Maintenance unit and liquid discharge device

Abstract

To provide a maintenance unit capable of making a wiping part be in a uniform wet condition, with a small amount of second liquid, and a liquid discharge device.SOLUTION: A maintenance unit includes: a wiping part 55 capable of wiping a nozzle formation surface 25 of a liquid discharge part 22 formed with a nozzle that discharges first liquid; and a fluid mixture jetting part that jets a fluid mixture of gas and second liquid from a jetting port 93 to make the wiping part 55 be wet.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an inkjet recording device that is an example of a liquid ejection device. The inkjet recording device includes a head that is an example of a liquid ejection section, a wiping mechanism, and a supply mechanism. The head prints by ejecting a liquid that is an example of a first liquid from nozzles arranged on a nozzle surface that is an example of a nozzle formation surface. The wiping mechanism wipes the nozzle surface with a wiping sheet. The supply mechanism supplies a cleaning liquid that is an example of a second liquid to the wiping sheet from a supply pipe with holes. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-30347 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The supply mechanism in Patent Document 1 supplies cleaning liquid to the wiping sheet by rotating the supply pipe so that the holes face downward. When the cleaning liquid is dripped onto the wiping sheet from the holes, a large amount of cleaning liquid is required to uniformly wet the entire wiping sheet. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A maintenance unit that solves the above problem includes a wiping section that can wipe the nozzle formation surface of a liquid ejection section on which nozzles that eject a first liquid are formed, and a mixed fluid injection section that sprays a mixed fluid of a gas and a second liquid from an injection port to wet the wiping section.

[0006] A liquid ejection device that solves the above problem includes a liquid ejection section having a nozzle formation surface on which nozzles that eject a first liquid are formed, and a maintenance unit configured as described above. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a first embodiment of a liquid ejection device. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the wiping device. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the fluid ejection head and the wiping device. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the pressing portion. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the wiping device with the wiping part located at the wiping position. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a side view of the maintenance unit. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the fluid ejecting head and the wiping device. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a fluid ejecting head and a wiping device according to a second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] [First embodiment] A first embodiment of a maintenance unit and a liquid ejection device will be described below with reference to the drawings. The liquid ejection device is an inkjet printer that prints images such as characters and photographs by ejecting ink, which is an example of a first liquid, onto a medium such as paper or fabric.

[0009] In the drawings, the liquid ejection device 11 is assumed to be placed on a horizontal plane, with the direction of gravity indicated by the Z axis and directions along the horizontal plane indicated by the X and Y axes. The X, Y, and Z axes are perpendicular to one another. 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 direction opposite to the scanning direction X1.

[0010] <Liquid discharge device> As shown in FIG. 1, the liquid ejection device 11 may include a control unit 12, a medium transport unit 13, a printing unit 14, and a maintenance unit 15.

[0011] The control unit 12 comprehensively controls the driving of each mechanism in the liquid ejection device 11 and controls various operations executed by the liquid ejection device 11. The control unit 12 may be configured as a circuit including: 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. The hardware circuit is, for example, an application-specific integrated circuit. The processor includes a CPU and memory such as RAM and ROM, and the memory stores program code or instructions configured to cause the CPU to execute processes. The memory, i.e., computer-readable medium, includes any readable medium that can be accessed by a general-purpose or dedicated computer.

[0012] <Media transport section> The medium transport unit 13 is configured to transport a medium 17. The medium transport unit 13 may include a medium support unit 18 and transport rollers 19.

[0013] The medium support section 18 supports the medium 17. For example, the medium support section 18 supports the medium 17 from below. The medium support section 18 supports the medium 17 being transported. The medium transport unit 13 may include a plurality of transport rollers 19. The transport rollers 19 transport the medium 17 by rotating.

[0014] The medium transport unit 13, for example, transports the medium 17 intermittently. Specifically, the medium transport unit 13 stops transporting the medium 17 while the printing unit 14 prints on the medium 17. The medium transport unit 13 transports the medium 17 after printing has been performed on the medium 17. The medium transport unit 13 is not limited to transporting a long medium 17, and may transport a cut sheet of medium 17.

[0015] <Print section> The printing unit 14 is configured to print on the medium 17. The printing unit 14 prints on an area of ​​the medium 17 that is supported by the medium support unit 18. The printing unit 14 may include a first carriage 21, a liquid ejection unit 22, and a pressure unit 23.

[0016] The first carriage 21 is configured to move back and forth in the scanning direction X1 and the wiping direction X2. By moving back and forth in the scanning direction X1 and the wiping direction X2, the first carriage 21 passes through a position facing the medium 17. The first carriage 21 passes above the medium support unit 18, for example.

[0017] 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 unit 18. Therefore, the liquid ejection device 11 is a lateral printer. The liquid ejection device 11 may also be a serial printer in which the medium 17 is transported in a direction different from the scanning direction X1.

[0018] The printing unit 14 may include a plurality of liquid ejection units 22. The printing unit 14 of this embodiment includes five liquid ejection units 22. The plurality of liquid ejection units 22 may be arranged side by side in the scanning direction X1. The plurality of liquid ejection units 22 each have the same configuration. Therefore, the following description will focus on one liquid ejection unit 22.

[0019] The liquid ejection unit 22 is configured to eject a first liquid. The liquid ejection unit 22 of this embodiment ejects the first liquid in the vertical direction Z. The liquid ejection unit 22 has a nozzle forming surface 25. Nozzles 26 are formed in the nozzle forming surface 25. The nozzle forming surface 25 is a surface on which one or more nozzles 26 open. The liquid ejection unit 22 ejects the first liquid from the nozzles 26. The liquid ejection unit 22 is mounted on a first carriage 21. The liquid ejection unit 22 prints an image on the medium 17 by ejecting the first liquid onto the medium 17. The multiple liquid ejection units 22 may each eject the same type of first liquid, or each eject different types of first liquid. For example, four liquid ejection units 22 may each eject ink of a different color, and one liquid ejection unit 22 may eject a reaction liquid that aggregates the ink.

[0020] The liquid discharger 22 is, for example, a line head that can discharge the first liquid onto the medium 17 simultaneously across the width direction Y. The liquid discharger 22 is movable in the scanning direction X1. The liquid discharger 22 is movable in the wiping direction X2. The liquid discharger 22 moves back and forth together with the first carriage 21 in the scanning direction X1 and the wiping direction X2. The liquid discharger 22 can discharge the first liquid over the entire area of ​​the medium 17 that is supported by the medium support unit 18.

[0021] The pressurizing unit 23 is connected to the liquid ejection unit 22. The pressurizing unit 23, for example, applies pressure inside the multiple liquid ejection units 22. The printing unit 14 may be provided with multiple pressurizing units 23. For example, the printing unit 14 may be provided with a pressurizing unit 23 for each liquid ejection unit 22.

[0022] The pressurizing unit 23 is, for example, a pump. The pressurizing unit 23 applies pressure inside the liquid discharge unit 22 to discharge the first liquid from the liquid discharge unit 22. That is, the pressurizing unit 23 applies pressure inside the liquid discharge unit 22 to discharge the first liquid from the nozzle 26 under pressure. Discharging the first liquid under pressure is also referred to as pressurized cleaning. Pressurized cleaning is a maintenance method in which the first liquid is forcibly discharged from the nozzle 26, thereby discharging air bubbles, foreign matter, and the like from the nozzle 26 along with the first liquid inside the liquid discharge unit 22.

[0023] <Maintenance Department> The maintenance section 15 is configured to perform maintenance on the liquid ejection section 22. The maintenance section 15 may include a moisturizing section 28, a cleaning section 29, a maintenance unit 30, and a liquid receiving section 31. The moisturizing section 28, the cleaning section 29, the maintenance unit 30, the liquid receiving section 31, and the medium support section 18 may be arranged side by side in this order in the scanning direction X1.

[0024] The moisturizing unit 28 may include one or more moisturizing caps 33. The moisturizing unit 28 may include the same number of moisturizing caps 33 as the liquid discharge units 22. The moisturizing caps 33 come into contact with the liquid discharge units 22 to form a space communicating with the nozzles 26. The moisturizing caps 33 cap the liquid discharge units 22 that are located in the home position indicated by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 1. The moisturizing caps 33 moisten the nozzles 26 by capping the liquid discharge units 22.

[0025] The cleaning unit 29 sucks the first liquid from the liquid discharge unit 22 to perform suction cleaning of the liquid discharge unit 22. The cleaning unit 29 may include one or more suction caps 35. The cleaning unit 29 may clean a plurality of liquid discharge units 22 individually. The cleaning unit 29 may also clean a plurality of liquid discharge units 22 collectively.

[0026] The suction cap 35 comes into contact with the liquid discharge unit 22 to form a space communicating with the nozzle 26. The suction cap 35 caps the liquid discharge unit 22. The cleaning unit 29 performs suction cleaning by creating a negative pressure inside the suction cap 35 through suction. By performing suction cleaning on a liquid discharge unit 22 that is not filled with the first liquid, the liquid discharge unit 22 can be filled with the first liquid. By performing suction cleaning on a liquid discharge unit 22 that is filled with the first liquid, air bubbles, foreign matter, and the like can be discharged from within the liquid discharge unit 22. The suction cap 35 receives the first liquid that is discharged during suction cleaning.

[0027] The liquid receiving portion 31 is configured to receive the first liquid discharged from the nozzle 26. The liquid receiving portion 31 may receive the first liquid discharged from the liquid discharge portion 22 by pressurization by the pressurizing portion 23. In other words, the liquid receiving portion 31 may receive the first liquid discharged in conjunction with pressure cleaning. The liquid receiving portion 31 may receive the first liquid that has been blank-discharged. Blank-discharge is an operation in which the first liquid is discharged from the nozzle 26 to prevent clogging of the nozzle 26. Blank-discharge is also called flushing. Blank-discharge causes, for example, thickened first liquid to be discharged from the nozzle 26. The liquid receiving portion 31 receives the first liquid discharged from the liquid discharge portion 22 that faces it.

[0028] <Maintenance unit> As shown in FIG. 1, the maintenance unit 30 may include a wiping device 37 and a mixed fluid spraying unit .

[0029] 2, the wiping device 37 may include a feeding section 40, a winding section 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.

[0030] The payout unit 40 may include a brake unit 47 and a payout spindle 48. The brake unit 47 limits the rotation of the payout spindle 48. The brake unit 47 applies a load to the rotating payout spindle 48. The payout spindle 48 supports an unused absorbent member 42 wound in a roll. The payout spindle 48 pays out the unused absorbent member 42 by rotating.

[0031] The winding unit 41 is capable of winding up the absorbing member 42. The winding unit 41 may include a first driving source 50 and a winding shaft 51. The first driving source 50 is, for example, a motor. The first driving source 50 rotates the winding shaft 51. The winding shaft 51 winds up and supports the used absorbing member 42 in a roll shape.

[0032] As shown in Fig. 3, the absorbing member 42 is strip-shaped. The absorbing member 42 is wound around a plurality of guide rollers 43. The plurality of guide rollers 43 extend, for example, in the width direction Y. The absorbing member 42 fed from the feeding unit 40 is sent to the winding unit 41 via the plurality of guide rollers 43. The absorbing member 42 is sent in a conveying direction Dc from the feeding unit 40 toward the winding unit 41. The conveying direction Dc is a direction along the path along which the absorbing member 42 is conveyed.

[0033] The absorbing member 42 is capable of absorbing liquid. The absorbing member 42 is, for example, a 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.

[0034] The absorbing member 42 has a contact surface 53 and a back surface 54. The contact surface 53 is the surface that contacts the nozzle forming surface 25. The back surface 54 is the 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 have a flat portion 56. The flat portion 56 may be located downstream of the wiping portion 55 in the transport direction Dc. The flat portion 56 may be arranged between the wiping portion 55 and the liquid receiving portion 31 in the scanning direction X1. The wiping portion 55 may be arranged between the cleaning portion 29 and the flat portion 56 in the scanning direction X1. The liquid receiving portion 31 may be arranged downstream of the wiping portion 55 in the scanning direction X1.

[0035] 3, when the absorbing member 42 is located 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 a position where the absorbing member 42 is separated from the nozzle forming surface 25. The wiping portion 55 and the flat portion 56 located at the separated position Ps do not interfere with the liquid ejecting portion 22 that moves back and forth in the scanning direction X1.

[0036] The first movement mechanism 44 may include a lifting unit 58 , a holder 59 , a storage frame 60 , and a pressing unit 61 . The holder 59 detachably holds the storage frame 60. The storage frame 60 rotatably supports the payout spindle 48 and the take-up spindle 51. The user can replace the absorbing member 42 by removing the storage frame 60 from the holder 59 and removing the payout spindle 48 and the take-up spindle 51 from the storage frame 60.

[0037] The lifting unit 58 is, for example, an air cylinder. The lifting unit 58 moves the holder 59 back and forth 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 moves the entire absorbing member 42 back and forth in the vertical direction Z.

[0038] The pressing portion 61 is configured to press the wiping portion 55 against the nozzle forming surface 25. The absorbing member 42 is wrapped around the pressing portion 61. The pressing portion 61 includes a holding member 63, a cover member 64, an attachment member 65, a roller 66, and an elastic member 67. The pressing portion 61 may include a plurality of attachment members 65, rollers 66, and elastic members 67. The holding member 63 and the cover member 64 form a space that accommodates the attachment member 65, rollers 66, and elastic member 67.

[0039] 3 and 4, the cover member 64 has through holes 69, the number of which is equal to the number of rollers 66. A portion of each roller 66 protrudes from the corresponding through hole 69. As shown in FIG. 3, the roller 66 is attached to the attachment member 65. The roller 66 contacts the back surface 54 of the absorbing member 42. The attachment member 65 rotatably holds the roller 66. The roller 66 may rotate in response to the transport of the absorbing member 42. The elastic member 67 presses the attachment member 65. The elastic member 67 presses up the absorbing member 42 via the attachment member 65 and the roller 66. The elastic member 67 is, for example, a spring.

[0040] The roller 66 has a cylindrical portion 71 and a shaft portion 72. The cylindrical portion 71 is a portion around which the absorbing member 42 is wound. The shaft portion 72 is a portion that is inserted into the cylindrical portion 71. The shaft portion 72 is attached to the attachment member 65. The shaft portion 72 extends, for example, in the width direction Y. The cylindrical portion 71 of the roller 66, which comes into contact with the wiping part 55, may be elastic. The cylindrical portion 71 may be made of a material such as sponge or rubber. In this case, the absorbing member 42 is more likely to come into close contact with the nozzle surface 25.

[0041] 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, the multiple cylindrical portions 71 can be tilted in accordance with the nozzle forming surface 25 when wiping the nozzle forming surface 25. This makes it easier for the absorbing member 42 to come into close contact with the nozzle forming surface 25.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 5, the first moving mechanism 44 can move the absorbing member 42 to a wiping position Pw. The first moving mechanism 44 moves the wiping unit 55 between the separated position Ps shown in FIG. 3 and the wiping position Pw shown in FIG. 5. When the absorbing member 42 is located at the wiping position Pw, the wiping unit 55 is located above the nozzle forming surface 25. The wiping position Pw is a position where the wiping unit 55 can come into contact with the nozzle forming surface 25. When the absorbing member 42 is located 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 unit 55 located at the wiping position Pw interferes with the liquid ejection unit 22 that moves back and forth in the scanning direction X1.

[0043] The wiping device 37 is capable of wiping the nozzle forming surface 25. The wiping section 55 is capable of wiping the nozzle forming surface 25 by moving relative to the liquid ejection section 22. For example, wiping of the nozzle forming surface 25 may be performed by moving the liquid ejection section 22 in the wiping direction X2 with respect to the wiping section 55 stopped at the wiping position Pw. The wiping section 55 removes the first liquid and the like adhering to the nozzle forming surface 25. Wiping of the nozzle forming surface 25 by the wiping device 37 is also referred to as wiping.

[0044] <Mixed fluid injection part> 6, the mixed fluid spraying unit 38 may be disposed upstream of the wiping device 37 in the scanning direction X1. In the scanning direction X1, the mixed fluid spraying unit 38 is disposed between the cleaning unit 29 and the wiping unit 55. The mixed fluid spraying unit 38 and the wiping unit 55 may be arranged side by side in the scanning direction X1.

[0045] The mixed fluid spraying unit 38 may include a guide frame 74, a guide rail 75, a second carriage 76, a fluid spraying head 77, a second movement mechanism 78, and a third movement mechanism 79. The mixed fluid spraying unit 38 may include a sub-tank 81, an upstream supply path 82, a downstream supply path 83, an introduction unit 84, and a gas supply path 85.

[0046] The guide frame 74 supports the guide rail 75 and the second movement mechanism 78 . The guide rail 75 extends in the width direction Y. The guide rail 75 guides the second carriage 76 in the width direction Y.

[0047] The second carriage 76 is supported by the guide rail 75. The second carriage 76 is provided so as to be able to reciprocate in the width direction Y along the guide rail 75. The second movement mechanism 78 may include a second drive source 87 , a power transmission unit 88 , a drive pulley 89 , a driven pulley 90 , and a timing belt 91 .

[0048] The second drive source 87 is, for example, a motor. The power transmission unit 88 has, for example, a plurality of gears. The power transmission unit 88 transmits the drive force of the second drive source 87 to the drive pulley 89. In other words, the second drive source 87 rotates the drive pulley 89.

[0049] The drive 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 drive pulley 89 and the driven pulley 90 are parallel to each other.

[0050] The timing belt 91 is a circular belt. The timing belt 91 is wound around a drive pulley 89 and a driven pulley 90. A portion of the timing belt 91 is fixed to the second carriage 76.

[0051] The second movement mechanism 78 transmits the driving force of the second drive source 87 to the second carriage 76 via a timing belt 91. The second movement mechanism 78 moves the second carriage 76 back and forth in the width direction Y.

[0052] The fluid ejection head 77 has an ejection port 93. The ejection port 93 is capable of ejecting a mixed fluid of a gas and a second liquid. The gas in this embodiment is compressed air. The fluid ejection head 77 is mounted on the second carriage 76. The fluid ejection head 77 moves back and forth in the width direction Y as the second carriage 76 moves. That is, the ejection port 93 is movable in the width direction Y. The movement range of the ejection port 93 in the width direction Y may be larger than the width of the nozzle forming surface 25. The movement range of the ejection port 93 in the width direction Y may be larger than the width of the absorbing member 42. The fluid ejection head 77 wets the absorbing member 42 across the width direction Y by ejecting the mixed fluid while moving in the width direction Y.

[0053] The third movement mechanism 79 moves the fluid ejection head 77. The third movement mechanism 79 may rotate the fluid ejection head 77 around an axis (not shown) extending in the width direction Y. The third movement mechanism 79 moves the ejection nozzle 93. The ejection nozzle 93 of this embodiment is movable between a first position P1 shown in FIG. 3 and a second position P2 shown in FIG. 7.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 3 , the first position P1 is a position where the wiping unit 55 is moistened. Specifically, the injection port 93 located at the first position P1 injects the mixed fluid toward the absorbing member 42 between the take-up unit 41 and the wiping unit 55. The injection port 93 located at the first position P1 injects the mixed fluid toward a portion upstream of the wiping unit 55 in the transport direction Dc. The fluid injection head 77 may inject the mixed fluid in the scanning direction X1, or in a direction oblique to the scanning direction X1. The mixed fluid injection unit 38 may inject the mixed fluid in a direction having a component facing the scanning direction X1.

[0055] The portion of the absorbing member 42 upstream of the wiping portion 55 in the conveying direction Dc is wetted with the mixed fluid. The wetted portion of the absorbing member 42 moves in the conveying direction Dc as the absorbing member 42 is taken up by the take-up portion 41. In other words, the portion onto which the mixed fluid is sprayed moves to a position where it comes into contact with the pressing portion 61 and becomes the wiping portion 55.

[0056] 7, the second position P2 is a position where the mixed fluid is ejected toward the nozzle forming surface 25. The ejection port 93 located at the second position P2 can face the nozzle forming surface 25. For example, the ejection port 93 located at the second position P2 may eject the mixed fluid toward the nozzle forming surface 25 located directly above it.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 6, the main tank 95 may be provided 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. An upstream supply path 82 connects the main tank 95 and a 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 is capable of storing the second liquid supplied from the main tank 95.

[0058] The downstream supply path 83 connects the sub-tank 81 and the fluid ejection head 77. The downstream supply path 83 supplies the second liquid from the sub-tank 81 to the fluid ejection head 77. The downstream supply path 83 is, for example, a tube. The downstream supply path 83 is deformable in accordance with the movement of the fluid ejection head 77.

[0059] The introduction portion 84 can be connected to the outlet portion 97. The outlet portion 97 may be included in the liquid ejection device 11, or may be provided separately from the liquid ejection device 11. The outlet portion 97 can discharge compressed air as gas.

[0060] The gas supply path 85 connects the fluid ejection head 77 and the introduction portion 84. The gas supply path 85 supplies compressed air introduced from the introduction portion 84 to the fluid ejection head 77. The gas supply path 85 is, for example, a tube. The gas supply path 85 is deformable in accordance with the movement of the fluid ejection head 77.

[0061] <Pressure cleaning> The control unit 12 performs pressure cleaning, for example, when a predetermined time has passed since printing started, when a predetermined time has passed since the previous maintenance, etc. The control unit 12 may perform pressure cleaning on multiple liquid discharge units 22 collectively or one by one. The following describes maintenance when pressure cleaning is performed on one liquid discharge unit 22.

[0062] 7, when performing maintenance, the control unit 12 first moves the liquid ejection unit 22 so that the nozzle formation surface 25 faces the fluid ejection head 77. At this time, the absorbing member 42 is located at the separated position Ps.

[0063] The control unit 12 drives the third movement mechanism 79 to position the ejection nozzle 93 at the second position P2. The control unit 12 may move the liquid ejection unit 22 and the fluid ejection head 77 simultaneously.

[0064] The control unit 12 drives the second movement mechanism 78 to move the fluid ejection head 77 in the width direction Y. The control unit 12 may also move the fluid ejection head 77 back and forth. The control unit 12 ejects the mixed fluid from the moving ejection port 93 toward the nozzle forming surface 25. The mixed fluid is sprayed onto the nozzle forming surface 25. The second liquid adheres to the nozzle forming surface 25. The mixed fluid is sprayed onto the liquid in the nozzle 26. The mixed fluid is sprayed onto the liquid that has thickened in the nozzle 26. The mixed fluid breaks the thickened state of the liquid in the nozzle 26.

[0065] Next, the control unit 12 moves the liquid discharge unit 22 so that the nozzle forming surface 25 faces the liquid receiving unit 31. The control unit 12 causes the pressurizing unit 23 to discharge the liquid from the liquid discharge unit 22. That is, the control unit 12 performs pressurized cleaning. Because the thickened state of the liquid in the nozzle 26 has been destroyed by the mixed fluid, it is easy to discharge the liquid during pressurized cleaning. The liquid discharged from the liquid discharge unit 22 is received in the liquid receiving unit 31. Next, the control unit 12 moves the liquid discharge unit 22 so that the nozzle forming surface 25 faces the wiping unit 55.

[0066] With the wiping unit 55 facing the nozzle forming surface 25, the control unit 12 drives the first movement mechanism 44 to move the wiping unit 55 to the wiping position Pw. The control unit 12 causes the first movement mechanism 44 to move the wiping unit 55 to a position where it can come into contact with the nozzle forming surface 25. The control unit 12 causes the first movement mechanism 44 to bring the wiping unit 55 into contact with the nozzle forming surface 25.

[0067] 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. That is, the control unit 12 causes the wiping unit 55 to temporarily contact the nozzle forming surface 25, and then causes the first movement mechanism 44 to separate the wiping unit 55 from the nozzle forming surface 25. The wiping unit 55 in contact with the nozzle forming surface 25 absorbs the first liquid that has adhered to the nozzle forming surface 25 as a result of the pressure cleaning.

[0068] 3, the control unit 12 moves the liquid discharger 22 in the scanning direction X1. The control unit 12 moves the liquid discharger 22 to a position where it does not face the wiping unit 55. The control unit 12 drives the third movement mechanism 79 to position the ejection nozzle 93 at the first position P1. The control unit 12 drives the second movement mechanism 78 to move the fluid ejection head 77 in the width direction Y. The control unit 12 may move the fluid ejection head 77 back and forth. The control unit 12 ejects the mixed fluid from the ejection nozzle 93 moving in the width direction Y toward the absorbing member 42. The control unit 12 wets the absorbing member 42 with the second liquid.

[0069] The control unit 12 drives the winding unit 41 in a state in which 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 that is located in the wiping unit 55 and has absorbed the first liquid is moved from the wiping unit 55, and the portion that has been wetted with the second liquid is positioned in the wiping unit 55.

[0070] 5, the control unit 12 drives the first movement mechanism 44 to move the wiping unit 55 to the wiping position Pw. The control unit 12 causes the first movement mechanism 44 to move the wiping unit 55 to a position where it can come into contact with the nozzle forming surface 25.

[0071] The control unit 12 moves the liquid discharge unit 22 in the wiping direction X2. The control unit 12 moves the liquid discharge unit 22 to pass the wiping unit 55. The control unit 12 causes the wiping unit 55 to wipe the nozzle forming surface 25. After wiping the nozzle forming surface 25, the control unit 12 moves the wiping unit 55 to the separation position Ps.

[0072] The control unit 12 moves the liquid discharge unit 22 so that the nozzle forming surface 25 faces the liquid receiving unit 31. The control unit 12 causes the liquid discharge unit 22 to discharge liquid toward the liquid receiving unit 31. That is, the control unit 12 causes the wiping unit 55 to wipe the nozzle forming surface 25, and then causes the liquid discharge unit 22 to perform a blank discharge of liquid toward the liquid receiving unit 31. This completes the maintenance of one liquid discharge unit 22. The control unit 12 performs maintenance on multiple liquid discharge units 22 in turn.

[0073] <Suction cleaning> The control unit 12 may perform suction cleaning instead of the pressure cleaning of the above maintenance. For example, the control unit 12 may perform suction cleaning when pressure cleaning does not clear the clogged nozzles 26. The control unit 12 may perform suction cleaning on multiple liquid discharge units 22 together or one by one. The following describes maintenance when suction cleaning is performed on one liquid discharge unit 22.

[0074] 7, the control unit 12 sprays the mixed fluid toward the nozzle forming surface 25, similarly to the case of pressurized cleaning. The mixed fluid is sprayed onto the liquid inside the nozzle 26. The mixed fluid is sprayed onto the thickened liquid inside the nozzle 26. The mixed fluid breaks down the thickened state of the liquid inside the nozzle 26.

[0075] The control unit 12 moves the liquid discharge unit 22 so that the nozzle forming surface 25 faces the cleaning unit 29. The control unit 12 performs suction cleaning of the liquid discharge unit 22 using the cleaning unit 29. That is, the control unit 12 caps the liquid discharge unit 22 with the suction cap 35. 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 destroyed from its thickened state by the mixed fluid, making it easier to discharge the liquid during suction cleaning. This allows the liquid to be discharged from the nozzle 26. When the suction cleaning is completed, the control unit 12 releases the capping.

[0076] Next, the control unit 12 sequentially causes the wiping unit 55 to temporarily contact the nozzle forming surface 25, causes the moistened wiping unit 55 to wipe the nozzle forming surface 25, and causes the liquid ejection unit 22 to perform an empty ejection, as in the case of pressurized cleaning.

[0077] Specifically, the control unit 12 moves the liquid discharge unit 22 so that the nozzle forming surface 25 faces the wiping unit 55. With the wiping unit 55 facing the nozzle forming surface 25, the control unit 12 drives the first movement mechanism 44 to move the wiping unit 55 to the wiping position Pw. The control unit 12 causes the first movement mechanism 44 to bring the wiping unit 55 into contact with the nozzle forming surface 25.

[0078] 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. That is, the control unit 12 causes the wiping unit 55 to temporarily contact the nozzle forming surface 25, and then causes the first movement mechanism 44 to separate the wiping unit 55 from the nozzle forming surface 25. The wiping unit 55 in contact with the nozzle forming surface 25 absorbs the first liquid that has adhered to the nozzle forming surface 25 during suction cleaning.

[0079] 3, the control unit 12 moves the liquid discharger 22 in the scanning direction X1. The control unit 12 moves the liquid discharger 22 to a position where it does not face the wiping unit 55. The control unit 12 drives the third movement mechanism 79 to position the ejection nozzle 93 at the first position P1. The control unit 12 drives the second movement mechanism 78 to move the fluid ejection head 77 in the width direction Y. The control unit 12 may move the fluid ejection head 77 back and forth. The control unit 12 ejects the mixed fluid from the ejection nozzle 93 moving in the width direction Y toward the absorbing member 42. The control unit 12 wets the absorbing member 42 with the second liquid.

[0080] The control unit 12 drives the winding unit 41 in a state in which 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 that is located in the wiping unit 55 and has absorbed the first liquid is moved from the wiping unit 55, and the portion that has been wetted with the second liquid is positioned in the wiping unit 55.

[0081] The control unit 12 drives the first movement mechanism 44 to move the wiping unit 55 to the wiping position Pw. The control unit 12 causes the first movement mechanism 44 to move the wiping unit 55 to a position where it can come into contact with the nozzle surface 25.

[0082] The control unit 12 moves the liquid discharge unit 22 in the wiping direction X2. The control unit 12 moves the liquid discharge unit 22 to pass the wiping unit 55. The control unit 12 causes the wiping unit 55 to wipe the nozzle forming surface 25. After wiping the nozzle forming surface 25, the control unit 12 moves the wiping unit 55 to the separation position Ps.

[0083] The control unit 12 moves the liquid discharge unit 22 so that the nozzle forming surface 25 faces the liquid receiving unit 31. The control unit 12 causes the liquid discharge unit 22 to discharge liquid toward the liquid receiving unit 31. That is, the control unit 12 causes the wiping unit 55 to wipe the nozzle forming surface 25, and then performs a blank discharge of liquid from the liquid discharge unit 22 toward the liquid receiving unit 31. This completes the maintenance of one liquid discharge unit 22. The control unit 12 performs maintenance on multiple liquid discharge units 22 in turn.

[0084] <Operation of the First Embodiment> The operation of this embodiment will be described. The mixed fluid spraying unit 38 moistens the wiping unit 55 before the wiping unit 55 wipes the nozzle surface 25. The mixed fluid spraying unit 38 moistens the absorbing member 42 across the width direction Y. The wiping device 37 wipes the nozzle surface 25 with the moistened wiping unit 55.

[0085] When pressure cleaning and suction cleaning are performed, some of the discharged first liquid adheres to the nozzle forming surface 25. Before wiping the nozzle forming surface 25, the control unit 12 temporarily brings the wiping unit 55 into contact with the nozzle forming surface 25, thereby reducing the amount of liquid adhering to the nozzle forming surface 25 before wiping. This makes it possible to increase the speed at which the wiping unit 55 and the liquid ejection unit 22 move relative to each other during wiping. Since the amount of liquid that gets mixed into the nozzles 26 can be reduced, the amount of liquid that is discharged without ejection can also be reduced.

[0086] <Effects of the first embodiment> The effects of this embodiment will be described. (1-1) The mixed fluid spraying unit 38 sprays a mixed fluid obtained by mixing the second liquid and gas. By mixing the gas into the second liquid, the droplet size of the sprayed second liquid can be reduced and it can be sprayed over a wide area. Therefore, it is possible to make the wiping unit 55 uniformly wet with a small amount of the second liquid.

[0087] (1-2) The injection port 93 is movable in the width direction Y. The mixed fluid injection unit 38 injects the mixed fluid from the injection port 93 that moves in the width direction Y, making it easier to uniformly wet even an absorbent member 42 that is long in the width direction Y.

[0088] (1-3) The jet nozzle 93 is movable between a first position P1 and a second position P2. When the mixed fluid is jetted from the jet nozzle 93 located at the first position P1, the wiping unit 55 can be wetted. When the mixed fluid is jetted from the jet nozzle 93 located at the second position P2, the mixed fluid can be sprayed onto the nozzle forming surface 25. Therefore, even if the first liquid in the nozzle 26 thickens and causes clogging, recovery can be facilitated. Therefore, the mixed fluid jetting unit 38 can wet the wiping unit 55 and perform maintenance on the liquid discharge unit 22.

[0089] (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, it becomes easier to supply the second liquid in synchronization with the mixed fluid spraying unit 38 spraying the mixed fluid.

[0090] (1-5) The mixed fluid spraying unit 38 can spray a mixed fluid of compressed air and the second liquid. Therefore, compared to spraying a mixed fluid of uncompressed air and the second liquid, for example, it is possible to uniformly wet the wiping unit 55 with a smaller amount of the second liquid.

[0091] (1-6) The mixed fluid ejection unit 38 can introduce compressed air via the introduction unit 84. By using externally compressed air, the liquid ejection device 11 can be made smaller. (1-7) The mixed fluid ejecting unit 38 ejects the mixed fluid in a direction having a component facing the scanning direction X1 in which the liquid discharger 22 moves. Therefore, the mixed fluid ejecting unit 38 can eject the mixed fluid from an area different from the area in which the liquid discharger 22 moves. Therefore, the mixed fluid ejecting unit 38 can be disposed in a position that does not interfere with the movement of the liquid discharger 22.

[0092] (1-8) The mixed fluid spraying unit 38 is disposed between the cleaning unit 29 and the wiping unit 55 in the scanning direction X1. Therefore, the liquid discharge unit 22 that has been subjected to suction cleaning by the cleaning unit 29 can be quickly wiped by the moistened wiping unit 55.

[0093] (1-9) In the scanning direction X1, the liquid receiving portion 31 is disposed downstream of the wiping portion 55. Therefore, after the first liquid is discharged into the liquid receiving portion 31, the wiping portion 55 can be caused to quickly wipe the nozzle forming surface 25.

[0094] (1-10) The cleaning unit 29, wiping unit 55, and liquid receiving unit 31 are arranged side by side in the scanning direction X1. Therefore, by moving the liquid discharge unit 22, which has been suction cleaned by the cleaning unit 29, in the scanning direction X1, wiping and idle discharge can be performed on the nozzle forming surface 25. Therefore, the time required for wiping and idle discharge can be shortened compared to when wiping and idle discharge are performed while the liquid discharge unit 22 is moved back and forth in the scanning direction X1.

[0095] (1-11) The liquid receiving portion 31 receives the first liquid discharged from the liquid discharge portion 22 by the pressurizing portion 23. Therefore, the first liquid discharged from the liquid discharge head and the first liquid discharged under pressure from the liquid discharge portion 22 can be received in one liquid receiving portion 31.

[0096] [Second embodiment] Next, a second embodiment of the maintenance unit and liquid ejection device will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that this second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the mixed fluid ejection unit does not include a third movement mechanism. Since the second embodiment is otherwise similar to the first embodiment, the same components are designated by the same reference numerals and redundant description will be omitted.

[0097] The maintenance unit 30 of the second embodiment is disposed between the cleaning unit 29 and the liquid receiving unit 31, as in the first embodiment. That is, the wiping unit 55 is disposed between the cleaning unit 29 and the liquid receiving unit 31 in the scanning direction X1. The liquid receiving unit 31 is capable of receiving the first liquid that has been idle-discharged from the liquid discharge unit 22 and the first liquid that has been discharged from the liquid discharge unit 22 by pressurization by the pressurizing unit 23.

[0098] As shown in FIG. 8, the fluid ejection head 77 has a first ejection port 93f and a second ejection port 93s. The first ejection port 93f can face the absorbing member 42. The first ejection port 93f ejects the mixed fluid in a direction having a component facing the scanning direction X1. The fluid ejection head 77 wets the absorbing member 42 across the width direction Y by ejecting the mixed fluid from the first ejection port 93f while moving in the width direction Y.

[0099] 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 may eject the mixed fluid upward in the vertical direction Z. The fluid ejection head 77 may eject the mixed fluid from the second ejection port 93s while moving in the width direction Y, thereby spraying the mixed fluid toward the nozzle forming surface 25.

[0100] The mixed fluid jetting unit 38 may have a switching unit 99. The switching unit 99 can switch between jetting the mixed fluid from the first jetting port 93f and jetting the mixed fluid from the second jetting port 93s.

[0101] <Operation of the Second Embodiment> The operation of this embodiment will be described. The timing at which the mixed fluid spraying unit 38 sprays the mixed fluid onto the absorbing member 42 and the nozzle forming surface 25 is the same as in the first embodiment.

[0102] When the mixed fluid is sprayed onto the absorbing member 42, the fluid spray head 77 sprays the mixed fluid onto the absorbing member 42 from the first spray nozzles 93f while moving in the width direction Y. When ejecting the mixed fluid onto the nozzle forming surface 25, the fluid ejecting head 77 ejects the mixed fluid onto the nozzle forming surface 25 from the second ejection ports 93s while moving in the width direction Y.

[0103] <Effects of the second embodiment> The effects of this embodiment will be described. (2-1) The mixed fluid ejecting unit 38 has a second ejection port 93s in addition to the first ejection port 93f. When the mixed fluid is ejected from the second ejection port 93s, the mixed fluid can be sprayed onto the nozzle forming surface 25. Therefore, the mixed fluid ejecting unit 38 can wet the wiping unit 55 and perform maintenance on the liquid discharge unit 22.

[0104] (2-2) The switching unit 99 switches between injecting the mixed fluid from the first injection port 93f and injecting the mixed fluid from the second injection port 93s. Therefore, the mixed fluid injector 38 can select the injection destination of the mixed fluid.

[0105] [Example of change] This embodiment can be modified as follows: This embodiment and the following modifications can be combined and implemented within the scope of technical compatibility.

[0106] After at least one of the pressure cleaning and the suction cleaning, the wiping device 37 may cause the wiping unit 55 to wipe the nozzle surface 25 directly. The liquid ejection device 11 may be capable of either pressure cleaning or suction cleaning. The liquid ejection device 11 may be provided with either the pressure unit 23 or the cleaning unit 29.

[0107] The absorbing member 42 may receive liquid discharged from the liquid discharger 22. The absorbing member 42 may receive liquid discharged by pressure cleaning. For example, the flat portion 56 may receive liquid discharged from the liquid discharger 22. In this case, the liquid discharger 11 may not be provided with the liquid receiving portion 31.

[0108] The wiping device 37 may include a conveying section that conveys the strip-shaped absorbent member 42. The conveying section may collect the used absorbent member 42 by folding it over. The second liquid may be, for example, a reaction liquid, water, a solvent, a moisturizing liquid, a cleaning liquid, or the like.

[0109] The wiping unit 55 may wipe the nozzle forming surface 25 by coming into contact with the liquid discharger 22 moving in the scanning direction X1. For example, the control unit 12 may wet the wiping unit 55 and position the wiping unit 55 at the wiping position Pw while performing suction cleaning. The control unit 12 may move the liquid discharger 22 that has performed suction cleaning in the scanning direction X1 and pass the wiping unit 55, thereby causing the wiping unit 55 to wipe the nozzle forming surface 25. The liquid discharger 22 may perform idle discharge when passing over the flat portion 56.

[0110] 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 and the fluid ejection head 77. The mixed fluid ejection unit 38 does not have to eject the mixed fluid onto the nozzle forming surface 25. In this case, the mixed fluid ejection unit 38 of the first embodiment may not include the third movement mechanism 79. The fluid ejection head 77 of the second embodiment may not include the second ejection port 93s.

[0111] The mixed fluid spraying unit 38 may be capable of spraying the mixed fluid from both the first spray port 93f and the second spray port 93s simultaneously. The mixed fluid spraying unit 38 may spray the mixed fluid onto the absorbing member 42 and the nozzle forming surface 25 simultaneously.

[0112] The injection port 93 may be able to face the wiping unit 55. The mixed fluid injection unit 38 may inject the mixed fluid directly onto the wiping unit 55. The mixed fluid spraying unit 38 may spray the mixed fluid in the vertical direction Z.

[0113] The pressure of the gas supplied to the fluid ejection head 77 may be atmospheric pressure. The gas supplied to the fluid ejection head 77 is not limited to air, but may be nitrogen or the like. The mixed fluid spraying unit 38 may not be provided with the second moving mechanism 78. In this case, the length of the spray port 93 in the width direction Y is preferably equal to or greater than the length of the absorbing member 42 in the width direction Y, and is preferably equal to or greater than the length of the nozzle forming surface 25 in the width direction Y. The fluid spraying head 77 may be fixed.

[0114] The maintenance unit 30 may be provided separately from the liquid ejection device 11 . The liquid ejection device 11 may be a liquid ejection device that ejects or discharges liquids other than ink. The liquid ejected as minute droplets from the liquid ejection device may be in the form of granules, tears, or strings. The liquid referred to here may be any material that can be ejected from the liquid ejection device. For example, the liquid may be in any liquid phase, including fluids such as high or low viscosity liquids, sols, gel water, other inorganic solvents, organic solvents, solutions, liquid resins, liquid metals, and metal melts. The liquid may refer not only to a single state of matter, but also to solid functional material particles, such as pigments and metal particles, dissolved, dispersed, or mixed in a solvent. Typical examples of liquids include inks and liquid crystals, as described in the above embodiments. Here, ink encompasses various liquid compositions, such as general water-based inks and oil-based inks, as well as gel inks and hot-melt inks. Specific examples of liquid ejection devices include devices that eject liquids containing dispersed or dissolved materials such as electrode materials and color materials used in the manufacture of liquid crystal displays, electroluminescent displays, surface-emitting displays, and color filters. The liquid ejection device may be a device that ejects bioorganic materials used in biochip manufacture, a device used as a precision pipette to eject sample liquids, a textile printing device, a microdispenser, or the like. The liquid ejection device may be a device that ejects lubricating oil with pinpoint accuracy onto precision machinery such as watches and cameras, or a device that ejects transparent resin liquids such as ultraviolet-curing resins onto substrates to form micro-hemispherical lenses, optical lenses, and the like used in optical communication elements. The liquid ejection device may also be a device that ejects etching liquids such as acids or alkalis to etch substrates, etc.

[0115] [Definition] The phrase "at least one" as used herein means "one or more" of the desired options. As an example, the phrase "at least one" as used herein means "only one option" or "both of two options" when the number of options is two. As another example, the phrase "at least one" as used herein means "only one option," "any combination of two options," or "any combination of three or more options" when the number of options is three or more.

[0116] [Note] The technical concepts and effects that can be understood from the above-described embodiment and modified examples will be described below.

[0117] (A) The maintenance unit includes a wiping section capable of wiping the nozzle forming surface of the liquid ejection section on which nozzles for ejecting a first liquid are formed, and a mixed fluid ejection section that ejects a mixed fluid of a gas and a second liquid from an ejection port to wet the wiping section.

[0118] According to this configuration, the mixed fluid ejection unit ejects a mixed fluid obtained by mixing the second liquid and the gas. By mixing the gas into the second liquid, the droplet size of the ejected second liquid can be reduced and it can be ejected over a wide area. Therefore, it is possible to uniformly wet the wiping part with a small amount of the second liquid.

[0119] (B) In the maintenance unit described in (A), the wiping section is composed of a strip-shaped absorbing 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, and the injection port may be movable in the width direction.

[0120] According to this configuration, the jet nozzle is movable in the width direction. By jetting the mixed fluid from the jet nozzle that moves in the width direction, the mixed fluid jetting unit can easily wet even an absorbent member that is long in the width direction.

[0121] (C) In the maintenance unit described in (A) or (B), the injection port may be movable between a first position where the injection port wets the wiping part and a second position where the injection port injects the mixed fluid onto the nozzle forming surface.

[0122] According to this configuration, the jet nozzle is movable between a first position and a second position. When the mixed fluid is jetted from the jet nozzle located at the first position, the wiping unit can be wetted. When the mixed fluid is jetted from the jet nozzle located at the second position, the mixed fluid can be sprayed onto the nozzle formation surface. Therefore, even if the first liquid in the nozzle thickens and causes clogging, recovery can be facilitated. Therefore, the mixed fluid jetting unit can wet the wiping unit and perform maintenance on the liquid discharge unit.

[0123] (D) In ​​the maintenance unit described in (A) or (B), when the injection port is a first injection port, the mixed fluid injection section may have a second injection port capable of injecting the mixed fluid onto the nozzle forming surface.

[0124] According to this configuration, 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 sprayed onto the nozzle surface. Therefore, the mixed fluid ejection unit can wet the wiping unit and perform maintenance on the liquid ejection unit.

[0125] In the maintenance unit described in (E) and (D), the mixed fluid injection unit may have a switching unit that can switch between injection of the mixed fluid from the first injection port and injection of the mixed fluid from the second injection port.

[0126] According to this configuration, the switching unit switches between injecting the mixed fluid from the first injection port and injecting the mixed fluid from the second injection port, and therefore the mixed fluid injection unit can select the injection destination of the mixed fluid.

[0127] (F) The maintenance units described in (A) to (E) may further include a sub-tank capable of storing the second liquid supplied from a main tank that contains the second liquid. According to this configuration, the sub-tank can store the second liquid supplied from the main tank. By storing the second liquid in the sub-tank, it becomes easier to supply the second liquid in synchronization with the injection of the mixed fluid by the mixed fluid injection unit.

[0128] (G) In the maintenance units described in (A) to (F), the gas may be compressed air. According to this configuration, the mixed fluid ejection unit can eject a mixed fluid of compressed air and the second liquid, and therefore, compared to, for example, ejecting a mixed fluid of uncompressed air and the second liquid, it is possible to uniformly wet the wiping unit with a smaller amount of the second liquid.

[0129] (H) A liquid ejection device includes a liquid ejection section having a nozzle formation surface in which nozzles for ejecting a first liquid are formed, and the maintenance unit described in (A) to (G). This configuration can achieve the same effects as the maintenance unit described above.

[0130] In the liquid ejection device (I) described in (I)(A) to (H), the mixed fluid ejection part may have an introduction part connectable to an outlet part capable of emitting compressed air as the gas. According to this configuration, the mixed fluid ejection unit can introduce compressed air via the introduction unit. By using externally compressed air, the liquid ejection device can be made smaller.

[0131] In the liquid ejection device described in (J)(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 facing the scanning direction.

[0132] According to this configuration, the mixed fluid ejection unit ejects the mixed fluid in a direction having a component facing the scanning direction in which the liquid ejection unit moves. Therefore, the mixed fluid ejection unit can eject the mixed fluid from an area different from the area in which the liquid ejection unit moves. Therefore, the mixed fluid ejection unit can be positioned so as not to interfere with the movement of the liquid ejection unit.

[0133] The liquid ejection device described in (K)(H) to (J) may further include a cleaning unit that sucks the first liquid from the liquid ejection unit and performs suction cleaning of the liquid ejection unit, and the mixed fluid ejection unit may be disposed between the cleaning unit and the wiping unit in the scanning direction.

[0134] According to this configuration, the mixed fluid ejecting unit is disposed between the cleaning unit and the wiping unit in the scanning direction, so that the liquid ejecting unit that has been subjected to suction cleaning by the cleaning unit can be quickly wiped by the moistened wiping unit.

[0135] The liquid ejection devices described in (L)(H) to (K) may further include a pressurizing unit that applies pressure within the liquid ejection unit to cause the first liquid to be discharged from the liquid ejection unit, and a liquid receiving unit that receives the first liquid discharged from the liquid ejection unit by the pressure applied by the pressurizing unit, and the liquid receiving unit may be positioned downstream of the wiping unit in the scanning direction.

[0136] According to this configuration, the liquid receiving portion is disposed downstream of the wiping portion in the scanning direction, so that after the first liquid is discharged into the liquid receiving portion, the wiping portion can be caused to quickly wipe the nozzle surface.

[0137] The liquid ejection device described in (M)(H) to (L) may further include a liquid receiving section that receives the first liquid that is idle-ejected from the liquid ejection section, and the wiping section may be positioned between the cleaning section and the liquid receiving section in the scanning direction.

[0138] With this configuration, the cleaning unit, wiping unit, and liquid receiving unit are arranged side by side in the scanning direction. Therefore, by moving the liquid ejecting unit in the scanning direction after suction cleaning by the cleaning unit, wiping of the nozzle forming surface and idle ejection can be performed. Therefore, the time required for wiping and idle ejection can be shortened compared to when wiping and idle ejection are performed while the liquid ejecting unit is moved back and forth in the scanning direction.

[0139] The liquid ejection devices described in (N)(H) to (M) may further include a pressurizing unit that applies pressure within the liquid ejection unit to cause the first liquid to be discharged from the liquid ejection unit, and the liquid receiving unit may be capable of receiving the first liquid discharged from the liquid ejection unit by the pressure applied by the pressurizing unit.

[0140] According to this configuration, the liquid receiving portion receives the first liquid discharged from the liquid ejection portion by the pressurizing portion, so that the first liquid discharged from the liquid ejection head and the first liquid discharged under pressure from the liquid ejection portion can be received in a single liquid receiving portion. [Explanation of symbols]

[0141] 11...liquid ejection device, 12...control unit, 13...medium conveying unit, 14...printing unit, 15...maintenance unit, 17...medium, 18...medium supporting unit, 19...conveying 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 cap, 35 ...Suction cap, 37...wiping device, 38...mixed fluid spraying section, 40...feeding section, 41...winding section, 42...absorbing member, 43...guide roller, 44...first moving mechanism, 47...braking section, 48...feeding shaft, 50...first driving source, 51...winding shaft, 53...contact surface, 54...back surface, 55...wiping section, 56...flat section, 58...lifting section, 59...holder, 60...storage frame, 61...pressing section, 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 movement mechanism, 79...third movement mechanism, 81...subtank, 82...upstream supply path, 83...downstream supply path, 84...introduction portion, 85...gas supply path, 87...second 2. Drive source, 88...power transmission section, 89...drive pulley, 90...driven pulley, 91...timing belt, 93...jet nozzle, 93f...first jet nozzle, 93s...second jet nozzle, 95...main tank, 97...discharge section, 99...switching section, Dc...conveying direction, P1...first position, P2...second position, Ps...separating position, Pw...wiping position, X1...scanning direction, X2...wiping direction, Y...width direction, Z...vertical direction.

Claims

1. a wiping unit capable of wiping a nozzle forming surface of a liquid ejection unit on which nozzles for ejecting the first liquid are formed; a mixed fluid injection unit that injects a mixed fluid of a gas and a second liquid from an injection port to wet the wiping unit; A maintenance unit comprising:

2. The wiping portion is configured by a strip-shaped absorbing 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 maintenance unit according to claim 1 , wherein the injection nozzle is movable in the width direction.

3. 2. The maintenance unit according to claim 1, wherein the injection port is movable between a first position where the injection port wets the wiping portion and a second position where the injection port injects the mixed fluid onto the nozzle surface.

4. 2. The maintenance unit according to claim 1, wherein when the injection port is a first injection port, the mixed fluid injection unit has a second injection port capable of injecting the mixed fluid toward the nozzle formation surface.

5. 5. The maintenance unit according to claim 4, wherein the mixed fluid injection unit has a switching unit that can switch between injection of the mixed fluid from the first injection port and injection of the mixed fluid from the second injection port.

6. 2. The maintenance unit according to claim 1, further comprising a sub-tank capable of storing the second liquid supplied from a main tank containing the second liquid.

7. The maintenance unit according to claim 1 , wherein the gas is compressed air.

8. a liquid ejection section having a nozzle forming surface on which nozzles for ejecting the first liquid are formed; A maintenance unit according to any one of claims 1 to 7; A liquid ejection device comprising:

9. 9. The liquid ejection device according to claim 8, wherein the mixed fluid ejection unit has an inlet portion connectable to an outlet portion capable of delivering compressed air as the gas.

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

11. a cleaning unit that sucks the first liquid from the liquid discharge unit and performs suction cleaning of the liquid discharge unit, The liquid ejection device according to claim 10, wherein the mixed fluid ejection unit is disposed between the cleaning unit and the wiping unit in the scanning direction.

12. a pressurizing unit that applies pressure to the inside of the liquid discharge unit to discharge the first liquid from the liquid discharge unit; a liquid receiving portion that receives the first liquid discharged from the liquid discharge portion by pressure applied by the pressure applying portion; Further provided with The liquid ejection device according to claim 11, wherein the liquid receiving portion is disposed downstream of the wiping portion in the scanning direction.

13. a liquid receiving portion that receives the first liquid discharged from the liquid discharge portion; The liquid ejection device according to claim 11, wherein the wiping unit is disposed between the cleaning unit and the liquid receiving unit in the scanning direction.

14. a pressurizing unit that applies pressure to the inside of the liquid discharge unit to discharge the first liquid from the liquid discharge unit, The liquid ejection device according to claim 13, wherein the liquid receiving section is capable of receiving the first liquid discharged from the liquid ejection section by the pressure applied by the pressure applying section.

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