Liquid discharge device and maintenance method

Abstract

To provide a liquid discharge device that optimizes a timing of performing maintenance based on use state, and can provide good printing quality from the start of printing.SOLUTION: A liquid discharge device having a head 4 for discharging liquid, and a maintenance recovery mechanism 20 for performing maintenance of the head 4, includes: maintenance timing management means 804 for managing a timing of performing maintenance of the head 4; and use state learning means 802 for learning a use state of the liquid discharge device by a user. The maintenance timing management means 804 determines an estimated use start time T2 of the liquid discharge device by the user based on the use state of the liquid discharge device learned by the use state learning means 802, sets a maintenance start time T1 so that maintenance is performed just before the estimated use start time T2, and performs maintenance by the maintenance recovery mechanism 20 at the set maintenance start time T1.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a liquid ejection apparatus and a maintenance method. [Background technology]

[0002] In a liquid ejection device (such as an inkjet printer) equipped with a liquid ejection head, if ink that dries quickly or ink that contains sedimentary components is used, the ink may solidify and clog the nozzle while the device is in standby mode, making it impossible to eject the ink. In order to prevent such problems, a method of performing automatic maintenance at regular intervals is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a method for predicting the intervals at which ink ejection defects occur and performing maintenance at appropriate times. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, if a long time elapses between the time maintenance is performed and the start of printing (the start of using the device), the ink becomes susceptible to drying and settling, and good print quality may not be achieved at the start of printing. On the other hand, if maintenance is performed at the start of printing, unnecessary waiting time will occur. Furthermore, if automatic maintenance is performed frequently without considering the state of the device or the usage conditions, excessive ink will be wasted, which poses a problem of increasing ink consumption.

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a liquid ejection device that optimizes the timing of maintenance based on the usage status, thereby achieving good print quality from the start of printing. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problem, the liquid ejecting device of the present invention is a liquid ejecting device comprising a head for ejecting liquid and a maintenance and recovery mechanism for performing maintenance on the head, and further comprising a maintenance timing management means for managing the timing of performing maintenance on the head, and a usage status learning means for learning the usage status of the liquid ejecting device by the user, wherein the maintenance timing management means determines the expected time when the user will start using the liquid ejecting device based on the usage status of the liquid ejecting device learned by the usage status learning means, and sets the maintenance start time so that maintenance will be performed immediately before the expected start time of use, and performs maintenance by the maintenance and recovery mechanism at the set maintenance start time. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a liquid ejection device that optimizes the timing of maintenance based on the usage status and that can obtain good print quality from the start of printing. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1A is a perspective view, FIG. 1B is a front view, and FIG. 1C is a side view showing a schematic configuration of a liquid ejection device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a plan view showing a schematic configuration of a liquid ejection device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a head. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an outline of a control unit of the liquid ejection device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating how a usage status table is created based on usage status. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating how a day-of-week usage table and a time-of-day usage table are created from a one-week usage table. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a predicted start time of use and a maintenance start time. [Figure 8]10 is a temperature and humidity table showing an example of a temperature and humidity coefficient determined from temperature and humidity. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an automatic maintenance schedule. [Figure 10] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an electrode manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The liquid ejection device and maintenance method according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments, and other modifications, additions, corrections, deletions, and other changes can be made within the scope of what a person skilled in the art can conceive. Any aspect is within the scope of the present invention as long as it achieves the functions and effects of the present invention.

[0010] 1A is a perspective view, FIG. 1B is a front view, and FIG. 1C is a side view of a liquid ejection device according to one embodiment of the present invention. The liquid ejection device in FIG. 1 is a garment printer. In Fig. 1, the X direction is the main scanning direction or the left-right direction of the liquid ejection device 100. Also, in Fig. 1, the Y direction is the transport direction of the fabric (the object to be printed or the object to which liquid is applied) or the opposite direction, and is the front-to-back direction of the liquid ejection device 100. In Fig. 1, the Z direction is the up-down direction of the liquid ejection device 100. The X, Y, and Z directions are perpendicular to one another.

[0011] 1A, the liquid ejection device 100 of this embodiment includes a first carriage 3A and a second carriage 3B, a pair of first side plates 32A, a pair of second side plates 32B, a first adjustment plate 33A as a pair of holding members, a second adjustment plate 33B as a pair of holding members, a first guide rod 34A as a pair of guide members, and a second guide rod 4B as a pair of guide members. Hereinafter, the first carriage 3A and the second carriage 3B will be referred to as carriages 3 when they are not distinguished, the first side plate 32A and the second side plate 32B will be referred to as side plates 32 when they are not distinguished, the first adjustment plate 33A and the second adjustment plate 33B will be referred to as adjustment plate 33 when they are not distinguished, and the first guide rod 34 and the second guide rod 34B will be referred to as guide rod 34 when they are not distinguished.

[0012] Each side plate 32 is provided on both the left and right sides of the liquid ejection device 100, and is fixed to the main body 101 of the liquid ejection device 100. The side plates 32 hold the adjustment plate 33 so that it can move in the Y and Z directions. Both ends of the guide rod 34 are held by the adjustment plates 33. Each adjustment plate 33 holds two guide rods 34 in the Y direction.

[0013] The carriage 3 is supported by the guide rod 34 so as to be movable on the guide rod 34. That is, the carriage 3 moves in the X direction (an example of a first operating direction) that is perpendicular to the transport direction (Y direction) in which fabric (an example of a print medium) as a printing target or a liquid application target is transported. The carriage 3 also has a plurality of heads 4. Here, the heads 4 are an example of liquid ejection heads that eject liquid such as ink onto the fabric (an example of a print medium) as a printing target or a liquid application target to form (print) an image (printed image). The nozzle surface of the head 4 is provided on its underside.

[0014] On the main body 101 of the liquid ejection device 100, a rail 5 is provided along the Y direction. The platen 51 holds a fabric as a printing target or a target to which liquid is to be applied. Specifically, the fabric is placed on a placement surface 51a of the platen 51, which is a surface on which a liquid is to be applied. This placement surface 51a is a surface perpendicular to the direction Z. However, it does not have to be strictly perpendicular.

[0015] The platen 51 is fixed to the stage 50 and moves on the rails 5 downstream in the conveyance direction. During this movement, the carriage 3 moves back and forth on the guide rods 34 in the X direction, while the head 4 of the carriage 3 ejects ink as a liquid onto the fabric placed on the platen 51. This forms an image on the fabric. The platen 51 can also be moved in the Z direction relative to the base portion, allowing the height of the placement surface 51a to be adjusted.

[0016] By having a plurality of carriages 3 and heads 4, the liquid ejection device 100 can eject inks of different colors onto fabric, and can increase the printing speed onto fabric, thereby improving the productivity of the device.

[0017] A head tank (not shown) for temporarily storing ink to be used for ejection is provided directly above the head 4 inside the carriage 3. The head tank is connected to an ink cartridge 38 shown in Fig. 1(C) via an ink supply tube (not shown) and an ink supply pump (not shown), and ink is replenished from the ink cartridge 38 by operating the ink supply pump as needed.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 1(C), the liquid ejection device 100 includes an openable and closable cover member 102, and the cover member 102 is provided with a vent hole 53.

[0019] The liquid ejection device 100 of this embodiment has a maintenance and recovery mechanism (maintenance unit) 20 (20a, 20b) for performing maintenance on the head 4 at one end side in the main scanning direction X. Furthermore, a discharge receiver (not shown) is disposed on the other end side in the main scanning direction X. During printing, the head 4 is maintained and recovered by discharging liquid from the head 4 to the discharge receiver.

[0020] The maintenance mechanism 20 includes a cap for covering the nozzle surface of the head 4 on which the nozzles are provided, in order to protect the ink-exposed portion of the head 4 from drying out when the liquid ejection device 100 is not performing printing. The caps include two types: a moisture-retaining cap and a suction cap. The moisture-retaining cap protects the head from drying out. In addition to its moisture-retaining function, the suction cap is connected to a suction pump and has the function of sucking thickened ink from the head 4, restoring the head 4 to an appropriate state.

[0021] The maintenance mechanism 20 also has a wiper that cleans excess ink remaining on the nozzle surface after suction and restores the nozzle condition. After suctioning the viscous ink from the head 4, the wiper wipes the nozzle surface, scraping off the excess ink and restoring the meniscus in the nozzle to a normal condition.

[0022] The main body 101 incorporates a control unit 500 as a control means, and the liquid ejection device 100 operates under the control of each unit of the control unit 500.

[0023] On the front of the main body 101, an operation panel 35, an external connection terminal 36, and a power button 37 are provided.

[0024] The operation panel 35 includes an operation unit operated for various settings and a display unit for displaying information. The operation unit and the display unit may be provided separately, or may be in the form of a touch panel configured by overlaying an operation unit such as a pressure-sensitive or capacitance-type transparent film switch on a display unit such as a liquid crystal display.

[0025] The external connection terminal 36 is, for example, a USB terminal. The liquid ejection device 100 can be communicatively connected to an information processing device (not shown), such as a digital camera, a smartphone, or a PC, via the external connection terminal 36. The communication means for communicating with the information processing device is not limited to a USB terminal, and may be a terminal of another standard. Furthermore, the communication means is not limited to wired communication, and the device may be configured to receive image data from the information processing device via wireless communication.

[0026] FIG. 2 is an explanatory plan view of a mechanism of a liquid ejection device according to one embodiment of the present invention. The liquid ejection device in FIG. 2 is a serial inkjet printer.

[0027] The liquid ejection device 100 movably holds a carriage 3 with a main guide member 2 and a secondary guide member (not shown) that are hung horizontally on left and right side plates (not shown). A main scanning motor 5 causes the carriage 3 to move back and forth in the main scanning direction (carriage movement direction) via a timing belt 8 that is stretched between a drive pulley 6 and a driven pulley 7.

[0028] The carriage 3 is provided with heads 4a and 4b (referred to as "head 4" when not distinguishing between them) which are liquid ejection heads. The head 4 ejects ink droplets of each color, for example, yellow (Y), cyan (C), magenta (M), and black (K). The head 4 is formed with multiple nozzle rows, each row consisting of a plurality of nozzles, lined up in a sub-scanning direction perpendicular to the main scanning direction. Each nozzle is arranged so that the droplet ejection direction faces downward.

[0029] FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the head 4. 3, the head 4 has two nozzle rows Na and Nb, each with a plurality of nozzles 4n arranged therein. One nozzle row Na of the head 4a ejects black (K) liquid, and the other nozzle row Nb ejects cyan (C) liquid. One nozzle row Na of the head 4b ejects magenta (M) liquid, and the other nozzle row Nb ejects yellow (Y) liquid.

[0030] The liquid ejection head constituting the head 4 may be, for example, a piezoelectric actuator such as a piezoelectric element, or a thermal actuator that uses an electrothermal conversion element such as a heating resistor to utilize a phase change caused by film boiling of the liquid.

[0031] A conveying mechanism 11 is provided which conveys paper (an example of a printing medium) 10, which is an object to be printed or to which liquid is to be applied, facing the head 4. The conveying belt 12 is an endless belt, and is stretched between a conveying roller 13 and a tension roller 14.

[0032] The conveyor belt 12 moves in a circular motion in the sub-scanning direction as the conveyor roller 13 is rotationally driven by the sub-scanning motor 16 via the timing belt 17 and timing pulley 18. The conveyor belt 12 is charged (given an electric charge) by a charging roller (not shown) while moving in a circular motion.

[0033] On one side of the carriage 3 in the main scanning direction, a maintenance and recovery mechanism 20 for performing maintenance on the head 4 is provided on the side of the conveyor belt 12, and on the other side, a discharge receiver 21 for receiving discharged droplets from the head 4 is provided on the side of the conveyor belt 12.

[0034] The maintenance and recovery mechanism 20 includes, for example, a cap member 20a that caps the nozzle surface (the surface on which the nozzles are formed) of the head 4, a wiper member 20b that wipes the nozzle surface, and a discharge receiver (not shown) that receives liquid that does not contribute to image formation. The wiper member 20b is, for example, a web wiping device, and is designed not to damage the nozzle surface even when cleaning is performed when the nozzle surface is not wet with ink.

[0035] Meanwhile, a discharge detection unit 28 constituting a discharge detection means for detecting the presence or absence of droplet discharge may be disposed in an area outside the recording area between the transport mechanism 11 and the maintenance and recovery mechanism 20 that can face the head 4. Also, the carriage 3 may be provided with a wiping unit 29 that cleans the electrodes of the discharge detection unit 28.

[0036] An encoder scale 23 having a predetermined pattern formed thereon is provided between both side plates along the main scanning direction of the carriage 3. The carriage 3 is also provided with a main scanning encoder sensor 24 consisting of a transmission type photosensor that reads the pattern of the encoder scale 23. The encoder scale 23 and the main scanning encoder sensor 24 form a linear encoder (main scanning encoder) that detects the movement of the carriage 3.

[0037] A code wheel 25 is provided on the shaft of the conveying roller 13. A sub-scanning encoder sensor 26, which is a transmission type photosensor that detects a pattern formed on the code wheel 25, is also provided. The code wheel 25 and the sub-scanning encoder sensor 26 form a rotary encoder (sub-scanning encoder) that detects the amount of movement and the movement position of the conveying belt 12.

[0038] In the liquid ejection device (inkjet printer) shown in FIG. 2, paper 10 fed from a paper feed tray is attracted to a charged conveyor belt 12 and transported in the sub-scanning direction by the circular movement of the conveyor belt 12. A carriage 3 moves in the main scanning direction and drives a head 4 in accordance with an image signal. This causes ink droplets to be ejected onto the paper 10, which has been transported and stopped, to record an image for one line, etc. After this, the paper 10 is transported a predetermined distance in the sub-scanning direction, and the next line is recorded. By repeating this operation, an image is printed line by line on the paper 10. The printed paper 10 is then ejected to an ejection tray.

[0039] In the above embodiment, fabric and paper are exemplified as the printing target or the liquid application target, but the printing target or the liquid application target is not limited to these, and may be anything to which liquid can be applied.

[0040] The above-mentioned "object onto which a liquid can adhere" means an object onto which a liquid can adhere at least temporarily, an object onto which the liquid can adhere and stick, an object onto which the liquid can penetrate, etc. Specific examples include media such as paper, recording paper, film, and cloth, electronic circuit boards, electronic components such as piezoelectric elements, powder layers, organ models, and test cells, and unless otherwise specified, includes all objects onto which a liquid can adhere. The material of the "substance to which a liquid can adhere" may be any material to which a liquid can adhere, even temporarily, such as paper, thread, fiber, fabric, leather, metal, plastic, glass, wood, or ceramics.

[0041] The term "liquid ejection device" includes not only devices that can eject liquid onto objects onto which the liquid can be attached, but also devices that eject liquid into air or liquid. The term "liquid ejection device" can also include means for feeding, transporting, and discharging items onto which liquid can be attached, as well as pre-processing devices and post-processing devices. For example, examples of "liquid ejection devices" include image forming devices, which are devices that eject ink to form images on paper, and three-dimensional modeling devices (three-dimensional modeling devices), which eject modeling liquid onto a powder layer formed from layers of powder in order to create a three-dimensional object (a three-dimensional model). Furthermore, the term "liquid ejection device" is not limited to devices that visualize meaningful images such as letters and figures using ejected liquid. For example, it also includes devices that form patterns that have no meaning in themselves, and devices that create three-dimensional images.

[0042] <Electrode manufacturing equipment> The "liquid ejection device" according to the present invention also includes a manufacturing device for electrodes and electrochemical elements. An electrode manufacturing device will be described below.

[0043] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a manufacturing apparatus for an electrode as a liquid ejection device according to one embodiment of the present invention. The electrode manufacturing apparatus of this embodiment is an apparatus for manufacturing an electrode including a layer having an electrode material by ejecting a liquid composition using a head module including a head 4 made of a liquid ejection head. The electrode manufacturing apparatus of this embodiment also includes a carriage 3 on which the head 4 is mounted, and a maintenance and recovery mechanism 20 for performing maintenance on the head 4.

[0044] <Means for forming layer containing electrode material, and process for forming layer containing electrode material> The discharge means provided in the electrode manufacturing apparatus shown in FIG. 10 discharges a liquid composition from a head 4 of a head module, thereby depositing the liquid composition onto a target object and forming a liquid composition layer. The target object (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a "discharge target") is not particularly limited as long as it is an object on which a layer containing an electrode material is to be formed, and can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. For example, the target object may be an electrode substrate (current collector), an active material layer, a layer containing a solid electrode material, etc. The target object may also be an electrode mixture layer containing an active material on an electrode substrate (current collector). The discharge means and discharge step may also be a means and step for forming a layer containing an electrode material by directly discharging the liquid composition, as long as it is possible to form a layer containing an electrode material on the discharge target object. The discharge means and discharge step may also be a means and step for forming a layer containing an electrode material by indirectly discharging the liquid composition.

[0045] <Other components and processes> Other components included in the manufacturing apparatus for an electrode mixture layer are not particularly limited as long as they do not impair the effects of the present invention, and can be selected appropriately depending on the purpose. Furthermore, other steps included in the manufacturing method for an electrode mixture layer are also not particularly limited as long as they do not impair the effects of the present invention, and can be selected appropriately depending on the purpose. For example, components and steps included in the manufacturing apparatus and manufacturing method for an electrode mixture layer include a heating means and a heating step.

[0046] <Heating means, heating process> The heating means included in the manufacturing device for the electrode mixture layer is a means for heating the liquid composition ejected by the ejection means. Also, the heating step included in the manufacturing method for the electrode mixture layer is a step of heating the liquid composition ejected in the ejection step. By heating the liquid composition, the liquid composition layer can be dried.

[0047] <Configuration for forming a layer containing an electrode material by directly ejecting a liquid composition> Here, as an example of an electrode manufacturing apparatus, an electrode manufacturing apparatus that forms an electrode mixture layer containing an active material on an electrode substrate (current collector) will be described. As shown in Fig. 10, the electrode manufacturing apparatus includes a discharge process unit 110 that includes a step of applying a liquid composition to a printing substrate 704 having an object to be discharged to form a liquid composition layer, and a heating process unit 130 that includes a heating step of heating the liquid composition layer to obtain an electrode mixture layer.

[0048] The electrode manufacturing apparatus includes a conveying unit 705 that conveys a printing substrate 704. The conveying unit 705 conveys the printing substrate 704 at a preset speed through the discharging process unit 110 and the heating process unit 130 in that order. There are no particular limitations on the method for manufacturing the printing substrate 704 having a discharge target such as an active material layer, and any known method can be selected as appropriate. The discharging process unit 110 includes a head module 281a that performs the application step of applying a liquid composition onto the printing substrate 704, a storage container 281b that stores the liquid composition 707, and a supply tube 281c that supplies the liquid composition 707 stored in the storage container 281b to the head 4 of the head module 281a.

[0049] In the discharge process unit 110, the liquid composition 707 is discharged from the head 4 of the head module 281a and applied to the printing substrate 704, thereby forming a thin film of the liquid composition layer. The storage container 281b may be configured as an integral part of the electrode mixture layer manufacturing apparatus, or may be configured as a removable part from the electrode mixture layer manufacturing apparatus. The storage container 281b may be a container used for adding the liquid to a storage container that is integrated with the electrode mixture layer manufacturing apparatus, or a storage container that is removable from the electrode mixture layer manufacturing apparatus.

[0050] The storage container 281b and the supply tube 281c can be arbitrarily selected as long as they can stably store and supply the liquid composition 707.

[0051] In the heating process section 130, a solvent removal step is carried out in which the solvent remaining in the liquid composition layer is heated and removed. Specifically, the solvent remaining in the liquid composition layer is heated and dried by the heating device 703 in the heating process section 130, thereby removing the solvent from the liquid composition layer. This results in the formation of an electrode mixture layer. The solvent removal step in the heating process section 130 may also be carried out under reduced pressure.

[0052] The heating device 703 is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. For example, the heating device 703 can be a substrate heater, an IR heater, a hot air heater, or the like. The heating device 703 may also be a combination of at least two of the substrate heater, the IR heater, and the hot air heater. The heating temperature and heating time can be appropriately selected depending on the boiling point of the solvent contained in the liquid composition 707 or the thickness of the formed film.

[0053] By using the electrode manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, a liquid composition can be ejected onto a target object. The electrode mixture layer can be suitably used, for example, as part of the configuration of an electrochemical element. The components other than the electrode mixture layer in the electrochemical element are not particularly limited, and known components can be appropriately selected. For example, components other than the electrode mixture layer include a positive electrode, a negative electrode, a separator, and the like.

[0054] Next, an overview of the control unit of the liquid ejection device 100 according to the present invention will be described with reference to an example shown in FIG. FIG. 4(A) is an overall block diagram of the control unit 500, FIG. 4(B) is an explanatory diagram of the ROM, and FIG. 4(C) is a block diagram of the functions realized by executing the programs stored in the ROM.

[0055] The control unit 500 is equipped with a main control unit 500A including a CPU 501 that controls the entire liquid ejection device 100, a ROM 502 that stores programs executed by the CPU 501 and other fixed data, a RAM 503 that temporarily stores image data and the like, and an NVRAM 504. The NVRAM 504 stores various data such as programs, and retains the various data even when the power to the liquid ejection device 100 is cut off.

[0056] The control unit 500 includes a host I / F 506 that controls data transfer with a host device (information processing device) 600 such as a PC, a print control unit 511 that controls the driving of the head 4, and an encoder analysis unit 515. The encoder analysis unit 515 analyzes detection signals from the main scanning encoder sensor 24 and the sub scanning encoder sensor 26. The control unit 500 also includes a main scanning driver 512, a sub-scanning driver 513 that drives the sub-scanning motor 16, and an I / O 507 between various sensors and actuators 517.

[0057] The print control unit 511 generates print data, generates drive waveforms for driving and controlling the head 4, and transfers head control signals for selecting required drive signals from the drive waveforms and print data, etc. This causes liquid to be ejected from the nozzles of the head 4 in accordance with the print data.

[0058] The control unit 500 controls the movement of the carriage 3 by driving and controlling the main scanning motor 5 via a main scanning driver 512 based on the analysis results from the encoder analysis unit 515. It also controls the feed of the printing target or the liquid application target by driving and controlling the sub-scanning motor 16 via a sub-scanning driver 513. The sub-scanning driver 513 controls the movement of the stage 50 in the liquid ejection device of FIG. 1, and controls the movement of the conveyor belt 12 in the liquid ejection device of FIG. 2.

[0059] The control unit 500 also includes a maintenance control unit 518 that controls a maintenance and recovery mechanism 20 that performs maintenance on the head 4 .

[0060] Furthermore, the control unit 500 includes a timer 508 for counting the printing time of the liquid ejection device 100, the time for ejecting liquid from the head 4, the time for performing maintenance by the maintenance and recovery mechanism 20, and the like.

[0061] 4(B), the ROM 502 stores a maintenance program 701 for carrying out the maintenance method according to the present invention. The ROM 502 also stores a temperature and humidity coefficient 702 that is referenced when determining the frequency of maintenance. The temperature and humidity coefficient will be described later.

[0062] By executing the maintenance program 701, the control unit 500 functions as a usage status learning unit 802 as usage status learning means and a maintenance timing management unit 804 as maintenance timing management means shown in FIG. 4(C).

[0063] The liquid ejection device 100 of the present invention is a liquid ejection device comprising a head 4 that ejects liquid and a maintenance recovery mechanism 20 that performs maintenance on the head 4, and is equipped with a maintenance timing management means 804 that manages the timing of performing maintenance on the head 4, and a usage status learning means 802 that learns the usage status of the liquid ejection device 100 by the user, and the maintenance timing management means 804 determines the expected time T2 when the user will start using the liquid ejection device 100 based on the usage status of the liquid ejection device 100 learned by the usage status learning means 802, and sets a maintenance start time T1 so that maintenance will be performed immediately before the expected start time T2, and performs maintenance by the maintenance recovery mechanism 20 at the set maintenance start time T1.

[0064] Here, "immediately before the predicted start time of use" means a short time before the predicted start time of use, ie, several tens of minutes to several minutes before the predicted start time of use. Furthermore, "maintenance is carried out immediately before the predicted start time of use" preferably means that maintenance is carried out immediately before the predicted start time of use and is completed by the predicted start time of use. Specifically, it is preferable that maintenance be completed ~~ minutes before the expected start time of use, that is, that the time elapsed since the completion of the last maintenance performed be ~~ minutes or less.

[0065] If the time between performing maintenance and starting to use the device (starting printing) is long, ink drying and settling may cause ejection problems, and good print quality may not be obtained at the start of printing. In contrast, the liquid ejection device according to the present invention learns the time when users start using the liquid ejection device on a daily basis, and optimizes the maintenance schedule based on the learned data, making it possible to perform maintenance just before the user starts printing.

[0066] In addition, the maintenance timing management means 804 sets a schedule for automatic maintenance of the head 4 in the liquid ejection device 100 while it is on standby, based on the usage status of the liquid ejection device 100 learned by the usage status learning means 802, and performs maintenance by the maintenance recovery mechanism 20 based on the set schedule.

[0067] For example, if a user starts printing at 10:00 a.m. and finishes printing at 5:00 p.m. every day, the maintenance timing management means 804 optimizes the schedule for maintenance to be performed during the 17-hour waiting period between the end of printing on the previous day and the start of printing on the next day. Optimization includes completing maintenance just before printing begins and performing maintenance the minimum number of times necessary. This optimization prevents unnecessary waiting time for the user and reduces the amount of ink wasted when maintenance is performed.

[0068] FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example in which the usage status learning means 802 learns the usage status of the liquid ejection device 100 and creates a usage status table. (A) is a usage status 71 showing the time of day when the liquid ejection device 100 is used. (B) is a usage status table 72 in which the usage status 71 is tabulated in one-hour increments, with "1" indicating in use and "0" indicating standby.

[0069] The usage status learning means 802 determines a state in which printing is being performed and a state in which operations are being performed on the liquid ejection device 100 as "in use," and determines a state in which operations are not being performed on the liquid ejection device 100 as "standby," and learns this state. 6B shows an example of the usage status table 72 organized in units of one hour, but the unit of the table is not limited to this. By organizing the table in units of one minute or one second, it is possible to grasp the usage status in detail.

[0070] FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example in which the usage learning means 802 learns the usage by day of the week from the one-week usage table and creates a usage table. (A) is a usage status table 73 for one week. (B) is a day-of-week usage table 74 in which days of use are assigned a "1" and days of no use are assigned a "0" from the weekly usage table 73. (C) is a time-based usage table 75 in which the time periods when there was usage on weekdays (Monday to Friday) are tabulated as "1" and the time periods when there was no usage are tabulated as "0" from the weekly usage table 73.

[0071] The usage status learning means 802 can also determine that a day of the week on which the liquid ejection device 100 is not used throughout the day is a non-working day, and exclude the day from being tabulated. The day on which the liquid ejection device 100 is used is determined to be a business day, and the usage status on the business day can be learned and tabulated (the time-based usage status table 75 can be created). The unit of the usage status table is not limited to one hour, and detailed usage status can be grasped by tabulating it in one-minute or one-second units.

[0072] In this way, the usage status learning means 802 learns the days of the week and times when the user uses the liquid ejection device 100, and stores the days and times in a table as usage status data 801. The maintenance timing management means 804 determines the predicted time to start use based on the usage status (usage status data 801) of the liquid ejection device 100 learned by the usage status learning means 802.

[0073] FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of the predicted start time of use and the start time of maintenance. The maintenance timing management means 804 sets the maintenance start time T1 so that maintenance is carried out immediately before the predicted start time T2 of use. The maintenance start time T1 is basically set in consideration of the maintenance time Ta, which is the time for performing maintenance, but as shown in FIG. 7, it is preferable to set it in consideration of the maintenance time Ta and margin time Tb.

[0074] For example, if the usage conditions learned by the usage condition learning means 802 show a large variation in the time at which users start using the device each day, or if there is a large variation in the length of time maintenance is performed due to the condition or environment of the head 4, it is preferable to set a margin time Tb. As a result, maintenance is completed just before the predicted start time T2, and good print quality can be obtained when printing starts without causing unnecessary waiting time.

[0075] In the liquid ejection device 100 of this embodiment, it is preferable that the frequency of automatic maintenance is determined using at least one of the drying speed, sedimentation speed, and ejection volume of the liquid ejected by the head 4, and a temperature and humidity coefficient that is set based on the temperature and humidity of the head environment.

[0076] The maintenance timing management means 804 can optimize the schedule for automatic maintenance of the head 4 of the liquid ejection device 100 while it is on standby, using the usage status of the liquid ejection device 100 learned by the usage status learning means 802, and at least one of the drying speed, sedimentation speed, and ejection volume of the liquid ejected by the head 4, and a temperature and humidity coefficient set based on the temperature and humidity of the head environment.

[0077] FIG. 8 is a temperature and humidity table showing an example of a temperature and humidity coefficient determined from the temperature and humidity of the head environment. The temperature and humidity coefficient is determined based on the temperature and humidity around the head detected by the sensor, as shown in the temperature and humidity table of FIG. For example, because ink dries more easily at low humidity, the temperature and humidity coefficients for temperatures below 15°C are A>B>C in order of decreasing humidity. The frequency of automatic maintenance determined using temperature and humidity coefficient A will be higher than the frequency of automatic maintenance determined using temperature and humidity coefficient C.

[0078] The frequency of automatic maintenance can be determined, for example, using the following formula: (Maintenance frequency) = (Standard frequency) x (Coefficient)

[0079] The "standard frequency" is a frequency determined from a basic maintenance interval that is preset based on the drying speed and settling speed of the ink ejected from the head 4, the performance of the head 4 and the maintenance and recovery mechanism 20, and the like.

[0080] The "coefficient" can be the temperature and humidity coefficient described above, but is not limited to this. For example, any coefficient set according to the ink ejection amount before maintenance or the state of the liquid ejection device 100 can be used. When the coefficient is large, the maintenance frequency becomes high, and when the coefficient is small, the maintenance frequency becomes low.

[0081] FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an automatic maintenance schedule. The automatic maintenance schedule is set based on the timing of maintenance to be performed immediately before the expected start time T2 and the maintenance frequency determined by the above formula. The schedule is set after each printing operation.

[0082] 9A to 9C show an example of an automatic maintenance schedule set under the following conditions when printing ends at 17:50 and the expected start time of use (T2) is determined to be 9:00 the following day.

[0083] <Condition> Maintenance time (Ta): 10 minutes Margin time (Tb): 10 minutes Maintenance frequency: 5 times

[0084] Based on the above conditions, the start time (T1) of the maintenance to be carried out immediately before the expected start time of use (T2) is set to 8:40 the next day, taking into account the total of 20 minutes of the maintenance time (Ta) and margin time (Tb). Furthermore, the maintenance performed immediately before the predicted start time of use (T2) corresponds to the fifth maintenance.

[0085] Pattern 1 shown in FIG. 9A is an example in which maintenance is repeatedly performed at regular intervals after printing has finished, and then the timing of maintenance is adjusted to be performed immediately before the predicted start time T2 of use. The schedule calls for four maintenance sessions to be carried out at regular intervals of three hours, followed by a fifth maintenance session at a shorter interval of two hours and 10 minutes.

[0086] Pattern 2 shown in FIG. 9(B) is an example in which the timing of the initial (first) automatic maintenance is adjusted. The first maintenance after printing is completed is performed 2 hours and 10 minutes later, and subsequent maintenance is scheduled to be performed at regular intervals of 3 hours.

[0087] Pattern 3 shown in FIG. 9C is an example in which the intervals between each maintenance are adjusted to be constant. The first through fifth maintenance sessions are scheduled to be carried out at regular intervals of 2 hours and 50 minutes.

[0088] As shown by the multiple patterns in FIG. 9, the automatic maintenance schedule can be appropriately selected and set as long as the maintenance is performed and completed immediately before the predicted start time T2.

[0089] Furthermore, in a mode in which the liquid ejection device 100 includes a plurality of heads 4, the timing of maintenance for the plurality of heads 4 can be determined for each head 4.

[0090] Furthermore, in a mode in which the liquid ejection device 100 includes a plurality of heads 4, the timing of maintenance for the plurality of heads 4 can be determined for each type of liquid ejected by the head 4.

[0091] The maintenance method for a liquid ejection device according to the present invention includes the steps of: a usage status learning means 802 learning the usage status of the liquid ejection device 100 by a user; a maintenance timing management means 804 determining an expected time T2 when the user will start using the liquid ejection device 100 based on the usage status of the liquid ejection device 100 learned by the usage status learning means 802; a maintenance timing management means 804 setting a maintenance start time T1 so that maintenance will be performed immediately before the expected start time T2; and a maintenance recovery mechanism 20 performing maintenance of the head 4 at the set maintenance start time T1.

[0092] In addition, the maintenance method of this embodiment includes a step in which the maintenance timing management means 804 sets a schedule for automatic maintenance of the head 4 in the liquid ejection device 100 that is on standby, based on the usage status of the liquid ejection device 100 learned by the usage status learning means 802.

[0093] Furthermore, in the maintenance method of this embodiment, the maintenance timing management means 804 optimizes the schedule for automatic maintenance of the head 4 in the standby liquid ejection device 100 using the usage status of the liquid ejection device 100 learned by the usage status learning means 802, and at least one of the drying speed, sedimentation speed, and ejection volume of the liquid ejected by the head 4, and a temperature and humidity coefficient that is set based on the temperature and humidity of the head environment.

[0094] According to the maintenance method of this embodiment, the timing of performing maintenance can be optimized based on the usage status of the liquid ejection device 100, and good print quality can be obtained from the start of printing. It is also possible to prevent the user from having to wait unnecessarily. Furthermore, it is possible to reduce the amount of liquid (ink) wasted due to maintenance.

[0095] For example, aspects of the present invention are as follows. <1> A liquid ejection device comprising a head that ejects liquid and a maintenance and recovery mechanism that performs maintenance on the head, a maintenance timing management unit that manages the timing of performing maintenance on the head; and a usage status learning unit that learns the usage status of the liquid ejection device by a user, the maintenance timing management means determines an expected time when a user will start using the liquid ejection device based on the usage status of the liquid ejection device learned by the usage status learning means, and sets a maintenance start time so that maintenance will be performed immediately before the expected usage start time; The liquid ejection device is characterized in that maintenance is carried out by the maintenance recovery mechanism at the set maintenance start time. <2> the maintenance timing management means sets a schedule for automatic maintenance of the head of the liquid ejection device on standby based on the usage status of the liquid ejection device learned by the usage status learning means; The maintenance and recovery mechanism performs maintenance according to a set schedule. <1> 2. The liquid ejection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the liquid ejection apparatus is a liquid ejection apparatus. <3> The frequency of the automatic maintenance is determined using at least one of the drying speed, settling speed, and ejection amount of the liquid ejected by the head, and a temperature and humidity coefficient that is set based on the temperature and humidity of the head environment. <2> The liquid ejection device according to claim 1. <4> the usage status learning means learns the day of the week and the time when the user uses the liquid ejection device; The maintenance timing management means determines the predicted start time of use based on the usage status of the liquid ejection device learned by the usage status learning means. <1> from <3> 1. The liquid ejection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the liquid ejection apparatus is a liquid ejection apparatus. <5> the maintenance timing management means optimizes a schedule for automatic maintenance of the head in the liquid ejection device that is on standby, using at least one of the usage status of the liquid ejection device learned by the usage status learning means, the drying speed, settling speed, and ejection amount of the liquid ejected by the head, and a temperature and humidity coefficient that is set based on the temperature and humidity of the head environment. <1> from <4> 1. The liquid ejection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the liquid ejection apparatus is a liquid ejection apparatus. <6> The method is characterized in that a plurality of the heads are provided, and the timing of maintenance for the plurality of heads is determined for each of the heads. <1> from <5> 1. The liquid ejection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the liquid ejection apparatus is a liquid ejection apparatus. <7> The ink jet recording apparatus is characterized in that it comprises a plurality of heads, and the timing of maintenance for the plurality of heads is determined for each type of liquid ejected by the head. <1> from <6> 1. The liquid ejection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the liquid ejection apparatus is a liquid ejection apparatus. <8> A maintenance method for a liquid ejection device including a plurality of heads that eject liquid, a maintenance and recovery mechanism that performs maintenance on the heads, and a control means having a usage status learning means and a maintenance timing management means, comprising: a step in which the usage status learning means learns the usage status of the liquid ejection device by a user; a step in which the maintenance timing management means determines an expected time when a user will start using the liquid ejection device based on the usage status of the liquid ejection device learned by the usage status learning means; a step of the maintenance timing management means setting a maintenance start time so that maintenance is performed immediately before the predicted start time of use; The maintenance method further comprises a step in which the maintenance and recovery mechanism performs maintenance on the head at the set maintenance start time. <9> The method further comprises the step of: setting a schedule for automatic maintenance of the head of the liquid ejection device on standby based on the usage status of the liquid ejection device learned by the usage status learning means. <8> This is a maintenance method described in <10> the maintenance timing management means optimizes a schedule for automatic maintenance of the head in the liquid ejection device that is on standby, using at least one of the usage status of the liquid ejection device learned by the usage status learning means, the drying speed, settling speed, and ejection amount of the liquid ejected by the head, and a temperature and humidity coefficient that is set based on the temperature and humidity of the head environment. <8> or <9> This is a maintenance method described in <11> The method for manufacturing an electrode is characterized in that an electrode material layer is formed on an object. <1> from <7> 1. The liquid ejection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the liquid ejection apparatus is a liquid ejection apparatus. [Explanation of symbols]

[0096] 3 carriages 4 heads (liquid ejection heads) 20 Maintenance and recovery mechanism 100 Liquid dispensing device 500 control section 802 Maintenance timing management means (maintenance timing management unit) 804 Usage status learning means (usage status learning unit) [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0097] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-49817

Claims

1. A liquid ejection device comprising a head that ejects liquid and a maintenance and recovery mechanism that performs maintenance on the head, a maintenance timing management unit that manages the timing of performing maintenance on the head; and a usage status learning unit that learns the usage status of the liquid ejection device by a user, the maintenance timing management means determines an expected time when a user will start using the liquid ejection device based on the usage status of the liquid ejection device learned by the usage status learning means, and sets a maintenance start time so that maintenance will be performed immediately before the expected usage start time; A liquid ejection device, characterized in that maintenance is carried out by the maintenance and recovery mechanism at the set maintenance start time.

2. the maintenance timing management means sets a schedule for automatic maintenance of the head of the liquid ejection device on standby based on the usage status of the liquid ejection device learned by the usage status learning means; The liquid ejection device according to claim 1 , wherein the maintenance and recovery mechanism carries out maintenance according to a set schedule.

3. The liquid ejection device according to claim 2, characterized in that the frequency of the automatic maintenance is determined using at least one of the drying speed, sedimentation speed, and ejection volume of the liquid ejected by the head, and a temperature and humidity coefficient set based on the temperature and humidity of the head environment.

4. the usage status learning means learns the day of the week and the time when the user uses the liquid ejection device; 4. The liquid ejection device according to claim 1, wherein the maintenance timing management means determines the predicted start time of use based on the usage status of the liquid ejection device learned by the usage status learning means.

5. The liquid ejection device described in claim 4, characterized in that the maintenance timing management means optimizes the schedule for automatic maintenance of the head in the liquid ejection device while it is on standby using at least one of the usage status of the liquid ejection device learned by the usage status learning means, the drying speed, sedimentation speed, and ejection volume of the liquid ejected by the head, and a temperature and humidity coefficient set based on the temperature and humidity of the head environment.

6. 6. The liquid ejection apparatus according to claim 5, wherein a plurality of the heads are provided, and the timing of maintenance for the plurality of heads is determined for each of the heads.

7. 6. The liquid ejection apparatus according to claim 5, comprising a plurality of the heads, and the timing of maintenance for the plurality of heads is determined for each type of liquid ejected by the head.

8. A maintenance method for a liquid ejection device including a plurality of heads that eject liquid, a maintenance and recovery mechanism that performs maintenance on the heads, and a control means having a usage status learning means and a maintenance timing management means, comprising: a step in which the usage status learning means learns the usage status of the liquid ejection device by a user; a step in which the maintenance timing management means determines an expected time when a user will start using the liquid ejection device based on the usage status of the liquid ejection device learned by the usage status learning means; a step of the maintenance timing management means setting a maintenance start time so that maintenance is performed immediately before the predicted start time of use; the maintenance recovery mechanism performing maintenance on the head at the set maintenance start time.

9. The maintenance method described in claim 8, characterized in that the maintenance timing management means includes a step of setting a schedule for automatic maintenance for the head in the liquid ejection device that is on standby based on the usage status of the liquid ejection device learned by the usage status learning means.

10. A maintenance method as described in claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the maintenance timing management means optimizes the schedule for automatic maintenance of the head in the liquid ejection device while it is on standby, using the usage status of the liquid ejection device learned by the usage status learning means, and at least one of the drying speed, sedimentation speed, and ejection volume of the liquid ejected by the head, and a temperature and humidity coefficient set based on the temperature and humidity of the head environment.

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