Liquid coating device

Abstract

The invention provides a liquid coating apparatus which automatically adjusts the relative position of an ejection head with respect to a cleaning mechanism during cleaning even if the relative position of the ejection head and the cleaning mechanism changes. The liquid coating apparatus includes: a carriage on which an ejection head is mounted; a first movement mechanism that moves the carriage on a horizontal plane; a second movement mechanism that moves the carriage in the height direction; a base part fixed to the main body; a plate portion provided on the base portion so as to be slidable on a horizontal plane; a cover mechanism that is mounted on the plate part and covers the nozzle of the ejection head; a cleaning mechanism that is mounted on the plate portion and that sprays a cleaning liquid for cleaning the nozzle toward the nozzle, and a guide mechanism that, when the carriage is positioned at the first position by the first moving mechanism and the carriage is moved from the first position to the cover mechanism by the second moving mechanism, slides the plate portion with respect to the base portion and guides the cleaning liquid to the nozzle. Therefore, the nozzle enters a sealed position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a liquid coating device. Background Art

[0002] In an inkjet apparatus or an image forming apparatus (or an apparatus that ejects liquid) that ejects liquid such as ink to form an image, there is known a technique for adjusting the position of a cleaning mechanism relative to an ejection head.

[0003] As an inkjet device or image forming device (or a device for ejecting liquid) having such a cleaning mechanism, the disclosed structure is a liquid ejecting head having a nozzle for ejecting liquid on a nozzle surface; a wiping member for wiping the nozzle surface; a rotatable pushing and abutting member for pressing the wiping member against the nozzle surface; and a moving means for bringing the wiping member into contact with the nozzle surface and performing a wiping action that causes the liquid ejecting head and the wiping member to move relative to each other, the pushing and abutting member having a recess in a portion of its surface corresponding to the nozzle forming portion of the nozzle surface (for example, patent document 1).

[0004] However, in the prior art, there is a problem that when the relative position of the ejection head and the cleaning mechanism changes, the position of the cleaning mechanism must be manually readjusted before printing.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above situation, and its object is to provide a liquid coating device that can automatically adjust the relative position of the injection head to the cleaning mechanism to be appropriate during cleaning even if the relative position of the injection head and the cleaning mechanism changes.

[0006] [Patent Document 1] (Japanese) Patent Publication No. 2019-147289 Summary of the Invention

[0007] ' The liquid coating device of claim 1 , wherein the liquid coating device comprises a liquid coating device for spraying liquid from a spray head to form an image, the liquid coating device comprising: a slide that carries the spray head; a first moving mechanism that moves the slide on a horizontal plane; a second moving mechanism that moves the slide in a height direction; a base portion that is fixed to the main body of the liquid coating device; a plate portion that is arranged on the base portion in a manner that can slide relative to the base portion on a horizontal plane; a cover mechanism that is mounted on the plate portion and covers the nozzle of the spray head; a cleaning mechanism that is mounted on the plate portion and sprays a cleaning liquid for cleaning the nozzle toward the nozzle; and a guide mechanism that, when the slide is positioned in a first position by the first moving mechanism and the slide is moved from the first position to the cover mechanism by the second moving mechanism, slides the plate portion relative to the base portion so that the nozzle enters a capped position.

[0008] According to the present invention, a liquid application device can be provided that automatically adjusts the relative position of the ejection head to the cleaning mechanism to be appropriate during cleaning even if the relative position of the ejection head to the cleaning mechanism changes. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Figure 1 FIG. 1 is an illustrative diagram of the overall appearance of the liquid application device according to the embodiment.

[0010] Figure 2 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a scannable range of a carriage relative to a printing device of a liquid application device according to an embodiment.

[0011] Figure 3 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a structure of a moving mechanism of a carriage of a liquid coating apparatus according to an embodiment.

[0012] Figure 4 This is a diagram for explaining an outline of the operation of the liquid application device according to the embodiment when printing outside the scanning range of the carriage.

[0013] Figure 5 FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a state in which a printing device is transported by a carriage in the liquid coating device according to the embodiment.

[0014] Figure 6 FIG. 1 is an illustrative diagram of a state in which a printing device is set on a printing surface from a carriage in the liquid application device according to the embodiment.

[0015] Figure 7 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the liquid application device according to the embodiment.

[0016] Figure 8 (a) and (b) are schematic structural examples of a maintenance mechanism of the liquid coating device according to the embodiment.

[0017] Figure 9 FIG. 1 is an enlarged view of a stepped screw of a maintenance mechanism of a liquid coating device according to an embodiment.

[0018] Figure 10 (a) and (b) are diagrams for explaining an operation when a pin of the maintenance mechanism is inserted into a hole of the maintenance mechanism of the liquid applicator according to the embodiment.

[0019] Figure 11 (a) to (c) are diagrams illustrating a cleaning operation of an inkjet head of a liquid application apparatus according to an embodiment.

[0020] Figure 12(a) to (c) are diagrams illustrating a cleaning operation of an inkjet head of a liquid application apparatus according to an embodiment.

[0021] Figure 13 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a configuration of a carriage moving mechanism of a liquid coating apparatus according to Modification 1. FIG.

[0022] Figure 14 (a) to (c) are diagrams illustrating a capping operation of the inkjet head of the liquid application apparatus according to Modification 1.

[0023] Figure 15 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a configuration of a carriage moving mechanism of a liquid coating apparatus according to Modification 2. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] The following describes in detail embodiments of the liquid applicator according to the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. The present invention is not limited to the following embodiments; the components described in the following embodiments include substantially identical or equivalent components readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Furthermore, various omissions, substitutions, modifications, and combinations of components are possible without departing from the spirit of the following embodiments.

[0025] (Overall Structure and Operation Overview of Liquid Coating Device)

[0026] Figure 1 FIG. 1 is an illustrative diagram of the overall appearance of the liquid application device according to the embodiment. Figure 2 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a scannable range of a carriage relative to a printing device of a liquid application device according to an embodiment. Figure 3 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a structure of a moving mechanism of a carriage of a liquid coating device according to an embodiment. Figure 1 and Figure 3 , the overall structure and operation outline of the liquid application device 1 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0027] Figure 1 The liquid coating device 1 shown is a device that divides a large liquid coating area such as a road surface into a plurality of printing areas and moves to each printing area in sequence, divides the printing data for printing each printing area into a plurality of printing images, and sprays ink (an example of liquid) for printing. In addition, the road surface, etc. includes the wall surface of the road or building, etc., hereinafter referred to as the "printing surface". In addition, "printing" refers to the action of forming an image by applying or spraying ink to the setting surface. In addition, in Figure 2 In order to show the internal structure of the printing device 10, the Figure 2From the paper, it shows the state after the front panel is removed. Figure 1 As shown, the liquid application apparatus 1 includes a printing device 10 and a carriage 20 .

[0028] The printing device 10 can be transported by a carriage 20. Figure 3 The device prints on the installation surface by scanning the carriage of the inkjet head 16a shown. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1 , the printing device 10 includes a printing device body 11, a control device 12, an ink supply system 13, a bracket 14, and a carriage 16. Figure 3 As shown, the printing device 10 includes a frame 11a, a main scanning guide 17, a main scanning motor 17a, a sub-scanning guide 18, a sub-scanning motor 18a, a timing belt 18b, and a height moving mechanism 19 as a moving mechanism for scanning a carriage 16 equipped with an inkjet head 16a. This moving mechanism is supported by four brackets 15 provided on the frame 11a at the periphery of the bottom surface of the printing device body 11. Figure 3 As shown, the printing device 10 includes a supporting member 11 b and a maintaining mechanism 50 .

[0029] The printing device main body 11 is the main body of the printing device 10 . The carriage 16 scans in the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction inside the printing device main body 11 . Various components such as the control device 12 and the ink supply system 13 are mounted on the upper surface of the printing device main body 11 . Figure 2 1 and 2. The figure shows a state in which the carriage 16 is moved to the four corners of a rectangular area that can be scanned by the carriage 16 inside the printing device main body 11.

[0030] The control device 12 is a controller that controls the printing operation of the printing device 10. Specifically, the control device 12 controls the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction of the carriage 16, the ink ejection operation of the inkjet head 16a mounted on the carriage 16, and the supply of ink from the ink supply system 13 to the inkjet head 16a. Furthermore, when printing an image by ejecting ink from the inkjet head 16a, the control device 12 can adjust the height of the carriage 16 to multiple levels using the height movement mechanism 19. Furthermore, when performing a maintenance operation by the maintenance mechanism 50 (described later), the control device 12 uses the height movement mechanism 19 to move the carriage 16 in the height direction to the height required for the maintenance operation.

[0031] The ink supply system 13 is provided on the upper surface of the printing apparatus main body 11 and is a mechanism for supplying ink to the inkjet head 16a of the carriage 16. Specifically, the ink supply system 13 includes a tank for storing ink and supplies ink from the tank to the inkjet head 16a of the carriage 16 via a supply path such as a pipe.

[0032] The brackets 14 are provided at the four corners of the bottom surface of the overall rectangular parallelepiped printing device body 11 and are supporting members that support the printing device 10 by contacting the printing surface. The number of brackets 14 is not limited to four, and may be three or five or more.

[0033] like Figure 3 As shown, the carriage 16 carries an inkjet head 16a that ejects ink, and is a component that scans in the main scanning direction, the sub-scanning direction, and the height direction by the above-mentioned moving mechanism. The scanning of the carriage 16 is controlled by the control device 12. In addition, when the inkjet head 16a prints the image, the carriage 16 moves in the direction of the main scanning direction, the sub-scanning direction, and the height direction. Figure 3 In the printing area AR shown in FIG. 1 , the main scanning and sub-scanning directions are moved. In addition, when no printing action is performed, as shown in FIG. Figure 3 As shown, the carriage 16 moves to the position of the maintaining mechanism 50 to perform cleaning and capping operations.

[0034] The inkjet head 16a is an inkjet head and has a plurality of nozzles for ejecting ink.

[0035] The frame 11a is a frame member constituting the four sides of the bottom surface of the printing device main body 11. Thus, in the frame 11a constituting the four sides of the bottom surface of the printing device main body 11, as shown in FIG. Figure 3 As shown, brackets 14 are respectively provided at the four corners of the bottom surface.

[0036] The main scanning guide 17 is Figure 3 The guide member extends in the main scanning direction shown and supports the carriage 16 so as to be slidable in the main scanning direction.

[0037] The main scanning motor 17 a is a motor for reciprocating the height moving mechanism 19 on which the carriage 16 is provided in the main scanning direction along the main scanning guide 17 .

[0038] The auxiliary scanning guide 18 is provided along the Figure 3 The frame 11a extending in the sub-scanning direction is provided with a guide member that supports the main scanning guide 17 so as to slide in the sub-scanning direction. Figure 3 As shown, the sub-scanning guides 18 are respectively provided on two frames 11 a extending in the sub-scanning direction and facing each other, so as to support the vicinity of the end portion of the main scanning guide 17 extending in the main scanning direction.

[0039] The sub-scanning motor 18a is a motor for reciprocating the main scanning guide 17 in the sub-scanning direction along the sub-scanning guide 18. In this case, a timing belt 18b, which is mounted on a pulley rotated by the sub-scanning motor 18a and a pulley driven by the pulley, is driven by the rotation of the sub-scanning motor 18a, thereby reciprocating the main scanning guide 17 in the sub-scanning direction.

[0040] In this manner, the carriage 16 on which the inkjet head 16 a is mounted can freely move in the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction on the surface surrounded by the four frames 11 a .

[0041] The height moving mechanism 19 is a mechanism for reciprocating the carriage 16 in the height direction.

[0042] The support member 11 b is a member for supporting a base portion 50 a of the maintenance mechanism 50 , which will be described later, and fixing the plate portion 50 b to the frame 11 a .

[0043] The maintenance mechanism 50 is a mechanism for performing maintenance operations such as cleaning and capping the inkjet head 16a. Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 1 , the maintaining mechanism 50 is supported by the supporting member 11 b. Figure 3 As shown, the maintenance mechanism 50 is provided in an area outside the printing area AR for printing by the inkjet head 16a. Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 1 , the maintenance mechanism 50 includes a capping portion 51 (capping mechanism) for capping the nozzles of the inkjet head 16a, and a cleaning portion 52 (cleaning mechanism) for cleaning the nozzles of the inkjet head 16a. Figure 9 and Figure 10 To be discussed later.

[0044] The carriage 20 is a transport device for lifting (raising) the printing device 10 from the bottom surface and transporting it to a printing area where the printing device 10 performs printing. Figure 1 As shown, the trolley 20 includes a trolley frame 21 , a lifting device 22 , a lifting device 23 , rear wheels 24 , front wheels 25 , and a handle portion 26 .

[0045] The carriage frame 21 is a frame member in a rectangular shape, and supports the printing device 10 from the bottom surface when the printing device 10 is raised or lowered.

[0046] The lifting device 22 is a device that supports the portion of the printing device 10 on the handle portion 26 side (front side) and moves the printing device 10 up and down.

[0047] The lifting device 23 is a device that supports the portion of the printing device 10 on the side opposite to the handle portion 26 (the rear side) and lifts the printing device 10 .

[0048] The rear wheels 24 and the front wheels 25 are wheels for moving the vehicle 20 forward, backward, leftward, and rightward.

[0049] The handle portion 26 is a handle member that is attached to the rear front side of the carriage 20 and is gripped by a user (operator). The user grips the handle portion 26 to freely move the carriage 20 forward, backward, left, and right.

[0050] (Overview of Overall Operation of Liquid Coating Device)

[0051] Figure 4 This is a diagram for explaining the outline of the operation of the liquid application device according to the embodiment when printing outside the scanning range of the carriage. Figure 4 An overview of the overall operation of the liquid application device 4 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0052] As described above, the liquid coating device 1 can move in four directions: front, back, left, and right. That is, the carriage 16 carrying the inkjet head 16a can move freely on the plane surrounded by the frame 11a of the liquid coating device 1. Therefore, when the liquid coating device 1 causes the inkjet head 16a to print on a printing surface outside the scanning range, as shown in FIG. Figure 4 As shown, the entire printing area on the printing surface, i.e., the liquid application area, is divided into a plurality of printing areas, and the overall printing data printed on the liquid application area is divided into a plurality of printing images corresponding to each printing area. While the liquid application area is moved to each printing area in the front-to-back direction and the left-to-right direction, each printing image is joined and printed in such a manner that their seams are inconspicuous, thereby completing the printing of the overall image based on the printing data.

[0053] (Regarding the carriage's transport and lifting motions of the printing device)

[0054] Figure 5 FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a state in which a printing device is transported by a carriage in the liquid coating device according to the embodiment. Figure 6 FIG. 1 is an exemplary diagram showing a state in which a printing device is set from a carriage to a printing surface in a liquid coating device according to an embodiment. Figure 5 and Figure 6 Next, the conveying operation and the lifting operation of the printing device 10 by the carriage 20 in the liquid coating apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0055] exist Figure 5In the illustrated liquid coating apparatus 1, the printing apparatus 10 is lifted by a carriage 20 and transported with the carriage 14 away from the printing surface. Since the carriage 14 of the printing apparatus 10 is away from the printing surface, the carriage 20 allows the printing apparatus 10 to be freely transported forward, backward, left, and right. This allows the printing apparatus 10 to be moved to a desired printing area.

[0056] exist Figure 6 In the illustrated liquid coating apparatus 1, the printing device 10 is moved downward by the carriage 20, and the support 14 is brought into contact with the printing surface, thereby being supported by the support 10. Thus, the printing device 10 supported by the support 14 is fixed relative to the printing surface, and printing can be performed by scanning the carriage 16 in the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction.

[0057] In addition, the liquid coating device 1 involved in this embodiment is a device that prints while moving relative to a printing surface such as a wall of a road or a building, but is not limited to this. It can also be a conventional inkjet image forming device or commercial printer that prints by ejecting ink from an inkjet head 16a.

[0058] (Hardware Configuration of Liquid Coating Device)

[0059] Figure 7 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the liquid coating device according to the embodiment. Figure 7 , the hardware configuration of the liquid application device 1 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0060] like Figure 7 As shown, the liquid coating device 1 includes a control device 12, a slide 16, a main scanning moving mechanism 31, a sub-scanning moving mechanism 32, a height moving mechanism 19, a three-dimensional camera 33, a two-dimensional camera 34, a global navigation satellite system (GNSS: Global Navigation Satellite System) receiver 35, an operation panel 36, and a cleaning unit 52.

[0061] The control device 12 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 61 , a memory 62 , an I / F 63 , and a unit control circuit 64 .

[0062] The CPU 61 is a computing device that comprehensively controls the operation of the liquid application apparatus 1. The CPU 61 communicates data with the memory 62, the I / F 63, and the unit control circuit 64 via a bus. Furthermore, the CPU 61 controls the drive of the main scanning mechanism 31, the sub-scanning mechanism 32, the height movement mechanism 19, and the inkjet head 16a through the unit control circuit 64, and estimates the position of the liquid application apparatus 1 based on positioning signals received by the GNSS receiver 35.

[0063] The memory 62 is a storage medium such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) or a RAM (Random Access Memory) that stores a program for driving the CPU 61. The memory 62 is used as a work area for the CPU 61.

[0064] The I / F 63 is a communication interface for connecting to various external devices 40 such as a tablet terminal, a smartphone, a PC (Personal Computer), a server, and a notebook PC.

[0065] The unit control circuit 64 is a control circuit that controls the operations of the main scanning movement mechanism 31 , the sub-scanning movement mechanism 32 , the height movement mechanism 19 , and the inkjet head 16 a under the control of the CPU 61 .

[0066] The carriage 16 carries an inkjet head 16a that ejects ink onto the printing surface and moves along the Figure 3 The main scanning guide 17 shown moves in the main scanning direction, and the carriage 16 moves in the sub-scanning direction by the main scanning guide 17. In addition, the carriage 16 also moves in the height direction by the height moving mechanism 19.

[0067] The 3D camera 33 is a three-dimensional shape measuring device supported in front of the printing device 10 and used to measure the surrounding area of ​​the liquid coating device 1. The 3D camera 33 transmits the captured images to the CPU 61 of the control device 12. The 3D camera 33 can be powered by a built-in battery or by a system that assumes continuous operation.

[0068] The two-dimensional camera 34 is an imaging device that captures images of the printed surface and the vicinity of the printed image printed on the printed surface. Therefore, the two-dimensional camera 34 captures images downward. The two-dimensional camera 34 transmits the captured images to the CPU 61 of the control device 12. Furthermore, the two-dimensional camera 34 can be powered by its own battery or by a system designed to operate continuously.

[0069] The GNSS receiver 35 is a receiving device that receives positioning signals for measuring the current position on the earth from positioning satellites based on GNSS (for example, GPS (Global Positioning System) etc.) The GNSS receiver 35 transmits the received positioning signals to the control device 12 .

[0070] The operation panel 36 is a device that receives operations on the liquid application apparatus 1 and displays processing results of the liquid application apparatus 1 .

[0071] The main scanning movement mechanism 31 is composed of the main scanning guide 17 and the main scanning motor 17 a , and is a mechanism that reciprocates the carriage 16 in the main scanning direction along the main scanning guide 17 under the control of the unit control circuit 64 .

[0072] The sub-scanning movement mechanism 32 is composed of the sub-scanning guide 18, the sub-scanning motor 18a, and the timing belt 18b. It is a mechanism that causes the main scanning guide 17 to reciprocate along the sub-scanning guide 18 in a sub-scanning direction perpendicular to the main scanning direction under the control of the unit control circuit 64. This causes the carriage 16, supported by the main scanning guide 17, to reciprocate in the sub-scanning direction.

[0073] That is, the main scanning movement mechanism 31 and the sub-scanning movement mechanism 32 move the carriage 16 on a horizontal plane. The main scanning movement mechanism 31 and the sub-scanning movement mechanism 32 correspond to the "first movement mechanism" of the present invention.

[0074] The height moving mechanism 19 is a mechanism for reciprocating the carriage 16 in the height direction under the control of the unit control circuit 64. The height moving mechanism 19 corresponds to the "second moving mechanism" of the present invention.

[0075] As described above, the cleaning unit 52 is provided in the maintenance mechanism 50 and is a mechanism that ejects water or a cleaning liquid containing a predetermined component upward to clean the nozzles of the inkjet head 16 a under the control of the CPU 61 .

[0076] besides, Figure 7 The hardware configuration of the liquid application apparatus 1 shown is an example, and the apparatus may include other components.

[0077] (Maintaining the structure and operation of the mechanism)

[0078] Figure 8 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the structure of a maintenance mechanism of the liquid application device according to the embodiment. Figure 9 FIG. 1 is an enlarged view of a stepped screw of a maintenance mechanism of a liquid coating device according to an embodiment. Figure 101 is a diagram illustrating an operation when a pin of the maintenance mechanism is inserted into a hole of the maintenance mechanism of the liquid application device according to the embodiment. Figures 8 to 10 Next, the configuration and operation of the maintaining mechanism 50 of the liquid application apparatus 1 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0079] like Figure 8 As shown in (a), the maintenance mechanism 50 includes a base portion 50a, a plate portion 50b, a cover portion 51, a cleaning portion 52, a pin 53, stepped screws 54a, 54b, holes 55a, 55b, threaded holes 56a, 56b, and plungers 57a, 57b.

[0080] The base portion 50 a is a plate-shaped base member fixed to the frame 11 a via a supporting member 11 b (not shown).

[0081] The plate portion 50 b is a plate-shaped member that is disposed on the upper surface side of the base portion 50 a and has a plate surface that is substantially parallel to the upper surface.

[0082] The capping portion 51 is a capping mechanism for capping the nozzles of the inkjet head 16a of the descending carriage 16. Figure 8 As shown in (a), the cover portion 51 is provided on the plate portion 50b.

[0083] The cleaning unit 52 is a mechanism that sprays water or a cleaning liquid containing a predetermined composition upward to clean the nozzles of the inkjet head 16a. Because the cleaning liquid sprayed by the cleaning unit 52 has a predetermined impact force distribution, and the nozzle cleaning state affects the inkjet head 16a's ejection performance, the inkjet head 16a must be positioned to perform cleaning according to this impact force distribution.

[0084] Pin 53 is a member extending upward from the upper surface of plate portion 50b, with a pointed tip. When carriage 16 is lowered to cap the nozzles with cover portion 51, pin 53 is inserted into hole 16b formed in the lower surface of carriage 16 for alignment. The inner diameter of hole 16b is approximately equal to the outer diameter of pin 53, or a gap is provided between pin 53 and the inner diameter of hole 16b to ensure sufficient accuracy for alignment.

[0085] The pin 53 and the hole 16 b formed in the carriage 16 are examples of the “guiding means” of the present invention.

[0086] The stepped screws 54a and 54b are stepped screw members for setting the plate portion 50b on the base portion 50a. In addition, when the stepped screws 54a and 54b represent any stepped screws or are collectively referred to as "stepped screws 54".

[0087] In addition, the holes 55a and 55b described later will be referred to as "holes 55" when referring to any holes or as a general term. In addition, the threaded holes 56a and 56b described later will be referred to as "threaded holes 56" when referring to any holes or as a general term.

[0088] like Figure 9 As shown, the stepped screw 54 includes a head 71 , a stepped portion 72 having a smaller diameter than the head 71 , and a threaded portion 73 having an even smaller diameter than the stepped portion 72 and having threads cut therein.

[0089] like Figure 9 As shown, the step portion 72 and the threaded portion 73 are inserted into the hole 55 formed in the plate portion 50b in the vertical direction, so that the lower surface of the head portion 71 is in contact with the upper surface of the plate portion 50b. Furthermore, the threaded portion 73 is screwed into the threaded hole 56 formed on the upper surface of the base portion 50a and cut into threads. Furthermore, as described later, the lower surface of the plate portion 50b is forced upward by the plungers 57a and 57b, and the peripheral portion of the hole 55 is pressed against the lower surface of the head portion 71, thereby maintaining the position of the plate portion 50b relative to the base portion 50a. However, the plate portion 50b can slide on a plane parallel to the upper surface of the base portion 50a (horizontal plane) by sliding relative to the plungers 57a and 57b and the lower surface of the head portion 71 to which the force is applied. Here, as Figure 9 As shown, the sliding range of the plate portion 50 b is within the range of the diameter of the hole 55 in which the step portion 72 is accommodated.

[0090] The holes 55a and 55b are formed on the plate portion 50b so as to penetrate the plate portion 50b in the vertical direction. Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, the stepped portion 72 and the threaded portion 73 of the stepped screws 54a and 54b are inserted through the holes 55a and 55b, respectively.

[0091] The threaded holes 56a and 56b are holes formed on the upper surface of the base portion 50a and are threaded. Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, the threaded portions 73 of the stepped screws 54a and 54b are screwed into the threaded holes 55a and 55b, respectively.

[0092] The plungers 57 a and 57 b are members that are provided upright upward on the upper surface of the base portion 50 a and urge the lower surface of the plate portion 50 b upward.

[0093] Figure 8(b) shows the state in which the nozzles of the inkjet head 16a are capped by the capping portion 51 in the maintenance mechanism 50 having the above-described structure. When capping is performed by the capping portion 51 after printing is completed, the main scanning movement mechanism 31 and the sub-scanning movement mechanism 32 first position the carriage 16 above the capping portion 51 of the maintenance mechanism 50 (the capping position) (the first position). In a large printing apparatus such as the liquid applicator 1, distortion may occur in the printing apparatus 10 due to vibrations during movement of the printing apparatus 10, impacts when the printing apparatus 10 is placed on the printing surface by the bracket 14, vibrations caused by scanning of the carriage 16 in the main scanning direction, sub-scanning direction, and height direction, and adjustment of the height direction of the carriage 16. As a result, the cleaning position of the inkjet head 16a of the carriage 16, which was previously set during cleaning by the cleaning unit 52, may deviate from the proper position. The proper cleaning position here means that the cleaning unit 52 provides the best or appropriate cleaning effect on the inkjet head 16a at that position. Thus, similarly to the cleaning section 52, the capping position of the inkjet head 16a relative to the cover portion 51 fixed to the plate portion 50b will also deviate from the original appropriate position. Here, the so-called appropriate capping position means that when the inkjet head 16a is lowered from this position, it becomes a normal capping state so that the capping effect of the cover portion 51 on the nozzles of the inkjet head 16a becomes optimal or appropriate. That is, in this case, when the carriage 16 is positioned at the capping position, as shown in FIG. Figure 10 As shown in (a), the axis of the hole portion 16b formed in the carriage 16 and the axis of the pin 53 erected from the upper surface of the base portion 50a are in a misaligned state.

[0094] When the height moving mechanism 19 is changed from this state to Figure 10 When the carriage 16 is lowered as shown in (a), first, the front end of the pin 53 enters the hole 16b, and as the carriage 16 descends, the tapered portion of the front end is pressed by the peripheral edge of the hole 16b. Figure 10 As shown in (b), the plate portion 50b slides relative to the base portion 50a, and the pin 53 is inserted through and fitted into the hole portion 16b. As a result, the axis of the hole portion 16b is substantially consistent with the axis of the pin 53. Figure 8 As shown in (b), the inkjet head 16a is capped at an appropriate position by the cover portion 51. In addition, after the plate portion 50b slides, the position of the plate portion 50b relative to the base portion 50a is maintained by the force applied by the plungers 57a and 57b. Then, by the sliding of the plate portion 50b, the capping position of the inkjet head 16a becomes an appropriate position, and as a result, the cleaning position of the inkjet head 16a also becomes an appropriate position. That is, when the inkjet head 16a is positioned in the cleaning position (second position), the relative position of the inkjet head 16a with respect to the cleaning portion 52 is adjusted to an appropriate position.

[0095] Alternatively, a pin corresponding to the pin 53 of the maintaining mechanism 50 may be formed on the lower surface of the carriage 16 , and a hole corresponding to the hole 16 b of the carriage 16 may be formed in the plate portion 50 b .

[0096] (Inkjet head cleaning operation)

[0097] Figure 11 and Figure 12 1 is a diagram illustrating a cleaning operation of an inkjet head of a liquid application device according to an embodiment. Figure 11 and Figure 12 Next, a flow of a cleaning operation for the inkjet head 16 a of the liquid application apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0098] First, after the inkjet head 16a finishes printing, Figure 11 As shown in (a), the main scanning moving mechanism 31 and the sub-scanning moving mechanism 32 position the carriage 16 at a pre-set cleaning position. Figure 11 As shown in (b), the cleaning unit 52 sprays water or a cleaning liquid containing a predetermined component upward to clean the nozzle of the inkjet head 16a. In addition, at this moment, as described above, the cleaning position may deviate from the original appropriate position due to the distortion of the printing device 10.

[0099] After cleaning by the cleaning unit 52, Figure 11 As shown in (c), the main scanning moving mechanism 31 and the sub-scanning moving mechanism 32 position the inkjet head 16a at the pre-set capping position. Figure 12 As shown in (a), the height adjustment mechanism 19 lowers the carriage 16 from the capping position, and the pin 53 is inserted into and engaged with the hole 16b. At this point, as described above, the plate 50b slides relative to the base 50a, allowing the inkjet head 16a to be capped in the appropriate position by the cover 51. Furthermore, after the plate 50b slides, the force applied by the plungers 57a and 57b maintains the position of the plate 50b relative to the base 50a.

[0100] Then, when the printing operation is performed by the inkjet head 16a, as shown in FIG. Figure 12 As shown in (b), the height moving mechanism 19 raises the carriage 16 to release the capping state of the cover portion 51. Figure 12As shown in (c), the main scanning moving mechanism 31 and the sub-scanning moving mechanism 32 position the carriage 16 at the cleaning position. Then, the cleaning unit 52 sprays water or a cleaning liquid containing a specified component upward to the nozzle of the inkjet head 16a of the carriage 16 in the appropriate cleaning position. At this time, since the capping position of the inkjet head 16a becomes an appropriate position due to the sliding of the plate portion 50b as described above, the cleaning position of the inkjet head 16a also becomes an appropriate position. Therefore, the nozzle of the inkjet head 16a can be cleaned with a high cleaning effect, and the state of the nozzle can be maintained normal. Then, the printing action performed by the inkjet head 16a is started.

[0101] As described above, in the liquid coating device 1 according to the present embodiment, the carriage 16 is equipped with the inkjet head 16a, the main scanning movement mechanism 31 and the sub-scanning movement mechanism 32 move the carriage 16 on the horizontal plane, and the height movement mechanism 19 moves the carriage 16 in the height direction. The base portion 50a is fixed to the main body of the liquid coating device 1, the plate portion 50b is provided on the upper surface side of the base portion 50a so as to be slidable relative to the base portion 50a on the horizontal plane, and the cover portion 51 is mounted on the plate portion. 50b caps the nozzles of the inkjet head 16a. The cleaning unit 52 is mounted on the plate portion 50b and sprays cleaning fluid toward the nozzles. When the main scanning movement mechanism 31 and the sub-scanning movement mechanism 32 position the carriage 16 in the capping position and the height movement mechanism 19 lowers the carriage 16 from the capping position toward the cover portion 51, the pin 53 and the hole portion 16b cause the plate portion 50b to slide horizontally relative to the base portion 50a, thereby positioning the nozzles for proper capping. Thus, even if the relative position of the inkjet head 16a and the cleaning unit 52 changes, the relative position of the inkjet head 16a relative to the cleaning unit 52 can be automatically adjusted during cleaning to maintain the proper position. Furthermore, the nozzles of the inkjet head 16a can be cleaned effectively, maintaining the nozzles in a normal state.

[0102] (Variation 1)

[0103] The liquid applicator 1 according to Modification 1 will be described primarily with respect to the differences from the liquid applicator 1 in the aforementioned embodiment. In the aforementioned embodiment, a configuration using pin 53 to slide plate 50b relative to base 50a was described. In this modification, a configuration using two pins to slide plate 50b relative to base 50a is described. The overall configuration and hardware structure of the liquid applicator 1 according to this modification are identical to those described in the aforementioned embodiment.

[0104] <Structure and operation of the maintenance mechanism>

[0105] Figure 13FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a structure of a moving mechanism of a carriage of a liquid coating device according to Modification 1. Figure 13 , the configuration and operation of the maintaining mechanism 50 - 2 of the liquid application apparatus 1 according to this modification will be described.

[0106] like Figure 13 As shown, the maintenance mechanism 50-2 includes a base portion 50a, a plate portion 50b, a cover portion 51, a cleaning portion 52, pins 53a and 53b, stepped screws 54a and 54b, holes 55a and 55b, threaded holes 56a and 56b, and plungers 57a and 57b. The configuration of the maintenance mechanism 50-2, other than the pins 53a and 53b, is identical to that of the maintenance mechanism 50 in the above-described embodiment.

[0107] The pin 53a is a member that stands upright upward from the upper surface of the plate portion 50b and has a sharp tip. The pin 53a corresponds to the pin 53 of the maintenance mechanism 50 according to the above embodiment.

[0108] The pin 53b is a member that is erected upward from the upper surface of the plate portion 50b and has a sharp tip. Figure 13 As shown, the length of the pin 53b in the axial direction is different from that of the pin 53a, and the axial length of the pin 53b is shorter than that of the pin 53a. In addition, the pin 53b is erected on the opposite side of the cover portion 51 from the position where the pin 53a is erected.

[0109] like Figure 13 As shown, the slide 16 has holes 16b and 16c formed on its lower surface. Figure 13 As shown, hole 16c is an elongated hole whose diameter increases in the direction connecting the center of hole 16b (circular hole) and the center of hole 16c. In other words, the major axis of elongated hole 16c is oriented in the direction connecting the center of hole 16b and the center of hole 16c. The inner diameter of hole 16b is approximately equal to the outer diameter of pin 53a, or there is a clearance between the inner diameter of hole 16b and the pin 53a to a sufficient degree of accuracy for the aforementioned alignment.

[0110] The pins 53a and 53b and the holes 16b and 16c formed in the carriage 16 are examples of the “guiding means” of the present invention.

[0111] In the maintenance mechanism 50-2 having the above-described structure, Figure 13Figure 2 shows the nozzles of inkjet head 16a capped by cap 51. When capping is performed by cap 51 after printing is completed, the main scanning mechanism 31 and the sub-scanning mechanism 32 first position the carriage 16 above cap 51 of the maintaining mechanism 50 (capping position). When the height movement mechanism 19 lowers the carriage 16 from this position, the tip of pin 53a, which is longer than pin 53b, first enters hole 16b. As the carriage 16 descends, the tapered portion of the tip is pressed against the peripheral edge of hole 16b. This causes plate 50b to slide relative to base 50a. Furthermore, when the tip of pin 53b enters hole 16c, which is an elongated hole, the movement of pin 53b in the short-axis direction of hole 16c is restricted. Pin 53a then penetrates and engages with hole 16b, resulting in the axis of hole 16b being approximately aligned with the axis of pin 53a. Furthermore, the direction of the center of the connecting hole portion 16b and the center of the hole portion 16c is consistent with the direction of the axis of the connecting pin 53a and the axis of the pin 53b. Thus, the inkjet head 16a is capped at an appropriate position by the cover portion 51. In addition, after the plate portion 50b slides, the position of the plate portion 50b relative to the base portion 50a is maintained by the force applied by the plungers 57a and 57b. Then, by the sliding of the plate portion 50b, the capping position of the inkjet head 16a becomes an appropriate position, as a result, the cleaning position of the inkjet head 16a also becomes an appropriate position. That is, when the inkjet head 16a is positioned in the cleaning position, the relative position of the inkjet head 16a with respect to the cleaning portion 52 is adjusted to an appropriate position.

[0112] Alternatively, the pins 53a and 53b corresponding to the maintaining mechanism 50-2 may be formed on the lower surface of the carriage 16, and holes corresponding to the holes 16b and 16c of the carriage 16 may be formed in the plate portion 50b.

[0113] <Capping Operation of Inkjet Head>

[0114] Figure 14 1 is a diagram illustrating a capping operation of an inkjet head of a liquid application device according to Modification 1. Figure 14 Next, the operation of the liquid application apparatus 1 according to this modification example during the capping operation during the cleaning operation of the inkjet head 16 a will be described.

[0115] After cleaning by the cleaning unit 52, Figure 14 As shown in (a), the main scanning moving mechanism 31 and the sub-scanning moving mechanism 32 position the inkjet head 16a at a pre-set capping position. Figure 14 As shown in (b), the height moving mechanism 19 lowers the carriage 16 from the capping position, and as described above, the plate portion 50b slides relative to the base portion 50a. Figure 14As shown in (c), pin 53a is inserted through and engaged with hole 16b, and pin 53b is inserted through and engaged with hole 16c. Thus, inkjet head 16a is capped in the appropriate position by cover 51. Furthermore, after plate 50b slides, the force applied by plungers 57a and 57b maintains the position of plate 50b relative to base 50a.

[0116] As described above, the configuration of the liquid applicator 1 according to this modified example allows automatic adjustment during cleaning to maintain an appropriate relative position of the inkjet head 16a relative to the cleaning unit 52, even if the relative position of the inkjet head 16a and the cleaning unit 52 changes. Furthermore, the nozzles of the inkjet head 16a can be cleaned with high efficiency, and the nozzles can be kept in a normal state.

[0117] (Variation 2)

[0118] The liquid applicator 1 according to Modification 2 will be described primarily with respect to the differences from the liquid applicator 1 in the aforementioned embodiment. In the aforementioned embodiment, the pin 53 was used to slide the plate 50b relative to the base 50a. In this modification, a guide member is used to slide the plate 50b relative to the base 50a. The overall structure and hardware configuration of the liquid applicator 1 according to this modification are identical to those described in the aforementioned embodiment.

[0119] <Structure and operation of the maintenance mechanism>

[0120] Figure 15 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a structure of a moving mechanism of a carriage of a liquid coating device according to Modification 2. Figure 15 , the structure and operation of the maintenance mechanism 50 - 3 of the liquid application apparatus 1 according to this modification will be described.

[0121] like Figure 15 As shown, the maintenance mechanism 50-3 includes a base portion 50a, a plate portion 50b, a cover portion 51, a cleaning portion 52, pins 53a and 53b, stepped screws 54a and 54b, holes 55a and 55b, threaded holes 56a and 56b, plungers 57a and 57b, and guide members 58a and 58b. The configuration of the maintenance mechanism 50-3, other than the pins 53a and 53b, is identical to that of the maintenance mechanism 50 in the aforementioned embodiment. Specifically, the maintenance mechanism 50-3 includes guide members 58a and 58b in place of the pin 53 in the maintenance mechanism 50. Furthermore, the carriage 16 does not have the hole 16b formed therein as in the aforementioned embodiment.

[0122] The guide members 58a and 58b are provided on the upper surface of the plate portion 50b from opposite positions across the cover portion 51, and the distance between the opposite surfaces is as follows: Figure 15 As shown in FIG, the guide members 58a and 58b are tapered members that narrow from the top toward the bottom.

[0123] In the maintenance mechanism 50-3 having the above-mentioned structure, Figure 15 , shows the state in which the nozzles of the inkjet head 16a are capped by the cover portion 51. When the cover portion 51 is capped after printing is completed, the main scanning movement mechanism 31 and the sub-scanning movement mechanism 32 first position the slide 16 at a position above the cover portion 51 of the maintenance mechanism 50 (capping position). When the height movement mechanism 19 lowers the slide 16 from this state, the peripheral portion of the lower surface of the slide 16 abuts against one of the opposing surfaces of the guide members 58a and 58b, and the slide 16 is subjected to force from the abutting surface and is pressed toward the other opposing surface. As a result, the plate portion 50b slides relative to the base portion 50a. As a result, the inkjet head 16a is capped by the cover portion 51 at an appropriate position. In addition, after the plate portion 50b slides, the position of the plate portion 50b relative to the base portion 50a is maintained by the force applied by the plungers 57a and 57b.

[0124] Therefore, the sliding of the plate portion 50b properly caps the inkjet head 16a, and as a result, properly cleans the inkjet head 16a. Specifically, when the inkjet head 16a is positioned in the cleaning position, the relative position of the inkjet head 16a to the cleaning portion 52 is properly adjusted. This allows the nozzles of the inkjet head 16a to be cleaned effectively, maintaining a normal nozzle state.

[0125] In the liquid applicator 1 according to this modification, since the hole 16 b does not need to be formed in the carriage 16 , the guide members 58 a and 58 b can be provided on the plate 50 b instead of the pin 53 . Therefore, the above-mentioned effects can be achieved with a simple structure.

[0126] The aspects of the present invention are as follows.

[0127] <1> The liquid coating device of claim 1, wherein the liquid coating device comprises a base portion fixed to a main body of the liquid coating device; a plate portion disposed on the base portion so as to be slidable relative to the base portion on a horizontal plane; a capping mechanism mounted on the plate portion and capping the nozzle of the nozzle head; a cleaning mechanism mounted on the plate portion and ejecting a cleaning liquid for cleaning the nozzle toward the nozzle; and a guiding mechanism that, when the slide is positioned in a first position by the first moving mechanism and the slide is moved from the first position toward the capping mechanism by the second moving mechanism, slides the plate portion relative to the base portion so that the nozzle enters a capped position.

[0128] <2> according to <1> The liquid coating device is characterized in that: the second moving mechanism moves the slide from the state where the nozzle is capped by the cover mechanism to the first position, the first moving mechanism positions the slide from the first position to the second position, and the cleaning mechanism sprays the cleaning liquid onto the nozzle of the injection head mounted on the slide located at the second position.

[0129] <3> according to <1> or <2> The liquid coating device is characterized in that the guide mechanism includes: a pin, which is uprightly provided on the plate portion and has a front end portion, and a hole portion formed in the slide for inserting the pin.

[0130] <4> according to <1> or <2> The liquid coating device is characterized in that the guide mechanism includes: a pin, which is uprightly provided on the slide and has a front end portion, and a hole portion formed in the plate portion for inserting the pin.

[0131] <5> according to <1> or <2> The liquid coating device is characterized in that the guide mechanism includes: two pins, which are uprightly arranged on the plate portion and have a front end portion, and two holes formed in the slide for respectively inserting the two pins.

[0132] <6> according to <1> or <2> The liquid coating device is characterized in that the guide mechanism includes: two pins, which are uprightly arranged on the slide and have a front end portion, and two holes formed in the plate portion for respectively inserting the two pins.

[0133] <7> according to <5> or <6> The liquid coating device is characterized in that: among the two hole portions, one hole portion is a circular hole and the other hole portion is a long hole, and the direction of the long axis of the other hole portion is the direction connecting the center of the other hole portion and the center of the one hole portion.

[0134] <8> according to <5> or <6> The liquid coating device is characterized in that the axial lengths of the two pins are different.

[0135] <9> according to <1> or <2> The liquid coating device is characterized in that: the guide mechanism is two guide components, and the two guide components are uprightly arranged at positions opposite to each other on the plate portion with the cover mechanism clamped therebetween, and have a tapered shape in which the interval between the opposing surfaces narrows toward the plate portion side. When the slide is positioned at the first position by the first moving mechanism and the slide is moved from the first position toward the cover mechanism by the second moving mechanism, the peripheral portion of the slide abuts against any one of the opposing surfaces, and the plate portion is slid on the horizontal plane relative to the base portion in such a way that the nozzle is in a covered position.

[0136] <10> according to <1> to <9> The liquid coating device described in any one of the above is characterized in that: printing data is divided into a plurality of printing images, the ejection head is scanned in the printing areas corresponding to the respective printing images, and the liquid is ejected from the ejection head toward the printing surface.

Claims

1. A liquid coating device for forming an image by ejecting liquid from an ejection head, characterized in that include: a carriage carrying the injection head; a first moving mechanism, which moves the carriage on a horizontal plane; a second moving mechanism, which moves the carriage in a height direction; a base portion fixed to a main body of the liquid coating device; a plate portion provided on the base portion so as to be slidable on a horizontal plane relative to the base portion; a cover mechanism mounted on the plate portion and covering the nozzle of the spray head; a cleaning mechanism mounted on the plate portion and configured to spray a cleaning liquid for cleaning the nozzle toward the nozzle, and The guide mechanism slides the plate portion relative to the base portion so that the nozzle enters a capped position when the slide is positioned at the first position by the first moving mechanism and the slide is moved from the first position toward the capping mechanism by the second moving mechanism.

2. The liquid coating device according to claim 1, wherein: The second moving mechanism moves the carriage from a state where the nozzle is capped by the capping mechanism to the first position. The first moving mechanism positions the carriage from the first position to the second position, The cleaning mechanism sprays the cleaning liquid onto the nozzle of the ejection head mounted on the carriage located at the second position.

3. The liquid coating device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The guiding mechanism comprises: a pin vertically disposed on the plate portion and having a front end portion, and A hole is formed in the slide and is used to insert the pin.

4. The liquid coating device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The guiding mechanism comprises: a pin vertically disposed on the carriage and having a front end portion, and A hole portion is formed in the plate portion and is used to insert the pin.

5. The liquid coating device according to claim 1, characterized in that The guiding mechanism comprises: two pins, which are vertically arranged on the plate portion and have front ends, and Two holes are formed in the slide frame for respectively inserting the two pins.

6. The liquid coating device according to claim 1, characterized in that The guiding mechanism comprises: two pins vertically disposed on the carriage and having front ends, and Two holes are formed in the plate portion for respectively inserting the two pins.

7. The liquid coating device according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that: Of the two holes, one is a round hole and the other is a long hole. The direction of the major axis of the other hole portion is a direction connecting the center of the other hole portion and the center of the one hole portion.

8. The liquid coating device according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that: The two pins have different axial lengths.

9. The liquid coating device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The guide mechanism is two guide members, which are erected from positions of the plate portion facing each other with the cover mechanism sandwiched therebetween and have a tapered shape in which the distance between the opposing surfaces narrows toward the plate portion. When the slide is positioned at the first position by the first moving mechanism and moved from the first position toward the cover mechanism by the second moving mechanism, the plate portion is slid on the horizontal plane relative to the base portion in such a manner that the nozzle becomes in a covered position by a peripheral portion of the slide abutting against any one of the opposing surfaces.

10. The liquid coating device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The print data is divided into a plurality of print images, and the ejection head is scanned in the print areas corresponding to the respective print images, so that the liquid is ejected from the ejection head onto the printing surface.

Images