Liquid ejection device and maintenance device

Abstract

A liquid ejection device and a maintenance device are provided that can prevent liquid from adhering to the inside of a recovery cap. The liquid ejection device includes a head having a nozzle surface with multiple nozzles that eject liquid, a moisture retention cap that moisturizes the head by covering the nozzle surface when the head is in standby mode, a recovery cap that recovers liquid from the head by covering the nozzle surface when the head is in cleaning mode, and a cap cover that is movable between a cover position that covers the recovery cap and a retracted position different from the cover position. The cap cover is placed in the cover position when the head is in standby mode.

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a liquid ejection device equipped with a head having a nozzle surface with multiple nozzles for ejecting liquid. Such a liquid ejection device is provided with a moisture retention cap and a recovery cap. The moisture retention cap is a cap that covers the nozzle surface to moisten the head when the head is in standby mode. The recovery cap is a cap that covers the nozzle surface to recover liquid from the head when the head is being cleaned. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-23362 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, when both a moisturizing cap and a recovery cap are provided, the more the moisturizing cap covers the head, the more the recovery cap does not cover the head. This increases the chances that the inside of the recovery cap is exposed to the atmosphere. This can lead to the risk of liquid becoming stuck inside the recovery cap. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A liquid ejection device that solves the above problem comprises a head having a nozzle surface with multiple nozzles opening thereon for ejecting liquid, a moisturizing cap that moisturizes the head by covering the nozzle surface when the head is in standby mode, a recovery cap that recovers liquid from the head by covering the nozzle surface when the head is in cleaning mode, and a cap cover that is movable between a cover position that covers the recovery cap and a retracted position different from the cover position, and the cap cover is positioned in the cover position when the head is in standby mode.

[0006] A maintenance device that solves the above problem is a maintenance device that performs maintenance on a head having a nozzle surface with multiple nozzles that eject liquid opening therethrough, and is equipped with a moisturizing cap that moisturizes the head by covering the nozzle surface when the head is in standby mode, a recovery cap that recovers liquid from the head by covering the nozzle surface when the head is in cleaning mode, and a cap cover that is movable between a cover position that covers the recovery cap and a retracted position different from the cover position, and the cap cover is positioned in the cover position when the head is in standby mode. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a liquid ejection apparatus according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the first cleaning unit of the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a front view showing the first cleaning unit of the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the first cleaning unit of the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a front view showing the first cleaning unit of the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the first cleaning unit of the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a front view showing the first cleaning unit of the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the first cleaning unit of the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a front view showing the first cleaning unit of the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing the first cleaning unit of the second embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing the first cleaning unit of the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] [First embodiment] An embodiment of a liquid ejection device and a maintenance device will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the direction intersecting the vertical direction Z is referred to as the scanning direction X, and the direction intersecting the vertical direction Z and the scanning direction X is referred to as the cross direction Y. One of the scanning directions X is referred to as the first scanning direction X1, and the other of the scanning directions X is referred to as the second scanning direction X2. One of the cross directions Y is referred to as the first cross direction Y1, and the other of the cross directions Y is referred to as the second cross direction Y2. The upper side of the vertical direction Z is referred to as the upper side Z1, and the lower side of the vertical direction Z is referred to as the lower side Z2.

[0009] <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 device 13, and a control unit 14.

[0010] <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.

[0011] 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.

[0012] <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.

[0013] 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.

[0014] The carriage 21 is configured to carry a plurality of heads 22. The carriage 21 is configured to move back and forth along the scanning direction X by a driving force from a carriage driving unit (not shown). The carriage driving unit is a driving source for moving the carriage 21 along the scanning direction X. The carriage driving unit may be a motor. The carriage driving unit is controlled by the control unit 14.

[0015] As a result, the carriage 21 moves the multiple heads 22 along the scanning direction X. The carriage 21 passes through a position facing the medium 99 by moving back and forth along the scanning direction X. The carriage 21 passes above the medium support unit 15 in a position Z1, for example.

[0016] 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.

[0017] The printing unit 12 may include, for example, five heads 22 as the plurality of heads 22. For example, the printing unit 12 may include, as the five heads 22, a first head 22a, a second head 22b, a third head 22c, a fourth head 22d, and a fifth head 22e.

[0018] The multiple heads 22 may be arranged side by side in the scanning direction X. The multiple heads 22 may be arranged side by side in the second scanning direction X2 in the order of the second head 22b, the first head 22a, the third head 22c, the fourth head 22d, and the fifth head 22e. The multiple heads 22 each have the same configuration. Therefore, the following description may focus on one head 22.

[0019] 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. A plurality of nozzles 25 that eject liquid are opened in the nozzle surface 24. The nozzle surface 24 is the surface on which the plurality of nozzles 25 are opened. The head 22 ejects liquid from the plurality of nozzles 25.

[0020] More specifically, the first head 22a has a first nozzle surface 24a. A plurality of first nozzles 25a are opened in the first nozzle surface 24a. Each of the plurality of first nozzles 25a is configured to eject liquid.

[0021] The second head 22b has a second nozzle surface 24b. A plurality of second nozzles 25b are opened in the second nozzle surface 24b. Each of the plurality of second nozzles 25b is configured to eject liquid.

[0022] The third head 22c has a third nozzle surface 24c. A plurality of third nozzles 25c are opened in the third nozzle surface 24c. Each of the plurality of third nozzles 25c is configured to eject liquid.

[0023] The fourth head 22d has a fourth nozzle surface 24d. A plurality of fourth nozzles 25d are opened in the fourth nozzle surface 24d. Each of the plurality of fourth nozzles 25d is configured to eject liquid.

[0024] The fifth head 22e has a fifth nozzle surface 24e. A plurality of fifth nozzles 25e are opened in the fifth nozzle surface 24e. Each of the plurality of fifth nozzles 25e is configured to eject liquid.

[0025] The head 22 is, for example, a line head that can eject liquid onto the medium 99 simultaneously across the cross direction Y. The head 22 can eject liquid onto the entire area of ​​the medium 99 that is supported by the medium support section 15.

[0026] 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 print 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.

[0027] The multiple heads 22 may eject the same type of liquid, or may eject different types of liquid. For example, four heads 22 may eject inks of different colors, and one head 22 may eject a reaction liquid that aggregates the ink. The reaction liquid is less likely to dry than ink.

[0028] Specifically, the first head 22a, the third head 22c, the fourth head 22d, and the fifth head 22e may eject inks of different colors as an example of a liquid. The second head 22b may eject a reaction liquid as an example of a liquid. The ink ejected from the first head 22a corresponds to an example of a first liquid, the reaction liquid ejected from the second head 22b corresponds to an example of a second liquid, and the ink ejected from the third head 22c corresponds to an example of a third liquid.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] <Configuration of maintenance device 13> The maintenance device 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.

[0032] The maintenance device 13 may include a moisturizing unit 31, a cleaning unit 32, a first wiping unit 33, and a flushing unit 34. The maintenance device 13 may be arranged in the order of moisturizing unit 31, cleaning unit 32, first wiping unit 33, and flushing unit 34 in the second scanning direction X2.

[0033] 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. The moisturizing unit 31 may include a first moisturizing cap 35a, a second moisturizing cap 35b, a third moisturizing cap 35c, a fourth moisturizing cap 35d, and a fifth moisturizing cap 35e.

[0034] The multiple moisture caps 35 are arranged in a line along the scanning direction X. The multiple moisture caps 35 may be arranged in the second scanning direction X2 in the order of the second moisture cap 35b, the first moisture cap 35a, the third moisture cap 35c, the fourth moisture cap 35d, and the fifth moisture cap 35e.

[0035] The multiple moisture retention caps 35 are provided at positions facing the multiple heads 22, respectively. The first moisture retention cap 35a is provided at a position corresponding to the first head 22a. The second moisture retention cap 35b is provided at a position corresponding to the second head 22b. The third moisture retention cap 35c is provided at a position corresponding to the third head 22c. The fourth moisture retention cap 35d is provided at a position corresponding to the fourth head 22d. The fifth moisture retention cap 35e is provided at a position corresponding to the fifth head 22e. The multiple moisture retention caps 35 each have the same configuration. Therefore, the following may describe only one moisture retention cap 35.

[0036] The moisture retention cap 35 comes into contact with the head 22, thereby forming a space communicating with the nozzles 25. The moisture retention cap 35 caps the head 22 positioned at the standby position 19. The moisture retention cap 35 moisturizes the nozzles 25 by capping the head 22. In other words, the moisture retention cap 35 moisturizes the head 22 by covering the nozzle surface 24 during standby operation of the head 22. The standby operation is an operation when the head 22 is capped and is not performing a printing operation, a suction cleaning operation, a wiping operation, or a flushing operation. The standby operation is an operation in which the head 22 is kept covered by the moisture retention cap 35.

[0037] In this manner, the multiple moisture caps 35 are configured to cover multiple heads 22, respectively. In this embodiment, the first moisture cap 35a is capable of contacting the first nozzle surface 24a and covers the first nozzle surface 24a when the first head 22a is in standby mode. The second moisture cap 35b is capable of contacting the second nozzle surface 24b and covers the second nozzle surface 24b when the second head 22b is in standby mode. The third moisture cap 35c is capable of contacting the third nozzle surface 24c and covers the third nozzle surface 24c when the third head 22c is in standby mode. The fourth moisture cap 35d is capable of contacting the fourth nozzle surface 24d and covers the fourth nozzle surface 24d when the fourth head 22d is in standby mode. The fifth moisture cap 35e is capable of contacting the fifth nozzle surface 24e and covers the fifth nozzle surface 24e when the fifth head 22e is in standby mode.

[0038] 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.

[0039] The cleaning unit 32 may include one or more recovery caps 36, one or more flow paths 37, and one or more suction pumps 38. The recovery cap 36 is provided in the maintenance area 18, closer to the printing area 17 in the scanning direction X than the moisture cap 35. The moisture cap 35 and the recovery cap 36 are provided side by side in the maintenance area 18, which is outside the printing area 17, in the scanning direction X. The recovery cap 36 comes into contact with the head 22, thereby forming a space that communicates with the nozzles 25. The recovery cap 36 caps the head 22. The recovery cap 36 recovers liquid from the head 22 by covering the nozzle surface 24 during a cleaning operation of the head 22.

[0040] The flow path 37 is configured to connect the collection cap 36 and the suction pump 38. The suction pump 38 is configured to suck the liquid received in the collection cap 36. In other words, the suction pump 38 is configured to suck the liquid inside the collection cap 36 via 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).

[0041] The cleaning unit 32 performs suction cleaning by creating a negative pressure inside the collection cap 36 through suction. 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, and the like can be discharged from the head 22. In this way, the collection cap 36 is configured to receive the liquid discharged from each of the multiple heads 22 through suction by the suction pump 38 in conjunction with suction cleaning.

[0042] 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 second scanning direction X2 than the second cleaning section 42.

[0043] The first cleaning unit 41 is configured to individually suction and clean the heads 22 that eject ink of each color among the multiple heads 22. The first cleaning unit 41 may include a first collection cap 43, a first flow path 45, and a first suction pump 47.

[0044] The first recovery cap 43 is aligned with the second recovery cap 44 (described later) in the scanning direction X, which intersects with the vertical direction Z. The first recovery cap 43 is provided between the second recovery cap 44 (described later) and the first wiping unit 33 in the scanning direction X. The first recovery cap 43 is configured to receive ink discharged from the multiple heads 22. In other words, the first recovery cap 43 is configured to recover the first liquid. The first recovery cap 43 is configured to recover the third liquid.

[0045] The second cleaning unit 42 is configured to perform suction cleaning of the head 22 that ejects the reaction liquid among the multiple heads 22. The second cleaning unit 42 may include a second recovery cap 44, a second flow path 46, and a second suction pump 48.

[0046] The second recovery cap 44 is aligned with the first recovery cap 43 in the scanning direction X, which intersects with the vertical direction Z. The second recovery cap 44 is provided between the moisture retention cap 35 and the first recovery cap 43 in the scanning direction X. The second recovery cap 44 is configured to receive the reaction liquid discharged from the head 22. In other words, the second recovery cap 44 is configured to recover the second liquid.

[0047] The recovery cap 36 includes a first recovery cap 43 and a second recovery 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 and the maintenance device 13 may include the first recovery cap 43, the second recovery cap 44, the first flow path 45, the second flow path 46, the first suction pump 47, and the second suction pump 48.

[0048] The first wiping unit 33 wipes the liquid from the head 22. The first wiping unit 33 is capable of wiping the nozzle surface 24 at a position facing the head 22. The first wiping unit 33 performs maintenance on the head 22 by wiping waste liquid from the nozzle surface 24. The first wiping unit 33 performs wiping to wipe the nozzle surface 24.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] <Configuration of control unit 14> The control unit 14 comprehensively controls the liquid ejection device 10. The control unit 14 controls various operations executed by the liquid ejection device 10. The control unit 14 may also control the medium transport unit 11, the printing unit 12, and the maintenance device 13.

[0052] 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.

[0053] <Operation of collection cap 36> 2 to 5, the operation of the recovery cap 36 will be described. In particular, the first recovery cap 43 and the second recovery cap 44 perform similar operations. Therefore, the operation of the first recovery cap 43 will be described as a representative of the recovery caps 36.

[0054] The first collection cap 43 can be moved by the cap lifting unit 49 between a spaced position 61 shown in Figures 2 and 3 and a cap position 62 shown in Figures 4 and 5. As shown in Figures 2 to 5, the spaced position 61 is located below the cap position 62 by Z2. The cap lifting unit 49 is configured to lift and lower the first collection cap 43. The cap lifting unit 49 may be an air cylinder.

[0055] 2 and 3, the separated position 61 is a position where the first recovery cap 43 is separated from the head 22 in the vertical direction Z. As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the capping position 62 is a position where the first recovery cap 43 covers the head 22 in the vertical direction Z, thereby capping the head 22. As a result, when the first recovery cap 43 is positioned at the capping position 62, it can cap the head 22 and perform a cleaning operation.

[0056] <Configuration of the cap cover 56> 2 and 3, the maintenance device 13 includes a cap cover 56 and a moving unit 50. The cap cover 56 is a cover that can cover the first recovery cap 43 for recovering ink. The cap cover 56 does not have to cover the second recovery cap 44 for recovering reaction liquid.

[0057] The cap cover 56 may be in the shape of a plate. The cap cover 56 is an aluminum plate, but may also be a resin plate. The cap cover 56 is configured to extend in the transverse direction Y. The cap cover 56 has a first surface 56a. The first surface 56a is the bottom surface of the cap cover 56. The first surface 56a is a surface for covering the first collection cap 43. The first surface 56a is a surface that is water-repellent. The cap cover 56 may have water-repellent properties in areas other than the first surface 56a.

[0058] The cap cover 56 is supported by the moving unit 50. The cap cover 56 can be moved along a movement path by the moving unit 50. The cap cover 56 can be moved between a retracted position 57 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 and a cover position 58 shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. More specifically, the cap cover 56 can be moved between the retracted position 57 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 and an intermediate position 59 shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. The cap cover 56 can be moved between the intermediate position 59 shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 and the cover position 58 shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. In this way, the cap cover 56 can be moved to different positions.

[0059] 2 and 3, the retracted position 57 is a position retracted from the first recovery cap 43. The retracted position 57 is a position away from the first recovery cap 43 in the vertical direction Z and the scanning direction X.

[0060] 6 and 7, the relay position 59 is a position spaced above the first collection cap 43 in the Z1 direction. The relay position 59 is at the same height as the retracted position 57 in the vertical direction Z. The relay position 59 is located higher in the second scanning direction X2 than the retracted position 57. The relay position 59 is located above the first collection cap 43 in the vertical direction Z in the Z1 direction.

[0061] 8 and 9, the cover position 58 is a position where the first recovery cap 43 is covered by covering the first recovery cap 43. The cover position 58 is the same position as the relay position 59 in the scanning direction X. The cover position 58 is a position Z2 below the relay position 59 in the vertical direction Z.

[0062] In this way, the cap cover 56 is configured to cover the first recovery cap 43 when positioned at the cover position 58. As a result, the cap cover 56 comes into contact with the first recovery cap 43 when positioned at the cover position 58. The cap cover 56 covers the first recovery cap 43 from above Z1 by moving from the relay position 59 to the cover position 58. As a result, the cap cover 56 covers the first recovery cap 43 from above Z1 while being in close contact with the first recovery cap 43.

[0063] 3, 7, and 9, the moving unit 50 is configured to move the cap cover 56 along a movement path. The moving unit 50 is configured to move the cap cover 56 along the vertical direction Z and the scanning direction X.

[0064] The moving unit 50 includes a first moving unit 51 and a second moving unit 52. The first moving unit 51 moves the cap cover 56 along the vertical direction Z. The first moving unit 51 supports the second moving unit 52 and the cap cover 56. The first moving unit 51 can move the second moving unit 52 and the cap cover 56 along the vertical direction Z. The first moving unit 51 may include, for example, an air cylinder.

[0065] The second moving unit 52 moves the cap cover 56 along the scanning direction X. The second moving unit 52 may move the cap cover 56 along the scanning direction X between the collection cap 36 arranged at the separated position 61 and the head 22 in the vertical direction Z. This allows the head 22 to move in the scanning direction X and the cap cover 56 to move in the scanning direction X simultaneously. The second moving unit 52 may include, for example, a motor 52a and a slide screw 52b. The motor 52a is a drive source that moves the cap cover 56 along the scanning direction X. The slide screw 52b supports the cap cover 56. The slide screw 52b can move the cap cover 56 along the scanning direction X by the driving force from the motor 52a.

[0066] <Operation of the cap cover 56> Here, the operation of the cap cover 56 will be described with reference to FIGS. In the liquid ejection device 10, the carriage 21 is disposed at a standby position 19 during standby operation. The head 22 is covered by a moisture retention cap 35 during standby operation. When performing a printing operation in response to an input print command, the control unit 14 controls the carriage 21 to move the head 22 to the printing region 17. When performing a printing operation, the control unit 14 controls the printing unit 12 to eject liquid from the head 22 in the printing region 17. When performing a printing operation, the control unit 14 controls the carriage 21 to move the head 22 along the scanning direction X, and controls the medium transport unit 11 to transport the medium 99 along the scanning direction X. In this way, printing is performed on the medium 99.

[0067] The control unit 14 performs a cleaning operation when the cleaning conditions are met. The cleaning conditions may be met at the start of a printing operation. The cleaning conditions may be met at the start of a printing operation when a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the previous cleaning. The cleaning conditions may be met at the start of a printing operation based on the printing conditions from the previous cleaning. The printing conditions may include at least one of the number of passes printed, the amount of liquid ejected in printing, and the number of sheets of media 99 printed on.

[0068] The following describes a specific example in which the cleaning conditions are met at the start of a printing operation. In this case, cleaning is performed in the following order: fifth head 22e, fourth head 22d, third head 22c, first head 22a, and second head 22b.

[0069] 8 and 9, before the cleaning condition is met, the cap cover 56 is located at the cover position 58. As a result, the first collection cap 43 is covered by the cap cover 56. The second collection cap 44 is not covered by the cap cover 56.

[0070] In this case, the moisture retention cap 35 is in a state of covering the head 22 located at the standby position 19. The first recovery cap 43 and the second recovery cap 44 are in a state of being disposed at the separated position 61.

[0071] When the cleaning conditions are met, the control unit 14 controls the elevator unit (not shown) to move the moisture retention cap 35 from a state in which it covers the head 22 to a state in which it is separated from the head 22. Then, the control unit 14 moves the carriage 21 in the second scanning direction X2. This causes cleaning of the fifth head 22e.

[0072] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, when performing the cleaning operation of the fifth head 22e, the control unit 14 controls the first moving unit 51 to move the cap cover 56 from the cover position 58 to the relay position 59 along the vertical direction Z.

[0073] 2 and 3, the control unit 14 controls the second moving unit 52 to move the cap cover 56 from the relay position 59 to the retracted position 57 along the scanning direction X. As a result, the cap cover 56 retracts from the first collecting cap 43.

[0074] With the first recovery cap 43 and the second recovery cap 44 disposed at the separated position 61, the control unit 14 moves the carriage 21 to a position where the fifth head 22e faces the first recovery cap 43 in the vertical direction Z.

[0075] 4 and 5, the control unit 14 controls the cap lifting unit 49 to move the first collection cap 43 from the separated position 61 to the capping position 62. In this state, the control unit 14 performs a cleaning operation for the fifth head 22e by driving the first suction pump 47. When the cleaning operation for the fifth head 22e is completed, the control unit 14 controls the cap lifting unit 49 to move the first collection cap 43 from the capping position 62 to the separated position 61.

[0076] Next, the control unit 14 moves the carriage 21 to a position where the fourth head 22d faces the first collection cap 43 in the vertical direction Z when performing the cleaning operation of the fourth head 22d.

[0077] The control unit 14 controls the cap lifting unit 49 to move the first collection cap 43 from the separated position 61 to the capping position 62. In this state, the control unit 14 performs a cleaning operation for the fourth head 22d by driving the first suction pump 47. When the cleaning operation for the fourth head 22d is completed, the control unit 14 controls the cap lifting unit 49 to move the first collection cap 43 from the capping position 62 to the separated position 61.

[0078] Next, the control unit 14 moves the carriage 21 to a position where the third head 22c faces the first collection cap 43 in the vertical direction Z when performing the cleaning operation of the third head 22c.

[0079] The control unit 14 controls the cap lifting unit 49 to move the first collection cap 43 from the separated position 61 to the capping position 62. In this state, the control unit 14 performs a cleaning operation for the third head 22c by driving the first suction pump 47. When the cleaning operation for the third head 22c is completed, the control unit 14 controls the cap lifting unit 49 to move the first collection cap 43 from the capping position 62 to the separated position 61.

[0080] Next, the control unit 14 moves the carriage 21 to a position where the first head 22a faces the first collection cap 43 in the vertical direction Z when performing the cleaning operation of the first head 22a.

[0081] The control unit 14 controls the cap lifting unit 49 to move the first collection cap 43 from the separated position 61 to the capping position 62. In this state, the control unit 14 performs a cleaning operation for the first head 22a by driving the first suction pump 47. When the cleaning operation for the first head 22a is completed, the control unit 14 controls the cap lifting unit 49 to move the first collection cap 43 from the capping position 62 to the separated position 61.

[0082] 6 and 7, when the cleaning operation of the first head 22a is completed, the control unit 14 controls the second moving unit 52 to move the cap cover 56 from the retracted position 57 to the relay position 59 along the scanning direction X. As a result, the cap cover 56 is positioned above the cover position 58 at Z1.

[0083] 8 and 9, the control unit 14 controls the first moving unit 51 to move the cap cover 56 from the relay position 59 to the cover position 58 along the vertical direction Z. As a result, the cap cover 56 is disposed at the cover position 58.

[0084] When performing the cleaning operation of the second head 22b, the control unit 14 moves the carriage 21 to a position where the second head 22b faces the second collection cap 44 in the vertical direction Z.

[0085] Thereafter, the control unit 14 controls the cap lifting unit 49 to move the second collection cap 44 from the separated position 61 to the cap position 62. In this state, the control unit 14 performs a cleaning operation for the second head 22b by driving the second suction pump 48. In this case, the cap cover 56 is positioned at the cover position 58 so as to cover the first collection cap 43.

[0086] When the cleaning operation of the second head 22b is completed, the control unit 14 controls the cap lifting unit 49 to move the second collection cap 44 from the cap position 62 to the separated position 61. This completes the cleaning of the head 22.

[0087] In this way, the cap cover 56 is placed at the cover position 58 except when the first collection cap 43 is performing a cleaning operation on the head 22. In other words, the cap cover 56 is placed at the cover position 58 when the head 22 is in a standby operation.

[0088] Specifically, the cap cover 56 is disposed at the cover position 58 when the first head 22a is in standby mode. The cap cover 56 is disposed at the cover position 58 when the second head 22b is in standby mode. The cap cover 56 is disposed at the cover position 58 when the second recovery cap 44 is performing a cleaning operation on the second head 22b.

[0089] <Actions and Effects of the First Embodiment> The operation and effects of the first embodiment will be described. (1-1) The cap cover 56 is positioned in the cover position 58 when the head 22 is in standby mode. According to this configuration, the cap cover 56 is positioned in the cover position 58 when the head 22 is in standby mode and covered by the moisture retention cap 35. This reduces the chance that the inside of the first recovery cap 43 is exposed to the atmosphere, even when both the moisture retention cap 35 and the recovery cap 36 are provided, thereby preventing the inside of the first recovery cap 43 from drying out. This prevents liquid from solidifying inside the first recovery cap 43.

[0090] (1-2) The liquid ejection device 10 includes a first moving unit 51 that moves the cap cover 56 along the vertical direction Z, and a second moving unit 52 that moves the cap cover 56 along the scanning direction X. With this configuration, the cap cover 56 can be retracted not only in the vertical direction Z, but also along the scanning direction X. This allows the cap cover 56 to be retracted so that it does not interfere when the first recovery cap 43 covers the head 22.

[0091] In addition, by moving the cap cover 56 in the vertical direction Z relative to the first recovery cap 43, it is possible to improve the adhesion performance of the cap cover 56 to the first recovery cap 43. Therefore, it is possible to prevent liquid from solidifying inside the first recovery cap 43.

[0092] (1-3) The first recovery cap 43 and the second recovery cap 44 are aligned in the scanning direction X, and the cap cover 56 is positioned at the cover position 58 covering the first recovery cap 43 when the second recovery cap 44 is performing a cleaning operation on the second head 22b. With this configuration, the cap cover 56 is positioned at the cover position 58 covering the first recovery cap 43 even when the second recovery cap 44 is performing a cleaning operation on the second head 22b. This reduces the chance that the inside of the first recovery cap 43 will be exposed to the atmosphere, even when the moisture retention cap 35, the first recovery cap 43, and the second recovery cap 44 are each provided. This makes it possible to prevent liquid from solidifying inside the first recovery cap 43. In addition, this makes it possible to prevent reaction liquid dripping from the second head 22b from being received by the first recovery cap 43. This makes it possible to prevent liquid from solidifying inside the first recovery cap 43.

[0093] (1-4) The cap cover 56 does not cover the second recovery cap 44. With this configuration, the cap cover 56 does not need to be moved to the second recovery cap 44, which recovers the reaction liquid, which is more difficult to dry than ink, from the second head 22b, and there is no need to provide a separate cap cover 56. This makes it possible to prevent the liquid from solidifying inside the first recovery cap 43, and also to prevent the liquid ejection device 10 from becoming larger.

[0094] (1-5) The first recovery cap 43 is provided between the second recovery cap 44 and the first wiping unit 33 in the scanning direction X. With this configuration, the first wiping unit 33 can wipe the liquid from the heads 22. In particular, after the liquid is recovered into the first recovery cap 43 from the heads 22 that eject ink, including the first head 22a, the first wiping unit 33, which is aligned with the first recovery cap 43 in the scanning direction X, can wipe the liquid from the heads 22. This makes it possible to prevent the liquid from dripping inside the liquid ejection device 10.

[0095] (1-6) The liquid discharge device 10 includes a first suction pump 47 that sucks the liquid received in the first recovery cap 43. With this configuration, the first suction pump 47 can suck the liquid that has adhered to the inside of the first recovery cap 43. This makes it difficult for the liquid to remain inside the first recovery cap 43. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the liquid from solidifying inside the first recovery cap 43.

[0096] (1-7) The first surface 56a is a water-repellent surface. With this configuration, when the cap cover 56 covers the first recovery cap 43, adhesion of liquid to the first surface 56a can be suppressed. This can prevent the liquid from dripping inside the liquid ejection device 10. In addition, it can prevent the liquid that has adhered to the first surface 56a from solidifying. Therefore, it can prevent a decrease in the adhesion performance between the cap cover 56 and the first recovery cap 43.

[0097] (1-8) The cap cover 56 is positioned at the cover position 58 during standby operation of the first head 22a and standby operation of the second head 22b. According to this configuration, during standby operation in which the first head 22a is covered by the first moisture retention cap 35a and the second head 22b is covered by the second moisture retention cap 35b, the cap cover 56 is positioned at the cover position 58, covering the first recovery cap 43. This reduces the chance of the inside of the first recovery cap 43 being exposed to the atmosphere, even when the moisture retention cap 35, the first recovery cap 43, and the second recovery cap 44 are each provided. This prevents liquid from solidifying inside the first recovery cap 43.

[0098] (1-9) The first recovery cap 43 can be shared during cleaning operations for the first head 22 a, the third head 22 c, the fourth head 22 d, and the fifth head 22 e. This prevents liquid from adhering to the inside of the first recovery cap 43 and prevents the device from becoming larger.

[0099] [Second embodiment] Next, a second embodiment will be described. In the following description, the same configuration as in the already described embodiment will be omitted or simplified, and only the configuration different from the already described embodiment will be described.

[0100] <Function of the second wiping unit 64> As shown in FIG. 10 , in the second embodiment, the maintenance device 13 may include a second wiping unit 64. The second wiping unit 64 is provided at a position along the movement path of the cap cover 56. Specifically, the second wiping unit 64 is provided on the path of the cap cover 56 between the relay position 59 and the retracted position 57, below the path by a distance Z2. This allows the second wiping unit 64 to wipe liquid from the first surface 56a as the cap cover 56 moves. In this way, when the cap cover 56 covers the first collection cap 43 at the cover position 58, the second wiping unit 64 can wipe liquid adhering to the first surface 56a while the cap cover 56 is moving.

[0101] The second wiping portion 64 is preferably made of an elastic material such as silicone. This allows the second wiping portion 64 to wipe the first surface 56a while being bent in the scanning direction X as the cap cover 56 moves in the scanning direction X. More specifically, when the cap cover 56 moves in the first scanning direction X1, the second wiping portion 64 bends in the first scanning direction X1. When the cap cover 56 moves in the second scanning direction X2, the second wiping portion 64 bends in the second scanning direction X2. In other words, the second wiping portion 64 may bend in the direction of movement of the cap cover 56.

[0102] When the cap cover 56 moves downward Z2 from the relay position 59 to the cover position 58, the second wiping part 64 may bend in the scanning direction X by coming into contact with the first surface 56a. This prevents the second wiping part 64 from interfering with the descent of the cap cover 56 downward Z2. The liquid wiped by the second wiping part 64 may be discharged as waste liquid to a waste liquid storage part (not shown).

[0103] <Actions and Effects of the Second Embodiment> The operation and effects of the second embodiment will be described. (2-1) The second wiping unit 64 is configured to wipe liquid from the first surface 56a. With this configuration, even if liquid adheres to the first surface 56a, the second wiping unit 64 can wipe the liquid adhered to the first surface 56a. This prevents the liquid adhered to the first surface 56a from dripping inside the liquid ejection device 10. In addition, it prevents the liquid adhered to the first surface 56a from solidifying. This prevents a decrease in the adhesion between the cap cover 56 and the first recovery cap 43.

[0104] (2-2) The second wiping unit 64 is provided at a position along the movement path of the cap cover 56, and wipes liquid from the first surface 56a as the cap cover 56 moves. With this configuration, even if liquid adheres to the first surface 56a, the liquid adhering to the first surface 56a can be wiped away as the cap cover 56 moves. This makes it possible to prevent the liquid adhering to the first surface 56a from dripping inside the liquid ejection device 10, even without separately moving the cap cover 56 to wipe off the liquid adhering to the first surface 56a. In addition, it is possible to prevent a decrease in the adhesion between the cap cover 56 and the first recovery cap 43.

[0105] [Third embodiment] Next, a third embodiment will be described. <Configuration of cleaning unit 70> 11 , in the third embodiment, the maintenance device 13 may include a cleaning unit 70. The cleaning unit 70 is configured to clean the inside of the first recovery cap 43. The cleaning unit 70 cleans the inside of the first recovery cap 43 by discharging a cleaning liquid into the inside of the first recovery cap 43. The cleaning liquid may be, for example, water.

[0106] The cleaning unit 70 is composed of a cleaning tank 71 and a cleaning nozzle 72. The cleaning tank 71 is configured to store cleaning liquid. The cleaning nozzle 72 is configured to be able to spray the cleaning liquid stored in the cleaning tank 71 onto the first recovery cap 43.

[0107] Specifically, the cleaning nozzle 72 may be provided so as to be movable in the scanning direction X. The cleaning nozzle 72 may be moved in the second scanning direction X2 to be positioned so as to cover the first collection cap 43. The cleaning nozzle 72 may eject cleaning liquid into the inside of the first collection cap 43 at a position so as to cover the first collection cap 43. On the other hand, when cleaning of the first collection cap 43 is not performed, the cleaning nozzle 72 may be moved in the first scanning direction X1 to be retracted from the first collection cap 43.

[0108] When the first recovery cap 43 is cleaned by the cleaning unit 70, cleaning liquid ejected from the cleaning unit 70 into the inside of the first recovery cap 43 washes away ink from the inside of the first recovery cap 43 into the first flow path 45. This cleans the inside of the first recovery cap 43. The liquid washed away from the inside of the first recovery cap 43 may be discharged as waste liquid to a waste liquid storage unit (not shown) via the first flow path 45 and the first suction pump 47.

[0109] When moving the cap cover 56 from the retracted position 57 to the cover position 58, the control unit 14 controls the cleaning unit 70 to clean the inside of the first collection cap 43 before the cap cover 56 arrives at the cover position 58. In particular, when moving the cap cover 56 from the retracted position 57 to the cover position 58, the control unit 14 may control the cleaning unit 70 to clean the inside of the first collection cap 43 while the cap cover 56 is positioned at the retracted position 57. When moving the cap cover 56 from the retracted position 57 to the cover position 58, the control unit 14 may control the cleaning unit 70 to clean the inside of the first collection cap 43 while the cap cover 56 is moving from the retracted position 57 to the cover position 58.

[0110] <Actions and Effects of the Third Embodiment> The operation and effects of the third embodiment will be described. (3-1) The liquid ejection device 10 includes a cleaning unit 70 that cleans the inside of the first recovery cap 43. With this configuration, the inside of the first recovery cap 43 can be cleaned by the cleaning unit 70. This makes it difficult for liquid to remain inside the first recovery cap 43. Therefore, it is possible to prevent liquid from solidifying inside the first recovery cap 43.

[0111] [Fourth embodiment] Next, a fourth embodiment will be described. <Operation of the cap cover 56> In the fourth embodiment, cleaning may be performed in the order of the second head 22b, the first head 22a, the third head 22c, the fourth head 22d, and the fifth head 22e. Below, a specific example will be described in which the cleaning conditions are met at the start of a printing operation.

[0112] 8 and 9, before the cleaning condition is met, the cap cover 56 is located at the cover position 58. As a result, the first collection cap 43 is covered by the cap cover 56. The second collection cap 44 is not covered by the cap cover 56. In this case, the first collection cap 43 and the second collection cap 44 are located at the separated position 61.

[0113] When the cleaning condition is met and the cleaning operation of the second head 22b is to be performed, the control unit 14 moves the carriage 21 to a position where the second head 22b faces the second collection cap 44 in the vertical direction Z.

[0114] Thereafter, the control unit 14 controls the cap lifting unit 49 to move the second collection cap 44 from the separated position 61 to the cap position 62. In this state, the control unit 14 performs a cleaning operation for the second head 22b by driving the second suction pump 48. In this case, the cap cover 56 is positioned at the cover position 58 so as to cover the first collection cap 43.

[0115] When the cleaning operation of the second head 22 b is completed, the control unit 14 controls the cap lifting unit 49 to move the second collection cap 44 from the cap position 62 to the separated position 61 .

[0116] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, when performing a cleaning operation for the first head 22a, the control unit 14 controls the first moving unit 51 to move the cap cover 56 from the cover position 58 to the relay position 59 along the vertical direction Z.

[0117] 2 and 3, the control unit 14 controls the second moving unit 52 to move the cap cover 56 from the relay position 59 to the retracted position 57 along the scanning direction X. As a result, the cap cover 56 retracts from the first collecting cap 43.

[0118] With the first recovery cap 43 and the second recovery cap 44 disposed at the separated position 61, the control unit 14 moves the carriage 21 to a position where the first head 22a faces the first recovery cap 43 in the vertical direction Z.

[0119] 4 and 5, the control unit 14 controls the cap lifting unit 49 to move the first collection cap 43 from the separated position 61 to the capping position 62. In this state, the control unit 14 performs a cleaning operation for the first head 22a by driving the first suction pump 47. When the cleaning operation for the first head 22a is completed, the control unit 14 controls the cap lifting unit 49 to move the first collection cap 43 from the capping position 62 to the separated position 61.

[0120] Next, the control unit 14 moves the carriage 21 to a position where the third head 22c faces the first collection cap 43 in the vertical direction Z when performing the cleaning operation of the third head 22c.

[0121] The control unit 14 controls the cap lifting unit 49 to move the first collection cap 43 from the separated position 61 to the capping position 62. In this state, the control unit 14 performs a cleaning operation for the third head 22c by driving the first suction pump 47. When the cleaning operation for the third head 22c is completed, the control unit 14 controls the cap lifting unit 49 to move the first collection cap 43 from the capping position 62 to the separated position 61.

[0122] Next, the control unit 14 moves the carriage 21 to a position where the fourth head 22d faces the first collection cap 43 in the vertical direction Z when performing the cleaning operation of the fourth head 22d.

[0123] The control unit 14 controls the cap lifting unit 49 to move the first collection cap 43 from the separated position 61 to the capping position 62. In this state, the control unit 14 performs a cleaning operation for the fourth head 22d by driving the first suction pump 47. When the cleaning operation for the fourth head 22d is completed, the control unit 14 controls the cap lifting unit 49 to move the first collection cap 43 from the capping position 62 to the separated position 61.

[0124] Next, the control unit 14 moves the carriage 21 to a position where the fifth head 22e faces the first collection cap 43 in the vertical direction Z when performing the cleaning operation for the fifth head 22e.

[0125] The control unit 14 controls the cap lifting unit 49 to move the first collection cap 43 from the separated position 61 to the capping position 62. In this state, the control unit 14 performs a cleaning operation for the fifth head 22e by driving the first suction pump 47. When the cleaning operation for the fifth head 22e is completed, the control unit 14 controls the cap lifting unit 49 to move the first collection cap 43 from the capping position 62 to the separated position 61. This completes the cleaning of the head 22.

[0126] 6 and 7, when the cleaning operation of the fifth head 22e is completed, the control unit 14 controls the second moving unit 52 to move the cap cover 56 from the retracted position 57 to the relay position 59 along the scanning direction X. As a result, the cap cover 56 is positioned above the cover position 58 at Z1.

[0127] 8 and 9, the control unit 14 controls the first moving unit 51 to move the cap cover 56 from the relay position 59 to the cover position 58 along the vertical direction Z. As a result, the cap cover 56 is disposed at the cover position 58.

[0128] [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.

[0129] In the third embodiment, the cleaning unit 70 may be mounted on the carriage 21 together with the multiple heads 22. The cleaning unit 70 may be configured to reverse the flow of cleaning liquid from inside the first recovery cap 43. The maintenance device 13 may be equipped with a mechanism for recovering cleaning liquid that has overflowed from the first recovery cap 43. The cleaning liquid is water, but is not limited to this.

[0130] The cleaning conditions may be met during a printing operation. The cleaning conditions may be met during a printing operation when a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the previous cleaning. The cleaning conditions may be met during a printing operation based on the printing conditions from the previous cleaning. In such cases, when the cleaning conditions are met, the control unit 14 moves the carriage 21 from the printing area 17 to the maintenance area 18. After the cleaning operation is completed, the control unit 14 moves the carriage 21 to the printing area 17 again.

[0131] The cleaning conditions may be met at the end of the printing operation. The cleaning conditions may be met when a predetermined period of time has passed since the previous cleaning at the end of the printing operation. The cleaning conditions may be met at the end of the printing operation based on the printing conditions from the previous cleaning. In such cases, when the cleaning conditions are met, the control unit 14 moves the carriage 21 from the printing area 17 to the maintenance area 18. After the cleaning operation is completed, the control unit 14 moves the carriage 21 to the standby position 19. The control unit 14 controls the lifting unit so that the moisture retention cap 35 covers the head 22.

[0132] The multiple heads 22 may be arranged in any order in the scanning direction X. For example, the first head 22a may be arranged further in the first scanning direction X1 than the second head 22b. For example, the first head 22a may be arranged closest to the first scanning direction X1.

[0133] The second head 22b may be configured to eject ink. At least one of the first head 22a, the third head 22c, the fourth head 22d, and the fifth head 22e may be configured to eject a reaction liquid. In other words, the first liquid, the second liquid, and the third liquid may be any combination. For example, the first liquid, the second liquid, and the third liquid may all be ink.

[0134] The liquid ejection device 10 may include one or more heads 22. The liquid ejection device 10 may include one, two to four, or six or more heads 22. The heads 22 may be covered by a first recovery cap 43 or a second recovery cap 44.

[0135] The liquid ejection device 10 may include one or three or more recovery caps 36. The liquid ejection device 10 may include one, two to four, or six or more moisture retention caps 35. The second collection cap 44 may be provided between the first collection cap 43 and the first wiping unit 33 in the scanning direction X. The moisture retention cap 35 may be provided further from the flushing unit 34 in the second scanning direction X2.

[0136] When there are multiple collection caps 36 in the same number as multiple heads 22, the collection caps 36 may be configured to simultaneously perform suction cleaning of multiple heads 22. The collection caps 36 may be used during a pressurized cleaning operation, which is an example of a cleaning operation. In other words, the collection caps 36 may be controlled to be positioned at the cover position 58 when performing a cleaning operation on the heads 22.

[0137] The cap cover 56 may cover the second recovery cap 44. The cap cover 56 may be configured to selectively cover one of the multiple recovery caps 36. The liquid ejection device 10 may be provided with multiple cap covers 56. In this case, each of the multiple cap covers 56 may be configured to cover one recovery cap 36, or may be configured to selectively cover one of the multiple recovery caps 36. For example, the liquid ejection device 10 may be provided with the same number of recovery caps 36 as the number of heads 22. In this case, the cap covers 56 corresponding to the recovery caps 36 that are to be cleaned are positioned at the retracted position 57. The cap covers 56 corresponding to the recovery caps 36 that are not to be cleaned are positioned at the cover position 58.

[0138] The second moving unit 52 may move the cap cover 56 along the intersecting direction Y. The second moving unit 52 may move the cap cover 56 in a direction intersecting the vertical direction Z that is not aligned with the scanning direction X and not aligned with the intersecting direction Y. In other words, the second moving unit 52 may move the cap cover 56 along a horizontal direction intersecting the vertical direction Z. The second moving unit 52 may move the cap cover 56 by rotating the cap cover 56 around the vertical direction Z. The first moving unit 51 may move the cap cover 56 along the scanning direction X, and the second moving unit 52 may move the cap cover 56 along the vertical direction Z. The moving unit 50 may not include either the first moving unit 51 or the second moving unit 52.

[0139] The medium 99 may be paper, a resin film or sheet, a resin-metal composite film, a laminate film, a woven fabric, a nonwoven fabric, a metal foil, a metal film, a ceramic sheet, clothing, or the like.

[0140] The liquid can be any liquid that can be printed on the medium 99 by adhering to the medium 99. 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.

[0141] Although a lateral printer is used as the liquid ejection device 10, this is not limiting. For example, a line printer may be used as the liquid ejection device 10. A line printer is a printer that extends in the cross direction Y and is capable of ejecting liquid simultaneously onto the entire medium 99 in the cross direction Y. For example, a serial printer may be used as the liquid ejection device 10. A serial printer is a printer that is capable of ejecting liquid onto the medium 99 while moving in the scanning direction X. In this case, the medium 99 may be transported in the cross direction Y.

[0142] 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.

[0143] [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.

[0144] [1] A liquid ejection device includes a head having a nozzle surface with multiple nozzles opening therein for ejecting liquid, a moisturizing cap that moisturizes the head by covering the nozzle surface when the head is in standby mode, a recovery cap that recovers liquid from the head by covering the nozzle surface when the head is in cleaning mode, and a cap cover that is movable between a cover position that covers the recovery cap and a retracted position different from the cover position, and the cap cover is positioned in the cover position when the head is in standby mode.

[0145] According to this configuration, when the head is in standby mode and covered by the moisture retention cap, the cap cover is positioned to cover the recovery cap. This reduces the chance of the interior of the recovery cap being exposed to the atmosphere, even when both the moisture retention cap and the recovery cap are provided, thereby preventing the interior of the recovery cap from drying out. This prevents liquid from solidifying inside the recovery cap.

[0146] [2] The liquid ejection device may include a first moving unit that moves the cap cover along a vertical direction, and a second moving unit that moves the cap cover along a horizontal direction that intersects with the vertical direction.

[0147] With this configuration, the cap cover can be retracted not only vertically but also horizontally, so that the cap cover does not interfere with the recovery cap when it covers the head.

[0148] In addition, by moving the cap cover vertically relative to the collection cap, the adhesion of the cap cover to the collection cap can be improved, thereby preventing liquid from adhering to the inside of the collection cap.

[0149] [3] The liquid ejection device includes a second head having a second nozzle surface in which a plurality of second nozzles that eject a reaction liquid are opened, and a second recovery cap that recovers the reaction liquid, wherein the head is a first head having a first nozzle surface in which a plurality of first nozzles that eject ink are opened, and the recovery cap is a first recovery cap that recovers ink as a liquid, the first recovery cap and the second recovery cap are aligned in a scanning direction that intersects with the vertical direction, and the cap cover is positioned in the cover position to cover the first recovery cap during a cleaning operation of the second head by the second recovery cap.

[0150] According to this configuration, even when the second recovery cap is performing a cleaning operation on the second head, the cap cover is positioned in a cover position that covers the first recovery cap. This reduces the chance of the inside of the first recovery cap being exposed to the atmosphere, even when a moisture retention cap, a first recovery cap, and a second recovery cap are each provided. This makes it possible to prevent liquid from solidifying inside the first recovery cap. In addition, it makes it possible to prevent reaction liquid dripping from the second head from being received by the first recovery cap. This makes it possible to prevent liquid from solidifying inside the first recovery cap.

[0151] [4] In the liquid ejection device, the cap cover may not cover the second recovery cap. With this configuration, the cap cover does not need to be moved and a separate cap cover does not need to be provided for the second recovery cap, which recovers the reaction liquid from the head because it is harder to dry than the ink. This prevents the liquid from solidifying inside the first recovery cap and prevents the device from becoming larger.

[0152] [5] The liquid ejection device may include a first wiping unit that wipes the liquid from the head, and the first recovery cap may be provided between the second recovery cap and the first wiping unit in the scanning direction.

[0153] According to this configuration, the first wiping unit can wipe the liquid from the head. In particular, after the liquid has been collected from the first head into the first collection cap, the first wiping unit can wipe the liquid from the first head. This can prevent the liquid from dripping inside the device.

[0154] [6] The liquid discharge device may include a suction pump that sucks the liquid received in the recovery cap. With this configuration, the suction pump can suck up the liquid adhering to the inside of the collection cap, which makes it difficult for the liquid to remain inside the collection cap, thereby preventing the liquid from solidifying inside the collection cap.

[0155] [7] The liquid ejection device may include a cleaning unit that cleans the inside of the recovery cap. According to this configuration, the inside of the collection cap can be cleaned by the cleaning unit, which makes it difficult for liquid to remain inside the collection cap, thereby preventing liquid from solidifying inside the collection cap.

[0156] [8] In the liquid ejection device, the cap cover may have a first surface that covers the recovery cap when the cap cover is placed in the cover position, and the first surface may be a water-repellent surface.

[0157] According to this configuration, when the cap cover covers the collection cap, adhesion of liquid to the first surface can be suppressed. This can prevent the liquid from dripping inside the device. In addition, it can prevent the liquid adhering to the first surface from solidifying. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a decrease in the adhesion performance between the cap cover and the collection cap.

[0158] [9] The liquid ejection device may include a second wiping unit that wipes away liquid, and the cap cover may have a first surface that covers the recovery cap when positioned in the cover position, and the second wiping unit may wipe away liquid from the first surface.

[0159] According to this configuration, even if liquid adheres to the first surface, the liquid adhering to the first surface can be wiped away as the cap cover moves. This prevents the liquid adhering to the first surface from dripping inside the device. In addition, it prevents the liquid adhering to the first surface from solidifying. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a decrease in the adhesion performance between the cap cover and the collection cap.

[0160]

[10] In the liquid ejection device, the second wiping unit may be provided at a position along a movement path of the cap cover, and may wipe the liquid from the first surface as the cap cover moves.

[0161] With this configuration, even if liquid adheres to the first surface, the liquid can be wiped off as the cap cover moves. This prevents the liquid adhering to the first surface from dripping inside the device and also prevents a decrease in the adhesion between the cap cover and the collection cap, without having to separately move the cap cover to wipe off the liquid adhering to the first surface.

[0162]

[11] The above-mentioned liquid ejection device comprises a second head having a second nozzle surface in which a plurality of second nozzles that eject a second liquid are open, a second moisturizing cap that covers the second nozzle surface during the standby operation of the second head, and a second recovery cap that recovers the second liquid, wherein the head is a first head having a first nozzle surface in which a plurality of first nozzles that eject a first liquid are open, the moisturizing cap is a first moisturizing cap that covers the first nozzle surface during the standby operation of the first head, and the recovery cap is a first recovery cap that recovers ink as a liquid, and the cap cover may be positioned in the cover position during the standby operation of the first head and the standby operation of the second head.

[0163] With this configuration, during standby operation in which the first head is covered by the first moisture retention cap and the second head is covered by the second moisture retention cap, the cap cover is positioned in a cover position that covers the first recovery cap. This reduces the chance of the inside of the first recovery cap being exposed to the atmosphere, even when a moisture retention cap, first recovery cap, and second recovery cap are each provided. This makes it possible to prevent liquid from solidifying inside the first recovery cap.

[0164]

[12] The above-mentioned liquid ejection device comprises a third head having a third nozzle surface in which a plurality of third nozzles that eject a third liquid are open, and a third moisturizing cap that covers the third nozzle surface during the standby operation of the third head, wherein the head is a first head having a first nozzle surface in which a plurality of first nozzles that eject a first liquid are open, the moisturizing cap is a first moisturizing cap that covers the first nozzle surface during the standby operation of the first head, and the recovery cap may recover liquid from the head by covering the nozzle surface during a cleaning operation of the first head and a cleaning operation of the third head.

[0165] This configuration allows the recovery cap to be shared during the cleaning operation for the first head and the cleaning operation for the third head, thereby preventing liquid from adhering to the inside of the recovery cap and preventing the device from becoming larger.

[0166]

[13] A maintenance device for performing maintenance on a head having a nozzle surface through which a plurality of nozzles for ejecting liquid are opened, the maintenance device comprising: a moisture retention cap that moisturizes the head by covering the nozzle surface when the head is in a standby state; a recovery cap that recovers liquid from the head by covering the nozzle surface when the head is in a cleaning state; and a cap cover that is movable between a cover position that covers the recovery cap and a retracted position different from the cover position, the cap cover being positioned at the cover position when the head is in the standby state. This configuration can achieve the same effect as [1]. [Explanation of symbols]

[0167] 10...liquid ejection device, 11...medium transport unit, 12...printing unit, 13...maintenance device, 14...control unit, 15...medium support unit, 16...transport roller, 17...printing area, 18...maintenance area, 19...standby position, 21...carriage, 22...head, 22a...first head, 22b...second head, 22c...third head, 22d...fourth head, 22e...fifth head, 23...pressure unit, 24...nozzle surface, 24a...first nozzle surface, 24 b...second nozzle surface, 24c...third nozzle surface, 24d...fourth nozzle surface, 24e...fifth nozzle surface, 25...nozzle, 25a...first nozzle, 25b...second nozzle, 25c...third nozzle, 25d...fourth nozzle, 25e...fifth nozzle, 31...moisturizing unit, 32...cleaning unit, 33...first wiping unit, 34...flushing unit, 35...moisturizing cap, 35a...first moisturizing cap, 35b...second moisturizing cap, 35c...third moisturizing cap, 35d...fourth moisturizing cap, 35e...fifth moisturizing cap, 36...recovery cap, 37...flow path, 38...suction pump, 41...first cleaning unit, 42...second cleaning unit, 43...first recovery cap, 44...second recovery cap, 45...first flow path, 46...second flow path, 47...first suction pump, 48...second suction pump, 49...cap lifting unit, 50...moving unit, 51...first moving unit, 52...second moving unit, 52a...motor, 52 b...slide screw, 56...cap cover, 56a...first surface, 57...retracted position, 58...cover position, 59...relay position, 61...separated position, 62...cap position, 64...second wiping section, 70...cleaning section, 71...cleaning tank, 72...cleaning nozzle, 99...medium, 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.

Claims

1. a head having a nozzle surface in which a plurality of nozzles for ejecting liquid are opened; a moisture retention cap that retains moisture in the head by covering the nozzle surface during standby operation of the head; a recovery cap that recovers liquid from the head by covering the nozzle surface during a cleaning operation of the head; a cap cover that is movable between a cover position that covers the collection cap and a retracted position that is different from the cover position, the cap cover is disposed at the cover position during the standby operation of the head; A liquid ejection device characterized by:

2. The liquid ejection device according to claim 1 , a first moving unit that moves the cap cover in a vertical direction; a second moving unit that moves the cap cover along a horizontal direction that intersects with the vertical direction, A liquid ejection device characterized by:

3. 3. The liquid ejection device according to claim 1, a second head having a second nozzle surface in which a plurality of second nozzles for ejecting the reaction liquid are opened; a second recovery cap for recovering the reaction liquid; the head is a first head having a first nozzle surface in which a plurality of first nozzles for ejecting ink are opened, the recovery cap is a first recovery cap that recovers ink as a liquid, the first collection cap and the second collection cap are aligned in a scanning direction that intersects with a vertical direction, the cap cover is disposed at the cover position to cover the first collection cap during a cleaning operation of the second head by the second collection cap; A liquid ejection device characterized by:

4. The liquid ejection device according to claim 3, the cap cover does not cover the second collection cap; A liquid ejection device characterized by:

5. The liquid ejection device according to claim 3, a first wiping unit that wipes liquid from the head; the first collecting cap is provided between the second collecting cap and the first wiping unit in the scanning direction; A liquid ejection device characterized by:

6. 3. The liquid ejection device according to claim 1, a suction pump that sucks the liquid received in the collection cap; A liquid ejection device characterized by:

7. 3. The liquid ejection device according to claim 1, a cleaning unit that cleans the inside of the collection cap; A liquid ejection device characterized by:

8. 3. The liquid ejection device according to claim 1, the cap cover has a first surface that covers the collection cap when the cap cover is disposed in the cover position; The first surface is a water-repellent surface. A liquid ejection device characterized by:

9. 3. The liquid ejection device according to claim 1, a second wiping unit that wipes away the liquid; the cap cover has a first surface that covers the collection cap when the cap cover is disposed in the cover position; The second wiping section wipes liquid from the first surface. A liquid ejection device characterized by:

10. 10. The liquid ejection device according to claim 9, the second wiping unit is provided at a position along a movement path of the cap cover, and wipes the liquid from the first surface as the cap cover moves. A liquid ejection device characterized by:

11. 3. The liquid ejection device according to claim 1, a second head having a second nozzle surface in which a plurality of second nozzles for ejecting a second liquid are opened; a second moisture retention cap that covers the second nozzle surface during the standby operation of the second head; a second recovery cap for recovering the second liquid; the head is a first head having a first nozzle surface in which a plurality of first nozzles for ejecting a first liquid are opened, the moisture retention cap is a first moisture retention cap that covers the first nozzle surface during the standby operation of the first head, the recovery cap is a first recovery cap that recovers ink as a liquid, the cap cover is disposed at the cover position during the standby operation of the first head and the standby operation of the second head. A liquid ejection device characterized by:

12. 3. The liquid ejection device according to claim 1, a third head having a third nozzle surface in which a plurality of third nozzles for ejecting a third liquid are opened; a third moisture retention cap that covers the third nozzle surface during the standby operation of the third head, the head is a first head having a first nozzle surface in which a plurality of first nozzles for ejecting a first liquid are opened, the moisture retention cap is a first moisture retention cap that covers the first nozzle surface during the standby operation of the first head, the recovery cap recovers liquid from the heads by covering the nozzle surfaces during a cleaning operation for the first head and a cleaning operation for the third head. A liquid ejection device characterized by:

13. A maintenance device for performing maintenance on a head having a nozzle surface on which a plurality of nozzles for ejecting liquid are opened, a moisture retention cap that retains moisture in the head by covering the nozzle surface during standby operation of the head; a recovery cap that recovers liquid from the head by covering the nozzle surface during a cleaning operation of the head; a cap cover that is movable between a cover position that covers the collection cap and a retracted position that is different from the cover position, the cap cover is disposed at the cover position during the standby operation of the head; A maintenance device characterized by:

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