Liquid ejection device and control method of liquid ejection device

Abstract

A liquid ejection device and a control method for the liquid ejection device can reduce the possibility of contamination of a cover. The liquid ejection device comprises: a liquid ejection head (20) for printing by ejecting liquid from a nozzle (19) to a medium; a liquid receiving portion (26) for receiving liquid ejected by dry ejection through an opening (39), wherein the dry ejection is the ejection of liquid unrelated to printing from the liquid ejection head (20); a cover (27) that can be moved to a closed position (CP) and an open position (OP), wherein the closed position (CP) is a position where the cover (27) covers the opening (39) of the liquid receiving portion (26), and the open position (OP) is a position where the cover (27) opens the opening (39); and a detection portion (28) for detecting the cover (27) at the closed position (CP) or the open position (OP).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a liquid ejecting device such as a printer and a control method of the liquid ejecting device. Background Art

[0002] For example, as shown in Patent Document 1, there is a printer as an example of a liquid ejection device, which performs printing by ejecting liquid from a liquid ejection head as an example of a liquid ejection head. The printer performs flushing, which is an example of a dry ejection in which liquid is ejected forcibly from the liquid ejection head, to discharge the thickened liquid, thereby restoring the ejection characteristics.

[0003] The printer includes: a liquid receiving portion for receiving liquid discharged by dry ejection; a cover member, which is an example of a cover for covering an opening of the liquid receiving portion; and a moving mechanism for moving the cover member. The cover member is arranged at an open cover position for opening the opening when dry ejection is performed, and is arranged at a closed cover position for covering the opening when dry ejection is not performed.

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2014-94450.

[0005] For example, when the cap is attached to the liquid receiving portion, the cap may not be moved correctly. If liquid is ejected from the liquid ejection head in a state where the cap covers the liquid receiving portion, the cap may be contaminated. Summary of the invention

[0006] A liquid ejection device, characterized in that it comprises: a liquid ejection head, which performs printing by ejecting liquid from a nozzle onto a medium; a liquid receiving portion, which receives the liquid ejected by dry ejection through an opening, wherein the dry ejection is the ejection of liquid unrelated to the printing from the liquid ejection head; a cover, which can be moved to a closed position and an open position, wherein the closed position is a position in which the cover covers the opening of the liquid receiving portion, and the open position is a position in which the cover opens the opening; and a detection portion, which detects the cover at the closed position or the open position.

[0007] A control method for a liquid ejection device, characterized in that the liquid ejection device comprises: a liquid ejection head, which performs printing by ejecting liquid from a nozzle onto a medium; a liquid receiving portion, which receives the liquid ejected by dry ejection via an opening, wherein the dry ejection is the ejection of liquid unrelated to the printing from the liquid ejection head; a cover, which can be moved to a closed position and an open position, wherein the closed position is a position in which the cover covers the opening of the liquid receiving portion, and the open position is a position in which the cover opens the opening; and a detection portion, which detects the cover at the closed position or the open position, and after instructing the cover to move to the open position, the control method of the liquid ejection device detects that the cover has moved to the open position through the detection portion. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a liquid ejection device.

[0009] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram showing a liquid receiving part and a cover.

[0010] Figure 3 : is a flowchart showing the cover confirmation routine.

[0011] Description of Reference Numerals

[0012] 11…liquid ejecting device; 12…frame; 13…guide shaft; 14…printing section; 15…medium; 16…medium supporting section; 17…maintenance section; 19…nozzle; 20…liquid ejecting head; 21…slide; 23…supporting surface; 24…recess; 26…liquid receiving section; 27…cover; 28…detecting section; 30…wiping section; 31…cover; 32…discharge passage; 33…discharge pump; 34…waste liquid containing section; 36…notification section; 37…control section; 39…opening; 41…moving mechanism; 42…rack; 43…pinion; 44…driving source; 46…light emitting section; 47…light receiving section; CP…closed position; OP…open position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0013] Hereinafter, one embodiment of a liquid ejecting device and a method for controlling the liquid ejecting device will be described with reference to the drawings. The liquid ejecting device is, for example, an inkjet printer that ejects ink, an example of liquid, onto a medium such as paper to perform printing.

[0014] In the drawings, assuming that the liquid ejection device 11 is placed on a horizontal plane, the Z axis represents the direction of gravity, and the X axis and the Y axis represent the direction along the horizontal plane. The X axis, the Y axis, and the Z axis are orthogonal to each other.

[0015] like Figure 1As shown, the liquid ejection device 11 may also include a frame 12, a guide shaft 13 supported by the frame 12, and a printing unit 14 provided to be movable along the guide shaft 13. The liquid ejection device 11 may also include a medium support unit 16 that supports the medium 15, and a maintenance unit 17 that maintains the printing unit 14. The frame 12 accommodates the guide shaft 13, the printing unit 14, the medium support unit 16, and the maintenance unit 17.

[0016] The printing unit 14 includes a liquid ejection head 20 that performs printing by ejecting liquid from a nozzle 19 onto a medium 15, and a carriage 21 that can move while carrying the liquid ejection head 20. The carriage 21 moves the liquid ejection head 20 along the guide shaft 13. The liquid ejection head 20 ejects liquid from the nozzle 19 while moving, thereby performing printing on the medium 15.

[0017] The medium support portion 16 supports the portion of the medium 15 to be printed by the printing portion 14. The medium support portion 16 has a support surface 23 that supports the medium 15 and a recessed portion 24 that is recessed relative to the support surface 23. The recessed portion 24 may also accommodate an absorbent body (not shown) that absorbs liquid. For example, when the printing portion 14 performs borderless printing, the recessed portion 24 receives liquid that is ejected from the medium 15. The medium support portion 16 may also have a plurality of recessed portions 24. The medium support portion 16 may have two recessed portions 24, and each recessed portion 24 receives liquid that is ejected from both ends of the medium 15. The medium support portion 16 may also have three or more recessed portions 24 depending on the size of the medium 15 that can be printed by the liquid ejection device 11.

[0018] The maintenance unit 17 includes a liquid receiving unit 26 for receiving liquid ejected from the liquid ejection head 20 by dry ejection, a cover 27 provided above the liquid receiving unit 26, and a detection unit 28 for detecting the cover 27. The detection unit 28 of this embodiment is provided on the carriage 21, and detects the cover 27 as the carriage 21 moves. Dry ejection is a maintenance to suppress the increase in viscosity of the liquid in the liquid ejection head 20 by ejecting liquid not related to printing from the liquid ejection head 20. The liquid receiving unit 26 may contain an absorbent for absorbing liquid or a moisturizing liquid for moisturizing the liquid receiving unit 26.

[0019] The maintenance unit 17 may include a wiping unit 30 for wiping the liquid ejection head 20 and a cap 31 for covering the nozzle 19. The maintenance unit 17 may include a discharge passage 32 connected to the cap 31 at the upstream end and a discharge pump 33 provided in the middle of the discharge passage 32.

[0020] The wiping portion 30 is provided to be movable between a wiping position where the wiping portion 30 can wipe the liquid ejection head 20 and a non-wiping position where the wiping portion 30 does not contact the liquid ejection head 20. The wiping portion 30 at the wiping position wipes the liquid ejection head 20 by contacting the moving liquid ejection head 20. The maintenance of wiping the liquid ejection head 20 by the wiping portion 30 is also referred to as scrubbing.

[0021] The cap 31 is configured to be movable between a capping position where the cap 31 contacts the liquid ejection head 20 and a separation position where the cap 31 is separated from the liquid ejection head 20. The cap 31 at the capping position contacts the liquid ejection head 20, thereby forming a closed space with the nozzle 19 in an open state between the cap 31 and the liquid ejection head 20. The cap 31 opens the closed space by moving from the capping position to the separation position.

[0022] The discharge passage 32 may be formed of a tube that is deformed as the cover 31 moves. The downstream end of the discharge passage 32 is connected to a waste liquid storage portion 34 that stores liquid as waste liquid discharged from the liquid ejection head 20. The discharge pump 33 depressurizes the closed space formed by the cover 31 via the discharge passage 32, and forcibly discharges the liquid from the nozzle 19. The discharged liquid is stored in the waste liquid storage portion 34 as waste liquid. Maintenance in which the closed space is depressurized to discharge the liquid is also called suction cleaning.

[0023] The liquid ejection device 11 may also include a notification unit 36 ​​that can notify information related to the liquid ejection device 11. The notification unit 36 ​​may be a monitor that notifies by displaying images and text, or a touch panel that can display and operate. The notification unit 36 ​​may be a speaker that notifies by emitting sound and music, or a bell. The notification unit 36 ​​may also be a lamp that notifies by emitting light, flashing, etc.

[0024] The liquid ejection device 11 includes a control unit 37 for controlling the operation of the liquid ejection head 20 and the maintenance unit 17. The control unit 37 is composed of a processing circuit including a computer and a memory, and controls various operations performed by the liquid ejection device 11 according to a program stored in the memory.

[0025] like Figure 2 As shown, the liquid receiving portion 26 receives the liquid ejected from the liquid ejection head 20 via the opening 39. The cover 27 is configured to be movable to a closed position CP and an open position OP, wherein the closed position CP is when the cover 27 covers the opening 39 of the liquid receiving portion 26. Figure 2The open position OP is the position indicated by the double-dotted line in FIG. Figure 2 The cover 27 at the closed position CP is partially located between the nozzle 19 and the liquid receiving portion 26. The cover 27 at the open position OP is entirely retracted from directly below the nozzle 19, and all the nozzles 19 and the liquid receiving portion 26 are opposed to each other.

[0026] The maintenance unit 17 may also include a moving mechanism 41 that moves the cover 27. The moving mechanism 41 includes a rack 42 provided on the cover 27, a pinion 43 meshing with the rack 42, and a drive source 44 that rotates the pinion 43. When the drive source 44 is driven to rotate in the forward direction, the moving mechanism 41 moves the cover 27 from the closed position CP to the open position OP. The drive source 44 drives the moving mechanism 41 in the reverse direction, thereby moving the cover 27 from the open position OP to the closed position CP.

[0027] Detection unit 28 of this embodiment includes light emitting unit 46 for emitting light and light receiving unit 47 for receiving light. Detection unit 28 may detect cover 27 at closed position CP by receiving light reflected by cover 27 at light receiving unit 47. Detection unit 28 may detect cover 27 based on reflectivity.

[0028] Next, refer to Figure 3 The control method of the liquid ejection device 11 is described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 1. When the movement of the cap 27 is instructed in another routine not shown executed by the control unit 37, the control unit 37 executes Figure 3 The cover confirmation routine shown. For example, the movement of the cover 27 from the closed position CP to the open position OP is indicated at at least one time when the power of the liquid ejection device 11 is turned on, before printing starts, during printing, and before a dry ejection. For example, the movement of the cover 27 from the open position OP to the closed position CP is indicated at at least one time when the power of the liquid ejection device 11 is turned off, during printing, after printing ends, and after a dry ejection.

[0029] like Figure 3 As shown, in step S101 , the control unit 37 determines whether the instructed movement of the cover 27 is a movement from the closed position CP to the open position OP or a movement from the open position OP to the closed position CP.

[0030] If the cover 27 moves from the closed position CP to the open position OP, step S101 is "Yes", and the control unit 37 transfers the process to step S102. In step S102, the control unit 37 sets the movement flag to 0. In step S103, the control unit 37 drives the movement mechanism 41 to move the cover 27 to the open position OP, and transfers the process to step S106.

[0031] In step S101, when the cover 27 moves from the open position OP to the closed position CP, step S101 is "No", and the control unit 37 transfers the process to step S104. In step S104, the control unit 37 sets the movement flag to 1. In step S105, the control unit 37 drives the moving mechanism 41 to move the cover 27 to the closed position CP, and transfers the process to step S106.

[0032] In step S106, the control unit 37 determines whether the moving time has passed. The moving time is the time required for the cover 27 to move from the closed position CP to the open position OP or from the open position OP to the closed position CP. If the moving time has not passed since the start of the movement of the cover 27, step S106 is "No", and the control unit 37 waits until the moving time has passed. If the moving time has passed, step S106 is "Yes", and the control unit 37 transfers the process to step S107.

[0033] In step S107, the control unit 37 moves the carriage 21 to the upper side of the liquid receiving portion 26, and causes the detection unit 28 to detect the presence or absence of the cover 27. That is, the control unit 37 moves the carriage 21 so that the cover 27 or the liquid receiving portion 26 is opposed to the detection unit 28. The detection unit 28 moves the cover 27 located at the closed position CP to a position where detection can be performed as the carriage 21 moves. At this time, the control unit 37 may stop the carriage 21 in such a manner that the detection unit 28 is located above the liquid receiving portion 26, or may move the carriage 21 in such a manner that the detection unit 28 passes above the liquid receiving portion 26.

[0034] In step S108, the control unit 37 determines whether the detection unit 28 has detected the cover 27 in step S107. When the detection unit 28 has detected the cover 27, step S108 is "yes", and the control unit 37 shifts the process to step S109. In step S109, the control unit 37 determines whether the movement flag is 1.

[0035] If the movement flag is 1, step S109 is "YES" and the control unit 37 ends the cover confirmation routine. That is, when the cover 27 is instructed to move to the closed position CP and the detection unit 28 detects that the cover 27 is located at the closed position CP, the control unit 37 terminates the cover confirmation routine.

[0036] Step S109 is "No" when the movement flag is 0. The control unit 37 transfers the process to step S110. In step S110, the control unit 37 determines whether the size of the medium 15 to be printed is the maximum size that can be used by the liquid ejection device 11. When the cover confirmation routine is executed when the power is turned on, the size of the medium 15 may not be known. When the size of the medium 15 is not known, the same process as when the medium 15 is the maximum size is performed.

[0037] When the medium 15 is of the maximum size, step S110 is "yes", and the control unit 37 transfers the processing to step S111. In step S111, the control unit 37 specifies that the cap 31 receives the liquid ejected from the liquid ejection head 20 by the empty ejection. That is, when the control unit 37 determines that although the cover 27 has been instructed to move to the open position OP, the detection unit 28 detects that the cover 27 is located at the closed position CP and the opening 39 is not opened, and there is no empty recessed portion 24, the liquid is ejected to the cap 31 by the empty ejection.

[0038] In step S112, the control unit 37 causes the notification unit 36 ​​to notify an error and terminates the cover confirmation routine. The control unit 37 makes the notification when it determines that the cover 27 has moved to the open position OP but the detection unit 28 detects the cover 27 at the closed position CP and the opening 39 is not open.

[0039] In step S110, when the medium 15 is not of the maximum size, step S110 is "No". The control unit 37 transfers the processing to step S113. In step S113, the control unit 37 specifies that the medium support unit 16 receives the liquid ejected from the liquid ejection head 20 by dry ejection. That is, when the control unit 37 determines that although the movement of the cover 27 to the open position OP is instructed, the detection unit 28 detects that the cover 27 is located at the closed position CP so that the opening 39 is not open and there is an empty recess 24, the liquid is ejected to the medium support unit 16 by dry ejection. More specifically, the medium support unit 16 may also adopt the following method, that is, the recess 24 located at a position away from the medium 15 receives the liquid ejected from the liquid ejection head 20 by dry ejection.

[0040] In step S108, when the detection unit 28 does not detect the cover 27, step S108 is "NO", and the control unit 37 shifts the process to step S114. In step S114, the control unit 37 determines whether the movement flag is 1.

[0041] When the movement flag is 1, step S114 is "yes", and the control unit 37 transfers the processing to S112. In step S112, the control unit 37 causes the notification unit 36 ​​to notify an error and ends the cover confirmation routine. The control unit 37 makes a notification when it is determined that the cover 27 has moved to the closed position CP, but the detection unit 28 does not detect the cover 27 at the closed position CP and the opening 39 is open.

[0042] Step S114 is "No" when the movement flag is 0. The control unit 37 transfers the processing to step S115. In step S115, the control unit 37 specifies that the liquid receiving portion 26 receives the liquid ejected from the liquid ejection head 20 by dry ejection. That is, when the movement of the cover 27 to the open position OP is instructed and the detection unit 28 does not detect the cover 27 located at the closed position CP, the control unit 37 determines that the cover 27 has moved to the open position OP and the opening 39 has been opened. When the control unit 37 determines that the opening 39 of the liquid receiving portion 26 is opened based on the detection result of the detection unit 28, the liquid ejected by dry ejection is ejected to the liquid receiving portion 26.

[0043] The operation of this embodiment will be described.

[0044] After instructing the cover 27 to move to the closed position CP, the control unit 37 detects that the cover 27 has moved to the closed position CP through the detection unit 28. In the case where the detection unit 28 does not detect the cover 27 at the closed position CP despite the cover 27 being moved to the closed position CP, the control unit 37 notifies that the cover 27 is not operating correctly and the opening 39 is not closed.

[0045] After instructing the cover 27 to move to the open position OP, the control unit 37 detects that the cover 27 has moved to the open position OP through the detection unit 28. When the detection unit 28 detects the cover 27 at the closed position CP even though the cover 27 has moved to the open position OP, the control unit 37 notifies that the cover 27 is not operating correctly and the opening 39 is not open.

[0046] The control unit 37 may also perform a dry ejection before printing, during printing, after suction cleaning, after wiping, etc. When the control unit 37 determines that the opening 39 of the liquid receiving portion 26 is open based on the detection result of the detection unit 28, the liquid for the dry ejection is ejected to the liquid receiving portion 26. When the control unit 37 determines that the opening 39 is not open, the liquid for the dry ejection is ejected to the cover 31 or the medium supporting portion 16.

[0047] The effects of this embodiment will be described.

[0048] (1) Dry spraying is a maintenance that ejects liquid from the nozzle 19 to expel foreign matter in the nozzle 19 or adjust the meniscus. The liquid receiving portion 26 receives the liquid ejected by dry spraying. The cover 27 is located at the closed position CP and covers the opening 39 of the liquid receiving portion 26, thereby suppressing the drying of the liquid in the liquid receiving portion 26. The detection portion 28 detects the cover 27 located at the closed position CP or the open position OP. Therefore, the detection portion 28 detects the cover 27 located at the open position OP, or does not detect the cover 27 located at the closed position CP, thereby performing dry spraying with the opening 39 of the liquid receiving portion 26 open, thereby reducing the possibility of the cover 27 being contaminated.

[0049] (2) The carriage 21 movably carries the liquid ejection head 20 and the detection unit 28. Therefore, by moving the carriage 21, the liquid ejection head 20 can be moved to a position where liquid can be ejected toward the liquid receiving portion 26, and the detection unit 28 can be moved to a position where the cap 27 can be detected.

[0050] (3) The liquid ejection device 11 includes a cover 31. The cover 31 can suppress the evaporation of the liquid from the nozzle 19 by forming a closed space when the nozzle 19 is in an open state. When the control unit 37 determines that the opening 39 of the liquid receiving portion 26 is not open, the liquid ejection head 20 ejects the liquid in a dry ejection toward the cover 31. That is, even when the liquid cannot be ejected toward the liquid receiving portion 26, the liquid ejection head 20 can eject the liquid in a dry ejection. Therefore, the state of the nozzle 19 can be maintained in an appropriate state.

[0051] (4) When the control unit 37 determines that the opening 39 of the liquid receiving portion 26 is not open, the control unit 37 performs a dry ejection of the liquid to the medium supporting portion 16. That is, even when the liquid cannot be ejected to the liquid receiving portion 26, the liquid ejection head 20 can perform a dry ejection. Therefore, the state of the nozzle 19 can be maintained in an appropriate state.

[0052] (5) The liquid ejection device 11 includes the notification unit 36 ​​for notifying when it is determined that the opening 39 of the liquid receiving unit 26 is not open. Therefore, the user can understand the state of the liquid receiving unit 26.

[0053] The present embodiment can be implemented by making the following modifications. The present embodiment and the following modifications can be implemented in combination with each other within the scope of no technical contradiction.

[0054] The cover 27 may be moved by the user. The cover 27 may be provided to be attachable and detachable. In this case, the open position OP of the cover 27 may be a position where the cover 27 is removed from the liquid ejection device 11.

[0055] The detection unit 28 may detect the cover 27 located at the open position OP. When the detection unit 28 detects the cover 27, the control unit 37 may determine that the cover 27 is located at the open position OP.

[0056] The detection unit 28 may be composed of an optical sensor that converts light into an electrical signal. The detection unit 28 may detect the cover 27 by detecting the color of the cover 27. The detection unit 28 may detect the cover 27 by detecting a pattern formed on the surface of the cover 27. The detection unit 28 may be composed of an imaging sensor. The detection unit 28 may detect the cover 27 by analyzing an image obtained by photographing the inside of the liquid ejection device 11.

[0057] The detection unit 28 may be composed of a distance sensor that measures distance, and can detect the cover 27 located at the closed position CP or the open position OP by measuring the distance to the object. The distance sensor may measure the distance using infrared rays, ultrasonic waves, magnetism, etc., and may detect the position of the cover 27 relative to the distance sensor.

[0058] In addition to detecting the cap 27, the detection unit 28 can also detect the position of the liquid ejected from the liquid ejection head 20 and attached to the medium 15. For example, the detection unit 28 can detect the liquid attached to the medium 15 using a photoelectric sensor, or can detect the position where the liquid is attached by image analysis. The control unit 37 can also control the liquid ejection head 20 to correct the ejection so that the liquid is attached to the desired position when the position where the liquid is attached deviates from the desired position based on the detection result of the detection unit 28.

[0059] ·In addition to detecting the cover 27, the detection unit 28 can also detect the end of the medium 15. The detection unit 28 can also detect the end of the medium 15 by a photoelectric sensor or image analysis. The control unit 37 can also reflect the detection result of the detection unit 28 in the control of the liquid ejection head 20. For example, the control unit 37 can perform borderless printing in accordance with the position of the end of the medium 15, or adjust the printing position. The control unit 37 can also cause the recess 24 to perform a dry spray when the cover 27 has not moved to the open position OP and there is a recess 24 located at a position outside the end of the medium 15. The control unit 37 can also cause the cover 31 to perform a dry spray when the cover 27 has not moved to the open position OP and there is no recess 24 outside the end of the medium 15.

[0060] In addition to detecting the cover 27, the detection unit 28 can also detect poor ejection of the liquid ejection head 20 based on the image printed on the medium 15. If a part of the plurality of nozzles 19 formed on the liquid ejection head 20 has poor ejection, streaks will appear on the printed image. The detection unit 28 can also detect poor ejection by detecting streaks through a photoelectric sensor or image analysis. When the detection unit 28 detects poor ejection, the control unit 37 can also clean the liquid ejection head 20. Cleaning can be suction cleaning or pressurized cleaning in which the liquid in the liquid ejection head 20 is pressurized to be discharged from the nozzle 19.

[0061] In addition to detecting the cover 27, the detection unit 28 can also detect the state of the medium 15. For example, when the medium 15 is a letter, the detection unit 28 can also detect the box for filling in the postal code. The control unit 37 can determine the front and back sides of the medium 15 based on the detection result of the detection unit 28, and can also determine the direction of the medium 15. The control unit 37 can also control the notification unit 36 ​​to notify the user when the medium 15 is in a state different from the desired state. The control unit 37 can also control the liquid ejection head 20 according to the detection result of the detection unit 28, and print the postal code to match the position of the box.

[0062] In addition to detecting the cover 27, the detection unit 28 may also detect the height of the liquid ejection head 20 relative to the medium 15 or the medium support unit 16. The detection unit 28 may also measure the distance from the medium 15 or the medium support unit 16 by, for example, a distance sensor. The liquid ejection device 11 may also include an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the height of the liquid ejection head 20. The height of the liquid ejection head 20 relative to the medium 15 also changes according to the thickness of the medium 15. The control unit 37 may also control the liquid ejection head 20 according to the detection result of the detection unit 28 so that the ejected liquid adheres to a desired position.

[0063] The detection unit 28 may detect the tilt of the medium 15 in addition to detecting the cover 27. For example, the detection unit 28 may detect the tilt based on an image of the medium 15. The control unit 37 may control the conveying unit that conveys the medium 15 based on the detection result of the detection unit 28 to correct the tilt.

[0064] The detection unit 28 can detect the state of the ink mist scattered in the liquid ejection device 11 in addition to detecting the cap 27. The detection unit 28 can detect the adhesion of the liquid to the lens by analyzing the captured image, for example.

[0065] The detection unit 28 can detect liquid leakage from a supply mechanism that supplies liquid from a liquid storage unit that stores liquid to the liquid ejection head 20, in addition to detecting the cover 27. The liquid ejection device 11 can also include a guide path that guides the leaked liquid to the cover 27. The detection unit 28 can also detect liquid leakage by detecting liquid attached to the cover 27.

[0066] When the cover 27 is located at the closed position CP during printing, the control unit 37 may stop printing. At this time, the control unit 37 may cause the notification unit 36 ​​to notify that the cover 27 is located at the closed position CP.

[0067] The control unit 37 may also Figure 3 In step S106 shown, the control unit 37 waits until a dry spray is performed. For example, when the movement of the hood 27 is instructed, the control unit 37 may also perform the processing of steps S101 to S105, and perform the processing of steps S107 to S115 before performing a dry spray. In this case, the control unit 37 determines whether a dry spray is instructed in step S106. In step S106, when the execution of a dry spray is instructed, step S106 is "Yes", and the control unit 37 transfers the processing to step S107. When the execution of a dry spray is not instructed, step S106 is "No", and the control unit 37 waits until a dry spray is instructed. When the movement of the hood 27 is instructed during the standby period, the control unit 37 may transfer the processing to step S101.

[0068] After instructing the cover 27 to move to the closed position CP, the control unit 37 may not detect the movement of the cover 27 to the closed position CP through the detection unit 28. That is, the control unit 37 may detect that the cover 27 has moved to the open position OP through the detection unit 28 at least after instructing the cover 27 to move to the open position OP.

[0069] After the control unit 37 determines that the cover 27 is instructed to move to the closed position CP, when the cover 27 moves to the closed position CP and the opening 39 is not opened, it can also be notified that the cover 27 has been correctly moved. After the control unit 37 determines that the cover 27 is instructed to move to the open position OP, when the cover 27 has moved to the open position OP and the opening 39 has been opened, it can also be notified that the cover 27 has been correctly moved.

[0070] The medium support portion 16 may receive the liquid ejected by the air jet at a portion different from the recess 24. In this case, if the portion receiving the liquid is provided outside the transport region for transporting the medium 15, the possibility of the medium 15 being contaminated by the liquid attached to the medium support portion 16 can be reduced.

[0071] When the control unit 37 determines that the cover 27 has not moved to the open position OP and the opening 39 is not opened, the control unit 37 may perform a dry discharge toward the cap 31 regardless of the size of the medium 15 .

[0072] The wiping unit 30 may include a belt-shaped member capable of absorbing liquid, and use the belt-shaped member to wipe the liquid ejection head 20. The control unit 37 may perform a dry ejection to the belt-shaped member when it is determined that the cap 27 has not moved to the open position OP and the opening 39 is not open.

[0073] The detection unit 28 may be provided at a position different from the carriage 21. The detection unit 28 may detect the cover 27 located at the open position OP. That is, the detection unit 28 may be provided in the frame 12, that is, at a position where the cover 27 located at the closed position CP or the open position OP can be detected. Thus, the detection unit 28 can always detect the cover 27.

[0074] The detection unit 28 may be provided at a position in the carriage 21 where the cover 27 located at the open position OP can be detected. The detection unit 28 may detect the cover 27 located at the open position OP.

[0075] The liquid ejection device 11 may also be a liquid ejection device that ejects or sprays other liquids other than ink. The state of the liquid ejected from the liquid ejection device as a tiny amount of droplets also includes the state of granular, tear-like, and linear trailing forms. The liquid mentioned here can be any material that can be ejected from the liquid ejection device. For example, the liquid can be any liquid in the state of the substance in the liquid phase, including high or low viscosity liquid bodies, sols, gel water, other inorganic solvents, organic solvents, solutions, liquid resins, liquid metals, and metal melts. Liquid is not only a liquid as a state of matter, but also includes liquids formed by dissolving, dispersing or mixing particles of functional materials composed of solids such as pigments or metal particles in a solvent. As representative examples of liquids, inks or liquid crystals described in the above embodiments can be cited. Here, the so-called ink includes various liquid compositions such as general aqueous inks, oily inks, gel inks, and hot melt inks. As a specific example of a liquid ejection device, there is a device that ejects a liquid containing electrode materials or color materials used in the manufacture of liquid crystal displays, electroluminescent displays, surface luminescent displays, color filters, etc. in a dispersed or dissolved form. The liquid ejection device may also be a device that ejects biological organic matter used in the manufacture of biochips, a device that is used as a precision pipette to eject liquid as a sample, a printing and dyeing device, or a micro-dispenser. The liquid ejection device may also be a device that accurately ejects lubricating oil to precision machinery such as clocks or cameras, or a device that ejects transparent resin liquid such as ultraviolet curing resin onto a substrate in order to form a tiny hemispherical lens, an optical lens, etc. used in optical communication elements, etc. The liquid ejection device may also be a device that ejects an etching liquid such as an acid or an alkali in order to etch a substrate, etc.

[0076] The following describes the technical ideas and the effects thereof understood from the above-described embodiments and modifications.

[0077] (A) The liquid ejection device comprises: a liquid ejection head for printing by ejecting liquid from a nozzle onto a medium; a liquid receiving portion for receiving the liquid ejected by dry ejection through an opening, wherein the dry ejection is the ejection of liquid unrelated to the printing from the liquid ejection head; a cover capable of moving to a closed position and an open position, wherein the closed position is a position in which the cover covers the opening of the liquid receiving portion, and the open position is a position in which the cover opens the opening; and a detection portion for detecting the cover at the closed position or the open position.

[0078] Empty spraying is a maintenance that ejects liquid from a nozzle to expel foreign matter in the nozzle or adjust the meniscus. According to this structure, the liquid receiving portion receives the liquid ejected by empty spraying. The cover is located in a closed position and covers the opening of the liquid receiving portion, thereby suppressing the drying of the liquid in the liquid receiving portion. The detection portion detects the cover in the closed position or the open position. Therefore, the detection portion detects the cover in the open position or does not detect the cover in the closed position, but performs empty spraying with the opening of the liquid receiving portion open, thereby reducing the possibility of the cover being contaminated.

[0079] (B) The liquid ejection device may also be configured as follows: the liquid ejection device further comprises a slide, the slide being movable while carrying the liquid ejection head; the detection unit being arranged on the slide and being movable to a position for detecting the cover at the closed position or the open position as the slide moves.

[0080] According to this structure, the carriage movably carries the liquid ejection head and the detection unit. Therefore, by moving the carriage, the liquid ejection head can be moved to a position where liquid can be ejected to the liquid receiving unit, and the detection unit can be moved to a position where the cap can be detected.

[0081] (C) The liquid ejection device may also be provided with a frame body for accommodating the liquid ejection head and the liquid receiving portion, wherein the detection portion is disposed in the frame body and is disposed at a position capable of detecting the cover being located in the closed position or the open position. According to this structure, the detection portion is disposed at a position capable of detecting the cover being located in the closed position or the open position. Therefore, the cover can be detected at all times.

[0082] (D) The liquid ejection device may also be provided with a cover which can contact with the liquid ejection head to form a closed space of the nozzle opening; and a control unit which controls the operation of the liquid ejection head, wherein the control unit ejects the liquid for the empty ejection toward the liquid receiving unit when it is determined based on the detection result of the detection unit that the opening of the liquid receiving unit is open, and ejects the liquid for the empty ejection toward the cover when it is determined that the opening is not open.

[0083] According to this structure, the liquid ejection device is provided with a cover. By forming a closed space when the nozzle is in an open state, the cover can suppress the evaporation of liquid from the nozzle. When the control unit determines that the opening of the liquid receiving portion is not open, the liquid ejection head performs an empty ejection toward the cover. That is, even when the liquid cannot be ejected toward the liquid receiving portion, the liquid ejection head can also perform an empty ejection. Therefore, the state of the nozzle can be maintained in an appropriate state.

[0084] (E) The liquid ejection device may also be configured as follows, that is, further comprising: a medium supporting portion for supporting the medium; and a control portion for controlling the operation of the liquid ejection head, wherein the control portion ejects the liquid in the empty ejection toward the liquid receiving portion when it is determined based on the detection result of the detection portion that the opening of the liquid receiving portion is open, and ejects the liquid in the empty ejection toward the medium supporting portion when it is determined that the opening is not open.

[0085] According to this structure, when the control unit determines that the opening of the liquid receiving portion is not open, the liquid is ejected to the medium supporting portion by empty ejection. That is, even if the liquid cannot be ejected in the liquid receiving portion, the liquid ejection head can also perform empty ejection. Therefore, the state of the nozzle can be maintained in an appropriate state.

[0086] (F) The liquid ejection device may further include a notification unit for providing notification when it is determined that the opening is not open.

[0087] According to this configuration, the liquid ejection device includes the notification unit for notifying when it is determined that the opening of the liquid receiving unit is not opened. Therefore, the user can understand the state of the liquid receiving unit.

[0088] (G) A control method for a liquid ejection device is a control method for a liquid ejection device having the following components, namely, the liquid ejection device comprises: a liquid ejection head for printing by ejecting liquid from a nozzle to a medium; a liquid receiving portion for receiving the liquid ejected by dry ejection through an opening, wherein the dry ejection is the ejection of liquid unrelated to the printing from the liquid ejection head; a cover that can be moved to a closed position and an open position, wherein the closed position is a position where the cover covers the opening of the liquid receiving portion, and the open position is a position where the cover opens the opening; and a detection portion for detecting the cover at the closed position or the open position, wherein the control method for the liquid ejection device detects that the cover has moved to the open position through the detection portion after instructing the cover to move to the open position. According to this method, the same effect as the liquid ejection device can be achieved.

[0089] (H) The method for controlling a liquid ejection device may be configured such that, after the movement of the cap to the closed position is instructed, the detection unit detects that the cap has moved to the closed position.

[0090] According to this method, the same effect as that of the liquid ejecting device can be achieved.

Claims

1. A liquid ejection device, characterized in that: have: A liquid ejection head that prints by ejecting liquid from a nozzle onto a medium; a carriage capable of moving while carrying the liquid ejection head; a liquid receiving portion for receiving, through an opening, the liquid ejected by dry ejection, wherein the dry ejection is the ejection of liquid unrelated to the printing from the liquid ejection head; a cover movable to a closed position and an open position, wherein the closed position is a position where the cover covers the opening of the liquid receiving portion, and the open position is a position where the cover opens the opening; as well as a detection unit for detecting the cover at the closed position or the open position, The detection unit is provided on the carriage, and is movable to a position for detecting the cover located at the closed position or the open position along with the movement of the carriage.

2. The liquid ejection device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The liquid ejection device further comprises: a cover capable of contacting the liquid ejection head to form a closed space when the nozzle is in an open state; and A control unit controls the operation of the liquid ejection head. When the control unit determines that the opening of the liquid receiving unit is open based on the detection result of the detection unit, the control unit sprays the liquid for the empty spray toward the liquid receiving unit, and when the control unit determines that the opening is not open, the control unit sprays the liquid for the empty spray toward the cover.

3. The liquid ejection device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The liquid ejection device further comprises: a medium support portion that supports the medium; and A control unit controls the operation of the liquid ejection head. When the control unit determines that the opening of the liquid receiving unit is open based on the detection result of the detection unit, the control unit ejects the liquid for the empty ejection toward the liquid receiving unit, and when the control unit determines that the opening is not open, the control unit ejects the liquid for the empty ejection toward the medium supporting unit.

4. The liquid ejection device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The liquid ejection device further includes a notification unit configured to make a notification when determining that the opening is not open.

5. A method for controlling a liquid ejection device, characterized in that: The liquid ejection device comprises: A liquid ejection head that prints by ejecting liquid from a nozzle onto a medium; a carriage capable of moving while carrying the liquid ejection head; a liquid receiving portion for receiving, through an opening, the liquid ejected by dry ejection, wherein the dry ejection is the ejection of liquid unrelated to the printing from the liquid ejection head; a cover movable to a closed position and an open position, wherein the closed position is a position where the cover covers the opening of the liquid receiving portion, and the open position is a position where the cover opens the opening; and a detection unit for detecting the cover at the closed position or the open position, The control method of the liquid ejection device includes, after instructing the cover to move to the open position, detecting, by the detection unit, that the cover has moved to the open position. The detection unit is provided on the carriage, and is movable to a position for detecting the cover located at the closed position or the open position along with the movement of the carriage.

6. The control method of the liquid ejection device according to claim 5, characterized in that: After the movement of the cover to the closed position is instructed, the detection unit detects that the cover has moved to the closed position.

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