Maintenance unit and liquid ejecting apparatus

Abstract

The invention provides a maintenance unit and a liquid ejecting apparatus which can make a wiping part in a uniformly wet state with a small amount of second liquid. The maintenance unit is provided with: a wiping section (55) capable of wiping a nozzle formation surface (25) of a liquid ejection section (22) on which a nozzle for ejecting a first liquid is formed; and a mixed fluid ejection unit that wets the wiping unit (55) by ejecting a mixed fluid of a gas and a second liquid from the ejection port (93).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a maintenance unit and a liquid ejecting device. Background Art

[0002] For example, as described in Patent Document 1, there is an inkjet recording device as an example of a liquid ejection device. The inkjet recording device includes a nozzle head as an example of a liquid ejection unit, a wiping mechanism, and a supply mechanism. The nozzle head ejects a liquid as an example of a first liquid from nozzles arranged on a nozzle surface as an example of a nozzle formation surface to perform printing. The wiping mechanism wipes the nozzle surface with a wiping sheet. The supply mechanism supplies a cleaning liquid as an example of a second liquid to the wiping sheet from a supply pipe having holes therein.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-30347.

[0006] The supply mechanism of Patent Document 1 rotates the supply pipe with the hole facing downward to supply the cleaning liquid to the wiping sheet. When the cleaning liquid is dripped from the hole to the wiping sheet, a large amount of cleaning liquid is required to make the entire wiping sheet uniformly wet. Summary of the Invention

[0007] A maintenance unit for solving the above-mentioned problem includes: a wiping portion capable of wiping a nozzle forming surface of a liquid ejecting portion where nozzles for ejecting a first liquid are formed; and a mixed fluid ejecting portion for ejecting a mixed fluid of gas and a second liquid from an ejection port to wet the wiping portion.

[0008] A liquid ejection device that solves the above-mentioned problem includes: a liquid ejection portion having a nozzle forming surface on which nozzles for ejecting a first liquid are formed; and a maintenance unit having the above-mentioned structure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of a first embodiment of the liquid ejecting device.

[0010] Figure 2 It is a perspective view of the wiping device.

[0011] Figure 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a fluid ejection head and a wiping device.

[0012] Figure 4 It is a three-dimensional diagram of the pressing part.

[0013] Figure 5 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the wiping device with the wiping portion in the wiping position.

[0014] Figure 6 This is a side view of the maintenance unit.

[0015] Figure 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a fluid ejection head and a wiping device.

[0016] Figure 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of a fluid ejection head and a wiping device.

[0017] Explanation of symbols

[0018] 11. Liquid ejection device; 12. Control unit; 13. Medium transport unit; 14. Printing unit; 15. Maintenance unit; 17. Medium; 18. Medium support unit; 19. Transport roller; 21. First carriage; 22. Liquid ejection unit; 23. Pressurizing unit; 25. Nozzle forming surface; 26. Nozzle; 28. Moisturizing unit; 29. ​​Cleaning unit; 30. Maintenance unit; 31. Liquid receiving unit; 33. Moisturizing cover; 35. Suction cover; 37. Wiping device; 38, mixed fluid spraying unit; 40, unwinding unit; 41, rewinding unit; 42, absorbing member; 43, guide roller; 44, first moving mechanism; 47, braking unit; 48, unwinding shaft; 50, first driving source; 51, rewinding shaft; 53, contact surface; 54, back surface; 55, wiping unit; 56, flat portion; 58, lifting unit; 59, holding frame; 60, storage frame; 61, pressing unit; 63, holding member; 64. Cover member; 65. Mounting member; 66. Roller; 67. Elastic member; 69. Through-hole; 71. Cylindrical portion; 72. Shaft portion; 74. Guide frame; 75. Guide rail; 76. Second carriage; 77. Fluid ejection head; 78. Second moving mechanism; 79. Third moving mechanism; 81. Sub-tank; 82. Upstream supply path; 83. Downstream supply path; 84. Inlet; 85. Gas supply path; 87. Second drive source ;88, power transmission part;89, driving pulley;90, driven pulley;91, synchronous belt;93, injection port;93f, first injection port;93s, second injection port;95, main tank;97, outlet part;99, switching part;Dc, conveying direction;P1, first position;P2, second position;Ps, separation position;Pw, wiping position;X1, scanning direction;X2, wiping direction;Y, width direction;Z, vertical direction. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] First embodiment

[0020] A first embodiment of a maintenance unit and a liquid ejecting device is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The liquid ejecting device is, for example, an inkjet printer that prints images such as text and photos by ejecting ink, an example of a first liquid, onto a medium such as paper or cloth.

[0021] In the accompanying drawings, the liquid ejection device 11 is assumed to be placed on a horizontal plane, with the Z axis representing the direction of gravity and the X and Y axes representing the direction along the horizontal plane. The X, Y, and Z axes are mutually orthogonal. In the following description, the direction parallel to the X axis is also referred to as the scanning direction X1 and the wiping direction X2, the direction parallel to the Y axis is also referred to as the width direction Y, and the direction parallel to the Z axis is also referred to as the vertical direction Z. The wiping direction X2 is the opposite direction to the scanning direction X1.

[0022] Liquid spraying device

[0023] like Figure 1 As shown, the liquid ejecting device 11 may include a control unit 12 , a medium transport unit 13 , a printing unit 14 , and a maintenance unit 15 .

[0024] The control unit 12 comprehensively controls the driving of each mechanism in the liquid ejection device 11 and controls various operations performed by the liquid ejection device 11 .

[0025] The control unit 12 can be configured as a circuit comprising the following components: α: one or more processors that execute various processes according to a computer program; β: one or more dedicated hardware circuits that execute at least some of the various processes; or γ: a combination thereof. Hardware circuits are, for example, application-specific integrated circuits. The processor includes a CPU and memory such as RAM and ROM, which stores program code or instructions for the CPU to execute processes. Memory, or computer-readable media, includes any computer-readable medium that can be accessed by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer.

[0026] Media conveying unit

[0027] The medium transport unit 13 is configured to transport the medium 17 . The medium transport unit 13 may include a medium support unit 18 and transport rollers 19 .

[0028] The medium supporting portion 18 supports the medium 17. For example, the medium supporting portion 18 supports the medium 17 from below. The medium supporting portion 18 supports the medium 17 being conveyed.

[0029] The medium transport unit 13 may include a plurality of transport rollers 19. The transport rollers 19 transport the medium 17 by rotating.

[0030] The medium conveying unit 13 intermittently conveys the medium 17, for example. Specifically, the medium conveying unit 13 stops conveying the medium 17 while the printing unit 14 is printing on the medium 17. After printing on the medium 17, the medium conveying unit 13 resumes conveying the medium 17. The medium conveying unit 13 is not limited to conveying long sheets of medium 17; it can also convey single sheets of medium 17.

[0031] Printing Department

[0032] The printing unit 14 is configured to print on a medium 17. The printing unit 14 prints on a region of the medium 17 supported by the medium support 18. The printing unit 14 may include a first carriage 21, a liquid ejecting unit 22, and a pressurizing unit 23.

[0033] The first carriage 21 is configured to reciprocate in the scanning direction X1 and the wiping direction X2. The first carriage 21 reciprocates in the scanning direction X1 and the wiping direction X2 to pass through a position facing the medium 17. The first carriage 21 passes above the medium support portion 18, for example.

[0034] In the liquid ejection device 11 of this embodiment, the direction in which the first carriage 21 moves coincides with the direction in which the medium 17 moves on the medium support 18. Therefore, the liquid ejection device 11 is a landscape printer. The liquid ejection device 11 may also be a serial printer that transports the medium 17 in a direction different from the scanning direction X1.

[0035] The printing unit 14 may also include multiple liquid ejecting units 22. The printing unit 14 of this embodiment includes five liquid ejecting units 22. The multiple liquid ejecting units 22 may also be arranged side by side in the scanning direction X1. The multiple liquid ejecting units 22 each have the same structure. Therefore, the following description will focus on one liquid ejecting unit 22.

[0036] The liquid ejection unit 22 is configured to eject a first liquid. The liquid ejection unit 22 of this embodiment ejects the first liquid along the vertical direction Z. The liquid ejection unit 22 has a nozzle forming surface 25. Nozzles 26 are formed on the nozzle forming surface 25. The nozzle forming surface 25 is a surface on which one or more nozzles 26 are opened. The liquid ejection unit 22 ejects the first liquid from the nozzle 26. The liquid ejection unit 22 is mounted on the first slide 21. The liquid ejection unit 22 prints an image on the medium 17 by ejecting the first liquid onto the medium 17. The plurality of liquid ejection units 22 may eject the same type of first liquid respectively, or may eject different types of first liquids respectively. For example, four liquid ejection units 22 may eject inks of different colors respectively, and one liquid ejection unit 22 may eject a reaction liquid that causes the ink to condense.

[0037] The liquid ejection unit 22 is, for example, a line head capable of simultaneously ejecting the first liquid onto the medium 17 across the entire width direction Y. The liquid ejection unit 22 is movable in the scanning direction X1. The liquid ejection unit 22 is movable in the wiping direction X2. The liquid ejection unit 22 reciprocates in the scanning direction X1 and the wiping direction X2 together with the first carriage 21. The liquid ejection unit 22 is capable of ejecting the first liquid across the entire area of ​​the medium 17 supported by the medium support 18.

[0038] The pressurizing unit 23 is connected to the liquid ejecting unit 22. The pressurizing unit 23 pressurizes the inside of the plurality of liquid ejecting units 22. The printing unit 14 may include a plurality of pressurizing units 23. For example, the printing unit 14 may include a pressurizing unit 23 for each liquid ejecting unit 22.

[0039] The pressurizing unit 23 is, for example, a pump. The pressurizing unit 23 pressurizes the liquid ejection unit 22 to discharge the first liquid from the liquid ejection unit 22. Specifically, the pressurizing unit 23 pressurizes the liquid ejection unit 22 to discharge the first liquid from the nozzle 26. Pressurizing and discharging the first liquid is also referred to as pressure cleaning. Pressure cleaning is a maintenance procedure that forcibly discharges the first liquid from the nozzle 26, thereby discharging bubbles, foreign matter, and the like along with the first liquid from the liquid ejection unit 22.

[0040] maintain

[0041] The maintenance unit 15 is configured to perform maintenance on the liquid ejection unit 22. The maintenance unit 15 may include a moisturizing unit 28, a cleaning unit 29, a maintenance unit 30, and a liquid storage unit 31. The moisturizing unit 28, the cleaning unit 29, the maintenance unit 30, the liquid storage unit 31, and the medium support unit 18 may be arranged in parallel in this order in the scanning direction X1.

[0042] The moisturizing part 28 may also include more than one moisturizing cover 33. The moisturizing part 28 may also include the same number of moisturizing covers 33 as the liquid ejection part 22. The moisturizing cover 33 forms a space communicating with the nozzle 26 by contacting the liquid ejection part 22. The moisturizing cover 33 is located opposite to the liquid ejection part 22. Figure 1 The liquid ejection portion 22 at the initial position indicated by the two-dot chain line is capped. The moisturizing cap 33 caps the liquid ejection portion 22 to moisturize the nozzle 26.

[0043] The cleaning unit 29 sucks the first liquid from the liquid ejection unit 22 to clean the liquid ejection unit 22. The cleaning unit 29 may include one or more suction caps 35. The cleaning unit 29 may clean multiple liquid ejection units 22 individually. The cleaning unit 29 may also clean multiple liquid ejection units 22 collectively.

[0044] The suction cap 35 contacts the liquid ejection portion 22, forming a space communicating with the nozzle 26. The suction cap 35 seals the liquid ejection portion 22. The cleaning portion 29 performs suction cleaning by applying suction to the interior of the suction cap 35 to create a negative pressure. By performing suction cleaning on the liquid ejection portion 22, which is not filled with the first liquid, the liquid ejection portion 22 can be filled with the first liquid. By performing suction cleaning on the liquid ejection portion 22, which is filled with the first liquid, bubbles, foreign matter, and the like within the liquid ejection portion 22 can be discharged. The suction cap 35 receives the first liquid discharged during the suction cleaning.

[0045] The liquid receiving portion 31 is configured to receive the first liquid discharged from the nozzle 26. The liquid receiving portion 31 can also receive the first liquid discharged from the liquid ejection portion 22 by the pressurization of the pressurizing portion 23. That is, the liquid receiving portion 31 can also receive the first liquid discharged in conjunction with pressurized cleaning. The liquid receiving portion 31 can also receive the first liquid that is air-ejected. Air-ejection is the action of ejecting the first liquid from the nozzle 26 in order to suppress clogging of the nozzle 26. Air-ejection is also called flushing. Through air-ejection, for example, the first liquid after viscosity increase is ejected from the nozzle 26. The liquid receiving portion 31 receives the first liquid discharged from the liquid ejection portion 22 opposite to itself.

[0046] Maintenance unit

[0047] like Figure 1 As shown, the maintenance unit 30 may include a wiping device 37 and a mixed fluid ejection unit 38 .

[0048] like Figure 2 As shown, the wiping device 37 may include a feeding portion 40, a winding portion 41, an absorbing member 42, a guide roller 43, and a first moving mechanism 44. The wiping device 37 may include a plurality of guide rollers 43.

[0049] The unwinding unit 40 may include a brake 47 and a unwinding shaft 48. The brake 47 restricts the rotation of the unwinding shaft 48. The brake 47 applies a load to the rotating unwinding shaft 48. The unwinding shaft 48 supports the unused absorbent member 42 wound into a roll. The unwinding shaft 48 unwinds the unused absorbent member 42 by rotating.

[0050] The reel 41 can reel in the absorbent member 42. The reel 41 may include a first drive source 50 and a reel shaft 51. The first drive source 50 is, for example, an electric motor. The first drive source 50 rotates the reel shaft 51. The reel shaft 51 reels the used absorbent member 42 into a roll and supports it.

[0051] like Figure 3 As shown, the absorbent member 42 is in the form of a belt. The absorbent member 42 is wound around a plurality of guide rollers 43. The guide rollers 43 extend, for example, in the width direction Y. The absorbent member 42, unwound from the unwinding section 40, is conveyed to the rewinding section 41 via the guide rollers 43. The absorbent member 42 is conveyed in a conveying direction Dc from the unwinding section 40 toward the rewinding section 41. The conveying direction Dc is the direction along the path along which the absorbent member 42 is conveyed.

[0052] The absorbing member 42 can absorb liquid. The absorbing member 42 is, for example, cloth. The length of the absorbing member 42 in the width direction Y may be longer than the length of the nozzle forming surface 25 in the width direction Y.

[0053] The absorbing member 42 has a contact surface 53 and a back surface 54. The contact surface 53 is a surface in contact with the nozzle forming surface 25. The back surface 54 is a surface opposite to the contact surface 53. The absorbing member 42 has a wiping portion 55. That is, the wiping portion 55 is formed by the absorbing member 42. The absorbing member 42 may also have a flat portion 56. The flat portion 56 may also be located downstream of the wiping portion 55 in the conveying direction Dc. The flat portion 56 may also be arranged between the wiping portion 55 and the liquid receiving portion 31 in the scanning direction X1. The wiping portion 55 may also be arranged between the cleaning portion 29 and the flat portion 56 in the scanning direction X1. The liquid receiving portion 31 may also be arranged on the downstream side of the wiping portion 55 in the scanning direction X1.

[0054] like Figure 3 As shown, when the absorbing member 42 is at the separated position Ps, the wiping portion 55 and the flat portion 56 are located below the nozzle forming surface 25. The separated position Ps is the position where the absorbing member 42 is separated from the nozzle forming surface 25. The wiping portion 55 and the flat portion 56 at the separated position Ps do not interfere with the liquid ejecting portion 22 reciprocating in the scanning direction X1.

[0055] The first moving mechanism 44 may include a lifting portion 58 , a holding frame 59 , a storage frame 60 , and a pressing portion 61 .

[0056] The holder 59 holds the storage frame 60 in a detachable manner. The storage frame 60 rotatably supports the unwinding shaft 48 and the rewinding shaft 51. The user can replace the absorbing member 42 by removing the storage frame 60 from the holder 59 and then removing the unwinding shaft 48 and the rewinding shaft 51 from the storage frame 60.

[0057] The lifting unit 58 is, for example, an air cylinder. The lifting unit 58 reciprocates the holder 59 in the vertical direction Z. The lifting unit 58 moves the holder 59 and the storage frame 60 supported by the holder 59. In other words, the first moving mechanism 44 reciprocates the entire absorbing member 42 in the vertical direction Z.

[0058] The pressing portion 61 is configured to press the wiping portion 55 against the nozzle forming surface 25. The absorbing member 42 is hung around the pressing portion 61. The pressing portion 61 includes a holding member 63, a cover member 64, a mounting member 65, a roller 66, and an elastic member 67. The pressing portion 61 may include a plurality of mounting members 65, rollers 66, and elastic members 67. The holding member 63 and the cover member 64 define a space for accommodating the mounting member 65, rollers 66, and elastic member 67.

[0059] like Figure 3 、 Figure 4 As shown, the cover member 64 has the same number of through-holes 69 as the number of rollers 66 . Parts of the rollers 66 protrude from the corresponding through-holes 69 .

[0060] like Figure 3 As shown, roller 66 is attached to mounting member 65. Roller 66 contacts rear surface 54 of absorbing member 42. Mounting member 65 rotatably holds roller 66. Roller 66 can also rotate following the transported absorbing member 42. Elastic member 67 presses mounting member 65. Elastic member 67 pushes absorbing member 42 upward via mounting member 65 and roller 66. Elastic member 67 is, for example, a spring.

[0061] The roller 66 includes a cylindrical portion 71 and a shaft portion 72. The cylindrical portion 71 is the portion around which the absorbing member 42 is suspended. The shaft portion 72 is inserted into the cylindrical portion 71. The shaft portion 72 is mounted on the mounting member 65. The shaft portion 72 extends, for example, in the width direction Y. The cylindrical portion 71 of the roller 66 that contacts the wiping portion 55 may also be elastic. The cylindrical portion 71 may also be made of a member such as sponge or rubber. In this case, the absorbing member 42 is more easily in close contact with the nozzle forming surface 25.

[0062] The multiple shaft portions 72 are attached to different mounting members 65. Therefore, the multiple shaft portions 72 can be tilted at different angles. Therefore, when wiping the nozzle-forming surface 25, the multiple cylindrical portions 71 can be tilted to match the nozzle-forming surface 25. This facilitates close contact between the absorbing member 42 and the nozzle-forming surface 25.

[0063] like Figure 5 As shown, the first moving mechanism 44 can move the absorbing member 42 to the wiping position Pw. The first moving mechanism 44 moves the wiping portion 55 to the wiping position Pw. Figure 3 The separation position Ps shown and Figure 5 The wiping position Pw is shown. When the absorbing member 42 is at the wiping position Pw, the wiping portion 55 is located above the nozzle forming surface 25. The wiping position Pw is a position where the wiping portion 55 can contact the nozzle forming surface 25. When the absorbing member 42 is at the wiping position Pw, the flat portion 56 is located below the nozzle forming surface 25. The wiping position Pw is a position where the flat portion 56 is separated from the nozzle forming surface 25. The wiping portion 55 at the wiping position Pw interferes with the liquid ejecting portion 22 reciprocating in the scanning direction X1.

[0064] The wiping device 37 can wipe the nozzle forming surface 25. The wiping portion 55 can wipe the nozzle forming surface 25 by moving relative to the liquid ejecting portion 22. For example, the nozzle forming surface 25 can be wiped by moving the liquid ejecting portion 22 in the wiping direction X2 relative to the wiping portion 55, which is stopped at the wiping position Pw. The wiping portion 55 removes the first liquid and the like adhering to the nozzle forming surface 25. Wiping the nozzle forming surface 25 by the wiping device 37 is also referred to as wiping.

[0065] Mixed fluid injection unit

[0066] like Figure 6 As shown, the mixed fluid ejection unit 38 may be arranged upstream in the scanning direction X1 relative to the wiping device 37. In the scanning direction X1, the mixed fluid ejection unit 38 is arranged between the cleaning unit 29 and the wiping unit 55. The mixed fluid ejection unit 38 and the wiping unit 55 may also be arranged side by side in the scanning direction X1.

[0067] The fluid mixture ejection unit 38 may also include a guide frame 74, a guide rail 75, a second carriage 76, a fluid ejection head 77, a second moving mechanism 78, and a third moving mechanism 79. The fluid mixture ejection unit 38 may also include a sub-tank 81, an upstream supply path 82, a downstream supply path 83, an introduction portion 84, and a gas supply path 85.

[0068] The guide frame 74 supports the guide rail 75 and the second moving mechanism 78 .

[0069] The guide rail 75 extends in the width direction Y. The guide rail 75 guides the second carriage 76 in the width direction Y.

[0070] The second carriage 76 is supported by the guide rail 75 . The second carriage 76 is provided so as to be reciprocatingly movable in the width direction Y along the guide rail 75 .

[0071] The second moving mechanism 78 may include a second driving source 87 , a power transmission unit 88 , a driving pulley 89 , a driven pulley 90 , and a timing belt 91 .

[0072] The second drive source 87 is, for example, an electric motor. The power transmission unit 88 includes, for example, a plurality of gears. The power transmission unit 88 transmits the driving force of the second drive source 87 to the drive pulley 89. That is, the second drive source 87 rotates the drive pulley 89.

[0073] The driving pulley 89 is rotatably supported by the guide frame 74. The driven pulley 90 is rotatably supported by the guide frame 74. The axes of the driving pulley 89 and the driven pulley 90 are parallel to each other.

[0074] The timing belt 91 is an endless belt and is stretched between the drive pulley 89 and the driven pulley 90 . A portion of the timing belt 91 is fixed to the second carriage 76 .

[0075] The second moving mechanism 78 transmits the driving force of the second driving source 87 to the second carriage 76 via the timing belt 91. The second moving mechanism 78 reciprocates the second carriage 76 in the width direction Y.

[0076] The fluid injection head 77 has an injection port 93. The injection port 93 is capable of injecting a mixed fluid of a gas and a second liquid. The gas in this embodiment is compressed air. The fluid injection head 77 is mounted on the second carriage 76. The fluid injection head 77 moves back and forth in the width direction Y as the second carriage 76 moves. That is, the injection port 93 is capable of moving in the width direction Y. The moving range of the injection port 93 in the width direction Y may also be larger than the width of the nozzle forming surface 25. The moving range of the injection port 93 in the width direction Y may also be larger than the width of the absorption component 42. The fluid injection head 77 wets the absorption component 42 in the entire width direction Y by injecting the mixed fluid while moving in the width direction Y.

[0077] The third moving mechanism 79 moves the fluid ejection head 77. The third moving mechanism 79 can also rotate the fluid ejection head 77 around an axis (not shown) extending in the width direction Y. The third moving mechanism 79 moves the ejection port 93. The ejection port 93 of this embodiment can be Figure 3 The first position P1 shown is Figure 7 The second position P2 is shown.

[0078] like Figure 3 As shown, the first position P1 is where the wiping portion 55 is wetted. Specifically, the ejection port 93 at the first position P1 ejects the fluid mixture toward the absorbent member 42 between the take-up portion 41 and the wiping portion 55. The ejection port 93 at the first position P1 ejects the fluid mixture toward the upstream side of the wiping portion 55 in the conveying direction Dc. The fluid ejection head 77 can eject the fluid mixture in the scanning direction X1 or in a direction oblique to the scanning direction X1. The fluid mixture ejection unit 38 can eject the fluid mixture in a direction having a component directed in the scanning direction X1.

[0079] The portion of the absorbing member 42 upstream of the wiping portion 55 in the conveying direction Dc is wetted by the fluid mixture. As the absorbing member 42 is wound around the take-up portion 41, the wetted portion moves in the conveying direction Dc. Specifically, the portion sprayed with the fluid mixture moves to a position in contact with the pressing portion 61, becoming the wiping portion 55.

[0080] like Figure 7 As shown, the second position P2 is a position for injecting the mixed fluid toward the nozzle forming surface 25. The injection port 93 at the second position P2 can face the nozzle forming surface 25. For example, the injection port 93 at the second position P2 can inject the mixed fluid toward the nozzle forming surface 25 located directly above.

[0081] like Figure 6As shown, the main tank 95 may be included in the liquid ejection device 11 or may be provided separately from the liquid ejection device 11. The main tank 95 contains the second liquid. The upstream supply path 82 connects the main tank 95 to the sub-tank 81. The upstream supply path 82 supplies the second liquid from the main tank 95 to the sub-tank 81. The sub-tank 81 can store the second liquid supplied from the main tank 95.

[0082] The downstream supply path 83 connects the sub-tank 81 and the fluid ejecting head 77. The downstream supply path 83 supplies the second liquid from the sub-tank 81 to the fluid ejecting head 77. The downstream supply path 83 is, for example, a tube and is deformable as the fluid ejecting head 77 moves.

[0083] The inlet portion 84 can be connected to a discharge portion 97. The discharge portion 97 may be provided in the liquid ejecting device 11 or may be provided separately from the liquid ejecting device 11. The discharge portion 97 can discharge compressed air as gas.

[0084] The gas supply path 85 connects the fluid ejecting head 77 and the introduction portion 84. The gas supply path 85 supplies compressed air introduced from the introduction portion 84 to the fluid ejecting head 77. The gas supply path 85 is, for example, a tube and is deformable as the fluid ejecting head 77 moves.

[0085] Pressure cleaning

[0086] The control unit 12 performs pressure cleaning, for example, when a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of printing or when a predetermined time has elapsed since the last maintenance. The control unit 12 may also perform pressure cleaning on multiple liquid ejection units 22 simultaneously or individually. The following describes maintenance in which pressure cleaning is performed on a single liquid ejection unit 22.

[0087] like Figure 7 As shown, when maintenance is performed, first, the control unit 12 moves the liquid ejection unit 22 so that the nozzle forming surface 25 faces the fluid ejection head 77. At this time, the absorbing member 42 is located at the separated position Ps.

[0088] The control unit 12 drives the third moving mechanism 79 to position the ejection port 93 at the second position P2. The control unit 12 may move the liquid ejection unit 22 and the fluid ejection head 77 simultaneously.

[0089] The control unit 12 drives the second moving mechanism 78 to move the fluid ejection head 77 in the width direction Y. The control unit 12 can also reciprocate the fluid ejection head 77. The control unit 12 causes the mixed fluid to be ejected from the moving ejection port 93 toward the nozzle forming surface 25. The mixed fluid is ejected onto the nozzle forming surface 25. The second liquid adheres to the nozzle forming surface 25. The mixed fluid is ejected onto the liquid in the nozzle 26. The mixed fluid is ejected onto the liquid that has increased in viscosity in the nozzle 26. The mixed fluid destroys the increased viscosity of the liquid in the nozzle 26.

[0090] Next, the control unit 12 moves the liquid ejection unit 22 so that the nozzle forming surface 25 faces the liquid receiving portion 31. The control unit 12 causes the pressurizing unit 23 to discharge the liquid from the liquid ejection unit 22. In other words, the control unit 12 performs pressurized cleaning. Since the liquid in the nozzle 26 is in a thickened state and is destroyed by the mixed fluid, the liquid is easily discharged during pressurized cleaning. The liquid discharged from the liquid ejection unit 22 is received by the liquid receiving portion 31. Next, the control unit 12 moves the liquid ejection unit 22 so that the nozzle forming surface 25 faces the wiping portion 55.

[0091] With the wiping portion 55 facing the nozzle forming surface 25, the control unit 12 drives the first moving mechanism 44 to move the wiping portion 55 to the wiping position Pw. The control unit 12 uses the first moving mechanism 44 to move the wiping portion 55 to a position where it can contact the nozzle forming surface 25. The control unit 12 uses the first moving mechanism 44 to bring the wiping portion 55 into contact with the nozzle forming surface 25.

[0092] After moving the wiping unit 55 to the wiping position Pw, the control unit 12 returns the wiping unit 55 to the separated position Ps. Specifically, after temporarily bringing the wiping unit 55 into contact with the nozzle forming surface 25, the control unit 12 separates the wiping unit 55 from the nozzle forming surface 25 via the first moving mechanism 44. The wiping unit 55 in contact with the nozzle forming surface 25 absorbs the first liquid adhering to the nozzle forming surface 25 as pressure cleaning is performed.

[0093] like Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 1 , the control unit 12 moves the liquid ejecting unit 22 in the scanning direction X1 . The control unit 12 moves the liquid ejecting unit 22 to a position where the liquid ejecting unit 22 does not face the wiping unit 55 .

[0094] The control unit 12 drives the third moving mechanism 79 to position the ejection port 93 at the first position P1. The control unit 12 drives the second moving mechanism 78 to move the fluid ejection head 77 in the width direction Y. The control unit 12 can reciprocate the fluid ejection head 77. The control unit 12 ejects the mixed fluid from the ejection port 93 moving in the width direction Y toward the absorbent member 42. The control unit 12 wets the absorbent member 42 with the second liquid.

[0095] The control unit 12 drives the winding unit 41 while the absorbing member 42 is separated from the nozzle forming surface 25. The control unit 12 drives the winding unit 41 to wind up the absorbing member 42. By winding up the absorbing member 42, the portion located on the wiping portion 55 and having absorbed the first liquid is moved away from the wiping portion 55, while the portion wetted by the second liquid is located on the wiping portion 55.

[0096] like Figure 5 As shown, the control unit 12 drives the first moving mechanism 44 to move the wiping unit 55 to the wiping position Pw. The control unit 12 moves the wiping unit 55 to a position where it can contact the nozzle forming surface 25 through the first moving mechanism 44.

[0097] The control unit 12 moves the liquid ejecting unit 22 in the wiping direction X2. The control unit 12 moves the liquid ejecting unit 22 so that it passes the wiping unit 55. The control unit 12 wipes the nozzle forming surface 25 with the wiping unit 55. After wiping the nozzle forming surface 25, the control unit 12 moves the wiping unit 55 to the separated position Ps.

[0098] The control unit 12 moves the liquid ejecting unit 22 so that the nozzle forming surface 25 faces the liquid receiving portion 31. The control unit 12 ejects liquid from the liquid ejecting unit 22 toward the liquid receiving portion 31. Specifically, after the control unit 12 wipes the nozzle forming surface 25 with the wiping unit 55, the liquid is ejected from the liquid ejecting unit 22 toward the liquid receiving portion 31. This completes the maintenance of one liquid ejecting unit 22. The control unit 12 sequentially maintains multiple liquid ejecting units 22.

[0099] Attract Clean

[0100] The control unit 12 can perform suction cleaning instead of the aforementioned maintenance pressure cleaning. For example, the control unit 12 can also perform suction cleaning if a nozzle 26 clogs during pressure cleaning and has not recovered. The control unit 12 can perform suction cleaning on multiple liquid ejection units 22 simultaneously or individually. The following describes maintenance procedures for performing suction cleaning on a single liquid ejection unit 22.

[0101] like Figure 7 As shown, the control unit 12 sprays the mixed fluid toward the nozzle forming surface 25 in the same manner as in the case of pressure cleaning. The mixed fluid is sprayed onto the liquid in the nozzle 26. The mixed fluid is sprayed onto the liquid that has increased in viscosity in the nozzle 26. The mixed fluid destroys the increased viscosity of the liquid in the nozzle 26.

[0102] The control unit 12 moves the liquid ejection unit 22 so that the nozzle forming surface 25 is opposite to the cleaning unit 29. The control unit 12 performs suction cleaning of the liquid ejection unit 22 through the cleaning unit 29. That is, the control unit 12 causes the suction cap 35 to seal the liquid ejection unit 22. The control unit 12 creates a negative pressure inside the suction cap 35 to discharge the liquid from the nozzle 26. The liquid in the nozzle 26 is easily discharged during suction cleaning because the viscosity of the liquid is destroyed by the mixed fluid. As a result, the liquid is discharged from the nozzle 26. When the suction cleaning is completed, the control unit 12 releases the cap.

[0103] Next, the control unit 12 sequentially executes the following operations, similar to the case of pressure cleaning: temporarily bringing the wiper 55 into contact with the nozzle forming surface 25 ; wiping the nozzle forming surface 25 with the wetted wiper 55 ; and causing the liquid ejection unit 22 to eject air.

[0104] Specifically, the control unit 12 moves the liquid ejection unit 22 so that the nozzle forming surface 25 and the wiping unit 55 face each other.

[0105] With the wiping portion 55 facing the nozzle forming surface 25 , the control unit 12 drives the first moving mechanism 44 to move the wiping portion 55 to the wiping position Pw. The control unit 12 causes the first moving mechanism 44 to bring the wiping portion 55 into contact with the nozzle forming surface 25 .

[0106] After moving the wiping unit 55 to the wiping position Pw, the control unit 12 returns the wiping unit 55 to the separated position Ps. Specifically, after temporarily bringing the wiping unit 55 into contact with the nozzle forming surface 25, the control unit 12 separates the wiping unit 55 from the nozzle forming surface 25 via the first moving mechanism 44. The wiping unit 55 in contact with the nozzle forming surface 25 absorbs the first liquid that adheres to the nozzle forming surface 25 during suction cleaning.

[0107] like Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 1 , the control unit 12 moves the liquid ejecting unit 22 in the scanning direction X1 . The control unit 12 moves the liquid ejecting unit 22 to a position where the liquid ejecting unit 22 does not face the wiping unit 55 .

[0108] The control unit 12 drives the third moving mechanism 79 to position the ejection port 93 at the first position P1. The control unit 12 drives the second moving mechanism 78 to move the fluid ejection head 77 in the width direction Y. The control unit 12 can reciprocate the fluid ejection head 77. The control unit 12 ejects the mixed fluid from the ejection port 93 moving in the width direction Y toward the absorbent member 42. The control unit 12 wets the absorbent member 42 with the second liquid.

[0109] The control unit 12 drives the winding unit 41 while the absorbing member 42 is separated from the nozzle forming surface 25. The control unit 12 drives the winding unit 41 to wind up the absorbing member 42. By winding up the absorbing member 42, the portion of the absorbing member 42 located on the wiping portion 55 that has absorbed the first liquid is moved away from the wiping portion 55, and the portion wetted by the second liquid is located on the wiping portion 55.

[0110] The control unit 12 drives the first moving mechanism 44 to move the wiping unit 55 to the wiping position Pw. The control unit 12 moves the wiping unit 55 to a position where it can come into contact with the nozzle forming surface 25 via the first moving mechanism 44 .

[0111] The control unit 12 moves the liquid ejecting unit 22 in the wiping direction X2. The control unit 12 moves the liquid ejecting unit 22 so that it passes the wiping unit 55. The control unit 12 wipes the nozzle forming surface 25 with the wiping unit 55. After wiping the nozzle forming surface 25, the control unit 12 moves the wiping unit 55 to the separated position Ps.

[0112] The control unit 12 moves the liquid ejecting unit 22 so that the nozzle forming surface 25 faces the liquid receiving portion 31. The control unit 12 ejects liquid from the liquid ejecting unit 22 toward the liquid receiving portion 31. Specifically, after the control unit 12 wipes the nozzle forming surface 25 with the wiping unit 55, the liquid is ejected from the liquid ejecting unit 22 toward the liquid receiving portion 31. This completes the maintenance of one liquid ejecting unit 22. The control unit 12 sequentially maintains multiple liquid ejecting units 22.

[0113] Effects of the First Embodiment

[0114] The operation of this embodiment will be described.

[0115] The mixed fluid ejecting unit 38 wets the wiping unit 55 before the wiping unit 55 wipes the nozzle forming surface 25 . The mixed fluid ejecting unit 38 wets the absorbing member 42 over the entire width direction Y. The wiping device 37 wipes the nozzle forming surface 25 with the wetted wiping unit 55 .

[0116] During pressure cleaning and suction cleaning, a portion of the discharged first liquid adheres to the nozzle-forming surface 25. The control unit 12 temporarily brings the wiper 55 into contact with the nozzle-forming surface 25 before wiping it, thereby reducing the amount of liquid adhering to the nozzle-forming surface 25 before wiping. This increases the relative movement speed of the wiper 55 and the liquid ejection unit 22 during wiping. This reduces the amount of liquid that mixes with the nozzle 26, thereby reducing the amount of liquid that is wasted.

[0117] Effects of the First Embodiment

[0118] The effects of this embodiment will be described.

[0119] (1-1) The mixed fluid ejection unit 38 ejects a mixed fluid consisting of a second liquid and a gas. By mixing the gas with the second liquid, the size of the ejected second liquid droplets can be reduced, allowing the liquid to be ejected over a wide area. Consequently, a small amount of the second liquid can evenly wet the wiping portion 55.

[0120] (1-2) The injection port 93 is movable in the width direction Y. The fluid mixture injection unit 38 injects the fluid mixture from the injection port 93 that moves in the width direction Y, thereby easily and uniformly wetting even the absorbing member 42 that is long in the width direction Y.

[0121] (1-3) The injection port 93 is movable between a first position P1 and a second position P2. When the fluid mixture is ejected from the injection port 93 at the first position P1, the wiper 55 can be wetted. When the fluid mixture is ejected from the injection port 93 at the second position P2, the fluid mixture can be ejected toward the nozzle forming surface 25. Therefore, even if the first liquid in the nozzle 26 becomes thickened and clogged, the clog can be easily restored. Thus, the fluid mixture ejection portion 38 can be used to wet the wiper 55 and maintain the liquid ejection portion 22.

[0122] (1-4) The sub-tank 81 can store the second liquid supplied from the main tank 95. By storing the second liquid in the sub-tank 81, the second liquid can be easily supplied in conjunction with the injection of the mixed fluid by the mixed fluid injection unit 38.

[0123] (1-5) The mixed fluid ejection unit 38 can eject a mixed fluid of compressed air and the second liquid. Therefore, the wiping portion 55 can be uniformly wetted with a smaller amount of the second liquid than when ejecting a mixed fluid of uncompressed air and the second liquid.

[0124] (1-6) The fluid mixture ejection unit 38 can introduce compressed air via the introduction unit 84. By using air compressed externally, the liquid ejection device 11 can be miniaturized.

[0125] (1-7) The fluid mixture ejection unit 38 ejects the fluid mixture in a direction having a component toward the scanning direction X1 in which the liquid ejection unit 22 moves. Therefore, the fluid mixture ejection unit 38 can eject the fluid mixture from an area different from the area in which the liquid ejection unit 22 moves. Therefore, the fluid mixture ejection unit 38 can be positioned so as not to interfere with the movement of the liquid ejection unit 22.

[0126] (1-8) The mixed fluid ejecting portion 38 is disposed between the cleaning portion 29 and the wiping portion 55 in the scanning direction X1. Therefore, the liquid ejecting portion 22 cleaned by suction by the cleaning portion 29 can be quickly wiped by the wetted wiping portion 55.

[0127] (1-9) In the scanning direction X1, the liquid receiving portion 31 is arranged downstream of the wiping portion 55. Therefore, after the first liquid is discharged into the liquid receiving portion 31, the wiping portion 55 can quickly wipe the nozzle forming surface 25.

[0128] (1-10) The cleaning unit 29, wiping unit 55, and liquid receptacle 31 are arranged side by side in the scanning direction X1. Therefore, by moving the liquid ejection unit 22, which has been cleaned by suction by the cleaning unit 29, in the scanning direction X1, the nozzle forming surface 25 can be wiped and air ejected. Consequently, compared to performing wiping and air ejection while the liquid ejection unit 22 reciprocates in the scanning direction X1, the time required for wiping and air ejection can be shortened.

[0129] (1-11) The liquid receiving portion 31 receives the first liquid discharged from the liquid ejecting portion 22 by the pressurizing portion 23. Therefore, one liquid receiving portion 31 can receive both the first liquid ejected from the liquid ejecting head and the first liquid pressurized and ejected from the liquid ejecting portion 22.

[0130] Second embodiment

[0131] Next, refer to the attached Figure 1 The second embodiment of the maintenance unit and liquid ejection device will be described. This second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the mixed fluid ejection unit does not include a third moving mechanism. Other aspects are generally the same as the first embodiment, so identical components are denoted by identical reference numerals to omit duplicate descriptions.

[0132] The maintenance unit 30 of the second embodiment is disposed between the cleaning unit 29 and the liquid receptacle 31, similarly to the first embodiment. Specifically, the wiping unit 55 is disposed between the cleaning unit 29 and the liquid receptacle 31 in the scanning direction X1. The liquid receptacle 31 is capable of receiving both the first liquid ejected from the liquid ejection unit 22 and the first liquid discharged from the liquid ejection unit 22 by the pressurization of the pressurization unit 23.

[0133] like Figure 8 As shown, the fluid ejection head 77 has a first ejection port 93f and a second ejection port 93s.

[0134] The first ejection port 93f can face the absorbing member 42. The first ejection port 93f ejects the fluid mixture in a direction having a component toward the scanning direction X1. The fluid ejection head 77 wets the absorbing member 42 over the entire width direction Y by ejecting the fluid mixture from the first ejection port 93f while moving in the width direction Y.

[0135] The second ejection port 93s can face the nozzle forming surface 25. The second ejection port 93s can eject the mixed fluid toward the nozzle forming surface 25. The second ejection port 93s can also eject the mixed fluid upward in the vertical direction Z. The fluid ejection head 77 can also eject the mixed fluid from the second ejection port 93s while moving in the width direction Y, thereby ejecting the mixed fluid toward the nozzle forming surface 25.

[0136] The mixed fluid injection unit 38 may include a switching unit 99. The switching unit 99 can switch between injection of the mixed fluid from the first injection port 93f and injection of the mixed fluid from the second injection port 93s.

[0137] Effects of the Second Embodiment

[0138] The operation of this embodiment will be described.

[0139] The timing at which the fluid mixture ejecting portion 38 ejects the fluid mixture onto the absorbing member 42 and the nozzle forming surface 25 is the same as that of the first embodiment.

[0140] When ejecting the fluid mixture toward the absorbing member 42 , the fluid ejecting head 77 ejects the fluid mixture toward the absorbing member 42 from the first ejecting port 93 f while moving in the width direction Y.

[0141] When ejecting the fluid mixture onto the nozzle forming surface 25 , the fluid ejecting head 77 ejects the fluid mixture onto the nozzle forming surface 25 from the second ejection ports 93 s while moving in the width direction Y.

[0142] Effects of the Second Embodiment

[0143] The effects of this embodiment will be described.

[0144] (2-1) The fluid mixture ejection unit 38 includes a second ejection port 93s in addition to the first ejection port 93f. When the fluid mixture is ejected from the second ejection port 93s, it is ejected toward the nozzle forming surface 25. Therefore, the fluid mixture ejection unit 38 can be used to wet the wiping portion 55 and maintain the liquid ejection unit 22.

[0145] (2-2) The switching unit 99 switches between the injection of the mixed fluid from the first injection port 93 f and the injection of the mixed fluid from the second injection port 93 s . Therefore, the mixed fluid injection unit 38 can select the injection target of the mixed fluid.

[0146] Modifications

[0147] This embodiment can be implemented by modifying as follows: This embodiment and the following modification examples can be implemented in combination with each other within a range that does not technically conflict.

[0148] The wiping device 37 may cause the wiping portion 55 to wipe the nozzle forming surface 25 directly after at least one of the pressure cleaning and the suction cleaning.

[0149] The liquid ejecting device 11 may be capable of performing either pressure cleaning or suction cleaning. The liquid ejecting device 11 may include either the pressurizing unit 23 or the cleaning unit 29 .

[0150] The absorbing member 42 can also receive liquid ejected from the liquid ejection portion 22. The absorbing member 42 can also receive liquid discharged during pressure cleaning. For example, the flat portion 56 can also receive liquid discharged from the liquid ejection portion 22. In this case, the liquid ejection device 11 can be configured without the liquid receiving portion 31.

[0151] The wiping device 37 may include a conveying unit that conveys the belt-shaped absorbing member 42. The conveying unit may collect the used absorbing member 42 in a folded form.

[0152] The second liquid may be, for example, a reaction liquid, water, a solvent, a moisturizing liquid, a cleaning liquid, or the like.

[0153] The wiping portion 55 may also wipe the nozzle forming surface 25 by contacting the liquid ejecting portion 22 while it moves in the scanning direction X1. For example, the control unit 12 may wet the wiping portion 55 during suction cleaning and position the wiping portion 55 at the wiping position Pw. The control unit 12 may also move the liquid ejecting portion 22, which has performed suction cleaning, in the scanning direction X1 and pass through the wiping portion 55, thereby causing the wiping portion 55 to wipe the nozzle forming surface 25. The liquid ejecting portion 22 may also perform a dry discharge when passing through the flat portion 56.

[0154] One of the mixed fluid ejection unit 38 and the liquid ejection device 11 may include a compressor capable of compressing air. The gas supply path 85 may connect the compressor to the fluid ejection head 77 .

[0155] The fluid mixture ejection unit 38 may not eject the fluid mixture toward the nozzle forming surface 25. In this case, the fluid mixture ejection unit 38 of the first embodiment may not include the third moving mechanism 79. The fluid ejection head 77 of the second embodiment may not include the second ejection port 93s.

[0156] The fluid mixture ejection unit 38 may be capable of ejecting the fluid mixture from both the first ejection port 93 f and the second ejection port 93 s at the same time. The fluid mixture ejection unit 38 may eject the fluid mixture toward the absorbing member 42 and the nozzle forming surface 25 at the same time.

[0157] The injection port 93 may face the wiping portion 55 . The mixed fluid injection portion 38 may directly inject the mixed fluid toward the wiping portion 55 .

[0158] The mixed fluid injection unit 38 may inject the mixed fluid in the vertical direction Z.

[0159] The pressure of the gas supplied to the fluid ejecting head 77 may be atmospheric pressure. The gas supplied to the fluid ejecting head 77 is not limited to air, and may be nitrogen or the like.

[0160] The mixed fluid ejection unit 38 may be configured without the second moving mechanism 78. In this case, the length of the ejection port 93 in the width direction Y is preferably greater than the length of the absorbing member 42 in the width direction Y, and preferably greater than the length of the nozzle forming surface 25 in the width direction Y. The fluid ejection head 77 may also be fixed.

[0161] The maintenance unit 30 may be provided separately from the liquid ejecting device 11 .

[0162] The liquid ejection device 11 may be a liquid ejection device that ejects or sprays liquids other than ink. The state of the liquid ejected from the liquid ejection device in the form of tiny droplets includes granular, tear-like, and filamentous states with tails. 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 a substance in a liquid phase, including fluid bodies such as high or low viscosity liquids, sols, gel water, other inorganic solvents, organic solvents, solutions, liquid resins, liquid metals, and molten metals. Liquids include not only liquids in a state of matter, but also liquids formed by dissolving, dispersing, or mixing particles of functional materials composed of solid substances such as pigments and metal particles in a solvent. Representative examples of liquids include inks and liquid crystals described in the above embodiments. Here, inks include various liquid compositions such as general water-based inks, oil-based inks, gel inks, and hot melt inks. Specific examples of liquid ejection devices include devices that eject liquids containing electrode materials, colorants, and other materials used in the manufacture of liquid crystal displays, electroluminescent displays, surface-emitting displays, and color filters in 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 used as a precision pipette and ejecting a liquid that serves as a sample, a printing and dyeing device, a micro-dispenser, and the like. The liquid ejection device may also be a device that accurately ejects lubricating oil onto precision machinery such as clocks and cameras, or a device that ejects a transparent resin liquid such as ultraviolet curing resin onto a substrate in order to form a tiny hemispherical lens, an optical lens, and the like used in optical communication elements. The liquid ejection device may also be a device that ejects an etching liquid such as an acid or alkali in order to etch a substrate.

[0163] definition

[0164] As used herein, the expression "at least one" means "one or more" of the desired options. For example, if there are two options, the expression "at least one" means "only one option" or "both options." As another example, if there are three or more options, the expression "at least one" means "only one option," "a combination of two arbitrary options," or "a combination of three or more arbitrary options."

[0165] Notes

[0166] The technical ideas and effects grasped from the above-described embodiment and modified examples are described below.

[0167] (A) The maintenance unit includes: a wiping portion capable of wiping a nozzle forming surface of a liquid ejecting portion where nozzles ejecting a first liquid are formed; and a mixed fluid ejecting portion for ejecting a mixed fluid of gas and a second liquid from an ejection port to wet the wiping portion.

[0168] According to this structure, the mixed fluid ejection unit ejects a mixed fluid comprising a second liquid and a gas. By mixing the gas with the second liquid, the droplet size of the ejected second liquid can be reduced, and the second liquid can be ejected over a wide area. Therefore, a small amount of the second liquid can be used to uniformly wet the wiping portion.

[0169] (B) In the maintenance unit described in (A), the wiping portion may be formed of a strip-shaped absorbent member capable of absorbing liquid, the absorbent member may be longer in a width direction than the nozzle forming surface in the width direction, and the ejection port may be movable in the width direction.

[0170] According to this configuration, the ejection port can move in the width direction. The fluid mixture ejection portion ejects the fluid mixture from the ejection port moving in the width direction, thereby easily and uniformly wetting even a width-long absorbing member.

[0171] (C) In the maintenance unit described in (A) or (B), the ejection port may be movable between a first position for wetting the wiping portion and a second position for ejecting the mixed fluid toward the nozzle forming surface.

[0172] According to this structure, the injection port can be moved between a first position and a second position. When the mixed fluid is injected from the injection port in the first position, the wiper can be moistened. When the mixed fluid is injected from the injection port in the second position, the mixed fluid can be injected onto the nozzle forming surface. Therefore, even if the first liquid in the nozzle increases in viscosity and becomes clogged, it can be easily restored. Therefore, the mixed fluid injection portion can be used to moisten the wiper and maintain the liquid ejection portion.

[0173] (D) In ​​the maintenance unit described in (A) or (B), when the ejection port is a first ejection port, the fluid mixture ejection portion may include a second ejection port capable of ejecting the fluid mixture toward the nozzle forming surface.

[0174] According to this structure, the mixed fluid ejection unit has a second ejection port in addition to the first ejection port. When the mixed fluid is ejected from the second ejection port, the mixed fluid can be ejected toward the nozzle forming surface. Therefore, the mixed fluid ejection unit can be used to wet the wiping portion and maintain the liquid ejection portion.

[0175] (E) In the maintenance unit described in (D), the mixed fluid ejection unit may include a switching unit capable of switching between ejection of the mixed fluid from the first ejection port and ejection of the mixed fluid from the second ejection port.

[0176] According to this configuration, the switching unit switches between ejection of the mixed fluid from the first ejection port and ejection of the mixed fluid from the second ejection port.

[0177] (F) The maintenance unit described in (A) to (E) may further include a sub-tank capable of storing the second liquid supplied from a main tank storing the second liquid.

[0178] According to this structure, the sub-tank can store the second liquid supplied from the main tank. By storing the second liquid in the sub-tank, the second liquid can be easily supplied by ejecting the mixed fluid in coordination with the mixed fluid ejecting unit.

[0179] (G) In the maintenance unit described in (A) to (F), the gas may be compressed air.

[0180] According to this configuration, the mixed fluid ejection unit can eject the mixed fluid of compressed air and the second liquid. Therefore, the wiping portion can be uniformly wetted with a smaller amount of the second liquid than when ejecting the mixed fluid of uncompressed air and the second liquid.

[0181] (H) A liquid ejection device includes: a liquid ejection portion having a nozzle forming surface on which nozzles for ejecting a first liquid are formed; and the maintenance unit described in (A) to (G).

[0182] According to this configuration, the same effects as those of the above-mentioned maintenance unit can be achieved.

[0183] (I) In the liquid ejection device (I) described in (A) to (H), the mixed fluid ejection unit may include an inlet portion connectable to a discharge portion capable of discharging the compressed air as the gas.

[0184] According to this configuration, the mixed fluid ejection unit can introduce compressed air via the introduction unit. By using air compressed externally, the liquid ejection device can be miniaturized.

[0185] (J) In the liquid ejection device described in (I), the liquid ejection unit may be movable in a scanning direction, the mixed fluid ejection unit and the wiping unit may be arranged side by side in the scanning direction, and the mixed fluid ejection unit may eject the mixed fluid in a direction having a component toward the scanning direction.

[0186] According to this configuration, the fluid mixture ejection unit ejects the fluid mixture in a direction having a component toward the scanning direction in which the liquid ejection unit is moving. Therefore, the fluid mixture ejection unit can eject the fluid mixture from an area different from the area in which the liquid ejection unit is moving. Therefore, the fluid mixture ejection unit can be positioned so as not to hinder the movement of the liquid ejection unit.

[0187] (K) The liquid ejecting device according to any one of (H) to (J) may further include a cleaning unit configured to suck the first liquid from the liquid ejecting unit to clean the liquid ejecting unit, wherein the mixed fluid ejecting unit is disposed between the cleaning unit and the wiping unit in the scanning direction.

[0188] According to this configuration, the mixed fluid ejecting portion is disposed between the cleaning portion and the wiping portion in the scanning direction. Therefore, the liquid ejecting portion that has been cleaned by suction by the cleaning portion can be quickly wiped by the wetted wiping portion.

[0189] (L) Alternatively, the liquid ejecting device described in (H) to (K) further includes: a pressurizing portion for pressurizing the liquid ejecting portion to discharge the first liquid from the liquid ejecting portion; and a liquid receiving portion for receiving the first liquid discharged from the liquid ejecting portion by the pressurization of the pressurizing portion, wherein the liquid receiving portion is arranged on the downstream side of the wiping portion in the scanning direction.

[0190] According to this configuration, the liquid receiving portion is disposed downstream of the wiping portion in the scanning direction. Therefore, the wiping portion can quickly wipe the nozzle forming surface after the first liquid is discharged into the liquid receiving portion.

[0191] (M) The liquid ejecting device described in (H) to (L) may further include a liquid receiving portion that receives the first liquid ejected from the liquid ejecting portion, wherein the wiping portion is arranged between the cleaning portion and the liquid receiving portion in the scanning direction.

[0192] With this structure, the cleaning unit, wiping unit, and liquid receiving unit are arranged side by side in the scanning direction. Therefore, by moving the liquid ejection unit, which has performed suction cleaning in the cleaning unit, in the scanning direction, the nozzle forming surface can be wiped and an idle ejection can be performed. Consequently, compared to a case where the liquid ejection unit is moved back and forth in the scanning direction while performing wiping and idle ejection, the time required for wiping and idle ejection can be shortened.

[0193] (N) Alternatively, the liquid ejection device described in (H) to (M) may further include a pressurizing portion that pressurizes the liquid ejection portion to discharge the first liquid from the liquid ejection portion, and the liquid receiving portion may receive the first liquid discharged from the liquid ejection portion by the pressurization of the pressurizing portion.

[0194] According to this configuration, the liquid receiving portion receives the first liquid discharged from the liquid ejecting portion by the pressurizing portion. Therefore, one liquid receiving portion can receive both the first liquid ejected from the liquid ejecting head and the first liquid pressurized and ejected from the liquid ejecting portion.

Claims

1. A maintenance unit, characterized in that: have: a wiping portion capable of wiping a nozzle forming surface of a liquid ejection portion on which a nozzle for ejecting a first liquid is formed; and The mixed fluid ejecting portion ejects a mixed fluid of gas and a second liquid from an ejection port to wet the wiping portion.

2. The maintenance unit according to claim 1, characterized in that: The wiping portion is composed of a strip-shaped absorbent member capable of absorbing liquid. The length of the absorbing member in the width direction is longer than the length of the nozzle forming surface in the width direction. The ejection port is movable in the width direction.

3. The maintenance unit according to claim 1, characterized in that: The ejection port is movable between a first position for wetting the wiping portion and a second position for ejecting the mixed fluid toward the nozzle forming surface.

4. The maintenance unit according to claim 1, characterized in that: When the injection port is a first injection port, the fluid mixture injection portion includes a second injection port capable of injecting the fluid mixture toward the nozzle forming surface.

5. The maintenance unit according to claim 4, characterized in that: The mixed fluid ejection portion includes a switching portion capable of switching between ejection of the mixed fluid from the first ejection port and ejection of the mixed fluid from the second ejection port.

6. The maintenance unit according to claim 1, characterized in that: The device further includes a sub-tank capable of storing the second liquid supplied from a main tank storing the second liquid.

7. The maintenance unit according to claim 1, characterized in that: The gas is compressed air.

8. A liquid ejection device, characterized in that: have: a liquid ejection portion having a nozzle forming surface on which a nozzle for ejecting a first liquid is formed; and The maintenance unit according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The liquid ejection device according to claim 8, wherein: The fluid mixture ejection unit includes an inlet portion connectable to a discharge portion capable of discharging compressed air as the gas.

10. The liquid ejection device according to claim 8, wherein The liquid ejection portion is movable in a scanning direction. The mixed fluid ejecting portion and the wiping portion are arranged side by side in the scanning direction, The mixed fluid ejecting portion ejects the mixed fluid in a direction having a component toward the scanning direction.

11. The liquid ejecting device according to claim 10, wherein: The device further comprises a cleaning portion configured to suck the first liquid from the liquid ejecting portion to clean the liquid ejecting portion by suction, In the scanning direction, the mixed fluid ejecting portion is disposed between the cleaning portion and the wiping portion.

12. The liquid ejecting device according to claim 11, wherein: Also features: a pressurizing unit for pressurizing the interior of the liquid ejecting unit to discharge the first liquid from the liquid ejecting unit; and a liquid receiving portion for receiving the first liquid discharged from the liquid ejecting portion by the pressurization of the pressurizing portion; The liquid receiving portion is arranged on a downstream side of the wiping portion in the scanning direction.

13. The liquid ejecting device according to claim 11, wherein The device further comprises a liquid receiving portion for receiving the first liquid ejected from the liquid ejecting portion. In the scanning direction, the wiping portion is arranged between the cleaning portion and the liquid receiving portion.

14. The liquid ejection device according to claim 13, wherein: further comprising a pressurizing portion for pressurizing the interior of the liquid ejecting portion to discharge the first liquid from the liquid ejecting portion, The liquid receiving portion can receive the first liquid discharged from the liquid ejecting portion by the pressurization of the pressurizing portion.

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