JP2010234668A - 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: In the case of wiping and cleaning the nozzle surface 30 of the head 16 by sliding a wiping web 110 along the nozzle surface 30 of the head 16, during a first wiping step, the nozzle surface 30 is wiped while sucking air from the rear side of the wiping web 110, and during a second wiping step, the nozzle surface 30 is wiped without sucking the air. Accordingly, during the first wiping step, the nozzle surface 30 is wiped by the wiping web 110 in a state of high absorption power, then, and the droplet is prevented from being left unwiped. During the second wiping step, the nozzle surface 30 is wiped by the wiping web 110 in a state of low absorption power, and the droplet is prevented from being left 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 a wiping member.

JP 2006-205712 A

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

  On the other hand, if the wiping member to be used has a low absorption capacity, the liquid droplets on the nozzle surface cannot be absorbed and large droplets remain on the nozzle surface (this phenomenon is referred to as “wiping” in this specification). "Leave".)

  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 a wiping member having an optimum absorption capacity, but there is a problem that the selection of the wiping member is limited. Moreover, depending on the nozzle hole diameter and the condition of the liquid-repellent film resistance of the nozzle surface, there may be no wiping member that satisfies the required performance.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and can expand the range of selection of usable wiping members, and can clean the nozzle surface without causing wiping traces or wiping residues. It is an object of the present invention to provide a 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 with a pressing member having a suction hole formed in the pressing portion, and the pressing member is moved to the nozzle surface of the head. Is a head cleaning method in which the nozzle surface of the head is wiped and cleaned by the wiping member, while the wiping member is sucked from the suction hole with a first suction force, A first cleaning step of wiping and cleaning the nozzle surface with the wiping member, and while sucking the wiping member with a second suction force set weaker than the first suction force from the suction hole, or And a second cleaning step of wiping and cleaning the nozzle surface of the head with the wiping member without sucking the wiping member from the suction hole.

  In the present invention, first, the nozzle surface of the head is wiped and cleaned by sliding the wiping member along the nozzle surface of the head while suctioning with the first suction force (first cleaning step). Thus, by sucking the wiping member with the first suction force, it is possible to increase the absorption power of the wiping member and prevent unwiping. On the other hand, when the nozzle surface is wiped with the wiping member having such a high absorbency, the ink is drawn out from the nozzle, and there is a possibility that a wiping trace may be generated. Therefore, in the present invention, after the first cleaning step, the wiping member is moved to the nozzle surface of the head while sucking with or without sucking with the second suction force set to be weaker than the first suction force. The nozzle surface of the head is wiped and cleaned with a wiping member (second cleaning step). As described above, the wiping member is slid along the nozzle surface of the head while sucking with or without sucking with the second suction force set to be weaker than the first suction force. By wiping and cleaning the surface with a wiping member, it is possible to remove the wiping traces generated during the first cleaning process while preventing the ink from being pulled out from the nozzles, and without causing wiping traces or unwiped residues. Can be cleaned. Further, by switching the suction force from the suction hole and switching the absorption force of the wiping member in this way, the conditions of the usable wiping member can be relaxed, and the range of selection of the wiping member to be used can be expanded. . In this way, in the present invention, since the absorption power of the wiping member is switched by the suction force from the suction hole, it is preferable to use a wiping member having a low absorption power.

  In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 2 is characterized in that the wiping member is formed in a band shape and travels along the longitudinal direction, thereby changing the sliding contact location with respect to the nozzle surface of the head. The head cleaning method according to claim 1, 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 formed in a belt shape is slid along the nozzle surface of the head while running along the longitudinal direction, and the nozzle surface of the head is wiped and cleaned with the wiping member. Thereby, a nozzle surface can be wiped and cleaned always using a clean part, and the cleaning effect can be improved.

  According to a third 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 2, wherein the wiping member is wiped and cleaned.

  In the present invention, the nozzle surface of the head is wiped and cleaned by the wiping member by sliding the wiping member formed in a belt shape along the nozzle surface of the head while traveling in the direction opposite to the sliding direction. Thereby, the relative speed difference between the head and the wiping member can be increased, and the cleaning effect can be further enhanced.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in order to achieve the above object, the pressing member is constituted by a hollow roller having a suction hole formed in the peripheral surface, and the negative pressure is applied to the peripheral surface. 4. The head cleaning method according to claim 2, wherein the wound wiping member is sucked from the suction hole.

  In the present invention, a wiping member is wound around a roller having suction holes formed on the peripheral surface thereof, and the wiping member is pressed against the nozzle surface of the head. Moreover, the inside of a roller is made into a negative pressure, and the wound wiping member (wiping member press-contacted to a nozzle surface) is attracted | sucked. Accordingly, the wiping member formed in a belt shape can be appropriately pressed and brought into contact with the nozzle surface of the head, and the wiping member that is pressed and brought into contact with the nozzle surface can be sucked.

  The invention according to claim 5 is a wiping member and a pressing member that presses and contacts the wiping member against the nozzle surface of the head in a head cleaning device for cleaning the nozzle surface of the head in order to achieve the object. A pressing member in which a suction hole is formed in the pressing portion, a moving means for relatively moving the pressing member and the head, and sliding the wiping member along the nozzle surface of the head, A suction means for sucking the wiping member through a suction hole formed in the pressing member; and a control means for controlling the driving of the moving means and the suction means to clean the nozzle surface of the head. And the control means is configured to slide the nozzle surface of the head with the wiping member by sliding the wiping member along the nozzle surface of the head while sucking the wiping member with a first suction force. cleaning And, after the first cleaning process, while sucking the wiping member with a second suction force weaker than the first suction force, or without sucking the wiping member, the nozzle surface of the head And a second cleaning process for wiping and cleaning the nozzle surface of the head with the wiping member to perform a cleaning process for the nozzle surface of the head. I will provide a.

  In the present invention, the nozzle surface of the head is wiped and cleaned with the wiping member by sliding along the nozzle surface of the head while being sucked with the first suction force of the wiping member (first cleaning process). Thereafter, the head is slid along the nozzle surface of the head while sucking the wiping member with the second suction force set to be weaker than the first suction force or without sucking the wiping member. The nozzle surface is wiped and cleaned with a wiping member (second cleaning process). Thus, by switching the absorption force of the wiping member and wiping and cleaning the nozzle surface of the head with the wiping member, the nozzle surface can be cleaned without causing wiping traces or wiping residues. Further, by switching the suction force from the suction hole and switching the absorption force of the wiping member in this way, the conditions of the usable wiping member can be relaxed, and the range of selection of the wiping member to be used can be expanded. .

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in order to achieve the above object, the wiping member is formed in a band shape, and the wiping member travels along the sliding direction by winding the wiping member from one reel to the other reel. The head cleaning device according to claim 5, further comprising a wiping member traveling drive unit.

  In the present invention, the wiping member is formed in a band shape and is slid on the nozzle surface of the head while traveling along the sliding direction. Thereby, the cleaning effect can be improved.

  The invention according to claim 7 is characterized in that, in order to achieve the object, the wiping member travel drive means causes the wiping member to travel in a direction opposite to the sliding direction. Providing the device.

  In the present invention, the wiping member formed in a belt shape is slidably contacted with the nozzle surface of the head while traveling in the direction opposite to the sliding direction. Thereby, the relative speed difference between the head and the wiping member can be increased, and the cleaning effect can be further enhanced.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in order to achieve the above object, the pressing member is constituted by a hollow roller having a suction hole formed on a peripheral surface, and the wiping member is wound around the peripheral surface of the roller. 8 or 7, wherein the suction means sucks the wiping member from the suction hole by applying a negative pressure to the inside of the roller. The head cleaning device described in 1. is provided.

  In the present invention, a wiping member is wound around a roller having suction holes formed on the peripheral surface thereof, and the wiping member is pressed against the nozzle surface of the head. Moreover, the inside of a roller is made into a negative pressure, and the wiping member wound around the surrounding surface is attracted | sucked. Accordingly, the wiping member formed in a belt shape can be appropriately pressed and brought into contact with the nozzle surface of the head, and the wiping member that is pressed and brought into contact with the nozzle surface can be sucked.

  The invention according to claim 9 provides the head cleaning device according to claim 8, wherein the roller is formed of an elastic body in order to achieve the object.

  In the present invention, the roller is formed of an elastic body. Thereby, the wiping member can be appropriately pressed and brought into contact with the nozzle surface of the head.

  According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in order to achieve the above object, the wiping member is pressed against the nozzle surface of the head by a pressing member having a suction hole formed in the pressing portion, and the pressing member is moved to the nozzle surface of the head. Is a head cleaning method in which the nozzle surface of the head is wiped and cleaned by the wiping member, and is set to a suction force that does not cause wiping traces and wiping residue on the nozzle surface after wiping. The nozzle surface of the head is wiped and cleaned by the wiping member by sliding the pressing member along the nozzle surface of the head while sucking the wiping member from the suction hole. Provide a cleaning method.

  In the present invention, the wiping member is pressed against the nozzle surface of the head, and the wiping member is slid along the nozzle surface of the head while sucking the wiping member from the suction hole, thereby wiping the nozzle surface of the head. Wipe clean with. At this time, the wiping member is sucked from the suction hole by setting the suction force so that no wiping traces or wiping residue remains on the nozzle surface after wiping. Thereby, a nozzle surface can be cleaned without generating a wiping trace and wiping residue by one wiping. Thereby, the conditions of the wiping member which can be used can be eased, and the range of selection of the wiping member to be used can be expanded.

  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 Rear view of head cleaner Side view of head cleaner Front view of pressing roller Front sectional view of the pressure roller 10-10 sectional view of FIG. Explanatory diagram of head cleaner lifting and lowering Process diagram of head cleaning method using head cleaning device Front view of another embodiment of the head cleaner

  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 band shape on the 16K nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y, and 30K is pressed and brought into contact with the pressing roller 200. 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 rear view of the head cleaner, and FIG. 7 is a side view of the head cleaner.

  As shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, the head cleaner 100 wraps the wiping web 110 formed in a belt shape around the pressing roller 200, and the wiping web 110 wound around the pressing roller 200 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. A pressure roller 200, a take-up reel 116 that rotates and winds the wiping web 110 around the take-up reel 116; a used area detection sensor 124 that detects a used area of the wiping web 110; The main body frame 112 is composed of an elevating cylinder 126 that moves the main frame 112 back and forth vertically with respect to the nozzle surface 30 of the head 16.

  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 200 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 200. The pressing roller 200 is provided perpendicular to the wall surface portion 112 </ b> B of the main body frame 112.

  FIG. 8 is a front view of the pressing roller 200, and FIG. 9 is a sectional view thereof. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 10-10 in FIG.

  As shown in the figure, the pressing roller 200 has a double tube structure including an inner tube 202 and an outer tube 204, and a plurality of suction holes 206 are formed on the peripheral surface thereof.

  The inner tube 202 is formed of SUS or the like, and is formed into a cylindrical body 202A, and protrudes from both ends of the body 202A, and is formed on the shafts 202B and 202C, and the shaft 202C on the base end side. It is comprised with the formed flange part 202D.

  The trunk portion 202A is formed with a predetermined outer diameter, and an opening 202E is formed at the top of the trunk portion 202A in a certain angular range. The opening 202E is formed to correspond to the winding angle (wrap angle) of the wiping web 110 wound around the outer periphery of the pressing roller 200, and a packing 203F is attached around the opening 202E.

  The shaft portion 202B on the distal end side is formed in a columnar shape, and is formed so as to project a predetermined amount from the center of the end surface on the distal end side of the body portion 202A.

  The shaft portion 202C 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 202A. The inner periphery of the shaft portion 202C is communicated with the inner periphery of the trunk portion 202A.

  The flange portion 202D is provided in the middle of the shaft portion 202C on the base end side, and is integrally formed with the shaft portion 202C so as to be orthogonal to the shaft portion 202C. The inner tube 202 is inserted into the pressing roller mounting hole 112b formed in the wall surface portion 112B of the main body frame 112 through the shaft portion 202C on the base end side, and the flange portion 202D is screwed to the wall surface of the main body frame 112 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 202 attached in this way is attached vertically to the wall surface portion 112B of the main body frame 112.

  The outer tube 204 is formed of SUS or the like, and is coated on the outer periphery of the barrel portion 204A formed in a cylindrical shape, shaft portions 204B and 204C that protrude from both ends of the barrel portion 204A, and the barrel portion 204A. It is comprised with elastic coating 204D.

  The trunk portion 204 </ b> A 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 202 </ b> A of the inner tube 202. The barrel portion 204A of the outer tube 204 is fitted on the outer periphery of the barrel portion 202A of the inner tube 202, and is provided so as to be slidable in the circumferential direction.

  The shaft portions 204B and 204C at both ends are formed in a cylindrical shape, and are formed so as to protrude by a predetermined amount from the centers of the end surfaces on both sides of the body portion 204A. The shaft portion 202C is rotatably supported on the outer periphery of the shaft portions 202B and 202C of the inner tube 202 via bearings 208B and 208C. The outer tube 204 is rotatably supported on the outer periphery of the inner tube 202 via the bearings 208B and 208C.

  The elastic coating 204D 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 204A. The wiping web 110 is pressed against the nozzle surface 30 of the head 16 through the elastic coating 204D. Thereby, the wiping web 110 can be appropriately pressed and brought into contact with the nozzle surface 30 of the head 16.

  The suction holes 206 have a predetermined diameter (for example, a diameter of about 1 mm) and are formed in a constant arrangement pattern (in this example, a staggered pattern) on the peripheral surface of the outer tube 204. The suction hole 206 is formed through the inside of the outer tube 204.

  As described above, the outer tube 204 is provided to be slidable in the circumferential direction on the outer peripheral portion of the inner tube 202. On the other hand, the inner tube 202 has an opening 202E only at the top. Accordingly, each suction hole 206 formed in the outer tube 204 is communicated with the inside of the inner tube 202 only when it is positioned above the opening 202E formed in the inner tube 202.

  In the pressing roller 200 configured as described above, the wiping web 110 is wound around the outer periphery of the outer tube 204 at a predetermined wrap angle. The wiping web 110 wound around the outer periphery of the outer tube 204 sucks the air inside the inner tube 202 and creates a negative pressure inside the inner tube 202, thereby winding the portion around the pressure roller 200 ( The winding part) is sucked. Then, by sucking the winding portion (= pressing portion) in this way, the wiping web 110 has an increased liquid absorbing power in the winding portion. Further, by adjusting the suction force of the air and adjusting the pressure inside the pressing roller 200, the liquid absorption force in the winding portion can be adjusted.

  The air inside the inner tube 202 is sucked through the shaft portion 202C on the proximal end side of the inner tube 202. A shaft portion 202 </ b> C on the proximal end side of the inner tube 202 is provided so as to penetrate the wall surface portion 112 </ b> B of the main body frame 112, and a suction pipe 212 is connected to a distal end thereof via a joint 210.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the suction pipe 212 is connected to the recovery tank 216 via a suction pump 214. By driving the suction pump 214, the inner pipe 202 sucks the air inside and makes the inside negative pressure.

  The system controller controls the absorption force of the wiping web 110 by controlling the internal pressure (= suction force) of the pressure roller 200 by controlling the driving of the suction pump 214.

  The wiping web 110 fed out from the feeding reel 114 is wound around the pressing roller 200 via a feeding guide roller 134 disposed between the feeding reel 114 and the pressing roller 200. 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.

  Further, the wiping web 110 wound around the pressing roller 200 is wound around the winding reel 116 via a winding guide roller 138 disposed between the pressing roller 200 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 122 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 take-up motor 122 output shaft 122A 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 122 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 124 is disposed between the pressing roller 200 and the winding guide roller 138, and detects a used area of the wiping web 110 traveling 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 124 is configured by, for example, a photosensor having 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 124 to perform used area detection processing.

  The elevating cylinder 126 is fixed to a head cleaning device main body (not shown), and the main body frame 112 is fixed to the tip of the rod 126A. The main body frame 112 moves vertically with respect to the nozzle surface 30 of the corresponding head 16 by driving the elevating cylinder 126. Then, as the main body frame 112 moves back and forth vertically with respect to the nozzle surface 30, as shown in FIG. 11, the pressing roller 200 moves between a predetermined “pressing position” and a “retracted position”. To do.

  The wiping web 110 wound around the pressing roller 200 is pressed against the nozzle surface 30 of the corresponding head 16 when the pressing roller 200 is positioned at the pressing position. Then, when it is located at the retreat position, 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.

  The wiping web 110 is formed of a woven or knitted structure of ultra-fine fibers having a diameter of about 2 microns, such as polyester, acrylic, nylon, etc., and has a predetermined width (corresponding to the nozzle surface of the head to be wiped). Formed in a band shape.

  The wiping web 110 has winding cores 110A and 110B attached to both ends, and is provided in a state of being wound in a roll on one winding core (core on the feeding side) 110A. And it mounts | wears with the head cleaner 100 as follows.

  First, the winding core 110 </ b> A is mounted on the feeding reel 114. Then, while feeding the wiping web 110 mounted on the feeding reel 114 little by little, the feeding guide roller 134, the pressing roller 200, and the winding guide roller 138 are wound in this order, and the leading core (winding side core) 110B is wound. Mounted on the take-up 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 mounted is taken up from the supply reel 114 to the take-up reel 116 by rotating the take-up motor 122. Thereby, the wiping web 110 wound around the pressing roller 200 travels.

  The wiping web 110 wound around the pressing roller 200 travels in parallel with the moving direction of the head 16, and travels in the opposite direction when the head 16 moves from the drawing position to the maintenance position. Further, when the head 16 moves from the maintenance position to the drawing position, the head 16 travels in the same direction.

  The system controller cleans the nozzle surface 30 of the head 16 by controlling the driving of the rewind motor 120, the take-up motor 122, the lift 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 wiping web 110 is sucked by the pressing roller 200 at the first time and wiped by the wiping web 110 having a high absorbency, and the second time the suction force for sucking the wiping web 110 is weakened or wiped. The web 110 is wiped with the wiping web 110 having a low absorbency without sucking the web 110.

  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 wiping web 110 having a high absorbency for the first time, and unwiping is prevented. Then, the wiping trace generated at the first wiping is removed by the second wiping by the wiping web 110 in a state of low absorbency, 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 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 and cleaning is performed.

  As described above, the first wiping is performed using a wiping web in a state of high absorption. That is, it is performed using the wiping web 110 in a state where the absorption power is increased by sucking the air inside the pressure roller 200 and making the pressure roller 200 a negative pressure. 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 200. This process is performed based on the output of the used area detection sensor 124, 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 124. It should be noted that this processing is not required when the unused area has already been located.

  When the positioning of the unused area is completed, the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K are sent toward the maintenance position. As shown in FIG. 12A, the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K sent toward the maintenance position have one end portion (end portion on the maintenance position side) where the pressure roller 200 is installed. When it reaches, it stops. At this time, the pressing rollers 200 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 200 is moved to the pressing position. As a result, the wiping web 110 wound around the pressure roller 200 is pressed against the nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y, and 30K of the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K (FIG. 12B (FIG. 11A )reference)).

  When the wiping web 110 wound around the pressing roller 200 is pressed against the nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y, and 30K of the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K, the suction pump 214 is driven, and the inside of the pressing roller 200 The air is sucked, and the inside of the pressing roller 200 is set to a negative pressure. As a result, the wiping web wound around the pressing roller 200 (= the wiping web pressed against the nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y, and 30K of the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K) is sucked with a predetermined suction force. The

  Thereafter, the winding motor 122 is driven, the wiping web 110 is wound around the winding 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, as shown in FIG. 12C, the wiping web 110 is slidably contacted along the nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y, 30K of the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, 16K, and the nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y, Wiping and cleaning are performed by the wiping web 110 traveling 30K.

  At this time, the wiping web 110 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.

  As shown in FIG. 12D, 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 200. When it reaches, the feed is stopped. And the driving | running | working of the wiping web 110 and the attraction | suction of air are 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 performed while sucking the wiping web 110, the nozzle surfaces 30 </ b> C, 30 </ b> M, 30 </ b> Y, and 30 </ b> K can be wiped with the wiping web 110 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 is completed, the lifting / lowering cylinder 126 is driven, and the pressing roller 200 moves to the retracted position. Further, the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K are returned toward the drawing position. As shown in FIG. 12E, 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 pressure roller 200. The Then, when the feeding of the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K is stopped, the second wiping cleaning is started.

  First, the elevating cylinder 126 is driven, and the pressing roller 200 moves to the pressing position. Thereby, the wiping web 110 wound around the pressure roller 200 is pressed against the nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y, and 30K of the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K.

  When the wiping web 110 wound around the pressing roller 200 is pressed against the nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y, and 30K of the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K, the winding motor 122 is driven and the wiping web 110 is driven. Is wound around the take-up reel 116 at a constant speed. As a result, the wiping web 110 (= the wiping web pressed against the nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y, and 30K of the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K) 110 is wound on the take-up reel 116. And run.

  Further, the head feed motor 60 is driven in synchronism with the drive of the winding motor 122, and the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K are fed toward the maintenance position at a constant speed. As a result, as shown in FIG. 12 (f), the wiping web 110 is slid along the nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y, 30K of the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, 16K, and the nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y, Wiping and cleaning are performed by the wiping web 110 traveling 30K.

  At this time, the wiping web 110 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.

  Further, unlike the first wiping cleaning, the second wiping cleaning is performed without sucking the wiping web 110. Thereby, the nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y, and 30K of the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K can be wiped using the wiping web 110 having a low suction force.

  The heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K sent toward the maintenance position are stopped when the other end reaches the installation position of the pressing roller 200 (see FIG. 12D). 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, since the second wiping cleaning is performed without sucking the wiping web 110, the nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y, and 30K can be wiped with the wiping web 110 in a state of low absorption. . 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 100C, 100M, 100Y, and 100K, the elevating cylinder 126 is driven, and the pressing roller 200 is set to the retracted position. Thereafter, each of the head cleaners 100C, 100M, 100Y, and 100K 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, in the head cleaning device 70 according to the present embodiment, the absorption force 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 to The nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y, and 30K of the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K are wiped and cleaned separately. That is, in the first time, the wiping web 110 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 110 in a highly absorbent state, and the second time is wiped. The nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y, and 30K of the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K are wiped and cleaned with the wiping web 110 in a state of low absorption without sucking the web 110. 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 switching the absorption power of the wiping web 110 by suction in this way.

  In this example, the first wiping cleaning performed while sucking the wiping web 110 is performed only once, but may be performed a plurality of times. In this case, the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K are reciprocated a plurality of times while the wiping web 110 in the sucked state is pressed against the nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y, and 30K of the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K. Let Similarly, the second wiping cleaning performed without sucking the wiping web 110 may be performed a plurality of times.

  In this example, when the second wiping cleaning is performed, the wiping web 110 is not sucked. However, the wiping web 110 may be sucked. That is, while the wiping web 110 is sucked with a suction force that does not draw ink from the nozzles, the nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y, and 30K of the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K are pressed and brought into contact with each other to wipe the second time. You may make it perform cleaning. Therefore, in this case, the wiping web 110 is inevitably set with a weaker suction force than that in the first wiping cleaning.

  Note that the suction force for the wiping web 110 is set in advance for the first time and the second time, and the wiping test is performed in advance. The first time is set to a suction force that does not leave wiping. It is preferable to set the suction force so as not to be pulled out.

  In addition, since the liquid absorption force during wiping is adjusted by controlling the suction force from the pressing hole, it is desirable that the wiping web itself has a low absorption capability (if the absorption capability is high, a wiping trace is generated during the second wiping. To make it happen). Although the required absorption capacity varies depending on the physical properties of the ink and the nozzle diameter, in the present example, a JIS L 1018 birec method of 100 mm or less was suitable.

  Also, as with the suction force setting, the wiping web should have a wiping test in advance, and should have an absorption power that does not draw ink from the nozzle when the nozzle surface is wiped without suction from the suction hole. It may be used.

  In this example, when performing the second wiping cleaning with weakened absorption, the wiping web 110 is run in the opposite direction to the moving direction of the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, 16K. You may make it drive | work and wipe and clean. In this case, 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 moving toward the maintenance position while being wound around the take-up reel 116. Accordingly, the nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y, and 30K can be wiped and cleaned while the wiping web 110 is traveling in the same direction as the movement direction of the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K.

  Further, the wiping web 110 is stopped without running, and is pressed against the nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y, 30K of the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, 16K to perform wiping cleaning twice. Also good.

[Other Embodiments of Head Cleaner]
In the above embodiment, the suction force to the wiping web 110 is switched and the nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y, and 30K of the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K are wiped and cleaned twice. By optimizing the force, it can be done only once. That is, by adjusting the suction force with respect to the wiping web 110 according to the hole diameter of the nozzles formed on the nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y, and 30K of the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K, the physical properties of the ink, and the like. By wiping and cleaning, it is possible to clean the nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y and 30K of the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y and 16K by preventing both unwiping and wiping traces. In this case, a wiping test is performed in advance to optimize the suction force for the wiping web 110 (= setting of suction force that can prevent both wiping residue and wiping traces by one wiping cleaning).

  Note that the optimization of the suction force for the wiping web 110 is premised on the existence of a high-performance suction pump that can adjust the suction force with high accuracy. On the other hand, as in the above embodiment, by switching the suction force and performing wiping and cleaning a plurality of times, the suction capacity and control of the suction pump can be set roughly, reducing costs. Can be achieved.

  In the above embodiment, the wiping web 110 is wound around the pressure roller 200, and the pressure roller 200 is pressed against the nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y, and 30K of the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K. 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, but the wiping web 110 is nozzle contacted with the nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, and the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K. The means for pressing and contacting 30Y and 30K is not limited to this.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 13, the wiping web 110 is wound around an arcuate guide surface 302 formed on a guide member 300 fixedly installed on the main body frame 112, and the guide member 300 is then moved to heads 16C, 16M, By pressing and contacting the nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y and 30K of 16Y and 16K, 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. Also good. Also in this case, the guide member 300 is configured such that a large number of suction holes are formed in the arc-shaped guide surface 302 so that the wound wiping web 110 can be sucked. The guide surface 302 is covered with an elastic body.

  When the wiping web 110 is wrapped around the non-rotating guide member 300 and the wiping web 110 is pressed against the nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y, and 30K of the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K, the guide member 300 is moved. Since it is not necessary to use a double tube structure, the configuration can be simplified.

  Further, when using a guide member that does not rotate in this way, the guide surface does not necessarily need to be an arc surface, and a plate-like guide surface provided in parallel with the nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y, and 30K is formed. The wiping web 110 wound around the guide surface may be pressed and brought into contact with the nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y, and 30K of the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K. Thereby, the wiping web 110 can be brought into surface contact with the nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y, and 30K of the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K.

  In the above embodiment, the wiping web 110 formed in a belt shape is used, and the wiping web 110 is run and pressed against the nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y, 30K of the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, 16K. However, the form of the wiping member to be used is not limited to this. By sliding the wiping member formed in a cloth shape along the nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y, 30K of the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, 16K, the nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M of the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, 16K , 30Y, 30K may be wiped and cleaned. In this case as well, the nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y, and 30K of the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K are wiped and cleaned while suctioning the wiping member for the first time, and the wiping member is weaker than the first time for the second time. The nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y, and 30K of the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K are wiped and cleaned while sucking or without sucking the wiping member.

  As in the above embodiment, the wiping web 110 formed in a strip shape is used, and the nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y, and 30K of the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K are wiped while the wiping web 110 is running. By cleaning, the nozzle surfaces 30C, 30M, 30Y, and 30K of the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K can always be wiped and cleaned using a clean part, and the cleaning effect can be further enhanced.

  The head cleaners 100C, 100M, 100Y, and 100K according to the present embodiment are each provided with a used area detection sensor 124. However, the used area detection sensor 124 is not necessarily installed, and the wiping web 110 is not necessarily provided. The required position may be determined by controlling the amount of winding and rewinding. In addition, by installing the used area detection sensor 124, it is possible to accurately position and also detect the presence or absence of the wiping web 110.

  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.

  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, 112 ... main body frame, 112A ... bottom surface portion, 112B ... wall surface portion, 114 ... feeding reel, 114A ... shaft portion, 116 ... winding reel, 116A DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS ... Shaft part, 122 ... Winding motor, 124 ... Used area detection sensor, 126 ... Lifting cylinder, 130 ... Bearing, 131 ... Bearing, 134 ... Feeding guide roller, 134A ... Shaft part, 136 ... Bearing, 138 ... Winding Take-up guide roller, 138A ... shaft portion, 140 ... bearing, 150 ... take-up drive gear, 152 ... take-up driven gear, 1 4 ... winding idle gear, 154A ... shaft portion, 156 ... bearing, 200 ... pressure roller, 202 ... inner tube, 202A ... trunk, 202B ... shaft portion, 202C ... shaft portion, 202D ... flange portion, 202E ... opening 204 ... outer pipe, 204A ... barrel, 204B ... shaft, 204C ... shaft, 204D ... elastic coating, 206 ... suction hole, 210 ... joint, 212 ... suction pipe, 214 ... suction pump

Claims (10)

The wiping member is pressed against the nozzle surface of the head with a pressing member having a suction hole formed in the pressing portion, and the nozzle surface of the head is moved by sliding the pressing member along the nozzle surface of the head. A head cleaning method for wiping and cleaning with a wiping member,
A first cleaning step of wiping and cleaning the nozzle surface of the head with the wiping member while sucking the wiping member from the suction hole with a first suction force;
Nozzle surface of the head while sucking the wiping member from the suction hole with the second suction force set to be weaker than the first suction force or without sucking the wiping member from the suction hole A second cleaning step of wiping and cleaning with the wiping member;
A head cleaning method comprising:   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 1, wherein the surface is wiped and cleaned by the wiping member.   3. 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.   The pressing member is composed of a hollow roller having a suction hole formed on the peripheral surface, and sucking the wiping member wound around the peripheral surface from the suction hole by making the inside negative pressure. 4. The head cleaning method according to claim 2, wherein the head cleaning method is performed. In the head cleaning device for cleaning the nozzle surface of the head,
A wiping member;
A pressing member that presses and contacts the wiping member against the nozzle surface of the head, wherein the pressing member is formed with a suction hole;
Moving means for relatively moving the pressing member and the head and sliding the wiping member along the nozzle surface of the head;
A suction means for sucking the wiping member through a suction hole formed in the pressing member;
Control means for controlling the driving of the moving means and the suction means to perform a cleaning process of the nozzle surface of the head;
The control means slides along the nozzle surface of the head while sucking the wiping member with a first suction force, and wipes and cleans the nozzle surface of the head with the wiping member. After the first cleaning process and the first cleaning process, the wiping member is sucked with a second suction force that is weaker than the first suction force, or without sucking the wiping member. And a second cleaning process in which the nozzle surface of the head is wiped and cleaned by the wiping member by sliding along the nozzle surface, and the nozzle surface of the head is cleaned. Cleaning device.   The said wiping member is formed in a strip | belt shape, It has a wiping member driving | running drive means which makes the said wiping member drive along a sliding direction by winding up from one reel to the other reel. The head cleaning device described.   The head cleaning apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the wiping member travel driving unit causes the wiping member to travel in a direction opposite to a sliding direction.   The pressing member is composed of a hollow roller having a suction hole formed on a peripheral surface thereof, and the wiping member is wound around the peripheral surface of the roller and pressed against the nozzle surface of the head, The head cleaning device according to claim 6, wherein the suction unit sucks the wiping member from the suction hole by applying a negative pressure to the inside of the roller.   The head cleaning device according to claim 8, wherein the roller is formed of an elastic body. The wiping member is pressed against the nozzle surface of the head with a pressing member having a suction hole formed in the pressing portion, and the nozzle surface of the head is moved by sliding the pressing member along the nozzle surface of the head. A head cleaning method for wiping and cleaning with a wiping member,
Set the suction force so that no wiping trace or wiping residue is generated on the nozzle surface after wiping, and sliding the pressing member along the nozzle surface of the head while sucking the wiping member from the suction hole. Thus, the nozzle surface of the head is wiped and cleaned with the wiping member.

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