Recording device and control method for recording device

Abstract

This technology provides a way to suppress equipment damage and productivity loss in recording devices. [Solution] Record scanning is performed between the application of cleaning solution and the wiping operation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a recording apparatus for wiping the discharge port surface of a recording head and a control method for the recording apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an inkjet recording apparatus provided with a maintenance mechanism that performs a wiping operation by pressing a tape-shaped cleaning material (wiping member) to which a cleaning liquid is applied against the discharge port surface of an inkjet head.

[0003] When applying the cleaning liquid to the wiping member, the time for the cleaning liquid to spread wetly on the wiping member varies depending on the amount of the cleaning liquid applied. When the amount of the cleaning liquid applied is small, it takes more time to spread wetly than when the amount is large.

[0004] And when wiping the discharge port of the recording head with the wiping member, it is required that the cleaning liquid spreads wetly enough on the wiping member.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] However, Patent Document 1 does not mention at what timing the cleaning liquid is applied to the cleaning material to perform the cleaning operation.

[0007] As described above, when the amount of the cleaning liquid to be applied is small, it takes time to spread wetly, so there is a concern that the throughput will decrease while waiting for the liquid to spread wetly. Also, if wiping is performed in a state where the liquid does not spread wetly enough, there is a risk of damaging the water repellent film on the outermost surface of the discharge port surface.

[0008] Therefore, the present invention provides a technology for recording devices that suppresses damage to the device and a decrease in productivity. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] Therefore, the recording device of the present invention comprises a recording head having an ejection port surface provided with an ejection port for ejecting ink, at least one wiping member for wiping the ejection port surface, a moving means for moving the wiping member in a wiping operation in which the wiping member wipes the ejection port surface, and a cleaning liquid application means for applying a cleaning liquid to the wiping member before the wiping operation, wherein the wiping device brings the wiping member, to which the cleaning liquid has been applied, into contact with the ejection port surface and performs the wiping operation, characterized in that the recording scan by the recording head is performed between the time the cleaning liquid is applied to the wiping member by the cleaning liquid application means and the time the wiping operation by the wiping member is performed. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a technology that suppresses damage to the recording device and a decrease in productivity. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This is a diagram showing the external appearance of the recording device. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view showing the recording head. [Figure 3] This is a block diagram illustrating the schematic configuration of the control system for a recording device. [Figure 4] This is a cross-sectional view showing the maintenance mechanism and recovery processing device. [Figure 5] This is a cross-sectional view showing the carriage equipped with the recording head and the maintenance mechanism. [Figure 6] This diagram shows a sheet member without the cleaning solution applied. [Figure 7] This diagram shows a sheet member to which cleaning solution has been applied. [Figure 8] This diagram shows a sheet member to which cleaning solution has been applied. [Figure 9] It is a flowchart showing a wiping sequence. [Figure 10] It is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the recording head and the maintenance mechanism. [Figure 11] It is a graph showing the relationship between the wet spreading width and time. [Figure 12] It is a flowchart showing the processing of a recording job. [Figure 13] It is a graph showing the evaporation characteristics at each environmental temperature and humidity after applying a cleaning liquid to the sheet member. [Figure 14] It is a graph showing the wet spreading width when applying a cleaning liquid to the sheet member. [Figure 15] It is a flowchart showing the processing of a recording job. [Figure 16] It is a graph showing the wet spreading width for each amount of cleaning liquid applied.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] (First Embodiment) The first embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. In this specification, "recording" is not limited to cases where meaningful information such as characters or figures is formed, but is not limited to cases where meaningful or meaningless information is formed. Furthermore, "recording" broadly refers to cases where images, patterns, etc. are formed on a recording medium, or where a medium is processed, regardless of whether or not it is manifested in a way that can be perceived visually by humans. Furthermore, "recording medium" broadly refers not only to paper used in general recording devices, but also to materials that can accept ink, such as cloth, plastic film, metal plate, glass, ceramics, wood, and leather. In addition, "ink" (sometimes referred to as "liquid") should be interpreted broadly, similar to the definition of "recording" above. Therefore, it refers to a liquid that can be applied to a recording medium to form images, patterns, etc., or to process the recording medium, or to process the ink (for example, to solidify or insolubilize the colorant in the ink applied to the recording medium). Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, "nozzle" collectively refers to the discharge port or the liquid passage communicating therewith and the energy generating element used for ink discharge.

[0013] Figure 1 shows the external appearance of the recording device 1 in this embodiment. The recording device 1 is a so-called serial scan type recording device, and forms an image by scanning the recording head in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction of the recording medium P (main scanning direction). In the figure, the X direction is the scanning direction of the carriage 2, the Y direction is the transport direction of the recording medium P, and the Z direction is the vertical direction. The configuration and recording operation of the recording device 1 will be described in general terms below using Figure 1.

[0014] When the recording operation is started in the recording apparatus 1, the recording medium P is conveyed in the Y direction from the spool 6 that holds the recording medium P by a conveyance roller driven via a gear by a conveyance motor (not shown). On the other hand, at a predetermined conveyance position, the carriage 2 is reciprocally scanned (reciprocally moved) along a guide shaft 8 extending in the X direction by a carriage motor (not shown). Then, in the process of this scanning, a discharge operation is performed from the discharge port of a recording head, which will be described later and can be attached to the carriage 2, at a timing based on a position signal obtained by the linear encoder 7, and recording with a constant band width corresponding to the array range of the discharge ports is performed. In the present embodiment, the scanning is performed at a scanning speed of 40 inches per second, and the discharge operation is performed at a resolution of 1200 dpi (1 / 1200 inch). Thereafter, the recording medium P is conveyed, and recording of the next band width is performed.

[0015] The recording medium P fed from the spool 6 is sandwiched and conveyed by a paper feed roller and a pinch roller, and is guided to a recording position (scanning area of the recording head) on the platen 4. Since the discharge port surface on which the discharge port of the recording head is formed is covered with a cap in the normal standby state, prior to recording, the cap is opened to make the recording head or the carriage 2 in a scanable state. Then, when the data for one scan is accumulated in the buffer, the carriage 2 is scanned by the carriage motor, and recording is performed as described above.

[0016] A maintenance mechanism 60 and a recovery processing device 61 (see FIG. 4), which will be described later, are provided in the maintenance area 9.

[0017] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the recording head 300. The recording head 300 has an ejection port surface 403 provided with multiple ejection port rows 402, each containing multiple ejection ports for ejecting ink. The ejection port rows 402 are arranged in a line along the direction of movement of the carriage 2 so that inks of different colors can be ejected. For example, ejection port rows 402 capable of ejecting cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (Bk) inks are arranged in a line along the X direction, which is the direction of movement of the carriage 2. However, the order of arrangement of the ejection port rows 402 is not limited to this. These ejection port rows 402 are composed of 1280 ejection ports for each ink, arranged in the Y direction (arrangement direction) at a density of 1200 dpi. In this embodiment, the amount of ink ejected at one time from a single ejection port is approximately 5 pl.

[0018] The recording head 300 in this embodiment is an inkjet recording head that ejects ink using thermal energy, and is equipped with multiple electrothermal converters for generating thermal energy. The recording head 300 generates thermal energy in response to pulse signals applied to the electrothermal converters, and uses this thermal energy to cause film boiling of the ink in an ink foaming chamber (not shown), and uses the foaming pressure of the film boiling to eject the ink from the ejection port. The method of ink ejection is not limited to this, and a method using piezoelectric elements may also be used.

[0019] The recording head 300 may consist of multiple units capable of ejecting one or more colors of ink mounted on a carriage, or it may consist of a single recording head capable of ejecting multiple colors of ink mounted on carriage 2. The ink supplied to the recording head 300 is supplied from within the recording head body, or from an ink tank (not shown) mounted on an external unit via a supply tube through carriage 2. The ink to the recording head 300 may be supplied from the ink tank to the recording head 300 using a pressurizing unit, or the ink may be supplied by capping the ejection port surface 403 of the recording head 300 with a cap from a recovery unit and suctioning it with a suction pump.

[0020] Figure 3 is a block diagram illustrating the schematic configuration of the control system of the recording device 1 connected to the host computer 312. The main control unit 311 includes a CPU 301 that performs processing operations such as calculations and control, and recording operations, a ROM 302 that stores control programs executed by the CPU 301, a RAM 303 used as a buffer for recording data, a memory 313, and input / output ports 304. A group of sensors (not shown) that detect the operation and position of each part when controlling each drive system are connected to the CPU 301. Sensors included in the sensor group include, for example, a carriage sensor that detects the position of the carriage in the main scanning direction. The transport system sensors that detect the transport operation of the recording medium P by the transport rollers and the position of the transported recording medium P are also included in the sensor group.

[0021] The memory 313 stores mask patterns and the like. The input / output port 304 is connected to the transport motor (LF motor) 309, carriage motor (CR motor) 310, recording head 300, operation panel 15, recovery processing unit (not shown), maintenance mechanism (not shown), and various drive circuits 305, 306, and 307. Furthermore, the main control unit 311 is connected to the host computer 312 via the interface circuit 14.

[0022] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a maintenance mechanism 60 and a recovery processing device 61 provided in the recording device 1 in this embodiment. The maintenance mechanism 60 and the recovery processing device 61 are installed in the maintenance area 9 at a position facing the recording head 300. The carriage 2 on which the recording head 300 is mounted and supported by the guide shaft 8 moves to the maintenance mechanism 60 and the recovery processing device 61 based on signals from the linear encoder 7.

[0023] The recovery processing unit 61 is located in the maintenance area 9 adjacent to the recording area 10. The recording area 10 is the position where the ejection port row 402 of the recording head 300 faces the recording medium P supported by the platen 4. The maintenance area 9 is located where the carriage 2 has moved beyond the recording area 10, and depending on its position within the maintenance area 9, the ejection port 402 of the recording head 300 faces the maintenance mechanism 60 and the recovery processing unit 61.

[0024] The recovery processing device 61 includes a suction recovery mechanism (not shown) that performs suction recovery processing, and a lifting mechanism that raises and lowers the suction recovery mechanism. The suction recovery processing referred to here is a process that maintains the ink in the discharge ports to a state suitable for discharge by forcibly sucking ink from a plurality of discharge ports formed in the recording head 300. Specifically, the suction recovery mechanism has a cap 62 that covers the discharge port forming surface and a pump that communicates with the cap. The pump generates negative pressure inside the cap and forcibly sucks the ink in the discharge ports with this negative pressure. In addition, the recovery processing device 61 performs what is called pre-discharge, which is the discharge of ink that has evaporated and thickened in the discharge ports without recording.

[0025] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the carriage 2 equipped with the recording head 300 and the maintenance mechanism 60. The maintenance mechanism 60 has a wiping member 64 made of a sheet-like porous material (such as nonwoven fabric) that can wipe away ink adhering to the discharge port of the recording head 300. Compared to a wiping member made of an elastic material (such as a rubber wiper), the wiping member 64 made of a porous material is more effective in absorbing and drawing out ink from the discharge port during wiping, thus exhibiting the effects of this embodiment. In addition to the cleaning liquid described later, the wiping member 64 may be pre-impregnated with an impregnation liquid mainly composed of a low-volatility solvent such as polyethylene glycol. Hereinafter, the sheet-like wiping member 64 will also be referred to as the "sheet member".

[0026] An unused sheet member 64 (before the ink is wiped off) is wound around a rotating member 65a (first rotating member). A rotating member 65b (second rotating member) is positioned upstream of the rotating member 65a in the Y direction, which is the paper transport direction. The tip of the sheet member 64 is attached to the rotating member 65b, and the rotating member 65b winds up the used (ink wiped off) sheet member 64 driven by a transport motor. This transports the sheet member 64 upstream in the Y direction, which is the paper transport direction. Meanwhile, the rotating member 65a rotates in association with the rotation of the rotating member 65b.

[0027] The conveying length (amount conveyed) of the sheet member 64 is controlled by the rotation amount of the conveying motor, but it may also be controlled based on the measurement results of a known means, such as an optical means for measuring the conveying length. In that case, it is preferable that a scale (markings) for measuring the length is attached to the end of the sheet member 64 along the conveying direction.

[0028] A pressing member 66 is positioned between the rotating member 65a and the rotating member 65b. The pressing member 66 is movable in the Z direction and can move between a wiping position that can wipe the discharge port surface 403 and a standby position lower than the wiping position. The pressing member 66 pushes the sheet member 64 up in the Z direction with a constant load by a compression spring 67. During wiping, the pressing member 66 pushes the sheet member 64 up to a pressing position (wiping position) where a portion of the sheet member 64 is pushed into contact with the discharge port row 402 (discharge port surface 403). The longer the length of the sheet member 64 that comes into contact with the discharge port row 402 by the pressing member 66 in the Y direction, the better the cleaning effect by wiping. In this embodiment, the width of the pressing member 66 in the Y direction is set such that the length of the sheet member 64 that comes into contact with the discharge port row 402 by the pressing member 66 is approximately 5 mm. A sheet member 64 length of approximately 5 mm is the length at which approximately 250 discharge ports per color can be simultaneously contacted.

[0029] Furthermore, the width in the X direction of the sheet member 64 that contacts the recording head 300 by the pressing member 66 is such that all of the ejection port rows 402 of the recording head 300 can be wiped. In addition, by making the width in the X direction of the sheet member 64 that contacts the recording head 300 by the pressing member 66 such that the entire ejection port surface 403 (see Figure 2) of the recording head 300 can be wiped, mist that has spread and adhered to the entire ejection port surface can also be wiped. As a result, ink does not solidify on the ejection port surface 403 when the cap contacts it, so that the cap can be tightly attached to the ejection port surface 403 without any gaps.

[0030] In this embodiment, by making the width of the pressing member 66 in the X direction longer than the width of the recording head 300 in the X direction, the width of the sheet member 64 that comes into contact with the recording head 300 by the pressing member 66 becomes approximately the same as the width of the recording head 300.

[0031] In this embodiment, during the wiping operation, the maintenance mechanism 60 is moved in the -Y direction with the pressing member 66 positioned in the wiping position to wipe the discharge surface 403 of the recording head 300.

[0032] The sheet member 64 may consist of a single sheet, or it may consist of multiple sheets depending on the position of each ink ejection port row of the recording head 300, or if there are multiple recording heads. There are no limitations on the number of divisions of the sheet member, or the width and length of each division.

[0033] In this embodiment, the sheet member 64 is made of a nonwoven fabric of polyester short fibers, but the raw materials and manufacturing method are not particularly limited. The nonwoven fabric is made of a sheet-like material in which the fibers are bonded or intertwined by fusion, mechanical or chemical action. In addition, it may be a sheet-like material of knitted or woven fabric made of long fibers. Furthermore, a mixture of polyester and nylon, or cotton, can also be used as the sheet member material. In addition, the wiping member 64 may be a block-shaped sponge (porous body) or the like, rather than a sheet-like material. In that case, the block-shaped sponge can be made to move up and down and to be in contact with the recording head 300 without using the pressing member 66.

[0034] The cleaning liquid to be applied to the sheet member 64 is supplied from a cleaning liquid tank (not shown) via a pressure mechanism through a cleaning liquid supply tube and from a supply nozzle 68 before wiping. The supply nozzle 68 is configured to drip the cleaning liquid, and it drips the cleaning liquid onto the area of ​​the sheet member 64 that is pressed against the discharge port surface 403 by the pressing member 66. An electromagnetic valve (not shown) is provided in the upstream flow path of the supply nozzle 68, and the amount of cleaning liquid supplied is controlled by the opening time of the electromagnetic valve.

[0035] Next, the cleaning solution used in this embodiment will be described. Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, "parts" refers to mass.

[0036] The cleaning solution is preferably an aqueous solution containing a solvent that redisperses the solidified ink. Other solvents that can be used include those with functions such as humectants, surfactants, pH stabilizers, and preservatives. In this embodiment, the following components were thoroughly mixed and stirred, and then the cleaning solution was prepared by pressure filtration through a 2.5 μm pore size microfilter (manufactured by Fujifilm).

[0037] • 1-2 hexanediol (3 parts) Triethylene glycol 25 parts • Acetylene glycol EO adduct 2 parts • (Manufactured by Kawaken Fine Chemical Co., Ltd.) Ion-exchanged water (remaining portion) The cleaning solution has two functions: firstly, it redisperses mist and solidified ink adhering to the discharge port surface 403 by wiping them away with the sheet material soaked in the cleaning solution, making them easier to wipe off; and secondly, it quickly penetrates the wiped-off ink, especially ink that degrades the water-repellent film on the discharge port surface 403, into the interior of the sheet material 64, thereby preventing the colorant from damaging the discharge port surface 403.

[0038] Figure 6 shows a sheet member 64 without cleaning solution applied, used to wipe away black ink mist adhering to the discharge port surface 403. When wiping with a sheet member 64 without cleaning solution, the black ink mist is transferred to the sheet member 64, but the solidified black ink mist is left behind without being transferred to the sheet member 64. Furthermore, much of the colorant transferred to the sheet member 64 remains on the outermost surface of the sheet member 64 that is in contact with the discharge port surface 403. The high-concentration black ink colorant remaining on the outermost surface may come into contact with the water-repellent film on the outermost surface of the discharge port surface during the wiping operation, potentially damaging the water-repellent film.

[0039] Figure 7 shows a sheet member 64 to which a cleaning solution has been applied to wipe away black ink mist adhering to the discharge port surface 403. When wiping with the sheet member 64 to which the cleaning solution has been applied, the black ink mist transferred to the sheet member 64 quickly penetrates deeply and widely into the interior of the sheet member 64, and only a small amount of colorant remains on the surface of the sheet member 64. Therefore, even with inks that degrade the water-repellent film, the possibility of damaging the discharge port surface 403 is reduced. In addition, even solidified black ink mist is redispersed and easily transferred to the sheet member 64 by coming into contact with the cleaning solution applied to the sheet member 64.

[0040] Figure 8 shows a sheet member 64 to which cleaning fluid has been applied. By applying cleaning fluid to the sheet member 64, the width in the X direction of the portion of the sheet member 64 that becomes wet may be only the width of the discharge port row of the recording head 300, or it may be a width that covers the entire discharge port surface of the recording head 300. In this embodiment, in the X direction, the entire discharge port surface 403 of the recording head 300 is wiped with the sheet member 64 that is wet with cleaning fluid. For this purpose, three supply nozzles 68 are provided along the X direction.

[0041] In this embodiment, the width of the discharge port surface 403 in the X direction is 75 mm. Therefore, the wetting spread width in the X direction of the cleaning liquid supplied from one supply nozzle 68 must be 25 mm or more. Hereinafter, a wetting spread width of 25 mm will be referred to as the "desired wetting spread width". In this embodiment, the amount of cleaning liquid supplied is 0.1 g per nozzle, and the cleaning liquid is applied to the sheet member 64 by dropping it from three nozzles, thereby obtaining a desired wetting spread width of 25 mm from the cleaning liquid supplied from one supply nozzle 68.

[0042] In this embodiment, the cleaning solution was applied by a supply nozzle 68, but the application configuration is not limited. It may be applied by spraying, by transfer using an application roller, or by applying through a hole provided in the pressing member 66. Alternatively, the solution may be supplied by moving a single nozzle in the X direction.

[0043] In this embodiment, the wiping operation is performed at the following timings.

[0044] • At the start of recording • Recording in progress • Between pages • Before the cap closing operation • During the cleaning sequence (during the suction recovery sequence) The wiping operation at the start of the recording process is performed before the first page is recorded, because the nozzle surface 403 may be soiled with ink that was attached to the cap during standby, or mist may have adhered to the nozzle surface 403 due to preliminary ejection performed during standby.

[0045] The wiping operation during recording is performed as periodic maintenance to prevent the mist of the recording head 300 (both its own color and other colors) from covering the ejection port, adhering to and hardening on the ejection port surface 403, or causing a large amount of mist to accumulate and fall as large droplets.

[0046] The page-to-page wiping operation is performed after the recording of the previous page is finished and before the recording of the next page, and in some cases, it may be performed at the time when the recording medium P is cut by a cutter after the recording of all pages is finished.

[0047] The wiping operation before closing the cap is performed for maintenance purposes before capping the recording head 300 after recording is complete.

[0048] The wiping operation during the cleaning sequence is performed to wipe away any ink droplets that have accumulated on the nozzle surface after recovery processes such as ink suction using the cap have been carried out.

[0049] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the wiping sequence in the recording device 1 of this embodiment. Figures 10(a) to 10(c) show the positional relationship between the recording head 300 and the maintenance mechanism 60 in the wiping sequence. The series of processes shown in Figure 9 are performed by the CPU 301 of the recording device 1 loading the program code stored in the ROM 302 into the RAM 303 and executing it. Alternatively, some or all of the functions of the steps in Figure 9 may be implemented by hardware such as an ASIC or electronic circuit. The symbol "S" in the description of each process means that it is a step in the flowchart. The wiping sequence in this embodiment will now be described with reference to the flowchart in Figure 9.

[0050] When the wiping sequence begins, in S901, the CPU 301 moves the maintenance mechanism 60 from the standby position to the wiping start position shown in Figure 10(a). Then, in S902, the CPU 301 rotates the rotating members 65a and 65b to wind up the sheet member 64 soiled with ink in the previous wiping operation to a predetermined length, making the area of ​​the sheet member 64 that will be in contact with the discharge port surface 403 by the pressing member 66 an unused surface. For example, winding is performed for a length of approximately 5 mm, which is the length that will come into contact with the row of discharge ports. In S903, the CPU 301 moves the pressing member 66 in the Z direction to position it in the wiping position. In S904, the CPU 301 performs the wiping operation. During the wiping operation, the maintenance mechanism 60 moves from the position shown in Figure 10(a) to the position shown in Figure 10(c). The process from Figure 10(a) to Figure 10(c) constitutes the wiping operation. Subsequently, in S905, the CPU 301 moves the pressing member 66 in the -Z direction to position it in standby position. Then, in S906, the maintenance mechanism 60 is returned to the wiping start position, and the process ends.

[0051] Figure 11 is a graph showing the relationship between the wetting spread width and time when 0.1 g of cleaning solution is applied to the sheet material 64. From this graph, it can be seen that it takes approximately 10 seconds for the wetting to spread to the desired width of 25 mm.

[0052] Here, we will explain the case where the series of wiping sequences shown in Figure 9 are performed during the recording operation. After applying the cleaning solution, it is necessary to wipe it after it has sufficiently wetted and spread over the sheet member 64. However, if the application of the cleaning solution and the wiping operation are performed between recording scans, the time between recording scans becomes longer, which can cause time-lag unevenness in the image or reduce throughput. Here, time-lag unevenness refers to density unevenness or color unevenness that occurs because the time elapsed between multiple recording scans required to complete an image of a unit area differs depending on the position of the unit area on the recording medium.

[0053] On the other hand, if the cleaning solution is applied and wiped off immediately, there is not enough time for the cleaning solution to spread sufficiently, so a large amount of cleaning solution must be applied to wet the sheet member 64 to the desired wetting width. Specifically, if the recording scan interval to avoid time-difference unevenness is set to 3 seconds, our study found that 0.5g of cleaning solution needed to be applied to the sheet member 64 to wet the sheet member 64 to the desired wetting width within 3 seconds.

[0054] Therefore, in this embodiment, a recording scan is performed between the application of the cleaning solution and the wiping operation, and the recording scan time is used to wet the surface with the cleaning solution to the desired wetting width.

[0055] Figure 12 is a flowchart showing the processing of a recording job in this embodiment. The recording job processing described here is a sequence during the recording operation, and describes the wiping operation performed during the recording operation. The series of processes shown in Figure 12 are performed by the CPU 301 of the recording device 1 loading the program code stored in the ROM 302 into the RAM 303 and executing it. Alternatively, some or all of the functions of the steps in Figure 12 may be implemented by hardware such as an ASIC or electronic circuit. The symbol "S" in the description of each process means that it is a step in the flowchart. The processing of a recording job in this embodiment will be described below with reference to the flowchart in Figure 12.

[0056] When a recording job starts, the CPU 301 starts counting the wipe timer T in S1201. The wipe timer is a timer for controlling the wiping timing during recording. In this embodiment, it counts the cumulative recording operation time since the previous wipe operation in order to estimate the amount of mist on the nozzle surface. Note that control may be performed not by the recording operation time, but by, for example, the number of ink droplets ejected. Subsequently, in S1202, the CPU 301 compares the wipe threshold Twipe, which indicates the need for wiping, with the wipe timer T, and determines whether the wipe timer T has exceeded the wipe threshold Twipe. Here, the wipe threshold Twipe is the cumulative recording operation (cumulative recording scan) time (cumulative time) during which wiping is required. This is set by determining, through experiments or other means, the time (predetermined cumulative time) within which the mist on the nozzle surface 403, which increases due to ejection, does not affect the recording. If the wipe threshold Twipe has not been exceeded in S1202 (No), the process proceeds to S1209 to perform the recording scan. Then, in S1210, it is determined whether the recording is complete or not. If it is not complete (No), the process returns to S1202 and is repeated. In S1202, if the wipe threshold Twipe is exceeded (Yes), the process moves to S1203.

[0057] In S1203, the CPU 301 determines whether or not cleaning fluid has been applied to the sheet material (cleaning fluid application determination). If it has not been applied (No), the CPU 301 applies the cleaning fluid in S1204 and stores the cleaning fluid application history in S1205. After that, without performing a wiping operation, it performs a record scan in S1209 and returns to S1203. In S1203, the CPU 301 checks the cleaning fluid application history and if cleaning fluid has been applied (Yes), it proceeds to the wiping operation in S1206. In the wiping operation, the wiping sequence described in Figure 9 is performed. After the wiping operation is completed, the cleaning fluid application history is reset in S1207 and the wiping timer is also reset in S1208. After that, the CPU 301 proceeds to S1209 and performs a record scan. At this time, the maintenance mechanism 60 is in the standby position. If recording is completed in S1210 (Yes), the process proceeds to S1211, the wipe timer countdown stops, and the recording job is finished.

[0058] In this embodiment, the recording scan is performed between the application of the cleaning solution and the wiping operation. In this embodiment, the recording device 1 takes 12 seconds from the time it takes to drop the cleaning solution onto the sheet member 64, perform one recording scan, and wipe the discharge port surface 403. In this embodiment, one recording scan is given as an example after the application of the cleaning solution, but it may be performed multiple times, and there is no limit to the number of recording scans. If the number of recording scans is increased, the time required for recording scans will increase, so the amount of cleaning solution applied can be further reduced from 0.1g. However, if the amount applied is less than 0.05g, the absolute amount of cleaning solution will be small and it will not be possible to obtain the desired wetting spread width. Therefore, it is desirable to set the number of recording scans within the range where the amount applied is 0.05g or more. In addition, it is desirable to appropriately set the time from the application of the cleaning solution to the wiping operation, the amount of cleaning solution, and the wetting spread width according to the dimensions and material of the sheet member used. In this way, by performing a recording scan between the application of the cleaning solution and the wiping operation, sufficient time is secured for the cleaning solution to spread even with a small amount of solution, thus reducing the amount of cleaning solution applied and lowering consumption.

[0059] In this way, by performing a recording scan from the application of the cleaning solution to the wiping operation and ensuring a time of 10 seconds or more, the wetting spread can reach 25 mm even with an application amount of 0.1 g of cleaning solution. Therefore, the amount of cleaning solution used can be reduced while maintaining wiping performance. Furthermore, by performing a recording scan between the application of the cleaning solution and the wiping operation, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of time-lag unevenness and maintain throughput without damaging the water-repellent film on the discharge surface.

[0060] Furthermore, although not described, if the recording is completed immediately after the application of the cleaning solution and the wiping operation is not performed, the wiping operation may be performed before the end of the recording job, or the wiping may be triggered by the wiping timer and performed in the next job.

[0061] This makes it possible to provide a technology that suppresses equipment damage and productivity loss in recording devices.

[0062] (Second embodiment) A second embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Since the basic configuration of this embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, a characteristic configuration will be described below. In the second embodiment, a recording device having means for detecting ambient temperature and humidity will be described in which the time from the application of cleaning solution to the wiping operation is controlled by the ambient temperature and humidity. The recording device of this embodiment includes ambient temperature and humidity detection means capable of detecting ambient temperature and ambient humidity. Note that instead of detection means, acquisition means (temperature acquisition means, humidity acquisition means) for acquiring ambient temperature and ambient humidity may also be used.

[0063] Figure 13 is a graph showing the evaporation characteristics at various ambient temperatures and humidity levels after applying the cleaning solution to the sheet member 64. After being applied to the sheet member 64, the cleaning solution evaporates over time, and it becomes unable to perform the expected functions such as softening or dissolving the solidified ink. In other words, a longer wetting time after applying the cleaning solution is not necessarily better; it is desirable to perform the wiping operation as soon as the desired wetting width is reached.

[0064] Figure 14 is a graph showing the wetting spread when 0.1g of cleaning solution is applied to the sheet material 64 at various ambient temperatures and humidity levels. As shown, the wetting speed of the cleaning solution differs depending on the ambient temperature and humidity, and therefore the time required to reach the desired wetting spread also differs. For these reasons, it is desirable to control the time from applying the cleaning solution to performing the wiping operation according to the ambient temperature and humidity.

[0065] Figure 15 is a flowchart showing the processing of a recording job in this embodiment. The recording job processing described here is a sequence during the recording operation, and describes the wiping operation performed during the recording operation. The series of processes shown in Figure 15 are performed by the CPU 301 of the recording device 1 loading the program code stored in the ROM 302 into the RAM 303 and executing it. Alternatively, some or all of the functions of the steps in Figure 15 may be implemented by hardware such as an ASIC or electronic circuit. The symbol "S" in the description of each process means that it is a step in the flowchart. The processing of a recording job in this embodiment will be described below with reference to the flowchart in Figure 15.

[0066] When the recording job starts, the CPU 301 determines the amount of cleaning solution to be dispensed, Ndrop, and the desired wetting spread time, Twait, from the ambient temperature obtained by the ambient temperature detection means in S1501. Table 1 is a table for determining the amount of cleaning solution to be dispensed, Ndrop, and the desired wetting spread time, Twait, for each ambient temperature and humidity in this embodiment. For ease of understanding, the example here uses a fixed humidity of 50%. If the amount of cleaning solution to be dispensed, Ndrop, and the desired wetting spread time, Twait are to be determined for each humidity, a separate table for each humidity should be prepared. Naturally, tables for each temperature and humidity may also be used.

[0067] [Table 1]

[0068] Next, in S1502, the CPU 301 subtracts the desired wetting spread time Twait from the wiping threshold Twipe to determine the application threshold Tdrop, which is the timing when cleaning fluid needs to be applied. When the count of the wiping timer T exceeds the application threshold Tdrop, cleaning fluid needs to be applied. After that, in S1503, the CPU 301 starts counting the wiping timer T, and in S1504, it determines whether the count of the wiping timer T has exceeded the application threshold Tdrop. If it is determined in S1504 that the application threshold Tdrop has not been exceeded (No), the process proceeds to S1512 to perform a recording scan.

[0069] On the other hand, if the application threshold Tdrop is exceeded in S1504 (Yes), the CPU 301 proceeds to S1505 to determine whether or not the cleaning solution was applied. If it is determined in S1505 that it was not applied (No), the CPU 301 proceeds to S1506 to apply the cleaning solution and stores the cleaning solution application history in S1507. If it is determined in S1505 that the solution was applied (Yes), the CPU 301 proceeds to S1508 to determine whether or not the wipe timer T count has exceeded the wipe threshold Twipe. If it has not exceeded the wipe threshold Twipe (No), the CPU 301 proceeds to S1512 to perform a record scan. If it has exceeded the wipe threshold Twipe (Yes), the CPU 301 proceeds to S1509 to perform the wipe operation. The wipe operation performs the wipe sequence described in Figure 9. Subsequently, CPU301 resets the cleaning fluid application history in S1510, resets the wiping timer in S1511, and performs a record scan in S1512.

[0070] CPU301 determines in S1513 whether recording has finished or not. If it has not finished (No), CPU301 returns to S1504 and repeats the process. If it is determined that recording has finished (Yes), it moves to S1514, stops the wipe timer count, and the recording job processing is completed.

[0071] Figure 16 is a graph showing the wetting spread width for each amount of cleaning solution applied at an ambient temperature of 10°C. As shown, in environments where the wetting spread time is not extended to reach the desired wetting spread width, such as low-temperature environments, the desired wetting spread width can be achieved by increasing the amount of cleaning solution applied. Also, as shown in Figure 14, the viscosity of the cleaning solution decreases with increasing temperature, so at the same humidity, the wetting spread speed is faster at higher temperatures. For these reasons, in this embodiment, when controlling the wetting spread time based on ambient temperature, it is desirable to shorten the time between cleaning solution application and wiping operation as the temperature increases. Conversely, in some environments where the cleaning solution does not spread to the desired wetting spread width even with an extended wetting spread time, such as low-temperature environments, it is desirable to increase the amount of cleaning solution applied to the sheet member 64.

[0072] Alternatively, the amount of cleaning solution to be dispensed (Ndrop) and the desired wetting spread time (Twait) may be determined by considering only the ambient temperature or only the ambient humidity. When controlling the wetting spread time based on ambient humidity, it is desirable to shorten the time between the application of the cleaning solution and the wiping operation as humidity increases.

[0073] Thus, in this embodiment, a wiping threshold Twipe is determined separately from the wiping threshold Twipe, in order to ensure a desired wetting spread time determined by the ambient temperature and humidity, and the wetting spread time is controlled by applying the cleaning solution prior to the wiping timing. This makes it possible to ensure an optimal wetting spread time regardless of the ambient temperature and humidity, and provides a technology that suppresses damage to the equipment and a decrease in productivity.

[0074] This embodiment includes the following configurations and methods.

[0075] (Composition 1) A recording head having an ejection port surface provided with an ejection port for ejecting ink, At least one wiping member for wiping the discharge port surface, A moving means for moving the wiping member in a wiping operation in which the wiping member wipes the discharge port surface, The system includes a means for applying cleaning solution to the wiping member before the wiping operation, An inkjet recording apparatus that performs the wiping operation by bringing the wiping member, to which cleaning solution has been applied, into contact with the discharge port surface, A recording apparatus characterized in that, between the time a cleaning solution is applied to the wiping member by a cleaning solution application means and the wiping operation performed by the wiping member, the recording head performs a recording scan.

[0076] (Configuration 2) The recording device according to configuration 1, wherein the wiping member is made of a sheet-like porous material.

[0077] (Composition 3) The recording device according to configuration 2, further comprising a pressing member for pressing the wiping member against the discharge port surface.

[0078] (Composition 4) The recording device according to any one of configurations 1 to 3, characterized in that the cleaning liquid application means is a nozzle provided so as to be able to drip cleaning liquid onto the wiping member.

[0079] (Composition 5) A recording device according to any one of configurations 1 to 4, which performs multiple recording scans between the time the cleaning solution is applied to the wiping member and the wiping operation is performed.

[0080] (Composition 6) The system further includes a means for obtaining ambient temperature, A recording device according to any one of configurations 1 to 5, wherein the time from when the cleaning solution is applied to the wiping member until the wiping operation is performed is set based on the ambient temperature acquired by the temperature acquisition means.

[0081] (Composition 7) The recording device according to configuration 6, wherein the aforementioned time is shorter when the ambient temperature is high than when it is low.

[0082] (Composition 8) A recording device according to configuration 6 or 7, which changes the amount of cleaning solution dispensed based on the ambient temperature.

[0083] (Composition 9) The recording device described in configuration 8, wherein the amount of cleaning solution applied is greater when the ambient temperature is low than when it is high.

[0084] (Composition 10) A recording device according to any one of configurations 1 to 9, which performs the wiping operation based on a predetermined cumulative time of recording scanning.

[0085] (Composition 11) It is further equipped with a means for acquiring ambient humidity, The recording device according to any one of configurations 1 to 10, wherein the time from when the cleaning liquid is applied to the wiping member until the wiping operation is performed is set based on the ambient humidity acquired by the humidity acquisition means.

[0086] (Composition 12) The recording device according to configuration 11, wherein the aforementioned time is shorter when the ambient humidity is high than when it is low.

[0087] (Method 1) A counting process that counts the cumulative time of the recording scan, A comparison step that compares the cumulative time of recording scanning with a predetermined cumulative time, A cleaning solution application determination step to determine whether or not cleaning solution has been applied to the wiping member, After the cleaning solution application determination step, a recording scanning step is performed in which a recording head performs a recording scan. After the recording scanning step, a wiping step is performed in which the discharge port surface of the recording head, where the discharge port is formed, is wiped by the wiping member. A control method for a recording device, characterized by having the following features. [Explanation of symbols]

[0088] 1. Recording device 60 Maintenance mechanism 64 Sheet material 66 Pressing member 68 supply nozzles 300 recording heads 301 CPU 403 Discharge port surface

Claims

1. A recording head having an ejection port surface provided with an ejection port for ejecting ink, At least one wiping member for wiping the discharge port surface, A moving means for moving the wiping member in a wiping operation in which the wiping member wipes the discharge port surface, The system includes a means for applying cleaning solution to the wiping member before the wiping operation, An inkjet recording apparatus that performs the wiping operation by bringing the wiping member, to which cleaning solution has been applied, into contact with the discharge port surface, A recording device characterized in that, between the time a cleaning solution is applied to the wiping member by a cleaning solution application means and the wiping operation performed by the wiping member, the recording head performs a recording scan.

2. The recording device according to claim 1, wherein the wiping member is made of a sheet-like porous material.

3. The recording device according to claim 2, further comprising a pressing member for pressing the wiping member against the discharge port surface.

4. The recording device according to claim 1, characterized in that the cleaning liquid dispensing means is a nozzle provided to be able to drip cleaning liquid onto the wiping member.

5. The recording device according to claim 1, which performs multiple recording scans between the time the cleaning solution is applied to the wiping member and the wiping operation is performed.

6. The system further includes a means for obtaining ambient temperature, The recording device according to claim 1, wherein the time from when the cleaning solution is applied to the wiping member until the wiping operation is performed is set based on the ambient temperature acquired by the temperature acquisition means.

7. The recording device according to claim 6, wherein the aforementioned time is shorter when the ambient temperature is high than when it is low.

8. The recording device according to claim 6, which changes the amount of cleaning solution dispensed based on the ambient temperature.

9. The recording device according to claim 8, wherein the amount of cleaning solution applied is greater when the ambient temperature is low than when it is high.

10. The recording device according to claim 1, which performs the wiping operation based on a predetermined cumulative time of recording scanning.

11. It is further equipped with a means for acquiring ambient humidity, The recording device according to claim 1, wherein the time from when the cleaning liquid is applied to the wiping member until the wiping operation is performed is set based on the ambient humidity acquired by the humidity acquisition means.

12. The recording device according to claim 11, wherein the aforementioned time is shorter when the ambient humidity is high than when it is low.

13. A counting process that counts the cumulative time of the recording scan, A comparison step that compares the cumulative time of recording scanning with a predetermined cumulative time, A cleaning solution application determination step to determine whether or not cleaning solution has been applied to the wiping member, After the cleaning solution application determination step, a recording scanning step is performed in which a recording head performs a recording scan. After the recording scanning step, a wiping step is performed in which the discharge port surface of the recording head, where the discharge port is formed, is wiped by the wiping member. A control method for a recording device, characterized by having the following features.

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