Image forming system, cleaning device, ink jet recorder and program

Abstract

To provide an image forming system, a cleaning device, an inkjet recording device, and a program that are able to prevent an ejection failure of a head caused by a cleaning member the cleaning performance of which has deteriorated.SOLUTION: An image forming system 1 includes: an ink jet recording device 10 including an image forming unit 13 having an ink jet head 132a that ejects an ink from a nozzle and a pretreatment liquid ejection head 133a that ejects a pretreatment liquid, which aggregates the ink, from a nozzle, the image forming unit being configured to form an image on a recording medium M; a cleaning device 20 including a cleaning member 22a that cleans a nozzle surface of the ink jet head 132a and / or the pretreatment liquid ejection head 133a; and a control unit 11. The control unit 11 changes a contact portion between the cleaning member 22a and the nozzle surface to an unused position and cleans the nozzle surface with the cleaning member 22a.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming system, a cleaning device, an inkjet recording apparatus, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, inkjet recording devices that form images on a recording medium are known, and are equipped with an inkjet head that ejects ink from nozzles and a pretreatment liquid ejection head that ejects a pretreatment liquid that aggregates the ink to keep it on the surface of the recording medium.

[0003] In such inkjet recording devices, if the ink and pretreatment liquid aggregate on the nozzle surface of the head to form aggregates, problems such as poor ejection can occur. For this reason, a specific cleaning member is generally provided to clean the mist of ink and pretreatment liquid adhering to the nozzle surface during maintenance.

[0004] However, particularly in the case of an inkjet recording apparatus configured to mount an inkjet head and a pretreatment liquid ejection head on a carriage, the inkjet head and the pretreatment liquid ejection head are disposed close to each other. When using a cleaning member to clean the nozzle surfaces of the inkjet head and the pretreatment liquid ejection head, there is a risk that the ink and the pretreatment liquid will aggregate on the cleaning member, forming aggregates. The cleaning performance of the cleaning member with aggregates attached thereto will be reduced.

[0005] The aggregates formed on the cleaning member can be removed using a strong solvent or the like, but this is not preferred because it may cause deterioration of the cleaning member. Furthermore, if a cleaning member on which aggregates have formed needs to be replaced every time, it is necessary to stop the operation of the inkjet recording apparatus, which may reduce productivity, so this is not preferred.

[0006] Therefore, for example, Patent Document 1 describes a configuration in which the contact position of the cleaning member with the nozzle surface is changed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6002585 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] However, the invention of Patent Document 1 aims to make the wear of the cleaning member uniform, and therefore, an area that has been used once for cleaning and has accumulated aggregates may be reused, which makes it difficult to prevent a decrease in the cleaning performance of the cleaning member.

[0009] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide an image forming system, a cleaning device, an inkjet recording apparatus, and a program that can suppress ejection defects in a head caused by cleaning with a cleaning member with reduced cleaning performance. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] In order to solve the above problems, the invention described in claim 1 is an image forming system, an inkjet recording apparatus including an image forming unit that includes an inkjet head that ejects ink from nozzles and a pretreatment liquid ejection head that ejects a pretreatment liquid that aggregates the ink from nozzles, and that forms an image on a recording medium; a cleaning device including a cleaning member that cleans the nozzle surfaces of the inkjet head and / or the pretreatment liquid ejection head; a control unit, The control unit changes the contact portion between the cleaning member and the nozzle surface to an unused position, and cleans the nozzle surface with the cleaning member.

[0011] The invention described in claim 2 is the image forming system described in claim 1, The image forming unit includes a carriage that carries both the inkjet head and the pretreatment liquid ejection head.

[0012] The invention described in claim 3 is the image forming system described in claim 1, In the image forming unit, the ratio of the distance between the pretreatment liquid ejection head and the nozzles of the inkjet head closest to the pretreatment liquid ejection head to the distance from the pretreatment liquid ejection head to the recording medium is 4 or more.

[0013] The invention described in claim 4 is the image forming system described in claim 3, The control unit changes the contact unit based on at least one of the number of times an image forming process is performed, the number of prints, the number of times maintenance is performed, and the amount of ink ejected.

[0014] The invention described in claim 5 is the image forming system described in claim 1, an acquisition unit that acquires cleaning performance of the cleaning member; a determination unit that determines whether or not the contact unit needs to be changed based on the acquired information of the acquisition unit, The control unit changes the contact unit in accordance with the determination result of the determination unit.

[0015] The invention described in claim 6 is the image forming system described in claim 5, The acquisition unit acquires the cleaning performance of the cleaning member based on whether or not there is a lack of movement when ink or pretreatment liquid is ejected from the inkjet head or the pretreatment liquid ejection head.

[0016] The invention described in claim 7 is the image forming system described in claim 6, The acquisition unit acquires the cleaning performance of the cleaning member based on the results of printing a nozzle missing chart and detecting missing nozzles using a laser.

[0017] The invention described in claim 8 is the image forming system described in claim 5, a measuring unit for measuring the mist adhesion state on the nozzle surface, The acquisition unit acquires the cleaning performance of the cleaning member based on the measurement result of the measurement unit.

[0018] The invention described in claim 9 is the image forming system described in claim 8, The measurement unit measures the amount of ink mist adhering to the pretreatment liquid ejection head.

[0019] The invention described in claim 10 is the image forming system described in claim 5, an operation input unit that receives a change instruction input for the contact unit; The acquisition unit acquires the cleaning performance of the cleaning member based on the input content of the operation input unit.

[0020] The invention described in claim 11 is the image forming system described in claim 5, The acquisition unit acquires cleaning performance of the cleaning member based on printing conditions and device conditions.

[0021] The invention described in claim 12 is the image forming system according to any one of claims 1 to 11, the pretreatment liquid is a flocculant, The ink is a pigment ink that reacts with the pretreatment liquid and aggregates.

[0022] The invention described in claim 13 is the image forming system according to any one of claims 1 to 11, The cleaning member that cleans the nozzle surface of the inkjet head and the cleaning member that cleans the nozzle surface of the pretreatment liquid ejection head are separate members.

[0023] The invention described in claim 14 is the image forming system described in claim 13, The separate cleaning members are different types of cleaning members.

[0024] The invention described in claim 15 is the image forming system described in claim 14, One of the separate cleaning members is a blade and the other is a moist roller.

[0025] The invention described in claim 16 is the image forming system according to any one of claims 1 to 11, The control unit changes the contact portion by moving the pretreatment liquid ejection head and the inkjet head or by moving the cleaning member.

[0026] The invention described in claim 17 is the image forming system described in claim 13, The control unit can individually change the contact portions of the separate cleaning members.

[0027] The invention described in claim 18 is the image forming system according to any one of claims 1 to 11, The control unit changes the contact portion so that the entire surface of the nozzle face comes into contact with the unused position of the cleaning member.

[0028] The invention described in claim 19 is the image forming system according to any one of claims 1 to 11, The control unit changes the contact portions of the different cleaning members to the same direction.

[0029] The invention described in claim 20 is the image forming system described in claim 17, The control unit changes the contact portions of the different cleaning members to be in opposite directions.

[0030] The invention described in claim 21 is the image forming system according to any one of claims 5 to 11, The device further includes a notification unit that notifies the user of the need to change the contact unit in accordance with the determination result of the determination unit.

[0031] The invention described in claim 22 is A cleaning device for cleaning an inkjet recording device including an inkjet head that ejects ink from nozzles and a pretreatment liquid ejection head that ejects a pretreatment liquid that aggregates the ink from the nozzles, and an image forming unit that forms an image on a recording medium, a cleaning unit including a cleaning member that cleans the nozzle surfaces of the inkjet head and / or the pretreatment liquid ejection head; a control unit, The control unit changes the contact portion between the cleaning member and the nozzle surface to an unused position, and cleans the nozzle surface with the cleaning member.

[0032] The invention described in claim 23 is an inkjet recording apparatus, an image forming unit that includes an inkjet head that ejects ink from nozzles and a pretreatment liquid ejection head that ejects a pretreatment liquid that aggregates the ink from nozzles, and that forms an image on a recording medium; a cleaning unit including a cleaning member that cleans the nozzle surfaces of the inkjet head and / or the pretreatment liquid ejection head; a control unit, The control unit changes the contact portion between the cleaning member and the nozzle surface to an unused position, and cleans the nozzle surface with the cleaning member.

[0033] The invention described in claim 24 is a program, a computer for an inkjet recording apparatus, the computer comprising: an image forming unit that forms an image on a recording medium, the image forming unit including an inkjet head that ejects ink from nozzles, and a pretreatment liquid ejection head that ejects a pretreatment liquid that causes the ink to aggregate from nozzles; and a cleaning unit that includes a cleaning member that cleans the nozzle surfaces of the inkjet head and / or the pretreatment liquid ejection head; The contact portion between the cleaning member and the nozzle surface is changed to an unused position, and the cleaning member functions as a control unit for cleaning the nozzle surface. [Effects of the Invention]

[0034] According to the present invention, it is possible to suppress ejection defects in a head caused by cleaning with a cleaning member whose cleaning performance has deteriorated. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0035] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram of an image forming system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of an inkjet recording apparatus. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic front view of the image forming unit. [Figure 4A] FIG. 2 is a schematic front view showing the cleaning unit. [Figure 4B] 10 is a schematic front view showing a cleaning unit having a configuration according to a first modified example. FIG. [Figure 4C] 10 is a schematic front view showing a cleaning unit having a configuration according to a second modified example. FIG. [Figure 4D] FIG. 11 is a schematic front view showing a cleaning unit having a configuration according to a third modified example. [Figure 5] 10A and 10B are schematic front views showing the movement of the cleaning member in the contact portion changing process. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a block diagram of an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0036] An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following description is merely an example of an embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention.

[0037] (First embodiment) Fig. 1 is a block diagram of an image forming system 1 according to a first embodiment. Fig. 2 is a perspective view of an inkjet recording apparatus 10. The image forming system 1 includes the inkjet recording apparatus 10 and a cleaning apparatus 20. The inkjet recording apparatus 10 also includes a control unit 11, a conveying unit 12, an image forming unit 13, a notification unit 14, a measurement unit 15, and an operation input unit 16.

[0038] In the following description, the X direction, Y direction, and Z direction are the directions shown in Fig. 2. In the following description, the X direction, Y direction, and Z direction are respectively referred to as the width direction, the conveying direction, and the height direction.

[0039] (Control unit) The control unit 11 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and a ROM (Read Only Memory). The control unit 11 controls the overall operation of the inkjet recording apparatus 10.

[0040] The CPU controls each part of the inkjet recording apparatus 10. The RAM is a volatile memory that temporarily stores various pieces of information in a writable and readable manner. The ROM is a non-volatile memory that stores various pieces of information and programs in a readable manner. More specifically, the control unit 11 reads a specified program from the various programs stored in the ROM using the CPU and loads it into the RAM. The control unit 11 then executes various processes in cooperation with the loaded program.

[0041] (Transportation section) 2, the conveying section 12 includes two conveying rollers 12a and 12b that rotate in the conveying direction around a rotation axis extending in the width direction, and a loop-shaped conveying belt 12c.

[0042] The inner side of the conveyor belt 12c is supported by conveyor rollers 12a and 12b. The recording medium M is placed on the conveyor surface of the conveyor belt 12c. The conveyor rollers 12a and 12b rotate and move in the conveyance direction in response to the operation of the roller conveyance motor. As a result, the conveyor belt 12c conveys the recording medium M in the conveyance direction.

[0043] Furthermore, it is preferable that a predetermined adhesive be applied to the loading surface of the conveyor belt 12c, which is different from the inner surface that contacts the conveyor rollers 12a and 12b and is the outer surface on which the recording medium M is loaded. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent the recording medium M from becoming misaligned.

[0044] The recording medium M is, for example, a fabric cut to a certain size. The recording medium M is supplied onto the conveyor belt 12c by a medium supply unit (not shown). The recording medium M on which an image is recorded by ink ejection from the image forming unit 13 is discharged to a predetermined discharge unit. Note that the recording medium M is not limited to fabric. The recording medium M may be any medium, such as paper, as long as it is capable of fixing the ink that has landed on it.

[0045] (Image forming section) The image forming unit 13 forms an image by ejecting color inks at appropriate timing based on image data acquired from an external device or the like onto the recording medium M conveyed by the conveying unit 12. The image forming unit 13 includes a carriage 131, an ink ejection unit 132, and a pretreatment liquid ejection unit 133.

[0046] {carriage} The carriage 131 has, for example, a belt or the like stretched between two pulleys that are rotated by a motor (not shown). An ink ejection unit 132 and a pretreatment liquid ejection unit 133 are mounted on the carriage 131. The carriage 131 causes the ink ejection unit 132 and the pretreatment liquid ejection unit 133 to scan in the width direction by the rotation of the motor based on a drive signal output by the control unit 11.

[0047] The inkjet recording device 10 according to this embodiment is a serial head type that forms an image by discharging ink from the ink discharge unit 132 onto the recording medium M while scanning the carriage 131 in the width direction. Note that an image may be formed by scanning the carriage 131 once, or may be formed by scanning the carriage 131 multiple times.

[0048] The inkjet recording apparatus 10 according to this embodiment is an in-line type, that is, the image forming unit 13 performs pretreatment by discharging the pretreatment liquid from the pretreatment liquid discharging unit 133 and image formation by discharging the ink from the ink discharging unit 132 consecutively.

[0049] {Ink ejection section} FIG. 3 is a schematic front view of a cross section of the carriage 131 as viewed from the transport direction. The ink ejection unit 132 includes a plurality of inkjet heads 132a that eject color inks of various colors, such as C (cyan), M (magenta), Y (yellow), and K (black). Each inkjet head 132a includes a color ink tank, a flow path, a piezoelectric element, and a plurality of nozzles. As shown in FIG. 3, a plurality of inkjet heads 132a are mounted on the carriage 131 in the width direction. Under the control of the control unit 11, the inkjet heads 132a eject the color inks onto the recording medium M by applying pressure fluctuations to the color inks supplied from the tanks to the nozzles via the flow paths using the piezoelectric elements.

[0050] The color ink ejected by the ink ejection unit 132 is, for example, pigment ink. Pigment ink is ink containing pigment, resin particles (binder resin), and water. In an image formed with pigment ink, the pigment particles are likely to be exposed near the image formation surface of the recording medium M. Therefore, an image formed with pigment ink exhibits high color development.

[0051] {Pretreatment liquid discharge part} The pretreatment liquid ejection unit 133 includes a pretreatment liquid ejection head 133a provided at one end in the width direction of the carriage 131. The pretreatment liquid ejection head 133a is provided outside the ink ejection unit 132. Similarly to the inkjet head 132a, the pretreatment liquid ejection head 133a includes a tank for the pretreatment liquid, a flow path, a piezoelectric element, a plurality of nozzles, etc. The pretreatment liquid ejection head 133a ejects the pretreatment liquid under the control of the control unit 11.

[0052] More specifically, the pretreatment liquid ejected by the pretreatment liquid ejection head 133a is a pretreatment ink containing, for example, an aggregating agent. The pretreatment ink is mixed in liquid form with the color ink ejected by the inkjet head 132a. The pretreatment ink contains at least an aggregating agent and may also contain other components such as a solvent, a surfactant, or water. The aggregating agent contained in the pretreatment ink is not particularly limited as long as it generates aggregates upon contact with the color ink, and examples thereof include polyvalent metal salts, organic acids, and inorganic acids.

[0053] Furthermore, the pretreatment liquid ejection head 133a ejects the pretreatment liquid when the carriage 131 scans from the other end where the ink ejection unit 132 is provided to the one end where the pretreatment liquid ejection unit 133 is provided. According to this configuration, image formation and pretreatment can be performed simultaneously with a single scan of the carriage 131, thereby improving productivity.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 3, the distance from the nozzle surface of the pretreatment liquid ejection head 133a to the recording medium M is defined as x [mm]. The distance between the inkjet head 132a and the nozzles of the closest pretreatment liquid ejection head 133a is defined as y [mm]. The image forming unit 13 according to this embodiment is configured so that the ratio of y to x (i.e., y / x) is 4 or greater, more preferably 10 or greater. In other words, it is preferable to shorten the distance between the nozzle surface and the recording medium M, while increasing the distance between the head ejecting one liquid droplet and the head ejecting the other liquid droplet. This arrangement reduces the possibility of mist of one liquid adhering to and agglomerating on the nozzle surface of the head ejecting the other liquid. Furthermore, since the number of aggregates formed on the nozzle surface is reduced, they can be easily removed by the cleaning member 22a, which will be described later.

[0055] (Notification Department) The notification unit 14 notifies various pieces of information under the control of the control unit 11. The notification unit 14 is, for example, a display unit having a screen, a speaker that emits sound, or a communication unit that can communicate with other devices via a predetermined network.

[0056] (Measurement part) The measurement unit 15 has, for example, a line sensor having a CCD sensor or a CMOS sensor. The measurement unit 15 takes one-dimensional images of the nozzle surfaces of the inkjet head 132a and the pretreatment liquid ejection head 133a at appropriate timing. The measurement unit 15 is capable of taking images in, for example, each of the RGB wavelength bands. The measurement unit 15 transmits image data acquired by the image capture to the control unit 11.

[0057] (Operation input section) The operation input unit 16 is composed of, for example, various operation keys, etc. The operation input unit 16 converts the user's input operation into an operation signal and outputs it to the control unit 11. Note that when the notification unit 14 is a display unit, the operation input unit 16 may be a touch panel.

[0058] (Cleaning device) 1, the cleaning device 20 is a device that cleans the inkjet head 132a and / or the pretreatment liquid ejection head 133a. More specifically, the cleaning device 20 cleans the nozzle surfaces, which are the undersides of the inkjet head 132a and the pretreatment liquid ejection head 133a and on which nozzles that eject ink or pretreatment liquid are provided. The cleaning device 20 includes a control unit 21, a cleaning unit 22, and a driving unit 23.

[0059] {Control Unit} The control unit 21 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and a ROM (Read Only Memory). The control unit 21 controls the overall operation of the cleaning device 20 in accordance with signals received from the control unit 11 of the inkjet recording apparatus 10.

[0060] {Cleaning Department} The cleaning unit 22 includes cleaning members 22a (see FIG. 4A, etc.) and cleans the nozzle surface. Examples of the cleaning members 22a include blades, wet rollers, and webs. Note that, as shown in FIG. 4A, the following describes an example in which the cleaning unit 22 includes a plurality of cleaning members 22a (five in this embodiment) corresponding to the inkjet heads 132a and the pretreatment liquid ejection heads 133a, respectively, but is not limited to this.

[0061] <Variation 1-3> For example, as shown in FIG. 4B , the cleaning unit 22 may be configured to clean the nozzle surfaces of all the inkjet heads 132a and the pretreatment liquid ejection heads 133a with a single cleaning member 22a. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 4C , the cleaning unit 22 may be configured to include a cleaning member 22a that cleans the nozzle surfaces of the inkjet heads 132a and a cleaning member 22a that cleans the nozzle surface of the pretreatment liquid ejection head 133a. In this configuration, as shown in FIG. 4D , the cleaning member 22a that cleans the nozzle surfaces of the inkjet heads 132a may be a wet roller, and the cleaning member 22a that cleans the pretreatment liquid ejection head 133a may be a blade. In this manner, the separate cleaning members 22a may be different types.

[0062] {Drive unit} The driving unit 23 moves the cleaning member 22a so that it comes into contact with the nozzle surface when the cleaning unit 22 cleans the nozzle surface. The driving unit 23 also moves the cleaning member 22a in accordance with a signal received from the control unit 11, thereby executing a contact portion changing process that changes the contact portion between the cleaning member 22a and the nozzle surface to an unused position.

[0063] [Timing of contact change processing] The timing at which the control unit 11 executes the contact part change process can be set as appropriate. For example, the control unit 11 executes the contact part change process when a predetermined condition is met that indicates a deterioration in the cleaning performance of the cleaning member 22a. The predetermined condition is, for example, when the number of times the image formation process is performed exceeds a predetermined number, when the number of prints exceeds a predetermined value, when the number of maintenance operations exceeds a predetermined number, or when the amount of ink ejection exceeds a predetermined value.

[0064] Alternatively, the control unit 11 acquires the cleaning performance of the cleaning member 22a and executes the contact part change process according to the acquired result. In this configuration, the control unit 11 functions as an acquisition unit that acquires the cleaning performance of the cleaning member 22a. The control unit 11 also functions as a determination unit that determines whether or not the contact part needs to be changed according to the acquired cleaning performance of the cleaning member 22a.

[0065] In detail, for example, after printing is completed, the control unit 11 causes the inkjet head 132a or the pretreatment liquid ejection head 133a to eject the ink or the pretreatment liquid. If there is a movement defect as a result of the ejection, the control unit 11 executes a contact part changing process.

[0066] More specifically, the control unit 11 prints the nozzle missing chart at least twice using the inkjet head 132a or the pretreatment liquid ejection head 133a. If the nozzle missing is no longer present in the second printout from a location where there was a nozzle missing the first time, and if a nozzle missing occurs in the second printout from a location where there was no nozzle missing the first time, the control unit 11 determines that there is a movement missing. The presence or absence of a movement missing can be detected, for example, by laser missing detection. Such movement missing is likely to occur when aggregates adhere to the cleaning member 22a, reducing cleaning performance. Therefore, the control unit 11 executes a contact part change process when there is a movement missing.

[0067] Alternatively, the control unit 11 executes a contact part change process based on the measurement results of the measurement unit 15. Specifically, the control unit 11 acquires image data of the nozzle surface of the pretreatment liquid ejection head 133a from the measurement unit 15 after image formation. The control unit 11 measures the ink mist adhesion state on the nozzle surface by binarizing the acquired image data. If the ink mist adheres to more than a predetermined percentage of the area of ​​the nozzle surface of the pretreatment liquid ejection head 133a, it is considered that aggregates have adhered to the cleaning member 22a, causing a deterioration in cleaning performance. Therefore, the control unit 11 changes the contact part.

[0068] Alternatively, the control unit 11 executes the contact part changing process when the printing conditions or device conditions satisfy predetermined conditions that are expected to result in a decrease in the cleaning performance of the cleaning member 22a. The predetermined conditions related to the printing conditions include, for example, when the coverage is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, when the amount of pretreatment liquid applied is greater than normal, when the number of continuous prints per distance exceeds a predetermined value, or when the head gap is greater than a predetermined value (i.e., when the recording medium M is a predetermined fabric type). Furthermore, the predetermined conditions related to the device conditions include, for example, when the carriage 131 does not have a mist catcher.

[0069] Alternatively, the control unit 11 executes the contact part changing process in response to an input operation by a user who visually checks the adhesion state of the aggregates on the cleaning member 22a via the operation input unit 16. Alternatively, the control unit 11 executes the contact part changing process periodically, for example, every three months.

[0070] The above-described configurations relating to the timing of execution of the contact part change process are not limited to the adoption of only one of them, and a combination of multiple configurations may be adopted. For example, the control unit 11 executes the contact part change process when a predetermined condition is satisfied or when image formation is performed under predetermined printing conditions.

[0071] [Contact area change processing] During the contact portion changing process, the control unit 11 changes the contact portion to an unused position by moving the cleaning member 22a using the drive unit 23, as shown in Fig. 5. During this movement, the cleaning member 22a is moved by at least the width of the nozzle surface so that the entire nozzle surface comes into contact with the cleaning member 22a. With this configuration, the entire nozzle surface can be cleaned by the cleaning member 22a, which has no foreign matter attached.

[0072] If the influence of the adhesion of the aggregates is detected even after the contact part changing process has been performed, it is preferable to perform the contact part changing process again. Furthermore, if the entire surface of the cleaning member 22a is used as a contact part and the contact part cannot be changed to an unused position, it is preferable to notify the user by the notification unit 14 to perform maintenance or replace the cleaning member 22a.

[0073] 5 illustrates a configuration in which the contact parts of both the cleaning member 22a corresponding to the inkjet head 132a and the cleaning member 22a corresponding to the pretreatment liquid ejection head 133a are changed, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, if the control unit 11 can individually control the multiple cleaning members 22a and it is sufficient to execute the contact part change process for only one cleaning member 22a, the contact parts of the other cleaning members 22a do not need to be changed.

[0074] 5 illustrates a configuration in which the cleaning member 22a corresponding to the inkjet head 132a and the cleaning member 22a corresponding to the pretreatment liquid ejection head 133a are moved in opposite directions. This configuration reduces the risk of the cleaning members 22a, 22a coming close to each other and causing the ink and the pretreatment liquid to aggregate. However, this configuration is not limited to this, and the cleaning members 22a, 22a may be moved in the same direction. This configuration allows the two cleaning members 22a to operate in conjunction with each other, simplifying control.

[0075] In the above description, the contact portion is changed by moving the cleaning member 22a using the drive unit 23, but this is not limiting. That is, the control unit 11 may change the contact portion with the cleaning member 22a by changing the movement position of the carriage 131 during cleaning maintenance. [Example]

[0076] Next, the results of evaluation of preferred configurations by various tests for examples of the present invention and comparative examples will be described. The present invention will be specifically described below using examples, but the present invention is not limited to these.

[0077] [Test 1. When changes are made periodically] The control unit 11 was set so that the image forming system 1, which includes the image forming unit 13 shown in Fig. 3 and the cleaning member 22a shown in Fig. 4D, operates as in Example 1 and Comparative Example 1-2 below. The cleaning member 22a that cleans the inkjet head 132a is a wet roller. The cleaning member 22a that cleans the pretreatment liquid ejection head 133a is a blade.

[0078] Example 1 The contact part change process is performed every 300 times the nozzle surface cleaning maintenance is performed. (Comparative Example 1) The contact part is changed every time cleaning maintenance is performed. Note that the cleaning member 22a has six parts that can be used as contact parts, and these parts are changed in order. That is, in Comparative Example 1, from the sixth cleaning maintenance onwards, areas that have been used as contact parts are reused. (Comparative Example 2) Do not change the contact area.

[0079] In Test 1 and Tests 2 and 3 described below, the contact portion is changed by moving the carriage 131.

[0080] For the image forming systems 1 of Example 1 and Comparative Examples 1-2, the cleaning performance of the cleaning member 22a was evaluated immediately after each cleaning maintenance when aggregates were attached to the cleaning member 22a during a predetermined number of cleaning maintenances. The test results were rated as G (Good) when sufficient cleaning performance was achieved and NG (Not Good) when poor cleaning occurred.

[0081] Table I shows the results when agglomerates were allowed to adhere to the cleaning member 22a after the 300th cleaning maintenance. Table II shows the results when agglomerates were allowed to adhere to the cleaning member 22a after the 298th cleaning maintenance.

[0082] [Table 1]

[0083] [Table 2]

[0084] As shown in Table I, in the configuration of Comparative Example 1, the adhesion point of the aggregates on the cleaning member 22a is reused as a contact point every six cleaning maintenance cycles after the aggregates adhere to the cleaning member 22a. In addition, in the configuration of Comparative Example 2, the adhesion point of the aggregates on the cleaning member 22a is reused as a contact point after the aggregates adhere to the cleaning member 22a. Therefore, the configuration of Comparative Example 1-2 cannot ensure the cleaning performance of the cleaning member 22a.

[0085] On the other hand, in the case of the configuration of Example 1, unlike the configurations of Comparative Examples 1 and 2, the contact part change process is performed after the aggregates adhere to the cleaning member 22a. Therefore, as shown in Table I, the cleaning performance of the cleaning member 22a can be ensured.

[0086] However, as in the example of Table II, even with the configuration of Example 1, if the timing of the contact part change process does not match, the nozzle surface will be cleaned by the cleaning member 22a with reduced cleaning performance. For this reason, it is preferable to combine a configuration in which the contact part is changed to an unused position when a decrease in the cleaning performance of the cleaning member 22a is detected.

[0087] [Test 2. Detecting change timing] The control unit 11 was set so that the image forming system 1, which includes the image forming unit 13 as shown in FIG. 3 and the cleaning member 22a as shown in FIG. 4D, operates as in the following Example 2.

[0088] Example 2 Immediately after cleaning of the nozzle surface, the presence or absence of a movement defect is checked by laser defect detection, and if a movement defect is confirmed, contact portion change processing is executed.

[0089] For the image forming systems 1 of Example 2 and Comparative Examples 1-2, irreparable aggregates were deposited on the cleaning member 22a during cleaning maintenance, and the cleaning performance of the cleaning member 22a was evaluated before and after the cleaning maintenance. The test results were rated as G if sufficient cleaning performance was achieved, and NG if poor cleaning occurred.

[0090] The results of Test 2 are shown in Table III.

[0091] [Table 3]

[0092] In the configurations of Comparative Examples 1 and 2, as in Test 1, even if aggregates adhere to the cleaning member 22a, the adhesion point is reused as the contact point. Therefore, the cleaning performance of the cleaning member 22a cannot be ensured. On the other hand, in the configuration of Example 2, even if aggregates adhere to the cleaning member 22a, the lack of movement is confirmed and the contact point change process is performed. Therefore, as shown in Table III, the configuration of Example 2 can always ensure the cleaning performance of the cleaning member 22a.

[0093] [Test 3. Predicting the timing of changes] The control unit 11 was set so that the image forming system 1, which includes the image forming unit 13 as shown in FIG. 3 and the cleaning member 22a as shown in FIG. 4D, operates as in the following Example 3.

[0094] Example 3 The contact portion change process is performed after cleaning maintenance that has been performed after forming an image under printing conditions in which the head gap exceeds 3 mm.

[0095] For the image forming systems 1 of Example 3 and Comparative Examples 1-2, image formation under printing conditions with a head gap of 3 mm, cleaning maintenance, image formation under printing conditions with a head gap of 5 mm, cleaning maintenance, image formation, and cleaning maintenance were performed in this order. Furthermore, during image formation under printing conditions with a head gap of 5 mm, aggregates were allowed to adhere to the cleaning member 22a. The cleaning performance of the cleaning member 22a after the cleaning maintenance was evaluated. The test results were rated G if sufficient cleaning performance was achieved, and NG if poor cleaning was observed.

[0096] The results of Test 3 are shown in Table IV.

[0097] [Table 4]

[0098] In the configurations of Comparative Examples 1 and 2, as in Tests 1 and 2, even if aggregates adhere to the cleaning member 22a, the adhesion point is reused as a contact point. Therefore, the cleaning performance of the cleaning member 22a cannot be ensured. On the other hand, in the configuration of Example 3, when an image is formed under printing conditions in which the head gap exceeds 3 mm, that is, after image formation under printing conditions in which aggregates are likely to adhere to the cleaning member 22a, the contact point is changed to an unused position. Therefore, as shown in Table IV, the configuration of Example 3 can ensure the cleaning performance of the cleaning member 22a.

[0099] (summary) In the above, it has been explained that the configurations of Examples 1 to 3 can ensure the cleaning performance of the cleaning member 22a, but the configurations of Examples 1 to 3 each have different characteristics.

[0100] For example, in the configuration of Example 1, the contact portion is periodically moved to an unused position depending on the number of cleaning maintenance operations. Therefore, compared with other configurations, the control system can be simplified and downtime is not increased. On the other hand, as described above, if aggregates irregularly adhere to the cleaning member 22a, the cleaning performance of the cleaning member 22a may not be ensured.

[0101] Furthermore, the configuration of Example 2 determines the timing for changing the contact part by detecting missing parts using a laser. Therefore, the contact part can be changed to an unused position at the appropriate time, and the cleaning member 22a can be used up without waste. On the other hand, the need for a detection means such as a laser increases costs. Furthermore, since missing part detection is performed after cleaning maintenance, downtime increases.

[0102] In addition, in the configuration of Example 3, when forming images under printing conditions that tend to cause aggregates to adhere to the cleaning member 22a, the contact portion is changed to an unused position and no detection operation is performed. Therefore, downtime does not increase. Also, although not as much as in Example 2, it is easy to change the contact portion at the appropriate time.

[0103] Therefore, among the configurations of Examples 1 to 3, the configuration of Example 3 is the most preferable, but it is preferable for the user to understand the characteristics of each configuration and then select which one to adopt as needed.

[0104] [Effects of the embodiment] As described above, the control unit 11 of the image forming system 1 according to this embodiment changes the contact portion between the cleaning member 22a and the nozzle surface to an unused position, and cleans the nozzle surface with the cleaning member 22a. This configuration makes it possible to suppress ejection defects of the inkjet head 132a and the treatment liquid ejection head 133a that are caused by cleaning with a cleaning member 22a with reduced cleaning performance.

[0105] Furthermore, if the cleaning member 22a is a blade, replacing it with a completely new blade can cause bounding. On the other hand, ink mist tends to spread easily on a cleaning member 22a that is particularly worn. Therefore, cleaning performance can be easily maintained by replacing only the contact part without replacing the cleaning member 22a with the aggregates attached. Furthermore, downtime associated with replacing the cleaning member 22a can be reduced.

[0106] A mist catcher that sucks mist with air is known as a configuration for preventing mist from adhering. However, even if a mist catcher is provided on the carriage 131, it is not possible to completely prevent mist from adhering to the nozzle surface. Furthermore, the carriage 131 is usually subject to weight restrictions, making it undesirable to provide a mist catcher. On the other hand, this configuration can prevent ejection defects from the inkjet head 132a and the treatment liquid ejection head 133a caused by the adhesion and aggregation of mist, even without providing a mist catcher.

[0107] [Other configurations] Although the present invention has been specifically described above based on the embodiments thereof, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the invention as defined in the claims and their equivalents.

[0108] In the above description, the contact part is changed according to the determination result of the control part 11, which is the determination part, but this is not limited to this. For example, the notification part 14 may notify the user before the contact part change process is executed. Then, if the user instructs the contact part change by operating the operation input part 16, the contact part change process may be executed. Note that in this configuration, if the user does not instruct the execution of the contact part change process, it is preferable that the control part 11 notifies the user by the notification part 14 to recommend checking or replacing the cleaning member 22a.

[0109] In the above description, the measurement unit 15 acquires image data of the nozzle surface of the pretreatment liquid ejection head 133a and executes the contact part changing process depending on the adhesion state of the ink mist. However, this is not limiting. That is, the measurement unit 15 may acquire image data of the nozzle surface of the inkjet head 132a and execute the contact part changing process depending on the adhesion state of the pretreatment liquid mist. However, while ink has color, the pretreatment liquid is transparent. Therefore, it is easier and preferable to determine whether the mist is adhering to more than a predetermined percentage of the area of ​​the nozzle surface based on image data of the nozzle surface of the pretreatment liquid ejection head 133a.

[0110] Furthermore, although the above description exemplifies a case in which the inkjet recording apparatus 10 includes the carriage 131, the present invention is not limited to this. Even in a configuration in which the inkjet head 132a and the pretreatment liquid ejection head 133a are not mounted on a single carriage 131 and are not adjacent to each other, a mist of one liquid may adhere to the nozzle surface of the head that ejects the other liquid, for example, via the recording medium M. Therefore, the present invention is also applicable to a case in which the inkjet recording apparatus 10 does not include the carriage 131 and, for example, is a line head type in which droplets are ejected from the inkjet head 132a and the pretreatment liquid ejection head 133a that are aligned in the transport direction onto the transported recording medium M.

[0111] Furthermore, in the above example, the inkjet recording apparatus 10 includes the control unit 11, but this is not limiting. That is, the control unit 11 may be provided in a device separate from the inkjet recording apparatus 10. Furthermore, in the above example, the inkjet recording apparatus 10 and the cleaning device 20 are separate devices, but this is not limiting. That is, as shown in FIG. 6, the inkjet recording apparatus 10 of the second embodiment may include a cleaning unit 22 and a driving unit 23 controlled by the control unit 11.

[0112] Although the above describes an example in which a hard disk or a semiconductor nonvolatile memory is used as a computer-readable medium for the program according to the present invention, the present invention is not limited to this example. Other computer-readable media include portable recording media such as CD-ROMs. Furthermore, a carrier wave can also be used as a medium for providing the program data according to the present invention via a communication line. [Explanation of symbols]

[0113] 1. Image forming system 10. Inkjet recording device 11 Control unit (acquisition unit, determination unit) 13 Image forming unit 131 Carriage 132a Inkjet head 133a Pretreatment liquid ejection head 14. Information Department 15 Measuring part 16 Operation input section 20 Cleaning equipment 22 Cleaning Department 22a Cleaning materials M Recording medium

Claims

1. an inkjet recording apparatus including an image forming unit that includes an inkjet head that ejects ink from nozzles and a pretreatment liquid ejection head that ejects a pretreatment liquid that aggregates the ink from nozzles, and that forms an image on a recording medium; a cleaning device including a cleaning member that cleans the nozzle surfaces of the inkjet head and / or the pretreatment liquid ejection head; a control unit, The control unit changes a contact portion between the cleaning member and the nozzle surface to an unused position, and cleans the nozzle surface with the cleaning member.

2. The image forming system according to claim 1 , wherein the image forming unit includes a carriage that carries both the inkjet head and the pretreatment liquid ejection head.

3. 2. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the ratio of the distance between the pretreatment liquid ejection head and the nozzles of the inkjet head closest to the pretreatment liquid ejection head to the distance from the pretreatment liquid ejection head to the recording medium is 4 or more.

4. 2. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit changes the contact unit based on at least one of the number of times an image forming process has been performed, the number of prints, the number of times maintenance has been performed, and the amount of ink ejected.

5. an acquisition unit that acquires cleaning performance of the cleaning member; a determination unit that determines whether or not the contact unit needs to be changed based on the acquired information of the acquisition unit, The image forming system according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit changes the contact unit depending on the determination result of the determination unit.

6. The image forming system according to claim 5 , wherein the acquisition unit acquires the cleaning performance of the cleaning member based on whether or not there is a lack of movement when ink or pretreatment liquid is ejected from the inkjet head or the pretreatment liquid ejection head.

7. The image forming system according to claim 6 , wherein the acquisition unit acquires the cleaning performance of the cleaning member based on the results of printing a nozzle missing chart and detecting missing nozzles using a laser.

8. a measuring unit for measuring the mist adhesion state on the nozzle surface, The image forming system according to claim 5 , wherein the acquisition unit acquires the cleaning performance of the cleaning member based on the measurement result of the measurement unit.

9. The image forming system according to claim 8 , wherein the measurement unit measures the amount of ink mist adhering to the pretreatment liquid ejection head.

10. an operation input unit that receives a change instruction input for the contact unit; The image forming system according to claim 5 , wherein the acquisition unit acquires the cleaning performance of the cleaning member based on input content from the operation input unit.

11. The image forming system according to claim 5 , wherein the acquisition unit acquires the cleaning performance of the cleaning member based on printing conditions and device conditions.

12. the pretreatment liquid is a flocculant, 12. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the ink is a pigment ink that reacts with the pretreatment liquid and aggregates.

13. 12. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the cleaning member that cleans the nozzle surface of the inkjet head and the cleaning member that cleans the nozzle surface of the pretreatment liquid ejection head are separate members.

14. 14. The image forming system according to claim 13, wherein the separate cleaning members are different types of cleaning members.

15. 15. The image forming system according to claim 14, wherein one of the separate cleaning members is a blade and the other is a moist roller.

16. The image forming system according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit changes the contact portion by moving the pretreatment liquid ejection head and the inkjet head or by moving the cleaning member.

17. The image forming system according to claim 13 , wherein the control unit is capable of individually changing the contact portions of the separate cleaning members.

18. The image forming system according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit changes the contact portion so that the entire nozzle surface comes into contact with an unused position of the cleaning member.

19. The image forming system according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit changes the contact portions of the different cleaning members to face in the same direction.

20. The image forming system according to claim 17 , wherein the control unit changes the contact portions of the different cleaning members in directions opposite to each other.

21. The image forming system according to claim 5 , further comprising a notification unit that notifies the user of the necessity of changing the contact unit in accordance with the determination result of the determination unit.

22. A cleaning device for cleaning an inkjet recording device including an inkjet head that ejects ink from nozzles and a pretreatment liquid ejection head that ejects a pretreatment liquid that aggregates the ink from the nozzles, and an image forming unit that forms an image on a recording medium, a cleaning unit including a cleaning member that cleans the nozzle surfaces of the inkjet head and / or the pretreatment liquid ejection head; a control unit, The control unit changes a contact portion between the cleaning member and the nozzle surface to an unused position, and cleans the nozzle surface with the cleaning member.

23. an image forming unit that includes an inkjet head that ejects ink from nozzles and a pretreatment liquid ejection head that ejects a pretreatment liquid that aggregates the ink from nozzles, and that forms an image on a recording medium; a cleaning unit including a cleaning member that cleans the nozzle surfaces of the inkjet head and / or the pretreatment liquid ejection head; a control unit, The control unit changes a contact portion between the cleaning member and the nozzle surface to an unused position, and cleans the nozzle surface with the cleaning member.

24. a computer for an inkjet recording apparatus, the computer comprising: an image forming unit that includes an inkjet head that ejects ink from nozzles; and a pretreatment liquid ejection head that ejects a pretreatment liquid that causes the ink to aggregate from nozzles, the image forming unit forming an image on a recording medium; and a cleaning unit that includes a cleaning member that cleans the nozzle surfaces of the inkjet head and / or the pretreatment liquid ejection head, a program that functions as a control unit that changes the contact portion between the cleaning member and the nozzle surface to an unused position and causes the cleaning member to clean the nozzle surface;

Images