Print head cleaning device, inkjet printer, and print head cleaning method

Abstract

The present invention provides a print head cleaning device that can wipe away ink even when a large amount of ink adheres to the nozzle surface. [Solution] The head cleaning device 5 is a head cleaning device 5 for cleaning the nozzle surface of an inkjet head, and comprises a wipe member 211 that absorbs ink from the nozzle surface 11a, a drive unit that moves the nozzle surface 11a and the wipe member 211 relative to each other, and a control unit that controls the drive unit. When the control unit controls the drive unit to slide the nozzle surface 11a and the wipe member 211 to perform a cleaning operation, the control unit moves the nozzle surface 11a and the wipe member 211 relative to each other in a contact state in which the nozzle surface 11a and the wipe member 211 are in contact, in a first direction parallel to the nozzle surface 11a and in a second direction different from the first direction, so that the entire nozzle surface 11a is outside the starting area of ​​the wipe member 211 that the nozzle surface 11a is in contact with at the start of the cleaning operation at the end of the cleaning operation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a head cleaning device, an inkjet printer, and a head cleaning method.

Background Art

[0002] A head cleaning device that cleans the nozzle surface of an inkjet head is disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2023-57857 (Patent Document 1). The head cleaning device disclosed in Patent Document 1 performs a sliding operation in which the nozzle surface and a wipe member are brought into contact with each other and moved reciprocally, to wipe off ink adhering to the nozzle surface. The wipe member is a woven fabric or a non-woven fabric.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the head cleaning device disclosed in Patent Document 1, it is required that the ink can be wiped off even when a larger amount of ink adheres to the nozzle surface.

[0005] However, when the wipe member is a woven fabric or a non-woven fabric as described above, recesses may be partially formed on the surface of the wipe member. Then, even when the wipe member and the nozzle surface are brought into contact with each other, the recesses of the wipe member come into contact with the nozzle surface more weakly than other portions. Alternatively, there may be a portion in the recess that does not come into contact with the nozzle surface.

[0006] As a result, when a large amount of ink adheres to the nozzle surface, the ink may remain even if the sliding operation of bringing the wipe member into contact with the nozzle surface and moving them reciprocally is performed.

[0007] This disclosure was made to solve these problems, and its purpose is to provide a head cleaning device that can wipe away ink even when a large amount of ink adheres to the nozzle surface. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The head cleaning device according to this disclosure is a head cleaning device for cleaning the nozzle surface of an inkjet head, comprising: a wipe member for absorbing ink from the nozzle surface; a drive unit for moving the nozzle surface and the wipe member relative to each other; and a control unit for controlling the drive unit. When the control unit controls the drive unit to slide the nozzle surface and the wipe member to perform a cleaning operation, it moves the nozzle surface and the wipe member relative to each other in a contact state in which the nozzle surface and the wipe member are in contact, in a first direction parallel to the nozzle surface and in a second direction different from the first direction, so that the entire nozzle surface is outside the starting area of ​​the wipe member that the nozzle surface is in contact with at the start of the cleaning operation at the end of the cleaning operation. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to this disclosure, in a contact state where the nozzle surface and the wiping member are in contact, the nozzle surface and the wiping member are moved relative to each other in a first direction parallel to the nozzle surface and in a second direction different from the first direction. This makes it possible to wipe away ink even if a large amount of ink adheres to the nozzle surface. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a front view of the inkjet printer according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] This is a side view of an inkjet printer according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 3] This is a top view of the inkjet printer according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 4] This is a block diagram of an inkjet printer according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 5]This is a diagram showing the start state of a cleaning operation by a head cleaning device for an inkjet printer according to a related art form. [Figure 6] This is a diagram showing the sliding operation of the cleaning operation according to the related art form. [Figure 7] This is a side view showing the end state of the cleaning operation according to the related art form. [Figure 8] This is a top view showing the end state of the cleaning operation according to the related art form. [Figure 9] This is a schematic diagram when the surface of a woven fabric is enlarged. [Figure 10] This is a flowchart showing an example of the head cleaning process according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] This is a diagram showing the sliding operation in the second direction according to the first embodiment. [Figure 12] This is a diagram showing the end state of the cleaning operation according to the first embodiment. [Figure 13] This is a front view of a head unit provided with an inkjet head. [Figure 14] This is a cross-sectional view of the head unit provided with the inkjet head. [Figure 15] This is a diagram of the head unit provided with the inkjet head, viewed from the downward direction. [Figure 16] This is a diagram showing the sliding operation in the second direction according to the second embodiment. [Figure 17] This is a flowchart showing an example of the head cleaning process according to the third embodiment. [Figure 18] This is a diagram showing the separated state after the sliding operation in the first direction according to the third embodiment. [Figure 19] This is a diagram showing the movement state in the second direction in the separated state according to the third embodiment. [Figure 20] This is a diagram showing the contact state after movement in the second direction according to the third embodiment. [Figure 21] This is a diagram showing the sliding operation in the second direction according to the third embodiment. [Figure 22] This is a side view of an inkjet printer according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 23] This is a top view showing the start state of the cleaning operation according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 24] This is a side view showing the start state of the cleaning operation according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 25] This is a diagram showing the sliding operation in the first direction according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 26] This is a diagram showing the sliding operation in the second direction according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 27] This is a diagram showing the separated state after the cleaning operation according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 28] This is a diagram showing the preparation operation for the next recording operation and cleaning operation according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 29] This is a diagram showing a state in which the head cleaning device according to the present modified example simultaneously performs the sliding operation in the first direction and the sliding operation in the second direction. [Modes for Carrying Out the Invention]

[0011] Hereinafter, the first embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that, in the following description, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same or corresponding parts in the drawings, and repeated descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0012] [Embodiment 1] [Configuration of Inkjet Printer] Figures 1 to 4 show an inkjet printer 1 according to the first embodiment. Figure 1 is a front view of the inkjet printer 1 according to the first embodiment. Figure 2 is a side view of the inkjet printer 1 according to the first embodiment. Figure 3 is a top view of the inkjet printer 1 according to the first embodiment. Figure 4 is a block diagram of the inkjet printer 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0013] The inkjet printer 1 includes an inkjet head 10, a head cleaning device 5, a medium conveyance unit 600, a head control unit 700, and a medium conveyance path (not shown).

[0014] In the following explanation, as shown in each figure, the X direction is defined as the shorter side of the outer dimensions of the nozzle surface 11a (described later) of the inkjet head 10, among the directions parallel to the nozzle surface 11a. The Y direction is defined as the longer side of the outer dimensions of the nozzle surface 11a, i.e., the direction perpendicular to the X direction, among the directions parallel to the nozzle surface 11a. The Z direction is defined as the direction perpendicular to the nozzle surface 11a, i.e., the direction perpendicular to both the X and Y directions.

[0015] The inkjet head 10 ejects ink from nozzles to print or form images on a recording medium such as paper or fabric. The inkjet head 10 includes a head body 12 and a nozzle surface 11a. The head body 12 incorporates a head control unit 700, which will be described later. Multiple nozzles are arranged in the Y direction at the opening of the nozzle surface 11a. The nozzle surface 11a is covered with a water-repellent film (ink-repellent film). A fluororesin organic film is mainly used as the water-repellent film. By covering the nozzle surface 11a with a water-repellent film, ink is less likely to adhere to the nozzle surface 11a.

[0016] The head cleaning device 5 comprises a control unit 100, a first drive unit 300, a second drive unit 200, a lifting unit 500, and a wipe member 211. As described later, the head cleaning device 5 cleans the nozzle surface 11a of the inkjet head 10. The control unit 100 of the head cleaning device 5 also controls the recording of the inkjet head 10 to the recording medium.

[0017] The control unit 100 includes a storage unit 110 and an arithmetic unit 120. The storage unit 110 is composed of volatile memory such as DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) or SRAM (Static Random Access Memory), or non-volatile storage devices such as ROM (Read Only Memory) or flash memory, HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or SSD (Solid State Drive). The storage unit 110 stores programs executed by the arithmetic unit 120, as well as image data of images to be recorded.

[0018] The arithmetic unit 120 is a computer that reads programs stored in the memory unit 110, expands the read programs into the memory unit 110, and executes them. The arithmetic unit 120 is composed of, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), or an MPU (Multi Processing Unit). The arithmetic unit 120 may also be composed of processing circuits.

[0019] The first drive unit 300 moves the inkjet head 10 in a direction parallel to the nozzle surface 11a based on the control signal transmitted from the control unit 100. When recording to a recording medium, the first drive unit 300 moves the inkjet head 10 to a position facing the recording medium. The first drive unit 300 consists of a moving mechanism, a motor, a brake, and the like.

[0020] The media transport unit 600 transports the recording medium to the media transport path facing the inkjet head 10 based on control signals transmitted from the control unit 100. The media transport unit 600 consists of transport rollers, a transport motor, and the like.

[0021] The head control unit 700 transmits a signal to the inkjet head 10 based on the control signal transmitted from the control unit 100, causing the ink to be ejected appropriately from the nozzle. The head control unit 700 is composed of actuators and other components for ejecting the ink.

[0022] In the above description, it was assumed that the control unit 100 of the head cleaning device 5 controls the media transport unit 600 and the head control unit 700. However, the system is not limited to this, and another control unit may control the media transport unit 600 and the head control unit 700.

[0023] [Configuration for cleaning the head] The components of the head cleaning device 5 for head cleaning will be described in detail.

[0024] In Embodiment 1, the wipe member 211 is a strip-shaped web and is made of a woven fabric made of split yarn, or a nonwoven fabric made of cloth or paper, etc.

[0025] The second drive unit 200 includes a wipe unit 20, which is a mechanism for moving the wipe member 211, and a motor 220.

[0026] The wipe unit 20 includes a winding roller 212 around which the wipe member 211 is wound in a roll shape, support rollers 213 and 214 that support the wipe member 211, and a winding roller 215 to which the tip of the wipe member 211 is connected and which winds up the wipe member 211. Here, the surface of the wipe member 211 between the support rollers 213 and 214, and opposite to the surface in contact with the support rollers 213 and 214, is the wiping surface 211a that wipes the nozzle surface 11a.

[0027] The motor 220 rotates the winding roller 215 based on a control signal transmitted from the control unit 100. As the winding roller 215 rotates, the wipe member 211 is unwound from the winding roller 212. The wipe member 211 is then positioned between the support rollers 213 and 214 and wound onto the winding roller 215. As the wipe member 211 is wound up, it moves in the X direction on the wiping surface 211a.

[0028] The lifting unit 500, based on a control signal transmitted from the control unit 100, forms a contact state in which the wiping surface 211a of the wipe member 211 and the nozzle surface 11a are in contact, and a separated state in which they are separated. In Embodiment 1, the lifting unit 500 moves the wipe unit 20 in the Z direction relative to the inkjet head 10. The lifting unit 500 has a mechanism for moving the wipe unit 20 in the Z direction, a motor, and a backup member 216.

[0029] The backup member 216 is provided on the back side of the wiping surface 211a of the wipe member 211, and brings the wiping surface 211a into contact with the nozzle surface 11a. The backup member 216 is made of rubber or sponge, etc.

[0030] [Cleaning operation of the head] In the head cleaning device described above, it is required that the device be able to wipe away ink even when a large amount of ink adheres to the nozzle surface 11a.

[0031] However, in the head cleaning device according to the comparative technology described below, there is a risk of ink residue if a larger amount of ink adheres to the nozzle surface 11a. The cleaning operation of the head cleaning device according to the comparative technology is described below.

[0032] Figure 5 shows the starting state of the cleaning operation of an inkjet printer 1a according to the comparative technology. When the head cleaning device control unit performs a cleaning operation, it interrupts the recording operation. Then, while the head cleaning device control unit maintains the separated state, it controls the first drive unit 300 to move the inkjet head 10 so that the nozzle surface 11a faces the wiping surface 211a. At this time, ink I is attached to the nozzle surface 11a.

[0033] Figure 6 shows the sliding operation of the cleaning operation according to the comparative technology. The control unit of the head cleaning device controls the lifting unit 500 to move the wipe unit 20 and bring the wiping surface 211a into contact with the nozzle surface 11a. Specifically, the backup member 216 pushes the wipe member 211, causing the wiping surface 211a to come into contact with the nozzle surface 11a. Then, while the contact state is maintained, the control unit of the head cleaning device controls the first drive unit 300 to perform a sliding operation that moves the inkjet head 10 back and forth in the Y direction (hereinafter also referred to as "first direction D1"). In other words, the wipe member 211 wipes the nozzle surface 11a by sliding in the first direction D1.

[0034] Figure 7 is a side view showing the completed state of the cleaning operation according to the comparative technology. Figure 8 is a top view showing the completed state of the cleaning operation according to the comparative technology. After performing the sliding operation, the control unit of the head cleaning device controls the lifting unit 500 to move the wipe unit 20, separating the wiping surface 211a from the nozzle surface 11a.

[0035] Here, the wipe member 211 may have partial depressions on its surface. In particular, if the wipe member 211 is a woven fabric, the depressions are more pronounced. Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of the surface of a woven fabric when magnified. The woven fabric is composed of warp threads 211d and weft threads 211c. On the surface of the woven fabric, the areas where the warp threads 211d and weft threads 211c intersect are more recessed than other areas.

[0036] When sliding is performed in the first direction D1 as shown in Figure 9, the direction in which the warp threads 211d pass is perpendicular to the first direction D1. Also, the direction in which the weft threads 211c pass is the same direction as the first direction D1. Consequently, there is an extended recess 211e on the wiping surface 211a that extends in the first direction D1.

[0037] When sliding motion is performed in the first direction D1, there is a region on the nozzle surface 11a that faces only the extended recess 211e. During the sliding motion in the first direction D1, this region of the nozzle surface 11a always comes into weaker contact with the wiping surface 211a than other regions, or may not even come into contact at all. As a result, ink I remains in this region of the nozzle surface 11a in the form of streaks extending in the first direction D1.

[0038] In view of these problems, the head cleaning device 5 according to Embodiment 1 performs a sliding operation in the first direction D1, and then performs a sliding operation in the X direction (hereinafter also referred to as the "second direction D2"). Furthermore, in the sliding operation in the second direction D2, the head cleaning device 5 moves the wipe member 211 by a distance greater than or equal to the short side dimension of the nozzle surface 11a. A detailed explanation follows.

[0039] Figure 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the head cleaning process according to Embodiment 1. This flowchart is started when the cleaning operation starts. The cleaning operation starts state is the state in which the inkjet head 10 is moved so that the nozzle surface 11a faces the wiping surface 211a, similar to the configuration of the comparative technology.

[0040] First, the control unit 100 controls the lifting unit 500 to move the wipe unit 20, bringing the wiping surface 211a into contact with the nozzle surface 11a (step S10).

[0041] Next, the control unit 100 controls the first drive unit 300 while maintaining contact to move the inkjet head 10 back and forth in the first direction D1 (step S15). As a result, the control unit 100 performs a sliding motion in the first direction D1.

[0042] Next, the control unit 100 controls the second drive unit 200 while the wipe member 211 remains in contact with the surface to move it in the second direction D2 (step S20). This causes the control unit 100 to perform a sliding motion in the second direction D2. Figure 11 shows the sliding motion in the second direction D2 according to Embodiment 1. The control unit 100 rotates the winding roller 215 and winds up the wipe member 211, thereby moving the wipe member 211 in the second direction D2 on the wiping surface 211a.

[0043] Here, the second direction D2 is perpendicular to the first direction D1. Then, the portion of the nozzle surface 11a that was facing the extended recess 211e during the sliding motion in the first direction D1 slides perpendicular to the convex portion of the wiping surface 211a during the sliding motion in the second direction D2. As a result, the head cleaning device 5 according to Embodiment 1 can wipe away the ink I remaining during the sliding motion in the first direction D1 by bringing it into contact with the convex portion of the wiping surface 211a during the sliding motion in the second direction D2.

[0044] Furthermore, at this time, the length of the wipe member 211 that is wound up, that is, the distance the wipe member 211 moves in the second direction D2, is greater than or equal to the shorter side dimension of the nozzle surface 11a. In other words, at the start of the cleaning operation, the nozzle surface 11a contacts the starting region R0 of the wipe member 211, and at the end of the cleaning operation, the entire nozzle surface 11a contacts the outside of the starting region R0. As a result, the area of ​​the wiping surface 211a that has not absorbed ink I, that is, the new area of ​​the wiping surface 211a, slides against the nozzle surface 11a. This allows the wipe member 211 to absorb more ink I from the nozzle surface 11a.

[0045] Subsequently, the control unit 100 controls the lifting unit 500 to move the wipe unit 20, separating the wiping surface 211a from the nozzle surface 11a (step S25). Figure 12 shows the completed state of the cleaning operation according to Embodiment 1. All of the ink I that was adhering to the nozzle surface 11a has been wiped off onto the wiping surface 211a.

[0046] As described above, the head cleaning device 5 according to Embodiment 1 performs a sliding operation in the second direction D2 after a sliding operation in the first direction D1. This allows the head cleaning device 5 to wipe away any ink I remaining after the sliding operation in the first direction D1 by contacting it with the protrusions of the wipe member 211. Furthermore, the head cleaning device 5 according to Embodiment 1 moves and slides the entire nozzle surface 11a to the outside of the starting region R0 of the wiping surface 211a that was contacted at the start of the cleaning operation. This allows the wipe member 211 to absorb more ink I from the nozzle surface 11a. As a result, the head cleaning device 5 according to Embodiment 1 can wipe away ink I even when a larger amount of ink I is attached to the nozzle surface.

[0047] The second drive unit 200 according to Embodiment 1 further includes a force adjustment unit 218 that adjusts the contact force between the nozzle surface 11a and the wiping surface 211a in the contact state. The force adjustment unit 218 is composed of, for example, a compression spring and a cam mechanism. The force adjustment unit 218 adjusts the contact force by changing the amount of compression of the compression spring by rotating the cam, thereby changing the force with which the backup member 216 pushes the wiping surface 211a. However, the force adjustment unit 218 is not limited to this mechanism as long as it can adjust the contact force.

[0048] When performing a cleaning operation, the control unit 100 of the head cleaning device 5 moves the nozzle surface 11a in a first direction D1 while in contact with a first contact force. Then, the control unit 100 moves the wipe member 211 in a second direction D2 while in contact with a second contact force which is smaller than the first contact force.

[0049] Here, when winding up the wipe member 211 in contact with the surface, if the contact force is large, the wipe member 211 may stretch or meander. Therefore, when moving the wipe member 211 in the second direction D2, reducing the contact force allows for stable winding of the wipe member 211.

[0050] Furthermore, if the contact force is small, the amount of ink I that can be wiped off the nozzle surface 11a by the wiping member 211 will be small. Here, the sliding operation in the second direction D2 is performed after the sliding operation in the first direction D1. Therefore, in the sliding operation in the second direction D2, the wiping member 211 only needs to wipe off the ink I that remained after the sliding operation in the first direction D1. Consequently, in the sliding operation in the second direction D2, even if the contact force is weak, the wiping member 211 can wipe off the ink I without leaving any residue.

[0051] In the head cleaning device 5 according to Embodiment 1, it is preferable that the dimension L0 of the wipe member 211 in the first direction D1 is larger than the dimension L1 of the nozzle surface 11a in the first direction D1. This increases the contact area between the wipe member 211 and the nozzle surface 11a compared to the case where the dimension L0 of the wipe member 211 is smaller than the dimension L1 of the nozzle surface 11a. Therefore, the wipe member 211 can wipe away the ink I more effectively.

[0052] Furthermore, it is more preferable that the dimension L0 of the wipe member 211 in the first direction D1 is larger than the dimension L2, which is the sum of the dimension L1 of the nozzle surface 11a in the first direction D1 and the distance traveled in the first direction D1 while in contact. This ensures that the nozzle surface 11a is always in contact with the wipe member 211 without protruding during the sliding motion in the first direction D1. Therefore, the wipe member 211 can wipe the ink I more effectively.

[0053] [Embodiment 2] The inkjet printer 1b according to Embodiment 2 will now be described. In the description of Embodiment 2, the same reference numerals are used for components identical to those in Embodiment 1, and the descriptions will not be repeated. Unlike Embodiment 1, the inkjet printer 1b according to Embodiment 2 includes a first drive unit 300b.

[0054] The configuration of the first drive unit 300b will be described with reference to Figures 13 to 15. The first drive unit 300b includes a head unit 30, which is the moving mechanism for the inkjet head 10, and two motors (not shown) that drive the head unit 30. These two motors are driven based on control signals transmitted from the control unit 100. Figure 13 is a front view of the head unit 30 with the inkjet head 10. Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view of the head unit 30 with the inkjet head 10, taken from direction A in Figure 13 along the dashed-dotted line. Figure 15 is a view of the head unit 30 with the inkjet head 10, taken from below (direction B) in Figure 13.

[0055] The head unit 30 is provided with a side plate 311 and a bottom plate 316 fixed to the side plate 311. The bottom plate 316 is provided with a hole H so that the inkjet head 10 can move without interference.

[0056] A support member 315 is provided on the base plate 316 at a position opposite to the side plate 311. Between the support member 315 and the side plate 311, there is a retaining member 317, round bar slide guides 312 and 313, and a rotatable ball screw 314. The inkjet head 10 is attached to the retaining member 317. The retaining member 317 has a hole through which the slide guides 312 and 313 pass. A block nut 320 is further attached to the retaining member 317. The ball screw 314 is engaged with the block nut 320. One of the two motors rotates the ball screw 314.

[0057] With this configuration, when the motor rotates the ball screw 314, the inkjet head 10 moves in the X direction along the slide guides 312 and 313. Also, when the motor switches the rotation direction of the ball screw 314, the inkjet head 10 moves back and forth in the X direction.

[0058] Furthermore, a block nut 318 is provided on the side plate 311. Between the block nut 318 and the head cleaning device body (not shown), a ball screw 319 that engages with the block nut 318 is rotatably provided. Of the two motors described above, the other one rotates the ball screw 319.

[0059] With this configuration, when the other motor rotates the ball screw 319, the head unit 30 moves in the Y direction, and the inkjet head 10 also moves in the Y direction. Furthermore, when the motor switches the rotation direction of the ball screw 319, the inkjet head 10 moves back and forth in the Y direction.

[0060] In this way, the first drive unit 300b can move the inkjet head 10 in either the X direction or the Y direction.

[0061] [Cleaning operation of the head] The cleaning operation of the head cleaning device according to Embodiment 2 will be described.

[0062] First, the control unit 100 according to Embodiment 2 controls the first drive unit 300b while it remains in contact with the inkjet head 10 to move back and forth in the first direction D1. As a result, the control unit performs a sliding motion in the first direction D1.

[0063] Subsequently, the control unit 100 according to Embodiment 2 controls the first drive unit 300b while maintaining contact to move the inkjet head 10 in the second direction D2. As a result, the control unit 100 performs a sliding operation in the second direction D2.

[0064] Figure 16 shows the sliding operation in the second direction D2 according to Embodiment 2. The control unit 100 according to Embodiment 2 moves the inkjet head 10 in the second direction D2. In other words, in the cleaning operation according to Embodiment 2, the wipe member 211 is not moved as in Embodiment 1. Therefore, in the cleaning operation according to Embodiment 2, there is no risk of the wipe member 211 stretching or meandering, as in Embodiment 1.

[0065] Thus, the head cleaning device according to Embodiment 2, like Embodiment 1, performs a sliding operation in the first direction D1 followed by a sliding operation in the second direction D2. This allows the ink I remaining after the sliding operation in the first direction D1 to be wiped away by contacting the protrusion of the wipe member 211 during the sliding operation in the second direction D2.

[0066] Furthermore, in the head cleaning device according to Embodiment 2, the nozzle surface 11a is moved by a distance greater than or equal to the shorter side dimension of the nozzle surface 11a during the sliding operation in the second direction D2. As a result, similar to Embodiment 1, the area of ​​the wiping surface 211a that has not absorbed ink I slides with the nozzle surface 11a. Consequently, the wipe member 211 can absorb more ink I from the nozzle surface 11a.

[0067] As a result, the head cleaning device according to Embodiment 2 can wipe away ink I even when a larger amount of ink I adheres to the nozzle surface.

[0068] Subsequently, the control unit 100 according to Embodiment 2 controls the lifting unit 500 to move the wipe unit 20, separating the nozzle surface 11a and the wiping surface 211a.

[0069] Then, the control unit 100 according to Embodiment 2 controls the first drive unit 300b to move the inkjet head 10 to the position at the start of cleaning in the second direction D2 before performing the next recording operation. As a result, when the control unit 100 according to Embodiment 2 starts the next recording operation, it is not necessary to return the inkjet head 10 to its original position in the second direction D2, and the recording operation can be started earlier.

[0070] Furthermore, the control unit 100 according to Embodiment 2 controls the second drive unit 200 to move the wipe member 211 in the second direction D2 before performing the next cleaning operation. As a result, the control unit 100 according to Embodiment 2 positions the side of the wipe member 211 that does not have ink I attached to it facing the nozzle surface 11a.

[0071] [Embodiment 3] The inkjet printer 1c according to Embodiment 3 will now be described. In the description of Embodiment 3, the same reference numerals are used for components identical to those in Embodiment 1, and the descriptions will not be repeated.

[0072] Figure 17 is a flowchart showing an example of the head cleaning process according to Embodiment 3. The flowchart in Figure 17 adds steps S30 to S40 between steps S15 and S20 of the flowchart in Figure 10 described above. Steps with the same numbers as those shown in Figure 10 will not be described in detail.

[0073] In the third embodiment, the control unit 100 controls the lifting unit 500 to move the wipe unit 20 after the sliding operation in the first direction D1 (step S15), thereby separating the wiping surface 211a from the nozzle surface 11a (step S30). Figure 18 shows the separated state after the sliding operation in the first direction D1 according to the third embodiment. In this state, ink I is adhering to the nozzle surface 11a in a streaky pattern.

[0074] Next, the control unit 100 according to Embodiment 3 controls the second drive unit 200 to move the wipe member 211 in the second direction D2 (step S35). Specifically, the control unit 100 drives the motor 220 of the second drive unit 200 to rotate the winding roller 215 and wind up the wipe member 211.

[0075] In this case, the length of the wipe member 211 that is wound up is greater than or equal to the shorter side dimension of the nozzle surface 11a. Figure 19 is a diagram showing the movement in the second direction D2 in the separated state according to Embodiment 3. By making the length of the wipe member 211 that is wound up greater than or equal to the shorter side dimension of the nozzle surface 11a, the nozzle surface 11a faces outside the first region R1 that has slid in the first direction D1 on the wiping surface 211a.

[0076] Next, the control unit 100 according to Embodiment 3 controls the lifting unit 500 to move the wipe unit 20, bringing the wiping surface 211a into contact with the nozzle surface 11a (step S35). Figure 20 shows the contact state after movement in the second direction D2 according to Embodiment 3. At this time, the nozzle surface 11a is in contact with the area outside the first region R1 that slid in the first direction D1 of the wiping surface 211a.

[0077] Next, the control unit 100 according to Embodiment 3 controls the second drive unit 200 to move the wipe member 211 in the second direction D2 (step S40). As a result, the control unit 100 performs a sliding operation in the second direction D2.

[0078] Figure 21 shows the sliding motion in the second direction D2 according to Embodiment 3. The sliding motion in the second direction D2 according to Embodiment 3 is performed outside the first region R1, that is, in the area of ​​the wiping surface 211a where ink I is not attached. Therefore, the sliding motion in the second direction D2 according to Embodiment 3 can be performed over a shorter distance compared to Embodiment 1. As a result, the sliding motion in the second direction D2 can suppress the possibility of the wipe member 211 stretching or meandering.

[0079] Thus, the head cleaning device according to Embodiment 3, like Embodiment 1, performs a sliding operation in the first direction D1 followed by a sliding operation in the second direction D2. This allows the ink I remaining after the sliding operation in the first direction D1 to be wiped away by contacting it with the convex portion of the wipe member 211.

[0080] Furthermore, in the head cleaning device according to Embodiment 3, during the sliding operation in the second direction D2, similar to Embodiment 1, the area of ​​the wiping surface 211a that has not absorbed ink I slides with the nozzle surface 11a. As a result, the wipe member 211 can absorb more ink I from the nozzle surface 11a.

[0081] As a result, the head cleaning device according to Embodiment 3 can wipe away ink I even when a larger amount of ink I adheres to the nozzle surface.

[0082] [Embodiment 4] The inkjet printer 1d according to Embodiment 4 will now be described. In the description of Embodiment 4, the same reference numerals will be used for components identical to those in Embodiment 1, and the description will not be repeated. The inkjet printer 1d according to Embodiment 4 includes a wipe unit 20d.

[0083] Figure 22 is a side view of the inkjet printer 1d according to Embodiment 4. The wipe unit 20d according to Embodiment 4 has a different arrangement direction than that of Embodiment 1. Specifically, in the wipe unit 20d according to Embodiment 4, the wipe member 211 moves in the Y direction on the wiping surface 211a.

[0084] Furthermore, in the wipe unit 20d according to Embodiment 4, both the winding roller 212 and the take-up roller 215 are connected to the motor 220. In addition, one-way clutches are provided between the winding roller 212 and the motor 220, and between the take-up roller 215 and the motor 220. As a result, in the wipe unit 20d according to Embodiment 4, the wipe member 211 can reciprocate in the Y direction by switching the roller rotated by the motor 220.

[0085] Furthermore, the first drive unit according to Embodiment 4 moves the inkjet head 10 in the X direction. The first drive unit according to Embodiment 4 includes, for example, a member of the head unit 30 of Embodiment 2 for moving the inkjet head 10 in the X direction.

[0086] The cleaning operation of the head cleaning device according to Embodiment 4 will be described. Figure 23 is a top view showing the start state of the cleaning operation according to Embodiment 4. Figure 24 is a side view showing the start state of the cleaning operation according to Embodiment 4. When the cleaning operation is started, the control unit 100 according to Embodiment 4 controls the first drive unit to move the inkjet head 10 so that the nozzle surface 11a faces the wiping surface 211a.

[0087] Figure 25 shows the sliding operation in the first direction D1 according to Embodiment 4. First, the control unit 100 according to Embodiment 4 controls the lifting unit 500 to move the wipe unit 20 and bring the wiping surface 211a into contact with the nozzle surface 11a. Then, while maintaining the contact state, the control unit 100 according to Embodiment 4 controls the second drive unit 200d to move the wipe member 211 back and forth in the first direction D1. As a result, the control unit 100 performs the sliding operation in the first direction D1.

[0088] Figure 26 shows the sliding operation in the second direction D2 according to Embodiment 4. The control unit 100 according to Embodiment 4 controls the first drive unit to move the inkjet head 10 in the second direction D2 while it remains in contact. As a result, the control unit 100 performs the sliding operation in the second direction D2.

[0089] Thus, the head cleaning device according to Embodiment 4, like Embodiment 1, performs a sliding operation in the first direction D1 followed by a sliding operation in the second direction D2. This allows the ink I remaining after the sliding operation in the first direction D1 to be wiped away by contacting the protrusion of the wipe member 211 during the sliding operation in the second direction D2.

[0090] Furthermore, in the head cleaning device according to Embodiment 4, the nozzle surface 11a is moved by a distance greater than or equal to the shorter side dimension of the nozzle surface 11a during the sliding operation in the second direction D2. As a result, similar to Embodiment 1, the area of ​​the wiping surface 211a that has not absorbed ink I slides with the nozzle surface 11a. Consequently, the wipe member 211 can absorb more ink I from the nozzle surface 11a.

[0091] As a result, the head cleaning device according to Embodiment 4 can wipe away ink I even when a larger amount of ink I adheres to the nozzle surface.

[0092] Figure 27 shows the separated state after the cleaning operation according to Embodiment 4. The control unit 100 according to Embodiment 4 controls the lifting unit 500 to move the wipe unit 20, separating the wiping surface 211a from the nozzle surface 11a.

[0093] Figure 28 shows the preparation operations for the next recording and cleaning operations according to Embodiment 4. Before performing the next recording operation, the control unit 100 in Embodiment 4 controls the first drive unit to move the inkjet head 10 to the position at the start of cleaning in the second direction D2. As a result, when starting the next recording operation, the control unit 100 in Embodiment 4 does not need to return the inkjet head 10 to its original position in the second direction D2, and the recording operation can be started earlier.

[0094] Furthermore, the control unit 100 according to Embodiment 4 controls the second drive unit 200d to move the wipe member 211 in the first direction D1 before performing the next cleaning operation. As a result, the control unit according to Embodiment 4 positions the side of the wipe member 211 that does not have ink I attached to it facing the nozzle surface 11a.

[0095] Furthermore, in the control unit 100 according to Embodiment 4, it is preferable to position the nozzle surface 11a facing the short-side end of the wiping surface 211a at the start of the cleaning operation, as shown in Figure 23. This allows the wiping surface 211a to slide efficiently from end to end during the sliding operation in the second direction D2.

[0096] Here, the first direction D1 is the longitudinal direction of the nozzle surface 11a, and the second direction D2 is the short direction of the nozzle surface 11a. Therefore, the sliding region of the wiping surface 211a is shorter in the second direction D2 than in the first direction D1. In Embodiment 4, the dimension of the wipe member 211 in the second direction D2 is the width dimension of the wipe member 211. Therefore, in Embodiment 4, the width dimension of the wipe member 211 can be shortened compared to Embodiment 1. This makes it possible to shorten the external dimensions of, for example, the inkjet printer 1d.

[0097] [Example 1] The control unit of the head cleaning device according to Embodiments 1 to 4 performs a sliding operation in the second direction D2 after a sliding operation in the first direction D1 during the cleaning operation. However, the head cleaning device is not limited to this, and may perform the sliding operation in the first direction D1 and the sliding operation in the second direction D2 simultaneously.

[0098] In this case, the nozzle surface 11a and the wipe member 211 slide in the combined direction of the first direction D1 and the second direction D2. As a result, both the warp threads 211d and the weft threads 211c are oriented obliquely to this combined direction. Therefore, there are no recesses on the wiping surface 211a that extend in this combined direction. In other words, there is no region on the nozzle surface 11a that is always facing a recess during the sliding motion. To put it another way, every region of the nozzle surface 11a slides against the convex portion of the wiping surface 211a. This allows any ink I adhering to any region of the nozzle surface 11a to be wiped away by contact with the convex portion of the wiping surface 211a.

[0099] Figure 29 shows a state in which the head cleaning device according to this modified example performs sliding movements in a first direction D1 and a second direction D2 simultaneously. In this case, the nozzle surface 11a and the wipe member 211 slide in a combined direction D3 of the first direction D1 and the second direction D2. As a result, ink I adhering to any area of ​​the nozzle surface 11a can be wiped away by contacting it with the convex portion of the wiping surface 211a.

[0100] [Differentiation 2] In the head cleaning devices according to Embodiments 1 to 4, the wipe member 211 is strip-shaped. However, it is not limited to this, and the wipe member 211 may be, for example, block-shaped. In this case, the mechanism for winding up the wipe member 211 can be eliminated.

[0101] [Difference 3] The head cleaning device according to Embodiment 3 moves the inkjet head 10 in a first direction D1 and moves the wipe member 211 in a second direction D2. However, it is not limited to this, and the head cleaning device may be configured to move the inkjet head 10 in either the first direction D1 or the second direction D2. In this case, the mechanism for moving the inkjet head 10 is, for example, the head unit 30 of Embodiment 2. Similarly, the head cleaning device according to Embodiment 4 may also be configured to move the inkjet head 10 in either the first direction D1 or the second direction D2. In this case, the wipe member 211 is not wound up in a contact state, so there is no risk of it stretching or meandering.

[0102] [Differentiation Example 4] In the head cleaning devices according to Embodiments 1 to 4, the wipe member 211 is made of a woven fabric made of split yarn, or a nonwoven fabric made of cloth or paper. Of these, the wipe member 211 is preferably made of a woven fabric made of split yarn. Split yarn is made of fine fibers and can wipe away ink I more effectively. Also, as described above, woven fabric has prominent recesses, so when the cleaning method of the head cleaning device of this disclosure is applied, the effect is more reliably achieved.

[0103] [Other variations] In the head cleaning device according to Embodiments 1 to 4, the lifting unit 500 moves the wipe unit 20 relative to the inkjet head 10. However, it is not limited to this, and the lifting unit 500 may also move the inkjet head 10 relative to the wipe unit 20.

[0104] In the head cleaning devices according to Embodiments 1 to 4, the first direction D1 is the longitudinal direction of the nozzle surface 11a. However, the device is not limited to this, and the first direction D1 may be, for example, the short direction of the nozzle surface 11a. In other words, the head cleaning device may perform a sliding operation in the longitudinal direction after a sliding operation in the short direction of the nozzle surface 11a.

[0105] In the head cleaning devices according to Embodiments 1 to 4, the second direction D2 is assumed to be perpendicular to the first direction D1. However, it is not limited to this, and the second direction D2 may be, for example, a direction that forms a 45-degree angle with the first direction D1.

[0106] The head cleaning devices according to Embodiments 1 to 4 are configured to reciprocate during sliding in the first direction D1. However, the device is not limited to this, and the head cleaning device may move in one direction only. This can shorten the time required for sliding in the first direction D1. In this case, in Embodiment 3, the motor 220 only needs to be connected to one of the winding roller 212 and the winding roller 215.

[0107] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims rather than by the description of the embodiments above, and all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims are intended to be included. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0108] 1,1a,1b,1c,1d Inkjet printer, 10 Inkjet head, 11 Nozzle plate, 11a Nozzle surface, 12 Head body, 20,20d Wipe unit, 30 Head unit, 100 Control unit, 110 Memory unit, 211a Wiping surface, 120 Calculation unit, 200,200d Second drive unit, 211 Wipe member, 211c Weft thread, 211d Warp thread, 211e Extended recess, 212 Winding roller, 213,214 Support roller, 215 Take-up roller, 216 Backup member, 218 Force adjustment unit, 220 Motor, 300,300b First drive unit, 311 Side plate, 312,313 Slide guide, 314,319 Ball screw, 315 Support member, 316 Bottom plate, 317 Holding member, 318, 320 Block nut, 500 Lifting section, 600 Media transport section, 700 Head control section, D1 First direction, D2 Second direction, D3 Combination direction, H Hole section, I Ink, L0, L1, L2 Dimensions, R0 Starting area, R1 First area.

Claims

1. A head cleaning device for cleaning the nozzle surface of an inkjet head, A wipe member that absorbs ink from the nozzle surface, A drive unit that moves the nozzle surface and the wipe member relative to each other, The system comprises a control unit for controlling the drive unit, The control unit, When the drive unit is controlled to slide the nozzle surface and the wipe member to perform a cleaning operation, In a contact state where the nozzle surface and the wipe member are in contact, the nozzle surface and the wipe member are moved relative to each other in a first direction parallel to the nozzle surface and in a second direction different from the first direction. A head cleaning device that moves the wipe member so that the entire nozzle surface is outside the starting area, with respect to the starting area where the nozzle surface is in contact at the start of the cleaning operation, at the end of the cleaning operation.

2. The head cleaning device according to claim 1, wherein when the control unit performs the cleaning operation, it moves the nozzle surface and the wipe member relative to each other in the first direction, and then moves them relative to each other in the second direction, while they are in contact.

3. The head cleaning device according to claim 1, wherein when the control unit performs the cleaning operation, it moves the nozzle surface and the wipe member relative to each other in the first direction and simultaneously moves them relative to each other in the second direction while they are in contact.

4. When the control unit performs the cleaning operation, In the aforementioned contact state, the nozzle surface and the wipe member are moved relative to each other in the first direction. In a separated state where the nozzle surface and the wipe member are separated, the nozzle surface and the wipe member are moved relative to each other outside the area where the nozzle surface slides against the wipe member. The head cleaning device according to claim 1, wherein the nozzle surface and the wipe member are moved relative to each other in the second direction in the aforementioned contact state.

5. The aforementioned drive unit is A first drive unit moves the nozzle surface in the first direction relative to the wipe member, The head cleaning device according to claim 1, further comprising a second drive unit for moving the wipe member in the second direction relative to the nozzle surface.

6. The head cleaning device according to claim 1, wherein the drive unit moves the nozzle surface relative to the wipe member in a first direction and a second direction.

7. The head cleaning device according to claim 4, wherein the drive unit includes a lifting unit that moves the wipe member in a direction perpendicular to the nozzle surface to bring it into contact and separated states.

8. The head cleaning device according to claim 1, wherein the wipe member is a woven fabric composed of split yarn.

9. The head cleaning device according to claim 8, wherein the wiping member is composed of a strip-shaped web.

10. The wipe member is composed of a strip-shaped web, The second drive unit is, The aforementioned wipe member is wound in a roll shape on a winding roller, The tip of the wipe member is connected to a winding roller that winds up the wipe member, The motor includes a motor for rotating the winding roller, The nozzle surface is provided so as to face the region of the wipe member from the time it is unwound from the winding roller until it is wound onto the winding roller. The head cleaning device according to claim 5, wherein the control unit drives the motor of the second drive unit to move the wipe member in the second direction relative to the nozzle surface.

11. The drive unit further includes a force adjustment unit that adjusts the contact force between the nozzle surface and the wipe member in the contact state, When the control unit performs the cleaning operation, In the contact state at the first contact force, the first drive unit moves the nozzle surface in the first direction relative to the wipe member. The head cleaning device according to claim 5, wherein, in the contact state with a second contact force smaller than the first contact force, the second drive unit moves the wipe member in a second direction relative to the nozzle surface.

12. The head cleaning device according to claim 1, wherein the second direction is substantially perpendicular to the first direction.

13. The head cleaning device according to claim 12, wherein the first direction is the longitudinal direction in the outer dimensions of the nozzle surface.

14. The head cleaning device according to claim 13, wherein the dimensions of the wiping member in the first direction are greater than the dimensions of the nozzle surface in the first direction.

15. The head cleaning device according to claim 13, wherein the dimension of the wiping member in the first direction is greater than the sum of the dimension of the nozzle surface in the first direction and the distance of movement in the first direction in the contact state.

16. The aforementioned inkjet head, A head control unit that controls the ejection of ink from the inkjet head, A media transport unit that transports the medium to be printed by the inkjet head, An inkjet printer comprising a head cleaning device according to any one of claims 1 to 15.

17. A head cleaning device for cleaning the nozzle surface of an inkjet head, comprising a wipe member for absorbing ink from the nozzle surface of the nozzle surface of the inkjet head, a drive unit for moving the nozzle surface and the wipe member relative to each other, and a control unit for controlling the drive unit, wherein the head cleaning method is performed by controlling the drive unit to slide the nozzle surface and the wipe member, The steps include bringing the nozzle surface and the wipe member into contact, The process includes the step of moving the nozzle surface and the wipe member relative to each other in a first direction among the directions parallel to the nozzle surface and a second direction different from the first direction, while in the aforementioned contact state. A head cleaning method comprising moving the wipe member so that, at the end of the cleaning operation, the entire nozzle surface is outside the starting area of ​​the wipe member, which is in contact with the nozzle surface at the start of the cleaning operation.

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