Cleaning unit, liquid ejecting apparatus, and method of replacing cleaning unit

Abstract

The present application provides a cleaning unit easy to disassemble, a liquid ejection device, and a method of replacing the cleaning unit. The cleaning unit includes a cleaning member for cleaning an ejection head that ejects liquid, and a holder that is detachably attached to a holding portion provided at a position that can face the ejection head. The cleaning member is held by the holder in a state in which an absorbent that can absorb liquid is wound around an elastic body.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a cleaning unit, a liquid ejecting apparatus, and a method of replacing a cleaning unit. BACKGROUND

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an inkjet printer that has a print head having an ejection surface, a cleaning member made of urethane for wiping the ejection surface, and a holder that fixes the cleaning member.

[0003] The cleaning member that directly contacts the print head needs to be accurately aligned at the time of installation. Therefore, when the cleaning member is replaced, there is a possibility that time and effort will be spent on alignment or the position will be deviated.

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. H6-79880 SUMMARY

[0005] A cleaning unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a cleaning member for cleaning an ejection head that ejects a liquid, and a holder that is detachably mounted on a holding portion configured at a position that can face the ejection head, the cleaning member being held by the holder in a state where an absorbent that can absorb the liquid is wound around an elastic body.

[0006] A liquid ejecting apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes an ejection head configured to eject a liquid, a holding portion configured at a position that can face the ejection head, and the above-described cleaning unit that is detachably mounted with respect to the holding portion.

[0007] A method of replacing a cleaning unit in a liquid ejecting apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, in which the liquid ejecting apparatus has an ejection head configured to eject a liquid, a holding portion configured at a position that can face the ejection head, the cleaning unit has a cleaning member for cleaning the ejection head, and a holder that is detachably mounted on the holding portion and holds the cleaning member. The method includes moving the ejection head to a position that does not face the holding portion, detaching the cleaning unit from the holding portion, and mounting a replacement cleaning unit on the holding portion. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0008] Figure 1 An outline view of a liquid ejecting apparatus according to an embodiment.

[0009] Figure 2 A perspective view of a cleaning unit and a holding portion according to an embodiment.

[0010] Figure 3 for Figure 2 An exploded perspective view of the cleaning unit and the retaining part.

[0011] Figure 4 For the purpose of Figure 2 The diagram illustrates the cleaning process performed by the cleaning unit.

[0012] Figure 5 For use Figure 2 The flowchart shows the cleaning process performed by the cleaning unit.

[0013] Figure 6 To indicate Figure 4 The diagram shows the state in which the cleaning unit is in contact with the first side of the nozzle.

[0014] Figure 7 To indicate Figure 6 The diagram shows the state of contact between the cleaning unit and the spray surface of the nozzle.

[0015] Figure 8 To indicate Figure 7 The diagram shows the state of contact between the cleaning unit and the second side of the nozzle.

[0016] Figure 9 A perspective view showing the cleaning unit and the holding part of the first modified example.

[0017] Figure 10 To indicate Figure 9 A three-dimensional view of the cleaning unit.

[0018] Figure 11 To indicate from Figure 10 A 3D view showing the state of the cleaning unit after the absorber has been removed.

[0019] Figure 12 A perspective view showing the cleaning unit of the second modified example.

[0020] Figure 13 To indicate Figure 12 A perspective view showing the removal or installation of the absorber in the cleaning unit.

[0021] Figure 14 To express [the opinion / towards] Figure 13 A three-dimensional diagram showing the replacement of the absorber. Detailed Implementation

[0022] Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, the cleaning unit 50, the liquid ejection device 11, the maintenance method of the liquid ejection device 11, and the replacement method of the cleaning unit 50 according to the embodiment will be described. The liquid ejection device 11 is, for example, an inkjet printer that prints onto the medium 10. The medium 10 is, for example, paper.

[0023] Overall structure of liquid ejection apparatus

[0024] As shown in Figure 1 Fig. 1, a liquid ejection apparatus 11 is provided with an outer casing 12, one or more ejection heads 22 that eject liquid, and a maintenance device 40. In a case where the liquid ejection apparatus 11 has a plurality of ejection heads 22, the liquid ejection apparatus 11 has a plurality of maintenance devices 40 to correspond to the plurality of ejection heads 22 respectively.

[0025] The liquid ejection apparatus 11 can have one or more support leg portions 12a that support the outer casing 12. The outer casing 12 can have an opening and closing portion 12b that allows access to the inside thereof. A user can open the opening and closing portion 12b to perform maintenance within the liquid ejection apparatus 11 such as elimination of a jam of the medium 10 or management of the maintenance device 40.

[0026] The liquid ejection apparatus 11 can be provided with a carriage 14 that holds the ejection head 22 and a support table 15 that supports the medium 10. The medium 10 is conveyed on the support table 15 by a conveyance device not shown, and then, is discharged from the support table 15 to the outside of the outer casing 12.

[0027] The liquid ejection apparatus 11 can be provided with one or more guide shafts 16, a support mechanism 17 that supports the guide shaft 16, and a drive mechanism 18. The support mechanism 17 can support the guide shaft 16 in a liftable and lowerable manner. The carriage 14 is reciprocally moved along the guide shaft 16 by driving of the drive mechanism 18.

[0028] In the present embodiment, the carriage 14 is moved in a scanning direction along an X axis. The medium 10 is conveyed in a conveyance direction along a Y axis. The X axis, the Y axis, and a Z axis intersect with each other (for example, orthogonally). The direction along the Z axis can be, for example, a vertical direction or a direction in which the ejection head 22 ejects liquid.

[0029] The liquid ejection apparatus 11 can be provided with an operation panel 19 and a controller 100. The operation panel 19 includes, for example, a touch panel type display, a key, a button, or a switch. The controller 100 can acquire a content of an operation of a user via the operation panel 19. The controller 100 can display various information on the display of the operation panel 19.

[0030] The carriage 14 holds one or more liquid containers 20. The liquid container 20 is, for example, a tank, a box, or a bag that contains a liquid. The liquid container 20 can be detachably attached to the carriage 14. The plurality of liquid containers 20 can contain different kinds of liquids, such as inks of different colors. The liquid container 20 can also be configured to be supplied with a liquid from another liquid container 21 through a supply tube (not shown). The other liquid container 21 is disposed inside or outside the outer case 12.

[0031] The head 22 has one or more nozzles 23 that are liquid ejection ports and an ejection face 24 that is opened by the nozzles 23. The head 22 can have two side faces 25, 26 that cross the X axis. The side faces 25, 26 are faces that cross the X axis. The liquid ejection device 11 can have a pressurizing mechanism (not shown) that pressurizes the liquid in the head 22. The carriage 14 can have a moving mechanism 27 that moves the head 22 along the Y axis, that is, in the conveyance direction.

[0032] Maintenance device

[0033] The maintenance device 40 is configured to perform various maintenance operations. The maintenance device 40 is disposed between a side wall of the outer case 12 on one side (the right side in the present embodiment) and the support platform 15. The maintenance device 40 has a cleaning unit 50 and a holding portion 60 that holds the cleaning unit 50. Figure 1

[0034] The cleaning unit 50 has a cleaning member 51 that cleans the head 22 and a holder 52 that is detachably attached to the holding portion 60. The holding portion 60 is disposed at a position that can face the head 22, particularly the ejection face 24. For example, the holding portion 60 is disposed so as to overlap the moving path of the carriage 14 along the X axis when viewed from above.

[0035] The maintenance device 40 can further have at least one of a suction cover 41, a wiper 42, or a moisturizing cover 43. The wiper 42 is, for example, an elastic plate. The maintenance device 40 has the suction cover 41 and a suction pump 44. The cleaning unit 50, the moisturizing cover 43, the wiper 42, the suction cover 41, and the support platform 15 can be arranged in this order in the scanning direction.

[0036] The maintenance device 40 can have first, second, and third elevating devices 61, 62, 63 that respectively elevate the suction cover 41, the wiper 42, and the moisturizing cover 43. The elevating devices 61, 62, 63 are driven, for example, by the driving force of a solenoid or a motor or the urging force of an elastic member such as a spring. The third elevating device 63 can elevate the cleaning unit 50 together with the moisturizing cover 43.

[0037] ​The position of the carriage 14 when the ejection surface 24 opposes the suction cap 41 is a cleaning position. When the carriage 14 is in the cleaning position, if the suction cap 41 is raised by driving of the first lifting device 61, the suction cap 41 comes into contact with the ejection surface 24 in a manner of surrounding the nozzle 23. When the suction pump 44 is driven in this state, liquid in the ejection head 25 is discharged into the suction cap 41 through the nozzle 23. This maintenance operation is called suction cleaning. When the pressurization mechanism (not shown) is driven, liquid is discharged from the nozzle 23. This maintenance operation is called pressurization cleaning.

[0038] The maintenance operation of ejecting liquid from the ejection head 22 into the cap 43 at the cleaning position is called flushing. The liquid ejection device 11 performs cleaning of discharging bubbles or foreign matter contained in liquid and flushing for the purpose of preventing or eliminating clogging of the nozzle 23.

[0039] The position of the carriage 14 when the ejection surface 24 opposes the moisturizing cap 43 is an initial position. When the carriage 14 is in the initial position, if the moisturizing cap 43 is raised by driving of the third lifting device 63, the moisturizing cap 43 comes into contact with the ejection surface 24 in a manner of surrounding the nozzle 23. This is called capping. Capping is performed for the purpose of suppressing drying of the nozzle 23 when the liquid ejection device 11 is paused or stopped.

[0040] The wiper 42 moves between a wiping position in which the wiper 42 can come into contact with the ejection surface 24 and a retreat position in which the wiper 42 does not come into contact with the ejection surface 24 by driving of the second lifting device 62. When the wiper 42 is in the wiping position, if the carriage 14 moves from the cleaning position to the initial position, the wiper 42 wipes the ejection surface 24. This maintenance operation is called wiping.

[0041] Control mechanism

[0042] The controller 100 can have a processing circuit 101, a storage 102, and a communication section 103. The storage 102 includes, for example, a nonvolatile memory such as a RAM and a ROM. The storage 102 stores various programs and information used when the programs are executed, such as various threshold values. Various removable memories can also be installed in the liquid ejection device 11.

[0043] The processing circuit 101 is configured to execute software processing related to the present disclosure. The processing circuit 101 can have a dedicated hardware circuit (for example, an ASIC or the like) that processes at least a part of the software processing. That is, the software processing can be executed by a processing circuitry having at least one of one or more software processing circuits and one or more dedicated hardware circuits.

[0044] The communication section 103 can include various removable memories and a communication interface circuit. The communication interface circuit is configured to communicate with other devices connected to the liquid discharge device 11 in accordance with various communication protocols by wired or wireless means. The processing circuit 101 can acquire a print job as data for printing from other devices (e.g., a user's computer) via the communication section 103. The processing circuit 101 performs a liquid discharge operation and various maintenance operations based on a program stored in the storage section 102.

[0045] For example, the processing circuit 101 performs a liquid discharge operation based on an instruction input through the operation panel 19. In more detail, the processing circuit 101 causes the carriage 14 to reciprocate with respect to the medium 10 conveyed on the support table 15 while causing liquid droplets to be discharged from the nozzle head 22. Thereby, printing is performed in the case where the liquid discharge device 11 is a printer. A region on the support table 15 where the liquid droplet discharge is performed for printing is referred to as a print region.

[0046] For example, the processing circuit 101 performs a series of maintenance operations including suction cleaning every time the liquid discharge (print operation) is performed for a fixed time (e.g., one hour). In addition to this, the processing circuit 101 can also perform a series of maintenance operations before the liquid discharge ends and the liquid discharge device 11 is suspended or stopped.

[0047] For example, the series of maintenance operations include suction cleaning, wiping, flushing, and cleaning. The cleaning is a maintenance operation in which liquid and foreign matter adhering to the nozzle head 22 are removed by the cleaning unit 50. The contents of the series of maintenance operations can be changed according to an instruction or a program of a user. Each maintenance operation can also be performed individually according to an instruction or a program of a user.

[0048] Sometimes, liquid droplets adhere to the discharge face 24 after the suction cleaning. Therefore, the processing circuit 101 can also perform wiping after the suction cleaning. By wiping, liquid droplets and foreign matter (e.g., paper powder) adhering to the discharge face 24 are scraped away from the vicinity of the nozzle 23. Sometimes, liquid containing the foreign matter scraped away by wiping remains in the vicinity of the side faces 25 and 26.

[0049] Sometimes, the meniscus in the nozzle 23 is disturbed after the wiping. Therefore, flushing of liquid droplets from the nozzle 23 can also be performed after the wiping. Further, the processing circuit 101 can also perform cleaning of the nozzle head 22 by the cleaning unit 50 after the wiping or flushing. In the case where the cleaning is performed after the wiping, the cleaning can also be performed avoiding the vicinity of the nozzle 23. This is because liquid and foreign matter in the vicinity of the nozzle 23 are removed by the wiping.

[0050] Cleaning unit

[0051] As shown in Figure 2 The cleaning member 51 can have an elastic body 53 and a liquid-absorbable absorbent 70. The elastic body 53 can be, for example, a rubber sponge of polyurethane foam or silicone rubber, or a soft solid rubber (e.g., silicone rubber). The cleaning member 51 can be detachably mounted on the holder 52. For example, the cleaning member 51 is held by the holder 52 in a state where the sheet-like absorbent 70 is wound around the elastic body 53.

[0052] As shown in Figure 3 The holding portion 60 can have a mounting recess 64 in which the holder 52 is mounted. The mounting recess 64 has four inner wall surfaces 64a that extend in a mounting direction of the holder 52. Thus, the holder 52 is guided by the inner wall surfaces 64a, and is easily mounted on the holding portion 60.

[0053] At least one of the holding portion 60 and the holder 52 (both in the present embodiment) is made of metal, such as iron or aluminum. The other of the holding portion 60 and the holder 52 can have a magnet 65. In one example, the holding portion 60 has the magnet 65 embedded in an inner bottom surface 64b of the mounting recess 64.

[0054] At least a portion of the sheet-like absorbent 70 can be bonded to the elastic body 53. That is, the cleaning member 51 can also have the absorbent 70 at least a portion of which is bonded to the elastic body 53, and be detachably mounted on the holder 52. In the bonding, for example, bonding by double-sided tape or an adhesive, or fusion is included. The absorbent 70 can have a portion thereof, such as only both ends, bonded to the elastic body 53, or the entire absorbent 70 can be bonded to the elastic body 53.

[0055] The absorbent 70 is, for example, cloth or paper that is excellent in cleaning or absorbency. The cloth can be nonwoven fabric or woven fabric, and can be woven fabric of, for example, polyester, nylon, or cotton. The absorbent 70 can also be thick woven fabric formed of ultrafine fibers, such as Toraysee (registered trademark).

[0056] The elastic body 53 can be, for example, a rectangular parallelepiped, and have a top surface 54, a first surface 55 that intersects (is orthogonal to) the top surface 54, and a second surface 56 on an opposite side of the first surface 55. When the cleaning member 51 is mounted on the holder 52, the top surface 54 is disposed at a position away from the holder 52.

[0057] The absorber 70 can be wound around the elastomer 53 in a manner that covers at least the top surface 54, the first surface 55, and the second surface 56. In one example, the absorber 70 is wound on the bottom surface 53a, opposite to the top surface 54, in addition to surfaces 54, 55, and 56. The two ends of the absorber 70 can be bonded to the second surface 56 without overlapping. The front surface 53b and the back surface 53c (the two surfaces intersecting the Y-axis) of the elastomer 53 can be exposed without being covered by the absorber 70. On the outer surface of the absorber 70 wound around the elastomer 53, the areas overlapping with the top surface 54, the first surface 55, and the second surface 56 are the top cleaning surface 74, the first cleaning surface 75, and the second cleaning surface 76, respectively.

[0058] The retainer 52 may have a box-shaped storage section 57 for storing the cleaning component 51 and a gripping section 58 protruding from the storage section 57. The gripping section 58 may protrude from a side extending in the long side direction of the retainer 52. When the user replaces the cleaning component 51, the user can grip the gripping section 58.

[0059] Cleaning by the spray nozzles performed by the cleaning unit

[0060] like Figure 4 As shown, the holding part 60 may include a lifting mechanism 67 configured to raise and lower the cleaning unit 50. The lifting mechanism 67 raises and lowers the cleaning unit 50, for example, by the driving force of a solenoid or electric motor, or by the force applied by an elastic member such as a spring.

[0061] The lifting mechanism 67 raises or lowers the cleaning unit 50, thereby changing the height of the top cleaning surface 74 to a base level L0, an ascending level Lu, or a descending level Ld. The ascending level Lu is higher than the base level L0, and the base level L0 is higher than the descending level Ld. The base level L0 is the height at which the spray surface 24 is cleaned via the top cleaning surface 74. The ascending level Lu is the height at which the sides 25 and 26 are cleaned via the cleaning surfaces 75 and 76, respectively. The descending level Ld is the height at which the top cleaning surface 74 does not contact the spray head 22.

[0062] The nozzle 22 is configured to move relative to the cleaning member 51 in the scanning direction as the carriage 14 moves. The direction of movement Dc of the nozzle 22 during cleaning is determined by… Figure 4 The hollow arrow marks are used to indicate the positions. The first cleaning position P1 and the second cleaning position P2 are the positions in the movement direction Dc. When the height of the top cleaning surface 74 is at the ascending level Lu, the first side 25 contacts the first cleaning surface 75 at the first cleaning position P1. Similarly, when the height of the top cleaning surface 74 is at the ascending level Lu, the second side 26 contacts the second cleaning surface 76 at the second cleaning position P2.

[0063] At least one of the discharge head 22 and the holding portion 60 can be configured to be movable in a direction (transport direction) intersecting the scanning direction. In one example, the discharge head 22 is configured to be reciprocally moved along the Y axis by driving of the moving mechanism 27. An operation of reciprocally moving the discharge head 22 or the holding portion 60 in a state where the cleaning member 51 is in contact with the discharge head 22 is referred to as reciprocating wiping. By the reciprocating wiping, the discharge head 22 can be wiped with the absorbent body 70.

[0064] In a case where the cleaning is performed after the wiping, the cleaning distance of the discharge face 24 along the moving direction Dc is the first distance D1 and the third distance D3. The first distance D1 can also be equal to the third distance D3. The second distance D2 is the length of the region including the nozzle 23 along the moving direction Dc. The region including the nozzle 23 and its periphery is referred to as a nozzle region. The second distance D2 can be longer than the first distance D1 and the third distance D3.

[0065] If the distances D1, D2, D3 are added, the length of the discharge face 24 along the moving direction Dc is obtained. On the discharge face 24, the range of the first distance D1 from the first side face 25 is referred to as a first end region (right end region in Figure 4 ), and the range of the third distance D3 from the second side face 26 is referred to as a second end region (left end region in Figure 4 ). The distances D1, D3 can be shorter than the length of the top cleaning face 74 along the moving direction Dc. In this case, even if the discharge head 22 is not moved in the moving direction Dc, the first and second end regions can be reciprocally wiped by the cleaning member 51, respectively.

[0066] Cleaning process

[0067] Figure 5 A flow of the cleaning process of the discharge head 22 is shown. The operations involved in the cleaning process are performed by the above-described various mechanisms or devices based on the control of the processing circuit 101.

[0068] First, in step S11, the discharge head 22 is moved in the moving direction Dc until the first side face 25 reaches the first cleaning position P1.

[0069] In step S12, as shown in Figure 6 , the cleaning member 51 is raised to the raised level Lu. Thereby, the first cleaning face 75 is brought into contact with the first side face 25. Next, in step S13, the first cleaning face 75 reciprocally wipes the first side face 25 N1 times (for example, twice). By steps S12, S13, the first side face 25 is cleaned.

[0070] In step S14, the cleaning member 51 is lowered to the reference level L0. In step S15, as shown in FIG. 7, the discharge head 22 is moved in the moving direction Dc by a first distance Dl. During this movement, the top cleaning surface 74 is in contact with the discharge surface 24. Next, in step S16, the top cleaning surface 74 wipes the first end portion region of the discharge surface 24 N2 times (for example, five times) in reciprocation. By steps S15, S16, the first end portion region is thus cleaned. Figure 7

[0071] In step S17, the cleaning member 51 is lowered to a lowered level Ld. By this, the cleaning member 51 is distanced from the discharge head 22. In step S18, the discharge head 22 is moved in the moving direction Dc by a second distance D2. By this, the cleaning member 51 passes through the nozzle region without cleaning.

[0072] In step S19, the cleaning member 51 is raised to the reference level L0. By this, the top cleaning surface 74 is in contact with the second end portion region of the discharge surface 24. Next, in step S20, the top cleaning surface 74 wipes the second end portion region N2 times (for example, five times) in reciprocation. The number of reciprocations for the second end portion region can also be different from the number of reciprocations for the first end portion region. By steps S19, S20, the second end portion region of the discharge surface 24 is thus cleaned.

[0073] In step S21, the discharge head 22 is moved in the moving direction Dc by a third distance D3. By this, the second side surface 26 reaches the second cleaning position P2. In step S22, as shown in FIG. 8, the cleaning member 51 is raised to a raised level Lu. By this, the second cleaning surface 76 is in contact with the second side surface 26. Figure 8

[0074] In step S23, the second cleaning surface 76 wipes the second side surface 26 N3 times (for example, twice) in reciprocation. By steps S23, S24, the second side surface 26 is thus cleaned. The number of reciprocations N2 for the discharge surface 24 can be more than the number of reciprocations Nl, N3 for the side surfaces 25, 26. The number N3 can be the same as the number Nl or different from the number Nl. In step S24, the cleaning member 51 is lowered to the lowered level Ld. By this, the cleaning member 51 is distanced from the discharge head 22, and the cleaning process ends.

[0075] In the case where the discharge process (printing process) of the liquid is scheduled after the cleaning process, the discharge head 22 is moved to the printing region. In the case where the printing process is not scheduled after the cleaning process, the discharge head 22 is moved to the initial position, and the capping is performed. If the capping is performed after the cleaning of the discharge head 22, the solidification of the liquid adhering to the discharge head 22 during the stop of the liquid discharge apparatus 11 can be suppressed. ​​

[0076] The operation of the cleaning unit 50 according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0077] Replacement of the cleaning unit

[0078] When the absorbent 70 is contaminated, the user can replace the cleaning unit 50. When the cleaning unit 50 is replaced, first, the ejection head 22 is moved to a position not opposed to the holding portion 60 by the control of the processing circuit 101. Before, after or at the same time of the movement, the user opens the opening and closing portion 12b. The opening and closing portion 12b can be provided at any position of the outer housing 12, but is preferably provided near the holding portion 58.

[0079] Next, the user detaches the cleaning unit 50 from the holding portion 60. At this time, the user holds the holding portion 58 and detaches the cleaning member 51 together with the holder 52. Next, the user installs the replacement cleaning unit 50 on the holding portion 60. Thus, the replacement of the cleaning unit 50 is completed.

[0080] To prepare for such replacement, the user can also prepare a plurality of new cleaning units 50 in advance. In this way, the time taken for replacement can be shortened, and thus the interruption time of the ejection processing can be shortened, thereby improving the productivity.

[0081] Replacement of the cleaning member

[0082] The cleaning unit 50 has the cleaning member 51 which is a member in which the absorbent 70 and the elastic body 53 are integrated. Thus, the cleaning member 51 can be replaced by only taking out the cleaning member 51 from the holder 52 and then installing a new cleaning member 51.

[0083] Suppose that in the case where a roll sheet is used as the absorbent to clean the ejection head 22, a mechanism to pay out or feed the replacement roll sheet is required to be provided. Thus, the device for cleaning is upsized. In contrast, since the cleaning unit 50 does not include the replacement absorbent 70, the size is small. Further, since the cleaning unit 50 is small in size and has fewer constituent elements, the influence is small even if there is a positional deviation due to a tolerance, for example.

[0084] According to the present embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0085] (1) The installation of the cleaning unit 50 to the liquid ejection device 11 can be completed by only holding the holding portion 58 and inserting the holder 52 into the holding portion 60. Thus, the user can easily replace the cleaning unit 50 without directly touching the dirty cleaning member 51 and without spending time and effort on positioning.

[0086] (2) When the cleaning component 51 comes into contact with the nozzle 22, the elastomer 53 acts as a buffer, thus preventing excessive load from being applied to the nozzle 22. Therefore, it is less likely to cause damage to the nozzle 22.

[0087] (3) A sheet-like absorber 70 is wrapped around an elastomer 53. Therefore, the absorber 70 can be made to contact the surface of the nozzle 22 while suppressing the deflection of the absorber 70.

[0088] (4) The elastomer 53 has two surfaces (front surface 53b and back surface 53c) that are not wrapped around the absorbent 70. Therefore, the user can remove the cleaning part 51 from the retainer 52 without contacting the dirty absorbent 70 by pinching these two surfaces.

[0089] (5) Since the cleaning component 51 has three surfaces (top cleaning surface 74, first cleaning surface 75, and second cleaning surface 76), it can clean the spray surface 24 and the side surfaces 25 and 26 by means of different surfaces. Therefore, dirt removed from one surface will not adhere to other surfaces.

[0090] (6) The absorber 70 can absorb the liquid adhering to the nozzle 22. Furthermore, foreign matter adhering to the nozzle 22 can also be removed by wiping the nozzle 22 back and forth.

[0091] (7) Since the retainer 52 is magnetically attached to the retaining part 60, it can be easily attached to and detached from the retaining part 60 with a simple structure. In addition, the user can sense that the retainer 52 has been installed by the sound of the magnetically attracted metal colliding with the magnet 65.

[0092] The above-described embodiments can also be modified as shown in the following variations. Furthermore, the structures included in these embodiments can be arbitrarily combined with the structures included in the following variations, and the structures included in the following variations can be arbitrarily combined with each other.

[0093] First example of change

[0094] like Figures 9 to 11 As shown in the first modified example, in addition to the cleaning unit 50, the holding part 60 can also hold one or more moisturizing covers 43. In this case, either the third lifting device 63 or the lifting mechanism 67 may not be provided. The holding part 60 may also have a mounting plate 66 with embedded magnets 65 at the location where the cleaning unit 50 is installed. The holding part 60 may also be made of metal.

[0095] like Figure 10As shown, the retainer 52 may further include a pressing member 80 configured to press the absorbent 70 wound on the elastomer 53. Both the retainer 52 and the pressing member 80 are plate-shaped and configured to clamp the cleaning member 51 between them. In this case, the absorbent 70 may not be bonded to the elastomer 53.

[0096] The pressing member 80 can be mounted on the retainer 52 in a manner that allows it to rotate about the rotation axis 81. The retainer 52 may have a holding portion 58 protruding from one end in the long side direction. The pressing member 80 may have an engaging portion 82 that can engage with the retainer 52.

[0097] like Figure 11 As shown, the retainer 52 may have a receiving portion 91 that engages with the engaging portion 82. The retainer 52 may have a metal plate 92 configured to oppose the magnet 65 when mounted to the retaining portion 60. The retainer 52 may be made entirely of metal. The retainer 52 may have one or more (e.g., two) feet 93 that engage with the mounting plate 66. The feet 93 and the mounting plate 66 each have a surface extending in the mounting direction of the retainer 52.

[0098] The retainer 52 may have a rotating member 94 for fixing the elastomer 53. The bottom surface 53a of the elastomer 53 may be fixed to the rotating member 94. The elastomer 53 and the rotating member 94 are arranged sequentially along the Z-axis. In this case, the absorber 70 is wound around the elastomer 53 in a manner that covers the top surface 54, the first surface 55, and the second surface 56.

[0099] The rotating component 94 can be separately disposed from the retainer 52 and can rotate about the rotation axis 81. The integrated elastomer 53 and the rotating component 94 can also be configured to be sandwiched between the pressing component 80 and the retainer 52.

[0100] When the pressing member 80 is rotated to open, the absorber 70 can be installed and removed from the elastomer 53. At this time, if the rotating member 94 is also rotated, surfaces 55 and 56 move away from the retainer 52 and the pressing member 80, respectively. Therefore, the installation and removal of the absorber 70 becomes easy.

[0101] With the absorbent 70 wrapped around the elastomer 53, the portion flush with the first cleaning surface 75 is clamped between the rotating member 94 and the retainer 52, and the portion flush with the second cleaning surface 76 is clamped between the rotating member 94 and the pressing member 80. Both ends of the absorbent 70 can extend along the rotating member 94. Therefore, it is not necessary to strictly set the length of the absorbent 70 wrapped around the elastomer 53.

[0102] As in the first modification example, if the elastic body 53 is integrated with the holder 52 and only the absorbent 70 is replaced, the elastic body 53 can be reused. Therefore, the waste generated with the replacement is only the absorbent 70. The elastic body 53 can be detachable from the holder 52 alone or together with the rotating member 94. In this case, the absorbent 70 and the elastic body 53 can be replaced at different frequencies.

[0103] Second Modification Example

[0104] As in the second modification example shown in FIG. 8, the holder 52 can also have a pair of pressing members 80 that sandwich the elastic body 53 with the absorbent 70 wound thereon. A rotation shaft for rotating the pressing members 80 can be provided on the base end of the pair of pressing members 80. The absorbent 70 of the second modification example can also not be bonded to the elastic body 53. The elastic body 53 can be fixed to the holder 52 or can not be fixed. Figures 12 to 14 As in FIG. 9, the pair of pressing members 80 can be opened and closed by moving relative to each other. When the pressing members 80 are opened, the absorbent 70 can be detached from the elastic body 53. After the used absorbent 70 is detached, the replacement absorbent 70 is wound on the elastic body 53, and the pressing members 80 are closed. Thus, the replacement of the absorbent 70 is completed.

[0105] Figure 13 As in FIG. 10, the pair of pressing members 80 can be opened and closed by moving relative to each other. When the pressing members 80 are opened, the absorbent 70 can be detached from the elastic body 53. After the used absorbent 70 is detached, the replacement absorbent 70 is wound on the elastic body 53, and the pressing members 80 are closed. Thus, the replacement of the absorbent 70 is completed. Figure 14 The pressing members 80 can also have a sawtooth-shaped anti-slip member 83 at the position where they face each other. The position of the absorbent 70 can be inhibited from slipping by the anti-slip member 83. A fitting portion that fits to each other can be provided at the top end of the pair of pressing members 80.

[0106] Other Modification Examples

[0107] • The entire of the discharge surface 24 can be cleaned by the cleaning member 51.

[0108] • The cleaning member 51 can clean at least one of the discharge surface 24 and the side surfaces 25 and 26.

[0109] • The absorbent 70 can cover at least one surface of the elastic body 53.

[0110] • The elastic body 53 can be a polyhedron other than a rectangular parallelepiped, and the top surface 54 can be a curved surface.

[0111] • The elastic body 53 can be fixed to the holder 52 or can be detachably attached to the holder 52.

[0112] • The elastic body 53 can be fixed to the holder 52 or can be detachably attached to the holder 52.

[0113] ​• The cleaning unit 50 or the cleaning member 51 can also have at least one of the elastic body 53 and the absorbent body 70 in a replaceable manner.

[0114] • The holding portion 60 can also have, for example, a recess that houses the holder 52 or a mounting portion that engages with the holder 52. According to this structure, the holder 52 can be easily positioned with respect to the holding portion 60. The recess or the mounting portion of the holding portion 60 can also have a wall surface, a shaft, or a plate that extends in the mounting direction of the holder 52. According to this structure, the holder 52 can be easily positioned by guiding the holder 52 along the wall surface, the shaft, or the plate.

[0115] • The holder 52 can have a magnet 65 in addition to or instead of the holding portion 60.

[0116] • The method of holding the holder 52 on the holding portion 60 is not limited to the magnetic force of the magnet 65 and can be, for example, hooking or face fastening or suction by a suction mechanism.

[0117] • The pressing member 80 can be provided separately from the holder 52. For example, the pressing member 80 can be a clip that sandwiches the absorbent body 70 wound on the elastic body 53. Alternatively, the pressing member 80 can be a frame having rigidity or a ring having elasticity that allows the top surface 54 and the top cleaning surface 74 to pass through. Alternatively, the pressing member 80 can be a pin that penetrates into the absorbent body 70 and the elastic body 53.

[0118] The liquid ejection apparatus 11 can also be one that ejects a liquid other than ink. As the state of the liquid that is ejected from the liquid ejection apparatus 11 as a minute liquid droplet, there are also a granular state, a tear-like state, and a state of a liquid droplet in the form of a filament-like trailing tail. The liquid referred to here is one that can be ejected from the liquid ejection apparatus 11. For example, the liquid is one that is in a state in which a substance is in a liquid phase, and includes a liquid in a state in which the viscosity is high or low, a sol, a gel, water, other inorganic solvents, organic solvents, solutions, liquid resins, liquid metals, and a liquid such as a molten metal. Not only a liquid that is one state of a substance, but also a liquid in which a functional material such as a pigment or a metal particle is dissolved, dispersed, or mixed in a solvent is included in the liquid. As representative examples of the liquid, there are ink or liquid crystal, and the like as described in the above embodiments. Here, the ink is one that includes various liquid compositions such as general water-based ink, oil-based ink, and gel ink, and hot-melt ink. As a specific example of the liquid ejection apparatus 11, there is, for example, an apparatus that ejects a liquid containing a material such as an electrode material or a color material for manufacturing a liquid crystal display, an electroluminescent display, a surface-emitting display, a color filter, and the like in a dispersed or dissolved state. The liquid ejection apparatus 11 can also be one that ejects a biological organic material used for manufacturing a biochip, one that is used as a precision pipette and ejects a liquid that becomes a sample, a printing apparatus, a micro-dispenser, or the like. The liquid ejection apparatus 11 can also be one that ejects a lubricant onto a precision machine such as a clock or a camera using a needle, one that ejects a transparent resin liquid such as an ultraviolet hardening resin onto a substrate in order to form a minute lenticular lens, an optical lens, or the like used in an optical communication element, and the like. The liquid ejection apparatus 11 can also be one that ejects an etching liquid such as an acid or an alkali in order to etch a substrate or the like.

[0119] Hereinafter, the technical idea and the effects thereof according to the above-described embodiments and modified examples will be described.

[0120] 1) A cleaning unit characterized by comprising: a cleaning member for cleaning an ejection head that ejects a liquid; and a holder that is detachably attached to a holding portion provided at a position that can face the ejection head, the cleaning member being held by the holder in a state in which an absorbent that can absorb the liquid is wound around an elastic body.

[0121] According to the cleaning unit, the cleaning member can be easily attached to and detached from the holding portion via the holder. Therefore, replacement of the cleaning member does not take time and effort, and installation errors are unlikely to occur.

[0122] 2) The cleaning unit according to claim 1, wherein the cleaning member has the absorbent at least partially adhered to the elastic body, and is detachably attached to the holder.

[0123] According to the cleaning unit, since the absorbent is integrated with the elastic body, the cleaning member can be easily detached from the holder. Therefore, a new cleaning unit for replacement can be easily prepared.

[0124] 3) The cleaning unit according to claim 1, wherein the holder has a pressing member configured to press the absorbent wound around the elastic body.

[0125] According to the cleaning unit, since only the absorbent can be replaced, the elastic body can be repeatedly used. Therefore, waste generated with replacement can be reduced.

[0126] 4) The cleaning unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein at least one of the holder and the holder is made of metal, and the other of the holder and the holder has a magnet.

[0127] According to the cleaning unit, the holder can be detached from the holder by the magnetic force of the magnet. Further, since the positioning by the magnetic force is easy, the cleaning can be stably performed.

[0128] 5) The cleaning unit according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the holder has a receiving portion that receives the cleaning member, and a gripping portion that protrudes from the receiving portion.

[0129] According to the cleaning unit, the user can easily perform the detachment of the cleaning unit from the holder by gripping the gripping portion. Further, since the cleaning unit can be replaced without touching the cleaning member, the user's hand is not contaminated.

[0130] 6) The cleaning unit according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the elastic body is a rectangular parallelepiped having a top surface, a first surface intersecting the top surface, and a second surface opposite to the first surface, and the absorbent is wound around the elastic body in a manner of covering at least the top surface, the first surface, and the second surface.

[0131] According to the cleaning unit, the ejection surface and the two side surfaces of the ejection head can be cleaned by the portions of the absorbent that cover the top surface, the first surface, and the second surface, respectively. Since the orientation of the cleaning member does not need to be changed in order to clean different surfaces of the ejection head, the structure of the liquid ejection apparatus can be simplified.

[0132] 7) A cleaning unit for a liquid discharge apparatus, characterized by comprising: a discharge head configured to discharge a liquid; a holding portion disposed at a position capable of facing the discharge head, the cleaning unit comprising a holder mounted on the holding portion in a detachable manner, and a cleaning member for cleaning the discharge head mounted on the holder in a detachable manner, the cleaning member having an elastic body and a liquid-absorbable absorbent body wound around the elastic body.

[0133] According to the cleaning unit, the cleaning member can be easily mounted on and detached from the holding portion via the holder. Therefore, replacement of the cleaning member does not take time and effort, and installation errors are less likely to occur.

[0134] 8) A liquid discharge apparatus characterized by comprising: a discharge head configured to discharge a liquid; a holding portion disposed at a position capable of facing the discharge head; and the cleaning unit according to any one of 1) to 7), mounted on the holding portion in a detachable manner.

[0135] According to the liquid discharge apparatus, the discharge head can be cleaned by mounting the cleaning unit on the holding portion. Furthermore, since the cleaning unit is detachable from the holding portion, the cleaning unit can be replaced.

[0136] 9) The liquid discharge apparatus according to 8), characterized in that the discharge head is configured to relatively move with respect to the holding portion in a scanning direction, and further comprising a moving mechanism that moves at least one of the discharge head and the holding portion in a direction intersecting the scanning direction.

[0137] According to the liquid discharge apparatus, the absorbent body can be brought into contact with the discharge head by moving the discharge head in the scanning direction. Further, in a state where the discharge head is in contact with the absorbent body, the discharge head can be wiped with the absorbent body by relatively moving the discharge head and the holding portion in a direction intersecting the scanning direction. Thus, the discharge head can be more effectively cleaned.

[0138] 10. A replacement method of a cleaning unit, which is a replacement method of a cleaning unit in a liquid discharge apparatus, characterized by comprising: a discharge head configured to discharge a liquid; a holding portion disposed at a position capable of facing the discharge head; a cleaning unit having a cleaning member for cleaning the discharge head, and a holder removably mounted on the holding portion and holding the cleaning member, the replacement method comprising: moving the discharge head to a position not facing the holding portion; removing the cleaning unit from the holding portion; and mounting a replacement cleaning unit on the holding portion.

[0139] According to the method, the used cleaning member can be removed by removing the cleaning unit from the holding portion. Further, the replacement cleaning unit can be mounted on the holding portion to replace the cleaning member with a new one.

[0140] Explanation of symbols

[0141] 10… medium; 11… liquid discharge apparatus; 12… outer housing; 12a… support leg portion; 12b… opening and closing portion; 14… carriage; 15… support table; 16… guide shaft; 17… support mechanism; 18… drive mechanism; 19… operation panel; 20… liquid storage body; 21… liquid storage body; 22… discharge head; 23… nozzle; 24… discharge face; 25… first side face; 26… second side face; 27… moving mechanism; 40… maintenance device; 41… suction cap; 42… wiper; 43… moisturizing cap; 44… suction pump; 50… cleaning unit; 51… cleaning member; 52… holder; 53… elastic body; 53a… bottom face; 53b… front face; 53c… back face; 54… top face; 55… first face; 56… second face; 57… storage portion; 58… gripping portion; 60… holding portion; 61… first lifting device; 62… second lifting device; 63… third lifting device; 64… mounting recess; 64a… inner wall face; 64b… inner bottom face; 65… magnet; 66… mounting plate; 67… lifting mechanism; 70… absorbent body; 74… top cleaning face; 75… first cleaning face; 76… second cleaning face; 80… pressing member; 81… rotating shaft; 82… engaging portion; 83… anti-slip member; 91… receiving portion; 92… metal plate; 93… leg portion; 94… rotating member; 100… controller; 101… processing circuit; 102… storage portion; 103… communication portion; D1… first distance; D2… second distance; D3… third distance; Dc… moving direction; L0… reference level; Ld… lowering level; Lu… raising level; P1… first cleaning position; P2… second cleaning position.

Claims

1. A cleaning unit characterized by comprising: Possessing: a cleaning member for cleaning an ejection head that ejects liquid; a holder that is detachably attached to a holding portion that is disposed at a position that can face the ejection head, the cleaning member is held by the holder in a state in which an absorbent that can absorb liquid is wound around an elastic body, at least one of the holding portion and the holder has a magnet, the other of the holding portion and the holder has a metal that is attracted by the magnet.

2. The cleaning unit according to claim 1, wherein the cleaning member has the absorbent that is attached to at least a portion of the elastic body, and is detachably attached to the holder.

3. The cleaning unit according to claim 1, wherein the holder has a pressing member, the pressing member is configured to press the absorbent that is wound around the elastic body.

4. The cleaning unit according to claim 1, wherein the holder has a housing portion and a gripping portion, the housing portion houses the cleaning member, the gripping portion protrudes from the housing portion.

5. The cleaning unit according to claim 1, wherein the elastic body is a rectangular parallelepiped, and has a top surface, a first surface that intersects the top surface, and a second surface that is on the opposite side of the first surface, the absorbent is wound around the elastic body in a manner that covers at least the top surface, the first surface, and the second surface.

6. A liquid discharge apparatus characterized by comprising: Possessing: an ejection head configured to eject liquid; a holding portion disposed at a position that can face the ejection head; the cleaning unit according to any one of claims 1 to 5 is detachably attached to the holding portion.

7. The liquid ejection apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the ejection head is configured to relatively move with respect to the holding portion in a scanning direction, the liquid ejection apparatus further possesses a moving mechanism, the moving mechanism moves at least one of the ejection head and the holding portion in a direction that intersects the scanning direction.

8. A method of replacing a cleaning unit, characterized by, A replacement method for a cleaning unit in a liquid ejection apparatus, in which the liquid ejection apparatus possesses: an ejection head configured to eject liquid; a holding portion disposed at a position that can face the ejection head, the cleaning unit possesses: a cleaning member for cleaning the ejection head; a holder that is detachably attached to the holding portion, and holds the cleaning member, at least one of the holding portion and the holder has a magnet, the other of the holding portion and the holder has a metal that is attracted by the magnet, the replacement method includes: moving the ejection head to a position that does not face the holding portion; detaching the cleaning unit from the holding portion; attaching a replacement cleaning unit to the holding portion.

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