JP7051224B2 - Ink removing device and ink removing method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an ink removing device, an ink ejection device, and an ink removing method.

Attention has been paid to a technique of atomizing ink from an inkjet head and ejecting it to form a film having a desired pattern, for example, an etching resist film, a solder resist film, or the like. In order to form a high-definition pattern, a large number of nozzle holes are arranged at high density in the inkjet head. If the state in which the ink is not ejected continues, the viscosity of the ink in the nozzle hole increases, which may cause a problem in ink ejection. By covering the surface (discharge surface) where the nozzle hole is provided with the cap member and generating a negative pressure in the space formed by the discharge surface and the cap member, the inside of the nozzle hole is sucked and the nozzle hole is defective. A device for recovery is known (Patent Document 1).

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2014-19018

If the ink ejection from the inkjet head is continued, the ink may adhere to the ejection surface of the inkjet head. If the ink adhering to the ejection surface falls on the object to be coated, manufacturing defects will occur. It is difficult to remove the ink adhering to the ejection surface only by covering the ejection surface and the cap member and creating a negative pressure in the space between them.

An object of the present invention is to provide an ink removing device capable of removing ink adhering to a ejection surface , and an ink removing method .

According to one aspect of the invention
A pressing unit that supports a liquid-absorbing member having the property of absorbing ink and is provided with a suction port for sucking the ink absorbed by the liquid-absorbing member .
A drive mechanism that presses the liquid absorbing member against the ejection surface of the inkjet head that droplets and ejects ink from a plurality of nozzle holes provided on the ejection surface .
With a suction mechanism that sucks the inside of the nozzle hole through the liquid-absorbing member while the liquid-absorbing member is pressed against the discharge surface.
Have,
The suction mechanism is
An ink suction box that stores ink and
A suction pipe connecting the suction port and the ink suction box,
With a pump that makes the inside of the ink suction box negative pressure
An ink removing device having the above is provided.

According to yet another aspect of the invention.
A liquid absorbing member having a property of absorbing ink is pressed against the ejection surface of an inkjet head that droplets and ejects ink from a plurality of nozzle holes provided on the ejection surface, and the ink adhering to the ejection surface is ejected. Remove and
The liquid absorbing member is pulled away from the discharging surface without moving the liquid absorbing member in the in-plane direction with respect to the discharging surface.
When removing the ink adhering to the ejection surface, the ink absorbed by the liquid absorbing member is sucked through the suction pipe connected to the ink suction box by creating a negative pressure inside the ink suction box. An ink removing method for sucking and accumulating the sucked ink in the ink suction box is provided.

By pressing the liquid absorbing member against the ejection surface, the ink adhering to the ejection surface can be absorbed by the liquid absorbing member, and the ink can be removed from the ejection surface. Since the liquid absorbing member is not moved in the in-plane direction with respect to the discharging surface, it is possible to prevent damage to the inkjet head due to rubbing the discharging surface with the liquid absorbing member.

1A is a schematic view of the ink ejection device according to the embodiment, and FIG. 1B is a plan view of a table of the ink ejection device according to the embodiment. FIG. 2A is a front view of a part of the ink removing device according to the embodiment, and FIG. 2B is a diagram showing the positional relationship of the ejection surface of the inkjet head, the liquid absorbing member, and the pressing unit in a plan view. FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing the configuration of a suction mechanism including a pressing unit and a suction device. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure from the start-up to the end of the ink ejection device. FIG. 5A is a schematic side view of the inkjet head before the liquid absorbing member pressing process, and FIG. 5B shows the inkjet head, the liquid absorbing member, and the pressing process when the liquid absorbing member pressing process is performed. 5C and 5D are schematic views of the unit, and FIGS. 5C and 5D are schematic views and plan views of an inkjet head, a liquid absorbing member, and a pressing unit when removing ink on a ejection surface by a method according to a comparative example, respectively. FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional view of a part of the inkjet head when the device is started up, and FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view of a part of the inkjet head and the pressing unit when the device is started up. FIG. 7A is a cross-sectional view of a part of the inkjet head and the pressing unit when starting up the device, collecting ink, and cleaning the device, and FIG. 7B shows starting up the device, recovering ink, and cleaning the device by a method according to a comparative example. It is sectional drawing of a part of an inkjet head and a pressing unit at the time of cleaning. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a part of the inkjet head, the liquid absorbing member, and the pressing unit when co-washing is performed.

The ink ejection device according to the embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings from FIGS. 1A to 8.
FIG. 1A is a schematic view of an ink ejection device according to an embodiment. The table 15 is supported on the gantry 10 via the XY stage 11 and the θ stage 12. The plate 50 to be processed is supported on the support surface of the table 15. For example, the table 15 includes a vacuum chuck mechanism, and the plate 50 to be processed is vacuum-sucked and fixed on the support surface. The support surface is, for example, parallel to the horizontal plane and faces vertically upward.

The XY stage 11 translates the table 15 in two directions parallel to the support surface and orthogonal to each other with respect to the gantry 10. The θ stage 12 changes the posture of the table 15 in the rotation direction about the rotation axis perpendicular to the support surface under the control of the control device 40.

Above the table 15, the inkjet head 31 is supported by the frame 30. A plurality of nozzle holes are provided on the surface of the inkjet head 31 facing the table 15. The surface provided with the nozzle holes is referred to as the discharge surface 33.

The circulation system 36 constitutes an ink circulation path 45 together with the inkjet head 31, and circulates the ink in the circulation path 45. During the operation of the inkjet head 31, the circulation system 36 circulates ink in the circulation path 45. Further, the circulation system 36 has a function of stopping the supply of ink to the inkjet head 31 to collect ink from the inkjet head 31 and a function of circulating the cleaning liquid in the circulation path 45.

The inkjet head 31 droplets and ejects ink toward the plate 50 supported by the table 15. The control device 40 stores image data that defines the planar shape of the film pattern to be formed. The control device 40 controls the XY stage 11 and the inkjet head 31 based on the image data to form a film pattern made of ink on the upper surface of the plate 50 to be processed. Further, the control device 40 controls the circulatory system 36 and the θ stage 12.

FIG. 1B is a plan view of the table 15 of the ink ejection device according to the embodiment. The work plate 50 is supported on the support surface of the table 15. For example, two inkjet heads 31 are supported above the plate 50 to be machined. A plurality of nozzle holes 32 are provided on each ejection surface 33 (FIG. 1A) of the inkjet head 31. The inkjet head 31 droplets and ejects ink from the nozzle hole 32 toward the work plate 50 supported by the table 15.

A part of the ink removing device 20 is attached to the side of the table 15 (lower side in FIG. 1B). The ink removing device 20 includes two pressing units 21, an ink tray 22, and an ink suction box 23. The pressing unit 21 is arranged corresponding to the inkjet head 31. By operating the XY stage 11 (FIG. 1A), the two pressing units 21 can be arranged directly under the two inkjet heads 31, respectively.

FIG. 2A is a front view of a part of the ink removing device 20. FIG. 2A shows a state in which the pressing unit 21 is moved directly below the inkjet head 31. The liquid absorbing member 60 is unwound from the feeding roll 61, passes over the pressing unit 21, and then is wound on the winding roll 62. As the liquid absorbing member 60, for example, a sheet having a liquid absorbing property can be used. In particular, it is advisable to use a paper wipe having a property of preventing fluffing. A part of the liquid absorbing member 60 is supported on the pressing unit 21.

The pressing unit 21 is supported by the elevating member 65 via the elastic member 64. As the elastic member 64, for example, a coil spring or the like can be used. The elevating mechanism 66 elevates and elevates the elevating member 65. Further, another elevating mechanism 35 raises and lowers the inkjet head 31. When the elevating mechanism 66 raises the elevating member 65, the pressing unit 21 rises and the liquid absorbing member 60 is pressed against the discharge surface 33 of the inkjet head 31. Further, the elevating mechanism 35 also lowers the inkjet head 31, so that the liquid absorbing member 60 can be pressed against the discharge surface 33 of the inkjet head 31. Due to the restoring force of the elastic member 64, the liquid absorbing member 60 can be stably pressed against the discharge surface 33.

When the elevating mechanism 66 is operated to lower the pressing unit 21, the liquid absorbing member 60 is pulled away from the discharge surface 33. During the period when the liquid absorbing member 60 is pressed against the discharging surface 33, the liquid absorbing member 60 does not move in the in-plane direction parallel to the discharging surface. That is, the discharge surface 33 is not rubbed in the in-plane direction by the liquid absorbing member 60. The elevating mechanism 66 and the XY stage 11 (FIG. 1A) function as a drive mechanism for moving the pressing unit 21 to press the liquid absorbing member 60 against the discharge surface 33 of the inkjet head 31.

A plurality of suction ports 24 are provided on the surface (upper surface) of the pressing unit 21 facing the inkjet head 31. The suction port 24 is connected to the suction device 68, and the suction device 68 performs suction through the suction port 24. When suction is performed with the liquid absorbing member 60 pressed against the discharge surface 33 of the inkjet head 31, the inside of the plurality of nozzle holes 32 (FIG. 1B) is sucked by the suction port 24 via the liquid absorbing member 60.

FIG. 2B is a diagram showing the positional relationship of the ejection surface 33 of the inkjet head 31, the liquid absorbing member 60, and the pressing unit 21 in a plan view. In a plan view, the discharge surface 33 is arranged inside the pressing unit 21. Further, the discharge surface 33 is arranged inside the liquid absorbing member 60. Therefore, when the liquid absorbing member 60 is pressed against the discharging surface 33, the entire area of the discharging surface 33 comes into contact with the liquid absorbing member 60.

FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing the configuration of a suction mechanism including the pressing unit 21 and the suction device 68 (FIG. 2A). A plurality of suction ports 24 provided in the pressing unit 21 are connected to the ink suction box 23 via a suction pipe 25. The two ejector pumps 73 suck the inside of the ink suction box 23 through the mist separator 74 to create a negative pressure. The pressure gauge 77 measures the pressure in the ink suction box 23. The ejector pump 73 is driven by factory air supplied via an air pipe 70, a suction solenoid valve 71, and a speed controller 72.

When the ejector pump 73 is driven, ink and air are sucked into the ink suction box 23 via the suction port 24 and the suction pipe 25. The air sucked into the ink suction box 23 is exhausted to the outside of the machine via the mist separator 74 and the ejector pump 73.

The ink sucked into the ink suction box 23 is temporarily accumulated in the ink suction box 23. By opening the discharge valve 76 attached to the ink suction box 23, the ink in the ink suction box 23 can be discharged to the ink tray 22. The exhaust valve 76 is opened and closed by the factory air supplied via the air pipe 70 and the exhaust solenoid valve 75. The discharge valve 76 is closed during ink suction.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure from the start-up to the end of the ink ejection device. First, the device is started up (step S1). When the device is started up, the control device 40 controls the circulation system 36 (FIG. 1A) to start circulation of ink to the circulation path 45 composed of the circulation system 36 and the inkjet head 31.

After the ink is circulated and the ink ejection preparation is ready, the control device 40 controls the inkjet head 31 and the XY stage 11 to apply the ink to the plate 50 to be processed (step S2). When the ink is applied, the control device 40 controls the circulation system 36 (FIG. 1A) to maintain the ink storage space of the inkjet head 31 at a negative pressure. By maintaining the ink storage space at a negative pressure, it is possible to prevent ink from leaking from the nozzle hole 32 due to the action of gravity.

When the application of the ink to the work plate 50 is completed, the control device 40 determines whether or not to replace the ink. For example, the control device 40 is configured to perform ink replacement after a predetermined time has elapsed from the start-up of the device, or after processing a predetermined number of plates 50 to be processed. Alternatively, the ink may be replaced with the intervention of the operator.

When the ink is not replaced, the control device 40 determines whether or not to clean the ejection surface 33. For example, cleaning is performed every time a predetermined number of processed plates 50 are processed. When cleaning, the control device 40 controls the elevating mechanism 66 (FIG. 2A) to press the liquid absorbing member 60 against the discharge surface 33 of the inkjet head 31 to clean the discharge surface 33 (step). S3). Further, the suction device 68 (FIG. 2A) is controlled to perform suction. After cleaning, the control device 40 controls the elevating mechanism 66 to separate the liquid absorbing member 60 from the discharge surface 33. During the period in which the liquid absorbing member 60 is pressed against the discharging surface 33, the discharging surface 33 is not rubbed by the liquid absorbing member 60.

When the ink is replaced after the ink is applied (step S2), the ink is first collected (step S4). Specifically, the control device 40 controls the circulation system 36 to stop the supply of ink to the inkjet head 31, and collect the ink from the inkjet head 31. After that, the inkjet head 31 is washed (step S5). Specifically, the cleaning liquid is circulated in the circulation path 45 (FIG. 1A) including the circulation system 36 and the inkjet head 31. At this time, the control for maintaining the ink accommodating space in the inkjet head 31 at a negative pressure is not performed.

When the apparatus is to be continued to be used after the cleaning of the inkjet head 31 is completed, the inkjet head 31 is co-washed (step S6). Specifically, ink is supplied into the inkjet head 31 in which the cleaning liquid remains, and the cleaning liquid is collected together with the ink.

When the ejection surface 33 is not cleaned, the ejection surface 33 is cleaned (step S3), and the co-washing (step S6) is completed, ink application (step S2) is executed again.

Next, with reference to FIGS. 5A to 8, ejection surface cleaning (step S3), device startup (step S1), ink recovery (step S4), inkjet head cleaning (step S5), and co-washing (step S6). ), And the excellent effect of this embodiment will be described.

FIG. 5A is a schematic side view of the inkjet head 31 before the ejection surface cleaning (step S3) is performed. When the ink is applied (step S2), a part of the ink ejected from the nozzle hole 32 (FIG. 1B) adheres to the ejection surface 33. As a result, a thin film of ink 80 is formed on the ejection surface 33.

FIG. 5B is a schematic view of the inkjet head 31, the liquid absorbing member 60, and the pressing unit 21 when the discharge surface cleaning (step S3) is being performed. When the liquid absorbing member 60 is pressed against the discharging surface 33, the ink 80 (FIG. 5A) adhering to the discharging surface 33 is absorbed by the liquid absorbing member 60. Since suction is performed through the suction port 24 provided in the pressing unit 21, the ink 81 absorbed by the liquid absorbing member 60 reaches the back surface of the liquid absorbing member 60 and is sucked into the suction port 24.

5C and 5D are schematic views and a plan view of the inkjet head 31, the liquid absorbing member 60, and the pressing unit 21 when the ink on the ejection surface 33 is removed by the method according to the comparative example, respectively. In the comparative example, the liquid absorbing member 60 is pressed against the discharge surface 33, but suction is not performed. A part of the ink adhering to the ejection surface 33 is absorbed by the liquid absorbing member 60, but a part of the ink is extruded outward from the region where the ejection surface 33 and the liquid absorbing member 60 are in contact with each other. The ink 82 extruded to the outside crawls up along the side surface of the inkjet head 31 and stains the side surface. If the ink 82 adhering to the side surface is cured and dropped onto the work plate 50 (FIG. 1A), a product defect will occur.

In this embodiment, since the suction is performed through the liquid absorbing member 60, the ink absorbed by the liquid absorbing member 60 is forcibly transported to the back surface. As a result, it is possible to suppress the spread of ink from the interface between the inkjet head 31 and the liquid absorbing member 60 to the outside, and to suppress the adhesion of ink to the side surface of the inkjet head 31. This makes it possible to reduce the occurrence of product defects.

Further, in this embodiment, since the discharge surface 33 is not rubbed by the liquid absorbing member 60, it is possible to prevent damage to the inkjet head 31 by rubbing the discharge surface 33. If the amount of ink adhering to the ejection surface 33 is small and the ink does not spread outward from the interface between the inkjet head 31 and the liquid absorbing member 60, suction is not performed and the liquid absorbing member 60 is ejected. It may only be pressed against the surface 33.

FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional view of a part of the inkjet head 31 at the time of starting up the apparatus (step S1).

As shown in FIG. 6A, the ink jet head 31 is provided with an ink storage chamber 38, and a plurality of pressure chambers 37 continuous with the ink storage chamber 38 are provided. The plurality of pressure chambers 37 are arranged corresponding to the plurality of nozzle holes 32, respectively. Ink is supplied from the circulation system 36 (FIG. 1A) to the ink storage chamber 38. The ink supplied to the ink storage chamber 38 is filled in the pressure chamber 37. When the volume of the pressure chamber 37 is reduced by deforming an actuator such as a piezoelectric element, the ink filled in the pressure chamber 37 is ejected from the nozzle hole 32 to the outside. If only the ink is supplied to the ink storage chamber 38, the ink may not be filled in a part of the pressure chambers 37, and an air pool 39 may be generated. Ink is not stably ejected from the nozzle hole 32 corresponding to the pressure chamber 37 in which the air pool 39 is generated.

FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view of a part of the inkjet head 31 and the pressing unit 21 when the apparatus is started up. In the embodiment, when the device is started up, the control device 40 raises the pressing unit 21 to press the liquid absorbing member 60 against the discharge surface 33, and at the same time, the pressure chamber is passed through the suction port 24, the liquid absorbing member 60, and the nozzle hole 32. The inside of 37 is sucked. As a result, ink can be filled in the pressure chamber 37 in which the air reservoir 39 (FIG. 6A) is generated. In this embodiment, it is possible to suppress ink ejection failure by eliminating the problem that the air pool 39 is generated.

FIG. 7A is a cross-sectional view of a part of the inkjet head 31 and the pressing unit 21 when starting up the device (step S2), collecting ink (step S4), and cleaning the inkjet head (step S5). With the liquid absorbing member 60 pressed against the discharge surface 33, the inside of the nozzle hole 32 is sucked through the suction port 24 and the liquid absorbing member 60.

FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view of a part of the inkjet head 31 and the pressing unit 21 when the apparatus is started up, the ink is recovered, and the inkjet head is cleaned by the method according to the comparative example. Normally, in these steps, control for maintaining the inside of the inkjet head 31 at a negative pressure is not performed. Therefore, ink leaks from the nozzle hole 32 due to the action of gravity. The leaked ink becomes droplets and drops, or adheres to the ejection surface 33.

The ink 80 adhering to the ejection surface 33 may adversely affect the ink application (step S2). For example, if the ink 80 adhering to the ejection surface 33 drops during coating, a processing defect of the plate 50 to be processed (FIG. 1A) occurs. In particular, when ultraviolet curable ink is used, there is a high risk that the ink adhering to the ejection surface 33 will be gradually cured by the ultraviolet rays at the time of ink application (step S2) and will fall from the ejection surface 33. In order to prevent the occurrence of processing defects, it is necessary to perform a process of removing the ink adhering to the ejection surface 33 before applying the ink.

In this embodiment, the device start-up (step S2), ink recovery (step S4), and inkjet head cleaning (step S5) are performed while the liquid absorbing member 60 is pressed against the ejection surface 33 and sucked. Since the ink leaked from the nozzle hole 32 is absorbed by the liquid absorbing member 60 and does not remain on the ejection surface 33, the device is started up (step S2), ink recovery (step S4), inkjet head cleaning (step S5), and the like. After the end, it is not necessary to separately perform a process of removing the ink adhering to the ejection surface 33. As a result, the time required for starting up the device, collecting ink, and cleaning the inkjet head can be shortened.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a part of the inkjet head 31, the liquid absorbing member 60, and the pressing unit 21 when co-washing (step S6) is performed. Before the co-washing, the cleaning liquid that could not be recovered remains in the ink storage chamber 38 and the pressure chamber 37. When performing co-washing, ink is supplied into the ink storage chamber 38, and the remaining cleaning liquid is collected together with the ink. Further, the inkjet head 31 is operated to eject the cleaning liquid remaining in the pressure chamber 37 together with the ink from the nozzle hole 32.

In the embodiment, the liquid absorbing member 60 is pressed against the discharge surface 33 to suck the inside of the nozzle hole 32 during the co-washing period. When the liquid absorbing member 60 is separated from the ejection surface 33 after the co-washing, the cleaning of the ejection surface 33 (removal of the adhered ink) is completed. Therefore, it is possible to omit the process of cleaning the discharge surface 33 after co-washing.

Further, in the embodiment, since the inside of the nozzle hole 32 is sucked during the co-washing period, the cleaning liquid remaining in the pressure chamber 37 is easily discharged from the nozzle hole 32 to the outside. Therefore, the amount of ink used during co-washing can be reduced. Furthermore, the time for co-washing can be shortened.

The above-mentioned examples are examples, and the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned examples. For example, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that various changes, improvements, combinations, etc. are possible.

10 Stand 11 XY Stage 12 θ Stage 15 Table 20 Ink removal device 21 Pushing unit 22 Ink tray 23 Ink suction box 24 Suction port 25 Suction pipe 30 Frame 31 Ink head 32 Nozzle hole 33 Discharge surface 35 Elevating mechanism 36 Circulation system 37 Pressure Room 38 Ink storage room 39 Air reservoir 40 Control device 45 Circulation path 50 Processed plate 60 Suction member 61 Suction roll 62 Winding roll 64 Elastic member 65 Elevating member 66 Elevating member 66 Elevating mechanism 68 Suction device 70 Air piping 71 Suction electromagnetic valve 72 Speed controller 73 Ejector pump 74 Mist separator 75 Discharge electromagnetic valve 76 Discharge valve 77 Pressure gauge 80 Ink adhering to the ejection surface 81 Ink absorbed by the liquid absorbing member 82 Ink spreading outward and adhering to the side surface

Claims (7)

A pressing unit that supports a liquid-absorbing member having the property of absorbing ink and is provided with a suction port for sucking the ink absorbed by the liquid-absorbing member.
A drive mechanism that presses the liquid absorbing member against the ejection surface of the inkjet head that droplets and ejects ink from a plurality of nozzle holes provided on the ejection surface.
It has a suction mechanism that sucks the inside of the nozzle hole through the liquid absorbing member in a state where the liquid absorbing member is pressed against the discharge surface.
The suction mechanism is
An ink suction box that stores ink and
A suction pipe connecting the suction port and the ink suction box,
An ink removing device including a pump that makes the inside of the ink suction box negative pressure. The suction mechanism further includes a mist separator disposed between the ink suction box and the pump.
The ink removing device according to claim 1, wherein the pump sucks the inside of the ink suction box through the mist separator to create a negative pressure. A liquid absorbing member having a property of absorbing ink is pressed against the ejection surface of an inkjet head that droplets and ejects ink from a plurality of nozzle holes provided on the ejection surface, and the ink adhering to the ejection surface is ejected. Remove and
The liquid absorbing member is pulled away from the discharging surface without moving the liquid absorbing member in the in-plane direction with respect to the discharging surface.
When removing the ink adhering to the ejection surface, the ink absorbed by the liquid absorbing member is sucked through the suction pipe connected to the ink suction box by creating a negative pressure inside the ink suction box. An ink removing method for sucking and accumulating the sucked ink in the ink suction box. A liquid absorbing member having a property of absorbing ink is pressed against the ejection surface of an inkjet head that droplets and ejects ink from a plurality of nozzle holes provided on the ejection surface, and the ink adhering to the ejection surface is ejected. Remove and
An ink removing method for pulling the liquid absorbing member away from the discharging surface without moving the liquid absorbing member in the in-plane direction with respect to the discharging surface.
The inkjet head has a pressure chamber for pushing ink toward the nozzle holes for each nozzle hole.
The liquid absorbing member is pressed against the ejection surface from the start of supplying ink to the inkjet head until the plurality of pressure chambers are filled with ink, and the inside of the nozzle hole is passed through the liquid absorbing member. Ink removal method to suck. A liquid absorbing member having a property of absorbing ink is pressed against the ejection surface of an inkjet head that droplets and ejects ink from a plurality of nozzle holes provided on the ejection surface, and the ink adhering to the ejection surface is ejected. Remove and
An ink removing method for pulling the liquid absorbing member away from the discharging surface without moving the liquid absorbing member in the in-plane direction with respect to the discharging surface.
During the period in which the supply of ink to the inkjet head is stopped and the ink is collected from the inkjet head, the liquid absorbing member is pressed against the ejection surface, and the inside of the nozzle hole is passed through the liquid absorbing member. Ink removal method to suck. A liquid absorbing member having a property of absorbing ink is pressed against the ejection surface of an inkjet head that droplets and ejects ink from a plurality of nozzle holes provided on the ejection surface, and the ink adhering to the ejection surface is ejected. Remove and
An ink removing method for pulling the liquid absorbing member away from the discharging surface without moving the liquid absorbing member in the in-plane direction with respect to the discharging surface.
While supplying the cleaning liquid to the inkjet head, the liquid absorbing member is pressed against the discharge surface during the period of collecting the cleaning liquid from the inkjet head, and the inside of the nozzle hole is sucked through the liquid absorbing member. Ink removal method. A liquid absorbing member having a property of absorbing ink is pressed against the ejection surface of an inkjet head that droplets and ejects ink from a plurality of nozzle holes provided on the ejection surface, and the ink adhering to the ejection surface is ejected. Remove and
An ink removing method for pulling the liquid absorbing member away from the discharging surface without moving the liquid absorbing member in the in-plane direction with respect to the discharging surface.
After cleaning the inkjet head with a cleaning liquid, the liquid absorbing member is pushed against the ejection surface during the co-washing period in which ink is supplied to the inkjet head and the cleaning liquid remaining in the inkjet head is collected together with the ink. An ink removing method in which the inside of the nozzle hole is sucked through the liquid absorbing member and the inkjet head is operated to eject ink from the nozzle hole.

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