is performed (S110, "second purge process" of the present invention). Thus, in the present embodiment, the black suction purge in S102 and the color suction purge in S110 are performed at different timings. After the suction purge of the collar is completed, sound detection based on the signal from the microphone 65 is stopped (S111).

Subsequently, the control device 80 controls the volume V3 of the sound detected during the suction purge of the collar ("discharge amount parameter value", "first discharge amount parameter value", "detection result of the sound detection unit" in the present invention). parameter value”) exceeds a predetermined sound volume V3a (S112, “purge determination process” of the present invention). If the volume V3 is equal to or less than the predetermined volume V3a (S112: NO), the control device 80 determines that there is a non-ejection nozzle among the nozzles 10 that eject color ink, and returns to S109.

If the volume V3 exceeds the predetermined volume V3a (S112: YES), the control device 80 determines that there is no ejection failure nozzle among the nozzles 10 that eject color ink. After sound detection based on the signal is started (S113), suction after purging the color is performed (S114, "post-purge suction processing" and "second post-purge suction processing" of the present invention). Thus, in the present embodiment, the black post-purge suction in S106 and the color post-purge suction in S113 are performed at different timings. After the post-purge suction of the collar is completed, the sound detection based on the signal from the microphone 65 is stopped (S115).

Subsequently, the control device 80 controls the time T2 from the time when suction after purging of the collar is started to the time when the volume V4 of the sound detected by the microphone 65 exceeds a predetermined volume V4a. value”, “value of the second emission amount parameter”, and “value of the parameter according to the detection result of the sound detection unit”), and it is determined whether or not the time T2 exceeds the predetermined time T2a (S116, "Determination process after purge" of the present invention). If the time T2 is equal to or shorter than the predetermined time T2a (S116: NO), the control device 80 determines that there is a non-ejection nozzle among the nozzles 10 that eject color ink, and returns to S109. If the time T2 exceeds the predetermined time T2a (S116: YES), the control device 80 determines that there is no ejection failure nozzle among the nozzles 10 that eject color ink, and proceeds to S117.

In this embodiment, S102 and S110 correspond to the "purge process" and "purge step" of the invention, and S104, S107, S112 and S116 correspond to the "second determination process" and "second determination process" of the invention. judgment step”.

In S117, the control device 80 causes the test pattern to be recorded. More specifically, the control device 80 controls the carriage motor 86 to move the carriage 2 in the scanning direction, and controls the inkjet head 4 to eject ink from the plurality of nozzles 10 onto the recording paper P. The test pattern is printed on the recording paper P by alternately performing a recording pass, which is an operation that causes the recording paper P to be conveyed, and a conveying operation, which is an operation that controls the conveying motor 87 and causes the conveying rollers 6 and 7 to convey the recording paper P by a predetermined distance. be recorded. The test pattern is a pattern that can determine whether each of the plurality of nozzles 10 is a non-ejection nozzle (“abnormal nozzle” of the present invention) that has not ejected ink. However, since the test pattern itself is publicly known, further detailed description is omitted here.

Subsequently, the control device 80 causes the display unit 89 to display an input screen for inputting the recording result of the test pattern (S118). This input screen is a screen for allowing the user to input a signal corresponding to which nozzle 10 is the ejection failure nozzle. Then, the control device 80 waits until the operation unit 90 is operated by the user according to the display of the input screen and the input of the signal corresponding to the test pattern recording result is completed (S119: NO). Then, when the input of this signal is completed (S119: YES), the control device 80 determines whether or not there is a non-ejection nozzle based on the input signal (S120, the "first determination process”, “first determination step”). If it is determined that there is no ejection failure nozzle (S120: NO), the process is terminated.

When it is determined that there is a non-ejection nozzle (S120: YES), the control device 80 subsequently determines whether or not the nozzles 10 that eject black ink are included in the non-ejection nozzles (S121). . If the nozzles 10 that eject black ink are not included in the non-ejection nozzles (S121: NO), the flow proceeds directly to S123, and the nozzles 10 that eject black ink are included in the non-ejection nozzles. If so (S121: YES), a black suction purge is performed (S122), and then the process proceeds to S123.

In S123, it is determined whether or not the non-ejection nozzles include nozzles 10 that eject color ink. If the nozzles 10 that eject color ink are not included in the non-ejection nozzles (S123: NO), the process returns to S117, and the nozzles 10 that eject color ink are included in the non-ejection nozzles. If so (S123: YES), the color is suction purged (S124), and the process returns to S117.

<effect>
In S120, it is determined whether or not each of the plurality of nozzles 10 is an ejection failure nozzle based on the printing result of the test pattern. In order to make a determination in S120, the inkjet head 4 is individually driven for the plurality of nozzles 10 to print a test pattern in S117, but it takes a certain amount of time to print the test pattern. It takes Further, when it is determined that there is a non-ejecting nozzle based on the test pattern printing result, the suction purge is performed, the test pattern is printed again, and the above-described determination is performed based thereon. For example, when the printer 1 has not been used for a long time and there are a large number of non-ejection nozzles, all the non-ejection nozzles may not recover unless the suction purge is repeated many times. Therefore, in the above case, unlike the present embodiment, a test pattern is printed from the beginning, and based on the printing result, it is determined individually whether or not the plurality of nozzles 10 are non-ejection nozzles. (If the processing of S117 to S124 is executed without executing the processing of S101 to S116), the printing of the test pattern will be repeated many times, and the time required to recover all the non-ejecting nozzles will be long. end up In addition, the number of sheets of recording paper P used for recording the test pattern also increases.

On the other hand, the amount of ink discharged by suction purge in S102 and S110 varies depending on the number of non-ejecting nozzles. As the amount of ink discharged by the suction purge increases (the number of non-ejecting nozzles decreases), the sound volume of the ink flow generated during the suction purge increases. That is, it is possible to determine whether or not there is a non-ejecting nozzle depending on whether or not the volume of the sound generated during the suction purge is greater than a predetermined volume. Moreover, since the suction purge is performed for a plurality of nozzles at once, it does not take as much time as recording a test pattern in which the inkjet head 4 is driven individually for the plurality of nozzles 10 .

Further, when the post-purge suction is performed in S106 and S114, only the ink is sucked while a sufficient amount of ink remains in the cap portions 61a and 61b. Then, part of the suction ports 66a and 66b are exposed to the outside air, and the air is sucked together with the ink, and the volume of the sound generated at this time increases. Since the amount of ink in the cap portions 61a and 61b after the suction purge increases as the amount of discharged ink in the suction purge increases, air is sucked together with the ink from the time point when the suction after the purge is started. It takes longer for the volume of the sound you hear to increase. That is, it is possible to determine whether or not there is a non-ejecting nozzle depending on whether or not the time is longer than the predetermined time. In addition, since post-purge suction is performed for suction purge, it does not take as much time as recording a test pattern in which the ink jet head 4 is individually driven for a plurality of nozzles 10 .

However, when the number of non-ejection nozzles is small, the amount of ink discharged by suction purge is almost the same as when there are no non-ejection nozzles. Therefore, it is not possible to discriminate between the case where the number of ejection failure nozzles is small and the case where there are no ejection failure nozzles only by the volume of the sound generated during the suction purge and the above-mentioned time in the suction after the purge.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, before printing a test pattern and individually determining whether or not the nozzles 10 are non-ejecting nozzles based on the printing result, the volume of the sound generated during the suction purge is adjusted. , and based on the above time in post-purge suction, respectively, it is determined whether or not there is a non-ejecting nozzle. When it is determined in these determinations that there is no ejection failure nozzle, a test pattern is printed, and whether or not the plurality of nozzles 10 are ejection failure nozzles is individually determined based on the printing results.

As a result, when there are many non-ejection nozzles, it is determined whether or not there are any non-ejection nozzles based on the volume of the sound generated during the suction purge and the above-mentioned time in the suction after the purge. A test pattern is printed after there are no more nozzles, or after the number of non-ejection nozzles is reduced, and whether or not the plurality of nozzles 10 are non-ejection nozzles is individually determined based on the printing result. . As a result, when a test pattern is printed from the beginning and it is determined individually whether or not a plurality of nozzles 10 are non-ejection nozzles based on the printing result (S117 without executing the processing of S101 to S116 to S124), the number of times the test pattern is printed until all the nozzles 10 become non-ejecting nozzles is reduced. As a result, it is possible to shorten the time required to determine whether or not the nozzle is a non-ejection nozzle and to recover the non-ejection nozzle. Also, the number of sheets of recording paper P used for recording the test pattern can be reduced.

Also, as described above, the larger the number of non-ejecting nozzles, the smaller the amount of ink discharged by the suction purge. In addition, as the amount of liquid discharged by the suction purge increases, the sound volume of the ink flow generated during the suction purge increases. Therefore, in this embodiment, it is determined that there is no ejection failure nozzle when the volume of the sound generated during the suction purge exceeds a predetermined volume, and it is determined that there is an ejection failure nozzle when the volume is equal to or less than the predetermined volume. judge.

Further, as described above, as the amount of ink discharged by suction purge increases, the amount of liquid remaining in the cap portions 61a and 61b after purging increases. It takes longer for the sound to get louder. Therefore, in the present embodiment, it is determined that there is no non-ejecting nozzle when the time from when the post-purge suction is started until the volume of the detected sound exceeds a predetermined volume exceeds a predetermined time. If the time is less than or equal to the predetermined time, it is determined that there is a non-ejecting nozzle.

Further, in the present embodiment, while the volume V1 of the sound generated during the suction purge of black in S102 in S104 is equal to or less than the predetermined volume V1a and it is determined that there is a non-ejecting nozzle in the purging determination process, Suction after purging of black is not performed, and suction after purging of black is performed when the sound volume V1 exceeds a predetermined sound volume V1a and it is determined that there is no non-ejecting nozzle in the purging determination process. As a result, every time the sound volume V1 is equal to or less than the predetermined sound volume V1a, the number of times of performing the suction after the black purge is reduced compared to the case where the black suction after the purge is performed and then the black suction purge is performed again. can be reduced.

Similarly, in the present embodiment, the volume V3 of the sound generated in S112 during the suction purge of the color in S110 is equal to or less than the predetermined volume V3a, and while it is determined that there is a non-ejecting nozzle in the purging determination process, , suction after color purging is not performed, and suction after color purging is performed when the volume V3 exceeds a predetermined volume V3a and it is determined that there is no non-ejecting nozzle in the purging determination process. As a result, every time the sound volume V3 is equal to or less than the predetermined sound volume V3a, the number of times of performing the suction after the color purging is reduced compared to the case where the suction after the color purging is performed and then the color suction purging is performed again. can be reduced.

In addition, in the present embodiment, the difference in time in the post-purge suction due to the difference in the amount of discharged ink in the suction purge is easier to identify than the difference in volume of the sound generated during the suction purge. Therefore, when it is determined that there are no ejection failure nozzles in the post-purge determination process, the number of remaining ejection failure nozzles may be smaller than when it is determined in the during-purge determination process that there are no ejection failure nozzles. is high. Therefore, in the present embodiment, when it is determined in S104 and S112 that the sound volume exceeds a predetermined volume and there is no ejection failure nozzle, the ejection failure nozzle It is determined whether or not there is This makes it possible to more accurately determine whether or not there is a non-ejecting nozzle.

Further, when it is determined in S104 and S112 that the sound volume is equal to or less than the predetermined sound volume and that there is a non-ejecting nozzle, the suction purge is repeatedly performed. On the other hand, when it is determined in S108 and S116 that the time is less than the predetermined time and there is a non-ejecting nozzle, suction purge and post-purge suction are repeatedly performed.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, after it is determined in S104 and S112 that the sound volume exceeds a predetermined volume and there is no non-ejecting nozzle, suction after purging is performed, and determinations in S108 and S116 are performed. As a result, while it is determined in S104 and S112 that the sound volume is equal to or less than the predetermined sound volume and that there is a non-ejecting nozzle, suction purge is repeated without performing suction after purge. Then, after it is determined in S104 and S112 that the sound volume exceeds the predetermined volume and there is no ejection failure nozzle, while it is determined in S108 and S116 that the time is equal to or less than the predetermined time and there is an ejection failure nozzle, The suction purge and post-purge suction are repeated. As a result, the number of post-purge suction operations is reduced, and when it is determined that there are no ejection failure nozzles, the number of ejection failure nozzles that actually remain is minimized, and it is determined that there are no ejection failure nozzles. can shorten the time it takes.

Further, in this embodiment, the black suction purge and the color suction purge can be performed separately. Therefore, based on the volume V1 of the sound generated during the black suction purge and the volume V3 of the sound generated during the color suction purge, the plurality of nozzles 10 for ejecting the black ink and the plurality of nozzles 10 for ejecting the color ink It is possible to determine whether or not there is a non-ejection nozzle separately for the nozzles 10 of the . In addition, since the black suction purge and the color suction purge are performed at different timings, the sound generated during the black suction purge and the sound generated during the color suction purge can be accurately detected. .

Further, in this embodiment, the post-purge suction for black and the post-purge suction for color can be performed separately. Therefore, based on the time T1 for post-purge suction for black and the time T2 for post-purge suction for color, the plurality of nozzles 10 for ejecting black ink and the plurality of nozzles 10 for ejecting color ink are separately: It is possible to determine whether or not there is an ejection failure nozzle. In addition, since the post-purge suction of black and the post-purge suction of color are performed at different timings, the sound generated during suction after black purge and the sound generated during suction after color purge can be accurately detected. can do.

Further, in the present embodiment, both the black and color inks are pigment inks and tend to thicken. Therefore, the nozzles 10 for ejecting black ink and the nozzles 10 for ejecting color ink are likely to be non-ejection nozzles. Therefore, in the present invention, as described above, for both the nozzles 10 that eject black ink and the nozzles 10 that eject color ink, the volume of the sound generated during the suction purge and the above-mentioned time during the suction after the purge. Based on this, it is determined whether or not there is a non-ejecting nozzle.

<Modification>
Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims.

In the above-described embodiment, ejection failure is determined based on whether or not the volume of the sound generated during the suction purge exceeds a predetermined volume and whether or not the time in the post-purge suction exceeds a predetermined time. Although it is determined whether or not there is a nozzle, the present invention is not limited to this.

In Modified Example 1, as shown in FIG. 4, the control device 80 executes the processes of S101 to S104 as in the above-described embodiment. Then, in S104, when the volume V1 exceeds the predetermined volume V1a (S104: YES), the control device 80 causes black to be sucked after purging (S201), and then, similarly to the above-described embodiment, S109. The processing of to S112 is executed. Further, in S112, when the volume V3 exceeds the predetermined volume V3a (S112: YES), the control device 80 causes the color to be purged and then suctioned (S202), and then, similarly to the above-described embodiment, The processing of S117 to S124 is executed.

In Modified Example 2, as shown in FIG. 5, after the control device 80 performs black suction purge (S301), the processes of S105 to S108 are executed in the same manner as in the above-described embodiment. Then, when the time T1 is equal to or shorter than the predetermined time T1a in S108 (S108: NO), the process returns to S301.

Further, when the time T1 exceeds the predetermined time T1a in S108 (S108: YES), after the control device 80 performs the suction purge of the color (S302), S113 to S116 are performed as in the above-described embodiment. process. Then, when the time T2 is equal to or less than the predetermined time T2a in S116 (S116: NO), the process returns to S302, and when the time T2 exceeds the predetermined time T2a in S116 (S116: YES), the above embodiment and the Similarly, the processing of S117 to S124 is executed.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, both the black ink and the color ink are pigment inks, and the volume of the sound generated during suction purge for both the nozzles 10 that eject the black ink and the nozzles 10 that eject the color ink. It is determined whether or not there is a non-ejecting nozzle based on whether or not the volume exceeds a predetermined volume and whether or not the above-mentioned time in suction after purging exceeds a predetermined time, but the present invention is not limited to this.

In Modifications 3 to 5, the black ink ejected from the nozzles 10 forming the rightmost nozzle row 9 of the inkjet head 4 (see FIG. 1) is pigment ink, and the nozzles forming the three nozzle rows 9 on the left side. Color ink ejected from 10 is dye ink.

Then, in Modification 3, as shown in FIG. 6, the control device 80 executes the processes of S101 to S108 in the same manner as in the above-described embodiment. Then, when the time T1 exceeds the predetermined time T1a in S108 (S108: YES), the processing of S117 to S124 is executed.

That is, in Modification 3, of the black suction purge and the color suction purge, only the black suction purge is performed, and the color suction purge is not performed before executing the processes of S117 to S124. Then, it is determined whether or not there is a non-ejection nozzle among the nozzles 10 that eject black ink, based on the volume of the sound generated during the black suction purge.

Further, in Modification 3, of the black post-purge suction and the color post-purge suction, only the black post-purge suction is performed, and the color post-purge suction is not performed. Then, it is determined whether or not there is a non-ejection nozzle among the nozzles 10 that eject black ink based on the above-described time for post-purging suction of black ink.

In addition, in the fourth modification, as shown in FIG. 7, the control device 80 executes the processes of S101 to S104 and S201 as in the first modification. After the post-purge suction of black in S201, the processes of S117 to S124 are executed. That is, in the fourth modification, of the black suction purge and the color suction purge, only the black suction purge is performed, and the color suction purge is not performed before executing the processes of S117 to S124. Then, it is determined whether or not there is a non-ejection nozzle among the nozzles 10 that eject black ink, based on the volume of the sound generated during the black suction purge.

Further, in the fifth modification, as shown in FIG. 8, the control device 80 executes the processes of S301 and S105 to S108, as in the second modification. Then, in S108, when the time T1 exceeds the predetermined time T1a (S108: YES), the processing of S117 to S124 is executed. That is, in the fifth modification, before executing the processes of S117 to S124, of the black post-purge suction and the color post-purge suction, only the black post-purge suction is performed, and the color post-purge suction is performed. do not have. Then, it is determined whether or not there is a non-ejection nozzle among the nozzles 10 that eject black ink based on the above-described time for post-purging suction of black ink.

The nozzles 10 that eject black pigment ink, which tends to thicken, tend to fail, whereas the nozzles 10 that eject color dye ink, which tends to thicken, are less likely to fail.

Therefore, in Modification 3, it is based on whether or not the volume of the sound generated during the suction purge of black exceeds a predetermined volume and whether or not the above-mentioned time of suction after the purge of black exceeds a predetermined time. Then, it is determined whether or not there is an ejection failure nozzle, respectively, and when it is determined that there is no ejection failure nozzle in these determinations, the processing of S117 to S124 is executed.

Therefore, in Modification 3, for both black and color, whether or not the volume of the sound generated during suction purge exceeds a predetermined volume, and whether or not the above-mentioned time in suction after purge exceeds a predetermined time. It is possible to shorten the time required for the processes to be executed before executing the processes of S117 to S124, compared to the case where it is determined whether or not there is a non-ejecting nozzle based on each of the above.

Further, in Modification 4, whether or not there is a non-ejection nozzle is determined based on whether or not the volume of the sound generated during the suction purge of black exceeds a predetermined volume. When it is determined that there is no data, the processing of S117 to S124 is executed. Therefore, in Modification 4, for both black and color, it is determined whether or not there is a non-ejecting nozzle based on whether or not the volume of the sound generated during the suction purge exceeds a predetermined volume. By comparison, it is possible to shorten the time required for the processes to be executed before executing the processes of S117 to S124.

Further, in Modified Example 5, it is determined whether or not there is a non-ejection nozzle based on whether or not the above-mentioned time in suction after purging of black exceeds a predetermined time, and it is determined that there is no non-ejection nozzle in this determination. Then, the processing of S117 to S124 is executed. Therefore, in modification 5, for both black and color, compared to the case where it is determined whether or not there is a non-ejecting nozzle based on whether or not the above-mentioned time in suction after purging exceeds a predetermined time, It is possible to shorten the time required for the processes to be executed before executing the processes of S117 to S124.

Further, even when the black ink is the pigment ink and the color ink is the dye ink, or both the black ink and the color ink are the dye inks, as in Modifications 3 to 5, the above-described embodiments and modifications can be applied. As in Example 1, for both black and color, it may be determined whether or not there is a non-ejecting nozzle based on whether or not the volume of the sound generated during suction purge exceeds a predetermined volume. . Further, as in the above-described embodiment and modification 2, for both black and color, it is determined whether or not there is a non-ejecting nozzle based on whether or not the above time in suction after purging exceeds a predetermined time. You may

In the above-described embodiment, the cap 61 has the cap portion 61a that covers the nozzles 10 that eject black ink and the cap portion 61b that covers the nozzles 10 that eject color ink. can't

For example, a first cap that covers the nozzles 10 that eject black ink and a second cap that covers the nozzles 10 that eject color ink may be provided as separate members. Further, in this case, the cap lifting mechanism may be configured to be capable of lifting and lowering the first cap and the second cap individually. In this case, switching between a first capping state in which the first cap covers the nozzles 10 that eject black ink and a first uncapping state in which the first cap does not cover the nozzles 10 that eject black ink, In addition, switching between a second capping state in which the second cap covers the nozzles 10 that eject the color ink and a second uncapping state in which the second cap does not cover the nozzles 10 that eject the color ink can be performed separately. can.

Alternatively, the cap may collectively cover all the nozzles 10 of the inkjet head 4 . In this case, the black ink and the color ink in the inkjet head 4 are collectively discharged from the nozzle 10 in the suction purge. Also, the black ink and the color ink are collectively discharged from the cap in the post-purge suction. In this case, it is determined whether or not there is a non-ejecting nozzle based on the sound generated during the suction purge and the sound generated during the suction after the purge.

Alternatively, each nozzle row 9 may have a cap individually, and the suction pump 63 may be selectively connected to any one of these caps. In this case, suction purge can be performed individually for each nozzle row 9 . In addition, ink can be discharged individually from each cap in suction after purging. In this case, it is possible to individually determine whether or not there is a non-ejection nozzle for each nozzle row 9 based on the volume of the sound generated during the suction purge and the time during the suction after the purge. can.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the volumes V1 and V3 of the sounds generated during the suction purge are used as the discharge amount parameters, and it is determined whether or not the volumes V1 and V3 exceed the predetermined volumes V1a and V3a, respectively. . Also, the times T1 and T2 in the post-purging suction are used as discharge parameters to determine whether or not the times T1 and T2 exceed the predetermined times T1a and T2a, respectively, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, another parameter having a one-to-one relationship with the volumes V1 and V3 may be used as the emission amount parameter, and it may be determined whether or not the volume indicated by the value of this parameter exceeds a predetermined volume. Another parameter having a one-to-one relationship with the times T1 and T2 may be used as a discharge amount parameter, and it may be determined whether or not the time indicated by the value of this parameter exceeds a predetermined time.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, whether or not there is a non-ejecting nozzle is determined based on whether or not the volume of the sound generated during the suction purge exceeds a predetermined volume, but the present invention is not limited to this. It may be determined whether or not there is a non-ejecting nozzle based on the difference in sound generated during suction purge, other than the difference in volume.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, ejection failure is determined based on whether or not the time from the start of post-purge suction until the volume of the sound detected by the microphone 65 exceeds a predetermined volume exceeds a predetermined time. Although it is determined whether or not there is a nozzle, the present invention is not limited to this. It may be determined whether or not there is a non-ejecting nozzle based on the difference in sound generated when suction is performed after purging, other than the difference in time.

Moreover, although the microphone 65 is arranged on the bottom surface of the cap 61 in the above-described embodiment, the present invention is not limited to this. The microphone 65 may be arranged at another position such as the side of the cap 61 or the carriage 2, for example.

Further, in the above example, the sound generated during the suction purge or the suction after the purge is detected, and based on the detection result, it is determined whether or not there is a non-ejection nozzle among the plurality of nozzles 10. It is not limited to this.

In Modified Example 6, as shown in FIG. 9, in a printer 100, a flowmeter 101 (“flow rate detector” of the present invention) is connected between a switching unit 62 and a suction pump 63. FIG. Thus, in Modification 6, the flow rate detected by the flow meter 101 corresponds to the flow rate of ink flowing through the inkjet head 4 when black and color suction purging is performed. Note that the flow meter 101 may be provided in another portion through which ink flows during suction purge of black and color.

In Modified Example 6, detection of the presence or absence of non-ejection nozzles from which ink is not ejected among the plurality of nozzles 10 of the inkjet head 4 and processing for recovery of the non-ejection nozzles are performed along the flow of FIG. will be

More specifically, the control device 80 starts detection of the flow rate based on the detection result of the flow meter 101 (S401), and then performs black suction purge (S402, "purge processing" of the present invention, "purge step"). After the suction purge of black is completed, the detection of the flow rate based on the detection result of the flow meter 101 is stopped (S403).

Subsequently, the control device 80 determines whether or not the flow rate R1 detected while the black suction purge is being performed (the "discharge amount parameter value" of the present invention) exceeds the predetermined flow rate R1a (S404). , “second determination processing” and “second determination step” of the present invention). Here, the flow rate R1 is, for example, the average value of the flow rates detected while the black suction purge is being performed. The same applies to the flow rate R2, which will be described later. When the flow rate R1 is equal to or less than the predetermined flow rate R1a (S404: NO), the control device 80 determines that there is a non-ejection nozzle among the nozzles 10 that eject black ink, and returns to S401.

If the flow rate R1 exceeds the predetermined flow rate R1a (S404: YES), the control device 80 determines that there is no ejection failure nozzle among the nozzles 10 that eject black ink. Suction is performed (S405). Subsequently, the control device 80 starts detection of the flow rate based on the detection result of the flow meter 101 (S406), and causes suction purge of the collar (S407, "purge process", "purge step" of the present invention). ). After the suction purge of the collar is completed, the detection of the flow rate based on the detection result of the flow meter 101 is stopped (S408).

Subsequently, the controller 80 determines whether or not the flow rate R2 detected while the suction purge of the collar is being performed (the "ejection amount parameter" of the present invention) exceeds the predetermined flow rate R2a (S409, this "Second Determination Process" and "Second Determination Step" of the invention). If the flow rate R2 is equal to or less than the predetermined flow rate R2a (S409: NO), the control device 80 determines that there is a non-ejection nozzle among the nozzles 10 that eject color ink, and returns to S406. If the flow rate R2 exceeds the predetermined flow rate R2a (S409: YES), the control device 80 determines that there is no ejection failure nozzle among the nozzles 10 that eject color ink. After the suction is performed (S410), the processes of S117 to S124 similar to those of the above embodiment are executed.

As the number of non-ejecting nozzles increases, the amount of ink discharged by suction purge decreases, and the flow rate of ink flowing through the inkjet head 4 during suction purge decreases. Therefore, in Modification 6, a flow meter 101 is provided, and when the flow rate detected during suction purge is equal to or less than a predetermined flow rate, it is determined that there is a non-ejecting nozzle, suction purge is repeated, and detection is performed during suction purge. If the measured flow rate exceeds a predetermined flow rate, it is determined that there is no ejection failure nozzle.

Further, in the sixth modification, the flow rates R1 and R2 themselves detected during the suction purge are used as the discharge amount parameters, and it is determined whether or not the flow rates R1 and R2 exceed the predetermined flow rates R1a and R2a, respectively. It is not limited to this. For example, another parameter having a one-to-one relationship with the flow rates R1 and R2 may be used as a discharge amount parameter, and it may be determined whether or not the flow rate indicated by the value of this parameter exceeds a predetermined flow rate.

Furthermore, the emission parameters are not limited to those described above. It may be determined whether or not there is a non-ejecting nozzle based on a discharge amount parameter other than those described above, which is related to the amount of ink discharged by suction purge.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, it is determined whether or not each of the plurality of nozzles 10 is an ejection failure nozzle based on the printing result of the test pattern, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, for each of the plurality of nozzles 10, a test pattern capable of determining whether or not an ink ejection abnormality other than non-ejection occurs, such as an abnormality in ejection speed or an abnormality in ejection direction, is printed. Whether or not the nozzle is abnormal may be determined based on the printing result.

In the above-described embodiment, the user is caused to input a signal corresponding to the test pattern printing result by operating the operation unit 90 of the printer 1, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the user may operate a PC or the like connected to the printer 1 to input a signal corresponding to the test pattern printing result.

Furthermore, it is not limited to having the user input a signal corresponding to the test pattern recording result. For example, in the case where the printer 1 is a so-called multi-function machine equipped with a scanner, after the test pattern is recorded, a message is displayed on the display unit 89 to prompt the user to scan the recording paper P on which the test pattern is recorded. , the test pattern is read by a scanner, and whether or not each of the plurality of nozzles 10 is abnormal may be determined based on the reading result.

Moreover, it is not limited to printing a test pattern and determining whether or not each of the plurality of nozzles 10 is an abnormal nozzle based on the printing result.

For example, as described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-103464, the head is driven so as to eject ink from the nozzle toward the detection electrode, and based on the change in potential at the detection electrode at this time, may be used to determine whether or not the nozzle is abnormal.

Alternatively, for example, as described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-110853, the head is driven so that the ink ejected from the nozzles passes in the vicinity of the conductor, and the induction generated in the conductor at this time. Whether or not the nozzle is abnormal may be determined based on the current.

Alternatively, for example, as described in Japanese Patent No. 4929699, a voltage detection circuit is connected to a plate on which nozzles of an inkjet head are formed to detect changes in voltage when ink is ejected from the nozzles. Then, whether or not the nozzle is abnormal may be determined based on the signal output from the voltage detection circuit when the ink jet head is driven.

Alternatively, for example, as described in Japanese Patent No. 6231759, the inkjet head substrate may be provided with a temperature sensing element. After the first applied voltage is applied to drive the heater to eject ink, the second applied voltage is applied to drive the heater so as not to eject ink, and then the second applied voltage is applied. After that, it may be determined whether or not the nozzle is abnormal based on the change in temperature detected by the temperature detection element until a predetermined time elapses.

Further, in the above example, the printer includes the maintenance unit 8, and the ink in the inkjet head 4 can be discharged from the plurality of nozzles 10 by suction purge, but the present invention is not limited to this. . For example, the printer may include a pressurizing pump capable of pressurizing the ink in the inkjet head 4 , and driving the pressurizing pump in a capped state to pressurize the ink in the inkjet head 4 and eject the ink from the nozzle 10 . A so-called pressurized purge may be performed to discharge the ink in the head 4 . In this case, the combination of the cap 61 and the pressurizing pump corresponds to the "purge means" of the present invention.

Furthermore, in purging, both suction by the suction pump 63 and pressurization by the pressurization pump may be performed. In this case, the combination of the maintenance unit 8 and the pressurizing pump corresponds to the "purge means" of the present invention.

In the above-described embodiment, the inkjet head 4 is mounted on the carriage 2 and is a so-called serial head that ejects ink from a plurality of nozzles 10 while moving in the scanning direction. can't For example, the inkjet head may be a so-called line head extending over the entire length of the recording paper P in the scanning direction.

In the above description, an example in which the present invention is applied to a printer that records on the recording paper P by ejecting ink from nozzles has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. The present invention can also be applied to image recording apparatuses that record images on recording media other than recording paper, such as T-shirts, outdoor advertising sheets, mobile terminal cases such as smartphones, cardboard, and resin members. Further, the present invention can also be applied to a liquid ejecting apparatus that ejects liquid other than ink, such as liquid resin or metal.

1 Printer 2 Carriage 4 Inkjet Head 8 Maintenance Unit 10 Nozzle 61 Cap 61a, 61b Cap Part 63 Suction Pump 65 Microphone 80 Control Device 88 Cap Lifting Mechanism 100 Printer 101 Flow Meter

Claims (18)

a liquid ejection head having a plurality of nozzles;
a purging unit that performs a purging operation for discharging the liquid in the liquid ejection head from the plurality of nozzles;
a control unit;
The control unit
executing a first determination process for individually determining whether each of the plurality of nozzles is an abnormal nozzle having an abnormality in ejection of liquid;
Before executing the first determination process,
a purge process for causing the purge section to perform the purge;
a second determination process for determining whether or not there is a non-ejection nozzle that does not eject liquid among the plurality of nozzles, based on the value of a discharge amount parameter related to the amount of liquid discharged by the purge; , and
The liquid ejecting apparatus, wherein the first determination process is executed when it is determined in the second determination process that there is no non-ejection nozzle. The control unit
2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the purge process and the second determination process are executed again when it is determined in the second determination process that the ejection failure nozzle exists among the plurality of nozzles. A liquid ejection device as described. a sound detection unit that detects sound,
3. The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the discharge amount parameter is a parameter according to the detection result of the sound detection section when the purge is being performed. The emission amount parameter is a parameter regarding the volume of the sound detected by the sound detection unit when the purge is being performed,
The control unit, in the second determination process,
determining that there is no ejection failure nozzle among the plurality of nozzles when the volume indicated by the value of the discharge amount parameter exceeds a predetermined volume;
4. The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 3, wherein when the volume indicated by the value of the discharge amount parameter is equal to or less than the predetermined volume, it is determined that the non-ejecting nozzle is present among the plurality of nozzles. a sound detection unit that detects sound,
The purge section
a cap covering the plurality of nozzles;
a pump connected to the cap;
a switching unit for switching between a capped state in which the plurality of nozzles are covered with the cap and an uncapping state in which the plurality of nozzles are not covered with the cap;
The control unit
In the purging process, the switching unit is controlled to be in the capping state, and then the pump is driven to perform the purging,
After the purging process, the switching unit is controlled to be in the uncapping state, and then the pump is driven to perform suction after purging, which is an operation for discharging the liquid accumulated in the cap. Execute the suction process after purging,
3. The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the discharge amount parameter is a parameter according to the detection result of the sound detection unit when the post-purge suction is being performed. The discharge amount parameter is a parameter regarding the time from the start of the post-purge suction until the volume of the sound detected by the sound detection unit exceeds a predetermined volume,
The control unit, in the second determination process,
determining that there is no ejection failure nozzle among the plurality of nozzles when the time indicated by the value of the discharge amount parameter exceeds a predetermined time;
6. The liquid ejection apparatus according to claim 5, wherein when the time indicated by the value of the discharge amount parameter is equal to or less than the predetermined time, it is determined that the non-ejection nozzle is present among the plurality of nozzles. a sound detection unit that detects sound,
The purge section
a cap covering the plurality of nozzles;
a pump connected to the cap;
a switching unit for switching between a capped state in which the plurality of nozzles are covered with the cap and an uncapping state in which the plurality of nozzles are not covered with the cap;
The control unit
In the purging process, the switching unit is controlled to be in the capping state, and then the pump is driven to perform the purging,
Purging determination processing as the second determination processing is executed based on a value of a first discharge amount parameter as the discharge amount parameter according to the detection result of the sound detection unit when the purge is performed. death,
When it is determined that the non-ejection nozzle is among the plurality of nozzles in the purge determination process,
Again, the purge process and the purge in-progress determination process are executed,
When it is determined that there is no ejection failure nozzle among the plurality of nozzles in the purge determination process,
After the purge, the switching unit is controlled to be in the uncapping state, and then the pump is driven to perform post-purge suction, which is an operation for discharging the liquid accumulated in the cap. 3. The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a post-suction process is performed. The second determination process includes
the purge in-progress determination process;
post-purge determination processing based on a value of a second discharge amount parameter as the discharge amount parameter according to the detection result of the sound detection unit when the post-purge suction is performed. The liquid ejection device according to claim 7. The control unit
9. The liquid ejection apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the first determination process is executed when it is determined in the post-purge determination process that the plurality of nozzles do not include the ejection failure nozzle. As the plurality of nozzles,
a plurality of first nozzles for ejecting the first liquid;
a plurality of second nozzles for ejecting the second liquid,
As the purge section,
a first purge section for discharging the first liquid in the liquid ejection head from the plurality of first nozzles, and performing a first purge as the purge;
a second purge section for discharging the second liquid in the liquid ejection head from the plurality of second nozzles, and performing a second purge as the purge;
The control unit
performing the second determination process for the plurality of first nozzles based on the value of the discharge amount parameter according to the detection result of the sound detection when the first purge is performed;
performing the second determination process for the plurality of second nozzles based on the value of the discharge amount parameter according to the detection result of the sound detection when the second purge is performed;
5. The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the first purge and the second purge are performed at different timings. As the plurality of nozzles,
a plurality of first nozzles for ejecting a first liquid;
a plurality of second nozzles for ejecting the second liquid,
The purge section
a first cap covering the plurality of first nozzles and a second cap covering the plurality of second nozzles as the caps;
the pump configured to be selectively connectable to either the first cap or the second cap;
The switching unit is
a first capping state as the capping state in which the plurality of first nozzles are covered with the first cap; and a first uncapping state in which the plurality of first nozzles are not covered with the first cap. switching between an uncapping state, a second capping state as the capping state in which the plurality of second nozzles are covered with the second cap, and a second capping state as the capping state in which the plurality of second nozzles are covered with the second cap. switching to a second uncapping state as the uncapping state without
The control unit
As the purge process,
a first purge process of controlling the switching unit to set the first capping state, connecting the pump to the first cap, and driving the pump to perform a first purge as the purge; ,
a second purge process of controlling the switching unit to set the second capping state, connecting the pump to the second cap, and driving the pump to perform a second purge as the purge; , and
As the post-purging suction process,
After the first purge, the switching unit is controlled to be in the first uncapping state, the pump is connected to the first cap, and the pump is driven to perform the post-purging suction. a first purge post-purge suction process for performing suction after one purge;
After the second purge, the switching unit is controlled to be in the second uncapping state, the pump is connected to the second cap, and the pump is driven to perform the post-purging suction. a second post-purge suction process for performing post-purge suction;
executing the second determination process for the plurality of first nozzles based on the value of the discharge amount parameter according to the detection result of the sound detection when the suction after the first purge is performed;
executing the second determination process for the plurality of second nozzles based on the value of the discharge amount parameter according to the detection result of the sound detection when the suction after the second purge is performed;
performing the first purge and the second purge at different timings;
7. The liquid ejection apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the suction after the first purge and the suction after the second purge are performed at different timings. 12. The liquid ejection apparatus according to claim 10, wherein both the first liquid and the second liquid are pigment inks. the first liquid is black ink,
13. The liquid ejection device according to claim 10, wherein the second liquid is color ink. As the plurality of nozzles,
a plurality of first nozzles for ejecting pigment ink;
a plurality of second nozzles for ejecting dye ink,
As the purge section,
a first purge section for discharging the pigment ink in the liquid ejection head from the plurality of first nozzles, and performing a first purge as the purge;
a second purge section that performs a second purge as the purge for discharging the dye ink in the liquid ejection head from the plurality of second nozzles;
The control unit
As the purge process,
a first purge process for causing the first purge section to perform the first purge;
a second purge process for causing the second purge section to perform the second purge;
Before executing the first determination process for each of the plurality of first nozzles and each of the plurality of second nozzles,
executing only the first purge process out of the first purge process and the second purge process;
The second determination process is executed for the plurality of first nozzles based on the value of the discharge amount parameter according to the detection result of the sound detection when the first purge is performed. 5. The liquid ejection device according to claim 3 or 4. As the plurality of nozzles,
a plurality of first nozzles for ejecting pigment ink;
a plurality of second nozzles for ejecting dye ink,
The purge section
a first cap covering the plurality of first nozzles and a second cap covering the plurality of second nozzles as the caps;
the pump configured to be selectively connectable to either the first cap or the second cap;
The switching unit is
a first capping state as the capping state in which the plurality of first nozzles are covered with the first cap; and a first uncapping state in which the plurality of first nozzles are not covered with the first cap. switching between an uncapping state, a second capping state as the capping state in which the plurality of second nozzles are covered with the second cap, and a second capping state as the capping state in which the plurality of second nozzles are covered with the second cap. switching to a second uncapping state as the uncapping state without
The control unit
As the purge process,
a first purge process of controlling the switching unit to set the first capping state, connecting the pump to the first cap, and driving the pump to perform a first purge as the purge; ,
a second purge process of controlling the switching unit to set the second capping state, connecting the pump to the second cap, and driving the pump to perform a second purge as the purge; , and
As the post-purging suction process,
After the first purge, the switching unit is controlled to be in the first uncapping state, the pump is connected to the first cap, and the pump is driven to perform the post-purging suction. a first post-purge suction process for performing suction after one purge;
After the second purge, the switching unit is controlled to be in the second uncapping state, the pump is connected to the second cap, and the pump is driven to perform the post-purging suction. a second post-purge suction process for performing post-purge suction;
Before executing the first determination process for each of the plurality of first nozzles and each of the plurality of second nozzles on the liquid ejection head,
out of the first purge process and the first post-purge suction process, and the second purge process and the second post-purge suction process, only the first purge process and the first post-purge suction process are performed;
executing the second determination process for the plurality of first nozzles based on the value of the discharge amount parameter according to the detection result of the sound detection when the suction after the first purge is performed; 7. The liquid ejection device according to claim 5 or 6. a flow rate detection unit that detects the flow rate of the liquid flowing through the liquid ejection head while the purge is being performed by the purge unit;
The discharge amount parameter is a parameter according to the detection result of the flow rate detection unit,
The control unit, in the second determination process,
determining that there is no ejection failure nozzle among the plurality of nozzles when the flow rate indicated by the value of the discharge amount parameter exceeds a predetermined flow rate;
3. The liquid ejection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the flow rate indicated by the value of the discharge amount parameter is equal to or less than the predetermined flow rate, it is determined that the non-ejection nozzle is present among the plurality of nozzles. . a liquid ejection head having a plurality of nozzles;
A nozzle inspection method for inspecting the plurality of nozzles in a liquid ejection device comprising: a purge section that performs a purge for discharging the liquid in the liquid ejection head from the plurality of nozzles, comprising:
a first determination step of individually determining whether each of the plurality of nozzles is an abnormal nozzle having an abnormality in ejection of liquid;
Before the first determination step,
a purge step of causing the purge section to perform the purge;
a second determination step of determining whether or not there is a non-ejection nozzle from which liquid is not ejected among the plurality of nozzles, based on the value of a discharge amount parameter related to the amount of liquid discharged by the purge; , and
The nozzle inspection method, wherein when it is determined in the second determination step that there is no ejection failure nozzle, the process proceeds to the first determination step. a liquid ejection head having a plurality of nozzles;
a purge section for discharging the liquid in the liquid ejection head from the plurality of nozzles, the program for controlling a liquid ejection device comprising:
to the computer,
executing a first determination process for determining whether or not each of the plurality of nozzles is an abnormal nozzle having an abnormality in ejection of liquid;
Before executing the first determination process,
a purge process for causing the purge section to perform the purge;
a second determination process for determining whether or not there is a non-ejection nozzle that does not eject liquid among the plurality of nozzles, based on the value of a discharge amount parameter related to the amount of liquid discharged by the purge; , and
A program for executing the first determination process when it is determined in the second determination process that there is no ejection failure nozzle.

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