JP6550946B2 - Device for discharging liquid - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an apparatus for discharging a liquid.

  In an apparatus for discharging a liquid using a liquid discharge head, maintenance and recovery such as reduction of discharge defects such as ejection bending is performed by cleaning the nozzle surface of the liquid discharge head.

  As a conventional cleaning means, for example, there is known one in which a suction port connected to a negative pressure generation source is made to face a nozzle hole, and a negative pressure is applied to the nozzle hole or the vicinity thereof (Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent No. 4403379

  By the way, when the suction port connected to the negative pressure generation source is opposed to the nozzle hole and a negative pressure is applied to the nozzle hole or the vicinity thereof, the residual liquid on the nozzle surface is transferred to the outer surface of the member forming the suction port. Thus, there is a problem that it hangs down along the outer surface without being sucked into the suction port.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to prevent dripping from the outer surface side of the suction member when suctioning and removing the residual liquid.

In order to solve the above problems, an apparatus for ejecting a liquid according to claim 1 of the present invention provides:
A liquid discharge head having a plurality of nozzles for discharging a liquid;
Cleaning means for removing residual liquid remaining on the nozzle surface of the liquid discharge head,
The cleaning means is
A suction member having a suction port for sucking the residual liquid on the nozzle surface;
A suction means communicating with the suction port of the suction member;
An absorption member that absorbs the residual liquid is disposed on a side of the suction member that faces the nozzle surface of the suction port portion,
A waste liquid receptacle for receiving the remaining liquid transferred to the outer surface side of the suction member is provided on the outer side of the suction member and on the front side when the suction member moves relative to the liquid discharge head. ,
A discharge path leading to the suction means inside the waste liquid receiver;
It is configured to have means for opening and closing the discharge path .

  According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent dripping from the outer surface side of the suction member when the residual liquid is removed.

It is side surface explanatory drawing of the mechanism part of an example of the apparatus which discharges the liquid which concerns on this invention. It is a plane explanatory drawing similarly. FIG. 6 is a plan view of the nozzle surface of the liquid discharge head. It is typical sectional explanatory drawing seen from the direction orthogonal to the nozzle arrangement direction with which it uses for description of 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is cross-sectional explanatory drawing of the attraction | suction member similarly seen from the direction which opposes the nozzle array direction similarly. FIG. 5 is a schematic explanatory view similar to FIG. 4 for explaining the operation of the embodiment. It is a schematic explanatory drawing similar to FIG. 5 similarly. It is typical sectional explanatory drawing seen from the direction orthogonal to the nozzle arrangement direction with which it uses for description of 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a section explanatory view of a suction member similarly seen from the direction which counters a nozzle arrangement direction. It is typical sectional explanatory drawing seen from the direction orthogonal to the nozzle arrangement direction with which it uses for description of 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is typical sectional explanatory drawing seen from the direction orthogonal to the nozzle arrangement direction with which it uses for description of 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is side surface explanatory drawing at the time of the cleaning operation similarly seen from the direction which opposes a nozzle arrangement direction. It is typical explanatory drawing similar to FIG. 11 in which it uses for the effect | action description of the embodiment. FIG. 13 is a schematic explanatory view similar to FIG. It is typical explanatory drawing with which it uses for description of the suction in suction member at the time of completion | finish of cleaning in 5th Embodiment of this invention. It is typical explanatory drawing with which it uses for description of the suction in suction member at the time of completion | finish of cleaning in 6th Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing with which it uses for description of the bottom part shape from which the waste-liquid receptacle in 7th Embodiment of this invention differs. It is typical explanatory drawing with which it uses for description of the washing | cleaning operation | movement provided for description of 8th Embodiment of this invention, and removal operation | movement.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings. First, an example of an apparatus for discharging a liquid according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is an explanatory side view of a mechanism portion of the apparatus, and FIG.

  The transport unit 100 includes a transport device 102 that fixes the medium 101. The transfer device 102 has a suction mechanism, and fixes the medium 101 by suction.

  A carriage unit 200 is disposed above the transport unit 100 so as to be movable in the horizontal direction. In the carriage unit 200, for example, liquid discharge heads (hereinafter simply referred to as "heads") 301K, 301C, 301M, 301Y, 301CL, which are liquid discharge means for discharging a UV curable liquid as an active energy ray curable liquid. , 301W is installed.

  When the carriage unit 200 is reciprocated in the direction of the arrow X, the heads 301K, 301C, 301M, 301Y, 301CL, and 301W (hereinafter referred to as “head 301” when not distinguished from each other are the same). The medium 101 is scanned.

  The heads 301K, 301C, 301M, 301Y, and 301W respectively discharge black (K), cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and white (W) UV curable colored liquids. The head 301W is also a means for discharging a white liquid. The color type of the colored liquid is not limited to the above configuration.

  The head 301CL ejects a UV curable transparent liquid (clear liquid).

  For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the head 301 has two nozzle rows in which a plurality of nozzles 302 that discharge liquid on the nozzle surface 303 is arranged. The nozzle arrangement direction is the arrow Y direction (the moving direction of the cleaning means 501 described later is the arrow Y1 direction), and the direction orthogonal to the nozzle arrangement direction is the arrow X direction.

  Further, the carriage unit 200 is mounted with an irradiation unit 400 as a curing means for irradiating ultraviolet light (UV light) as active energy rays.

  In addition, the carriage unit 200 is disposed so as to be movable up and down with respect to the surface of the transport device 102 and includes a height sensor 401. Then, the height from the medium 101 is measured by the height sensor 401, and control is performed to move the carriage unit 200 up and down to a position where the gap between the head 301 and the medium 101 becomes a predetermined amount.

  Further, maintenance units 500 and 600 as maintenance and recovery units are disposed on both sides of the transport unit 100.

  In the maintenance unit 500, a cleaning means 501 for suctioning and removing the residual liquid remaining on the nozzle surface of the head 301 is disposed. In the maintenance unit 600, a cap 601 for capping the nozzle surface 303 of the head 301 is disposed.

  When performing maintenance of the head 301, for example, the carriage unit 200 is moved to the maintenance unit 600 side so that the cap 601 and the head 301 are opposed to each other, and liquid is pressurized and supplied to the head 301 to supply liquid from the nozzle into the cap 601. Let it drain.

  Thereafter, the head unit 200 is moved to the maintenance unit 500 side, the maintenance unit 500 is moved in the direction of the arrow Y1 (the nozzle arrangement direction is as shown in FIG. 3), and the residual liquid is removed from the nozzle surface 303 by the cleaning means 501. Remove by suction and clean.

  In addition, the head 301 is capped with a cap 601 during standby or the like, and the moisturizing state is maintained.

  Next, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional explanatory view seen from the direction orthogonal to the nozzle arrangement direction used in the description of the embodiment, and FIG. 5 is a sectional explanatory view of the suction member seen from the direction opposite to the nozzle arrangement direction.

  The cleaning means 501 includes a suction member 511 which is a suction head having a suction port 512 for suctioning the residual liquid 700 on the nozzle surface 303 of the head 301. An absorbing member 513 that absorbs the residual liquid 700 is disposed on the side of the suction port 512 of the suction member 511 facing the nozzle surface 303.

  The suction port 512 of the suction member 511 communicates with a suction pump 515 formed of a tube pump or the like as suction means through a waste liquid discharge path 514 formed of a tube or the like connected to the discharge port 511a. The residual liquid 700 sucked through the suction member 511 by the suction pump 515 is discharged to the waste liquid tank 516 as the waste liquid 701.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 5A, the absorbing member 513 can have the same height as the suction member 511, with the nozzle surface 303 side (facing surface side) as a flat surface. Further, as shown in FIG. 5B, contact portions 511b in contact with the nozzle surface 303 may be provided at both ends in a direction (arrow X direction) orthogonal to the nozzle arrangement direction of the suction member 511. The contact portion 511 b functions as a gap regulating member that defines a gap between the suction member 511 and the nozzle surface 303.

  Further, on the front side (the front side in the direction of the arrow X1) when the suction member 511 moves relative to the head 301 outside the suction member 511, the residual liquid transferred to the outer surface side of the suction member 511. A waste reservoir 517 for receiving 700 is provided. The outer surface side of the suction member 511 is meant to include the wall portion and the like when the wall portion of the waste liquid receptacle 517 is provided on the outer surface of the suction member 511 itself and the outer surface of the suction member 511.

  Next, the operation of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7. 6 is a schematic explanatory view similar to FIG. 4 for the same function explanation, and FIG. 7 is a schematic explanatory view similar to FIG.

  First, in the initial state, the suction member 511 of the cleaning means 501 is at the retracted position away from the nozzle surface 303 of the head 301. From this state, the suction member 511 and the head 301 are relatively moved in the vertical direction. As a result, as shown in FIG. 6A, the suction member 511 is moved from the nozzle surface 303 to a suction position where suction is to be performed at one end side in the nozzle arrangement direction of the nozzle surface 303.

  In the above-described apparatus, the suction member 511 is moved from the nozzle surface 303 to the suction position where suction is performed by moving the head 301 up and down. In FIG. 6, the suction member 511 is raised in the direction of the rising arrow Z1. I will explain it.

  Here, when the suction member 511 is set to the suction position, an interval (gap) between the upper surface of the absorption member 513 and the nozzle surface 303 is such that the residual liquid 700 on the nozzle surface 303 can contact the absorption member 513. I manage. 5B and 7B, the suction member 511 is provided with a contact portion 511b, and the contact portion 511b is brought into contact with the nozzle surface 303 so that the absorption member 513 and the nozzle surface 303 are contacted with each other. It can also be set as the structure which controls a gap. Here, the gap between the absorbing member 513 and the nozzle surface 303 is provided, but the absorbing member 513 may be in contact with the nozzle surface 303 (the same applies to the following embodiments). .

  Then, in a state where the suction pump 515 is driven, as shown in FIGS. 6B and 7, the suction member 511 is moved in the arrow Y1 direction along the nozzle arrangement direction. At this time, the residual liquid 700 on the nozzle surface 303 comes into contact with the absorption member 513, and is sucked into the suction port portion 512 of the suction member 511 by the suction force by the suction pump 515 and the capillary force of the absorption member 513.

  The waste liquid 701 of the residual liquid 700 sucked into the suction port 512 of the suction member 511 is discharged from the waste liquid discharge path 514 to the waste liquid tank 516 through the suction pump 515.

  Then, after moving the suction member 511 to the other end side in the nozzle arrangement direction of the nozzle surface 303 of the head 301, as shown in FIG. 6C, the suction member 511 is relatively moved to the initial retracted position in the arrow Z2 direction. Lower (move) to.

  Here, the residual liquid 700 on the nozzle surface 303 may be transferred as it is to the outer surface on the front side in the moving direction of the suction member 511 before being sucked into the suction port portion 512 via the absorption member 513. At this time, if the waste liquid receiving member 517 does not exist, the waste liquid 701 transferred to the outer surface of the suction member 511 drips down as it is and contaminates the inside of the apparatus.

  On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the waste liquid receiver 517 for receiving the waste liquid 701 of the residual liquid 700 transferred to the outer surface on the front side in the moving direction of the suction member 511 is provided and received. As a result, the waste liquid 701 transferred to the outer surface of the suction member 511 does not drip down as it is and contaminate the inside of the apparatus.

  Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional explanatory view seen from the direction orthogonal to the nozzle arrangement direction used in the description of the embodiment, and FIG. 9 is a sectional explanatory view of the suction member seen from the direction opposite to the nozzle arrangement direction.

  In the present embodiment, the absorbing member 513 provided in the suction port portion 512 of the suction member 511 is provided with a convex portion 513 a and is stopped by a pressing portion 511 c formed on the suction member 511.

  Thereby, the absorption member 513 can be stably held in the suction port portion 512 of the suction member 511.

  Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional explanatory diagram viewed from a direction orthogonal to the nozzle arrangement direction for explaining the embodiment.

  In the present embodiment, a discharge path 521 connecting the space (waste liquid storage portion) in the waste liquid reservoir 517 and the waste liquid discharge path 514 is provided. That is, the waste liquid discharge path 514 branches to the suction port portion 512 side and the waste liquid receiver 517 side.

  With this configuration, the waste liquid 701 stored in the waste liquid reservoir 517 can be discharged to the waste liquid tank 516 sequentially. Further, by using the waste liquid pump 515 connected to the suction member 511 as a suction means for discharging the waste liquid 701 from the waste liquid receiver 517, the configuration is simplified.

  Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12. FIG. FIG. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional explanatory view seen from the direction orthogonal to the nozzle arrangement direction for explaining the embodiment, and FIG. 12 is a side explanatory view at the time of cleaning operation similarly seen from the direction opposite to the nozzle arrangement direction. .

  In the present embodiment, the drainage member 517 is movably held by the suction member 511 in the vertical direction (direction perpendicular to the nozzle surface 303) along the outer surface of the suction member 511.

  In the waste liquid receiver 517, a pressing portion 517 b that hits an end portion of the nozzle surface 303 in a direction orthogonal to the nozzle arrangement direction is formed on the wall portion 517 a side along the outer surface of the suction member 511. When the waste liquid receiver 517 is in the initial state, the pressing portion 517b has a shape that is higher than the end surface on the nozzle surface 303 side of the suction member 511, as shown in FIG.

  Here, the suction member 511 and the waste liquid receiver 517 are respectively provided with a waste liquid discharge path 514 and a branch path 522 and a through hole (passage) 523 constituting a discharge path 521 through the waste liquid receiver 517.

  A spring 518 as an elastic member is disposed between the base member 510 holding the suction member 511 and the outer bottom surface of the waste liquid receptacle 517.

  When the pressing portion 517b of the waste liquid receiver 517 is pressed against the nozzle surface 303, the waste liquid receiver 517 descends along the outer surface of the suction member 511 against the restoring force of the spring 518, and the branch path 522 and the through hole 523 are formed. It becomes impossible to communicate. On the other hand, when the pressing portion 517 b of the waste liquid receiver 517 is separated from the nozzle surface 303, the waste liquid receiver 517 rises along the outer surface of the suction member 511 by the restoring force of the spring 518, and the branch path 522 and the through hole 523 communicate.

  That is, the waste liquid receiving member 517 itself also serves as a means for opening and closing the discharge path 521.

  Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 13 and 14 as well. FIG. 13 is a schematic explanatory view similar to FIG. 11 for the same function explanation, and FIG. 14 is a schematic explanatory view similar to FIG.

  First, in the initial state, the suction member 511 of the cleaning means 501 is at the retracted position away from the nozzle surface 303 of the head 301. From this state, the suction member 511 and the head 301 are relatively moved in the vertical direction. As a result, as shown in FIG. 13A, the suction member 511 is moved from the nozzle surface 303 to a suction position where suction is performed on one end side in the nozzle arrangement direction of the nozzle surface 303.

  At this time, as shown in FIG. 14, the pressing portion 517b of the waste liquid receiver 517 is pressed against both ends of the nozzle surface 303 in the direction orthogonal to the nozzle arrangement direction (arrow X direction), and the waste liquid receiver 517 is relatively sucked. It descends relative to the member 511 in the direction of the arrow Z2.

  Therefore, the branch path 522 and the through hole 523 are shifted, and the space between the branch path 522 and the through hole 523 is closed (the discharge path 521 is closed).

  Then, in a state where the suction pump 515 is driven, as shown in FIG. 13B, the suction member 511 is moved in the direction of the arrow Y1 along the nozzle arrangement direction. At this time, the residual liquid 700 on the nozzle surface 303 comes into contact with the absorption member 513, and is sucked into the suction port portion 512 of the suction member 511 by the suction force by the suction pump 515 and the capillary force of the absorption member 513.

  The waste liquid 701 of the residual liquid 700 sucked into the suction port 512 of the suction member 511 is discharged from the waste liquid discharge path 514 to the waste liquid tank 516 through the suction pump 515. At this time, since the branch path 522 to the waste liquid receiver 517 is closed, the suction force of the suction pump 515 acts on the suction port 512 entirely, and efficient suction can be performed.

  Here, the residual liquid 700 that is not sucked into the suction port portion 512 via the absorbing member 513 is stored in the waste liquid receptacle 517 through the wall portion 517a of the waste liquid receptacle 517 here, as described in the above embodiment. Is done.

  Then, after the suction member 511 is moved to the other end side in the nozzle arrangement direction of the nozzle surface 303 of the head 301, the suction member 511 is lowered to the initial retracted position in the arrow Z2 direction as shown in FIG. Move).

  As a result, the pressing portion 517b of the waste liquid receiver 517 is separated from the nozzle surface 303, so that the waste liquid receiver 517 rises in the arrow Z1 direction relative to the suction member 511 by the restoring force of the spring 518, and the branch path 522 and the through hole 523 (the discharge path 521 is opened).

  At this time, by driving the suction pump 515, the waste liquid 701 stored in the waste liquid reservoir 517 is sucked and discharged, and is discharged to the waste liquid tank 516.

  Thus, after the suction of the residual liquid 700 from the nozzle surface 303 is completed, the waste liquid 701 of the waste liquid receiver 517 is sucked and discharged.

  Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 15 is a schematic explanatory diagram for explaining suction in the suction member at the end of cleaning in the same embodiment.

  In this embodiment, when the suction member 511 is moved to the other end portion side of the nozzle surface 303 in the nozzle arrangement direction and the cleaning movement operation is finished, the suction is performed in this state as shown in FIG. The suction operation by the pump 515 is continued for a predetermined time, and the waste liquid remaining in the absorbing member 513 is sucked and discharged.

  As a result, the amount of remaining waste liquid in the absorbing member 513 can be reduced, and clogging due to the remaining waste liquid can be reduced, so that long-term continuous cleaning operation can be performed.

  At this time, by performing the suction while keeping the suction member 511 at the suction position, the waste liquid in the absorbing member 513 can be more reliably suctioned and discharged more reliably.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 15B, even if the suction pump 515 is driven with the suction member 511 in the retracted position, the amount of air drawn into the absorption member 513 from the outside as indicated by the arrow increases, The suction efficiency of the waste liquid inside the absorbing member 513 is reduced.

  Next, a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 16 is a schematic explanatory diagram for explaining the suction in the suction member at the end of cleaning in the same embodiment.

  In the present embodiment, a head guide 305, which is a facing member that is a surface extending the nozzle surface 303, is disposed outside the end in the nozzle array direction of the head 301 and the end in the cleaning direction end side. Then, when the waste liquid inside the absorption member 513 is sucked while the suction member 511 is kept at the suction position, the suction member 511 is moved to a position where the suction member 511 hits the head guide 305 and comes into contact therewith.

  Accordingly, it is possible to avoid suctioning the waste liquid inside the absorbing member 513 in a state where the suction member 511 hits the nozzle surface 303, and the load on the nozzle surface 303 is reduced.

  As described above, by completely discharging the waste liquid remaining in the absorbing member 513 of the cleaning means 501, it is possible to maintain the cleaning function for a longer period of time.

  Here, by increasing the fluid resistance value of the absorbing member 513, the negative pressure in the suction port 512 is increased, so that the waste liquid in the absorbing member 513 can be easily sucked and discharged. Specifically, the fluid resistance can be increased by lowering the porosity of the absorbing member 513. Alternatively, it may be considered that discharging can be facilitated by reducing the capillary force of the absorbing member 513. Therefore, the fluid resistance can also be increased by reducing the pore diameter.

  Next, a seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the bottom shape of the waste liquid receiver according to the embodiment.

  In the present embodiment, the bottom surface of the waste liquid receptacle 517 is formed with inclined surfaces 524 a and 524 b which are inclined obliquely downward toward the discharge path 521. FIG. 15A shows an example in which the discharge path 521 is arranged at the center in the direction orthogonal to the nozzle arrangement direction. FIG. 15B shows an example in which the discharge paths 521 are arranged in a biased direction in the direction orthogonal to the nozzle arrangement direction. FIG. 15C shows an example in which the discharge path 521 is the entire vicinity of the intersection of the inclined surfaces 524a and 524b.

  With such a configuration, the waste fluid stored in the waste fluid reservoir 517 can be collected quickly and discharged, and the deposition associated with the thickening of the waste fluid in the waste fluid reservoir 517 can be reduced.

  Next, an eighth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 18 is a schematic explanatory diagram for explaining a cleaning operation and a removal operation for explaining the embodiment.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 18A, the nozzle surface 303 is capped with a cap member 801 before cleaning by the cleaning means 501, and the cleaning liquid 803 is directed from the cleaning liquid nozzle 802 to the nozzle surface 303. The cleaning means 800 which performs the cleaning operation | movement which sprays is provided.

  As a result, the residual liquid 700 on the nozzle surface 303 is removed by flowing with the cleaning liquid 803. At this time, the waste liquid of the cleaning liquid 803 and the residual liquid 700 accumulated in the cap member 801 is discharged to a waste liquid tank or the like through the waste liquid tube 804.

  Alternatively, before cleaning is performed by the cleaning unit 501, the nozzle surface 303 is capped by the cap member 801, and the cap member 803 is filled with the cleaning liquid 803 supplied from the cleaning liquid nozzle 802. The cleaning liquid nozzle 802 need not be a nozzle as long as it can supply the cleaning liquid, and may be located on the side surface of the cap member 801. When the cleaning liquid 803 accumulated in the cap member 801 contacts the residual liquid 700 on the nozzle surface 303, the residual liquid 700 can be removed.

  As a result, the residual liquid 700 on the nozzle surface 303 is dissolved in the cleaning liquid 803 or caused to flow by the convection generated in the cap member 801 and removed. At this time, the waste liquid of the cleaning liquid 803 and the residual liquid 700 accumulated in the cap member 801 is discharged to a waste liquid tank or the like through the waste liquid tube 804.

  Then, after cleaning by the cleaning means 800, as shown in FIG. 18 (b), the cleaning means 803 suctions and removes the cleaning solution 803 attached to the nozzle surface 303. In this case, if the residual liquid 700 is adhered due to the remaining cleaning, it is simultaneously sucked and discharged.

  By comprising in this way, a nozzle surface can be more reliably cleaned.

  In the present application, “device for discharging liquid” means a device including a liquid discharge head or a liquid discharge unit, and driving the liquid discharge head or the liquid discharge unit to discharge the liquid. The apparatus for ejecting the liquid includes an apparatus capable of ejecting the liquid to the one to which the liquid can adhere (liquid attachment target), and the one capable of ejecting the liquid in the air or in the liquid.

  This “device for discharging liquid” includes a liquid discharge head or a liquid discharge unit, control means for controlling a liquid discharge operation, means for feeding, conveyance, and discharge of a liquid adhering object, and others, a pretreatment device, It may include a device called a post-processing device.

  Further, the “device for discharging liquid” includes a recording device, a printing device, an image forming device, a droplet discharge device, a liquid discharge device, a treatment liquid application device, a three-dimensional modeling device, and an apparatus for producing fine particles by an injection granulation method. , Printers, multifunction printers (MFPs), and 3D printers.

  Further, the “device for discharging liquid” is not limited to a device in which a significant image such as characters and figures is visualized by the discharged liquid. For example, what forms a pattern etc. which does not have a meaning in itself, and what forms a three-dimensional image are also included.

  The above-mentioned “thing to which liquid adheres” means that liquid can adhere even temporarily. The material of the “member to which the liquid adheres” may be any material that can temporarily attach a liquid such as paper, yarn, fiber, fabric, leather, metal, plastic, glass, wood, ceramics, and the like.

  “Liquid” also includes ink, treatment liquid, DNA sample, resist, pattern material, binder, modeling liquid, and the like.

  Further, the “device for discharging the liquid” includes both a serial type device for moving the liquid discharge head and a line type device for not moving the liquid discharge head unless particularly limited.

  The “liquid discharge unit” is an integrated unit of a liquid discharge head and another functional component or mechanism, and means an assembly of components related to the liquid discharge. For example, the “liquid discharge unit” includes a head tank, a carriage, a supply mechanism, a maintenance mechanism, and a combination of the configuration of the main scanning movement mechanism with a liquid discharge head.

  The “liquid discharge head” is not limited to the pressure generating means to be used. For example, in addition to the piezoelectric actuator (which may use a laminated piezoelectric element) as described in the above embodiment, the thermal actuator using an electrothermal transducer such as a heating resistor, a diaphragm and a counter electrode An electrostatic actuator or the like may be used.

  In addition, the terms “image formation”, “recording”, “printing”, “printing”, “printing”, “modeling” and the like in the terms of the present application are all synonymous.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Conveyance unit 101 Medium 102 Conveyance apparatus 200 Carriage unit 300 Head unit 301 Liquid discharge head 400 Irradiation unit (hardening means)
500 maintenance unit 501 cleaning means 511 suction member 512 suction port 513 absorption member 514 waste liquid discharge path 515 suction pump 517 waste liquid reservoir 521 discharge path 800 cleaning means

Claims (9)

A liquid discharge head having a plurality of nozzles for discharging a liquid;
Cleaning means for removing residual liquid remaining on the nozzle surface of the liquid discharge head,
The cleaning means is
A suction member having a suction port for sucking the residual liquid on the nozzle surface;
A suction means communicating with the suction port of the suction member;
An absorption member that absorbs the residual liquid is disposed on a side of the suction member that faces the nozzle surface of the suction port portion,
A waste liquid receptacle for receiving the remaining liquid transferred to the outer surface side of the suction member is provided on the outer side of the suction member and on the front side when the suction member moves relative to the liquid discharge head. ,
It has a discharge path which leads the inside of the waste liquid receiver to the suction means,
An apparatus for discharging a liquid, characterized by comprising means for opening and closing the discharge path . A liquid discharge head having a plurality of nozzles for discharging a liquid;
Cleaning means for removing residual liquid remaining on the nozzle surface of the liquid discharge head,
The cleaning means is
A suction member having a suction port for sucking the residual liquid on the nozzle surface;
A suction means communicating with the suction port of the suction member;
An absorption member that absorbs the residual liquid is disposed on a side of the suction member that faces the nozzle surface of the suction port portion,
A waste liquid receptacle for receiving the remaining liquid transferred to the outer surface side of the suction member is provided on the outer side of the suction member and on the front side when the suction member moves relative to the liquid discharge head. ,
An opposing member is disposed outside the cleaning direction end side end portion of the liquid discharge head in a state where the suction member is in a suction position,
After cleaning of the nozzle surface is completed, the suction unit is driven to suction and discharge the waste liquid of the liquid remaining in the absorbing member in a state where the suction member is at a suction position facing the opposing member. apparatus that ejects that liquids be characterized by. The apparatus according to claim 2 , further comprising a discharge path communicating the inside of the waste liquid reservoir with the suction means. 4. The apparatus for ejecting liquid according to claim 3 , further comprising means for opening and closing the discharge path. The means for opening and closing the discharge path is closed when the suction member is moved to the suction position for suctioning the residual liquid on the nozzle surface, and the suction member is separated from the suction position for suctioning the residual liquid on the nozzle surface. The apparatus for ejecting liquid according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus is opened when moved to the retracted position. The apparatus for discharging a liquid according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a bottom portion of the waste liquid receptacle is shaped to be inclined toward the discharge path. After cleaning of the nozzle surface is completed, the suction means is driven to suction and discharge the liquid waste of the liquid remaining in the absorbing member, with the suction member at the suction position. An apparatus for discharging the liquid according to any one of claims 1 to 6 . A cleaning means for spraying a cleaning solution on the nozzle surface of the liquid discharge head;
The apparatus for discharging a liquid according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the cleaning liquid remaining on the nozzle surface after the cleaning by the cleaning means is suctioned and removed by the cleaning means. A cap member for capping the nozzle surface of the liquid discharge head;
And means for filling the inside of the cap member with a cleaning solution,
8. The cleaning device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein after cleaning the nozzle surface with the cleaning solution filled in the cap member, the cleaning solution remaining on the nozzle surface is removed by suction by the cleaning means. Device for discharging liquid.

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