JP6217262B2 - Image forming apparatus and liquid discharge head unit - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and a liquid discharge head unit.

  As an image forming apparatus such as a printer, a facsimile machine, a copying apparatus, a plotter, and a complex machine of these, for example, an ink jet recording apparatus is known as an image forming apparatus of a liquid discharge recording method using a recording head for discharging ink droplets. .

  As a conventional image forming apparatus, there is known an image forming apparatus that includes a shutter member that covers a nozzle surface of a recording head and that allows the nozzle surface to be opened and closed to the outside air by moving the shutter member (Tokkyo Literature 1).

  It also has an image forming unit with a recording head arranged to eject liquid droplets in the horizontal direction, a conveyance mechanism unit that conveys the recording medium facing the image forming unit, and interlocks with the open / close cover of the apparatus main body. In addition, there is known one in which the transport path is opened by opening the transport mechanism (Patent Document 2).

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 61-164841 JP 2012-1116055 A

  By the way, it is necessary to be able to replace the head under the usage environment of the user, such as when a discharge failure occurs in the recording head.

In order to solve the above problems, an image forming apparatus according to claim 1 of the present invention provides:
A liquid discharge head unit that can be attached to and detached from the apparatus main body,
The liquid discharge head unit is
A liquid discharge head having a plurality of nozzles for discharging droplets;
A nozzle guard member,
The liquid discharge head and the nozzle guard member move relatively, so that the nozzle guard member covers the nozzle surface of the liquid discharge head, and the nozzle guard member is a nozzle of the liquid discharge head. transitionable der between the second state to open the drop discharge direction in front of the nozzle surface is,
The nozzle guard member and the liquid discharge head may be configured so that the liquid discharge head of the liquid discharge head is in a state between the first state and the second state with reference to a state between the first state and the second state. The nozzle surface moves in a direction approaching the facing surface of the nozzle guard member and transitions to the first state, and the nozzle surface of the liquid discharge head moves in a direction approaching the facing surface of the nozzle guard member. Thus, a transition to the second state is made.

In order to solve the above problems, an image forming apparatus according to the present invention provides:
A liquid discharge head unit that can be attached to and detached from the apparatus main body,
The liquid discharge head unit is
A liquid discharge head having a plurality of nozzles for discharging droplets;
A nozzle guard member provided on the liquid discharge head,
The liquid discharge head and the nozzle guard member move relatively, so that the nozzle guard member covers the nozzle surface of the liquid discharge head, and the nozzle guard member is a nozzle of the liquid discharge head. It was set as the structure which can change between the 2nd states which open | release the drop discharge direction front of the said nozzle of the surface.

  According to the present invention, the head can be easily replaced.

It is explanatory drawing with which it uses for description of the liquid discharge head unit which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is front explanatory drawing with which it uses for description of the liquid discharge head unit which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a side explanatory view similarly. It is side surface explanatory drawing explaining the liquid discharge head unit which concerns on 3rd Embodiment of this invention with the movement progress of a nozzle guard member. It is explanatory drawing when a nozzle guard member is in a 2nd state similarly. It is side surface explanatory drawing explaining the liquid discharge head unit which concerns on 4th Embodiment of this invention with the movement progress of a nozzle guard member. FIG. 10 is an explanatory side view for explaining a liquid ejection head unit according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. It is side surface explanatory drawing used for description of the liquid discharge head unit which concerns on 6th Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 10 is a schematic side view illustrating a state in which an opening / closing cover of an image forming apparatus according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention is closed. It is a typical side surface explanatory view of the state where the opening-and-closing cover was similarly opened. It is typical side surface explanatory drawing of the image forming apparatus which concerns on 8th Embodiment of this invention. It is side surface explanatory drawing of the liquid discharge head unit which concerns on 9th Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing similarly seen from the nozzle surface side. It is side surface explanatory drawing of the liquid discharge head unit which concerns on 10th Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing similarly seen from the nozzle surface side. It is side surface explanatory drawing of the liquid discharge head unit which concerns on 11th Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing similarly seen from the nozzle surface side. It is side surface explanatory drawing used for description of the distance to a nozzle surface and a nozzle guard member. Next, it is explanatory drawing of the side of the liquid discharge head unit which concerns on 12th Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing similarly seen from the nozzle surface side. It is side surface explanatory drawing of the liquid discharge head unit which concerns on 13th Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing similarly seen from the nozzle surface side. It is side surface explanatory drawing of the liquid discharge head unit which concerns on 14th Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing similarly seen from the nozzle surface side. It is an external appearance perspective explanatory view of the liquid discharge head unit concerning a 15th embodiment of the present invention. It is side sectional explanatory drawing similarly. It is a cross-sectional perspective explanatory view. It is explanatory drawing of the state which closed the open / close cover of the image forming apparatus which concerns on 16th Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing of the state which similarly opened the opening / closing cover.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. First, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the liquid discharge head unit according to the embodiment.

  The liquid discharge head unit includes a liquid discharge head (head portion) 100 and a nozzle guard member 110 provided on the head portion 100 so as to be relatively movable.

  The head unit 100 has a nozzle surface 103 provided with two nozzle rows 102A and 102B (when referred to as “nozzle row 102”) in which a plurality of nozzles 101 for discharging droplets are arranged.

  The nozzle guard member 110 has a first state of covering the nozzle surface 103 of the head unit 100 shown in FIG. 1A with respect to the head unit 100, and droplets of the nozzle row 102 of the nozzle surface 103 shown in FIG. It is provided so as to be capable of transition (movable) between the second state in which the front in the discharge direction is opened.

  Here, the nozzle guard member 110 is formed with an opening 111 for opening the nozzle row 102.

  Therefore, when the nozzle guard member 110 transitions to the second state in which the opening 111 of the nozzle guard member 110 faces the nozzle row 102, the front of the nozzle row 102 in the droplet discharge direction is opened.

  Further, when the nozzle guard member 110 transitions to the first state where the opening 111 of the nozzle guard member 110 does not face the nozzle row 102, the front of the nozzle row 102 in the droplet discharge direction is closed.

  As a result, when the liquid discharge head unit is replaced, the nozzle guard member 110 can move to the first state and cover the nozzle surface 103, so that the user touches the nozzle surface 103 and damages the nozzle surface 103. Is prevented.

  In this way, the user can perform head replacement work without worrying about damage to the nozzle surface 103, and head replacement is facilitated.

  A second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 2 is an explanatory front view for explaining the liquid discharge head unit according to the embodiment, and FIG. 3 is an explanatory side view of the same.

  In the present embodiment, the nozzle guard member 110 has support portions 112, 112 facing both ends of the head portion 100 in the nozzle arrangement direction at both ends of the nozzle arrangement direction. The support portions 112 and 112 of the nozzle guard member 110 are rotatably held by shaft portions 113 and 113 at both ends of the head portion 100 in the nozzle arrangement direction.

  Thereby, the nozzle guard member 110 can move between the first state shown in FIG. 2 and the second state shown in FIG. 3 by rotating around the shaft portion 113.

  Therefore, as in the first embodiment, the user can perform head replacement work without worrying about damage to the nozzle surface 103, and head replacement is facilitated.

  A third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 4 is an explanatory side view for explaining the liquid discharge head unit according to the embodiment as the nozzle guard member moves, and FIG. 5 is an explanatory view when the nozzle guard member is in the second state.

  In this embodiment, when the nozzle guard member 110 transitions to the second state, the distance d from the nozzle surface 103 to the farthest position of the nozzle guard member 110 is the nozzle when the liquid discharge head unit is attached to the apparatus main body. It moves to a position that is shorter than the gap between the surface 103 and the recording medium (medium conveying surface).

  As a result, the recording medium is less likely to jam. Even when a jam occurs, the recording medium comes into contact with the nozzle guard member 110 rather than the nozzle surface 103, so that the damage to the nozzle surface 103 due to the jam can also be prevented.

  A fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is an explanatory side view illustrating the liquid discharge head unit according to the embodiment along with the movement of the nozzle guard member.

  In this embodiment, in the said 3rd Embodiment, the contact part 116 pushed from the apparatus main body side is provided in the support part 112 of the nozzle guard member 110. As shown in FIG.

  Thereby, the nozzle guard member 110 moves to the second state when the contact portion 116 is pushed from the apparatus main body side as indicated by a white arrow 115 in FIG.

  A fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is an explanatory side view for explaining the liquid discharge head unit according to the embodiment.

  In the present embodiment, the nozzle guard member 110 is provided with a cap 114 for capping the nozzle surface 103 of the head unit 100.

  Accordingly, when the nozzle guard member 110 transitions to the first state in which the nozzle surface 103 is covered, the nozzle surface 103 can be capped by the cap 114 and moisturized.

  A sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is an explanatory side view for explaining the liquid discharge head unit according to the embodiment.

  In this embodiment, the head unit 100 in each of the above embodiments is a line type head.

  Since the line-type head has a large nozzle surface and is difficult to handle, application of the present invention significantly improves the workability of head replacement.

  Next, a seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 9 is a schematic side view illustrating a state in which the open / close cover of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment is closed, and FIG. 10 is a schematic side view illustrating the state in which the open / close cover is also opened.

  This image forming apparatus is a line type image forming apparatus, and has an image forming unit 2 as an image forming unit, a transporting mechanism unit 5 as a transporting unit, and the like inside the apparatus main body 1. A paper feed unit (a paper feed tray, a paper feed cassette, etc.) 4 capable of stacking sheets 10 as recording media is provided.

  Then, the sheet 10 is fed from the sheet feeding unit 4, and droplets are ejected in the horizontal direction by the image forming unit 2 while the sheet 10 is conveyed in the vertical direction (direction along the vertical direction) by the conveyance mechanism unit 5. After recording a required image, the sheet 10 on which the image is formed is discharged to a discharge tray 7 which is a discharge portion provided on the upper side of the apparatus main body 1.

  The apparatus main body 1 includes an opening / closing cover 8 that is disposed on the opposite side of the image forming unit 2 with respect to the transport mechanism unit 5 and is a front cover that can be opened and closed with respect to the apparatus main body 1. The side on which the opening / closing cover 8 is provided is the front side of the apparatus main body 1.

  Here, the image forming unit 2 is a recording head comprising a liquid ejection head unit according to the present invention for ejecting ink droplets of each color of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K). 24. In this example, the line type liquid discharge head may be a full line type liquid discharge head, or a head array configuration in which a plurality of heads are arranged in a staggered manner in the nozzle arrangement direction (direction orthogonal to the paper feed direction Y). It may be. Further, although the liquid discharge head is used as the recording head, the present invention is not limited to this.

  The recording head 24 is detachably attached to the head holding portion 82 provided in the opening / closing cover 8, for example, at both end portions in a direction orthogonal to the paper transport direction (the direction perpendicular to the paper surface, hereinafter the same). It is installed.

  Further, an elastic member 83 that pressurizes the recording head 24 in the droplet discharge direction is provided between the back side of the recording head 24 (the side opposite to the nozzle surface 124) and the open / close cover 8. (Including a posture and a gap with respect to the transport mechanism unit 5).

  The conveyance mechanism unit 5 includes an endless conveyance belt 51 that is stretched between a conveyance roller 52 that is a driving roller and a driven roller 53. The conveyance belt 51 rotates around the conveyance roller 52 via a timing belt and a timing pulley by a paper conveyance motor (not shown), and moves around in the arrow Y direction (paper conveyance direction). The sheet 10 is conveyed upward in the vertical direction so as to face 24.

  Further, spurs 54 and 55 for pressing the paper 10 are disposed on the upstream side and the downstream side in the paper transport direction of the recording head 24.

  The paper feeding unit 4 is arranged on the upper side of the apparatus main body 1, the paper discharge tray 7 is arranged on the lower side of the apparatus main body 1, and the conveyance mechanism unit 5 conveys the paper 10 from the upper side to the lower side in the vertical direction. However, it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which image formation is performed.

  The opening / closing cover 8 is rotatably held by a support shaft 81 provided at the lower end portion of the apparatus main body 1, and is closed with respect to the apparatus main body 1 as shown in FIG. 1 and opened as shown in FIG. ).

  With this configuration, when performing jam processing, the opening / closing cover 8 is pulled down in the direction of arrow A as shown in FIG. 10 from the closed state as shown in FIG. Set 8 to the open position.

  As a result, as shown in FIG. 10, the image forming unit 2 (recording head 24) together with the opening / closing cover 8 also moves away from the surface of the conveying belt 51 (conveying surface) of the conveying mechanism unit 5 as the opening / closing cover 8 opens. The transport path 50 between the recording head 24 and the transport belt 51 is opened.

  Then, the recording head 24 is removed from the head holding portion 82 of the opening / closing cover 8, and the replaced recording head 24 is mounted on the head holding portion 82 of the opening / closing cover 8.

  When the recording head 24 is removed from the head holding portion 82, the nozzle guard member 110 covers the nozzle surface, so that the replacement work can be easily performed.

  When the opening / closing cover 8 is closed, the positioning unit provided on the apparatus main body 1 side and the recording head 24 come into contact with each other, and the apparatus main body is pressed by an elastic member (pressurizing means) 83 provided on the opening / closing cover 8 side. It is preferable that the recording head 24 is pushed to the side and is pressed against the positioning portion on the apparatus main body 1 side so as to be positioned with respect to the apparatus main body 1.

  In this case, positioning units for determining the positions in the nozzle arrangement direction, the droplet discharge direction, and the paper transport direction are provided on the apparatus main body 1 side and the recording head 24 side, and pressure is applied so that the respective positioning units abut each other. It is preferable to provide pressurizing means such as an elastic member.

  Next, an eighth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is a schematic side view of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment.

  The image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment is the same as the image forming apparatus according to the seventh embodiment, except that the conveying belt 51 and the recording head 24 are disposed in the reverse relationship, and the conveying belt 51 is disposed on the opening / closing cover 8 side. .

  Next, a ninth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 12 is an explanatory side view of the liquid discharge head unit according to the embodiment, and FIG. 13 is an explanatory view as seen from the nozzle surface side.

  In this embodiment, the nozzle guard member 110 has a box shape, and the head portion 100 is accommodated therein so as to be relatively movable.

  In the nozzle guard member 110, guide grooves 118 are formed on both side surfaces in the nozzle arrangement direction so that the guide pin members 108 provided on both side surfaces in the nozzle arrangement direction of the head portion 100 are movably fitted. The guide groove 118 is formed obliquely with respect to the vertical direction (perpendicular to the nozzle surface 103).

  As described in the above embodiment, the nozzle guard member 110 is provided with an opening 111 and includes a cap 114 for capping the nozzle surface 103 of the head unit 100.

  As a result, as shown in FIG. 12A, the head portion 100 advances into the nozzle guard member 110 (moves obliquely downward in FIG. 12), whereby the nozzle guard member 110 is relatively moved toward the head portion. It moves to the 1st state which covers 100 nozzle surfaces 103.

  Also, as shown in FIG. 12B, the head guard 100 is retracted from the nozzle guard member 110 (moves in an obliquely upward direction in FIG. 12), so that the nozzle guard member 110 is relatively moved toward the head guard 100. It moves to the 2nd state which opens the discharge direction front of the nozzle row | line | column 102 provided in the nozzle surface 103 of this.

  In other words, in the present embodiment, the nozzle guard member 110 and the head unit 100 are moved in the direction in which the nozzle surface 103 approaches the opposite surface of the nozzle guard member 110 and transition to the first state. The nozzle guard member 110 moves in a direction away from the facing surface and transitions to the second state.

  Therefore, the user can perform the head replacement work without touching the nozzle surface, and the work becomes easy.

  In this case, by providing an elastic force with an elastic member (not shown) in a direction in which the nozzle guard member 110 and the nozzle surface 103 approach each other, the nozzle guard member 110 is automatically removed when the liquid discharge head unit is removed from the apparatus main body side. Can be relatively shifted to the first state.

  Further, when the liquid discharge head unit is attached to the apparatus main body, the head unit 100 and the nozzle guard member 110 are relatively moved and automatically separated so that the apparatus main body side is engaged with the guide pin member 108 and the like. A member such as a protrusion for moving the head unit 100 in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG.

  In this case, when applied to a serial type image forming apparatus on which a carriage in which the liquid discharge head unit reciprocates is mounted, the nozzle guard member 110 and the liquid discharge head 100 have a first direction perpendicular to the nozzle surface 103. Then, relative movement in the second direction, which is the carriage movement direction perpendicular to both the first direction and the medium conveyance direction, makes a transition between the first state and the second state.

  Further, when the liquid discharge head unit is applied to a line type image forming apparatus in which the nozzle arrangement direction is orthogonal to the medium transport direction, the nozzle guard member 110 and the liquid discharge head 100 are perpendicular to the nozzle surface 103. Between the first state and the second state by relatively moving in the second direction which is the medium transport direction perpendicular to both the first direction and the direction orthogonal to the first direction and the medium transport direction. Will make a transition.

  Next, a tenth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 14 is an explanatory side view of the liquid discharge head unit according to the embodiment, and FIG. 15 is an explanatory view of the liquid discharge head unit as seen from the nozzle surface side.

  In the present embodiment, the guide groove 118 provided in the nozzle guard member 110 is composed of a groove portion 118 a perpendicular to the nozzle surface 103 and a groove portion 118 b in an oblique direction. In FIG. 14, only the left guide groove 118 is denoted by the reference numerals of the groove portions 118a and 118b, but the right guide groove 118 is also the same.

  As a result, when the nozzle surface 103 is capped with the cap 114 of the nozzle guard member 110, the head portion 100 is guided by the groove portion 118a in the vertical direction, so that the cap 114 hits the nozzle surface 103 from the vertical direction and comes into contact therewith. Will improve.

  Next, an eleventh embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 16 is an explanatory side view of the liquid discharge head unit according to the embodiment, and FIG. 17 is an explanatory view of the liquid discharge head unit as seen from the nozzle surface side.

  In the present embodiment, when the nozzle guard member 110 is in the second state shown in each drawing (b), the nozzle guard member 110 is better than when the nozzle guard member 110 is in the first state shown in each drawing (a). A guide groove 118 for guiding the movement of the head unit 100 is provided so that the distance between the member 110 and the nozzle surface 103 is shortened.

  That is, in the present embodiment, the nozzle guard member 110 and the head unit 100 are moved in the direction in which the nozzle surface 103 moves away from the opposing surface of the nozzle guard member 110 and transition to the first state. The nozzle guard member 110 moves in a direction approaching the facing surface and transitions to the second state.

  With this configuration, the print quality can be ensured by setting the gap between the nozzle surface 103 and the recording medium to a predetermined narrow gap.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 18, when the nozzle guard member 110 is in the second state, if the distance a from the nozzle surface 103 to the surface of the nozzle guard 110 is long in the head portion 100, the nozzle 101 to the recording medium The distance becomes long, and there is a possibility that the printing quality is deteriorated due to bending or the like during the flight of the droplet.

  Therefore, by configuring as in the present embodiment, it is possible to prevent a decrease in print quality.

  Next, a twelfth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 19 is an explanatory side view of the liquid discharge head unit according to the embodiment, and FIG. 20 is an explanatory view as seen from the nozzle surface side.

  In the present embodiment, the nozzle guard member 110 shown in each drawing (a) covers the nozzle surface 103, and the nozzle guard member 110 shown in each drawing (c) opens the front of the nozzle row 102 on the nozzle surface 103. A guide groove 119 is formed so as to move between the second state and an intermediate position (third position) shown in each figure (b).

  That is, the nozzle guard member 110 and the head unit 100 are configured so that the head from the state (intermediate position) between the first state and the second state is based on the state (intermediate position) between the first state and the second state. The nozzle surface 103 of the portion 100 moves in a direction approaching the facing surface of the nozzle guard member 110 and transitions to the first state, and the nozzle surface 103 moves in a direction approaching the facing surface of the nozzle guard member 110. Transition to the second state.

  In the configuration of the eleventh embodiment described above, capping cannot be performed when the nozzle guard member 110 is in the first state covering the nozzle surface 103.

  Therefore, as in this embodiment, the nozzle guard member 110 moves relatively so that the distance between the nozzle guard member 110 and the nozzle surface 103 is closer to the first state and the second state than the intermediate state (intermediate position). A guide groove 119 is formed.

  Thereby, it is possible to achieve both protection of the nozzle surface by capping and suppression of deterioration in print quality.

  Next, a thirteenth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 21 is an explanatory side view of the liquid discharge head unit according to the embodiment, and FIG. 22 is an explanatory view as seen from the nozzle surface side.

  In the present embodiment, in the twelfth embodiment, the elastic member 130 is disposed between the side surface of the head portion 100 in the direction orthogonal to the nozzle arrangement direction and the nozzle guard member 110.

  Accordingly, the nozzle surface 103 of the head unit 100 can be easily moved to the first state covered with the nozzle guard member 110, so that the capping state can be automatically set when the liquid discharge head unit is removed from the apparatus main body.

  Next, a fourteenth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 23 is an explanatory side view of the liquid discharge head unit according to the embodiment, and FIG. 24 is an explanatory view as seen from the nozzle surface side.

  In this embodiment, the nozzle guard member 110 is provided with a wiping member (wiper member) 141 that wipes the nozzle surface 103. The shape of the guide groove 120 is such that the nozzle surface 103 can be wiped by the wiping member 141 when the nozzle guard member 110 moves from the second state to the first state.

  Thereby, the wiping and capping of the nozzle surface 103 can be performed.

  Next, a fifteenth embodiment of the present invention is described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 25 is an external perspective explanatory view of the liquid ejection head unit according to the embodiment, FIG. 25 is an explanatory side sectional view, and FIG. 27 is an explanatory sectional perspective view.

  In the present embodiment, the wiping member 141 and the cap 114 are provided on the nozzle guard member 110, and the head portion 100 is relative to the nozzle guard member 110 from the state shown in FIGS. 26 and 27A (second state). The nozzle surface 103 can be wiped and capped by sliding to the first state shown in FIG.

  Next, a sixteenth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 28 is an explanatory view of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment in a state where the open / close cover is closed, and FIG. 29 is an explanatory view of the state where the open / close cover is also opened.

  In the present embodiment, the recording head 24 discharges droplets downward in the vertical direction, and the transport mechanism unit 5 is configured to transport the paper 10 in the horizontal direction (arrow X direction) facing the recording head 24. .

  Even in such a configuration, as shown in FIG. 29, by opening the opening / closing cover 8, the conveyance path 50 is opened and the recording head 24 can be easily replaced. Other parts corresponding to those in the seventh embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

  In the present application, the “paper” is not limited to paper, but includes OHP, cloth, glass, a substrate, etc., and can be attached to ink droplets, other liquids, image forming agents, and the like. , Recording media, recording media, recording paper, recording paper, and the like. In addition, image formation, recording, printing, printing, and printing are all synonymous.

  The “image forming apparatus” means an apparatus for forming an image by applying a liquid or an image forming agent to a medium such as paper, thread, fiber, fabric, leather, metal, plastic, glass, wood, ceramics, In addition, “image formation” means not only that an image having a meaning such as a character or a figure is applied to the medium but also an image having no meaning such as a pattern or the like (simply a droplet or an image). It also means that the forming agent is applied to the medium.

  The “ink” is not limited to an ink unless otherwise specified, but includes any liquid that can form an image, such as a recording liquid, a fixing processing liquid, or a liquid. Used generically, for example, includes DNA samples, resists, pattern materials, resins, and the like.

  In addition, the “image” is not limited to a planar image, and includes an image given to a three-dimensionally formed image and an image formed by three-dimensionally modeling a solid itself.

  Further, the “horizontal direction” as the droplet discharge direction in the present application means a direction other than the vertical direction (including a direction inclined obliquely upward or downward with respect to the horizontal), and the “vertical direction” as the paper transport direction. Means a direction other than horizontal (including a direction inclined obliquely upward or downward with respect to vertical).

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Apparatus main body 2 Image formation part 4 Paper feed part 5 Conveyance mechanism part 7 Paper discharge tray 8 Opening / closing cover 9 Head support member 24 Recording head 51 Conveyance belt 82 Head support part 100 Head part 101 Nozzle 102A, 102B Nozzle row 103 Nozzle surface 110 Nozzle guard member 118, 119, 120 Guide groove 141 Wiping member

Claims (8)

A liquid discharge head unit that can be attached to and detached from the apparatus main body,
The liquid discharge head unit is
A liquid discharge head having a plurality of nozzles for discharging droplets;
Has a mounting Zurugado member, the,
The liquid discharge head and the nozzle guard member move relatively, so that the nozzle guard member covers the nozzle surface of the liquid discharge head, and the nozzle guard member is a nozzle of the liquid discharge head. transitionable der between the second state to open the drop discharge direction in front of the nozzle surface is,
The nozzle guard member and the liquid discharge head may be configured so that the liquid discharge head of the liquid discharge head is in a state between the first state and the second state with reference to a state between the first state and the second state. The nozzle surface moves in a direction approaching the facing surface of the nozzle guard member and transitions to the first state, and the nozzle surface of the liquid discharge head moves in a direction approaching the facing surface of the nozzle guard member. Then , the image forming apparatus is transited to the second state . The nozzle guard member has a cap that covers the nozzle surface of the liquid discharge head,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the cap covers the nozzle surface when the nozzle guard member is in the first state. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the nozzle guard member includes a wiping member. The nozzle guard member and the liquid discharge head relatively move in a state in which the wiping member abuts against the nozzle surface when transitioning from the second state to the first state. Item 4. The image forming apparatus according to Item 3 .   A liquid discharge head unit that can be attached to and detached from the apparatus main body,
  The liquid discharge head unit is
  A liquid discharge head having a plurality of nozzles for discharging droplets;
  A nozzle guard member,
  The liquid discharge head and the nozzle guard member move relatively, so that the nozzle guard member covers the nozzle surface of the liquid discharge head, and the nozzle guard member is a nozzle of the liquid discharge head. Transition between the second state of opening the front of the nozzle in the droplet ejection direction of the surface,
  The nozzle guard member includes a wiping member,
  The nozzle guard member and the liquid discharge head relatively move in a state in which the wiping member abuts against and contacts the nozzle surface when transitioning from the second state to the first state.
An image forming apparatus.   A liquid discharge head unit that can be attached to and detached from the apparatus main body,
  The liquid discharge head unit is
  A liquid discharge head having a plurality of nozzles for discharging droplets;
  A nozzle guard member,
  The nozzle guard member has a box shape, and the liquid discharge head is accommodated in the nozzle guard member so as to be relatively movable,
  Guided by a guide groove provided in one of the liquid discharge head and the nozzle guard part and a guide pin member provided on the other, the liquid discharge head is directed to the liquid discharge direction with respect to the nozzle guard member. Can be moved diagonally,
  The liquid discharge head and the nozzle guard member move relatively, so that the nozzle guard member covers the nozzle surface of the liquid discharge head, and the nozzle guard member is a nozzle of the liquid discharge head. It is possible to transition between the second state in which the front of the nozzle in the droplet discharge direction of the surface is opened.
An image forming apparatus. A liquid discharge head having a plurality of nozzles for discharging droplets;
Has a mounting Zurugado member, the,
Wherein the liquid discharge head and the nozzle guard member, by moving relatively a first state in which the nozzle guard member covers the nozzle surface of the liquid ejection head, the nozzle guard member of the liquid ejection head nozzles transitionable der between the second state to open the drop discharge direction in front of the nozzle surface is,
The nozzle guard member and the liquid discharge head may be configured so that the liquid discharge head of the liquid discharge head is in a state between the first state and the second state with reference to a state between the first state and the second state. The nozzle surface moves in a direction approaching the facing surface of the nozzle guard member and transitions to the first state, and the nozzle surface of the liquid discharge head moves in a direction approaching the facing surface of the nozzle guard member. Then , the liquid discharge head unit is changed to the second state .   A liquid discharge head having a plurality of nozzles for discharging droplets;
  A nozzle guard member,
  The liquid discharge head and the nozzle guard member move relatively, so that the nozzle guard member covers the nozzle surface of the liquid discharge head, and the nozzle guard member is a nozzle of the liquid discharge head. Transition between the second state of opening the front of the nozzle in the droplet ejection direction of the surface,
  The nozzle guard member includes a wiping member,
  The nozzle guard member and the liquid discharge head relatively move in a state in which the wiping member abuts against and contacts the nozzle surface when transitioning from the second state to the first state.
A liquid discharge head unit.

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