Ink jet recording device

Abstract

To make it difficult for a cleaning fluid to enter a gap between a supply member and a nozzle plate.SOLUTION: An ink jet recording device comprises: an ink jet head having a nozzle plate; a head elevation device which elevates the ink jet head; a blade which performs a wiping operation along a nozzle surface of the nozzle plate; and a supply member 41 which is provided on a rear side in a direction of travel of the wiping operation with respect to the nozzle plate, of which a dimension in a width direction crossing the direction of travel is narrower than the blade, and which supplies a cleaning fluid to the blade by contacting a tip of the blade. An inclined plane 53C, which is inclined with respect to an undersurface (second inclined plane 532) and a side face 533, is provided on a ridge part 53A where the undersurface (second inclined plane 532) and the side face 533 of the supply member 41 intersect.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 33

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an inkjet recording apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] In an inkjet recording device, moisture evaporates from the ink in the nozzles of the inkjet head during periods when an image forming job is not being executed, and the ink viscosity increases, which may cause the nozzles to become clogged. To prevent this, a purging process is performed to eject the ink in the nozzles into a cap in order to prevent clogging. However, if ink remaining on the nozzle surface is left as it is, there is a problem that the ink may fall onto a sheet or adhere to the nozzle surface during the execution of an image forming job. Therefore, a technology for removing ink remaining on the nozzle surface is being considered. For example, Patent Document 1 proposes a configuration for removing ink from the nozzle surface by sliding a blade that contacts the nozzle surface. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2018-108711 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the configuration disclosed in Patent Document 1, when the blade carries the cleaning liquid forward during wiping operation, the cleaning liquid swept away to both ends of the blade in the width direction is pushed up along the side of the supply member, and the cleaning liquid enters the gap between the supply member and the nozzle plate (head part). When the wiping operation is completed and the inkjet head is raised, some of the cleaning liquid that entered the gap remains on the nozzle plate and may drop onto the sheet during image formation.

[0005] In consideration of the above circumstances, an object of the present invention is to make it difficult for cleaning liquid to enter the gap between the supply member and the nozzle plate. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, the inkjet recording device of the present invention comprises an inkjet head having a nozzle plate, a head lifting device for raising and lowering the inkjet head, a blade that performs a wiping action along the nozzle surface of the nozzle plate, and a supply member that is provided rearward of the nozzle plate in the direction of progression of the wiping action, has a width dimension intersecting the direction of progression narrower than that of the blade, and supplies cleaning liquid to the blade by contacting the tip of the blade, and the edge where the lower surface and side surface of the supply member intersect is provided with a slope that is inclined with respect to the lower surface and the side surface, or a curved surface that smoothly connects the lower surface and the side surface.

[0007] The lower surface of the supply member may be inclined so that the front side in the traveling direction is higher.

[0008] The inkjet recording device may further include a transfer member that is provided along the lower surface of the supply member, protrudes from the supply member toward the front in the traveling direction, and comes into contact with the nozzle surface when the inkjet head is lowered.

[0009] The delivery member may be flexible. Effect of the Invention

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to make it difficult for the cleaning liquid to enter the gap between the supply member and the nozzle plate. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing an external appearance of an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2]1 is a front view showing a schematic internal configuration of an inkjet recording apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a front view showing a schematic diagram of a head unit and a maintenance device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a plan view illustrating a head unit and a wipe unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a schematic diagram of a cap unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 1 is a cross-sectional view showing an ink-jet head according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a wiping unit and a cleaning liquid supply source according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a wipe unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a blade unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a cross section of a blade unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a protruding member and a blade according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a protruding member according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a receiving member according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a receiving member according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a cleaning liquid supply unit and a blade unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] FIG. 4 is a right side view showing a cleaning liquid supply unit and a blade unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] FIG. 4 is a right side view showing a cleaning liquid supply unit and a blade unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a cleaning liquid supply unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19] 2 is a perspective view showing a cross section of a cleaning liquid supply unit and a cleaning liquid supply source according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. [Figure 20] 2 is a perspective view showing a cross section of a cleaning liquid supply unit and a cleaning liquid supply source according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. [Figure 21] 2 is a perspective view showing a cross section of a cleaning liquid supply unit and a cleaning liquid supply source according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. [Figure 22] 2 is a perspective view showing a cross section of a cleaning liquid supply unit and a cleaning liquid supply source according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. [Figure 23] 5A to 5C are front views showing the operation of the maintenance device according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 24] 5A to 5C are plan views showing the operation of a wipe unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 25] 11A and 11B are right side views showing the operation of the wipe unit according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 26] 11A and 11B are right side views showing the operation of the wipe unit according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 27] 11A and 11B are right side views showing the operation of the wipe unit according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 28] 11A and 11B are right side views showing the operation of the wipe unit according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 29] 11A and 11B are right side views showing the operation of the wipe unit according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 30] 11A and 11B are right side views showing the operation of the wipe unit according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 31] FIG. 11 is a right side view showing the behavior of the cleaning liquid during a wiping operation according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 32] 10A and 10B are front views showing the behavior of cleaning liquid during a wiping operation according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 33] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a supply member according to a modified example of the embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 34] FIG. 11 is a right side view showing a supply member according to a modified example of the embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 35]FIG. 11 is a front view showing a supply member according to a modified example of the embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 36] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a supply member according to a second modified example. [Figure 37] FIG. 13 is a front view showing a supply member according to a third modified example. [Figure 38] FIG. 13 is a front view showing a supply member according to a fourth modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] An inkjet recording apparatus 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of an image forming system 100. FIG. 2 is a front view showing the internal configuration of an inkjet recording device 1. FIG. 3 is a front view showing a head unit 11 and a maintenance device 30. FIG. 4 is a plan view showing a head unit 11 and a wipe unit 32. FIG. 5 is a plan view showing a cap unit 31. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing an inkjet head 12. In the following, the front side of the paper in FIG. 2 is the front side (front side) of the inkjet recording device 1, and the left and right directions are described based on the direction when the inkjet recording device 1 is viewed from the front. In each figure, U, Lo, L, R, Fr, and Rr respectively indicate up, down, left, right, front, and rear.

[0014] The image forming system 100 (see FIG. 1) includes a paper feeder 110, an inkjet recording device 1, a drying device 120, and a post-processing device 130. The paper feeder 110 stores several thousand sheets and supplies the sheets to the inkjet recording device 1. The inkjet recording device 1 forms an image on the sheets using an inkjet method. The drying device 120 heats the sheets transported from the inkjet recording device 1 to dry the ink. The post-processing device 130 performs post-processing such as punching, stapling, and folding on the sheets transported from the drying device 120.

[0015] The inkjet recording device 1 (see FIG. 2) includes a rectangular parallelepiped main housing 3. A transport unit 7 that adsorbs and transports a sheet in the Y direction is provided in the center of the main housing 3. An imaging unit 6 that ejects ink to form an image is provided above the transport unit 7. A paper feed port 8 that introduces a sheet from a paper feed device 110 is provided on the right side of the main housing 3. A discharge port 9 that discharges the sheet on which an image has been formed to a drying device 120 is provided on the left side of the main housing 3. A transport path 10 is provided inside the main housing 3, which runs from the paper feed port 8 through a gap between the transport unit 7 and the imaging unit 6 to the discharge port 9. A registration roller 18 is provided upstream of the transport unit 7 in the transport direction Y.

[0016] The transport unit 7 includes an endless transport belt 21 and a suction unit 24. The transport belt 21 has many ventilation holes (not shown) and is wound around a drive roller 25 and a driven roller 22. The upper surface of the suction unit 24 has many ventilation holes (not shown) and is in contact with the inner surface of the transport belt 21. The suction unit 24 sucks air through the ventilation holes of the transport belt 21 and the ventilation holes of the suction unit 24, thereby adsorbing the sheet to the transport belt 21. The drive roller 25 is driven in the counterclockwise direction by a drive unit (not shown) including a motor and a reduction gear, so that the transport belt 21 rotates in the counterclockwise direction, and the sheet adsorbed to the transport belt 21 is transported in the Y direction.

[0017] The imaging unit 6 includes a plurality of (four in this embodiment) head units 11. Each head unit 11 (see FIGS. 3 and 4) includes one or more (three in this embodiment) inkjet heads 12. An ink container 20 filled with black, cyan, magenta, or yellow ink is connected to each head unit 11.

[0018] The inkjet head 12 (see FIG. 6) includes a rectangular parallelepiped housing 12H with the longitudinal direction being the front-rear direction, a nozzle plate 14 provided at the bottom of the housing 12H, and a socket 12S to which a pipe for supplying ink is connected. The nozzle plate 14 includes a number of nozzles 14N arranged in the front-rear direction. The nozzle 14N includes a branch flow path 14B branched from the downstream side of the socket 12S, and an ejection port 14A provided in a nozzle surface 14F, which is the lower surface of the nozzle plate 14. The vibration plate 14V also serves as a part of the inner wall of the branch flow path 14B. The vibration plate 14V is provided with a pressure element 14Z. A piezoelectric element, an electrostatic actuator, a heater, or the like is used as the pressure element 14Z. A drive circuit 12D for driving the pressure element 14Z is connected to the pressure element 14Z.

[0019] The control unit 2 (see FIG. 2) includes a calculation unit and a storage unit (not shown). The calculation unit is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The storage unit includes storage media such as a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory). The calculation unit performs various processes by reading and executing control programs stored in the storage unit. The control unit 2 may be realized by an integrated circuit that does not use software.

[0020] A display operation unit 19 is provided on the upper part of the main body housing 3 (see Figs. 1 and 2). The display operation unit 19 includes a display panel, a touch panel laminated on the display panel, and a keypad (not shown). The control unit 2 displays a screen showing the operation menu and status of the inkjet recording device 1 on the display panel, and controls each part of the inkjet recording device 1 in response to operations detected by the touch panel and the keypad.

[0021] The basic image forming operation of the inkjet recording device 1 is as follows. When an image formation job is input to the inkjet recording device 1 from the display operation unit 19 or an external computer, the paper feeder 110 sends out a sheet to the transport path 10 through the paper feed port 8, and the registration rollers 18, whose rotation has been stopped, correct any skew of the sheet. When the registration rollers 18 send out the sheet to the transport unit 7 at a predetermined timing, the transport unit 7 attracts the sheet to the transport belt 21 and transports it in the Y direction. Ink is ejected from the inkjet head 12 onto the sheet, and an image is formed. The sheet on which the image has been formed is transported to the drying device 120 through the discharge port 9.

[0022] [Maintenance equipment] Next, the maintenance device 30 will be described. Note that the four head units 11 (see FIG. 2) have the same configuration, and the four maintenance devices 30 have the same configuration, so the following will describe one head unit 11 and one maintenance device 30 that performs maintenance on this head unit 11.

[0023] [Head base] The head unit 11 includes a head base 11B (see FIGS. 3, 4, and 6) that supports the inkjet heads 12. Three inkjet heads 12 are provided in a staggered arrangement on the head base 11B. The head base 11B is a roughly rectangular plate-like member whose longitudinal direction is the front-rear direction. The head base 11B includes a through-hole (not shown) into which the nozzle plate 14 of the inkjet head 12 is inserted. The lower surface of the head base 11B is a surface (hereinafter referred to as the parallel surface 11P) that is parallel to the nozzle surface 14F. The nozzle surface 14F protrudes downward from the parallel surface 11P.

[0024] The maintenance device 30 (see FIG. 3) is provided to the side of the head unit 11 (in this embodiment, the upstream side (right side) in the transport direction Y). The maintenance device 30 includes a cap unit 31, a wipe unit 32, and a cleaning liquid supply source 13.

[0025] [Cap Unit] The cap unit 31 (see FIGS. 3 and 5) has caps 72 in the same number (three in this embodiment) as the inkjet heads 12 included in the head unit 11. The three caps 72 are arranged in a staggered manner similar to the inkjet heads 12, and are supported by a frame 71.

[0026] [Wipe unit] The wiping unit 32 (see FIGS. 3 and 4) includes a waste liquid tray 81, a blade 82, and a cleaning liquid supply unit 40. The waste liquid tray 81 includes recesses 81U in the same number as the inkjet heads 12 included in the head unit 11. The recesses 81U are arranged in a staggered pattern similar to the inkjet heads 12. The blade 82 and the cleaning liquid supply unit 40 are provided in each of the recesses 81U.

[0027] [Head lifting device] FIG. 23 is a front view showing the operation of the maintenance device 30. The head lifting device 11L (see FIG. 4) is provided in front of and behind the head base 11B. The head lifting device 11L is composed of, for example, a ball screw, a belt drive device, etc. The head lifting device 11L lifts and lowers the head unit 11 between an image forming position (see FIG. 23(A)) and a retreat position (see FIG. 23(B)). The image forming position is a position where the distance between the conveying path 10 (upper surface of the conveying belt 21) through which the sheet is conveyed and the nozzle surface 14F is a predetermined distance suitable for image formation. The retreat position is a position above the image forming position, and is a position where the head unit 11 does not interfere with the wiping unit 32 when the cap unit 31 and the wiping unit 32 are slid in the horizontal direction using a cap slide device 34 described later.

[0028] [Cap slide device] The cap slide device 34 (see FIG. 5) is provided in front of and behind the frame body 71 of the cap unit 31. The cap slide device 34 is composed of, for example, a ball screw, a belt drive device, etc. The cap slide device 34 slides the cap unit 31 to a home position (see FIG. 23(A)) and a maintenance position (see FIG. 23(F)). The home position is a position to the right of the head unit 11 located at the image forming position. The maintenance position is a position below the head unit 11 located at the retracted position.

[0029] [Wipe lifting device] The wipe lifting device 35 (see FIG. 4) is provided in front of and behind the waste liquid tray 81 of the wipe unit 32. The wipe lifting device 35 is composed of, for example, a cam mechanism, a ball screw, etc. The wipe lifting device 35 raises and lowers the wipe unit 32 to a contact position (see FIG. 23(B)) and a separated position (see FIG. 23(E)). The contact position is a position where the waste liquid tray 81 contacts the cap 72. The separated position is a position where the waste liquid tray 81 is separated upward from the cap 72 by a predetermined distance.

[0030] When the wipe unit 32 is located at the contact position, the wipe unit 32 is placed on the cap unit 31, and therefore, by operating the cap slide device 34, the wipe unit 32 slides together with the cap unit 31 to the home position and the maintenance position. In other words, the cap slide device 34 also functions as a wipe slide device that slides the wipe unit 32 to the home position and the maintenance position. When the wipe unit 32 is located at the separated position, by operating the cap slide device 34, the cap unit 31 slides independently to the home position and the maintenance position, while leaving the wipe unit 32 at the home position.

[0031] [Wipe unit] Next, the configuration of the wiping unit 32 will be described in detail. Fig. 7 is a perspective view showing the wiping unit 32 and the cleaning liquid supply source 13. Fig. 8 is a perspective view showing the wiping unit 32. Fig. 9 is a perspective view showing the blade unit 90. Fig. 10 is a perspective view showing a cross section of the blade unit 90. Fig. 11 is a perspective view showing the protruding member 91 and the blade 82. Fig. 12 is a perspective view showing the protruding member 91.

[0032] The wipe unit 32 (see FIG. 7) includes a plurality of (three in this embodiment) blade units 90, a waste liquid tray 81, and a carriage 83. The blade unit 90 (see FIGS. 11 and 12) includes a blade 82, a protruding member 91, a holder 92, and a first biasing member 93.

[0033] [blade] The blade 82 (see FIGS. 9 to 11) is a flexible, generally rectangular, plate-like member made of resin or the like. The blade 82 is held by the holder 92 in a slightly backward tilted position, with the front-to-rear direction being the thickness direction. The width of the blade 82 in the left-to-right direction is equal to or greater than the width of the nozzle surface 14F. The upper part of the blade 82 is tapered, becoming thinner as it approaches the tip.

[0034] [Protruding parts] The protruding member 91 (see FIGS. 9 to 12) is integrated with the blade 82. The protruding member 91 includes a base 91B parallel to the blade 82, a first bent portion 911 bent backward from an upper end of the base 91B, a second bent portion 912 bent upward from a rear end of the first bent portion 911, a rearward inclined portion 91T inclined rearward more than the second bent portion 912, and protruding portions 91P protruding upward from both left and right ends of the rearward inclined portion 91T and inclined backward at the same inclination angle as the rearward inclined portion 91T.

[0035] The left-right width of the base 91B is equal to the width of the blade 82. The up-down length of the base 91B is shorter than the up-down length of the blade 82. The base 91B is joined to the lower part of the rear surface of the blade 82. The left-right width of the first bent portion 911 and the second bent portion 912 is equal to the width of the base 91B. The left-right width of the rear inclined portion 91T is wider than the width of the base 91B. The left-right position of the protruding portion 91P is determined at a position where the tip of the protruding portion 91P can contact the left and right parallel surfaces 11P of the nozzle surface 14F.

[0036] Two walls 91C facing each other in the left-right direction are provided on the rear surface of the base 91B (see FIGS. 11 and 12). A shaft 91S protruding to the left is provided on the left surface of the left wall 91C. A shaft 91S protruding to the right is provided on the right surface of the right wall 91C.

[0037] A through hole 91A penetrating downward is provided in the center in the left-right direction of the first bent portion 911 (see FIGS. 11 and 12). At least a portion of the waste liquid W (a mixture of ink and cleaning liquid) that flows down along the rear surface of the blade 82 falls downward through the through hole 91A.

[0038] [Fixed part] The fixing member 94 (see FIGS. 9 to 11) fixes the blade 82 to the protruding member 91. The lower part of the blade 82 is sandwiched between the base 91B of the protruding member 91 and the fixing member 94, and the fixing member 94 is fastened to the protruding member 91. The lower edge of the fixing member 94 and the lower edge of the protruding member 91 are tapered (see FIGS. 9 and 12) so that the width in the left-right direction narrows downward. The waste liquid that flows down from the front surface of the blade 82 to the front surface of the fixing member 94 runs along the lower edge of the fixing member 94 and the lower edge of the protruding member 91, collects in the center in the left-right direction, and falls into the recess 81U of the waste liquid tray 81.

[0039] [holder] The holder 92 (see FIGS. 9 to 11) holds the blade 82 via a protruding member 91. A shaft hole 92H into which the shaft 91S of the protruding member 91 is inserted is provided in the lower part of the holder 92. The protruding member 91 can swing in the front-rear direction around the shaft 91S. The blade 82 swings together with the protruding member 91. The blade 82 and the protruding member 91 are provided in the holder 92 in an attitude tilted with respect to the left-right direction so that the waste liquid W flows in either the left or right direction. In the illustrated example, the left end of the blade 82 is tilted so that it is positioned slightly rearward of the right end, but it may be tilted in the opposite direction.

[0040] [First biasing member] The first biasing member 93 (see Figs. 11 and 12) is, for example, a torsion coil spring, and is wound around the shaft portion 91S. One end of the first biasing member 93 engages with the holder 92, and the other end engages with the protruding member 91. The first biasing member 93 biases the protruding member 91 in the counterclockwise direction in Figs. 9 and 10, and in the clockwise direction in Fig. 11. In other words, the first biasing member 93 biases the blade 82 in a direction that presses the tip portion of the blade 82 against the nozzle surface 14F. The first biasing member 93 may be a leaf spring, a compression coil spring, or the like.

[0041] [Waste liquid tray] The waste liquid tray 81 (see FIGS. 7 and 8) is formed into a rectangle with the longitudinal direction as a whole. The waste liquid tray 81 has three recesses 81U that are open on the top. The three recesses 81U are arranged in a staggered pattern similar to the inkjet heads 12. The recesses 81U are formed into a rectangle that is elongated in the front-rear direction when viewed from above. The length of the recesses 81U in the front-rear direction is longer than the nozzle surface 14F, and the width of the recesses 81U in the left-right direction is wider than the nozzle surface 14F. The recesses 81U receive waste liquid that contains ink and cleaning liquid.

[0042] [carriage] The carriage 83 (see FIGS. 7 to 10) is formed in a plate shape with the longitudinal direction being the front-rear direction. A groove 81G is provided along the front-rear direction between the left and right recesses 81U, and the carriage 83 is housed in the groove 81G. The length of the carriage 83 in the front-rear direction is shorter than the length of the groove 81G in the front-rear direction. The carriage 83 is slidable in the front-rear direction along the groove 81G.

[0043] Each of the three recesses 81U houses a blade unit 90. The three blade units 90 are coupled to the carriage 83. The three blade units 90 are disposed on the carriage 83 such that when the carriage 83 is positioned at the rearmost position, the three blade units 90 are positioned rearward of the nozzle surface 14F.

[0044] [Carriage drive unit] The waste liquid tray 81 is provided with a carriage drive device 36 (see FIG. 4). The carriage drive device 36 is composed of, for example, a belt drive device, a feed screw, etc., and slides the carriage 83 along the groove 81G to slide the blade 82. By sliding the blade 82 forward (an example of the proceeding direction A of the wiping operation), a wiping operation is performed in which the blade 82 scrapes off ink from the nozzle surface 14F. FIG. 7 shows the blade 82 positioned at the wiping operation start position. FIG. 8 shows the blade 82 positioned at the wiping operation end position.

[0045] [Receiving material] 13 and 14 are perspective views showing the receiving member 84. The receiving member 84 is supported by the waste liquid tray 81 (see FIGS. 7, 8, and 10). The receiving member 84 is provided at the front end of each of the three recesses 81U. The receiving member 84 includes a front portion 84F facing the front surface of the blade 82, a ceiling portion 84T provided rearward from the upper end of the front portion 84F, and sidewall portions 84W provided rearward from both left and right end portions of the front portion 84F. In other words, the receiving member 84 is formed in a box shape with the rear and bottom sides open.

[0046] When the blade 82 reaches the frontmost part of the recess 81U, the blade 82 is housed in the receiving member 84. At this time, the blade 82 is surrounded from the front, above, and the left and right sides by the receiving member 84. Note that either the ceiling part 84T or the side wall part 84W may be provided.

[0047] [Cleaning liquid supply unit] Next, the cleaning liquid supply unit 40 will be described. Fig. 15 is a perspective view showing the cleaning liquid supply unit 40 and the blade unit 90. Figs. 16 and 17 are right side views showing the cleaning liquid supply unit 40 and the blade unit 90. Fig. 18 is a perspective view showing the cleaning liquid supply unit 40. Figs. 19 to 22 are perspective views showing cross sections of the cleaning liquid supply unit 40 and the cleaning liquid supply source 13. The cleaning liquid supply unit 40 includes a supply member 41, a link member 42, and a delivery member 44.

[0048] [Supply materials] Supply member 41 includes, in order from the rear, a base end portion 51, an intermediate portion 52, and a storage portion 53. The upper surface of supply member 41 is flat and rectangular when viewed from above. A portion of parallel surface 11P of head base 11B rearward of nozzle plate 14 faces the upper surface of supply member 41 and also serves as push-down portion 11D that pushes down supply member 41. Note that push-down portion 11D may be provided as a member separate from head base 11B.

[0049] Arm support parts 51L protruding left and right are provided on the left and right sides of the base end part 51, respectively (see FIG. 18). Arm parts 51A protruding forward are provided on the left and right arm support parts 51L, respectively (see FIGS. 16 to 18). A shaft part 51S protrudes from the left side surface of the left arm part 51A and the right side surface of the right arm part 51A. Bosses 51B are provided at the rear of the left and right shaft parts 51S.

[0050] The thickness of the intermediate portion 52 in the vertical direction is thinner than that of the base end portion 51 (see FIGS. 16 to 18). The lower surface of the intermediate portion 52 is flat. The lower surface of the storage portion 53 has a first inclined surface 531 and a second inclined surface 532 provided forward of the first inclined surface 531. The first inclined surface 531 is inclined so that the front side is lower than the rear side (see FIGS. 16 and 17). The second inclined surface 532 is inclined so that the front side is higher than the rear side. The first inclined surface 531 is continuous with the lower surface of the intermediate portion 52. Therefore, a space (hereinafter referred to as a non-contact space 52U) that is larger than the space below the storage portion 53 is formed below the intermediate portion 52.

[0051] The storage section 53 has a hollow structure having a storage space 53V for storing the cleaning liquid (see Figs. 16 and 17). It is preferable that a cleaning liquid holding member 53H (see Figs. 21 and 22), such as a mesh member or a porous member, for holding the cleaning liquid is provided in the storage space 53V. An inlet 53N (see Figs. 15, 21 and 22) for taking in the cleaning liquid is provided on the upper surface of the storage section 53. An outlet 53E (see Figs. 16 and 17) for discharging the cleaning liquid is provided on the lower surface of the storage section 53. The thickness in the vertical direction of the front end of the storage section 53 (the distance from the front end of the second inclined surface 532 to the upper surface) is slightly larger than the distance from the lower surface of the head base 11B to the nozzle surface 14F.

[0052] [Link member] The link members 42 are provided on the left and right of the supply member 41 (FIGS. 15 to 18). The lower parts of the left and right link members 42 are connected by a shaft 42S (see FIG. 18) whose longitudinal direction is the left-right direction. The shaft 42S is rotatably supported in a recess 81U of the waste liquid tray 81. Specifically, in the waste liquid tray 81, notches 81K are formed downward from the upper end portions of the left and right side walls of the recess 81U (see FIGS. 19 and 20). Both left and right ends of the shaft 42S are supported by the notches 81K. The link members 42 are swingable around the shaft 42S.

[0053] A shaft hole 42H into which the shaft portion 51S of the supply member 41 is inserted is provided at the top of the left and right link members 42 (see FIGS. 16 to 18). The shaft hole 42H is disposed forward of the shaft 42S. A long hole 42L into which the boss 51B of the supply member 41 is inserted is provided behind the shaft hole 42H. The supply member 41 is swingable relative to the link members 42 within the longitudinal range of the long hole 42L around the shaft portion 51S (see FIGS. 16 and 17).

[0054] [Second biasing member] The link member 42 is provided with a second biasing member 43 (see FIG. 18). Specifically, the second biasing member 43 is a torsion coil spring, and is wound around the shaft 42S. One end of the second biasing member 43 is engaged with the holder 92, and the other end is engaged with the link member 42 (see FIGS. 16 and 17). The second biasing member 43 biases the link member 42 in the clockwise direction in FIGS. 16 and 17. In other words, the second biasing member 43 biases the supply member 41 in a direction approaching the inkjet head 12. The second biasing member 43 may be a leaf spring, a compression coil spring, or the like.

[0055] [Transferred materials] The transfer member 44 is joined to the second inclined surface 532. The transfer member 44 has the same inclination angle as the second inclined surface 532. The transfer member 44 is a rectangular sheet-like member made of resin or the like, and has flexibility. The front end of the transfer member 44 protrudes forward beyond the front end of the storage section 53. The transfer member 44 is provided with a discharge outlet 44A at a position corresponding to the discharge outlet 53E of the storage section 53 (see FIG. 18).

[0056] [Cleaning fluid supply source] The cleaning liquid supply source 13 (see FIG. 7) supplies the cleaning liquid to the supply member 41. The cleaning liquid is a liquid whose main component is water. The cleaning liquid supply source 13 includes a tank 13T, a pump 13P, a supply flow path 13C, and a support plate 13B. The tank 13T stores the cleaning liquid. The supply flow path 13C branches into three on the downstream side of the pump 13P. The branched supply flow paths 13C are each connected to a valve 13V. The valve 13V is, for example, a check valve. The three valves 13V are each disposed above the inlet 53N of the supply member 41. The supply flow paths 13C and the valve 13V are supported by the support plate 13B. The valve 13V penetrates the support plate 13B, and the outlet of the valve 13V protrudes from the lower surface of the support plate 13B.

[0057] A supply source lifting device 13L (see FIG. 7) is provided in front of and behind the support plate 13B. The supply source lifting device 13L is composed of, for example, a cam mechanism, a ball screw, etc. The supply source lifting device 13L lifts and lowers the support plate 13B to a supply position (see FIG. 23(A)) and a retracted position (see FIG. 23(B)). The supply position is a position where the outlet of the valve 13V is inserted into the inlet 53N (see FIGS. 20 and 22). The retracted position is a position where the outlet of the valve 13V is retracted upward from the inlet 53N (see FIGS. 19 and 21).

[0058] On the lower surface of the support plate 13B, downwardly protruding convex portions 13BT are provided at positions corresponding to the protruding portions 91P of the protruding member 91 (see FIGS. 19 to 22). In addition, on the lower surface of the support plate 13B, downwardly protruding convex portions 13BS are provided on the left and right sides of the valve 13V (see FIGS. 19 and 20).

[0059] [Overview of Wipe Unit Operation] Next, an overview of the operation of the wipe unit 32 will be described. Fig. 24 is a plan view showing the operation of the wipe unit 32. Figs. 25 to 30 are right side views showing the operation of the wipe unit 32. Note that an overview of the operation of the wipe unit 32 will be described here, and the operations of the protruding member 91 and the supply member 41 will be described later.

[0060] In the following, the state shown in Figs. 23(A) and 24(A) will be described as the initial state. In the initial state, the head unit 11 is located at the image forming position (see Fig. 23(A)), the cap unit 31 is located at the home position, the wiping unit 32 is located at the home position and the contact position, and the cleaning liquid supply source 13 is located at the supply position. The blade 82 is located at the wiping operation start position (see Fig. 24(A)). A predetermined amount of cleaning liquid is supplied to the cleaning liquid supply unit 40 from the cleaning liquid supply source 13. The control unit 2 executes the following process at a predetermined timing. The predetermined timing is, for example, a timing when the viscosity of the ink in the nozzle 14N is expected to increase, and specifically, when a period in which an image forming job is not executed continues for a predetermined period of time.

[0061] First, the control unit 2 operates the head lifting device 11L to raise the head unit 11 to the retracted position (see FIG. 23(B)). The control unit 2 also operates the supply source lifting device 13L to raise the cleaning liquid supply source 13 to the retracted position.

[0062] Next, the control unit 2 operates the cap slide device 34 to slide the cap unit 31 to the maintenance position (see FIGS. 23(C), 24(B), and 25). At this time, since the wipe unit 32 is placed on the cap unit 31, the wipe unit 32 also slides to the maintenance position together with the cap unit 31. Next, the control unit 2 operates the head lifting device 11L to lower the head unit 11 to a height for performing a wiping operation (hereinafter referred to as the wipe position) (see FIGS. 23(D) and 26).

[0063] Next, the control unit 2 ejects a predetermined amount of ink from the inkjet head 12, and then actuates the carriage drive device 36 to slide the blade 82 forward along the nozzle surface 14F (see Figs. 24(C), 27, 28, and 29). The blade 82 scrapes off the cleaning liquid F swelling out of the outlet 44A (see Fig. 27), and advances along the nozzle surface 14F (see Figs. 28 and 29). On the nozzle surface 14F, the residual ink K is diluted by the cleaning liquid F carried by the blade 82. Waste liquid containing the residual ink K and cleaning liquid F is scraped off by the blade 82, and falls into the recess 81U.

[0064] Next, the control unit 2 operates the head lifting device 11L to raise the head unit 11 to the retracted position (see Figs. 23(C) and 30). Next, the control unit 2 operates the carriage driving device 36 to return the blade 82 to the wiping operation start position (see Figs. 24(B) and 25). Next, the control unit 2 operates the cap sliding device 34 to slide the cap unit 31 and the wipe unit 32 to the home position (see Figs. 23(B) and 24(A)).

[0065] Next, the control unit 2 operates the wipe lifting device 35 to raise the wipe unit 32 to the separated position (see FIG. 23(E)). Next, the control unit 2 operates the cap slide device 34 to slide the cap unit 31 to the maintenance position (see FIGS. 23(F) and 24(D)). At this time, since the wipe unit 32 is separated from the cap unit 31, the wipe unit 32 remains in the home position, and only the cap unit 31 slides to the maintenance position.

[0066] Next, the control unit 2 operates the head lifting device 11L to lower the head unit 11 to a height where the nozzle surface 14F contacts the cap 72 (hereinafter, referred to as the cap position) (see FIG. 23(G)). In this way, the cap 72 is attached to the nozzle surface 14F.

[0067] When an image forming job is to be executed, the control unit 2 operates the head lifting device 11L to raise the head unit 11 to the retracted position (see FIG. 23(F)), operates the cap slide device 34 to slide the cap unit 31 to the home position (see FIG. 23(E)), and operates the wipe lifting device 35 to lower the wipe unit 32 to the contact position (see FIG. 23(B)). Then, the control unit 2 operates the head lifting device 11L to lower the head unit 11 to the image forming position (see FIG. 23(A)), and executes the image forming job.

[0068] [Movement of the ejecting and supplying parts] Next, the operation of the protruding member 91 and the supply member 41 will be described. Fig. 16 shows a state in which the protruding member 91 and the supply member 41 are not pressed down (hereinafter referred to as a non-pressed state). Meanwhile, Fig. 17 shows a state in which the protruding member 91 is pressed down by the parallel surface 11P or the convex portion 13BT, and the supply member 41 is pressed down by the pressing portion 11D or the convex portion 13BS (hereinafter referred to as a pressed state). The first biasing member 93 biases the protruding member 91 in the counterclockwise direction in Figs. 16 and 17. Also, the second biasing member 43 biases the link member 42 in the clockwise direction.

[0069] [Unpressed state] The non-pressed state occurs when the wiping unit 32 is located at the home position and the cleaning liquid supply source 13 is raised to the retracted position (see FIGS. 19, 21, 23(B), (E), (F), and (G)). The non-pressed state also occurs when the wiping unit 32 is located at the maintenance position and the head unit 11 is raised to the retracted position (see FIG. 23(C)).

[0070] [Pressed state] On the other hand, when the wiping unit 32 is located at the home position and the cleaning liquid supply source 13 is lowered to the supply position, the state is the pressed state (see Figs. 20, 22, 23(A)). Specifically, when the cleaning liquid supply source 13 is lowered (see Figs. 17, 20, 22) from the non-pressed state (see Figs. 16, 19, 21), the convex portion 13BT presses down the protruding portion 91P against the first biasing member 93, and the convex portion 13BS presses down the supply member 41 against the second biasing member 43. At this time, the outlet of the valve 13V is inserted into the inlet 53N of the supply member 41 (see Fig. 22), and the cleaning liquid can be supplied from the cleaning liquid supply source 13 to the cleaning liquid supply unit 40.

[0071] The pressed state also occurs when the wiping unit 32 is located at the maintenance position and the head unit 11 is lowered to the wiping position (see FIG. 23D). When the head unit 11 is lowered (see FIG. 17) from the non-pressed state (see FIG. 16), the parallel surface 11P presses down the protruding portion 91P against the first biasing member 93, and the pressing portion 11D presses down the supply member 41 against the second biasing member 43.

[0072] When transitioning from the non-pressed state to the pressed state, the protrusion 91P is pressed down, causing the blade 82 to swing in the clockwise direction. Therefore, the inclination angle β of the front surface of the blade 82 with respect to the vertical line V in the pressed state (see FIG. 17) is greater than the inclination angle α in the non-pressed state (see FIG. 16). In addition, the supply member 41 is pressed down, causing the link member 42 to swing in the counterclockwise direction. Therefore, in the pressed state, the supply member 41 moves forward and downward compared to the non-pressed state.

[0073] Here, looking at the tip of blade 82, in the non-pressed state, the tip of blade 82 is located below first inclined surface 531 of supply member 41. On the other hand, in the pressed state, the tip of blade 82 moves backward and downward and supply member 41 moves forward and downward relatively, but since the tip of blade 82 enters non-contact space 52U below intermediate portion 52 of supply member 41, interference between blade 82 and supply member 41 is avoided.

[0074] [Wipe Action] Next, the wiping operation will be described in detail. When the head unit 11 rises to the retracted position and the wiping unit 32 slides to the maintenance position (see Figs. 23(C), 24(B), and 25), the protruding member 91 and the supply member 41 are in a non-pressed state (see Fig. 16). At this time, the rear end face of the nozzle plate 14 and the front end face of the supply member 41 are separated in the front-rear direction by a distance D (see Fig. 25). Cleaning liquid F bulges out from the discharge port 44A of the delivery member 44 (see Fig. 18) (see Fig. 25). Residual ink K is attached to the nozzle surface 14F (see Fig. 25).

[0075] Next, the control unit 2 operates the head lifting device 11L to lower the head unit 11 to the wiping position (see Figs. 23(D) and 26). Then, the parallel surface 11P presses down the protruding member 91 and the supplying member 41, so that the protruding member 91 and the supplying member 41 are in a pressed-down state (see Fig. 17). At this time, the blade 82 swings from the inclination angle α to the inclination angle β. Also, the supplying member 41 moves forward, so that the distance between the front end surface of the supplying member 41 and the rear end surface of the nozzle plate 14 is reduced. At this time, the front end surface of the supplying member 41 and the rear end surface of the nozzle plate 14 may come into contact with each other. Also, the delivery member 44 moves below the nozzle surface 14F, so that at least the front end portion of the upper surface of the delivery member 44 comes into contact with the nozzle surface 14F, so that the step between the second inclined surface 532 and the nozzle surface 14F is eliminated.

[0076] Next, the control unit 2 ejects a predetermined amount of ink from the inkjet head 12. This operation causes the ink with increased viscosity to be discharged from the nozzle 14N. Next, the control unit 2 operates the carriage drive device 36 to slide the blade 82 forward along the nozzle surface 14F (see FIG. 24(C)). The blade 82 scrapes off the cleaning liquid F swelling from the discharge port 44A (see FIG. 27), moves along the lower surface of the delivery member 44 to the nozzle surface 14F, and then advances along the nozzle surface 14F (see FIG. 28). Note that in FIGS. 27 and 28, the tip of the blade 82 overlaps with the supply member 41 and the nozzle plate 14, but in reality, the tip of the blade 82 is bent backward.

[0077] When the blade 82 advances along the nozzle surface 14F, the blade 82 advances with the protruding member 91 in contact with the parallel surface 11P, so the inclination angle of the blade 82 is kept constant. Therefore, the blade 82 is pressed against the nozzle surface 14F with a constant load. Also, the blade 82 is pressed against the nozzle surface 14F mainly by the elastic force of the first biasing member 93. The elastic force of the first biasing member 93 is adjusted so as to minimize the deflection of the blade 82.

[0078] On the nozzle surface 14F, the residual ink K is diluted by the cleaning liquid F carried by the blade 82. Waste liquid containing the residual ink K and cleaning liquid F is scraped off by the blade 82 and flows down along the front and rear surfaces of the blade 82. The waste liquid W that flows down along the rear surface of the blade 82 passes through the through hole 91A of the protruding member 91 and falls into the recessed portion 81U (see FIG. 11). In addition, the waste liquid W that flows down along the front surface of the blade 82 passes through the front surface of the fixed member 94, is collected in the center in the left-right direction along the lower edge of the fixed member 94 and the lower edge of the protruding member 91, and falls into the recessed portion 81U.

[0079] In parallel with the blade 82 passing the front end of the nozzle surface 14F (see FIG. 29), the control unit 2 operates the head lifting device 11L to raise the head unit 11 to the retracted position (see FIG. 30). At this time, the head base 11B also rises, so that the protruding member 91 and the supply member 41 return to the unpressed state. Furthermore, the blade 82 moves away from the nozzle surface 14F, and the bending deformation of the blade 82 is eliminated. This operation causes the waste liquid W to be released from the blade 82 toward the receiving member 84. The waste liquid W received by the receiving member 84 flows downward along the inner surface of the receiving member 84 and falls into the recess 81U.

[0080] If the blade 82 does not have a configuration for changing the inclination angle (such as the protruding member 91, the holder 92, the first biasing member 93, etc.), the blade 82 is pressed against the nozzle surface 14F solely by the elastic force caused by the bending deformation of the blade 82 itself. Therefore, when the tip of the blade 82 passes the front end of the nozzle surface 14F, the bending of the blade 82 is suddenly eliminated, and the waste liquid W may scatter. In contrast, in this embodiment, the bending of the blade 82 is suppressed to a small amount compared to when the blade 82 does not have a configuration for changing the inclination angle. Furthermore, since the bending deformation is eliminated and the inclination of the blade 82 is restored in parallel, the waste liquid W is mainly released forward and received by the receiving member 84, and the scattering of the waste liquid W is suppressed.

[0081] [First Modification] FIG. 31 is a right side view showing the behavior of the cleaning liquid during the wiping operation in the above embodiment. FIG. 32 is a front view showing the behavior of the cleaning liquid during the wiping operation in the above embodiment. In the above embodiment, the dimension of the supply member 41 in the width direction intersecting with the moving direction A is narrower than that of the blade 82. Therefore, when the blade 82 carries the cleaning liquid F forward during the wiping operation, the cleaning liquid F swept away to both ends in the width direction of the blade 82 is pushed up along the side surface 533 of the storage portion 53 of the supply member 41 (see FIGS. 31 and 32), and the cleaning liquid F enters the gap between the supply member 41 and the nozzle plate 14. When the wiping operation is completed and the inkjet head 12 is raised, a part of the cleaning liquid F that entered the gap remains on the nozzle plate 14, and may fall onto the sheet during image formation. Therefore, the supply member 41 according to this modified example is configured as follows.

[0082] Fig. 33 is a perspective view showing supply member 41 according to this modified example. Fig. 34 is a right side view showing supply member 41 according to this modified example. Fig. 35 is a front view showing supply member 41 according to this modified example. Below, differences from supply member 41 of the above embodiment will be described.

[0083] The supply member 41 has a slope 53C. The slope 53C is provided on a ridge 53A where a lower surface (second slope 532) of the supply member 41 and a side surface 533 intersect. The slope 53C is inclined with respect to the lower surface (second slope 532) and the side surface 533 of the supply member 41. The lower surface (second slope 532) of the supply member 41 is inclined so that the front side in the traveling direction is higher.

[0084] The delivery member 44 is provided along the lower surface (second inclined surface 532) of the supply member 41, protrudes forward from the supply member 41 in the traveling direction, and comes into contact with the nozzle surface 14F when the inkjet head 12 is lowered. The delivery member 44 is flexible.

[0085] The inkjet recording device 1 according to the present modified example described above includes an inkjet head 12 having a nozzle plate 14, a head lifting device 11L for lifting the inkjet head 12, a blade 82 for performing a wiping operation along a nozzle surface 14F of the nozzle plate 14, and a supply member 41 that is provided on the rear side of the nozzle plate 14 in the advancing direction A of the wiping operation, has a dimension in a width direction intersecting with the advancing direction A narrower than that of the blade 82, and supplies cleaning liquid F to the blade 82 by contacting with the tip of the blade 82, and a slope 53C inclined with respect to the lower surface (second slope 532) and the side surface 533 is provided on a ridge portion 53A where a lower surface (second slope 532) and a side surface 533 of the supply member 41 intersect. According to this configuration, the cleaning liquid F swept away to both ends in the width direction of the blade 82 enters a space between the tip of the blade 82 and the slope 53C of the supply member 41, so that the cleaning liquid F is less likely to rise to the side surface 533 above the slope 53C. Therefore, according to this modification, it is possible to make it difficult for the cleaning liquid F to enter the gap between the supply member 41 and the nozzle plate 14.

[0086] Furthermore, in the inkjet recording apparatus 1 according to this modification, the lower surface (second inclined surface 532) of the supply member 41 is inclined so that the front side is higher in the traveling direction A. With this configuration, the cleaning liquid F that has entered the space between the tip end of the blade 82 and the inclined surface 53C of the supply member 41 flows along the inclined surface 53C to the rear side in the traveling direction A, so that the cleaning liquid F is less likely to rise to the side surface 533 above the inclined surface 53C. Thus, according to this modification, it is possible to make it difficult for the cleaning liquid F to enter the gap between the supply member 41 and the nozzle plate 14.

[0087] Furthermore, the inkjet recording apparatus 1 according to this modification includes a delivery member 44 that is provided along the lower surface (second inclined surface 532) of the supplying member 41, protrudes forward from the supplying member 41 in the traveling direction A, and comes into contact with the nozzle surface 14F when the inkjet head 12 is lowered. With this configuration, the cleaning liquid F can be smoothly delivered from the supplying member 41 to the nozzle surface 14F.

[0088] Moreover, in the inkjet recording apparatus 1 according to this modified example, the delivery member 44 has flexibility. This configuration can prevent damage to the nozzle surface 14F due to contact with the delivery member 44. Also, it can improve the adhesion of the delivery member 44 to the nozzle surface 14F.

[0089] [Second modified example] 36 is a perspective view showing a supply member 41 according to a second modified example. In this modified example, a slope 53C is provided over a predetermined range from the rear end of the ridge 53A that is shorter than the entire length of the ridge 53A. Even with this configuration, the cleaning liquid F swept away to both ends of the blade 82 in the width direction enters the space between the tip of the blade 82 and the slope 53C of the supply member 41, making it difficult for the cleaning liquid F to rise to the side surface 533 above the slope 53C. Thus, according to this modified example, it is possible to make it difficult for the cleaning liquid F to enter the gap between the supply member 41 and the nozzle plate 14.

[0090] [Third Modification] 37 is a front view showing supply member 41 according to the third modified example. In this modified example, a plurality of (two in this example) inclined surfaces 53C1, 53C2 with different inclinations are provided on edge 53A where the lower surface (second inclined surface 532) of supply member 41 intersects with side surface 533. This configuration also makes it difficult for cleaning liquid F to rise up to side surface 533 above inclined surface 53C.

[0091] [Fourth Variation] 38 is a front view showing supply member 41 according to the fourth modified example. In this modified example, curved surface 53R that smoothly connects the lower surface (second inclined surface 532) of supply member 41 to side surface 533 is provided at edge 53A where the lower surface (second inclined surface 532) and side surface 533 of supply member 41 intersect. This configuration also makes it difficult for cleaning liquid F to rise to side surface 533 above inclined surface 53C. [Explanation of symbols]

[0092] 11L Head lifting device 12 Inkjet head 14 Nozzle plate 14F Nozzle surface 41 Supply materials 44 Delivery parts 532 2nd slope (bottom surface) 533 Side 53A Ridge 53C Slope 53R curved surface 82 Blade

Claims

1. an inkjet head having a nozzle plate; a head lifting device that lifts and lowers the inkjet head; a blade that performs a wiping action along a nozzle surface of the nozzle plate; a supply member that is provided on the rear side of the nozzle plate in the direction of movement of the wiping operation, has a dimension in a width direction intersecting with the direction of movement narrower than that of the blade, and supplies cleaning liquid to the blade by contacting a tip end of the blade; an inkjet recording device, characterized in that a ridge where a lower surface and a side surface of the supply member intersect is provided with a slope inclined with respect to the lower surface and the side surface, or a curved surface that smoothly connects the lower surface and the side surface.

2. The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the lower surface of the supplying member is inclined so that the front side in the traveling direction is higher.

3. 3. The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a transfer member provided along the lower surface of the supply member, protruding from the supply member toward the front side in the traveling direction, and contacting the nozzle surface when the inkjet head is lowered.

4. 4. The ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the delivery member is flexible.

Images