Cleaning device for liquid jet head and liquid jet recording apparatus

Abstract

To enable easy positioning of a cleaning device relative to a liquid jet head and clean surfaces of a jet plate and a guard member and an inside of an opening part of the guard member without damaging the jet plate even when side surfaces of the liquid jet head are not exposed, and a part of the jet plate is not exposed by the guard member.SOLUTION: A cleaning device 100 of an inkjet head 200 includes a holder 10, and the holder 10 includes: a jet section 20 which jets a cleaning liquid toward at least one of a nozzle plate 201 and a nozzle guard 210; a contact part 30 which makes contact with a surface of the nozzle guard 210 provided with an opening part 213, and a protruding part 40 which is inserted into the opening part 213 in a non-contact state with the nozzle plate 201, and which guides the holder 10 along a longitudinal direction of the opening part 213.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a cleaning device for a liquid jet head and a liquid jet recording apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] The following Patent Document 1 discloses a liquid wiping unit for a liquid jet head that ejects liquid from a nozzle to form an image, a character, or a thin film material on a recording medium, and a liquid jet device using the same. This liquid wiping unit is provided with a recess that is installed at the end of a base and has an abutment surface at its upper end for abutting against the liquid ejection part, a suction path that is housed inside the base and opens to the bottom surface of the recess, an absorber for absorbing liquid that is housed in the recess and has an upper surface that protrudes above the abutment surface, and a guide part that is installed at the end of the base, protrudes above the abutment surface, and guides the absorber when it slides over the liquid ejection part, thereby sucking up and wiping off the liquid remaining on the liquid ejection part. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2012-143947 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The above-mentioned liquid jet head may cause a decrease in jetting accuracy due to deformation or damage of the jet plate caused by contact with the substrate to be printed, etc. For this reason, some liquid jet heads have a guard member to protect the jet plate. Such liquid jet heads with a guard member prevent contact with the substrate, etc., but at the same time, they also cause a decrease in the cleaning efficiency of a wiper part such as a scraper used for cleaning. For this reason, a cleaning device suitable for the liquid jet head is required.

[0005] For example, when the liquid wiping unit of the conventional technology is used and the liquid jet head is attached to the liquid jet recording device, and part of the side or bottom surface of the guard member is not exposed, the guide portion is shaped to sandwich the side surface of the guard member, so that the contact surface and the entire absorber do not contact the liquid jet head, and appropriate cleaning cannot be performed. Also, when the liquid used in the liquid jet head dries quickly, ink adhering to the liquid ejection portion may become solidified, and the solidified ink may not be removed by suction alone by bringing the absorber close.

[0006] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to easily align a liquid ejection head with respect to the liquid ejection head even when the sides of the liquid ejection head are not exposed and a portion of the ejection plate is not exposed by a guard member, and to clean the surfaces of the ejection plate and guard member, as well as the inside of the opening of the guard member, without damaging the ejection plate. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] (1): A cleaning device for a liquid jet head according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a holder that performs cleaning by moving relative to a liquid jet head including a jet plate having a plurality of jet holes formed therein for jetting liquid, and a guard member that covers the jet plate and has long hole-shaped openings formed therein for exposing the plurality of jet holes, and the holder includes an ejection portion that ejects cleaning liquid toward at least one of the jet plate and the guard member, an abutment portion that abuts against the surface of the guard member in which the openings are formed, and a convex portion that is inserted into the opening without making contact with the jet plate and that guides the holder along the longitudinal direction of the opening.

[0008] According to the liquid jet head cleaning device of this embodiment, the abutting portion abuts against the surface of the guard member, thereby enabling alignment in a first direction (jetting direction, gravity direction). Furthermore, the protruding portion is inserted into the opening of the guard member, thereby enabling alignment in a second direction (short side direction of the opening) that intersects with the first direction. This makes it possible to easily align the holder even in a situation where the ejection plate of the liquid jet head cannot be seen and even if the alignment is done manually. In addition, the aligned holder is moved in a third direction (the longitudinal direction of the opening) intersecting the first and second directions, and the cleaning liquid is sprayed to clean the surfaces of the injection plate and the guard member, as well as the inside of the opening of the guard member. Note that the convex portion is inserted into the opening without contacting the injection plate, so it does not damage the injection plate.

[0009] (2) In the liquid jet head cleaning device according to aspect (1), the holder may include a recess for receiving the cleaning liquid jetted by the jetting portion.

[0010] In this case, the cleaning liquid can be prevented from dripping from the holder.

[0011] (3) In the liquid ejection head cleaning device according to aspect (2), the holder may include a suction portion disposed within the recess.

[0012] In this case, the cleaning liquid can be prevented from overflowing from the recessed portion.

[0013] (4) In the liquid ejection head cleaning device of the aspect (3), the holder may be provided with a wall portion that stands upright from the bottom wall of the recess at a height below the upper end of the recess and forms a space surrounding the suction portion.

[0014] In this case, negative pressure can be easily generated around the suction portion, and the efficiency of suctioning the cleaning liquid can be improved.

[0015] (5) In the liquid jet head cleaning device according to aspect (3) or (4), the suction units may be provided on both sides of the jet unit in the longitudinal direction of the opening.

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

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

[0018] In this case, even if the side of the liquid jet head is not exposed and part of the guard member is recessed upward, the convex contact portion can contact the surface of the guard member, so that the holder can be easily aligned and the liquid jet head can be cleaned. In addition, the contact portion raises the upper end position of the recess, so that the cleaning liquid can be prevented from spilling out of the recess.

[0019] (7) In the liquid jet head cleaning device according to any one of aspects (2) to (5), the protrusion may be provided in a plurality of portions spaced apart from one another in the longitudinal direction of the opening.

[0020] In this case, the multiple protrusions come into contact with the side walls in the shorter direction of the inserted opening, thereby restricting rotation of the holder about an axis extending in the first direction (ejection direction, gravity direction).

[0021] (8) In the liquid ejection head cleaning device according to any one of aspects (1) to (6), the ejection portion may be provided between adjacent protrusions in a longitudinal direction of the opening portion.

[0022] In this case, the spray part can be disposed by utilizing the space in the valley between the multiple protrusions, and the restriction on the rotation of the holder makes it easier to spray the cleaning liquid onto the targeted area.

[0023] (9): In a cleaning device for a liquid jet head according to any one of aspects (1) to (8), the jet portion has a plurality of cleaning liquid jet holes, and at least one of the plurality of cleaning liquid jet holes may face a jetting area formed by the plurality of jet holes in a first state in which the convex portion abuts against a side surface on one side of the opening in the short direction, a second state in which the convex portion abuts against a side surface on the other side of the opening in the short direction, and a third state in which the convex portion does not abut against the side surfaces on both sides of the opening in the short direction.

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

[0025] (10): In a cleaning device for a liquid jet head according to any one of aspects (1) to (9), the jet portion has a plurality of cleaning liquid jet holes, and at least one of the plurality of cleaning liquid jet holes may be located at a first opposing position opposite to an injection hole located at one end of the longitudinal direction of the opening, among the plurality of injection holes, in a fourth state in which the convex portion is abutting against a side surface on one side of the longitudinal direction of the opening, or on one side of the longitudinal direction of the opening from the first opposing position, and may be located at a second opposing position opposite to an injection hole located at the other end of the longitudinal direction of the opening, among the plurality of injection holes, or on the other side of the longitudinal direction of the opening from the second opposing position, in a fifth state in which the convex portion is abutting against a side surface on the other side of the longitudinal direction of the opening.

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

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

[0028] In this case, a pool of cleaning liquid is formed in a depression formed on the upper end surface of the convex portion, and the surface tension of the cleaning liquid causes the raised portion to be pressed against the ejection plate, thereby gently cleaning the ejection plate.

[0029] (12): In a cleaning device for a liquid jet head according to any one of aspects (1) to (11), the openings may be formed at intervals in the short direction of the openings, and the convex portions may be provided in pairs at intervals that allow them to be inserted into two openings formed at a specific interval among the plurality of openings.

[0030] In this case, even if a plurality of openings are formed in the guard member, the alignment posture of the holder with respect to the liquid jet head is fixed to one, and it is possible to prevent the holder from engaging with the liquid jet head in an unintended posture. As a result, when the liquid jet head and the holder are engaged, if the holder is made symmetrical in the longitudinal direction of the opening of the guard member and the opening surface of the guard member is symmetrical in the lateral direction of the guard member (the direction in which the nozzle rows are aligned), all of the openings of the guard member can be cleaned by the engagement and abutment of the holder.

[0031] (13) In the cleaning device for a liquid jet head of aspect (12), the convex portion may be provided in a pair at a distance that allows insertion into two openings located at both ends in the short direction of the openings among the plurality of openings.

[0032] In this case, the alignment posture of the holder with respect to the liquid jet head is easily determined, and it is possible to prevent the holder from engaging with the liquid jet head in an unintended posture. As a result, when the liquid jet head and the holder are engaged, if the holder is made symmetrical in the longitudinal direction of the opening of the guard member and the opening surface of the guard member is symmetrical in the lateral direction of the guard member (the direction in which the nozzle rows are aligned), all of the openings of the guard member can be cleaned by the engagement and abutment of the holder.

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

[0034] In this case, even if the side of the liquid ejection head is not exposed and part of the ejection plate is not exposed by the guard member, the ejection plate can be easily aligned with the liquid ejection head, and the surfaces of the ejection plate and the guard member, as well as the inside of the opening of the guard member, can be cleaned without damaging the ejection plate. Effect of the Invention

[0035] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, even if the side of the liquid ejection head is not exposed and a portion of the ejection plate is not exposed by the guard member, the ejection plate can be easily aligned with the liquid ejection head, and the surfaces of the ejection plate and the guard member, as well as the inside of the opening of the guard member, can be cleaned without damaging the ejection plate. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0036] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of an inkjet printer according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic bottom view of an inkjet head according to an embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a cleaning device according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a holder according to an embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a plan view of a holder according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional plan view of a holder according to an embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of an opening according to an embodiment. [Figure 8] 4 is a schematic plan view of a longitudinal end portion of an opening according to one embodiment. FIG. [Figure 9]5A to 5C are schematic cross-sectional views illustrating the operation of a cleaning device when cleaning an inkjet head according to an embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a protrusion according to a first modified example of the embodiment. [Figure 11] 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the arrangement relationship between openings and protrusions according to a second modified example of the embodiment. FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a state in which protrusions are provided at non-unique intervals in a second modified example of an embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a state in which protrusions are provided at unique intervals in a second modified example of an embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a nozzle guard and a holder according to a third modified example of the embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is a configuration diagram of an inkjet printer according to a fourth modified example of the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

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

[0038] Fig. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of an inkjet printer 1 according to an embodiment. Fig. 2 is a schematic bottom view of an inkjet head 200 according to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the inkjet printer 1 includes an inkjet head 200 (liquid ejecting head) that ejects ink (liquid).

[0039] As shown in FIG. 2, the inkjet head 200 includes a nozzle plate 201 (ejection plate) in which a plurality of nozzle holes 202 (ejection holes) for ejecting ink are formed, and a nozzle guard 210 (guard member) that covers the nozzle plate 201 and in which an opening 213 is formed to expose the plurality of nozzle holes 202.

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

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

[0042] Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the side of the inkjet head 200 where the nozzle plate 201 is attached may be referred to as the lower side or -Z side, and the side opposite to the side where the nozzle plate 201 of the inkjet head 200 is attached may be referred to as the upper side or +Z side. Note that the Z-axis direction does not have to be the direction of gravity.

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

[0044] In this head chip, to eject ink, a voltage is applied between the electrodes formed on the driving wall of the ejection channel, causing the driving wall to slide and deform in thickness. This changes the volume of the ejection channel, causing the ink in the ejection channel to be ejected through the nozzle hole 202. Note that the liquid ejection method is not limited to the electromechanical conversion method described above, and may be an electrification control method, a pressurized vibration method, an electrothermal conversion method, an electrostatic attraction method, or the like.

[0045] The charge control method applies an electric charge to the material with a charging electrode, and controls the flight direction of the material with a deflection electrode to eject it from the nozzle.The pressure vibration method applies ultra-high voltage to the material to eject it from the nozzle tip side, and when no control voltage is applied, the material is ejected from the nozzle in a straight line, but when a control voltage is applied, electrostatic repulsion occurs between the materials, causing the material to scatter and not be ejected from the nozzle.

[0046] In addition, the electrothermal conversion method uses a heater installed in the space where the material is stored to suddenly vaporize the material, generating bubbles, and the pressure of the bubbles causes the material in the space to be ejected. The electrostatic attraction method applies a small amount of pressure to the space where the material is stored, forming a meniscus of the material in the nozzle, and in this state applies electrostatic attraction before drawing out the material. Other technologies that can be applied include a method that uses the viscosity change of the fluid due to an electric field, and a method that uses discharge sparks to eject the material.

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

[0048] An opening 213 penetrating the nozzle guard 210 in the Z-axis direction is formed in a portion of the guard surface 211 of the nozzle guard 210 facing the nozzle hole 202. The opening 213 is formed in a slit shape (a long hole shape having a substantially rectangular shape when viewed from the bottom) extending in the X-axis direction along the nozzle row formed by the nozzle holes 202. The nozzle hole 202 is exposed to the outside through the opening 213 of the nozzle guard 210. The nozzle plate 201 is disposed at a position recessed on the +Z side with respect to the guard surface 211 of the nozzle guard 210.

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

[0050] 1, the cleaning device 100 includes a holder 10 (main body) that performs cleaning by moving relatively to the inkjet head 200. The holder 10 includes an ejection unit 20 that ejects cleaning liquid, a contact unit 30 that contacts the surface (guard surface 211) of the nozzle guard 210, a convex unit 40 that guides the holder 10 along the longitudinal direction of the opening 213, a concave unit 50 that receives the cleaning liquid, and suction units 60, 70 that suck up the cleaning liquid received in the concave unit 50.

[0051] An ejector chamber 21 communicating with the ejector 20 and suction chambers 61, 71 communicating with the suction chambers 60, 70 are formed inside the holder 10. The cleaning device 100 includes a cleaning liquid supply tank 101 connected to the ejector chamber 21 and a cleaning liquid recovery tank 102 connected to the suction chambers 61, 71.

[0052] A pressurizing device 103 is connected to the cleaning liquid supply tank 101 via a first pipe 105. The pressurizing device 103 generates compressed gas by compressing outside air, for example, and supplies the compressed gas to the cleaning liquid supply tank 101 via the first pipe 105. It is preferable that a regulator is provided in the first pipe 105.

[0053] The cleaning liquid supply tank 101 stores cleaning liquid. Examples of the cleaning liquid include water and a solvent that dissolves solidified ink. The cleaning liquid supply tank 101 is connected to a second pipe 106. The second pipe 106 is connected to a connection hole 22 provided at the bottom of the ejector chamber 21. In other words, when the pressure device 103 applies pressure to the cleaning liquid supply tank 101, the cleaning liquid in the cleaning liquid supply tank 101 is supplied to the ejector chamber 21 via the second pipe 106.

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

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

[0056] The sixth pipe 110 is connected to the cleaning liquid supply tank 101. A tube pump 111 is provided in the sixth pipe 110. The tube pump 111 returns the cleaning liquid collected in the cleaning liquid collection tank 102 to the cleaning liquid supply tank 101. This allows the cleaning liquid to be reused. Note that if the collected cleaning liquid is very dirty, it is not necessary to return the cleaning liquid to the cleaning liquid supply tank 101.

[0057] Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the cleaning device 100 according to an embodiment. Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the holder 10 according to an embodiment. Fig. 5 is a plan view of the holder 10 according to an embodiment. Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional plan view of the holder 10 according to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the holder 10 engages with the opening 213 of the nozzle plate 201, and performs cleaning by moving relatively in the X-axis direction with respect to the inkjet head 200.

[0058] As shown in Fig. 4, the holder 10 is formed in a rectangular box shape. The upper surface of the holder 10 is provided with an ejection section 20, a contact section 30, a convex section 40, a concave section 50, and suction sections 60 and 70. The ejection section 20, the contact section 30, the convex section 40, the concave section 50, and the suction sections 60 and 70 are integrally molded with the holder 10 and have the same rigidity as the holder 10. The ejection section 20 has a plurality of cleaning liquid ejection holes formed at intervals in the Y-axis direction in the center of the holder 10 in the X-axis direction. The ejection section 20 (the plurality of cleaning liquid ejection holes) communicates with an ejection section chamber 21 as shown in Fig. 6.

[0059] The ejector chamber 21 is a non-through hole formed from the side surface facing the +Y side of the holder 10 toward the -Y side surface. The opening at the end on the +Y side of the ejector chamber 21 is sealed by a sealing member 81 (e.g., a screw member). The ejector chamber 21 is formed in the center of the holder 10 in the X-axis direction, and is disposed lower (on the -Z side) than the suction chambers 61, 71.

[0060] 5, the contact part 30 is formed in a rectangular frame shape (rectangular ring shape) surrounding the ejection part 20 in a plan view. The contact part 30 protrudes from the upper surface of the holder 10 to the +Z side and contacts the surface (guard surface 211) of the nozzle guard 210 in which the opening 213 is formed. The contact part 30 is provided in a convex shape at a constant height along the periphery of the opening of the recess 50.

[0061] The protrusion 40 is formed on the inside of the contact portion 30 in plan view. The protrusion 40 is integrally molded with the holder 10, has high rigidity, and does not have flexibility like a wipe. The protrusion 40 has a rectangular shape with the Y-axis direction as the longitudinal direction in plan view. The protrusion 40 is inserted into the opening 213 without contacting the nozzle plate 201, and guides the holder 10 along the longitudinal direction of the opening 213. In other words, the upper end of the protrusion 40 is located above (on the +Z side) the upper end of the contact portion 30, but does not contact the nozzle plate 201 (see FIG. 1 and FIG. 9 described later).

[0062] 5, a plurality of protrusions 40 (two in this embodiment) are provided at intervals in the X-axis direction (longitudinal direction of opening 213). Note that in the holder 10 of this embodiment, two pairs of two protrusions 40 having the above positional relationship are provided at intervals in the Y-axis direction. In other words, four protrusions 40 are provided in the holder 10. An ejection unit 20 is provided between adjacent protrusions 40 in the X-axis direction.

[0063] 4, the recess 50 is formed around the protrusion 40 and inside the abutment portion 30 in plan view. The recess 50 is recessed toward the -Z side from the upper surface of the holder 10. The recess 50 is provided with a base portion 51 and a wall portion 52. The base portion 51 stands upright from the bottom wall of the recess 50 at the center of the recess 50 in the X-axis direction at a height equal to or lower than the upper end of the recess 50 (the abutment portion 30).

[0064] The base portion 51 extends in the Y-axis direction, and has the ejection portion 20 and the protrusion portion 40 formed on its upper surface. The wall portion 52 stands upright from the bottom wall of the recess 50 near both ends of the recess 50 in the X-axis direction, at a height equal to or higher than the upper end of the base portion 51 and equal to or lower than the upper end of the recess 50 (contact portion 30). The wall portion 52 extends in the Y-axis direction, and forms a slit-like space portion surrounding the suction portions 60, 70.

[0065] As shown in Fig. 5, the suction unit 60 is formed inside the recess 50 in a plan view. The suction unit 60 is disposed on the +X side with respect to the ejection unit 20 in the X-axis direction (the longitudinal direction of the opening 213). The suction unit 60 connects a slit-shaped space formed at the end of the recess 50 on the +X side to a suction unit chamber 61 shown in Fig. 6.

[0066] The suction part chamber 61 is a non-through hole formed from the side surface facing the +Y side of the holder 10 toward the -Y side surface. The opening at the end on the +Y side of the suction part chamber 61 is sealed by a sealing member 81 (e.g., a screw member). The suction part chamber 61 is formed on the +X side of the holder 10, and is disposed above the ejection part chamber 21 (on the +Z side).

[0067] 5, the suction portion 60 includes suction holes 60a, 60b arranged inside the wall portion 52 (toward the center in the X-axis direction) in the recessed portion 50. The suction hole 60a is formed along the wall portion 52. The suction hole 60b is formed along both side wall surfaces of the recessed portion 50 that face each other in the Y-axis direction.

[0068] 6, the suction hole 60a communicates with the suction unit chamber 61. The suction hole 60b communicates with the suction unit chamber 61 via the chamber communication part 63. The chamber communication part 63 is a non-through hole part formed from the side surface facing the +X side of the holder 10 toward the side surface on the -X side. The opening of the end part on the +X side of the chamber communication part 63 is sealed by a sealing member 82 (e.g., a screw member).

[0069] 5, the suction unit 70 is formed inside the recess 50 in a plan view. The suction unit 70 is disposed on the -X side with respect to the ejection unit 20 in the X-axis direction (the longitudinal direction of the opening 213). The suction unit 70 connects a slit-shaped space formed at the end of the recess 50 on the -X side to a suction unit chamber 71 shown in FIG.

[0070] The suction part chamber 71 is a non-through hole formed from the side surface facing the +Y side of the holder 10 toward the -Y side surface. The opening at the end on the +Y side of the suction part chamber 71 is sealed by a sealing member 81 (e.g., a screw member). The suction part chamber 71 is formed on the -X side of the holder 10, and is disposed above the ejection part chamber 21 (on the +Z side).

[0071] 5, the suction portion 70 includes suction holes 70a, 70b disposed inside (toward the center in the X-axis direction) the wall portion 52 within the recess 50. The suction hole 70a is formed along the wall portion 52. The suction hole 70b is formed along both side wall surfaces of the recess 50 that face each other in the Y-axis direction.

[0072] 6, suction hole 70a communicates with suction unit chamber 71. Suction hole 70b communicates with suction unit chamber 71 via chamber communication part 73. Chamber communication part 73 is a non-through hole formed from the side surface facing the -X side of holder 10 toward the side surface on the +X side. The opening at the end on the -X side of chamber communication part 73 is sealed by a sealing member 82 (e.g., a screw member).

[0073] Next, the dimensions and positional relationship between the ejection portion 20, the protrusion 40, the nozzle hole 202, and the opening 213 will be described.

[0074] FIG. 7 is a schematic plan view of the opening 213 according to one embodiment. 7, the protrusion 40 has a dimension in the Y-axis direction that allows it to be inserted into the opening 213 of the nozzle guard 210. In other words, the dimension in the Y-axis direction of the protrusion 40 is slightly smaller than the dimension in the Y-axis direction (short side direction) of the opening 213. For this reason, the protrusion 40 can be in a first state P1, a second state P2, or a third state P3 described below in the short side direction within the opening 213.

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

[0076] At least one of the multiple cleaning liquid ejection holes constituting the ejection part 20 has an arrangement and size to face the ejection region 300 formed by the multiple nozzle holes 202 in the Z-axis direction in any of the first state P1, the second state P2, and the third state P3. In this embodiment, the "ejection region 300" means a minimum rectangular region that includes the multiple nozzle holes 202 and inscribes at least one of the multiple nozzle holes 202. This allows the ejection part 20 (cleaning liquid ejection hole) to always face the ejection region 300 even if there is a gap in the short side direction between the convex part 40 and the opening 213.

[0077] FIG. 8 is a schematic plan view of a longitudinal end portion of the opening 213 according to one embodiment. 8, the protrusion 40 can come into contact with an end portion in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) of the opening 213 of the nozzle guard 210. Therefore, the protrusion 40 can be in a fourth state P4 or a fifth state P5, which will be described below, in the longitudinal direction inside the opening 213. Note that in FIG. 8, the fourth state P4 and the fifth state P5 are different only in orientation, so the fifth state P5 is not shown.

[0078] The fourth state P4 refers to a state in which the protrusion 40 abuts against a side surface on one side in the longitudinal direction of the opening 213 (for example, the +X side). In this fourth state P4, at least one of the multiple cleaning liquid ejection holes constituting the ejection part 20 is located at a first opposing position D1 facing a nozzle hole 202a, among the multiple nozzle holes 202, located at an end on one side in the longitudinal direction of the opening 213. Alternatively, the cleaning liquid ejection hole is located on one side in the longitudinal direction of the opening 213 (the +X side) from the first opposing position D1. This allows even the nozzle hole 202a located at the end on the +X side to be cleaned.

[0079] On the other hand, the fifth state P5 refers to a state in which the convex portion 40 abuts against the side surface on the other side (for example, the -X side) in the longitudinal direction of the opening 213. In this fifth state P5, at least one of the multiple cleaning liquid ejection holes constituting the ejection part 20 is located at a second opposing position D2 facing the nozzle hole 202b located at the end of the other side in the longitudinal direction of the opening 213 among the multiple nozzle holes 202. Alternatively, the cleaning liquid ejection hole is located on the other side (-X side) in the longitudinal direction of the opening 213 from the second opposing position D2. This allows even the nozzle hole 202b located at the end on the -X side to be cleaned.

[0080] Next, a method of using the cleaning device 100 having the above configuration will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the operation of the cleaning device 100 when cleaning the inkjet head 200 according to one embodiment.

[0081] First, as shown in Fig. 1, when cleaning the inkjet head 200, an operator holds the holder 10 and presses the upper surface of the holder 10 against the lower surface of the inkjet head 200. At this time, the contact portion 30 contacts the surface (guard surface 211) of the nozzle guard 210, thereby enabling alignment in the Z-axis direction (ejection direction, gravity direction). Furthermore, the protrusion 40 is inserted into the opening 213 of the nozzle guard 210, thereby enabling alignment in the Y-axis direction (short side direction of the opening 213). This allows the holder 10 to be easily aligned even when the nozzle plate 201 of the inkjet head 200 cannot be seen and even when the alignment is performed manually.

[0082] Next, the aligned holder 10 is moved in the X-axis direction (the longitudinal direction of the opening 213) and a cleaning liquid is sprayed, thereby cleaning the surfaces of the nozzle plate 201 and the nozzle guard 210, and the inside of the opening 213 of the nozzle guard 210. Note that the convex portion 40 is inserted into the opening 213 without contacting the nozzle plate 201 as shown in FIG. 9(b), and therefore does not damage the nozzle plate 201. Also, by moving the convex portion 40 in the X-axis direction, the ink 400 (highly viscous ink or solidified ink) that has accumulated in the corner between the nozzle plate 201 and the side surface of the opening 213 as shown in FIG. 9(a) can be removed as shown in FIG. 9(b).

[0083] 1, spray cleaning can be performed by spraying cleaning liquid from the spray unit 20 onto the nozzle plate 201. Furthermore, suction cleaning can be performed by sucking cleaning liquid from the suction units 60, 70. When the holder 10 is aligned, the inside of the recess 50 has an air communication path that communicates with the atmosphere on both sides of the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) of the opening 213, but the suction units 60, 70 are arranged to sandwich the spray unit 20. Therefore, after the sprayed cleaning liquid is sprayed into the nozzle plate 201 and the opening 213, it is sucked by the suction units 60, 70 that are arranged to sandwich the spray unit 20, so there is no leakage of the cleaning liquid.

[0084] As described above, the cleaning device 100 for the inkjet head 200 of this embodiment includes the nozzle plate 201 in which a plurality of nozzle holes 202 for ejecting ink are formed, and the nozzle guard 210 in which a long hole-shaped opening 213 is formed to cover the nozzle plate 201 and expose the plurality of nozzle holes 202. The cleaning device 100 includes the holder 10 which performs cleaning by moving relative to the inkjet head 200, and the holder 10 includes an ejection unit 20 which ejects cleaning liquid toward at least one of the nozzle plate 201 and the nozzle guard 210, an abutment unit 30 which abuts against the surface of the nozzle guard 210 in which the opening 213 is formed, and a convex unit 40 which is inserted into the opening 213 without contacting the nozzle plate 201 and which guides the holder 10 along the longitudinal direction of the opening 213.

[0085] According to this configuration, even if the side of the inkjet head 200 is not exposed and a portion of the nozzle plate 201 is not exposed by the nozzle guard 210, the inkjet head 200 can be easily aligned, and the surfaces of the nozzle plate 201 and the nozzle guard 210, as well as the inside of the opening 213 of the nozzle guard 210, can be cleaned without damaging the nozzle plate 201.

[0086] 1, the holder 10 in the cleaning device 100 for the inkjet head 200 of the present embodiment includes a recess 50 for receiving the cleaning liquid sprayed by the spray unit 20. This configuration can prevent the cleaning liquid from dripping from the holder 10.

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

[0088] In addition, in the cleaning device 100 for the inkjet head 200 of this embodiment, the holder 10 includes a wall portion 52 that stands upright from the bottom wall of the recess 50 at a height equal to or lower than the upper end of the recess 50 and forms a space surrounding the suction portions 60, 70. This configuration makes it easier to generate negative pressure around the suction portions 60, 70, improving the efficiency of suction of the cleaning liquid.

[0089] In addition, in the cleaning device 100 for the inkjet head 200 of this embodiment, the suction units 60, 70 are provided on both sides of the ejection unit 20 in the longitudinal direction of the opening 213. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent the cleaning liquid from dripping down the opening 213 of the nozzle guard 210 from both sides in the longitudinal direction.

[0090] In addition, in the cleaning device 100 for the inkjet head 200 of this embodiment, the contact portion 30 is provided in a convex shape along the periphery of the opening of the recess 50. With this configuration, for example, as shown in Fig. 3, even if the side surface of the inkjet head 200 is not exposed and part of the nozzle guard 210 is recessed upward, the convex contact portion 30 can contact the surface of the nozzle guard 210, so that the holder 10 can be easily aligned and the inkjet head 200 can be cleaned. In addition, the contact portion 30 raises the upper end position of the recess 50, so that the cleaning liquid can be prevented from spilling out of the recess 50.

[0091] 7, in the cleaning device 100 for the inkjet head 200 of this embodiment, a plurality of protrusions 40 are provided at intervals in the longitudinal direction of the opening 213. With this configuration, the plurality of protrusions 40 come into contact with the sidewall in the shorter direction of the inserted opening 213, thereby restricting rotation of the holder 10 around an axis extending in the Z-axis direction (jetting direction, gravity direction).

[0092] In addition, in the cleaning device 100 for the inkjet head 200 of this embodiment, the ejecting unit 20 is provided between adjacent convex parts 40 in the longitudinal direction of the opening 213. With this configuration, the ejecting unit 20 can be disposed by utilizing the space in the valley part between the multiple convex parts 40, and the restriction of rotation of the holder 10 makes it easier to eject the cleaning liquid to a targeted area.

[0093] In addition, in the cleaning device 100 of the inkjet head 200 of this embodiment, the ejection unit 20 has a plurality of cleaning liquid ejection holes, and at least one of the plurality of cleaning liquid ejection holes faces the ejection region 300 formed by the plurality of nozzle holes 202 in a first state P1 in which the convex portion 40 abuts against a side surface on one side in the short direction of the opening 213 as shown in Fig. 7(b), a second state P2 in which the convex portion 40 abuts against a side surface on the other side in the short direction of the opening 213 as shown in Fig. 7(a), and a third state P3 in which the convex portion 40 does not abut against the side surfaces on both sides in the short direction of the opening 213 as shown in Fig. 7(a). With this configuration, even if there is a gap in the short direction between the convex portion 40 and the opening 213, it is possible to always make the ejection unit 20 (cleaning liquid ejection hole) face the ejection region 300.

[0094] In addition, in the cleaning device 100 of the inkjet head 200 of this embodiment, the ejection section 20 has a plurality of cleaning liquid ejection holes, and at least one of the plurality of cleaning liquid ejection holes is located at a first opposing position D1 facing a nozzle hole 202a located at one end of the longitudinal direction of the opening 213, among the plurality of nozzle holes 202, or on one side of the longitudinal direction of the opening 213 from the first opposing position D1, in the fourth state P4 in which the convex portion 40 abuts against a side surface on one side of the longitudinal direction of the opening 213, as shown in FIG. 8, and is located at a second opposing position D2 facing a nozzle hole 202b located at the other end of the longitudinal direction of the opening 213, among the plurality of nozzle holes 202, or on the other side of the longitudinal direction of the opening 213 from the second opposing position D2, in the fifth state P5 in which the convex portion 40 abuts against a side surface on the other side of the longitudinal direction of the opening 213. According to this configuration, all of the nozzle holes 202 can be cleaned by positioning the convex portion 40 on either side of the longitudinal direction of the opening 213 and then moving the holder 10 toward the other side of the longitudinal direction of the opening 213.

[0095] The cleaning device 100 for the inkjet head 200 described above may have the following configuration.

[0096] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a protrusion 40 according to a first modified example of the embodiment. 10 includes a recess 41 formed on the upper end surface of the protrusion 40, and a protrusion cleaning liquid jetting hole 42 formed in the recess 41. The recess 41 is a bottomed groove, and is formed on the upper end surface of the protrusion 40. The protrusion cleaning liquid jetting hole 42 is formed on the bottom surface of the recess 41. The protrusion cleaning liquid jetting hole 42 may be connected to, for example, the jetting unit chamber 21 shown in FIG. 1, or may be connected to a cleaning liquid supply device separate from the jetting unit 20.

[0097] According to this configuration, for example, a pool of cleaning liquid is formed in a recess formed on the upper end surface of the convex portion 40, and the raised portion caused by the surface tension of the cleaning liquid is pressed against the nozzle plate 201, thereby gently cleaning the nozzle plate 201.

[0098] FIG. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the positional relationship between the opening 213 and the protrusion 40 according to a second modified example of the embodiment. 11, the nozzle guard 210 has a plurality of openings 213 formed at intervals in the Y-axis direction (short side direction of the openings 213). The protrusions 40 are provided in pairs at an interval that allows them to be inserted into two openings 213a, 213c formed at a unique interval L1 among the plurality of openings 213. In the example of FIG. 11, the interval W of the protrusions 40 is adjusted to the interval L1 that allows them to be inserted into two openings 213a, 213c located at both ends in the short side direction of the opening 213 among the plurality of openings 213.

[0099] 11, three openings 213a-213c are formed at intervals in the Y-axis direction. Openings 213a and 213b are formed at interval L2 in the Y-axis direction. Openings 213b and 213c are formed at interval L2 in the Y-axis direction. Openings 213a and 213c are formed at interval L1 in the Y-axis direction. In other words, interval L2 is not unique since there are two of them, but interval L1 is unique since there is only one.

[0100] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a state in which protrusions 40 are provided at a non-unique interval L2 in a second modified example of an embodiment. The holder 10 shown in Fig. 12 has protrusions 40a and 40b spaced apart by a distance L2 in the Y-axis direction. As shown in Fig. 12(a), the protrusions 40a and 40b of the holder 10 can be inserted into openings 213a and 213b. As shown in Fig. 12(b), the protrusions 40a and 40b of the holder 10 can be inserted into openings 213b and 213c. This means that the alignment posture of the holder 10 with respect to the inkjet head 200 is not fixed, and there is a possibility that the holder 10 will engage with the inkjet head 200 in an unintended posture.

[0101] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a state in which protrusions 40 are provided at unique intervals L1 in a second modified example of the embodiment. The holder 10 shown in Fig. 13 is provided with protrusions 40a, 40c spaced apart by a distance L1 in the Y-axis direction. As shown in Fig. 13(a), the protrusions 40a, 40c of the holder 10 can be inserted into the openings 213a, 213c of the holder 10. On the other hand, as shown in Fig. 13(b), even if the protrusion 40a of the holder 10 is inserted into the opening 213b, the protrusion 40c hits the guard surface 211 and cannot be engaged.

[0102] In this way, by providing a pair of protrusions 40 at an interval that allows insertion into two openings 213a, 213c formed at a unique interval L1 among the multiple openings 213, the positioning posture of the holder 10 relative to the inkjet head 200 is fixed to one, and it is possible to prevent the holder 10 from engaging with the inkjet head 200 in an unintended posture, even if multiple openings 213 are formed in the nozzle guard 210. As a result, when the inkjet head 200 and the holder 10 are engaged with each other, if the holder 10 is made symmetrical in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) of the openings 213 of the nozzle guard 210 and the opening surface of the nozzle guard 210 is symmetrical in the lateral direction (Y-axis direction, the direction in which the nozzle rows are aligned) of the nozzle guard 210, all of the openings 213 of the nozzle guard 210 can be cleaned by the engagement and abutment of the holder 10.

[0103] FIG. 14 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a nozzle guard 210 and a holder 10 according to a third modified example of the embodiment. 14 is in a state where its entire thickness (Z-axis direction) is recessed upward into the underside of the inkjet head 200. Even in this case, the holder 10 can be easily aligned by bringing the contact portion 30 of the holder 10 into contact with the surface (guard surface 211) of the nozzle guard 210, and cleaning of the inkjet head 200 becomes possible.

[0104] FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of an inkjet printer 1 according to a fourth modified example of an embodiment. 15 includes an inkjet head 200 and a cleaning device 100. That is, in the above-described embodiment and modified examples, the cleaning device 100 is operated manually, but in this modified example, the cleaning device 100 is configured to be operated automatically or semi-automatically.

[0105] The inkjet printer 1 includes a holder moving device 2 that moves a holder 10. The holder moving device 2 includes a carriage 3 on which the holder 10 is mounted, a rail 4 that guides the carriage 3 in the X-axis direction, and a drive device (not shown) that moves the carriage 3 along the rail 4. An example of the drive device is a drive device that includes a belt connected to the carriage 3, a pulley that drives the belt, and a motor that rotates the pulley.

[0106] The holder 10 can move in the X-axis direction along the rail 4 from a standby position not facing the inkjet head 200 in the Z-axis direction, pass a position facing the inkjet head 200 in the Z-axis direction, and move to a position opposite the standby position not facing the inkjet head 200 in the Z-axis direction. The holder 10 of this embodiment moves back and forth in the X-axis direction along the rail 4. Note that when two rails 4 are arranged in parallel and their ends are connected to form a ring, the holder 10 may move in only one direction around the ring-shaped rail.

[0107] It is also possible to mount the inkjet head 200, instead of the holder 10, on a carriage and move it in the X-axis direction. In this case, the holder 10 is mounted on a holder moving device that does not move in the XY plane direction, but moves so as to push up the inkjet head 200, which moves on the carriage during cleaning, in the Z-axis direction. With this configuration, it is possible to change whether cleaning is performed from one direction or back and forth depending on the timing of pushing up the holder 10 in the Z-axis direction.

[0108] The inkjet printer 1 also includes a biasing member 5 that biases the holder 10 toward the nozzle guard 210. The biasing member 5 is, for example, a spring or rubber, and is disposed between the holder 10 and the carriage 3. With this configuration, the force pressing the holder 10 against the nozzle guard 210 can be controlled. This makes it possible to prevent excessive force from being applied to the inkjet head 200 and its surrounding areas.

[0109] In this way, the inkjet printer 1 according to the fourth modified example includes the cleaning device 100 for the inkjet head 200. With this configuration, cleaning of the inkjet head 200 can be automated or semi-automated. As in the above-described embodiment and modified examples, even if the side surface of the inkjet head 200 is not exposed and a portion of the nozzle plate 201 is not exposed due to the nozzle guard 210, the inkjet head 200 can be easily aligned, and the surfaces of the nozzle plate 201 and the nozzle guard 210, as well as the inside of the opening 213 of the nozzle guard 210, can be cleaned without damaging the nozzle plate 201.

[0110] Although the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been described and illustrated above, it should be understood that they are illustrative of the present disclosure and should not be considered as limiting. Additions, omissions, substitutions, and other modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Thus, the present disclosure should not be considered as limited by the foregoing description, but rather by the scope of the claims.

[0111] For example, in the above-described embodiment, an inkjet head has been taken as an example of a liquid jet head, but the present invention is not limited to this. In addition, the inkjet head may be configured so that the inkjet head moves relative to the recording medium during printing (a so-called shuttle machine), or it may be configured so that the inkjet head is fixed and the recording medium is moved relative to the inkjet head (a so-called fixed head machine). In the above-mentioned embodiment, the recording medium is paper, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. The recording medium is not limited to paper, but may be a metal material, a resin material, or food. The liquid ejected from the liquid ejection head is not limited to the liquid that is to be landed on the recording medium, but may be, for example, a medicinal liquid to be mixed in a preparation, a food additive such as a seasoning or a fragrance to be added to food, or an aromatic to be ejected into the air.

[0112] In the above-described embodiment, a configuration has been described in which the Z-axis direction coincides with the direction of gravity, but this is not limited to this configuration, and the Z-axis direction may be aligned with the horizontal direction or with any other direction other than the direction of gravity. [Explanation of symbols]

[0113] 1...Inkjet printer (liquid jet recording device) 10…Holder 20…Injection part 30...Contact part 40(40a~40c)…Convex part 41…Recess 42...Convex cleaning fluid injection hole 50…Recess 52...Wall part 60…Suction part 70…Suction part 100...Cleaning device 200...Inkjet head (liquid ejection head) 201...Nozzle plate 202(202a,202b)...Nozzle hole (injection hole) 210...Nozzle guard (guard member) 211…Guard surface (front) 213(213a~213c)...Opening 300…Injection area D1: First opposing position D2: Second opposing position L1…interval L2…Interval P1: First state P2: Second state P3: Third state P4: 4th state P5: 5th state

Claims

1. a holder that is moved relative to a liquid ejection head and that performs cleaning, the holder moving relative to the liquid ejection head includes an ejection plate having a plurality of ejection holes for ejecting liquid formed therein, and a guard member that covers the ejection plate and has an elongated opening that exposes the plurality of ejection holes; The holder includes: an ejection unit that ejects a cleaning liquid toward at least one of the ejection plate and the guard member; a contact portion that contacts a surface of the guard member on which the opening is formed; a protrusion that is inserted into the opening in a non-contact state with the ejection plate and guides the holder along a longitudinal direction of the opening. A cleaning device for a liquid ejection head.

2. The holder has a recess for receiving the cleaning liquid sprayed by the spray unit. The liquid ejection head cleaning device according to claim 1 .

3. The holder includes a suction portion disposed within the recess. The liquid ejection head cleaning device according to claim 2 .

4. The holder includes a wall portion that stands upright from a bottom wall of the recess at a height equal to or lower than an upper end of the recess and forms a space surrounding the suction portion. The liquid ejection head cleaning device according to claim 3 .

5. The suction units are provided on both sides of the ejection unit in the longitudinal direction of the opening, The cleaning device for a liquid jet head according to claim 3 .

6. The abutment portion is provided in a convex shape along an opening periphery of the recess. The cleaning device for a liquid jet head according to any one of claims 2 to 4.

7. The protrusions are provided in a plurality at intervals in the longitudinal direction of the opening. The cleaning device for a liquid jet head according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

8. The ejection portion is provided between adjacent protrusions in the longitudinal direction of the opening portion. The liquid ejection head cleaning device according to claim 7 .

9. The spray unit has a plurality of cleaning liquid spray holes, At least one of the plurality of cleaning liquid injection holes is the protrusion faces an injection region formed by the plurality of injection holes in a first state in which the protrusion abuts against a side surface on one side in the short direction of the opening, a second state in which the protrusion abuts against a side surface on the other side in the short direction of the opening, and a third state in which the protrusion does not abut against the side surfaces on both sides in the short direction of the opening, The cleaning device for a liquid jet head according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

10. The spray unit has a plurality of cleaning liquid spray holes, At least one of the plurality of cleaning liquid injection holes is in a fourth state in which the protrusion abuts against a side surface on one side in the longitudinal direction of the opening, the protrusion is located at a first opposing position opposing an injection hole located at an end portion on one side in the longitudinal direction of the opening, among the plurality of injection holes, or is located on one side of the longitudinal direction of the opening relative to the first opposing position, and, a fifth state in which the protrusion abuts against a side surface on the other side in the longitudinal direction of the opening, the protrusion is located at a second opposing position opposing an injection hole located at an end portion on the other side in the longitudinal direction of the opening, among the plurality of injection holes, or is located on the other side of the longitudinal direction of the opening from the second opposing position; The cleaning device for a liquid jet head according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

11. The protrusion is A recessed portion formed on an upper end surface of the protrusion; and a convex cleaning liquid ejection hole formed in the recess. The cleaning device for a liquid jet head according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

12. The opening is formed in a plurality of spaces in a short side direction of the opening, The protrusions are provided in pairs at intervals such that the protrusions can be inserted into two openings formed at a specific interval among the plurality of openings. The cleaning device for a liquid jet head according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

13. The protrusions are provided in pairs at an interval such that the protrusions can be inserted into two openings located at both ends in a short direction of the openings, among the plurality of openings. The liquid jet head cleaning device according to claim 12.

14. A liquid ejection head cleaning device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, Liquid jet recording device.

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