JP2006123499A - Liquid ejection apparatus and timer cleaning method for the same - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a liquid ejection apparatus or the like capable of executing an optimum timer cleaning without measuring temperature and humidity by feeding back a result of the timer cleaning. <P>SOLUTION: The liquid ejection apparatus is provided with a timer cleaning result recording means 72 for recording at least two among the number of times of timer cleaning for each discharge mode by a timer cleaning means 76, the number of times of successful timer cleaning by the timer cleaning means, and the number of times of failed timer cleaning by the timer cleaning means; and a timer cleaning evaluating means or the like for calculating the success rate of the timer cleaning or the failure rate of the timer cleaning based on at least two among the number of timer cleaning, the number of successful timer cleaning, and the number of failed timer cleaning, all recorded by the timer cleaning result recording means 72. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a liquid ejecting apparatus that ejects liquid and a timer cleaning method for the liquid ejecting apparatus.

As a liquid ejecting apparatus that ejects liquid onto a target, there is an ink jet recording apparatus that performs printing by ejecting ink droplets from a recording head onto a recording medium. This ink jet recording apparatus records images such as desired characters and figures by ejecting minute ink droplets from a nozzle of a recording head onto a recording medium.
However, for example, when ink is not ejected from the nozzles for a long time in an environment with low humidity, the viscosity of the ink in the recording head increases. May not be ejected, resulting in ejection failure such as occurrence of a portion where an image is not recorded (hereinafter referred to as dot missing).
Therefore, in the ink jet recording apparatus, the ink is automatically ejected from the nozzle in order to eliminate the ejection failure automatically based on the elapsed time and the temperature / humidity from the time when the ink was ejected most recently from the nozzle. Some include a mechanism for performing processing for removing thickened ink (hereinafter referred to as timer cleaning) (for example, Patent Document 1).
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-146993 (FIG. 2 etc.)

However, in the above-described prior art, it is necessary to provide a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor, which increases the manufacturing cost. In addition, when a sub power source for measuring temperature and humidity when the main power source is cut off is provided, the cost of the sub power source and the power consumption increase.
In addition, there is a problem that the timer cleaning is performed under a condition that the timer cleaning is likely to be unsuccessful, and ink is consumed wastefully.
Furthermore, even if a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor are provided, there are infinite combinations of changes in temperature and humidity within the elapsed time, so it is extremely difficult to select an optimal timer cleaning. Therefore, it is conceivable to select timer cleaning according to the elapsed time without having a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor. Here, since the temperature and humidity conditions are not known, the timer cleaning is performed so as to remove the thickened ink under the worst conditions considered from the usage environment, for example, at a high temperature and low humidity of 40 degrees Celsius (° C.) and 10 percent (%) humidity. The parameter is generally set. In this case, when the actual use environment is a low temperature and high humidity state such as 10 degrees Celsius (° C.) and humidity of 80 percent (%), the ink hardly thickens, and timer cleaning is performed wastefully.

  Accordingly, the present invention provides a liquid ejecting apparatus and a timer cleaning method for a liquid ejecting apparatus, which can solve the above-mentioned problems and can perform optimum timer cleaning without measuring temperature and humidity by feeding back the result of timer cleaning. It is intended to provide.

  In the present invention, the above-described object is provided by a liquid ejecting head that ejects liquid, a plurality of discharge modes in which the liquid is discharged from a nozzle opening of the liquid ejecting head, and at least each of the discharge modes. Timer cleaning condition storing means for storing a timer cleaning condition including an application time range defined by an application start time, time measuring means for measuring an elapsed time from a reference time, and the plurality of discharge modes based on the elapsed time A timer cleaning unit that performs timer cleaning of the liquid ejecting head by selecting one of the ejecting modes and executing ejection of the liquid, and ejection in which the liquid is not ejected normally from the liquid ejecting head An ejection failure detection means for detecting a failure, and each discharge mode by the timer cleaning means. Timer cleaning result recording means for recording at least two of the number of times of timer cleaning, the number of times that the timer cleaning by the timer cleaning means has succeeded, and the number of times that the timer cleaning by the timer cleaning means has failed, A timer cleaning success rate or a timer cleaning failure based on at least two of the number of times of timer cleaning, the number of times of successful timer cleaning, and the number of times of failure of timer cleaning recorded by the timer cleaning result recording means Timer cleaning evaluation means for calculating a rate, and timer cleaning condition changing means for changing the timer cleaning condition based on the timer cleaning success rate or the timer cleaning failure rate. The liquid-jet apparatus characterized by, is achieved.

With such a configuration, since the liquid ejecting apparatus can calculate the timer cleaning success rate, when the timer cleaning success rate is low, the timer cleaning condition is changed, for example, each discharge mode It is possible to control such as increasing the amount of discharge.
Thereby, the optimum timer cleaning can be performed without measuring the temperature and humidity by feeding back the result of the timer cleaning.

  In the present invention, the timer cleaning condition changing unit may change the timer cleaning condition when the timer cleaning success rate of each discharge mode is outside a success rate allowable range or when the timer cleaning failure rate of each discharge mode is Is outside the failure rate tolerance range, the timer cleaning success rate or the timer cleaning failure rate corresponding to the timer cleaning failure rate that is outside the success rate tolerance range or outside the failure rate tolerance range is determined. It is desirable that the configuration be increased.

By configuring in this way, when the timer cleaning success rate is outside the success rate allowable range or when the timer cleaning failure rate of each discharge mode is outside the failure rate allowable range, the discharge amount is set. Therefore, the timer cleaning success rate can be increased or the timer cleaning failure rate can be decreased. As a result, the unsuccessful timer cleaning can be prevented, and the liquid can be consumed wastefully. It can be avoided.
Further, since the cleaning condition is changed according to the timer cleaning success rate as described above, the basic discharge mode may be small, for example, three. For this reason, the storage capacity for the liquid ejecting apparatus to store the cleaning condition is sufficient.

  In the present invention, the timer cleaning condition changing means may change the timer cleaning condition when the timer cleaning success rate of each discharge mode is within a success rate allowable range or the timer cleaning failure rate of each discharge mode. Is within the failure rate allowable range, it is desirable that the discharge amount of each discharge mode within the success rate allowable range or the failure rate allowable range is reduced.

  With this configuration, when the timer cleaning success rate is within the success rate allowable range, or when the timer cleaning failure rate of each of the discharge modes is within the failure rate allowable range, the discharge amount is set as follows. Therefore, the timer cleaning can be successful while saving the liquid.

  In the present invention, the timer cleaning condition includes the application time range of the preceding discharge mode, which is the discharge mode in which the amount of liquid discharged is small, and the elapsed time from the reference time when the application time range is the reference discharge mode. And the application time range of the subsequent discharge mode, which is the subsequent discharge mode in which the liquid discharge amount is greater than that of the preceding discharge mode, and the timer cleaning condition changing means is As a change of the timer cleaning condition, when the timer cleaning success rate of the preceding discharge mode is outside the allowable success rate range or when the timer cleaning failure rate of the preceding discharge mode is outside the allowable failure rate range, The boundary time between the application time ranges of the preceding discharge mode and the subsequent discharge mode is set shorter than the reference time. It is preferable that a structure be modified to become.

By configuring in this way, when the success rate of the timer cleaning in the preceding discharge mode is out of the success rate allowable range or when the timer cleaning failure rate of the preceding discharge mode is out of the failure rate allowable range. Changes the boundary time so that the elapsed time from the reference time becomes shorter. This means that the application start time of the subsequent discharge mode in which the liquid discharge amount is larger than that of the preceding discharge mode is advanced with reference to the reference time.
For this reason, the success rate of the timer cleaning can be increased. As a result, the timer cleaning that is not successful can be prevented in advance, and the waste of the liquid can be avoided.

In the present invention, the timer cleaning condition includes the application time range of the preceding discharge mode, which is the discharge mode in which the amount of liquid discharged is small, and the elapsed time from the reference time when the application time range is the reference discharge mode. And the application time range of the subsequent discharge mode, which is the discharge mode after the liquid discharge amount is larger than the preceding discharge mode, is set to be continuous,
The timer cleaning condition changing means may change the timer cleaning condition when the timer cleaning success rate in the preceding discharge mode is within a success rate allowable range or when the timer cleaning failure rate in the preceding discharge mode is an allowable failure rate. When it is within the range, it is desirable that the boundary time is changed so that the elapsed time from the reference time becomes longer.

With this configuration, when the success rate of the timer cleaning in the preceding discharge mode is within the success rate allowable range, or when the timer cleaning failure rate of the preceding discharge mode is within the allowable failure rate range The boundary time is changed so that the elapsed time from the reference time becomes longer. This means that the application time range of the preceding discharge mode becomes longer, and the application start time of the subsequent discharge mode in which the liquid discharge amount is larger than the preceding discharge mode is delayed with respect to the reference time. To do.
For this reason, the timer cleaning can be successful while saving the liquid.

  In the present invention, there is provided timer cleaning success rate comparison means for comparing the timer cleaning success rate before the change of the timer cleaning condition and the timer cleaning success rate for each of the discharge modes after the change of the timer cleaning condition. The timer cleaning condition changing means is configured to maintain the timer cleaning condition after changing the timer cleaning based on the comparison result, or to change the timer cleaning condition before changing the timer cleaning. It is desirable.

  With this configuration, the validity of the change in the timer cleaning is verified. For example, when the success rate of the timer cleaning decreases, the timer cleaning can be returned to the original timer cleaning condition.

  In the present invention, there is provided timer cleaning failure rate comparison means for comparing the timer cleaning failure rate before the change of the timer cleaning condition and the timer cleaning failure rate for each of the discharge modes after the change of the timer cleaning condition. The timer cleaning condition changing means is configured to maintain the timer cleaning condition after changing the timer cleaning based on the comparison result, or to change the timer cleaning condition before changing the timer cleaning. It is desirable.

  With this configuration, the validity of the timer cleaning change is verified, and for example, when the failure rate of the timer cleaning increases, the timer cleaning can be returned to the original timer cleaning condition.

  In the present invention, the timer cleaning result recording means is a part of the application time range of each of the discharge modes, and the limited time range including the application end time for each of the discharge modes by the timer cleaning means. It is desirable to record at least two of the number of timer cleanings, the number of times the timer cleaning by the timer cleaning unit has succeeded, and the number of times the timer cleaning by the timer cleaning unit has failed.

With this configuration, the timer cleaning evaluation unit is configured to perform the timer cleaning based on the number of times of timer cleaning for each of the discharge modes by the timer cleaning unit in the limited time range that is in the vicinity of the boundary time. The success rate of cleaning or the failure rate of the timer cleaning can be calculated.
Thereby, the validity of the boundary time can be determined more efficiently.

  In the present invention, the timer cleaning result recording means is a part of the application time range of the preceding discharge mode and includes a preceding limited time range including an application end time, and one of the application time ranges of the subsequent discharge mode. The number of times of timer cleaning for each of the discharge modes by the timer cleaning means, the number of times the timer cleaning by the timer cleaning means has succeeded, and the subsequent limited time range including the application start time, and The timer cleaning unit is configured to record at least two of the number of times that the timer cleaning has failed, and the timer cleaning condition changing unit is configured to perform the timer cleaning success rate in the preceding discharge mode and the subsequent discharge mode. Or based on the timer cleaning failure rate. There are, it is preferable that a structure for changing the timer cleaning conditions.

  With this configuration, the timer cleaning condition changing unit changes the timer cleaning condition based on the timer cleaning success rate or the timer cleaning failure rate in both the preceding discharge mode and the subsequent discharge mode. Therefore, the timer cleaning condition can be changed more finely and appropriately.

  According to the present invention, the object is to at least start applying a liquid ejecting head that ejects liquid, a plurality of ejection modes in which the liquid is ejected from a nozzle opening of the liquid ejecting head, and different ejection modes. A timer cleaning condition storing means for storing a timer cleaning condition including an application time range defined by time; a time measuring means for measuring an elapsed time from a reference time; and a plurality of discharge modes based on the elapsed time. And a timer cleaning unit that performs timer cleaning of the liquid ejecting head by selecting one of the ejection modes and executing the liquid ejection, so that the liquid is ejected normally from the liquid ejecting head. An ejection failure detection step for detecting an ejection failure that is not performed, and the liquid ejection device includes the timer A timer cleaning result recording step for recording at least two of the number of times of timer cleaning by the leaning means, the number of times that the timer cleaning by the timer cleaning means has succeeded, and the number of times that the timer cleaning by the timer cleaning means has failed And, based on at least two of the number of times of the timer cleaning, the number of times that the timer cleaning succeeded, and the number of times that the timer cleaning failed, recorded in the timer cleaning result recording step by the liquid ejecting apparatus. A timer cleaning evaluation step for calculating a timer cleaning success rate or a timer cleaning failure rate, and the liquid ejecting apparatus is based on the timer cleaning success rate or the timer cleaning failure rate. There are, it is achieved by the timer cleaning process of the liquid-jet apparatus characterized by having a timer cleaning condition changing step of changing the timer cleaning conditions.

  With such a configuration, it is possible to perform optimum timer cleaning without measuring temperature and humidity by feeding back the result of timer cleaning.

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an ink jet recording apparatus 10 and the like according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
The ink jet recording apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 1 is also called an ink jet printer. The ink jet recording apparatus 10 has a main body 1. The main body 1 includes a guide rail 17, a platen 12, a carriage 14, an ink suction device 20, and a recording head 30. The recording head 30 is an example of a liquid ejecting head that ejects liquid, and is also called a print head.

  An ink jet recording apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 1 is a so-called on-carriage recording apparatus, and has a configuration in which a plurality of ink cartridges 2, 3, 4, and 5 can be detachably mounted on an upper portion of a carriage 14. . The ink cartridge 2 or the like stores ink that is an example of a liquid. A recording head 30 is provided below the carriage 14. A nozzle plate surface 30 a that the recording head 30 faces the paper 29 is provided with nozzle openings for ejecting ink (hereinafter also referred to as ejection).

  The carriage 14 is connected to a motor 16 via a belt 15. When the motor 16 operates, the carriage 14 reciprocates along the guide rail 17 in the main scanning direction T that is the axial direction of the platen 12. As the carriage 14 reciprocates in the main scanning direction T while ejecting ink from the recording head 30, an image is recorded on a sheet 29 that is an example of a recording medium.

  A home position 18 is disposed at one end of the guide rail 17. The home position 18 is a non-printing area at the end of the travel route of the carriage 14. An ink suction device 20 is disposed on the main body 1 at the home position 18. This ink suction device 20 is also called a capping system or capping means. The recording head 30 of the carriage 14 in FIG. 1 faces the cap body 21 of the ink suction device 20 by moving to the home position 18 along the T1 direction. The ink suction device 20 is in close contact with the nozzle surface 30a where the nozzle openings of the recording head 30 are provided.

The ink suction device 20 has a function of preventing ink from drying at the nozzle openings of the recording head 30 while being in close contact with the recording head 30, and a negative pressure from the suction pump 19 is applied to the nozzle openings to cause ink to be discharged from the nozzle openings. It has a function to forcibly suck and discharge. That is, the ink suction device 20 cleans the recording head 30 by sucking ink from the nozzle openings of the recording head 30.
In addition, a wiping member 23 is provided beside the ink suction device 20. The wiping member 23 wipes ink on the nozzle plate surface 30a of the recording head 30 as necessary.

  The cleaning described above includes timer cleaning that is performed based on an elapsed time from a predetermined reference time, in addition to cleaning that is performed while an image is being recorded. This timer cleaning will be described later.

As shown in FIG. 1, an ejection failure detection device 8 is disposed on the carriage 14. The ejection failure detection device 8 is an example of ejection failure detection means that detects ejection failure in a state where ink is not normally ejected from the recording head 30.
FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of the ejection failure detection device 8.
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a test pattern and the like. 3A shows a test pattern, and FIGS. 3B and 3C show recording pattern images printed on the paper 29. FIG.

  Upon receiving the ejection failure detection command, the ink jet recording apparatus 10 ejects ink from the recording head 30 and prints a predetermined test pattern PT1 shown in FIG.

  Next, the test pattern image actually printed on the paper 29 is read by the ejection failure detection device 8. Specifically, the sheet 29 is illuminated with illumination light from the light source 8a shown in FIG. 2 being substantially parallel light by the lens 8b, and the printed test pattern image PT11 is projected onto the CCD element 8d by the lens 8c. The

  If the test pattern image projected on the CCD element 8d is analyzed by a test pattern image analysis unit (not shown) and is the same as the test pattern PT1 in FIG. 3A as PT2 in FIG. Judge that there is no. If there is a missing part 116 as compared with the test pattern in FIG. 3A as in PT3 in FIG. 3C, the test pattern analysis unit detects missing dots in the nozzle opening corresponding to the missing part 116. It is determined that there is a discharge failure.

  Unlike the present embodiment, as an ejection failure detection device, whether or not the ink ejected from each nozzle opening of the recording head 30 is directly irradiated with light such as infrared rays and the ink blocks the light. It is good also as a structure which detects a missing dot by detecting. That is, if the light is blocked, it is determined that the ink is ejected from the detection target nozzle opening. If the light is not blocked, the ink is not ejected from the detection target nozzle opening, and there is a missing dot. It is good also as a structure to judge.

  In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the plurality of ink cartridges 2, 3, 4, and 5 are directly mounted on the carriage 14. Of course, a so-called off-carriage type ink jet recording apparatus mounted at a position different from the above may be adopted.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating an electrical connection example of the ink jet recording apparatus 10.
The control device 7 of the ink jet recording apparatus 10 is connected to a printer driver 81 of the host computer 80 via a local printer cable or a communication network. The printer driver 81 includes software for sending a command for causing the ink jet recording apparatus 10 to execute printing, cleaning operation, or ink suction operation.

  4 includes, in addition to the control device 7, an ejection failure detection device 8, an ink suction device 20, ink cartridges 2, 3, 4, and 5, a recording head 30, and a carriage driving device 25. Yes. The carriage driving device 25 is the motor 16 shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 4, the control device 7 includes a storage unit 72 that stores various types of information, a calculation unit 74 that performs various calculations, a CL control unit 76 that controls cleaning, and a time measuring unit 78 that measures time.
The storage unit 72 stores a timer cleaning table described later.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a timer cleaning table and the like.
As shown in FIG. 5A, the timer cleaning table stored in the storage unit 72 includes a flushing mode, a first TCL (time cleaning) mode, and a second TCL mode, which are a plurality of timer cleaning modes with different ink discharge amounts. And a timer cleaning mode including a third TCL mode. In the flushing mode, ink is ejected from the nozzle openings of the recording head 30, and in the first TCL mode, the second TCL mode, and the third TCL mode, ink is sucked from the nozzle openings of the recording head 30. The flushing mode, the first TCL mode, and the like described above are examples of the discharge mode.

As shown in FIG. 5B, in the flushing mode, for example, a total of 0.5 grams (g) of ink is ejected at 20000 seg. Here, seg is one unit of discharge. In the flushing mode, an operation for eliminating clogging of the nozzle openings of the recording head 30 is performed by forcibly ejecting ink from the nozzle openings of the recording head 30 regardless of printing.
In the first TCL mode, for example, 1.5 g (g) of ink is sucked by the ink suction device 20, thereby eliminating clogging of the nozzle openings of the recording head 30.

In the second TCL mode, as shown in FIG. 5B, for example, 2.5 g (g) of ink, which is a larger suction amount than the first TCL mode, is sucked by the ink suction device 20.
In the third TCL mode, as shown in FIG. 5B, for example, 3.5 g (g) of ink, which is a larger suction amount than the second TCL mode, is sucked by the ink suction device 20.

As shown in FIG. 5A, the timer cleaning table includes a CL timer that is an example of an application time range to which each timer cleaning mode is applied.
In each timer cleaning mode, a CL timer is defined, and the CL timer is defined by at least an application start time as described below.
In the flushing mode, for example, the elapsed time from the reference time to the application start time is 0 hour (h), and the application end time is 30 hours (h). In the first TCL mode, for example, the application start time is 30 hours (h) and the application end time is 82 hours (h). In the second TCL mode, for example, the application start time is 82 hours (h) and the application end time is 336 hours (h). The application start time of the third TCL mode is 336 hours (h).
Therefore, for example, the first TCL mode is applied when the elapsed time from the previous ejection when the ink was ejected from the recording head 30 onto the paper 29 is 30 hours (h) or more and less than 82 hours (h). . This previous discharge is an example of a reference time.
The elapsed time from the previous discharge is measured by the timer 78. That is, the time measuring unit 78 is an example of a time measuring unit.
Then, the CL control unit 76 performs timer cleaning of the recording head 30 by selecting one timer cleaning mode from a plurality of timer cleaning modes based on the elapsed time from the previous ejection and discharging ink. To do. That is, the CL control unit 76 is an example of a timer cleaning unit.

  Unlike the present embodiment, the elapsed time from the reference time is the elapsed time from the end of the previous cleaning, the elapsed time from the end of the previous flushing, the accumulated elapsed time from the previous cleaning, etc. Other times for thickening may be used.

As shown in FIG. 5 (a), the timer cleaning table uses the flushing mode, the first TCL mode, and the second TCL so that the timer cleaning mode with a large ink suction amount is after the mode with a small suction amount, based on the previous ejection time. The CL timer is configured in the order of the mode and the third TCL mode, and each CL timer is configured to be continuous.
For example, when focusing on the first TCL mode and the second TCL mode, the CL timer in the first TCL mode is first based on the previous ejection time. In this case, the first TCL mode is an example of the preceding discharge mode, and the second TCL mode is an example of the subsequent discharge mode.
The ink discharge amount or ink suction amount in each timer cleaning mode, and the application time range for selecting each timer cleaning are examples of timer cleaning conditions. The storage unit 72 is an example of a timer cleaning condition storage unit.

As described above, the ink suction amount in the second TCL mode is larger than the ink suction amount in the first TCL mode, and the ink suction amount in the third TCL mode is larger than the ink suction amount in the second TCL mode. This is a stronger cleaning in the second TCL mode than in the first TCL mode, which has a higher ability to solve the ejection failure, and a stronger cleaning in the third TCL mode than in the second TCL. It means high resolution ability. The greater the CL timer time t, the greater the possibility that the ink in the recording head 30 is thickened, and the timer cleaning mode corresponding to it needs to have a high ability to solve ejection defects. In the present embodiment, since the third TCL mode has the highest resolution of ejection failure, it can be considered that all are set to the third TCL mode. However, as the timer cleaning, it is desirable that the ink suction amount is small and the ejection failure can be reliably solved, and therefore, there are a plurality of modes in which the ejection failure resolution ability varies depending on the elapsed time.
Therefore, as described below, the ink jet recording apparatus 10 changes the ink suction amount in each timer cleaning mode in accordance with the success rate of timer cleaning.

6, 7, 8, 9, and 10 are schematic flowcharts showing an operation example of the ink jet recording apparatus 10.
In timer cleaning of the recording head 30, the ink jet recording apparatus 10 first performs pre-timer setting (step ST1 in FIG. 6).
Details of step ST1 will be described with reference to FIG. As a setting before timer cleaning, the ink jet recording apparatus 10 first calculates a timer cleaning success rate Rcln in the first TCL mode or the like (step ST101 in FIG. 7). Here, n in Rcln represents a cleaning mode, for example, Rclf in the flushing mode, Rcl1 in the first TCL mode, and Rcl2 in the second TCL mode. The same applies to Ncln and Fcln described later.
Details of step ST101 will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the ink jet recording apparatus 10 determines whether or not the timer cleaning number Ncln is 5 times or more for each of the flushing mode, the first TCL mode, the second TCL mode, and the third TCL mode (step ST201). The timer cleaning number Ncln for each first TCL mode or the like is stored in the storage unit 72.

  If the timer cleaning frequency Ncln is 5 times or more, the reliability of the timer cleaning success rate Rcln described later is reliable, but if it is less than 5, the number of basic data is insufficient, and the reliability of the timer leaning success rate Rcln is sufficient. Therefore, the ink jet recording apparatus 10 does not calculate the cleaning success rate Rcln for the timer cleaning mode corresponding to the timer cleaning frequency Rcln of less than 5. That is, the timer cleaning number Ncln of 5 is an example of the number of times necessary for calculating the timer cleaning success rate Rcln with sufficient reliability.

Subsequently, the ink jet recording apparatus 10 calculates a timer cleaning success rate Rcln (step ST202). Step ST202 is an example of a timer cleaning success rate calculation step.
The number of successful timer cleanings Fcln is determined by the ejection failure detection device 8 after the timer cleaning to be successful for each timer cleaning mode of the flushing mode, the first TCL mode, the second TCL mode, and the third TCL mode. Stored in the storage unit 72.
As described above, the storage unit 72 also records the timer cleaning number Ncln and the timer cleaning success number Fcln. That is, the storage unit 72 is an example of a cleaning result recording unit.

The calculating unit 74 calculates the timer cleaning success rate Rcl1 in the first TCL mode based on, for example, the timer cleaning number Ncl1 in the first TCL mode and the timer cleaning success number Fcl1 in the first TCL mode stored in the storage unit 72. That is, the calculation unit 74 is an example of a timer cleaning evaluation unit.
The timer cleaning success rate Rcln for each timer cleaning mode calculated by the calculation unit 74 is stored in the storage unit 74 together with the suction amount.

As described above, when the timer cleaning success rate Rcln for each first TCL mode or the like is calculated (step ST101 in FIG. 7), the inkjet recording apparatus 10 has the cleaning success rate Rcln of less than 80 percent (%). (Step ST102). If the timer cleaning success rate Rcln is 80% or more, the timer cleaning success rate is sufficiently high, and even if the ink suction amount is decreased, the timer cleaning is considered to be successful. The range in which the timer cleaning success rate Rcln is 80% or more is an example within the timer cleaning success rate allowable range.
The timer cleaning success rate Rcln of 80% or more means that the timer cleaning failure rate is less than 20% (%). Therefore, the range in which the timer cleaning failure rate is less than 20 percent (%) is an example within the timer cleaning failure rate allowable range.

For example, if the cleaning success rate Rcl1 in the first TCL mode is less than 80 percent (%), the calculation unit 74 increases the ink suction amount in the first TCL mode by 5 percent (%) (step ST103).
When the timer cleaning success rate Rcln is less than 80% (%), the ink suction amount in each corresponding timer cleaning mode is increased, so that the probability that the timer cleaning performed in the timer cleaning mode next time will be successful is increased. As a result, unsuccessful timer cleaning can be prevented in advance, and wasteful consumption of ink can be avoided.
Furthermore, since the timer cleaning condition is changed according to the timer cleaning success rate Rcln as described above, the number of basic timer cleaning modes may be small, for example, four. For this reason, the ink jet recording apparatus 10 needs only a small storage capacity for storing the timer cleaning condition.
Unlike this embodiment, the basic timer cleaning mode may be two or three.

Then, for example, the calculation unit 74 sets the timer cleaning number Ncl1 in the first TCL mode in the storage unit 72 to 0, and sets the timer cleaning number Fcl1 in the first TCL mode to 0 (step ST104).
In step ST104, after the ink suction amount before the ink suction amount change and the timer cleaning success rate Rcln before the ink suction amount change are recorded in the storage unit 72, the timer cleaning count Ncl1 in the first TCL mode of the storage unit 72 is recorded. Is set to 0, and the timer cleaning count Fcl1 in the first TCL mode is set to 0.
Step ST104 is a step of performing an initial setting for starting, for example, the first TCL mode with a new ink suction amount.

On the other hand, for example, if the timer cleaning success rate Rcl1 in the first TCL mode is 80 percent (%) or more, the calculation unit 74 decreases the ink suction amount in the second TCL mode by 5% (step ST113). As the ink suction amount increases, it is more likely that the ejection failure can be solved. However, if the cleaning success rate Rcl1 is 80% (%) or more, the timer cleaning in the second TCL mode is successful when the ink suction amount is 80% (%) or more. There may be more than the necessary and sufficient amount. For example, when the suction amount is set based on the high temperature and high humidity conditions, which are the worst environmental conditions, as described above, the use environment is normal temperature normal humidity or high humidity where the ink is less likely to thicken, Further, even if the ink suction amount is decreased, cleaning may be successful.
For this reason, the cleaning success can be expected while reducing the ink suction amount of the timer cleaning in the first TCL mode to be performed next time.
As described above, when the timer cleaning success rate Rcln is 80% (%) or more, which is an example within the allowable range of the success rate, the ink suction amount in each timer cleaning mode is reduced. Timer cleaning can be successful.

Then, the calculation unit 74 sets the timer cleaning number Ncl1 in the first TCL mode in the storage unit 72 to 0, and sets the timer cleaning number Fcl1 in the first TCL mode to 0 (step ST104).
As described above, the calculation unit 74 changes the timer cleaning condition. That is, the calculation unit 74 is an example of a timer cleaning condition changing unit. Step ST103 and step ST113 are an example of a timer cleaning condition changing step.

When the pre-timer setting is performed as described above (step ST1 in FIG. 6), the ink jet recording apparatus 10 performs timer cleaning using a newly set timer cleaning table, for example (step ST2).
Details of step ST2 will be described with reference to FIG.
First, the CL control unit 76 of the ink jet recording apparatus 10 starts from a plurality of timer cleaning modes based on the elapsed time from the previous ejection when ink was ejected from the nozzle opening of the recording head 30 onto the paper 29 last time. One timer cleaning mode is selected (step ST301).
For example, if the timer cleaning table stored in the storage unit 72 is as shown in FIG. 5A and the elapsed time from the most recent ink discharge is 40 hours (h), the elapsed time is Based on this, the CL control unit 76 selects the first TCL mode, and performs timer cleaning as follows.

First, the cap body 21 is brought into close contact with the recording head 30 in FIG. 1, and the cap body 21 is closed (step ST302 in FIG. 9).
Subsequently, the CL controller 76 drives the suction pump 19 of FIG. 1 to suck ink from the nozzle openings of the recording head 30 (step ST303).

  Subsequently, the CL control unit 76 stops driving the suction pump 19 (step ST304) and waits for elapse of 3 seconds (s), which is a negative pressure release time (step ST305). This negative pressure release time is the time until the atmospheric pressure in the cap body 21 that is at a negative pressure immediately after the suction pump 19 is stopped is substantially equal to the atmospheric pressure.

  Subsequently, the CL control unit 76 opens the cap body 21 (step ST306), drives the suction pump 19, and discharges the ink of the cap body 21 (step ST307). Subsequently, the CL control unit 76 performs wiping by the wiping member 23 and wipes the nozzle plate surface 30a of the recording head 30 (step ST308).

When the ink jet recording apparatus 10 performs the timer cleaning as described above (step ST2 in FIG. 6), the timer cleaning count Ncln is added for each type of timer cleaning (step ST3). For example, when the timer cleaning is performed once in the first TCL, the cleaning number Ncl1 of the first TCL is added once, and the cleaning number Ncl1 after the addition is stored in the storage unit 72. As described above, the storage unit 72 is an example of a timer cleaning number recording unit. This step ST3 is an example of a timer cleaning number recording step.
The number of cleanings Ncln stored in the storage unit 72 indicates the number of current suction amounts in the first TCL mode, the second TCL mode, and the third TCL mode. That is, for example, if the current ink suction amount in the first TCL mode is changed to 2.0 g (g) instead of 1.5 g (g), the changed 2.0 g (g) Only the number of timer cleanings in the first TCL mode is shown.

Subsequently, the ink jet recording apparatus 10 detects an ejection failure from the nozzle opening of the recording head 30 (step ST4). This step ST4 is an example of an injection failure detection step.
Subsequently, the ink jet recording apparatus 10 determines whether or not there is a discharge failure (step ST5). If there is no discharge failure, the timer cleaning success count Fcln is added for each timer cleaning mode (step ST6). . For example, when the timer cleaning in the first TCL mode is performed once and the timer cleaning is successful, the timer cleaning success count Fcl1 in the first TCL mode is added once, and the timer cleaning success count Fcl1 after the addition is stored in the storage unit 72. To remember. As described above, the storage unit 72 is an example of a timer cleaning success number recording unit. This step ST6 is an example of a timer cleaning success number recording step.
On the other hand, when the ink jet recording apparatus 10 determines that there is a discharge failure in step ST5, normal cleaning different from the timer cleaning is performed until the discharge failure is recovered (step ST51).

  Subsequently, the ink jet recording apparatus 10 determines whether or not the timer cleaning condition is changed before performing the timer cleaning in the above-described step ST2 (step ST7), and when it is determined that the timer cleaning condition is changed. Advances to step ST71. In step ST71, the ink jet recording apparatus 10 maintains or changes the timer cleaning condition by comparing the timer cleaning success rate Rcln before changing the timer cleaning condition with the timer cleaning success rate Rcln after changing the timer cleaning condition. .

Details of step ST71 will be described with reference to FIG.
First, the calculation unit 74 of the ink jet recording apparatus 10 determines whether or not the number of times Ncln of timer cleaning in each timer cleaning mode after the timer cleaning condition change stored in the storage unit 72 is 5 or more, for example. Judgment is made (step ST401 in FIG. 10).

  When the calculation unit 74 determines that the number of times of timer cleaning Ncln is 5 times or more, the timer 74 is a timer cleaning mode in which Ncln is 5 times or more. (Step ST402). The timer cleaning success rate Rcl1 after the timer cleaning condition change calculated by the calculation unit 74 is stored in the storage unit 72.

  Subsequently, the calculation unit 74 determines whether or not the cleaning success rate Rcl1 after the suction amount change stored in the storage unit 72 is equal to or higher than the timer cleaning success rate Rcl1 before the suction amount change (step ST403). That is, the calculation unit 72 is an example of a timer cleaning success rate comparison unit.

  When the calculation unit 74 determines that the cleaning success rate Rcl1 after the suction amount change stored in the storage unit 72 is equal to or higher than the cleaning success rate Rcl1 before the suction amount change, the timer cleaning after the suction amount change is performed. Maintain conditions.

In contrast, when the calculation unit 74 determines that the timer cleaning success rate Rcl1 after the suction amount change stored in the storage unit 72 is not equal to or higher than the timer cleaning success rate Rcl1 before the suction amount change, The suction amount before changing the suction amount is returned (step ST404).
Then, calculation unit 74 sets Ncl1 stored in storage unit 72 to 0 and Fcl1 to 0 (step ST405). This step ST405 is an initial setting for calculating future Ncl1 and Fcl1 under new timer cleaning conditions.

  With such a configuration, since the ink jet recording apparatus 10 can calculate the timer cleaning success rate Rcln, when the timer cleaning success rate Rcln is low, the ink suction amount is changed. For example, each timer cleaning mode It is possible to perform control such as increasing the amount of ink suction.

Note that the ink suction amount is not changed only once, but continuously as long as the change condition is met. For example, when the timer cleaning success rate Rcl3 in the third TCL mode is 80 percent (%) or more, the suction amount is reduced from 3.5 grams (g) in FIG. 5B by 10 percent (%) to 3.15 grams ( g). If the timer cleaning success rate Rcl3 is 80% (%) or more even with this ink suction amount, it is further reduced by 10% (%) to 2.84 grams (g), 0.66 grams (g) from the initial ink suction amount. g). By repeating these steps, the ink suction amount corresponding to the use environment is automatically set.
Thereby, the optimum timer cleaning can be performed without measuring the temperature and humidity by feeding back the result of the timer cleaning.

  Unlike the present embodiment, the timer cleaning may include means such as pressurization of ink in the recording head 30.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, an ink jet recording apparatus 10A (see FIG. 1) according to the second embodiment will be described. Since the configuration of the ink jet recording apparatus 10A of the second embodiment has many configurations in common with the ink jet recording apparatus 10 of the first embodiment, common portions are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted. Hereinafter, the difference will be mainly described.

  The hardware configuration and electrical connection example of the ink jet recording apparatus 10A of the second embodiment are the same as those of the ink jet recording apparatus 10 of the first embodiment (see FIGS. 1 to 4). Since the operation of the timer cleaning performed by the recording apparatus 10A is different from that of the inkjet recording apparatus 10, an operation example of the inkjet recording apparatus 10A will be described below.

FIGS. 11, 12, and 13 are schematic flowcharts showing an operation example of the ink jet recording apparatus 10A.
In timer cleaning of the recording head 30, the ink jet recording apparatus 10A first performs setting before timer cleaning (step ST1A in FIG. 11).
Details of step ST1A will be described with reference to FIG.

  As a setting before timer cleaning, the ink jet recording apparatus 10A first calculates a timer cleaning success rate Rcln in the first TCL mode or the like (step ST101 in FIG. 12). The details of this step ST101 are the same as those in the first embodiment (see FIG. 8), so the description thereof will be omitted.

  In step ST101, the timer cleaning success rate Rcln for each timer cleaning mode calculated by the calculation unit 74 is stored in the storage unit 72 together with the cleaning condition when the timer cleaning success rate Rcln is calculated.

  As described above, when the timer cleaning success rate Rcln for each timer cleaning is calculated (step ST101 in FIG. 12), the ink jet recording apparatus 10A has the timer cleaning success rate Rcln of less than 80 percent (%). Is determined (step ST102A).

For example, when the cleaning success rate Rcl1 in the first TCL mode is less than 80 percent (%), the calculation unit 74 determines the second threshold value that is the boundary time between the first TCL mode and the second TCL mode (see FIG. 14A). ) Is changed for the specified change time so that the elapsed time from the previous discharge is shortened.
That is, the CL timer threshold value described later is changed so that the application start time of the second TCL mode in which the ink suction amount is larger than that of the first TCL mode is earlier (step ST103A).

FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a CL timer threshold value and the like.
The CL timer threshold value is defined by the CL timer in each timer cleaning mode (see FIG. 5A). As shown in FIG. 14A, the CL timer threshold value defines the CL timer threshold value that defines the CL timer in the flushing mode and the first TCL mode. The first threshold, the CL timer threshold that defines the CL timer in the first TCL mode and the second TCL mode is the second threshold, the CL timer threshold that defines the CL timer in the second TCL mode and the third TCL mode is the third threshold, and the first threshold The basic setting is 30 hours (h), the basic setting of the second threshold is 82 hours (h), and the basic setting of the third threshold is 336 hours (h). The above-mentioned CL timer threshold is an example of the boundary time.
If the cleaning success rate Rcl1 in the first TCL mode is less than 80 percent (%), the calculation unit 74 sets the second threshold value, for example, the change specified time, for example, 12 hours (h), the elapsed time from the previous discharge. Is shortened, and a new timer cleaning table is generated as shown in FIG.

In contrast, for example, if the cleaning success rate Rcl1 in the first TCL mode is equal to or greater than 80 percent (%), the calculation unit 74 sets the second threshold to the elapsed time from the previous discharge for 12 hours, which is the specified change time. Change to be longer.
That is, the second threshold value is changed so that the elapsed time from the previous ejection time becomes longer so that the application end time of the first TCL mode is delayed (step ST113A).
Then, the calculation unit 74 generates a new timer cleaning table as shown in FIG.

  As described above, when the timer cleaning success rate is less than 80% (%), the ink jet recording apparatus 10A, for example, ends application of the first TCL mode, which is each timer cleaning mode corresponding to the timer cleaning success rate. The time is changed so that the elapsed time from the previous discharge is shortened. For this reason, the CL timer in the next first TCL mode has a shorter elapsed time from the previous discharge, and the application start time in the second TCL mode becomes earlier. As a result, the timer cleaning success rate Rcln of the timer cleaning performed according to the changed timer cleaning table can be increased. As a result, unsuccessful timer cleaning can be prevented in advance, and ink is wasted. Can be avoided.

In contrast, when the timer cleaning success rate Rcln is 80% (%) or more, the inkjet recording apparatus 10A is an application of, for example, the first TCL mode, which is a timer cleaning mode corresponding to the timer cleaning success rate. The end time is changed so that the elapsed time from the previous discharge becomes longer. For this reason, the CL timer in the next first TCL mode has a longer elapsed time from the previous discharge, and the application start of the second TCL mode is delayed.
For this reason, it is possible to avoid wasteful consumption of ink while maintaining the timer cleaning success rate Rcln of the timer cleaning performed according to the changed timer cleaning table.

  Then, the calculation unit 74 sets the timer cleaning number Ncl1 in the first TCL mode in the storage unit 72 to 0, and sets the timer cleaning number Fcl1 in the first TCL mode to 0 (step ST104 in FIG. 12).

Steps ST103A and ST113A described above are an example of a timer cleaning condition changing step.
When the pre-cleaning setting is performed as described above (step ST1A in FIG. 11), the ink jet recording apparatus 10A performs timer cleaning using the newly set timer cleaning table (step ST2).
Steps ST2 to ST6 are the same as those in the first embodiment, and thus description thereof is omitted.

  Subsequently, the ink jet recording apparatus 10A determines whether or not the timer cleaning condition has been changed before performing the timer cleaning in step ST2 described above (step ST7A), and if it is determined that the timer cleaning condition has been changed. Advances to step ST71A. In step ST71A, the ink jet recording apparatus 10A maintains or changes the timer cleaning condition by comparing the timer cleaning success rate Rcln before changing the timer cleaning condition with the timer cleaning success rate Rcln after changing the timer cleaning condition. .

Details of step ST71A will be described with reference to FIG.
Since step ST401 and step ST402 are the same as those in the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted.

  Subsequently, for example, the calculation unit 74 determines whether or not the cleaning success rate Rcl1 after the CL timer threshold change stored in the storage unit 72 is equal to or higher than the timer cleaning success rate Rcl1 before the CL timer threshold change (step ST403A). ). That is, the calculation unit 74 is an example of a timer cleaning success rate comparison unit.

  If the calculation unit 74 determines that the cleaning success rate Rcl1 after the CL timer threshold change stored in the storage unit 72 is greater than or equal to the cleaning success rate Rcl1 before the CL timer threshold change, the calculation unit 74 is after the CL timer threshold change. Maintain timer cleaning conditions.

  On the other hand, when the calculation unit 74 determines that the timer cleaning success rate Rcl1 after the CL timer threshold change stored in the storage unit 72 is not equal to or higher than the timer cleaning success rate Rcl1 before the CL timer threshold change. Returns to the timer cleaning condition before changing the timer cleaning condition (step ST404A).

  With such a configuration, the inkjet recording apparatus 10 can calculate the timer cleaning success rate Rcln. For example, when the timer cleaning success rate Rcl1 is low, the timer cleaning condition is changed, for example, the second threshold value Can be controlled such that the elapsed time from the previous discharge is shortened.

Note that the CL timer threshold value is not changed only once, but continuously as long as the change condition is met. For example, when the timer cleaning success rate Rcl1 in the first TCL mode is less than 80 percent (%), the second threshold basic setting 82 hours (h) in FIG. Changed to 70 hours (h). Even with this ink suction amount, if the timer cleaning success rate Rcl1 is less than 80 percent (%), it is further changed for 12 hours to 58 hours (h), which is changed from the initial second threshold to 24 hours (h). By repeating these steps, the CL timer threshold value corresponding to the usage environment is automatically set.
Thereby, the optimum timer cleaning can be performed without measuring the temperature and humidity by feeding back the result of the timer cleaning.

(Third embodiment)
Next, an ink jet recording apparatus 10B (see FIG. 1) according to a third embodiment will be described. Since the configuration of the ink jet recording apparatus 10B of the third embodiment has many configurations in common with the ink jet recording apparatus 10A of the second embodiment, common portions are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted. Hereinafter, the difference will be mainly described.

  The hardware configuration and electrical connection example of the ink jet recording apparatus 10B of the third embodiment are the same as those of the ink jet recording apparatus 10A of the second embodiment (see FIGS. 1 to 4). The time ranges for recording the number Ncln and the timer cleaning success number Fcln are different.

FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a CL timer threshold value and the like.
The CL timer threshold is defined in the same manner as the ink jet recording apparatus 10A of the second embodiment, but the time range of the CL timer in which the storage unit 72 records the timer cleaning number Ncln and the timer cleaning success number Fcln is different.
For example, in the case of the first TCL mode, the storage unit 72 is a part of the CL timer to which the first TCL mode is applied, not the entire range of 30 hours (h) or more and less than 82 hours (h). The timer cleaning number Ncl1 and the timer cleaning success number Fcl1 are recorded for a range from 70 hours (h) to less than 82 hours (h). That is, the storage unit 72 records the number of times of timer cleaning Ncl1 and the like in a limited time range including 82 hours (h) that is the application end time of the first TCL mode. The time range in which the storage unit 72 records the timer cleaning number Ncl1 and the timer cleaning success number Fcl1 is called a success rate calculation CL timer. This success rate calculation CL timer is an example of a limited time range.
Then, for example, the calculation unit 74 calculates the timer cleaning success rate Rcl1 based on the timer cleaning number Ncl1 and the timer cleaning success number Fcl1 in the determination region 2 using the CL timer for calculating the success rate in the first TCL mode as the determination region 2. To do.

Then, as shown in FIG. 15B, the calculation unit 74 determines that the timer cleaning success rate Rclf of the determination region 1 is 90% (%), the timer cleaning success rate Rcl1 of the determination region 2 is 50% (%), If the timer clean success rate Rcl2 of the region 3 is 60 percent (%), the first threshold value, the second threshold value, and the third threshold value are changed as compared with the determination criterion of 80 percent (%), and FIG. A new cleaning table as shown in (c) is generated.
As shown in FIG. 15C, the success rate calculation CL timer is also changed based on the new first threshold or the like.

As described above, the ink jet recording apparatus 10B records the timer cleaning number Ncln and the timer cleaning success number Fcln in the success rate calculation CL timer, and calculates the timer cleaning success rate Rcln.
For example, in the first TCL mode, the timer cleaning success rate Fcl1 in the time range in the vicinity of 30 hours that is the application start time shown in FIG. 15A is the timer cleaning success in the time range in the vicinity of 82 hours that is the application end time. It can be expected to be higher than the rate Fcl1. That is, it is considered that the timer cleaning success rate Fcl1 in the time range near the application start time is different from the timer cleaning success rate Fcl1 in the time range near the application end time.
Therefore, in order to determine the validity of the second threshold value that is the threshold value between the first TCL mode and the second TCL mode, the timer cleaning succeeds in the time range near the application end time of the first TCL mode that is near the second threshold value. When applying the rate Fcl1 applies the timer cleaning success rate Fcl1 in the time range in the vicinity of the application start time, or when applying the timer cleaning success rate Fcl1 of the entire CL timer to which the first TCL mode is applied Is more effective.
Therefore, the ink jet recording apparatus 10B can effectively determine and change the validity of the threshold value between the flushing mode and the first TCL mode.

  Unlike the present embodiment, the ink jet recording apparatus 10B may change the ink discharge amount in each timer cleaning mode based on the timer cleaning success rate Rcln.

(Fourth embodiment)
Next, an ink jet recording apparatus 10C (see FIG. 1) according to a fourth embodiment will be described. Since the configuration of the ink jet recording apparatus 10C of the fourth embodiment is similar to that of the ink jet recording apparatus 10B of the third embodiment, common portions are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted. Hereinafter, the difference will be mainly described.

  The hardware configuration and electrical connection example of the ink jet recording apparatus 10C according to the fourth embodiment are the same as those of the ink jet recording apparatus 10B according to the third embodiment (see FIGS. 1 to 4). The time range for recording the number of times Ncln and the number of successful timer cleanings Fcln and the method for changing the threshold value for applying each timer cleaning mode are different.

FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a timer cleaning table and the like.
The CL timer threshold is defined in the same manner as the ink jet recording apparatus 10B of the third embodiment, but the time range of the CL timer in which the storage unit 72 records the timer cleaning number Ncln and the timer cleaning success number Fcln is different.
For example, the storage unit 72 is a part of less than 30 hours that is a CL timer to which the flushing mode is applied and includes a range of 26 hours (h) to less than 30 hours (h) including the application end time, and the first TCL. CL cleaning to which the mode is applied, timer cleaning for a part of 30 hours (h) or more and less than 82 hours (h) and including a start time of application and including 30 hours (h) or more and less than 34 hours (h) The number of times Ncln and the number of timer cleaning successes Fcln are recorded. Here, the range from 26 hours (h) to less than 30 hours (h) is an example of a preceding limited time range, and the range from 30 hours (h) to less than 34 hours (h) is an example of a subsequent limited time range. .

Then, for example, in order to determine the appropriateness of the first threshold value, the calculation unit 74 sets a determination time interval of 26 hours (h) or more and less than 30 hours (h), which is a CL timer for calculating the success rate in the flushing mode, as the determination region 1a. The timer cleaning success rates Rclf and Rcl1 are calculated using the CL timer for calculating the success rate in the first TCL mode as the determination region 1b that is 30 hours (h) or more and less than 34 hours (h), respectively.
Then, the first threshold value is changed based on whether the timer cleaning success rate Rclf is 80 percent (%) or more and whether the timer cleaning success rate Rcl1 is 80 percent (%) or more.

  For example, if the timer cleaning success rate Rclf in the region 1a is 80% (%) or more and the timer cleaning success rate Rcl1 in the region 1b is 80% (%) or more, the calculation unit 74 sets the first threshold to 30. Change from time (h) to 34 hours (h). Thereby, the timer cleaning success rate Rclf is 80% (%) or more, and the time range for applying the flushing mode which is effective cleaning can be expanded. In addition, since the flushing mode requires less ink to be discharged from the recording head 30 than the first TCL mode, it is possible to extend the time range for performing effective cleaning while reducing the amount of ink consumed by cleaning. it can.

  Further, the calculation unit 74 sets the first threshold to 30 if the timer cleaning success rate Rclf in the region 1a is less than 80% (%) and the timer cleaning success rate Rcl1 in the region 1b is 80% (%) or more. Change from time (h) to 26 hours (h). Thus, when the timer cleaning success rate Rclf is less than 80% (%) and the cleaning is not efficient, the timer cleaning success rate Rcl1 is 80% (%) or more and the first TCL mode is effective cleaning. Apply start time can be advanced. That is, the cleaning in the first TCL mode is stronger than the cleaning in the flushing mode, so that powerful cleaning can be performed in an early time.

  Further, the calculation unit 74 sets the first threshold value to 30 when the timer cleaning success rate Rclf in the region 1a is 80% (%) or more and the timer cleaning success rate Rcl1 in the region 1b is less than 80% (%). Change from time (h) to 34 hours (h). Thereby, the timer cleaning success rate Rclf is 80% (%) or more, and the time range for applying the flushing mode which is effective cleaning can be expanded. Although the first TCL mode is stronger cleaning than the flushing mode, the flushing mode may perform cleaning more effectively than the first TCL mode depending on the state of the recording head 30 and the like. Since the ink jet recording apparatus 10B changes the first threshold value based on the timer cleaning success rate Rcln of each of the areas 1a and 1b, the flushing mode performs cleaning more effectively than the first TCL mode. It is possible to cope with the case where it is possible.

Further, the calculation unit 74 determines that the first threshold is 30 if the timer cleaning success rate Rclf in the region 1a is less than 80% (%) and the timer cleaning success rate Rcl1 in the region 1b is less than 80% (%). Keep time (h). When both the timer cleaning success rate Rclf and the timer cleaning success rate Rcl1 are less than 80 percent (%), it is considered that the cleaning success rate is higher when more powerful cleaning is performed. Therefore, when both the timer cleaning success rate Rclf and the timer cleaning success rate Rcl1 are less than 80 percent (%), the calculation unit 74 changes the first threshold from 30 hours (h) to 26 hours (h). Although it is possible to start the first TCL mode early, the fact that the timer cleaning success rate in the first TCL mode is poor despite being close to the first threshold value may be a factor that impedes the cleaning success rate other than cleaning. Therefore, it is better not to change the first threshold value but to issue a warning message to prompt repair.
As described above, the ink jet recording apparatus 10C changes the first threshold value based on the timer cleaning success rate Rcln of not only the area 1b but also both the area 1a and the area 1b. Timer cleaning conditions can be changed.

  Unlike the present embodiment, the ink jet recording apparatus 10C may change the ink discharge amount in each timer cleaning mode based on the timer cleaning success rate Rcln.

  Unlike the present embodiment, the ink jet recording apparatus 10C has, for example, a first threshold and / or a value based on an average of timer cleaning success rate Rcln or timer cleaning failure rate of both the region 1a and the region 1b. The amount of ink discharged may be changed. Thereby, the timer cleaning success rate Rcln or the timer cleaning failure based on at least two of the number of times of timer cleaning, the number of times of timer cleaning succeeded, and the number of times of timer cleaning failure in the region 1a and the region 1b. Since the average of the rates can be calculated, the load of storage and calculation of the ink jet recording apparatus 10C can be reduced.

  Unlike the above-described embodiments, the storage unit 72 includes the number of times of timer cleaning for each timer cleaning mode by the timer cleaning unit, the number of times timer cleaning has succeeded, and the number of times timer cleaning has failed. At least two may be recorded. Then, the calculation unit 74 calculates the timer cleaning success rate or the timer based on at least two of the number of times of timer cleaning, the number of times of timer cleaning succeeding, and the number of times of timer cleaning failure stored in the storage unit 72. A cleaning failure rate may be calculated. Then, the calculation unit 74 may change the CL timer threshold for timer cleaning based on the timer cleaning success rate or the timer cleaning failure rate.

  The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment as an ink jet recording apparatus, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the claims. Furthermore, the above-described embodiments may be combined with each other. Further, the present invention is not limited to an ink jet recording apparatus, but a recording head used in an image recording apparatus such as a printer, a color material ejection head used in manufacturing a color filter such as a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, and an FED (surface emitting). Electrode material ejection heads used for electrode formation such as displays), liquid ejection devices using liquid ejection heads that eject liquids such as bio-organic matter ejection heads used in biochip manufacturing, sample ejection devices as precision pipettes, etc. Applicable.

A part of each configuration of the above embodiment can be omitted, or can be arbitrarily combined so as to be different from the above.
For example, the printer driver 81 may include the storage unit 72, the calculation unit 74, the CL control unit 76, and the time measuring unit 78 of the inkjet recording apparatus 10 or 10A. In this case, the host computer 80 and the ink jet recording apparatus 10 (10A) are examples of the liquid ejecting apparatus.

1 is a schematic view showing an ink jet recording apparatus. It is a schematic sectional drawing which shows an example of a structure of a discharge failure detection apparatus. It is a figure which shows an example of a test pattern etc. It is the schematic which shows the example of an electrical connection of an inkjet recording device. It is a figure which shows an example of a timer cleaning table etc. It is a schematic flowchart which shows the operation example of an inkjet recording device. It is a schematic flowchart which shows the operation example of an inkjet recording device. It is a schematic flowchart which shows the operation example of an inkjet recording device. It is a schematic flowchart which shows the operation example of an inkjet recording device. It is a schematic flowchart which shows the operation example of an inkjet recording device. It is a schematic flowchart which shows the operation example of an inkjet recording device. It is a schematic flowchart which shows the operation example of an inkjet recording device. It is a schematic flowchart which shows the operation example of an inkjet recording device. It is the schematic which shows an example of CL timer threshold values etc. It is the schematic which shows an example of CL timer threshold values etc. It is the schematic which shows an example of a timer cleaning table etc.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 8 ... Discharge defect detection apparatus 10, 10A, 10B, 10C ... Inkjet recording apparatus, 20 ... Ink suction apparatus, 21 ... Cap main body, 30 ... Recording head, 30a ... Nozzle plate surface, 72 ... storage unit, 74 ... calculation unit, 76 ... CL control unit, 78 ... timing unit

Claims (10)

A liquid ejecting head for ejecting liquid;
Timer cleaning conditions for storing a timer cleaning condition including a plurality of discharge modes with different discharge amounts for discharging the liquid from the nozzle openings of the liquid ejecting head and an application time range defined by at least an application start time of each of the discharge modes. Storage means;
A time measuring means for measuring the elapsed time from the reference time;
Timer cleaning means for performing timer cleaning of the liquid ejecting head by selecting one of the plurality of discharge modes from the plurality of discharge modes and executing discharge of the liquid based on the elapsed time;
Ejection failure detection means for detecting ejection failure in which the liquid is not normally ejected from the liquid ejection head;
At least two of the number of times of the timer cleaning for each discharge mode by the timer cleaning means, the number of times that the timer cleaning by the timer cleaning means has succeeded, and the number of times that the timer cleaning by the timer cleaning means has failed Timer cleaning result recording means for recording
The timer cleaning success rate or the timer cleaning is based on at least two of the number of times of the timer cleaning, the number of times that the timer cleaning has succeeded, and the number of times that the timer cleaning has failed recorded by the timer cleaning result recording means. Timer cleaning evaluation means for calculating a failure rate;
Timer cleaning condition changing means for changing the timer cleaning condition based on the timer cleaning success rate or the timer cleaning failure rate;
A liquid ejecting apparatus comprising:   The timer cleaning condition changing means may change the timer cleaning condition when the timer cleaning success rate of each discharge mode is out of a success rate allowable range or when the timer cleaning failure rate of each discharge mode is a failure rate allowable. When it is out of range, the amount of discharge in each of the discharge modes corresponding to the timer cleaning success rate or the timer cleaning failure rate that is out of the success rate allowable range or out of the failure rate allowable range is increased. The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein   The timer cleaning condition changing means may change the timer cleaning condition when the timer cleaning success rate of each discharge mode is within a success rate allowable range or when the timer cleaning failure rate of each discharge mode is allowable failure rate. 2. The configuration according to claim 1, wherein, when the value is within the range, the discharge amount of each of the discharge modes within the success rate allowable range or the failure rate allowable range is reduced. The liquid ejecting apparatus according to any one of 2. The timer cleaning condition is that the application time range of the preceding discharge mode, which is the discharge mode in which the liquid discharge amount is small, and the elapsed time from the reference time is after the preceding discharge mode. The application time range of the subsequent discharge mode, which is the discharge mode in which the liquid discharge amount is larger than the preceding discharge mode, is set to be continuous,
The timer cleaning condition changing means may change the timer cleaning condition when the timer cleaning success rate in the preceding discharge mode is outside a success rate allowable range or when the timer cleaning failure rate in the preceding discharge mode is a failure rate allowable. When it is outside the range, the boundary time between the application time ranges of the preceding discharge mode and the subsequent discharge mode is changed so as to shorten the elapsed time from the reference time. The liquid ejecting apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The timer cleaning condition is that the application time range of the preceding discharge mode, which is the discharge mode in which the liquid discharge amount is small, and the elapsed time from the reference time is after the preceding discharge mode. The application time range of the subsequent discharge mode, which is the discharge mode in which the liquid discharge amount is larger than the preceding discharge mode, is set to be continuous,
The timer cleaning condition changing means may change the timer cleaning condition when the timer cleaning success rate in the preceding discharge mode is within a success rate allowable range or when the timer cleaning failure rate in the preceding discharge mode is an allowable failure rate. 5. The configuration according to claim 1, wherein when the time is within a range, the boundary time is changed so that an elapsed time from the reference time becomes longer. Liquid ejector. A timer cleaning success rate comparison means for comparing the timer cleaning success rate before the change of the timer cleaning condition and the timer cleaning success rate for each of the discharge modes after the change of the timer cleaning condition;
The timer cleaning condition changing means is configured to maintain the timer cleaning condition after changing the timer cleaning based on the comparison result or to change the timer cleaning condition before changing the timer cleaning. The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the liquid ejecting apparatus is provided. Timer cleaning failure rate comparison means for comparing the timer cleaning failure rate before the change of the timer cleaning condition and the timer cleaning failure rate for each of the discharge modes after the change of the timer cleaning condition;
The timer cleaning condition changing means is configured to maintain the timer cleaning condition after changing the timer cleaning based on the comparison result or to change the timer cleaning condition before changing the timer cleaning. The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the liquid ejecting apparatus is provided.   The timer cleaning result recording means is the number of times of timer cleaning for each discharge mode by the timer cleaning means for a limited time range that is a part of the application time range of each discharge mode and includes an application end time. 2. The system according to claim 1, wherein at least two of the number of times that the timer cleaning by the timer cleaning means has succeeded and the number of times that the timer cleaning by the timer cleaning means has failed are recorded. The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 7. The timer cleaning result recording means is a part of the application time range of the preceding discharge mode and includes a preceding limited time range including an application end time, and a part of the application time range of the subsequent discharge mode. For the subsequent limited time range including the application start time, the number of times of the timer cleaning for each of the discharge modes by the timer cleaning means, the number of times that the timer cleaning by the timer cleaning means was successful, and the timer cleaning means It is configured to record at least two of the number of times the timer cleaning has failed,
The timer cleaning condition changing means is configured to change the timer cleaning condition based on the timer cleaning success rate or the timer cleaning failure rate in the preceding discharge mode and the subsequent discharge mode. The liquid ejecting apparatus according to any one of claims 4 and 5. A liquid ejecting head that ejects liquid; a plurality of discharge modes that discharge different amounts of liquid from nozzle openings of the liquid ejecting head; and an application time range that is defined by at least an application start time of each of the discharge modes. A timer cleaning condition storing means for storing a timer cleaning condition; a time measuring means for measuring an elapsed time from a reference time; and one liquid discharge mode selected from the plurality of discharge modes based on the elapsed time, and the liquid And a timer cleaning unit that performs timer cleaning of the liquid ejecting head by performing discharge of the liquid ejecting apparatus, wherein the liquid ejecting apparatus detects ejection failure in a state where the liquid is not ejected normally from the liquid ejecting head A defect detection step;
The liquid ejecting apparatus has at least two of the number of times of the timer cleaning by the timer cleaning means, the number of times that the timer cleaning by the timer cleaning means has succeeded, and the number of times that the timer cleaning by the timer cleaning means has failed. Timer cleaning result recording step for recording,
A timer based on at least two of the number of times of the timer cleaning, the number of times that the timer cleaning succeeded, and the number of times that the timer cleaning failed, recorded in the timer cleaning result recording step by the liquid ejecting apparatus. A timer cleaning evaluation step for calculating a cleaning success rate or a timer cleaning failure rate;
A timer cleaning condition changing step in which the liquid ejecting apparatus changes the timer cleaning condition based on the timer cleaning success rate or the timer cleaning failure rate;
A timer cleaning method for a liquid ejecting apparatus, comprising:

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