JP6728570B2

JP6728570B2 - Liquid ejector

Info

Publication number: JP6728570B2
Application number: JP2015074354A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 史朗中澤
Original assignee: Brother Industries Ltd
Current assignee: Brother Industries Ltd
Priority date: 2015-03-31
Filing date: 2015-03-31
Publication date: 2020-07-22
Anticipated expiration: 2035-03-31
Also published as: JP2016193535A

Description

本発明は、ノズルから液体を吐出する液体吐出装置に関する。 The present invention relates to a liquid ejection device that ejects liquid from a nozzle.

ノズルから液体を吐出する液体吐出装置として、特許文献１にはノズルからインクを吐出することによって記録を行うインクジェット記録装置が記載されている。特許文献１のインクジェット記録装置は、複数のノズルからインクの吐出する２つの吐出部と、２つの吐出部に対して個別に設けられた２つのキャップと、これら２つのキャップと連通された１つの吸引ポンプとを備えている。２つのキャップと１つの吸引ポンプとは、吸引ポンプに連通されているとともに、途中で分岐して２つのキャップに連通されたチューブを介して連通されている。また、チューブの分岐部分と各キャップとの間の部分にはそれぞれ切換弁が設けられている。そして、特許文献１では、２つの吐出部の両方においてノズルの目詰まりが生じたときに、まず、一方の吐出部を覆うキャップのみを吸引ポンプに連通させた状態で吸引ポンプを駆動することで、一方の吐出部内のインクを排出させて、ノズルの目詰まりを解消させる。次に、他方の吐出部を覆うキャップのみを吸引ポンプに連通させた状態で吸引ポンプを駆動することで、他方の吐出部内のインクを排出させて、ノズルの目詰まりを解消させる。 As a liquid ejection device that ejects liquid from a nozzle, Patent Document 1 describes an inkjet recording device that performs recording by ejecting ink from a nozzle. The ink jet recording apparatus of Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2004-242242 discloses two ejection portions that eject ink from a plurality of nozzles, two caps that are individually provided for the two ejection portions, and one cap that communicates with these two caps. It is equipped with a suction pump. The two caps and one suction pump are communicated with the suction pump, and are also communicated with each other via a tube that branches in the middle and is communicated with the two caps. Further, a switching valve is provided in a portion between the branched portion of the tube and each cap. Then, in Patent Document 1, when the nozzles are clogged in both of the two discharge parts, first, the suction pump is driven in a state in which only the cap covering one of the discharge parts is in communication with the suction pump. The ink in one of the ejection portions is discharged to eliminate the clogging of the nozzle. Next, by driving the suction pump in a state where only the cap covering the other ejection portion is in communication with the suction pump, the ink in the other ejection portion is discharged, and the clogging of the nozzle is eliminated.

特開２００８−２１３２１６号公報JP, 2008-213216, A

ここで、特許文献１では、上述したような吐出部からのインクの排出を行った直後には、キャップにインクが溜まっているため、例えば、キャップを吐出部から離して大気連通させたうえで、吸引ポンプを駆動させることにより、キャップに溜まったインクを排出させる必要がある。このとき、一方のキャップのみを吸引ポンプに連通させた状態で吸引ポンプを駆動することで、一方のキャップに溜まったインクを排出させ、その後、他方のキャップのみを吸引ポンプに連通させた状態で吸引ポンプを駆動することで、他方のキャップに溜まったインクを排出させる。あるいは、２つのキャップを吸引ポンプに連通させた状態で吸引ポンプを駆動することで、２つのキャップに溜まったインクを同時に排出させる。しかしながら、いずれの場合にも、キャップを吸引ポンプと連通させるための吸引口近傍のインクが排出された段階で、吸引口が空気とつながってしまい、キャップの吸引口から離れた部分に溜まったインクを十分に排出させることができない虞がある。 Here, in Patent Document 1, since the ink is accumulated in the cap immediately after the ink is ejected from the ejection unit as described above, for example, the cap is separated from the ejection unit and communicated with the atmosphere. It is necessary to discharge the ink accumulated in the cap by driving the suction pump. At this time, by driving the suction pump while only one of the caps is in communication with the suction pump, the ink accumulated in one of the caps is discharged, and then only the other cap is in communication with the suction pump. By driving the suction pump, the ink accumulated in the other cap is discharged. Alternatively, by driving the suction pump in a state where the two caps are in communication with the suction pump, the ink accumulated in the two caps is discharged at the same time. However, in any case, when the ink in the vicinity of the suction port for communicating the cap with the suction pump is discharged, the suction port is connected to the air, and the ink collected in the portion apart from the suction port of the cap is discharged. May not be discharged sufficiently.

本発明の目的は、ノズルキャップに溜まった液体を確実に排出させることが可能な液体吐出装置を提供することである。 An object of the present invention is to provide a liquid ejection device that can reliably discharge the liquid accumulated in the nozzle cap.

本発明の液体吐出装置は、所定のノズル配列方向に配列された複数の第１ノズルと、前記ノズル配列方向に配列され、前記ノズル配列方向と直交する列間方向に前記複数の第１ノズルと並んで配置された複数の第２ノズルと、前記複数の第１ノズル及び前記複数の第２ノズルが形成された吐出面と、を有する液体吐出ヘッドと、前記吐出面と接離可能に構成され、前記吐出面と接触した状態で前記複数の第１ノズル及び前記複数の第２ノズルを覆うノズルキャップと、前記液体吐出ヘッド及び前記ノズルキャップのうち少なくとも片方を移動させることによって、前記ノズルキャップを前記吐出面に対して接離させる接離装置と、前記ノズルキャップと連通される吸引ポンプと、を備え、前記ノズルキャップは、前記ノズルキャップが前記吐出面に接触した状態で、前記複数の第１ノズルを覆う第１キャップ空間、を形成するための第１キャップ部と、前記ノズルキャップが前記吐出面に接触した状態で、前記第１キャップ空間と区画された、前記複数の第２ノズルを覆う第２キャップ空間、を形成するための第２キャップ部と、前記列間方向に延びて、前記ノズルキャップが前記吐出面に接触した状態で前記第１キャップ空間の前記ノズル配列方向における一方側の端部、及び、前記第２キャップ空間の前記ノズル配列方向における前記一方側の端部にそれぞれ連結された、前記第１キャップ空間と前記第２キャップ空間とを連通させる連通空間、を形成する連通部と、前記連通部に設けられる吸引口であって、前記吸引ポンプとの連通を行うための吸引口と、を有し、前記接離装置は、前記ノズルキャップを前記吐出面から離すときに、前記ノズルキャップを、前記ノズル配列方向における前記一方側の端部から他方側の端部に向かうほど前記吐出面から遠ざかるように傾ける。
また、本発明の液体吐出装置は、所定のノズル配列方向に配列された複数の第１ノズルと、前記ノズル配列方向に配列され、前記ノズル配列方向と直交する列間方向に前記複数の第１ノズルと並んで配置された複数の第２ノズルと、前記複数の第１ノズル及び前記複数の第２ノズルが形成された吐出面と、前記吐出面の、前記列間方向における前記複数の第１ノズルと前記複数の第２ノズルとの間に位置する部分に形成され、前記ノズル配列方向に配列された複数の第３ノズルと、を有する液体吐出ヘッドと、前記吐出面と接離可能に構成され、前記吐出面と接触した状態で前記複数の第１ノズル及び前記複数の第２ノズルを覆うノズルキャップと、前記液体吐出ヘッド及び前記ノズルキャップのうち少なくとも片方を移動させることによって、前記ノズルキャップを前記吐出面に対して接離させる接離装置と、前記ノズルキャップと連通される吸引ポンプと、を備え、前記ノズルキャップは、前記ノズルキャップが前記吐出面に接触した状態で、前記複数の第１ノズルを覆う第１キャップ空間、を形成するための第１キャップ部と、前記ノズルキャップが前記吐出面に接触した状態で、前記第１キャップ空間と区画された、前記複数の第２ノズルを覆う第２キャップ空間、を形成するための第２キャップ部と、前記ノズルキャップが前記吐出面に接触した状態で、前記第１キャップ空間及び前記第２キャップ空間と区画された、前記複数の第３ノズルを覆う第３キャップ空間、を形成するための第３キャップ部と、前記第３キャップ部の、前記ノズル配列方向の前記一方側に隣接して配置され、前記列間方向に延びて、前記ノズルキャップが前記吐出面に接触した状態で前記第１キャップ空間の前記ノズル配列方向における一方側の端部、及び、前記第２キャップ空間の前記ノズル配列方向における前記一方側の端部にそれぞれ連結された、前記第１キャップ空間と前記第２キャップ空間とを連通させる連通空間、を形成する連通部と、前記第１キャップ部の前記ノズル配列方向における前記一方側の端部、前記第２キャップ部の前記ノズル配列方向における前記一方側の端部、及び、前記連通部のいずれかに設けられる第１吸引口であって、前記吸引ポンプとの連通を行うための第１吸引口と、前記第３キャップ部の前記ノズル配列方向における前記一方側の端部に設けられる第２吸引口であって、前記吸引ポンプとの連通を行うための第２吸引口と、を有し、前記第１吸引口及び前記第２吸引口のうち少なくとも一方の吸引口を介して、前記第１キャップ空間と前記第２キャップ空間と前記連通空間とを合わせた結合空間、及び、前記第３キャップ空間のうち、少なくとも一方の空間を、選択的に前記吸引ポンプと連通させるように切換を行う切換装置と、前記接離装置、前記吸引ポンプ及び前記切換装置の動作を制御する制御装置と、をさらに備え、前記接離装置は、前記ノズルキャップを前記吐出面から離すときに、前記ノズルキャップを、前記ノズル配列方向における前記一方側の端部から他方側の端部に向かうほど前記吐出面から遠ざかるように傾け、前記ノズルキャップを、前記吐出面に対して第１角度だけ傾いた第１傾斜姿勢と、前記吐出面に対して前記第１角度よりも大きい第２角度だけ傾いた第２傾斜姿勢のうち、いずれかの姿勢に選択的にすることができるように構成され、前記制御装置は、前記接離装置に、前記ノズルキャップを前記吐出面に接触させ、前記切換装置に、前記第１吸引口を介して、前記結合空間を前記吸引ポンプと連通させたうえで、前記吸引ポンプを駆動させることによって、前記複数の第１ノズル及び前記複数の第２ノズルから前記液体吐出ヘッド内の液体を排出させる第１吸引パージ、を行わせるための第１吸引パージ処理と、前記接離装置に、前記ノズルキャップを前記吐出面に接触させ、前記切換装置に、前記第２吸引口を介して、第３キャップ空間を前記吸引ポンプと連通させたうえで、前記吸引ポンプを駆動させることによって、前記複数の第３ノズルから前記液体吐出ヘッド内の液体を排出させる第２吸引パージ、を行わせるための第２吸引パージ処理と、前記第１吸引パージ及び前記第２吸引パージの両方が完了した後、前記接離装置に、前記ノズルキャップを前記吐出面から離隔させ、前記切換装置に、前記第１吸引口及び前記第２吸引口を介して、前記結合空間及び前記第３キャップ空間の両方を前記吸引ポンプと連通させたうえで、前記吸引ポンプを駆動させることによって、前記結合空間に溜まった液体と、前記第３キャップ空間に溜まった液体とを排出させる第１空吸引、を行わせるための第１空吸引処理と、を実行し、前記第１空吸引処理において、前記結合空間と、前記第３キャップ空間の両方に液体が残っている途中の時点までは、前記接離装置に、前記ノズルキャップを前記第１傾斜姿勢にさせ、前記途中の時点よりも後には、前記接離装置に、前記ノズルキャップを前記第２傾斜姿勢にさせる。
また、本発明の液体吐出装置は、所定のノズル配列方向に配列された複数の第１ノズルと、前記ノズル配列方向に配列され、前記ノズル配列方向と直交する列間方向に前記複数の第１ノズルと並んで配置された複数の第２ノズルと、前記複数の第１ノズル及び前記複数の第２ノズルが形成された吐出面と、前記吐出面の、前記列間方向における前記複数の第１ノズルと前記複数の第２ノズルとの間に位置する部分に形成され、前記ノズル配列方向に配列された複数の第３ノズルと、を有する液体吐出ヘッドと、前記吐出面と接離可能に構成され、前記吐出面と接触した状態で前記複数の第１ノズル及び前記複数の第２ノズルを覆うノズルキャップと、前記液体吐出ヘッド及び前記ノズルキャップのうち少なくとも片方を移動させることによって、前記ノズルキャップを前記吐出面に対して接離させる接離装置と、前記ノズルキャップと連通される吸引ポンプと、を備え、前記ノズルキャップは、前記ノズルキャップが前記吐出面に接触した状態で、前記複数の第１ノズルを覆う第１キャップ空間、を形成するための第１キャップ部と、前記ノズルキャップが前記吐出面に接触した状態で、前記第１キャップ空間と区画された、前記複数の第２ノズルを覆う第２キャップ空間、を形成するための第２キャップ部と、前記ノズルキャップが前記吐出面に接触した状態で、前記第１キャップ空間及び前記第２キャップ空間と区画された、前記複数の第３ノズルを覆う第３キャップ空間、を形成するための第３キャップ部と、前記第３キャップ部の、前記ノズル配列方向の前記一方側に隣接して配置され、前記列間方向に延びて、前記ノズルキャップが前記吐出面に接触した状態で前記第１キャップ空間の前記ノズル配列方向における一方側の端部、及び、前記第２キャップ空間の前記ノズル配列方向における前記一方側の端部にそれぞれ連結された、前記第１キャップ空間と前記第２キャップ空間とを連通させる連通空間、を形成する連通部と、前記第１キャップ部の前記ノズル配列方向における前記一方側の端部、前記第２キャップ部の前記ノズル配列方向における前記一方側の端部、及び、前記連通部のいずれかに設けられる第１吸引口であって、前記吸引ポンプとの連通を行うための第１吸引口と、前記第３キャップ部の前記ノズル配列方向における前記一方側の端部に設けられる第２吸引口であって、前記吸引ポンプとの連通を行うための第２吸引口と、を有し、前記第１吸引口及び前記第２吸引口のうち少なくとも一方の吸引口を介して、前記第１キャップ空間と前記第２キャップ空間と前記連通空間とを合わせた結合空間、及び、前記第３キャップ空間のうち、少なくとも一方の空間を、選択的に前記吸引ポンプと連通させるように切換を行う切換装置と、前記接離装置、前記吸引ポンプ及び前記切換装置の動作を制御する制御装置と、をさらに備え、前記接離装置は、前記ノズルキャップを前記吐出面から離すときに、前記ノズルキャップを、前記ノズル配列方向における前記一方側の端部から他方側の端部に向かうほど前記吐出面から遠ざかるように傾け、前記ノズルキャップを、前記吐出面に対して第１角度だけ傾いた第１傾斜姿勢と、前記吐出面に対して前記第１角度よりも大きい第２角度だけ傾いた第２傾斜姿勢のうち、いずれかの姿勢に選択的にすることができるように構成され、前記制御装置は、前記接離装置に、前記ノズルキャップを前記吐出面に接触させ、前記切換装置に、前記第１吸引口を介して、前記結合空間を前記吸引ポンプと連通させたうえで、前記吸引ポンプを駆動させることによって、前記複数の第１ノズル及び前記複数の第２ノズルから前記液体吐出ヘッド内の液体を排出させる第１吸引パージ、を行わせるための第１吸引パージ処理と、前記接離装置に、前記ノズルキャップを前記吐出面に接触させ、前記切換装置に、前記第２吸引口を介して、前記第３キャップ空間を前記吸引ポンプと連通させたうえで、前記吸引ポンプを駆動させることによって、前記複数の第３ノズルから前記液体吐出ヘッド内の液体を排出させる第２吸引パージ、を行わせるための第２吸引パージ処理と、前記第１吸引パージ及び前記第２吸引パージの両方が完了した後、前記接離装置に、前記ノズルキャップを前記第１傾斜姿勢にさせ、前記切換装置に、前記第１吸引口及び前記第２吸引口を介して、前記結合空間及び前記第３キャップ部の両方を前記吸引ポンプと連通させたうえで、前記吸引ポンプを駆動させることによって、前記結合空間に溜まった液体と、前記第３キャップ空間に溜まった液体とを排出させる第２空吸引、を行わせるための第２空吸引処理と、前記第２空吸引による前記第３キャップ部に溜まった液体の排出が完了し、前記結合空間に液体が残った状態で、前記接離装置に、前記ノズルキャップを、前記第２傾斜姿勢にさせ、前記切換装置に、前記第１吸引口を介して、前記結合空間を前記吸引ポンプと連通させたうえで、前記吸引ポンプを駆動させることによって、前記結合空間に溜まった残りの液体を排出させる第３空吸引、を行わせるための第３空吸引処理と、を実行する。
また、本発明の液体吐出装置は、所定のノズル配列方向に配列された複数の第１ノズルと、前記ノズル配列方向に配列され、前記ノズル配列方向と直交する列間方向に前記複数の第１ノズルと並んで配置された複数の第２ノズルと、前記複数の第１ノズル及び前記複数の第２ノズルが形成された吐出面と、前記吐出面の、前記列間方向における前記複数の第１ノズルと前記複数の第２ノズルとの間に位置する部分に形成され、前記ノズル配列方向に配列された複数の第３ノズルと、を有する液体吐出ヘッドと、前記吐出面と接離可能に構成され、前記吐出面と接触した状態で前記複数の第１ノズル及び前記複数の第２ノズルを覆うノズルキャップと、前記液体吐出ヘッド及び前記ノズルキャップのうち少なくとも片方を移動させることによって、前記ノズルキャップを前記吐出面に対して接離させる接離装置と、前記ノズルキャップと連通される吸引ポンプと、を備え、前記ノズルキャップは、前記ノズルキャップが前記吐出面に接触した状態で、前記複数の第１ノズルを覆う第１キャップ空間、を形成するための第１キャップ部と、前記ノズルキャップが前記吐出面に接触した状態で、前記第１キャップ空間と区画された、前記複数の第２ノズルを覆う第２キャップ空間、を形成するための第２キャップ部と、前記ノズルキャップが前記吐出面に接触した状態で、前記第１キャップ空間及び前記第２キャップ空間と区画された、前記複数の第３ノズルを覆う第３キャップ空間、を形成するための第３キャップ部と、前記第３キャップ部の、前記ノズル配列方向の前記一方側に隣接して配置され、前記列間方向に延びて、前記ノズルキャップが前記吐出面に接触した状態で前記第１キャップ空間の前記ノズル配列方向における一方側の端部、及び、前記第２キャップ空間の前記ノズル配列方向における前記一方側の端部にそれぞれ連結された、前記第１キャップ空間と前記第２キャップ空間とを連通させる連通空間、を形成する連通部と、前記第１キャップ部の前記ノズル配列方向における前記一方側の端部、前記第２キャップ部の前記ノズル配列方向における前記一方側の端部、及び、前記連通部のいずれかに設けられる第１吸引口であって、前記吸引ポンプとの連通を行うための第１吸引口と、前記第３キャップ部の前記ノズル配列方向における前記一方側の端部に設けられる第２吸引口であって、前記吸引ポンプとの連通を行うための第２吸引口と、を有し、前記第１吸引口及び前記第２吸引口のうち少なくとも一方の吸引口を介して、前記第１キャップ空間と前記第２キャップ空間と前記連通空間とを合わせた結合空間、及び、前記第３キャップ空間のうち、少なくとも一方の空間を、選択的に前記吸引ポンプと連通させるように切換を行う切換装置と、前記接離装置、前記吸引ポンプ及び前記切換装置の動作を制御する制御装置と、をさらに備え、前記接離装置は、前記ノズルキャップを前記吐出面から離すときに、前記ノズルキャップを、前記ノズル配列方向における前記一方側の端部から他方側の端部に向かうほど前記吐出面から遠ざかるように傾け、前記制御装置は、前記接離装置に、前記ノズルキャップを前記吐出面に接触させ、前記切換装置に、前記第１吸引口を介して、前記結合空間を前記吸引ポンプと連通させたうえで、前記吸引ポンプを駆動させることによって、前記複数の第１ノズル及び前記複数の第２ノズルから前記液体吐出ヘッド内の液体を排出させる第１吸引パージ、を行わせるための第１吸引パージ処理と、前記接離装置に、前記ノズルキャップを前記吐出面に接触させ、前記切換装置に、前記第２吸引口を介して、第３キャップ空間を前記吸引ポンプをと連通させたうえで、前記吸引ポンプを駆動させることによって、前記複数の第３ノズルから前記液体吐出ヘッド内の液体を排出させる第２吸引パージ、を行わせるための第２吸引パージ処理と、前記第１吸引パージ及び前記第２吸引パージの両方が完了した後、前記接離装置に、前記ノズルキャップを前記吐出面から離させ、前記切換装置に、前記第１吸引口及び前記第２吸引口を介して、前記結合空間及び前記第３キャップ空間の両方を前記吸引ポンプと連通させたうえで、前記吸引ポンプを駆動させることによって、前記結合空間に溜まった液体と、前記第３キャップ空間に溜まった液体とを排出させる第４空吸引、を行わせるための第４空吸引処理と、を実行し、前記第４空吸引処理において、前記結合空間と、前記第３キャップ空間の両方に液体が残っている途中の時点までは、前記吸引ポンプを第１速度で駆動させ、前記途中の時点よりも後には、前記吸引ポンプを前記第１速度よりも速い第２速度で駆動させる。
また、本発明の液体吐出装置は、所定のノズル配列方向に配列された複数の第１ノズルと、前記ノズル配列方向に配列され、前記ノズル配列方向と直交する列間方向に前記複数の第１ノズルと並んで配置された複数の第２ノズルと、前記複数の第１ノズル及び前記複数の第２ノズルが形成された吐出面と、前記吐出面の、前記列間方向における前記複数の第１ノズルと前記複数の第２ノズルとの間に位置する部分に形成され、前記ノズル配列方向に配列された複数の第３ノズルと、を有する液体吐出ヘッドと、前記吐出面と接離可能に構成され、前記吐出面と接触した状態で前記複数の第１ノズル及び前記複数の第２ノズルを覆うノズルキャップと、前記液体吐出ヘッド及び前記ノズルキャップのうち少なくとも片方を移動させることによって、前記ノズルキャップを前記吐出面に対して接離させる接離装置と、前記ノズルキャップと連通される吸引ポンプと、を備え、前記ノズルキャップは、前記ノズルキャップが前記吐出面に接触した状態で、前記複数の第１ノズルを覆う第１キャップ空間、を形成するための第１キャップ部と、前記ノズルキャップが前記吐出面に接触した状態で、前記第１キャップ空間と区画された、前記複数の第２ノズルを覆う第２キャップ空間、を形成するための第２キャップ部と、前記ノズルキャップが前記吐出面に接触した状態で、前記第１キャップ空間及び前記第２キャップ空間と区画された、前記複数の第３ノズルを覆う第３キャップ空間、を形成するための第３キャップ部と、前記第３キャップ部の、前記ノズル配列方向の前記一方側に隣接して配置され、前記列間方向に延びて、前記ノズルキャップが前記吐出面に接触した状態で前記第１キャップ空間の前記ノズル配列方向における一方側の端部、及び、前記第２キャップ空間の前記ノズル配列方向における前記一方側の端部にそれぞれ連結された、前記第１キャップ空間と前記第２キャップ空間とを連通させる連通空間、を形成する連通部と、前記第１キャップ部の前記ノズル配列方向における前記一方側の端部、前記第２キャップ部の前記ノズル配列方向における前記一方側の端部、及び、前記連通部のいずれかに設けられる第１吸引口であって、前記吸引ポンプとの連通を行うための第１吸引口と、前記第３キャップ部の前記ノズル配列方向における前記一方側の端部に設けられる第２吸引口であって、前記吸引ポンプとの連通を行うための第２吸引口と、を有し、前記第１吸引口及び前記第２吸引口のうち少なくとも一方の吸引口を介して、前記第１キャップ空間と前記第２キャップ空間と前記連通空間とを合わせた結合空間、及び、前記第３キャップ空間のうち、少なくとも一方の空間を、選択的に前記吸引ポンプと連通させるように切換を行う切換装置と、前記接離装置、前記吸引ポンプ及び前記切換装置の動作を制御する制御装置と、をさらに備え、前記接離装置は、前記ノズルキャップを前記吐出面から離すときに、前記ノズルキャップを、前記ノズル配列方向における前記一方側の端部から他方側の端部に向かうほど前記吐出面から遠ざかるように傾け、前記制御装置は、前記接離装置に、前記ノズルキャップを前記吐出面に接触させ、前記切換装置に、前記第１吸引口を介して、前記結合空間を前記吸引ポンプと連通させたうえで、前記吸引ポンプを駆動させることによって、前記複数の第１ノズル及び前記複数の第２ノズルから前記液体吐出ヘッド内の液体を排出させる第１吸引パージ、を行わせるための第１吸引パージ処理と、前記接離装置に、前記ノズルキャップを前記吐出面に接触させ、前記切換装置に、前記第２吸引口を介して、前記第３キャップ空間を前記吸引ポンプと連通させたうえで、前記吸引ポンプを駆動させることによって、前記複数の第３ノズルから前記液体吐出ヘッド内の液体を排出させる第２吸引パージ、を行わせるための第２吸引パージ処理と、前記第１吸引パージ及び前記第２吸引パージの両方が完了した後、前記接離装置に、前記ノズルキャップを前記吐出面から離させ、前記切換装置に、前記第１吸引口及び前記第２吸引口を介して、前記結合空間及び前記第３キャップ空間の両方を前記吸引ポンプと連通させたうえで、前記吸引ポンプを第１速度で駆動させることによって、前記結合空間に溜まった液体と、前記第３キャップ空間に溜まった液体とを排出させる第５空吸引、を行わせるための第５空吸引処理と、前記第５空吸引による前記第３キャップ空間に溜まった液体の排出が完了し、前記結合空間に液体が残った状態で、前記接離装置に、前記ノズルキャップを前記吐出面から離させたまま、前記切換装置に、前記第１吸引口を介して、前記結合空間を前記吸引ポンプと連通させたうえで、前記吸引ポンプを前記第１速度よりも速い第２速度で駆動させることによって、前記結合空間に溜まった残りの液体を排出させる第６空吸引、を行わせるための第６空吸引処理と、を実行する。
また、本発明の液体吐出装置は、所定のノズル配列方向に配列された複数の第１ノズルと、前記ノズル配列方向に配列され、前記ノズル配列方向と直交する列間方向に前記複数の第１ノズルと並んで配置された複数の第２ノズルと、前記複数の第１ノズル及び前記複数の第２ノズルが形成された吐出面と、前記吐出面の、前記列間方向における前記複数の第１ノズルと前記複数の第２ノズルとの間に位置する部分に形成され、前記ノズル配列方向に配列された複数の第３ノズルと、を有する液体吐出ヘッドと、前記吐出面と接離可能に構成され、前記吐出面と接触した状態で前記複数の第１ノズル及び前記複数の第２ノズルを覆うノズルキャップと、前記液体吐出ヘッド及び前記ノズルキャップのうち少なくとも片方を移動させることによって、前記ノズルキャップを前記吐出面に対して接離させる接離装置と、前記ノズルキャップと連通される吸引ポンプと、を備え、前記ノズルキャップは、前記ノズルキャップが前記吐出面に接触した状態で、前記複数の第１ノズルを覆う第１キャップ空間、を形成するための第１キャップ部と、前記ノズルキャップが前記吐出面に接触した状態で、前記第１キャップ空間と区画された、前記複数の第２ノズルを覆う第２キャップ空間、を形成するための第２キャップ部と、前記ノズルキャップが前記吐出面に接触した状態で、前記第１キャップ空間及び前記第２キャップ空間と区画された、前記複数の第３ノズルを覆う第３キャップ空間、を形成するための第３キャップ部と、前記第３キャップ部の、前記ノズル配列方向の前記一方側に隣接して配置され、前記列間方向に延びて、前記ノズルキャップが前記吐出面に接触した状態で前記第１キャップ空間の前記ノズル配列方向における一方側の端部、及び、前記第２キャップ空間の前記ノズル配列方向における前記一方側の端部にそれぞれ連結された、前記第１キャップ空間と前記第２キャップ空間とを連通させる連通空間、を形成する連通部と、前記第１キャップ部の前記ノズル配列方向における前記一方側の端部、前記第２キャップ部の前記ノズル配列方向における前記一方側の端部、及び、前記連通部のいずれかに設けられる第１吸引口であって、前記吸引ポンプとの連通を行うための第１吸引口と、前記第３キャップ部の前記ノズル配列方向における前記一方側の端部に設けられる第２吸引口であって、前記吸引ポンプとの連通を行うための第２吸引口と、を有し、前記第１吸引口及び前記第２吸引口のうち少なくとも一方の吸引口を介して、前記第１キャップ空間と前記第２キャップ空間と前記連通空間とを合わせた結合空間、及び、前記第３キャップ空間のうち、少なくとも一方の空間を、選択的に前記吸引ポンプと連通させるように切換を行う切換装置と、前記接離装置、前記吸引ポンプ及び前記切換装置の動作を制御する制御装置と、をさらに備え、前記接離装置は、前記ノズルキャップを前記吐出面から離すときに、前記ノズルキャップを、前記ノズル配列方向における前記一方側の端部から他方側の端部に向かうほど前記吐出面から遠ざかるように傾け、前記ノズルキャップを前記吐出面から離すときに、前記ノズルキャップを、前記吐出面に対して第１角度だけ傾いた第１傾斜姿勢と、前記吐出面に対して前記第１角度よりも大きい第２角度だけ傾いた第２傾斜姿勢のうち、いずれかの姿勢に選択的にすることができるように構成され、前記制御装置は、前記接離装置に、前記ノズルキャップを前記吐出面に接触させ、前記切換装置に、前記第１吸引口を介して、前記結合空間を前記吸引ポンプと連通させたうえで、前記吸引ポンプを駆動させることによって、前記複数の第１ノズル及び前記複数の第２ノズルから前記液体吐出ヘッド内の液体を排出させる第１吸引パージ、を行わせるための第１吸引パージ処理と、前記接離装置に、前記ノズルキャップを前記吐出面に接触させ、前記切換装置に、前記第２吸引口を介して、前記第３キャップ空間を前記吸引ポンプと連通させたうえで、前記吸引ポンプを駆動させることによって、前記複数の第３ノズルから前記液体吐出ヘッド内の液体を排出させる第２吸引パージ、を行わせるための第２吸引パージ処理と、前記第１吸引パージが完了した後、前記接離装置に、前記ノズルキャップを前記第２傾斜姿勢にさせ、前記切換装置に、前記第１吸引口を介して、前記結合空間を前記吸引ポンプと連通させたうえで、前記吸引ポンプを駆動させることによって、前記結合空間に溜まった液体を排出させる第７空吸引、を行わせるための第７空吸引処理と、前記第２吸引パージが完了した後、前記接離装置に、前記ノズルキャップを前記第１傾斜姿勢にさせ、前記切換装置に、前記第２吸引口を介して、前記第３キャップ空間を前記吸引ポンプと連通させたうえで、前記吸引ポンプを駆動させることによって、前記第３キャップ空間に溜まった液体を排出させる第８空吸引、を行わせるための第８空吸引処理と、を実行する。
また、本発明の液体吐出装置は、所定のノズル配列方向に配列された複数の第１ノズルと、前記ノズル配列方向に配列され、前記ノズル配列方向と直交する列間方向に前記複数の第１ノズルと並んで配置された複数の第２ノズルと、前記複数の第１ノズル及び前記複数の第２ノズルが形成された吐出面と、を有する液体吐出ヘッドと、前記吐出面と接離可能に構成され、前記吐出面と接触した状態で前記複数の第１ノズル及び前記複数の第２ノズルを覆うノズルキャップと、前記液体吐出ヘッド及び前記ノズルキャップのうち少なくとも片方を移動させることによって、前記ノズルキャップを前記吐出面に対して接離させる接離装置と、前記ノズルキャップと連通される吸引ポンプと、を備え、前記ノズルキャップは、前記ノズルキャップが前記吐出面に接触した状態で、前記複数の第１ノズルを覆う第１キャップ空間、を形成するための第１キャップ部と、前記ノズルキャップが前記吐出面に接触した状態で、前記第１キャップ空間と区画された、前記複数の第２ノズルを覆う第２キャップ空間、を形成するための第２キャップ部と、前記列間方向に延びて、前記ノズルキャップが前記吐出面に接触した状態で前記第１キャップ空間の前記ノズル配列方向における一方側の端部、及び、前記第２キャップ空間の前記ノズル配列方向における前記一方側の端部にそれぞれ連結された、前記第１キャップ空間と前記第２キャップ空間とを連通させる連通空間、を形成する連通部と、前記第１キャップ部の前記ノズル配列方向における前記一方側の端部、前記第２キャップ部の前記ノズル配列方向における前記一方側の端部、及び、前記連通部のいずれかに設けられる吸引口であって、前記吸引ポンプとの連通を行うための吸引口と、を有し、前記第１キャップ部の前記ノズル配列方向における他方側の端部と、前記第２キャップ部の前記ノズル配列方向における前記他方側の端部とが、接続されておらず、前記接離装置は、前記ノズルキャップを前記吐出面から離すときに、前記ノズルキャップを、前記ノズル配列方向における前記一方側の端部から前記他方側の端部に向かうほど前記吐出面から遠ざかるように傾ける。 The liquid ejection device of the present invention includes a plurality of first nozzles arranged in a predetermined nozzle arrangement direction, and a plurality of the first nozzles arranged in the nozzle arrangement direction in an inter-row direction orthogonal to the nozzle arrangement direction. A liquid ejection head having a plurality of second nozzles arranged side by side and an ejection surface on which the plurality of first nozzles and the plurality of second nozzles are formed; , A nozzle cap that covers the plurality of first nozzles and the plurality of second nozzles in a state of being in contact with the ejection surface, and at least one of the liquid ejection head and the nozzle cap is moved to remove the nozzle cap. separable device contacting and separating with respect to the ejection surface, and a suction pump communicated with said nozzle cap, said nozzle cap, with the front Symbol nozzle cap is in contact with the ejection surface, the plurality of A first cap portion for forming a first cap space for covering the first nozzle, and the plurality of second nozzles partitioned from the first cap space in a state where the nozzle cap is in contact with the ejection surface. A second cap portion for forming a second cap space that covers the nozzle cap, and one of the first cap space in the nozzle arrangement direction that extends in the inter-row direction and the nozzle cap is in contact with the ejection surface. A side end portion and a communication space for connecting the first cap space and the second cap space, which are respectively connected to the one end portion of the second cap space in the nozzle arrangement direction. a communicating unit that, a suction port provided in the front Kirendori portion, anda suction port for performing communication between the suction pump, the contact and separation device, the nozzle cap from the discharge surface When the nozzle cap is separated, the nozzle cap is inclined so as to be farther from the ejection surface as it goes from the one end to the other end in the nozzle arrangement direction.
Further, the liquid ejection device of the present invention includes a plurality of first nozzles arranged in a predetermined nozzle arrangement direction, and a plurality of the first nozzles arranged in the nozzle arrangement direction and in an inter-row direction orthogonal to the nozzle arrangement direction. A plurality of second nozzles arranged side by side with the nozzles, an ejection surface on which the plurality of first nozzles and the plurality of second nozzles are formed, and a plurality of the first plurality of ejection surfaces in the inter-row direction A liquid ejection head having a plurality of third nozzles formed in a portion located between a nozzle and the plurality of second nozzles and arranged in the nozzle arrangement direction; And a nozzle cap that covers the plurality of first nozzles and the plurality of second nozzles in a state of being in contact with the ejection surface, and at least one of the liquid ejection head and the nozzle cap is moved, thereby the nozzle cap And a suction pump that communicates with the nozzle cap. The nozzle cap includes the plurality of suction pumps in a state where the nozzle cap is in contact with the discharge surface. A first cap portion for forming a first cap space for covering the first nozzle, and the plurality of second nozzles partitioned from the first cap space in a state where the nozzle cap is in contact with the ejection surface. A second cap portion for forming a second cap space that covers the first cap space and the second cap space with the nozzle cap in contact with the ejection surface. A third cap portion for forming a third cap space for covering the third nozzle, and a third cap portion, which is disposed adjacent to the one side of the third cap portion in the nozzle arrangement direction and extends in the inter-row direction. , The one end of the first cap space in the nozzle arrangement direction and the one end of the second cap space in the nozzle arrangement direction in a state where the nozzle cap is in contact with the ejection surface. A communication part that forms a communication space that communicates with the first cap space and the second cap space that are connected to each other, an end of the first cap part on the one side in the nozzle arrangement direction, and A first suction port provided in one of the one end in the nozzle arrangement direction of the 2 cap part and the communication part, and a first suction port for communicating with the suction pump; A second suction port provided at an end portion of the third cap portion on the one side in the nozzle arrangement direction, A second suction port for communicating, and the first cap space, the second cap space, and the second cap space via at least one suction port of the first suction port and the second suction port. A switching device for switching at least one of the third cap space and the coupling space combined with the communication space so as to selectively communicate with the suction pump, the contacting/separating device, and the suction device. And a control device for controlling the operation of the pump and the switching device, wherein the contacting/separating device moves the nozzle cap to the one side in the nozzle arrangement direction when separating the nozzle cap from the discharge surface. A first tilted posture in which the nozzle cap is inclined by a first angle with respect to the ejection surface, the nozzle cap being inclined away from the ejection surface toward the other end. The control device is configured to be selectively movable to any one of the second tilted postures inclined by the second angle larger than the first angle. Is brought into contact with the discharge surface, and the switching device is made to communicate the coupling space with the suction pump via the first suction port, and then the suction pump is driven. A first suction purge process for performing a first suction purge for discharging the liquid in the liquid discharge head from the nozzles and the plurality of second nozzles, the contacting/separating device, and the nozzle cap on the discharge surface. The third cap space is brought into contact with the switching device via the second suction port, and then the suction pump is driven to allow the liquid to flow from the plurality of third nozzles. After the second suction purge process for performing the second suction purge for discharging the liquid in the discharge head and both the first suction purge and the second suction purge are completed, In addition to separating the nozzle cap from the discharge surface, the switching device communicates both the coupling space and the third cap space with the suction pump via the first suction port and the second suction port. Then, by driving the suction pump, a first empty suction process for performing a first empty suction for discharging the liquid accumulated in the coupling space and the liquid accumulated in the third cap space, In the first empty suction process, until the time when liquid remains in both the coupling space and the third cap space, the nozzle is set in the contacting/separating device. The cap is brought into the first tilted posture, and the nozzle cap is brought to the second tilted posture by the contacting/separating device after the midpoint.
Further, the liquid ejection device of the present invention includes a plurality of first nozzles arranged in a predetermined nozzle arrangement direction, and a plurality of the first nozzles arranged in the nozzle arrangement direction and in an inter-row direction orthogonal to the nozzle arrangement direction. A plurality of second nozzles arranged side by side with the nozzles, an ejection surface on which the plurality of first nozzles and the plurality of second nozzles are formed, and a plurality of the first plurality of ejection surfaces in the inter-row direction A liquid ejection head having a plurality of third nozzles formed in a portion located between a nozzle and the plurality of second nozzles and arranged in the nozzle arrangement direction; And a nozzle cap that covers the plurality of first nozzles and the plurality of second nozzles in a state of being in contact with the ejection surface, and at least one of the liquid ejection head and the nozzle cap is moved, thereby the nozzle cap And a suction pump that communicates with the nozzle cap. The nozzle cap includes the plurality of suction pumps in a state where the nozzle cap is in contact with the discharge surface. A first cap portion for forming a first cap space for covering the first nozzle, and the plurality of second nozzles partitioned from the first cap space in a state where the nozzle cap is in contact with the ejection surface. A second cap portion for forming a second cap space that covers the first cap space and the second cap space with the nozzle cap in contact with the ejection surface. A third cap portion for forming a third cap space for covering the third nozzle, and a third cap portion, which is disposed adjacent to the one side of the third cap portion in the nozzle arrangement direction and extends in the inter-row direction. , The one end of the first cap space in the nozzle arrangement direction and the one end of the second cap space in the nozzle arrangement direction in a state where the nozzle cap is in contact with the ejection surface. A communication part that forms a communication space that communicates with the first cap space and the second cap space that are connected to each other, an end of the first cap part on the one side in the nozzle arrangement direction, and A first suction port provided in one of the one end in the nozzle arrangement direction of the 2 cap part and the communication part, and a first suction port for communicating with the suction pump; A second suction port provided at an end portion of the third cap portion on the one side in the nozzle arrangement direction, A second suction port for communicating, and the first cap space, the second cap space, and the second cap space via at least one suction port of the first suction port and the second suction port. A switching device for switching at least one of the third cap space and the coupling space combined with the communication space so as to selectively communicate with the suction pump, the contacting/separating device, and the suction device. And a control device for controlling the operation of the pump and the switching device, wherein the contacting/separating device moves the nozzle cap to the one side in the nozzle arrangement direction when separating the nozzle cap from the discharge surface. A first tilted posture in which the nozzle cap is inclined by a first angle with respect to the ejection surface, the nozzle cap being inclined away from the ejection surface toward the other end. The control device is configured to be selectively movable to any one of the second tilted postures inclined by the second angle larger than the first angle. Is brought into contact with the discharge surface, and the switching device is made to communicate the coupling space with the suction pump via the first suction port, and then the suction pump is driven. A first suction purge process for performing a first suction purge for discharging the liquid in the liquid discharge head from the nozzles and the plurality of second nozzles, the contacting/separating device, and the nozzle cap on the discharge surface. The third cap space is brought into contact with the switching device via the second suction port, and the suction pump is driven after the third cap space is communicated with the suction pump. After completion of both the second suction purge process for performing the second suction purge for discharging the liquid in the liquid ejection head and the first suction purge and the second suction purge, The nozzle cap is set to the first inclined posture, and the switching device is made to communicate both the coupling space and the third cap portion with the suction pump via the first suction port and the second suction port. Then, the second empty suction process for driving the suction pump to perform the second empty suction for discharging the liquid accumulated in the coupling space and the liquid accumulated in the third cap space. And when the liquid accumulated in the third cap portion is completely discharged by the second idle suction and the liquid remains in the coupling space, the nozzle cap is attached to the contacting/separating device. The second tilted posture is set, and the switching device is connected to the suction space through the first suction port, and then the suction pump is driven to collect the suction space in the connection space. And a third idle suction process for performing the third idle suction for discharging the remaining liquid.
Further, the liquid ejection device of the present invention includes a plurality of first nozzles arranged in a predetermined nozzle arrangement direction, and a plurality of the first nozzles arranged in the nozzle arrangement direction and in an inter-row direction orthogonal to the nozzle arrangement direction. A plurality of second nozzles arranged side by side with the nozzles, an ejection surface on which the plurality of first nozzles and the plurality of second nozzles are formed, and a plurality of the first plurality of ejection surfaces in the inter-row direction A liquid ejection head having a plurality of third nozzles formed in a portion located between a nozzle and the plurality of second nozzles and arranged in the nozzle arrangement direction; And a nozzle cap that covers the plurality of first nozzles and the plurality of second nozzles in a state of being in contact with the ejection surface, and at least one of the liquid ejection head and the nozzle cap is moved, thereby the nozzle cap And a suction pump that communicates with the nozzle cap. The nozzle cap includes the plurality of suction pumps in a state where the nozzle cap is in contact with the discharge surface. A first cap portion for forming a first cap space for covering the first nozzle, and the plurality of second nozzles partitioned from the first cap space in a state where the nozzle cap is in contact with the ejection surface. A second cap portion for forming a second cap space that covers the first cap space and the second cap space with the nozzle cap in contact with the ejection surface. A third cap portion for forming a third cap space for covering the third nozzle, and a third cap portion, which is disposed adjacent to the one side of the third cap portion in the nozzle arrangement direction and extends in the inter-row direction. , The one end of the first cap space in the nozzle arrangement direction and the one end of the second cap space in the nozzle arrangement direction in a state where the nozzle cap is in contact with the ejection surface. A communication part that forms a communication space that communicates with the first cap space and the second cap space that are connected to each other, an end of the first cap part on the one side in the nozzle arrangement direction, and A first suction port provided in one of the one end in the nozzle arrangement direction of the 2 cap part and the communication part, and a first suction port for communicating with the suction pump; A second suction port provided at an end portion of the third cap portion on the one side in the nozzle arrangement direction, A second suction port for communicating, and the first cap space, the second cap space, and the second cap space via at least one suction port of the first suction port and the second suction port. A switching device for switching at least one of the third cap space and the coupling space combined with the communication space so as to selectively communicate with the suction pump, the contacting/separating device, and the suction device. And a control device for controlling the operation of the pump and the switching device, wherein the contacting/separating device moves the nozzle cap to the one side in the nozzle arrangement direction when separating the nozzle cap from the discharge surface. The control device inclines the nozzle cap from the ejection surface so that the nozzle cap contacts the ejection surface, and the control device causes the nozzle cap to contact the ejection surface. The liquid in the liquid ejection head is discharged from the plurality of first nozzles and the plurality of second nozzles by driving the suction pump after communicating the coupling space with the suction pump via the suction port. A first suction purge process for performing a first suction purge for discharging the gas, and the contacting/separating device with the nozzle cap in contact with the ejection surface, and the switching device via the second suction port. And a second suction purge for discharging the liquid in the liquid ejection head from the plurality of third nozzles by connecting the third cap space to the suction pump and driving the suction pump. After completion of both the second suction purge process for causing the first suction purge and the second suction purge, the contacting/separating device separates the nozzle cap from the ejection surface, and the switching device includes: Both the coupling space and the third cap space are communicated with the suction pump through the first suction port and the second suction port, and then the suction pump is driven to move into the coupling space. A fourth empty suction process for performing a fourth empty suction for discharging the accumulated liquid and the liquid accumulated in the third cap space, and in the fourth empty suction process, Then, the suction pump is driven at the first speed until the time when liquid remains in both of the third cap spaces, and after the time when the liquid remains in the third cap space, the suction pump is driven from the first speed. Is driven at a fast second speed.
Further, the liquid ejection device of the present invention includes a plurality of first nozzles arranged in a predetermined nozzle arrangement direction, and a plurality of the first nozzles arranged in the nozzle arrangement direction and in an inter-row direction orthogonal to the nozzle arrangement direction. A plurality of second nozzles arranged side by side with the nozzles, an ejection surface on which the plurality of first nozzles and the plurality of second nozzles are formed, and a plurality of the first plurality of ejection surfaces in the inter-row direction A liquid ejection head having a plurality of third nozzles formed in a portion located between a nozzle and the plurality of second nozzles and arranged in the nozzle arrangement direction; And a nozzle cap that covers the plurality of first nozzles and the plurality of second nozzles in a state of being in contact with the ejection surface, and at least one of the liquid ejection head and the nozzle cap is moved, thereby the nozzle cap And a suction pump that communicates with the nozzle cap. The nozzle cap includes the plurality of suction pumps in a state where the nozzle cap is in contact with the discharge surface. A first cap portion for forming a first cap space for covering the first nozzle, and the plurality of second nozzles partitioned from the first cap space in a state where the nozzle cap is in contact with the ejection surface. A second cap portion for forming a second cap space that covers the first cap space and the second cap space with the nozzle cap in contact with the ejection surface. A third cap portion for forming a third cap space for covering the third nozzle, and a third cap portion, which is disposed adjacent to the one side of the third cap portion in the nozzle arrangement direction and extends in the inter-row direction. , The one end of the first cap space in the nozzle arrangement direction and the one end of the second cap space in the nozzle arrangement direction in a state where the nozzle cap is in contact with the ejection surface. A communication part that forms a communication space that communicates with the first cap space and the second cap space that are connected to each other, an end of the first cap part on the one side in the nozzle arrangement direction, and A first suction port provided in one of the one end in the nozzle arrangement direction of the 2 cap part and the communication part, and a first suction port for communicating with the suction pump; A second suction port provided at an end portion of the third cap portion on the one side in the nozzle arrangement direction, A second suction port for communicating, and the first cap space, the second cap space, and the second cap space via at least one suction port of the first suction port and the second suction port. A switching device for switching at least one of the third cap space and the coupling space combined with the communication space so as to selectively communicate with the suction pump, the contacting/separating device, and the suction device. And a control device for controlling the operation of the pump and the switching device, wherein the contacting/separating device moves the nozzle cap to the one side in the nozzle arrangement direction when separating the nozzle cap from the discharge surface. The control device inclines the nozzle cap from the ejection surface so that the nozzle cap contacts the ejection surface, and the control device causes the nozzle cap to contact the ejection surface. The liquid in the liquid ejection head is discharged from the plurality of first nozzles and the plurality of second nozzles by driving the suction pump after communicating the coupling space with the suction pump via the suction port. A first suction purge process for performing a first suction purge for discharging the gas, and the contacting/separating device with the nozzle cap in contact with the ejection surface, and the switching device via the second suction port. A second suction purge for discharging the liquid in the liquid ejection head from the plurality of third nozzles by driving the suction pump after communicating the third cap space with the suction pump. After completion of both the second suction purge process for causing the first suction purge and the second suction purge, the contacting/separating device separates the nozzle cap from the ejection surface, and the switching device includes: By connecting both the coupling space and the third cap space to the suction pump via the first suction port and the second suction port, and then driving the suction pump at a first speed, A fifth empty suction process for performing a fifth empty suction for discharging the liquid accumulated in the combined space and the liquid accumulated in the third cap space, and the third cap space by the fifth empty suction When the discharge of the liquid accumulated in the liquid is completed and the liquid remains in the coupling space, the switching device is connected to the first suction port while the nozzle cap is separated from the discharge surface of the contact/separation device. The connecting space is communicated with the suction pump via, and the connecting pump is driven at a second speed that is faster than the first speed, The sixth empty suction process for performing the sixth empty suction for discharging the remaining liquid accumulated in the.
Further, the liquid ejection device of the present invention includes a plurality of first nozzles arranged in a predetermined nozzle arrangement direction, and a plurality of the first nozzles arranged in the nozzle arrangement direction and in an inter-row direction orthogonal to the nozzle arrangement direction. A plurality of second nozzles arranged side by side with the nozzles, an ejection surface on which the plurality of first nozzles and the plurality of second nozzles are formed, and a plurality of the first plurality of ejection surfaces in the inter-row direction A liquid ejection head having a plurality of third nozzles formed in a portion located between a nozzle and the plurality of second nozzles and arranged in the nozzle arrangement direction; And a nozzle cap that covers the plurality of first nozzles and the plurality of second nozzles in a state of being in contact with the ejection surface, and at least one of the liquid ejection head and the nozzle cap is moved, thereby the nozzle cap And a suction pump that communicates with the nozzle cap. The nozzle cap includes the plurality of suction pumps in a state where the nozzle cap is in contact with the discharge surface. A first cap portion for forming a first cap space for covering the first nozzle, and the plurality of second nozzles partitioned from the first cap space in a state where the nozzle cap is in contact with the ejection surface. A second cap portion for forming a second cap space that covers the first cap space and the second cap space with the nozzle cap in contact with the ejection surface. A third cap portion for forming a third cap space for covering the third nozzle, and a third cap portion, which is disposed adjacent to the one side of the third cap portion in the nozzle arrangement direction and extends in the inter-row direction. , The one end of the first cap space in the nozzle arrangement direction and the one end of the second cap space in the nozzle arrangement direction in a state where the nozzle cap is in contact with the ejection surface. A communication part that forms a communication space that communicates with the first cap space and the second cap space that are connected to each other, an end of the first cap part on the one side in the nozzle arrangement direction, and A first suction port provided in one of the one end in the nozzle arrangement direction of the 2 cap part and the communication part, and a first suction port for communicating with the suction pump; A second suction port provided at an end portion of the third cap portion on the one side in the nozzle arrangement direction, A second suction port for communicating, and the first cap space, the second cap space, and the second cap space via at least one suction port of the first suction port and the second suction port. A switching device for switching at least one of the third cap space and the coupling space combined with the communication space so as to selectively communicate with the suction pump, the contacting/separating device, and the suction device. And a control device for controlling the operation of the pump and the switching device, wherein the contacting/separating device moves the nozzle cap to the one side in the nozzle arrangement direction when separating the nozzle cap from the discharge surface. The nozzle cap is inclined by a first angle with respect to the discharge surface when the nozzle cap is separated from the discharge surface as it goes away from the discharge surface toward the other end. It is configured so that it can be selectively set to any one of a 1 tilted posture and a 2nd tilted posture that is tilted with respect to the ejection surface by a second angle larger than the first angle. The device causes the contacting/separating device to bring the nozzle cap into contact with the discharge surface, and the switching device to communicate the coupling space with the suction pump via the first suction port, and then to perform the suction. A first suction purge process for performing a first suction purge for discharging the liquid in the liquid ejection head from the plurality of first nozzles and the plurality of second nozzles by driving the pump; The nozzle cap is brought into contact with the discharge surface of the separating device, the switching device is made to communicate the third cap space with the suction pump via the second suction port, and then the suction pump is driven. By doing so, the second suction purge process for performing the second suction purge for discharging the liquid in the liquid ejection head from the plurality of third nozzles, and the contact after the first suction purge is completed. The separating device causes the nozzle cap to have the second inclined posture, and the switching device causes the coupling space to communicate with the suction pump via the first suction port, and then drives the suction pump. Thus, after the seventh empty suction process for performing the seventh empty suction for discharging the liquid accumulated in the coupling space and the second suction purge are completed, the nozzle cap is attached to the contacting/separating device. The suction pump is driven after the third tilted space is communicated with the suction pump via the second suction port by the switching device in the first inclined posture. By doing so, the eighth empty suction process for performing the eighth empty suction for discharging the liquid accumulated in the third cap space is executed.
Further, the liquid ejection device of the present invention includes a plurality of first nozzles arranged in a predetermined nozzle arrangement direction, and a plurality of the first nozzles arranged in the nozzle arrangement direction and in an inter-row direction orthogonal to the nozzle arrangement direction. A liquid ejection head having a plurality of second nozzles arranged side by side with the nozzles, and an ejection surface on which the plurality of first nozzles and the plurality of second nozzles are formed; A nozzle cap configured to cover the plurality of first nozzles and the plurality of second nozzles in a state of being in contact with the ejection surface, and moving at least one of the liquid ejection head and the nozzle cap, The nozzle cap includes a contacting/separating device that contacts and separates the cap from the ejection surface, and a suction pump that communicates with the nozzle cap. A first cap portion for forming a first cap space for covering the first nozzle of the first cap space, and the plurality of second cap spaces partitioned from the first cap space in a state where the nozzle cap is in contact with the ejection surface. A second cap portion for forming a second cap space that covers the nozzle; and a second cap portion in the nozzle arrangement direction of the first cap space that extends in the inter-row direction and is in contact with the ejection surface of the nozzle cap. An end portion on one side and a communication space for connecting the first cap space and the second cap space, which are respectively connected to the one end of the second cap space in the nozzle arrangement direction. Any one of the communicating portion to be formed, the one end of the first cap portion in the nozzle arrangement direction, the one end of the second cap portion in the nozzle arrangement direction, and the communicating portion. A suction port for communicating with the suction pump, the other end of the first cap portion in the nozzle arrangement direction, and the second cap portion. The other end in the nozzle arrangement direction is not connected, and the contacting/separating device moves the nozzle cap in the nozzle arrangement direction when separating the nozzle cap from the ejection surface. It is inclined so as to move away from the ejection surface as it goes from the one end to the other end.

ノズルキャップを、ノズル配列方向における一方側の端部から他方側の端部に向かうほど吐出面から遠ざかるように傾けると、ノズルキャップと吐出面とに接触してその間に保持される液体がノズル配列方向の一方側に寄せられ、これに伴って、第１、第２キャップ空間に溜まった液体も、ノズル配列方向の一方側に寄せられる。一方で、本発明では、第１、第２キャップ部のノズル配列方向における一方側の端部、及び、これらの部分と連結された連通部のいずれかに、吸引ポンプとの連通を行うための吸引口が設けられている。これらのことから、吸引口を介して第１キャップ空間、第２キャップ空間及び連通空間と連通された吸引ポンプを駆動させることにより、これらの空間に溜まった液体を確実に排出させることができる。 When the nozzle cap is tilted away from the ejection surface as it goes from one end to the other end in the nozzle arrangement direction, the liquid held between the nozzle cap and the ejection surface is retained in the nozzle arrangement. The liquid that has been drawn to one side in the direction, and the liquid that has accumulated in the first and second cap spaces is also drawn to one side in the nozzle arrangement direction. On the other hand, in the present invention, for communicating with the suction pump, one of the end portions of the first and second cap portions on the one side in the nozzle arrangement direction and the communicating portion connected to these portions are provided. A suction port is provided. From these things, by driving the suction pump that is in communication with the first cap space, the second cap space, and the communication space via the suction port, the liquid accumulated in these spaces can be reliably discharged.

本発明の実施の形態に係るプリンタの概略構成図である。1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a printer according to an embodiment of the present invention. 図１のインクジェットヘッドの平面図である。It is a top view of the inkjet head of FIG. 図１のノズルキャップの平面図である。It is a top view of the nozzle cap of FIG. （ａ）がキャッピング状態での図３のＡ−Ａ線断面図であり、（ｂ）がキャッピング状態での図３のＢ−Ｂ線断面図であり、（ｃ）がキャッピング状態での図３のＣ−Ｃ線断面図である。3A is a sectional view taken along line AA of FIG. 3 in a capping state, FIG. 3B is a sectional view taken along line BB of FIG. 3 in a capping state, and FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line CC of FIG. ノズルキャップをβ１だけ傾けた状態での図４（ａ）〜（ｃ）相当の図である。FIG. 5 is a view corresponding to FIGS. 4A to 4C in a state where the nozzle cap is tilted by β1. ノズルキャップをβ２だけ傾けた状態での図４（ａ）〜（ｃ）相当の図である。FIG. 5 is a view corresponding to FIGS. 4A to 4C in a state where the nozzle cap is inclined by β2. プリンタの電気的構成を示すブロック図である。FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the printer. メンテナンス動作のうち、吸引パージの手順を示すフローチャートである。It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of a suction purge among maintenance operations. メンテナンス動作のうち、空吸引の手順を示すフローチャートである。It is a flow chart which shows a procedure of empty suction among maintenance operations. 変形例１の図８相当のフローチャートである。9 is a flowchart of modification 1 corresponding to FIG. 8. 変形例２の図８相当のフローチャートである。9 is a flowchart of modification 2 corresponding to FIG. 8. 変形例３の図８相当のフローチャートである。9 is a flowchart of modification 3 corresponding to FIG. 8. 変形例４の図８相当のフローチャートである。9 is a flowchart of modification 4 corresponding to FIG. 8. （ａ）が変形例５におけるブラックインクについてのメンテナンス動作の手順を示すフローチャートであり、（ｂ）が変形例５におけるカラーインクについてのメンテナンス動作の手順を示すフローチャートである。14A is a flowchart showing a procedure of a maintenance operation for black ink in Modification 5, and FIG. 16B is a flowchart showing a procedure of a maintenance operation for color ink in Modification 5. 変形例６のノズルキャップの平面図である。FIG. 11 is a plan view of a nozzle cap of modification 6;

以下、本発明の好適な実施の形態について説明する。 Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described.

（プリンタ全体の構成）
図１に示すように、本実施の形態に係るプリンタ１（本発明の「液体吐出装置」）は、キャリッジ２、インクジェットヘッド３（本発明の「液体吐出ヘッド」）、用紙搬送ローラ４、メンテナンスユニット５を備えている。 (Configuration of the entire printer)
As shown in FIG. 1, a printer 1 (“liquid ejecting apparatus” of the present invention) according to the present embodiment includes a carriage 2, an inkjet head 3 (“liquid ejecting head” of the present invention), a sheet conveying roller 4, and a maintenance. The unit 5 is provided.

キャリッジ２は、走査方向（本発明の「列間方向」）に延びた２本のガイドレール１１に沿って走査方向に往復移動する。なお、以下では、図１に示すように、走査方向の左側及び右側を定義して説明を行う。インクジェットヘッド３は、キャリッジ２に搭載され、その下面である吐出面２１ａ（図２、図４参照）に形成された複数のノズル１０ａ〜１０ｃからインクを吐出する。用紙搬送ローラ４は、走査方向と直交する搬送方向（本発明の「ノズル配列方向」）におけるキャリッジ２の両側に配置され、記録用紙Ｓを搬送方向に搬送する。そして、プリンタ１では、用紙搬送ローラ４によって記録用紙Ｓを搬送方向に搬送させつつ、キャリッジ２とともに走査方向に往復移動するインクジェットヘッド３からインクを吐出させることによって、記録用紙Ｓに印刷を行う。 The carriage 2 reciprocates in the scanning direction along two guide rails 11 extending in the scanning direction (the “inter-row direction” in the present invention). Note that, in the following, as shown in FIG. 1, the left side and the right side in the scanning direction are defined and described. The inkjet head 3 is mounted on the carriage 2 and ejects ink from a plurality of nozzles 10a to 10c formed on an ejection surface 21a (see FIGS. 2 and 4) which is a lower surface thereof. The paper transport rollers 4 are arranged on both sides of the carriage 2 in the transport direction (“nozzle array direction” in the present invention) orthogonal to the scanning direction, and transport the recording paper S in the transport direction. Then, in the printer 1, the recording paper S is printed on the recording paper S by ejecting ink from the inkjet head 3 that reciprocates in the scanning direction together with the carriage 2 while the recording paper S is being conveyed by the paper conveyance roller 4 in the conveyance direction.

（インクジェットヘッド）
次に、インクジェットヘッド３について説明する。図２に示すように、インクジェットヘッド３は、流路ユニット２１と圧電アクチュエータ２２とを備えている。流路ユニット２１には、複数の内側ノズル１０ａ、複数の外側ノズル１０ｂ、１０ｃ、インク供給口２３ａ〜２３ｃを含むインク流路が形成されている。 (Inkjet head)
Next, the inkjet head 3 will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, the inkjet head 3 includes a flow path unit 21 and a piezoelectric actuator 22. The flow path unit 21 is formed with an ink flow path including a plurality of inner nozzles 10a, a plurality of outer nozzles 10b and 10c, and ink supply ports 23a to 23c.

複数の内側ノズル１０ａ（本発明の「第３ノズル」）は、流路ユニット２１の下面である吐出面２１ａの走査方向における中央部に形成されている。複数の内側ノズル１０ａは、搬送方向に配列されることによってノズル列９ａを形成しており、流路ユニット２１には、２つのノズル列９ａが走査方向に並んでいる。複数の内側ノズル１０ａからは、ブラックのインクが吐出される。 The plurality of inner nozzles 10 a (“third nozzle” of the present invention) are formed in the central portion of the ejection surface 21 a, which is the lower surface of the flow path unit 21, in the scanning direction. The plurality of inner nozzles 10a are arranged in the transport direction to form a nozzle row 9a, and the flow path unit 21 has two nozzle rows 9a arranged in the scanning direction. Black ink is ejected from the plurality of inner nozzles 10a.

複数の外側ノズル１０ｂ（本発明の「第１ノズル」）は、吐出面２１ａの走査方向における複数の内側ノズル１０ａよりも左側の部分に形成されている。複数の外側ノズル１０ｂは、搬送方向に配列されることによって、ノズル列９ｂを形成する。そして、吐出面２１ａには、３つのノズル列９ｂが走査方向に並んでいる。複数の外側ノズル１０ｂからは、右側のノズル列９ｂを構成するものから順に、イエロー、シアン、マゼンタのインクが吐出される。 The plurality of outer nozzles 10b (the “first nozzle” of the present invention) are formed on the left side of the plurality of inner nozzles 10a in the scanning direction of the ejection surface 21a. The plurality of outer nozzles 10b are arranged in the transport direction to form the nozzle row 9b. Then, three nozzle rows 9b are arranged in the scanning direction on the ejection surface 21a. From the plurality of outer nozzles 10b, yellow, cyan, and magenta inks are ejected in order from the one that constitutes the right nozzle row 9b.

複数の外側ノズル１０ｃ（本発明の「第２ノズル」）は、吐出面２１ａの走査方向における複数の内側ノズル１０ａよりも右側の部分に形成されている。複数の外側ノズル１０ｃは、搬送方向に配列されることによって、ノズル列９ｃを形成する。そして、吐出面２１ａには、３つのノズル列９ｃが走査方向に並んでいる。複数の外側ノズル１０ｃからは、左側のノズル列９ｃを構成するものから順に、イエロー、シアン、マゼンタのインクが吐出される。 The plurality of outer nozzles 10c (the “second nozzle” of the present invention) are formed on the right side of the plurality of inner nozzles 10a in the scanning direction of the ejection surface 21a. The plurality of outer nozzles 10c are arranged in the transport direction to form the nozzle row 9c. Then, three nozzle rows 9c are arranged in the scanning direction on the ejection surface 21a. From the plurality of outer nozzles 10c, yellow, cyan, and magenta inks are ejected in order from the nozzles forming the left nozzle row 9c.

インク供給口２３ａは、流路ユニット２１の上面２１ｂの搬送方向上流側の端部の、走査方向における中央部に形成されている。インク供給口２３ａには、図示しないチューブ等を介して、ブラックのインクが充填された図示しないインクカートリッジに接続されている。これにより、インクジェットヘッド３には、複数の内側ノズル１０ａから吐出させるためのブラックのインクが、インク供給口２３ａから供給される。 The ink supply port 23a is formed at the center of the upper surface 21b 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 via a tube (not shown) or the like. As a result, black ink to be ejected from the plurality of inner nozzles 10a is supplied to the inkjet head 3 from the ink supply port 23a.

３つのインク供給口２３ｂは、流路ユニット２１の上面２１ｂの、インク供給口２３ａよりも左側の部分に形成され、走査方向に並んでいる。３つのインク供給口２３ｂは、右側に配置されたものから順に、図示しないチューブ等を介して、イエロー、シアン、マゼンタのインクが充填された図示しないインクカートリッジに接続されている。これにより、インクジェットヘッド３には、複数の外側ノズル１０ｂから吐出させるためのイエロー、シアン、マゼンタのインクが、３つのインク供給口２３ｂから供給される。 The three ink supply ports 23b are formed on the upper surface 21b of the flow path unit 21 on the left side of the ink supply port 23a and are arranged in the scanning direction. The three ink supply ports 23b are sequentially connected to an ink cartridge (not shown) filled with yellow, cyan, and magenta inks via tubes (not shown) in order from the right side. As a result, the inkjet head 3 is supplied with the yellow, cyan, and magenta inks to be ejected from the plurality of outer nozzles 10b from the three ink supply ports 23b.

３つのインク供給口２３ｃは、流路ユニット２１の上面２１ｂの、インク供給口２３ａよりも右側の部分に形成され、走査方向に並んでいる。３つのインク供給口２３ｃは、左側に配置されたものから順に、図示しないチューブ等を介して、イエロー、シアン、マゼンタのインクが充填された図示しないインクカートリッジに接続されている。これにより、インクジェットヘッド３には、ノズル１０ｃから吐出させるためのイエロー、シアン、マゼンタのインクが、３つのインク供給口２３ｃから供給される。 The three ink supply ports 23c are formed on the upper surface 21b 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 in order from the one arranged on the left side through a tube (not shown) or the like. As a result, the inkjet head 3 is supplied with the yellow, cyan, and magenta inks to be ejected from the nozzles 10c through the three ink supply ports 23c.

また、流路ユニット２１の上面２１ｂには、インク供給口２３ａ〜２３ｃを覆うフィルタ２４が設けられている。これにより、インク供給口２３ａ〜２３ｃからインクジェットヘッド３にインクが供給される際に、フィルタ２４によってインク中の気泡や異物等が捕捉され、インクジェットヘッド３にインク中の気泡や異物が流れ込むのが防止される。 A filter 24 that covers the ink supply ports 23a to 23c is provided on the upper surface 21b of the flow path unit 21. As a result, when ink is supplied to the inkjet head 3 from the ink supply ports 23a to 23c, the filter 24 captures bubbles and foreign matters in the ink, and the bubbles and foreign matters in the ink flow into the inkjet head 3. To be prevented.

圧電アクチュエータ２２は、流路ユニット２１の上面２１ｂに配置されている。圧電アクチュエータ２２は、流路ユニット２１内のインクに吐出エネルギーを付与するためのものである。例えば、流路ユニット２１のインク流路は、複数のノズル１０ａ〜１０ｃに個別の図示しない複数の圧力室を有し、圧電アクチュエータ２２は、各圧力室内のインクに圧力を付与する。 The piezoelectric actuator 22 is arranged on the upper surface 21b of the flow path unit 21. The piezoelectric actuator 22 is for giving 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 plurality of pressure chambers (not shown) individually for the plurality of nozzles 10a to 10c, and the piezoelectric actuator 22 applies pressure to the ink in each pressure chamber.

（メンテナンスユニット）
次に、メンテナンスユニット５について説明する。メンテナンスユニット５は、図１、図３、図４（ａ）〜（ｃ）に示すように、ノズルキャップ３１と、切換装置３２と、吸引ポンプ３３と、廃液タンク３４とを備えている。 (Maintenance unit)
Next, the maintenance unit 5 will be described. As shown in FIGS. 1, 3, and 4A to 4C, the maintenance unit 5 includes a nozzle cap 31, a switching device 32, a suction pump 33, and a waste liquid tank 34.

図３、図４（ａ）〜（ｃ）に示すように、ノズルキャップ３１は、ゴム材料等からなり、一体成型された底壁部３１ａとリップ部３１ｂ、３１ｃとを有する。底壁部３１ａは、矩形の板状に構成され、キャリッジ２をほぼ最大限右側に移動させたときに、その上面３１ａ１が吐出面２１ａと対向する。リップ部３１ｂは、底壁部３１ａの上面３１ａ１の外周部の全周にわたって設けられ、底壁部３１ａの上面３１ａ１から上方に突出している。リップ部３１ｃは、底壁部３１ａの上面３１ａ１の、ノズルキャップ３１と吐出面２１ａとが対向した状態で複数の内側ノズル１０ａと対向する部分を取り囲む領域の全周にわたって設けられ、底壁部３１ａの上面３１ａ１から上方に突出している。また、リップ部３１ｃの搬送方向下流側の端部は、リップ部３１ｂの搬送方向下流側の端部の一部分と共通となっている。また、リップ部３１ｂの搬送方向上流側の端部と、リップ部３１ｃの搬送方向上流側の端部とは、搬送方向に離れて配置されている。 As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4A to 4C, the nozzle cap 31 is made of a rubber material or the like and has a bottom wall portion 31a and lip portions 31b and 31c that are integrally molded. The bottom wall portion 31a is formed in a rectangular plate shape, and the upper surface 31a1 faces the ejection surface 21a when the carriage 2 is moved to the right almost to the maximum. The lip portion 31b is provided over the entire circumference of the outer peripheral portion of the upper surface 31a1 of the bottom wall portion 31a, and projects upward from the upper surface 31a1 of the bottom wall portion 31a. The lip portion 31c is provided over the entire circumference of a region of the upper surface 31a1 of the bottom wall portion 31a that surrounds a portion of the upper surface 31a1 that faces the inner nozzles 10a with the nozzle cap 31 and the discharge surface 21a facing each other. Projecting upward from the upper surface 31a1. Further, the downstream end of the lip portion 31c in the transport direction is common to a part of the downstream end of the lip portion 31b in the transport direction. Further, the end of the lip portion 31b on the upstream side in the transport direction and the end of the lip portion 31c on the upstream side in the transport direction are arranged apart from each other in the transport direction.

そして、このように、底壁部３１ａの上面３１ａ１にリップ部３１ｂ、３１ｃが形成されていることにより、ノズルキャップ３１には、図３、図４（ａ）〜（ｃ）に示すように、キャップ部４１〜４３及び連通部４４が形成される。 Then, since the lip portions 31b and 31c are formed on the upper surface 31a1 of the bottom wall portion 31a in this manner, the nozzle cap 31 has the lip portions 31b and 31c as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4A to 4C. The cap portions 41 to 43 and the communication portion 44 are formed.

キャップ部４１（本発明の「第３キャップ部」）は、底壁部３１ａの、ノズルキャップ３１が吐出面２１ａと対向した状態で複数の内側ノズル１０ａと対向する部分と、リップ部３１ｃとによって形成されている。キャップ部４１は、底壁部３１ａとリップ部３１ｃとに囲まれた内側キャップ空間４１ａ（本発明の「第３キャップ空間」）を形成する。 The cap portion 41 (the “third cap portion” of the present invention) is formed by a portion of the bottom wall portion 31a facing the inner nozzles 10a with the nozzle cap 31 facing the ejection surface 21a, and a lip portion 31c. Has been formed. The cap portion 41 forms an inner cap space 41a (“third cap space” in the present invention) surrounded by the bottom wall portion 31a and the lip portion 31c.

キャップ部４２（本発明の「第１キャップ部」）は、底壁部３１ａの、ノズルキャップ３１が吐出面２１ａと対向した状態で外側ノズル１０ｂと対向する部分と、リップ部３１ｂ、３１ｃの、底壁部３１ａの上記部分を取り囲む部分とによって形成されている。キャップ部４２は、底壁部３１ａとリップ部３１ｂ、３１ｃとに囲まれた外側キャップ空間４２ａ（本発明の「第１キャップ空間」）を形成する。 The cap portion 42 (the "first cap portion" of the present invention) includes a portion of the bottom wall portion 31a that faces the outer nozzle 10b in a state where the nozzle cap 31 faces the ejection surface 21a, and lip portions 31b and 31c. It is formed by a portion surrounding the above portion of the bottom wall portion 31a. The cap portion 42 forms an outer cap space 42a (the "first cap space" of the present invention) surrounded by the bottom wall portion 31a and the lip portions 31b and 31c.

キャップ部４３（本発明の「第２キャップ部」）は、底壁部３１ａの、ノズルキャップ３１が吐出面２１ａと対向した状態で、ノズル１０ｃと対向する部分と、リップ部３１ｂ、３１ｃの、底壁部３１ａの上記部分を取り囲む部分とによって形成されている。キャップ部４３は、底壁部３１ａとリップ部３１ｂ、３１ｃとに囲まれた外側キャップ空間４３ａ（本発明の「第２キャップ空間」）を形成する。 The cap portion 43 (the “second cap portion” of the present invention) includes a portion of the bottom wall portion 31a facing the nozzle 10c in a state where the nozzle cap 31 faces the ejection surface 21a, and lip portions 31b and 31c. It is formed by a portion surrounding the above portion of the bottom wall portion 31a. The cap portion 43 forms an outer cap space 43a (“second cap space” in the present invention) surrounded by the bottom wall portion 31a and the lip portions 31b and 31c.

連通部４４は、底壁部３１ａ及びリップ部３１ｂ、３１ｃの、走査方向におけるキャップ部４２とキャップ部４３との間に位置し、且つ、キャップ部４１の搬送方向の上流側に隣接する部分によって形成される。連通部４４は、底壁部３１ａとリップ部３１ｂ、３１ｃとによって囲まれた連通空間４４ａを形成する。連通空間４４ａは、走査方向に延び、走査方向の両端部が、外側キャップ空間４２ａ、４３ａの搬送方向における上流側の端部と連結されている。これにより、外側キャップ空間４２ａと外側キャップ空間４３ａとは、連通空間４４ａを介して連通する。 The communication part 44 is located between the cap part 42 and the cap part 43 in the scanning direction of the bottom wall part 31a and the lip parts 31b and 31c, and is adjacent to the upstream side of the cap part 41 in the transport direction. It is formed. The communication portion 44 forms a communication space 44a surrounded by the bottom wall portion 31a and the lip portions 31b and 31c. The communication space 44a extends in the scanning direction, and both ends in the scanning direction are connected to the upstream end portions of the outer cap spaces 42a, 43a in the transport direction. As a result, the outer cap space 42a and the outer cap space 43a communicate with each other through the communication space 44a.

また、図３、図４（ａ）に示すように、底壁部３１ａのキャップ部４１の搬送方向上流側の端部には、吸引口４６（本発明の「第２吸引口」）が形成されている。また、底壁部３１ａの連通部４４を形成する部分には、吸引口４７（本発明の「第１吸引口」）が形成されている。吸引口４６、４７には、それぞれ、チューブ５１ａ、５１ｂが接続されている。 Further, as shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4A, a suction port 46 (“second suction port” of the present invention) is formed at the end portion of the bottom wall portion 31a on the upstream side in the transport direction of the cap portion 41. Has been done. Further, a suction port 47 (“first suction port” of the present invention) is formed in a portion of the bottom wall 31a that forms the communication portion 44. Tubes 51a and 51b are connected to the suction ports 46 and 47, respectively.

また、ノズルキャップ３１は、キャップ駆動装置６０（本発明の「接離装置」）によって上下方向に移動可能となっている。キャップ駆動装置６０は、図３、図４（ａ）〜（ｃ）に示すように、カム６１と、カム駆動モータ６２と、キャップホルダ６３とを有する。キャップホルダ６３は、上部が開口したボックス形状をしており、その内部にノズルキャップ３１が収容されている。また、キャップホルダ６３の内底面６３ａにはコイルバネ６４が設けられている。ノズルキャップ３１はコイルバネ６４によって上方へ付勢されている。 Further, the nozzle cap 31 can be moved in the vertical direction by a cap driving device 60 (“contacting/separating device” of the present invention). The cap drive device 60 has a cam 61, a cam drive motor 62, and a cap holder 63, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4A to 4C. The cap holder 63 has a box shape with an open top, and the nozzle cap 31 is housed inside the box. A coil spring 64 is provided on the inner bottom surface 63a of the cap holder 63. The nozzle cap 31 is biased upward by a coil spring 64.

ノズルキャップ３１は、底壁部３１ａの搬送方向上流側の端部から、搬送方向上流側に突出した係止突起３１ｄを有する。一方、キャップホルダ６３の搬送方向上流側の端部には、係止突起３１ｄに係合する突起状のストッパ６５が設けられている。ストッパ６５は係止突起３１ｄに対して上方に位置しており、係止突起３１ｄがストッパ６５に当接することによって、コイルバネ６４に付勢されるノズルキャップ３１の上方限界位置が規定されている。 The nozzle cap 31 has a locking protrusion 31d that projects from the upstream end of the bottom wall portion 31a in the transport direction to the upstream side in the transport direction. On the other hand, a protrusion-shaped stopper 65 that engages with the locking protrusion 31d is provided at the upstream end of the cap holder 63 in the transport direction. The stopper 65 is located above the locking projection 31d, and the upper limit position of the nozzle cap 31 that is biased by the coil spring 64 is defined by the locking projection 31d contacting the stopper 65.

また、ノズルキャップ３１の搬送方向下流側の端部には、走査方向に延びる枢支軸６６が設けられている。また、キャップホルダ６３のストッパ６５と反対側の端部には、枢支軸６６を上下方向にスライド自在に支持する支持部６７が設けられている。また、キャップホルダ６３の下面６３ｂは、カム６１の外周面に当接する。カム６１は、所定のプロファイルを有し、カム駆動モータ６２により回転駆動される。 Further, a pivot shaft 66 extending in the scanning direction is provided at the downstream end of the nozzle cap 31 in the transport direction. Further, a support portion 67 that supports the pivot shaft 66 slidably in the vertical direction is provided at the end portion of the cap holder 63 on the side opposite to the stopper 65. Further, the lower surface 63 b of the cap holder 63 contacts the outer peripheral surface of the cam 61. The cam 61 has a predetermined profile and is rotationally driven by a cam drive motor 62.

そして、図４（ａ）〜（ｃ）に示すように、吐出面２１ａがノズルキャップ３１と対向している状態で、カム６１が反時計回りの方向に回転すると、カム６１のプロファイルによってキャップホルダ６３が押し上げられる。これに伴って、キャップホルダ６３に設けられたコイルバネ６４に付勢されたノズルキャップ３１も押し上げられる。これにより、リップ部３１ｂ、３１ｃが吐出面２１ａに接触し、複数のノズル１０ａ〜１０ｃがそれぞれキャップ部４１〜４３に覆われたキャッピング状態となる。 Then, as shown in FIGS. 4A to 4C, when the cam 61 rotates in the counterclockwise direction with the ejection surface 21 a facing the nozzle cap 31, the cap holder is changed by the profile of the cam 61. 63 is pushed up. Along with this, the nozzle cap 31 urged by the coil spring 64 provided on the cap holder 63 is also pushed up. As a result, the lip portions 31b and 31c come into contact with the ejection surface 21a, and the plurality of nozzles 10a to 10c are capped by the cap portions 41 to 43, respectively.

一方、図４（ａ）〜（ｃ）に示すキャッピング状態から、カム６１を時計回りの方向に回転させると、カム６１のプロファイルに応じて、キャップホルダ６３が自重により降下して、吐出面２１ａから離れる。このとき、ノズルキャップ３１はコイルバネ６４によって上方へ付勢される一方で、ノズルキャップ３１の搬送方向下流側の端部において、枢支軸６６がキャップホルダ６３の支持部６７の天井部分に当接するため、ノズルキャップ３１は、キャップホルダ６３の降下にともなって搬送方向下流側の端部から先に離れる。これにより、図５（ａ）〜（ｃ）、図６（ａ）〜（ｃ）に示すように、ノズルキャップ３１は、搬送方向の上流側の端部（本発明の「ノズル配列方向における一方側の端部」）から下流側の端部（本発明の「ノズル配列方向における他方側の端部」）側に向かうほど、吐出面２１ａから遠ざかるように、吐出面２１ａに対して傾く。 On the other hand, when the cam 61 is rotated in the clockwise direction from the capping state shown in FIGS. 4A to 4C, the cap holder 63 descends by its own weight according to the profile of the cam 61, and the ejection surface 21a. Get away from. At this time, the nozzle cap 31 is biased upward by the coil spring 64, while the pivot shaft 66 contacts the ceiling portion of the support portion 67 of the cap holder 63 at the end portion of the nozzle cap 31 on the downstream side in the transport direction. Therefore, as the cap holder 63 descends, the nozzle cap 31 first separates from the end portion on the downstream side in the transport direction. As a result, as shown in FIGS. 5A to 5C and FIGS. 6A to 6C, the nozzle cap 31 has the upstream end portion in the transport direction (the one in the “nozzle arrangement direction” of the present invention. Side end portion)) toward the downstream end portion (“the other end portion in the nozzle arrangement direction” of the present invention) side, the tip is inclined with respect to the ejection surface 21a so as to be farther from the ejection surface 21a.

ここで、本実施の形態では、カム６１は、図４（ａ）〜（ｃ）のキャッピング状態での位置から、図５（ａ）〜（ｃ）に示すように角度α１だけ回転させた状態、及び、図６（ａ）〜（ｃ）に示すように角度α２（＞α１）だけ回転させた状態のうち、いずれかの状態に選択的にとることができるようになっている。そして、図５（ａ）〜（ｃ）の状態では、ノズルキャップ３１は、吐出面２１ａに対して角度β１（本発明の「第１角度」）だけ傾いた姿勢（本発明の「第１傾斜姿勢」）となる。一方、図６（ａ）〜（ｃ）の状態では、ノズルキャップ３１は、吐出面２１ａに対して角度β２（＞β１）（本発明の「第２角度」）だけ傾いた姿勢（本発明の「第２傾斜姿勢」）となる。 Here, in the present embodiment, the cam 61 is rotated from the position in the capping state of FIGS. 4A to 4C by the angle α1 as shown in FIGS. 5A to 5C. , And a state of being rotated by an angle α2 (>α1) as shown in FIGS. 6A to 6C, it is possible to selectively take one of the states. In the state of FIGS. 5A to 5C, the nozzle cap 31 is in a posture inclined by an angle β1 (“first angle” of the present invention) with respect to the ejection surface 21a (“first inclination of the present invention”). Posture"). On the other hand, in the state shown in FIGS. 6A to 6C, the nozzle cap 31 is in a posture inclined by an angle β2 (>β1) (the “second angle” of the present invention) with respect to the ejection surface 21a (the present invention). “Second tilt posture”).

図１に示すように、切換装置３２は、吸引口４６、４７及びチューブ５１ａ、５１ｂを介して、ノズルキャップ３１と接続されているともに、ノズルキャップ３１と反対側において、チューブ５２を介して吸引ポンプ３３と接続されている。切換装置３２は、吸引口４６とチューブ５１ａを介して、内側キャップ空間４１ａを、吸引ポンプ３３に連通された状態と、大気連通された状態との間で切り換える。また、切換装置３２は、吸引口４７とチューブ５１ｂを介して、空間４２ａ〜４４ａを、吸引ポンプ３３に連通された状態と、大気連通された状態との間で切り換える。 As shown in FIG. 1, the switching device 32 is connected to the nozzle cap 31 through the suction ports 46 and 47 and the tubes 51a and 51b, and suctions through the tube 52 on the side opposite to the nozzle cap 31. It is connected to the pump 33. The switching device 32 switches the inner cap space 41a between a state in which it is in communication with the suction pump 33 and a state in which it is in communication with the atmosphere via the suction port 46 and the tube 51a. In addition, the switching device 32 switches the spaces 42a to 44a between the state in which the spaces 42a to 44a are in communication with the suction pump 33 and the state in which they are in communication with the atmosphere via the suction port 47 and the tube 51b.

吸引ポンプ３３は、チューブポンプなどであり、図１に示すように、チューブ５２を介して切換装置３２に接続されているとともに、切換装置３２と反対側において、チューブ５３を介して廃液タンク３４に接続されている。廃液タンク３４は、後述のメンテナンス動作によって排出された廃インクを貯留する。 The suction pump 33 is a tube pump or the like, and as shown in FIG. 1, is connected to the switching device 32 via the tube 52, and on the opposite side of the switching device 32 to the waste liquid tank 34 via the tube 53. It is connected. The waste liquid tank 34 stores the waste ink discharged by the maintenance operation described later.

（制御装置）
次に、プリンタ１の動作を制御する制御装置１００について説明する。図７に示すように、制御装置１００は、ＣＰＵ（Central Processing Unit）１０１、ＲＯＭ（Read Only Memory）１０２、ＲＡＭ（Random Access Memory）１０３、ＡＳＩＣ（Application Specific Integrated Circuit）１０４などを備え、これらが協働して、キャリッジ２、圧電アクチュエータ２２、切換装置３２、吸引ポンプ３３、カム駆動モータ６２等の動作を制御する。これにより、プリンタ１では、上述の記録用紙Ｓへの印刷や、次に説明するメンテナンス動作等が行われる。なお、図６では、ＣＰＵ１０１を１つだけ図示しているが、制御装置１００は、ＣＰＵ１０１を１つだけ備え、この１つのＣＰＵ１０１が処理を一括して行うものであってもよいし、ＣＰＵ１０１を複数備え、これら複数のＣＰＵ１０１が処理を分担して行うものであってもよい。また、図６では、ＡＳＩＣ１０４を１つだけ図示しているが、制御装置１００は、ＡＳＩＣ１０４を１つだけ備え、この１つのＡＳＩＣ１０４が処理を一括して行うものであってもよいし、ＡＳＩＣ１０４を複数備え、これら複数のＡＳＩＣ１０４が処理を分担して行うものであってもよい。 (Control device)
Next, the control device 100 that controls the operation of the printer 1 will be described. As shown in FIG. 7, 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. Together, they control the operations of the carriage 2, the piezoelectric actuator 22, the switching device 32, the suction pump 33, the cam drive motor 62, and the like. As a result, the printer 1 performs printing on the above-described recording paper S, maintenance operation described below, and the like. Although only one CPU 101 is shown in FIG. 6, the control device 100 may be provided with only one CPU 101, and this one CPU 101 may collectively perform the processing. A plurality of CPUs 101 may be provided, and the plurality of CPUs 101 may share the processing. Although only one ASIC 104 is shown in FIG. 6, the control device 100 may be provided with only one ASIC 104, and this one ASIC 104 may collectively perform the processing. A plurality of ASICs 104 may be provided and the plurality of ASICs 104 may share the processing.

（メンテナンス動作）
次に、プリンタ１におけるメンテナンス動作について説明する。プリンタ１では、長期間使用されなかった場合などに、ノズル１０ａ〜１０ｃ内のインクが増粘してしまい、ノズル１０ａ〜１０ｃにおいてインクの吐出不良が生じることがある。そこで、プリンタ１では、定期的に、あるいは、ユーザによるプリンタ１の図示しない操作パネル等の操作に応じて、メンテナンス動作が行われる。図８、図９は、メンテナンス動作の流れを示すフローチャートである。 (Maintenance operation)
Next, the maintenance operation of the printer 1 will be described. In the printer 1, when the ink is not used for a long time, the ink in the nozzles 10a to 10c may increase in viscosity, and the ejection failure of the ink may occur in the nozzles 10a to 10c. Therefore, the printer 1 performs a maintenance operation periodically or in response to a user's operation of an operation panel or the like (not shown) of the printer 1. 8 and 9 are flowcharts showing the flow of the maintenance operation.

なお、以下では、「吸引口４６、４７を介して、内側キャップ空間４１ａ、及び、外側キャップ空間４２ａ、４３と連通空間４４ａとを合わせた空間（本発明の「結合空間」、以下、空間４２ａ〜４４ａとする）の両方を吸引ポンプ３３と連通させる」ことを、「内側キャップ空間４１ａと空間４２ａ〜４４ａの両方を、吸引ポンプ３１と連通させる」とする。また、「吸引口４６を介して、内側キャップ空間４１ａを吸引ポンプ３３と連通させ、且つ、吸引口４７を介して外側キャップ空間４２ａ、４３と連通空間４４ａとを合わせた空間（本発明の「結合空間」、以下、空間４２ａ〜４４ａとする）を大気連通させる」ことを、「内側キャップ空間４１ａを吸引ポンプ３３と連通させる」とすることがある。また、「吸引口４７を介して、空間４２ａ〜４４ａを吸引ポンプ３３と連通させ、且つ、吸引口４６を介して、内側キャップ空間４１ａを大気連通させる」ことを、「空間４２ａ〜４４ａを吸引ポンプ３３と連通させる」とすることがある。 In addition, in the following, "a space obtained by combining the inner cap space 41a and the outer cap spaces 42a and 43 and the communication space 44a via the suction ports 46 and 47 (the "combining space" of the present invention, hereinafter, the space 42a" .. to 44a) to communicate with the suction pump 33" is referred to as "to communicate both the inner cap space 41a and the spaces 42a to 44a with the suction pump 31". In addition, “a space in which the inner cap space 41a is communicated with the suction pump 33 through the suction port 46, and the outer cap spaces 42a and 43 and the communication space 44a are combined through the suction port 47 (“ "Communicating space", hereinafter referred to as spaces 42a to 44a) may be referred to as "communicating the inner cap space 41a with the suction pump 33". In addition, "to communicate the spaces 42a to 44a with the suction pump 33 via the suction port 47 and to communicate the inner cap space 41a with the atmosphere via the suction port 46" is "suction the spaces 42a to 44a. It is communicated with the pump 33."

図８に示すように、メンテナンス動作では、まず、吐出面２１ａがノズルキャップ３１と対向する位置までキャリッジ２を走査方向の右側に移動させる。そして、キャップ駆動機構６０によってノズルキャップ３１を上昇させることによりキャッピング状態にさせる（Ｓ１０１）。次に、切換装置３２により、内側キャップ空間４１ａを吸引ポンプ３３と連通させる（Ｓ１０２）。そして、この状態で吸引ポンプ３３を駆動させる（Ｓ１０３）。これにより、複数の内側ノズル１０ａからインクジェットヘッド３内のブラックインクが排出される。そして、所定のパージ時間Ｔｐ１が経過するまで吸引ポンプ３３の駆動を継続し（Ｓ１０４：ＮＯ）、パージ時間Ｔｐ１が経過したときに（Ｓ１０４：ＹＥＳ）、吸引ポンプ３３を停止させる（Ｓ１０５）。なお、本実施の形態では、上記Ｓ１０１〜Ｓ１０５の動作が、本発明の第１吸引パージに相当する。また、これらの動作のために制御装置１００が実行する処理が、本発明の第１吸引パージ処理に相当する。 As shown in FIG. 8, in the maintenance operation, first, the carriage 2 is moved to the right side in the scanning direction to a position where the ejection surface 21a faces the nozzle cap 31. Then, the cap driving mechanism 60 raises the nozzle cap 31 to bring it into the capping state (S101). Next, the inner cap space 41a is made to communicate with the suction pump 33 by the switching device 32 (S102). Then, the suction pump 33 is driven in this state (S103). As a result, the black ink in the inkjet head 3 is discharged from the plurality of inner nozzles 10a. Then, the suction pump 33 continues to be driven until the predetermined purge time Tp1 has passed (S104: NO), and when the purge time Tp1 has passed (S104: YES), the suction pump 33 is stopped (S105). In the present embodiment, the operations of S101 to S105 described above correspond to the first suction purge of the present invention. The processing executed by the control device 100 for these operations corresponds to the first suction purge processing of the present invention.

次に、キャッピング状態を維持したまま、切換装置３２により、空間４２ａ〜４４ａを吸引ポンプ３３と連通させる（Ｓ１０６）。そして、この状態で吸引ポンプ３３を駆動させる（Ｓ１０７）。これにより、複数の外側ノズル１０ｂ、１０ｃからインクジェットヘッド３内のカラーインクが排出される。そして、所定のパージ時間Ｔｐ２が経過するまで吸引ポンプ３３の駆動を継続し（Ｓ１０８：ＮＯ）、パージ時間Ｔｐ２が経過したときに（Ｓ１０８：ＹＥＳ）、吸引ポンプ３３を停止させる（Ｓ１０９）。ここで、パージ時間Ｔｐ２は、パージ時間Ｔｐ１と同じ長さであってもよいし、パージ時間Ｔｐ１と異なる長さであっていてもよい。なお、本実施の形態では、上記Ｓ１０１と、Ｓ１０６〜Ｓ１０９の動作が、本発明の第２吸引パージに相当する。また、これらの動作のために制御装置１００が実行する処理が本発明の第２吸引パージ処理に相当する。 Next, while maintaining the capping state, the switching device 32 allows the spaces 42a to 44a to communicate with the suction pump 33 (S106). Then, the suction pump 33 is driven in this state (S107). As a result, the color ink in the inkjet head 3 is discharged from the plurality of outer nozzles 10b and 10c. Then, the suction pump 33 continues to be driven until the predetermined purge time Tp2 has passed (S108: NO), and when the purge time Tp2 has passed (S108: YES), the suction pump 33 is stopped (S109). Here, the purge time Tp2 may be the same as the purge time Tp1 or may be different from the purge time Tp1. In the present embodiment, the operations of S101 and S106 to S109 described above correspond to the second suction purge of the present invention. Further, the processing executed by the control device 100 for these operations corresponds to the second suction purge processing of the present invention.

次に、図９に示すように、切換装置３２に、内側空間４１ａと空間４２ａ〜４４ａの両方を、吸引ポンプ３３と連通させる（Ｓ１１０）。また、キャップ駆動装置６０に、図５（ａ）、（ｂ）に示すように、ノズルキャップ３１を吐出面２１ａから離隔させつつ、吐出面２１ａに対して角度β１だけ傾けさせる（Ｓ１１１）。そして、この状態で吸引ポンプ３３を駆動させる（Ｓ１１２）。これにより、内側キャップ空間４１ａ及び空間４２ａ〜４４ａに溜まったインクが排出される。そして、所定の切換時間Ｔｃ１が経過するまで（本発明の「途中の時点までは」）、この状態を継続し（Ｓ１１３：ＮＯ）、切換時間Ｔｃ１が経過した後には（本発明の「途中の時点よりも後には」）（Ｓ１１３：ＹＥＳ）、図６（ａ）、（ｂ）に示すように、キャップ駆動装置６０に、ノズルキャップ３１を吐出面２１ａに対して角度β２（＞β１）だけ傾けさせる（Ｓ１１４）。ここで、切換時間Ｔｃ１は、内側キャップ空間４１ａに溜まったブラックインクが完全に排出されてしまうのに必要な時間Ｔａよりも短い時間である。例えば、吸引ポンプ３３によるインクの吸引量が０．３ｃｃ／ｓである場合、時間Ｔａは１２秒程度となる。そこで、この場合には、例えば、切換時間Ｔｃ１を３秒程度とする。そして、切換時間Ｔｃ１が経過した時点では、内側キャップ空間４１ａにブラックインクが残っている。また、外側キャップ空間４２ａ、４３ａと連通空間４４ａの容積の合計は、内側キャップ空間４１ａの容積よりも大きい。したがって、切換時間Ｔｃ１が経過した時点では、空間４２ａ〜４４ａにカラーインクが残っている。 Next, as shown in FIG. 9, both the inner space 41a and the spaces 42a to 44a are made to communicate with the suction pump 33 by the switching device 32 (S110). Further, as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the cap driving device 60 tilts the nozzle cap 31 from the ejection surface 21a by an angle β1 while separating it from the ejection surface 21a (S111). Then, the suction pump 33 is driven in this state (S112). As a result, the ink accumulated in the inner cap space 41a and the spaces 42a to 44a is discharged. Then, this state is continued until the predetermined switching time Tc1 elapses (“until midway point” of the present invention) (S113: NO), and after the switching time Tc1 elapses (“ After the time point") (S113: YES), as shown in FIGS. 6(a) and 6(b), the nozzle driving device 60 causes the nozzle cap 31 to form an angle β2 (>β1) with respect to the ejection surface 21a. It is tilted (S114). Here, the switching time Tc1 is shorter than the time Ta required for completely discharging the black ink accumulated in the inner cap space 41a. For example, when the suction amount of ink by the suction pump 33 is 0.3 cc/s, the time Ta is about 12 seconds. Therefore, in this case, for example, the switching time Tc1 is set to about 3 seconds. Then, when the switching time Tc1 has elapsed, the black ink remains in the inner cap space 41a. The total volume of the outer cap spaces 42a and 43a and the communication space 44a is larger than the volume of the inner cap space 41a. Therefore, when the switching time Tc1 has elapsed, the color ink remains in the spaces 42a to 44a.

そして、内側キャップ空間４１ａに溜まったブラックインクの排出が完了するまでこの状態を維持して（Ｓ１１５：ＮＯ）、内側キャップ空間４１ａと空間４２ａ〜４４ａに溜まったインクの排出を継続させる。そして、内側キャップ空間４１ａに溜まったブラックインクの排出が完了したときに（Ｓ１１５：ＹＥＳ）、吸引ポンプ３３を停止させ（Ｓ１１６）、切換装置３２に、空間４２ａ〜４４ａを吸引ポンプ３３と連通させる（Ｓ１１７）。そして、この状態で、吸引ポンプ３３を駆動させて（Ｓ１１８）、空間４２ａ〜４４ａに溜まった残りのカラーインクを排出させる。空間４２ａ〜４４ａに溜まったカラーインクの排出が完了するまでこの状態を維持し（Ｓ１１９：ＮＯ）、このカラーインクの排出が完了したときに（Ｓ１１９：ＹＥＳ）、吸引ポンプ３３を停止させて（Ｓ１２０）メンテナンス動作を終了する。なお、本実施の形態では、Ｓ１１０〜Ｓ１２０の動作が、本発明の第１空吸引に相当し、制御装置１００がこれらの動作を行わせるために実行する処理が、本発明の第１空吸引処理に相当する。 Then, this state is maintained until the discharge of the black ink stored in the inner cap space 41a is completed (S115: NO), and the discharge of the ink stored in the inner cap space 41a and the spaces 42a to 44a is continued. Then, when the discharge of the black ink accumulated in the inner cap space 41a is completed (S115: YES), the suction pump 33 is stopped (S116), and the switching device 32 communicates the spaces 42a to 44a with the suction pump 33. (S117). Then, in this state, the suction pump 33 is driven (S118) to discharge the remaining color ink accumulated in the spaces 42a to 44a. This state is maintained until the discharge of the color ink accumulated in the spaces 42a to 44a is completed (S119: NO), and when the discharge of the color ink is completed (S119: YES), the suction pump 33 is stopped ( S120) The maintenance operation is completed. In the present embodiment, the operations of S110 to S120 correspond to the first idle suction of the present invention, and the processing executed by the control device 100 to perform these operations is the first idle suction of the present invention. Corresponds to processing.

ここで、ノズルキャップ３１を吐出面２１ａから離したときには、ノズルキャップ３１と吐出面２１ａとに接触してこれらの間に保持されるインク（インクブリッジ）が形成される。本実施の形態では、ノズルキャップ３１を吐出面２１ａから離すときに、ノズルキャップ３１を、搬送方向の上流側から下流側に向かうほど、吐出面２１ａから遠ざけるように、吐出面２１ａに対して傾ける。そのため、上記インクは、ノズルキャップ３１と吐出面２１ａとの間隔が小さい搬送方向の上流側に寄せられる。そして、これに伴って、キャップ空間４１ａ〜４３ａに溜まったインクも、それぞれ、キャップ空間４１ａ〜４３ａの搬送方向の上流側に寄せられる。一方で、本実施の形態では、内側キャップ部４１の搬送方向の上流側の端部に吸引口４６が設けられ、２つの外側キャップ部４２、４３の搬送方向の上流側の端部に連結された連通部４４に吸引口４７が形成されている。したがって、Ｓ１１０〜Ｓ１２０の動作により、内側キャップ空間４１ａ及び空間４２ａ〜４４ａに溜まったインクを確実に排出させることができる。 Here, when the nozzle cap 31 is separated from the ejection surface 21a, ink (ink bridge) that contacts the nozzle cap 31 and the ejection surface 21a and is held between them is formed. In the present embodiment, when the nozzle cap 31 is separated from the ejection surface 21a, the nozzle cap 31 is tilted with respect to the ejection surface 21a so as to move away from the ejection surface 21a as it goes from the upstream side to the downstream side in the transport direction. .. Therefore, the ink is moved to the upstream side in the transport direction where the distance between the nozzle cap 31 and the ejection surface 21a is small. Along with this, the ink accumulated in the cap spaces 41a to 43a is also moved to the upstream side in the transport direction of the cap spaces 41a to 43a, respectively. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the suction port 46 is provided at the upstream end of the inner cap portion 41 in the transport direction, and is connected to the upstream end of the two outer cap portions 42, 43 in the transport direction. A suction port 47 is formed in the communicating portion 44. Therefore, the ink accumulated in the inner cap space 41a and the spaces 42a to 44a can be reliably discharged by the operations of S110 to S120.

このとき、内側キャップ空間４１ａ及び空間４２ａ〜４４ａに溜まったインクの排出性を高めるためには、キャップ空間４１ａ〜４３ａ内のインクを、できるだけ吸引口４６、４７に近い搬送方向の上流側に寄せることが好ましい。一方、ノズルキャップ３１の吐出面２１ａに対する傾斜を大きくするほど、キャップ空間４１ａ〜４３ａに溜まったインクを搬送方向の上流側に寄せることができる。 At this time, in order to improve the discharge property of the ink accumulated in the inner cap space 41a and the spaces 42a to 44a, the ink in the cap spaces 41a to 43a is moved to the upstream side in the transport direction as close to the suction ports 46 and 47 as possible. It is preferable. On the other hand, as the inclination of the nozzle cap 31 with respect to the ejection surface 21a is increased, the ink accumulated in the cap spaces 41a to 43a can be moved closer to the upstream side in the transport direction.

しかしながら、内側キャップ空間４１ａに溜まっているブラックインクの量が多いときに、ノズルキャップ３１を吐出面２１ａに対して大きく傾けると、内側キャップ空間４１ａに溜まったブラックインクが、リップ部３１ｃを越えて、連通部４４に流れ込み、空間４２ａ〜４４ａに溜まったカラーインクとの混色が生じてしまう。ここで、図３に示すように、リップ部３１ｃは、内側キャップ空間４１ａと連通空間４４ａとの間の部分において、内側キャップ空間４１ａと外側キャップ空間４２ａ、４３ａと間の部分よりも長さが短い。そのため、インクの表面張力が小さく、上述したような、内側キャップ空間４１ａから連通空間４４ａへのブラックインクの流れ込みは生じやすい。 However, when the nozzle cap 31 is largely tilted with respect to the ejection surface 21a when the amount of the black ink accumulated in the inner cap space 41a is large, the black ink accumulated in the inner cap space 41a exceeds the lip portion 31c. Then, the color mixture with the color inks flowing into the communication portion 44 and accumulated in the spaces 42a to 44a occurs. Here, as shown in FIG. 3, the lip portion 31c is longer in the portion between the inner cap space 41a and the communication space 44a than in the portion between the inner cap space 41a and the outer cap spaces 42a, 43a. short. Therefore, the surface tension of the ink is small, and the black ink easily flows into the communication space 44a from the inner cap space 41a as described above.

そこで、本実施の形態では、上述したように、まず、ノズルキャップ３１を吐出面２１ａに対して角度β１だけ傾けさせた状態で吸引ポンプ３３を駆動させて、内側キャップ空間４１ａ及び空間４２ａ〜４４ａに溜まったインクを排出させる（Ｓ１１０〜Ｓ１１３）。そして、内側キャップ空間４１ａに溜まったブラックインクの量が少なくなってから、ノズルキャップ３１の吐出面２１ａに対する傾斜角度を、角度β１から角度β２に増大させて、内側キャップ空間４１ａ及び空間４２ａ〜４４ａに溜まった残りのインクを排出させる（Ｓ１１４〜Ｓ１２０）。 Therefore, in the present embodiment, as described above, first, the suction pump 33 is driven in a state where the nozzle cap 31 is tilted by the angle β1 with respect to the ejection surface 21a, and the inner cap space 41a and the spaces 42a to 44a. The ink accumulated in is discharged (S110 to S113). Then, after the amount of black ink accumulated in the inner cap space 41a decreases, the inclination angle of the nozzle cap 31 with respect to the ejection surface 21a is increased from the angle β1 to the angle β2, and the inner cap space 41a and the spaces 42a to 44a. The remaining ink accumulated in is discharged (S114 to S120).

これにより、内側キャップ空間４１ａに溜まっているブラックインクの量が多いときに、内側キャップ空間４１ａから連通空間４４ａへのブラックインクの流れ込みを防止することができる。一方、内側キャップ空間４１ａに溜まっているブラックインクの量が少なくなったときには、キャップ空間４１ａ〜４３ａに溜まったインクをより搬送方向の上流側に寄せてインクの排出性を高くすることができる。上記のとおり、空間４２ａ〜４４ａの容積の合計は、内側キャップ空間４１ａの容積に比べて大きいが、これにより、空間４２ａ〜４４ａに溜まったカラーインクを効率よく排出させることができる。 Thereby, when the amount of black ink accumulated in the inner cap space 41a is large, it is possible to prevent the black ink from flowing from the inner cap space 41a into the communication space 44a. On the other hand, when the amount of the black ink accumulated in the inner cap space 41a becomes small, the ink accumulated in the cap spaces 41a to 43a can be moved closer to the upstream side in the transport direction to enhance the ink discharging property. As described above, although the total volume of the spaces 42a to 44a is larger than the volume of the inner cap space 41a, the color ink accumulated in the spaces 42a to 44a can be efficiently discharged.

また、本実施の形態では、連通部４４に吸引口４７が形成されている。したがって、Ｓ１０６〜Ｓ１０９のカラーインクについての吸引パージにおいて、複数の外側ノズル１０ｂ、１０ｃからインクジェットヘッド３内のインクを均等に排出させることができる。また、Ｓ１１０〜Ｓ１２０の空吸引において、外側キャップ空間４２ａ、４３ａから均等にカラーインクを排出させることができる。 Further, in the present embodiment, the suction port 47 is formed in the communication portion 44. Therefore, in the suction purge of the color inks in S106 to S109, the ink in the inkjet head 3 can be uniformly discharged from the plurality of outer nozzles 10b and 10c. In the empty suction of S110 to S120, the color ink can be evenly discharged from the outer cap spaces 42a and 43a.

次に、本実施の形態に種々の変更を加えた変形例について説明する。 Next, a modified example in which various changes are made to the present embodiment will be described.

上述の実施の形態では、内側キャップ空間４１ａにブラックインクが残っている途中の時点で、ノズルキャップ３１を吐出面２１ａに対する傾斜角度をβ１からβ２に増大させたが、これには限られない。 In the above-described embodiment, the inclination angle of the nozzle cap 31 with respect to the ejection surface 21a is increased from β1 to β2 when the black ink remains in the inner cap space 41a, but the invention is not limited to this.

変形例１では、図１０に示すように、吸引パージ（Ｓ１０１〜Ｓ１０９）の後、切換装置３２に、内側キャップ空間４１ａと空間４２ａ〜４４ａの両方を吸引ポンプ３３と連通させ（Ｓ２０１）、ノズルキャップ３１を吐出面２１ａに対してβ１だけ傾けたうえで（Ｓ２０２）吸引ポンプ３３を駆動させる（Ｓ２０３）。そして、内側キャップ空間４１ａに溜まったブラックインクの排出が完了するまで（例えば、上述の時間Ｔａ程度の時間が経過するまで）この状態を維持する（Ｓ２０４：ＮＯ）。 In the first modification, as shown in FIG. 10, after the suction purge (S101 to S109), the switching device 32 communicates both the inner cap space 41a and the spaces 42a to 44a with the suction pump 33 (S201), and the nozzles. The cap 31 is tilted by β1 with respect to the ejection surface 21a (S202), and then the suction pump 33 is driven (S203). Then, this state is maintained until the discharge of the black ink accumulated in the inner cap space 41a is completed (for example, until the time of the time Ta described above elapses) (S204: NO).

そして、内側キャップ空間４１ａに溜まったブラックインクの排出が完了したときに（Ｓ２０４：ＹＥＳ）、吸引ポンプ３３を停止させてから（Ｓ２０５）、切換装置３２に、空間４２ａ〜４４ａを吸引ポンプ３３と連通させ（Ｓ２０６）、キャップ駆動装置６０に、ノズルキャップ３１を吐出面２１ａに対する傾斜角度をβ１からβ２に増大させる（Ｓ２０７）。そして、この状態で、吸引ポンプ３３を駆動させる（Ｓ２０８）。空間４２ａ〜４４ａに溜まった残りのカラーインクの液体の排出が完了するまでこの状態を維持し（Ｓ２０９：ＮＯ）、このカラーインクの排出が完了したときに（Ｓ２０９：ＹＥＳ）、吸引ポンプ３３を停止させて（Ｓ２１０）、メンテナンス動作を終了する。 Then, when the discharge of the black ink accumulated in the inner cap space 41a is completed (S204: YES), the suction pump 33 is stopped (S205), and then the spaces 42a to 44a are set to the suction pump 33 in the switching device 32. The nozzle cap 31 is made to communicate with each other (S206), and the inclination angle of the nozzle cap 31 with respect to the ejection surface 21a is increased from β1 to β2 (S207). Then, in this state, the suction pump 33 is driven (S208). This state is maintained until the discharge of the liquid of the color ink remaining in the spaces 42a to 44a is completed (S209: NO), and when the discharge of the color ink is completed (S209: YES), the suction pump 33 is turned on. It is stopped (S210) and the maintenance operation is ended.

この場合には、内側キャップ空間４１ａに溜まったブラックインクの排出が完了してから、ノズルキャップ３１を吐出面２１ａに対する傾斜角度を増大させるため、内側キャップ空間４１ａから連通空間４４ａにブラックインクが流れ込んでしまうのをより確実に防止することができる。 In this case, the black ink flows from the inner cap space 41a into the communication space 44a in order to increase the inclination angle of the nozzle cap 31 with respect to the ejection surface 21a after the discharge of the black ink accumulated in the inner cap space 41a is completed. It is possible to more surely prevent the accidental occurrence.

なお、変形例１では、Ｓ２０１〜Ｓ２０５の動作が、本発明の第２空吸引に相当する。また、制御装置１００がこれらの動作を行わせるために実行する処理が、本発明の第２空吸引処理に相当する。また、Ｓ２０６〜Ｓ２１０の動作が、本発明の第３空吸引に相当する。また、制御装置１００がこれらの動作を行わせるために実行する処理が、本発明の第３空吸引処理に相当する。 In Modification 1, the operations of S201 to S205 correspond to the second idle suction of the present invention. Further, the process executed by the control device 100 to cause these operations corresponds to the second idle suction process of the present invention. The operation of S206 to S210 corresponds to the third idle suction of the present invention. The process executed by the control device 100 to perform these operations corresponds to the third idle suction process of the present invention.

また、上述の実施の形態や変形例１では、空吸引において、ノズルキャップ３１の吐出面２１ａに対する傾斜角度β１からβ２に変更させたがこれには限られない。 Further, in the above-described embodiment and the first modification, in the idle suction, the inclination angle β1 with respect to the ejection surface 21a of the nozzle cap 31 is changed from β1 to β2, but the invention is not limited to this.

変形例２では、図１１に示すように、吸引パージ（Ｓ１０１〜Ｓ１０９）の後、切換装置３２に、内側キャップ空間４１ａと空間４２ａ〜４４ａの両方を吸引ポンプ３３と連通させ（Ｓ３０１）、キャップ駆動装置６０に、ノズルキャップ３１を吐出面２１ａに対して傾けさせる（Ｓ３０２）。なお、このときの、ノズルキャップ３１を吐出面２１ａに対する傾斜角度は、例えば上述の角度β１など、キャップ空間４１ａから連通空間４４ａへのインクの流れ込みが生じない程度の角度である。そして、この状態で吸引ポンプ３３を速度Ｖ１で駆動させる（Ｓ３０３）。所定の切換時間Ｔｃ２だけ、この状態を維持し（Ｓ３０４：ＮＯ）、そして、切換時間Ｔｃ２が経過したときに（Ｓ３０４：ＹＥＳ）、吸引ポンプ３３の速度をＶ２（＞Ｖ１）に増速させる（Ｓ３０５）。ここで、切換時間Ｔｃ２は、吸引ポンプ３３を速度Ｖ１で駆動したときに、内側キャップ空間４１ａに溜まったブラックインクを完全に排出するのに必要な時間Ｔｂよりも短い時間である。例えば、吸引ポンプ３３を速度Ｖ１で駆動したときのインクの吸引量が０．３ｃｃ／ｓである場合、時間Ｔｂは１２秒程度となる。そこで、この場合には、例えば、切換時間Ｔｃ２を３秒程度とする。 In Modification 2, as shown in FIG. 11, after the suction purge (S101 to S109), the switching device 32 is caused to communicate both the inner cap space 41a and the spaces 42a to 44a with the suction pump 33 (S301), and the cap is closed. The drive device 60 tilts the nozzle cap 31 with respect to the ejection surface 21a (S302). The inclination angle of the nozzle cap 31 with respect to the ejection surface 21a at this time is an angle such as the above-described angle β1 at which ink does not flow from the cap space 41a into the communication space 44a. Then, in this state, the suction pump 33 is driven at the speed V1 (S303). This state is maintained for a predetermined switching time Tc2 (S304: NO), and when the switching time Tc2 has elapsed (S304: YES), the speed of the suction pump 33 is increased to V2 (>V1) ( S305). Here, the switching time Tc2 is a time shorter than the time Tb necessary to completely discharge the black ink accumulated in the inner cap space 41a when the suction pump 33 is driven at the speed V1. For example, when the suction amount of ink when the suction pump 33 is driven at the speed V1 is 0.3 cc/s, the time Tb is about 12 seconds. Therefore, in this case, for example, the switching time Tc2 is set to about 3 seconds.

そして、キャップ空間４１ａに溜まったブラックインクの排出が完了するまでこの状態を維持し（Ｓ３０６：ＮＯ）、このブラックインク排出が完了したときに（Ｓ３０４：ＹＥＳ）、吸引ポンプ３３を停止させてから（Ｓ３０７）、切換装置３２に、空間４２ａ〜４４ａを吸引ポンプ３３と連通させる（Ｓ３０８）。そして、この状態で、吸引ポンプ３３を速度Ｖ２で駆動させる（Ｓ３０９）。空間４２ａ〜４４ａに溜まった残りのカラーインクの液体の排出が完了するまでこの状態を維持し（Ｓ３１０：ＮＯ）、このカラーインクの排出が完了したときに（Ｓ３１０：ＹＥＳ）、吸引ポンプ３３を停止させて（Ｓ３１１）、メンテナンス動作を終了する。 Then, this state is maintained until the discharge of the black ink accumulated in the cap space 41a is completed (S306: NO), and when the discharge of the black ink is completed (S304: YES), the suction pump 33 is stopped. (S307), the switching device 32 communicates the spaces 42a to 44a with the suction pump 33 (S308). Then, in this state, the suction pump 33 is driven at the speed V2 (S309). This state is maintained until the discharge of the liquid of the color ink remaining in the spaces 42a to 44a is completed (S310: NO), and when the discharge of the color ink is completed (S310: YES), the suction pump 33 is turned on. The operation is stopped (S311), and the maintenance operation is ended.

なお、変形例２では、Ｓ３０１〜Ｓ３１１の動作が、本発明の第４空吸引に相当する。また、制御装置１００がこれらの動作を行わせるために実行する処理が、本発明の第４空吸引処理に相当する。 In Modification 2, the operations of S301 to S311 correspond to the fourth empty suction of the present invention. Further, the process executed by the control device 100 to cause these operations corresponds to the fourth idle suction process of the present invention.

変形例３では、図１２に示すように、吸引パージ（Ｓ１０１〜Ｓ１０９）の後、切換装置３２に、内側キャップ空間４１ａと空間４２ａ〜４４ａの両方を、吸引ポンプ３３と連通させる（Ｓ４０１）。また、キャップ駆動装置６０に、ノズルキャップ３１を吐出面２１ａに対して傾けさせる（Ｓ４０２）。なお、このときの、ノズルキャップ３１を吐出面２１ａに対する傾斜角度は、上記変形例２と同様である。そして、この状態で吸引ポンプ３３を速度Ｖ１で駆動させる（Ｓ４０３）。内側キャップ空間４１ａに溜まったブラックインクの排出が完了するまでこの状態を維持し（Ｓ４０４：ＮＯ）、このブラックインクの排出が完了したときに（Ｓ４０４：ＹＥＳ）、吸引ポンプ３３を停止させてから（Ｓ４０５）、切換装置３２に、空間４２ａ〜４４ａを吸引ポンプ３３と連通させる（Ｓ４０６）。そして、吸引ポンプ３３を速度Ｖ２（＞Ｖ１）で駆動させる（Ｓ４０７）。空間４２ａ〜４４ａに溜まった残りのカラーインクの液体の排出が完了するまでこの状態を維持し（Ｓ４０８：ＮＯ）、このカラーインクの排出が完了したときに（Ｓ４０８：ＹＥＳ）、吸引ポンプ３３を停止させて（Ｓ４０９）、メンテナンス動作を終了する。 In Modification 3, as shown in FIG. 12, after the suction purging (S101 to S109), the switching device 32 communicates both the inner cap space 41a and the spaces 42a to 44a with the suction pump 33 (S401). Further, the cap driving device 60 tilts the nozzle cap 31 with respect to the ejection surface 21a (S402). The inclination angle of the nozzle cap 31 with respect to the ejection surface 21a at this time is the same as that in the second modification. Then, in this state, the suction pump 33 is driven at the speed V1 (S403). This state is maintained until the discharge of the black ink accumulated in the inner cap space 41a is completed (S404: NO), and when the discharge of the black ink is completed (S404: YES), the suction pump 33 is stopped. (S405), the switching device 32 communicates the spaces 42a to 44a with the suction pump 33 (S406). Then, the suction pump 33 is driven at the speed V2 (>V1) (S407). This state is maintained until the discharge of the remaining color ink liquid accumulated in the spaces 42a to 44a is completed (S408: NO), and when the discharge of this color ink is completed (S408: YES), the suction pump 33 is turned on. The operation is stopped (S409) and the maintenance operation is ended.

なお、変形例３では、Ｓ４０１〜Ｓ４０５の動作が、本発明の第５空吸引に相当する。また、制御装置１００がこれらの動作を行わせるために実行する処理が、本発明の第５空吸引処理に相当する。また、変形例３では、S４０６〜Ｓ４０９の動作が、本発明の第６空吸引に相当する。また、制御装置１００がこれらの動作を行わせるために実行する処理が、本発明の第６空吸引処理に相当する。 In Modification 3, the operations of S401 to S405 correspond to the fifth idle suction of the present invention. Further, the processing executed by the control device 100 to cause these operations corresponds to the fifth idle suction processing of the present invention. In Modification 3, the operations of S406 to S409 correspond to the sixth idle suction of the present invention. Further, the processing executed by the control device 100 to cause these operations corresponds to the sixth idle suction processing of the present invention.

ここで、内側キャップ空間４１ａ及び空間４２ａ〜４４ａに溜まったインクを排出させるのにかかる時間を短縮する観点からは、吸引ポンプ３３をできるだけ速い速度で駆動させることが好ましい。しかしながら、ノズルキャップ３１を、搬送方向の上流側から下流側に向かうほど、吐出面２１ａから遠ざかるように傾けた場合、内側キャップ部４１の搬送方向の上流側の端部を形成する部分は、外側キャップ部４２、４３の搬送方向の上流側の端部及び連通部４４よりも、吐出面２１ａとの間隔が大きい。そして、ノズルキャップ３１と吐出面２１ａとの間に保持されるインクは、ノズルキャップ３１と吐出面２１ａとの間隔が大きくなるほど外力によって破壊されやすい。そのため、吸引ポンプ３３の駆動速度を速くしすぎると、内側キャップ部４１と吐出面２１ａとの間に保持されるインクが破壊されてしまう。その結果、内側キャップ空間４１ａに溜まったブラックインクが搬送方向の上流側に寄せられにくくなり、内側キャップ空間４１ａに溜まったブラックインクの排出性が悪くなる虞がある。 Here, from the viewpoint of shortening the time taken to discharge the ink accumulated in the inner cap space 41a and the spaces 42a to 44a, it is preferable to drive the suction pump 33 at a speed as high as possible. However, when the nozzle cap 31 is inclined so as to move away from the ejection surface 21a from the upstream side to the downstream side in the transport direction, the portion forming the upstream end of the inner cap portion 41 in the transport direction is located outside. The distance from the discharge surface 21a is larger than the upstream ends of the cap portions 42 and 43 in the transport direction and the communication portion 44. The ink held between the nozzle cap 31 and the ejection surface 21a is more likely to be destroyed by an external force as the distance between the nozzle cap 31 and the ejection surface 21a increases. Therefore, if the driving speed of the suction pump 33 is set too high, the ink held between the inner cap portion 41 and the ejection surface 21a will be destroyed. As a result, the black ink that has accumulated in the inner cap space 41a is less likely to be drawn to the upstream side in the transport direction, and the black ink that has accumulated in the inner cap space 41a may be less likely to be discharged.

そこで、変形例２、３では、まず、吸引ポンプ３３を比較的遅い速度Ｖ１で駆動させることにより、内側キャップ部４１と吐出面２１ａとの間に保持されるインクが破壊されないようにしつつ、内側キャップ空間４１ａ及び空間４２ａ〜４４ａに溜まったインクを排出させる。これにより、内側キャップ空間４１ａに溜まったブラックインクを確実に排出させることができる。そして、内側キャップ空間４１ａのブラックインクの量が少なくなってから、あるいは、内側キャップ空間４１ａのブラックインクがなくなってから、吸引ポンプ３３をより速い速度Ｖ２で駆動させる。これにより、空間４２ａ〜４４ａに溜まったカラーインクを効率よく排出させることができる。 Therefore, in Modifications 2 and 3, first, the suction pump 33 is driven at a relatively slow speed V1 to prevent the ink held between the inner cap portion 41 and the ejection surface 21a from being destroyed, and The ink accumulated in the cap space 41a and the spaces 42a to 44a is discharged. As a result, the black ink accumulated in the inner cap space 41a can be reliably discharged. Then, after the amount of black ink in the inner cap space 41a becomes small or the black ink in the inner cap space 41a runs out, the suction pump 33 is driven at a higher speed V2. As a result, the color ink accumulated in the spaces 42a to 44a can be efficiently discharged.

また、上述の実施の形態や変形例１〜３では、内側キャップ空間４１ａ及び空間４２ａ〜４４ａに溜まったインクを排出させる途中で、ノズルキャップ３１の吐出面２１ａに対する傾斜角度、及び、吸引ポンプ３３の速度のいずれか一方のみを変更したが、これには限られない。 Further, in the above-described embodiments and modifications 1 to 3, the inclination angle of the nozzle cap 31 with respect to the ejection surface 21a and the suction pump 33 are being discharged while the ink accumulated in the inner cap space 41a and the spaces 42a to 44a is being discharged. However, the speed is not limited to this.

例えば、ノズルキャップ３１の吐出面２１ａに対する傾斜角度、及び、吸引ポンプ３３の速度の両方を変更してもよい。この場合、内側キャップ空間４１ａに溜まったブラックインクの排出の途中の時点、又は、内側キャップ空間４１ａに溜まったブラックインクの排出が完了した時点で、ノズルキャップ３１の傾斜角度と吸引ポンプ３３の速度の両方を変更する。あるいは、内側キャップ空間４１ａに溜まったブラックインクの排出の途中の時点で、ノズルキャップ３１の傾斜角度と吸引ポンプ３３の速度のうちの一方を変更し、その後、内側キャップ空間４１ａに溜まったブラックインクの排出が完了した時点で、ノズルキャップ３１の傾斜角度と吸引ポンプ３３の速度のうちの他方を変更してもよい。 For example, both the inclination angle of the nozzle cap 31 with respect to the ejection surface 21a and the speed of the suction pump 33 may be changed. In this case, when the black ink accumulated in the inner cap space 41a is being discharged or when the black ink accumulated in the inner cap space 41a is completely discharged, the inclination angle of the nozzle cap 31 and the speed of the suction pump 33 are increased. Change both. Alternatively, one of the inclination angle of the nozzle cap 31 and the speed of the suction pump 33 is changed at a midpoint of discharging the black ink accumulated in the inner cap space 41a, and then the black ink accumulated in the inner cap space 41a is changed. At the time when the discharge of No. 1 is completed, the other of the inclination angle of the nozzle cap 31 and the speed of the suction pump 33 may be changed.

さらには、キャップ空間４１ａ〜４３ａ及び連通空間４４ａに溜まったインクを排出させるときのズルキャップ３１の吐出面２１ａに対する傾斜角度、及び、吸引ポンプ３３の速度を途中で変更せず一定としてもよい。 Further, the inclination angle of the slip cap 31 with respect to the ejection surface 21a when discharging the ink accumulated in the cap spaces 41a to 43a and the communication space 44a, and the speed of the suction pump 33 may be constant without being changed.

また、以上の例では、Ｓ１０１〜Ｓ１０９の吸引パージの後、内側キャップ空間４１ａに溜まったブラックインクの排出と、空間４２ａ〜４４ａに溜まったカラーインクの排出とを同時に行ったが、これには限られない。 Further, in the above example, after the suction purging in S101 to S109, the black ink accumulated in the inner cap space 41a and the color ink accumulated in the spaces 42a to 44a are simultaneously ejected. Not limited.

変形例４では、図１３に示すように、上述の実施の形態と同様の吸引パージ（Ｓ１０１〜Ｓ１０９）の後、切換装置３２に、内側キャップ空間４１ａを吸引ポンプ３３と連通させ（Ｓ５０１）、キャップ駆動装置６０に、ノズルキャップ３１を吐出面２１ａに対してβ１だけ傾けさせたうえで（Ｓ５０２）、吸引ポンプ３３を駆動させる（Ｓ５０３）。そして、内側キャップ空間４１ａに溜まったブラックインクの排出が完了するまでこの状態を維持する（Ｓ５０４：ＮＯ）。 In Modification 4, as shown in FIG. 13, after the suction purging (S101 to S109) similar to that of the above-described embodiment, the switching device 32 is caused to communicate the inner cap space 41a with the suction pump 33 (S501). The cap driving device 60 tilts the nozzle cap 31 with respect to the ejection surface 21a by β1 (S502), and then drives the suction pump 33 (S503). Then, this state is maintained until the discharge of the black ink accumulated in the inner cap space 41a is completed (S504: NO).

内側キャップ空間４１ａに溜まったブラックインクの排出が完了したとき（Ｓ５０４：ＹＥＳ）に、吸引ポンプ３３を停止させ（Ｓ５０５）、切換装置３２に、空間４２ａ〜４４ａを吸引ポンプ３３と連通させ（Ｓ５０６）、キャップ駆動装置６０に、ノズルキャップ３１を吐出面２１ａに対してβ２だけ傾けさせたうえで（Ｓ５０７）、吸引ポンプ３３を駆動させる（Ｓ５０８）。そして、空間４２ａ〜４４ａに溜まったカラーインクの排出が完了するまでこの状態を維持し（Ｓ５０９：ＮＯ）、空間４２ａ〜４４ａに溜まったカラーインクの排出が完了したときに（Ｓ５０９：ＹＥＳ）、吸引ポンプ３３を停止させて（Ｓ５１０）、メンテナンス動作を終了する。 When the discharge of the black ink accumulated in the inner cap space 41a is completed (S504: YES), the suction pump 33 is stopped (S505), and the switching devices 32 communicate the spaces 42a to 44a with the suction pump 33 (S506). ), the cap driving device 60 tilts the nozzle cap 31 by β2 with respect to the ejection surface 21a (S507), and then drives the suction pump 33 (S508). Then, this state is maintained until the discharge of the color ink accumulated in the spaces 42a to 44a is completed (S509: NO), and when the discharge of the color ink accumulated in the spaces 42a to 44a is completed (S509: YES), The suction pump 33 is stopped (S510), and the maintenance operation ends.

変形例４では、ノズルキャップ３１を吐出面２１ａに対してβ１だけ傾けさせた状態で、内側キャップ空間４１ａに溜まったブラックインクを排出させ、その後に、ノズルキャップ３１を吐出面２１ａに対する傾斜角度をβ１からβ２に増大させた状態で空間４２ａ〜４４ａに溜まったカラーインクを排出させている。これにより、内側キャップ空間４１ａに溜まったブラックインクが連通空間４４ａに流れ込むのを防止することができる。 In Modification 4, the black ink accumulated in the inner cap space 41a is discharged while the nozzle cap 31 is tilted by β1 with respect to the ejection surface 21a, and then the nozzle cap 31 is tilted with respect to the ejection surface 21a. The color ink accumulated in the spaces 42a to 44a is discharged while being increased from β1 to β2. This can prevent the black ink accumulated in the inner cap space 41a from flowing into the communication space 44a.

なお、変形例４では、Ｓ５０１〜Ｓ５０５の動作が、本発明の第８空吸引に相当し、制御装置１００がこれらの動作を行わせるために実行する処理が、本発明の第８空吸引処理に相当する。また、Ｓ５０６〜Ｓ５１０の動作が、本発明の第７空吸引に相当し、制御装置１００がこれらの動作を行わせるために実行する処理が、本発明の第７空吸引処理に相当する。 In Modification 4, the operations of S501 to S505 correspond to the eighth empty suction of the present invention, and the processing executed by the control device 100 to perform these operations is the eighth empty suction processing of the present invention. Equivalent to. The operations of S506 to S510 correspond to the seventh idle suction of the present invention, and the processing executed by the control device 100 to perform these operations corresponds to the seventh idle suction processing of the present invention.

また、変形例４では、内側キャップ空間４１ａに溜まったブラックインクを排出させた後に、空間４２ａ〜４４ａに溜まったカラーインクを排出させたが、これには限られない。空間４２ａ〜４４ａに溜まったカラーインクを排出させた後に、内側キャップ空間４１ａに溜まったブラックインクを排出させてもよい。 In Modification 4, the black ink stored in the inner cap space 41a is discharged, and then the color ink stored in the spaces 42a to 44a is discharged. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The black ink accumulated in the inner cap space 41a may be discharged after the color ink accumulated in the spaces 42a to 44a is discharged.

また、変形例４では、ブラックインクの吸引パージ及びカラーインクの吸引パージの両方を行った後に、内側キャップ空間４１ａに溜まったブラックインク、及び、空間４２ａ〜４４ａに溜まったカラーインクを順に排出させたが、これには限られない。 In Modification 4, after performing both the black ink suction purge and the color ink suction purge, the black ink accumulated in the inner cap space 41a and the color ink accumulated in the spaces 42a to 44a are sequentially discharged. However, it is not limited to this.

変形例５では、複数の内側ノズル１０ａからインクジェットヘッド３のブラックインクを排出させ、その後、内側キャップ空間４１ａに溜まったブラックインクを排出させる、ブラックインクについてのメンテナンス動作と、複数の外側ノズル１０ｂ、１０ｃからインクジェットヘッド３のカラーインクを排出させ、その後、空間４２ａ〜４４ａに溜まったカラーインクを排出させる、カラーインクについてのメンテナンス動作とを別々に行う。 In the fifth modification, the black ink of the inkjet head 3 is discharged from the plurality of inner nozzles 10a, and then the black ink accumulated in the inner cap space 41a is discharged, and the maintenance operation for the black ink and the plurality of outer nozzles 10b are performed. The maintenance operation for the color ink is performed separately, in which the color ink of the inkjet head 3 is discharged from 10c, and then the color ink accumulated in the spaces 42a to 44a is discharged.

より詳細に説明すると、変形例５のブラックインクについてのメンテナンス動作では、図１４（ａ）に示すように、上述の実施の形態のＳ１０１〜Ｓ１０５と同様にしてブラックインクについての吸引パージ（本発明の「第１吸引パージ」）を行う。続いて、変形例４のＳ５０２〜Ｓ５０５と同様にして、内側キャップ空間４１ａに溜まったブラックインクを排出させる（本発明の「第７空吸引」）。 More specifically, in the maintenance operation for the black ink of the modified example 5, as shown in FIG. 14A, the suction purge for the black ink is performed in the same manner as S101 to S105 of the above-described embodiment. "First suction purge"). Then, similarly to S502 to S505 of Modification 4, the black ink accumulated in the inner cap space 41a is discharged ("seventh empty suction" of the present invention).

一方、カラーインクについてのメンテナンス動作では、図１４（ｂ）に示すように、上述の実施の形態のＳ１０１、Ｓ１０６〜Ｓ１０９と同様にしてカラーインクについての吸引パージ（本発明の「第２吸引パージ」）を行う。続いて、変形例４のＳ５０７〜Ｓ５１０と同様にして、空間４２ａ〜４４ａに溜まったカラーインクを排出させる（本発明の「第８空吸引」）。 On the other hand, in the maintenance operation for the color ink, as shown in FIG. 14B, the suction purge for the color ink (the “second suction purge of the present invention” is performed in the same manner as in S101 and S106 to S109 of the above-described embodiment. ")I do. Subsequently, similarly to S507 to S510 of Modification 4, the color ink accumulated in the spaces 42a to 44a is discharged ("eighth empty suction" of the present invention).

また、上述の実施の形態では、外側キャップ部４２、４３と連通部４４とが走査方向に並んで配置されていたが、これには限られない。変形例６では、図１５に示すように、ノズルキャップ１３１において、内側キャップ部１４１と外側キャップ部１４２、１４３の搬送方向の長さがほぼ同じである。また、キャップ部１４１〜１４３の搬送方向における上流側に、連通部１４４が配置されている。そして、連通部１４４により形成される連通空間１４４ａが、走査方向に延びて、キャップ部１４２、１４３により形成されるキャップ空間１４２ａ、１４３ａの搬送方向における上流側の端部と連結され、キャップ空間１４２ａとキャップ空間１４３ａとを連通させている。なお、図１５では、キャップ駆動装置６０の図示を省略している。 Further, in the above-described embodiment, the outer cap portions 42, 43 and the communication portion 44 are arranged side by side in the scanning direction, but the invention is not limited to this. In the modified example 6, as shown in FIG. 15, in the nozzle cap 131, the inner cap portion 141 and the outer cap portions 142, 143 have substantially the same length in the transport direction. Further, the communication part 144 is arranged on the upstream side of the cap parts 141 to 143 in the transport direction. Then, the communication space 144a formed by the communication portion 144 extends in the scanning direction and is connected to the upstream end of the cap spaces 142a, 143a formed by the cap portions 142, 143 in the transport direction, and the cap space 142a. And the cap space 143a are communicated with each other. Note that the cap drive device 60 is not shown in FIG.

また、上述の実施の形態では、走査方向における２つの外側キャップ部４２と４３との間に、内側キャップ部４１が配置されていたが、これには限られない。インクジェットヘッドが複数のノズル１０ｂ、１０ｃのみを有し、ノズルキャップがキャップ部４２、４３と連通部４４のみを有していてもよい。 Further, in the above-described embodiment, the inner cap portion 41 is arranged between the two outer cap portions 42 and 43 in the scanning direction, but it is not limited to this. The inkjet head may have only the plurality of nozzles 10b and 10c, and the nozzle cap may have only the cap portions 42 and 43 and the communication portion 44.

また、キャップ駆動装置は、上述の実施の形態のものには限られない。キャップ駆動装置は、ノズルキャップ３１を吐出面２１ａから離す際に、ノズルキャップ３１を、搬送方向の上流側の端部から下流側の端部に向かうほど、吐出面２１ａから遠ざけるように傾けることができるものであれば、どのような構造のものであってもよい。 Further, the cap drive device is not limited to that of the above-described embodiment. When separating the nozzle cap 31 from the ejection surface 21a, the cap driving device may tilt the nozzle cap 31 so as to move away from the ejection surface 21a as it goes from the upstream end to the downstream end in the transport direction. Any structure may be used as long as it is possible.

また、上述の実施の形態では、内側ノズル１０ａからブラックインクが吐出され、外側ノズル１０ｂ、１０ｃからカラーインクが吐出されるようになっていたが、これには限られない。例えば、内側ノズル１０ａからカラーインクが吐出され、外側ノズル１０ｂ、１０ｃからブラックインクが吐出される等、ノズル１０ａ〜１０ｃのインクの種類は上述の実施の形態と異なっていてもよい。 Further, in the above-described embodiment, the black ink is ejected from the inner nozzle 10a and the color ink is ejected from the outer nozzles 10b and 10c, but the invention is not limited to this. For example, the color ink may be ejected from the inner nozzle 10a and the black ink may be ejected from the outer nozzles 10b and 10c. For example, the ink types of the nozzles 10a to 10c may be different from those in the above-described embodiment.

また、以上では、ノズルからインクを吐出するインクジェットヘッドを備えたインクジェットプリンタに本発明を適用した例について説明したが、これには限られない。インク以外の液体を吐出する液体吐出ヘッドを備えた、インクジェットプリンタ以外の液体吐出装置に本発明を適用することも可能である。 Further, although an example in which the present invention is applied to an inkjet printer including an inkjet head that ejects ink from nozzles has been described above, the present invention is not limited to this. The present invention can also be applied to a liquid ejection apparatus other than an inkjet printer, which is equipped with a liquid ejection head that ejects a liquid other than ink.

１プリンタ
３インクジェットヘッド
１０ａ〜１０ｃノズル
２１ａ吐出面
３１ノズルキャップ
３３吸引ポンプ
４１〜４３キャップ部
４１ａ〜４３ａキャップ空間
４４連通部
４４ａ連通空間
４６、４７吸引口
６０キャップ駆動装置
１００制御装置 1 Printer 3 Inkjet head 10a-10c Nozzle 21a Ejection surface 31 Nozzle cap 33 Suction pump 41-43 Cap part 41a-43a Cap space 44 Communication part 44a Communication space 46, 47 Suction port 60 Cap drive device 100 Control device

Claims

A plurality of first nozzles arranged in a predetermined nozzle arrangement direction, and a plurality of first nozzles arranged in the nozzle arrangement direction and arranged side by side with the plurality of first nozzles in an inter-row direction orthogonal to the nozzle arrangement direction. A liquid ejection head having two nozzles and an ejection surface on which the plurality of first nozzles and the plurality of second nozzles are formed;
A nozzle cap configured to come into contact with and separate from the ejection surface and cover the plurality of first nozzles and the plurality of second nozzles in a state of being in contact with the ejection surface;
A contacting/separating device that moves the nozzle cap to or from the discharge surface by moving at least one of the liquid discharge head and the nozzle cap;
A suction pump communicated with the nozzle cap,
The nozzle cap is
A first cap portion for forming a first cap space that covers the plurality of first nozzles in a state where the nozzle cap is in contact with the ejection surface;
A second cap portion for forming a second cap space, which is partitioned from the first cap space and covers the plurality of second nozzles, in a state where the nozzle cap is in contact with the ejection surface;
One end of the first cap space in the nozzle arranging direction extending in the inter-row direction and the nozzle cap being in contact with the ejection surface, and the second cap space in the nozzle arranging direction. A communication part that forms a communication space that connects the first cap space and the second cap space, the communication part being respectively connected to the one end portion;
A suction port provided in the communication section, which has a suction port for communicating with the suction pump,
When the contacting/separating device separates the nozzle cap from the ejection face, the contacting/separating device moves away from the ejection face from the one end to the other end in the nozzle arrangement direction. A liquid ejecting device characterized by tilting.

The liquid ejection head,
A plurality of third nozzles formed in a portion of the ejection surface located between the plurality of first nozzles and the plurality of second nozzles in the inter-row direction and arranged in the nozzle arrangement direction; Prepare,
The nozzle cap is formed in a state where the nozzle cap is in contact with the ejection surface, the is partitioned between the first cap space and the second cap space, a third cap space will covering the plurality of third nozzles, the Further comprising a third cap portion for
A first suction port as the suction port provided in the communication section;
A second suction port provided at the one end of the third cap portion in the nozzle arrangement direction,
The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the communication portion is arranged adjacent to the one side of the third cap portion in the nozzle arrangement direction.

A plurality of first nozzles arranged in a predetermined nozzle arrangement direction, and a plurality of first nozzles arranged in the nozzle arrangement direction and arranged side by side with the plurality of first nozzles in an inter-row direction orthogonal to the nozzle arrangement direction. Two nozzles, an ejection surface on which the plurality of first nozzles and the plurality of second nozzles are formed, the plurality of first nozzles and the plurality of second nozzles in the inter-row direction of the ejection surface A liquid discharge head having a plurality of third nozzles formed in a portion located between them and arranged in the nozzle arrangement direction;
A nozzle cap configured to come into contact with and separate from the ejection surface and cover the plurality of first nozzles and the plurality of second nozzles in a state of being in contact with the ejection surface;
A contacting/separating device that moves the nozzle cap to or from the discharge surface by moving at least one of the liquid discharge head and the nozzle cap;
A suction pump communicated with the nozzle cap,
The nozzle cap is
A first cap portion for forming a first cap space that covers the plurality of first nozzles in a state where the nozzle cap is in contact with the ejection surface;
A second cap portion for forming a second cap space, which is partitioned from the first cap space and covers the plurality of second nozzles, in a state where the nozzle cap is in contact with the ejection surface;
A third cap for forming a third cap space, which is partitioned from the first cap space and the second cap space and covers the plurality of third nozzles, in a state where the nozzle cap is in contact with the ejection surface. Department,
Said third cap portion, wherein disposed adjacent to one side of the nozzle array direction, extend in a direction between the rows, the nozzles of the first cap space in a state where the nozzle cap is in contact with the ejection surface end of the one side in the arrangement direction, and which are connected respectively to an end portion of the one side in the nozzle array direction of the second cap space, communicating with the first cap space and the second cap space A communication part forming a communication space,
A first suction provided on any one of the one end of the first cap portion in the nozzle arrangement direction, the one end of the second cap portion in the nozzle arrangement direction, and the communication portion. A first suction port for communicating with the suction pump,
A second suction port provided at an end portion of the one side of the third cap portion in the nozzle arrangement direction, the second suction port for communicating with the suction pump;
A coupling space combining the first cap space, the second cap space, and the communication space via at least one of the first suction port and the second suction port, and the third cap A switching device for switching at least one of the spaces so as to selectively communicate with the suction pump,
A control device for controlling the operations of the contacting/separating device, the suction pump, and the switching device,
When the contacting/separating device separates the nozzle cap from the ejection face, the contacting/separating device moves away from the ejection face from the one end to the other end in the nozzle arrangement direction. Of the first tilted posture in which the nozzle cap is tilted by a first angle with respect to the discharge surface and the second tilted posture is tilted by a second angle larger than the first angle with respect to the discharge surface , Configured to be selective to any posture,
The control device is
The nozzle cap is brought into contact with the discharge surface of the contacting/separating device, and the coupling space is communicated with the switching device via the first suction port, and then the suction pump is driven. A first suction purge process for performing a first suction purge for discharging the liquid in the liquid ejection head from the plurality of first nozzles and the plurality of second nozzles,
The nozzle cap is brought into contact with the ejection surface of the contacting/separating device, the switching device is connected to the third cap space via the second suction port, and then the suction pump is operated. A second suction purge process for performing a second suction purge for discharging the liquid in the liquid ejection head from the plurality of third nozzles by driving the second nozzle;
After both the first suction purge and the second suction purge are completed, the contacting/separating device separates the nozzle cap from the discharge surface, and the switching device includes the first suction port and the second suction purge. The liquid accumulated in the combined space and the third cap space are caused by driving both the combined space and the third cap space with the suction pump through the mouth and then driving the suction pump. A first idle suction process for performing the first idle suction for discharging the liquid accumulated in
In the first empty suction process,
Until the time when liquid remains in both the coupling space and the third cap space, the contacting/separating device causes the nozzle cap to be in the first inclined posture,
A liquid ejecting apparatus, characterized in that the nozzle cap is caused to be in the second inclined posture by the contacting/separating device after the point in the middle.

A plurality of first nozzles arranged in a predetermined nozzle arrangement direction, and a plurality of first nozzles arranged in the nozzle arrangement direction and arranged side by side with the plurality of first nozzles in an inter-row direction orthogonal to the nozzle arrangement direction. Two nozzles, an ejection surface on which the plurality of first nozzles and the plurality of second nozzles are formed, the plurality of first nozzles and the plurality of second nozzles in the inter-row direction of the ejection surface A liquid discharge head having a plurality of third nozzles formed in a portion located between them and arranged in the nozzle arrangement direction;
A nozzle cap configured to come into contact with and separate from the ejection surface and cover the plurality of first nozzles and the plurality of second nozzles in a state of being in contact with the ejection surface;
A contacting/separating device that moves the nozzle cap to or from the discharge surface by moving at least one of the liquid discharge head and the nozzle cap;
A suction pump communicated with the nozzle cap,
The nozzle cap is
A first cap portion for forming a first cap space that covers the plurality of first nozzles in a state where the nozzle cap is in contact with the ejection surface;
A second cap portion for forming a second cap space, which is partitioned from the first cap space and covers the plurality of second nozzles, in a state where the nozzle cap is in contact with the ejection surface;
A third cap for forming a third cap space, which is partitioned from the first cap space and the second cap space and covers the plurality of third nozzles, in a state where the nozzle cap is in contact with the ejection surface. Department,
Said third cap portion, wherein disposed adjacent to one side of the nozzle array direction, extend in a direction between the rows, the nozzles of the first cap space in a state where the nozzle cap is in contact with the ejection surface end of the one side in the arrangement direction, and which are connected respectively to an end portion of the one side in the nozzle array direction of the second cap space, communicating with the first cap space and the second cap space A communication part forming a communication space,
A first suction provided on any one of the one end of the first cap portion in the nozzle arrangement direction, the one end of the second cap portion in the nozzle arrangement direction, and the communication portion. A first suction port for communicating with the suction pump,
A second suction port provided at an end portion of the one side of the third cap portion in the nozzle arrangement direction, the second suction port for communicating with the suction pump;
A coupling space combining the first cap space, the second cap space, and the communication space via at least one of the first suction port and the second suction port, and the third cap A switching device for switching at least one of the spaces so as to selectively communicate with the suction pump,
A control device for controlling the operations of the contacting/separating device, the suction pump, and the switching device,
When the contacting/separating device separates the nozzle cap from the ejection face, the contacting/separating device moves away from the ejection face from the one end to the other end in the nozzle arrangement direction. Of the first tilted posture in which the nozzle cap is tilted by a first angle with respect to the discharge surface and the second tilted posture is tilted by a second angle larger than the first angle with respect to the discharge surface. , Configured to be selective to any posture,
The control device is
The nozzle cap is brought into contact with the discharge surface of the contacting/separating device, and the coupling space is communicated with the switching device via the first suction port, and then the suction pump is driven. A first suction purge process for performing a first suction purge for discharging the liquid in the liquid ejection head from the plurality of first nozzles and the plurality of second nozzles,
The nozzle cap is brought into contact with the discharge surface of the contacting/separating device, the third cap space is communicated with the suction pump via the second suction port of the switching device, and then the suction pump. A second suction purge process for causing the second suction purge to discharge the liquid in the liquid ejection head from the plurality of third nozzles by driving
After both the first suction purge and the second suction purge are completed, the contacting/separating device is caused to bring the nozzle cap into the first inclined posture, and the switching device is provided with the first suction port and the second suction port. The liquid accumulated in the coupling space and the third cap are caused by driving both the coupling space and the third cap portion with the suction pump via the suction port and then driving the suction pump. A second empty suction process for performing a second empty suction for discharging the liquid accumulated in the space;
When the liquid accumulated in the third cap portion is completely discharged by the second empty suction and the liquid remains in the coupling space, the contacting/separating device is caused to move the nozzle cap to the second inclined posture. , The switching device communicates the coupling space with the suction pump via the first suction port, and then drives the suction pump to discharge the remaining liquid accumulated in the coupling space. And a third empty suction process for performing a third empty suction.

A plurality of first nozzles arranged in a predetermined nozzle arrangement direction, and a plurality of first nozzles arranged in the nozzle arrangement direction and arranged side by side with the plurality of first nozzles in an inter-row direction orthogonal to the nozzle arrangement direction. Two nozzles, an ejection surface on which the plurality of first nozzles and the plurality of second nozzles are formed, the plurality of first nozzles and the plurality of second nozzles in the inter-row direction of the ejection surface A liquid discharge head having a plurality of third nozzles formed in a portion located between them and arranged in the nozzle arrangement direction;
A nozzle cap configured to come into contact with and separate from the ejection surface and cover the plurality of first nozzles and the plurality of second nozzles in a state of being in contact with the ejection surface;
A contacting/separating device that moves the nozzle cap to or from the discharge surface by moving at least one of the liquid discharge head and the nozzle cap;
A suction pump communicated with the nozzle cap,
The nozzle cap is
A first cap portion for forming a first cap space that covers the plurality of first nozzles in a state where the nozzle cap is in contact with the ejection surface;
A second cap portion for forming a second cap space, which is partitioned from the first cap space and covers the plurality of second nozzles, in a state where the nozzle cap is in contact with the ejection surface;
A third cap for forming a third cap space, which is partitioned from the first cap space and the second cap space and covers the plurality of third nozzles, in a state where the nozzle cap is in contact with the ejection surface. Department,
Said third cap portion, wherein disposed adjacent to one side of the nozzle array direction, extend in a direction between the rows, the nozzles of the first cap space in a state where the nozzle cap is in contact with the ejection surface end of the one side in the arrangement direction, and which are connected respectively to an end portion of the one side in the nozzle array direction of the second cap space, communicating with the first cap space and the second cap space A communication part forming a communication space,
A first suction provided on any one of the one end of the first cap portion in the nozzle arrangement direction, the one end of the second cap portion in the nozzle arrangement direction, and the communication portion. A first suction port for communicating with the suction pump,
A second suction port provided at an end portion of the one side of the third cap portion in the nozzle arrangement direction, the second suction port for communicating with the suction pump;
A coupling space combining the first cap space, the second cap space, and the communication space via at least one of the first suction port and the second suction port, and the third cap A switching device for switching at least one of the spaces so as to selectively communicate with the suction pump,
A control device for controlling the operations of the contacting/separating device, the suction pump, and the switching device,
When the contacting/separating device separates the nozzle cap from the ejection face, the contacting/separating device moves away from the ejection face from the one end to the other end in the nozzle arrangement direction. Cant
The control device is
The nozzle cap is brought into contact with the discharge surface of the contacting/separating device, and the coupling space is communicated with the switching device via the first suction port, and then the suction pump is driven. A first suction purge process for performing a first suction purge for discharging the liquid in the liquid ejection head from the plurality of first nozzles and the plurality of second nozzles,
The nozzle cap is brought into contact with the ejection surface of the contacting/separating device, the third cap space is communicated with the suction pump via the second suction port of the switching device, and then the suction pump is connected. A second suction purge process for causing the second suction purge to discharge the liquid in the liquid ejection head from the plurality of third nozzles by driving
After both the first suction purge and the second suction purge are completed, the contacting/separating device is caused to separate the nozzle cap from the ejection surface, and the switching device is caused to have the first suction port and the second suction purge. The liquid accumulated in the combined space and the third cap space are caused by driving both the combined space and the third cap space with the suction pump through the mouth and then driving the suction pump. A fourth empty suction process for performing a fourth empty suction for discharging the liquid accumulated in
In the fourth empty suction process,
Until the time when liquid remains in both the coupling space and the third cap space, the suction pump is driven at the first speed,
A liquid ejecting apparatus, characterized in that the suction pump is driven at a second speed that is higher than the first speed after the midpoint.

A plurality of first nozzles arranged in a predetermined nozzle arrangement direction, and a plurality of first nozzles arranged in the nozzle arrangement direction and arranged side by side with the plurality of first nozzles in an inter-row direction orthogonal to the nozzle arrangement direction. Two nozzles, an ejection surface on which the plurality of first nozzles and the plurality of second nozzles are formed, the plurality of first nozzles and the plurality of second nozzles in the inter-row direction of the ejection surface A liquid discharge head having a plurality of third nozzles formed in a portion located between them and arranged in the nozzle arrangement direction;
A nozzle cap configured to come into contact with and separate from the ejection surface and cover the plurality of first nozzles and the plurality of second nozzles in a state of being in contact with the ejection surface;
A contacting/separating device that moves the nozzle cap to or from the discharge surface by moving at least one of the liquid discharge head and the nozzle cap;
A suction pump communicated with the nozzle cap,
The nozzle cap is
A first cap portion for forming a first cap space that covers the plurality of first nozzles in a state where the nozzle cap is in contact with the ejection surface;
A second cap portion for forming a second cap space, which is partitioned from the first cap space and covers the plurality of second nozzles, in a state where the nozzle cap is in contact with the ejection surface;
A third cap for forming a third cap space, which is partitioned from the first cap space and the second cap space and covers the plurality of third nozzles, in a state where the nozzle cap is in contact with the ejection surface. Department,
Said third cap portion, wherein disposed adjacent to one side of the nozzle array direction, extend in a direction between the rows, the nozzles of the first cap space in a state where the nozzle cap is in contact with the ejection surface end of the one side in the arrangement direction, and which are connected respectively to an end portion of the one side in the nozzle array direction of the second cap space, communicating with the first cap space and the second cap space A communication part forming a communication space,
A first suction provided on any one of the one end of the first cap portion in the nozzle arrangement direction, the one end of the second cap portion in the nozzle arrangement direction, and the communication portion. A first suction port for communicating with the suction pump,
A second suction port provided at an end portion of the one side of the third cap portion in the nozzle arrangement direction, the second suction port for communicating with the suction pump;
A coupling space combining the first cap space, the second cap space, and the communication space via at least one of the first suction port and the second suction port, and the third cap A switching device for switching at least one of the spaces so as to selectively communicate with the suction pump,
A control device for controlling the operations of the contacting/separating device, the suction pump, and the switching device,
When the contacting/separating device separates the nozzle cap from the ejection face, the contacting/separating device moves away from the ejection face from the one end to the other end in the nozzle arrangement direction. Cant
The control device is
The nozzle cap is brought into contact with the discharge surface of the contacting/separating device, and the coupling space is communicated with the switching device via the first suction port, and then the suction pump is driven. A first suction purge process for performing a first suction purge for discharging the liquid in the liquid ejection head from the plurality of first nozzles and the plurality of second nozzles,
The nozzle cap is brought into contact with the discharge surface of the contacting/separating device, the third cap space is communicated with the suction pump via the second suction port of the switching device, and then the suction pump. A second suction purge process for causing the second suction purge to discharge the liquid in the liquid ejection head from the plurality of third nozzles by driving
After both the first suction purge and the second suction purge are completed, the contacting/separating device is caused to separate the nozzle cap from the ejection surface, and the switching device is caused to have the first suction port and the second suction purge. Both the coupling space and the third cap space are communicated with the suction pump via a mouth, and then the suction pump is driven at a first speed, whereby the liquid accumulated in the coupling space, A fifth empty suction process for performing a fifth empty suction for discharging the liquid accumulated in the third cap space,
When the liquid accumulated in the third cap space is completed by the fifth empty suction and the liquid remains in the coupling space, the contacting/separating device keeps the nozzle cap separated from the ejection surface. , The switching device communicates the coupling space with the suction pump via the first suction port, and then drives the suction pump at a second speed higher than the first speed, And a sixth idle suction process for performing a sixth idle suction for discharging the remaining liquid accumulated in the combined space.

A plurality of first nozzles arranged in a predetermined nozzle arrangement direction, and a plurality of first nozzles arranged in the nozzle arrangement direction and arranged side by side with the plurality of first nozzles in an inter-row direction orthogonal to the nozzle arrangement direction. Two nozzles, an ejection surface on which the plurality of first nozzles and the plurality of second nozzles are formed, the plurality of first nozzles and the plurality of second nozzles in the inter-row direction of the ejection surface A liquid discharge head having a plurality of third nozzles formed in a portion located between them and arranged in the nozzle arrangement direction;
A nozzle cap configured to come into contact with and separate from the ejection surface and cover the plurality of first nozzles and the plurality of second nozzles in a state of being in contact with the ejection surface;
A contacting/separating device that moves the nozzle cap to or from the discharge surface by moving at least one of the liquid discharge head and the nozzle cap;
A suction pump communicated with the nozzle cap,
The nozzle cap is
A first cap portion for forming a first cap space that covers the plurality of first nozzles in a state where the nozzle cap is in contact with the ejection surface;
A second cap portion for forming a second cap space, which is partitioned from the first cap space and covers the plurality of second nozzles, in a state where the nozzle cap is in contact with the ejection surface;
A third cap for forming a third cap space, which is partitioned from the first cap space and the second cap space and covers the plurality of third nozzles, in a state where the nozzle cap is in contact with the ejection surface. Department,
Said third cap portion, wherein disposed adjacent to one side of the nozzle array direction, extend in a direction between the rows, the nozzles of the first cap space in a state where the nozzle cap is in contact with the ejection surface end of the one side in the arrangement direction, and which are connected respectively to an end portion of the one side in the nozzle array direction of the second cap space, communicating with the first cap space and the second cap space A communication part forming a communication space,
A first suction provided on any one of the one end of the first cap portion in the nozzle arrangement direction, the one end of the second cap portion in the nozzle arrangement direction, and the communication portion. A first suction port for communicating with the suction pump,
A second suction port provided at an end portion of the one side of the third cap portion in the nozzle arrangement direction, the second suction port for communicating with the suction pump;
A coupling space combining the first cap space, the second cap space, and the communication space via at least one of the first suction port and the second suction port, and the third cap A switching device for switching at least one of the spaces so as to selectively communicate with the suction pump,
A control device for controlling the operations of the contacting/separating device, the suction pump, and the switching device,
When the contacting/separating device separates the nozzle cap from the ejection face, the contacting/separating device moves away from the ejection face from the one end to the other end in the nozzle arrangement direction. A first tilted posture in which the nozzle cap is tilted by a first angle with respect to the discharge surface when tilting and separating the nozzle cap from the discharge surface; It is configured so that it can be selectively made to any one of the second tilted postures inclined by the second angle,
The control device is
The nozzle cap is brought into contact with the discharge surface of the contacting/separating device, and the coupling space is communicated with the switching device via the first suction port, and then the suction pump is driven. A first suction purge process for performing a first suction purge for discharging the liquid in the liquid ejection head from the plurality of first nozzles and the plurality of second nozzles,
The nozzle cap is brought into contact with the discharge surface of the contacting/separating device, the third cap space is communicated with the suction pump via the second suction port of the switching device, and then the suction pump. A second suction purge process for causing the second suction purge to discharge the liquid in the liquid ejection head from the plurality of third nozzles by driving
After the first suction purge is completed, the contacting/separating device is caused to bring the nozzle cap into the second inclined posture, and the switching device is configured to connect the coupling space to the suction pump via the first suction port. A seventh empty suction process for performing a seventh empty suction for discharging the liquid accumulated in the coupling space by driving the suction pump after communicating with each other,
After the second suction purge is completed, the contacting/separating device is caused to bring the nozzle cap into the first inclined posture, and the switching device is caused to suck the third cap space through the second suction port. Performing an eighth empty suction process for performing an eighth empty suction for discharging the liquid accumulated in the third cap space by driving the suction pump after communicating with the pump. A liquid discharge device characterized by the above.

The control device is
The first suction purge process and the second suction purge process are continuously executed,
After completing both the first suction purge and the second suction purge, the eighth empty suction process is executed,
The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the seventh empty suction process is performed after the eighth empty suction is completed.

A plurality of first nozzles arranged in a predetermined nozzle arrangement direction, and a plurality of first nozzles arranged in the nozzle arrangement direction and arranged side by side with the plurality of first nozzles in an inter-row direction orthogonal to the nozzle arrangement direction. A liquid ejection head having two nozzles and an ejection surface on which the plurality of first nozzles and the plurality of second nozzles are formed;
A nozzle cap configured to come into contact with and separate from the ejection surface and cover the plurality of first nozzles and the plurality of second nozzles in a state of being in contact with the ejection surface;
A contacting/separating device that moves the nozzle cap to or from the discharge surface by moving at least one of the liquid discharge head and the nozzle cap;
A suction pump communicated with the nozzle cap,
The nozzle cap is
A first cap portion for forming a first cap space that covers the plurality of first nozzles in a state where the nozzle cap is in contact with the ejection surface;
A second cap portion for forming a second cap space, which is partitioned from the first cap space and covers the plurality of second nozzles, in a state where the nozzle cap is in contact with the ejection surface;
One end of the first cap space in the nozzle arranging direction extending in the inter-row direction and the nozzle cap being in contact with the ejection surface, and the second cap space in the nozzle arranging direction. A communication part that forms a communication space that connects the first cap space and the second cap space, the communication part being respectively connected to the one end portion;
With a suction port provided on one of the one end of the first cap portion in the nozzle arrangement direction, the one end of the second cap portion in the nozzle arrangement direction, and the communication portion. And has a suction port for communicating with the suction pump,
The other end of the first cap portion in the nozzle arrangement direction and the other end of the second cap portion in the nozzle arrangement direction are not connected,
When the nozzle cap is separated from the ejection surface, the contacting/separating device further separates the nozzle cap from the ejection surface from the one end to the other end in the nozzle arrangement direction. A liquid ejecting apparatus, which is tilted to.