Recording device and cleaning device

Abstract

To solve the problem that maintenance of a recording part may be completed in a state where it is not confirmed whether the executed maintenance of the recording part is acceptable or not.SOLUTION: A recording device 1 comprises: a recording part 10 that discharges ink Li from a nozzle N communicated with a liquid chamber 17, by changing pressure in the liquid chamber 17 storing the ink Li by driving a discharging element 15; a jetting body 71 that performs maintenance of the recording part 10 by making a droplet of maintenance liquid Lc impact on the nozzle N; a detecting part 95 that detects residual vibration occurred in the liquid chamber 17 by driving the discharging element 15, after the jetting body 71 executes maintenance of the recording part 10; and a control part 90. The control part 90 determines whether the maintenance of the recording part 10 is acceptable or not, on the basis of a detected result by the detecting part 95.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a recording device and a cleaning device. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an image recording device having an inkjet head that ejects ink droplets from nozzles provided on the droplet ejection surface and a head cleaning mechanism that cleans the droplet ejection surface of the inkjet head. The head cleaning mechanism has a cleaning unit that has an ejection means that ejects cleaning liquid onto the droplet ejection surface and a wiping means that wipes the droplet ejection surface, and a moving means that moves the cleaning unit and the inkjet head relatively. The image recording device corrects defective ink droplet ejection from the nozzles by cleaning the droplet ejection surface with the cleaning unit. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-233896 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the image recording device of Patent Document 1, it is not confirmed whether the ejection of ink droplets from the nozzles has become proper after cleaning of the droplet ejection surface by the cleaning unit, and in this case, there is a risk that the cleaning of the droplet ejection surface by the cleaning unit will end without confirming whether the cleaning of the droplet ejection surface that has been performed has been successful. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The recording device comprises a recording unit that ejects liquid from a nozzle connected to a liquid chamber by changing the pressure in the liquid chamber by driving an ejection element, an ejection body that ejects maintenance liquid in the form of a liquid column from an ejection nozzle toward a nozzle face where the nozzle opens, and performs maintenance of the recording unit by causing droplets of the maintenance liquid to land on the nozzle, a relative movement unit that moves the relative position of the ejection body with respect to the recording unit in a direction along the nozzle face, a detection unit that detects residual vibrations that occur in the liquid chamber by driving the ejection element after maintenance of the recording unit is performed by the ejection body, and a control unit, and the control unit determines whether the maintenance of the recording unit is successful based on the detection results of the detection unit.

[0006] The cleaning device comprises a carriage that detachably mounts a recording unit that ejects liquid from a nozzle connected to a liquid chamber by changing the pressure within the liquid chamber by driving an ejection element, an ejection body that ejects maintenance liquid in the form of a liquid column from an ejection nozzle toward a nozzle face where the nozzle opens, and performs maintenance of the recording unit by causing droplets of the maintenance liquid to land on the nozzle, a relative movement unit that moves the relative position of the ejection body with respect to the recording unit in a direction along the nozzle face, a detection unit that detects residual vibrations that occur in the liquid chamber by driving the ejection element after maintenance of the recording unit is performed by the ejection body, and a control unit, and the control unit determines whether the maintenance of the recording unit is successful based on the detection results of the detection unit. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view showing a schematic configuration of a recording apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a maintenance unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a maintenance unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a maintenance unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 5]FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a maintenance unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a maintenance unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the S7-S7 cross section shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a maintenance unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a maintenance unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a maintenance unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a maintenance unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a maintenance unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 13] 10 is a graph showing a signal based on residual vibrations occurring in a liquid chamber of a recording unit. [Figure 14] 10 is a flowchart showing a process for performing maintenance on a recording unit. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a schematic plan view showing an ejection unit according to another embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a schematic plan view showing an ejection unit according to another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Hereinafter, the present disclosure will be described based on embodiments. In each drawing, the same components are assigned the same reference numerals, and duplicate explanations will be omitted. In this specification, the terms "same," "identical," and "simultaneous" do not only refer to being completely the same. For example, in this specification, "same," "identical," and "simultaneous" are intended to include cases where the components are the same, taking into account measurement errors. For example, in this specification, "same," "identical," and "simultaneous" are intended to include cases where the components are the same, taking into account manufacturing variations.

[0009] For example, in this specification, "the same," "identical," and "simultaneous" include cases where the same is true to the extent that the functionality is not impaired. Therefore, for example, "the dimensions of both are the same" means that, taking into account measurement errors and manufacturing variations of components, the difference in the dimensions of both is within ±5% of one dimension, and more preferably within ±3%.

[0010] 1. Embodiment 1 In this embodiment, the recording device 1 is configured as an inkjet printer, and forms an image by ejecting ink Li onto recording paper, which is an example of a medium P. The ink Li is an example of a liquid. Note that instead of recording paper, any type of medium P, such as a resin film or fabric, may be used as the target onto which the ink Li is ejected. The recording device 1 will now be described with reference to the drawings.

[0011] In each figure, X, Y, and Z represent three spatial axes that are orthogonal to each other. In this specification, the directions along these axes are referred to as the X-axis direction, the Y-axis direction, and the Z-axis direction.

[0012] When specifying a direction, the positive direction is indicated by "+" and the negative direction by "-", and both positive and negative signs are used to indicate the direction, with the direction toward which the arrow in each diagram is pointing being the + direction and the direction opposite the arrow being the - direction.

[0013] The Z-axis direction indicates the direction of gravity, the +Z direction indicates the vertical upward direction, and the -Z direction indicates the vertical downward direction. The plane containing the X-axis and Y-axis is explained as the XY plane, the plane containing the X-axis and Z-axis is explained as the XZ plane, and the plane containing the Y-axis and Z-axis is explained as the YZ plane. The XY plane is a horizontal plane.

[0014] The three spatial axes X, Y, and Z, which are not limited to the positive and negative directions, will be described as the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis.

[0015] The Y-axis direction is the depth direction of the recording device 1. The +Y direction is the direction from the front to the back of the recording device 1, and the -Y direction is the direction from the back to the front of the recording device 1. In this embodiment, of the side surfaces that make up the periphery of the recording device 1, the side surface in the -Y direction is the front surface of the recording device 1, and the side surface in the +Y direction is the back surface of the recording device 1.

[0016] The X-axis direction is the width direction of the recording device 1 and the width direction of the medium P. When viewed from the front side, which is the side of the recording device 1 in the -Y direction, the +X direction is the right side and the -X direction is the left side.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 1, the recording apparatus 1 includes a recording unit 10, a supply unit 20, a transport mechanism 30, a movement mechanism 40, a maintenance unit 50, a detection unit 95, and a control unit 90.

[0018] The recording unit 10 is a so-called inkjet head. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the recording unit 10 has a nozzle plate 14 (see FIG. 2) in which nozzles N that eject ink Li are provided, ejection elements 15 (see FIG. 2) that eject ink Li from the nozzles N, and a head cover 13. The head cover 13 covers the −Z direction side of the nozzle plate 14. The head cover 13 has an opening that exposes a nozzle surface 11, which is the surface of the nozzle plate 14 on the −Z direction side.

[0019] The contact surface 13c, which is the surface on the -Z direction side of the head cover 13, forms an outer region that surrounds the nozzle surface 11. The contact surface 13c is a protruding surface that protrudes in the -Z direction from the nozzle surface 11 by the thickness of the head cover 13. In this case, a step equal to the thickness of the head cover 13 is formed between the nozzle surface 11 and the contact surface 13c. The thickness of the head cover 13 is, for example, 1 mm.

[0020] The plurality of nozzles N opening in the nozzle surface 11 form a plurality of nozzle rows 12. The nozzle rows 12 are formed by arranging a plurality of nozzles N in the Y-axis direction. Liquid chambers 17 communicating with each nozzle N are provided between the nozzle plate 14 and the vibration plate 16. Discharge elements 15 are arranged on the vibration plate 16 in correspondence with each liquid chamber 17.

[0021] In this embodiment, a piezoelectric element is used as the ejection element 15. The ejection element 15 expands and contracts based on a drive signal input from a drive circuit (not shown), causing the vibration plate 16 to flex and deform. This changes the volume of the liquid chamber 17.

[0022] When the ejection element 15 is driven to increase the volume of the liquid chamber 17, ink Li is supplied from upstream to the liquid chamber 17. When the ejection element 15 is driven to reduce the volume of the liquid chamber 17, the pressure inside the liquid chamber 17 increases, and the ink Li inside the liquid chamber 17 is ejected from the nozzle N as an ink droplet.

[0023] As a result, the recording unit 10 ejects ink Li in the -Z direction from multiple nozzles N opening in the nozzle surface 11 to form an image on the medium P. In this embodiment, the multiple nozzle rows 12 include nozzle rows 12a, 12b, 12c, and 12d.

[0024] The ink Li to be ejected may be, for example, black, cyan, magenta, and yellow, a total of four colors, and each ink Li may be ejected from each of the nozzle rows 12 a, 12 b, 12 c, and 12 d. Note that the ink Li is not limited to the four colors mentioned above, and any color, such as white or metallic, may be ejected.

[0025] The ink Li may be a pigment ink containing a pigment, which is an example of a solid material. In pigment ink, many pigment particles are dispersed in a liquid used as a dispersion medium. In the case of water-based pigment ink, many pigment particles are dispersed in water, which is the dispersion medium.

[0026] The cyan, magenta, and yellow pigments are organic pigments with an average particle size of about 100 nm, while the black pigment is an inorganic pigment with an average particle size of about 120 nm, such as carbon black.

[0027] Examples of white pigments include white inorganic pigments such as titanium oxide, zinc oxide, zinc sulfide, antimony oxide, magnesium oxide, and zirconium oxide. Examples of white pigments that can be used include white organic pigments such as white hollow resin particles and polymer particles. Examples of metallic pigments include particles composed of aluminum, silver, gold, platinum, nickel, chromium, tin, zinc, indium, titanium, copper, and the like, either alone or as alloys.

[0028] A liquid-repellent film is formed on the surfaces of the nozzle surface 11 and the head cover 13 by applying a liquid-repellent treatment that makes them more likely to repel liquid. As a result, the liquid-repellent properties of the nozzle surface 11 and the contact surface 13c are enhanced. The liquid-repellent film of this embodiment is a water-repellent film that has the function of repelling water-based liquids.

[0029] The liquid-repellent film may be composed of a thin film underlayer whose main material is, for example, polyorganosiloxane containing an alkyl group, and a liquid-repellent film layer made of a metal alkoxide having a long-chain polymer group containing fluorine. The liquid-repellent film may be a liquid-repellent coating film or a liquid-repellent monomolecular film. The film thickness of the liquid-repellent film and the liquid-repellent treatment method can be selected arbitrarily.

[0030] 1, the recording unit 10 is mounted on a carriage 42 (described later) of a moving mechanism 40, and moves back and forth in the main scanning direction together with the movement of the carriage 42. In this embodiment, the main scanning direction is the +X direction and the −X direction.

[0031] The supply unit 20 supplies ink Li to the recording unit 10. The supply unit 20 includes a holding unit 24 that holds a liquid supply source 21, a supply flow path 25, and a pressure adjustment unit 26. As the liquid supply source 21, a top-up type tank that includes an injection unit 22 into which the ink Li can be injected and a storage chamber 23 that stores the ink Li injected from the injection unit 22 can be used.

[0032] The liquid supply source 21 may be a replaceable cartridge-type tank that is detachably attached to the holding unit 24. A maintenance liquid cartridge 98 may be detachably attached to the holding unit 24. The maintenance liquid cartridge 98 contains the maintenance liquid Lc that is sprayed from the spraying unit 70, which will be described later.

[0033] In this embodiment, a plurality of liquid supply sources 21 are provided in the holding portion 24. The plurality of liquid supply sources 21 include liquid supply sources 21a, 21b, 21c, and 21d.

[0034] The supply flow path 25 connects the liquid supply source 21 held in the holding portion 24 to the recording unit 10 so that the ink Li contained in the liquid supply source 21 can flow toward the recording unit 10. The supply flow path 25 includes a plurality of supply flow paths 25a, 25b, 25c, and 25d connected to the liquid supply sources 21a, 21b, 21c, and 21d, respectively.

[0035] A pressure adjusting unit 26 is provided in the supply flow path 25. The pressure adjusting unit 26 adjusts the pressure of the ink Li supplied to the recording unit 10 mounted on the carriage 42. The pressure adjusting unit 26 includes a plurality of pressure adjusting units 26a, 26b, 26c, and 26d provided in each of the supply flow paths 25a, 25b, 25c, and 25d.

[0036] The pressure adjustment unit 26a adjusts the pressure of the ink Li supplied to the nozzles N that make up the nozzle row 12a. The pressure adjustment unit 26b adjusts the pressure of the ink Li supplied to the nozzles N that make up the nozzle row 12b. The pressure adjustment unit 26c adjusts the pressure of the ink Li supplied to the nozzles N that make up the nozzle row 12c. The pressure adjustment unit 26d adjusts the pressure of the ink Li supplied to the nozzles N that make up the nozzle row 12d.

[0037] The pressure adjustment unit 26 is configured, for example, with a feed pump (not shown) that is provided to allow the ink Li to flow within the supply flow path 25, and a pressure sensor (not shown) that detects the pressure of the ink Li supplied to the nozzles N. The control unit 90 controls the drive of the feed pump based on the pressure of the ink Li detected by the pressure sensor, thereby adjusting the pressure of the ink Li supplied to the nozzles N.

[0038] When the recording unit 10 ejects ink Li from the nozzles N to record on the medium P, the pressure of the ink Li supplied to the nozzles N is adjusted to a negative pressure lower than atmospheric pressure, for example, −0.5 kPa to −3 kPa. When ink Li is discharged from the nozzles N during pressurized cleaning performed for the purpose of maintenance of the recording unit 10, the pressure of the ink Li supplied to the nozzles N is adjusted to a positive pressure higher than atmospheric pressure, for example, +1 kPa to +50 kPa.

[0039] The transport mechanism 30 transports the medium P in the sub-scanning direction. The sub-scanning direction is a direction perpendicular to the X-axis direction, which is the main scanning direction, and in this embodiment, is the +Y direction and the -Y direction. The transport mechanism 30 includes a transport rod 34 on which a transport roller 32 is provided, and a transport motor 36 that rotates and drives the transport rod 34.

[0040] The transport motor 36 rotates the transport rod 34, causing the plurality of transport rollers 32 to rotate and transport the medium P in the -Y direction. Note that the transport mechanism 30 may be a so-called belt transport mechanism that transports the medium P by rotating an endless belt wound around a pair of pulleys.

[0041] The movement mechanism 40 includes the carriage 42 described above, as well as a conveyor belt 44, a movement motor 46, and a pulley 47. The carriage 42 carries the recording unit 10 and the pressure adjustment unit 26 in a state where the ink Li can be ejected. The carriage 42 is attached to the conveyor belt 44. The conveyor belt 44 is looped around the movement motor 46 and the pulley 47.

[0042] The conveyor belt 44 moves back and forth in the main scanning direction as the movement motor 46 rotates, and the carriage 42 attached to the conveyor belt 44 also moves back and forth in the main scanning direction.

[0043] The maintenance unit 50 performs maintenance on the recording unit 10. As shown in Fig. 1, the maintenance unit 50 has a liquid receiving unit 67, a cap unit 51, a cleaning unit 60, and a spray unit 70. The maintenance unit 50 further has a waste liquid tube 56, a suction pump 57, a waste liquid collection unit 58, and a tube switching unit 59. The maintenance unit 50 is provided in an area adjacent to the area in which the medium P is transported on the +X direction side.

[0044] The liquid receiving section 67, cap section 51, cleaning section 60, and spray section 70 are provided on the -Z direction side, vertically below the movement area of ​​the recording section 10. The movement area of ​​the recording section 10 is the area in which the recording section 10 is mounted on the carriage 42 and moves along the X-axis direction. In this embodiment, the liquid receiving section 67, cap section 51, cleaning section 60, and spray section 70 are provided lined up in this order from the -X direction side to the +X direction side.

[0045] The cap unit 51 performs maintenance of the recording unit 10 by applying negative pressure to the ink Li in the recording unit 10 through the nozzle N. The cap unit 51 collects the ink Li discharged from the recording unit 10 during maintenance of the recording unit 10 as discharged liquid Lw. The cap unit 51 has a cap 52, a cap holding unit 53, and a cap moving unit 54.

[0046] The cap 52 has a box shape with a bottom that opens in the +Z direction. The cap 52 is made of an elastic material such as rubber. When the cap 52 is positioned at a space forming position, it forms a suction space in which the multiple nozzles N are open. The space forming position includes a contact position and a close position.

[0047] The contact position is a position where the lip surface 52c (see FIG. 2) of the cap 52 contacts the contacted surface 13c of the recording unit 10. The lip surface 52c is the outer peripheral edge of the opening of the cap 52 on the +Z direction side. The approach position is a position where the cap 52 approaches the contacted surface 13c of the recording unit 10 while maintaining a slight gap between the cap 52 and the contacted surface 13c (see FIG. 3). At the contact position and the approach position, the cap 52 does not contact the nozzle surface 11.

[0048] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the cap 52 is held by the cap holding unit 53. The cap holding unit 53 moves in the Z-axis direction by driving the cap moving unit 54. The cap 52 moves in the Z-axis direction by moving the cap holding unit 53 in the Z-axis direction. Therefore, by driving the cap moving unit 54, the cap 52 can move to a space forming position including a contact position and an approach position, and to a standby position (see Figure 2) that is space forming position separated in the -Z direction from the space forming position.

[0049] The cap holder 53 holds the cap 52 via a compression coil spring 53s. This allows the cap 52 to be pressed against the contact surface 13c with a predetermined load by moving the cap holder 53 a predetermined amount in the +Z direction after the cap 52 comes into contact with the contact surface 13c. Furthermore, this makes it easy to adjust the position of the cap holder 53 in the Z-axis direction when positioning the cap 52 at the contact position.

[0050] 1, the cap 52 is provided so as to be connectable to a waste liquid collecting unit 58 that collects waste liquid via a waste liquid tube 56. A tube switching unit 59 and a suction pump 57 are provided on the waste liquid tube 56.

[0051] The tube switching unit 59 switches the connection destination of the waste liquid tube 56 to any one of the cap 52, the liquid receiving unit 67, the attachment unit 63 of the cleaning unit 60, and the cover 75 of the spray unit 70. The suction pump 57 sucks the inside of the connection destination switched by the tube switching unit 59.

[0052] When performing maintenance on the recording unit 10 using the cap unit 51, the tube switching unit 59 switches the connection destination of the waste liquid tube 56 to the cap 52. As shown in FIG. 2, with the cap 52 in the standby position, the carriage 42 moves to move the recording unit 10 to a position where the nozzle rows 12a, 12b, 12c, and 12d face the cap 52.

[0053] 3, a suction space is formed in which the plurality of nozzles N constituting the nozzle rows 12a, 12b, 12c, and 12d are open. The suction pump 57 sucks the suction space, thereby applying a negative pressure to the ink Li in the recording unit 10 through the nozzles N.

[0054] Suction of the suction space by the suction pump 57 with the cap 52 in the contact position is performed when ink Li is discharged from the plurality of nozzles N that make up the nozzle rows 12a, 12b, 12c, and 12d. Suction of the suction space by the suction pump 57 with the cap 52 in the approach position is performed when adjusting the meniscus formed in the nozzle N during maintenance of the recording unit 10.

[0055] The suction pump 57 sucks the suction space, and the ink Li, maintenance liquid Lc, mist, foreign matter, etc. present in the suction space are collected in a waste liquid collection section 58 via a waste liquid tube 56. The suction space includes a storage section 52a, which is the internal space of the cap 52.

[0056] 1 and 12, the liquid receiving portion 67 has a box shape with a bottom that opens in the +Z direction. The liquid receiving portion 67 receives the ink Li discharged from the nozzles N by flushing in a storage portion 67a. Flushing is an operation of discharging the ink Li from the nozzles N by driving the ejection elements 15, which is performed for the purpose of maintenance of the recording unit 10. The liquid receiving portion 67 may also receive the ink Li discharged from the nozzles N by pressurized cleaning, which is performed for the purpose of maintenance of the recording unit 10.

[0057] When flushing or pressurized cleaning is performed, the tube switching unit 59 switches the connection destination of the waste liquid tube 56 to the liquid receiving unit 67. By moving the carriage 42, the recording unit 10 is moved to a position where one of the nozzle rows 12a, 12b, 12c, and 12d faces the liquid receiving unit 67. In FIG. 12, the nozzle row 12a faces the storage portion 67a of the liquid receiving unit 67.

[0058] When flushing is performed, the ejection elements 15 corresponding to the nozzles N constituting the nozzle row 12 facing the liquid receiving section 67 are driven. This causes the ink Li to be ejected by flushing from the nozzles N toward the reservoir 67a of the liquid receiving section 67. The ink Li received by the liquid receiving section 67 is collected in the waste liquid collection section 58 via the waste liquid tube 56 by driving the suction pump 57.

[0059] 1, the cleaning unit 60 has a cleaning body 61, an attachment unit 63, an attachment unit holding unit 64, and a cleaning unit moving unit 65. The cleaning unit 60 performs maintenance on the recording unit 10 by collecting the discharged liquid Lw adhering to the nozzle surface 11. The cleaning body 61 of the cleaning unit 60 collects the discharged liquid Lw by coming into contact with the discharged liquid Lw adhering to the nozzle surface 11 at a collection position that is a predetermined distance away from the nozzle surface 11. The discharged liquid Lw is an example of a liquid.

[0060] The cleaning element 61 collects the discharged liquid Lw by coming into contact with the discharged liquid Lw adhering to the nozzle surface 11. As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 7 to 11, the cleaning element 61 has a rectangular thin plate shape. The cleaning element 61 is attached to the attachment part 63 so as to extend in the Y-axis direction and the Z-axis direction. A collecting end 61t, which is the end of the cleaning element 61 on the +Z direction side, extends along the Y-axis direction and has a rounded shape when viewed from the direction along the Y-axis direction.

[0061] The cleaning element 61 is made of a material that does not substantially swell with the ink Li. "Substantially not swelling" means, for example, that the volume of the cleaning element 61 increases by less than 5% after the cleaning element 61 is immersed in the ink Li and left to stand. In this embodiment, the liquid repellency of the surface of the cleaning element 61 is set to be lower than that of the nozzle surface 11. In other words, the surface of the cleaning element 61 has a higher wettability than the nozzle surface 11.

[0062] The cleaning body 61 may be made of rubber materials such as butyl rubber, silicone rubber, fluorosilicone rubber, fluororubber, etc. The cleaning body 61 may be made of resin materials such as fluororesins such as polytetrafluoroethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene, polybutylene terephthalate, etc. The cleaning body 61 may be made of metal materials such as stainless steel.

[0063] The cleaning element 61 is provided with a guide portion 62. The guide portion 62 defines a collection position by contacting an upper end 62c, which is the end of the guide portion 62 on the +Z direction side, with the contacted surface 13c of the recording unit 10. The collection end 61t of the cleaning element 61 at the collection position is a predetermined distance away from the nozzle surface 11 of the recording unit 10 in the -Z direction.

[0064] The guide portion 62 is provided at a position sandwiching the collecting end 61t of the cleaning element 61 in the Y-axis direction. The upper end 62c of the guide portion 62 is located on the +Z direction side of the collecting end 61t of the cleaning element 61. This causes the collecting end 61t of the cleaning element 61 to come into contact with the discharged liquid Lw adhering to the nozzle surface 11 at a collection position that is a predetermined distance away from the nozzle surface 11 in the -Z direction. The predetermined distance is, for example, preferably 0.3 mm or more and 5 mm or less, and more preferably 1 mm or more and 3 mm or less.

[0065] The guide part 62 is made of a material that does not substantially swell with the ink Li, similar to the cleaning element 61. The guide part 62 may be made integral with the cleaning element 61 or may be made separately. When the guide part 62 is made separately from the cleaning element 61, the above-mentioned resin material or metal material that can be used as the material for the cleaning element 61 can be used as the material for the guide part 62.

[0066] Alternatively, the guide portion 62 may be integrally formed with the attachment portion 63. In this case, the guide portion 62 and the attachment portion 63 may be made of the same resin material as that used for the cleaning body 61.

[0067] The liquid repellency of the surface of the guide portion 62 is preferably set lower than that of the contact surface 13c. In other words, the surface of the guide portion 62 is preferably more wettable than the contact surface 13c. This prevents, for example, the discharge liquid Lw adhering to the guide portion 62 from moving to the contact surface 13c when the guide portion 62 comes into contact with the contact surface 13c.

[0068] The attachment part 63 has a box shape with a bottom that opens toward the +Z direction. The attachment part 63 has a storage part 63a that can store the discharged liquid Lw collected by the cleaning element 61. The cleaning element 61 is attached to a convex part that protrudes from the bottom surface, which is the surface on the -Z direction side of the storage part 63a.

[0069] The attachment portion 63 is held by an attachment portion holding portion 64. The attachment portion holding portion 64 moves in the Z-axis direction by driving the cleaning portion moving portion 65. The attachment portion 63 moves in the Z-axis direction by moving the attachment portion holding portion 64 in the Z-axis direction. Therefore, by driving the cleaning portion moving portion 65, the cleaning body 61 and the guide portion 62 move in the Z-axis direction, and can be moved to a collection position (see FIGS. 9 to 11) and a standby position (see FIGS. 2, 7, and 8) that is away from the collection position in the -Z direction.

[0070] The attachment portion holder 64 holds the attachment portion 63 via a compression coil spring 64s. This allows the attachment portion holder 64 to move a predetermined amount in the +Z direction after the upper end 62c of the guide portion 62 comes into contact with the contact surface 13c. This makes it easy to adjust the position of the attachment portion holder 64 in the Z-axis direction when positioning the cleaning body 61 at the collection position.

[0071] For example, suppose the collecting end 61t of the cleaning element 61 in the collecting position comes into contact with the discharged liquid Lw (see FIG. 9) adhering to the nozzle surface 11. In this case, the discharged liquid Lw adhering to the nozzle surface 11 moves in the -Z direction from the collecting end 61t of the cleaning element 61 along the side surface of the cleaning element 61, as shown in FIG. 10. As a result, the discharged liquid Lw adhering to the nozzle surface 11 is collected in the storage portion 63a of the attachment portion 63 as shown in FIG. 11 due to the contact of the cleaning element 61.

[0072] 1 and 7, the storage section 63a of the attachment section 63 is provided so as to be connectable to the waste liquid collection section 58 via the waste liquid tube 56. Thus, by driving the suction pump 57 with the tube switching section 59 switching the connection destination of the waste liquid tube 56 to the cleaning section 60, the discharged liquid Lw stored in the storage section 63a is collected in the waste liquid collection section 58.

[0073] The ejecting unit 70 ejects the maintenance liquid Lc toward the nozzle surface 11 of the recording unit 10. The ejecting unit 70 performs maintenance on the recording unit 10 by causing droplets of the maintenance liquid Lc to land on at least one of the nozzle surface 11 and the nozzles N. Note that landing of droplets of the maintenance liquid Lc on the nozzles N also includes droplets of the maintenance liquid Lc landing on the gas-liquid interface formed by the ink Li inside the nozzles N.

[0074] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4 to 6 , the ejection unit 70 includes an ejection body 71 , a pressure pump 74 , a cover 75 , a cover holding unit 76 , an ejection unit moving unit 77 , and an ejection body moving unit 78 .

[0075] The ejection body 71 has an ejection nozzle 72. The ejection nozzle 72 opens to an ejection surface 71c, which is the surface on the +Z direction side of the ejection body 71. The nozzle diameter of the ejection nozzle 72 is set to, for example, 1 / 2 to 3 times the nozzle diameter of the nozzle N of the recording unit 10.

[0076] The ejection body 71 is provided in the reservoir 75a of the cover 75 so as to be able to eject the maintenance liquid Lc from an ejection nozzle 72 toward the nozzle surface 11 of the recording unit 10. The ejection body 71 is provided so as to be able to move in the Y-axis direction by an ejection body movement unit 78. The ejection body movement unit 78 is an example of a relative movement unit that moves the position of the ejection body 71 relative to the recording unit 10 in the direction along the nozzle surface 11.

[0077] The position on the nozzle surface 11 where the droplets of the maintenance liquid Lc land can be changed along the Y-axis direction by driving the ejection body moving unit 78. By driving the ejection body moving unit 78 while the maintenance liquid Lc is being ejected from the ejection nozzle 72, it is possible to cause the droplets of the maintenance liquid Lc to land continuously on the nozzle surface 11 in the Y-axis direction.

[0078] Furthermore, while the maintenance liquid Lc is being ejected from the ejection nozzle 72, the number of droplets of the maintenance liquid Lc that land on the nozzle surface 11 can be changed by changing the speed at which the ejection body 71 is moved in the Y-axis direction.

[0079] For example, when the maintenance liquid Lc is being ejected from the ejection nozzle 72, the slower the movement speed of the ejection body 71 in the Y-axis direction, the more droplets of the maintenance liquid Lc land on the nozzle surface 11. This improves the ability to recover from ejection abnormalities in the nozzles N during maintenance of the recording unit 10.

[0080] Changing the movement speed when moving the ejection body 71 in the Y-axis direction while the maintenance liquid Lc is being ejected from the ejection nozzle 72 is an example of changing specifications for maintenance of the recording unit 10.

[0081] Alternatively, while the maintenance liquid Lc is being ejected from the ejection nozzle 72, the number of times the ejection body 71 moves along the Y-axis direction can be changed to change the number of droplets of the maintenance liquid Lc that land on the nozzle surface 11.

[0082] For example, in a state where the maintenance liquid Lc is ejected from the ejection nozzle 72, the more times the ejection body 71 moves along the Y-axis direction, the more droplets of the maintenance liquid Lc land on the nozzle surface 11. This improves the ability to recover from ejection abnormalities in the nozzles N during maintenance of the recording unit 10.

[0083] Changing the number of times the ejection body 71 moves along the Y-axis direction while the maintenance liquid Lc is being ejected from the ejection nozzle 72 is an example of changing the specifications for maintenance of the recording unit 10.

[0084] When the ejection body 71 repeatedly moves along the Y-axis direction while the maintenance liquid Lc is being ejected from the ejection nozzle 72, the carriage 42 may be moved in the X-axis direction by driving the movement mechanism 40. This makes it possible to cause successive droplets of the maintenance liquid Lc in the Y-axis direction corresponding to the ejection nozzle 72 to land on the nozzle surface 11 in the X-axis direction.

[0085] Therefore, by driving the ejection body movement unit 78 and the movement mechanism 40, it is possible to cause droplets of the maintenance liquid Lc to continuously land across the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction of the nozzle surface 11. The movement mechanism 40 is an example of a relative movement unit that moves the position of the ejection body 71 relative to the recording unit 10 in the direction along the nozzle surface 11.

[0086] The ejection body 71 may have one or more ejection nozzles 72. As shown in Fig. 1, the multiple (four in Fig. 1) ejection nozzles 72 may be arranged at intervals in the X-axis direction in correspondence with the nozzle rows 12a, 12b, 12c, and 12d of the recording unit 10.

[0087] Alternatively, as shown in Fig. 15, a plurality of (three in Fig. 15) ejection nozzles 72 may form an ejection nozzle row 72A in a diagonal direction that intersects with the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction. The spacing between the plurality of ejection nozzles 72 forming the ejection nozzle row 72A may be set so that the impact ranges IR indicated by the two-dot chain line overlap in the X-axis direction.

[0088] The impact range IR indicated by the two-dot chain line is the size of the droplets of the maintenance liquid Lc on the nozzle surface 11 when they impact the nozzle surface 11. For example, while the maintenance liquid Lc is being ejected from the ejection nozzle row 72A, the ejection body moving unit 78 is driven to move the ejection body 71 in the Y-axis direction.

[0089] This makes it possible for droplets of the maintenance liquid Lc that are successive in the X-axis direction corresponding to the ejection nozzle row 72A to land successively in the Y-axis direction on the nozzle surface 11. As a result, by driving the ejection body moving unit 78, it becomes possible to cause droplets of the maintenance liquid Lc to land successively in the Y-axis direction, for example, in a predetermined range in the X-axis direction on the nozzle surface 11 that includes the nozzle row 12a.

[0090] Furthermore, multiple ejection nozzle rows 72A may be provided at intervals in the X-axis direction on the ejection body 71. The intervals between the multiple ejection nozzle rows 72A may be set so that the impact ranges IR overlap in the X-axis direction.

[0091] For example, in a state in which the maintenance liquid Lc is ejected from the multiple ejection nozzle rows 72A provided on the ejection body 71, the ejection body moving unit 78 is driven to move the ejection body 71 in the Y-axis direction.

[0092] This makes it possible to cause droplets of the maintenance liquid Lc that are continuous in the X-axis direction corresponding to the multiple ejection nozzle rows 72A to land continuously in the Y-axis direction on the nozzle surface 11. This makes it possible to cause droplets of the maintenance liquid Lc to land continuously on the nozzle surface 11 in both the X-axis and Y-axis directions by driving the ejection body movement unit 78.

[0093] 16, when the above-described jet nozzle 72 is a first jet nozzle 721, the jet body 71 may further include a second jet nozzle 722 having specifications different from those of the first jet nozzle 721. For example, the second jet nozzle 722 is disposed in a position in the +Y direction relative to the first jet nozzle 721.

[0094] In this case, the nozzle diameters of the first injection nozzle 721 and the second injection nozzle 722 may be different. For example, the nozzle diameter of the second injection nozzle 722 is set to be larger than the nozzle diameter of the first injection nozzle 721.

[0095] According to this, by switching from ejecting the maintenance liquid Lc from the first ejection nozzle 721 to ejecting the maintenance liquid Lc from the second ejection nozzle 722, it is possible to greatly change the size of the droplets that land on the nozzle surface 11.

[0096] The larger the size of the droplets that land on the nozzle surface 11, the greater the kinetic energy of the droplets of maintenance liquid Lc when they land on the nozzle surface 11. This improves the ability to recover from ejection abnormalities in the nozzles N during maintenance of the recording unit 10. Changing the size of the droplets of maintenance liquid Lc that land on the nozzle surface 11 is an example of changing the specifications during maintenance of the recording unit 10.

[0097] The ejection body 71 is provided at a position in the reservoir 75a that ensures a distance that allows the maintenance liquid Lc ejected from the ejection nozzle 72 to reach the nozzle surface 11 in droplet form. A maintenance liquid tube 73 is connected to the ejection body 71. This allows the maintenance liquid Lc contained in the maintenance liquid cartridge 98 to be supplied to the ejection nozzle 72.

[0098] The maintenance liquid Lc preferably contains the same main solvent as the ink Li used. In this embodiment, pure water is used as the maintenance liquid Lc because the ink Li uses a water-based ink in which the solvent is water. For example, if the ink Li uses a solvent, it is preferable to use the same solvent as the ink Li for the maintenance liquid Lc. The maintenance liquid Lc may contain a preservative. It is preferable that the preservative contained in the maintenance liquid Lc is the same as the preservative contained in the ink Li.

[0099] The pressure pump 74 is provided on the maintenance liquid tube 73 that connects the maintenance liquid cartridge 98 held in the holder 24 to the spray body 71. By controlling the drive of the pressure pump 74, the pressure of the maintenance liquid Lc supplied to the spray nozzle 72 can be changed.

[0100] The ejection pressure of the maintenance liquid Lc when it is ejected from the ejection nozzle 72 is adjusted by adjusting the pressure of the maintenance liquid Lc supplied to the ejection nozzle 72. This makes it possible to change the liquid column of the maintenance liquid Lc (see FIG. 6) ejected from the ejection nozzle 72 into droplets. The ejection pressure of the maintenance liquid Lc when it is ejected from the ejection nozzle 72 is adjusted to 1 MPa or higher.

[0101] By controlling the drive of the pressure pump 74, the pressure of the maintenance liquid Lc supplied to the ejection nozzle 72 is increased, thereby increasing the ejection pressure at which the maintenance liquid Lc is ejected from the ejection nozzle 72. The higher the ejection pressure at which the maintenance liquid Lc is ejected from the ejection nozzle 72, the greater the kinetic energy of the droplets of the maintenance liquid Lc when they land on the nozzle surface 11.

[0102] This improves the ability to recover from ejection abnormalities in the nozzles N during maintenance of the recording unit 10. Changing the ejection pressure when the maintenance liquid Lc is ejected from the ejection nozzles 72 is an example of changing specifications during maintenance of the recording unit 10.

[0103] Furthermore, by setting the pressure of the maintenance liquid Lc supplied to the spray nozzle 72 to a positive pressure that prevents the maintenance liquid Lc from being sprayed in droplet form from the spray nozzle 72, it is also possible to supply the maintenance liquid Lc onto the spray surface 71c.

[0104] The cover 75 has a box shape with a bottom that opens in the +Z direction. The cover 75 is made of an elastic material such as rubber. When the cover 75 is positioned at a space forming position, it forms a space in which the multiple nozzles N are open. The space forming position includes a contact position and a close position.

[0105] 6, the contact position is a position where the lip surface 75c of the cover 75 contacts the contacted surface 13c of the recording unit 10. The lip surface 75c is the outer periphery of the opening of the cover 75 on the +Z direction side. When the cover 75 is positioned at the contact position, it forms a closed space that includes the nozzle surface 11 of the recording unit 10 and the ejection body 71.

[0106] This closed space is formed by the nozzle surface 11 and the contacted surface 13c of the recording unit 10, and the storage portion 75a of the cover 75. The storage portion 75a is the internal space of the cover 75 that forms this closed space.

[0107] The close position is a position where the cover 75 is close to the contact surface 13c of the recording unit 10 while maintaining a slight gap between the cover 75 and the contact surface 13c. The cover 75 does not come into contact with the nozzle surface 11 at the contact position and close position.

[0108] The cover 75 is held by a cover holding portion 76. The cover holding portion 76 moves in the Z-axis direction by driving the ejection portion moving portion 77. The cover 75 moves in the Z-axis direction by moving the cover holding portion 76 in the Z-axis direction. Therefore, by driving the ejection portion moving portion 77, the cover 75 can be moved to a contact position (see FIG. 6), a space forming position including an approach position (not shown), and a standby position (see FIGS. 4 and 5) that is separated from the space forming position in the -Z direction.

[0109] The distance in the Z-axis direction between the lip surface 75c and the ejection body 71 is set to the distance in the Z-axis direction between the contacted surface 13c and the ejection body 71 when the maintenance liquid Lc is ejected from the ejection nozzle 72 toward the nozzle surface 11. As a result, in this embodiment, by moving the cover 75 to the contact position, the ejection body 71 is positioned at the position where the maintenance liquid Lc is ejected from the ejection nozzle 72 toward the nozzle surface 11.

[0110] In other words, the ejecting unit movement unit 77 is an example of an adjustment unit that adjusts the relative position in the Z-axis direction between the nozzle surface 11 and the ejecting body 71. Furthermore, the ejecting unit movement unit 77 adjusts the relative position in the Z-axis direction between the nozzle surface 11 and the ejecting body 71 by bringing the lip surface 75c into contact with the contacted surface 13c provided in the recording unit 10. The contacted surface 13c is an example of a contacted unit provided in the recording unit 10. The lip surface 75c is an example of a positioning unit.

[0111] The cover holding portion 76 holds the cover 75 via a compression coil spring 76s. This allows the cover 75 to be pressed against the contacted surface 13c with a predetermined load by moving the cover holding portion 76 a predetermined amount in the +Z direction after the lip surface 75c of the cover 75 comes into contact with the contacted surface 13c. Furthermore, this makes it easy to adjust the position of the cover holding portion 76 in the Z-axis direction when positioning the cover 75 at the contact position.

[0112] 1 and 4, the reservoir 75a of the cover 75 is provided so as to be connectable to the waste liquid collection unit 58 via the waste liquid tube 56. Thus, by driving the suction pump 57 with the tube switching unit 59 switching the connection destination of the waste liquid tube 56 to the spray unit 70, the discharged liquid Lw stored in the reservoir 75a is collected in the waste liquid collection unit 58.

[0113] When the cover 75 is in the contact position, negative pressure can be applied to the closed space by driving the suction pump 57 with the tube switching unit 59 switching the connection destination of the waste liquid tube 56 to the spray unit 70. The suction pump 57 is connected to the storage unit 75a of the cover 75 and is an example of a suction unit that creates negative pressure in the closed space.

[0114] The cover 75 is provided with an insertion portion 79 for inserting the maintenance liquid tube 73 from the outside of the cover 75 to a reservoir portion 75a, which is the internal space of the cover 75. The insertion portion 79 is, for example, a circular through-hole that penetrates the side wall of the cover 75. A seal member (not shown) may be provided between the insertion portion 79 and the maintenance liquid tube 73.

[0115] For example, suppose that the ejecting unit 70 ejects the maintenance liquid Lc from the ejection nozzle 72 toward the nozzle surface 11 of the recording unit 10. In this case, with the cover 75 in the standby position as shown in Fig. 4, the carriage 42 moves to move the recording unit 10 to a position where the nozzle surface 11 faces the ejection surface 71c as shown in Fig. 5.

[0116] Next, the ejection unit moving unit 77 is driven to move the cover 75 to the contact position. Next, the pressure pump 74 is driven. As a result, as shown in FIG. 6, a closed space is formed that includes the nozzle surface 11 and the ejection body 71, and the maintenance liquid Lc is ejected from the ejection nozzle 72 toward the nozzle surface 11 of the recording unit 10.

[0117] The ejection body moving unit 78 is driven to move the ejection body 71 in the Y-axis direction while the maintenance liquid Lc is being ejected from the ejection nozzle 72. As a result, the maintenance liquid Lc that has been ejected from the ejection nozzle 72 and turned into droplets lands on at least one of the nozzle surface 11 and the nozzle N.

[0118] The detection unit 95 detects the residual vibration of the ejection element 15 after it has been driven. The detection unit 95 is, for example, a circuit that detects the residual vibration of the liquid chamber 17. When a drive signal is input to the ejection element 15, the diaphragm 16 that constitutes the liquid chamber 17 is flexed and deformed in response to the drive signal.

[0119] This causes a pressure fluctuation within the liquid chamber 17, which causes the diaphragm 16 to vibrate for a while. This vibration is the residual vibration of the ejection element 15 after it has been driven. In response to this residual vibration, the detection unit 95 detects an electrical signal output from the piezoelectric element serving as the ejection element 15 as residual vibration information.

[0120] Fig. 13 shows an example of residual vibration information output by the ejection element 15. In the graph shown in Fig. 13, the horizontal axis represents time t, and the vertical axis represents the voltage value V of the electrical signal output from the ejection element 15. As shown in Fig. 13, for example, in a state in which ink Li can be ejected normally from nozzle N, a reference signal A shown by a solid line is obtained.

[0121] For example, if there are bubbles in the ink Li in the liquid chamber 17 or the nozzle N, the signal period will be shorter than this reference signal A, as shown by the dashed line signal B. On the other hand, if there is an increase in viscosity of the ink Li in the liquid chamber 17 or the nozzle N, the signal period will be longer, as shown by the dashed line signal C.

[0122] If the ink Li becomes thicker or air bubbles get mixed in, the state of either the nozzle N or the liquid chamber 17 becomes abnormal, and typically the ink Li will no longer be ejected from the nozzle N. This causes missing dots in the image recorded on the medium P.

[0123] Even if droplets are ejected from nozzle Li, the amount of droplets may be small, or the droplets may fly in a different direction and not land in the desired position. A nozzle N experiencing such ejection problems is called an abnormal nozzle.

[0124] As described above, the residual vibration of the liquid chamber 17 that communicates with the abnormal nozzle is different from the residual vibration of the liquid chamber 17 that communicates with the normal nozzle N. This makes it possible to infer whether the state inside the nozzle N and the liquid chamber 17 is normal or not, based on the residual vibration of the liquid chamber 17 detected by the detection unit 95. Furthermore, based on the residual vibration of the liquid chamber 17 detected by the detection unit 95, if the state inside the nozzle N and the liquid chamber 17 is not normal, it can be inferred that the cause is, for example, an increase in viscosity of the ink Li or the inclusion of air bubbles.

[0125] In this embodiment, the ejection element 15 has a function of ejecting ink Li from the nozzle N, and also a function of detecting ejection abnormalities in the nozzle N. In this respect, the ejection element 15 can also be said to be a detection element of the detection unit 95. Note that the detection unit 95 may have a detection element that detects residual vibrations in the liquid chamber 17, separate from the ejection element 15.

[0126] The control unit 90 may be configured as a circuit including one or more processors, one or more dedicated hardware circuits such as application specific integrated circuits that execute at least some of the various processes, or a combination thereof.

[0127] The processor executes various processes according to a computer program. The processor includes a CPU and memory such as RAM and ROM. 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 special-purpose computer.

[0128] The control unit 90 comprehensively controls the recording device 1. For example, the control unit 90 controls the recording unit 10, the supply unit 20, the transport mechanism 30, and the movement mechanism 40 to eject ink Li onto the medium P being transported and form an image.

[0129] For example, the control unit 90 performs a nozzle inspection to check the state of ink Li being ejected from each nozzle N, based on residual vibration information of the liquid chamber 17 detected by the detection unit 95. For example, if an abnormal nozzle is detected in the nozzle inspection, the control unit 90 controls the maintenance unit 50 to perform maintenance on the recording unit 10.

[0130] For example, the control unit 90 performs a nozzle test after performing maintenance on the recording unit 10. For example, based on the results of the nozzle tests performed before and after the maintenance on the recording unit 10, the control unit 90 determines whether the maintenance of the recording unit 10 was successful.

[0131] For example, if it is determined that the maintenance of the recording unit 10 is defective in determining whether the maintenance is satisfactory, the maintenance specifications are changed, and the maintenance of the recording unit 10 is performed again using the changed specifications.

[0132] 14, the flow of processing executed by the control unit 90 when performing recording unit maintenance, including nozzle inspection and maintenance of the recording unit 10, will be described in order. Note that when recording unit maintenance starts, the recording unit 10 is assumed to be in the position shown in Fig. 1, and the cap 52, cleaning body 61, and cover 75 of the maintenance unit 50 are assumed to be in the standby position.

[0133] In step S110, the control unit 90 performs a nozzle test. Specifically, the control unit 90 controls the movement mechanism 40 to move the carriage 42 in the +X direction. As a result, for example, the control unit 90 moves the recording unit 10 to a position where the nozzle rows 12a, 12b, 12c, and 12d face the cap 52.

[0134] Next, the control unit 90 controls the drive circuit to input a drive signal to the ejection element 15. As a result, the detection unit 95 detects residual vibrations that occur in the liquid chamber 17 due to the driving of the ejection element 15. After completing the processing of step S110, the control unit 90 proceeds to step S120.

[0135] In step S120, the control unit 90 checks whether there is an abnormal nozzle based on the detection result detected by the detection unit 95. The control unit 90 infers whether the state of the nozzle N and the liquid chamber 17 is normal based on the residual vibration of the liquid chamber 17 detected by the detection unit 95.

[0136] If there is no nozzle N in which the residual vibration detected by the detection unit 95 differs from the residual vibration of the liquid chamber 17 that communicates with a normal nozzle N, the control unit 90 infers that there is no abnormal nozzle. In this case, step S120 becomes NO, and the control unit 90 ends the process for recording unit maintenance.

[0137] If there is a nozzle N in which the residual vibration detected by the detection unit 95 differs from the residual vibration of the liquid chamber 17 that communicates with a normal nozzle N, the control unit 90 infers that there is an abnormal nozzle. In this case, step S120 becomes YES, and the control unit 90 proceeds to step S130.

[0138] In step S130, the control unit 90 performs maintenance on the recording unit 10. In the maintenance of the recording unit 10, first, the ejection unit 70 ejects the maintenance liquid Lc.

[0139] Specifically, first, the control unit 90 controls the movement mechanism 40 to move the carriage 42 in the +X direction. As a result, as shown in FIG. 5, the control unit 90 moves the recording unit 10 to a position where the nozzle surface 11 faces the ejection surface 71c.

[0140] Next, the control unit 90 controls the spray unit movement unit 77 to move the cover 75 to the contact position shown in Fig. 6. Next, the control unit 90 controls the pressure pump 74 to supply the maintenance liquid Lc toward the spray nozzle 72.

[0141] As a result, in a state in which a closed space is formed that includes the nozzle surface 11 and the ejection body 71, the maintenance liquid Lc is ejected from the ejection nozzle 72 toward the nozzle surface 11 of the recording unit 10. In a state in which the maintenance liquid Lc is ejected from the ejection nozzle 72, the control unit 90 drives the ejection body moving unit 78 to move the ejection body 71 in the Y-axis direction.

[0142] If necessary, the control unit 90 drives the movement mechanism 40 to move the position of the ejection body 71 in the X-axis direction relative to the recording unit 10. As a result, droplets of the maintenance liquid Lc land continuously on the nozzle surface 11 in both the X-axis and Y-axis directions.

[0143] At this time, the control unit 90 may control the pressure adjustment unit 26 to make the pressure of the ink Li inside the nozzles N higher than the normal pressure. This prevents air bubbles and the like from entering through the nozzles N when the maintenance liquid Lc is being sprayed toward the nozzle surface 11.

[0144] After the maintenance liquid Lc has been sprayed from the spray nozzle 72 for a set time, the control unit 90 stops driving the pressure pump 74. If the pressure of the ink Li in the nozzle N has been changed, the control unit 90 controls the pressure adjustment unit 26 to adjust the pressure of the ink Li in the nozzle N to the normal pressure. Next, the control unit 90 controls the spray unit movement unit 77 to move the cover 75 to the standby position shown in FIG. 5.

[0145] Next, the control unit 90 drives the suction pump 57 with the tube switching unit 59 switching the connection destination of the waste liquid tube 56 to the spray unit 70. As a result, the discharged liquid Lw stored in the storage unit 75a is collected in the waste liquid collection unit 58.

[0146] In this case, the discharged liquid Lw includes the ink Li that has adhered to the nozzle surface 11 and become thickened, and the maintenance liquid Lc that has dropped into the reservoir 75a after reaching the nozzle surface 11. The control unit 90 may drive the suction pump 57 in parallel with the spraying of the maintenance liquid Lc from the spray nozzle 72, with the tube switching unit 59 switching the connection destination of the waste liquid tube 56 to the spraying unit 70.

[0147] This allows not only the discharged liquid Lw stored in the reservoir 75a but also the mist of the maintenance liquid Lc generated by the spraying of the maintenance liquid Lc from the spray nozzle 72 to be collected in the waste liquid collection unit 58. After the suction pump 57 has been driven for a set time, the control unit 90 stops driving the suction pump 57.

[0148] Next, the control unit 90 causes the cleaning unit 60 to collect the discharged liquid Lw from the nozzle surface 11. Specifically, first, the control unit 90 controls the movement mechanism 40 to move the carriage 42 in the −X direction. As a result, as shown in FIG. 8 , the control unit 90 moves the recording unit 10 to a position where the contacted surface 13c faces the upper end 62c of the guide unit 62 and the collecting end 61t of the cleaning element 61.

[0149] 9, the control unit 90 controls the cleaning unit movement unit 65 to move the attachment unit 63 in the +Z direction, thereby causing the control unit 90 to move the cleaning element 61 to the collection position.

[0150] Next, the control unit 90 controls the movement mechanism 40 to move the carriage 42 in the -X direction. As a result, the nozzle surface 11 passes a position facing the cleaning element 61. As a result, the collection end 61t of the cleaning element 61 at the collection position comes into contact with the discharged liquid Lw (see FIG. 9) adhering to the nozzle surface 11. As a result, the discharged liquid Lw adhering to the nozzle surface 11 flows down the cleaning element 61 and is stored in the storage portion 63a of the attachment part 63, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11.

[0151] Next, the control unit 90 drives the suction pump 57 with the tube switching unit 59 switching the connection destination of the waste liquid tube 56 to the cleaning unit 60. As a result, the discharged liquid Lw stored in the storage unit 63a is collected in the waste liquid collection unit 58. After driving the suction pump 57 for a set time, the control unit 90 stops driving the suction pump 57.

[0152] Next, the control unit 90 executes collection of the discharged liquid Lw by the suction pump 57. Specifically, first, the control unit 90 controls the movement mechanism 40 to move the carriage 42 in the −X direction. As a result, the control unit 90 moves the recording unit 10 to a position where the nozzle rows 12a, 12b, 12c, and 12d face the cap 52.

[0153] Next, the control unit 90 controls the cap moving unit 54 to move the cap 52 in the +Z direction. As a result, the control unit 90 moves the cap 52 to the approach position (see FIG. 3).

[0154] Next, the control unit 90 drives the suction pump 57 with the tube switching unit 59 switching the connection destination of the waste liquid tube 56 to the cap 52. As a result, the ink Li, maintenance liquid Lc, mist, foreign matter, etc. present in the suction space including the storage unit 52a are collected in the waste liquid collection unit 58.

[0155] At this time, the control unit 90 may control the pressure adjustment unit 26 to make the pressure of the ink Li in the nozzle N higher than the normal pressure. As a result, air bubbles in the recording unit 10, maintenance liquid Lc that has entered through the nozzle N, ink Li of a different color, etc. are expelled from the nozzle N. This also causes the meniscus formed in the nozzle N to be straightened.

[0156] When the suction pump 57 has been driven for a set time, the control unit 90 stops driving the suction pump 57. When the pressure of the ink Li in the nozzle N has been changed, the control unit 90 controls the pressure adjustment unit 26 to adjust the pressure of the ink Li in the nozzle N to the normal pressure.

[0157] Next, the control unit 90 controls the cap moving unit 54 to move the cap 52 in the −Z direction, thereby causing the control unit 90 to move the cap 52 to the standby position.

[0158] Next, the control unit 90 causes the cleaning unit 60 to collect the discharged liquid Lw from the nozzle surface 11. Here, the control unit 90 may first move the recording unit 10 to a position where the contacted surface 13c located on the +X direction side of the nozzle surface 11 faces the upper end 62c of the guide unit 62 and the collecting end 61t of the cleaning body 61.

[0159] Next, the control unit 90 moves the cleaning element 61 to the collection position. Next, the control unit 90 moves the carriage 42 in the +X direction. As a result, the nozzle surface 11 passes a position facing the cleaning element 61. As a result, if the discharged liquid Lw is attached to the nozzle surface 11, the discharged liquid Lw flows down the cleaning element 61 and is stored in the storage portion 63a of the attachment portion 63.

[0160] The control unit 90 controls the driving of the tube switching unit 59 and the suction pump 57, so that the discharged liquid Lw stored in the storage unit 63a is collected in the waste liquid collection unit 58. After the suction pump 57 has been driven for a set time, the control unit 90 stops the driving of the suction pump 57.

[0161] Next, the control unit 90 executes flushing. Specifically, first, the control unit 90 controls the movement mechanism 40 to move the carriage 42 in the −X direction. As a result, the nozzle rows 12a, 12b, 12c, and 12d pass through a position facing the liquid receiving portion 67 in this order.

[0162] The control unit 90 drives the ejection elements 15 corresponding to the nozzle rows 12 that are located opposite the reservoir 67a among the nozzle rows 12a, 12b, 12c, and 12d. This causes the ink Li to be ejected by flushing from the nozzles N that pass a position opposite the liquid receiving section 67 toward the reservoir 67a of the liquid receiving section 67. As a result, the ink Li is ejected sequentially by flushing from the nozzles N that make up the nozzle rows 12a, 12b, 12c, and 12d.

[0163] As a result, ink Li of a different color that has entered through the nozzle N during maintenance of the recording unit 10 is discharged together with the ink Li being ejected from the nozzle N. Furthermore, as a result, the meniscus formed in the nozzle N is adjusted.

[0164] Next, the control unit 90 drives the suction pump 57 with the tube switching unit 59 switching the connection destination of the waste liquid tube 56 to the liquid receiving unit 67. As a result, the ink Li stored in the storage unit 67a is collected in the waste liquid collection unit 58 as the discharged liquid Lw.

[0165] After driving the suction pump 57 for the set time, the control unit 90 stops driving the suction pump 57. After completing the process of step S130, the control unit 90 proceeds to step S140.

[0166] In step S140, the control unit 90 performs a nozzle inspection, similar to step S110. That is, the control unit 90 performs a nozzle inspection after performing maintenance on the recording unit 10. After completing the process of step S140, the control unit 90 proceeds to step S150.

[0167] In step S150, similar to step S120, the control unit 90 checks whether there is an abnormal nozzle based on the detection result detected by the detection unit 95. Furthermore, the control unit 90 determines whether the maintenance of the recording unit 10 is satisfactory based on the detection result detected by the detection unit 95.

[0168] If there is no nozzle N in which the residual vibration detected by the detection unit 95 differs from the residual vibration of the liquid chamber 17 that communicates with a normal nozzle N, the control unit 90 infers that there is no abnormal nozzle. In this case, the control unit 90 determines that the maintenance of the recording unit 10 performed in step S130 is satisfactory. In this case, step S150 becomes NO, and the control unit 90 ends the processing for recording unit maintenance.

[0169] If there is a nozzle N in which the residual vibration detected by the detection unit 95 is different from the residual vibration of the liquid chamber 17 that communicates with a normal nozzle N, the control unit 90 infers that there is an abnormal nozzle. In this case, the control unit 90 determines that the maintenance of the recording unit 10 performed in step S130 is defective. In this case, step S150 becomes YES, and the control unit 90 proceeds to step S160.

[0170] In step S160, the control unit 90 checks whether maintenance has been performed a predetermined number of times on the recording unit 10. If maintenance has been performed a predetermined number of times on the recording unit 10, step S160 becomes YES, and the control unit 90 ends the processing for recording unit maintenance.

[0171] If the maintenance of the recording unit 10 has not been performed the predetermined number of times, step S160 becomes NO, and the control unit 90 moves the process to step S170.

[0172] In step S170, the control unit 90 changes the specifications for the maintenance of the recording unit 10 that is performed in step S130. The control unit 90 changes the specifications for the maintenance of the recording unit 10 so that the performance of recovering from the ejection abnormality of the nozzle N is improved.

[0173] For example, the changed maintenance specifications for the recording unit 10 may include slowing down the movement speed of the ejection body 71 in the Y-axis direction while the maintenance liquid Lc is being ejected from the ejection nozzle 72.

[0174] For example, the changed specifications for maintenance of the recording unit 10 may include increasing the number of times the ejection body 71 moves along the Y-axis direction while the maintenance liquid Lc is being ejected from the ejection nozzle 72.

[0175] For example, the specifications for maintenance of the recording unit 10 to be changed may include increasing the ejection pressure when the maintenance liquid Lc is ejected from the ejection nozzle 72 of the ejection body 71.

[0176] For example, the specifications for maintenance of the recording unit 10 to be changed may include increasing the size of the droplets of the maintenance liquid Lc that land on the nozzle surface 11.

[0177] 16, the ejection body 71 may have a first ejection nozzle 721 and a second ejection nozzle 722. In this case, the control unit 90 may switch from ejecting the maintenance liquid Lc from the first ejection nozzle 721 to ejecting the maintenance liquid Lc from the second ejection nozzle 722. This may increase the size of the droplets of the maintenance liquid Lc that land on the nozzle surface 11.

[0178] When the process of step S170 is completed, the control unit 90 returns to step S130 and performs the process again. That is, if the control unit 90 determines that the maintenance of the recording unit 10 is defective in the quality determination of the maintenance, it changes the maintenance specifications and performs the maintenance of the recording unit 10 again using the changed specifications.

[0179] It is assumed that, by performing maintenance of the recording unit 10 the set number of times, step S160 becomes YES and the process for recording unit maintenance is completed. In this case, there is a possibility that the nozzles N of the recording unit 10 include abnormal nozzles. In this case, the control unit 90 may notify the notification unit (not shown) that an abnormal nozzle exists, and prompt the user to instruct the next process, such as complementary recording.

[0180] As described above, the recording device 1 according to the first embodiment can provide the following effects.

[0181] The recording device 1 includes a recording unit 10 that ejects ink Li from nozzles N communicating with the liquid chambers 17 by changing the pressure inside the liquid chambers 17, which contain ink Li, by driving ejection elements 15. The recording device 1 includes an ejection body 71 that ejects maintenance liquid Lc in the form of a liquid column from an ejection nozzle 72 toward a nozzle face 11 where the nozzles N are open. The ejection body 71 performs maintenance on the recording unit 10 by causing droplets of the maintenance liquid Lc to land on the nozzles N. The recording device 1 includes a relative movement unit that moves the position of the ejection body 71 relative to the recording unit 10 in a direction along the nozzle face 11. The recording device 1 includes a detection unit 95 that detects residual vibrations that occur in the liquid chambers 17 due to the driving of the ejection elements 15 after maintenance of the recording unit 10 is performed by the ejection body 71. The recording device 1 also includes a control unit 90. The control unit 90 determines whether the maintenance of the recording unit 10 is successful or not based on the detection result of the detection unit 95.

[0182] This prevents the maintenance of the recording unit 10 from ending without confirming whether the maintenance was successful. Therefore, the recording device 1 can prevent the quality of the image formed on the medium P from deteriorating.

[0183] If the control unit 90 determines that the maintenance of the recording unit 10 is defective in the quality determination of the maintenance of the recording unit 10, the control unit 90 changes the specifications for the maintenance of the recording unit 10. The control unit 90 performs maintenance of the recording unit 10 again using the changed specifications.

[0184] This improves the performance of repairing abnormal ejection of the nozzles N during maintenance of the recording unit 10. Therefore, the recording device 1 can prevent a decrease in the quality of the image formed on the medium P.

[0185] The change in specifications is to slow down the speed at which the ejection body 71 moves relative to the recording unit 10. This makes it possible to improve the performance of repairing abnormal ejection of the nozzle N during maintenance of the recording unit 10.

[0186] The change in specifications is to increase the number of times that the relative position of the ejection body 71 is moved with respect to the recording unit 10. This makes it possible to improve the performance of the maintenance of the recording unit 10 in recovering from ejection abnormalities in the nozzles N.

[0187] The change in specifications is to increase the ejection pressure at which the maintenance liquid Lc is ejected from the ejector 71. This can improve the performance of the recording unit 10 in maintaining the nozzles N and recovering from ejection abnormalities.

[0188] The change in specifications is to increase the size of the droplets of the maintenance liquid Lc, which improves the performance of the recording unit 10 in terms of repairing abnormal ejection from the nozzles N during maintenance.

[0189] When the jet nozzle 72 is the first jet nozzle 721, the jetting body 71 further includes a second jet nozzle 722 having specifications different from those of the first jet nozzle 721. The change in specifications includes switching from jetting the maintenance liquid Lc by the first jet nozzle 721 to jetting the maintenance liquid Lc by the second jet nozzle 722.

[0190] This makes it possible to easily change the droplet size of the maintenance liquid Lc, thereby improving the performance of the recording unit 10 in maintaining the nozzles N and recovering from ejection abnormalities.

[0191] The recording apparatus 1 further includes a cover 75 that forms a closed space that includes the nozzle surface 11 and the ejecting body 71 when the ejecting body 71 ejects the maintenance liquid Lc toward the nozzles N. This makes it possible to prevent the maintenance liquid Lc ejected toward the nozzle surface 11 from scattering.

[0192] The recording device 1 according to the above embodiment of the present disclosure is basically configured as described above, but it is of course possible to modify or omit parts of the configuration without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. The above embodiment and other embodiments described below can be combined with each other within the scope of technical compatibility. Other embodiments will be described below.

[0193] In the above embodiment, the ejecting body 71 may be provided so as to be movable in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction by the ejecting body moving unit 78. In this way, the control unit 90 may change the position on the nozzle surface 11 where the droplets of the maintenance liquid Lc land along either the X-axis direction or the Y-axis direction by driving the ejecting body moving unit 78. The ejecting body moving unit 78 in this embodiment is an example of a relative moving unit that moves the position of the ejecting body 71 relative to the recording unit 10 in the direction along the nozzle surface 11.

[0194] In the maintenance of the recording unit 10 in the above embodiment, the control unit 90 does not have to cause droplets of the maintenance liquid Lc to land continuously across the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction of the nozzle surface 11. For example, in step S150 of the maintenance of the recording unit shown in FIG. 14, it is assumed that there is a nozzle N that the control unit 90 has determined to be an abnormal nozzle based on the detection result of the detection unit 95.

[0195] In this case, in step S170, the control unit 90 may set the area where the droplets of the maintenance liquid Lc are to land to a portion of the nozzle surface 11 that includes the nozzle N that has been determined to be an abnormal nozzle. Then, in the maintenance of the recording unit 10 that is performed again in step S130, the control unit 90 causes the droplets of the maintenance liquid Lc to land on a portion of the nozzle surface 11 that includes the nozzle N that has been determined to be an abnormal nozzle. In this case, changing the area where the droplets of the maintenance liquid Lc are to land is an example of changing the specifications for maintenance of the recording unit 10.

[0196] In the above embodiment, the velocity of droplets when they land on the nozzle surface 11 may be changed by switching from ejecting the maintenance liquid Lc from the first ejection nozzle 721 to ejecting the maintenance liquid Lc from the second ejection nozzle 722. In this case, the first ejection nozzle 721 and the second ejection nozzle 722 in this embodiment differ in, for example, any of the nozzle diameter, the shape of the nozzle opening, the nozzle length, etc.

[0197] The faster the velocity of the droplets when they land on the nozzle surface 11, the greater the kinetic energy of the droplets of the maintenance liquid Lc when they land on the nozzle surface 11. This improves the ability to recover from ejection abnormalities in the nozzles N during maintenance of the recording unit 10. Changing the velocity of the droplets of the maintenance liquid Lc when they land on the nozzle surface 11 is an example of changing the specifications during maintenance of the recording unit 10.

[0198] In the above embodiment, the maintenance unit 50 may be provided so as to be detachable from the recording device 1. As a result, for example, the maintenance unit 50 may be used as a maintenance device that is used when installing or repairing the recording device 1.

[0199] In the above embodiment, when the contact surface 13c is located on the −Z side of the nozzle surface 11, the upper end 62c of the guide portion 62 of the cleaning element 61 does not have to be located on the +Z side of the collecting end 61t of the cleaning element 61. For example, in the Z-axis direction, the position of the upper end 62c may be the same as the position of the collecting end 61t.

[0200] In the above embodiment, the cleaning element 61 does not need to include the guide portion 62, as long as it is possible to contact the discharged liquid Lw adhering to the nozzle surface 11 at a position away from the nozzle surface 11 in the Z axis direction. For example, the recording apparatus 1 may include a sensor that can detect the distance in the Z axis direction between the nozzle surface 11 and the collecting end 61t of the cleaning element 61.

[0201] In this case, the control unit 90 controls the cleaning unit movement unit 65 in embodiment 1 based on the detection value of the sensor. As a result, the control unit 90 may bring the cleaning body 61 into contact with the discharged liquid Lw adhering to the nozzle surface 11 at a position away from the nozzle surface 11 in the Z axis direction.

[0202] In the above embodiment, the collection position does not have to be determined by the upper end 62c of the guide portion 62 of the cleaning element 61 coming into contact with the contacted surface 13c of the recording unit 10. For example, a protruding surface extending along the X-axis direction may be provided on the carriage 42 at a position adjacent to both ends of the nozzle surface 11 in the Y-axis direction. This protruding surface may be located in the -Z direction from the nozzle surface 11. The collection position may then be determined by the upper end 62c of the guide portion 62 of the cleaning element 61 coming into contact with the protruding surface of the carriage 42. In this case, the protruding surface of the carriage 42 is an example of a contacted portion provided on the carriage 42 to which the recording unit 10 is attached.

[0203] In the above embodiment, the carriage 42 may be equipped with a recording unit lifting mechanism that can move the recording unit 10 provided on the carriage 42 in the Z axis direction. In this embodiment, the control unit 90 may adjust the relative position in the Z axis direction between the nozzle surface 11 and the ejecting body 71 by controlling the recording unit lifting mechanism. In this case, the recording unit lifting mechanism is an example of an adjustment unit that adjusts the relative position in the Z axis direction between the nozzle surface 11 and the ejecting body 71. Furthermore, in this case, the control unit 90 may adjust the relative position in the Z axis direction between the nozzle surface 11 and the cleaning body 61 by controlling the recording unit lifting mechanism.

[0204] In the above embodiment, the recording device 1 may include a through-hole that penetrates the side wall of the cover 75 and a one-way valve that opens and closes this through-hole. This one-way valve closes when the pressure in the reservoir 75a becomes lower than atmospheric pressure, which is the pressure outside the cover 75, and opens when the pressure becomes higher than atmospheric pressure. An umbrella valve, a duckbill valve, or the like can be used as this one-way valve.

[0205] In the above embodiment, the ink Li may not contain a solid material. In this case, for example, the ink Li may be a dye ink in which the coloring component is a dye.

[0206] In the above embodiment, the ejecting body 71 of the ejecting unit 70 may eject the maintenance liquid Lc toward the nozzle surface 11 from an ejecting nozzle 72 positioned obliquely relative to the nozzle surface 11. In this way, the ejecting body 71 of the ejecting unit 70 may cause the maintenance liquid Lc in droplet form to fly obliquely relative to the nozzle surface 11, thereby causing the maintenance liquid Lc to adhere to the nozzle surface 11.

[0207] In the above embodiment, the control unit 90 may drive the pressure pump 74 to supply the maintenance liquid Lc to the reservoir 75a of the cover 75 and clean the reservoir 75a. In this case, the control unit 90 may drive the pressure pump 74 until the liquid level of the maintenance liquid Lc supplied to the reservoir 75a is positioned in the +Z direction above the ejection surface 71c. In this way, the control unit 90 may clean the ejection nozzle 72.

[0208] In the above embodiment, the carriage 42 may detachably mount the recording unit 10. The recording apparatus 1 may also be applied to a cleaning device that performs maintenance on the recording unit 10 attached to the carriage 42.

[0209] In this case, the cleaning device according to this embodiment includes a carriage 42 on which the recording unit 10 is detachably mounted. The recording unit 10 ejects ink Li from nozzles N communicating with the liquid chambers 17 by changing the pressure within the liquid chambers 17, which contain ink Li, by driving the ejection elements 15. The cleaning device according to this embodiment includes an ejection body 71 that ejects maintenance liquid Lc in the form of a liquid column from an ejection nozzle 72 toward a nozzle face 11 where the nozzles N open. The ejection body 71 performs maintenance on the recording unit 10 by causing droplets of the maintenance liquid Lc to land on the nozzles N. The cleaning device according to this embodiment includes a relative movement unit that moves the position of the ejection body 71 relative to the recording unit 10 in a direction along the nozzle face 11. The cleaning device according to this embodiment includes a detection unit 95 that detects residual vibrations generated in the liquid chambers 17 due to the driving of the ejection elements 15 after maintenance of the recording unit 10 is performed by the ejection body 71. The cleaning device according to this embodiment also includes a control unit 90. The control unit 90 determines whether the maintenance of the recording unit 10 is satisfactory based on the detection result of the detection unit 95. This makes it possible to provide a cleaning device that can perform maintenance on the recording unit 10. [Explanation of symbols]

[0210] 1... Recording device, 10... Recording unit, 11... Nozzle surface, 12, 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d... Nozzle array, 13... Head cover, 13c... Contact surface, 14... Nozzle plate, 15... Discharge element, 16... Vibration plate, 17... Liquid chamber, 20... Supply unit, 21, 21a, 21b, 21c, 21d... Liquid supply source, 22... Injection unit, 23... Storage chamber, 24... Holding unit, 25, 25a, 25b, 25c, 25d... Supply flow path, 26, 26a, 26b, 26c , 26d...pressure adjustment unit, 30...transport mechanism, 32...transport roller, 34...transport rod, 36...transport motor, 40...movement mechanism, 42...carriage, 44...transport belt, 46...movement motor, 47...pulley, 50...maintenance unit, 51...cap unit, 52...cap, 52a...storage unit, 52c...lip surface, 53...cap holding unit, 54...cap moving unit, 56...waste liquid tube, 57...suction pump, 58...waste liquid Collection section, 59...tube switching section, 60...cleaning section, 61...cleaning body, 61t...collection end, 62...guide section, 62c...upper end, 63...mounting section, 63a...storage section, 64...mounting section holding section, 65...cleaning section moving section, 67...liquid receiving section, 67a...storage section, 70...spraying section, 71...spraying body, 71c...spraying surface, 72...spray nozzle, 72A...spray nozzle row, 73...maintenance liquid tube, 74...pressurizing pump, 75...cover, 75a...storage section, 75c...lip surface, 76...cover holding portion, 77...ejection portion moving portion, 78...ejection body moving portion, 79...insertion portion, 90...control portion, 95...detection portion, 98...maintenance liquid cartridge, 721...first ejection nozzle, 722...second ejection nozzle, IR...impact range, Lc...maintenance liquid, Li...ink, Lw...discharged liquid, N...nozzle, P...medium, S110, S120, S130, S140, S150, S160, S170...steps.

Claims

1. a recording unit that changes the pressure in a liquid chamber that contains liquid by driving an ejection element, thereby ejecting the liquid from a nozzle that communicates with the liquid chamber; an ejection body that ejects maintenance liquid in a liquid column state from an ejection nozzle toward a nozzle surface where the nozzle is open, and performs maintenance on the recording unit by causing droplets of the maintenance liquid to land on the nozzle; a relative movement unit that moves a relative position of the ejection body with respect to the recording unit in a direction along the nozzle surface; a detection unit that detects residual vibrations that occur in the liquid chamber due to driving of the ejection elements after maintenance of the recording unit is performed by the ejection body; A control unit; Equipped with the control unit determines whether maintenance of the recording unit is satisfactory based on the detection result of the detection unit. A recording device characterized by:

2. The control unit When it is determined that the maintenance of the recording unit is defective in the determination of whether the maintenance of the recording unit is defective, the specifications for the maintenance of the recording unit are changed; Perform maintenance on the recording unit again with the changed specifications.

2. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the recording apparatus is a recording medium.

3. The change in the specifications is to slow down the moving speed at which the relative position of the ejection body with respect to the recording unit is moved.

3. The recording apparatus according to claim 2.

4. The change in the specifications is to increase the number of times that the relative position of the ejection body with respect to the recording unit is moved.

3. The recording apparatus according to claim 2.

5. The change in specifications is to increase the injection pressure at which the maintenance liquid is injected from the injection body.

3. The recording apparatus according to claim 2.

6. The change in specifications is to increase the size of droplets of the maintenance liquid.

3. The recording apparatus according to claim 2.

7. When the injection nozzle is a first injection nozzle, the injection body further has a second injection nozzle having specifications different from those of the first injection nozzle, the change in specifications includes switching from spraying the maintenance liquid from the first spray nozzle to spraying the maintenance liquid from the second spray nozzle.

3. The recording apparatus according to claim 2.

8. a cover that forms a closed space that includes the nozzle surface and the ejection body when the ejection body ejects the maintenance liquid toward the nozzle, 2. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the recording apparatus is a recording medium.

9. a carriage on which a recording unit is detachably mounted, the recording unit changing the pressure in a liquid chamber containing the liquid by driving an ejection element to eject the liquid from a nozzle communicating with the liquid chamber; an ejection body that ejects maintenance liquid in a liquid column state from an ejection nozzle toward a nozzle surface where the nozzle is open, and performs maintenance on the recording unit by causing droplets of the maintenance liquid to land on the nozzle; a relative movement unit that moves a relative position of the ejection body with respect to the recording unit in a direction along the nozzle surface; a detection unit that detects residual vibrations that occur in the liquid chamber due to driving of the ejection elements after maintenance of the recording unit is performed by the ejection body; A control unit; Equipped with the control unit determines whether maintenance of the recording unit is satisfactory based on the detection result of the detection unit. A cleaning device characterized by:

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