Liquid dispensing unit and device for dispensing liquid

Abstract

The present invention provides a liquid dispensing unit and a liquid dispensing device that can suppress drying of the discharge port of the liquid dispensing head when dispensing liquid. [Solution] The liquid dispensing unit comprises a carriage movable with respect to a guide member of a device on which the liquid dispensing unit is mounted, a plurality of liquid dispensing heads each provided with a dispensing port capable of dispensing liquid and mounted on the carriage, dispensing liquid from the dispensing ports onto an object at the dispensing operation position, and a cap member provided on the carriage and capable of covering the dispensing port of at least one of the liquid dispensing heads, wherein the first liquid dispensing head among the plurality of liquid dispensing heads is movable independently of the second liquid dispensing head, which is different from the first liquid dispensing head, to a dispensing operation position and a covered position which is different from the dispensing operation position and whose dispensing port is covered by the cap member.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a liquid ejection unit and a liquid ejection apparatus. [Background Art]

[0002] Conventionally, as an apparatus for ejecting liquid, there is an inkjet-type printing apparatus. As this type of printing apparatus, there is known one that includes a liquid ejection unit that performs a printing operation while moving along a guide shaft from a home position, and a cap provided separately from the liquid ejection unit.

[0003] The liquid ejection unit includes a carriage, and a plurality of liquid ejection heads mounted on the carriage that eject liquid such as ink from ejection ports onto a target object. The plurality of liquid ejection heads include, for example, a liquid ejection head that ejects yellow ink, a liquid ejection head that ejects magenta ink, a liquid ejection head that ejects cyan ink, and a liquid ejection head that ejects black ink. When the liquid ejection unit does not perform a printing operation, the liquid ejection unit is moved to the home position, and each liquid ejection head is covered with a cap. This protection by the cap suppresses clogging of the ejection ports due to drying of the ejection ports. [Summary of Invention] [Problem to be Solved by Invention]

[0004] In this type of printing apparatus, for example, when ejecting liquid, if the liquid ejection head for black ink ejects ink, the liquid ejection heads for other colors may not eject ink in some cases. In such a case, since the cap is provided separately from the liquid ejection unit, a liquid ejection head that does not eject ink cannot be protected by the cap, so there is a problem that the ejection ports of the liquid ejection head are easily dried.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above, and one of its objectives is to provide a liquid dispensing unit and a liquid dispensing device that can suppress drying of the discharge port of the liquid dispensing head when dispensing liquid. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the objective, the liquid discharge unit of the present invention comprises: a carriage movable with respect to a guide member of a device on which the liquid discharge unit is mounted; a plurality of liquid discharge heads, each provided with a discharge port capable of discharging liquid, mounted on the carriage and discharging the liquid from the discharge ports onto an object at a discharge operation position; and a cap member provided on the carriage and capable of covering the discharge port of at least one of the liquid discharge heads, wherein the first liquid discharge head among the plurality of liquid discharge heads is movable independently of the second liquid discharge head, which is different from the first liquid discharge head, to the discharge operation position and a covered position which is different from the discharge operation position and whose discharge port is covered by the cap member. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] The present invention provides a liquid dispensing unit and a liquid dispensing device that can suppress drying of the discharge port of the liquid dispensing head when dispensing liquid. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a printing apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a plan view showing a printing apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a front view showing a printing apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows an example of the arrangement of the liquid ejection head in the printing apparatus of the first embodiment. [Figure 5]Figure 5 shows an example of the nozzle surface in the liquid discharge head of the first embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows a part of the liquid dispensing unit of the first embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows a part of the liquid discharge unit of the first embodiment, with the liquid discharge head in the discharge operation position. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows a part of the liquid discharge unit of the first embodiment, with the liquid discharge head in the covered position. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a printing apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] Figure 10 shows an example of the printing operation of the printing apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] Figure 11 shows a part of the liquid discharge unit of the second embodiment, in which the liquid discharge head is in the discharge operation position. [Figure 12] Figure 12 shows a part of the liquid discharge unit of the second embodiment, in which the liquid discharge head is in the covered position. [Figure 13] Figure 13 shows a part of the liquid discharge unit of the third embodiment, in which the liquid discharge head is in the discharge operation position. [Figure 14] Figure 14 shows a part of the liquid discharge unit of the third embodiment, in which the liquid discharge head is in the covered position. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Embodiments of the present invention are disclosed below. The configurations of the embodiments shown below, as well as the functions and effects brought about by such configurations, are merely examples. The present invention can also be realized by configurations other than those disclosed in the following embodiments. Furthermore, according to the present invention, it is possible to obtain at least one of the various effects that can be obtained by the configuration. Also, in the terms used in this application, image formation, printing, and the like are all synonymous.

[0010] Furthermore, the following embodiments include similar components. These similar components are assigned common reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0011] <First Embodiment> Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the printing apparatus 1 of the first embodiment. Figure 2 is a plan view showing the printing apparatus 1 of the first embodiment. Figure 3 is a front view showing the printing apparatus 1 of the first embodiment. Figure 3 shows the state in which the object G is set in the printing apparatus 1.

[0012] The printing device 1 shown in Figures 1 to 3 is a serial inkjet printer, a so-called garment printer capable of printing on objects G (Figure 3) such as fabric clothing. Object G is also referred to as the medium or the material to be ejected. The printing device 1 is an example of a device that ejects liquid.

[0013] As shown in each drawing, the X, Y, and Z axes are defined herein for convenience. The X, Y, and Z axes are orthogonal to each other. The X axis runs along the left-right direction (width direction) of the printing device 1 and along the direction of movement of the carriage 23 of the printing device 1 (main scanning direction). The Y axis runs along the front-back direction (depth direction) of the printing device 1 and along the direction of movement of the platen 41 of the printing device 1 (sub-scanning direction). The Z axis runs along the up-down direction of the printing device 1.

[0014] Further, in the present specification, an X direction, a Y direction, and a Z direction are defined. The X direction is a direction along the X axis, and includes a +X direction indicated by the arrow of the X axis and a -X direction opposite to the direction of the arrow of the X axis. The Y direction is a direction along the Y axis, and includes a +Y direction indicated by the arrow of the Y axis and a -Y direction opposite to the direction of the arrow of the Y axis. The Z direction is a direction along the Z axis, and includes a +Z direction indicated by the arrow of the Z axis and a -Z direction opposite to the direction of the arrow of the Z axis. The +Z direction matches the upward direction in the vertical direction of the printing apparatus 1.

[0015] (Configuration of Printing Apparatus 1) The printing apparatus 1 includes a printing unit 10, an object supporting unit 11, a height detection sensor 12, an operation unit 13, a maintenance unit 14, a discharge receiving unit 15, and a controller board 16. The controller board 16 is an example of the control unit.

[0016] The printing unit 10 can perform printing on an object G. The printing unit 10 includes a liquid discharge unit 20 and a unit moving mechanism 21. That is, the printing apparatus 1 is mounted with the liquid discharge unit 20. The printing apparatus 1 is an example of an apparatus mounted with the liquid discharge unit 20.

[0017] The liquid discharge unit 20 includes a plurality of liquid discharge heads 22 (FIG. 3), a head tank (not shown), and one carriage 23. The plurality of liquid discharge heads 22 and the head tank are mounted on the carriage 23.

[0018] Each liquid discharge head 22 is an inkjet head that discharges liquid such as ink. Printing is performed on the object G supported by the object supporting unit 11 with the liquid discharged from the liquid discharge head 22. The head tank temporarily stores the liquid to be supplied to the liquid discharge head 22. The head tank is connected to the ink cartridge 24 via a supply tube and a supply pump. The liquid in the head tank is supplied to the liquid discharge head 22 by operating the supply pump.

[0019] Figure 4 shows an example of the arrangement of the liquid ejection head 22 in the printing apparatus 1 of the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 4, the multiple liquid ejection heads 22 include, for example, two pre-treatment heads 22A, two white heads 22B, and four color heads 22C. That is, the liquid ejection head 22 is a collective term for the pre-treatment heads 22A, the white heads 22B, and the color heads 22C. The two pre-treatment heads 22A constitute the head section 25A. The two white heads 22B constitute the head section 25B. The four color heads 22C constitute the head section 25C. Hereafter, the head section 25 will be used as a collective term for the head section 25A, head section 25B, and head section 25C. As described above, each of the multiple head sections 25 includes one or more liquid ejection heads 22, and the multiple liquid ejection heads 22 are included in any of the head sections 25. The head section 25 is also called a head group.

[0020] Multiple liquid discharge heads 22 are mounted on a carriage 23, spaced apart from each other. Specifically, two pre-processing heads 22A are arranged with a gap between them in the X direction. Two white heads 22B are arranged with a gap between them in the X direction and are positioned with a gap between them in the +Y direction relative to the two pre-processing heads 22A. Four liquid discharge heads 22 are arranged with a gap between them in the X direction and are positioned with a gap between them in the +Y direction relative to the two white heads 22B. In other words, in this embodiment, the rows of two pre-processing heads 22A, the rows of two white heads 22B, and the rows of four color heads 22C are arranged with a gap between them in the Y direction. The two pre-processing heads 22A, the two white heads 22B, and the four color heads 22C are arranged in the +Y direction in the order in which they discharge liquid during the printing operation of the printing device 1.

[0021] The liquids dispensed from the multiple liquid ejection heads 22 are of multiple types, and the liquid dispensed from one liquid ejection head 22 is different from the liquid dispensed from at least one of the other liquid ejection heads 22. Specifically, the two pre-treatment heads 22A dispense pre-treatment liquid as a liquid. The two white heads 22B dispense white ink for underprinting as a liquid. The four color heads 22C dispense cyan, magenta, yellow, and black inks individually as liquids. In other words, the cyan, magenta, yellow, and black inks are dispensed from different color heads 22C.

[0022] The pretreatment solution is not particularly limited as long as it can be discharged from the liquid discharge head 22, and can be appropriately selected from known solutions, but it is preferable that it contains polyvalent metal ions. In addition, the pretreatment solution may contain other components such as resins as needed.

[0023] Polyvalent metal ions can be appropriately selected from known ones, such as calcium ions, magnesium ions, and aluminum ions. These may be used individually or in combination of two or more.

[0024] Polyvalent metal ions can be incorporated into the pretreatment solution by dissolving water-soluble polyvalent metal salts. Suitable polyvalent metal salts can be selected from known types, such as carboxylates (acetic acid, lactic acid, etc.), sulfates, nitrates, chlorides, and thiocyanates. The polyvalent metal salt may be used alone or in combination of two or more. Among these, carboxylates, sulfates, nitrates, and chlorides, which exhibit good solubility in water and water-soluble organic solvents, are preferred from the viewpoint of image quality (color development, bleed resistance, etc.) and discharge reliability.

[0025] The ink is not particularly limited as long as it can be ejected from the liquid ejection head 22, and can be appropriately selected from known inks, for example, those containing organic solvents, water, colorants, resins, additives, etc.

[0026] The organic solvent is not particularly limited, and water-soluble organic solvents can be used. Examples include polyhydric alcohols, ethers such as polyhydric alcohol alkyl ethers and polyhydric alcohol aryl ethers, nitrogen-containing heterocyclic compounds, amides, amines, and sulfur-containing compounds.

[0027] The colorants are not particularly limited, and pigments and dyes can be used. As pigments, inorganic or organic pigments can be used. These may be used individually or in combination of two or more. Mixed crystals may also be used as pigments. Examples of pigments include black, yellow, magenta, cyan, white, green, orange, and metallic pigments such as gold and silver. As dyes, there are no particular limitations, and acid dyes, direct dyes, reactive dyes, and basic dyes can be used individually or in combination of two or more.

[0028] Methods for obtaining ink by dispersing pigments include introducing hydrophilic functional groups into the pigment to create a self-dispersible pigment, coating the surface of the pigment with a resin and dispersing it, and using a dispersant to disperse it.

[0029] It is possible to obtain ink by mixing pigment with materials such as water or organic solvents. Alternatively, ink can be manufactured by mixing pigment with other materials such as water and dispersants to create a pigment dispersion, and then mixing this dispersion with water or organic solvents. The pigment dispersion is obtained by mixing and dispersing water, pigment, pigment dispersant, and other components as needed, and adjusting the particle size. Dispersion is best performed using a disperser.

[0030] There are no particular restrictions on the type of resin contained in the ink, and it can be appropriately selected according to the purpose. Examples include urethane resin, polyester resin, acrylic resin, vinyl acetate resin, styrene resin, butadiene resin, styrene-butadiene resin, vinyl chloride resin, acrylic styrene resin, and acrylic silicone resin. Furthermore, resin particles made from these resins may be used as the resin contained in the ink. It is possible to obtain ink by mixing the resin particles, dispersed in water as a dispersion medium to form a resin emulsion, with materials such as colorants and organic solvents. The resin particles may be synthesized as appropriate, or commercially available products may be used. These may be used individually or in combination of two or more types of resin particles.

[0031] Examples of additives include surfactants, defoamers, preservatives and fungicides, rust inhibitors, and pH adjusters.

[0032] Furthermore, a post-treatment solution may be applied as needed. The post-treatment solution is not particularly limited as long as it can form a transparent layer. The post-treatment solution can be obtained by selecting and mixing organic solvents, water, resins, surfactants, defoamers, pH adjusters, antiseptics, rust inhibitors, etc., as needed. The post-treatment solution may be applied to the entire printed area on the medium, or only to the area where the ink image is formed.

[0033] Figure 5 shows an example of a nozzle surface 22a in a liquid discharge head 22 of the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 5, each liquid discharge head 22 has a nozzle surface 22a. Multiple nozzles 22b are provided on the nozzle surface 22a. As an example, two rows of nozzles 22b are provided on the nozzle surface 22a. The discharge ports 22c of the nozzles 22b open into the nozzle surface 22a. Therefore, two rows of discharge ports 22c are provided on the nozzle surface 22a. Each liquid discharge head 22 discharges the various liquids described above from the discharge ports 22c. That is, each of the multiple liquid discharge heads 22 is provided with a discharge port 22c capable of discharging liquid.

[0034] The unit movement mechanism 21 shown in Figures 1 to 3 moves the liquid discharge unit 20 in the X direction. The unit movement mechanism 21 comprises two guide members 30 and 31 (Figures 1 and 2), a drive pulley 32 (Figure 3), a driven pulley 33 (Figure 3), a timing belt 34 (Figure 3), and a main scanning motor 35 (Figure 2).

[0035] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the two guide members 30 and 31 both extend in the X direction and are spaced apart in the Y direction and parallel to each other. The two guide members 30 and 31 support the carriage 23 so that it can reciprocate in the X direction. In other words, the two guide members 30 and 31 support the liquid dispensing unit 20 so that it can reciprocate in the X direction. To put it another way, the carriage 23 and the liquid dispensing unit 20 are movable relative to the guide members 30 and 31. The guide members 30 and 31 are also referred to as support members.

[0036] As shown in Figure 3, the drive pulley 32 and the driven pulley 33 are spaced apart in the X direction. The timing belt 34 is stretched between the drive pulley 32 and the driven pulley 33. The timing belt 34 is connected to the carriage 23.

[0037] The main scanning motor 35 shown in Figure 2 rotates the drive pulley 32. The main scanning motor 35 can rotate in both forward and reverse directions. When the drive pulley 32 is rotated by the main scanning motor 35, the timing belt 34 moves, causing the carriage 23 and, consequently, the liquid discharge unit 20 to move in the X direction. Depending on the rotation direction of the main scanning motor 35, the liquid discharge unit 20 moves in either the +X direction or the -X direction.

[0038] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1, the printing unit 10 is provided with an encoder sheet 36. The encoder sheet 36 is positioned on the -Y side relative to the liquid discharge unit 20 and extends along the X direction. The encoder sheet 36 and the liquid discharge head 22 are opposite each other in the Y direction. The encoder sheet 36 has multiple slits spaced apart in the X direction. The carriage 23 is equipped with a reading sensor that reads the slits of the encoder sheet 36, and the position of the carriage 23 and, consequently, the liquid discharge unit 20 in the X direction can be detected by the controller board 16 based on the reading results of the reading sensor.

[0039] The object support unit 11 shown in Figures 1 to 3 supports the object G (Figure 3) and moves the object G in the Y direction. The object support unit 11 comprises a platen 41 and a platen moving mechanism 42.

[0040] The platen 41 supports the object G. Specifically, the platen 41 is formed in a flat plate shape, and the object G is placed on its upper surface. The platen 41 is moved in the Y direction by the platen moving mechanism 42. The platen 41 is also moved in the -Y direction and stopped below the liquid discharge unit 20.

[0041] The platen moving mechanism 42 includes a slider 43, a slide rail 44, a lifting mechanism 45, a timing belt 46, and a sub-scanning drive mechanism (not shown).

[0042] The slider 43 is supported by a slide rail 44, with the platen 41 supported via a lifting mechanism 45. The slide rail 44 supports the slider 43 so that it can reciprocate in the Y direction. The slider 43 is reciprocated in the Y direction by a sub-scanning drive mechanism via a timing belt 46. As the slider 43 reciprocates in the Y direction, the platen 41 reciprocates in the Y direction.

[0043] The lifting mechanism 45 can raise and lower the platen 41. In other words, the lifting mechanism 45 can adjust the height of the platen 41 (the position of the platen 41 in the Z direction). The lifting mechanism 45 includes, for example, an electric motor that can rotate in both forward and reverse directions, and a rack and pinion mechanism or a ball screw mechanism driven by the electric motor.

[0044] The height detection sensor 12 is, for example, a position sensor capable of detecting the position of the object G in the Z direction. If the height detection sensor 12 detects that the surface of the object G is at a height that would cause it to contact the nozzle surface 22a of the liquid discharge head 22, the controller board 16 executes control to stop the operation of the platen 41 as an error.

[0045] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the maintenance unit 14 is located on one end of the guide members 30 and 31 in the -X direction. The maintenance unit 14 maintains and restores the performance of the liquid discharge head 22. In detail, the maintenance unit 14 comprises a suction cap 14a, a moisturizing cap 14b, and a wiping member 14c. The suction cap 14a caps the nozzle surface 22a of the liquid discharge head 22. A suction pump is connected to the suction cap 14a. The moisturizing cap 14b caps the nozzle surface 22a of the liquid discharge head 22 for moisturizing. The wiping member 14c wipes the nozzle surface 22a of the liquid discharge head 22.

[0046] The discharge receiving section 15 is located on the other end side in the +X direction of the guide members 30 and 31. The discharge receiving section 15 receives the liquid discharged from the liquid discharge head 22 in order to maintain and restore the function of the liquid discharge head 22.

[0047] The control unit 13 shown in Figure 1 accepts instructions for various operations. The printing device 1 also includes a power supply unit 47 and a power button 48 that supply power to various parts of the printing device 1.

[0048] (Configuration of liquid dispensing unit 20) Next, the details of the liquid dispensing unit 20 will be described. Figure 6 is a diagram showing a part of the liquid dispensing unit 20 of the first embodiment. The arrow F shown in Figure 6 indicates the direction of liquid dispensing.

[0049] As shown in Figure 6, the liquid discharge unit 20 includes multiple liquid discharge heads 22, multiple head movement mechanisms 50, and multiple head protection units 51. The multiple head movement mechanisms 50 and the multiple head protection units 51 are mounted on a carriage 23. In other words, in this embodiment, multiple liquid discharge heads 22, multiple head movement mechanisms 50, and multiple head protection units 51 are mounted on a single carriage 23. The head movement mechanisms 50 and head protection units 51 are provided for each head unit 25. In other words, multiple head movement mechanisms 50 and head protection units 51 are provided according to the number of head units 25.

[0050] Figure 7 shows a part of the liquid discharge unit 20 of the first embodiment, with the liquid discharge head 22 in the discharge operation position P1. Figure 8 shows a part of the liquid discharge unit 20 of the first embodiment, with the liquid discharge head 22 in the covered position P2.

[0051] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the head movement mechanism 50 moves the liquid discharge head 22 between a discharge operation position P1 (Figure 7) and a coating position P2 (Figure 8). For example, the head movement mechanism 50 moves the liquid discharge head 22 between the discharge operation position P1 and the coating position P2 by rotating the liquid discharge head 22 around the axis Ax1 of the rotating shaft 52. The movement of the liquid discharge head 22 from the discharge operation position P1 to the coating position P2 is called the coating position movement, and the movement of the liquid discharge head 22 from the coating position P2 to the discharge operation position P1 is called the discharge operation position movement. The axis Ax1 of the rotating shaft 52 extends in a direction (Y direction) that intersects (for example, orthogonal) with the direction (Z direction) in which the liquid discharge head 22 at the discharge operation position P1 faces the object G. The rotation of the liquid discharge head 22 is, for example, 90 degrees.

[0052] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 6, the head movement mechanism 50 moves the liquid discharge head 22 independently of at least one of the other liquid discharge heads 22. That is, at least one (for example, all) of the liquid discharge heads 22 can move independently of at least one of the other liquid discharge heads 22 to a discharge operation position P1 and a coating position P2 which is a different position from the discharge operation position P1. In detail, the two pre-treatment heads 22A can move independently of the two white heads 22B and four color heads 22C, which are the other liquid discharge heads 22. In this case, the two pre-treatment heads 22A are the first liquid discharge heads, and the two white heads 22B and four color heads 22C are the second liquid discharge heads. The two white heads 22B can move independently of the two pre-treatment heads 22A and four color heads 22C, which are the other liquid discharge heads 22. In this case, the two white heads 22B are the first liquid discharge heads, and the two pre-treatment heads 22A and the four color heads 22C are the second liquid discharge heads. The four color heads 22C are movable independently of the other liquid discharge heads 22, namely the two pre-treatment heads 22A and the two white heads 22B. In this case, the four color heads 22C are the first liquid discharge heads, and the two pre-treatment heads 22A and the two white heads 22B are the second liquid discharge heads. That is, in this embodiment, each liquid discharge head 22 can be either the first liquid discharge head or the second liquid discharge head. As shown in Figure 7, the discharge operation position P1 is the position where the nozzle surface 22a (discharge port 22c) faces the object G, and the liquid discharge head 22 discharges liquid from the discharge port 22c onto the object G at the discharge operation position P1. In the discharge operation position P1, the nozzle surface 22a (discharge port 22c) faces the -Z direction. As shown in Figure 8, the covering position P2 is a position where the discharge port 22c is further away from the object G than when the liquid discharge head 22 is in the discharge operation position P1, and the discharge port 22c is covered by the cap member 60 of the head protection part 51. In the covering position P2, the nozzle surface 22a (discharge port 22c) faces the +X direction and does not face the object G.At the covering position P2, all of the discharge ports 22c of the liquid discharge head 22 are covered by the cap member 60 of the head protection part 51.

[0053] As shown in Figures 4, 7, and 8, the head movement mechanism 50 comprises a rotating shaft 52 (Figures 7 and 8) and a drive source 53 (Figure 4). As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the rotating shaft 52 is supported by the carriage 23 so as to be rotatable about its axis Ax1 along the Y-axis. The rotating shaft 52 is coupled to the liquid discharge head 22 in a state where it is inserted into a hole provided in the liquid discharge head 22. The rotating shaft 52 is coupled to the -X side end of the liquid discharge head 22 at the discharge operation position P1 (Figure 7). The rotating shaft 52 is coupled to a plurality of liquid discharge heads 22 provided on the head portion 25. The rotating shaft 52 is rotatable integrally with the plurality of liquid discharge heads 22 provided on the head portion 25.

[0054] The drive source 53 shown in Figure 4 is, for example, a motor capable of rotation in both forward and reverse directions. The drive source 53 rotates the rotating shaft 52. Note that the drive source 53 only needs to be mounted on the carriage 23 and is not limited to the arrangement shown in Figure 4.

[0055] The drive source 53 rotates the rotating shaft 52 to move the liquid discharge head 22 by rotation between the discharge operation position P1 (Figure 7) and the coating position P2 (Figure 8). From the state where the liquid discharge head 22 is located in the discharge operation position P1 (Figure 7), the drive source 53 rotates the rotating shaft 52 in one direction (clockwise in Figure 7), causing the liquid discharge head 22 to rotate to the coating position P2. The liquid discharge head 22 is restricted from moving further when it hits the stopper 54 at the coating position P2, and remains in the coating position P2 (Figure 8). On the other hand, from the state where the liquid discharge head 22 is located in the coating position P2, the drive source 53 rotates the rotating shaft 52 in the other direction (counterclockwise in Figure 8), causing the liquid discharge head 22 to rotate back to the discharge operation position P1. The liquid discharge head 22 is restricted from moving when it hits a stopper (not shown) at the covering position P2, and is positioned at the discharge operation position P1 (Figure 7).

[0056] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the head protection section 51 comprises a cap member 60 and a member moving mechanism 61.

[0057] The cap member 60 can protect the discharge port 22c of the liquid discharge head 22 located at the covering position P2 by covering the discharge port 22c. Specifically, the cap member 60 covers the nozzle surface 22a of the liquid discharge head 22 located at the covering position P2.

[0058] The cap member 60 is a cap. The cap member 60 is shaped to cap and seal the discharge port 22c (nozzle surface 22a) of the liquid discharge head 22 located at the covering position P2. In detail, the cap member 60 comprises a base wall 60a and a cylindrical portion 60b. The base wall 60a constitutes the +X direction end of the cap member 60 and is formed in a flat plate shape. The cylindrical portion 60b extends from the outer edge of the base wall 60a in the -X direction. A concave space 60c is formed in the cap member 60 by the base wall 60a and the cylindrical portion 60b. The space 60c is open in the -X direction. The cap member 60 covers all of the discharge ports 22c of the liquid discharge head 22 when the tip of the cylindrical portion 60b (the -X direction end) is in contact with the nozzle surface 22a of the liquid discharge head 22 (Figure 8). At this time, a space 60c is secured between the inner surface of the cap member 60 and the discharge port 22c.

[0059] The discharge port 22c (nozzle surface 22a) of the liquid discharge head 22, which is capped by the cap member 60, does not come into contact with the outside air outside the cap member 60. As a result, the discharge port 22c (nozzle surface 22a) of the liquid discharge head 22 is shielded from the outside air, so compared to when it is not capped by the cap member 60, evaporation of the liquid at the discharge port 22c is suppressed, and drying, thickening, and solidification of the liquid inside the discharge port 22c and consequently the liquid discharge head 22 are suppressed.

[0060] Here, the cap member 60 may have a space inside into which a humidifier containing a cleaning solution can be filled. By filling the cap member 60 with the humidifier and capping the liquid discharge head 22 with the cap member 60, the nozzle surface 22a, including the nozzle 22b, can be kept moist. This more reliably suppresses evaporation of the liquid and inhibits thickening and solidification. In this case, by filling the cap member 60 so that the cleaning solution comes into contact with the nozzle surface 22a when the nozzle surface 22a is capped with the cap member 60, the nozzle surface 22a can also be cleaned at the same time. This cleaning solution can dissolve solidified substances such as ink that have adhered to the nozzle surface 22a, and is effective in restoring the liquid discharge performance of the discharge port 22c.

[0061] The component movement mechanism 61 moves the cap member 60 between a covered position P3 (Figure 8) and an open position P4 (Figure 7). Specifically, the component movement mechanism 61 moves the cap member 60 between the covered position P3 and the open position P4 by reciprocating the cap member 60 along a straight line L1 extending in the X direction. The covered position P3 is the position where the cap member 60 covers the discharge port 22c of the liquid discharge head 22 located at the covered position P2. The open position P4 is a position on the -X side relative to the covered position P3, and is a position where the cap member 60 is further away from the liquid discharge head 22 at the covered position P2 than in the case of the covered position P3. When the cap member 60 is in the open position P4, the discharge port 22c of the liquid discharge head 22 is open and not covered by the cap member 60. Furthermore, the open position P4 is the position in which the liquid discharge head 22 and the cap member 60 do not interfere with each other when the liquid discharge head 22 rotates between the discharge operation position P1 and the covering position P2. The movement of the cap member 60 from the covered position P3 to the open position P4 is called the open position movement, and the movement of the cap member 60 from the open position P4 to the covered position P3 is called the covered position movement.

[0062] The member movement mechanism 61 comprises a head support portion 62, two elastic members 63, and a drive mechanism 64.

[0063] A head support portion 62 is provided for each cap member 60. The head support portion 62 comprises a base member 65 and an elastic member 66. The base member 65 is provided so as to be movable in the X direction on a straight line L1. The cap member 60 is connected to the base member 65 via the elastic member 66. In other words, the elastic member 66 is interposed between the base member 65 and the cap member 60. The elastic member 66 presses the cap member 60 at the covering position P3 against the liquid discharge head 22 at the covering position P2 by elastic force (Figure 8). The elastic member 66 is, for example, a coil spring. However, the elastic member 66 is not limited to the above.

[0064] One end of the elastic member 63 is connected to the carriage 23, and the other end of the elastic member 63 is connected to the base member 65. That is, the other end of the elastic member 63 is connected to the cap member 60 via the base member 65 and the elastic member 66. The elastic member 63 acts as a tension spring. The two elastic members 63, via the base member 65 and the elastic member 66, can move the cap member 60 from the covered position P3 to the open position P4 by elastic force.

[0065] The drive mechanism 64 moves the cap member 60 from the open position P4 to the covered position P3 against the elastic force of the two elastic members 63. More specifically, as shown in Figures 4, 7, and 8, the drive mechanism 64 comprises a cam 67 (Figures 7 and 8) and a drive source 68 (Figure 4) that generates driving force. As shown in Figures 7 and 8, a cam 67 is provided for each cap member 60. The cam 67 is supported on the carriage 23 via a rotating shaft 69 so as to be rotatable around an axis Ax2. The axis Ax2 is the axis of the rotating shaft 69 and is along the Y axis. One rotating shaft 69 is provided for each head portion 25 and is coupled to a plurality of cams 67 included in the head portion 25. The cam 67 and the rotating shaft 69 rotate together. The base member 65 is pressed against the cam 67 by the elastic force of the elastic members 63. The cam 67 is a plate cam and has two tops 67a and 67b. The distance between top 67a and the axis Ax2 is shorter than the distance between top 67b and the axis Ax2. When top 67a is in contact with the base member 65, the cap member 60 is in the open position P4 (Figure 7). When top 67b is in contact with the base member 65, the cap member 60 is in the covered position P3 (Figure 8).

[0066] As shown in Figure 4, one drive source 68 is provided for each head section 25. The drive source 68 is, for example, a motor. The drive source 68 rotates the rotating shaft 69. Note that the drive source 68 only needs to be mounted on the carriage 23 and is not limited to the arrangement shown in Figure 4.

[0067] The drive source 68 rotates the cam 67 via the rotating shaft 69, moving the cap member 60 between the covered position P3 (Figure 8) and the open position P4 (Figure 7).

[0068] From the state where the cap member 60 is in the open position P4 (Figure 7), the drive source 68 rotates the cam 67 with its driving force against the elastic force of the elastic member 63, causing the cam 67 to push the base member 65 in the -X direction. As a result, the cap member 60 moves along the line L1 to the covered position P3 together with the base member 65. In other words, the drive mechanism 64 moves the cap member 60 to the covered position with the driving force of the drive source 68 against the elastic force of the elastic member 63. In the covered position P3, the top 67b of the cam 67 contacts the base member 65, and the elastic member 66 presses the cap member 60 against the nozzle surface 22a of the liquid discharge head 22 (Figure 8).

[0069] On the other hand, from the state in which the cap member 60 is in the covering position P3 (Figure 8), the drive source 68 rotates the cam 67, causing the base member 65 to be pulled in the +X direction by the elastic force of the two elastic members 63. As a result, the cap member 60 moves along the line L1 to the open position P4 together with the base member 65. In other words, the elastic members 63 move the cap member 60 to the open position by elastic force.

[0070] (Controller board 16) Next, the controller board 16 shown in Figure 1 will be described. The controller board 16 performs various controls. For example, the controller board 16 performs control to adjust the height of the platen 41 by the lifting mechanism 45 according to the thickness of the object G. Also, if the height detection sensor 12 detects that the surface of the object G is at a height where it is in contact with the nozzle surface 22a of the liquid discharge head 22, the controller board 16 performs control to stop the operation of the platen 41 as an error. Furthermore, the controller board 16 performs control to discharge liquid such as ink from the liquid discharge head 22 in time with the discharge position, based on the position of the carriage 23 obtained from the reading result of the reading sensor mounted on the carriage 23. The controller board 16 is a means of processing and controlling the operation (output) of motors, solenoids, etc., and input signals from sensors, etc., and is controlled based on the installed software. The controller board 16 also performs, for example, print control of print data transmitted from an external device, and print control processing by reading print data from a USB memory or recorded print data.

[0071] (Example of hardware configuration for printing device 1) Next, with reference to Figure 9, an example of the hardware configuration of the printing apparatus 1 of the embodiment will be described. Figure 9 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the printing apparatus 1.

[0072] The controller board 16 is connected to a height detection sensor 12, an operation unit 13, and a print engine 100.

[0073] The print engine 100 is equipped with a liquid ejection unit 20 and the like, and forms an image on the object G. When forming an image on the object G, a platen 41 on which the object G is placed is mounted on the print engine 100. Then, according to the print instructions input from the operation unit 13 or an external device, the print engine 100 ejects liquid such as ink from the liquid ejection head 22 onto the object G. As a result, an image is formed on the object G.

[0074] The control unit 13 receives user input such as print instructions and heating instructions. The control unit 13 also displays various information such as the status of the printing device 1, including the print engine 100, and the printing results from the printing device 1.

[0075] The controller board 16 is configured as a computer, etc., equipped with a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101, ROM (Read Only Memory) 102, RAM (Random Access Memory) 103, storage device 104, and an external interface (external I / F in Figure 9) 105.

[0076] The CPU 101 uses the RAM 103 as a workspace and executes programs stored in, for example, the ROM 102. This allows the CPU 101 to control the input and output of various information in the operation unit 13. Furthermore, the CPU 101 performs printing processes, including image formation processing, on the object G to be printed, according to user instructions received from the operation unit 13 or an external device.

[0077] In the printing process, the CPU 101 uses the print engine 100 to eject a liquid such as ink onto the object G to be printed, thereby forming an image.

[0078] The storage device 104 is, for example, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive), and is used as auxiliary storage. The storage device 104 stores a garment catalog containing conditions set for each type of object G.

[0079] The external interface 105 enables communication between the printing device 1 and external devices such as external equipment. Communication between the printing device 1 and external devices such as external equipment may be performed using, for example, the Ethernet (registered trademark) standard, the USB (Universal Serial Bus) (registered trademark) standard, etc.

[0080] (Printing operation) The controller board 16 controls the liquid ejection unit 20. During the printing operation of the printing device 1, the controller board 16 drives the liquid ejection heads 22 of each head unit 25 to eject liquid from the liquid ejection heads 22. The multiple liquid ejection heads 22 perform a printing operation in which they eject liquid onto the target object G. The multiple head units 25 selectively perform an ejection operation in which they eject liquid from the liquid ejection heads 22 during the printing operation.

[0081] In detail, during the printing operation, first the pre-treatment head 22A of head unit 25A discharges a pre-treatment liquid, then the white head 22B of head unit 25B discharges white ink, and then the color head 22C of head unit 25C individually discharges cyan, magenta, yellow, and black inks. That is, the printing operation is a series of steps in which liquid is discharged onto the object G, including the step of the pre-treatment head 22A of head unit 25A discharging a pre-treatment liquid, the step of the white head 22B of head unit 25B discharging white ink, and the step of the color head 22C of head unit 25C individually discharging cyan, magenta, yellow, and black inks. If the discharge port 22c of the liquid discharge head 22 that does not discharge liquid is exposed during this printing operation, there is a risk that the discharge port 22c will dry out. Therefore, in this embodiment, the liquid discharge head 22 that does not discharge liquid is covered with a cap member 60. Specifically, in this embodiment, in each step of the printing operation, the liquid ejection head 22 that ejects liquid is positioned at the ejection position P1, and the liquid ejection head 22 that does not eject liquid is positioned at the coating position P2.

[0082] The following describes an example of the printing operation of the printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment. The following is an example of printing on a fabric such as a T-shirt as the target object G.

[0083] First, the object G is placed on the platen 41 so that it does not wrinkle (become uneven). Then, by operating the control unit 13, the slider 43 pulls the platen 41 downwards (towards the -Z direction) of the liquid ejection unit 20 in the printing device 1. The platen 41, supporting the object G, then moves to the printing start position (towards the -Y direction in Figure 1).

[0084] Once the platen 41 is fully retracted, the printing device 1 enters a standby state for receiving print data. When the printing device 1 receives print data from an external device such as an information processing device, a print operation check is performed and the printing operation begins. The information processing device is, for example, a personal computer or a smartphone. If print data has already been stored on the controller board 16, the printing operation begins when that print data is selected on the operation unit 13.

[0085] When the printing operation starts, the platen 41 is moved to the printing start position by the slider 43. Then, the liquid ejection unit 20 moves in the +X direction (main scanning direction) guided by the guide members 30 and 31 while reading the encoder sheet 36. During this movement, the liquid ejection head 22 ejects liquid onto one surface of the object G set on the platen 41. In accordance with the movement of the liquid ejection head 22, the platen 41 is moved in the +Y direction (from the upstream side at the back of Figure 1 to the downstream side at the front) by the platen moving mechanism 42, and printing is performed.

[0086] In this way, the carriage 23 (liquid ejection unit 20) moves and liquid is ejected from the liquid ejection head 22, printing one line. Once one line is printed, the platen 41 is moved one line by the slider 43. By repeating the cycle of one scan of the carriage 23 and the intermittent movement of the slider 43, printing is performed on the desired area of ​​the surface of the object G. After the printing operation, the platen 41 is returned in the +Y direction, and the liquid ejection head 22 is capped by the moisture-retaining cap 14b of the maintenance unit 14, ending the printing process.

[0087] After printing is complete, the object G is removed from the platen 41, and post-processing operations such as heating and fixing are performed using a heat press machine, thus concluding the series of operations and tasks of the printing apparatus 1.

[0088] Next, the operation within the liquid ejection unit 20 during the printing operation described above will be explained with reference to Figure 10. Figure 10 is a diagram showing an example of the printing operation of the printing apparatus 1 of the first embodiment. The operation of the liquid ejection unit 20 described below is controlled by the controller board 16.

[0089] As shown in Figure 10(a), first, each pre-treatment head 22A of the head unit 25A discharges pre-treatment liquid onto the object G. At this time, the pre-treatment head 22A is in the discharge operation position P1, and the cap member 60 provided for the pre-treatment head 22A is in the open position P4. The white head 22B of the head unit 25B and the color head 22C of the head unit 25C are each in the covered position P2, and the cap members 60 provided for the white head 22B and the color head 22C are each in the covered position P3, protecting the white head 22B and the color head 22C. This suppresses drying of the discharge ports 22c of the white head 22B and the color head 22C. Note that at this time, the discharge port 22c of the pre-treatment head 22A is less likely to dry out because it is discharging pre-treatment liquid.

[0090] Next, as shown in Figure 10(b), each white head 22B of the head unit 25B is moved to the ejection position P1 and ejects white ink onto the object G. At this time, the cap member 60 provided for the white head 22B is moved to the open position P4. At this time, the pre-treatment head 22A of the head unit 25A is moved to the covered position P2. The cap member 60 provided for the pre-treatment head 22A is moved to the covered position P3 and covers the pre-treatment head 22A. The color head 22C of the head unit 25C is located at the covered position P2 and is protected by the cap member 60. This suppresses drying of the ejection ports 22c of the pre-treatment head 22A and the color head 22C. Note that at this time, the ejection port 22c of the white head 22B ejects white ink, so it is less likely to dry out.

[0091] Next, as shown in Figure 10(c), the color head 22C of the head unit 25C is moved to the ejection position P1, and the cyan, magenta, yellow, and black inks are ejected individually onto the object G. At this time, the cap member 60 provided for the color head 22C is moved to the open position P4. At this time, the white head 22B of the head unit 25B is moved to the covered position P2. The cap member 60 provided for the white head 22B is moved to the covered position P3, covering the white head 22B. The pre-treatment head 22A of the head unit 25A is located at the covered position P2 and is protected by the cap member 60. This suppresses drying of the ejection ports 22c of the pre-treatment head 22A and the white head 22B. Note that at this time, the ejection ports 22c of the color head 22C are less likely to dry out because they eject the cyan, magenta, yellow, and black inks individually.

[0092] As described above, when the head section 25 to which the head movement mechanism 50 is installed performs a discharge operation, the head movement mechanism 50 positions the liquid discharge head 22 of the head section 25 at the discharge operation position P1. On the other hand, when another head section 25 performs a discharge operation, the head movement mechanism 50 positions the liquid discharge head 22 of the head section 25 to which the head movement mechanism 50 is installed at the covering position P2.

[0093] (Overview) As described above, the liquid dispensing unit 20 of this embodiment comprises one carriage 23, a plurality of liquid dispensing heads 22, and a cap member 60. The carriage 23 is movable relative to guide members 30, 31 provided on the printing apparatus 1 (device) on which the liquid dispensing unit 20 is mounted. Each of the plurality of liquid dispensing heads 22 is provided with a dispensing port 22c from which liquid can be dispensed. The plurality of liquid dispensing heads 22 are mounted on the carriage 23. The plurality of liquid dispensing heads 22 dispense liquid from the dispensing ports 22c onto the object G at the dispensing operation position P1. The cap member 60 is provided on the carriage 23 and is capable of covering the dispensing port 22c of at least one of the liquid dispensing heads 22. The first liquid discharge head among the multiple liquid discharge heads 22 is movable independently of the second liquid discharge head, which is different from the first liquid discharge head among the multiple liquid discharge heads 22, to a discharge operation position P1 and a covered position P2, which is a different position from the discharge operation position P1 and in which the discharge port 22c is covered by the cap member 60. In this embodiment, when the two pre-treatment heads 22A are the first liquid discharge heads, the two white heads 22B and the four color heads 22C are the second liquid discharge heads. Also, when the two white heads 22B are the first liquid discharge heads, the two pre-treatment heads 22A and the four color heads 22C are the second liquid discharge heads. Also, when the four color heads 22C are the first liquid discharge heads, the two pre-treatment heads 22A and the two white heads 22B are the second liquid discharge heads. In the following description, the first liquid discharge head and the second liquid discharge head are any of the above.

[0094] With this configuration, the first liquid ejection head among the multiple liquid ejection heads 22 can move independently of the second liquid ejection head among the multiple liquid ejection heads 22 to the ejection position P1 and the covering position P2. Therefore, in the printing operation, if the first liquid ejection head does not eject ink, it is possible to move the first liquid ejection head to the covering position P2 and cover it with the cap member 60. Thus, it is possible to suppress drying of the ejection port 22c of the liquid ejection head 22 when ejecting liquid.

[0095] Furthermore, the liquid discharge unit 20 is equipped with a head movement mechanism 50. The head movement mechanism 50 is mounted on the carriage 23. The head movement mechanism 50 moves the first liquid discharge head to a discharge operation position P1 and a covering position P2 independently of the second liquid discharge head.

[0096] With this configuration, the configuration of the printing apparatus 1 can be simplified compared to a configuration in which the head movement mechanism 50 is provided on a carriage or the like separate from the liquid ejection unit 20 and moves in sync with the liquid ejection unit 20.

[0097] Furthermore, the multiple liquid ejection heads 22 perform a printing operation that includes multiple steps of ejecting liquid onto the object G. The head moving mechanism 50 positions the first liquid ejection head at the ejection position P1 when the first liquid ejection head is ejecting liquid, and positions the first liquid ejection head at the coating position P2 when the first liquid ejection head is not ejecting liquid.

[0098] With this configuration, the operation of the head moving mechanism 50 allows the first liquid ejection head to be moved to the covered position P2 and covered by the cap member 60 during a printing operation when the first liquid ejection head is not ejecting ink. Therefore, drying of the ejection port 22c of the liquid ejection head 22 can be suppressed when ejecting liquid.

[0099] The liquid ejection unit 20 also includes a plurality of head sections 25. Each of the plurality of head sections 25 includes one or more liquid ejection heads 22. The plurality of liquid ejection heads 22 are included in any of the head sections 25 and perform a printing operation in which liquid is ejected onto the object G. The plurality of head sections 25 selectively perform an ejection operation in which liquid is ejected from the liquid ejection heads 22 during the printing operation. The head movement mechanism 50 is provided on the head section 25 that includes the first liquid ejection head. When the head section 25 to which the head movement mechanism 50 is provided performs an ejection operation, the head movement mechanism 50 positions the first liquid ejection head at the ejection operation position P1. On the other hand, when another head section 25 performs an ejection operation, the head movement mechanism 50 positions the first liquid ejection head at the covering position P2.

[0100] With this configuration, it is possible to suppress the drying of the discharge port 22c of the liquid discharge head 22 of the head unit 25 that does not perform a discharge operation.

[0101] Furthermore, the head movement mechanism 50 moves the first liquid discharge head between the discharge operation position P1 and the coating position P2 by rotating the first liquid discharge head around an axis Ax1 that extends in a direction (Y direction) intersecting the direction (Z direction) in which the first liquid discharge head at the discharge operation position P1 faces the object G.

[0102] With this configuration, the liquid discharge head 22 can be moved between the discharge operation position P1 and the covering position P2 by rotation. Furthermore, with this configuration, the covering position P3 of the cap member 60 can be set outside the space between the liquid discharge head 22 and the object G (platen 41), so it is not necessary to increase the distance between the liquid discharge head 22 and the object G (platen 41) at the discharge operation position P1. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the deterioration of the printed image quality due to distortion of the printed image.

[0103] The head movement mechanism 50 also includes a rotating shaft 52 and a drive source 53. The rotating shaft 52 is coupled to the first liquid discharge head and is rotatable together with the first liquid discharge head about the axis Ax1. The drive source 53 rotates the rotating shaft 52 to rotate the first liquid discharge head between the discharge operation position P1 and the coating position P2.

[0104] With this configuration, the first liquid dispensing head can be rotated with a relatively simple setup.

[0105] Furthermore, the liquid discharge unit 20 is equipped with a member movement mechanism 61. The member movement mechanism 61 moves the cap member 60 to a covered position P3 in which the cap member 60 covers the discharge port 22c of the first liquid discharge head located at the covered position P2, and to an open position P4 in which the cap member 60 is further away from the liquid discharge head 22 at the covered position P2 than in the covered position P3.

[0106] With this configuration, it is possible to suppress the cap member 60 from obstructing the movement of the liquid discharge head 22.

[0107] Furthermore, the member movement mechanism 61 includes an elastic member 63 and a drive mechanism 64. The elastic member 63 moves the cap member 60 from the covered position P3 to the open position P4, or moves the cap member 60 from the open position P4 to the covered position P3, using elastic force. The drive mechanism 64 has a drive source 53 that generates a driving force. The drive mechanism 64 moves the cap member 60 from the open position to the covered position, or moves the cap member 60 to the covered position, using a driving force against the elastic force.

[0108] With this configuration, the power for moving the cap member 60 can be shared between the elastic member 63 and the drive source 53.

[0109] Furthermore, the member movement mechanism 61 includes an elastic member 66. The elastic member 66 uses elastic force to press the cap member 60 at the covering position P3 against the liquid discharge head 22 at the covering position P2.

[0110] With this configuration, the cap member 60 can be tightly fitted to the liquid dispensing head 22.

[0111] Furthermore, the liquid discharged from one liquid discharge head 22 is different from the liquid discharged from at least one of the other liquid discharge heads 22.

[0112] With this configuration, multiple types of liquids can be dispensed from multiple liquid dispensing heads 22, enabling various types of printing.

[0113] In this configuration, the liquid discharge head 22 is fixed to the carriage 23 at the discharge operation position P1, and a shutter member slides between the liquid discharge head 22 and the object G to cover the discharge port 22c. In this configuration, the gap between the discharge port 22c and the object G (platen 41) needs to be widened due to the shutter member. Therefore, in this configuration, the gap between the discharge port 22c and the object G (platen 41) becomes wide, which may lead to a decrease in the quality of the printed image due to distortion of the printed image.

[0114] In contrast, in this embodiment, the discharge operation position P1 is the position where the discharge port 22c faces the object G, and the covering position P2 is the position where the discharge port 22c is further away from the object G than when the liquid discharge head 22 is located at the discharge operation position P1.

[0115] With this configuration, the discharge port 22c is located further away from the object G than when the liquid discharge head 22 is located at the discharge operation position P1, so there is no need to widen the distance between the discharge operation position P1 and the object G (platen 41). In other words, since the discharge operation position P1 can be set to a position relatively close to the object G, the distance between the discharge port 22c and the object G (platen 41) at the discharge operation position P1 can be made relatively narrow. For example, the distance between the discharge port 22c and the object G (platen 41) at the discharge operation position P1 can be set to a distance so narrow that the liquid discharge head 22 and the object G (platen 41) do not come into contact. Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to suppress the deterioration of the printed image quality due to distortion of the printed image.

[0116] Furthermore, the printing apparatus 1 (liquid ejection apparatus) comprises a liquid ejection unit 20 and a controller board 16 (control unit). The controller board 16 controls the liquid ejection unit 20.

[0117] With this configuration, it is possible to suppress the drying of the discharge port 22c of the liquid discharge unit 20 provided in the printing device 1 when discharging liquid.

[0118] In this embodiment, an example is shown in which the elastic member 63 moves the cap member 60 from the covered position P3 to the open position P4 by elastic force, and the drive mechanism 64 moves the cap member 60 from the open position P4 to the covered position P3, but this is not limited to this. For example, the drive mechanism 64 may move the cap member 60 from the covered position P3 to the open position P4, and the elastic member 63 may move the cap member 60 from the open position P4 to the covered position P3 by elastic force.

[0119] <Second Embodiment> Figure 11 shows a part of the liquid discharge unit 20 of the second embodiment, with the liquid discharge head 22 in the discharge operation position P1. Figure 12 shows a part of the liquid discharge unit 20 of the second embodiment, with the liquid discharge head 22 in the covered position P2.

[0120] As shown in Figures 11 and 12, the configuration of the liquid discharge unit 20 in this embodiment differs from that of the first embodiment. The following will mainly describe the differences between this embodiment and the first embodiment.

[0121] In this embodiment, the head movement mechanism 50 moves the liquid discharge head 22 between the discharge operation position P1 and the coating position P2 by reciprocating the liquid discharge head 22 on a straight line L2 (Figure 11) extending in the Z direction. The head movement mechanism 50 comprises two elastic members 70 and a drive mechanism 71. In this embodiment, the coating position P2 (Figure 12) is located on the +Z side with respect to the discharge operation position P1 (Figure 11). In this embodiment, the nozzle surface 22a (discharge port 22c) of the liquid discharge head 22 faces the object G at both the discharge operation position P1 and the coating position P2.

[0122] One end of the elastic member 70 is connected to the carriage 23, and the other end of the elastic member 70 is connected to the liquid discharge head 22. The elastic member 70 acts as a tension spring. The two elastic members 70 move the liquid discharge head 22 from the discharge operation position P1 (Figure 11) to the coating position P2 (Figure 12) by elastic force.

[0123] The drive mechanism 71 moves the liquid discharge head 22 from the covering position P2 (Figure 12) to the discharge operation position P1 (Figure 11) against the elastic force of the elastic member 70. In detail, the drive mechanism 71 comprises a cam 72 and a drive source 53 (Figure 4) that generates a driving force. The cam 72 is supported on the carriage 23 via a rotating shaft 74 so as to be rotatable around the axis Ax3. The axis Ax3 is along the Y axis. The rotating shaft 74 is coupled to a plurality of cams 72 provided on the head portion 25. The rotating shaft 74 rotates integrally with the plurality of cams 72 provided on the head portion 25. The liquid discharge head 22 is pressed against the cam 72 by the elastic force of the elastic member 70. The cam 72 is a plate cam and has two tops 72a and 72b. The distance between top 72a and axis Ax3 is shorter than the distance between top 72b and axis Ax3. When the top portion 72a is in contact with the liquid discharge head 22, the liquid discharge head 22 is in the covered position P2 (Figure 12). When the top portion 72b is in contact with the liquid discharge head 22, the liquid discharge head 22 is in the discharge operation position P1 (Figure 11).

[0124] The drive source 53 is the same as in the first embodiment. However, in this embodiment, the drive source 53 rotates the rotating shaft 74.

[0125] The drive source 53 rotates the cam 72 via the rotating shaft 74 to move the liquid discharge head 22 between the discharge operation position P1 and the coating position P2.

[0126] From the state in which the liquid discharge head 22 is in the covered position P3 (Figure 12), the drive source 68 rotates the cam 72 with its driving force against the elastic force of the elastic member 70, causing the cam 72 to push the liquid discharge head 22. As a result, the liquid discharge head 22 moves to the discharge operation position P1 with the nozzle surface 22a facing the -Z direction (Figure 11). In other words, the drive mechanism 71 moves the liquid discharge head 22 to the discharge operation position using the driving force of the drive source 53 against the elastic force of the elastic member 70.

[0127] On the other hand, from the state in which the liquid discharge head 22 is located at the discharge operation position P1 (Figure 11), the drive source 53 rotates the cam 72, and the elastic force of the elastic member 70 pulls the liquid discharge head 22 to the coating position P2. As a result, the liquid discharge head 22 moves to the coating position P2 with the nozzle surface 22a facing in the -Z direction. In other words, the elastic member 70 moves the liquid discharge head 22 to the coating position by elastic force.

[0128] Furthermore, the head protection unit 51 of this embodiment includes a movable unit 80 and a unit movement mechanism 81.

[0129] The movable unit 80 comprises a cap member 60, an elastic member 66, a drive mechanism 64, and a support member 82. The support member 82 supports the cap member 60, the elastic member 66, and the drive mechanism 64. The movable unit 80 is provided to be movable in the X direction.

[0130] The unit movement mechanism 81 can move the movable unit 80 between the inside of the movement area R1 of the liquid discharge head 22 (Figure 12) and the outside of the movement area R1 of the liquid discharge head 22 (Figure 11).

[0131] In detail, the unit moving mechanism 81 comprises a drive pulley 83, a driven pulley 84, a belt 85, and a drive source 86.

[0132] The drive pulley 83 and the driven pulley 84 are spaced apart in the X direction. The belt 85 is stretched between the drive pulley 83 and the driven pulley 84. The belt 85 is connected to the support member 82 of the movable unit 80.

[0133] The drive source 86 is, for example, a motor capable of rotation in both forward and reverse directions. The drive source 86 rotates the drive pulley 83. Note that the drive source 53 only needs to be mounted on the carriage 23 and is not limited to the arrangements shown in Figures 11 and 12. When the drive pulley 83 is rotated by the drive source 86, the belt 85 moves and the movable unit 80 moves in the X direction. Depending on the rotation direction of the drive source 86, the movable unit 80 moves in the +X direction or the -X direction.

[0134] When the liquid discharge head 22 is in the discharge operation position P1 (Figure 11), the movable unit 80 is located outside the movement range R1 of the liquid discharge head 22. From this state, as the drive mechanism 64 moves the liquid discharge head 22 to the covering position P2, the unit moving mechanism 81 moves the movable unit 80 inside the movement range R1 of the liquid discharge head 22. As a result, the liquid discharge head 22 is covered by the cap member 60.

[0135] As described above, in this embodiment, the head moving mechanism 50 moves the first liquid discharge head between the discharge operation position P1 and the coating position P2 by reciprocating the first liquid discharge head along a straight line L2.

[0136] With this configuration, the liquid discharge head 22 can be moved between the discharge operation position P1 and the coating position P2 by reciprocating movement along a straight line L2.

[0137] The head movement mechanism 50 also includes an elastic member 70 and a drive mechanism 71. The elastic member 70 performs one of the following actions by elastic force: moving the first liquid discharge head from the discharge operation position P1 to the covering position P2, or moving the first liquid discharge head from the covering position P2 to the discharge operation position P1. The drive mechanism 71 has a drive source 53 that generates a driving force. The drive mechanism 64 performs the other of the following actions by driving force against the elastic force: moving the first liquid discharge head to the covering position, or moving the first liquid discharge head to the discharge operation position.

[0138] With this configuration, the power for moving the first liquid discharge head can be shared between the elastic member 70 and the drive source 53.

[0139] Furthermore, the liquid discharge unit 20 is equipped with a unit movement mechanism 81. The unit movement mechanism 81 moves the movable unit 80, which includes a cap member 60, an elastic member 66, and a drive mechanism 64, between the inside of the movement region R1 of the first liquid discharge head and the outside of the movement region R1.

[0140] With this configuration, it is possible to suppress the movable unit 80 from obstructing the movement of the first liquid discharge head.

[0141] In this embodiment, an example is shown in which the elastic member 70 moves the liquid discharge head 22 from the discharge operation position P1 to the coating position P2 by elastic force, and the drive mechanism 71 moves the liquid discharge head 22 from the coating position P2 to the discharge operation position P1. However, the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the drive mechanism 71 may move the liquid discharge head 22 from the discharge operation position P1 to the coating position P2, and the elastic member 70 may move the liquid discharge head 22 from the coating position P2 to the discharge operation position P1 by elastic force.

[0142] <Third Embodiment> Figure 13 shows a part of the liquid discharge unit 20 of the third embodiment, with the liquid discharge head 22 in the discharge operation position P1. Figure 14 shows a part of the liquid discharge unit 20 of the third embodiment, with the liquid discharge head 22 in the covered position P2.

[0143] As shown in Figures 13 and 14, the configuration of the liquid discharge unit 20 in this embodiment differs from that of the first embodiment. The following will mainly describe the differences between this embodiment and the first embodiment.

[0144] The liquid discharge unit 20 of this embodiment includes an interlocking mechanism 90. The interlocking mechanism 90 is included in the member moving mechanism 61. The interlocking mechanism 90 is mounted on the carriage 23. The interlocking mechanism 90 moves the cap member 60 to a covering position P3 that covers the liquid discharge head 22 at the covering position P2, in conjunction with the movement of the liquid discharge head 22 from the discharge operation position P1 to the covering position P2 by the head moving mechanism 50.

[0145] In detail, the interlocking mechanism 90 includes a motion conversion mechanism 91. The motion conversion mechanism 91 converts the rotational motion of the liquid discharge head 22 into the linear motion of the cap member 60.

[0146] The motion conversion mechanism 91 is a link mechanism. The motion conversion mechanism 91 comprises a lever member 92 and a liquid discharge head 22 as a link. One end of the lever member 92 is connected to the liquid discharge head 22 via a rotating shaft 93. The rotating shaft 93 is connected to the end of the liquid discharge head 22 opposite to the end where the rotating shaft 52 is provided (the end on the +X direction side) at the discharge operation position P1 (Figure 13). The rotating shaft 93 connects the lever member 92 and the liquid discharge head 22 so that they can rotate relative to each other. The other end of the lever member 92 is connected to the base member 65 of the head support part 62 via a rotating shaft 94. The rotating shaft 94 connects the lever member 92 and the base member 65 so that they can rotate relative to each other.

[0147] In the above configuration, as the liquid discharge head 22 rotates from the discharge operation position P1 (Figure 13) to the covering position P2 (Figure 14), the lever member 92 moves the base member 65 in the -X direction, and the cap member 60 moves to the covering position P3 (Figure 14). At this time, the base member 65 moves along a straight line L1 in the -X direction while being guided by two guide members 95 provided on the carriage 23. The liquid discharge head 22 hits the stopper 54 at the covering position P2. This restricts the movement of the liquid discharge head 22, and the liquid discharge head 22 is positioned at the covering position P2 (Figure 14). From this state, when the liquid discharge head 22 rotates to the discharge operation position P1 (Figure 13), the lever member 92 moves the base member 65 in the +X direction in response to this movement, and the cap member 60 moves to the open position P4. The liquid discharge head 22 hits the stopper 96 at the discharge operation position P1. This restricts the movement of the liquid discharge head 22, and positions the liquid discharge head 22 in the discharge operation position P1 (Figure 13).

[0148] As described above, the liquid discharge unit 20 of this embodiment is equipped with an interlocking mechanism 90. The interlocking mechanism 90 is mounted on the carriage 23. The interlocking mechanism 90 moves the cap member 60 to a covering position P3 that covers the first liquid discharge head at the covering position P2, in conjunction with the movement of the first liquid discharge head from the discharge operation position P1 to the covering position P2 by the head moving mechanism 50.

[0149] With this configuration, the movement of the cap member 60 can be linked to the movement of the first liquid dispensing head.

[0150] Furthermore, the interlocking mechanism 90 includes a motion conversion mechanism 91. The motion conversion mechanism 91 converts the rotational motion of the first liquid discharge head into linear motion of the cap member 60.

[0151] With this configuration, the rotational motion of the first liquid discharge head can be used to make the cap member 60 move in a linear motion. Furthermore, with this configuration, a dedicated drive source for the cap member 60 (drive source 68 in the first embodiment) is not required.

[0152] Furthermore, the motion conversion mechanism 91 is a link mechanism that includes the first liquid discharge head as a link.

[0153] With this configuration, since the liquid discharge head 22 is included in the motion conversion mechanism 91 as a link, the configuration of the liquid discharge unit 20 can be simplified compared to a configuration in which the motion conversion mechanism 91 does not include the liquid discharge head 22.

[0154] <Other Embodiments> In the embodiments described above, examples were shown in which each of the multiple liquid discharge heads 22 may be the first liquid discharge head, but the invention is not limited to this. It is sufficient that at least one of the multiple liquid discharge heads 22 is the first liquid discharge head.

[0155] Furthermore, although the multiple liquid dispensing heads 22 are arranged in multiple rows in each of the above embodiments, the system is not limited to this. For example, the multiple liquid dispensing heads 22 may be arranged in one row. Also, although the multiple liquid dispensing heads 22 are arranged in three rows in each of the above embodiments, the system is not limited to this. For example, the multiple liquid dispensing heads 22 may be arranged in two rows or in four or more rows.

[0156] Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments, the liquid discharge head 22 is provided with multiple nozzles 22b and two rows of nozzles 22b, but it is not limited to this. For example, there may be one row of nozzles 22b or three or more rows. Also, there may be only one nozzle 22b.

[0157] Furthermore, while the above embodiments show examples in which cap members 60 are provided for all of the multiple liquid discharge heads 22, the invention is not limited to this. For example, if some of the liquids dispensed by the multiple liquid discharge heads 22 are easy to dry and others are not, cap members 60 may be provided only for the liquid discharge heads 22 that dispense the easy-to-dry liquid, and not for the liquid discharge heads 22 that dispense the difficult-to-dry liquid. Also, liquid discharge heads 22 that do not have cap members 60 do not have to be movable and may be fixed to the carriage 23. As an example, since the pre-treatment liquid dispensed by the pre-treatment head 22A is an example of a liquid that is difficult to dry, the cap member 60 may not be provided for the pre-treatment head 22A, and the pre-treatment head 22A may be fixed to the carriage 23. Alternatively, some of the liquid discharge heads 22 may be fixed to the carriage 23, and cap members capable of protecting these liquid discharge heads 22 may be provided so as to be slidable relative to the carriage, with these cap members covering the liquid discharge heads 22.

[0158] The embodiments have been described above with reference to specific examples. However, this disclosure is not limited to these specific examples. Modifications made to these specific examples by those skilled in the art are also included within the scope of this disclosure, as long as they retain the features of this disclosure. The elements and their arrangement, conditions, shapes, etc., of each of the aforementioned specific examples are not limited to those illustrated and can be modified as appropriate. The elements of each of the aforementioned specific examples can be combined in different ways as appropriate, as long as no technical inconsistencies arise.

[0159] A "liquid dispensing head" is a functional component that dispenses or sprays liquid from a nozzle. The dispensed liquid can be any liquid that has the viscosity and surface tension to be dispensed from the head, and is not particularly limited, but it is preferable that its viscosity becomes 30 mPa·s or less at room temperature and atmospheric pressure, or when heated or cooled. More specifically, it is a solution, suspension, emulsion containing a solvent such as water or an organic solvent, a colorant such as a dye or pigment, a polymerizable compound, a functional material such as a resin or surfactant, a biocompatible material such as DNA, amino acids or proteins, calcium, or an edible material such as a natural pigment. These can be used, for example, in inkjet inks, surface treatment liquids, components for electronic elements and light-emitting elements, liquids for forming electronic circuit resist patterns, and material liquids for 3D molding.

[0160] The energy sources used to discharge liquid include piezoelectric actuators (multilayer piezoelectric elements and thin-film piezoelectric elements), thermal actuators that use electrothermal conversion elements such as heating resistors, and electrostatic actuators consisting of a diaphragm and a counter electrode.

[0161] A "liquid dispensing unit" is a collection of components related to liquid dispensing, in which functional parts and mechanisms are integrated with a liquid dispensing head. For example, a "liquid dispensing unit" may include a combination of a liquid dispensing head with at least one of the following components: a head tank, carriage, supply mechanism, maintenance and recovery mechanism, and main scanning and moving mechanism.

[0162] Here, integration includes, for example, cases where the liquid dispensing head and functional components or mechanisms are fixed to each other by fastening, bonding, engaging, etc., or where one is held movably relative to the other. Furthermore, the liquid dispensing head and functional components or mechanisms may be configured to be detachable from each other.

[0163] For example, some liquid dispensing units have a liquid dispensing head and head tank integrated into one unit. Others have a liquid dispensing head and head tank integrated into one unit, connected to each other by tubes or similar means. In these liquid dispensing units, a unit including a filter can also be added between the head tank and the liquid dispensing head.

[0164] Additionally, some liquid dispensing units have an integrated liquid dispensing head and carriage.

[0165] Furthermore, some liquid dispensing units integrate the liquid dispensing head and the scanning mechanism by movably holding the liquid dispensing head in a guide member that constitutes part of the scanning mechanism. Others integrate the liquid dispensing head, carriage, and main scanning mechanism.

[0166] Furthermore, some liquid dispensing units integrate the liquid dispensing head, carriage, and maintenance / recovery mechanism by fixing a cap component, which is part of the maintenance / recovery mechanism, to a carriage to which the liquid dispensing head is attached.

[0167] Furthermore, some liquid discharge units have a head tank or a liquid discharge head to which flow path components are attached, to which a tube is connected, integrating the liquid discharge head and the supply mechanism. Through this tube, the liquid from the liquid storage source is supplied to the liquid discharge head.

[0168] The main scanning movement mechanism shall include the guide member alone. The supply mechanism shall also include the tube alone and the loading section alone.

[0169] In this application, "liquid dispensing device" refers to a device that includes a liquid dispensing head or liquid dispensing unit and drives the liquid dispensing head to dispense liquid. A liquid dispensing device includes not only devices that can dispense liquid onto objects to which liquid can adhere, but also devices that dispense liquid into air or into liquid.

[0170] This "liquid dispensing device" may also include means for feeding, transporting, and dispensing paper onto materials to which liquid can adhere, as well as pre-treatment devices, post-treatment devices, etc.

[0171] For example, "devices that dispense liquids" include image forming machines, which dispense ink to form images on paper, and three-dimensional molding machines, which dispense molding liquid into a powder layer formed in layers to create three-dimensional objects.

[0172] Furthermore, "devices that dispense liquid" are not limited to those that visualize meaningful images such as letters or figures through the dispensed liquid. For example, devices that form patterns that do not have meaning in themselves, or devices that create three-dimensional images, are also included.

[0173] The term "materials to which liquid can adhere" above refers to materials to which liquid can adhere, at least temporarily, including materials that adhere and solidify, or materials that adhere and penetrate. Specific examples include recording media such as paper, recording paper, film, and cloth; electronic components such as electronic circuit boards and piezoelectric elements; powder layers; organ models; and inspection cells. Unless otherwise specified, it includes all materials to which liquid can adhere.

[0174] The materials referred to as "materials to which liquid can adhere" above include paper, thread, fibers, fabrics, leather, metal, plastic, glass, wood, ceramics, etc., as long as liquid can adhere to them, even temporarily.

[0175] Furthermore, the "liquid" is not particularly limited, as long as it has the viscosity and surface tension to be dispensed from the head, but it is preferable that its viscosity becomes 30 mPa·s or less at room temperature and atmospheric pressure, or when heated or cooled. More specifically, it is a solution, suspension, emulsion, etc. containing a solvent such as water or an organic solvent, a colorant such as a dye or pigment, a polymerizable compound, a resin, a functional material such as a surfactant, a biocompatible material such as DNA, amino acids or proteins, calcium, or an edible material such as a natural pigment. These can be used, for example, as inkjet inks, surface treatment liquids, liquids for forming components of electronic elements and light-emitting elements or electronic circuit resist patterns, and material liquids for 3D molding.

[0176] Furthermore, "liquid dispensing devices" include devices in which the liquid dispensing head and the surface to which the liquid can adhere move relative to each other, but are not limited to these. Specific examples include serial-type devices in which the liquid dispensing head moves, and line-type devices in which the liquid dispensing head does not move.

[0177] Other examples of "devices that dispense liquids" include processing liquid coating devices that dispense processing liquid onto the surface of paper for purposes such as modifying the surface of the paper, and injection granulation devices that granulate fine particles of raw materials by spraying a composition liquid, in which raw materials are dispersed in a solution, through a nozzle.

[0178] Examples of the present invention are as follows: (1) A carriage that is movable relative to a guide member of a device equipped with a liquid discharge unit, Multiple liquid dispensing heads, each equipped with a dispensing port capable of dispensing liquid, are mounted on the carriage and, at the dispensing operation position, dispense the liquid from the dispensing port onto an object; A cap member provided on the carriage and capable of covering the discharge port of at least one of the liquid discharge heads, Equipped with, The first liquid discharge head among the plurality of liquid discharge heads is movable independently of the second liquid discharge head, which is different from the first liquid discharge head, between the discharge operation position and a covered position which is different from the discharge operation position and in which the discharge port is covered by the cap member. Liquid dispensing unit. (2) The carriage is equipped with a head movement mechanism that moves the first liquid discharge head to the discharge operation position and the covering position independently of the second liquid discharge head, The liquid dispensing unit described in (1) above. (3) The plurality of liquid ejection heads perform a printing operation which includes a plurality of steps of ejecting the liquid onto the object, The head moving mechanism positions the first liquid discharge head in the discharge operation position when the first liquid discharge head is discharging the liquid, and positions the first liquid discharge head in the covering position when the first liquid discharge head is not discharging the liquid. The liquid dispensing unit described in (2) above. (4) Each of the head sections comprises one or more liquid dispensing heads, The plurality of liquid ejection heads are included in any of the head sections and perform a printing operation to eject the liquid onto the object. The plurality of head units selectively perform an ejection operation in which the liquid is ejected from the liquid ejection head during the printing operation. The head movement mechanism is provided in the head portion including the first liquid discharge head, and when the head portion performs the discharge operation, it positions the first liquid discharge head in the discharge operation position, and when another head portion performs the discharge operation, it positions the first liquid discharge head in the covering position. The liquid dispensing unit described in (2) above. (5) The head moving mechanism moves the first liquid discharge head between the discharge operation position and the covering position by rotating the first liquid discharge head about an axis that extends in a direction intersecting the direction of opposition between the first liquid discharge head and the object at the discharge operation position. The liquid dispensing unit described in (2) above. (6) The head moving mechanism is A rotating shaft is coupled to the first liquid discharge head and is rotatable integrally with the first liquid discharge head about the axis thereof, A drive source that rotates the rotating shaft to move the first liquid discharge head between the discharge operation position and the covering position, Equipped with, The liquid dispensing unit described in (5) above. (7) The head moving mechanism moves the first liquid discharge head between the discharge operation position and the covering position by reciprocating the first liquid discharge head in a straight line. The liquid dispensing unit described in (2) above. (8) The head moving mechanism is An elastic member that performs, by elastic force, one of the following actions: moving the first liquid discharge head from the discharge operation position to the covering position, and moving the first liquid discharge head from the covering position to the discharge operation position. A drive mechanism having a drive source that generates a driving force, which performs the other of the movement of the covering position of the first liquid discharge head and the movement of the discharge operation position of the first liquid discharge head by the driving force against the elastic force, Equipped with, The liquid dispensing unit described in (7) above. (9) A mechanism mounted on the carriage, which moves the cap member to a covering position that covers the first liquid discharge head at the covering position, in conjunction with the movement of the first liquid discharge head from the discharge operation position to the covering position by the head moving mechanism, The liquid dispensing unit described in (2) above. (10) The head moving mechanism moves the first liquid discharge head between the discharge operation position and the covering position by rotating the first liquid discharge head about an axis that extends in a direction intersecting the direction in which the first liquid discharge head and the object are facing each other at the discharge operation position, The cap member moves in a straight line relative to the first liquid discharge head located at the covering position, thereby moving between the covered position and an open position spaced apart from the discharge port. The interlocking mechanism includes a motion conversion mechanism that converts the rotational motion of the first liquid discharge head into the linear motion of the cap member. The liquid dispensing unit described in (9) above. (11) The motion conversion mechanism is a link mechanism that includes the first liquid discharge head as a link. The liquid dispensing unit described in (10) above. (12) A member movement mechanism is provided for moving the cap member between a covered position in which the cap member covers the discharge port of the first liquid discharge head located in the covered position, and an open position in which the cap member is further away from the first liquid discharge head in the covered position than in the covered position. The liquid dispensing unit described in (1) above. (13) The member moving mechanism is An elastic member that performs one of the following actions by elastic force: moving the cap member from the covered position to the open position, or moving the cap member from the open position to the covered position. A drive mechanism having a drive source that generates a driving force, which performs the other of the movement of the cap member to the open position and the movement of the cap member to the covered position by the driving force against the elastic force, Equipped with, The liquid dispensing unit described in (12) above. (14) A unit movement mechanism is provided for moving the movable unit, which includes the cap member, the elastic member, and the drive mechanism, to the inside of the movement area of ​​the first liquid discharge head and to the outside of the movement area. The liquid dispensing unit described in (13) above. (15) The member movement mechanism includes an elastic member that presses the cap member in the covering position against the first liquid discharge head in the covering position by elastic force, The liquid dispensing unit described in (12) above. (16) The liquid discharged from one of the liquid discharge heads is different from the liquid discharged from at least one of the other liquid discharge heads. The liquid dispensing unit described in (1) above. (17) The discharge operation position is the position in which the discharge port faces the object, The covering position is such that the discharge port is further away from the object than when the liquid discharge head is in the discharge operation position. The liquid dispensing unit described in (1) above. (18) A liquid dispensing unit according to any one of (1) to (17) above, A control unit that controls the liquid dispensing unit, A device for dispensing liquid, equipped with [a specific feature / feature]. [Explanation of symbols]

[0179] 1. Printing apparatus (a device that dispenses liquid, an apparatus) 16. Controller board (control unit) 20 Liquid Dispensing Units 22 Liquid dispensing heads (first liquid dispensing head, second liquid dispensing head) 22A Pre-treatment head (liquid discharge head, first liquid discharge head, second liquid discharge head) 22B White head (liquid discharge head, first liquid discharge head, second liquid discharge head) 22C Color Head (Liquid Dispensing Head, First Liquid Dispensing Head, Second Liquid Dispensing Head) 22c outlet 23 Carriage 30,31 Guide members 50 Head movement mechanism 52 Rotating shafts 53, 68, 86 Power source 60 Cap component 61 Member movement mechanism 63, 66, 70 Elastic members 64 Drive mechanism 71 Drive mechanism 81 Unit Movement Mechanism 90 Interlocking mechanism 91 Motion conversion mechanism Ax1~Ax3 axis center G Object L1, L2 straight line P1 Discharge operation position P2 Covering position P3 cover position P4 open position R1 moving area [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0180] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 10-44442

Claims

1. A single carriage that is movable relative to a guide member of a device equipped with a liquid dispensing unit, Multiple liquid dispensing heads, each equipped with a dispensing port capable of dispensing liquid, are mounted on the carriage and, at the dispensing operation position, dispense the liquid from the dispensing port onto an object; A cap member provided on the carriage and capable of covering the discharge port of at least one of the liquid discharge heads, Equipped with, The first liquid discharge head among the plurality of liquid discharge heads is movable independently of the second liquid discharge head, which is different from the first liquid discharge head, between the discharge operation position and a covered position that is different from the discharge operation position and in which the discharge port is covered by the cap member. Liquid dispensing unit.

2. The carriage is equipped with a head movement mechanism that moves the first liquid discharge head to the discharge operation position and the covering position independently of the second liquid discharge head. The liquid dispensing unit according to claim 1.

3. The plurality of liquid dispensing heads perform a printing operation which includes a plurality of steps of dispensing the liquid onto the object. The head moving mechanism positions the first liquid discharge head in the discharge operation position when the first liquid discharge head is discharging the liquid, and positions the first liquid discharge head in the covering position when the first liquid discharge head is not discharging the liquid. The liquid dispensing unit according to claim 2.

4. Each comprises multiple head sections, each including one or more of the aforementioned liquid dispensing heads. The plurality of liquid ejection heads are included in any of the head sections and perform a printing operation in which the liquid is ejected onto the object. The plurality of head units selectively perform an ejection operation in which the liquid is ejected from the liquid ejection head during the printing operation. The head movement mechanism is provided in the head portion including the first liquid discharge head, and when the head portion performs the discharge operation, it positions the first liquid discharge head in the discharge operation position, and when another head portion performs the discharge operation, it positions the first liquid discharge head in the covering position. The liquid dispensing unit according to claim 2.

5. The head movement mechanism moves the first liquid discharge head between the discharge operation position and the coating position by rotating the first liquid discharge head about an axis extending in a direction intersecting the direction in which the first liquid discharge head and the object are facing each other at the discharge operation position. The liquid dispensing unit according to claim 2.

6. The head moving mechanism is A rotating shaft is coupled to the first liquid discharge head and is rotatable integrally with the first liquid discharge head about the axis, A drive source that rotates the rotating shaft to move the first liquid discharge head between the discharge operation position and the coating position, Equipped with, The liquid dispensing unit according to claim 5.

7. The head movement mechanism moves the first liquid discharge head between the discharge operation position and the coating position by reciprocating the first liquid discharge head in a straight line. The liquid dispensing unit according to claim 2.

8. The head moving mechanism is An elastic member that performs, by elastic force, one of the following actions: moving the first liquid discharge head from the discharge operation position to the covering position, and moving the first liquid discharge head from the covering position to the discharge operation position. A drive mechanism having a drive source that generates a driving force, which performs the other of the movement of the covering position of the first liquid discharge head and the movement of the discharge operation position of the first liquid discharge head by the driving force against the elastic force, Equipped with, The liquid dispensing unit according to claim 7.

9. The carriage is equipped with an interlocking mechanism that moves the cap member to a covering position that covers the first liquid discharge head at the covering position, in conjunction with the movement of the first liquid discharge head from the discharge operation position to the covering position by the head moving mechanism. The liquid dispensing unit according to claim 2.

10. The head movement mechanism moves the first liquid discharge head between the discharge operation position and the coating position by rotating the first liquid discharge head about an axis extending in a direction intersecting the direction of opposition between the first liquid discharge head and the object at the discharge operation position. The cap member moves in a straight line relative to the first liquid discharge head located at the covering position, thereby moving between the covered position and an open position spaced apart from the discharge port. The interlocking mechanism includes a motion conversion mechanism that converts the rotational motion of the first liquid discharge head into the linear motion of the cap member. The liquid dispensing unit according to claim 9.

11. The motion conversion mechanism is a link mechanism that includes the first liquid discharge head as a link. The liquid dispensing unit according to claim 10.

12. The cap member is provided with a member movement mechanism that moves the cap member between a covered position in which the cap member covers the discharge port of the first liquid discharge head located at the covered position, and an open position in which the cap member is further away from the first liquid discharge head at the covered position than in the covered position. The liquid dispensing unit according to claim 1.

13. The aforementioned member moving mechanism is An elastic member that performs one of the following actions by elastic force: moving the cap member from the covered position to the open position, or moving the cap member from the open position to the covered position. A drive mechanism having a drive source that generates a driving force, which performs the other of the movement of the cap member to the open position and the movement of the cap member to the covered position by the driving force against the elastic force, Equipped with, The liquid dispensing unit according to claim 12.

14. The movable unit, which includes the cap member, the elastic member, and the drive mechanism, is provided with a unit movement mechanism that moves it between the inside of the movement area of ​​the first liquid discharge head and the outside of the movement area. The liquid dispensing unit according to claim 13.

15. The member movement mechanism includes an elastic member that uses elastic force to press the cap member in the covering position against the first liquid discharge head in the covering position. The liquid dispensing unit according to claim 12.

16. The liquid discharged from one of the liquid discharge heads is different from the liquid discharged from at least one of the other liquid discharge heads. The liquid dispensing unit according to claim 1.

17. The aforementioned discharge operation position is the position in which the discharge port faces the object. The covering position is such that the discharge port is further away from the object than when the liquid discharge head is in the discharge operation position. The liquid dispensing unit according to claim 1.

18. A liquid dispensing unit according to any one of claims 1 to 17, A control unit for controlling the liquid dispensing unit, A device for dispensing liquid, equipped with [a specific feature / feature].

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