JP2018079619A - Wiping device, liquid discharge device, and liquid discharge surface wiping method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a wiping device, a liquid discharge device, and a liquid discharge surface wiping method which suppress wear of a water-repellent film of a liquid discharge surface, and suppress deterioration of discharge performance caused by the wear of the water-repellent film of the liquid discharge surface.SOLUTION: A wiping device includes: a first wiping web (46) for wiping a liquid discharge head (16) having a rectangular nozzle opening (280) and a liquid discharge surface (30) on which a water-repellent film is formed; a first support part (48) for supporting the first wiping web; and a first relative movement part (128) which relatively moves the first wiping web and the liquid discharge head by obliquely inclining a fiber direction of the first wiping web with respect to the nozzle opening and forming an angle (θ) between the fiber direction of the first wiping web and the nozzle opening at π/8 radian or more and less than π/4 radian, or more than π/4 radian and less than π/3 radian.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

  The present invention relates to a wiping device, a liquid ejection device, and a liquid ejection surface wiping method, and more particularly to a wiping technique for a liquid ejection surface of a liquid ejection head.

  In the ink jet type liquid discharge head, when liquid is discharged from the nozzle portion, the liquid adheres around the nozzle portion or inside the nozzle portion. If the liquid adheres to the periphery of the nozzle part or the inside of the nozzle part, it may cause a decrease in ejection performance such as the occurrence of a flying curve of the liquid.

  A liquid discharge apparatus provided with a liquid discharge head suppresses a decrease in discharge performance by regularly performing maintenance on the liquid discharge head. As an example of maintenance of the liquid discharge head, a wiping process of the liquid discharge surface can be given.

  Patent Document 1 describes a liquid ejection device including a wiping device for wiping a liquid ejection surface using a wiping web having a brushed surface. The wiping device described in Patent Document 1 wipes the inside of the nozzle portion by causing the raised portion of the wiping web to enter the inside of the nozzle portion when wiping the liquid ejection surface using the wiping web.

  Note that the term “liquid ejection surface” in this specification corresponds to the term “nozzle surface” in Patent Document 1. The term “nozzle part” in this specification corresponds to the term “nozzle” in Patent Document 1. The term “liquid ejection device” in this specification corresponds to the term “droplet ejection device” in Patent Document 1.

JP 2013-199081 A

  However, wear of the water-repellent film on the liquid discharge surface may occur due to the wiping process on the liquid discharge surface. In particular, when wear of the water-repellent film around the nozzle opening proceeds more than a certain level, there is a concern that the discharge performance may be deteriorated.

  Patent Document 1 does not describe a technical problem of occurrence of wear of the water-repellent film on the liquid discharge surface and deterioration of discharge performance due to wear of the water-repellent film on the liquid discharge surface. Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration capable of suppressing the occurrence of wear of the water repellent film on the liquid discharge surface, or a configuration capable of suppressing a decrease in discharge performance due to wear of the water repellent film on the liquid discharge surface. Absent.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and is a wiping device that suppresses the wear of the water-repellent film on the liquid discharge surface and can suppress the deterioration of the discharge performance due to the wear of the water-repellent film on the liquid discharge surface. An object of the present invention is to provide a liquid ejection device and a liquid ejection surface wiping method.

  A wiping device according to a first aspect includes a first wiping web for wiping a liquid ejection head having a rectangular nozzle opening and a liquid ejection surface on which a water repellent film is formed, and a first wiping web. The direction of the fiber of the first wiping web and the nozzle opening is inclined obliquely with respect to the nozzle opening, and the angle formed between the fiber direction of the first wiping web and the nozzle opening is π / 8 radians or more and π / 4 radians Less than or less than or more than π / 4 radians and tilted to an angle of 3 × π / 8 radians or less, and a first relative movement unit that relatively moves the liquid ejection head and the first wiping web supported by the first support unit And a wiping device.

  According to the first aspect, when the liquid ejection head and the first wiping web are relatively moved, the direction of the fibers of the first wiping web is inclined with respect to the nozzle opening. The angle formed between the fiber direction of the first wiping web and the nozzle opening is inclined to an angle of π / 8 radians or more and less than π / 4 radians, or more than π / 4 radians and less than 3 × π / 8 radians. Thereby, wear of the water-repellent film around the nozzle opening is suppressed, and a decrease in discharge performance due to wear of the water-repellent film can be suppressed.

  Further, the liquid discharge surface is wiped using the first wiping web. As a result, it is possible to remove deposits adhering to the liquid ejection surface.

  The shape of the nozzle opening is preferably a rectangle having an aspect ratio of 1.2 or less. The shape of the nozzle opening may be a square having an aspect ratio of 1.0.

  The second aspect is the one aspect of the wiping device according to the first aspect, in which the first relative movement unit has an angle formed by the fiber direction of the first wiping web and the nozzle opening by π / 6 radians or more π / 4. The liquid discharge head and the first wiping web supported by the first support portion may be relatively moved by inclining at an angle of less than radians or greater than π / 4 radians and less than π / 3 radians.

  According to the second aspect, the angle formed between the direction of the fibers of the first wiping web and the nozzle opening is an angle of π / 6 radians or more and less than π / 4 radians, or more than π / 4 radians and less than π / 3 radians. Tilted. Thereby, compared with a 1st aspect, abrasion of a water-repellent film can be suppressed more. Moreover, the deposit | attachment adhering to the liquid discharge surface is removable like the 1st aspect.

  A 3rd aspect is good also as a structure provided with the 1st head moving part which moves a liquid discharge head in the wiping apparatus of a 1st aspect or a 2nd aspect.

  According to the third aspect, the first wiping web is run in a direction opposite to the moving direction of the liquid ejection head. Thereby, the efficiency at the time of removing the deposit | attachment adhering to the liquid discharge surface using the 1st wiping web can improve.

  According to a fourth aspect, in the wiping device according to the third aspect, the first relative movement unit travels the first wiping web in a direction opposite to the movement direction of the liquid ejection head in the first head movement unit in the first support unit. It is good also as a structure provided with the 1st driving | running | working part to make.

  According to the fourth aspect, the first wiping web is run in a direction opposite to the moving direction of the liquid ejection head. Thereby, the efficiency at the time of removing the deposit | attachment adhering to the liquid discharge surface using the 1st wiping web can improve.

  According to a fifth aspect, in the wiping device according to the fourth aspect, the first relative movement unit is first with respect to the first side of the nozzle opening parallel to the traveling direction of the first wiping web using the first traveling unit. It is good also as a structure which inclines the direction of the fiber of a wiping web diagonally.

  According to the fifth aspect, the liquid discharge surface can be wiped by inclining the direction of the fibers of the first wiping web with respect to the first side of the nozzle opening parallel to the traveling direction of the first wiping web.

  According to a sixth aspect, in the wiping apparatus according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, a second wiping web having raised portions on a wiping surface to be brought into contact with the liquid ejection surface, and a second support for supporting the second wiping web It is good also as a structure provided with the part and the 2nd relative movement part which moves a liquid discharge head and a 2nd support part relatively.

  According to the 6th aspect, the raising | fluff of the 2nd wiping web can be made to enter the inside of a nozzle part from a nozzle opening, and the removal of the deposit | attachment adhering to the inside of a nozzle part is attained.

  The direction of the fibers of the second wiping web may be parallel or orthogonal to the nozzle openings.

  According to a seventh aspect, in the wiping device according to the sixth aspect, the second relative movement unit may include a second head moving unit that moves the liquid ejection head.

  According to the seventh aspect, the liquid ejection head is moved. Thereby, the liquid discharge head can be moved to wipe the liquid discharge surface.

  The second head moving unit of the seventh aspect may also be used as the first head moving unit of the third aspect.

  According to an eighth aspect, in the wiping device according to the seventh aspect, the second relative movement unit travels the second wiping web in a direction opposite to the movement direction of the liquid ejection head in the second head movement unit in the second support unit. It is good also as a structure provided with the 2nd traveling part to be made.

  According to the eighth aspect, the second wiping web is run in a direction opposite to the moving direction of the liquid ejection head. Thereby, the efficiency at the time of removing the deposit | attachment adhering to the liquid discharge surface using the 2nd wiping web can improve.

  According to a ninth aspect, in the wiping device according to any one of the first aspect to the eighth aspect, the first support portion presses the first wiping web to bring the first wiping web into contact with the liquid ejection head. It is good also as a structure provided with the press part.

  According to the ninth aspect, the first wiping web is pressed using the first pressing portion. Thereby, the first wiping web can be brought into contact with the liquid ejection surface.

  According to a tenth aspect, in the wiping device according to any one of the sixth aspect to the eighth aspect, the second support portion presses the second wiping web to bring the second wiping web into contact with the liquid ejection head. It is good also as a structure provided with the press part.

  According to the tenth aspect, the second wiping web is pressed using the second pressing portion. Thereby, the second wiping web can be brought into contact with the liquid ejection surface.

  According to an eleventh aspect, in the wiping device according to any one of the first to tenth aspects, the first wiping web may have a woven structure.

  According to the eleventh aspect, the liquid ejection surface can be wiped using the first wiping web having a woven structure.

  In a twelfth aspect, in the wiping device according to any one of the first aspect to the tenth aspect, the first wiping web may have a knit structure.

  According to the twelfth aspect, it is possible to wipe the liquid discharge surface using the first wiping web having a knit structure.

  According to a thirteenth aspect, in the wiping device according to any one aspect of the first aspect to the twelfth aspect, the first wiping web may be provided with a cleaning liquid that dissolves the liquid discharged from the liquid discharge head.

  According to the thirteenth aspect, the cleaning liquid for dissolving the liquid discharged from the liquid discharge head is applied to the liquid discharge surface. Thereby, it becomes possible to dissolve the liquid adhering to the liquid ejection surface using the cleaning liquid.

  A liquid ejection device according to a fourteenth aspect includes a liquid ejection head including a nozzle opening having a rectangular shape and a liquid ejection surface on which a water-repellent film is formed, a wiping unit that wipes the liquid ejection surface of the liquid ejection head, A first wiping web for wiping a liquid ejection head having a liquid ejection surface in which a nozzle opening having a rectangular shape is formed and a water repellent film is formed in a region where the nozzle opening is formed; The first support part for supporting the first wiping web and the direction of the fibers of the first wiping web are inclined obliquely with respect to the nozzle opening, and the angle formed by the direction of the fibers of the first wiping web and the nozzle opening, The liquid discharge head and the first wiping web supported by the first support portion are inclined relative to each other at an angle of π / 8 radians or more and less than π / 4 radians or more than π / 4 radians and 3 × π / 8 radians or less. First relative moving part to move And a liquid ejection device.

  According to the fourteenth aspect, the same effect as in the first aspect can be obtained.

  In the fourteenth aspect, matters similar to the matters specified in the second aspect to the thirteenth aspect can be appropriately combined. In that case, the component responsible for the process and function specified in the wiping device can be grasped as the component of the liquid ejection device responsible for the process and function corresponding thereto.

  According to a fifteenth aspect, in the liquid ejection device according to the fourteenth aspect, the liquid ejection head may eject ink containing pigment particles.

  According to the fifteenth aspect, it is possible to suppress wear of the water-repellent film when wiping the liquid ejection surface to which the pigment particles are adhered.

  According to a sixteenth aspect, in the liquid ejecting apparatus according to the fifteenth aspect, the first wiping web may be provided with a cleaning liquid that dissolves ink containing pigment particles.

  According to the sixteenth aspect, the cleaning liquid is applied to the liquid discharge surface. Thereby, it becomes possible to dissolve the ink containing the pigment particles adhering to the liquid ejection surface using the cleaning liquid.

  A liquid discharge surface wiping method according to a seventeenth aspect includes a liquid discharge head including a nozzle opening having a rectangular shape and a liquid discharge surface on which a water repellent film is formed, and a first wiping web for wiping the liquid discharge surface. A liquid ejection surface wiping method including a wiping step of wiping the liquid ejection surface using the first wiping web by relatively moving the wiping step, the direction of the fibers of the first wiping web relative to the nozzle opening The angle formed between the direction of the fibers of the first wiping web and the nozzle opening is π / 8 radians or more and less than π / 4 radians, or more than π / 4 radians and 3 × π / 8 radians or less. This is a liquid ejection surface wiping method in which the first wiping web and the liquid ejection head are moved relative to each other.

  According to the seventeenth aspect, the same effect as in the first aspect can be obtained.

  In the seventeenth aspect, the same matters as those specified in the second aspect to the thirteenth aspect can be appropriately combined. In that case, the component responsible for the process and function specified in the wiping device can be grasped as the component of the liquid ejection surface wiping method responsible for the process and function corresponding to this.

  In the seventeenth aspect, the same matters as those specified in the fifteenth aspect or the sixteenth aspect can be appropriately combined. In that case, the component responsible for the process and function specified in the liquid ejection apparatus can be grasped as the component of the liquid ejection surface wiping method responsible for the process and function corresponding thereto.

  According to the present invention, when the liquid ejection head and the first wiping web are relatively moved, the direction of the fibers of the first wiping web is inclined with respect to the nozzle opening. The angle formed between the fiber direction of the first wiping web and the nozzle opening is inclined to an angle of π / 8 radians or more and less than π / 4 radians, or more than π / 4 radians and less than 3 × π / 8 radians. Thereby, wear of the water-repellent film around the nozzle opening is suppressed, and a decrease in discharge performance due to wear of the water-repellent film can be suppressed. Further, the liquid discharge surface is wiped using the first wiping web. As a result, it is possible to remove deposits adhering to the liquid ejection surface.

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a main part of the liquid ejection apparatus. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a control system of the liquid ejection apparatus. FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram of the maintenance processing unit. FIG. 4 is a plan view of the maintenance processing unit. FIG. 5 is a perspective plan view of the liquid ejection surface of the liquid ejection head. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the head module including a partial cross-sectional view. FIG. 7 is a plan perspective view of the liquid ejection surface in the head module. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the head module. FIG. 9 is a front view of the cleaning unit shown in FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the relationship between the fiber direction of the wiping web and the first side of the nozzle opening. FIG. 11 is a partially enlarged view of a wiping web having a woven structure. FIG. 12 is a partially enlarged view of a wiping web having a knit structure. FIG. 13 is a graph showing the relationship between the fiber direction of the wiping web and the degree of influence on the water repellent film. FIG. 14 is a graph showing the relationship between the fiber direction of the first wiping web and the effective length of the fiber of the first wiping web in the influence on the water repellent film shown in FIG. FIG. 15 is a graph showing the relationship between the fiber direction of the wiping web and the degree of influence on the removability of deposits in the vicinity of the nozzle openings. FIG. 16 is a graph showing the relationship between the fiber direction of the wiping web and the effective length of the fiber of the wiping web. FIG. 17 is a schematic configuration diagram of a cleaning unit according to a modification. FIG. 18 is a front view of a wiping portion according to a modification. FIG. 19 is a diagram showing the relationship between the fiber direction of the second wiping web and the first side of the nozzle opening. FIG. 20 is a side view of the second wiping web showing a structural example of the second wiping web. FIG. 21 is a conceptual diagram of wiping using the second wiping web.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the present specification, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted.

[Main components of the liquid ejection device]
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a main part of the liquid ejection apparatus. The liquid ejection apparatus shown in FIG. 1 is an inkjet recording apparatus 10 that forms an image on a recording medium 12 using color ink.

  The ink jet recording apparatus 10 conveys the recording medium 12 while holding it on the drawing cylinder 14. Then, cyan ink is discharged from the liquid discharge head 16C to the recording medium 12, magenta ink is discharged from the liquid discharge head 16M, yellow ink is discharged from the liquid discharge head 16Y, and black ink is discharged from the liquid discharge head 16K. Let

  A color image using cyan ink, magenta ink, yellow ink, and black ink is formed on the image forming surface of the recording medium 12.

  The alphabets C, M, Y, and K attached to the reference numerals of the liquid discharge heads indicate that the liquid discharge heads correspond to cyan, magenta, yellow, and black colors, respectively. The liquid discharge head 16C, the liquid discharge head 16M, the liquid discharge head 16Y, and the liquid discharge head 16K may be referred to as an ink jet type liquid discharge head or an ink jet head.

  The drawing cylinder 14 is rotatably provided with both ends of the rotating shaft 18 being pivotally supported by a pair of bearings. The illustration of the bearing is omitted. The pair of bearings are provided on a main body frame (not shown), and the drawing cylinder 14 is attached in parallel to the horizontal plane 1 because both ends of the rotary shaft 18 are pivotally supported by the pair of bearings. .

  The term parallel in this specification includes substantially parallel, although two directions intersect each other, and the same effect as that in the parallel case can be obtained. In addition, the term orthogonal in this specification means that two directions intersect at an angle of less than 90 degrees, or intersect at an angle of more than 90 degrees, but intersect at an angle of 90 degrees. Substantially orthogonal, which can obtain the same function and effect as described above.

  A motor (not shown) is connected to the rotation shaft 18 of the drawing cylinder 14 via a rotation transmission mechanism (not shown). The drawing cylinder 14 is driven to rotate by a motor (not shown).

  A gripper 24 that grips the leading end of the recording medium 12 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the drawing cylinder 14. The drawing cylinder 14 is provided with grippers 24 at two locations on the outer peripheral surface. The recording medium 12 is held on the outer peripheral surface of the drawing cylinder 14 with the leading end gripped by the gripper 24. The drawing cylinder 14 is provided with a suction holding mechanism (not shown). Examples of the adsorption holding mechanism include electrostatic adsorption and vacuum adsorption.

  The recording medium 12, the leading end of which is gripped by the gripper 24 and sucked and held on the outer peripheral surface of the drawing cylinder 14, is sucked by the suction holding mechanism and held on the outer peripheral surface of the drawing cylinder 14.

  The liquid discharge head 16C, the liquid discharge head 16M, the liquid discharge head 16Y, and the liquid discharge head 16K are line heads corresponding to the width of the recording medium 12. The liquid discharge head 16C, the liquid discharge head 16M, the liquid discharge head 16Y, and the liquid discharge head 16K are arranged radially at regular intervals on a concentric circle with the rotation axis 18 of the drawing cylinder 14 as the center.

  The liquid discharge head 16C, the liquid discharge head 16M, the liquid discharge head 16Y, and the liquid discharge head 16K are integrally supported by the head support portion 15.

  The liquid discharge head 16C, the liquid discharge head 16M, the liquid discharge head 16Y, and the liquid discharge head 16K are arranged symmetrically with respect to the drawing cylinder 14. The inkjet recording apparatus 10 is a line that passes through the center of the drawing cylinder 14, and the cyan liquid discharge head 16 </ b> C and the black liquid discharge head 16 </ b> K are arranged symmetrically with respect to a vertical line orthogonal to the horizontal plane 1. The

  The ink jet recording apparatus 10 is a line passing through the center of the drawing cylinder 14, and the liquid discharge head 16 </ b> M and the liquid discharge head 16 </ b> Y are arranged symmetrically with respect to a vertical line orthogonal to the horizontal plane 1. .

  The liquid discharge head 16 </ b> C is disposed to face the outer peripheral surface of the drawing cylinder 14 with the liquid discharge surface 30 </ b> C inclined with respect to the horizontal plane 1. The liquid discharge head 16M is disposed to face the outer peripheral surface of the drawing cylinder 14 with the liquid discharge surface 30M inclined with respect to the horizontal plane 1.

  The liquid discharge head 16 </ b> Y is disposed to face the outer peripheral surface of the drawing cylinder 14 with the liquid discharge surface 30 </ b> Y inclined with respect to the horizontal plane 1. The liquid discharge head 16 </ b> K is disposed to face the outer peripheral surface of the drawing cylinder 14 with the liquid discharge surface 30 </ b> K inclined with respect to the horizontal plane 1.

  In addition, the liquid discharge head 16C, the liquid discharge head 16M, the liquid discharge head 16Y, and the liquid discharge head 16K include a liquid discharge surface 30C, a liquid discharge surface 30M, a liquid discharge surface 30Y, a liquid discharge surface 30K, and a drawing cylinder. It arrange | positions in the position where the distance with the outer peripheral surface of 14 becomes equal.

  In other words, the liquid ejection head 16C, the liquid ejection head 16M, the liquid ejection head 16Y, and the liquid ejection head 16K are respectively drawn with the liquid ejection surface 30C, the liquid ejection surface 30M, the liquid ejection surface 30Y, and the liquid ejection surface 30K. The same amount of gap is formed between the outer peripheral surface of the body 14.

  In the ink jet recording apparatus 10, the recording medium 12 is supplied to the drawing cylinder 14 via the front transfer cylinder 26. The transfer cylinder 26 is arranged so that the transfer position of the recording medium 12 in the transfer cylinder 26 and the transfer position of the recording medium 12 in the drawing cylinder 14 are aligned, and the recording medium is transferred to the drawing cylinder 14 at the same timing. Deliver 12 The transfer drum 26 constitutes a paper feeding unit indicated by reference numeral 114 in FIG.

  The recording medium 12 on which the image has been formed is transferred from the drawing cylinder 14 to the subsequent transfer cylinder 28. The transfer cylinder 28 is arranged in such a manner that the transfer position of the recording medium 12 in the drawing cylinder 14 and the transfer position of the recording medium 12 in the transfer cylinder 28 are aligned. 12 is received.

  In FIG. 1, illustration of the rear stage of the transfer drum 28 is omitted. A rear stage of the transfer drum 28 is provided with a paper discharge unit denoted by reference numeral 121 in FIG. Further, a post-processing unit that performs post-processing on the recording medium 12 on which the image is formed may be provided. Examples of the post-processing unit include a drying processing unit, a fixing unit, and a coating processing unit.

  In addition, a pre-processing unit that performs pre-processing on the recording medium 12 before image formation may be provided in the front stage of the transfer drum 26. Examples of the pretreatment unit include a heat treatment unit and a coating treatment unit.

  In the present embodiment, the conveyance method using the drawing cylinder 14 is exemplified, but other conveyance methods such as a conveyance method in which the recording medium 12 is conveyed in a plane parallel to the horizontal surface 1 using a conveyance belt are applied. Also good.

[Control system configuration]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a control system of the liquid ejection apparatus. 2 includes a system controller 100, a communication unit 102, an image memory 104, a conveyance control unit 110, a paper feed control unit 112, a drawing control unit 118, a paper discharge control unit 120, a wiping control unit 122, A head movement control unit 126, an operation unit 130, a display unit 132, and the like are provided.

  The system controller 100 functions as an overall control unit that performs overall control of each unit of the inkjet recording apparatus 10. The system controller 100 functions as an arithmetic unit that performs various arithmetic processes.

  The system controller 100 includes a CPU 100A, a ROM 100B, and a RAM 100C. CPU is an abbreviation for Central Processing Unit. ROM is an abbreviation for Read Only Memory. RAM is an abbreviation for Random Access Memory.

  The system controller 100 functions as a memory controller that controls writing of data to a memory such as the image memory 104 and reading of data from the memory such as the image memory 104.

  Although the system controller 100 includes the ROM 100B and the RAM 100C, the system controller 100 may include the ROM 100B and the RAM 100C outside.

  The communication unit 102 includes a communication interface. The communication unit 102 transmits and receives data to and from the host computer 103 connected to the communication interface. The communication interface is not shown.

  The image memory 104 functions as a temporary storage unit for various data including image data. The image memory 104 reads and writes data through the system controller 100. The image memory 104 temporarily stores image data captured from the host computer 103 via the communication unit 102.

  The conveyance control unit 110 controls the operation of the conveyance unit 11. The transport unit 11 includes a configuration for transporting the recording medium 12 such as the drawing cylinder 14, the transfer cylinder 26, and the transfer cylinder 28 illustrated in FIG. 1.

  The paper feed control unit 112 illustrated in FIG. 2 operates the paper feed unit 114 in response to a command from the system controller 100. The paper feed control unit 112 controls the supply start operation of the recording medium 12 and the supply stop operation of the recording medium 12 shown in FIG.

  The drawing control unit 118 illustrated in FIG. 2 controls the operation of the drawing unit 119. The drawing unit 119 includes the liquid ejection head 16C, the liquid ejection head 16M, the liquid ejection head 16Y, and the liquid ejection head 16K illustrated in FIG.

  The drawing control unit 118 illustrated in FIG. 2 includes an image processing unit that forms dot data from input image data, a waveform generation unit that generates a drive voltage waveform, a waveform storage unit that stores a drive voltage waveform, and a liquid ejection head On the other hand, a drive circuit for supplying a drive voltage having a drive waveform corresponding to the dot data is included.

  In the image processing unit, color separation processing for separating input image data into RGB colors, color conversion processing for converting RGB into CMYK, correction processing such as gamma correction and unevenness correction, and gradation values for each color pixel Then, image processing such as halftone processing for converting the image to a gradation value lower than the original gradation value is performed.

  In addition, R of RGB represents red. RGB G represents green. RGB B represents blue. C in CMYK represents cyan. M in CMYK represents magenta. Y in CMYK represents yellow. K in CMYK represents black.

  An example of input image data is raster data represented by digital values from 0 to 255. The dot data obtained as a result of the halftone process may be a binary image or a multi-value image of three or more values.

  Based on the dot data generated through the image processing using the image processing unit, the ejection timing and the ink ejection amount at each pixel position are determined. That is, based on the dot data generated through image processing using the image processing unit, the ejection timing at each pixel position, the drive voltage corresponding to the ink ejection amount, and the control signal that determines the ejection timing of each pixel are generated. The

  A driving voltage and a control signal are supplied to the liquid ejection head. Dots are formed at pixel positions by the liquid ejected from the liquid ejection head.

  The paper discharge control unit 120 operates the paper discharge unit 121 in response to a command from the system controller 100 and discharges the recording medium 12 shown in FIG. As an aspect in which the recording medium 12 is discharged, an aspect in which the recording medium 12 after drawing is stacked on a stocker can be cited.

  The wiping control unit 122 controls the operation of the cleaning unit 42 according to a command from the system controller 100. The cleaning unit 42 includes the liquid ejection surface 30C of the liquid ejection head 16C, the liquid ejection surface 30M of the liquid ejection head 16M, the liquid ejection surface 30Y of the liquid ejection head 16Y, and the liquid ejection surface 30K of the liquid ejection head 16K illustrated in FIG. A wiping process is applied to Details of the cleaning unit 42 shown in FIG. 2 will be described later.

  The head movement control unit 126 controls the operation of the head movement unit 128 according to a command from the system controller 100. The head moving unit 128 includes a liquid ejection surface 30C of the liquid ejection head 16C, a liquid ejection surface 30M of the liquid ejection head 16M, a liquid ejection surface 30Y of the liquid ejection head 16Y, and a liquid ejection surface of the liquid ejection head 16K illustrated in FIG. When the wiping process is performed on 30K, the liquid ejection head 16C, the liquid ejection head 16M, the liquid ejection head 16Y, and the liquid ejection head 16K are moved.

  The system controller 100, the head movement control unit 126, and the head movement unit 128 illustrated in FIG. 2 are one mode of the first head movement unit that is a component of the first relative movement unit.

  The operation unit 130 includes operation members such as operation buttons, a keyboard, or a touch panel. The operation unit 130 sends operation information input from the operation member to the system controller 100. The system controller 100 executes various processes in accordance with operation information sent from the operation unit 130. Illustration of the operation member is omitted.

  The display unit 132 includes a display device such as a liquid crystal panel. In response to a command from the system controller 100, the display unit 132 causes the display device to display various setting information of the device or information such as abnormality information. The display device is not shown.

  The parameter storage unit 134 stores various parameters used in the inkjet recording apparatus 10. Various parameters stored in the parameter storage unit 134 are read out via the system controller 100 and set in each unit of the apparatus.

  The program storage unit 136 stores a program used for each unit of the inkjet recording apparatus 10. Various programs stored in the program storage unit 136 are read out via the system controller 100 and executed in each unit of the apparatus.

  In FIG. 2, each part is listed for each function. Each part shown in FIG. 2 can be integrated, separated, combined, or omitted as appropriate. Further, each unit shown in FIG. 2 can be configured by appropriately combining hardware and software.

[Schematic configuration of maintenance processing unit]
<Configuration example>
FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram of the maintenance processing unit. FIG. 4 is a plan view of the maintenance processing unit. For convenience of illustration, FIG. 3 shows only one liquid ejection head among the liquid ejection head 16C, the liquid ejection head 16M, the liquid ejection head 16Y, and the liquid ejection head 16K shown in FIG. The liquid discharge head shown in FIG. The liquid discharge surface of the liquid discharge head 16 shown in FIG.

  The maintenance processing unit 40 includes a cleaning unit 42 and a purge unit 44. The maintenance processing unit 40 is disposed outside the drawing cylinder 14. The cleaning unit 42 and the purge unit 44 are arranged in the order of the cleaning unit 42 and the purge unit 44 from the drawing cylinder 14 side.

  The cleaning unit 42 includes a wiping unit 43. 4, the cleaning unit 42 includes a wiping unit 43C corresponding to the liquid ejection head 16C, a wiping unit 43M corresponding to the liquid ejection head 16M, a wiping unit 43Y corresponding to the liquid ejection head 16Y, and the liquid ejection head 16K. The wiping part 43K corresponding to is provided.

  The same configuration can be applied to the wiping unit 43C, the wiping unit 43M, the wiping unit 43Y, and the wiping unit 43K. The wiping unit 43 illustrated in FIG. 3 is an arbitrary wiping unit among the wiping unit 43C, the wiping unit 43M, the wiping unit 43Y, and the wiping unit 43K illustrated in FIG.

  The wiping unit 43 shown in FIG. 3 includes a wiping web 46, a pressing roller 47, and a case 48. The wiping web 46 is provided with a cleaning liquid that dissolves ink adhering to the liquid ejection surface 30 of the liquid ejection head 16.

  The wiping web 46 is housed inside the case 48 in a roll-like state wound around a feeding core. The tip of the wiping web 46 is attached to a winding core. The winding core is accommodated in the case 48. The winding core is connected to the rotating shaft of the motor. Illustration of the feeding core, the winding core, and the motor is omitted.

  The pressing roller 47 is disposed between the feeding core and the winding core. The pressing roller 47 is arranged in parallel with a feeding core (not shown) and a winding core (not shown).

  The pressing roller 47 has a length corresponding to the entire width of the wiping web 46. The entire width of the wiping web 46 is the total length in the direction orthogonal to the traveling direction of the wiping web 46. It is rotatably supported using a pressure roller support member. The illustration of the pressing roller support member is omitted. The pressing roller 47 is made of rubber on the outer periphery.

  The wiping unit 43 includes a plurality of guide rollers. The plurality of guide rollers constitute a travel path of the wiping web 46. The wiping web 46 pulled out from the roll is supported by a plurality of guide rollers and is wound up by using a winding core. The illustration of the plurality of guide rollers is omitted.

  The wiping web 46 is wound around the winding core due to the rotation of the shaft of the motor attached to the winding core (not shown). In other words, the wiping web 46 pulled out from the roll travels along a travel route configured using the pressing roller 47 and a plurality of guide rollers (not shown).

  Due to the contact of the wiping web 46 that has traveled with the liquid ejection surface 30 of the liquid ejection head 16, the wiping web 46 that is not contaminated is brought into contact with the liquid ejection surface 30 of the liquid ejection head 16. Is possible.

  The purge unit 44 includes a cap unit 80, a waste liquid tray 81, a discharge passage 82, and a waste liquid tank 84. The cap unit 80 has a shape and a structure that covers the liquid ejection surface 30 of the liquid ejection head 16.

  The cap portion 80 has a recess formed on the surface covering the liquid ejection surface 30 of the liquid ejection head 16. A discharge port is formed on the bottom surface of the recess. In addition, illustration of a recessed part and a discharge port is abbreviate | omitted.

  The waste liquid tray 81 is disposed below the cap unit 80. The ink sucked from the liquid discharge head 16 using the cap unit 80 is stored in the waste liquid tray 81 through a discharge port (not shown). One end of the discharge channel 82 is connected to the waste liquid tray 81. The other end of the discharge channel 82 is connected to the waste liquid tank 84. The discharge channel 82 is provided with a pump. Illustration of the pump is omitted.

  The liquid discharge surface 30 of the liquid discharge head 16 can suppress drying of the ink inside the nozzle unit due to the cap unit 80 being attached. The nozzle portion is shown in FIG.

  In addition, the cap 80 is attached to the liquid discharge surface 30 of the liquid discharge head 16 and the pump is operated to generate a negative pressure in the concave portion, thereby causing the ink inside the liquid discharge head 16 to pass through the nozzle portion. Can be removed.

  The liquid discharge head 16 shown in FIG. 3 uses the head moving unit 128 shown in FIG. 2 to draw the drawing position 50, the drawing preparation position 55, the wiping position 52, the purge preparation position 60, and the purge position shown in FIG. It is comprised so that movement between each of 54 is possible.

  The head moving unit 128 shown in FIG. 2 includes a vertical movement mechanism that moves the liquid discharge head 16 in the vertical direction and a horizontal movement mechanism that moves the liquid discharge head 16 in the horizontal direction. 3, illustration of the head moving unit 128, the vertical moving mechanism of the head moving unit 128, and the horizontal moving mechanism of the head moving unit 128 shown in FIG. 2 is omitted.

  The direction in which the liquid ejection head 16 shown in FIG. 3 is moved is not limited to the vertical direction and the horizontal direction. The vertical movement of the liquid ejection head 16 can be replaced with a diagonal movement including a vertical component. Further, the horizontal movement of the liquid ejection head 16 can be replaced with a diagonal movement including a horizontal component.

  An arrow line denoted by reference numeral X in FIG. 3 is a direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction of the recording medium 12. The direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction of the recording medium 12 can be read as the width direction of the recording medium 12.

A white arrow line indicated by reference numeral H _{1 in} FIG. 3 represents a moving direction of the liquid discharge head 16 when the liquid discharge head 16 moves from the drawing position 50 to the drawing preparation position 55. A white arrow line denoted by reference numeral H _{2 in} FIG. 3 represents a moving direction of the liquid discharge head 16 when the liquid discharge head 16 moves from the drawing preparation position 55 to the wiping position 52.

A white arrow line denoted by reference numeral H _{3 in} FIG. 3 indicates that the wiping web 46 is brought into contact with the liquid ejection surface 30 of the liquid ejection head 16 or the wiping web 46 is separated from the liquid ejection surface 30 of the liquid ejection head 16. This is the relative movement direction between the liquid discharge head 16 and the wiping unit 43.

  The relative movement between the liquid ejection head 16 and the wiping unit 43 may be performed by moving the wiping unit 43 relative to the liquid ejection head 16 disposed at a fixed position. The relative movement between the liquid discharge head 16 and the wiping unit 43 may move the liquid discharge head 16 with respect to the wiping unit 43 arranged at a fixed position. The relative movement between the liquid ejection head 16 and the wiping unit 43 may move both the liquid ejection head 16 and the wiping unit 43.

  The head moving unit 128 illustrated in FIG. 2 may relatively move the liquid ejection head 16 and the wiping unit 43. A wiping movement unit that moves the wiping unit 43 may be provided. In addition, illustration of a wiping movement part is abbreviate | omitted.

In the present embodiment, a mode in which the wiping web 46 is moved in the traveling direction and the liquid discharge head 16 is moved in the direction opposite to the traveling direction of the wiping web 46 is illustrated. For example, to run the direction to wipe web 46 indicated by symbol F in Figure 3, it moves the liquid ejection head 16 in the direction indicated by symbol H _2.

A white arrow line denoted by reference numeral H _{4 in} FIG. 3 is a moving direction of the liquid discharge head 16 when moving the liquid discharge head 16 from the wiping position 52 to the purge preparation position 60. A white arrow line indicated by reference numeral H ₅ indicates the moving direction of the liquid discharge head 16 when moving the liquid discharge head 16 from the purge preparation position 60 to the purge position 54. A white arrow line indicated by reference numeral H ₆ indicates the moving direction of the liquid discharge head 16 when moving the liquid discharge head 16 from the purge position 54 to the purge preparation position 60.

<Maintenance procedure>
When performing the wiping process on the liquid ejection surface 30 of the liquid ejection head 16 using the wiping unit 43, the head movement control unit 126 illustrated in FIG. 2 uses the head movement unit 128 to perform the liquid illustrated in FIG. 3. The ejection head 16 is moved from the drawing position 50 to the wiping position 52.

  After the wiping process of the liquid discharge surface 30 of the liquid discharge head 16, when the storage process for covering the liquid discharge surface 30 of the liquid discharge head 16 is performed using the purge unit 44, or the liquid discharge head 16 is used using the purge unit 44. 2 is performed, the head movement control unit 126 illustrated in FIG. 2 uses the head moving unit 128 to move the liquid ejection head 16 illustrated in FIG. 3 from the wiping position 52 to the purge position 54.

  When image formation is performed using the liquid discharge head 16, the head movement control unit 126 shown in FIG. 2 uses the head movement unit 128 to move the liquid discharge head 16 shown in FIG. Move to 50. The illustration of the moving direction of the liquid discharge head 16 when the liquid discharge head 16 shown in FIG. 3 is moved from the purge position 54 to the drawing position 50 is omitted.

  In the present embodiment, the mode in which the liquid discharge head 16 is moved using the head moving unit 128 illustrated in FIG. 2 is illustrated, but instead of moving the liquid discharge head 16, the liquid discharge head 16, the drawing cylinder 14, A mode including a relative movement unit that relatively moves the cleaning unit 42 and the purge unit 44, a drawing cylinder moving unit that moves the drawing cylinder 14 while the liquid ejection head 16 is fixed, and a cleaning that moves the cleaning unit 42 A mode provided with a purge moving unit that moves the moving unit and the purge unit 44 is also possible.

  The cleaning unit 42 shown in FIG. 4 includes a wiping unit 43C, a wiping unit 43M, a wiping unit 43Y, and a wiping unit 43K. The wiping unit 43C wipes the liquid ejection surface 30C of the liquid ejection head 16C. The wiping unit 43M wipes the liquid discharge surface 30M of the liquid discharge head 16M. The wiping unit 43Y wipes the liquid ejection surface 30Y of the liquid ejection head 16Y. The wiping unit 43K wipes the liquid discharge surface 30K of the liquid discharge head 16K.

  In the wiping unit 43C, the wiping unit 43M, the wiping unit 43Y, and the wiping unit 43K shown in FIG. 4, the wiping web 46, the pressing roller 47, and the case 48 shown in FIG.

  The purge unit 44 illustrated in FIG. 4 includes a cap unit 80C, a cap unit 80M, a cap unit 80Y, and a cap unit 80K. The cap unit 80C corresponds to the liquid discharge head 16C. The cap unit 80M corresponds to the liquid discharge head 16M. The cap unit 80Y corresponds to the liquid discharge head 16Y. The cap unit 80K corresponds to the liquid discharge head 16K.

  In FIG. 4, the illustration of the discharge channel 82, the waste liquid tank 84, and the pump shown in FIG. 3 is omitted.

[Liquid discharge head structure]
<Overall configuration>
FIG. 5 is a perspective plan view of the liquid ejection surface of the liquid ejection head. The liquid ejection head 16 has a structure in which a plurality of head modules 200 are connected in the width direction of the recording medium 12. The width direction of the recording medium 12 is a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the liquid ejection head 16. Hereinafter, the symbol X is also used as a symbol representing the longitudinal direction of the liquid ejection head 16.

  The conveyance direction of the recording medium 12 illustrated with reference symbol Y in FIG. 5 is a direction parallel to the short direction of the liquid ejection head 16. Hereinafter, the symbol Y is also used as a symbol representing the short direction of the liquid ejection head 16. The transport direction of the recording medium 12 includes a concept called a recording medium transport direction, a medium transport direction, or a transport direction. These terms can be interchanged with each other as appropriate.

The liquid discharge head 16 is a line-type liquid discharge head in which a plurality of nozzle portions are arranged over a length equal to or greater than the total length L _max of the recording medium 12 in the width direction of the recording medium 12. The nozzle portion not shown in FIG. 5 is shown with reference numeral 281 in FIG.

  The plurality of head modules 200 constituting the liquid ejection head 16 shown in FIG. 5 can be applied with the same structure. Further, the head module 200 can function as a liquid ejection head alone.

<Structure of head module>
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the head module including a partial cross-sectional view. The ink in this specification is an embodiment of a liquid, and the term ink and the term liquid can be read as appropriate. Further, in the present specification, the term “droplet ejection” and the term “ejection” can be treated as synonyms, and the term “droplet ejection” and the term “ejection” can be appropriately replaced.

  The head module 200 has an ink supply unit including an ink supply chamber 232 and an ink circulation chamber 236 on the opposite side of the nozzle plate 275 from the liquid ejection surface 30.

  The ink supply chamber 232 is connected to an ink tank (not shown) via the supply-side individual flow path 252. The ink circulation chamber 236 is connected to a collection tank (not shown) via a collection-side individual flow path 256.

A water repellent film is formed on the liquid ejection surface 30 of the nozzle plate 275. The illustration of the water repellent film is omitted. Silicon may be applied as the material of the nozzle plate 275. As the water repellent film, a vapor-phase grown FDTS film can be applied. FDTS is an abbreviation for perfluorodecyltrichlorosilane. FDTS is represented as CF ₃ — (CF ₂ ) ₇ — (CH ₂ ) ₂ —SiCl ₃ using a chemical formula.

  FIG. 7 is a plan perspective view of the liquid ejection surface in the head module. In FIG. 7, the number of nozzle openings 280 arranged on the liquid discharge surface 30 is omitted, but a two-dimensional arrangement is applied to the liquid discharge surface 30 of one head module 200 to form a plurality of nozzle openings. 280 is arranged.

  The head module 200 has an end face on the long side along the V direction having an inclination of an angle β with respect to a direction orthogonal to the recording medium conveyance direction denoted by reference sign X, and the recording medium conveyance direction denoted by reference numeral Y. A parallelogram plane shape having a short side end face along the W direction having an inclination of an angle α, and a plurality of nozzles in the row direction along the V direction and the column direction along the W direction. The openings 280 are arranged in a matrix.

  The arrangement of the nozzle openings 280 is not limited to the mode illustrated in FIG. 7, and is along the row direction along the direction orthogonal to the recording medium conveyance direction and the column direction obliquely intersecting with the direction orthogonal to the recording medium conveyance direction. A plurality of nozzle openings 280 may be arranged.

  The matrix arrangement of the nozzle openings 280 is a recording in which a plurality of nozzle openings 280 are projected in a direction orthogonal to the recording medium conveyance direction, and the plurality of nozzle openings 280 are arranged along a direction orthogonal to the recording medium conveyance direction. This is the arrangement of the nozzle openings 280 in which the arrangement intervals of the nozzle openings 280 are uniform in the projection nozzle row in the direction orthogonal to the medium conveyance direction.

  The nozzle opening 280 shown in FIG. 7 has a square planar shape. The planar shape of the nozzle opening 280 may be a rectangle having an aspect ratio of 1.2 or less. In the case of the nozzle plate 275 made of silicon, the square or rectangular nozzle opening 280 can be formed by etching.

  The first side that is one of the two orthogonal sides of the nozzle opening 280 may be in a direction that is parallel to the long side of the head module 200 that is illustrated with reference numeral V. The first side, which is one of the two orthogonal sides of the nozzle opening 280, may be a direction parallel to the direction orthogonal to the recording medium conveyance direction shown with reference numeral X.

  FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the head module. Reference numeral 214 is an ink supply path, reference numeral 218 is a pressure chamber, reference numeral 216 is an individual supply path that connects each pressure chamber 218 and the ink supply path 214, and reference numeral 220 is a nozzle communication path that connects the pressure chamber 218 to the nozzle opening 280, and reference numeral 226. Is a circulation individual flow path connecting the nozzle communication path 220 and the circulation common flow path 228. The pressure chamber 218 may be referred to as a liquid chamber.

  A vibration plate 266 is provided on the flow path structure 210 constituting the ink supply path 214, the individual supply path 216, the pressure chamber 218, the nozzle communication path 220, the circulation individual flow path 226, and the circulation common flow path 228. A piezoelectric element 230 having a laminated structure of a lower electrode 265, a piezoelectric layer 231, and an upper electrode 264 is disposed on the vibration plate 266 via an adhesive layer 267. The lower electrode 265 may be referred to as a common electrode, and the upper electrode 264 may be referred to as an individual electrode.

  The upper electrode 264 is an individual electrode patterned corresponding to the shape of each pressure chamber 218, and a piezoelectric element 230 is provided for each pressure chamber 218.

  The ink supply path 214 is connected to the ink supply chamber 232 shown in FIG. Ink is supplied from the ink supply path 214 shown in FIG. 8 to the pressure chamber 218 via the individual supply path 216.

  Depending on the input image data, the piezoelectric element 230 and the diaphragm 266 are deformed by applying a driving voltage to the upper electrode 264 of the piezoelectric element 230 provided in the corresponding pressure chamber 218, and the pressure chamber 218 is deformed. The volume of changes. Ink is ejected from the nozzle opening 280 via the nozzle communication path 220 due to a pressure change accompanying a change in the volume of the pressure chamber 218.

  Ink can be ejected from the nozzle openings 280 by controlling the driving of the piezoelectric elements 230 corresponding to the nozzle openings 280 in accordance with dot arrangement data generated from the input image data.

  While the recording medium 12 is transported in the recording medium transport direction at a constant speed, the ink droplet ejection timing from each nozzle opening 280 is controlled in accordance with the transport speed of the recording medium 12. A desired image can be recorded on the screen.

  The pressure chamber 218 provided corresponding to each nozzle opening 280 has a substantially square planar shape, and an outlet to the nozzle opening 280 is provided at one of the diagonal corners, and the other is provided at the other. An individual supply path 216 serving as an inlet for the supply ink is provided. Illustration of the planar shape of the pressure chamber 218 is omitted.

  The planar shape of the pressure chamber is not limited to a square. The planar shape of the pressure chamber may have various forms such as a square such as a rhombus and a rectangle, a pentagon, a hexagon and other polygons, a circle and an ellipse.

  A circulation outlet is formed in the nozzle portion 281 including the nozzle opening 280 and the nozzle communication path 220, and the nozzle portion 281 communicates with the circulation individual flow path 226 via the circulation outlet. Of the ink in the nozzle communication path 220 and the nozzle opening 280, ink that is not used for droplet ejection is collected into the circulation common flow path 228 via the circulation individual flow path 226.

  The circulation common flow path 228 is connected to the ink circulation chamber 236 shown in FIG. 6, and the ink is always collected to the circulation common flow path 228 through the circulation individual flow path 226. At this time, thickening of the ink in the vicinity of the nozzle opening 280 is prevented.

  As an aspect of the ejection element provided in the head module, there is an aspect in which one nozzle portion 281, a flow path such as a pressure chamber 218 communicated with one nozzle portion 281, and a piezoelectric element 230 corresponding to the nozzle portion 281 are included. Can be mentioned.

  In the present specification, the term “nozzle opening” and the term “nozzle part” can be read as appropriate.

  As an example of the piezoelectric element 230, there is a piezoelectric element 230 having a structure separated individually corresponding to the nozzle portion 281. Of course, a structure in which the piezoelectric layer 231 is integrally formed with respect to the plurality of nozzle portions 281, individual electrodes are formed corresponding to the respective nozzle portions 281, and an active region is formed for each nozzle portion 281 is applied. Also good.

  A heater is provided in the pressure chamber 218 as a pressure generating element instead of a piezoelectric element, and a drive voltage is supplied to the heater to generate heat, and ink in the pressure chamber 218 is ejected from the nozzle opening 280 using a film boiling phenomenon. A thermal method may be applied.

[Detailed description of cleaning unit]
<Configuration example>
Next, the cleaning unit 42 shown in FIG. 3 will be described in detail. FIG. 9 is a front view of the cleaning unit shown in FIG. The wiping unit 43 illustrated in FIG. 9 is any one of the wiping unit 43C, the wiping unit 43M, the wiping unit 43Y, and the wiping unit 43K illustrated in FIG.

  The direction penetrating the paper surface of FIG. 9, which is illustrated with reference numeral X in FIG. 9, is the longitudinal direction of the liquid discharge head 16. The direction shown with the symbol Y is the short direction of the liquid ejection head 16.

  In the wiping web 46 shown in FIG. 9, the overall length in the width direction of the wiping web 46 perpendicular to the traveling direction of the wiping web 46 exceeds the overall length in the short direction of the liquid ejection head 16. Due to the relative movement of the wiping web 46 and the liquid ejection head 16 in the longitudinal direction of the liquid ejection head 16, the entire length of the liquid ejection surface 30 of the liquid ejection head 16 in the short direction of the liquid ejection head 16 is achieved. On the other hand, it is possible to perform a wiping process.

  That is, the liquid ejection head 16 and the wiping web 46 are relatively moved only once in the longitudinal direction of the liquid ejection head 16 in the longitudinal direction of the liquid ejection head 16. It is possible to perform a wiping process on the entire discharge surface 30.

  In FIG. 9, a part of the wiping web 46 is shown enlarged. The wiping web 46 shown in FIG. 9 has a plain weave structure in which warps and wefts are woven. In the wiping unit 43 shown in FIG. 9, the direction of the fibers of the wiping web 46 is inclined with respect to the traveling direction of the wiping web 46.

  The traveling direction of the wiping web 46 is parallel to the first side of the nozzle opening 280 shown in FIG. The first side of the nozzle opening 280 is illustrated with reference numeral 280B in FIG. The fiber of the wiping web 46 is a concept including warp and weft. Hereinafter, the term of fiber may be used generically for warp and weft.

<Relationship between fiber direction of wiping web and first side of nozzle opening>
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the relationship between the fiber direction of the wiping web and the first side of the nozzle opening. FIG. 10 schematically shows a state in which the wiping web 46 is in contact with an arbitrary nozzle opening 280.

  The wiping web 46 shown in FIG. 10 has a plain weave structure in which warps 46A and wefts 46B are alternately raised and lowered. The warp yarn 46A and the weft yarn 46B are orthogonal to each other. Hereinafter, the direction of the fibers of the wiping web 46 is defined as the direction of the warp 46A, and the first side of the nozzle opening is a side parallel to the traveling direction of the wiping web 46, and the side denoted by reference numeral 280A will be described.

  The wiping web 46 is caused to travel by bringing the wiping web 46 into contact with the nozzle openings 280 without obliquely inclining the direction of the fibers of the wiping web 46 with respect to the nozzle openings 280 shown in FIG. Then, the weft 46B of the wiping web 46 is caught by the second side 280B, which is one side downstream of the nozzle opening 280 in the traveling direction of the wiping web 46, and the water repellent film near the second side 280B of the nozzle opening 280 is worn. Resulting in.

  When the fiber direction of the wiping web 46 is not inclined obliquely with respect to the nozzle opening 280, the warp yarn 46A of the wiping web 46 is parallel to the first side 280A of the nozzle opening 280 and the weft yarn 46B of the wiping web 46 is This is a state orthogonal to the first side 280A of the nozzle opening 280.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the weft thread 46B of the wiping web 46 hits the second side 280B of the nozzle opening 280 obliquely because the direction in which the weft thread 46B of the wiping web 46 hits the nozzle opening 280 is inclined. The weft 46 </ b> B of the wiping web 46 is not caught on the second side 280 </ b> B of the nozzle opening 280.

  Similarly, the warp 46A of the wiping web 46 also strikes the second side 280B of the nozzle opening 280 obliquely and does not get caught on the second side 280B of the nozzle opening 280. Thereby, damage to the water repellent film in the vicinity of the second side 280B of the nozzle opening 280 is reduced, and deterioration of the water repellent film such as wear of the water repellent film is reduced.

  The angle θ shown in FIG. 10 is an angle formed by the first side 280A of the nozzle opening 280 and the direction of the warp yarn 46A of the wiping web 46. Here, the direction of the warp yarn 46 </ b> A of the wiping web 46 is defined as the fiber direction of the wiping web 46. Here, there are two types of angles formed by the first side 280A of the nozzle opening 280 and the direction of the warp yarn 46A of the wiping web 46. Of the two types of angles, the smaller angle is the angle formed by the first side 280A of the nozzle opening 280 and the direction of the warp yarn 46A of the wiping web 46. In other words, the angle θ formed by the first side 280A of the nozzle opening 280 and the direction of the warp 46A of the wiping web 46 is 90 degrees or less.

  The warp yarn 46A and the weft yarn 46B of the wiping web 46 are orthogonal to each other. The first side 280A and the second side 280B of the nozzle opening 280 are orthogonal to each other. The weft 46B of the wiping web 46 may be inclined obliquely with respect to the second side 280B of the nozzle opening 280 with the fiber direction of the wiping web 46 as the direction of the weft 46B of the wiping web 46.

  That is, the direction of the fibers of the wiping web 46 is the direction of the fibers of the wiping web 46 that is parallel to the traveling direction of the wiping web 46 when the wiping web 46 is not tilted with respect to the nozzle opening 280.

  Further, the first side of the nozzle opening that is used as a reference when defining the angle between the direction of the fibers of the wiping web 46 and the nozzle opening 280 is the side of the nozzle opening 280 that is parallel to the running direction of the wiping web 46. .

  When the wiping web 46 is not tilted with respect to the nozzle opening 280, when both of the two orthogonal sides in the nozzle opening 280 are not parallel to the traveling direction of the wiping web 46, the traveling direction of the wiping web 46 is Among the angles formed, a side having a small upstream angle in the traveling direction of the wiping web 46 is defined as a first side of the nozzle opening 280.

  The wiping part 43 shown in FIG. 3 is an aspect of the first wiping part. The case 48 is an aspect of the first support part. The wiping web 46 is an embodiment of the first wiping web. The pressing roller 47 is an aspect of the first pressing portion.

  The head moving unit 128 shown in FIG. 2 is a component of the first relative moving unit. The head moving unit 128 is an aspect of the first head moving unit. The configuration for running the wiping web 46 is one mode of the first running unit. The feeding shaft, the winding shaft, and the motor are constituent elements according to one aspect of the first traveling unit.

  The wiping process of the liquid ejection surface 30 using the wiping unit 43 illustrated in FIG. 3 is an aspect of the wiping process.

[Description of structure example of wiping web]
<Plain weave structure>
FIG. 11 is a partially enlarged view of a wiping web having a woven structure. The wiping web 46 shown in FIG. 11 has a plain weave structure in which warps 46A and wefts 46B are alternately raised and lowered. In the wiping web 46 having a plain weave structure, warps 46A and wefts 46B are orthogonal to each other.

  In the case of the long wiping web 46, the longitudinal yarn is the warp yarn 46A, and the short-side yarn is the weft yarn 46B. The wiping web 46 is not limited to plain weave. The wiping web 46 may employ a structure other than plain weave, such as twill weave or satin weave.

<Knit structure>
FIG. 12 is a partially enlarged view of a wiping web having a knit structure. The wiping web 46C shown in FIG. 12 has a knit structure. As an example of the knit structure, there is a structure in which the next loop 46E is sequentially inserted into a loop 46D in which one or a plurality of yarns are formed into a ring shape, and is knitted into a sheet shape.

  In the wiping web 46C shown in FIG. 12, the loop 46D and the loop 46E are arranged along the longitudinal direction and the short direction of the wiping web 46C. The direction of the fibers in the wiping web 46C shown in FIG. 12 may be the longitudinal direction of the wiping web 46C.

  As an example of inclining the direction of the fibers of the wiping web 46 with respect to the nozzle opening 280, when the wiping web 46 shown in FIG. 10 is wound around a feeding shaft (not shown), with respect to the traveling direction of the wiping web 46, The example which inclines the direction of the warp 46A of the wiping web 46 diagonally is given. As another example in which the direction of the fibers of the wiping web 46 is obliquely inclined with respect to the nozzle opening 280, an example in which the wiping portion 43 itself is inclined with respect to the nozzle opening 280 and the traveling direction of the wiping web 46 is inclined obliquely. Can be mentioned.

[Consideration of water repellent film deterioration mitigation]
FIG. 13 is a graph showing the relationship between the fiber direction of the wiping web and the degree of influence on the water repellent film. The horizontal axis in FIG. 13 is the angle θ between the direction of the fibers of the wiping web 46 and the nozzle opening 280. The unit of the horizontal axis is radians. The vertical axis in FIG. 13 is a function f (θ) representing the degree of influence on the water repellent film in the vicinity of the nozzle opening 280 shown in FIG.

  When the degree of influence on the water-repellent film near the nozzle opening 280 is relatively large, it indicates that the degree of deterioration of the water-repellent film near the nozzle opening 280 is relatively large. On the other hand, when the degree of influence on the water repellent film near the nozzle opening 280 is relatively small, it indicates that the degree of deterioration of the water repellent film near the nozzle opening 280 is relatively small. Here, as an example of the vicinity of the nozzle opening 280, a range from the second side 280B of the nozzle opening 280 shown in FIG.

  A curve denoted by reference numeral 300 in FIG. 13 represents the function f (θ). A curve denoted by reference numeral 302 in FIG. 13 represents a function representing the degree of influence of the yarn in the direction perpendicular to the direction of the fibers of the wiping web 46 on the water-repellent film near the nozzle opening 280. As an example of the yarn in the direction orthogonal to the fiber direction of the wiping web 46, the weft yarn 46B shown in FIG.

  A curve denoted by reference numeral 304 in FIG. 13 represents a function representing the degree of influence of the yarn in the direction parallel to the fiber direction of the wiping web 46 on the water-repellent film near the nozzle opening 280. An example of the yarn in the direction parallel to the fiber direction of the wiping web 46 is the warp yarn 46A shown in FIG. The function f (θ) shown in FIG. 13 is expressed using the following formula 1.

f (θ) = A (θ) × cos (θ) + {1−A (θ)} × sin (θ) Equation 1
The first term of the above formula 1 is expressed using a curve indicated by reference numeral 302 in FIG. The second term of the above equation 1 is expressed using a curve indicated by the reference numeral 304 in FIG.

  A (θ) in the above formula 1 represents the effective length of the fibers of the wiping web 46 shown in FIG. The effective length A (θ) of the fibers of the wiping web 46 is expressed by the following formula 2.

A (θ) = a × | cos (2 × θ) | + c Equation 2
The constant a in the above formula 2 is the length of the second side 280B of the nozzle opening 280 shown in FIG. Further, the constant c in Equation 2 is a constant determined according to the type of the wiping web 46 shown in FIG. 10 and the wiping conditions.

  FIG. 14 is a graph showing the relationship between the direction of the fibers of the wiping web and the effective length of the fibers of the wiping web. The horizontal axis in FIG. 14 is the angle θ between the direction of the fibers of the wiping web 46 and the nozzle opening 280. The unit of the horizontal axis is radians. The vertical axis in FIG. 14 is the effective length of the fibers of the wiping web 46. The unit of the vertical axis is micrometer. A curve 310 shown in FIG. 14 shows a function A (θ) representing the effective length of the fibers of the wiping web 46.

  From the function f (θ) shown in FIG. 13, it can be seen that the angle θ at which the degree of influence on the water-repellent film near the nozzle opening 280 is minimum is π / 4 radians. When the angle θ is π / 4 radians, the effective length of the fibers of the wiping web 46 is minimized.

  On the other hand, the removability of the deposits adhering to the vicinity of the nozzle opening 280 varies depending on the manner in which the wiping web 46 contacts the nozzle opening 280. Below, the removal property of the deposit | attachment adhering to the vicinity of the nozzle opening 280 is considered.

[Consideration of deposit removal]
FIG. 15 is a graph showing the relationship between the fiber direction of the wiping web and the degree of influence on the removability of deposits in the vicinity of the nozzle openings. The horizontal axis in FIG. 15 is the angle θ between the direction of the fibers of the wiping web 46 and the nozzle opening 280. The unit of the horizontal axis is radians.

  The vertical axis in FIG. 15 is a function g (θ) representing the degree of influence on the deposit removal performance in the vicinity of the nozzle opening 280 shown in FIG. When the degree of influence on the removability of deposits in the vicinity of the nozzle openings 280 is relatively large, it indicates that there are relatively many deposits remaining in the vicinity of the nozzle openings 280.

  On the other hand, when the degree of influence on the removability of deposits in the vicinity of the nozzle openings 280 is relatively small, it indicates that the deposits remaining in the vicinity of the nozzle openings 280 are relatively small. Here, as an example of the vicinity of the nozzle opening 280, a range of 2.5 micrometers from the second side 280B of the nozzle opening 280 shown in FIG.

  A curve denoted by reference numeral 320 in FIG. 15 represents the function g (θ). The function g (θ) shown in FIG. 15 is expressed using the following Equation 3.

g (θ) = B (θ) × cos (θ) + {1−B (θ)} × sin (θ) Equation 3
B (θ) in the above formula 3 represents the effective length of the fibers of the wiping web 46 shown in FIG. The effective length B (θ) of the fibers of the wiping web 46 is expressed by the following equation 4.

B (θ) = b × | cos (2 × θ−π / 2) | + d Equation 4
The constant b in Equation 4 is the length of the second side 280B of the nozzle opening 280 shown in FIG. The constant d in the above equation 4 is a constant determined according to the type of the wiping web 46 shown in FIG. 10 and the wiping conditions.

  FIG. 16 is a graph showing the relationship between the fiber direction of the wiping web and the effective length of the fiber of the wiping web. The horizontal axis in FIG. 16 is the angle θ between the direction of the fibers of the wiping web 46 and the nozzle opening 280. The unit of the horizontal axis is radians. The vertical axis in FIG. 16 is the effective length of the fibers of the wiping web 46. The unit of the vertical axis is micrometer. A curve 330 shown in FIG. 16 indicates a function B (θ) representing the effective length of the fibers of the wiping web 46.

  From the function g (θ) shown in FIG. 15, it can be seen that the angle θ at which the degree of influence on the removability of the deposit in the vicinity of the nozzle opening 280 is maximum is π / 4 radians. That is, when the influence on the water-repellent film near the nozzle opening 280 is minimized and the wear of the water-repellent film is to be suppressed, the influence on the removability of deposits near the nozzle opening 280 is maximized. End up.

  Therefore, the direction of the fibers of the wiping web 46 and the nozzle that have a smaller influence on the water-repellent film near the nozzle opening 280 and a larger influence on the removability of deposits near the nozzle opening 280. The angle θ with the opening 280 will be described.

[Results of evaluation experiment]
Next, the results of an evaluation experiment on the deterioration of the water-repellent film and the removal of deposits in the wiping process of the liquid ejection surface using the wiping web 46 will be described.

<Conditions for evaluation experiment>
The experimental conditions of the evaluation experiment are as follows.

Liquid ejection head: SAMBA head, manufactured by Fujifilm Daimatics, Inc. Water repellent film: FDTS film grown by vapor phase Wiping web: Product name, Toraysee 57120, manufactured by Toray Industries, Inc.
Toraysee is a registered trademark.

Movement speed of the liquid ejection head: 40 mm / second Travel speed of the wiping web: 3.2 mm / second Pressure applied to the liquid ejection surface by the wiping web: 28 kilopascals, plus or minus 4 kilopascals When evaluating water-repellent film degradation Number of wiping: 10,000 times Observation of water-repellent film deterioration: After performing a certain number of ejections from all nozzle openings, wiping of the liquid ejection surface is performed. After wiping the liquid discharge surface, the liquid discharge surface is observed using a microscope. The state of the water repellent film in the range of 5.0 micrometers from the side of the nozzle opening is observed. After observing the liquid discharge surface, a test pattern for evaluating discharge performance is formed, and the test pattern is analyzed to determine whether the discharge performance is good or bad.

Number of wiping for evaluation of deposit removal: 2 Observation of deposit: After a certain number of ejections from all nozzle openings, the liquid ejection surface is wiped. The liquid discharge surface is observed using a microscope. The presence or absence of deposits in the range of 2.5 micrometers from the side of the nozzle opening is observed. After observing the liquid discharge surface, a test pattern for evaluating discharge performance is formed, and the test pattern is analyzed to determine whether the discharge performance is good or bad.

Ink: Pigment ink Cleaning liquid: Soluble cleaning liquid The soluble cleaning liquid is a cleaning liquid that dissolves ink adhering to the liquid ejection surface. It is possible to dissolve the ink adhering to the liquid ejection surface using a soluble cleaning liquid, and to allow the wiping web 46 to absorb the cleaning liquid and the ink dissolved in the cleaning liquid. When pigment ink is used, a cleaning liquid that dissolves the pigment ink is applied.

  The middle part of Table 1 below shows the evaluation of the deterioration of the water-repellent film for each fiber angle of the wiping web 46. A represents a case where the water-repellent film is not deteriorated and the ejection performance is not affected. B represents the case where the water-repellent film is worn but the ejection performance is not affected. C represents the case where the water-repellent film is worn and the discharge performance is affected.

  The lower part of Table 1 below represents an evaluation of the deposit removal property for each fiber direction of the wiping web 46. A represents the case where there is no deposit and the discharge performance is not affected. B represents a case where there is an adhering matter but the ejection performance is not affected. C represents a case where there is an adhering substance and the discharge performance is affected.

  As shown in Table 1 above, the direction of the fibers of the wiping web 46 capable of achieving both suppression of water-repellent film deterioration and removal of deposits is π / 8 radians or more and less than π / 4 radians, or π / 4 radians and 3 × π / 8 radians or less.

  That is, when the evaluation of the deterioration of the water-repellent film is A or B and the evaluation of the removal property of the deposit is A or B, the suppression of the water-repellent film and the removal of the deposit are performed. It is possible to achieve both.

  The fiber direction of the wiping web 46 is more preferably π / 6 radians or more and less than π / 4 radians, or more than π / 4 radians and not more than π / 3 radians. That is, it is more preferable when the evaluation of the deterioration of the water-repellent film is A and the evaluation of the removal property of the deposit is A or B.

  The evaluation results shown in Table 1 above can be applied when an ink other than the ink used in the evaluation experiment is used. The reason is as follows.

  Since the ink adhering to the liquid ejection surface is dissolved using the cleaning liquid, when the cleaning liquid that dissolves the ink is used, the wiping web 46 can absorb the ink without depending on the type of ink. .

  Evaluation is performed using a pigment ink in which pigment particles are dispersed in a solvent. Wear of the water repellent film is promoted due to the presence of the pigment ink between the water repellent film and the wiping web 46. The dye ink in which the dye particles are dissolved in the ink solvent is considered to reduce the wear of the water-repellent film during the wiping treatment as compared with the pigment ink. Therefore, the evaluation result using the pigment ink containing the pigment particles for the abrasion of the water repellent film can be applied to the dye ink containing the dye particles.

[Function and effect]
According to the ink jet recording apparatus configured as described above, when the wiping process is performed on the liquid ejection surface 30 of the liquid ejection head 16 using the wiping web 46, the fibers of the wiping web 46 are in contact with the nozzle openings. Tilt the direction diagonally.

  For example, the direction of the fibers of the wiping web 46 with respect to the first side 280A of the nozzle opening 280 is set to π / 8 radians or more and less than π / 4 radians, or more than π / 4 radians and 3 × π / 8 radians or less. Thereby, deterioration of the water-repellent film near the nozzle opening is alleviated. Moreover, it is possible to obtain the removal property of the deposit | attachment of the grade which does not affect discharge performance.

[Modification]
<Overall configuration>
FIG. 17 is a schematic configuration diagram of a cleaning unit according to a modification. The cleaning unit 400 illustrated in FIG. 17 includes a first wiping unit 410 and a second wiping unit 430 corresponding to the wiping unit 43 of the cleaning unit 42 illustrated in FIG. 3. The first wiping portion 410 shown in FIG. 17 has the same structure as the wiping portion 43 shown in FIG. Moreover, the 1st wiping part 410 shown in FIG. 17 has a function similar to the wiping part 43 shown in FIG.

  The first wiping web 412, the first pressing roller 414, and the first case 416 shown in FIG. 17 correspond to the wiping web 46, the pressing roller 47, and the case 48 shown in FIG. Here, the description of the first wiping unit 410 is omitted.

  The second wiping unit 430 illustrated in FIG. 17 includes a second wiping web 432, a second pressing roller 434, and a second case 436. The second wiping web 432 has a structure in which raising is provided on the base material. In FIG. 17, illustration of the base material of the 2nd wiping web 432 and raising is abbreviate | omitted. The base material is illustrated with reference numeral 432C in FIG. The raised hair is illustrated with reference numeral 432D in FIG.

  The second pressing roller 434 shown in FIG. 17 has the same structure and function as the pressing roller 47 shown in FIG. The second case 436 shown in FIG. 17 has the same structure and function as the case 48 shown in FIG. That is, the second wiping unit 430 includes a second wiping web 432 instead of the first wiping web 412 of the first wiping unit 410.

  The cleaning unit 400 shown in FIG. 17 can perform wiping processing using two types of wiping webs at the time of cleaning the liquid ejection surface 30 of the liquid ejection head 16 once. For example, the wiping process can be performed using the first wiping web 412 for the first time, and the wiping process can be performed using the second wiping web 432 for the second time.

  In the aspect including the second wiping unit 430 illustrated in FIG. 17, the wiping control unit 122 illustrated in FIG. 2 may control the operation of the second wiping unit 430 illustrated in FIG. 17. In addition to the wiping control unit 122, a second wiping control unit that controls the operation of the second wiping unit 430 shown in FIG.

<Detailed description of the second wiping web>
FIG. 18 is a front view of a wiping portion according to a modification. FIG. 18 shows a first wiping unit 410 instead of the wiping unit 43 of FIG. 9. In the second wiping web 432 shown in FIG. 18, the fiber direction is parallel to the traveling direction of the second wiping web 432.

  FIG. 19 is a diagram showing the relationship between the fiber direction of the second wiping web and the first side of the nozzle opening. In FIG. 19, only fibers in one direction among the fibers of the base material of the second wiping web 432 are illustrated. Hereinafter, in the case where the second wiping web 432 is a plain weave, only the warp 432A is shown, and the weft is not shown.

  In the second wiping web 432 shown in FIG. 19, the direction of the base warp 432 </ b> A is parallel to the direction of the first side 280 </ b> A of the nozzle opening 280. The direction of the latitude line (not shown) is parallel to the direction of the second side 280B of the nozzle opening 280 and is orthogonal to the first side 280A of the nozzle opening 280.

  The second wiping web 432 is flexible in raising. Then, when the second wiping web 432 is pressed against the liquid ejection surface 30, it is considered that the force of pressing the ink pigment adhering to the liquid ejection surface 30 against the water-repellent film on the liquid ejection surface 30 is weakened.

  In the wiping web 46 shown in FIG. 10, the weft 46 </ b> B contacts the nozzle opening 280 with a line having a certain length. On the other hand, in the second wiping web 432 shown in FIG. 19, the raised portions contact the nozzle openings 280 at points.

  Accordingly, when the second wiping web 432 shown in FIG. 19 is used, the water-repellent film 432 does not have to be inclined obliquely with respect to the second side 280B of the nozzle opening 280. It is considered that wear is unlikely to occur.

  FIG. 20 is a side view of the second wiping web showing a structural example of the second wiping web. The second wiping web 432 is provided with brushed 432D on the base material 432C. In FIG. 20, a part of the second wiping web 432 is shown enlarged.

  FIG. 21 is a conceptual diagram of wiping using the second wiping web. The liquid ejection surface 30 is wiped while the raised 432D shown in FIG. 21 enters the inside of the nozzle portion 281 from the nozzle opening 280.

  Thereby, the dirt inside the nozzle part 281 can be scraped off by the raised 432D, and the inside of the nozzle part 281 can also be cleaned. Since the dirt scraped off from the inside of the nozzle part 281 and the dirt present on the liquid discharge surface 30 can be entangled by the base material 432C, it can be wiped without leaving the dirt on the liquid discharge surface 30. At this time, the dirt present on the liquid ejection surface 30 can be efficiently scraped off by the action of the raised 432D.

  One of the purposes of using the wiping surface provided with the raised 432D which is raised and uneven is to scrape off the dirt inside the nozzle portion 281 with the raised 432D. Therefore, the wiping surface employs a structure having a surface property and a surface shape so that the raised portion 432D can enter the nozzle portion 281 during the wiping process.

  The wiping surface is appropriately selected according to the size of the nozzle opening 280, the shape of the nozzle opening 280, and the like. That is, a wiping surface having brushed 432D having a thickness and a length that can enter the inside of the nozzle portion 281 from the nozzle opening 280 formed in the liquid ejection surface 30 is used.

  Further, the raised 432D preferably has appropriate elasticity in order to easily enter the inside of the nozzle portion 281 during the wiping process. If the length of the raised hair 432D is too long, the elasticity is weakened and it is difficult to enter the inside of the nozzle portion 281. Therefore, the raised hair 432D is preferably adjusted to an appropriate length.

  For example, when wiping the liquid discharge surface 30 on which the tapered nozzle portion 281 having the nozzle opening 280 having a diameter of 16 micrometers and the tapered portion 281A having a length of 50 micrometers is wiped, the brushed 432D has a diameter of 5 micrometers or less. It is preferable that The length of the raised 432D is preferably 10 micrometers or more and 50 micrometers or less.

  In other words, the diameter of the raised 432D is preferably set to be equal to or less than half of the diameter of the nozzle opening 280 on the liquid ejection surface 30. Thereby, the raising | fluff 432D can be made to enter the inside of the nozzle part 281 in the case of a wiping process.

  Moreover, in the case of the nozzle part 281 with a taper part, it is preferable that the length of the raising 432D is a length corresponding to the length of the taper part 281A. Accordingly, the raised 432D can be inserted into the nozzle part 281 and the dirt inside the nozzle part 281 can be scraped off sufficiently.

  On the other hand, if the raised 432D is left inside the nozzle portion 281, it becomes a new foreign matter, and therefore the raised 432D is preferably firmly fixed to the base material 432C. Further, in order to efficiently capture dirt between the raised 432D, the raised 432D is preferably arranged densely.

  As an aspect provided with raising 432D which functions as raising-like unevenness on a wiping surface, an aspect which sticks a sheet provided with raising 432D on the surface of substrate 432C, or a web is mentioned.

[Function and effect of modification]
According to the ink jet recording apparatus according to the modified example configured as described above, the first wiping unit 410 and the second wiping unit 430 including the second wiping web 432 provided with raised portions are used in combination. Thereby, it is possible to improve the removal property of the deposits in the vicinity of the nozzle opening 280.

  Even if the direction of the fibers of the second wiping web 432 is not obliquely inclined with respect to the nozzle opening 280 and the direction of the fibers of the second wiping web 432 is parallel or orthogonal to the nozzle opening 280, Wear of the water repellent film is suppressed.

  The 1st wiping part 410 shown in FIG. 17 is one aspect | mode of a 1st wiping part. The first case 416 is an aspect of the first support portion. The first wiping web 412 is an aspect of the first wiping web. The first pressing roller 414 is an aspect of the first pressing portion.

  The head moving unit 128 shown in FIG. 2 is a component of the first relative moving unit. The head moving unit 128 is an aspect of the first head moving unit. The configuration for running the first wiping web 412 shown in FIG. 17 is one mode of the first running unit. The feeding shaft, the winding shaft, and the motor are constituent elements according to one aspect of the first traveling unit.

  The liquid ejection surface 30 wiping process using the first wiping unit 410 shown in FIG. 17 is an aspect of the wiping process.

  The 2nd wiping part 430 shown in FIG. 17 is one aspect | mode of a 2nd wiping part. The second case 436 is an aspect of the second support portion. The second wiping web 432 is an aspect of the second wiping web. The second pressing roller 434 is an aspect of the second pressing portion.

  The system controller 100, the head movement control unit 126, and the head movement unit 128 illustrated in FIG. 2 are one mode of the second head movement unit that is a component of the second relative movement unit. The configuration for running the second wiping web 432 shown in FIG. 17 is an aspect of the second running unit.

[Application to wiper]
The wiping unit shown in the present embodiment can be configured as a wiping device. For example, a wiping device including the wiping unit 43 illustrated in FIG. 3, the system controller 100 illustrated in FIG. 2, the wiping control unit 122, the head movement control unit 126, and the head movement unit 128 can be configured.

  The wiping device may include a second wiping control unit that controls the second wiping unit 430 and the second wiping unit 430 illustrated in FIG. 17. The second wiping control unit may also be used as the system controller 100, the wiping control unit 122, and the head movement control unit 126 shown in FIG.

[Application to liquid ejection surface wiping method]
The system controller 100, the wiping control unit 122, and the head movement control unit 126 illustrated in FIG. 2 may execute a liquid ejection head wiping method. In the liquid ejection head wiping method, the wiping control unit 122 performs a wiping process of wiping the liquid ejection surface 30 of the liquid ejection head 16 using the wiping unit 43 illustrated in FIG. 3.

  In the wiping step, the wiping control unit 122 illustrated in FIG. 2 causes the wiping web 46 to travel by tilting the direction of the fibers of the wiping web 46 obliquely with respect to the second side 280 </ b> B of the nozzle opening 280. The direction of the fibers of the wiping web 46 with respect to the second side 280B of the nozzle opening 280 is set to π / 8 radians or more and less than π / 4 radians, or more than π / 4 radians and 3 × π / 8 radians or less.

  In the wiping process, the liquid ejection head 16 is moved with respect to the head movement control unit 126 and the wiping unit 43 shown in FIG.

  In the aspect including the first wiping unit 410 and the second wiping unit 430 shown in FIG. 17, the wiping control unit 122 shown in FIG. 2 uses the first wiping unit 410 shown in FIG. Execute the process.

  In the first wiping step, the direction of the fibers of the wiping web 46 with respect to the second side 280B of the nozzle opening 280 is π / 8 radians or more and less than π / 4 radians, or more than π / 4 radians and 3 × π / 8 radians or less. Is done.

  Moreover, the wiping control part 122 shown in FIG. 2 performs a 2nd wiping process using the 2nd wiping part 430 shown in FIG. In the first wiping step, the fiber direction of the wiping web 46 is parallel to the second side 280B of the nozzle opening 280.

  The liquid discharge surface wiping method may include a process corresponding to a function realized using the hardware described with reference to FIGS.

  The wiping device, the liquid ejection device, and the liquid ejection surface wiping method described above can be appropriately changed, added, and deleted without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Moreover, it is also possible to combine each above-mentioned embodiment suitably.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Horizontal surface 10 Inkjet recording device 11 Conveying part 12 Recording medium 14 Drawing cylinder 15 Head support part 16, 16C, 16M, 16Y, 16K Liquid discharge head 18 Rotating shaft 24 Gripper 26, 28 Transfer cylinder 30, 30C, 30M, 30Y, 30K Liquid discharge surface 40 Maintenance processing unit 42, 400 Cleaning unit 43, 43C, 43M, 43Y, 43K Wiping unit 44 Purge unit 46, 46C Wiping web 46A, 432A Warp yarn 46B Weft yarn 46D, 46E Loop 47 Press roller 48 Case 50 Drawing position 52 Wiping position 54 Purge position 55 Drawing preparation position 60 Purge preparation positions 80, 80C, 80M, 80Y, 80K Cap portion 81 Waste liquid tray 82 Discharge flow path 84 Waste liquid tank 100 System controller 100A CPU
100B ROM
100C RAM
102 Communication unit 103 Host computer 104 Image memory 110 Transport control unit 112 Paper feed control unit 114 Paper feed unit 118 Drawing control unit 119 Drawing unit 120 Paper discharge control unit 121 Paper discharge unit 122 Wiping control unit 126 Head movement control unit 128 Head movement Unit 130 operation unit 132 display unit 134 parameter storage unit 136 program storage unit 200 head module 210 channel structure 214 ink supply channel 216 individual supply channel 218 pressure chamber 220 nozzle communication channel 226 circulation individual channel 228 circulation common channel 230 piezoelectric Element 231 Piezoelectric layer 232 Ink supply chamber 236 Ink circulation chamber 252 Supply side individual channel 256 Recovery side individual channel 264 Upper electrode 265 Lower electrode 266 Vibration plate 267 Adhesive layer 275 Nozzle plate 280 Nozzle opening 280A First side 280B Second Side 281 Nozzle part 281A Taper part 300, 302, 304, 310, 320, 330 Curve 410 First wiping part 412 First wiping web 414 First pressing roller 416 First case 430 Second wiping part 432 Second wiping web 432C Base material 432D Raised 434 Second pressing roller 436 Second case

Claims (17)

A first wiping web for wiping a liquid discharge head comprising a nozzle opening having a rectangular shape and a liquid discharge surface on which a water repellent film is formed;
A first support for supporting the first wiping web;
The direction of the fiber of the first wiping web is inclined with respect to the nozzle opening, and the angle formed by the direction of the fiber of the first wiping web and the nozzle opening is π / 8 radians or more and less than π / 4 radians Or a first relative to move the liquid discharge head and the first wiping web supported by the first support portion relatively at an angle of more than π / 4 radians and not more than 3 × π / 8 radians. A moving part;
Wiping device with.   The first relative movement unit is configured such that an angle formed between a fiber direction of the first wiping web and the nozzle opening is π / 6 radians or more and less than π / 4 radians, or more than π / 4 radians and π / 3 radians or less. The wiping apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the liquid ejection head and the first wiping web supported by the first support portion are relatively moved with an inclination of the angle.   The wiping apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first relative movement unit includes a first head movement unit that moves the liquid ejection head.   The first relative movement unit includes a first traveling unit that causes the first wiping web to travel in a direction opposite to a moving direction of the liquid ejection head in the first head moving unit in the first support unit. Item 4. The wiping device according to Item 3.   The first relative movement unit is configured to incline the fiber direction of the first wiping web with respect to the first side of the nozzle opening parallel to the traveling direction of the first wiping web using the first traveling unit. The wiping device according to claim 4, wherein the wiping device is tilted to the right. A second wiping web having raised on the wiping surface to be brought into contact with the liquid ejection surface;
A second support part for supporting the second wiping web;
A second relative movement unit that relatively moves the liquid ejection head and the second support unit;
The wiping apparatus as described in any one of Claim 1 to 5 provided with these.   The wiping apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the second relative movement unit includes a second head moving unit that moves the liquid ejection head.   The second relative movement unit includes a second traveling unit that causes the second wiping web to travel in a direction opposite to a moving direction of the liquid ejection head in the second head moving unit in the second support unit. Item 8. The wiping device according to Item 7.   The said 1st support part is provided with the 1st press part which presses the said 1st wiping web and makes the said 1st wiping web contact the said liquid discharge head. Wiping device.   The said 2nd support part is provided with the 2nd press part which presses the said 2nd wiping web and makes the said 2nd wiping web contact the said liquid discharge head. Wiping device.   The wiping device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the first wiping web has a woven structure.   The wiping device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the first wiping web has a knit structure.   The wiping apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the first wiping web is provided with a cleaning liquid that dissolves the liquid discharged from the liquid discharge head. A liquid discharge head having a nozzle opening having a rectangular shape and a liquid discharge surface on which a water-repellent film is formed;
A wiping portion for wiping the liquid ejection surface of the liquid ejection head;
With
The wiping portion includes a first wiping web for wiping a liquid ejection head having a liquid ejection surface in which a nozzle opening having a rectangular shape is formed and a water repellent film is formed in a region where the nozzle opening is formed;
A first support for supporting the first wiping web;
The direction of the fiber of the first wiping web is inclined with respect to the nozzle opening, and the angle formed by the direction of the fiber of the first wiping web and the nozzle opening is π / 8 radians or more and less than π / 4 radians Or a first relative to move the liquid discharge head and the first wiping web supported by the first support portion relatively at an angle of more than π / 4 radians and not more than 3 × π / 8 radians. A moving part;
A liquid ejection device comprising:   The liquid discharge apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the liquid discharge head discharges ink containing pigment particles.   The liquid ejection apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the first wiping web is provided with a cleaning liquid that dissolves the ink containing the pigment particles. A liquid discharge head having a nozzle opening having a rectangular shape and a liquid discharge surface on which a water-repellent film is formed, and a first wiping web for wiping the liquid discharge surface are relatively moved to move the first A liquid ejection surface wiping method including a wiping step of wiping the liquid ejection surface using a wiping web,
In the wiping step, the direction of the fibers of the first wiping web is inclined with respect to the nozzle opening, and the angle formed by the direction of the fibers of the first wiping web and the nozzle opening is π / 8 radians or more A liquid ejection surface wiping method in which the first wiping web and the liquid ejection head are relatively moved while being inclined at an angle of less than π / 4 radians or greater than π / 4 radians and not more than 3 × π / 8 radians.

Images