Printing apparatus, maintenance apparatus, and maintenance method

Abstract

The wiping member is made to properly wipe the nozzle surface of the inkjet head. [Solution] A printing apparatus comprising an inkjet head, a wiper 248 which is a wiping member, a mounting member 242, a shutter 206, a shutter drive unit 212, and a connecting unit 210, wherein the shutter drive unit 212 moves the shutter 206 when the connecting unit 210 is not connected to the wiper mounting plate 242, thereby moving the shutter 206 without moving the wiper mounting plate 242 and causing the wiper 248 to wipe the nozzle surface, and moves the shutter 206 when the connecting unit 210 is connected to the wiper mounting plate 242, thereby moving the wiper 248 together with the shutter 206 and causing the wiper 248 to wipe the nozzle surface.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a printing apparatus, a maintenance apparatus, and a maintenance method.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, an inkjet printer, which is a printing apparatus that performs printing by an inkjet method, has been widely used. Further, regarding an inkjet printer, a configuration using a wiping member such as a wiper that wipes the nozzle surface of an inkjet head is known (for example, see Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] When using a wiping member that wipes the nozzle surface of an inkjet head, usually, a drive mechanism for relatively moving the wiping member with respect to the inkjet head is required. And in this case, for example, the manufacturing cost of the printing apparatus may increase due to an increase in members such as the drive mechanism. Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a printing apparatus, a maintenance apparatus, and a maintenance method that can solve the above problems.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The inventors of this invention have diligently researched configurations using a wiping member for wiping the nozzle surface. They considered eliminating the need for a dedicated drive mechanism for the wiping member by utilizing the drive mechanism used to drive the shutter in a printing apparatus. More specifically, regarding this configuration, they considered connecting a member on which a wiping member, such as a wiper, is installed to the shutter, so that the wiping member moves together with the shutter and performs wiping on the nozzle surface. With this configuration, for example, wiping on the nozzle surface can be appropriately performed by the wiping member without using a dedicated drive mechanism for the wiping member. Furthermore, this can appropriately reduce the manufacturing cost of the printing apparatus.

[0006] Furthermore, the inventors of this application, through further diligent research, have discovered the features necessary to obtain such effects, leading to the present invention. In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides a printing apparatus for printing by inkjet method, comprising: an inkjet head having nozzles for ejecting ink; a wiping member for wiping the nozzle surface, which is the surface on which the nozzles are formed in the inkjet head; an installation member on which the wiping member is installed; a shutter covering a predetermined area; a shutter drive unit for moving the shutter; and a connecting unit for connecting the installation member and the shutter, wherein the shutter drive unit moves the shutter without moving the installation member by moving the shutter when the connecting unit is not connected to the installation member and the shutter, and causes the wiping member to wipe the nozzle surface, and moves the shutter with the connecting unit connected to the installation member and the shutter during wiping, thereby moving the wiping member together with the shutter and causing the wiping member to wipe the nozzle surface. With this configuration, for example, the wiping member can be made to properly wipe the nozzle surface without using a dedicated drive mechanism for the wiping member. Furthermore, this can appropriately reduce the manufacturing cost of the printing apparatus, for example.

[0007] In this configuration, the printing apparatus further includes a main scanning drive unit that causes the inkjet head to perform a main scanning operation, for example, by moving in a preset main scanning direction relative to the medium to be printed, while ejecting ink. In this case, the mounting member is, for example, arranged on one side of the shutter in a direction perpendicular to the main scanning direction. The shutter drive unit opens and closes the shutter by moving the shutter in a direction parallel to the perpendicular direction, and during wiping, moves the wiping member together with the shutter in a direction parallel to the perpendicular direction. With this configuration, for example, by moving the shutter in the same direction as during normal opening and closing, the wiping member can be made to properly wipe the nozzle surface.

[0008] In this case, the mounting member holds multiple wiping members on an opposing surface, which is the surface facing the inkjet head during wiping. With this configuration, for example, multiple wiping members can be moved simultaneously to properly wipe the nozzle surfaces of multiple inkjet heads at the same time. In this case, with the shutter closed, the opposing surface of the mounting member can be inclined with respect to the horizontal plane, for example. With this configuration, for example, the space required for the installation of the wiping members and mounting member can be appropriately reduced. In this case, during wiping, the opposing surface of the mounting member can be made parallel to the horizontal plane, for example. With this configuration, for example, multiple wiping members can be made to properly wipe the nozzle surfaces.

[0009] Furthermore, in this configuration, the inkjet head ejects, for example, an ultraviolet-curable ink. In this case, the printing apparatus further includes, for example, an ultraviolet light source that irradiates ultraviolet light, and an ink receiving section that receives the ink ejected by the inkjet head outside the medium. The ink receiving section receives the ink ejected by the inkjet head when, for example, maintenance (e.g., purging or flushing) is performed on the inkjet head to eject ink. Also, in this case, when the shutter is closed, the shutter covers the ink receiving section, for example. With this configuration, for example, the shutter can appropriately shield the ink receiving section from light. In addition, this can appropriately prevent, for example, the ink accumulated in the ink receiving section from hardening.

[0010] Furthermore, in this configuration, the connecting part connects the installation member and the shutter, for example, by magnetic force. In this case, it is preferable that the printing device further includes a switching part that switches whether or not to move the installation member together with the shutter. When the installation member is not to move together with the shutter, the switching part separates the shutter and the installation member by, for example, stopping the movement of the installation member at a predetermined position. With this configuration, it is possible to easily and appropriately switch whether or not to connect the installation member and the shutter. In addition, as a configuration of the present invention, for example, a maintenance device or maintenance method having the same features as described above can also be considered. In these cases as well, for example, the same effects as described above can be obtained. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present invention, for example, the wiping member can be appropriately used to wipe the nozzle surface of an inkjet head. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1]This figure illustrates a printing apparatus 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1(a) shows an example of the configuration of the main parts of the printing apparatus 10. Figure 1(b) shows an example of the configuration of the head unit 12 in the printing apparatus 10. [Figure 2] This figure provides a more detailed explanation of the configuration of the maintenance unit 22. Figure 2(a) shows an example of the configuration of the main parts of the maintenance unit 22. Figure 2(b) shows an example of the operation of the maintenance unit 22. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of the specific configuration of the maintenance unit 22 and its various components. Figure 3(a) is a top view of the maintenance unit 22. Figure 3(b) is a side view of the maintenance unit 22. Figure 3(c) shows an example of the configuration of the switching unit 214. [Figure 4] This figure illustrates an example of the configuration and operation of the state detection unit 216. Figure 4(a) shows an example of the configuration of the sensor 312 in the state detection unit 216. Figure 4(b) shows an example of the operation of the state detection unit 216. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of the operation of opening and closing the shutter 206. Figure 5(a) shows an example of the shutter 206 in the closed state. Figure 5(b) shows an example of the shutter 206 in the open state by moving only the shutter 206 without moving the wiper unit 208. Figure 5(c) shows an example of the wiper unit 208 being moved together with the shutter 206 by connecting the wiper mounting plate 242 and the shutter 206. [Figure 6] This diagram specifically illustrates the wiping operation performed in this example. Figure 6(a) shows an example of the state of the wiper unit 208 in the standby position when wiping is not being performed. Figure 6(b) shows an example of the state where the wiper unit 208 is at the head wipe start position. Figure 6(c) shows an example of the state where the wiper unit 208 is at the head wipe end position. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating a printing apparatus 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1(a) shows an example of the configuration of the main parts of the printing apparatus 10. Figure 1(b) shows an example of the configuration of the head unit 12 in the printing apparatus 10. Except for the points described below, the printing apparatus 10 and each part of the printing apparatus 10 may have the same or similar characteristics as known printing apparatuses and each part thereof. The printing apparatus 10 is an inkjet printer that performs printing using an inkjet method, and for example, performs color printing using multiple colors of ink. In this example, the printing apparatus 10 is a UV printer that uses ultraviolet-curable ink (UV ink), and comprises a head unit 12, a platen 14, a Y bar 16, a main scanning drive unit 18, a sub-scanning drive unit 20, a maintenance unit 22, and a control unit 30.

[0014] The print head unit 12 is configured to eject ink onto the printing medium 50, and, for example, as shown in Figure 1(b), it has a plurality of inkjet heads 102 and a plurality of ultraviolet light sources 104. In this example, the inkjet head 102 has a nozzle row in which a plurality of nozzles are arranged at different positions in a pre-set sub-scanning direction (X direction in the figure) in the printing device 10, and ultraviolet-curable ink is ejected from the nozzles in the nozzle row. In this case, the sub-scanning direction is an example of an orthogonal direction perpendicular to the main scanning direction (Y direction in the figure). The print head unit 12 also has, as at least a portion of the plurality of inkjet heads 102, inkjet heads 102 for each process color. Process colors can be thought of as, for example, the basic colors for color expression in subtractive color mixing. More specifically, as inkjet heads 102 for each process color, for example, inkjet heads 102 for yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) can be used. Furthermore, the head unit 12 may have additional inkjet heads 102 for spot colors in addition to the inkjet heads 102 for process colors. Spot colors can be considered, for example, colors different from process colors. Also, regarding the multiple inkjet heads 102 that the head unit 12 has, if we consider an arrangement of one or more inkjet heads 102 whose positions are aligned in the main scanning direction as a row of inkjet heads 102, then the head unit 12 can be considered to have multiple rows of inkjet heads 102. In the illustrated example, the rows of multiple inkjet heads 102 are arranged in a staggered pattern by shifting their positions in the sub-scanning direction between adjacent rows. The ultraviolet light source 104 is a light source that irradiates ultraviolet light to cure ultraviolet-curable ink. In this example, the ultraviolet light source 104 is arranged on one side and the other side in the main scanning direction for the multiple inkjet heads 102 in the head unit 12.

[0015] The platen 14 is a table-shaped member that supports the medium 50 at a position opposite the head unit 12. The Y-bar 16 is a member that guides the movement of the head unit 12 in the main scanning direction while holding the head unit 12 at a position opposite the medium 50. The Y-bar 16 has, for example, a guide rail that guides the movement of the head unit 12, and moves the head unit 12 in the main scanning direction along the guide rail. In this example, the Y-bar 16 also extends to a position opposite the maintenance unit 22, and during maintenance, when maintenance of the inkjet head 102 in the head unit 12 is performed in the maintenance unit 22, the head unit 12 is moved to a position opposite the maintenance unit 22. The main scanning drive unit 18 is a drive unit that causes the head unit 12 to perform the main scanning operation. The cause of the head unit 12 to perform the main scanning operation can be considered as, for example, causing the inkjet head 102 in the head unit 12 to perform the main scanning operation. The main scanning operation can be thought of as, for example, an operation in which ink is ejected while moving in the main scanning direction relative to the medium 50 (scanning operation). The sub-scanning drive unit 20 is a drive unit that causes the head unit 12 to perform the sub-scanning operation. Causing the head unit 12 to perform the sub-scanning operation can be thought of as, for example, causing the inkjet head 102 in the head unit 12 to perform the sub-scanning operation. The sub-scanning operation can be thought of as, for example, an operation in which the head unit 12 moves in the sub-scanning direction relative to the medium 50. The sub-scanning drive unit 20 causes the head unit 12 to perform the sub-scanning operation in between main scanning operations, thereby changing the portion of the medium 50 that faces the head unit 12 in each main scanning operation. The sub-scanning operation can also be thought of as, for example, a feeding operation (feed operation) that moves the medium 50 relative to the head unit 12.

[0016] The maintenance unit 22 is configured to perform maintenance on the inkjet head 102. In this example, the maintenance unit 22 is positioned outside the main scanning direction relative to the area where ink is ejected onto the medium 50 during the main scanning operation, and performs maintenance on the inkjet head 102 as appropriate, for example, during a printing operation on one medium 50, or before or after a printing operation. In this example, the maintenance unit 22 also performs maintenance on the inkjet head 102, such as purging, flushing, and wiping. Purge can be considered, for example, maintenance to prevent nozzle clogging by ejecting ink from each nozzle of the inkjet head 102. Flushing can be considered, for example, maintenance to prevent nozzle drying by ejecting a smaller amount of ink from each nozzle of the inkjet head 102 than when purging is performed. Wiping can be considered, for example, maintenance to wipe the nozzle surface, which is the surface on which the nozzles are formed on the inkjet head 102, with a wiper. The maintenance unit 22 can also be considered, for example, as a configuration corresponding to a maintenance device that performs a predetermined maintenance method. The specific configuration of the maintenance unit 22 will be explained in more detail later. The control unit 30, for example, includes the CPU of the printing device 10 and controls the operation of each part of the printing device 10. According to this example, for example, printing can be performed appropriately on the medium 50.

[0017] Next, we will explain in more detail the specific configuration of the maintenance unit 22. Figure 2 is a diagram that further explains the configuration of the maintenance unit 22. Figure 2(a) shows an example of the configuration of the main parts of the maintenance unit 22. Figure 2(b) shows an example of the operation of the maintenance unit 22. In Figure 2, for the sake of illustration, the specific shapes and sizes of each component have been appropriately changed from the actual configuration. The more specific configuration of the maintenance unit 22 and each part of the maintenance unit 22 will be explained in more detail later.

[0018] In this example, the maintenance unit 22 includes a housing unit 202, an ink receiving unit 204, a shutter 206, a wiper unit 208, a shutter driving unit 212, a switching unit 214, and a state detection unit 216. The housing unit 202 is configured to house the ink receiving unit 204. Regarding the housing unit 202, for example, it can be considered as a configuration corresponding to the housing of the maintenance unit 22. Also, in this example, the housing unit 202 is located below the upper surface of the platen 14 (see FIG. 1), and when the shutter 206 is closed, it houses and holds the ink receiving unit 204 at a position where the upper side is covered by the shutter 206. The ink receiving unit 204 is configured to receive the ink ejected from the inkjet head 102 (see FIG. 1) in the head unit 12 outside the medium when performing a predetermined maintenance on the inkjet head 102. In this example, the ink receiving unit 204 is disposed, for example, at a position facing the plurality of inkjet heads 102 in the head unit 12 when the shutter 206 is open, and receives the ink ejected from the inkjet head 102 during the execution of maintenance such as purge or flushing, which is the maintenance for ejecting ink from the inkjet head 102. Regarding the ink receiving unit 204 facing the inkjet head 102, for example, it can be considered that the ink receiving unit 204 faces the inkjet head 102 in a state where the head unit 12 is moved to the maintenance unit 22. Also, the ink receiving unit 204 may be provided with, for example, an absorber for absorbing ink. In this case, for example, it is preferable to install the absorber at a position facing the inkjet head 102 during maintenance.

[0019] The shutter 206 is a component that covers a predetermined area in the maintenance section 22. In this example, the shutter 206 is a component that opens and closes in response to the drive of the shutter drive unit 212, and when closed, it covers the upper side of the ink receiving section 204, thereby preventing ultraviolet rays that cure UV-curable ink from entering the ink receiving section 204. With this configuration, for example, the shutter 206 can appropriately shield the ink receiving section 204 from light. This also appropriately prevents, for example, the ink accumulated in the ink receiving section 204 from hardening. Furthermore, when purging or flushing is performed, the shutter 206 moves in response to the drive of the shutter drive unit 212, opening the upper side of the ink receiving section 204 so that ink can be ejected from the inkjet head 102 to the ink receiving section 204.

[0020] The wiper unit 208 is configured for wiping the inkjet head 102. In this example, the wiper unit 208 includes a wiper mounting plate 242, a plurality of mounting members 244, a plurality of wiper holding parts 246, and a plurality of wipers 248. The wiper mounting plate 242 is an example of a mounting member on which the wipers 248 are installed. In this example, the wiper mounting plate 242 is a plate-shaped member whose width in the main scanning direction matches the width of the shutter 206, and holds the plurality of wiper holding parts 246 etc. on its upper surface. In this case, by having the wipers 248 be held by the wiper holding parts 246, a plurality of wipers 248 are installed on the upper surface of the wipers 248. Also in this example, the wiper mounting plate 242 is arranged on one side in the sub-scanning direction relative to the shutter 206, as shown in the figure, and is connected to the shutter 206 by a connecting part 210 as needed.

[0021] The mounting member 244 is a member for mounting a plurality of wiper holding portions 246 to the wiper installation plate 242. In this example, the mounting member 244 is a rod-shaped member extending in the main scanning direction on the upper surface of the wiper installation plate 242, and by having a configuration indicating the mounting positions of the individual wiper holding portions 246, it also functions as a positioning member for defining the positions of the wiper holding portions 246. By using such a mounting member 244, for example, a plurality of wiper holding portions 246 can be appropriately mounted to the upper surface of the wiper installation plate 242. Also, in this case, by installing the mounting member 244 extending in the main scanning direction on the upper surface of the wiper installation plate 242, for example, even when using a wiper installation plate 242 whose width in the main scanning direction becomes wider by attaching a plurality of wiper holding portions 246, it is possible to appropriately prevent the wiper installation plate 242 from being greatly deflected by its own weight. Also, in this example, the wiper unit 208 has two mounting members 244. And one mounting member 244 defines the positions of four wiper holding portions 246 having different positions in the main scanning direction. Also, thereby, eight wiper holding portions 246 are installed in the wiper unit 208.

[0022] The wiper holding portion 246 is a member that holds the wiper 248 in a replaceable manner on the wiper installation plate 242. In the wiper unit 208 of this example, eight wiper holding portions 246 hold eight wipers 248. Also, in this example, the wiper holding portion 246 has a function of adjusting the height of the wiper 248. In this case, regarding the height of the wiper 248, for example, it can be considered as the height in the direction from the wiper installation plate 242 toward the inkjet head 102 during wiping. More specifically, the wiper holding portion 246 adjusts the height of the wiper 248 held by the wiper holding portion 246 by, for example, a mechanism using a screw. With such a configuration, for example, the height of the plurality of wipers 248 in the wiper unit 208 can be adjusted individually. Also, thereby, for example, even when a certain amount of deflection occurs in the wiper installation plate 242, all the wipers 248 can be appropriately brought into contact with the inkjet head 102.

[0023] The wiper 248 is an example of a wiping member, and it wipes the nozzle surface of the inkjet head 102 by coming into contact with it during wiping. In this example, the wiper 248 is a blade-type wiper that elastically deforms when pressed against the nozzle surface. During wiping, the wiper 248 removes ink adhering to the nozzle surface by moving in a predetermined direction while in contact with the nozzle surface. More specifically, in this example, the wiper 248 is held in the wiper holding unit 246 with its longitudinal direction parallel to the main scanning direction. As will be explained in more detail later, in this example, the wiper 248 wipes the nozzle surface of the inkjet head 102 by moving in a direction parallel to the sub-scanning direction. With this configuration, for example, wiping of the inkjet head 102 can be performed appropriately.

[0024] Furthermore, in this case, considering the relationship with a row of inkjet heads 102 composed of one or more inkjet heads 102 whose positions are aligned in the main scanning direction, in this example, one wiper 248 performs wiping on one row of inkjet heads 102. In addition, the wiper unit 208 performs wiping on multiple rows (8 rows) of inkjet heads 102 simultaneously with multiple wipers 248 (8 wipers 248). In this case, the wiper mounting plate 242 can be considered, for example, as holding multiple wipers 248 on its opposing surface. The opposing surface of the wiper mounting plate 242 can be considered, for example, as the surface that faces the inkjet head 102 when wiping by the wiper 248. According to this example, for example, by moving multiple wipers 248 simultaneously, wiping of the nozzle surfaces of multiple inkjet heads 102 can be performed simultaneously and appropriately. Also, in this case, for example, by making one back-and-forth motion of the wiper unit 208 in a direction parallel to the sub-scanning direction, wiping can be performed on a large number of inkjet heads 102 at once.

[0025] Furthermore, when performing wiping with a configuration different from this example, it is conceivable to use a single wiper 248 in common for multiple rows of inkjet heads 102. In this case, for example, after wiping one row, the inkjet head 102 or wiper 248 is moved in the main scanning direction to perform wiping on the next row of inkjet heads 102. However, when wiping is performed in this manner, the time required to wipe all inkjet heads 102 is usually long. In contrast, according to this example, for example, wiping of a large number of inkjet heads 102 can be performed more appropriately in a short time. Also, in this case, if we focus on the position of the wiper 248 in the main scanning direction, it can be considered that the multiple wipers 248 in the wiper section 208 are arranged with a constant spacing in the main scanning direction, for example, in accordance with the spacing of the rows of inkjet heads 102.

[0026] As explained above, in this example, the wiper mounting plate 242 in the wiper section 208 is connected to the shutter 206 by a connecting section 210 as needed. The connecting section 210 is a member that connects the wiper mounting plate 242 and the shutter 206. In this example, the connecting section 210 has a shutter-side member 252 and a wiper-side member 254, and connects the wiper mounting plate 242 and the shutter 206 by magnetic force (magnetic attraction). The shutter-side member 252 is the part of the connecting section 210 that is attached to the shutter 206 side. The wiper-side member 254 is the part of the connecting section 210 that is attached to the wiper mounting plate 242 side. In this example, the shutter-side member 252 has a magnet. In addition, at least a part of the wiper-side member 254 is made of a material (for example, iron, etc.) that is attracted to the magnet in the shutter-side member 252. By using such a connecting part 210, for example, the wiper mounting plate 242 and the shutter 206 can be properly connected. The shutter drive unit 212 is a drive unit that opens and closes the shutter 206 by moving the shutter 206. In this example, the shutter drive unit 212 opens and closes the shutter 206 by moving the shutter 206 in a direction parallel to the sub-scanning direction. As the shutter drive unit 212, for example, a drive unit using a motor and a mechanism that converts the rotational motion of this motor into linear motion can be suitably used. More specifically, as the shutter drive unit 212, for example, a configuration having one stepper motor and a rack and pinion mechanism that utilizes the power of this stepper motor can be suitably used. Also in this example, the shutter drive unit 212 moves the wiper part 208 together with the shutter 206 as needed by moving the shutter 206 while the wiper mounting plate 242 and the shutter 206 are connected. The operation by which the shutter drive unit 212 moves the shutter 206 and the wiper unit 208 will be explained in more detail later.

[0027] The switching unit 214 is configured to switch whether or not to move the wiper mounting plate 242 together with the shutter 206 when the shutter 206 moves. In this case, moving the wiper mounting plate 242 together with the shutter 206 can be considered as moving, for example, each component of the wiper unit 208, such as the wiper 248, together with the shutter 206. Switching whether or not to move the wiper mounting plate 242 together with the shutter 206 can be considered as switching whether or not to connect the wiper mounting plate 242 and the shutter 206. In this example, the switching unit 214 separates the shutter 206 and the wiper mounting plate 242 by stopping the movement of the wiper mounting plate 242 at a predetermined position. In this case, the switching unit 214 stops the movement of the wiper mounting plate 242 being pulled by the shutter 206 by contacting the wiper mounting plate 242 or a member attached to the wiper mounting plate 242 from the front side in the direction of movement of the shutter 206. With this configuration, for example, it is possible to easily and appropriately switch whether or not to connect the wiper mounting plate 242 and the shutter 206. In this case, the direction of movement of the shutter 206 can be considered as, for example, the direction in which the shutter 206 moves away from the wiper unit 208. The switching unit 214 can be considered as, for example, a configuration that switches the mode selection of whether or not the shutter 206 moves together with the wiper unit 208. The switching unit 214 can also be considered as, for example, a configuration that corresponds to a brake that stops the movement of the wiper mounting plate 242. As the switching unit 214, for example, a configuration having a solenoid can be suitably used. In this case, by controlling the operation of the solenoid by the control unit 30 (see Figure 1), for example, the connection between the wiper mounting plate 242 and the shutter 206 can be easily and appropriately controlled.

[0028] The state detection unit 216 is configured to detect whether or not the wiper mounting plate 242 and the shutter 206 are connected. By using the state detection unit 216, it is possible to appropriately confirm, for example, whether the operation is actually being performed as controlled by the control unit 30. Furthermore, this makes it possible to perform maintenance on the inkjet head 102 more reliably. It is preferable that the state detection unit 216 detects the state of connection at multiple locations. More specifically, in this case, the state detection unit 216 detects the state of connection at, for example, the standby position of the wiper unit 208 and the position of the wiper unit 208 while wiping is being performed. The standby position of the wiper unit 208 can be considered, for example, the position of the wiper unit 208 when the shutter 206 is closed. The position of the wiper unit 208 while wiping is being performed can be considered, for example, the position where the wiper unit 208 faces the inkjet head 102. In this case, the state detection unit 216 has, for example, a plurality of sensors arranged at different positions, and detects whether the wiper mounting plate 242 and the shutter 206 are connected at each position according to the output of these sensors. For example, known photosensors can be suitably used as these sensors.

[0029] Furthermore, in this example, the maintenance unit 22 performs maintenance on the inkjet head 102 by moving only the shutter 206, or the shutter 206 and the wiper unit 208, as shown in Figure 2(b). More specifically, the shutter drive unit 212 moves the shutter 206 without moving the wiper mounting plate 242 by moving the shutter 206 with the connecting unit 210 not connecting the wiper mounting plate 242 and the shutter 206, as shown on the left side of Figure 2(b). In this case, the upper part of the ink receiving unit 204 is left open, as shown in the figure. Therefore, in this case, the maintenance unit 22 can appropriately perform maintenance on the inkjet head 102, such as purging or flushing.

[0030] Furthermore, during the wiping process (wiping) in which the wiper 248 wipes the nozzle surface of the inkjet head 102, the shutter drive unit 212 moves the shutter 206 together with the shutter 206 by moving the shutter 206 with the connecting unit 210 connecting the wiper mounting plate 242 and the shutter 206, as shown on the right side of Figure 2(b). In this case, for example, the wiper 248 is made to wipe the nozzle surface by appropriately moving the shutter 206 back and forth while the wiper 248 is in contact with the nozzle surface of the inkjet head 102. In this case, the shutter drive unit 212 can be considered to move the wiper 248 together with the shutter 206 in a direction parallel to the sub-scanning direction. Therefore, according to this example, for example, by moving the shutter 206 in the same direction as during normal opening and closing, the wiper 248 can be made to wipe the nozzle surface appropriately. Furthermore, this allows the wiper 248 to properly wipe the nozzle surface without the need for a dedicated drive mechanism for the wiper 248.

[0031] Furthermore, regarding the configuration of this example, it is also possible to consider that, for example, the wiper unit 208 and the shutter 206 are integrated into a single structure, and the wiper 248 is driven using only the drive mechanism for the shutter 206. With this configuration, for example, the manufacturing cost of the printing device 10 (see Figure 1) can be appropriately reduced. Also, as explained above, in the wiper unit 208 of this example, the wiper mounting plate 242 is arranged on one side of the shutter 206 in the sub-scanning direction. In this case, for example, compared to the case where the wiper unit 208 is located adjacent to the shutter 206 in the main scanning direction, it becomes possible to reduce the width of the printing device 10 in the main scanning direction. Therefore, according to this example, for example, it becomes possible to reduce the space required for the installation of the printing device 10.

[0032] Next, we will explain the more specific configuration of the maintenance unit 22. Figures 3 and 4 show an example of the specific configuration of the maintenance unit 22 and its various parts. Figure 3(a) is a top view of the maintenance unit 22. In Figure 3(a), the left side shows the maintenance unit 22 from the same viewpoint as in Figure 2(a). The right side shows the maintenance unit 22 together with the inkjet head 102, with the head unit 12 (see Figure 1) moved to the maintenance unit 22. Figure 3(b) is a side view of the maintenance unit 22. Figure 3(c) shows an example of the configuration of the switching unit 214. Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration and operation of the state detection unit 216. Figure 4(a) shows an example of the configuration of the sensor 312 in the state detection unit 216. Figure 4(b) shows an example of the operation of the state detection unit 216. In Figures 3 and 4, components with the same reference numerals as in Figures 1 and 2 correspond to the configurations in Figures 1 and 2. Furthermore, for the sake of illustration and explanation, some of the reference numerals used in Figures 1 and 2 have been omitted in Figures 3 and 4.

[0033] As shown in Figure 3(a), in this example, when the shutter 206 is closed, it covers the area where the inkjet head 102 in the head unit 12 is located during maintenance. When the shutter 206 is closed, the wiper unit 208 waits in a standby position outside the area where the inkjet head 102 is located. In this case, the wiper unit 208 can be tilted in the standby position, for example, as shown in Figure 3(b). In this case, when the shutter 206 is closed, the opposing surface of the wiper mounting plate 242 on the wiper unit 208 can be tilted with respect to the horizontal plane, for example. With this configuration, for example, the space required for installing the wiper unit 208 in the standby position can be appropriately reduced. Also, in this case, when wiping is performed, for example, the tilt of the wiper mounting plate 242 is changed during the operation of moving the wiper unit 208 together with the shutter 206. Furthermore, this ensures that, for example, during wiping, the opposing surface of the wiper mounting plate 242 is parallel to the horizontal plane. The idea of ​​making the opposing surface parallel to the horizontal plane can be understood as, for example, making the opposing surface substantially parallel to the horizontal plane so that multiple wipers 248 can simultaneously wipe multiple inkjet heads 102. In this case, the opposing surface can also be understood as, for example, a surface that is substantially parallel to the horizontal plane during wiping. Alternatively, the idea of ​​making the opposing surface parallel to the horizontal plane can be understood as, for example, aligning the orientation of the opposing surface with the horizontal plane so that multiple wipers 248 simultaneously contact multiple inkjet heads 102 to be wiped. With this configuration, for example, the multiple wipers 248 in the wiper unit 208 can appropriately wipe the nozzle surfaces of multiple inkjet heads 102. Furthermore, in this case, for example, by using a connecting portion 210 having a shutter-side member 252 and a wiper-side member 254 as shown in Figure 3(b), the inclination of the wiper mounting plate 242 can be appropriately changed in accordance with the movement of the wiper portion 208.

[0034] Furthermore, as explained above, in this example, the switching unit 214 can preferably be configured to have, for example, a solenoid. In this case, for example, the switching unit 214 with the configuration shown in Figure 3(c) can be used. In this case, the solenoid in the switching unit 214 moves its plunger forward and backward in accordance with the control of the control unit 30 (see Figure 1), and when the plunger is extended, it contacts the convex contact portion 302 provided on the wiper mounting plate 242, thereby restricting the movement of the wiper mounting plate 242 toward the shutter 206. Therefore, for example, if the shutter 206 is moved in the direction of opening the shutter 206 while the plunger of the solenoid in the switching unit 214 is in contact with the contact portion 302 on the wiper mounting plate 242, only the shutter 206 will move, and the wiper mounting plate 242 and the shutter 206 will not be connected. In contrast, if the plunger is retracted, for example, and the plunger does not come into contact with the contacted portion 302, the wiper mounting plate 242 will remain connected to the shutter 206 and move together with the shutter 206. Therefore, with this configuration, for example, the switching unit 214 can appropriately switch whether or not to move the wiper mounting plate 242 together with the shutter 206 when the shutter 206 moves.

[0035] Furthermore, in the example configuration shown in Figure 4, the state detection unit 216 has a known photosensor as the sensor 312. In this case, the sensor 312 is arranged at a predetermined position on the side of the wiper unit 208, as shown in Figure 4(a), and detects the passage of a sensor dog. Also, as explained above, in this example, the state detection unit 216 has, for example, multiple sensors 312. In this case, for example, as indicated by the circles in Figure 4(b), sensors 312 are installed at multiple positions within the movement range of the shutter 206, and the amount of movement of the shutter 206 and the state of connection between the wiper mounting plate 242 and the shutter 206 are detected by detecting the passage of a sensor dog. With this configuration, for example, the state detection unit 216 can appropriately confirm whether the operation is actually being performed as controlled by the control unit 30.

[0036] In this case, the opening and closing of the shutter 206 and the wiping operation are performed as shown in Figures 5 and 6, for example. Figures 5 and 6 show examples of operations related to the maintenance unit 22 with the specific configuration shown in Figures 3 and 4. Figure 5 shows an example of the operation of opening and closing the shutter 206. Figure 5(a) shows an example of the shutter 206 in a closed state. Figure 5(b) shows an example of the shutter 206 being opened by moving only the shutter 206 without moving the wiper unit 208. In this case, by moving the shutter 206 while leaving the wiper unit 208 in a standby position, the upper part of the ink receiving unit 204 is opened so that operations such as purging and flushing can be performed. Also, Figure 5(c) shows an example of the wiper unit 208 being moved together with the shutter 206 by connecting the wiper mounting plate 242 and the shutter 206. In this case, by moving the wiper unit 208 together with the shutter 206, wiping is performed as shown in Figure 6, for example.

[0037] Figure 6 is a diagram that specifically explains the wiping operation performed in this example. Figure 6(a) shows an example of the state of the wiper unit 208 in the standby position when wiping is not being performed. Figure 6(b) shows an example of the state in which the wiper unit 208 is at the head wipe start position, where wiping of the inkjet head 102 (see Figure 3) in the head unit 12 begins. Figure 6(c) shows an example of the state in which the wiper unit 208 is at the head wipe end position, which is the end of the wiper 248's movement range during wiping, opposite to the head wipe start position. In this case, the shutter drive unit 212 moves the wiper unit 208 together with the shutter 206, for example, causing the wiper 248 to reciprocate between the head wipe start position and the head wipe end position, thereby causing the wiper 248 to wipe the inkjet head 102. With this configuration, for example, wiping of the inkjet head 102 can be performed appropriately.

[0038] Next, we will explain some variations of the configuration described above. The configuration of the printing device 10 and its various parts can be changed in various ways, not limited to the specific configuration described above. For example, it is possible to use an ink other than UV-curing ink for the inkjet head 102. In this case as well, maintenance such as wiping of the inkjet head 102 can be performed appropriately, for example, in the same or similar manner as described above.

[0039] Furthermore, as the connecting part 210 in the maintenance section 22, it is conceivable to use a configuration that connects the wiper mounting plate 242 and the shutter 206 by a method other than magnetic force. In this case, for example, a push latch mechanism can be used to connect the wiper mounting plate 242 and the shutter 206. The connecting part 210 using a push latch mechanism can be considered, for example, as a component that switches the presence or absence of connection by pushing in a pressed member. In this case, for example, the operation of the push latch mechanism can be controlled by arranging the push latch mechanism so that the pressed member is pushed when the shutter 206 is moved (retracted) in the opposite direction to the direction in which the shutter 206 is opened. In this case, the connecting part 210 can be considered as a configuration that switches the presence or absence of connection by controlling the amount of movement of the shutter 206 in the sub-scanning direction.

[0040] Furthermore, in the above, the configuration of the printing device 10 was mainly described in the case where ink is ejected onto a medium. In this case, the printing device 10 can be considered as, for example, an inkjet printer that draws a two-dimensional image on a medium. In contrast, in a modified configuration of the printing device 10, it is also possible to use, for example, a 3D printer (3D printing device) that creates three-dimensional objects as the printing device 10. In this case, the printing device 10 can be considered as, for example, an example of a liquid ejection device. Also, in this case, the ink can be considered as, for example, an example of a liquid ejected by a liquid ejection device. [Industrial applicability]

[0041] The present invention can be suitably used, for example, in printing apparatus. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0042] 10...Printing device, 102...Inkjet head, 104...Ultraviolet light source, 12...Head section, 14...Platen, 16...Y-bar, 18...Main scanning drive unit, 20...Sub-scanning drive unit, 202...Housing section, 204...Ink receiving section, 206...Shutter, 208...Wiper section, 210...Connecting section, 212...Shutter drive unit, 214...Switching section, 216...Status detection unit, 22...Maintenance section, 242...Wiper mounting plate, 244...Mounting member, 246...Wiper holding section, 248...Wiper, 252...Shutter side member, 254...Wiper side member, 30...Control unit, 302...Contacted part, 312...Sensor, 50...Medium

Claims

1. A printing apparatus that performs printing using an inkjet method, An inkjet head having nozzles for ejecting ink, A wiping member for wiping the nozzle surface, which is the surface on which the nozzle is formed in the inkjet head, The installation member is a member on which the wiping member is installed, A shutter that covers a predetermined area, A shutter drive unit that moves the shutter, A connecting portion that connects the installation member and the shutter. Equipped with, The shutter drive unit moves the shutter without moving the installation member by moving the shutter while the connecting part is not connected to the installation member. Furthermore, during the wiping process in which the wiping member is used to wipe the nozzle surface, the printing apparatus is characterized in that, while the connecting portion is connected to the installation member and the shutter, the shutter is moved, thereby moving the wiping member together with the shutter, and causing the wiping member to wipe the nozzle surface.

2. The system further includes a main scanning drive unit that causes the inkjet head to perform a main scanning operation, which involves moving in a preset main scanning direction relative to the printing medium while ejecting ink. The aforementioned mounting member is positioned on one side of the shutter in a direction perpendicular to the main scanning direction, The printing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the shutter drive unit opens and closes the shutter by moving the shutter in a direction parallel to the orthogonal direction, and during wiping, moves the wiping member together with the shutter in a direction parallel to the orthogonal direction.

3. The mounting member holds a plurality of the wiping members on the opposing surface which is the surface facing the inkjet head during wiping, When the shutter is closed, the opposing surface of the mounting member is inclined with respect to the horizontal plane. The printing apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that, during the wiping process, the opposing surface of the installation member becomes parallel to the horizontal plane.

4. A UV light source that emits ultraviolet light, An ink receiving section that receives ink to be ejected to the inkjet head outside the medium. Furthermore, The aforementioned inkjet head ejects ultraviolet-curable ink, The printing apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that when the shutter is closed, the shutter covers the ink receiving portion.

5. The system further includes a switching unit that switches whether or not to move the installation member together with the shutter, The aforementioned connecting portion connects the installation member and the shutter by magnetic force. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, when the installation member is not moved together with the shutter, the switching unit separates the shutter and the installation member by stopping the movement of the installation member at a predetermined position.

6. A maintenance device for performing maintenance on an inkjet head having nozzles for ejecting ink, A wiping member for wiping the nozzle surface, which is the surface on which the nozzle is formed in the inkjet head, The installation member is a member on which the wiping member is installed, A shutter that covers a predetermined area, A shutter drive unit that moves the shutter, A connecting portion that connects the installation member and the shutter. Equipped with, The shutter drive unit moves the shutter without moving the installation member by moving the shutter while the connecting part is not connected to the installation member. Furthermore, during the wiping process in which the wiping member is used to wipe the nozzle surface, the maintenance device is characterized in that, while the connecting portion is connected to the installation member and the shutter, the shutter is moved, thereby moving the wiping member together with the shutter, and causing the wiping member to wipe the nozzle surface.

7. A maintenance method for performing maintenance on an inkjet head having nozzles for ejecting ink, A wiping member for wiping the nozzle surface, which is the surface on which the nozzle is formed in the inkjet head, The installation member is a member on which the wiping member is installed, A connecting part that connects the installation member to a shutter that covers a predetermined area Using, The shutter is a member that moves without moving the installation member when the connecting portion is not connected to the installation member and the shutter. A maintenance method characterized by moving the shutter while the connecting portion is connected to the installation member and the shutter, thereby moving the wiping member together with the shutter, and causing the wiping member to perform wiping on the nozzle surface.

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