Inkjet recording apparatus, head cleaning method, and program

Abstract

To provide an inkjet recording apparatus, a head cleaning method, and a program capable of reducing consumption of a wiping cloth.SOLUTION: An inkjet recording apparatus according to the present disclosure includes a wiping cloth that cleans a head surface of an inkjet head, a wiping cloth conveying unit that conveys the wiping cloth, and a control unit that controls the wiping cloth conveying unit. When a first time cleaning operation and a second time cleaning operation of successive cleaning operations of two times are defined as a first cleaning operation and a second cleaning operation, respectively, when a region of the wiping cloth to which ink is attached by the first cleaning operation is defined as a first ink attachment region, and when a region of the wiping cloth to which the ink is attached by the second cleaning operation is defined as a second ink attachment region, the control unit increases overlapping area of the first ink attachment region and the second ink attachment region in the case where the amount of ink attached to the wiping cloth by the first cleaning operation is small compared to in the case where the amount of ink attached to the wiping cloth is large.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an inkjet recording apparatus, a head cleaning method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, there is known a technique for cleaning the nozzle surface of an inkjet head using a long sheet member such as a wiping cloth (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-1026 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Typically, once ink has been deposited on a wiping cloth, it is not reused, and the wiping cloth is consumed with each cleaning operation. Therefore, there is a demand for reducing the amount of wiping cloth that is discarded and the frequency with which wiping cloth cartridges need to be replaced.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide an inkjet recording apparatus, a head cleaning method, and a program that can reduce the consumption of wiping cloths. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The above-mentioned problems of the present invention can be solved by the following means.

[0007] 1. One or more head modules each including one or more inkjet heads; a wipe cloth for cleaning a head surface of the inkjet head; a contact mechanism that brings the wiping cloth into contact with and separates it from the head surface; a wipe cloth transport unit that transports the wipe cloth; a control unit that controls the wipe cloth transport unit, The first and second cleaning operations of the two consecutive cleaning operations are designated as the first cleaning operation and the second cleaning operation, respectively; a region of the wiping cloth onto which ink adheres by the first cleaning operation is defined as a first ink-adhered region; When the area on the wiping cloth onto which ink adheres by the second cleaning operation is defined as a second ink-adhered area, the control unit increases an overlapping area between the first ink-adhered region and the second ink-adhered region when the amount of ink adhered to the wiping cloth by the first cleaning operation is small compared to when the amount of ink adhered to the wiping cloth is large. Inkjet recording device.

[0008] 2. The amount of ink adhering to the wiping cloth by the first cleaning operation is a value estimated based on a cleaning mode of the first cleaning operation. 2. The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 1.

[0009] 3. When the elapsed time from the completion of wiping in the first cleaning operation to the start of wiping in the second cleaning operation is defined as a first elapsed time, The control unit further controls the overlapping area in accordance with the length of the first elapsed time. 2. The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 1.

[0010] 4. The control unit reduces the overlap area when the first elapsed time is long compared to when the first elapsed time is short. 4. The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 3.

[0011] 5. The control unit sets the overlap area to 0 when the first elapsed time is one hour or more. 4. The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 3.

[0012] 6. When the degree of drying or thickening of the ink adhered to the wiping cloth by the first cleaning operation during the second cleaning operation is defined as a first denaturation degree, The control unit further controls the overlapping area according to the magnitude of the first modification degree. 2. The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 1.

[0013] 7. When the first degree of modification is large, the control unit reduces the overlapping area compared to when the first degree of modification is small. 7. The inkjet recording apparatus according to item 6.

[0014] 8. The head module to be cleaned in the second cleaning operation is a second head module, When the elapsed time from the completion of wiping in the previous cleaning operation of the second cleaning operation for the second head module to the start of wiping in the second cleaning operation is set as a second elapsed time, The control unit further controls the overlapping area in accordance with the length of the second elapsed time. 2. The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 1.

[0015] 9. The control unit reduces the overlap area when the second elapsed time is long compared to when the second elapsed time is short. 9. The inkjet recording apparatus according to item 8.

[0016] 10. The control unit sets the overlap area to 0 when the second elapsed time is one hour or more. 9. The inkjet recording apparatus according to item 8.

[0017] 11. The head module to be cleaned in the second cleaning operation is a second head module; When the degree of drying or thickening of the ink adhering to the second head module during the second cleaning operation is defined as a second modification degree, The control unit further controls the overlapping area according to the magnitude of the second modification degree. 2. The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 1.

[0018] 12. The control unit reduces the overlap area when the second degree of modification is large compared to when the second degree of modification is small. 12. The inkjet recording apparatus according to item 11.

[0019] 13. The head surface includes a nozzle surface having a nozzle opening and a top plate surrounding the nozzle surface. 2. The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 1.

[0020] 14. A region of the wiping cloth with which the nozzle face comes into contact during the first cleaning operation is defined as a first nozzle face contact region; When the area of ​​the wiping cloth with which the nozzle face comes into contact during the second cleaning operation is defined as a second nozzle face contact area, the control unit controls the wipe cloth transport unit so that the first nozzle surface contact area and the second nozzle surface contact area do not overlap. 14. The inkjet recording apparatus according to item 13.

[0021] 15. A region of the wiping cloth with which the top plate abuts during the first cleaning operation is defined as a first top plate abutment region; When the area of ​​the wiping cloth with which the nozzle face comes into contact during the second cleaning operation is defined as a second nozzle face contact area, the control unit controls the wipe cloth transport unit so that the first top plate contact area and the second nozzle surface contact area do not overlap. 14. The inkjet recording apparatus according to item 13.

[0022] 16. Further provided with a conveyance amount detection unit that detects the conveyance amount of the wipe cloth. 2. The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 1.

[0023] 17. A head cleaning method for an inkjet recording apparatus, comprising: The inkjet recording device includes one or more head modules each including one or more inkjet heads, a wiping cloth for cleaning a head surface of the inkjet head, a contact mechanism for bringing the wiping cloth into contact with and away from the head surface, a wiping cloth transport unit for transporting the wiping cloth, and a control unit for controlling the wiping cloth transport unit, a step of cleaning the head surface with the wipe cloth, The first and second cleaning operations of the two consecutive cleaning operations are designated as the first cleaning operation and the second cleaning operation, respectively; a region of the wiping cloth onto which ink adheres by the first cleaning operation is defined as a first ink-adhered region; When the area on the wiping cloth onto which ink adheres by the second cleaning operation is defined as a second ink-adhered area, the control unit increases an overlapping area between the first ink-adhered region and the second ink-adhered region when the amount of ink adhered to the wiping cloth by the first cleaning operation is small compared to when the amount of ink adhered to the wiping cloth is large. Head cleaning method.

[0024] 18. A program for causing a computer to function as a control unit in an inkjet recording apparatus comprising one or more head modules each having one or more inkjet heads, a wiping cloth for cleaning a head surface of the inkjet head, a contact mechanism for bringing the wiping cloth into contact with and away from the head surface, a wiping cloth transport unit for transporting the wiping cloth, and a computer, the program comprising: The first and second cleaning operations of the two consecutive cleaning operations are designated as the first cleaning operation and the second cleaning operation, respectively; a region of the wiping cloth onto which ink adheres by the first cleaning operation is defined as a first ink-adhered region; When the area on the wiping cloth onto which ink adheres by the second cleaning operation is defined as a second ink-adhered area, the control unit increases an overlapping area between the first ink-adhered region and the second ink-adhered region when the amount of ink adhered to the wiping cloth by the first cleaning operation is small compared to when the amount of ink adhered to the wiping cloth is large. program. [Effects of the Invention]

[0025] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an inkjet recording apparatus, a head cleaning method, and a program that can reduce the consumption of wiping cloths. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0026] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of an inkjet recording apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 2 is a front view of an image forming unit in the inkjet recording apparatus illustrated in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the head unit. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the head module. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a side view of the head module shown in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the head module shown in FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a cleaning device. [Figure 8] 1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of an embodiment of an inkjet printing apparatus. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of inkjet recording. [Figure 10]4A and 4B are diagrams illustrating an example of the positional relationship between a first ink-attached region and a second ink-attached region. [Figure 11A] 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the positional relationship between a first ink-attached region A10 and a second ink-attached region A20. FIG. [Figure 11B] 11B is a diagram for explaining the overlap between the first ink-attached region and the second ink-attached region shown in FIG. 11A. FIG. [Figure 12A] 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the positional relationship between a first ink-attached region A10 and a second ink-attached region A20. FIG. [Figure 12B] 12B is a diagram for explaining the overlap between the first ink-attached region and the second ink-attached region shown in FIG. 12A. FIG. [Figure 13A] 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the positional relationship between a first ink-attached region A10 and a second ink-attached region A20. FIG. [Figure 13B] 13B is a diagram for explaining the overlap between the first ink-attached region and the second ink-attached region shown in FIG. 13A. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0027] The following description describes one or more embodiments of the present invention with reference to the drawings. Advantages and features of the embodiments of the present invention can be understood from the following detailed description and drawings. The following detailed description and drawings are provided for illustrative purposes only and do not limit the scope of the present invention.

[0028] In the following detailed description and drawings, directions are represented using an XYZ Cartesian coordinate system. In this XYZ Cartesian coordinate system, the horizontal direction in which the rotation axis of the transport drum 21 extends is defined as the Y direction. The horizontal direction perpendicular to the Y direction is defined as the X direction. The height direction of the inkjet recording apparatus 1 perpendicular to the X and Y directions is defined as the Z direction.

[0029] Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of an inkjet recording apparatus 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a diagram of an image forming unit 20 in the inkjet recording apparatus 1 illustrated in Fig. 1, viewed from the left side (positive side in the X direction). Fig. 2 schematically shows each component at the position of line AA in Fig. 1.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 1, the inkjet recording device 1 may include a medium supply unit 10, an image forming unit 20, a medium discharge unit 30, and a control unit 40. The medium supply unit 10 supplies a recording medium P to the image forming unit 20. The image forming unit 20 forms an image on the recording medium P transported from the medium supply unit 10. The medium discharge unit 30 holds the recording medium P discharged from the image forming unit 20. The control unit 40 is configured by a computer, and controls the operation of each component that configures the medium supply unit 10, the image forming unit 20, and the medium discharge unit 30.

[0031] Various media capable of fixing ink that has landed on a sheet-like main surface can be used as the recording medium P. Examples of the recording medium P include paper, fabric, and sheet-like resin. Examples of paper include plain paper and coated paper.

[0032] The medium transport unit 12 transports the recording medium P stored on a tray 11 provided in the medium supply unit 10 to the image forming unit 20.

[0033] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the image forming unit 20 includes, for example, a conveying drum 21, a delivery unit 22, a heating unit 23, a head unit 5, a fixing unit 25, a delivery unit 26, and a cleaning device 27.

[0034] The delivery unit 22 is located between the medium transport section 12 and the transport drum 21. The delivery unit 22 holds one end of the recording medium P transported from the medium transport section 12, picks it up, and delivers the recording medium P onto the transport surface 21a of the transport drum 21.

[0035] The transport drum 21 is cylindrical, and its peripheral side surface serves as a transport surface 21a that adsorbs and holds the recording medium P. The transport drum 21 rotates in one direction (counterclockwise in FIG. 1) around a central axis serving as a rotation axis 21b while holding the recording medium P on the transport surface 21a. As a result, the transport drum 21 transports the recording medium P adsorbed and held on the transport surface 21a along a path along the transport surface 21a.

[0036] The heating section 23 is located downstream of the delivery unit 22 in the rotation direction of the conveying drum 21. The heating section 23 heats the recording medium P conveyed by the conveying drum 21 so that the temperature of the recording medium P falls within a predetermined temperature range. The heating section 23 is configured using, for example, an infrared heater or the like. The heating section 23 heats the recording medium P. The heating section 23 is controlled based on the control by the control section 40.

[0037] The head unit 5 is located downstream of the heating unit 23 in the rotation direction of the transport drum 21. The head unit 5 ejects ink onto the recording medium P held on the transport drum 21 at appropriate timing according to the rotation of the transport drum 21 to form an image. In the inkjet recording device 1 of this embodiment, as an example, four head units 5 are arranged in order from the upstream side in the rotation direction of the transport drum 21, lined up at predetermined intervals. The four head units 5 correspond to four colors of ink, for example, yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K). Each head unit 5 has an ink ejection surface 5a located opposite the transport surface 21a of the transport drum 21.

[0038] Fig. 3 is a bottom view of the head unit 5 located on line AA in Fig. 1. As shown in Fig. 3, the head unit 5 can have one or more head modules 50. In the example shown in Fig. 3, eight head modules 50 are arranged in a staggered pattern on the ink ejection surface 5a of the head unit 5. The other head units 5 can have a similar configuration.

[0039] Fig. 4 is a bottom view of the head module 50. As shown in Fig. 4, the head module 50 can have one or more inkjet heads 500. In Fig. 4, one head module 50 has two inkjet heads 500.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 4, the head surface 500a may include a nozzle surface 501a having a plurality of nozzle openings 510, and a top plate 502a positioned to surround the nozzle surface 501a.

[0041] FIG. 5 is a side view of the head module 50 shown in FIG. 4. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the head module 50 shown in FIG. 4. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the head module 50 may include an exterior material made up of a housing 51, a cover member 52, a fixing member 53, etc. The interior of the exterior material contains, for example, an ink chamber for storing ink, a pressure chamber, a piezoelectric element, a drive circuit board, etc. The head module 50 may also include a connector 54 that communicates with the ink chamber, and a tank 55. In this case, ink is supplied from the tank 55 to the ink chamber via the connector 54.

[0042] In the inkjet head 500, when a drive signal is input from the drive circuit board to the piezoelectric element based on the control of the control unit 40, the piezoelectric element deforms in response to the drive signal, thereby deforming the pressure chamber. The inkjet head 500 ejects an amount of ink corresponding to the magnitude of the deformation of the pressure chamber from the nozzle opening 510 communicating with the pressure chamber.

[0043] It is preferable that the area in which the nozzle openings 510 are arranged on the ink ejection surface 5a of the head unit 5 covers the entire area in the Y direction of the recording medium P transported by the transport drum .

[0044] Each head unit 5 is provided, for example, so as to be able to move individually along the Y direction of the transport drum 21. Specifically, the head unit 5 may be provided so as to be able to move between a position facing the transport drum 21 and a position facing a cleaning device 27 provided adjacent to the transport drum 21 in the Y direction. During image formation, such a head unit 5 moves to a position facing the transport drum 21 under the control of the control unit 40, and is used with its position fixed relative to the rotation shaft 21b of the transport drum 21. The inkjet recording device 1 having such a head unit 5 is a single-pass type device.

[0045] The head unit 5 moves to a position facing the cleaning device 27 under the control of the control unit 40 during various maintenance operations, including cleaning of the ink ejection surface 5a.

[0046] The fixing unit 25 is provided downstream of the head unit 5 in the rotation direction of the transport drum 21. The fixing unit 25 has a light-emitting unit arranged across the Y direction of the transport drum 21. The fixing unit 25 irradiates the recording medium P held on the transport surface 21a with energy rays such as ultraviolet light from the light-emitting unit, and cures and fixes the ink ejected onto the recording medium P.

[0047] The delivery unit 26 is located between the transport drum 21 and the tray 31 of the medium discharge unit 30, downstream of the fixing unit 25 in the rotation direction of the transport drum 21. The delivery unit 26 holds and picks up one end of the recording medium P being transported on the transport surface 21a of the transport drum 21, and sends the recording medium P onto the tray 31 of the medium discharge unit 30.

[0048] The cleaning device 27 is provided, for example, adjacent to the transport drum 21 in the Y direction. Fig. 7 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the cleaning device 27. The cleaning device 27 may include, within a housing 270, a wiping cloth 102, a contact mechanism 273, a first roller 271 and a second roller 272 which are a wiping cloth transport unit, and a transport amount detection unit 274.

[0049] The wiping cloth 102 is unwound from, for example, a wiping cloth cartridge 100. The wiping cloth cartridge 100 has a long wiping cloth 102 wound around a roll core 101. The wiping cloth 102 is a member that cleans the head surface 500a of the inkjet head 500. The wiping cloth cartridge 100 is removably fixed to the first roller 271 by fitting the first roller 271 onto the roll core 101, and is freely attached to the cleaning device 27.

[0050] When the wiping cloth cartridge 100 is attached to the cleaning device 27, the outer peripheral edge of the wiping cloth 102 is unwound from the first roller 271, and the unwound outer peripheral edge is fixed to the second roller 272. The wiping cloth 102 is supported by the abutment mechanism 273 between the wiping cloth cartridge 100 fixed to the first roller 271 and the second roller 272.

[0051] The wiping cloth 102 is, for example, long. The length of the wiping cloth 102 in the Y direction is preferably a length that covers the head surface 500a of the inkjet head 500.

[0052] Depending on the cleaning mode, the wiping cloth 102 may slide relative to the inkjet head 500 while in contact with the head surface 500a. The sliding direction is, for example, the Y direction. In this case, it is preferable that the length of the wiping cloth 102 in the Y direction is greater than the length of the head surface 500a in the Y direction plus the sliding distance. This allows the wiping cloth 102 to slide over the entire head surface 500a in the sliding direction.

[0053] The material of the wiping cloth 102 is preferably a material capable of removing ink and other foreign matter adhering to the head surface 500a, and may be, for example, a woven fabric or a nonwoven fabric. As the woven fabric, a plain weave fabric is preferable from the viewpoint of strength. The material of the wiping cloth 102 may be a natural fiber or a chemical fiber. As the chemical fiber, nylon (Ny), polyethylene (PE), and blended or interwoven fibers using these materials are preferable.

[0054] The wiping cloth 102 may be impregnated with a cleaning liquid. For example, a liquid capable of removing ink is used as the cleaning liquid. For example, when a UV-curable ink containing a vinyl ether compound, a (meth)acryloyl group-containing compound, and a photoacid generator is used as the ink, a cleaning liquid containing a vinyl ether compound and a (meth)acryloyl group-containing compound is preferably used. It is particularly preferable that the cleaning liquid contains the same or similar vinyl ether compound and (meth)acryloyl group-containing compound as the ink.

[0055] The wipe cloth transport unit transports the wipe cloth 102. The wipe cloth transport unit is composed of, for example, a first roller 271 and a second roller 272. The first roller 271 rotatably holds the wipe cloth cartridge 100. A rotation axis 271a of the first roller 271 extends, for example, in the Y direction. The first roller 271 may be a drive roller that is equipped with a motor as a drive source and rotates freely in one direction, or may be a driven roller that rotates in accordance with the rotation of the second roller 272.

[0056] When the first roller 271 is provided with a motor serving as a driving source, a pulse motor, for example, may be used as the motor. Such a motor serving as a driving source operates under the control of the control unit 40, and functions as a feed motor for feeding the wipe cloth 102 toward the second roller 272.

[0057] The second roller 272 winds up the wiping cloth 102 from the wiping cloth cartridge 100. The rotation axis 272a of the second roller 272 extends in the Y direction, for example, and is provided parallel to the rotation axis 271a of the first roller 271.

[0058] The second roller 272 may have a groove-shaped fixing portion on its side peripheral wall, into which the leading edge of the wiping cloth 102 is fitted and fixed. The second roller 272 may have a double structure covered with a roll core, and this roll core may be provided with a groove-shaped fixing portion into which the leading edge of the wiping cloth 102 is fitted and fixed.

[0059] The second roller 272 is a drive roller that is equipped with, for example, a motor as a drive source and rotates freely in one direction. A pulse motor, for example, can be used as the motor provided in the second roller 272. Such a motor as a drive source operates under the control of the control unit 40 and functions as a take-up motor for taking up the wipe cloth 102.

[0060] The contact mechanism 273 brings the wiping cloth 102 into contact with and away from the head surface 500a. The contact mechanism 273 is configured, for example, as a driven roller with a cylindrical side wall made of an elastic material, and the side wall can be freely contacted with the head surface 500a via the wiping cloth 102. There are no particular restrictions on the material that makes up the side wall of the contact mechanism 273, but elastic materials such as sponge or rubber are preferred. This makes it less likely that the nozzle opening 510 will be damaged during cleaning.

[0061] The rotation axis 273a of the contact mechanism 273 extends, for example, in the Y direction and is provided parallel to the rotation axis 271a of the first roller 271 and the rotation axis 272a of the second roller 272. The contact mechanism 273 preferably supports, at its side peripheral wall, an intermediate portion of the wipe cloth 102 stretched between the first roller 271 and the second roller 272.

[0062] It is preferable that the length of the contact mechanism 273 in the Y direction is greater than the length of the wiping cloth 102 in the Y direction (width direction), and that the contact mechanism 273 can support the wiping cloth 102 over the entire Y direction (width direction).

[0063] The contact mechanism 273 may include a drive source such as a solenoid for freely contacting the side peripheral wall with the head surface 500a. Such a drive source operates based on the control of the control unit 40, and functions as a drive source for contacting the wiping cloth 102, which is wrapped around the side peripheral wall of the contact mechanism 273, with the head surface 500a.

[0064] The contact mechanism 273 may be configured to be movable in the Y direction relative to the head surface 500a. Such a contact mechanism 273 moves back and forth in the Y direction while keeping the wiping cloth 102 in contact with the head surface 500a, thereby enabling the wiping cloth 102 to slide against the head surface 500a.

[0065] In the inkjet recording apparatus 1, the cleaning device 27 preferably includes a transport distance detection unit 274 that detects the transport distance of the wiping cloth 102. The transport distance detection unit 274 may be located upstream or downstream of the contact mechanism unit 273 in the transport direction of the wiping cloth 102. The transport distance detection unit 274 includes, for example, a roller that rotates with the transport of the wiping cloth 102, and an encoder that detects the mechanical displacement of the rotation of the roller to detect the transport distance of the wiping cloth 102. By including the transport distance detection unit 274 in the cleaning device 27, the accuracy of transport control of the wiping cloth 102 can be improved.

[0066] The cleaning device 27 may include a roller between a first roller 271 and a second roller 272, on which the wiping cloth 102 is stretched. The cleaning device 27 may include an imaging device such as a camera capable of capturing an image of the area of ​​the wiping cloth on which ink is attached.

[0067] Fig. 8 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of one embodiment of the inkjet recording apparatus 1. The inkjet recording apparatus 1 shown in Fig. 8 includes, as functional components, a control unit 40, a storage unit 61, a head unit 5, a cleaning device 27, a conveying unit 62, a heating unit 23, a fixing unit 25, a display unit 63, an operation receiving unit 64, a communication unit 65, and a bus 66.

[0068] The control unit 40 controls the operations of the medium supply unit 10, the image forming unit 20, and the medium discharge unit 30 according to the print image data and print settings. The control unit 40 also controls the wipe cloth transport unit of the cleaning device 27 included in the image forming unit 20 according to the cleaning settings. The control unit 40 is a computer, and includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 41, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 42, and a ROM (Read Only Memory) 43. The CPU 41 executes various control programs to drive and control the inkjet recording apparatus 1 and perform various arithmetic processing. The RAM 42 provides the CPU 41 with working memory space and stores temporary data. The RAM 42 may include a nonvolatile memory. The ROM 43 stores various control programs executed by the CPU 41, setting data, and the like. A rewritable nonvolatile memory such as a flash memory may be used instead of the ROM 43.

[0069] The storage unit 61 stores programs executed by the CPU 41, various setting data, etc. As the storage unit 61, for example, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) is used, and a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) or the like is also used.

[0070] The conveying unit 62 is a motor that drives each unit that operates to move the recording medium P. Based on the control of the control unit 40, the conveying unit 62 operates each unit that operates to move the recording medium P at an appropriate timing.

[0071] The display unit 63 displays various statuses, menus, etc. on a display screen based on control by the control unit 40. The display unit 63 has, for example, a display screen, an LED lamp, etc. The display screen is not particularly limited, but is, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display). In the LED lamp, for example, a lamp is lit in a position and color corresponding to the power supply status, abnormality occurrence status, etc.

[0072] The operation reception unit 64 receives input operations from an external user or the like and outputs the operations as input signals to the control unit 40. The operation reception unit 64 has, for example, a touch panel, a push button switch, etc. The touch panel may be positioned so as to overlap the display screen of the display unit 63. The operation reception unit 64 may also have various other operation switches, etc.

[0073] The communication unit 65 controls transmission and reception of data (signals) with external devices etc. in accordance with a predetermined communication standard. The communication unit 65 controls communication in accordance with, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network) standard. The communication unit 65 may be connectable to peripheral devices in accordance with a standard such as USB (Universal Serial Bus).

[0074] The bus 66 is a path for transmitting and receiving signals between the control unit 40 and other functional components. Each functional component may operate based on a control signal transmitted from a processor (such as a CPU) separate from the control unit 40.

[0075] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the inkjet recording flow in the inkjet recording apparatus 1 of the present invention.

[0076] (Step S1) In step S1, whether or not the cleaning device 27 will perform the cleaning process of the head surface 500a with the wiping cloth 102 is determined based on a user instruction, a predetermined setting, etc. For example, even before the image forming process, the cleaning process may be performed as part of initial maintenance, such as immediately after starting up the inkjet recording apparatus 1.

[0077] (Step S2) If it is determined in step S1 that "the cleaning process is to be performed," the flow proceeds to step S2. In step S2, the cleaning device 27 performs the cleaning process. In the cleaning process, one or more cleaning operations are performed. In one cleaning operation, for example, one or more head surfaces 500a provided on one head module 50 are cleaned. In this way, when cleaning of one head module 50 is considered to be one cleaning operation, if four head units 5 each have eight head modules 50, for example, 32 cleaning operations are performed consecutively in one cleaning process.

[0078] When the cleaning process is started, one of the head units 5 is moved under the control of the control unit 40 so that the ink ejection surface 5a of the head unit 5 is positioned opposite the cleaning device 27. Specifically, the head unit 5 is moved so that the head surface 500a of one or more inkjet heads 500 included in the head module 50 is positioned opposite the abutment mechanism part 273 of the cleaning device 27.

[0079] Next, a cleaning operation is performed under the control of the control unit 40. In the cleaning operation, purging is performed as needed, followed by wiping. Purging is an operation in which ink is forcibly expelled in large amounts from the nozzle openings 510 by pressurizing the ink chamber. This prevents or eliminates ink clogging. In wiping, under the control of the control unit 40, the abutment mechanism 273 moves in a direction toward the head surface 500a (positive side of the Z direction) to bring the wiping cloth 102 into contact with the head surface 500a. Next, the wiping cloth 102 abutting against the head surface 500a is slid as needed. Thereafter, the abutment mechanism 273 moves in a direction away from the head surface 500a (negative side of the Z direction), and the wiping cloth 102 is separated from the head surface 500a. This wiping moves residual ink, dust, and the like adhering to the head surface 500a to the wiping cloth 102. By the above cleaning operation, the head module 50, specifically the head surface 500a of the inkjet head 500 provided in the head module 50, is cleaned.

[0080] When the cleaning operation for one head module 50 is completed, the head unit 5 moves so that the contact mechanism 273 faces the head surface 500a of the inkjet head 500 included in the next head module 50 to be cleaned. Also, under the control of the control unit 40 described below, the second roller 272 of the wiping cloth transport unit rotates in the direction of winding up the wiping cloth 102, and the wiping cloth 102 is transported. Thereafter, the same cleaning operation as described above is performed.

[0081] When the cleaning operation for all the head modules 50 included in one head unit 5 is completed, the next head unit 5 moves to a position facing the cleaning device 27. This is repeated, and the cleaning operation is performed for all the head modules 50 included in the inkjet recording apparatus 1. When the cleaning operation for all the head modules 50 is completed, one cleaning process is completed. Note that this is just one example of the cleaning process, and it is not necessarily necessary to perform the cleaning operation for all the head modules 50 in one cleaning process.

[0082] (Step S3) After the cleaning process in step S2, or after step S1 if it was not determined in step S1 that "the cleaning process should be performed," the flow proceeds to step S3. In step S3, whether or not the image forming unit 20 will perform the image forming process is determined based on a user instruction, a predetermined setting, or the like. For example, if the cleaning process in step S2 was performed after the previous image forming process, the image forming process may not be performed even after the cleaning process.

[0083] (Step S4) If it is determined in step S3 that "an image forming process is to be performed," the flow proceeds to step S4. In step S4, the image forming unit 20 described above performs the image forming process. The number of images formed in the image forming process of step S4 is not particularly limited. Images may be formed consecutively on a plurality of recording media P in one image forming process.

[0084] (Step S5) After the image forming process in step S4, or after step S3 if it is not determined in step S3 that a cleaning process should be performed, the flow proceeds to step S5. In step S5, it is determined whether the user has finished using the inkjet recording device based on an instruction from the user, a predetermined setting, or the like.

[0085] If it is determined in step S5 that "use of the inkjet recording device is to be terminated," inkjet recording is terminated. If it is not determined in step S5 that "use of the inkjet recording device is to be terminated," the flow returns to step S1.

[0086] Next, the control of the wiping cloth transport unit by the control unit 40 will be described in detail. Of the two consecutive cleaning operations performed by the inkjet recording apparatus 1 of the present invention, the first and second cleaning operations are referred to as the first and second cleaning operations, respectively. As shown in FIG. 10 and other figures, the area on the wiping cloth 102 to which ink is adhered by the first cleaning operation is referred to as the first ink-deposited area A10. The area on the wiping cloth 102 to which ink is adhered by the second cleaning operation is referred to as the second ink-deposited area A20. In this case, the control unit 40 controls the wiping cloth transport unit so that the overlapping area between the first ink-deposited area A10 and the second ink-deposited area A20 is larger when the amount of ink adhered to the wiping cloth 102 by the first cleaning operation is small compared to when the amount of ink adhered is large. Hereinafter, the overlapping area between the first ink-deposited area A10 and the second ink-deposited area A20 will also be simply referred to as the "overlapping area."

[0087] In conventional technology, an area of ​​the wiping cloth 102 that has had ink attached once is typically not reused, even if the amount of ink attached is small and the area can still be used for cleaning. In contrast, in the present invention, when the amount of ink attached in the first cleaning operation is small, the wiping cloth transport unit is controlled so that the overlapping area between the first ink-attached area A10 and the second ink-attached area A20 is increased. As a result, the area of ​​the wiping cloth 102 that has had ink attached once (the first ink-attached area A10) may be reused, thereby reducing consumption of the wiping cloth 102. Furthermore, in this case, when the amount of ink attached in the first cleaning operation is large, the overlapping area between the first ink-attached area A10 and the second ink-attached area A20 can be controlled to be small, making it easier for the head surface 500a to be properly cleaned in the second cleaning operation. That is, the present invention controls the overlapping area between the first ink-deposited area A10 and the second ink-deposited area A20 in accordance with the amount of ink deposited by the first cleaning operation, thereby appropriately cleaning the head surface 500a while reducing consumption of the wiping cloth 102. This enables the present invention to efficiently use the wiping cloth 102.

[0088] The first cleaning operation and the second cleaning operation may have another process, such as an image forming process, sandwiched between them, or may not have another process, such as an image forming process, sandwiched between them. In other words, the first cleaning operation and the second cleaning operation are not limited to being consecutive in the same cleaning operation. The last cleaning operation in a certain cleaning operation may be the first cleaning operation, and the first cleaning operation in the next cleaning operation, with another process, such as an image forming process, sandwiched between them, may be the second cleaning operation. However, since the first cleaning operation and the second cleaning operation are two consecutive cleaning operations, no other cleaning operation is sandwiched between them. The head module 50 cleaned in the first cleaning operation and the head module 50 cleaned in the second cleaning operation may be different or the same.

[0089] The "area on the wipe cloth where ink adheres" refers to the area on the wipe cloth 102 where ink adheres due to wiping. This "area on the wipe cloth where ink adheres" may be larger than the area in contact with the head surface 500a, or may be smaller than the area in contact with the head surface 500a. For example, if ink is adhered to the entire surface of the head surface 500a before wiping, the ink that moves to the wipe cloth 102 due to wiping may bleed and spread, so the "area on the wipe cloth where ink adheres" is likely to be larger than the area in contact with the head surface 500a. For example, if ink is not adhered to the entire surface of the head surface 500a before wiping, or if the amount of ink adhered to the head surface 500a is small, the "area on the wipe cloth where ink adheres" may be smaller than the area in contact with the head surface 500a.

[0090] The range of the first ink-deposited area A10 may be an estimated range. The range of the first ink-deposited area A10 may be estimated based on parameters such as the ink components, the degree of ink drying, the degree of ink viscosity, the material of the wiping cloth 102, the thickness of the wiping cloth 102, and the cleaning mode of the first cleaning operation. This estimation may be performed, for example, by referring to a table in which each parameter is associated with the range of the first ink-deposited area A10. The range of the first ink-deposited area A10 may also be a range determined from an image of the wiping cloth 102 obtained by an imaging device such as a camera.

[0091] The range of the second ink-deposited area A20 may be an estimated range. The range of the second ink-deposited area A20 may be estimated based on parameters such as the ink components, the degree of ink drying, the degree of ink viscosity, the material of the wiping cloth 102, the thickness of the wiping cloth 102, and the cleaning mode of the second cleaning operation. This estimation may be performed, for example, by referring to a table in which each parameter is associated with the range of the second ink-deposited area A20.

[0092] The amount of ink adhered to the wiping cloth 102 by the first cleaning operation may be an estimated value. The amount of ink adhered may be estimated based on parameters such as the ink components, the degree of ink drying, the degree of ink thickening, the material of the wiping cloth 102, the thickness of the wiping cloth 102, and the cleaning mode of the first cleaning operation. This estimation may be performed, for example, by referring to a table in which each parameter is associated with the amount of ink adhered. It is preferable that the amount of ink adhered to the wiping cloth 102 by the first cleaning operation is a value estimated based on the cleaning mode of the first cleaning operation.

[0093] The cleaning mode is divided into several modes depending on whether or not purging is performed during the cleaning operation, the time the wiping cloth 102 is in contact with the head surface 500a, whether or not the wiping cloth 102 slides, the sliding range of the wiping cloth 102, the number of times the wiping cloth 102 slides, etc. If it is desired to thoroughly clean the head surface 500a immediately after starting up the inkjet recording apparatus 1, the cleaning mode can be set, for example, with purging, with sliding of the wiping cloth 102, and with a large number of times of sliding.

[0094] The control unit 40 may control the overlapping area not only in accordance with the amount of ink adhered to the wiping cloth 102 by the first cleaning operation, but also in accordance with other parameters in addition to the amount of ink adhered.

[0095] For example, the control unit 40 may control the overlapping area in accordance with the length of a "first elapsed time" defined as follows. The "first elapsed time" refers to the time elapsed from the completion of wiping in the first cleaning operation to the start of wiping in the second cleaning operation. In this case, the control unit 40 preferably reduces the overlapping area when the first elapsed time is long compared to when the first elapsed time is short. Furthermore, the control unit 40 preferably sets the overlapping area to zero when the first elapsed time is one hour or longer. A long first elapsed time tends to cause ink in the first ink deposition area A10 to dry and / or thicken, and to increase the amount of dust adhering to the first ink deposition area A10. Therefore, a long first elapsed time tends to reduce the cleaning power of the first ink deposition area A10. Therefore, by reducing the overlapping area when the first elapsed time is long or setting the overlapping area to zero when the first elapsed time is one hour or longer, the head surface 500a can be more easily cleaned properly in the second cleaning operation.

[0096] As another control example, the control unit 40 may also control the overlapping area according to the magnitude of the "first degree of modification," defined as follows. The "first degree of modification" refers to the degree to which the ink adhered to the wiping cloth 102 by the first cleaning operation dries or thickens during the second cleaning operation. In this case, it is preferable for the control unit 40 to reduce the overlapping area when the first degree of modification is large compared to when the first degree of modification is small. When the first degree of modification is large, the cleaning power of the first ink adhesion region A10 is likely to decrease. Therefore, by reducing the overlapping area when the first degree of modification is large, the head surface 500a is more likely to be properly cleaned during the second cleaning operation.

[0097] As another control example, the control unit 40 may also control the overlapping area in accordance with the length of a "second elapsed time," defined as follows. The "second elapsed time" refers to the elapsed time from the completion of wiping in the previous cleaning operation of the second cleaning operation for the second head module to the start of wiping in the second cleaning operation, defined as follows. The "second head module" refers to the head module 50 to be cleaned in the second cleaning operation. In this case, when the second elapsed time is long, the control unit 40 preferably reduces the overlapping area compared to when the second elapsed time is short. Furthermore, when the second elapsed time is one hour or longer, the control unit 40 preferably sets the overlapping area to zero. When the second elapsed time is long, the residual ink on the head surface 500a of the second head module tends to dry and / or thicken, and the amount of dust adhering to the head surface 500a of the second head module tends to increase. Therefore, when the second elapsed time is long, the head surface 500a of the second head module becomes difficult to clean. In order to properly clean the head surface 500a of the second head module in this state, it is preferable to use as many areas of the wiping cloth 102 as possible that do not have ink attached. Therefore, by reducing the overlapping area when the second elapsed time is long, or by setting the overlapping area to 0 when the second elapsed time is one hour or more, the head surface 500a of the second head module can be more easily cleaned properly in the second cleaning operation.

[0098] As another control example, the control unit 40 may also control the overlapping area according to the magnitude of the "second modification degree," defined as follows. The "second modification degree" refers to the degree of drying or thickening of the ink adhering to the second head module during the second cleaning operation. In this case, when the second modification degree is large, the control unit 40 preferably reduces the overlapping area compared to when the second modification degree is small. When the second modification degree is large, cleaning of the head surface 500a of the second head module becomes difficult. To properly clean the head surface 500a of the second head module in such a state, it is preferable to use a large area of ​​the wiping cloth 102 where ink is not attached. Therefore, by reducing the overlapping area when the second modification degree is large, the head surface 500a of the second head module can be more easily cleaned during the second cleaning operation.

[0099] The control unit 40 may control the overlap area according to a plurality of parameters consisting of any combination of the first elapsed time, the first degree of modification, the second elapsed time, the second degree of modification, etc., in addition to the amount of ink adhered to the wiping cloth 102 by the first cleaning operation.

[0100] 10, 11A, 12A, and 13A are diagrams illustrating the positional relationship between the first ink-deposited area A10 and the second ink-deposited area A20 on the wiping cloth 102. Figures 11B, 12B, and 13B are diagrams for explaining the overlap between the first ink-deposited area A10 and the second ink-deposited area A20 shown in Figures 11A, 12A, and 13A, respectively, and the positional relationship in the Y direction is shown shifted for convenience.

[0101] In these figures, the first nozzle surface abutment region A11 is the region of the wiping cloth 102 that the nozzle surface 501a abuts against during the first cleaning operation. The first top plate abutment region A12 is the region of the wiping cloth 102 that the top plate 502a abuts against during the first cleaning operation. The second nozzle surface abutment region A21 is the region of the wiping cloth 102 that the nozzle surface 501a abuts against during the second cleaning operation. The second top plate abutment region A22 is the region of the wiping cloth 102 that the top plate 502a abuts against during the second cleaning operation.

[0102] For example, in the following cases, the control unit 40 may control the wipe cloth feed unit so that the overlapping area becomes 0 as shown in FIG. When the amount of ink adhering to the wiping cloth 102 in the first cleaning operation is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. - When the first elapsed time and / or the second elapsed time is equal to or greater than a given set value (e.g., 1 hour). If the first and / or second denaturation levels are above a set value

[0103] In both of the above cases, it is difficult for the entire first ink deposition area A10 to absorb ink. In such cases, by controlling the wipe cloth transport unit so that the overlapping area becomes zero, it becomes possible to properly clean the head surface 500a in the second cleaning operation.

[0104] 11A and 11B, the control unit 40 may control the wiping cloth transport unit so that one of the two first nozzle surface contact regions A11 overlaps one of the two second nozzle surface contact regions A21. Preferably, one of the two nozzle surfaces 501a contacts the second nozzle surface contact region A21 that does not overlap with the first nozzle surface contact region A11 during the next cleaning operation. By repeating this process, even though the overlapping area is relatively large, the number of times the nozzle surface 501a contacts any region of the wiping cloth 102 is a maximum of two. This allows for a high level of compatibility between proper cleaning of the head surface 500a during the second cleaning operation and reduced consumption of the wiping cloth 102.

[0105] As shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B , the control unit 40 may control the wipe cloth transport unit so that the first nozzle-face contact area A11 and the second nozzle-face contact area A21 do not overlap. In this case, the first top-plate contact area A12 and the second nozzle-face contact area A21 may overlap. The ink adhering to the top plate 502a is mainly derived from scattered mist, and the amount of ink adhering to the top plate 502a is often less than that of the nozzle surface 501a having the nozzle openings 510. In such a case, the first top-plate contact area A12 still has cleaning power remaining, and can properly clean the nozzle surface 501a even when it is brought into contact with the nozzle surface 501a again. Therefore, in such a case, it is preferable to control the wipe cloth transport unit so that the first top-plate contact area A12 and the second nozzle-face contact area A21 overlap, but the first nozzle-face contact area A11 and the second nozzle-face contact area A21 do not overlap. This makes it possible to achieve both appropriate cleaning of the head surface 500a in the second cleaning operation and reduced consumption of the wiping cloth 102 at a high level.

[0106] As shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B , the control unit 40 may control the wipe cloth transport unit so that the first top plate contact area A12 and the second nozzle surface contact area A21 do not overlap. In this case, the first top plate contact area A12 and the second top plate contact area A22 may overlap. Even if the first top plate contact area A12 can clean the top plate 502a again, there may be ink adhering to the top plate 502a to such an extent that it cannot properly clean the nozzle surface 501a again. In such a case, it is preferable to control the wipe cloth transport unit so that the first top plate contact area A12 and the second top plate contact area A22 overlap, but the first top plate contact area A12 and the second nozzle surface contact area A21 do not overlap. This allows for a high level of both proper cleaning of the head surface 500a in the second cleaning operation and reduced consumption of the wipe cloth 102.

[0107] The head cleaning method of the present invention is a head cleaning method for an inkjet recording apparatus, and includes a step of cleaning the head surface 500a with the wiping cloth 102 in the above-described inkjet recording apparatus 1. In the head cleaning method, the control unit 40 controls the wiping cloth transport unit as described above.

[0108] The program of the present invention is a program that causes the computer in the inkjet recording apparatus 1 described above to function as the control unit 40. The computer that functions as the control unit 40 according to the program controls the wiping cloth transport unit as described above.

[0109] The above description and drawings are intended only to explain and illustrate embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention, which should be interpreted by the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0110] 1. Inkjet recording device 10 Media supply section 20 Image forming unit 30 Media discharge section 40 Control Unit 5 Head Unit 5a Ink ejection surface 50 head modules 500 inkjet head 500a head surface 501a Nozzle surface 502a Top plate 510 Nozzle opening 27 Cleaning Device 270 cabinet 271 First roller (wipe cloth transport section) 272 Second roller (wipe cloth transport section) 273 Contact mechanism section 274 Conveyance amount detection unit 100 wipe cloth cartridges 101 Roll core 102 Wipe cloth A10 First ink-attached area A11 First nozzle surface contact area A12 First top plate contact area A20 Second ink-attached area A21 Second nozzle surface contact area A22 Second top plate contact area

Claims

1. one or more head modules each including one or more inkjet heads; a wipe cloth for cleaning a head surface of the inkjet head; a contact mechanism that brings the wiping cloth into contact with and separates it from the head surface; a wipe cloth transport unit that transports the wipe cloth; a control unit that controls the wipe cloth transport unit, The first and second cleaning operations of the two consecutive cleaning operations are designated as a first cleaning operation and a second cleaning operation, respectively; a region of the wiping cloth onto which ink adheres by the first cleaning operation is defined as a first ink-adhered region; When the area on the wipe cloth onto which ink adheres by the second cleaning operation is defined as a second ink-adhered area, the control unit increases an overlapping area between the first ink-adhered region and the second ink-adhered region when the amount of ink adhering to the wiping cloth due to the first cleaning operation is small compared to when the amount of ink adhering to the wiping cloth is large. Inkjet recording device.

2. the amount of ink adhering to the wiping cloth due to the first cleaning operation is a value estimated based on a cleaning mode of the first cleaning operation; The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 1 .

3. When the elapsed time from the completion of wiping in the first cleaning operation to the start of wiping in the second cleaning operation is defined as a first elapsed time, The control unit further controls the overlapping area in accordance with the length of the first elapsed time. The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 1 .

4. the control unit reduces the overlapping area when the first elapsed time is long compared to when the first elapsed time is short. The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 3 .

5. the control unit sets the overlapping area to 0 when the first elapsed time is one hour or more. The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 3 .

6. When the degree of drying or thickening of the ink adhered to the wiping cloth in the first cleaning operation during the second cleaning operation is defined as a first modification degree, The control unit further controls the overlapping area according to the magnitude of the first modification degree. The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 1 .

7. The control unit reduces the overlapping area when the first degree of modification is large compared to when the first degree of modification is small.

7. The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 6.

8. the head module to be cleaned in the second cleaning operation is a second head module, When the elapsed time from the completion of wiping in the previous cleaning operation of the second cleaning operation for the second head module to the start of wiping in the second cleaning operation is set as a second elapsed time, The control unit further controls the overlapping area in accordance with the length of the second elapsed time. The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 1 .

9. the control unit reduces the overlapping area when the second elapsed time is long compared to when the second elapsed time is short. The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 8.

10. the control unit sets the overlapping area to 0 when the second elapsed time is one hour or more. The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 8.

11. the head module to be cleaned in the second cleaning operation is a second head module, When the degree of drying or thickening of the ink adhering to the second head module during the second cleaning operation is defined as a second modification degree, The control unit further controls the overlapping area according to the magnitude of the second modification degree. The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 1 .

12. The control unit reduces the overlapping area when the second degree of modification is large compared to when the second degree of modification is small. The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 11.

13. the head surface includes a nozzle surface having nozzle openings and a top plate surrounding the nozzle surface; The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 1 .

14. a region of the wiping cloth with which the nozzle face comes into contact during the first cleaning operation is defined as a first nozzle face contact region; When the area of ​​the wiping cloth with which the nozzle face comes into contact during the second cleaning operation is defined as a second nozzle face contact area, the control unit controls the wipe cloth transport unit so that the first nozzle surface contact area and the second nozzle surface contact area do not overlap. The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 13.

15. a region of the wiping cloth with which the top plate comes into contact during the first cleaning operation is defined as a first top plate contact region; When the area of ​​the wiping cloth with which the nozzle face comes into contact during the second cleaning operation is defined as a second nozzle face contact area, the control unit controls the wipe cloth transport unit so that the first top plate contact area and the second nozzle surface contact area do not overlap. The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 13.

16. The wiper further includes a conveyance amount detection unit that detects the conveyance amount of the wipe cloth. The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 1 .

17. A head cleaning method for an inkjet recording apparatus, comprising: The inkjet recording apparatus includes one or more head modules each including one or more inkjet heads, a wiping cloth for cleaning a head surface of the inkjet head, a contact mechanism for bringing the wiping cloth into contact with and away from the head surface, a wiping cloth transport unit for transporting the wiping cloth, and a control unit for controlling the wiping cloth transport unit, a step of cleaning the head surface with the wipe cloth, The first and second cleaning operations of the two consecutive cleaning operations are designated as a first cleaning operation and a second cleaning operation, respectively; a region of the wiping cloth onto which ink adheres by the first cleaning operation is defined as a first ink-adhered region; When the area on the wipe cloth onto which ink adheres by the second cleaning operation is defined as a second ink-adhered area, the control unit increases an overlapping area between the first ink-adhered region and the second ink-adhered region when the amount of ink adhering to the wiping cloth due to the first cleaning operation is small compared to when the amount of ink adhering to the wiping cloth is large. Head cleaning method.

18. a wipe cloth for cleaning a head surface of the inkjet head; a contact mechanism for bringing the wipe cloth into contact with and away from the head surface; a wipe cloth transport unit for transporting the wipe cloth; and a computer, the program causing the computer to function as a control unit in an inkjet recording apparatus comprising: one or more head modules each having one or more inkjet heads; a wiping cloth for cleaning a head surface of the inkjet head; a contact mechanism for bringing the wipe cloth into contact with and away from the head surface; a wipe cloth transport unit for transporting the wipe cloth; and a computer, The first and second cleaning operations of the two consecutive cleaning operations are designated as a first cleaning operation and a second cleaning operation, respectively; a region of the wiping cloth onto which ink adheres by the first cleaning operation is defined as a first ink-adhered region; When the area on the wipe cloth onto which ink adheres by the second cleaning operation is defined as a second ink-adhered area, the control unit increases an overlapping area between the first ink-adhered region and the second ink-adhered region when the amount of ink adhering to the wiping cloth due to the first cleaning operation is small compared to when the amount of ink adhering to the wiping cloth is large. program.

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