Cleaning device for liquid ejection head

Abstract

Provided is a cleaning device for a liquid ejection head that can inhibit the leakage of cleaning liquid along the opening of a protection member and simultaneously efficiently clean an ejection plate equipped with the protection member. A cleaning device (1) for an inkjet head includes a holder (2) that moves relative to the inkjet head, the holder (2) including: an ejection section (30) that ejects cleaning liquid toward a nozzle protection member (210) of the inkjet head; a wiping section (40) that has a width (W2) in a width direction orthogonal to the moving direction of the holder (2) that is smaller than the width (W1) of an opening (213) of the nozzle protection member (210) and wipes the nozzle plate in conjunction with the movement of the holder (2); a first suction section (50) disposed in front of the moving direction of the holder (2) relative to the ejection section (30) and the wiping section (40); and a second suction section (60) disposed in back of the moving direction of the holder (2) relative to the ejection section (30)and the wiping section (40).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a cleaning device for liquid spray heads. Background Technology

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a continuous jet printer having a printhead and a cleaning device that cleans the printhead after the printing liquid has been dispensed. The printhead has a nozzle plate with at least one nozzle for dispensing printing liquid. The cleaning device includes a scraper made of flexible material, a member for moving the scraper in a manner that rubs against the nozzle plate, a member for supplying cleaning liquid to the nozzle plate, and a member for introducing the cleaning liquid wiped off by the scraper in front of the scraper.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Publication No. 2012-506787. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] However, printers like those described above produce images ranging from simple strings to photographic reproductions on substrates of various properties across diverse industrial sectors. Such printers include one or more liquid ejector heads. If the liquid ejector head becomes contaminated, the quality of the resulting image generally tends to deteriorate. Therefore, the ongoing cleaning of the various functional components of the ejector plate that ensures the liquid passes through and is ejected, and the liquid ejector head that interacts with the liquid or surrounding medium, becomes a challenge.

[0008] As a countermeasure, liquid jet heads undergo regular maintenance or cleaning. In particular, besides the effects of contamination, the jet plate can sometimes deform or break due to contact with the substrate being printed, leading to a decline in print quality. Therefore, liquid jet heads with protective components for protecting the jet plate exist. However, while such protective components prevent contact with the substrate, they can also reduce the cleaning efficiency of wiping parts, such as squeegees. Therefore, a cleaning device suitable for liquid jet heads is needed.

[0009] For example, in the aforementioned prior art cleaning apparatus, when a protective member with an elongated hole for exposing the nozzle is mounted on the spray plate, it is necessary to change the shape of the wiping part to one that can be inserted into the elongated hole of the protective member so that the wiping part can directly wipe the spray plate. Furthermore, the width of the wiping part must be smaller than the opening width of the protective member. In this case, a portion of the cleaning fluid supplied to the spray plate leaks out along the opening of the protective member into the front and back of the wiping part, potentially contaminating the periphery of the liquid spray head.

[0010] This disclosure is made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and its object is to provide a cleaning device for a liquid spray head that can prevent the cleaning fluid from leaking out through the opening of the protective component, while at the same time efficiently cleaning the spray plate equipped with the protective component.

[0011] Solution for solving the problem

[0012] (1) A cleaning device for a liquid spray head according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a retainer that moves relative to the liquid spray head. The liquid spray head includes a spray plate having a spray hole for spraying liquid and a protective member covering the spray plate and having an opening that exposes the spray hole. The retainer includes: a spraying part that sprays cleaning liquid toward the protective member; a wiping part whose width in a width direction orthogonal to the moving direction of the retainer is smaller than the width of the opening of the protective member, and which wipes the spray plate as the retainer moves; a first suction part disposed in front of the retainer in the moving direction relative to the spraying part and the wiping part; and a second suction part disposed behind the retainer in the moving direction relative to the spraying part and the wiping part.

[0013] According to the cleaning device for the liquid spray head of this embodiment, the wiping portion provided in the retainer is smaller than the width of the opening of the protective member in the width direction orthogonal to the moving direction of the retainer. Therefore, the retainer can be moved to wipe the spray plate while the wiping portion is inserted into the opening of the protective member. In addition, the retainer is provided with a spraying portion for spraying cleaning fluid, which can wipe the spray plate while the wiping portion is wetted by the cleaning fluid, thereby improving the cleaning ability of the wiping portion. Here, a portion of the cleaning fluid is about to leak out along the opening of the protective member in the moving direction of the retainer. However, the retainer is provided with a first suction portion and a second suction portion in such a way that the spraying portion and the wiping portion are sandwiched together. Therefore, the cleaning fluid that is about to leak out in the moving direction of the retainer can be captured by suction, and the leakage of cleaning fluid from the retainer can be prevented.

[0014] (2) In the cleaning device of the liquid spray head in the form of (1), the aforementioned retainer may have an abutting portion that abuts against the aforementioned protective member, and the aforementioned first suction portion and the aforementioned second suction portion are provided in the aforementioned abutting portion.

[0015] In this case, by providing an abutment portion to the retainer that abuts against the protective member, the flow of cleaning fluid that is about to leak out can be restricted to flow along the opening of the protective member, thus making it easier to capture the cleaning fluid by the suction of the first suction portion and the second suction portion. Furthermore, by providing the first and second suction portions at this abutment portion, it becomes easier to maintain negative pressure in the first and second suction portions, improving the suction capacity of the cleaning fluid. During wiping, the first suction portion pre-attracts low-viscosity deposits in front of the wiping portion before using the cleaning fluid to clean the deposits on the spray plate and protective member, thus preventing the deposits from dissolving into the cleaning fluid and reducing the cleaning capacity. Additionally, during wiping, the second suction portion attracts cleaning fluid behind the wiping portion, thus suppressing any cleaning fluid residue that may fall from the spray plate and protective member into the medium after wiping.

[0016] (3) In the cleaning device of the liquid spray head in the form of (1) or (2), the aforementioned retainer may have a recess that is spaced apart from the aforementioned protective member, and the aforementioned spraying part and the aforementioned wiping part are provided in the aforementioned recess.

[0017] In this case, the cleaning fluid can be sprayed from a position away from the self-protecting component, thus allowing the cleaning fluid to be sprayed approximately evenly relative to the protective component. In addition, by providing a wiping section in the same recess as the spraying section, a self-cleaning effect of the wiping section utilizing the cleaning fluid splashed back from the protective component is also obtained, eliminating the need for a special cleaning space or cleaning device for the wiping section.

[0018] (4) In the cleaning device of the liquid spray head in the form of (3), the aforementioned cleaning liquid discharge part may be provided in the aforementioned recess.

[0019] In this situation, the cleaning fluid accumulated in the recess can be gradually drained, reducing the amount of cleaning fluid that must be drawn by the first and second suction sections. Furthermore, even when the amount of cleaning fluid drawn by the first and second suction sections is smaller than the respective amounts drawn without the drain section, cleaning fluid can be wiped without leakage to the holder. Moreover, by reducing the amount of cleaning fluid drawn by the first and second suction sections in this way, it is prevented that the first and second suction sections become filled with cleaning fluid, thus avoiding an increase in the internal pressure of the cleaning fluid recovery tank. As a result, excessive pressure can be prevented from being applied to the tank, thus protecting the tank.

[0020] (5) In the cleaning device of the liquid spray head in the form of (3) or (4), the aforementioned recess may be provided with a width smaller than the width of the aforementioned protective member in the aforementioned width direction.

[0021] In this case, the opening of the recess is covered by a protective component, thus preventing the cleaning fluid inside the recess from leaking outward from the opening.

[0022] (6) In any of the liquid spray head cleaning devices of (1) to (5), the aforementioned spray section may have a first spray section disposed opposite to the opening of the aforementioned protective member.

[0023] In this case, the cleaning fluid can be sprayed directly from the first spray section to the opening of the protective component, thereby improving the cleaning effect of the spray plate inside the opening of the protective component and around the spray hole.

[0024] (7) In any of the liquid spray head cleaning devices of (1) to (6), the aforementioned spray section may have a second spray section disposed opposite to the portion of the aforementioned protective member other than the opening.

[0025] In this case, the cleaning fluid can be sprayed directly from the second spray section onto the protective component itself, thereby cleaning the surface of the protective component and inhibiting the adhesion of ink and other isotropic media adhering to the protective component.

[0026] (8) In any of the liquid spray head cleaning devices of (1) to (7), the aforementioned wiping part may be tilted backward in the moving direction of the aforementioned retainer and simultaneously wipe the aforementioned spray plate.

[0027] In this case, by adjusting the direction of tilt during wiping, the amount of overlap (contact area) between the wiping part and the spray plate can be kept constant.

[0028] (9) In any of the liquid spray head cleaning devices of (1) to (8), the aforementioned retainer may also have an isolation portion for adjusting the position of the aforementioned wiping portion relative to the vertical direction of the aforementioned spray plate.

[0029] In this case, by replacing the isolation section, the overlap between the wiping section and the spray plate can be easily adjusted, thus achieving optimal wiping conditions that can peel off the ink and other adhesives without damaging the spray plate.

[0030] (10) In any of the liquid spray head cleaning devices of (1) to (9), there may also be a biasing member that biases the aforementioned retainer toward the aforementioned protective member.

[0031] In this situation, the force that pushes the retainer against the protective component can be controlled. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the application of excessive force to the liquid injection head or its surrounding parts.

[0032] (11) In any of the liquid spray head cleaning devices of (1) to (10), the aforementioned retainer may have a pair of sidewall portions arranged at a wider interval than the width of the aforementioned protective member in the aforementioned width direction.

[0033] In this case, if the spacing between the pair of sidewalls is the same as the width of the protective member, it may not be embedded due to manufacturing errors. Therefore, by slightly increasing the spacing between the pair of sidewalls, it is possible to easily make the surface of the retainer abut against the surface of the protective member.

[0034] (12) In the cleaning device of the liquid spray head in the form of (11), the aforementioned pair of sidewall portions may also include: a third spray portion that sprays cleaning liquid onto the side surface of the aforementioned protective member in the aforementioned width direction; and a third suction portion that is provided in a manner that surrounds the aforementioned third spray portion.

[0035] In this case, it is possible not only to clean the protective surface of the protective component's cover spray plate, but also to clean the vertically extending sidewall surface.

[0036] The effects of the invention

[0037] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a cleaning device for a liquid spray head can be provided, which can prevent the cleaning fluid from leaking out through the opening of the protective component, and at the same time efficiently clean the spray plate equipped with the protective component. Attached Figure Description

[0038] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a cleaning device for an inkjet head according to one embodiment.

[0039] Figure 2 This is a bottom view of an inkjet head according to one embodiment.

[0040] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of a retainer according to one embodiment.

[0041] Figure 4 This is an exploded perspective view of a retainer according to one embodiment.

[0042] Figure 5 This is a top view of a retainer according to one embodiment.

[0043] Figure 6 This is a top view of the wiping section and the wiping retainer being removed from a retainer according to one embodiment.

[0044] Figure 7 This is an exploded perspective view of a wipe retainer according to one embodiment.

[0045] Figure 8This is a cross-sectional view illustrating the flow of cleaning fluid when wiping the nozzle plate according to one embodiment using the wiping section.

[0046] Figure 9 This is a structural diagram of a cleaning device for an inkjet head according to a first variation of an embodiment.

[0047] Figure 10 This is a perspective view of the retainer according to a second variation of one embodiment.

[0048] Figure 11 This is an exploded perspective view of the retainer according to a third variation of one embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0049] Hereinafter, embodiments relating to this disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, in the following description, an inkjet head mounted on an inkjet printer will be used as an example of a liquid ejector head.

[0050] Figure 1 This is a configuration diagram of a cleaning device 1 for an inkjet head 200 according to one embodiment. Figure 2 This is a bottom view of an inkjet head 200 according to one embodiment.

[0051] like Figure 2 As shown, the inkjet head 200 (liquid jet head) includes: a nozzle plate 201 (jet plate) having a nozzle hole 202 (jet hole) for dispensing ink (liquid); and a nozzle protector 210 (protector) covering the nozzle plate 201 and having an opening 213 that exposes the nozzle hole 202.

[0052] The nozzle plate 201 is a plate-shaped component that is bonded to the bottom surface of the inkjet head 200. The nozzle plate 201 is formed of a single-layer structure or a laminated structure, for example, based on a resin material (such as polyimide), a metal material (such as SUS), or glass. Nozzle holes 202 are arranged in the nozzle plate 201 at predetermined intervals to form a nozzle array.

[0053] Furthermore, in the following description, an XYZ orthogonal coordinate system is sometimes set, and the positional relationships of each component are explained with reference to this XYZ orthogonal coordinate system. The X-axis direction is the direction in which the nozzle array extends as described above. In addition, the X-axis direction is also the direction of movement of the retainer 2, which will be described later. The Y-axis direction is a direction orthogonal to the X-axis direction and parallel to the surface of the nozzle plate 201. In addition, the Y-axis direction is also a width direction orthogonal to the direction of movement of the retainer 2, which will be described later. The Z-axis direction is a direction perpendicular to the nozzle plate 201.

[0054] like Figure 2As shown, the nozzle orifice 202 is spaced apart along the Y-axis to form four nozzle rows. Starting from the nozzle orifice 202, each nozzle row ejects ink of four colors, such as yellow, magenta, cyan, and black. The nozzle plate 201 engages with an actuator plate (not shown) that has ejection channels and non-ejection channels to form an ink ejection head chip.

[0055] In this head chip, to eject ink, a voltage is applied between electrodes formed on the drive wall of the ejection channel, causing the drive wall to undergo thickness slip deformation. This results in a volume change within the ejection channel, allowing the ink to be ejected through the nozzle orifice 202. Furthermore, the liquid ejection method is not limited to the aforementioned electromechanical conversion method; it can also be an electrically controlled method, a pressure vibration method, an electrothermal conversion method, an electrostatic attraction method, etc.

[0056] The charged control method uses charged electrodes to impart a charge to the material and deflection electrodes to control the material's flight direction, causing it to be ejected from the nozzle. The pressurized vibration method applies ultra-high pressure to the material, causing it to be ejected from the nozzle tip. Without a control voltage, the material travels in a straight line and is ejected from the nozzle; however, if a control voltage is applied, electrostatic repulsion occurs between the materials, causing them to scatter and not be ejected from the nozzle.

[0057] In addition, the electrothermal conversion method involves rapidly vaporizing the material using a heater placed within the storage space to generate bubbles, and then using the pressure of these bubbles to expel the material from the space. The electrostatic attraction method involves applying a small pressure within the storage space to form a meniscus of the material at a nozzle; under this condition, electrostatic attraction is applied, and the material is then drawn out. Furthermore, techniques utilizing changes in fluid viscosity caused by an electric field or using sparks for splashing can also be applied.

[0058] The nozzle protector 210 is formed, for example, by stamping a sheet metal such as SUS. Figure 1 As shown, the nozzle protector 210 is formed in a generally box-shaped manner with an opening on the +Z side. The nozzle protector 210 has: a protective surface 211 that covers the plate surface (main surface) of the nozzle plate 201; and a side wall surface 212 that covers a portion of the side surface (end surface) of the nozzle plate 201 and the side surface of the inkjet head 200.

[0059] like Figure 2As shown, an opening 213 is formed in the portion of the protective surface 211 of the nozzle protector 210 opposite to the nozzle orifice 202, extending through the nozzle protector 210 in the Z-axis direction. The opening 213 is formed in the shape of a slit (elongated hole) extending in the X-axis direction along the nozzle array formed by the nozzle orifice 202. The nozzle orifice 202 is exposed to the outside through the opening 213 of the nozzle protector 210. The nozzle plate 201 is disposed in a position recessed towards the +Z side relative to the protective surface 211 of the nozzle protector 210.

[0060] Back Figure 1 The cleaning device 1 of the inkjet head 200 configured as described above includes: a retainer 2; a retainer moving device 3 that moves the retainer 2; and a cleaning fluid supply device 4 that supplies cleaning fluid W to the retainer 2. The retainer moving device 3 includes: a carriage 10 that carries the retainer 2; a track 11 that guides the carriage 10 along the X-axis; and a drive device (not shown) that moves the carriage 10 along the track 11. As a drive device, for example, a drive device having a belt connected to the carriage 10, a pulley for transporting (returning) the belt, a motor for rotating the pulley, etc., can be exemplified.

[0061] The retainer 2 moves along the track 11 in the X-axis direction from a standby position 2A that is not opposite to the inkjet head 200 in the Z-axis direction, passes through a position opposite to the inkjet head 200 in the Z-axis direction, and moves to a position opposite to the standby position 2A that is not opposite to the inkjet head 200 in the Z-axis direction. In this embodiment, the retainer 2 reciprocates along the track 11 in the X-axis direction. Furthermore, when two tracks 11 are arranged in parallel and their ends are connected to form a loop, the retainer 2 may sometimes move around the loop track in only one direction.

[0062] Alternatively, the inkjet head 200 can be mounted on a carriage and moved along the X-axis without the holder 2. In this case, the holder 2 can be mounted on a holder moving device that does not move along the XY plane, but rather moves by pushing the inkjet head 200, which is mounted on the carriage, along the Z-axis during wiping. With this configuration, depending on when the holder 2 is pushed along the Z-axis, it is possible to change whether wiping is done from one direction or reciprocating.

[0063] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the retainer 2 according to one embodiment. Figure 4 This is an exploded perspective view of the retainer 2 according to one embodiment.

[0064] like Figure 3 As shown, the retainer 2 is formed in a generally box-like shape, comprising an upper shell 20 and a bottom shell 21. The upper shell 20 and the bottom shell 21 are formed of, for example, a resin material.

[0065] On the side surfaces of the upper shell 20 and the bottom shell 21 in the Y-axis direction, there are clamping portions 22 for assembling the two shells and a pair of clamping portions 23 for clamping the clamping portions 22. The clamping portions 22 are provided on the bottom shell 21 side, and the pair of clamping portions 23 are provided on the upper shell 20 side. Alternatively, the clamping portions 22 can be provided on the upper shell 20 side, and the pair of clamping portions 23 can be provided on the bottom shell 21 side.

[0066] Additionally, fixing portions 24 for fixing the retainer 2 to the carriage 10 are provided on the side surfaces of the bottom shell 21 in the Y-axis direction. A through hole 24a extending along the Z-axis is formed in the fixing portion 24. A countersunk hole is formed in the through hole 24a, and the head of a fixing bolt (not shown) is disposed thereon. The fixing bolt fixes the bottom shell 21 to the carriage 10 via the fixing portion 24.

[0067] The upper shell 20 is provided with a spraying part 30, a wiping part 40, a first suction part 50, a second suction part 60, an abutment part 70, a recess 80, and a pair of sidewall parts 90. On the other hand, the bottom shell 21, as Figure 4 As shown, it is provided with a jet chamber 31 communicating with the jet section 30, a first suction chamber 51 communicating with the first suction section 50, a second suction chamber 61 communicating with the second suction section 60, and a discharge chamber 85 communicating with the recess 80.

[0068] Regarding the injection chamber 31, the first suction chamber 51, the second suction chamber 61, and the discharge chamber 85, the +Z side opening is formed in a rectangular shape extending along the Y-axis. An annular groove 25 is formed at the periphery of the opening of the first suction chamber 51. A sealing member such as an O-ring (not shown) is disposed in the annular groove 25. Alternatively, an annular protrusion (not shown) provided on the upper shell 20 side is inserted into the annular groove 25, sealing the shell area. Furthermore, the annular groove 25 is provided not only in the first suction chamber 51 but also at the periphery of the openings of the injection chamber 31, the second suction chamber 61, and the discharge chamber 85.

[0069] like Figure 3 As shown, the retainer 2 is provided with an abutting portion 70 that abuts against the nozzle protector 210 and a recess 80 spaced apart from the nozzle protector 210 along the Z-axis. The abutting portion 70 is a flat portion that abuts against the protective surface 211 of the nozzle protector 210. The abutting portion 70 is formed around the recess 80, further to the +X side than the first suction portion 50 and further to the -X side than the second suction portion 60.

[0070] The recess 80 includes a first groove 81 on which a spraying portion 30 is provided and a second groove 82 on which a wiping portion 40 is provided. The second groove 82 is disposed on the -X side of the first groove 81 and is formed deeper than the first groove 81 towards the -Z side. That is, the first groove 81 and the second groove 82 are formed in a stepped shape.

[0071] Cleaning fluid W is sprayed from the spray section 30 toward the nozzle guard 210. The spray section 30 is a through hole that penetrates the upper shell 20 along the Z-axis direction at the bottom surface of the first groove section 81. Multiple spray sections 30 are spaced apart along the Y-axis direction. Each spray section 30... Figure 4 The bottom shell 21 shown in the figure is connected to the injection chamber 31.

[0072] The wiping section 40 is formed of an elastic material such as rubber. Four wiping sections 40 are provided, spaced apart along the Y-axis, corresponding to the four nozzle rows. In this embodiment, the wiping section 40 is formed in a prismatic shape, such as... Figure 4 As shown, it is held by the wipe holder 41. The wipe holder 41 is formed of, for example, a resin material. The wipe holder 41 is formed in a T-shape when viewed from above, and engages with the slot 83 provided in the second groove 82 of the recess 80.

[0073] Figure 5 This is a top view of the retainer 2 according to one embodiment. Figure 6 This is a top view of the wiping section 40 and the wiping retainer 41 being removed from a retainer 2 according to one embodiment. Figure 7 This is an exploded perspective view of a wiping retainer 41 according to one embodiment.

[0074] like Figure 5 As shown, the spray section 30 includes: a first spray section 30A, which is disposed opposite to the opening 213 of the nozzle protector 210; and a second spray section 30B, which is disposed opposite to the portion of the nozzle protector 210 other than the opening 213.

[0075] Regarding the wiping portion 40, its width W2 in the width direction (Y-axis direction) orthogonal to the moving direction (X-axis direction) of the retainer 2 is smaller than the width W1 of the opening 213 of the nozzle protector 210. That is, the wiping portion 40 can be inserted into the opening 213 of the nozzle protector 210 and abut against the nozzle plate 201 disposed on the +Z side, which is further from the protective surface 211. Furthermore, a gap is formed between the wiping portion 40 and the opening 213 of the nozzle protector 210 along the Y-axis direction.

[0076] like Figure 6 As shown, a discharge portion 84 for cleaning fluid W is provided on the bottom surface of the second groove portion 82 of the recess 80. The discharge portion 84 is formed in a slit shape throughout the recess 80 between a pair of opposing inner walls along the Y-axis direction. The aforementioned wiping retainer 41 is arranged to span the discharge portion 84 in the X-axis direction. The discharge portion 84 and... Figure 4 The discharge chamber 85 of the bottom shell 21 shown is connected. Furthermore, in Figure 6 As shown in the top view, the discharge hole 85a of the discharge chamber 85 provided on the bottom shell 21 can be visually confirmed from the discharge section 84.

[0077] like Figure 5 As shown, the recess 80 is provided with a width W5 that is smaller than the width W3 of the nozzle protector 210 in the width direction. Therefore, the opening of the recess 80 is covered by the nozzle protector 210. Furthermore, an abutting portion 70 is formed at the periphery of the opening of the recess 80, abutting against the nozzle protector 210, thus sealing the cleaning fluid W from leaking out of the opening of the recess 80.

[0078] A pair of sidewall portions 90 are erected on both sides of the abutment portion 70 in the Y-axis direction, and are perpendicular to the sidewall surface 212 of the nozzle guard 210 (see reference). Figure 1 The two sidewall portions 90 are positioned opposite each other. In the width direction (Y-axis direction), they are arranged at a distance W4 that is wider than the width W3 of the nozzle protector 210. This avoids the situation where the nozzle protector 210 is not embedded between the two sidewall portions 90 due to manufacturing errors of the retainer 2.

[0079] like Figure 7 As shown, the wiping holder 41 includes a first clamping piece 42 and a second clamping piece 43 for clamping the wiping portion 40. The first clamping piece 42 has a first portion 42a extending along the X-axis direction and a second portion 42b extending from the -X side end of the first portion 42a to both sides in the Y-axis direction. A clamping groove 42d for clamping the wiping portion 40 is formed on the end face 42c of the first portion 42a facing the +X side. The clamping groove 42d is inclined towards the -X side relative to the YZ plane.

[0080] Engaging grooves 42e are formed on both sides of the clamping groove 42d in the Y-axis direction of the end face 42c of the first part 42a. The second clamping piece 43 has an end face 43a opposite to the end face 42c of the first clamping piece 42. A pair of engaging protrusions 43d are formed on the end face 43a of the second clamping piece 43, engaging with the engaging groove 42e. Between the pair of engaging protrusions 43d in the end face 43a of the second clamping piece 43, a clamping groove 43c is formed opposite to the clamping groove 42d of the first clamping piece 42. The clamping groove 43c is also inclined towards the -X side relative to the YZ plane, just like the clamping groove 42d.

[0081] The second clamping piece 43 is provided with a through window 43e that extends from the clamping groove 43c along the X-axis to the end face 43b opposite to the first clamping piece 42. By providing this through window 43e, the clamping state of the wiping part 40 in the wiping holder 41 and the clamping position of the wiping part 40 in the Z-axis direction can be confirmed. Furthermore, by allowing adhesive to flow through this through window 43e, the wiping part 40, the first clamping piece 42, and the second clamping piece 43 can be integrally fixed.

[0082] Back Figure 5The first suction part 50 is provided on the +X side of the spraying part 30 and the wiping part 40. The first suction part 50 is a through hole in the abutment part 70 that penetrates the upper shell 20 in the Z-axis direction. The first suction part 50 is formed in a slit shape in the Y-axis direction between a pair of sidewall parts 90. The first suction part 50 and Figure 4 The first suction chamber 51 of the bottom shell 21 shown in the figure is connected.

[0083] The second suction part 60 is provided on the -X side of the spraying part 30 and the wiping part 40. The second suction part 60 is a through hole in the abutment part 70 that penetrates the upper shell 20 in the Z-axis direction. The second suction part 60 is formed in a slit shape in the Y-axis direction between a pair of sidewall parts 90. The second suction part 60 and Figure 4 The second suction chamber 61 of the bottom shell 21 shown in the figure is connected.

[0084] Back Figure 1 The cleaning fluid supply device 4 includes a pressurizing device 100, a cleaning fluid supply tank 101, a pressure reducing device 102, and a cleaning fluid recovery tank 103. The pressurizing device 100 is connected to the cleaning fluid supply tank 101 via a first piping 104. The pressurizing device 100 generates compressed gas that compresses external gas and supplies it to the cleaning fluid supply tank 101. Furthermore, a regulator can be installed on the first piping 104.

[0085] The cleaning fluid supply tank 101 stores cleaning fluid W. Examples of cleaning fluid W include water or a solvent that dissolves adhering ink. A second pipe 105 is connected to the cleaning fluid supply tank 101. The second pipe 105 is connected to a connection hole 31a located at the bottom of the spray chamber 31 of the retainer 2. That is, if the cleaning fluid supply tank 101 is pressurized by the pressurizing device 100, the cleaning fluid W in the cleaning fluid supply tank 101 is supplied to the spray chamber 31 via the second pipe 105.

[0086] Pressure reducing device 102 is connected to cleaning fluid recovery tank 103 via third pipe 106. Pressure reducing device 102 expels air from inside cleaning fluid recovery tank 103 to the outside. Cleaning fluid recovery tank 103 is connected to fourth pipe 107, fifth pipe 108, sixth pipe 109, and seventh pipe 110. Fourth pipe 107 is connected to the first suction hole 51a located at the bottom of the first suction chamber 51 of retainer 2.

[0087] The fifth pipe 108 is connected to the discharge port 85a located at the bottom of the discharge chamber 85 of the retainer 2. The sixth pipe 109 is connected to the second suction port 61a located at the bottom of the second suction chamber 61 of the retainer 2. That is, if the pressure is reduced in the cleaning fluid recovery tank 103 by the pressure reducing device 102, the first suction chamber 51, the discharge chamber 85 and the second suction chamber 61 can be made into a negative pressure state, and the cleaning fluid W accumulated in each room (room) can be recovered into the cleaning fluid recovery tank 103 via the fourth pipe 107, the fifth pipe 108 and the sixth pipe 109.

[0088] The seventh piping 110 is connected to the cleaning fluid supply tank 101. A pipe pump 111 is installed on the seventh piping 110. The pipe pump 111 returns the cleaning fluid W recovered to the cleaning fluid recovery tank 103 back to the cleaning fluid supply tank 101. This allows the cleaning fluid W to be reused. Furthermore, if the recovered cleaning fluid W is heavily contaminated, it can be prevented from returning to the cleaning fluid supply tank 101.

[0089] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view illustrating the flow of cleaning fluid W when wiping the nozzle plate 201 according to one embodiment using the wiping section 40.

[0090] like Figure 8 As shown, when the nozzle plate 201 is wiped with the wiping part 40, the cleaning fluid W is sprayed from the spraying part 30. The cleaning fluid W sprayed from the spraying part 30 (first spraying part 30A) is supplied to the nozzle plate 201 through the opening 213 of the nozzle protector 210, and flows to both sides in the X-axis direction from its supply position within the opening 213 of the nozzle protector 210.

[0091] The cleaning fluid W flowing into the opening 213 of the nozzle protector 210 on the +X side is drawn in and recovered by the first suction section 50. Additionally, the cleaning fluid W flowing into the opening 213 of the nozzle protector 210 on the -X side wets the wiping section 40, improving the cleaning ability of the wiping section 40. Furthermore, the cleaning fluid W supplied to the wiping section 40 is recovered from the discharge section 84 after rinsing off any adhering substances. Moreover, the cleaning fluid W flowing to the -X side, which is further from the wiping section 40, is drawn in and recovered by the second suction section 60.

[0092] As described above, the cleaning device 1 for the inkjet head 200 according to this embodiment includes a retainer 2 that moves relative to the inkjet head 200. The inkjet head 200 includes a nozzle plate 201 having a nozzle hole 202 for dispensing ink and a nozzle guard 210 covering the nozzle plate 201 and having an opening 213 that exposes the nozzle hole 202. The retainer 2 includes: a spraying part 30 that sprays cleaning liquid W toward the nozzle guard 210; a wiping part 40 whose width W2 in the width direction orthogonal to the moving direction of the retainer 2 is smaller than the width W1 of the opening 213 of the nozzle guard 210, and wipes the nozzle plate 201 as the retainer 2 moves; a first suction part 50 that is disposed in front of the retainer 2 in the moving direction relative to the spraying part 30 and the wiping part 40; and a second suction part 60 that is disposed behind the retainer 2 in the moving direction relative to the spraying part 30 and the wiping part 40.

[0093] According to this configuration, the wiping portion 40 provided in the holder 2 is smaller than the width W1 of the opening 213 of the nozzle guard 210 in the width direction orthogonal to the moving direction of the holder 2. Therefore, the holder 2 can be moved to wipe the nozzle plate 201 while the wiping portion 40 is inserted into the opening 213 of the nozzle guard 210. In addition, the holder 2 is provided with a spraying portion 30 that sprays cleaning fluid W. The nozzle plate 201 can be wiped while the wiping portion 40 is wetted by the cleaning fluid W, thus improving the cleaning ability of the wiping portion 40. Here, a portion of the cleaning fluid W is about to leak out along the opening 213 of the nozzle guard 210 in the moving direction of the holder 2. However, the holder 2 is provided with a first suction portion 50 and a second suction portion 60 in such a way that the spraying portion 30 and the wiping portion 40 are sandwiched. Therefore, the cleaning fluid W that is about to leak out in the moving direction of the holder 2 can be captured by suction, and the leakage of the cleaning fluid W from the holder 2 can be suppressed.

[0094] Furthermore, in the cleaning device 1 of the inkjet head 200 of this embodiment, the retainer 2 has an abutment portion 70 that abuts against the nozzle protector 210, and a first suction portion 50 and a second suction portion 60 are provided on the abutment portion 70. According to this configuration, by providing the abutment portion 70 on the retainer 2 that abuts against the nozzle protector 210, the flow of cleaning fluid that is about to leak out can be restricted to flow along the opening 213 of the nozzle protector 210, thus making it easier to capture the cleaning fluid by the suction of the first suction portion 50 and the second suction portion 60. In addition, by providing the first suction portion 50 and the second suction portion 60 on the abutment portion 70, it becomes easier to maintain the negative pressure in the first suction portion 50 and the second suction portion 60, thereby improving the suction capacity of the cleaning fluid W. The first suction unit 50, during wiping, pre-attracts low-viscosity deposits in front of the wiping unit 40 before the cleaning fluid W is used to clean the deposits on the nozzle plate 201 and nozzle guard 210, thus preventing the deposits from dissolving into the cleaning fluid W and reducing the cleaning ability. Furthermore, the second suction unit 60, during wiping, attracts the cleaning fluid W behind the wiping unit 40, thereby preventing any cleaning fluid W residue that might fall from the nozzle plate 201 and nozzle guard 210 into the medium after wiping.

[0095] Furthermore, in the cleaning device 1 of the inkjet head 200 of this embodiment, the holder 2 has a recess 80 that is spaced apart from the nozzle protector 210, and a spraying part 30 and a wiping part 40 are provided in the recess 80. With this configuration, the cleaning fluid W can be sprayed from a position away from the nozzle protector 210, thus allowing the cleaning fluid W to be sprayed approximately evenly relative to the nozzle protector 210. In addition, by providing the wiping part 40 in the same recess 80 as the spraying part 30, a self-cleaning effect of the wiping part 40 utilizing the cleaning fluid W splashed back from the nozzle protector 210 is also obtained, eliminating the need for a separate cleaning space or cleaning device for the wiping part 40.

[0096] Furthermore, in the cleaning device 1 of the inkjet head 200 of this embodiment, a discharge section 84 for cleaning fluid W is provided in the recess 80. With this configuration, the cleaning fluid W accumulated in the recess 80 can be gradually discharged, reducing the amount of cleaning fluid that must be drawn by the first suction section 50 and the second suction section 60. Furthermore, even when the amount of cleaning fluid drawn by the first suction section 50 and the second suction section 60 is smaller than the respective amount drawn without the discharge section 84, cleaning fluid can be wiped without leakage to the outside of the holder 2. Furthermore, by reducing the amount of cleaning fluid drawn by the first suction section 50 and the second suction section 60 in this way, it is prevented that the first suction section 50 and the second suction section 60 become filled with cleaning fluid, thus avoiding the need for a cleaning fluid recovery tank 103 (see reference 103) to collect the cleaning fluid. Figure 1The internal pressure of the cleaning fluid recovery tank 103 increases. As a result, excessive pressure can be prevented from being applied to the cleaning fluid recovery tank 103, thus protecting the cleaning fluid recovery tank 103.

[0097] Furthermore, when the amount of cleaning fluid sprayed is smaller than the amount discharged from the discharge section 84 when no negative pressure is applied, sufficient discharge can be achieved even without applying negative pressure to the discharge section 84. Therefore, even with a weak suction pump, sufficient negative pressure in the first suction section 50 and the second suction section 60 can be ensured to prevent the cleaning fluid from leaking to the outside of the retainer 2.

[0098] Furthermore, in the cleaning device 1 of the inkjet head 200 of this embodiment, the recess 80 is provided with a width W5 that is smaller than the width W3 of the nozzle protector 210 in the width direction. According to this configuration, the opening of the recess 80 is covered by the nozzle protector 210, thereby preventing the cleaning fluid W inside the recess 80 from leaking outward from the opening of the recess 80.

[0099] Furthermore, in the cleaning device 1 of the inkjet head 200 of this embodiment, the spraying section 30 includes a first spraying section 30A disposed opposite to the opening 213 of the nozzle protector 210. According to this configuration, cleaning fluid W can be directly sprayed from the first spraying section 30A to the opening 213 of the nozzle protector 210, thereby improving the cleaning effect on the nozzle plate 201 within the opening 213 of the nozzle protector 210 and around the nozzle orifice 202.

[0100] Furthermore, in the cleaning device 1 of the inkjet head 200 of this embodiment, the spraying section 30 includes a second spraying section 30B disposed opposite to the portion of the nozzle protector 210 other than the opening 213. According to this configuration, cleaning fluid W can be directly sprayed from the second spraying section 30B onto the nozzle protector 210 itself, thereby cleaning the surface of the nozzle protector 210 and suppressing the adhesion of isotropic ink media adhering to the nozzle protector 210.

[0101] Furthermore, in the cleaning device 1 of the inkjet head 200 of this embodiment, the wiping part 40 is tilted rearward in the moving direction of the holder 2 and simultaneously wipes the nozzle plate 201. According to this configuration, by adjusting the tilting direction during wiping, the overlap (contact area) between the wiping part 40 and the nozzle plate 201 can be kept constant.

[0102] Furthermore, in the cleaning device 1 of the inkjet head 200 of this embodiment, the holder 2 includes a pair of sidewall portions 90 arranged in the width direction at a distance W4 wider than the width W3 of the nozzle protector 210. According to this configuration, if the distance W4 between the pair of sidewall portions 90 is the same as the width W3 of the nozzle protector 210, it may sometimes fail to fit due to manufacturing errors. Therefore, by slightly increasing the distance between the pair of sidewall portions 90, it is easier to make the surface of the holder 2 abut against the surface of the nozzle protector 210.

[0103] Thus, according to this embodiment, a cleaning device 1 for the inkjet head 200 can be provided, which can prevent the cleaning fluid W from leaking out along the opening 213 of the nozzle protector 210, and at the same time efficiently clean the nozzle plate 201 on which the nozzle protector 210 is mounted.

[0104] In addition, the cleaning device 1 of the inkjet head 200 can be configured as follows.

[0105] Figure 9 This is a configuration diagram of the cleaning device 1 for the inkjet head 200 according to a first variation of an embodiment.

[0106] Figure 9 The cleaning device 1 shown includes a biasing member 120 that biases the holder 2 toward the nozzle protector 210. The biasing member 120, such as a spring or rubber, is disposed between the holder 2 and the carriage 10. With this configuration, the force pushing the holder 2 toward the nozzle protector 210 can be controlled. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the application of excessive force to the inkjet head 200 or its surrounding portion.

[0107] Figure 10 This is a perspective view of the retainer 2 according to a second variation of one embodiment.

[0108] about Figure 10 The retainer 2 shown in the figure has a pair of sidewall portions 90 comprising: a third spray portion 130 that sprays cleaning fluid W onto the side surface of the nozzle protector 210 in the width direction; and a third suction portion 140 that is arranged to surround the third spray portion 130. The third spray portion 130 and the third suction portion 140 are formed on opposing surfaces of the pair of sidewall portions 90. The third spray portion 130 is formed at the same position as the spray portion 30 in the X-axis direction, and like the spray portion 30, it is... Figure 4 As shown in the diagram, it is connected to the injection chamber 31 of the bottom shell 21.

[0109] The third suction section 140 includes: a horizontal slit section 141 extending along the X-axis direction through the +Z side of the third jet section 130; a first vertical slit section 142 connecting the +X side end of the horizontal slit section 141 to the first suction section 50; and a second vertical slit section 143 connecting the -X side end of the horizontal slit section 141 to the second suction section 60. That is, the third suction section 140, connected to the first suction section 50 and the second suction section 60, generates negative pressure.

[0110] According to this configuration, it is possible not only to clean the protective surface 211 of the nozzle guard 210 covering the nozzle plate 201, but also to clean the vertically extending side wall surface 212.

[0111] Figure 11 This is an exploded perspective view of the retainer 2 according to a third variation of an embodiment.

[0112] Figure 11 The retainer 2 shown includes an isolation portion 150 for adjusting the position of the wiping portion 40 relative to the nozzle plate 201 in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction). The isolation portion 150 is housed together with the wiping retainer 41 in the slot 83. With this configuration, by replacing the isolation portion 150, the overlap between the wiping portion 40 and the nozzle plate 201 can be easily adjusted, thereby achieving optimal wiping conditions that do not damage the nozzle plate 201 and can peel off the ink or other adhesive substances used.

[0113] While preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been described and illustrated above, it should be understood that these are exemplary embodiments and not intended to be limiting. Additions, omissions, substitutions, and other modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the present disclosure should not be considered limited by the foregoing description but by the claims.

[0114] For example, in the above embodiment, the configuration in which the wiping part is pre-set to be tilted rearward in the moving direction of the retainer has been described. However, the wiping part may also be configured such that, in the initial state, it is set vertically along the Z-axis direction, and when it abuts against the nozzle plate 201 or the nozzle guard 210, it is tilted rearward in the moving direction of the retainer. In this case, when the retainer reciprocates, approximately the same cleaning effect is obtained in both the outgoing and returning paths.

[0115] Additionally, for example, in the above embodiments, an inkjet head was described as an example of a liquid jet head, but it is not limited thereto.

[0116] In addition, the inkjet head can be a configuration in which the inkjet head moves relative to the medium being recorded during printing (so-called a reciprocating machine), or it can be a configuration in which the medium being recorded moves relative to the inkjet head while the inkjet head is fixed (so-called a fixed head machine).

[0117] In the above embodiments, the case where the recording medium is paper has been described, but the configuration is not limited to this. The recording medium is not limited to paper, but may also be a metal material or a resin material, or even food. In addition, the liquid sprayed from the liquid spray head is not limited to the liquid that hits the recording medium, but may also be, for example, a medicine solution prepared in a pharmaceutical preparation, a food additive such as a seasoning or flavoring added to food, or a fragrance sprayed into the air.

[0118] In the above embodiments, the configuration in which the Z-axis direction is consistent with the direction of gravity has been described, but it is not limited to this configuration. The Z-axis direction can also be along the horizontal direction, or it can be along a direction other than the direction of gravity.

[0119] Symbol Explanation

[0120] 1... Cleaning equipment

[0121] 2... Holder

[0122] 30……Jet section

[0123] 30A...First jet section

[0124] 30B...Second Jet Section

[0125] 40…… Wiping Section

[0126] 50……Part 1 Attraction

[0127] 60……Part 2 of Attraction

[0128] 70...butt part

[0129] 80…concave

[0130] 84……Discharge section

[0131] 90……Side wall portion

[0132] 120... Bias Component

[0133] 130... Third jet section

[0134] 140……Part 3 of Attraction

[0135] 150...Isolation Department

[0136] 200... Inkjet head (liquid jet head)

[0137] 201…… Nozzle plate (spray plate)

[0138] 202…… Nozzle orifice (injection orifice)

[0139] 210……Nozzle Protective Components (Protective Parts)

[0140] 211... Protective Surface

[0141] 212……Side wall surface

[0142] 213……Open

[0143] W... cleaning solution

[0144] W1...width

[0145] W2...width

[0146] W3...width

[0147] W4……Interval

[0148] W5...width.

Claims

1. A cleaning device for a liquid spray head, characterized in that, The device includes a retainer that moves relative to a liquid injection head, the liquid injection head comprising a spray plate having a spray hole for spraying liquid and a protective member covering the spray plate and having an opening that exposes the spray hole. The retainer includes: The spraying section sprays cleaning fluid toward the protective component; The wiping section, whose width in the width direction orthogonal to the moving direction of the retainer is smaller than the width of the opening of the protective member, wipes the spray plate as the retainer moves; The abutting part abuts against the protective component. A first suction portion, which is disposed in front of the holder in the direction of movement relative to the spray portion and the wiping portion; and The second suction part is disposed rearward of the holder in the direction of movement relative to the spraying part and the wiping part. The abutting portion is provided with the first suction portion and the second suction portion. When the wiping part is used to wipe the spray plate, the cleaning liquid is sprayed from the spraying part. The cleaning liquid flowing forward in the direction of movement into the opening is attracted and recovered by the first suction part, and the cleaning liquid flowing further behind in the direction of movement than the wiping part is attracted and recovered by the second suction part.

2. The cleaning device for the liquid spray head according to claim 1, characterized in that, The retainer has a recess that is spaced apart from the protective member. The recess is provided with the spraying part and the wiping part.

3. The cleaning device for the liquid spray head according to claim 2, characterized in that, The recessed portion further includes a discharge section for the cleaning fluid.

4. The cleaning device for the liquid spray head according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The recess is provided in the width direction with a width smaller than that of the protective member.

5. The cleaning device for the liquid spray head according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The spray section includes a first spray section disposed opposite to the opening of the protective member.

6. The cleaning device for the liquid spray head according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The spray section includes a second spray section disposed opposite to the portion of the protective member other than the opening.

7. The cleaning device for the liquid spray head according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The wiping section tilts backward in the direction of movement of the retainer and simultaneously wipes the spray plate.

8. The cleaning device for the liquid spray head according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The retainer includes an isolation section for adjusting the position of the wiping portion relative to the vertical direction of the spray plate.

9. The cleaning device for the liquid spray head according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, It includes a biasing member that biases the retainer toward the protective member.

10. The cleaning device for the liquid spray head according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The retainer has a pair of sidewall portions arranged at a wider interval in the width direction than the width of the protective member.

11. The cleaning device for the liquid jet head according to claim 10, characterized in that, The pair of sidewall portions have: The third spray section sprays cleaning fluid onto the side surface of the protective component in the width direction; and The third suction part is arranged to surround the third jetting part.

Images