Wiping module, ejection module, liquid ejection device, and wiping method for wiping module

Abstract

The present application provides a wiping module, a liquid ejection device, and a wiping method for the wiping module. The wiping module includes a wiping section (51) and a cleaning section (52). The wiping section (51) includes a wiping member (71) that wipes a liquid ejection head that ejects liquid from a nozzle provided on a nozzle face, a housing support section (72) that supports the wiping member (71) and can house liquid generated by wiping, and a moving support section that carries the housing support section (72) and can reciprocate in a wiping direction along which wiping is performed. The cleaning section (52) cleans the wiping member (71). The cleaning section (52) includes a cleaning member (81) and a guide section (82) that guides the cleaning member. The cleaning member (81) is configured to scrape off liquid adhering to the wiping member (71) while being guided by the guide section (82) following movement of the wiping section in the wiping direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a wiping module, a spraying module, a liquid spraying device, and a wiping method for the wiping module. Background Technology

[0002] Previously, inkjet printers were known. These printers included a cleaning mechanism for cleaning the nozzle surface of the head. For example, the cleaning mechanism in Patent Document 1 included a head wiper and a rotary wiper cleaning device. The head wiper wipes away adhering material from the nozzle surface by sliding relative to it while moving forward. After the head wiper passed the nozzle surface, the wiper cleaning device, pressed by the forward-moving head wiper, rotates around a predetermined rotation center while sliding relative to the surface of the head wiper, thereby scraping away adhering material from the surface of the head wiper. Adhering material may be, for example, ink or paper scraps.

[0003] In the cleaning mechanism of Patent Document 1, the wiping device makes contact while rotating relative to the linearly moving head wiper. Therefore, it is possible that the contact state between the head wiper and the wiping device changes at the start and end of the cleaning process. For this reason, it may be difficult to wipe the head wiper evenly.

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2011-56889 Summary of the Invention

[0005] The wiping module that solves the above-mentioned problem includes a wiping section and a cleaning section. The wiping section comprises: a wiping member that performs wiping of a liquid spray head that sprays liquid from a nozzle disposed on a nozzle surface; a receiving support section that supports the wiping member and is capable of receiving the liquid generated by the wiping; and a movable support section that is mounted on the receiving support section and is capable of reciprocating along the direction in which the wiping is performed, i.e., the wiping direction. The cleaning section cleans the wiping member. The cleaning member is configured to scrape off the liquid adhering to the wiping member while being guided by the guide section following the movement of the wiping section in the wiping direction.

[0006] The ejection module that solves the above problems includes a liquid ejection head for ejecting liquid and the aforementioned wiping module.

[0007] The liquid ejection device for solving the above-mentioned problems includes a liquid ejection head that ejects liquid; the aforementioned wiping module; a connecting part that can be connected to the receiving support part; and a pressure reducing mechanism that can reduce pressure on the connecting part.

[0008] The wiping method of the wiping module that solves the above-mentioned problem is as follows: the wiping module includes a wiping part and a cleaning part. The wiping part includes: a wiping member that performs wiping of a liquid spray head that sprays liquid from a nozzle provided on a nozzle surface; a receiving support that supports the wiping member and can receive the liquid generated by the wiping; and a movable support that is mounted on the receiving support and can reciprocate along the direction in which the wiping is performed, i.e., the wiping direction. The cleaning part cleans the wiping member and includes a cleaning member and a guide part that guides the cleaning member. The cleaning member scrapes off the liquid adhering to the wiping member while being guided by the guide part following the movement of the wiping part in the wiping direction. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating the general structure of one embodiment of the liquid ejection device.

[0010] Figure 2 A bottom view of a liquid ejector head according to one embodiment.

[0011] Figure 3 A perspective view of the wiping part according to one embodiment.

[0012] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of a receiving support portion according to one embodiment.

[0013] Figure 5 A perspective view of the wiping and cleaning parts according to one embodiment.

[0014] Figure 6 A perspective view of the wiping and cleaning parts according to one embodiment.

[0015] Figure 7 A perspective view of the wiping and cleaning parts according to one embodiment.

[0016] Figure 8 This is a front view of the first support member of one embodiment, viewed from its inside.

[0017] Figure 9 This is a perspective view of the first support member of one embodiment, viewed from its inside.

[0018] Figure 10 A perspective view of a slider according to one embodiment.

[0019] Figure 11 A perspective view of the wiping and cleaning parts according to one embodiment.

[0020] Figure 12A perspective view of the wiping and cleaning parts according to one embodiment.

[0021] Figure 13 A flowchart illustrating the processing sequence of a control device in one embodiment.

[0022] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of a liquid ejection device according to one embodiment, viewed from above.

[0023] Figure 15 This is a front view of the first support member of one embodiment, viewed from its inside.

[0024] Figure 16 This is a cross-sectional view showing the position of the cleaning section when the wiping section is in the initial position of the wiper, according to one embodiment.

[0025] Figure 17 This is a cross-sectional view showing the position of the cleaning section when the wiping section is in the starting position of the cleaning device, according to one embodiment.

[0026] Figure 18 This is a cross-sectional view showing the position of the cleaning section when the wiping section is in the end position of the cleaning device, according to one embodiment.

[0027] Figure 19 This is a cross-sectional view showing the position of the cleaning section when the wiping section is in the cleaning device restoration control position according to one embodiment.

[0028] Figure 20 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the posture of a liquid ejector head in other embodiments. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The following describes one embodiment of the liquid ejection device. The liquid ejection device is, for example, an inkjet printer that performs printing by ejecting a printing liquid, which is a liquid used for printing, onto a medium that is to be printed. The medium is, for example, paper or fabric. The printing liquid is, for example, ink.

[0030] Liquid ejection device

[0031] like Figure 1 As shown, the liquid ejection device 10 includes an ejection module 20, a connecting part 30, a pressure reducing mechanism 40, and a control part 50. These structures are housed inside a frame (not shown).

[0032] The ejection module 20 has a liquid ejection head 21, a wiping module 22, a head cover 23, a head drive mechanism 24, and a cover drive mechanism 25.

[0033] The liquid ejector head 21 ejects printing liquid. The liquid ejector head 21 is, for example, a line head extending in the direction of the X-axis in an orthogonal coordinate system formed by the XYZ axes. The liquid ejector head 21 ejects printing liquid from multiple nozzles provided on its nozzle face 21A onto the medium, thereby forming an image on the surface of the medium. This image includes text and graphics, etc. Incidentally, the medium is conveyed in the direction along the Y-axis by a conveying mechanism (not shown).

[0034] The liquid nozzle 21 can be moved along the Z-axis by being driven by the head drive mechanism 24. The liquid nozzle 21 moves between a set position and a retracted position. The set position is the position when printing is performed on the medium. The retracted position is the position that is offset upward along the Z-axis relative to the set position, and is the position when cleaning the nozzle surface 21A of the liquid nozzle 21 is performed.

[0035] The cover 23 moves between a closed position and a retracted position, driven by the cover drive mechanism 25. The closed position covers the nozzle surface 21A of the liquid ejector head 21. The retracted position opens the nozzle surface 21A of the liquid ejector head 21, ensuring that the printing liquid is not obstructed from being ejected. When printing is not in progress, the cover 23 is held in the closed position. This prevents the nozzle of the liquid ejector head 21 from drying out. When printing is in progress, the cover 23 moves from the closed position to the retracted position.

[0036] The wiping module 22 is a wiping unit. The wiping module 22 performs wiping on the nozzle surface 21A of the liquid spray head 21. The wiping module 22 has a wiping part 51, a cleaning part 52, and a wiping drive mechanism 53.

[0037] The wiping unit 51 can reciprocate along the X-axis direction by being driven by the wiping drive mechanism 53. The wiping unit 51... Figure 1 The initial position P0 of the wiper, indicated by the solid line, is... Figure 1 The wiping unit 51 moves between the starting positions P1 indicated by the double-dotted lines. The initial position P0 of the wiping unit is, for example, the reference position when the power is on. The initial position P0 is located on the outer side of the X-axis compared to the first end of the liquid nozzle 21. The starting position P1 is the position where wiping of the nozzle surface 21A begins. The starting position P1 is located on the outer side of the X-axis compared to the second end of the liquid nozzle 21. Incidentally, the wiping unit 51 can also move along the X-axis in the opposite direction to the starting position P1, based on the initial position P0.

[0038] The wiping section 51 includes a wiping member 71 and a discharge section 72C. The wiping member 71 is configured to slide relative to the nozzle surface 21A as the wiping section 51 moves. The wiping member 71 is a wiper. By sliding relative to the nozzle surface 21A, the wiping member 71 wipes away the printing liquid adhering to the nozzle surface 21A. The printing liquid wiped away by the wiping member 71 is collected in the wiping section 51. The printing liquid collected in the wiping section 51 can be discharged to the outside via the discharge section 72C.

[0039] The cleaning unit 52 is a cleaning device unit. The cleaning unit 52 cleans the printing liquid adhering to the wiping component 71 of the wiping unit 51. The cleaning unit 52 can move integrally outside the wiping area along with the movement of the wiping unit 51. The cleaning unit 52 uses the movement of the wiping unit 51 to clean the wiping component 71.

[0040] The connecting part 30 is configured to connect the wiping part 51 and the pressure reducing mechanism 40. When the wiping part 51 is in the initial position P0 of the wiper, the discharge part 72C of the wiping part 51 is connected to the pressure reducing mechanism 40 via the connecting part 30.

[0041] The pressure-reducing mechanism 40 can reduce the pressure on the connecting portion 30. The pressure-reducing mechanism 40 includes a pump 61, a pump drive mechanism 62, and a waste liquid tank 63. The pump drive mechanism 62 is driven, for example, when the wiping portion 51 is in the initial position P0 of the wiper. By driving the pump 61 by the pump drive mechanism 62, the printing liquid contained in the wiping portion 51 is drawn through the discharge portion 72C and the connecting portion 30. The drawn-out printing liquid is discharged as waste liquid into the waste liquid tank 63.

[0042] The control unit 50 controls the operation of the head drive mechanism 24, the cover drive mechanism 25, the wiper drive mechanism 53, and the pump drive mechanism 62.

[0043] Liquid nozzle

[0044] like Figure 2 As shown, the liquid nozzle 21 is supported inside the frame by a support member. The liquid nozzle 21 is formed by connecting multiple head units in the direction along the X-axis. When viewed from the direction along the Z-axis, multiple nozzles 21B are provided on the nozzle surface 21A of the liquid nozzle 21. These nozzles 21B are arranged in multiple straight rows. The multiple nozzle rows are arranged in the direction along the X-axis. Furthermore, the nozzle rows extend in directions that intersect at an acute angle with respect to the direction along the X-axis.

[0045] Wiping Department

[0046] Next, the wiping part 51 will be described in detail.

[0047] like Figure 3 As shown, the wiping part 51 includes a wiping component 71, a housing support part 72, and a movable support part 73.

[0048] The movable support 73 supports the receiving support 72. The movable support 73 has a mounting portion 73A, a wrist portion 73B, and an abutment portion 73C. The mounting portion 73A is a rectangular box shape with two open surfaces along the Z-axis and two open surfaces along the X-axis. The mounting portion 73A has three side walls. The first and second side walls are opposite each other along the Y-axis. The third side wall extends along the Y-axis and connects the first and second side walls together. The receiving support 72 is mounted inside the mounting portion 73A. The wrist portion 73B is provided on the outer surface of the first side wall of the mounting portion 73A. The wrist portion 73B extends along the Y-axis in the direction opposite to the second side wall. The abutment portion 73C is provided at the upper part of the second side wall of the mounting portion 73A along the Y-axis. The abutment portion 73C is generally rectangular. Multiple protrusions 73D are provided on one side of the abutment portion 73C along the X-axis.

[0049] like Figure 4 As shown, the receiving support portion 72 supports the wiping member 71. The receiving support portion 72 is a rectangular box shape with an open surface along the Z-axis. The receiving support portion 72 has a receiving portion 72A, a communicating channel 72B, and a discharge portion 72C. These receiving portions 72A, communicating channel 72B, and discharge portion 72C are provided by being divided by the internal walls of the receiving support portion 72. The receiving portions 72A, communicating channel 72B, and discharge portion 72C are interconnected.

[0050] The connecting channel 72B is located on one side of the receiving support 72 near the Y-axis. The connecting channel 72B is a flow channel connecting the receiving section 72A and the discharge section 72C. The connecting channel 72B meanders in a reciprocating manner along the X-axis. The X-axis is the direction of movement of the wiping section 51. That is, the connecting channel 72B has a portion that causes the waste liquid in the receiving section 72A to flow in the direction opposite to the wiping direction WD. Incidentally, the wiping direction WD refers to the direction along the X-axis from the wiping start position P1 towards the wiping initial position P0.

[0051] The discharge section 72C is provided on the side wall of the receiving support section 72. The discharge section 72C opens on the side wall of the wiping section 51 along the X-axis from the wiping start position P1 toward the wiping initial position P0. The discharge section 72C is provided at the lowest part of the receiving section 72A, that is, at a position higher than the inner bottom surface of the receiving section 72A.

[0052] A wiping component 71 is disposed inside the receiving support portion 72. The wiping component 71 includes a nozzle-side wiping component 71A and a side wiping component 71B. The nozzle-side wiping component 71A and the side wiping component 71B are made of rubber and are rectangular plates. The nozzle-side wiping component 71A and the side wiping component 71B are detachably disposed inside the receiving portion 72A via a wiper base 71C. The outer periphery of the wiper base 71C corresponds to the inner periphery of the receiving portion 72A. The wiper base 71C is disposed such that it covers most of the inner bottom surface of the receiving portion 72A.

[0053] The nozzle surface wiping component 71A is the main wiper. The nozzle surface wiping component 71A is used to wipe the nozzle surface 21A. The nozzle surface wiping component 71A has a rectangular plate shape. The nozzle surface wiping component 71A is supported on the inner bottom surface of the receiving portion 72A with its two short sides along the Z-axis. The nozzle surface wiping component 71A extends in a direction intersecting the direction along the X-axis. When viewed from the Z-axis direction, the orientation and degree of inclination of the nozzle surface wiping component 71A relative to the direction along the X-axis are the same as the orientation and degree of inclination of the nozzle array relative to the direction along the X-axis.

[0054] The side wiping component 71B is a secondary wiper. The side wiping component 71B is used to wipe the side of the liquid ejection head 21 that intersects with the nozzle face 21A. The side wiping component 71B has a rectangular plate shape. The length of the side wiping component 71B is shorter than the length of the nozzle face wiping component 71A. The side wiping component 71B is supported on the inner bottom surface of the receiving portion 72A with its two short sides along the Z-axis. The long side of the side wiping component 71B extends in the direction along the Y-axis. The side wiping component 71B is located near the end of the nozzle face wiping component 71A on the side closest to the connecting channel 72B. The side wiping component 71B is located rearward in the direction opposite to the wiping direction WD, relative to the end of the nozzle face wiping component 71A on the side closest to the connecting channel 72B. The side wiping member 71B follows the nozzle face wiping member 71A as the wiping part 51 moves along the X-axis from the wiping start position P1 toward the wiping initial position P0. The side wiping member 71B is able to capture the printing liquid that falls off the nozzle face wiping member 71A.

[0055] Wiper drive mechanism

[0056] Next, the wiper drive mechanism 53 will be described in detail.

[0057] like Figure 5As shown, the wiper drive mechanism 53 is a belt drive mechanism consisting of a drive pulley 53A, a driven pulley 53B, and a seamless synchronous toothed belt 53C. The drive pulley 53A and driven pulley 53B are rotatably supported by a support portion located inside the frame. The drive pulley 53A and driven pulley 53B are separated along the X-axis. The separation distance between the drive pulley 53A and driven pulley 53B is set to be longer than the distance the wiping unit 51 travels between the initial position P0 and the starting position P1 of the wiper. The synchronous toothed belt 53C is wound around the drive pulley 53A and driven pulley 53B. The synchronous toothed belt 53C circulates due to the rotation of the drive pulley 53A and driven pulley 53B. Incidentally, the drive pulley 53A is rotated by the operation of a drive source such as a motor (not shown).

[0058] Furthermore, the wiper drive mechanism 53 has a guide rail 53D. The guide rail 53D is a flat plate extending in the direction along the X-axis. The length of the guide rail 53D in the X-axis direction is set to be longer than the distance the wiping part 51 travels between the initial position P0 and the starting position P1 of the wiper. The guide rail 53D is fixed inside the frame. The guide rail 53D is separate from the belt drive mechanism in the direction along the Y-axis.

[0059] A movable support 73 is disposed between the guide rail 53D and the belt drive mechanism. The wrist 73B of the movable support 73 is supported by the guide rail 53D via a guide roller 73F. The wrist 73B is guided by the guide rail 53D via the guide roller 73F. The abutment portion 73C is connected via a connecting member 73E to the portion of the synchronous toothed belt 53C located on its lower side along the Z-axis. As the synchronous toothed belt 53C travels, the movable support 73 moves in the X-axis direction while being guided by the guide rail 53D.

[0060] Cleaning Department

[0061] Next, we will provide a detailed explanation of cleaning section 52.

[0062] like Figure 6 As shown, the cleaning section 52 is positioned above the wiping section 51, for example, located at the initial position P0 of the wiper, along the Z-axis. However, in Figure 6 The movable support part 73 is omitted from the diagram. The cleaning part 52 is a component used to clean the wiping member 71.

[0063] like Figure 7 As shown, the cleaning unit 52 has a cleaning component 81 and a guide unit 82.

[0064] The guide section 82 guides the movement of the cleaning component 81. The guide section 82 includes a first support component 91, a second support component 92, a rod 93, and a slider 94. The first support component 91 and the second support component 92 have a cuboid shape. The first support component 91 and the second support component 92 are fixed inside a frame via a fixing component such as a frame (not shown). The first support component 91 and the second support component 92 are separated from each other in the direction along the Y-axis. The long sides of the first support component 91 and the second support component 92 extend in the direction along the X-axis.

[0065] like Figure 8 As shown, the first support member 91 has a guide groove 91A and a cam groove 91B. The guide groove 91A and the cam groove 91B are arranged in the direction along the X-axis. In the direction along the X-axis, the guide groove 91A is located on the side farther from the cam groove 91B relative to the wiping part 51 located at the wiping start position P1. That is, in the direction along the X-axis, the cam groove 91B is located on the side closer to the guide groove 91A relative to the wiping part 51 located at the wiping start position P1.

[0066] The guide groove 91A extends through the first support member 91. The guide groove 91A has a first guide groove 91A1 and a second guide groove 91A2. The first guide groove 91A1 extends in a direction that intersects with respect to the direction along the X-axis. The second guide groove 91A2 extends from the upper end of the first guide groove 91A1 along the X-axis in a direction away from the cam groove 91B. The direction away from the cam groove 91B is also the direction in which the wiping part 51 moves from the wiping start position P1 toward the wiping initial position P0.

[0067] Additionally, a roller guide hole 91C is provided on the first support member 91. The inner side of the first support member 91 refers to the side of the first support member 91 that is closer to the second support member 92 among two opposing sides located along the Y-axis. The roller guide hole 91C is provided in such a way that it follows the contour of the guide groove 91A and surrounds the entire circumference of the guide groove 91A.

[0068] A cam groove 91B is provided on the inner side of the first support member 91. The cam groove 91B has a right-angled triangular shape when viewed from the direction along the Y-axis. The cam groove 91B has a first cam groove 91B1, a second cam groove 91B2, and a third cam groove 91B3.

[0069] The first cam groove 91B1 extends along the X-axis. The first cam groove 91B1 is positioned slightly upward relative to the second guide groove 91A2 along the Z-axis. Here, "upward" refers to the direction away from the wiping portion 51 along the Z-axis.

[0070] The second cam groove 91B2 extends downward along the Z-axis from the first end of the first cam groove 91B1. The first end of the first cam groove 91B1 refers to the end of the first cam groove 91B1 that is located on opposite sides in the direction along the X-axis and is farther away from the guide groove 91A. Furthermore, "downward" here refers to the direction closer to the wiping portion 51 in the direction along the Z-axis.

[0071] The third cam groove 91B3 connects the end of the second cam groove 91B2 on the opposite side to the first cam groove 91B1 with the vicinity of the second end of the first cam groove 91B1. The second end of the first cam groove 91B1 refers to the end of the first cam groove 91B1 located on opposite sides along the X-axis that is closer to the guide groove 91A. The third cam groove 91B3 extends in a direction intersecting the X-axis. The third cam groove 91B3 is equivalent to the hypotenuse of a right triangle.

[0072] like Figure 9 As shown, the depths of the first cam groove 91B1 and the second cam groove 91B2 are set to the same depth. The inner bottom surfaces of the first cam groove 91B1 and the second cam groove 91B2 are continuous planes. The third cam groove 91B3 has an inclined surface 91B4 and a flat surface 91B5. These inclined surfaces 91B4 and flat surfaces 91B5 constitute the inner bottom surface of the third cam groove 91B3.

[0073] The inclined surface 91B4 is inclined such that the depth of the third cam groove 91B3 becomes shallower as it approaches the first cam groove 91B1 from the second cam groove 91B2. The depth of the portion of the third cam groove 91B3 corresponding to the flat surface 91B5 is set to be slightly shallower than the depth of the first cam groove 91B1. A retaining portion 91B6 is provided at the boundary between the inclined surface 91B4 and the flat surface 91B5. The retaining portion 91B6 is the portion representing the height difference between the inclined surface 91B4 and the flat surface 91B5.

[0074] like Figure 7 As shown, the first support member 91 has a rod receiving portion 91D, a blocking recess 91E, and a protrusion 91F for holding the spring. The rod receiving portion 91D and the blocking recess 91E are provided on the outer surface of the first support member 91. The outer surface of the first support member 91 refers to the side of the first support member 91 that is farther from the second support member 92 among two opposite sides located along the Y-axis.

[0075] The rod storage portion 91D is a recess with a predetermined depth. The rod storage portion 91D extends in the direction along the X-axis. The first end of the rod storage portion 91D protrudes from the side of the first support member 91 that is located on opposite sides in the direction along the X-axis, the side farther from the wiping portion 51 located at the wiping start position P1. The second end of the rod storage portion 91D opens outward.

[0076] The blocking recess 91E is located above the rod receiving portion 91D along the Z-axis. The blocking recess 91E is provided in the X-axis direction within a range corresponding at least to the roller guide hole 91C. The blocking recess 91E is opened in the same direction as the movement of the wiping portion 51 from the wiping start position P1 towards the wiping initial position P0 in the X-axis direction. The unopened inner surface of the blocking recess 91E is used as the blocking surface 91E1.

[0077] A protrusion 91F for holding the spring is provided on the inner bottom surface of the rod storage portion 91D. The protrusion 91F is provided at a position near the second end of the rod storage portion 91D.

[0078] like Figure 7 As shown, the second support member 92 has essentially the same structure as the first support member 91. Therefore, a detailed description of the second support member 92 is omitted. The second support member 92, like the first support member 91, has a guide groove 92A and a cam groove 92B. The guide groove 92A and the cam groove 92B have the same structure as the guide groove 91A and the cam groove 91B of the first support member 91. However, the second support member 92 does not have the structure corresponding to the roller guide hole 91C and the rod receiving portion 91D.

[0079] like Figure 7 As shown, the rod 93 has a support portion 93A, a pressing portion 93B, and a connecting portion 93C.

[0080] The support portion 93A is hollow and rectangular. It extends along the X-axis. The length of the support portion 93A along the X-axis is set to be shorter than the length of the rod receiving portion 91D along the X-axis. The support portion 93A is housed inside the rod receiving portion 91D of the first support member 91. However, the portion of the support portion 93A corresponding to the blocking recess 91E protrudes outward from the rod receiving portion 91D along the Y-axis. The support portion 93A is capable of sliding relative to the inner wall surface of the rod receiving portion 91D along the X-axis.

[0081] The pressing part 93B is rectangular in shape. The pressing part 93B is provided on the outer surface of the support part 93A. The pressing part 93B is located near the first end of the support part 93A in the direction along the X-axis. The first end of the support part 93A refers to the end of the support part 93A that is farther from the wiping part 51 located at the starting position P1 of the wiper, among two opposite ends of the support part 93A in the direction along the X-axis.

[0082] A connecting portion 93C is provided on the upper surface of the portion of the support portion 93A that protrudes outward from the rod receiving portion 91D. The connecting portion 93C has an elongated hole 93D. The elongated hole 93D extends along the Z-axis. The length of the elongated hole 93D along the Z-axis is set to be the same as the distance L between the uppermost and lowermost portions of the inner circumferential surface of the roller guide hole 91C.

[0083] Furthermore, a protrusion 93E for holding the spring is provided inside the support portion 93A. This protrusion 93E is, for example, provided at a position corresponding to the pressed portion 93B. The protrusion 93E is connected to the first end of the tension coil spring 93F. The protrusion 91F of the first support member 91 is connected to the second end of the tension coil spring 93F. Therefore, the rod 93 is always subjected to force in the same direction as the movement direction of the wiping portion 51 from the initial position P0 of the wiper towards the starting position P1 of the wiper, due to the elastic force of the tension coil spring 93F. The movement of the rod 93 in the same direction as the movement direction of the wiping portion 51 from the initial position P0 of the wiper towards the starting position P1 of the wiper is restricted by the contact between the connecting portion 93C and the blocking surface 91E1.

[0084] like Figure 10 As shown, the slider 94 is rectangular in shape. The long side of the slider 94 extends along the Y-axis. A rectangular cutout 94A is provided on the side edge of the slider 94 opposite to the wiping direction WD along the X-axis. Furthermore, cylindrical first shaft support portions 94B1, 94B2, 94B3, and 94B4 are respectively provided at the four corners of the slider 94. The first shaft support portions 94B1 and 94B3 extend in opposite directions along the Y-axis. The first shaft support portions 94B1 and 94B3 are located on the same axis extending along the Y-axis. The second shaft support portions 94B2 and 94B4 extend in opposite directions along the Y-axis. The second shaft support portions 94B2 and 94B4 are located on the same axis extending along the Y-axis.

[0085] Slider 94 has a first slider shaft 94C1, a second slider shaft 94C2, a third slider shaft 94C3, and a fourth slider shaft 94C4. The second to fourth slider shafts 94C2 to 94C4 are identical. The first slider shaft 94C1 is a so-called drive shaft, and its length along the Y-axis is longer than the lengths of the second to fourth slider shafts 94C2 to 94C4 along the Y-axis. The lengths of the second to fourth slider shafts 94C2 to 94C4 along the Y-axis are all the same.

[0086] The first slider shaft 94C1 is fixed in the state of being inserted into the first shaft support portion 94B1. The first slider shaft 94C1 has a base end portion and a top end portion. The base end portion is the part that is inserted into the first shaft support portion 94B1. The top end portion is the part that protrudes outward from the first shaft support portion 94B1. The outer diameter of the base end portion is larger than the outer diameter of the top end portion. The outer diameter of the top end portion is the same as the outer diameter of the second to fourth slider shafts 94C2 to 94C4.

[0087] Additionally, a first guide roller 94E1 and a second guide roller 94E2 are mounted on the top end of the first slider shaft 94C1. The first guide roller 94E1 and the second guide roller 94E2 are rotatable relative to the top end of the first slider shaft 94C1. The first guide roller 94E1 is closer to the base end of the first slider shaft 94C1 in the Y-axis direction than the second guide roller 94E2. That is, the first guide roller 94E1 is located between the second guide roller 94E2 and the base end of the first slider shaft 94C1. The outer diameter of the first guide roller 94E1 is the same as the width of the roller guide hole 91C of the first support member 91. The width of the roller guide hole 91C refers to its length in a direction orthogonal to the extending direction of the roller guide hole 91C. The outer diameter of the second guide roller 94E2 is the same as the width of the elongated hole 93D of the connecting portion 93C. The width of the elongated hole 93D refers to its length in a direction orthogonal to the extending direction of the elongated hole 93D.

[0088] The second slider shaft 94C2 is inserted relative to the second shaft support 94B2 to prevent it from falling out. The second slider shaft 94C2 can slide relative to the second shaft support 94B2 in the Y-axis direction. A compression coil spring 94D2 is located between the inner end of the second slider shaft 94C2 and the inner bottom of the second shaft support 94B2. The second slider shaft 94C2 is always subjected to force in the direction protruding from the second shaft support 94B2 by the elastic force of the compression coil spring 94D2. The second slider shaft 94C2 is maintained in a state where its top end protrudes from the second shaft support 94B2.

[0089] The third slider shaft 94C3 is inserted relative to the third shaft support 94B3 to prevent it from falling out. The third slider shaft 94C3 can slide relative to the third shaft support 94B3 in the Y-axis direction. A compression coil spring 94D3 is located between the inner end of the third slider shaft 94C3 and the inner bottom of the third shaft support 94B3. The third slider shaft 94C3 is constantly forced in the direction protruding from the third shaft support 94B3 by the elastic force of the compression coil spring 94D3. The third slider shaft 94C3 is maintained in a state where its top end protrudes from the third shaft support 94B3.

[0090] The fourth slider shaft 94C4 is inserted relative to the third shaft support 94B3 to prevent it from falling out. The fourth slider shaft 94C4 can slide relative to the third shaft support 94B3 in the Y-axis direction. A compression coil spring 94D4 is located between the inner end of the fourth slider shaft 94C4 and the inner bottom of the fourth shaft support 94B4. The fourth slider shaft 94C4 is always subjected to force in the direction protruding from the fourth shaft support 94B4 by the elastic force of the compression coil spring 94D4. The fourth slider shaft 94C4 is maintained in a state where its top end protrudes from the fourth shaft support 94B4.

[0091] The upper surface of the slider 94 has two protrusions 94F1 and 94F2 for holding the spring. Protrusion 94F1 is located on the same side as the first shaft support 94B1 and the second shaft support 94B2. Protrusion 94F1 protrudes in the same direction along the Y-axis as the first shaft support 94B1 and the second shaft support 94B2. Protrusion 94F2 is located on the same side as the third shaft support 94B3 and the fourth shaft support 94B4. Protrusion 94F2 protrudes in the same direction along the Y-axis as the third shaft support 94B3 and the fourth shaft support 94B4.

[0092] A protrusion 91G for holding a spring is provided at the lower part of the inner surface of the first support member 91. The protrusion 94F1 is connected to the first end of the first tension coil spring 94G1. The protrusion 91G is connected to the second end of the first tension coil spring 94G1. Similarly, a protrusion 92G for holding a spring is provided at the lower part of the inner surface of the second support member 92. The protrusion 94F2 is connected to the first end of the second tension coil spring 94G2. The protrusion 92G is connected to the second end of the second tension coil spring 94G2. Therefore, the slider 94 is always subjected to downward force by the elastic force of the first tension coil spring 94G1 and the second tension coil spring 94G2.

[0093] Cleaning components

[0094] like Figure 10 As shown, the cleaning component 81 is installed at the lower part of the slider 94.

[0095] like Figure 11 As shown, the cleaning component 81 has a bottom wall 81A, a first side wall 81B, a second side wall 81C, and a claw 81D.

[0096] The bottom wall 81A is a right-angled triangle when viewed along the Z-axis. The first of the two orthogonal sides of the bottom wall 81A extends along the Y-axis, and the second side extends along the X-axis. The hypotenuse, which is the third side of the bottom wall 81A, extends in a direction intersecting the X-axis. The degree of inclination of the hypotenuse of the bottom wall 81A relative to the X-axis is the same as the degree of inclination of the nozzle array of the liquid ejector head 21 relative to the X-axis.

[0097] On the upper surface of the bottom wall 81A, a fixing part 81E and three support parts 81F1, 81F2, and 81F3 are provided. The fixing part 81E, when viewed along the Z-axis, is located near the center of the bottom wall 81A. The fixing part 81E is cylindrical. The three support parts 81F1, 81F2, and 81F3, when viewed along the Z-axis, are located at the three corners of the bottom wall 81A. Two support parts 81F1 and 81F2 are located at the two acute corners of the bottom wall 81A. The remaining support part 81F3 is located at the right-angled corner of the bottom wall 81A. The two support parts 81F1 and 81F2 are stepped cylindrical shapes. The support part 81F3 is a stepped four-cornered prism shape.

[0098] A first sidewall 81B is provided along the first edge of the bottom wall 81A. That is, the first sidewall 81B extends along the Y-axis. A second sidewall 81C is provided along the second edge of the bottom wall 81A. That is, the second sidewall 81C extends along the X-axis. The first sidewall 81B and the second sidewall 81C are connected to each other at positions corresponding to the right angles with the bottom wall 81A.

[0099] The first sidewall 81B has a flow channel 81G. The flow channel 81G is located near the corner where the first sidewall 81B intersects with the second sidewall 81C, and is located near the boundary between the first sidewall 81B and the bottom wall 81A. The flow channel 81G is a rectangular hole extending along the Y-axis and penetrating the first sidewall 81B.

[0100] Claw 81D is disposed on the upper surface of bottom wall 81A. Claw 81D extends along the inclined edge of bottom wall 81A. That is, the degree of inclination of claw 81D relative to the direction along the X-axis is the same as the degree of inclination of the nozzle array in liquid ejector head 21 relative to the direction along the X-axis. The thickness of the tip of claw 81D is thinner than the thickness of the base of claw 81D.

[0101] The cleaning component 81 is fixed to the slider 94 in the following manner: A bolt (not shown) is inserted into the fixing part 81E along the Z-axis of the bottom wall 81A and tightened onto the slider 94, thereby fixing the cleaning component 81 to the lower part of the slider 94. The top ends of the three support parts 81F1, 81F2, and 81F3 are respectively held in a state of engagement with fitting holes (not shown) provided at the lower part of the slider 94.

[0102] slider support structure

[0103] The slider 94 is supported in the following manner.

[0104] like Figure 12 As shown, the third slider shaft 94C3 is inserted into the guide groove 92A of the second support member 92. The third slider shaft 94C3 is guided by the guide groove 92A. The fourth slider shaft 94C4 is inserted into the cam groove 92B of the second support member 92. The fourth slider shaft 94C4 is guided by the cam groove 92B.

[0105] The top end of the first slider shaft 94C1 passes through the guide groove 91A of the first support member 91 and is inserted into the elongated hole 93D. The first slider shaft 94C1 is guided by the guide groove 91A. The second slider shaft 94C2 is inserted into the cam groove 91B of the first support member 91. The second slider shaft 94C2 is guided by the cam groove 91B.

[0106] A second guide roller 94E2, mounted on the top end of the first slider shaft 94C1, is located inside the elongated hole 93D of the rod 93. The second guide roller 94E2 is guided while rolling within the elongated hole 93D. Although not shown in the figure, the first guide roller 94E1 is located inside the roller guide hole 91C provided on the inner side of the first support member 91. The first guide roller 94E1 is guided while rolling within the roller guide hole 91C.

[0107] The pressed portion 93B of the rod 93 is located on the moving trajectory along the X-axis of the abutment portion 73C in the movable support portion 73. The abutment portion 73C can abut against the pressed portion 93B of the rod 93 via a plurality of protrusions 73D.

[0108] When the movable support 73, with the abutment portion 73C abutting against the pressed portion 93B, intends to move further in the wiping direction WD, the rod 93 overcomes the elastic force of the tension coil spring 93F and moves in the wiping direction WD. Accompanying this movement of the rod 93, the first shaft support 94B1 is pressed in the wiping direction WD via the second guide roller 94E2, which engages with the elongated hole 93D of the connecting portion 93C. Thus, the first shaft support 94B1 moves in the wiping direction WD while being guided by the guide groove 91A via the first guide roller 94E1 and the second guide roller 94E2. Since the first shaft support 94B1 is fixed to the slider 94, the first shaft support 94B1, the slider 94, and the cleaning component 81 move synchronously with the movement of the movable support 73 and move together in the wiping direction WD.

[0109] In addition, such as Figure 5 As shown, the liquid dispensing device 10 has a detection unit 50A. The detection unit 50A is fixed inside the frame. The detection unit 50A detects whether the wiping unit 51 is located in a predetermined detection position.

[0110] Connection part

[0111] like Figure 5 As shown, the connecting portion 30 is part of the discharge component 30A, which is fixed inside the frame. The connecting portion 30 is cylindrical. The connecting portion 30 is located on the movement path of the discharge portion 72C in the receiving support portion 72 along the X-axis. Furthermore, the connecting portion 30 and the discharge portion 72C are located on the same axis extending along the X-axis. The connecting portion 30 can be inserted relative to the discharge portion 72C.

[0112] A discharge channel (not shown) is provided inside the discharge component 30A. This discharge channel is connected to the waste liquid tank 63 via a pump 61. Furthermore, an absorbent material storage section 30B is provided on the discharge component 30A. The absorbent material storage section 30B is located below the cleaning component 81 along the Z-axis. The absorbent material storage section 30B is box-shaped, opening upwards along the Z-axis. Absorbent material 30C is stored inside the absorbent material storage section 30B. The absorbent material 30C is capable of absorbing printing liquid.

[0113] Processing sequence of the control device

[0114] Next, the processing sequence of the control unit 50 during cleaning of the nozzle surface 21A will be explained. The wiping unit 51 is located at the initial position P0 of the wiper.

[0115] like Figure 13As shown in the flowchart, when cleaning the nozzle surface 21A of the liquid spray head 21, the control unit 50 first moves the liquid spray head 21 from the placement position to the retraction position via the head drive mechanism 24. This avoids interference between the nozzle surface 21A and the wiping member 71.

[0116] Step S101

[0117] Next, the control unit 50 moves the wiping unit 51 from the initial wiping position P0 to the starting cleaning position P2 via the wiping drive mechanism 53 (step S101). The starting cleaning position P2 is the position of the wiping unit 51 when cleaning by the wiping component 71 performed by the cleaning unit 52 begins. The wiping unit 51 moves in the opposite direction to the wiping direction WD.

[0118] like Figure 14 As shown, when viewed from above along the Z-axis, the starting position P2 of the cleaning device is a position that has moved a predetermined distance away from the initial position P0 of the wiper in the direction opposite to the wiping direction WD. Furthermore, when viewed from above along the Z-axis, the starting position P2 of the cleaning device is also a position that does not overlap with the nozzle surface 21A. However, in Figure 14 In the image, when viewed from above along the Z-axis, the position of the wiping part 51 indicates the position of the nozzle surface wiping member 71A at the end closest to the wiping direction WD.

[0119] like Figure 15 As shown, when the wiping part 51 is in the initial position P0 of the wiper, the second slider shaft 94C2 is in the first position P11 of the cam groove 91B. The first position P11 is the position where the second slider shaft 94C2 is held by the height difference retaining part 91B6. The slider 94 is intended to move in the opposite direction to the wiping direction WD by the elastic force of the tension coil spring 93F. However, the movement of the slider 94 in the opposite direction to the wiping direction WD is restricted by holding the second slider shaft 94C2 by the retaining part 91B6. In addition, the slider 94 is always subjected to downward force by the elastic force of the first tension coil spring 94G1 and the second tension coil spring 94G2. Therefore, the second slider shaft 94C2 is maintained in the state of being pressed on the retaining part 91B6. Thus, the second slider shaft 94C2 is held at the first position P11 of the cam groove 91B. Furthermore, as Figure 16 As shown, when the wiping part 51 is at the initial position P0 of the wiper, the first slider shaft 94C1 is located within the second guide groove 91A2. Therefore, the cleaning part 81 is held in a state that is separated from the wiping part 71 in the direction along the Z-axis.

[0120] Therefore, the wiping unit 51 moves independently from the initial position P0 of the wiper toward the starting position P2 of the cleaning device.

[0121] Step S102

[0122] like Figure 13 As shown in the flowchart, next, the control unit 50 moves the wiping unit 51 from the cleaning device start position P2 to the cleaning device reset control position P3 via the wiping device drive mechanism 53 (step S102). The wiping unit 51 moves in the wiping direction WD.

[0123] like Figure 14 As shown, when viewed from above along the Z-axis, the cleaning device's reset control position P3 is a position that has moved a predetermined distance from the initial position P0 of the wiper in the wiping direction WD.

[0124] The detection unit 50A detects whether the wiping unit 51 has passed the initial wiping position P0 while moving towards the cleaning device reset control position P3. When the control unit 50 detects that the wiping unit 51 has passed the initial wiping position P0 by the detection unit 50A, it resets the position of the wiping unit 51.

[0125] Incidentally, the detection unit 50A can detect the position of the wiping part 51 when the cleaning part 81 starts cleaning the wiping part 71, i.e., the cleaning device start position P2, and the position of the wiping part 51 when the moving direction of the cleaning part 81 is switched from the wiping direction WD to the opposite direction, i.e., the cleaning device recovery control position P3.

[0126] like Figure 15 As shown, as the wiping part 51 moves toward the cleaning device restoration control position P3, the second slider shaft 94C2 moves toward the first cam groove 91B1 in the third cam groove 91B3 in the cam groove 91B.

[0127] This is because the pressed portion 93B of the lever 93 is pressed in the wiping direction WD by the abutting portion 73C of the movable support portion 73. Pressed by the lever 93, the slider 94 moves in the wiping direction WD against the elastic force of the tension coil spring 93F. Simultaneously, the second slider shaft 94C2 enters the first cam groove 91B1 and moves in the wiping direction WD while being guided by the first cam groove 91B1. Shortly afterward, when the wiping portion 51 reaches the cleaning device reset control position P3, the second slider shaft 94C2 reaches the fourth position P14 of the cam groove 91B. The fourth position P14 is within the first cam groove 91B1 and is slightly closer to the wiping direction WD than the position where the first cam groove 91B1 and the third cam groove 91B3 intersect.

[0128] like Figure 19As shown, when the wiping part 51 is in the cleaning device restoration control position P3, the first slider shaft 94C1 is located at the end of the second guide groove 91A2 opposite to the first guide groove 91A1. At this time, corresponding to the different positions of the first cam groove 91B1 and the second guide groove 91A2 in the direction along the Z-axis, the slider 94 and the cleaning member 81 are tilted. The first cam groove 91B1 is set at a position offset upwards along the Z-axis relative to the second guide groove 91A2. Therefore, the top end portion of the cleaning member 81 is located upwards along the Z-axis compared to the base end portion of the cleaning member 81. The top end portion of the cleaning member 81 refers to the portion on the side where the claw 81D of the cleaning member 81 is in contact with the wiping member 71. The base end portion of the cleaning member 81 refers to the portion on the side opposite to the claw 81D in the direction along the X-axis, and refers to the portion on the side where the flow channel 81G is provided. When the wiping part 51 is in the cleaning device restoration control position P3, the claw 81D of the cleaning part 81 and the nozzle face wiping part 71A separate from each other in the direction along the Z axis.

[0129] Step S103

[0130] like Figure 13 As shown in the flowchart, next, the control unit 50 moves the wiping unit 51 from the cleaning device reset control position P3 to the wiper initial position P0 via the wiper drive mechanism 53 (step S103). The wiping unit 51 moves in the opposite direction to the wiping direction WD.

[0131] like Figure 15 As shown, the second slider shaft 94C2 moves in the opposite direction to the wiping direction WD while being guided by the first cam groove 91B1. Shortly afterward, when the wiping part 51 reaches the initial position P0 of the wiper, the second slider shaft 94C2 reaches the boundary position between the first cam groove 91B1 and the third cam groove 91B3. At this time, the second slider shaft 94C2 will not enter the third cam groove 91B3. The second slider shaft 94C2 is supported at the boundary position between the first cam groove 91B1 and the third cam groove 91B3 by the height difference caused by the difference in depth between the first cam groove 91B1 and the portion of the third cam groove 91B3 with the flat surface 91B5.

[0132] In addition, the previous steps S101 to S103 are the initial treatment before the liquid nozzle 21 is wiped by the wiping member 71.

[0133] Step S104

[0134] Next, the control unit 50 moves the wiping unit 51 from the initial position P0 to the starting position P1 of the wiping unit via the wiping drive mechanism 53 (step S104). The wiping unit 51 moves in the opposite direction to the wiping direction WD.

[0135] like Figure 14 As shown, when viewed from above along the Z-axis, the wiper starting position P1 is a position located a predetermined distance away from the liquid nozzle 21 in the direction opposite to the wiping direction WD. Furthermore, when viewed from above along the Z-axis, the wiper starting position P1 is also a position that does not overlap with the nozzle surface 21A. That is, when viewed from above along the Z-axis, the liquid nozzle 21 is located between the wiper starting position P1 and the wiper initial position P0.

[0136] The slider 94 is always subjected to force in the opposite direction to the wiping direction WD by the elastic force of the stretching coil spring 93F. Therefore, the slider 94 moves in the opposite direction to the wiping direction WD, following the movement of the wiping part 51 toward the starting position P1 of the wiper.

[0137] like Figure 15 As shown, as the wiping part 51 moves toward the starting position P1 of the wiper, the second slider shaft 94C2 moves in the first cam groove 91B1 in the direction opposite to the wiping direction WD. Shortly afterward, the second slider shaft 94C2 reaches the second position P12 of the cam groove 91B. The second position P12 is the position where the first cam groove 91B1 and the second cam groove 91B2 intersect each other in the cam groove 91B. Having reached the second position P12, the second slider shaft 94C2 moves downward while being guided by the second cam groove 91B2 by the elastic force of the first tension coil spring 94G1 and the second tension coil spring 94G2, and shortly afterward reaches the third position P13. The third position P13 is the lower end of the second cam groove 91B2, and the end opposite to the second position P12. The slider 94 and the cleaning part 81 move downward together with the downward movement of the second slider shaft 94C2.

[0138] like Figure 17 As shown, when the second slider shaft 94C2 is held in the third position P13, the first slider shaft 94C1 is located at the lower end of the first guide groove 91A1. Furthermore, when the second slider shaft 94C2 is held in the third position P13, the slider 94 is held in a lower position compared to when the wiping part 51 is held in the initial wiper position P0. The claw 81D of the cleaning member 81 is located on the movement trajectory of the nozzle surface wiping member 71A along the X-axis. That is, the claw 81D of the cleaning member 81 can contact the upper part of the nozzle surface wiping member 71A in the direction along the X-axis.

[0139] Subsequently, the control unit 50 moves the liquid nozzle 21 from the retracted position to the positioned position via the head drive mechanism 24. This allows the liquid nozzle 21 to be wiped by the wiping member 71.

[0140] Step S105

[0141] like Figure 13 As shown in the flowchart, next, the control unit 50 moves the wiping unit 51 from the wiping start position P1 to the wiping end position P4 via the wiping drive mechanism 53 (step 105). The wiping unit 51 moves in the wiping direction WD.

[0142] like Figure 14 As shown, the end position P4 of the wiper is the position where the nozzle face wiping component 71A passes through the nozzle face 21A in the wiping direction WD.

[0143] As the wiping unit 51 moves toward the wiping end position P4, the nozzle surface wiping member 71A slides along the X-axis relative to the nozzle surface 21A to wipe away the printing liquid adhering to the nozzle surface 21A. Furthermore, the side wiping member 71B wipes the side of the liquid ejection head 21, which intersects the nozzle surface 21A in the Z-axis direction. The side wiping member 71B captures any printing liquid that detaches from the nozzle surface wiping member 71A.

[0144] After the wiping unit 51 reaches the wiping end position P4, the control unit 50 moves the liquid spray head 21 from the placement position to the retraction position via the head drive mechanism 24.

[0145] Step S106

[0146] like Figure 13 As shown in the flowchart, next, the control unit 50 moves the wiping unit 51 from the wiping end position P4 to the cleaning device start position P2 via the wiping drive mechanism 53 (step 106).

[0147] Through the execution of the previous step S104, the second slider shaft 94C2 is held at the third position P13 of the cam groove 91B before the wiping part 51 reaches the starting position P2 of the cleaning device.

[0148] like Figure 17As shown, the claw 81D of the cleaning member 81 is located on the movement trajectory of the nozzle surface wiping member 71A along the X-axis. Therefore, when the wiping part 51 reaches the starting position P2 of the cleaning device, the tip of the nozzle surface wiping member 71A elastically contacts the claw 81D of the cleaning member 81 in the wiping direction WD. The tip of the nozzle surface wiping member 71A is maintained in a bent state in the opposite direction to the wiping direction WD. Furthermore, when the wiping part 51 reaches the starting position P2 of the cleaning device, the abutting part 73C of the moving support part 73 abuts against the pressed part 93B of the rod 93 in the wiping direction WD via multiple protrusions 73D.

[0149] Step S107

[0150] like Figure 13 As shown in the flowchart, next, the control unit 50 moves the wiping unit 51 from the starting position P2 of the cleaning device to the ending position P5 of the cleaning device via the wiping drive mechanism 53 (step 107).

[0151] The wiping section 51 moves in the wiping direction WD. As the wiping section 51 moves toward the end position P5 of the cleaning device, the connecting section 30 is inserted into the discharge section 72C.

[0152] like Figure 14 As shown, when viewed from above along the Z-axis, the cleaning device end position P5 is the position between the wiper initial position P0 and the cleaning device reset control position P3.

[0153] like Figure 15 As shown, when the wiping part 51 is at the end position P5 of the cleaning device, the second slider shaft 94C2 is at the fifth position P15 of the cam groove 91B. The fifth position P15 is a position near the boundary of the first cam groove 91B1 in the flat surface 91B5 of the third cam groove 91B3.

[0154] In addition, such as Figure 18 As shown, when the wiping part 51 is at the end position P5 of the cleaning device, the first slider shaft 94C1 is located inside the second guide groove 91A2.

[0155] As the wiping part 51 moves toward the cleaning device end position P5, the pressed part 93B of the lever 93 is pressed toward the wiping direction WD via the abutment part 73C of the movable support part 73. Simultaneously, the slider 94 overcomes the elastic force of the tension coil spring 93F and moves together with the cleaning member 81 toward the wiping direction WD. That is, the slider 94 follows the wiping part 51 as it moves from the cleaning device start position P2 toward the cleaning device end position P5, and moves together with the cleaning member 81 toward the wiping direction WD.

[0156] like Figure 15 As shown, as the wiping part 51 moves toward the cleaning device's end position P5, the second slider shaft 94C2 moves toward the first cam groove 91B1 in the third cam groove 91B3. Guided by the inclined surface 91B4 of the third cam groove 91B3, the second slider shaft 94C2 moves toward the holding part 91B6, which serves as a height difference. At this time, corresponding to the inclination of the inclined surface 91B4, the second slider shaft 94C2 overcomes the elastic force of the compression coil spring 94D2 and is pressed into the interior of the second shaft support part 94B2. Shortly afterward, the second slider shaft 94C2 will pass the holding part 91B6. Then, the second slider shaft 94C2 moves in the direction protruding from the second shaft support part 94B2 by the elastic force of the compression coil spring 94D2. As a result, the top end of the second slider shaft 94C2 falls into the flat surface 91B5 of the third cam groove 91B3. Shortly thereafter, the second slider shaft 94C2 will reach the fifth position P15 of the cam groove 91B when the wiping part 51 reaches the end position P5 of the cleaning device.

[0157] As the second slider shaft 94C2 moves, the first slider shaft 94C1 rises toward the second guide groove 91A2 while being guided by the first guide groove 91A1. The second slider shaft 94C2 rises toward the holding part 91B6 while being guided by the inclined surface 91B4. Thus, the slider 94 and the cleaning member 81 rise together along the third cam groove 91B3 and the first guide groove 91A1. That is, when the direction in which the liquid spraying head 21 sprays the printing liquid is set as the spraying direction, the cleaning member 81 moves in the opposite direction to the spraying direction while being guided by the guide part 82. Along with this movement, the claws 81D of the cleaning member 81 wipe the printing liquid adhering to the nozzle surface wiping member 71A. The nozzle surface wiping member 71A is cleaned by scraping off the printing liquid adhering to itself using the claws 81D. The third cam groove 91B3 is used as the cleaning path of the cleaning member 81 when cleaning the wiping member 71.

[0158] At the precise moment when the second slider shaft 94C2 passes the holding portion 91B6 and falls into the flat surface 91B5, the first slider shaft 94C1 will reach the second guide groove 91A2. After this, corresponding to the different positions of the first slider shaft 94C1 and the second slider shaft 94C2 along the Z-axis, the slider 94 and the cleaning member 81 tilt clockwise about the first slider shaft 94C1. That is, as the wiping portion 51 moves toward the cleaning device end position P5, the portion of the cleaning member 81 that contacts the wiping member 71 rises relative to the portion of the base end. The portion of the claw 81D on which the cleaning member 81 is provided moves away from the nozzle surface wiping member 71A in the Z-axis direction.

[0159] A flow channel 81G is provided on the base end side of the cleaning member 81. The printing liquid collected by the nozzle surface wiping member 71A can be discharged to the outside of the cleaning member 81 through the flow channel 81G. The printing liquid discharged to the outside of the cleaning member 81 falls onto the absorbent material 30C located below the cleaning member 81. The falling printing liquid is absorbed by the absorbent material 30C.

[0160] Step S108

[0161] like Figure 13 As shown in the flowchart, finally, the control unit 50 moves the wiping unit 51 from the cleaning device end position P5 to the wiping device initial position P0 via the wiping device drive mechanism 53 (step 108).

[0162] The wiping section 51 moves in the opposite direction to the wiping direction WD. The slider 94 moves in the opposite direction to the wiping direction WD by stretching the spring force of the coil spring 93F, thus following the wiping section 51.

[0163] The slider 94 is always subjected to downward force by the elastic force of the first tension coil spring 94G1 and the second tension coil spring 94G2. Therefore, as the wiping part 51 moves toward the initial position P0 of the wiper, the second slider shaft 94C2 moves from the fifth position P15 to the first position P11 while being guided by the third cam groove 91B3. The second slider shaft 94C2 is held by the height difference retaining part 91B6.

[0164] When the wiping part 51 is held at the initial position P0 of the wiper, the connecting part 30 remains inserted into the discharge part 72C. Therefore, the waste liquid contained in the receiving part 72A can be discharged into the waste liquid tank 63 by driving the pump 61.

[0165] Through the above steps, a series of cleaning actions are completed for the liquid spray head 21 and the wiping component 71.

[0166] When cleaning the liquid spray head 21 and the wiping component 71 is performed again, the previous steps S101 to S108 are repeated. The first cam groove 91B1 and the second cam groove 91B2 are used as a return path for the cleaning component 81 after the wiping component 71 has been cleaned to return to the third cam groove 91B3, which is the cleaning path. The return path passes through a position higher than the cleaning path.

[0167] Incidentally, it can also be set as control unit 50 according to... Figure 13The steps in the flowchart affect the movement speed of the wiping unit 51. For example, when the load acting on the wiping unit 51 is small, the control unit 50 moves the wiping unit 51 at a first moving speed. Furthermore, when wiping performance is important, or when the load acting on the wiping unit 51 is large and stopping accuracy is required, the control unit 50 moves the wiping unit 51 at a second moving speed slower than the first moving speed.

[0168] When the load acting on the wiping part 51 is small, for example, when performing step S104. When wiping performance is important, for example, when performing step S105. When the load acting on the wiping part 51 is large and the stopping accuracy of the wiping part 51 is required, for example, when performing steps S101 to S103, S107, and S108. When performing step S106, the wiping part 51 can also be moved at a speed slower than the first moving speed but faster than the second moving speed.

[0169] Effects of this implementation method

[0170] Therefore, the following effects can be obtained according to this embodiment.

[0171] (1) When cleaning the nozzle surface wiping member 71A, the cleaning member 81 moves upward in the wiping direction WD, following the wiping part 51. Along with the movement of the cleaning member 81, the claw 81D wipes off the printing liquid adhering to the nozzle surface wiping member 71A. Therefore, the contact state between the nozzle surface wiping member 71A and the claw 81D is unlikely to change during the movement of the cleaning member 81. That is, the contact state of the claw 81D relative to the nozzle surface wiping member 71A is kept constant. The contact state also includes the contact strength of the claw 81D relative to the nozzle surface wiping member 71A. Therefore, the printing liquid adhering to the nozzle surface wiping member 71A can be wiped off evenly.

[0172] (2) When cleaning the nozzle surface wiping member 71A, the cleaning member 81 moves upward in the wiping direction WD while following the wiping part 51. As the cleaning member 81 rises, the contact state between the nozzle surface wiping member 71A and the claw 81D will be released shortly afterward. Therefore, the situation where waste liquid adhering to the claw 81D of the cleaning member 81 re-adheres to the nozzle surface wiping member 71A is prevented.

[0173] (3) The cleaning component 81 operates using the driving force of the wiping part 51. There is no need to provide a separate drive mechanism to operate the cleaning component 81. Therefore, product costs can be controlled.

[0174] (4) When the contact between the nozzle surface wiping member 71A and the claw 81D is released, the top side of the cleaning member 81 where the claw 81D is located is above the base side of the cleaning member 81. Therefore, the printing liquid wiped by the claw 81D can be guided from the top side to the base side of the cleaning member 81.

[0175] (5) By holding the second slider shaft 94C2 with the holding part 91B6, the position of the slider 94 is maintained in a state where the contact between the nozzle surface wiping member 71A and the claw 81D of the cleaning member 81 is released. Therefore, the wiping part 51 can be moved independently when cleaning is not required, such as during the initial operation when the power is turned on.

[0176] (6) By moving the wiping part 51 to the cleaning device return control position P3, the second slider shaft 94C2 moves to the first cam groove 91B1, which serves as a return path to the cleaning path. Here, the return path passes through a position higher than the cleaning path. Subsequently, by moving the wiping part 51 in the opposite direction to the wiping direction WD, the second slider shaft 94C2 reaches a position where it can enter the third cam groove 91B3, which serves as the cleaning path, via the return path. Accompanying this, the cleaning member 81 moves to a position where its claw 81D can abut against the nozzle surface wiping member 71A. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the situation where the cleaning member 81 obstructs the movement of the wiping part 51 when returning to the cleaning path, and the cleaning action performed by the cleaning member 81 can be performed only when cleaning by the nozzle surface wiping member 71A is required.

[0177] (7) When the wiping part 51 is in the initial position P0 of the wiper, the connecting part 30 remains connected to the discharge part 72C. Therefore, the waste liquid can be discharged by driving the pump 61. In addition, by more reliably discharging the waste liquid into the waste liquid tank 63, the contamination of the area around the cleaning part 81 by the waste liquid is prevented.

[0178] (8) The waste liquid wiped away by the wiping member 71 is contained in the containment section 72A. The discharge section 72C is located at a position higher than the bottom wall of the containment section 72A, which is the lowest part of the containment section 72A. Therefore, the waste liquid is effectively collected in the containment section 72A.

[0179] (9) Furthermore, the receiving section 72A and the discharge section 72C are connected via a narrow connecting channel 72B. The connecting channel 72B has a portion that allows the waste liquid contained in the receiving section 72A to flow in the opposite direction to the wiping direction WD. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the waste liquid accumulated in the receiving section 72A from accidentally dripping from the discharge section 72C when the wiping section 51 decelerates.

[0180] (10) The nozzle surface wiping member 71A is inclined relative to the wiping direction WD. The side wiping member 71B has the wiping direction WD forward and is located behind the rear end of the nozzle surface wiping member 71A. Therefore, after wiping by the nozzle surface wiping member 71A, the printing liquid remaining on the nozzle surface 21A can be wiped away by the side wiping member 71B. Therefore, the nozzle surface 21A can be kept clean.

[0181] (11) The wiping unit 51 moves sequentially to the initial wiping position P0, the cleaning device reset control position P3, the wiping end position P4, the cleaning device start position P2, and the cleaning device end position P5, and then returns to the initial wiping position P0. The cleaning component 81 can be operated by the movement of the wiping unit 51. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide a separate drive mechanism to operate the cleaning component 81.

[0182] (12) The detection unit 50A can detect the wiping part 51 located between the initial position P0 of the wiper and the end position P5 of the cleaning device. Therefore, for example, during the initial operation, the initial operation of the wiping part 51 can be performed with the cleaning member 81 separated from the wiping member 71. Furthermore, the positional accuracy of the wiping part 51 is required at the end position P5 and the cleaning device return control position P3 due to their relationship with the guide 82. The control unit 50 can determine the position of the wiping part 51 through the detection unit 50A. Therefore, deviations in the control positions of the end position P5 and the cleaning device return control position P3 can be suppressed.

[0183] (13) For example, when the load acting on the wiping part 51 is small, the control unit 50 moves the wiping part 51 at a first moving speed. Furthermore, when wiping performance is important, or when the load acting on the wiping part 51 is large and stopping accuracy of the wiping part 51 is required, the control unit 50 moves the wiping part 51 at a second moving speed slower than the first moving speed. Therefore, the operating time of the wiping part 51 can be shortened. In addition, the reliability of the wiping part 51's movement to each position can be improved.

[0184] Other implementation methods

[0185] Furthermore, this embodiment can also be implemented by modification as follows. In addition, the various embodiments and the following modifications can be combined with each other within the scope of technical non-contradiction.

[0186] ·like Figure 20 As shown, the liquid ejector head 21 can also be configured to eject printing liquid onto the medium in a tilted state relative to the XY plane, which is a horizontal plane. The wiping section 51 is configured to wipe the tilted liquid ejector head 21.

[0187] Technical ideas

[0188] The following describes the technical ideas and effects learned from the above-described implementation methods and variations.

[0189] (A) The wiping module includes a wiping section and a cleaning section. The wiping section includes: a wiping member that wiping a liquid nozzle that sprays liquid from a nozzle disposed on a nozzle surface; a receiving support that supports the wiping member and can receive the liquid generated by the wiping; and a movable support that is mounted on the receiving support and can reciprocate along the wiping direction. The cleaning section cleans the wiping member. The cleaning section includes a cleaning member and a guide section that guides the cleaning member. The cleaning member is configured to scrape off the liquid adhering to the wiping member while being guided by the guide section following the movement of the wiping section in the wiping direction.

[0190] According to this structure, since the wiping component performs cleaning while moving in the same direction as the sweeping component, changes in the contact state during the cleaning process can be suppressed. Therefore, liquid adhering to the wiping component can be wiped away evenly.

[0191] (B) In the above-described wiping module, it can also be configured such that when the direction in which the liquid is ejected from the liquid nozzle is set as the ejection direction, the cleaning component moves in the opposite direction to the ejection direction while being guided by the guide portion, thereby scraping off the liquid adhering to the wiping component.

[0192] According to this structure, since the wiping component performs cleaning while moving in the same direction as the cleaning component, changes in the contact state during the cleaning process can be suppressed. Furthermore, by moving in the opposite direction to the spraying direction while being guided by the guide portion, the liquid adhering to the cleaning component is prevented from re-adhering to the wiping component.

[0193] (C) In the above-described wiping module, the cleaning component may also be configured such that, as the wiping part moves in the wiping direction, the top end side that contacts the wiping component rises compared to the base end side.

[0194] This structure can prevent liquid from dripping from the top side of the cleaning component during cleaning.

[0195] (D) In ​​the above-mentioned wiping module, it can also be configured such that the base end of the cleaning component is provided with a flow channel for allowing the liquid collected by the cleaning to flow to the outside of the cleaning component.

[0196] This structure allows for the discharge of cleaning fluid.

[0197] (E) In the above-described wiping module, the guide portion may also be configured to have a holding portion, which can temporarily hold the cleaning component at a position where the wiping component and the cleaning component do not contact each other.

[0198] According to this structure, the wiping part can move independently without the need for the cleaning component to move.

[0199] (F) In the above-described wiping module, the guide portion may also have a cleaning path for the cleaning component when cleaning the wiping component, and a return path for the cleaning component after cleaning the wiping component. Alternatively, the return path may pass through a position higher than the cleaning path.

[0200] According to this structure, it is possible to suppress situations where the cleaning component hinders the movement of the wiping part when it returns.

[0201] (G) In the above-described wiping module, the wiping component may also include a nozzle surface wiping component for wiping the nozzle surface and a side wiping component for wiping the side of the liquid nozzle that intersects the nozzle surface. Alternatively, when wiping the liquid nozzle, if the wiping direction is forward, the side wiping component may be positioned rearward compared to the nozzle surface wiping component.

[0202] According to this structure, after the wiping is performed by the nozzle face wiping component, the liquid remaining on the side of the liquid nozzle can be wiped away by the side wiping component.

[0203] (H) The ejection module has a liquid ejection head for ejecting liquid and the aforementioned wiping module.

[0204] Based on this structure, the same effect as the aforementioned wiping module can be achieved.

[0205] (I) The liquid ejection device includes: a liquid ejection head that ejects liquid; the aforementioned wiping module; a connecting part that can be connected to the receiving support part; and a pressure reducing mechanism that can reduce the pressure of the connecting part.

[0206] According to this structure, the liquid contained in the receiving support can be sucked up and discharged.

[0207] (J) In the above-described liquid dispensing device, the receiving support portion may also include: a receiving portion for receiving liquid; a discharging portion that is connected or separated from the connecting portion by movement of the wiping portion; and a communicating channel that connects the receiving portion and the discharging portion. Alternatively, the discharging portion may be positioned at a higher position than the lowermost part of the receiving portion. Alternatively, at least a portion of the communicating channel may extend in a direction opposite to the wiping direction.

[0208] According to this structure, it is possible to suppress the situation where liquid contained in the receiving support decelerates from the discharge section when the wiping section moves in the wiping direction.

[0209] (K) In the above-described liquid ejection device, it may also be provided with a detection unit that detects when the wiping part is in a detection position. The detection position is located between the position of the wiping part when the cleaning member begins to clean the wiping part and the position of the wiping part when the cleaning member switches from moving in the wiping direction to moving in the opposite direction to the wiping direction.

[0210] Based on this structure, the position of the wiping part can be initialized each time.

[0211] (L) In the liquid ejection device described above, the liquid ejection head may also be configured to eject liquid into the medium while tilted relative to the horizontal. Alternatively, the wiping unit may wipe the liquid ejection head while it is tilted.

[0212] According to this structure, even in a liquid ejection device with an inclined liquid ejection head, the same effect as the liquid ejection device described above can be obtained.

[0213] (M) In the wiping method of the wiping module, the wiping module includes a wiping section and a cleaning section for cleaning the wiping component. The wiping section includes: a wiping component that performs wiping of a liquid spray head that sprays liquid from a nozzle disposed on a nozzle surface; a receiving support section that supports the wiping component and is capable of receiving the liquid generated by the wiping; and a movable support section that is mounted on the receiving support section and is capable of reciprocating along the direction in which the wiping is performed, i.e., the wiping direction. The cleaning section includes a cleaning component and a guide section that guides the cleaning component. The cleaning component scrapes off the liquid adhering to the wiping component while being guided by the guide section in accordance with the movement of the wiping section in the direction in which the wiping is performed, i.e., the wiping direction.

[0214] Based on this structure, the same effect as the aforementioned wiping module can be achieved.

[0215] Explanation of symbols

[0216] 10…Liquid ejection device; 20…Ejection module; 30…Connecting part; 40…Pressure reduction mechanism; 21A…Nozzle face; 21B…Nozzle; 21…Liquid ejection head; 22…Wiping module; 50A…Detection part; 51…Wiping part; 52…Cleaning part; 71…Wiping component; 71A…Nozzle face wiping component; 71B…Side wiping component; 72…Receiving support part; 72A…Receiving part; 72B…Connecting channel; 72C…Discharge part; 73…Moving support part; 81…Cleaning component; 82…Guide part; 81F…Flow channel; 91B1…First cam groove (return path); 91B2…Second cam groove (return path); 91B3…Third cam groove (cleaning path); 91B6…Holding part.

Claims

1. A wiping module, characterized in that, It has a wiping section and a cleaning section. The wiping part has: A wiping component that performs wiping of a liquid nozzle that sprays liquid from a nozzle disposed on a nozzle surface; A support portion is provided, which supports the wiping component and is capable of containing the liquid generated by the wiping; A movable support unit, which is mounted on the receiving support unit and is capable of reciprocating along the direction in which the wiping is performed, i.e., the wiping direction. The cleaning unit cleans the wiping component. The cleaning unit includes a cleaning component and a guide unit for guiding the cleaning component. The cleaning component is configured to scrape off liquid adhering to the wiping component while being guided by the guide portion as it moves in the wiping direction. The guide portion has a cleaning path for the cleaning component when cleaning the wiping component, and a return path for the cleaning component to return to the cleaning path after cleaning the wiping component. The guide portion has a first cam groove, a second cam groove, and a third cam groove. The third cam groove connects the end of the second cam groove on the opposite side to the first cam groove to one end of the first cam groove. The one end of the first cam groove is the downstream end of one of the two ends of the first cam groove located on opposite sides in the wiping direction. The third cam groove is used as the cleaning path of the cleaning component, and the first cam groove and the second cam groove are used as a return path for the cleaning component to return to the third cam groove, which is the cleaning path, after the cleaning by the wiping component has been performed. The return path passes through a position higher than the cleaning path.

2. The wiping module as described in claim 1, characterized in that, When the direction in which the liquid is ejected from the liquid nozzle is set as the ejection direction, the cleaning component scrapes off the liquid adhering to the wiping component by moving in the opposite direction to the ejection direction while being guided by the guide portion.

3. The wiping module as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The cleaning member is configured such that, as the wiping portion moves in the wiping direction, the top end side that contacts the wiping member rises compared to the base end side.

4. The wiping module as described in claim 3, characterized in that, On the base end side of the cleaning component, a flow channel is provided for allowing the liquid collected by cleaning to flow to the outside of the cleaning component.

5. The wiping module as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The guide portion has a retaining portion that can temporarily hold the cleaning component in a position where the wiping component and the cleaning component are not in contact.

6. The wiping module as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The wiping component includes a nozzle surface wiping component for wiping the nozzle surface and a side wiping component for wiping the side of the liquid nozzle head that intersects with the nozzle surface. When wiping the liquid nozzle, the side wiping component is positioned rearward relative to the nozzle surface wiping component when the wiping direction is forward.

7. A spraying module, characterized in that, have: A liquid ejector head that ejects liquid; The wiping module according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. A liquid ejection device, characterized in that, have: A liquid ejector head that ejects liquid; The wiping module according to any one of claims 1 to 6; A connecting portion, which can be connected to the receiving support portion; A pressure-reducing mechanism that can reduce the pressure on the connecting part.

9. The liquid ejection device as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The receiving support portion has: The containment section contains the liquid; The discharge section is connected or separated from the connecting section by the movement of the wiping section; A connecting channel that connects the receiving section and the discharging section. The discharge section is positioned higher than the lowest part of the receiving section. At least a portion of the connecting channel extends in a direction opposite to the wiping direction.

10. The liquid ejection device as claimed in claim 8, characterized in that, The device includes a detection unit that detects when the wiping part is in a detection position. The detection position is located between the position of the wiping part when the cleaning component begins to clean the wiping part and the position of the wiping part when the cleaning component switches from moving in the wiping direction to moving in the opposite direction to the wiping direction.

11. The liquid ejection device as claimed in claim 8, characterized in that, The liquid nozzle is configured to spray liquid into the medium while tilted relative to the horizontal plane. The wiping section wipes the liquid nozzle when it is tilted.

12. A wiping method for a wiping module, characterized in that, The wiping module includes a wiping section and a cleaning section. The wiping part has: A wiping component that performs wiping of a liquid nozzle that sprays liquid from a nozzle disposed on a nozzle surface; A support portion is provided, which supports the wiping component and is capable of containing the liquid generated by the wiping; A movable support unit, which is mounted on the receiving support unit and is capable of reciprocating along the direction in which the wiping is performed, i.e., the wiping direction. The cleaning unit cleans the wiping component. The cleaning unit includes a cleaning component and a guide unit for guiding the cleaning component. In the wiping method of the wiping module, The cleaning component, while being guided by the guide portion and following the movement of the wiping part in the direction of wiping (i.e., the wiping direction), scrapes off the liquid adhering to the wiping component. The guide portion has a cleaning path for the cleaning component when cleaning the wiping component, and a return path for the cleaning component to return to the cleaning path after cleaning the wiping component. The guide portion has a first cam groove, a second cam groove, and a third cam groove. The third cam groove connects an end of the second cam groove on the opposite side to the first cam groove to one end of the first cam groove. The one end of the first cam groove is the downstream end of two opposite ends of the first cam groove in the wiping direction. The third cam groove is used as the cleaning path of the cleaning component. The first cam groove and the second cam groove are used as a return path for the cleaning component to return to the third cam groove, which is the cleaning path, after the wiping component has performed its cleaning. The return path passes through a position higher than the cleaning path.

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