Cleaning device

Abstract

This design minimizes the likelihood of areas being left uncleaned during the cleaning of the inkjet print head. [Solution] The cleaning device 300 is provided with a spray unit 310 that sprays cleaning liquid to be sprayed onto the inkjet head 260. The cleaning liquid is supplied to the spray unit 310 by a pump. The cleaning liquid supplied by the pump is supplied to the spray unit 310 through a predetermined path 309X. Furthermore, there is a sprayed portion 320 to which the cleaning liquid sprayed by the spray unit 310 is applied. The sprayed portion 320 is positioned at an angle θ with respect to the spray direction of the cleaning liquid sprayed from the spray unit 310.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a cleaning device.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a printing device that forms a printed image by inkjet printing on the outer surface of a cylindrical container attached to a mandrel.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] When cleaning an inkjet head used for printing, the cleaning may be performed by spraying a cleaning liquid onto the inkjet head. Here, if the cleaning liquid is concentrated and sprayed onto a specific part of the inkjet head, the cleaning of the parts other than this specific part is likely to be insufficient. An object of the present invention is to make it difficult to generate a portion where cleaning is insufficient when cleaning an inkjet head.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The cleaning device to which the present invention is applied is a cleaning device for cleaning an inkjet head, and includes an injection unit that injects a cleaning liquid sprayed onto the inkjet head, and is arranged at an angle with respect to the injection direction of the cleaning liquid injected from the injection unit, and the cleaning liquid injected by the injection unit is sprayed, and the traveling direction of the cleaning liquid is changed so that the cleaning liquid heads toward the inkjet head, and a sprayed portion.

[0006] Here, the part to be sprayed may be formed in a planar shape and composed of flat surfaces. Furthermore, the sprayed portion may be made of a curved surface and may bulge outwards towards the spraying portion. Furthermore, the extension direction of the inkjet head and the spray direction of the cleaning liquid sprayed by the spray unit may be aligned, and the position of the inkjet head in the intersecting direction, which is the direction intersecting the spray direction, may be different from the position of the spray unit in the said intersecting direction, so that the cleaning liquid sprayed from the spray unit is sprayed onto the inkjet head by the sprayed unit in a direction intersecting the spray direction of the cleaning liquid. Furthermore, the system may also be provided with a moving mechanism that moves the jetting unit along the extension direction of the inkjet head. Furthermore, the part to be sprayed may move in conjunction with the spraying part and move along the extension direction of the inkjet head. Furthermore, the system may also include a gas spraying unit that sprays gas onto the inkjet head after the cleaning solution has been sprayed onto it. Furthermore, the system may be further equipped with a moving mechanism that moves the jetting section along the extension direction of the inkjet head, and the gas blowing section may move in conjunction with the jetting section and move along the extension direction of the inkjet head. Furthermore, the system may also include a removal unit that is positioned in contact with the inkjet head to remove any cleaning solution adhering to the inkjet head. Furthermore, the system may also include a moving mechanism for moving the jetting unit along the extension direction of the inkjet head, and the removal unit may move in conjunction with the jetting unit and move along the extension direction of the inkjet head. Furthermore, the removal unit may be positioned at an angle to the direction of movement when it moves in conjunction with the movement of the spray unit, and the cleaning liquid may be moved to one side of the movement path of the removal unit. Alternatively, the ink ejection port of the inkjet head may be located on the other side of the movement path, and the removal unit may move the cleaning solution to the side opposite to the side where the ink ejection port is located. Furthermore, the cleaning solution sprayed onto the inkjet head may contain any deposits that were attached to the inkjet head, and the system may further include a removal unit for removing the deposits contained in the cleaning solution sprayed onto the inkjet head, and a path through which the cleaning solution, having passed through the removal unit, travels towards the spraying unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, when cleaning an inkjet head, it is possible to reduce the likelihood of areas being insufficiently cleaned. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a diagram showing the printing machine viewed from above. [Figure 2] This is a cross-sectional view of the printing apparatus along line II-II in Figure 1. [Figure 3] This diagram shows the hardware configuration of the control unit. [Figure 4] This is a view of the inspection mechanism from the direction of arrow IV in Figure 1. [Figure 5] This diagram shows the inkjet head and cleaning device viewed from the direction indicated by arrow V in Figure 1. [Figure 6] This figure shows the cross-sectional state of the area to be sprayed along the line VI-VI in Figure 5. [Figure 7] This diagram shows a modified example of the area to be sprayed. [Figure 8] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the cleaning device along line VIII-VIII. [Figure 9] This diagram shows the inkjet head and removal unit viewed from the direction indicated by arrow IV in Figure 8. [Figure 10] This diagram shows an example of a filtration section. [Figure 11]It is a diagram showing another configuration example of the filtering section. [Figure 12] It is a diagram showing another configuration example of the filtering section. [Figure 13] It is a diagram showing another configuration example of the filtering section. [Figure 14] It is a diagram showing the nozzle holes of an inkjet head.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a view of the printing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment as viewed from above. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the printing apparatus 100 taken along line II-II of FIG. 1. In FIG. 1, the transmission member 50 shown in FIG. 2 is indicated by a broken line. The printing apparatus 100 forms an image on a can body 10 used for a beverage can or the like based on digital image information. Further, the printing apparatus 100 forms an image on the can body 10 using an inkjet printing method.

[0010] As shown in FIG. 2, the printing apparatus 100 is provided with a control unit 60. The control unit 60 controls each device and each mechanism unit provided in the printing apparatus 100. Also, as shown in FIG. 1, the printing apparatus 100 is provided with a rotating member 210. The rotating member 210 is driven by a first motor M1 shown in FIG. 2. The rotating member 210 rotates intermittently in the direction shown by arrow 1A in the figure. The rotating member 210 is formed in a disk shape. The rotating member 210 rotates about a rotation center 1E shown in FIG. 1. This rotation center 1E extends in the vertical direction.

[0011] Inside the housing 290 shown in FIG. 2, a rotation mechanism (not shown) is provided. This rotation mechanism is composed of a known mechanism such as a gear or a cam. The rotation mechanism receives the force from the first motor M1 and rotates the rotating member 210. In the present embodiment, a rotation mechanism is provided around the rotating member 59.

[0012] Figure 3 shows the hardware configuration of the control unit 60. The control unit 60 is equipped with a processing unit 901 and an information storage device 902 for storing information. The processing unit 901 is comprised of a computer. The processing unit 901 has a CPU (=Central Processing Unit) 911 as an example of a processor. The processing unit 901 also has a ROM (=Read Only Memory) 912 in which the program is stored. Furthermore, the processing unit 901 has a RAM (=Random Access Memory) 913 used as a work area. The information storage device 902 is implemented using existing devices such as hard disk drives, semiconductor memory, and magnetic tape. The processing unit 901 and the information storage device 902 are connected via the bus 906 and signal lines (not shown).

[0013] The program executed by the CPU 911 can be provided to the control unit 60 via the recording medium. Examples of recording media include magnetic recording media such as magnetic tapes and magnetic disks. Other examples of recording media include optical recording media such as optical disks. Furthermore, magneto-optical recording media are another example. Finally, semiconductor memory is another example of a recording medium. Furthermore, the program executed by the CPU 911 may be provided to the control unit 60 using communication means such as the Internet. In this embodiment, the CPU 911 executes programs stored in the ROM 912 and the information storage device 902. This execution controls each device and mechanism provided in the printing device 100.

[0014] The printing apparatus 100 will be further described with reference to Figure 1. The printing device 100 is provided with a plurality of holding mechanisms 230 for holding the can body 10. The number of holding mechanisms 230 is 16. However, the number of holding mechanisms 230 may be other than 16. As indicated by reference numeral 1X, each of the holding mechanisms 230 is provided with a shaft 230S. The shaft 230S is supported by the rotating member 210 in a rotatable state. The shaft 230S is capable of rotation in the circumferential direction.

[0015] Furthermore, as indicated by reference numeral 1X, each of the holding mechanisms 230 is provided with a mandrel 230M. This mandrel 230M, as an example of a can support member, supports the can 10. The mandrel 230M is attached to one end of the shaft 230S. The mandrel 230M is supported by the rotating member 210. Specifically, the mandrel 230M is supported by the rotating member 210 via the shaft 230S. The mandrel 230M is positioned away from the rotation center 1E of the rotating member 210.

[0016] The other end of the shaft 230S is provided with a receiving gear 230G, which serves as a receiving member to receive rotational driving force. The receiving gear 230G is composed of helical gears. The receiving gear 230G meshes with the transmission member 50 and receives rotational driving force from this transmission member 50. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 2, a gear portion 50G is provided on the outer circumference of the transmission member 50. The gear portion 50G is provided along the circumferential direction of the transmission member 50. The receiving gear 230G meshes with the gear portion 50G provided on the outer circumference of the transmission member 50. The receiving gear 230G receives rotational driving force from the gear portion 50G.

[0017] Multiple shafts 230S and mandrels 230M are provided, as shown in Figure 1. Furthermore, the shafts 230S and mandrels 230M are arranged radially around the arrangement center 1C, indicated by reference numeral 1C in Figure 1. In other words, the shaft 230S and the mandrel 230M are arranged radially around the rotation center 1E of the rotating member 210. The center of arrangement 1C and the center of rotation 1E of the rotating member 210 coincide.

[0018] The can body 10 is formed in a cylindrical shape. Furthermore, one end of the can body 10 in the longitudinal direction is provided with a bottom. This end is closed. On the other hand, the other end of the can body 10 is not sealed but is open. An open section is provided at the other end of the can body 10. The can body 10 is supported by the mandrel 230M in the manner shown by arrow 1G in Figure 1. The can body 10 is supported by the mandrel 230M by inserting the mandrel 230M into the interior of the can body 10 through the open portion of the can body 10.

[0019] As shown in Figure 2, a disc-shaped transmission member 50 is provided above the receiving gear 230G. The transmission member 50 meshes with the receiving gears 230G provided on each of the holding mechanisms 230. The transmission member 50 transmits rotational driving force to the receiving gears 230G, causing the mandrel 230M to rotate. Furthermore, the transmission member 50 is not limited to being positioned above the receiving gear 230G. The transmission member 50 may also be positioned below the receiving gear 230G.

[0020] The transmission member 50 is arranged coaxially with the rotating member 210. The rotation center 1F of the transmission member 50 is located on the extension of the rotation center 1E of the rotating member 210 (see Figure 1). Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1, the transmission member 50 is connected to multiple mandrels 230M. The transmission member 50 is connected to a plurality of mandrels 230M via a receiving gear 230G and a shaft 230S. The transmission member 50 rotates to transmit rotational driving force to each of the multiple mandrels 230M.

[0021] A cylindrical rotating member 59 is provided below the transmission member 50 shown in Figure 2. The rotating member 59 is connected to the transmission member 50. The rotating member 59 extends downward from the center of rotation of the transmission member 50. In other words, the rotating member 59 extends downward from the radial center of the transmission member 50. In this embodiment, rotational driving force is transmitted from the rotating member 59 to the transmission member 50. This causes the transmission member 50 to rotate. Accordingly, rotational driving force is transmitted from the transmission member 50 to each of the multiple mandrels 230M. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 2, a second motor M2 is provided to rotate the rotating member 59. The rotating member 59 rotates by receiving the driving force from this second motor M2.

[0022] The transmission member 50 rotates in the direction indicated by arrow 1D in Figure 1. In this embodiment, the receiving gear 230G meshes with the rotating transmission member 50. As a result, the receiving gear 230G rotates, causing the mandrel 230M to rotate in the direction indicated by arrow 1M. Consequently, the can body 10 also rotates in the direction indicated by arrow 1M. In this embodiment, the transmission member 50 rotates in the opposite direction to the direction indicated by arrow 1A, which is the rotation direction of the rotating member 210. Alternatively, the transmission member 50 may rotate in the same direction as the rotation direction of the rotating member 210. The transmission member 50 rotates with a rotation center 1F located in the radial center of the transmission member 50. In this embodiment, this rotation center 1F coincides with the arrangement center 1C of the radially arranged mandrels 230M.

[0023] As shown in Figure 1, when the printing device 100 is viewed from above, the rotation center 1F and the placement center 1C are located at the same location. Furthermore, the rotation center 1E of the rotating member 210 is located at the same location as the rotation center 1F and the placement center 1C. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the transmission member 50 is located closer to the center 1C than the radially arranged mandrels 230M.

[0024] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1, the printing apparatus 100 is equipped with six inkjet heads 260 that function as image forming means. Specifically, there are six inkjet heads 260, numbered from the first inkjet head 261 to the sixth inkjet head 266. In this embodiment, an example of an image forming means is described in which an inkjet head 260 is used. However, the image forming means is not limited to this, and other methods of forming images may also be used.

[0025] Six inkjet heads 260 form images on the can body 10, which is supported by a mandrel 230M. The six inkjet heads 260 are arranged in the direction of movement on the can body 10. In other words, the six inkjet heads 260 are arranged in line with the direction of rotation of the rotating member 210. Furthermore, the six inkjet heads 260 are arranged radially around the rotation center 1E of the rotating member 210.

[0026] As shown in Figure 2, the inkjet head 260 is positioned above the ink tank 10. The inkjet head 260 ejects ink toward the ink tank 10 located below it. The inkjet head 260 has a facing surface 241 that faces the ink cartridge 10. This facing surface 241 is provided with multiple ink ejection ports (not shown in Figure 2) for ejecting ink.

[0027] Each of the inkjet heads 260 ejects ultraviolet-curable ink to form an image on the outer surface of the inkjet can 10. Furthermore, the ink used is not limited to UV-curing ink. Other inks, such as thermosetting inks, may also be used. Furthermore, each of the 260 inkjet heads ejects different inks, such as yellow, magenta, cyan, black, white, and spot colors, into the ink cartridge 10.

[0028] As shown in Figure 1, a UV LED (Ultraviolet Light Emitting Diode) lamp 250 is also provided. Here, we assume the rotation direction of the rotating member 210. In this rotational direction, the UV LED lamp 250, which functions as a light irradiation means, is located downstream of the six inkjet heads 260. In the transport direction of the can body 10, the UV LED lamp 250 is located downstream of the six inkjet heads 260.

[0029] In this embodiment, ultraviolet light is irradiated onto the outer surface of the can body 10 by the UV LED lamp 250. As a result, the ultraviolet-curable ink that constitutes the image on the outer surface of the can body 10 hardens. Furthermore, in this embodiment, a lamp housing box 70 for housing the UV LED lamp 250 is provided. By providing this lamp housing box 70, the direction of ultraviolet light to areas other than the can body 10 is suppressed. The lamp housing box 70 is provided with an inlet 71 and an outlet 72. The can body 10, supported by the mandrel 230M, enters the lamp housing box 70 through the inlet 71. The can body 10, also supported by the mandrel 230M, then moves outside the lamp housing box 70 through the outlet 72.

[0030] The rotating member 210 moves the mandrel 230M by passing it through each of the multiple inkjet heads 260. Furthermore, the rotating member 210 stops rotating after each rotation by a predetermined angle. In this embodiment, a total of 16 mandrel stopping points 801 to 816 are provided. In this embodiment, the mandrel 230M stops at each of these mandrel stopping points 801 to 816. In other words, the can body 10 stops at each of these mandrel stopping points 801 to 816.

[0031] In this embodiment, the rotating member 210 is rotated intermittently to transport the can body 10 along a predetermined circular path. Furthermore, each time the can body 10 reaches one of the 16 mandrel stopping points 801 to 816, the can body 10 is temporarily stopped. In this embodiment, the rotating member 210 is rotated intermittently to cause the can body 10 to revolve. In addition, the can body 10 is temporarily stopped each time it reaches one of the 16 mandrel stopping points 801 to 816.

[0032] In this embodiment, inkjet heads 260 are provided at six mandrel stopping points 804 to 809. Furthermore, a UV LED lamp 250 is provided at one of the other mandrel stopping points 811. Hereinafter, in this specification, the mandrel stopping points 804 to 809 on which the inkjet head 260 is installed will be referred to as "image forming stopping points 804 to 809". Furthermore, the mandrel stopping point 811 where the UV LED lamp 250 is installed is referred to as the "light irradiation stopping point 811". In this embodiment, one additional mandrel stop location, indicated by reference numeral 810, is provided between the image-forming stop locations 804-809 and the light irradiation stop location 811.

[0033] In this embodiment, ultraviolet light is emitted from the UV LED lamp 250. In this case, ultraviolet light may reach the inkjet head 260 located upstream. In this case, the ink may harden at the inkjet head 260. In this case, ink clogging may occur, or the quality of the resulting image may deteriorate. Therefore, in this embodiment, as described above, one mandrel stop location 810 is provided between the image forming stop locations 804 to 809 and the light irradiation stop location 811. This increases the distance between the UV LED lamp 250 and the inkjet head 260. In this case, the amount of ultraviolet light reaching the inkjet head 260 is reduced. Furthermore, the mandrel stopping point 810 is not limited to one; two or more mandrel stopping points 810 may be provided.

[0034] Furthermore, the printing apparatus 100 of this embodiment is provided with a can loading section 91, as shown in Figure 1. The can loading section 91 is located upstream of the multiple inkjet heads 260. In the can body insertion section 91, the inside of the cylindrically formed mandrel 230M is subjected to negative pressure. As a result, the mandrel 230M is drawn in by the can body 10, and the mandrel 230M enters the interior of the can body 10. This initiates the support of the can body 10 by the mandrel 230M.

[0035] An inspection mechanism 92 is provided between the can input section 91 and the inkjet head 260. This inspection mechanism 92, as an example of an inspection means, inspects the inserted can 10. In this embodiment, the inspection mechanism 92 is provided upstream of the inkjet head 260. In this embodiment, the can body 10 is inspected before image formation is performed by the inkjet head 260.

[0036] Figure 4 shows the inspection mechanism 92 as viewed from the direction of arrow IV in Figure 1. The inspection mechanism 92 inspects whether the can body 10 is deformed or not. As shown in Figure 4, the inspection mechanism 92 is equipped with a light source 92A that emits laser light. The light source 92A is located on one end of the can body 10. The laser light emitted from the light source 92A travels along the outer surface of the can body 10 and along the axial direction of the can body 10. Furthermore, a light-receiving unit 92B is provided at the other end of the can body 10 to receive laser light from the light source 92A.

[0037] If a part of the can body 10 is deformed as shown by reference numeral 3A, the laser light will be blocked. In this case, the light receiving unit 92B will not receive the laser light. This allows the deformation of the can body 10 to be detected. Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 1, a discharge mechanism 93 is provided as an example of a discharge means. The discharge mechanism 93 discharges the can body 10, which has been detected to be deformed, to the outside of the printing device 100. In this embodiment, if the inspection mechanism 92 determines that the can body 10 does not meet predetermined conditions, the discharge mechanism 93 discharges the can body 10. More specifically, if the inspection mechanism 92 determines that the can body 10 is deformed, the discharge mechanism 93 discharges the can body 10.

[0038] As shown in Figure 1, the ejection mechanism 93 is located between the inspection mechanism 92 and the inkjet head 260. The ejection mechanism 93 is located upstream of the inkjet head 260. Therefore, in this embodiment, the can body 10 is ejected before image formation is performed by the inkjet head 260.

[0039] In the discharge mechanism 93, compressed air is supplied to the inside of the mandrel 230M. This causes the can body 10 to move in the direction indicated by arrow 1H in the figure. Furthermore, the bottom of the can body 10 is sucked by a suction member (not shown). In other words, the closed end of the can body 10 is sucked by a suction member (not shown). Then, the suction member transports the can 10 to the outside of the printing device 100. As a result, the can 10 is discharged to the outside of the printing device 100.

[0040] The printing apparatus 100 will be further described with reference to Figure 1. A paint application device 94 is provided downstream of the UV LED lamp 250. In other words, a paint application device 94 is provided downstream of the mandrel stopping point 811. The paint application device 94 has a rotating body (not shown). In the paint application device 94, paint is first supplied to the outer surface of this rotating body. Then, the paint application device 94 brings the outer surface of the rotating body into contact with the outer surface of the can body 10. As a result, paint adheres to the outer surface of the can body 10. When paint adheres to the outer surface of the can body 10, a protective layer is formed on the outer surface of the can body 10.

[0041] Subsequently, in this embodiment, the can body 10 is discharged at the can body discharge section 95 downstream of the paint application device 94. In other words, the can body 10 is discharged at the mandrel stopping point 815. At the can body discharge section 95, compressed air is supplied to the inside of the mandrel 230M. This removes the can body 10 from the mandrel 230M. Furthermore, the can body 10 is transported to the outside of the printing device 100 by a transport mechanism (not shown). The can body 10, once transported outside the printing device 100, is then transported to a baking process (not shown). In this baking process, the can body 10 undergoes a heat treatment.

[0042] Referring to Figure 1, a series of operations of the printing device 100 will be explained. When printing is performed by the printing device 100, the transmission member 50 first starts rotating in the direction indicated by arrow 1D. This causes the mandrel 230M to start rotating in the direction indicated by arrow 1M. At the boiler input section 91, the boiler 10, which has been transported from the upstream side, is attached to the mandrel 230M. In this embodiment, the can 10 is transported from the upstream side to the can input section 91. At this time, an empty mandrel 230M is waiting in the can input section 91.

[0043] Furthermore, the inside of this empty mandrel 230M is subjected to negative pressure, and the can 10 is drawn in by this empty mandrel 230M. As a result, the mandrel 230M enters the inside of the can body 10. In this embodiment, the mandrel 230M enters the inside of the can body 10, thereby initiating support of the can body 10 by the mandrel 230M.

[0044] After the mandrel 230M begins supporting the can body 10, the rotating member 210, which was in a stationary state, starts to rotate. The rotating member 210 rotates by a predetermined angle in the direction indicated by arrow 1A in the figure and then stops again. This allows the can body 10 to reach the inspection mechanism 92. In other words, in this case, the can body 10 revolves and reaches the inspection mechanism 92. Subsequently, the rotating member 210 rotates again by a predetermined angle. This causes the can body 10 to revolve and reach the discharge mechanism 93. Subsequently, the rotating member 210 rotates again by a predetermined angle. As a result, the can body 10 revolves and reaches below the first inkjet head 261. The can body 10 then temporarily stops below the first inkjet head 261.

[0045] Then, ink is ejected from this first inkjet head 261 toward the rotating ink tank 10 located below it. In other words, ink is ejected from the first inkjet head 261 toward the rotating ink tank 10. As a result, an image is formed on the outer surface of the can body 10 using the first color of ink.

[0046] Subsequently, in this embodiment, the rotating member 210 is rotated and stopped again. As a result, the can body 10 stops below the second inkjet head 262, which is the second inkjet head 260. In other words, the can body 10 revolves and stops, and the can body 10 stops below the second inkjet head 262. Then, this second inkjet head 262 forms the image using the second color of ink.

[0047] Subsequently, in this embodiment, the inkjet cartridge 10 is moved to the third inkjet head 263. Then, an image is formed by the third inkjet head 263. Subsequently, the ink cartridge 10 is moved to the fourth inkjet head 264. Then, the fourth inkjet head 264 forms an image. Furthermore, images are similarly formed on the fifth inkjet head 265 and the sixth inkjet head 266.

[0048] In the above explanation, we described the case where all six inkjet heads 260 are used to form an image as an example. The manner in which the image is formed is not limited thereto. The image may be formed using some of the six inkjet heads 260.

[0049] In this embodiment, the transmission member 50 rotates when the inkjet head 10 moves between the inkjet heads 260. In other words, in this embodiment, the transmission member 50 rotates when the inkjet head 10 revolves. This causes the can body 10 to rotate. When the can body 10 rotates, uneven ink application becomes less likely.

[0050] Let's consider the case where the can body 10 is moved while its rotation is stopped. In other words, let's consider the case where the can body 10 revolves around an orbit while it is not rotating on its own axis. In this case, the ink adhering to the can body 10 may move downward due to gravity, potentially causing uneven ink distribution. In contrast, in a configuration where the can body 10 rotates as it moves, uneven ink adhesion is less likely to occur.

[0051] After passing through the inkjet head 260, the ink can 10 moves to below the UV LED lamp 250. This causes ultraviolet light to be irradiated onto the outer surface of the ink can 10. As a result, the ink on the outer surface of the ink can 10 hardens. Subsequently, the paint is applied to the outer surface of the can body 10 by the paint application device 94.

[0052] Next, compressed air is supplied to the inside of the mandrel 230M at the can body discharge section 95. As a result, the inner surface of the can body 10 attached to the mandrel 230M is pressed by this compressed air. Consequently, the can body 10 is removed from the mandrel 230M. The can body 10, removed from the mandrel 230M, is transported to a baking process (not shown). In this baking process, heat treatment is performed, which hardens the paint applied to the can body 10.

[0053] Next, we will describe the cleaning device 300 that cleans the inkjet head 260. In this embodiment, a cleaning device 300 for cleaning the inkjet head 260 is provided separately from the printing device 100 shown in Figure 1. When the inkjet head 260 is to be cleaned by the cleaning device 300, the cleaning device 300 is installed, for example, at the location indicated by reference numeral 1Z in Figure 1. Then, the inkjet head 260 is cleaned by the cleaning device 300.

[0054] In this embodiment, six inkjet heads 260 are provided. In this embodiment, the cleaning device 300 is moved each time cleaning of one inkjet head 260 is completed. The cleaning device 300 is sequentially installed at each of the locations where inkjet heads 260 that have not yet been cleaned are installed. Therefore, the cleaning device 300 is installed directly on the inkjet head 260 and can be easily installed and removed. Alternatively, multiple cleaning devices 300 may be provided to accommodate all of the inkjet heads 260. In this case, it becomes possible to use multiple cleaning devices 300 to clean multiple inkjet heads 260 simultaneously.

[0055] When the cleaning device 300 is installed at the location indicated by the reference numeral 1Z in Figure 1, the holding mechanism 230 located at the same location is removed. As a result, the mandrel 230M is not positioned below the inkjet head 260. More specifically, the mandrel 230M is not positioned below the third inkjet head 263. The cleaning device 300 is installed so that the mandrel 230M is not located below the inkjet head 260.

[0056] Furthermore, the configuration is not limited to removing the holding mechanism 230. For example, the holding mechanism 230 may be configured to be movable. By moving the holding mechanism 230, space may be secured for installing the cleaning device 300. Furthermore, the printing device 100 on which the cleaning device 300 can be installed is not limited to the printing device 100 shown in Figure 1. Regardless of the type of printing device 100 that is equipped with an inkjet head, the cleaning device 300 of this embodiment can be installed. For example, even a printing device 100 equipped with a single inkjet head can be fitted with the cleaning device 300 of this embodiment.

[0057] Figure 5 shows the inkjet head 260 and cleaning device 300 as viewed from the direction indicated by arrow V in Figure 1. Figure 5 shows the movable body 410 (details will be described later). The cross-sectional state of this movable body 410 along the VT-VT line in Figure 1 is shown. The cleaning device 300 of this embodiment is provided with a spray unit 310 that sprays cleaning fluid onto the inkjet head 260. The cleaning device 300 is provided with a spray nozzle 305. The spray unit 310 is located at the tip of this spray nozzle 305. In this embodiment, the cleaning fluid is supplied to the spray unit 310 by a pump, which will be described later. The cleaning fluid supplied by this pump is delivered to the spray unit 310 through a predetermined path 309X. The type of cleaning solution can be selected depending on the type of ink. For example, if using water-based ink, water can be used as the cleaning solution. If using solvent-based ink, the cleaning solution can be selected from among organic solvents. When using organic solvents as the cleaning solution, it is preferable to choose one that is environmentally friendly.

[0058] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a sprayed portion 320 is provided to which the cleaning liquid sprayed by the spraying portion 310 is applied. Figure 6 shows the cross-sectional state of the sprayed portion 320 along the line VI-VI in Figure 5. The sprayed portion 320 is formed in a planar shape and is composed of flat surfaces. As shown in Figure 5, the sprayed portion 320 is positioned at an angle θ with respect to the spray direction of the cleaning liquid ejected from the spray portion 310. In Figure 5, the direction indicated by arrow 5A shows the direction of the cleaning solution spray. The sprayed area 320 is positioned at an angle to this spray direction.

[0059] When the cleaning solution is sprayed onto the sprayed area 320, the sprayed area 320 changes the direction of the cleaning solution's movement. As a result, the cleaning solution is directed towards the inkjet head 260, which is located above the spraying area 310. When the cleaning solution is sprayed onto the sprayed area 320, the cleaning solution spreads out and heads towards the inkjet head 260. The sprayed section 320 changes the direction of the cleaning solution so that the cleaning solution is directed towards the inkjet head 260, which is located above the spray section 310. In this embodiment, a cleaning solution is sprayed onto the inkjet head 260 from below.

[0060] In this embodiment, the extension direction of the inkjet head 260 and the spray direction of the cleaning liquid sprayed by the spray unit 310 are aligned. In this embodiment, in Figure 5, both the extension direction of the inkjet head 260 and the spray direction of the cleaning solution are to the right in the figure. Here, we assume an intersecting direction, which is a direction that intersects the spraying direction. In this embodiment, the position of the inkjet head 260 in this intersecting direction is different from the position of the spraying unit 310 in this intersecting direction. In this embodiment, the position of the inkjet head 260 in the vertical direction is different from the position of the jetting unit 310 in the vertical direction. The cleaning liquid sprayed from the spraying unit 310 is directed by the sprayed unit 320 in a direction intersecting the spraying direction of the cleaning liquid. The cleaning liquid is then sprayed onto the inkjet head 260 from below. In this case, when cleaning the inkjet head 260, it becomes less likely that some areas will be insufficiently cleaned. If the cleaning solution sprayed from the spray unit 310 is sprayed directly onto the inkjet head 260, it tends to concentrate on specific areas. In this case, cleaning of areas other than these specific areas tends to be insufficient. In contrast, the configuration of this embodiment makes it less likely for areas to become insufficiently cleaned. In this case, a reduction in clogging of the ink ejection port of the inkjet head 260 can be expected.

[0061] Figure 7 shows a modified example of the sprayed portion 320. Figure 7, like Figure 6, shows the cross-sectional state of the sprayed portion 320 along the line VI-VI in Figure 5. In the configuration example shown in Figure 7, the sprayed portion 320 is made up of a curved surface. Furthermore, in this configuration example, the sprayed portion 320 bulges outwards towards the spraying portion 310 shown in Figure 5.

[0062] In this configuration example, the cleaning solution moving from the sprayed area 320 towards the inkjet head 260 will be more spread out. Compared to the case where the sprayed area 320 shown in Figure 6 is used, the cleaning solution that flows from the sprayed area 320 towards the inkjet head 260 spreads out more widely. In this case, the cleaning solution reaches a wider area. This further reduces the likelihood of areas within the inkjet head 260 being insufficiently cleaned.

[0063] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 5, a moving mechanism 400 is provided for moving the jetting unit 310. The moving mechanism 400 moves the jetting unit 310 along the extending direction of the inkjet head 260. The moving mechanism 400 consists of a moving body 410 and a moving body moving mechanism 420 that moves the moving body 410. The jetting unit 310 is supported by the movable body 410. When the movable body 410 is moved by the movable body movement mechanism 420, the jetting unit 310 moves in the direction of extension of the inkjet head 260.

[0064] The mobile body movement mechanism 420 consists of a ball screw 421 with a male screw on its outer surface and a motor 422 that rotates the ball screw 421. The movable body 410 is provided in a manner that engages with the ball screw 421. In this embodiment, the motor 422 rotates the ball screw 421 in the circumferential direction. In response, the movable body 410 moves in the axial direction of the ball screw 421. As a result, the injection unit 310 moves. The configuration of the mobile body movement mechanism 420 is not particularly limited and can be constructed using a known mechanism. For example, the mobile body 410 itself may be equipped with a motor. In this case, the mobile body 410 will move on its own. Alternatively, the mobile unit 410 may be moved using chains or belts.

[0065] In this embodiment, the sprayed portion 320 moves in conjunction with the spraying portion 310. The part to be sprayed 320 is supported by the movable body 410. As a result, the part to be sprayed 320 moves in conjunction with the spraying unit 310. In this case, the sprayed area 320 also moves along the extension direction of the inkjet head 260. In this embodiment, the mobile body 410 moves while the cleaning liquid is being sprayed by the spray unit 310. At the same time, the sprayed portion 320 also moves. In this case, the mobile body 410 moves while the cleaning solution is being sprayed onto the sprayed area 320.

[0066] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a gas blowing unit 430 is provided for blowing gas onto the inkjet head 260. The gas blowing unit 430 is equipped with a functional unit for supplying gas, such as a fan. In this embodiment, air is blown in as the gas. The gas blowing unit 430 blows gas onto the inkjet head 260 after the cleaning solution has been sprayed onto it. The gas-blowing section 430 is also supported by the movable body 410. Therefore, the gas-blowing section 430 also moves in conjunction with the injection section 310. The gas-blowing unit 430 moves along the extension direction of the inkjet head 260.

[0067] Compare the position of the moving body 410 in the direction of movement. The position of the gas blowing section 430 in this direction of movement is compared with the position of the injection section 310 in this direction of movement. In this embodiment, the position of the gas blowing section 430 in this direction of movement is different from the position of the injection section 310 in this direction of movement. In this embodiment, when the cleaning solution is sprayed from the inkjet head 260, the moving body 410 moves in the direction indicated by arrow 5C. In this direction of movement of the mobile body 410, the gas blowing section 430 is located upstream of the ejection section 310 (towards the rear end in the direction of movement of the mobile body 410). Here, the gas blown from the gas blowing section 430 passes through the gaps between the left and right removal sections 460 (described later) and reaches the ink ejection port 260T (described later) downstream of the removal section 460 (towards the front end in the direction of movement of the mobile body 410). The removal section 460 has a tip section 460S on the front end side in the direction of movement of the mobile body 410. The gas discharged from the gas blowing section 430 reaches beyond this tip section 460S to the downstream side of the removal section 460 before being blown onto the inkjet head 260. Furthermore, the part to be sprayed 320 is located downstream of the spraying part 310 in this direction of movement.

[0068] As a result, in this embodiment, when the moving body 410 moves in the direction indicated by arrow 5C, cleaning solution is sprayed onto the inkjet head 260, and then gas is sprayed onto the inkjet head 260. Furthermore, the gas may be sprayed onto the inkjet head 260 when the mobile body 410 moves in the direction indicated by arrow 5D. In this embodiment, when the mobile body 410 moves in the direction indicated by arrow 5D, no cleaning solution is sprayed. Furthermore, it is preferable that the removal unit 460 is positioned away from the opposing surface 241 at this time. It is preferable to provide a moving mechanism (not shown) that moves the removal unit 460 away from the opposing surface 241, so that when the mobile body 410 moves in the direction indicated by arrow 5D, the removal unit 460 is separated from the opposing surface 241. When the moving body 410 moves in the direction indicated by arrow 5D, if the removal unit 460 is in contact with the opposing surface 241, there is a risk that if any ink remains on the opposing surface 241, the removal unit 460 may collect the ink towards the ink ejection port 260T side (described later). In contrast, if the removal unit 460 is separated from the opposing surface 241, this problem is less likely to occur. Furthermore, it is preferable that the angle α at which the gas is blown is as small as possible. The angle α at which the gas is blown refers to the angle between the opposing surface 241 and the direction of gas injection from the gas blowing section 430. Here, it is preferable that the extension direction of the inkjet head 260 and the gas ejection direction be nearly parallel. Specifically, the angle α at which the gas is ejected is preferably 30° or less, and a more preferable range is 10 to 15°. When the angle α becomes large (when the angle α approaches 90°), as shown in Figure 14 (a diagram showing the nozzle holes of the inkjet head), the ink that was waiting in the nozzle holes 260X of the inkjet head 260 tends to be pushed further in. In this case, there is a risk of problems with ink ejection at the start of printing. Conversely, when the angle α is made smaller, this problem is less likely to occur. Furthermore, if the angle α is reduced, the gas blowing unit 430 will be positioned closer to the inkjet head 260, making interference between the gas blowing unit 430 and the inkjet head 260 more likely. It is preferable to provide a gap of 2 mm or more between the gas blowing section 430 and the inkjet head 260. Setting the angle α to 30° or less makes it easier to avoid interference between the gas spraying section 430 and the inkjet head 260 while ensuring a gap of 2 mm or more.

[0069] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the cleaning device 300 along the line VIII-VIII in Figure 5. As shown in Figure 8, in this embodiment, a removal unit 460 is further provided to remove the cleaning solution adhering to the inkjet head 260. This removal unit 460 is positioned in contact with the inkjet head 260. More specifically, the removal unit 460 is positioned in contact with the opposing surface 241.

[0070] The inkjet head 260 has an opposing surface 241 that faces the can body 10. The removal unit 460 contacts this opposing surface 241. Note that the can body 10 is not shown in Figure 8. In this embodiment, the removal unit 460 is also supported by the movable body 410. Therefore, the removal unit 460 also moves in conjunction with the ejection unit 310. The removal unit 460 also moves along the extension direction of the inkjet head 260.

[0071] Figure 9 shows the inkjet head 260 and removal unit 460 as viewed from the direction indicated by arrow IV in Figure 8. Figure 9 shows the state as viewed from above, with the inkjet head 260 and removal unit 460 in the foreground. In this embodiment, removal sections 460 are provided on both sides of the ink ejection port 260T, which was located on the inkjet head 260.

[0072] Each of the removal units 460 is positioned at an angle to the direction of movement 460R when it moves in conjunction with the movement of the injection unit 310. Therefore, in this embodiment, the cleaning liquid moves to one side 309A of the movement path 309 of the removal unit 460, as indicated by arrow 9A. In this embodiment, the ink ejection port 260T of the inkjet head 260 is located on the other side 309B of the movement path 309 of the removal unit 460. The removal unit 460 moves the cleaning fluid to the side opposite to the side where the ink ejection port 260T is located.

[0073] After the cleaning fluid moves to one side 309A of the movement path 309, it separates from the removal unit 460. Then the cleaning fluid falls downward. As shown in Figure 8, a receiving surface 97 is provided on the lower side of the removal section 460 to receive the cleaning liquid. The cleaning liquid that falls downwards rests on this receiving surface 97. The cleaning fluid placed on the receiving surface 97 moves due to the inclination applied to this receiving surface 97. The cleaning fluid moves toward one end 301 in the longitudinal direction of the cleaning device 300, as shown by arrow 5E in Figure 5.

[0074] A downward-facing channel 302 is provided at one end 301. The washing liquid that has moved toward end 301 proceeds through this channel 302 to the filtration section 600. Details of the filtration section 600 will be described later. Furthermore, although not explained above, in this embodiment, an outer cover 303 is provided as shown in Figure 5. In this embodiment, this outer cover 303 prevents the cleaning fluid from moving to the outside of the cleaning device 300.

[0075] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 5, a filtration unit 600 is provided for filtering the used cleaning solution. In this embodiment, substances such as ink adhere to the outer surface of the inkjet head 260. The cleaning solution sprayed onto the inkjet head 260 comes to contain these substances. These deposits contained in the cleaning solution are removed by the filtration unit 600.

[0076] Figure 10 shows an example of the filtration section 600. The filtration section 600 is provided with a cleaning solution reservoir 610 in which the cleaning solution sprayed onto the inkjet head 260 accumulates. Furthermore, a removal unit 620 is provided to remove deposits contained in the cleaning solution in the cleaning solution reservoir 610. The removal unit 620 is composed of a filter. In this embodiment, the removal unit 620 removes the above-mentioned deposits contained in the cleaning solution from the cleaning solution after it has been sprayed onto the inkjet head 260.

[0077] The cleaning solution that has passed through the removal section 620 moves to the post-processing storage section 630 located below the removal section 620. Subsequently, the cleaning fluid in the post-processing storage section 630 is directed by the pump 640 to the injection section 310 shown in Figure 5. The cleaning fluid in the post-processing storage section 630 travels to the injection section 310 via a predetermined path 309X. In this embodiment, the cleaning solution is used repeatedly.

[0078] Figure 11 shows another example of the filtration unit 600 configuration. In the configuration example shown in Figure 10, the entire bottom of the cleaning fluid reservoir 610 was an opening 610A. In contrast, in the configuration example shown in Figure 11, the opening 610A is provided in only a portion of the bottom of the cleaning fluid reservoir 610. In this configuration example, a removal section 620, which is composed of a filter, is provided in the opening 610A. In this configuration example, the removal unit 620 becomes smaller. In this case, the replacement of the removal unit 620 becomes easier. Also, in this case, the filtration unit 600 can be made in a less expensive configuration.

[0079] Figure 12 shows another example of the filtration unit 600 configuration. In the configuration example shown in Figure 12, the cleaning liquid reservoir 610 and the post-treatment reservoir 630 are arranged adjacent to each other in the horizontal direction. In this configuration example, an opening 644A is provided in the partition wall 644 that separates the cleaning solution reservoir 610 from the post-processing reservoir 630. A removal section 620, which consists of a filter, is provided in this opening 644A. In this configuration example, the cleaning solution moves from the cleaning solution reservoir 610 to the post-treatment reservoir 630. During this movement process, deposits contained in the cleaning solution are removed.

[0080] Figure 13 shows another example of the filtration unit 600 configuration. In this configuration example, the cleaning solution reservoir 610 and the post-treatment reservoir 630 are provided independently of each other. In this configuration example, a pump 660 is used to move the cleaning liquid from the cleaning liquid reservoir 610 to the post-treatment reservoir 630.

[0081] In this configuration example, a removal unit 620 is provided on the path 398 through which the cleaning liquid moves from the cleaning liquid reservoir 610 to the post-treatment reservoir 630. In this configuration example as well, the removal unit 620 is made up of a filter. This removes any attached material from the cleaning liquid. In this configuration example, if the cleaning solution overflows from the post-processing storage section 630, the cleaning solution moves to the cleaning solution storage section 610 located to the right of the post-processing storage section 630. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0082] 260...Inkjet head, 260T...Ink ejection port, 300...Cleaning device, 309A...One side, 310...Ejection unit, 320...Sprayed unit, 398...Path, 400...Moving mechanism, 430...Gas spraying unit, 460...Removal unit, 620...Removal unit

Claims

1. This is a cleaning device for cleaning inkjet print heads. A spray unit that sprays cleaning solution onto the inkjet head, A sprayed section is positioned at an angle to the spray direction of the cleaning liquid sprayed from the spray section, to which the cleaning liquid sprayed by the spray section is applied, changing the direction of travel of the cleaning liquid so that the cleaning liquid is directed toward the inkjet head. A cleaning device equipped with the following features.

2. The cleaning device according to claim 1, wherein the sprayed portion is formed in a planar shape and is composed of a flat surface.

3. The cleaning device according to claim 1, wherein the sprayed portion is formed by a curved surface and bulges outwards toward the spraying portion.

4. The extension direction of the inkjet head and the spray direction of the cleaning liquid sprayed by the spray unit are aligned. The position of the inkjet head in the intersecting direction, which is a direction intersecting the aforementioned injection direction, is different from the position of the injection unit in the said intersecting direction. The cleaning liquid sprayed from the spraying unit is sprayed onto the inkjet head by the sprayed unit in a direction intersecting the spraying direction of the cleaning liquid. The cleaning device according to claim 1.

5. The cleaning device according to claim 1, further comprising a moving mechanism for moving the jetting unit along the extension direction of the inkjet head.

6. The cleaning device according to claim 5, wherein the sprayed portion moves in conjunction with the spraying portion and moves along the extension direction of the inkjet head.

7. The cleaning apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a gas spraying unit for spraying gas onto the inkjet head after the cleaning solution has been sprayed onto it.

8. The system further includes a moving mechanism for moving the jetting section along the extending direction of the inkjet head, The cleaning device according to claim 7, wherein the gas blowing section moves in conjunction with the spraying section and moves along the extension direction of the inkjet head.

9. The cleaning device according to claim 1, further comprising a removal unit positioned in contact with the inkjet head to remove cleaning liquid adhering to the inkjet head.

10. The system further includes a moving mechanism for moving the jetting section along the extending direction of the inkjet head, The cleaning device according to claim 9, wherein the removal unit moves in conjunction with the spraying unit and moves along the extension direction of the inkjet head.

11. The cleaning device according to claim 10, wherein the removal unit is positioned at an angle to the direction of movement when it moves in conjunction with the movement of the spray unit, and the cleaning liquid is moved to one side of the movement path of the removal unit.

12. The ink ejection port of the inkjet head is located on the other side of the aforementioned movement path. The cleaning device according to claim 11, wherein the removal unit moves the cleaning liquid to the side opposite to the side where the ink discharge port is located.

13. The cleaning solution sprayed onto the inkjet head will contain any deposits that were attached to the inkjet head. A removal unit for removing the deposits contained in the cleaning solution sprayed onto the inkjet head, The path through which the cleaning liquid, having passed through the removal section, travels toward the spray section, The cleaning device according to claim 1, further comprising:

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