CN107415476B - Cleaning device for liquid ejecting head and liquid ejecting apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

Provided are a cleaning device for a liquid ejecting head and a liquid ejecting apparatus, which improve the ease of processing and can realize low cost. The ink jet head cleaning device is provided with a blade unit (67), wherein the blade unit (67) can move relative to the ink jet head (5) to wipe off the discharge surface of the ink jet head (5), the blade unit (67) is provided with a first flexible plate-shaped blade (121) and a second flexible plate-shaped blade (122) which are arranged in line in the moving direction of the blade unit (67), and a blower (135) which makes the inner space limited by the first blade (121) and the second blade (122) negative pressure.

Description

Cleaning device for liquid ejecting head and liquid ejecting apparatus

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a cleaning device for a liquid ejecting head and a liquid ejecting apparatus.

Background

The inkjet printer includes an inkjet head that reciprocates in a main scanning direction, and a conveying mechanism that conveys a recording medium (e.g., paper) in a sub-scanning direction orthogonal to the main scanning direction. The inkjet head discharges ink in a droplet form through the nozzle holes while reciprocating in the main scanning direction. When the ink hits the recording medium, various kinds of information are recorded on the recording medium.

In addition, in the inkjet printer, a cleaning device that cleans a surface of the inkjet head on which the nozzle holes open (hereinafter, referred to as a discharge surface) is mounted in order to maintain and recover discharge performance of the nozzle holes. For example, patent document 1 listed below discloses an erasing unit having a base body that abuts on a discharge surface, and a suction path formed in the base body.

According to this configuration, the wiping unit is brought into sliding contact with the discharge surface of the inkjet head, whereby ink adhering to the discharge surface can be sucked and wiped.

Documents of the prior art

Patent document

Patent document 1: japanese patent laid-open publication No. 2012-143947.

Disclosure of Invention

Problems to be solved by the invention

However, in the configuration of patent document 1, since the suction path is formed in the base itself, there is a problem that processing of the base is difficult and manufacturing cost increases.

The invention provides a cleaning device for a liquid ejecting head and a liquid ejecting apparatus, which improve the processing easiness and can realize low cost.

Means for solving the problems

In order to solve the above-described problems, a cleaning device for a liquid ejecting head according to an aspect of the present invention includes a blade unit that is movable relative to the liquid ejecting head to wipe an ejection surface of an ejection orifice opening in the liquid ejecting head, the blade unit including a first blade and a second blade that are arranged in a flexible plate shape and arranged in line in a moving direction of the blade unit, and a suction mechanism that causes a negative pressure to be applied to an inner space defined by the first blade and the second blade.

According to this aspect, by sliding contact with the ejection surface while maintaining the negative pressure in the inner space defined by the first blade and the second blade, the liquid adhering to the first blade, the second blade, and the ejection surface can be suctioned into the inner space, and the ejection surface can be wiped. This can reliably remove the liquid adhering to the ejection surface, and can maintain the ejection performance of the liquid ejecting head.

In particular, by defining the inner space by the plate-shaped first blade and the plate-shaped second blade, the ease of processing can be improved and the cost can be reduced as compared with a configuration in which a suction path is formed in the base as in the related art.

In the above aspect, the blade unit may be configured such that the distal end portions of the first blade and the second blade abut against each other to close the inner space when not wiped, and the distal end portions of the first blade and the second blade are spaced apart from each other to open the inner space when deflected and deformed during wiping.

According to this aspect, since the inner space is opened in accordance with the flexural deformation at the wiping time, it is possible to suppress the entry of foreign matter or the like into the inner space at the non-wiping time. This can improve the maintainability of the blade unit.

In the above aspect, the squeegee unit may be movable between: a wiping position at which the first blade and the second blade can wipe the ejection surface, and a spacing position at which the first blade and the second blade are spaced apart from the ejection surface.

According to this aspect, since the first blade and the second blade are configured to be movable between the wiping position and the spaced position, interference between the liquid ejecting head and the blade unit can be suppressed when the blade unit is returned to the position before wiping after wiping of the ejection surface. This can prevent the liquid adhering to the first blade and the second blade from adhering to the liquid ejecting head again when the liquid returns, for example, during the wiping operation.

In the above aspect, the blade unit may include a blade reservoir that stores a cleaning liquid, and the first blade and the second blade may be immersed in the cleaning liquid at the spaced position.

According to this aspect, the first blade and the second blade can be cleaned by immersing the first blade and the second blade in the cleaning liquid in the blade pool at the immersion position, and the liquid or the like adhering to the first blade and the second blade can be removed.

In the above aspect, the blade unit may include a shutter mechanism that opens the blade pool at the wiping position and closes the blade pool in the spaced position in a state where the first blade and the second blade are immersed in the cleaning liquid.

According to this aspect, by closing the blade reservoir with the shutter mechanism, for example, volatilization of the cleaning liquid can be suppressed. Further, for example, when a UV-curable ink is used, it is possible to prevent UV light irradiated after ink discharge from entering the blade pool. This can prevent the ink mixed in the cleaning liquid and the ink adhering to the blade from being hardened in the UV light irradiation step after the discharge.

In the above aspect, a float sensor may be further provided that detects a liquid level of the cleaning liquid immersed in the blade reservoir.

According to this aspect, since the float sensor for detecting the liquid level height of the cleaning liquid is provided, the cleaning liquid can be maintained at a desired liquid level height. This makes it possible to reliably remove the liquid and the like adhering to the first blade and the second blade at the spaced position.

In the above aspect, the squeegee unit may include a squeegee frame that supports the first squeegee and the second squeegee and defines a suction chamber, and a connection portion that allows the inside space and the suction chamber to communicate with each other, and the suction mechanism may be disposed on the squeegee frame and may make the inside space negative pressure by the suction chamber and the connection portion.

According to this aspect, the suction mechanism can store the sucked liquid and the like in the suction chamber by making the inner space negative pressure by the suction chamber and the connection portion, and therefore, for example, the frequency of maintenance can be reduced.

In the above aspect, the blade unit may be configured such that the inner space and the suction chamber communicate with each other through the connection portion at the wiping position, and the communication between the inner space and the suction chamber through the connection portion is blocked at the spaced position.

According to this aspect, since the communication between the inner space and the suction chamber via the connection portion is blocked at the partition position, the cleaning liquid in the blade pool can be prevented from flowing into the inner space.

In the above aspect, a blocking plate may be disposed between the connection portion in the suction chamber and the suction mechanism in the blade frame.

According to this aspect, by disposing the blocking plate between the connecting portion and the suction mechanism, the liquid or the like flowing into the suction chamber through the connecting portion collides with the blocking plate while moving to the suction mechanism. This can prevent liquid or the like flowing into the suction chamber from adhering to the suction mechanism or being discharged to the outside of the squeegee frame by the suction mechanism. As a result, the liquid or the like flowing into the suction chamber can be retained in the suction chamber, and the liquid or the like can be efficiently retained in the suction chamber.

In the above aspect, the plurality of liquid ejecting heads may be mounted on a carriage so as to be aligned in a first direction orthogonal to the moving direction in a tangential direction of the ejection surface, and the first blade and the second blade may be provided in correspondence with each of the plurality of liquid ejecting heads.

According to this aspect, since the first blade and the second blade are provided for each of the liquid ejecting heads, the ejection surfaces of the liquid ejecting heads can be reliably wiped off.

In the above aspect, the plurality of liquid ejecting heads may be arranged in a first direction orthogonal to the moving direction in a tangential direction of the ejection surface and mounted on a carriage, and a length of at least one of the first blade and the second blade in the first direction may be a length capable of wiping the plurality of liquid ejecting heads together.

According to this aspect, the number of components can be reduced and the configuration can be simplified as compared with a case where the first blade and the second blade are provided for each liquid ejecting head.

In the above aspect, a cap unit (cap unit) that covers the ejection holes may be further provided, and the blade unit and the cap unit may be integrally movable in a sub-scanning direction that intersects with a main scanning direction of the liquid ejecting head.

According to this aspect, the ejection surface of the liquid ejecting head can be wiped off by the blade unit while the blade unit and the cap unit are moving in the sub-scanning direction. In particular, the liquid ejecting apparatus can be downsized in the main scanning direction compared to a configuration in which the squeegee unit and the cap unit are arranged in the main scanning direction as in the related art. In this case, even if the blade unit is provided corresponding to the plurality of liquid ejecting heads arranged in the main scanning direction, the liquid ejecting apparatus can be prevented from being increased in size. Therefore, a small liquid ejecting apparatus with a short cleaning time can be provided.

In the above aspect, the amount of pushing of the blade unit into the ejection surface in the normal direction of the ejection surface at the wiping time may be set to 0.5mm or more and 3.0mm or less from the ejection surface.

According to this aspect, by setting the pushing-in amount to 0.5mm or more, an appropriate pushing-in force can be applied to the ejection surface from the blade unit, and therefore the ejection surface can be wiped effectively. On the other hand, by setting the pushing amount to 3.0mm or less, it is possible to suppress an excessive pushing force acting on the ejection surface, and to achieve a longer life of the liquid ejecting head and the blade unit.

A liquid ejecting apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention includes a liquid ejecting head movable in a main scanning direction, and a cleaning device according to the above aspect.

According to this aspect, since the cleaning device of the above aspect is provided, the liquid ejecting apparatus can be provided at low cost and with high reliability.

Effects of the invention

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the ease of processing can be improved, and cost reduction can be achieved.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a printer according to a first embodiment;

fig. 2 is a perspective view of an ink jet head according to a first embodiment;

fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the ink jet head according to the first embodiment;

fig. 4 is a perspective view of the cleaning device according to the first embodiment;

fig. 5 is a side view of the cleaning unit according to the first embodiment as viewed from one side in the X direction;

fig. 6 is a perspective view of a carriage cover according to the first embodiment;

fig. 7 is a schematic configuration diagram of the inkjet head, the carriage, and the cover unit viewed from the X direction showing a state where the cover unit is at an open position;

fig. 8 is a schematic configuration diagram of the ink jet head, the carriage, and the cover unit viewed from the X direction showing a state where the cover unit is at the carriage cover position;

fig. 9 is a schematic configuration diagram of the ink jet head, the carriage, and the cover unit viewed from the X direction showing a state where the cover unit is at the head cap position;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a headgear mechanism according to a first embodiment;

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the squeegee unit corresponding to line XI-XI of FIG. 4;

fig. 12 is a schematic configuration diagram of a cleaning liquid supply mechanism according to the embodiment;

FIG. 13 is a movement explanatory diagram for explaining the wiping method;

FIG. 14 is a movement explanatory diagram for explaining the wiping method;

FIG. 15 is a movement explanatory diagram for explaining the wiping method;

fig. 16 is an operation explanatory diagram for explaining a carriage cover method;

FIG. 17 is an operation explanatory diagram for explaining a hood method;

fig. 18 is a flowchart for explaining a printing standby method;

fig. 19 is a sectional view showing a state where the squeegee mechanism is at the wiping position in the squeegee unit according to the second embodiment;

fig. 20 is a perspective view of the squeegee unit showing a state in which the squeegee mechanism is at the dipping position;

fig. 21 is a sectional view corresponding to fig. 19 showing a state where the squeegee mechanism is in the dipping position;

fig. 22 is a perspective view showing a modified example of the squeegee mechanism;

fig. 23 is a perspective view showing a modification of the squeegee mechanism;

fig. 24 is a perspective view showing a modified example of the squeegee mechanism.

Detailed Description

Embodiments according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, an ink jet printer (hereinafter, simply referred to as a printer) that records on a recording medium with ink will be described as an example of a liquid ejecting apparatus including a liquid ejecting head cleaning apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the drawings used in the following description, the scale of each member is appropriately changed so that each member can be recognized.

(first embodiment)

[ Printer ]

Fig. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a printer 1 in the present embodiment.

As shown in fig. 1, the printer 1 is a large printer 1 used for industrial use, for example. The printer 1 includes a conveyance mechanism 2, an ink supply mechanism 3, a scanning mechanism 4, an inkjet head 5, and a cleaning device 6. Further, reference numeral 7 denotes a housing constituting the external appearance of the printer 1. The frame 7 accommodates the above-described components.

In the following description, a rectangular coordinate system of X, Y, Z will be used as necessary. In this case, the X direction coincides with a conveyance direction (sub-scanning direction) of the recording medium P (e.g., paper). The Y direction coincides with the scanning direction (main scanning direction) of the inkjet heads 5. The Z direction (first direction) represents a height direction orthogonal to the X direction and the Y direction.

The transport mechanism 2 transports the recording medium P in the X direction. Specifically, the conveying mechanism 2 includes a grid roller (grid roller)11 extending in the Y direction, a pinch roller (pinch roller)12 extending parallel to the grid roller 11, and a driving mechanism (not shown) such as a motor for rotating the grid roller 11 around the shaft.

The ink supply mechanism 3 includes an ink tank 13, an ink pipe 14 connecting the ink tank 13 and the inkjet head 5, and a supply pump (not shown) for supplying the ink in the ink tank 13 to the inkjet head 5.

The plurality of ink tanks 13 are arranged in the Y direction. Each ink tank 13 contains a plurality of (four in the present embodiment) inks of different colors, such as yellow, magenta, cyan, and black, for example. The types of ink are not limited to four types, and can be changed as appropriate.

The ink pipe 14 is, for example, a flexible hose having flexibility. The ink pipes 14 connect the ink tanks 13 and the ink jet heads 5, respectively.

The supply pump pressurizes the inside of the ink pipe 14 to send ink to the inkjet head 5 through the ink pipe 14.

The scanning mechanism 4 reciprocally scans the inkjet head 5 in the Y direction. Specifically, the scanning mechanism 4 includes a carriage 21 on which the inkjet head 5 is mounted, and a drive mechanism 22 that moves the carriage 21 in the Y direction.

The drive mechanism 22 includes a pair of pulleys 24 (only one pulley 24 is shown in fig. 1) arranged at intervals in the Y direction, an endless belt 25 wound between the pair of pulleys 24, and a drive motor 26 for driving and rotating the one pulley 24.

The carriage 21 is configured to be movable on a guide rail, not shown, extending in the Y direction. A plurality of inkjet heads 5 are mounted on the carriage 21. In the illustrated example, a plurality of (four in the present embodiment) ink jet heads 5 that discharge inks of different colors such as yellow, magenta, cyan, and black are mounted on the carriage 21.

< ink jet head >

Next, the inkjet head 5 will be described. Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the ink-jet head 5. Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the ink-jet head 5. Each ink jet head 5 is formed of the same configuration except for the color of the ink to be supplied. Therefore, in the following description, one ink jet head 5 will be described as an example, and the description of the other ink jet heads 5 will be omitted.

As shown in fig. 2 and 3, the inkjet head 5 is a two-line type inkjet head 5 in which two lines of ink are formed by a plurality of nozzle holes 31 and 32 for discharging ink.

The inkjet head 5 mainly includes a first head chip 33, a second head chip 34, a nozzle plate 35, a nozzle cover 36, and a nozzle guard 37. In the following description, a direction toward the nozzle plate 35 with respect to the head chips 33 and 34 in the Z direction is referred to as a lower direction, and a direction away from the nozzle plate 35 with respect to the head chips 33 and 34 is referred to as an upper direction.

The first head chip 33 is of a so-called edge-fire type that ejects ink from a leading end portion in a channel extending direction (Z direction) of an ejection channel 43 described later.

The first header 33 is formed by stacking the first actuator plate 41 and the first cover plate 42 in the Y direction.

The first actuator plate 41 is a so-called unipolar substrate in which the polarization direction is set to one direction in the thickness direction (Z direction). Further, a ceramic substrate including, for example, PZT (lead zirconate titanate) or the like is preferably used for the first actuator plate 41. The first actuator plate 41 may be formed by laminating two piezoelectric substrates having different polarization directions in the Z direction (so-called chevron type).

A plurality of passages 43, 44 are provided in parallel on the surface of the first actuator plate 41 (the surface facing the first cover plate 42) at intervals in the X direction. Each of the passages 43 and 44 is formed linearly in the Z direction and opens at least at the lower end surface of the first actuator plate 41. Each channel 43, 44 is divided in the X direction by a drive wall 45 formed by the first actuator plate 41.

The plurality of channels 43 and 44 are discharge channels 43 filled with ink and non-discharge channels 44 not filled with ink. The discharge channels 43 and the non-discharge channels 44 are alternately arranged in the X direction. Further, driving electrodes (not shown) are formed on the inner surfaces (driving walls 45) of the channels 43 and 44 by vapor deposition or the like. The drive electrodes are applied with a drive voltage via a flexible printed circuit board not shown, and deform the drive walls 45 by a piezoelectric slip effect.

The first lid 42 is formed in a rectangular shape in a plan view seen from the Y direction. The first cover 42 is joined to the surface of the first actuator plate 41 with the upper end of the first actuator plate 41 exposed.

The first cover 42 has a common ink chamber 46 and a plurality of slits 47.

The common ink chamber 46 is formed at a position equal to the upper end portion of the discharge path 43 in the Z direction. The common ink chamber 46 is recessed toward the back surface of the first cover 42 (the surface facing the first actuator plate 41) and extends in the X direction. The ink flows into the common ink chamber 46 through the ink supply mechanism 3 (see fig. 1).

The slit 47 is formed in the common ink chamber 46 at a position facing the ejection path 43 in the Y direction. The slits 47 communicate the inside of the common ink chamber 46 with the inside of each discharge channel 43. On the other hand, the non-discharge passage 44 is not communicated with the common ink chamber 46.

The second head chip 34 is configured by stacking a second actuator plate 51 and a second cover plate 52 in the Y direction. The head chips 33 and 34 are integrated by bonding the back surfaces of the first actuator plate 41 and the second actuator plate 51 to each other. In the following description, the same reference numerals as those of the first head chip 33 are sometimes attached to the second head chip 34 to omit descriptions thereof, regarding the same configuration as that of the first head chip 33.

The discharge channels 43 and the non-discharge channels 44 of the second head chip 34 are arranged with a half pitch offset from the arrangement pitch of the discharge channels 43 and the non-discharge channels 44 of the first head chip 33. That is, the discharge channels 43 and the non-discharge channels 44 of the head chips 33 and 34 are arranged in a staggered manner. In this case, the ejection channels 43 of the first head chip 33 and the non-ejection channels 44 of the second head chip 34 face each other in the Y direction, and the non-ejection channels 44 of the first head chip 33 and the ejection channels 43 of the second head chip 34 face each other in the Y direction. Further, the arrangement pitch of the discharge channels 43 and the non-discharge channels 44 can be appropriately changed between the head chips 33 and 34. Further, between the head chips 33 and 34, the discharge channels 43 and the non-discharge channels 44 may be formed at the same position or different positions in the X direction.

The nozzle cover 36 is a plate-like member having a rectangular outer shape in plan view as viewed in the Z direction. The nozzle cover 36 is formed with a fitting hole 55 that penetrates the nozzle cover 36 in the Z direction. The first header chip 33 and the second header chip 34 are fitted together in the fitting hole 55. In the example of fig. 3, the head chips 33 and 34 are fitted into the fitting hole 55 so that the lower end surfaces thereof are flush with the lower end surface of the nozzle cover 36.

As shown in fig. 3, the nozzle plate 35 is fixed to the lower end surfaces of the head chips 33 and 34 and the nozzle cover 36 by, for example, bonding or the like. The nozzle plate 35 has a single-layer structure or a laminated structure made of a resin material (polyimide or the like), a metal material (SUS or the like), glass, or the like. The thickness of the nozzle plate 35 is, for example, about 50 μm.

The nozzle plate 35 has a plurality of nozzle rows (a first nozzle row 56 and a second nozzle row 57) extending in the Y direction. The nozzle rows 56 and 57 extend in parallel with each other at intervals in the X direction.

The first nozzle row 56 has the above-described first nozzle holes 31 penetrating the nozzle plate 35 in the Z direction. The first nozzle holes 31 are formed in the nozzle plate 35 at positions facing the ejection channels 43 of the first head chips 33 in the Z direction, respectively. That is, the first nozzle holes 31 are linearly arranged at intervals in the Y direction.

The second nozzle row 57 has the above-described second nozzle holes 32 penetrating the nozzle plate 35 in the Z direction. The second nozzle holes 32 are formed in the nozzle plate 35 at positions facing the ejection channels 43 of the second head chip 34 in the Z direction, respectively. That is, the second nozzle holes 32 are linearly arranged at intervals in the Y direction. Further, each of the nozzle holes 31, 32 is formed in a tapered shape that tapers from above to below.

As shown in fig. 2 and 3, the nozzle guard 37 is formed by, for example, pressing a plate material such as SUS. The nozzle guard 37 is formed in a box shape opened upward. The nozzle guard 37 covers the nozzle plate 35 from below in a state of being fitted to the nozzle cover 36.

Exposure holes (first exposure holes 58 and second exposure holes 59) that penetrate the nozzle guard 37 in the Z direction are formed in the nozzle guard 37 at portions that face the nozzle rows 56 and 57 in the Z direction. Each of the exposure holes 58 and 59 is formed in a slit shape extending in the Y direction. The nozzle rows 56 and 57 are exposed to the outside through the corresponding exposure holes 58 and 59.

The lower surface of the nozzle guard 37 and the lower surface of the nozzle plate 35, which are exposed through the exposure holes 58 and 59, constitute the ejection surface of the inkjet head 5. In the inkjet head 5 of the present embodiment, since the nozzle plate 35 is covered with the nozzle guard 37, the nozzle holes 31 and 32 are opened at positions recessed upward with respect to the lower surface of the nozzle guard 37. That is, the discharge surface of the present embodiment is an uneven surface having a convex surface formed by the lower surface of the nozzle guard 37 and a concave surface formed by the lower surface of the nozzle plate 35.

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the cleaning device 6.

In the printer 1 of the present embodiment, as shown in fig. 4, the plurality of ink jet heads 5 are mounted on the carriage 21 in a staggered state. In this case, the nozzle rows 56 and 57 of the inkjet heads 5 adjacent in the Y direction partially overlap when viewed from the Y direction. However, the layout of each inkjet head 5 can be changed as appropriate. For example, the inkjet heads 5 may be arranged such that the entire nozzle rows 56 and 57 of the inkjet heads 5 overlap when viewed from the Y direction. The number of inkjet heads 5 mounted on the carriage 21 can also be changed as appropriate.

As shown in fig. 1, the inkjet head 5 moves between the printing region S and the cleaning region C by the movement of the carriage 21 in the Y direction. The print area S is an area above the recording medium P (the transport mechanism 2). The inkjet head 5 reciprocates in the Y direction in the printing region S during a printing operation on the recording medium P.

The cleaning region C is a region located on one side in the Y direction with respect to the printing region S. The inkjet heads 5 move to the cleaning region C at the time of maintenance, at the time of driving stop, or the like.

< cleaning device >

As shown in fig. 4, the cleaning device 6 is provided below with respect to the inkjet heads 5 in the above-described cleaning area C. Specifically, the cleaning device 6 includes a base frame 60, a cleaning unit 61, a cleaning liquid supply mechanism 62 (see fig. 12), and a cleaning liquid tank 63 (see fig. 12).

The base frame 60 supports the cleaning unit 61 in a movable manner in the X direction. The base frame 60 is formed in a C-shape that opens upward in a front view seen from the X direction. A base rail 64 is disposed on a pair of base side wall portions 60a of the base frame 60 facing in the Y direction. The base rail 64 extends in the X direction at an upper end portion of each base side wall portion 60 a.

The cleaning unit 61 is disposed inside the base frame 60. The cleaning unit 61 includes a unit frame 65, a cover unit 66, and a blade unit 67.

The unit frame 65 is formed in a box shape opened upward. A pair of first side wall portions 65a facing in the Y direction among the unit frames 65 is supported on the base rail 64 so as to be slidable in the X direction.

The cleaning unit 61 is configured to be movable in the X direction with respect to the base frame 60 by operation of a drive mechanism, not shown. Specifically, the cleaning unit 61 moves between an opposing position overlapping each inkjet head 5 located in the cleaning region C and a retracted position (see fig. 15) retracted from each inkjet head 5 in a plan view seen from the Z direction. In addition, various configurations such as a belt, a chain, a trapezoidal screw, a ball screw, and the like can be adopted as the drive mechanism. In the following description, a direction toward the printing region S in the Y direction may be referred to as an inner side in the Y direction, and a direction toward the cleaning region C may be referred to as an outer side in the Y direction. In addition, a direction to the facing position among the X directions is referred to as one side, and a direction to the avoidance position is referred to as the other side.

Fig. 5 is a side view of the cleaning unit 61 viewed from one side in the X direction.

As shown in fig. 5, a unit guide 71 is disposed on a second side wall portion 65b of the unit frame 65 that faces in the X direction. The unit guide 71 is a cam groove that penetrates the second side wall portion 65b in the X direction. Two unit guides 71 are formed in each second side wall portion 65b at intervals in the Y direction. The unit guides 71 are formed in the same shape. Therefore, in the following description, one unit guide 71 will be described as an example, and the description of the other unit guides 71 will be omitted.

The unit guide 71 is formed in a step shape extending gradually upward as it goes outward in the Y direction. Specifically, the unit guide 71 is formed by connecting the lower portion 71a, the first connection portion 71b, the middle portion 71c, the second connection portion 71d, and the upper portion 71e in the Y direction.

The lower stage 71a, the intermediate stage 71c, and the upper stage 71e extend linearly in the Y direction.

The first connection portion 71b extends upward as going outward in the Y direction. The first connection portion 71b connects the lower stage portion 71a and the intermediate stage portion 71 c.

The second connection portion 71d extends upward as going outward in the Y direction. The second connection portion 71d connects the intermediate-stage portion 71c and the upper-stage portion 71 e.

As shown in fig. 4, the cover unit 66 is disposed inside the unit frame 65. The cover unit 66 includes a carriage cover mechanism 73 and a head cover mechanism 75.

The carriage cover mechanism 73 is a member for keeping the ejection surface of the inkjet head 5 wet. The carriage cover mechanism 73 has a cover frame 77, and a carriage cover 78 disposed on the cover frame 77.

As shown in fig. 5, a support pin 79 extending in the X direction penetrates the cover frame 77. Both ends of the support pin 79 in the X direction are inserted into the unit guides 71 facing each other in the X direction among the unit guides 71. Therefore, the cover unit 66 is configured to be movable in the Z direction in accordance with the sliding movement to the Y direction. Specifically, the cover unit 66 slides between an open position where the support pin 79 is located in the lower stage portion 71a, a carriage cover position where the support pin 79 is located in the middle stage portion 71c, and a hood cover position where the support pin 79 is located in the upper stage portion 71 e.

A stopper wall 81 capable of engaging with the carriage 21 in accordance with the movement of the carriage 21 is provided at a portion of the cover frame 77 located on the outer side in the Y direction. The stopper wall 81 protrudes upward from a portion of the cover frame 77 located on the outer side in the Y direction. The stopper wall portion 81 overlaps the carriage 21 when viewed from the Y direction when the cleaning unit 61 is at the facing position and the cover unit 66 is at the open position (hereinafter referred to as a cover initial position). When the cover initial position is set, the carriage 21 abuts (engages) the stopper wall portion 81 in accordance with the outward movement of the carriage 21 in the Y direction. Thereby, the cover frame 77 moves outward in the Y direction together with the carriage 21 in accordance with the movement of the carriage 21 outward in the Y direction. On the other hand, the stopper wall portion 81 is spaced from the carriage 21 with the movement of the carriage 21 to the Y direction inner side. This releases the engagement between the stopper wall 81 and the carriage 21.

A link mechanism 83 for moving the cover unit 66 inward in the Y direction is provided between the cover frame 77 and the unit frame 65. The link mechanism 83 includes a link bar 84 and an urging member 85.

The connecting bar 84 is a plate-like member extending in the Z direction. The link bar 84 is interposed between a first pivot shaft 86 coupled to the unit frame 65 and a second pivot shaft 87 coupled to the unit frame 65. Specifically, a first rotating shaft 86 extending in the X direction is inserted through the lower end portion of the link bar 84. The lower end portion of the link bar 84 is configured to be rotatable about the first rotation axis 86 with respect to the unit bottom wall portion 65c of the unit frame 65.

A guide hole 88 that penetrates the link bar 84 in the Y direction is formed in the upper end portion of the link bar 84. The guide hole 88 is an elongated hole extending in the extending direction of the link bar 84. A second rotation shaft 87 extending in the X direction is inserted through the guide hole 88. That is, the link bar 84 is configured to be rotatable about the second rotation axis 87 with respect to the cover unit 66 and to be relatively movable in the Z direction with respect to the cover unit 66.

The urging member 85 is interposed between the link bar 84 and the unit frame 65. The urging member 85 is, for example, a torsion coil spring. The biasing member 85 biases the cover unit 66 toward the Y-direction inner side (open position).

As shown in fig. 4, the carriage cover 78 is mounted on the unit frame 65. The carriage cover 78 is formed in a box shape opened upward.

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the carriage cover 78.

As shown in fig. 6, a cleaning liquid flow path 90 through which a cleaning liquid flows is formed in the bottom wall portion of the carriage cover 78. The cleaning liquid flow path 90 mainly includes a cleaning liquid inlet flow path 100, a distribution flow path 101, a waste liquid flow path 102, and a cleaning liquid outlet flow path 103.

The cleaning liquid inlet flow path 100 extends in the Y direction on the other side in the X direction in the carriage cover 78. The cleaning liquid inlet passage 100 is inclined downward from the inside to the outside in the Y direction. An inlet port 104 for supplying a cleaning liquid into the cleaning liquid inlet flow path 100 is disposed at the Y-direction inner end of the cleaning liquid inlet flow path 100.

A plurality of distribution channels 101 are arranged at intervals in the Y direction. Each distribution channel 101 extends in the X direction. The other end of each distribution channel 101 in the X direction is connected to the cleaning liquid inlet channel 100. Further, each distribution channel 101 may be inclined downward as going from the other side to the one side in the X direction.

The waste liquid channel 102 includes a cover housing section 102a and a merged channel 102 b.

The cover accommodating portions 102a are formed between the distribution flow paths 101 adjacent in the Y direction. The hood accommodating portion 102a has a planar outer shape when viewed in the Z direction, which is sized to accommodate the hood mechanism 75. The cover accommodating portion 102a may be inclined downward as going from the other side to the one side in the X direction.

The merged channel 102b connects the cover accommodating sections 102a to each other on one side in the X direction with respect to the cover accommodating sections 102 a. A waste liquid port 105 is disposed in the merged channel 102b, and the waste liquid port 105 discharges the cleaning liquid flowing through the merged channel 102 b.

The cleaning liquid outlet flow path 103 extends in the Y direction on one side in the X direction in the carriage cover 78. The cleaning liquid outlet flow path 103 is connected to the distribution flow path 101 at least at both ends in the Y direction (for example, the distribution flow path 101 located at both ends in the Y direction). The cleaning liquid outlet flow path 103 is inclined downward as going from the inside to the outside in the Y direction. An outlet port 106 for discharging the cleaning liquid from the cleaning liquid outlet flow path 103 is disposed at the Y-direction outer end of the cleaning liquid outlet flow path 103. The outlet port 106 protrudes upward from the bottom wall portion of the cleaning liquid outlet passage 103. In this case, the discharge port of the outlet port 106 (the discharge port from the cleaning liquid outlet flow path 103) is located above the bottom wall portion of the cleaning liquid outlet flow path 103. The discharge port of the outlet port 106 may also be open on the peripheral wall portion of the carriage cover 78.

In the example of fig. 6, the waste liquid flow path 102 and the cleaning liquid inlet flow path 100, the waste liquid flow path 102 and the distribution flow path 101, and the waste liquid flow path 102 and the cleaning liquid outlet flow path 103 are partitioned by partition walls 107. Further, an absorbent 108 capable of absorbing the cleaning liquid may be disposed at least in the distribution flow path 101 in the cleaning liquid flow path 90. In this case, the absorber 108 can hold the cleaning liquid. Therefore, even if the cleaning liquid is biased in the cleaning liquid flow path 90 due to the inclination of the carriage cover 78 or the supply of the cleaning liquid is stopped, the cleaning liquid can be prevented from being exhausted at least in the distribution flow path 101. However, the absorber may be disposed in the entire cleaning liquid flow path 90.

As shown in fig. 4, in the cleaning liquid flow path 90, the portion other than the cover accommodating portion 102a is closed from above by the carriage inner plate 89.

Fig. 7 is a schematic configuration diagram of the inkjet head 5, the carriage 21, and the cover unit 66 as viewed from the X direction, showing a state in which the cover unit 66 is in the open position.

In the above-described open position, the upper end edge of the peripheral wall portion of the carriage cover 78 is located below the lower surface of the carriage 21 and the discharge surface of the inkjet head 5. This prevents the carriage cover 78 from interfering with the carriage 21 and the inkjet head 5.

Fig. 8 is a schematic configuration diagram of the inkjet head 5, the carriage 21, and the cover unit 66 as viewed from the X direction, showing a state where the cover unit 66 is at the carriage cover position.

As shown in fig. 8, the carriage cover 78 covers the carriage 21 from below in the above-described carriage cover position, and surrounds the periphery of the carriage 21. Thereby, all the nozzle holes 31, 32 of the inkjet head 5 are covered.

Fig. 9 is a schematic configuration diagram of the inkjet head 5, the carriage 21, and the cover unit 66 as viewed from the X direction, showing a state where the cover unit 66 is at the head cap position.

As shown in fig. 9, the carriage cover 78 is located above the carriage cover position in the head cover position.

As shown in fig. 4, the head cap mechanism 75 is used for cleaning the ejection surface of the inkjet head 5. The head cap mechanisms 75 are provided at positions facing the inkjet heads 5 in the Z direction at the cap initial position, among the bottom wall portions of the carriage cap 78. As shown in fig. 9, the headcap mechanism 75 abuts against the ejection surface of the inkjet head 5 from below when in the headcap position. Since each hood mechanism 75 has the same configuration, the hood mechanism 75 will be described below.

Fig. 10 is a perspective view of the hood mechanism 75.

As shown in fig. 10, the hood mechanism 75 has a first abutting unit 91, a second abutting unit 92, and a holder 93.

The holder 93 is fixed to a portion of the partition wall 107 that partitions the cover housing portion 102 a. The holder 93 holds the respective contact units 91 and 92 in a state spaced upward from the bottom wall portion of the waste liquid channel 102.

The first contact unit 91 has a contact member 94A and a head piece 96A.

The abutting member 94A is constituted by a plurality of abutting blocks 97A, 98A, 99A arranged in the Y direction. The push-against blocks 97A to 99A are a central push-against block 97A, a first outer push-against block 98A and a second outer push-against block 99A arranged on both sides in the Y direction with respect to the central push-against block 97A.

The center push block 97A is a porous member (sponge-like) having water absorption property formed by a foamed resin. The central abutting block 97A is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape with the X direction as the longer direction. The width of the center abutting block 97A in the Y direction is narrower than the width of the first exposure hole 58 (see fig. 3) in the Y direction. As shown in fig. 3 and 9, when the headcap mechanism 75 is in the headcap position, the upper surface of the center abutting block 97A faces the first nozzle row 56 in the Z direction on the ejection surface of the inkjet head 5.

As shown in fig. 10, the first outer abutting block 98A and the second outer abutting block 99A are porous members (sponge-like) having water-absorbing property formed by a foamed resin. The first outer abutting block 98A and the second outer abutting block 99A are lower in height in the Z direction than the center abutting block 97A. Thus, the upper surfaces of the first outer abutting block 98A and the second outer abutting block 99A are located lower than the upper surface of the central abutting block 97A. As shown in fig. 3 and 9, the first outer abutting block 98A and the second outer abutting block 99A are opposed to the portions (nozzle guards 37) of the ejection surface located on both sides in the Y direction with respect to the first nozzle row 56 in the Z direction when they are in the head covering position. In the example of fig. 10, the Y-direction width of each of the abutting blocks 97A to 99A is narrowed in the order of the first outer abutting block 98A, the center abutting block 97A, and the second outer abutting block 99A.

In the present embodiment, the center abutting block 97A is formed of a material harder than the first outer abutting block 98A and the second outer abutting block 99A in shore a hardness. Specifically, the first outer abutting block 98A is formed of a foamed resin of continuous bubbles (a structure in which a plurality of bubbles communicate with each other). On the other hand, the center abutting block 97A and the second outer abutting block 99A are formed of a single-bubble (a configuration in which a plurality of bubbles are independent of each other) foamed resin. However, if at least the first outer abutting block 98A among the abutting blocks 97A to 99A is formed of a continuous bubble, the central abutting block 97A and the second outer abutting block 99A may be formed of a continuous bubble.

The urging member 94A may not have water absorption properties if it is formed of at least an elastically deformable material. The abutting member 94A may not be divided into the plurality of abutting blocks 97A to 99A if it is formed in an uneven shape following the concave surface of the ejection surface where the nozzle plate 35 is exposed and the convex surface of the nozzle guard 37 is exposed.

The head sheet 96A is a sheet having water absorption properties formed of a nonwoven fabric, woven fabric, or the like. The head piece 96A covers both the upper side and both sides in the Y direction of the abutting member 94A (the abutting blocks 97A to 99A). The portion of the head piece 96A located above the abutting member 94A abuts against the ejection surface of the inkjet head 5 from below when the headcap mechanism 75 is in the headcap position.

As shown in fig. 6 and 10, the first end (outer end in the Y direction) of the head piece 96A is immersed in the cleaning liquid in the distribution flow path 101. On the other hand, the second end (the inner end in the Y direction) of the head piece 96A is spaced from the waste liquid channel 102. Further, the mass per unit area (m) of the head piece 96A²) The weight (g)) of (A) is preferably, for example, 70g/m²The above. Thus, the head piece 96A has a smaller opening ratio (area of the opening per unit area) than the upper end surfaces of the abutting blocks 97A to 99A.

As shown in fig. 10, the second abutment unit 92 is disposed on the inner side in the Y direction with respect to the first abutment unit 91. In the following description, regarding the same configuration as the first contact unit 91 in the second contact unit 92, the same reference numeral as that of the first contact unit 91 is denoted by "B" and the description thereof may be omitted.

The second contact unit 92 includes a pushing member 94B and a head piece 96B, similarly to the first contact unit 91.

As shown in fig. 3 and 9, the center abutting block 97B of the second abutting unit 92 faces the second nozzle row 57 in the Z direction on the ejection surface of the inkjet head 5 when the headcap mechanism 75 is at the headcap position.

The outer abutting blocks 98B and 99B face portions (nozzle guards 37) on the ejection surface on both sides in the Y direction with respect to the second nozzle row 57 when the outer abutting blocks are in the head covering position.

The head piece 96B covers both the upper side and both sides in the Y direction of the abutting member 94B (the abutting blocks 97B to 99B). The portion of the head piece 96B located above the pushing member 94B abuts against the ejection surface of the inkjet head 5 from below when the headcap mechanism 75 is in the headcap position. The first end (the inner end in the Y direction) of the head piece 96B is immersed in the cleaning liquid in the distribution flow path 101. On the other hand, the second end (outer end in the Y direction) of the head piece 96B is spaced from the waste liquid channel 102. Further, a partition portion that partitions the first abutting unit 91 and the second abutting unit 92 may be provided between the first abutting unit 91 and the second abutting unit 92.

As shown in fig. 4, the squeegee unit 67 is disposed on one side in the X direction with respect to the unit frame 65. The blade unit 67 wipes off the discharge surface of each inkjet head 5 while the cleaning unit 61 moves from the facing position to the off position.

Fig. 11 is a sectional view of the squeegee unit 67 corresponding to the line XI-XI in fig. 4.

The squeegee unit 67 includes a box-shaped squeegee frame 110. A squeegee pool is attached to the other side wall portion of the squeegee frame 110 on the other side in the X direction. The squeegee pool 111 is formed in a box shape having an opening at the upper side. The cleaning liquid supplied from the cleaning liquid supply mechanism 62 is stored in the blade reservoir 111. The other end portion of the squeegee pool 111 in the X direction is fixed to a second side wall portion 65b positioned on one side in the X direction in the unit frame 65 (see fig. 4 and the like). Thereby, the squeegee frame 110 is disposed at intervals in the X direction with respect to the unit frame 65. Further, a float sensor 116 (see fig. 12) for detecting the liquid level of the cleaning liquid is provided in the squeegee pool 111.

As shown in fig. 4, a strut (stay) extending to the other side in the X direction is attached to the side wall portions of the squeegee frame 110 facing each other in the Y direction. Between the support columns 112, a support shaft 113 extending in the Y direction is bridged. The support shaft 113 is supported by the stay 112 so as to be rotatable about the Y direction. A scraper mechanism 115 is provided on the support shaft 113. The squeegee mechanisms 115 are provided four at intervals in the Y direction corresponding to the ink jet heads 5. In the following description, one squeegee mechanism 115 is described among the plurality of squeegee mechanisms 115.

As shown in fig. 11, the squeegee mechanism 115 includes a squeegee holder 120, a first squeegee 121, and a second squeegee 122.

The blade holder 120 is attached to the support shaft 113 in a state of protruding upward with respect to the support shaft 113.

The first blade 121 is formed of a material (rubber, resin, or the like) having flexibility. The first blade 121 is formed in a plate shape. The first blade 121 is fixed to the blade holder 120 so as to extend in the Z direction. The first blade 121 has a distal end (upper end) that protrudes upward from the blade holder 120 and is disposed at a height that allows sliding contact with the discharge surface of the inkjet head 5.

The second blade 122 is formed of a material (rubber, resin, or the like) having flexibility. The second blade 122 is formed in a plate shape. The second blade 122 is fixed to the blade holder 120 so as to extend upward with going to one side in the X direction. The distal end of the second blade 122 may be disposed at a height that allows sliding contact with the discharge surface of the inkjet head 5. In the example of fig. 11, the tip end of the second blade 122 is located below the tip end of the first blade 121. The distal end portion of the second blade 122 can be brought into contact with and separated from the distal end portion of the first blade 121 by the flexural deformation of the blades 121 and 122.

The space surrounded by the squeegee holder 120 and the squeegees 121 and 122 in the squeegee mechanism 115 constitutes a first suction chamber 125. The scrapers 121 and 122 may be made of the same material or different materials. Although the first suction chamber 125 is formed by the squeegee holder 120 and the squeegees 121 and 122 in the present embodiment, the first suction chamber 125 may be defined by a plurality of squeegees of three or more pieces.

The squeegee mechanism 115 is movable between a dipping position (spacing position) and a wiping position in accordance with the rotation of the support shaft 113. At the dipping position, at least the tip end portions of the scrapers 121 and 122 of the scraper mechanism 115 are dipped in the cleaning liquid in the scraper pool 111 (see fig. 14). On the other hand, at the wiping position, at least the tip end portion of the first blade 121 of the blade mechanism 115 is disposed at a height capable of sliding contact with the discharge surface of the inkjet head 5.

The blade holder 120 is formed with a first communication hole 126 for communicating the inside and outside of the first suction chamber 125. The first communication hole 126 penetrates the squeegee holder 120 in the X direction. The connection pipe 127 is connected to the first connection hole 126. The connection pipe 127 protrudes from the squeegee holder 120 toward one side in the X direction. The first communication hole 126 may be a single long hole having the Y direction as the major axis, or may be formed by a plurality of through holes spaced apart in the Y direction.

Here, the internal space of the squeegee frame 110 constitutes the second suction chamber 132. The second suction chamber 132 can communicate with the inside of the first suction chamber 125 through the second communication hole 130 formed in the other side wall portion of the squeegee frame 110 and the connection pipe 127. The connection pipe 127 may be connected to the squeegee holder 120 (the first communication hole 126) or may be connected to the squeegee frame 110 (the second communication hole 130).

A suction hole 133 for communicating the inside and outside of the blade frame 110 is formed in one side wall portion of the blade frame 110 on one side in the X direction. A plurality of suction holes 133 are formed at intervals in the Y direction in the upper portion of the one side wall portion. A plurality of blowers 135 covering the suction holes 133 from one side in the X direction are attached to one side wall portion of the squeegee frame 110. The blowers 135 communicate with the second suction chamber 132 through the suction holes 133. Further, on the upper wall portion of the squeegee frame 110, a blocking plate 136 that partitions the suction hole 133 and the second communication hole 130 in the X direction is provided. Further, an absorbent body (not shown) having water absorption properties may be disposed in the second suction chamber 132 at a portion located below the blocking plate 136.

Fig. 12 is a schematic configuration diagram of the cleaning liquid supply mechanism 62.

As shown in fig. 12, the cleaning liquid supply mechanism 62 supplies the cleaning liquid stored in the cleaning liquid storage tank 63 to the cleaning liquid flow path 90 and the blade reservoir 111. Specifically, the cleaning liquid supply mechanism 62 includes a supply pipe 141, a connection pipe 142, a first waste liquid pipe 143, a second waste liquid pipe 144, and a cleaning liquid pump 145 disposed on the supply pipe 141.

The supply pipe 141 connects the cleaning liquid reservoir 63 and the cleaning liquid inlet passage 100 (see fig. 6) of the cleaning liquid passage 90. Specifically, a first end of the supply pipe 141 is connected to the cleaning liquid storage tank 63. A second end of the supply pipe 141 is connected to the inlet port 104.

The cleaning liquid pump 145 pressurizes the inside of the supply pipe 141 to send the cleaning liquid to the cleaning liquid flow path 90 through the supply pipe 141.

The connection pipe 142 connects the cleaning liquid outlet flow path 103 of the cleaning liquid flow path 90 and the blade reservoir 111. Specifically, a first end of the connection pipe 142 is connected to the outlet port 106 of the cleaning liquid outlet passage 103. The second end of the connecting tube 142 is connected to a pool port 148 provided in the squeegee pool 111.

The first waste liquid pipe 143 connects the waste liquid flow path 102 of the cleaning liquid flow path 90 and the waste liquid tank 150. Specifically, a first end of the first waste liquid pipe 143 is connected to the waste liquid port 105 of the waste liquid channel 102 shown in fig. 6. The second end of the first waste liquid pipe 143 is connected to the waste liquid tank 150. An opening/closing valve 151 is provided in the first waste liquid pipe 143. The opening/closing valve 151 may not be provided.

A second waste pipe 144 connects between the squeegee reservoir 111 and a waste reservoir 150. Specifically, a first end of the second waste liquid pipe 144 is connected to a waste liquid port, not shown, provided in the squeegee pool 111. A second end of the second waste pipe 144 is connected to the waste tank 150. An opening/closing valve 152 is provided in the second waste liquid pipe 144.

[ method of operating Printer ]

Next, an operation method of the printer 1 will be described. In the following description, the printing method, wiping method, carriage cover method, head cover method, and cleaning liquid supply method will be described in order, followed by a description of the printing standby method.

< printing method >

First, a printing method on the recording medium P will be described.

As shown in fig. 1, when the printer 1 is operated, the raster roller 11 of the transport mechanism 2 rotates, and the recording medium P is transported in the X direction between the raster roller 11 and the pinch roller 12. At the same time, the driving motor 26 rotates the pulley 24 to move the endless belt 25. Thereby, the carriage 21 reciprocates in the Y direction while being guided by a guide rail, not shown.

During this period, as shown in fig. 3, in each inkjet head 5, a driving voltage is applied to the driving electrodes of the head chips 33 and 34. This causes the thickness of the driving wall 45 to be slidably deformed, thereby generating a pressure wave in the ink filled in the discharge passage 43. The pressure wave increases the internal pressure of the discharge channel 43, and the ink is discharged through the nozzle holes 31 and 32. Then, various kinds of information are recorded on the recording medium P by the ink hitting on the recording medium P.

< wiping method >

Next, a wiping method by the discharge surface of the blade unit 67 will be described. In the following description, the cover unit 66 is at the cover initial position, and the squeegee unit 67 is at the wiping position. Further, in the hood initial position, the hood unit 66 is held in the open position.

First, the endless belt 25 shown in fig. 1 is moved to move the carriage 21 to the cleaning area C. At this time, as shown in fig. 7, the carriage 21 is moved from the inner side in the Y direction to a position (wiping standby position) where it abuts against the stopper wall portion 81. Thus, as shown in fig. 4, each ink jet head 5 is disposed at a position equal to the corresponding squeegee mechanism 115 in the Y direction and faces the corresponding head cap mechanism 75 in the Z direction.

FIG. 13 is a movement explanatory diagram for explaining the wiping method.

Subsequently, as shown in fig. 13, the blower 135 is driven. Then, the air in the second suction chamber 132 is sucked through the suction hole 133, and the air in the first suction chamber 125 is sucked through the second communication hole 130, the connection pipe 127, and the first communication hole 126. This maintains the negative pressure in the first suction chamber 125 and the second suction chamber 132.

After that, the cleaning unit 61 is moved to the off position. Then, when the squeegee mechanism 115 passes through the inkjet head 5, at least the first squeegee 121 slides on the discharge surface of the inkjet head 5. This wipes off the discharge surface of the ink jet head 5.

While the squeegee mechanism 115 is in sliding contact with the discharge surface of the inkjet head 5, the blades 121 and 122 are flexed and deformed, and the distal ends of the blades 121 and 122 are spaced apart from each other. Thus, the inside and outside of the first suction chamber 125 communicate with each other through the gap between the distal ends of the scrapers 121 and 122. At this time, since the inside of the first suction chamber 125 is maintained at a negative pressure, the ink adhering to the blades 121 and 122 and the discharge surface is sucked into the first suction chamber 125 by the tip portions of the blades 121 and 122. The ink sucked into the first suction chamber 125 flows into the second suction chamber 132 through the connection tube 127. This enables cleaning of the discharge surface and removal of ink adhering to the discharge surface.

In the present embodiment, the pushing amount of the first blade 121 against the discharge surface during wiping (the amount of movement of the first blade 121 in the normal direction of the discharge surface after the tip of the first blade 121 has made contact with the discharge surface) in the Z direction is preferably 0.5mm to 3.0 mm.

By setting the pushing-in amount to 0.5mm or more, an appropriate pushing-in force can be applied to the discharge surface from the first blade 121, and thus the discharge surface can be effectively wiped. On the other hand, by setting the pushing amount to 3.0mm or less, it is possible to suppress an excessive pushing force acting on the discharge surface, and to extend the life of the ink jet head 5 and the flight mechanism 115.

Fig. 14 and 15 are operation explanatory diagrams for explaining the wiping method.

As shown in fig. 14 and 15, the driving of the blower 135 is stopped at the time when the cleaning unit 61 reaches the off position. Next, the squeegee mechanism 115 is moved to the dipping position by rotating the support shaft 113. Then, the distal ends of the blades 121 and 122 are immersed in the cleaning liquid in the blade reservoir 111. This enables the cleaning of the blades 121 and 122 to remove ink adhering to the blades 121 and 122.

After that, the wiping method by the blade unit 67 is completed by returning the cleaning unit 61 to the opposing position. Further, the carriage 21 may be returned to the printing region S before the cleaning unit 61 is returned to the facing position.

< carriage cover method >

Next, a carriage cover method by the carriage cover mechanism 73 will be described. In the following description, the description is started from the time when the carriage 21 is at the wiping standby position of the cleaning region C and the cap unit 66 is at the cap initial position (the cap unit 66 is at the open position).

First, as shown in fig. 7, the carriage 21 is moved outward in the Y direction from the wiping standby position. Then, the cover unit 66 is pressed by the carriage 21 via the stopper wall portion 81 toward the outside in the Y direction (the direction against the urging force of the urging member 85). Thereby, the cover unit 66 moves outward in the Y direction together with the carriage 21 as the carriage 21 moves outward in the Y direction.

Fig. 16 is an operation explanatory diagram for explaining the carriage cover method.

As shown in fig. 16, in the process of moving the cover unit 66 from the open position to the outside in the Y direction, the support pin 79 moves to the outside in the Y direction in the unit guide 71. Specifically, the support pin 79 passes from the lower stage portion 71a to the intermediate stage portion 71c through the first connecting portion 71b in the unit guide 71. The support pin 79 moves upward as it goes outward in the Y direction during the movement in the first connection portion 71 b. Thereby, the cover unit 66 moves upward as going outward in the Y direction. Then, the cover unit 66 reaches the carriage cover position at the timing when the support pin 79 reaches the middle stage portion 71 c. As shown in fig. 8, in the carriage cover position, the carriage cover 78 covers the carriage 21 from below to cover the nozzle holes 31, 32 of all the inkjet heads 5. This suppresses drying of the ink in the nozzle holes 31 and 32, and maintains the wet state of the ink. In the carriage cover position, the head pieces 96A and 96B do not abut on the ejection surface.

Further, in order to move the cover unit 66 from the carriage cover position to the open position, the carriage 21 is moved to the inner side in the Y direction (wiping standby position). Then, the cover unit 66 moves inward in the Y direction together with the carriage 21 by the biasing force of the biasing member 85, and moves downward as it goes inward in the Y direction. Thereby, as shown in fig. 7, the cover unit 66 moves to the open position.

< method of hood >

Next, a hood method by the hood mechanism 75 will be described. In the following description, the cover unit 66 (carriage 21) is described from the time when it is at the carriage cover position.

First, as shown in fig. 8, the carriage 21 is moved outward in the Y direction. Then, the cover unit 66 is pressed by the carriage 21 via the stopper wall portion 81 toward the outside in the Y direction (the direction against the urging force of the urging member 85). Thereby, the cover unit 66 moves outward in the Y direction together with the carriage 21 as the carriage 21 moves outward in the Y direction.

Fig. 17 is an operation explanatory diagram for explaining a hood method.

As shown in fig. 17, in the process of moving the cover unit 66 outward in the Y direction from the carriage cover position, the support pin 79 moves outward in the Y direction within the unit guide 71. Specifically, the support pin 79 passes from the intermediate-stage portion 71c to the upper-stage portion 71e through the second connection portion 71d in the unit guide 71. The support pin 79 moves upward as it goes outward in the Y direction while moving in the second connection portion 71 d. Thereby, the cover unit 66 moves upward as going outward in the Y direction. Then, the cover unit 66 reaches the hood position at the timing when the support pins 79 reach the upper stage portion 71 e.

As shown in fig. 9, in the head cap position, each head cap mechanism 75 abuts against the discharge surface of each inkjet head 5 from below. Specifically, in each head cap mechanism 75, the pushing member 94A of the first contact unit 91 contacts the discharge surface of the ink jet head 5 via the head piece 96A. At this time, the center abutting block 97A abuts on the first nozzle row 56 (nozzle plate 35) through the first exposure hole 58. On the other hand, the outer abutting pieces 98A and 99A abut on the lower surface of the nozzle guard 37.

In each head cap mechanism 75, the pushing member 94B of the second contact unit 92 contacts the discharge surface of the ink jet head 5 via the head piece 96B. At this time, the center push block 97B abuts on the second nozzle row 57 (nozzle plate 35) through the second exposure hole 59. On the other hand, the outer abutting pieces 98B and 99B abut on the lower surface of the nozzle guard 37.

In the head cap position, the ink adhering to the discharge surface is dissolved by the cleaning liquid impregnated into the head pieces 96A and 96B, and then absorbed by the head pieces 96A and 96B. This enables cleaning of the discharge surface. Further, the abutment units 91, 92 can also close (block) the nozzle holes 31, 32 in the head cap position.

As shown in fig. 6 and 10, the first end portions of the head pieces 96A and 96B are immersed in the cleaning liquid in the distribution flow path 101. Therefore, the cleaning liquid in the distribution flow path 101 is infiltrated into the head pieces 96A and 96B from the first end by capillary action or the like. The cleaning liquid impregnated in the head pieces 96A and 96B permeates from the first end portion toward the second end portion. Further, a part of the cleaning liquid reaching the second end portions of the head pieces 96A, 96B flows to the cap housing portion 102a of the waste liquid flow path 102. As shown in fig. 6, the cleaning liquid flowing into the cover housing section 102a flows into one side in the X direction in the cover housing section 102a, and then flows into the waste liquid port 105 through the merged channel 102 b. The cleaning liquid flowing into the waste liquid port 105 is discharged to the waste liquid tank 150 through the first waste liquid pipe 143 shown in fig. 12.

As shown in fig. 7 and 8, the carriage 21 is moved inward in the Y direction (wiping standby position) in order to move the cover unit 66 from the cover position to the open position. Then, the cover unit 66 moves inward in the Y direction together with the carriage 21 by the biasing force of the biasing member 85, and moves downward as it goes inward in the Y direction. Thereby, the cover unit 66 moves to the open position.

< cleaning liquid supply method >

Next, a method of supplying the cleaning liquid to the cleaning liquid flow path 90 and the blade reservoir 111 will be described.

First, as shown in fig. 12, the cleaning liquid pump 145 is driven, whereby the cleaning liquid stored in the cleaning liquid tank 63 flows through the supply pipe 141. As shown in fig. 6, the cleaning liquid flowing through the supply pipe 141 is supplied to the cleaning liquid inlet passage 100 through the inlet port 104. The cleaning liquid supplied into the cleaning liquid inlet flow path 100 is distributed to the distribution flow path 101 while flowing outward in the Y direction in the cleaning liquid inlet flow path 100. Further, as described above, a part of the cleaning liquid flowing through the distribution flow path 101 penetrates the head pieces 96A and 96B to clean the discharge surfaces.

On the other hand, the cleaning liquid having passed through the distribution flow path 101 flows into the cleaning liquid outlet flow path 103. The cleaning liquid flowing into the cleaning liquid outlet flow path 103 flows inward in the Y direction through the cleaning liquid outlet flow path 103. When the liquid level of the cleaning liquid flowing through the cleaning liquid outlet passage 103 becomes higher than the discharge port of the outlet port 106, the cleaning liquid flows into the outlet port 106. The cleaning liquid flowing into the outlet port 106 flows toward the blade pool 111 in the connection pipe 142 by the head value of the liquid surface of the cleaning liquid in the cleaning liquid outlet flow path 103 and the liquid surface of the cleaning liquid in the blade pool 111. Then, the cleaning liquid flowing in the connection pipe 142 is supplied into the squeegee pool 111 through the pool port 148. The cleaning liquid supplied to the blade reservoir 111 is supplied to the cleaning blades 121, 122 as described above.

As shown in fig. 12, the operation of the cleaning liquid pump 145 can be controlled based on the detection result (the liquid level of the squeegee pool 111) of the float sensor 116 provided in the squeegee pool 111. Specifically, it is first determined whether or not the liquid level of the squeegee pool 111 is equal to or higher than a predetermined value. Next, when the liquid surface height of the squeegee pool 111 is smaller than a predetermined value (for example, the liquid surface height at which the squeegees 121 and 122 are not immersed), the cleaning liquid pump 145 is driven. On the other hand, when the liquid level of the squeegee pool 111 is equal to or higher than the predetermined value, the driving of the cleaning liquid pump 145 is stopped. This enables the cleaning liquid to be accurately supplied to the cleaning liquid flow path 90 and the blade pool 111.

As shown in fig. 12, the cleaning liquid in the waste liquid channel 102 is discharged to the waste liquid tank 150 by appropriately opening the on-off valve 151 provided in the first waste liquid pipe 143. Further, by appropriately closing the on-off valve 152 provided in the second waste liquid pipe 144, the cleaning liquid supplied to the squeegee pool 111 is discharged to the waste liquid tank 150.

< printing standby method >

Next, the standby operation before the start of the discharge operation of the ink jet head 5 will be described. Fig. 18 is a flowchart for explaining a printing standby method. In the following description, the cover unit 66 is at the cover initial position, the squeegee unit 67 is at the wiping standby position, and the squeegee mechanism 115 is at the dipping position. In the non-discharge state of the inkjet head 5, the ink in the nozzle holes 31 and 32 forms an appropriate (concave) meniscus by surface tension or the like acting on the inner surfaces of the nozzle holes 31 and 32. That is, in the ink jet head 5, by maintaining the pressure in the discharge path 43 at a desired negative pressure (for example, the meniscus pressure Pa), the meniscus is maintained, and ink is not discharged. On the other hand, when the pressure in the discharge channel 43 is set to a desired positive pressure state, the meniscus is broken and ink is discharged from the nozzle holes 31 and 32.

As shown in fig. 18, in step S01, the cleaning liquid is supplied to the cleaning liquid flow path 90 and the blade reservoir 111 by the same method as the above-described cleaning liquid supply method. Specifically, the cleaning liquid in the cleaning liquid reservoir 63 is supplied to the distribution flow path 101 of the cleaning liquid flow path 90, and then supplied to the blade reservoir 111 through the distribution flow path 101.

In step S02, it is determined whether or not the liquid level of the squeegee pool 111 is equal to or higher than a predetermined value based on the detection result of the float sensor 116 provided in the squeegee pool 111.

If the determination result of step S02 is "no" (the liquid level is less than the predetermined value), it is determined that the cleaning liquid has not been sufficiently supplied into the distribution flow path 101 and the blade pool 111. In this case, the process returns to step S01 to continue the supply of the cleaning liquid.

If the determination result in step S02 is yes (the liquid level is equal to or higher than the predetermined value), it is determined that the cleaning liquid has been sufficiently supplied into the distribution flow path 101 and the blade pool 111. In this case, the process proceeds to step S03.

In step S03, the drive of the cleaning liquid pump 145 is stopped.

Next, in step S04, the squeegee mechanism 115 is moved from the dipping position to the wiping position.

In step S05, purging of the inkjet head 5 is performed. The purge is an operation for restoring the discharge performance to the level before printing. Specifically, by pressurizing the inside of the discharge channel 43, the pressure (for example, purge pressure Pb) in the discharge channel 43 is maintained to such an extent that the meniscus is broken and ink leaks from the nozzle holes 31 and 32. That is, the purge pressure Pb is set to be greater than the meniscus pressure Pa (Pb > Pa). This causes dust, air bubbles, ink whose viscosity has increased due to drying, and the like that have entered the nozzle holes 31 and 32 to be discharged from the nozzle holes 31 and 32. The ink discharged from the nozzle holes 31 and 32 is absorbed by the head pieces 96A and 96B and the abutting members 94A and 94B of the head cap mechanism 75, and discharged to the cap housing portion 102 a.

After the purge is performed for a predetermined time, the process proceeds to step S06.

Next, in step S06, the pressure in the discharge passage 43 is set to the standby pressure Pc. The standby pressure Pc is a pressure at which the ink bulges convexly from the nozzle holes 31 and 32 and does not leak from the nozzle holes 31 and 32. That is, the standby pressure Pc is set to be greater than the meniscus pressure Pa and smaller than the purge pressure Pb. The standby pressure Pc may be set to be equal to the atmospheric pressure.

In step S07, the squeegee mechanism 115 is moved to the wiping position, and the ejection surface of the inkjet head 5 is wiped by the same wiping method as described above. Specifically, the blower 135 is driven and the cleaning unit 61 is moved to the off position. This allows wiping of the ink adhering to the blades 121 and 122 and the discharge surface, and wiping of the discharge surface of the inkjet head 5 by the blades 121 and 122. In step S07, the pressure in the discharge passage 43 is also maintained at the standby pressure Pc. Therefore, after wiping by the squeegee mechanism 115, the ink is again held in a state of being blown out from the nozzle holes 31, 32.

In step S08, the squeegee mechanism 115 is moved to the dipping position again.

In step S09, the cleaning unit 61 is moved to the facing position.

In step S10, the cover unit 66 is moved to the carriage cover position by the same method as the carriage cover method described above. Specifically, by moving the carriage 21 outward in the Y direction from the wiping standby position, the cover unit 66 moves outward in the Y direction together with the carriage 21 and moves upward. Thereby, the carriage cover 78 covers the carriage 21 from below to cover all the nozzle holes 31, 32 of the inkjet head 5 from below.

In step S11, the carriage cover position is held for a predetermined time (for example, about 60 seconds). In this case, it is also possible to perform spitting (an operation of forcibly ejecting ink) and wiping (an operation of deforming the driving wall 45 to such an extent that ink is not ejected).

Thereafter, in step S12, the pressure in the discharge passage 43 is returned to the meniscus pressure Pa.

Thus, the main routine is ended. Further, the main routine may be ended while the pressure in the discharge passage 43 is maintained at the standby pressure Pc.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the squeegee mechanism 115 has the following configuration: the suction device includes a plate-shaped first blade 121 and a plate-shaped second blade 122, and a blower 135 for making a first suction chamber 125 defined by the first blade 121 and the second blade 122 negative pressure.

According to this configuration, by sliding contact on the discharge surface while maintaining the first suction chamber 125 defined by the first blade 121 and the second blade 122 at a negative pressure, the ink adhering to the first blade 121, the second blade 122, and the discharge surface can be suctioned into the first suction chamber 125 and wiped off. This can reliably remove the ink adhering to the discharge surface, and can maintain the discharge performance of the ink jet head 5.

In particular, by defining the first suction chamber 125 by the plate-shaped first blade 121 and the plate-shaped second blade 122, the ease of processing can be improved and the cost can be reduced as compared with a configuration in which a suction path is formed in the base as in the related art.

In the present embodiment, the first suction chamber 125 is opened by the distance between the distal end portions of the first blade 121 and the second blade 122 in accordance with the deflection deformation at the time of wiping, and therefore, it is possible to suppress the entry of foreign matter or the like into the first suction chamber 125 at the time of non-wiping. This can improve the maintainability of the squeegee unit 67.

In the present embodiment, since the squeegee mechanism 115 is configured to be movable between the wiping position and the dipping position, interference between the ink jet head 5 and the squeegee mechanism 115 can be suppressed when the cleaning unit 61 returns from the off position to the facing position after wiping of the discharge surface. This can suppress, for example, the ink adhering to the squeegee mechanism 115 during the wiping operation from adhering to the inkjet head 5 again during the returning.

In the present embodiment, the first blade 121 and the second blade 122 can be cleaned by immersing the first blade 121 and the second blade 122 in the cleaning liquid in the blade reservoir 111 at the immersion position, and ink and the like adhering to the first blade 121 and the second blade 122 can be removed.

In the present embodiment, since the float sensor 116 for detecting the liquid level of the squeegee pool 111 is provided, the cleaning liquid can be maintained at a desired liquid level. This enables ink and the like adhering to the first blade 121 and the second blade 122 to be reliably removed at the dipping position.

In the present embodiment, the second suction chamber 132 and the connection pipe 127 formed in the blade frame 110 are used to make the inside of the first suction chamber 125 negative pressure.

According to this configuration, the sucked ink and the like can be stored in the second suction chamber 132, and therefore, for example, the frequency of maintenance can be reduced.

In the present embodiment, in the dipping position, the communication between the first suction chamber 125 and the second suction chamber 132 via the connection pipe 127 is blocked, and therefore the cleaning liquid in the blade pool 111 can be prevented from flowing into the first suction chamber 125.

In the present embodiment, since the blocking plate 136 is provided between the suction hole 133 and the second communication hole 130, the ink or the like flowing into the second suction chamber 132 through the second communication hole 130 collides with the blocking plate 136 while going to the suction hole 133. This can prevent the ink or the like flowing into the second suction chamber 132 from adhering to the blower 135 or being discharged to the outside through the suction hole 133 and the blower 135. As a result, the ink and the like flowing into the second suction chamber 132 can be retained in the second suction chamber 132, and the ink and the like can be efficiently retained in the second suction chamber 132.

In the present embodiment, since the squeegee mechanism 115 (the first blade 121 and the second blade 122) is provided corresponding to each ink-jet head 5, the ejection surface of each ink-jet head 5 can be wiped reliably.

In the present embodiment, the blade unit 67 and the cap unit 66 are arranged in a sub-scanning direction (X direction) orthogonal to the main scanning direction (Y direction) of the inkjet head 5, and are configured to be integrally movable in the X direction.

According to this configuration, while the cleaning unit 61 is moving in the X direction, the discharge surface of the inkjet head 5 can be wiped off by sliding the squeegee mechanism 115 against the discharge surface. In particular, the printer 1 can be downsized in the Y direction compared to a configuration in which the squeegee unit 67 and the cover unit 66 are arranged in the Y direction as in the related art. In this case, even if the squeegee mechanism 115 is provided corresponding to the plurality of inkjet heads 5 aligned in the Y direction, the printer 1 can be suppressed from being large-sized. Therefore, the printer 1 can be provided which is small in size and short in cleaning time.

In the present embodiment, since the cleaning device 6 is provided, the printer 1 can be provided at low cost and with high reliability.

(second embodiment)

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be explained. Fig. 19 is a sectional view of the blade unit 210 (wiping position) according to the second embodiment. In the following description, the same reference numerals are attached to the same components as those of the above-described embodiment, and the description thereof may be omitted.

The squeegee unit 210 shown in fig. 19 includes a shutter mechanism 201 that opens and closes the squeegee pool 111.

The shutter mechanism 210 includes a fixed shutter 202 and a rotary shutter 203.

The fixed shutter 202 is formed in an L-shape in a cross-sectional view. Specifically, the fixed shutter 202 includes a fixed portion 202a extending in the Z direction and an extending portion 202b extending in the X direction. The fixing portion 202a is fixed to one side wall portion of the squeegee pool 111 on one side in the X direction. The extension portion 202b extends from the lower end portion of the fixing portion 202a toward the other side in the X direction. The protruding portion 202b covers a part (one side in the X direction) of the squeegee pool 111 from above. The amount of extension of the extension portion 202b in the X direction is set to a length that does not interfere with the second blade 122 when the squeegee mechanism 115 is at the immersion position.

The rotary shutter 203 opens and closes the upper opening of the squeegee pool 111 in accordance with the rotation of the squeegee mechanism 115. The rotary shutter 203 is formed in an L-shape in cross section. Specifically, the rotary shutter 203 includes a fixed portion 203a extending in the Z direction and an extending portion 203b extending in the X direction. The fixing portion 203a is fixed to the blade holder 120. The protruding portion 203b protrudes from the upper end portion of the fixing portion 202a toward one side in the X direction.

Fig. 20 is a perspective view of the squeegee unit 210 showing a state in which the squeegee mechanism 115 is at the dipping position. Fig. 21 is a sectional view corresponding to fig. 19 showing a state where the squeegee mechanism 115 is at the dipping position.

As shown in fig. 20 and 21, the rotary shutter 203 rotates around the support shaft 113 together with the squeegee mechanism 115 in accordance with the rotational operation of the squeegee mechanism 115. In the present embodiment, when the squeegee mechanism 115 is at the wiping position shown in fig. 19, the projecting portion 203b of the rotary shutter 203 is positioned above the squeegee frame 110. When the squeegee mechanism 115 is at the dipping position shown in fig. 20 and 21, the projecting portion 203b of the rotary shutter 203 is positioned in the squeegee pool 111. Thereby, the protruding portion 203b of the rotary shutter 203 closes the squeegee pool 111 together with the protruding portion 202b of the fixed shutter 202.

In this manner, in the present embodiment, the blade unit 210 has a configuration including the shutter mechanism 201, and the shutter mechanism 201 opens the blade pool 111 at the wiping position, and closes the blade pool 111 in a state where the blades 121 and 122 are immersed in the cleaning liquid at the immersion position.

According to this configuration, by closing the blade reservoir 111 with the shutter mechanism 201, for example, volatilization of the cleaning liquid can be suppressed. For example, when a UV-curable ink is used, it is possible to prevent UV light irradiated after ink discharge from entering the blade pool 111. This can prevent the ink mixed in the cleaning liquid and the ink adhering to the blades 121 and 122 from being hardened in the UV light irradiation step after discharge.

The technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

For example, in the above-described embodiment, the inkjet printer 1 is described as an example of the liquid ejecting apparatus, but the present invention is not limited to the printer. For example, it may also be a facsimile machine, an on-demand printer, etc.

In the above embodiment, the description has been made of the inkjet head of the two-line type in which the nozzle holes 31 and 32 are arranged in two lines, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, an inkjet head having three or more rows of nozzle holes may be used, or an inkjet head having one row of nozzle holes may be used.

In the above embodiment, the edge-fire type ink jet head 5 is described as an example, but the invention is not limited to this configuration. That is, the ink jet head 5 may be a so-called side-shooter type that ejects ink from the center portion of the ejection channel in the channel extending direction.

In the above embodiment, the structure in which the respective passages 43 and 44 are formed linearly in the Z direction has been described, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and may extend in a direction intersecting the Z direction.

In the above-described embodiment, the so-called off carriage (off carriage) type printer 1 in which the ink tank 13 is mounted separately from the carriage 21 (in the housing 7) has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. That is, the ink tank may be used in a so-called on carriage type (on carriage) printer in which the ink tank is mounted on the carriage 21. In the carriage exterior, the sub tank may be mounted on the carriage 21.

As in the squeegee mechanism 115 shown in fig. 22, the tip end portion of the first squeegee 121 may be divided into a portion where the nozzle rows 56 and 57 are wiped and a portion where the nozzle guard 37 is wiped. According to this configuration, even when the ejection surface of the ink jet head 5 is uneven, the scraper mechanism 115 can be brought into uniform contact with the convex portion formed by the lower surface of the nozzle guard 37 and the concave portion formed by the lower surface of the nozzle plate 35. This makes it possible to reliably wipe the entire discharge surface.

Further, a recess 200 recessed in a direction away from the first blade 121 may be formed in a portion of the distal end portion of the second blade 122 corresponding to the nozzle rows 56 and 57. With this configuration, ink adhering to the periphery of the nozzle rows 56 and 57 in the discharge surface can be efficiently sucked, and therefore, a decrease in discharge performance due to ink adhering to the discharge surface can be suppressed.

In the above embodiment, the configuration in which the blades 121 and 122 of the blade mechanism 115 are provided corresponding to each inkjet head 5 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. That is, at least one blade among the blades may be formed to a length that can wipe the plurality of inkjet heads 5 together. In this case, for example, as in the squeegee mechanism 225 shown in fig. 23, the respective squeegees 221 and 222 may be formed to a length that can wipe the respective inkjet heads 5 together. As shown in fig. 24, the first blade 221 may be formed to have a length that allows wiping of the inkjet heads 5 together, and the second blade 222 may be provided for each inkjet head 5. Further, each blade may be formed to have a length capable of wiping a plurality of ink jet heads 5.

With this configuration, the number of components can be reduced and the configuration can be simplified as compared with the case where a blade is provided for each ink jet head 5.

In the above embodiment, the configuration in which the squeegee mechanism is moved to the wiping position and the dipping position by rotating around the support shaft 113 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. The squeegee mechanism may be configured to be movable in the Z direction between the wiping position and the dipping position, and may be, for example, a sliding motion.

In the above embodiment, the configuration in which the first suction chamber 125 is made negative by the second suction chamber 132 has been described, but the configuration is not limited to this, and the first suction chamber 125 may be made negative directly.

In the above embodiment, the configuration in which the cover unit 66 includes the carriage cover mechanism 73 and the hood mechanism 75 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and at least one of the carriage cover 73 and the hood mechanism 75 may be provided.

The cap unit 66 is not limited to the carriage cap mechanism 73 and the head cap mechanism 75, and may be configured to cap the discharge surface (contact with the discharge surface or cover the nozzle holes 31 and 32) to maintain and restore the discharge performance of the nozzle holes.

In addition, the components in the above embodiments may be replaced with known components as appropriate without departing from the scope of the present invention, and the above modifications may be combined as appropriate.

Description of the symbols

1 ink jet printer (liquid jet device)

5 ink-jet head (liquid-jet head)

6 cleaning device

31 first nozzle hole (injection hole)

32 second nozzle hole (injection hole)

56 first nozzle array (nozzle array)

57 second nozzle row (jet hole row)

66 cover unit

67. 210 squeegee unit

110 scraper frame

116 float sensor

121. 221 first scraper

122. 222 second flight

125 first suction chamber (inner space)

126 first through hole (connecting part)

127 connecting pipe (connecting part)

130 second communication hole (connecting part)

132 second suction chamber (suction chamber)

135 blower (suction mechanism)

201 gate mechanism

Claims (13)

1. A cleaning device for a liquid ejection head,

a blade unit that is movable relative to the liquid ejecting head to wipe off an ejection surface of the liquid ejecting head where the ejection orifices are open,

the scraper unit is provided with

A first scraper and a second scraper which are arranged in a moving direction of the scraper unit and have a flexible plate shape,

a suction mechanism for making the inner space limited by the first scraper and the second scraper be negative pressure,

a squeegee frame that supports the first squeegee and the second squeegee and defines a suction chamber, an

A connecting portion for connecting the inner space and the suction chamber in a communicable manner,

the suction mechanism is disposed on the squeegee frame, and the suction chamber and the connection portion cause the inner space to be a negative pressure,

the liquid sucked is stored in the suction chamber.

2. The cleaning device for a liquid ejection head according to claim 1,

the blade unit closes the inner space by bringing the tip ends of the first blade and the second blade into contact with each other when not wiped, and opens the inner space by separating the tip ends of the first blade and the second blade from each other when deflected and deformed during wiping.

3. The cleaning device for a liquid ejection head according to claim 1,

the squeegee unit is movable between:

a wiping position at which the first blade and the second blade can wipe the ejection surface, an

The first scraper and the second scraper are spaced from the jetting surface.

4. The cleaning device for a liquid ejection head according to claim 3,

the blade unit is provided with a blade reservoir for storing a cleaning liquid,

the first blade and the second blade are immersed in a cleaning liquid at the spaced position.

5. The cleaning device for a liquid ejection head according to claim 4,

the blade unit includes a shutter mechanism that opens the blade pool at the wiping position, and closes the blade pool at the spaced position in a state where the first blade and the second blade are immersed in the cleaning liquid.

6. The cleaning device for a liquid ejection head according to claim 4,

the cleaning device is provided with a floating sensor which detects the liquid level height of the cleaning liquid immersed in the scraper pool.

7. The cleaning device for a liquid ejection head according to claim 3,

in the squeegee unit, the inner space and the suction chamber communicate through the connecting portion in the wiping position, and the communication of the inner space and the suction chamber through the connecting portion is blocked in the spaced position.

8. The cleaning device for a liquid ejection head according to claim 1,

in the blade frame, a blocking plate is disposed between the connection portion in the suction chamber and the suction mechanism.

9. The cleaning device for a liquid ejection head according to claim 1,

the plurality of liquid ejecting heads are arranged in a first direction orthogonal to the moving direction in a tangential direction of the ejection surface and mounted on a carriage,

the first scraper and the second scraper are provided corresponding to the plurality of liquid ejecting heads, respectively.

10. The cleaning device for a liquid ejection head according to claim 1,

the plurality of liquid ejecting heads are arranged in a first direction orthogonal to the moving direction in a tangential direction of the ejection surface and mounted on a carriage,

at least one of the first blade and the second blade has a length in the first direction that enables wiping of the plurality of liquid ejecting heads together.

11. The cleaning device for a liquid ejection head according to claim 1,

has a cap unit for covering the injection hole,

the blade unit and the cap unit are integrally movable in a sub-scanning direction intersecting a main scanning direction of the liquid ejection head.

12. The cleaning device for a liquid ejection head according to claim 1,

the amount of pushing of the blade unit into the ejection surface in the normal direction of the ejection surface during wiping is set to be 0.5mm to 3.0mm from the ejection surface.

13. A liquid ejecting apparatus is provided with:

liquid ejecting head movable in main scanning direction, and

the cleaning device according to claim 1.

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