JP2010120177A - Liquid jet apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a liquid jet apparatus which can surely wipe a liquid adhering to a liquid jet head, and moreover which can smoothly wipe the liquid by preventing an excessive wear of a wiper. <P>SOLUTION: A plurality of regulation members, for example, first regulation members 33a, 33a and second regulation members 33b, 33b are formed by each set in parallel to hold a recording head 2 therebetween on both sides where a jet surface F along a subscan direction Y of the recording head 2 is held in between. Meanwhile, a first wiper part 12 and a second wiper part 13 which wipe and clean the jet surface F of the recording head 2 have bendable first wiper 36a and second wiper 36b, and wiper holders 37a and 37b which respectively hold the first wiper 36a and second wiper 36b, respectively. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a liquid ejecting apparatus head including a liquid ejecting head, and more particularly to a technique for wiping and cleaning the liquid ejecting head.

  A liquid ejecting apparatus, for example, an ink jet printer (hereinafter referred to as a printer) includes a liquid ejecting head (hereinafter referred to as a recording head) in which a plurality of liquid ejecting nozzles (hereinafter referred to as nozzles) are arranged in parallel. . By ejecting ink droplets from the nozzles formed on the recording head toward a recording medium such as paper, images and characters are printed on the recording medium.

  Some of the ink ejected from the recording head may adhere to the nozzle when it is ejected, or may rebound from the recording medium. Such ink adhering to the nozzle causes a shift in the ejection direction of ink droplets, clogging of the nozzle, and the like.

For this reason, the printer is provided with a wiper section (head cleaning mechanism) for cleaning the nozzles of the recording head. The wiper part is provided with a wiper made of a flexible plate-like member such as an elastomer. By sliding the nozzle surface while bending the wiper, the ink adhering to the nozzle and its periphery is wiped off. Further, a printer is known that varies (adjusts) the sliding contact pressure between the wiper and the recording head at the time of cleaning according to the thickness of the recording sheet (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
JP 2004-299511 A

  When the recording head is cleaned with a wiper, conventionally, the recording head is slid while pressing the wiper strongly against the entire ejection surface facing the recording medium to wipe off excess ink. That is, the wiper is urged so as to have a sliding contact pressure that can sufficiently remove ink adhering to the periphery of the nozzle. However, it is not possible to energize the wiper with the same sliding contact pressure as the area where the nozzle is formed on the entire ejection surface of the recording head other than the area where the nozzle is formed, i.e., where the ink is difficult to adhere. This will waste the wiper in vain. Further, there is a possibility that the deterioration of the entire ejection surface of the recording head is accelerated.

  Recently, a printer that ejects pigment-based ink and dye-based ink from a single recording head is also known in order to improve color developability and reproducibility. However, in such a printer, when a nozzle for ejecting pigment-based ink and a nozzle for ejecting dye-based ink are wiped and cleaned with a single wiper as in the past, the pigment-based ink and the dye-based ink are mixed on the wiper. Resulting in. As a result, the ink mixed on the wiper solidifies and cannot be removed, and there is a problem that the pigment-based ink may adhere to the nozzle that ejects the dye-based ink.

Some aspects according to the present invention have been made in view of the above circumstances, and can reliably wipe off the liquid adhering to the liquid ejecting head, and can prevent excessive wear of the wiper, thereby smoothly A liquid ejecting apparatus capable of wiping liquid is provided.
Further, a liquid ejecting apparatus capable of reliably wiping off the liquid adhering to the liquid ejecting head without mixing liquids having different properties is provided.

In order to solve the above problems, some aspects of the present invention provide the following liquid ejecting apparatus.
In other words, the liquid ejecting apparatus according to the aspect of the invention includes a liquid ejecting head that ejects liquid, and a plurality of wiper portions that are formed so as to be able to adjust a distance between the liquid ejecting head and wipe and clean the liquid ejecting head. The apparatus is characterized in that the plurality of regulating members guide the plurality of wiper portions to different working positions.

  According to such a configuration, by controlling the wiper portion that is operated for each specific region of the liquid ejecting head among the plurality of wiper portions, there is no possibility that liquids having different properties are mixed in the wiper portion.

  And at least an engagement member formed on each of the plurality of wiper portions, and a plurality of restriction members that abut against the engagement member and restrict positions thereof, and the plurality of wiper portions are disposed on the liquid ejecting head. It is preferable to provide wiper position adjusting means for adjusting at a plurality of operating positions.

  According to such a configuration, only when the wiper portion is in a region where extra liquid adheres on the ejection surface of the liquid ejecting head, the wiper portion is selectively pulled toward the liquid ejecting head side, and a strong sliding contact pressure is obtained. The liquid can be wiped off with.

  In a region where there is little possibility that the liquid adheres, the wiper portion can be brought into contact with or separated from the liquid ejecting head with a small sliding contact pressure. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent wiping of the wiper portion in a region where the liquid does not adhere while reliably wiping and cleaning the liquid adhering to the liquid ejecting head.

  It is preferable that the plurality of wiper portions wipe and clean the liquid jet head with different sliding contact pressures. Thereby, the liquid can be reliably wiped and cleaned with the optimum sliding contact pressure according to the property of the liquid.

  When the plurality of wiper portions are displaced between the plurality of operation positions, it is preferable that the displacement amount is gradually increased or decreased. As a result, the wiper section can gradually increase and decrease the sliding contact pressure with respect to the liquid ejecting head, thereby suppressing the occurrence of large load fluctuations during the movement process and preventing liquid scattering. It becomes possible to perform cleaning.

  It is preferable that a plurality of wiper cleaning units for wiping and cleaning each of the plurality of wiper units is formed in the liquid ejecting head. Thereby, each wiper part can be cleaned, without mixing the liquid with a different property adhering to each wiper part.

  A plurality of urging members for urging the engaging members toward the plurality of regulating members may be further provided. As a result, the plurality of wiper portions can always be guided to the correct operation position.

  The plurality of regulating members are preferably provided in parallel along the sub-scanning direction of the liquid ejecting head. This makes it possible to guide the plurality of wiper portions to a plurality of operating positions in a small space.

The best mode of the liquid ejecting apparatus of the present invention will be described. The present embodiment is specifically described for better understanding of the gist of the invention, and does not limit the invention unless otherwise specified. In addition, in the drawings used in the following description, in order to make the features of the present invention easier to understand, there is a case where a main part is shown in an enlarged manner for convenience, and the dimensional ratio of each component is the same as the actual one. Not necessarily.
Hereinafter, as an embodiment of the fluid ejecting apparatus of the present invention, an ink jet printer (hereinafter referred to as a printer) will be exemplified.

FIG. 1 is an external perspective view showing a printer (liquid ejecting apparatus) according to the present invention.
The printer (liquid ejecting apparatus) 1 includes a recording head (fluid ejecting head) 2 that is a kind of fluid ejecting head, and a carriage 4 that holds an ink cartridge 3. The ink cartridge 3 stores ink (liquid) ejected from the recording head 2 and needs only to be detachably attached to the carriage 4. The ink cartridge 3 only needs to store both pigment-based ink and dye-based ink.

  The printer (liquid ejecting apparatus) 1 is disposed below the recording head 2 and moves a platen 5 for conveying recording paper (recording medium) 6 and a carriage 4 along the paper width direction of the recording paper 6. A moving mechanism 7 and a paper feeding mechanism 8 for conveying the recording paper 6 in the paper feeding direction are provided. The paper width direction here refers to the main scanning direction (head scanning direction: X direction in the figure). Further, the paper feed direction is the sub-scanning direction (direction perpendicular to the main scanning direction: Y direction in the figure).

  In the printer 1 of this embodiment, pigment-based ink and dye-based ink are supplied from the ink cartridge 3 to the recording head 2. The pigment-based ink may be a black pigment-based ink that records a deep black color, for example. The dye-based ink may be any of the dye-based magenta M, yellow Y, and cyan C inks that record vivid full color development.

  The ink cartridge 3 is mounted on the housing side of the printer 1 and supplies ink to the recording head 2 via an ink supply tube, for example, in addition to the form mounted on the carriage 4 as in the present embodiment. There may be.

  The carriage 4 is movably attached to the guide rod 9. The guide rod 9 constitutes a support member that is installed along the main scanning direction X. The carriage 4 is moved along the main scanning direction X along the guide rod 9 by the carriage moving mechanism 7.

  The printer 1 is provided with a linear encoder 10. The linear encoder 10 detects the position of the carriage 4 in the main scanning direction X. The detected signal is transmitted as position information to a control unit (not shown). A control device 58, which will be described later, recognizes the scanning position of the recording head 2 based on the position information detected by the linear encoder 10, and controls the recording operation (discharge operation) by the recording head 2.

  Of the moving range along the main scanning direction X of the recording head 2, a home position serving as a scanning starting point of the recording head 2 is set in an area outside the platen 5. A capping mechanism 11 is provided at this home position. The capping mechanism 11 seals the nozzle opening forming surface of the recording head 2 with the cap member 11a to prevent the ink solvent from evaporating. The capping mechanism 11 is also used for a cleaning operation or the like that applies a negative pressure to the ejection surface (nozzle opening surface) of the recording head 2 in a sealed state and forcibly sucks and discharges ink.

  A plurality of wiper units, for example, a first wiper unit 12 and a second wiper unit 13 are provided adjacent to the capping mechanism 11 for wiping the ejection surface on which the nozzle openings of the recording head 2 are formed. The first wiper unit 12 and the second wiper unit 13 are used when the recording head 2 moves from the region of the platen 5 toward the capping mechanism 11 along the main scanning direction X. The wiper unit 13 wipes the ink attached around the nozzle opening of the recording head 2. The configuration and operation of the first wiper unit 12 and the second wiper unit 13 will be described in detail later.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a main part showing a recording head (fluid ejecting head).
The recording head 2 includes a head body 48 and a flow path forming unit 42 including a vibration plate 19, a flow path substrate 20, and a nozzle substrate 21. The nozzle 24 is formed on the nozzle substrate 21.

  The flow path forming unit 42 is a unit in which the diaphragm 19, the flow path substrate 20, and the nozzle substrate 21 are laminated and joined together with an adhesive or the like. The recording head 2 is used as a so-called line head in which a number of nozzles 24 are arranged over a length (maximum recording paper width) of the maximum size recording paper (recording medium) targeted by the printer 1. You may do it.

  The recording head 2 includes an accommodation space 63 formed in the head main body 48 and a drive unit 44 disposed in the accommodation space 63. The drive unit 44 includes a plurality of piezoelectric elements 65, a fixing member 26 that supports the upper end of the piezoelectric element 65, and a flexible cable 27 that supplies a drive signal to the piezoelectric element 65. The piezoelectric element 65 is provided so as to correspond to each of the plurality of nozzles 24.

  In addition, the recording head 2 is formed inside the head main body 48, and an internal flow path 68 through which pigment-based ink (liquid) and dye-based ink (liquid) supplied from an ink cartridge via an ink supply tube flow, and vibration The common ink chamber 29 formed by the flow path forming unit 42 including the plate 19, the flow path substrate 20, and the nozzle substrate 21 and connected to the internal flow path 68, and the common ink chamber 29. And a pressure chamber 41 formed by a flow path forming unit 42 and connected to the ink supply port 40. A plurality of pressure chambers 41 are provided so as to correspond to the plurality of nozzles 24. Each of the plurality of nozzles 24 is connected to each of the plurality of pressure chambers 41.

  The head main body 48 may be made of, for example, a synthetic resin. The diaphragm 19 may be any one obtained by laminating an elastic film on a metal support plate such as stainless steel. An island portion 42 that is joined to the lower end of the piezoelectric element 65 is formed at a portion corresponding to the pressure chamber 41 of the diaphragm 19. At least a part of the diaphragm 19 is elastically deformed according to the driving of the piezoelectric element 65. A compliance portion 43 is formed between the diaphragm 19 and the vicinity of the lower end of the internal flow path 68.

  The flow path substrate 20 has recesses for forming spaces for the common ink chamber 29, the ink supply port 40, and the pressure chamber 41 that connect the lower end of the internal flow path 68 and the nozzle 24. The flow path substrate 20 is obtained, for example, by anisotropically etching silicon.

  The nozzle substrate 21 has a plurality of nozzles 24 formed at a predetermined interval (pitch) in a predetermined direction. The nozzle substrate 21 of the present embodiment is a plate-like member formed of a metal such as stainless steel. The lower surface of the nozzle substrate 21 constitutes an ejection surface (nozzle opening surface) 23 in which the opening ends of the plurality of nozzles 24 are exposed as will be described later.

  The printer 1 configured as described above has an ink cartridge (not shown) as an ink storage unit (fluid storage unit) that stores pigment-based ink and dye-based ink, and is supplied from the ink cartridge via an ink supply tube. The configured ink is configured to flow into the upper end of the internal flow path 68 shown in FIG. The lower end of the internal flow path 68 is connected to the common ink chamber 29, and the pigment-based ink and the dye-based ink that flow into the upper end of the internal flow path 68 from the ink cartridge via the ink supply tube (not shown) After flowing through the flow path 68, the ink is supplied to the common ink chamber 29. The ink supplied to the common ink chamber 29 is supplied so as to be distributed to each of the plurality of pressure chambers 41 via the ink supply port 40.

  When a drive signal is input to the piezoelectric element 65 via the cable 27, the piezoelectric element 65 expands and contracts. Then, the diaphragm 19 is deformed (moved) in a direction toward and away from the pressure chamber 41. As a result, the volume of the pressure chamber 41 changes, and the pressure of the pressure chamber 41 containing ink fluctuates. Due to this pressure fluctuation, pigment-based ink and dye-based ink are ejected (discharged) from the nozzle 24. Thus, the piezoelectric element 65 varies the pressure of the pressure chamber 41 connected to the nozzle 24 based on the input drive signal in order to eject ink from the nozzle 24.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of the above-described printer (liquid ejecting apparatus).
The printer 1 includes a control device 58 that controls the operation of the entire printer 1. Connected to the control device 58 are an input device 59 for inputting various information relating to the operation of the printer 1 and a storage device 60 for storing various information relating to the operation of the printer 1.

  Further, the carriage 58, the paper feed mechanism 8, the capping mechanism 11, the wiping device 12, and the like are connected to the control device 58. Furthermore, a drive signal generator 62 that generates a drive signal to be input to the piezoelectric vibrator 38 is connected to the control device 58.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the recording head (fluid ejection head) viewed from the ejection surface (nozzle opening surface) side. FIG. 5 is a plan view showing the recording head viewed from the main scanning direction.
In the recording head 2, a large number of opening ends 24 a of nozzles 24 (see FIG. 2) that eject ink are exposed in parallel on the ejection surface F. The opening ends 24a of the large number of nozzles 24 are arranged in a set for each predetermined number. For example, in the present embodiment, as the nozzle groups A, B, and C, the opening ends 24a are collectively formed for each predetermined number. Among these nozzle groups A, B, and C, for example, from the nozzle group A, pigment-based ink is ejected toward the recording paper (recording medium). For example, from the nozzle groups B and C, dye-based ink is ejected toward the recording paper (recording medium).

  Craters 31 a, 31 b and 31 c are formed on the ejection surface F of the recording head 2. The craters 31a, 31b, 31c are formed on the ejection surface F so as to form a recess having a predetermined depth. Nozzle groups A, B, and C are arranged at the bottoms of the craters 31a, 31b, and 31c, respectively. Thereby, even when the recording paper (recording medium) contacts the recording head 2, the recording paper does not directly contact the nozzle groups A, B, and C formed at the bottom of the craters 31a, 31b, and 31c. .

  Further, the recording head 2 includes a first wiper for wiping and cleaning the first wiper 36a constituting the first wiper portion 12 along the main scanning direction X (horizontal direction) from the nozzle groups A, B, and C. A second wiper cleaning portion 32b is formed along the main scanning direction X in order to wipe and clean the cleaning portion 32a and the second wiper 36b constituting the second wiper portion 13. The first wiper cleaning unit 32 a and the second wiper cleaning unit 32 b are formed of a groove or the like that is recessed from the ejection surface F of the recording head 2.

  A plurality of restricting members, for example, first restricting members 33a and 33a and second restricting members 33b and 33b sandwich the recording head 2 on both sides of the ejection surface F along the sub-scanning direction Y of the recording head 2. Thus, each pair is formed in parallel. For example, the first regulating members 33a and 33a are formed by bending one side sides 35a and 35a of the plate-like members 34a and 34a extending along the main scanning direction X of the recording head 2 in the vertical direction Z (forming a step). ). Similarly, the second restricting members 33b and 33b also have, for example, bent one side sides 35b and 35b of the plate-like members 34b and 34b extending along the main scanning direction X of the recording head 2 in the vertical direction Z (steps). Formed).

  On the other hand, the first wiper portion 12 and the second wiper portion 13 for wiping and cleaning the ejection surface F of the recording head 2 are a bendable first wiper 36a and a second wiper 36b, and the first wiper 36a and the second wiper 36b, respectively. There are wiper holders 37a and 37b for holding the two wipers 36b, respectively. The first wiper 36a and the second wiper 36b may be made of a material having high followability (flexibility) with respect to the wiping portion of the recording head 2, respectively.

  For example, the first wiper 36a is preferably made of a material excellent in wiping the pigment-based ink, for example, a urethane-based, nylon-based, EVOH-based, or EVA-based material. The second wiper 36b is preferably made of a material excellent in wiping the dye-based ink, for example, urethane, nylon, EVOH, or EVA.

  At both ends of the wiper holder 37a constituting the first wiper portion 12, first engaging members 38a and 38a are formed which abut (engage) with the one side 35a and 35a of the first restricting members 33a and 33a, respectively. . Similarly, the second engagement members 38b and 38b that abut (engage) the one side sides 35b and 35b of the second restricting members 33b and 33b are also provided at both ends of the wiper holder 37b constituting the second wiper portion 13, respectively. It is formed. The first engaging members 38a, 38a, the second engaging members 38b, 38b, the first restricting members 33a, 33a, and the second restricting members 33b, 33b constitute the wiper position adjusting means 30.

  As for the 1st wiper part 12, the 1st engaging members 38a and 38a extended in the shape of an arm are pressed on one side 35a and 35a of the 1st regulating members 33a and 33a, respectively. Further, in the second wiper portion 13, the second engaging members 38b and 38b extending in an arm shape are pressed against the one side 35b and 35b of the second restricting members 33b and 33b, respectively. The first wiper portion 12 and the second wiper portion 13 only need to be formed with urging means (not shown) for urging the first restricting members 33a and 33a and the second restricting members 33b and 33b. .

  The wiper position adjusting means 30 slides the first wiper 36a and the second wiper 36b against the ejection surface F of the recording head 2 that moves toward the home position along the main scanning direction X, respectively. When wiping and cleaning the injection surface F, the interval between the first wiper portion 12 and the second wiper portion 13 with respect to the injection surface F, that is, the position in the vertical direction Z is changed.

  In order to adjust the position of the first wiper portion 12 and the second wiper portion 13 in the vertical direction Z, one side 35a of the first restricting member 33a and one side 35b of the second restricting member 33b are In the middle of the path extending in the scanning direction X (horizontal direction), the path is bent along the vertical direction Z so as to form a plurality of operating positions. Further, the one side 35a of the first restricting member 33a and the one side 35b of the second restricting member 33b are formed so that their operating positions are different at least partly along the path.

  As a result, while the recording head 2 is moving toward the home position, the first engagement member 38a is located on one side 35a of the first restriction member 33a, and the second engagement member 38b is located on the second restriction member 33b. Each one side 35b abuts (engages). While the first engagement member 38a and the second engagement member 38b move relatively from one end to the other end of the one side 35a and one side 35b, respectively, a plurality of operation positions along the vertical direction Z are obtained. Move between.

  As shown in FIG. 6A, when one side side 35a of the first restricting member 33a is set with reference to the action position L1 in the horizontal direction Z that maintains a predetermined interval with respect to the ejection surface F of the recording head 2. In the region where the nozzle group A is formed, (shown by the solid line in FIG. 6) is bent to the action position L2 closer to the ejection surface F along the horizontal direction Z than to the action position L1. Further, at a position facing the first wiper cleaning portion 32a, the one side 35a is bent to an action position L3 that is closer to the ejection surface F than the action position L2.

  On the other hand, one side 35b (indicated by a dotted line in FIG. 6) of the second regulating member 33b is ejected along the horizontal direction Z rather than the operating position L1 in the region where the nozzle group B and the nozzle group C are formed. It is bent to an action position L2 close to the surface F. Further, at the position facing the second wiper cleaning portion 32b, the one side 35b is bent to the action position L3 that is closer to the ejection surface F than the action position L2.

  Further, these one side sides 35a, 35b form an inclined surface inclined with respect to the vertical direction Z so that the displacement amount gradually increases or gradually decreases when the position is displaced between the plurality of operation positions L1 to L3. It is preferable.

6 and 7 are cross-sectional views of the main parts showing the movement of the wiper portion during cleaning in the printer (liquid ejecting apparatus) of the present invention in a stepwise manner.
The operation of the printer (liquid ejecting apparatus) of the present invention configured as described above will be described with reference to FIGS. When the recording head 2 moves from the recording area facing the recording paper toward the home position and reaches the formation position of the first wiper portion 12 and the second wiper portion 13, the first engaging member 38a is moved to the first regulating member 33a. The one side 35a and the second engagement member 38b are successively engaged with the one side 35b of the second restricting member 33b (see FIG. 6A).

  In this state, the one side 35a and the one side 35b are both at the operating position L1 in the horizontal direction Z, and the first wiper 36a of the first wiper portion 12 and the second wiper 36b of the second wiper portion 13 are at their tips. Is held at a position where it is lightly abutted against the ejection surface F of the recording head 2 or at a distance.

  When the recording head 2 moves along the main scanning direction X and reaches the position where the first wiper portion 12 and the second wiper portion 13 face the nozzle group A, only one side 35a of the first regulating member 33a is present. Bending toward the action position L2, the first engagement member 38a approaches the ejection surface F following this (see FIG. 6B). On the other hand, the one side 35b of the second restricting member 33b extends in the main scanning direction X with the operating position L1.

  As a result, only the first wiper portion 12 is drawn toward the ejection surface F at the position where the nozzle group A is formed. As a result, the first wiper 36a enters from the ejection surface F to the inside of the crater 31a recessed at a predetermined depth, and bends and contacts the nozzle group A at a predetermined angle. Then, the pigment-based ink (liquid) adhering to the nozzle openings of the nozzle group A is moved relative to the nozzle group A with a strong sliding contact pressure. At this time, since the first wiper 36a is made of, for example, a material suitable for wiping the pigment-based ink, the pigment-based ink attached to the nozzle opening can be reliably wiped off. On the other hand, the second wiper 36b moves relative to the operating position L1 without contacting the nozzle group A.

  Further, when the first wiper portion 12 is displaced between the operation positions L1 and L2, the one side 35a of the first restricting member 33a is inclined with respect to the vertical direction Z so that the amount of displacement gradually increases or decreases. Since it forms a surface, the first wiper portion 12 can smoothly move relative to the recording head 2 even if the sliding contact pressure changes due to the change in the operation position.

  Eventually, when the first wiper portion 12 and the second wiper portion 13 deviate from the position where they face the nozzle group A, the first wiper portion 12 acts again following the bending of the one side 35a of the first regulating member 33a. Return to L1. Further, when the recording head 2 moves along the main scanning direction X and reaches a position where the first wiper portion 12 and the second wiper portion 13 and the nozzle group B face each other, this time, one of the second regulating members 33b Only the side 35b bends toward the action position L2, and the second engagement member 38b approaches the ejection surface F following this (see FIG. 6C). On the other hand, the one side 35a of the first restricting member 33a extends in the main scanning direction X while maintaining the operating position L1.

  As a result, only the second wiper portion 13 is drawn toward the ejection surface F at the position where the nozzle group B is formed. As a result, the second wiper 36b enters the crater 31b recessed from the ejection surface F at a predetermined depth, and bends and contacts the nozzle group B at a predetermined angle. Then, it moves relatively while wiping away the dye-based ink (liquid) adhering to the nozzle openings of the nozzle group B with a strong sliding contact pressure. At this time, since the second wiper 36b is made of, for example, a material suitable for wiping the dye-based ink, the dye-based ink attached to the nozzle opening can be reliably wiped off. On the other hand, the first wiper 36a wiped with the pigment-based ink in the nozzle group A moves relatively at the operating position L1 without contacting the nozzle group B to which the dye-based ink is attached.

  Thereafter, when the first wiper portion 12 and the second wiper portion 13 are out of the position where they face the nozzle group B, the second wiper portion 13 returns to the operating position L1. And when the 1st wiper part 12 and the 2nd wiper part 13 reach the position which faces the nozzle group C, only the 2nd wiper part 13 will move to the action position L2 again (refer FIG.6 (d)). The second wiper 36b enters the crater 31c recessed from the ejection surface F at a predetermined depth, and reliably wipes off the dye-based ink (liquid) adhering to the nozzle openings of the nozzle group C with a strong sliding contact pressure. Move while. On the other hand, the first wiper 36a moves relative to the working position L1 without contacting the nozzle group C to which the dye-based ink is attached.

  When the recording head 2 further moves along the main scanning direction X and reaches the position where the first wiper portion 12 and the second wiper portion 13 face the first wiper cleaning portion 32a, one side of the first regulating member 33a. Only 35a bends toward the action position L3, and the first engagement member 38a is pulled toward the recording head 2 side following this (see FIG. 7A). On the other hand, the one side 35b of the second restricting member 33b extends in the main scanning direction X with the operating position L1. As a result, the first wiper 36a from which the pigment-based ink has been wiped off by the nozzle group A is largely bent and moved while being pressed against the edge of the first wiper cleaning portion 32a.

  As a result, the wiped pigment-based ink accumulated in the first wiper 36a is removed from the first wiper 36a, and the first wiper 36a is cleaned. On the other hand, the second wiper 36b that has wiped the dye-based ink in the nozzle groups B and C moves relatively at the operating position L1 without contacting the first wiper cleaning unit 32a that removes the pigment-based ink. Thereafter, when the first wiper portion 12 and the second wiper portion 13 are separated from the positions facing the first wiper cleaning portion 32a, the first wiper portion 13 returns to the operating position L1.

  When the recording head 2 further moves along the main scanning direction X and reaches the position where the first wiper portion 12 and the second wiper portion 13 face the second wiper cleaning portion 32b, this time, one of the second restricting members 33b. Only the side 35b bends toward the operating position L3, and the second engagement member 38b is drawn toward the recording head 2 side in accordance with this (see FIG. 7B). On the other hand, the one side 35a of the first restricting member 33a extends in the main scanning direction X while maintaining the operating position L1. As a result, the second wiper 36b wiped with the dye-based ink by the nozzle groups B and C is largely bent and moved while being pressed against the edge of the second wiper cleaning portion 32b.

As a result, the wiped dye-based ink accumulated in the second wiper 36b is removed from the second wiper 36b, and the second wiper 36b is cleaned. On the other hand, the first wiper 36a wiped with the dye-based ink in the nozzle group A moves relatively at the operating position L1 without coming into contact with the second wiper cleaning unit 32b that removes the dye-based ink.
Thereafter, the recording head 2 reaches the home position.

  As described above, according to the printer (liquid ejecting apparatus) 1 of the present invention, the area where the nozzles A, B, Only when the first wiper portion 12 and the second wiper portion 13 are at positions facing the craters 31a, 31b, 31c where C is formed, the first wiper 36a and the second wiper 36b are selectively moved to the recording head 2 side. The ink can be wiped off with a strong sliding contact pressure.

  Further, on the outside of the craters 31a, 31b, and 31c where there is little possibility of extra ink adhering, the first wiper 36a and the second wiper 36b may be brought into contact with or separated from the ejection surface F with a small sliding contact pressure. it can. As a result, it is possible to prevent unnecessary wear of the first wiper 36a and the second wiper 36b in a region where the ink does not adhere while reliably wiping and cleaning the ink adhering to the opening end of the nozzle.

  On the other hand, only the first wiper portion 12 is applied to the nozzle group A that ejects pigment ink to wipe the pigment ink, and the second wiper is applied to the nozzle groups B and C that eject the dye ink. By wiping the dye-based ink by operating only the portion 13, the pigment-based ink adheres to the nozzle groups B and C, or the dye-based ink adheres to the nozzle group A. There is no possibility of mixing the above inks at the nozzle openings. Further, two or more kinds of inks having different properties are not mixed on one wiper, and there is no possibility that a plurality of inks are solidified and difficult to remove.

  The wiper cleaning unit that removes the pigment-based ink and the dye-based ink attached to the first wiper 36a and the second wiper 36b also cleans the first wiper 36a from which the pigment-based ink has been wiped by the first wiper cleaning unit 32a, By cleaning the second wiper 36b from which the dye-based ink has been wiped off by the second wiper cleaning unit 32b, there is no concern that the pigment-based ink and the dye-based ink are mixed in the wiper cleaning unit.

  In the above-described embodiment, the configuration in which the ejection surface is wiped and cleaned when the recording head moves toward the home position is illustrated. Conversely, the recording head moves from the home position toward the recording area. In this case, the present invention can be applied to the configuration in which the ejection surface is wiped and cleaned.

  In the above-described embodiment, the configuration in which the recording head moves along the main scanning direction and the wiper unit is fixed is exemplified. However, even if the wiper unit is movable along the main scanning direction. Good. Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the operation position of the wiper portion by the restricting member is set to three stages. However, the operation position may be set to two stages, and the action position is set to four or more stages and multi-stages to be finer. The sliding contact pressure may be controlled. When the first wiper portion and the second wiper portion are in contact with the nozzle group, it is also preferable that their respective operation positions are slightly different so that different sliding contact pressures are obtained. Accordingly, wiping can be performed with an optimum sliding contact pressure according to the property (viscosity, etc.) of the ink (liquid).

  In the above-described embodiment, an example in which two wiper portions are provided as the plurality of wiper portions has been described. However, a plurality of wiper portions and a plurality of restriction members provided corresponding to the wiper portions are formed. Is also preferable. As a result, it is possible to wipe and clean each of the wiper portions without mixing three or more types of different inks (liquids).

  The restricting members that respectively contact the engaging members provided in the plurality of wiper portions are not limited to the form in which the side of the plate-like member is bent in the vertical direction as in the above-described embodiment. For example, a cam groove extending in the main scanning direction may be formed on the plate-like member.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of an essential part showing another embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment,
The restricting members 71 and 72 for restricting the operation positions of the first wiper portion 81 and the second wiper portion 82 are formed by cam grooves 74 a and 74 b formed in the plate-like member 73 and extending along the main scanning direction X. . Among these, the cam groove 74 a that is slidably engaged with the first engagement member 83 a of the first wiper portion 81 is formed on the inner surface side (recording head 80 side) of the plate-like member 73, and The cam groove 74 b that is slidably engaged with the second engagement member 83 b is formed on the outer surface side of the plate-like member 73.

  Even in such a configuration, the first wiper portion 81 and the second wiper portion 82 move between a plurality of operating positions, and the first wiper portion 81 and the second wiper portion 82 are different from each other. It becomes possible to control to be in a plurality of operating positions.

1 is an external perspective view showing a printer (liquid ejecting apparatus) of the invention. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a main part showing a recording head (fluid ejecting head). FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of a printer (liquid ejecting apparatus) according to the invention. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the recording head (fluid ejection head) viewed from the ejection surface (nozzle opening surface) side. FIG. 3 is a plan view showing a recording head viewed from a main scanning direction. It is principal part sectional drawing which showed the motion of the wiper part in steps. It is principal part sectional drawing which showed the motion of the wiper part in steps. It is principal part sectional drawing which shows other embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

1 Printer (liquid ejecting device)
2 Recording head (liquid ejecting head)
12 First wiper part (wiper part)
13 Second wiper part (wiper part)
30 Wiper position adjusting means 33a First regulating member (regulating member)
33b Second regulating member (regulating member)
38a First engagement member (engagement member)
38b Second engagement member (engagement member)

Claims (7)

A liquid ejecting apparatus comprising: a liquid ejecting head that ejects liquid; and a plurality of wiper portions that are formed so as to be capable of adjusting a distance between the liquid ejecting head and wipe and clean the liquid ejecting head.
The plurality of restricting members guide the plurality of wiper portions so as to wipe away different areas of the liquid ejecting head, respectively.   And at least an engagement member formed on each of the plurality of wiper portions, and a plurality of restriction members that abut against the engagement member and restrict positions thereof, and the plurality of wiper portions are disposed on the liquid ejecting head. The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a wiper position adjusting unit that adjusts at a plurality of operating positions.   3. The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of wiper portions wipe and clean the liquid ejecting head with different sliding contact pressures.   4. The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the plurality of wiper portions are displaced between the plurality of operation positions, the displacement amount is gradually increased or decreased. 5.   5. The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the liquid ejecting head includes a plurality of wiper cleaning units that wipe and clean the plurality of wiper units.   The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of urging members that urge the engaging members toward the plurality of regulating members.   The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of regulating members are provided in parallel along a sub-scanning direction of the liquid ejecting head.

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