Recording device

Abstract

To provide a cleaning device which can avoid outflowing of a cleaning fluid.SOLUTION: A head cleaning device cleans a print head of an inkjet recording device. The inkjet recording device includes: a body having an ink container connected to the print head and configured to store an ink for making prints on a printing object, and a solvent container connected to the print head and configured to store a solvent for diluting the ink; and the print head having a nozzle which is connected to the ink container and from which the ink compressively supplied is discharged, a charge electrode which charges ink particles used for printing, a deflection electrode which deflects the ink particles charged by the charge electrode, and a gutter which recovers the ink particles which are not used for printing. The head cleaning device includes: a head attachment part to which the print head is attached; a container for storing the solvent; and a pump for supplying the solvent in the container to the head attachment part. In a state where the print head is attached to the head attachment part, the solvent is jetted in the head attachment part to clean the print head.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a cleaning device for a print head in an inkjet recording apparatus, and more particularly to a cleaning device suitable for preventing the outflow of cleaning liquid from the print head. To do.

Background Art

[0002] As a technique related to the cleaning of an inkjet recording apparatus, there is Patent Document 1. In Patent Document 1, it is disclosed that cleaning is performed by ejecting a cleaning liquid from a cleaning nozzle inside the head toward the nozzle discharge port and sucking the cleaning liquid from a suction path, and a drying process is performed to remove the cause of nozzle clogging.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the method of Patent Document 1, when the cleaning liquid is ejected from the cleaning nozzle toward the nozzle discharge port, not all of the cleaning liquid can be sucked from the suction path, and there is a possibility that the cleaning liquid flows out to the outside of the head.

[0005] Inkjet recording apparatuses are often used in production lines where hygiene management of foods, drinking water, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, etc. is important. Therefore, it is required that cleaning liquid and ink do not flow out to the inside, peripheral equipment, floor, etc. of the inkjet recording apparatus.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a cleaning device capable of avoiding the outflow of the cleaning liquid.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] A preferred example of the present invention is a head cleaning device for cleaning a print head of an inkjet recording apparatus. The inkjet recording apparatus includes a main body having an ink container connected to the print head and containing ink for printing on a printing object, and a solvent container connected to the print head and containing a solvent for diluting the ink. The print head includes a nozzle through which pressurized and supplied ink is ejected, a charging electrode for charging ink particles used for printing, a deflection electrode for deflecting the ink particles charged by the charging electrode, and a gutter for recovering ink particles not used for printing. The head cleaning device includes a head mounting portion on which the print head is mounted, a container for containing a solvent, and a pump for supplying the solvent in the container to the head mounting portion. The head cleaning device sprays the solvent inside the head mounting portion with the print head mounted on the head mounting portion to clean the print head.

Advantages of the Invention

[0008] A preferred example of the present invention is A main body unit, printing a head, and printing to clean the head a cleaning device, and a recording device having the same and The main body unit contains ink for printing on a printing object is provided with an ink supply unit that supplies ink to the print head, and the print head is supplied with ink from the ink supply unit connected to by a nozzle through which pressurized and supplied ink is ejected, the ink discharged from the nozzles a charging electrode for charging ink particles, and deflecting the ink particles charged by the charging electrode to a deflection electrode, and ink particles not used for printing perform has a gutter for recovering The cleaning device has a head mounting portion to which the print head is mounted, and is a recording device that cleans the print head in a state where the print head is mounted on the head mounting portion and

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Figure 14

Figure 15

Figure 16

Figure 17

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, examples will be described with reference to the drawings.

EXAMPLE

[0011] <Configuration of the Appearance of the Inkjet Recording Apparatus> FIG. 3 shows an external perspective view of the inkjet recording apparatus 400 according to Example 1. In FIG. 3, 401 is the inkjet recording apparatus main body, 402 is the print head, and 403 is the operation display unit, and 404 is the conduit. The inkjet recording apparatus 400 includes an operation display unit 403 in the inkjet recording apparatus main body 401, includes a print head 402 externally, and the inkjet recording apparatus main body 401

[0012] <Usage form of the inkjet recording apparatus> Next, the usage state of the inkjet recording apparatus will be described with reference to FIG. 4. In FIG. 4, 401 is the inkjet recording apparatus main body, 402 is the print head, and 40 4 is the conduit, 13 is the object to be printed on which numbers and characters are printed, 15 is the belt conveyor that conveys the object to be printed 13, 16 is the rotary encoder that measures the conveyance distance of the belt conveyor 15, 17 is the print sensor, 18 is the stand that fixes the print head in an arbitrary posture, and 19

[0013] The inkjet recording apparatus 400 is installed, for example, on a production line in a factory where foods and beverages are produced. The inkjet recording apparatus main body 401 is installed at a position where the user can operate it, and the print head 402 is installed at a position where it can approach the object to be printed 13 that is fed on a production line such as the belt conveyor 15. At this time, the fixing jig 19 may be attached to the print head 402 and fixed to the stand 18. In order to print with the same width regardless of the feeding speed on a production line such as the belt A print sensor 17 is provided for outputting a signal to instruct the recording device 400 to print.

[0014] Each of them is connected to a control unit (not shown) in the inkjet recording apparatus main body 401. In response to signals from the encoder 16 and the print sensor 17, the control unit performs the following operations as shown in FIG. The amount of charge and timing of charge on the ink pillar 7B discharged from the nozzle 8 are controlled, and the printing target While the object 13 passes near the print head 402, the charged and deflected ink droplets 7C are It is designed to be attached to the target object 13 for printing.

[0015] <Operation principle of the device> Next, the operating principle of the inkjet recording apparatus will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 5, 20 is a main ink container, 7A is ink, and 24 is a device for pressurizing and feeding the ink. 9 is an electrostrictive element that vibrates at a predetermined frequency when a voltage is applied; 7 is a nozzle for ejecting ink, 7B is an ink column, and 10 is a charger for charging ink particles. 7C is an ink particle; 11 is a ground deflection electrode; 12 is a positive deflection electrode; The electrode, 13, the printing object to be printed, and 14, the gutter for collecting ink particles not printed. It is.

[0016] The ink 7A in the main ink container 20 is sucked and pressurized by the pump (for supply) 24. The resulting material is discharged from the nozzle 8 as a pillar 7B. The nozzle 8 is equipped with an electrostrictive element 9. Vibration is applied to the ink at a predetermined frequency to turn the ink column 7B discharged from the nozzle 8 into particles. The number of ink particles 7C thus generated is determined by the amount of the applied current to the electrostrictive element 9. The number of ink droplets 7C is determined by the frequency of the excitation voltage, and is the same as the frequency. By applying a voltage of a size corresponding to the report to the charging electrode 10, charges can be given. It has become like this.

[0017] The ink particles 7C charged by the charging electrode 10 fly in the electric field between the ground deflection electrode 11 and the plus deflection electrode 12. The deflection electric field is formed between the plus deflection electrode 12 to which a high voltage of 1 to 7 kV is applied and the ground deflection electrode 11 installed. The charged ink particles 7C are deflected by receiving a force proportional to their charge amount and fly toward the printing object 13 and land. At that time, the landing position of the ink particles 7C in the deflection direction changes according to the charge amount. Furthermore, by moving the production line in a direction orthogonal to the deflection direction to move the printing object 13, it becomes possible to land the particles also in a direction orthogonal to the deflection direction. Characters are formed by a plurality of landing ink particles 7D and printing is performed. The ink particles 7C that were not used for printing fly linearly between the plus deflection electrodes 12, are captured by the gutter 14, and then are sucked by the pump (for recovery) 25 and recovered into the main ink container 20. At that time, the landing position of the ink particles 7C in the deflection direction changes according to the charge amount. Furthermore, by moving the production line in a direction orthogonal to the deflection direction to move the printing object 13, it becomes possible to land the particles also in a direction orthogonal to the deflection direction. Characters are formed by a plurality of landing ink particles 7D and printing is performed. The ink particles 7C that were not used for printing fly linearly between the plus deflection electrodes 12, are captured by the gutter 14, and then are sucked by the pump (for recovery) 25 and recovered into the main ink container 20. At that time, the landing position of the ink particles 7C in the deflection direction changes according to the charge amount. Furthermore, by moving the production line in a direction orthogonal to the deflection direction to move the printing object 13, it becomes possible to land the particles also in a direction orthogonal to the deflection direction. Characters are formed by a plurality of landing ink particles 7D and printing is performed. The ink particles 7C that were not used for printing fly linearly between the plus deflection electrodes 12, are captured by the gutter 14, and then are sucked by the pump (for recovery) 25 and recovered into the main ink container 20. At that time, the landing position of the ink particles 7C in the deflection direction changes according to the charge amount. Furthermore, by moving the production line in a direction orthogonal to the deflection direction to move the printing object 13, it becomes possible to land the particles also in a direction orthogonal to the deflection direction. Characters are formed by a plurality of landing ink particles 7D and printing is performed. The ink particles 7C that were not used for printing fly linearly between the plus deflection electrodes 12, are captured by the gutter 14, and then are sucked by the pump (for recovery) 25 and recovered into the main ink container 20.

[0018] At that time, the landing position of the ink particles 7C in the deflection direction changes according to the charge amount. Furthermore, by moving the production line in a direction orthogonal to the deflection direction to move the printing object 13, it becomes possible to land the particles also in a direction orthogonal to the deflection direction. Characters are formed by a plurality of landing ink particles 7D and printing is performed. The ink particles 7C that were not used for printing fly linearly between the plus deflection electrodes 12, are captured by the gutter 14, and then are sucked by the pump (for recovery) 25 and recovered into the main ink container 20. At that time, the landing position of the ink particles 7C in the deflection direction changes according to the charge amount. Furthermore, by moving the production line in a direction orthogonal to the deflection direction to move the printing object 13, it becomes possible to land the particles also in a direction orthogonal to the deflection direction. Characters are formed by a plurality of landing ink particles 7D and printing is performed. The ink particles 7C that were not used for printing fly linearly between the plus deflection electrodes 12, are captured by the gutter 14, and then are sucked by the pump (for recovery) 25 and recovered into the main ink container 20. At that time, the landing position of the ink particles 7C in the deflection direction changes according to the charge amount. Furthermore, by moving the production line in a direction orthogonal to the deflection direction to move the printing object 13, it becomes possible to land the particles also in a direction orthogonal to the deflection direction. Characters are formed by a plurality of landing ink particles 7D and printing is performed. The ink particles 7C that were not used for printing fly linearly between the plus deflection electrodes 12, are captured by the gutter 14, and then are sucked by the pump (for recovery) 25 and recovered into the main ink container 20. At that time, the landing position of the ink particles 7C in the deflection direction changes according to the charge amount. Furthermore, by moving the production line in a direction orthogonal to the deflection direction to move the printing object 13, it becomes possible to land the particles also in a direction orthogonal to the deflection direction. Characters are formed by a plurality of landing ink particles 7D and printing is performed. The ink particles 7C that were not used for printing fly linearly between the plus deflection electrodes 12, are captured by the gutter 14, and then are sucked by the pump (for recovery) 25 and recovered into the main ink container 20. At that time, the landing position of the ink particles 7C in the deflection direction changes according to the charge amount. Furthermore, by moving the production line in a direction orthogonal to the deflection direction to move the printing object 13, it becomes possible to land the particles also in a direction orthogonal to the deflection direction. Characters are formed by a plurality of landing ink particles 7D and printing is performed. The ink particles 7C that were not used for printing fly linearly between the plus deflection electrodes 12, are captured by the gutter 14, and then are sucked by the pump (for recovery) 25 and recovered into the main ink container 20. At that time, the landing position of the ink particles 7C in the deflection direction changes according to the charge amount. Furthermore, by moving the production line in a direction orthogonal to the deflection direction to move the printing object 13, it becomes possible to land the particles also in a direction orthogonal to the deflection direction. Characters are formed by a plurality of landing ink particles 7D and printing is performed. The ink particles 7C that were not used for printing fly linearly between the plus deflection electrodes 12, are captured by the gutter 14, and then are sucked by the pump (for recovery) 25 and recovered into the main ink container 20.

[0019] Next, the path configuration of the inkjet recording apparatus will be described with reference to FIG. 6. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the overall path configuration of the inkjet recording apparatus 400. Next, the path configuration of the inkjet recording apparatus will be described with reference to FIG. 6. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the overall path configuration of the inkjet recording apparatus 400.

[0020] First, the ink supply path of the inkjet recording apparatus 400 of this embodiment will be described. The inkjet recording apparatus main body 401 is provided with a main ink container 20 that holds the circulating ink 7A. The main ink container 20 is provided with a liquid level sensor 46 that detects whether or not the liquid in the main ink container 20 has reached a reference liquid level that is an appropriate amount to be held inside. The inkjet recording apparatus main body 401 is provided with a main ink container 20 that holds the circulating ink 7A. The main ink container 20 is provided with a liquid level sensor 46 that detects whether or not the liquid in the main ink container 20 has reached a reference liquid level that is an appropriate amount to be held inside. The inkjet recording apparatus main body 401 is provided with a main ink container 20 that holds the circulating ink 7A. The main ink container 20 is provided with a liquid level sensor 46 that detects whether or not the liquid in the main ink container 20 has reached a reference liquid level that is an appropriate amount to be held inside. is provided.

[0021] The main ink container 20 is connected to a viscosity measuring device 43 via a path 201 in order to grasp the viscosity of the ink 7A in the main ink container 20. The viscosity measuring device 43 is connected to a solenoid valve (for supply) 34 that opens and closes the path via a path 202. The solenoid valve (for supply) 34 is connected to a pump (for supply) 24 that is used to suck and pump the ink 7A via a path 203. Then, the pump (for supply) 24 is connected to a filter (for supply) 28 that removes foreign matter mixed in the ink 7A via a path 204. is continued. The filter (for supply) 28 is connected to a pressure reducing valve 33 that adjusts the pressure to an appropriate value for printing the ink 7A pumped from the pump (for supply) 24 via a path 205. The pressure reducing valve 33 is provided with a pressure gauge 31 that measures the pressure of the ink 7A supplied to the nozzle via a path 206. The pressure gauge 31 is connected to a switching valve 42 provided in the print head 40

[0022] 2 via a path 207 passing through the conduit 404. The switching valve 42 is connected to a nozzle 8 having a discharge port for discharging the ink 7A via a path 208. The switching valve 42 is a solenoid valve and performs opening and closing control to determine whether to eject the ink from the nozzle 8. In the straight-ahead direction of the discharge port of the nozzle 8, a gutter 14 for capturing ink particles 7C that fly straight without being charged or deflected because they are not used for printing is arranged is provided. The pressure gauge 31 is connected to a switching valve 42 provided in the print head 40 2 via a path 207 passing through the conduit 404.

[0023] The switching valve 42 is connected to a nozzle 8 having a discharge port for discharging the ink 7A via a path 208. The switching valve 42 is a solenoid valve and performs opening and closing control to determine whether to eject the ink from the nozzle 8. In the straight-ahead direction of the discharge port of the nozzle 8, a gutter 14 for capturing ink particles 7C that fly straight without being charged or deflected because they are not used for printing is arranged is provided. The switching valve 42 is an electromagnetic valve and performs opening and closing control to determine whether to eject ink from the nozzle 8. In the straight-ahead direction of the discharge port of the nozzle 8, a gutter 14 for capturing ink particles 7C that fly straight without being charged or deflected because they are not used for printing is arranged is provided. is provided.

[0024] Next, in FIG. 6, the ink recovery path will be described. The gutter 14 is in the conduit 404 The ink disposed in the inkjet recording apparatus main body 401 via the path 212 passing therethrough is connected to a filter (for recovery) 30 that removes foreign matter mixed therein, and the filter ( for recovery) 30 is connected to a solenoid valve (for recovery) 35 that opens and closes the path via the path 213 .

[0025] The solenoid valve (for recovery) 35 is connected to a pump (for recovery) 25 that sucks the ink particles 7 C captured by the gutter 14 via the path 214. The pump (for recovery) 25 is connected to the main ink container 20 via the paths 2 15 and the path 216. Further, the main ink container 2 0 is connected to an exhaust path 217, and the exhaust path 217 is configured to communicate with the outside of the inkjet recording apparatus main body 401.

[0026] Next, in FIG. 6, the ink supply path will be described. The inkjet recording apparatus main body 401 is provided with an auxiliary ink container 22 that holds ink for replenishment, and the auxiliary ink container 22 is connected to a solenoid valve 36 that opens and closes the path via the path 221. Then , the solenoid valve 36 is connected to a confluence path 22 3 connected to the ink supply path 203 via the path 222.

[0027] Next, in FIG. 6, the ink circulation path will be described. In addition to the path 208 for ink supply, the nozzles 8 provided in the print head 402 are connected via the path 225 passing through the conduit 404 to the inside of the inkjet recording apparatus main body 401 and are continued to a solenoid valve 37 that opens and closes the flow path. The solenoid valve 37 is connected to a pump (for circulation) 26 that sucks ink from the nozzles 8 via the path 226 . And the pump (for circulation) 26 is via the path 227 connected to a pump (for circulation) 26 that sucks ink from the nozzles 8 via the path 226 . And the pump (for circulation) 26 is via the path 227 It is configured to be connected to a confluence path 228 connected to an ink recovery path 215. .

[0028] Next, in FIG. 6, the ink pressure relief path connected to the ink supply path 207 will be described. The branch path 235 connected to the ink supply path 207 is connected to the pressure relief path 236. The pressure relief path 236 is connected to a solenoid valve 39 that opens and closes the flow path, and the solenoid valve 39 is connected to a confluence path 238 connected to the ink recovery path 214 via a path 237.

[0029] Next, the solvent supply path of the inkjet recording apparatus 400 in FIG. 6 will be described. The inkjet recording apparatus main body 401 is provided with a solvent container 21 that holds a solvent for supplying the solvent. The solvent container 21 is connected to a pump (for solvent) 27 that is used to suck and pump the solvent via a path 231. The pump (for solvent) 27 is connected to a solenoid valve (for solvent) 38 for opening and closing the flow path via a path 232, and the solenoid valve (for solvent) 38 is connected to the main ink container 20 via a path 233.

[0030] Furthermore, the air path of the inkjet recording apparatus 400 in FIG. 6 will be described. The inkjet recording apparatus main body 401 is provided with a path 234 for discharging dry air from inside the print head 402. The path 234 may be provided with an air pump 73 in the path to supply air. Alternatively, it may be connected to an air compressor provided outside to supply air. .

[0031] <Configuration of the cleaning device cross-section> FIG. 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a cleaning device 500 for a print head according to Embodiment 1. In Figure 1, 1 is the cleaning device main body, 2 is the internal attachment, 3 is the seal part (for the mounting jig), 4 is the mounting jig, 5 is the seal part (for the internal attachment), and 402A is the print head base.

[0032] The cleaning device 500 is disposed outside the inkjet recording device main body 401 that supplies ink to the print head, and an internal attachment 2 is attached inside the cleaning device main body 1 provided with the seal part (for the mounting jig) 3. The print head base 402A is a part of the print head 4 02 and fixes the nozzles 8, the charging electrode 10, the ground deflection electrode 11, and the plus deflection electrode 12.

[0033] <Usage form of the cleaning device> Next, the usage state of the cleaning device 500 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. In Figure 1, 1A is the supply port (main body), 1B is the recovery port (main body), 2A is the supply port (internal a ttachment), and 2B is the recovery port (internal attachment). Note that the cleaning liquid 6 described below is composed of the same components as the solvent in the inkjet recording device 400, and is expressed synonymously with the solvent in the inkjet recording device.

[0034] The cleaning device 500 can supply the cleaning liquid 6 from the supply port (main body) 1A through the supply port (internal attachment) 2A into the cleaning device. Also, the cleaning device 500 has a shape in which the cleaning liquid 6 inside the cleaning device can flow out to the outside of the cleaning device through the recovery port (internal attachment) 2B and the recovery port (main body) 1B, and the detachable internal attachment 2 is attached. Further, the internal a ttachment 2 is formed between the cleaning device 500 and the print head 402 and inside the print head. When cleaning, the shape conforms to that of the printing head 402 so that the volume of the space holding the cleaning liquid 6 becomes smaller. It has a shape that fits the shape of the printing head 402.

[0035] In the cleaning device 500 into which the printing head 300 with the mounting jig attached is inserted, the seal part (for mounting jig) 3 and the mounting jig 4 are in close contact, and the cleaning liquid 6 is prevented from flowing out from other than the recovery port (internal attachment) 2B and the recovery port (main body) 1B, so that the atmosphere inside the cleaning device does not mix with the outside air. It is designed to prevent the atmosphere inside the cleaning device from mixing with the outside air.

[0036] When the cleaning liquid 6 is supplied to the supply port (main body) 1A, the cleaning liquid 6 is supplied into the cleaning device 500 through the supply port (internal attachment) 2A. Or, the solvent in the inkjet recording device 4 00 is supplied from inside the printing head 402 into the cleaning device 500. At this time, the cleaning liquid 6 mainly comes into contact with the nozzles 8, charging electrodes 10, ground deflection electrodes

[0037] 11, plus deflection electrodes 12, and the printing head base 402A that are soiled mainly by ink ejection, and the above-mentioned parts can be cleaned. After cleaning, the above-mentioned cleaning liquid 6 is sucked from the gutter 14 and recovered into the inkjet recording device main body 401. Or, the above-mentioned cleaning liquid 6 flows out of the cleaning device through the recovery port (main body) 1B from the recovery port (internal attachment) 2B.

[0038] <Effect of Example 1> As described above, according to this embodiment, by inserting the printing head 300 with the mounting jig 4 attached into the cleaning device 500 and cleaning the printing head 402 with the cleaning liquid 6 inside, the cause of nozzle clogging can be removed.

[0039] ​​​In addition, since the seal part (for the mounting jig) 3 and the mounting jig 4 are in close contact with each other, it is possible to avoid the cleaning liquid 6 from flowing out from the print head to the periphery of the inkjet recording apparatus. Further, the volume of the space part for holding the cleaning liquid 6 formed between the cleaning apparatus 500 and the print head 402 by the internal attachment 2 becomes smaller, and the consumption amount of the cleaning liquid 6 during print head cleaning can be minimized. Furthermore, since the mounting jig 4 can be attached to print heads 402 having different dimensions and shapes, it is not necessary to use a dedicated inkjet recording apparatus 400 to obtain this effect. Moreover, the volume of the space for holding the cleaning liquid 6 formed between the cleaning device 500 and the print head 402 by the internal attachment 2 becomes smaller, and the consumption of the cleaning liquid 6 during print head cleaning can be minimized. Furthermore, since the internal attachment 2 is provided, the volume of the space for holding the cleaning liquid 6 formed between the cleaning device 500 and the print head 402 becomes smaller, and the consumption of the cleaning liquid 6 during print head cleaning can be minimized. Moreover, the volume of the space for holding the cleaning liquid 6 formed between the cleaning device 500 and the print head 402 by the internal attachment 2 becomes smaller, and the consumption of the cleaning liquid 6 during print head cleaning can be minimized. Furthermore, since the mounting jig 4 can be attached to print heads 402 having different dimensions and shapes, it is not necessary to use a dedicated inkjet recording apparatus 400 to obtain this effect. Moreover, since the mounting jig 4 can be attached to print heads 402 having different dimensions and shapes, it is not necessary to use a dedicated inkjet recording apparatus 400 to obtain this effect. In addition, since the seal part (for the mounting jig) 3 and the mounting jig 4 are in close contact with each other, it is possible to avoid the cleaning liquid 6 from flowing out from the print head to the periphery of the inkjet recording apparatus.

Example

[0040] Hereinafter, Example 2 will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that descriptions of parts common to the above-described example will be omitted, and mainly differences from the above-described example will be described. In FIG. 7(b), 102 is a modified example of the internal attachment 2 shown in FIG. 7(a), and 412 is a modified example of the print head 402. 301 indicates a print head 412 having different dimensions and / or shapes to which the mounting jig 4 is attached. 501 is the cleaning device main body 1 to which the internal attachment 102 is attached. Here, “and / or” indicates that it may be different in either dimension or shape, or may be different in both. In addition, since the seal part (for the mounting jig) 3 and the mounting jig 4 are in close contact with each other, it is possible to avoid the cleaning liquid 6 from flowing out from the print head to the periphery of the inkjet recording apparatus. In FIG. 7(b), 102 is a modified example of the internal attachment 2 shown in FIG. 7(a), and 412 is a modified example of the print head 402. 301 indicates a print head 412 having different dimensions and / or shapes to which the mounting jig 4 is attached. 501 is the cleaning device main body 1 to which the internal attachment 102 is attached. Here, “and / or” indicates that it may be different in either dimension or shape, or may be different in both. In FIG. 7(b), 102 is a modified example of the internal attachment 2 shown in FIG. 7(a), and 412 is a modified example of the print head 402. 301 indicates a print head 412 having different dimensions and / or shapes to which the mounting jig 4 is attached. 501 is the cleaning device main body 1 to which the internal attachment 102 is attached. Here, “and / or” indicates that it may be different in either dimension or shape, or may be different in both. In FIG. 7(b), 102 is a modified example of the internal attachment 2 shown in FIG. 7(a), and 412 is a modified example of the print head 402. 301 indicates a print head 412 having different dimensions and / or shapes to which the mounting jig 4 is attached. 501 is the cleaning device main body 1 to which the internal attachment 102 is attached. Here, “and / or” indicates that it may be different in either dimension or shape, or may be different in both. In FIG. 7(b), 102 is a modified example of the internal attachment 2 shown in FIG. 7(a), and 412 is a modified example of the print head 402. 301 indicates a print head 412 having different dimensions and / or shapes to which the mounting jig 4 is attached. 501 is the cleaning device main body 1 to which the internal attachment 102 is attached. Here, “and / or” indicates that it may be different in either dimension or shape, or may be different in both. In FIG. 7(b), 102 is a modified example of the internal attachment 2 shown in FIG. 7(a), and 412 is a modified example of the print head 402. 301 indicates a print head 412 having different dimensions and / or shapes to which the mounting jig 4 is attached. 501 is the cleaning device main body 1 to which the internal attachment 102 is attached. Here, “and / or” indicates that it may be different in either dimension or shape, or may be different in both. In FIG. 7(b), 102 is a modified example of the internal attachment 2 shown in FIG. 7(a), and 412 is a modified example of the print head 402. 301 indicates a print head 412 having different dimensions and / or shapes to which the mounting jig 4 is attached. 501 is the cleaning device main body 1 to which the internal attachment 102 is attached. Here, “and / or” indicates that it may be different in either dimension or shape, or may be different in both.

[0041] FIG. 7(a) is a cross-sectional view of the cleaning device 500. FIG. 7(b) shows the print head 402 in FIG. 7(a) replaced with a print head 412 having different dimensions and / or shapes, and the internal attachment 2 in FIG. 7(a) replaced with an internal attachment having different dimensions and / or shapes. FIG. 7(a) is a cross-sectional view of the cleaning device 500. FIG. 7(b) shows the print head 402 in FIG. 7(a) replaced with a print head 412 having different dimensions and / or shapes, and the internal attachment 2 in FIG. 7(a) replaced with an internal attachment having different dimensions and / or shapes. FIG. 7(a) is a cross-sectional view of the cleaning device 500. FIG. 7(b) shows the print head 402 in FIG. 7(a) replaced with a print head 412 having different dimensions and / or shapes, and the internal attachment 2 in FIG. 7(a) replaced with an internal attachment having different dimensions and / or shapes. FIG. 102 is a cross-sectional view of the cleaning device 501. FIG. 7(c) is a cross-sectional view of the internal attachment 2, and FIG. 7(d) is a cross-sectional view of the internal attachment 102.

[0042] The print head 402 may have different dimensions and shapes depending on the type of the inkjet recording device 400. When a print head 402 having different dimensions and / or shapes is inserted into the cleaning device 500, it is desirable that the cleaning device 500 has an internal attachment 2 that fits the dimensions and / or shape of the inserted print head attached to the cleaning device main body 1. For example, in the print head 412, the distance from the ground deflection electrode 11 and the plus deflection electrode 12 to the gutter 14 is long, and the nozzles 8 and the charging electrode 10 are located higher than those of the print head 402.

[0043] At this time, the position of the supply port (internal attachment) 102A is shaped to fit the shape of the print head 412 so that the cleaning liquid 6 can be brought into contact with the nozzles 8, the charging electrode 10, the ground deflection electrode 11, and the plus deflection electrode 12 in FIG. 7(b). Also, the bottom surface portion 102C of the internal attachment 102 in FIG. 7(d) is shaped to fit the shape of the print head 412 so that the volume of the space portion for holding the cleaning liquid 6 formed between the internal attachment 102 and the print head 412 during cleaning becomes small. Further, even if the dimensions and / or shape of the internal attachment 2 change, the supply port (internal attachment) 2A of the internal attachment 2 can be connected to the supply port (main body) 1A of the cleaning device main body 1, and the recovery port (internal attachment) 2B of the internal attachment 2 can be connected to the recovery port (main body) 1B of the cleaning device main body 1.

[0044]

[0045] ​​​​​​​​​​For example, in FIG. 7(b), the supply port (main body) 1A and the supply port (internal attachment) 1 02A are connected, and the recovery port 102B (internal attachment) and the recovery port (main body) 1B are connected to each other. At this time, the cleaning device main body 1 may be provided with a seal portion (for internal attachment) 5 so that the supply port (internal attachment) 2A can be connected to the supply port (main body) 1A at any position even if it is attached.

[0046] <Effect of Example 2> According to this embodiment, by replacing the internal attachments 2 and 102 with the cleaning device main body 1 according to the shape of the print head, the volume between the cleaning device 500 and the print heads 402 and 412 can be adjusted, and the consumption amount of the cleaning liquid 6 can be suppressed.

Example

[0047] Hereinafter, Example 3 will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the description of the parts common to the above-described examples is omitted, and mainly the parts different from the above-described examples will be described . An example in which the mounting jig 4 shown in FIG. 1 is used as the fixing jig 19 in FIG. 4 is shown in FIG. 8. When fixing the print head 402 to the stand 18, it is necessary to attach the fixing jig 19 to the print head 402

[0048] . At this time, if the mounting jig 4 can be in close contact with the seal portion (for mounting jig) 3 of the cleaning device as described above and has a shape that can be fixed to the stand 18, the mounting jig 4 can function as a jig for fixing the print head 402 to the stand 18 if it is possible. can be achieved.

Example

[0049] ​Hereinafter, Example 4 will be described with reference to the drawings. Regarding the parts that are common to the above-described examples, the description will be omitted, and mainly the parts different from the above-described examples will be described. The description of the parts that are common to the above-described examples will be omitted, and mainly the parts different from the above-described examples will be described. FIGS. 9 and 10 are route diagrams when the above-described cleaning device 500 is adopted.

[0050] First, the cleaning liquid supply path of the cleaning device 500 of the present embodiment in FIG. 9 will be described. The cleaning device 500 is connected to a main cleaning liquid container 51 that holds the circulating cleaning liquid 6 via a supply path 62. The supply path 62 may be provided with a solenoid valve (for supply) 55 and a pump (for supply) 53 for opening and closing the path. It may be provided.

[0051] Next, the cleaning liquid recovery path will be described. The cleaning device 500 can be connected to the above-described main cleaning liquid container 5 1 via a recovery path 61. The recovery path 61 may be provided with a pump (for recovery) 52. Next, the exhaust path will be described. The cleaning device 500 can be connected to an exhaust path 63 and communicate with the outside air of the main body and external exhaust means. The above-described exhaust path 63 may be provided with a solenoid valve (for exhaust) 56 for opening and closing the path. Further, the main cleaning liquid container 51 can be connected to an exhaust path 64 and communicate with the outside air of the container and external exhaust means. The above-described exhaust path 63 may be provided with a solenoid valve (for exhaust) 56 for opening and closing the path. Also, the main cleaning liquid container 51 can be connected to an exhaust path 64 and communicate with the outside air of the container and external exhaust means. It can communicate with the outside air of the container and external exhaust means. It can communicate with the outside air of the container and external exhaust means.

[0052] Furthermore, the route diagram in FIG. 10 will be described. The auxiliary supply path 65 in FIG. 10 connects an auxiliary cleaning liquid container 54 that holds the cleaning liquid 6 not supplied to the cleaning device 5 00 to the supply path 62, and can supply the above-described cleaning liquid 6 to the cleaning device 500. The auxiliary supply path 65 may be provided with a solenoid valve (for auxiliary supply) 57 for opening and closing the path. It can supply the above-described cleaning liquid 6 to the cleaning device 500. The auxiliary supply path 65 may be provided with a solenoid valve (for auxiliary supply) 57 for opening and closing the path. It may be provided.

[0053] The usage procedure of the cleaning device when the routes in FIGS. 9 and 10 are adopted is shown in the flowchart of FIG. 11. as shown in. In FIG. 11, first, in step S81, the ink ejection recording apparatus 400 stops the flow of the ink in the path by the operations of the pump and the electromagnetic valve having the path configuration of FIG. 6 described above so that ink does not eject from the nozzle 8 provided therein.

[0054] Next, in step S82, the print head 402 is inserted into the cleaning apparatus 500. Then, in the cleaning step S83, the cleaning liquid 6 held in the main cleaning liquid container 51 or the auxiliary cleaning liquid container 54 is supplied into the cleaning apparatus 500 via the cleaning liquid supply path 62 and the auxiliary supply path 65 described above, and the print head is cleaned.

[0055] At this time, if the paths of FIGS. 9 and 10 are adopted, the cleaning step S83 may be performed by operating the pump (for supply) 53 and opening the electromagnetic valve (for supply) 55 and the electromagnetic valve (for auxiliary supply) 57. Alternatively, in the cleaning step S83, the solvent in the ink ejection recording apparatus 400 may be supplied from inside the print head 402 to inside the cleaning apparatus 500, and the print head 402 may be cleaned.

[0056] Furthermore, in the recovery step S84, the cleaning liquid 6 held in the cleaning apparatus 500 is recovered into the main cleaning liquid container 51 via the recovery path 61 described above, and the cleaning liquid is recovered. At this time if the paths of FIGS. 9 and 10 are adopted, the recovery step S84 may be performed by operating the pump (for recovery) 52. Alternatively, in the recovery step S84, the cleaning liquid 6 held in the cleaning apparatus 500 may be sucked from the gutter 14 and recovered into the ink ejection recording apparatus 400. Also, the recovery step S84 may be repeatedly performed alternately with the above-described cleaning step S83, or may be processed simultaneously.

[0057] ​​​​​​​​​​​ The drying process in step S85 is to dry the cleaning liquid 6 remaining in the print head 402 that could not be completely removed in the recovery process S84 and the cleaning liquid 6 in the cleaning device 500 by operating the pump (for recovery) 52 to suck in the atmosphere in the cleaning device 500. At this time, since the inside of the cleaning device 500 is sealed as described above, the solenoid valve (for exhaust) 56 provided in the exhaust path 63 is opened or the check valve in the cleaning device 500 is used to avoid the inside of the cleaning device 500 from becoming negative pressure. Alternatively, the drying process may be performed by supplying dried air from the path 234 provided inside the print head 402 in FIG. 1. Moreover, if the inkjet recording device 400 is equipped with a function to detect the dirt of the components included in the print head 402, the control of the aforementioned detection function may be incorporated into the operation control of the cleaning process S83, the recovery process S84, and the drying process S85. As a function to detect dirt, for example, there is a structure and control to detect the leakage of the charging electrode 10, the ground deflection electrode 11, and the plus deflection electrode 12. Furthermore, there is an optical sensor and its control to detect foreign matter adhering to the components inside the head. There is also a sensor and its control to detect a minute voltage so as to detect that the ink particles 7C with a minute charge are not recovered by the gutter 14 due to clogging or dirt adhesion of the nozzle 8 instead of being deflected by the ground deflection electrode 11 and the plus deflection electrode 12.

[0058] According to this embodiment, if the cleaning device 500 is used as shown in the path diagrams of FIGS. 9 and 10, the cleaning liquid 6 used for cleaning the print head 402 can be circulated and reused once.

[0059]

[0060] ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Therefore, the amount of cleaning liquid 6 consumed can be reduced. EXAMPLES

[0061] The fifth embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. The explanation of the connecting parts will be omitted, and the explanation will be mainly on the parts that are different from the above embodiment. .

[0062] The route diagram of FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the circulation route of the main body of FIG. 6 and the route configuration 50 of the cleaning device described above. are connectable by a supply path 239 and a return path 240. If the route diagram of FIG. 12 is adopted, the solvent held in the solvent container 21 in the cleaning process 83 of FIG. A solvent is used as the cleaning liquid 6, and the solvent is supplied to the inside of the cleaning device 500 via a supply path 239. At this time, the pump (for supply) 53 is operated, and the electromagnetic A wash step 83 may be performed by opening valve (auxiliary supply) 57 .

[0063] 9 is connected to the main ink container 20 via a recovery path 240. By this, the cleaning liquid 6 held in the main cleaning liquid container 51 is supplied to the main ink container 20. It can be provided.

[0064] At this time, the pump (for recovery) 71 is operated and the solenoid valve (for recovery) 72 is opened to The cleaning liquid 6 held in the cleaning liquid container 51 may be supplied to the main ink container 20. The recovery path 240 is connected to a path in the inkjet recording apparatus 400, The above-mentioned cleaning liquid 6 is pumped into the main ink tank using a pump and an electromagnetic valve provided in the recording device 400. The liquid may be supplied to the vessel 20.

[0065] Further, FIG. 15 shows a configuration in which the cleaning device 500 is built into the inkjet recording device, that is, a holder having the structure of the cleaning device 500 and means for cleaning the print head according to the procedure of FIG. 11 are provided, and an inkjet recording device 450 is shown.

[0066] <Effect of Example 5> According to this example, the concentration of the ink 7A held in the main ink container 20 can be adjusted using the cleaning liquid 6 held in the main cleaning liquid container 51. Conventionally, the solvent held in the solvent container 21 was used for adjusting the concentration of the ink 7A, but by adopting this example the above-mentioned consumption amount of the solvent due to concentration adjustment can be reduced.

Example

[0067] Hereinafter, Example 6 will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the description of the parts common to the above-described examples will be omitted, and mainly the parts different from the above-described examples will be described.

[0068] FIG. 16 shows a usage example of the cleaning container 511 in which a recovery valve 59 is attached near the recovery port of the above-described cleaning device 500. The recovery valve 59 is a valve that can open and close the recovery port (main body) 1B. When discharging the cleaning liquid 6 inside the cleaning container 511 from the recovery port (main body) 1B, it is arranged so that the port 66A of the external recovery container 66 communicates with the recovery port (main body) 1B. At this time, a sealing jig 67 is provided between the external recovery container 66 and the recovery port (main body) 1B to prevent the cleaning liquid 6 from flowing out to the surroundings. When the recovery valve 59 is opened, the cleaning liquid 6 flows out from the recovery port (main body) 1B by free fall and is recovered into the external recovery container 66.

[0069] Figure 17(a) shows an external perspective view of the cleaning container 512 with the recovery container 151 attached to the above-described cleaning container 5 12. Also, Figure 17(b) shows a cross-sectional view of the cleaning container 512. When the cleaning liquid 6 inside the cleaning container 512 is recovered, the recovery valve 59 is opened, and the cleaning liquid 6 passes through the recovery port (container) 151A from the recovery port (main body) 1B by free fall and is recovered into the recovery container 151. The cleaning container 512 has a structure in which the cleaning container 511 and the recovery container 151 are attached so that the recovery port (main body) 1B and the recovery port (container) 151A of the recovery container 151 communicate with each other.

[0070] When the cleaning liquid 6 inside the cleaning container 511 is recovered, the recovery valve 59 is opened, and the cleaning liquid 6 passes through the recovery port (container) 151A from the recovery port (main body) 1B by free fall and is recovered into the recovery container 151.

[0071] <Effect of Example 6> As described above, according to this embodiment, by attaching the recovery valve 59 near the recovery port of the cleaning device 500, the recovery port can be opened and closed, and the cleaning liquid can be stored in the cleaning container 511. The printing head 402 can be immersed in the cleaning liquid 6 for cleaning.

[0072] In addition, the cleaning liquid 6 after cleaning the printing head 402 can be recovered into the external recovery container 66 or the recovery container 151 without requiring external power. Also, the cleaning container 511, the external recovery container 66, and the recovery container 151 have a sealing property, so that the cleaning liquid 6 can be prevented from flowing out around the device during the recovery of the cleaning liquid 6.

[0073] Furthermore, the cleaning container 512 with the recovery container 151 attached can be detachably attached to the outside of the inkjet recording device 400 as shown in Figure 13. Or, as shown in Figure 14, it can be detachably attached to the inside of the inkjet recording device 400.

[0074] ​​​​​​​​​​​Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are included. For example, The above-described embodiments have been described in detail for easy understanding, and are not necessarily limited to those having all the configurations described. Also, a part of the configuration of one embodiment can be replaced with the configuration of another embodiment, and the configuration of another embodiment can also be added to the configuration of one embodiment. Further, for a part of the configuration of each embodiment, addition, deletion, or replacement with other configurations is possible. Moreover, the present invention is not limited to those having all the configurations described. Also, a part of the configuration of one embodiment can be replaced with the configuration of another embodiment, and the configuration of another embodiment can also be added to the configuration of one embodiment. Further, for a part of the configuration of each embodiment, addition, deletion, or replacement with other configurations is possible. Moreover, a part of the configuration of one embodiment can be replaced with the configuration of another embodiment, and the configuration of another embodiment can also be added to the configuration of one embodiment. Further, for a part of the configuration of each embodiment, addition, deletion, or replacement with other configurations is possible. Moreover, a part of the configuration of one embodiment can be replaced with the configuration of another embodiment, and the configuration of another embodiment can also be added to the configuration of one embodiment. Further, for a part of the configuration of each embodiment, addition, deletion, or replacement with other configurations is possible. Moreover, for a part of the configuration of each embodiment, addition, deletion, or replacement with other configurations is possible.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0075] 1... cleaning device main body, 2... internal attachment, 1A... supply port (main body), 1B... recovery port (main body), 2A... supply port (internal attachment), 2B... recovery port (internal attachment), 1 8... stand, 19... fixing jig, 300... printing head with mounting jig attached, 400... inkjet recording device, 401... inkjet recording device main body, 402... printing head 8... stand, 19... fixing jig, 300... printing head with mounting jig attached, 400... inkjet recording device, 401... inkjet recording device main body, 402... printing head 8... stand, 19... fixing jig, 300... printing head with mounting jig attached, 400... inkjet recording device, 401... inkjet recording device main body, 402... printing head

Claims

1. A recording apparatus comprising a main body unit, a printing head, and a cleaning device for cleaning the printing head, wherein the main body unit houses ink for printing on a printing object and has an ink supply unit for supplying ink to the printing head, the printing head has a nozzle through which pressurized ink supplied by being connected to the ink supply unit is ejected, a charging electrode for charging ink particles ejected from the nozzle, a deflection electrode for deflecting the ink particles charged by the charging electrode, and a gutter for recovering ink not used for printing, the cleaning device has a head mounting portion on which the printing head is mounted, the printing head is mounted on the head mounting portion, and at least the nozzle, the charging electrode, and the deflection electrode of the printing head are cleaned, the cleaning device is characterized by having a function of drying at least the nozzle, the charging electrode, and the deflection electrode of the printing head.

2. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a solvent is supplied to the cleaning device and the printing head is cleaned with the supplied solvent.

3. In the recording apparatus according to claim 1, the main body unit includes a solvent supply unit for supplying a solvent, and the printing head is cleaned using the solvent from the solvent supply unit.

4. In the recording apparatus according to claim 1, the cleaning device includes a solvent supply unit for supplying a solvent, and the printing head is cleaned using the solvent from the solvent supply unit.

5. A recording apparatus comprising a main body unit, a printing head, and a cleaning device for cleaning the printing head, wherein the main body unit houses ink for printing on a printing object and has an ink supply unit for supplying ink to the printing head and a solvent supply unit for supplying a solvent, the printing head has a nozzle through which pressurized ink supplied by being connected to the ink supply unit is ejected, a charging electrode for charging ink particles ejected from the nozzle, a deflection electrode for deflecting the ink particles charged by the charging electrode, and a gutter for recovering ink not used for printing, the cleaning device has a head mounting portion on which the printing head is mounted, and the printing head is cleaned using the solvent from the solvent supply unit while being mounted on the head mounting portion. The recording device is characterized in that the cleaning device has a recovery unit for recovering the solvent after cleaning.

6. A recording device comprising a main body unit, a printing head, and a cleaning device for cleaning the printing head, wherein the main body unit has an ink supply unit that stores ink for printing on a printing object and supplies the ink to the printing head, the printing head has a nozzle through which the ink pressurized and supplied by being connected to the ink supply unit is ejected, a charging electrode for charging the ink particles ejected from the nozzle, a deflection electrode for deflecting the ink particles charged by the charging electrode, and a gutter for recovering the ink not used for printing, the cleaning device has a head mounting unit on which the printing head is mounted and a solvent supply unit for supplying a solvent, the printing head is cleaned using the solvent from the solvent supply unit while being mounted on the head mounting unit, The recording device is characterized in that the cleaning device has a recovery unit for recovering the solvent after cleaning.

7. A recording device comprising a main body unit, a printing head, and a cleaning device for cleaning the printing head, wherein the main body unit has an ink supply unit that stores ink for printing on a printing object and supplies the ink to the printing head, and a solvent supply unit for supplying a solvent, the printing head has a nozzle through which the ink pressurized and supplied by being connected to the ink supply unit is ejected, a charging electrode for charging the ink particles ejected from the nozzle, a deflection electrode for deflecting the ink particles charged by the charging electrode, and a gutter for recovering the ink not used for printing, the cleaning device has a head mounting unit on which the printing head is mounted, the printing head is cleaned using the solvent from the solvent supply unit while being mounted on the head mounting unit, The recording device is characterized in that it is configured such that a recovery container for recovering the solvent after cleaning is attached.

8. A recording device comprising a main body unit, a printing head, and a cleaning device for cleaning the printing head, wherein the main body unit has an ink supply unit that stores ink for printing on a printing object and supplies the ink to the printing head, The printing head has nozzles to which pressurized ink supplied from the ink supply unit is ejected, a charging electrode for charging ink particles ejected from the nozzles, a deflection electrode for deflecting the ink particles charged by the charging electrode, and a gutter for collecting ink not used for printing. The cleaning device has a head mounting portion on which the printing head is mounted and a solvent supply portion for supplying a solvent. The printing head is cleaned using the solvent from the solvent supply portion while being mounted on the head mounting portion. The recording device is characterized in that the cleaning device is configured such that a recovery container for recovering the solvent after cleaning is attached.

9. A recording device having a main body portion, a printing head, and a cleaning device for cleaning the printing head, wherein the main body portion has an ink supply portion for storing ink for printing on a printing object and supplying the ink to the printing head, the printing head is connected to the ink supply portion and ejects pressurized ink supplied thereto nozzles, a charging electrode for charging ink particles ejected from the nozzles, a deflection electrode for deflecting the ink particles charged by the charging electrode, and a gutter for collecting ink not used for printing. The cleaning device has a head mounting portion on which the printing head is mounted. The printing head is cleaned while being mounted on the head mounting portion. The recording device is characterized by comprising a function of detecting dirt on components included in the printing head.

Images