Printing apparatus

Abstract

To wipe out a nozzle surface appropriately.SOLUTION: A printing deice comprises a wiping member that extends along a first axis, a head having a nozzle surface provided with a nozzle that discharges liquid, and a moving mechanism that changes relative positions of the wiping member and the head, which executes first wiping operation by which the relative positions of the wiping member and the head are changed along a second axis crossing the first axis, while making a first wiping region of the wiping member and the nozzle surface contact each other, and second wiping operation by which the relative positions of the wiping member and the head are changed along the second axis, while making a second wiping region set at a position different in a direction along the first axis from the first wiping region of the wiping member and the nozzle surface contact each other.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a printing apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] In a printing apparatus typified by an inkjet printer, there may be a configuration for wiping ink remaining on a nozzle surface having nozzles that eject ink. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration for wiping ink remaining on the nozzle surface using a wiper made of an elastic member.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In Patent Document 1, an operation of wiping ink remaining on the nozzle surface is performed by continuously and repeatedly using the same part of the wiper. Therefore, when this operation is repeatedly performed, the ink attached to the wiper in the previous operation reattaches to the nozzle surface, resulting in a problem that the wiping effect deteriorates.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] To solve the above problems, one embodiment of the printing apparatus according to the present invention comprises a wiping member extending along a first axis, a head having a nozzle surface on which a nozzle for discharging liquid is provided, and a moving mechanism for changing the relative position of the wiping member and the head, and performs a first wiping operation in which the relative position of the wiping member and the head is changed along a second axis intersecting the first axis while bringing a first wiping region of the wiping member and the nozzle surface into contact with each other, and a second wiping operation in which the relative position of the wiping member and the head is changed along the second axis while bringing a second wiping region of the wiping member, which is located at a different position from the first wiping region of the wiping member in the direction along the first axis, into contact with each other and the nozzle surface. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0006] [Figure 1] This is a schematic perspective view showing the printing apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This block diagram shows the electrical configuration of the printing apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view showing the general configuration of the head unit. [Figure 4] This is a plan view of the maintenance unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a perspective view of the wiping member and support member of the first embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a diagram illustrating the attachment of the wiping member to the support member in the first embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a diagram illustrating the first wiping operation and the second wiping operation of the first embodiment. [Figure 8] This is a diagram illustrating the first wiping operation and the second wiping operation of the first embodiment. [Figure 9] This is a diagram illustrating the first wiping operation and the second wiping operation of the second embodiment. [Figure 10] This is a diagram illustrating the first wiping operation and the second wiping operation of the third embodiment. [Figure 11] This is a schematic diagram of a wiping mechanism using the wiping member of the fourth embodiment. [Figure 12] This is a perspective view of the wiping member and support member of the fifth embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0007] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings. Note that the dimensions and scale of the parts in the drawings differ from those of the actual parts as appropriate, and some parts are shown schematically for ease of understanding. Furthermore, the scope of the present invention is not limited to these embodiments unless otherwise stated in the following description.

[0008] For convenience, the following explanation will use the X, Y, and Z axes intersecting each other as appropriate. In the following explanation, one direction along the X axis is the X1 direction, and the direction opposite to the X1 direction is the X2 direction. Similarly, opposite directions along the Y axis are the Y1 and Y2 directions. Also, opposite directions along the Z axis are the Z1 and Z2 directions.

[0009] Here, the X, Y, and Z axes correspond to the coordinate axes of the world coordinate system set in the space where the robot 2, described later, is installed. Typically, the Z axis is the vertical axis, and the Z2 direction corresponds to the downward direction in the vertical direction. A base coordinate system, based on the position of the base 210 of the robot 2, described later, is associated with this world coordinate system through calibration. In the following examples, for convenience, the case in which the world coordinate system is used as the robot coordinate system to control the movement of the robot 2 is illustrated.

[0010] Note that the Z-axis does not have to be a vertical axis. Also, while the X, Y, and Z axes are typically orthogonal to each other, they are not limited to this and may not be orthogonal. For example, the X, Y, and Z axes can intersect each other at angles between 80° and 100°.

[0011] 1. First Embodiment 1-1. Overview of the Printing Equipment FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an outline of a printing apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. The printing apparatus 1 is an apparatus that performs printing on the surface of a three-dimensional workpiece W by an inkjet method.

[0012] The workpiece W has a surface WF to be printed. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the workpiece W is a rugby ball having an elongated spherical shape, and the surface WF is a curved surface. The workpiece W during printing is supported by a structure such as a predetermined installation table, a robot hand, or a conveyor as necessary. Note that the form such as the shape or size of the workpiece W or the surface WF is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 1 and is arbitrary. Also, the position or orientation of the workpiece W or the surface WF during printing may be any as long as printing is possible, and is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 1 and is arbitrary.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 1, the printing apparatus 1 includes a robot 2 which is an example of a "moving mechanism", a head unit 3, a maintenance unit 4, and a controller 5. Hereinafter, these will be briefly described in order.

[0014] The robot 2 is a robot that changes the position and orientation of the head unit 3 in the world coordinate system. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the robot 2 is a so-called six-axis vertical articulated robot.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 1, the robot 2 includes a base 210 and an arm 220.

[0016] The base 210 is a table that supports the arm 220. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the base 210 is fixed to an installation surface such as a floor surface or a base that faces the Z1 direction by screwing or the like. Note that the installation surface to which the base 210 is fixed may be a surface facing any direction, and is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 1. For example, it may be a surface of a wall, a ceiling, a movable cart, or the like.

[0017] The wrist 220 is a six-axis robotic arm having a proximal end attached to the base 210 and a distal end that changes its position and orientation three-dimensionally with respect to the proximal end. Specifically, the wrist 220 has arms 221, 222, 223, 224, 225, and 226, which are connected in this order.

[0018] The arm 221 is connected to the base 210 via a joint portion 230_1 so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis O1. The arm 222 is connected to the arm 221 via a joint portion 230_2 so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis O2. The arm 223 is connected to the arm 222 via a joint portion 230_3 so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis O3. The arm 224 is connected to the arm 223 via a joint portion 230_4 so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis O4. The arm 225 is connected to the arm 224 via a joint portion 230_5 so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis O5. The arm 226 is connected to the arm 225 via a joint portion 230_6 so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis O6.

[0019] Each of the joint portions 230_1 to 230_6 is a mechanism that rotatably connects one of two adjacent members among the base 210 and the arms 221 to 226 to the other. Hereinafter, each of the joint portions 230_1 to 230_6 may be referred to as the "joint portion 230".

[0020] Although not shown in FIG. 1, each of the joint portions 230_1 to 230_6 is provided with a drive mechanism for rotating one of the two adjacent members corresponding thereto with respect to the other. The drive mechanism has, for example, a motor that generates a driving force for the rotation, a speed reducer that decelerates and outputs the driving force, and an encoder such as a rotary encoder that detects an operation amount such as the angle of the rotation. The assembly of the drive mechanisms of the joint portions 230_1 to 230_6 corresponds to the arm drive mechanism 2a shown in FIG. 2 described later.

[0021] The pivot axis O1 is an axis perpendicular to the mounting surface (not shown) to which the base 210 is fixed. The pivot axis O2 is an axis perpendicular to the pivot axis O1. The pivot axis O3 is an axis parallel to the pivot axis O2. The pivot axis O4 is an axis perpendicular to the pivot axis O3. The pivot axis O5 is an axis perpendicular to the pivot axis O4. The pivot axis O6 is an axis perpendicular to the pivot axis O5.

[0022] Furthermore, regarding these pivot axes, "perpendicular" includes not only cases where the angle between the two pivot axes is exactly 90°, but also cases where the angle between the two pivot axes deviates from 90° by approximately ±5°. Similarly, "parallel" includes not only cases where the two pivot axes are exactly parallel, but also cases where one of the two pivot axes is tilted relative to the other by approximately ±5°.

[0023] The head unit 3 is attached to the arm 226, which is located at the very tip of the arm section 220 of robot 2, as an end effector, and is fixed in place by screws or the like.

[0024] The head unit 3 is an assembly having a head 3a that ejects ink, which is an example of a "liquid," toward the workpiece W. In this embodiment, in addition to the head 3a, the head unit 3 also has a pressure regulating valve 3b and a curing light source 3c. Details of the head unit 3 will be explained later with reference to Figure 3.

[0025] The head unit 3 is supplied with ink from an ink tank (not shown) via piping (not shown). The ink is not particularly limited and includes, for example, an aqueous ink obtained by dissolving a colorant such as a dye or pigment in an aqueous solvent, a curable ink using a curable resin such as an ultraviolet-curable type, and a solvent-based ink obtained by dissolving a colorant such as a dye or pigment in an organic solvent. Among these, curable ink is preferably used. The curable ink is not particularly limited and may be any of the following: thermosetting type, photocuring type, radiation-curing type, and electron beam-curing type, but a photocuring type such as an ultraviolet-curing type is preferred. The ink is not limited to a solution and may also be an ink in which a colorant is dispersed as a dispersed phase in a dispersion medium. Furthermore, the ink is not limited to an ink containing a colorant and may also be an ink containing conductive particles such as metal particles for forming wiring, a clear ink, or a treatment liquid for surface treatment of the workpiece W.

[0026] The maintenance unit 4 is a mechanism for performing maintenance on the head 3a of the head unit 3. In the example shown in Figure 1, the maintenance unit 4 includes a support base 4a, a wiping mechanism 4b, a suction cap 4c, and a plate cap 4d. The wiping mechanism 4b, the suction cap 4c, and the plate cap 4d are supported on the support base 4a, and one or more of the wiping mechanism 4b, the suction cap 4c, and the plate cap 4d are selected as needed to perform maintenance on the head 3a in a timely manner. Here, the wiping mechanism 4b includes a wiping member 10 and a support member 11. Further details of the maintenance unit 4 will be explained later with reference to Figures 4 to 8.

[0027] Controller 5 is a robot controller that controls the drive of robot 2. Below, the electrical configuration of the printing apparatus 1 will be described, including a detailed explanation of controller 5, based on Figure 2.

[0028] 1-2. Electrical configuration of the printing apparatus Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the printing apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. Figure 2 shows the electrical components of the printing apparatus 1. As shown in Figure 2, in addition to the components shown in Figure 1, the printing apparatus 1 includes a control module 6 that is communicatively connected to the controller 5, and a computer 7 that is communicatively connected to the controller 5 and the control module 6. Before describing the controller 5 in detail, the control module 6 and the computer 7 will be described in order.

[0029] Furthermore, the electrical components shown in Figure 2 may be divided as appropriate, some of which may be included in other components, or may be integrated with other components. For example, some or all of the functions of the controller 5 or control module 6 may be implemented by the computer 7, or by other external devices such as a PC (personal computer) connected to the controller 5 via a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or the Internet.

[0030] The controller 5 has the function of controlling the drive of the robot 2 and the function of generating a signal D3 to synchronize the ink ejection operation of the head unit 3 with the operation of the robot 2. In this embodiment, the controller 5 also has the function of controlling the drive of the maintenance unit 4, but this function may be implemented by other devices such as a computer 7.

[0031] The controller 5 includes a memory circuit 5a and a processing circuit 5b.

[0032] The memory circuit 5a stores various programs executed by the processing circuit 5b and various data processed by the processing circuit 5b. The memory circuit 5a includes, for example, one or both of the following semiconductor memories: a volatile memory such as RAM (Random Access Memory) and a non-volatile memory such as ROM (Read Only Memory), EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), or PROM (Programmable ROM). Note that part or all of the memory circuit 5a may be included in the processing circuit 5b.

[0033] The memory circuit 5a stores path information Da. Path information Da is information indicating the path that the head unit 3 should take and the orientation of the head unit 3 along that path. Here, as information indicating the path and orientation, path information Da includes information indicating the movement path and orientation of the head unit 3 when printing on the workpiece W, and information indicating the movement path and orientation of the head unit 3 between its position during printing and its position during maintenance by the maintenance unit 4. Path information Da is determined, for example, based on the shape of the workpiece W, and is expressed using coordinate values ​​from the base coordinate system or the world coordinate system. The shape of the workpiece W is obtained, for example, from CAD (computer-aided design) data showing the three-dimensional shape of the workpiece W. The above path information Da is input from the computer 7 to the memory circuit 5a.

[0034] The processing circuit 5b controls the operation of the robot 2's arm drive mechanism 2a based on the path information Da, and also generates the signal D3. The processing circuit 5b includes, for example, one or more processors such as CPUs (Central Processing Units). The processing circuit 5b may also include a programmable logic device such as an FPGA (field-programmable gate array) instead of a CPU, or in addition to a CPU.

[0035] Here, the arm drive mechanism 2a is an assembly of the drive mechanisms for the aforementioned joints 230_1 to 230_6, and each joint has a motor for driving the joint 230 of the robot 2 and an encoder for detecting the rotation angle of the joint 230 of the robot 2.

[0036] The processing circuit 5b performs inverse kinematics calculations, which convert path information Da into motion quantities such as rotation angle and rotation speed of each joint 230 of the robot 2. Then, the processing circuit 5b outputs a control signal Sk1 based on the output D1 from each encoder of the arm drive mechanism 2a so that the actual motion quantities such as rotation angle and rotation speed of each joint 230 match the results of the aforementioned calculations based on path information Da. The control signal Sk1 controls the drive of the motor of the arm drive mechanism 2a. Here, the control signal Sk1 is corrected by the processing circuit 5b based on the output from the distance sensor 3d as needed.

[0037] Furthermore, the processing circuit 5b generates a signal D3 based on the output D1 from at least one of the multiple encoders of the arm drive mechanism 2a. For example, the processing circuit 5b generates a trigger signal D3 that includes a pulse at a timing when the output D1 from one of the multiple encoders reaches a predetermined value.

[0038] The control module 6 is a circuit that controls the ink ejection operation of the head unit 3 based on the signal D3 output from the controller 5 and the print data from the computer 7. The control module 6 includes a timing signal generation circuit 6a, a power supply circuit 6b, a control circuit 6c, and a drive signal generation circuit 6d.

[0039] The timing signal generation circuit 6a generates a timing signal PTS based on signal D3. The timing signal generation circuit 6a is composed of a timer that, for example, starts generating the timing signal PTS when signal D3 is detected.

[0040] The power supply circuit 6b receives power from a commercial power source (not shown) and generates various predetermined potentials. The generated potentials are supplied to the control module 6 and the head unit 3 as appropriate. For example, the power supply circuit 6b generates a power supply potential VHV and an offset potential VBS. The offset potential VBS is supplied to the head unit 3. The power supply potential VHV is supplied to the drive signal generation circuit 6d.

[0041] The control circuit 6c generates a control signal SI, a waveform specification signal dCom, a latch signal LAT, a clock signal CLK, and a change signal CNG based on the timing signal PTS. These signals are synchronized with the timing signal PTS. Of these signals, the waveform specification signal dCom is input to the drive signal generation circuit 6d, and the other signals are input to the switch circuit 3e of the head unit 3.

[0042] The control signal SI is a digital signal used to specify the operating state of the drive element of the head 3a of the head unit 3. Specifically, the control signal SI specifies whether or not to supply the drive signal Com, described below, to the drive element. This specification, for example, specifies whether or not to eject ink from the nozzle corresponding to the drive element, or specifies the amount of ink ejected from the nozzle. The waveform specification signal dCom is a digital signal used to define the waveform of the drive signal Com. The latch signal LAT and the change signal CNG are used in conjunction with the control signal SI to define the timing of ink ejection from the nozzle by defining the driving timing of the drive element. The clock signal CLK is a reference clock signal synchronized with the timing signal PTS.

[0043] The control circuit 6c described above includes, for example, one or more processors such as CPUs (Central Processing Units). The control circuit 6c may also include a programmable logic device such as an FPGA (field-programmable gate array) instead of a CPU, or in addition to a CPU.

[0044] The drive signal generation circuit 6d is a circuit that generates a drive signal Com for driving each drive element of the head 3a of the head unit 3. Specifically, the drive signal generation circuit 6d includes, for example, a DA conversion circuit and an amplification circuit. In the drive signal generation circuit 6d, the DA conversion circuit converts the waveform specification signal dCom from the control circuit 6c from a digital signal to an analog signal, and the amplification circuit amplifies the analog signal using the power supply potential VHV from the power supply circuit 6b to generate the drive signal Com. Here, among the waveforms included in the drive signal Com, the signal of the waveform that is actually supplied to the drive element is the drive pulse PD. The drive pulse PD is supplied from the drive signal generation circuit 6d to the drive element via the switch circuit 3e of the head unit 3.

[0045] Here, the switch circuit 3e is a circuit that switches whether or not to supply at least a portion of the waveform included in the drive signal Com as a drive pulse PD, based on the control signal SI.

[0046] Computer 7 has the function of supplying information such as route information Da to the controller 5, and the function of supplying information such as print data to the control module 6. In addition to these functions, computer 7 in this embodiment also has the function of controlling the drive of the curing light source 3c. Computer 7 is, for example, a desktop or notebook computer on which a program to realize these functions is installed.

[0047] 1-3. Head Unit Configuration Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the schematic configuration of the head unit 3. For convenience, the following explanation will use the intersecting a-axis, b-axis, and c-axis as appropriate. In the following explanation, one direction along the a-axis is the a1 direction, and the direction opposite to the a1 direction is the a2 direction. Similarly, the opposite directions along the b-axis are the b1 direction and the b2 direction. Also, the opposite directions along the c-axis are the c1 direction and the c2 direction.

[0048] Here, axes a, b, and c correspond to the coordinate axes of the tool coordinate system set in the head unit 3, and their relative position and orientation with respect to the world coordinate system or robot coordinate system changes with the movement of the robot 2 described above. In the example shown in Figure 3, axis c is the axis parallel to the rotation axis O6 described above. Axes a, b, and c are typically orthogonal to each other, but are not limited to this; for example, they may intersect at an angle within the range of 80° to 100°. The tool coordinate system and the base coordinate system or robot coordinate system are associated by calibration. The tool coordinate system is set, for example, so that the center of the nozzle surface FN described later is the reference point (tool center point).

[0049] As described above, the head unit 3 includes a head 3a, a pressure regulating valve 3b, and a curing light source 3c. These are supported by a support 3f, indicated by the dashed line in Figure 3. In the example shown in Figure 3, the head unit 3 has one head 3a and one pressure regulating valve 3b, but this number is not limited to the example shown in Figure 3 and may be two or more. Also, the installation position of the pressure regulating valve 3b is not limited to the arm 226, but may be on another arm, for example, or in a fixed position relative to the base 210.

[0050] The support 3f is made of, for example, a metal material and is essentially a rigid body. In Figure 3, the support 3f is shown as a flattened box shape, but the shape of the support 3f is not particularly limited and can be arbitrary.

[0051] The support 3f described above is attached to the arm 226. Therefore, the head 3a, pressure regulating valve 3b, and curing light source 3c are all supported by the arm 226 by the support 3f. As a result, the relative positions of the head 3a, pressure regulating valve 3b, and curing light source 3c with respect to the arm 226 are fixed. In the example shown in Figure 3, the pressure regulating valve 3b is positioned in the c1 direction relative to the head 3a. The curing light source 3c is positioned in the a2 direction relative to the head 3a.

[0052] The head 3a has a nozzle surface FN and a plurality of nozzles N that open into the nozzle surface FN. In the example shown in Figure 3, the normal direction of the nozzle surface FN is the c2 direction, and the plurality of nozzles N are divided into nozzle rows La and nozzle rows Lb, which are spaced apart from each other in the direction along the a-axis. Each of nozzle rows La and nozzle rows Lb is a set of a plurality of nozzles N arranged linearly in the direction along the b-axis. Here, the elements associated with each nozzle N in nozzle row La and the elements associated with each nozzle N in nozzle row Lb in the head 3a are substantially symmetrical with respect to the direction along the a-axis. Furthermore, the arrangement direction DN, which will be described later, is parallel to the b-axis.

[0053] The nozzle surface FN is composed of the plate surface of the nozzle plate, or, if other components are arranged on a plane extending from the plate surface as components of the head unit 3, it is composed of the plate surface of the nozzle plate and the surface of the other component. Here, the nozzle plate is a plate-shaped member made of silicon or metal, on which a plurality of nozzles N are formed. Examples of such other components include a fixing plate and a cover head. The fixing plate is a member provided around the nozzle plate for purposes such as fixing or protecting the nozzle plate. The cover head is a member provided for purposes such as protecting the head 3a, and has a portion that is arranged around the nozzle plate. Note that the fixing plate and cover head may not be provided depending on the configuration of the head 3a. Also, the position of the fixing plate and cover head may differ from the plate surface of the nozzle plate by up to approximately 0.8 mm in the direction along the c-axis. In the example shown in Figure 3, the nozzle surface FN is composed only of the plate surface of the nozzle plate.

[0054] However, the positions of multiple nozzles N in nozzle row La and multiple nozzles N in nozzle row Lb along the b-axis may or may not coincide with each other. Also, elements related to each nozzle N in either nozzle row La or nozzle row Lb may be omitted. Below, an example is given in which the positions of multiple nozzles N in nozzle row La and multiple nozzles N in nozzle row Lb coincide with each other along the b-axis.

[0055] Although not shown in the diagram, the print head 3a has, for each nozzle N, a piezoelectric element which is a driving element and a cavity that contains ink. Here, the piezoelectric element causes ink to be ejected from the nozzle corresponding to the cavity by changing the pressure in the cavity corresponding to the piezoelectric element. Such a print head 3a can be obtained, for example, by bonding together multiple substrates such as silicon substrates that have been appropriately processed by etching or the like using an adhesive. In addition, instead of the piezoelectric element, a heater that heats the ink in the cavity may be used as the driving element for ejecting ink from the nozzle.

[0056] An ink tank (not shown) is connected to the head 3a via a pressure regulating valve 3b.

[0057] The pressure regulating valve 3b is a valve mechanism that opens and closes in accordance with the pressure of the ink in the print head 3a. This opening and closing ensures that even if the relative position of the print head 3a and the aforementioned ink tank (not shown) changes, the pressure of the ink in the print head 3a is maintained at a negative pressure within a predetermined range. This stabilizes the ink meniscus formed in the nozzle N of the print head 3a. As a result, it prevents air bubbles from entering the nozzle N and prevents ink from overflowing from the nozzle N. Furthermore, the ink from the pressure regulating valve 3b is appropriately distributed to multiple locations on the print head 3a via branched flow paths (not shown). Here, the ink from the ink tank (not shown) is transferred to the pressure regulating valve 3b at a predetermined pressure by a pump or the like (not shown).

[0058] The curing light source 3c emits energy such as light, heat, electron beams, or radiation to cure or solidify the ink on the workpiece W. For example, if the ink is UV-curable, the curing light source 3c is composed of a light-emitting element such as an LED (light-emitting diode) that emits ultraviolet light. The curing light source 3c may also have optical components such as lenses to adjust the direction or range of energy emission.

[0059] Furthermore, the curing light source 3c does not need to completely cure or solidify the ink on the workpiece W. In this case, for example, the ink after irradiation with energy from the curing light source 3c can be completely cured or solidified by energy from a curing light source separately installed on the mounting surface of the base 210 of the robot 2. Also, the curing light source 3c may be provided as needed and may be omitted.

[0060] 1-4. Maintenance Unit Configuration Figure 4 is a plan view of the maintenance unit 4 according to the first embodiment. Figure 4 shows the maintenance unit 4 as viewed in the Z2 direction. Below, the support base 4a, wiping mechanism 4b, suction cap 4c, and plate cap 4d of the maintenance unit 4 will be briefly described in order based on Figure 4.

[0061] The support base 4a is a structure that supports the wiping mechanism 4b, the suction cap 4c, and the plate cap 4d, and is made of, for example, metal. In the example shown in Figure 4, the wiping mechanism 4b, the suction cap 4c, and the plate cap 4d are each supported on the surface of the support base 4a facing the Z1 direction. In addition, the wiping mechanism 4b, the suction cap 4c, and the plate cap 4d are arranged in this order in the Y1 direction. Furthermore, the wiping mechanism 4b, the suction cap 4c, and the plate cap 4d are each fixed to the support base 4a by screws or the like. Here, pins 4a1, 4a2, 4a3 and screw holes 4a4 for positioning and fixing the wiping mechanism 4b are provided on the surface of the support base 4a facing the Z1 direction.

[0062] The wiping mechanism 4b is a structure that wipes the nozzle surface FN of the head 3a. The wiping mechanism 4b includes a wiping member 10, a support member 11, a base 12, and a fixing screw 13.

[0063] The wiping member 10 is composed of an absorbent material that has the ability to absorb ink. This absorbent material may be, for example, a cloth such as a woven or non-woven fabric, or a sponge with continuous pores. If the absorbent material is in the form of a sheet, it is used as the wiping member 10 in a rolled-up state. If the absorbent material is a sponge, it may be in the form of a columnar or block.

[0064] In this embodiment, the wiping member 10 has a longitudinal shape that extends along the Y axis.

[0065] The support member 11 is a member that supports the wiping member 10. In the example shown in Figure 4, the support member 11 is a bottomed cylindrical shape with one end open and has an internal space for housing the wiping member 10. Here, the support member 11 has an opening 11a, a bottom plate 11b, and a hole 11c. The opening 11a is a space that penetrates radially from the inside to the outside in a part of the circumferential direction of the support member 11. The bottom plate 11b is a plate-shaped member that seals one end of the support member 11. The hole 11c is a space surrounded by the inner circumferential surface of the support member 11.

[0066] In this embodiment, the support member 11 has a longitudinal shape extending along the Y-axis. The opening 11a also has a longitudinal shape extending along the Y-axis. Therefore, the portion of the wiping member 10 exposed from the opening 11a also has a longitudinal shape extending along the Y-axis.

[0067] The base 12 is the member to which the support member 11 is fixed. Although not shown in the figure, the support member 11 is fixed to the base 12 by screws or the like. In the example shown in Figure 4, the base 12 is plate-shaped. The base 12 is also provided with a notch 12a and holes 12b, 12c, and 12d. Pin 4a1 of the support base 4a is inserted into the notch 12a. Pin 4a2 of the support base 4a is inserted into hole 12b. Pin 4a3 of the support base 4a is inserted into hole 12c. Fixing screw 13 is inserted into hole 12d. Fixing screw 13 is fastened to screw hole 4a4 of the support base 4a. The wiping mechanism 4b is positioned and fixed to the support base 4a using the notch 12a, holes 12b, 12c, 12d, pins 4a1, 4a2, 4a3, and screw hole 4a4. Furthermore, this fixing method allows the support member 11 to be stably fixed to the support base 4a, and also allows the support member 11 to be easily removed at predetermined times, such as when replacing the wiping member 10, thereby improving convenience.

[0068] The suction cap 4c is a lid having a recess that covers the nozzle surface FN of the head 3a, and is made of an elastic material such as rubber or elastomer. A suction port (not shown) is opened in the wall of the recess of the suction cap 4c, and a suction mechanism (not shown) is connected to this suction port. This suction mechanism is a mechanism that reduces the pressure inside the suction cap 4c, and includes, for example, a pressure reduction tank and a pressure reduction pump. This pressure reduction causes ink to be drawn from the nozzle N of the head 3a, with the nozzle surface FN covered by the suction cap 4c. As a result, the ink inside the nozzle N is refreshed.

[0069] The plate cap 4d is a plate-shaped cover that covers the nozzle surface FN of the head 3a, and unlike the suction cap 4c, it does not have a recess. The plate cap 4d is made of an elastic material such as rubber or elastomer. By covering the nozzle surface FN with the plate cap 4d, it is possible to prevent air from the recess from entering the head 3a from the nozzle N when circulating the ink in the head 3a or when initially filling the head 3a with ink.

[0070] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the wiping member 10 and support member 11 of the first embodiment. Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating the attachment of the wiping member 10 to the support member 11 of the first embodiment. In the example shown in Figure 5, the wiping member 10 is composed of a rolled-up sheet-like absorbent material. As shown in Figure 6, the wiping member 10 is housed within the support member 11 by being inserted from one end of the support member 11 along the axis AX, which is the central axis of the support member 11. As a result, a portion of the wiping member 10 is exposed from the opening 11a. At this time, a force acts on the support member 11 that causes the wiping member 10 to expand radially. This force supports the wiping member 10 with respect to the support member 11.

[0071] Here, the wiping member 10 is rotatable around axis AX relative to the support member 11. Therefore, by rotating the wiping member 10 around axis AX, the portion of the wiping member 10 exposed from the opening 11a can be changed.

[0072] 1-5. Wiping action Figures 7 and 8 illustrate the first wiping operation M1 and the second wiping operation M2 of the first embodiment. Figure 7 shows the movement path of the nozzle surface FN when viewed in the Z2 direction. Figure 8 shows the position of the nozzle surface FN when viewed in the X1 direction. In Figure 8, the head 3a during the execution of the first wiping operation M1 is shown by a solid line, and the head 3a during the execution of the second wiping operation is shown by a dashed line.

[0073] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 7, in both the first wiping operation M1 and the second wiping operation M2, the robot 2 moves the nozzle surface FN in the X2 direction. Here, with the arrangement direction DN, which is the longitudinal direction of the nozzle surface FN, parallel to the X axis, the nozzle surface FN moves from a position in the X1 direction to a position in the X2 direction relative to the wiping member 10. Also, during the period when the nozzle surface FN passes over the wiping member 10, as shown in Figure 8, the nozzle surface FN comes into contact with the wiping member 10. As a result, in both wiping operations, the entire area of ​​the nozzle surface FN, from one end to the other in the longitudinal direction, is wiped by the wiping member 10.

[0074] However, in the first wiping operation M1, the nozzle surface FN contacts the first wiping region RW1 of the wiping member 10, whereas in the second wiping operation M2, the nozzle surface FN contacts the second wiping region RW2 of the wiping member 10. The first wiping region RW1 and the second wiping region RW2 are different regions in the longitudinal direction of the wiping member 10. In the example shown in Figure 7, the first wiping region RW1 is located in the Y1 direction relative to the second wiping region RW2.

[0075] As described above, the printing apparatus 1 comprises a wiping member 10, a head 3a, and a robot 2, which is an example of a "moving mechanism". The wiping member 10 extends along the Y-axis, which is an example of a "first axis". The head 3a has a nozzle surface FN on which a nozzle N is provided for ejecting ink, which is an example of a "liquid". The robot 2 changes the relative position between the wiping member 10 and the head 3a.

[0076] Then, the printing device 1 performs a first wiping operation M1 and a second wiping operation M2. The first wiping operation M1 changes the relative position between the wiping member 10 and the head 3a along the X-axis while bringing the first wiping area RW1 of the wiping member 10 and the nozzle surface FN into contact with each other. Here, the X-axis is an example of a "second axis intersecting the first axis". On the other hand, the second wiping operation M2 changes the relative position between the wiping member 10 and the head 3a along the X-axis while bringing the second wiping area RW2, which is located at a different position from the first wiping area RW1 of the wiping member 10 in the direction along the Y-axis, and the nozzle surface FN into contact with each other.

[0077] In the printing apparatus 1 described above, the direction in which the wiping member 10 extends intersects with the longitudinal direction of the nozzle surface FN, so that the entire area in the direction in which the wiping member 10 extends remains clean with a single wiping operation. For this reason, different areas of the wiping member 10, namely the first wiping area RW1 and the second wiping area RW2, can be used in the first wiping operation M1 and the second wiping operation M2. As a result, the nozzle surface FN can be effectively wiped.

[0078] In this embodiment, as described above, the wiping member 10 is made of an absorbent material that has the ability to absorb ink. Therefore, it provides superior wiping performance compared to a wiping member made of an elastic material.

[0079] Furthermore, as described above, the printing apparatus 1 further includes a support member 11 that supports the absorbent member constituting the wiping member 10. The support member 11 has a hole 11c and an opening 11a. The absorbent member constituting the wiping member 10 is inserted into the hole 11c. The opening 11a exposes a portion of the absorbent member constituting the wiping member 10 as a first wiping area RW1 and a second wiping area RW2. Therefore, a wiping mechanism using a wiping member 10 composed of an absorbent member can be realized with a simple configuration.

[0080] Furthermore, as described above, the absorbent member constituting the wiping member 10 is supported by the support member 11 so as to be rotatable about an axis AX along the direction DI in which the absorbent member is inserted into the support member 11. By rotating the absorbent member about the axis AX relative to the support member 11, the first wiping area RW1 and the second wiping area RW2 exposed from the opening 11a are changed. Therefore, the first wiping area RW1 and the second wiping area RW2 can be refreshed with a simple configuration.

[0081] 2. Second Embodiment The following describes a second embodiment of this disclosure. For elements whose operation and function are the same as in the first embodiment in the embodiments described below, the reference numerals used in the description of the first embodiment will be reused, and detailed descriptions of each will be omitted as appropriate.

[0082] Figure 9 is a diagram illustrating the first wiping operation M1 and the second wiping operation M2 of the second embodiment. This embodiment is the same as the first embodiment described above, except that the movement directions of the nozzle surface FN in the first wiping operation M1 and the second wiping operation M2 are opposite to each other.

[0083] In the first wiping operation M1, the nozzle surface FN moves in the X2 direction relative to the wiping member 10. In contrast, in the second wiping operation M2, the head 3a moves in the X1 direction relative to the wiping member 10.

[0084] The nozzle surface FN can also be suitably wiped according to the second embodiment described above. In this embodiment, as described above, in the first wiping operation M1, the head 3a moves in the X2 direction, which is an example of a "first direction" along the X axis relative to the wiping member 10, whereas in the second wiping operation M2, the head 3a moves in the X1 direction, which is an example of a "second direction opposite to the first direction" relative to the wiping member 10. Therefore, even if there is ink remaining on the nozzle surface FN, the uneven distribution of that ink can be reduced. As a result, the occurrence of bending and other issues during ink ejection caused by ink remaining on the nozzle surface FN can be reduced.

[0085] 3. Third Embodiment A third embodiment of this disclosure will be described below. For elements whose operation and function are the same as in the first embodiment in the embodiments described below, the reference numerals used in the description of the first embodiment will be reused, and detailed descriptions of each will be omitted as appropriate.

[0086] Figure 10 is a diagram illustrating the first wiping operation M1 and the second wiping operation M2 of the third embodiment. This embodiment is the same as the first embodiment described above, except that the movement directions of the nozzle surface FN in the first wiping operation M1 and the second wiping operation M2 are opposite to each other, and the contact start position of the nozzle surface FN with respect to the wiping member 10 is different. In other words, this embodiment is the same as the second embodiment described above, except that the contact start position of the nozzle surface FN with respect to the wiping member 10 is different.

[0087] In this embodiment, in both the first wiping operation M1 and the second wiping operation M2, the contact start position of the nozzle surface FN with the wiping member 10 is near the center of the nozzle surface FN in the longitudinal direction.

[0088] As described above, the nozzle surface FN has a longitudinal shape. The nozzle surface FN has a first nozzle region RN1, which is the region closer to one end than the center in the longitudinal direction of the nozzle surface FN; a second nozzle region RN2, which is the region closer to the other end than the center in the longitudinal direction of the nozzle surface FN; and a third nozzle region RN3, which is the region between the first nozzle region RN1 and the second nozzle region RN2. In the first wiping operation M1, the first wiping region RW1 wipes the nozzle surface FN from the third nozzle region RN3 toward the first nozzle region RN1. In the second wiping operation M2, the second wiping region RW2 wipes the nozzle surface FN from the third nozzle region RN3 toward the second nozzle region RN2.

[0089] The nozzle surface FN can also be suitably wiped according to the third embodiment described above. In this embodiment, as described above, the third nozzle region RN3 is first brought into contact with the wiping member 10, and then the contact position with the wiping member 10 is changed toward the first nozzle region RN1 or the second nozzle region RN2. Therefore, the operating range of a single wiping operation can be shortened compared to the case where the entire area in the longitudinal direction of the nozzle is wiped in a single wiping operation. As a result, the amount of ink that accumulates from the start to the end of a single wiping operation and remains on the nozzle surface FN after the wiping operation is reduced. In addition, the closer to the center of the nozzle surface FN in the longitudinal direction, the greater the impact on image quality, but since both the first wiping operation M1 and the second wiping operation M2 wipe areas closer to the center of the nozzle surface FN in the longitudinal direction rather than the edges, the deterioration of image quality can be reduced.

[0090] 4. Fourth Embodiment A fourth embodiment of this disclosure will now be described. For elements whose operation and function are the same as in the first embodiment in the embodiments described below, the reference numerals used in the description of the first embodiment will be reused, and detailed descriptions of each will be omitted as appropriate.

[0091] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of the wiping mechanism 20 using the wiping member 10A of the fourth embodiment. This embodiment is the same as the first embodiment described above, except that the wiping mechanism 20 is used instead of the wiping mechanism 4b.

[0092] The wiping mechanism 20 includes a wiping member 10A, a housing 14, a first reel 15, a second reel 16, a backup roller 17, and tension rollers 18 and 19.

[0093] The wiping member 10A is a strip-shaped absorbent material that absorbs ink. The wiping member 10A has a portion that is wound in a roll shape on the first reel 15, a portion that is wound on the second reel 16, and portions that contact the backup roller 17 and the tension rollers 18 and 19, respectively, between these reels.

[0094] The housing 14 is a box that houses the wiping member 10A, the first reel 15, the second reel 16, the tension rollers 18 and 19, and the backup roller 17. The housing 14 is provided with an opening 14a. The opening 14a exposes the portion of the wiping member 10A that contacts the backup roller 17 to the outside of the housing 14.

[0095] The first reel 15 is a rotatable roll-shaped member, and the portion of the wiping member 10A that is not used for wiping is wound around the first reel 15.

[0096] The second reel 16 is a roll-shaped member that is driven to rotate, and the portion of the wiping member 10A that has been used for wiping is wound around the second reel 16. Although not shown in the figure, a drive mechanism such as a motor that rotates the second reel 16 is connected to the second reel 16.

[0097] The backup roller 17 is a rotatable, roll-shaped member that contacts the wiping member 10A from the inside of the housing 14. Here, the nozzle surface FN of the wiping operation contacts the portion of the wiping member 10A that is exposed from the opening 14a. At this time, the wiping member 10A is sandwiched between the backup roller 17 and the nozzle surface FN.

[0098] In other words, the portion of the wiping member 10A exposed from the opening 14a extends in a direction along the Y-axis and is used to wipe the nozzle surface FN. Here, although not shown in the figures, this portion has a first wiping area RW1 and a second wiping area RW2. Then, as in any of the first to third embodiments described above, the first wiping operation M1 is performed by moving the nozzle surface FN in a direction along the X-axis while bringing it into contact with the first wiping area RW1. Similarly, the second wiping operation is performed by moving the nozzle surface FN in a direction along the X-axis while bringing it into contact with the second wiping area RW2.

[0099] The tension roller 18 adjusts the tension of the wiping member 10A by contacting it between the first reel 15 and the backup roller 17. Similarly, the tension roller 19 adjusts the tension of the wiping member 10A by contacting it between the second reel 16 and the backup roller 17. Note that one or both of the tension rollers 18 and 19 may be provided as needed, or may be omitted.

[0100] The nozzle surface FN can also be suitably wiped according to the fourth embodiment described above. In this embodiment, as described above, the wiping mechanism 20 has an absorbent member that constitutes the wiping member 10A. The absorbent member is in the shape of a strip. The wiping mechanism 20 has a first reel 15 on which the absorbent member constituting the wiping member 10A is wound in a roll shape, and a second reel 16 that takes up the absorbent member from the first reel 15. Therefore, the first wiping area RW1 and the second wiping area RW2 can be easily refreshed. This refresh may be performed manually or automatically. In addition, the housing 14, backup roller 17, and tension rollers 18 and 19 of this embodiment are provided as needed, and one or more of them may be omitted.

[0101] 5. Fifth Embodiment The fifth embodiment of this disclosure will now be described. For elements whose operation and function are the same as in the first embodiment in the embodiments described below, the reference numerals used in the description of the first embodiment will be reused, and detailed descriptions of each will be omitted as appropriate.

[0102] Figure 12 is a perspective view of the wiping member 10B and support member 11B of the fifth embodiment. This embodiment is the same as the first embodiment described above, except that the wiping member 10B and support member 11B are used instead of the wiping member 10 and support member 11.

[0103] The wiping member 10B is a blade-shaped member made of an elastic material such as rubber or elastomer. In the example shown in Figure 12, the wiping member 10B has a shape in which the direction along the X axis is the thickness direction and extends along the Y axis.

[0104] Here, the edge of the wiping member 10B in the Z1 direction extends along the Y axis and is used to wipe the nozzle surface FN. Here, the edge has a first wiping region RW1 and a second wiping region RW2. Then, as in any of the first to third embodiments described above, the first wiping operation M1 is performed by moving the nozzle surface FN in the direction along the X axis while bringing it into contact with the first wiping region RW1. Similarly, the second wiping operation is performed by moving the nozzle surface FN in the direction along the X axis while bringing it into contact with the second wiping region RW2.

[0105] The support member 11B supports the wiping member 10B. In the example shown in Figure 12, the support member 11B is composed of two members that sandwich the wiping member 10B in the thickness direction. These two members are fixed to each other by screws or the like so that the region of the wiping member 10B in the Z2 direction rather than the center in the direction along the Z axis is elastically deformed in the thickness direction. In this way, the wiping member 10B is supported by the support member 11B.

[0106] The nozzle surface FN can also be suitably wiped according to the fifth embodiment described above. In this embodiment, as mentioned above, the wiping member 10B is made of an elastic material. Therefore, a wiping member 10B that exhibits stable wiping performance can be realized with a simple configuration.

[0107] 6. Variations Each of the above examples can be modified in various ways. Specific examples of modifications that can be applied to each of the aforementioned examples are given below. Two or more of the following examples can be arbitrarily selected and combined as appropriate, provided they do not contradict each other.

[0108] 6-1. Variation 1 In the aforementioned configuration, a 6-axis vertical multi-axis robot is used as an example, but the configuration is not limited to this. The robot may be a vertical multi-axis robot other than a 6-axis robot, or a horizontal multi-axis robot. In addition, the robot's arm may have an extension / retraction mechanism in addition to a rotating part composed of a rotation mechanism. However, from the viewpoint of balancing print quality in printing operations and the degree of freedom of the robot's movement in non-printing operations, the robot is preferably a multi-axis robot with 6 or more axes.

[0109] 6-2. Variation 2 In the aforementioned configuration, a configuration using screws or the like is given as an example of how to fix the head to the robot, but the configuration is not limited to this. For example, the head may be fixed to the robot by gripping it with a gripping mechanism such as a hand attached as the robot's end effector. Alternatively, the head may be installed in a position fixed to the base of the robot, a wiping member may be attached to the tip of the robot, and the wiping member may be moved by the robot's movement.

[0110] 6-3. Variation 3 In the aforementioned configuration, an example is given in which a multi-joint robot is used as a moving mechanism to change the relative position between the head and the wiping member. However, the configuration is not limited to this example, and the moving mechanism can be any mechanism that can change the relative position between the head and the wiping member.

[0111] 6-4. Variation 4 The above-described embodiment exemplifies a configuration in which printing is performed using one type of ink, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration and can also be applied to configurations in which printing is performed using two or more types of ink.

[0112] 6-5. Variation 5 The applications of the printing apparatus of the present invention are not limited to printing. For example, a printing apparatus that dispenses a colorant solution can be used as a manufacturing apparatus for forming color filters for liquid crystal display devices. A printing apparatus that dispenses a conductive material solution can be used as a manufacturing apparatus for forming wiring and electrodes on a wiring board. Furthermore, the printing apparatus can also be used as a jet dispenser for applying liquids such as adhesives to a medium. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0113] 1…Printing device, 2…Robot, 2a…Arm drive mechanism, 3…Head unit, 3a…Head, 3b…Pressure regulating valve, 3c…Curing light source, 3d…Distance sensor, 3e…Switch circuit, 3f…Support, 4…Maintenance unit, 4a…Support base, 4a1…Pin, 4a2…Pin, 4a3…Pin, 4a4…Screw hole, 4b…Wiping mechanism, 4c…Suction cap, 4d…Plate cap, 5…Controller, 5a…Memory circuit, 5b…Processing circuit, 6…Control module, 6a…Timing signal generation circuit, 6b…Power supply Circuit, 6c…control circuit, 6d…drive signal generation circuit, 7…computer, 10…wiping member, 10A…wiping member, 10B…wiping member, 11…support member, 11B…support member, 11a…opening, 11b…bottom plate, 11c…hole, 12…base, 12a…notch, 12b…hole, 12c…hole, 12d…hole, 13…fixing screw, 14…housing, 14a…opening, 15…first reel, 16…second reel, 17…backup roller, 18…tension roller, 19…tension roller, 20…wiping mechanism, 210… Base, 220... Arm, 221... Arm, 222... Arm, 223... Arm, 224... Arm, 225... Arm, 226... Arm, 230... Joint, 230_1... Joint, 230_2... Joint, 230_3... Joint, 230_4... Joint, 230_5... Joint, 230_6... Joint, AX... Axis, CLK... Clock signal, CNG... Change signal, Com... Drive signal, D1... Output, D3... Signal, DI... Direction, DN... Array direction, Da... Path information, FN... Nozzle surface, LAT... Latch signal, La... No Lb...Nozzle row, M1...First wiping operation, M2...Second wiping operation, N...Nozzle, O1...Rotating axis, O2...Rotating axis, O3...Rotating axis, O4...Rotating axis, O5...Rotating axis, O6...Rotating axis, PD...Drive pulse, PTS...Timing signal, RN1...First nozzle area, RN2...Second nozzle area, RN3...Third nozzle area, RW1...First wiping area, RW2...Second wiping area, SI...Control signal, Sk1...Control signal, VBS...Offset potential, VHV...Power supply potential, W...Workpiece, WF...Surface, dCom...Waveform specification signal.

Claims

1. A wiping member extending along the first axis, A head having a nozzle surface on which a nozzle for dispensing liquid is provided, A robot having a base and an arm, the tip of which supports the head, and which changes the position and orientation of the head, comprising the robot which changes the relative position between the wiping member and the head, The nozzle surface has a longitudinal shape, The nozzle surface comprises a first nozzle region which is a region closer to one end than the center in the longitudinal direction of the nozzle surface, a second nozzle region which is a region closer to the other end than the center in the longitudinal direction of the nozzle surface, and a third nozzle region which is a region between the first nozzle region and the second nozzle region. The robot brings the third nozzle region on the nozzle surface into contact with the first wiping region of the wiping member, and while the nozzle surface is in contact with the first wiping region, the relative position of the wiping member and the head is changed along a second axis intersecting the first axis, thereby performing a first wiping operation in which the nozzle surface is wiped from the third nozzle region toward the first nozzle region. The robot brings the third nozzle region on the nozzle surface into contact with a second wiping region, which is located at a different position from the first wiping region of the wiping member in the direction along the first axis, thereby changing the relative position between the wiping member and the head along the second axis while bringing the nozzle surface into contact with the second wiping region, and performing a second wiping operation in which the nozzle surface is wiped from the third nozzle region toward the second nozzle region. A printing apparatus characterized by the following features.

2. In the first wiping operation, the head moves in a first direction along the second axis relative to the wiping member, In the second wiping operation, the head moves in a second direction opposite to the first direction relative to the wiping member. The printing apparatus according to feature 1.

3. The wiping member is made of an elastic material. The printing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The wiping member is composed of an absorbent material that has the ability to absorb liquids. The printing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The system further comprises a support member for supporting the absorbent member, The support member has a hole into which the absorbent member is inserted, and an opening that exposes a portion of the absorbent member as the first wiping area and the second wiping area. The printing apparatus according to feature 4.

6. A wiping member extending along the first axis, A head having a nozzle surface on which a nozzle for dispensing liquid is provided, The system includes a moving mechanism that changes the relative position between the wiping member and the head, A first wiping operation is performed in which the first wiping region of the wiping member and the nozzle surface are brought into contact with each other, and the relative position of the wiping member and the head is changed along a second axis that intersects the first axis, A second wiping operation is performed, in which the nozzle surface and a second wiping region, which is located at a different position from the first wiping region of the wiping member in the direction along the first axis, are brought into contact with each other, thereby changing the relative position between the wiping member and the head along the second axis. The wiping member is composed of an absorbent material that has the ability to absorb liquids. The system further comprises a support member for supporting the absorbent member, The support member has a hole into which the absorbent member is inserted, and an opening that exposes a portion of the absorbent member as the first wiping area and the second wiping area, The absorbent member is supported by the support member so as to be rotatable about an axis along the direction in which the absorbent member is inserted into the support member. By rotating the absorbent member around the axis relative to the support member, the first and second wiping regions exposed from the opening are changed. A printing apparatus characterized by the following features.

7. The wiping mechanism further comprises the absorbent member described above, The absorbent member is in the shape of a strip, The wiping mechanism is, The absorbent material is wound into a roll on a first reel, The device comprises a second reel for winding the absorbent member from the first reel, The printing apparatus according to feature 4.

8. The first wiping region of the wiping member is located closer to the base than the second wiping region of the wiping member. The printing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

9. The head further comprises a cap that covers the nozzle surface, The cap is provided in a position closer to the base than the wiping member. The printing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

Images