Printer

Abstract

To provide a printer that improves printing productivity.SOLUTION: A printer 1 comprises: a print head 10 having a nozzle 13 and a nozzle surface 15 for discharging an ink; a wiping part 20 which is endless and belt-like, and wipes the nozzle surface 15; a first washing tank 51 which is located on a downstream side of an area facing the nozzle surface 15 in a direction of rotational movement of the wiping part 20, causes the wiping part 20 to pass through an accumulated first cleaning liquid 61, and washes the wiping part 20; and a second washing tank 52 which is located on a downstream side of the first washing tank 51 in the direction of rotational movement, causes the wiping part 20 to pass through an accumulated second cleaning fluid 62, and washes the wiping part 20. A replacement frequency of the second cleaning fluid 62 accumulated in the second washing tank 52 is fewer than a replacement frequency of the first cleaning fluid 61 accumulated in the first washing tank 51.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a printing device. [Background technology]

[0002] Printing devices equipped with a print head cleaning mechanism have been known in the past. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a maintenance mechanism that uses roll paper to wipe off ink adhering to the nozzle surface of the nozzle head. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 11-34345 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the maintenance mechanism described in Patent Document 1 had the problem that it was difficult to improve printing productivity. Specifically, when clean roll paper ran out, the roll paper had to be replaced, which could result in printing downtime. In other words, there was a need for a printing device that could improve printing productivity. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The printing device comprises a print head having nozzles that eject ink onto a medium and a nozzle face on which the nozzles are provided; an endless, band-shaped wiping unit that rotates to pass through an area facing the nozzle face and comes into contact with the nozzle face to wipe the nozzle face; a first cleaning tank that is arranged downstream of the area facing the nozzle face in the direction of rotational movement of the wiping unit and cleans the wiping unit by passing a stored first cleaning liquid through the wiping unit; and a second cleaning tank that is arranged downstream of the first cleaning tank in the direction of rotational movement and upstream of the area facing the nozzle face and cleans the wiping unit by passing a stored second cleaning liquid through the wiping unit, wherein the second cleaning liquid stored in the second cleaning tank is replaced less frequently than the first cleaning liquid stored in the first cleaning tank. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a printing apparatus according to a first embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] In the following embodiments, a large-format inkjet printer is used as an example of a printing device that prints on a medium, and will be described with reference to the drawings. The printing device in question is for industrial or commercial use, which requires a relatively high operating rate. However, the printing device of the present invention is not limited to industrial or commercial use.

[0008] In the following diagrams, X, Y, and Z axes are used as mutually orthogonal coordinate axes, with the direction indicated by each arrow being the + direction and the direction opposite the + direction being the - direction. When the printing device is installed on a horizontal surface, the -Z direction is the vertical direction. In the following explanation, the +Z direction is also referred to as the upward direction, and the -Z direction is also referred to as the downward direction.

[0009] 1. First embodiment As shown in Fig. 1, the printing device 1 according to this embodiment includes a control unit 5, a print head 10, and a cleaning mechanism 100 for the print head 10. Although not shown, the printing device 1 also includes a transport unit that transports the printing medium. Note that the description of Fig. 1 will be given from the +Y direction unless otherwise specified.

[0010] The control unit 5 is electrically connected to each component of the printing device 1. The control unit 5 includes hardware such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), and RAM (Random Access Memory). The control unit 5 executes a predetermined control program using the CPU to comprehensively control the operation of each component of the printing device 1. The ROM is a non-volatile storage device that stores the control program executed by the CPU and the data processed by the control program. The RAM forms the work area of the CPU. The CPU loads the control program read from the ROM or the like into the RAM and executes the loaded control program.

[0011] The print head 10 ejects and deposits ink onto a medium (not shown) to perform printing. A known inkjet head is used for the print head 10. Examples of driving means for known inkjet heads include a piezoelectric element, an electromechanical conversion element that displaces a vibration plate by electrostatic adsorption, and an electrothermal conversion element that uses bubbles generated by heating.

[0012] Examples of the medium include paper, cloth, label paper, resin sheet, resin film, etc. The medium may be in the form of a single sheet or continuous sheet.

[0013] Although not shown in the drawings, the print head 10 is mounted on a carriage, and the carriage is driven by a drive motor to move back and forth along the Y axis while being supported by a support member.

[0014] The print head 10 has multiple nozzles 13 and a nozzle surface 15. The nozzle surface 15 is arranged on the surface of the print head 10 facing downward. The nozzle surface 15 is provided with multiple nozzles 13. When the printing device 1 executes printing, the nozzle surface 15 and the multiple nozzles 13 face the medium below in the direction along the Y axis. The nozzle surface 15 may be treated with an ink-repellent coating to prevent ink from adhering to it.

[0015] The multiple nozzles 13 eject ink toward the medium. The multiple nozzles 13 form a row, forming a nozzle row (not shown). The nozzle rows are arranged independently according to the color of ink ejected from the print head 10.

[0016] Examples of ink colors include black, cyan, magenta, yellow, etc. The ink may also include clear ink, coating liquid, pre-treatment liquid, and post-treatment liquid.

[0017] The ink may be of a water-based ink containing water as the main solvent, or a non-water-based ink such as a soft solvent ink that does not contain intentionally added water. The printing device 1 uses water-based ink.

[0018] While the medium is being transported, the carriage is moved back and forth in a direction that intersects with the transport direction of the medium. At the same time, each color ink is ejected from the print head 10 onto the medium below at a predetermined timing. This prints images such as letters, patterns, photographs, and pictures onto the medium.

[0019] Inkjet head cleaning operations generally include a step of using a wiping member to remove ink remaining around the nozzles after cleaning. Wiping members can be made of rubber or felt plates, or cloth or paper. Whether the ink is scraped off with a rubber plate or wiped away by absorbing the ink with cloth or paper, the cleanliness of the wiping member is essential. If the wiping member is contaminated with solidified ink or the like, the cleaning operation may result in the contamination being transferred to the area around the nozzles.

[0020] Conventional technology uses a strip of rolled paper as a wiping member, replacing the part that contacts the nozzle periphery as needed. However, in commercial and industrial inkjet printers, which have relatively high operating rates, the labor and time required to replace the wiping member can have a significant impact. In contrast, the printing device of the present invention is equipped with a cleaning mechanism 100, as exemplified below, which reduces the labor and time required.

[0021] The cleaning mechanism 100 includes a wiping unit 20, rollers 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, and 37, a first supply source 41, a second supply source 42, a first cleaning tank 51, a second cleaning tank 52, a removal unit 70, a detection unit 80, and brush units 91 and 92.

[0022] The wiping unit 20 corresponds to the wiping member described above, and comes into contact with the nozzle surface 15 of the print head 10 to wipe away ink remaining around the nozzles on the nozzle surface 15. The wiping unit 20 is an endless, band-shaped cloth. The width direction of the band of the wiping unit 20 is along the Y axis. The wiping unit 20 is arranged so as to form a ring when viewed from the +Y direction. The cloth of the wiping unit 20 can be, for example, a cotton cloth.

[0023] The dimension along the Y axis of the wiping portion 20 is defined as the width dimension. The width dimension of the wiping portion 20 is equal to or greater than the length of the nozzle surface 15 along the Y axis.

[0024] Rollers 31 to 37 support wiping unit 20 and rotate wiping unit 20. Rollers 31 to 37 are generally cylindrical, with the height direction of the cylinder aligned along the Y axis. Rollers 31 to 37 each rotate around an axis aligned along the Y axis.

[0025] Roller 31 is positioned directly below print head 10 and slightly in the -X direction. Roller 32 is positioned directly below print head 10 and slightly in the +X direction, and in the +X direction of roller 31. Roller 33 is positioned approximately below roller 32, and roller 34 is positioned below roller 33 and in the -X direction. Roller 35 is positioned in the -X direction of roller 33, and roller 36 is positioned below roller 35 and in the -X direction. Roller 37 is positioned above roller 36 and in the -X direction, and below roller 31 and in the -X direction.

[0026] Of rollers 31 to 37, roller 35 is positioned on the outside of the ring of wiping unit 20, and rollers other than roller 35 are positioned on the inside. The outer surface of wiping unit 20 comes into contact with nozzle surface 15 during wiping. Therefore, ink transferred from nozzle surface 15 adheres to the outer surface.

[0027] Rollers 33 and 37 are drive rollers that are rotated counterclockwise by an electric motor (not shown). Rollers 31, 32, 34, 35, and 36 are driven rollers. As described above, wiping unit 20 rotates counterclockwise along a path that starts from roller 31, passes through rollers 32 to 37 in that order, and returns to roller 31.

[0028] The wiping unit 20 rotates and moves to pass through the area facing the nozzle surface 15, specifically between the rollers 31 and 32. The nozzle surface 15 can come into contact with the wiping unit 20 in this area. The wiping operation of the cleaning mechanism 100 on the nozzle surface 15 will be described later.

[0029] Here, the direction in which the wiping unit 20 rotates is referred to as the rotational movement direction. In Fig. 1, the rotational movement direction of the wiping unit 20 is indicated by a white arrow. The side ahead in the rotational movement direction is referred to as downstream, and the side going backward in the rotational movement direction is referred to as upstream.

[0030] The first cleaning tank 51 and the second cleaning tank 52 are generally box-shaped containers that are open at the top. The first cleaning tank 51 stores a first cleaning liquid 61. The second cleaning tank 52 stores a second cleaning liquid 62.

[0031] The first cleaning tank 51 cleans the wiping unit 20 by immersing the wiping unit 20 in and passing it through the stored first cleaning liquid 61. The first cleaning tank 51 is located downstream of the region facing the nozzle surface 15 in the rotational movement direction of the wiping unit 20, and is disposed corresponding to the roller 34.

[0032] In the first cleaning tank 51, a part of the roller 34 and a part of the brush part 91 are immersed in the first cleaning liquid 61. Since a part of the roller 34 is immersed in the first cleaning liquid 61, the wiping part 20 is also immersed in the first cleaning liquid 61.

[0033] A discharge pipe 53 is attached below the first cleaning tank 51. The discharge pipe 53 has the function of discharging the first cleaning liquid 61 stored in the first cleaning tank 51 to the outside when performing a liquid exchange in the first cleaning tank 51. A valve 53a is provided on the discharge pipe 53. The valve 53a switches the opening and closing of the discharge pipe 53 and the amount of discharge.

[0034] The first supply source 41 supplies a first cleaning liquid 61 to the first cleaning tank 51. The first supply source 41 is attached to the first cleaning tank 51. The first supply source 41 and the interior of the first cleaning tank 51 are in communication with each other via a supply pipe 43. A valve 43a is provided on the supply pipe 43. The valve 43a adjusts the amount of the first cleaning liquid 61 supplied from the first supply source 41 to the first cleaning tank 51.

[0035] The form of first supply source 41 is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a liquid storage tank or a detachable cartridge-type container. When tap water is used as first cleaning liquid 61, tap water may be temporarily stored in first supply source 41, or first supply source 41 may be omitted and tap water piping and supply pipe 43 may be directly connected.

[0036] The second cleaning tank 52 cleans the wiping unit 20 by immersing the wiping unit 20 in and passing it through the stored second cleaning liquid 62. The second cleaning tank 52 is located downstream of the first cleaning tank 51 in the rotational movement direction of the wiping unit 20 and upstream of the region facing the nozzle surface 15, and is disposed in correspondence with the roller 36.

[0037] In the second cleaning tank 52, a part of the roller 36 and a part of the brush part 92 are immersed in the second cleaning liquid 62. Since a part of the roller 36 is immersed in the second cleaning liquid 62, the wiping part 20 is also immersed in the second cleaning liquid 62.

[0038] A discharge pipe 54 is attached below the second cleaning tank 52. The discharge pipe 54 has the function of discharging the second cleaning liquid 62 stored in the second cleaning tank 52 to the outside when the liquid in the second cleaning tank 52 is replaced. A valve 54a is provided on the discharge pipe 54. The valve 54a switches the opening and closing of the discharge pipe 54 and the amount of discharge.

[0039] The second supply source 42 supplies the second cleaning liquid 62 to the second cleaning tank 52. The second supply source 42 is attached to the second cleaning tank 52. The second supply source 42 and the interior of the second cleaning tank 52 are in communication with each other via a supply pipe 44. A valve 44a is provided on the supply pipe 44. The valve 44a adjusts the amount of the second cleaning liquid 62 supplied from the second supply source 42 to the second cleaning tank 52.

[0040] The form of second supply source 42 is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a liquid storage tank or a detachable cartridge-type container. When tap water is used as second cleaning liquid 62, tap water may be temporarily stored in second supply source 42, or second supply source 42 may be omitted and tap water piping and supply pipe 44 may be directly connected.

[0041] The valves 43a, 44a, 53a, and 54a may be closed or slightly opened during operation of the cleaning mechanism 100. When the valves are slightly opened, the first cleaning liquid 61 and the second cleaning liquid 62 are constantly supplied and discharged in small amounts, which further reduces the frequency of liquid replacement.

[0042] The first cleaning liquid 61 and the second cleaning liquid 62 are appropriately selected depending on the type of ink, etc. Specifically, since the ink in this embodiment is a water-based ink, water such as pure water or tap water, or water to which a surfactant or the like is added, is used as the first cleaning liquid 61 and the second cleaning liquid 62.

[0043] The first cleaning liquid 61 and the second cleaning liquid 62 may be the same or may have different components. Although not particularly limited, in this embodiment, tap water containing a surfactant is used as the first cleaning liquid 61, and tap water is used as the second cleaning liquid 62. A known detergent can be used as the surfactant.

[0044] The portion of the wiping unit 20 that has wiped the nozzle surface 15 is first immersed in the first cleaning tank 51, and then in the second cleaning tank 52. Therefore, the progress of contamination in the second cleaning liquid 62 is slower than the progress of contamination in the first cleaning liquid 61. Therefore, the second cleaning liquid 62 stored in the second cleaning tank 52 is replaced less frequently than the first cleaning liquid 61 stored in the first cleaning tank 51.

[0045] When non-aqueous ink is used in the printing device 1, it is preferable to use a solvent as the first cleaning liquid 61 and the second cleaning liquid 62. For example, for non-aqueous ink that uses a glycol ether-based solvent as the main solvent, a glycol ether with a relatively high boiling point is used.

[0046] The brush unit 91 is disposed adjacent to the roller 34 in the -X direction. The brush unit 91 abuts against the outer surface of the wiping unit 20 and has the function of scrubbing off ink components remaining on the surface. The brush unit 91 is approximately cylindrical, with the height direction of the cylinder aligned with the Y axis. The brush unit 91 rotates around an axis aligned with the Y axis. The brush unit 91 has countless bristles arranged radially from the axis. The brush unit 91 rotates while these countless bristles are in contact with the outer surface. The brush unit 91 may rotate spontaneously by being driven by a motor or the like (not shown).

[0047] The brush unit 92 is disposed adjacent to the roller 36 in the -X direction. The brush unit 92 abuts against the outer surface of the wiping unit 20 and functions to scrape off ink components remaining on the surface. The brush unit 92 is approximately cylindrical, with the height direction of the cylinder aligned with the Y axis. The brush unit 92 rotates around an axis aligned with the Y axis. The brush unit 92 has countless bristles arranged radially from the axis. The brush unit 92 rotates while these countless bristles are in contact with the outer surface. The brush unit 92 may rotate spontaneously by being driven by a motor or the like (not shown).

[0048] The removal unit 70 removes the first cleaning liquid 61 or the second cleaning liquid 62 remaining in the wiping unit 20. The removal unit 70 is disposed downstream of the first cleaning tank 51 or the second cleaning tank 52 in the rotational movement direction of the wiping unit 20. More specifically, the removal unit 70 includes a first removal unit 71 and a second removal unit 72. The first removal unit 71 corresponds to the first cleaning tank 51, and the second removal unit 72 corresponds to the second cleaning tank 52. The removal unit 70 reduces the first cleaning liquid 61 or the second cleaning liquid 62 remaining in the wiping unit 20, thereby improving the ink absorption during wiping in the wiping unit 20.

[0049] The first removal unit 71 is disposed downstream of the first cleaning tank 51 and upstream of the second cleaning tank 52 in the rotational movement direction of the wiping unit 20, more specifically, between the brush unit 91 and the roller 35. The first removal unit 71 removes the first cleaning liquid 61 remaining in the wiping unit 20 after it has been immersed in the first cleaning tank 51 and passed through the brush unit 91.

[0050] The second removal unit 72 is disposed downstream of the second cleaning tank 52 and upstream of the region where the wiping unit 20 faces the nozzle surface 15 in the direction of rotational movement of the wiping unit 20, more specifically, between the brush unit 92 and the roller 37. The second removal unit 72 removes the second cleaning liquid 62 remaining in the wiping unit 20 after it has been immersed in the second cleaning tank 52 and passed through the brush unit 92.

[0051] The first removal unit 71 and the second removal unit 72 are a pair of rollers that are approximately cylindrical, with the height direction of the cylinder aligned along the Y axis. The first removal unit 71 and the second removal unit 72 each rotate about an axis aligned along the Y axis. In the first removal unit 71 and the second removal unit 72, the wiping unit 20 moves while being sandwiched between the pair of rollers. As a result, the first cleaning liquid 61 and the second cleaning liquid 62 contained in the wiping unit 20 are squeezed out. The squeezed out first cleaning liquid 61 and second cleaning liquid 62 fall into the first cleaning tank 51 or the second cleaning tank 52.

[0052] The first removal unit 71 and the second removal unit 72 may each rotate spontaneously by being driven by a motor or the like (not shown). The first removal unit 71 and the second removal unit 72 are not limited to being roller pairs as long as they can remove the liquid contained in the wiping unit 20. The first removal unit 71 and the second removal unit 72 may be, for example, squeegees.

[0053] The first removal unit 71 prevents the first cleaning liquid 61 from being mixed into the second cleaning tank 52 from the first cleaning tank 51, thereby reducing the frequency of replacing the second cleaning liquid 62. This further reduces the maintenance effort.

[0054] The second removal unit 72 reduces the amount of second cleaning liquid 62 remaining on the wiping unit 20, improving the ink absorbency of the wiping unit 20. This makes it easier for ink to transfer to the wiping unit 20 when wiping the nozzle surface 15.

[0055] The detection unit 80 detects the state of dirt and other impurities on the wiping unit 20 and transmits the detection results to the control unit 5. The detection unit 80 is disposed above the movement path of the wiping unit 20, between the roller 37 and the roller 31. The detection unit 80 is an image sensor such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device), and captures an image of the outer surface of the wiping unit 20. The control unit 5 analyzes the captured image, which is the detection result of the detection unit 80, and determines the state of dirt on the wiping unit 20.

[0056] An optical sensor such as a spectral transmittance meter may be applied as the detection unit 80. In this case, the control unit 5 determines the state of soiling of the wiping unit 20 from the light transmittance that is the detection result of the detection unit 80.

[0057] Based on the detection results of the detection unit 80, the control unit 5 notifies the user of the printing device 1 when it is time to replace the wiping unit 20. This automatically detects and notifies the user of the end of the life of the wiping unit 20, eliminating the need to check the condition of the wiping unit 20. Examples of notification means include an operation panel of the printing device 1, an information terminal such as a personal computer that operates the printing device 1, and a pilot light or warning device provided on the printing device 1.

[0058] The control unit 5 may also notify the user of the printing device 1 that it is time to replace the wiping unit 20 based on the number of rotations of the wiping unit 20. This can achieve the same effect as above. Note that one rotation of the wiping unit 20 refers to when a specific part of the wiping unit 20 passes over roller 31 and then passes over roller 31 again. The number of rotations that requires replacement of the wiping unit 20 is not particularly limited, but is, for example, 40 times. Note that the control unit 5 may also notify the user of the printing device 1 that it is time to replace the wiping unit 20 based on the number of rotations of roller 33 or roller 37.

[0059] Here, the wiping operation of the nozzle surface 15 in the cleaning mechanism 100 and the cleaning operation of the wiping unit 20 will be described.

[0060] In the wiping operation of the nozzle surface 15, first, the print head 10 moves from the area facing the medium to the area facing the wiping unit 20. Figure 1 shows the state in which the print head 10 has moved to the area facing the wiping unit 20.

[0061] Next, the cleaning mechanism 100 is driven by a drive mechanism (not shown) to rise to a position where the wiping unit 20 between rollers 31 and 32 comes into contact with the nozzle surface 15. Prior to the wiping unit 20 coming into contact with the nozzle surface 15, the wiping unit 20 may be rotated counterclockwise by any desired rotational movement amount. Alternatively, the print head 10 may be lowered so that the wiping unit 20 comes into contact with the nozzle surface 15.

[0062] Next, with the rotational movement of wiping unit 20 stopped, print head 10 is moved back and forth in the direction along the X axis. At this time, the movement range of print head 10 is between rollers 31 and 32. As a result, nozzle surface 15 and wiping unit 20 slide against each other, and ink remaining on nozzle surface 15 is transferred to wiping unit 20, cleaning nozzle surface 15.

[0063] Next, cleaning mechanism 100 descends, separating nozzle surface 15 from wiping unit 20. Thereafter, rollers 33 and 37 are rotationally driven to rotate wiping unit 20 counterclockwise a predetermined rotational movement amount. This predetermined rotational movement amount is set so that when the next wiping operation of nozzle surface 15 is performed, the nozzle surface 15 will not come into contact with the area of wiping unit 20 that was wiped in the previous wiping operation. This completes the wiping operation.

[0064] The predetermined rotational movement amount may be adjusted so that immediately after the wiping operation is completed, the wiped portion of the nozzle surface 15 of the wiping unit 20 is cleaned. Details of the predetermined rotational movement amount will be described later.

[0065] Here, the wiping operation of the nozzle surface 15 may be repeated with the wiping unit 20 rotating by the above-mentioned predetermined rotational movement amount in between. In other words, the wiping operation of the nozzle surface 15 by the wiping unit 20 may be repeated two or more times. The repetition and the number of repetitions may be set, for example, according to instructions from the user of the printing device 1.

[0066] In the cleaning operation of the wiping unit 20, first, the wiping unit 20 is rotated. The wiping unit 20 continues to rotate until the part of the wiping unit 20 that has come into contact with the nozzle surface 15 and performed wiping is immersed in the first cleaning liquid 61 in the first cleaning tank 51. At this time, the rotation of the wiping unit 20 may be temporarily stopped when the part of the wiping unit 20 is immersed in the first cleaning liquid 61, or the rotation may be continued at a reduced speed.

[0067] Next, wiping unit 20 is rotated to bring brush unit 91 into contact with the area, and then passed through first removal unit 71. This completes the cleaning operation of wiping unit 20 on the area in first cleaning tank 51. Next, wiping unit 20 is rotated to move the area from roller 35 to second cleaning tank 52.

[0068] Next, the above-mentioned portion is immersed in the second cleaning liquid 62 in the second cleaning tank 52. Here, as in the first cleaning tank 51, the rotational movement of the wiping unit 20 may be temporarily stopped when the above-mentioned portion of the wiping unit 20 is immersed in the second cleaning liquid 62, or the rotational movement may be continued at a reduced speed.

[0069] Next, the wiping unit 20 is rotated to bring the brush unit 92 into contact with the above-mentioned portion, and then passed through the second removal unit 72. This completes the cleaning operation of the above-mentioned portion of the wiping unit 20 in the second cleaning tank 52, and also completes the series of cleaning operations of the wiping unit 20.

[0070] The amount of rotational movement of wiping unit 20 can be adjusted, for example, by the number of drive rotations per hour and drive time of rollers 33 and 37. The amount of rotational movement of wiping unit 20 is controlled by control unit 5 via the rotational drive of rollers 33 and 37. This adjusts the time until the area of nozzle surface 15 wiped by wiping unit 20 is cleaned. Note that the amount of rotational movement of wiping unit 20 is not limited to being adjusted by the number of drive rotations and drive time of rollers 33 and 37. The amount of rotational movement of wiping unit 20 may also be adjusted by the drive rotation speed, etc.

[0071] The control unit 5 has a first mode and a second mode related to the rotational movement amount of the wiping unit 20. The first mode and the second mode differ in the rotational movement amount of the wiping unit 20. In the first mode, the rotational movement amount of the wiping unit 20 is a first movement amount. In the second mode, the rotational movement amount of the wiping unit 20 is a second movement amount that is greater than the first movement amount.

[0072] This allows the time until the area where the wiping unit 20 has wiped ink to be cleaned to be changed depending on the situation. Specifically, by setting the amount of rotational movement of the wiping unit 20 to the second mode, it becomes possible to clean the wiped area relatively quickly after wiping. Also, by setting the amount of rotational movement of the wiping unit 20 to the first mode, it becomes possible to clean the wiped area after a certain amount of time has passed since wiping. In the first mode, the amount of rotational movement of the wiping unit 20 is small, so the time required for the rotational movement is short, and the time required for the cleaning operation of the wiping unit 20 is shortened.

[0073] The control unit 5 may select between the first mode and the second mode depending on the characteristics of the ink used in the printing device 1. For example, the second mode is selected for ink that dries easily, and the first mode is selected for ink that does not dry easily. This makes it possible to prevent ink that has migrated to the wiping unit 20 from sticking. Furthermore, in the first mode, the time required for the wiping unit 20 to be cleaned is set to a necessary and sufficient time, thereby reducing the time required for the wiping unit 20 to rotate.

[0074] The first mode and the second mode are automatically set according to the type of ink used in the printing device 1. The user of the printing device 1 may be configured to be able to select between the first mode and the second mode at will.

[0075] According to this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0076] This can improve printing productivity in the printing device 1. More specifically, the wiping unit 20 is endless and never runs out, and is kept clean by cleaning. Compared to a configuration with no cleaning tank or one cleaning tank, the wiping unit 20 maintains a high cleaning ability for the nozzle surface 15. The second cleaning liquid 62 needs to be replaced less frequently than the first cleaning liquid 61, reducing the maintenance effort. Therefore, it is possible to provide a printing device 1 that improves printing productivity.

[0077] 2. Second embodiment In the printing device of this embodiment, the first cleaning liquid 61 in the first cleaning tank 51 and the second cleaning liquid 62 in the second cleaning tank 52 are the same as those in the cleaning mechanism 100 of the printing device 1 of the above embodiment. The cleaning mechanism of this embodiment has the same configuration as the cleaning mechanism 100 except for the above. In this embodiment, the same reference numerals are used for the same configuration as in the above embodiment, and duplicated explanations will be omitted.

[0078] In the cleaning mechanism of this embodiment, both the first cleaning liquid 61 and the second cleaning liquid 62 are water or water containing a surfactant. Also, when the non-aqueous ink described above is used, the first cleaning liquid 61 and the second cleaning liquid 62 may be the same liquid. According to this embodiment, the same effects as those of the above embodiment can be obtained. [Explanation of symbols]

[0079] 1...printing device, 5...control unit, 10...print head, 13...nozzle, 15...nozzle surface, 20...wiping unit, 51...first cleaning tank, 52...second cleaning tank, 61...first cleaning liquid, 62...second cleaning liquid, 70...removal unit, 71...first removal unit, 72...second removal unit, 80...detection unit.

Claims

1. a print head having nozzles for ejecting ink onto a medium and a nozzle surface on which the nozzles are provided; a wiping unit that is endless and strip-shaped, that rotates and moves to pass through an area facing the nozzle surface, and that comes into contact with the nozzle surface to wipe the nozzle surface; a first cleaning tank that is disposed downstream of the region that faces the nozzle surface in the rotational movement direction of the wiping unit, and that cleans the wiping unit by causing a stored first cleaning liquid to pass through the wiping unit; a second cleaning tank that is disposed downstream of the first cleaning tank in the rotational movement direction and upstream of the region facing the nozzle surface, and that cleans the wiping unit by passing a stored second cleaning liquid through the wiping unit; A printing apparatus in which the second cleaning liquid stored in the second cleaning tank is replaced less frequently than the first cleaning liquid stored in the first cleaning tank.

2. The printing apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising a removal unit disposed downstream of the first cleaning tank or the second cleaning tank in the rotational movement direction, the removal unit removing the first cleaning liquid or the second cleaning liquid remaining on the wiping unit.

3. the removal unit includes a first removal unit and a second removal unit, the first removal unit is disposed downstream of the first cleaning tank and upstream of the second cleaning tank in the rotational movement direction; The printing apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein the second removal unit is disposed downstream of the second cleaning tank and upstream of the region facing the nozzle surface in the direction of rotational movement.

4. A control unit and a detection unit are provided, The detection unit detects a state of the wiping unit, The printing device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit notifies the user when it is time to replace the wiping unit based on the detection result of the detection unit.

5. A control unit is provided, The printing device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit notifies the user when it is time to replace the wiping unit based on the number of rotations of the wiping unit.

6. A control unit is provided, The printing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit controls the amount of rotational movement of the wiping unit.

7. The control unit a first mode in which the rotational movement amount is a first movement amount; and a second mode in which the rotational movement amount is a second movement amount that is greater than the first movement amount.

8. The printing apparatus according to claim 7 , wherein the control unit selects between the first mode and the second mode depending on the characteristics of the ink to be applied.

Images