JP4314841B2 - Inkjet printer - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an inkjet printer, and more particularly to an inkjet printer that performs maintenance by sucking ink from a recording head.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In an ink jet printer, an ejection port for ejecting ink onto a recording medium is provided on an ejection surface of a recording head. In this recording head, in order to recover the clogging due to the increase in ink viscosity, the clogging of the ejection port due to the adhesion of the ink, or the bubbles or dust generated in the ink flow path leading to the ejection port, Cover the discharge surface so that it is sealed with a suction cap, and then suck and remove the air bubbles remaining in the discharge port together with ink by sucking with a suction pump through the suction cap, or dust adhering to the discharge surface, etc. Maintenance has been done to remove.
[0003]
If the cap interior communicates with the atmosphere during suction, suction cannot be performed. If the atmosphere does not communicate when the cap is attached or detached, pressure fluctuations to the discharge port will occur. Atmospheric communication means for switching the communication state / non-communication state is provided.
The atmospheric communication means is connected to the cap 2 via a pipe 6 communicating with the outside, and a valve 5 that switches between the atmospheric communication state and the non-communication state by opening and closing the pipe 6 (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In addition, the vent 17a of the cap 17 is closed in connection with the movement of the carriage 2 to switch to a non-communication state, and the vent 17a is opened by the dowel portion 22d that is elastically displaced as the cam 28b is driven. Therefore, an atmosphere release valve 23 (see, for example, Patent Document 2) that switches to the atmosphere communication state has been conventionally used.
[0004]
In maintenance, first, the suction cap and the ejection surface are brought into close contact with each other, and after switching to the non-communication state by the atmospheric communication means, the suction pump or the like is operated to suck the ink from the ejection port. In order to release the negative pressure state inside the cap after ink suction, the atmosphere communication means switches to the atmosphere communication state to introduce the atmosphere into the cap, and the suction cap is separated from the ejection surface.
[0005]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 7-276671 A (page 2-3, FIG. 3)
[Patent Document 2]
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 3-87268 (pages 2-6, 4-5)
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, although it is desired to reduce the size and cost of an inkjet printer as well as various devices, in the case of the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, the pipe 6 and the valve 5 are necessary. In this case, although piping and valves are not required, when switching from the non-communication state to the atmospheric communication state, driving means such as a cam 28b and a dowel portion 22d for driving the atmospheric release valve 23 are necessary. It was an adverse effect of cost.
[0007]
An object of the present invention is to enable the switching by only attaching and detaching the suction cap with respect to the recording head, thereby making it possible to omit valves and driving means, and to reduce the size and cost of the ink jet printer.
[0018]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  Claim1The inkjet printer of the described invention
  A recording head having an ejection port for ejecting ink on the ejection surface;
  A suction device for sucking ink from the ejection port;
  A suction cap that communicates with the suction device, covers the discharge port of the recording head when ink is sucked, adheres to the discharge surface, and separates from the discharge surface when not sucked;
  A support member that supports the suction cap so as to face the discharge surface;
  A contact / separation moving mechanism that moves at least one of the support member and the recording head in a direction in which the suction cap and the recording head are in contact with and separated from each other;
  The suction cap has a communication port that allows the atmosphere to communicate with it.
  The support member is
  A lid member that is formed of an elastic body, covers the communication port, and swings and supports the suction cap on the support member in an extended state.ThePrepared,
  The lid member is formed with an air flow path for communicating air from the outside to the communication port,
  The contact / separation moving mechanism brings the suction cap and the recording head into contact with each other, then further brings the recording head and the support member closer to each other, compresses the lid member, and closes the atmospheric flow path. It is characterized by that.
[0019]
  Claim1According to the described invention, since the contact / separation moving mechanism brings the suction cap and the recording head into contact with each other, the recording head and the support member are further brought closer to each other to compress the lid member and close the atmospheric flow path. During ink suction, the inside of the suction cap is in a non-communication state. Further, when the contact / separation moving mechanism separates the suction cap and the recording head after ink suction, the lid member is elastically restored and presses the suction cap against the recording head, so that the suction cap and the recording head are separated from each other. First, open the atmospheric flow path. As a result, the inside of the suction cap is switched to the atmosphere communication state, and the suction cap and the recording head can be separated in a state where the negative pressure state is released.
  As described above, the air communication state / non-communication state in the suction cap can be switched in accordance with the attaching / detaching operation of the suction cap and the recording head performed by the contact / separation moving mechanism. / Members required for switching the non-communication state (driving means such as cams and dowels, valves, and piping) can be omitted, and the ink jet printer itself can be reduced in size and cost.
The invention according to claim 2 is the ink jet printer according to claim 1,
A plurality of the air flow paths are formed in the lid member.
[0020]
  Claim3The described invention is claimed.1 or 2In the described inkjet printer,
  The contact / separation moving mechanism is configured by a head position adjusting mechanism that moves the recording head in order to adjust an interval between the recording medium and the recording head.
[0021]
  Claim3According to the described invention, the contact / separation moving mechanism is constituted by the head position adjusting mechanism that moves the recording head in order to adjust the interval between the recording medium and the recording head, so that the ink jet printer having the head position adjusting mechanism is provided. If so, the air communication state / non-communication state in the cap can be switched by the attaching / detaching operation of the suction cap and the recording head without newly providing a contact / separation moving mechanism. Therefore, the downsizing and cost reduction of the ink jet printer can be further improved.
[0022]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[First embodiment]
Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0023]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a main configuration diagram of an ink jet printer 1 exemplified in the present embodiment. The ink jet printer 1 transports a recording medium P on an image forming region T where image formation is performed. A device 2 (see FIG. 4) is provided. The conveying device 2 conveys the recording medium P on the image forming area T during image formation, and moves the recording medium P downward (arrow B) from the image forming area T in accordance with the end of image formation. Transport. The transport device 2 is provided with a thickness sensor 21 (see FIG. 4) that detects the thickness of the recording medium P, and the detection result of the thickness sensor 21 is output to the control device 8 (see FIG. 4).
[0024]
The inkjet printer 1 is provided with a carriage 4 that reciprocally moves (arrow A) on the image forming region T along a guide rail 3 that is arranged so as to be orthogonal to the conveyance direction of the conveyance device 2. A plurality of recording heads 5 for ejecting ink onto the recording medium P are mounted on the carriage 4, and the recording head 5 can also reciprocate on the image forming area T as the carriage 4 moves. . The carriage 4 is provided with a head position adjusting mechanism for adjusting the relative position between the recording head 5 and the recording medium P by moving the recording head 5 up and down by the control of the control device 8 based on the detection result of the thickness sensor 21. ing.
[0025]
A plurality of recording heads 5 (four in this embodiment) are provided according to the type of ink (Y: yellow, M: magenta, C: cyan, K: black) used in the inkjet printer 1. A plurality of ejection openings for ejecting ink are provided on the ejection surface 51 (see FIG. 2) of the recording head 5.
[0026]
In addition, the inkjet printer 1 is provided with a home position 6 serving as a standby for the recording head 5 stored in the carriage 4 on one end side of the moving area of the carriage 4 and the other end of the moving area of the carriage 4. A maintenance position M including a maintenance unit 7 that performs maintenance of the recording head 5 is provided on the side. Here, the head position adjusting mechanism of the carriage 4 also moves the recording head 5 up and down even when the recording head 5 faces the home position 6 or the maintenance unit 7 so that the standby state, the maintenance state, and the image forming state are changed. Switch.
[0027]
The home position 6 is provided with the same number of moisturizing caps 61 as the recording head 5 to keep the ejection surface of the recording head 5 moist. The ejection surface 51 covers the ejection opening of the recording head 5 during standby of the carriage 4. Sealed.
[0028]
The maintenance unit 7 is provided with a unit base (supporting member) 71 that moves in a direction (arrow C) orthogonal to the scanning direction of the carriage 4. The unit base 71 is provided with a suction cap 72 that covers the ejection opening of each recording head 5 and is in close contact with the ejection surface 51, and a blade 73 that wipes off residual ink on the ejection surface 51 is provided at the tip of the suction cap 72. It is provided in the position away from. The same number of suction caps 72 and blades 73 as the recording heads 5 are provided. Then, the suction cap 72 and the blade 73 move along the arrow C as the unit base 71 moves.
[0029]
Next, the unit base 71 and the suction cap 72 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a main conceptual diagram showing a state in which the recording head 5 faces the maintenance unit 7.
[0030]
The unit base 71 supports the suction cap 72 so as to face the ejection surface 51 of the recording head 5. The upper surface of the unit base 71 is connected to the bottom surface of the suction cap 72, and the suction cap 72 is vertically attached to the unit base 71 with the upper surface of the unit base 71 and the bottom surface of the suction cap 72 spaced apart by a predetermined distance. A plurality (two in this embodiment) of compression springs (swing support members) 75 that are swingably supported are provided.
In the present embodiment, a spring represented by a compression spring is exemplified as the swing support member. However, any spring may be used as long as it has elasticity, for example, an elastic material such as rubber, and the like. The elastic member (for example, a washer having elasticity) may be used. Examples of the spring include a leaf spring and a torsion coil spring in addition to the compression spring.
Further, as shown in FIG. 2A, the communication port 721 is provided on the upper surface of the unit base 71 so as to face the communication port 721 provided in the suction cap 72 in order to communicate the atmosphere inside the suction cap 72. A lid member 76 for sealing is fixed.
[0031]
The lid member 76 is formed of an elastic body and includes a protrusion 762 that protrudes upward in the same shape as the communication port 721 from the upper surface of the cylindrical main body 761. Here, the distance from the upper surface of the protrusion 762 of the lid member 76 to the upper surface of the unit base 71 is set to be smaller than the distance between the upper surface of the unit base 71 and the bottom surface of the suction cap 72. For this reason, when the recording head 5 is not in contact with the suction cap 72, the suction cap 72 and the lid member 76 are separated from each other and the communication port 721 is opened. On the other hand, when the suction cap 72 is pressed down in contact with the recording head 5, the protrusion 762 of the lid member 76 is fitted into the communication port 721 and the communication port 721 is sealed. At this time, since the lid member 76 is formed of an elastic body, the lid member 76 is elastically deformed and comes into close contact with the suction cap 72. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a gap from being formed between the lid member 76 and the suction cap 72, and to increase the adhesion between them.
[0032]
As the lid member, in addition to the configuration in which the communication port 721 is sealed by being fitted to the communication port 721 as in the above-described lid member 76, for example, the communication port 721 is covered so as to be in close contact with the suction cap 72. By doing so, the structure which seals the communicating port 721 is mentioned. Even in this case, if the lid member is formed of an elastic body, the adhesion between the lid member and the suction cap 72 can be increased.
[0033]
In the present embodiment, the lid member 76 is formed of an elastic body, but the suction cap 72 may be formed of an elastic body. Further, not all of the lid member 76 and the suction cap 72 may be formed of an elastic body, but only a portion that contacts the other member may be formed of an elastic body. In this case, a configuration in which a member (for example, an O-ring or the like) that is formed of an elastic body and fills the gap between the two may be attached to one of the lid member 76 and the suction cap 72. The elastic body here is an elastic material such as rubber.
[0034]
Since the same number of suction caps 72 as the recording heads 5 are arranged in the scanning direction, it is possible to perform suction of all the recording heads 5 at the time of maintenance (see FIG. 1). A suction pump (suction device) 78 for sucking ink from the ejection port of the recording head 5 is connected to each suction cap 72 so as to communicate with each other via an ink suction tube 77. The suction pump 78 communicates with a waste ink tank from which the sucked ink is discharged.
[0035]
Next, the control device 8 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a main control block diagram of the ink jet printer 1.
As shown in FIG. 3, the control device 8 includes an interface 81, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 82, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 83, and a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 84, and the control written in the ROM 82. Various devices connected to the interface 81 are controlled according to programs and control data.
[0036]
The interface 81 is electrically connected to the unit base drive unit 9 for driving the unit base 71, the transport device 2, the thickness sensor 21, the carriage 4, the head position adjusting mechanism drive source 41, the recording head 5, and the suction pump 78. ing. In addition to the above, each drive unit of the inkjet printer 1 is connected to the interface 81.
[0037]
The ROM 82 stores various control programs and control data related to the operation of each unit of the ink jet printer.
[0038]
The RAM 83 can store a plurality of input data only while power is supplied, and includes a storage area for various data and a work area for the CPU 84.
[0039]
The CPU 84 develops a program designated from various programs stored in the ROM 82 in a work area in the RAM 83, and executes various processes according to the program in accordance with input signals from each sensor.
[0040]
Next, the operation and operation of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
[0041]
The control device 8 controls the entire operation of the ink jet printer 1, but here, maintenance control during maintenance of the recording head 5 will be described.
[0042]
At the maintenance start timing of the recording head 5, as shown in FIG. 2A, the control device 8 moves the carriage 4 so that the recording head 5 and the suction cap 72 face each other. When both face each other, the control device 8 controls the drive source 41 of the head position adjusting mechanism to lower the recording head 5 until the recording head 5 is disposed at a predetermined height. At this time, since the suction cap 72 is swingably supported by the extended compression spring 75, the suction cap 72 swings slightly in the horizontal direction. If the swing width is large, the lid member 76 and the communication port 721 are moved. Since it becomes difficult to fit, the width of the suction cap 72 in the horizontal direction is set so as not to interfere with the fitting of the two.
[0043]
Until the recording head 5 moves to a predetermined height, first, the ejection surface 51 of the recording head 5 contacts the suction cap 72 as shown in FIG. At this time, even if the ejection surface 51 of the recording head 5 is inclined with respect to the suction cap 72, the compression spring 75 is interposed via the suction cap 72 because the suction cap 72 is supported by the compression spring 75. The suction cap 72 can be brought into close contact with the ejection surface 51 according to the inclination of the ejection surface 51 by being pushed and displaced by the recording head 5.
Thereafter, when the recording head 5 is lowered to a predetermined height and the recording head 5 is brought close to the unit base 71, the suction cap 72 is lowered while further compressing the compression spring 75, and the lid member 76 projects into the communication port 721. The part 762 is fitted. By this fitting, the communication port 721 is sealed, and the inside of the suction cap 72 is brought into a non-communication state (FIG. 2C).
[0044]
When the inside of the suction cap 72 is in a non-communication state, the control device 8 drives the suction pump 78 so that the inside of the ink suction pipe 77 and the suction cap 72 has a negative pressure, and sucks ink from the ejection port of the recording head 5. . The ink sucked from the discharge port flows into the ink suction pipe 77 and is discharged to the waste ink tank via the suction pump 78.
[0045]
The control device 8 drives the suction pump 78 until the ink suction is continued for a predetermined time, and stops the suction pump 78 when the predetermined time has elapsed. In this example, the suction pump 78 is stopped after the ink suction is continued for a predetermined time. However, the suction pump 78 is stopped after the ink is sucked by a predetermined amount. Also good. Further, the suction pump 78 may be driven continuously or intermittently while ink is sucked by a predetermined amount for a predetermined time.
[0046]
When the suction pump 78 is stopped, the control device 8 controls the drive source 41 of the head position adjusting mechanism to raise the recording head 5. At this time, since the suction cap 72 is pressed against the recording head 5 by the elastic return of the compression spring 75, the suction cap 72 rises as the recording head 5 rises. When the suction cap 72 is above the lid member 76 as shown in FIG. 2B, the protrusion 762 of the lid member 76 is separated from the communication port 721 and opens the communication port 721. As a result, the inside of the suction cap 72 is switched to the atmosphere communication state. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 2A, when the recording head 5 is further raised, the compression spring 75 is fully extended, so that the suction cap 72 cannot be pressed against the recording head 5 and the negative pressure state is released. 5 and the suction cap 72 are separated from each other.
At this time, the control device 8 controls the drive source 41 of the head position adjustment mechanism so that the position of the ejection surface 51 of the recording head 5 is below the upper end of the blade 73.
[0047]
Thereafter, the control device 8 controls the unit base drive unit 9 of the unit base 71 to move the unit base 71 forward (downward in FIG. 1). Along with this operation, the blade 73 rubs the ejection surface 51 of the recording head 5 to wipe the residual ink on the ejection surface 51.
When the rubbing of the entire surface of the discharge surface 51 is completed, the control device 8 controls the drive source 41 of the head position adjusting mechanism to move the recording head 5 until the position of the discharge surface 51 is above the upper end of the blade 73. Raise. Then, the control device 8 controls the unit base drive unit 9 of the unit base 71 to move the unit base 71 rearward (upward in FIG. 1) to the original position, and the maintenance of the recording head 5 is completed.
[0048]
As described above, according to the ink jet printer 1 of the first embodiment, the air communication state in the cap / non-contained with the attaching / detaching operation of the suction cap 72 and the recording head 5 performed by the head position adjusting mechanism. Since the communication state can be switched, members (driving means such as cams and dowels, valves, and piping) required for switching between the atmospheric communication state and the non-communication state can be omitted as in the prior art. The downsizing and cost reduction of the printer itself can be improved.
In particular, in this embodiment, the contact / separation moving mechanism that moves at least one of the unit base 71 and the recording head 5 in the direction in which the suction cap 72 and the recording head 5 are in contact with and separated from each other is constituted by the head position adjustment mechanism. Even if the contact / separation moving mechanism is not newly provided, the air communication state / non-communication state in the suction cap 72 can be switched by the attaching / detaching operation of the suction cap 72 and the recording head 5. Therefore, the downsizing and cost reduction of the ink jet printer can be further improved.
[0049]
[Second Embodiment]
Next, an ink jet printer according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. The ink jet printer according to this embodiment is obtained by changing the unit base 71 in the ink jet printer 1 according to the first embodiment, and the other configurations are substantially the same. For this reason, in the following description, about the structure common to the inkjet printer 1 which concerns on 1st embodiment, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and demonstrated.
[0050]
FIG. 4 is a main conceptual diagram showing a state in which the recording head 5 faces the maintenance unit 7 according to the second embodiment.
[0051]
On the upper surface of the unit base 71A provided in the maintenance unit 7, there is provided a lid member 79 that covers the communication port 721 of the suction cap 72 and supports the suction cap 72 so as to be swingable in the vertical direction on the unit base 71A. . Further, two guide bars 711 are erected on the upper surface of the unit base 71A so as to sandwich the suction cap 72 supported by the lid member 79. Here, a holding portion 722 that engages with each guide bar 711 and holds the suction cap 72 so as not to be largely inclined is provided on the side surface of the suction cap 72, and is provided at the tip of the holding portion 722. A guide bar 711 is inserted into the through hole 723. Since the inner diameter of the through hole 723 is formed larger than the outer diameter of the guide bar 711, the suction cap 72 swings in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction even when the holding portion 722 is engaged with the guide bar 711. It is like that.
[0052]
Next, the lid member 79 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the lid member.
[0053]
The lid member 79 is formed in a cylindrical shape by an elastic body. The outer diameter of the lid member 79 is formed larger than the outer diameter of the communication port 721 so as to surround the communication port 721 of the suction cap 72. A plurality of through-holes 791 communicating with the inside are provided on the side wall of the lid member 79, and the through-hole 791 and the internal space 792 provide an air flow path that allows the atmosphere from the outside to communicate with the communication port 721. Constitute. Note that the number of through-holes 791 may not be plural but one.
[0054]
When the lid member 79 is unloaded, as shown in FIG. 5 (a), the through-hole 791 is open so that it is in the atmosphere communication state, but when a predetermined load is applied, FIG. 5 (b) The compression of the lid member 79 shown in FIG.
Further, when the lid member 79 is attached to the unit base 71 and the suction cap 72, it is necessary to attach the lid member 79 so that there is no gap by adhesion or the like in order to prevent the atmosphere from communicating from other than the through-hole 791.
[0055]
The elastic body forming the lid member 79 may be any material. For example, although an elastic material such as rubber is preferable, it may be formed of an elastic member such as a spring or a combination of the elastic material and the elastic member. Is possible. For example, when a compression spring is used, a gap is generated between the wires when there is no load, but the compression is applied by applying a load, and the gap between the wires is reduced. That is, when compressed, if the adjacent wires are brought into close contact with each other, the gap is filled and the atmosphere does not communicate with the inside. For this reason, if a member having high adhesion is coated on the surface of the compression spring, the wires can be in close contact with each other at the time of compression to fill the gap.
[0056]
In the present embodiment, the guide bar 711 and the holding portion 722 prevent the suction cap 72 from being tilted. However, if the strength of the lid member 79 is increased to such an extent that the suction cap 72 is not tilted, the guide bar 711. Even if the holding portion 722 is not provided, the suction cap 72 can be swingably supported by the lid member 79 alone. In addition, for example, if at least one elastic body is interposed between the bottom of the suction cap 72 and the upper surface of the unit base 71A and the suction cap 72 is supported by the elastic body and the lid member 79, the suction is performed. It is possible to prevent the cap 72 from tilting. In this case, it is preferable that the lid member 79 and the elastic body have substantially the same elastic modulus.
[0057]
Next, the operation and operation of this embodiment will be described. Since the control procedure during maintenance is the same as that described in the first embodiment, the operation when the suction cap 72 is attached to and detached from the recording head 5 will be described here.
[0058]
First, the operation when the recording head 5 is sealed with the suction cap 72 will be described.
[0059]
  Figure4As shown in (a), when the recording head 5 and the suction cap 72 face each other, the recording head 5 is lowered by driving the head position adjusting mechanism. At this time, the suction cap is swingably supported by the extended lid member 79, and the inclination is restricted by the guide bar 711 and the holding portion 722, so that the suction cap can also swing slightly in the horizontal direction. .
  Before the recording head 5 moves to a predetermined height, first, FIG.4As shown in (b), the ejection surface 51 of the recording head 5 contacts the suction cap 72. Here, even if the ejection surface 51 of the recording head 5 is inclined with respect to the suction cap 72, the suction cap 72 can slightly swing in the horizontal direction, so that the lid member 79 is interposed via the suction cap 72. The suction cap 72 can be brought into close contact with the discharge surface 51 according to the inclination of the discharge surface 51.
  Thereafter, when the recording head 5 is lowered to a predetermined height and the recording head 5 is brought close to the unit base 71A, the suction cap 72 is guided by the guide bar 711 and lowered. By this lowering, the lid member 79 is further compressed to close the through-hole 791, and the inside of the suction cap 72 is brought into a non-communication state (see FIG.4(C)).
[0060]
Next, an operation when the recording head 5 is separated from the suction cap 72 will be described.
[0061]
When the ink suction is completed, the recording head 5 is raised by driving the head position adjusting mechanism. At this time, since the suction cap 72 is pressed against the recording head 5 by the elastic return of the lid member 79, the suction cap 72 rises as the recording head 5 rises. Moreover, the through-hole 791 is opened by this elastic return, and the inside of the suction cap 72 is switched to the atmosphere communication state. Thereafter, when the recording head 5 is further raised, the recording head 5 and the suction cap 72 are separated from each other in a state where the negative pressure state is released.
[0062]
As described above, according to the ink jet printer of the second embodiment, the through-hole 791 of the lid member 79 is opened and closed with the attaching / detaching operation of the suction cap 72 and the recording head 5 performed by the head position adjusting mechanism. Since the air communication state / non-communication state inside the suction cap 72 can be switched, members necessary for switching the air communication state / non-communication state (driving means such as cams and dowels, valves) , Piping) can be omitted, and miniaturization and cost reduction of the ink jet printer itself can be improved.
[0063]
[Third embodiment]
Next, an ink jet printer according to a third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The ink jet printer according to this embodiment is obtained by changing the unit base 71 in the ink jet printer 1 according to the first embodiment, and the other configurations are substantially the same. For this reason, in the following description, about the structure common to the inkjet printer 1 which concerns on 1st embodiment, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and demonstrated.
[0064]
FIG. 6 is a main conceptual diagram showing a state in which the recording head 5 faces the maintenance unit 7 according to the third embodiment.
[0065]
On the upper surface of the unit base 71B provided in the maintenance unit 7, a lid member 90 that covers the communication port 721 of the suction cap 72 is swingably supported by a compression spring (lid support member) 91 so as to face the communication port 721. ing. In the periphery of the lid member 90, a regulating member 92 that regulates horizontal movement is erected with a slight gap with respect to the lid member 90.
[0066]
The lid member 90 is formed of an elastic body so that the outer diameter of the lid member 90 is larger than the outer diameter of the communication port 721. When the upper surface of the lid member 90 contacts the suction cap 72, the communication port 721 is covered. It has become. At this time, since the lid member 90 is elastically deformed and closely contacts the suction cap 72, it is possible to prevent a gap from being formed therebetween.
[0067]
As the compression spring 91, a compression spring larger than the elastic modulus of the compression spring 75 is used. Here, if the compression spring 91 and the compression spring 75 are in the extended state, the height of the compression spring 91 or the lid member 90 is such that a gap is formed between the upper surface of the lid member 90 and the lower surface of the suction cap 72. Is set.
In the present embodiment, a spring typified by a compression spring is exemplified as the lid support member. However, any material may be used as long as it has elasticity, for example, an elastic material such as rubber, and other materials. It may be an elastic member (for example, a washer having elasticity, etc.). Examples of the spring include a leaf spring and a torsion coil spring in addition to the compression spring.
[0068]
Next, the operation and operation of this embodiment will be described. Since the control procedure during maintenance is the same as that described in the first embodiment, the operation when the suction cap 72 is attached to and detached from the recording head 5 will be described here.
[0069]
First, the operation when the recording head 5 is sealed with the suction cap 72 will be described.
[0070]
As shown in FIG. 6A, when the recording head 5 and the suction cap 72 face each other, the recording head 5 is lowered by driving the head position adjusting mechanism.
Before the recording head 5 moves to a predetermined height, first, the ejection surface 51 of the recording head 5 contacts the suction cap 72 as shown in FIG. Here, since the suction cap 72 is supported so as to swing by the compression spring 75, even if the discharge surface 51 of the recording head 5 is inclined with respect to the suction cap 72, the suction cap 72 depends on the inclination of the discharge surface 51. Then, it swings slightly and comes into close contact with the discharge surface 51.
[0071]
Further, when the recording head 5 is lowered and the recording head 5 is brought close to the unit base 71B, the upper surface of the lid member 90 and the suction cap 72 come into contact with each other as shown in FIG. Covered by member 90. At this time, even if the suction cap 72 and the lid member 90 are inclined, the compression spring 91 is displaced in accordance with the inclination to slightly swing the lid member 90 in the horizontal direction, and the lid member 90 is moved to the suction cap 72. Can be brought into close contact with each other according to the inclination.
When the suction cap 72 is lowered to a predetermined height, the compression spring 91 and the compression spring 75 are further compressed to close the communication port 721 and make the inside of the suction cap 72 non-communication (FIG. 6D). )).
[0072]
Next, an operation when the recording head 5 is separated from the suction cap 72 will be described.
[0073]
When the ink suction is completed, the recording head 5 is raised by driving the head position adjusting mechanism. At this time, the suction cap 72 is pressed against the recording head 5 by the elastic return of the compression spring 75. On the other hand, the lid member 90 is pressed against the suction cap 72 by the elastic return of the compression spring 91. As a result, the suction cap 72 and the lid member 90 rise as the recording head 5 rises. Here, since the elastic modulus of the compression spring 91 is set to be larger than the elastic modulus of the compression spring 75, when the compression spring 91 is elastically returned to the extended state at the time of separation at the time of separation, with respect to further separation operation. Thus, an urging force acts in a direction in which the lid member 90 and the communication port 721 are separated from each other, and the lid member 90 is separated from the communication port 721. Thereby, the communication port 721 is opened, and the inside of the suction cap 72 is switched to the atmosphere communication state. Thereafter, when the recording head 5 is further raised, the recording head 5 and the suction cap 72 are separated in a state where the negative pressure state is released.
[0074]
As described above, according to the ink jet printer of the third embodiment, the air communication state and the non-communication state are switched in accordance with the attaching / detaching operation of the suction cap 72 and the recording head 5 performed by the head position adjusting mechanism. Is possible.
Here, at the time of separation, if the compression spring 91 is in the extended state, the communication port 721 and the lid member 90 can be spaced apart from each other. Therefore, the lid member 90 is separated from the communication port 721 before the compression spring 75 is in the extended state. Then, the communication port 721 is opened. As a result, the inside of the suction cap 72 is switched to an atmosphere communication state in which the atmosphere communicates, and the suction cap 72 and the recording head 5 can be separated in a state where the negative pressure state is released.
In particular, since the lid member is pivotally supported by the lid support member, the lid member is driven by the movement of the contact / separation movement mechanism, and the communication port can be smoothly switched between sealing and opening. Therefore, the air communication state / non-communication state in the suction cap can be efficiently performed.
[0075]
Further, since the elastic modulus of the compression spring 91 is set to be larger than the elastic modulus of the compression spring 75, when the compression spring 91 is elastically returned to the extended state when there is no load at the time of separation, the further separation operation is performed. The urging force acts in a direction to separate the lid member 90 and the communication port 721, and the lid member 90 is separated from the communication port 721. That is, the air communication state can be made more stable than when the elastic modulus of the compression spring 91 is set to be equal to or less than the elastic modulus of the compression spring 75.
[0076]
Of course, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment and can be modified as appropriate.
For example, in the above-described embodiment, the head position adjusting mechanism that moves the recording head 5 is exemplified as the contact / separation moving mechanism. However, the recording head 5 and the suction cap are relatively moved in the contact / separation direction so that the contact / separation of both is performed. Any other configuration is possible as long as the unit base moves up and down, for example, a configuration in which the suction cap is moved relative to the recording head by moving the unit base up and down, and the suction cap is moved up and down. There is a configuration in which it is moved and moved relative to the recording head so as to contact and separate.
Further, in the above embodiment, the configuration in which the moisture retaining cap 61 and the suction cap 72 are separate members is illustrated. However, if the number of suction caps and the number of recording heads are the same, If the recording head and the suction cap are in close contact with the recording head facing each other and the communication port of the suction cap is sealed, the recording head can be moisturized by the suction cap. That is, since the suction cap can also have the function of a moisture retention cap, the suction cap and the home position can be omitted, and the downsizing and cost reduction of the inkjet printer itself can be further improved.
[0080]
【The invention's effect】
  Claim1According to the described invention,With the attachment / detachment operation of the suction cap and the recording head performed by the contact / separation moving mechanism, the air communication state / non-communication state in the suction cap can be switched. It is possible to omit members (driving means such as cams and dowels, valves, and piping) necessary for switching between the two, and it is possible to improve the downsizing and cost reduction of the inkjet printer itself.
  Claim3According to the described invention, in the case of an ink jet printer provided with a head position adjusting mechanism, an air communication state / non-communication in the cap can be performed by attaching and detaching the suction cap and the recording head without newly providing a moving mechanism. The state can be switched. Therefore, the downsizing and cost reduction of the ink jet printer can be further improved.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a main part of an ink jet printer according to a first embodiment to which the invention is applied.
2 is a main conceptual diagram showing a state in which a recording head is opposed to a maintenance unit provided in the ink jet printer of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a main control block diagram of a control device provided in the ink jet printer of FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is a main conceptual diagram showing a state in which a recording head faces a maintenance unit provided in an ink jet printer according to a second embodiment to which the present invention is applied.
5 is a perspective view showing a lid member provided in the maintenance unit of FIG. 4; FIG.
FIG. 6 is a main conceptual diagram showing a state in which a recording head faces a maintenance unit provided in an ink jet printer according to a third embodiment to which the present invention is applied.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Inkjet printer
5 Recording head
51 Discharge surface
71 Unit base (support member)
71A Unit base (support member)
72 Suction cap (suction cap)
75 Swing support member (compression spring)
76 Lid member
78 Suction pump (suction device)
79 Lid member
90 Lid member
91 Compression spring (swing support member)
721 communication port
791 Through-hole (atmospheric flow path)
792 Internal space (atmospheric flow path)

Claims (3)

A recording head having an ejection port for ejecting ink on the ejection surface;
A suction device for sucking ink from the ejection port;
A suction cap that communicates with the suction device, covers the discharge port of the recording head when ink is sucked, adheres to the discharge surface, and separates from the discharge surface when not sucked;
A support member for supporting the suction cap so as to face the discharge surface;
A contact / separation moving mechanism for moving at least one of the support member and the recording head in a direction in which the suction cap and the recording head are in contact with or separated from each other;
The suction cap has a communication port that allows the atmosphere to communicate with the inside.
The support member is
A cover member that is formed of an elastic body, covers the communication port, and swings and supports the suction cap on the support member in an extended state;
The lid member is formed with an air flow path for communicating air from the outside to the communication port,
The contact / separation moving mechanism brings the suction cap and the recording head into contact with each other, further brings the recording head and the support member closer to each other, compresses the lid member, and closes the atmospheric flow path. An inkjet printer characterized by the above.   The inkjet printer according to claim 1.
  An ink jet printer, wherein a plurality of the air flow paths are formed in the lid member. The inkjet printer according to claim 1 or 2 ,
The ink jet printer according to claim 1, wherein the contact / separation moving mechanism includes a head position adjusting mechanism that moves the recording head to adjust an interval between the recording medium and the recording head.

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