Method for wiping liquid dispensing device, liquid dispensing device

Abstract

To provide a wiping method of a liquid discharge device which can inhibit wear of a nozzle surface, and to provide the liquid discharge device.SOLUTION: A liquid discharge device includes: a wiping part 45 having a liquid discharge part 19 which may discharge a liquid containing an inorganic pigment from nozzles 21 provided on a nozzle surface 20, a belt-like member 50 which may absorb the liquid, and a pressing part 56 which moves the belt-like member 50 in a first direction D1; and a wiping movable part 46 which moves the wiping part 45 in a second direction D2, an opposite direction of the first direction D1, to wipe the nozzle surface 20 with the belt-like member 50. In a wiping method of the liquid discharge device, first wiping, in which the belt-like member 50 is moved at a first speed by the pressing part 56 and the wiping part 45 is moved at the first speed by the wiping movable part 46 to wipe the nozzle surface 20, is performed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a wiping method for a liquid ejection device and a liquid ejection device.

Background Art

[0002] For example, as in Patent Document 1, there is an inkjet recording device which is an example of a liquid ejection device including a recording head which is an example of a liquid ejection unit. The recording head ejects ink which is an example of a liquid from nozzles provided on a nozzle surface for printing. The nozzle surface has a nozzle forming portion and a non-nozzle forming portion. The nozzles are formed in the nozzle forming portion. The non-nozzle forming portion is located outside the nozzles.

[0003] The inkjet recording device includes a wiping unit which is an example of a wiping portion. The wiping unit includes a pressing member which is an example of a pressing portion and a wiping sheet which is an example of a belt-like member. The pressing member presses the wiping sheet against the nozzle surface. The wiping unit wipes the nozzle surface by moving the wiping sheet while in contact with the nozzle surface.

[0004] The pressing member has a concave portion. That is, the diameter of the portion of the pressing member that presses the wiping sheet against the nozzle forming portion is smaller than the diameter of the portion that presses the wiping sheet against the non-nozzle forming portion. As a result, the pressure acting on the nozzle forming portion becomes smaller than the pressure acting on the non-nozzle forming portion.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] When a strip-shaped member wipes the nozzle surface in a way that scrapes off dirt adhering to the nozzle surface, the nozzle surface may wear down, reducing its liquid-repellent properties. Nozzle surface wear is more likely to occur when a liquid containing inorganic pigments adheres to the nozzle surface. Therefore, even if a recess is provided in the pressing member as in Patent Document 1, it is difficult to suppress nozzle surface wear if the wiping unit moves while the wiping sheet is in contact with the nozzle surface to wipe the nozzle surface. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A method for wiping a liquid dispensing device that solves the above problems comprises: a liquid dispensing unit capable of dispensing a liquid containing an inorganic pigment from a nozzle provided on the nozzle surface; a wiping unit having a strip-shaped member capable of absorbing the liquid and a moving unit for moving the strip-shaped member in a first direction; and a wiping moving unit that wiping the nozzle surface with the strip-shaped member by moving the wiping unit in a second direction opposite to the first direction, wherein a first wiping is performed in which the nozzle surface is wiped by moving the strip-shaped member at a first speed with the moving unit and moving the wiping unit at a first speed with the wiping moving unit.

[0008] A liquid dispensing device that solves the above problems comprises: a liquid dispensing unit capable of dispensing a liquid containing an inorganic pigment from a nozzle provided on the nozzle surface; a wiping unit having a strip-shaped member capable of absorbing the liquid and a moving unit that moves the strip-shaped member in a first direction; a wiping moving unit that wisps the nozzle surface with the strip-shaped member by moving the wiping unit in a second direction opposite to the first direction; and a control unit that controls the moving unit and the wiping moving unit, wherein the control unit performs a first wiping by moving the strip-shaped member at a first speed with the moving unit and moving the wiping unit at a first speed with the wiping moving unit to wipe the nozzle surface. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a liquid dispensing device. [Figure 2] Bottom view of the printing section. [Figure 3] Plan view of the maintenance department. [Figure 4] This is a schematic diagram of the printing and wiping sections. [Figure 5] This is a block diagram of a liquid dispensing device. [Figure 6] The wiping routine is shown in the flowchart. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] [First Embodiment] The following describes a method for wiping down a liquid dispensing device and an embodiment of the liquid dispensing device with reference to the drawings. The liquid dispensing device is an inkjet printer that prints by dispensing ink, which is an example of a liquid, onto a medium such as paper, cloth, vinyl, plastic parts, or metal parts.

[0011] In the drawings, the direction of gravity is indicated by the Z-axis, assuming the liquid dispensing device 11 is placed on a horizontal plane, and the directions along the horizontal plane are indicated by the X-axis and Y-axis. The X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are orthogonal to each other. In the following explanation, the direction parallel to the X-axis is also called the width direction X, the direction parallel to the Y-axis is also called the depth direction Y, and the direction parallel to the Z-axis is also called the vertical direction Z.

[0012] <Liquid discharge device> As shown in Figure 1, the liquid dispensing device 11 may include a housing 12, a guide shaft 13, and a printing unit 14. The liquid dispensing device 11 may also include a media support unit 16 for supporting the medium 15 and a maintenance unit 17.

[0013] The guide shaft 13 may be supported by the housing 12. In this embodiment, the guide shaft 13 extends in the width direction X. The printing unit 14 may be provided so as to be movable along the guide shaft 13. The printing unit 14 includes a liquid ejection unit 19. That is, the liquid ejection device 11 includes the liquid ejection unit 19. The liquid ejection unit 19 can eject a liquid containing an inorganic pigment from nozzles 21 provided on a nozzle surface 20. The liquid ejection unit 19 of the present embodiment is configured to be able to eject a first liquid and a second liquid. The first liquid is a liquid containing an inorganic pigment. The second liquid is a liquid not containing an inorganic pigment.

[0014] The printing unit 14 may include a carriage 23. The carriage 23 reciprocates the liquid ejection unit 19 along the guide shaft 13. The carriage 23 may move while carrying a plurality of liquid containers 24.

[0015] The liquid container 24 may be detachably attached to the carriage 23. The liquid container 24 may be pre-filled with liquid, or may temporarily store liquid supplied from a supply source (not shown). The liquid stored in the liquid container 24 is supplied to the liquid ejection unit 19.

[0016] In the present embodiment, the plurality of liquid containers 24 store different types of liquids respectively. When one liquid container 24 can store a plurality of types of liquids, the carriage 23 may move while carrying one liquid container 24.

[0017] <Liquid ejection unit> As shown in FIG. 2, the liquid ejection unit 19 may include a nozzle forming member 26 and a cover member 27.

[0018] A plurality of nozzles 21 are formed in the nozzle forming member 26. The cover member 27 covers a part of the nozzle forming member 26. The cover member 27 is made of a metal such as stainless steel, for example. A plurality of through holes 29 penetrating the cover member 27 in the vertical direction Z are formed in the cover member 27. The cover member 27 covers the side where the openings of the nozzles 21 are formed in the nozzle forming member 26 so that the nozzles 21 are exposed from the through holes 29.

[0019] The nozzle surface 20 is formed including a nozzle forming member 26 and a cover member 27. Specifically, the nozzle surface 20 is composed of a nozzle forming member 26 exposed from the through hole 29 and a cover member 27.

[0020] In the liquid discharge unit 19, openings of nozzles 21 that discharge liquid are arranged in a row in one direction at a constant interval. The plurality of nozzles 21 constitute a nozzle row. In the present embodiment, the first nozzle row L1 to the twelfth nozzle row L12 are constituted by the nozzles 21 arranged in the depth direction Y. The plurality of nozzles 21 constituting one nozzle row discharge the same liquid. Among the nozzles 21 constituting one nozzle row, the nozzle 21 located at the back in the depth direction Y and the nozzle 21 located in front in the depth direction Y are formed with their positions shifted in the width direction X.

[0021] The first nozzle row L1 to the twelfth nozzle row L12 are arranged side by side approaching each other in the width direction X by two rows at a time. In the present embodiment, two nozzle rows arranged side by side approaching each other are referred to as a nozzle group. In the liquid discharge unit 19, the first nozzle group G1 to the sixth nozzle group G6 are arranged at a constant interval in the width direction X.

[0022] Specifically, the first nozzle group G1 includes the first nozzle row L1 and the second nozzle row L2. The second nozzle group G2 includes the third nozzle row L3 and the fourth nozzle row L4. The third nozzle group G3 includes the fifth nozzle row L5 and the sixth nozzle row L6. The fourth nozzle group G4 includes the seventh nozzle row L7 and the eighth nozzle row L8. The fifth nozzle group G5 includes the ninth nozzle row L9 and the tenth nozzle row L10. The sixth nozzle group G6 includes the eleventh nozzle row L11 and the twelfth nozzle row L12.

[0023] In this embodiment, the liquid dispensing unit 19 dispenses a first liquid from at least one nozzle row among the first nozzle row L1 to the twelfth nozzle row L12, and a second liquid from the other nozzle rows. For example, the first nozzle row L1 and the second nozzle row L2 may dispense white ink, which is an example of the first liquid. For example, the third nozzle row L3 to the twelfth nozzle row L12 may dispense black ink, gray ink, cyan ink, light cyan, cyan, magenta ink, light magenta ink, yellow ink, orange ink, and red ink, which are examples of the second liquid, respectively.

[0024] <Maintenance Department> As shown in Figure 3, the maintenance unit 17 may include a liquid receiving unit 31, a wiping device 32, a forced discharge unit 33, and a capping device 34. In this embodiment, the capping device 34, the forced discharge unit 33, the wiping device 32, and the liquid receiving unit 31 are arranged in the width direction X. In Figure 3, the liquid discharge unit 19 located above the wiping device 32 is shown by a dashed line.

[0025] The liquid receiving section 31 receives the liquid discharged from the liquid discharge section 19 through flushing. Flushing is a maintenance procedure in which liquid is discharged as waste liquid for the purpose of preventing and resolving clogging of the nozzle 21.

[0026] The forced discharge unit 33 may include a suction cap 36, a suction holder 37, a suction motor 38, and a pressure reducing mechanism 39. The forced discharge unit 33 is capable of performing forced discharge, which forces at least one of the first liquid and the second liquid out of the nozzle 21. The forced discharge in this embodiment is also called suction cleaning.

[0027] The suction holder 37 holds the suction cap 36. The suction motor 38 moves the suction holder 37 back and forth along the Z-axis. The depressurization mechanism 39 reduces the pressure inside the suction cap 36.

[0028] The suction cap 36 moves between a contact position and a retracted position as the suction holder 37 moves. The retracted position is the position where the suction cap 36 is away from the liquid discharge section 19. The contact position is the position where it contacts the liquid discharge section 19, which is stopped above the forced discharge section 33. The suction cap 36 in the contact position surrounds the nozzle 21. A single suction cap 36 may surround all the nozzles 21 together, surround at least one group of nozzles, or surround some of the nozzles 21 that make up a group of nozzles.

[0029] If one or more suction caps 36 surround all the nozzles 21 together, the forced discharge unit 33 discharges the first liquid and the second liquid together. If one or more suction caps 36 surround the nozzles 21 of multiple nozzle groups, including the nozzles 21 of the first nozzle group G1, the forced discharge unit 33 discharges the first liquid and the second liquid together.

[0030] In this embodiment, the forced discharge unit 33 performs forced discharge for each nozzle group. In this embodiment, the forced discharge unit 33 surrounds one of the first nozzle group G1 to the sixth nozzle group G6 with two suction caps 36. That is, the forced discharge unit 33 forcibly discharges the first liquid by reducing the pressure inside the suction cap 36 surrounding the first nozzle group G1. The forced discharge unit 33 forcibly discharges the second liquid by reducing the pressure inside the suction cap 36 surrounding any of the second nozzle group G2 to the sixth nozzle group G6.

[0031] The forced discharge unit 33 may perform forced discharge of any one of the nozzle groups from the first nozzle group G1 to the sixth nozzle group G6. The forced discharge unit 33 may sequentially perform forced discharge of multiple nozzle groups from the first nozzle group G1 to the sixth nozzle group G6.

[0032] The capping device 34 may also include a standby cap 41, a standby holder 42, and a standby motor 43. The standby holder 42 holds the standby cap 41. The standby motor 43 moves the standby holder 42 back and forth along the Z-axis. The standby cap 41 moves between a capping position and a separated position as the standby holder 42 moves. The capping position is the position in which the standby cap 41 is in contact with the liquid discharge unit 19, which is stopped above the capping device 34. The separated position is the position in which the standby cap 41 is separated from the liquid discharge unit 19.

[0033] The standby cap 41, located in the capping position, surrounds the openings of the nozzles 21 that make up the first nozzle group G1 to the sixth nozzle group G6. This type of maintenance, in which the standby cap 41 surrounds the openings of the nozzles 21, is called standby capping. Standby capping is a type of capping. Standby capping suppresses the drying of the nozzles 21.

[0034] A single standby cap 41 may be configured to surround all the nozzles 21 together, or to surround at least one group of nozzles, or to surround some of the nozzles 21 that make up a group of nozzles. In this embodiment, the capping device 34 surrounds all the nozzles 21 together with a plurality of standby caps 41.

[0035] <Wiping device> As shown in Figure 3, the wiping device 32 may include a wiping section 45 and a wiping movement section 46.

[0036] The wiping movement unit 46 may include rails 48. In this embodiment, the wiping movement unit 46 includes a pair of rails 48. The pair of rails 48 extend along the Y-axis. The wiping movement unit 46 moves the wiping unit 45 back and forth along the rails 48. Specifically, the wiping movement unit 46 moves the wiping unit 45 in a first direction D1 and in a second direction D2 which is the opposite direction to the first direction D1. In this embodiment, the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 are parallel to the Y-axis.

[0037] The wiping section 45 includes a strip-shaped member 50. The wiping section 45 may also have a case 51. The strip-shaped member 50 is capable of absorbing the first liquid and the second liquid. The portion of the strip-shaped member 50 located in the contact region TA, which is shaded in Figure 3, is capable of contacting the liquid discharge portion 19. In the first direction D1 and the second direction D2, the size of the contact region TA is smaller than the size of the nozzle surface 20.

[0038] The case 51 may house the strip-shaped member 50. The case 51 may have an opening 53. The opening 53 exposes a portion of the strip-shaped member 50, including the contact area TA. The size of the strip-shaped member 50 in the width direction X may be greater than or equal to the size of the nozzle surface 20. In this case, the liquid discharge section 19 can be efficiently maintained.

[0039] As shown in Figure 4, the wiping unit 45 may have a dispensing unit 55, a pressing unit 56 which is an example of a moving unit, and a winding unit 57. In the first direction D1, the winding unit 57 is located ahead of the dispensing unit 55. In the first direction D1, the pressing unit 56 is located between the dispensing unit 55 and the winding unit 57.

[0040] The dispensing unit 55 holds the strip-shaped member 50 in a rolled state. The dispensing unit 55 rotatably holds the rolled strip-shaped member 50. The dispensing unit 55 unwinds and dispenses the strip-shaped member 50 by rotating. The strip-shaped member 50 dispensed from the dispensing unit 55 is wrapped around the pressing unit 56. The winding unit 57 winds the strip-shaped member 50, which is fed via the pressing unit 56, into a roll.

[0041] The pressing portion 56 is pushed upward by, for example, a spring (not shown). The pressing portion 56 pushes the strip-shaped member 50 between the dispensing portion 55 and the winding portion 57 toward the nozzle surface 20. The pressing portion 56 presses the portion of the strip-shaped member 50 located in the contact region TA, thereby pressing the strip-shaped member 50 against the nozzle surface 20. In other words, the contact region TA is the area that can be sandwiched between the pressing portion 56 and the nozzle surface 20 in the movement path of the strip-shaped member 50.

[0042] The dispensing unit 55, the pressing unit 56, and the winding unit 57 may be rotated by power transmitted from a drive source (not shown). In this embodiment, the pressing unit 56 rotates to feed the strip-shaped member 50 from the dispensing unit 55 to the winding unit 57. Specifically, the pressing unit 56 feeds the portion of the strip-shaped member 50 located in the contact area TA in the first direction D1. In this embodiment, the pressing unit 56 functions as a moving unit that moves the strip-shaped member 50 in the first direction D1.

[0043] <Electrical Configuration> As shown in Figure 5, the liquid dispensing device 11 includes a control unit 59. The liquid dispensing device 11 may also include a measuring unit 60 and a detection unit 61.

[0044] The control unit 59 controls various components of the liquid dispensing device 11, such as the printing unit 14 and the maintenance unit 17. The control unit 59 also controls the pressing unit 56 and the wiping movement unit 46. The control unit 59 may be configured as a circuit including α: one or more processors that perform various processes according to a computer program, β: one or more dedicated hardware circuits such as application-specific integrated circuits that perform at least some of the various processes, or γ: a combination thereof. The processor includes a CPU and memory such as RAM and ROM, and the memory stores program code or instructions configured to cause the CPU to perform the processes. Memory, or computer-readable media, includes any readable media that can be accessed by a general-purpose or dedicated computer.

[0045] The measurement unit 60 measures the elapsed time since the nozzle surface 20 was wiped by the wiping unit 45. For example, the measurement unit 60 may reset the measured time each time wiping is performed, and the measured time may be set as the elapsed time.

[0046] The detection unit 61 can detect the amount of dirt on the nozzle surface 20. For example, the detection unit 61 may be an image sensor that captures an image of the nozzle surface 20. The detection unit 61 may determine the amount of dirt on the nozzle surface 20 by analyzing the captured image. The control unit 59 may perform the analysis of the captured image.

[0047] The detection unit 61 may be a counter that counts the number of liquid drops discharged from the nozzle 21. Some of the liquid discharged from the nozzle 21 may scatter and become a mist. The mist that adheres to the nozzle surface 20 can cause contamination of the nozzle surface 20. The amount of mist that adheres to the nozzle surface 20 increases as the number of liquid drops discharged from the nozzle 21 increases. Therefore, the detection unit 61 may detect the amount of contamination on the nozzle surface 20 by counting the number of liquid drops discharged from the nozzle 21.

[0048] <Dispelling Routine> The wiping method will be explained with reference to the flowchart shown in Figure 6. This wiping routine is executed when the power to the liquid discharge unit 19 is turned on.

[0049] As shown in Figure 6, in step S101, the control unit 59 determines whether the forced discharge unit 33 has performed forced discharge. If forced discharge has been performed, step S101 becomes YES, and the control unit 59 proceeds to step S102. In step S102, the control unit 59 determines whether the first liquid has been discharged from the nozzle 21 by forced discharge.

[0050] If the first liquid is not discharged from the nozzle 21 by forced discharge, step S102 becomes NO, and the control unit 59 proceeds to step S104. If the first liquid is discharged from the nozzle 21 by forced discharge, step S102 becomes YES, and the control unit 59 proceeds to step S103. In step S103, the control unit 59 performs the first wipe. In step S104, the control unit 59 performs the second wipe. In step S105, the control unit 59 resets the elapsed time measured by the measurement unit 60 and proceeds to step S101.

[0051] If forced discharge is not performed in step S101, step S101 becomes NO, and the control unit 59 proceeds to step S106. In step S106, the control unit 59 determines whether the elapsed time since wiping the nozzle surface 20 exceeds a predetermined time. The predetermined time may be stored in the control unit 59 in advance, or it may be set by the user or the like.

[0052] If the elapsed time exceeds the predetermined time, step S106 becomes YES, and the control unit 59 proceeds to step S103. If the elapsed time does not exceed the predetermined time, step S106 becomes NO, and the control unit 59 proceeds to step S107.

[0053] In step S107, the control unit 59 determines whether the amount of dirt on the nozzle surface 20 exceeds a predetermined amount. The predetermined amount may be stored in the control unit 59 in advance, or it may be set by the user or the like.

[0054] If the amount of dirt on the nozzle surface 20 exceeds a predetermined amount, step S107 becomes YES, and the control unit 59 proceeds to step S103. If the amount of dirt on the nozzle surface 20 does not exceed a predetermined amount, step S107 becomes NO, and the control unit 59 proceeds to step S101.

[0055] <First Dispelling> As shown in Figure 4, the first wiping is a wiping operation in which the strip-shaped member 50 is moved in accordance with the movement of the wiping unit 45. The direction in which the wiping unit 45 is moved in the first wiping is opposite to the direction in which the strip-shaped member 50 is moved. The wiping movement unit 46 wisps the nozzle surface 20 with the strip-shaped member 50 by moving the wiping unit 45 in the second direction D2. The pressing unit 56 moves the strip-shaped member 50 in the first direction D1, which is opposite to the second direction D2 in which it is moving. During the first wiping, the portion of the strip-shaped member 50 that is located in the contact area TA and in contact with the nozzle surface 20 is sequentially replaced.

[0056] The control unit 59 performs a first wiping operation by moving the strip-shaped member 50 at a first speed using the pressing unit 56 while moving the wiping unit 45 at a first speed using the wiping unit 46. The first speed at which the pressing unit 56 moves the strip-shaped member 50 is approximately the same as the speed at which the strip-shaped member 50 itself moves. There may be an error between the speed at which the pressing unit 56 moves the strip-shaped member 50 and the speed at which the wiping unit 46 moves the wiping unit 45. For example, if the strip-shaped member 50 is deformed by being sandwiched between the nozzle surface 20 and the pressing unit 56, the speed error may be absorbed by the deformation of the strip-shaped member 50.

[0057] The first wiping is performed on the portion of the strip-shaped member 50 that is pressed against the pressing portion 56. The pressing portion 56 presses the portion of the strip-shaped member 50 located in the contact area TA against the nozzle surface 20. As a result, the liquid adhering to the nozzle surface 20 is absorbed by the strip-shaped member 50. The strip-shaped member 50, having absorbed the liquid, is then removed from the nozzle surface 20 and collected in the winding portion 57.

[0058] In other words, the first wiping is performed by applying the strip-shaped member 50 to a part of the nozzle surface 20 and gradually shifting the portion of the nozzle surface 20 to which the strip-shaped member 50 is applied. The first wiping suppresses the slippage of the strip-shaped member 50 against the nozzle surface 20 by gradually changing the portion of the strip-shaped member 50 that is in contact with the nozzle surface 20.

[0059] <Second Dispelling> As shown in Figure 4, the control unit 59 performs a second wiping operation by moving the wiping unit 45 with the wiping movement unit 46 while the movement of the strip-shaped member 50 by the pressing unit 56 is stopped, thereby wiping the nozzle surface 20. The second wiping operation is performed on the portion of the strip-shaped member 50 that is pressed by the pressing unit 56. During the second wiping operation, the portion of the strip-shaped member 50 that is pressed by the pressing unit 56 does not change.

[0060] The second wiping involves sliding the portion of the strip-shaped member 50 located in the contact area TA against the nozzle surface 20. The second wiping wipes off the dirt adhering to the nozzle surface 20 with the strip-shaped member 50. The direction in which the wiping movement unit 46 moves the wiping unit 45 during the second wiping may be the first direction D1 or the second direction D2.

[0061] <Operation of the Embodiment> The operation of this embodiment will now be described. The control unit 59 of this embodiment is capable of performing a first wipe and a second wipe. The first and second wipes are wipes of the nozzle surface 20 with the strip-shaped member 50. The first and second wipes are performed with the liquid discharge unit 19 stopped above the wipe device 32.

[0062] The wiping movement unit 46 wipes the nozzle surface 20 with the strip-shaped member 50 by moving the wiping unit 45. The control unit 59 causes the wiping movement unit 46 to move the wiping unit 45 to perform the first wiping and the second wiping. The control unit 59 may perform the first wiping and the second wiping separately or consecutively. For example, the control unit 59 may perform the second wiping after performing the first wiping.

[0063] The control unit 59 may perform a first wipe when forced discharge is performed. The control unit 59 may perform a first wipe when the elapsed time since the nozzle surface 20 was wiped exceeds a predetermined time. The control unit 59 may perform a first wipe when the amount of dirt on the nozzle surface 20 exceeds a predetermined amount.

[0064] If forced discharge is performed, the wiping method may be changed according to the liquid that is discharged. For example, if the first liquid is discharged from the nozzle 21 by forced discharge using the forced discharge unit 33, the first wiping may be performed. If the second liquid is discharged from the nozzle 21 by forced discharge using the forced discharge unit 33 without discharging the first liquid, the second wiping may be performed without performing the first wiping.

[0065] <Effects of the Embodiment> The effects of this embodiment will now be explained. (1) The pressing part 56 moves the strip-shaped member 50 in a first direction D1. The wiping moving part 46 moves the wiping part 45 in a second direction D2. The second direction D2 is the opposite direction to the first direction D1. Therefore, by moving the strip-shaped member 50 at a first speed while moving the wiping part 45 at a first speed, friction between the strip-shaped member 50 and the nozzle surface 20 is suppressed. Thus, wear of the nozzle surface 20 can be suppressed.

[0066] (2) The pressing portion 56 that presses against the strip-shaped member 50 moves the strip-shaped member 50 by rotating. The strip-shaped member 50 moves in the first direction D1 at a first velocity due to the rotation of the pressing portion 56. Therefore, wear of the nozzle surface 20 can be suppressed with a simple configuration.

[0067] (3) After performing the first wiping, the second wiping is performed. The first wiping can absorb any liquid adhering to the nozzle surface 20. However, after the first wiping, foreign matter such as dried liquid may remain on the nozzle surface 20. In the second wiping, the wiping unit 45 is moved while the movement of the strip-shaped member 50 is stopped. That is, after the first wiping absorbs any liquid that could cause wear, the second wiping can scrape off any foreign matter remaining on the nozzle surface 20.

[0068] (4) The first wiping is performed when the first liquid is forcibly discharged from the nozzle 21. When the first liquid is forcibly discharged from the nozzle 21, a large amount of the first liquid adheres to the nozzle surface 20. By performing the first wiping, the strip-shaped member 50 can absorb the first liquid.

[0069] (5) If a second liquid that does not contain inorganic pigment is discharged, the second wiping is performed without performing the first wiping. Therefore, the time required to wipe the nozzle surface 20 can be shortened compared to when both the first and second wiping are performed.

[0070] (6) The nozzle surface 20 may become soiled with mist and other liquids that are scattered in a mist-like form. The amount of dirt adhering to the nozzle surface 20 increases over time. In this regard, if the time elapsed since the nozzle surface 20 was wiped exceeds a predetermined time, the first wiping is performed. Therefore, even if the nozzle surface 20 becomes soiled, it can be cleaned by performing the first wiping.

[0071] (7) When the amount of dirt on the nozzle surface 20 detected by the detection unit 61 exceeds a predetermined amount, the first wiping is performed. Therefore, even if the nozzle surface 20 becomes dirty due to mist adhering to it, for example, the nozzle surface 20 can be cleaned by performing the first wiping.

[0072] [Example of changes] This embodiment can be implemented with the following modifications. This embodiment and the following modifications can be combined with each other to the extent that they do not contradict each other technically.

[0073] The winding unit 57 may function as a moving unit that moves the strip-shaped member 50 in a first direction D1 by winding up the strip-shaped member 50. That is, the winding unit 57 may move the portion of the strip-shaped member 50 located in the contact area TA in the first direction D1 by winding up the strip-shaped member 50. The pressing unit 56 may be rotatable while pressing the strip-shaped member 50 between the dispensing unit 55 and the winding unit 57 toward the nozzle surface 20. The control unit 59 may perform the first wiping by moving the strip-shaped member 50 at a first speed using the winding unit 57 and moving the wiping unit 45 in a second direction D2 at a first speed using the wiping moving unit 46. In this case as well, wiping of the nozzle surface 20 is performed on the portion of the strip-shaped member 50 that is pressed by the pressing unit 56. This method suppresses friction between the strip-shaped member 50 and the nozzle surface 20, and also suppresses wear of the nozzle surface 20 with a simple configuration.

[0074] When the winding unit 57 moves the strip-shaped member 50, the pressing unit 56 may rotate in conjunction with the movement of the strip-shaped member 50. When the winding unit 57 moves the strip-shaped member 50, the pressing unit 56 may be fixed. The winding unit 57 may move the strip-shaped member 50 by sliding it relative to the pressing unit 56.

[0075] The control unit 59 may perform a second wipe after performing the first wipe multiple times. By reducing the frequency of performing the second wipe, wear on the nozzle surface 20 can be reduced compared to, for example, performing the second wipe every time after the first wipe.

[0076] The liquid dispensing device 11 may include a supply unit (not shown) capable of supplying wiping liquid to the strip-shaped member 50. That is, the strip-shaped member 50 may wipe the nozzle surface 20 while absorbing the wiping liquid. By impregnating the strip-shaped member 50 with wiping liquid, the first liquid and the second liquid are more easily absorbed by the strip-shaped member 50, improving wiping performance. The wiping liquid may be contained in the portion of the strip-shaped member 50 located in the contact area TA during at least one of the first and second wipes.

[0077] The wiping unit 46 may perform a first wiping by moving the wiping unit 45 at a first speed, and a second wiping by moving the wiping unit 45 at a second speed faster than the first speed. By performing the first wiping by moving the wiping unit 45 at a first speed slower than the second speed, the amount of liquid remaining on the nozzle surface 20 can be reduced. By performing the second wiping by moving the wiping unit 45 at a second speed faster than the first speed, the time required for wiping can be shortened.

[0078] The force with which the pressing portion 56 presses the strip-shaped member 50 may be variable. For example, the pressing portion 56 may press the strip-shaped member 50 against the nozzle surface 20 with a first pressing force to perform a first wiping. The pressing portion 56 may also press the strip-shaped member 50 against the nozzle surface 20 with a second pressing force smaller than the first pressing force to perform a second wiping. Performing the first wiping with a first pressing force greater than the second pressing force can reduce the amount of liquid remaining on the nozzle surface 20. Performing the second wiping with a first pressing force smaller than the first pressing force can reduce wear on the nozzle surface 20.

[0079] The control unit 59 may wipe the nozzle surface 20 regardless of the amount of dirt on the nozzle surface 20. The detection unit 61 may detect the type of dirt on the nozzle surface 20. The control unit 59 may perform a first wipe and a second wipe according to the type of dirt. For example, if the color of the dirt is the same as the color of the first liquid, the control unit 59 may perform a first wipe. For example, if the color of the dirt is the same as the color of the second liquid, the control unit 59 may perform a second wipe. If the dirt is mist or liquid, the control unit 59 may perform a first wipe. If the dirt on the nozzle surface 20 is due to the adhesion of, for example, fibers of the medium 15, the control unit 59 may perform a second wipe.

[0080] The control unit 59 may perform wiping of the nozzle surface 20 regardless of the elapsed time since wiping the nozzle surface 20. The measurement unit 60 may measure the elapsed time since the first wiping was performed. The control unit 59 may measure the elapsed time since the second wiping was performed.

[0081] The control unit 59 may perform a first wipe after performing forced discharge, regardless of the type of liquid that was forcibly discharged. The control unit 59 may perform the first and second wipes after performing forced discharge, regardless of the type of liquid that was forcibly discharged.

[0082] The forced discharge unit 33 may forcibly discharge at least one of the first liquid and the second liquid from the nozzle 21 by pressurizing the liquid in the liquid discharge unit 19. In other words, the forced discharge unit 33 may forcibly discharge the liquid from the nozzle 21 by performing pressurized cleaning.

[0083] The control unit 59 may perform the first wiping while sequentially discharging liquid from multiple nozzle groups. For example, the control unit 59 may perform the first wiping after forcibly discharging the first liquid from the first nozzle group G1. For example, the control unit 59 may perform the second wiping after forcibly discharging the second liquid from a nozzle group different from the first nozzle group G1.

[0084] The liquid dispensing device 11 may be a liquid dispensing device that sprays or dispenses liquids other than ink. The state of the liquid dispensed from the liquid dispensing device as minute droplets may include granular, teardrop-shaped, or thread-like forms. The liquid referred to here may be any material that can be dispensed from the liquid dispensing device. For example, the liquid may be any state in which a substance is in the liquid phase, and may include highly or low viscosity liquids, sols, gel water, other inorganic solvents, organic solvents, solutions, liquid resins, liquid metals, and other fluids. The liquid may include not only liquids as a state of matter, but also functional material particles consisting of solids such as pigments and metal particles dissolved, dispersed, or mixed in a solvent. Typical examples of liquids include inks and liquid crystals as described in the above embodiments. Here, ink refers to general water-based inks and oil-based inks, as well as various liquid compositions such as gel inks and hot-melt inks. Specific examples of liquid dispensing devices include devices that dispense liquids containing materials such as electrode materials and colorants in the form of dispersion or dissolution, used in the manufacture of liquid crystal displays, electroluminescent displays, surface-emitting displays, and color filters. Liquid dispensing devices may also be devices that dispense bio-organic substances used in biochip manufacturing, devices that dispense liquid samples used as precision pipettes, printing devices, microdispensers, etc. Liquid dispensing devices may also be devices that dispense lubricating oil to precision machinery such as watches and cameras with pinpoint accuracy, or devices that dispense transparent resin liquids such as ultraviolet-curing resins onto substrates to form minute hemispherical lenses, optical lenses, etc. used in optical communication elements. Liquid dispensing devices may also be devices that dispense etching solutions such as acids or alkalis to etch substrates.

[0085] [Note] The technical concepts and their effects that can be understood from the embodiments and modifications described above are described below.

[0086] (A) A method for wiping a liquid dispensing device, comprising: a liquid dispensing unit capable of dispensing a liquid containing an inorganic pigment from a nozzle provided on the nozzle surface; a wiping unit having a strip-shaped member capable of absorbing the liquid and a moving unit for moving the strip-shaped member in a first direction; and a wiping moving unit for wiping the nozzle surface with the strip-shaped member by moving the wiping unit in a second direction opposite to the first direction, wherein a first wiping is performed in which the nozzle surface is wiped by moving the strip-shaped member at a first speed with the moving unit and moving the wiping unit at a first speed with the wiping moving unit.

[0087] In this method, the moving part moves the strip-shaped member in a first direction. The wiping moving part moves the wiping part in a second direction. The second direction is the opposite direction to the first direction. Therefore, by moving the strip-shaped member at a first speed while moving the wiping part at a first speed, friction between the strip-shaped member and the nozzle surface is suppressed. Consequently, wear on the nozzle surface can be suppressed.

[0088] (B) In a method for wiping a liquid dispensing device, the wiping unit has a pressing unit which moves the strip-shaped member in a first direction by pressing the strip-shaped member toward the nozzle surface and rotating, and the first wiping may be performed on the portion of the strip-shaped member pressed by the pressing unit by moving the strip-shaped member at a first speed with the pressing unit and moving the wiping unit with the wiping moving unit at a first speed.

[0089] In this method, the pressing part that presses against the strip-shaped member rotates, thereby moving the strip-shaped member. The strip-shaped member moves in a first direction at a first velocity due to the rotation of the pressing part. Therefore, wear on the nozzle surface can be suppressed with a simple configuration.

[0090] (C) In a method for wiping a liquid discharge device, the wiping unit includes a dispensing unit that holds the strip-shaped member in a rolled state, a winding unit that moves the strip-shaped member in the first direction by winding up the strip-shaped member, and a pressing unit that is rotatable while pressing the strip-shaped member between the dispensing unit and the winding unit toward the nozzle surface, and the first wiping may be performed on the portion of the strip-shaped member pressed by the pressing unit by moving the wiping unit at the first speed while moving the strip-shaped member by the winding unit.

[0091] In this method, the winding unit moves the strip-shaped member by winding it up. The strip-shaped member moves in a first direction at a first velocity due to the rotation of the winding unit. Therefore, wear on the nozzle surface can be suppressed with a simple configuration.

[0092] (D) The wiping method for the liquid dispensing device may be to perform a second wiping after the first wiping is performed, in which the nozzle surface is wiped by moving the wiping unit with the wiping unit while the movement of the strip-shaped member by the moving unit is stopped.

[0093] In this method, a second wiping is performed after the first wiping. The first wiping can absorb liquid adhering to the nozzle surface. However, after the first wiping, foreign matter such as dried liquid may remain on the nozzle surface. In the second wiping, the wiping unit is moved while the movement of the strip-shaped member is stopped. That is, after absorbing liquid that could cause wear with the first wiping, the foreign matter remaining on the nozzle surface can be scraped off with the second wiping.

[0094] (E) In a method for wiping a liquid dispensing device, the liquid dispensing unit is configured to dispense a first liquid which is the liquid containing the inorganic pigment and a second liquid which does not contain the inorganic pigment, and the liquid dispensing device further comprises a forced discharge unit capable of forcibly discharging at least one of the first liquid and the second liquid from the nozzle, and if the first liquid is discharged from the nozzle by the forced discharge by the forced discharge unit, the first wiping may be performed.

[0095] According to this method, the first wiping is performed when the first liquid is forcibly discharged from the nozzle. When the first liquid is forcibly discharged from the nozzle, a large amount of the first liquid adheres to the nozzle surface. By performing the first wiping, the first liquid can be absorbed by the strip-shaped member.

[0096] (F) The wiping method for the liquid discharge device allows for a second wiping to be performed by moving the wiping unit with the wiping unit while the movement of the strip-shaped member by the moving unit is stopped, thereby wiping the nozzle surface. If the second liquid is discharged from the nozzle without discharging the first liquid by the forced discharge unit, the second wiping may be performed without performing the first wiping.

[0097] According to this method, if a second liquid that does not contain inorganic pigment is discharged, the second wipe is performed without performing the first wipe. Therefore, the time required to wipe the nozzle surface can be reduced compared to when both the first and second wipes are performed.

[0098] (G) In a method for wiping a liquid dispensing device, the liquid dispensing device further includes a measuring unit that measures the time elapsed since the nozzle surface was wiped by the wiping unit, and if the elapsed time exceeds a predetermined time, the first wiping may be performed.

[0099] The nozzle surface can become soiled with mist and other liquid particles that are dispersed in a fine mist. The amount of dirt adhering to the nozzle surface 20 increases over time. With this method, however, if the time elapsed since the last wiping of the nozzle surface exceeds a predetermined time, the first wiping is performed. Therefore, even if the nozzle surface becomes soiled, it can be cleaned by performing the first wiping.

[0100] (H) In the method for wiping a liquid dispensing device, the liquid dispensing device further comprises a detection unit capable of detecting the amount of dirt on the nozzle surface, and if the amount of dirt exceeds a predetermined amount, the first wiping may be performed.

[0101] According to this method, the first wiping is performed when the amount of dirt on the nozzle surface detected by the detection unit exceeds a predetermined amount. Therefore, even if the nozzle surface becomes dirty due to mist adhesion, for example, the nozzle surface can be cleaned by performing the first wiping.

[0102] (I) The liquid dispensing device comprises a liquid dispensing unit capable of dispensing a liquid containing an inorganic pigment from a nozzle provided on the nozzle surface; a wiping unit having a strip-shaped member capable of absorbing the liquid and a moving unit for moving the strip-shaped member in a first direction; a wiping moving unit that wisps the nozzle surface with the strip-shaped member by moving the wiping unit in a second direction opposite to the first direction; and a control unit that controls the moving unit and the wiping moving unit, wherein the control unit performs a first wiping by moving the strip-shaped member at a first speed with the moving unit and moving the wiping unit at a first speed with the wiping moving unit to wipe the nozzle surface.

[0103] This configuration can achieve the same effect as the wiping method for the liquid dispensing device described above. [Explanation of symbols]

[0104] 11...Liquid dispensing device, 12...Housing, 13...Guide shaft, 14...Printing section, 15...Media, 16...Media support section, 17...Maintenance section, 19...Liquid dispensing section, 20...Nozzle surface, 21...Nozzle, 23...Carriage, 24...Liquid container, 26...Nozzle forming member, 27...Cover member, 29...Through hole, 31...Liquid receiving section, 32...Wiping device, 33...Forced discharge section, 34...Capping device, 36...Suction cap, 37...Suction holder, 38...Suction motor, 39...Depressurization mechanism, 4 1...Standby cap, 42...Standby holder, 43...Standby motor, 45...Wiping unit, 46...Wiping movement unit, 48...Rail, 50...Strip-shaped member, 51...Case, 53...Opening, 55...Feeding unit, 56...Pressing unit, 57...Winding unit, 59...Control unit, 60...Measurement unit, 61...Detection unit, D1...First direction, D2...Second direction, G1~G6...First nozzle group~Sixth nozzle group, L1~L12...First nozzle row~Twelfth nozzle row, TA...Contact area, X...Width direction, Y...Depth direction, Z...Vertical direction.

Claims

1. A liquid dispensing unit capable of dispensing a liquid containing inorganic pigment from a nozzle provided on the nozzle surface, A wiping unit having a strip-shaped member capable of absorbing the liquid and a moving part for moving the strip-shaped member in a first direction, By moving the wiping unit in a second direction which is opposite to the first direction, the wiping moving unit wipes the nozzle surface with the strip-shaped member, A method for wiping a liquid dispensing device equipped with, The first wiping is performed by moving the strip-shaped member at a first speed using the moving part and moving the wiping part at a first speed using the wiping moving part, thereby wiping the nozzle surface. A method for wiping a liquid dispensing device, characterized in that, after performing the first wiping, a second wiping is performed by wiping the nozzle surface by moving the wiping unit with the wiping unit while the movement of the strip-shaped member by the moving unit is stopped.

2. The wiping unit has a pressing unit which acts as a moving unit that pushes the strip-shaped member toward the nozzle surface and rotates to move the strip-shaped member in the first direction. The wiping method for a liquid dispensing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the strip-shaped member is moved at a first speed by the pressing portion and the wiping portion is moved at a first speed by the wiping moving portion, thereby performing the first wiping on the portion of the strip-shaped member pressed by the pressing portion.

3. The wiping unit includes a dispensing unit that holds the strip-shaped member in a rolled state, a winding unit that acts as the moving unit to move the strip-shaped member in the first direction by winding up the strip-shaped member, and a pressing unit that is rotatable while pressing the strip-shaped member between the dispensing unit and the winding unit toward the nozzle surface. The wiping method for a liquid discharge apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the first wiping is performed on the portion of the strip member that is pressed against the pressing portion, by moving the strip member at a first speed with the winding portion and moving the wiping portion at a first speed with the wiping moving portion.

4. The liquid dispensing unit is configured to dispense a first liquid, which is the liquid containing the inorganic pigment, and a second liquid, which does not contain the inorganic pigment. The liquid dispensing device further comprises a forced discharge unit capable of forcibly discharging at least one of the first liquid and the second liquid from the nozzle, A method for wiping a liquid discharge device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that when the first liquid is discharged from the nozzle by the forced discharge by the forced discharge unit, the first wiping is performed.

5. A liquid dispensing unit capable of dispensing a liquid containing inorganic pigment from a nozzle provided on the nozzle surface, A wiping unit having a strip-shaped member capable of absorbing the liquid and a moving part for moving the strip-shaped member in a first direction, By moving the wiping unit in a second direction which is opposite to the first direction, the wiping moving unit wipes the nozzle surface with the strip-shaped member, A method for wiping a liquid dispensing device equipped with, The first wiping is performed by moving the strip-shaped member at a first speed using the moving part and moving the wiping part at a first speed using the wiping moving part, thereby wiping the nozzle surface. The liquid dispensing unit is configured to dispense a first liquid, which is the liquid containing the inorganic pigment, and a second liquid, which does not contain the inorganic pigment. The liquid dispensing device further comprises a forced discharge unit capable of forcibly discharging at least one of the first liquid and the second liquid from the nozzle, When the first liquid is discharged from the nozzle by the forced discharge by the forced discharge unit, the first wiping is performed. By stopping the movement of the strip-shaped member by the moving part, the wiping part can be moved by the wiping moving part to perform a second wiping operation that wipes the nozzle surface. A wiping method for a liquid dispensing device, characterized in that if the second liquid is discharged from the nozzle without the first liquid being discharged by the forced discharge unit, the second wiping is performed without performing the first wiping.

6. The liquid dispensing device further includes a measuring unit that measures the time elapsed since the nozzle surface was wiped by the wiping unit. A method for wiping a liquid dispensing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the first wiping is performed when the elapsed time exceeds a predetermined time.

7. The liquid dispensing device further includes a detection unit capable of detecting the amount of dirt on the nozzle surface, A method for wiping a liquid dispensing device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the first wiping is performed when the amount of dirt exceeds a predetermined amount.

8. A liquid dispensing unit capable of dispensing a liquid containing inorganic pigment from a nozzle provided on the nozzle surface, A wiping unit having a strip-shaped member capable of absorbing the liquid and a moving part for moving the strip-shaped member in a first direction, By moving the wiping unit in a second direction which is opposite to the first direction, the wiping moving unit wipes the nozzle surface with the strip-shaped member, The moving unit and the control unit that controls the wiping moving unit, Equipped with, The control unit, The first wiping is performed by moving the strip-shaped member at a first speed using the moving part and moving the wiping part at a first speed using the wiping moving part, thereby wiping the nozzle surface. A liquid dispensing device characterized in that, after performing the first wiping, a second wiping is performed by wiping the nozzle surface by moving the wiping unit with the wiping unit while the movement of the strip-shaped member by the moving unit is stopped.

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