Liquid dispensing device and wiping device

Abstract

To provide a liquid dispensing device and a wiping device that improve the reusability of wiping members. [Solution] The liquid dispensing device comprises a head having a nozzle surface through which a nozzle for dispensing liquid is open, a wiping member for wiping the nozzle surface, a conveying unit for conveying the wiping member in the conveying direction while supporting the wiping member, and a removal unit for removing any deposits from the wiping member. The wiping member is made of silicone and is elastic.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a liquid ejection device and a wiping device.

Background Art

[0002] For example, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, there is disclosed a liquid ejection device including a liquid ejection unit which is an example of a head having a nozzle surface in which a plurality of nozzles for ejecting liquid are open. In such a liquid ejection device, a wiper unit having a cloth wiper which is an example of a wiping member capable of wiping the liquid adhering to the nozzle surface is provided.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in such a liquid ejection device, although the wiping member wipes the liquid from the nozzle surface, if an adherent adheres to the wiping member, the wiping performance of the wiping member deteriorates. Therefore, it is desired to improve the reusability of the wiping member.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The liquid ejection device for solving the above problems includes a head having a nozzle surface in which nozzles for ejecting liquid are open, a wiping unit for wiping the nozzle surface, the wiping unit having a wiping member for wiping the nozzle surface, a conveying unit for conveying the wiping member in a conveying direction while supporting the wiping member, and a removing unit for removing an adherent of the wiping member, and the wiping member is formed of silicone and has elasticity.

[0006] A wiping device that solves the above problems comprises a wiping member that wipes the nozzle surface through which a liquid-discharging nozzle is open, a conveying unit that conveys the wiping member in a conveying direction while supporting the wiping member, and a removal unit that removes any deposits from the wiping member, wherein the wiping member is made of silicone and is elastic. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing a liquid dispensing device of the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the removal section of the first embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing a liquid dispensing device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing a liquid dispensing device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a perspective view showing the removal section of the fourth embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] [First Embodiment] The following describes one embodiment of a liquid discharge device equipped with a wiping device with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the direction intersecting the vertical direction Z is called the width direction Y, and the direction intersecting the vertical direction Z and the width direction Y is called the intersection direction X. One of the width directions Y is called the first width direction Y1, and the other of the width directions Y is called the second width direction Y2. One of the intersection directions X is called the first intersection direction X1, and the other of the intersection directions X is called the second intersection direction X2. The upper part of the vertical direction Z is called the upper Z1, and the lower part of the vertical direction Z is called the lower Z2. The first width direction Y1 corresponds to an example of the first direction.

[0009] <Configuration of liquid dispensing device 11> As shown in Figure 1, the liquid ejection device 11 is configured to print on a medium by ejecting a liquid onto the medium. The liquid may include, for example, ink. The liquid may be, for example, multiple colors. The liquid ejection device 11 may be an inkjet printer.

[0010] The liquid dispensing device 11 comprises a head 12 and a carriage 13. The head 12 is configured to dispense liquid. In this embodiment, the head 12 dispenses liquid downward Z2. The head 12 is configured to be supported by the bottom surface of the carriage 13.

[0011] The head 12 includes a nozzle surface 14. The nozzle surface 14 is the surface through which a nozzle 15 for discharging liquid opens. The nozzle surface 14 is positioned on the bottom surface of the head 12 so as to face downward Z2. The head 12 is configured to discharge liquid from the nozzle 15.

[0012] The carriage 13 is configured to support the head 12. The carriage 13 moves the head 12 with the head 12 mounted on it. The carriage 13 is configured to reciprocate along the width direction Y. Thus, the width direction Y corresponds to an example of the scanning direction.

[0013] This configuration allows the carriage 13 to move along the width direction Y while supporting the head 12. The head 12 is movable between a printing area (not shown) and a maintenance area 17 while supported by the carriage 13. The printing area is the area for printing on the medium. The maintenance area 17 is the area for maintaining the head 12.

[0014] The printing area and the maintenance area 17 are arranged in the liquid dispensing device 11 so as to be aligned in the width direction Y. The maintenance area 17 may be located in the second width direction Y2 relative to the printing area.

[0015] The head 12 is configured to print an image onto the medium by ejecting liquid onto the medium in the printing area. In particular, the head 12 is configured to eject liquid onto the medium being transported in the second crossing direction X2 in the printing area.

[0016] <Configuration of the wiping device 21> The liquid ejection device 11 includes a wiping device 21. The wiping device 21 is provided in the maintenance area 17. The wiping device 21 is a device that performs maintenance on the nozzle surface 14 by wiping the nozzle surface 14.

[0017] The wiping device 21 includes a wiping member 22, a conveying unit 23, and a removing unit 24. The wiping member 22 wipes the nozzle surface 14. The wiping member 22 is formed of silicone and has elasticity. Silicone has a large peelability. Therefore, the wiping member 22 easily peels off the liquid used for printing. The wiping member 22 may have a structure having capillary force with respect to the liquid. The wiping member 22 may be, for example, a cloth material using silicone fibers or a silicone rubber sheet provided with voids. The wiping member 22 in the present embodiment is endless.

[0018] The wiping member 22 includes a first surface 22a and a second surface 22b. The second surface 22b is on the opposite side of the first surface 22a. The first surface 22a is the surface that contacts the nozzle surface 14. The second surface 22b is the surface that does not contact the nozzle surface 14.

[0019] The conveying unit 23 is configured to convey the wiping member 22. The conveying unit 23 conveys the wiping member 22 in the conveying direction D while supporting the wiping member 22. The conveying unit 23 may include a plurality of rollers 30. The plurality of rollers 30 rotate about a rotation axis along the first width direction Y1.

[0020] The plurality of rollers 30 may include a first roller 31 and a second roller 32. The wiping member 22 is wound around the plurality of rollers 30. One of the first roller 31 and the second roller 32 is driven by a conveying drive unit (not shown) and the other is driven to convey the wiping member 22, but both may be driven by a conveying drive unit (not shown).

[0021] The conveying unit 23 includes a pressing unit 34. That is, the liquid ejection device 11 and the wiping device 21 include the pressing unit 34. The pressing unit 34 presses the wiping member 22 against the nozzle surface 14. The pressing unit 34 presses the wiping member 22 upward in the Z1 direction. The pressing unit 34 may include a pressing roller that contacts the wiping member 22 from the second surface 22b thereof and a biasing member that biases the pressing roller upward in the Z1 direction.

[0022] The removing unit 24 is configured to remove the附着物 on the wiping member 22. The wiping member 22 has the liquid wiped from the nozzle surface 14 adhering thereto. Foreign matters such as dust in the air may adhere to the wiping member 22. Thus, the附着物 includes the liquid wiped from the nozzle surface 14, but may also include substances other than the liquid. The removing unit 24 may include a telescopic unit 35 and a housing unit 36.

[0023] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the telescopic unit 35 expands and contracts the wiping member 22. The telescopic unit 35 removes the附着物 adhering to the wiping member 22 by expanding and contracting the wiping member 22. The telescopic unit 35 includes a plurality of contact members 40. The plurality of contact members 40 are provided so as to be arranged along the first crossing direction X1. The plurality of contact members 40 each have a cylindrical shape extending along the first width direction Y1.

[0024] The plurality of contact members 40 include a first contact member 41 and a second contact member 42. The plurality of contact members 40 may include a third contact member 43, a fourth contact member 44, and a fifth contact member 45. The plurality of contact members 40 are not limited to five. The plurality of contact members 40 may be an odd number or an even number.

[0025] The plurality of contact members 40 may be provided in the order of the first contact member 41, the second contact member 42, the third contact member 43, the fourth contact member 44, and the fifth contact member 45 in the direction of the second crossing direction X2. That is, the second contact member 42 is adjacent to the first contact member 41 in the conveying direction D.

[0026] Multiple contact members 40 may be arranged along multiple rows. The first contact member 41, second contact member 42, third contact member 43, fourth contact member 44, and fifth contact member 45 may each be arranged in the first row L1 to the fifth row L5. The first row L1 to the fifth row L5 are each rows along the first width direction Y1. The first row L1 to the fifth row L5 are arranged in order toward the second intersection direction X2.

[0027] The first contact member 41 contacts the first surface 22a of the wiping member 22. The second contact member 42 contacts the second surface 22b of the wiping member 22. Thus, the wiping member 22 is provided to contact the first contact member 41 at its first surface 22a and the second contact member 42 at its second surface 22b. In other words, the wiping member 22 contacts the adjacent first contact member 41 and second contact member 42 on the upper Z1 side of the first contact member 41 and the lower Z2 side of the second contact member 42.

[0028] The third contact member 43 contacts the first surface 22a of the wiping member 22. The fourth contact member 44 contacts the second surface 22b of the wiping member 22. The fifth contact member 45 contacts the first surface 22a of the wiping member 22.

[0029] The wiping member 22 receives a force perpendicular to the surface it contacts with the telescopic portion 35 by contacting the telescopic portion 35. As a result, the wiping member 22 expands and contracts perpendicular to the surface it contacts with the telescopic portion 35, as well as in a direction parallel to the surface it contacts with the telescopic portion 35.

[0030] Thus, the direction in which the wiping member 22 is extended and retracted by the extendable portion 35 includes a component along the transport direction D of the wiping member 22 and a direction intersecting the transport direction D of the wiping member 22. The component along the transport direction D of the wiping member 22 includes the transport direction D of the wiping member 22 and the direction opposite to the transport direction D of the wiping member 22. In other words, the direction in which the wiping member 22 is extended and retracted by the extendable portion 35 includes a component along the transport direction D of the wiping member 22.

[0031] The multiple contact members 40 may be configured to rotate about a rotation axis along the width direction Y. As a result, the multiple contact members 40 may rotate while in contact with the wiping member 22, thereby conveying the wiping member 22 along the intersecting direction X.

[0032] As shown in Figure 1, the housing section 36 houses a cleaning liquid CS for cleaning the wiping member 22. The cleaning liquid CS may be, for example, water. The telescopic section 35 is housed in the housing section 36. The telescopic section 35 is positioned so that at least a portion of it is immersed in the cleaning liquid CS housed in the housing section 36. In other words, the wiping member 22 is transported such that at least a portion of it is immersed in the cleaning liquid CS housed in the housing section 36 in the area where the telescopic section 35 extends and retracts.

[0033] The removal unit 24 may include a first temperature control unit 51. The first temperature control unit 51 is provided in the storage unit 36. The first temperature control unit 51 adjusts the temperature of the cleaning solution CS stored in the storage unit 36. The first temperature control unit 51 adjusts the temperature of the cleaning solution CS stored in the storage unit 36 ​​to a controlled temperature T1.

[0034] The first temperature control unit 51 may include a temperature sensor (not shown). The temperature sensor is located inside the housing unit 36. The temperature sensor detects the temperature of the cleaning solution CS inside the housing unit 36.

[0035] The liquid dispensing device 11 may include a second temperature control unit 52. The second temperature control unit 52 adjusts the temperature of the liquid supplied to the head 12. The second temperature control unit 52 may be provided on the head 12. The second temperature control unit 52 adjusts the temperature of the liquid supplied to the head 12 to a controlled temperature T2.

[0036] The second temperature control unit 52 may include a temperature sensor (not shown). The temperature sensor is located inside the head 12. The temperature sensor detects the temperature of the liquid inside the head 12. The temperature sensor may also be located in the head 12.

[0037] The liquid dispensing device 11 includes a control unit 60. The control unit 60 comprehensively controls the liquid dispensing device 11. The control unit 60 controls various operations performed by the liquid dispensing device 11. The control unit 60 may be configured as a circuit including α: one or more processors that perform various processes according to a computer program, β: one or more dedicated hardware circuits that perform at least some of the various processes, or γ: a combination thereof. The hardware circuit is, for example, an application-specific integrated circuit. The processor includes a CPU and memory such as RAM and ROM, and the memory stores program code or instructions configured to cause the CPU to perform processes. Memory, or computer-readable media, includes any readable media that can be accessed by a general-purpose or dedicated computer.

[0038] The control unit 60 displays various information on a display unit (not shown). The control unit 60 receives user instructions from an operation unit (not shown). The liquid dispensing device 11 may be able to communicate with a terminal device (not shown). The control unit 60 may receive user instructions from the terminal device.

[0039] When the control unit 60 receives a print command from the user, it moves the carriage 13 from the maintenance area 17 to the printing area along the width direction Y. In the printing area, the control unit 60 moves the carriage 13 back and forth along the width direction Y, and simultaneously discharges liquid from the nozzle 15 onto the medium, transporting the medium. In this way, the control unit 60 prints on the medium according to the user's print command. When printing is complete, the control unit 60 moves the carriage 13 from the printing area back to the maintenance area 17.

[0040] When the wiping condition is met, the control unit 60 moves the carriage 13 to a position where the nozzle surface 14 faces the wiping member 22 in the vertical direction Z. The wiping condition may be met during printing, or at the start and end of printing.

[0041] The control unit 60 controls the wiping device 21 to perform wiping with the nozzle surface 14 facing the wiping member 22 in the vertical direction Z. When wiping of the nozzle surface 14 is completed, the control unit 60 moves the nozzle surface 14 to a position where it does not face the wiping member 22 in the vertical direction Z.

[0042] When the transport conditions are met, the control unit 60 controls the transport unit 23 to transport the wiping member 22. The wiping member 22 is transported so that it arrives at a position where the area from which the adhering material has been removed by the removal unit 24 is pressed upward Z1 by the pressing unit 34, and the area from which the adhering material has adhered due to wiping of the nozzle surface 14 reaches the removal unit 24. The removal unit 24 removes the adhering material from the wiping member 22.

[0043] The control unit 60 receives a detection signal from the temperature sensor. The control unit 60 controls the first temperature control unit 51 and the second temperature control unit 52. In particular, the control unit 60 controls the first temperature control unit 51 to adjust the temperature of the cleaning liquid CS contained in the containment unit 36 ​​based on the detection signal from the temperature sensor. The control unit 60 controls the second temperature control unit 52 to adjust the temperature of the liquid supplied to the head 12 based on the detection signal from the temperature sensor.

[0044] The control unit 60 controls the first temperature control unit 51 and the second temperature control unit 52 so that the temperature T1 controlled by the first temperature control unit 51 and the temperature T2 controlled by the second temperature control unit 52 are the same. As a result, the temperature T1 controlled by the first temperature control unit 51 becomes the same as the temperature T2 controlled by the second temperature control unit 52. The controlled temperatures T1 and T2 are temperatures corresponding to the liquid that becomes a suitable viscosity for discharge into the medium. In this embodiment, the controlled temperatures T1 and T2 may be 35°C to 45°C when the head 12 discharges a liquid that hardens when irradiated with ultraviolet light.

[0045] <Operation and Effects of the First Embodiment> The operation and effects of the first embodiment will now be described. (1-1) The liquid dispensing device 11 is equipped with a removal unit 24 for removing deposits from the wiping member 22. The wiping member 22 is made of silicone and is elastic. With this configuration, even when the wiping member 22, which is made of silicone and is elastic, wipes liquid from the nozzle surface 14, the deposits adhering to the wiping member 22 can be efficiently removed by the removal unit 24. In particular, by using a silicone material for the wiping member 22, deposits are easier to remove compared to cotton or polyester fibers. This makes it possible to suppress a decrease in the wiping performance of the wiping member 22. Therefore, the reusability of the wiping member 22 can be improved.

[0046] (1-2) The removal unit 24 comprises an expandable / contractible part 35 and a storage unit 36. The expandable / contractible part 35 is provided so that at least a portion of it is immersed in the cleaning liquid CS. With this configuration, the wiping member 22, which is made of silicone and has elasticity, can be expanded and contracted, and the wiping member 22 can be cleaned with the cleaning liquid CS stored in the storage unit 36. Therefore, even if the wiping member 22 wipes liquid from the nozzle surface 14, the adhering substances on the wiping member 22 can be efficiently removed by the removal unit 24. In particular, the elasticity of the wiping member 22 can be used to efficiently expand and contract the wiping member 22. In this way, when the wiping member 22 expands and contracts, the capillary force of the wiping member 22 decreases, and the adhering substances on the wiping member 22 can be efficiently removed. This suppresses a decrease in the wiping performance of the wiping member 22. Therefore, the reusability of the wiping member 22 can be improved.

[0047] (1-3) The removal unit 24 includes a first temperature control unit 51 that adjusts the temperature of the cleaning liquid CS contained in the storage unit 36. With this configuration, the cleaning effect of the wiping member 22 can be enhanced by adjusting the temperature of the cleaning liquid CS used to clean the wiping member 22. Therefore, even if the wiping member 22 wipes the liquid from the nozzle surface 14, the removal unit 24 can efficiently remove any deposits adhering to the wiping member 22. For example, by increasing the temperature of the cleaning liquid CS, the viscosity of the liquid decreases, and deposits can be efficiently removed from the wiping member 22. This suppresses a decrease in the wiping performance of the wiping member 22. Therefore, the reusability of the wiping member 22 can be improved.

[0048] (1-4) The liquid dispensing device 11 is equipped with a second temperature control unit 52 that adjusts the temperature of the liquid supplied to the head 12. The temperature T1 adjusted by the first temperature control unit 51 is the same as the temperature T2 adjusted by the second temperature control unit 52. With this configuration, the cleaning effect of the wiping member 22 can be enhanced by adjusting the temperature of the cleaning liquid CS used to clean the wiping member 22 to be the same as the temperature of the liquid supplied to the head 12. In this way, the cleaning effect of the wiping member 22 can be enhanced by adjusting the temperature of the cleaning liquid CS to be the same as the temperature used to dispense the liquid into the medium. Therefore, even if the wiping member 22 wipes the liquid from the nozzle surface 14, any deposits adhering to the wiping member 22 can be efficiently removed by the removal unit 24. This suppresses a decrease in the wiping performance of the wiping member 22. Consequently, the reusability of the wiping member 22 can be improved.

[0049] (1-5) The wiping member 22 is endless. With this configuration, the nozzle surface 14 can be repeatedly wiped using the endless wiping member 22, and even if the wiping member 22 wipes the liquid from the nozzle surface 14, any deposits adhering to the wiping member 22 can be efficiently removed by the removal unit 24. This suppresses a decrease in the wiping performance of the wiping member 22. Therefore, the reusability of the wiping member 22 can be improved.

[0050] (1-6) The liquid dispensing device 11 is equipped with a pressing part 34 that presses the wiping member 22 against the nozzle surface 14. With this configuration, the reliability of pressing the wiping member 22 against the nozzle surface 14 by the pressing part 34 can be improved. This makes it possible to improve the wiping performance of the wiping member 22.

[0051] (1-7) The expansion and contraction direction in which the wiping member 22 is expanded and contracted by the expandable portion 35 includes a component along the transport direction D of the wiping member 22. With this configuration, the wiping member 22 can be expanded and contracted in an expansion and contraction direction that includes a component along the transport direction D of the wiping member 22. Therefore, even if the wiping member 22 wipes liquid from the nozzle surface 14, the adhering substances on the wiping member 22 can be efficiently removed by the removal portion 24. This suppresses a decrease in the wiping performance of the wiping member 22. Consequently, the reusability of the wiping member 22 can be improved.

[0052] (1-8) The extendable portion 35 is provided with a plurality of contact members 40, each having a cylindrical shape that extends along the first width direction Y1. The plurality of contact members 40 comprises a first contact member 41 and a second contact member 42. The second contact member 42 is adjacent to the first contact member 41 in the transport direction D. The wiping member 22 is provided to be in contact with the first contact member 41 at a first surface 22a and with the second contact member 42 at a second surface 22b. With this configuration, the wiping member 22 can be efficiently extended and retracted by the first contact member 41 and the second contact member 42, which are cylindrical in shape that extends along the first width direction Y1 and are adjacent to each other in the transport direction D. Therefore, even if the wiping member 22 wipes liquid from the nozzle surface 14, any adhering substances on the wiping member 22 can be efficiently removed by the removal portion 24. This makes it possible to suppress a decrease in the wiping performance of the wiping member 22. Therefore, the reusability of the wiping member 22 can be improved.

[0053] [Second Embodiment] Next, a second embodiment will be described. In the following description, redundant explanations of the same configuration as in the previously described embodiment will be omitted or simplified, and configurations that differ from those in the previously described embodiment will be described.

[0054] <Configuration of the irradiation unit 70> As shown in Figure 3, in the second embodiment, the removal unit 24 may include an irradiation unit 70. That is, the liquid discharge device 11 and the wiping device 21 may include an irradiation unit 70. The irradiation unit 70 emits ultraviolet light.

[0055] The irradiation unit 70 may be provided on the carriage 13. The irradiation unit 70 may be provided on the carriage 13 at a position that is in the second width direction Y2 and the first intersecting direction X1 relative to the head 12. In other words, the irradiation unit 70 is movable along the first width direction Y1 while being supported by the carriage 13.

[0056] In the second embodiment, the head 12 dispenses a liquid that hardens upon irradiation with ultraviolet light onto a medium. In other words, the liquid is a liquid that hardens upon irradiation with ultraviolet light. The irradiation unit 70 irradiates the medium from which the liquid has been dispensed in the printing area with ultraviolet light. By irradiating the medium from which the liquid has been dispensed with ultraviolet light, the irradiation unit 70 hardens the liquid dispensed onto the medium. This allows the irradiation unit 70 to promote the fixation of the liquid onto the medium.

[0057] The irradiation unit 70 irradiates ultraviolet light onto the wiping member 22 that has wiped the nozzle surface 14 in the maintenance area 17. This causes the irradiation unit 70 to harden any liquid adhering to the wiping member 22. The adhering material to the wiping member 22 may include hardened material formed from the liquid wiped by the wiping member 22. The irradiation unit 70 may be controlled by the control unit 60.

[0058] The expandable portion 35 expands and contracts the wiping member 22, which has been irradiated with ultraviolet light by the irradiation portion 70. This allows the expandable portion 35 to remove the hardened liquid from the wiping member 22. The storage portion 36 does not necessarily need to contain the cleaning liquid CS. The storage portion 36 can contain the hardened liquid removed from the wiping member 22.

[0059] The control unit 60 controls the irradiation unit 70 to irradiate ultraviolet light onto the medium from which liquid has been ejected in the printing area. The control unit 60 controls the irradiation unit 70 to irradiate ultraviolet light onto the wiping member 22 that has wiped the nozzle surface 14 in the maintenance area 17. The control unit 60 may also control the irradiation unit 70 to irradiate ultraviolet light when the transport conditions are met. The control unit 60 may also control the irradiation unit 70 to irradiate ultraviolet light when the wiping conditions are met.

[0060] <Operation and Effects of the Second Embodiment> The operation and effects of the second embodiment will now be described. (2-1) The removal unit 24 includes an irradiation unit 70 that irradiates ultraviolet light onto the wiping member 22 that has wiped the nozzle surface 14, and an extension unit 35 that extends and retracts the wiping member 22 that has been irradiated with ultraviolet light by the irradiation unit 70. With this configuration, by irradiating ultraviolet light onto the wiping member 22 that has wiped the nozzle surface 14, the liquid adhering to the wiping member 22 can be hardened. In this way, by extending and retracting the wiping member 22 that has been irradiated with ultraviolet light, the hardened liquid material can be efficiently removed from the wiping member 22. By not using the cleaning liquid CS, waste can be reduced when the liquid dispensing device 11 and the wiping device 21 are disposed of.

[0061] (2-2) The irradiation unit 70 is provided on the carriage 13. With this configuration, the irradiation unit 70 can be used for both curing the liquid discharged onto the medium in the printing area and curing the liquid adhering to the wiping member 22 in the maintenance area 17.

[0062] [Third Embodiment] Next, a third embodiment will be described. <Configuration of the wiping device 21> As shown in Figure 4, in the third embodiment, unlike the first embodiment, the removal unit 24 may include an irradiation unit 70. The irradiation unit 70 may be configured in the same way as in the second embodiment.

[0063] <Operation and Effects of the Third Embodiment> The operation and effects of the third embodiment will now be described. (3-1) The removal unit 24 includes an irradiation unit 70 that irradiates ultraviolet light onto the wiping member 22 that has wiped the nozzle surface 14, an extension unit 35 that extends and retracts the wiping member 22 that has been irradiated with ultraviolet light by the irradiation unit 70, and a storage unit 36 ​​that stores a cleaning liquid CS for cleaning the wiping member 22. The extension unit 35 is housed in the storage unit 36 ​​such that at least a portion of it is immersed in the cleaning liquid CS stored in the storage unit 36.

[0064] This configuration allows the wiping member 22, which is made of silicone and has elastic properties, to be expanded and contracted, and the wiping member 22 to be cleaned with the cleaning liquid CS contained in the storage section 36. In addition, by irradiating the wiping member 22 that has wiped the nozzle surface 14 with ultraviolet light, the liquid adhering to the wiping member 22 can be cured. In this way, by expanding and contracting the wiping member 22 that has been irradiated with ultraviolet light, the cured liquid residue can be efficiently removed from the wiping member 22. In particular, the cleaning liquid CS can easily penetrate between the cured liquid residue and the wiping member 22, so the cured liquid residue can be efficiently removed from the wiping member 22. Therefore, even if the wiping member 22 wipes the liquid from the nozzle surface 14, the residue adhering to the wiping member 22 can be efficiently removed by the removal section 24. This suppresses a decrease in the wiping performance of the wiping member 22. Consequently, the reusability of the wiping member 22 can be improved.

[0065] [Fourth Embodiment] A fourth embodiment will be described. <Configuration of multiple contact members 80> As shown in Figure 5, the expandable portion 35 may be provided with a plurality of contact members 80. Each of the plurality of contact members 80 is spherical. The plurality of contact members 80 may consist of a plurality of first contact members 81 and a plurality of second contact members 82. The plurality of contact members 80 may also consist of a plurality of third contact members 83.

[0066] Multiple first contact members 81 are provided in the first row L1. The first row L1 is a row along the first width direction Y1. Multiple second contact members 82 are provided in the second row L2. The second row L2 is a row along the first width direction Y1. Multiple third contact members 83 are provided in the third row L3. The third row L3 is a row along the first width direction Y1.

[0067] The first row L1 to the third row L3 are arranged sequentially toward the second intersecting direction X2. That is, the multiple second contact members 82 are adjacent to the multiple first contact members 81 in the transport direction D. The multiple third contact members 83 are adjacent to the multiple second contact members 82 in the transport direction D. The number of contact members 80 is not limited to three rows. The number of contact members 80 may be an odd number or an even number.

[0068] The multiple contact members 80 only need to have at least one contact member in each row. The multiple contact members 80 may be arranged across the width of the wiping member 22 in the width direction Y. The multiple contact members 80 may be arranged so that the spherical contact members are nested together in the conveying direction D.

[0069] Multiple first contact members 81 contact the first surface 22a of the wiping member 22. Multiple second contact members 82 contact the second surface 22b of the wiping member 22. Thus, the wiping member 22 is provided to contact the multiple first contact members 81 at its first surface 22a and the multiple second contact members 82 at its second surface 22b. In other words, the wiping member 22 contacts adjacent multiple first contact members 81 and multiple second contact members 82 on the upper Z1 side of the multiple first contact members 81 and the lower Z2 side of the multiple second contact members 82. Multiple third contact members 83 contact the first surface 22a of the wiping member 22.

[0070] The direction in which the wiping member 22 is extended and retracted by the extendable portion 35 includes a component along the transport direction D of the wiping member 22 and a component along the width direction Y. The component along the width direction Y includes a first width direction Y1 and a second width direction Y2. In other words, the direction in which the wiping member 22 is extended and retracted by the extendable portion 35 includes a component along the transport direction D of the wiping member 22 and a component along the first width direction Y1. To put it another way, the wiping member 22 is extended and retracted by the extendable portion 35 in any combination of the component along the transport direction D of the wiping member 22 and the component along the first width direction Y1.

[0071] Multiple contact members 80 may be configured to rotate about a rotation axis along the width direction Y. This allows the multiple contact members 80 to rotate while in contact with the wiping member 22, thereby conveying the wiping member 22 along the intersecting direction X.

[0072] <Operation and Effects of the Fourth Embodiment> The operation and effects of the fourth embodiment will now be described. (4-1) The direction in which the wiping member 22 is extended and retracted by the extendable part 35 includes a component along the transport direction D of the wiping member 22 and a component along the first width direction Y1. With this configuration, the wiping member 22 can be extended and retracted in a direction that includes a component along the transport direction D of the wiping member 22 and a component along the first width direction Y1. Therefore, even if the wiping member 22 wipes liquid from the nozzle surface 14, the adhering substances on the wiping member 22 can be removed by the removal part 24 by extending and retracting the wiping member 22. This suppresses a decrease in the wiping performance of the wiping member 22. Therefore, the reusability of the wiping member 22 can be improved.

[0073] (4-2) The expandable portion 35 is provided with a plurality of spherical contact members 80. The plurality of contact members 80 comprises a plurality of first contact members 81 and a plurality of second contact members 82. The plurality of first contact members 81 are provided in the first row L1. The plurality of second contact members 82 are provided in the second row L2. The second row L2 is adjacent to the first row L1 in the transport direction D and is aligned with the first width direction Y1. The wiping member 22 is provided so as to be in contact with the plurality of first contact members 81 on its first surface 22a and in contact with the plurality of second contact members 82 on its second surface 22b.

[0074] With this configuration, the wiping member 22 can be efficiently extended and retracted by a plurality of spherical first contact members 81 provided in a first row L1 along the first width direction Y1, and a plurality of spherical second contact members 82 provided in a second row L2 along the first width direction Y1. Therefore, even if the wiping member 22 wipes liquid from the nozzle surface 14, any adhering substances to the wiping member 22 can be removed by the removal unit 24. This suppresses a decrease in the wiping performance of the wiping member 22. Consequently, the reusability of the wiping member 22 can be improved.

[0075] [Example of changes] This embodiment can be implemented with the following modifications. This embodiment and the following modifications can be combined with each other to the extent that they do not contradict each other technically.

[0076] In the first and third embodiments, the liquid dispensing device 11 and the wiping device 21 may be equipped with a concentration sensor. The concentration sensor is provided in the storage section 36. The concentration sensor may detect the concentration of deposits mixed in the cleaning liquid CS stored in the storage section 36. The concentration sensor may detect the concentration of foreign matter mixed in the cleaning liquid CS stored in the storage section 36. The concentration sensor may detect the concentration of liquid mixed in the cleaning liquid CS stored in the storage section 36. The concentration sensor may detect the concentration of hardened liquid mixed in the cleaning liquid CS stored in the storage section 36.

[0077] In the first and third embodiments, the liquid dispensing device 11 and the wiping device 21 may include an introduction channel and a discharge channel. The introduction channel and the discharge channel may be provided in the storage section 36. The introduction channel is a channel for introducing the cleaning liquid CS into the storage section 36. The discharge channel is a channel for discharging the cleaning liquid CS contained in the storage section 36.

[0078] The control unit 60 receives a detection signal from the concentration sensor. Based on the detection signal from the concentration sensor, the control unit 60 may control the system to replace the cleaning liquid CS contained in the storage unit 36 ​​when the concentration of deposits mixed in the cleaning liquid CS exceeds a threshold. More specifically, based on the detection signal from the concentration sensor, the control unit 60 may control the system to discharge the cleaning liquid CS contained in the storage unit 36 ​​via the discharge channel when the concentration of deposits mixed in the cleaning liquid CS exceeds a threshold. Based on the detection signal from the concentration sensor, the control unit 60 may control the system to introduce the cleaning liquid CS into the storage unit 36 ​​via the introduction channel when the concentration of deposits exceeds a threshold.

[0079] Based on the detection signal from the concentration sensor, the control unit 60 may display an image (not shown) on a display unit indicating that the concentration of deposits in the cleaning solution CS has exceeded a threshold when the concentration of deposits in the cleaning solution CS exceeds a threshold.

[0080] In the second embodiment, the liquid dispensing device 11 and the wiping device 21 may be equipped with a weight sensor. The weight sensor is provided in the storage section 36. The weight sensor detects the weight of the hardened liquid stored in the storage section 36.

[0081] Based on the detection signal from the weight sensor, the control unit 60 may display an image on an unshown display unit indicating that the weight of the liquid cured material contained in the storage unit 36 ​​has exceeded a threshold when the weight of the liquid cured material contained in the storage unit 36 ​​exceeds a threshold. This prompts the user to remove the liquid cured material from the storage unit 36.

[0082] In the second and third embodiments, the irradiation unit 70 may be provided at any position on the carriage 13. The irradiation unit 70 may be provided on the carriage 13 in the second width direction Y2 relative to the head 12, or in the first width direction Y1 relative to the head 12. The irradiation unit 70 may be provided on the carriage 13 in the first intersecting direction X1 relative to the head 12, or in the second intersecting direction X2 relative to the head 12.

[0083] In the second and third embodiments, the irradiation unit 70 may be provided in the maintenance area 17 separately from the carriage 13. The irradiation unit 70 should be positioned so that ultraviolet light can be irradiated onto the wiping member 22 that has wiped the nozzle surface 14.

[0084] In the first and third embodiments, the liquid dispensing device 11 and the wiping device 21 may include a vibrating unit that vibrates the storage unit 36. The vibrating unit vibrates the cleaning liquid CS contained in the storage unit 36. The vibrating unit may be, for example, an ultrasonic cleaning machine that generates ultrasonic waves.

[0085] In the first to third embodiments, the contact member 40 is preferably arc-shaped in the area that contacts the wiping member 22, and the area that does not contact the wiping member 22 may have any shape. The contact member 40 may also be semicircular when viewed from the width direction Y. The contact member 40 does not have to be arc-shaped in the area that contacts the wiping member 22.

[0086] In the fourth embodiment, the contact member 80 is preferably spherical in the area that contacts the wiping member 22, and the area that does not contact the wiping member 22 may have any shape. The contact member 80 may also be semicircular when viewed from the width direction Y. The contact member 80 does not have to be spherical in the area that contacts the wiping member 22. The multiple contact members 80 are arranged in a regular manner, but they may also be arranged irregularly without any regularity.

[0087] Each of the multiple contact members 40 may have any width in the width direction Y, for example, extending across the entire width of the wiping member 22, provided that the wiping member 22 is extendable and retractable. Each of the multiple contact members 80 may be provided at any position in the width direction Y, for example, extending across the entire width of the wiping member 22, provided that the wiping member 22 is extendable and retractable.

[0088] The multiple contact members 40 may be spaced at any interval in the intersecting direction X, provided that the wiping member 22 is expandable and contractible. The multiple contact members 80 may be spaced at any interval in the intersecting direction X, provided that the wiping member 22 is expandable and contractible. The multiple contact members 80 may be spaced at any interval in the width direction Y, provided that the wiping member 22 is expandable and contractible.

[0089] In the first to third embodiments, the telescopic portion 35 may include one contact member 40. That is, the telescopic portion 35 may include at least one contact member 40. In the fourth embodiment, the telescopic portion 35 may include one contact member 80. That is, the telescopic portion 35 may include at least one contact member 80.

[0090] The telescopic section 35 may include a crown roller. The telescopic section 35 may include a reverse crown roller. The telescopic section 35 may include a crown roller and a reverse crown roller. The telescopic section 35 may consist of multiple rollers 30.

[0091] The liquid dispensing device 11 and the wiping device 21 may include a moving part that moves the telescopic part 35 in the vertical direction Z. The liquid dispensing device 11 and the wiping device 21 may include a moving part that moves the telescopic part 35 in the width direction Y. The liquid dispensing device 11 and the wiping device 21 may include a moving part that moves the telescopic part 35 in the crossing direction X. The moving part may also be a vibrating part that vibrates the telescopic part 35.

[0092] The wiping member 22 does not have to be endless. The conveying section 23 may include a dispensing section and a winding section. The dispensing section is configured so that the wiping member 22 is wound around it. The winding section is configured to wind up the wiping member 22. The dispensing section may be configured so that the wiping member 22 can be wound up. The dispensing section may include any of the multiple rollers 30, and the winding section may include any of the multiple rollers 30. The wiping member 22 may be made of fluororubber.

[0093] The temperature T1 controlled by the first temperature control unit 51 is a set temperature referenced during control and does not necessarily have to be the actual temperature of the cleaning liquid contained in the storage unit. The temperature T2 controlled by the second temperature control unit 52 is a set temperature referenced during control and does not necessarily have to be the actual temperature of the liquid supplied to the head. The temperature T1 controlled by the first temperature control unit 51 and the temperature T2 controlled by the second temperature control unit 52 are preferably within the same range as long as they have a similar effect on the liquid, but they may be different.

[0094] The removal unit 24 may remove deposits from the wiping member 22 by performing at least one of the following: extending or retracting the wiping member 22, or cleaning the wiping member 22. The removal unit 24 may not have an extendable section 35 and a housing section 36, but may instead include an irradiation section 70 and a member for peeling off hardened liquid material that has hardened on the wiping member 22 from the wiping member 22.

[0095] The wiping member 22 may be composed of two or more layers. Each layer of the wiping member 22 may be made of a different material. The wiping member 22 only needs to have at least its first surface 22a made of silicone.

[0096] The wiping device 21 may be movable along the intersecting direction X. The wiping device 21 may be movable along the width direction Y. The wiping device 21 may wipe the liquid from the nozzle surface 14 by moving. The wiping device 21 may wipe the liquid from the nozzle surface 14 by conveying the wiping member 22.

[0097] The pressing portion 34 may be positioned so as to press the wiping member 22 toward the nozzle surface 14, rather than overlapping it with the nozzle surface 14 in a top view. The pressing portion 34 may be positioned so as to press the wiping member 22 toward the nozzle surface 14 on the first width direction Y1 side and the second width direction Y2 side of the nozzle surface 14 in a top view. The pressing portion 34 may be positioned so as to press the wiping member 22 toward the nozzle surface 14 on the first intersecting direction X1 side and the second intersecting direction X2 side of the nozzle surface 14 in a top view.

[0098] The carriage 13 may be movable along the crossing direction X rather than along the width direction Y. The head 12 may be a serial head or a line head. If the carriage 13 does not move, the wiping device 21 may move. The wiping device 21 may move along the line head.

[0099] The medium may be paper, resin films or sheets, resin-metal composite films, laminate films, textiles, nonwoven fabrics, metal foils, metal films, ceramic sheets, and clothing.

[0100] The liquid can be any liquid that can be applied to the medium and used for printing. For example, inks include functional material particles consisting of solids such as pigments and metal particles dissolved, dispersed, or mixed in a solvent, and encompass various compositions such as water-based inks, oil-based inks, gel inks, and hot-melt inks.

[0101] As used herein, the expression "at least one of" means one or more of the desired options. For example, as used herein, if there are two options, the expression "at least one of" means either one option or both of the two options. As another example, as used herein, if there are three or more options, the expression "at least one of" means either one option or any combination of two or more options.

[0102] [Note] The following describes the technical concepts and their effects as understood from the embodiments and modifications described above. These technical concepts and their effects can be combined with each other to the extent that they do not contradict each other.

[0103] [1] The liquid dispensing device comprises a head having a nozzle surface through which a nozzle for dispensing liquid is open, a wiping member for wiping the nozzle surface, a conveying unit for conveying the wiping member in the conveying direction while supporting the wiping member, and a removal unit for removing any deposits from the wiping member, wherein the wiping member is made of silicone and is elastic.

[0104] With this configuration, the nozzle surface can be wiped by a wiping member made of silicone and having elastic properties. Furthermore, even after the wiping member wipes the liquid from the nozzle surface, any deposits adhering to the wiping member can be efficiently removed by the removal unit. This suppresses a decrease in the wiping performance of the wiping member. Therefore, the reusability of the wiping member can be improved.

[0105] [2] The liquid dispensing device described above, wherein the removal unit comprises an extendable unit for extending and retracting the wiping member and a storage unit for storing a cleaning liquid for cleaning the wiping member, and the extendable unit may be provided such that at least a portion of it is immersed in the cleaning liquid stored in the storage unit.

[0106] This configuration allows the silicone-based, elastic wiping member to be expanded and contracted, while simultaneously being cleaned with the cleaning solution contained in the storage section. Therefore, even after the wiping member wipes liquid from the nozzle surface, any adhering substances can be efficiently removed by the removal section. This suppresses a decrease in the wiping performance of the wiping member, thereby improving the reusability of the wiping member.

[0107] [3] In the above-described liquid dispensing device, the removal unit may have a first temperature control unit for adjusting the temperature of the cleaning liquid contained in the storage unit. This configuration allows for improved cleaning effectiveness of the wiping member by adjusting the temperature of the cleaning solution used to clean it. Therefore, even when the wiping member wipes liquid from the nozzle surface, any adhering substances can be efficiently removed by the removal unit. This suppresses a decrease in the wiping performance of the wiping member, thereby improving its reusability.

[0108] [4] The liquid dispensing device includes a second temperature control unit for adjusting the temperature of the liquid supplied to the head, and the temperature adjusted by the first temperature control unit may be the same as the temperature adjusted by the second temperature control unit.

[0109] With this configuration, the cleaning effect of the wiping member can be enhanced by adjusting the temperature of the cleaning solution used to clean the wiping member to be the same as the temperature of the liquid supplied to the head. In this way, by adjusting the temperature of the cleaning solution to be the same as the temperature at which the liquid is discharged into the medium, the cleaning effect of the wiping member can be enhanced. Therefore, even if the wiping member wipes the liquid from the nozzle surface, any deposits adhering to the wiping member can be efficiently removed by the removal unit. This suppresses a decrease in the wiping performance of the wiping member. Consequently, the reusability of the wiping member can be improved.

[0110] [5] The liquid dispensing device described above, wherein the liquid is a liquid that hardens upon irradiation with ultraviolet light, and the removal unit may include an irradiation unit that irradiates the wiping member that has wiped the nozzle surface with ultraviolet light, and an expandable / contractible unit that expands and contracts the wiping member that has been irradiated with ultraviolet light by the irradiation unit.

[0111] With this configuration, by irradiating the wiping member that has wiped the nozzle surface with ultraviolet light, the liquid adhering to the wiping member is hardened, and by expanding and contracting the wiping member irradiated with ultraviolet light, the hardened liquid can be efficiently removed from the wiping member.

[0112] [6] The liquid dispensing device may include a carriage for moving the head while the head is mounted on it, and the irradiation unit may be provided on the carriage. In this configuration, the irradiation unit is mounted on the carriage. Therefore, the irradiation unit can be used for both curing the liquid discharged onto the medium in the printing area and curing the liquid adhering to the wiping member in the maintenance area.

[0113] [7] The liquid dispensing device described above, wherein the liquid is a liquid that hardens upon irradiation with ultraviolet light, and the removal unit comprises an irradiation unit for irradiating the wiping member that has wiped the nozzle surface with ultraviolet light, an extension unit for extending and retracting the wiping member that has been irradiated with ultraviolet light by the irradiation unit, and a storage unit for storing a cleaning liquid for cleaning the wiping member, wherein the extension unit may be provided such that at least a portion of it is immersed in the cleaning liquid stored in the storage unit.

[0114] This configuration allows for the expansion and contraction of an elastic wiping member made of silicone, while simultaneously cleaning the wiping member with a cleaning solution contained in a storage compartment. In addition, by irradiating the wiping member that has wiped the nozzle surface with ultraviolet light, the liquid adhering to the wiping member is cured, and by expanding and contracting the wiping member irradiated with ultraviolet light, the cured liquid residue can be efficiently removed from the wiping member. Therefore, even after the wiping member wipes the liquid from the nozzle surface, any residue adhering to the wiping member can be efficiently removed by the removal unit. This suppresses a decrease in the wiping performance of the wiping member. Consequently, the reusability of the wiping member can be improved.

[0115] [8] The liquid dispensing device may include a carriage for moving the head while the head is mounted, and the irradiation unit may be provided on the carriage. This configuration can achieve the same effect as [6].

[0116] [9] In the above-mentioned liquid dispensing device, the wiping member may be endless. This configuration allows for repeated wiping of the nozzle surface using an endless wiping member, and even after the wiping member wipes the liquid from the nozzle surface, any adhering substances to the wiping member can be efficiently removed by the removal unit. This suppresses a decrease in the wiping performance of the wiping member. Therefore, the reusability of the wiping member can be improved.

[0117]

[10] In the above-mentioned liquid dispensing device, the transport section may have a plurality of rollers around which the wiping member is wrapped. This configuration can achieve the same effect as [1].

[0118]

[11] The liquid dispensing device may include a pressing part for pressing the wiping member against the nozzle surface. This configuration improves the reliability of pressing the wiping member against the nozzle surface using the pressing portion. This, in turn, improves the wiping performance of the wiping member.

[0119]

[12] In the liquid dispensing device described above, the direction in which the wiping member is extended and retracted by the extendable portion may include a component that is aligned with the direction in which the wiping member is transported. This configuration allows the wiping member to expand and contract in a direction that includes a component along the conveying direction of the wiping member. Therefore, even if the wiping member wipes liquid from the nozzle surface, any adhering substances to the wiping member can be efficiently removed by the removal unit. This suppresses a decrease in the wiping performance of the wiping member. Consequently, the reusability of the wiping member can be improved.

[0120]

[13] In the liquid dispensing device described above, the direction of expansion and contraction in which the wiping member expands and contracts by the expandable portion may include a component along the transport direction of the wiping member and a component along the vertical direction and a first direction intersecting the transport direction.

[0121] This configuration allows the wiping member to expand and contract in an expansion / contraction direction that includes a component along the conveying direction of the wiping member and a component along the vertical direction and a first direction intersecting the conveying direction. Therefore, even if the wiping member wipes liquid from the nozzle surface, any adhering substances to the wiping member can be efficiently removed by the removal unit. This suppresses a decrease in the wiping performance of the wiping member. Consequently, the reusability of the wiping member can be improved.

[0122]

[14] The liquid dispensing device described above, wherein the wiping member has a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface, the expandable portion has a plurality of cylindrical contact members extending along a first direction intersecting the vertical direction and the transport direction, the plurality of contact members each having a first contact member and a second contact member adjacent to the first contact member in the transport direction, and the wiping member may be provided to contact the first contact member with its first surface and to contact the second contact member with its second surface.

[0123] This configuration allows the wiping member to be efficiently extended and retracted by a cylindrical shape extending along a first direction intersecting the vertical direction and the conveying direction, and by a first contact member and a second contact member adjacent to each other in the conveying direction. Therefore, even if the wiping member wipes liquid from the nozzle surface, any adhering substances to the wiping member can be efficiently removed by the removal unit. This suppresses a decrease in the wiping performance of the wiping member. Consequently, the reusability of the wiping member can be improved.

[0124]

[15] The liquid dispensing device described above, wherein the wiping member has a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface, the expandable portion has a plurality of spherical contact members, the plurality of contact members has a plurality of first contact members and a plurality of second contact members, the plurality of first contact members are arranged in a first row along a first direction intersecting the vertical direction and the transport direction, the plurality of second contact members are arranged in a second row adjacent to the first row in the transport direction and along the first direction, and the wiping member may be arranged to contact the plurality of first contact members with its first surface and to contact the plurality of second contact members with its second surface.

[0125] With this configuration, the wiping member can be efficiently extended and retracted by a plurality of spherical first contact members provided in a first row along a first direction intersecting the vertical and conveying directions, and a plurality of spherical second contact members provided in a second row adjacent to the first row in the conveying direction and also along the first direction. As a result, even if the wiping member wipes liquid from the nozzle surface, any adhering substances to the wiping member can be efficiently removed by the removal unit. This suppresses a decrease in the wiping performance of the wiping member. Therefore, the reusability of the wiping member can be improved.

[0126]

[16] The wiping device comprises a wiping member for wiping the nozzle surface through which a liquid-discharging nozzle is open, a conveying unit for conveying the wiping member in a conveying direction while supporting the wiping member, and a removal unit for removing any deposits from the wiping member, wherein the wiping member is made of silicone and is elastic. With this configuration, the same effect as in [1] can be achieved. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0127] 11…Liquid dispensing device, 12…Head, 13…Carriage, 14…Nozzle surface, 15…Nozzle, 17…Maintenance area, 21…Wiping device, 22…Wiping member, 22a…First surface, 22b…Second surface, 23…Conveying section, 24…Removal section, 30…Roller, 31…First roller, 32…Second roller, 34…Pressing section, 35…Extendable section, 36…Storage section, 40…Contact member, 41…First contact member, 42…Second contact member, 43…Third contact member, 44…Fourth contact member, 45…Fifth contact section Material, 51...First temperature control unit, 52...Second temperature control unit, 60...Control unit, 70...Irradiation unit, 80...Contact member, 81...First contact member, 82...Second contact member, 83...Third contact member, CS...Cleaning liquid, D...Conveying direction, L1...First row, L2...Second row, L3...Third row, L5...Fifth row, T1...Adjustable temperature, T2...Adjustable temperature, X...Intersecting direction, X1...First intersecting direction, X2...Second intersecting direction, Y...Width direction, Y1...First width direction, Y2...Second width direction, Z...Vertical direction, Z1...Upward, Z2...Downward.

Claims

1. A head having a nozzle surface from which a liquid is discharged, A wiping member for wiping the nozzle surface, A conveying unit that conveys the wiping member in the conveying direction while supporting the wiping member, The wiping member comprises a removal unit for removing any adhering material, The wiping member is made of silicone and is elastic. A liquid dispensing device characterized by the following features.

2. A liquid dispensing device according to claim 1, The removal section is, The wiping member comprises an extendable part that extends and retracts, It has a storage section for storing a cleaning solution for cleaning the wiping member, The expandable portion is provided such that at least a portion of it is immersed in the cleaning liquid contained in the storage portion. A liquid dispensing device characterized by the following features.

3. A liquid dispensing device according to claim 2, The removal unit has a first temperature control unit for adjusting the temperature of the cleaning liquid contained in the storage unit. A liquid dispensing device characterized by the following features.

4. A liquid dispensing device according to claim 3, The head is equipped with a second temperature control unit that adjusts the temperature of the liquid supplied to the head, The temperature controlled by the first temperature control unit is the same as the temperature controlled by the second temperature control unit. A liquid dispensing device characterized by the following features.

5. A liquid dispensing device according to claim 1, The aforementioned liquid is a liquid that hardens upon irradiation with ultraviolet light. The removal section is, An irradiation unit that irradiates ultraviolet light onto the wiping member that has wiped the nozzle surface, The device has an expandable / contractable part that expands and contracts the wiping member that has been irradiated with ultraviolet light by the irradiation part, A liquid dispensing device characterized by the following features.

6. A liquid dispensing device according to claim 5, The system includes a carriage for moving the head while the head is mounted on it. The irradiation unit is provided on the carriage, A liquid dispensing device characterized by the following features.

7. A liquid dispensing device according to claim 1, The aforementioned liquid is a liquid that hardens upon irradiation with ultraviolet light. The removal section is, An irradiation unit that irradiates ultraviolet light onto the wiping member that has wiped the nozzle surface, An expandable / contractable part that expands and contracts the wiping member that has been irradiated with ultraviolet light by the irradiation part, It has a storage section for storing a cleaning solution for cleaning the wiping member, The expandable portion is provided such that at least a portion of it is immersed in the cleaning liquid contained in the storage portion. A liquid dispensing device characterized by the following features.

8. A liquid dispensing device according to claim 7, The system includes a carriage for moving the head while the head is mounted on it. The irradiation unit is provided on the carriage, A liquid dispensing device characterized by the following features.

9. A liquid dispensing device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, The wiping member is endless. A liquid dispensing device characterized by the following features.

10. A liquid dispensing device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, The conveying unit has a plurality of rollers around which the wiping member is wrapped. A liquid dispensing device characterized by the following features.

11. A liquid dispensing device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, The wiping member is provided with a pressing portion that presses it against the nozzle surface. A liquid dispensing device characterized by the following features.

12. A liquid dispensing device according to any one of claims 2 to 8, The direction in which the wiping member expands and contracts due to the expandable portion includes a component along the transport direction of the wiping member. A liquid dispensing device characterized by the following features.

13. A liquid dispensing device according to any one of claims 2 to 8, The direction in which the wiping member expands and contracts due to the expandable portion includes a component along the transport direction of the wiping member and a component along the vertical direction and a first direction intersecting the transport direction. A liquid dispensing device characterized by the following features.

14. A liquid dispensing device according to any one of claims 2 to 8, The wiping member has a first surface and a second surface that is opposite to the first surface. The expandable portion has a plurality of cylindrical contact members that extend along the vertical direction and a first direction intersecting the transport direction, The plurality of contact members include a first contact member and a second contact member adjacent to the first contact member in the transport direction. The wiping member is provided to contact the first contact member with its first surface and to contact the second contact member with its second surface. A liquid dispensing device characterized by the following features.

15. A liquid dispensing device according to any one of claims 2 to 8, The wiping member has a first surface and a second surface that is opposite to the first surface. The aforementioned expandable portion has a plurality of spherical contact members, The plurality of contact members comprises a plurality of first contact members and a plurality of second contact members. The plurality of first contact members are arranged in a first row along the vertical direction and a first direction intersecting the transport direction, The plurality of second contact members are arranged in a second row adjacent to the first row in the transport direction and along the first direction. The wiping member is provided to contact the plurality of first contact members with its first surface and to contact the plurality of second contact members with its second surface. A liquid dispensing device characterized by the following features.

16. A wiping member that wipes the nozzle surface through which the liquid-discharging nozzle is open, A conveying unit that conveys the wiping member in the conveying direction while supporting the wiping member, The wiping member comprises a removal unit for removing any adhering material, The wiping member is made of silicone and is elastic. A wiping device characterized by the following features.

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