Capping device, capping method, and liquid dispensing system
The capping device with a swinging sealing member mechanism effectively prevents ink adhesion and maintains head alignment by ensuring the sealing member moves twice the distance perpendicular to the nozzle surface, addressing misalignment and malfunction issues in liquid ejection heads.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- FUJIFILM CORP
- Filing Date
- 2022-10-26
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-26
Smart Images
Figure 0007865991000001 
Figure 0007865991000002 
Figure 0007865991000003
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to a capping device, a capping method, and a liquid ejection system.
Background Art
[0002] In an inkjet liquid ejection head, when the nozzle surface where the nozzle openings are formed dries, there is concern about the occurrence of abnormal ejection of the nozzles due to a decrease in the ejection performance of the nozzles. In a liquid ejection system including a liquid ejection head, capping of the nozzle surface is performed for the purpose of suppressing drying of the nozzle surface.
[0003] For example, the nozzle surface is brought close to the moisturizing liquid stored inside the cap, the sealing member is brought into contact with the side surface of the liquid ejection head, the moisturizing liquid and the nozzle surface are sealed in the same space, and the nozzle surface is moisturized using the moisturizing liquid.
[0004] On the other hand, when purging of the liquid ejection head is performed using the cap as a liquid receiver, the nozzle surface is moved away from the cap for the purpose of suppressing adhesion of the mist-like liquid generated during purging to the nozzle surface.
[0005] Patent Document 1 describes a capping device for moisturizing the nozzle surface of an inkjet head. In the device described in the document, when an arm that abuts the nozzle surface is pushed downward in response to the descent of the inkjet head, the arm and the elastic member rotate and the elastic member is pressed against the side surface of the inkjet head. Thereby, the side surface of the inkjet head is sealed using the elastic member.
Prior Art Documents
Patent Documents
[0006]
Patent Document 1
Summary of the Invention
Problems to be Solved by the Invention
[0007] However, when purging is performed by ejecting ink from the nozzle surface at a purging position slightly higher than the cap height, which represents the position of the nozzle surface when moistening the nozzle surface, the ejected ink adheres to the nozzle surface. The ink adhering to the nozzle surface may pass through the nozzle surface to the sealing member, and the ink that reaches the sealing member may reach the side of the liquid ejection head. In that case, the ink that reaches the side of the liquid ejection head may then become liquid Discharge If it enters the gap in the head and becomes stuck, it becomes difficult to make fine adjustments to the position of the liquid dispensing head.
[0008] For example, in a liquid ejection head composed of multiple connected head modules, if ink seeps into the gaps between adjacent head modules and solidifies, it becomes difficult to adjust the spacing between adjacent head modules.
[0009] Also, liquid Discharge If ink that has entered and hardened in the gaps of the print head falls out as a solid during liquid ejection, such as during printing, there is a concern that the quality of printed materials may deteriorate and the equipment may malfunction.
[0010] In the apparatus described in Patent Document 1, when purging of the inkjet head is performed with the nozzle surface separated from the humidifying liquid, an arm is positioned below the nozzle surface, and ink ejected during purging may adhere to the arm. In that case, there is a concern that when the nozzle surface comes into contact with the arm, the ink adhering to the arm may enter the gap of the inkjet head and solidify.
[0011] The present invention has been made in view of these circumstances, and aims to provide a capping device, a capping method, and a liquid dispensing system that suppress the adhesion of liquid to a sealing member used when moistening the nozzle surface. [Means for solving the problem]
[0012] The capping device according to this disclosure is a capping device for capping a liquid discharge head, comprising: a sealing member that contacts a sealing position defined on the side surface of the liquid discharge head; and a sealing member support mechanism that supports the sealing member so as to be movable relative to the side surface, the sealing member support mechanism comprising a swinging member that swings the sealing member so as to be movable along a swing axis along a first direction in which the sealing member extends, wherein the swinging member has a surface different from the nozzle surface of the liquid discharge head, and a head contact position is defined in which the lower surface of the swinging member, which faces in a direction parallel to the second direction in which the nozzle surface faces, contacts the head contact position, and when the sealing member is moved in the second direction and in the fourth direction in which the normal to the side surface faces, the sealing member is moved by a distance of at least twice the distance of movement in the second direction in the fourth direction, thereby moving the sealing member away from the sealing position.
[0013] According to the capping device of this disclosure, when the liquid discharge head is moved in a third direction opposite to the second direction in which the normal to the nozzle surface is oriented, and the sealing member is moved in the second direction and in a fourth direction in which the normal to the side surface of the liquid discharge head is oriented, the distance the sealing member moves in the fourth direction is set to be at least twice the distance the sealing member moves in the third direction. This prevents contact between the nozzle surface and the sealing member and suppresses the adhesion of liquid adhering to the nozzle surface to the sealing member.
[0014] The side surface of the liquid dispensing head is a surface parallel to the first direction and can be defined as a surface perpendicular to the second direction. If the liquid dispensing head is equipped with a support member that supports the main body, the side surface of the liquid dispensing head may be the side surface of the support member.
[0015] The second and third directions may be directions parallel to the vertical direction or directions intersecting the vertical direction. An example of the second direction is the downward vertical direction. An example of the third direction is the upward vertical direction.
[0016] If the liquid dispensing head has two sides that are parallel to each other, it may be equipped with a sealing member that contacts one side and a sealing member that contacts the other side.
[0017] In the cap device according to another aspect, the swing member may move in a fifth direction opposite to the third and fourth directions in response to the movement of the liquid discharge head in the second direction with the lower surface contacting the head contact position, and bring the seal member into contact with the seal position.
[0018] According to such an aspect, the swing member can be pressed using the liquid discharge head moving in the second direction, and the seal member can be swung.
[0019] In the cap device according to another aspect, the seal member support mechanism may include a biasing member that biases the swing member in the third direction.
[0020] According to such an aspect, when the liquid discharge head is moved in the third direction, a biasing force acting in the third direction can be applied to the swing member.
[0021] In the cap device according to another aspect, the third direction has a vertically upward component, and when the seal member is brought into contact with the seal position, the tip of the seal member may be in the uppermost position.
[0022] According to such an aspect, when moisturizing the liquid discharge head, the seal member contacts a position above the nozzle surface. Thereby, adhesion of the liquid adhering to the nozzle surface to the seal member can be suppressed.
[0023] In the cap device according to another aspect, the swing member may support at least one of one end and the other end of the seal member in the first direction.
[0024] In such an aspect, an aspect in which the swing member is provided at each of both ends of the seal member in the first direction is preferable.
[0025] In the cap device according to another aspect, the seal member support mechanism includes a rotating member rotatably supported by the swing member, and the rotating member may be disposed at a position contacting the lower surface of the liquid discharge head at the head contact position.
[0026] According to such an aspect, wear of the lower surface of the liquid ejection head can be suppressed.
[0027] In the cap device according to another aspect, the seal member support mechanism may include a plate-like member having a contact surface that contacts the lower surface of the liquid ejection head at the head contact position.
[0028] According to such an aspect, the lower surface of the liquid ejection head is in surface contact with the swing member. Thereby, partial wear of the lower surface of the liquid ejection head can be suppressed.
[0029] In the cap device according to another aspect, at least one of a convex portion and a concave portion may be formed on the lower surface, and at least one of a concave portion corresponding to the convex portion formed on the lower surface and a convex portion corresponding to the concave portion formed on the lower surface may be formed on the contact surface.
[0030] According to such an aspect, the accuracy of alignment between the cap device and the liquid ejection head can be improved.
[0031] The capping method according to the present disclosure is a capping method for capping a liquid ejection head, including a seal member that contacts a seal position defined on a side surface of the liquid ejection head, and a seal member support mechanism that supports the seal member movably with respect to the side surface. The seal member support mechanism includes a swing member that supports the seal member swingably about a swing axis along a first direction in which the seal member extends. The swing member is a surface different from the nozzle surface of the liquid ejection head, and a head contact position where a lower surface facing a direction parallel to a second direction in which the nozzle surface faces abuts is defined. When moving the seal member in a fourth direction in which the second direction and the normal line of the side surface face, in response to movement of the liquid ejection head in a third direction opposite to the second direction with the lower surface abutted against the head contact position, the seal member is moved by a distance of at least twice the movement distance in the second direction in the fourth direction to separate the seal member from the seal position.
[0032] The capping method according to this disclosure makes it possible to obtain the same effects as the capping device according to this disclosure. The constituent elements of the capping device according to other embodiments may be applied to the constituent elements of the capping method according to other embodiments.
[0033] The liquid dispensing system according to this disclosure is a liquid dispensing system comprising a liquid dispensing head and a capping device for capping the liquid dispensing head, wherein the capping device comprises a sealing member that contacts a sealing position defined on the side surface of the liquid dispensing head, and a sealing member support mechanism that supports the sealing member so as to be movable relative to the side surface, and further comprises a sealing member support mechanism that comprises a swinging member that swings the sealing member so as to be swingable with respect to a swing axis along a first direction in which the sealing member extends, wherein the swinging member has a surface different from the nozzle surface of the liquid dispensing head, and a head contact position is defined in which the lower surface of the swinging member, which faces in a direction parallel to the second direction in which the nozzle surface faces, contacts the head contact position, and when the sealing member is moved in the second direction and in the fourth direction in which the normal to the side surface faces, the sealing member is moved by a distance of at least twice the distance of movement in the second direction in the fourth direction, thereby moving the sealing member away from the sealing position.
[0034] The liquid dispensing system according to this disclosure can achieve the same effects as the capping device according to this disclosure. The constituent elements of the capping device according to other embodiments can be applied to the constituent elements of the liquid dispensing system according to other embodiments.
[0035] In another embodiment of the liquid discharge system, a head lifting device is provided for raising and lowering the liquid discharge head along a second and a third direction, wherein the head lifting device raises and lowers the liquid discharge head between a cap position for moistening the nozzle surface of the liquid discharge head and a purge position for purging the liquid discharge head, and the purge position is at a longer distance from the head contact position than the cap position.
[0036] According to this embodiment, it is possible to lower the liquid discharge head from the purge position to the cap position and raise the liquid discharge head from the cap position to the purge position.
[0037] In this embodiment, a head moving device may be provided to move the liquid discharge head from the discharge position to the head maintenance position.
[0038] In other embodiments of the liquid dispensing system, the lower surface of the liquid dispensing head may be located outside the nozzle surface in the first direction.
[0039] According to this embodiment, contact between the sealing member and the sealing member support mechanism and the nozzle surface is avoided. This prevents damage to the nozzle surface.
[0040] In other embodiments of the liquid dispensing system, the seal position may be defined as a position on the third side of the nozzle surface.
[0041] According to this embodiment, contact between the nozzle surface and the sealing member can be avoided.
[0042] If the third direction has a component in the vertically upward direction, the sealing position can be set to a position above the nozzle surface. [Effects of the Invention]
[0043] According to the present invention, when the liquid discharge head is moved in a third direction opposite to the second direction in which the normal to the nozzle surface is oriented, and the sealing member is moved in a fourth direction in which the normal to the second direction and the side surface of the liquid discharge head are oriented, the distance the sealing member moves in the fourth direction is set to be at least twice the distance the sealing member moves in the third direction. This prevents contact between the nozzle surface and the sealing member and suppresses the adhesion of liquid adhering to the nozzle surface to the sealing member. [Brief explanation of the drawing]
[0044] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of the cap device according to the embodiment. [Figure 2]Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the capping device shown in Figure 1 in use. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of a liquid dispensing head. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a perspective view showing the contact and separation states of the seal blade to the liquid discharge head. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a perspective view showing the state of the seal blade during the moisturizing process. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a perspective view showing the state of the seal blade during the purging process. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a perspective view of the seal blade movement mechanism. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a perspective view of the seal blade support member. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a front view of the rocking member. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram showing the purge position of the liquid discharge head. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram showing the cap position of the liquid dispensing head. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the travel distance of the liquid discharge head and the travel distance of the seal blade. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a perspective view showing the contact state between the seal blade moving mechanism and the liquid discharge head. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a magnified view of a portion of Figure 13. [Figure 15] Figure 15 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of the head contact surface of the seal blade moving mechanism. [Figure 16] Figure 16 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the seal blade. [Figure 17] Figure 17 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of a modified seal blade moving mechanism. [Figure 18] Figure 18 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the problems with the capping device related to the comparative example. [Figure 19] Figure 19 is an overall configuration diagram showing the schematic configuration of the printing system according to this embodiment. [Figure 20]Figure 20 is a schematic diagram showing an example configuration of a maintenance device applied to the printing system shown in Figure 19. [Figure 21] Figure 21 is a perspective view showing an example configuration of a cap device applied to the maintenance device shown in Figure 20. [Figure 22] Figure 22 is a functional block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the printing system shown in Figure 19. [Figure 23] Figure 23 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a control device applied to the printing system shown in Figure 19. [Modes for carrying out the invention]
[0045] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this specification, identical components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted where appropriate.
[0046] [Example configuration of a cap device according to an embodiment] Figure 1 is an overall configuration diagram showing the schematic configuration of a capping device according to an embodiment. The capping device 10 shown in the figure functions as a liquid receiver during the purging process of an inkjet liquid ejection head. The capping device 10 also stores a humidifying liquid used for humidifying the nozzle surface and seals the nozzle surface. The liquid ejection head is shown in Figure 2 using reference numeral 20. The nozzle surface is shown in Figure 4 using reference numeral 20D.
[0047] The capping device 10 has an opening 14 formed on the upper surface 12 of the frame 11, and the sealing blades 15 and the moisturizing liquid reservoir 16 are arranged inside the frame 11. The capping device 10 includes a pair of sealing blades 15.
[0048] One of the pair of seal blades 15 is positioned at one end of the opening 14 in the Y direction, and the other of the pair of seal blades 15 is positioned at the other end of the opening 14 in the Y direction. Hereinafter, the term seal blade 15 may refer to the pair of seal blades 15, or to one or the other of the pair of seal blades 15.
[0049] The capping device 10 includes a seal blade moving mechanism that pivotably supports the seal blade 15 with respect to a pivot axis parallel to the X direction. The seal blade moving mechanism is shown in Figure 7 using reference numeral 30. The seal blade moving mechanism described in this embodiment is an example of a seal member support mechanism that pivotably supports the seal member relative to its side surface.
[0050] Here, the X direction is the longitudinal direction of the rectangular opening 14 and the direction in which the seal blade 15 extends. The Y direction is perpendicular to the X direction and is the short direction of the opening 14. The Z direction is perpendicular to both the X and Y directions. Note that the X direction described in the embodiment is an example of the first direction. The seal blade 15 described in the embodiment is an example of a seal member.
[0051] Furthermore, the term "parallel" as used herein may include substantially parallel directions, even if they intersect in a strict sense, where the two directions can be considered parallel. The term "orthogonal" may include substantially orthogonal directions, even if the angle between the two directions is less than 90° or greater than 90° in a strict sense, where the angle between the two directions can be considered 90°.
[0052] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the cap device shown in Figure 1 in use. Figure 2 illustrates the state in which the cap device 10 is attached to the liquid discharge head 20. The liquid discharge head 20 has a structure in which a plurality of head modules 22 are arranged in a line along the longitudinal direction of the liquid discharge head 20. The plurality of head modules 22 are integrally supported by a head holding housing 24. In Figure 2, a part of the head holding housing 24 is shown using a dashed line to visualize the configuration of the head modules 22.
[0053] When the liquid discharge head 20 is subjected to a moisturizing treatment while the cap device 10 is attached to the liquid discharge head 20, the nozzle surface of the liquid discharge head 20 is located inside the frame 11 and is positioned at a distance or less from the liquid surface of the moisturizing liquid stored in the moisturizing liquid reservoir 16. The position of the liquid discharge head 20 when moisturizing the nozzle surface is referred to as the cap position.
[0054] Furthermore, when purging the liquid discharge head 20, the nozzle surface is positioned at a slightly greater distance from the surface of the moisturizing liquid compared to when moisturizing the nozzle surface of the liquid discharge head 20 is performed. The position of the liquid discharge head 20 when purging is performed is called the purge position. The purge position is located above the cap position in the Z direction.
[0055] Here, the upward direction in the Z-direction is the direction opposite to the normal direction of the nozzle surface. The normal direction of the nozzle surface is the downward direction in the Z-direction. Note that the downward direction in the Z-direction described in the embodiment is an example of a second direction. Also, the upward direction in the Z-direction described in the embodiment is an example of a third direction.
[0056] [Configuration of the liquid dispensing head] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of a liquid discharge head. The liquid discharge head 20 has a structure in which multiple head modules 22 are arranged in a row in the X direction. The side surface 20A of the liquid discharge head 20 defines a sealing position 20B that contacts the sealing blade 15 shown in Figure 1.
[0057] The side surface 20A of the liquid discharge head 20 is a surface that faces in a direction perpendicular to the normal of the nozzle surface 20D and is parallel to the X direction. Figure 3 shows an embodiment in which the side surfaces of multiple head modules 22 are the side surface 20A of the liquid discharge head 20, but the side surface 20A of the liquid discharge head 20 may also be defined on the head holding housing 24.
[0058] The seal position 20B is located above the nozzle surface 20D in the Z direction and below the lower surface 20C in the Z direction.
[0059] The head holding housing 24 has pressing portions 24A formed at both ends in the X direction. The pressing portions 24A are plate-shaped members extending in the X direction, and their lower surfaces, which are parallel to the nozzle surface 20D, function as the lower surface 20C of the liquid discharge head.
[0060] The lower surface 20C of the liquid discharge head 20 is located outside in the X direction compared to the nozzle surfaces 20D of the head modules 22 at both ends in the X direction. Also, the lower surface 20C of the liquid discharge head 20 is located above in the Z direction compared to the nozzle surfaces 20D.
[0061] Note that the number and arrangement of the head modules 22 are not limited to the example shown in Figure 3; the number of head modules 22 can be one or more. Furthermore, the arrangement of the head modules 22 may include a two-column zigzag arrangement or the like.
[0062] Figure 4 is a perspective view showing the contact and separation states of the seal blade to the liquid discharge head. The figure is a partial cross-sectional view including a cross-section with a cross-sectional line applied along the Y direction, and is an enlarged view of a part of the capping device 10. Reference numeral 4A indicates the contact state of the seal blade, and reference numeral 4B indicates the separation state of the seal blade.
[0063] Contact state 4A of the seal blade is when the liquid discharge head 20 is in the cap position, and separation state 4B of the seal blade is when the liquid discharge head 20 is in the purge position.
[0064] [Capping method according to the first embodiment] Figure 5 is a perspective view showing the state of the seal blade during the moisturizing process. This figure is a partial cross-sectional view including a cross-section with a cross-sectional line applied along the Y direction, and is an enlarged view of a part of the capping device 10. Note that the liquid discharge head 20 is not shown in Figure 5.
[0065] When the liquid discharge head 20 is subjected to a moisturizing treatment, the liquid discharge head 20 shown in Figure 2 descends and moves from the purge position to the cap position. The seal blade 15 closes in accordance with the liquid discharge head 20, and the tip 15A of the seal blade 15 contacts the seal position 20B on the side surface 20A of the liquid discharge head 20.
[0066] In other words, as the liquid discharge head 20 moves downward in the Z direction, the seal blade 15 moves in a direction having a Y component opposite to the normal direction of the side surface 20A of the liquid discharge head 20, and an upward component in the Z direction, and contacts the seal position 20B of the liquid discharge head 20. As a result, the nozzle surface 20D and the moisturizing space of the cap device 10 containing the moisturizing liquid are sealed, and favorable moisturizing of the nozzle surface 20D is achieved.
[0067] Figure 6 is a perspective view showing the state of the seal blade during the purging process. Similar to Figure 5, Figure 6 is a partial cross-sectional view including a cross-section with a cross-sectional line applied along the Y direction, and is an enlarged view of a part of the capping device 10. Also, the liquid discharge head 20 is not shown in Figure 6.
[0068] When the liquid discharge head 20 rises above the cap position, the seal blade 15 opens in accordance with the rise of the liquid discharge head 20, and the tip 15A of the seal blade 15 moves away from the seal position 20B of the liquid discharge head 20. That is, as the liquid discharge head 20 moves upward in the Z direction, the seal blade 15 moves in a direction having a component in the Y direction, which is the normal direction to the side surface 20A of the liquid discharge head 20, and a component in the downward direction in the Z direction, and moves away from the seal position 20B of the liquid discharge head 20.
[0069] This suppresses the adhesion of ink mist generated during the purging process to the seal blade 15, and also suppresses the adhesion of ink mist that has adhered to the seal blade 15 to the liquid discharge head 20.
[0070] The Y direction, which is the normal direction to the side surface 20A of the liquid discharge head 20 described in the embodiment, is an example of a fourth direction, and the Y direction opposite to the normal direction to the side surface 20A of the liquid discharge head 20 is an example of a fifth direction.
[0071] [Example of a seal blade movement mechanism configuration] Figure 7 is a perspective view of the seal blade moving mechanism. The seal blade moving mechanism 30 shown in the figure uses an opening / closing link mechanism and operates without drive control using a motor. That is, the seal blade moving mechanism 30 opens and closes in accordance with the raising and lowering of the liquid discharge head 20 shown in Figure 3, by bringing the liquid discharge head 20 into contact with or away from the seal blade moving mechanism 30.
[0072] The seal blade moving mechanism 30 includes a swinging member 34 and a fixed member 36. The seal blade 15, which is fixedly supported using the seal blade support member 32, has the swinging member 34 joined to each of its ends in the X direction.
[0073] The seal blade 15 only needs to be supported at least one end in the X direction and the other end; however, considering the deflection of the seal blade 15 in the X direction, it is preferable that the seal blade 15 is supported at both ends in the X direction.
[0074] The seal blade moving mechanism 30 is aligned with the opening 14 shown in Figure 1 and attached to the upper surface 12 of the cap device 10 using fixing members 36. The fixing members 36 are positioned at both ends of the opening 14 in the X direction and fix and support the seal blade moving mechanism 30 to the upper surface 12 of the cap device 10.
[0075] Figure 8 is a perspective view of the seal blade support member. The figure shows one of the two seal blades 15 shown in Figure 7. The seal blade support member 32 is a bent plate-shaped member, and its total length in the longitudinal direction exceeds the total length of the seal blade 15. The seal blade 15 is joined to the upper surface 32A of the seal blade support member 32. The oscillating member 34 is joined to the side surface 32B of the seal blade support member 32.
[0076] Figure 9 is a front view of the oscillating member. The figure shows one of the oscillating members 34 shown in Figure 8. The oscillating member 34 is a plate-shaped member that has been bent, with the seal blade support member 32 joined to the side portion 34A, and the bearing 41 that supports the oscillating shaft 40 shown in Figure 7 joined to the hole 34C in the front portion 34B.
[0077] The oscillating member 34 has a defined head contact position 42. The head contact position 42 is in contact with the lower surface of the liquid discharge head 20 and is pressed by the liquid discharge head 20 as the liquid discharge head 20 descends. The head contact position 42 is the outer circumferential surface of the contact roller 46, which is rotatably supported using the rotating shaft 44.
[0078] The oscillating member 34 has a structure in which the distance the seal blade 15 travels in the Y direction when rotated by any angle is greater than the distance it travels in the Z direction. Preferably, the distance the seal blade 15 travels in the Y direction when the oscillating member 34 rotates is twice or more than the distance it travels in the Z direction.
[0079] The oscillating member 34 has a biasing member mounting portion 48 formed thereon. A compression spring 50, as shown in Figure 10, is attached to the biasing member mounting portion 48. That is, the oscillating member 34 is biased upward in the Z direction using the compression spring 50. As a result, when the liquid discharge head 20 is not in contact with the head contact position 42, the oscillating member 34 rotates in the direction that opens the seal blade moving mechanism 30, and the seal blade 15 moves away from the seal position 20B of the liquid discharge head 20.
[0080] Returning to Figure 5, when the seal blade moving mechanism 30 is closed and the seal blade 15 is brought into contact with the sealing position 20B of the liquid discharge head 20, the tip 15A of the seal blade 15 is at its highest position in the Z direction. On the other hand, when the liquid discharge head 20 is moved upward in the Z direction and the seal blade moving mechanism 30 is opened, the seal blade 15 is moved away from the sealing position 20B of the liquid discharge head 20, the seal blade 15 moves away from the liquid discharge head in the Y direction and downward in the Z direction. This allows the liquid discharge head 20 and the seal blade 15 to be separated by applying the path that has the shortest overall length.
[0081] Furthermore, when opening and closing the seal blade moving mechanism 30, the liquid discharge head 20 and the seal blade 15 are moved in relative opposite directions in the Z direction. This makes it possible to avoid contact between the nozzle surface 20D of the liquid discharge head 20 and the seal blade 15, even if the positions of the liquid discharge head 20 and the cap device 10 are misaligned in the Y direction.
[0082] [Capping method according to the second embodiment] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram showing the purge position of the liquid discharge head 20. Note that in Figure 10, some of the reference numerals shown in Figures 1 to 9 are omitted.
[0083] When the liquid discharge head 20 shown in Figure 10 is in the purge position, the lower surface 20C of the liquid discharge head 20 contacts the head contact position 42, but does not press against the head contact position 42. of The purge position may be a position of the liquid discharge head 20 in the Z direction such that the lower surface 20C of the liquid discharge head 20 does not come into contact with the head contact position 42.
[0084] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram showing the cap position of the liquid discharge head 20. The cap position of the liquid discharge head 20 refers to the position of the liquid discharge head 20 in the Z direction when the moisturizing treatment of the liquid discharge head 20 is performed.
[0085] When the liquid discharge head 20 is in the cap position, the lower surface 20C of the liquid discharge head 20 contacts and presses against the head contact position 42. The downward arrow line shown in Figure 11 indicates the direction in which the lower surface 20C of the liquid discharge head 20 presses against the head contact position 42. The arrow line attached to the seal blade 15 shown in the same figure indicates the direction of movement of the seal blade 15 when the lower surface 20C of the liquid discharge head 20 presses against the head contact position 42.
[0086] For example, when the liquid discharge head 20 moves 2 millimeters from the purge position to the cap position, the seal blade 15 may move 4 millimeters in the direction toward the liquid discharge head 20 in the Y direction. Similarly, when the liquid discharge head 20 moves 2 millimeters from the cap position to the purge position, the seal blade 15 may move 4 millimeters in the direction toward the liquid discharge head 20 in the Y direction.
[0087] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the travel distance of the liquid discharge head and the travel distance of the seal blade. Figure 12 shows an example of the relationship between the amount of downward movement dZ of the head contact position 42 in the Z direction and the amount of movement dY of the tip 15A of the seal blade 15 in the Y direction when the head contact position 42 is pressed downward in the Z direction.
[0088] The Z-component of the distance from the rotation center of the oscillating member 34 to the tip 15A of the seal blade 15 and the Y-component of the distance from the rotation center of the oscillating member 34 to the head contact position 42 can be in a ratio of 2:1. For example, if the downward movement dZ in the Z-direction of the head contact position 42 is 2.4 millimeters, then the downward movement dY of the tip 15A of the seal blade 15 in the Y-direction is 4.8 millimeters.
[0089] [Capping method according to the third embodiment] Figure 13 is a perspective view showing the contact state between the seal blade moving mechanism and the liquid discharge head. Figure 14 is a partially enlarged view of Figure 13. The seal blade moving mechanism 30 can be configured to receive the lower surface 20C of the liquid discharge head 20 using a contact roller 46, which is a rotating member.
[0090] In other words, the outer circumferential surface of the contact roller 46 is applied as the head contact position 42 of the seal blade moving mechanism 30. When the contact roller 46 is pressed downward in the Z direction from the lower surface 20C of the liquid discharge head 20, it rotates around the rotation axis 44.
[0091] The head contact position 42 of the seal blade moving mechanism 30 contacts the lower surface 20C of the liquid discharge head 20 and moves while rubbing against the lower surface 20C of the liquid discharge head 20 in the Y direction. The contact roller 46 reduces friction between the lower surface 20C of the liquid discharge head 20 and the head contact position 42, thereby suppressing wear on the lower surface 20C of the liquid discharge head 20 and the head contact position 42.
[0092] [Capping method according to the fourth embodiment] Figure 15 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of the head contact surface of the seal blade moving mechanism. The seal blade moving mechanism 30A shown in the figure has a structure that uses the head contact surface 42A to receive the lower surface 20C of the liquid discharge head 20. This makes it possible to suppress localized wear of the lower surface 20C of the liquid discharge head 20.
[0093] Figure 16 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the seal blade. This figure includes a partial cross-section of the capping device 10. The figure schematically illustrates the operation of the seal blade moving mechanism 30A shown in Figure 15.
[0094] When the head contact surface 42A shown in Figure 16 moves in the direction of the arrow pointing downward in the Z direction, the oscillating member 34 rotates around the oscillating axis 40, the seal blade moving mechanism 30A closes, and the seal blade 15 moves. The arrow line near the seal blade 15 indicates the direction of movement of the seal blade 15. On the other hand, when the head contact surface 42A moves upward in the Z direction, the seal blade moving mechanism 30 opens, and the seal blade 15 moves away from the liquid discharge head.
[0095] Figure 17 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of a modified seal blade moving mechanism. The head contact surface 42A of the seal blade moving mechanism 30B shown in the figure has a recess 42C formed therein. Also, the lower surface 20C of the liquid discharge head 20 has a protrusion 20E formed therein.
[0096] Figure 17 illustrates an example in which a recess 42C is formed on the head contact surface 42A of the seal blade moving mechanism 30B and a protrusion 20E is formed on the lower surface 20C of the liquid discharge head 20. However, a protrusion may be formed on the head contact surface 42A and a recess on the lower surface 20C.
[0097] Furthermore, the number, size, and arrangement of the recesses 42C are not limited to the configuration shown in Figure 17, but can be appropriately defined according to the size and shape of the head contact surface 42A, etc. The same applies to the protrusions 20E.
[0098] When the lower surface 20C of the liquid discharge head 20 is brought into contact with the head contact surface 42A, the convex portion 20E and the concave portion 42C are fitted together. This can improve the accuracy of the relative alignment between the liquid discharge head 20 and the cap device 10.
[0099] [Effects and Effects of the Capping Device and Capping Method According to the Embodiment] The capping device and capping method according to this embodiment can achieve the following effects and advantages.
[0100] [1] As the liquid discharge head 20 moves from the purge position to the cap position, the seal blade moving mechanism 30 transitions from an open state to a closed state. As the seal blade moving mechanism 30 closes, the seal blade 15 comes into contact with the seal position 20B, which is defined on the side surface 20A of the liquid discharge head 20 and is located above the nozzle surface 20D in the Z direction.
[0101] As the liquid discharge head 20 moves from the cap position to the purge position, the seal blade moving mechanism 30 transitions from a closed state to an open state. As the seal blade moving mechanism 30 opens, the seal blade 15 is moved away from the seal position 20B. When the seal blade 15 is moved away from the seal position 20B, the seal blade 15 moves away from the liquid discharge head 20 in the Y direction and downward in the Z direction.
[0102] This prevents contact between the nozzle surface 20D and the sealing blade 15, suppresses the movement of ink mist generated during the purging process of the liquid discharge head 20 from the nozzle surface 20D to the sealing blade 15, and prevents the ink mist that has moved to the sealing blade 15 from adhering to the liquid discharge head 20.
[0103] Furthermore, this method can avoid malfunctions in the adjustment of the liquid ejection head 20 caused by the adhesion of ink mist. An example of a malfunction in the adjustment of the liquid ejection head 20 is the inability to adjust the position of the head module 22 relative to the head holding housing 24.
[0104] Figure 18 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the problems of a capping device relating to a comparative example. The figure schematically shows a liquid discharge head 2 having a posture in which the normal of the nozzle surface 1 is tilted with respect to the vertical direction. In the ink mist adhesion state 60, ink mist IM generated due to the purging process of the liquid discharge head 2 adheres to the nozzle surface 1. The ink mist IM adhering to the nozzle surface 1 travels along the nozzle surface 1 and moves to the lower end 3 of the liquid discharge head 2.
[0105] In ink mist diffusion state 62, when the liquid ejection head 2 and the seal blade 4 are in close proximity, the ink mist IM that has moved to the lower end 3 of the liquid ejection head 2 bridges with the seal blade 4 and spreads in the X direction between the seal blade 4 and the liquid ejection head 2. The X direction is perpendicular to the Y and Z directions and is the direction that penetrates the plane of the paper in Figure 18.
[0106] The ink mist residue state 64 is a state in which the seal blade 4 is moved away from the liquid ejection head 2 and the nozzle surface 1 is wiped. In the ink mist residue state 64, ink mist IM that has adhered to the side surface 5 of the liquid ejection head 2 remains.
[0107] In contrast, the capping device and capping method according to this embodiment suppress the adhesion of ink to the seal blade 15 shown in Figure 1, etc., and the adhesion of ink to the side surface 20A of the liquid discharge head 20.
[0108] [2] The seal blade moving mechanism 30 is fitted with an opening / closing link mechanism that operates the mechanical mechanism in response to the movement of the liquid discharge head 20 in the Z direction. This allows the seal blade moving mechanism 30 to be opened and closed without the need for motor-driven operation.
[0109] [3] The distance between the seal position 20B of the liquid discharge head 20 and the seal blade 15 at the purge position is defined, and the opening and closing trajectory of the seal blade 15 is also defined. This suppresses ink adhesion to the seal blade 15.
[0110] [4] The seal blade moving mechanism 30 brings the lower surface 20C of the liquid discharge head 20, which is different from the nozzle surface 20D, into contact with the head contact position 42. The lower surface 20C is positioned outside the ends of the nozzle surface 20D of the liquid discharge head 20 in the X direction. This makes it possible to avoid contact between the nozzle surface 20D and the seal blade moving mechanism 30 when the liquid discharge head 20 is brought into contact with the head contact position 42.
[0111] [Examples of application to liquid dispensing systems] The following examples illustrate a printing system to which an inkjet method is applied as a liquid dispensing system to which the capping device according to the embodiment is applied. The term "system" may include the concept of "device." That is, the liquid dispensing system described below may be configured in either a manner in which the components are arranged continuously and integrally, or in a manner in which they are arranged in a dispersed manner.
[0112] [Overall structure] Figure 19 is an overall configuration diagram showing the schematic configuration of the liquid dispensing system according to the embodiment. The printing system 100 is equipped with a digital printing device 106 that prints a color image onto a substrate using a single-pass printing method. The substrate is shown in Figure 20 using the reference numeral S.
[0113] The base material can be paper media such as sheet paper and continuous paper, sheet metal media, cloth media such as woven fabric, etc. The base material can also be flexible packaging such as plastic film. The base material may be a single layer or multiple layers stacked together. The base material may be in a roll-to-roll continuous form or in the form of sheets cut to a specified length. The base material may also be referred to as a medium, media, sheet, film, or substrate.
[0114] The printing system 100 includes a substrate supply device 102, a first intermediate transport device 104, a printing device 106, a second intermediate transport device 108, a measuring device 110, a drying device 112, and an accumulation device 114.
[0115] The printing system 100 also includes a maintenance device. The maintenance device is not shown in Figure 19. The maintenance device is shown in Figure 20, denoted by reference numeral 140. Each part will be described in detail below.
[0116] [Base material supply device] When the substrate is in a continuous form, the substrate supply device 102 includes a roll storage section for accommodating the roll on which the substrate is wound. When the substrate is in a sheet form, the substrate supply device 102 includes a tray for accommodating the substrate. The substrate supply device 102 supplies the substrate to the first intermediate transport device 104 in accordance with the printing control of the printing device 106. The substrate supply device 102 may include a correction mechanism for correcting the orientation of the substrate.
[0117] [First Intermediate Conveyor Device] The first intermediate transport device 104 transfers the substrate supplied from the substrate supply device 102 to the printing device 106. The first intermediate transport device 104 can be configured with known configurations depending on the form of the substrate. The arrow line from the substrate supply device 102 to the first intermediate transport device 104 indicates the substrate transport direction.
[0118] [Printing device] The printing apparatus 106 includes an inkjet head 120C, an inkjet head 120M, an inkjet head 120Y, and an inkjet head 120K. The inkjet heads 120C, 120M, 120Y, and 120K are arranged in the order described above, from the upstream side along the substrate transport direction.
[0119] Inkjet head 120C ejects cyan ink. Inkjet head 120M ejects magenta ink. Inkjet head 120Y ejects yellow ink. Inkjet head 120K ejects black ink.
[0120] The inkjet head 120C and the like can employ a line head configuration in which multiple nozzles are arranged over a length exceeding the total length of the substrate in the substrate width direction. An example of a line head configuration is one in which multiple head modules are connected together. The multiple nozzles provided in the inkjet head 120C and the like are arranged in a two-dimensional configuration such as a matrix arrangement.
[0121] The inkjet head 120C and the like can be fitted with a piezoelectric ejection system that includes a piezoelectric element as the ejection pressure element that generates ejection pressure. The inkjet head 120C and the like can also be fitted with a thermal system that ejects ink by utilizing the boiling phenomenon of the ink film.
[0122] The printing device 106 forms a color image on the substrate using color ink such as cyan ink. The printing device 106 also forms a white image that will serve as the background image for the color image using white ink.
[0123] Each of the inkjet heads 120C, 120M, 120Y, and 120K shown in Figure 19 can be fitted with the liquid ejection head 20 shown in Figure 3.
[0124] The inkjet head 120C shown in Figure 19 is subjected to an orientation in which the normal of the nozzle surface intersects the vertical direction. The Z direction shown in Figure 3 is parallel to the normal direction of each nozzle surface of the inkjet head 120C. The X direction is parallel to the substrate width direction, and the Y direction is parallel to the substrate transport direction.
[0125] The printing apparatus 106 shown in Figure 19 includes a printing drum 122. The printing drum 122 has a cylindrical shape. The printing drum 122 has a substrate support area on its circumferential surface for supporting the substrate. Note that the substrate support area is not shown in the illustration.
[0126] The rotation axis of the printing drum 122 is connected to a motor (not shown) via a drive mechanism (not shown). When the motor rotates, the printing drum 122 rotates in the direction indicated by the arrow. When the printing drum 122 rotates, the substrate supported on the circumferential surface of the printing drum 122 is conveyed along the direction of rotation of the printing drum 122.
[0127] The substrate support area has multiple suction holes formed therein. The multiple suction holes are arranged according to a predetermined pattern. The multiple suction holes communicate with an suction channel (not shown). The suction channel is connected to an suction pump (not shown). The substrate is supported by suction on the circumferential surface of the printing drum 122 using the negative pressure generated in the multiple suction holes by operating the suction pump.
[0128] The substrate transport method in the printing apparatus 106 is not limited to the transport method using the printing drum 122. For example, transport methods using a transport belt and transport methods using multiple rollers can be applied.
[0129] [Second Intermediate Conveyor Device] The second intermediate conveying device 108 transfers the substrate received from the printing drum 122 to the measuring device 110. The second intermediate conveying device 108 can be configured in the same way as the first intermediate conveying device 104. The arrow lines shown for the second intermediate conveying device 108 indicate the substrate conveying direction in the second intermediate conveying device 108.
[0130] [Measuring device] The measuring device 110 reads the test pattern printed on the substrate and acquires the reading data of the test pattern. Based on the reading data of the test pattern, the measuring device 110 can detect ejection abnormalities of the inkjet head 120C, etc.
[0131] The measuring device 110 may read the printed image printed on the substrate and acquire reading data of the printed image. Based on the reading data of the printed image, the measuring device 110 may detect defects in the printed image.
[0132] [Drying equipment] The drying apparatus 112 performs a drying process on the printed substrate. The drying apparatus 112 may be equipped with a heater and a fan, and a configuration may be applied to blow hot air onto the printed substrate. The drying apparatus 112 includes a drying and conveying section for conveying the printed substrate. Known conveying methods such as drum conveying, belt conveying, and roller conveying may be applied as conveying methods for the printed substrate. The arrow lines shown in the drying apparatus 112 indicate the direction of substrate conveying in the drying apparatus 112.
[0133] [Integration device] The stacking device 114 receives the substrate from the drying device 112. If the substrate is in a continuous form, the stacking device 114 includes a roll storage section for storing the rolls on which the substrate is wound. If the substrate is in a single-sheet form, the stacking device 114 includes trays on which the substrate is stored.
[0134] [Example of maintenance device configuration] Figure 20 is a schematic diagram showing an example configuration of a maintenance device applied to the printing system shown in Figure 19. The maintenance device 140 shown in Figure 20 is arranged alongside the printing device 106 in the direction that penetrates the paper surface in Figure 19. In the following description, the inkjet head 120C and the like shown in Figure 19 may be collectively referred to as the inkjet head 120.
[0135] The maintenance device 140 shown in Figure 20 includes a head moving device 142, a wiping device 144, and a capping device 146. The head moving device 142 moves the inkjet head 120 between the printing position and the maintenance position.
[0136] Figure 20 illustrates an example of the configuration of the head moving device 142, which includes a carriage 150 connected to the inkjet head 120 and a guide 152 supporting the carriage 150. Note that Figure 20 omits the illustration of the linear motion mechanism connected to the carriage 150 and the motor connected to the linear motion mechanism.
[0137] The printing position is the location of the inkjet head 120 that ejects ink and prints onto the substrate S. Figure 20 illustrates the inkjet head 120 at the printing position using solid lines. The maintenance position is the location of the inkjet head 120 where maintenance is performed.
[0138] Maintenance of the inkjet head 120 includes wiping the nozzle surface 124 to which the wiping device 144 is applied, purging by operating the ejection element for each nozzle to discharge ink from the nozzle opening to the capping device 146, and moisturizing by applying a moisturizing liquid inside the capping device 146.
[0139] The capping device 146 is connected to the discharge tank 158 via the discharge channel 154 and the discharge pump 156. The ink discharged to the capping device 146 is sent to the discharge tank 158 by operating the discharge pump 156. The capping device 146 shown in Figure 20 is the same as the capping device 10 shown in Figure 1, etc.
[0140] Figure 20 shows the inkjet head 120 at the maintenance locations where the capping device 146 is applied, using a dashed line. The maintenance locations include the locations where the nozzle surface 124 is wiped using the wiping device 144.
[0141] The wiping device 144 moves a sheet-like wiping material called a web, bringing the moving web into contact with the nozzle surface 124, and wiping the nozzle surface 124 of the inkjet head 120 as it moves along the guide 152.
[0142] The maintenance device 140 includes a head lifting device. The head lifting device raises and lowers the inkjet head 120 at the printing position. The head lifting device also raises and lowers the inkjet head 120 when purging or moisturizing treatment of the inkjet head 120 is performed using a capping device. The illustration of the head lifting device is omitted.
[0143] The upward movement of the inkjet head 120 is the upward movement of the inkjet head 120 in the Z direction. The downward movement of the inkjet head 120 is the downward movement of the inkjet head 120 in the Z direction. The upward direction is the direction having a vertical upward component, and the downward direction is the direction having a vertical downward component.
[0144] [Example of capping device configuration] Figure 21 is a perspective view showing an example configuration of a cap device applied to the maintenance device shown in Figure 20. Note that Figure 21 includes a wiping device 144C corresponding to the inkjet head 120C, a wiping device 144M corresponding to the inkjet head 120M, and an inkjet head 120Y Simplified illustrations of the corresponding wiping device 144Y and the wiping device 144K corresponding to the inkjet head 120K are shown.
[0145] The capping device 146 shown in Figure 21 comprises caps 147C, 147M, 147Y, and 147K. Each of the caps 147C, 147M, 147Y, and 147K is fitted with the capping device 10 shown in Figure 1, etc. Note that Figure 21 omits the detailed structural illustration of the capping device 10 shown in Figure 1.
[0146] Caps 147C, 147M, 147Y, and 147K are integrally supported by a frame 148. Cap 147C is tilted relative to the horizontal direction according to the orientation of the nozzle surface 124 of the inkjet head 120C. Caps 147M, 147Y, and 147K are tilted in a similar manner.
[0147] The capping device 146 may be configured such that each of the caps 147C, 147M, 147Y, and 147K is separate and has an independent configuration.
[0148] [Electrical configuration of the liquid dispensing system] Figure 22 is a functional block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the printing system shown in Figure 19. The printing system 100 includes a system control unit 160, a transport control unit 162, a printing control unit 166, a measurement control unit 168, a drying control unit 170, a maintenance control unit 172, and an information acquisition unit 174.
[0149] The system control unit 160 comprehensively controls the overall operation of the printing system 100. The system control unit 160 transmits command signals to various control units. The system control unit 160 functions as a memory controller that controls the storage of data in memory 176 and the reading of data from memory 176.
[0150] The system control unit 160 acquires sensor signals transmitted from the sensor 178 and transmits command signals based on the sensor signals to various control units. The sensor 178 includes position detection sensors and temperature sensors provided in various parts of the printing system 100.
[0151] The transport control unit 162 sets transport conditions based on command signals transmitted from the system control unit 160 and controls the operation of the transport device 164 based on the set transport conditions. The transport device 164 shown in Figure 22 includes the first intermediate transport device 104, the printing drum 122, and the drying transport device provided in the drying device 112 shown in Figure 19. The transport device 164 may also include the substrate supply device 102 and the accumulation device 114.
[0152] The print control unit 166 sets printing conditions based on command signals transmitted from the system control unit 160 and controls the operation of the printing device 106 based on the set printing conditions. Specifically, the print control unit 166 includes an image processing unit that performs color separation processing, color conversion processing, correction processing for each process, and halftone processing on the print data to generate halftone data for each color.
[0153] The print control unit 166 includes a drive voltage generation unit that generates a drive voltage to be supplied to the inkjet head 120C, etc., based on halftone data for each color. The print control unit 166 also includes a drive voltage output unit that supplies a drive voltage to the inkjet head 120C.
[0154] The printing control unit 166 performs corrections to the printing device 106 based on measurement data obtained using the measuring device 110. The printing system 100 may also include a correction processing unit that performs corrections to the printing device 106 based on measurement data obtained using the measuring device 110, separate from the printing control unit 166.
[0155] The measurement control unit 168 sets measurement conditions based on command signals transmitted from the system control unit 160, and controls the operation of the measuring device 110 based on the set measurement conditions.
[0156] The drying control unit 170 sets the processing conditions for the main drying process based on the command signals transmitted from the system control unit 160, and controls the operation of the drying apparatus 112 based on the set processing conditions.
[0157] The maintenance control unit 172 sets maintenance conditions based on command signals transmitted from the system control unit 160, and controls the operation of the maintenance device 140 based on the set maintenance conditions.
[0158] The maintenance control unit 172 functions as a wiping control unit that controls the operation of the wiping device 144 shown in Figure 20, and a capping control unit that controls the operation of the capping device 146. In addition, the maintenance control unit 172 functions as a head movement control unit that controls the operation of the head movement device 142, and a head lifting control unit that controls the operation of the head lifting device.
[0159] The information acquisition unit 174 acquires various types of information applicable to the control of the printing system 100. The system control unit 160 transmits command signals to various control units based on the various types of information acquired using the information acquisition unit 174.
[0160] Memory 176 can store various data, parameters, and programs applied to the printing system 100. The system control unit 160 controls the operation of the printing system 100 by referring to the various data stored in memory 176. Sensors 178 include various sensors provided in the printing system 100.
[0161] [Example of hardware configuration for a control device applied to a printing system] Figure 23 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a control device applied to the printing system shown in Figure 19. The control device 200 provided in the printing system 100 comprises a processor 202, a computer-readable medium 204 which is a non-temporary tangible object, a communication interface 206, and an input / output interface 208.
[0162] The control device 200 is a computer. The computer may be a server, a personal computer, a workstation, or a tablet device.
[0163] The processor 202 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The processor 202 may also include a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). The processor 202 is connected to a computer-readable medium 204, a communication interface 206, and an input / output interface 208 via a bus 210. The input device 212 and the display device 214 are connected to the bus 210 via the input / output interface 208.
[0164] The computer-readable medium 204 includes memory, which is the main memory, and storage, which is the auxiliary memory. The computer-readable medium 204 may include semiconductor memory, hard disk drives, and solid-state drives, etc. The computer-readable medium 204 may include any combination of multiple devices.
[0165] Furthermore, hard disk drives can be referred to as HDDs, which are abbreviations for Hard Disk Drives. Solid state drives can be referred to as SSDs, which are abbreviations for Solid State Drives.
[0166] The control device 200 is connected to a network via a communication interface 206 and is capable of communicating with external devices. The network may be a LAN (Local Area Network), etc. Note that the network diagram is omitted.
[0167] The computer-readable medium 204 stores the transport control program 220, the printing control program 222, the measurement control program 224, the drying control program 226, and the maintenance control program 228.
[0168] The transport control program 220 corresponds to the transport control applied to the transport device 164 shown in Figure 22. The printing control program 222 corresponds to the printing control applied to the printing device 106. The measurement control program 224 corresponds to the measurement control applied to the measurement device 110. The drying control program 226 corresponds to the drying control applied to the drying device 112. The maintenance control program 228 corresponds to the maintenance control applied to the maintenance device 140.
[0169] The various programs stored in the computer-readable medium 204 contain one or more instructions. The computer-readable medium 204 stores various data and various parameters. Note that the memory 176 shown in Figure 22 is included in the computer-readable medium 204 shown in Figure 23.
[0170] The printing system 100 implements various functions by having the processor 202 execute various programs stored in the computer-readable medium 204. The term "program" is synonymous with the term "software."
[0171] The control device 200 performs data communication with an external device via the communication interface 206. The communication interface 206 can utilize various standards such as USB (Universal Serial Bus). The communication mode of the communication interface 206 may be either wired communication or wireless communication.
[0172] The control device 200 is connected to an input device 212 and a display device 214 via an input / output interface 208. Input devices such as a keyboard and mouse are used for the input device 212. The display device 214 displays various information applicable to the control device 200.
[0173] The display device 214 may include liquid crystal displays, organic EL displays, and projectors. The display device 214 may also include any combination of multiple devices. Note that EL in organic EL display is an abbreviation for Electro-Luminescence.
[0174] Here, examples of the hardware structure of processor 202 include CPU, GPU, PLD (Programmable Logic Device), and ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). A CPU is a general-purpose processor that executes programs and acts as various functional units. A GPU is a processor specialized for image processing.
[0175] A PLD is a processor whose electrical circuit configuration can be changed after the device has been manufactured. An example of a PLD is an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). An ASIC is a processor that has dedicated electrical circuits designed specifically to perform a particular task.
[0176] A single processing unit may be composed of one of these various processors, or it may be composed of two or more processors of the same or different types. Examples of various processor combinations include a combination of one or more FPGAs and one or more CPUs, and a combination of one or more FPGAs and one or more GPUs. Another example of various processor combinations is a combination of one or more CPUs and one or more GPUs.
[0177] A single processor can be used to configure multiple functional units. An example of configuring multiple functional units using a single processor is to configure a single processor by applying a combination of one or more CPUs and software, such as a System on a Chip (SoC) represented by a computer such as a client or server, and then having this processor function as multiple functional units.
[0178] Another example of using a single processor to configure multiple functional units is the use of a single IC chip to implement the functions of an entire system, including multiple functional units. IC is an abbreviation for Integrated Circuit.
[0179] Thus, each functional unit is configured using one or more of the aforementioned processors as its hardware structure. More specifically, the hardware structure of these processors is an electrical circuit formed by combining circuit elements such as semiconductor elements.
[0180] The computer-readable medium 204 may include semiconductor elements such as ROM (Read Only Memory) and RAM (Random Access Memory). The computer-readable medium 204 may include magnetic storage media such as hard disks. The computer-readable medium 204 may comprise multiple types of storage media.
[0181] The embodiments of the present invention described above can be modified, added to, or deleted as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the invention. The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and many modifications are possible within the technical concept of the present invention by those with ordinary skill in the art. [Explanation of Symbols]
[0182] 1 Nozzle surface 2 liquid dispensing heads 3 Bottom edge 4 Seal Blades 5 Side view 10 Capping device 11 frames 12 Top side 14 Aperture 15 Seal Blade 15A tip 16 Moisturizing liquid reservoir 20 liquid dispensing heads 20A Side 20B Seal position 20C Bottom 20D Nozzle surface 20E protrusion 22 Head Modules 24 Head holding housing 24A Pressing part 30 Seal blade movement mechanism 30A Seal Blade Moving Mechanism 30B Seal blade movement mechanism 32 Seal blade support member 34. Oscillating member 34A Side part 34B Front part 34C hole 36 Fixing member 40. Oscillating axis 41 Bearing 42 Head contact position 42A Head contact surface 42C recess 44 Rotation axis 46 Contact roller 48. Mounting part for biasing member 50 Compression springs 60. Ink mist adhesion condition 62. Ink mist diffusion state 64. Ink mist residue 100 Printing Systems 102 Base material supply device 104 First Intermediate Conveyor Device 106 Printing device 108 Second Intermediate Conveyor Device 110 Measuring device 112 Drying equipment 114 Integration device 120 inkjet heads 120C Inkjet Head 120K Inkjet Head 120M Inkjet Head 120Y Inkjet Head 122 Printing Drum 124 Nozzle surface 140 Maintenance equipment 142 Head moving device 144 Wiping device 144C Wiping device 144K Wiping Device 144M Wiping device 144Y Wiping device 146 Capping device 147C Cap 147K Cap 147M Cap 147Y Cap 148 frames 150 Carriage 152 Guide 154 Discharge channel 156 Discharge pump 158 Discharge Tank 160 System Control Unit 162 Transport Control Unit 164 Conveying device 166 Printing Control Unit 168 Measurement Control Unit 170 Drying Control Unit 172 Maintenance Control Unit 174 Information Acquisition Department 176 memory 178 sensors 200 Control device 202 processors 204 Computer-readable media 206 Communication Interfaces 208 Input / Output Interfaces 210 Bus 212 Input device 214 Display devices 220 Transport Control Program 222 Print control program 224 Measurement and Control Program 226 Drying control program 228 Maintenance Control Program
Claims
1. A capping device for capping a liquid dispensing head, A sealing member that contacts a sealing position defined on the side surface of the liquid discharge head, A seal member support mechanism that supports the seal member so as to be movable relative to the side surface, comprising a pivot member that pivots and supports the seal member with respect to a pivot axis along a first direction in which the seal member extends, Equipped with, The rocking member is, A head contact position is defined in which the lower surface, which is a surface different from the nozzle surface of the liquid discharge head and faces in a direction parallel to the second direction in which the nozzle surface faces, makes contact. A cap device that, in response to the movement of the liquid discharge head, whose lower surface is in contact with the head contact position, in a third direction opposite to the second direction, moves the sealing member in a fourth direction toward the second direction and the normal to the side surface, and moves the sealing member in the fourth direction by a distance of at least twice the distance moved in the second direction, thereby separating the sealing member from the sealing position.
2. The cap device according to claim 1, wherein the oscillating member moves in a fifth direction opposite to the third and fourth directions in response to the movement of the liquid discharge head in the second direction, with the lower surface of the oscillating member in contact with the head contact position, thereby bringing the sealing member into contact with the sealing position.
3. The cap device according to claim 1, wherein the seal member support mechanism is further provided with a biasing member that biases the oscillating member in the third direction.
4. The third direction has a component in the vertically upward direction, The cap device according to claim 1, wherein when the sealing member is brought into contact with the sealing position, the tip of the sealing member is in the uppermost position.
5. The cap device according to claim 1, wherein the oscillating member supports at least one of the one end and the other end of the sealing member in the first direction.
6. The seal member support mechanism comprises a rotating member that is rotatably supported by the rocking member, The cap device according to claim 1, wherein the rotating member is positioned to contact the lower surface of the liquid discharge head at the head contact position.
7. The cap device according to claim 1, wherein the sealing member support mechanism comprises a plate-shaped member having a contact surface that contacts the lower surface of the liquid discharge head at the head contact position.
8. The lower surface has at least one of a convex portion and a concave portion formed thereon. The cap device according to claim 7, wherein the contact surface has at least one of a recess corresponding to a protrusion formed on the lower surface and a protrusion corresponding to a recess formed on the lower surface.
9. A capping method for capping a liquid dispensing head, A sealing member that contacts a sealing position defined on the side surface of the liquid discharge head, A seal member support mechanism that supports the seal member so as to be movable relative to the side surface, comprising a pivoting member that pivotably supports the seal member with respect to a pivot axis along a first direction in which the seal member extends, wherein the pivoting member has a surface different from the nozzle surface of the liquid discharge head, and a head contact position is defined in which the lower surface facing in a direction parallel to the second direction in which the nozzle surface faces contacts the head, using a cap device, A capping method in which, in response to the movement of the liquid discharge head, whose lower surface is in contact with the head contact position, in a third direction opposite to the second direction, the sealing member is moved in a fourth direction toward the direction of the second direction and the normal of the side surface, and the sealing member is moved by a distance of at least twice the distance moved in the second direction in the fourth direction, thereby separating the sealing member from the sealing position.
10. Liquid dispensing head and A liquid dispensing system comprising a capping device for capping the liquid dispensing head, The aforementioned capping device is A sealing member that contacts a sealing position defined on the side surface of the liquid discharge head, A seal member support mechanism that supports the seal member so as to be movable relative to the side surface, comprising a pivot member that pivots and supports the seal member with respect to a pivot axis along a first direction in which the seal member extends, Equipped with, The rocking member is, A head contact position is defined in which the lower surface, which is a surface different from the nozzle surface of the liquid discharge head and faces in a direction parallel to the second direction in which the nozzle surface faces, makes contact. A liquid discharge system in which, in response to the movement of the liquid discharge head, whose lower surface is in contact with the head contact position, in a third direction opposite to the second direction, the sealing member is moved in a fourth direction toward the direction of the second direction and the normal of the side surface, and the sealing member is moved by a distance of at least twice the distance moved in the second direction in the fourth direction, thereby separating the sealing member from the sealing position.
11. The device includes a head lifting mechanism that raises and lowers the liquid discharge head along the second and third directions, The liquid discharge system according to claim 10, wherein the head lifting device raises and lowers the liquid discharge head between a cap position that moistens the nozzle surface of the liquid discharge head and a purge position that performs purging of the liquid discharge head, and the purge position is at a distance greater from the head contact position than the cap position.
12. The liquid dispensing system according to claim 10, wherein the lower surface of the liquid dispensing head is located outside the nozzle surface in the first direction.
13. The liquid dispensing system according to claim 10, wherein the seal position is defined as a position on the side of the third direction relative to the nozzle surface.