JP2009012385A - Fluid jet apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To ensure the adhesion between a cap member and a jetting head in a fluid jet apparatus. <P>SOLUTION: An inkjet printer is equipped with both a line head 13 which has a plurality of nozzle openings 17 to jet a fluid, and the cap member oppositely arranged to a nozzle forming surface 21A of the line head 13. The inkjet printer is equipped with both a nozzle substrate 21 which has a nozzle forming region 21a with a plurality of the nozzle openings 17 formed on the nozzle forming surface 21A, and a flattening substrate 29 which is set on the nozzle substrate 21 and flattens at least points with which the cap member comes into contact in the periphery of the nozzle forming region 21a. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a fluid ejecting apparatus.

As a fluid ejecting apparatus, an ink jet recording apparatus that ejects ink onto a recording medium from nozzles formed on a recording head (ejection head) is known.
In recent years, in order to meet the demands for high image quality and high definition in the printer field and the demand for fine pattern printing in the industrial application field, it has been desired to develop a high-density head capable of discharging fine droplets with high accuracy. In order to meet such a demand, a method for manufacturing a head component by processing a silicon member using a micro electro mechanical system (MEMS) technique has been developed.
As a fluid ejection device manufactured by adopting this MEMS technology, an electrical connection for driving a heater element is provided on a nozzle substrate in which a nozzle having a nozzle rim and a chamber having a heater element (drive element) are integrally formed. (For example, refer patent document 1).
JP 2006-507148 A

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a fluid ejecting apparatus, a capping device including a cap member that is in contact with a recording head so as to surround a nozzle is provided in order to suppress deterioration of nozzle ejection characteristics due to drying or the like.
However, conventionally, there are cases where the contact surface with the cap member of the recording head is not flat but uneven due to the nozzle itself being uneven or the electrical connection portion etc. being provided on the nozzle substrate. is there. In this case, it becomes difficult to ensure the adhesion of the recording head to the cap member at the contact portion, and a gap is formed even when the cap member and the recording head are in contact with each other for control purposes. .
If such a gap exists, it is impossible to form a good moisturizing environment for the space to which the nozzles are exposed, or the space to which the nozzles are exposed cannot be sufficiently decompressed and ink cannot be sucked well.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems. In the fluid ejecting apparatus, by ensuring the adhesion between the cap member and the ejecting head, maintenance can be performed satisfactorily, and stable ejecting accuracy is maintained. With the goal.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a fluid ejecting apparatus including a fluid ejecting head including a plurality of nozzle openings for ejecting a fluid, and a cap member disposed to face a nozzle forming surface of the fluid ejecting head. In the apparatus, the fluid ejecting head is provided on the nozzle substrate having a nozzle forming region in which the plurality of nozzle openings are formed on the nozzle forming surface, and around the nozzle forming region. And a flattening member for flattening a portion where the cap member abuts.

According to such a configuration, at least a portion where the cap member abuts around the nozzle formation region is flattened by the flattening member. Thus, even if an electrical connection portion for driving a piezoelectric element is provided around the nozzle formation region, the cap member and the fluid ejecting head (flattening member) are in contact with each other in the state where the cap member is in contact with the fluid ejecting head (flattening member). A gap is not formed between the member and the fluid ejecting head (flattening member).
According to the present invention, since the contact surface of the recording head with the cap member is flattened, it is possible to ensure adhesion between the cap member and the fluid ejecting head. Therefore, the moisture retention environment of the nozzle can be improved in the space formed between the cap member and the fluid ejecting head. In addition, since the space to which the nozzle opening is exposed can be sufficiently reduced, maintenance of the nozzle can be performed satisfactorily. Therefore, the fluid can be ejected from each nozzle with a desired ejection amount. Thereby, stable ejection accuracy is ensured, and a highly reliable fluid ejection device can be obtained.

Moreover, it is preferable that the planarization member is provided with the opening part which exposes a nozzle formation area.
According to such a configuration, it is possible to flatten a portion where the cap member abuts around the nozzle formation region with a single member having an opening. This facilitates manufacturing and assembly.

Moreover, it is preferable that a planarization member consists of a board | plate material affixed on the nozzle formation surface via the adhesive agent.
According to such a configuration, the periphery of the nozzle formation region on the nozzle formation surface can be surely and easily flattened, and the adhesion between the cap member and the fluid ejecting head can be ensured. Further, since the nozzle substrate and the plate material can be processed separately, the workability is good, and after that, it is only necessary to assemble them, so that the manufacture becomes easy.

According to the present invention having such characteristics, it is preferable that the planarizing member is made of a resin layer formed on the nozzle forming surface.
According to such a configuration, the periphery of the nozzle formation region on the nozzle formation surface can be surely and easily flattened, and the adhesion between the cap member and the fluid ejecting head can be ensured. In addition, since the resin layer is formed by applying a resin material on the nozzle forming surface, it is easy to adjust the film thickness of the resin layer that is a planarizing member.

Moreover, it is preferable that the surface of the planarizing member is subjected to lyophilic treatment.
According to such a configuration, for example, in the wiping process, the fluid in the nozzle formation region can easily flow toward the flattening member, so that the fluid in the vicinity of the nozzle can be effectively discharged. Thereby, the stagnation of the fluid in the vicinity of the nozzle can be prevented, and the fluid can be prevented from solidifying in the vicinity of the nozzle opening.

Moreover, it is preferable that the surface of the planarization member has a groove that communicates with an opening that exposes the nozzle formation region.
According to such a configuration, the fluid in the nozzle formation region can be effectively discharged to the flattening member side through the groove. Thereby, the stagnation of the fluid in the vicinity of the nozzle can be prevented, and the fluid can be prevented from solidifying in the vicinity of the nozzle opening.

Moreover, it is preferable that the groove is formed so that a groove parallel to a wiping direction for maintenance of the nozzle opening communicates with an opening that exposes the nozzle forming region.
According to such a structure, the fluid in a nozzle formation area can be flowed in a groove | channel at the time of a wiping process. Thereby, the stagnation of the fluid in the vicinity of the nozzle can be prevented, and the fluid can be prevented from solidifying in the vicinity of the nozzle opening.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of a fluid ejection device according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In each drawing used for the following description, the scale of each member is appropriately changed to make each member a recognizable size. In this embodiment, an ink jet printer is exemplified as the fluid ejecting apparatus according to the invention.

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an ink jet printer (hereinafter referred to as an ink jet printer 100) of the present embodiment, FIG. 2 is a plan view of a main part around a line head, and FIG. FIG.
In the present embodiment, the inkjet printer 100 includes a recording unit 10 that performs recording on the recording paper 12 and a maintenance unit 11 that performs maintenance processing on the recording unit 10 as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2.

  The recording unit 10 ejects ink droplets to form a line head 13 (fluid ejecting head) that forms an image on a recording paper 12 that is a fluid ejection target, a recording paper transport mechanism 14 that transports the recording paper 12, and the line head 13. And an ink storage unit 15 that stores ink (fluid) to be supplied.

  The recording paper transport mechanism 14 includes a paper feed motor (not shown) and a paper feed roller rotated by the paper feed motor. The recording paper transport mechanism 14 moves the recording paper 12 to the line head in conjunction with a recording (printing / printing) operation. 13 are sequentially sent out so as to face 13.

  The ink storage unit 15 is disposed on one side of the printer main body 16 and supplies ink to the line head 13 described later by an ink supply unit (not shown). This ink storage unit 15 is an ink of a color corresponding to each color (yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), black (K1: dye system), black (K2: pigment system)) of the inkjet printer 100. Ink tanks (fluid reservoirs) 15Y, 15M, 15C, 15K1, and 15K2 are stored, and communicated with the line head 13 through an ink supply means described later.

  The line head 13 is a line type recording head in which a number of nozzles are arranged over a length (maximum recording paper width W) exceeding at least one side of the maximum size recording paper 12 targeted by the inkjet printer 100. In the present embodiment, at least five printing sections 5Y, 5M, 5C, 5K1, and 5K2 corresponding to each color (Y, M, C, K1, and K2) are provided. Each of the printing units 5Y, 5M, 5C, 5K1, and 5K2 has a nozzle group L (see FIG. 3) in which a number of nozzle openings 17 for ejecting ink droplets are aligned and arranged. They are arranged in order along the transport direction. The nozzle group L is one line of lines formed by the nozzle openings 17 or a plurality of lines formed by the nozzle openings 17, and the number of nozzle openings 17 and the number of lines are appropriately set. FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of the nozzle group L, and shows a plurality of lines of lines formed by the nozzle openings 17. By increasing the number of lines, a wide range of recording can be performed at once, and the resolution of the image is also increased.

  The line head 13 is arranged such that the length direction corresponding to the maximum recording paper width W is perpendicular to the conveyance direction of the recording paper 12, and ink droplets are ejected from the nozzle openings 17 of the nozzle groups L onto the recording paper 12. Thus, an image is recorded on the recording paper 12.

  The ink supply means for communicating the ink reservoir 15 and the line head 13 has a plurality of ink supply channels 34 (see FIG. 1), and prints from the ink tanks 15Y, 15M, 15C, 15K1, and 15K2. Ink is supplied to the sections 5Y, 5M, 5C, 5K1, and 5K2.

Hereinafter, the configuration of the line head will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 4 is a perspective view showing a part of the line head, FIG. 5 is a sectional view showing a part of the line head, and FIG. 6 is an enlarged view showing a part of the nozzle forming surface.
The line head 13 has a conventionally known configuration employing a piezoelectric drive system, and includes a head body 18, a nozzle substrate 21, and a planarizing substrate 29 (a planarizing member) as shown in FIGS. The line head 13 of the present embodiment is a structure manufactured using a micro electro mechanical system (MEMS) technique.

The head body 18 is made of synthetic resin.
The nozzle substrate 21 has a plurality of nozzle openings 17 formed at a predetermined interval (pitch) in a predetermined direction, and is composed of a plate-shaped member formed of a semiconductor such as silicon. The nozzle formation surface 21A includes a nozzle formation region 21a having a plurality of nozzle openings 17 and a non-nozzle formation region 21b provided so as to surround the nozzle formation region 21a.

  The nozzle substrate 21 of the present embodiment has a structure in which the ejection unit 23 in which the nozzle opening 17 and the ink chamber 19 are integrated is two-dimensionally arranged in the nozzle formation region 21a. Specifically, a plurality of ejection units 23 are arranged to form a plurality of nozzle groups L corresponding to the respective printing units. By adopting the MEMS technology, a high density of substantial intervals (nozzle pitch) between the nozzle openings 17 projected so as to be aligned along the longitudinal direction of the line head 13 is achieved (FIG. 6). reference).

As shown in FIG. 5, the ejection unit 23 includes a partition wall 26 that partitions the ink chamber 19, and a nozzle rim 27 that is connected to the partition wall 26 and forms an opening of the nozzle opening 17. On the nozzle forming surface 21A, a plurality of piezoelectric elements (not shown) are provided so as to correspond to the ejection units 23 (the nozzle openings 17). Ink is ejected from the nozzle opening 17 by the action of the piezoelectric element. At this time, the spread of the ink ejected from the nozzle opening 17 is suppressed by the nozzle rim 27.
In the above description, the piezoelectric element is provided on the nozzle formation surface 21 </ b> A, but may be provided in the head body 18.

  On the other hand, in the non-nozzle formation region 21b, connection parts (not shown) (flexible substrate or the like) for driving a plurality of piezoelectric elements provided corresponding to the respective nozzle openings 17 are provided. A drive signal for each piezoelectric element is supplied via a connection part and a cable connecting the piezoelectric elements.

  The flattened substrate 29 is composed of a plate-like member having a rectangular shape in plan view formed of a metal such as stainless steel or a semiconductor such as silicon, and each side substantially coincides with each side of the nozzle substrate 21. It has a size. The planarization substrate 29 has an opening 29a that exposes the nozzle formation region 21a of the nozzle formation surface 21A, and the surface 29A is formed on the non-nozzle formation region 21b or through the adhesive applied to the planarization substrate 29 side. It is stuck on the nozzle forming surface 21A so that (the surface on the side facing the cap member 43) is horizontal. As the adhesive to be used, a material that does not affect the connection parts or the like is selected. Further, the surface 29A of the planarizing substrate 29 is subjected to lyophilic treatment, and the surface 29A is provided so as to slightly protrude from the tip of the nozzle rim 27 in the ink ejection direction.

  Such a flattened substrate 29 makes the uneven surface of the non-nozzle forming region 21b flat, and a contact portion of a later-described cap member 43 in the line head 13 is a smooth surface. Therefore, it is possible to ensure the adhesion of the cap member 43 to the line head 13.

  The ink supplied from each ink tank through each ink supply channel is supplied to a common ink chamber (not shown) in the head body 18, and from there, each of the plurality of ink chambers 19 through the channel 28. To be distributed. When a drive signal is input to the piezoelectric element via the connection component, the piezoelectric element expands and contracts. As a result, the nozzle substrate 21 vibrates and the volume of the ink chamber 19 changes, and the pressure of the ink chamber 19 containing ink fluctuates. Ink is ejected from the nozzle openings 17 due to this pressure fluctuation.

  As described above, the piezoelectric element (drive element) of the present embodiment varies the pressure of the ink chamber 19 connected to the nozzle opening 17 based on the input drive signal in order to eject ink from the nozzle opening 17. . Then, a desired image is formed on the recording paper 12 by the ink ejected from the nozzle opening 17.

The line head 13 can be moved in the vertical direction by a line head moving mechanism 70 (see FIG. 8).
More specifically, the line head 13 is movable in the vertical direction between the printing position and the maintenance position by the line head moving mechanism 70.
The printing position is a position where recording is performed by ejecting ink from the nozzle openings 17 of the line head 13 to the recording paper 12, and is a position where the line head 13 is relatively moved upward. The maintenance position is a position where maintenance processing of the line head 13 is performed by the maintenance unit 11 described in detail below, and is a position where the line head 13 is relatively moved downward.

Next, the configuration of the maintenance unit 11 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 1 and 7.
The maintenance unit 11 includes a capping unit 40 for preventing the nozzle opening 17 from drying or preventing an increase in ink viscosity in the vicinity of the nozzle opening 17, and an ink discharge unit 41 for discharging the ink accumulated in the capping unit 40. A capping mechanism 42, a wiping mechanism (not shown) for removing ink in the vicinity of the nozzle opening 17 and the like are provided.

The capping unit 40 includes a cap member 43 that is molded into a tray shape using a resin or the like. As for this cap member 43, the peripheral part 43a is shape | molded by the frame shape.
Such a cap member 43 can surround the nozzle formation region 21a of the line head 13 by the peripheral portion 43a coming into contact with the surface 29A of the flattening substrate 29, and this allows a space to be formed between the nozzle formation surface 21A. It can be formed.

  Further, the cap member 43 receives the ink droplets D in a flushing process in which the ink droplets D are discharged to discharge the thickened ink 2 and bubbles before the recording operation by the line head 13 or during the recording operation. Therefore, a sponge-like member or a porous member that can absorb (hold) ink may be provided inside the cap member 43.

  When the line head 13 is in the maintenance position, the nozzle forming region 21a on the nozzle forming surface 21A of the line head 13 is in a sealed state, and when a second suction pump 49 described later is operated in this state, the cap member 43 and the nozzle The space formed between the formation surface 21 </ b> A is decompressed, and the ink accumulated in the cap member 43 can be discharged. It is also possible to forcibly discharge the ink 2 in the line head 13 from the nozzles.

  Further, during non-recording (printing), the nozzle forming region 21 a is capped by the cap member 43, so that it is formed between the nozzle forming surface 21 A and the cap member 43 by the ink held in the cap member 43. The inside of the sealed space is moisturized, and drying of the nozzle opening 17 is suppressed.

  The wiping mechanism includes a wiping member (not shown) that can face the nozzle forming surface 21 </ b> A of the line head 13. The wiping member may be a sheet-like member or a roll-like member, and is composed of a material capable of absorbing ink, for example, a woven fabric such as a nonwoven fabric or polyester. The wiping mechanism can wipe or wipe off foreign matter adhering to the nozzle forming surface 21A, such as residual ink, using a wiping member having a length exceeding at least one side of the line head 13.

Hereinafter, the ink discharge unit will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a pump connected to the cap member.
The ink discharge unit 41 is connected to the cap member 43 to discharge the ink collected in the cap member 43, and for sucking the ink collected in the cap member 43 into each ink discharge channel 36. A plurality of pumps 49 and the like are provided.

  On the bottom wall of the cap member 43, a protruding portion 46 for discharging the ink 2 accumulated in the cap member 43 is protruded downward, and a discharge passage 46a is formed inside thereof.

  One end of a discharge tube 47 made of a flexible material or the like that functions as the ink discharge flow path 36 is connected to the bottom wall of the cap member 43, and the other end of the discharge tube 47 is connected to a waste ink tank. 39 is inserted.

  A tube pump type pump 49 is disposed between the cap member 43 and each of the ink tanks 15Y, 15M, 15C, 15K1, and 15K2. The pump 49 has a cylindrical case 50, and a pump wheel 51 having a circular shape in a plan view can be rotated around a wheel shaft 52 provided at the shaft center of the case 50. Is housed in. And in this case 50, the intermediate part 47a of the discharge tube 47 is accommodated along the inner peripheral wall 50a of the case 50.

The pump foil 51 is formed with a pair of arcuate roller guide grooves 53 and 54 that swell outward, with the wheel shaft 52 interposed therebetween. One end of each of the roller guide grooves 53 and 54 is positioned on the outer peripheral side of the pump wheel 51, and the other end is positioned on the inner peripheral side of the pump wheel 51. That is, both the roller guide grooves 53 and 54 gradually extend away from the outer peripheral portion of the pump wheel 51 as they go from one end to the other end.
A pair of rollers 55 and 56 as pressing means are inserted and supported in both roller guide grooves 53 and 54 through rotation shafts 55a and 56a, respectively. Both the rotating shafts 55a and 56a are slidable in the roller guide grooves 53 and 54, respectively.

When the pump wheel 51 is rotated in the forward direction (arrow direction), both rollers 55 and 56 move to one end side of both roller guide grooves 53 and 54 (the outer peripheral side of the pump wheel 51), and the discharge tube 47. The intermediate portion 47a is rotated while being sequentially crushed (pressed) from the upstream side to the downstream side. By this rotation, the inside of the discharge tube 47 upstream from the second suction pump 49 is decompressed.
Accordingly, the ink 2 accumulated in the cap member 43 is gradually discharged toward the waste ink tank 39 by the forward rotation of the pump wheel 51.

Further, when the pump wheel 51 is rotated in the reverse direction (the direction opposite to the arrow direction), the rollers 55 and 56 move to the other end side of the roller guide grooves 53 and 54 (the inner peripheral side of the pump wheel 51). It is supposed to be. By this movement, both rollers 55 and 56 are in light contact with the intermediate portion 47a of the discharge tube 47, and the reduced pressure state inside the discharge tube 47 is eliminated.
The pump wheel 51 is driven to rotate by a paper feed motor of the recording paper transport mechanism 14.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the inkjet printer 100.
As shown in FIG. 8, the inkjet printer 100 according to the present embodiment includes a control device 60 that controls the operation of the entire inkjet printer 100. The control device 60 includes an input device 61 for inputting various information relating to the operation of the ink jet printer 100, a storage device 62 storing various information relating to the operation of the ink jet printer 100, and a measuring device 63 capable of measuring time. It is connected. The control device 60 is connected to the maintenance unit 11 including the recording paper transport mechanism 14, the capping mechanism 42, and the wiping mechanism described above. The inkjet printer 100 also includes a drive signal generator 64 that generates a drive signal to be input to the piezoelectric element. The drive signal generator 64 is connected to the control device 60.

  The drive signal generator 64 receives data indicating the amount of change in the voltage value of the drive pulse input to the piezoelectric element of the line head 13 and a timing signal that defines the timing at which the voltage of the drive pulse is changed. The drive signal generator 64 generates a drive signal including, for example, the drive pulse DP shown in FIG. 9 based on the input data and timing signal.

  In FIG. 9, the drive pulse DP includes a first charging element PE1 that raises the potential with a predetermined gradient from the reference potential VM to the highest potential VH, a first hold element PE2 that maintains the highest potential VH for a certain time, and a highest potential VH. Discharge element PE3 that lowers the potential from the lowest potential VL to the lowest potential VL with a predetermined gradient, a second hold element PE4 that maintains the lowest potential VL for a short time, and a second charging element PE5 that restores the potential from the lowest potential VL to the reference potential VM. Including. A drive voltage VD that is a potential difference between the highest potential VH and the lowest potential VL is set in the drive pulse DP so that the amount of ink droplets ejected from the nozzle openings 17 matches the design value. Note that the drive pulse DP shown in FIG. 9 is an example, and various waveforms can be used.

  When the drive pulse DP is input from the drive signal generator 64 to the piezoelectric element, an ink droplet is ejected from the nozzle opening 17. When the first charging element PE1 is supplied, the piezoelectric element contracts and the ink chamber 19 expands. After the expansion state of the ink chamber 19 is maintained for a short time, the discharge element PE3 is supplied and the piezoelectric element is rapidly expanded. Along with this, the volume of the ink chamber 19 shrinks to a reference volume (the volume of the ink chamber 19 when the reference potential VE is applied to the piezoelectric element) or less, and the meniscus exposed to the nozzle opening 17 suddenly outwards. Pressurized. As a result, a predetermined amount of ink droplets are ejected from the nozzle openings 17. Thereafter, the second hold element PE4 and the second charging element PE5 are sequentially supplied to the piezoelectric element, and the ink chamber 19 returns to the reference volume so that the vibration of the meniscus accompanying the ejection of the ink droplet is converged in a short time. .

  The inkjet printer 100 configured as described above can perform maintenance processing on the line head 13 by using the capping mechanism 42 at predetermined time intervals during recording (printing / printing) on the recording paper. The capping mechanism 42 performs a maintenance process including an operation of discharging ink from the nozzle openings 17 in cooperation with the line head 13 in order to maintain or restore the ejection characteristics of the line head 13.

  The maintenance process includes a flushing operation for ejecting ink from the nozzle opening 17 to the cap member 43, an ink suction operation by the cap member 43 and the pump 49 of the capping mechanism 42, and a moisturizing operation for moisturizing the nozzle opening 17 by the cap member 43. . Further, in the present embodiment, the wiping operation in the vicinity of the nozzle by the wiping mechanism is also included in the maintenance process.

  The flushing operation by the line head 13 is performed in advance by supplying ink from the nozzle opening 17 to the cap member 43 in a state where the nozzle forming surface 21A is sealed by the cap member 43 before supplying the ink from the nozzle opening 17 to the recording paper. Including the operation of spraying. As a result, during printing or standby, the frequency of use of a specific nozzle opening 17 is reduced, ink with increased viscosity in the vicinity of the nozzle opening 17 is discharged, and the ejection characteristics of the nozzle opening 17 are maintained or recovered.

  In the suction operation, in a state where the nozzle forming surface 21A is sealed by the cap member 43, the space formed between the nozzle forming surface 21A and the cap member 43 is set to a negative pressure using the pump 49, whereby the nozzle This includes an operation of sucking ink from the nozzle openings 17 of the forming surface 21A. As a result, ink with increased viscosity that could not be discharged by the flushing process, dust that has entered the nozzle opening 17, bubbles in the line head 13, and the like are discharged from the nozzle opening 17 together with the ink, and the ejection characteristics of the nozzle opening 17. Is maintained or recovered.

  The moisturizing operation includes an operation of moisturizing the environment to which the nozzle opening 17 is exposed by forming a closed space between the nozzle forming surface 21A and the cap member 43 in a state where the ink 2 is accumulated in the cap member 43. Thereby, drying of the nozzle opening 17 is suppressed, and the ejection characteristics of the nozzle opening 17 are maintained.

  When the ink 2 is collected in the cap member 43, the pump 49 is driven to discharge the ink 2 before the ink 2 overflows. As described above, since the pump 49 is driven by the paper feed motor, it is necessary to stop and perform recording (printing / printing) processing including paper feeding and paper discharge. For this reason, it is required to store as much ink 2 as possible on the cap member 43 to suppress the frequency of the suction process.

  The wiping operation includes an operation in which the nozzle forming surface 21A and the wiping member are opposed to each other at the maintenance position of the line head 13 and the nozzle forming surface 21A is wiped by the wiping member. As a result, foreign matter (including residual ink) adhering to the nozzle forming surface 21A including the vicinity of the nozzle opening 17 is removed, and the ejection characteristics of the nozzle opening 17 are maintained or restored.

First, the operation of the maintenance unit 11 including the suction operation will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Moreover, FIG. 11 is referred suitably. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of the maintenance operation.
When the print data is transmitted from the outside, the control device 60 develops the ejection data corresponding to the dot pattern and transmits it to the line head 13. Then, the line head 13 executes a recording (printing / printing) process, that is, the ejection of the ink droplet D onto the recording paper based on the received ejection data (step S1).
When a preset time has elapsed (step S2), the periodic maintenance process is started.

  When the periodic maintenance process starts, the control device 60 lowers the line head 13 to the maintenance position as shown in FIG. 11, thereby bringing the planarizing substrate 29 and the peripheral edge portion 43a of the cap member 43 into contact with each other (step) S3). By bringing the planarizing substrate 29 and the peripheral edge portion 43a of the cap member 43 into contact with each other, the space K formed between the nozzle forming surface 21A and the cap member 43 can be a closed space isolated from the external space. it can.

Subsequently, the control device 60 drives the suction pump 49 to make the space K in a reduced pressure state, thereby performing a suction operation for forcibly discharging ink from the inside of the line head 13 through the nozzle openings 17 (step S4). ).
At this time, as described above, since the space K formed between the cap member 43 and the nozzle forming surface 21A is a closed space, the space K can be decompressed well by driving the suction pump 49. Can do. For this reason, the ink 2 in the line head 13 can be forcedly discharged from the nozzle opening 17 satisfactorily.

  Thereafter, the control device 60 reversely drives the suction pump 49 to release the space K formed between the nozzle forming surface 21A and the cap member 43 to the atmosphere (step S5). By reversely driving the suction pump 49, air flows into the space K between the nozzle forming surface 21A and the cap member 43, and the space K is opened to the atmosphere. Before the upper end surface of the cap member 43 is separated from the nozzle forming surface 21A, the space between the nozzle forming surface 21A and the cap member 43 is opened to the atmosphere so that the ink interface (meniscus) state of the nozzle opening 17 is maintained. it can.

Then, the control device 60 raises the line head 13 to separate the cap member 43 from the nozzle forming surface 21A (step S6).
Thereafter, the control device 60 resumes the recording operation on the recording paper using the line head 13.

On the other hand, when performing the moisturizing operation, the control device 60 performs the above steps S3 and S4 in a state where the ink 2 is stored in the cap member 43 by a flushing operation or the like. As a result, a closed space in which the ink 2 is stored is formed, and moisture retention in the space to which the nozzle opening 17 is exposed is achieved.
At this time, the space K formed between the cap member 43 and the nozzle forming surface 21A is closed by bringing the peripheral edge portion 43a of the cap member 43 into contact with the planarizing substrate 29 of the line head 13 as described above. It is a space, and the space K can be well moisturized. For this reason, drying of the nozzle opening 17 can be favorably suppressed.

When performing the wiping operation, the control device 60 makes the wiping member face the line head 13 and keeps in contact with the surface 29A of the planarized substrate 29 along the longitudinal direction of the line head 13. Drive at a speed of. As a result, the ink in the nozzle formation region 21a of the line head 13 can be removed, and foreign matter adhering to the vicinity of the nozzle opening 17 can be removed.
At this time, as described above, the surface 29A of the flattening substrate 29 is subjected to lyophilic treatment, so that the ink pushed out by the wiping member moves from the nozzle formation region 21a to the surface 29A side of the flattening substrate 29. The ink easily flows out, and the ink in the vicinity of the nozzle opening 17 can be effectively discharged.
Further, in the line head 13 of the present embodiment, the surface 29A of the flattening substrate 29 protrudes to the ink ejection side from the opening surface of the nozzle opening 17 (nozzle rim 27: see FIG. 5), and the wiping member extends to the nozzle opening 17. It is configured to avoid direct contact. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the nozzle opening 17 from being damaged due to the wiping member being caught by the nozzle rim 27 during the wiping operation.

  On the non-nozzle formation region 21b, connection parts and the like are arranged, and the surface is not flat but uneven. For this reason, when the cap member 43 is brought into direct contact with the non-nozzle formation region 21 b, a gap is formed between the cap member 43 and the line head 13. However, according to the inkjet printer 100 of the present embodiment as described above, the flattening substrate 29 flattens the non-nozzle formation region 21b on the nozzle formation surface 21A, that is, the contact portion of the cap member 43 in the line head 13. can do. That is, the maintenance process is hindered between the cap member 43 and the line head 13 (flattened substrate 29) in a state where the cap member 43 and the line head 13 (flattened substrate 29) are in contact with each other. No gap is formed, and the cap member 43 and the line head 13 can be in good contact with each other.

  It should be noted that a minute gap may be formed in the contact state between the line head 13 and the cap member 43 in the present embodiment. However, the reduced pressure state of the closed space formed between the line head 13 and the cap member 43 is a gap that can be secured.

  The preferred embodiments according to the present invention have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to such examples, and the above embodiments may be combined. It is obvious for those skilled in the art that various changes or modifications can be conceived within the scope of the technical idea described in the claims. It is understood that it belongs to.

  For example, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, an ink discharge groove 30 may be provided in the planarizing substrate 29. The ink discharge grooves 30 are provided on both sides of the nozzle formation region 21a in the short direction, and a plurality of guide grooves 30a having one end opened on the nozzle formation region 21a side so as to communicate with the nozzle formation region 21a, and each guide groove 30a. It is comprised from the two connection grooves 30b which connect an other end or a center part. Then, the inner wall surfaces of the guide groove 30a and the connecting groove 30b are also subjected to a water immersion process, so that the ink in the nozzle formation region 21a can be smoothly transferred to the planarizing substrate 29 side via the ink discharge groove 30 during the wiping process. It will be leaked. As a result, the ink in the vicinity of the nozzle opening 17 can be effectively discharged, the stagnation of the ink in the vicinity of the nozzle opening 17 can be prevented, and the solidification of the ink in the vicinity of the nozzle opening can be prevented. The depth and width of the ink discharge groove 30 are appropriately set.

  In the case where the ink discharge groove 30 is provided on the flattened substrate 29, a liquid repellent treatment may be performed on the surface 29A of the flattened substrate 29. The surface 29 </ b> A may be liquid-repellent processed so that ink on the surface 29 </ b> A is dropped into the ink discharge groove 30.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, the example which planarizes on the uneven | corrugated non-nozzle formation area 21b with the planarization board | substrate 29 was demonstrated. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, a planarization layer (a planarization member) made of a resin material may be provided on the non-nozzle formation region 21b of the nozzle formation surface 21A. As the resin material, a material that does not affect the connection component is selected, and it may be a curable resin or a flexible resin. In the case of a flattening layer having flexibility, the line head 13 and the cap member 43 are brought into contact with each other so as to slightly deform the flattening layer, thereby ensuring the adhesion of the cap member 43 to the line head 13 more reliably. can do. Further, the ink discharge groove 30 having an inner wall surface subjected to lyophilic treatment may also be provided in the planarizing layer. Further, the surface of the planarizing layer may be subjected to lyophilic treatment, or conversely, lyophobic treatment may be performed.

In the above embodiment, the flattening member is provided so as to cover the entire non-nozzle forming region 21b. However, the flattening member may be provided only at a location where the cap member 43 abuts.
In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the flattening substrate 29 is provided with one opening 29a having an opening that can expose all of the plurality of nozzle groups L corresponding to each printing unit has been described. For each group L, five openings 29a may be provided. On the other hand, by providing a plurality of cap members 43 corresponding to each printing unit, capping for each printing unit (nozzle group L) is possible.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the example which a planarization member comprised from one planarization board | substrate 29 was described, what integrated and comprised the several board | plate material may be used. In this case, a plurality of plate materials are combined through an adhesive or the like so as to expose the nozzle formation region 21a of the nozzle formation surface 21A. At this time, the side facing the cap member 43 is configured to be flush with each other so that the contact portion of the cap member 43 in the line head 13 is flat. As a result, the entire peripheral edge 43a of the cap member 43 abuts against all the plate materials, and no gap is formed between the cap member 43 and the line head 13 in this abutting state.

  Further, the plate thickness of the planarizing substrate 29 may partially change.

Moreover, in the said embodiment, the structure which implement | achieves the relative movement of the line head 13 and the cap member 43 by moving the line head 13 up and down was demonstrated.
However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the relative movement between the line head 13 and the cap member 43 may be realized by moving the cap member 43 up and down.

In the above embodiment, the line head 13 may include five line heads corresponding to each color (Y, M, C, K1, K2).
Further, as shown in FIG. 14A, a single line head may be divided into a plurality of units 90. Further, as shown in FIG. 14B, the units 90 may be staggered along the longitudinal direction of the line head 13.

For example, in the above-described embodiment, a configuration in which a single line head is provided and all types of ink are ejected from the line head has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a configuration in which a line head is installed for each type of ink may be used. In such a case, the cap member 43 is installed for each line head.
The present invention is not limited to a line head type ink jet printer, and can also be applied to a serial type ink jet printer.

  In the above embodiment, the piezoelectric drive type ink jet printer 100 has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, an electrostatic drive system or a bubble jet (registered trademark) system (thermal ink jet system) may be used. In this case, for example, a heater element is provided in the ink chamber 19, and ink heated by the heater element is ejected from the nozzle opening 17. When the thermal ink jet method is used, the fluid discharge amount can be changed by changing the voltage application time to the heater element.

  In the above embodiment, the case where the ink jet recording apparatus is an ink jet printer has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to the ink jet printer, and may be a recording apparatus such as a copying machine or a facsimile.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, the case where the fluid ejecting apparatus is a fluid ejecting apparatus (fluid ejecting apparatus) that ejects a fluid such as ink has been described as an example. The present invention can be applied to a fluid ejecting apparatus that ejects or discharges fluid other than the above. Fluids that can be ejected by the fluid ejecting apparatus include liquids, liquids in which particles of functional material are dispersed or dissolved, gel-like fluids, solids that can be ejected as fluids, and powders (such as toner). .

  Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, as the fluid ejected from the fluid ejecting apparatus, not only ink but also fluid corresponding to a specific application can be applied. By providing the fluid ejecting apparatus with an ejecting head capable of ejecting a fluid corresponding to the specific application, ejecting the fluid corresponding to the specific application from the ejecting head, and attaching the fluid to a predetermined object, A given device can be manufactured. For example, the fluid ejecting apparatus (fluid ejecting apparatus) of the present invention disperses a predetermined material such as an electrode material and a color material used for manufacturing a liquid crystal display, an EL (electroluminescence) display, and a surface emitting display (FED). The present invention can be applied to a fluid ejecting apparatus that ejects fluid dispersed (dissolved) in a medium (solvent).

  Further, the fluid ejecting apparatus may be a fluid ejecting apparatus that ejects a bio-organic matter used for biochip manufacturing, or a fluid ejecting apparatus that ejects a fluid that is used as a precision pipette and serves as a sample.

  In addition, transparent resin liquids such as UV curable resins to form fluid injection devices that inject lubricating oil onto precision machines such as watches and cameras, micro hemispherical lenses (optical lenses) used in optical communication elements, etc. For example, a fluid ejecting apparatus that ejects a liquid onto a substrate, a fluid ejecting apparatus that ejects an etching solution such as acid or alkali to etch the substrate, a fluid ejecting apparatus that ejects gel, and a powder such as toner. It may be a toner jet recording apparatus that ejects a solid. The present invention can be applied to any one of these fluid ejecting apparatuses.

1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an inkjet printer according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a plan view of a main part around a line head provided in the ink jet printer according to the embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a plan view showing a nozzle formation surface of a line head provided in an ink jet printer according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of a line head included in an ink jet printer according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an inkjet printer according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a partially enlarged view of an inkjet printer according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a pump provided in an inkjet printer according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of an ink jet printer. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a drive signal input to a piezoelectric element included in the ink jet printer according to the embodiment of the invention. FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining an example of maintenance processing in the inkjet printer according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating an example of the maintenance operation | movement in the inkjet printer which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. The top view which shows the other structure of an inkjet printer. FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating another configuration of an inkjet printer. The top view which shows the other structure of a line head.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 ... Inkjet printer (fluid ejecting apparatus), 17 ... Nozzle opening, 13 ... Line head (fluid ejecting head), 22 ... Flow path formation unit, 21 ... Nozzle substrate, 21A ... Nozzle formation surface, 21a ... Nozzle formation area, 21b ... non-nozzle formation region, 26 ... partition, 27 ... nozzle rim, 29 ... flattened substrate (flattening member), 29a ... opening, 29A ... surface, 43 ... cap member, 43a ... peripheral edge, 49 ... pump, L ... Nozzle group, 36 ... Discharge flow path, 60 ... Control device

Claims (7)

A fluid ejecting apparatus comprising: a fluid ejecting head having a plurality of nozzle openings for ejecting fluid; and a cap member disposed to face a nozzle forming surface of the fluid ejecting head,
The fluid ejection head has a nozzle substrate having a nozzle formation region in which the plurality of nozzle openings are formed on the nozzle formation surface;
A fluid ejecting apparatus, comprising: a flattening member that is provided on the nozzle substrate and flattens at least a portion where the cap member abuts around the nozzle formation region.   The fluid ejecting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the planarizing member includes an opening that exposes the nozzle formation region.   The fluid ejecting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the flattening member is made of a plate material attached on the nozzle forming surface.   The fluid ejecting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the planarizing member is made of a resin layer formed on the nozzle forming surface.   The fluid ejecting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a surface of the planarizing member is subjected to a lyophilic process.   6. The fluid ejecting apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a groove that communicates with an opening that exposes the nozzle formation region on a surface of the planarizing member.   7. The groove according to claim 1, wherein a groove parallel to a wiping direction for maintenance of the nozzle opening is formed so as to communicate with an opening that exposes the nozzle forming region. The fluid ejection device according to any one of claims.

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