Liquid ejection device and liquid ejection method

Abstract

To solve the problem in possibility of an aggregate occurring and clogging a nozzle when ink and process liquid undergo reaction on a head discharge surface and in a nozzle.SOLUTION: A liquid discharge device which performs printing by discharging liquid to a medium, in a printing area, comprises: a discharge part which has a first discharge part that discharges the liquid to the medium and a second discharge part that discharges reaction liquid containing an aggregating agent for aggregating constituents in the liquid; a conveying part that conveys the medium; a jam detecting part that detects jam of the liquid; and a control part that controls the discharge part and the conveying part. When the jam detecting part detects the jam, the control part stops the medium being conveyed by the conveying part and makes the first discharge part and the second discharge part discharge at least one of the liquid and the reaction liquid, in the printing area.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a liquid ejection device and a liquid ejection method. [Background technology]

[0002] Liquid ejection devices are known that eject ink and a reaction liquid containing an aggregating agent that aggregates the ink. The printer described in Patent Document 1 ejects ink from a recording head and a treatment liquid from a treatment liquid head. The treatment liquid aggregates or precipitates the coloring material in the ink. When a jam occurs on the recording medium, the printer described in Patent Document 1 measures the jam duration until the jam is cleared. The jam duration is measured by detecting a jam clearance completion signal. The printer described in Patent Document 1 controls a forced ejection mechanism according to the measured jam duration. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-82195 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the printer described in Patent Document 1, there is a possibility that the ink and the treatment liquid, which is a reactive liquid, may react on the head ejection surface between the time a jam occurs and the time the jam clearance completion signal is detected. When the ink and the treatment liquid react on the head ejection surface or inside the nozzle, aggregates may form and clog the nozzle. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The liquid ejection device disclosed herein is a liquid ejection device that prints by ejecting liquid onto a medium within a printing area, and is equipped with an ejection unit having a first ejection unit that ejects the liquid onto the medium and a second ejection unit that ejects a reaction liquid containing an aggregating agent that agglomerates components in the liquid, a transport unit that transports the medium, a jam detection unit that detects a jam of the medium, and a control unit that controls the ejection unit and the transport unit, and when the jam detection unit detects a jam, the control unit stops the medium being transported by the transport unit and ejects at least one of the liquid and the reaction liquid from the first ejection unit and the second ejection unit within the printing area.

[0006] The liquid ejection method disclosed herein is a liquid ejection method for a liquid ejection device that prints by ejecting liquid onto a medium within a printing area, in which the liquid is ejected onto the medium from a first ejection unit, and a reaction liquid containing an aggregating agent that aggregates components of the liquid is ejected onto the medium from a second ejection unit, and when a jam of the medium is detected, transportation of the medium is stopped and at least one of the liquid or the reaction liquid is ejected. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the schematic configuration of the printer as seen from the +X direction. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of a liquid supply mechanism. [Figure 3] 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line CC in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the schematic configuration of the printer as viewed from the +Y direction. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of a maintenance unit. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a head unit. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the block configuration of a printer. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a control flow when a jam occurs. [Figure 9] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a state when a jam occurs. [Figure 10] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a state when a jam occurs. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a control flow when a jam occurs. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] FIG. 1 shows the schematic configuration of a printer 11 as viewed from the +X direction. FIG. 1 shows an inkjet printer 11 that prints on a print medium M. The print medium M is, for example, a fabric such as cotton, silk, wool, or polyester. The printer 11 corresponds to an example of a liquid ejection device. The print medium M corresponds to an example of a medium.

[0009] Some figures, including FIG. 1, show an XYZ coordinate system. The X, Y, and Z axes are perpendicular to one another. The X axis is parallel to the installation surface of the printer 11. The X axis is parallel to the scanning direction Xs of the head unit 14, which will be described later. The direction from the front to the back of FIG. 1 is the -X direction. The direction from the back to the front of FIG. 1 is the +X direction. The Y axis is parallel to the installation surface of the printer 11. The Y axis is perpendicular to the scanning direction Xs of the head unit 14. The direction from left to right of the printer 11 shown in FIG. 1 is the -Y direction. The direction from right to left of the printer 11 shown in FIG. 1 is the +Y direction. The Z axis is perpendicular to the installation surface of the printer 11. The direction pointing upward from the installation surface is the -Z direction. The direction pointing from above toward the installation surface is the +Z direction.

[0010] The printer 11 includes a main body 20, a first cover 20a, and a second cover 20b. The main body 20 is composed of a housing, a frame, etc. The first cover 20a and the second cover 20b are attached to the main body 20 so as to be able to open and close. The first cover 20a is provided so as to cover part of the movement path of the head unit 14, which will be described later.

[0011] The printer 11 shown in FIG. 1 includes a support base 12, a transport unit 13, a head unit 14, and a movement mechanism 16. The support base 12 supports the printing medium M. The transport unit 13 transports the printing medium M. The head unit 14 ejects ink or treatment liquid toward the printing medium M supported by the support base 12. The movement mechanism 16 moves the head unit 14 in the scanning direction Xs or the direction opposite to the scanning direction Xs.

[0012] The support base 12 is disposed in a position facing the head unit 14 across the printing medium M. The width of the support base 12 parallel to the X axis is wider than the width of the printing medium M. The length of the support base 12 parallel to the Y axis is longer than the length of the head unit 14 along the Y axis.

[0013] The transport unit 13 includes a transport roller pair 21, a transport motor 22, and a guide plate 23. The transport roller pair 21 is composed of two rollers. The transport roller pair 21 transports the print medium M by sandwiching it between them. The printer 11 may include multiple transport roller pairs 21 along the transport path of the print medium M. The printer 11 shown in FIG. 1 includes two transport roller pairs 21. The transport motor 22 is connected to the transport roller pair 21 via a drive transmission mechanism (not shown). The transport motor 22 transmits driving force via the drive transmission mechanism to rotate the transport roller pair 21. The guide plate 23 guides the print medium M. The transport unit 13 drives the transport motor 22 to transport the print medium M along the surface of the support base 12. The transport unit 13 transports the print medium M in a transport direction Yf shown in FIG. 1. The transport direction Yf shown in FIG. 1 is a direction parallel to the Y axis at the printing position where the head unit 14 prints on the print medium M. The transport unit 13 corresponds to an example of a transport section.

[0014] The movement mechanism 16 includes a guide shaft 26, a carriage 27, and a carriage motor 28a. The guide shaft 26 is provided along the scanning direction Xs. The carriage 27 holds the head unit 14 in a replaceable manner. The carriage 27 holds the head unit 14 in a position where the nozzle surface 25 faces the support base 12. The carriage motor 28a moves the carriage 27 along the guide shaft 26.

[0015] The movement mechanism 16 moves the carriage 27 and the head unit 14 in the scanning direction Xs and in the direction opposite to the scanning direction Xs along the guide shaft 26. The printer 11 shown in Figure 1 is a serial type printing device in which the head unit 14 moves back and forth along the X axis.

[0016] The printer 11 includes a head unit 14. The head unit 14 corresponds to an example of an ejection section. The head unit 14 includes multiple print heads 15. The multiple print heads 15 eject ink or treatment liquid. The ink contains a colorant as a component. The ink may contain resin particles, organic solvents, surfactants, antioxidants, etc. as components. The print head 15 has multiple nozzles 24. Of the multiple print heads 15, a first print head 15a (described below) ejects a first ink as the ink. The first ink corresponds to an example of a liquid. The first print head 15a has first nozzles 24a that eject the first ink. The first print head 15a corresponds to an example of a first ejection section. Of the multiple print heads 15, a second print head 15b (described below) ejects a treatment liquid containing a flocculant that aggregates the components in the ink. The flocculant is a polyvalent metal salt, a cationic compound, an organic acid, etc. The treatment liquid may contain two or more types of flocculants. The treatment liquid corresponds to an example of a reaction liquid. The second print head 15b has second nozzles 24b that eject the treatment liquid. The second print head 15b corresponds to an example of a second ejection section. The head unit 14 may also include a third print head 15c. The third print head 15c ejects a second ink containing a colorant different from the first ink. The third print head 15c corresponds to an example of a third ejection section. The third print head 15c has third nozzles 24c that eject the second ink. The second ink corresponds to an example of a liquid and a second liquid. When the second ink is not distinguished from the first ink, it will simply be referred to as ink. When the first nozzles 24a, second nozzles 24b, and third nozzles 24c are not distinguished from each other, they will simply be referred to as nozzles 24. The first print head 15a, second print head 15b, and third print head 15c have the same structure. Figure 1 shows the configuration of one print head 15. The multiple print heads 15 are arranged along the X axis.

[0017] The print head 15 includes a supply port 85, a second outlet 96b, a common flow path, multiple nozzles 24, a nozzle surface 25, and ejection elements 89, which will be described later. The supply port 85 allows ink or treatment liquid to flow into the print head 15. The second outlet 96b allows ink or treatment liquid to flow out of the print head 15. A common flow path, not shown in FIG. 1, connects the supply port 85 and the second outlet 96b. The multiple nozzles 24 are connected to the common flow path. The nozzle surface 25 is the surface on which the multiple nozzles 24 open. The ejection elements 89 eject the ink or treatment liquid from the nozzles 24. By driving the ejection elements 89, the print head 15 ejects ink or treatment liquid toward the print medium M located at the printing position, thereby printing on the print medium M.

[0018] The printer 11 includes a mounting unit 18 and a liquid supply unit 19. A plurality of liquid supply sources 17 containing ink or treatment liquid are removably mounted to the mounting unit 18. The plurality of liquid supply sources 17 are arranged along the X axis. The liquid supply unit 19 supplies ink or treatment liquid to the print head 15.

[0019] The liquid supply source 17 is, for example, a container that contains ink or a processing liquid. The liquid supply source 17 may be a replaceable cartridge or a tank that can be replenished with ink or a processing liquid.

[0020] The liquid supply unit 19 includes a liquid supply channel 30, a liquid return channel 31, and a liquid storage unit 32. The liquid supply channel 30 is connected to a supply port 85 so that ink or treatment liquid can be supplied to the print head 15. The liquid return channel 31 is connected to a second outlet 96b so that the ink or treatment liquid supplied to the print head 15 can be returned to the liquid supply channel 30. The liquid storage unit 32 stores the ink or treatment liquid. The liquid return channel 31 and the liquid supply channel 30 form a circulation channel 33. The liquid storage unit 32 is connected to the liquid supply channel 30 and the liquid return channel 31 and is disposed within the circulation channel 33. The liquid storage unit 32 may be an open tank that opens the space within the liquid storage unit 32 to the atmosphere, or may be a flexible, sealed bag. The printer 11 includes the liquid storage unit 32 in a position where the level of the ink or treatment liquid in the liquid storage unit 32 is below the nozzle surface 25 of the print head 15. The liquid supply channel 30 corresponds to an example of a supply channel, and the liquid return channel 31 corresponds to an example of a return channel.

[0021] The liquid supply unit 19 is provided with a discharge pump 34, a filter unit 38, and an on-off valve 45 in a flow path between the mounting unit 18 and the liquid storage unit 32. The discharge pump 34 discharges ink or treatment liquid from the liquid supply source 17. The filter unit 38 captures air bubbles and foreign matter in the ink or treatment liquid. The filter unit 38 is detachably attached to the liquid supply flow path 30. The filter unit 38 is provided in a position that is exposed to the outside when the user opens the second cover 20b. The on-off valve 45 is provided in the liquid supply flow path 30 between the discharge pump 34 and the liquid storage unit 32. The on-off valve 45 is opened when the ink or treatment liquid discharged by the discharge pump 34 is to be supplied toward the print head 15.

[0022] The liquid supply unit 19 includes a liquid flow mechanism 39 and a pressure adjustment mechanism 40 between the liquid storage unit 32 and the print head 15. The liquid flow mechanism 39 causes the ink or treatment liquid to flow within the circulation flow path 33. The pressure adjustment mechanism 40 adjusts the pressure of the ink or treatment liquid supplied to the print head 15.

[0023] The liquid flow mechanism 39 has a supply pump 39a and a return pump 39b. The supply pump 39a causes the ink or treatment liquid in the liquid supply channel 30 to flow from the liquid storage section 32 toward the print head 15. The supply pump 39a causes the ink or treatment liquid in the liquid supply channel 30 to flow in a supply direction A, thereby pressurizing the ink or treatment liquid in the print head 15. The supply pump 39a acts as a pressurizing mechanism that pressurizes the ink or treatment liquid in the print head 15. The return pump 39b causes the ink or treatment liquid in the liquid return channel 31 to flow in a return direction B from the print head 15 toward the liquid storage section 32. The return pump 39b corresponds to an example of a flow mechanism.

[0024] The supply pump 39a may be any pump that causes the ink or treatment liquid in the liquid supply channel 30 to flow in the supply direction A. The supply pump 39a may be a reciprocating pump such as a plunger pump or a diaphragm pump, or a rotary pump such as a gear pump or a tube pump. The return pump 39b may be any pump that causes the ink or treatment liquid in the liquid return channel 31 to flow in the return direction B. The return pump 39b may be a reciprocating pump such as a plunger pump or a diaphragm pump, or a rotary pump such as a gear pump or a tube pump.

[0025] The liquid supply unit 19 includes a second return valve 97b. The second return valve 97b is provided in the liquid return channel 31 between the print head 15 and the liquid storage unit 32. The second return valve 97b is provided in a position closer to the second outlet 96b of the print head 15 than the return pump 39b provided in the liquid return channel 31. The second return valve 97b can be placed in a closed state that prevents the flow of ink or treatment liquid within the liquid return channel 31, or in an open state that allows the flow.

[0026] The printer 11 includes multiple liquid supply units 19. Each of the multiple liquid supply units 19 is connected to a print head 15. The liquid supply unit 19 connected to the first print head 15a supplies the first ink to the first print head 15a. The liquid supply unit 19 connected to the second print head 15b supplies the treatment liquid to the second print head 15b. The liquid supply unit 19 connected to the third print head 15c supplies the second ink to the third print head 15c. A supply pump 39a provided in the liquid supply unit 19 connected to the first print head 15a pressurizes the first ink. The supply pump 39a provided in the liquid supply unit 19 connected to the first print head 15a is referred to as a first supply pump 39a1. The first supply pump 39a1 corresponds to an example of a first pressurizing mechanism. The supply pump 39a provided in the liquid supply unit 19 connected to the second print head 15b pressurizes the treatment liquid. The supply pump 39a provided in the liquid supply unit 19 connected to the second print head 15b is referred to as the second supply pump 39a2. The second supply pump 39a2 is located in the -X direction of the first supply pump 39a1 shown in Figure 1, and is not shown in Figure 1. The second supply pump 39a2 corresponds to an example of a second pressurizing mechanism.

[0027] FIG. 2 shows the configuration of a liquid supply mechanism. The liquid supply mechanism is a mechanism that supplies ink or treatment liquid to the print head 15. The liquid supply mechanism shown in FIG. 2 includes a liquid supply source 17, an attachment unit 18, a liquid supply unit 19, and a print head 15. The printer 11 includes multiple liquid supply mechanisms. The liquid supply mechanism including the first print head 15a supplies the first ink to the first print head 15a. The liquid supply mechanism including the second print head 15b supplies the treatment liquid to the second print head 15b. The liquid supply mechanism including the third print head 15c supplies the second ink to the third print head 15c. The multiple liquid supply mechanisms have the same configuration. FIG. 2 shows the liquid supply mechanism including the first print head 15a.

[0028] The delivery pump 34 shown in FIG. 2 has a suction valve 35, a volumetric pump 36, and a discharge valve 37. The suction valve 35 is located upstream of the volumetric pump 36 in the liquid supply channel 30 in the supply direction A. The discharge valve 37 is located downstream of the volumetric pump 36 in the liquid supply channel 30 in the supply direction A. The suction valve 35 and the discharge valve 37 allow the first ink to flow from upstream to downstream of the liquid supply channel 30 and prevent the first ink from flowing from downstream to upstream. The volumetric pump 36 has a flexible member 36a, a pump chamber 36b, a negative pressure chamber 36c, a pressure reducing section 36d, and a pressing member 36e. The flexible member 36a separates the pump chamber 36b from the negative pressure chamber 36c. The pressure reducing section 36d reduces the pressure in the negative pressure chamber 36c. The pressing member 36e is provided in the negative pressure chamber 36c and presses the flexible member 36a toward the pump chamber 36b.

[0029] When the volume of the pump chamber 36b increases, the delivery pump 34 sucks the first ink from the liquid supply source 17 via the suction valve 35. The delivery pump 34 pressurizes the first ink by the pressing member 36e pressing the first ink in the pump chamber 36b via the flexible member 36a. When the volume of the pump chamber 36b decreases, the delivery pump 34 ejects the first ink toward the first print head 15a via the discharge valve 37. The pressure with which the delivery pump 34 pressurizes the first ink is set to a positive pressure higher than atmospheric pressure, for example, +50 kPa gauge pressure, by the pressing force of the pressing member 36e.

[0030] The liquid storage section 32 has a storage release valve 41, a storage amount detection section 42, and a stirring mechanism 43. The storage release valve 41 opens the space inside the liquid storage section 32 to the atmosphere. The storage amount detection section 42 detects the amount of first ink stored in the liquid storage section 32. The stirring mechanism 43 stirs the first ink inside the liquid storage section 32. The stirring mechanism 43 has a stirring bar 43a and a rotating section 43b. The stirring bar 43a is provided inside the liquid storage section 32 and stirs the first ink. The rotating section 43b rotates the stirring bar 43a.

[0031] The liquid supply unit 19 includes an air intake unit 44 downstream of the liquid storage unit 32. The air intake unit 44 takes in air into the liquid supply flow path 30. The air intake unit 44 has a switching valve 44a, an air inflow path 44b, and a one-way valve 44c. The switching valve 44a is provided in the liquid supply flow path 30. The air inflow path 44b is connected to the switching valve 44a. The one-way valve 44c is provided in the air inflow path 44b. The switching valve 44a is a three-way valve that switches between communication and non-communication between the liquid supply flow path 30 and the air inflow path 44b. The one-way valve 44c allows air to flow toward the liquid supply flow path 30 and prevents fluid from flowing from the liquid supply flow path 30 to the outside. When the liquid supply flow path 30 and the air inflow path 44b are connected, air is taken into the liquid supply flow path 30 via the air inflow path 44b.

[0032] The supply pump 39a shown in Figure 1 is disposed between the liquid storage section 32 and the air intake section 44. When the liquid supply mechanism shown in Figure 2 supplies the first ink to the first print head 15a, the supply pump 39a corresponds to the first supply pump 39a1. When the liquid supply mechanism shown in Figure 2 supplies the treatment liquid to the second print head 15b, the supply pump 39a corresponds to the second supply pump 39a2.

[0033] The liquid supply unit 19 includes a choke valve 46 downstream of the air intake unit 44. The choke valve 46 operates when suction cleaning is performed by the suction mechanism 134, which will be described later. The choke valve 46 is closed when choke suction is performed, which reduces the pressure in the closed space including the first print head 15a and accumulates negative pressure.

[0034] The pressure adjustment mechanism 40 has a pressure adjustment unit 48 and a pressing mechanism 49. The pressure adjustment unit 48 constitutes a part of the liquid supply flow path 30. The pressing mechanism 49 adjusts the pressure inside the pressure adjustment unit 48. The pressure adjustment unit 48 has a main body 52. ​​The main body 52 forms a liquid inflow chamber 50 and a liquid outflow chamber 51. The first ink supplied from the liquid supply source 17 via the liquid supply flow path 30 flows into the liquid inflow chamber 50. The liquid outflow chamber 51 stores the first ink.

[0035] The liquid supply channel 30 and the liquid inlet chamber 50 are separated by a wall 53 of the main body 52. ​​The liquid supply channel 30 and the liquid inlet chamber 50 communicate with each other via a through-hole 54 formed in the wall 53. The through-hole 54 is covered with a filter member 55. The first ink flowing from the liquid supply channel 30 into the liquid inlet chamber 50 is filtered by the filter member 55.

[0036] The liquid outflow chamber 51 has a diaphragm 56. The diaphragm 56 forms a first surface 56a, which is the inner surface of the liquid outflow chamber 51. The diaphragm 56 receives the pressure of the first ink in the liquid outflow chamber 51 on the first surface 56a. The diaphragm 56 receives atmospheric pressure on a second surface 56b, which is the surface opposite to the first surface 56a. The diaphragm 56 is displaced in accordance with the pressure of the first ink in the liquid outflow chamber 51. The volume of the liquid outflow chamber 51 changes as the diaphragm 56 is displaced. The liquid inflow chamber 50 and the liquid outflow chamber 51 are connected to each other by a connecting flow path 57.

[0037] The pressure adjustment unit 48 has a supply valve 59. The supply valve 59 can be in a closed state, which prevents the first ink from flowing through the communicating flow path 57, or in an open state, which allows the first ink to flow through the communicating flow path 57. The supply valve 59 opens when the pressure inside the first print head 15a becomes equal to or lower than a predetermined pressure. The supply valve 59 is provided between the liquid storage unit 32 inside the liquid supply flow path 30 and the first print head 15a. The supply valve 59 shown in FIG. 2 is in a closed state. The supply valve 59 has a valve unit 60 and a pressure-receiving unit 61. The valve unit 60 blocks the communicating flow path 57. The pressure-receiving unit 61 receives pressure from the diaphragm 56. The supply valve 59 moves when the pressure-receiving unit 61 is pressed by the diaphragm 56.

[0038] A first pressing member 62 is provided in the liquid inflow chamber 50. A second pressing member 63 is provided in the liquid outflow chamber 51. The first pressing member 62 and the second pressing member 63 press the supply valve 59 in a direction to close the valve. When the first pressure applied to the first surface 56a is lower than the second pressure applied to the second surface 56b and the difference between the first pressure and the second pressure is equal to or greater than a predetermined set value, the supply valve 59 changes from a closed state to an open state. The predetermined set value is set in the range of 1 kPa to 2 kPa, for example.

[0039] The pressing force of the first pressing member 62 and the second pressing member 63 is set within a range in which the first ink in the first nozzle 24a is in a negative pressure state. The first ink in the first nozzle 24a forms a concave meniscus as an air-liquid interface. The air-liquid interface is the boundary where a liquid and a gas meet. The meniscus is a curved liquid surface formed when the first ink comes into contact with the first nozzle 24a. For example, assume that the pressure on the second surface 56b is atmospheric pressure and the height difference between the common flow path and the liquid outflow chamber 51 is 50 mm. The pressing force of the first pressing member 62 and the second pressing member 63 is set within a range in which the pressure of the first ink in the liquid outflow chamber 51 is -1 kPa to -2 kP in gauge pressure. It is preferable that a concave meniscus suitable for ejecting the first ink is formed in the first nozzle 24a.

[0040] When the supply valve 59 of the pressure adjustment unit 48 is in a closed state, the pressure of the first ink in the liquid inlet chamber 50 and upstream of the liquid inlet chamber 50 is set to a positive pressure higher than atmospheric pressure, for example, +50 kPa gauge pressure, by the supply pump 39a. When the supply valve 59 of the pressure adjustment unit 48 is in a closed state, the pressure of the first ink in the liquid outflow chamber 51 and downstream of the liquid outflow chamber 51 is set to a negative pressure lower than atmospheric pressure.

[0041] When the first print head 15a ejects the first ink, the first ink stored in the liquid outflow chamber 51 is supplied to the first print head 15a via the liquid supply channel 30. The ink pressure in the liquid outflow chamber 51 decreases. When the difference between the pressure on the first surface 56a and the pressure on the second surface 56b of the diaphragm 56 exceeds a set value, the diaphragm 56 flexes and deforms in a direction that reduces the volume of the liquid outflow chamber 51. The deformation of the diaphragm 56 presses the pressure-receiving portion 61. As the pressure-receiving portion 61 is pressed, the supply valve 59 enters an open state, allowing the first ink to flow from the liquid inflow chamber 50 toward the liquid outflow chamber 51.

[0042] When the supply valve 59 is open, the first ink in the liquid inlet chamber 50 is pressurized by the first supply pump 39a1 and supplied from the liquid inlet chamber 50 to the liquid outlet chamber 51. The diaphragm 56 is deformed by the supplied first ink, increasing the volume of the liquid outlet chamber 51. When the difference between the pressure on the first surface 56a and the pressure on the second surface 56b of the diaphragm 56 falls below a set value, the supply valve 59 changes from an open state to a closed state. The supply valve 59 prevents the first ink from flowing from the liquid inlet chamber 50 toward the liquid outlet chamber 51. The pressure adjustment unit 48 adjusts the pressure of the first ink in the first print head 15a by adjusting the pressure of the first ink supplied to the first print head 15a using the displacement of the diaphragm 56.

[0043] The pressing mechanism 49 has an expansion / contraction section 67, a holding member 68, and a pressure adjustment section 69. The expansion / contraction section 67 forms a pressure adjustment chamber 66 on the second surface 56b side of the diaphragm 56. The expansion / contraction section 67 is formed in a balloon shape from rubber, resin, or the like. The holding member 68 holds down the expansion / contraction section 67. The pressure adjustment section 69 adjusts the pressure inside the pressure adjustment chamber 66. The expansion / contraction section 67 expands or contracts as the pressure adjustment section 69 adjusts the pressure in the pressure adjustment chamber 66.

[0044] The holding member 68 is a cylindrical member having a bottom and an opening 71 formed therein. An insertion hole 70 is formed in the bottom of the holding member 68. A portion of the expansion / contraction section 67 is inserted into the insertion hole 70. The holding member 68 is attached to the pressure adjustment section 48, and the opening 71 is closed by the pressure adjustment section 48. The holding member 68 forms an air chamber 72 that covers the second surface 56b of the diaphragm 56. The air chamber 72 communicates with the outside space via the gap between the insertion hole 70 and the expansion / contraction section 67. Atmospheric pressure acts on the second surface 56b of the diaphragm 56.

[0045] The pressure adjustment unit 69 adjusts the pressure in the pressure adjustment chamber 66 to a pressure higher than atmospheric pressure, which is the pressure in the air chamber 72, thereby expanding the expansion / contraction unit 67. The pressing mechanism 49 presses the diaphragm 56 in a direction that reduces the volume of the liquid outflow chamber 51, as the pressure adjustment unit 69 expands the expansion / contraction unit 67. The expansion / contraction unit 67 of the pressing mechanism 49 presses the pressure receiving unit 61 via the diaphragm 56, forcing the supply valve 59 of the pressure adjustment unit 48 into an open state. The pressing mechanism 49 functions as a valve opening mechanism that can open the supply valve 59.

[0046] The pressure adjustment unit 69 has a pressure pump 74, a connection flow path 75, a pressure detection unit 76, and a fluid adjustment unit 77. The pressure pump 74 pressurizes a fluid such as air or water. The connection flow path 75 connects the pressure pump 74 and the expansion / contraction unit 67. The pressure detection unit 76 detects the pressure of the fluid in the connection flow path 75. The fluid adjustment unit 77 adjusts the pressure of the fluid in the connection flow path 75.

[0047] The connecting flow path 75 branches into multiple flow paths, which are respectively connected to the inflation / deflation sections 67 of the multiple pressure adjustment mechanisms 40. The fluid pressurized by the pressure pump 74 is supplied to each of the inflation / deflation sections 67 via the connecting flow paths 75.

[0048] The fluid adjustment unit 77 is composed of a control valve whose opening and closing is controlled based on the pressure detected by the pressure detection unit 76, or a relief valve that automatically opens when the pressure of the fluid in the connection flow path 75 exceeds a predetermined pressure. When the fluid adjustment unit 77 opens, the fluid in the connection flow path 75 is released to the outside. By releasing the fluid to the outside, the fluid adjustment unit 77 reduces the pressure of the fluid in the connection flow path 75.

[0049] The first print head 15a shown in FIG. 2 has a supply port 85 through which the first ink flows. The supply port 85 is connected to a liquid supply channel 30 that can supply the first ink to the first print head 15a. The first print head 15a has a common liquid chamber 84 that serves as a common channel and communicates with the supply port 85. The difference in elevation between the common liquid chamber 84 and the nozzle surface 25 is a difference that does not need to be taken into account when converting pressure. The first print head 15a has a filter 83 that filters the first ink being supplied. The first print head 15a ejects the first ink filtered by the filter 83 from the first nozzles 24a. The filter 83 captures air bubbles, foreign matter, and the like in the first ink being supplied. The filter 83 is provided in the common liquid chamber 84, which communicates with the liquid supply channel 30.

[0050] The first print head 15a has a plurality of individual liquid chambers 86 that communicate with a common liquid chamber 84. One individual liquid chamber 86 is provided corresponding to one first nozzle 24a. A portion of the wall surface of the individual liquid chamber 86 is formed by a vibration plate 87. The common liquid chamber 84 and the plurality of individual liquid chambers 86 communicate with each other via supply-side communicating passages 88. Each of the plurality of first nozzles 24a communicates with the common liquid chamber 84 via the corresponding individual liquid chamber 86. Each of the plurality of first nozzles 24a opens to the nozzle surface 25.

[0051] The first print head 15a includes a plurality of ejection elements 89 and a plurality of storage chambers 90. Each of the plurality of storage chambers 90 contains one ejection element 89. The storage chambers 90 are located at positions different from the common liquid chamber 84. The ejection elements 89 are provided on the surface of the vibration plate 87 opposite the portion that faces the individual liquid chambers 86. By driving the ejection elements 89, the first print head 15a ejects the first ink in the individual liquid chambers 86 as droplets from the plurality of first nozzles 24a.

[0052] The ejection element 89 is composed of a piezoelectric element that contracts when a drive voltage is applied. The contraction of the ejection element 89 deforms the diaphragm 87. When the application of the drive voltage to the ejection element 89 is released while the diaphragm 87 is in a deformed state, the first ink in the individual liquid chamber 86, whose volume has changed, is ejected as a droplet from the first nozzle 24a.

[0053] FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view taken along the CC line in FIG. 2. The first print head 15a has a first discharge port 96a and a second discharge port 96b. The first discharge port 96a and the second discharge port 96b discharge the supplied first ink to the outside without passing through the first nozzle 24a. The first print head 15a has a first discharge flow path 91, a second discharge flow path 92, and a discharge liquid chamber 93. The first discharge flow path 91 communicates with the first discharge port 96a. The second discharge flow path 92 communicates with the second discharge port 96b. The discharge liquid chamber 93 connects the first discharge flow path 91 and the individual liquid chamber 86. The discharge liquid chamber 93 communicates with the first discharge port 96a via the first discharge flow path 91 and with the supply port 85 via the individual liquid chamber 86 and the common liquid chamber 84. The common liquid chamber 84 communicates with the individual liquid chambers 86, the discharge liquid chamber 93, and the first discharge port 96a via the first discharge flow path 91, and communicates with the second discharge port 96b via the second discharge flow path 92.

[0054] The discharge liquid chamber 93 is connected to the multiple individual liquid chambers 86 via a discharge-side communication passage 94 provided for each individual liquid chamber 86. By providing the discharge liquid chamber 93, it is not necessary to provide a first discharge flow path 91 for each individual liquid chamber 86. The first print head 15a may have multiple first discharge flow paths 91 that communicate with each of the multiple individual liquid chambers 86.

[0055] The liquid return channel 31 has a first return channel 31a and a second return channel 31b. The first return channel 31a returns the first ink supplied to the first print head 15a to the liquid supply channel 30. The second return channel 31b is connected to the first return channel 31a, which is connected to the first outlet 96a, and to the second outlet 96b. In the liquid return channel 31, the first return channel 31a and the second return channel 31b merge. The first return channel 31a and the second return channel 31b may each be connected to the liquid storage section 32.

[0056] The first return flow path 31a is provided with a first return valve 97a and a first damper 98a. The second return flow path 31b is provided with a second return valve 97b and a second damper 98b. A return pump 39b may be provided in each of the first return flow path 31a and the second return flow path 31b.

[0057] Within the first return flow path 31a, the first damper 98a is located closer to the return pump 39b than the first return valve 97a. Within the second return flow path 31b, the second damper 98b is located closer to the return pump 39b than the second return valve 97b. The first damper 98a and the second damper 98b store the first ink. As an example, the first damper 98a and the second damper 98b are partially formed of flexible membranes. The first damper 98a and the second damper 98b are configured to have a variable volume for storing the first ink. By providing the first damper 98a and the second damper 98b, it is possible to suppress fluctuations in pressure that occur in the first print head 15a when the first ink flows through the first return flow path 31a and the second return flow path 31b.

[0058] The first ink flows through the first return flow path 31a and the second return flow path 31b by opening and closing the first return valve 97a and the second return valve 97b. By opening the first return valve 97a and driving the return pump 39b, the first ink in the common liquid chamber 84 of the first print head 15a is discharged from the first outlet 96a to the first return flow path 31a. By opening the second return valve 97b and driving the return pump 39b, the first ink in the common liquid chamber 84 of the first print head 15a is discharged from the second outlet 96b to the second return flow path 31b.

[0059] When the first ink in the common liquid chamber 84 is discharged into the liquid return channel 31, the pressure of the first ink in the common liquid chamber 84 decreases. The first ink contained in the liquid outflow chamber 51 of the pressure adjustment unit 48 is supplied to the common liquid chamber 84 via the liquid supply channel 30. The pressure in the liquid outflow chamber 51 decreases. When the difference between the pressure on the first surface 56a and the pressure on the second surface 56b of the diaphragm 56 becomes equal to or greater than a set value, the supply valve 59 enters an open state, allowing the first ink to flow from the liquid inflow chamber 50 toward the liquid outflow chamber 51. The first ink supplied to the first print head 15a from the liquid supply channel 30 via the liquid inflow chamber 50 is returned to the liquid supply channel 30 via the liquid return channel 31 and the liquid storage unit 32.

[0060] The first return valve 97a and the second return valve 97b are closed together with the choke valve 46 when choke suction is performed by the suction mechanism 134. The first return valve 97a and the second return valve 97b close the liquid supply flow path 30 from the choke valve 46 to the first print head 15a, the liquid return flow path 31 from the first print head 15a to the first return valve 97a and the second return valve 97b, and the inside of the first print head 15a.

[0061] Fig. 4 shows the schematic configuration of the printer 11 as seen from the +Y direction. Fig. 4 shows the support base 12, the head unit 14, the carriage 27, the carriage motor 28a, the conveyor belt 28b, the position sensor 29a, the torque sensor 29b, the first side plate 20c, the second side plate 20d, and the maintenance unit 130.

[0062] The first side plate 20c and the second side plate 20d support two guide shafts 26. FIG. 4 shows one guide shaft 26. The first side plate 20c is located at the end position of the printer 11 in the +X direction. The second side plate 20d is located at the end position of the printer 11 in the -X direction. The first side plate 20c and the second side plate 20d may be configured as part of the main body 20, or may be configured as separate bodies. The first side plate 20c and the second side plate 20d may be equipped with a conveyor belt support member (not shown) that supports the conveyor belt 28b.

[0063] The guide shafts 26 are supported by the first side plate 20c and the second side plate 20d. The two guide shafts 26 are arranged along the X axis. The guide shafts 26 support the carriage 27 and guide it along the X axis. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the printer 11 is configured with two guide shafts 26, but it may also be configured with one guide shaft 26, or three or more guide shafts 26.

[0064] The conveyor belt 28b moves the carriage 27 along the guide shaft 26. The conveyor belt 28b shown in FIG. 4 moves the carriage 27 in the +X direction and the -X direction. The conveyor belt 28b moves the carriage 27 by the driving force of the carriage motor 28a. The conveyor belt 28b moves the head unit 14 via the carriage 27. The conveyor belt 28b is connected to the carriage motor 28a via a drive transmission mechanism such as gears and pulleys (not shown).

[0065] The carriage motor 28a generates a driving force to move the carriage 27. The driving force is torque as a mechanical output of the carriage motor 28a. The carriage motor 28a includes, for example, a permanent magnet type field magnet, i.e., a stator, and a rotor that rotates in the field magnet. A rotating shaft (not shown) that is connected to a drive transmission mechanism is coupled to the rotor. The carriage motor 28a is connected to the conveyor belt 28b via the drive transmission mechanism. The carriage motor 28a may also transmit the driving force directly to the conveyor belt 28b. The carriage motor 28a shown in FIG. 4 is disposed at an end position in the +X direction. The carriage motor 28a corresponds to an example of a moving unit.

[0066] The position sensor 29a detects the position of the carriage 27 or the head unit 14 placed on the carriage 27. The position sensor 29a shown in FIG. 4 is built into the carriage motor 28a. The carriage motor 28a has a rotary encoder as the position sensor 29a. The rotary encoder detects the rotational position of the rotation axis of the carriage motor 28a. The rotary encoder detects the rotational position, thereby detecting the relative position of the carriage 27 and other components with respect to the rotational position. The position sensor 29a is not limited to a rotary encoder. The position sensor 29a may be configured separately from the carriage motor 28a. The position sensor 29a may be configured as a line sensor or the like that detects the position of the carriage 27. The position sensor 29a corresponds to an example of a position detection unit.

[0067] The torque sensor 29b detects the load torque applied to the carriage motor 28a. The torque sensor 29b shown in FIG. 4 is built into the carriage motor 28a. The torque sensor 29b detects a jam of the printing medium M by detecting the load torque. A jam of the printing medium M occurs when the printing medium M comes into contact with the head unit 14 or the carriage 27. When the printing medium M comes into contact with the head unit 14 or the carriage 27, the movement load of the carriage 27 increases. The torque sensor 29b detects a jam by detecting the increased movement load. The means for detecting a jam is not limited to the torque sensor 29b. The means for detecting a jam may be an edge position sensor that detects the edge position of the printing medium M. The means for detecting a jam may be a sensor that detects the transport load of the transport unit 13. The torque sensor 29b corresponds to an example of a jam detection unit.

[0068] The maintenance unit 130 performs maintenance on the head unit 14. The maintenance unit 130 is disposed at an end in the movement direction of the carriage 27, facing the head unit 14. The maintenance unit 130 shown in FIG. 4 is disposed at an end position in the +X direction. A detailed configuration of the maintenance unit 130 will be described later with reference to FIG. 5.

[0069] 4 shows the printing area R1 and non-printing area R2. The printing area R1 and non-printing area R2 are areas parallel to the X-axis. The carriage 27 is capable of moving through the printing area R1 and non-printing area R2. The carriage 27 moves through the printing area R1 and non-printing area R2 by the driving force of the carriage motor 28a.

[0070] The printing area R1 is an area where printing is performed on the printing medium M by the head unit 14. The printing area R1 is an area between the +X direction end and the -X direction end of the printing medium M. Within the printing area R1, the print head 15 in the head unit 14 faces the printing medium M. The printing area R1 is an area through which the printing medium M is transported. When a jam occurs during printing, at least a portion of the head unit 14 stops within the printing area R1.

[0071] The non-printing area R2 is an area in the +X direction or the -X direction of the printing area R1. In the non-printing area R2, the print head 15 in the head unit 14 does not face the printing medium M. The non-printing area R2 includes an area where the head unit 14 faces the maintenance unit 130. In the non-printing area R2, the head unit 14 does not print on the printing medium M.

[0072] Fig. 5 shows the configuration of the maintenance unit 130. Fig. 5 is a view of the periphery of the maintenance unit 130 as seen from the -Z direction. Fig. 5 shows the carriage 27 at a position in the -X direction of the maintenance unit 130.

[0073] As shown in Fig. 5, the printer 11 includes a maintenance unit 130 that performs maintenance on the head unit 14. The maintenance unit 130 is provided in the non-printing region R2 as shown in Fig. 4. The maintenance unit 130 includes a liquid receiving section 131, a wiping mechanism 133, a suction mechanism 134, a capping mechanism 136, a waste liquid pan 138, and a waste liquid storage section 139. The maintenance unit 130 corresponds to an example of a maintenance section.

[0074] The position of the capping mechanism 136 in the -Z direction is the home position HP of the head unit 14. The home position HP is the starting point for movement of the head unit 14. The area of ​​the wiping mechanism 133 in the -Z direction is the wiping area WA.

[0075] The position of the liquid receiving portion 131 in the -Z direction is the discharge position CP of the head unit 14. When the head unit 14 is located at the discharge position CP, the nozzle surface 25 faces the liquid receiving portion 131. The width along the X axis and the length along the Y axis of the liquid receiving portion 131 are each greater than the width along the X axis and the length along the Y axis of the nozzle surface 25, respectively.

[0076] When the head unit 14 is positioned at the discharge position CP, the printer 11 drives the supply pump 39a. The printer 11 performs a pressurized discharge operation in which the ink and treatment liquid in the liquid supply unit 19 are pressurized and the ink and treatment liquid are discharged from the nozzles 24. The liquid receptacle 131 receives the ink and treatment liquid discharged by the pressurized discharge operation.

[0077] The liquid receiving section 131 receives the ink and treatment liquid ejected by flushing from the nozzles 24 of the print head 15. Flushing is performed for the purpose of preventing and clearing clogging of the nozzles 24. Flushing is an operation that drives the ejection elements 89 of the print head 15 to forcibly eject ink or treatment liquid from the nozzles 24, unrelated to printing.

[0078] The wiping mechanism 133 includes a strip-shaped member 141, a holder 142, a base 143, and a pair of rails 144. The strip-shaped member 141 absorbs ink and treatment liquid. The width of the strip-shaped member 141 along the X axis is preferably greater than the width of the nozzle surface 25 along the X axis. The holder 142 holds the strip-shaped member 141. The base 143 holds the holder 142 so that it can move in a first wiping direction W1 and a second wiping direction W2 opposite to the first wiping direction W1. The first wiping direction W1 and the second wiping direction W2 are directions along the Y axis. The pair of rails 144 are arranged along the Y axis. The wiping mechanism 133 may also include a wiping motor 145, a winding motor 146, and a power transmission mechanism 147 that transmits power from the winding motor 146. The holding portion 142 has an opening region 148 formed therein, through which the strip-shaped member 141 is exposed.

[0079] The holder 142 moves back and forth along the Y axis on a pair of rails 144 by the power of the wiping motor 145. The holder 142 moves between a standby position indicated by a two-dot chain line in Fig. 5 and a receiving position indicated by a solid line in Fig. 5. When the wiping motor 145 is driven in the forward direction, the holder 142 moves from the standby position to the receiving position in the first wiping direction W1. When the wiping motor 145 is driven in the reverse direction, the holder 142 moves from the receiving position to the standby position in the second wiping direction W2.

[0080] The wiping mechanism 133 performs a wiping operation to wipe the nozzle surface 25 of the print head 15 located in the wiping area WA when the holding unit 142 moves in the first wiping direction W1 or when the holding unit 142 moves in the second wiping direction W2. The wiping mechanism 133 may perform a wiping operation when the holding unit 142 moves in the first wiping direction W1 and when the holding unit 142 moves in the second wiping direction W2. The wiping operation is a maintenance operation in which the strip-shaped member 141 wipes the nozzle surface 25. The wiping mechanism 133 corresponds to an example of a cleaning unit.

[0081] The wiping mechanism 133 may be provided with a pressing portion (not shown) around which the belt-shaped member 141 is wound, and a regulating member 158. The pressing portion presses the belt-shaped member 141 in the −Z direction, causing the belt-shaped member 141 to protrude from the opening region 148. The portion of the belt-shaped member 141 pressed by the pressing portion becomes a wiping portion 161 that wipes the nozzle surface 25. When the holding portion 142 moves in the first wiping direction W1 or the second wiping direction W2, the pressing portion brings the belt-shaped member 141 into contact with the nozzle surface 25 so that the nozzle surface 25 can be wiped. The regulating member 158 regulates the position of the belt-shaped member 141 in the −Z direction. By regulating the position of the belt-shaped member 141 in the −Z direction by the regulating member 158, the belt-shaped member 141 can come into contact with the nozzle surface 25 at the wiping portion 161 shown in FIG. 5.

[0082] The wiping mechanism 133 has a drawer section 162. The drawer section 162 draws the strip-shaped member 141 to a position facing the nozzle surface 25 without contacting it. The receiving position of the holder 142, shown by the solid line in FIG. 5, is a position where the liquid receiver 131 and the drawer section 162 are aligned along the X axis. When the holder section 142 is in the receiving position, the printer 11 may face the print head 15 to the drawer section 162 and perform a pressurized discharge operation or flushing.

[0083] The suction mechanism 134 includes a suction cap 164, a suction holder 165, a suction motor 166, and a decompression mechanism 167. The suction motor 166 moves the suction holder 165 back and forth along the Z axis. The suction motor 166 moves the suction holder 165 back and forth, thereby moving the suction cap 164 between a contact position and a retracted position. The contact position is a position where the suction cap 164 contacts the print head 15 and surrounds the nozzles 24. The retracted position is a position where the suction cap 164 is separated from the print head 15. The suction cap 164 may be configured to surround all of the nozzles 24 of the print head 15, or may be configured to surround only some of the nozzles 24. The decompression mechanism 167 reduces the pressure inside the suction cap 164.

[0084] The printer 11 moves the print head 15 to a position in the -Z direction of the suction mechanism 134. When the suction caps 164 are positioned in the contact position, the suction mechanism 134 surrounds one nozzle row with the suction caps 164. The suction mechanism 134 may perform suction cleaning, in which the pressure inside the suction caps 164 is reduced by the pressure reduction mechanism 167 to discharge ink or treatment liquid from the nozzles 24. The suction mechanism 134 may receive the ink or treatment liquid discharged by the suction cleaning. The suction mechanism 134 corresponds to an example of a cleaning unit.

[0085] The capping mechanism 136 has a standby cap 169, a standby holder 170, and a standby motor 171. The standby motor 171 moves the standby holder 170 back and forth along the Z axis. Driving the standby motor 171 moves the standby holder 170 and the standby cap 169 in the +Z direction or the -Z direction. The standby cap 169 moves from a separated position in the +Z direction to a capping position in the -Z direction. At the capping position, the standby cap 169 comes into contact with the print head 15, which is stopped at the home position HP.

[0086] The standby cap 169 surrounds the openings of the nozzles 24. Maintenance in which the standby cap 169 surrounds the openings of the nozzles 24 is referred to as standby capping. Standby capping is a type of capping. Standby capping prevents the nozzles 24 from drying out. The standby cap 169 may be configured to surround all of the nozzles 24 together, or may be configured to surround only some of the nozzles 24.

[0087] FIG. 6 shows a schematic configuration of the head unit 14. FIG. 6 is a view of the nozzle surface 25 as seen from the +Z direction. The head unit 14 includes multiple print heads 15. The head unit 14 shown in FIG. 6 includes five print heads 15. The head unit 14 has a fifth print head 15e, a first print head 15a, a second print head 15b, a third print head 15c, and a fourth print head 15d arranged in this order in the +X direction along the X axis. The arrangement of the multiple print heads 15 is not limited to the configuration shown in FIG. 6. The arrangement of the multiple print heads 15 can be changed as appropriate.

[0088] The first print head 15a has a plurality of first nozzles 24a on the nozzle surface 25. The plurality of first nozzles 24a form a plurality of nozzle rows aligned along the Y axis. The plurality of nozzle rows are arranged along the X axis. Each of the plurality of first nozzles 24a ejects a first ink containing a colorant of a first color. For example, each of the plurality of first nozzles 24a ejects black ink as the first ink.

[0089] The second print head 15b has a plurality of second nozzles 24b on the nozzle surface 25. The plurality of second nozzles 24b form a plurality of nozzle rows along the Y axis. The plurality of nozzle rows are arranged along the X axis. Each of the plurality of second nozzles 24b ejects treatment liquid.

[0090] The third print head 15c has a plurality of third nozzles 24c on the nozzle surface 25. The plurality of third nozzles 24c form a plurality of nozzle rows aligned along the Y axis. The plurality of nozzle rows are arranged along the X axis. Each of the plurality of third nozzles 24c ejects a second ink having a colorant of a second color different from the first color. For example, each of the plurality of third nozzles 24c ejects cyan ink as the second ink.

[0091] The fourth print head 15d has a plurality of fourth nozzles 24d on the nozzle surface 25. The plurality of fourth nozzles 24d form a plurality of nozzle rows aligned along the Y axis. The plurality of nozzle rows are arranged along the X axis. Each of the plurality of fourth nozzles 24d ejects a third ink containing a third color material different from the first and second colors. For example, each of the plurality of fourth nozzles 24d ejects magenta ink as the third ink. The third ink corresponds to an example of a liquid.

[0092] The fifth print head 15e has a plurality of fifth nozzles 24e on the nozzle surface 25. The plurality of fifth nozzles 24e form a plurality of nozzle rows aligned along the Y axis. The plurality of nozzle rows are arranged along the X axis. Each of the plurality of fifth nozzles 24e ejects a fourth ink containing a fourth color material that is different from the first, second, and third colors. For example, each of the plurality of fifth nozzles 24e ejects yellow ink as the fourth ink. The fourth ink corresponds to an example of a liquid.

[0093] 7 shows a block configuration of the printer 11. The printer 11 includes a transport unit 13, a head unit 14, a carriage motor 28a, a control panel 110, a maintenance unit 130, a position sensor 29a, a torque sensor 29b, and a control unit 101.

[0094] The control unit 101 is a controller that controls each part of the printer 11. The control unit 101 has a control processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), etc. The control unit 101 operates as a functional part by executing a program on the control processor. The RAM and ROM function as a work area. The control unit 101 corresponds to an example of a control unit. The control unit 101 controls each unit etc. based on the detection results detected by various sensors such as the position sensor 29a and torque sensor 29b.

[0095] The control unit 101 includes a storage unit 107. The storage unit 107 stores various programs, such as a control program, and various data that run on the control unit 101. The storage unit 107 stores various data, such as print data. RAM and ROM may operate as the storage unit 107, or the storage unit 107 may include a magnetic storage device, such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), a semiconductor memory, or the like.

[0096] The control unit 101 executes a control program to function as a print control unit 103 and a data processing unit 105. The print control unit 103 and the data processing unit 105 are functional units. By functioning as the print control unit 103 and the data processing unit 105, the control unit 101 controls the transport unit 13, the head unit 14, the carriage motor 28a, and the maintenance unit 130.

[0097] The print control unit 103 controls the transport unit 13, the head unit 14, the carriage motor 28a, and the maintenance unit 130. The print control unit 103 controls the multiple print heads 15 in the head unit 14. The print control unit 103 controls the ejection of ink or treatment liquid from the nozzles 24 by controlling the multiple print heads 15. The print control unit 103 controls the transport of the print medium M by controlling the transport unit 13. The print control unit 103 controls printing on the print medium M.

[0098] When a jam occurs on the printing medium M, the print control unit 103 controls the transport unit 13, the head unit 14, the carriage motor 28a, and the maintenance unit 130. When a jam occurs on the printing medium M, the print control unit 103 controls the ejection of ink and treatment liquid onto the printing medium M, the transport of the printing medium M, and the transport of the carriage 27 by the carriage motor 28a. When a jam occurs on the printing medium M, the print control unit 103 controls the operation of the maintenance unit 130. When a jam occurs on the printing medium M, the print control unit 103 controls the ejection of ink and treatment liquid by the print head 15 based on the data processing results of the data processing unit 105. Control by the print control unit 103 when a jam occurs on the printing medium M will be described later.

[0099] The data processing unit 105 performs data processing based on print data. The print data is received from an external device via a communication interface (not shown). The print data may be stored in advance in the storage unit 107. The data processing unit 105 calculates a print rate for each predetermined range based on the print data. The print rate is the ratio of the area onto which ink and treatment liquid are ejected to the area of ​​the printing medium M to be printed. As an example, the data processing unit 105 calculates the print rate of an image printed on the printing medium M for each scan. One scan is a scan in which the head unit 14 moves from one side of the guide shaft 26 to the other by the carriage 27. The data processing unit 105 may calculate the print rate for each print head 15. The data processing unit 105 may calculate the print rate of an image printed on the printing medium M for each predetermined number of scans. The data processing unit 105 may calculate the ejection amount of ink and treatment liquid ejected from each print head 15 for each predetermined number of scans. The print rate and ejection amount for each predetermined number of scans calculated by the data processing unit 105 are stored in the storage unit 107. The calculated printing rate and ejection amount are used for control when a jam occurs.

[0100] The control panel 110 accepts various operations from the user. The control panel 110 receives print settings and user instructions through various operations. Print settings include information on the type of print medium M, the size of the print medium M, print resolution, color / monochrome setting, etc. Instructions from the user include an instruction to start printing, an instruction to stop printing, an instruction to perform maintenance on the print head 15, etc. The control panel 110 receives input of jam clearance completion information indicating that the user has completed jam clearance.

[0101] First embodiment Fig. 8 shows the control flow when a jam occurs. Fig. 8 shows the basic flow controlled by the control unit 101 when a jam occurs in the printing medium M. When a jam occurs in the printing medium M, the control unit 101 controls the transport unit 13, the head unit 14, the carriage motor 28a, and the maintenance unit 130. The first embodiment shows the control of the control unit 101 when a jam occurs as shown in Fig. 9.

[0102] FIG. 9 shows the state when a jam occurs. FIG. 9 shows the support base 12, printing medium M, carriage 27, and head unit 14. The head unit 14 has multiple print heads 15. Components such as the guide shaft 26 are omitted from FIG. 9. FIG. 9 shows the state when a jam occurs within the printing region R1. The printing medium M is positioned opposite the nozzle surface 25. As shown in FIG. 9, a jam occurs when the printing medium M comes into contact with the carriage 27 or the head unit 14. When the head unit 14 ejects ink and treatment liquid onto the printing medium M, the carriage 27 transports the head unit 14 in the -X direction or +X direction. For example, if the printing medium M is floating above the support base 12, the carriage 27 or the head unit 14 will come into contact with the printing medium M. When the carriage 27 or the head unit 14 comes into contact with the printing medium M, the printing medium M is deformed, causing a jam.

[0103] As shown in FIG. 8, the printer 11 detects a jam of the printing medium M. When a jam occurs as shown in FIG. 9, the load torque of the carriage motor 28a increases. The torque sensor 29b detects the load torque applied to the carriage motor 28a. When the load torque exceeds a predetermined threshold, the torque sensor 29b detects a jam of the printing medium M. When the torque sensor 29b detects a jam, it sends a jam occurrence signal to the control unit 101. The jam occurrence signal indicates the detection of a jam. In step S101, the control unit 101 receives the jam occurrence signal. By receiving the jam occurrence signal, the control unit 101 is notified of the detection of a jam.

[0104] When the control unit 101 receives the jam occurrence signal, in step S103, it controls the transport unit 13 to stop transport of the printing medium M. The print control unit 103 sends a transport stop signal to the transport unit 13 based on the received jam occurrence signal. The transport unit 13 receives the transport stop signal and stops transport of the printing medium M. When the print control unit 103 receives the jam occurrence signal, it controls the carriage motor 28a. The print control unit 103 sends a motor stop signal to the carriage motor 28a based on the received jam occurrence signal. The carriage motor 28a receives the motor stop signal and stops rotating. The carriage 27 stops transporting itself by stopping the carriage motor 28a. When the carriage 27 stops, the head unit 14 stops at a position where the nozzle surface 25 faces the printing medium M.

[0105] When the control unit 101 stops the transport of the printing medium M, in step S105, the control unit 101 controls the ejection of the first print head 15a and the second print head 15b. The control unit 101 controls the first print head 15a to eject the first ink from the first nozzles 24a. The first print head 15a ejects the first ink onto the printing medium M. Alternatively, the control unit 101 controls the second print head 15b to eject the treatment liquid from the second nozzles 24b. The second print head 15b ejects the treatment liquid onto the printing medium M. The control unit 101 may also control the first print head 15a and the second print head 15b. The control unit 101 ejects the first ink from the first print head 15a and the treatment liquid from the second print head 15b. The first print head 15a ejects the first ink onto the printing medium M, and the second print head 15b ejects the treatment liquid onto the printing medium M. When the control unit 101 stops the transport of the print medium M, it may control the third print head 15c, the fourth print head 15d, and the fifth print head 15e. The control unit 101 controls whether or not the third print head 15c ejects the second ink. The control unit 101 controls whether or not the fourth print head 15d ejects the third ink. The control unit 101 controls whether or not the fifth print head 15e ejects the fourth ink. The control unit 101 may cause the third print head 15c to eject the second ink, the fourth print head 15d to eject the third ink, and the fifth print head 15e to eject the fourth ink. The third print head 15c ejects the second ink onto the print medium M, the fourth print head 15d ejects the third ink onto the print medium M, and the fifth print head 15e ejects the fourth ink onto the print medium M. The process of ejecting ink or treatment liquid onto the printing medium M by one or more of the print heads 15 based on a jam occurrence signal is hereinafter referred to as a stop position ejection process.

[0106] The control unit 101 controls when the transport of the print medium M is stopped, using the function of the print control unit 103. The print control unit 103 controls the operation of the head unit 14 when a jam occurrence signal is received. When the print control unit 103 receives the jam occurrence signal, it sends a stop position ejection signal to the head unit 14. The stop position ejection signal includes information specifying the print head 15 that will eject ink or treatment liquid. The head unit 14 receives the stop position ejection signal. Based on the received stop position ejection signal, the first nozzles 24a of the first print head 15a eject the first ink. Alternatively, the second nozzles 24b of the second print head 15b may eject the treatment liquid. The first nozzles 24a of the first print head 15a may eject the first ink, and the second nozzles 24b of the second print head 15b may eject the treatment liquid. Based on the received stop position ejection signal, the third nozzles 24c of the third print head 15c may eject the second ink, the fourth nozzles 24d of the fourth print head 15d may eject the third ink, and the fifth nozzles 24e of the fifth print head 15e may eject the fourth ink. The head unit 14 performs a stop position ejection process in which ink or treatment liquid is ejected from the print head 15 specified by the stop position ejection signal.

[0107] When a jam occurs as shown in FIG. 9, the printing medium M may come into contact with the nozzle surface 25. When the printing medium M comes into contact with the nozzle surface 25, the ink and treatment liquid may come into contact on the nozzle surface 25 or inside the nozzles 24. When the ink and treatment liquid come into contact, the treatment liquid aggregates the components in the ink. Aggregates form inside the nozzles 24 or on the nozzle surface 25, causing clogging of the nozzles 24. Clogging of the nozzles 24 can cause poor ejection of the ink or treatment liquid, resulting in reduced image quality. When a jam occurs, the print head 15 ejects ink or treatment liquid, reducing the amount of ink or treatment liquid held in the nozzles. By ejecting ink or treatment liquid from the print head 15, the printer 11 reduces the possibility of poor ejection of the ink or treatment liquid.

[0108] The control unit 101 may control the supply pump 39a and the return pump 39b when the transport of the printing medium M is stopped. The control unit 101 stops the supply pump 39a when the transport of the printing medium M is stopped. The control unit 101 stops the supply of ink or treatment liquid into the nozzles 24 when a jam occurs. The control unit 101 stops the return pump 39b when the transport of the printing medium M is stopped. The control unit 101 prevents clogging in the liquid return channel 31 by stopping the flow of ink or treatment liquid in the liquid return channel 31 after a jam occurs.

[0109] The printer 11, which prints by ejecting ink onto the print medium M within the print region R1, is equipped with a head unit 14 having a first print head 15a that ejects a first ink, which is ink, and a second print head 15b that ejects a treatment liquid containing an aggregating agent that aggregates components in the ink, onto the print medium M, a transport unit 13 that transports the print medium M, a torque sensor 29b that detects a jam of the print medium M, and a control unit 101 that controls the head unit 14 and the transport unit 13. When a jam is detected by the torque sensor 29b, the control unit 101 stops the print medium M being transported by the transport unit 13 and causes the first print head 15a and the second print head 15b to eject at least one of the ink and the treatment liquid within the print region R1. The printer 11 can reduce aggregation caused by a reaction between the ink and the treatment liquid inside the first print head 15a or the second print head 15b. The printer 11 can reduce clogging of the nozzles 24 caused by a reaction between the ink and the treatment liquid. Furthermore, because the ink or treatment liquid is ejected onto the printing medium M, the possibility of the ejected ink or treatment liquid adhering to components such as the support base 12 is reduced.

[0110] The head unit 14 also has a third print head 15c that ejects a second ink that is different from the first ink. When a jam is detected by the torque sensor 29b, the control unit 101 controls whether or not the second ink is ejected from the third print head 15c. When the printer 11 is equipped with the third print head 15c, it can control the ejection of the second ink from the third print head 15c when a jam occurs.

[0111] The printer 11 preferably includes a first supply pump 39a1 that pressurizes the first ink in the first print head 15a, and a second supply pump 39a2 that pressurizes the treatment liquid in the second print head 15b. The control unit 101 drives the first supply pump 39a1 to eject the first ink, and drives the second supply pump 39a2 to eject the treatment liquid. The printer 11 discharges the ink and treatment liquid by applying pressure, thereby eliminating the negative pressure inside the first print head 15a and the second print head 15b after discharge. The printer 11 can prevent clogging of the nozzles 24 due to aggregation caused by a reaction between the first ink and the treatment liquid inside the first print head 15a and the second print head 15b.

[0112] The printer 11 includes a liquid supply channel 30 that supplies the first ink to the first print head 15a, a liquid return channel 31 that returns the first ink from the first print head 15a, and a return pump 39b that causes the first ink to flow within the liquid return channel 31. The control unit 101 controls the return pump 39b, and stops the return pump 39b when a jam is detected by the torque sensor 29b. By stopping the return pump 39b, the printer 11 prevents clogging of the flow passages through which the first ink or treatment liquid flows, which would otherwise occur due to aggregation caused by a reaction between the first ink and the treatment liquid.

[0113] The liquid ejection method of the printer 11 for ejecting ink onto the printing medium M involves ejecting a first ink onto the printing medium M from the first print head 15a, ejecting a treatment liquid containing a flocculant that aggregates the components of the first ink onto the printing medium M from the second print head 15b, and when a jam of the printing medium M is detected, stopping the transport of the printing medium M and ejecting at least one of the first ink or the treatment liquid within the printing area R1. The printer 11 reduces aggregation due to a reaction between the first ink and the treatment liquid in the first print head 15a or the second print head 15b. The printer 11 reduces clogging of the nozzles 24 due to a reaction between the first ink and the treatment liquid. Furthermore, because the first ink or treatment liquid is ejected onto the printing medium M, the printer 11 reduces the possibility that the ejected first ink or treatment liquid will adhere to components such as the support base 12.

[0114] When a jam occurs, the control unit 101 may adjust the amount of ink or treatment liquid ejected from the print head 15. The print control unit 103 adjusts the amount of ink or treatment liquid ejected based on the print rate calculated by the data processing unit 105. When the print control unit 103 detects the occurrence of a jam, it acquires the print rate stored in the memory unit 107. The acquired print rate may be the print rate of an image printed in the scan when the jam occurred. The acquired print rate may be the print rate of an image printed in a predetermined number of scans before the jam occurred. The acquired print rate is a print rate within a predetermined calculation range.

[0115] The print control unit 103 adjusts the amount of ink or treatment liquid to be ejected based on the acquired print rate. The print control unit 103 reduces the amount of ink or treatment liquid to be ejected based on the acquired print rate. When the acquired print rate is smaller than a predetermined print rate threshold, the print control unit 103 reduces the amount of ink or treatment liquid to be ejected below a predetermined amount. When the print rate is low, the amount of ink or treatment liquid ejected onto the printing medium M before a jam occurs is small. Because the possibility of clogging of the nozzles 24 is low, the control unit 101 reduces the amount of ink or treatment liquid to be ejected. When the acquired print rate is smaller than a predetermined print rate threshold, the print control unit 103 may increase the amount of ink or treatment liquid to be ejected above a predetermined amount. Because the printing medium M can absorb a larger amount of ink or treatment liquid when the print rate is low, the control unit 101 may increase the amount of ink or treatment liquid to be ejected above a predetermined amount.

[0116] The control unit 101 calculates the print rate when printing is performed, and adjusts the ejection amount of ink or treatment liquid ejected when a jam is detected by the torque sensor 29b based on the print rate. The printer 11 changes the amount of ink or treatment liquid ejected depending on the printing rate, so it is possible to reduce consumption of ink or treatment liquid or the occurrence of clogging of the nozzles 24.

[0117] The first embodiment illustrates a case where a printer 11 is used in which the head unit 14 is scanned by a carriage 27, but is not limited to this. The first embodiment can also be applied to a case where a line head is used as the head unit 14. The line head is fixedly disposed in a position facing the print medium M. A torque sensor 29b is disposed on the transport roller pair 21 in the transport unit 13 that transports the print medium M. When a jam occurs, the transport torque of the transport roller pair 21 increases. The torque sensor 29b disposed on the transport roller pair 21 detects the occurrence of a jam when the torque exceeds a predetermined threshold. The torque sensor 29b sends a jam occurrence signal to the control unit 101, and the control unit 101 controls the print head 15 to execute a stop position ejection process based on the jam occurrence signal.

[0118] Second embodiment The second embodiment illustrates a control flow by the control unit 101 assuming a jam of the printing medium M shown in FIG. 10 . FIG. 10 illustrates the state when a jam occurs. FIG. 10 illustrates a case where a jam occurs in the boundary region between the printing region R1 and the non-printing region R2. FIG. 10 illustrates a jam that occurs when the carriage 27 moves the head unit 14 in the −X direction. The head unit 14 is stopped at a position straddling the printing region R1 and the non-printing region R2. When the head unit 14 is stopped, the first print head 15a and the fifth print head 15e are located within the printing region R1. When the head unit 14 is stopped, the second print head 15b, the third print head 15c, and the fourth print head 15d are located within the non-printing region R2. The jam of the printing medium M shown in FIG. 10 can occur when the edge of the printing medium M in the +X direction or the −X direction is lifted.

[0119] FIG. 11 shows the control flow when a jam occurs. FIG. 11 shows the control flow assuming the jam shown in FIG. 10 occurs. FIG. 11 shows the control flow by the control unit 101 of the second embodiment. FIG. 11 shows the control flow based on the stop positions of the first print head 15a and the second print head 15b. In the case of the control flow shown in FIG. 11, the third print head 15c and the fourth print head 15d positioned as shown in FIG. 6 execute processing using the same control as the second print head 15b. The fifth print head 15e positioned as shown in FIG. 6 executes processing using the same control as the first print head 15a.

[0120] The printer 11 detects a jam of the printing medium M. When a jam as shown in FIG. 9 or FIG. 10 occurs, the load torque of the carriage motor 28a increases. The torque sensor 29b detects the load torque applied to the carriage motor 28a. When the load torque exceeds a predetermined threshold, the torque sensor 29b detects a jam of the printing medium M. When the torque sensor 29b detects a jam, it sends a jam occurrence signal to the control unit 101. In step S201, the control unit 101 receives the jam occurrence signal. By receiving the jam occurrence signal, the control unit 101 is notified of the detection of the jam.

[0121] When the control unit 101 receives the jam occurrence signal, it stops the printing medium M and the carriage 27 in step S203. When the control unit 101 receives the jam occurrence signal, it controls the transport unit 13 to stop transport of the printing medium M. The print control unit 103 sends a transport stop signal to the transport unit 13 based on the received jam occurrence signal. The transport unit 13 receives the transport stop signal and stops transport of the printing medium M. When the print control unit 103 receives the jam occurrence signal, it controls the carriage motor 28a. The print control unit 103 sends a motor stop signal to the carriage motor 28a based on the received jam occurrence signal. The carriage motor 28a receives the motor stop signal and stops rotating. The carriage 27 stops transport of the head unit 14 by stopping the carriage motor 28a. When the carriage 27 stops, the head unit 14 stops.

[0122] When the print medium M and carriage 27 come to a stop, the position sensor 29a detects the stop position of the carriage 27. The stop position of the carriage 27 indicates the stop position of the head unit 14. The position sensor 29a transmits the detected stop position of the carriage 27 to the control unit 101. Based on the received stop position, the control unit 101 calculates the stop positions of the first print head 15a and the second print head 15b within the head unit 14. In step S205, the control unit 101 determines whether either the first print head 15a or the second print head 15b is stopped in the non-printing region R2.

[0123] When the head unit 14 stops at the position shown in FIG. 9, the first print head 15a and the second print head 15b are located within the printing region R1. The first print head 15a and the second print head 15b are not located in the non-printing region R2. The control unit 101 proceeds to step S207 (step S205; NO). When the head unit 14 stops at the position shown in FIG. 10, the first print head 15a is located within the printing region R1. On the other hand, the second print head 15b is located in the non-printing region R2. Because the second print head 15b is located within the non-printing region R2, the control unit 101 proceeds to step S209 (step S205; YES).

[0124] In step S207, the control unit 101 causes the first print head 15a to eject the first ink and the second print head 15b to eject the treatment liquid. As shown in FIG. 9, when the carriage 27 stops, the first print head 15a and the second print head 15b are positioned above the print medium M. The print control unit 103 controls the ejection of the first print head 15a and the second print head 15b. The first print head 15a ejects the first ink onto the print medium M, and the second print head 15b ejects the treatment liquid onto the print medium M. Because the first print head 15a and the second print head 15b perform the stop position ejection process above the print medium M, there is little chance that the first ink or treatment liquid will be ejected onto the support base 12 or the like. As shown in FIG. 9, when the carriage 27 stops, the third print head 15c, the fourth print head 15d, and the fifth print head 15e are positioned above the print medium M. The third print head 15c ejects the second ink onto the printing medium M, the fourth print head 15d ejects the third ink onto the printing medium M, and the fifth print head 15e ejects the fourth ink onto the printing medium M. After executing the stop position ejection process, the printer 11 waits until the user clears the jammed printing medium M. While waiting, the printer 11 does not operate the transport unit 13 or the carriage motor 28a.

[0125] Meanwhile, in step S209, the control unit 101 causes either the first print head 15a or the second print head 15b to execute the stop position ejection process. When the carriage 27 stops at the position shown in FIG. 10, the control unit 101 causes the first print head 15a to eject the first ink and does not cause the second print head 15b to eject treatment liquid. Because the first print head 15a is located in the printing region R1, it is likely to eject the first ink onto the printing medium M. Because the second print head 15b is located in the non-printing region R2, it is likely to eject the first ink onto a member other than the printing medium M. By not causing the second print head 15b to eject treatment liquid, the control unit 101 reduces the possibility that the second print head 15b will eject treatment liquid onto a member such as the support base 12. When the carriage 27 stops at the position shown in Figure 10, the control unit 101 causes the fifth print head 15e to eject the fourth ink and does not cause the third print head 15c and fourth print head 15d to eject ink. After the first print head 15a executes the stop position ejection process, the printer 11 waits until the user clears the jammed print medium M. While waiting, the printer 11 does not operate the transport unit 13 or the carriage motor 28a.

[0126] The control unit 101 controls the ejection of the multiple print heads 15 depending on the position where the carriage 27 stops. When the multiple print heads 15 are arranged as shown in FIG. 6, for example, the fifth print head 15e may stop in the printing region R1, while the first print head 15a, the second print head 15b, the third print head 15c, and the fourth print head 15d may stop in the non-printing region R2. In this case, the control unit 101 causes the fifth print head 15e to eject the fourth ink and does not cause the first print head 15a, the second print head 15b, the third print head 15c, and the fourth print head 15d to perform the stop position ejection process. Depending on the movement direction of the carriage 27, the fourth print head 15d may stop in the printing region R1, while the first print head 15a, the second print head 15b, the third print head 15c, and the fifth print head 15e may stop in the non-printing region R2. In this case, the control unit 101 causes the fourth print head 15d to eject the third ink, and does not cause the first print head 15a, the second print head 15b, the third print head 15c, and the fifth print head 15e to execute the stop position ejection process. The control unit 101 controls the execution of the stop position ejection process based on the stop positions of each of the multiple print heads 15.

[0127] The arrangement of the multiple print heads 15 is not limited to the arrangement shown in Figure 6. The second print head 15b that ejects treatment liquid may be arranged at the position of the fifth print head 15e shown in Figure 6. The arrangement of each print head 15 can be changed as appropriate. The control unit 101 controls the stop position ejection process of each print head 15 according to the stop position at which the carriage 27 is stopped.

[0128] 9 and 10 occur when the carriage 27 moves to or within the printing region R1. When the jam of the printing medium M shown in Fig. 10 occurs, at least one print head 15 of the multiple print heads 15 stops within the printing region R1. When the carriage 27 stops, the control unit 101 causes at least one print head 15 of the multiple print heads 15 to execute a stop position ejection process.

[0129] The printer 11 includes a carriage motor 28a that moves the head unit 14 and a position sensor 29a that detects the position of the head unit 14. When a jam is detected by the torque sensor 29b, the control unit 101 controls the carriage motor 28a to stop the movement of the head unit 14, causes the position sensor 29a to detect the stopping position of the head unit 14, and based on the stopping position of the head unit 14 detected by the position sensor 29a, causes the first print head 15a and the second print head 15b to eject one of the first ink and the treatment liquid, but not the other of the first ink and the treatment liquid. The printer 11 controls the head unit 14 so that the first ink or treatment liquid is not ejected, depending on the stopping position of the head unit 14. This reduces the possibility of ejecting the first ink or treatment liquid onto a position other than onto the printing medium M. The printer 11 reduces the possibility of ejecting ink or treatment liquid onto a component such as the support base 12.

[0130] In the second embodiment, ink is ejected but treatment liquid is not ejected, but this is not limiting. Depending on the arrangement of multiple print heads 15, treatment liquid may be ejected but ink may not be ejected. As an example, the second print head 15b may be positioned at the position of the fifth print head 15e of the head unit 14 shown in FIG. 6. With this arrangement, if a jam occurs as shown in FIG. 10, the second print head 15b stops within the printing region R1, and the other print heads 15 that eject ink stop within the non-printing region R2. In this case, the second print head 15b ejects treatment liquid, and the other print heads 15 do not eject ink.

[0131] After executing the stop position ejection process, the printer 11 waits until the user clears the jammed printing medium M. After clearing the jammed printing medium M, the user inputs to the control panel 110 that the jam clearance is complete. The control panel 110 accepts the input that the jam clearance is complete, and sends a jam clearance completion signal to the control unit 101. The control unit 101 receives the jam clearance completion signal. The control unit 101 may also receive the jam clearance completion signal from a sensor other than the control panel 110, for example.

[0132] After receiving the jam clearance completion signal, the control unit 101 controls the carriage motor 28a to move the carriage 27 to the maintenance unit 130. The control unit 101 controls the carriage motor 28a to stop the head unit 14 at the discharge position CP, where the head unit 14 faces the liquid receiving section 131. After the head unit 14 has stopped, the control unit 101 causes the print head 15 to perform a forced ejection operation. The forced ejection operation is an operation that causes the print head 15 to eject a predetermined amount of ink or treatment liquid into the liquid receiving section 131.

[0133] The control unit 101 may control the forced ejection operation based on the position where the print head 15 was stopped when a jam occurred. The control unit 101 may control whether or not to perform the forced ejection operation based on the position where the print head 15 was stopped when a jam occurred. As an example, the control unit 101 causes the first print head 15a stopped in the printing region R1 when a jam occurred to perform the forced ejection operation, but does not cause the second print head 15b stopped in the non-printing region R2 to perform the forced ejection operation. There is a high possibility that treatment liquid adhering to the printing medium M will enter the first print head 15a stopped in the printing region R1. The control unit 101 ejects aggregates that may have formed inside the first print head 15a using the forced ejection operation. Because the second print head 15b stopped in the non-printing region R2 is unlikely to have come into contact with the printing medium M when a jam occurred, the control unit 101 does not cause the second print head 15b to perform the forced ejection operation.

[0134] The control unit 101 may control the amount of ink or treatment liquid ejected during the forced ejection operation based on the stopping position of the print head 15 when a jam occurs. When a jam occurs, the first print head 15a may stop in the printing region R1, and the second print head 15b may stop in the non-printing region R2. In this case, the control unit 101 may make the amount of ink ejected from the first print head 15a and the amount of treatment liquid ejected from the second print head 15b different. The ink ejection amount corresponds to an example of the liquid ejection amount. The treatment liquid ejection amount corresponds to an example of the reaction liquid ejection amount.

[0135] The ink ejection volume may be greater or less than the treatment liquid ejection volume. By increasing the ink ejection volume to the treatment liquid ejection volume, the control unit 101 can suppress clogging in the first print head 15a and reduce the amount of treatment liquid ejected by the second print head 15b. By decreasing the ink ejection volume to the treatment liquid ejection volume, the control unit 101 can reduce the ink ejection volume ejected by the first print head 15a and suppress clogging in the second print head 15b that is not performing the stop position ejection process.

[0136] The printer 11 includes a maintenance unit 130 that receives the liquid ejected by the forced ejection operation from the head unit 14. After the jam is cleared, the control unit 101 causes the head unit 14 to execute the forced ejection operation. The amount of ink ejected by the forced ejection operation differs from the amount of treatment liquid ejected. The printer 11 can reduce consumption of ink or reaction liquid and prevent clogging.

[0137] After the head unit 14 stops at a discharge position CP facing a liquid receiving portion 131, which corresponds to an example of the maintenance unit 130, and performs a forced discharge operation, the control unit 101 moves the head unit 14 to a wiping area WA facing the wiping mechanism 133. After the head unit 14 moves to the wiping area WA, the control unit 101 controls the wiping mechanism 133 to cause the print head 15 to perform a wiping operation. The wiping operation corresponds to an example of a cleaning operation.

[0138] The control unit 101 may vary the wiping operation for each print head 15 based on the position where the print head 15 stopped when a jam occurred. As an example, the pressing unit (not shown) that presses the wiping unit 161 is made up of multiple pressing members that press each of the multiple print heads 15. The control unit 101 may vary the pressing force with which each pressing member presses the print head 15 for each print head 15. When a jam occurs, the pressing force applied to the first print head 15a that has stopped in the printing region R1 may be different from the pressing force applied to the second print head 15b that has stopped in the non-printing region R2. The pressing force corresponds to an example of cleaning strength.

[0139] The control unit 101 causes the wiping mechanism 133 to perform a wiping operation on the print head 15, and then moves the head unit 14 in the +X direction where the suction mechanism 134 is located. The control unit 101 sequentially moves the multiple print heads 15 to a position facing the suction mechanism 134. When the print head 15 moves to a position facing the suction mechanism 134, the suction mechanism 134 sucks out the ink or treatment liquid. The control unit 101 may also control the suction mechanism 134 to perform different suction operations based on the position where the print head 15 is stopped when a jam occurs. When a jam occurs, the control unit 101 performs different suction operations on the first print head 15a stopped in the printing region R1 and the second print head 15b stopped in the non-printing region R2. The control unit 101 varies the amount of ink or treatment liquid suctioned and the suction pressure. The suction amount and suction pressure correspond to examples of cleaning strength. The control unit 101 may suck a larger amount of ink from the first print head 15a than a larger amount of treatment liquid from the second print head 15b. The ink suction amount corresponds to an example of a first cleaning intensity. The treatment liquid suction amount corresponds to an example of a second cleaning intensity. The first print head 15a is more likely to become clogged than the second print head 15b. By making the ink suction amount larger than the treatment liquid suction amount, the control unit 101 can reduce the possibility of the first print head 15a becoming clogged and reduce the amount of treatment liquid used. The control unit 101 may suck a smaller amount of ink from the first print head 15a than a smaller amount of treatment liquid from the second print head 15b. When a jam occurs, the first print head 15a executes the stop position ejection process, but the second print head 15b does not execute the stop position ejection process. The first print head 15a has a small amount of ink remaining in the nozzles 24, so clogging can be prevented by suctioning a smaller amount of ink than the amount of treatment liquid.

[0140] The printer 11 has a suction mechanism 134 that cleans the first print head 15a and the second print head 15b. After the jam is cleared, the control unit 101 causes the suction mechanism 134 to perform cleaning, and the cleaning intensity for the first print head 15a, which is the amount of ink suction, is different from the cleaning intensity for the second print head 15b, which is the amount of treatment liquid suction. The printer 11 changes the cleaning strength in response to the conditions of the first print head 15a and the second print head 15b, thereby preventing clogging of the nozzles 24 and reducing the amount of first ink or treatment liquid used.

[0141] The control unit 101 moves the head unit 14 from a position facing the suction mechanism 134 to a position facing the capping mechanism 136. The position facing the capping mechanism 136 is the home position HP of the head unit 14. The head unit 14 stops at the home position HP. [Explanation of symbols]

[0142] 11...printer, 12...support stand, 13...transport unit, 14...head unit, 15...print head, 15a...first print head, 15b...second print head, 15c...third print head, 15d...fourth print head, 15e...fifth print head, 16...movement mechanism, 17...liquid supply source, 18...mounting section, 19...liquid supply section, 20...main body, 20a...first cover, 20b...second cover, 20c...first side plate, 20d...second side plate, 21...transport roller pair, 22...transport motor, 23...guide plate, 24...nozzle, 24a...first nozzle, 24b...second nozzle, 24c...third nozzle, 24d...fourth nozzle, 24e...fifth nozzle, 25...nozzle surface, 26...guide shaft, 27...carriage, 28a...carriage motor, 28b...conveyor belt, 29a...position sensor, 29b...torque sensor, 30...liquid supply flow path, 31...liquid return flow path, 31a...first return flow path, 31b...second return flow path, 32...liquid storage section, 33...circulation flow path, 34...outlet pump, 35...suction valve, 36...volume pump, 36a...flexible member, 36b...pump chamber, 36c...negative pressure chamber, 36d...pressure reduction section, 36e...pressure member, 37...discharge valve, 38...filter unit, 39...liquid flow machine structure, 39a...supply pump, 39a1...first supply pump, 39a2...second supply pump, 39b...return pump, 40...pressure adjustment mechanism, 41...storage release valve, 42...storage amount detection unit, 43...stirring mechanism, 43a...stirrer, 43b...rotating unit, 44...air intake unit, 44a...switching valve, 44b...air inlet path, 44c...one-way valve, 45...opening / closing valve, 46...choke valve, 48...pressure adjustment unit, 49...pressure mechanism, 50...liquid inlet chamber, 51...liquid outlet chamber, 52...main body, 53...wall, 54...through hole, 55...filter member, 56...diaphragm, 56a...first surface, 56b...second surface, 57...connecting Communication flow path, 59... supply valve, 60... valve portion, 61... pressure receiving portion, 62... first pressing member, 63... second pressing member, 66... ​​pressure adjustment chamber, 67... expansion / contraction portion, 68... pressing member, 69... pressure adjustment portion, 70... insertion hole, 71... opening, 72... air chamber, 74... pressure pump, 75... connection flow path, 76... pressure detection portion, 77... fluid adjustment portion, 83... filter, 84... common liquid chamber, 85... supply port, 86... individual liquid chamber, 87... vibration plate, 88... supply side communicating path, 89... discharge element, 90... storage chamber, 91... first discharge flow path, 92... second discharge flow path, 93... discharge liquid chamber, 94... discharge side communicating path, 96a... first discharge port,96b...second discharge port, 97a...first return valve, 97b...second return valve, 98a...first damper, 98b...second damper, 101...control unit, 103...print control unit, 105...data processing unit, 107...memory unit, 110...control panel, 130...maintenance unit, 131...liquid receiving unit, 133...wiping mechanism, 134...suction mechanism, 136...capping mechanism, 138...waste liquid pan, 139...waste liquid storage unit, 141...belt-shaped member, 142...holding unit, 143...base unit, 144...rail, 145...wiping motor, 146...winding Take-up motor, 147... power transmission mechanism, 148... opening area, 158... regulating member, 161... wiping section, 162... drawer section, 164... suction cap, 165... suction holder, 166... ​​suction motor, 167... pressure reduction mechanism, 169... standby cap, 170... standby holder, 171... standby motor, A... supply direction, B... return direction, CP... discharge position, HP... home position, M... printing medium, R1... printing area, R2... non-printing area, W1... first wiping direction, W2... second wiping direction, WA... wiping area, Xs... scanning direction, Yf... transport direction.

Claims

1. A liquid ejection device that performs printing by ejecting liquid onto a medium within a printing area, a discharge unit including a first discharge unit that discharges the liquid onto the medium and a second discharge unit that discharges a reaction liquid containing an aggregating agent that aggregates components in the liquid; a conveying unit that conveys the medium; a jam detection unit that detects a jam of the medium; a moving unit that moves the discharge unit; a position detection unit that detects the position of the ejection unit; a control unit, When the jam is detected by the jam detection unit, The control unit stopping the medium being transported by the transport unit; controlling the moving unit to stop the movement of the discharge unit; causing the position detection unit to detect a stop position of the discharge unit; based on the stop position of the discharge unit detected by the position detection unit, one of the liquid and the reaction liquid is discharged from the first discharge unit and the second discharge unit, and the other of the liquid and the reaction liquid is not discharged. Liquid discharge device.

2. a maintenance unit that receives the liquid discharged from the discharge unit by a forced discharge operation; After the jam is cleared, the control unit causes the discharge unit to perform the forced discharge operation, a liquid ejection amount of the liquid ejected by the forced ejection operation is different from a reaction liquid ejection amount of the reaction liquid ejected by the forced ejection operation; The liquid ejection device according to claim 1 .

3. a cleaning unit that performs cleaning on the first discharge unit and the second discharge unit; After the jam is cleared, the control unit causes the cleaning unit to perform the cleaning, a first cleaning intensity, which is the intensity of the cleaning performed on the first discharge portion, and a second cleaning intensity, which is the intensity of the cleaning performed on the second discharge portion, are different from each other; The liquid ejection device according to claim 1 .

4. the ejection section includes a third ejection section that ejects a second liquid different from the liquid; The control unit When the jam detection unit detects the jam, it controls whether or not to eject the second liquid from the third ejection unit. The liquid ejection device according to claim 1 .

5. a first pressurizing mechanism that pressurizes the liquid in the first discharge portion; a second pressurizing mechanism that pressurizes the reaction liquid in the second discharge part, The control unit The first pressurizing mechanism is driven to eject the liquid; Driving the second pressurizing mechanism to discharge the reaction liquid. The liquid ejection device according to claim 1 .

6. A liquid ejection device that performs printing by ejecting liquid onto a medium within a printing area, a discharge unit including a first discharge unit that discharges the liquid onto the medium and a second discharge unit that discharges a reaction liquid containing an aggregating agent that aggregates components in the liquid; a conveying unit that conveys the medium; a jam detection unit that detects a jam of the medium; a control unit that controls the discharge unit and the transport unit, When the jam is detected by the jam detection unit, The control unit stopping the medium being transported by the transport unit; ejecting at least one of the liquid and the reaction liquid from the first ejection unit and the second ejection unit within the printing area; Calculating a printing rate when performing the printing; adjusting the ejection amount of the liquid or the reaction liquid to be ejected when the jam detection unit detects the jam based on the printing rate; Liquid discharge device.

7. A liquid ejection device that performs printing by ejecting liquid onto a medium within a printing area, a discharge unit including a first discharge unit that discharges the liquid onto the medium and a second discharge unit that discharges a reaction liquid containing an aggregating agent that aggregates components in the liquid; a conveying unit that conveys the medium; a jam detection unit that detects a jam of the medium; a supply flow path that supplies the liquid to the first ejection portion; a return flow path that returns the liquid from the first discharge portion; a flow mechanism for causing the liquid in the return flow path to flow; a control unit, The control unit Controlling the flow mechanism; When the jam is detected by the jam detection unit, stopping the flow mechanism; Liquid discharge device.

8. A liquid ejection method for a liquid ejection device that performs printing by ejecting liquid onto a medium within a printing area, comprising: the liquid ejection device includes a ejection unit having a first ejection unit and a second ejection unit, a conveyance unit, a jam detection unit, a movement unit, and a position detection unit; The liquid ejection method includes: The liquid is ejected from the first ejection unit onto the medium; a reaction liquid containing an aggregating agent that aggregates components in the liquid is discharged from the second discharge unit onto the medium; When the jam detection unit detects a jam of the medium, stopping the transport of the medium by the transport unit; stopping the movement of the discharge unit by the movement unit; based on a stop position of the discharge unit detected by the position detection unit, one of the liquid and the reaction liquid is discharged from the first discharge unit and the second discharge unit, and the other of the liquid and the reaction liquid is not discharged. Liquid dispensing method.

9. A liquid ejection method for a liquid ejection device that performs printing by ejecting liquid onto a medium within a printing area, comprising: the liquid ejection device includes an ejection unit having a first ejection unit and a second ejection unit, a jam detection unit, and a flow mechanism; The liquid ejection method includes: The liquid is ejected from the first ejection unit onto the medium; a reaction liquid containing an aggregating agent that aggregates components in the liquid is discharged from the second discharge unit onto the medium; When the jam detection unit detects a jam of the medium, the flow of the liquid by the flow mechanism in the return flow path that returns the liquid from the first discharge unit is stopped. Liquid dispensing method.

Images