Control method for liquid dispensing device, liquid dispensing device

Abstract

To provide a control method of a liquid discharge device which can efficiently consume an absorption member, and the liquid discharge device.SOLUTION: In a control method of a liquid discharge device, the liquid discharge device includes: a liquid discharge head 21 which has a nozzle surface 33 on which a plurality of nozzle arrays are formed by a plurality of nozzles capable of discharging liquid; and a wiping section 22 which has an absorption member 36 capable of absorbing liquid. The liquid discharge head 21 and the wiping section 22 are relatively movable in a scanning direction Dx and a sub-scanning direction Dy. Each of the plurality of nozzle arrays extend in the sub-scanning direction Dy and are formed at a prescribed interval in the scanning direction Dx. In the wiping section 22, a wiping region Aw in which the nozzle surface 33 of the liquid discharge head 21 is wiped by the absorption member 36 and a receiving region Ar in which liquid discharged from the plurality of nozzle arrays is received by the absorption member 36 are set at different positions in the relative movement in the sub-scanning direction Dy. Flashing for discharging liquid from each of the plurality of nozzle arrays is performed at an interval smaller than the prescribed interval in the scanning direction Dx.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for controlling a liquid ejection device and a liquid ejection device.

Background Art

[0002] For example, as in Patent Document 1, there is a liquid ejection device which is an example of a liquid ejection device that prints by ejecting a liquid from a liquid ejection unit which is an example of a liquid ejection head. The liquid ejection unit has a nozzle surface formed with nozzles for ejecting a liquid.

[0003] The liquid ejection device includes a liquid collection device which is an example of a wiping unit. The liquid collection device includes a belt-like member which is an example of an absorption member capable of absorbing a liquid. The liquid collection device wipes the nozzle surface with the belt-like member and receives the liquid discharged by pressure cleaning in the belt-like member.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] When the absorption member for wiping the nozzle surface also receives the liquid discharged from the nozzles, there is room for improvement in terms of efficiently consuming the belt-like member.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A control method for a liquid dispensing device that solves the above problems comprises a liquid dispensing head having a nozzle surface formed by a plurality of nozzles capable of dispensing liquid, and a wiping unit having an absorbent member capable of absorbing liquid, wherein the liquid dispensing head and the wiping unit are relatively movable in the scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction, the plurality of nozzle rows each extend in the sub-scanning direction and are formed at predetermined intervals in the scanning direction, and the wiping unit, in the relative movement in the sub-scanning direction, has a wiping region where the nozzle surface of the liquid dispensing head is wiped with the absorbent member and a receiving region where the absorbent member receives the liquid discharged from the plurality of nozzle rows set to different positions, wherein flushing is performed in the scanning direction by dispensing liquid from each of the plurality of nozzle rows into the receiving region at intervals smaller than the predetermined interval.

[0007] A control method for a liquid dispensing device that solves the above problems comprises a liquid dispensing head having a nozzle surface in which a plurality of nozzle rows are formed by a plurality of nozzles capable of dispensing liquid, a wiping unit having an absorbent member capable of absorbing liquid, and a pressurizing unit capable of pressurizing the liquid in each of the plurality of nozzle rows, wherein the liquid dispensing head and the wiping unit are relatively movable in the scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction, the plurality of nozzle rows each extend in the sub-scanning direction and are formed at predetermined intervals in the scanning direction, and the wiping unit has a wiping region in which the nozzle surface of the liquid dispensing head is wiped with the absorbent member during the relative movement in the sub-scanning direction, and the absorbent member receives the liquid discharged from the plurality of nozzle rows A control method for a liquid discharge device in which a receiving region and a liquid discharge device are set at different positions, comprising: at a first pressurized discharge timing, pressurizing the liquid in a plurality of nozzles constituting a nozzle row that is the target of the first pressurized discharge with the pressurizing unit to discharge the liquid into a first region of the absorbent member; and at a second pressurized discharge timing, pressurizing the liquid in a plurality of nozzles constituting a nozzle row that is the target of the second pressurized discharge with the pressurizing unit to discharge the liquid into a second region of the absorbent member that is different from the first region, wherein when viewed in the scanning direction, at least a part of the second region overlaps with the first region, and when viewed in the sub-scanning direction, the second region does not overlap with the first region.

[0008] A liquid dispensing device that solves the above problems comprises a liquid dispensing head having a nozzle surface in which a plurality of nozzle rows are formed by a plurality of nozzles capable of dispensing liquid, a wiping unit having an absorbent member capable of absorbing liquid, and a control unit, wherein the liquid dispensing head and the wiping unit are relatively movable in the scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction, the plurality of nozzle rows each extend in the sub-scanning direction and are formed at predetermined intervals in the scanning direction, the wiping unit has a wiping region in which the nozzle surface of the liquid dispensing head is wiped with the absorbent member and a receiving region in which the absorbent member receives the liquid discharged from the plurality of nozzle rows at different positions during the relative movement in the sub-scanning direction, and the control unit causes each of the plurality of nozzle rows to dispensing liquid into the receiving region at intervals smaller than the predetermined interval in the scanning direction. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a schematic front view of the first embodiment of the liquid dispensing device. [Figure 2] This is a schematic plan view of the moving mechanism. [Figure 3] This is a schematic bottom view of the liquid dispensing head. [Figure 4] This is a schematic side view of the wiping unit. [Figure 5] This is a schematic diagram showing an absorbent material that has absorbed a liquid extended into a planar shape. [Figure 6] This is a schematic diagram of an absorbent member that has absorbed liquid using the control method of the second embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a schematic diagram of an absorbent member that absorbs liquid using the control method of the first modified example. [Figure 8] This is a schematic diagram of an absorbent member that absorbs liquid using the control method of the second modified example. [Figure 9] This is a schematic diagram of an absorbent member that absorbs liquid using the control method of the third modified example. [Figure 10] This is a schematic diagram of an absorbent member that absorbs liquid using the control method of the fourth modification example. [Figure 11] This is a schematic diagram of an absorbent member that absorbs liquid using the control method of the fifth modification example. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] [First Embodiment] The following describes a first embodiment of a liquid dispensing device and a control method for the liquid dispensing device with reference to the drawings. The liquid dispensing device is an inkjet printer that prints by dispensing ink, which is an example of a liquid, onto a medium such as paper, fabric, vinyl, plastic parts, or metal parts.

[0011] In the drawings, the direction of gravity is indicated by the Z-axis, assuming the liquid dispensing device 11 is placed on a horizontal plane, and the directions along the horizontal plane are indicated by the X-axis and Y-axis. The X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are orthogonal to each other. In the following explanation, the direction parallel to the Z-axis will also be referred to as the vertical direction.

[0012] <Liquid discharge device> As shown in Figure 1, the liquid dispensing device 11 may include a housing 12 and a control unit 13.

[0013] The housing 12 accommodates the various components of the liquid dispensing device 11. The control unit 13 comprehensively controls the driving of each mechanism in the liquid dispensing device 11 and controls the various operations performed by the liquid dispensing device 11.

[0014] The control unit 13 may be configured as a circuit including α: one or more processors that perform various processes according to a computer program, β: one or more dedicated hardware circuits that perform at least some of the various processes, or γ: a combination thereof. The hardware circuit is, for example, an application-specific integrated circuit. The processor includes a CPU and memory such as RAM and ROM, and the memory stores program code or instructions configured to cause the CPU to perform the processes. Memory, or computer-readable media, includes any readable media that can be accessed by a general-purpose or dedicated computer.

[0015] The liquid ejection device 11 may include a support portion 15. The support portion 15 is configured to support the medium 16. The support portion 15 supports, for example, the medium 16. The liquid ejection device 11 may include a carriage 18, a liquid storage portion 19, a pressurizing portion 20, a liquid ejection head 21, and a wiping portion 22.

[0016] The carriage 18 may movably hold the liquid storage portion 19, the pressurizing portion 20, and the liquid ejection head 21. That is, the liquid storage portion 19, the pressurizing portion 20, and the liquid ejection head 21 may be mounted on the carriage 18.

[0017] The liquid storage portion 19 is configured to store a liquid. The liquid storage portion 19 is connected to the liquid ejection head 21. The liquid stored in the liquid storage portion 19 is supplied to the liquid ejection head 21.

[0018] The pressurizing portion 20 can supply the pressurized liquid to the liquid ejection head 21. The pressurizing portion 20 may perform a pressurized discharge for discharging the liquid from the liquid ejection head 21 by pressurizing the liquid in the liquid ejection head 21.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 2, the liquid ejection device 11 may include a movement mechanism 24. The movement mechanism 24 may include a horizontal axis 25 and a vertical axis 26. The movement mechanism 24 of the present embodiment includes a pair of vertical axes 26.

[0020] The horizontal axis 25 may extend in the scanning direction Dx. The pair of vertical axes 26 may be provided parallel to each other so as to extend in the sub-scanning direction Dy. The scanning direction Dx of the present embodiment is a direction parallel to the X axis. The sub-scanning direction Dy of the present embodiment is a direction perpendicular to the X axis and parallel to the Y axis.

[0021] The moving mechanism 24 reciprocates the carriage 18 along the horizontal axis 25. The moving mechanism 24 also reciprocates the horizontal axis 25, which supports the carriage 18, along the vertical axis 26. Therefore, the moving mechanism 24 can move the liquid discharge head 21 mounted on the carriage 18 in the scanning direction Dx and the sub-scanning direction Dy. The liquid discharge head 21 and the wiping unit 22 are relative to each other in the scanning direction Dx and the sub-scanning direction Dy.

[0022] The moving mechanism 24 may simultaneously move the liquid discharge head 21 in the scanning direction Dx and the sub-scanning direction Dy. That is, the moving mechanism 24 may move the liquid discharge head 21 diagonally with respect to the scanning direction Dx and the sub-scanning direction Dy so as to follow the horizontal plane.

[0023] In the liquid ejection device 11, the carriage 18 scans the medium 16, causing the liquid ejection head 21 to record an image on the medium 16. The carriage 18 in this embodiment is configured to scan the medium 16 and also to move in a direction intersecting the scanning direction. In other words, the liquid ejection device 11 in this embodiment is a so-called lateral printer.

[0024] The support portion 15 may be configured not to move in the sub-scanning direction Dy or in the direction opposite to the sub-scanning direction Dy, or it may be configured to be movable. <Liquid dispensing head> As shown in Figure 2, the liquid discharge head 21 may include a first discharge section 28 and a second discharge section 29. The first discharge section 28 and the second discharge section 29 may be provided at different positions in the scanning direction Dx, spaced apart from each other in the scanning direction Dx. The first discharge section 28 and the second discharge section 29 may be provided at different positions in the sub-scanning direction Dy, with parts of them overlapping in the sub-scanning direction Dy. The second discharge section 29 may be located downstream of the first discharge section 28 in the scanning direction Dx and upstream of the sub-scanning direction Dy.

[0025] The first discharge section 28 and the second discharge section 29 in this embodiment have the same configuration. Therefore, the following description will focus on the first discharge section 28, and common components will be denoted by the same reference numerals to avoid redundant explanations.

[0026] The first dispensing unit 28 is configured to dispense liquid. The first dispensing unit 28 has a plurality of nozzles 31. Each nozzle 31 is capable of dispensing liquid. The first dispensing unit 28 records an image on the medium 16, which is supported by the support unit 15, by dispensing liquid while moving towards the medium 16.

[0027] As shown in Figure 3, the first discharge section 28 has a nozzle surface 33. Multiple nozzle rows L are formed on the nozzle surface 33 by multiple nozzles 31. In this embodiment, the nozzle surface 33 has first nozzle rows L1 to eighth nozzle rows L8. One nozzle row L is formed by multiple nozzles 31 arranged in the sub-scanning direction Dy.

[0028] Each of the multiple nozzle rows L extends in the sub-scanning direction Dy and is formed at predetermined intervals in the scanning direction Dx. The multiple nozzle rows L may be formed at equal intervals in the scanning direction Dx or at different intervals. For example, in the first nozzle row L1 to the eighth nozzle row L8, some of the nozzle rows L may be arranged close together in the scanning direction Dx. In this embodiment, two nozzle rows L that are arranged close together are referred to as a nozzle group.

[0029] The first discharge section 28 has first nozzle groups G1 to fourth nozzle groups G4. The first nozzle group G1 includes a first nozzle row L1 and a second nozzle row L2. The second nozzle group G2 includes a third nozzle row L3 and a fourth nozzle row L4. The third nozzle group G3 includes a fifth nozzle row L5 and a sixth nozzle row L6. The fourth nozzle group G4 includes a seventh nozzle row L7 and an eighth nozzle row L8.

[0030] The first nozzle group G1 to the fourth nozzle group G4 may be arranged at equal intervals in the scanning direction Dx. In the scanning direction Dx, the first interval S1 between closely spaced nozzle rows L is narrower than the second interval S2 between nozzle groups. That is, the first interval S1 between the first nozzle row L1 and the second nozzle row L2 is narrower than the second interval S2 between the second nozzle row L2 and the third nozzle row L3. The first nozzle row L1 to the eighth nozzle row L8 are formed with a first interval S1, which is an example of a predetermined interval, or a second interval S2, which is an example of a predetermined interval, in the scanning direction Dx.

[0031] The liquid dispensing head 21 may dispense the same type of liquid from all nozzles 31. The liquid dispensing head 21 may dispense the same type of liquid in any unit, such as each dispensing section, each group of nozzles, or each row of nozzles L.

[0032] The liquid ejection head 21 may eject multiple types of liquids. Different types of liquids include, for example, inks of different colors. For example, the first ejection unit 28 may eject inks of different colors such as magenta, yellow, cyan, black, light cyan, light magenta, green, and orange from the first nozzle row L1 to the eighth nozzle row L8, respectively. For example, the second ejection unit 29 may eject clear ink from the first nozzle row L1 to the fourth nozzle row L4 and white ink from the fifth nozzle row L5 to the eighth nozzle row L8.

[0033] <Wiping section> As shown in Figure 2, the wiping unit 22 may be provided, for example, adjacent to the support unit 15. The wiping unit 22 is configured to collect liquid from the liquid discharge head 21 as waste liquid. Waste liquid is liquid that does not contribute to the image recorded on the medium 16. Waste liquid is generated, for example, by maintenance of the liquid discharge head 21. The wiping unit 22 collects waste liquid, for example, from the liquid discharge head 21 located directly above it.

[0034] Maintenance of the liquid discharge head 21 may include, for example, flushing, cleaning, and wiping. Flushing is an operation in which liquid is appropriately discharged from the nozzle 31 to prevent clogging of the nozzle 31. Flushing is performed, for example, before, during, and after recording. When flushing is performed, the liquid discharge head 21 discharges liquid toward the wiping section 22.

[0035] Cleaning is the operation of forcibly discharging liquid from the nozzle 31 in order to remove foreign matter, air bubbles, etc. from the liquid discharge head 21. In this embodiment, pressurized discharge is performed as cleaning. Pressurized discharge is a cleaning method in which the pressurizing unit 20 pressurizes the liquid in the liquid discharge head 21, forcibly discharging the liquid from the nozzle 31. When pressurized discharge is performed, the liquid discharge head 21 discharges the liquid toward the wiping unit 22. Pressurized discharge is performed, for example, before recording and after recording. Pressurized discharge may also be performed periodically during standby when recording is not taking place.

[0036] The control unit 13 may select one or more nozzle rows L to perform pressurized discharge. Pressurized discharge may be performed for each of one or more nozzle rows L. The pressurizing unit 20 may be capable of pressurizing the liquid in the nozzles 31 for each of the multiple nozzle rows L. The control unit 13 may change the timing of pressurizing the liquid, the length of time the liquid is pressurized, and the magnitude of the pressure applied to the liquid for each of the one or more nozzle rows L.

[0037] Wiping is the action of wiping the liquid discharge head 21 to remove any liquid adhering to it. Wiping is performed, for example, after cleaning. When wiping is performed, the liquid discharge head 21 is wiped by the wiping unit 22.

[0038] As shown in Figure 4, the wiping section 22 may include a case 35, an absorbent member 36, a dispensing section 37, and a winding section 38. The dispensing section 37 has a dispensing shaft 39. The winding section 38 has a winding shaft 40. The wiping section 22 may also include a first guide roller 41, a second guide roller 42, a third guide roller 43, and a pressing roller 44.

[0039] The case 35 may house various components of the wiping unit 22. The case 35 may support the feed shaft 39, the winding shaft 40, the first guide rollers 41 to the third guide rollers 43, and the pressing roller 44 so as to extend in the scanning direction Dx. The case 35 is configured to be detachable from, for example, the housing 12. Therefore, the wiping unit 22 can be replaced with the liquid dispensing device 11.

[0040] The absorbent member 36 is capable of absorbing liquid. The absorbent member 36 absorbs the liquid discharged from the liquid discharge head 21. The absorbent member 36 absorbs waste liquid. The absorbent member 36 may be, for example, cloth or sponge. The absorbent member 36 is a long member. The absorbent member 36 may be provided so as to be movable in the feeding direction Ds.

[0041] The dispensing unit 37 may rotatably hold unused absorbent material 36 wound in a roll shape. The dispensing unit 37 unwinds and feeds out the strip-shaped absorbent material 36 as the dispensing shaft 39 rotates.

[0042] The winding section 38 may hold the used absorbent material 36. The winding section 38 winds the absorbent material 36 into a roll shape as the winding shaft 40 rotates. The winding section 38 is located upstream of the unwinding section 37 in the sub-scanning direction Dy.

[0043] The dispensing shaft 39 and the rewinding shaft 40 may be capable of forward and reverse rotation. When the dispensing shaft 39 and rewinding shaft 40 rotate forward, they feed the absorbent member 36 from the dispensing section 37 towards the rewinding section 38 in the feed direction Ds. When the dispensing shaft 39 and rewinding shaft 40 rotate reverse, they feed the absorbent member 36 from the rewinding section 38 towards the dispensing section 37 in the return direction Dr. The return direction Dr is opposite to the feed direction Ds. The feed direction Ds and the return direction Dr are in directions along the path through which the absorbent member 36 travels.

[0044] The first guide roller 41, the second guide roller 42, the pressing roller 44, and the third guide roller 43 are provided in this order from the upstream side in the feeding direction Ds. The first guide roller 41 to the third guide roller 43 each guide the absorbent member 36 that is wrapped around it, thereby determining the path that the absorbent member 36 travels.

[0045] The pressure roller 44 is capable of pressing the absorbent member 36 against the liquid discharge head 21. The pressure roller 44 is located between the feed shaft 39 and the winding shaft 40 in the sub-scanning direction Dy and the feed direction Ds. The absorbent member 36 is wound around the pressure roller 44. The pressure roller 44 may be configured to move up and down, for example. The pressure roller 44 may be pushed upward by, for example, a spring (not shown).

[0046] The pressing roller 44 can press the absorbing member 36 against the nozzle surface 33. In this embodiment, the liquid discharge head 21 moves downstream in the sub-scanning direction Dy relative to the wiping section 22 while the absorbing member 36 is pressed against the nozzle surface 33, thereby wiping the nozzle surface 33.

[0047] The wiping unit 22 has a wiping area Aw and a receiving area Ar set at different positions. The wiping area Aw may be located downstream of the receiving area Ar in the sub-scanning direction Dy. The receiving area Ar may be located downstream of the wiping area Aw in the feed direction Ds.

[0048] The wiping region Aw is the region where the nozzle surface 33 of the liquid discharge head 21 is wiped by the absorbent member 36 during relative movement in the sub-scanning direction Dy. The wiping region Aw is also the region pressed by the pressure roller 44. The wiping region Aw is also the region where the absorbent member 36 is sandwiched between the pressure roller 44 and the nozzle surface 33.

[0049] The receiving region Ar is the region in which the absorbent member 36 receives the liquid discharged from the multiple nozzle rows L. In this embodiment, the receiving region Ar is the region between the pressing roller 44 and the third guide roller 43.

[0050] <Pressurized discharge> As shown in Figure 4, the control unit 13 may perform pressurized discharge by pressurizing the liquid in the nozzle 31 with the pressurizing unit 20 while the liquid discharge head 21 is positioned above the receiving region Ar, thereby discharging the liquid from the nozzle 31. The control unit 13 may perform pressurized discharge including a first pressurized discharge and a second pressurized discharge. The absorbent member 36 absorbs the liquid discharged by the pressurized discharge. Figure 5 shows the absorbent member 36 that has absorbed the liquid in a planar view in an extended state.

[0051] As shown in Figure 5, at the first pressurized discharge timing, the control unit 13 may pressurize the liquid in the plurality of nozzles 31 constituting the nozzle row L, which is the target of the first pressurized discharge, with the pressurizing unit 20, thereby discharging the liquid into the first region A1 of the absorbent member 36.

[0052] In this embodiment, the first pressurized discharge discharges liquid from the first nozzle row L1 to the eighth nozzle row L8 of the first discharge unit 28. The first region A1 is a region that absorbs the liquid discharged in conjunction with the first pressurized discharge. The control unit 13 positions the first region A1 in the receiving region Ar and performs the first pressurized discharge with the first discharge unit 28 positioned directly above the first region A1. The liquid discharged by the first pressurized discharge is absorbed by the absorbent member 36, thereby forming a pressurized mark 46.

[0053] At the second pressurized discharge timing, the control unit 13 may pressurize the liquid in the plurality of nozzles 31 constituting the nozzle row L, which is the target of the second pressurized discharge, with the pressurizing unit 20, thereby discharging the liquid to a second region A2 that is different from the first region A1 of the absorbent member 36.

[0054] In this embodiment, the second pressurized discharge discharges liquid from the first nozzle row L1 to the eighth nozzle row L8 of the second discharge unit 29. The second region A2 is a region that absorbs the liquid discharged in conjunction with the second pressurized discharge. The control unit 13 positions the second region A2 in the receiving region Ar and executes the second pressurized discharge with the second discharge unit 29 positioned directly above the second region A2. The liquid discharged by the second pressurized discharge is absorbed by the absorbent member 36, forming a pressurized mark 46.

[0055] The control unit 13 may perform at least one of the first pressurized discharge and the second pressurized discharge while feeding the absorbent member 36 in the feeding direction Ds. When feeding the absorbent member 36, the control unit 13 may change at least one of the amount of absorbent member 36 fed and the speed at which the absorbent member 36 is fed. For example, if the amount of liquid to be discharged under pressure from the nozzle 31 is large, the amount of absorbent member 36 fed may be increased. For example, if the discharge rate of the liquid to be discharged under pressure from the nozzle 31 is fast, the speed at which the absorbent member 36 is fed may be increased. The pressurized marks 46 formed by the first pressurized discharge and the pressurized marks 46 formed by the second pressurized discharge may have different sizes in the feeding direction Ds.

[0056] At least a portion of the second region A2 may overlap with the first region A1 when viewed in the scanning direction Dx. The second region A2 does not have to overlap with the first region A1 when viewed in the sub-scanning direction Dy. The first region A1 and the second region A2 may be aligned in the scanning direction Dx.

[0057] The control unit 13 may perform pressurized discharge from the first end 36f, which is an example of one end of the absorbing member 36 in the scanning direction Dx, to the second end 36s, which is an example of the other end. Specifically, in the scanning direction Dx, the size of the margin from the first end 36f to the first region A1 may be smaller than the size of the first region A1 and the second region A2. In the scanning direction Dx, the size of the margin from the second region A2 to the second end 36s may be smaller than the size of the first region A1 and the second region A2. The margin is the part of the absorbing member 36 that does not absorb liquid.

[0058] <Wiping> The control unit 13 may perform wiping after performing pressurized discharge. After discharging liquid from the multiple nozzles 31 to the absorbent member 36, the control unit 13 may move the absorbent member 36 in the return direction Dr opposite to the supply direction Ds. The control unit 13 moves the absorbent member 36 in the return direction Dr while keeping the liquid discharge head 21 positioned in the receiving region Ar. The control unit 13 stops the movement of the absorbent member 36 before the pressurized trace 46 reaches the wiping region Aw. That is, the control unit 13 moves the unused region of the absorbent member 36 that has not received liquid to the wiping region Aw.

[0059] Subsequently, the control unit 13 moves the liquid discharge head 21 in the sub-scanning direction Dy to pass through the wiping area Aw. The wiping unit 22 wipes the nozzle surface 33 through the wiping area Aw. The absorbent member 36 absorbs the liquid adhering to the nozzle surface 33 by wiping the nozzle surface 33. The liquid is absorbed by the absorbent member 36, forming a wiping trace 47.

[0060] <Flushing> If flushing is performed after wiping or pressurized discharge, the control unit 13 may move the absorbent member 36 in the feed direction Ds. The control unit 13 may also move the wiped marks 47 and pressurized marks 46 downstream in the feed direction Ds from the first position P1 and second position P2 where flushing is performed.

[0061] The control unit 13 may perform flushing by discharging liquid at a position that does not overlap with the first region A1 and the second region A2 when viewed in the scanning direction Dx. The liquid discharged by flushing is absorbed by the absorbent member 36, forming a discharge trace 48. The discharge trace 48 may be formed at a different position from the pressurized trace 46 in the sub-scanning direction Dy.

[0062] The liquid discharge head 21 may perform flushing by discharging liquid onto the stationary absorbent member 36 while moving in the scanning direction Dx. Specifically, the control unit 13 moves the liquid discharge head 21 in the scanning direction Dx to pass it through the receiving region Ar. At this time, the control unit 13 controls the timing of discharging liquid from each nozzle row L of the first discharge unit 28 and the second discharge unit 29.

[0063] The control unit 13 performs flushing by discharging liquid into the receiving region Ar from each of the multiple nozzle rows L at intervals smaller than the distance between the nozzle rows L in the scanning direction Dx. The control unit 13 also performs flushing by discharging liquid at positions that do not overlap with the first region A1 and the second region A2 when viewed in the scanning direction Dx.

[0064] The control unit 13 may perform flushing by discharging liquid from at least two of the multiple nozzle rows L to the same position on the absorbent member 36. The control unit 13 may also discharge liquid from the multiple nozzle rows L onto the first position P1 within the receiving region Ar.

[0065] After the amount of liquid discharged to the first position P1 reaches a threshold, the control unit 13 may discharge liquid in layers from multiple nozzle rows L to a second position P2, which is different from the first position P1, in the scanning direction Dx. The threshold is the amount of liquid that the absorbent member 36 can absorb at that position.

[0066] For example, if the threshold is reached by discharging liquid from two nozzle rows L, the control unit 13 may discharge liquid to the first position P1 from the first nozzle row L1 and the second nozzle row L2 of the first discharge unit 28 and the second discharge unit 29. The control unit 13 may also discharge liquid to the second position P2 from the third nozzle row L3 and the fourth nozzle row L4 of the first discharge unit 28 and the second discharge unit 29.

[0067] For example, if the threshold is reached by discharging liquid from three nozzle rows L, the control unit 13 may discharge liquid to the first position P1 from the first nozzle rows L1 to the third nozzle row L3 of the first discharge unit 28 and the second discharge unit 29. The control unit 13 may discharge liquid to the second position P2 from the fourth nozzle row L4 of the first discharge unit 28 and the second discharge unit 29. In the next flushing, the control unit 13 may discharge liquid to the second position P2 from the first nozzle row L1 and the second nozzle row L2 of the first discharge unit 28 and the second discharge unit 29. The control unit 13 may discharge liquid to the third position P3 from the third nozzle row L3 and the fourth nozzle row L4 of the first discharge unit 28 and the second discharge unit 29. The third position P3 is a different position from the second position P2 in the scanning direction Dx.

[0068] The ejection marks 48 may be formed at equal intervals in the scanning direction Dx. In the scanning direction Dx, the third interval S3 between the first position P1 and the second position P2 is smaller than the first interval S1 or the second interval S2.

[0069] The control unit 13 may perform flushing from the first end 36f to the second end 36s in the scanning direction Dx of the absorbing member 36. Specifically, in the scanning direction Dx, the size of the margin from the first end 36f to the discharge trace 48 closest to the first end 36f may be smaller than the sum of the dimensions of one discharge trace 48 and the third interval S3. In the scanning direction Dx, the size of the margin from the discharge trace 48 closest to the second end 36s to the second end 36s may be smaller than the sum of the dimensions of one discharge trace 48 and the third interval S3.

[0070] When flushing is performed up to the second end 36s of the absorbent member 36, the control unit 13 may move the absorbent member 36 in the feed direction Ds to perform flushing. Multiple discharge marks 48 formed on the absorbent member 36 from the first end 36f to the second end 36s may be formed in the sub-scanning direction Dy.

[0071] <Operation of the First Embodiment> The operation of this embodiment will now be described. As shown in Figure 5, the absorbent member 36 that wipes the nozzle surface 33 receives the liquid discharged from the nozzle 31 by flushing and pressurized discharge. The absorbent member 36 that has received the liquid has at least two of the following arranged in the feeding direction Ds: one or more pressurized ranges Rc, one or more wiping ranges Rw, and one or more discharge ranges Rj.

[0072] The pressurized area Rc may contain one or more pressurized marks 46 aligned in the scanning direction Dx. The wiped area Rw may contain one or more wiped marks 47 aligned in the scanning direction Dx. The discharged area Rj may contain one or more discharged marks 48 aligned in the scanning direction Dx.

[0073] <Effects of the First Embodiment> The effects of this embodiment will now be explained. (1) The absorbent member 36 that wipes the nozzle surface 33 receives the liquid discharged by flushing. The liquid discharge head 21 performs flushing by discharging liquid at intervals smaller than the intervals between the multiple nozzle rows L. Therefore, the absorbent member 36 can be consumed more efficiently compared to when the liquid is discharged at intervals greater than the intervals between the nozzle rows L.

[0074] (2) The liquid dispensing device 11 dispenses liquid from multiple nozzle rows L onto the first position P1. That is, the liquid dispensing head 21 performs flushing by dispensing liquid from multiple nozzle rows L at zero intervals. Therefore, the absorbent member 36 can be consumed more efficiently compared to the case where liquid is dispensed from multiple nozzle rows L at intervals. After the liquid dispensed to the first position P1 reaches a threshold, the liquid dispensing head 21 dispenses liquid to the second position P2. Therefore, the risk of more liquid than can be accepted at the first position P1 being dispensed to the first position P1 can be reduced.

[0075] (3) The absorbent member 36 receives the liquid discharged by pressurized discharge. At the first pressurized discharge timing, the liquid is discharged into the first region A1. At the second pressurized discharge timing, the liquid is discharged into the second region A2. Since the first region A1 and the second region A2 overlap in at least part when viewed in the scanning direction Dx, the absorbent member 36 can be consumed more efficiently than if they did not overlap. Since the first region A1 and the second region A2 do not overlap when viewed in the sub-scanning direction Dy, the risk of areas where more liquid than the acceptable amount is discharged can be reduced.

[0076] (4) Pressurized discharge is performed while the absorbent member 36 is moved in the feeding direction Ds. Because the position where the absorbent member 36 receives the liquid changes, it is possible to prevent the absorbent member 36 from being unable to absorb all of the liquid and causing the liquid to overflow from the absorbent member 36.

[0077] (5) Flushing is performed at a position that does not overlap with the first region A1 and the second region A2 when viewed in the scanning direction Dx. Therefore, the region in which liquid is discharged by flushing and the region in which liquid is discharged by pressurized discharge can be easily separated by control.

[0078] (6) Flushing is performed from the first end 36f to the second end 36s in the scanning direction Dx of the absorbing member 36. Therefore, the absorbing member 36 can be consumed more efficiently compared to when flushing is performed in only a part of the scanning direction Dx.

[0079] (7) Pressurized discharge is performed from the first end 36f to the second end 36s in the scanning direction Dx of the absorbent member 36. Therefore, the absorbent member 36 can be consumed more efficiently compared to when pressurized discharge is performed in only a part of the scanning direction Dx.

[0080] (8) The unused area of ​​the absorbent member 36 is moved to the wiping area Aw to wipe the nozzle surface 33. Since the unused area of ​​the absorbent member 36 can be reduced, the absorbent member 36 can be consumed efficiently.

[0081] (9) The absorbent member 36 that wipes the nozzle surface 33 receives the liquid discharged by pressurized discharge. At the first pressurized discharge timing, the liquid is discharged into the first region A1. At the second pressurized discharge timing, the liquid is discharged into the second region A2. Since the first region A1 and the second region A2 do not overlap when viewed in the sub-scanning direction Dy, the risk of an area being discharged with more liquid than the amount that can be accepted can be reduced. Since the first region A1 and the second region A2 overlap in at least part when viewed in the scanning direction Dx, the absorbent member 36 can be consumed more efficiently than in the case where they do not overlap.

[0082] (10) The absorbent member 36 that wipes the nozzle surface 33 receives the liquid discharged from the multiple nozzle rows L. The control unit 13 discharges the liquid at intervals smaller than the distance between the multiple nozzle rows L. Therefore, the absorbent member 36 can be consumed more efficiently compared to the case where the liquid is discharged at intervals greater than the distance between the nozzle rows L.

[0083] [Second Embodiment] Next, a second embodiment of the liquid dispensing device and the control method for the liquid dispensing device will be described with reference to the figures. In this second embodiment, the position where the dispensing marks are formed on the absorbent member is different from that of the first embodiment. In other respects, it is almost the same as the first embodiment, so the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations are omitted.

[0084] As shown in Figure 6, flushing may be performed by discharging liquid at a position that overlaps with at least one of the first region A1 and the second region A2 when viewed in the scanning direction Dx. The discharge trace 48 and pressurized trace 46 may overlap in the sub-scanning direction Dy and the feed direction Ds. The control unit 13 may perform flushing and pressurized discharge from the first end 36f side to the second end 36s side in the scanning direction Dx of the absorbing member 36.

[0085] <Operation of the second embodiment> The operation of this embodiment will now be described. The pressurized range Rc may receive not only the liquid discharged under pressure but also the liquid discharged by flushing. Discharge marks 48 may be formed in the pressurized range Rc along with the pressurized marks 46.

[0086] <Effects of the second embodiment> The effects of this embodiment will now be explained. (11) Flashing is performed at a position that overlaps with at least one of the first region A1 and the second region A2 when viewed in the scanning direction Dx. Therefore, the absorbent member 36 can be consumed more efficiently compared to when flashing is performed at a position that does not overlap with the first region A1 and the second region A2 when viewed in the scanning direction Dx.

[0087] (12) Flushing and pressurized discharge are performed from the first end 36f to the second end 36s in the scanning direction Dx of the absorbent member 36. Therefore, the absorbent member 36 can be consumed more efficiently compared to when pressurized discharge is performed in only a part of the scanning direction Dx.

[0088] [Example of changes] This embodiment can be implemented with the following modifications. This embodiment and the following modifications can be combined with each other to the extent that they do not contradict each other technically.

[0089] <Example of first change> As shown in Figure 7, if the size of the pressurized area Rc is twice or more the size of the discharge trace 48 in the feeding direction Ds, the control unit 13 may perform flushing so that the discharge trace 48 aligns with the feeding direction Ds in the pressurized area Rc.

[0090] <Example of second change> As shown in Figure 8, in the feeding direction Ds, a portion of the discharge range Rj may overlap with the pressurized range Rc.

[0091] <Example of the third change> As shown in Figure 9, the first region A1 and the second region A2 may be aligned in the feed direction Ds. The control unit 13 may perform a second pressurized discharge to form a pressurized mark 46 in the second region A2 with the liquid discharged under pressure from the second discharge unit 29. When the second pressurized discharge is completed, the control unit 13 may stop pressurizing the second discharge unit 29 and move the liquid discharge head 21 in the scanning direction Dx. The control unit 13 may move the liquid discharge head 21 so that the first discharge unit 28 faces the first region A1. The control unit 13 may perform a first pressurized discharge to form a pressurized mark 46 in the first region A1 with the liquid discharged under pressure from the first discharge unit 28. The control unit 13 may send the absorbent member 36 in the feed direction Ds from the start of the second pressurized discharge until the end of the first pressurized discharge.

[0092] <Example of the fourth change> As shown in Figure 10, the control unit 13 may perform flushing of the first discharge unit 28 and the second discharge unit 29 at the same position in the feed direction Ds. Multiple nozzle rows L may each discharge liquid at different positions. For example, the first discharge unit 28 may discharge liquid from multiple nozzle rows L at the same timing to form a first discharge trail 48f. The second discharge unit 29 may discharge liquid from multiple nozzle rows L at the same timing to form a second discharge trail 48s. The control unit 13 may perform flushing at intervals smaller than the first interval S1 or the second interval S2 so that the second discharge trail 48s is positioned between the first discharge trails 48f.

[0093] <Example of the fifth change> As shown in Figure 11, the control unit 13 may perform flushing of the first discharge unit 28 and the second discharge unit 29 at different positions in the scanning direction Dx. The control unit 13 may also control the discharge timing for each nozzle group. The control unit 13 may perform flushing such that the third interval S3 between discharge traces 48 formed by different nozzle groups becomes smaller than the first interval S1 or the second interval S2.

[0094] <Other examples of changes> The liquid dispensing device 11 may be a serial printer that scans across the medium 16, or a line printer that can simultaneously dispense liquid across the width of the medium 16.

[0095] The liquid discharge head 21 may have as few as one discharge section. The liquid discharge head 21 may have as few as two nozzle rows L. The liquid discharge device 11 may include a receiving section (not shown) for receiving pressurized discharged liquid, separate from the wiping section 22. The absorbent member 36 that wipes the nozzle surface 33 may receive the liquid discharged by flushing.

[0096] The liquid discharge device 11 may include a receiving section (not shown) for receiving liquid discharged by flushing, separate from the wiping section 22. The absorbent member 36 that wipes the nozzle surface 33 may receive liquid discharged by pressurized discharge.

[0097] - When wiping is performed after flushing to discharge the liquid, the control unit 13 may move the absorbent member 36 in the return direction Dr opposite to the feed direction Ds before wiping. The control unit 13 may move the absorbent member 36 in the return direction Dr before moving the liquid discharge head 21 in the sub-scanning direction Dy. The control unit 13 may move the unused area to the wiping area Aw before wiping the liquid discharge head 21.

[0098] The wiping unit 22 does not need to move the absorbing member 36 in the return direction Dr. The wiping unit 22 may be provided with a pressing roller 44 that can move in the sub-scanning direction Dy and in the direction opposite to the sub-scanning direction Dy. The wiping unit 22 may move the wiping area Aw by moving the pressing roller 44. The control unit 13 may bring the wiping area Aw closer to the discharge mark 48 or pressurized mark 46 and then wipe the nozzle surface 33 with the wiping area Aw.

[0099] The control unit 13 may perform pressurized discharge while the absorbent member 36 is stopped. The control unit 13 may perform pressurized discharge while moving the liquid discharge head 21 in the sub-scanning direction Dy or in the direction opposite to the sub-scanning direction Dy.

[0100] The control unit 13 may perform pressurized discharge while moving the liquid discharge head 21 in the scanning direction Dx or in the direction opposite to the scanning direction Dx. The control unit 13 may perform pressurized discharge of all nozzle rows L of the liquid discharge head 21 at once.

[0101] The control unit 13 may perform pressurized discharge of multiple nozzle rows L one row at a time or in multiple rows at a time. When the nozzle surface 33 is wiped with the absorbent member 36, both the liquid discharge head 21 and the wiping unit 22 may move relative to each other in the sub-scanning direction Dy. The liquid discharge head 21 and the wiping unit 22 may move in the sub-scanning direction Dy, while the other moves in the opposite direction to the sub-scanning direction Dy.

[0102] When wiping the nozzle surface 33 with the absorbent member 36, the wiping unit 22 may move relative to the stopped liquid discharge head 21 in the sub-scanning direction Dy. The wiping unit 22 may move in the sub-scanning direction Dy to wipe the nozzle surface 33. That is, the wiping unit 22 may move relative to the liquid discharge head 21 in the sub-scanning direction Dy. The wiping unit 22 may move in the opposite direction to the sub-scanning direction Dy to wipe the nozzle surface 33. That is, the wiping unit 22 may move relative to the liquid discharge head 21 in the opposite direction to the sub-scanning direction Dy. In this case, the moving mechanism 24 may be configured without a vertical axis 26. That is, the moving mechanism 24 may be configured so that the carriage 18 can reciprocate only in the scanning direction Dx along the horizontal axis 25. In this case, the support unit 15 may be configured to be movable in the sub-scanning direction Dy, and an image may be recorded on the medium 16 supported by the moving support unit 15 by discharging liquid from the liquid discharge head 21, which moves in the scanning direction Dx. In this configuration as well, the liquid discharge head 21 and the wiping unit 22 can be said to be relatively movable in the scanning direction Dx and the sub-scanning direction Dy.

[0103] The liquid dispensing device 11 may be a liquid dispensing device that sprays or dispenses liquids other than ink. The state of the liquid dispensed from the liquid dispensing device as minute droplets may include granular, teardrop-shaped, or thread-like forms. The liquid referred to here may be any material that can be dispensed from the liquid dispensing device. For example, the liquid may be any state in which a substance is in the liquid phase, and may include highly or low viscosity liquids, sols, gel water, other inorganic solvents, organic solvents, solutions, liquid resins, liquid metals, and other fluids. The liquid may include not only liquids as a state of matter, but also functional material particles consisting of solids such as pigments and metal particles dissolved, dispersed, or mixed in a solvent. Typical examples of liquids include inks and liquid crystals as described in the above embodiments. Here, ink refers to general water-based inks and oil-based inks, as well as various liquid compositions such as gel inks and hot-melt inks. Specific examples of liquid dispensing devices include devices that dispense liquids containing materials such as electrode materials and colorants in the form of dispersion or dissolution, used in the manufacture of liquid crystal displays, electroluminescent displays, surface-emitting displays, and color filters. Liquid dispensing devices may also be devices that dispense bio-organic substances used in biochip manufacturing, devices that dispense liquid samples used as precision pipettes, printing devices, microdispensers, etc. Liquid dispensing devices may also be devices that dispense lubricating oil to precision machinery such as watches and cameras with pinpoint accuracy, or devices that dispense transparent resin liquids such as ultraviolet-curing resins onto substrates to form minute hemispherical lenses, optical lenses, etc. used in optical communication elements. Liquid dispensing devices may also be devices that dispense etching solutions such as acids or alkalis to etch substrates.

[0104] [Definition] As used herein, the expression "at least one" means "one or more" of the desired options. For example, as used herein, "at least one" means "only one option" or "both of the two options" if there are two options. As another example, as used herein, "at least one" means "only one option" or "a combination of two or more any options" if there are three or more options.

[0105] [Note] The technical concepts and their effects that can be understood from the embodiments and modifications described above are described below.

[0106] (A) A control method for a liquid dispensing device comprises a liquid dispensing head having a nozzle surface formed by a plurality of nozzles capable of dispensing liquid, and a wiping unit having an absorbent member capable of absorbing liquid, wherein the liquid dispensing head and the wiping unit are relatively movable in the scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction, the plurality of nozzle rows each extend in the sub-scanning direction and are formed at predetermined intervals in the scanning direction, and the wiping unit, in the relative movement in the sub-scanning direction, has a wiping region where the nozzle surface of the liquid dispensing head is wiped with the absorbent member and a receiving region where the absorbent member receives the liquid discharged from the plurality of nozzle rows, set at different positions, wherein flushing is performed in the scanning direction by dispensing liquid from each of the plurality of nozzle rows into the receiving region at intervals smaller than the predetermined interval.

[0107] In this method, the absorbent material that wipes the nozzle surface receives the liquid discharged by flushing. The liquid discharge head performs flushing by discharging liquid at intervals smaller than the spacing between multiple nozzle rows. Therefore, the absorbent material can be consumed more efficiently compared to when the liquid is discharged at intervals greater than the spacing between nozzle rows.

[0108] (B) The control method for the liquid dispensing device may include flushing, which involves dispensing liquid in layers from a plurality of nozzle rows to a first position within the receiving area, and, after the amount of liquid dispensed to the first position reaches a threshold, dispensing liquid in layers from a plurality of nozzle rows to a second position different from the first position in the scanning direction.

[0109] According to this method, the liquid dispensing device dispenses liquid from multiple nozzle rows onto a first position in a layered manner. In other words, the liquid dispensing head performs flushing by dispensing liquid from multiple nozzle rows at zero intervals. Therefore, the absorbent material can be consumed more efficiently compared to when liquid is dispensed from multiple nozzle rows at intervals. The liquid dispensing head dispenses liquid to the second position after the liquid dispensed to the first position reaches a threshold. Therefore, the risk of dispensing more liquid than can be accepted at the first position to the first position can be reduced.

[0110] (C) A control method for a liquid dispensing device, wherein the liquid dispensing device further comprises a pressurizing unit capable of pressurizing the liquid in each of the plurality of nozzle rows, and pressurizing the liquid in the plurality of nozzles constituting the nozzle row that is the target of the first pressurized discharge timing by the pressurizing unit to discharge the liquid into a first region of the absorbent member, and pressurizing the liquid in the plurality of nozzles constituting the nozzle row that is the target of the second pressurized discharge timing by the pressurizing unit to discharge the liquid into a second region of the absorbent member that is different from the first region, wherein when viewed in the scanning direction, at least a part of the second region overlaps with the first region, and when viewed in the sub-scanning direction, the second region does not have to overlap with the first region.

[0111] In this method, the absorbent material receives the liquid discharged by pressurized discharge. At the first pressurized discharge timing, the liquid is discharged into the first region. At the second pressurized discharge timing, the liquid is discharged into the second region. Since the first and second regions overlap at least partially when viewed in the scanning direction, the absorbent material can be consumed more efficiently than if they did not overlap. Since the first and second regions do not overlap when viewed in the sub-scanning direction, the risk of areas where more liquid than the acceptable amount is discharged can be reduced.

[0112] (D) In ​​the control method for the liquid dispensing device, at least one of the first pressurized discharge and the second pressurized discharge may be performed while the absorbing member is being fed in the feeding direction. In this method, pressurized discharge is performed while the absorbent material is moved in the forward direction. Because the position where the absorbent material receives the liquid changes, it is possible to prevent the absorbent material from being unable to absorb all the liquid and causing it to overflow.

[0113] (E) The control method for the liquid dispensing device may involve flushing, in which liquid is dispensed at a position that does not overlap with the first and second regions when viewed in the scanning direction. This method allows flushing to be performed at a location that does not overlap with the first and second regions when viewed in the scanning direction. Therefore, the region where liquid is discharged by flushing and the region where liquid is discharged by pressurized discharge can be easily separated by control.

[0114] (F) The control method for the liquid dispensing device may involve performing the flushing from one end to the other end of the absorbing member in the scanning direction. This method flushes the absorbent material from one end to the other in the scanning direction. Therefore, it can consume the absorbent material more efficiently compared to cases where flushing is performed only in a portion of the scanning direction.

[0115] (G) The control method for the liquid discharge device may involve pressurizing and discharging the absorbent member from one end to the other in the scanning direction. This method involves pressurizing and discharging the absorbent material from one end to the other in the scanning direction. Therefore, the absorbent material can be consumed more efficiently compared to cases where pressurizing and discharging is performed only in a portion of the scanning direction.

[0116] (H) The control method for the liquid dispensing device may involve flushing, in which liquid is dispensed at a position that overlaps with at least one of the first region and the second region when viewed in the scanning direction.

[0117] This method performs flushing at a position that overlaps with at least one of the first and second regions when viewed in the scanning direction. Therefore, the absorbent material can be consumed more efficiently compared to the case where flushing is performed at a position that does not overlap with the first and second regions when viewed in the scanning direction.

[0118] (I) The control method for the liquid dispensing device may involve performing the flushing and pressurized discharge from one end to the other end of the absorbing member in the scanning direction. This method performs flushing and pressurized discharge from one end to the other in the scanning direction of the absorbent material. Therefore, the absorbent material can be consumed more efficiently compared to cases where pressurized discharge is performed only in a portion of the scanning direction.

[0119] (J) A control method for a liquid dispensing device, wherein the absorbent member is provided to be movable in the feeding direction, and after discharging liquid from a plurality of nozzles to the absorbent member, the absorbent member is moved in the opposite direction to the feeding direction, thereby moving the unused area of ​​the absorbent member that has not received liquid to the wiping area, and wiping the nozzle surface with the wiping area.

[0120] This method moves the unused area of ​​the absorbent material to the wiping area, thereby wiping the nozzle surface. Because the unused area of ​​the absorbent material can be reduced, the absorbent material can be consumed more efficiently.

[0121] (K) A control method for a liquid discharge device comprises a liquid discharge head having a nozzle surface formed by a plurality of nozzles capable of discharging liquid, a wiping unit having an absorbent member capable of absorbing liquid, and a pressurizing unit capable of pressurizing the liquid in each of the plurality of nozzle rows, wherein the liquid discharge head and the wiping unit are movable relative to each other in the scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction, the plurality of nozzle rows each extend in the sub-scanning direction and are formed at predetermined intervals in the scanning direction, and the wiping unit has a wiping region in which the nozzle surface of the liquid discharge head is wiped with the absorbent member during the relative movement in the sub-scanning direction, and the absorbent member receives the liquid discharged from the plurality of nozzle rows. A control method for a liquid dispensing device in which a receiving region and a liquid dispensing device are set at different positions, comprising: at a first pressurized discharge timing, pressurizing the liquid in a plurality of nozzles constituting a nozzle row that is the target of the first pressurized discharge with the pressurizing unit to discharge the liquid into a first region of the absorbent member; and at a second pressurized discharge timing, pressurizing the liquid in a plurality of nozzles constituting a nozzle row that is the target of the second pressurized discharge with the pressurizing unit to discharge the liquid into a second region of the absorbent member that is different from the first region, wherein when viewed in the scanning direction, at least a part of the second region overlaps with the first region, and when viewed in the sub-scanning direction, the second region does not overlap with the first region.

[0122] In this method, the absorbent member that wipes the nozzle surface receives the liquid discharged by pressurized discharge. At the first pressurized discharge timing, the liquid is discharged into the first region. At the second pressurized discharge timing, the liquid is discharged into the second region. Since the first and second regions do not overlap when viewed in the sub-scanning direction, the risk of areas where more liquid than can be accepted is discharged can be reduced. Since the first and second regions overlap at least partially when viewed in the scanning direction, the absorbent member can be consumed more efficiently than in the case where they do not overlap.

[0123] (L) The liquid dispensing device comprises a liquid dispensing head having a nozzle surface formed by a plurality of nozzles capable of dispensing liquid, a wiping unit having an absorbent member capable of absorbing liquid, and a control unit, wherein the liquid dispensing head and the wiping unit are movable relative to each other in the scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction, the plurality of nozzle rows each extend in the sub-scanning direction and are formed at predetermined intervals in the scanning direction, the wiping unit has a wiping region where the nozzle surface of the liquid dispensing head is wiped with the absorbent member and a receiving region where the absorbent member receives the liquid discharged from the plurality of nozzle rows at different positions during the relative movement in the sub-scanning direction, and the control unit causes each of the plurality of nozzle rows to dispensing liquid into the receiving region at intervals smaller than the predetermined interval in the scanning direction.

[0124] This configuration can achieve the same effects as the control method for the liquid dispensing device described above. The absorbent member that wipes the nozzle surface receives the liquid discharged from multiple rows of nozzles. The control unit discharges the liquid at intervals smaller than the spacing between the multiple rows of nozzles. Therefore, the absorbent member can be consumed more efficiently compared to the case where the liquid is discharged at intervals greater than the spacing between the rows of nozzles. [Explanation of symbols]

[0125] 11...Liquid dispensing device, 12...Housing, 13...Control unit, 15...Support unit, 16...Media, 18...Carriage, 19...Liquid storage unit, 20...Pressurizing unit, 21...Liquid dispensing head, 22...Wiping unit, 24...Moving mechanism, 25...Horizontal axis, 26...Vertical axis, 28...First dispensing unit, 29...Second dispensing unit, 31...Nozzle, 33...Nozzle surface, 35...Case, 36...Absorbing member, 36f...First end, 36s...Second end, 37...Feeding unit, 38...Winding unit, 39...Feeding shaft, 40...Winding shaft, 41...First guide roller, 42...Second guide roller, 43...Third guide roller 44...Pressing roller, 46...Pressure mark, 47...Wiping mark, 48...Discharge mark, 48f...First discharge mark, 48s...Second discharge mark, A1...First region, A2...Second region, Ar...Receiving region, Aw...Wiping region, Dr...Return direction, Ds...Feeding direction, Dx...Scanning direction, Dy...Sub-scanning direction, G1~G4...First nozzle group~Fourth nozzle group, L...Nozzle row, L1~L8...First nozzle row~L8...Eighth nozzle row, P1~P3...First position~Third position, Rc...Pressure range, Rj...Discharge range, Rw...Wiping range, S1~S3...First interval~Third interval.

Claims

1. A liquid dispensing head having a nozzle surface in which multiple nozzle rows are formed by multiple nozzles capable of dispensing liquid, A wiping section having an absorbent material capable of absorbing liquid, Equipped with, The liquid discharge head and the wiping unit are movable relative to each other in the scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction. Each of the multiple nozzle rows extends in the sub-scanning direction and is formed at predetermined intervals in the scanning direction. The wiping section is, In the relative movement in the sub-scanning direction, the wiping region is where the nozzle surface of the liquid discharge head is wiped by the absorbing member, A receiving region in which the absorbent member receives the liquid discharged from the multiple nozzle rows, A control method for a liquid dispensing device set to different positions, A control method for a liquid dispensing device, characterized by performing flushing in which liquid is discharged into the receiving area from each of the plurality of nozzle rows at intervals smaller than the predetermined interval in the scanning direction.

2. Discharging liquid from multiple nozzle rows onto a first position within the receiving region, After the amount of liquid discharged to the first position reaches a threshold, the liquid is discharged in layers from a plurality of nozzle rows to a second position different from the first position in the scanning direction. A control method for a liquid dispensing device according to claim 1, characterized by performing the flushing which includes the flushing.

3. The liquid dispensing device further comprises a pressurizing unit capable of pressurizing the liquid in each of the multiple nozzle rows, At the first pressurized discharge timing, the liquid in the multiple nozzles constituting the nozzle row that are the target of the first pressurized discharge is pressurized by the pressurizing unit, thereby discharging the liquid into the first region of the absorbent member. At the second pressurized discharge timing, the liquid in the multiple nozzles constituting the nozzle row that are the target of the second pressurized discharge is pressurized by the pressurizing unit, thereby discharging the liquid to a second region of the absorbent member that is different from the first region. Pressurized discharge including, When viewed in the aforementioned scanning direction, at least a portion of the second region overlaps with the first region. The control method for a liquid dispensing device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the second region does not overlap with the first region when viewed in the sub-scanning direction.

4. The control method for a liquid dispensing device according to claim 3, characterized in that at least one of the first pressurized discharge and the second pressurized discharge is performed while the absorbing member is fed in the feeding direction.

5. A control method for a liquid dispensing device according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the flushing is performed to discharge liquid at a position that does not overlap with the first region and the second region when viewed in the scanning direction.

6. The control method for a liquid dispensing device according to claim 5, characterized in that the flushing is performed from one end to the other end of the absorbing member in the scanning direction.

7. A control method for a liquid dispensing device according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the pressurized discharge is performed from one end to the other end of the absorbent member in the scanning direction.

8. A control method for a liquid dispensing device according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the flushing is performed by dispensing liquid at a position that overlaps with at least one of the first region and the second region when viewed in the scanning direction.

9. The control method for a liquid dispensing device according to claim 8, characterized in that the flushing and pressurized discharge are performed from one end to the other end of the absorbent member in the scanning direction.

10. The absorbing member is provided so as to be movable in the feeding direction, After discharging liquid from multiple nozzles into the absorbent member, the absorbent member is moved in the opposite direction to the feeding direction, thereby moving the unused area of ​​the absorbent member that has not received liquid to the wiping area. The nozzle surface is wiped by the wiping area, A method for controlling a liquid dispensing device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized by including the following:

11. A liquid dispensing head having a nozzle surface in which multiple nozzle rows are formed by multiple nozzles capable of dispensing liquid, A wiping section having an absorbent material capable of absorbing liquid, A pressurizing unit capable of pressurizing the liquid inside each of the multiple nozzle rows, Equipped with, The liquid discharge head and the wiping unit are movable relative to each other in the scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction. Each of the multiple nozzle rows extends in the sub-scanning direction and is formed at predetermined intervals in the scanning direction. The wiping section is, In the relative movement in the sub-scanning direction, the wiping region is where the nozzle surface of the liquid discharge head is wiped by the absorbing member, A receiving region in which the absorbent member receives the liquid discharged from the multiple nozzle rows, A control method for a liquid dispensing device set to different positions, At the first pressurized discharge timing, the liquid in the multiple nozzles constituting the nozzle row that are the target of the first pressurized discharge is pressurized by the pressurizing unit, thereby discharging the liquid into the first region of the absorbent member. At the second pressurized discharge timing, the liquid in the multiple nozzles constituting the nozzle row that are the target of the second pressurized discharge is pressurized by the pressurizing unit, thereby discharging the liquid to a second region of the absorbent member that is different from the first region. Pressurized discharge including, When viewed in the aforementioned scanning direction, at least a portion of the second region overlaps with the first region. A control method for a liquid dispensing device, characterized in that the second region does not overlap with the first region when viewed in the sub-scanning direction.

12. A liquid dispensing head having a nozzle surface in which multiple nozzle rows are formed by multiple nozzles capable of dispensing liquid, A wiping section having an absorbent material capable of absorbing liquid, Control unit and Equipped with, The liquid discharge head and the wiping unit are movable relative to each other in the scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction. Each of the multiple nozzle rows extends in the sub-scanning direction and is formed at predetermined intervals in the scanning direction. The wiping section is, In the relative movement in the sub-scanning direction, the wiping region is where the nozzle surface of the liquid discharge head is wiped by the absorbing member, A receiving region in which the absorbent member receives the liquid discharged from the multiple nozzle rows, They are set in different positions. The control unit, A liquid dispensing device characterized by dispensing liquid into the receiving area from each of the multiple nozzle rows at intervals smaller than the predetermined interval in the scanning direction.

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