JP2010194963A - Liquid ejector - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a liquid ejector which can certainly and smoothly remove liquid adherent to a liquid ejection head, and prevent a wiper and a nozzle from extremely being worn. <P>SOLUTION: A regulation member selecting device 13 moves a wiper 12 by a predetermined width along the sub-scanning direction. Thereby, when the wiper 12 and a recording head 2 move relatively, engaging members 38, 38 of the wiper 12 move while contacting with first regulation members 33a, 33a (first moving routes), or move while contacting with second regulation members 33b, 33b (second moving routes) in a selectable manner. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

   The present invention relates to a liquid ejecting apparatus 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 unit (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 during 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, even when printing is performed only with pigment-based ink, or conversely, when printing is performed only with dye-based ink, if all nozzles are wiped and cleaned uniformly with a wiper, ink is not discharged. Even nozzles that are dirty, that is, nozzles that are not soiled, are wiped wastefully. For this reason, there existed problems, such as accelerating deterioration of the nozzle which does not perform printing, and accelerating the wear of a wiper.

   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 and the nozzle. A liquid ejecting apparatus capable of smoothly wiping liquid is provided.

In order to solve the above problems, some aspects of the present invention provide the following liquid ejecting apparatus.
That is, the liquid ejecting apparatus of the present invention includes a liquid ejecting head that ejects liquid, and a wiper unit that moves relative to the liquid ejecting head and wipes and cleans the nozzle forming surface of the liquid ejecting head. An injection device,
A plurality of sets of regulation that abuts the engagement member and regulates the action position with respect to the liquid ejecting head when the engaging member formed in the wiper part, the liquid ejecting head, and the wiper part move relatively. A member and a restriction member selecting means for guiding the wiper portion to a position where the member can come into contact with an arbitrary set of restriction members among the plurality of restriction members. The wiper portion is guided so as to wipe different areas of the liquid ejecting head.

   According to such a configuration, it is possible to prevent the nozzles that are not ejecting ink from being wiped and worn out, and the wiper from being worn out wastefully.

   The regulating member is a cam having a path extending along a main scanning direction in which the liquid ejecting head and the wiper portion move relatively, and a path bent in a direction perpendicular to the nozzle forming surface; The cams are provided in parallel in a plurality of rows along the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction perpendicular to the vertical direction, and the restricting member selection means moves the wiper portion along the sub-scanning direction. Is preferred.

   The liquid ejecting head is further provided with a wiper cleaning unit that wipes and cleans the wiper unit, and the restricting member is located in a region where the wiper cleaning unit is formed, and the wiper unit is positioned at a position farthest from the liquid ejecting head. It is preferable to make them approach.

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. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of a printer (liquid ejecting apparatus) according to the invention. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a main part showing a recording head and its vicinity. 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 the 1st movement path | route in steps. It is principal part sectional drawing which showed the motion of the wiper part in the 2nd movement path | route in steps.

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) of the 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 a carriage that is arranged below the recording head 2 and moves the platen 5 and the carriage 4 for conveying the recording paper (recording medium) 6 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 not only mounted on the carriage 4 as in the present embodiment, but is mounted on the housing side of the printer 1 and supplies ink to the recording head 2 via an ink supply tube. 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.

   Adjacent to the capping mechanism 11, one wiper portion 12 is provided for wiping the ejection surface on which the nozzle openings of the recording head 2 are formed. 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 12 removes ink attached to the periphery of the nozzle opening of the recording head 2 by the wiper unit 12. Wipe away. In addition, a restricting member selecting means (a restricting member selecting means) 13 for finely moving the wiper part 12 along the sub-scanning direction is provided adjacent to the wiper part 12. The operations and actions related to the wiper unit 12 and the restricting member selecting 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. Further, such a recording head 2 is used as a so-called line head in which a large 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 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 restriction member selection device (restriction member selection means) 13, 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 wiper cleaning unit 32 for wiping and cleaning the wiper 36 constituting the wiper unit 12 in a portion along the main scanning direction X (horizontal direction) from the nozzle groups A, B, and C. It is formed along the scanning direction X. The wiper cleaning unit 32 includes a groove that is recessed from the ejection surface F of the recording head 2.

   On both sides of the ejection surface F along the sub-scanning direction Y of the recording head 2, a plurality of sets of regulating members, for example, first regulating members 33 a and 33 a and second regulating members 33 b and 33 b are arranged on the recording head 2. Each pair is formed in parallel so as to be shifted by a predetermined width one by one. 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 wiper portion 12 that wipes and cleans the ejection surface F of the recording head 2 includes a flexible and bendable wiper 36 and a wiper holder 37 that holds the wiper 36. The wiper 36 may be made of a material having high followability (flexibility) with respect to the wiping portion of the recording head 2. For example, the wiper 36 is preferably made of a material excellent in wiping off pigment-based ink and dye-based ink, for example, urethane-based, nylon-based, EVOH-based, and EVA-based materials.

   At both ends of the wiper holder 37 constituting the wiper portion 12, the one side sides 35a and 35a of the first regulating members 33a and 33a and the one side sides 35b and 35b of the second regulating members 33b and 33b are selectively used. Engagement members 38 and 38 that abut (engage) are formed.

   Further, the restricting member selecting device 13 moves the wiper portion 12 by a predetermined width along the sub-scanning direction. As a result, when the wiper unit 12 and the recording head 2 move relative to each other, whether the engaging members 38 of the wiper unit 12 move in contact with the first regulating members 33a and 33a (first movement path). Alternatively, it is possible to select whether to move while in contact with the second restricting members 33b and 33b (second movement path). For example, the restricting member selection device 13 may be configured to move the wiper unit 12 in the sub-scanning direction by moving the solenoid, or to move the wiper unit 12 in the sub-scanning direction by a combination of a rack and a gear. .

   The wiper position adjusting means 30 includes the engaging members 38, 38, the first restricting members 33a, 33a, the second restricting members 33b, 33b, and the restricting member selecting device 13.

   In the wiper portion 12, in the first movement path (see FIG. 5 (a)), the engaging members 38, 38 extending in an arm shape are pressed against the one side 35a, 35a of the first restricting members 33a, 33a. . Further, in the wiper portion 12, the engaging members 38, 38 are pressed against the one side 35b, 35b of the second regulating member 33b, 33b in the second movement path (see FIG. 5B). The wiper position adjusting means 30 displaces the position of the wiper unit 12 along the sub-scanning direction between the first movement path and the second movement path. Moreover, the wiper part 12 should just be provided with the urging | biasing means (not shown) urged | biased toward the 1st control members 33a and 33a and the 2nd control members 33b and 33b, respectively.

   Such wiper position adjusting means 30 wipes and cleans the ejection surface F of the recording head 2 by bringing the wiper 36 into sliding contact with the ejection surface F of the recording head 2 moving toward the home position along the main scanning direction X. At this time, the interval of the wiper portion 12 with respect to the ejection surface F, that is, the position in the vertical direction Z is changed.

   In order to adjust the position of the wiper portion 12 in the vertical direction Z, the one side 35a of the first regulating member 33a and the one side 35b of the second regulating member 33b are each in the main scanning direction X (horizontal direction). In the middle of the extended path, the path is formed by bending 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 moves toward the home position, the engaging member 38 of the wiper portion 12 is moved to one side 35a of the first regulating member 33a or one side 35b of the second regulating member 33b. It contacts (engages) one of the paths. And while the engaging member 38 moves relatively from one end of the one side 35a or one side 35b to the other end, it moves between a plurality of operating positions along the vertical direction Z.

   In addition, the restricting member selecting device 13 is configured so that the engaging member 38 of the wiper unit 12 is in the first position before the recording head 2 overlaps the wiper unit 12 while the recording head 2 moves toward the home position. Position (first movement path: see FIG. 5A) that contacts one side 35a of one regulating member 33a, or position (second movement path) that contacts one side 35b of second regulating member 33b : See FIG. 5B), and the wiper unit 12 is moved in the sub-scanning direction so that the wiper unit 12 passes through one of the movement paths.

   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 wiper cleaning unit 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 showing the main parts of the movement of the wiper portion during cleaning in the printer (liquid ejecting apparatus) according to the present invention. 6 shows a case where the wiper unit has selected the first movement route, and FIG. 7 shows a case where the wiper unit has selected the second movement route.
The operation of the printer (liquid ejecting apparatus) of the present invention having the above configuration 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, the restricting member selecting device 13 preliminarily positions the wiper unit 12 relative to the first restricting member 33a (first position). Or a position (second movement path) for relative movement along the second restricting member 33b, and the wiper unit 12 is moved to a predetermined position along the sub-scanning direction.

   For example, when the ink used at the time of printing is a pigment-based ink, that is, when the ink is ejected from the nozzle group A, the criteria for selecting the movement path by the restricting member selecting device 13 at this time is as follows. What is necessary is just to select the position (1st movement path | route) which moves relatively along one control member 33a. Further, for example, when the ink used at the time of printing is a dye-based ink, that is, when the ink is ejected from the nozzle groups B and C, the wiper portion 12 is relatively moved along the second regulating member 33b ( The second movement route) may be selected.

   As shown in FIG. 6, when the restricting member selecting device 13 selects the first movement path in which the wiper unit 12 relatively moves along the first restricting member 33 a, the recording head 2 is at the position where the wiper unit 12 is formed. When reaching, the engaging member 38 engages with the one side 35a of the first restricting member 33a (see FIG. 6A).

   In this state, the one side 35a is in the operating position L1 in the horizontal direction Z, and the wiper 36 of the wiper unit 12 is held at a position where the tip is slightly in contact with 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 wiper unit 12 and the nozzle group A face each other, the one side 35a of the first regulating member 33a bends toward the operating position L2. Following this, the engaging member 38 approaches the ejection surface F (see FIG. 6B).

   Accordingly, the wiper portion 12 is drawn toward the ejection surface F at the position where the nozzle group A is formed. As a result, the wiper 36 enters the crater 31a recessed from the ejection surface F 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.

   Further, when the wiper portion 12 is displaced between the operation positions L1 and L2, the one side 35a of the first restricting member 33a has an inclined surface with respect to the vertical direction Z so that the amount of displacement gradually increases or decreases. Thus, the wiper unit 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 wiper portion 12 deviates from the position facing the nozzle group A, the wiper portion 12 returns to the operation position L1 again following the bending of the one side 35a of the first regulating member 33a. Further, even when the recording head 2 moves along the main scanning direction X and reaches the position where the wiper unit 12 and the nozzle group B face each other, the wiper 36 that wipes the pigment-based ink in the nozzle group A ejects ink. It moves relative to the operating position L1 without contacting the nozzle group B that has not been performed (see FIG. 6C).

   Further, even when the wiper unit 12 reaches a position where it faces the nozzle group C, the wiper 36 relatively moves at the operating position L1 without contacting the nozzle group C that has not ejected ink (see FIG. 6D). ).

Further, when the recording head 2 moves along the main scanning direction X and the wiper portion 12 reaches a position facing the wiper cleaning portion 32a, one side 35a of the first regulating member 33a is bent toward the operation position L3. Following this, the engaging member 38 is drawn toward the recording head 2 (see FIG. 6E). As a result, the wiped pigment-based ink accumulated in the wiper 36 is removed from the wiper 36 and the wiper 36 is cleaned.
Thereafter, the recording head 2 reaches the home position.

   On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 7, when the regulating member selecting device 13 selects the second movement path in which the wiper unit 12 relatively moves along the second regulating member 33 b, the recording head 2 forms the wiper unit 12. When the position is reached, the engaging member 38 engages with one side 35b of the second restricting member 33b (see FIG. 7A).

   In this state, the one side 35b is at the operating position L1 in the horizontal direction Z, and the wiper 36 of the wiper portion 12 is held at a position where the tip is slightly in contact with 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 a position where the wiper unit 12 and the nozzle group A face each other, the one side 35b of the second regulating member 33b remains in the operating position L1 in the main scanning direction X. It extends to. Thus, the wiper 36 moves relative to the operating position L1 without contacting the nozzle group A.

   Next, when the position where the wiper portion 12 and the nozzle group B face each other is reached, only one side 35b of the second restricting member 33b is bent toward the operating position L2, and is engaged accordingly. The member 38 approaches the ejection surface F (see FIG. 7C). As a result, the wiper portion 12 is drawn toward the ejection surface F at the position where the nozzle group B is formed. As a result, the wiper 36 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.

   Thereafter, when the wiper portion 12 deviates from the position facing the nozzle group B, the wiper portion 12 returns to the operating position L1. Then, when the wiper portion 12 reaches a position where the wiper portion 12 faces the nozzle group C, the wiper portion 12 moves again to the operation position L2 (see FIG. 7D). The wiper 36 enters the crater 31c recessed from the ejection surface F at a predetermined depth, and moves while wiping away the dye-based ink (liquid) adhering to the nozzle openings of the nozzle group C with a strong sliding contact pressure. To do.

Further, when the recording head 2 moves along the main scanning direction X and the wiper portion 12 reaches a position facing the wiper cleaning portion 32a, one side 35b of the second regulating member 33b bends toward the operation position L3. Following this, the engaging member 38 is drawn toward the recording head 2 side (see FIG. 7E). As a result, the wiped dye-based ink accumulated in the wiper 36 is removed from the wiper 36 and the wiper 36 is cleaned.
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 region where the nozzles A, B, Only when the wiper portion 12 is at a position facing the craters 31a, 31b, and 31c where C is formed, the wiper 36 can be selectively pulled toward the recording head 2 and 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 excess ink adhering, the wiper 36 can be brought into contact with the ejection surface F with a small sliding contact pressure or separated. This makes it possible to prevent unnecessary wear and tear of the wiper 36 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, when only the pigment-based ink is ejected, for example, at the time of printing by the restricting member selecting device 13, the wiper portion 12 is relatively moved along the first movement path along the first restricting member 33a, and the pigment-based ink is thereby moved. For example, when only the dye-based ink is ejected during printing, the wiper unit 12 is relatively moved along the second movement path along the second regulating member 33b. By wiping and cleaning only the nozzle groups B and C that eject the dye-based ink, the nozzle group that is not ejecting ink is wiped and the nozzle group is wasted and the wiper 36 is wasted. Can be prevented.

   Furthermore, by performing the process of wiping the pigment-based ink and the process of wiping the dye-based ink in separate processes, when printing is performed using both the pigment-based ink and the dye-based ink, the nozzle group B, There is no possibility that two or more kinds of inks having different properties are mixed at the nozzle opening, such as pigment-based ink adhering to C or dye-based ink adhering to the nozzle group A. 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.

   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.

   In the above-described embodiment, an example in which two sets of restriction members are provided as a plurality of sets of restriction members has been described, but three or more restriction members are formed, and three or more types of movement paths are selected by the restriction member selection device. It may be a configuration.

   The restricting member that comes into contact with the engaging member provided in the wiper portion is 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.

  In the above-described embodiment, the example in which the engaging portion of the wiper member is brought into contact with the regulating member to perform wiping cleaning has been described. However, wiping and cleaning may be performed without coming into contact with the regulating member. For example, it is a case where all the nozzle rows are wiped and cleaned. This is a case where the selective nozzle row wiping and the wiping of all nozzle rows are selectively used when all nozzle rows eject the same ink type, not different inks such as pigment-based ink and dye-based ink. When only one nozzle row fails to discharge, only that nozzle row is sucked, wiped against the regulating member corresponding to that nozzle row, and all nozzle rows are sucked by regular cleaning etc. When wiping is performed on the entire row without contacting the regulating member.

For example, in the above-described embodiments, the case where the liquid ejecting apparatus is an ink jet printer has been described as an example. However, the liquid ejecting apparatus is not limited to the ink jet printer, and may be an apparatus such as a copying machine or a facsimile.
Further, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the liquid ejecting apparatus is a liquid ejecting apparatus that ejects a liquid such as ink has been described as an example. However, the liquid ejecting apparatus of the present invention uses a liquid other than ink. The present invention can be applied to a liquid ejecting apparatus that ejects or discharges. The liquid that can be ejected by the liquid ejecting apparatus includes a liquid material in which particles of the functional material are dispersed or dissolved, and a gel-like fluid.

  In the above-described embodiment, as the liquid ejected from the liquid ejecting apparatus, not only ink but also a liquid corresponding to a specific application can be applied. By providing the liquid ejecting apparatus with an ejecting head capable of ejecting a liquid corresponding to the specific application, ejecting the liquid corresponding to the specific application from the ejecting head, and attaching the liquid to a predetermined object, A given device can be manufactured. For example, the liquid ejecting apparatus of the present invention uses, as a predetermined dispersion medium (solvent), materials such as electrode materials and color materials used for manufacturing liquid crystal displays, EL (electroluminescence) displays, and surface-emitting displays (FEDs). The present invention is applicable to a liquid ejecting apparatus that ejects a dispersed (dissolved) liquid (liquid material).

In addition, the fluid ejecting apparatus may be a liquid ejecting apparatus that ejects a bio-organic matter used for biochip manufacturing, or a liquid ejecting apparatus that ejects a liquid that is used as a precision pipette as a sample.
In addition, transparent resin liquids such as UV curable resin to form liquid injection devices that pinpoint lubricant oil onto precision machines such as watches and cameras, and micro hemispherical lenses (optical lenses) used in optical communication elements. May be a liquid ejecting apparatus that ejects a liquid onto the substrate, a liquid ejecting apparatus that ejects an etching solution such as acid or alkali to etch the substrate, or a fluid ejecting apparatus that ejects gel. The present invention can be applied to any one of these liquid ejecting apparatuses.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Printer (liquid ejecting apparatus), 2 Recording head (liquid ejecting head), 12 Wiper part, 13 Restriction member selection apparatus (regulation member selection means), 30 Wiper position adjustment means, 33a First restriction member (regulation member), 33b Second regulating member (regulating member), 38 engaging member).

Claims (3)

A liquid ejecting apparatus comprising: a liquid ejecting head that ejects liquid; and a wiper unit that moves relative to the liquid ejecting head and wipes and cleans a nozzle forming surface of the liquid ejecting head,
An engagement member formed on the wiper portion;
When the liquid ejecting head and the wiper portion move relatively, a plurality of sets of regulating members that abut against the engaging member and regulate the operation position with respect to the liquid ejecting head;
Of the plurality of sets of regulating members, regulating member selecting means for guiding the wiper part to a position where it can contact an arbitrary set of regulating members;
Comprising at least
The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of sets of restricting members guide the wiper unit so as to wipe different regions of the liquid ejecting head. The regulating member is a cam having a path extending along a main scanning direction in which the liquid ejecting head and the wiper portion move relatively, and a path bent in a direction perpendicular to the nozzle forming surface; The cams are provided in parallel in a plurality of rows along the sub-scanning direction perpendicular to the main scanning direction and the vertical direction,
The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the restricting member selecting unit moves the wiper portion along the sub-scanning direction. The liquid ejecting head is further provided with a wiper cleaning unit that wipes and cleans the wiper unit. The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the liquid ejecting apparatus is made to approach.