Liquid discharge apparatus

Abstract

To provide a liquid ejector in which the state of meniscus can be adjusted easily depending on the situation.SOLUTION: The control section 36 can execute a maintenance operation of performing maintenance of the liquid ejecting section 13, a micro-vibration operation of micro-vibrating the ejection elements 21, and a resting operation of not micro-vibrating the ejection elements 21, and when a process of performing printing on one or more media 14 by causing the liquid ejecting section 13 to eject liquid is a printing process, a process from when the control section 36 receives a printing instruction to when the printing process is performed is a printing start process, and a process after the printing process until printing is completed is a printing end process, at least one of the printing start process and the printing end process includes the maintenance operation, the micro-vibration operation executed before the maintenance operation, and the resting operation executed after the maintenance operation.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] For example, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, there is a printing device that is an example of a liquid ejection device that prints by ejecting ink, which is an example of a liquid, from a recording head, which is an example of a liquid ejection section. The printing device includes a cap that caps the recording head. The recording head includes nozzles that incorporate piezoelectric vibrators, which are an example of ejection elements.

[0003] When a drive voltage is input to the piezoelectric vibrator, the nozzle ejects ink. If the drive voltage input to the piezoelectric vibrator is very small, the ink is not ejected and the meniscus vibrates slightly. By vibrating the meniscus slightly, the ink inside the nozzle can be agitated. The printing device vibrates the meniscus slightly while the cap is removed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-39701 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Evaporation of the liquid inside the nozzle is likely to occur at the meniscus, where the liquid comes into contact with air. As a result, the viscosity of the liquid near the meniscus is likely to increase. When the ejection element is vibrated slightly, the liquid inside the nozzle is agitated, reducing viscosity imbalances. In other words, even if the liquid near the meniscus evaporates and its viscosity increases, the increase in viscosity near the meniscus is suppressed by mixing it with a lower-viscosity liquid located away from the meniscus.

[0006] However, the evaporation rate of a liquid is faster for a liquid that contains a lot of water and has a low viscosity than for a liquid that has become viscous due to evaporation of water, for example. Therefore, when the liquid in the nozzle is stirred by constantly vibrating the meniscus slightly, as in Patent Document 1, there is a risk that the viscosity of the liquid will continue to increase. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A liquid ejection device that solves the above problem comprises a liquid ejection unit that has a plurality of nozzles each having an ejection element and is capable of ejecting liquid from the plurality of nozzles, and a control unit, wherein the control unit is capable of performing a maintenance operation to perform maintenance on the liquid ejection unit, a micro-vibration operation to micro-vibrate the ejection elements, and a stationary operation that does not micro-vibrate the ejection elements; if the process of printing on one or more media by ejecting liquid from the liquid ejection unit is defined as a printing process, the process from when the control unit receives a print instruction to when the printing process is performed is defined as a printing start process, and the process after the printing process to when printing is completed is defined as a printing end process, at least one of the printing start process and the printing end process includes the maintenance operation, the micro-vibration operation that is performed before the maintenance operation, and the stationary operation that is performed after the maintenance operation. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a liquid ejection device. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a liquid ejection device in which a liquid ejection section is capped. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a liquid ejection device in which maintenance is performed on a liquid ejection section. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a timing chart showing the printing method. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a timing chart showing the printing method of the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] [First embodiment] A first embodiment of a liquid ejection device will be described below with reference to the drawings. The liquid ejection device is an inkjet printer that ejects ink, which is an example of a liquid, onto a medium such as paper, fabric, vinyl, plastic parts, or metal parts to print.

[0010] In the drawings, the liquid discharger 11 is placed on a horizontal plane, with the direction of gravity indicated by the Z axis, and directions along the horizontal plane indicated by the X and Y axes. The X, Y, and Z axes are perpendicular to one another. In the following description, the direction parallel to the Z axis is also referred to as the vertical direction Z.

[0011] <Liquid discharge device> As shown in Fig. 1, the liquid ejection device 11 includes a liquid ejection unit 13. The liquid ejection unit 13 is configured to eject liquid onto a medium 14. The liquid ejection unit 13 prints on the medium 14 by ejecting the liquid onto the medium 14. The liquid ejection unit 13 may be a line type that ejects liquid onto the medium 14 while stationary.

[0012] The liquid ejection unit 13 has a nozzle surface 16. The nozzle surface 16 is a surface facing the medium 14. A plurality of nozzles 17 are opened in the nozzle surface 16. The liquid ejection unit 13 has a plurality of nozzles 17. The liquid ejection unit 13 is capable of ejecting liquid from the plurality of nozzles 17. As each of the plurality of nozzles 17 has the same configuration, only one nozzle 17 will be described.

[0013] Each nozzle 17 has a liquid chamber 19, a vibration plate 20, and an ejection element 21. One vibration plate 20 may be provided for a plurality of nozzles 17. The liquid chamber 19 is a space within the liquid ejection unit 13. The liquid chamber 19 communicates with the opening of the nozzle surface 16. The liquid ejection unit 13 is configured so that liquid is supplied to the liquid chamber 19 from the outside. The liquid supplied to the liquid chamber 19 is retained within the liquid chamber 19 so as to form a meniscus at the opening of the nozzle surface 16.

[0014] The vibration plate 20 forms part of the wall surface that defines the liquid chamber 19. The vibration plate 20 faces the liquid chamber 19. The vibration plate 20 is configured to be deformable. The vibration plate 20 changes the volume of the liquid chamber 19 by deforming. When the vibration plate 20 deforms, the liquid located in the liquid chamber 19 is pressurized. This causes the liquid to be ejected from the nozzle 17.

[0015] The ejection element 21 is attached to the diaphragm 20. More specifically, the ejection element 21 is attached to one of the two surfaces of the diaphragm 20 opposite the surface facing the liquid chamber 19. The ejection element 21 is configured to deform the diaphragm 20. The ejection element 21 bends when a voltage is applied. The ejection element 21 returns to its original shape after bending. As the ejection element 21 bends, the diaphragm 20 deforms. More specifically, when the bent ejection element 21 returns to its original shape, the diaphragm 20 bends so as to pressurize the liquid in the liquid chamber 19. The liquid ejection unit 13 ejects liquid from the nozzle 17 by the ejection element 21 deforming the diaphragm 20.

[0016] The multiple nozzles 17 may include multiple black nozzles and multiple color nozzles. The black nozzles are nozzles 17 that eject black liquid. The color nozzles are nozzles 17 that eject color liquid. Color liquid is liquid of a color other than black. For example, color liquid is liquid of a color such as cyan, magenta, or yellow. One nozzle 17 ejects liquid of one color. The liquid ejection unit 13 may be capable of ejecting liquid of multiple colors from multiple color nozzles.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 1, the liquid ejection device 11 may include a transport unit 23 and a transport movement mechanism 24. The conveying unit 23 conveys the medium 14. The conveying unit 23 conveys the medium 14 along a conveying path 26 shown by a dashed line in FIG. 1. The conveying unit 23 conveys the medium 14 in a conveying direction Dc. The conveying direction Dc is a direction along the conveying path 26. The conveying unit 23 may include a conveying belt 28, a driving pulley 29, a driven pulley 30, and a frame 31.

[0018] The conveyor belt 28 is endless. The conveyor belt 28 can face the liquid discharge unit 13. The conveyor belt 28 is stretched over a drive pulley 29 and a driven pulley 30. A frame 31 rotatably supports the drive pulley 29 and the driven pulley 30. The driven pulley 30 is rotatably provided. The driven pulley 30 rotates in response to the rotation of the conveyor belt 28. The conveyor belt 28 conveys the medium 14 by rotating while electrostatically adsorbing the medium 14.

[0019] The transport movement mechanism 24 may displace the transport belt 28 by rotating the frame 31 around the drive pulley 29. The transport movement mechanism 24 displaces the transport unit 23 between a transport position P1 shown in Fig. 1 and a standby position P2 shown in Fig. 2. The transport unit 23 may be movable between the transport position P1 and the standby position P2.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 1, the transport position P1 is a position in a printing state in which the liquid ejection unit 13 performs printing. In the printing state, the drive pulley 29 and the driven pulley 30 are aligned in the transport direction Dc. The transport belt 28 located at the transport position P1 faces the nozzle surface 16 across the transport path 26. The transport belt 28 supports a portion of the medium 14 in a flat state.

[0021] 2, the standby position P2 is a position where the liquid discharger 13 is in a standby state where it is not performing printing. In the standby state, the drive pulley 29 and the driven pulley 30 are aligned in the vertical direction Z. The standby position P2 is a position where the conveyor belt 28 is separated from the liquid discharger 13.

[0022] The liquid ejection device 11 may include a cap 33 and a cap moving mechanism 34. The cap moving mechanism 34 is a mechanism for moving the cap 33. The cap 33 is movable to a retracted position P3 shown in Fig. 1, a capping position P4 shown in Fig. 2, and a receiving position P5 shown in Fig. 3.

[0023] 1, the retracted position P3 is a position in the printing state, and is a position where the retracted position P3 does not interfere with the moving transport unit 23. 2, the capping position P4 is a position in the standby state. The cap 33 positioned at the capping position P4 caps the liquid ejection unit 13. When positioned at the capping position P4, the cap 33 comes into contact with the nozzle surface 16, thereby covering the opening of the nozzle 17.

[0024] 3, the receiving position P5 is a position in the maintenance state. The cap 33 positioned at the receiving position P5 is away from the nozzle face 16. The cap 33 positioned at the receiving position P5 faces the openings of the multiple nozzles 17. The cap 33 positioned at the receiving position P5 can receive the liquid ejected as waste liquid from the multiple nozzles 17.

[0025] The liquid ejection device 11 includes a control unit 36. The control unit 36 ​​comprehensively controls the driving of each mechanism in the liquid ejection device 11. The control unit 36 ​​controls various operations executed by the liquid ejection device 11.

[0026] The control unit 36 ​​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.

[0027] The control unit 36 ​​controls the driving of the liquid ejection unit 13. The control unit 36 ​​drives the ejection elements 21 by applying a voltage to the ejection elements 21. The control unit 36 ​​can perform a printing operation, a maintenance operation, a micro-vibration operation, and a still operation by changing the drive waveform input to the ejection elements 21.

[0028] The printing operation prints on the medium 14 by ejecting liquid from the multiple nozzles 17 onto the medium 14. The control unit 36 ​​may be capable of executing a color printing operation and a monochrome printing operation. The color printing operation prints on the medium 14 using multiple color nozzles and multiple black nozzles. The monochrome printing operation prints on the medium 14 using multiple black nozzles without using multiple color nozzles.

[0029] The maintenance operation is to perform maintenance on the liquid discharger 13. The maintenance operation may include at least one of a flushing operation and a determination operation. The flushing operation ejects liquid as waste liquid from the nozzles 17 to prevent clogging of the nozzles 17. The flushing operation may eject liquid onto the caps 33. The flushing operation may be performed with the transport unit 23 located at the standby position P2 and the caps 33 located at the receiving position P5.

[0030] The determination operation determines the state of the nozzle 17. The determination operation may determine the state of the nozzle 17 based on the residual vibration of the diaphragm 20 that is deformed by applying a drive signal to the ejection element 21. The drive signal applied to the ejection element 21 may be sufficient to eject liquid, or may not be sufficient to eject liquid.

[0031] The vibration plate 20 is flexed and deformed when a voltage is applied to the ejection element 21. As the vibration plate 20 deforms, pressure fluctuations occur within the liquid chamber 19. The pressure fluctuations within the liquid chamber 19 cause the vibration plate 20 to vibrate for a while. This vibration is called residual vibration. The judgment operation judges the state of the liquid chamber 19 and the flow path from the liquid chamber 19 to the nozzle surface 16, which communicates with the liquid chamber 19, based on the state of the residual vibration. The judgment operation can determine whether the liquid has thickened, air bubbles have been mixed in, or foreign matter has adhered. The judgment operation may judge the state of some or all of the nozzles 17 out of the multiple nozzles 17.

[0032] The micro-vibration operation micro-vibrates the ejection element 21. In the micro-vibration operation, a drive signal that does not cause the ejection element 21 to eject liquid is repeatedly applied to the ejection element 21. In the micro-vibration operation, the liquid in the nozzle 17 is agitated by micro-vibrating the meniscus.

[0033] In the static operation, the ejection element 21 is not vibrated. In the static operation, the drive of the ejection element 21 is stopped. In the static operation, a drive signal is not applied. In the static operation, the vibration plate 20 is not deformed. In the static operation, fluctuations in the volume of the liquid chamber 19 are suppressed.

[0034] <Printing method> 4, when the control unit 36 ​​receives a print instruction, it executes a print start process, a print process, and a print end process in that order. In this embodiment, the time when the control unit 36 ​​receives the print instruction is defined as the 0th time t0.

[0035] 2, in a standby state before receiving a print command, the transport unit 23 is located at a standby position P2, and the cap 33 is located at a capping position P4. When the cap 33 caps the liquid ejection unit 13, the ejection element 21 is stationary. In other words, the control unit 36 ​​performs a stationary operation.

[0036] <Print start process> 4, the print start process is the process from when the control unit 36 ​​receives a print instruction to when the print process is performed. The print start process of this embodiment is the process from the 0th time t0 to the 5th time t5.

[0037] When the control unit 36 ​​receives a print instruction, it moves the cap 33 to the receiving position P5. In this embodiment, the time when the cap 33 reaches the receiving position P5 is defined as the first time t1. The period from the zeroth time t0 to the first time t1 is the period during which the cap 33 is moved. During the period from the zeroth time t0 to the first time t1, the control unit 36 ​​may execute a resting operation. The control unit 36 ​​may execute a resting operation in parallel with the movement of the cap 33. The print start process may include a resting operation that is executed before the micro-vibration operation. In other words, the control unit 36 ​​may execute the micro-vibration operation after the resting operation.

[0038] During the period from the first time t1 to the second time t2, the control unit 36 ​​causes the plurality of nozzles 17 to perform a micro-vibration operation. The second time t2 is the time after a preset stirring time has elapsed since the first time t1. The stirring time is the time required to stir the liquid in the nozzles 17 by micro-vibrating the ejection elements 21. The stirring time is set in advance depending on the size of the liquid chamber 19, the type of liquid, etc.

[0039] The control unit 36 ​​executes the micro-vibration operation before the maintenance operation. That is, the control unit 36 ​​executes the micro-vibration operation and then executes the maintenance operation. The print start process includes the maintenance operation. The control unit 36 ​​executes the maintenance operation during the period from the second time t2 to the fourth time t4. Specifically, the control unit 36 ​​executes a flushing operation as the maintenance operation during the period from the second time t2 to the third time t3. The control unit 36 ​​executes a determination operation as the maintenance operation during the period from the third time t3 to the fourth time t4.

[0040] When the maintenance operation is completed, the control unit 36 ​​moves the cap 33, which is located at the receiving position P5, to the retracted position P3, and moves the transport unit 23, which is located at the standby position P2, to the transport position P1. The period from the fourth time t4 to the fifth time t5 is a period during which the cap 33 and the transport unit 23 are moved. During the period from the fourth time t4 to the fifth time t5, the control unit 36 ​​executes a resting operation. The control unit 36 ​​may execute the resting operation in parallel with the movement of the cap 33. The control unit 36 ​​may execute the resting operation in parallel with the movement of the transport unit 23. The print start process includes a resting operation that is executed after the maintenance operation.

[0041] <Printing process> The printing process is a process of printing on one or more media 14 by causing the liquid ejection unit 13 to eject liquid. The printing process of this embodiment is a process performed during the period from the fifth time t5 to the twelfth time t12.

[0042] The printing process may include multiple printing operations. The printing process may include a first printing operation and a second printing operation. The first printing operation is an operation in which the multiple nozzles 17 eject liquid onto a first medium. The second printing operation is an operation in which the multiple nozzles 17 eject liquid onto a second medium that is next to the first medium.

[0043] The control unit 36 ​​may execute a first printing operation between a sixth time t6 and a seventh time t7. The control unit 36 ​​may execute a second printing operation between a ninth time t9 and a tenth time t10. In the printing operation, the control unit 36 ​​causes each nozzle 17 to eject liquid at an ejection timing that matches the print data. In the printing operation, the control unit 36 ​​may vibrate each nozzle 17 slightly at a timing that does not cause liquid to be ejected. For example, in the printing operation, the control unit 36 ​​may repeatedly apply a drive signal that causes slight vibration to each ejection element 21, and then switch to a drive signal that ejects liquid in accordance with the ejection timing. In the printing operation, the control unit 36 ​​may repeatedly apply a drive signal that causes slight vibration again after ejecting liquid.

[0044] In this embodiment, the period from the fifth time t5 to the sixth time t6 is also referred to as the first pre-printing period, which is an example of a pre-printing period. The first pre-printing period is the period before the first printing operation. The sixth time t6 is the time after the fifth time t5 when a preset mixing time has elapsed.

[0045] In this embodiment, the period from the eighth time t8 to the ninth time t9 is also referred to as the second pre-printing period, which is an example of a pre-printing period. The second pre-printing period is the period before the second printing operation. The ninth time t9 is the time after a preset mixing time has elapsed since the eighth time t8.

[0046] The control unit 36 ​​may execute a micro-vibration operation during at least one of the first pre-printing period and the second pre-printing period. When the first pre-printing period and the second pre-printing period are not distinguished, they are also referred to as pre-printing periods. During the pre-printing period, the control unit 36 ​​may execute a micro-vibration operation on some nozzles 17 and a still operation on other nozzles 17. The printing process may include the micro-vibration operation and the still operation executed during the pre-printing period.

[0047] For example, the control unit 36 ​​may cause the ejection nozzles to perform a slight vibration operation and the non-ejection nozzles to perform a stationary operation during the pre-printing period. The ejection nozzles are nozzles 17 that eject liquid onto the medium 14 during the printing process. The non-ejection nozzles are nozzles 17 that do not eject liquid onto the medium 14 during the printing process. During the printing operation, the control unit 36 ​​may cause the ejection nozzles to slightly vibrate and eject liquid in accordance with the ejection timing. During the printing operation, the control unit 36 ​​may not apply a drive signal to the non-ejection nozzles. In other words, during the printing operation, the control unit 36 ​​may cause the non-ejection nozzles to remain stationary.

[0048] For example, during the pre-printing period, the control unit 36 ​​may perform a micro-vibration operation on the nozzles 17 located inside the width of the medium 14. During the pre-printing period, the control unit 36 ​​may perform a stationary operation on the nozzles 17 located outside the width of the medium 14. The liquid ejection unit 13 ejects liquid from the nozzles 17 located inside the width of the medium 14 to print on the medium 14. Therefore, the nozzles 17 located inside the width of the medium 14 are ejection nozzles. The nozzles 17 located outside the width of the medium 14 are non-ejection nozzles. During the printing operation, the control unit 36 ​​may micro-vibrate the nozzles 17 located inside the width of the medium 14 and eject liquid in accordance with the ejection timing. During the printing operation, the control unit 36 ​​may stationary the nozzles 17 located outside the width of the medium 14.

[0049] For example, if the printing operation is a monochrome printing operation, the control unit 36 ​​may perform a slight vibration operation on the black nozzles and a still operation on the color nozzles during the pre-printing period. For example, if the printing operation is a color printing operation, the control unit 36 ​​may perform a slight vibration operation on the black nozzles and the color nozzles during the pre-printing period.

[0050] Specifically, when a monochrome printing operation is performed as the first printing operation, during the period from the sixth time t6 to the seventh time t7, the control unit 36 ​​does not eject liquid from the plurality of color nozzles but ejects liquid from the plurality of black nozzles. Therefore, during the monochrome printing operation, the black nozzles become ejection nozzles and the color nozzles become non-ejection nozzles. During the first pre-printing period from the fifth time t5 to the sixth time t6, the control unit 36 ​​may perform a micro-vibration operation on the black nozzles and a static operation on the color nozzles. During the first printing operation, the control unit 36 ​​may micro-vibrate the black nozzles and eject liquid in accordance with the ejection timing. During the first printing operation, the control unit 36 ​​may statically hold the color nozzles.

[0051] Similarly, for example, when a color printing operation is performed as the second printing operation, the control unit 36 ​​causes multiple color nozzles and multiple black nozzles to eject liquid during the period from the ninth time t9 to the tenth time t10. Therefore, during the color printing operation, both the black nozzles and the color nozzles become ejection nozzles. During the second pre-printing period from the eighth time t8 to the ninth time t9, the control unit 36 ​​may perform a micro-vibration operation on the black nozzles and the color nozzles. During the second printing operation, the control unit 36 ​​may micro-vibrate the black nozzles and the color nozzles and eject liquid in accordance with the ejection timing.

[0052] The printing process may include a determination operation that is executed after the first printing operation. The control unit 36 ​​may execute the determination operation between the first printing operation and the second printing operation. The control unit 36 ​​may execute the determination operation during the period from seventh time t7 to eighth time t8.

[0053] The printing process may include a determination operation to be executed after the second printing operation. The control unit 36 ​​may execute the determination operation during the period from the tenth time t10 to the eleventh time t11. The printing process may include a micro-vibration operation to be executed during the period from the eleventh time t11 to the twelfth time t12. If there is no medium 14 to print on after the second printing operation, the control unit 36 ​​ends the printing process and then executes a print end process.

[0054] <Print end process> The print termination process is the process from the start of the print process until the print is completed. In this embodiment, the time when the control unit 36 ​​determines that the print is completed is the 17th time t17. The print termination process in this embodiment is the process from the 12th time t12 to the 17th time t17.

[0055] When the printing process is completed, the control unit 36 ​​moves the transport unit 23, which is located at the transport position P1, to the standby position P2, and moves the cap 33, which is located at the retracted position P3, to the receiving position P5. The period from the twelfth time t12 to the thirteenth time t13 is the period during which the transport unit 23 and the cap 33 are moved. During the period from the twelfth time t12 to the thirteenth time t13, the control unit 36 ​​executes a resting operation. The control unit 36 ​​may execute the resting operation in parallel with the movement of the cap 33. The control unit 36 ​​may execute the resting operation in parallel with the movement of the transport unit 23. The print termination process may include a resting operation that is executed before the micro-vibration operation. In other words, the control unit 36 ​​may execute the micro-vibration operation after the resting operation.

[0056] During the period from a thirteenth time t13 to a fourteenth time t14, the control unit 36 ​​causes the plurality of nozzles 17 to perform a slight vibration operation. The fourteenth time t14 is the time when a preset stirring time has elapsed since the thirteenth time t13.

[0057] The print termination process includes a micro-vibration operation that is executed before the maintenance operation. The control unit 36 ​​executes the micro-vibration operation before the maintenance operation. That is, the control unit 36 ​​executes the micro-vibration operation and then executes the maintenance operation. The print termination process includes the maintenance operation. The control unit 36 ​​executes the maintenance operation during the period from the 14th time t14 to the 16th time t16. Specifically, the control unit 36 ​​executes a flushing operation as the maintenance operation during the period from the 14th time t14 to the 15th time t15. The control unit 36 ​​executes a determination operation as the maintenance operation during the period from the 15th time t15 to the 16th time t16.

[0058] When the maintenance operation is completed, the control unit 36 ​​moves the cap 33, which is located at the receiving position P5, to the capping position P4. The period from the 16th time t16 to the 17th time t17 is the period during which the cap 33 is moved. During the period from the 16th time t16 to the 17th time t17, the control unit 36 ​​executes a resting operation. The control unit 36 ​​may execute the resting operation in parallel with the movement of the cap 33. The print end process includes a resting operation that is executed after the maintenance operation.

[0059] <Operation of the First Embodiment> The operation of this embodiment will be described. When the nozzle 17 is subjected to a slight vibration operation, the liquid is agitated within the nozzle 17. The agitated liquid has less uneven concentration. In other words, by mixing the liquid with increased viscosity near the meniscus with the liquid further inside, the viscosity of the liquid near the meniscus can be reduced. A liquid with low viscosity is easier to eject than a liquid with high viscosity. Therefore, by performing a slight vibration operation first, the reliability of maintenance operations and printing operations can be improved.

[0060] After the maintenance operation is performed, the control unit 36 ​​stops driving the ejection element 21. The liquid that is easily evaporated near the meniscus is difficult to move. Therefore, even if the liquid near the meniscus evaporates, the highly viscous liquid that remains near the meniscus suppresses evaporation of the liquid deep inside the nozzle 17.

[0061] <Effects of the first embodiment> The effects of this embodiment will be described. (1-1) When the viscosity of the liquid near the meniscus is high, there is a risk that the maintenance operation cannot be performed properly. In this regard, the control unit 36 ​​performs a slight vibration operation before the maintenance operation. By performing the maintenance operation after stirring the liquid with the slight vibration operation, the maintenance operation can be performed properly. The control unit 36 ​​performs a stilling operation after the maintenance operation. In other words, the control unit 36 ​​does not vibrate the nozzle 17 after performing the maintenance operation. By stopping the increase in viscosity of the liquid near the meniscus, evaporation can be slowed. Therefore, it is possible to easily adjust the state of the meniscus according to the situation.

[0062] (1-2) The control unit 36 ​​sequentially executes the resting operation, the slight vibration operation, the maintenance operation, and the resting operation. That is, the control unit 36 ​​executes the maintenance operation after stirring the liquid that has been kept in a gentle evaporation state by not executing the slight vibration of the nozzle 17 with the slight vibration. Therefore, the maintenance operation can be performed more appropriately.

[0063] (1-3) The control unit 36 ​​executes the movement and the stationary operation of the cap 33 in parallel. That is, the control unit 36 ​​does not vibrate the nozzle 17 when the cap 33 moves. Therefore, compared to when the nozzle 17 is vibrated slightly when the cap 33 moves, the risk of the viscosity of the liquid increasing can be reduced.

[0064] (1-4) The control unit 36 ​​causes the movement and stationary operation of the transport unit 23 to be performed in parallel. That is, the control unit 36 ​​does not vibrate the nozzle 17 when the transport unit 23 is moving. Therefore, compared to when the nozzle 17 is vibrated slightly when the transport unit 23 is moving, the risk of the viscosity of the liquid increasing can be reduced.

[0065] (1-5) For example, if the determination operation is performed when the viscosity of the liquid near the meniscus has increased, there is a risk that the state of the nozzle 17 cannot be determined appropriately. In this regard, the control unit 36 ​​performs a slight vibration operation before performing the determination operation. By performing the determination operation after stirring the liquid, the state of the nozzle 17 can be determined appropriately.

[0066] (1-6) The control unit 36 ​​causes the ejection nozzles to perform a slight vibration operation before ejecting the liquid. The ejection nozzles agitate the liquid before ejecting it, thereby reducing printing defects. When causing the ejection nozzles to perform a slight vibration operation, the control unit 36 ​​causes the non-ejection nozzles to perform a stationary operation. In other words, the control unit 36 ​​does not cause the non-ejection nozzles to perform a slight vibration. This reduces the risk of the viscosity of the liquid increasing in the non-ejection nozzles.

[0067] (1-7) The control unit 36 ​​performs a micro-vibration operation on the nozzles 17 located inside the width of the medium 14 to be printed. That is, the control unit 36 ​​performs a micro-vibration operation on the nozzles 17 that face the medium 14 and may be used for printing. The nozzles 17 agitate the liquid before ejecting it, thereby reducing printing defects. The control unit 36 ​​performs a resting operation on the nozzles 17 located outside the width of the medium 14 to be printed. That is, the control unit 36 ​​does not micro-vibrate the nozzles 17 that do not face the medium 14 and are not used for printing. This reduces the risk of the viscosity of the liquid increasing in the nozzles 17 that are not used for printing.

[0068] (1-8) The printing process includes a micro-vibration operation performed on the black nozzles before the monochrome printing operation. That is, the control unit 36 ​​performs a micro-vibration operation on the black nozzles used for printing. The black nozzles agitate the liquid before ejecting it, thereby reducing printing defects. When micro-vibrating the black nozzles, the control unit 36 ​​does not micro-vibrate the color nozzles not used for printing. This reduces the risk of the viscosity of the liquid increasing in the color nozzles.

[0069] [Second embodiment] Next, a second embodiment of the liquid ejection device will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the printing process of the printing method. Since the second embodiment is otherwise substantially the same as the first embodiment, the same components are designated by the same reference numerals and redundant description will be omitted.

[0070] As shown in FIG. 5, the processing from the 0th time t0 to the 7th time t7 and the processing from the 12th time t12 to the 17th time t17 are the same as those in the first embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted. The control unit 36 ​​may execute a resting operation during the period from the seventh time t7 to the eighth time t8. The printing process may include a resting operation that is executed between the first printing operation and the second printing operation.

[0071] During the period from the eighth time t8 to the ninth time t9, the control unit 36 ​​may sequentially execute a micro-vibration operation and a determination operation, which is an example of a maintenance operation. The printing process may include the micro-vibration operation and the maintenance operation, which are executed between the first printing operation and the second printing operation. The micro-vibration operation may be executed before the maintenance operation.

[0072] The control unit 36 ​​may execute a slight vibration operation during the period from the tenth time t10 to the eleventh time t11. The control unit 36 ​​may execute a determination operation during the period from the eleventh time t11 to the twelfth time t12. After executing the second printing operation, the control unit 36 ​​may execute the slight vibration operation and the determination operation in that order.

[0073] <Effects of the second embodiment> The effects of this embodiment will be described. (2-1) After the first printing operation is performed, the control unit 36 ​​does not vibrate the nozzles 17. Therefore, compared to when the nozzles 17 are vibrated slightly after the first printing operation is performed, the risk of the viscosity of the liquid increasing can be reduced.

[0074] (1-11) The control unit 36 ​​performs a slight vibration operation before the maintenance operation. By performing the maintenance operation after stirring the liquid with the slight vibration operation, the maintenance operation can be performed appropriately.

[0075] [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.

[0076] The control unit 36 ​​may limit the period during which the ejection nozzles are micro-vibrated during the printing operation. For example, the control unit 36 ​​may micro-vibrate the ejection nozzles immediately before the ejection timing. During the printing operation, the control unit 36 ​​may keep the ejection nozzles and non-ejection nozzles stationary, and for the ejection nozzles, may perform micro-vibration before the ejection timing and ejection of liquid at the ejection timing consecutively. By micro-vibrating the nozzles immediately before the ejection timing, the time from micro-vibration to ejection of liquid onto the medium 14 can be shortened compared to, for example, when the nozzles 17 are micro-vibrated before printing on the medium 14.

[0077] During the pre-printing period, the control unit 36 ​​may cause the ejection nozzles in the immediately following printing operation to perform a micro-vibration operation, and may cause the non-ejection nozzles in the immediately following printing operation to perform a stationary operation. During the immediately following printing operation, the control unit 36 ​​may cause the ejection nozzles to perform a micro-vibration operation and eject liquid in accordance with the ejection timing. During the immediately following printing operation, the control unit 36 ​​may cause the non-ejection nozzles to perform a stationary operation. Specifically, during the first pre-printing period, the control unit 36 ​​may cause the ejection nozzles in the first printing operation to perform a micro-vibration operation, and may cause the non-ejection nozzles in the first printing operation to perform a stationary operation. During the first printing operation, the control unit 36 ​​may cause the ejection nozzles in the first printing operation to perform a micro-vibration operation and eject liquid in accordance with the ejection timing. During the first printing operation, the control unit 36 ​​may cause the non-ejection nozzles in the first printing operation to perform a stationary operation. During the second pre-printing period, the control unit 36 ​​may cause the ejection nozzles in the second printing operation to perform a micro-vibration operation and may cause the non-ejection nozzles in the second printing operation to perform a stationary operation. In the second printing operation, the control unit 36 ​​may vibrate the ejection nozzles in the second printing operation slightly and eject the liquid in accordance with the ejection timing. In the second printing operation, the control unit 36 ​​may keep the non-ejection nozzles in the second printing operation stationary.

[0078] The medium 14 printed in the first printing operation and the medium 14 printed in the second printing operation may be different sizes. When printing on multiple media 14 of different sizes, the control unit 36 ​​may perform micro-vibration and static operations during the pre-printing period in accordance with the size of the medium 14 printed in the immediately following printing operation. Specifically, during the first pre-printing period, the control unit 36 ​​may perform micro-vibration on nozzles 17 located inside the width of the medium 14 printed in the first printing operation, and static operations on nozzles 17 located outside the width of the medium 14. During the second pre-printing period, the control unit 36 ​​may perform micro-vibration on nozzles 17 located inside the width of the medium 14 printed in the second printing operation, and static operations on nozzles 17 located outside the width of the medium 14.

[0079] When printing on a plurality of media 14 of different sizes, the control unit 36 ​​may execute the micro-vibration operation and the static operation in accordance with the size of the largest medium 14 during a plurality of pre-printing periods.

[0080] The control unit 36 ​​may perform a slight vibration operation and a still operation according to the printing range. In the pre-printing operation, the control unit 36 ​​may perform a slight vibration operation for the nozzles 17 located inside the printing range and may perform a still operation for the nozzles 17 located outside the printing range.

[0081] The printing process may include a monochrome printing operation and a color printing operation. The control unit 36 ​​may execute a micro-vibration operation and a static operation during the pre-printing period depending on whether the immediately following printing operation is a monochrome printing operation or a color printing operation. Specifically, if the first printing operation is a monochrome printing operation, the control unit 36 ​​may execute a micro-vibration operation on the black nozzles and a static operation on the color nozzles during the first pre-printing period. If the second printing operation is a color printing operation, the control unit 36 ​​may execute a micro-vibration operation on the black nozzles and the color nozzles during the second pre-printing period.

[0082] If the multiple printing operations included in the printing process are all monochrome printing operations, the control unit 36 ​​may perform a micro-vibration operation on the black nozzles and a static operation on the color nozzles during the multiple pre-printing periods. If the printing process includes monochrome printing operations and color printing operations, the control unit 36 ​​may perform a micro-vibration operation on the black nozzles and the color nozzles during the multiple pre-printing periods.

[0083] The printing process may involve printing on one medium 14. The printing process may include a single printing operation. The printing process may include a flushing operation that is performed between the first printing operation and the second printing operation.

[0084] The judgment operation may judge the state of the nozzle 17 from residual vibrations that accompany the flushing operation. The control unit 36 ​​may execute the determination operation in parallel with the movement of the transport unit 23. The control unit 36 ​​may execute the micro-vibration operation in parallel with the movement of the transport unit 23.

[0085] The control unit 36 ​​may execute the determination operation in parallel with the movement of the cap 33. The control unit 36 ​​may execute the micro-vibration operation in parallel with the movement of the cap 33. The control unit 36 ​​may execute the slight vibration operation immediately after receiving a print instruction. In the print start process, the control unit 36 ​​does not have to execute the still operation before the slight vibration operation.

[0086] The control unit 36 ​​may execute the slight vibration operation immediately after completing the printing process. In the printing end process, the control unit 36 ​​does not have to execute the resting operation before the slight vibration operation. One of the print start process and the print end process does not need to perform at least one of the micro-vibration operation, the maintenance operation, and the resting operation.

[0087] The liquid ejection device 11 may be a liquid ejection device that ejects or discharges liquids other than ink. The liquid ejected as minute droplets from the liquid ejection device may be in the form of granules, tears, or strings. The liquid referred to here may be any material that can be ejected from the liquid ejection device. For example, the liquid may be in any liquid phase, including fluids such as high or low viscosity liquids, sols, gel water, other inorganic solvents, organic solvents, solutions, liquid resins, liquid metals, and metal melts. The liquid may refer not only to a single state of matter, but also to solid functional material particles, such as pigments and metal particles, dissolved, dispersed, or mixed in a solvent. Typical examples of liquids include inks and liquid crystals, as described in the above embodiments. Here, ink encompasses various liquid compositions, such as general water-based inks and oil-based inks, as well as gel inks and hot-melt inks. Specific examples of liquid ejection devices include devices that eject liquids containing dispersed or dissolved materials such as electrode materials and color materials used in the manufacture of liquid crystal displays, electroluminescent displays, surface-emitting displays, and color filters. The liquid ejection device may be a device that ejects bioorganic materials used in biochip manufacture, a device used as a precision pipette to eject sample liquids, a textile printing device, a microdispenser, or the like. The liquid ejection device may be a device that ejects lubricating oil with pinpoint accuracy onto precision machinery such as watches and cameras, or a device that ejects transparent resin liquids such as ultraviolet-curing resins onto substrates to form micro-hemispherical lenses, optical lenses, and the like used in optical communication elements. The liquid ejection device may also be a device that ejects etching liquids such as acids or alkalis to etch substrates, etc.

[0088] [Definition] The phrase "at least one" as used herein means "one or more" of the desired options. As an example, the phrase "at least one" as used herein means "only one option" or "both of two options" when the number of options is two. As another example, the phrase "at least one" as used herein means "only one option," "any combination of two options," or "any combination of three or more options" when the number of options is three or more.

[0089] [Note] The technical concepts and effects that can be understood from the above-described embodiment and modified examples will be described below.

[0090] [1] A liquid ejection device includes a liquid ejection unit having a plurality of nozzles each having an ejection element and capable of ejecting liquid from the plurality of nozzles, and a control unit, wherein the control unit is capable of performing a maintenance operation to perform maintenance on the liquid ejection unit, a micro-vibration operation to micro-vibrate the ejection elements, and a still operation that does not micro-vibrate the ejection elements. If the process of printing on one or more media by ejecting liquid from the liquid ejection unit is defined as a printing process, the process from when the control unit receives a print instruction to when the printing process is performed is defined as a printing start process, and the process after the printing process to when printing is completed is defined as a printing end process, at least one of the printing start process and the printing end process includes the maintenance operation, the micro-vibration operation that is performed before the maintenance operation, and the still operation that is performed after the maintenance operation.

[0091] When the viscosity of the liquid near the meniscus is high, there is a risk that the maintenance operation cannot be performed properly. In this regard, with this configuration, the control unit performs a slight vibration operation before the maintenance operation. By performing the maintenance operation after stirring the liquid with the slight vibration operation, the maintenance operation can be performed properly. The control unit performs a quiescent operation after the maintenance operation. In other words, the control unit does not vibrate the nozzle after performing the maintenance operation. By stopping the increase in viscosity of the liquid near the meniscus, evaporation can be slowed. Therefore, it is possible to easily adjust the state of the meniscus according to the situation.

[0092] [2] In the liquid ejection device described in [1] above, at least one of the print start process and the print end process may include the resting operation that is executed before the micro-vibration operation.

[0093] With this configuration, the control unit sequentially executes the resting operation, the micro-vibration operation, the maintenance operation, and the resting operation. That is, the control unit agitates the liquid that is kept in a gentle evaporation state by not executing the micro-vibration of the nozzle, and then executes the maintenance operation. Therefore, the maintenance operation can be performed more appropriately.

[0094] [3] The liquid ejection device described in [1] or [2] above may include a cap that caps the liquid ejection section and a cap moving mechanism that moves the cap, and the control unit may perform the stationary operation in parallel with the movement of the cap.

[0095] With this configuration, the control unit executes the cap movement and the stationary operation in parallel. That is, the control unit does not vibrate the nozzle when the cap moves. Therefore, compared to when the nozzle is vibrated when the cap moves, the risk of the viscosity of the liquid increasing can be reduced.

[0096] [4] The liquid ejection device described in [1] to [3] above includes a transport unit that is movable between a transport position where the liquid ejection unit is in a printing state where printing is performed, and a standby position where the liquid ejection unit is in a standby state where printing is not performed, and the control unit may perform the stationary operation in parallel with the movement of the transport unit.

[0097] According to this configuration, the control unit executes the movement and stationary operation of the transport unit in parallel. That is, the control unit does not vibrate the nozzle when the transport unit moves. Therefore, compared to when the nozzle is vibrated when the transport unit moves, the risk of the viscosity of the liquid increasing can be reduced.

[0098] [5] In the liquid ejection device described in [1] to [4] above, the maintenance operation may include a determination operation for determining the state of the nozzle. For example, if the determination operation is performed when the viscosity of the liquid near the meniscus has increased, there is a risk that the state of the nozzle may not be determined appropriately. In this regard, with this configuration, the control unit performs a micro-vibration operation before performing the determination operation. By performing the determination operation after stirring the liquid, the state of the nozzle can be determined appropriately.

[0099] [6] In the liquid ejection device described in [1] to [5] above, when the nozzles that do not eject liquid onto the medium are defined as non-ejection nozzles and the nozzles that eject liquid onto the medium are defined as ejection nozzles in the printing process, the printing process may include a printing operation that causes multiple ejection nozzles to eject liquid onto the medium, the micro-vibration operation that is performed on the ejection nozzles in a pre-printing period before the printing operation, and the stilling operation that is performed on the non-ejection nozzles in the pre-printing period.

[0100] According to this configuration, the control unit causes the ejection nozzle to perform a micro-vibration operation before the ejection nozzle ejects the liquid. The ejection nozzle agitates the liquid before ejecting it, thereby suppressing printing defects. When causing the ejection nozzle to perform a micro-vibration operation, the control unit causes the non-ejection nozzle to perform a stationary operation. In other words, the control unit does not micro-vibrate the non-ejection nozzle. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the risk of the viscosity of the liquid increasing in the non-ejection nozzle.

[0101] [7] In the liquid ejection device described in [1] to [5] above, the printing process may include a printing operation that causes a plurality of the nozzles to eject liquid onto a medium, a micro-vibration operation that is performed on the nozzles located inside the width of the medium during a pre-printing period prior to the printing operation, and a stilling operation that is performed on the nozzles located outside the width of the medium during the pre-printing period.

[0102] According to this configuration, the control unit performs a micro-vibration operation on nozzles located inside the width of the medium to be printed. That is, the control unit performs a micro-vibration operation on nozzles that face the medium and may be used for printing. The nozzles agitate the liquid before ejecting it, thereby reducing printing defects. The control unit performs a static operation on nozzles located outside the width of the medium to be printed. That is, the control unit does not micro-vibrate nozzles that do not face the medium and are not used for printing. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the risk of the viscosity of the liquid increasing in nozzles that are not used for printing.

[0103] [8] In the liquid ejection device described in [1] to [5] above, the plurality of nozzles include a plurality of color nozzles that eject colored liquids and a plurality of black nozzles that eject black liquid, and the control unit is capable of executing, as the printing process, a color printing operation that prints on a medium using the plurality of color nozzles and the plurality of black nozzles, and a monochrome printing operation that prints on a medium using the plurality of black nozzles but not the plurality of color nozzles, and the printing process may include the monochrome printing operation, the micro-vibration operation that is performed on the black nozzles in a pre-printing period before the monochrome printing operation, and the stilling operation that is performed on the color nozzles in the pre-printing period.

[0104] According to this configuration, the printing process includes a micro-vibration operation performed on the black nozzles before the monochrome printing operation. That is, the control unit performs a micro-vibration operation on the black nozzles used for printing. The black nozzles agitate the liquid before ejecting it, thereby reducing printing defects. When micro-vibrating the black nozzles, the control unit does not micro-vibrate the color nozzles not used for printing. This reduces the risk of the viscosity of the liquid increasing in the color nozzles.

[0105] [9] In the liquid ejection device described in [1] to [8] above, if the nozzle that ejects liquid onto a medium in the printing process is an ejection nozzle, the printing process may vibrate the ejection nozzle slightly before an ejection timing, and cause the ejection nozzle to eject liquid at the ejection timing.

[0106] With this configuration, the control unit vibrates the nozzles slightly, and then ejects liquid from the vibrated nozzles onto the medium. Therefore, the time from micro-vibration to ejecting liquid onto the medium can be shortened compared to, for example, when the nozzles are vibrated slightly before printing on the medium.

[0107]

[10] In the liquid ejection device described in [1] to [9] above, the printing process may include a first printing operation in which liquid is ejected from a plurality of the nozzles onto a first medium, a second printing operation in which liquid is ejected from a plurality of the nozzles onto a second medium following the first medium, and the resting operation performed between the first printing operation and the second printing operation.

[0108] With this configuration, the control unit does not vibrate the nozzles after the first printing operation has been performed, which reduces the risk of the viscosity of the liquid increasing further compared to when the nozzles are vibrated after the first printing operation has been performed.

[0109]

[11] In the liquid ejection device described in

[10] above, the printing process includes the micro-vibration operation and the maintenance operation that are performed between the first printing operation and the second printing operation, and the micro-vibration operation may be performed before the maintenance operation.

[0110] According to this configuration, the control unit performs the slight vibration operation before the maintenance operation. By performing the maintenance operation after stirring the liquid with the slight vibration operation, the maintenance operation can be performed appropriately. [Explanation of symbols]

[0111] 11...liquid ejection device, 13...liquid ejection section, 14...medium, 16...nozzle surface, 17...nozzle, 19...liquid chamber, 20...vibration plate, 21...ejection element, 23...conveying section, 24...conveying and moving mechanism, 26...conveying path, 28...conveying belt, 29...driving pulley, 30...driven pulley, 31...frame, 33...cap, 34...cap moving mechanism, 36...control section, Dc...conveying direction, P1...conveying position, P2...standby position, P3...retracting position, P4...capping position, P5...receiving position, t0 to t17...0th to 17th times, Z...vertical direction.

Claims

1. a liquid ejection unit having a plurality of nozzles each having an ejection element and capable of ejecting liquid from the plurality of nozzles; A control unit; Equipped with the control unit is capable of executing a maintenance operation for performing maintenance on the liquid ejection unit, a micro-vibration operation for micro-vibrating the ejection elements, and a resting operation for not micro-vibrating the ejection elements, If a process of printing on one or more media by discharging liquid from the liquid discharge unit is called a print process, a process from when the control unit receives a print instruction to when the control unit performs the print process is called a print start process, and a process from when the print process is completed to when the print is completed is called a print end process, A liquid ejection device characterized in that at least one of the print start process and the print end process includes the maintenance operation, the micro-vibration operation that is performed before the maintenance operation, and the still operation that is performed after the maintenance operation.

2. 2. The liquid ejection device according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the print start process and the print end process includes the resting operation that is executed before the micro-vibration operation.

3. a cap that caps the liquid ejection unit; a cap moving mechanism that moves the cap; Equipped with 3. The liquid ejection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit executes the resting operation in parallel with the movement of the cap.

4. a transport unit that is movable between a transport position where the liquid ejection unit is in a printing state where printing is performed and a standby position where the liquid ejection unit is in a standby state where printing is not performed, 3. The liquid ejection device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit executes the stationary operation in parallel with the movement of the transport unit.

5. The liquid ejection apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the maintenance operation includes a determination operation for determining the state of the nozzle.

6. In the printing process, the nozzles that do not eject liquid onto the medium are referred to as non-ejection nozzles, and the nozzles that eject liquid onto the medium are referred to as ejection nozzles. The liquid ejection device described in claim 1, characterized in that the printing process includes a printing operation in which liquid is ejected from multiple ejection nozzles onto a medium, a micro-vibration operation performed on the ejection nozzles in a pre-printing period prior to the printing operation, and a stilling operation performed on the non-ejection nozzles in the pre-printing period.

7. The liquid ejection device described in claim 1, characterized in that the printing process includes a printing operation in which liquid is ejected from multiple nozzles onto a medium, a micro-vibration operation performed on the nozzles located inside the width of the medium during a pre-printing period prior to the printing operation, and a stilling operation performed on the nozzles located outside the width of the medium during the pre-printing period.

8. the plurality of nozzles include a plurality of color nozzles that eject color liquids and a plurality of black nozzles that eject black liquid; the control unit is capable of executing, as the printing process, a color printing operation in which printing is performed on a medium using a plurality of the color nozzles and a plurality of the black nozzles, and a monochrome printing operation in which printing is performed on a medium using a plurality of the black nozzles but not using a plurality of the color nozzles; The liquid ejection device according to claim 1, characterized in that the printing process includes the monochrome printing operation, the micro-vibration operation performed on a plurality of the black nozzles in a pre-printing period prior to the monochrome printing operation, and the still operation performed on a plurality of the color nozzles in the pre-printing period.

9. In the printing process, when the nozzle that ejects liquid onto a medium is an ejection nozzle, 2. The liquid ejection device according to claim 1, wherein the printing process includes a printing operation in which the ejection nozzles are slightly vibrated before an ejection timing, and the ejection nozzles are caused to eject liquid at the ejection timing.

10. The liquid ejection device described in claim 1, characterized in that the printing process includes a first printing operation in which liquid is ejected from a plurality of the nozzles onto a first medium, a second printing operation in which liquid is ejected from a plurality of the nozzles onto a second medium following the first medium, and the stationary operation performed between the first printing operation and the second printing operation.

11. the printing process includes the micro-vibration operation and the maintenance operation that are executed between the first printing operation and the second printing operation, The liquid ejection apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the micro-vibration operation is performed before the maintenance operation.

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