JP2015189189A - Inkjet printer - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To allow a wiper to surely wipe off ink adhered to a nozzle surface while preventing a recording medium from contacting the nozzle face.SOLUTION: A plate spring 31 provided on a lower face 22a of a flow path forming body 22 which forms a lower face of an inkjet head is bent downward in a conveyance direction so that a part of the spring is positioned below a nozzle face 21a. When recording paper P bent upward approaches the nozzle face 21a in a scanning direction, a bent part of the recording paper P contacts an end part 31b in the scanning direction of the plate spring 31, which prevents the recording paper P from contacting the nozzle face 21a. A wiper 6 is moved in a conveyance direction so that when wiping off ink adhered to the nozzle face 21a, a lower face 31a of the plate spring 31 is pressed by the wiper 6 toward the conveyance direction and then the plate spring 31 is deflected and deformed. This causes a part positioned below the nozzle face 21a of the plate spring 31 to be displaced upward.

Description

  The present invention relates to an ink jet printer that performs printing by ejecting ink from nozzles.

  Patent Document 1 describes a recording apparatus that performs recording by ejecting ink from an ejection port. In the recording apparatus described in Patent Document 1, sealing resin forming convex portions is disposed on both sides of a plurality of nozzles (discharge ports) arranged along one direction in a direction orthogonal to the one direction. . In Patent Document 1, the sealing resin prevents paper bent by a paper jam or the like from coming into contact with the nozzle surface (discharge port surface). Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H10-228561 describes that the ink attached to the nozzle surface is wiped by moving the wiper along the one direction while being in contact with the nozzle surface. Further, Patent Document 1 discloses that the above-described sealing is performed in order to prevent the wiper from interfering with the sealing resin when the nozzle surface is wiped and the ink attached to the nozzle surface cannot be sufficiently wiped off. It describes that the distance between the resins is longer than the length of the wiper.

JP 2007-55153 A

  Here, as described in Patent Document 1, when the interval between the sealing resins is made longer than the length of the wiper, the wiper interferes with the sealing resin, and the wiping performance of the nozzle surface by the wiper decreases. Can be prevented. However, in this case, the sealing resin member is moved away from the nozzle, and there is a possibility that it is impossible to prevent the bent paper due to paper jam or the like from coming into contact with the nozzle surface. On the other hand, if the interval between the sealing resins is shorter than the length of the wiper, the wiper may interfere with the sealing resin, and ink attached to the nozzle surface may not be sufficiently wiped off.

  An object of the present invention is to provide an ink jet printer capable of reliably wiping off ink adhering to a nozzle surface with a wiper while reliably preventing a recording medium from coming into contact with the nozzle surface. .

  An ink jet printer according to a first aspect of the present invention is an ink jet head that ejects ink from nozzles, and a relative movement direction of the ink jet head and a recording medium in a relative movement direction parallel to a nozzle surface in which the nozzles of the ink jet head are opened. And a relative movement mechanism that is provided on an end surface of the inkjet head on the nozzle side, protrudes from the nozzle surface, and contacts the recording medium, thereby preventing the recording medium from contacting the nozzle surface. A wiper that moves relative to the nozzle surface in a wiping direction that is parallel to the nozzle surface and intersects the relative movement direction while being in contact with the nozzle surface; When the force is applied from the wiping direction, the nose is greater than when the force is applied from the relative movement direction. It is easy to displace in a direction perpendicular to the surface, and when the wiper comes into contact, it is pressed by the wiper and displaced in a direction orthogonal to the nozzle surface, thereby reducing the amount of protrusion from the nozzle surface. .

  When the inkjet head and the recording medium are relatively moved in the relative movement direction, the recording medium may be curved toward the nozzle surface, and the curved portion of the recording medium may approach the nozzle surface from the relative movement direction. . In the present invention, it is possible to prevent the recording medium from coming into contact with the nozzle surface by the recording medium approaching the nozzle surface from the relative movement direction coming into contact with the protruding portion protruding from the nozzle surface. In addition, since the protruding portion is provided on the nozzle-side end surface of the inkjet head close to the nozzle, the recording medium can be more reliably prevented from coming into contact with the nozzle surface.

  On the other hand, in the present invention, when the force is applied from the wiping direction, the protrusion is more easily displaced in the direction perpendicular to the nozzle surface than when the force is applied from the relative movement direction. When contacted, it is pressed by the wiper and displaced in a direction perpendicular to the nozzle surface, and the amount of protrusion from the nozzle surface is reduced. Therefore, even when the protruding portion is disposed at a position close to the nozzle, when the ink attached to the nozzle surface is wiped off by the wiper, the protruding portion is not easily obstructed, and the ink attached to the nozzle surface can be reliably wiped off. .

  An ink jet printer according to a second aspect is the ink jet printer according to the first aspect, wherein the wiping direction is a direction orthogonal to the relative movement direction.

  According to the present invention, when the wiping direction is orthogonal to the relative movement direction, the protrusion can reliably prevent the recording medium approaching the nozzle surface from the relative movement direction from coming into contact with the nozzle surface. In addition, when the wiper comes into contact, the protrusion pressed by the wiper can be surely displaced in a direction perpendicular to the nozzle surface.

  An ink jet printer according to a third aspect is the ink jet printer according to the first or second aspect, wherein the ink jet printer is provided on an end face of the ink jet head on the nozzle side, and when the force is applied from the wiping direction, the relative It has a deformed part that is more easily deformed than when a force is applied from the moving direction, and a part of the deformed part projects from the nozzle surface to form the projecting part.

  According to the present invention, a deformed portion that is more easily deformed when a force is applied from the relative movement direction when a force is applied from the wiping direction is provided on the nozzle-side end surface of the inkjet head, and a part of the deformed portion is provided. By forming a protrusion that protrudes from the nozzle surface, a protrusion that is easier to displace in the direction perpendicular to the nozzle surface is formed when force is applied from the wiping direction than when force is applied from the relative movement direction. can do.

  An ink jet printer according to a fourth aspect of the invention is the ink jet printer according to the third aspect of the invention, wherein the deformable portion can be bent and deformed in a direction perpendicular to the nozzle surface extending along the relative movement direction and the wiping direction. Formed in a plate shape and having a bent shape that is bent in a direction away from the nozzle surface along the wiping direction, so that the portion becomes the projecting portion and deforms when the wiper contacts When the portion is pressed by the wiper and is bent and deformed in a direction perpendicular to the nozzle surface, the protruding amount of the protruding portion from the nozzle surface is reduced.

  According to the present invention, the deformed portion is formed in a plate shape that extends along the relative movement direction and the wiping direction and can be bent and deformed in a direction orthogonal to the nozzle surface, and is bent in a direction away from the nozzle surface along the wiping direction. By having the bent shape formed, a part of the protruding portion protrudes from the nozzle surface, and when force is applied from the wiping direction to the deformed portion, force is applied from the relative movement direction. It can be easier to deform than sometimes.

  An ink jet printer according to a fifth aspect is the ink jet printer according to the third aspect, wherein the deformation portion is longer in the relative movement direction than in the wiping direction and can be bent and deformed in the wiping direction. It is formed in a plate shape, the tip of the deforming part is the protruding part, and when the wiper comes into contact, the deforming part is pressed by the wiper and deformed by bending in the wiping direction, The protruding portion is displaced in a direction orthogonal to the nozzle surface, and the protruding amount from the nozzle surface is reduced.

  According to the present invention, the deformed portion is formed in a plate shape that can be bent and deformed in the wiping direction, so that when a force is applied from the wiping direction, the deformed portion is more easily deformed than when a force is applied from the relative movement direction. Can be.

  An ink jet printer according to a sixth invention is the ink jet printer according to the first or second invention, wherein the protrusion is movable in a direction intersecting the nozzle surface, and a force is applied from the wiping direction. Sometimes it is configured to move more easily than when a force is applied from the relative movement direction.

  According to the present invention, the protrusion can be moved in a direction intersecting the nozzle surface, and when the force is applied from the wiping direction, the protrusion is more easily moved than when the force is applied from the relative movement direction. As a result, when the force is applied from the wiping direction, the protruding portion can be more easily displaced in the direction perpendicular to the nozzle surface than when the force is applied from the relative movement direction.

  An ink jet printer according to a seventh aspect of the invention is the ink jet printer according to the sixth aspect of the invention, further comprising a guide portion for guiding the protruding portion in a guide direction intersecting the nozzle surface, wherein the guide direction is the nozzle surface. It is a direction inclined to the downstream side of the wiping direction with respect to the direction orthogonal to the direction.

  According to the present invention, since the guide direction of the protruding portion by the guide portion is a direction inclined to the downstream side of the wiping direction with respect to the direction orthogonal to the nozzle surface, when a force in the wiping direction is applied to the protruding portion, The protrusion is easy to move while being guided by the guide, but when a force in the relative movement direction is applied to the protrusion, the protrusion is not easily guided by the guide. As a result, when the force is applied from the wiping direction, the protrusion can be moved more easily in the direction intersecting the nozzle surface than when the force is applied from the relative movement direction.

  An ink jet printer according to an eighth aspect of the present invention is the ink jet printer according to the sixth aspect of the present invention, wherein the protrusion has an end surface in the relative movement direction orthogonal to the relative movement direction and in a direction orthogonal to the nozzle surface. The end surface on the front end side is an inclined surface that is inclined with respect to the nozzle surface so that the amount of protrusion from the nozzle surface becomes smaller toward the outer part in the wiping direction, and when the wiper contacts, When the inclined surface is pressed by the wiper, the inclined surface moves in a direction intersecting the nozzle surface, and the amount of protrusion from the nozzle surface is reduced.

  According to the present invention, the projecting portion is configured such that the end surface in the relative movement direction is orthogonal to the relative movement direction, and the end surface on the tip side is an inclined surface with a smaller amount of projection from the nozzle surface toward the outer portion in the wiping direction. Thus, when the force is applied from the wiping direction, the projecting portion can be moved more easily in the direction intersecting the nozzle surface than when the force is applied from the relative movement direction.

  An ink jet printer according to a ninth invention is the ink jet printer according to the sixth invention, wherein the ink jet printer is swingable about a swing shaft provided in the ink jet head and extending perpendicularly to the wiping direction and parallel to the nozzle surface. Having a swinging portion supported, the tip of the swinging portion is the protruding portion, and when the wiper comes into contact, the swinging portion is pressed by the wiper and swings, The protruding portion is displaced in a direction orthogonal to the nozzle surface, and the protruding amount from the nozzle surface is reduced.

  According to the present invention, by providing the protrusion at the tip of the swinging portion that is provided in the inkjet head and is swingably supported by the swinging shaft that is orthogonal to the wiping direction and extends parallel to the nozzle surface, When a force is applied to the protruding portion from the wiping direction, the swinging portion swings, so that the protruding portion moves in a direction intersecting the nozzle surface, but even if a force is applied to the protruding portion from the relative movement direction. The swinging part does not swing and the protruding part is not displaced. As a result, when the force in the wiping direction is applied, the protrusion can be moved more easily in the direction intersecting the nozzle surface than when the force in the relative movement direction is applied.

  An ink jet printer according to a tenth invention is the ink jet printer according to any one of the first to ninth inventions, wherein the ink jet head is formed by arranging a plurality of the nozzles in the wiping direction. And the nozzle protection part is disposed on both sides of the nozzle row in the relative movement direction.

  According to the present invention, since the protrusions are arranged on both sides of the nozzle row in the relative movement direction, it is possible to more reliably prevent the recording medium approaching the nozzle surface from the relative movement direction from coming into contact with the nozzle surface. it can.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent the recording medium from coming into contact with the nozzle surface when the recording medium approaching the nozzle surface from the relative movement direction comes into contact with the protruding portion protruding from the nozzle surface. . In addition, since the protruding portion is provided on the nozzle-side end surface of the inkjet head close to the nozzle, the recording medium can be more reliably prevented from coming into contact with the nozzle surface.

  According to the present invention, when the wiper comes into contact with the protruding portion, the protruding portion is pressed by the wiper and displaced in a direction orthogonal to the nozzle surface, and the protruding amount of the protruding portion from the nozzle surface is reduced. Therefore, even when the protruding portion is disposed at a position close to the nozzle, when the ink attached to the nozzle surface is wiped off by the wiper, the protruding portion is not easily obstructed, and the ink attached to the nozzle surface can be reliably wiped off. .

1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a printer according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a top view of the inkjet head of FIG. It is a perspective view which shows a part of lower surface of an inkjet head. (A) is the sectional view on the AA line of FIG. 2, (b) is the sectional view on the BB line of FIG. 4A is a view corresponding to FIG. 4A in a state where the wiper is in contact with the nozzle surface, and FIG. 4B is a view corresponding to FIG. 4B in a state where the bent recording sheet is close to the nozzle surface. It is. FIG. 5A is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 3A of the first modification, FIG. 5B is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 5A of the first modification, and FIG. FIG. FIG. 5A is a view corresponding to FIG. 3A of the second modification, FIG. 5B is a view corresponding to FIG. 5A of the second modification, and FIG. FIG. FIG. 5A is a view corresponding to FIG. 3 of the third modification, FIG. 5B is a view corresponding to FIG. 5A of the third modification, and FIG. FIG. FIG. 5A is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 5A of the fourth modification, and FIG. 5B is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 5B of the fourth modification. (A) is a figure equivalent to Drawing 5 (a) of modification 5, (b) is a figure equivalent to Drawing 5 (b) of modification 5. (A) is a figure equivalent to Drawing 5 (a) of modification 6, and (b) is a figure equivalent to Drawing 5 (b) of modification 6.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the printer 1 according to the present embodiment is an inkjet printer, and includes a carriage 2 (“relative movement means” of the present invention), an inkjet head 3, a transport roller 4, a maintenance unit 5, and a wiper 6. Etc.

  The carriage 2 is supported by two guide rails 11 extending in the scanning direction, and reciprocates along the two guide rails 11 in the scanning direction (“wiping direction” in the present invention). In the following description, the right and left sides in the scanning direction are defined as shown in FIG. The ink jet head 3 is mounted on the carriage 2 and ejects ink from a plurality of nozzles 10 opened on a nozzle surface 21a (see FIG. 3) forming the lower surface thereof. The conveyance rollers 4 are arranged on both sides of the carriage 2 in the conveyance direction orthogonal to the scanning direction, and convey the recording paper P in the conveyance direction.

  In the printer 1, printing is performed on the recording paper P by ejecting ink from the inkjet head 3 while transporting the recording paper P in the transporting direction by the transporting roller 4 and moving the carriage 2 in the scanning direction.

  Next, the inkjet head 3 will be described in detail. As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the inkjet head 3 includes a nozzle plate 21 and a flow path forming body 22 stacked on the upper surface of the nozzle plate 21. However, in FIG. 4A, a leaf spring 31 described later is illustrated in a side view.

  A plurality of nozzles 10 are formed on the nozzle plate 21. The plurality of nozzles 10 are open to a nozzle surface 21 a that is the lower surface of the nozzle plate 21. The plurality of nozzles 10 are arranged in the transport direction to form a nozzle row 9, and the nozzle plate 21 is formed with four nozzle rows 9 arranged in the scanning direction. Also, black, yellow, cyan, and magenta inks are ejected from the plurality of nozzles 10 in order from the nozzle array 9 on the right side.

  The flow path forming body 22 is formed by, for example, laminating a plurality of plates, and is formed with ink flow paths that communicate with a plurality of nozzles 10 such as a plurality of pressure chambers (not shown). ing. Further, the flow path forming body 22 is slightly larger than the nozzle plate 21 in plan view. In addition, the inkjet head 3 includes a piezoelectric actuator for applying pressure to the ink, but the description of these components is omitted here.

  A plurality of leaf springs 31 (the “deformed portions” of the present invention) are provided on the lower surface 22 a of the flow path forming body 22 at portions protruding from both sides in the scanning direction from the nozzle plate 21. In the present embodiment, the portion of the nozzle surface 21a and the lower surface 22a of the flow path forming body 22 that protrudes from the nozzle surface 21a corresponds to the “end surface on the nozzle side of the inkjet head” of the present invention.

  The plurality of leaf springs 31 are arranged along the transport direction. Each leaf spring 31 is a plate-like member extending along the scanning direction and the transport direction, and is joined to the lower surface 22a of the flow path forming body 22 at the upstream end in the transport direction. Further, each leaf spring 31 is bent downward along the transport direction at the downstream end of the portion joined to the lower surface of the flow path forming body 22 and further joined to the lower surface 22a. It is a bent shape that is bent upward at the opposite side. Thereby, as for the leaf | plate spring 31, the part on the opposite side to being joined to the lower surface 22a protrudes below the nozzle surface 21a. In the present embodiment, the portion of the leaf spring 31 that protrudes below the nozzle surface 21a corresponds to the “protruding portion” of the present invention.

  And if the force of a conveyance direction is applied to the lower surface 31a of the part bent downward, the leaf | plate spring 31 which has such a structure will bend and deform | transform upward. On the other hand, even if a force in the scanning direction is applied to the end portion 31b of the leaf spring 31 in the scanning direction, the portion bent to the lower side of the leaf spring 31 is not easily bent and deformed. That is, the leaf spring 31 is more easily deformed when a force is applied from the transport direction than when a force is applied from the scanning direction.

  Here, the recording paper P transported by the transport roller 4 may be transported in a state in which a part thereof is bent upward as shown in FIG. In this state, when the carriage 2 is moved in the scanning direction, the portion bent upward on the recording paper P approaches the nozzle surface 21a from the scanning direction. For this reason, unlike the present embodiment, if the leaf spring 31 is not provided, the recording paper P may come into contact with the nozzle surface 21a.

  On the other hand, in the present embodiment, a leaf spring 31 having a portion protruding downward from the nozzle surface 21 a is provided on the lower surface 22 a of the flow path forming body 22. Therefore, when the portion bent upward of the recording paper P approaches the nozzle surface 21 a from the scanning direction, the portion bent upward of the recording paper P is the nozzle surface of the end 31 b of the leaf spring 31 in the scanning direction. It comes into contact with the portion protruding below 21a. At this time, a force in the scanning direction is applied from the recording paper P to the end portion 31b of the leaf spring 31, but as described above, the leaf spring 31 is vertically moved even if a force in the scanning direction is applied to the end portion 31b. Does not bend and deform. This prevents the recording paper P from coming into contact with the nozzle surface 21a. Furthermore, in the case of the present embodiment, the leaf spring 31 is provided on the lower surface 22a of the flow path forming body 22 that forms the lower surface of the inkjet head 3 together with the nozzle surface 21a. Therefore, the plate spring 31 is disposed closer to the nozzle surface 21a than when the plate spring 31 is provided in a head holder (not shown) for holding the inkjet head 3 or the like. Thereby, it can prevent reliably that the recording paper P contacts the nozzle surface 21a.

  Further, when the carriage 2 reciprocates in the scanning direction, the portion bent upward on the recording paper P can approach the nozzle surface 21a from both the right and left sides in the scanning direction. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, four nozzle rows 9 arranged in the scanning direction are formed on the nozzle surface 21a, whereas on the both sides in the scanning direction of these four nozzle rows 9, respectively. A plurality of leaf springs 31 are arranged. Thereby, it can prevent reliably that the recording paper P contacts the part in which the nozzle 10 of the nozzle surface 21a was formed.

  Next, returning to FIG. 1, the maintenance unit 5 will be described. The maintenance unit 5 includes a nozzle cap 41, a suction pump 42, a switching unit 43, and a waste liquid tank 44.

  The nozzle cap 41 is disposed so as to face the nozzle surface 21a in a state where the carriage 2 is moved to the right end of the moving range in the scanning direction. The nozzle cap 41 faces the nozzle surface 21 a and faces the cap portions 41 a that face the plurality of nozzles 10 that form the rightmost nozzle row 9, and faces the nozzles 10 that form the left three nozzle rows 9. And a cap portion 41b. The nozzle cap 41 can be moved in the vertical direction by a lifting mechanism (not shown). When the nozzle cap 41 is raised by the lifting mechanism in a state where the nozzle surface 21a and the nozzle cap 41 face each other, the plurality of nozzles 10 forming the rightmost nozzle row 9 are covered with the cap portion 41a. A plurality of nozzles 10 forming the left three nozzle rows 9 are covered with the cap portion 41b.

  The suction pump 42 is a tube pump or the like, and is connected to the cap portions 41 a and 41 b via the switching unit 43. The switching unit 43 selectively connects the suction pump 42 to one of the cap portions 41a and 41b. The waste liquid tank 44 is connected to the side of the suction pump 42 opposite to the cap portions 41a and 41b.

  In the printer 1, as described above, the suction pump 42 is driven in a state in which the plurality of nozzles 10 are covered with the cap portions 41 a and 41 b, thereby increasing the viscosity of the ink in the inkjet head 3 from the plurality of nozzles 10. A so-called suction purge can be performed. At this time, the suction pump 42 is driven in a state where the suction pump 42 is connected to the cap portion 41 a, thereby increasing the viscosity of the black ink in the inkjet head 3 from the plurality of nozzles 10 forming the rightmost nozzle row 9. Is discharged. Further, when the suction pump 42 is driven in a state where the suction pump 42 is connected to the cap portion 41b, the thickened color (yellow) in the inkjet head 3 from the plurality of nozzles 10 forming the left three nozzle rows 9 is driven. , Cyan, magenta) ink is discharged. Then, the ink discharged by the suction purge is stored in the waste liquid tank 44.

  The wiper 6 is located between the nozzle cap 41 and the area in which the recording paper P is conveyed by the conveying roller 4 in the scanning direction. The wiper 6 is a plate-like member made of a rubber material or the like that extends in the scanning direction and the vertical direction. The lower end portion of the wiper 6 is supported by the support member 12. The support member 12 can be moved in the transport direction by a moving mechanism (not shown). When the support member 12 is moved in the transport direction, the wiper 6 supported by the support member 12 is also moved in the transport direction (the present invention). ("Wiping direction").

  The wiper 6 is for wiping off ink adhering to the nozzle surface 21a after performing the above-described suction purge. When the wiping is not performed, the wiper 6 is indicated by a one-dot chain line in FIG. Thus, it is located upstream of the carriage 2 in the transport direction. In this state, the upper end portion of the wiper 6 is located above the nozzle surface 21a.

  In order to perform wiping, first, the carriage 2 is moved in the scanning direction so that the nozzle surface 21a is positioned in the range where the wiper 6 is arranged in the scanning direction. In this state, the wiper 6 is moved in the transport direction. Then, as indicated by a solid line in FIG. 5B, the wiper 6 contacts the nozzle surface 21a with the upper end portion deformed, and moves in the transport direction while contacting the nozzle surface 21a. Thereby, the ink adhering to the nozzle surface 21a can be wiped off with the wiper 6.

  Here, when the wiper 6 moves in the conveying direction in contact with the nozzle surface 21 a, the wiper 6 contacts a portion protruding downward from the nozzle surface 21 a of the plate spring 31, and the above-described lower surface 31 a of the plate spring 31. Press the part in the transport direction. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 5B, the leaf spring 31 is bent upward and the portion of the leaf spring 31 that is located below the nozzle surface 21a is displaced upward. As a result, the protruding amount of the leaf spring 31 from the nozzle surface 21a is reduced, and the leaf spring 31 is less likely to become an obstacle when the ink attached to the nozzle surface 21a is wiped off by the wiper 6. Thereby, the ink adhering to the nozzle surface 21a can be wiped off reliably. At this time, the entire portion located below the nozzle surface 21a of the leaf spring 31 may be displaced to a position above the nozzle surface 21a, or may be displaced from the nozzle surface 21a of the leaf spring 31. Only a part of the portion located on the lower side may be displaced to a position above the nozzle surface 21a.

  In this embodiment, since the movement direction of the wiper 6 is parallel to the conveyance direction orthogonal to the scanning direction, the wiper 6 is compared with the case where the movement direction of the wiper is inclined with respect to the conveyance direction. When contacting the lower surface 31 a of the leaf spring 31, a force in the transport direction is easily applied to the lower surface 31 a of the leaf spring 31. Therefore, when the wiper 6 contacts the lower surface 31 a of the leaf spring 31, the leaf spring 31 is easily bent upward and deformed.

  Next, modified examples in which various changes are made to the present embodiment will be described.

  In the above-described embodiment, the leaf spring 31 is provided as a configuration that is more easily bent and deformed when a force is applied in the wiping direction than when a force is applied in the scanning direction. I can't.

  In Modification 1, as shown in FIGS. 6A to 6C, the flow path forming body 22 includes a plate 61 joined to the nozzle plate 21, and the plate 61 in the scanning direction of the nozzle plate 21. A plurality of leaf springs 62 (the “deformation part” of the present invention) are formed in a plurality of portions located on both sides, respectively. The plurality of leaf springs 62 are arranged in the transport direction. In addition, each leaf spring 62 is configured in a plate shape extending along the scanning direction and the conveyance direction, and has a bent shape bent downward, so that a part thereof (the “protruding portion” of the present invention) is formed. It is located below the nozzle surface 21a. Each leaf spring 62 is connected to the other part of the plate 61 only at the end on the upstream side in the transport direction. Here, the plate spring 62 is, for example, a plan view of a portion of the plate 61 that is to be the plate spring 62 and extending over the portion located on both sides in the scanning direction and the portion located on the downstream side in the transport direction. In this case, a “U” -shaped groove is formed, and a portion surrounded by the groove of the plate 61 is bent downward along the conveying direction to form a bent shape.

  Even in this case, when a force in the conveying direction is applied to the lower surface 62a of the leaf spring 62, the leaf spring 62 is bent upward and deformed. On the other hand, even if a force in the scanning direction is applied to the end 62b in the scanning direction of the leaf spring 62, the leaf spring 62 is bent upward and hardly deforms.

  Therefore, as shown in FIG. 6B, when the recording paper P bent upward approaches the nozzle surface 21 a from the scanning direction, the bent recording paper P moves from the nozzle surface 21 a of the end 62 b of the leaf spring 62. In addition, by contacting the portion protruding downward, it is possible to prevent the recording paper P from contacting the nozzle surface 21a.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 6C, when the wiper 6 wipes the ink adhering to the nozzle surface 21 a, the wiper 6 protrudes downward from the nozzle surface 21 a of the lower surface 62 a of the leaf spring 62. When contacted, the force of the wiper 6 pressing the leaf spring 62 in the conveying direction causes the leaf spring 62 to bend and deform upward, and the portion of the leaf spring 62 that protrudes below the nozzle surface 21a is displaced upward. To do. As a result, the amount of protrusion of the plate spring 62 from the nozzle surface 21a is reduced, and the plate spring 62 is less likely to become an obstacle when the wiper 6 wipes off ink adhering to the nozzle surface 21a. Therefore, the ink adhering to the nozzle surface 21a can be reliably wiped off.

  In the second modified example, as shown in FIGS. 7A to 7C, in the first modified example, the portions located on both sides in the scanning direction of the nozzle plate 21 in the first modified example are replaced with a plurality of leaf springs 62. A plurality of leaf springs 66 (the “deformed portion” of the present invention) are formed. The plurality of leaf springs 66 are arranged in the transport direction. Further, each leaf spring 66 is formed in a plate shape extending along the scanning direction and the conveyance direction, and has a bent shape bent downward, so that a part thereof (the “protruding portion” of the present invention) is formed. It is located below the nozzle surface 21a. Further, the leaf spring 66 is connected to other portions of the plate 61 at both ends on the upstream side and the downstream side in the transport direction. Here, for example, the plate spring 66 forms grooves extending in the transport direction at portions located on both sides in the scanning direction of the plate 61 in the plate 61, and these two grooves of the plate 61 are formed. The portion located between the two can be formed by bending downward along the conveying direction by press working or the like.

  Even in this case, when a force in the conveying direction is applied to the lower surface 66a of the leaf spring 66, the leaf spring 66 is bent upward and deformed. On the other hand, even if a force in the scanning direction is applied to the end portion 66b of the leaf spring 66 in the scanning direction, the leaf spring 66 is bent upward and hardly deforms.

  Therefore, as shown in FIG. 7B, when the recording paper P bent upward approaches the nozzle surface 21 a from the scanning direction, the bent recording paper P becomes the nozzle surface 21 a of the end 66 b of the leaf spring 66. By contacting the portion that protrudes further downward, it is possible to prevent the recording paper P from coming into contact with the nozzle surface 21a.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 7C, when the wiper 6 wipes the ink adhering to the nozzle surface 21a, the wiper 6 protrudes from the nozzle surface 21a of the lower surface 66a of the leaf spring 66 to a portion protruding downward. When the contact is made, the force that the wiper 6 presses the lower surface 66a of the leaf spring 66 in the conveying direction causes the leaf spring 66 to bend and deform upward, and the portion that protrudes below the nozzle surface 21a of the leaf spring 66 is Displace upward. As a result, the amount of protrusion of the leaf spring 66 from the nozzle surface 21a is reduced, and the leaf spring 66 is unlikely to become an obstacle when the wiper 6 wipes off ink adhering to the nozzle surface 21a. Therefore, the ink adhering to the nozzle surface 21a can be reliably wiped off.

  In Modification 3, as shown in FIGS. 8A to 8C, a plurality of ribs 71 are respectively provided on portions of the lower surface 22 a of the flow path forming body 22 located on both sides in the scanning direction of the nozzle plate 21. Is formed. The plurality of ribs 71 are arranged in the transport direction. Each rib 71 extends in the scanning direction, protrudes downward from the lower surface 22a of the flow path forming body 22, and its lower end portion (the “protruding portion” in the present invention) is positioned below the nozzle surface 21a. doing. The rib 71 has a length L1 in the transport direction that is shorter than a length L2 in the vertical direction and a length L3 in the scanning direction.

  Accordingly, when a force in the transport direction is applied to the end surface 71a of the rib 71 in the transport direction, the rib 71 is bent and deformed in the transport direction. On the other hand, even if a force in the scanning direction is applied to the end portion 71b of the rib 71 in the scanning direction, the rib 71 is not easily bent and deformed.

  Therefore, as shown in FIG. 8B, when the recording paper P bent upward approaches the nozzle surface 21 a from the scanning direction, the bent recording paper P is more than the nozzle surface 21 a of the end 71 b of the rib 71. By contacting the portion located on the lower side, the recording paper P can be prevented from contacting the nozzle surface 21a.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 8C, when the wiper 6 wipes the ink adhering to the nozzle surface 21 a, the wiper 6 contacts the portion of the end surface 71 a of the rib 71 that is located below the nozzle surface 21 a. When the wiper 6 presses the end surface 71a of the rib 71 in the transport direction, the rib 71 is bent and deformed in the transport direction, and the tip portion protruding downward from the nozzle surface 21a of the rib 71 is upward. Displace. Thereby, the protrusion amount of the rib 71 from the nozzle surface 21a is reduced, and the rib 71 is less likely to become an obstacle when the wiper 6 wipes off the ink attached to the nozzle surface 21a. Therefore, the ink adhering to the nozzle surface 21a can be reliably wiped off.

  In the above-described embodiment and Modifications 1 to 3, a part of the deformed portion that is deformed when pressed by the wiper 6 is a protruding portion that protrudes downward from the nozzle surface 21a. It is not limited to.

  In the modified example 4, as shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, a plurality of concave portions opened in the lower surface 22a are respectively formed in portions of the flow path forming body 22 located on both sides in the scanning direction of the nozzle plate 21. 76 (“guide section” of the present invention) is formed. The plurality of recesses 76 are arranged in the transport direction. In addition, each concave portion 76 extends while being inclined with respect to the vertical direction so that the upper portion is positioned on the downstream side in the transport direction. That is, it is inclined downstream in the transport direction with respect to the vertical direction.

  A spherical member 77 is accommodated in the recess 76. A spring 78 for biasing the spherical member 77 toward the opening of the recess 76 is attached to the end of the spherical member 77 opposite to the opening of the recess 76. Further, the lower portion of the spherical member 77 protrudes downward from the recess 76, and its lower end (the “protruding portion” in the present invention) is positioned below the nozzle surface 21a. In addition, in FIG.9 (b), the spherical member 77 is shown with the side view.

  In this case, since the recess 76 is inclined downstream in the transport direction with respect to the vertical direction, when a force in the transport direction is applied to a portion of the spherical member 77 that protrudes from the recess 76, the spherical member 77 is It is easy to be guided by the side wall surface 76 a of the recess 76, and it is easy to move to the back side of the recess 76 against the biasing force of the spring 78. On the other hand, when a force in the scanning direction is applied to the portion of the spherical member 77 that protrudes from the recess 76, the spherical member 77 is not easily guided by the side wall surface 76 a of the recess 76, and a force in the transport direction is applied to the spherical member 77. Compared with the case where it is, it is hard to move to the back side of the recessed part 76.

  Therefore, as shown in FIG. 9A, when the recording paper P bent upward is close to the nozzle surface 21 a from the scanning direction, the bent recording paper P is located below the nozzle surface 21 a of the spherical member 77. By contacting the protruding portion from the scanning direction, it is possible to prevent the recording paper P from contacting the nozzle surface 21a.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 9B, when the wiper 6 wipes the ink adhering to the nozzle surface 21a, the wiper 6 contacts the portion of the spherical member 77 protruding below the nozzle surface 21a from the conveying direction. When the wiper 6 presses the spherical member 77 in the conveying direction, the spherical member 77 moves to the back side of the recess 76, and the portion that protrudes below the nozzle surface 21a of the spherical member 77 is upward. It is displaced to. Thereby, the protruding amount of the spherical member 77 from the nozzle surface 21a is reduced, and the spherical member 77 is less likely to become an obstacle when the wiper 6 wipes off the ink attached to the nozzle surface 21a. Therefore, the ink adhering to the nozzle surface 21a can be reliably wiped off.

  In the modified example 5, as shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, a plurality of concave portions 81 are respectively formed on portions of the flow path forming body 22 located on both sides of the nozzle plate 21 in the scanning direction. Yes. The plurality of recesses 81 are arranged along the transport direction. Each recess 81 is open on the lower surface 22a of the flow path forming body 22 and extends in the vertical direction. Further, a moving member 82 is accommodated in each recess 81. A spring 83 for urging the moving member 82 toward the opening of the recess 81 is attached to the upper end portion of the moving member 82. Further, the lower portion of the moving member 82 protrudes downward from the recess 81, and the lower end portion (the “protruding portion” of the present invention) is located below the nozzle surface 21a. In FIG. 10B, the moving member 82 is shown in a side view.

  Further, the lower surface 82a of the moving member 82 is positioned at the lowermost side in the central portion in the transport direction, and is positioned at the upper side as the outer portion in the transport direction (the amount of protrusion from the nozzle surface 21a is small) The inclined surface is inclined with respect to the nozzle surface 21a. Further, the end surface 82b in the scanning direction of the moving member 82 is orthogonal to the scanning direction.

  In this case, the lower surface 82a of the moving member 82 is positioned at the lowermost position in the center in the transport direction, and the inclined surface is inclined with respect to the nozzle surface 21a so that the outer portion in the transport direction is positioned at the upper side. Therefore, when a force in the transport direction is applied to the lower surface 82a, the moving member 82 moves upward against the urging force of the spring 83. On the other hand, since the end surface 82b in the scanning direction of the moving member 82 is orthogonal to the scanning direction, the moving member 82 is difficult to move upward even when a force in the scanning direction is applied to the end surface 82b.

  Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 10A, when the recording paper P bent upward approaches the nozzle surface 21a from the scanning direction, the bent recording paper P is more than the nozzle surface 21a of the end face 82b of the moving member 82. By contacting the lower part from the scanning direction, it is possible to prevent the recording paper P from contacting the nozzle surface 21a.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 10B, when the wiper 6 wipes the ink adhering to the nozzle surface 21a, the wiper 6 contacts the portion of the moving member 82 protruding below the nozzle surface 21a from the transport direction. When the wiper 6 presses the lower surface 82a of the moving member 82 in the transport direction, the moving member 82 moves upward, and the portion protruding downward from the nozzle surface 21a of the moving member 82 is It is displaced to. Thereby, the protrusion amount from the nozzle surface 21a of the moving member 82 becomes small, and when the wiper 6 wipes the ink adhering to the nozzle surface 21a, the moving member 82 does not easily get in the way. Therefore, the ink adhering to the nozzle surface 21a can be reliably wiped off.

  In the modified example 6, as shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B, a plurality of concave portions 86 are formed in portions of the flow path forming body 22 located on both sides of the nozzle plate 21 in the scanning direction. Yes. The plurality of recesses 86 are arranged along the transport direction. Each recess 86 is open on the lower surface 22a of the flow path forming body 22 and extends in the vertical direction. Each recess 86 accommodates a swinging member 87 and extends in the scanning direction (in the present invention, “extending perpendicular to the wiping direction and parallel to the nozzle surface 21 a”). 88 is provided. The swing member 87 is a substantially cylindrical member whose axial direction is the scanning direction, and is swingably supported by the swing shaft 88. Further, a protruding portion 87a protruding downward from the swinging member 87 is provided at the lower end portion of the swinging member 87, and the tip end portion of the protruding portion 87a (the “projecting portion” in the present invention) is more than the nozzle surface 21a. Located on the lower side. Further, the end surface 87b in the scanning direction of the swinging member 87 is orthogonal to the scanning direction, including the portion formed by the protruding portion 87a. In addition, in FIG.11 (b), the rocking | swiveling member 87 is shown with the side view.

  In this case, when a force in the conveying direction is applied to the protruding portion 87 a of the swing member 87, the swing member 87 swings about the swing shaft 88. On the other hand, since the end surface 87b of the swing member 87 in the scanning direction is orthogonal to the scan direction, the swing member 87 swings about the swing shaft 88 even if a force in the scanning direction is applied to the end surface 87b. Hard to do.

  Therefore, as shown in FIG. 11A, when the recording sheet P bent upward approaches the nozzle surface 21a from the scanning direction, the bent recording sheet P becomes a protruding portion of the end surface 87b of the swing member 87. The part formed by the part which protrudes below the nozzle surface 21a of 87a contacts from a scanning direction. Thereby, it can prevent that the recording paper P contacts the nozzle surface 21a.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 11B, when the wiper 6 wipes the ink adhering to the nozzle surface 21 a, the wiper 6 protrudes from the conveying direction to a portion protruding below the nozzle surface 21 a of the swing member 87. When contact is made, the swinging member 87 swings about the swinging shaft 88 by the force with which the wiper 6 presses the protruding portion 87a of the swinging member 87 in the transport direction, and is below the nozzle surface 21a of the protruding portion 87a. The portion protruding to the side is displaced upward. Accordingly, the protruding amount of the protruding portion 87a from the nozzle surface 21a is reduced, and when the wiper 6 wipes the ink attached to the nozzle surface 21a, the swinging member 87 is not easily obstructed. Therefore, the ink adhering to the nozzle surface 21a can be reliably wiped off.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the flow path forming body 22 is slightly larger than the nozzle plate 21, and the plate spring 31 is provided in the portion of the lower surface 22 a of the flow path forming body 22 that protrudes from the nozzle plate 21. This is not a limitation. For example, the nozzle plate 21 has the same size as the flow path forming body 22 in plan view, and the plate springs 31 are provided on portions of the nozzle surface 21a located on both sides of the four nozzle rows 9 in the scanning direction. It may be. The same applies to the leaf springs 62 and 66, the rib 71, the spherical member 77, the moving member 82, and the swinging member 87 of the first to sixth modifications.

  In the above-described embodiment, the plurality of plate springs 31 are provided on both sides in the scanning direction of the four nozzle rows 9 formed by arranging the plurality of nozzles 10 in the transport direction. This is not a limitation. For example, a plurality of leaf springs 31 may be provided only on one side of the four nozzle rows 9 in the scanning direction. Alternatively, for example, the leaf spring 31 may be provided in another portion of the nozzle surface 21 a or the lower surface 22 a of the flow path forming body 22, such as both sides in the transport direction of the four nozzle rows 9. The same applies to the leaf springs 62 and 66, the rib 71, the spherical member 77, the moving member 82, and the swinging member 87 of the first to sixth modifications.

  In the above example, the movement direction of the wiper 6 is parallel to the transport direction orthogonal to the scanning direction, but the present invention is not limited to this. The movement direction of the wiper 6 may be a direction inclined with respect to the transport direction.

  Further, in the above, an inkjet printer that includes a so-called serial head that moves in the scanning direction together with the carriage, and that is configured to wipe off ink adhering to the nozzle surface by moving the wiper in the conveyance direction orthogonal to the scanning direction. Although the example which applied this invention was demonstrated, it is not restricted to this. The present invention may also be applied to an inkjet printer that includes a so-called line head that extends over the entire length of the recording paper P in the scanning direction, and is configured to wipe off ink adhering to the nozzle surface when the wiper moves in the scanning direction. Is possible.

  In this case, when the recording sheet is conveyed in the conveying direction while being bent by the conveying roller 4, the bent recording sheet approaches the nozzle surface from the conveying direction. That is, in this case, the transport roller 4 corresponds to the “relative movement unit” of the present invention. Accordingly, the leaf springs 31, 62, 66, the rib 71, the spherical member 77, the moving member 82, the swinging member 87, and the like are rotated by 90 ° in the horizontal plane from the direction of the above-described embodiment and modifications 1 to 6. If it is arranged in the direction, it is possible to prevent the recording paper from coming into contact with the nozzle surface, and at the time of wiping off ink adhering to the nozzle surface with a wiper, the leaf springs 31, 62, 66, the rib 71, and the spherical member 77. The moving member 82, the swinging member 87 and the like are not easily disturbed.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Printer 2 Carriage 3 Inkjet head 4 Conveyance roller 10 Nozzle 21 Nozzle plate 21a Nozzle surface 22 Flow path formation body 22a Lower surface 6 Wiper 31 Leaf spring 62, 66 Leaf spring 71 Rib 76 Recessed portion 77 Spherical member 82 Moving member 82a Lower surface 82b End surface 87 Swing member 87a Protruding part 87b End face 88 Swing shaft

Claims (10)

An inkjet head that ejects ink from nozzles;
A relative movement mechanism for relatively moving the inkjet head and the recording medium in a relative movement direction parallel to a nozzle surface where the nozzle of the inkjet head is opened;
A protrusion provided on an end face of the ink jet head on the nozzle side, protruding from the nozzle surface and contacting the recording medium, thereby preventing the recording medium from contacting the nozzle surface;
A wiper that moves relative to the nozzle surface in a wiping direction that is parallel to the nozzle surface and intersects the relative movement direction while being in contact with the nozzle surface;
The protrusion is
When a force is applied from the wiping direction, it is easier to displace in a direction perpendicular to the nozzle surface than when a force is applied from the relative movement direction,
An ink jet printer, wherein when the wiper comes into contact with the wiper, the amount of protrusion from the nozzle surface is reduced by being displaced by the wiper in a direction perpendicular to the nozzle surface.   The inkjet printer according to claim 1, wherein the wiping direction is a direction orthogonal to the relative movement direction. Provided on the nozzle-side end face of the inkjet head, and having a deformable portion that is more easily deformed than when force is applied from the relative movement direction when force is applied from the wiping direction;
3. The inkjet printer according to claim 1, wherein a part of the deforming portion protrudes from the nozzle surface to form the protruding portion. 4. The deformation part is
It is formed in a plate shape that extends along the relative movement direction and the wiping direction and can be bent and deformed in a direction perpendicular to the nozzle surface,
By having a bent shape that is bent in a direction away from the nozzle-side end face of the inkjet head along the wiping direction, the part is the protrusion.
When the wiper comes into contact, the deforming portion is pressed by the wiper and is bent and deformed in a direction perpendicular to the nozzle surface, so that a protruding amount of the protruding portion from the nozzle surface is reduced. Item 4. The ink jet printer according to Item 3. The deforming portion is formed in a plate shape having a length in the relative movement direction longer than a length in the wiping direction and capable of bending and deforming in the wiping direction,
The tip of the deformed portion is the protruding portion,
When the wiper comes into contact, the deforming portion is pressed by the wiper to bend and deform in the wiping direction, so that the protruding portion is displaced in a direction perpendicular to the nozzle surface, and from the nozzle surface. The inkjet printer according to claim 3, wherein the protruding amount is small.   The protrusion is movable in a direction crossing the nozzle surface, and is configured to move more easily when force is applied from the wiping direction than when force is applied from the relative movement direction. The ink jet printer according to claim 1, wherein the ink jet printer is provided. A guide portion for guiding the protrusion in a guide direction intersecting the nozzle surface;
The inkjet printer according to claim 6, wherein the guide direction is a direction inclined to a downstream side of the wiping direction with respect to a direction orthogonal to the nozzle surface. The protrusion is
The end surface in the relative movement direction is orthogonal to the relative movement direction,
The end surface on the tip side in the direction orthogonal to the nozzle surface is an inclined surface inclined with respect to the nozzle surface so that the amount of protrusion from the nozzle surface becomes smaller toward the outer portion in the wiping direction,
The inclined surface is pressed by the wiper when the wiper comes into contact with the wiper, thereby moving in a direction intersecting the nozzle surface, and a protruding amount from the nozzle surface is reduced. 6. An ink jet printer according to item 6. A swinging portion provided in the inkjet head and swingably supported by a swinging shaft extending in a direction perpendicular to the wiping direction and parallel to the nozzle surface;
The tip of the swinging part is the protruding part,
When the wiper comes into contact, the swinging portion is pressed by the wiper and swings, so that the protruding portion is displaced in a direction perpendicular to the nozzle surface, and the amount of protrusion from the nozzle surface is small. The inkjet printer according to claim 6, wherein The inkjet head has a nozzle row formed by arranging a plurality of the nozzles in the wiping direction;
The ink jet printer according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the nozzle protection part is disposed on both sides of the nozzle row in the relative movement direction.

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