WO2014083604A1 - Discharge nozzle cleaning device for droplet discharge device - Google Patents

Discharge nozzle cleaning device for droplet discharge device Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2014083604A1
WO2014083604A1 PCT/JP2012/080578 JP2012080578W WO2014083604A1 WO 2014083604 A1 WO2014083604 A1 WO 2014083604A1 JP 2012080578 W JP2012080578 W JP 2012080578W WO 2014083604 A1 WO2014083604 A1 WO 2014083604A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
cleaning
cleaning liquid
flow path
discharge nozzle
discharge
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/JP2012/080578
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French (fr)
Japanese (ja)
Inventor
和裕 杉山
政利 藤田
雅登 鈴木
謙磁 塚田
明宏 川尻
良崇 橋本
Original Assignee
富士機械製造株式会社
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Application filed by 富士機械製造株式会社 filed Critical 富士機械製造株式会社
Priority to PCT/JP2012/080578 priority Critical patent/WO2014083604A1/en
Priority to JP2014549657A priority patent/JP6059250B2/en
Publication of WO2014083604A1 publication Critical patent/WO2014083604A1/en

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    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41JTYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
    • B41J2/00Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
    • B41J2/005Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
    • B41J2/01Ink jet
    • B41J2/135Nozzles
    • B41J2/165Prevention or detection of nozzle clogging, e.g. cleaning, capping or moistening for nozzles
    • B41J2/16517Cleaning of print head nozzles
    • B41J2/16552Cleaning of print head nozzles using cleaning fluids
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41JTYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
    • B41J2/00Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
    • B41J2/005Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
    • B41J2/01Ink jet
    • B41J2/135Nozzles
    • B41J2/165Prevention or detection of nozzle clogging, e.g. cleaning, capping or moistening for nozzles
    • B41J2/16517Cleaning of print head nozzles
    • B41J2002/16567Cleaning of print head nozzles using ultrasonic or vibrating means

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a discharge nozzle cleaning device for a droplet discharge device that performs cleaning by immersing a discharge nozzle of a droplet discharge device in a cleaning liquid.
  • a droplet discharge device for example, an ink jet printing device, a dispenser, etc.
  • a droplet discharge device draws by discharging droplets from the discharge nozzle
  • the discharge nozzle is dirty, the drawing accuracy is deteriorated. Therefore, as described in Patent Document 1 (Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2009-119371), the discharge nozzle is immersed in the cleaning liquid in the cleaning layer for cleaning while flowing the cleaning liquid in the cleaning layer to cause overflow. There is something.
  • a problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a discharge nozzle cleaning device for a droplet discharge device that can enhance the cleaning ability of the discharge nozzle with a cleaning liquid.
  • the present invention provides a cleaning liquid channel formed in a cleaning stage in a discharge nozzle cleaning device of a droplet discharging device for cleaning a discharge nozzle of a droplet discharging device with a cleaning liquid, and the cleaning liquid channel
  • a cleaning liquid supply device for supplying the cleaning liquid to the cleaning liquid flow path
  • a cleaning control means for controlling a cleaning operation by immersing the discharge nozzle in the cleaning liquid supplied to the cleaning liquid flow path. Is characterized by being subjected to a liquid repellent treatment for preventing overflow of the upper surface.
  • the present invention is configured to supply the cleaning liquid to the cleaning liquid flow path, the cleaning liquid in the cleaning liquid flow path is smoothly replaced, and the dirt washed off from the discharge nozzle does not stay in the cleaning liquid flow path. It drains smoothly along the flow of cleaning liquid.
  • the discharge nozzle can be cleaned with a clean cleaning liquid, the cleaning ability of the discharge nozzle can be enhanced.
  • the upper surface of the cleaning stage is subjected to a liquid repellent treatment, the cleaning liquid supplied to the cleaning liquid channel can be prevented from overflowing from the cleaning liquid channel to the upper surface of the cleaning stage, and the surface of the cleaning liquid can be prevented by the surface tension of the cleaning liquid.
  • Can be raised from the upper surface (liquid repellent treatment surface) of the cleaning stage the tip of the discharge nozzle can be easily immersed in the cleaning liquid, and the discharge nozzle can be cleaned with a relatively small amount of cleaning liquid.
  • the cleaning stage may be provided with an ultrasonic oscillator that applies ultrasonic vibration to the cleaning liquid supplied to the cleaning liquid flow path.
  • the contamination of the discharge nozzle can be efficiently removed by the synergistic effect of the cleaning effect of the cleaning liquid itself and the ultrasonic cleaning.
  • the present invention may be configured to include a camera that captures the tip of the discharge nozzle and an image processing device that processes a captured image of the camera and recognizes the dirt adhesion state of the discharge nozzle. For example, by recognizing the state of dirt adhering to the discharge nozzle before cleaning the discharge nozzle, it is possible to prevent the discharge nozzle that has been recognized as having no dirt from being cleaned, without performing unnecessary cleaning. That's it. On the other hand, if the image of the contamination state of the discharge nozzle is recognized after cleaning the discharge nozzle, it becomes possible to clean the discharge nozzle that has been recognized as contaminated again, and the contamination of the discharge nozzle is more reliably detected. Can be washed off. Alternatively, the degree of dirt adhesion of the discharge nozzle may be image-recognized, and the cleaning time may be changed or the vibration intensity of ultrasonic cleaning may be changed according to the degree of dirt adhesion.
  • a blower that blows air to the cleaning liquid flow path may be provided, and after the discharge nozzle is cleaned, the blower may be operated to blow air to the cleaning liquid flow path and discharge the cleaning liquid from the cleaning liquid flow path. In this way, the cleaning liquid can be efficiently discharged from the cleaning liquid flow path by the air blowing effect after the discharge nozzle is cleaned.
  • a pump for sucking the cleaning liquid from the cleaning liquid flow path may be provided, and after the cleaning liquid is discharged from the cleaning liquid flow path, the pump may be operated to suck the cleaning liquid remaining in the cleaning liquid flow path. In this way, it is possible to efficiently remove the cleaning liquid remaining in the cleaning liquid flow path after the cleaning liquid is discharged.
  • the air blowing device is operated to blow the cleaning liquid flow path so that the cleaning liquid attached to the inner surface of the cleaning liquid flow path or the discharge nozzle is blown off. Also good. In this way, the cleaning liquid adhering to the inner surface of the cleaning liquid flow path or the discharge nozzle can be more reliably removed.
  • a lyophilic treatment for facilitating the flow of the cleaning liquid may be performed on the inner surface of the cleaning liquid flow path. In this way, it is possible to smoothly supply and discharge the cleaning liquid to and from the cleaning liquid channel.
  • a plurality of discharge nozzles are arranged in a row on the head of the droplet discharge device.
  • the present invention may be configured such that the plurality of discharge nozzles are individually cleaned by crossing the array of the plurality of discharge nozzles with the cleaning liquid flow path at the time of cleaning, A plurality of discharge nozzles may be cleaned at once by arranging the discharge nozzles parallel to the cleaning liquid flow path.
  • FIG. 1 is a front view of a discharge nozzle cleaning apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 2 is a plan view of the discharge nozzle cleaning apparatus according to the first embodiment.
  • FIG. 3 is a front view of the discharge nozzle cleaning device showing a state before the discharge nozzle cleaning is started.
  • FIG. 4 is a front view of the discharge nozzle cleaning device showing a state in which a cleaning liquid pool is formed.
  • FIG. 5 is a front view of the discharge nozzle cleaning device showing a state in which the discharge nozzle is immersed in the cleaning liquid.
  • FIG. 6 is a front view of the discharge nozzle cleaning device showing a state when the discharge nozzle is subjected to ultrasonic cleaning.
  • FIG. 7 is a front view of the discharge nozzle cleaning device showing a state when the cleaning liquid is discharged and collected from the cleaning liquid flow path.
  • FIG. 8 is a front view of the discharge nozzle cleaning device showing a state when the cleaning liquid remaining in the cleaning liquid flow path is sucked by a pump.
  • FIG. 9 is a front view of the discharge nozzle cleaning device showing a state when air is blown into the cleaning liquid flow path.
  • FIG. 10 is a front view of the discharge nozzle cleaning apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 2 is a plan view of the discharge nozzle cleaning apparatus according to the second embodiment.
  • FIGS. 1 and 2 A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. First, the configuration of the discharge nozzle cleaning apparatus according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.
  • the cleaning stage 11 is formed with a cleaning liquid flow path 12 through which a cleaning liquid flows, and a cleaning port 13 that partially opens the upper surface of the cleaning liquid flow path 12.
  • a cleaning liquid supply device 15 and a blower device 16 are provided in parallel on the inlet side of the cleaning liquid flow channel 12 via a flow channel switching device 14, and the flow channel 12 a on the blower device 16 side is closed by a valve 14 a of the flow channel switching device 14. Then, the flow path 12b on the side of the cleaning liquid supply device 15 is opened and the cleaning liquid supply mode for supplying the cleaning liquid from the cleaning liquid supply apparatus 15 to the cleaning liquid flow path 12, and the valve 14b of the flow path switching device 14 (FIGS.
  • a waste liquid recovery device 19 and a pump 20 are arranged in parallel on the outlet side of the cleaning liquid flow path 12 via a flow path switching device 18, and the flow path 12 c on the waste liquid recovery device 19 side is closed by a valve 18 a of the flow path switching device 18. Then, the flow path 12d on the pump 20 side is opened and the cleaning liquid suction mode in which the cleaning liquid remaining in the cleaning liquid flow path 12 is sucked by the pump 20 and the valve 18b of the flow path switching device 18 is used to connect the flow path 12d on the pump 20 side.
  • Both the waste liquid recovery mode for closing and opening the flow path 12c on the waste liquid recovery apparatus 19 side to recover the cleaning liquid (waste liquid) in the cleaning liquid flow path 12 and the valves 18a and 18b of the flow path switching apparatus 18 are closed.
  • the outlet side closing mode for closing both the flow path 12c on the waste liquid recovery device 19 side and the flow path 12d on the pump 20 side is switched according to the cleaning operation control program.
  • a liquid repellent treatment film 21 is formed to prevent the cleaning liquid from overflowing from the cleaning port 13 of the cleaning liquid channel 12 to the upper surface of the cleaning stage 11.
  • the liquid repellent film 21 is not necessarily formed on the entire upper surface of the cleaning stage 11, and may be formed so as to surround at least the periphery of the cleaning port 13.
  • the area and width of the liquid repellent film 21 may be set so that the cleaning liquid can be prevented from overflowing.
  • a lyophilic treatment for facilitating the flow of the cleaning liquid may be performed on the inner surface of the cleaning liquid flow path 12. In this way, the supply and discharge of the cleaning liquid to and from the cleaning liquid channel 12 can be performed smoothly.
  • the cleaning stage 11 is provided with an ultrasonic oscillator 23 that applies ultrasonic vibration to the cleaning liquid supplied to the cleaning liquid flow path 12. Further, a camera 25 is provided for imaging the tip of the discharge nozzle 32 (see FIG. 5) from below or from the side.
  • the cleaning operation of the discharge nozzle cleaning device having the configuration described above is controlled by the cleaning control device 26 (cleaning control means) according to the cleaning operation control program.
  • the cleaning control device 26 also functions as an image processing device.
  • the camera 25 images the tip of the discharge nozzle 32, processes the captured image, and recognizes the dirt adhesion state of the discharge nozzle 32 as an image. For example, if an image of the state of dirt adhering to the discharge nozzle 32 is recognized before the discharge nozzle 32 is cleaned, the discharge nozzle 32 that has been recognized as having no dirt can be prevented from being cleaned, and unnecessary cleaning is performed. No need to do it.
  • the discharge nozzle 32 that has been recognized as having dirt can be cleaned again. Dirt can be washed off more reliably.
  • the degree of dirt adhesion of the discharge nozzle 32 may be recognized as an image, and the cleaning time may be changed or the vibration intensity of ultrasonic cleaning may be changed according to the degree of dirt adhesion.
  • valves 14a and 14b of the flow path switching device 14 on the inlet side of the cleaning liquid flow path 12 and the valves 18a and 18b of the flow path switching device 18 on the outlet side are all closed ( (Inlet side closed mode, outlet side closed mode).
  • the valve 14b of the inlet-side flow path switching device 14 is opened to switch to the cleaning liquid supply mode in which the cleaning liquid is supplied from the cleaning liquid supply device 15 to the cleaning liquid flow path 12.
  • the cleaning liquid is supplied to 12 and the amount of the cleaning liquid in the cleaning liquid channel 12 becomes full, the supply of the cleaning liquid is terminated.
  • the cleaning liquid surface in the cleaning port 13 rises from the upper surface (liquid-repellent treatment film 21) of the cleaning stage 11 due to surface tension.
  • a cleaning liquid pool is formed.
  • the cleaning liquid may be a liquid of the same type as the ink solvent (for example, water, organic solvent, etc.) discharged from the discharge nozzle 32.
  • the valve 14b of the inlet side channel switching device 14 is closed to close both the inlet side and the outlet side of the cleaning liquid channel 12. Then, the head 31 of the droplet discharge device (for example, an ink jet printing device, a dispenser, etc.) is moved down directly above the cleaning port 13 of the cleaning stage 11, and the tip of the discharge nozzle 32 of the head 31 is moved into the cleaning port 13. Then, the dirt adhering to the tip of the discharge nozzle 32 is dissolved in the cleaning liquid.
  • the droplet discharge device for example, an ink jet printing device, a dispenser, etc.
  • the ultrasonic oscillator 23 is operated to apply ultrasonic vibration to the cleaning liquid in the cleaning liquid flow path 12, and the tip of the discharge nozzle 32 is ultrasonically cleaned.
  • valve 14a of the inlet-side channel switching device 14 is opened and the valve 18a of the outlet-side channel switching device 18 is opened.
  • the system is operated for a predetermined time and blown from the blower 16 into the cleaning liquid flow path 12 to discharge the cleaning liquid (waste liquid) from the cleaning liquid flow path 12 and collect it in the waste liquid recovery apparatus 19.
  • the valve 14a of the inlet-side flow switching device 14 is closed, the valve 18a of the outlet-side flow switching device 18 is closed, and the valve 18b is opened.
  • the pump 20 is operated for a predetermined time. As a result, the cleaning liquid and dirt remaining in the cleaning liquid flow path 12 are sucked, and the cleaning liquid and dirt attached to the discharge nozzle 32 are sucked.
  • valve 18b of the outlet-side channel switching device 18 is closed to close the outlet side of the cleaning liquid channel 12, and the inlet-side channel switching device 14 is closed.
  • the valve 14a is opened and the air blower 16 is operated for a predetermined time to blow air from the air blower 16 into the cleaning liquid passage 12. Thereby, the droplets of the cleaning liquid adhering to the inner surface of the cleaning liquid flow path 12 and the discharge nozzle 32 are blown off.
  • the plurality of discharge nozzles 32 are arranged so that the array of the plurality of discharge nozzles 32 intersects the cleaning liquid flow path 12 at a right angle during cleaning.
  • the cleaning may be performed by repeating the steps from FIG. 3 to FIG. 9 described above one by one (or by the number simultaneously entering the cleaning port 13).
  • the cleaning liquid in the cleaning liquid flow path 12 is smoothly replaced, and the dirt washed out from the discharge nozzle 32 is removed from the cleaning liquid flow. Rather than staying in the passage 12, it is discharged smoothly along the flow of the cleaning liquid. Thereby, since the discharge nozzle 32 can be cleaned with a clean cleaning liquid, the cleaning ability of the discharge nozzle 32 can be enhanced.
  • the cleaning liquid supplied to the cleaning liquid channel 12 can be prevented from overflowing from the cleaning liquid channel 12 to the upper surface of the cleaning stage 11 and the surface of the cleaning liquid
  • the cleaning liquid surface can be raised from the upper surface of the cleaning stage 11 (the liquid repellent film 21) by tension, and the tip of the discharge nozzle 32 can be easily immersed in the cleaning liquid, and the discharge nozzle 32 can be cleaned with a relatively small amount of cleaning liquid. There is.
  • the discharge nozzle 32 can be cleaned without contact, the discharge nozzle 32 can be cleaned without being damaged.
  • the cleaning port 13 of the cleaning stage 11 is formed to be smaller than the head 31 of the droplet discharge device (for example, formed to a minimum size necessary for cleaning the discharge nozzle 32), an adhesive layer on the lower surface of the head 31 is formed. It is possible to avoid or minimize the adhesion of the cleaning liquid to the head 31, and the head 31 can be cleaned with little damage.
  • Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
  • parts that are substantially the same as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, description thereof is omitted or simplified, and different parts are mainly described.
  • the cleaning stage 41 is formed to have a length longer than the width of the head of the droplet discharge device (more than the length of the array of the plurality of discharge nozzles of the head), and the array of the plurality of discharge nozzles during cleaning The plurality of discharge nozzles are collectively cleaned in parallel with the cleaning liquid flow path 42 formed on the cleaning stage 41.
  • the cleaning liquid channel 42 may be provided by forming a groove on the upper surface of the cleaning stage 41, or the lyophilic treatment may be performed without forming a groove in the cleaning liquid channel 42 portion of the upper surface of the cleaning stage 41.
  • the cleaning liquid flow path 42 may be formed only with the lyophilic treatment film.
  • the cleaning liquid channel 42 may be formed with a groove and subjected to lyophilic treatment on the inner surface thereof.
  • a liquid repellent treatment film 43 for preventing the cleaning liquid from overflowing from the cleaning liquid channel 42 to the upper surface of the cleaning stage 41 is formed on the upper surface of the cleaning stage 41.
  • the liquid repellent film 43 does not necessarily have to be formed on the entire upper surface of the cleaning stage 41, and may be formed so as to sandwich at least both sides of the cleaning liquid flow path 42. In short, the cleaning liquid overflows from the cleaning liquid flow path 42. What is necessary is just to determine the area and width
  • the cleaning liquid supply device 15 is disposed on the inlet side of the cleaning liquid flow path 42, and the waste liquid recovery device 19 is disposed on the outlet side of the cleaning liquid flow path 42.
  • Other portions may be configured in the same manner as in the first embodiment.
  • the plurality of discharge nozzles are collectively cleaned in parallel with the cleaning liquid flow path 42 of the cleaning stage 41 during the cleaning, the plurality of discharge nozzles are collectively cleaned.
  • the nozzle can be efficiently cleaned.
  • this invention is not limited to the said Example 1, 2,
  • various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

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Abstract

The present invention is a discharge nozzle cleaning device for a droplet discharge device and is provided with: a cleaning fluid flow path (12) formed in a cleaning stage (11); a cleaning fluid supply device (15) that supplies cleaning fluid to the cleaning fluid flow path (12); and a cleaning control means (26) that controls the operation of immersing and cleaning a discharge nozzle (32) in the cleaning fluid supplied to the cleaning fluid flow path (12). A fluid repelling treatment layer (21) is formed on the upper surface of the cleaning stage (11) to prevent overflow of the cleaning fluid from the cleaning fluid flow path (12) onto the upper surface of the cleaning stage (11). With this constitution, the cleaning fluid does not overflow onto the upper surface of the cleaning stage from the cleaning fluid flow path. In addition, the discharge nozzle can be cleaned by a small amount of cleaning fluid because the cleaning fluid surface rises up from the upper surface of the cleaning stage because of the surface tension of the cleaning fluid.

Description

液滴吐出装置の吐出ノズル洗浄装置Discharge nozzle cleaning device for droplet discharge device
 本発明は、液滴吐出装置の吐出ノズルを洗浄液に浸して洗浄する液滴吐出装置の吐出ノズル洗浄装置に関する発明である。 The present invention relates to a discharge nozzle cleaning device for a droplet discharge device that performs cleaning by immersing a discharge nozzle of a droplet discharge device in a cleaning liquid.
 液滴吐出装置(例えばインクジェット印刷装置、ディスペンサ等)は、吐出ノズルから液滴を吐出して描画するため、吐出ノズルが汚れていると、描画の精度が悪くなる。そこで、特許文献1(特開2009-119371号公報)に記載されているように、洗浄層内に洗浄液を流してオーバーフローさせながら、吐出ノズルを洗浄層内の洗浄液に浸して洗浄するようにしたものがある。 Since a droplet discharge device (for example, an ink jet printing device, a dispenser, etc.) draws by discharging droplets from the discharge nozzle, if the discharge nozzle is dirty, the drawing accuracy is deteriorated. Therefore, as described in Patent Document 1 (Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2009-119371), the discharge nozzle is immersed in the cleaning liquid in the cleaning layer for cleaning while flowing the cleaning liquid in the cleaning layer to cause overflow. There is something.
特開2009-119371号公報JP 2009-119371 A
 しかし、上記特許文献1のように、洗浄層内に洗浄液を流してオーバーフローさせる洗浄方式では、洗浄層内の洗浄液の入れ替えがスムーズに行われず、洗浄層内に汚れが滞留しやすい。その結果、汚れが比較的多く残留する洗浄液で吐出ノズルを洗浄することになってしまい、吐出ノズルの汚れをきれいに洗浄できない可能性がある。 However, in the cleaning method in which the cleaning liquid is allowed to flow in the cleaning layer as in Patent Document 1 above, the cleaning liquid in the cleaning layer is not smoothly replaced, and dirt tends to stay in the cleaning layer. As a result, the discharge nozzle is cleaned with a cleaning liquid in which a relatively large amount of dirt remains, and the dirt on the discharge nozzle may not be cleaned cleanly.
 そこで、本発明が解決しようとする課題は、洗浄液による吐出ノズルの洗浄能力を高めることができる液滴吐出装置の吐出ノズル洗浄装置を提供することである。 Therefore, a problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a discharge nozzle cleaning device for a droplet discharge device that can enhance the cleaning ability of the discharge nozzle with a cleaning liquid.
 上記課題を解決するために、本発明は、液滴吐出装置の吐出ノズルを洗浄液で洗浄する液滴吐出装置の吐出ノズル洗浄装置において、洗浄ステージに形成された洗浄液流路と、前記洗浄液流路に洗浄液を供給する洗浄液供給装置と、前記洗浄液流路に供給した洗浄液に前記吐出ノズルを浸して洗浄する動作を制御する洗浄制御手段とを備え、前記洗浄ステージの上面に前記洗浄液流路から洗浄液が該上面に溢れ出すことを防止するための撥液処理が施されていることを特徴とするものである。 In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides a cleaning liquid channel formed in a cleaning stage in a discharge nozzle cleaning device of a droplet discharging device for cleaning a discharge nozzle of a droplet discharging device with a cleaning liquid, and the cleaning liquid channel A cleaning liquid supply device for supplying the cleaning liquid to the cleaning liquid flow path, and a cleaning control means for controlling a cleaning operation by immersing the discharge nozzle in the cleaning liquid supplied to the cleaning liquid flow path. Is characterized by being subjected to a liquid repellent treatment for preventing overflow of the upper surface.
 本発明は、洗浄液流路に洗浄液を供給する構成であるため、洗浄液流路内の洗浄液の入れ替えがスムーズに行われ、吐出ノズルから洗い落とされた汚れが洗浄液流路内に滞留せずに、洗浄液の流れに乗ってスムーズに排出される。これにより、吐出ノズルをきれいな洗浄液で洗浄できるため、吐出ノズルの洗浄能力を高めることができる。しかも、洗浄ステージの上面に撥液処理が施されているため、洗浄液流路に供給した洗浄液が該洗浄液流路から洗浄ステージの上面へ溢れ出ることを防止できると共に、洗浄液の表面張力により洗浄液面を洗浄ステージの上面(撥液処理面)より盛り上がらせることが可能となり、吐出ノズルの先端部を洗浄液に浸しやすくなり、比較的少ない洗浄液で吐出ノズルを洗浄できる利点がある。 Since the present invention is configured to supply the cleaning liquid to the cleaning liquid flow path, the cleaning liquid in the cleaning liquid flow path is smoothly replaced, and the dirt washed off from the discharge nozzle does not stay in the cleaning liquid flow path. It drains smoothly along the flow of cleaning liquid. Thereby, since the discharge nozzle can be cleaned with a clean cleaning liquid, the cleaning ability of the discharge nozzle can be enhanced. Moreover, since the upper surface of the cleaning stage is subjected to a liquid repellent treatment, the cleaning liquid supplied to the cleaning liquid channel can be prevented from overflowing from the cleaning liquid channel to the upper surface of the cleaning stage, and the surface of the cleaning liquid can be prevented by the surface tension of the cleaning liquid. Can be raised from the upper surface (liquid repellent treatment surface) of the cleaning stage, the tip of the discharge nozzle can be easily immersed in the cleaning liquid, and the discharge nozzle can be cleaned with a relatively small amount of cleaning liquid.
 更に、洗浄ステージに、洗浄液流路に供給した洗浄液に超音波振動を付与する超音波発振器を設けた構成としても良い。このようにすれば、洗浄液自体の洗浄効果と超音波洗浄との相乗効果によって吐出ノズルの汚れを効率良く除去することができる。 Furthermore, the cleaning stage may be provided with an ultrasonic oscillator that applies ultrasonic vibration to the cleaning liquid supplied to the cleaning liquid flow path. In this way, the contamination of the discharge nozzle can be efficiently removed by the synergistic effect of the cleaning effect of the cleaning liquid itself and the ultrasonic cleaning.
 また、本発明は、吐出ノズルの先端部を撮像するカメラと、このカメラの撮像画像を処理して吐出ノズルの汚れ付着状況を画像認識する画像処理装置とを備えた構成としても良い。例えば、吐出ノズルの洗浄前に吐出ノズルの汚れ付着状況を画像認識すれば、汚れ無しと画像認識した吐出ノズルについては、洗浄を行わないようにすることが可能となり、無駄な洗浄を行わずに済む。一方、吐出ノズルの洗浄後に吐出ノズルの汚れ付着状況を画像認識するようにすれば、汚れ有りと画像認識した吐出ノズルについては、再度、洗浄し直すことが可能となり、吐出ノズルの汚れをより確実に洗い落とすことができる。或は、吐出ノズルの汚れ付着度合を画像認識して、その汚れ付着度合に応じて洗浄時間を変更したり、超音波洗浄の振動強度を変更しても良い。 In addition, the present invention may be configured to include a camera that captures the tip of the discharge nozzle and an image processing device that processes a captured image of the camera and recognizes the dirt adhesion state of the discharge nozzle. For example, by recognizing the state of dirt adhering to the discharge nozzle before cleaning the discharge nozzle, it is possible to prevent the discharge nozzle that has been recognized as having no dirt from being cleaned, without performing unnecessary cleaning. That's it. On the other hand, if the image of the contamination state of the discharge nozzle is recognized after cleaning the discharge nozzle, it becomes possible to clean the discharge nozzle that has been recognized as contaminated again, and the contamination of the discharge nozzle is more reliably detected. Can be washed off. Alternatively, the degree of dirt adhesion of the discharge nozzle may be image-recognized, and the cleaning time may be changed or the vibration intensity of ultrasonic cleaning may be changed according to the degree of dirt adhesion.
 更に、洗浄液流路に送風する送風装置を備え、吐出ノズルの洗浄後に前記送風装置を運転して洗浄液流路に送風して該洗浄液流路から洗浄液を排出するようにしても良い。このようにすれば、吐出ノズルの洗浄後に送風効果によって洗浄液流路から洗浄液を効率良く排出することができる。 Further, a blower that blows air to the cleaning liquid flow path may be provided, and after the discharge nozzle is cleaned, the blower may be operated to blow air to the cleaning liquid flow path and discharge the cleaning liquid from the cleaning liquid flow path. In this way, the cleaning liquid can be efficiently discharged from the cleaning liquid flow path by the air blowing effect after the discharge nozzle is cleaned.
 また、洗浄液流路から洗浄液を吸引するポンプを備え、洗浄液流路から洗浄液を排出した後、前記ポンプを運転して洗浄液流路に残留した洗浄液を吸引するようにしても良い。このようにすれば、洗浄液の排出後に洗浄液流路に残留した洗浄液を効率良く取り除くことができる。 Further, a pump for sucking the cleaning liquid from the cleaning liquid flow path may be provided, and after the cleaning liquid is discharged from the cleaning liquid flow path, the pump may be operated to suck the cleaning liquid remaining in the cleaning liquid flow path. In this way, it is possible to efficiently remove the cleaning liquid remaining in the cleaning liquid flow path after the cleaning liquid is discharged.
 更に、ポンプを運転して洗浄液流路に残留した洗浄液を吸引した後、送風装置を運転して洗浄液流路に送風して該洗浄液流路の内面や吐出ノズルに付着した洗浄液を吹き飛ばすようにしても良い。このようにすれば、洗浄液流路の内面や吐出ノズルに付着した洗浄液をより確実に取り除くことができる。 Further, after the pump is operated to suck the cleaning liquid remaining in the cleaning liquid flow path, the air blowing device is operated to blow the cleaning liquid flow path so that the cleaning liquid attached to the inner surface of the cleaning liquid flow path or the discharge nozzle is blown off. Also good. In this way, the cleaning liquid adhering to the inner surface of the cleaning liquid flow path or the discharge nozzle can be more reliably removed.
 また、本発明は、洗浄液流路の内面に、洗浄液を流れやすくするための親液処理を施すようにしても良い。このようにすれば、洗浄液流路への洗浄液の供給と排出をスムーズに行うことができる。 Further, in the present invention, a lyophilic treatment for facilitating the flow of the cleaning liquid may be performed on the inner surface of the cleaning liquid flow path. In this way, it is possible to smoothly supply and discharge the cleaning liquid to and from the cleaning liquid channel.
 一般に、液滴吐出装置のヘッドには、複数の吐出ノズルが列設されている。この点を考慮して、本発明は、洗浄時に複数の吐出ノズルの配列を洗浄液流路と交差させて複数の吐出ノズルを個別に洗浄するようにしても良いし、或は、洗浄時に複数の吐出ノズルの配列を洗浄液流路と平行にして複数の吐出ノズルを一括して洗浄するようにしても良い。 Generally, a plurality of discharge nozzles are arranged in a row on the head of the droplet discharge device. In view of this point, the present invention may be configured such that the plurality of discharge nozzles are individually cleaned by crossing the array of the plurality of discharge nozzles with the cleaning liquid flow path at the time of cleaning, A plurality of discharge nozzles may be cleaned at once by arranging the discharge nozzles parallel to the cleaning liquid flow path.
図1は本発明の実施例1の吐出ノズル洗浄装置の正面図である。1 is a front view of a discharge nozzle cleaning apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 図2は実施例1の吐出ノズル洗浄装置の平面図である。FIG. 2 is a plan view of the discharge nozzle cleaning apparatus according to the first embodiment. 図3は吐出ノズルの洗浄開始前の状態を示す吐出ノズル洗浄装置の正面図である。FIG. 3 is a front view of the discharge nozzle cleaning device showing a state before the discharge nozzle cleaning is started. 図4は洗浄液溜まりを形成した状態を示す吐出ノズル洗浄装置の正面図である。FIG. 4 is a front view of the discharge nozzle cleaning device showing a state in which a cleaning liquid pool is formed. 図5は吐出ノズルを洗浄液に浸した状態を示す吐出ノズル洗浄装置の正面図である。FIG. 5 is a front view of the discharge nozzle cleaning device showing a state in which the discharge nozzle is immersed in the cleaning liquid. 図6は吐出ノズルを超音波洗浄するときの状態を示す吐出ノズル洗浄装置の正面図である。FIG. 6 is a front view of the discharge nozzle cleaning device showing a state when the discharge nozzle is subjected to ultrasonic cleaning. 図7は洗浄液流路から洗浄液を排出・回収するときの状態を示す吐出ノズル洗浄装置の正面図である。FIG. 7 is a front view of the discharge nozzle cleaning device showing a state when the cleaning liquid is discharged and collected from the cleaning liquid flow path. 図8は洗浄液流路内に残留する洗浄液をポンプで吸引するときの状態を示す吐出ノズル洗浄装置の正面図である。FIG. 8 is a front view of the discharge nozzle cleaning device showing a state when the cleaning liquid remaining in the cleaning liquid flow path is sucked by a pump. 図9は洗浄液流路内に送風するときの状態を示す吐出ノズル洗浄装置の正面図である。FIG. 9 is a front view of the discharge nozzle cleaning device showing a state when air is blown into the cleaning liquid flow path. 図10は本発明の実施例2の吐出ノズル洗浄装置の正面図である。FIG. 10 is a front view of the discharge nozzle cleaning apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. 図2は実施例2の吐出ノズル洗浄装置の平面図である。FIG. 2 is a plan view of the discharge nozzle cleaning apparatus according to the second embodiment.
 以下、本発明を実施するための形態を具体化した2つの実施例1,2を説明する。 Hereinafter, two Examples 1 and 2 that embody the mode for carrying out the present invention will be described.
 本発明の実施例1を図1乃至図9に基づいて説明する。
 まず、図1及び図2に基づいて本実施例1の吐出ノズル洗浄装置の構成を説明する。
A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
First, the configuration of the discharge nozzle cleaning apparatus according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.
 洗浄ステージ11には、洗浄液を流す洗浄液流路12が形成されていると共に、該洗浄液流路12の上面を部分的に開口する洗浄口13が形成されている。洗浄液流路12の入口側には、流路切換え装置14を介して洗浄液供給装置15と送風装置16が並設され、流路切換え装置14の弁14aにより送風装置16側の流路12aを閉鎖して洗浄液供給装置15側の流路12bを開放して該洗浄液供給装置15から洗浄液を洗浄液流路12に供給する洗浄液供給モードと、流路切換え装置14の弁14b(図3、図5等参照)により洗浄液供給装置15側の流路12bを閉鎖して送風装置16側の流路12aを開放して該送風装置16から洗浄液流路12内へ送風する送風モードと、流路切換え装置14の弁14a,14bの両方を閉鎖して送風装置16側の流路12aと洗浄液供給装置15側の流路12bの両方を閉鎖する入口側閉鎖モードとを洗浄動作制御プログラムに従って切り換えるようになっている。 The cleaning stage 11 is formed with a cleaning liquid flow path 12 through which a cleaning liquid flows, and a cleaning port 13 that partially opens the upper surface of the cleaning liquid flow path 12. A cleaning liquid supply device 15 and a blower device 16 are provided in parallel on the inlet side of the cleaning liquid flow channel 12 via a flow channel switching device 14, and the flow channel 12 a on the blower device 16 side is closed by a valve 14 a of the flow channel switching device 14. Then, the flow path 12b on the side of the cleaning liquid supply device 15 is opened and the cleaning liquid supply mode for supplying the cleaning liquid from the cleaning liquid supply apparatus 15 to the cleaning liquid flow path 12, and the valve 14b of the flow path switching device 14 (FIGS. 3, 5, etc.) The air flow mode in which the flow path 12b on the side of the cleaning liquid supply device 15 is closed and the flow path 12a on the side of the air blower 16 is opened to blow air from the air blower 16 into the cleaning liquid flow path 12, and the flow path switching device 14 Both the valves 14a and 14b are closed and the inlet side closed mode in which both the flow path 12a on the blower 16 side and the flow path 12b on the cleaning liquid supply apparatus 15 side are closed is switched according to the cleaning operation control program. It has become.
 洗浄液流路12の出口側には、流路切換え装置18を介して廃液回収装置19とポンプ20が並設され、流路切換え装置18の弁18aにより廃液回収装置19側の流路12cを閉鎖してポンプ20側の流路12dを開放して洗浄液流路12内に残留する洗浄液をポンプ20で吸引する洗浄液吸引モードと、流路切換え装置18の弁18bによりポンプ20側の流路12dを閉鎖して廃液回収装置19側の流路12cを開放して洗浄液流路12内の洗浄液(廃液)を回収する廃液回収モードと、流路切換え装置18の弁18a,18bの両方を閉鎖して廃液回収装置19側の流路12cとポンプ20側の流路12dの両方を閉鎖する出口側閉鎖モードとを洗浄動作制御プログラムに従って切り換えるようになっている。 A waste liquid recovery device 19 and a pump 20 are arranged in parallel on the outlet side of the cleaning liquid flow path 12 via a flow path switching device 18, and the flow path 12 c on the waste liquid recovery device 19 side is closed by a valve 18 a of the flow path switching device 18. Then, the flow path 12d on the pump 20 side is opened and the cleaning liquid suction mode in which the cleaning liquid remaining in the cleaning liquid flow path 12 is sucked by the pump 20 and the valve 18b of the flow path switching device 18 is used to connect the flow path 12d on the pump 20 side. Both the waste liquid recovery mode for closing and opening the flow path 12c on the waste liquid recovery apparatus 19 side to recover the cleaning liquid (waste liquid) in the cleaning liquid flow path 12 and the valves 18a and 18b of the flow path switching apparatus 18 are closed. The outlet side closing mode for closing both the flow path 12c on the waste liquid recovery device 19 side and the flow path 12d on the pump 20 side is switched according to the cleaning operation control program.
 また、洗浄ステージ11の上面には、洗浄液流路12の洗浄口13から洗浄液が該洗浄ステージ11の上面に溢れ出すことを防止するための撥液処理膜21が形成されている。この撥液処理膜21は、必ずしも洗浄ステージ11の上面全体に形成する必要はなく、少なくとも、洗浄口13の周囲を取り囲むように形成すれば良く、要は、洗浄液流路12の洗浄口13から洗浄液が溢れ出すことを防止できるように撥液処理膜21の面積や幅を設定すれば良い。洗浄液流路12に供給した洗浄液の量が満杯になると、撥液処理膜21の撥液性によって洗浄口13内の洗浄液面が表面張力で洗浄ステージ11の上面(撥液処理膜21)より盛り上がって洗浄液溜まりが形成された状態となる。 Further, on the upper surface of the cleaning stage 11, a liquid repellent treatment film 21 is formed to prevent the cleaning liquid from overflowing from the cleaning port 13 of the cleaning liquid channel 12 to the upper surface of the cleaning stage 11. The liquid repellent film 21 is not necessarily formed on the entire upper surface of the cleaning stage 11, and may be formed so as to surround at least the periphery of the cleaning port 13. The area and width of the liquid repellent film 21 may be set so that the cleaning liquid can be prevented from overflowing. When the amount of the cleaning liquid supplied to the cleaning liquid channel 12 becomes full, the cleaning liquid surface in the cleaning port 13 rises from the upper surface of the cleaning stage 11 (the liquid repelling treatment film 21) due to the liquid repellency of the liquid repellent treatment film 21 due to surface tension. Thus, a cleaning liquid pool is formed.
 尚、洗浄液流路12の内面に、洗浄液を流れやすくするための親液処理を施すようにしても良い。このようにすれば、洗浄液流路12への洗浄液の供給と排出をスムーズに行うことができる。 In addition, a lyophilic treatment for facilitating the flow of the cleaning liquid may be performed on the inner surface of the cleaning liquid flow path 12. In this way, the supply and discharge of the cleaning liquid to and from the cleaning liquid channel 12 can be performed smoothly.
 また、洗浄ステージ11には、洗浄液流路12に供給した洗浄液に超音波振動を付与する超音波発振器23が設けられている。更に、吐出ノズル32(図5参照)の先端部を下方又は側方から撮像するカメラ25が設けられている。 Further, the cleaning stage 11 is provided with an ultrasonic oscillator 23 that applies ultrasonic vibration to the cleaning liquid supplied to the cleaning liquid flow path 12. Further, a camera 25 is provided for imaging the tip of the discharge nozzle 32 (see FIG. 5) from below or from the side.
 以上説明した構成の吐出ノズル洗浄装置の洗浄動作は、洗浄制御装置26(洗浄制御手段)によって洗浄動作制御プログラムに従って制御される。この洗浄制御装置26は、画像処理装置としても機能し、カメラ25で吐出ノズル32の先端部を撮像して、その撮像画像を処理して吐出ノズル32の汚れ付着状況を画像認識する。例えば、吐出ノズル32の洗浄前に吐出ノズル32の汚れ付着状況を画像認識すれば、汚れ無しと画像認識した吐出ノズル32については、洗浄を行わないようにすることが可能となり、無駄な洗浄を行わずに済む。一方、吐出ノズル32の洗浄後に吐出ノズル32の汚れ付着状況を画像認識するようにすれば、汚れ有りと画像認識した吐出ノズル32については、再度、洗浄し直すことが可能となり、吐出ノズル32の汚れをより確実に洗い落とすことができる。或は、吐出ノズル32の汚れ付着度合を画像認識して、その汚れ付着度合に応じて洗浄時間を変更したり、超音波洗浄の振動強度を変更するようにしても良い。 The cleaning operation of the discharge nozzle cleaning device having the configuration described above is controlled by the cleaning control device 26 (cleaning control means) according to the cleaning operation control program. The cleaning control device 26 also functions as an image processing device. The camera 25 images the tip of the discharge nozzle 32, processes the captured image, and recognizes the dirt adhesion state of the discharge nozzle 32 as an image. For example, if an image of the state of dirt adhering to the discharge nozzle 32 is recognized before the discharge nozzle 32 is cleaned, the discharge nozzle 32 that has been recognized as having no dirt can be prevented from being cleaned, and unnecessary cleaning is performed. No need to do it. On the other hand, if the image of the state of dirt adhering to the discharge nozzle 32 is recognized after the discharge nozzle 32 is cleaned, the discharge nozzle 32 that has been recognized as having dirt can be cleaned again. Dirt can be washed off more reliably. Alternatively, the degree of dirt adhesion of the discharge nozzle 32 may be recognized as an image, and the cleaning time may be changed or the vibration intensity of ultrasonic cleaning may be changed according to the degree of dirt adhesion.
 次に、洗浄制御装置26によって制御される吐出ノズル洗浄装置の洗浄動作を、図3乃至図9を用いて説明する。 Next, the cleaning operation of the discharge nozzle cleaning device controlled by the cleaning control device 26 will be described with reference to FIGS.
 洗浄開始前は、図3に示すように、洗浄液流路12の入口側の流路切換え装置14の弁14a,14bと出口側の流路切換え装置18の弁18a,18bを全て閉鎖した状態(入口側閉鎖モード、出口側閉鎖モード)に維持される。 Before the start of cleaning, as shown in FIG. 3, the valves 14a and 14b of the flow path switching device 14 on the inlet side of the cleaning liquid flow path 12 and the valves 18a and 18b of the flow path switching device 18 on the outlet side are all closed ( (Inlet side closed mode, outlet side closed mode).
 この後、図4に示すように、入口側の流路切換え装置14の弁14bのみを開放して該洗浄液供給装置15から洗浄液を洗浄液流路12に供給する洗浄液供給モードに切り換え、洗浄液流路12に洗浄液を供給し、洗浄液流路12内の洗浄液の量が満杯になった時点で、洗浄液の供給を終了する。これにより、洗浄ステージ11の上面の撥液処理膜21の撥液性によって洗浄口13内の洗浄液面が表面張力で洗浄ステージ11の上面(撥液処理膜21)より盛り上がって、洗浄口13に洗浄液溜まりが形成された状態となる。尚、洗浄液は、吐出ノズル32から吐出するインクの溶剤(例えば、水、有機溶剤等)と同種の液を使用すれば良い。 Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 4, only the valve 14b of the inlet-side flow path switching device 14 is opened to switch to the cleaning liquid supply mode in which the cleaning liquid is supplied from the cleaning liquid supply device 15 to the cleaning liquid flow path 12. When the cleaning liquid is supplied to 12 and the amount of the cleaning liquid in the cleaning liquid channel 12 becomes full, the supply of the cleaning liquid is terminated. As a result, due to the liquid repellency of the liquid-repellent treatment film 21 on the upper surface of the cleaning stage 11, the cleaning liquid surface in the cleaning port 13 rises from the upper surface (liquid-repellent treatment film 21) of the cleaning stage 11 due to surface tension. A cleaning liquid pool is formed. The cleaning liquid may be a liquid of the same type as the ink solvent (for example, water, organic solvent, etc.) discharged from the discharge nozzle 32.
 洗浄液の供給を終了した後、図5に示すように、入口側の流路切換え装置14の弁14bを閉鎖して洗浄液流路12の入口側と出口側の両方を閉鎖した状態にした上で、液滴吐出装置(例えばインクジェット印刷装置、ディスペンサ等)のヘッド31を洗浄ステージ11の洗浄口13の真上へ移動させて下降させ、該ヘッド31の吐出ノズル32の先端部を洗浄口13内の洗浄液に浸して、吐出ノズル32の先端部に付着した汚れを洗浄液に溶解させる。 After the supply of the cleaning liquid is finished, as shown in FIG. 5, the valve 14b of the inlet side channel switching device 14 is closed to close both the inlet side and the outlet side of the cleaning liquid channel 12. Then, the head 31 of the droplet discharge device (for example, an ink jet printing device, a dispenser, etc.) is moved down directly above the cleaning port 13 of the cleaning stage 11, and the tip of the discharge nozzle 32 of the head 31 is moved into the cleaning port 13. Then, the dirt adhering to the tip of the discharge nozzle 32 is dissolved in the cleaning liquid.
 この際、図6に示すように、超音波発振器23を動作させて洗浄液流路12内の洗浄液に超音波振動を付与して、吐出ノズル32の先端部を超音波洗浄する。 At this time, as shown in FIG. 6, the ultrasonic oscillator 23 is operated to apply ultrasonic vibration to the cleaning liquid in the cleaning liquid flow path 12, and the tip of the discharge nozzle 32 is ultrasonically cleaned.
 超音波洗浄の終了後に、図7に示すように、入口側の流路切換え装置14の弁14aを開放すると共に、出口側の流路切換え装置18の弁18aを開放した後、送風装置16を所定時間運転して送風装置16から洗浄液流路12内へ送風して、洗浄液流路12から洗浄液(廃液)を排出して廃液回収装置19内に回収する。 After the ultrasonic cleaning is finished, as shown in FIG. 7, the valve 14a of the inlet-side channel switching device 14 is opened and the valve 18a of the outlet-side channel switching device 18 is opened. The system is operated for a predetermined time and blown from the blower 16 into the cleaning liquid flow path 12 to discharge the cleaning liquid (waste liquid) from the cleaning liquid flow path 12 and collect it in the waste liquid recovery apparatus 19.
 送風装置16の運転終了後に、図8に示すように、入口側の流路切換え装置14の弁14aを閉鎖すると共に、出口側の流路切換え装置18の弁18aを閉鎖し、弁18bを開放してポンプ20を所定時間運転する。これにより、洗浄液流路12に残留した洗浄液や汚れを吸引すると共に、吐出ノズル32に付着した洗浄液や汚れを吸引する。 After the operation of the blower 16 is finished, as shown in FIG. 8, the valve 14a of the inlet-side flow switching device 14 is closed, the valve 18a of the outlet-side flow switching device 18 is closed, and the valve 18b is opened. Then, the pump 20 is operated for a predetermined time. As a result, the cleaning liquid and dirt remaining in the cleaning liquid flow path 12 are sucked, and the cleaning liquid and dirt attached to the discharge nozzle 32 are sucked.
 ポンプ20の運転終了後に、図9に示すように、出口側の流路切換え装置18の弁18bを閉鎖して、洗浄液流路12の出口側を閉鎖すると共に、入口側の流路切換え装置14の弁14aを開放して送風装置16を所定時間運転して送風装置16から洗浄液流路12内へ送風する。これにより、洗浄液流路12の内面や吐出ノズル32に付着した洗浄液の滴を吹き飛ばす。 After the operation of the pump 20 is finished, as shown in FIG. 9, the valve 18b of the outlet-side channel switching device 18 is closed to close the outlet side of the cleaning liquid channel 12, and the inlet-side channel switching device 14 is closed. The valve 14a is opened and the air blower 16 is operated for a predetermined time to blow air from the air blower 16 into the cleaning liquid passage 12. Thereby, the droplets of the cleaning liquid adhering to the inner surface of the cleaning liquid flow path 12 and the discharge nozzle 32 are blown off.
 液滴吐出装置のヘッド31に複数本の吐出ノズル32が列設されている場合は、洗浄時に複数の吐出ノズル32の配列を洗浄液流路12と直角に交差させて、複数本の吐出ノズル32を、1本ずつ(又は洗浄口13内に同時に入る本数ずつ)、上述した図3から図9までの工程を繰り返して洗浄するようにしても良い。 When a plurality of discharge nozzles 32 are arranged in a row on the head 31 of the droplet discharge device, the plurality of discharge nozzles 32 are arranged so that the array of the plurality of discharge nozzles 32 intersects the cleaning liquid flow path 12 at a right angle during cleaning. Alternatively, the cleaning may be performed by repeating the steps from FIG. 3 to FIG. 9 described above one by one (or by the number simultaneously entering the cleaning port 13).
 尚、図3から図9までの工程の順序は一例であり、必ずしも、この順序で行う必要はなく、工程の順序を入れ替えたり、一部の工程を省略したり、別の工程を追加しても良いことは言うまでもない。 Note that the order of the steps from FIG. 3 to FIG. 9 is an example, and it is not always necessary to perform the steps in this order. The order of the steps may be changed, some steps may be omitted, or another step may be added. It goes without saying that it is also good.
 以上説明した本実施例1では、洗浄液流路12に洗浄液を供給する構成であるため、洗浄液流路12内の洗浄液の入れ替えがスムーズに行われ、吐出ノズル32から洗い落とされた汚れが洗浄液流路12内に滞留せずに、洗浄液の流れに乗ってスムーズに排出される。これにより、吐出ノズル32をきれいな洗浄液で洗浄できるため、吐出ノズル32の洗浄能力を高めることができる。しかも、洗浄ステージ11の上面に撥液処理が施されているため、洗浄液流路12に供給した洗浄液が該洗浄液流路12から洗浄ステージ11の上面へ溢れ出ることを防止できると共に、洗浄液の表面張力により洗浄液面を洗浄ステージ11の上面(撥液処理膜21)より盛り上がらせることが可能となり、吐出ノズル32の先端部を洗浄液に浸しやすくなり、比較的少ない洗浄液で吐出ノズル32を洗浄できる利点がある。しかも、吐出ノズル32を非接触で洗浄できるため、吐出ノズル32を損傷させることなく洗浄できる。 In the first embodiment described above, since the cleaning liquid is supplied to the cleaning liquid flow path 12, the cleaning liquid in the cleaning liquid flow path 12 is smoothly replaced, and the dirt washed out from the discharge nozzle 32 is removed from the cleaning liquid flow. Rather than staying in the passage 12, it is discharged smoothly along the flow of the cleaning liquid. Thereby, since the discharge nozzle 32 can be cleaned with a clean cleaning liquid, the cleaning ability of the discharge nozzle 32 can be enhanced. Moreover, since the upper surface of the cleaning stage 11 is subjected to a liquid repellent treatment, the cleaning liquid supplied to the cleaning liquid channel 12 can be prevented from overflowing from the cleaning liquid channel 12 to the upper surface of the cleaning stage 11 and the surface of the cleaning liquid The cleaning liquid surface can be raised from the upper surface of the cleaning stage 11 (the liquid repellent film 21) by tension, and the tip of the discharge nozzle 32 can be easily immersed in the cleaning liquid, and the discharge nozzle 32 can be cleaned with a relatively small amount of cleaning liquid. There is. Moreover, since the discharge nozzle 32 can be cleaned without contact, the discharge nozzle 32 can be cleaned without being damaged.
 また、液滴吐出装置のヘッド31と比べて洗浄ステージ11の洗浄口13を小さめに形成(例えば吐出ノズル32の洗浄に必要最小限の大きさに形成)すれば、ヘッド31の下面の接着層等に洗浄液が付着することを回避又は最小限にとどめることができ、ヘッド31にダメージの少ない洗浄が可能となる。 Further, if the cleaning port 13 of the cleaning stage 11 is formed to be smaller than the head 31 of the droplet discharge device (for example, formed to a minimum size necessary for cleaning the discharge nozzle 32), an adhesive layer on the lower surface of the head 31 is formed. It is possible to avoid or minimize the adhesion of the cleaning liquid to the head 31, and the head 31 can be cleaned with little damage.
 次に、図10及び図11を用いて本発明の実施例2を説明する。但し、上記実施例1と実質的に同じ部分は同一符号を付して説明を省略又は簡略化し、主として異なる部分を説明する。 Next, Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. However, parts that are substantially the same as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, description thereof is omitted or simplified, and different parts are mainly described.
 本実施例2では、洗浄ステージ41を液滴吐出装置のヘッドの幅以上の長さ(ヘッドの複数の吐出ノズルの配列の長さ以上)に形成して、洗浄時に複数の吐出ノズルの配列を、洗浄ステージ41に形成した洗浄液流路42と平行にして複数の吐出ノズルを一括して洗浄するようにしている。 In the second embodiment, the cleaning stage 41 is formed to have a length longer than the width of the head of the droplet discharge device (more than the length of the array of the plurality of discharge nozzles of the head), and the array of the plurality of discharge nozzles during cleaning The plurality of discharge nozzles are collectively cleaned in parallel with the cleaning liquid flow path 42 formed on the cleaning stage 41.
 この場合、洗浄ステージ41の上面に溝を形成して洗浄液流路42を設けても良いし、洗浄ステージ41の上面のうちの洗浄液流路42の部分に溝を形成せずに親液処理を施して、親液処理膜のみで洗浄液流路42を形成しても良い。勿論、洗浄液流路42は、溝を形成して、その内面に親液処理を施しても良いことは言うまでもない。洗浄ステージ41の上面には、洗浄液流路42から洗浄液が該洗浄ステージ41の上面に溢れ出すことを防止するための撥液処理膜43が形成されている。この撥液処理膜43は、必ずしも洗浄ステージ41の上面全体に形成する必要はなく、少なくとも、洗浄液流路42の両側を挟むように形成すれば良く、要は、洗浄液流路42から洗浄液が溢れ出すことを防止できるように撥液処理膜43の面積や幅を決めれば良い。 In this case, the cleaning liquid channel 42 may be provided by forming a groove on the upper surface of the cleaning stage 41, or the lyophilic treatment may be performed without forming a groove in the cleaning liquid channel 42 portion of the upper surface of the cleaning stage 41. The cleaning liquid flow path 42 may be formed only with the lyophilic treatment film. Of course, it is needless to say that the cleaning liquid channel 42 may be formed with a groove and subjected to lyophilic treatment on the inner surface thereof. A liquid repellent treatment film 43 for preventing the cleaning liquid from overflowing from the cleaning liquid channel 42 to the upper surface of the cleaning stage 41 is formed on the upper surface of the cleaning stage 41. The liquid repellent film 43 does not necessarily have to be formed on the entire upper surface of the cleaning stage 41, and may be formed so as to sandwich at least both sides of the cleaning liquid flow path 42. In short, the cleaning liquid overflows from the cleaning liquid flow path 42. What is necessary is just to determine the area and width | variety of the liquid-repellent process film 43 so that it can prevent taking out.
 また、洗浄液流路42の入口側に洗浄液供給装置15が配置され、洗浄液流路42の出口側に廃液回収装置19が配置されている。その他の箇所は、前記実施例1と同様に構成しても良い。 Also, the cleaning liquid supply device 15 is disposed on the inlet side of the cleaning liquid flow path 42, and the waste liquid recovery device 19 is disposed on the outlet side of the cleaning liquid flow path 42. Other portions may be configured in the same manner as in the first embodiment.
 以上説明した本実施例2では、洗浄時に複数の吐出ノズルの配列を、洗浄ステージ41の洗浄液流路42と平行にして複数の吐出ノズルを一括して洗浄するようにしているため、複数の吐出ノズルの洗浄を能率良く行うことができる。 In the second embodiment described above, since the plurality of discharge nozzles are collectively cleaned in parallel with the cleaning liquid flow path 42 of the cleaning stage 41 during the cleaning, the plurality of discharge nozzles are collectively cleaned. The nozzle can be efficiently cleaned.
 尚、本発明は、上記実施例1,2に限定されず、例えば、超音波発振器23、ポンプ20、カメラ25、送風装置16のうちのいずれか1つ又は2つ以上を省略しても良い等、要旨を逸脱しない範囲内で種々変更して実施できることは言うまでもない。 In addition, this invention is not limited to the said Example 1, 2, For example, you may abbreviate | omit any one or two or more among the ultrasonic oscillator 23, the pump 20, the camera 25, and the air blower 16. Needless to say, various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention.
 11…洗浄ステージ、12…洗浄液流路、13…洗浄口、14…流路切換え装置、15…洗浄液供給装置、16…送風装置、18…流路切換え装置、19…廃液回収装置、20…ポンプ、21…撥液処理膜、23…超音波発振器、25…カメラ、26…洗浄制御装置(洗浄制御手段)、31…ヘッド、32…吐出ノズル、41…洗浄ステージ、42…洗浄液流路、43…撥液処理膜 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 ... Cleaning stage, 12 ... Cleaning liquid flow path, 13 ... Cleaning port, 14 ... Flow path switching apparatus, 15 ... Cleaning liquid supply apparatus, 16 ... Blower apparatus, 18 ... Flow path switching apparatus, 19 ... Waste liquid collection apparatus, 20 ... Pump , 21 ... Liquid repellent treatment film, 23 ... Ultrasonic oscillator, 25 ... Camera, 26 ... Cleaning control device (cleaning control means), 31 ... Head, 32 ... Discharge nozzle, 41 ... Cleaning stage, 42 ... Cleaning liquid flow path, 43 ... Liquid repellent film

Claims (10)

  1.  液滴吐出装置の吐出ノズルを洗浄液で洗浄する液滴吐出装置の吐出ノズル洗浄装置において、
     洗浄ステージに形成された洗浄液流路と、
     前記洗浄液流路に洗浄液を供給する洗浄液供給装置と、
     前記洗浄液流路に供給した洗浄液に前記吐出ノズルを浸して洗浄する動作を制御する洗浄制御手段とを備え、
     前記洗浄ステージの上面に前記洗浄液流路から洗浄液が該上面に溢れ出すことを防止するための撥液処理が施されていることを特徴とする液滴吐出装置の吐出ノズル洗浄装置。
    In the discharge nozzle cleaning device of the droplet discharge device for cleaning the discharge nozzle of the droplet discharge device with the cleaning liquid,
    A cleaning liquid channel formed in the cleaning stage;
    A cleaning liquid supply device for supplying a cleaning liquid to the cleaning liquid channel;
    Cleaning control means for controlling an operation of immersing and cleaning the discharge nozzle in the cleaning liquid supplied to the cleaning liquid flow path;
    A discharge nozzle cleaning device for a droplet discharge device, wherein a liquid repellent treatment is performed on the upper surface of the cleaning stage to prevent the cleaning liquid from overflowing from the cleaning liquid flow path to the upper surface.
  2.  前記洗浄ステージには、前記洗浄液流路に供給した洗浄液に超音波振動を付与する超音波発振器が設けられていることを特徴とする請求項1に記載の液滴吐出装置の吐出ノズル洗浄装置。 2. The discharge nozzle cleaning device of the droplet discharge device according to claim 1, wherein the cleaning stage is provided with an ultrasonic oscillator that applies ultrasonic vibration to the cleaning liquid supplied to the cleaning liquid flow path.
  3.  前記吐出ノズルの先端部を撮像するカメラと、前記カメラの撮像画像を処理して前記吐出ノズルの汚れ付着状況を画像認識する画像処理装置とを備えていることを特徴とする請求項1又は2に記載の液滴吐出装置の吐出ノズル洗浄装置。 3. A camera for imaging the tip of the discharge nozzle, and an image processing apparatus for processing a captured image of the camera and recognizing a dirt adhesion state of the discharge nozzle. A discharge nozzle cleaning device for a droplet discharge device according to claim 1.
  4.  前記洗浄液流路に送風する送風装置を備え、
     前記洗浄制御手段は、前記吐出ノズルの洗浄後に前記送風装置を運転して前記洗浄液流路に送風して該洗浄液流路から洗浄液を排出することを特徴とする請求項1乃至3のいずれかに記載の液滴吐出装置の吐出ノズル洗浄装置。
    A blower for blowing air to the cleaning liquid flow path;
    The said cleaning control means operates the said air blower after washing | cleaning of the said discharge nozzle, ventilates to the said washing | cleaning liquid flow path, and discharges a washing | cleaning liquid from this washing | cleaning liquid flow path. A discharge nozzle cleaning device of the described droplet discharge device.
  5.  前記洗浄液流路から洗浄液を吸引するポンプを備え、
     前記洗浄制御手段は、前記洗浄液流路から洗浄液を排出した後、前記ポンプを運転して前記洗浄液流路に残留した洗浄液を吸引することを特徴とする請求項1乃至4のいずれかに記載の液滴吐出装置の吐出ノズル洗浄装置。
    A pump for sucking the cleaning liquid from the cleaning liquid channel;
    5. The cleaning control unit according to claim 1, wherein after the cleaning liquid is discharged from the cleaning liquid channel, the pump is operated to suck the cleaning liquid remaining in the cleaning liquid channel. Discharge nozzle cleaning device for droplet discharge device.
  6.  前記洗浄液流路に送風する送風装置と、
     前記洗浄液流路から洗浄液を吸引するポンプとを備え、
     前記洗浄制御手段は、前記吐出ノズルの洗浄後に前記送風装置を運転して前記洗浄液流路に送風して該洗浄液流路から洗浄液を排出した後、前記ポンプを運転して前記洗浄液流路に残留した洗浄液を吸引することを特徴とする請求項1乃至3のいずれかに記載の液滴吐出装置の吐出ノズル洗浄装置。
    A blower for blowing air to the cleaning liquid flow path;
    A pump for sucking the cleaning liquid from the cleaning liquid flow path,
    The cleaning control means operates the blower after cleaning the discharge nozzle, blows air to the cleaning liquid flow path and discharges the cleaning liquid from the cleaning liquid flow path, and then operates the pump to remain in the cleaning liquid flow path. 4. A discharge nozzle cleaning apparatus for a droplet discharge apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the cleaning liquid is sucked.
  7.  前記洗浄制御手段は、前記ポンプを運転して前記洗浄液流路に残留した洗浄液を吸引した後、前記送風装置を運転して前記洗浄液流路に送風して該洗浄液流路の内面や前記吐出ノズルに付着した洗浄液を吹き飛ばすことを特徴とする請求項6に記載の液滴吐出装置の吐出ノズル洗浄装置。 The cleaning control means operates the pump to suck the cleaning liquid remaining in the cleaning liquid flow path, and then operates the blower device to blow air to the cleaning liquid flow path so that the inner surface of the cleaning liquid flow path or the discharge nozzle The discharge nozzle cleaning device for a droplet discharge device according to claim 6, wherein the cleaning liquid adhering to the nozzle is blown off.
  8.  前記洗浄液流路の内面に、洗浄液を流れやすくするための親液処理が施されていることを特徴とする請求項1乃至7のいずれかに記載の液滴吐出装置の吐出ノズル洗浄装置。 The discharge nozzle cleaning device for a droplet discharge device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein a lyophilic treatment for facilitating the flow of the cleaning liquid is performed on the inner surface of the cleaning liquid flow path.
  9.  前記液滴吐出装置のヘッドには複数の吐出ノズルが列設され、
     前記洗浄制御手段は、洗浄時に前記複数の吐出ノズルの配列を前記洗浄液流路と交差させて前記複数の吐出ノズルを個別に洗浄することを特徴とする請求項1乃至8のいずれかに記載の液滴吐出装置の吐出ノズル洗浄装置。
    A plurality of discharge nozzles are arranged in the head of the droplet discharge device,
    9. The cleaning control unit according to claim 1, wherein at the time of cleaning, the plurality of discharge nozzles are individually cleaned by crossing the array of the plurality of discharge nozzles with the cleaning liquid flow path. Discharge nozzle cleaning device for droplet discharge device.
  10.  前記液滴吐出装置のヘッドには複数の吐出ノズルが列設され、
     前記洗浄制御手段は、洗浄時に前記複数の吐出ノズルの配列を前記洗浄液流路と平行にして前記複数の吐出ノズルを一括して洗浄することを特徴とする請求項1乃至8のいずれかに記載の液滴吐出装置の吐出ノズル洗浄装置。
    A plurality of discharge nozzles are arranged in the head of the droplet discharge device,
    9. The cleaning control device according to claim 1, wherein the cleaning control unit cleans the plurality of discharge nozzles at a time with the array of the plurality of discharge nozzles parallel to the cleaning liquid flow path during cleaning. Nozzle cleaning device for liquid droplet discharge device.
PCT/JP2012/080578 2012-11-27 2012-11-27 Discharge nozzle cleaning device for droplet discharge device WO2014083604A1 (en)

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