JP2008221749A - Fluid ejecting apparatus and fluid ejecting apparatus cleaning method - Google Patents

Abstract

A fluid ejecting apparatus capable of reducing a driving load of a pressurizing unit driven when pressurizing a fluid in a fluid storing unit and a cleaning method for the fluid ejecting apparatus are provided.
An ink cartridge that stores ink, a recording head that ejects ink supplied from the ink cartridge via an ink supply path from a nozzle, and a cap that contacts the recording head in a state where ink can be sucked from the nozzle And a suction pump that draws ink from the nozzles of the recording head and discharges it into the cap by exerting a suction force while the cap is in contact with the recording head, and is driven to pressurize the ink in the ink cartridge And a plurality of pressurizing pumps 56 are provided.
[Selection] Figure 4

Description

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

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

  In this choke cleaning, a choke valve (open / close valve) provided on the ink supply path is closed, and a negative pressure is generated in the print head by suction from the nozzle forming surface side of the print head with a suction pump (suction means). The bubbles present in the recording head are expanded. Then, by driving a pressurizing pump (pressurizing means) provided in the pressurizing unit to pressurize the inside of the ink cartridge, the choke valve on the ink supply path is forcibly opened to record from the ink cartridge. Ink flows into the head all at once. As a result, highly viscous ink and expanded bubbles in the recording head are discharged together with the ink from each nozzle formed in the recording head.

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

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

  Incidentally, in the pressurizing unit of the printer described in Patent Document 1, only one pressurizing pump is provided. Therefore, when the remaining amount of ink in the ink cartridge is reduced, the drive speed of the pressure pump provided solely in the pressure unit is increased. As a result, the pressure pump and the pressure pump are driven. There is a problem that a great load is applied to the motor for causing the motor to rotate.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is a fluid ejecting apparatus capable of reducing a driving load of a pressurizing unit that is driven when pressurizing a fluid in a fluid storage unit. And a method of cleaning a fluid ejecting apparatus.

  In order to achieve the above object, a fluid ejecting apparatus of the present invention includes a fluid storing unit that stores a fluid, a fluid ejecting head that ejects a fluid supplied from the fluid storing unit, and a fluid that is sucked from the nozzle. Fluid receiving means that abuts the fluid ejecting head in a possible state, and suction of fluid from the nozzles of the fluid ejecting head by exerting suction force in a state where the fluid receiving means is in contact with the fluid ejecting head And suction means for discharging the fluid into the fluid receiving means, and a plurality of pressurizing means driven to pressurize the fluid in the fluid storage means.

  According to the present invention, when the fluid is supplied to the fluid ejecting head via the fluid supply path by pressurizing the fluid in the fluid storing means, each pressurizing means can be driven. For this reason, when a predetermined pressure is applied to the fluid in the fluid storage means, the driving speed of each pressurizing means can be made slower than in the case of a fluid ejecting apparatus provided with only one pressurizing means. it can. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the driving load of the pressurizing means that is driven when pressurizing the fluid in the fluid storing means.

  The fluid ejecting apparatus according to the present invention includes a fluid storing unit that stores a fluid, a fluid ejecting head that ejects a fluid supplied from the fluid storing unit via a fluid supply path, from a nozzle, and a midway of the fluid supplying path. An on-off valve, fluid receiving means that contacts the fluid ejecting head in a state in which fluid can be sucked from the nozzle, and exerting suction force in a state where the fluid receiving means is in contact with the fluid ejecting head A suction means for sucking fluid from the nozzle of the fluid ejection head and discharging it into the fluid receiving means; and a plurality of pressurizing means driven to pressurize the fluid in the fluid storage means, With the open / close valve closed, the suction means depressurizes the fluid supply path downstream from the open / close valve, and is sent from the fluid storage means by the pressurizing force of the pressurizing means. By opening the open-close valve in a state where the pressure of the fluid is boosted, and the fluid supplied through said fluid supply passage from the fluid ejecting head so as to be discharged into the fluid receiving means.

  According to the present invention, when the fluid is supplied to the fluid ejecting head via the fluid supply path by pressurizing the fluid in the fluid storing means, each pressurizing means can be driven. For this reason, when a predetermined pressure is applied to the fluid in the fluid storage means, the driving speed of each pressurizing means can be made slower than in the case of a fluid ejecting apparatus provided with only one pressurizing means. it can. Therefore, it is possible to suppress an increase in the driving load of each pressurizing unit when the pressure of the fluid delivered from the fluid storing unit is increased when the on-off valve is in the closed state. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the driving load of the pressurizing means that is driven when pressurizing the fluid in the fluid storing means.

  The fluid ejecting apparatus of the present invention further includes a control unit that controls a driving mode of each pressurizing unit such that at least one of the pressurizing units is selected when pressurizing the fluid in the fluid storing unit. Prepared.

  According to the present invention, when fluid is supplied to the fluid ejecting head via the fluid supply path by pressurizing the fluid in the fluid storage means, at least one of the plurality of pressurizing means is selectively driven. Therefore, if there is a single pressurizing means, for example, it is necessary to change the driving speed of the single pressurizing means in accordance with the remaining amount of fluid in the fluid storage means. This can be dealt with by changing the number of pressure means, and it is not necessary to change the driving speed of the pressure means, so that an increase in the driving load of the pressure means can be suppressed.

  The fluid ejecting apparatus according to the aspect of the invention further includes a remaining amount detecting unit that detects a remaining amount of the fluid in the fluid storing unit, and the control unit has a smaller remaining amount of the fluid detected by the remaining amount detecting unit. The driving mode of each pressurizing unit is controlled so that the number of pressurizing units to be driven among the pressurizing units is increased.

  According to the present invention, when the remaining amount of fluid in the fluid storage means is small, the number of pressurizing means to be driven is increased, while when the remaining amount of fluid in the fluid storage means is large, The number of pressurizing means to be driven is reduced. For this reason, a pressing force corresponding to the remaining amount of fluid in the fluid storage means is accurately given without changing the driving speed of each pressurizing means.

The fluid ejecting apparatus of the present invention further includes a plurality of opening valves that are opened when the inside of the fluid storage means communicates with the outside.
In general, when removing the fluid storage means from the fluid ejection device, the inside of the fluid storage means is opened to the atmosphere in order to prevent the fluid from overflowing from the connection portion between the fluid storage means and the fluid supply path. However, if there is only one such air release valve, it will take time to reduce the pressure to atmospheric pressure. Therefore, in the present invention, by providing a plurality of release valves, the pressure in the fluid storage means can be reduced to atmospheric pressure more quickly than when only one release valve is provided. This can contribute to the removal of the fluid storage means.

  According to the cleaning method of the fluid ejecting apparatus of the present invention, the fluid guided from the fluid storing means to the fluid ejecting head side through the fluid supply path based on the pressurizing force of a plurality of pressurizing means, at least one of which is selectively driven. A cleaning method for a fluid ejecting apparatus that sucks and discharges from a nozzle formed in an ejecting head by a suction means, the remaining amount detecting step for detecting the remaining amount of fluid in the fluid storing means, and the remaining amount detecting step A setting step for setting the driving mode of each pressurizing unit so that the number of pressurizing units to be driven among the pressurizing units is increased as the remaining amount of the fluid detected in (2) decreases; By driving and driving at least one of the pressurizing means in the driving mode set in the setting step, the fluid is discharged from the nozzle of the fluid ejecting head. And a discharge step of.

  According to the present invention, when fluid is supplied to the fluid ejecting head via the fluid supply path by pressurizing the fluid in the fluid storage means, at least one of the plurality of pressurizing means is selectively driven. Therefore, at the time of cleaning, it is not necessary to change the driving speed of each pressurizing unit according to the remaining amount of fluid in the fluid storing unit, and an increase in the driving load of the pressurizing unit can be suppressed. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the driving load of the pressurizing means that is driven when pressurizing the fluid in the fluid storing means.

  According to the cleaning method of the fluid ejecting apparatus of the present invention, the fluid guided from the fluid storing means to the fluid ejecting head side through the fluid supply path based on the pressurizing force of a plurality of pressurizing means, at least one of which is selectively driven. When suctioning and discharging from the nozzle formed in the ejection head by the suction means, the suction means is disposed on the downstream side of the on-off valve in the fluid supply path with the on-off valve provided in the fluid supply path closed. The fluid ejecting unit discharges the fluid from the fluid ejecting head by opening the on-off valve in a state where the pressure of the fluid delivered from the fluid storing unit is increased by the pressure applied by the pressurizing unit. A cleaning method for an apparatus, the remaining amount detecting step for detecting the remaining amount of fluid in the fluid storing means, and the remaining amount of fluid detected in the remaining amount detecting step The setting step for setting the driving mode of each pressurizing unit so that the number of pressurizing units to be driven among the respective pressurizing units increases as the number decreases, and the suction unit is driven and set in the setting step And a discharging step of discharging the fluid from the nozzle of the fluid ejecting head by driving at least one of the pressurizing units in the driving mode.

  According to the present invention, when fluid is supplied to the fluid ejecting head via the fluid supply path by pressurizing the fluid in the fluid storage means, at least one of the plurality of pressurizing means is selectively driven. Therefore, at the time of so-called choke cleaning, there is no need to change the driving speed of each pressurizing means in accordance with the remaining amount of fluid in the fluid storing means, and fluid is used to open the on-off valve in the closed state. An increase in the driving load of the pressurizing means when the storage means delivers the fluid to the fluid supply path can be suppressed. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the driving load of the pressurizing means that is driven when pressurizing the fluid in the fluid storing means.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment embodying a fluid ejection device and a cleaning method for a fluid ejection device according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In the following description of the present specification, when referring to “front-rear direction”, “left-right direction”, and “up-down direction”, the front-rear direction (sub-scanning direction) and the left-right direction (main scanning) indicated by arrows in FIG. Direction) and vertical direction (gravity direction).

  As shown in FIG. 1, an ink jet printer 11 as a liquid ejecting apparatus includes a frame 12 having a rectangular shape in plan view. A platen 13 is installed in the frame 12 so as to extend in the left-right direction, and a sheet P as a target is fed along the front-rear direction on the platen 13 by a paper feed mechanism (not shown). It has become. Further, a rod-shaped guide shaft 14 is installed in the frame 12 in parallel with the longitudinal direction (left-right direction) of the platen 13.

  A carriage 15 is supported on the guide shaft 14 in a state where the carriage 15 can reciprocate in the axial direction (left-right direction) of the guide shaft 14. The carriage 15 is connected to a carriage motor 17 provided on the back surface of the frame 12 via an endless timing belt 16 stretched between a pair of pulleys 16 a provided on the inner surface of the rear wall of the frame 12.

  A recording head 18 as a fluid ejecting head is mounted on the lower surface side of the carriage 15 facing the platen 13. On the carriage 15, a plurality (four in this embodiment) of valve units 19 that supply ink as temporarily stored fluid to the recording head 18 are provided. As shown in FIG. 2, the lower surface of the recording head 18 is a nozzle forming surface 18a in which a plurality of nozzles 20 (only one is shown in FIG. 2) are opened. Then, printing is performed by ejecting ink droplets onto the paper P fed onto the platen 13 from each nozzle 20 (specifically, the opening of each nozzle 20 (also referred to as “nozzle opening”)). It is like that.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a cartridge holder 21 is provided at the right end in the frame 12, and a plurality of ink cartridges 22 as fluid storage means are detachably attached to the cartridge holder 21 (in this embodiment, four). Pieces) are installed. As shown in FIG. 2, each ink cartridge 22 includes a rectangular box-like case 23, and a control device 60 (when the ink cartridge 22 is attached to the cartridge holder 21 on the outer surface of each case 23. IC chips 24 that are electrically connected to each other are provided. Each of these IC chips 24 has a built-in nonvolatile memory, and information stored in each nonvolatile memory can be rewritten based on control information from the control device 60.

  Each case 23 accommodates a bag-like ink pack 25 made of a flexible film. Each ink pack 25 is filled with ink of a different color for each ink cartridge 22. ing. When each ink cartridge 22 is attached to the cartridge holder 21, it is connected to the upstream end of the ink tube 26A constituting the ink supply path (liquid supply path) 26, thereby passing through the ink tube 26A. Thus, each valve unit 19 on the carriage 15 is connected to each other.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, on the carriage 15, corresponding to each ink tube 26 </ b> A, the ink tube 26 </ b> A is opened and closed at an intermediate position between the ink cartridge 22 and the valve unit 19. A choke valve 47 is provided as a valve. These choke valves 47 are opened and closed by a differential pressure between the pressure of ink upstream of the choke valve 47 in the ink tube 26A and the pressure of ink downstream of the choke valve 47 in the ink tube 26A. It has become.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a pressure unit 27 is mounted on the right end of the frame 12 above the cartridge holder 21. The pressurizing unit 27 is a device that pressurizes pressurized air as pressurized gas into the ink cartridge 22 via the air supply path 28.

  The number of air supply paths 28 is the same as the number of ink cartridges 22 (four in this embodiment), with a distributor 29 disposed upstream of each ink cartridge 22 (that is, the pressure unit 27 side). Branched. The branched air supply paths 28 are connected to the corresponding ink cartridges 22 at their respective leading ends (downstream ends), and communicate with the case 23 of the ink cartridge 22. Therefore, when the pressurizing unit 27 is driven, the pressurized air fed from the pressurizing unit 27 is introduced into the case 23 of each ink cartridge 22 via the air supply path 28. . Then, each ink pack 25 is crushed by the pressure (ie, air pressure) by the pressurized air fed into each case 23, and the ink in each ink pack 25 is transferred to each ink supply path 26 (ink tube 26A). ) Through the recording head 18 side.

  As shown in FIG. 2, each ink pack 25 provided in the case 23 of the ink cartridge 22 can lead out ink into each ink tube 26A. The space between the case 23 and the ink pack 25 is a pressure chamber 30, and pressurized air fed from the pressure unit 27 through the air supply path 28 is introduced into the pressure chamber 30. It has come to be.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a home position serving as a retraction position of the recording head 18 is provided between the cartridge holder 21 and the platen 13 near the right end in the frame 12. A maintenance unit 31 for performing various maintenance such as cleaning is disposed below the home position. As shown in FIG. 2, the maintenance unit 31 surrounds the opening of each nozzle 20 on the nozzle forming surface 18a of the recording head 18 (specifically, the area where the nozzle opening of each nozzle 20 is formed). A cap (fluid receiving means) 32 made of a synthetic resin having a bottomed square box shape with an open upper side capable of contacting is provided.

  The cap 32 can be moved up and down by driving a lifting device (not shown), and the upper end of the cap 32 is raised by the driving of the lifting device while the carriage 15 is moved to the home position. It is in close contact with the forming surface 18a and surrounds the opening of each nozzle 20 so as to come into contact with the recording head 18. The state in which the cap 32 is in contact with the recording head 18 so that the upper end is in close contact with the nozzle forming surface 18a is also referred to as “contact state” hereinafter.

  A discharge port 33 is formed through the bottom wall portion of the cap 32, and a discharge tube 34 is connected to the discharge port 33. A suction pump 35 (for example, a tube pump) as a suction means is provided in the middle portion of the discharge tube 34. The tip (downstream end) of the discharge tube 34 is connected to a waste ink tank 36. The maintenance unit 31 can perform so-called choke cleaning using the respective choke valves 47 when the suction pump 35 is driven.

  As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, each choke valve 47 includes a base material 40 made of synthetic resin, and one side surface of each base material 40 (upper surface in FIGS. 3A and 3B). Each is formed with a recess 41. The introduction paths 42 formed through the base material 40 are opened at the bottom surfaces of the respective recesses 41, and the introduction paths 42 communicate with the ink tubes 26A connected to the ink cartridges 22, respectively. ing. Further, a protrusion 43 is formed on the bottom surface of each recess 41, and a discharge path 44 is opened on the top surface of each protrusion 43. The discharge paths 44 are formed through the base material 40 and communicate with the recording head 18 side.

  In addition, a flexible film 45 is fixed to one side surface of each base material 40 in a state where a slack is provided on the concave portion 41 side, and each concave portion 41 is sealed by each film 45. Yes. And the pressure chamber 46 enclosed by the airtight state by the inner surface of each recessed part 41 and each film 45 is each formed. Therefore, when ink is supplied from the ink tube 26 </ b> A into each choke valve 47, the ink flows into each pressure chamber 46 via the introduction path 42.

  When the amount of ink flowing into each pressure chamber 46 increases, each film 45 is separated from each protrusion 43 as shown in FIG. When the amount of ink in each pressure chamber 46 further increases and the pressure received from the ink increases, each film 45 swells to one side (the upper side in FIGS. 3A and 3B). become. Therefore, in this embodiment, the introduction path 42, the recess 41, and the discharge path 44 constitute the ink supply path 26 together with the ink tube 26A.

Next, chalk cleaning will be described below with reference to FIGS.
In the case of chalk cleaning, as shown in FIG. 2, the cap 32 is lifted and brought into contact with the recording head 18, whereby the nozzle forming surface 18a of the recording head 18 and the inner surface of the cap 32 allow the space inside the cap. Is formed. When the suction pump 35 is driven in this state, the air and ink in the cap inner space are discharged into the waste ink tank 36 on the downstream side through the discharge tube 34. As a result, the inner space of the cap is in a negative pressure state with respect to the atmospheric pressure, and this negative pressure acts on each nozzle 20 of the recording head 18, and the ink in the recording head 18 from these nozzles 20 flows into the cap 32. To be discharged. In the following description, the negative pressure with respect to the atmospheric pressure is simply referred to as “negative pressure”.

  When the suction pump 35 is further driven, not only the ink in the recording head 18 and each valve unit 19 but also the ink in each choke valve 47 is sucked. As a result, the ink in the pressure chamber 46 in each choke valve 47 is discharged downstream from each discharge path 44, whereby the ink in each pressure chamber 46 decreases. When the drive of the suction pump 35 is continued, each film 45 is displaced to each projection 43 side (lower side in FIGS. 3A and 3B) as the ink in each pressure chamber 46 decreases, As shown in FIG. 3B, each film 45 comes into contact with each projection 43 and each discharge path 44 is closed. If the driving of the suction pump 35 is further continued, the pressure on the downstream side from the inlet of each discharge passage 44 is further reduced.

  When the negative pressure downstream from the inlet of each discharge passage 44 is accumulated, the pressurizing unit 27 is driven. Then, ink is supplied from each ink cartridge 22 into each choke valve 47 and introduced into each pressure chamber 46. Thereafter, as the amount of ink delivered to each pressure chamber 46 increases, when the ink pressure becomes greater than the negative pressure, the direction in which each film 45 moves away from each protrusion 43 (in FIG. ), And each discharge passage 44 is opened. When each choke valve 47 is opened, the pressure in each ink cartridge 22 rises to the open pressure PIA (see FIG. 7).

  As a result, the ink flows into each discharge path 44 where the negative pressure is accumulated, and the thickened ink and bubbles staying on the downstream side of each ink tube 26A and each pressure chamber 46 have an increased flow velocity. The ink is forcibly discharged from each nozzle 20 of the recording head 18 together with the ink. In this way, so-called chalk cleaning is performed. The ink discharged from each nozzle 20 of the recording head 18 is discharged to the waste ink tank 36 via the cap 32 and the discharge tube 34.

Next, the pressurizing unit 27 of this embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG.
As shown in FIG. 4, the pressurizing unit 27 includes a plurality of (four in this embodiment) pressurizing units 50, 51, 52, and 53 that generate pressurized air, and the pressurizing units 50 to 53. And a merging portion 55 connected via a connection path 54, and the merging portion 55 is connected to the upstream end of the air supply path 28. Each of the pressurizing units 50 to 53 includes a pressurizing pump 56 as a pressurizing unit, an air pressure sensor 57 for detecting the air pressure of the pressurizing air generated based on the driving of the pressurizing pump 56, and a connection path An air release valve 58 for communicating 54 with the outside (atmosphere) is provided. That is, when the atmosphere release valve 58 is opened, the inside of the ink cartridge 22 communicates with the outside (atmosphere) via the connection path 54, the junction portion 55, and the air supply path 28. Then, the pressurized air generated in each of the pressurizing units 50 to 53 flows into the merging unit 55 through each connection path 54, and each ink cartridge 22 from the merging unit 55 through the air supply path 28. It is designed to be supplied inside.

Next, the electrical configuration of the ink jet printer 11 will be described with reference to FIG.
As shown in FIG. 5, the ink jet printer 11 includes a control device 60 as control means. The input side interface of the control device 60 includes an air pressure sensor 57 of each pressurizing unit 50 to 53, an IC chip 24 of each ink cartridge 22, and an operation unit 61 operated to perform the above-described choke cleaning. Electrically connected. On the other hand, the output side interface of the control device 60 includes a paper feed motor, a carriage motor 17, a recording head 18, a pressure unit 27 (that is, each pressure unit 50 to 53), a suction pump 35, and the like that are not shown. It is connected to the. The control device 60 drives the paper feed motor, the carriage motor 17, the recording head 18, the pressurizing unit 27, the suction pump 35, and the like in accordance with input signals from the air pressure sensor 57 and the operation unit 61. It is designed to be controlled separately.

  In the control device 60, a CPU 62, a ROM 63, a RAM 64, a timer 65, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) 66, and the like are provided. The ROM 63 stores various control programs (such as choke cleaning processing described later) for controlling the ink jet printer 11 and various thresholds (first remaining threshold, second remaining threshold, third remaining threshold, etc. described later). Etc. are stored in advance. The RAM 64 stores various information that can be appropriately rewritten while the ink jet printer 11 is being driven. The timer 65 is constituted by a counter that performs a counting process based on a clock signal from a clock circuit.

  Further, when the printing on the paper P is finished or the ink is discharged from the recording head 18 by the chalk cleaning or the like, the CPU 62 calculates the ejection amount and the discharging amount of various inks from the recording head 18. Then, the remaining amount of ink remaining in each ink cartridge 22 (hereinafter referred to as “ink remaining amount”) is detected. Then, the CPU 62 individually stores the detected ink remaining amount in each ink cartridge 22 in the IC chip 24 provided in each ink cartridge 22. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the control device 60 including the CPU 62 also functions as a remaining amount detection unit.

  Further, when the CPU 62 detects that the ink cartridge 22 is to be replaced based on a signal from a sensor (not shown) provided in the cartridge holder 21, the CPU 62 drives each air release valve 58 provided in the pressurizing unit 27. Thus, the inside of each ink cartridge 22 is communicated with the atmosphere.

  Next, among the processing routines executed by the control device 60 (specifically, the CPU 62) of the present embodiment, the choke cleaning processing routine will be described based on the flowchart shown in FIG. 6 and the timing chart shown in FIG.

  The control device 60 executes a choke cleaning process routine when detecting that the operation unit 61 is operated. In this choke cleaning process routine, the control device 60 reads the remaining ink amount stored in the IC chip 24 of each ink cartridge 22 and detects the total amount IT of the remaining ink amount in each ink cartridge 22 ( Step S10). Therefore, in this embodiment, step S10 corresponds to a remaining amount detection step.

  Subsequently, the control device 60 determines whether or not the total ink amount IT detected in step S10 is equal to or greater than a first remaining amount threshold value KIT1 set in advance (step S11). The first remaining amount threshold value KIT1 is a value for setting the number of pressurizing units 50 to 53 (pressurizing pump 56) to be driven at the time of choke cleaning. For example, when the total amount of ink remaining when each ink cartridge 22 is full is “100”, the first remaining amount threshold value KIT1 is set to “75”.

  When the determination result in step S11 is affirmative (IT ≧ KIT1), the control device 60 performs one of the pressurizing units 50 to 53 of the pressurizing unit 27 when performing choke cleaning in step S18 described later. The driving of the pressurizing pump 56 of the pressurizing unit (pressurizing unit 50 in the present embodiment) is permitted (step S12). And the control apparatus 60 transfers the process to step S18 mentioned later.

  On the other hand, if the determination result in step S11 is negative (IT <KIT1), the control device 60 sets the total ink remaining amount IT detected in step S10 to a value lower than the first remaining amount threshold value KIT1. It is then determined whether or not the second remaining amount threshold value KIT2 is exceeded (step S13). The second remaining amount threshold value KIT2 is also a value for setting the number of pressurizing units 50 to 53 (pressurizing pumps 56) to be driven at the time of choke cleaning, similarly to the first remaining amount threshold value KIT1. For example, when the total remaining ink amount when each ink cartridge 22 is full is “100”, the second remaining amount threshold value KIT2 is set to “50”.

  When the determination result of step S13 is affirmative determination (IT ≧ KIT2), the control device 60 performs two of the pressurizing units 50 to 53 of the pressurizing unit 27 when executing choke cleaning in step S18 described later. The driving of the pressurizing pump 56 of the pressurizing unit (the pressurizing units 50 and 51 in this embodiment) is permitted (step S14). And the control apparatus 60 transfers the process to step S18 mentioned later.

  On the other hand, if the determination result in step S13 is negative (IT <KIT2), the control device 60 sets the total ink remaining amount IT detected in step S10 to a value lower than the second remaining amount threshold value KIT2. It is determined whether or not the third remaining amount threshold value KIT3 or more (step S15). The third remaining amount threshold value KIT3 is also used to set the number of pressurizing units 50 to 53 (pressurizing pumps 56) to be driven during choke cleaning, similarly to the first remaining amount threshold value KIT1 and the second remaining amount threshold value KIT2. Value. For example, when the total amount of ink remaining when each ink cartridge 22 is full is “100”, the third remaining amount threshold KIT3 is set to “25”.

  When the determination result of step S15 is affirmative determination (IT ≧ KIT3), the control device 60 performs three of the pressurizing units 50 to 53 of the pressurizing unit 27 when executing choke cleaning in step S18 described later. The driving of the pressurizing pump 56 of the pressurizing unit (the pressurizing units 50, 51, 52 in this embodiment) is permitted (step S16). And the control apparatus 60 transfers the process to step S18 mentioned later.

  On the other hand, when the determination result of step S15 is negative (IT <KIT3), the control device 60 performs the choke cleaning in step S18 to be described later, when all of the pressure units 50 to 53 of the pressure unit 27 are performed. The drive of the pressure pump 56 is permitted (step S17). And the control apparatus 60 transfers the process to step S18 mentioned later.

  In step S18, the control device 60 causes choke cleaning to be performed. Specifically, the control device 60 drives the lifting device to bring the cap 32 into contact with the recording head 18 located at the home position, and starts driving the suction pump 35 in this state. When the elapsed time from the start of driving of the suction pump 35 exceeds a preset valve closing time, the controller 60 indicates that the downstream side of the choke valve 47 in each ink supply path 26 has been depressurized. Thus, it is determined that each choke valve 47 is closed, and the pressurizing unit 27 is driven.

  At this time, the control device 60 controls the driving of the pressurizing unit 27 so that only the pressurizing pump 56 of the pressurizing unit 50 is driven when Step S12 is executed. Moreover, the control apparatus 60 controls the drive of the pressurization unit 27 so that the pressurization pump 56 of the pressurization parts 50 and 51 may drive, when step S14 is performed. Moreover, the control apparatus 60 controls the drive of the pressurization unit 27 so that the pressurization pump 56 of pressurization part 50,51,52 may drive, when step S16 is performed. And the control apparatus 60 controls the drive of the pressurization unit 27 so that the pressurization pump 56 of all the pressurization parts 50-53 will drive, when step S17 is performed. Therefore, in this embodiment, as the total amount of ink remaining IT detected in steps S11 to S17 in step S10 is smaller, the number of pressure pumps 56 that are driven during choke cleaning among the pressure units 50 to 53 increases. This corresponds to a setting step for setting the driving mode of the pressure unit 27 as described above.

  When the elapsed time from the start of the driving of the suction pump 35 exceeds the cleaning time set longer than the valve opening time, the control device 60 drives the pressurizing unit 27 and the suction pump 35. Stop choke cleaning by stopping. Therefore, in the present embodiment, step S18 corresponds to a discharge step for discharging ink from each nozzle 20 of the recording head 18. Thereafter, the control device 60 ends the choke cleaning process routine.

  Here, when the number of pressurizing units 50 to 53 (pressurizing pump 56) to be driven is not changed in accordance with the total amount of remaining ink IT in each ink cartridge 22, as shown in FIG. Variation occurs in the time until the pressure PI in 22 reaches the above-mentioned opening pressure PIA. That is, when the total amount IT of the ink remaining in each ink cartridge 22 is relatively large, as shown by the broken line in FIG. 7, the first elapsed time t1 is reached after the driving of the pressure unit 27 is started. When this happens, the pressure PI in each ink cartridge 22 reaches the opening pressure PIA, and each choke valve 47 opens. On the other hand, when the total amount IT of the ink remaining in each ink cartridge 22 is relatively small, as indicated by a two-dot chain line in FIG. When (> t1) is reached, the pressure PI in each ink cartridge 22 reaches the opening pressure PIA, and each choke valve 47 finally opens.

  However, in the present embodiment, by changing the number of the pressure pumps 56 to be driven among the pressure pumps 56 of the pressure units 50 to 53 in accordance with the total amount IT of the ink remaining in each ink cartridge 22, The amount of pressurized air supplied from the pressure unit 27 into each ink cartridge 22 is changed. Therefore, regardless of the total amount of remaining ink IT in each ink cartridge 22, as shown by the solid line in FIG. 7, each ink cartridge 22 is output when the opening time t0 comes after the start of driving of the pressure unit 27. The internal pressure PI reaches the open pressure PIA, and each choke valve 47 is opened. Therefore, variations in the discharge amount of ink discharged from the recording head 18 by one choke cleaning are suppressed, and wasteful consumption of ink and cleaning failure are suppressed.

Therefore, in this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
(1) The pressurizing pumps of the pressurizing units 50 to 53 provided in the pressurizing unit 27 even when the total amount IT of the remaining ink (remaining fluid) in each ink cartridge (fluid storing means) 22 decreases. At least one of the pressurizing pumps 56 (pressurizing means) 56 is selectively driven. Therefore, unlike the case where there is only one pressurizing pump 56, it is not necessary to change the driving speed of each pressurizing pump 56 in accordance with the total amount of remaining ink IT in each ink cartridge 22. That is, at the time of choke cleaning, each pressurization when ink is sent from each ink cartridge 22 to each ink supply path (fluid supply path) 26 to open each choke valve (open / close valve) 47 in the closed state. An increase in the driving load of the pump 56 can be suppressed. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the load applied to the pressure pumps 56 of the pressure units 50 to 53 that are driven when pressurized air (pressure gas) is supplied into the ink cartridges 22.

  (2) When the total amount IT of the ink remaining amount (fluid remaining amount) in each ink cartridge (fluid storage unit) 22 is small, out of the pressure pumps (pressure units) 56 of the pressure units 50 to 53 When the number of the pressure pumps 56 to be driven increases and the total amount IT of the ink remaining in each ink cartridge 22 is large, the pressure to be driven among the pressure pumps 56 of the pressure units 50 to 53 is driven. The number of pumps 56 is reduced. Therefore, at the time of choke cleaning, the amount of pressurized air (pressurized gas) corresponding to the total amount of remaining ink IT in each ink cartridge 22 is changed, and the driving speed of the pressure pump 56 of each pressure unit 50 to 53 is changed. It can be supplied accurately without making it happen.

  (3) When the ink cartridge (fluid storage means) 22 is removed from the cartridge holder 21, the overflow of ink (fluid) from the connection portion between the ink cartridge 22 and the ink supply path (fluid supply path) 26 is suppressed. Therefore, it is necessary to open the ink cartridge 22 to the atmosphere. Therefore, in this embodiment, when the ink cartridge 22 is removed, the pressure PI in the ink cartridge 22 is released to one atmosphere by opening all the air release valves 58 provided in the pressurizing units 50 to 53. As compared with the case where only the valve 58 is opened, the pressure can be reduced to atmospheric pressure more quickly. Therefore, it is possible to contribute to quick removal of the ink cartridge 22.

The above embodiment may be changed to another embodiment as described below.
In the above embodiment, the number of the air release valves 58 may not be the same as the number of the pressure pumps 56 as long as a plurality of the air release valves 58 are provided.

-The atmosphere release valve 58 may be one. Even if comprised in this way, the effect of said (1) (2) can be acquired.
Further, the number of pressurizing pumps 56 as pressurizing means may be a plurality other than four and does not necessarily match the number of ink cartridges 22.

  In the above embodiment, a pressure sensor for detecting the internal pressure is provided on each ink supply path 26, and the remaining amount of ink in each ink cartridge 22 is detected based on a signal from each sensor. Also good. In this case, the pressure sensor and the control device 60 constitute a remaining amount detecting means.

In the above embodiment, the control device 60 may be configured without the ASIC 66.
In the above embodiment, the ASIC 66 may execute the choke cleaning process routine, or the choke cleaning process routine may be executed by a combination of the CPU 62 and the ASIC 66.

  In the above embodiment, when performing cleaning such as choke cleaning, all the pressure pumps 56 may be driven without fail. That is, when the total amount IT of ink remaining in each ink cartridge 22 is less than the second remaining amount threshold value KIT2 and greater than or equal to the third remaining amount threshold value KIT3, the driving speed of each pressurizing pump 56 is set to The total ink amount IT in the ink cartridge 22 may be slower than the driving speed of each pressurizing pump 56 when the total remaining amount IT is less than the third remaining amount threshold value KIT3. Similarly, when the total amount IT of ink remaining in each ink cartridge 22 is less than the first remaining amount threshold value KIT1 and greater than or equal to the second remaining amount threshold value KIT2, the driving speed of each pressurizing pump 56 is set as follows. The total ink remaining amount IT in each ink cartridge 22 may be slower than the driving speed of each pressurizing pump 56 when it is less than the second remaining amount threshold value KIT2. Similarly, when the total ink amount IT in each ink cartridge 22 is equal to or greater than the first remaining amount threshold value KIT1, the driving speed of each pressurizing pump 56 is set to the total ink remaining amount in each ink cartridge 22. You may make it make it slower than the drive speed of each pressurization pump 56 when IT is less than 1st remaining amount threshold value KIT1. Even with this configuration, a conventional pressure pump 56 is provided so as to disperse the driving load applied to the ink in each ink cartridge 22 to each pressure pump 56. The driving load of each pressurizing pump 56 can be reduced as compared with the configuration.

  In each of the above embodiments, an on-off valve (for example, an electromagnetic valve) that opens and closes based on a control command from the control device 60 may be provided instead of the choke valve 47 that opens and closes due to pressure fluctuation in each ink supply path 26. . In this case, when performing the chalk cleaning, the suction pump 35 is driven after each on-off valve is closed, and the inside of the cap 32 is decompressed. After that, by driving at least one pressurizing pump 56 in the pressurizing unit 27, the pressure on the upstream side of the open / close valve in each ink supply passage 26 is increased to open each open / close valve, thereby supplying each ink. The ink is caused to flow in the path 26 toward the recording head 18, and the ink supplied into the recording head 18 is discharged into the cap 32.

  In the above embodiment, the choke valve 47 may not be provided. Also in this case, the cap 32 is brought into contact with the recording head 18 to drive the suction pump 35 and at least one pressurizing pump 56 in the pressurizing unit 27, whereby ink is discharged from each nozzle 20 of the recording head 18. Cleaning to be discharged into the cap 32 is executed. Even in such a configuration, the load of each pressurizing pump 56 is increased by changing the number of pressurizing pumps 56 to be driven in accordance with the total amount of remaining ink IT in each ink cartridge 22. Therefore, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the cleaning success rate.

In the above embodiment, the suction pump 35 may be a gear pump or a bellows pump.
In the above embodiment, the cap 32 may be configured so that waste ink is sucked from the recording head 18 when the suction pump 35 is driven in a state in which the cap 32 is in contact with the recording head 18. For example, the cap 32 may be configured to fit outside the recording head 18. In this case, a slight gap may be formed between the upper inner surface of the cap 32 and the side surface of the recording head 18 as long as negative pressure is generated in the cap 32 by driving the suction pump 35. .

  In the above embodiment, the fluid ejecting apparatus has a so-called overall shape in which the recording head 18 corresponds to the length in the width direction (left-right direction) of the paper P in the direction intersecting the conveyance direction (front-back direction) of the paper P. It may be embodied in a full line type printer.

  In the above embodiment, the fluid ejecting apparatus is embodied in the ink jet printer 11. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a fluid other than ink (liquid or liquid material in which particles of functional material are dispersed or mixed in the liquid) In addition, the present invention can be embodied in a fluid ejecting apparatus that ejects or discharges a fluid (including a fluid such as a gel). For example, a liquid material ejecting apparatus that ejects a liquid material that is dispersed or dissolved in materials such as electrode materials and color materials (pixel materials) used in the manufacture of liquid crystal displays, EL (electroluminescence) displays, and surface-emitting displays. Further, a liquid ejecting apparatus that ejects a bio-organic matter used for biochip manufacturing, or a liquid ejecting apparatus that ejects a liquid that is used as a precision pipette and serves as a sample may be used. In addition, transparent resin liquids such as UV curable resin to form liquid injection devices that pinpoint lubricant oil onto precision machines such as watches and cameras, and micro hemispherical lenses (optical lenses) used in optical communication elements. A liquid ejecting apparatus that ejects a liquid onto the substrate, a liquid ejecting apparatus that ejects an etching solution such as acid or alkali to etch the substrate, and a fluid ejecting apparatus that ejects a fluid such as a gel (for example, a physical gel) It may be. The present invention can be applied to any one of these fluid ejecting apparatuses. In the present specification, the term “fluid” is a concept that does not include a fluid consisting only of a gas and a fluid consisting only of a granular material (including a granular material and a powder). , Organic solvents, solutions, liquid resins, liquid metals (including metal melts), liquids, fluids, and the like.

1 is a schematic plan view of an ink jet printer according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an ink supply system of an ink jet printer. (A) is a schematic sectional drawing which shows the valve opening state of a choke valve, (b) is a schematic sectional drawing which shows the valve closing state of a choke valve. The schematic diagram explaining a pressurization unit. The block circuit diagram which shows an electric structure. The flowchart explaining a chalk cleaning process routine. 6 is a timing chart for explaining a change in pressure in the ink cartridge.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 ... Inkjet printer (fluid ejecting apparatus), 18 ... Recording head (fluid ejecting head), 20 ... Nozzle, 22 ... Ink cartridge (fluid storage means), 26 ... Ink supply path (fluid supply path), 32 ... Cap ( Fluid receiving means), 35 ... suction pump (suction means), 47 ... choke valve (open / close valve), 56 ... pressurizing pump (pressurizing means), 58 ... atmospheric release valve, 60 ... control device (remaining amount detecting means, Control means), IT ... total amount of ink remaining, PI ... pressure in the ink cartridge.

Claims (7)

Fluid storage means for storing fluid;
A fluid ejecting head that ejects fluid supplied from the fluid storing means from a nozzle;
Fluid receiving means abutting on the fluid ejecting head in a state in which fluid can be sucked from the nozzle;
A suction means for sucking a fluid from the nozzle of the fluid ejecting head and discharging the fluid into the fluid receiving means by exerting a suction force in a state where the fluid receiving means is in contact with the fluid ejecting head;
A fluid ejecting apparatus comprising: a plurality of pressurizing units driven to pressurize the fluid in the fluid storing unit. Fluid storage means for storing fluid;
A fluid ejecting head that ejects fluid supplied from the fluid storing means via a fluid supply path from a nozzle;
An on-off valve provided in the middle of the fluid supply path;
Fluid receiving means abutting on the fluid ejecting head in a state in which fluid can be sucked from the nozzle;
A suction means for sucking a fluid from the nozzle of the fluid ejecting head and discharging the fluid into the fluid receiving means by exerting a suction force in a state where the fluid receiving means is in contact with the fluid ejecting head;
A plurality of pressurization means driven to pressurize the fluid in the fluid storage means,
In the state where the on-off valve is closed, the suction means depressurizes the downstream side of the on-off valve in the fluid supply path, and the pressure of the fluid delivered from the fluid storage means is increased by the pressurizing force of the pressurizing means. A fluid ejecting apparatus configured to cause the fluid supplied through the fluid supply path to be discharged from the fluid ejecting head into the fluid receiving means by opening the on-off valve in a state where the pressure is increased. 2. The control device according to claim 1, further comprising a control unit that controls a driving mode of each pressurizing unit so that at least one of the pressurizing units is selected when pressurizing the fluid in the fluid storing unit. 3. The fluid ejecting apparatus according to 2. Further comprising a remaining amount detecting means for detecting a remaining amount of fluid in the fluid storing means,
The controller is configured to drive each pressurizing unit such that the smaller the remaining amount of fluid detected by the remaining amount detecting unit, the greater the number of pressurizing units to be driven among the pressurizing units. The fluid ejecting apparatus according to claim 3 to be controlled. The fluid ejecting apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a plurality of opening valves that are opened when the inside of the fluid storage means is communicated to the outside. The fluid guided from the fluid storage means to the fluid ejecting head side through the fluid supply path based on the pressurizing force of the plurality of pressurizing means, at least one of which is selectively driven, is sucked from the nozzle formed in the fluid ejecting head by the suction means. A method of cleaning a fluid ejecting apparatus for sucking and discharging,
A remaining amount detecting step for detecting a remaining amount of fluid in the fluid storing means;
A setting step for setting the driving mode of each pressurizing unit such that the smaller the remaining amount of fluid detected in the remaining amount detecting step, the greater the number of pressurizing units to be driven among the pressurizing units. ,
And a discharging step of discharging the fluid from the nozzle of the fluid ejecting head by driving the suction unit and driving at least one of the pressurizing units in the driving mode set in the setting step. Cleaning method for spray device. The fluid guided from the fluid storage means to the fluid ejecting head side through the fluid supply path based on the pressurizing force of the plurality of pressurizing means, at least one of which is selectively driven, is sucked from the nozzle formed in the fluid ejecting head by the suction means. When suctioning and discharging, the suction means reduces the pressure on the downstream side of the on-off valve in the fluid supply path with the on-off valve provided in the fluid supply path closed, and the pressurizing force of the pressurizing means A fluid ejection device cleaning method for discharging fluid from the fluid ejection head by opening the on-off valve in a state where the pressure of the fluid delivered from the fluid storage means is increased by:
A remaining amount detecting step for detecting a remaining amount of fluid in the fluid storing means;
A setting step for setting the driving mode of each pressurizing unit such that the smaller the remaining amount of fluid detected in the remaining amount detecting step, the greater the number of pressurizing units to be driven among the pressurizing units. ,
And a discharging step of discharging the fluid from the nozzle of the fluid ejecting head by driving the suction unit and driving at least one of the pressurizing units in the driving mode set in the setting step. Cleaning method for spray device.

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