Maintenance unit

Abstract

This maintenance unit helps to make it easier to remove accumulated material from the cleaning tank. [Solution] The maintenance unit 4 is a tank having an inner surface 50A that defines a tank space 61, and comprises a cleaning tank 60 in which a cleaning liquid for cleaning a wiper 82 that wipes off deposits from the nozzle surface of an inkjet head is stored in the tank space 61, and the wiper 82 is positioned in the tank space 61, and a first supply port 58 for supplying the cleaning liquid to the tank space 61. The inner surface 50A includes an opposing surface 56D that faces the first supply port 58 in the first supply direction in which the cleaning liquid is supplied from the first supply port 58 to the tank space 61. The opposing surface 56D intersects with a first imaginary line V1 that passes through the first supply port 58 and extends in the first supply direction at an angle other than a right angle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a maintenance unit.

Background Art

[0002] The printer described in Patent Document 1 includes an inkjet head, a wiper, and a cleaning tank. The inkjet head has a nozzle surface. The wiper wipes off deposits from the nozzle surface. The cleaning tank stores a cleaning liquid. The printer cleans the wiper with the cleaning liquid inside the cleaning tank.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the above printer, there is a possibility that the deposits wiped off by the wiper may accumulate in the cleaning tank as accumulated matter. The accumulated matter that has accumulated in the cleaning tank may become difficult to remove from the inside of the cleaning tank.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a maintenance unit that contributes to facilitating removal of accumulated matter accumulated inside a cleaning tank from the interior of the cleaning tank.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A maintenance unit according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a tank having an inner surface that defines a tank space, a cleaning tank that stores a cleaning liquid for cleaning a wiper that wipes off deposits from the nozzle surface of an inkjet head, and the wiper is positioned in the tank space, and a first supply port for supplying the cleaning liquid to the tank space, wherein the inner surface includes a facing surface that faces the first supply port in a first supply direction in which the cleaning liquid is supplied from the first supply port to the tank space, and the facing surface intersects a first imaginary line that passes through the first supply port and extends in the first supply direction at an angle different from a right angle.

[0007] Since the opposing surface intersects the first imaginary line, if cleaning fluid is supplied into the tank space from the first supply port, the cleaning fluid will hit the opposing surface. Because the angle at which the opposing surface intersects the first imaginary line is not a right angle, the cleaning fluid that hits the opposing surface will bounce off the opposing surface toward a position different from the first supply port. Therefore, compared to a configuration where the opposing surface is perpendicular to the first imaginary line, the deposits accumulated in the tank space due to adhering materials are more easily stirred up by the flow of the supplied cleaning fluid. Thus, the maintenance unit contributes to making it easier to remove the deposits from inside the cleaning tank.

[0008] In the maintenance unit, the inner surface includes a bottom surface and a side surface extending upward from the bottom surface, the side surface includes the opposing surface, and the opposing surface may intersect the first imaginary line at the angle when viewed from above.

[0009] Because the opposing surface intersects the first imaginary line at an angle different from a right angle when viewed from above, the cleaning fluid bounced off the opposing surface causes a flow in the cleaning fluid within the tank space in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction when viewed from above. Because a flow occurs in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction when viewed from above, the accumulated material is easily stirred up along the bottom surface by the flow of the supplied cleaning fluid. Because the accumulated material is easily stirred up along the bottom surface, the accumulation of material in a part of the bottom surface is suppressed. Therefore, the maintenance unit further contributes to making it easier to remove accumulated material from inside the cleaning tank.

[0010] In the maintenance unit, the inner surface includes a bottom surface, and the bottom surface may include an inclined surface that extends upward as it moves away from the first supply port in the first supply direction.

[0011] Since the inclined surface extends upward as it moves away from the first supply port in the first supply direction, if cleaning fluid is supplied into the tank space from the first supply port, an upward flow is likely to occur. This upward flow of cleaning fluid makes it easier to stir up accumulated material. Therefore, the maintenance unit further contributes to making it easier to remove accumulated material from inside the cleaning tank.

[0012] The maintenance unit may include a storage tank for storing the cleaning fluid, a first supply channel connecting the first supply port to each other, and a solenoid valve positioned in the first supply channel.

[0013] When the state of the solenoid valve switches, the volume of the first supply channel changes instantaneously. At the moment the volume of the first supply channel changes, cleaning fluid is drawn from the tank space into the first supply channel, or cleaning fluid is discharged from the first supply channel into the tank space. Therefore, if suction or discharge of cleaning fluid occurs, the impact of the suction or discharge of cleaning fluid is likely to stir up the accumulated material. Thus, the maintenance unit further contributes to making it easier to remove accumulated material from inside the cleaning tank.

[0014] The maintenance unit includes a control unit, and the control unit may, based on the conditions for supplying the cleaning fluid from the storage tank to the tank space, switch the state of the solenoid valve from one of the open state and the other before supplying the cleaning fluid from the storage tank to the tank space with the solenoid valve open.

[0015] Before the cleaning fluid is supplied to the tank space, the state of the solenoid valve switches from one open state to the other, so the cleaning fluid is supplied to the tank space from the first supply port with the accumulated material stirred up by the impact of the suction or discharge of the cleaning fluid. Therefore, the accumulated material is more easily stirred up by the supplied cleaning fluid. Thus, the maintenance unit further contributes to making it easier to remove the accumulated material from inside the cleaning tank.

[0016] The maintenance unit may include a storage tank for storing the cleaning fluid, a first supply channel connecting the storage tank and the first supply port, and a first pump positioned in the first supply channel.

[0017] The operation of the first pump increases the velocity of the cleaning fluid flowing through the first supply channel. Therefore, compared to a configuration without a first pump, where the cleaning fluid is supplied from the storage tank to the tank space by, for example, the head difference between the storage tank and the cleaning tank, the accumulated material is more easily stirred up by the supplied cleaning fluid. Consequently, the maintenance unit further contributes to making it easier to remove accumulated material from inside the cleaning tank.

[0018] In the maintenance unit, the opposing surface may intersect the first virtual line at the angle at which the wiper, which is positioned in the tank space, is positioned, in the direction in which the first virtual line is reflected by the opposing surface.

[0019] Since the wiper is positioned so that the first virtual line reflects off the opposing surface, the cleaning fluid bounced off the opposing surface flows towards the wiper. Any deposits adhering to the wiper are removed by the flow of the cleaning fluid. Therefore, the maintenance unit contributes to improving the cleaning power of the wiper by the cleaning fluid.

[0020] The maintenance unit includes a second supply port for supplying the cleaning fluid to the tank space, and the second supply port may be positioned such that, in the second supply direction in which the cleaning fluid is supplied from the second supply port to the tank space, a second imaginary line passing through the second supply port and extending in the second supply direction passes through the wiper located in the tank space.

[0021] Since the second virtual line passes through the wiper, the cleaning liquid supplied from the second supply port into the tank space flows toward the wiper. Deposits adhering to the wiper are removed from the wiper by the flow of the cleaning liquid. Accordingly, the maintenance unit contributes to improving the cleaning power of the cleaning liquid for the wiper.

[0022] The maintenance unit may include a connection flow path extending from a storage tank storing the cleaning liquid to a connection point, a first supply flow path extending from the connection point to the first supply port, a second supply flow path extending from the connection point to the second supply port, and a common pump disposed in the connection flow path.

[0023] Since the common pump is disposed in the connection flow path, when the common pump is driven, the cleaning liquid flows through each of the first supply flow path and the second supply flow path. Accordingly, the maintenance unit contributes to suppressing an increase in the number of pumps.

[0024] The maintenance unit may include a storage tank storing the cleaning liquid, a first supply flow path connecting the storage tank and the first supply port to each other, a first pump disposed in the first supply flow path, a second supply flow path connecting the storage tank and the second supply port to each other, and a second pump disposed in the second supply flow path.

[0025] Since the first pump is disposed in the first supply flow path, when the first pump is driven, the cleaning liquid flows from the storage tank through the first supply flow path. Since the second pump is disposed in the second supply flow path, when the second pump is driven, the cleaning liquid flows from the storage tank through the second supply flow path. When both the first pump and the second pump are driven, the cleaning liquid flows through each of the first supply flow path and the second supply flow path. Accordingly, the maintenance unit contributes to selecting whether to cause the cleaning liquid to flow through the first supply flow path, to flow through the second supply flow path, or to flow through both the first supply flow path and the second supply flow path.

[0026] The maintenance unit may include a storage tank that stores the cleaning liquid, a first supply flow path that connects the storage tank and the first supply port to each other, a second supply flow path that connects the storage tank and the second supply port to each other, and a control unit. The control unit may supply the cleaning liquid from the storage tank to the tank space via the second supply flow path before or after performing a wiping operation of wiping the nozzle surface with the wiper, based on the establishment of a wipe condition for performing the wiping operation, and may supply the cleaning liquid from the storage tank to the tank space via the first supply flow path based on the establishment of a supply condition that is different from the wipe condition and for supplying the cleaning liquid from the storage tank to the tank space.

[0027] The control unit selectively executes supplying the cleaning liquid from the storage tank to the tank space via the first supply flow path or supplying the cleaning liquid from the storage tank to the tank space via the second supply flow path, according to whether the established condition is the wipe condition or the supply condition. In the supply via the first supply flow path, accumulated matter is easily stirred up. In the supply via the second supply flow path, deposits on the wiper easily fall off the wiper. Therefore, the maintenance unit contributes to executing either the operation of stirring up accumulated matter or the operation of removing deposits on the wiper from the wiper, according to the type of the established condition. [Brief Description of the Drawings]

[0028] [Figure 1] It is a perspective view of the printer 1. [Figure 2] It is a cross-sectional view taken along the line II-II shown in FIG. 1 in a state where the first wiper 82 and the second wiper 83 are in the immersion posture. [Figure 3] It is a cross-sectional view taken along the line II-II shown in FIG. 1 in a state where the first wiper 82 and the second wiper 83 are in the wiping posture. [Figure 4] It is a perspective view of the maintenance unit 4. [Figure 5] It is a perspective view of the maintenance unit 4. [Figure 6] It is a rear view of the maintenance unit 4. [Figure 7]Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the maintenance unit 4 in the direction of the line VII-VII. [Figure 8] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the maintenance unit 4 in the direction of the line VIII-VIII shown. [Figure 9] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the maintenance unit 4 in the direction of the IX-IX line. [Figure 10] This is a diagram showing the flow path configuration of maintenance unit 4. [Figure 11] This is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of printer 1. [Figure 12] This is a flowchart of the main process. [Figure 13] Figure 11 is a flowchart showing the continuation of the main process. [Figure 14] This is a diagram showing the flow path configuration of maintenance unit 4A. [Figure 15] This is a diagram showing the flow path configuration of maintenance unit 4B. [Figure 16] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the maintenance unit 4C in the direction of the line VIII-VIII shown. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0029] A printer 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The top, bottom, lower left, upper right, lower right, and upper left of the printer 1 correspond to the top, bottom, front, rear, right, and left sides of the printer 1, respectively. In this embodiment, the mechanical elements in the drawings are shown to actual scale.

[0030] The printer 1 shown in Figure 1 is an inkjet printer. Printer 1 prints by ejecting ink onto a printing medium. The printing medium can be fabric, paper, etc. For example, a T-shirt can be used as the printing medium. Printer 1 can print color images onto the printing medium using five colors of ink: white, black, yellow, cyan, and magenta.

[0031] In the following, the white ink among the five ink colors will be referred to as "white ink." The four inks of black, cyan, yellow, and magenta among the five ink colors will be referred to collectively as "color ink," or if none of them are specified, they will be referred to as "color ink." When referring to both white ink and color ink collectively, or if none of them are specified, they will simply be referred to as "ink."

[0032] White ink is used in printing to represent the white areas of an image or as a base for color inks. Color inks are dispensed directly onto the printing medium or onto a white ink base and are used to print color images.

[0033] Referring to Figure 1, the schematic configuration of printer 1 will be described. Printer 1 comprises a frame 2 and a platen 12. The frame 2 is constructed in a grid pattern by multiple plates and multiple shafts extending in the front-to-back, left-to-right, or up-and-down directions.

[0034] An opening 13 is formed in the frame 2. The opening 13 is located in the center of the frame 2 when viewed from the front. The opening 13 extends rearward from the front end of the frame 2.

[0035] The platen 12 is positioned inside the opening 13 when viewed from the front. The platen 12 is plate-shaped. The platen 12 extends in the front-back, left-right, and right directions. A printing medium is placed on the platen 12. The platen 12 is supported from below by a support part 14.

[0036] The support portion 14 is fixed to the frame 2 within the opening 13. The support portion 14 includes a shaft. The support portion 14 extends in the front-rear direction.

[0037] The platen 12 moves in the front-rear direction along the support portion 14 by the drive of the sub-scanning motor 97 shown in Figure 11. Therefore, in this embodiment, the front-rear direction is the sub-scanning direction.

[0038] A pair of guide shafts 21 and 22 are fixed to the upper end of the frame 2. Guide shaft 21 is positioned at the front end of the frame 2. Guide shaft 21 extends horizontally from the left end to the right end of the frame 2.

[0039] Guide shaft 22 is positioned approximately in the center of the frame 2 in the front-to-back direction. Guide shaft 22 is located behind guide shaft 21. Guide shaft 22 extends horizontally from the left end to the right end of the frame 2. Guide shafts 21 and 22 support the carriage 6.

[0040] The carriage 6 is plate-shaped. The carriage 6 extends in the front-rear, left-right, and right directions. The carriage 6 extends from guide shaft 21 to guide shaft 22.

[0041] A drive belt 98 is connected to the carriage 6. The drive belt 98 is positioned on the guide shaft 21. The drive belt 98 extends in the left-right direction.

[0042] The drive belt 98 moves the carriage 6 along the guide shafts 21 and 22 in the left-right direction, driven by the main scanning motor 99 shown in Figure 11. Therefore, in this embodiment, the left-right direction is the main scanning direction. Figure 1 shows the state in which the carriage 6 is located at the left end of the range of motion.

[0043] The carriage 6 is equipped with heads 3A and 3B. Head 3A is located at the rear of the carriage 6. Head 3B is positioned in front of head 3A.

[0044] Heads 3A and 3B are inkjet heads. Head 3A has a nozzle surface 30 as shown in Figure 2. The nozzle surface 30 is located on the underside of head 3A. The nozzle surface 30 is exposed downwards from the opening of the carriage 6.

[0045] The nozzle surface 30 has a plurality of nozzles 31 as shown in Figure 2. The head 3A ejects white ink from the plurality of nozzles 31.

[0046] Head 3B has the same configuration as head 3A. In this embodiment, the type of ink ejected by head 3B is different from the type of ink ejected by head 3A. Head 3B ejects color ink from its nozzles.

[0047] In the above configuration, the heads 3A and 3B move horizontally together with the carriage 6. The area where the movement path of the platen 12 in the horizontal direction and the movement paths of the heads 3A and 3B in the front-to-back direction overlap vertically is called the "printing area 18". The area of ​​the movement paths of the heads 3A and 3B to the left of the movement path of the platen 12 is called the "non-printing area 19". When the heads 3A and 3B and the platen 12 are located in the printing area 18, the platen 12 and the heads 3A and 3B face each other vertically.

[0048] The printer 1 transports the printing medium relative to the heads 3A and 3B in the front-to-back and left-to-right directions within the printing area 18. In this embodiment, the printer 1 moves the platen 12 in the front-to-back direction, i.e., the sub-scanning direction, by driving the sub-scanning motor 97 shown in Figure 10 within the printing area 18. Furthermore, the printer 1 moves the carriage 6 in the left-to-right direction, i.e., the main scanning direction, by driving the main scanning motor 99 shown in Figure 10.

[0049] The operation in which the carriage 6 moves left and right while ejecting white ink from head 3A or color ink from head 3B is called "ejection scanning." Printer 1 prints on the printing medium by repeating ejection scanning and the movement of the platen 12 in the forward and backward directions. For example, during ejection scanning, printer 1 ejects white ink from head 3A to form a base layer on the printing medium. During ejection scanning, printer 1 ejects color ink from head 3B to print a color image on top of the base layer formed on the printing medium.

[0050] Referring to Figures 2 and 3, the configuration of the non-printing area 19 will be described. The printer 1 includes a maintenance unit 4 and another maintenance unit. Maintenance unit 4 and the other maintenance unit are each located in the non-printing area 19.

[0051] The maintenance unit 4 comprises a maintenance box 50 and a wiper unit 80. The maintenance box 50 and the wiper unit 80 are each positioned below the movement path of the head 3A. The maintenance box 50 is fixed to the frame 2. The wiper unit 80 is supported by the maintenance box 50. The maintenance unit 4 maintains the head 3A.

[0052] Another maintenance unit is positioned in front of maintenance unit 4. The maintenance box and wiper unit of this other maintenance unit are located below the movement path of head 3B. This other maintenance unit maintains head 3B as shown in Figure 1. The configuration of this other maintenance unit is the same as that of maintenance unit 4, so a description of this other maintenance unit is omitted.

[0053] Refer to Figures 2 to 9 to describe the details of the maintenance unit 4. As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the maintenance box 50 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape with an opening at the top. The maintenance box 50 comprises a bottom plate 51, a front plate 52, a rear plate 53, a left plate 54, a right plate 55, a middle plate 56, and a support plate 57 as shown in Figure 5.

[0054] The base plate 51 extends in a manner that intersects with the vertical direction. The base plate 51 has a rectangular shape when viewed from above.

[0055] The front plate 52 extends upward from the front end of the bottom plate 51.

[0056] The rear plate 53 extends upward from the rear end of the bottom plate 51.

[0057] The left plate 54 extends upward from the left edge of the bottom plate 51. The front end of the left plate 54 is connected to the left edge of the front plate 52. The rear end of the left plate 54 is connected to the left edge of the rear plate 53.

[0058] The right plate 55 extends upward from the right edge of the bottom plate 51. The front end of the right plate 55 is connected to the right edge of the front plate 52. The rear end of the right plate 55 is connected to the right edge of the rear plate 53.

[0059] The middle plate 56 extends upward from the center of the bottom plate 51 in the left-right direction. The middle plate 56 is positioned between the left plate 54 and the right plate 55 in the left-right direction. The front end of the middle plate 56 is connected to the front plate 52. The rear end of the middle plate 56 is connected to the support plate 57.

[0060] The support plate 57 is positioned near the rear of the front plate 52. The support plate 57 extends upward from the bottom plate 51. The support plate 57 extends so as to intersect with the front-to-back direction. The left end of the support plate 57 is connected to the left plate 54. The right end of the support plate 57 is positioned to the right of the middle plate 56.

[0061] The maintenance box 50 includes a cleaning tank 60 and a discharge section 70. The cleaning tank 60 comprises a portion of the bottom plate 51 to the left of the middle plate 56, a portion of the rear plate 53 to the left of the middle plate 56, a portion of the support plate 57 to the left of the middle plate 56, the middle plate 56, and the left plate 54.

[0062] The discharge section 70 comprises the bottom plate 51, the front plate 52, the rear plate 53, the portion of the rear plate 53 to the right of the middle plate 56, the middle plate 56, and the right plate 55.

[0063] The base plate 51 has a bottom surface 51A and a bottom surface 51B. Bottom surface 51A is the part of the base plate 51 that faces upward and is to the left of the middle plate 56. Bottom surface 51B is the part of the base plate 51 that faces upward and is to the right of the middle plate 56.

[0064] The rear plate 53 has a rear side surface 53A as shown in Figure 4. The rear side surface 53A is the front-facing surface of the rear plate 53. The rear side surface 53A is the part of the rear plate 53 to the left of the middle plate 56.

[0065] The left plate 54 has a left side surface 54A. The left side surface 54A is the side of the left plate 54 that faces to the right.

[0066] The support plate 57 has a front side surface 57A. The front side surface 57A is the rearward-facing surface of the support plate 57. The front side surface 57A is the part of the support plate 57 to the left of the middle plate 56.

[0067] The intermediate plate 56 has a right side surface 56A. The right side surface 56A is the surface of the intermediate plate 56 that faces left, forward, or in any direction.

[0068] The right side surface 56A includes a supply surface 56B, a discharge surface 56C, and an opposing surface 56D.

[0069] The supply surface 56B is located at the rear of the right side surface 56A. The supply surface 56B faces forward.

[0070] The discharge surface 56C extends forward from the right end of the supply surface 56B. The discharge surface 56C faces to the left.

[0071] The opposing surface 56D extends forward from the front end of the discharge surface 56C towards the left. The opposing surface 56D faces diagonally backward to the left.

[0072] The cleaning tank 60 has an inner surface 50A. In this embodiment, the inner surface 50A includes the bottom surface 51A, the front side surface 57A, the rear side surface 53A, the left side surface 54A, and the right side surface 56A. Therefore, the inner surface 50A includes the opposing surface 56D.

[0073] The inner surface 50A is divided into a bottom surface 51A and a side surface 50B. The bottom surface 51A is the surface that forms the lower end of the inner surface 50A.

[0074] Side surface 50B is the surface of inner surface 50A that does not include the lowest edge. In other words, side surface 50B is the surface of inner surface 50A other than the bottom surface 51A. Side surface 50B extends upward from the periphery of the bottom surface 51A. Side surface 50B includes the front side surface 57A, the rear side surface 53A, the left side surface 54A, and the right side surface 56A. Therefore, side surface 50B includes the opposing surface 56D.

[0075] The inner surface 50A, that is, the bottom surface 51A, the rear side surface 52A, the front side surface 57A, the left side surface 54A, and the right side surface 56A, define the tank space 61. Hereafter, the tank space 61 may also be referred to as "inside the cleaning tank 60". The cleaning tank 60 stores the cleaning liquid 40 in the tank space 61.

[0076] The cleaning solution 40 is used to clean off deposits on the nozzle surface 30 and on the first wiper 82 and second wiper 83, which will be described later. The deposits are, for example, ink.

[0077] The intermediate plate 56 has a recess 561 and a first supply port 58. The recess 561 is recessed downward from the upper end of the discharge surface 56C. The recess 561 has a lower end 562.

[0078] The line VII-VII shown in Figure 6 passes slightly above the lower end 562 shown in Figure 7. As shown in Figure 7, the height of the lower end 562 is the lowest among the heights of the upper ends of the front side 57A, rear side 53A, left side 54A, and right side 56A. When the liquid level of the cleaning liquid 40 accumulated in the tank space 61 exceeds the height of the lower end 562, the cleaning liquid 40 flows from the tank space 61 to the discharge section 70 via the recess 561, as indicated by arrow A3. In this embodiment, "height" refers to the position in the vertical direction.

[0079] As shown in Figure 4, the first supply port 58 is located on the supply surface 56B. In the vertical direction, the distance from the lowest end of the bottom surface 51A to the first supply port 58 may be changed as appropriate. In this embodiment, the distance from the lowest end of the bottom surface 51A to the first supply port 58 is 10 mm or less.

[0080] The first supply port 58 includes an opening edge and a planar area enclosed by the opening edge. The first supply port 58 supplies cleaning liquid 40 to the tank space 61.

[0081] As shown in Figure 3, the rear plate 53 has a second supply opening 59. The second supply opening 59 is located on the rear side surface 53A. In the vertical direction, the distance from the lowest end of the bottom surface 51A to the second supply opening 59 may be changed as appropriate.

[0082] The second supply port 59 includes an opening edge and a planar area enclosed by the opening edge. The second supply port 59 supplies cleaning liquid 40 to the tank space 61.

[0083] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the front plate 52 has a support portion 521. The rear plate 53 has a support portion 531. The support plate 57 has a support portion 571. In this embodiment, the support portions 521, 531, and 571 are each recesses. The support portions 521, 531, and 571 each rotatably support the shaft 81, which will be described later.

[0084] The bottom plate 51 has a discharge port 71. The discharge port 71 is located on the bottom surface 51B. The cleaning liquid 40 discharged from the tank space 61 via the recess 561 is discharged from the discharge port 71 to the waste liquid tank.

[0085] The wiper unit 80 comprises a shaft 81, a first wiper 82 and a second wiper 83 shown in Figure 2, a plurality of gears 84, and a wiper motor 85 shown in Figure 8.

[0086] The shaft 81 extends in the front-to-back direction. The shaft 81 is rotatable.

[0087] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the first wiper 82 and the second wiper 83 are fixed to the shaft 81, respectively. The first wiper 82 and the second wiper 83 have a plate-like shape.

[0088] The first wiper 82 extends in the front-rear direction and, in a front view, extends away from the centerline of the axis 81. The first wiper 82 has a tip 821, which is the part of the first wiper 82 furthest from the axis 81. The first wiper 82 is not limited to a specific material. In this embodiment, the first wiper 82 is made of a porous material. The porous material is, for example, a foamed resin.

[0089] The second wiper 83 extends in the front-rear direction and, in a front view, extends away from the centerline of the axis 81. The second wiper 83 has a tip 831. The tip 831 is the part of the second wiper 83 furthest from the axis 81. The second wiper 83 is not limited to a specific material. In this embodiment, the second wiper 83 is made of rubber.

[0090] The first wiper 82 and the second wiper 83 each wipe away any deposits from the nozzle surface 30 of the head 3A.

[0091] In this embodiment, the water absorption capacity of the first wiper 82 is higher than that of the second wiper 83. Therefore, the first wiper 82 absorbs the cleaning solution 40 and ink more easily than, for example, the second wiper 83.

[0092] The multiple gears 84 shown in Figure 4 are connected to the wiper motor 85 shown in Figure 8 via shaft 81.

[0093] The wiper motor 85 shown in Figure 8 rotates the shaft 81 via multiple gears 84 shown in Figure 4 when driven. As the shaft 81 rotates, the positions of the first wiper 82 and the second wiper 83 switch between the immersion position shown in Figure 2 and the wiping position shown in Figure 3.

[0094] As shown in Figure 2, in the immersion position, the first wiper 82 and the second wiper 83 are positioned in the tank space 61, respectively. In the immersion position, the tip 821 of the first wiper 82 and the tip 831 of the second wiper 83 each point downwards.

[0095] In the immersion position, the second wiper 83 is positioned to the left of the first wiper 82. In the immersion position, the tip 821 of the first wiper 82 and the tip 831 of the second wiper 83 are each located below the lower end 562 of the recess 561.

[0096] Since the tips 821 and 831 are located below the lower end 562, the first wiper 82 and the second wiper 83 are positioned in the tank space 61 when immersed.

[0097] In the immersion position, when a certain amount of cleaning solution 40 has accumulated in the tank space 61, the first wiper 82 and the second wiper 83 are immersed in the cleaning solution 40 in the tank space 61.

[0098] As shown in Figure 3, in the wiping position, the tip 821 of the first wiper 82 and the tip 831 of the second wiper 83 each point upward. In the wiping position, the second wiper 83 is positioned to the right of the first wiper 82. In the wiping position, the tip 821 of the first wiper 82 and the tip 831 of the second wiper 83 are each positioned above the nozzle surface 30.

[0099] Since the tips 821 and 831 are located above the nozzle surface 30, in the wiping position, the first wiper 82 and the second wiper 83 are positioned above the tank space 61.

[0100] In the wiping position, when the head 3A is positioned above the first wiper 82 and the second wiper 83, the first wiper 82 and the second wiper 83 each contact the nozzle surface 30.

[0101] Printer 1 performs a wipe operation. During the wipe operation, the carriage 6 shown in Figure 1 moves left and right so that the head 3A passes over the first wiper 82 and the second wiper 83, with the first wiper 82 and the second wiper 83 in a wiping position. During the wipe operation, any material adhering to the nozzle surface 30 is wiped away from the nozzle surface 30 by the first wiper 82 and the second wiper 83. The wipe operation is the operation of wiping the nozzle surface 30 with the first wiper 82 and the second wiper 83.

[0102] After the wiping operation, when the first wiper 82 and the second wiper 83 are in an immersion position, the wiped-off deposits are washed away from the first wiper 82 and the second wiper 83 by the cleaning liquid 40 in the tank space 61 in the cleaning tank 60. The washed-away deposits accumulate in the tank space 61 in the cleaning tank 60. Hereinafter, the deposits accumulated in the tank space 61 in the cleaning tank 60 will be referred to as "accumulated deposits".

[0103] Referring to Figure 8, the details of the bottom surface 51A will be explained. The line VIII-VIII shown in Figure 6 passes through the first supply port 58. The first supply direction is defined by arrow A1. The first supply direction indicated by arrow A1 is the direction in which the cleaning liquid 40 is supplied from the first supply port 58 to the tank space 61. The first supply direction is perpendicular to the first supply port 58. In this embodiment, the first supply direction is from rear to front.

[0104] The base surface 51A includes the inclined surface 51C and the inclined surface 51D.

[0105] The inclined surface 51C extends downward as it moves away from the first supply port 58 in the first supply direction indicated by arrow A1, that is, as it moves forward from the first supply port 58. In this embodiment, the inclined surface 51C extends from the rear end of the bottom surface 51A to the center of the bottom surface 51A in the front-rear direction. The center of the bottom surface 51A is the lowest end of the bottom surface 51A.

[0106] The inclined surface 51D extends upward as it moves away from the first supply port 58 in the first supply direction indicated by arrow A1, that is, as it moves forward from the first supply port 58. In this embodiment, the inclined surface 51D extends from the front end of the inclined surface 51C to the front end of the bottom surface 51A.

[0107] As shown in Figure 2, the inclined surface 51C extends downwards as it moves to the right, from the left end of the base surface 51A to the right end of the base surface 51A. Similarly, the inclined surface 51D shown in Figure 8 extends downwards as it moves to the right, from the left end of the base surface 51A to the right end of the base surface 51A.

[0108] Refer to Figures 8 and 9 to describe the details of the opposing surface 56D. The IX-IX line shown in Figure 6 passes through both the first supply port 58 and the second supply port 59. Figure 9 shows the first wiper 82 and the second wiper 83 in the immersion position.

[0109] The opposing surface 56D faces the first supply port 58 in the first supply direction indicated by arrow A1.

[0110] In this embodiment, "one element facing another element in a specific direction" means that when one element is projected from a specific direction, part or all of the projection surface of one element is formed on the other element.

[0111] A first virtual line V1 is defined. The first virtual line V1 is a straight line that passes through the first supply port 58 and extends in the first supply direction indicated by arrow A1, that is, from rear to front. In Figures 8 and 9, as an example, the first virtual line V1 is shown passing through the center of the first supply port 58 when viewed from the front. When viewed from the front, the first virtual line V1 may pass through a position in the first supply port 58 other than the center. In other words, the first virtual line V1 may pass through the opening edge of the first supply port 58, or the planar region enclosed by the opening edge of the first supply port 58.

[0112] Define the reference virtual line V4. The reference virtual line V4 is perpendicular to the opposing surface 56D.

[0113] The angle of incidence θ1 is defined. The angle of incidence θ1 is the angle between the reference virtual line V4 and the first virtual line V1. The angle of incidence θ1 is acute. In other words, the opposing surface 56D intersects the first virtual line V1 at an angle that is not right. In other words, the opposing surface 56D intersects the first virtual line V1, but not perpendicularly. In this embodiment, the opposing surface 56D intersects the first virtual line V1 at an angle that is not right when viewed from above.

[0114] Define the reflection line V3. The reflection line V3 is a straight line extending in the direction in which the first reflection line V1 is reflected by the opposing surface 56D. The reflection line V3 may or may not pass through the first wiper 82. The reflection line V3 may or may not pass through the second wiper 83.

[0115] Define the reflection angle θ2. The reflection angle θ2 is the angle between the reference virtual line V4 and the reflection virtual line V3. The magnitude of the reflection angle θ2 is equal to the magnitude of the incident angle θ1. In other words, the reflection virtual line V3 is symmetric with respect to the first virtual line V1 with respect to the reference virtual line V4.

[0116] The opposing surface 56D intersects the first virtual line V1 at an angle at which the first wiper 82 is positioned in the direction in which the virtual reflection line V3 extends relative to the opposing surface 56D. The direction in which the virtual reflection line V3 extends is the direction in which the first virtual line V1 is reflected by the opposing surface 56D. In this embodiment, the direction in which the virtual reflection line V3 extends is diagonally to the left and rear.

[0117] Referring to Figures 2 and 9, the details of the placement of the second supply port 59 will be explained. The second supply direction is defined by arrow A4 in Figure 9. The second supply direction indicated by arrow A4 is the direction in which the cleaning liquid 40 is supplied from the second supply port 59 to the tank space 61. The second supply direction is perpendicular to the second supply port 59. In this embodiment, the second supply direction is parallel to the first supply direction. The second supply direction is from rear to front.

[0118] A second virtual line V2 is defined. The second virtual line V2 is a straight line that passes through the second supply port 59 and extends in the second supply direction indicated by arrow A4, that is, from rear to front. In Figures 2, 3, and 9, as an example, the second virtual line V2 is shown passing through the center of the second supply port 59 when viewed from the front. The second virtual line V2 may pass through a position in the second supply port 59 other than the center when viewed from the front. In other words, the second virtual line V2 may pass through the opening edge of the second supply port 59, or the planar region enclosed by the opening edge of the second supply port 59.

[0119] The second supply port 59 is positioned where the second virtual wire V2 passes through the first wiper 82 in the immersion position.

[0120] Referring to Figure 10, the flow path configuration of the maintenance unit 4 will be explained. The maintenance unit 4 comprises a storage tank 43, a first supply flow path 41, a first solenoid valve 411, a first pump 412, a second supply flow path 42, a second solenoid valve 421, and a second pump 422. Hereafter, the first solenoid valve 411 will be referred to as "first valve 411," and the second solenoid valve 421 will be referred to as "second valve 421."

[0121] The storage tank 43 stores the cleaning solution 40 to be supplied to the cleaning tank 60.

[0122] The first supply channel 41 is a pipe. The first supply channel 41 includes an upstream end 41A and a downstream end 41B. The first supply channel 41 extends from the upstream end 41A to the downstream end 41B. The first supply channel 41 is connected to the storage tank 43 at the upstream end 41A. The first supply channel 41 is connected to the first supply port 58 at the downstream end 41B. Therefore, the first supply channel 41 connects the storage tank 43 and the first supply port 58 to each other.

[0123] The second supply channel 42 is a pipe. The second supply channel 42 includes an upstream end 42A and a downstream end 42B. The second supply channel 42 extends from the upstream end 42A to the downstream end 42B. The second supply channel 42 is connected to the storage tank 43 at its upstream end 41A. The second supply channel 42 is connected to the second supply port 59 at its downstream end 42B. Therefore, the second supply channel 42 connects the storage tank 43 and the second supply port 59 to each other.

[0124] In the following, "upstream" refers to the direction from the downstream end 41B to the upstream end 41A in the first supply channel 41, or the direction from the downstream end 42B to the upstream end 42A in the second supply channel 42. "Downstream" refers to the direction from the upstream end 41A to the downstream end 41B in the first supply channel 41, or the direction from the upstream end 42A to the downstream end 42B in the second supply channel 42.

[0125] The first valve 411 is located in the first supply channel 41. The state of the first valve 411 switches between an open state and a closed state by switching between an energized state and an unenergized state.

[0126] The first pump 412 is located in the first supply channel 41. The first pump 412 is located upstream of the first valve 411. When driven, the first pump 412 draws cleaning fluid 40 from the storage tank 43 via the first supply channel 41 and sends the cleaning fluid 40 to the tank space 61 via the first supply channel 41.

[0127] The second valve 421 is located in the second supply channel 42. The state of the second valve 421 switches between an open state and a closed state by switching between an energized state and an unenergized state.

[0128] The second pump 422 is located in the second supply channel 42. The second pump 422 is located upstream of the second valve 421. When driven, the second pump 422 draws cleaning fluid 40 from the storage tank 43 via the second supply channel 42 and sends the cleaning fluid 40 to the tank space 61 via the second supply channel 42.

[0129] Hereafter, the first valve 411 and the second valve 421 will be collectively referred to as the "solenoid valve".

[0130] A solenoid valve comprises a body, a coil, a movable iron core, a spring, and a valve body. A space is formed inside the body. The movable iron core, spring, and valve body are arranged inside the body. The coil is attached to the body.

[0131] When the coil is not energized, the valve body is closed by the biasing force of the spring. The valve body being closed means that it blocks the flow path within the main body. The valve body being closed is synonymous with the solenoid valve being in the closed position.

[0132] When the coil is energized, the movable iron core moves, and the valve body opens against the biasing force of the spring. The state in which the valve body is open means that the valve body has opened the flow path within the main body. The state in which the valve body is open is synonymous with the solenoid valve being in the open position.

[0133] For example, when the valve body is closed, the flow path inside the main body is blocked by the valve body, so the volume of the flow path inside the main body is small. On the other hand, when the valve body is open, the flow path inside the main body is expanded by the valve body, so the volume of the flow path inside the main body increases. Therefore, when the solenoid valve is electrically switched from the open state to the closed state, the volume of the flow path inside the main body decreases instantaneously. Conversely, when the state of the solenoid valve is electrically switched from the closed state to the open state, the volume of the flow path inside the main body increases instantaneously.

[0134] Referring to Figure 11, the electrical configuration of printer 1 will be described. Printer 1 includes a control board 100. The control board 100 includes a CPU 101, a flash memory 102, and a RAM 103. The CPU 101, flash memory 102, and RAM 103 are electrically connected to each other.

[0135] CPU101 controls printer 1. CPU101 functions as a processor.

[0136] Flash memory 102 is a non-volatile memory. Flash memory 102 stores various types of data. For example, programs are stored in flash memory 102.

[0137] The program consists of computer-readable instructions. The program is executed by the CPU 101. When the program is executed by the CPU 101, it instructs the CPU 101 to perform various processes. The program includes a control program for executing the main process described later, as shown in Figures 12 and 13.

[0138] RAM103 temporarily stores various types of data. These include flags used in the main process, and data acquired, identified, calculated, generated, set, or determined during the main process.

[0139] The CPU 101 is electrically connected to the main scanning motor 99, sub-scanning motor 97, head drive unit 301, wiper motor 85, coils 411C and 421C, pump motors 412M and 422M, and the operating unit 17. The main scanning motor 99, sub-scanning motor 97, head drive unit 301, wiper motor 85, coils 411C and 421C, and pump motors 412M and 422M are driven by control from the CPU 101.

[0140] The head drive unit 301 is composed of, for example, a piezoelectric element or a heating element. The head drive unit 301 is provided in each of the multiple nozzles 31 shown in Figure 2 within the head 3A. The head drive unit 301 selectively ejects white ink from the multiple nozzles 31 to the head 3A at a timing driven by the CPU 101. Each of the multiple nozzles of the head 3B is also provided with a head drive unit for selectively ejecting color ink.

[0141] Coil 411C is positioned in the first valve 411 shown in Figure 9. When coil 411C is not energized by CPU 101, it closes the first valve 411. When coil 411C is energized by CPU 101, it opens the first valve 411.

[0142] Coil 421C is positioned in the second valve 421 shown in Figure 9. When coil 421C is not energized by CPU 101, it closes the second valve 421. When coil 421C is energized by CPU 101, it opens the second valve 421.

[0143] The pump motor 412M is positioned on the first pump 412 shown in Figure 10. The pump motor 412M is driven by the CPU 101 and performs suction using the first pump 412.

[0144] The pump motor 422M is positioned on the second pump 422 shown in Figure 10. The pump motor 422M is driven by the CPU 101 and performs suction using the second pump 422.

[0145] The control unit 17 is a user interface. The control unit 17 is a touch panel or the like. The control unit 17 outputs signals to the CPU 101 in response to user operations.

[0146] The main process will be explained with reference to Figures 11 and 12. When power is turned on to printer 1, the CPU 101 reads a control program from flash memory 102 and executes the main process. The main process controls the supply of cleaning fluid 40 from storage tank 43 to cleaning tank 60 and the wiping operation.

[0147] The CPU 101 determines whether the supply conditions for supplying cleaning fluid 40 from the storage tank 43 to the cleaning tank 60 have been met (S11). For example, the user operates the control unit 17 shown in Figure 11 and inputs a supply instruction to the printer 1. The supply conditions may include obtaining the input supply instruction. The supply conditions may also include the elapsed time since the last time the supply conditions were met reaching a certain amount. The supply conditions may also include the amount of cleaning fluid 40 in the tank space 61 being less than a certain amount. The supply conditions are different from the wipe conditions.

[0148] If the supply conditions are not met (S11: NO), the CPU 101 proceeds to the decision shown in S12 in Figure 13. Based on the fact that the supply conditions are met (S11: YES), the CPU 101 proceeds to the process in S21.

[0149] In the S21 process, the CPU 101 opens the first valve 411 shown in Figure 10 (S21).

[0150] As shown in Figure 10, when the first valve 411 opens, the volume of the flow path inside the first valve 411, that is, the volume of the first supply flow path 41, instantaneously increases. Due to the increase in volume, cleaning fluid 40 is instantaneously drawn into the first valve 411 from both upstream and downstream in the first supply direction indicated by arrow A1. The cleaning fluid 40 in the tank space 61 is drawn into the first supply flow path 41 from the first supply port 58. A flow of cleaning fluid 40 is generated in the tank space 61. The accumulated material is stirred up by the flow of cleaning fluid 40.

[0151] As shown in Figure 12, the CPU 101 closes the first valve 411 shown in Figure 10 (S22).

[0152] As shown in Figure 10, when the first valve 411 closes, the volume of the flow path inside the first valve 411, that is, the volume of the first supply flow path 41, instantaneously decreases. Due to the decrease in volume, the cleaning liquid 40 is instantaneously discharged from inside the first valve 411 in both upstream and downstream directions in the first supply direction indicated by arrow A1. The cleaning liquid 40 in the first supply flow path 41 is discharged from the first supply port 58 into the tank space 61. The discharged cleaning liquid creates a flow of cleaning liquid 40 in the tank space 61. The flow of cleaning liquid 40 stirs up the accumulated material.

[0153] In the following, the flow of cleaning fluid 40 instantaneously generated in the tank space 61 by the opening and closing of the first valve 411 will be referred to as the "impact flow caused by the first valve 411".

[0154] As shown in Figure 12, the CPU 101 opens the first valve 411 shown in Figure 10 (S23). In the process of S23, similar to the process of S21, the accumulated material is stirred up by the impact flow from the first valve 411.

[0155] The CPU 101 starts driving the first pump 412 shown in Figure 10 (S24). The first pump 412 draws cleaning liquid 40 from the storage tank 43 shown in Figure 10 via the first supply channel 41. The cleaning liquid 40 flows through the first supply channel 41 and is supplied to the tank space 61 via the first supply port 58.

[0156] In the following, the flow of cleaning fluid 40 generated in the tank space 61 by the operation of the first pump 412 will be referred to as the "main flow by the first pump 412". Unlike the impulse flow generated by the first valve 411, the main flow by the first pump 412 is not a flow that is generated instantaneously, but rather is generated continuously while the first pump 412 is operating.

[0157] As shown by arrow A1 in Figure 9, the main flow from the first pump 412 flows from the first supply port 58 along the first virtual line V1 and hits the opposite surface 56D.

[0158] Since the angle at which the opposing surface 56D intersects the first virtual line V1 is not a right angle, the main flow from the first pump 412 that hits the opposing surface 56D bounces back on the opposing surface 56D toward a position different from the first supply port 58. In this embodiment, as shown by arrow A2 in Figure 9, the main flow from the first pump 412 that hits the opposing surface 56D bounces back toward the first wiper 82 and the second wiper 83.

[0159] The main flow from the first pump 412, which bounces back toward the first wiper 82 and the second wiper 83, washes away any deposits from the first wiper 82 and washes away any deposits from the second wiper 83.

[0160] Furthermore, the impact flow generated by the first valve 411 during the S23 process may, like the main flow from the first pump 412, bounce off the opposing surface 56D towards the first wiper 82 and the second wiper 83. The impact flow from the first valve 411 that bounces off towards the first wiper 82 and the second wiper 83 may wash away any deposits from the first wiper 82 and any deposits from the second wiper 83.

[0161] In this embodiment, in the immersion position shown in Figure 9, the first wiper 82 is located to the right of the second wiper 83, so the main flow from the first pump 412 hits the first wiper 82 before the second wiper 83. Therefore, deposits on the first wiper 82 are more easily washed away from the first wiper 82.

[0162] As indicated by arrow A2 in Figure 9, the main flow generated by the first pump 412 is generated in a clockwise direction in a plan view. Because the main flow generated by the first pump 412 is generated in a clockwise direction in a plan view, the accumulated material is stirred up by the main flow generated by the first pump 412 in a plan view.

[0163] As shown by arrow A3 in Figure 8, when the liquid level of the cleaning liquid 40 in the tank space 61 exceeds the height of the lower end 562 of the recess 561, the cleaning liquid 40 flows from the tank space 61 through the recess 561 to the discharge section 70. Because the accumulated material is stirred up by the main flow from the first pump 412, the stirred-up accumulated material flows together with the cleaning liquid 40 from the tank space 61 through the recess 561 to the discharge section 70. The cleaning liquid 40 and accumulated material that have flowed to the discharge section 70 are discharged from the discharge port 71.

[0164] As shown in Figure 12, the CPU 101 stops driving the first pump 412 shown in Figure 10 (S25). The first pump 412 stops sucking the cleaning liquid 40 from the storage tank 43 shown in Figure 10 through the first supply channel 41.

[0165] The CPU 101 closes the first valve 411 shown in Figure 10 (S26). In the process of S26, similar to the process of S22, the accumulated material is stirred up by the impact flow from the first valve 411. The CPU 101 then proceeds to the decision shown in S12 in Figure 13.

[0166] As shown in Figure 13, the CPU 101 determines whether the wipe conditions for performing a wipe operation have been met (S12). For example, the user operates the operation unit 17 shown in Figure 11 to input a wipe instruction to the printer 1. The wipe conditions may include obtaining the input wipe instruction. The wipe conditions may also include the elapsed time since the last time the wipe conditions were met reaching a certain period of time. The wipe conditions may also include the number of print cycles reaching a predetermined number of cycles. The wipe conditions may also include the completion or completion of a predetermined process in the printing process.

[0167] If the wipe condition is not met (S12: NO), the CPU 101 returns to the decision in S11 shown in Figure 12. Based on the fact that the wipe condition is met (S12: YES), the CPU 101 moves the process to the process in S31.

[0168] In the process of S31, the CPU 101 opens the second valve 421 shown in Figure 10 (S31).

[0169] As shown in Figure 10, when the second valve 421 opens, the volume of the flow path inside the second valve 421, that is, the volume of the second supply flow path 42, instantaneously increases. Due to the increase in volume, cleaning fluid 40 is instantaneously drawn into the second valve 421 from both upstream and downstream in the second supply direction indicated by arrow A4. The cleaning fluid 40 in the tank space 61 is drawn into the second supply flow path 42 from the second supply port 59. A flow of cleaning fluid 40 is generated in the tank space 61. The accumulated material is stirred up by the flow of cleaning fluid 40.

[0170] Furthermore, the flow of the cleaning fluid 40 hits the first wiper 82 from the second supply port 59. The cleaning fluid 40 that hits the first wiper 82 washes away any deposits adhering to the first wiper 82.

[0171] As shown in Figure 13, the CPU 101 closes the second valve 421 shown in Figure 10 (S32).

[0172] As shown in Figure 10, when the second valve 421 closes, the volume of the flow path inside the second valve 421, that is, the volume of the second supply flow path 42, instantaneously decreases. Due to the decrease in volume, the cleaning liquid 40 is instantaneously discharged from inside the second valve 421 in both the upstream and downstream directions in the second supply direction indicated by arrow A4. The cleaning liquid 40 in the second supply flow path 42 is discharged from the second supply port 59 into the tank space 61. The discharged cleaning liquid creates a flow of cleaning liquid 40 in the tank space 61. The flow of cleaning liquid 40 stirs up the accumulated material.

[0173] Furthermore, the cleaning fluid 40 flows from the first wiper 82 towards the second supply port 59. The cleaning fluid 40 flowing from the first wiper 82 cleans any deposits on the first wiper 82.

[0174] In the following, the flow of cleaning fluid 40 instantaneously generated in the tank space 61 by the opening and closing of the second valve 421 will be referred to as the "impact flow caused by the second valve 421".

[0175] CPU 101 opens the second valve 421 shown in Figure 10 (S33). In the process of S33, similar to the process of S31, the accumulated material is stirred up by the impact flow from the second valve 421. In the process of S33, similar to the process of S31, the material adhering to the first wiper 82 is washed away by the impact flow from the second valve 421.

[0176] The CPU 101 starts driving the second pump 422 shown in Figure 10 (S34). The second pump 422 draws cleaning liquid 40 from the storage tank 43 shown in Figure 10 via the second supply channel 42. The cleaning liquid 40 flows through the second supply channel 42 and is supplied to the tank space 61 via the second supply port 59.

[0177] In the following, the flow of cleaning fluid 40 generated in the tank space 61 by the operation of the second pump 422 will be referred to as the "main flow by the second pump 422". Unlike the impulse flow generated by the second valve 421, the main flow by the second pump 422 is not a flow that is generated instantaneously, but rather is generated continuously while the second pump 422 is operating.

[0178] As shown by arrow A4 in Figure 9, the main flow from the second pump 422 flows from the second supply port 59 along the second virtual line V2 and hits the first wiper 82. The main flow from the second pump 422 washes away any deposits from the first wiper 82. With the first wiper 82 clean, the process described in S42 below, i.e., the wiping operation, is performed.

[0179] Furthermore, the main current from the second pump 422 stirs up the accumulated material.

[0180] As shown by arrow A3 in Figure 8, when the liquid level of the cleaning liquid 40 in the tank space 61 exceeds the height of the lower end 562 of the recess 561, the cleaning liquid 40 flows from the tank space 61 through the recess 561 to the discharge section 70. Because the accumulated material is stirred up by the main flow from the second pump 422, the stirred-up accumulated material flows together with the cleaning liquid 40 from the tank space 61 through the recess 561 to the discharge section 70. The cleaning liquid 40 and accumulated material that have flowed to the discharge section 70 are discharged from the outlet 71.

[0181] As shown in Figure 13, the CPU 101 stops driving the second pump 422 shown in Figure 10 (S35). The second pump 422 stops sucking the cleaning liquid 40 from the storage tank 43 shown in Figure 10 through the second supply channel 42.

[0182] CPU 101 closes the second valve 421 shown in Figure 10 (S36). In the process of S36, similar to the process of S32, the accumulated material is stirred up by the impact flow from the second valve 421. In the process of S36, similar to the process of S32, the material adhering to the first wiper 82 is washed away by the impact flow from the second valve 421.

[0183] The CPU 101 switches the first wiper 82 from the immersion position shown in Figure 2 to the wiping position shown in Figure 3 (S41).

[0184] The CPU 101 performs a wipe operation (S42). In the process of S42, the CPU 101 transports the carriage 6 shown in Figure 1 from left to right. In the wipe position shown in Figure 3, the first wiper 82 is located to the left of the second wiper 83, so at the timing when the head 3A shown in Figure 3 passes over the first wiper 82, the first wiper 82 hits the nozzle surface 30 before the second wiper 83. The first wiper 82 wipes off the deposits from the nozzle surface 30. Furthermore, the first wiper 82 uses the cleaning fluid 40 absorbed by the first wiper 82 to lift the deposits from the nozzle surface 30.

[0185] After the first wiper 82 makes contact with the nozzle surface 30, the second wiper 83 makes contact with the nozzle surface 30. The second wiper 83 wipes away any deposits lifted by the first wiper 82 from the nozzle surface 30, and also wipes away any cleaning solution 40 that has adhered to the nozzle surface 30 due to the first wiper 82.

[0186] As shown in Figure 13, the CPU 101 switches the first wiper 82 from the wiping position shown in Figure 3 to the immersion position shown in Figure 2 (S43).

[0187] CPU 101 performs the processes S51, S52, S53, S54, S55, and S56 in that order, and then returns to the decision shown in S11 in Figure 12. The process of S51 is the same as the process of S31. Similarly, the processes of S52 to S56 are the same as the processes of S32 to S36, respectively.

[0188] The processes in S51 to S56 wash away deposits from the first wiper 82 through the impact flow from the second valve 421. The main flow from the second pump 422 also washes away deposits from the first wiper 82. Therefore, after the process in S42, i.e., the wiping operation, which causes deposits to adhere to the first wiper 82, the adhesion of the deposits to the first wiper 82 is suppressed.

[0189] During the S51-S56 process, the accumulated material is stirred up by the impulse flow from the second valve 421. The accumulated material is further stirred up by the main flow from the second pump 422. The stirred-up accumulated material, along with the cleaning liquid 40, flows from the tank space 61 through the recess 561 to the discharge section 70. The cleaning liquid 40 and accumulated material that have flowed to the discharge section 70 are discharged from the discharge port 71.

[0190] The main effects of the above embodiment will now be described. The above embodiment also produces effects other than those described below. The present invention is not limited to the effects described below.

[0191] In the above embodiment, since the opposing surface 56D intersects with the first virtual line V1, the cleaning liquid 40 supplied from the first supply port 58 to the tank space 61, i.e., the main flow from the first pump 412, hits the opposing surface 56D. Since the angle at which the opposing surface 56D intersects with the first virtual line V1 is not a right angle, the main flow from the first pump 412 that hits the opposing surface 56D bounces off the opposing surface 56D toward a position different from the first supply port 58. Therefore, compared to a configuration where the opposing surface 56D is perpendicular to the first virtual line V1, the accumulated material that has accumulated in the tank space 61 due to deposits is more easily stirred up by the main flow from the first pump 412. Thus, the maintenance unit 4 contributes to making it easier to remove accumulated material from inside the cleaning tank 60.

[0192] In the above embodiment, the right side surface 56A intersects the first imaginary line V1 at an angle different from a right angle when viewed from above. Therefore, the main flow from the first pump 412, which bounces off the opposing surface 56D, causes a clockwise flow in the cleaning liquid 40 in the tank space 61 when viewed from above. Because a clockwise flow occurs when viewed from above, the accumulated material is easily stirred up along the bottom surface 51A by the main flow from the first pump 412. Because the accumulated material is easily stirred up along the bottom surface 51A, the accumulation of material on a part of the bottom surface 51A is suppressed. Thus, the maintenance unit 4 further contributes to making it easier to remove accumulated material from inside the cleaning tank 60.

[0193] In the above embodiment, since the inclined surface 51D extends upward as it moves away from the first supply port 58 in the first supply direction, an upward flow is easily generated in the main flow from the first pump 412. The accumulated material is further stirred up by the upward flow from the first pump 412. Therefore, the maintenance unit 4 further contributes to making it easier to remove the accumulated material from inside the cleaning tank 60.

[0194] In the above embodiment, the volume of the first supply channel 41 changes instantaneously at the timing when the state of the first valve 411 switches. At the timing when the volume of the first supply channel 41 changes, the cleaning liquid 40 is drawn from the tank space 61 into the first supply channel 41, or the cleaning liquid 40 is discharged from the first supply channel 41 into the tank space 61. Therefore, the accumulated material is easily stirred up by the impact flow from the first valve 411. Accordingly, the maintenance unit 4 further contributes to making it easier to remove the accumulated material from inside the cleaning tank 60.

[0195] In the above embodiment, the CPU 101, based on the condition that the cleaning liquid 40 is supplied from the storage tank 43 to the cleaning tank 60 (S11: YES), switches the state of the first valve 411 from one of the open state and the closed state to the other (S21 or S22) before supplying the cleaning liquid 40 from the storage tank 43 to the tank space 61 in the process of S24 with the first valve 411 open. Since the state of the first valve 411 switches from one of the open state and the closed state to the other before the cleaning liquid 40 is supplied to the tank space 61 in the process of S24, the cleaning liquid 40 is supplied to the cleaning tank 60 from the first supply port 58 with the accumulated material stirred up by the impact flow from the first valve 411. Therefore, the accumulated material is more likely to be stirred up further by the main flow from the first pump 412. Thus, the maintenance unit 4 further contributes to making it easier to remove the accumulated material from inside the cleaning tank 60.

[0196] In the above embodiment, the speed of the cleaning liquid 40 flowing through the first supply channel 41 increases when the first pump 412 is driven. Therefore, compared to a configuration without the first pump 412, where the cleaning liquid 40 is supplied from the storage tank 43 to the tank space 61 by, for example, the head difference between the storage tank 43 and the cleaning tank 60, the accumulated material is more easily stirred up by the main flow from the first pump 412. Thus, the maintenance unit 4 further contributes to making it easier to remove accumulated material from inside the cleaning tank 60.

[0197] In the above embodiment, the opposing surface 56D intersects the first virtual line V1 at an angle at which the immersed first wiper 82 is positioned in the direction in which the first virtual line V1 is reflected by the opposing surface 56D. In other words, the immersed first wiper 82 is positioned in the direction in which the first virtual line V1 is reflected by the opposing surface 56D. Since the immersed first wiper 82 is positioned in the direction in which the first virtual line V1 is reflected by the opposing surface 56D, the main flow from the first pump 412, which is bounced off the opposing surface 56D, flows toward the first wiper 82. Any deposits adhering to the first wiper 82 are removed from the first wiper 82 by the main flow from the first pump 412. Therefore, the maintenance unit 4 contributes to improving the cleaning power of the first wiper 82 by the cleaning fluid 40.

[0198] In the above embodiment, since the second virtual line V2 passes through the first wiper 82, the cleaning fluid 40 supplied from the second supply port 59 to the tank space 61, i.e., the main flow from the second pump 422, flows toward the first wiper 82. Any deposits adhering to the first wiper 82 are removed by the main flow from the second pump 422. Therefore, the maintenance unit 4 contributes to improving the cleaning power of the first wiper 82 by the cleaning fluid 40.

[0199] In the above embodiment, the first pump 412 is located in the first supply channel 41, so if the first pump 412 is driven, the cleaning fluid 40 flows from the storage tank 43 through the first supply channel 41. The second pump 422 is located in the second supply channel 42, so if the second pump 422 is driven, the cleaning fluid 40 flows from the storage tank 43 through the second supply channel 42. If both the first pump 412 and the second pump 422 are driven, the cleaning fluid 40 flows through the first supply channel 41 and the second supply channel 42, respectively. Therefore, the maintenance unit 4 contributes to selecting whether to flow the cleaning fluid 40 through the first supply channel 41, the second supply channel 42, or both the first supply channel 41 and the second supply channel 42.

[0200] In the above embodiment, the CPU 101, based on the fulfillment of the wipe condition (S12:YES), supplies cleaning liquid 40 from the storage tank 43 to the cleaning tank 60 via the second supply channel 42 before or after the wipe operation (S34 or S54). The CPU 101, based on the fulfillment of the supply condition (S11:YES), supplies cleaning liquid 40 from the storage tank 43 to the cleaning tank 60 via the first supply channel 41 (S24). In other words, depending on whether the fulfilled condition is a wipe condition or a supply condition, the CPU 101 selectively executes either the process in S24 to supply cleaning liquid 40 from the storage tank 43 to the cleaning tank 60 via the first supply channel 41, or the process in S34 or S54 to supply cleaning liquid 40 from the storage tank 43 to the cleaning tank 60 via the second supply channel 42. When supplying via the first supply channel 41, accumulated material is easily stirred up. In the supply via the second supply channel 42, deposits on the first wiper 82 are more likely to fall off. Therefore, the maintenance unit 4 contributes to performing either an action to sweep up the accumulated deposits or an action to remove the deposits from the first wiper 82, depending on the type of condition that is met.

[0201] In the above embodiment, the tank space 61 corresponds to the "tank space" of the present invention. The inner surface 50A corresponds to the "inner surface" of the present invention. The head 3A corresponds to the "inkjet head" of the present invention. The nozzle surface 30 corresponds to the "nozzle surface" of the present invention. The first wiper 82 corresponds to the "wiper" of the present invention.

[0202] The cleaning solution 40 corresponds to the "cleaning solution" of the present invention. The cleaning tank 60 corresponds to the "cleaning tank" of the present invention. The first supply port 58 corresponds to the "first supply port" of the present invention. The front of the printer 1 corresponds to the "first supply direction" of the present invention. The opposing surface 56D corresponds to the "opposing surface" of the present invention.

[0203] The first virtual line V1 corresponds to the "first virtual line" of the present invention. The bottom surface 51A corresponds to the "bottom surface" of the present invention. The side surfaces 50B, that is, the front side surface 57A, the rear side surface 53A, the left side surface 54A, and the right side surface 56A, correspond to the "side surfaces" of the present invention. The inclined surface 51D corresponds to the "inclined surface" of the present invention.

[0204] The storage tank 43 corresponds to the "storage tank" of the present invention. The first supply channel 41 corresponds to the "first supply channel" of the present invention. The first valve 411 corresponds to the "solenoid valve" of the present invention. The CPU 101 corresponds to the "control unit" of the present invention. The first pump 412 corresponds to the "first pump" of the present invention.

[0205] The second supply port 59 corresponds to the "second supply port" of the present invention. The front of the printer 1 corresponds to the "second supply direction" of the present invention. The second virtual line V2 corresponds to the "second virtual line" of the present invention. The second supply channel 42 corresponds to the "second supply channel" of the present invention. The second pump 422 corresponds to the "second pump" of the present invention.

[0206] The present invention may be modified in various ways from the above embodiments. Various modifications are described below. These modifications may be combined with each other as long as they do not create inconsistencies.

[0207] Printer 1 may be equipped with a maintenance unit 4A as shown in Figure 14 instead of maintenance unit 4. Below, the parts of maintenance unit 4A that differ from maintenance unit 4 will be mainly described. Components of maintenance unit 4A whose shape or function is common to the shape or function of the corresponding components of maintenance unit 4 will be given the same reference numerals as in the above embodiment and their description will be omitted. Similarly, in maintenance units 4B, 4C, and 4D described later, common components will be given the same reference numerals as in the above embodiment and their description will be omitted.

[0208] As shown in Figure 14, the maintenance unit 4A omits the first pump 412 and the second pump 422.

[0209] The maintenance unit 4A further comprises a connecting channel 48 and a common pump 481. The connecting channel 48 is a pipe. The connecting channel 48 includes an upstream end 48A and a downstream end 48B. The connecting channel 48 extends from the upstream end 48A to the downstream end 48B. The connecting channel 48 is connected to the storage tank 43 at the upstream end 48A.

[0210] The connecting channel 48 is connected at its downstream end 48B to the upstream end 41A of the first supply channel 41 and the upstream end 42A of the second supply channel 42. In other words, the connecting channel 48 branches into the first supply channel 41 and the second supply channel 42 at its downstream end 48B.

[0211] The common pump 481 is located in the connecting channel 48. When driven, the common pump 481 draws cleaning fluid 40 from the storage tank 43 via the connecting channel 48 and sends the cleaning fluid 40 to the first supply channel 41 and the second supply channel 42, respectively, via the connecting channel 48.

[0212] If the common pump 481 is driven with the first valve 411 open and the second valve 421 closed, the cleaning fluid 40 flows through the first supply channel 41 and is supplied to the tank space 61 via the first supply port 58.

[0213] If the common pump 481 is driven with the first valve 411 closed and the second valve 421 open, the cleaning fluid 40 flows through the second supply channel 42 and is supplied to the tank space 61 via the second supply port 59.

[0214] If the common pump 481 is driven with the first valve 411 and the second valve 421 open, the cleaning fluid 40 flows through the first supply channel 41 and is supplied to the tank space 61 via the first supply port 58, and also flows through the second supply channel 42 and is supplied to the tank space 61 via the second supply port 59.

[0215] Since the common pump 481 is located in the connecting channel 48, if the common pump 481 is driven, the cleaning fluid 40 will flow through the first supply channel 41 and the second supply channel 42, respectively. Therefore, the maintenance unit 4 contributes to suppressing an increase in the number of pumps.

[0216] The connecting channel 48 corresponds to the "connecting channel" of the present invention. The downstream end 48B corresponds to the "connection point" of the present invention. In the maintenance unit 4A, the common pump 481 corresponds to the "common pump" of the present invention.

[0217] Printer 1 may be equipped with a maintenance unit 4B, as shown in Figure 15, instead of maintenance unit 4. The following section will mainly describe the parts of maintenance unit 4B that differ from maintenance unit 4A.

[0218] As shown in Figure 15, the maintenance unit 4B omits the first valve 411 and the second valve 421. The maintenance unit 4B further includes a common valve 482.

[0219] The common valve 482 is a solenoid valve. The common valve 482 is located in the connecting passage 48. The common valve 482 is located downstream of the common pump 481. The common valve 482 may also be located upstream of the common pump 481. The state of the common valve 482 switches between an open state and a closed state by switching between an energized state and an unenergized state.

[0220] Since the common valve 482 is located in the connecting channel 48, the maintenance unit 4 contributes to suppressing an increase in the number of valves.

[0221] Printer 1 may be equipped with a maintenance unit 4C shown in Figure 16 instead of maintenance unit 4. The following section will mainly describe the parts of maintenance unit 4C that differ from maintenance unit 4.

[0222] In the maintenance unit 4C, the bottom surface 51A includes the opposing surface 51E. The opposing surface 51E extends upward as it moves away from the first supply port 58 in the first supply direction indicated by arrow A1, that is, as it moves forward from the first supply port 58. The opposing surface 51E extends from the front end of the inclined surface 51C to the front end of the bottom surface 51A.

[0223] The lower end of the opposing surface 51E is positioned below the first virtual line V1. The upper end of the opposing surface 51E is positioned above the first virtual line V1. The left end of the opposing surface 51E is positioned to the left of the first virtual line V1. The right end of the opposing surface 51E is positioned to the right of the first virtual line V1.

[0224] The opposing surface 51E faces the first supply port 58 in the first supply direction indicated by arrow A1. The opposing surface 51E intersects the first virtual line V1 at an angle different from a right angle.

[0225] The following describes other variations.

[0226] In the above embodiment, the maintenance unit 4 may include a plurality of wiper units 80.

[0227] In the above embodiment, one of the first wiper 82 and the second wiper 83 may be omitted.

[0228] In the above embodiment, the water absorption of the second wiper 83 may be higher than that of the first wiper 82.

[0229] In the above embodiment, one or both of the first wiper 82 and the second wiper 83 may be positioned in a direction different from the direction in which the first virtual line V1 is reflected by the opposing surface 56D.

[0230] In the above embodiment, the second virtual line V2 may pass through the second wiper 83.

[0231] In the above embodiment, the second supply port 59 may be omitted.

[0232] In the above embodiment, one or both of the first pump 412 and the first valve 411 may be omitted. One or both of the second pump 422 and the second valve 421 may be omitted. In a configuration in which the first pump 412 or the second pump 422 is omitted, the cleaning liquid 40 may be supplied from the storage tank 43 to the tank space 61 by utilizing the head difference of the cleaning liquid 40.

[0233] In the above embodiment, the cleaning liquid 40 may be supplied from the storage tank 43 to the tank space 61 by utilizing the head difference of the cleaning liquid 40 in addition to driving the first pump 412 and the second pump 422.

[0234] In the above embodiment, the opposing surface 56D may intersect the first imaginary line V1 at an angle different from a right angle when viewed from the left-right direction. In other words, the opposing surface 56D may extend from one direction in the vertical direction to the other, and from one direction in the front-rear direction to the other.

[0235] In the above embodiment, the cleaning tank 60 supports the wiper unit 80. However, the wiper unit 80 may be supported by other members. These other members may be, for example, a frame 2. The first wiper 82 is preferably configured to be positioned in the tank space 61 when immersed.

[0236] In the above embodiment, the first supply direction and the second supply direction may intersect.

[0237] In the above embodiment, the inclined surface 51D may be omitted from the bottom surface 51A. That is, the bottom surface 51A may be inclined downward as it moves forward from the rear end to the front end, or it may be parallel to the horizontal direction.

[0238] In the above embodiment, the processes S21 and S22 may be omitted. The process S26 may also be omitted. In a configuration in which the process S26 is omitted, the process S21 may be omitted, and the processes S21 to S23 may also be omitted.

[0239] In the above embodiment, the processes in S31 and S32 may be omitted. The processes in S51 and S52 may be omitted. The processes in S31 to S36 may be omitted. The processes in S51 to S56 may be omitted.

[0240] In the above embodiment, the CPU 101 may change the processing order to the extent that no inconsistencies occur.

[0241] Instead of CPU101, a microcomputer, ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuits), FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), etc., may be used as the processor. The main processing may be distributed among multiple processors.

[0242] Non-temporary storage media such as flash memory 102 can be any storage medium capable of retaining information regardless of the storage period. Non-temporary storage media do not necessarily have to include temporary storage media. Temporary storage media are, for example, transmitted signals. The control program may be downloaded, for example, from a server connected to a network, i.e., transmitted as a transmission signal, and stored in flash memory 102. The control program may be stored on a non-temporary storage medium such as an HDD provided in the server. [Explanation of symbols]

[0243] 4, 4A, 4B, 4C Maintenance Units 40 Cleaning solution 41 First supply channel 42 Second supply channel 43 Storage tank 50A Inner surface 50B side 51A Bottom 51D Slope 51E, 56D Opposite surface 53A Rear side 54A Left side 56A Right side 57A Front side 58 First supply port 59 Second supply port 60 Washing Tanks 61 Tank space 82 First Wiper 101 CPU 411 First Valve 421 Second valve 412 First Pump 422 Second pump 481 Common Pump V1 First virtual line V2 Second Virtual Line

Claims

1. A cleaning tank having an inner surface that defines a tank space, wherein a cleaning solution for cleaning a wiper that wipes off deposits from the nozzle surface of an inkjet head is stored in the tank space, and the wiper is positioned in the tank space, A first supply port for supplying the cleaning liquid to the tank space and Equipped with, The inner surface includes a facing surface that faces the first supply port in the first supply direction in which the cleaning liquid is supplied from the first supply port to the tank space, The opposing surface intersects the first imaginary line, which passes through the first supply port and extends in the first supply direction, at an angle different from a right angle. A maintenance unit characterized by the following features.

2. The inner surface includes a bottom surface and a side surface extending upward from the bottom surface. The aforementioned side surface includes the opposing surface, The opposing surface intersects the first imaginary line at the angle described above when viewed from above. The maintenance unit according to feature 1.

3. The inner surface includes the bottom surface, The bottom surface includes an inclined surface that extends upward as it moves away from the first supply opening in the first supply direction. The maintenance unit according to feature 1.

4. A storage tank for storing the cleaning liquid and a first supply channel connecting the first supply port to each other, A solenoid valve arranged in the first supply channel and The maintenance unit according to claim 1, characterized by comprising the following:

5. Equipped with a control unit, The control unit, Based on the conditions for supplying the cleaning fluid from the storage tank to the tank space being met, the state of the solenoid valve is switched from one of the open state and the closed state to the other before supplying the cleaning fluid from the storage tank to the tank space with the solenoid valve in the open state. The maintenance unit according to feature 4.

6. A storage tank for storing the cleaning solution, A first supply channel connecting the storage tank and the first supply port to each other, A first pump arranged in the first supply channel and The maintenance unit according to claim 1, characterized by comprising the following:

7. The opposing surface intersects the first virtual line at the angle at which the wiper, which is positioned in the tank space, is positioned in the direction in which the first virtual line is reflected by the opposing surface. The maintenance unit according to feature 1.

8. The tank is equipped with a second supply port for supplying the cleaning liquid to the tank space, The second supply port is positioned such that, in the second supply direction in which the cleaning fluid is supplied from the second supply port to the tank space, a second imaginary line passing through the second supply port and extending in the second supply direction passes through the wiper located in the tank space. The maintenance unit according to feature 1.

9. A connecting channel extending from a storage tank for storing the cleaning fluid to a connection point, A first supply channel extending from the connection point to the first supply port, A second supply channel extending from the aforementioned connection point to the second supply port, A common pump and The maintenance unit according to claim 8, characterized by comprising:

10. A storage tank for storing the cleaning solution, A first supply channel connecting the storage tank and the first supply port to each other, A first pump arranged in the first supply channel, A second supply channel connecting the storage tank and the second supply port, A second pump and a second pump located in the second supply channel The maintenance unit according to claim 8, characterized by comprising:

11. A storage tank for storing the cleaning solution, A first supply channel connecting the storage tank and the first supply port to each other, A second supply channel connecting the storage tank and the second supply port, Control unit and Equipped with, The control unit, Based on the fact that the wiping conditions for performing a wiping operation to wipe the nozzle surface with the wiper have been met, the cleaning liquid is supplied from the storage tank to the tank space via the second supply channel before or after the wiping operation. Based on conditions different from the wipe conditions described above, where supply conditions for supplying the cleaning liquid from the storage tank to the tank space are met, the cleaning liquid is supplied from the storage tank to the tank space via the first supply channel. The maintenance unit according to feature 8.

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