inkjet printer

Abstract

In inkjet printers with adjustable scan speed, the aim is to reduce printing time, including flushing, and to miniaturize the ink receiving component. [Solution] The inkjet printer 1 is configured to perform a first flushing mode and a second flushing mode. In the first flushing mode, the ink head 50 is moved at a first speed while a first flushing operation is performed in which ink is ejected from the nozzles of nozzle row 55H, and after a first hour has elapsed since the start of the first flushing operation, a second flushing operation is performed in which ink is ejected from the nozzles of nozzle row 55G. In the second flushing mode, the ink head 50 is moved at a second speed while a first flushing operation is performed in which ink is ejected from the nozzles of nozzle row 55H, and after a second hour has elapsed since the start of the first flushing operation, a second flushing operation is performed in which ink is ejected from the nozzles of nozzle row 55G. The second speed is lower than the first speed, and the second time is longer than the first time.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an inkjet printer.

Background Art

[0002] In an inkjet printer, since the ink in the nozzles of the ink head is exposed to air, the ink may thicken in the nozzles due to drying. However, if the ink in the nozzles thickens, there is a risk of poor ink ejection. Therefore, conventionally, in order to prevent poor ink ejection, flushing is performed before the start of printing or during printing (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Here, flushing means forcibly ejecting ink from the nozzles onto an ink receiving member. By performing flushing, the thickened ink is discharged onto the ink receiving member, so that the viscosity of the ink in the nozzles can be kept appropriate. Therefore, poor ejection can be prevented.

[0003] The ink receiving member is disposed on the side of the platen that supports the recording medium. When performing flushing during printing, the ink head moves from a position directly above the platen (hereinafter referred to as the printing position) to a position directly above the ink receiving member (hereinafter referred to as the flushing position). Then, after performing flushing, the ink head reverses its traveling direction and moves from the flushing position to the printing position.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] For example, as shown in Figure 8, suppose the ink head 200 has nozzle rows A, B, C, and D. If the ink head 200 is stopped in the flushing position and ink is ejected simultaneously from all nozzle rows, a relatively large ink receiving member 250 with a width of W250 is required. Also, the ink head 200 must be stopped in the flushing position from the start to the end of the flushing process. Therefore, if flushing is performed in the middle of printing, the time required for printing will be increased.

[0006] On the other hand, as shown in Figures 9(a) to (d), a method is known in which the ink head 200 is moved while sequentially flushing each nozzle row. By delaying the timing of ink ejection in the order of row D → row C → row B → row A by a predetermined time, sequential flushing can be performed for each nozzle row. In this case, the width W250 of the ink receiving member 250 can be made relatively small. Also, since it is not necessary to stop the ink head 200 at the flushing position, the printing time including flushing can be shortened.

[0007] Incidentally, inkjet printers capable of executing multiple printing modes with different ink head movement speeds (hereinafter referred to as scan speeds) are known. For example, in addition to a standard printing mode, there are inkjet printers that can execute a high-speed printing mode with a relatively high scan speed and a high-quality printing mode with a relatively low scan speed. When the above method is attempted with such an inkjet printer, if the scan speed is slow, the ejected ink may spill out of the ink receiving component.

[0008] For example, as shown in Figure 10(a), suppose the ink head 200 moves to the right and ejects ink from column D, and then ejects ink from column C after a predetermined time. In this case, as shown in Figure 10(b), when the scan speed is V10, the ink ejected from column C is received by the ink receiving member 250. However, as shown in Figure 10(c), when the scan speed is V20, which is less than V10, ink may be ejected from column C before it reaches directly above the ink receiving member 250. In this case, the ink ejected from column C will spill out to the left of the ink receiving member 250.

[0009] To prevent ink from bleeding even at slow scanning speeds, the ink receiving member 250 must be extended to the left, as shown in Figure 10(d). However, this presents the challenge of increasing the size of the ink receiving member 250.

[0010] This invention has been made in view of the above, and its purpose is to shorten the printing time, including flushing, and to miniaturize the ink receiving member in an inkjet printer with a changeable scanning speed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] The inkjet printer disclosed herein includes an ink head having a first nozzle row and a second nozzle row, each having a plurality of nozzles for ejecting ink arranged in a first direction; a head moving mechanism for moving the ink head in a second direction at least perpendicular to the first direction; an ink receiving member for receiving ink ejected from the nozzles of the ink head; and a control device for controlling the ink head and the head moving mechanism. The first nozzle row is arranged in the second direction with respect to the second nozzle row. The control device is configured to perform a first flushing mode and a second flushing mode. In the first flushing mode, a first flushing operation is performed in which ink is ejected from the nozzles of the first nozzle row to the ink receiving member while the ink head is moved at a first speed in the second direction or the opposite direction to the second direction; and a second flushing operation is performed in which ink is ejected from the nozzles of the second nozzle row to the ink receiving member after a first time has elapsed since the start of the first flushing operation. In the second flushing mode, a first flushing operation is performed in which ink is ejected from the nozzles of the first nozzle row to the ink receiving member while the ink head is moved at a second speed in the second direction or in the opposite direction to the second direction, and a second flushing operation is performed in which ink is ejected from the nozzles of the second nozzle row to the ink receiving member after a second time has elapsed since the start of the first flushing operation. The second speed is smaller than the first speed, and the second time is longer than the first time.

[0012] According to the above inkjet printer, since flushing is performed while moving the ink head, the printing time including flushing can be shortened. Also, in the second flushing mode, the movement speed of the ink head (second speed) is lower than the movement speed in the first flushing mode (first speed), but the elapsed time from the start of the first flushing operation to the start of the second flushing operation (second time) is longer than the elapsed time in the first flushing mode (first time). Therefore, even without enlarging the ink receiving member, it is possible to prevent ink ejected from the ink head from overflowing from the ink receiving member during the second flushing mode. Thus, the ink receiving member can be made smaller. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to the present invention, in an inkjet printer with a changeable scanning speed, the printing time, including flushing, can be shortened, and the ink receiving member can be miniaturized. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a front view of an inkjet printer according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a bottom view of the ink head. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in Figure 2. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a front view of the cleaning unit. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a block diagram of the control device. [Figure 6] Figure 6(a) shows the waveform of the discharge signal, and Figure 6(b) shows the waveform of the micro-vibration signal. [Figure 7a] Figure 7a schematically illustrates the process of ink ejection from the ink head to the ink receiving member during the high-speed printing mode's flushing process. [Figure 7b]FIG. 7b is a diagram schematically showing how ink is ejected from an ink head to an ink receiving member in the flushing of the high-speed printing mode. [Figure 7c] FIG. 7c is a diagram schematically showing how ink is ejected from an ink head to an ink receiving member in the flushing of the high-speed printing mode. [Figure 7d] FIG. 7d is a diagram schematically showing how ink is ejected from an ink head to an ink receiving member in the flushing of the high-speed printing mode. [Figure 7e] FIG. 7e is a diagram schematically showing how ink is ejected from an ink head to an ink receiving member in the flushing of the high-speed printing mode. [Figure 7f] FIG. 7f is a diagram schematically showing how ink is ejected from an ink head to an ink receiving member in the flushing of the high-speed printing mode. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the state of flushing in which ink is simultaneously ejected from all nozzle rows of a stopped ink head. [Figure 9] FIGS. 9(a) to (d) are diagrams showing the state of flushing in which ink is ejected in order for each nozzle row while moving the ink head. [Figure 10] FIG. 10(a) is a diagram showing the state of ejecting ink from the nozzle row of column D while moving the ink head. FIG. 10(b) is a diagram showing the state of ejecting ink from the nozzle row of column C while moving the ink head at a speed V10. FIG. 10(c) is a diagram showing the state of ejecting ink from the nozzle row of column C while moving the ink head at a speed V20. FIG. 10(d) is a diagram showing the state of ejecting ink from the nozzle row of column C while moving the ink head at a speed V20 when the ink receiving member is extended to the left.

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0015] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiments described here are not intended to limit the present invention. Also, members and parts having the same function are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted or simplified as appropriate.

[0016] FIG. 1 is a front view of an inkjet printer (hereinafter simply referred to as a printer) 1 according to the present embodiment. In the following description, left, right, up, and down respectively mean left, right, up, and down as viewed from a user (not shown) in front of the printer 1. Also, the direction approaching the user from the printer 1 is the front, and the direction approaching the printer 1 from the user is the rear. The reference signs F, Rr, L, R, U, and D in the drawings respectively represent front, rear, left, right, up, and down.

[0017] The reference sign Y in the drawings represents the main scanning direction. Here, the main scanning direction is the direction in which the ink head 50 described later moves while discharging ink. The reference sign X (see FIG. 2) in the drawings represents the sub-scanning direction, which is a direction perpendicular to the main scanning direction Y. In the present embodiment, the main scanning direction Y coincides with the left-right direction, and the sub-scanning direction X coincides with the front-rear direction. However, these directions are merely defined for convenience of explanation and do not limit the installation mode of the printer 1 in any way, nor do they limit the present invention in any way.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 1, the printer 1 performs printing on the recording medium 5. The recording medium 5 is, for example, recording paper. However, the recording medium 5 is not limited to recording paper. The recording medium 5 may be not only paper but also a resin sheet or film such as polyvinyl chloride or polyester, a fabric such as a woven fabric or non-woven fabric, or other media.

[0019] The printer 1 comprises a casing 2, a platen 4 supporting a recording medium 5, a guide rail 6 extending in the main scanning direction Y, a carriage 8 slidably engaged with the guide rail 6, an ink head 50 (see Figure 2) fixed to the carriage 8, and a cleaning unit 40. The printer 1 also includes a head moving mechanism 30 for moving the carriage 8 in the main scanning direction Y, a transport mechanism 20 for moving the recording medium 5 in the sub-scanning direction X, and a control device 100.

[0020] The transport mechanism 20 includes a pinch roller 21, a grid roller 22, and a feed motor 23. The pinch roller 21 is positioned above the platen 4 and below the guide rail 6. The pinch roller 21 presses down on the recording medium 5 from above. The grid roller 22 is provided on the platen 4. The upper part of the grid roller 22 is exposed above the platen 4. The grid roller 22 faces the pinch roller 21. The installation positions and number of the pinch roller 21 and grid roller 22 are not particularly limited. In this embodiment, the pinch roller 21 and grid roller 22 are positioned at the left end and right end of the platen 4, respectively. The feed motor 23 is connected to the grid roller 22. The feed motor 23 rotates the grid roller 22. When the grid roller 22 rotates with the recording medium 5 sandwiched between the pinch roller 21 and the grid roller 22, the recording medium 5 is transported in the sub-scanning direction X. The feed motor 23 is electrically connected to the control device 100. The feed motor 23 is controlled by the control device 100. Note that the above configuration of the transport mechanism 20 is just one example. The transport mechanism 20 only needs to be able to move the recording medium 5 in the sub-scanning direction X, and its specific configuration is not particularly limited.

[0021] The head movement mechanism 30 is a mechanism that moves the ink head 50 (see Figure 2) in the main scanning direction Y. Here, the head movement mechanism 30 is configured to move the ink head 50 in the main scanning direction Y via a carriage 8. The head movement mechanism 30 comprises a left pulley 31a, a right pulley 31b, a belt 32, and a carriage motor 33. The left pulley 31a is located near the left end of the guide rail 6. The right pulley 31b is located near the right end of the guide rail 6. The belt 32 is, for example, endless and is wrapped around the left pulley 31a and the right pulley 31b. The carriage 8 is fixed to the belt 32. The carriage motor 33 is connected to the right pulley 31b. When the carriage motor 33 is driven, the right pulley 31b rotates, and the belt 32 travels between the left pulley 31a and the right pulley 31b. As a result, the carriage 8 and ink head 50 move along the guide rail 6 in the main scanning direction Y. The carriage motor 33 is electrically connected to the control device 100 and controlled by the control device 100. Note that the above configuration of the head movement mechanism 30 is just one example. The head movement mechanism 30 only needs to be able to move the ink head 50 in the main scanning direction Y, and its specific configuration is not particularly limited.

[0022] As shown in Figure 2, in this embodiment, four ink heads 51 to 54 are mounted on the carriage 8. The ink head 50 includes the first to fourth ink heads 51 to 54, which are separate from each other.

[0023] The first ink head 51 has a nozzle plate 58. The nozzle plate 58 forms the bottom surface of the first ink head 51 and faces the recording medium 5 on the platen 4. Multiple nozzles 55 for ejecting ink are formed on the nozzle plate 58. Some of the nozzles 55 are arranged at a constant pitch p in the sub-scanning direction X, forming a nozzle row 55A. Here, pitch refers to the distance between the centers of adjacent nozzles 55. Other some of the nozzles 55 are also arranged at a constant pitch p in the sub-scanning direction X, forming a nozzle row 55B. Nozzle rows 55A and nozzle row 55B are aligned in the main scanning direction Y. The positions of the nozzles 55 in nozzle row 55A and nozzle rows 55B are offset from each other by p / 2 in the sub-scanning direction X. Note that in Figure 2, the illustration of intermediate nozzles 55 aligned in the sub-scanning direction X for nozzle rows 55A and 55B is omitted.

[0024] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in Figure 2. The first ink head 51 has an ink chamber 61, a plurality of pressure chambers 62 communicating with the ink chamber 61, a diaphragm 63 partitioning the pressure chambers 62, and a piezoelectric element 64 attached to the diaphragm 63. The pressure chambers 62, diaphragm 63, and piezoelectric element 64 are provided for each nozzle 55, and their number is the same. The piezoelectric element 64 is electrically connected to the control device 100. When the control device 100 drives the piezoelectric element 64, the piezoelectric element 64 is displaced. As a result, the diaphragm 63 flexes, pressurizing or depressurizing the ink in the pressure chamber 62, and causing the ink to be ejected from the nozzle 55.

[0025] As shown in Figure 2, in this embodiment, the first ink head 51, the second ink head 52, the third ink head 53, and the fourth ink head 54 have similar configurations. The configurations of the second to fourth ink heads 52 to 54 are the same as those of the first ink head 51, so their descriptions will be omitted. Hereinafter, the nozzle rows of the second ink head 52, the third ink head 53, and the fourth ink head 54 will be referred to as nozzle rows 55C, 55D, 55E, 55F, 55G, and 55H, in order from left to right in Figure 2. The ink head 50 according to this embodiment has eight nozzle rows 55A to 55H.

[0026] As shown in Figure 1, the cleaning unit 40 is located to the right of the platen 4. The cleaning unit 40 is located below the ink head 50. As shown in Figure 4, the cleaning unit 40 comprises a flushing unit 42, a wiping unit 46, and a capping unit 48. The flushing unit 42, the wiping unit 46, and the capping unit 48 are aligned in the main scanning direction Y. Here, the flushing unit 42, the wiping unit 46, and the capping unit 48 are arranged from left to right.

[0027] The flushing unit 42 comprises an ink receiving member 41, an absorbent 43 disposed inside the ink receiving member 41, a tube 44 connected to the ink receiving member 41, and a pump 45 connected to the tube 44. The ink head 50 is capable of flushing, which forcibly ejects ink from the nozzle 55 toward the ink receiving member 41. By performing flushing by the ink head 50 before the start of printing or during printing, the viscosity of the ink inside the nozzle 55 is suppressed, and ink ejection problems during printing can be prevented.

[0028] The ink receiving member 41 is a member that receives the ink discharged from the ink head 50 during flushing. Here, the ink receiving member 41 is formed by a container with an open top. However, the ink receiving member 41 can be any member that can receive ink, and its specific shape is not particularly limited. The absorbent 43 is made of a member that can absorb ink, and here it is made of a porous material such as a sponge. However, the material and structure of the absorbent 43 are not limited in any way. Also, the absorbent 43 is not necessarily required and can be omitted. An outlet 41a is formed in the ink receiving member 41. The tube 44 is connected to the outlet 41a. The tube 44 is an example of an outlet passage for discharging the ink from the ink receiving member 41. The outlet passage is not limited to the tube 44, and may be a pipe, for example. The pump 45 forcibly discharges the ink from the ink receiving member 41 through the tube 44. Note that the flushing unit 42 described above is just an example. The flushing unit 42 does not necessarily have to include the tube 44 and the pump 45. The ink receiving member 41 may be simply a cap.

[0029] The wiping unit 46 removes ink or foreign matter adhering to the nozzle plate 58 of the ink head 50 by wiping the nozzle plate 58. The wiping unit 46 has a wiper 46A made of a material such as rubber. Various types of wiping units that have been conventionally known as wiping units for inkjet printers can be suitably used in the wiping unit 46.

[0030] The capping unit 48 prevents the ink from drying out inside the nozzle 55 by covering the nozzle 55 of the ink head 50. In this embodiment, the capping unit 48 has a first cap 48a attached to the first ink head 51, a second cap 48b attached to the second ink head 52, a third cap 48c attached to the third ink head 53, and a fourth cap 48d attached to the fourth ink head 54. An absorbent material 49 for absorbing ink is provided inside the first to fourth caps 48a to 48d. The absorbent material 49, like the absorbent material 43, is made of a porous material such as a sponge. The first to fourth caps 48a to 48d are configured to be able to move up and down by a lifting mechanism (not shown). The first to fourth caps 48a to 48d are attached to the first to fourth ink heads 51 to 54 by rising when they are directly below the first to fourth ink heads 51 to 54, respectively. Although not shown in the diagram, the capping unit 48 may be configured to forcibly draw the ink in the nozzle 55 to the first to fourth caps 48a to 48d using a suction pump.

[0031] The control device 100 is composed of a computer. As shown in Figure 5, the control device 100 includes a CPU 101, a RAM 102 for storing various data, a ROM 103 for storing programs for various processes, an interface 104 for sending and receiving data, an oscillation circuit 105 for generating a clock signal at predetermined intervals, and a drive signal generation circuit 106 for generating a signal to drive the ink head 50. As will be described in detail later, the drive signal generation circuit 106 generates an ejection signal P1 (see Figure 6(a)) for ejecting ink from the nozzle 55 and a micro-vibration signal P2 (see Figure 6(b)) for preventing ink ejection from the nozzle 55. The waveforms of the ejection signal P1 and the micro-vibration signal P2 are not limited in any way, but for example, the micro-vibration signal P2 has a waveform with a smaller potential difference than the ejection signal P1. Note that the ejection signal P1 for ejecting ink from the nozzle 55 during printing and the ejection signal P1 for ejecting ink from the nozzle 55 during flushing may have the same waveform or different waveforms.

[0032] The control device 100 performs printing and flushing operations by controlling the head movement mechanism 30, the transport mechanism 20, and the ink head 50. During printing, the ink head 50 moves above the platen 4 in the main scanning direction Y, ejecting ink toward the recording medium 5. The ejected ink lands on the recording medium 5, forming an image or the like on the recording medium 5. In this embodiment, the home position of the ink head 50 is provided to the right of the platen 4. The ink head 50 moves to the left while ejecting ink, completing one pass of printing. Once one pass of printing is complete, the transport mechanism 20 transports the recording medium 5 forward by a predetermined length. Then, by moving to the right while ejecting ink, the next pass of printing is completed. Similar to when the previous pass of printing was completed, the transport mechanism 20 transports the recording medium 5 forward by a predetermined length. Then, the same operation is repeated, and the next pass of printing is executed. Once all passes of printing have been completed, the printing operation is terminated.

[0033] In this embodiment, flushing is performed before printing starts and during printing. The control device 100 performs flushing during printing, for example, after each pass of printing is completed. However, the timing of flushing is not particularly limited. The control device 100 may, for example, perform flushing after a predetermined number of passes, two or more, have been completed. Also, in this embodiment, flushing is performed periodically, but it is also possible to perform flushing irregularly.

[0034] The control device 100 does not stop the ink head 50 directly above the flushing unit 42 during flushing. The control device 100 performs flushing while moving the ink head 50. Flushing is performed while the ink head 50 passes directly above the flushing unit 42.

[0035] In the printer 1 according to this embodiment, multiple printing modes are possible, each with a different movement speed of the ink head 50 in the main scanning direction Y (hereinafter also referred to as scan speed). The printer 1 is capable of a standard printing mode, a high-speed printing mode, and a high-quality printing mode. In the high-speed printing mode, standard printing mode, and high-quality printing mode, the ink head 50 moves in the main scanning direction Y at speeds V1, V2, and V3, respectively. Here, V1 is greater than V2, and V3 is less than V2. However, the relative sizes of V1, V2, and V3 are not limited to this. Incidentally, if the scan speed during printing is different, the scan speed during flashing, which is performed during printing, will also be different. In the printer 1 according to this embodiment, multiple flashing modes are possible, each with a different movement speed of the ink head 50.

[0036] In the following description, flushing is assumed to occur when the ink head 50 is moving to the right directly above the flushing unit 42. In this embodiment, the direction from rear to front (forward direction) corresponds to the "first direction," and the direction from left to right (rightward direction) corresponds to the "second direction." When the ink head 50 performs flushing while moving to the right, ink will be ejected sequentially from the rightmost nozzle row to the leftmost nozzle row among the nozzle rows 55A to 55H of the ink head 50 (see Figure 2). Here, we assume that the time from when one nozzle row starts ejecting until the nozzle row to its left starts ejecting is constant, regardless of the scan speed. Then, for example, if the scan speed is low, the nozzle row to the left may eject ink before it reaches directly above the ink receiving member 41, and the ink may spill out to the left of the ink receiving member 41 (see Figure 10(c)). Therefore, in the printer 1 according to this embodiment, the timing of nozzle row ejection is adjusted according to the scan speed, as described below.

[0037] While not particularly limited, in this embodiment, the number of times (hereinafter also referred to as the number of ejections) γ in which each nozzle 55 of nozzle rows 55A to 55H ejects ink during flushing is a constant number Q. That is, in all of the standard printing mode, high-speed printing mode, and high-quality printing mode, ink is ejected Q times from each nozzle 55 during flushing. The value of Q is not limited in any way, but here we assume Q = 100. Note that the value of Q may differ for each nozzle row 55.

[0038] First, let's explain the flushing in high-speed printing mode. In high-speed printing mode, the ink head 50 ejects ink while moving to the right at a speed V1. In this embodiment, for each nozzle row, ink is first ejected 100 times from the odd-numbered nozzles 55, and then 100 times from the even-numbered nozzles 55. Note that the odd-numbered nozzles 55 and even-numbered nozzles 55 refer to the odd-numbered nozzles (1st, 3rd, 5th, etc.) and even-numbered nozzles (2nd, 4th, 6th, etc.) of the multiple nozzles 55 arranged in the sub-scanning direction X, starting from the rear and moving forward, respectively.

[0039] In Figures 7a to 7f described below, nozzle rows 55A to 55H are simply denoted as A to H. As shown in Figure 7a, first, ink is ejected 100 times from the odd-numbered nozzles 55 of the rightmost nozzle row 55H. In printer 1, the oscillation circuit 105 generates a clock signal with a predetermined period T. The control device 100 supplies an ejection signal P1 to the odd-numbered piezoelectric elements 64 of nozzle row 55H at predetermined time intervals T. As a result, ink is ejected 100 times from the odd-numbered nozzles 55 of nozzle row 55H over a period of 100 × T. The ejected ink lands in a predetermined area of ​​the ink receiving member 41.

[0040] Hereinafter, the area where the ink lands will be referred to as the ink landing area. The ink ejected from the odd-numbered nozzles 55 of the nozzle row 55H forms an ink landing area H1 on the ink receiving member 41. Subsequently, as shown in Figure 7b, ink is ejected 100 times from the even-numbered nozzles 55 of the nozzle row 55H. The control device 100 supplies an ejection signal P1 100 times to the even-numbered piezoelectric elements 64 of the nozzle row 55H at predetermined time intervals T. As a result, ink is ejected 100 times from the even-numbered nozzles 55 of the nozzle row 55H over a period of 100 × T. Consequently, an ink landing area H2 is formed on the ink receiving member 41. The ink landing area H2 is formed to the right of the ink landing area H1.

[0041] Similarly, by ejecting ink 100 times from the odd-numbered nozzles 55 of nozzle row 55G, an ink impact area G1 is formed on the ink receiving member 41. Although not particularly limited, the ejection of ink from the odd-numbered nozzles 55 of nozzle row 55G begins between the start and end of ink ejection from the even-numbered nozzles 55 of nozzle row 55H. Here, ink ejection from the odd-numbered nozzles 55 of nozzle row 55G begins 50 × T after ink ejection from the even-numbered nozzles 55 of nozzle row 55H has started. Therefore, as shown in Figure 7c, the ink impact area G1 partially overlaps with the ink impact area H2. Note that in Figures 7c to 7f, the ink impact area, which is formed later, is shown shifted upwards for easier understanding. When ink ejection from the odd-numbered nozzles 55 of the nozzle row 55G is completed, ink is then ejected from the even-numbered nozzles 55 of the nozzle row 55G. This forms the ink impact area G2 on the ink receiving member 41.

[0042] Similarly, ink impact area F1 is formed by ejecting ink from the odd-numbered nozzles 55 of nozzle row 55F, and then ink impact area F2 is formed by ejecting ink from the even-numbered nozzles 55 of nozzle row 55F (see Figure 7d). Ink impact area E1 is formed by ejecting ink from the odd-numbered nozzles 55 of nozzle row 55E, and ink impact area E2 is formed by ejecting ink from the even-numbered nozzles 55 of nozzle row 55E (see Figure 7d). Here, ink impact area F1 largely overlaps with ink impact area H1. Ink impact area F2 largely overlaps with ink impact area H2.

[0043] Subsequently, ink is ejected sequentially from the odd-numbered nozzles 55 of nozzle row 55D, the even-numbered nozzles 55 of nozzle row 55D, the odd-numbered nozzles 55 of nozzle row 55C, and the even-numbered nozzles 55 of nozzle row 55C, thereby forming ink impact areas D1, D2, C1, and C2 on the ink receiving member 41 (see Figure 7e). Then, ink is ejected sequentially from the odd-numbered nozzles 55 of nozzle row 55B, the even-numbered nozzles 55 of nozzle row 55B, the odd-numbered nozzles 55 of nozzle row 55A, and the even-numbered nozzles 55 of nozzle row 55A, thereby forming ink impact areas B1, B2, A1, and A2 on the ink receiving member 41 (see Figure 7f).

[0044] According to this embodiment, the ink impact areas A1-H1 and A2-H2 partially or completely overlap each other. Therefore, the ink ejected from all nozzle rows 55A-55H can be received by the ink receiving member 41 without increasing the size of the ink receiving member 41.

[0045] Next, let's discuss the flushing in standard printing mode. The scan speed V2 in standard printing mode is lower than the scan speed V1 in high-speed printing mode. Therefore, if ink is ejected from nozzle rows 55A to 55H at the same timing as the flushing in high-speed printing mode, the nozzles in the leftmost nozzle row will eject ink at a position further to the left. As a result, the ink receiving member 41 may not be able to receive the ink.

[0046] Therefore, in this embodiment, for the nozzles 55 of the leftmost nozzle row (nozzle rows 55A to 55G, excluding the rightmost nozzle row 55H), the timing of ink ejection is delayed compared to the flushing in high-speed printing mode. Hereafter, the delay time for the start of ink ejection will also be called the interval. Incidentally, the faster the scan speed, the larger the ink impact area. In this embodiment, the scan speed V1 of the high-speed printing mode, which is the fastest scan speed, is used as a reference, and the scan speed V2 of the standard printing mode and the scan speed V3 of the high-quality printing mode, which will be described later, are set accordingly. If the size of the ink receiving member 41 is designed to accommodate the ink impact area when the scan speed is V1, then the ink impact areas when the scan speeds are V2 and V3 will also inevitably be accommodated by the ink receiving member 41. As mentioned above, the oscillation circuit 105 of the control device 100 generates a clock signal at predetermined time intervals T. In this embodiment, before supplying the ejection signal P1 (see Figure 6(a)) to eject ink to the piezoelectric element 64 of the left nozzle row, a micro-vibration signal P2 (see Figure 6(b)) that does not eject ink is supplied a predetermined number of times n. By supplying the micro-vibration signal P2 a predetermined number of times n before supplying the ejection signal P1, the start of ink ejection can be delayed by a predetermined time n × T compared to the flushing in high-speed printing mode.

[0047] It is also possible to stop supplying the ejection signal P1 for a predetermined time before supplying it. In this case as well, the start of ink ejection can be delayed by a predetermined time. However, according to this embodiment, the ink in the nozzle 55 can be agitated by supplying the micro-vibration signal P2. Therefore, drying of the ink in the nozzle 55 can be further suppressed.

[0048] In standard printing mode flushing, ink is first ejected 100 times from the odd-numbered nozzles 55 of nozzle row 55H, similar to high-speed printing mode flushing, and then 100 times from the even-numbered nozzles 55 of nozzle row 55H. The control device 100 supplies ejection signals P1 100 times to the odd-numbered piezoelectric elements 64 of nozzle row 55H, and then supplies ejection signals P1 100 times to the even-numbered piezoelectric elements 64 of nozzle row 55H.

[0049] Next, the control device 100 supplies a micro-vibration signal P2 n times to the piezoelectric elements 64 of the nozzle row 55G. Subsequently, the control device 100 supplies an ejection signal P1 100 times to the odd-numbered piezoelectric elements 64 of the nozzle row 55G, and then supplies an ejection signal P1 100 times to the even-numbered piezoelectric elements 64. As a result, the nozzles 55 of the nozzle row 55G do not eject ink for n × T, and then the odd-numbered nozzles 55 and even-numbered nozzles 55 each eject ink 100 times.

[0050] In high-speed printing mode flushing, the odd-numbered nozzles 55 of nozzle row 55G begin ejecting ink 150 × T after the odd-numbered nozzles 55 of nozzle row 55H begin ejecting ink. The odd-numbered nozzles 55 of nozzle row 55G begin ejecting ink after traveling a distance of 150 × T × V1 after the odd-numbered nozzles 55 of nozzle row 55H begin ejecting ink.

[0051] In contrast, in standard printing mode flushing, the odd-numbered nozzles 55 of nozzle row 55G begin ejecting ink (n+150)×T after the odd-numbered nozzles 55 of nozzle row 55H begin ejecting ink. The odd-numbered nozzles 55 of nozzle row 55G begin ejecting ink after they have traveled a distance of (n+150)×T×V2 after the odd-numbered nozzles 55 of nozzle row 55H begin ejecting ink.

[0052] Therefore, to make the starting point (i.e., the position of the left edge) of the ink impact area G1 the same in standard printing mode and high-speed printing mode, the formula should be 150 × T × V1 = (n + 150) × T × V2. For example, if V2 = (2 / 3) × V1, then n = 75. In this way, n can be set based on the scan speed V2. In this case, in the flushing of standard printing mode, compared to the flushing of high-speed printing mode, the ink ejection from the nozzles 55 of the nozzle row 55G should be delayed by 75 × T by supplying a micro-vibration signal P2 to the piezoelectric element 64 of the nozzle row 55G 75 times. In this way, the position of the left edge of the ink impact area G1 can be made the same in standard printing mode and high-speed printing mode.

[0053] Similarly, by delaying the ejection of ink from nozzles 55 of nozzle rows 55F, 55E, 55D, 55C, 55B, and 55A, the positions of the left edges of the ink impact areas F1, E1, D1, C1, B1, and A1 can be aligned in both standard and high-speed printing modes. As a result, although the scan speed V2 in standard printing mode is lower than the scan speed V1 in high-speed printing mode, the ink ejected from nozzles 55 of all nozzle rows 55A to 55H can be received by the ink receiving member 41 during flushing. Furthermore, even during flushing in standard printing mode, the ink impact areas A1 to H1 and A2 to H2 partially or completely overlap each other.

[0054] The scan speed V3 in high-quality print mode is even lower than the scan speed V2 in standard print mode. In high-quality print mode flushing, similar to flushing in standard print mode, the timing of ink ejection is delayed for the nozzles 55 in the left nozzle row compared to flushing in high-speed print mode. Also, similar to flushing in standard print mode, the control device 100 may or may not supply a micro-vibration signal P2 before supplying the ejection signal P1. Even in high-quality print mode flushing, the ink ejected from the nozzles 55 of all nozzle rows 55A to 55H can be received by the ink receiving member 41.

[0055] The above describes the flushing operation. Next, we will explain the various effects that can be obtained by this embodiment.

[0056] According to the printer 1 of this embodiment, the ink head 50 has nozzle rows 55A to 55H (see Figure 2). For example, nozzle row 55H is located to the right of nozzle row 55G, and nozzle rows 55H and 55G are examples of a "first nozzle row" and a "second nozzle row," respectively. The control device 100 is configured to perform high-speed printing mode flushing (first flushing mode) and standard printing mode flushing (second flushing mode). In high-speed printing mode flushing, the control device 100 moves the ink head 50 to the right (second direction) at a first speed V1 and performs a first flushing operation in which ink is ejected from the nozzles 55 of nozzle row 55H (first nozzle row). After 1 hour (=150 × T) has elapsed since the start of the first flushing operation, the control device 100 performs a second flushing operation in which ink is ejected from the nozzles 55 of nozzle row 55G (second nozzle row). On the other hand, in standard printing mode flushing, the control device 100 performs a first flushing operation in which ink is ejected from the nozzles 55 of nozzle row 55H while moving the ink head 50 to the right at a second speed V2, and after a second time (=(n+150)×T) has elapsed since the start of the first flushing operation, it performs a second flushing operation in which ink is ejected from the nozzles 55 of nozzle row 55G. Here, the second speed V2 is smaller than the first speed V1, and the second time (=(n+150)×T) is longer than the first time (=150×T).

[0057] According to this embodiment, the ink head 50 is not stopped directly above the ink receiving member 41, but rather the ink head 50 is moved while flushing is performed. Therefore, the printing time, including flushing, can be shortened. Furthermore, according to this embodiment, in the standard printing mode, where the scanning speed is slower than in the high-speed printing mode, the timing at which ink ejection from the nozzles 55 of nozzle rows 55A to 55G begins is later than in the high-speed printing mode. In both the high-speed printing mode and the standard printing mode, the positions of the left ends of the ink impact areas A1 to H1 and A2 to H2 can be aligned. Therefore, even without increasing the width of the ink receiving member 41 (dimension in the main scanning direction Y), it is possible to prevent ink ejected from the nozzles 55 from overflowing from the ink receiving member 41. Consequently, the ink receiving member 41 can be made smaller.

[0058] In this embodiment, the second time (=(n+150)×T) is the sum of the first time (=150×T) and the third time (=n×T), and the third time is set based on the scan speed. By simply setting the third time based on the scan speed, the second time can be set easily and effectively.

[0059] According to this embodiment, during flushing in the standard printing mode, the control device 100 performs a micro-vibration operation 150 × T elapsed after the start of the first flushing operation and before (n + 150) × T elapsed. During flushing in the standard printing mode, the control device 100 supplies a micro-vibration signal P2 to the piezoelectric element 64 of the nozzle row 55G before starting the second flushing operation (the operation of ejecting ink from the nozzles 55 of the nozzle row 55G). By supplying the micro-vibration signal P2, the control device 100 vibrates the diaphragm 63 of the nozzle row 55G to prevent ink from being ejected from the nozzles 55 of the nozzle row 55G. By vibrating the diaphragm 63 in this way, the ink inside the nozzles 55 can be stirred. Therefore, drying of the ink in the nozzles 55 can be further suppressed. Poor ink ejection from the nozzles 55 can be suppressed.

[0060] According to this embodiment, the number of times (number of ejections) of ink from each nozzle 55 is constant during flushing in high-speed printing mode, standard printing mode, and high-quality printing mode. For example, during flushing in high-speed printing mode, the control device 100 supplies m=100 ejection signals P1 to the piezoelectric elements 64 of the nozzle row 55G, and during flushing in standard printing mode, it supplies n=75 micro-vibration signals P2 to the piezoelectric elements 64 of the nozzle row 55G before supplying m=100 ejection signals P1. According to this embodiment, since the number of times ink is ejected from each nozzle 55 is constant in different flushing modes, a constant flushing effect can always be obtained even if the mode (scan speed) is different.

[0061] In the example described above, when the scan speeds for the high-speed printing mode and the standard printing mode are V1 and V2, respectively, if V2 = (2 / 3) × V1, the control device 100 sets the number of times the micro-vibration signal P2 is supplied to n = 75. According to this embodiment, the control device 100 is configured to set the number of times the micro-vibration signal P2 is supplied n based on the scan speed. The control device 100 is configured to set a larger number of times the micro-vibration signal P2 is supplied n as the scan speed decreases. Therefore, in the flushing of multiple printing modes with different ink head speeds, all the ink ejected from the nozzles 55 of nozzle rows 55A to 55H can be suitably received by the ink receiving member 41.

[0062] According to this embodiment, during high-speed printing mode flushing (first flushing mode), the control device 100 starts ink ejection from the nozzles 55 of the nozzle row 55G (second nozzle row) when the nozzle row 55G reaches a predetermined position. During standard printing mode flushing (second flushing mode), the control device 100 starts ink ejection from the nozzles 55 of the nozzle row 55G (second flushing operation) when the nozzle row 55G reaches the predetermined position. In other words, during high-speed printing mode flushing and standard printing mode flushing, ink ejection from the nozzles 55 of the nozzle row 55G starts at the same position in the main scanning direction Y. Therefore, the starting point (left end position) of the ink impact area G1 can be made to coincide during high-speed printing mode flushing and standard printing mode flushing. Since the range of the ink impact area in the ink receiving member 41 can be reduced, ink can be suitably received without increasing the size of the ink receiving member 41.

[0063] According to this embodiment, during high-speed printing mode (first flashing mode), the ink receiving member 41 forms areas H1 and H2 (first impact areas) where ink lands due to flashing from the nozzles 55 of nozzle row 55H (first flashing operation), and areas G1 and G2 (second impact areas) where ink lands due to flashing from the nozzles 55 of nozzle row 55G (second flashing operation) (see Figure 7c). Furthermore, during standard printing mode (second flashing mode), areas H1 and H2 (third impact areas) are formed where ink lands due to flashing from the nozzles 55 of nozzle row 55H (first flashing operation), and areas G1 and G2 (fourth impact areas) are formed where ink lands due to flashing from the nozzles 55 of nozzle row 55G (second flashing operation). The control device 100 performs flushing in high-speed printing mode and flushing in standard printing mode so that the first to fourth impact areas overlap at least partially. Therefore, ink can be received effectively without increasing the size of the ink receiving member 41.

[0064] According to this embodiment, when performing the first flushing operation to eject ink from the nozzles 55 of nozzle row 55H (first nozzle row), ink is ejected in the order of odd-numbered nozzles 55 followed by even-numbered nozzles 55. After the ejection of ink from the odd-numbered nozzles 55 of nozzle row 55H is completed, ink is ejected from the even-numbered nozzles 55. Similarly, when performing the second flushing operation to eject ink from the nozzles 55 of nozzle row 55G (second nozzle row), ink is ejected in the order of odd-numbered nozzles 55 followed by even-numbered nozzles 55. After the ejection of ink from the odd-numbered nozzles 55 of nozzle row 55G is completed, ink is ejected from the even-numbered nozzles 55. As a result, the generation of mist below the ink head 50 can be suppressed compared to when ink is ejected simultaneously from all nozzles 55 of nozzle row 55H and when ink is ejected simultaneously from all nozzles 55 of nozzle row 55G. Therefore, it is possible to suppress ink from adhering to the nozzle plate 58. Furthermore, in each nozzle row 55A to 55H, the order in which ink is ejected from odd-numbered nozzles 55 and from even-numbered nozzles 55 is not limited.

[0065] According to this embodiment, as shown in Figure 1, the cleaning unit 40 is positioned to the right of the platen 4, which is an example of a mounting platform on which the recording medium 5 is placed. As shown in Figure 4, the caps 48a to 48d of the capping unit 48 of the cleaning unit 40 are positioned to the right of the ink receiving member 41 of the flushing unit 42. Therefore, the ink receiving member 41 is positioned between the platen 4 and the caps 48a to 48d. The ink receiving member 41 is positioned relatively close to the platen 4. Thus, when flushing is performed during printing, the distance the ink head 50 travels can be shortened.

[0066] Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, this embodiment is merely an example, and various other embodiments are possible. Next, we will briefly describe some examples of other embodiments.

[0067] In the above embodiment, a wiping unit 46 is positioned to the right of the flushing unit 42, and the ink head 50 discharges ink to the ink receiving member 41 while moving to the right. However, the direction of movement of the ink head 50 when flushing is performed is not limited to the right. For example, the ink head 50 may discharge ink to the ink receiving member 41 while moving to the left. In this case, the left direction corresponds to the "second direction".

[0068] In the above embodiment, the ink head 50 performs flushing while moving to the right at a constant speed. However, during printing, the ink head 50 repeatedly moves back and forth in the main scanning direction Y. The ink head 50 changes direction of travel to the right of the platen 4. To the right of the platen 4, the ink head 50 moves to the right while decelerating, stops briefly, and then moves to the left while accelerating. Therefore, when the ink head 50 ejects ink to the ink receiving member 41 while moving to the right, it may decelerate directly above the ink receiving member 41. Also, when the ink head 50 ejects ink to the ink receiving member 41 while moving to the left, it may accelerate directly above the ink receiving member 41. This allows the space directly above the ink receiving member 41 to be used as space for the ink head 50 to decelerate or accelerate. Thus, a large space can be secured for deceleration or acceleration, preventing sudden deceleration or acceleration of the ink head 50.

[0069] Incidentally, the movement speed of the ink head 50 is not constant during deceleration or acceleration. Therefore, when the ink head 50 decelerates or accelerates at the flashing position, the movement speed of the ink head 50 refers to the average speed at which the ink head 50 passes the flashing position. The flashing position is the position where, when viewed from above, at least a part of the ink head 50 overlaps with the ink receiving member 41. When the ink head 50 decelerates or accelerates at the flashing position, the control device 100 may set the number of times n or the interval for supplying the micro-vibration signal P2 based on the average speed at which the ink head 50 passes directly over the ink receiving member 41, or the acceleration (here, acceleration includes so-called deceleration; when the ink head 50 decelerates, the acceleration takes a negative value), instead of the scan speed (i.e., a constant speed) of the above embodiment. Thus, the "first speed" and "second speed" of the present invention are not necessarily limited to a constant speed, but may be an average speed.

[0070] In the above embodiment, the flushing unit 42 is located to the right of the platen 4, but the flushing unit 42 may also be located to the left of the platen 4. In this case, the ink head 50 may perform flushing while moving to the left, or while moving to the right. Alternatively, the flushing unit 42 may be located on both the right and left sides of the platen 4. In this case, the ink head 50 may perform flushing on both the right and left sides of the platen 4.

[0071] In the above embodiment, during flushing, ink is first discharged from the odd-numbered nozzles 55 in each nozzle row 55A to 55H, and then from the even-numbered nozzles 55. However, the manner in which ink is discharged in each nozzle row 55A to 55H is not particularly limited. For example, ink may be discharged first from the even-numbered nozzles 55, and then from the odd-numbered nozzles 55. Also, when each nozzle row discharges ink in two stages, it is not necessarily limited to discharging from odd-numbered and even-numbered nozzles. Furthermore, a nozzle row may discharge ink in three or more stages during flushing, or it may discharge ink in a single stage.

[0072] In the above embodiment, the first to fourth ink heads 51 to 54 each have two rows of nozzles, and the nozzles 55 of these nozzle rows are formed at positions offset from each other with respect to the sub-scanning direction X (see Figure 2). For example, the first ink head 51 has nozzle row 55A and nozzle row 55B, and the nozzles 55 of nozzle row 55A and the nozzles 55 of nozzle row 55B are offset from each other in the sub-scanning direction X. However, the arrangement of the nozzles 55 is not particularly limited. The nozzles 55 of adjacent nozzle rows may be formed at positions aligned with each other in the sub-scanning direction.

[0073] The number of nozzle rows in the first to fourth ink heads 51 to 54 is not limited to two. The number of nozzle rows may be one, three, or more. In the above embodiment, four separate ink heads 51 to 54 constitute the ink head 50, but the number of separate ink heads in the ink head 50 is not limited to four, but may be one, two, three, or five or more.

[0074] In the above embodiment, for example, the pitch of nozzle row 55H and nozzle row 55G in the main scanning direction Y is smaller than the pitch of nozzle row 55G and nozzle row 55F in the main scanning direction Y. The pitch of adjacent nozzle rows in the same ink head is smaller than the pitch of adjacent nozzle rows in two different ink heads. However, the pitch of the nozzle rows is not particularly limited. For example, the pitch of adjacent nozzle rows in the same ink head may be equal to the pitch of adjacent nozzle rows in two different ink heads. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0075] 1. Inkjet printer 4. Platen (mounting platform) 5. Recording media 8 carriages 30 Head movement mechanism 41 Ink receiving member 48a~48d Cap 50 Inkheads 55 nozzles 55A~55H Nozzle Row 62 Pressure Chamber 63 Vibration plate 64 Piezoelectric elements 100 Control device P1 Discharge signal P2 Microvibration signal

Claims

1. An ink head having a first nozzle row and a second nozzle row in which a plurality of nozzles for ejecting ink are arranged in a first direction, A head movement mechanism that moves the ink head in a second direction perpendicular to at least the first direction, An ink receiving member that receives ink ejected from the nozzle of the ink head, The system comprises a control device for controlling the ink head and the head movement mechanism, The first nozzle row is arranged in the second direction relative to the second nozzle row, The control device is A first flushing mode is performed in which the ink head is moved at a first speed in the second direction or the opposite direction to the second direction, and ink is ejected from the nozzles of the first nozzle row to the ink receiving member, and after a first hour has elapsed since the start of the first flushing mode, ink is ejected from the nozzles of the second nozzle row to the ink receiving member. The system is configured to perform a first flushing operation in which ink is ejected from the nozzles of the first nozzle row to the ink receiving member while the ink head is moved at a second speed in the second direction or in the opposite direction to the second direction, and a second flushing mode in which ink is ejected from the nozzles of the second nozzle row to the ink receiving member after a second time has elapsed since the start of the first flushing operation. An inkjet printer in which the second speed is less than the first speed and the second time is longer than the first time.

2. The second time is the time obtained by adding the third time to the first time. The inkjet printer according to claim 1, wherein the control device is configured to set the third time based on the speed or acceleration of the ink head.

3. The ink head has a pressure chamber that communicates with each of the nozzles and stores ink, a diaphragm that partitions at least a part of the pressure chamber, and a piezoelectric element connected to the diaphragm. The inkjet printer according to claim 1, wherein the control device vibrates the diaphragm of the second nozzle row so as not to eject ink from the nozzles of the second nozzle row, by supplying a signal to the piezoelectric element of the second nozzle row after a first time has elapsed since the start of the first flashing operation of the second flashing mode, and before a second time has elapsed.

4. The ink head has a pressure chamber that communicates with each of the nozzles and stores ink, a diaphragm that partitions at least a part of the pressure chamber, and a piezoelectric element connected to the diaphragm. The control device has a signal circuit that supplies a drive signal to the piezoelectric element at predetermined intervals. The drive signal includes a micro-vibration signal that vibrates the diaphragm to prevent ink from being ejected from the nozzle, and an ejection signal that vibrates the diaphragm to eject ink from the nozzle. The inkjet printer according to claim 1, wherein the control device supplies m (where m is a natural number) ejection signals to the piezoelectric elements of the second nozzle row during the second flashing operation of the first flashing mode, and supplies n (where n is a natural number) micro-vibration signals before supplying m ejection signals during the second flashing operation of the second flashing mode.

5. The inkjet printer according to claim 4, wherein the control device is configured to set the value of n based on the speed or acceleration of the ink head.

6. The inkjet printer according to claim 5, wherein the control device is configured to set the value of n to be larger the slower the speed of the ink head or the smaller the absolute value of the acceleration.

7. The control device is During the first flushing mode, the second flushing operation is started when the second nozzle row reaches a predetermined position. The inkjet printer according to claim 1, wherein, during the second flashing mode, the second flashing operation is started when the second nozzle row reaches the predetermined position.

8. The ink receiving member is formed with a first impact area where ink lands due to the first flushing operation of the first flushing mode, a second impact area where ink lands due to the second flushing operation of the first flushing mode, a third impact area where ink lands due to the first flushing operation of the second flushing mode, and a fourth impact area where ink lands due to the second flushing operation of the second flushing mode. The inkjet printer according to claim 1, wherein the control device is configured to perform the first and second flashing modes such that the first to fourth impact areas overlap at least partially.

9. The first nozzle row and the second nozzle row each have odd-numbered nozzles and even-numbered nozzles in the first direction, The control device is During the first flushing operation, ink ejection from either the odd-numbered or even-numbered nozzles of the first nozzle row is terminated, and then ink is ejected from the other nozzle. The inkjet printer according to claim 1, wherein during the second flushing operation, the ejection of ink from either the odd-numbered or even-numbered nozzles of the second nozzle row is terminated before the other nozzle is ejected.

10. A mounting platform on which the recording medium is placed, The system includes a cap that covers the nozzle of the ink head, which is positioned in the second direction or opposite to the second direction relative to the mounting base, The ink receiving member is disposed between the stand described above and the cap, as described above, in the inkjet printer according to claim 1.

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