Ink jet recording device

Abstract

To provide a cleaning device which can avoid flow-out of cleaning liquid.SOLUTION: A head cleaning device cleans a print head of an ink jet recording device, the ink jet recording device including: a body having an ink container which is connected to the print head and in which ink for performing printing on a printing object is stored and a solvent container which is connected to the print head and in which solvent for diluting ink is stored; and the print head having a nozzle which is connected to the ink container and discharges pressurized and supplied ink, a charging electrode for charging ink particles to be used for printing, a deflection electrode for deflecting the ink particles charged by the charging electrode, and a gutter for recovering ink particles which are not used for printing. The head cleaning device includes: a head mounting section in which the print head is mounted; a container for storing solvent; and a pump for supplying the solvent in the container to the head mounting section. In a state that the print head is mounted in the head mounting section, solvent is injected in the head mounting section and the print head is cleaned.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a cleaning device for a print head in an inkjet recording apparatus, and more particularly to a cleaning device suitable for preventing the outflow of cleaning liquid from the print head. To do.

Background Art

[0002] As a technique related to the cleaning of an inkjet recording apparatus, there is Patent Document 1. In Patent Document 1, it is disclosed that cleaning is performed by ejecting a cleaning liquid from a cleaning nozzle inside the head toward the nozzle discharge port and sucking the cleaning liquid from a suction path, and a drying process is performed to remove the cause of nozzle clogging.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the method of Patent Document 1, when the cleaning liquid is ejected from the cleaning nozzle toward the nozzle discharge port, not all of the cleaning liquid can be sucked from the suction path, and there is a possibility that the cleaning liquid may flow out to the outside of the head.

[0005] Inkjet recording apparatuses are often used in production lines where hygiene management of foods, drinking water, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, etc. is important. Therefore, it is required that cleaning liquid and ink do not flow out to the inside, peripheral equipment, floor, etc. of the inkjet recording apparatus.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a cleaning device capable of avoiding the outflow of the cleaning liquid.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] A preferred example of the present invention is a head cleaning device for cleaning a print head of an inkjet recording apparatus. The inkjet recording apparatus includes a main body having an ink container connected to the print head and containing ink for printing on a printing object, and a solvent container connected to the print head and containing a solvent for diluting the ink. The inkjet recording apparatus further includes a nozzle through which pressurized and supplied ink from the ink container is ejected, a charging electrode for charging ink particles used for printing, a deflection electrode for deflecting the ink particles charged by the charging electrode, and a gutter for collecting ink particles not used for printing. The head cleaning device includes a head mounting portion on which the print head is mounted, a container for containing a solvent, and a pump for supplying the solvent in the container to the head mounting portion. The head cleaning device is configured to spray the solvent inside the head mounting portion and clean the print head while the print head is mounted on the head mounting portion.

Effects of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to avoid the outflow of the cleaning liquid.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

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Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Figure 14

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Figure 16

Figure 17

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, examples will be described with reference to the drawings.

Examples

[0011] <Configuration of the Appearance of the Inkjet Recording Device> FIG. 3 shows an external perspective view of an inkjet recording device 400 according to Example 1. In FIG. 3, 401 is the inkjet recording device main body, 402 is the printing head, and 403 is the operation display unit, and 404 is a conduit. The inkjet recording device 400 includes an operation display unit 403 in the inkjet recording device main body 401, includes a printing head 402 externally, and the inkjet recording device main body 401 and the printing head 402 are connected by a conduit 404.

[0012] <Usage Forms of Inkjet Recording Apparatus> Next, the usage state of the inkjet recording apparatus will be described with reference to FIG. 4. In FIG. 4, 401 is the inkjet recording apparatus main body, 402 is the printing head, 40 4 is the conduit, 13 is the printing object on which numbers and characters are printed, 15 is the belt conveyor for conveying the printing object 13, 16 is the rotary encoder for measuring the conveying distance of the belt conveyor 15, 17 is the printing sensor, 18 is the stand for fixing the printing head in an arbitrary posture, 1 9 is the fixing jig for fixing the printing head to the stand 18.

[0013] The inkjet recording apparatus 400 is installed, for example, on the production line in a factory where foods and beverages are produced. The inkjet recording apparatus main body 401 is installed at a position where the user can operate it. The printing head 402 is installed at a position where it can approach the printing object 13 fed on the production line such as the belt conveyor 15. At this time, the fixing jig 19 may be attached to the printing head 402 and fixed to the stand 18. On the production line such as the belt conveyor 15, in order to print with the same width regardless of the feeding speed, an encoder 16 that outputs a signal corresponding to the feeding speed to the inkjet recording apparatus 400, and a printing sensor 17 that detects the printing object 13 and outputs a signal for instructing printing to the inkjet recording apparatus 400 are installed.

[0014]

[0014] Each is connected to a control unit (not shown) inside the inkjet recording apparatus main body 401. According to the signals from the encoder 16 and the printing sensor 17, the control unit controls the charging amount and charging timing of the ink column 7B ejected from the nozzle 8 as shown in FIG. 5, and the printing object ​While the object 13 passes near the print head 402, the charged and deflected ink particles 7C are printed by adhering them to the object 13.

[0015] <Operation principle of the device> Next, the operation principle of the inkjet recording device will be described with reference to FIG. 5. In FIG. 5, 20 is the main ink container, 7A is the ink, 24 is a pump (for supply) that pressurizes and sends out the ink, 9 is an electrostrictive element that vibrates at a predetermined frequency when a voltage is applied, 8 is a nozzle that discharges the ink, and 7B is an ink column. 10 is a charging electrode that charges the ink particles, and 7C are ink particles. 11 is a ground deflection electrode, 12 is a plus deflection electrode, 13 is the object to be printed, and 14 is a gutter that collects the ink particles that are not printed.

[0016] The ink 7A in the main ink container 20 is sucked and pressurized by the pump (for supply) 24 and discharged from the nozzle 8 as an ink column 7B. The nozzle 8 is provided with an electrostrictive element 9 that applies vibration to the ink at a predetermined frequency to atomize the ink column 7B discharged from the nozzle 8. The number of ink particles 7C generated thereby is determined by the frequency of the excitation voltage applied to the electrostrictive element 9 and is the same as that frequency. The ink particles 7C are given charges by applying a voltage of a magnitude corresponding to the print information to the charging electrode 10. The ink particles 7C charged by the charging electrode 10 fly in the electric field between the ground deflection electrode 11 and the plus deflection electrode 12. The deflection electric field is formed between the plus deflection electrode 12 to which a high voltage of 1 to 7 kV is applied and the ground deflection electrode 11 installed, and the charged ink

[0017] particles 7C are deflected and guided to the object 13 to be printed. particles 7C are deflected and guided to the object 13 to be printed. particles 7C are deflected and guided to the object 13 to be printed. The particle 7C is deflected by a force proportional to the amount of charge and flies toward the printing object 13. And then it hits the target.

[0018] At this time, the impact position of the ink droplet 7C changes in the deflection direction depending on the charge amount. The production line moves the printing object 13 in a direction perpendicular to the deflection direction. It is possible to make the particles land in different directions, and characters are printed by multiple landing ink particles 7D. The ink particles 7C that were not used for printing pass between the positive deflection electrodes 12. After flying in a straight line and being captured by the gutter 14, it is sucked in by the pump (for recovery) 25. The ink is then collected in the main ink container 20.

[0019] Next, the path configuration of the inkjet recording device will be described with reference to FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall path configuration of an inkjet recording apparatus 400. FIG.

[0020] First, the ink supply path of the inkjet recording apparatus 400 of this embodiment will be described. The inkjet recording apparatus main body 401 includes a main ink container 2 for holding the circulating ink 7A. 0 is provided, and the liquid in the main ink container 20 is held inside the main ink container 20. A liquid level sensor 46 detects whether the liquid level reaches a reference liquid level, which is an appropriate amount for the liquid to be poured. It is prepared.

[0021] The main ink container 20 has a passage for detecting the viscosity of the ink 7A in the main ink container 20. The viscosity measuring device 43 is connected to the flow path 201 via the line 202. The solenoid valve (for supply) 34 is connected to open and close the path. Connected to the pump (for supply) 24 used to suck and pump the ink 7A via 203 This continues. And the pump (for supply) 24 is connected to a filter (for supply) 28 that removes foreign matter mixed in the ink 7A via the path 204

[0022] The filter (for supply) 28 is connected to a pressure reducing valve 33 that adjusts the ink 7A pumped from the pump (for supply) 24 to an appropriate pressure via the path 205. The pressure reducing valve 33 is provided with a pressure gauge 31 that measures the pressure of the ink 7A supplied to the nozzle via the path 206 The pressure gauge 31 is connected to a switching valve 42 provided in the printing head 40 2 via a path 207 passing through the conduit 404

[0023] The switching valve 42 is connected to a nozzle 8 having a discharge port for discharging the ink 7A via the path 208 The switching valve 42 is an electromagnetic valve and performs opening and closing control on whether to eject ink from the nozzle 8 In the straight - ahead direction of the discharge port of the nozzle 8, a gutter 14 for capturing ink particles 7C that fly straight without being charged or deflected because they are not used for printing is arranged

[0024] Next, in FIG. 6, the ink recovery path will be described. The gutter 14 is connected to a filter (for recovery) 30 that removes foreign matter mixed in the ink arranged in the ink jet recording apparatus main body 401 via a path 212 passing through the conduit 404. The filter ( for recovery) 30 is connected to an electromagnetic valve (for recovery) 35 that opens and closes the path via the path 213

[0025] The electromagnetic valve (for recovery) 35 is connected to the ink particles 7 captured by the gutter 14 via the path 214​​​​​​​ It is connected to a pump (for recovery) 25 that sucks C. The pump (for recovery) 25 is connected to the main ink container 20 via path 2 15 and path 216. Also, the main ink container 2 0 is connected to an exhaust path 217, and the exhaust path 217 is configured to communicate with the outside of the inkjet recording apparatus main body 401.

[0026] Next, in FIG. 6, the ink supply path will be described. The inkjet recording apparatus main body 401 is provided with an auxiliary ink container 22 that holds ink for replenishment. The auxiliary ink container 22 is connected to a solenoid valve 36 that opens and closes the path via path 221. And then the solenoid valve 36 is connected to a confluence path 22 3 that is connected to the ink supply path 203 via path 222.

[0027] Next, in FIG. 6, the ink circulation path will be described. In the nozzle 8 provided in the print head 402, in addition to the path 208 for ink supply, a path 225 passing through the conduit 404 is provided inside the inkjet recording apparatus main body 401 and is connected to a solenoid valve 37 that opens and closes the flow path. The solenoid valve 37 is connected to a pump (for circulation) 26 that sucks ink from the nozzle 8 via path 226. And the pump (for circulation) 26 is connected to a confluence path 228 that is connected to the ink recovery path 215 via path 227. And the pump (for circulation) 26 is configured to be connected to a confluence path 228 that is connected to the ink recovery path 215 via path 227. And the pump (for circulation) 26 is connected to a confluence path 228 that is connected to the ink recovery path 215 via path 227.

[0028] Next, in FIG. 6, the ink pressure release path connected to the ink supply path 207 will be described. A branch path 235 connected to the ink supply path 207 is connected to a pressure release path 236. And the pressure release path 236 is connected to a solenoid valve 39 that opens and closes the flow path. And the pressure release path 236 is connected to a solenoid valve 39 that opens and closes the flow path. and the solenoid valve 39 is connected to the confluence path 238 connected to the ink recovery path 214 via the path 237.

[0029] Next, the solvent supply path of the inkjet recording apparatus 400 in FIG. 6 will be described. The ink jet recording apparatus main body 401 is provided with a solvent container 21 that holds a solvent for supplying the solvent. The solvent container 21 is connected to a pump (for solvent) 27 that is used to suck and pump the solvent via the path 231. The pump (for solvent) 27 is connected to a solenoid valve (for solvent) 38 for opening and closing the path, and the solenoid valve (for solvent) 38 is connected to the main ink container 20 via the path 233.

[0030] Furthermore, the air path of the inkjet recording apparatus 400 in FIG. 6 will be described. The inkjet recording apparatus main body 401 is provided with a path 234 for discharging dry air from inside the print head 402. The path 234 may be provided with an air pump 73 in the path to supply air. Alternatively, it may be connected to an air compressor provided outside to supply air.

[0031] <Configuration of the cleaning device cross-section> FIG. 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a cleaning device 500 for a print head according to Example 1. In FIG. 1, 1 is the cleaning device main body, 2 is the internal attachment, 3 is the seal part (for the attachment jig), 4 is the attachment jig, 5 is the seal part (for the internal attachment), and 402A is the print head base.

[0032] The cleaning device 500 is an inkjet recording apparatus main body 401 that supplies ink to the print head. ​is disposed outside and has an attachment 2 attached inside the cleaning device main body 1 provided with a seal portion (for attachment jig) 3. The printing head base 402A is a part of the printing head 4 02 and fixes the nozzles 8, the charging electrode 10, the ground deflection electrode 11, and the plus deflection electrode 12.

[0033] <Usage form of the cleaning device> Next, the usage state of the cleaning device 500 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. In FIG. 1, 1A is the supply port (main body), 1B is the recovery port (main body), 2A is the supply port (internal attachment), and 2B is the recovery port (internal attachment). The cleaning liquid 6 described below is composed of the same components as the solvent in the inkjet recording device 400 and is expressed synonymously with the solvent in the inkjet recording device.

[0034] The cleaning device 500 can supply the cleaning liquid 6 from the supply port (main body) 1A through the supply port (internal attachment) 2A into the cleaning device. Also, the cleaning device 500 has a shape in which the cleaning liquid 6 inside the cleaning device can flow out to the outside of the cleaning device through the recovery port (internal attachment) 2B and the recovery port (main body) 1B, and a detachable internal attachment 2 is attached. Further, the internal attachment 2 is formed between the cleaning device 500 and the printing head 402 and is shaped to fit the shape of the printing head 402 so that the volume of the space for holding the cleaning liquid 6 becomes small when cleaning inside the printing head.

[0035] The cleaning device 500 into which the printing head 300 equipped with the attachment jig is inserted has the seal portion (for attachment jig) 3 and the attachment jig 4 in close contact, and the recovery port (internal attachment) 2B and ​​​​​​​​​​​​The outflow of the cleaning liquid 6 from other than the recovery port (main body) 1B is avoided, and the atmosphere inside the cleaning device is prevented from mixing with the outside air.

[0036] When the cleaning liquid 6 is supplied to the supply port (main body) 1A, the cleaning liquid 6 is supplied into the cleaning device 500 through the supply port (internal attachment) 2A. Or, the solvent in the inkjet recording device 4 is supplied from inside the print head 402 into the cleaning device 500. 00 is supplied from inside the print head 402 into the cleaning device 500.

[0037] At this time, the cleaning liquid 6 mainly contacts the nozzles 8, the charging electrode 10, the ground deflection electrode 11, the plus deflection electrode 12, and the print head base 402A that are contaminated by the ejection of ink, and the above-mentioned parts can be cleaned. After cleaning, the above-mentioned cleaning liquid 6 is sucked from the gutter 14 and recovered into the inkjet recording device main body 401. Or, the above-mentioned cleaning liquid 6 flows out of the cleaning device through the recovery port (internal attachment) 2B through the recovery port (main body) 1B. flows out to the outside of the cleaning device through the recovery port (main body) 1B.

[0038] <Effect of Example 1> As described above, according to this embodiment, by inserting the print head 300 equipped with the mounting jig 4 into the cleaning device 500 and cleaning the print head 402 with the cleaning liquid 6 inside, the cause of nozzle clogging can be removed.

[0039] Also, since the seal part (for mounting jig) 3 and the mounting jig 4 are in close contact, it is possible to avoid the outflow of the cleaning liquid 6 from the print head to the periphery of the inkjet recording device. Furthermore, the volume of the space part that holds the cleaning liquid 6 during cleaning, which is formed between the cleaning device 500 and the print head 402 by the internal attachment 2, becomes small, and the cleaning during print head cleaning The consumption of the liquid 6 can be minimized. More specifically, the attachment jig 4 can be attached to printing heads 402 with different dimensions and shapes, so there is no need for a dedicated inkjet recording device 400 to achieve this effect.

Embodiment

[0040] Hereinafter, Embodiment 2 will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that descriptions of parts common to the above-described embodiments will be omitted, and mainly differences from the above-described embodiments will be described. In FIG. 7(b), 102 is a modification of the internal attachment 2 shown in FIG. 7(a), and 412 is a modification of the printing head 402. 301 indicates a printing head 412 with different dimensions and / or shapes to which the attachment jig 4 is attached. 501 is the cleaning device main body 1 to which the internal attachment 102 is attached. Here, “and / or” means that it may be different in either dimension or shape, or both.

[0041] FIG. 7(a) is a cross-sectional view of the cleaning device 500. FIG. 7(b) shows the printing head 402 in FIG. 7(a) replaced with a printing head 412 having different dimensions and / or shapes, and the internal attachment 2 in FIG. 7(a) replaced with an internal attachment 102 having different dimensions and / or shapes. It is a cross-sectional view of the cleaning device 501. FIG. 7(c) is a cross-sectional view of the internal attachment 2, and FIG. 7(d) is a cross-sectional view of the internal attachment 102.

[0042] The dimensions and shapes of the printing head 402 may vary depending on the type of the inkjet recording device 400. When the printing heads 402 with different dimensions and / or shapes are used in the cleaning device 500 ​​​​​​​​​​​​When inserted, it is desirable that the cleaning device 500 has an internal attachment 2 attached to the cleaning device main body 1 that fits the dimensions and / or shape of the inserted print head. Preferably, an internal attachment 2 that fits the dimensions and / or shape of the inserted print head is attached to the cleaning device main body 1.

[0043] For example, the print head 412 has a longer distance from the ground deflection electrode 11 and the plus deflection electrode 12 to the gutter 14, and the nozzles 8 and the charging electrode 10 are located higher than the print head 402. At this time, the position of the supply port (internal attachment) 102A is shaped to fit the shape of the print head 412 so that the cleaning liquid 6 can be brought into contact with the nozzles 8, the charging electrode 10, the ground deflection electrode 11, and the plus deflection electrode 12 in FIG. 7(b). Also, the bottom surface portion 102C of the internal attachment 102 in FIG. 7(d) is shaped to fit the shape of the print head 412 so that the volume of the space portion that holds the cleaning liquid 6 during cleaning, which is formed between the internal attachment 102 and the print head 412, becomes smaller. Further, even if the dimensions and / or shape of the internal attachment 2 change, the supply port (internal attachment) 2A and the supply port (main body) 1A of the cleaning device main body 1, and the recovery port (internal attachment) 2B and the recovery port (main body) 1B of the cleaning device main body 1 can be connected. For example, in FIG. 7(b), the supply port (main body) 1A and the supply port (internal attachment) 102A are connected, and the recovery port 102B (internal attachment) and the recovery port (main body) 1B are connected. At this time, the cleaning device main body 1 may be provided with a seal portion (for internal attachment) 5 so that the supply port (internal attachment) 2A can be connected to the supply port (main body) 1A at any position. Preferably, an internal attachment 2 that fits the dimensions and / or shape of the inserted print head is attached to the cleaning device main body 1.

[0044] Also, the bottom surface portion 102C of the internal attachment 102 in FIG. 7(d) is shaped to fit the shape of the print head 412 so that the volume of the space portion that holds the cleaning liquid 6 during cleaning, which is formed between the internal attachment 102 and the print head 412, becomes smaller. <src= Preferably, an internal attachment 2 that fits the dimensions and / or shape of the inserted print head is attached to the cleaning device main body 1. Also, the bottom surface portion 102C of the internal attachment 102 in FIG. 7(d) is shaped to fit the shape of the print head 412 so that the volume of the space portion that holds the cleaning liquid 6 during cleaning, which is formed between the internal attachment 102 and the print head 412, becomes smaller. Further, even if the dimensions and / or shape of the internal attachment 2 change, the supply port (internal attachment) 2A and the supply port (main body) 1A of the cleaning device main body 1, and the recovery port (internal attachment) 2B and the recovery port (main body) 1B of the cleaning device main body 1 can be connected. Preferably, an internal attachment 2 that fits the dimensions and / or shape of the inserted print head is attached to the cleaning device main body 1. For example, in FIG. 7(b), the supply port (main body) 1A and the supply port (internal attachment) 102A are connected, and the recovery port 102B (internal attachment) and the recovery port (main body) 1B are connected. At this time, the cleaning device main body 1 may be provided with a seal portion (for internal attachment) 5 so that the supply port (internal attachment) 2A can be connected to the supply port (main body) 1A at any position. Preferably, an internal attachment 2 that fits the dimensions and / or shape of the inserted print head is attached to the cleaning device main body 1.

[0045] For example, in FIG. 7(b), the supply port (main body) 1A and the supply port (internal attachment) 102A are connected, and the recovery port 102B (internal attachment) and the recovery port (main body) 1B are connected. At this time, the cleaning device main body 1 may be provided with a seal portion (for internal attachment) 5 so that the supply port (internal attachment) 2A can be connected to the supply port (main body) 1A at any position. At this time, the cleaning device main body 1 may be provided with a seal portion (for internal attachment) 5 so that the supply port (internal attachment) 2A can be connected to the supply port (main body) 1A at any position. At this time, the cleaning device main body 1 may be provided with a seal portion (for internal attachment) 5 so that the supply port (internal attachment) 2A can be connected to the supply port (main body) 1A at any position. Preferably, an internal attachment 2 that fits the dimensions and / or shape of the inserted print head is attached to the cleaning device main body 1.

[0046] <Effects of Example 2> According to this embodiment, the internal attachments 2 and 102 are arranged in accordance with the shape of the print head. By attaching it to the main body 1, the volume between the cleaning device 500 and the print heads 402 and 412 can be reduced. This can be adjusted to reduce the amount of cleaning liquid 6 consumed. [Example]

[0047] The third embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. The explanation of the passing-through portion will be omitted, and the explanation will be mainly focused on the portions that differ from the above-mentioned embodiment. An example in which the mounting jig 4 shown in FIG. 1 is used as the fixing jig 19 in FIG. Shown in Figure 8.

[0048] When fixing the print head 402 to the stand 18, the fixing jig 19 is attached to the print head 402. At this time, the mounting jig 4 must be attached to the seal portion (mounting jig) of the cleaning device. If the shape can be attached to the stand 18 as described above and can be fixed to the stand 18, The jig 4 can function as a jig for fixing the print head 402 to the stand 18. Cut. [Example]

[0049] The fourth embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. The explanation of the passing-through portion will be omitted, and the explanation will be mainly focused on the portions that differ from the above-mentioned embodiment. 9 and 10 are route diagrams when the above-described cleaning device 500 is employed.

[0050] First, a cleaning liquid supply path of the cleaning device 500 of this embodiment shown in Figure 9 will be described. 500 is connectable to a main cleaning liquid container 51 that holds the circulating cleaning liquid 6 via a supply path 62. It can be cut off. The supply path 62 may be provided with a solenoid valve (for supply) 55 for opening and closing the path and a pump (for supply) 53. It may be provided with.

[0051] Next, the cleaning liquid recovery path will be described. The cleaning device 500 can be connected via the main cleaning liquid container 5 1 and the recovery path 61. The recovery path 61 may be provided with a pump (for recovery) 52. Next, the exhaust path will be described. The cleaning device 500 can be connected to the exhaust path 63 and can communicate with the outside air of the main body and external exhaust means. The above-described exhaust path 63 may be provided with a solenoid valve (for exhaust) 56 for opening and closing the path. Further, the main cleaning liquid container 51 can be connected to the exhaust path 64 and can communicate with the outside air of the container and external exhaust means.

[0052] Furthermore, the path diagram in FIG. 10 will be described. The auxiliary supply path 65 in FIG. 10 connects the auxiliary cleaning liquid container 54 that holds the cleaning liquid 6 not supplied to the cleaning device 5 00 to the supply path 62, and can supply the above-described cleaning liquid 6 to the cleaning device 500. The auxiliary supply path 65 may be provided with a solenoid valve (for auxiliary supply) 57 for opening and closing the path.

[0053] The usage procedure of the cleaning device when adopting the paths in FIGS. 9 and 10 is shown in the flowchart of FIG. 11. In FIG. 11, first, step S81 is a step of stopping the flow of ink in the path by operating the pump and the solenoid valve having the path configuration shown in FIG. 6 so that ink does not eject from the nozzles 8 provided in the inkjet recording device 400.

[0054] Next, in step S82, the print head 402 is inserted into the cleaning device 500. Then, in the cleaning step S83, the cleaning liquid held in the main cleaning liquid container 51 or the auxiliary cleaning liquid container 54 The liquid 6 is supplied into the inside of the cleaning device 500 via the above-described cleaning liquid supply path 62 and the auxiliary supply path 65 and the cleaning of the print head is performed.

[0055] At this time, if the paths in FIGS. 9 and 10 are adopted, the pump (for supply) 53 is operated, and the electromagnetic valve (for supply) 55 and the electromagnetic valve (for auxiliary supply) 57 are opened to perform the cleaning step S83 . Alternatively, in the cleaning step S83, the solvent in the inkjet recording apparatus 400 may be supplied from inside the print head 402 into the inside of the cleaning device 500, and the cleaning of the print head 402 may be performed. Furthermore, in the recovery step S84, the cleaning liquid 6 held in the cleaning device 500 is recovered into the main cleaning liquid container 51 via the above-described recovery path 61, and the recovery of the cleaning liquid is performed. At this time if the paths in FIGS. 9 and 10 are adopted, the recovery step S84 may be performed by operating the pump (for recovery) 52. Alternatively, in the recovery step S84, the cleaning liquid 6 held in the cleaning device 500 may be sucked from the gutter 14 and recovered into the inkjet recording apparatus 400 . Also, the recovery step S84 may be repeated alternately with the above-described cleaning step S83 or may be processed simultaneously.

[0056] The drying step of step S85 is a step of drying the cleaning liquid 6 remaining on the print head 402 that could not be completely removed in the recovery step S84 and the cleaning liquid 6 in the cleaning device 500 by operating the pump (for recovery) 52 to suck the atmosphere inside the cleaning device 500. At this time, since the inside of the cleaning device 500 is sealed as described above, the electromagnetic valve (for exhaust) 56 provided in the exhaust path 63 is opened or the check valve in the cleaning device 500 is used for cleaning

[0057] In the drying step of step S85, the cleaning liquid 6 remaining on the print head 402 that could not be completely removed in the recovery step S84 and the cleaning liquid 6 in the cleaning device 500 are dried by operating the pump (for recovery) 52 to suck the atmosphere inside the cleaning device 500. At this time, since the inside of the cleaning device 500 is sealed as described above, the electromagnetic valve (for exhaust) 56 provided in the exhaust path 63 is opened or the check valve in the cleaning device 500 is used for cleaning

[0058] At this time, since the inside of the cleaning device 500 is sealed as described above, the electromagnetic valve (for exhaust) 56 provided in the exhaust path 63 is opened or the check valve in the cleaning device 500 is used for cleaning ​​​​​​​ Avoid the interior of the device 500 from becoming a negative pressure. Or, a drying process may be performed by supplying dried air from the path 234 provided inside the printing head 402 of FIG. 1. It is also possible to perform a drying process by supplying dried air from the path 234 provided inside the printing head 402 of FIG. 1.

[0059] Furthermore, if the inkjet recording device 400 is equipped with a function for detecting dirt on the components included in the printing head 402, the control of the aforementioned detection function may be incorporated into the operation controls of the cleaning step S83, the recovery step S84, and the drying step S85. As a function for detecting dirt, for example, there is a structure and control for detecting leaks in the charging electrode 10, the ground deflection electrode 11, and the plus deflection electrode 12. Furthermore, there is an optical sensor for detecting foreign matter adhering to the components inside the head and its control. There is a structure and control for detecting leaks in the charging electrode 10, the ground deflection electrode 11, and the plus deflection electrode 12. Furthermore, there is an optical sensor for detecting foreign matter adhering to the components inside the head and its control. There is a structure and control for detecting leaks in the charging electrode 10, the ground deflection electrode 11, and the plus deflection electrode 12. Furthermore, there is an optical sensor for detecting foreign matter adhering to the components inside the head and its control. There is a sensor for detecting a minute voltage and its control so as to detect that the ink particles 7C with a minute charge are not recovered by the gutter 14 due to clogging or dirt adhesion of the nozzle 8 instead of being deflected by the ground deflection electrode 11 and the plus deflection electrode 12. There is a sensor for detecting a minute voltage and its control so as to detect that the ink particles 7C with a minute charge are not recovered by the gutter 14 due to clogging or dirt adhesion of the nozzle 8 instead of being deflected by the ground deflection electrode 11 and the plus deflection electrode 12. There is a sensor for detecting a minute voltage and its control so as to detect that the ink particles 7C with a minute charge are not recovered by the gutter 14 due to clogging or dirt adhesion of the nozzle 8 instead of being deflected by the ground deflection electrode 11 and the plus deflection electrode 12.

[0060] <Effect of Example 4> According to this example, if the cleaning device 500 is used as shown in the path diagrams of FIGS. 9 and 10, the cleaning liquid 6 used for cleaning the printing head 402 can be circulated and reused once. Therefore, the consumption amount of the cleaning liquid 6 can be reduced. Therefore, the consumption amount of the cleaning liquid 6 can be reduced.

Example

[0061] Hereinafter, Example 5 will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that descriptions of parts common to the above-described examples will be omitted, and mainly differences from the above-described examples will be described. Hereinafter, Example 5 will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that descriptions of parts common to the above-described examples will be omitted, and mainly differences from the above-described examples will be described.

[0062] The path diagram of FIG. 12 shows the circulation path of the main body of FIG. 6 described above and the path configuration 50 of the cleaning device described above. It shows that it can be connected by the supply path 239 and the recovery path 240. If the path diagram of FIG. 12 is adopted, in the cleaning step 83 of FIG. 11, the solvent held in the solvent container 21 is used as the cleaning liquid 6, and the solvent passes through the supply path 239 and is supplied into the cleaning device 500, and the cleaning of the print head is performed. At this time, the pump (for supply) 53 can be operated, and the electromagnetic valve (for auxiliary supply) 57 can be opened to perform the cleaning step 83.

[0063] Also, since the main cleaning liquid container 51 in FIG. 9 is connected to the main ink container 20 via the recovery path 240, the cleaning liquid 6 held in the main cleaning liquid container 51 can be supplied to the main ink container 20.

[0064] At this time, the pump (for recovery) 71 can be operated, and the electromagnetic valve (for recovery) 72 can be opened to supply the cleaning liquid 6 held in the main cleaning liquid container 51 to the main ink container 20. Or the recovery path 240 can be connected to the path in the inkjet recording device 400, and the above-mentioned cleaning liquid 6 can be supplied to the main ink container 20 using the pump and electromagnetic valve provided in the inkjet recording device 400.

[0065] Also, FIG. 15 shows a configuration in which the cleaning device 500 is built into the inkjet recording device, that is, it includes a holder having the structure of the cleaning device 500 and means for cleaning the print head according to the procedure of FIG. 11.

[0066] <Effect of Example 5> According to this example, the concentration of the ink 7A held in the main ink container 20 can be adjusted by using the cleaning liquid 6 held in the main cleaning liquid container 51. Conventionally, the solvent container 21 The solvent held in [the relevant part] was used for adjusting the concentration of the ink 7A, but by adopting this embodiment the consumption amount of the above-mentioned solvent due to concentration adjustment can be reduced.

Example

[0067] Hereinafter, Example 6 will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the description of the parts common to the above-described examples will be omitted, and mainly the parts different from the above-described examples will be described. .

[0068] FIG. 16 shows an example of use of the cleaning container 5 11 with a recovery valve 59 attached near the recovery port of the cleaning device 500 described above. The recovery valve 59 is a valve that can open and close the recovery port (main body) 1B. . When discharging the cleaning liquid 6 inside the cleaning container 511 from the recovery port (main body) 1B, it is arranged so that the port 66A of the external recovery container 6 6 communicates with the recovery port (main body) 1B. At this time, a sealing jig 67 is provided between the external recovery container 6 6 and the recovery port (main body) 1B to prevent the cleaning liquid 6 from flowing out to the periphery. When the recovery valve 59 is opened, the cleaning liquid 6 flows out from the recovery port (main body) 1B by free fall and is recovered into the external recovery container 66.

[0069] FIG. 17(a) shows an external perspective view of the cleaning container 5 12 with a recovery container 151 attached to the cleaning container 511 described above. FIG. 17(b) shows a cross-sectional view of the cleaning container 512. The cleaning container 512 has a structure in which the cleaning container 511 and the recovery container 151 are attached so that the recovery port (main body) 1B communicates with the recovery port (container) 151A of the recovery container 151.

[0070] When the cleaning liquid 6 inside the cleaning container 511 is recovered, the recovery valve 59 is opened, and the cleaning liquid 6 is free It falls through the recovery port (container) 151A from the recovery port (main body) 1B and is recovered into the recovery container 151. is recovered.

[0071] <Effect of Example 6> As described above, according to this embodiment, by attaching the recovery valve 59 near the recovery port of the cleaning device 500, the recovery port can be opened and closed, and the cleaning liquid can be stored in the cleaning container 511. The printing head 402 can be immersed in the cleaning liquid 6 for cleaning. After cleaning the printing head 402, the cleaning liquid 6 can be recovered into the external recovery container 66 or the recovery container 151 without requiring external power. Also, the cleaning container 511, the external recovery container 66, and

[0072] the recovery container 151 have sealing properties, so that the cleaning liquid 6 can be prevented from flowing out around the device during the recovery of the cleaning liquid 6. Furthermore, the cleaning container 512 to which the recovery container 151 is attached can be attached to the outside of the inkjet recording device 400 in a removable state as shown in FIG. 13. Or as shown in FIG. 14, it can be attached to the inside of the inkjet recording device 400 in a removable state.

[0073] Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are included. For example, the above-described embodiments have been described in detail for easy understanding, and are not necessarily limited to those having all the configurations described. Also, a part of the configuration of one embodiment can be replaced with the configuration of another embodiment, and the configuration of another embodiment can be added to the configuration of one embodiment. Also, for a part of the configuration of each embodiment, addition, deletion, or replacement with other configurations is possible.

[0074] In addition, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are included. For example, the above-described embodiments have been described in detail for easy understanding, and are not necessarily limited to those having all the configurations described. Also, a part of the configuration of one embodiment can be replaced with the configuration of another embodiment, and the configuration of another embodiment can be added to the configuration of one embodiment. Also, for a part of the configuration of each embodiment, addition, deletion, or replacement with other configurations is possible. Moreover, for a part of the configuration of each embodiment, addition, deletion, or replacement with other configurations is possible.

Explanation of Symbols

[0075] 1…Cleaning device main body, 2…Internal attachment, 1A…Supply port (main body), 1B…Recovery port (main body), 2A…Supply port (internal attachment), 2B…Recovery port (internal attachment), 1 8…Stand, 19…Fixing jig, 300…Printing head with mounting jig attached, 400…Ink jet recording device, 401…Inkjet recording device main body, 402…Printing head

Claims

1. A head cleaning device for cleaning a print head of an inkjet recording apparatus, wherein the inkjet recording apparatus has a main body connected to the print head and including an ink container for storing ink for printing on a printing object, and a solvent container connected to the print head and storing a solvent for diluting the ink, and the print head includes a nozzle through which pressurized and supplied ink is ejected, a charging electrode for charging ink particles used for printing, a deflection electrode for deflecting the charged ink particles, and a gutter for collecting ink particles not used for printing, wherein the head cleaning device has a head mounting portion on which the print head is mounted, a container for storing a solvent, and a pump for supplying the solvent in the container to the head mounting portion, and is a head cleaning device that sprays the solvent inside the head mounting portion to clean the print head while the print head is mounted on the head mounting portion.

2. A head cleaning device for cleaning a print head of an inkjet recording apparatus, wherein the inkjet recording apparatus has a main body connected to the print head and including an ink container for storing ink for printing on a printing object, and a solvent container connected to the print head and storing a solvent for diluting the ink, and the print head includes a nozzle through which pressurized and supplied ink is ejected, a charging electrode for charging ink particles used for printing, a deflection electrode for deflecting the charged ink particles, and a gutter for collecting ink particles not used for printing, wherein the head cleaning device has a head mounting portion on which the print head is mounted, and is a head cleaning device that supplies the solvent in the solvent container of the inkjet recording apparatus into the print head to clean the print head while the print head is mounted on the head mounting portion.

3. The head cleaning device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a recovery container for recovering the solvent after cleaning is configured to be attached.

4. The head cleaning device according to claim 1, A head cleaning device, comprising a nozzle inside the head mounting portion, and configured to inject the solvent from the nozzle toward the printing head mounted on the head mounting portion. **Claim 5** The head cleaning device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that a function of blowing air onto the printing head is provided inside the head mounting portion. **Claim 6** The head cleaning device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that at least a part of the solvent recovered by the recovery container is injected onto the printing head to clean the printing head. **Claim 7** An inkjet recording apparatus comprising the head cleaning device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

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