Cleaning device of liquid ejecting head and liquid ejecting recording apparatus

Abstract

Even if the side surface of the liquid ejecting head is not exposed and a part of the ejecting plate is not exposed by the protective member, the surface of the ejecting plate and the protective member and the inside of the opening of the protective member can be cleaned without damaging the ejecting plate. A cleaning device (100) for an inkjet head (200) is provided with a holder (10), and the holder (10) is provided with: an ejection unit (20) that ejects a cleaning liquid toward at least one of a nozzle plate (201) and a nozzle guard (210); a contact section (30) that comes into contact with the surface of the nozzle guard (210) in which the opening (213) is formed; and a protrusion (40) that is inserted into the opening (213) in a non-contact state with respect to the nozzle plate (201) and that guides the holder (10) in the longitudinal direction of the opening (213).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a cleaning device for a liquid ejection head and a liquid ejection recording device. Background Art

[0002] Patent document 1 below discloses a liquid wiping unit for a liquid ejecting head that ejects liquid from a nozzle to form an image or text or a thin film material on a recording medium, and a liquid ejecting device using the liquid wiping unit. The liquid wiping unit has the following components to suck and wipe the liquid remaining in the liquid ejecting portion: a recessed portion provided at the end of a base body, and having a contact surface for contacting the liquid ejecting portion at the upper end of the recessed portion; a suction path housed in the base body and opening at the bottom of the recessed portion; an absorbent for absorbing liquid, housed in the recessed portion, and having an upper surface that protrudes upwards more than the above-mentioned contact surface; and a guide portion provided at the end of the base body, protruding upwards more than the above-mentioned contact surface, and guiding the absorbent when it slides on the liquid ejecting portion. [Previous Technical Literature] [Patent Literature]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2012-143947 Summary of the invention [Problems to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The above-mentioned liquid ejection head sometimes causes a drop in ejection accuracy due to deformation or damage of the ejection plate caused by contact with the substrate or the like as the printed object. Therefore, there is also a liquid ejection head having a protective component for protecting the ejection plate. While such a liquid ejection head having a protective component prevents contact with the substrate or the like, on the other hand, it also becomes a reason for reducing the cleaning efficiency of a wiping portion such as a scraper used for cleaning. Therefore, a cleaning device suitable for the liquid ejection head is required.

[0005] For example, when the liquid wiping unit of the prior art is used, and when the liquid ejecting head is assembled in a liquid ejecting recording device or the like and a part of the side or lower surface of the protective member is not exposed, the guide portion is shaped as if sandwiching the side of the protective member, so that the entire abutting surface and the absorber do not abut against the liquid ejecting head, and proper cleaning cannot be performed. In addition, when the liquid used in the liquid ejecting head dries quickly, the ink attached to the liquid ejecting portion may adhere, and the adhered ink may not be removed simply by suction using the absorber to approach.

[0006] The present disclosure is made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to be able to simply align the liquid injection head with respect to the liquid injection head even when the side of the liquid injection head is not exposed and a part of the injection plate is not exposed due to the protective component, and to clean the surface of the injection plate and the protective component and the opening of the protective component without damaging the injection plate.

Solutions to Solve the Problem

[0007] (1): A cleaning device for a liquid jet head according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a holder for cleaning by relative movement with respect to the liquid jet head, wherein the liquid jet head comprises: an injection plate having a plurality of injection holes for injecting liquid; and a protective member covering the injection plate and having an elongated hole-shaped opening for exposing the plurality of injection holes, wherein the holder comprises: an injection portion for injecting a cleaning liquid toward at least one of the injection plate and the protective member; an abutment portion abutting against a surface of the protective member having the opening; and a convex portion inserted into the opening in a non-contact state with respect to the injection plate and guiding the holder along the long side direction of the opening.

[0008] According to the cleaning device of the liquid jet head involved in this scheme, the abutting portion abuts against the surface of the protective component, thereby completing the alignment in the first direction (injection direction, gravity direction). In addition, the convex portion is inserted into the opening of the protective component, thereby completing the alignment in the second direction (short side direction of the opening) intersecting the first direction. Thus, even in the case where the injection plate of the liquid jet head cannot be visually observed and manual operation is used, the retainer can be easily aligned. In addition, the aligned holder is moved in a third direction (longitudinal direction of the opening) intersecting the first direction and the second direction, and the cleaning liquid is sprayed, so that the surfaces of the injection plate and the protection member and the opening of the protection member can be cleaned. In addition, the protrusion is inserted into the opening in a non-contact state with respect to the injection plate, so that the injection plate is not damaged.

[0009] (2): In the cleaning device for a liquid ejecting head according to the aspect (1), the holder may include a recessed portion for receiving the cleaning liquid ejected by the ejecting portion.

[0010] In this case, it is possible to suppress the cleaning liquid from dripping from the holder.

[0011] (3): In the liquid ejecting head cleaning device according to the aspect (2), the holder may include a suction portion disposed in the recessed portion.

[0012] In this case, it is possible to suppress overflow of the cleaning liquid from the recessed portion.

[0013] (4): In the cleaning device for a liquid jet head of the scheme (3), the retainer may include a wall portion, which is erected from the bottom wall of the recess at a height below the upper end of the recess and forms a space portion surrounding the suction portion.

[0014] In this case, negative pressure is easily formed around the suction part, and the suction efficiency of the cleaning liquid can be improved.

[0015] (5): In the cleaning device for a liquid ejecting head according to the aspect (3) or (4), the suction portion may be provided on both sides sandwiching the ejecting portion in the longitudinal direction of the opening.

[0016] In this case, it is possible to suppress the cleaning liquid from dripping from both sides of the protection member in the longitudinal direction of the opening.

[0017] (6): In the cleaning device for a liquid ejecting head according to any one of aspects (2) to (5), the contact portion may be provided in a convex shape along an opening peripheral edge portion of the concave portion.

[0018] In this case, even if the side of the liquid ejecting head is not exposed and a part of the protective member is buried upward in a concave shape, the convex abutting portion can abut against the surface of the protective member, thereby making it easy to align the retainer and clean the liquid ejecting head. In addition, the upper end position of the concave portion becomes higher due to the abutting portion, thereby preventing the cleaning liquid from overflowing from the concave portion.

[0019] (7): In the cleaning device for a liquid jet head according to any one of aspects (2) to (5), a plurality of the convex portions may be provided at intervals along the longitudinal direction of the opening.

[0020] In this case, the plurality of protrusions abut against the side walls in the short-side direction of the inserted opening, thereby restricting the rotation of the holder around the axis extending in the first direction (the ejection direction, the gravity direction).

[0021] (8): In the cleaning device for a liquid ejecting head according to any one of aspects (1) to (6), the ejecting portion may be provided between the convex portions adjacent to each other in the longitudinal direction of the opening.

[0022] In this case, the spraying portion can be arranged by utilizing the space in the valley portion between the plurality of convex portions, and the cleaning liquid can be easily sprayed to the intended portion by limiting the rotation of the holder.

[0023] (9): In the cleaning device of the liquid injection head of any one of the schemes (1) to (8), the injection portion may have a plurality of cleaning liquid injection holes, and at least one of the plurality of cleaning liquid injection holes is opposite to the injection area formed by the plurality of injection holes in a first state in which the protrusion abuts against the side surface on one side of the short side direction of the opening portion, a second state in which the protrusion abuts against the side surface on the other side of the short side direction of the opening portion, and a third state in which the protrusion does not abut against the side surfaces on both sides of the short side direction of the opening portion.

[0024] In this case, even if there is a gap in the short-side direction between the convex portion and the opening portion, the injection portion (cleaning liquid injection hole) can always be opposed to the injection region.

[0025] (10): In the cleaning device of the liquid injection head of any one of the schemes (1) to (9), the injection portion may also have a plurality of cleaning liquid injection holes, and at least one of the plurality of cleaning liquid injection holes, in the fourth state where the protrusion abuts against the side surface on one side of the long side direction of the opening portion, is located at a first opposing position opposite to a spray hole located at an end portion of the plurality of spray holes located at one side of the long side direction of the opening portion, or is located closer to the side of the long side direction of the opening portion than the first opposing position, and, in the fifth state where the protrusion abuts against the side surface on the other side of the long side direction of the opening portion, is located at a second opposing position opposite to a spray hole located at an end portion of the plurality of spray holes located at the other side of the long side direction of the opening portion, or is located closer to the other side of the long side direction of the opening portion than the second opposing position.

[0026] In this case, all the injection holes can be cleaned by moving the holder toward the other side surface in the longitudinal direction of the opening from a state where the protrusion is positioned on one side surface in the longitudinal direction of the opening.

[0027] (11): In the cleaning device for a liquid ejection head of any one of the schemes (1) to (10), the convex portion may include: a recessed portion formed on an upper end surface of the convex portion; and a convex portion cleaning liquid injection hole formed in the recessed portion.

[0028] In this case, the cleaning liquid accumulates in the recessed portion formed on the upper end surface of the convex portion to form a puddle, and the portion bulged by the surface tension of the cleaning liquid is pressed against the injection plate, so that the injection plate can be cleaned gently.

[0029] (12): In the cleaning device for a liquid injection head of any one of the schemes (1) to (11), a plurality of the openings may be formed at intervals in the short side direction of the opening, and a pair of the protrusions may be provided at intervals between two openings formed at a special interval so as to be insertable into the plurality of openings.

[0030] In this case, even when the protective component is formed with a plurality of openings, the alignment form of the retainer with respect to the liquid ejecting head is determined to be one, which can prevent the retainer from being engaged with the liquid ejecting head in an unexpected form. Thus, when the liquid ejecting head is engaged with the retainer, if the retainer is made symmetrically along the long side direction of the opening of the protective component, and the opening surface of the protective component is symmetrical along the short side direction of the protective component (the direction in which the nozzle rows are arranged side by side), all the openings of the protective component can be cleaned through the engagement and abutment of the retainer.

[0031] (13): In the cleaning device for a liquid jet head according to the scheme (12), a pair of the protrusions may be provided at intervals between two openings located at both ends in the short side direction of the openings and capable of being inserted into the plurality of openings.

[0032] In this case, the alignment form of the retainer with respect to the liquid ejecting head is simply determined to be one, which can prevent the retainer from being engaged with the liquid ejecting head in an unexpected form. Therefore, when the liquid ejecting head is engaged with the retainer, if the retainer is made symmetrically along the long side direction of the opening of the protective component, and the opening surface of the protective component is symmetrical along the short side direction of the protective component (the direction in which the nozzle rows are arranged side by side), the openings of all the protective components can be cleaned through the engagement and abutment of the retainer.

[0033] (14): A liquid jet recording apparatus according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes the liquid jet head cleaning device according to any one of aspects (1) to (13).

[0034] In this case, even if the side of the liquid injection head is not exposed and a part of the injection plate is not exposed due to the protective component, it is possible to simply align the injection head with respect to the liquid injection head, and the surface of the injection plate and the protective component and the opening of the protective component can be cleaned without damaging the injection plate. [Effects of the invention]

[0035] According to one scheme of the present disclosure, even when the side of the liquid injection head is not exposed and a part of the injection plate is not exposed due to the protective component, it is possible to simply align the injection head with respect to the liquid injection head, and the surface of the injection plate and the protective component and the opening of the protective component can be cleaned without damaging the injection plate. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the structure of an inkjet printer according to one embodiment. Figure 2 The figure is a bottom view schematically showing an inkjet head according to an embodiment. Figure 3 It is a perspective view of a cleaning device according to one embodiment. Figure 4 This is a perspective view of a retainer according to one embodiment. Figure 5 This is a top view of a retainer according to one embodiment. Figure 6 The present invention is a top cross-sectional view of a retainer according to one embodiment. Figure 7 The diagram is a schematic plan view of an opening according to one embodiment. Figure 8 The diagram is a schematic plan view of an end portion in the longitudinal direction of an opening according to one embodiment. Fig. 9 It is a cross-sectional schematic diagram for explaining the operation of the cleaning device when cleaning the inkjet head according to one embodiment. Fig.10 This is a perspective view of a convex portion according to a first modified example of an embodiment. Fig.11 It is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the arrangement relationship between the opening and the convex portion according to the second modification of one embodiment. Fig.12 This is a diagram showing a situation in which convex portions are provided at intervals that are not specific (unique) in a second modification of one embodiment. Fig.13 This is a diagram showing a situation in which convex portions are provided at specific (unique) intervals in a second modification of one embodiment. Fig.14 It is a schematic cross-sectional view of a nozzle guard and a retainer according to a third modified example of one embodiment. Fig.15 This is a diagram showing the structure of an inkjet printer according to a fourth variation of an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, an inkjet head mounted on an inkjet printer (liquid jet recording device) is exemplified as a liquid jet head.

[0038] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the structure of an inkjet printer 1 according to one embodiment. Figure 2 The figure is a bottom view schematically showing an inkjet head 200 according to one embodiment. like Figure 1 As shown, the inkjet printer 1 includes an inkjet head 200 (liquid ejecting head) that ejects ink (liquid).

[0039] like Figure 2 As shown, the inkjet head 200 includes: a nozzle plate 201 (injection plate) having a plurality of nozzle holes 202 (injection holes) for ejecting ink; and a nozzle guard 210 (guard component) covering the nozzle plate 201 and having an opening 213 for exposing the plurality of nozzle holes 202.

[0040] The nozzle plate 201 is, for example, a plate-shaped member bonded to the bottom surface of the inkjet head 200. The nozzle plate 201 is formed of, for example, a single-layer structure or a laminated structure made of a resin material (polyimide, etc.), a metal material (SUS, etc.), glass, etc. The nozzle holes 202 are provided at a predetermined pitch in the nozzle plate 201 to form a nozzle row.

[0041] In addition, in the following description, an XYZ orthogonal coordinate system is set, and sometimes the positional relationship of each component is described simultaneously with reference to this XYZ orthogonal coordinate system. The X-axis direction is the direction in which the above-mentioned nozzle row extends. In addition, the X-axis direction is also the long side direction of the opening 213 of the nozzle guard 210. The Y-axis direction is a direction parallel to the plate surface of the nozzle plate 201 that is orthogonal to the X-axis direction. In addition, the Y-axis direction is also the short side direction of the opening 213 of the nozzle guard 210. The Z-axis direction is a direction perpendicular to the nozzle plate 201.

[0042] For convenience of description, the side of the inkjet head 200 where the nozzle plate 201 is mounted is sometimes referred to as the lower side or -Z side, and the side opposite to the side where the nozzle plate 201 is mounted is sometimes referred to as the upper side or +Z side. The Z-axis direction may not be the gravity direction.

[0043] like Figure 2 As shown, the nozzle holes 202 form two nozzle rows spaced apart in the Y-axis direction. The nozzle plate 201 is joined to an actuator plate (not shown) formed with ejection channels and non-ejection channels, thereby forming a head chip that ejects ink.

[0044] In the head chip, in order to eject the ink, a voltage is applied between the electrodes of the driving wall formed in the ejection channel, so that the thickness of the driving wall is deformed by sliding. As a result, the volume in the ejection channel changes, and the ink in the ejection channel is ejected through the nozzle hole 202. In addition, the liquid ejection method is not limited to the above-mentioned electromechanical conversion method, and it does not matter even if it is a charged control method, a pressurized vibration method, an electrothermal conversion method, an electrostatic adsorption method, etc.

[0045] The charge control method is a method in which a charge is applied to the material using a charge electrode, and the flight direction of the material is controlled using a deflection electrode so that the material is ejected from the nozzle. In addition, the pressure vibration method is a method in which an ultra-high pressure is applied to the material so that the material is ejected toward the front end of the nozzle. When no control voltage is applied, the material moves straight and is ejected from the nozzle. When a control voltage is applied, electrostatic repulsion occurs between the materials, and the material is scattered and does not eject from the nozzle.

[0046] In addition, the electrothermal conversion method is a method in which a heater is installed in the space where the material is stored, so that the material is vaporized rapidly to generate bubbles (bubbles), and the pressure of the bubbles causes the material in the space to be ejected. The electrostatic adsorption method is a method in which a small pressure is applied to the space where the material is stored, a curved liquid surface of the material is formed in the nozzle, and the material is drawn out after applying electrostatic attraction in this state. In addition to this, other technologies such as a method that utilizes the viscosity change of the fluid based on the electric field or a method that splashes by discharge sparks can also be applied.

[0047] The nozzle guard 210 is formed by pressing a plate such as SUS. The nozzle guard 210 is formed in a plate shape that covers the lower surface (main surface) of the nozzle plate 201. The nozzle guard 210 has a guard surface 211 that covers the lower surface of the nozzle plate 201.

[0048] An opening 213 is formed in the portion of the protection surface 211 of the nozzle guard 210 that is opposite to the nozzle hole 202, and passes through the nozzle guard 210 in the Z-axis direction. The opening 213 is formed in a slit shape (a substantially rectangular long hole shape when viewed from below) extending in the X-axis direction along the nozzle array formed by the nozzle hole 202. The nozzle hole 202 is exposed to the outside through the opening 213 of the nozzle guard 210. The nozzle plate 201 is arranged at a position that is recessed toward the +Z side with respect to the protection surface 211 of the nozzle guard 210.

[0049] Next, the structure of the cleaning device 100 suitable for cleaning the inkjet head 200 having the above structure will be described.

[0050] like Figure 1 As shown, the cleaning device 100 includes a holder 10 (main body) that performs cleaning by moving relative to the inkjet head 200. The holder 10 includes: an ejection portion 20 that ejects cleaning liquid; an abutment portion 30 that abuts against the surface (protection surface 211) of the nozzle guard 210; a convex portion 40 that guides the holder 10 along the long side direction of the opening 213; a concave portion 50 that receives the cleaning liquid; and suction portions 60 and 70 that suck the cleaning liquid received at the concave portion 50.

[0051] The holder 10 includes an ejection chamber 21 communicating with the ejection section 20 and suction chambers 61 and 71 communicating with the suction sections 60 and 70. The cleaning device 100 includes a cleaning liquid supply tank 101 connected to the ejection chamber 21 and a cleaning liquid recovery tank 102 connected to the suction chambers 61 and 71.

[0052] The cleaning liquid supply tank 101 is connected to a pressurizing device 103 via a first pipe 105. The pressurizing device 103 generates compressed gas by compressing external air, for example, and supplies the compressed gas to the cleaning liquid supply tank 101 via the first pipe 105. The first pipe 105 may be provided with a regulator.

[0053] The cleaning liquid supply tank 101 stores cleaning liquid. As the cleaning liquid, water or a solvent that dissolves the adhered ink can be exemplified. The cleaning liquid supply tank 101 is connected to a second pipe 106. The second pipe 106 is connected to a connection hole 22 provided at the bottom of the ejection unit chamber 21. That is, if the cleaning liquid supply tank 101 is pressurized by the pressurizing device 103, the cleaning liquid in the cleaning liquid supply tank 101 is supplied to the ejection unit chamber 21 via the second pipe 106.

[0054] The cleaning liquid recovery tank 102 is connected to a decompression device 104 via a third pipe 109. The decompression device 104 discharges the air in the cleaning liquid recovery tank 102 to the outside via the third pipe 109. In addition to the third pipe 109, the cleaning liquid recovery tank 102 is also connected to a fourth pipe 107, a fifth pipe 108, and a sixth pipe 110. The fourth pipe 107 is connected to a connection hole 62 provided at the bottom of the suction unit chamber 61.

[0055] The fifth pipe 108 is connected to the connection hole 72 provided at the bottom of the suction unit chamber 71. That is, if the pressure in the cleaning liquid recovery tank 102 is reduced by the pressure reducing device 104, the suction unit chambers 61 and 71 can be made into a negative pressure state, and the cleaning liquid stored in each chamber can be recovered into the cleaning liquid recovery tank 102 via the fourth pipe 107 and the fifth pipe 108.

[0056] The sixth pipe 110 is connected to the cleaning liquid supply tank 101. The sixth pipe 110 is provided with a tube pump 111. The tube pump 111 returns the cleaning liquid recovered in the cleaning liquid recovery tank 102 to the cleaning liquid supply tank 101. Thus, the cleaning liquid can be reused. In addition, if the recovered cleaning liquid is heavily contaminated, it does not matter if the cleaning liquid is not returned to the cleaning liquid supply tank 101.

[0057] Figure 3 It is a perspective view of a cleaning device 100 according to one embodiment. Figure 4 This is a perspective view of a retainer 10 according to one embodiment. Figure 5 This is a plan view of a retainer 10 according to one embodiment. Figure 6 This is a plan cross-sectional view of a cage 10 according to one embodiment. like Figure 3 As shown, the holder 10 is engaged with the opening 213 of the nozzle plate 201 and is relatively moved in the X-axis direction with respect to the inkjet head 200, thereby performing cleaning.

[0058] like Figure 4 As shown, the retainer 10 is formed in a rectangular box shape. On the upper surface of the retainer 10, there are provided an injection portion 20, an abutment portion 30, a convex portion 40, a concave portion 50, and suction portions 60, 70. In addition, the injection portion 20, the abutment portion 30, the convex portion 40, the concave portion 50, and the suction portions 60, 70 are integrally formed with the retainer 10 and have the same rigidity as the retainer 10. The injection portion 20 has a plurality of cleaning liquid injection holes formed at intervals along the Y-axis direction at the center portion of the retainer 10 in the X-axis direction. Figure 6 As shown, the injection portion 20 (a plurality of cleaning liquid injection holes) is communicated with the injection portion chamber 21 .

[0059] The ejection portion chamber 21 is a non-through hole formed from the side surface facing the +Y side and the side surface facing the -Y side of the holder 10. The opening of the end portion of the ejection portion chamber 21 on the +Y side is closed by a closing member 81 (for example, a screw member). The ejection portion chamber 21 is formed in the center portion of the holder 10 in the X-axis direction and is arranged on the lower side (-Z side) than the suction portion chambers 61 and 71.

[0060] like Figure 5 As shown, the contact portion 30 is formed in a rectangular frame shape (rectangular ring shape) surrounding the injection portion 20 in a plan view. The contact portion 30 protrudes further to the +Z side than the upper surface of the retainer 10, and contacts the surface (protection surface 211) of the nozzle guard 210 formed with the opening 213. The contact portion 30 is provided in a convex shape at a certain height along the opening peripheral edge of the recessed portion 50.

[0061] The projection 40 is formed on the inner side of the abutment portion 30 when viewed from above. In addition, the projection 40 is integrally formed with the retainer 10, has high rigidity, and does not have the softness of a wipe. The projection 40 has a rectangular shape with the Y-axis direction as the long side direction when viewed from above. The projection 40 is inserted into the opening 213 in a non-contact state with respect to the nozzle plate 201, and guides the retainer 10 along the long side direction of the opening 213. That is, the upper end of the projection 40 is located above the upper end of the abutment portion 30 (+Z side), but does not contact the nozzle plate 201 (refer to Figure 1 and the following Fig. 9 ).

[0062] like Figure 5As shown in FIG. 1 , a plurality of (in this embodiment, two) convex portions 40 are provided at intervals along the X-axis direction (the longitudinal direction of the opening 213). In addition, in the holder 10 of this embodiment, two sets of two convex portions 40 having this positional relationship are provided at intervals along the Y-axis direction. That is, four convex portions 40 are provided in the holder 10. The ejection portion 20 is provided between the adjacent convex portions 40 in the X-axis direction.

[0063] like Figure 4 As shown, the recess 50 is formed around the convex portion 40 and inside the abutment portion 30 in a plan view. The recess 50 is recessed further toward the -Z side than the upper surface of the retainer 10. The recess 50 is provided with a base portion 51 and a wall portion 52. The base portion 51 is provided upright from the bottom wall of the recess 50 at a height below the upper end of the recess 50 (abutment portion 30) at the center portion of the recess 50 in the X-axis direction.

[0064] The base portion 51 extends in the Y-axis direction, and the ejection portion 20 and the convex portion 40 are formed on its upper surface. The wall portion 52 is erected from the bottom wall of the concave portion 50 near both ends of the concave portion 50 in the X-axis direction at a height above the upper end of the base portion 51 and below the upper end of the concave portion 50 (contact portion 30). The wall portion 52 extends in the Y-axis direction to form a slit-shaped space portion surrounding the suction portions 60 and 70.

[0065] like Figure 5 As shown in FIG. 1 , the suction portion 60 is formed inside the recess 50 in a plan view. The suction portion 60 is arranged on the +X side relative to the ejection portion 20 in the X-axis direction (the longitudinal direction of the opening 213). The suction portion 60 makes the slit-shaped space portion formed at the end of the recess 50 on the +X side and Figure 6 The suction chamber 61 is shown to be in communication.

[0066] The suction portion chamber 61 is a non-through hole formed from the side surface facing the +Y side and the side surface facing the -Y side of the holder 10. The opening of the end portion on the +Y side of the suction portion chamber 61 is closed by a closing member 81 (for example, a screw member). The suction portion chamber 61 is formed on the +X side of the holder 10 and is arranged on the upper side (+Z side) than the ejection portion chamber 21.

[0067] like Figure 5 As shown, the suction portion 60 includes suction holes 60a and 60b arranged inwardly (on the central side in the X-axis direction) from the wall portion 52 in the recess 50. The suction hole 60a is formed along the wall portion 52. The suction hole 60b is formed along the two side walls of the recess 50 that are opposite to each other in the Y-axis direction.

[0068] like Figure 6As shown, the suction hole 60a is connected to the suction part chamber 61. The suction hole 60b is connected to the suction part chamber 61 via the chamber communication portion 63. The chamber communication portion 63 is a non-through hole portion formed from the side facing the +X side and the side facing the -X side of the holder 10. The opening portion of the end portion of the +X side of the chamber communication portion 63 is closed by a closing member 82 (for example, a screw member).

[0069] like Figure 5 As shown in FIG. 1 , the suction portion 70 is formed inside the recess 50 in a plan view. The suction portion 70 is arranged on the -X side relative to the ejection portion 20 in the X-axis direction (the longitudinal direction of the opening 213). The suction portion 70 makes the slit-shaped space portion formed at the end of the -X side of the recess 50 and the ejection portion 20 intersect each other. Figure 6 The suction chamber 71 is shown to be in communication.

[0070] The suction portion chamber 71 is a non-through hole formed from the side surface facing the +Y side and the side surface facing the -Y side of the holder 10. The opening of the end portion of the suction portion chamber 71 on the +Y side is closed by a closing member 81 (for example, a screw member). The suction portion chamber 71 is formed on the -X side of the holder 10 and is arranged on the upper side (+Z side) than the ejection portion chamber 21.

[0071] like Figure 5 As shown, the suction portion 70 includes suction holes 70a and 70b arranged inwardly (on the central side in the X-axis direction) from the wall portion 52 in the recess 50. The suction hole 70a is formed along the wall portion 52. The suction hole 70b is formed along the two side walls of the recess 50 that are opposite to each other in the Y-axis direction.

[0072] like Figure 6 As shown, the suction hole 70a is connected to the suction part chamber 71. The suction hole 70b is connected to the suction part chamber 71 via the chamber communication portion 73. The chamber communication portion 73 is a non-through hole portion formed from the side facing the -X side and the side facing the +X side of the holder 10. The opening portion of the end portion of the -X side of the chamber communication portion 73 is closed by a closing member 82 (for example, a screw member).

[0073] Next, the relationship between the size and position of the injection portion 20 , the convex portion 40 , the nozzle hole 202 , and the opening 213 will be described.

[0074] Figure 7 The diagram is a schematic plan view of the opening 213 according to one embodiment. like Figure 7As shown in FIG. 1 , the convex portion 40 has a size in the Y-axis direction that can be inserted into the opening 213 of the nozzle guard 210. That is, the size of the convex portion 40 in the Y-axis direction is slightly smaller than the size of the opening 213 in the Y-axis direction (short side direction). Therefore, the convex portion 40 can be in the first state P1, the second state P2, and the third state P3 described below in the short side direction in the opening 213.

[0075] like Figure 7 As shown in (b), the first state P1 refers to a state in which the protrusion 40 abuts against the side surface of one side (for example, +Y side) in the short-side direction of the opening 213. Figure 7 As shown in (b), the second state P2 refers to a state in which the protrusion 40 abuts against the side surface of the other side (e.g., -Y side) of the short side direction of the opening 213. Figure 7 As shown in (a), the third state P3 is a state in which the projection 40 does not abut against the side surfaces of the opening 213 on both sides in the short-side direction.

[0076] At least one of the plurality of cleaning liquid injection holes constituting the injection unit 20 has a configuration and size that is opposed to the injection area 300 formed by the plurality of nozzle holes 202 in the Z-axis direction in any of the first state P1, the second state P2, and the third state P3. In addition, in the present embodiment, the "injection area 300" means the smallest rectangular area that includes the plurality of nozzle holes 202 and inscribes at least one of the plurality of nozzle holes 202. Thus, even if there is a gap in the short side direction between the convex portion 40 and the opening 213, the injection unit 20 (cleaning liquid injection hole) can always be opposed to the injection area 300.

[0077] Figure 8 The diagram is a schematic plan view of an end portion in the longitudinal direction of the opening 213 according to one embodiment. like Figure 8 As shown, the convex portion 40 can abut against the end of the long side direction (X-axis direction) of the opening portion 213 of the nozzle guard 210. Therefore, the convex portion 40 can be in the fourth state P4 and the fifth state P5 described below in the long side direction within the opening portion 213. Figure 8 In the illustration, the fourth state P4 and the fifth state P5 differ only in their orientations, and thus the illustration of the fifth state P5 is omitted.

[0078] The fourth state P4 refers to a state in which the convex portion 40 abuts against the side surface of one side (e.g., +X side) of the long side direction of the opening 213. In the fourth state P4, at least one of the plurality of cleaning liquid injection holes constituting the injection unit 20 is located at the first opposing position D1 that is opposed to the nozzle hole 202a located at the end of one side of the long side direction of the opening 213 among the plurality of nozzle holes 202. Alternatively, the cleaning liquid injection hole is located closer to one side (+X side) of the long side direction of the opening 213 than the first opposing position D1. Thus, the nozzle hole 202a disposed at the end of the +X side can be cleaned.

[0079] On the other hand, the fifth state P5 refers to a state in which the convex portion 40 abuts against the side surface of the other side (e.g., -X side) of the long side direction of the opening 213. In the fifth state P5, at least one of the plurality of cleaning liquid injection holes constituting the injection portion 20 is located at the second opposing position D2 that is opposed to the nozzle hole 202b located at the end portion of the other side of the long side direction of the opening 213 among the plurality of nozzle holes 202. Alternatively, the cleaning liquid injection hole is located closer to the other side (-X side) of the long side direction of the opening 213 than the second opposing position D2. Thus, the nozzle hole 202b disposed at the end portion of the -X side can be cleaned.

[0080] Next, refer to Figure 1 and Fig. 9 Next, a method of using the cleaning device 100 having the above-described structure will be described. Fig. 9 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining the operation of the cleaning device 100 when cleaning the inkjet head 200 according to one embodiment.

[0081] First, if Figure 1 As shown, when cleaning the inkjet head 200, the operator grasps the holder 10 and pushes the upper surface of the holder 10 against the lower surface of the inkjet head 200. At this time, the abutment portion 30 abuts against the surface (protective surface 211) of the nozzle guard 210, thereby completing the alignment in the Z-axis direction (injection direction, gravity direction). In addition, the convex portion 40 is inserted into the opening 213 of the nozzle guard 210, thereby completing the alignment in the Y-axis direction (the short side direction of the opening 213). Thus, even when the condition of the nozzle plate 201 of the inkjet head 200 cannot be visually observed and manual operation is used, the holder 10 can be easily aligned.

[0082] Next, the aligned holder 10 is moved in the X-axis direction (the longitudinal direction of the opening 213) and the cleaning liquid is sprayed, so that the surfaces of the nozzle plate 201 and the nozzle guard 210 and the inside of the opening 213 of the nozzle guard 210 can be cleaned. Fig. 9As shown in (b), the protrusion 40 is inserted into the opening 213 in a non-contact state with respect to the nozzle plate 201, so that the nozzle plate 201 is not damaged. In addition, by moving the protrusion 40 in the X-axis direction, the nozzle plate 201 can be moved. Fig. 9 As shown in (b), remove Fig. 9 (a) shows ink 400 (ink with high viscosity or adhesive ink) accumulated at the corner between the nozzle plate 201 and the side surface of the opening 213 .

[0083] In addition, if Figure 1 As shown, by spraying the cleaning liquid from the spray section 20 to the nozzle plate 201, spray cleaning can be performed. Furthermore, by sucking the cleaning liquid from the suction sections 60 and 70, suction cleaning can be performed. In addition, when aligning the retainer 10, with respect to the recess 50, there are atmospheric communication paths connected to the atmosphere on both sides of the long side direction (Y-axis direction) of the opening 213, but the suction sections 60 and 70 are arranged in a manner to sandwich the spray section 20. Therefore, after the sprayed cleaning liquid is sprayed into the nozzle plate 201 and the opening 213, it is sucked by the suction sections 60 and 70 arranged in a manner to sandwich the spray section 20, so that there is no leakage of the cleaning liquid.

[0084] As described above, the cleaning device 100 of the inkjet head 200 involved in the present embodiment includes a retainer 10 for cleaning by relative movement relative to the inkjet head 200, wherein the inkjet head 200 includes: a nozzle plate 201 having a plurality of nozzle holes 202 for ejecting ink; and a nozzle guard 210 covering the nozzle plate 201 and having a long hole-shaped opening 213 for exposing the plurality of nozzle holes 202, the retainer 10 includes: an ejection portion 20 that ejects a cleaning liquid toward at least one of the nozzle plate 201 and the nozzle guard 210; an abutment portion 30 that abuts against a surface of the nozzle guard 210 having the opening 213 formed therein; and a convex portion 40 that is inserted into the opening 213 in a non-contact state with respect to the nozzle plate 201 and guides the retainer 10 along the long side direction of the opening 213.

[0085] According to this structure, even if the side of the inkjet head 200 is not exposed and a part of the nozzle plate 201 is not exposed due to the nozzle guard 210, it is possible to simply align the inkjet head 200, and the surface of the nozzle plate 201 and the nozzle guard 210 and the opening 213 of the nozzle guard 210 can be cleaned without damaging the nozzle plate 201.

[0086] In addition, in the cleaning device 100 of the inkjet head 200 of the present embodiment, as Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 1 , the holder 10 includes a recess 50 for receiving the cleaning liquid sprayed by the spraying portion 20. According to this configuration, dripping of the cleaning liquid from the holder 10 can be suppressed.

[0087] In the cleaning device 100 of the inkjet head 200 of this embodiment, the holder 10 includes the suction parts 60 and 70 disposed in the recess 50. This configuration can suppress the cleaning liquid from overflowing from the recess 50. In addition, suction cleaning for sucking ink can be performed without using the cleaning liquid.

[0088] In addition, in the cleaning device 100 of the inkjet head 200 of the present embodiment, the holder 10 includes a wall portion 52 which is erected from the bottom wall of the recess 50 at a height below the upper end of the recess 50 and forms a space portion surrounding the suction portions 60 and 70. According to this structure, negative pressure is easily formed around the suction portions 60 and 70, and the suction efficiency of the cleaning liquid can be improved.

[0089] In the inkjet head 200 cleaning device 100 of this embodiment, the suction units 60 and 70 are provided on both sides of the ejection unit 20 in the longitudinal direction of the opening 213. This configuration can prevent the cleaning liquid from dripping from both sides of the nozzle guard 210 along the longitudinal direction of the opening 213.

[0090] In the cleaning device 100 of the inkjet head 200 of the present embodiment, the contact portion 30 is provided in a convex shape along the opening peripheral edge of the recess 50. According to this configuration, for example, Figure 3 As shown, even when the side of the inkjet head 200 is not exposed and a part of the nozzle guard 210 is buried upward in a concave shape, the convex contact portion 30 can contact the surface of the nozzle guard 210, so that the holder 10 can be easily aligned and the inkjet head 200 can be cleaned. In addition, the upper end position of the concave portion 50 is raised by the contact portion 30, so that the cleaning liquid can be suppressed from overflowing from the concave portion 50.

[0091] In addition, in the cleaning device 100 of the inkjet head 200 of the present embodiment, as Figure 7 As shown, a plurality of protrusions 40 are provided at intervals along the long side direction of the opening 213. According to this structure, the plurality of protrusions 40 abut against the side wall of the inserted opening 213 in the short side direction, thereby limiting the rotation of the holder 10 around the axis extending in the Z-axis direction (injection direction, gravity direction).

[0092] In addition, in the cleaning device 100 of the inkjet head 200 of the present embodiment, the ejection unit 20 is provided between the adjacent convex portions 40 in the longitudinal direction of the opening 213. According to this configuration, the ejection unit 20 can be arranged by utilizing the space of the trough portion between the plurality of convex portions 40, and the cleaning liquid can be easily ejected to the targeted portion by limiting the rotation of the holder 10.

[0093] In addition, in the cleaning device 100 of the inkjet head 200 of the present embodiment, the ejection unit 20 has a plurality of cleaning liquid ejection holes, and at least one of the plurality of cleaning liquid ejection holes is disposed in a manner such as Figure 7 (b) shows a first state P1 in which the protrusion 40 abuts against the side surface of one side of the short side direction of the opening 213, a second state P2 in which the protrusion 40 abuts against the side surface of the other side of the short side direction of the opening 213, and Figure 7 In the third state P3 shown in (a), the convex portion 40 does not abut against the side surfaces on both sides of the short-side direction of the opening 213, and faces the spray area 300 formed by the plurality of nozzle holes 202. According to this structure, even if there is a gap in the short-side direction between the convex portion 40 and the opening 213, the spray portion 20 (cleaning liquid spray hole) can always face the spray area 300.

[0094] In addition, in the cleaning device 100 of the inkjet head 200 of the present embodiment, the ejection unit 20 has a plurality of cleaning liquid ejection holes, such as Figure 8 As shown, at least one of the multiple cleaning liquid injection holes is located at the first opposing position D1 opposite to the nozzle hole 202a located at the end of one side of the long side direction of the opening 213 among the multiple nozzle holes 202, or at the side of the long side direction of the opening 213 that is closer to the first opposing position D1, in the 4th state P4 where the protrusion 40 abuts against the side of one side of the long side direction of the opening 213, and is located at the second opposing position D2 opposite to the nozzle hole 202b located at the end of the other side of the long side direction of the opening 213 among the multiple nozzle holes 202, or at the side of the other side of the long side direction of the opening 213 that is closer to the second opposing position D2, in the 5th state P5 where the protrusion 40 abuts against the side of the other side of the long side direction of the opening 213. According to this configuration, all the nozzle holes 202 can be cleaned by moving the holder 10 toward the other side of the opening 213 in the longitudinal direction from the state where the protrusion 40 is positioned on one side of the opening 213 in the longitudinal direction.

[0095] Furthermore, the cleaning device 100 for the inkjet head 200 described above can have the following configuration.

[0096] Fig.10 This is a perspective view of a convex portion 40 according to a first modified example of one embodiment. Fig.10 The convex portion 40 shown in the figure has a concave portion 41 formed on the upper end surface of the convex portion 40 and a convex portion cleaning liquid injection hole 42 formed in the concave portion 41. The concave portion 41 is a bottomed groove formed on the upper end surface of the convex portion 40. The convex portion cleaning liquid injection hole 42 is formed on the bottom surface of the concave portion 41. The convex portion cleaning liquid injection hole 42 can also be connected to the convex portion cleaning liquid injection hole 42. Figure 1The spraying portion chamber 21 is shown connected, and may also be connected to a cleaning liquid supply device separate from the spraying portion 20 .

[0097] According to this configuration, for example, the cleaning liquid accumulates in the recessed portion formed on the upper end surface of the convex portion 40 to form a puddle, and the bulged portion due to the surface tension of the cleaning liquid is pressed against the nozzle plate 201, thereby gently cleaning the nozzle plate 201.

[0098] Fig.11 It is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the arrangement relationship between the opening 213 and the protrusion 40 according to the second modification of one embodiment. like Fig.11 As shown, a plurality of openings 213 of the nozzle guard 210 are formed at intervals in the Y-axis direction (the short side direction of the opening 213). A pair of protrusions 40 are provided at intervals between two openings 213a and 213c formed at a special (unique) interval L1 that can be inserted into the plurality of openings 213. Fig.11 In the example of FIG. 1 , the interval W of the protrusions 40 is adjusted so as to be an interval L1 between two openings 213 a and 213 c located at both ends in the short-side direction of the opening 213 and capable of being inserted into the plurality of openings 213 .

[0099] exist Fig.11 The nozzle guard 210 shown has three openings 213a to 213c formed at intervals in the Y-axis direction. The openings 213a and 213b are formed at an interval L2 in the Y-axis direction. The openings 213b and 213c are formed at an interval L2 in the Y-axis direction. The openings 213a and 213c are formed at an interval L1 in the Y-axis direction. That is, the interval L2 has two and is not special (unique), while the interval L1 has one and is special (unique).

[0100] Fig.12 This is a diagram showing a situation in which the projections 40 are provided at intervals L2 that are not special (unique) in a second modification of one embodiment. Fig.12 The retainer 10 shown in the figure is provided with projections 40a and 40b at intervals L2 in the Y-axis direction. Fig.12 As shown in (a), the retainer 10 can have the protrusions 40a and 40b inserted into the openings 213a and 213b. Fig.12 As shown in (b), the convex parts 40a and 40b can be inserted into the openings 213b and 213c of the holder 10. Therefore, the position of the holder 10 with respect to the inkjet head 200 is not fixed to one, and the holder 10 may be engaged with the inkjet head 200 in an unexpected manner.

[0101] Fig.13 This is a diagram showing a state in which the projections 40 are provided at a special (unique) interval L1 in a second modification of one embodiment. Fig.13 The retainer 10 shown in the figure is provided with projections 40a and 40c spaced apart by a distance L1 in the Y-axis direction. Fig.13 As shown in (a), the retainer 10 can have the protrusions 40a and 40c inserted into the openings 213a and 213c. Fig.13 As shown in (b), regarding this retainer 10, even if the protrusion 40a is inserted into the opening 213b, the protrusion 40c contacts the guard surface 211 and cannot be engaged.

[0102] In this way, a pair of protrusions 40 are provided at intervals between two openings 213a and 213c formed at a special (unique) interval L1 that can be inserted into the plurality of openings 213, so that even when the nozzle guard 210 is formed with a plurality of openings 213, the alignment form of the holder 10 with respect to the inkjet head 200 is determined to be one, and the holder 10 can be prevented from being engaged with the inkjet head 200 in an unexpected form. Therefore, when the inkjet head 200 is engaged with the holder 10, if the holder 10 is made symmetrically along the long side direction (X-axis direction) of the opening 213 of the nozzle guard 210, and the opening surface of the nozzle guard 210 is symmetrical along the short side direction (Y-axis direction, the direction in which the nozzle rows are arranged) of the nozzle guard 210, all the openings 213 of the nozzle guard 210 can be cleaned by the engagement and contact of the holder 10.

[0103] Fig.14 It is a schematic cross-sectional view of a nozzle guard 210 and a holder 10 according to a third modified example of one embodiment. Fig.14 The nozzle guard 210 shown is in a state where the entire thickness direction (Z-axis direction) is embedded in a concave shape upward on the lower surface of the inkjet head 200. Even in this case, by making the contact portion 30 of the holder 10 contact the surface (protection surface 211) of the nozzle guard 210, the holder 10 can be easily aligned and the inkjet head 200 can be cleaned.

[0104] Fig.15 This is a diagram showing the structure of an inkjet printer 1 according to a fourth modified example of an embodiment. Fig.15 The inkjet printer 1 shown includes an inkjet head 200 and a cleaning device 100. That is, in the above-described embodiment and modified examples, the cleaning device 100 is manually activated, but in this modified example, the cleaning device 100 is automatically or semi-automatically activated.

[0105] The inkjet printer 1 includes a holder moving device 2 that moves a holder 10. The holder moving device 2 includes a carriage 3 on which the holder 10 is mounted, a rail 4 that guides the carriage 3 in the X-axis direction, and a driving device (not shown) that moves the carriage 3 along the rail 4. As the driving device, for example, a driving device including a belt connected to the carriage 3, a pulley that transmits the belt, a motor that rotates the pulley, and the like can be exemplified.

[0106] The holder 10 is configured to be movable along the track 4 in the X-axis direction from a standby position that is not opposed to the inkjet head 200 in the Z-axis direction, to a position that is not opposed to the inkjet head 200 in the Z-axis direction and is opposite to the standby position via a position that is opposed to the inkjet head 200 in the Z-axis direction. The holder 10 of this embodiment reciprocates in the X-axis direction along the track 4. In addition, in the case where two tracks 4 are arranged in parallel and their ends are connected to form a ring, the holder 10 may also move in only one direction around the ring-shaped track.

[0107] In addition, it is not necessary to mount the inkjet head 200 on a carriage and move it in the X-axis direction instead of the holder 10. In this case, the holder 10 can be mounted on a holder moving device that moves in the Z-axis direction relative to the inkjet head 200 that is mounted on the carriage and moves during cleaning, instead of moving in the XY plane direction. According to this structure, it is possible to change whether the cleaning is performed from one direction or reciprocating cleaning according to the timing of pushing up the holder 10 in the Z-axis direction.

[0108] In addition, the inkjet printer 1 includes a biasing member 5 for biasing the holder 10 toward the nozzle guard 210. The biasing member 5 is, for example, a spring or rubber, and is disposed between the holder 10 and the carriage 3. According to this configuration, the force for pressing the holder 10 toward the nozzle guard 210 can be controlled. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the application of excessive force to the inkjet head 200 or its peripheral portion.

[0109] In this way, the inkjet printer 1 according to the fourth modification includes the cleaning device 100 for the inkjet head 200. According to this configuration, the cleaning of the inkjet head 200 can be automated or semi-automated. In addition, as in the above-mentioned embodiment and modification, even when the side of the inkjet head 200 is not exposed and a part of the nozzle plate 201 is not exposed due to the nozzle guard 210, it is possible to simply align the inkjet head 200, and the surfaces of the nozzle plate 201 and the nozzle guard 210 and the inside of the opening 213 of the nozzle guard 210 can be cleaned without damaging the nozzle plate 201.

[0110] The preferred embodiments of the present disclosure are described and explained above, but it should be understood that these are exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and should not be considered as limited embodiments. Additions, omissions, substitutions and other changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the present disclosure should not be considered to be limited by the aforementioned description, but by the claims.

[0111] For example, in the above-described embodiment, an inkjet head is described as an example of a liquid ejecting head, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The inkjet head may be a structure in which the inkjet head moves relative to the recording medium during printing (so-called a shuttle machine) or a structure in which the recording medium moves relative to the inkjet head while the inkjet head is fixed (so-called a fixed head machine). In the above-mentioned embodiment, the case where the recording medium is paper is described, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. The recording medium is not limited to paper, and may be a metal material or a resin material, or may be food, etc. In addition, the liquid ejected from the liquid ejecting head is not limited to the liquid landing on the recording medium, and may be, for example, a liquid medicine prepared in the preparation of medicines, a food additive such as a seasoning or a fragrance added to food, or an aromatic sprayed into the air, etc.

[0112] In the above-mentioned embodiment, the configuration in which the Z-axis direction coincides with the gravity direction is described, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and the Z-axis direction may be along the horizontal direction or along a direction other than the gravity direction.

Explanation of symbols

[0113] 1...Inkjet printer (liquid jet recording device) 10……Retainer 20……Jet 30...butt part 40 (40a to 40c) ... convex portion 41...Depression 42......Convex cleaning fluid injection hole 50...concave 52...Wall 60...Suction unit 70...Suction 100... Cleaning device 200...Inkjet head (liquid jet head) 201......Nozzle plate 202 (202a, 202b) ... nozzle hole (injection hole) 210......Nozzle guard (protective component) 211……Protective surface (surface) 213 (213a to 213c) ... opening 300...Jet area D1...1st opposing position D2... Second opposing position L1...Interval L2...Interval P1……1st state P2...2nd state P3... The third state P4……4th state P5...5th state

Claims

1. A cleaning device for a liquid jet head, comprising a holder for cleaning by moving relative to the liquid jet head, the liquid jet head comprising: an ejection plate having a plurality of ejection holes for ejecting liquid; and a protective member covering the ejection plate and having an opening in the shape of a long hole for exposing the plurality of ejection holes, The retainer comprises: a spraying portion that sprays a cleaning liquid toward at least one of the spraying plate and the protection member; an abutting portion that abuts against a surface of the protection member where the opening is formed; and The convex portion is inserted into the opening portion in a non-contact state with respect to the injection plate and guides the retainer along the longitudinal direction of the opening portion.

2. The cleaning device for a liquid ejecting head according to claim 1, wherein: The retainer includes a recessed portion for receiving the cleaning liquid sprayed by the spraying portion.

3. The cleaning device for a liquid ejecting head according to claim 2, wherein: The holder includes a suction portion disposed in the recessed portion.

4. The cleaning device for a liquid ejecting head according to claim 3, wherein: The holder includes a wall portion which is erected from a bottom wall of the recessed portion at a height lower than an upper end of the recessed portion and forms a space portion surrounding the suction portion.

5. The cleaning device for a liquid ejecting head according to claim 3 or 4, wherein: The suction portion is provided on both sides sandwiching the ejection portion in the longitudinal direction of the opening.

6. The cleaning device for a liquid ejecting head according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein: The contact portion is provided in a convex shape along the opening peripheral edge portion of the recessed portion.

7. The cleaning device for a liquid ejecting head according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: A plurality of the convex portions are provided at intervals along the longitudinal direction of the opening.

8. The cleaning device for a liquid ejecting head according to claim 7, wherein: The injection portion is provided between the convex portions adjacent to each other in the longitudinal direction of the opening.

9. The cleaning device for a liquid ejecting head according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The injection portion has a plurality of cleaning liquid injection holes. At least one of the plurality of cleaning liquid injection holes, In a first state in which the protrusion abuts against the side surface on one side of the short side direction of the opening, in a second state in which the protrusion abuts against the side surface on the other side of the short side direction of the opening, and in a third state in which the protrusion does not abut against the side surfaces on both sides of the short side direction of the opening, the injection area formed by the multiple injection holes is opposite.

10. The cleaning device for a liquid ejecting head according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The injection portion has a plurality of cleaning liquid injection holes. At least one of the plurality of cleaning liquid injection holes, In a fourth state in which the convex portion abuts against a side surface on one side in the longitudinal direction of the opening, located at a first opposing position opposed to an injection hole located at an end portion of one side in the long side direction of the opening among the plurality of injection holes or at a side closer to the long side direction of the opening than the first opposing position, and, In the 5th state where the convex portion abuts against the side surface on the other side of the long side direction of the opening, it is located at the second opposing position opposite to the injection hole at the end of the multiple injection holes located on the other side of the long side direction of the opening or closer to the other side of the long side direction of the opening than the second opposing position.

11. The cleaning device for a liquid ejecting head according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The convex portion comprises: a recessed portion formed on an upper end surface of the convex portion; and The convex portion cleaning liquid injection hole is formed in the concave portion.

12. The cleaning device for a liquid ejecting head according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: A plurality of the openings are formed at intervals in the short side direction of the opening, The pair of protrusions is provided at an interval between two openings formed at a specific interval among the plurality of openings so as to be insertable therein.

13. The cleaning device for a liquid ejecting head according to claim 12, wherein: The pair of protrusions is provided at an interval between two of the plurality of openings located at both ends in the short-side direction of the opening. 14 . A liquid jet recording apparatus comprising the liquid jet head cleaning device according to claim 1 .

Images