Liquid discharge device

Abstract

To provide a liquid discharge device whose cap can properly receive liquid.SOLUTION: A liquid discharge device comprises: a plurality of heads configured to discharge liquid to a medium; a carriage loaded with the plurality of heads, which moves the plurality of heads along a first direction; a cap configured to receive liquid discharged from the plurality of heads; and a moving part that moves the cap along a second direction crossing the first direction in a planar view. The plurality of heads has a first head and a second head arranged side by side with the first head in the first direction and provided at a position different from a position of the first head in the second direction. The moving part moves the cap to the first position in order to receive liquid discharged from the first head, and moves the cap to a second position different from the first position in the second direction in order to receive liquid discharged from the second head.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a liquid ejection device. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a liquid ejection device that includes a plurality of heads configured to eject liquid, a carriage that moves the plurality of heads along a first direction, and a cap that is configured to receive the liquid ejected from the plurality of heads. In such a liquid ejection device, the plurality of heads are arranged in a line along the first direction, but there are also cases where the plurality of heads are arranged at different positions in a second direction that intersects with the first direction in a plan view. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-96447 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in such a liquid ejection device, the plurality of heads are provided at different positions in the second direction, and therefore, there are cases where the liquid is not received appropriately depending on the positions of the plurality of heads. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A liquid ejection device that solves the above problem comprises a plurality of heads configured to eject liquid onto a medium, a carriage that carries the plurality of heads and moves the plurality of heads along a first direction, a cap configured to receive liquid ejected from the plurality of heads, and a moving unit that moves the cap along a second direction that intersects with the first direction in a planar view, wherein the plurality of heads include a first head and a second head that is aligned with the first head in the first direction and is positioned differently from the first head in the second direction, and the moving unit positions the cap at a first position when receiving liquid ejected from the first head, and positions the cap at a second position in the second direction that is different from the first position when receiving liquid ejected from the second head. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a liquid ejection apparatus according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a plurality of heads according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the moisture retention cap and the suction cap of the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a side view showing the suction device of the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the moving unit of the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a side view showing the moving unit of the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a bottom view showing the moving part of the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the suction control process of the first embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] [First embodiment] An embodiment of a liquid ejection device and a method for controlling a liquid ejection device will be described below. In the following description, a direction intersecting with the vertical direction Z will be referred to as the scanning direction X, and a direction intersecting with the vertical direction Z and the scanning direction X will be referred to as the cross direction Y. One of the scanning directions X will be referred to as the first scanning direction X1, and the other of the scanning directions X will be referred to as the second scanning direction X2. One of the cross directions Y will be referred to as the first cross direction Y1, and the other of the cross directions Y will be referred to as the second cross direction Y2. The upper side of the vertical direction Z will be referred to as the upper direction Z1, and the lower side of the vertical direction Z will be referred to as the lower direction Z2. The scanning direction X corresponds to an example of a first direction. The cross direction Y corresponds to an example of a second direction. The vertical direction Z corresponds to an example of a third direction.

[0008] <Configuration of liquid ejection device 10> As shown in FIG. 1, the liquid ejection device 10 is configured to print on a medium 99 by ejecting a liquid onto the medium 99. The liquid may include, for example, ink. The liquid may be, for example, a plurality of colors. The liquid ejection device 10 may be an inkjet printer. The liquid ejection device 10 may include a medium transport unit 11, a printing unit 12, a maintenance unit 13, and a control unit 14.

[0009] <Configuration of medium transport unit 11> The medium transport unit 11 is configured to transport the medium 99. The medium transport unit 11 may include a medium support unit 15 and a plurality of transport rollers 16. The medium support unit 15 is configured to support the medium 99. The medium support unit 15 may be configured to support the transported medium 99 from below Z2. The transport rollers 16 transport the medium 99 by rotating.

[0010] For example, the medium transport unit 11 may transport the medium 99 intermittently. Specifically, the medium transport unit 11 stops transporting the medium 99 while printing is being performed on the medium 99. The medium transport unit 11 transports the medium 99 after printing is performed on the medium 99. The medium transport unit 11 is not limited to transporting a long medium 99, and may also transport a cut sheet of medium 99.

[0011] <Configuration of Printing Unit 12> The printing unit 12 is configured to print on the medium 99. The printing unit 12 prints on an area of ​​the medium 99 that is supported by the medium support unit 15. The printing unit 12 is configured to print on the medium 99 in a printing area 17. The printing area 17 corresponds to an example of an ejection area where the printing unit 12 ejects liquid.

[0012] The printing unit 12 may include a carriage 21, a plurality of heads 22, and a pressure applying unit 23. In other words, the liquid ejection device 10 may include a carriage 21, a plurality of heads 22, and a pressure applying unit 23.

[0013] The carriage 21 is configured to carry multiple heads 22. The carriage 21 is configured to move back and forth along the scanning direction X. As a result, the carriage 21 moves the multiple heads 22 along the scanning direction X. By moving back and forth along the scanning direction X, the carriage 21 passes through a position facing the medium 99. The carriage 21 passes, for example, above Z1 the medium support unit 15.

[0014] In the liquid ejection device 10, the direction in which the carriage 21 moves coincides with the direction in which the medium 99 moves on the medium support unit 15. The liquid ejection device 10 is a lateral printer. The carriage 21 is controlled by the control unit 14. In other words, the control unit 14 controls the carriage 21.

[0015] The printing unit 12 may include, for example, five heads 22 as the plurality of heads 22. The plurality of heads 22 may be arranged side by side in the scanning direction X. The plurality of heads 22 each have the same configuration. Therefore, the following description will be given of one head 22.

[0016] The head 22 is configured to eject liquid. The head 22 of this embodiment ejects liquid in the vertical direction Z. The head 22 has a nozzle surface 24. Nozzles 25 are formed on the nozzle surface 24. The nozzle surface 24 is a surface on which one or more nozzles 25 open. The head 22 ejects liquid from the nozzles 25.

[0017] The multiple heads 22 are mounted on the carriage 21. The multiple heads 22 are each configured to eject liquid onto the medium 99. The multiple heads 22 are each configured to eject liquid in the printing area 17 along the scanning direction X. The multiple heads 22 print an image on the medium 99 by ejecting liquid onto the medium 99. The multiple heads 22 may each eject the same type of liquid, or may each eject different types of liquid. For example, four heads 22 may each eject ink of a different color, and one head 22 may eject a reaction liquid that aggregates the ink.

[0018] The head 22 is, for example, a line head that can eject liquid onto the medium 99 simultaneously across the intersecting direction Y. The head 22 is movable in the scanning direction X. The head 22 moves back and forth in the scanning direction X together with the carriage 21. The head 22 can eject liquid over the entire area of ​​the medium 99 that is supported by the medium support unit 15.

[0019] The pressure applying unit 23 is connected to the head 22. The pressure applying unit 23 applies pressure to, for example, the inside of the plurality of heads 22. The printing unit 12 may include a plurality of pressure applying units 23. For example, the printing unit 12 may include a pressure applying unit 23 for each of the heads 22.

[0020] The pressurizing unit 23 is, for example, a pump. The pressurizing unit 23 applies pressure inside the head 22 to discharge the liquid from the head 22. That is, the pressurizing unit 23 applies pressure inside the head 22 to pressurize and discharge the liquid from the nozzles 25. Discharging the liquid by pressurizing is also called pressure cleaning. Pressure cleaning is a maintenance method in which the liquid inside the head 22 is forcibly discharged from the nozzles 25, thereby discharging air bubbles, foreign matter, and the like from the nozzles 25 along with the liquid.

[0021] <Configuration of Maintenance Department 13> The maintenance unit 13 is configured to perform maintenance on the multiple heads 22. The maintenance unit 13 is provided in a maintenance area 18 that is different from the printing area 17. The maintenance area 18 may be located further away from the printing area 17 in the first scanning direction X1.

[0022] The maintenance unit 13 may include a moisturizing unit 31, a cleaning unit 32, a wiping unit 33, and a flushing unit 34. The maintenance unit 13 may be arranged in the order of moisturizing unit 31, cleaning unit 32, wiping unit 33, and flushing unit 34 in the second scanning direction X2.

[0023] The moisturizing unit 31 may include one or more moisturizing caps 35. The moisturizing unit 31 may include the same number of moisturizing caps 35 as the number of heads 22. The moisturizing unit 31 may include, for example, five moisturizing caps 35.

[0024] The multiple moisture retention caps 35 are arranged in a line along the scanning direction X. The multiple moisture retention caps 35 are arranged in positions facing the multiple heads 22, respectively. The moisture retention caps 35 come into contact with the heads 22 to form spaces that communicate with the nozzles 25. The moisture retention caps 35 cap the heads 22 that are positioned at the standby position 19. The moisture retention caps 35 moisturize the nozzles 25 by capping the heads 22.

[0025] In this way, the multiple moisture retention caps 35 are configured to cover the multiple heads 22, respectively. Any of the multiple moisture retention caps 35 corresponds to an example of a first moisture retention cap and a second moisture retention cap.

[0026] The cleaning unit 32 performs suction cleaning of the heads 22. Suction cleaning is cleaning that sucks liquid from the heads 22. The cleaning unit 32 cleans the multiple heads 22 individually.

[0027] The cleaning unit 32 may include one or more suction caps 36, one or more flow paths 37, and one or more suction pumps 38. The suction caps 36 are provided in the maintenance area 18, closer to the printing area 17 in the scanning direction X than the moisture caps 35. The moisture caps 35 and suction caps 36 are provided side by side in the maintenance area 18, which is outside the printing area 17, in the scanning direction X. The suction caps 36 come into contact with the head 22, thereby forming a space that communicates with the nozzles 25. The suction caps 36 cap the head 22.

[0028] The flow path 37 is configured to connect the suction cap 36 and the suction pump 38. The suction pump 38 is configured to suck the liquid inside the suction cap 36 through the flow path 37. The liquid sucked by the suction pump 38 is discharged as waste liquid to a waste liquid storage unit (not shown).

[0029] The cleaning unit 32 performs suction cleaning by creating a negative pressure inside the suction cap 36. By performing suction cleaning on a head 22 that is not filled with liquid, the head 22 can be filled with liquid. By performing suction cleaning on a head 22 that is filled with liquid, air bubbles, foreign matter, etc. can be discharged from the head 22. In this way, the suction cap 36 is configured to receive the liquid discharged from each of the multiple heads 22 by suction using the suction pump 38 during suction cleaning.

[0030] The cleaning section 32 includes a first cleaning section 41 and a second cleaning section 42. The first cleaning section 41 and the second cleaning section 42 are arranged side by side in the scanning direction X. The first cleaning section 41 is positioned further in the first scanning direction X1 than the second cleaning section 42.

[0031] The first cleaning unit 41 is configured to suction and clean the head 22 that ejects the reaction liquid among the multiple heads 22. The first cleaning unit 41 may include a first suction cap 43, a first flow path 45, and a first suction pump 47. The first suction cap 43 is configured to receive the reaction liquid discharged from the head 22. The reaction liquid corresponds to an example of the second liquid.

[0032] The second cleaning unit 42 is configured to individually suction and clean the heads 22 that eject each color of ink among the multiple heads 22. The second cleaning unit 42 may include a second suction cap 44, a second flow path 46, and a second suction pump 48. The second suction cap 44 is configured to receive ink discharged from the multiple heads 22. The ink corresponds to an example of the first liquid.

[0033] The suction cap 36 includes a first suction cap 43 and a second suction cap 44. The flow path 37 includes a first flow path 45 and a second flow path 46. The suction pump 38 includes a first suction pump 47 and a second suction pump 48. In this manner, the liquid discharge device 10 may include the first suction cap 43, the second suction cap 44, the first flow path 45, the second flow path 46, the first suction pump 47, and the second suction pump 48.

[0034] The wiping unit 33 is capable of wiping the nozzle surface 24 at a position facing the head 22. The wiping unit 33 performs maintenance on the head 22 by wiping waste liquid from the nozzle surface 24. The wiping unit 33 performs wiping to wipe the nozzle surface 24.

[0035] The flushing unit 34 is configured to receive the liquid discharged from the nozzle 25. The flushing unit 34 may receive the liquid discharged from the head 22 by the pressurizing unit 23. In other words, the flushing unit 34 may receive the liquid discharged in conjunction with pressurized cleaning.

[0036] The flushing unit 34 may receive the liquid that has been blank-discharged. Blank-discharge is an operation of discharging liquid from the nozzle 25 to prevent clogging of the nozzle 25. Blank-discharge is also called flushing. Blank-discharge causes, for example, thickened liquid to be discharged from the nozzle 25. The flushing unit 34 receives the liquid discharged from the head 22 that faces it.

[0037] <Configuration of control unit 14> The control unit 14 performs overall control of the liquid ejection device 10. The control unit 14 controls various operations executed by the liquid ejection device 10. The control unit 14 may be configured as a circuit including: α: one or more processors that execute various processes according to a computer program; β: one or more dedicated hardware circuits that execute at least some of the various processes; or γ: a combination thereof. The hardware circuit is, for example, an application-specific integrated circuit. The processor includes a CPU and memory such as RAM and ROM, and the memory stores program code or instructions configured to cause the CPU to execute processes. The memory, i.e., computer-readable medium, includes any readable medium that can be accessed by a general-purpose or dedicated computer.

[0038] <Arrangement of head 22> 2, the multiple heads 22 include a first head 26 and a second head 27. The multiple heads 22 may also include a third head 28, a fourth head 29, and a fifth head 30. The multiple heads 22 are lined up in the second scanning direction X2 in the order of the third head 28, the first head 26, the second head 27, the fourth head 29, and the fifth head 30. In other words, the first head 26, the second head 27, the third head 28, the fourth head 29, and the fifth head 30 are arranged to be lined up in the scanning direction X.

[0039] The plurality of heads 22 are all the same size. That is, the plurality of heads 22 are all the same length in the scanning direction X. The plurality of heads 22 are all the same length in the cross direction Y.

[0040] The third head 28 is configured to eject a reaction liquid as the liquid. The first head 26, the second head 27, the fourth head 29, and the fifth head 30 are configured to eject ink of each color as the liquid.

[0041] For example, the first head 26 may be configured to eject black ink. For example, the second head 27 may be configured to eject cyan ink and gray ink. For example, the fourth head 29 may be configured to eject magenta ink and orange ink. For example, the fifth head 30 may be configured to eject yellow ink and overprint varnish.

[0042] The first head 26, the second head 27, the fourth head 29, and the fifth head 30 are arranged at equal intervals in the cross direction Y, but the intervals may be shorter than the interval between the first head 26 and the third head .

[0043] The multiple heads 22 are provided at different positions in the intersecting direction Y compared to adjacent heads 22 in the scanning direction X. This makes it possible to suppress uneven shading. For example, with the second head 27 as a reference, the first head 26 and the fifth head 30 are positioned a predetermined distance apart in the second intersecting direction Y2. For example, with the second head 27 as a reference, the third head 28 and the fourth head 29 are positioned a predetermined distance apart in the first intersecting direction Y1. In this way, the first head 26 and the second head 27 are provided at different positions in the intersecting direction Y.

[0044] <Configuration of cleaning unit 32> The second suction cap 44 is configured to move in the transverse direction Y. The second suction cap 44 is movable along the transverse direction Y between a first position P1, a second position P2, and a third position P3. The first position P1, the second position P2, and the third position P3 are all different positions in the transverse direction Y. The second position P2 is closer to the first transverse direction Y1 than the first position P1. The third position P3 is closer to the first transverse direction Y1 than the second position P2.

[0045] When the second suction cap 44 is positioned at the first position P1, it can face the first head 26 in the vertical direction Z and can receive liquid discharged from the first head 26. When the second suction cap 44 is positioned at the first position P1, it can face the fifth head 30 in the vertical direction Z and can receive liquid discharged from the fifth head 30. When the second suction cap 44 is positioned at the second position P2, it can face the second head 27 in the vertical direction Z and can receive liquid discharged from the second head 27. When the second suction cap 44 is positioned at the third position P3, it can face the fourth head 29 in the vertical direction Z and can receive liquid discharged from the fourth head 29. The second position P2 may be the reference position of the second suction cap 44.

[0046] 3, the first cleaning unit 41 may be provided between the second cleaning unit 42 and the moisturizing unit 31 in the scanning direction X. The first suction cap 43 may be provided between the second suction cap 44 and the moisturizing cap 35 in the scanning direction X.

[0047] The second cleaning unit 42 includes a moving unit 50. That is, the liquid ejection device 10 includes the moving unit 50. The moving unit 50 is configured to move the second suction cap 44 in the cross direction Y. The first suction cap 43 is configured not to move in the cross direction Y.

[0048] 4, the second cleaning unit 42 includes a base 60, a support unit 61, and a lift unit 62. The support unit 61 is provided on the base 60. The support unit 61 is configured to support the second suction cap 44.

[0049] The base 60 can be moved along the transverse direction Y by the moving unit 50. That is, the second suction cap 44 can be moved along the transverse direction Y by the moving unit 50. The lifting unit 62 raises and lowers the second suction cap 44 along the vertical direction Z. The lifting unit 62 is controlled by the control unit 14. That is, the control unit 14 controls the lifting unit 62.

[0050] <Configuration of moving unit 50> The moving unit 50 includes a guide rail 51. The guide rail 51 extends in the transverse direction Y. The guide rail 51 is configured to support the base 60 from below Z2. The guide rail 51 guides the base 60 so that it can move along the transverse direction Y. In other words, the guide rail 51 is configured to guide the movement of the second suction cap 44 in the transverse direction Y.

[0051] The guide rail 51 is provided at a position overlapping with the second suction cap 44 in a plan view. Specifically, the guide rail 51 is provided at a position overlapping with a part of the second suction cap 44 in a plan view, but may be provided at a position overlapping with the entire second suction cap 44 in a plan view.

[0052] 5, the moving unit 50 includes an arm 52, a driving unit 53, a gear 54, and a cam 55. The arm 52 is fixed to the base 60. The arm 52 extends along the transverse direction Y. The arm 52 may include an engaging portion 52A that is engageable with the cam 55. The engaging portion 52A is provided at an end of the arm 52 in the first transverse direction Y1. The engaging portion 52A may be a protrusion that protrudes downward Z2.

[0053] As shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, the drive unit 53 is a drive source for moving the second suction cap 44 in the transverse direction Y by rotating the gear 54 and the cam 55. The drive unit 53 may be a motor. The drive unit 53 includes a drive gear 53A. The drive gear 53A transmits a driving force to the gear 54. The drive unit 53 is controlled by the control unit 14. That is, the control unit 14 controls the moving unit 50.

[0054] The gear 54 and the cam 55 are members for moving the second suction cap 44 in the transverse direction Y. The gear 54 rotates by the driving force from the driving unit 53. The gear 54 is configured to transmit the driving force from the driving unit 53 to the cam 55.

[0055] The gear 54 may be a two-stage gear. The gear 54 may include an upper gear 54A and a lower gear 54B. The upper gear 54A may have a larger diameter than the lower gear 54B. The upper gear 54A may have a larger diameter than the lower gear 54B. The upper gear 54A and the lower gear 54B may have different gear ratios. The upper gear 54A and the lower gear 54B are rotatable as a unit. The upper gear 54A receives a driving force from a driving gear 53A of the driving unit 53. The lower gear 54B transmits the driving force from the driving unit 53 to the cam 55.

[0056] Cam 55 rotates about rotation axis 55A by the driving force transmitted from drive unit 53 via gear 54. Rotation axis 55A is aligned with vertical direction Z. Cam 55 includes gear portion 55B. Gear portion 55B is provided on the outer periphery of cam 55. Cam 55 receives driving force from lower gear 54B via gear portion 55B.

[0057] The cam 55 may be a rotary groove cam. The cam 55 has a groove 55D in an upper surface 55C. The groove 55D is concave relative to the upper surface 55C. The groove 55D is configured to be eccentric with respect to the rotation axis 55A of the cam 55.

[0058] The groove 55D has a shape that allows the engagement portion 52A to be inserted therein. When the engagement portion 52A is inserted into the groove 55D, the cam 55 rotates about the rotation shaft 55A, causing the inner wall 55E in which the groove 55D is formed to abut against the engagement portion 52A. With the inner wall 55E abutting against the engagement portion 52A, the inner wall 55E presses the engagement portion 52A in the transverse direction Y, causing the base 60 to move in the transverse direction Y together with the arm 52. As a result, the second suction cap 44 moves in the transverse direction Y.

[0059] When receiving liquid discharged from the first head 26, the moving unit 50 positions the second suction cap 44 at the first position P1. When receiving liquid discharged from the second head 27, the moving unit 50 positions the second suction cap 44 at the second position P2. When receiving liquid discharged from the fourth head 29, the moving unit 50 positions the second suction cap 44 at the third position P3. When receiving liquid discharged from the fifth head 30, the moving unit 50 positions the second suction cap 44 at the first position P1.

[0060] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the liquid ejection device 10 includes a detection unit 56. The liquid ejection device 10 may include a plurality of detection units 56. The detection unit 56 is configured to detect the rotation angle of the cam 55. The detection unit 56 may be a sensor. The detection unit 56 may be a contact sensor or a non-contact sensor. The detection unit 56 is provided on the bottom surface 55F side of the cam 55.

[0061] Detecting unit 56 is configured to detect detected portion 55G provided on bottom surface 55F of cam 55. Detection portion 55G may have a convex shape relative to bottom surface 55F, or may have a concave shape relative to bottom surface 55F. Detection portion 55G may be an area with a reflectance different from that of bottom surface 55F.

[0062] The detection unit 56 detects the position of the second suction cap 44 by detecting the rotation angle of the cam 55. In particular, the detection unit 56 detects whether the position of the second suction cap 44 is the first position P1, the second position P2, or the third position P3 by detecting the rotation angle of the cam 55. The detection unit 56 outputs a detection signal indicating the detection result to the control unit 14.

[0063] The control unit 14 can determine whether the second suction cap 44 has moved to the first position P1, the second position P2, or the third position P3 based on the detection signal from the detection unit 56. As a result, the control unit 14 controls the moving unit 50 to move the second suction cap 44 based on the detection result by the detection unit 56. In other words, the second suction cap 44 is moved by the moving unit 50 based on the detection result by the detection unit 56.

[0064] In this embodiment, the first suction cap 43 is separate from the second suction cap 44, but may be configured to rise and fall in the vertical direction Z in the same manner as the second suction cap 44. In this embodiment, the moisturizing cap 35 is separate from the second suction cap 44, but may be configured to rise and fall in the vertical direction Z in the same manner as the second suction cap 44.

[0065] <Suction control process> The suction control process will now be described with reference to Fig. 8. The suction control process is a process that is executed by the control unit 14 when the conditions for starting suction cleaning of the head 22 are met.

[0066] 8, in step S10, the control unit 14 executes a target head determination process. In this process, the control unit 14 determines which of the multiple heads 22 will be the target of suction cleaning. Hereinafter, the target of suction cleaning may be referred to as the suction target. For example, after suction cleaning of the first head 26 is completed, the control unit 14 determines the second head 27 as the head 22 to be the suction target.

[0067] In step S11, the control unit 14 executes a suction cap movement process. In this process, the control unit 14 controls the movement unit 50 to move the second suction cap 44 to a position corresponding to the head 22 to be sucked. That is, the control unit 14 controls the movement unit 50 to move the second suction cap 44 to a position facing the head 22 to be sucked in the vertical direction Z. For example, when the second head 27 is the suction target, the control unit 14 moves the second suction cap 44 to the second position P2 corresponding to the second head 27. For example, when the third head 28 is the suction target, the control unit 14 does not move the second suction cap 44.

[0068] In step S12, the control unit 14 executes a carriage movement process. In this process, the control unit 14 moves the carriage 21 in the scanning direction X so that the suction cap 36 and the head 22 to be sucked face each other in the vertical direction Z. For example, when the second head 27 is the suction target, the control unit 14 moves the carriage 21 in the scanning direction X so that the second suction cap 44 and the second head 27 to be sucked face each other in the vertical direction Z. For example, when the third head 28 is the suction target, the control unit 14 moves the carriage 21 in the scanning direction X so that the first suction cap 43 and the third head 28 to be sucked face each other in the vertical direction Z.

[0069] In step S13, the control unit 14 executes a suction cap raising process. In this process, the control unit 14 controls the suction cap 36 to be raised so as to cover the head 22 that is the suction target. For example, when the second head 27 is the suction target, the control unit 14 controls the lifting unit 62 to raise the second suction cap 44 so as to cover the second head 27 in the vertical direction Z. For example, when the third head 28 is the suction target, the control unit 14 controls the first suction cap 43 to be raised so as to cover the third head 28 in the vertical direction Z.

[0070] In step S14, the control unit 14 executes a suction process. In this process, the control unit 14 drives the suction pump 38 so that the suction cap 36 receives the liquid discharged from the head 22 that is the suction target. For example, when the second head 27 is the suction target, the control unit 14 drives the second suction pump 48 so that the second suction cap 44 receives the liquid discharged from the second head 27. For example, when the third head 28 is the suction target, the control unit 14 drives the first suction pump 47 so that the first suction cap 43 receives the liquid discharged from the third head 28.

[0071] In step S15, the control unit 14 executes a suction cap lowering process. In this process, the control unit 14 controls the suction cap 36 to lower so as to move away from the head 22 that is the suction target. For example, when the second head 27 is the suction target, the control unit 14 controls the lifting unit 62 to lower the second suction cap 44 so as to move away from the second head 27 in the vertical direction Z. For example, when the third head 28 is the suction target, the control unit 14 controls the first suction cap 43 to lower so as to move away from the third head 28 in the vertical direction Z.

[0072] In step S16, the control unit 14 determines whether suction cleaning has been completed for all heads 22. If the control unit 14 determines that suction cleaning has not been completed for all heads 22, it shifts the process back to step S10. If the control unit 14 determines that suction cleaning has been completed for all heads 22, it shifts the process to step S17. In this way, the control unit 14 repeatedly performs suction cleaning on each of the multiple heads 22 individually until suction cleaning has been completed for all heads 22.

[0073] To give a specific example, the control unit 14 moves the carriage 21 so that the first suction cap 43 faces the third head 28 in the vertical direction Z. In this state, the control unit 14 raises the first suction cap 43 so that it covers the third head 28. Thereafter, the control unit 14 causes the first suction cap 43 to receive the liquid by suction using the first suction pump 47. The control unit 14 lowers the first suction cap 43.

[0074] The control unit 14 positions the second suction cap 44 at the first position P1 along the intersecting direction Y. The control unit 14 moves the carriage 21 along the scanning direction X so that the second suction cap 44 faces the first head 26 in the vertical direction Z.

[0075] In this state, the control unit 14 raises the second suction cap 44 so that it covers the first head 26. Thereafter, the control unit 14 causes the second suction cap 44 to receive the liquid by suction using the second suction pump 48. The control unit 14 lowers the second suction cap 44.

[0076] Thereafter, the control unit 14 positions the second suction cap 44 at the second position P2 along the transverse direction Y. The control unit 14 moves the carriage 21 along the scanning direction X so that the second suction cap 44 faces the second head 27 in the vertical direction Z.

[0077] In this state, the control unit 14 raises the second suction cap 44 so that it covers the second head 27. Thereafter, the control unit 14 causes the second suction pump 48 to suck the liquid so that the liquid is received in the second suction cap 44. The control unit 14 lowers the second suction cap 44.

[0078] Thereafter, the control unit 14 positions the second suction cap 44 at a third position P3 along the intersecting direction Y. The control unit 14 moves the carriage 21 along the scanning direction X so that the second suction cap 44 faces the fourth head 29 in the vertical direction Z.

[0079] In this state, the control unit 14 raises the second suction cap 44 so that it covers the fourth head 29. Thereafter, the control unit 14 causes the second suction cap 44 to receive the liquid by suction using the second suction pump 48. The control unit 14 lowers the second suction cap 44.

[0080] Thereafter, the control unit 14 positions the second suction cap 44 at the first position P1 along the intersecting direction Y. The control unit 14 moves the carriage 21 along the scanning direction X so that the second suction cap 44 faces the fifth head 30 in the vertical direction Z.

[0081] In this state, the control unit 14 raises the second suction cap 44 so that it covers the fifth head 30. Thereafter, the control unit 14 causes the second suction cap 44 to receive the liquid by suction using the second suction pump 48. The control unit 14 lowers the second suction cap 44.

[0082] In step S17, the control unit 14 executes a standby position movement process. In this process, the control unit 14 moves the carriage 21 to the standby position 19 along the scanning direction X. As a result, the multiple heads 22 are each positioned opposite the moisture retention caps 35 in the vertical direction Z.

[0083] In step S18, the control unit 14 executes a suction cap moving process. In this process, the control unit 14 controls the moving unit 50 to move the second suction cap 44 along the intersecting direction Y to the second position P2, which is the reference position.

[0084] In step S19, the control unit 14 executes a moisture cap process. In this process, the control unit 14 may perform control to raise the moisture caps 35 so as to cover the multiple heads 22, respectively.

[0085] <Actions and Effects of the First Embodiment> The operation and effects of the first embodiment will be described. (1) Even when the first head 26 and the second head 27 are arranged side by side in the scanning direction X and are provided at different positions in the intersecting direction Y, the second suction cap 44 can be moved along the intersecting direction Y. By positioning the second suction cap 44 at the first position P1 along the intersecting direction Y, the liquid discharged from the first head 26 can be appropriately received. By positioning the second suction cap 44 at the second position P2 along the intersecting direction Y, the liquid discharged from the second head 27 can be appropriately received. Therefore, by moving the second suction cap 44 along the intersecting direction Y, the liquid can be appropriately received.

[0086] (2) The second suction cap 44, which is configured to receive the liquid by suction using the second suction pump 48, can be moved along the transverse direction Y. Therefore, by moving the second suction cap 44 along the transverse direction Y, the liquid can be appropriately received.

[0087] (3) In the scanning direction X, the area where the second suction cap 44 is provided is located between the printing area 17 and the area where the moisturizing cap 35 is provided. This allows the process of sucking the liquid discharged from the first head 26 and the second head 27 to be carried out efficiently between the process of ejecting liquid from the first head 26 and the second head 27 and the process of moisturizing the first head 26 and the second head 27. Therefore, the liquid can be efficiently and appropriately received.

[0088] (4) The control unit 14 positions the second suction cap 44 at the first position P1 and moves the carriage 21 so that the second suction cap 44 faces the first head 26 in the vertical direction Z. The control unit 14 then raises the second suction cap 44 to cover the first head 26 and causes the second suction cap 44 to receive liquid by suction using the second suction pump 48. The control unit 14 then lowers the second suction cap 44 in the vertical direction Z and positions the second suction cap 44 at the second position P2, moving the carriage 21 so that the second suction cap 44 faces the second head 27. The control unit 14 then raises the second suction cap 44 to cover the second head 27. This configuration allows the process of sucking the liquid discharged from the first head 26 and the process of sucking the liquid discharged from the second head 27 to be efficiently performed. Therefore, the liquid can be efficiently and appropriately received.

[0089] (5) By using the first suction cap 43 and the second suction cap 44, it is possible to separately receive the ink discharged from the first head 26 and the second head 27 and the reaction liquid discharged from the third head 28. Therefore, even when receiving ink and reaction liquid, the liquid can be appropriately received.

[0090] (6) The guide rail 51 is provided at a position overlapping the second suction cap 44 in a plan view. This prevents the liquid ejection device 10 from becoming large enough to move the second suction cap 44 along the transverse direction Y, and also allows the liquid to be appropriately received.

[0091] (7) The second suction cap 44 is moved based on the detection result of the position of the second suction cap 44. Therefore, by moving the second suction cap 44 accurately along the intersecting direction Y, the liquid can be appropriately received.

[0092] [Example of change] This embodiment can be modified as follows: This embodiment and the following modifications can be combined and implemented within the scope of technical compatibility.

[0093] The detection unit 56 may detect the position of the second suction cap 44 by detecting the position of a member other than the cam 55. For example, the detection unit 56 may detect the position of the second suction cap 44 by detecting the position of the base 60. For example, the detection unit 56 may detect the position of the second suction cap 44 itself. The control unit 14 may detect the position of the second suction cap 44 based on a detection signal from the detection unit 56 and a drive signal from the drive unit 53.

[0094] The cam 55 may be any cam. For example, the cam 55 may be a rotary plate cam. In this case, the moving part 50 may include a biasing member that biases the base part 60 against the cam 55.

[0095] The moving unit 50 may include any driving force transmission unit that transmits the driving force from the driving unit 53 to the second suction cap 44. In other words, as long as the driving force transmission unit can transmit the driving force from the driving unit 53 to the second suction cap 44, it may not include at least one of the arm 52, the gear 54, and the cam 55, and may include any other member.

[0096] When performing suction cleaning using the second suction cap 44, the control unit 14 may start the movement of the carriage 21 after the start of movement of the second suction cap 44. When performing suction cleaning using the second suction cap 44, the control unit 14 may start the movement of the carriage 21 before the start of movement of the second suction cap 44. When performing suction cleaning using the second suction cap 44, the control unit 14 may start the movement of the carriage 21 at the same time as the start of movement of the second suction cap 44. In other words, when performing suction cleaning using the second suction cap 44, the control unit 14 may complete the movement of the second suction cap 44 and then lift the second suction cap 44 after completing the movement of the carriage 21.

[0097] The second suction cap 44 may be moved to a fourth position other than the first position P1, the second position P2, and the third position P3. In other words, the second suction cap 44 may be moved to four or more positions so as to cover a plurality of heads 22 provided at different positions in the cross direction Y.

[0098] The second suction cap 44 does not have to move to the third position P3. In other words, the second suction cap 44 may move to at least two positions so as to cover a plurality of heads 22 that are provided at different positions in the cross direction Y.

[0099] The reference position of the second suction cap 44 does not have to be the second position P2, but may be, for example, the first position P1, or may be, for example, the third position P3, or may be a position other than the first position P1, the second position P2, and the third position P3. When the reference position of the second suction cap 44 is the first position P1, the control unit 14 does not need to execute the suction cap movement process of step S18.

[0100] The flow path 37 and the suction pump 38 only need to be able to individually suck the first suction cap 43 and the second suction cap 44. For example, the suction pump 38 may include either the first suction pump 47 or the second suction pump 48. That is, the suction pump 38 may include one pump that individually sucks the first suction cap 43 and the second suction cap 44. In this case, for example, the flow path 37 may include a selector valve and a common flow path. The common flow path is a flow path that connects the first flow path and the second flow path to one pump. The selector valve is a valve that switches between connecting the first flow path to the common flow path and connecting the second flow path to the common flow path.

[0101] The moisturizing caps 35 are provided at different positions in the transverse direction Y to correspond to each of the multiple heads 22, but this is not limitative. The moisturizing caps 35 may be provided at the same position in the transverse direction Y as long as they can cover each of the multiple heads 22.

[0102] The second suction cap 44 may be provided between the moisture cap 35 and the first suction cap 43 in the scanning direction X. In other words, the second suction cap 44 may be provided adjacent to the moisture cap 35 in the scanning direction X as long as it is in the maintenance area 18. The second suction cap 44 may be provided closer to the moisture cap 35 in the first scanning direction X1.

[0103] The first suction cap 43 may be movable in the cross direction Y. The first suction cap 43 may be configured to receive liquid discharged from two or more heads that are aligned in the scanning direction X and that are provided at different positions in the cross direction Y.

[0104] The liquid ejection device 10 may not include the first cleaning unit 41, but may include the second cleaning unit 42. In other words, the liquid ejection device 10 may not include the first suction cap 43, but may include the second suction cap 44. The liquid ejection device 10 may also include a third suction cap in addition to the first suction cap 43 and the second suction cap 44.

[0105] The object moved by the moving unit 50 in the cross direction Y does not have to be a suction cap. The object moved by the moving unit 50 in the cross direction Y may be, for example, a cap that receives liquid discharged from the multiple heads 22 by pressure cleaning. In other words, the liquid ejection device 10 only needs to be provided with a cap that is moved in the cross direction Y by the moving unit 50.

[0106] The medium may be paper, resin film or sheet, resin-metal composite film, laminate film, textile, nonwoven fabric, metal foil, metal film, ceramic sheet, clothing, etc.

[0107] Any liquid can be selected as long as it can be applied to a medium and record on that medium. For example, ink includes particles of functional materials made of solids such as pigments or metal particles dissolved, dispersed, or mixed in a solvent, and includes various compositions such as water-based ink, oil-based ink, gel ink, and hot-melt ink.

[0108] The liquid ejection device 10 is not limited to an inkjet printer, but may be a dot impact printer. The liquid ejection device 10 may be, for example, a serial printer that transports the medium 99 in the cross direction Y, rather than a lateral printer that transports the medium 99 in the scanning direction X.

[0109] The phrase "at least any" used herein means one or more of the desired options. As an example, when the number of options is two, the phrase "at least any" used herein means only one option or both options. As another example, when the number of options is three or more, the phrase "at least any" used herein means only one option or any combination of two or more options.

[0110] [Note] The technical concepts and their effects that can be understood from the above-described embodiments and modifications will be described below. The technical concepts and their effects can be combined with each other to the extent that they are not technically inconsistent.

[0111] (A) A liquid ejection device includes a plurality of heads configured to eject liquid onto a medium, a carriage that carries the plurality of heads and moves the plurality of heads along a first direction, a cap configured to receive liquid ejected from the plurality of heads, and a moving unit that moves the cap along a second direction that intersects with the first direction in a planar view, wherein the plurality of heads include a first head and a second head that is aligned with the first head in the first direction and is positioned differently from the first head in the second direction, and the moving unit positions the cap at a first position when receiving liquid ejected from the first head, and positions the cap at a second position in the second direction that is different from the first position when receiving liquid ejected from the second head.

[0112] According to this configuration, even when the first head and the second head are aligned in the first direction and provided at different positions in the second direction, the cap can be moved along the second direction. By positioning the cap at the first position along the second direction, it is possible to properly receive the liquid discharged from the first head. By positioning the cap at the second position along the second direction, it is possible to properly receive the liquid discharged from the second head. Therefore, by moving the cap along the second direction, it is possible to properly receive the liquid.

[0113] (B) The liquid ejection device may further include a suction pump that sucks the liquid inside the cap and a flow path that connects the cap and the suction pump, and the cap may be a suction cap configured to receive the liquid by suction by the suction pump.

[0114] According to this configuration, the suction cap configured to receive the liquid by suction with the suction pump can be moved along the second direction, thereby allowing the liquid to be received appropriately by moving the suction cap along the second direction.

[0115] (C) The liquid ejection device may include a first moisturizing cap configured to cover the first head and a second moisturizing cap configured to cover the second head, the plurality of heads being configured to eject liquid in an ejection area along the first direction, the suction cap, the first moisturizing cap, and the second moisturizing cap being arranged in a line outside the ejection area in the first direction, and the suction cap being arranged closer to the ejection area than the first moisturizing cap and the second moisturizing cap in the first direction.

[0116] With this configuration, the area where the suction caps are provided is located between the ejection area and the area where the first and second moisturizing caps are provided. This allows the step of suctioning the liquid discharged from the first and second heads to be efficiently performed between the step of ejecting the liquid from the first and second heads and the step of moisturizing the first and second heads. Therefore, the liquid can be efficiently and appropriately received.

[0117] (D) The liquid ejection device further includes a lifting unit that raises and lowers the cap in a third direction that intersects the first direction and the second direction, and a control unit that controls the carriage, the moving unit, and the lifting unit, and the control unit may position the cap at the first position, move the carriage so that the cap faces the first head in the third direction, raise the cap to cover the first head, then absorb liquid into the cap by suction with the suction pump, lower the cap in the third direction, position the cap at the second position, and move the carriage so that the cap faces the second head, then raise the cap to cover the second head.

[0118] This configuration makes it possible to efficiently perform the process of sucking the liquid discharged from the first head and the process of sucking the liquid discharged from the second head, thereby enabling the liquid to be efficiently and appropriately received.

[0119] (E) The liquid ejection device may include a first suction cap configured to receive liquid by suction by the suction pump, the first suction cap configured not to move in the second direction, the cap being a second suction cap, the plurality of heads including a third head arranged to be aligned with the first head and the second head in the first direction, the first head and the second head configured to eject a first liquid as a liquid, the third head configured to eject a second liquid as a liquid, the first suction cap configured to receive the second liquid discharged from the third head, and the second suction cap configured to receive the first liquid discharged from the first head and the second head.

[0120] According to this configuration, by using the first suction cap and the second suction cap, the first liquid discharged from the first head and the second head and the second liquid discharged from the third head can be separately received. Therefore, even when receiving the first liquid and the second liquid, the liquids can be received appropriately.

[0121] (F) In the liquid ejection device, the moving section may have a guide rail that guides the movement of the cap in the second direction, and the guide rail may be provided at a position that overlaps with the cap in a plan view.

[0122] According to this configuration, the guide rail is provided at a position overlapping with the cap in a plan view, which makes it possible to prevent the liquid ejection device from becoming large in size due to the movement of the cap along the second direction, and also makes it possible to properly receive the liquid.

[0123] (G) In the liquid discharge device described above, the moving unit may have a cam for moving the cap in the second direction and a drive source for rotating the cam. This configuration can achieve the same effect as (A).

[0124] (H) The liquid ejection device may include a detection unit that detects the position of the cap, and the cap may be moved by the movement unit based on the detection result by the detection unit. According to this configuration, the cap is moved based on the detection result of the position of the cap. Therefore, by moving the suction cap accurately along the second direction, it is possible to appropriately receive the liquid. [Explanation of symbols]

[0125] P1...first position, P2...second position, P3...third position, X...scanning direction, X1...first scanning direction, X2...second scanning direction, Y...intersecting direction, Y1...first intersecting direction, Y2...second intersecting direction, Z...vertical direction, Z1...upward, Z2...downward, 10...liquid ejection device, 11...medium transport unit, 12...printing unit, 13...maintenance unit, 14...control unit, 15...medium support unit, 16...transport roller, 17...printing area, 18...maintenance area, 19...standby position, 21...carriage, 22...head, 23...pressure unit, 24...nozzle surface, 25...nozzle, 26...first head, 27...second head, 28...third head, 29...fourth head, 30...fifth head, 31...moisturizing unit, 32...cleaning unit, 33...wiping unit, 34 ...Flushing section, 35...moisture retention cap, 36...suction cap, 37...flow path, 38...suction pump, 41...first cleaning section, 42...second cleaning section, 43...first suction cap, 44...second suction cap, 45...first flow path, 46...second flow path, 47...first suction pump, 48...second suction pump, 50...moving section, 51...guide rail, 52...arm, 52A...engagement section, 53...drive section, 53A...drive gear, 54...gear, 54A...upper gear, 54B...lower gear, 55...cam, 55A...rotating shaft, 55B...gear section, 55C...upper surface, 55D...cam groove, 55E...inner wall section, 55F...bottom surface, 55G...detected section, 56...detection section, 60...base, 61...support section, 62...lifting section, 99...media.

Claims

1. a plurality of heads configured to eject liquid onto a medium; a carriage that carries the plurality of heads and moves the plurality of heads along a first direction; a cap configured to receive liquid ejected from the plurality of heads; a moving unit that moves the cap along a second direction that intersects with the first direction in a plan view, the plurality of heads include a first head and a second head that is aligned with the first head in the first direction and is provided at a position different from that of the first head in the second direction, the moving unit positions the cap at a first position when receiving the liquid discharged from the first head, and positions the cap at a second position different from the first position in the second direction when receiving the liquid discharged from the second head; A liquid ejection device characterized by:

2. The liquid ejection device according to claim 1 , a suction pump that sucks the liquid inside the cap; a flow path connecting the cap and the suction pump, the cap is a suction cap configured to receive liquid by suction with the suction pump; A liquid ejection device characterized by:

3. The liquid ejection device according to claim 2, a first moisturizing cap configured to cover the first head; a second moisturizing cap configured to cover the second head; Equipped with the plurality of heads are configured to eject liquid at ejection regions along the first direction; the suction cap, the first moisture retention cap, and the second moisture retention cap are arranged side by side outside the ejection region in the first direction, the suction cap is provided closer to the ejection region than the first moisture retention cap and the second moisture retention cap in the first direction. A liquid ejection device characterized by:

4. The liquid ejection device according to claim 2, a lifting unit that lifts and lowers the cap in a third direction that intersects with the first direction and the second direction; a control unit that controls the carriage, the moving unit, and the lifting unit, the control unit positions the cap at the first position, and moves the carriage in the third direction so that the cap faces the first head, and then raises the cap to cover the first head, and then causes the cap to receive liquid by suction with the suction pump, and then lowers the cap in the third direction, and then positions the cap at the second position, and moves the carriage in the third direction so that the cap faces the second head, and then raises the cap to cover the second head; A liquid ejection device characterized by:

5. The liquid ejection device according to claim 2, a first suction cap configured to receive liquid by suction from the suction pump; the first suction cap is configured not to move in the second direction; the cap is a second suction cap, the plurality of heads includes a third head provided to be aligned with the first head and the second head in the first direction, the first head and the second head are configured to eject a first liquid as a liquid, the third head is configured to eject a second liquid as a liquid, the first suction cap is configured to receive the second liquid discharged from the third head; the second suction cap is configured to receive the first liquid discharged from the first head and the second head; A liquid ejection device characterized by:

6. The liquid ejection device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, the moving portion has a guide rail that guides the movement of the cap in the second direction, The guide rail is provided at a position overlapping with the cap in a plan view. A liquid ejection device characterized by:

7. The liquid ejection device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, The moving unit includes a cam for moving the cap in the second direction and a drive source for rotating the cam. A liquid ejection device characterized by:

8. The liquid ejection device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, a detection unit for detecting the position of the cap; The cap is moved by the moving unit based on the detection result by the detection unit. A liquid ejection device characterized by:

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