JP6354199B2 - Liquid ejection device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a liquid ejection apparatus.

  Patent Document 1 describes an ink jet printer including two ejection heads, two cap members that receive ink discharged from these ejection heads, and a suction pump. Each cap member has an ink outlet at the bottom. These outlets are connected to a suction pump by a tube member. Each cap member contains a closing member made of a material that floats against ink. In this configuration, when the ink discharged to the two cap members is sucked by the suction pump, if the ink in the other cap member runs out while the ink remains in one cap member, the other cap member The outlet is closed by the closing member. For this reason, the ink in one cap member can be continuously sucked.

JP 2011-161854 A

  However, the ink jet printer described in Patent Document 1 is configured such that when the ink is collected in the cap member, the closing member is lifted. Therefore, when there is no ink in the cap member, the bottom surface of the closing member and the cap member is used. It is thought that there is a slight gap between Thus, if there is a gap between the closing member that closes the outlet and the bottom surface of the cap member, the gap and the suction pump communicate with each other, so that ink can be sucked from the cap member where ink remains. Disappear. As a result, the ink remains in the cap member and the tube member connected thereto, and is dried. When the ink is dried, when the ejection head is capped, moisture is absorbed from the ink in the nozzles of the ejection head, which causes a problem of promoting the drying of the ink in the nozzles.

  If the configuration is such that when the ink runs out of the cap member, the closing member adheres to the bottom surface of the cap member without any gap, it is possible to suck ink from both cap members. However, if the ink is simply stored in the cap member, the blocking member itself does not easily float. In this way, when the closing member is arranged without a gap between the closing member and the bottom surface of the cap member, another component is required to float the closing member by the start of suction, and the configuration itself is very difficult. It becomes complicated.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a liquid ejection apparatus that can suck the remaining liquid with a simple configuration.

In a first aspect, the liquid ejection apparatus according to the present invention includes a first ejection surface on which a first nozzle row composed of a plurality of nozzles arranged in one direction is formed, and a second nozzle composed of the plurality of nozzles arranged in the one direction. A liquid discharge portion having a second discharge surface in which a row is formed, a first liquid receiving portion having a concave shape capable of covering the first nozzle row in a state of being in contact with the first discharge surface, A first cap portion having a first connection port connected to the first liquid receiving portion, and a second liquid receiving portion having a concave shape capable of covering the second nozzle row while being in contact with the second discharge surface And a second cap portion having a second connection port connected to the second liquid receiving portion, and the first liquid receiving portion is in contact with the first discharge surface, and the second liquid receiving portion is the second discharge surface. The first liquid receiving part is opposed to the first discharge surface. The first and second cap portions and the liquid discharge portion so that the second liquid receiving portion can be separated from the discharge surface while being separated from the discharge surface and facing the second discharge surface. Moving means for moving at least one of the first piping member, one end of which is connected to the first connection port, the second piping member of which one end is connected to the second connection port, and one end of the first piping member A third piping member connected to the other ends of the first and second piping members; a suction pump connected to the other end of the third piping member; and a control means for controlling the suction pump and the liquid discharge portion. I have. The control unit controls the suction pump in the contact state, and purges the liquid in the liquid discharge portion from the plurality of nozzles to the first and second liquid receiving portions, and in the separation state. A first flushing process for controlling the liquid ejection unit to eject liquid from the plurality of nozzles to at least one of the first and second liquid receiving units; and controlling the suction pump in the separated state; A first suction process for sucking the liquid accumulated in the first and second liquid receiving parts by at least one of the process and the first flushing process, and controlling the liquid ejection part after the first suction process, A first discharge operation for discharging liquid from the plurality of nozzles belonging to the first nozzle row to the first liquid receiving portion and a plurality of nozzles belonging to the second nozzle row. A second flushing process for performing a second ejection operation for ejecting the liquid from the fluid to the second liquid receiving part, and the suction pump is controlled after the second flushing process, and the liquid is ejected by the second flushing process. And a second suction process for sucking the liquid accumulated in the first and second liquid receivers, and the amount of liquid discharged in the second flushing process covers at least the first and second connection ports. it Ri Ryodea capable, the first and second connection port, in the separated state, are disposed respectively facing possible positions of the first and second ejection surfaces, wherein, In the second flushing process, the second ejection movement is performed so that liquid is ejected from the nozzle closest to a region facing the first connection port of the first ejection surface during the first ejection operation. To discharge liquid from nearest the nozzle to the second the second connection port and a region facing the ejection surface upon, that controls the liquid discharge unit.

In a second aspect, the liquid ejection apparatus of the present invention includes a first ejection surface on which a first nozzle row composed of a plurality of nozzles arranged in one direction is formed, and a first ejection surface composed of the plurality of nozzles arranged in the one direction. A liquid discharge portion having a second discharge surface on which two nozzle rows are formed, and a first liquid receiving portion having a concave shape capable of covering the first nozzle row in contact with the first discharge surface; A first cap portion having a first connection port connected to the first liquid receiving portion, and a second liquid having a concave shape capable of covering the second nozzle row in contact with the second discharge surface. A second cap portion having a receiving portion and a second connection port connected to the second liquid receiving portion; and the first liquid receiving portion is in contact with the first discharge surface and the second liquid receiving portion is the second liquid receiving portion. The contact state that contacts the discharge surface, and the first liquid receiving portion is the first discharge surface. The first and second cap portions and the liquid so that the second liquid receiving portion can be separated from the discharge surface while facing away from the discharge surface while facing the second discharge surface. A moving means for moving at least one of the discharge portion, a first piping member having one end connected to the first connection port, a second piping member having one end connected to the second connection port, and one end A third piping member connected to the other ends of the first and second piping members, a suction pump connected to the other end of the third piping member, and a control means for controlling the suction pump and the liquid discharge part And. The length of the first piping member is shorter than that of the second piping member, and the control means controls the suction pump in the contact state, so that the liquid in the liquid discharge section is discharged from the plurality of nozzles. Purging to be discharged to the first and second liquid receiving parts, and controlling the liquid discharging part in the separated state, and discharging liquid from the plurality of nozzles to at least one of the first and second liquid receiving parts Controlling the suction pump in the separated state, and sucking the liquid accumulated in the first and second liquid receiving portions by at least one of the purge process and the first flushing process. The liquid discharge unit is controlled after one suction process and the first suction process, and liquid is supplied from the plurality of nozzles belonging to the first nozzle row to the first liquid receiving part. After the second flushing process for performing the ejection operation to be ejected and after the second flushing process, the suction pump is controlled to suck the liquid accumulated in the first liquid receiving part from which the liquid has been ejected by the second flushing process. run a second suction process, the amount of liquid discharged in the second flushing process, the Ri first connection port capable of covering at least Ryodea, the first connection port, in the separated state The control unit is disposed at a position that can be opposed to the first discharge surface, and the control means is a region that faces the first connection port of the first discharge surface during the discharge operation in the second flushing process. to discharge liquid from the closest the nozzle, that controls the liquid discharge unit.
In a third aspect, the liquid ejection apparatus of the present invention includes a first ejection surface on which a first nozzle row composed of a plurality of nozzles arranged in one direction is formed, and a first ejection surface composed of the plurality of nozzles arranged in the one direction. A liquid discharge portion having a second discharge surface on which two nozzle rows are formed, and a first liquid receiving portion having a concave shape capable of covering the first nozzle row in contact with the first discharge surface; A first cap portion having a first connection port connected to the first liquid receiving portion, and a second liquid having a concave shape capable of covering the second nozzle row in contact with the second discharge surface. A second cap portion having a receiving portion and a second connection port connected to the second liquid receiving portion; and the first liquid receiving portion is in contact with the first discharge surface and the second liquid receiving portion is the second liquid receiving portion. The contact state that contacts the discharge surface, and the first liquid receiving portion is the first discharge surface. The first and second cap portions and the liquid so that the second liquid receiving portion can be separated from the discharge surface while facing away from the discharge surface while facing the second discharge surface. A moving means for moving at least one of the discharge portion, a first piping member having one end connected to the first connection port, a second piping member having one end connected to the second connection port, and one end A third piping member connected to the other ends of the first and second piping members, a suction pump connected to the other end of the third piping member, and a control means for controlling the suction pump and the liquid discharge part And. The control unit controls the suction pump in the contact state, and purges the liquid in the liquid discharge portion from the plurality of nozzles to the first and second liquid receiving portions, and in the separation state. A first flushing process for controlling the liquid ejection unit to eject liquid from the plurality of nozzles to at least one of the first and second liquid receiving units; and controlling the suction pump in the separated state; A first suction process for sucking the liquid accumulated in the first and second liquid receiving parts by at least one of the process and the first flushing process, and controlling the liquid ejection part after the first suction process, A first discharge operation for discharging liquid from the plurality of nozzles belonging to the first nozzle row to the first liquid receiving portion and a plurality of nozzles belonging to the second nozzle row. A second flushing process for performing a second ejection operation for ejecting the liquid from the fluid to the second liquid receiving part, and the suction pump is controlled after the second flushing process, and the liquid is ejected by the second flushing process. And a second suction process for sucking the liquid accumulated in the first and second liquid receivers, and the amount of liquid discharged in the second flushing process covers at least the first and second connection ports. The control means controls the suction pump so that the suction force by the suction pump in the second suction process is smaller than the suction force by the suction pump in the first suction process. Control.
In a fourth aspect, the liquid ejection device of the present invention is a first ejection surface on which a first nozzle row composed of a plurality of nozzles arranged in one direction is formed, and a first ejection surface composed of the plurality of nozzles arranged in the one direction. A liquid discharge portion having a second discharge surface on which two nozzle rows are formed, and a first liquid receiving portion having a concave shape capable of covering the first nozzle row in contact with the first discharge surface; A first cap portion having a first connection port connected to the first liquid receiving portion, and a second liquid having a concave shape capable of covering the second nozzle row in contact with the second discharge surface. A second cap portion having a receiving portion and a second connection port connected to the second liquid receiving portion; and the first liquid receiving portion is in contact with the first discharge surface and the second liquid receiving portion is the second liquid receiving portion. The contact state that contacts the discharge surface, and the first liquid receiving portion is the first discharge surface. The first and second cap portions and the liquid so that the second liquid receiving portion can be separated from the discharge surface while facing away from the discharge surface while facing the second discharge surface. A moving means for moving at least one of the discharge portion, a first piping member having one end connected to the first connection port, a second piping member having one end connected to the second connection port, and one end A third piping member connected to the other ends of the first and second piping members, a suction pump connected to the other end of the third piping member, and a control means for controlling the suction pump and the liquid discharge part And. The length of the first piping member is shorter than that of the second piping member, and the control means controls the suction pump in the contact state, so that the liquid in the liquid discharge section is discharged from the plurality of nozzles. Purging to be discharged to the first and second liquid receiving parts, and controlling the liquid discharging part in the separated state, and discharging liquid from the plurality of nozzles to at least one of the first and second liquid receiving parts Controlling the suction pump in the separated state, and sucking the liquid accumulated in the first and second liquid receiving portions by at least one of the purge process and the first flushing process. The liquid discharge unit is controlled after one suction process and the first suction process, and liquid is supplied from the plurality of nozzles belonging to the first nozzle row to the first liquid receiving part. After the second flushing process for performing the ejection operation to be ejected and after the second flushing process, the suction pump is controlled to suck the liquid accumulated in the first liquid receiving part from which the liquid has been ejected by the second flushing process. The amount of liquid discharged in the second flushing process is an amount capable of covering at least the first connection port, and the control means is configured to perform the second suction process. The suction pump is controlled so that the suction force by the suction pump is smaller than the suction force by the suction pump in the first suction process.

According to a fifth aspect of the liquid ejection apparatus of the present invention, a first ejection surface on which a first nozzle row composed of a plurality of nozzles arranged in one direction is formed and a first ejection surface composed of the plurality of nozzles arranged in the one direction. A liquid discharge portion having a second discharge surface on which two nozzle rows are formed, and a first liquid receiving portion having a concave shape capable of covering the first nozzle row in contact with the first discharge surface; The first connection port connected to the first liquid receiving portion and both ends in the one direction are in contact with the first liquid receiving portion, and between the both ends in the direction orthogonal to the one direction and the first liquid receiving portion. A first cap portion having a first plate-like member accommodated in the first liquid receiving portion, and the second cap in contact with the second discharge surface, so that a first gap is formed in each of the first and second liquid receiving portions. A second liquid receiving portion having a concave shape capable of covering the nozzle row; and the second liquid A second connection port connected to the receiving portion and both ends in the one direction are in contact with the second liquid receiving portion, and a second gap is formed between each end in the orthogonal direction and the second liquid receiving portion. As described above, a second cap portion having a second plate-like member accommodated in the second liquid receiving portion, and the first liquid receiving portion comes into contact with the first discharge surface and the second liquid receiving portion. Is in contact with the second discharge surface, and the first liquid receiving portion is opposed to the first discharge surface while being separated from the discharge surface and the second liquid receiving portion is opposed to the second discharge surface. A moving means for moving at least one of the first and second cap portions and the liquid discharge portion so as to be separated from the discharge surface, and one end connected to the first connection port A first piping member and a first end connected to the second connection port A piping member; a third piping member having one end connected to the other ends of the first and second piping members; a suction pump connected to the other end of the third piping member; the suction pump and the liquid discharge unit And a control means for controlling. The control unit controls the suction pump in the contact state, and purges the liquid in the liquid discharge portion from the plurality of nozzles to the first and second liquid receiving portions, and in the separation state. A first flushing process for controlling the liquid ejection unit to eject liquid from the plurality of nozzles to at least one of the first and second liquid receiving units; and controlling the suction pump in the separated state; A first suction process for sucking the liquid accumulated in the first and second liquid receiving parts by at least one of the process and the first flushing process, and controlling the liquid ejection part after the first suction process, A first discharge operation for discharging liquid from the plurality of nozzles belonging to the first nozzle row to the first liquid receiving portion and a plurality of nozzles belonging to the second nozzle row. A second flushing process for performing a second ejection operation for ejecting the liquid from the fluid to the second liquid receiving part, and the suction pump is controlled after the second flushing process, and the liquid is ejected by the second flushing process. And a second suction process for sucking the liquid accumulated in the first and second liquid receiving portions, and the amount of liquid discharged in the second flushing process is determined by the first gap in the first discharge operation. An amount that can be covered at least, and an amount that can cover at least the second gap in the second discharge operation.

In a sixth aspect, the liquid ejection apparatus of the present invention includes a first nozzle row composed of a plurality of nozzles arranged in one direction and a second nozzle row composed of the plurality of nozzles arranged in the one direction. parts and the first cap portion of the concave shape, and a second cap portion of the concave shape, the first cap portion so that the first cap portion covers the first nozzle array is contacted with the liquid ejecting portion, In addition, a contact state in which the second cap portion is brought into contact with the liquid discharge portion so that the second cap portion covers the second nozzle row, and at least a part of the first nozzle row is in the first cap portion. A second connection port in which the first cap part is separated from the liquid discharge unit while facing the formed first connection port, and at least a part of the second nozzle row is formed in the second cap part; While facing the second cap part A separated state away from the serial liquid ejecting portion, so as to be taken, said first and a moving means for moving at least one of the second cap portion and the liquid discharge portion, one end of the first connection port A first piping member connected in the first cap portion via the second piping member, one end connected in the second cap portion via the second connection port , and one end in the first and second cap portions . A third piping member connected to the other end of the two piping members; a suction pump connected to the other end of the third piping member; and a control means. The control means is brought into the contact state by the moving means, and a purge process for discharging the liquid in the liquid discharge section from the plurality of nozzles into the first and second cap sections by the suction pump; and the moving means The first flushing process in which the liquid is ejected from the plurality of nozzles toward at least one of the first and second cap parts, and the separated state is achieved by the moving means. The first suction process in which the liquid accumulated in the first and second cap portions by at least one of the purge process and the first flushing process is sucked by the suction pump, and after the first suction process, only from the first cap portion nozzle that faces the first connecting port of the plurality of nozzles of the first nozzle array The second discharge operation for discharging the first and discharging operation for discharging the liquid, the liquid in said second cap portion only from the nozzle facing the second connection port of the plurality of nozzles belonging to the second nozzle row toward the The second flushing process for causing the liquid ejection part to perform the process, and after the second flushing process, the liquid collected in the first and second cap parts from which the liquid has been ejected by the second flushing process is collected by the suction pump. The amount of liquid discharged in the second flushing process is an amount capable of covering at least the first and second connection ports.

According to the first aspect of the liquid ejection apparatus of the present invention, in the first suction process, for example, even if the liquid remains in the first piping member or the second piping member, the first and second in the second flushing process. It is possible to discharge the liquid to the two liquid receiving portions and cover the first and second connection ports with the liquid. For this reason, a suction force acts on the liquid remaining on the piping member by executing the second suction process. As a result, with the simple configuration, the remaining liquid can be sucked together with the liquid covering the first and second connection ports. In the second flushing process, each connection port can be covered with a relatively small amount of liquid.
Moreover, according to the 2nd viewpoint of the liquid discharge apparatus of this invention, in a 1st suction process, a liquid becomes easier to remain in a 2nd piping member than a 1st piping member. In the second flushing process, it is possible to cover the first connection port with the liquid by performing an ejection operation. For this reason, a suction force acts on the liquid remaining on the second piping member by executing the second suction process. As a result, the remaining liquid can be sucked together with the liquid covering the first connection port with a simple configuration. In addition, the amount of liquid ejected in the second flushing process can be reduced. In the second flushing process, the first connection port can be covered with a relatively small amount of liquid.
According to the third aspect of the liquid ejection apparatus of the present invention, in the first suction process, for example, even if liquid remains in the first piping member or the second piping member, the first flushing process performs the first flushing process. And it becomes possible to discharge a liquid to a 2nd liquid receiving part, and to cover a 1st and 2nd connection port with a liquid. For this reason, a suction force acts on the liquid remaining on the piping member by executing the second suction process. As a result, with the simple configuration, the remaining liquid can be sucked together with the liquid covering the first and second connection ports. Further, the liquid film covering the connection port formed by the second flushing process is not easily broken, and the liquid remaining in the first or second piping member can be effectively sucked.
Moreover, according to the 4th viewpoint of the liquid discharge apparatus of this invention, in a 1st suction process, a liquid tends to remain in a 2nd piping member rather than a 1st piping member. In the second flushing process, it is possible to cover the first connection port with the liquid by performing an ejection operation. For this reason, a suction force acts on the liquid remaining on the second piping member by executing the second suction process. As a result, the remaining liquid can be sucked together with the liquid covering the first connection port with a simple configuration. In addition, the amount of liquid ejected in the second flushing process can be reduced. In addition, the liquid film covering the connection port formed by the second flushing process is not easily broken, and the liquid remaining on the second piping member can be effectively sucked.
According to the fifth aspect of the liquid ejection apparatus of the present invention, in the first suction process, for example, even if liquid remains in the first piping member or the second piping member, the first flushing process performs the first flushing process. And it becomes possible to discharge a liquid to a 2nd liquid receiving part, and to cover a 1st and 2nd clearance gap with a liquid. For this reason, by performing the second suction process, a suction force acts on the liquid remaining in the piping member, and the remaining liquid is sucked together with the liquid covering the first and second gaps. As a result, it is possible to suppress drying of the liquid in the nozzle when capping the discharge surface by the first and second cap portions.
According to the sixth aspect of the liquid ejection apparatus of the present invention, in the first suction process, for example, even if the liquid remains in the first piping member or the second piping member, the first flushing process performs the first flushing process. And it becomes possible to discharge a liquid in a 2nd cap part and to cover a 1st and 2nd connection port with a liquid. For this reason, a suction force acts on the liquid remaining on the piping member by executing the second suction process. As a result, with the simple configuration, the remaining liquid can be sucked together with the liquid covering the first and second connection ports. In the second flushing process, each connection port can be covered with a relatively small amount of liquid.

1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a printer according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a top view of the inkjet head shown in FIG. (A) is a top view of the nozzle cap shown in FIG. 1, (b) is a schematic block diagram of the maintenance unit shown in FIG. It is a block diagram of the control apparatus shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of a maintenance operation | movement. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a status of a maintenance operation of the printer illustrated in FIG. 1, (a) is a diagram illustrating a status of a suction purge process, and (b) is a diagram illustrating a status of a first flushing process. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a status of a maintenance operation of the printer according to the first embodiment, (a) is a diagram illustrating a status of a first suction process, and (b) is a diagram illustrating a status of a second flushing process, (C) is a figure which shows the condition of a 2nd suction process. It is a schematic block diagram of the maintenance unit of the printer which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the condition of the maintenance operation | movement of the printer which concerns on 2nd Embodiment, (a) is a figure which shows the condition of a 1st suction process, (b) is a figure which shows the condition of a 2nd flushing process, (C) is a figure which shows the condition of a 2nd suction process. (A) is a top view of the nozzle cap of the maintenance unit of the printer which concerns on 3rd Embodiment of this invention, (b) is a schematic block diagram of a maintenance unit. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a status of a maintenance operation of a printer according to a third embodiment, (a) is a diagram illustrating a status of a first suction process, and (b) is a diagram illustrating a status of a second flushing process, (C) is a figure which shows the condition of a 2nd suction process.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

(Configuration of the entire printer)
As shown in FIG. 1, a printer 1 (liquid ejection device) according to the first embodiment includes a carriage 2, an inkjet head 3 (liquid ejection unit), a paper transport roller 4, a maintenance unit 5, a control device 100, and the like. Contains.

  The carriage 2 reciprocates in the scanning direction along two guide rails 11 extending in the scanning direction. In the following description, the left and right sides in the scanning direction are defined as shown in FIG. The inkjet head 3 is mounted on the carriage 2 and ejects ink from a plurality of nozzles 10a to 10c formed on the ejection surface 20 (see FIG. 2) which is the lower surface thereof. The paper transport rollers 4 are disposed on both sides of the carriage 2 in the transport direction orthogonal to the scanning direction, and transport the paper P in the transport direction. In the printer 1, printing is performed on the paper P by ejecting ink from the inkjet head 3 that reciprocates in the scanning direction together with the carriage 2 while transporting the paper P in the transport direction by the paper transport roller 4.

(Inkjet head)
Next, the inkjet head 3 will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, the ink jet head 3 includes a flow path unit 21 and a piezoelectric actuator 22. In the flow path unit 21, an ink flow path including a plurality of nozzles 10a, a plurality of nozzles 10b and 10c, and ink supply ports 23a to 23c is formed.

  The flow path unit 21 has a discharge surface 20 on the lower surface. The discharge surface 20 has a central region 21a, a left region 21b, and a right region 21c. The central region 21a is located at the center of the ejection surface 20 in the scanning direction. The left region 21b (first discharge surface) is located on the left side of the central region 21b in the scanning direction. The right region 21c (second ejection surface) is located on the right side of the central region 21a in the scanning direction. The left region 21b and the right region 21c are connected at the same plane level via the central region 21a.

  The plurality of nozzles 10a are formed in the central region 21a. The plurality of nozzles 10a are arranged in the transport direction to form a nozzle row 9a. In the flow path unit 21, two nozzle rows 9a are arranged in the scanning direction. Black pigment ink is ejected from the plurality of nozzles 10a. The black ink may be a dye ink.

  The plurality of nozzles 10b are formed in the left region 21b. The plurality of nozzles 10b are arranged in the transport direction (one direction) to form a nozzle row 9b (first nozzle row). And on the ejection surface 20, three nozzle rows 9b are arranged in the scanning direction. From the nozzle 10b, yellow, cyan, and magenta dye inks (color inks) are ejected in order from the nozzles 9b on the right side.

  The plurality of nozzles 10c are formed in the right region 21c. The plurality of nozzles 10c are arranged in the carrying direction to form a nozzle row 9c (second nozzle row). And on the ejection surface 20, three nozzle rows 9c are arranged in the scanning direction. From the nozzles 10c, yellow, cyan, and magenta dye inks (color inks) are ejected in order from the nozzles 9c on the left side. The color ink may be a pigment ink.

  The ink supply port 23 a is formed at the center of the upper surface of the flow path unit 21 on the upstream side in the transport direction in the scanning direction. The ink supply port 23a is connected to an ink cartridge (not shown) filled with black ink through a tube or the like (not shown). Thereby, the black ink for discharging from the nozzle 10a is supplied to the inkjet head 3 from the ink supply port 23a.

  The three ink supply ports 23b are formed on the left side of the upper surface of the flow path unit 21 with respect to the ink supply port 23a, and are arranged in the scanning direction. The three ink supply ports 23b are connected to an ink cartridge (not shown) filled with yellow, cyan, and magenta inks through a tube (not shown) in order from the one arranged on the right side. As a result, yellow, cyan, and magenta inks to be ejected from the nozzle 10b are supplied to the inkjet head 3 from the three ink supply ports 23b.

  The three ink supply ports 23c are formed on the upper surface of the flow path unit 21 on the right side of the ink supply port 23a, and are arranged in the scanning direction. The three ink supply ports 23c are connected to an ink cartridge (not shown) filled with yellow, cyan, and magenta inks through a tube (not shown) in order from the one arranged on the left side. As a result, yellow, cyan, and magenta inks to be ejected from the nozzle 10c are supplied to the inkjet head 3 from the three ink supply ports 23c.

  The piezoelectric actuator 22 is disposed on the upper surface of the flow path unit 21. The piezoelectric actuator 22 is for applying ejection energy to the ink in the flow path unit 21. For example, the ink flow path of the flow path unit 21 has a pressure chamber (not shown) between the plurality of nozzles 10a to 10c and the ink supply ports 23a to 23c, and the piezoelectric actuator 22 applies pressure to the ink in the pressure chamber. To do.

(Maintenance unit)
Next, the maintenance unit 5 will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the maintenance unit 5 includes a nozzle cap 31, a switching unit 32, a suction pump 33, a waste liquid tank 34, and a wiper 35.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the nozzle cap 31 is made of a rubber material or the like, and has a bottom wall portion 41 and a lip portion 42 that are integrally molded. The bottom wall portion 41 is formed in a rectangular plate shape, and when the carriage 2 is moved to the rightmost side, the upper surface 41a faces all the nozzles 10a, 10b, 10c on the ejection surface 20. The lip part 42 has a peripheral edge part 42a and two partition parts 42b and 42c. The peripheral edge portion 42a is provided over the entire circumference of the outer peripheral portion of the upper surface 41a of the bottom wall portion 41, and protrudes upward from the upper surface 41a. The partition portion 42b is provided at a position facing the boundary portion between the left region 21b and the central region 21a of the discharge surface 20 of the upper surface 41a of the bottom wall portion 41, and protrudes upward from the upper surface 41a. The partition portion 42c is provided at a position facing a boundary portion between the right region 21c and the central region 21a of the discharge surface 20 of the upper surface 41a of the bottom wall portion 41, and protrudes upward from the upper surface 41a. Moreover, these partition parts 42b and 42c are extended along the conveyance direction, and are connected to the both ends of the conveyance direction of the peripheral part 42a.

  By such a bottom wall portion 41 and the lip portion 42, the nozzle cap 31 includes three cap portions 31a, 31b, and 31c. The cap part 31a has an ink receiving part 31a1 and a connection port 31a2. The ink receiving portion 31a1 includes a first portion 42a1 of the lip portion 42, a second portion 42a2 of the lip portion 42, two partition portions 42b and 42c, and a portion facing the central region 21a of the bottom wall portion 41. And has a concave shape capable of covering the two nozzle rows 9a while being in contact with the central region 21a. As shown in FIG. 3B, a recess 31a3 is formed in the center of the bottom wall 41 opposite to the center region 21a. The recess 31a3 is formed in a tapered shape that tapers from the upper surface 41a toward the connection port 31a2. The connection port 31a2 is formed in the recessed portion 31a3 and is connected to the ink receiving portion 31a1. The first portion 42a1 and the second portion 42a2 are portions that face the central region 21a of the lip portion 42, and are portions that connect the two partition portions 42b and 42c.

  The cap part 31b (first cap part) has an ink receiving part 31b1 (first liquid receiving part) and a connection port 31b2 (first connection port). The ink receiving portion 31b1 includes a third portion 42a3 of the lip portion 42, a partition portion 42b, and a portion facing the left region 21b of the bottom wall portion 41. Three nozzle rows are in contact with the left region 21b. It has a concave shape that can cover 9b. As shown in FIG. 3B, a recess 31b3 is formed in the center of the bottom wall portion 41 facing the left region 21b. The recess 31b3 is formed in a tapered shape that tapers from the upper surface 41a toward the connection port 31b2. The connection port 31b2 is formed in the recessed portion 31b3 and is connected to the ink receiving portion 31b1. Further, as shown in FIG. 3A, the connection port 31b2 is arranged at a position facing the nozzle 10b located at the center of the plurality of nozzles 10b formed in the left region 21b in the separated state described later. ing. The third portion 42a3 is a U-shaped portion facing the left region 21b of the lip portion 42, and is a portion connecting both ends of the partition portion 42b.

  The cap part 31c (second cap part) has an ink receiving part 31c1 (second liquid receiving part) and a connection port 31c2 (second connection port). The ink receiving portion 31c1 includes a fourth portion 42a4 of the lip portion 42, a partition portion 42c, and a portion facing the right region 21c of the bottom wall portion 41. Three nozzle rows are in contact with the right region 21c. It has a concave shape that can cover 9c. As shown in FIG. 3B, a recess 31c3 is formed in the center of the bottom wall portion 41 facing the right region 21c. The recess 31c3 is formed in a tapered shape that tapers from the upper surface 41a toward the connection port 31c2. The connection port 31c2 is formed in the recessed portion 31c3 and is connected to the ink receiving portion 31c1. Further, as shown in FIG. 3A, the connection port 31c2 is arranged at a position facing the nozzle 10c located at the center among the plurality of nozzles 10c formed in the right region 21c in a separated state to be described later. ing. The fourth portion 42a4 is a U-shaped portion facing the right region 21c of the lip portion 42, and is a portion connecting both ends of the partition portion 42c.

  The nozzle cap 31 can be moved in the vertical direction by a cap driving mechanism 38. As shown in FIG. 3B, the cap drive mechanism 38 (moving means) has a cam 38a and a cam drive motor 38b. The cam 38 a is disposed so that the outer peripheral surface abuts on the bottom wall portion 41. The cam 38a has a predetermined contour and is rotationally driven by a cam drive motor 38b.

  As shown in FIG. 6, when the cam 38a rotates 90 ° counterclockwise from the state shown in FIG. 3 with the discharge surface 20 facing the nozzle cap 31, the nozzles are formed by the contour of the cam 38a. The cap 31 is pushed up. Thus, the lip portion 42 comes into contact with the ejection surface 20. That is, the ink receiving portion 31a1 is in contact with the central region 21a, the ink receiving portion 31b1 is in contact with the left region 21b, the ink receiving portion 31c1 is in contact with the right region 21c, and the nozzles 10a to 10c are covered with the cap portions 31a, 31b, and 31c, respectively. Capping state (contact state).

  On the other hand, when the cam 38a is rotated 90 ° in the clockwise direction from the above-mentioned capping state, the nozzle cap 31 is lowered according to the contour of the cam 38a as shown in FIG. Thus, the lip portion 42 is separated from the ejection surface 20. That is, the ink receiving portion 31a1 faces the central region 21a, the ink receiving portion 31b1 faces the left region 21b, the ink receiving portion 31c1 faces the right region 21c, and the lip portion 42 is separated from the ejection surface 20. It becomes a state.

  Here, the cap drive mechanism 38 does not have a drive source, for example, and when the carriage 2 approaches the nozzle cap 31 along the scanning direction, the cap drive mechanism 38 raises the nozzle cap 31 by being pushed by the carriage 2. The nozzle cap 31 may be lowered (returned to the position before the ascent) by being no longer pushed by the carriage 2 when it is separated from the nozzle cap 31 along the scanning direction. Further, it may be a moving mechanism that raises or lowers only the inkjet head 3 or the carriage 2, or may be a movement mechanism that raises or lowers the inkjet head 3 or the carriage 2 and the nozzle cap 31. The nozzle cap 31 is raised and lowered at this time when the ink receiving portion 31a1 faces the central region 21a, the ink receiving portion 31b1 faces the left region 21b, and the ink receiving portion 31c1 faces the right region 21c. It's fine.

  A tube 51 connected to the switching unit 32 is connected to the connection port 31a2. One end of a tube 52 (first piping member) is connected to the connection port 31b2. One end of a tube 53 (second piping member) is connected to the connection port 31c2. The other ends of these tubes 52 and 53 are connected to a tube 54 (third piping member) connected to the switching unit 32. The tubes 52 and 53 in this embodiment are all the same in material, inner diameter, overall length, and the like. The switching unit 32 is connected to the suction pump 33 via a tube 32a. Further, the switching unit 32 includes a pump communication state in which the tube 51 communicating with the cap portion 31 a and the tube 54 communicating with the cap portions 31 b and 31 c are individually connected to the suction pump 33, and the atmosphere and the suction pump 33. Switch between the disconnected and disconnected states. Although these tubes 51-54 have flexibility, they may not have flexibility in particular and may be anything as long as they are hollow piping members.

  The suction pump 33 is a tube pump or the like, and is connected to the waste liquid tank 34 via a tube 33a as shown in FIG. The waste liquid tank 34 stores ink discharged by a maintenance operation described later.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the wiper 35 is disposed on the left side of the nozzle cap 31 in the scanning direction, and includes a wiper blade 36 and a blade holder 37. The wiper blade 36 is a plate-like member made of a rubber material or the like. The blade holder 37 supports the wiper blade 36. Further, the wiper 35 is configured to be movable up and down by a wiper lifting mechanism 39 (see FIG. 4). When the wiper 35 is lowered, the upper end of the wiper blade 36 is positioned below the ejection surface 20 in the vertical direction. On the other hand, when the wiper 35 is raised, the upper end of the wiper blade 36 is positioned above the ejection surface 20 in the vertical direction.

(Control device)
Next, the control device 100 that controls the operation of the printer 1 will be described. As shown in FIG. 4, the control device 100 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 102, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 103, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) 104, and the like. In cooperation, the operations of the carriage 2, the piezoelectric actuator 22, the switching unit 32, the suction pump 33, the cam drive motor 38b, the wiper lifting mechanism 39, and the like are controlled. As a result, the printer 1 performs the above-described printing on the paper P, the maintenance operation described below, and the like. In FIG. 4, the CPU 101 and the ASIC 104 are illustrated one by one. However, the control apparatus 100 may include only one CPU 101 and the one CPU 101 may collectively perform necessary processing. However, a plurality of CPUs 101 may be included, and the plurality of CPUs 101 may perform necessary processing in a shared manner. Further, the control device 100 may include only one ASIC 104, and the one ASIC 104 may perform processing required by the batch. Alternatively, the control device 100 may include a plurality of ASICs 104 and share the processing required by the plurality of ASICs 104. May be performed.

(Maintenance operation)
Next, a maintenance operation in the printer 1 will be described. In the printer 1, when the ink is not used for a long period of time, the ink in the nozzles 10a to 10c thickens, and ink ejection failure may occur in the nozzles 10a to 10c. Therefore, in the printer 1, a maintenance operation is performed periodically or in response to an operation of an operation panel (not shown) of the printer 1 by the user. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of the maintenance operation.

  In the maintenance operation, first, a color ink suction purge process is performed as shown in FIG. 5 (step S101). More specifically, as shown in FIG. 6A, the above-described capping state is set, the switching unit 32 sets the tube 51 to the shut-off state, the tube 54 to the pump communication state, and the suction pump 33 is driven for a predetermined time. To do. Then, the air pressure in the ink receiving portions 31b1 and 31c1 and the tubes 52, 53, and 54 is reduced, and the color ink is discharged from the nozzles 10b and 10c to the two ink receiving portions 31b1 and 31c1, as shown in FIG. Is done. That is, color ink is collected in the ink receiving portions 31b1 and 31c1, the tubes 52 to 54, the flow path (not shown) in the switching unit 32, and the tube 32a. In the following description, “step” is omitted, for example, “step S101” is simply “S101”.

  Next, a suction purge process for black ink is performed (S102). More specifically, with the capping state, the switching unit 32 causes the tube 54 to be shut off, the tube 51 to be in a pump communication state, and the suction pump 33 is driven for a predetermined time. Then, the air pressure in the ink receiving portion 31a1 and the tube 51 decreases, and the black ink is discharged from the nozzle 10a to the ink receiving portion 31a1. That is, black ink accumulates in the ink receiving portion 31a1, the tube 51, the flow path (not shown) in the switching unit 32, and the tube 32a. In addition, when the black ink suction purge is performed, the color ink accumulated in the flow path in the switching unit 32 and the tube 32a is discarded into the waste liquid tank 34 through the tube 33a.

  Next, a wiping process is executed (S103). More specifically, the wiper 35 is raised by the wiper lifting mechanism 39 in the above-described separated state. Thereafter, the carriage 2 is moved in the scanning direction within a predetermined range including a range overlapping the wiper 35 in the vertical direction. As a result, the carriage 2 moves in the scanning direction in a state where the upper end of the wiper blade 36 is in contact with the ejection surface 20, and the ink attached to the ejection surface 20 is wiped off.

  Next, a first flushing process is performed (S104). More specifically, as shown in FIG. 6B, the above-described separation state is set, and ink is ejected from the nozzles 10a to 10c toward the ink receiving portions 31a1, 31b1, and 31c1.

  Next, a first suction process is performed (S105). First, empty suction of black ink is performed, and thereafter, empty suction of color ink is performed. More specifically, the suction pump 33 is driven at the rotational speed V0 while the separation state, the tube 54 is shut off, and the tube 51 is in the pump communication state, and black ink is sucked idle. As a result, the ink receiving portion 31a1, the tube 51, the flow path in the switching unit 32, and the black ink accumulated in the tube 32a is discarded into the waste liquid tank 34 via the tube 33a.

  Thereafter, the tube 51 is shut off, the tube 54 is brought into a pump communication state, the suction pump 33 is driven at the rotational speed V0, and the color ink is sucked idle by the switching unit 32 in the separated state. As a result, the color ink accumulated in each of the ink receiving portions 31b1 and 31c1, the tubes 52 to 54, etc. is discarded into the waste liquid tank 34 via the tube 33a. At this time, for example, if the flow path resistance of the tube 53 is slightly larger than that of the tube 52 due to a manufacturing error or the like, it is difficult for the ink in the ink receiving portion 31c1 and the tube 53 to flow into the tube 54. For this reason, before all the ink in the ink receiving part 31c1 and the tube 53 reaches the tube 54, all the ink in the ink receiving part 31b1 and the tube 52 reaches the tube 54. As a result, as shown in FIG. 7A, the tube 54 is in communication with the atmosphere via the tube 52 and the connection port 31 b 2, and thereafter, the ink in the ink receiving portion 31 c 1 and the tube 53 is transferred to the tube 54. It stops flowing. That is, as shown by hatching in FIG. 7A, a relatively large amount of ink remains in the tube 53. If the flow resistance of the tube 52 is slightly larger than that of the tube 53, the state opposite to that described above is established, and a relatively large amount of ink remains in the tube 52.

  Next, a second flushing process is performed (S106). More specifically, as shown in FIG. 7B, ink is ejected from the nozzle 10b facing the connection port 31b2 among the plurality of nozzles 10b to the ink receiving portion 31b1 (first ejection operation), and the plurality of nozzles Ink is ejected from the nozzle 10c facing the connection port 31c2 to the ink receiving portion 31c1 (second ejection operation). At this time, the amount of ink ejected from each of the nozzles 10b and 10c is an amount that accumulates in each of the recess portions 31b3 and 31c3, and is an amount that covers and seals the connection ports 31b2 and 31c2. By sealing both of the two connection ports 31b2 and 31c2 with ink in this way, the tube 54 can be connected to the atmosphere without knowing that the tube 54 communicates with the atmosphere via any of the connection ports 31b2 and 31c2. Air communication can be cut off.

  Next, a second suction process is performed (S107). More specifically, the suction pump 33 is driven at the rotational speed V1 with the separation state, the tube 51 being shut off, and the tube 54 being in a pump communication state. As a result, the atmospheric pressure in the tubes 52 to 54 decreases, and the ink remaining in the tubes 53 flows into the tubes 54. Then, the ink constituting the ink film formed in the connection ports 31 b 2 and 31 c 2 also flows into the tubes 52 and 53 and travels toward the tube 54. At this time, since the ink constituting the ink film on the connection port 31c2 side is less likely to flow than the ink constituting the ink film on the connection port 31b2 side, it remains in the tube 53 as shown in FIG. However, this ink amount is extremely smaller than the ink amount remaining in the first suction process. For this reason, even when the residual ink is dried, moisture is hardly absorbed from the ink in the nozzles 10b and 10c at the time of capping. As a result, drying of the ink in the nozzles 10b and 10c can be suppressed. Further, the rotation speed V1 at this time is slower than the rotation speed V0 in the first suction process, and the suction force by the suction pump 33 is smaller in the second suction process than in the first suction process. This makes it difficult for the ink film covering the connection ports 31b2 and 31c2 formed by the second flushing process to be broken. For this reason, the ink remaining in the tube 53 can be effectively sucked. Thus, the ink remaining in the tube 53 in the first suction process and the color ink constituting the ink film on the connection port 31b2 side are discarded to the waste liquid tank 34 through the tube 33a, and the maintenance operation is completed.

  Note that when the second suction process described above is executed in a state where ink remains in the tube 52 in the first suction process, the ink remaining in the tube 52 flows to the tube 54. Then, the ink constituting the ink film formed in the connection ports 31 b 2 and 31 c 2 also flows into the tubes 52 and 53 and travels toward the tube 54. At this time, the ink constituting the ink film on the connection port 31b2 side is less likely to flow than the ink constituting the ink film on the connection port 31c2 side, and therefore tends to remain in the tube 52. However, this ink amount is extremely small as described above. For this reason, even when the residual ink is dried, moisture is hardly absorbed from the ink in the nozzles 10b and 10c at the time of capping, and the same effect as described above can be obtained.

  As a modification, the black ink suction purge process (S102) may not be performed. In this case, it is only necessary to eject ink from only the nozzles 10b and 10c in the first flushing process (S104), and perform only the idle suction of the color ink in the first suction process (S105). As another modification, the first flushing process (S104) may not be performed. As another modification, each suction purge process (S101, S102) may not be performed. In this case, ink may be ejected from the nozzles 10b and 10c in the first flushing process (S104). Then, the ink in the ink receiving portions 31b1 and 31c1 accumulated in the first flushing process may be discharged in S105 to S107.

  As described above, according to the printer 1 according to the present embodiment, in the first suction process, for example, even if ink remains in the tube 52 or the tube 53, the ink receiving portions 31 b 1 and 31 c 1 are used in the second flushing process. Ink can be discharged to cover each of the connection ports 31b2 and 31c2. For this reason, when the second suction process is executed, a suction force acts on the ink remaining in the tube 52 or the tube 53. As a result, the remaining ink can be sucked together with the ink covering the connection ports 31b2 and 31c2 with a simple configuration.

  Further, in the second flushing process, since the ink is ejected from the nozzles 10b and 10c closest to the region facing the connection ports 31b2 and 31c2 of the ejection surface 20, the connection ports 31b2 and 31c2 are covered with a relatively small amount of liquid. Is possible. Moreover, each connection port 31b2, 31c2 is arrange | positioned facing nozzle 10b, 10c. For this reason, in the second flushing process, the connection ports 31b2 and 31c2 can be covered with a smaller amount of liquid.

  The connection ports 31b2 and 31c2 are formed in the recessed portions 31b3 and 31c3. As a result, the ink discharged from the nozzles 10b and 10c is likely to accumulate so as to cover the connection ports 31b2 and 31c2. For this reason, in the second flushing process, the connection ports 31b2 and 31c2 can be covered with a relatively small amount of liquid. In the first suction process, for example, even if ink remains in the tube 52 or the tube 53, if the ink is ejected from the plurality of nozzles 10b and 10c, the connection ports 31b2 and 31c2 can be easily covered with ink. Therefore, the suction force acts on the ink remaining in the tube 52 or the tube 53 only by further driving the suction pump 33. As a result, the remaining ink can be sucked together with the ink covering the connection ports 31b2 and 31c2 with a simple configuration.

  In the present embodiment, ink is ejected to the two ink receiving portions 31b1 and 31c1 in the second flushing process. As a result, when the sizes of the ink receiving portions 31b1 and 31c1 (that is, the ink receiving amount) are slightly different or the ink viscosity is different, it is not possible to know the state in which the ink remains in any of the tubes 52 and 53. In addition, the remaining ink can be discharged, and the above-described effects can be obtained.

  Next, a printer according to the second embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9. In the printer 1 of the first embodiment described above, the tube 52 and the tube 53 have the same length. However, as shown in FIG. 8, the tube 252 connected to the connection port 31b2 is connected to the printer in this embodiment. It is longer than the ink tube 253 connected to the opening 31c2. The tubes 252 and 253 are the same as the tubes 52 and 53 of the first embodiment except that the lengths thereof are different. In addition, the same thing as the above-mentioned embodiment is shown with a same sign, and description is abbreviate | omitted.

  The tube 252 has one end connected to the connection port 31 b 2 and the other end connected to the tube 54. The tube 253 has one end connected to the connection port 31 c 2 and the other end connected to the tube 54.

  Next, the maintenance operation in this embodiment will be described. The maintenance operation in this embodiment is almost the same as that in the first embodiment, and is executed in order of S101, S102, S103, S104, S105, S106, and S107. Of these processes, only different processes will be described.

  Also in the present embodiment, the first suction process (S105) similar to that in the first embodiment described above is executed. At this time, when the color ink is sucked, the tube 253 is longer than the tube 252 (that is, the flow path resistance is larger in the tube 253), so that the ink in the ink receiving portion 31c1 and the tube 253 is transferred to the tube 54. It becomes difficult to flow. For this reason, before all the ink in the ink receiving part 31 c 1 and the tube 253 reaches the tube 54, all the ink in the ink receiving part 31 b 1 and the tube 252 reaches the tube 54. As a result, as shown in FIG. 9A, the tube 54 is in communication with the atmosphere via the tube 253 and the connection port 31b2, and thereafter, the ink in the ink receiving portion 31c1 and the tube 253 is transferred to the tube 54. It stops flowing. That is, as shown by hatching in FIG. 9A, a relatively large amount of ink remains in the tube 253.

  Next, a second flushing process slightly different from the second flushing process (S106) of the first embodiment described above is executed. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 9B, ink is ejected to the ink receiving portion 31b1 from only the nozzle 10b facing the connection port 31b2 among the plurality of nozzles 10b (ejection operation). At this time, the amount of ink ejected from the nozzle 10b is the amount that accumulates in the recess 31b3 and is the amount that covers and seals the connection port 31b2. Since it is known that the ink remains in the tube 253 by elongating the tube 253 in this way, the connection port 31b2 may be sealed with ink. By doing so, the atmosphere communication of the tube 54 can be blocked. In addition, since it is not necessary to eject (flush) ink to the ink receiving portion 31c1, it is possible to reduce the amount of ink ejected in the second flushing process.

  Next, a second suction process (S107) similar to that in the first embodiment described above is executed. As a result, the air pressure in the tubes 252, 253, and 54 decreases, and the ink remaining in the tube 253 flows to the tube 54. And the ink which comprises the ink film formed in the connection port 31b2 also flows into the tube 252, and goes to the tube 54. FIG. At this time, all the ink remaining in the tube 253 reaches the tube 54 before the ink constituting the ink film reaches the tube 54. As a result, as shown in FIG. 9C, the tube 54 communicates with the atmosphere via the tube 253 and the connection port 31c2, and thereafter, the ink constituting the ink film does not flow toward the tube 54. That is, the ink remains in the tube 252 as indicated by hatching in FIG. However, this ink amount is extremely smaller than the ink amount remaining in the first suction process. For this reason, as in the first embodiment described above, even when the remaining ink is dried, moisture is hardly absorbed from the ink in the nozzles 10b and 10c during capping. As a result, drying of the ink in the nozzles 10b and 10c can be suppressed. Thus, the ink remaining in the tube 253 in the first suction process is discarded to the waste liquid tank 34 through the tube 33a, and the maintenance operation is completed.

  According to the printer of the present embodiment, in the first suction process, ink tends to remain in the tube 253 rather than the tube 252. In the second flushing process, it is possible to cover the connection port 31b2 with ink by performing an ejection operation. For this reason, by performing the second suction process, a suction force acts on the ink remaining in the tube 253. As a result, the remaining ink can be sucked together with the ink covering the connection port 31b2 with a simple configuration. In addition, the same part as the first embodiment described above can obtain the same effect.

  Also in the present embodiment, in the second flushing process, since the ink is ejected from the nozzle 10b closest to the region facing the connection port 31b2 on the ejection surface 20, the connection port 31b2 can be covered with a relatively small amount of liquid. It becomes possible. Further, the connection port 31b2 is disposed to face the nozzle 10b. For this reason, in the second flushing process, the connection port 31b2 can be covered with a smaller amount of liquid.

  The connection ports 31b2 and 31c2 are formed in the recessed portions 31b3 and 31c3. As a result, the ink ejected from the nozzle 10b is likely to accumulate so as to cover the connection port 31b2. For this reason, in the second flushing process, the connection port 31b2 can be covered with a relatively small amount of liquid. In addition, the recessed part 31c3 does not need to be provided in particular.

  Next, the printer according to the third embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11. In the printer of this embodiment, the cap portions 31a to 31c of the first embodiment described above have cap chips 31a4 to 31c4, respectively. Except this, it is almost the same as the first embodiment described above. In addition, the same thing as the above-mentioned 1st Embodiment is shown with the same code | symbol, and description is abbreviate | omitted.

  The cap chip 31a4 is accommodated in the ink receiving part 31a1, the cap chip 31b4 is accommodated in the ink receiving part 31b1, and the cap chip 31c4 is accommodated in the ink receiving part 31c1. As shown in FIG. 10, these three cap chips 31a4 to 31c4 are rectangular plate-like members and are formed of a hard resin.

  As shown in FIG. 10A, the cap chip 31a4 has both ends in the transport direction in contact with the first and second portions 42a1 and 42a2 of the ink receiving portion 31a1, and the both ends in the scanning direction and the partition portions 42b and 42c. It has a planar size such that a gap 31a5 is formed between each of them.

  As shown in FIG. 10A, the cap chip 31b4 has both ends in the transport direction in contact with a portion extending in the scanning direction of the third portion 42a3, and extends in the transport direction of both ends in the scanning direction and the third portion 42a3. It has a planar size such that a gap 31b5 (first gap) is formed between the existing part and the partition part 42b.

  As shown in FIG. 10A, the cap chip 31c4 abuts both ends of the transport direction in the scanning direction of the fourth portion 42a4 and extends in the transport direction of both ends of the scanning direction and the fourth portion 42a4. It has a planar size such that a gap 31c5 (second gap) is formed between the existing portion and the partition portion 42c.

  As described above, the cap chips 31a4 to 31c4 are accommodated in the three ink receiving portions 31a1 to 31c1, respectively, so that the lip portion 42 made of a rubber material or the like is prevented from being deformed by the reduced pressure during the suction purge. . Further, as shown in FIG. 10, a narrow flow path reaching the connection ports 31a2 to 31c2 is formed between the ink receiving portions 31a1 to 31c1 and the cap chips 31a4 to 31c4. Thereby, a strong capillary force acts on the ink in the ink receiving portions 31a1 to 31c1, and the effect of promoting the discharge of the ink is also obtained. A plurality of grooves may be provided on the outer peripheral surfaces of these three cap chips 31a4 to 31c4.

  Next, the maintenance operation in this embodiment will be described. The maintenance operation in this embodiment is almost the same as that in the first embodiment, and is executed in order of S101, S102, S103, S104, S105, S106, and S107. Of these processes, only different processes will be described.

  Also in the present embodiment, the first suction process (S105) similar to that in the first embodiment described above is executed. At this time, for example, if the color ink idle suction is executed in a state where the flow path resistance of the tube 53 is slightly larger than that of the tube 52 due to a manufacturing error or the like, the ink receiving portion 31c1 and the tube 53 are the same as in the first embodiment. Before all the ink in the ink reaches the tube 54, all the ink in the ink receiving portion 31 b 1 and the tube 52 reaches the tube 54. As a result, as shown in FIG. 11A, the tube 54 is in communication with the atmosphere via the tube 52, the connection port 31b2, and the gap 31b5. Thereafter, the ink in the ink receiving portion 31c1 and the tube 53 is removed. The tube 54 does not flow. That is, as shown by hatching in FIG. 11A, a relatively large amount of ink remains in the tube 53. If the flow resistance of the tube 52 is slightly larger than that of the tube 53, the state opposite to that described above is established, and a relatively large amount of ink remains in the tube 52.

  Next, a second flushing process slightly different from the second flushing process (S106) of the first embodiment described above is executed. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 11B, ink is supplied to the ink receiving portion 31b1 from the plurality of nozzles 10b belonging to the two nozzle rows 9b located on the outermost side in the scanning direction among the three nozzle rows 9b. Ink is discharged (first discharge operation), and ink is discharged from the plurality of nozzles 10c belonging to the two nozzle rows 9c located on the outermost side in the scanning direction among the three nozzle rows 9c to the ink receiving portion 31c1 (second discharge operation) ). At this time, the amount of ink ejected from the nozzles 10b and 10c is an amount that covers and seals the gaps 31b5 and 31c5. By sealing the gaps 31b5 and 31c5 with ink in this way, the tube 54 can be connected to the atmosphere via any gaps 31b5 and 31c5 communicating with the connection ports 31b2 and 31c2. 54 atmosphere communication can be cut off.

  Next, a second suction process (S107) similar to that in the first embodiment described above is executed. As a result, the ink remaining in the tube 53 flows into the tube 54. And the ink which comprises the ink film formed in the clearance gaps 31b5 and 31c5 also flows into the tubes 52 and 53, and goes to the tube 54. FIG. At this time, since the ink constituting the ink film on the gap 31c5 side is less likely to flow than the ink constituting the ink film on the gap 31b5 side, the ink remains in the tube 53 as shown in FIG. However, this ink amount is extremely smaller than the ink amount remaining in the first suction process. For this reason, as in the first embodiment described above, even when the remaining ink is dried, moisture is hardly absorbed from the ink in the nozzles 10b and 10c during capping. As a result, drying of the ink in the nozzles 10b and 10c can be suppressed. Thus, the ink remaining in the tube 53 in the first suction process and the color ink constituting the ink film on the gap 31b5 side are discarded to the waste liquid tank 34 through the tube 33a, and the maintenance operation is completed.

  According to the printer of the present embodiment, in the first suction process, for example, even if the ink remains in the tube 52 or the tube 53, the ink is discharged to the ink receiving portions 31b1 and 31c1 in the second flushing process, and the gaps It becomes possible to cover 31b5 and 31c5 with ink. For this reason, when the second suction process is executed, a suction force acts on the ink remaining in the tube 52 or the tube 53. As a result, the remaining ink can be sucked together with the ink covering the gaps 31b5 and 31c5 with a simple configuration. Further, in the second flushing process, since ink is ejected from the nozzles 10b and 10c belonging to the nozzle rows 9b and 9c closest to the area facing the gaps 31b5 and 31c5 on the ejection surface 20, the gaps 31b5 and 31b5 are formed with a relatively small amount of liquid. It becomes possible to cover 31c5. In addition, the same part as the first embodiment described above can obtain the same effect.

  In the above-described third embodiment, the carriage 2 is moved in the scanning direction, and the nozzle rows 9b and 9c are arranged with the one gap 31b5 and the nozzle row 9b facing each other and the one gap 31c5 and the nozzle row 9c facing each other. Ink is ejected from the nozzles 10b and 10c belonging to No. 1 to the one gaps 31b5 and 31c5. Thereafter, the carriage 2 is moved in the scanning direction, and the nozzles 10b and 10c belonging to the nozzle rows 9b and 9c in a state where the other gap 31b5 and the nozzle row 9b face each other and the other gap 31c5 and the nozzle row 9c face each other. Ink may be ejected from the first to the other gaps 31b5 and 31c5. This also makes it possible to cover the gaps 31b5 and 31c5 with a relatively small amount of liquid.

  Further, the cap chips 31a5 to 31c5 of the third embodiment may be employed in the printer of the second embodiment. In this case, in the second flushing process, ink is ejected to the ink receiving portion 31b1 from only the plurality of nozzles 10b belonging to the two nozzle rows 9b located on the outermost side in the scanning direction among the three nozzle rows 9b. Thus, the gap existing in the ink receiving portion 31b1 to which the tube 252 is connected is covered with the ink and sealed. By doing so, the atmosphere communication of the tube 54 can be blocked. By executing the second suction process, a state similar to that of the second embodiment described above is achieved. Thus, the same effect as in the second embodiment can be obtained.

  The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made as long as they are described in the claims. For example, in the first to third embodiments described above, the three cap portions 31a, 31b, and 31c corresponding to the central region 21a, the left region 21b, and the right region 21c of the ejection surface 20 are provided. It is only necessary to have two cap portions that are simultaneously sucked by one suction pump, and it is not necessary to have the cap portion 31a. That is, the ejection surface may also be composed of only the left side region 21b and the right side region 21c. Further, the left region 21b and the right region 21c are not integrally connected, and may be formed individually. Further, the nozzle rows 9b, 9c formed in the left region 21b and the right region 21c may be formed as 1 or 2, or 4 or more.

  Further, the rotation speed of the suction pump 33 in the first suction process may be the same as or slower than the rotation speed of the suction pump 33 in the second suction process.

  Moreover, although the example which applied this invention to the inkjet printer which prints by discharging an ink from a nozzle was demonstrated above, it is not restricted to this. The present invention can also be applied to a liquid ejecting apparatus other than an ink jet printer that ejects liquid other than ink from a nozzle.

1 Printer (Liquid ejection device)
2 Carriage 3 Inkjet head (liquid ejection part)
9b Nozzle row (first nozzle row)
9c Nozzle row (second nozzle row)
10a, 10b, 10c Nozzle 21b Left side region (first discharge surface)
21c Right side area (second discharge surface)
31b Cap part (first cap part)
31b1 Ink receiving part (first liquid receiving part)
31b2 connection port (first connection port)
31b3, 31c3 Recessed portion 31b4 Cap chip (first plate-like member)
31b5 gap (first gap)
31c Cap part (second cap part)
31c1 Ink receiving part (second liquid receiving part)
31c2 connection port (second connection port)
31c4 Cap chip (first plate-like member)
31c5 gap (second gap)
33 Suction pump 38 Cap drive mechanism (moving means)
52,252 Tube (first piping member)
53,253 Tube (second piping member)
54 Tube (third piping member)
100 Control device

Claims (13)

Liquid discharge having a first discharge surface on which a first nozzle row made up of a plurality of nozzles arranged in one direction and a second discharge surface on which a second nozzle row made up of a plurality of nozzles arranged in one direction are formed. And
A first cap having a first liquid receiving portion having a concave shape capable of covering the first nozzle row in contact with the first discharge surface, and a first connection port connected to the first liquid receiving portion. And
A second cap having a second liquid receiving portion having a concave shape capable of covering the second nozzle row in contact with the second discharge surface, and a second connection port connected to the second liquid receiving portion. And
A contact state in which the first liquid receiving portion is in contact with the first discharge surface and the second liquid receiving portion is in contact with the second discharge surface, and the first liquid receiving portion is facing the first discharge surface. The first and second cap portions and the liquid discharge portion so that the second liquid receiving portion can be separated from the discharge surface while being separated from the discharge surface and facing the second discharge surface. Moving means for moving at least one of
A first piping member having one end connected to the first connection port;
A second piping member having one end connected to the second connection port;
A third piping member having one end connected to the other ends of the first and second piping members;
A suction pump connected to the other end of the third piping member;
Control means for controlling the suction pump and the liquid discharge part,
The control means includes
A purge process for controlling the suction pump in the contact state and discharging the liquid in the liquid discharge section from the plurality of nozzles to the first and second liquid receiving sections;
A first flushing process for controlling the liquid ejection unit in the separated state and ejecting liquid from the plurality of nozzles to at least one of the first and second liquid receiving units;
A first suction process for controlling the suction pump in the separated state and sucking the liquid accumulated in the first and second liquid receiving portions by at least one of the purge process and the first flushing process;
A first discharge operation for controlling the liquid discharge unit after the first suction process to discharge liquid from the plurality of nozzles belonging to the first nozzle row to the first liquid receiving portion, and a plurality belonging to the second nozzle row A second flushing process for performing a second ejection operation for ejecting liquid from the nozzle to the second liquid receiving portion;
Controlling the suction pump after the second flushing process, and performing a second suction process for sucking the liquid accumulated in the first and second liquid receiving parts discharged by the second flushing process,
The second amount of liquid discharged in the flushing process, Ri said first and second connection port capable of covering at least Ryodea,
The first and second connection ports are arranged at positions that can face each of the first and second ejection surfaces in the separated state,
In the second flushing process, the control means discharges the liquid from the nozzle closest to a region facing the first connection port of the first discharge surface during the first discharge operation. nearest the nozzle to a region facing the second connection port of the second ejection face during the second discharge operation to discharge liquid, a liquid discharge apparatus characterized that you control the liquid discharge section . The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the first and second connection ports are arranged at positions facing the nozzles in the separated state. On the bottom surfaces of the first and second liquid receiving portions, in the vertical direction, recessed portions that are further away from the first and second discharge surfaces than the surroundings are formed, respectively.
Said first and second connection port, a liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it is formed respectively on the concave portion. Liquid discharge having a first discharge surface on which a first nozzle row made up of a plurality of nozzles arranged in one direction and a second discharge surface on which a second nozzle row made up of a plurality of nozzles arranged in one direction are formed. And
A first cap having a first liquid receiving portion having a concave shape capable of covering the first nozzle row in contact with the first discharge surface, and a first connection port connected to the first liquid receiving portion. And
A second cap having a second liquid receiving portion having a concave shape capable of covering the second nozzle row in contact with the second discharge surface, and a second connection port connected to the second liquid receiving portion. And
A contact state in which the first liquid receiving portion is in contact with the first discharge surface and the second liquid receiving portion is in contact with the second discharge surface, and the first liquid receiving portion is facing the first discharge surface. The first and second cap portions and the liquid discharge portion so that the second liquid receiving portion can be separated from the discharge surface while being separated from the discharge surface and facing the second discharge surface. Moving means for moving at least one of
A first piping member having one end connected to the first connection port;
A second piping member having one end connected to the second connection port;
A third piping member having one end connected to the other ends of the first and second piping members;
A suction pump connected to the other end of the third piping member;
Control means for controlling the suction pump and the liquid discharge part,
The length of the first piping member is shorter than that of the second piping member,
The control means includes
A purge process for controlling the suction pump in the contact state and discharging the liquid in the liquid discharge section from the plurality of nozzles to the first and second liquid receiving sections;
A first flushing process for controlling the liquid ejection unit in the separated state and ejecting liquid from the plurality of nozzles to at least one of the first and second liquid receiving units;
A first suction process for controlling the suction pump in the separated state and sucking the liquid accumulated in the first and second liquid receiving portions by at least one of the purge process and the first flushing process;
A second flushing process for controlling the liquid ejection part after the first suction process and performing an ejection operation for ejecting liquid from a plurality of nozzles belonging to the first nozzle row to the first liquid receiving part;
Controlling the suction pump after the second flushing process, and performing a second suction process for sucking the liquid accumulated in the first liquid receiving part from which the liquid has been discharged by the second flushing process;
The amount of liquid to be ejected in the second flushing process, Ri Ryodea capable of covering at least the first connection port,
The first connection port is disposed at a position that can face the first discharge surface in the separated state,
In the second flushing process, the control means discharges the liquid from the nozzle closest to a region facing the first connection port of the first discharge surface during the discharge operation. liquid discharge apparatus characterized that you control. The liquid ejection device according to claim 4 , wherein the first connection port is disposed at a position facing the nozzle in the separated state. On the bottom surface of the first liquid receiving portion, in the vertical direction, a recessed portion that is further away from the first discharge surface than the surroundings is formed, respectively.
The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 4 , wherein the first connection port is formed in the recess. Liquid discharge having a first discharge surface on which a first nozzle row made up of a plurality of nozzles arranged in one direction and a second discharge surface on which a second nozzle row made up of a plurality of nozzles arranged in one direction are formed. And
A first cap having a first liquid receiving portion having a concave shape capable of covering the first nozzle row in contact with the first discharge surface, and a first connection port connected to the first liquid receiving portion. And
A second cap having a second liquid receiving portion having a concave shape capable of covering the second nozzle row in contact with the second discharge surface, and a second connection port connected to the second liquid receiving portion. And
A contact state in which the first liquid receiving portion is in contact with the first discharge surface and the second liquid receiving portion is in contact with the second discharge surface, and the first liquid receiving portion is facing the first discharge surface. The first and second cap portions and the liquid discharge portion so that the second liquid receiving portion can be separated from the discharge surface while being separated from the discharge surface and facing the second discharge surface. Moving means for moving at least one of
A first piping member having one end connected to the first connection port;
A second piping member having one end connected to the second connection port;
A third piping member having one end connected to the other ends of the first and second piping members;
A suction pump connected to the other end of the third piping member;
Control means for controlling the suction pump and the liquid discharge part,
The control means includes
A purge process for controlling the suction pump in the contact state and discharging the liquid in the liquid discharge section from the plurality of nozzles to the first and second liquid receiving sections;
A first flushing process for controlling the liquid ejection unit in the separated state and ejecting liquid from the plurality of nozzles to at least one of the first and second liquid receiving units;
A first suction process for controlling the suction pump in the separated state and sucking the liquid accumulated in the first and second liquid receiving portions by at least one of the purge process and the first flushing process;
A first discharge operation for controlling the liquid discharge unit after the first suction process to discharge liquid from the plurality of nozzles belonging to the first nozzle row to the first liquid receiving portion, and a plurality belonging to the second nozzle row A second flushing process for performing a second ejection operation for ejecting liquid from the nozzle to the second liquid receiving portion;
Controlling the suction pump after the second flushing process, and performing a second suction process for sucking the liquid accumulated in the first and second liquid receiving parts discharged by the second flushing process,
The amount of liquid ejected in the second flushing process is an amount capable of covering at least the first and second connection ports,
The control means, the suction force by the suction pump in the second suction process, so as to be smaller than the suction force by the suction pump in the first suction process, you and controls the suction pump liquid discharge device. Liquid discharge having a first discharge surface on which a first nozzle row made up of a plurality of nozzles arranged in one direction and a second discharge surface on which a second nozzle row made up of a plurality of nozzles arranged in one direction are formed. And
A first cap having a first liquid receiving portion having a concave shape capable of covering the first nozzle row in contact with the first discharge surface, and a first connection port connected to the first liquid receiving portion. And
A second cap having a second liquid receiving portion having a concave shape capable of covering the second nozzle row in contact with the second discharge surface, and a second connection port connected to the second liquid receiving portion. And
A contact state in which the first liquid receiving portion is in contact with the first discharge surface and the second liquid receiving portion is in contact with the second discharge surface, and the first liquid receiving portion is facing the first discharge surface. The first and second cap portions and the liquid discharge portion so that the second liquid receiving portion can be separated from the discharge surface while being separated from the discharge surface and facing the second discharge surface. Moving means for moving at least one of
A first piping member having one end connected to the first connection port;
A second piping member having one end connected to the second connection port;
A third piping member having one end connected to the other ends of the first and second piping members;
A suction pump connected to the other end of the third piping member;
Control means for controlling the suction pump and the liquid discharge part,
The length of the first piping member is shorter than that of the second piping member,
The control means includes
A purge process for controlling the suction pump in the contact state and discharging the liquid in the liquid discharge section from the plurality of nozzles to the first and second liquid receiving sections;
A first flushing process for controlling the liquid ejection unit in the separated state and ejecting liquid from the plurality of nozzles to at least one of the first and second liquid receiving units;
A first suction process for controlling the suction pump in the separated state and sucking the liquid accumulated in the first and second liquid receiving portions by at least one of the purge process and the first flushing process;
A second flushing process for controlling the liquid ejection part after the first suction process and performing an ejection operation for ejecting liquid from a plurality of nozzles belonging to the first nozzle row to the first liquid receiving part;
Controlling the suction pump after the second flushing process, and performing a second suction process for sucking the liquid accumulated in the first liquid receiving part from which the liquid has been discharged by the second flushing process;
The amount of liquid ejected in the second flushing process is an amount capable of covering at least the first connection port,
The control means controls the suction pump so that a suction force by the suction pump in the second suction process is smaller than a suction force by the suction pump in the first suction process. Discharge device. Liquid discharge having a first discharge surface on which a first nozzle row made up of a plurality of nozzles arranged in one direction and a second discharge surface on which a second nozzle row made up of a plurality of nozzles arranged in one direction are formed. And
A first liquid receiving portion having a concave shape capable of covering the first nozzle row in contact with the first discharge surface; a first connection port connected to the first liquid receiving portion; The first liquid receiving portion is configured such that both ends abut against the first liquid receiving portion, and a first gap is formed between the first liquid receiving portion and both ends in a direction orthogonal to the one direction. A first cap portion having a first plate-like member housed in
A second liquid receiving portion having a concave shape capable of covering the second nozzle row in contact with the second discharge surface; a second connection port connected to the second liquid receiving portion; Both ends are in contact with the second liquid receiving portion, and are accommodated in the second liquid receiving portion so that second gaps are formed between the both ends in the orthogonal direction and the second liquid receiving portion, respectively. A second cap portion having a second plate-shaped member;
A contact state in which the first liquid receiving portion is in contact with the first discharge surface and the second liquid receiving portion is in contact with the second discharge surface, and the first liquid receiving portion is facing the first discharge surface. The first and second cap portions and the liquid discharge portion so that the second liquid receiving portion can be separated from the discharge surface while being separated from the discharge surface and facing the second discharge surface. Moving means for moving at least one of
A first piping member having one end connected to the first connection port;
A second piping member having one end connected to the second connection port;
A third piping member having one end connected to the other ends of the first and second piping members;
A suction pump connected to the other end of the third piping member;
Control means for controlling the suction pump and the liquid discharge part,
The control means includes
A purge process for controlling the suction pump in the contact state and discharging the liquid in the liquid discharge section from the plurality of nozzles to the first and second liquid receiving sections;
A first flushing process for controlling the liquid ejection unit in the separated state and ejecting liquid from the plurality of nozzles to at least one of the first and second liquid receiving units;
A first suction process for controlling the suction pump in the separated state and sucking the liquid accumulated in the first and second liquid receiving portions by at least one of the purge process and the first flushing process;
A first discharge operation for controlling the liquid discharge unit after the first suction process to discharge liquid from the plurality of nozzles belonging to the first nozzle row to the first liquid receiving portion, and a plurality belonging to the second nozzle row A second flushing process for performing a second ejection operation for ejecting liquid from the nozzle to the second liquid receiving portion;
Controlling the suction pump after the second flushing process, and performing a second suction process for sucking the liquid accumulated in the first and second liquid receiving parts discharged by the second flushing process,
The amount of liquid ejected in the second flushing process is an amount that can cover at least the first gap in the first ejection operation, and can cover at least the second gap in the second ejection operation. A liquid ejecting apparatus characterized in that the amount is small. Three or more first nozzle rows are formed on the first discharge surface,
Three or more second nozzle rows are formed on the second ejection surface,
The three or more first and second nozzle rows are arranged at different positions with respect to a direction orthogonal to the one direction,
The control means discharges liquid from a plurality of nozzles belonging to two rows of the first nozzle rows positioned on the outermost side in the orthogonal direction as the first discharge operation, and performs the orthogonal direction as the second discharge operation. The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 9 , wherein the liquid ejecting unit is controlled so that liquid is ejected from a plurality of nozzles belonging to the second nozzle array of the two outermost rows. The liquid ejecting portions, the liquid ejecting apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein said second ejection surface and the first ejection surface, characterized in that a liquid discharge head connected flush level . Wherein the plurality of nozzles belonging to the first nozzle row and the second nozzle array, the liquid ejecting apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that for discharging the color ink. A liquid ejection section having a first nozzle row composed of a plurality of nozzles arranged in one direction and a second nozzle row composed of a plurality of nozzles arranged in the one direction;
A first cap portion of the concave shape,
A second cap portion of the concave shape,
The first cap portion is in contact with the liquid discharge portion so that the first cap portion covers the first nozzle row, and the second cap is covered so that the second cap portion covers the second nozzle row. The first cap portion is in contact with the liquid discharge portion, and at least a part of the first nozzle row is opposed to the first connection port formed in the first cap portion. And a separated state in which the second cap portion is separated from the liquid ejection portion while at least a part of the second nozzle row is opposed to the second connection port formed in the second cap portion. A moving means for moving at least one of the first and second cap parts and the liquid ejection part,
A first piping member having one end connected to the inside of the first cap part via the first connection port;
A second piping member having one end connected to the inside of the second cap part via the second connection port;
A third piping member having one end connected to the other ends of the first and second piping members;
A suction pump connected to the other end of the third piping member;
Control means,
The control means includes
A purging process for bringing the liquid in the liquid discharge section into the first and second cap sections from the plurality of nozzles by the suction pump;
A first flushing process for causing the liquid ejection unit to eject the liquid from the plurality of nozzles toward at least one of the first and second cap units, by the moving means.
A first suction process in which the liquid is accumulated in the first and second cap portions by at least one of the purge process and the first flushing process by the moving unit, and the suction pump sucks the liquid accumulated in the first and second cap parts;
After the first suction process, a first discharge operation for discharging liquid into the first cap portion only from a nozzle facing the first connection port among the plurality of nozzles belonging to the first nozzle row; A second flushing process for causing the liquid ejection part to perform a second ejection operation for ejecting liquid into the second cap part only from a nozzle facing the second connection port among a plurality of nozzles belonging to the second nozzle row; ,
After the second flushing process, a second suction process is performed to cause the suction pump to suck the liquid accumulated in the first and second cap portions from which the liquid has been discharged by the second flushing process,
The liquid ejecting apparatus is characterized in that the amount of liquid ejected in the second flushing process is an amount capable of covering at least the first and second connection ports.