JP2017094621A - Cleaning device for ink jet head and cleaning method for the same - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a cleaning device and a cleaning method for ink jet heads significantly reducing used amounts of expensive cleaning members and being capable of contributing to product production at low costs by allowing cleaning of the ink jet heads to be repeatedly performed multiple times by using the same cleaning members.SOLUTION: A cleaning device 100a for ink jet heads comprises: cleaning members 2 (2A and 2B) cleaning ink jet heads 10A and 10B; cleaning liquid supply means 3 supplying cleaning liquid to cleaning surfaces 21 of the cleaning members 2 before cleaning; a cleaning mechanism 4 pressing the cleaning surfaces 21 (21A and 21B) of the cleaning members 2 and the ink jet heads 10A and 10B to one another and subsequently separating them from one another for cleaning nozzle surfaces 12A and 12B of the ink jet heads 10A and 10B; and cleaning member regeneration washing means 5 regenerating the cleaning members 2 by washing the cleaning surfaces 21 of the cleaning members 2 by washing liquid.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to an inkjet head cleaning device and an inkjet head cleaning method.

  Conventionally, a droplet discharge device having a cleaning function of an inkjet head unit is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  In the droplet discharge device disclosed in Patent Document 1, a wiping unit of an inkjet head unit is disclosed. The wiping unit includes a suction sheet (cleaning member) for cleaning the inkjet head unit, a winding means for winding the suction sheet that has been cleaned, and the like, and cleaning the nozzle surface of the inkjet head unit as follows. Done. First, the suction sheet wound in the form of a roll is unwound from a supply reel and supplied with a cleaning liquid. The cleaning surface of the suction sheet containing the cleaning liquid is brought into contact with / separated from the nozzle surface of the inkjet head unit, so that the dirt on the nozzle surface is adsorbed on the cleaning surface of the suction sheet, and the nozzle surface is cleaned. Complete. The used suction sheet to which the dirt on the nozzle surface has been transferred is taken up by a take-up reel which is a take-up means. During this winding, the cleaning surface of the new suction sheet supplied with the cleaning liquid moves to a position where it comes into contact with the nozzle surface. By repeating the winding and the like, the cleaning of the jet head unit is continued as many times as necessary.

JP 2004-330027 A

  However, in the droplet discharge device described in Patent Document 1, a new suction sheet cleaning surface is used every time the nozzle surface of the inkjet head unit is cleaned. Therefore, if the number of droplet discharges (application times) of the inkjet head unit is increased in order to increase the production amount, the number of cleanings also increases proportionally. There is a problem that it increases and leads to cost increase. Further, since the used adsorbing sheet adsorbing dirt is discarded as it is, there is a problem that it increases environmental load and is also contrary to resource saving.

  The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-described problems, and the main object of the present invention is to make it possible to repeatedly clean an inkjet head many times using the same cleaning member, and thus is expensive. To provide an ink jet head cleaning apparatus and an ink jet head cleaning method capable of greatly reducing the amount of use of a cleaning member and contributing to product production at a low cost.

  The inkjet head cleaning device according to the present invention includes a cleaning member for cleaning the inkjet head, a cleaning liquid supply means for supplying a cleaning liquid to the cleaning surface of the cleaning member before cleaning, and cleaning for cleaning the nozzle surface of the inkjet head. A cleaning mechanism that presses and separates the cleaning surface of the member and the nozzle surface of the inkjet head, and a cleaning member regeneration cleaning unit that regenerates the cleaning member by cleaning the cleaning surface of the cleaning member with a cleaning liquid. Cleaning is a concept indicating that the inkjet head is removed. Washing is a concept indicating that the cleaning member is washed so that the cleaning member can be reused. The cleaning liquid is a liquid for cleaning the nozzle surface of the inkjet head. The cleaning liquid is a liquid for cleaning and regenerating the cleaning member.

  In this inkjet head cleaning apparatus, cleaning member regeneration cleaning means for regenerating the cleaning member by cleaning the cleaning surface of the cleaning member with a cleaning liquid is provided. Thereby, unlike the conventional case where the inkjet head is always cleaned with a new part of the cleaning member, the inkjet head can be cleaned using the regenerated cleaning member (which is made reusable by washing). As a result, since the cleaning using the same cleaning member can be repeated many times, the amount of the expensive cleaning member used can be greatly reduced, and the product can be produced at a low cost.

  In the above-described inkjet head cleaning device, preferably, the cleaning member regenerating and cleaning means is a cleaning liquid supply means for supplying a cleaning liquid to the cleaning surface of the cleaning member, and a used cleaning liquid after being used for cleaning the cleaning member. And a spent cleaning liquid recovery means. If comprised in this way, washing | cleaning of a cleaning member can be reliably repeated every time using a washing | cleaning liquid supply means and a used washing | cleaning liquid collection | recovery means. Thereby, the cleaning member can be repeatedly regenerated many times (to be reusable by washing).

  In the above-described inkjet head cleaning device, preferably, the cleaning member is a member having a porous structure capable of holding the liquid supplied to the cleaning surface. With this configuration, the cleaning liquid can be held inside the cleaning member, and the cleaning liquid can be supplied to the nozzle surface by pressing the cleaning member against the nozzle surface, and the cleaning member is separated from the nozzle surface. The nozzle surface residue can be recovered. Thereby, the inkjet head can be reliably and efficiently cleaned with high quality.

  In this case, it is preferable to further include a retained liquid amount adjusting unit that adjusts the amount of liquid that is sucked from the side opposite to the cleaning surface of the cleaning member. If comprised in this way, the cleaning member which is a member of a porous structure can hold | maintain the quantity of liquid suitable for cleaning of an inkjet head reliably with sufficient reproducibility using a holding | maintenance liquid amount adjustment means. .

  In the case where the cleaning member is a member having a structure capable of holding the cleaning liquid supplied to the cleaning surface for cleaning the inkjet head, the cleaning liquid is preferably applied to the cleaning surface of the cleaning member for cleaning the inkjet head. The cleaning liquid supply means to be supplied and the cleaning liquid supply means for supplying the cleaning liquid to the cleaning surface of the cleaning member to regenerate the cleaning member are the same supply means. If comprised in this way, unlike the structure which provides a cleaning liquid supply means and a washing | cleaning liquid supply means separately, while being able to simplify an apparatus structure, the apparatus can be reduced in size.

  An ink jet head cleaning method according to the present invention is a method for cleaning an ink jet head in which a residue on the nozzle surface of the ink jet head is removed by a cleaning member and cleaning the ink jet head. The cleaning surface and the nozzle surface of the inkjet head are pressed against each other to supply the cleaning liquid to the nozzle surface, and the cleaning surface of the pressed cleaning member and the nozzle surface of the inkjet head are separated to clean the residue on the nozzle surface. Removing with a member, and regenerating the cleaning member by cleaning the cleaning surface of the cleaning member with a cleaning liquid.

  This inkjet head cleaning method includes a step of regenerating the cleaning member by cleaning the cleaning surface of the cleaning member with a cleaning liquid, so that the inkjet head is always cleaned with a new portion of the cleaning member. The inkjet head can be cleaned using the regenerated cleaning member (which has been made reusable by washing). As a result, since the cleaning using the same cleaning member can be repeated many times, the amount of the expensive cleaning member used can be greatly reduced, thereby contributing to product production at a low cost.

  In this inkjet head cleaning method, in the step of regenerating the cleaning member, the cleaning surface of the cleaning member is cleaned using a cleaning liquid that is the same liquid as the cleaning liquid. If comprised in this way, while the number of the kind of liquid to be used can be reduced, the reproduction | regeneration of a cleaning surface and the holding | maintenance of the cleaning liquid to a cleaning member can be performed simultaneously.

  According to the ink jet head cleaning apparatus of the present invention, as described above, the cleaning member that cleans the nozzle surface of the inject head and adsorbs dirt is regenerated by cleaning by providing a regenerative cleaning means (regenerating step). As a result, the inkjet head can be repeatedly cleaned many times using the same cleaning member. As a result, the amount of expensive cleaning members used is greatly reduced, resulting in a very small amount. As a result, product production using an inkjet head at an extremely low cost can be performed.

It is the schematic diagram which showed the cleaning apparatus of the inkjet head by 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a step flow figure for demonstrating the cleaning method (operation | movement) of the cleaning apparatus of the inkjet head of 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is the schematic diagram which showed the cleaning apparatus of the inkjet head by 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a step flow figure for demonstrating the cleaning method (operation | movement) of the cleaning apparatus of the inkjet head of 2nd Embodiment of this invention.

  DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments embodying the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[First Embodiment]
(Configuration of inkjet head cleaning device)
With reference to FIG. 1, the structure of the inkjet head cleaning apparatus 100a by 1st Embodiment and the inkjet coating apparatus 100 containing it is demonstrated.

  Referring to FIG. 1, an inkjet coating apparatus 100 that performs coating with the inkjet head unit 1 is shown. The ink jet head unit 1 moves the two ink jet heads 10A and 10B that eject ink from the respective ink ejection ports 11A and 11B, the head holding base 13 that holds the ink jet heads 10A and 10B, and the head holding base 13 to move the ink jet. An XYZ drive mechanism (not shown) that can freely move the heads 10A and 10B in the XYZ directions for coating and cleaning. When coating is performed with the inkjet head unit 1, the ink ejected from the ink ejection ports 11A and 11B of the inkjet heads 10A and 10B and the dried material of the ink adhere to the nozzle surfaces 12A and 12B which are the lowermost surfaces. The nozzle surfaces 12A and 12B can be defined as surfaces including the ink discharge ports 11A and 11B serving as outlets from which ink is discharged. In order to clean the nozzle surfaces 12A and 12B of the ink jet heads 10A and 10B, the ink jet coating apparatus 100 includes the ink jet head cleaning apparatus 100a of the present invention. The inkjet head cleaning device 100a shown in FIG. 1 is a cleaning member 2 (2A, 2B) that performs cleaning by contacting the nozzle surfaces 12A and 12B of the inkjet heads 10A and 10B, and cleaning that holds the cleaning member 2 up and down. The mechanism 4, the cleaning liquid supply means 3 for supplying the cleaning liquid to the cleaning member 2, the retained liquid amount adjusting means 8 for adjusting the retained amount of the supplied cleaning liquid in the cleaning member 2, and the cleaning member 2 being cleaned after cleaning And a cleaning member regeneration cleaning means 5 for regeneration. The cleaning member regeneration cleaning means 5 is specifically composed of a cleaning liquid supply means 6 and a used cleaning liquid recovery means 7. Furthermore, the inkjet head cleaning apparatus 100a (inkjet head coating apparatus 100) is controlled by a control unit (CPU) 500a of the computer 500. Next, the configuration and function of each of the members and means provided in the inkjet head cleaning device 100a will be described in detail.

(Configuration of cleaning member 2)
The cleaning members 2A and 2B are members having a structure capable of holding the cleaning liquid supplied for cleaning. Preferably, a porous structure is used so that liquid can easily penetrate into the inside. Moreover, since the cleaning surfaces 21A and 21B (cleaning surface 21) which are the upper surfaces of the cleaning members 2A and 2B are in contact with the nozzle surfaces 12A and 12B of the inkjet heads 10A and 10B, the cleaning member 2A can be uniformly contacted over the entire surface. 2B is preferably an elastically deformable member. That is, it is more preferable that the cleaning members 2A and 2B are made of synthetic rubber and open-cell sponge that can be easily elastically deformed and contain a large amount of cleaning liquid. The cleaning members 2A and 2B are arranged in the same number corresponding to the ink jet heads 10A and 10B, but it is preferable that the cleaning surfaces 21A and 21B which are upper surfaces are formed substantially flat so as to be substantially rectangular. When cleaning the inkjet heads 10A and 10B with the cleaning surfaces 21A and 21B of the cleaning members 2A and 2B, the cleaning surfaces 21A and 21B are opposed to the nozzle surfaces 12A and 12B of the inkjet heads 10A and 10B. After arrangement, both are brought into contact. Further, the shape of the cleaning members 2A and 2B viewed from the upper side in FIG. 1, that is, the outer shape of the cleaning surfaces 21A and 21B may be any shape as long as it can sufficiently contact the nozzle surfaces 12A and 12B of the jet heads 10A and 10B. Although it is good, it is preferable that the rectangular shape is slightly larger than the nozzle surfaces 12A and 12B. Any material may be used for the cleaning members 2A and 2B as long as they are resistant to a cleaning liquid containing an organic solvent and have an appropriate elasticity. Silicon rubber, fluorine rubber, olefin rubber, ethylene propylene It is preferable to use a sponge such as (EPDM) rubber.

(Configuration of cleaning liquid supply means 3)
The cleaning liquid supply means 3 includes cleaning liquid supply nozzles 31A and 31B that supply the cleaning liquid to the cleaning surfaces 21A and 21B of the cleaning members 2A and 2B and the cleaning liquid supply nozzle 31A before cleaning the inkjet heads 10A and 10B. , 31B through which the cleaning liquid is supplied, and outside, the cleaning liquid supply pipe 32 holding the cleaning liquid supply nozzles 31A and 31B and the cleaning liquid supply pipe 32 are supported, and the horizontal plane (XY) And a turntable 34 that freely rotates and reciprocates within a plane. When the cleaning liquid is supplied to the cleaning liquid inlet pipe 33 connected to the cavity inside the cleaning liquid supply pipe 32 by means of a pump or the like, the cleaning liquid passes through the cavity inside the cleaning liquid supply pipe 32. The cleaning liquid supply nozzles 31A and 31B are discharged in a straight line downwardly toward the cleaning surfaces 21A and 21B of the cleaning members 2A and 2B. When supplying the cleaning liquid from the cleaning liquid supply nozzles 31A and 31B to the cleaning surfaces 21A and 21B, the rotary table 34 is driven to rotate and rotate around the Z direction (axis) by 180 degrees. As a result, the cleaning liquid supply nozzles 31A and 31B move from the standby position shown in FIG. 1 to the supply positions directly above the cleaning surfaces 21A and 21B of the cleaning members 2A and 2B. As shown in FIG. 1, one cleaning liquid supply nozzle may be arranged on each cleaning surface, or a plurality of cleaning liquid supply nozzles may be arranged so that the cleaning liquid can be uniformly supplied in accordance with the shape of the cleaning surface. Further, the cleaning liquid supply nozzle may be horizontally moved so that the cleaning liquid can be supplied to the plurality of cleaning members 2A and 2B with a single cleaning liquid supply nozzle. The cleaning liquid supply nozzles 31A and 31B can be applied in any form as long as the cleaning liquid can be uniformly supplied to the cleaning surfaces 21A and 21B, but the liquid is linearly (columnar) as shown in FIG. In addition to a nozzle that can discharge liquid, a shower nozzle that discharges liquid in a shower shape, a spray nozzle that discharges liquid in a circular or rectangular shape, a slit nozzle that discharges liquid from an elongated rectangular slit, and the like are also preferably used. Can do. Furthermore, the cleaning liquid supply nozzles 31A and 31B may discharge the cleaning liquid while moving relative to the cleaning surfaces 21A and 21B.

(Configuration of cleaning mechanism 4)
The cleaning mechanism 4 presses the cleaning surfaces 21A and 21B of the cleaning members 2A and 2B and the nozzle surfaces 12A and 12B of the inkjet heads 10A and 10B in order to clean the nozzle surfaces 12A and 12B of the inkjet heads 10A and 10B. It is configured to be separated from. More specifically, the cleaning mechanism 4 holds the cleaning members 2A and 2B and performs pressing (contact) / separation with the nozzle surfaces 12A and 12B of the inkjet heads 10A and 10B. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, the cleaning mechanism 4 includes holding bases 41A and 41B that support the lower sides of the cleaning members 2A and 2B via support plates 42A and 42B having a plurality of through holes, Support housings 44A and 44B for supporting the lower sides of the holding bases 41A and 41B and forming suction spaces 43A and 43B therein, an elevator base 46 for fixing and supporting the support casings 44A and 44B, and an elevator base 46 It is comprised with the raising / lowering drive device which is not shown in figure which raises / lowers freely in a direction (Z direction). A collection tray 76 of a used cleaning liquid recovery means 7 to be described later is fixedly supported on the lift 46, and internal recovery trays 77A and 77B of a used cleaning liquid recovery means 7 to be described later are also provided inside the support housings 44A and 44B. Is placed. Although it is the shape seen from the upper side of holding stand 41A, 41B, it is set as the shape match | combined with the external shape of cleaning member 2A, 2B. Accordingly, the holding bases 41A and 41B can firmly hold the cleaning members 2A and 2B so as to be wrapped from the periphery without any gaps in the X and Y directions. Since the holding bases 41A and 41B support only the lower periphery of the support plates 42A and 42B, the lower center portion of the support plates 42 and 42B comes into contact with the suction spaces 43A and 43B. With this configuration, the cleaning liquid and air can reach the suction spaces 43A and 43B through the inside of the cleaning members 2A and 2B and the numerous through holes of the support plates 42A and 42B. When the cleaning liquid or the cleaning liquid is supplied to the cleaning surfaces 21A and 21B of the cleaning members 2A and 2B from the cleaning liquid supply means 6 or the like, the cleaning liquid or a part of the cleaning liquid passes through the inside of the cleaning members 2A and 2B. The suction space 43A, 43B is dropped from there and is collected in the internal collection trays 77A, 77B. The remaining cleaning liquid and cleaning liquid are collected from the cleaning surfaces 21A and 21B to the collection tray 76 through the guide plates 45A and 45B provided on the upper portions of the holding bases 41A and 41B. Further, when cleaning the nozzle surfaces 12A and 12B of the inkjet heads 10A and 10B with the cleaning surfaces 21A and 21B of the cleaning members 2A and 2B, a lifting drive unit (not shown) is driven to raise the lifting platform 46, and the cleaning liquid is supplied. The cleaning surfaces 21A and 21B of the included cleaning members 2A and 2B are pressed against (contacted with) the nozzle surfaces 12A and 12B of the inkjet heads 10A and 10B and held for a certain period of time. Subsequently, an elevating drive device (not shown) is driven in the reverse direction to lower the elevating table 46, and the cleaning surfaces 21A and 21B are separated from the nozzle surfaces 12A and 12B. By pressing the cleaning surfaces 21A and 21B against the nozzle surfaces 12A and 12B, the cleaning members 2A and 2B, which are sponges that are elastically deformed, are squeezed with a reduced volume, so that the cleaning liquid contained therein is used as the nozzle surfaces 12A and 12B. To supply. The supplied cleaning liquid comes into contact with the ink remaining on the nozzle surfaces 12A and 12B and the residue such as dried and solidified ink, and maintains the state for a certain period of time. (1) The ink is mixed with the cleaning liquid and diluted. (2) The dried and solidified product is dissolved and contained in the cleaning liquid. (3) The dried and solidified product that is not completely dissolved is also released from the adhesion to the nozzle surfaces 12A and 12B, and is in a so-called floating state. Things happen. When the cleaning surfaces 21A and 21B are separated from the nozzle surfaces 12A and 12B, the volume of the cleaning members 2A and 2B returns to the original size, so that the cleaning liquid, The liquid in which the cleaning liquid and the ink are mixed, and the liquid in which the dried solidified product is dissolved in the cleaning liquid are sucked and collected, and the dried solidified product floating on the nozzle surfaces 12A and 12B, particles mixed in the ink, and the like are also cleaned on the cleaning surface 21A. , 21B to remove all the residues on the nozzle surfaces 12A, 12B, and the cleaning is completed.

(Configuration of cleaning member regeneration cleaning means 5)
As described above, the cleaning member regeneration cleaning means 5 regenerates the cleaning members 2A and 2B by cleaning the cleaning surfaces 21A and 21B of the cleaning members 2A and 2B with the cleaning liquid. As described above, the cleaning member regeneration cleaning means 5 includes the cleaning liquid supply means 6 and the used cleaning liquid recovery means 7 for recovering the used cleaning liquid after being used for cleaning the cleaning members 2A and 2B. The two means will be described in detail below.

(Configuration of cleaning liquid supply means 6)
The cleaning liquid supply means 6 has cleaning liquid supply nozzles 61A and 61B for injecting the cleaning liquid onto the cleaning surfaces 21A and 21B of the cleaning members 2A and 2B to which the diluted ink, dried solid matter, and the like are attached after cleaning, and the cleaning liquid supply nozzle The cleaning liquid is supplied to 61A and 61B through the internal cavity, and the cleaning liquid supply pipe 62 that holds the cleaning liquid supply nozzles 61A and 61B is externally provided, the support 64 that supports the end of the cleaning liquid supply pipe 62, and the support 64. A rail 65 that reciprocates in the X direction and a linear drive device that is a drive source (not shown) that moves the column 64 in the X direction along the rail 65 are configured. When the cleaning liquid is supplied to the cleaning liquid inlet pipe 63 connected to the cavity inside the cleaning liquid supply pipe 62 by means of a pump or the like, the cleaning liquid passes through the cavity inside the cleaning liquid supply pipe 62 and the cleaning liquid supply nozzle 61A. , 61B is discharged in a shower shape downwardly toward the cleaning surfaces 21A, 21B of the cleaning members 2A, 2B. When spraying the cleaning liquid from the cleaning liquid supply nozzles 61A and 61B to the cleaning surfaces 21A and 21B, a linear driving device (not shown) is driven to move the support column 64 linearly in the X direction toward the left side. As a result, the cleaning liquid supply nozzles 61A and 61B move from the standby position shown in FIG. 1 to the cleaning position directly above the cleaning surfaces 21A and 21B of the cleaning members 2A and 2B. Note that the cleaning liquid may be ejected from the cleaning liquid supply nozzles 61A and 61B in a state where both the cleaning liquid supply nozzles 61A and 61B and the cleaning members 2A and 2B are stationary, or the cleaning liquid supply nozzle 61A by a linear drive device (not shown). , 61B may be ejected from the cleaning liquid supply nozzles 61A, 61B while moving relative to the cleaning members 2A, 2B. As shown in FIG. 1, one cleaning liquid supply nozzle may be disposed on each cleaning surface, or a plurality of cleaning liquid supply nozzles may be disposed so that the cleaning liquid can be uniformly supplied in accordance with the shape of the cleaning surface. Further, the cleaning liquid may be sprayed onto the plurality of cleaning members 2A and 2B by moving one cleaning liquid supply nozzle by a linear drive device (not shown). The cleaning liquid supply nozzles 61A and 61B can be applied in any form as long as the cleaning liquid can be jetted onto the cleaning surfaces 21A and 21B and ink, dried solids, particles, etc. remaining on the surface can be washed away. In addition to the shower nozzle as shown in FIG. 1, a nozzle that can eject liquid in a straight line (columnar shape) at high speed, a slit nozzle that ejects liquid at high speed from an elongated rectangular slit, and an ultrasonic wave that is ejected by vibrating the liquid at an ultrasonic frequency A nozzle or the like can also be suitably used. Furthermore, a nozzle that can discharge liquid at high speed in a straight line is installed at an inclination angle of 30 ° to 75 ° from the horizontal direction. This is preferable because it improves the performance of removing objects. Further, it is more preferable that the cleaning liquid is discharged at a high speed obliquely from above to the cleaning member that relatively moves in the approaching direction from the nozzle installed in this manner, so that the residue removal performance is further improved.

(Configuration of used cleaning liquid recovery means 7)
The used cleaning liquid recovery means 7 is attached to the nozzle surfaces 12A and 12B of the inkjet heads 10A and 10B in addition to the used cleaning liquid after being used for cleaning the cleaning members 2A and 2B, and is mixed with the used cleaning liquid. Ink, dried solids, particles, and the like are also collected. The used cleaning liquid recovery means 7 includes a recovery tray 76 fixedly supported on the lifting platform 46, internal recovery trays 77A and 77B placed inside the support housings 44A and 44B, a recovery tray 76 and an internal recovery tray 77A, The used cleaning liquid 79 collected in 77B is collected via a recovery pipe 71C and 71D, respectively, and a closed recovery tank 78 is stored, and the suction pressure set by the regulator 73 for recovering the used cleaning liquid 79 is sucked. And a suction pump 74 that acts on the recovery tank 78 via a pipe 75. With this configuration, the recovery of the cleaning liquid accumulated in the recovery tray 76 and the internal recovery trays 77A and 77B is freely controlled at the start and end of recovery by switching the open / close valves 72C and 72D provided in the recovery pipes 71C and 71D. be able to. That is, when the opening / closing valves 72C and 72D are open (liquid can pass), the cleaning liquid collected in the collection tray 76 and the internal collection trays 77A and 77B is collected, and the opening and closing valves 72C and 72D are closed ( If the passage of the liquid is cut off), each recovery is not performed. The suction pressure when collecting the used cleaning liquid 79 is preferably adjusted appropriately in consideration of the state (viscosity, etc.) of the used cleaning liquid 79 and the recovery time. The recovery tray 76 has a “day” shape when viewed from above (that is, a shape in which approximately the centers of opposite sides of a rectangle are connected to each other), and the three liquid reservoirs shown in FIG. Are communicating. That is, the liquid reservoir is configured to surround the cleaning members 2A and 2B and the holding bases 41A and 41B. Therefore, the used cleaning liquid 79 collected in the recovery tray 76 can be recovered via the recovery pipe 71C installed at only one location.

(Configuration of retained liquid amount adjusting means 8)
The retained liquid amount adjusting means 8 applies a predetermined suction pressure from the lower side of the cleaning members 2A and 2B held by the cleaning mechanism 4 (from the side opposite to the cleaning surfaces 21A and 21B), thereby cleaning the cleaning members 2A and 2B. The amount of cleaning liquid retained in 2B is adjusted. The lower side of the cleaning members 2A and 2B held by the cleaning mechanism 4 is the opposite side of the cleaning surfaces 21A and 21B. The retained liquid amount adjusting means 8 has the suction pressure adjusted by the vacuum regulator 83 through the vacuum pipes 81A and 81B, one end of which is connected to the upper side of the support housings 44A and 44B, and the vacuum pipes 81A and 81B. The vacuum pump 84 is made to act on the suction spaces 43A and 43B communicating with the lower side of the cleaning members 2A and 2B. The adjustment start and end of the retained liquid amount of the cleaning liquid is performed by opening / closing operation of the vacuum opening / closing valve 82 disposed on the downstream side of the point where the vacuum pipes 81A and 81B merge. That is, when the vacuum opening / closing valve 82 is opened (air passes), the adjusted suction pressure acts on the lower side of the cleaning members 2A and 2B held by the cleaning mechanism 4 via the suction spaces 43A and 43B. Therefore, the amount of the retained liquid of the cleaning liquid is adjusted. That is, the cleaning liquid held inside the cleaning members 2A and 2B moves downward, and the liquid coming out of the cleaning members 2A and 2B falls on the internal collection trays 77A and 77B. When the vacuum opening / closing valve 82 is closed (blocking the passage of air) at an appropriate timing, it returns to atmospheric pressure without being sucked below the cleaning members 2A, 2B held by the cleaning mechanism 4, so that the cleaning liquid The lower side movement stops, and an appropriate amount of cleaning liquid remains (holds) in the holding members 2A and 2B. At this time, the cleaning liquid dropped on the internal recovery trays 77A and 77B can be recovered by the used cleaning liquid recovery means 7.

  The retained liquid amount adjusting means 8 is operated after the cleaning liquid is supplied to the cleaning surfaces 21A and 21B of the cleaning members 2A and 2B by the cleaning liquid supply means 3, and is held by the cleaning members 2A and 2B. It is preferable to adjust so as to be an appropriate amount. The amount of liquid to be held is preferably adjusted by the suction pressure set by the vacuum regulator 83 and the time for opening the vacuum opening / closing valve 82 (the time during which the suction pressure is applied).

  As described above, the cleaning liquid supplied to the cleaning surfaces 21A and 21B of the cleaning members 2A and 2B is suitable for the ink ejected from the ink jet heads 10A and 10B (organic solvent having high ink solubility, water, etc. Is preferably selected. Further, it is preferable to select a liquid that does not contain solids such as particles so as not to damage the nozzle surfaces 12A and 12B subjected to the liquid repellent treatment of the inkjet heads 10A and 10B. Furthermore, as the cleaning liquid for cleaning the cleaning surfaces 21A and 21B of the cleaning members 2A and 2B, various liquids can be selected as long as they are suitable for cleaning the cleaning members 2A and 2B. High organic solvent, water and the like can be suitably applied. In the first embodiment, the cleaning liquid is the same liquid as the cleaning liquid supplied to the cleaning surfaces 21A and 21B of the cleaning members 2A and 2B for cleaning to be regenerated. Specifically, the cleaning liquid (cleaning liquid) is an organic solvent that dissolves dirt such as dried ink attached to the inkjet heads 10A and 10B.

(Description of cleaning method (operation))
Next, FIG. 2 shows a method of cleaning an inkjet head that keeps cleaning the inkjet heads 10A and 10B by repeatedly using the inkjet head cleaning device 100a shown in FIG. 1 while regenerating the cleaning members 2A and 2B. This will be described while following the steps S1 to S5 shown.

  First, all the cleaning preparation work of the inkjet head cleaning apparatus 100a before “start” shown in FIG. 2 is completed. That is, in the cleaning liquid supply means 3, the cleaning liquid is filled from a supply source (not shown) to the cleaning liquid inlet pipe 33, the cleaning liquid supply pipe 32, and the cleaning liquid supply nozzles 31A and 31B. The cleaning liquid supply nozzles 31A and 31B can be supplied to the cleaning members 2A and 2B. Similarly, in the cleaning liquid supply means 6, the cleaning liquid is filled from a pump (not shown) to the cleaning liquid inlet pipe 63, the cleaning liquid supply pipe 62, and the cleaning liquid supply nozzles 61A and 61B. It is in the state which can inject from 61A, 61B. In the used cleaning liquid recovery means 7, the suction pump 74 is operating with the open / close valves 72C and 72D closed, and the setting to the predetermined suction pressure by the regulator 73 is also completed. At any time, the open / close valves 72C and 72D are opened, and the used cleaning liquid can be collected. Similarly, in the retained liquid amount adjusting means 8, the vacuum pump 84 is operated with the vacuum opening / closing valve 82 closed, and the setting to the predetermined suction pressure by the vacuum regulator 83 is completed. 82 is opened, and a predetermined suction pressure can be applied to the suction spaces 43A and 43B in the support housings 44A and 44B. Furthermore, the cleaning members 2A and 2B are held by the holding bodies 41A and 41B, and are at the lower limit position in the Z direction shown in FIG. The cleaning liquid supply nozzles 31A and 31B and the cleaning liquid supply nozzles 61A and 61B on both sides of the cleaning members 2A and 2B are also in the standby position shown in FIG. The ink jet heads 10A and 10B complete the application in the ink jet coating apparatus 100 and stand by at standby positions away from the cleaning members 2A and 2B in the X, Y, and Z directions. Therefore, there is nothing above the cleaning surfaces 21A and 21B of the cleaning members 2A and 2B. And the control part (CPU) 500a of the computer 500 is waiting for the cleaning start signal.

(Step S1)
This is a step (process) of supplying a cleaning liquid to the cleaning members 2A and 2B. The control unit (CPU) 500a of the computer 500 receives the cleaning start signal and starts the step flow shown in FIG. First, the turntable 34 is driven and rotated 180 degrees, and the cleaning liquid supply nozzles 31A and 31B are moved from the standby position shown in FIG. 1 to the supply position directly above the cleaning surfaces 21A and 21B of the cleaning members 2A and 2B. . Then, the cleaning liquid fed from the supply source (not shown) through the cleaning liquid inlet pipe 33 and the cleaning liquid supply pipe 32 is discharged from the cleaning liquid supply nozzles 31A and 31B to clean the cleaning surfaces of the cleaning members 2A and 2B. The liquid amount QI is supplied to 21A and 21B. Accordingly, the cleaning liquid supplied by the liquid amount QI penetrates into the cleaning members 2A and 2B in the downward direction by capillary action.

(Step S2)
This is a step of adjusting the amount of retained liquid in the cleaning members 2A and 2B of the supplied cleaning liquid. First, the vacuum opening / closing valve 82 is opened for a certain period of time, and a predetermined suction pressure is applied to the lower side of the cleaning members 2A, 2B on the opposite sides of the cleaning surfaces 21A, 21B for a certain period of time. As a result, the cleaning liquid supplied in the previous step and held in the cleaning members 2A and 2B moves downward to be discharged from the lower side of the cleaning members 2A and 2B by the liquid amount QO, and the internal collection tray 77A. , 77B. Thus, the retained liquid amount Q of the cleaning liquid inside the cleaning members 2A and 2B is adjusted to a value determined by Q = QI−QO. The retained liquid amount adjusting means 8 adjusts the retained liquid amount Q in the cleaning members 2A and 2B by adjusting the liquid amount QO discharged from the cleaning members 2A and 2B according to the magnitude of the suction pressure and the time during which the suction liquid acts. Is. During the adjustment of the amount of retained liquid, the turntable 34 is driven to the opposite side and rotated 180 degrees to the opposite side, and the cleaning liquid supply nozzles 31A and 31B are moved from the supply position directly above the cleaning surfaces 21A and 21B. Return to the original standby position.

(Step S3)
In this step, the cleaning surfaces 21A and 21B of the cleaning members 2A and 2B and the nozzle surfaces 12A and 12B of the inkjet heads 10A and 10B are pressed against each other to supply the cleaning liquid to the nozzle surfaces 2A and 12B. First, the inkjet heads 10A and 10B that have finished coating and are waiting at the standby position are moved to the cleaning positions directly above the cleaning surfaces 21A and 21B of the cleaning members 2A and 2B. In the cleaning position, if the cleaning members 2A and 2B are lifted by the lift 46, the cleaning surfaces 21A and 21B can come into contact with the nozzle surfaces 12A and 12B of the inkjet heads 10A and 10B.

Next, the elevator drive device (not shown) is driven to raise the elevator 46 and push the cleaning surfaces 21A and 21B of the cleaning members 2A and 2B containing the cleaning liquid against the nozzle surfaces 12A and 12B of the inkjet heads 10A and 10B. Preserve and hold for a certain time. As a result, the cleaning members 2A and 2B, which are sponges, are elastically deformed and have a reduced volume, so that the cleaning liquid contained therein is supplied to the nozzle surfaces 12A and 12B. Since the supply amount of the cleaning liquid is proportional to the elastic deformation amount of the cleaning members 2A and 2B, the cleaning liquid nozzle is adjusted by changing the rising stop position of the cleaning members 2A and 2B by the elevator 46 and adjusting the elastic deformation amount. The supply amount to the surfaces 12A and 12B can be adjusted. As described above, the cleaning liquid supplied to the nozzle surfaces 12A and 12B of the ink jet heads 10A and 10B comes into contact with the residue remaining on the nozzle surfaces 12A and 12B, such as ink and dried solidified ink, and the By holding the state
(1) The ink is mixed with the cleaning liquid and thinned. (2) The dried solidified product is dissolved and contained in the cleaning liquid. (3) The dried solidified product that is not completely dissolved is also released from adhesion to the nozzle surfaces 12A and 12B. It happens to be in a so-called floating state. Therefore, it is preferable to select a time for completing the above (3) as the fixed time for pressing and holding the cleaning surfaces 21A and 21B against the nozzle surfaces 12A and 12B. As a result, the residue can be easily removed by the cleaning members 2A and 2B in the next step S4.

(Step S4)
In this step, the cleaning surfaces 21A and 21B of the pressed cleaning members 2A and 2B are separated from the nozzle surfaces 12A and 12B of the inkjet heads 10A and 10B, and the residue on the nozzle surfaces is removed by the cleaning members 2A and 2B. With respect to the stationary cleaning members 2 </ b> A and 2 </ b> B, a lifting drive device (not shown) is driven to the opposite side to lower the lifting platform 46 to the lower limit position. The cleaning surfaces 2A and 2B of the cleaning members 2A and 2B are separated from the nozzle surfaces 12A and 12B of the inkjet heads 10A and 10B and pressed to reduce the volume of the cleaning members 2A and 2B. Return. By the suction action when the volume returns, the cleaning liquid, the liquid in which the cleaning liquid and the ink are mixed, and the liquid in which the dried solidified product is dissolved in the cleaning liquid are sucked and collected from the cleaning surfaces 21A and 21B, and the nozzle surface The dried solid matter floating from 12A and 12B, the particles mixed in the ink, and the like are also adsorbed on the cleaning surfaces 21A and 21B. With the above operation, all the residues on the nozzle surfaces 12A and 12B are removed, and the cleaning of the nozzle surfaces 12A and 12B of the inkjet heads 10A and 10B is completed. Thereafter, the inkjet heads 10A and 10B move to a preparation position for the next application.

(Step S5)
This is a step of regenerating the cleaning members 2A and 2B by cleaning the cleaning surfaces 21A and 21B of the cleaning members 2A and 2B with the cleaning liquid.

  First, the linear driving device of the cleaning liquid supply means 6 (not shown) is driven to move the column 64 linearly in the X direction toward the cleaning members 2A and 2B, and the cleaning liquid supply nozzles 61A and 61B are moved from the standby position. The cleaning members 2A and 2B move to the cleaning position immediately above the cleaning surfaces 21A and 21B. Then, the cleaning liquid to which a predetermined amount of liquid is fed from a pump (not shown) via the cleaning liquid inlet pipe 63 and the cleaning liquid supply pipe 62 is supplied from the cleaning liquid supply nozzles 61A and 61B to the cleaning surface 21A of the cleaning members 2A and 2B. , 21B is ejected downward at a predetermined flow rate (liquid amount per unit time). As a result, ink, dry solidified matter, particles, and the like remaining on the cleaning surfaces 21A and 21B are washed away by the cleaning liquid. Then, the used cleaning liquid in which the washed residue and the cleaning liquid are integrated is collected from the cleaning surfaces 21 </ b> A and 21 </ b> B through the guide plates 45 </ b> A and 45 </ b> B to the collection tray 76. Part of the cleaning liquid sprayed toward the cleaning surfaces 21A and 21B soaks into the cleaning members 2A and 2B by capillary action and moves downward in the Z direction. At this time, in step S4, the cleaning liquid that is sucked into the cleaning members 2A and 2B and mixed with the cleaning liquid and ink, and the liquid in which the dried solidified product is dissolved in the cleaning liquid is It will be pushed out to the side. Finally, from the lower side of the cleaning members 2A and 2B, a liquid in which the cleaning liquid and the ink are mixed, a liquid in which the dried solidified product is dissolved in the cleaning liquid, and a part of the jetted cleaning liquid appear. It falls on the collection trays 77A and 77B, mixes them, and is collected as a used cleaning liquid. It is due to the action of gravity that the cleaning liquid soaked from the upper side can push the liquid in the cleaning members 2A and 2B first downward. As described above, the cleaning surfaces 2A, 21B remove the residue on the nozzle surfaces 12A, 12B and remove the liquid in which the cleaning liquid and the ink are mixed and the liquid in which the dried solidified product is dissolved in the cleaning liquid 2A, When discharged to the outside of 2B, the regeneration of the cleaning members 2A and 2B is substantially completed. As the flow rate of the cleaning liquid sprayed from the cleaning liquid supply nozzles 61A and 61B increases, the residue on the nozzle surfaces 12A and 12B remaining on the cleaning surfaces 21A and 21B is easily pushed away. Therefore, the cleaning liquid sprayed so that the residues can be removed. It is preferable to select an appropriate flow rate. Also, the amount of cleaning liquid sent from the pump to the cleaning liquid supply nozzles 61A and 61B is the same as the amount of liquid for removing the residue on the nozzle surfaces 12A and 12B from the cleaning surfaces 21A and 21B, and the cleaning liquid and ink are mixed. In addition, it is preferable to select appropriately so as to ensure a sufficient amount of the liquid obtained by extruding the liquid obtained by dissolving the liquid and the dried solidified product in the cleaning liquid to the outside of the cleaning members 2A and 2B. When ejection of the cleaning liquid of a predetermined liquid amount from the cleaning liquid supply nozzles 61A and 61B is completed, the linear drive device of the cleaning liquid supply means 6 (not shown) is driven to the opposite side to move the column 64 in the X direction to the cleaning members 2A and 2B. The cleaning liquid supply nozzles 61A and 61B are returned from the cleaning position immediately above the cleaning surfaces 21A and 21B to the original standby position. In parallel with the return operation of the cleaning liquid supply nozzles 61A and 61B, the on-off valves 72C and 72D are opened to recover the used cleaning liquid collected in the recovery tray 76 and the internal recovery trays 77A and 77B. Store. In the internal collection trays 77A and 77B, the cleaning liquid collected at the time of adjusting the cleaning liquid holding liquid amount in the cleaning members 2A and 2B in step S2 was stored prior to the used cleaning liquid. Collected together with the used cleaning solution at When the collection of the used cleaning liquid from the collection tray 76 and the internal collection trays 77A and 77B is completed, the open / close valves 72C and 72D are returned to the closed state. Upon completion of this step, the regeneration of the cleaning members 2A and 2B is completed, and the next inkjet head 10A and 10B can be used for cleaning.

  Thereafter, when cleaning is repeated (Yes in the condition branch after step S5), the ink jet heads 10A and 10B complete the next application in the ink jet coating apparatus 100 and wait at the standby position. Similarly, the processes of steps S1 to S5 are repeated to continue cleaning and application.

(Effect of 1st Embodiment)
In the first embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

  In the first embodiment, as described above, the cleaning member 2 is cleaned by cleaning the cleaning surface 21 (21A, 21B) of the cleaning member 2 (2A, 2B) with the cleaning liquid using the cleaning member regeneration cleaning means 5. Can be played. Thus, unlike the conventional case where the nozzle surfaces 12A and 12B of the inkjet head are always cleaned with a new portion of the cleaning member 2, the regenerated cleaning member 2 (which can be reused by washing) is used to The heads 10A and 10B can be cleaned. As a result, since the cleaning using the same cleaning member 2 can be repeated many times, the amount of the expensive cleaning member 2 used can be greatly reduced, and the product can be produced at a low cost.

  In the first embodiment, the cleaning member regeneration cleaning means 5 collects the cleaning liquid supply means 6 that supplies the cleaning liquid to the cleaning surface 21 of the cleaning member 2 and the used cleaning liquid after being used for cleaning the cleaning member 2. And used cleaning liquid recovery means 7 to be used. As a result, the cleaning of the cleaning member 2 can be reliably repeated each time, and as a result, the cleaning member 2 can be regenerated repeatedly (reusable by cleaning).

  In the first embodiment, the cleaning member 2 is a member having a porous structure capable of holding the liquid supplied to the cleaning surface 21. Accordingly, the cleaning liquid can be held inside the cleaning member 2, and the cleaning liquid can be supplied to the nozzle surfaces 12 </ b> A and 12 </ b> B by pressing the cleaning member 2 against the nozzle surfaces 12 </ b> A and 12 </ b> B. The residues on the nozzle surfaces 12A and 12B can be collected by pulling them away from the nozzle surfaces 12A and 12B. Thereby, the inkjet heads 10A and 10B can be reliably and efficiently cleaned with high quality.

  Further, a retained liquid amount adjusting means 8 is provided for adjusting the amount of liquid to be retained by suction from the side opposite to the cleaning surface 21 of the cleaning member 2. Thereby, the cleaning member 2 which is a porous structure member can hold the liquid in an amount suitable for cleaning the ink jet heads 10A and 10B easily and with high reproducibility by using the holding liquid amount adjusting means 8. it can.

(Second Embodiment)
Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 3, the structure of the inkjet head cleaning apparatus 200a by 2nd Embodiment of this invention and the inkjet coating apparatus 200 containing it is demonstrated. In addition, while using the same code | symbol about the structure similar to the said 1st Embodiment, description is abbreviate | omitted.

  Referring to FIG. 3, the inkjet coating apparatus 200 is different from the inkjet head cleaning apparatus 100a in which the cleaning liquid supply means 3 and the cleaning liquid supply means 6 are separately provided, and the cleaning liquid supply means and the cleaning liquid supply means are shared. An inkjet head cleaning device 200a is provided. That is, the inkjet head cleaning device 200a is exactly the same as the inkjet head cleaning device 100a except that the cleaning liquid supply means 6 is omitted from the inkjet head cleaning device 100a.

  With this configuration, in the inkjet head cleaning apparatus 200a, a cleaning liquid supply unit that supplies cleaning liquid to the cleaning surfaces 21 (21A, 21B) of the cleaning member 2 (2A, 2B) for cleaning the inkjet heads 10A, 10B ( The cleaning liquid supply means 3) and the cleaning liquid supply means for supplying the cleaning liquid to the cleaning surface 21 of the cleaning member 2 for regeneration of the cleaning member 2 are the same supply means (shared with the cleaning liquid supply means 3). is there. That is, the cleaning liquid supply unit 3 also functions as a cleaning liquid supply unit.

This cleaning method using the inkjet head cleaning device 200a can be applied as it is if the following change is made to the cleaning method using the inkjet head cleaning device 100a whose step flow is shown in FIG.
(1) Use the same cleaning / cleaning liquid as the cleaning liquid and the cleaning liquid.
(2) Step S5 shown in FIG. 2 is changed to the following step S5 ′.

(Step S5 ′)
The turntable 34 is driven to rotate 180 degrees, and the cleaning liquid supply nozzles 31A and 31B are moved from the standby position to a cleaning position directly above the cleaning surfaces 21A and 21B of the cleaning members 2A and 2B. The cleaning / cleaning liquid to which a predetermined amount of liquid is fed from a supply source (not shown) through the cleaning liquid inlet pipe 33 and the cleaning liquid supply pipe 32 is supplied from the cleaning liquid supply nozzles 31A and 31B to the cleaning member 2A. 2B is discharged downward at a predetermined flow rate toward the cleaning surfaces 21A and 21B. As a result, the remaining ink on the cleaning surfaces 21A, 21B, dried solids, particles, and the like on the nozzle surfaces 12A, 12B are pushed away into the cleaning / cleaning liquid, and the used cleaning / cleaning liquid is integrated with the residue. The cleaning liquid is collected from the cleaning surfaces 21A and 21B through the guide plates 45A and 45B to the collection tray 76. Part of the cleaning / cleaning liquid discharged toward the cleaning surfaces 21A and 21B penetrates into the cleaning members 2A and 2B and moves downward in the Z direction. At this time, the cleaning / cleaning liquid in which the cleaning / cleaning liquid and the ink mixed therein and the liquid obtained by dissolving the dried solidified material in the cleaning / cleaning liquid are pushed out downward. Finally, from the lower side of the cleaning members 2A and 2B, a liquid in which cleaning / cleaning liquid and ink are mixed, a liquid in which the dried solidified product is dissolved in the cleaning / cleaning liquid, and a part of the discharged cleaning / cleaning liquid appear. Falls onto the internal collection trays 77A and 77B and mixes together, and is collected as a used cleaning / cleaning liquid. When the cleaning liquid supply nozzles 31A, 31B have completed the cleaning and discharge of the predetermined amount of liquid, the rotary table 34 is driven to the opposite side so that the cleaning liquid supply nozzles 31A, 31B are directly above the cleaning surfaces 21A, 21B. Return to the original standby position from the cleaning position. In parallel with this, the open / close valves 72C and 72D are opened, and the used cleaning / cleaning liquid collected in the recovery tray 76 and the internal recovery trays 77A and 77B is recovered and stored in the recovery tank 78. When the above collection is completed, the open / close valves 72C and 72D are returned to the closed state.

Furthermore, the inkjet head cleaning apparatus 200a can perform another inkjet head cleaning method whose step flow is shown in FIG. The step flow shown in FIG. 4 differs from the step flow of the inkjet head cleaning apparatus 100a shown in FIG. 2 in the following points.
(1) Step S1 is changed to step S1 ′ in which step S1 and step S5 in FIG. 2 are integrated.
(2) Step S5 is omitted. (3) The cleaning / cleaning liquid, which is the same liquid, is used as the cleaning liquid and the cleaning liquid.
According to the above (1) and (2), in the inkjet head cleaning device 100a, the cleaning member is regenerated immediately after the cleaning of the inkjet heads 10A and 10B, whereas in the inkjet head cleaning device 200a, the inkjet head 10A. Immediately after the cleaning of 10B is completed, the cleaning member is not regenerated, and immediately before the next inkjet head 10A, 10B is cleaned, the cleaning member is regenerated and the cleaning / cleaning liquid is supplied simultaneously. The integrated step S1 ′ is shown below.

(Step S1 ′)
Immediately before cleaning the inkjet heads 10A and 10B, the cleaning surfaces 21A and 21B of the cleaning members 2A and 2B are cleaned with the cleaning and cleaning liquid to regenerate the cleaning members 2A and 2B, and the cleaning and cleaning liquid is supplied to the cleaning members 2A and 2B. It is a step to do. That is, it includes a step of regenerating the cleaning members 2A and 2B for cleaning the cleaning surfaces 21A and 21B of the cleaning members 2A and 2B using a cleaning liquid (cleaning / cleaning liquid) that is the same liquid as the cleaning liquid. Specifically, first, the rotary table 34 is driven to rotate 180 degrees, and the cleaning liquid supply nozzles 31A and 31B are cleaned immediately above the cleaning surfaces 21A and 21B of the cleaning members 2A and 2B from the standby position shown in FIG.・ Move to supply position. The cleaning / cleaning liquid to which a predetermined amount of liquid is fed from a supply source (not shown) through the cleaning liquid inlet pipe 33 and the cleaning liquid supply pipe 32 is supplied from the cleaning liquid supply nozzles 31A and 31B to the cleaning member 2A. 2B is discharged downward at a predetermined flow rate (liquid amount per unit time) toward the cleaning surfaces 21A and 21B. As a result, the remaining ink on the cleaning surfaces 21A, 21B, dried solids, particles, and the like on the nozzle surfaces 12A, 12B are pushed away into the cleaning / cleaning liquid, and the used cleaning / cleaning liquid is integrated with the residue. The cleaning liquid is collected from the cleaning surfaces 21A and 21B through the guide plates 45A and 45B to the collection tray 76. A part of the cleaning / cleaning liquid discharged toward the cleaning surfaces 21A and 21B soaks into the cleaning members 2A and 2B by capillary action and moves downward in the Z direction. At this time, the cleaning / cleaning liquid in which the cleaning / cleaning liquid and the ink mixed in the inside and the liquid in which the dried solidified material is dissolved in the cleaning / cleaning liquid are pushed downward. Finally, from the lower side of the cleaning members 2A and 2B, a liquid in which cleaning / cleaning liquid and ink are mixed, a liquid in which the dried solidified product is dissolved in the cleaning / cleaning liquid, and a part of the discharged cleaning / cleaning liquid appear. Falls onto the internal collection trays 77A and 77B and mixes together, and is collected as a used cleaning / cleaning liquid. When the used cleaning / cleaning liquid has accumulated in the collection tray 76 and the internal collection trays 77A and 77B, the open / close valves 72C and 72D are opened, and the used cleaning / cleaning liquid collected in the collection tray 76 and the internal collection trays 77A and 77B is removed. It is collected and stored in a collection tank 78. In accordance with the end of the cleaning / cleaning liquid discharge from the cleaning liquid supply nozzles 31A and 31B, the open / close valves 72C and 72D are returned to the closed state to complete the recovery. As for the amount of the cleaning / cleaning liquid discharged from the cleaning liquid supply nozzles 31A and 31B, the cleaning surfaces 21A, 21B, It is preferable to select multiple items so that the cleaning / cleaning liquid is supplied to 21B. The liquid amount QI of the cleaning / cleaning liquid supplied to the cleaning surfaces 21A and 21B is used for adjusting the amount of liquid retained in the cleaning members 2A and 2B after all the residue has been washed away. In addition, as the flow rate of the cleaning / cleaning liquid discharged from the cleaning liquid supply nozzles 31A and 31B is higher, the residue on the nozzle surfaces 12A and 12B remaining on the cleaning surfaces 21A and 21B is more easily washed away. It is preferable to appropriately select the flow rate of the cleaning / cleaning liquid to be discharged so as to be able to be performed. When the processes of steps S1 ′ to S4 shown in FIG. 4 are executed and cleaning is repeated thereafter (in the condition branch after step S4, in the case of Yes), the inkjet heads 10A and 10B are used in the inkjet coating apparatus 200. In accordance with the timing of completing the next application and waiting at the standby position, the processes in steps S1 'to S4 are repeated in the same manner, and cleaning and application are continued.

  In the second embodiment, the actions and effects obtained in the first embodiment can be obtained as they are. Furthermore, in 2nd Embodiment, since the reproduction | regeneration of the cleaning member 2 and supply of cleaning fluid can be implemented simultaneously, the time which cleaning requires can be shortened rather than 1st Embodiment. In the second embodiment, the cleaning liquid supply means 6 is omitted from the first embodiment so that the cleaning liquid supply means 3 can share the function of the cleaning liquid supply means 6. The apparatus can be miniaturized.

  In the second embodiment, in the step of regenerating the cleaning member 2, the cleaning surface 21 of the cleaning member 2 is cleaned using a cleaning liquid (cleaning / cleaning liquid) that is the same liquid as the cleaning liquid. Thereby, the number of types of liquid to be used can be reduced, and the regeneration of the cleaning surface 21 and the holding of the cleaning liquid to the cleaning member 2 can be performed simultaneously.

[Modification]
The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is shown not by the above description of the embodiment but by the scope of the claims. Further, all modifications (modifications) are included within the scope equivalent to the scope of the claims.

  For example, in the first and second embodiments, the cleaning mechanism 4 moves the cleaning members 2A and 2B upward, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, without using the lifting platform 46 of the cleaning mechanism 4, the inkjet heads 10A and 10B are moved downward / upward by the lifting devices of the inkjet heads 10A and 10B, and the cleaning surfaces 21A and 21B of the cleaning members 2A and 2B are inkjetted. The heads 10A and 10B may be pressed / separated from the nozzle surfaces 12A and 12B. In addition, the inkjet heads 10A, 10B are moved downward / upward using both the lifting platform 46 of the cleaning mechanism 4 and the lifting / lowering devices of the inkjet heads 10A, 10B, and the cleaning members 2A, 2B are moved upward / downward. You may make it move.

  In the first and second embodiments, the example in which the retained liquid amount adjusting means 8 is provided has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the retained liquid amount adjusting means 8 may not be provided.

  In the first and second embodiments, the example in which the retained liquid amount of the cleaning member 2 is adjusted using the suction force generated by the vacuum pump 84 of the retained liquid amount adjusting unit 8 has been described. Not limited to. For example, the amount of liquid retained in the cleaning member 2 may be adjusted by means that can apply suction pressure other than a vacuum pump such as an aspirator.

  Further, in the first and second embodiments, the used cleaning liquid recovery means 7 and the retained liquid amount adjustment means 8 are individually provided, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the used cleaning liquid recovery means 7 may be used as the function of the retained liquid amount adjusting means 8. When the used cleaning liquid recovery means 7 is used as the retained liquid amount adjusting means 8, the suction pressure set by the regulator 73 is changed to the suction pressure when used as the retained liquid amount adjusting means 8, and the changed suction pressure is used. Only the opening / closing valve 72D is opened at the timing of acting on the suction spaces 43A and 43B.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Inkjet head unit 2, 2A, 2B Cleaning member 3 Cleaning liquid supply means 4 Cleaning mechanism 5 Cleaning member reproduction | regeneration washing | cleaning means 6 Cleaning liquid supply means 7 Used cleaning liquid collection | recovery means 8 Retained liquid amount adjustment means 10A, 10B Inkjet head 11A, 11B Ink Discharge port 12A, 12B Nozzle surface 13 Head holding base 21, 21A, 21B Cleaning surface 31A, 31B Cleaning liquid supply nozzle 32 Cleaning liquid supply pipe 33 Cleaning liquid inlet pipe 34 Rotating base 41A, 41B Holding base 42A, 42B Support plate 43A, 43B Suction spaces 44A, 44B Support housings 45A, 45B Guide plate 46 Lifting platform 61A, 61B Cleaning liquid supply nozzle 62 Cleaning liquid supply pipe 63 Inlet pipe 64 Support column 65 Rail 71C, 71D Recovery pipe 72C, 72D Open / close valve 73 Regulator 74 Suction pump 75 Suction piping 76 times Trays 77A, 77B the inner collecting tray 78 recovery tank 79 used washing 81A, 81B vacuum pipe 82 vacuum switch valve 83 the vacuum regulator 84 vacuum pump 100 and 200 inkjet coating apparatus
100a, 200a Inkjet head cleaning device 500 Computer 500a Control unit

Claims (7)

A cleaning member for cleaning the inkjet head;
Cleaning liquid supply means for supplying a cleaning liquid to the cleaning surface of the cleaning member before cleaning;
A cleaning mechanism that presses the cleaning surface of the cleaning member and the nozzle surface of the inkjet head after cleaning to clean the nozzle surface of the inkjet head; and
A cleaning device for an inkjet head, comprising: a cleaning member regeneration cleaning unit that regenerates the cleaning member by cleaning the cleaning surface of the cleaning member with a cleaning liquid. The cleaning member regeneration cleaning means includes:
Cleaning liquid supply means for supplying the cleaning liquid to the cleaning surface of the cleaning member;
The inkjet head cleaning apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a used cleaning liquid recovery unit that recovers a used cleaning liquid after being used for cleaning the cleaning member.   The inkjet head cleaning apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the cleaning member is a member having a porous structure capable of holding the liquid supplied to the cleaning surface.   The inkjet head cleaning apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising a retained liquid amount adjusting unit that adjusts the amount of the liquid to be retained by suction from a side opposite to the cleaning surface of the cleaning member. The cleaning liquid supply means for supplying the cleaning liquid to the cleaning surface of the cleaning member for cleaning the inkjet head, and the cleaning liquid supply for supplying the cleaning liquid to the cleaning surface of the cleaning member for regeneration of the cleaning member Means
The inkjet head cleaning device according to claim 3, wherein the same supply means is used in common. A cleaning method for an inkjet head, wherein a residue on the nozzle surface of the inkjet head is removed by a cleaning member and cleaned.
Supplying a cleaning liquid to the cleaning member;
Supplying the cleaning liquid to the nozzle surface by pressing the cleaning surface of the cleaning member and the nozzle surface of the inkjet head; and
Separating the pressed cleaning surface of the cleaning member and the nozzle surface of the inkjet head to remove the residue on the nozzle surface with the cleaning member;
Cleaning the cleaning surface of the cleaning member with a cleaning liquid, and regenerating the cleaning member. In the step of regenerating the cleaning member,
The inkjet head cleaning method according to claim 6, wherein the cleaning surface of the cleaning member is cleaned using the cleaning liquid that is the same liquid as the cleaning liquid.

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