JP2010234667A - Head cleaning method and apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a head cleaning method and apparatus for enlarging the selection range of usable ink absorbers, and cleaning a nozzle surface so that a droplet is left neither unwiped nor unabsorbed. <P>SOLUTION: The nozzle surface 30 of a head 16 is wiped twice by using a wiping web 110 configured to switch liquid absorption power by changing the direction, and then by switching the absorption power. During a first wiping step, the liquid absorption power is set high to perform a wiping operation, and during a second wiping step, the liquid absorption force is set low to perform a wiping operation. Accordingly, the nozzle surface 30 is cleaned so that the droplet is left neither unwiped nor unabsorbed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a head cleaning method and apparatus, and more particularly to a head cleaning method and apparatus for wiping and cleaning a nozzle surface with a liquid absorber.

  In an ink jet recording apparatus that records images by ejecting minute ink droplets from nozzles, when the recording operation is performed continuously, the ink that is ejected from the nozzles and forms a mist adheres and accumulates in the vicinity of the nozzles. The nozzle may become clogged. For this reason, in the ink jet recording apparatus, the nozzle surface is periodically cleaned.

  Patent Document 1 proposes a method of cleaning the nozzle surface by wiping the nozzle surface with a blade and then wiping the nozzle surface with an ink absorber.

JP 2006-205712 A

  However, in the method of wiping the nozzle surface with an ink absorber as in Patent Document 1, if the ink absorber to be used has a high absorption capability, the ink is drawn from the nozzle by the ink absorber, and the ink absorber. There is a problem in that small droplets remain after passing (this phenomenon is referred to as “wiping trace” in this specification).

  On the other hand, if the absorption capacity of the ink absorber to be used is low, droplets on the nozzle surface cannot be absorbed and large droplets remain on the nozzle surface (this phenomenon is referred to as “ It is called "unwiping".)

  Such wiping traces and unwiped areas have an adverse effect on the flying of the liquid droplets ejected from the nozzles, and can cause the image to deteriorate.

  In order to avoid this, it is conceivable to wipe the nozzle surface using an ink absorber having an optimum absorption capacity, but there is a problem that the selection of the ink absorber is limited. Also, depending on the nozzle hole diameter and the condition of the liquid-repellent film resistance of the nozzle surface, there may be no ink absorber that satisfies the required performance.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and the range of selection of usable ink absorbers can be expanded, and the nozzle surface can be cleaned without causing wiping traces or unwiped residues. An object is to provide a head cleaning method and apparatus.

  In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 1 is configured such that the wiping member is pressed against the nozzle surface of the head and is slid along the nozzle surface of the head, whereby the nozzle surface of the head is In the head cleaning method of wiping and cleaning with a wiping member, a first cleaning step of wiping and cleaning the nozzle surface of the head with a wiping member having a first liquid absorption force, and after the first cleaning step, the first cleaning step There is provided a head cleaning method comprising: a second cleaning step of wiping and cleaning the nozzle surface of the head with a wiping member having a second liquid absorption power lower than the liquid absorption power.

  When the nozzle surface of the head is wiped using a wiping member having a high liquid absorbency, unwiping can be prevented, but ink may be drawn from the nozzle during wiping, and wiping traces may be generated. On the other hand, if wiping is performed using a wiping member having a low liquid absorbency, wiping traces can be prevented, but wiping residue may occur. Therefore, in the present invention, after wiping and cleaning the nozzle surface of the head with the wiping member having the first liquid absorption force, the nozzle of the head is wiped with the wiping member having the second liquid absorption force lower than the first liquid absorption force. Wipe and clean the surface. Thereby, the nozzle surface can be wiped and cleaned without generating wiping traces or unwiping residues. In addition, by wiping multiple times by changing the liquid absorption force in this way, the range of selection of the wiping member can be expanded compared with the case of wiping using the wiping member having the optimum liquid absorption force, and the cost can be reduced. Can also be planned.

  In addition, the aspect of this invention also includes the aspect which switches a liquid absorptive power in steps. That is, for example, the nozzle surface of the head is wiped with a wiping member having a liquid absorbing power intermediate between the first liquid absorbing power and the second liquid absorbing power between the first cleaning process and the second cleaning process. A mode of cleaning is also included. Moreover, the aspect which performs the 1st cleaning process performed using a wiping member with a high liquid absorptivity several times, and performs a 2nd cleaning process after that is also included. That is, in the present invention, the nozzle surface of the head is wiped and cleaned at least once with the wiping member having the first liquid absorption force, and finally the nozzle surface of the head is wiped and cleaned with the wiping member having the second liquid absorption force. It only has to be.

  In the invention according to claim 2, in order to achieve the object, the first liquid absorption force is set to a high liquid absorption force that does not cause wiping even if the nozzle surface of the head is wiped. 2. The head cleaning method according to claim 1, wherein the second liquid absorptivity is set to a low liquid absorptivity so as not to draw ink from the nozzles even if the nozzle surface of the head is wiped. 3. provide.

  According to the present invention, the first liquid absorption force is set to a liquid absorption force that does not cause wiping even if the nozzle surface of the head is wiped, and the second liquid absorption force is applied to the nozzle surface of the head. The liquid absorbing power is set such that the ink is not drawn out from the nozzle even if wiped off. Thereby, it is possible to prevent unwiping from being left in the first cleaning process, and it is possible to remove wiping traces generated during wiping in the second cleaning process.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in order to achieve the above object, the wiping member having the first liquid absorption force and the wiping member having the second liquid absorption force are aligned, and the wiping member to be used is switched. The head cleaning method according to claim 1, wherein the first cleaning step and the second cleaning step are performed.

  In the present invention, the wiping member having the first liquid absorption force and the wiping member having the second liquid absorption force are aligned, the wiping member to be used is switched, and the nozzle surface of the head is wiped and cleaned. In this case, after wiping and cleaning the nozzle surface of the head with the wiping member having the first liquid absorption force, the nozzle surface of the head is wiped and cleaned by switching to the wiping member having the second liquid absorption force. As a result, the nozzle surface of the head can be wiped and cleaned without generating wiping traces or wiping residues.

  In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 4 is a wiping member in which the liquid absorption force is switched between the first liquid absorption force and the second liquid absorption force by changing the direction with respect to the sliding direction. 3. The head cleaning method according to claim 1, wherein the first cleaning step and the second cleaning step are performed by switching the direction of the wiping member.

  In the present invention, a wiping member whose liquid absorption force is switched between the first liquid absorption force and the second liquid absorption force when the direction is changed is used, and the direction of the wiping member is changed to wipe the nozzle surface of the head. To do. In this case, after wiping and cleaning the nozzle surface of the head in the direction set to the first liquid absorption force, the direction of the wiping member is switched to the direction set to the second liquid absorption force to change the nozzle surface of the head. Wipe clean. For example, when wiping in the vertical direction, the first liquid absorption force is set, and when wiping in the horizontal direction, the wiping member is set to the second liquid absorption force. Change the direction of the member to the side and wipe and clean. As a result, the nozzle surface of the head can be wiped and cleaned without generating wiping traces or unwiping residues.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in order to achieve the above object, the wiping member is formed in a belt shape and travels along the longitudinal direction, thereby changing the slidable contact position with respect to the nozzle surface of the head. The head cleaning method according to claim 3, wherein the nozzle surface of the head is wiped and cleaned by the wiping member by sliding along the nozzle surface of the head.

  In the present invention, the wiping member is formed in a belt shape and is moved along the longitudinal direction, thereby sliding along the nozzle surface of the head while changing the sliding contact position with respect to the nozzle surface of the head. Thereby, the relative speed of the wiping member with respect to the nozzle surface of the head can be increased, and the cleaning effect can be improved.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in order to achieve the above object, the nozzle surface of the head is slid along the nozzle surface of the head while the wiping member runs in the direction opposite to the sliding direction. The head cleaning method according to claim 5, wherein the wiping member is wiped and cleaned.

  In the present invention, the wiping member is slid along the nozzle surface of the head while traveling in the direction opposite to the sliding direction. Thereby, the relative speed of the wiping member with respect to the nozzle surface of the head can be further increased, and the cleaning effect can be further improved.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a head cleaning device for cleaning a nozzle surface of a head, wherein a plurality of wiping members having different liquid absorption capabilities and the wiping member are pressed against the nozzle surface of the head in order to achieve the object. A pressing means for contacting, a switching means for switching a wiping member to be pressed against and contacted with the nozzle surface of the head by the pressing means, and a wiping member that is pressed and contacted with the nozzle surface of the head along the nozzle surface of the head A wiping member pressed against the nozzle surface of the head so as to slide and a moving means for moving the head relative to the wiping member having a high liquid absorptivity. The head cleaning device is characterized in that the nozzle surface of the head is wiped and cleaned a plurality of times by switching to a wiping member having a nozzle.

  According to the present invention, a plurality of wiping members having different liquid absorption capabilities are provided, and a wiping member having a high liquid absorption capability is switched to a wiping member having a low liquid absorption capability, and the nozzle surface of the head is moved a plurality of times. Wiped and cleaned. Thereby, the nozzle surface can be wiped and cleaned without generating wiping traces or unwiping residues.

  In addition, the wiping member should just be equipped with at least 2 thing from which a liquid absorptivity differs. Therefore, you may make it wipe using 3 or more wiping members from which liquid absorptivity differs. In this case, the wiping member to be used is switched in stages. In addition, the number of wiping operations performed by each wiping member may be performed at least once, and may be performed a plurality of times. That is, in the present invention, it is sufficient that the wiping member having a high liquid absorbency is wiped at least once and finally the wiping member having the lowest liquid absorbency is wiped.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in order to achieve the above object, even if the nozzle surface of the head is wiped, a wiping member having a high liquid absorption capacity that does not generate wiping residue and the nozzle surface of the head are wiped. A low liquid absorption wiping member that does not draw ink from the nozzle, and after wiping and cleaning the nozzle surface of the head with the high liquid absorption wiping member, the nozzle of the head with the low liquid absorption wiping member The head cleaning device according to claim 7, wherein the surface is wiped and cleaned.

  According to the present invention, a wiping member having a high liquid absorption capacity that does not generate wiping even when the nozzle surface of the head is wiped, and a low liquid absorption power wiping that does not draw ink from the nozzle even if the nozzle surface of the head is wiped. The nozzle surface of the head is wiped and cleaned with a wiping member having a high liquid absorption force, and then the nozzle surface of the head is wiped and cleaned with a wiping member having a low liquid absorption force. Thereby, a nozzle surface can be wiped and cleaned efficiently, without generating a wiping trace and wiping residue.

  According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in order to achieve the above object, the wiping member is formed in a belt shape, and has wiping member traveling drive means for traveling the wiping member along the longitudinal direction, and the wiping member traveling drive. The head cleaning device according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the wiping member is pressed and brought into contact with the nozzle surface of the head while the wiping member is caused to travel.

  According to the present invention, the wiping member is pressed against the nozzle surface of the head while traveling. Thereby, the relative speed of the wiping member with respect to the nozzle surface of the head can be increased, and the cleaning effect can be improved.

  According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a head cleaning device for cleaning a nozzle surface of a head in order to achieve the above object, and a wiping member whose liquid absorption force is switched by changing a direction with respect to a sliding direction, and the wiping Switching means for changing the direction of the member, pressing means for pressing and contacting the wiping member against the nozzle surface of the head, and a wiping member pressed and brought into contact with the nozzle surface of the head slide along the nozzle surface of the head. A wiping member pressed against the nozzle surface of the head so as to move, and a moving means for relatively moving the head, and by switching the direction of the wiping member, the liquid of the wiping member Provided is a head cleaning device characterized in that the nozzle surface of the head is wiped and cleaned a plurality of times by changing the absorption power from a high state to a low state.

  According to the present invention, there is provided a wiping member that changes the liquid absorption force by changing the direction, and by changing the direction of the wiping member, the liquid absorption force of the wiping member is switched from a high state to a low state. The nozzle surface of the head is wiped and cleaned multiple times. For example, use a wiping member that can be wiped with high liquid absorption when wiped vertically and wiped with low liquid absorption when wiped horizontally.After wiping and cleaning in the vertical direction, the direction of the wiping member is horizontal. Switch to, wipe and clean. Thereby, the nozzle surface can be wiped and cleaned without generating wiping traces or unwiping residues.

  In addition, the wiping member should just switch a liquid absorptive power to at least two steps. Therefore, you may use what can change a liquid absorptive power in three steps or more. In this case, the liquid absorption capacity is switched so as to decrease stepwise. In addition, when a plurality of liquid absorption powers are switched, it may be wiped off at least last in a state where the liquid absorption power is low.

  According to an eleventh aspect of the invention, in order to achieve the above object, the wiping member is set to have a high liquid absorption capacity that does not generate a wiping residue even if the nozzle surface of the head is wiped when the wiping member is set in the first direction. 11. The head cleaning device according to claim 10, wherein when the second direction is set, the head is set to a low liquid absorption force that does not draw ink from the nozzles even if the nozzle surface of the head is wiped. 11. To do.

  According to the present invention, when the wiping member is set in the first direction, the wiping member is set to a high liquid absorption force that does not cause wiping even if the nozzle surface of the head is wiped. Even if the nozzle surface is wiped off, the liquid absorbing power is set low so that ink is not drawn from the nozzle. Then, after the wiping member is set in the first direction and the first wiping cleaning is performed, the wiping member is set in the second direction and the second wiping cleaning is performed. Thereby, the liquid absorption power can be easily switched.

  According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in order to achieve the above object, the wiping member is formed in a strip shape, and has wiping member traveling drive means for traveling the wiping member along the longitudinal direction, and the wiping member traveling drive. The head cleaning device according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the wiping member is pressed and brought into contact with the nozzle surface of the head while the wiping member is caused to travel.

  According to the present invention, the wiping member is pressed against the nozzle surface of the head while traveling. Thereby, the relative speed of the wiping member with respect to the nozzle surface of the head can be increased, and the cleaning effect can be improved.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to clean the nozzle surface without causing wiping traces or wiping residue. Moreover, the range of selection of the wiping member which can be used can be expanded.

Side view showing schematic configuration of drawing unit of inkjet recording apparatus Front view showing schematic configuration of drawing unit of inkjet recording apparatus Plan view showing the configuration of the nozzle surface of the head Side view showing the configuration of the head cleaning device Head cleaner front view Top view of the head cleaner Side view of head cleaner Rear view of head cleaner Explanatory diagram of head cleaner lifting and lowering Explanatory drawing of head cleaner travel direction switching operation Process diagram of head cleaning method using head cleaning device Plan view of the second embodiment of the head cleaner Side view of the second embodiment of the head cleaner 14-14 sectional view of FIG. Explanatory drawing of switching operation of wiping web of head cleaner Front view of the second embodiment of the head cleaner Plan view of the third embodiment of the head cleaner Front view of the fourth embodiment of the head cleaner Side view of fifth embodiment of head cleaner Front view of a pressing roller incorporated in a head cleaner according to a fifth embodiment Sectional drawing of the press roller integrated in the head cleaner of 5th Embodiment 22-22 sectional view of FIG.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of a head cleaning method and apparatus according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[Configuration of Inkjet Recording Device (Drawing Unit)]
FIG. 1 is a side view showing a schematic configuration of a drawing unit of an ink jet recording apparatus to which the present invention is applied.

  As shown in the figure, in the ink jet recording apparatus of the present embodiment, in the drawing unit 10, a sheet (recording medium) 12 is sucked and held on the peripheral surface of the drawing drum 14 and is rotated and conveyed. The four line heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K arranged around the drawing drum 14 with respect to the paper 12 that is rotated and conveyed by the drawing drum 14 to C (cyan), M (magenta), and Y ( Yellow) and K (black) ink droplets are ejected to draw a color image on the recording surface of the paper 12 (a so-called drum transport line printer).

  The drawing drum 14 that rotates and conveys the paper 12 is formed in a cylindrical shape, and a rotary shaft 18 that protrudes from both ends of the drawing drum 14 is supported by a bearing 22 provided in a main body frame 20 of the ink jet recording apparatus ( 2) and is installed horizontally. A motor is connected to the rotary shaft 18 via a rotation transmission mechanism (not shown), and the drawing drum 14 is driven by this motor to rotate.

  Further, grippers 24 are provided on the peripheral surface of the drawing drum 14 (installed in two places on the outer peripheral surface in this example). The paper 12 is held on the outer peripheral surface of the drawing drum 14 by gripping the leading end of the paper 12.

  Further, a plurality of suction holes (not shown) are formed on the peripheral surface of the drawing drum 14 in a predetermined arrangement pattern, and air is sucked toward the inside. The paper 12 wound around the peripheral surface of the drawing drum 14 is sucked and held on the outer peripheral surface of the drawing drum 14 by sucking air from the suction holes toward the inside.

  In the ink jet recording apparatus of the present embodiment, the paper 12 is fed from the preceding process (for example, a process of applying a treatment liquid having a function of aggregating the color material in the ink to the recording surface of the paper 12). Through the drawing drum 14. The conveyance drum 26 is arranged in parallel with the drawing drum 14, and delivers the paper 12 to the drawing drum 14 at the same timing.

  In addition, the drawn paper 12 is transferred to a subsequent process (for example, a process of drying ink) through the transport drum 28. The conveyance drum 28 is arranged in parallel with the drawing drum 14 and receives the paper 12 from the drawing drum 14 at the same timing.

  The four line heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K (hereinafter referred to as “heads”) are formed corresponding to the sheet width, and are arranged on a concentric circle centered on the rotation shaft 18 of the drawing drum 14 at a constant interval. They are arranged radially. The four heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K are attached to a head support frame 40 installed above the drawing drum 14.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the head support frame 40 connects a pair of side plates 42 </ b> L and 42 </ b> R arranged so as to be orthogonal to the rotation shaft 18 of the drawing drum 14 and the pair of side plates 42 </ b> L and 42 </ b> R at the upper end. And a connecting frame 44.

  The pair of side plates 42L and 42R are formed in a plate shape and are disposed so as to face each other with the drawing drum 14 interposed therebetween. Mounting portions 46C, 46M, 46Y, 46K for mounting the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, 16K are provided on the inner side surfaces of the pair of side plates 42L, 42R (the mounting portions 46Y, 46K in FIG. 2). Only shown).

  The attachment portions 46C, 46M, 46Y, and 46K are radially arranged on the concentric circles centering on the rotation shaft 18 of the drawing drum 14 with a constant interval. Each of the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K has attached portions 48C, 48M, 48Y, and 48K (only the attached portions 48Y and 48K are shown in FIG. 2) formed at both ends of the heads 16C, 46M, 46Y, and 46K. It is attached to the head support frame 40 by being fixed with screws.

  The heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K attached to the head support frame 40 in this way are radially arranged on the concentric circle with the rotation axis 18 of the drawing drum 14 as the center, and the nozzle surface 30C. , 30M, 30Y, and 30K are arranged to face the outer peripheral surface of the drawing drum 14. Further, the nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y, and 30K are positioned at a predetermined height from the outer peripheral surface of the drawing drum 14 (between the outer peripheral surface of the drawing drum 14 and the nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y, and 30K). A predetermined gap is formed).

  FIG. 3 is a plan view showing the configuration of the nozzle surface of the head 16 (16C, 16M, 16Y, 16K). As shown in the figure, nozzle rows 32 are formed along the longitudinal direction of the head 16 on the nozzle surface 30 (30C, 30M, 30Y, 30K) of the head 16 (16C, 16M, 16Y, 16K). .

  In each head 16 attached to the head support frame 40, the nozzle row 32 formed on the nozzle surface 30 is arranged orthogonal to the conveyance direction of the paper 12. Then, ink droplets are ejected vertically from the nozzle row 32 formed on the nozzle surface 30 toward the outer peripheral surface of the drawing drum 14.

  In the example of the head 16 shown in FIG. 3, nozzles 34, 34,... Are arranged in a staggered pattern on the nozzle surface 30 to form a nozzle row 32. By arranging such nozzles 34, 34,..., The substantial interval between the nozzles 34 projected in the longitudinal direction of the head 16 (= direction orthogonal to the paper transport direction = paper width direction) is set. The nozzle 34 can be narrowed and the density of the nozzle 34 can be increased.

  The head support frame 40 to which the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K are attached moves in a direction parallel to the rotation axis 18 of the drawing drum 14 (= longitudinal direction of the attached heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K). The heads 16 </ b> C, 16 </ b> M, 16 </ b> Y, and 16 </ b> K that are attached can be retracted to a predetermined maintenance position. This point will be described later.

  The drawing unit 10 is configured as described above. In the drawing unit 10, the paper 12 is transferred from the preceding process to the drawing drum 14 via the conveyance drum 26, and is rotated and conveyed while being sucked and held on the peripheral surface of the drawing drum 14. In the transport process, ink droplets that pass under the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K and are ejected from the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K during the passage are ejected onto the recording surface to record. A color image is formed on the surface. The paper 12 on which image recording has been completed is transferred from the drawing drum 14 to the transport drum 28 and transported to a subsequent process.

  Note that drive control (ink ejection control) of the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K, drive control of the drawing drum 14, and the like are performed by a system controller (not shown). This system controller controls the overall operation of the ink jet recording apparatus, and controls the driving of each unit in accordance with a predetermined control program.

[Movement mechanism of the head support frame]
As described above, the head support frame 40 is provided so as to be movable in a direction parallel to the rotation shaft 18 of the drawing drum 14. Hereinafter, the moving mechanism of the head support frame 40 will be described.

  The head support frame 40 is slidably supported by a pair of guide rails 50, 50 disposed in parallel with the rotation shaft 18 of the drawing drum 14 via sliders 52, 52. The head support frame 40 slides in a direction parallel to the rotation axis 18 of the drawing drum 14 by sliding along the guide rails 50 and 50.

  The head support frame 40 is connected to a nut portion 56 that is screwed onto the screw rod 54. The screw rod 54 is disposed in parallel with the guide rail 50, and both ends thereof are rotatably supported by bearings 58 and 58 provided on the main body frame of the ink jet recording apparatus. A head feed motor 60 is connected to the screw rod 54 and is driven to rotate by the head feed motor 60. The head support frame 40 slides along the guide rails 50 and 50 by driving the head feed motor 60 and rotating the screw rod 54. That is, it slides in a direction parallel to the rotation axis of the drawing drum 14.

  A system controller (not shown) controls the driving of the head feed motor 60 to control the movement of the head support frame 40, and moves each of the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K from a predetermined drawing position to a maintenance position. Alternatively, the drawing position is moved from the maintenance position.

  When the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K are positioned at the drawing position, as shown by solid lines in FIG. Can be recorded.

  On the other hand, when it is located at the maintenance position, as shown by a broken line in FIG. As a result, both the drawing drum 14 and the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K can be maintained.

  At this maintenance position, a moisturizing unit 62 for moisturizing each head 16C, 16M, 16Y, 16K is provided. When the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K are not used for a long time, the moisturizing unit 62 keeps the nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y, and 30K moisturized and prevents non-ejection due to drying.

  A head cleaning device 70 for wiping and cleaning the nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y, and 30K of the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K is provided between the drawing position and the maintenance position.

  Each of the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K is moved from the drawing position to the maintenance position (or moved from the maintenance position to the drawing position), and the wiping web is pressed against the nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y, and 30K. In this manner, the nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y, and 30K are wiped and cleaned. Hereinafter, the configuration of the head cleaning device 70 will be described.

[Configuration of head cleaning device]
FIG. 4 is a side view showing the configuration of the head cleaning device.

  As shown in the figure, the head cleaning device 70 includes cleaning liquid application nozzles 80C, 80M, 80Y, and 80K, and head cleaners 100C, 100M, 100Y, and 100K. The cleaning liquid application nozzles 80C, 80M, 80Y, and 80K and the head cleaners 100C, 100M, 100Y, and 100K are provided corresponding to the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K, and are attached to a support frame (not shown). Yes. The head cleaning device 70 attaches a support frame to which the cleaning liquid application nozzles 80C, 80M, 80Y, and 80K and the head cleaners 100C, 100M, 100Y, and 100K are attached to a main body frame (not shown) of the ink jet recording apparatus. Thus, it is installed at a predetermined installation position set between the drawing position and the maintenance position.

[Configuration of cleaning liquid application nozzle]
The cleaning liquid application nozzles 80C, 80M, 80Y, and 80K are provided to face the nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y, and 30K of the corresponding heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K. The cleaning liquid application nozzles 80C, 80M, 80Y, and 80K have ejection ports corresponding to the widths of the nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y, and 30K, and the nozzle surfaces 30C of the corresponding heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K, The cleaning liquid is sprayed toward 30M, 30Y, and 30K.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the cleaning liquid is supplied from the cleaning liquid tank 84 via the cleaning liquid supply pipe 82 (82C, 82M, 82Y, 82K), and the cleaning liquid injection pump 86 (86C) provided in the middle of the cleaning liquid supply pipe 82. , 86M, 86Y, 86K), the cleaning liquid is ejected from each of the cleaning liquid application nozzles 80C, 80M, 80Y, 80K.

  Each of the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K is moved from the drawing position to the maintenance position (or moved from the maintenance position to the drawing position), and the nozzle surface 30C from the cleaning liquid application nozzles 80C, 80M, 80Y, and 80K. , 30M, 30Y, and 30K are sprayed toward the nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y, and 30K to apply the cleaning liquid.

  The system controller controls the application of the cleaning liquid to the nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y, and 30K by controlling the driving of the cleaning liquid injection pump and the head feed motor 60.

[Configuration of head cleaner]
Each of the head cleaners 100C, 100M, 100Y, and 100K is provided to face the nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y, and 30K of the corresponding heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K, and the corresponding heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and The wiping web 110 formed in a strip shape on the 16K nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y, and 30K is pressed and abutted by the pressing roller 118. Each of the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K is moved from the drawing position to the maintenance position (or moved from the maintenance position to the drawing position), and the wiping web 110 is moved to the nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y, and 30K. The nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y, and 30K are wiped and cleaned by being pressed against each other.

  Since the configurations of the head cleaners 100C, 100M, 100Y, and 100K are common, the configuration of the head cleaner 100 will be described here.

  5 is a front view of the head cleaner, FIG. 6 is a plan view of the head cleaner, FIG. 7 is a side view of the head cleaner, and FIG. 8 is a rear view of the head cleaner.

  As shown in FIGS. 5 to 8, the head cleaner 100 wraps the wiping web 110 formed in a band shape around the pressing roller 118, and the wiping web 110 wound around the pressing roller 118 corresponds to the head 16 (16 </ b> C, 16 </ b> M). , 16Y, 16K), the nozzle surface 30 of the head 16 is wiped and cleaned by being brought into press contact with the nozzle surface 30 (30C, 30M, 30Y, 30K).

  The head cleaner 100 mainly presses the wiping web 110 against the nozzle surface 30 of the head 16, the main body frame 112, the feeding reel 114 for feeding the wiping web 110, the take-up reel 116 for winding the wiping web 110. From the pressing roller 118, the take-up reel 116 that rotates and winds the wiping web 110 around the take-up reel 116, and the used area detection sensor 122 that detects the used area of the wiping web 110. The wiping web travel drive unit 123, the wiping web travel drive unit 123 is rotated to switch the travel direction of the wiping web 110, and the wiping web travel drive unit 123 is moved relative to the nozzle surface 30 of the head 16. The wiping web 110 is moved vertically by moving the wiping web 110 to the head 1. It is composed of a lifting cylinder 126 to the nozzle surface 30 to contact / separation.

  The wiping web 110 is formed in a band shape by weaving high-density fibers such as polyester, acrylic, and nylon, and the cores 110A and 110B are attached to both ends thereof. The wiping web 110 in an unused state is provided in a state of being wound in a roll shape on one winding core 110A.

  The wiping web 110 is configured such that the liquid absorption force is switched when the sliding direction is changed. In this embodiment, when sliding along the longitudinal direction, a high liquid absorbing power (liquid absorbing power that does not cause wiping to occur even if the nozzle surface of the head is wiped) is obtained, and is orthogonal to the longitudinal direction. When it is slid in the direction, the liquid absorbing power is reduced by a predetermined amount (decreased to such an extent that ink is not drawn from the nozzle even if the nozzle surface of the head is wiped off). For example, when it is slid in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, the liquid absorption capacity is reduced by about 20% compared to the case of sliding along the longitudinal direction.

  Therefore, if the wiping web 110 is slid in the direction along the longitudinal direction, the nozzle can be used in a high liquid absorption state (a state in which the wiping is not generated even if the nozzle surface of the head is wiped). If the surface can be wiped and slid in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, the liquid absorption state is low (the liquid absorption state is such that ink is not drawn from the nozzle even if the nozzle surface of the head is wiped off) ) Can wipe the nozzle surface.

  Such a wiping web can be used, for example, by changing the material of fibers used in the direction along the longitudinal direction and the direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction, changing the thickness of the fibers, or changing the knitting method (or weaving method). Or by changing the amount of fiber per unit length.

  As will be described later, when the wiping web 110 is mounted on the head cleaner 100, the winding core 110A on which the wiping web 110 is wound in a roll shape is mounted on the feeding reel 114 and the leading core 110B is wound. This is done by mounting on the reel 116.

  The main body frame 112 is formed in an L shape, and includes a bottom surface portion 112A provided in parallel with the nozzle surface 30 of the head 16, and a wall surface portion 112B provided perpendicular to the bottom surface portion 112A. .

  The supply reel 114 is provided perpendicular to the wall surface 112B of the main body frame 112 (= parallel to the nozzle surface of the corresponding head), and the shaft portion 114A is provided inside the wall surface 112B of the main body frame 112. The bearing 130 is rotatably supported. As will be described later, the wiping web 110 has a winding core 110 </ b> A mounted on the feeding reel 114.

  The take-up reel 116 is provided perpendicular to the wall surface portion 112B of the main body frame 112 similarly to the supply reel 114, and the shaft portion 116A is a bearing provided inside the wall surface portion 112B of the main body frame 112. 131 is supported rotatably. As will be described later, the wiping web 110 has a winding core 110 </ b> B mounted on the winding reel 116.

  The take-up reel 116 and the supply reel 114 are arranged in parallel in the horizontal direction at a constant interval.

  The pressing roller 118 is disposed above an intermediate position between the supply reel 114 and the take-up reel 116, and the wiping web 110 traveling between the supply reel 114 and the take-up reel 116 is wound around the press roller 118. The pressing roller 118 is provided perpendicular to the wall surface portion 112B of the main body frame 112, and its shaft portion 118A is rotatably supported by a bearing 132 provided inside the wall surface portion 112B of the main body frame 112. Yes. The peripheral surface of the pressing roller 118 is covered with an elastic body such as polyurethane or olefin. Thereby, when the wiping web 110 wound around the circumferential surface is pressed and brought into contact with the nozzle surface 30 of the head 16, it can be brought into pressure and contact with a constant urging force.

  The wiping web 110 fed out from the feeding reel 114 is wound around the pressing roller 118 via a feeding guide roller 134 disposed between the feeding reel 114 and the pressing roller 118. The feeding guide roller 134 is provided perpendicular to the wall surface portion 112B of the main body frame 112, and the shaft portion 134A is rotatably supported by a bearing 136 provided inside the wall surface portion 112B of the main body frame 112. Has been.

  The wiping web 110 wound around the pressing roller 118 is wound around the winding reel 116 via a winding guide roller 138 disposed between the pressing roller 118 and the winding reel 116. The winding guide roller 138 is provided perpendicular to the wall surface portion 112B of the main body frame 112, and the shaft portion 136A is rotatable on a bearing 140 provided inside the wall surface portion 112B of the main body frame 112. It is supported.

  The take-up motor 120 is disposed below the take-up reel 116 and is vertically attached to the inside of the wall surface portion 112 </ b> B of the main body frame 112. The output shaft 120A of the take-up motor 120 is provided so as to protrude outside the wall surface portion 112B, and a take-up drive gear 150 is fixed to the tip thereof.

  The shaft portion 116A of the take-up reel 116 is also provided so as to protrude outside the wall surface portion 112B, and a take-up driven gear 152 is fixed to the tip thereof. The take-up driven gear 152 is meshed with the take-up drive gear 150 via a take-up idle gear 154.

  The winding idle gear 154 is disposed outside the wall surface portion 112B of the main body frame 112, and the shaft portion 154A is rotatably supported by a bearing 156 provided outside the wall surface portion 112B of the main body frame 112. .

  When the winding motor 120 is driven, the winding drive gear 150 rotates, and the rotation is transmitted to the winding driven gear 152 via the winding idle gear 154. As a result, the take-up reel 116 rotates in the direction of taking up the wiping web 110.

  The used area detection sensor 122 is disposed between the pressing roller 118 and the winding guide roller 138, and detects a used area of the wiping web 110 that travels between them. The used area is detected by detecting a wet area of the wiping web 110, for example. That is, since the used area is wet by absorbing ink and cleaning liquid, the used area is detected by detecting this wet area (wet area). The used area detection sensor 122 is configured by, for example, a photosensor including a light projecting unit and a light receiving unit, and the light receiving unit receives reflected light of light projected from the light projecting unit toward the wiping web 110. Thus, the used area (wet area) of the wiping web 110 is detected. The system controller controls the used area detection sensor 122 to perform a used area detection process.

  The traveling direction switching motor 124 is installed in the lower part of the wiping web traveling drive unit 123. The traveling direction switching motor 124 is installed on an elevating stage 158 provided in parallel with the bottom surface portion 122A of the main body frame 112, and its output shaft is perpendicular to the lower side of the bottom surface portion 112A of the main body frame 112. It is fixed. The wiping web travel drive unit 123 rotates around the axis S (= the axis perpendicular to the nozzle surface 30 of the corresponding head 16) S by driving the travel direction switching motor 124. The pressure roller 118 is installed perpendicular to the axis S, and is installed so that the center in the width direction is located on the axis S. As a result, the wiping web 110 rotates around the axis S perpendicular to the nozzle surface 30 of the corresponding head 16 by driving the traveling direction switching motor 124 and rotating the wiping web traveling drive unit 123. The traveling direction is switched. For example, if the wiping web travel drive unit 123 is rotated 180 degrees, the travel direction is reversed. The system controller controls driving of the traveling direction switching motor 124 to control switching of traveling of the wiping web 110 with respect to the nozzle surface 30 of the corresponding head 16.

  The elevating cylinder 126 is installed below the elevating stage 158. The lifting cylinder 126 is fixed to a head cleaning device main body (not shown), and the rod 126A is fixed to the lower surface of the lifting stage 158 vertically. The wiping web travel drive unit 123 moves forward and backward vertically with respect to the nozzle surface 30 of the corresponding head 16 by driving the lifting cylinder 126. Then, as the wiping web travel drive unit 123 moves forward and backward vertically with respect to the nozzle surface 30, as shown in FIG. 9, the pressing roller 118 is retracted from a predetermined pressing position (FIG. 9A). Move between positions (FIG. 9B).

  The wiping web 110 wound around the pressing roller 118 is pressed against the nozzle surface 30 of the corresponding head 16 when the pressing roller 118 is positioned at the “pressing position” shown in FIG. Then, when it is positioned at the “retracted position” shown in FIG. 9B, it retreats from the nozzle surface 30 of the corresponding head 16. That is, it is separated from the nozzle surface 30 so as not to contact the nozzle surface 30.

  The system controller controls the operation of the lifting / lowering cylinder 126 to control the contact and withdrawal of the wiping web 110 with respect to the nozzle surface 30.

  The head cleaner 100 is configured as described above.

  As described above, the unused wiping web 110 is provided in a state of being wound around the winding core 110A in a roll shape. When the wiping web 110 is loaded into the head cleaner 100, first, the winding core 110 </ b> A around which the wiping web 110 is wound is mounted on the feeding reel 114. Then, while feeding the wiping web 110 from the feeding reel 114 little by little, the feeding guide roller 134, the pressing roller 118, and the winding guide roller 138 are wound in this order, and the leading core (winding side core) 110B is wound. Mount on the reel 116. As a result, the wiping web 110 is attached to the head cleaner 100.

  The head cleaner 100 to which the wiping web 110 is attached is fed out from the feeding reel 114 by being driven to rotate the winding motor 120, and is wound around the winding reel 116. Thereby, the wiping web 110 wound around the pressing roller 118 travels along the longitudinal direction.

  Further, the wiping web 110 wound around the pressing roller 118 is pressed against the nozzle surface 30 of the head 16 when the lifting cylinder 126 is driven to move the pressing roller 118 to the pressing position (FIG. 9 ( a))) When the pressing roller 118 is moved to the retracted position, it is retracted from the nozzle surface 30 of the head 16 (see FIG. 9B).

  Further, when the traveling direction switching motor 124 is driven to rotate the wiping web traveling drive unit 123, the traveling direction (= direction with respect to the sliding direction) is switched.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, the direction in which the longitudinal direction (= traveling direction) of the wiping web 110 is parallel to the longitudinal direction (= moving direction) of the head 16 is the first direction. The direction inclined by a predetermined angle with respect to the longitudinal direction of 16 (in this example, the direction inclined by 45 degrees) is defined as the second direction, and the traveling direction of the wiping web 110 is switched between the first direction and the second direction.

The wiping web 110 sets the traveling direction to the first direction and presses the nozzle surface 30 of the head 16 that moves from the drawing position to the maintenance position at the predetermined moving speed _VH1 while traveling at the predetermined traveling speed _Vw1. When abutting, it slides along the longitudinal direction (longitudinal direction of the wiping web) with respect to the nozzle surface of the head 16. At this time, the wiping web 110 is slid at a relative speed V ₁ with respect to the nozzle surface 30 of the head 16.

  When the wiping web 110 is slid along the longitudinal direction (longitudinal direction of the wiping web) with respect to the nozzle surface of the head 16 as described above, the wiping web 110 wipes the nozzle surface of the head 16 in a state of high liquid absorption. can do.

On the other hand, the wiping web 110 sets the traveling direction to the second direction, and travels at a predetermined traveling speed _Vw2 , while moving at a predetermined moving speed _VH2 from the drawing position to the maintenance position. Is pressed and brought into contact with the nozzle surface 30 of the head 16 in a direction relatively perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (longitudinal direction of the wiping web) (the longitudinal direction relative to the nozzle surface 30 of the head 16). is slid to the direction perpendicular (the longitudinal direction of the wiping web) at a relative speed V _2.).

  When the wiping web 110 is slid relative to the nozzle surface of the head 16 in the direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction (longitudinal direction of the wiping web), the wiping web 110 is in a state of low liquid absorption force. The nozzle surface can be wiped off.

  The system controller cleans the nozzle surface 30 of the head 16 by controlling the driving of the winding motor 120, the traveling direction switching motor 124, the lifting / lowering cylinder 126, and the head feed motor 60.

[Head cleaning method]
Next, a head cleaning method using the head cleaning device 70 of the present embodiment will be described.

  The heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K are cleaned by wiping with the wiping web 110 after applying the cleaning liquid to the entire surface of the nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y, and 30K. And in the head cleaning apparatus 70 of this Embodiment, when wiping the nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y, and 30K with the wiping web 110, it wipes in two steps. That is, the first time (first cleaning step) is wiped with the wiping web 110 having a high liquid absorbency with the traveling direction set to the first direction, and the second time (second cleaning step) is the traveling direction. Is wiped with the wiping web 110 having a low liquid absorption capacity set in the second direction.

  In this way, by wiping the nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y, and 30K in two steps, it is possible to prevent wiping traces and unwiped residues. That is, the first wiping with the wiping web 110 having a high liquid absorption capacity removes large droplets present on the nozzle surface and prevents unwiping. Then, the wiping trace generated at the first wiping is removed by the second wiping with the wiping web 110 in a state of low liquid absorption, and ink is prevented from being drawn out from the nozzle holes. Thereby, the nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y, and 30K can be cleaned without causing wiping traces or unwiping residues.

  Hereinafter, a specific method for cleaning the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K using the head cleaning device 70 of the present embodiment will be described.

  First, a cleaning liquid is applied to the nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y, and 30K in order to dissolve the deposits derived from ink adhering to the nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y, and 30K of the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K.

  In applying the cleaning liquid, the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K are moved from the drawing position toward the maintenance position (or moved from the maintenance position to the drawing position), and each head is moved from the cleaning liquid application nozzles 80C, 80M, 80Y, and 80K. This is performed by spraying the cleaning liquid toward the nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y, and 30K of 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K. Specifically, this is performed as follows. That is, when the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K are moved from the drawing position toward the maintenance position, the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K pass over the cleaning liquid application nozzles 80C, 80M, 80Y, and 80K. In accordance with the passage of the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K, the cleaning liquid is ejected from the cleaning liquid application nozzles 80C, 80M, 80Y, and 80K. Accordingly, the cleaning liquid is applied to the entire surface of the nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y, and 30K including the nozzle non-formation region.

  The application of the cleaning liquid may be performed once or may be performed a plurality of times. When performing multiple times, the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K are applied by reciprocating multiple times.

  When the application of the cleaning liquid is completed, the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K once return to the drawing position. Thereafter, the first wiping cleaning (first cleaning process) is performed.

  As described above, in the first wiping, the traveling direction of the wiping web 110 (= direction with respect to the sliding direction) is set to the first direction (see FIG. 10A), and the liquid absorbing power is high. Done in Specifically, this is performed as follows.

  First, the unused area of the wiping web is positioned. That is, the wiping web 110 is positioned so that the unused area of the wiping web 110 is wound around the pressing roller 118. This process is performed based on the output of the used area detection sensor 122 and is performed by winding the wiping web 110 around the take-up reel 116 until the wet area is no longer detected by the used area detection sensor 122.

  If the traveling direction of the wiping web 110 is not set to the first direction at this stage, the traveling direction switching motor 124 is driven and the traveling direction of the wiping web 110 is set to the first direction.

  When the positioning of the unused area is completed, the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K are sent toward the maintenance position, and the nozzle surfaces 30C and 30M of the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K that are sent toward the maintenance position. , 30Y, 30K are pressed against the wiping web 110, and the nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y, 30K of the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, 16K are wiped and cleaned. Specifically, this is performed as follows.

  First, the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K are sent toward the maintenance position. As shown in FIG. 11A, the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K sent toward the maintenance position have their one end (maintenance position side end) installed at the position where the pressure roller 118 is installed. When it reaches, it stops. At this time, the pressing rollers 118 of the cleaners 100C, 100M, 100Y, and 100K are located at predetermined retracted positions.

  When the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K are stopped, the elevating cylinder 126 is driven, and the pressing roller 118 is moved to the pressing position. Thereby, the wiping web 110 wound around the pressing roller 118 is pressed against the nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y, and 30K of the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K (FIG. 11B).

When the wiping web 110 wound around the pressing roller 118 is pressed against the nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y, and 30K of the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K, the winding motor 120 is driven. Accordingly, the wiping web 110 is wound around the take-up reel 116 at a constant speed, and the wiping web 110 wound around the pressing roller 118 travels at a constant traveling speed _VW1 .

At the same time, the head feed motor 60 is driven, and the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K are fed toward the maintenance position at a constant moving speed _VH1 .

  As a result, as shown in FIG. 11C, the wiping web 110 travels in the direction opposite to the moving direction of the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, 16K, and the nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M of the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, 16K. , 30Y, 30K, the wiping web 110 is brought into sliding contact, and the nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y, 30K are wiped and cleaned by the traveling wiping web 110.

  As shown in FIG. 11D, the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K sent toward the maintenance position have the other end (the drawing position side end) at the installation position of the pressure roller 118. When it reaches, the feed is stopped. And the driving | running | working of the wiping web 110 is stopped synchronizing with the feed stop of this head 16C, 16M, 16Y, 16K.

  Thus, the first wiping and cleaning is completed. As described above, since the first wiping and cleaning is slid along the longitudinal direction of the wiping web 110, the nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y, and 30K can be wiped in a high liquid absorption state. . Thereby, the nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y, and 30K can be wiped and cleaned without generating wiping residue.

  When the first wiping and cleaning is completed, the elevating cylinder 126 is driven, and the pressing roller 118 moves to the retracted position. Further, the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K are returned toward the drawing position. The heads 16 </ b> C, 16 </ b> M, 16 </ b> Y, and 16 </ b> K returned to the drawing position are stopped when their one end is positioned at the installation position of the pressure roller 118. Thereafter, the second wiping cleaning (second cleaning process) is performed.

  First, the traveling direction switching motor 124 is rotationally driven, and the traveling direction of the wiping web 110 is switched to the second direction as shown in FIG.

  When the traveling direction is switched, the elevating cylinder 126 is then driven, and the pressing roller 118 moves to the pressing position. As a result, the wiping web 110 wound around the pressure roller 118 is pressed against the nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y, and 30K of the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K.

When the pressing roller 118 moves to the pressing position and the wiping web 110 wound around the pressing roller 118 is pressed against the nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y, and 30K of the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K, the winding is performed. The take-off motor 120 is driven. As a result, the wiping web 110 is wound around the take-up reel 116 at a constant speed, and the wiping web 110 wound around the pressing roller 118 travels at a constant traveling speed _VW2 .

At the same time, the head feed motor 60 is driven, and the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K are fed toward the maintenance position at a constant moving speed _VH2 .

  As a result, as shown in FIG. 11 (f), while the wiping web 110 travels in a direction (second direction) inclined by a predetermined angle with respect to the moving direction of the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, 16K, The wiping web 110 is slidably contacted along the nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y, and 30K of 16M, 16Y, and 16K, and is wiped and cleaned by the wiping web 110 on which the nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y, and 30K travel.

  The nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y of the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, 16K, while the wiping web 110 travels in a direction inclined by a predetermined angle with respect to the moving direction of the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, 16K in this way. When the wiping web 110 is brought into sliding contact with 30K, the wiping web 110 is slid relative to the nozzle surface 30 of the head 16 in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. Thereby, the nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y, and 30K of the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K can be wiped off in a state of low liquid absorption.

  The heads 16 </ b> C, 16 </ b> M, 16 </ b> Y, and 16 </ b> K sent toward the maintenance position are stopped when the other end reaches the installation position of the pressure roller 118. And the driving | running | working of the wiping web 110 is stopped synchronizing with the feed stop of this head 16C, 16M, 16Y, 16K.

  Thus, the second wiping and cleaning is completed. As described above, in this second wiping and cleaning, the nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y, and 30K are wiped with the wiping web 110 in a state of low liquid absorption, so that the ink is not drawn from the nozzles (a wiping trace is generated). Without), the nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y, 30K of the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, 16K can be wiped and cleaned. Moreover, when the wiping trace has arisen at the time of the 1st wiping cleaning, this can be wiped off effectively.

  When the second wiping cleaning is completed, the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K are sent to the maintenance position as they are.

  On the other hand, in each of the head cleaners 100C, 100M, 100Y, and 100K, the elevating cylinder 126 is driven, and the pressing roller 118 is positioned at the retracted position. Thereafter, each of the head cleaners 100C, 100M, 100Y, and 100K positions the unused area of the wiping web for the next cleaning as necessary. Further, the traveling direction switching motor 124 is driven so that the traveling direction is set to the first direction, and the traveling direction is switched.

  The cleaning of the nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y, and 30K of the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K is completed through the above steps.

  As described above, in the head cleaning device 70 of the present embodiment, the liquid absorbing power of the wiping web 110 that wipes and cleans the nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y, and 30K of the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K is switched, The nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y, and 30K of the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K are wiped and cleaned in two steps. That is, the first time wipes the wiping web 110 in a state of high liquid absorption by sliding along the longitudinal direction, and the second time slides the wiping web 110 in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. By wiping in a state of low liquid absorption. Thereby, the nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y, and 30K can be cleaned without causing wiping traces or unwiping residues.

  In this example, the first wiping and cleaning performed by setting the traveling direction of the wiping web 110 to the first direction is performed only once, but may be performed a plurality of times. In this case, the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K are reciprocally moved a plurality of times while the wiping web 110 is pressed and brought into contact with the nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y, and 30K of the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K. Similarly, the second wiping cleaning performed by setting the traveling direction of the wiping web 110 to the second direction may be performed a plurality of times.

  Further, in this example, the wiping web 110 is slid while traveling both in the first time and the second time, but may be slid in a stopped state. Note that the nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y, and 30K of the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K can always be wiped using a clean portion by sliding the wiping web 110 while traveling as in this example. it can. Thereby, the cleaning effect can be improved.

  In this example, the nozzle surface 30C of the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K is moved while the wiping web 110 is running in the opposite direction to the moving direction of the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K during the first wiping and cleaning. , 30M, 30Y, 30K, but the wiping web 110 is pressed against the nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y, 30K of the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, 16K while traveling in the same direction. It may be. As in this example, the nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, and 30Y of the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K are moved while the wiping web 110 is running in the opposite direction with respect to the movement direction of the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K. , The wiping web 110 is pressed against and brought into contact with 30K, and the relative running speed of the wiping web 110 with respect to the nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y, and 30K of the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K can be increased. Can be improved.

  In the above example, the application of the cleaning liquid, the first wiping cleaning, and the second wiping cleaning are performed in the process of moving the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K from the drawing position to the maintenance position. You may make it perform application | coating of a washing | cleaning liquid, 1st wiping cleaning, and 2nd wiping cleaning in the process of moving to a drawing position from a maintenance position. Moreover, you may make it perform application | coating of a washing | cleaning liquid, 1st wiping cleaning, and 2nd wiping cleaning in this reciprocating process. For example, the cleaning liquid is applied in the step of moving from the drawing position to the maintenance position, and the first wiping cleaning is performed in the step of returning from the maintenance position to the drawing position. Then, the second wiping cleaning is performed in the process of moving from the drawing position to the maintenance position. Thereby, cleaning time can be shortened. In this case, the traveling direction of the wiping web 110 is switched as appropriate.

  In the above example, the wiping web 110 is wound around the pressing roller 118, and the pressing roller 118 is pressed against the nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y, and 30K of the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K. The web 110 is pressed against the nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y, and 30K of the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K, but the wiping web 110 is nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, and 30Y of the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K. The means for pressing and contacting 30K is not limited to this.

  For example, a guide member having an arcuate guide surface may be fixedly installed on the main body frame, and a wiping web may be wound around the guide surface of the guide member and pressed against the nozzle surface of the head. Further, when using a guide member that does not rotate in this way, the guide surface does not necessarily have to be a circular arc surface, a plate-like guide surface provided in parallel with the nozzle surface is formed and wound around this guide surface. The wiping web may be pressed against the nozzle surface of the head. Thereby, the wiping web can be brought into surface contact with the nozzle surface of the head.

  Moreover, in said example, although the wiping web 110 formed in the strip | belt shape is used, the form of a wiping member is not limited to this. A wiping member formed in a cloth shape may be used. In this case as well, by using a wiping member that switches the liquid absorption power by changing the direction, the first time is set to a high liquid absorption power and the second time is set to a low liquid absorption power. Wipe the nozzle surface of the head.

  In the above example, the liquid absorption capacity of the wiping web is switched between two levels of high and low, and the nozzle surface of the head is wiped and cleaned in two steps, but the liquid absorption capacity of the wiping web is further increased in multiple stages. It may be configured to be switched, and the nozzle surface of the head may be wiped and cleaned in a plurality of times. For example, the liquid absorption force may be switched between three levels (high, medium, and low) by switching the traveling direction, and the nozzle surface of the head may be wiped and cleaned in three steps. In this case, the liquid absorptive power is switched so that the liquid absorptive power decreases stepwise, and the nozzle surface of the head is wiped away.

  In this case as well, wiping at each stage may be performed a plurality of times. In other words, in the present embodiment, it is only necessary that the nozzle surface of the head is wiped and cleaned at least once with a high liquid absorbency, and finally the nozzle surface of the head is wiped and cleaned with a low liquid absorbency.

[Second Embodiment of Head Cleaner]
12 is a plan view of a second embodiment of the head cleaner, FIG. 13 is a side view of the second embodiment of the head cleaner, and FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 14-14 of FIG.

  As shown in FIGS. 12 to 14, the head cleaner 200 (200C, 200M, 200Y, 200K) of the present embodiment includes two wiping webs 110L, 110R having different liquid absorption capabilities, and the first and second times. The wiping web to be used is switched over and the nozzle surface of the head is wiped and cleaned. That is, the first wiping web 110L having a high liquid absorbency (the wiping web having a high liquid absorbency that does not generate wiping even when the nozzle surface of the head is wiped) is used for the first time (first cleaning step). Then, the nozzle surface of the head is wiped, and the second wiping web 110R having a low liquid absorbency (second cleaning step) is low enough not to draw ink from the nozzles even if the nozzle surface of the head is wiped. The nozzle surface of the head is wiped using a liquid absorbing force wiping web.

  The two wiping webs 110L and 110R are driven by the first wiping web travel drive unit 123L and the second wiping web travel drive unit 123R, respectively, and are parallel to the moving direction of the head 16 (= longitudinal direction of the head 16). Drive to.

  The configuration of the first wiping web travel drive unit 123L and the second wiping web travel drive unit 123R is the same as the configuration of the wiping web travel drive unit 123 of the head cleaner 100 of the first embodiment described above. Therefore, here, the same reference numerals are given to the same components, and the description thereof is omitted.

  The first wiping web travel drive unit 123L and the second wiping web travel drive unit 123R are both installed on the slide stage 202. The first wiping web travel drive unit 123L and the second wiping web travel drive unit 123R are disposed opposite to each other on the slide stage 202, and each of the feeding reel 114, the take-up reel 116, and the pressing roller 118 are arranged. The feeding guide roller 134 and the winding guide roller 138 are arranged coaxially.

  The first wiping web travel drive unit 123L and the second wiping web travel drive unit 123R are respectively provided with a feed reel 114, a take-up reel 116, a pressing roller 118, a feed guide roller 134, and a take-up guide roller 138. Are arranged so as to be orthogonal to the moving direction of the head 16. Accordingly, when the first wiping web 110L and the second wiping web 110R are caused to travel, the travel is performed in parallel with the moving direction of the head 16.

  The first wiping web travel drive unit 123L and the second wiping web travel drive unit 123R are detachably attached to the slide stage 202 by screwing the bottom surface 112A of the main body frame 112 to the slide stage 202, respectively. It is done. When replacing the wiping web, each wiping web travel drive unit is removed from the slide stage 202.

  The slide stage 202 is provided in parallel with the nozzle surface 30 of the corresponding head 16 and is slidably provided on the lift stage 204.

  The elevating stage 204 is provided in parallel with the nozzle surface 30 of the corresponding head 16, and a pair of guide rails 206 and 206 are disposed on the upper surface thereof. The pair of guide rails 206 and 206 are disposed in parallel with the moving direction of the head 16. The slide stage 202 is slidably provided on the guide rails 206, 206 via sliders 208, 208,.

  In addition, a slide drive motor 210 is provided between the pair of guide rails 206 on the lifting stage 204. A pinion 212 is fixed to the output shaft of the slide drive motor 210. On the other hand, a rack 214 is formed on the rear surface of the slide stage 202 in parallel with the pair of guide rails 206, 206, and is engaged with the pinion 212.

  The slide stage 202 slides on the guide rails 206 and 206 by the action of the rack 214 and the pinion 212 by driving the slide drive motor 210. The system controller controls the movement of the slide drive motor 210, thereby controlling the movement of the slide stage 202 and positioning the slide stage 202 at the “first position” and the “second position”.

  As shown in FIG. 15, when the first wiping web travel drive unit 123L and the second wiping web travel drive unit 123R installed on the slide stage 202 place the slide stage 202 at the first position, When one wiping web traveling drive unit 123L is arranged on the movement path of the head 16 (FIG. 1A) and is positioned at the second position, the second wiping web traveling drive unit 123R is moved by the movement path of the head 16. Arranged above ((b) in the figure). Therefore, when the slide stage 202 is positioned at the first position, the nozzle surface 30 of the head 16 can be wiped by the first wiping web 110L, and when the slide stage 202 is positioned at the second position, the second wiping web 110R. Thus, the nozzle surface 30 of the head 16 can be wiped off.

  The elevating stage 204 is driven by the elevating cylinder 216 to move forward and backward vertically with respect to the nozzle surface 30 of the corresponding head 16.

  The lifting cylinder 216 is fixed to a head cleaning device main body (not shown), and the rod 216A is fixed vertically to the lower surface of the lifting stage 204. The first wiping web travel drive unit 123L and the second wiping web travel drive unit 123R move vertically to the nozzle surface 30 of the corresponding head 16 by driving the lifting cylinder 216. Then, the first wiping web travel drive unit 123L and the second wiping web travel drive unit 123R move vertically to the nozzle surface 30 of the corresponding head 16, thereby causing each wiping web travel drive unit to move. The provided pressing roller 118 moves between a predetermined pressing position and a retracted position.

  The pressure roller 118 arranged on the movement path of the corresponding head 16 is brought into pressure contact with the nozzle surface 30 of the corresponding head 16 by moving to the pressing position, and moved to the retracted position. Separated from the nozzle surface 30. Therefore, for example, when the first wiping web travel drive unit 123L is disposed on the movement path of the corresponding head 16 (when the slide stage 202 is positioned at the first position), the lifting cylinder 216 is driven. When the elevating stage 204 is moved up and down, the wiping web 110L wound around the pressing roller 118 of the first wiping web travel drive unit 123L is pressed against / separated from the nozzle surface 30 of the corresponding head 16. On the other hand, when the second wiping web travel drive unit 123R is disposed on the movement path of the corresponding head 16 (when the slide stage 202 is positioned at the second position), the lift cylinder 216 is driven to move up and down. When the stage 204 is moved up and down, the wiping web 110R wound around the pressing roller 118 of the second wiping web travel drive unit 123R is pressed against / separated from the nozzle surface 30 of the corresponding head 16.

  The head cleaner 200 (200C, 200M, 200Y, 200K) of the present embodiment is configured as described above.

  Each of the head cleaners 200C, 200M, 200Y, and 200K is attached to a support frame (not shown) and installed at a predetermined installation position set between the drawing position and the maintenance position, and the corresponding heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, It is provided to face the 16K nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y, 30K (see FIG. 4).

[Head cleaning method]
Next, a head cleaning method using the head cleaner 200 of the present embodiment will be described.

  As with the head cleaning device of the first embodiment, the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K are cleaned by wiping with the wiping web 110 after applying the cleaning liquid to the entire nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y, and 30K. Is done. And also in the head cleaning apparatus using the head cleaner 200 of this Embodiment, when wiping the nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y, and 30K with the wiping web, it is wiped in two steps. That is, the first time (first cleaning step) wipes the nozzle surface in the traveling direction using the first wiping web 110L having a high liquid absorbency, and the second time (second cleaning step) is the liquid absorbency. The nozzle surface is wiped using the second wiping web 110 </ b> R having a low height.

  In this way, by wiping the nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y, and 30K in two steps, it is possible to prevent wiping traces and unwiped residues. That is, a large droplet existing on the nozzle surface is removed by wiping with the first wiping web 110 </ b> L having a high liquid absorbency for the first time, and unwiping is prevented. Then, the second wiping web 110 </ b> R having a low liquid absorption capacity thereafter removes wiping traces generated at the first wiping and prevents ink from being drawn out from the nozzle holes. Thereby, the nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y, and 30K can be cleaned without causing wiping traces or unwiping residues.

  Hereinafter, a specific cleaning method for the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K using the head cleaner 200 of the present embodiment will be described.

  First, a cleaning liquid is applied to the nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y, and 30K in order to dissolve the deposits derived from ink adhering to the nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y, and 30K of the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K.

  In applying the cleaning liquid, the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K are moved from the drawing position toward the maintenance position (or moved from the maintenance position to the drawing position), and each head is moved from the cleaning liquid application nozzles 80C, 80M, 80Y, and 80K. This is performed by spraying the cleaning liquid toward the nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y, and 30K of 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K.

  When the application of the cleaning liquid is completed, the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K once return to the drawing position. Thereafter, the first wiping cleaning (first cleaning process) is performed.

  As described above, the first wiping is performed using the first wiping web 110L having a high liquid absorbency.

  First, the slide drive motor 210 is driven to move the slide stage 202 to the first position (when the slide stage 202 is not located at the first position). Accordingly, the first wiping web travel drive unit 123L is positioned on the movement path of the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K.

  At this time, if the unused area of the first wiping web 110L is not positioned, the positioning is performed. When positioning of the unused area is completed, the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K are fed by a predetermined amount toward the maintenance position.

  The heads 16 </ b> C, 16 </ b> M, 16 </ b> Y, and 16 </ b> K sent toward the maintenance position are temporarily stopped when one end (the end on the maintenance position) reaches the installation position of the pressing roller 118. At this time, the pressure rollers 118 of the head cleaners 200C, 200M, 200Y, and 200K are located at the retracted positions.

  When the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K are stopped, the elevating cylinder 216 is driven, and the pressing roller 118 is moved to the pressing position. As a result, the first wiping web 110L wound around the pressure roller 118 of the first wiping web travel drive unit 123L is pressed against the nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y, 30K of the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, 16K. Is done.

  The first wiping web 110L wound around the pressing roller 118 of the first wiping web travel drive unit 123L is pressed against the nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y, 30K of the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, 16K. Then, the winding motor 120 of the first wiping web travel drive unit 123L is driven. Accordingly, the first wiping web 110L is wound around the take-up reel 116 at a constant speed, and the first wiping web 110L wound around the pressing roller 118L of the first wiping web travel drive unit 123L is traveled at a constant speed. Drive at speed.

  At the same time, the head feed motor 60 is driven to feed the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K toward the maintenance position at a constant moving speed.

  As a result, while the first wiping web 110L travels in the direction opposite to the moving direction of the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, 16K, along the nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y, 30K of the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, 16K. The first wiping web 110L is slidably contacted and wiped and cleaned by the first wiping web 110L on which the nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y, and 30K travel.

  The heads 16 </ b> C, 16 </ b> M, 16 </ b> Y, and 16 </ b> K sent toward the maintenance position are stopped when the other end (the drawing position side end) reaches the installation position of the pressing roller 118. And the driving | running | working of the 1st wiping web 110L is stopped synchronizing with the feed stop of this head 16C, 16M, 16Y, 16K.

  Thus, the first wiping and cleaning is completed. As described above, this first wiping and cleaning is wiped by using the first wiping web 110L having a high liquid absorbency. Thereby, the nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y, and 30K can be wiped and cleaned without generating wiping residue.

  When the first wiping cleaning is completed, the lifting cylinder 216 is driven, and the pressing roller 118 of the first wiping web travel drive unit 123L moves to the retracted position. Further, the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K are returned toward the drawing position. The heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K returned to the drawing position are stopped when their one end is located at the installation position of the pressing roller 118 of the first wiping web travel drive unit 123L. The Thereafter, the second wiping cleaning (second cleaning process) is performed.

  First, the wiping web to be used is switched. That is, the slide drive motor 210 is driven, and the slide stage 202 moves to the 22nd position. Accordingly, the second wiping web travel drive unit 123R is positioned on the movement path of the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K.

  At this time, when the unused area of the second wiping web 110R is not positioned, the positioning of the second wiping web 110R is performed. When the positioning of the unused area is completed, the lifting cylinder 216 is driven, and the pressing roller 118 moves to the pressing position. As a result, the second wiping web 110R wound around the pressure roller 118 of the second wiping web travel drive unit 123R is pressed against the nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y, 30K of the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, 16K. Is done.

  The second wiping web 110R wound around the pressing roller 118 of the second wiping web travel drive unit 123R is pressed against the nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y, 30K of the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, 16K. Then, the winding motor 120 of the second wiping web travel drive unit 123R is driven. Thus, the second wiping web 110R is wound around the take-up reel 116 at a constant speed, and the second wiping web 110R wound around the pressing roller 118 of the second wiping web travel drive unit 123R is traveled at a constant speed. Drive at speed.

  At the same time, the head feed motor 60 is driven to feed the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K toward the maintenance position at a constant moving speed.

  As a result, while the second wiping web 110R travels in the direction opposite to the moving direction of the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, 16K, along the nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y, 30K of the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, 16K. The second wiping web 110R is slidably contacted and wiped and cleaned by the second wiping web 110R on which the nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y and 30K travel.

  The heads 16 </ b> C, 16 </ b> M, 16 </ b> Y, and 16 </ b> K sent toward the maintenance position are stopped when the other end (the drawing position side end) reaches the installation position of the pressing roller 118. And the driving | running | working of the 2nd wiping web 110R is stopped synchronizing with the feed stop of this head 16C, 16M, 16Y, 16K.

  Thus, the second wiping and cleaning is completed. As described above, since the second wiping and cleaning is performed using the second wiping web 110R having a low liquid absorbency, the head 16C, without drawing ink from the nozzles (without generating wiping traces), The nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y, and 30K of 16M, 16Y, and 16K can be wiped and cleaned. Moreover, when the wiping trace has arisen at the time of the 1st wiping cleaning, this can be wiped off effectively.

  When the second wiping cleaning is completed, the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K are sent to the maintenance position as they are.

  On the other hand, in each of the head cleaners 200C, 200M, 200Y, and 200K, the elevating cylinder 126 is driven, and the pressing roller 118 is positioned at the retracted position. Thereafter, each of the head cleaners 200C, 200M, 200Y, and 200K positions the unused area of the wiping web for the next cleaning as necessary. Further, the slide stage 202 is moved so that the first wiping web travel drive unit 123L is positioned on the movement path of the head 16.

  The cleaning of the nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y, and 30K of the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K is completed through the above steps.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the head 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y, and 30K are wiped and cleaned by switching the liquid absorption capacity of the wiping web and dividing the head twice. Since the nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y, and 30K of 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K are wiped and cleaned, the nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, and the like without causing wiping traces and unwiping residues as in the first embodiment. 30Y and 30K can be cleaned.

  Further, by using two wiping webs having different liquid absorption capabilities in this way, the range of selection of usable wiping webs can be expanded.

  In the present example, the first wiping and cleaning performed using the first wiping web 110L is performed only once, but may be performed a plurality of times. Similarly, the second wiping cleaning performed using the second wiping web 110R may be performed a plurality of times.

  Further, in this example, the wiping web is slid while running both in the first time and the second time, but may be slid in a stopped state. Note that the nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y, and 30K of the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K can always be wiped using a clean portion by sliding the wiping web while running as in this example. . Thereby, the cleaning effect can be improved.

  In this example, the wiping web is wiped to the nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y, 30K of the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, 16K while running in the direction opposite to the moving direction of the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, 16K. Although the web is pressed and abutted, it may be caused to abut on the nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y and 30K of the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y and 16K while traveling in the same direction. As in this example, the nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y of the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, 16K are moved while the wiping web is running in the opposite direction with respect to the moving direction of the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, 16K. By pressing the wiping web against 30K, the relative running speed of the wiping web 110 with respect to the nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y, and 30K of the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K can be increased, and the cleaning effect is improved. Can be made.

  Further, in the above example, by using two wiping webs having different liquid absorption capabilities, the nozzle surface of the head is wiped and cleaned in two steps. However, a plurality of wiping webs having different liquid absorption capabilities are provided. By using it, the nozzle surface of the head may be wiped and cleaned in a plurality of times. For example, three wiping webs (high, medium, and low) having different liquid absorption capabilities may be used, and the nozzle surface of the head may be wiped and cleaned in three steps. In this case, the wiping web is switched so that the liquid absorption capacity is reduced, and the nozzle surface of the head is wiped.

  In this case as well, wiping at each stage may be performed a plurality of times. That is, in the present embodiment, the nozzle surface of the head is wiped and cleaned at least once with a wiping web having a high liquid absorbency, and finally the nozzle surface of the head is wiped and cleaned with a wiping web having a low liquid absorbency. .

[Third embodiment of head cleaner]
FIG. 16 is a front view of the third embodiment of the head cleaner, and FIG. 17 is a plan view of the third embodiment of the head cleaner.

  As shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, the head cleaner 300 (300C, 300M, 300Y, 300K) of the present embodiment also has two wipings different from each other in the liquid absorption capacity similarly to the head cleaner 200 of the second embodiment described above. Webs 110M and 110N are provided, and the nozzle surface of the head is wiped and cleaned by switching the wiping web used between the first time and the second time.

  The head cleaner 300 according to the present embodiment is different from the head cleaner 200 according to the second embodiment described above in that the wiping webs 110M and 110N are arranged in the front and rear along the moving direction of the head 16. Yes.

  The front stage wiping web 110M is a wiping web having a high liquid absorption capacity (a wiping web having a high liquid absorption capacity that does not generate wiping even if the nozzle surface of the head is wiped). First, the front stage wiping web 110M is used. Then, the nozzle surface 30 of the head 16 is wiped off.

  The subsequent wiping web 110N is a wiping web having a low liquid absorption force that does not draw ink from the nozzle even if the nozzle surface of the wiping web head having a low liquid absorption force is wiped, and the wiping web 110M of the previous stage having a high liquid absorption capability. Then, after wiping the nozzle surface 30 of the head 16, the nozzle surface 30 of the head 16 is wiped using the wiping web 110N in the subsequent stage.

  The front-stage wiping web 110M and the rear-stage wiping web 110N are driven by the front-stage wiping web travel drive unit 123M and the rear-stage wiping web travel drive unit 123N, respectively, and the moving direction of the head 16 (= longitudinal direction of the head 16). Travel in parallel.

  The configuration of the front-stage wiping web travel drive unit 123N and the rear-stage wiping web travel drive unit 123N are the same as the configuration of the wiping web travel drive unit 123 of the head cleaner 100 according to the first embodiment described above. Therefore, here, the same reference numerals are given to the same components, and the description thereof is omitted.

  The front-stage wiping web travel drive unit 123M and the rear-stage wiping web travel drive unit 123N are driven by the lifting cylinders 302M and 302N, respectively, and individually move up and down.

  The front raising / lowering cylinder 302M is fixed to a head cleaning device main body (not shown), and its rod is vertically fixed to the bottom surface portion 112A of the main body frame 112 of the front wiping web traveling drive unit 123M. . The front wiping web travel drive unit 123M moves forward and backward vertically with respect to the nozzle surface 30 of the corresponding head 16 by driving the lifting cylinder 302M. Then, the front-stage wiping web travel drive unit 123M advances and retreats vertically with respect to the nozzle surface 30 of the corresponding head 16, so that the pressing roller 118 provided in the front-stage wiping web travel drive unit 123M It moves between the pressing position and the retracted position. When the pressing roller 118 is positioned at a predetermined pressing position, the preceding wiping web 110 </ b> M wound around the pressing roller 118 is pressed against the nozzle surface 30 of the corresponding head 16. Further, when the pressing roller 118 is positioned at a predetermined retracted position, the preceding wiping web 110 </ b> M wound around the pressing roller 118 is separated from the corresponding nozzle surface 30 of the head 16.

  The rear raising / lowering cylinder 302N is fixed to a head cleaning device main body (not shown), and its rod is vertically fixed to the bottom surface portion 112A of the main body frame 112 of the rear wiping web traveling drive unit 123N. . The wiping web travel drive unit 123N at the rear stage moves vertically with respect to the nozzle surface 30 of the corresponding head 16 by driving the lifting cylinder 302N. Then, the subsequent wiping web travel drive unit 123N moves forward and backward perpendicularly with respect to the nozzle surface 30 of the corresponding head 16, so that the pressing roller 118 provided in the subsequent wiping web travel drive unit 123N It moves between the pressing position and the retracted position. When the pressing roller 118 is positioned at a predetermined pressing position, the subsequent wiping web 110N wound around the pressing roller 118 is pressed against the nozzle surface 30 of the corresponding head 16. Further, since the pressing roller 118 is positioned at a predetermined retreat position, the subsequent wiping web 110N wound around the pressing roller 118 is separated from the nozzle surface 30 of the corresponding head 16.

  The head cleaner 300 (300C, 300M, 300Y, 300K) of the present embodiment is configured as described above.

  Each of the head cleaners 300C, 300M, 300Y, and 300K is attached to a support frame (not shown) and is installed at a predetermined installation position set between the drawing position and the maintenance position, and the corresponding heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, It is provided to face the 16K nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y, 30K (see FIG. 4).

[Head cleaning method]
Next, a head cleaning method using the head cleaner 300 of the present embodiment will be described.

  As with the head cleaning device of the first embodiment, the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K are cleaned by wiping with the wiping web 110 after applying the cleaning liquid to the entire nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y, and 30K. Is done. And also in the head cleaning apparatus using the head cleaner 200 of this Embodiment, when wiping the nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y, and 30K with the wiping web, it is wiped in two steps. That is, in the first time (first cleaning step), the nozzle surface is wiped in the traveling direction using the wiping web 110M of the previous stage having a high liquid absorbency, and the second time (second cleaning step) is the liquid absorbency. The nozzle surface is wiped using a lower wiping web 110N.

  In this way, by wiping the nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y, and 30K in two steps, it is possible to prevent wiping traces and unwiped residues. That is, the first wiping web 110M having a high liquid absorbency removes large droplets present on the nozzle surface and prevents unwiping. Then, the wiping trace generated at the first wiping is removed by wiping with the second wiping web 110N having a low liquid absorption capacity at the second time thereafter, and ink drawing from the nozzle holes is prevented. Thereby, the nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y, and 30K can be cleaned without causing wiping traces or unwiping residues.

  Hereinafter, a specific method for cleaning the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K using the head cleaner 300 of the present embodiment will be described.

  First, a cleaning liquid is applied to the nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y, and 30K in order to dissolve the deposits derived from ink adhering to the nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y, and 30K of the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K.

  In applying the cleaning liquid, the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K are moved from the drawing position toward the maintenance position (or moved from the maintenance position to the drawing position), and each head is moved from the cleaning liquid application nozzles 80C, 80M, 80Y, and 80K. This is performed by spraying the cleaning liquid toward the nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y, and 30K of 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K.

  When the application of the cleaning liquid is completed, the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K once return to the drawing position. Thereafter, the first wiping cleaning (first cleaning process) is performed.

  As described above, this first wiping is performed by using the wiping web 110M in the previous stage having a high liquid absorbency.

  First, the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K are fed by a predetermined amount toward the maintenance position. The heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K sent toward the maintenance position have one end (maintenance position end) at the installation position of the pressure roller 118 of the preceding wiping web travel drive unit 123M. When it reaches, it stops. At this time, the wiping web travel drive unit 123M in the front stage of each of the head cleaners 300C, 300M, 300Y, and 300K and the pressing roller 118 of the wiping web travel drive unit 123N in the subsequent stage are located at the retracted positions.

  When the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K are stopped, the lifting cylinder 302M of the preceding wiping web traveling drive unit 123M is driven, and the pressing roller 118 of the preceding wiping web traveling drive unit 123M is moved to the pressing position. As a result, the front wiping web 110M wound around the pressure roller 118 of the front wiping web travel drive unit 123M is pressed against the nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y, 30K of the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, 16K. .

  When the front wiping web 110M wound around the pressing roller 118 of the front wiping web travel drive unit 123M is pressed against the nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y, 30K of the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, 16K, The winding motor 120 of the wiping web travel drive unit 123M at the previous stage is driven. As a result, the front-stage wiping web 110M is wound around the take-up reel 116 at a constant speed, and the front-stage wiping web 110M wound around the pressing roller 118L of the front-stage wiping web travel drive unit 123M travels at a constant travel speed. To do.

  At the same time, the head feed motor 60 is driven to feed the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K toward the maintenance position at a constant moving speed.

  As a result, the front wiping web 110M travels in the direction opposite to the moving direction of the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K, and the front stage along the nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y, and 30K of the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K. The wiping web 110M is slidably contacted, and the nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y, and 30K are wiped and cleaned by the front wiping web 110M on which the nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y, and 30K travel.

  The heads 16 </ b> C, 16 </ b> M, 16 </ b> Y, and 16 </ b> K sent to the maintenance position are stopped when the other end (end on the drawing position) reaches the installation position of the pressing roller 118. Then, in synchronization with the feed stop of the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K, the traveling of the wiping web 110M at the previous stage is stopped.

  Thus, the first wiping and cleaning is completed. As described above, the first wiping and cleaning is performed by using the front wiping web 110M having high liquid absorption. Thereby, the nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y, and 30K can be wiped and cleaned without generating wiping residue.

  When the first wiping cleaning is completed, the lifting cylinder 302M of the preceding wiping web travel drive unit 123M is driven, and the pressing roller 118 of the previous wiping web travel drive unit 123M is moved to the retracted position. Further, the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K are returned toward the drawing position. The heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K returned to the drawing position are stopped when their one end is located at the installation position of the pressing roller 118 of the wiping web travel drive unit 123N in the subsequent stage. . Thereafter, the second wiping cleaning (second cleaning process) is performed.

  First, the lifting cylinder 302N of the subsequent wiping web travel drive unit 123N is driven, and the pressing roller 118 of the subsequent wiping web travel drive unit 123N moves to the pressing position. As a result, the downstream wiping web 110N wound around the pressing roller 118 of the downstream wiping web travel drive unit 123N is pressed against the nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y, and 30K of the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K. .

  When the subsequent wiping web 110N wound around the pressing roller 118 of the subsequent wiping web travel drive unit 123N is pressed against the nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y, 30K of the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, 16K, The winding motor 120 of the subsequent wiping web travel drive unit 123N is driven. As a result, the subsequent wiping web 110N is wound around the take-up reel 116 at a constant speed, and the subsequent wiping web 110N wound around the pressing roller 118 of the subsequent wiping web travel drive unit 123N travels at a constant traveling speed. To do.

  At the same time, the head feed motor 60 is driven to feed the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K toward the maintenance position at a constant moving speed.

  As a result, the rear wiping web 110N travels in the direction opposite to the moving direction of the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K, and the rear stages along the nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y, and 30K of the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K. The wiping web 110N is slidably contacted, and the nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y, and 30K are wiped and cleaned by the subsequent wiping web 110N.

  The heads 16 </ b> C, 16 </ b> M, 16 </ b> Y, and 16 </ b> K sent toward the maintenance position are stopped when the other end (the drawing position side end) reaches the installation position of the pressing roller 118. Then, in synchronization with the feed stop of the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K, the travel of the subsequent wiping web 110N is stopped.

  Thus, the second wiping and cleaning is completed. As described above, since the second wiping and cleaning is performed using the subsequent wiping web 110N having a low liquid absorbency, the heads 16C and 16M are not drawn out (no wiping traces are generated) from the nozzles. , 16Y, 16K nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y, 30K can be wiped and cleaned. Moreover, when the wiping trace has arisen at the time of the 1st wiping cleaning, this can be wiped off effectively.

  When the second wiping cleaning is completed, the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K are sent to the maintenance position as they are.

  On the other hand, in each of the head cleaners 300C, 300M, 300Y, and 300K, the lifting cylinder 302N of the subsequent wiping web travel drive unit 123N is driven, and the pressing roller 118 of the subsequent wiping web travel drive unit 123N is positioned at the retracted position. . Thereafter, each of the head cleaners 300C, 300M, 300Y, and 300K positions the unused area of the wiping web for the next cleaning as necessary. Further, the slide stage 202 is moved so that the first wiping web travel drive unit 123L is positioned on the movement path of the head 16.

  The cleaning of the nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y, and 30K of the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K is completed through the above steps.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the head 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y, and 30K are wiped and cleaned by switching the liquid absorption capacity of the wiping web and dividing the head twice. Since the nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y, and 30K of 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K are wiped and cleaned, the nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, and the like without causing wiping traces and unwiping residues as in the first embodiment. 30Y and 30K can be cleaned.

  Further, by using two wiping webs having different liquid absorption capabilities in this way, the range of selection of usable wiping webs can be expanded.

  In this example, the first wiping and cleaning performed using the wiping web 110M in the previous stage is performed only once, but may be performed a plurality of times. Similarly, the second wiping cleaning performed using the wiping web 110N in the subsequent stage may be performed a plurality of times.

  Further, in this example, the wiping web is slid while running both in the first time and the second time, but may be slid in a stopped state. Note that the nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y, and 30K of the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K can always be wiped using a clean portion by sliding the wiping web while running as in this example. . Thereby, the cleaning effect can be improved.

  In this example, the wiping web is wiped to the nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y, 30K of the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, 16K while running in the direction opposite to the moving direction of the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, 16K. Although the web is pressed and abutted, it may be caused to abut on the nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y and 30K of the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y and 16K while traveling in the same direction. As in this example, the nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y of the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, 16K are moved while the wiping web is running in the opposite direction with respect to the moving direction of the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, 16K. By pressing the wiping web against 30K, the relative running speed of the wiping web 110 with respect to the nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y, and 30K of the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K can be increased, and the cleaning effect is improved. Can be made.

  Further, in the above example, by using two wiping webs having different liquid absorption capabilities, the nozzle surface of the head is wiped and cleaned in two steps. However, a plurality of wiping webs having different liquid absorption capabilities are provided. By using it, the nozzle surface of the head may be wiped and cleaned in a plurality of times. For example, three wiping webs (high, medium, and low) having different liquid absorption capabilities may be used, and the nozzle surface of the head may be wiped and cleaned in three steps. In this case, the wiping web is switched so that the liquid absorption capacity is gradually reduced, and the nozzle surface of the head is wiped.

  In this case as well, wiping at each stage may be performed a plurality of times. That is, in the present embodiment, the nozzle surface of the head is wiped and cleaned at least once with a wiping web having a high liquid absorbency, and finally the nozzle surface of the head is wiped and cleaned with a wiping web having a low liquid absorbency. .

  In the above example, the front wiping web travel drive unit 123M and the rear wiping web travel drive unit 123N are individually moved up and down, but may be moved up and down simultaneously. Thereby, the wiping cleaning using the former stage wiping web 110M and the wiping cleaning using the latter stage wiping web 110N can be performed simultaneously.

[Fourth Embodiment of Head Cleaner]
FIG. 18 is a front view of a fourth embodiment of the head cleaner.

  The head cleaner 400 (400C, 400M, 400Y, 400K) of the present embodiment also switches the liquid absorption force of the wiping web and wipes and cleans the nozzle surface of the head in two steps.

  And the head cleaner 400 of this Embodiment switches the liquid absorptive power of a wiping web by providing a liquid to a wiping web. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 18, the head cleaner 400 of this embodiment is provided with a liquid application nozzle 410 for applying a cleaning liquid to the wiping web 110. The head cleaner 100 is the same as the head cleaner 100 of the first embodiment except that the liquid application nozzle 410 is provided. Therefore, only the liquid application nozzle 410 will be described here.

  As shown in FIG. 18, the liquid application nozzle 410 is installed between the feeding guide roller 134 and the pressing roller 118. The liquid application nozzle 410 has an ejection port corresponding to the width of the wiping web 402, and ejects liquid onto the wiping web 402 that travels between the feeding guide roller 134 and the pressing roller 118, thereby wiping the web 402. Moisten.

  The liquid is supplied from the liquid tank 414 via the liquid supply pipe 412 connected to the liquid application nozzle 410, and the liquid application nozzle 410 provided in the liquid supply pipe 412 is driven to drive the liquid application nozzle 410. Liquid is ejected from

  In addition, since the liquid aims at reducing the liquid absorption power of the wiping web 402, the type is not particularly limited as long as the purpose can be met. Therefore, for example, a cleaning liquid can be applied.

  Further, the wiping web 402 to be used does not necessarily need to have a liquid absorption force that is switched depending on the sliding direction, like the wiping web 110 of the first embodiment described above.

[Head cleaning method]
Next, a head cleaning method using the head cleaner of the present embodiment will be described.

  The point that the nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y, and 30K of the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K are wiped in two steps by switching the liquid absorbing power of the wiping web is the same as in the first embodiment described above. . In the present embodiment, the first time (first cleaning step) is wiped with a normal wiping web (a wiping web having a high liquid-absorbing force that does not leave a wiping residue even if the nozzle surface of the head is wiped). The second time (second cleaning step) is a wiping web in which liquid has been applied in advance to reduce the liquid absorbing power (liquid absorption to the extent that ink is not drawn from the nozzle even if the nozzle surface of the head is wiped) Wipe with a wiping web with reduced force. Specifically, it is wiped as follows.

  First, the non-wetting area of the wiping web is positioned. When the non-wetting area is located, the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K are sent toward the maintenance position. The heads 16 </ b> C, 16 </ b> M, 16 </ b> Y, and 16 </ b> K sent toward the maintenance position are temporarily stopped when one end (the end on the maintenance position) reaches the installation position of the pressing roller 118. At this time, the pressing rollers 118 of the cleaners 100C, 100M, 100Y, and 100K are located at predetermined retracted positions.

  When the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K are stopped, the elevating cylinder 126 is driven, and the pressing roller 118 is moved to the pressing position. As a result, the wiping web 402 wound around the pressure roller 118 is pressed against the nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y, 30K of the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, 16K.

  Thereafter, the take-up motor 120 is driven, the wiping web 402 is taken up on the take-up reel 116 at a constant speed, and the head feed motor 60 is driven, so that the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, 16K are maintained. It is sent at a constant speed toward the position. As a result, the wiping web 402 is slid along the nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y, 30K of the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, 16K, and the nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y, 30K are wiped by the traveling wiping web 402. To be cleaned.

  The heads 16 </ b> C, 16 </ b> M, 16 </ b> Y, and 16 </ b> K sent toward the maintenance position are stopped when the other end (the drawing position side end) reaches the installation position of the pressing roller 118. And the driving | running | working of the wiping web 402 is also stopped synchronizing with the feed stop of this head 16C, 16M, 16Y, 16K. Thereby, the 1st wiping cleaning is complete | finished.

  When the first wiping cleaning is completed, the pressing roller 118 is temporarily retracted to the retracted position. Further, the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K are returned so that the end portions on one side thereof are located at the installation position of the pressing roller 118.

  When one end of the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K is positioned at the installation position of the pressure roller 118, the pressure roller 118 moves to the pressing position, and the nozzle surfaces 30C and 30M of the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K. , 30Y and 30K, the wiping web 402 wound around the pressing roller 118 is pressed against.

  Thereafter, the take-up motor 120 is driven, the wiping web 402 is taken up on the take-up reel 116 at a constant speed, and the head feed motor 60 is driven, so that the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, 16K are maintained. It is sent at a constant speed toward the position. At the same time, the liquid ejection pump 416 is driven to eject liquid from the liquid application nozzle 410 toward the wiping web 402. Thereby, the liquid is applied to the wiping web 402 before being wound around the pressing roller 118, and the liquid absorbing force of the wiping web 402 before being wound around the pressing roller 118 is forcibly reduced. Then, the wet wiping web 110 to which the liquid has been applied in advance is obtained by winding the wiping web 402 on the take-up reel 116 while ejecting the liquid from the liquid application nozzle 410 toward the wiping web 402 in this manner. The nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y, and 30K of the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K are slidably contacted, and the nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y, and 30K are wiped and cleaned by the wet wiping web 110.

  In this way, the second wiping and cleaning is performed using the wiping web 402 that has been wetted by applying the liquid, that is, the wiping web 402 in which the liquid absorption capacity is forcibly reduced. Then, by performing the second wiping and cleaning using the wiping web 402 thus moistened, even if a wiping trace is generated at the time of the first wiping, this can be effectively removed. Can do. Further, by performing the second wiping and cleaning using the wiping web 402 thus wetted, it is possible to prevent ink from being pulled out from the nozzle holes by wiping.

  In each of the head cleaners 400C, 400M, 400Y, and 400K, when the other end portion of the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K passes through the pressing roller 118, the traveling of the wiping web 402 is stopped. At the same time, the driving of the liquid jet pump 416 is also stopped.

  On the other hand, the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K are sent to the maintenance position as they are.

  In the head cleaners 400C, 400M, 400Y, and 400K in which the wiping web 402 has stopped running, the pressing roller 118 is retracted to the retracted position, thereby completing the cleaning operation.

  Thereafter, the head cleaners 400C, 400M, 400Y, and 400K position unused areas for the next cleaning as necessary.

  As described above, also in the present embodiment, after wiping and cleaning the nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y, and 30K with the wiping web 402 having a high liquid absorption capacity, the wiping web 402 having a low liquid absorption capacity once. The nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y and 30K are wiped and cleaned. Thereby, the nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y, and 30K can be cleaned without causing wiping traces or unwiping residues. Moreover, the range of selection of the wiping web which can be used can also be expanded by wetting the wiping web 402 in this way and switching absorption power.

  In this example, liquid is applied to the wiping web 402 from the liquid application nozzle 410 provided in the main body frame 112 to wet the wiping web 402. It is not limited to. For example, the wiping web 402 may be wetted by causing the wiping web 402 to absorb the cleaning liquid applied to the nozzle surface 30 of the head 16 (particularly the cleaning liquid applied to the portion where the nozzle is not formed). In this case, the wiping web 402 is used after being rewound by a predetermined amount.

  In this example, the nozzle surface of the head is wiped in two steps. However, the liquid absorption force of the wiping web may be changed in a stepwise manner so as to be wiped in a plurality of times. .

  In this case as well, wiping at each stage may be performed a plurality of times. That is, in this embodiment, the nozzle surface of the head is wiped and cleaned at least once with a wiping web having a high liquid absorbency, and finally the nozzle surface of the head is wiped and cleaned with a wiping web having a low liquid absorbency. It only has to be.

[Fifth embodiment of head cleaner]
FIG. 19 is a side view of the fifth embodiment of the head cleaner.

  In the head cleaner 500 according to the present embodiment, the pressure roller 510 is provided with a suction mechanism, and is configured to suck a wiping web wound around the pressure roller 510.

  The head cleaner 500 according to the present embodiment switches the liquid absorption force of the wiping web by switching the wiping web suction force by the pressing roller 510.

  It is the same as the head cleaner 100 of the first embodiment described above except that the pressure roller is provided with a suction mechanism. Therefore, only the suction mechanism of the pressing roller 510 will be described here.

  20 is a front view of the pressing roller 510, and FIG. 21 is a sectional view thereof. 220 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 22-22 in FIG.

  As shown in the figure, the pressing roller 510 has a double tube structure including an inner tube 512 and an outer tube 514, and a plurality of suction holes 516 are formed on the peripheral surface thereof.

  The inner pipe 512 is formed of SUS or the like, and is formed in a cylindrical portion 512A, protruding from both ends of the barrel portion 512A, and is formed on the shaft portions 512B and 512C, and the shaft portion 512C on the base end side. It is comprised by the formed flange part 512D.

  The trunk portion 512A is formed with a predetermined outer diameter, and an opening portion 512E is formed at the apex portion in a certain angular range. The opening 512E is formed corresponding to the wrapping angle (wrap angle) of the wiping web 502 wound around the outer periphery of the pressing roller 510, and a packing 513F is attached around the opening 512E.

  The shaft portion 512B on the distal end side is formed in a columnar shape, and is formed to project a predetermined amount from the center of the end surface on the distal end side of the body portion 512A.

  The shaft portion 512C on the base end portion side is formed in a cylindrical shape, and is formed so as to protrude a predetermined amount from the center of the end surface on the base end portion side of the trunk portion 512A. The inner periphery of the shaft portion 512C is in communication with the inner periphery of the trunk portion 512A.

  The flange portion 512D is provided in the middle of the shaft portion 512C on the base end side, and is integrally formed with the shaft portion 512C so as to be orthogonal to the shaft portion 512C. The inner tube 512 has a shaft portion 512C on the base end side thereof inserted into a pressing roller mounting hole 112b formed in the wall surface portion 112B of the main body frame 112, and the flange portion 512D with a screw (not shown). By fixing to the part 112B, it is attached to the wall surface part 112B of the main body frame 112. The inner tube 512 attached in this manner is attached perpendicularly to the wall surface portion 112B of the main body frame 112.

  The outer tube 514 is formed of SUS or the like, and is formed on a cylindrical body portion 514A, shaft portions 514B and 514C that protrude from both ends of the body portion 514A, and the outer periphery of the body portion 514A. It is comprised with elastic coating | cover 514D.

  The trunk portion 514A is formed in a cylindrical shape, and the inner diameter thereof is formed to be substantially the same as the outer diameter of the trunk portion 512A of the inner tube 512. The body 514A of the outer tube 514 is fitted on the outer periphery of the body 512A of the inner tube 512, and is provided so as to be slidable in the circumferential direction.

  The shaft portions 514B and 514C at both ends are formed in a cylindrical shape, and are formed so as to project a predetermined amount from the center of the end surfaces on both sides of the body portion 514A. The shaft portion 512C is rotatably supported on the outer periphery of the shaft portions 512B and 512C of the inner tube 512 via bearings 518B and 518C. The outer tube 514 is rotatably supported on the outer periphery of the inner tube 512 via the bearings 518B and 518C.

  The elastic coating 514D is made of an elastic body such as polyurethane or olefin, and is formed with a certain thickness on the outer periphery of the trunk portion 514A. The wiping web 502 is pressed against the nozzle surface 30 of the head 16 through the elastic coating 514D. Thereby, the wiping web 502 can be appropriately pressed and brought into contact with the nozzle surface 30 of the head 16.

  A large number of suction holes 516 have a predetermined diameter (for example, a diameter of about 1 mm) and are formed on the peripheral surface of the outer tube 514 in a fixed arrangement pattern (in this example, staggered). The suction hole 516 is formed through the inside of the outer tube 514.

  As described above, the outer tube 514 is provided to be slidable in the circumferential direction on the outer periphery of the inner tube 512. On the other hand, the opening 512E is formed only at the top of the inner tube 512. Accordingly, each suction hole 516 formed in the outer tube 514 is communicated with the inside of the inner tube 512 only when it is positioned above the opening 512E formed in the inner tube 512.

  In the pressing roller 510 configured as described above, the wiping web 502 is wound around the outer periphery of the outer tube 514 at a predetermined wrap angle. The wiping web 502 wound around the outer periphery of the outer tube 514 is sucked by the pressure roller 510 by sucking air inside the inner tube 512 and making the inner tube 512 negative pressure. Then, by being sucked by the pressing roller 510, the wiping web 502 is enhanced in the liquid absorbing power at the portion wound around the pressing roller 510 (= the portion abutting on the nozzle surface of the head). Further, by adjusting the suction force by the pressing roller 510, the liquid absorption force at the portion wound around the pressing roller 510 can be adjusted.

  The air inside the inner tube 512 is sucked through the shaft portion 512C on the proximal end side of the inner tube 512. A shaft portion 512 </ b> C on the proximal end side of the inner tube 512 is provided so as to penetrate the wall surface portion 112 </ b> B of the main body frame 112, and a suction pipe 522 is connected to the tip thereof via a joint 520.

  As shown in FIG. 19, the suction pipe 522 is connected to a recovery tank 526 via a suction pump 524. By driving the suction pump 524, the inner pipe 512 sucks the air inside and makes the inside negative pressure.

  The system controller controls the absorption force of the wiping web 502 by the pressing roller 510 by controlling the driving of the suction pump 524.

[Head cleaning method]
Next, a head cleaning method using the head cleaner 500 of the present embodiment will be described.

  Also in this embodiment, the nozzle surface of the head is wiped in two steps. In the present embodiment, the first time (first cleaning step) is that the wiping web 502 is sucked and the wiping web 502 in a state having a high liquid absorbency (even if the nozzle surface is wiped off, no wiping residue is generated). In the second time (second cleaning step), the liquid is absorbed without weakening the suction force of the wiping web 502 or without sucking the wiping web 502. Wiping is performed with a wiping web 502 having a low force (a wiping web having a liquid absorbing power that is low enough not to draw ink from the nozzles even if the nozzle surface is wiped). Specifically, it is wiped as follows.

  First, a cleaning liquid is applied to the nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y, and 30K in order to dissolve the deposits derived from ink adhering to the nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y, and 30K of the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K.

  In applying the cleaning liquid, the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K are moved from the drawing position toward the maintenance position (or moved from the maintenance position to the drawing position), and each head is moved from the cleaning liquid application nozzles 80C, 80M, 80Y, and 80K. This is performed by spraying the cleaning liquid toward the nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y, and 30K of 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K.

  When the application of the cleaning liquid is completed, the first wiping and cleaning is performed. As described above, the first wiping is performed using a wiping web in a state of high absorption. That is, the cleaning is performed using the wiping web 502 that is sucked by the pressing roller 510 to increase the absorption power. Specifically, this is performed as follows.

  First, the unused area of the wiping web is positioned. That is, the wiping web 502 is positioned so that the unused area of the wiping web 502 is wound around the pressing roller 510. This process is performed based on the output of the used area detection sensor 122, and is performed by winding the wiping web 502 around the take-up reel 116 until the wet area is no longer detected by the used area detection sensor 122.

  When the positioning of the unused area is completed, the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K are sent toward the maintenance position, and the nozzle surfaces 30C and 30M of the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K that are sent toward the maintenance position. , 30Y, 30K is pressed against the wiping web 502, and the nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y, 30K of the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, 16K are wiped and cleaned. Specifically, this is performed as follows.

  First, the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K are sent toward the maintenance position. The heads 16 </ b> C, 16 </ b> M, 16 </ b> Y, and 16 </ b> K sent toward the maintenance position are temporarily stopped when one end (the end on the maintenance position side) reaches the installation position of the pressure roller 510. At this time, the pressing rollers 510 of the cleaners 500C, 500M, 500Y, and 500K are located at predetermined retracted positions.

  When the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K are stopped, the elevating cylinder 126 is driven, and the pressing roller 510 is moved to the pressing position. Thereby, the wiping web 502 wound around the pressing roller 510 is pressed against the nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y, and 30K of the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K.

  When the wiping web 502 wound around the pressure roller 510 is pressed against the nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y, and 30K of the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K, the suction pump 524 is driven, and the inside of the pressure roller 510 Air is sucked with a predetermined suction force. As a result, the inside of the pressure roller 510 is made negative pressure, and is pressed against the wiping web (= nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y, 30K of the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, 16K) wound around the pressure roller 510. The wiping web 502 is sucked with a predetermined suction force.

  Thereafter, the take-up motor 120 is driven, the wiping web 502 is taken up on the take-up reel 116 at a constant speed, and the head feed motor 60 is driven so that the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, 16K are maintained. It is sent at a constant speed toward the position. As a result, the wiping web 502 is slid along the nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y, and 30K of the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K, and the wiping web 502 that the nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y, and 30K travel is wiped and cleaned. Is done.

  At this time, the wiping web 502 travels in the direction opposite to the moving direction of the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K. Thereby, a relative speed difference can be enlarged and the cleaning effect can be enhanced.

  The heads 16 </ b> C, 16 </ b> M, 16 </ b> Y, and 16 </ b> K sent toward the maintenance position are stopped when the other end (the drawing position end) reaches the installation position of the pressing roller 510. Then, in synchronization with the feed stop of the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K, the traveling of the wiping web 502 and the suction of air are stopped.

  Thus, the first wiping and cleaning is completed. As described above, since the first wiping and cleaning is performed while the wiping web 502 is sucked, the nozzle surfaces 30 </ b> C, 30 </ b> M, 30 </ b> Y, and 30 </ b> K can be wiped with the wiping web 502 having a high absorbability. Thereby, the nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y, and 30K can be wiped and cleaned without generating wiping residue.

  When the first wiping and cleaning are completed, the elevating cylinder 126 is driven, and the pressing roller 510 moves to the retracted position. Further, the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K are returned toward the drawing position. The heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K returned to the drawing position are stopped when their one end is located at the installation position of the pressing roller 510. Thereafter, the second wiping and cleaning is performed.

  First, the elevating cylinder 126 is driven, and the pressing roller 510 moves to the pressing position. Thereby, the wiping web 502 wound around the pressing roller 510 is pressed against the nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y, and 30K of the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K.

  When the wiping web 502 wound around the pressing roller 510 is pressed against the nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y, 30K of the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, 16K, the winding motor 120 is driven, and the wiping web 502 is driven. Is wound around the take-up reel 116 at a constant speed. As a result, the wiping web (= the wiping web pressed against the nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y, and 30K of the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K) 502 is wound on the take-up reel 116. And run.

  Further, in synchronism with the driving of the winding motor 120, the head feed motor 60 is driven, and the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K are fed toward the maintenance position at a constant speed. As a result, the wiping web 502 is slid along the nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y, and 30K of the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K, and the wiping web 502 that the nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y, and 30K travel is wiped and cleaned. Is done.

  Further, unlike the first wiping and cleaning, the wiping web 502 is not sucked and slidably contacted with the nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y and 30K of the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y and 16K. The Thereby, the nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y, and 30K of the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K can be wiped using the wiping web 502 in a state where the suction force is low.

  The heads 16 </ b> C, 16 </ b> M, 16 </ b> Y, and 16 </ b> K sent toward the maintenance position are stopped when the other end reaches the installation position of the pressure roller 510. And the driving | running | working of the wiping web 502 is stopped synchronizing with the feed stop of this head 16C, 16M, 16Y, 16K.

  Thus, the second wiping and cleaning is completed. As described above, since the second wiping and cleaning is performed without sucking the wiping web 502, the nozzle surfaces 30 </ b> C, 30 </ b> M, 30 </ b> Y, and 30 </ b> K can be wiped with the wiping web 502 having a low absorbency. . Accordingly, the nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y, and 30K of the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K can be wiped and cleaned without drawing ink from the nozzles (without generating wiping traces). Moreover, when the wiping trace has arisen at the time of the 1st wiping cleaning, this can be wiped off effectively.

  When the second wiping cleaning is completed, the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K are sent to the maintenance position as they are.

  On the other hand, in each of the head cleaners 500C, 500M, 500Y, and 500K, the elevating cylinder 126 is driven, and the pressing roller 510 is set to the retracted position. Thereafter, each of the head cleaners 500C, 500M, 500Y, and 500K positions an unused area for the next cleaning as necessary.

  The cleaning of the nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y, and 30K of the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K is completed through the above steps.

  As described above, also in the present embodiment, the liquid absorption force of the wiping web 502 for wiping and cleaning the nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y, and 30K of the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K is switched and divided into two times. The nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y and 30K of the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y and 16K are wiped and cleaned. That is, in the first time, the wiping web 502 is sucked, and the nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y, and 30K of the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K are wiped and cleaned with the wiping web 502 having a high absorbency. The nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y, and 30K of the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K are wiped and cleaned with the wiping web 502 having a low absorbency without sucking the wiping web 502. Thereby, the nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y, and 30K can be cleaned without causing wiping traces or unwiping residues.

  In addition, by switching the absorption force of the wiping web 502 by suction in this way, the range of selection of usable wiping webs can be expanded.

  In this example, the nozzle surface of the head is wiped in two steps. However, the liquid absorption force of the wiping web may be wiped in a plurality of times by switching in stages. . In this case, the suction force of the wiping web 502 by the pressing roller 520 is switched stepwise, and the liquid absorption force of the wiping web is switched stepwise.

  In this case as well, wiping at each stage may be performed a plurality of times. That is, in the present embodiment, the nozzle surface of the head is wiped and cleaned at least once with a wiping web having a high liquid absorbency, and finally the nozzle surface of the head is wiped and cleaned with a wiping web having a low liquid absorbency. .

  In this embodiment, since the liquid absorption force is adjusted by controlling the suction force from the pressing hole, it is desirable that the absorption capacity of the wiping web itself to be used is low (if the absorption capacity is high, the second wiping is performed). (To sometimes generate wiping traces).

[Other embodiments]
Although the used area detection sensor 122 is provided in each of the head cleaners of the present embodiment, the used area detection sensor 122 is not necessarily installed, and controls the amount of winding and unwinding of the wiping web. Thus, the required position may be determined. In addition, by installing the used area detection sensor 122, it is possible to accurately position and to detect the presence or absence of the wiping web.

  In this example, since the ink-derived deposits are dissolved, the nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y, and 30K are wetted by applying a cleaning liquid to the nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y, and 30K in advance. The method of wetting the nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y, and 30K is not limited to this. For example, ink can be used for the wet liquid. In this case, ink is oozed out from the nozzles formed on the nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y, and 30K, and the nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y, and 30K are wetted. In this case, the nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y, and 30K are sealed with a cap, the inside of the cap is decompressed, ink is sucked into the nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y, and 30K, and the ink oozes out from the nozzles. Let Alternatively, pressure is applied to the flow path from the ink tank to the head to cause ink to ooze out from the nozzle surface.

  In the series of embodiments described above, the case of wiping and cleaning the nozzle surface of the line head has been described as an example, but the application of the present invention is not limited to this. The present invention can also be applied to the case of wiping and cleaning the nozzle surface of a so-called shuttle scan type head.

  In the above series of embodiments, the head side is moved and the nozzle surface of the head is wiped and cleaned. However, the head cleaning device side is moved and the head nozzle surface is wiped and cleaned. May be.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Drawing part, 12 ... Paper (recording medium), 14 ... Drawing drum, 16 (16C, 16M, 16Y, 16K) ... Line head, 18 ... Rotating shaft, 20 ... Body frame, 22 ... Bearing, 24 ... Gripper, 26 ... Conveying drum, 28 ... Conveying drum, 30 (30C, 30M, 30Y, 30K) ... Nozzle surface, 32 (32C, 32M, 32Y, 32K) ... Nozzle row, 34 ... Nozzle, 40 ... Head support frame, 42L, 42R ... Side plate, 44 ... Connection frame, 46C, 46M, 46Y, 46K ... Mounting portion, 48C, 48M, 48Y, 48K ... Mounted portion, 50 ... Guide rail, 52 ... Slider, 54 ... Threaded rod, 56 ... Nut , 58 ... bearing, 60 ... head feed motor, 62 ... moisturizing unit, 70 ... head cleaning device, 80 (80C, 80M, 80Y, 8 K) ... Cleaning liquid application nozzle, 82 (82C, 82M, 82Y, 82K) ... Cleaning liquid supply pipe, 84 ... Cleaning liquid tank, 86 (86C, 86M, 86Y, 86K) ... Cleaning liquid injection pump, 100 (100C, 100M, 100Y, 100K) ... head cleaner, 110 ... wiping web, 110A, 110B ... core, 110L ... first wiping web, 110R ... second wiping web, 110M ... first wiping web, 110N ... second wiping web, 112 ... Main body frame, 112A ... bottom surface portion, 112B ... wall surface portion, 114 ... feeding reel, 114A ... shaft portion, 116 ... winding reel, 116A ... shaft portion, 118 ... pressing roller, 120 ... winding motor, 122 ... used region Detection sensor, 123L ... first wiping web travel drive unit, 123R ... second wiping web travel drive Knit, 123M: Front wiping web travel drive unit, 123N: Rear wiping web travel drive unit, 126 ... Lifting cylinder, 130 ... Bearing, 132 ... Bearing, 134 ... Feeding guide roller, 134A ... Shaft, 136 ... Bearing DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 138 ... Winding guide roller, 138A ... Shaft part, 140 ... Bearing, 150 ... Winding drive gear, 152 ... Winding driven gear, 154 ... Winding idle gear, 154A ... Shaft part, 156 ... Bearing, 200 (200C) , 200M, 200Y, 200K) ... head cleaner, 202 ... slide stage, 204 ... elevating stage, 206 ... guide rail, 208 ... slider, 210 ... slide drive motor, 212 ... pinion, 214 ... rack, 300 (300C, 300M, (300Y, 300K) ... head cleaner, 302M ... up / down for the previous stage Linda, 302N: Elevating cylinder at the rear stage, 400 (400C, 400M, 400Y, 400K) ... Head cleaner, 402 ... Wiping web, 410 ... Liquid application nozzle, 412 ... Liquid supply pipe, 414 ... Liquid tank, 416 ... Liquid injection Pump, 500 (500C, 500M, 500Y, 500K) ... head cleaner, 502 ... wiping web, 510 ... pressing roller, 512 ... inner tube, 512A ... body, 512B ... shaft, 512C ... shaft, 512D ... flange 512E: Opening, 514 ... Outer tube, 514A ... Body, 514B ... Shaft, 514C ... Shaft, 514D ... Elastic coating, 516 ... Suction hole, 520 ... Joint, 522 ... Suction pipe, 524 ... Suction pump

Claims (12)

In the head cleaning method of wiping and cleaning the nozzle surface of the head with the wiping member by pressing the wiping member against the nozzle surface of the head and sliding along the nozzle surface of the head,
A first cleaning step of wiping and cleaning the nozzle surface of the head with a wiping member having a first liquid absorption capacity;
A second cleaning step of wiping and cleaning the nozzle surface of the head with a wiping member having a second liquid absorption power lower than the first liquid absorption power after the first cleaning step;
A head cleaning method comprising: The first liquid absorption power is set to a high liquid absorption power to such an extent that no wiping remains even if the nozzle surface of the head is wiped.
2. The head cleaning method according to claim 1, wherein the second liquid absorbency is set to a low liquid absorbency that does not draw ink from the nozzles even if the nozzle surface of the head is wiped. 3.   Aligning the wiping member having the first liquid absorption force and the wiping member having the second liquid absorption force, switching the wiping member to be used, and performing the first cleaning step and the second cleaning step. The head cleaning method according to claim 1, wherein the head cleaning method is a head cleaning method.   By using a wiping member whose liquid absorption force is switched between the first liquid absorption force and the second liquid absorption force by changing the direction with respect to the sliding direction, the direction of the wiping member is switched, and the first The head cleaning method according to claim 1, wherein a cleaning process and the second cleaning process are performed.   By forming the wiping member in a strip shape and running along the longitudinal direction, the nozzle of the head is slid along the nozzle surface of the head while changing the sliding contact position with respect to the nozzle surface of the head. The head cleaning method according to claim 3, wherein the surface is wiped and cleaned by the wiping member.   6. The nozzle surface of the head is wiped and cleaned with the wiping member by sliding the wiping member along the nozzle surface of the head while traveling in the direction opposite to the sliding direction. 2. A head cleaning method according to 1. In the head cleaning device for cleaning the nozzle surface of the head,
A plurality of wiping members having different liquid absorption capabilities;
A pressing means for pressing and contacting the wiping member to the nozzle surface of the head;
Switching means for switching the wiping member to be pressed against the nozzle surface of the head by the pressing means;
The wiping member pressed against the nozzle surface of the head and the head relatively move so that the wiping member pressed against the nozzle surface of the head slides along the nozzle surface of the head. Moving means to cause
And a wiping member having a high liquid absorbency is switched to a wiping member having a low liquid absorbency, and the nozzle surface of the head is wiped and cleaned multiple times.   A wiping member having a high liquid absorption force that does not generate wiping residue even if the nozzle surface of the head is wiped, and a wiping member having a low liquid absorption force that does not draw ink from the nozzle even if the nozzle surface of the head is wiped. 8. The nozzle surface of the head is wiped and cleaned with the wiping member with low liquid absorption power after wiping and cleaning the nozzle surface of the head with the wiping member with high liquid absorption power. Head cleaning device.   The wiping member is formed in a belt shape, and has a wiping member travel drive unit that travels the wiping member along the longitudinal direction, and presses the nozzle surface of the head while the wiping member travels by the wiping member travel drive unit. The head cleaning device according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the head cleaning device is brought into contact with the head cleaning device. In the head cleaning device for cleaning the nozzle surface of the head,
A wiping member whose liquid absorbing power is switched by changing the direction with respect to the sliding direction;
Switching means for changing the direction of the wiping member;
A pressing means for pressing and contacting the wiping member to the nozzle surface of the head;
The wiping member pressed against the nozzle surface of the head and the head relatively move so that the wiping member pressed against the nozzle surface of the head slides along the nozzle surface of the head. Moving means to cause
And switching the direction of the wiping member to switch the liquid absorption capacity of the wiping member from a high state to a low state, and wiping and cleaning the nozzle surface of the head a plurality of times.   When the wiping member is set in the first direction, the wiping member is set to a high liquid absorption capacity that does not cause wiping even if the nozzle surface of the head is wiped. When the wiping member is set in the second direction, the nozzle surface of the head is The head cleaning device according to claim 10, wherein the head cleaning device is set to have a low liquid absorption force that does not draw ink from the nozzles even if wiped off.   The wiping member is formed in a belt shape, and has a wiping member travel drive unit that travels the wiping member along the longitudinal direction, and presses the nozzle surface of the head while the wiping member travels by the wiping member travel drive unit. The head cleaning device according to claim 10, wherein the head cleaning device is brought into contact with the head cleaning device.

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