Inkjet printer

Abstract

To inhibit deterioration of a water-repellent coating applied to a nozzle surface.SOLUTION: An inkjet printer 10 includes: an ink head 40 provided with nozzles 45 which discharge an ink and having a nozzle surface 41 to which a water-repellent coating is applied; and a cleaning device 60 which cleans the nozzles 45. The cleaning device 60 includes: a cover member 63 provided with exposure holes 70 from each of which the nozzle 45 is exposed and covering the nozzle surface 41; a cleaning member 65 which contacts with the nozzles 45 through the exposure holes 70; and a cleaning moving mechanism 67 which moves the cleaning member 65 relative to the cover member 63 in a state that the cleaning member 65 is in contact with the nozzles 45.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an inkjet printer.

Background Art

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an inkjet printer including an ink head that discharges ink. The ink head has a nozzle surface on which a plurality of nozzles are formed, and ink is discharged from these nozzles.

[0003] By the way, the ink discharged from the nozzle may remain on a portion of the nozzle surface around the nozzle. The remaining ink entering the nozzle can cause abnormal ink discharge. Therefore, in the inkjet printer disclosed in Patent Document 1, a tongue-shaped wiper blade that contacts the nozzle surface is provided. By moving the wiper blade along the nozzle surface in a state where the wiper blade is in contact with the nozzle surface, the ink remaining on the nozzle surface can be wiped off.

[0004] Also, as a technique for making it difficult for ink to remain on the nozzle surface, Patent Document 2 discloses that the nozzle surface is subjected to a water-repellent treatment. By subjecting the nozzle surface to a water-repellent treatment, the ink is easily repelled from the nozzle surface, and it is possible to make it difficult for the ink to remain on the nozzle surface.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] By the way, when the wiper blade is moved in contact with the nozzle surface subjected to the water repellent treatment, the water repellent treatment applied to the nozzle surface may deteriorate due to the wiper blade rubbing against the nozzle surface. From the viewpoint of making it difficult for ink to remain, it is preferable to suppress the deterioration of the water repellent treatment applied to the nozzle surface.

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of such a point, and an object thereof is to provide an inkjet printer capable of suppressing the deterioration of the water repellent treatment applied to the nozzle surface.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] The inkjet printer according to the present invention includes an ink head having a nozzle surface on which nozzles for discharging ink are formed and which is subjected to a water repellent treatment, and a cleaning device for cleaning the nozzles. The cleaning device includes a cover member having an exposure hole through which the nozzles are exposed and covering the nozzle surface, a cleaning member that contacts the nozzles through the exposure holes, and a cleaning movement mechanism that relatively moves the cleaning member with respect to the cover member in a state where the cleaning member is in contact with the nozzles.

[0009] According to the above inkjet printer, when cleaning the nozzles, the nozzle surface is covered with the cover member so that the nozzles are exposed from the exposure holes. Then, the nozzles can be cleaned by relatively moving the cleaning member with respect to the cover member in a state where the cleaning member is in contact with the nozzle surface through the exposure holes. At this time, it is difficult for the cleaning member to come into contact with the portion of the nozzle surface covered with the cover member. Therefore, it is possible to make it difficult for the cleaning member to rub against the nozzle surface covered with the cover member. Thus, the deterioration of the water repellent treatment applied to the nozzle surface can be suppressed.

Effects of the Invention

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an inkjet printer capable of suppressing deterioration of water repellent treatment applied to a nozzle surface.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0011]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of an inkjet printer according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiments described here are not intended to particularly limit the present invention. Also, members and parts having the same function are denoted by the same reference numerals, and overlapping explanations are omitted or simplified as appropriate.

[0013] Hereinafter, an inkjet printer (hereinafter also referred to as a printer) 10 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a front view showing the printer 10 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a bottom view schematically showing the configuration of the bottom surface of the carriage 17 and the ink head 40 of the printer 10. FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the printer 10 according to the present embodiment. Here, the reference signs F, Rr, L, R, U, and D in the drawings respectively mean the front, rear, left, right, top, and bottom of the printer 10. The reference sign Y in the drawings indicates the main scanning direction. In the present embodiment, the main scanning direction Y is the left-right direction. The reference sign X in the drawings indicates the sub-scanning direction X. The sub-scanning direction X intersects (here, is orthogonal to) the main scanning direction Y in a plan view. In the present embodiment, the sub-scanning direction X is the front-rear direction. The sub-scanning direction X is an example of the arrangement direction. The reference sign Z in the drawings is the height direction, that is, the up-down direction. However, these directions are merely directions defined for convenience of explanation, and do not limit the installation mode of the printer 10 in any way, nor do they limit the present invention in any way.

[0014] The printer 10 is an inkjet printer. The printer 10 performs printing on the medium 5 shown in FIG. 1. The medium 5 is, for example, a roll-shaped recording paper, that is, so-called roll paper. However, the medium 5 is not limited to roll-shaped recording paper. For example, the medium 5 may be a resin sheet or film such as polyvinyl chloride or polyester, a plate material, a fabric such as a woven fabric or non-woven fabric, or other media in addition to papers such as plain paper and inkjet printing paper.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 1, the printer 10 includes a printer main body 11, a platen 13, a sub-scanning movement mechanism 20, a guide rail 15, a carriage 17, a main-scanning movement mechanism 30, an ink head 40 (see FIG. 2), and a cleaning device 60.

[0016] The printer main body 11 has a casing extending in the main scanning direction Y. The printer main body 11 is supported by legs 12. The legs 12 are provided on the lower surface of the printer main body 11 and extend downward from the lower surface of the printer main body 11.

[0017] In this embodiment, an operation panel 14 is provided on the front surface of the right end portion of the printer main body 11. The operation panel 14 is provided with a display screen 14a for displaying the state of the printer 10 and the like, input keys 14b operated and input by the user, and the like.

[0018] The platen 13 supports the medium 5. Here, the medium 5 is placed on the upper surface of the platen 13. Printing is performed on the medium 5 on the platen 13. The upper surface of the platen 13 extends in the main scanning direction Y and the sub-scanning direction X.

[0019] The medium 5 supported by the platen 13 is movable in the sub-scanning direction X by a sub-scanning movement mechanism 20. The sub-scanning movement mechanism 20 is configured to move the medium 5 on the platen 13 in the sub-scanning direction X. Note that the configuration of the sub-scanning movement mechanism 20 is not particularly limited. In this embodiment, the sub-scanning movement mechanism 20 includes a pinch roller 21, a grit roller 22, and a feed motor 23. The pinch roller 21 is provided above the platen 13 and below the guide rail 15, and presses the medium 5 from above. The pinch roller 21 is arranged behind the carriage 17 in a plan view. The grit roller 22 is provided on the platen 13. Here, the grit roller 22 is embedded in the platen 13 with its upper surface portion exposed. The grit roller 22 has, for example, a columnar outer peripheral shape. The grit roller 22 faces the pinch roller 21 and is arranged below the pinch roller 21. The medium 5 is sandwiched between the grit roller 22 and the pinch roller 21. The feed motor 23 is connected to the grit roller 22.

[0020] Here, when the feed motor 23 is driven with the medium 5 sandwiched between the pinch roller 21 and the grit roller 22, the grit roller 22 rotates. As a result, the medium 5 on the platen 13 is conveyed in the sub-scanning direction X.

[0021] The guide rail 15 is disposed above the platen 13. The guide rail 15 is arranged to be parallel to the platen 13 and extends in the main scanning direction Y. A carriage 17 is engaged with the guide rail 15. The carriage 17 is slidably provided on the guide rail 15 and is configured to be movable in the main scanning direction Y along the guide rail 15.

[0022] The main scanning movement mechanism 30 is a mechanism that relatively moves the carriage 17 and the ink head 40 (see FIG. 2) in the main scanning direction Y with respect to the medium 5 supported by the platen 13. Here, the main scanning movement mechanism 30 moves the carriage 17 and the ink head 40 in the main scanning direction Y. Note that the configuration of the main scanning movement mechanism 30 is not particularly limited.

[0023] In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the main scanning movement mechanism 30 includes left and right pulleys 31a, 31b, a belt 32, and a scan motor 33. The left pulley 31a is provided around the left end portion of the guide rail 15. The right pulley 31b is provided around the right end portion of the guide rail 15. The belt 32 is an endless belt and is wound around the left and right pulleys 31a, 31b. The carriage 17 is attached and fixed to the belt 32. The scan motor 33 is connected to the right pulley 31b.

[0024] Here, when the scan motor 33 is driven, the right pulley 31b rotates, and the belt 32 travels between the left and right pulleys 31a, 31b. As a result, the carriage 17 and the ink head 40 move in the main scanning direction Y along the guide rail 15.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 2, the ink head 40 is provided on the carriage 17. The ink head 40 is supported by the carriage 17 such that the bottom surface thereof is exposed downward. In the present embodiment, there is one ink head 40, but the number of ink heads 40 is not particularly limited. The ink head 40 discharges ink toward the medium 5 supported by the platen 13.

[0026] In this embodiment, the ink head 40 has a nozzle surface 41. The nozzle surface 41 constitutes the bottom surface of the ink head 40. The nozzle surface 41 is a flat surface that extends in the main scanning direction Y and the sub-scanning direction X. Here, the nozzle surface 41 is subjected to a water-repellent treatment. Here, the water-repellent treatment refers to a process of coating the nozzle surface 41 with a fluorine-based resin or a silicon-based resin.

[0027] A plurality of nozzles 45 are formed on the nozzle surface 41. The nozzles 45 eject ink. In FIG. 2, the nozzles 45 are shown enlarged for easy understanding. In reality, the diameter of the nozzles 45 is even smaller with respect to the nozzle surface 41. In this embodiment, some of the plurality of nozzles 45 are arranged in the sub-scanning direction X. A row of the plurality of nozzles 45 arranged in the sub-scanning direction X is referred to as a nozzle row 46. Here, the number of nozzle rows 46 is eight, and the eight nozzle rows 46 are arranged side by side in the main scanning direction Y. However, the number of nozzle rows 46 is not particularly limited.

[0028] Here, each nozzle 45 ejects ink of any one of a plurality of colors. Therefore, depending on the color of the ejected ink, the nozzle 45 is divided into any one of a first nozzle 45A, a second nozzle 45B, a third nozzle 45C, and a fourth nozzle 45D. Here, the nozzle 45 has a first nozzle 45A, a second nozzle 45B, a third nozzle 45C, and a fourth nozzle 45D.

[0029] The first nozzle 45A ejects ink of the first color. The second nozzle 45B ejects ink of the second color, and the third nozzle 45C ejects ink of the third color. The second color is different from the first color. The third color is different from the first color and the second color. Also, the fourth nozzle 45D ejects ink of the fourth color. The fourth color is different from the first color, the second color, and the third color. Here, the specific types of the first to fourth colors are not particularly limited. The ink of the first color to the ink of the fourth color is, for example, ink of any color among process color inks and special color inks. Process color inks include cyan ink, magenta ink, yellow ink, black ink, and the like. Special color inks include inks of colors other than process color inks, such as white ink, clear ink, and the like. In the present embodiment, for example, the ink of the first color, the ink of the second color, the ink of the third color, and the ink of the fourth color are cyan ink, magenta ink, yellow ink, and black ink, respectively.

[0030] A plurality of the first nozzles 45A are arranged side by side in the sub-scanning direction X. The row of the first nozzles 45A arranged in the sub-scanning direction X is referred to as the first nozzle row 46A. Similarly, a plurality of the second nozzles 45B are arranged side by side in the sub-scanning direction X, and the row of the second nozzles 45B arranged in the sub-scanning direction X is referred to as the second nozzle row 46B. A plurality of the third nozzles 45C are arranged side by side in the sub-scanning direction X, and the row of the third nozzles 45C arranged in the sub-scanning direction X is referred to as the third nozzle row 46C. Also, a plurality of the fourth nozzles 45D are arranged side by side in the sub-scanning direction X, and the row of the fourth nozzles 45D arranged in the sub-scanning direction X is referred to as the fourth nozzle row 46D.

[0031] In the present embodiment, the number of the first nozzle row 46A to the fourth nozzle row 46D is two each, but it is not particularly limited. Here, between two nozzle rows 46 that eject ink of the same color, there is no nozzle row 46 that ejects ink of other colors arranged. For example, between two first nozzle rows 46A, the second nozzle row 46B to the fourth nozzle row 46D are not arranged.

[0032] In this embodiment, the first nozzle row 46A, that is, the collection of the first nozzles 45A, is referred to as the first nozzle group 47A. Similarly, the second nozzle row 46B, that is, the collection of the second nozzles 45B, is referred to as the second nozzle group 47B, and the third nozzle row 46C, that is, the collection of the third nozzles 45C, is referred to as the third nozzle group 47C. Also, the fourth nozzle row 46D, that is, the collection of the fourth nozzles 45D, is referred to as the fourth nozzle group 47D. Here, the first nozzle group 47A to the fourth nozzle group 47D are collectively referred to as the nozzle group 47. The nozzle group 47 includes the first nozzle group 47A to the fourth nozzle group 47D.

[0033] The first nozzle group 47A to the fourth nozzle group 47D are arranged side by side in the main scanning direction Y, and adjacent nozzle groups 47 are spaced apart. Here, the interval between adjacent nozzle groups 47 is larger than the interval between two nozzle rows 46 that eject the same color ink (for example, the interval between adjacent first nozzle rows 46A).

[0034] Next, the cleaning device 60 (see FIG. 1) according to this embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, since the nozzles 45 of the ink head 40 are exposed to the outside, there is a possibility that dust and other debris may enter. Also, if ink remains on the nozzle surface 41 located around the nozzles 45, the ink remaining on the nozzle surface 41 may enter the nozzles 45. These can cause abnormal ink ejection from the nozzles 45. Therefore, the nozzles 45 of the ink head 40 are regularly cleaned by the cleaning device 60 to make it difficult for abnormal ink ejection to occur from the nozzles 45.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 1, the cleaning device 60 is disposed on the main scanning direction Y side of the platen 13. In the present embodiment, the cleaning device 60 is disposed on the right side of the platen 13, but may be disposed on the left side of the platen 13. The cleaning device 60 is below the guide rail 15 and is disposed at a position deviated from the platen 13 and overlapping the guide rail 15 in a plan view. Here, when the carriage 17 and the ink head 40 move in the main scanning direction Y along the guide rail 15 and are disposed directly above the cleaning device 60, the cleaning device 60 cleans the ink head 40.

[0036] FIG. 4 is a plan view of the cleaning device 60. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the cleaning device 60 taken along the V-V cross-section of FIG. 4, showing a state in which the cleaning device 60 is separated from the nozzle surface 41 of the ink head 40. FIG. 6 is a view corresponding to FIG. 5, showing a state in which the cover member 63 of the cleaning device 60 is in contact with the nozzle surface 41. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the cleaning device 60 includes a cleaning main body 61, a cover member 63, a cleaning member 65, a cleaning movement mechanism 67, and a lifting mechanism 69.

[0037] The cleaning main body 61 is box-shaped with a space inside. Here, the cleaning main body 61 is in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped, but the shape of the cleaning main body 61 is not particularly limited. Specifically, the cleaning main body 61 has a bottom wall 61a, a front wall 61b (see FIG. 4), a rear wall 61c, a left wall 61d, and a right wall 61e. The bottom wall 61a constitutes the bottom of the cleaning main body 61 and extends in the main scanning direction Y and the sub-scanning direction X. The front wall 61b in FIG. 4 extends upward from the front end of the bottom wall 61a. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the rear wall 61c extends upward from the rear end of the bottom wall 61a and faces the front wall 61b. The left wall 61d extends upward from the left end of the bottom wall 61a. The front end of the left wall 61d is connected to the left end of the front wall 61b, and the rear end of the left wall 61d is connected to the left end of the rear wall 61c. The right wall 61e extends upward from the right end of the bottom wall 61a. The front end of the right wall 61e is connected to the right end of the front wall 61b, and the rear end of the right wall 61e is connected to the right end of the rear wall 61c.

[0038] In this embodiment, an opening 62 is formed in the cleaning main body 61. The opening 62 is formed in the upper part of the cleaning main body 61 and opens upward. Here, as shown in FIG. 4, the opening 62 is formed by being surrounded by the upper end portions of the front wall 61b, the rear wall 61c, the left wall 61d, and the right wall 61e.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 5, the cover member 63 covers the nozzle surface 41 of the ink head 40 when the cleaning device 60 cleans the nozzles 45 of the ink head 40. The cover member 63 covers the nozzle surface 41 from below.

[0040] FIG. 7 is a plan view showing the cover member 63. FIG. 8 is a bottom view showing a state where the cover member 63 is in contact with the nozzle surface 41. In FIG. 8, for easy understanding, the nozzle row 46 is illustrated by a line. In fact, as shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of nozzles 45 are arranged side by side along the line indicating the nozzle row 46. Here, as shown in FIG. 8, the cover member 63 is configured to cover the nozzle surface 41 in a state where at least the nozzles 45 are exposed to the outside. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the cover member 63 is attached and fixed to the cleaning main body 61. Here, the cover member 63 is disposed at the opening 62 (here, the upper part) of the cleaning main body 61, and the upper surface of the cover member 63 is exposed upward.

[0041] The material and shape of the cover member 63 are not particularly limited. Here, the cover member 63 is made of metal. The cover member 63 is made of, for example, stainless steel. The cover member 63 is a plate-like member having a relatively thin thickness. Further, the cover member 63 has a shape corresponding to the nozzle surface 41, and here it is a rectangular shape.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 6, when the cleaning device 60 cleans the nozzles 45 (see FIG. 2) of the ink head 40, the cover member 63 comes into contact with the nozzle surface 41. The cover member 63 is configured not to move in a direction along the nozzle surface 41 (here, the main scanning direction Y and the sub-scanning direction X) with respect to the nozzle surface 41 in a state of being in contact with the nozzle surface 41.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 8, an exposure hole 70 through which the nozzles 45 are exposed is formed in the cover member 63. The exposure hole 70 is a hole for collectively exposing the plurality of nozzles 45 constituting the nozzle row 46. The exposure hole 70 is a long hole that is long in the sub-scanning direction X, which is the direction in which the plurality of nozzles 45 of the nozzle row 46 are arranged side by side.

[0044] In this embodiment, exposure holes 70 are provided for each color of the ink ejected from nozzle 45. Here, since four colors of ink can be ejected, as shown in FIG. 7, the exposure holes 70 include a first exposure hole 70A, a second exposure hole 70B, a third exposure hole 70C, and a fourth exposure hole 70D, and the four exposure holes 70 are formed in the cover member 63. The first exposure hole 70A to the fourth exposure hole 70D are arranged side by side in the main scanning direction Y. Here, the first exposure hole 70A to the fourth exposure hole 70D have the same position in the sub-scanning direction X at each front end, and the same position in the sub-scanning direction X at each rear end. However, the first exposure hole 70A to the fourth exposure hole 70D may be arranged such that their positions in the sub-scanning direction X are different.

[0045] In this embodiment, the first exposure hole 70A to the fourth exposure hole 70D have the same size. In the first exposure hole 70A to the fourth exposure hole 70D, the length in the main scanning direction Y is the same, and the length in the sub-scanning direction X is the same. However, the first exposure hole 70A to the fourth exposure hole 70D may have different sizes. For example, the length in the main scanning direction Y may be different, or the length in the sub-scanning direction X may be different.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 8, one exposure hole 70 exposes a nozzle row 46 formed by nozzles 45 that eject the same color of ink together. Here, since there are two nozzle rows 46 that eject the same color of ink, one exposure hole 70 exposes the two nozzle rows 46 together.

[0047] Specifically, the first exposure hole 70A is a hole that exposes the first nozzles 45A that discharge ink of the first color (here, cyan ink). Here, the first exposure hole 70A collectively exposes two first nozzle rows 46A that discharge ink of the first color. In other words, the first exposure hole 70A is a hole that collectively exposes the plurality of first nozzles 45A that constitute the first nozzle group 47A downward. The second exposure hole 70B is a hole that exposes the second nozzles 45B that discharge ink of the second color (here, magenta ink). Here, the second exposure hole 70B collectively exposes two second nozzle rows 46B that discharge ink of the second color. In other words, the second exposure hole 70B collectively exposes the plurality of second nozzles 45B that constitute the second nozzle group 47B downward.

[0048] Similarly, the third exposure hole 70C is a hole that exposes the third nozzles 45C that discharge ink of the third color (here, yellow ink), and collectively exposes two third nozzle rows 46C that discharge ink of the third color. In other words, the third exposure hole 70C collectively exposes the plurality of third nozzles 45C that constitute the third nozzle group 47C downward. The fourth exposure hole 70D is a hole that exposes the fourth nozzles 45D that discharge ink of the fourth color (here, black ink), and collectively exposes two third nozzle rows 46D that discharge ink of the fourth color. In other words, the fourth exposure hole 70D collectively exposes the plurality of fourth nozzles 45D that constitute the fourth nozzle group 47D downward.

[0049] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the relationship between the diameter D2 of the nozzle 45 and the distance D1 from the nozzle 45 to the edge of the exposure hole 70 of the cover member 63. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, the exposure hole 70 exposes, together with the nozzle 45, a portion of the nozzle surface 41 around the nozzle 45. The nozzle 45 and the edge of the exposure hole 70 are separated. Here, the distance D1 from the nozzle 45 to the edge of the exposure hole 70 is 5 times or more and 20 times or less the diameter D2 of the nozzle 45. Here, the distance D1 refers to the minimum distance from the edge of the plurality of nozzles 45 exposed by the exposure hole 70 to the edge of the exposure hole 70.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 6, the cleaning member 65 is a member that contacts the nozzle 45 and wipes the nozzle 45. Here, the cleaning member 65 is disposed within the cleaning main body 61 and is disposed below the nozzle surface 41. When the nozzle 45 is cleaned by the cleaning device 60, a cover member 63 is disposed between the nozzle surface 41 and the cleaning member 65. At this time, the cleaning member 65 contacts the lower surface of the cover member 63, and the portion of the cleaning member 65 located in the exposure hole 70 protrudes into the exposure hole 70 (see FIG. 8) and is configured to contact the nozzle 45 (see FIG. 8). Therefore, the cleaning member 65 can contact the nozzle 45 through the exposure hole 70 and wipe the nozzle 45. Note that when the cleaning member 65 contacts the nozzle 45, it is located around the nozzle 45 and also contacts the portion of the nozzle surface 41 that discharges from the exposure hole 70. Therefore, the cleaning member 65 can wipe the portion of the nozzle surface 41 that is exposed from the exposure hole 70.

[0051] Note that the type of the cleaning member 65 is not particularly limited. Here, as shown in FIG. 5, the cleaning member 65 is constituted by a strip-shaped nonwoven fabric. The length of the cleaning member 65 in the main scanning direction Y is equal to or greater than the distance in the main scanning direction Y from the nozzle row 46 located on the leftmost side among the plurality of nozzle rows 46 to the nozzle row 46 located on the rightmost side. Therefore, when the cleaning member 65 moves in the sub-scanning direction X with respect to the nozzle surface 41, the plurality of nozzles 45 formed on the nozzle surface 41 can be wiped collectively.

[0052] FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of region A in FIG. 5. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, the thickness T1 (the length in the vertical direction) of the plate-shaped cover member 63 is thinner than the thickness T2 of the cleaning member 65. Therefore, the cleaning member 65 can be made to easily contact the nozzle 45 on the nozzle surface 41 through the exposure hole 70.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 6, the cleaning movement mechanism 67 moves the cleaning member 65 relative to the cover member 63 with the cleaning member 65 in contact with the nozzle 45 (see FIG. 8). As a result, the cleaning member 65 moves relative to the nozzle surface 41, and thus, the nozzle 45 and the portion of the nozzle surface 41 exposed from the exposure holes 70 can be wiped.

[0054] In the present embodiment, the cleaning movement mechanism 67 is a mechanism that moves the cleaning member 65 in the sub-scanning direction X (here, for example, the direction of arrow A22 in FIG. 6) with respect to the cover member 63, or in other words, with respect to the nozzle surface 41. The configuration of the cleaning movement mechanism 67 is not particularly limited. In the present embodiment, the cleaning movement mechanism 67 includes a first rotation shaft 81, a second rotation shaft 82, and a drive motor 83.

[0055] The first rotation shaft 81 and the second rotation shaft 82 are disposed inside the cleaning main body 61 and are rotatably supported by the cleaning main body 61. The first rotation shaft 81 and the second rotation shaft 82 are disposed below the cover member 63. As shown in FIG. 4, the first rotation shaft 81 and the second rotation shaft 82 extend in the main scanning direction Y. Here, one end (here, the left end) of each of the first rotation shaft 81 and the second rotation shaft 82 is connected to the left wall 61d of the cleaning main body 61 and is rotatably supported by the left wall 61d. The other end (here, the right end) of each of the first rotation shaft 81 and the second rotation shaft 82 is connected to the right wall 61e of the cleaning main body 61 and is rotatably supported by the right wall 61e.

[0056] The first rotating shaft 81 and the second rotating shaft 82 are arranged side by side in the sub-scanning direction X and are spaced apart from each other. Here, the first rotating shaft 81 is arranged in front of the second rotating shaft 82, but it may be arranged behind the second rotating shaft 82. The distance between the first rotating shaft 81 and the second rotating shaft 82 in the sub-scanning direction X is longer than the length of one nozzle row 46 (see FIG. 8). In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the belt-shaped cleaning member 65 is wound around the first rotating shaft 81 and the second rotating shaft 82. In other words, the cleaning member 65 is bridged between the first rotating shaft 81 and the second rotating shaft 82.

[0057] The drive motor 83 is a drive source connected to the first rotating shaft 81 and rotating the first rotating shaft 81. Here, the first rotating shaft 81 is the drive side, and the second rotating shaft 82 is the driven side. In the present embodiment, when the drive motor 83 drives, the first rotating shaft 81 rotates, for example, in the direction of arrow A21. When the first rotating shaft 81 rotates, the cleaning member 65 bridged between the first rotating shaft 81 and the second rotating shaft 82 moves between the first rotating shaft 81 and the second rotating shaft 82 in the sub-scanning direction Y (for example, the direction of arrow A22). When the cleaning member 65 moves, the driven second rotating shaft 82 also rotates, for example, in the direction of arrow A23.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 5, the elevating mechanism 69 is a mechanism for elevating the cover member 63 and the cleaning member 65 as indicated by arrow A1. The elevating mechanism 69 is a mechanism for bringing the cover member 63 and the cleaning member 65 closer to or farther from the nozzle surface 41. In the present embodiment, the elevating mechanism 69 is configured to simultaneously elevate and lower the cover member 63, the cleaning member 65, the first rotating shaft 81, and the second rotating shaft 82 by elevating and lowering the cleaning main body 61.

[0059] The configuration of the lifting mechanism 69 is not particularly limited. Although illustration is omitted, the lifting mechanism 69 has, for example, a rail extending in the vertical direction, a lifting carriage slidably engaged with the rail and to which the cleaning main body 61 is fixed, and a lifting motor connected to the lifting carriage. Here, when the lifting motor is driven, the lifting carriage and the cleaning main body 61 move up and down. As the cleaning main body 61 moves up and down, the cover member 63 and the cleaning member 65 move up and down.

[0060] In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the printer 10 includes a control device 90. The control device 90 is a device that performs control related to printing and control related to cleaning of the nozzles 45, etc. The configuration of the control device 90 is not particularly limited. The control device 90 is, for example, a microcomputer. The hardware configuration of the microcomputer is not particularly limited. The control device 90 includes, for example, an I / F, a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM. The control device 90 is provided inside the printer main body 11. However, the control device 90 may be realized by a computer or the like installed outside the printer main body 11. In this case, the control device 90 may be communicably connected to a control board (not shown) of the printer 10 via wire or wireless.

[0061] The control device 90 is communicably connected to the operation panel 14, the sub-scanning movement mechanism 20 (specifically, the feed motor 23), the main-scanning movement mechanism 30 (specifically, the scan motor 33), the ink head 40, and the cleaning device 60 (specifically, the drive motor 83 of the cleaning movement mechanism 67 and the lifting mechanism 69). The control device 90 controls the operation panel 14, the sub-scanning movement mechanism 20, the main-scanning movement mechanism 30, the ink head 40, and the cleaning device 60.

[0062] The configuration of the printer 10 according to the present embodiment has been described above. Next, the procedure for cleaning the nozzles 45 of the ink head 40 by the cleaning device 60 will be described. Here, the nozzles 45 are cleaned at a predetermined timing such as before the start of printing, after the end of printing, or after a predetermined period of time has elapsed during the printing standby.

[0063] When cleaning the nozzles 45, first, the control device 90 controls the main scanning movement mechanism 30 to move the carriage 17 and the ink head 40 along the guide rail 15 in the main scanning direction Y so that the nozzle surface 41 of the ink head 40 is positioned directly above the cleaning device 60. By doing this, in a plan view, the cover member 63 of the cleaning device 60 and the nozzle surface 41 are arranged at positions overlapping each other.

[0064] Thereafter, the control device 90 controls the lifting mechanism 69 shown in FIG. 5 to raise the cover member 63, the cleaning member 65, and the like. Then, as shown in FIG. 6, when the cover member 63 comes into contact with the nozzle surface 41, the lifting mechanism 69 is stopped. As shown in FIG. 8, when the cover member 63 comes into contact with the nozzle surface 41, the nozzles 45 formed on the nozzle surface 41 are exposed through the exposure holes 70 of the cover member 63. Specifically, the first nozzle 45A is exposed from the first exposure hole 70A, and the second nozzle 45B is exposed from the second exposure hole 70B. Also, the third nozzle 45C is exposed from the third exposure hole 70C, and the fourth nozzle 45D is exposed from the fourth exposure hole 70D. Further, as shown in FIG. 6, when the cover member 63 comes into contact with the nozzle surface 41, the cleaning member 65 located between the first rotation shaft 81 and the second rotation shaft 82 comes into contact with the nozzles 45 through the exposure holes 70. At this time, the cleaning member 65 is in contact with the lower surface of the cover member 63.

[0065] Thereafter, the control device 90 drives the drive motor 83 of the cleaning movement mechanism 67. By doing so, the cleaning member 65 moves in the sub-scanning direction X (for example, the direction of arrow A22) while contacting the nozzle 45 and the portion of the nozzle surface 41 exposed from the exposure hole 70. Therefore, the cleaning member 65 wipes the nozzle 45, and cleaning of the nozzle 45 is performed. Here, the cleaning member 65 can wipe and clean a plurality of nozzles 45 constituting all the nozzle rows 46 at once. When cleaning the nozzle 45, the cleaning member 65 moves while being in contact with the lower surface of the cover member 63.

[0066] As described above, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the printer 10 includes an ink head 40 having a nozzle surface 41 formed with nozzles 45 for discharging ink and subjected to water-repellent treatment, and a cleaning device 60 (see FIG. 1) for cleaning the nozzles 45. As shown in FIG. 5, the cleaning device 60 includes a cover member 63, a cleaning member 65, and a cleaning movement mechanism 67. As shown in FIG. 8, the cover member 63 covers the nozzle surface 41. The cover member 63 is formed with an exposure hole 70 through which the nozzle 45 is exposed. The cleaning member 65 contacts the nozzle 45 through the exposure hole 70. As shown in FIG. 6, the cleaning movement mechanism 67 relatively moves the cleaning member 65 with respect to the cover member 63 while the cleaning member 65 is in contact with the nozzle 45. By doing so, when cleaning the nozzle 45, the cover member 63 covers the nozzle surface 41 so that the nozzle 45 is exposed from the exposure hole 70. Thereafter, the cleaning member 65 can be cleaned by relatively moving the cleaning member 65 with respect to the cover member 63 while being in contact with the nozzle surface 41 through the exposure hole 70. At this time, the portion of the nozzle surface 41 covered by the cover member 63 is difficult for the cleaning member 65 to contact. Therefore, it is possible to make it difficult for the cleaning member 65 to rub against the nozzle surface 41 covered by the cover member 63. Therefore, deterioration of the water-repellent treatment applied to the nozzle surface 41 can be suppressed.

[0067] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the cover member 63 is in contact with the nozzle surface 41. By this, it is possible to make it difficult for the cleaning member 65 to come into contact with and be rubbed against the nozzle surface 41 that is in contact with the cover member 63. Therefore, it is possible to further suppress the deterioration of the water repellent treatment applied to the nozzle surface 41.

[0068] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the cleaning movement mechanism 67 includes a first rotating shaft 81 disposed on one end side (here, the front end side) of the nozzle surface 41, a second rotating shaft 82 disposed on the other end side (here, the rear end side) of the nozzle surface 41, and a drive motor 83 that rotates the first rotating shaft 81. The cleaning member 65 is a belt-shaped member wound around the first rotating shaft 81 and the second rotating shaft 82. By this, between the first rotating shaft 81 and the second rotating shaft 82, the cleaning member 65 is brought into contact with the nozzle 45 through the exposure hole 70. In such a state, by driving the drive motor 83, the cleaning member 65 can be moved in the direction in which the first rotating shaft 81 and the second rotating shaft 82 are aligned (here, the sub-scanning direction X) with respect to the nozzle surface 41. As a result, the nozzle 45 can be cleaned by the cleaning member 65.

[0069] In this embodiment, the cover member 63 is a plate-shaped member made of metal. By this, even when ink touches the cover member 63, it is possible to make it difficult for the cover member 63 to deteriorate. Also, by making the cover member 63 plate-shaped, the thickness of the cover member 63 can be suppressed. Therefore, it is possible to make it easier for the cleaning member 65 to touch the nozzle 45 through the exposure hole 70.

[0070] In this embodiment, the cleaning member 65 is a non-woven fabric. By this, since the non-woven fabric is a soft material, it is possible to make it easier for the cleaning member 65 to enter the exposure hole 70. Therefore, it is possible to make it easier for the cleaning member 65 to come into contact with the nozzle 45.

[0071] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, the thickness T1 of the cover member 63 is thinner than the thickness T2 of the cleaning member 65. By this, the thickness of the cover member 63 can be made relatively thin. Thus, through the exposure hole 70, it is possible to easily bring the cleaning member 65 into contact with the nozzle 45.

[0072] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, the distance D1 from the nozzle 45 to the edge of the exposure hole 70 is 5 times or more the diameter D2 of the nozzle 45. By this, the portion of the nozzle surface 41 located around the nozzle 45 can be exposed from the exposure hole 70. Thus, the portion of the nozzle surface 41 exposed from the exposure hole 70 can be wiped with the cleaning member 65. Therefore, it is possible to remove the ink remaining on the portion of the nozzle surface 41 exposed from the exposure hole 70.

[0073] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the nozzle 45 has a first nozzle 45A that discharges ink of a first color, a second nozzle 45B that discharges ink of a second color different from the first color, a third nozzle 45C that discharges ink of a third color different from the first and second colors, and a fourth nozzle 45D that discharges ink of a fourth color different from the first to third colors. As shown in FIG. 8, the exposure hole 70 has a first exposure hole 70A that exposes the first nozzle 45A, a second exposure hole 70B that exposes the second nozzle 45B, a third exposure hole 70C that exposes the third nozzle 45C, and a fourth exposure hole 70D that exposes the fourth nozzle 45D. By this, in one exposure hole 70, the color of the ink discharged from the nozzle 45 becomes one color. Thus, when the nozzle 45 is cleaned with the cleaning member 65, it is possible to make it difficult for ink of a color different from the color of the ink discharged from the nozzle 45 to enter the nozzle 45. Therefore, it is possible to make it difficult for the ink to be mixed in color inside the nozzle 45.

[0074] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of first nozzles 45A are formed so as to be arranged along the sub-scanning direction X which is an example of a predetermined arrangement direction. A plurality of second nozzles 45B are formed so as to be arranged along the sub-scanning direction X. Similarly, a plurality of third nozzles 45C and a plurality of fourth nozzles 45D are each formed so as to be arranged along the sub-scanning direction X. As shown in FIG. 6, the cleaning movement mechanism 67 moves the cleaning member 65 relative to the cover member 63 in the sub-scanning direction X. As a result, the cleaning member 65 can clean the nozzles 45 while moving along the sub-scanning direction X along which the plurality of first nozzles 45A to the plurality of fourth nozzles 45D are arranged. At this time, for example, the portion of the cleaning member 65 that has contacted the first nozzle 45A that discharges the first color can be prevented from contacting the second nozzle 45B to the fourth nozzle 45D. Therefore, it is possible to make it difficult for the ink to be mixed in the nozzles 45.

Explanation of Signs

[0075] 10 Printer (Inkjet Printer) 40 Ink Head 41 Nozzle Surface 45 Nozzle 45A First Nozzle 45B Second Nozzle 60 Cleaning Device 63 Cover Member 65 Cleaning Member 67 Cleaning Movement Mechanism 70 Exposure Hole 70A First Exposure Hole 70B Second Exposure Hole 81 First Rotation Axis 82 Second Rotation Axis 83 Drive Motor

Claims

1. An ink head having a nozzle surface formed with nozzles for discharging ink and subjected to a water repellent treatment, A cleaning device for cleaning the nozzles, Comprising, The cleaning device, A cover member formed with an exposure hole through which the nozzles are exposed and covering the nozzle surface, A cleaning member that contacts the nozzles through the exposure holes, A cleaning movement mechanism that relatively moves the cleaning member with respect to the cover member while the cleaning member is in contact with the nozzles, An inkjet printer provided with.

2. The inkjet printer according to claim 1, wherein the cover member is in contact with the nozzle surface.

3. The inkjet printer according to claim 1, wherein the cover member is a plate-like member made of metal.

4. The cleaning movement mechanism, A first rotating shaft disposed on one end side of the nozzle surface, A second rotating shaft disposed on the other end side of the nozzle surface, A drive motor for rotating the first rotating shaft, Comprising, The inkjet printer according to claim 1, wherein the cleaning member is a belt-like member wound around the first rotating shaft and the second rotating shaft.

5. The inkjet printer according to claim 4, wherein the cleaning member is a non-woven fabric.

6. The inkjet printer according to claim 4, wherein the thickness of the cover member is thinner than the thickness of the cleaning member.

7. The inkjet printer according to claim 1, wherein the distance from the nozzle to the edge of the exposure hole is 5 times or more the diameter of the nozzle.

8. The nozzles, A first nozzle for discharging ink of a first color, A second nozzle for discharging ink of a second color different from the first color, Having, The exposure holes, A first exposure hole for exposing the first nozzle, A second exposure hole for exposing the second nozzle, The inkjet printer according to any one of claims 1 to 7 having.

9. A plurality of the first nozzles are formed so as to be arranged along a predetermined arrangement direction, A plurality of the second nozzles are formed so as to be arranged along the arrangement direction, The inkjet printer according to claim 8, wherein the cleaning movement mechanism relatively moves the cleaning member with respect to the cover member in the arrangement direction.

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