JP5222759B2 - Fluid ejection device and fluid ejection device cleaning method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a fluid ejecting apparatus and a fluid ejecting apparatus cleaning method.

As a fluid ejecting apparatus that ejects a fluid onto a medium, for example, inkjet printers described in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 below are known.
In order to maintain a plurality of ink jet heads, the ink jet printer disclosed in Patent Document 1 loosens an endless transport belt that supports paper sheets disposed below the ink jet heads, and between the ink jet head and the transport belt. After the separation, the maintenance unit is raised and the cap is brought into close contact with the nozzle surface of the inkjet head to perform a desired cleaning process.
In the ink jet printer in Patent Document 2, when removing the cap from the ink jet head in order to efficiently suck and remove the residual ink in the cap, the cap is separated in an oblique posture, and the posture of the cap after the separation is provided by the suction port. It is the structure which makes it the attitude | position which lowers the side to be turned below.

JP 2006-321239 A JP 2003-237092 A

However, in Patent Document 1, an endless transport belt is difficult to secure the joint strength and cannot be bent at a small angle. Therefore, the diameter of the transport belt roller inevitably increases, The maintenance unit arranged below is separated from the inkjet head. Therefore, there is a problem that the large-scale mechanism as described above is required, and it takes time for the maintenance unit to move up and down.
Moreover, in patent document 2, since the ink in a cap is removed by attraction | suction in open | release to air | atmosphere, there exists a problem that residual ink cannot fully be removed. In particular, when an absorber that absorbs ink, such as sponge, is provided in the cap, the ink is held by the absorber, so that suction becomes difficult, and the remaining ink gradually accumulates on the absorber. There is.
Further, there is a problem that the remaining ink thickens with the passage of time during standby other than during maintenance, and adheres to the inner wall of the cap or the absorber, causing a suction operation failure.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and provides a fluid ejecting apparatus and a fluid ejecting apparatus cleaning method capable of quickly switching between a cleaning process and a recording process while preventing a suction operation failure. It is aimed.

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides a fluid ejecting head capable of ejecting the fluid onto a medium from a plurality of nozzles ejecting fluid, a cap member that receives the fluid discharged from the fluid ejecting head, A medium support member that forms a part of a conveyance path for conveying the medium and is movable between a shielding position that shields between the fluid ejecting head and the cap member and a non-shielding position that retreats from the shielding position And a cap member abutting device that abuts the cap member on the medium support member and a cleaning member that cleans a portion of the medium support member that abuts the cap member.
Further, the present invention is a fluid ejecting apparatus including a fluid ejecting head that ejects the fluid onto a medium from an ejection surface provided with a plurality of nozzles that eject fluid, and is disposed to face the fluid ejecting head, A cap member having an abutting portion capable of abutting on the ejection surface so as to surround the plurality of nozzles, and part of a conveyance path for conveying the medium, and between the fluid ejection head and the cap member A medium support member that is movable between a shielding position that blocks the shielding position and a non-shielding position that retreats from the shielding position, and a cap member abutting that abuts the abutting portion on the medium supporting member located at the shielding position A configuration of having a device is employed.
By adopting such a configuration, in the present invention, the cap support member is exposed by moving the medium support member disposed between the opposing fluid ejecting head and the cap member from the shield position to the non-shield position. The fluid ejecting head and the cap member can be directly opposed to each other, and the contact portion is brought into contact with the medium support member, so that the cap member remains in the cap member without providing a special lid member for the cap member. Fluid thickening can be prevented. Further, it is possible to prevent paper waste or floating dust from entering the waiting cap member.

In the present invention, the medium support member has a substantially plate shape having a support portion for supporting the medium on the side where the fluid ejecting head is provided.
By adopting such a configuration, in the present invention, since the distance between the fluid ejecting head and the cap member can be shortened, the time for the cap member to contact the fluid ejecting head can be shortened, or the cap member can be shortened. It is possible to perform the flushing operation without moving the.

In the present invention, the cap member abutting device abuts the abutting portion on the medium support member so as to form an airtight chamber between the cap member and the medium support member. Is adopted.
By adopting such a configuration, in the present invention, since an airtight chamber is formed between the cap member and the medium support member, thickening of the remaining fluid is more reliably prevented.

According to the present invention, there is provided a suction device that performs a suction operation through the cap member, and the suction device performs the suction operation in a state where the contact portion and the medium support member are in contact with each other. Adopt the configuration.
By adopting such a configuration, in the present invention, when a suction operation is performed in a state where the contact portion and the medium support member are in contact, the gap between the cap member and the medium support member becomes a negative pressure state. The residual fluid can be significantly reduced compared to when the atmosphere is open.

In the present invention, a configuration is adopted in which the moving direction of the medium support member is the transport direction of the medium.
By adopting such a configuration, in the present invention, since the medium support member can be moved in the short side direction of the cap member, the movement distance between the shielding position and the non-shielding position is shortened. Can do.

In the present invention, the medium support member includes a first medium support part and a second medium support part, and the first medium support part and the second medium support part are adjacent to the shielding position. A configuration is adopted in which the non-shielding positions that are separated from each other are simultaneously moved in opposite directions.
By adopting such a configuration, in the present invention, the occupied area for shielding the cap member in one region can be reduced, and the distance and time required for the movement between the shielding position and the non-shielding position can be reduced. It becomes possible.

In the present invention, a plurality of units including the fluid ejecting head, the cap member, the medium support member, and the cap member abutting device are provided along the transport direction of the medium, and the position of the medium Accordingly, a configuration is adopted in which a control device that sequentially executes the movement of the medium support member of each unit along the transport direction is employed.
By adopting such a configuration, in the present invention, the cleaning process can be performed without stopping or interrupting the recording process on the medium. For example, when the medium finishes moving from one medium support member, the medium support member is moved from the shield position to the non-shield position, and the flushing operation is performed. At this time, since the medium is present on the medium support member on the other side (the front side in the medium conveyance direction), the fluid ejecting head ejects the medium. For this reason, it is possible to perform ejection on the medium with the other fluid ejecting head while performing the flushing operation with one fluid ejecting head.

In the present invention, the fluid ejecting apparatus cleaning method described above may include a first movement step of moving the medium support member from the shielding position to the non-shielding position, and after the first movement step. A cleaning process including a flushing operation for ejecting the fluid from the fluid ejecting head to the cap member, and a second moving process for moving the medium support member from the non-shielding position to the shielding position after the cleaning process; Then, after the second moving step, there is adopted a configuration including a contacting step of bringing the contacting portion into contact with the medium support member.
By adopting such a configuration, in the present invention, the cap support member is exposed by moving the medium support member disposed between the opposing fluid ejecting head and the cap member from the shield position to the non-shield position. By making the fluid ejecting head and the cap member directly face each other, a cleaning process including a flushing operation from the fluid ejecting head to the cap member can be performed. After the above-described steps, the contact portion is brought into contact with the medium support member, so that thickening of the residual fluid in the cap member can be prevented without separately providing a special lid member for the cap member. Furthermore, it is possible to prevent paper waste, floating dust, and the like from entering the standby cap member.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an ink jet printer according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a perspective view showing a main configuration of an ink jet printer according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is sectional drawing which shows the principal part structure of the inkjet printer in 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a top view which shows the principal part structure of the inkjet printer in 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the arrangement state of the nozzle in the nozzle formation surface in 1st Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating an internal configuration of a recording head according to the first embodiment of the invention. It is a flowchart which shows the cleaning process in 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining operation | movement of the inkjet printer in 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining the attraction | suction process in 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the principal part structure of the inkjet printer in 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a top view which shows the structure of the platen in 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining operation | movement of the inkjet printer 1 in 4th Embodiment of this invention.

  Hereinafter, each embodiment of the fluid ejection device according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In each drawing used for the following description, the scale of each member is appropriately changed to make each member a recognizable size. In this embodiment, an ink jet printer (hereinafter referred to as an ink jet printer) is exemplified as the fluid ejecting apparatus according to the invention.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an inkjet printer 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a main configuration of the inkjet printer 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the main configuration of the inkjet printer 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a plan view showing the main configuration of the inkjet printer 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
2 to 4, the conveyance direction of the recording paper (medium) P is the X direction, the conveyance path width direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction is the Y direction, and the height orthogonal to the X direction and the Y direction. The vertical direction may be referred to as the Z direction and will be described below.

 The ink jet printer 1 performs a recording process of printing predetermined information or an image on a recording sheet by ejecting ink (fluid) onto the recording sheet P. As shown in FIG. 1, the ink jet printer 1 includes an input device 2, a storage device 3, a control device 4, a recording paper transport device 5, a recording head (fluid ejecting head) 6, a capping device 7, a platen. And a moving device 8.

The input device 2 inputs various commands and data related to recording processing from the outside to the control device 4 and includes an operation panel operated by a user, a communication device for inputting print data and the like from the outside.
The storage device 3 stores operation programs for various components related to recording processing and data input from the input device 2.
The control device 4 electrically controls the operation of various components, and includes the input device 2, the storage device 3, the recording paper transport device 5, the recording head 6, the capping device 7, and the platen moving device 8. It has various input / output interface circuits that exchange data, and a CPU that performs predetermined arithmetic processing based on the data.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the recording paper transport device 5 includes a plurality of transport rollers 51 that transport the recording paper P along a transport path extending in the X direction. The conveyance roller 51 is configured to move the recording paper P in the + X direction by rotating around a rotation axis extending in the Y direction.

  The recording head 6 has a nozzle forming surface (ejection surface) 21A provided with a plurality of nozzles 17 for ejecting ink. This recording head 6 is arranged so that the nozzle forming surface 21A faces in the −Z direction. In this embodiment, a total of two (recording heads 6a and 6b) are provided at a predetermined interval in the transport direction. Yes.

Here, the configuration of the recording head 6 will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an arrangement state of the nozzles 17 on the nozzle forming surface 21A according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the internal configuration of the recording head 6 in the first embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 5, a plurality of nozzles 17 are provided along the width direction of the transport path on the nozzle formation surface 21 </ b> A to form a nozzle row 16. A total of five nozzle rows 16 are provided along the transport direction. The nozzle arrays 16Y, 16M, 16C, 16K1, and 16K2 are configured to eject ink corresponding to each color of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), black (K1), and pigment black (K2), respectively. (See FIG. 4).
Note that the recording heads 6 may be arranged so as to be shifted in the Y direction by half the pitch between the nozzles 17. Thereby, the resolution which prints with respect to the recording paper P can be improved.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the recording head 6 includes a head main body 18 and a flow path forming unit 22 connected to the head main body 18. The flow path forming unit 22 includes a vibration plate 19, a flow path substrate 20, and a nozzle substrate 21, and forms a common ink chamber 29, an ink supply port 30, and a pressure chamber 31. Further, the flow path forming unit 22 includes an island portion 32 that functions as a diaphragm portion, and a compliance portion 33 that absorbs pressure fluctuation in the common ink chamber 29. The head main body 18 is formed with an accommodation space 23 for accommodating the drive unit 24 together with the fixing member 26, and an internal flow path 28 for guiding ink to the flow path forming unit 22.

  According to the recording head 6 having the above configuration, when a drive signal is input to the drive unit 24 via the cable 27, the piezoelectric element 25 expands and contracts. As a result, the diaphragm 19 is deformed (moved) in a direction toward and away from the cavity. For this reason, the volume of the pressure chamber 31 changes and the pressure of the pressure chamber 31 containing ink fluctuates. Ink is ejected from the nozzles 17 due to this pressure fluctuation.

Returning to FIG. 3, the platen (medium support member) 81 (81 a, 81 b) constituting a part of the conveyance path for conveying the recording paper P is moved between the recording head 6 and the cap member 71 by the platen moving device 8. It is configured to be reciprocally movable along the transport direction (X direction) between the shielding position to be shielded and the non-shielding position to be retreated from the shielding position. The platen 81 has a substantially plate shape extending in the transport direction, and supports the recording paper P on the surface (supporting portion) 81A side on which the recording head 6 is provided. The surface 81A of the platen 81 may have ribs (unevenness) for supporting the recording paper P flat.
The platen moving device 8 rotates with a rack (not shown) provided on the side where the cap member 71 of the platen 81 is provided (the back surface 81B side) and a rotation axis that can mesh with the rack and extend in the width direction of the conveyance path. And a free pinion 82. The platen moving device 8 is configured to move the platen 81 between the shielding position and the non-shielding position by rotating the pinion 82. At the shield position, the platen 81a and the platen 81b are configured to form a continuous support surface that supports the recording paper P by bringing the end portions 81C into contact with each other.

The capping device 7 is provided corresponding to each recording head 6, and includes a cap member 71, a suction pump (suction device) 72, an air release valve 73, and a waste ink tank 74.
The cap member 71 has a substantially bowl shape that opens on the side facing the recording head 6 (see FIG. 2). The opening edge portion of the cap member 71 is referred to as a lip portion (contact portion) 71A. The lip portion 71A is formed of an elastic member such as a rubber member, and is configured to be able to contact the nozzle forming surface 21A so as to surround the plurality of nozzles 17. In the cap member 71, an absorbing member 75 such as a sponge for absorbing ink is provided. The cap member 71 is configured to be movable in the vertical direction (Z direction) by a cap member moving device (cap member contact device) 71B (not shown in FIG. 2, see FIG. 3).

  The cap member moving device 71 </ b> B has a position where the cap member 71 is separated from the platen 81 by a predetermined distance (the position shown in FIG. 3, hereinafter referred to as a separated position) under the control of the control device 4. The position where the back surface 21B and the lip portion 71A abut (the position shown in FIGS. 8 (a) and 9 (hereinafter referred to as the platen abutting position)) and the nozzle forming surface 21A of the recording head 6 and the lip portion 71A are in contact with each other. It is configured to move between contact positions (positions shown in FIG. 8C, hereinafter referred to as nozzle formation surface contact positions). As an example of the configuration of the cap member moving device 71B, a known configuration such as a rack and pinion mechanism or a cam mechanism can be employed.

The suction pump 72 is provided in a pipe 76 connected to the bottom of the cap member 71 and performs a suction operation via the cap member 71. After the cap member 71 is positioned at the contact position and an airtight chamber is formed between the recording head 6 and the cap member 71, the suction pump 72 is driven to bring the airtight chamber into a negative pressure state, and each nozzle 17 The operation of sucking ink with increased viscosity or adhering dust to adjust the meniscus and ejecting ink normally from the recording head 6 is called an ink suction operation. The operation of ejecting ink from the recording head 6 to the cap member 71 is called a flushing operation. The ink suction operation and the flushing operation are collectively called a cleaning process. The suction operation by the suction pump 72 includes an operation of discarding the ink accumulated in the cap member 71 by the flushing operation in the waste ink tank 74 in addition to the ink suction operation.
The air release valve 73 is for releasing the negative pressure state of the airtight chamber, and is provided in a pipe 77 connected to the bottom of the cap member 71.
The waste ink tank 74 is connected to each pipe 76 and configured to store ink from each cap member 71.

  A cleaning member 9 that cleans the back surface 81 </ b> B of the platen 81 as the platen moving device 8 moves is provided on the side of the cap member 71. The cleaning member 9 is provided on the side portion of the cap member 71 on the direction side in which the platen 81 moves from the shielding position to the non-shielding position. The cleaning member 9 protrudes in the + Z direction to a position where it can come into contact with the back surface 21B of the platen 81 when the cap member 71 is in the separated position. The cleaning member 9 is made of rubber or sponge that can be elastically deformed in the Z direction so as not to cause poor adhesion between the cap member 71 and the platen 81 when the cap member 71 is located at the platen contact position. Moreover, it is desirable to be comprised from the member which has a restoring property.

Subsequently, a cleaning process (cleaning method) of the inkjet printer 1 having the above-described configuration will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the cleaning process in the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the ink jet printer 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a suction process in the first embodiment of the present invention.
In the initial state, as shown in FIG. 8A, the platen 81 is located at the shielding position. The cap member 71 is located at the platen contact position. At this time, the cap member moving device 71B brings the lip portion 71A into contact with the back surface 81B of the platen 81 so as to form an airtight chamber between the cap member 71 and the platen 81. For this reason, the viscosity increase of the ink in the cap member 71 is suppressed. Further, it is possible to prevent paper waste, dust, etc. floating in the apparatus from entering the cap member 71. The cleaning member 9 abuts on the back surface 81B and elastically deforms in the Z direction, so that the adhesion between the cap member 71 and the platen 81 is not hindered.
In this state, the inkjet printer 1 conveys the recording paper P and ejects ink from the recording head 6 to perform recording processing. The ink jet printer 1 performs the flushing operation of the recording head 6 every predetermined driving time or every number of printed sheets (for example, 5 to 10 sheets).

  First, the control device 4 gives a drive command to the cap member moving device 71B to move the cap member 71 from the platen contact position to the separated position (step S1: cap member moving step). When the cap member 71 and the platen 81 are in close contact so as to form an airtight chamber, it is desirable to move the cap member 71 after opening the atmosphere release valve 73.

Next, the control device 4 gives a drive command to the platen moving device 8 to move the platen 81 from the shielding position to the non-shielding position (step S2: first moving step).
As the platen 81 moves from the shielding position to the non-shielding position, as shown in FIG. 8B, the cleaning member 9 is in sliding contact with the platen 81 and cleans ink adhering to the back surface 81B (step). S3: Platen cleaning process). That is, in this embodiment, since the lip portion 71A is brought into contact with the platen 81 in order to prevent thickening of the remaining ink, the ink may contaminate the back surface 81B of the platen 81. Further, when the ink is solidified by contact with the outside air, the adhesion between the cap member 71 and the platen 81 is hindered, and the suction operation through the cap member 71 in the suction process described later may be affected. The ink adhering to the back surface 81B is removed in the platen cleaning process.

  By moving the platen 81 in the above process, the cap member 71 and the recording head 6 are directly opposed to each other. In this way, after the platen 81 is completely retracted from the cap member 71, the control device 4 gives a drive command to the cap member moving device 71B to move the cap member 71 from the spaced position to the nozzle formation surface. It moves to the contact position (step S4: cap member moving step). As shown in FIG. 8C, the lip portion 71 </ b> A of the cap member 71 contacts the nozzle forming surface 21 </ b> A so as to surround the plurality of nozzles 17.

Next, the control device 4 performs a flushing operation for ejecting (jetting) ink from the recording head 6 to the cap member 71 (step S5: cleaning process). The recording head 6 may cause a discharge failure due to thickening of ink in the nozzle 17 or adhesion of dust near the opening of the nozzle 17 depending on usage time. For this reason, the ejection characteristics of the recording head 6 are maintained or restored by performing a flushing operation in which ink or dust that has been thickened by preliminary ejection of ink from the nozzles 17 is discharged during non-recording processing.
Here, after the cap member 71 is positioned at the nozzle formation surface contact position and an airtight chamber is formed between the recording head 6 and the cap member 71, the suction pump 72 is driven to cause the airtight chamber to be negatively pressurized. An ink suction operation for forcibly sucking ink having increased viscosity or adhering dust from each nozzle 17 may be performed.
Further, the flushing operation may be performed at the standby position without bringing the cap member 71 into contact with the recording head 6. Since the platen 81 of the present embodiment has only the function of supporting the recording paper P and the function of cleaning the cap member 71, the platen 81 can be made thin in a substantially plate shape, and the recording head 6 can be formed even when the cap member 71 is in the standby position. And the ink ejected during the flushing operation does not become mist.

  Next, the control device 4 gives a drive command to the cap member moving device 71B to move the cap member 71 from the nozzle formation surface contact position to the separated position (step S6: cap member moving step). Then, the control device 4 gives a drive command to the platen moving device 8 to move the platen 81 from the non-shielding position to the shielding position as shown in FIG. 8D (step S7: second movement process).

  Next, the control device 4 gives a drive command to the cap member moving device 71B to move the cap member 71 from the separated position to the platen contact position (step S8: cap member moving process (contact process)). At this time, the cap member moving device 71B brings the lip portion 71A into contact with the back surface 81B of the platen 81 so as to form an airtight chamber between the cap member 71 and the platen 81 (see FIG. 9). In addition, since the ink adhering to the lip portion 71A is removed in the previous step, the adhesion failure between the lip portion 71A and the back surface 81B is eliminated, and the suction operation in the subsequent step can be performed smoothly. it can.

  Next, the control device 4 closes the atmosphere release valve 73 and then gives a drive command to the suction pump 72 to perform a suction operation via the cap member 71, and in the cap member 71 in the cleaning process. The accumulated ink (including ink absorbed by the absorbing member 75) is discarded in the waste ink tank (step S9: suction process). As shown in FIG. 9, the suction pump 72 performs a suction operation (choke empty suction) in an airtight state in which the lip portion 71 </ b> A and the platen 81 are in contact with each other, thereby generating a negative pressure between the cap member 71 and the platen 81. In this state, the ink in the cap member 71 is sucked, and further, the ink absorbed and held by the absorbing member 75 can be sucked out. For this reason, the residual ink in the cap member 71 can be significantly reduced.

  When the above steps are completed, the inkjet printer 1 transports the recording paper P again and ejects ink from the recording head 6 to perform a recording process.

Therefore, according to the first embodiment described above, the inkjet printer 1 includes the recording head 6 that ejects ink onto the recording paper P from the nozzle forming surface 21A provided with the plurality of nozzles 17 that eject ink. A cap member 71 that is disposed to face the head 6 and includes a lip portion 71A that can contact the nozzle forming surface 21A so as to surround the plurality of nozzles 17 and a part of a conveyance path that conveys the recording paper P are configured. At the same time, a platen 81 that is movable between a shielding position that shields between the recording head 6 and the cap member 71 and a non-shielding position that retreats from the shielding position, and a lip portion 71A on the platen 81 that is located at the shielding position. By adopting the configuration of having the cap member moving device 71B to be brought into contact with, the recording head 6 and the cap member 71 facing each other The cap member 71 can be exposed by moving the platen 81 disposed between the shielding position to the non-shielding position, and the recording head 6 and the cap member 71 can be directly opposed to each other. The distance from the cap member 71 can be shortened, and the lip portion 71A is brought into contact with the platen 81, so that a special lid member for the cap member 71 is not provided separately, and the cap member 71 is provided in the cap member 71. It is possible to prevent thickening of the remaining ink. Further, it is possible to prevent paper waste, floating dust, and the like from entering the standby cap member 71.
Therefore, according to the first embodiment, it is possible to obtain the ink jet printer 1 that can quickly switch between the cleaning process and the recording process while preventing the suction operation failure.

  In the first embodiment, the platen 81 has a substantially plate shape that supports the recording paper P on the side where the recording head 6 is provided, so that the platen 81 is interposed between the recording head 6 and the cap member 71. Therefore, the time for the cap member 71 to contact the recording head 6 can be shortened, or the flushing operation can be performed without moving the cap member 71. Therefore, the cleaning process and the recording process can be switched quickly.

  In the first embodiment, the cap member moving device 71B employs a configuration in which the lip portion 71A is brought into contact with the platen 81 so as to form an airtight chamber between the cap member 71 and the platen 81. Therefore, it is possible to more reliably prevent the remaining ink from thickening.

  Further, the first embodiment includes a suction pump 72 that performs a suction operation through the cap member 71, and the suction pump 72 performs the suction operation in a state where the lip portion 71A and the platen 81 are in contact with each other. By adopting the configuration, the residual ink can be sucked while the negative pressure is applied between the cap member 71 and the platen 81, so that the residual ink can be remarkably reduced as compared to when the atmosphere is released.

  Further, in the first embodiment, by adopting a configuration in which an absorbing member 75 capable of absorbing ink is provided in the cap member 71, the absorbing member 75 is provided in the cap member 71. Even if the lip portion 71 </ b> A is brought into contact with the platen 81, it is possible to prevent the remaining ink in the cap member 71 from thickening. In addition, since the suction operation is performed in a state where the lip portion 71A and the platen 81 are in contact with each other, a negative pressure is generated between the cap member 71 and the platen 81, so that the ink held by the absorbing member 75 is squeezed. The remaining ink can be remarkably reduced.

  In the first embodiment, the lip portion 71 </ b> A is disposed on the platen 81 by adopting a configuration that is provided on the cap member 71 and has a cleaning member 9 that slides on the platen 81 and cleans as the platen 81 moves. The platen 81 may be contaminated with ink in order to make contact with the platen 81. However, the cleaning member 9 provided on the cap member 71 is brought into sliding contact with the lip portion 71A of the platen 81 along with the movement, so that a special moving mechanism is used. It is possible to remove the ink adhering to the platen 81 without separately providing. Moreover, the adhesion failure between the lip portion 71A and the back surface 81B is eliminated by removing the ink.

  In the first embodiment, by adopting a configuration in which the moving direction of the platen 81 is the conveyance direction of the recording paper P, the platen 81 can be moved in the short side direction of the cap member 71. Therefore, the moving distance between the shielding position and the non-shielding position can be shortened.

  In the first embodiment, the inkjet printer 1 cleaning method described above includes a first movement step of moving the platen 81 from the shielding position to the non-shielding position, and after the first movement step. A cleaning process including a flushing operation for ejecting ink from the recording head 6 to the cap member 71, a second moving process for moving the platen 81 from the non-shielding position to the shield position after the cleaning process, and the second By adopting a configuration in which a lip portion 71A is brought into contact with the platen 81 after the moving step, the platen 81 disposed between the opposed recording head 6 and the cap member 71 is shielded. The cap member 71 is exposed by moving from the position to the non-shielding position, and the recording head 6 and the cap portion are exposed. By the 71 directly opposite the cleaning process including the flushing operation of the recording head 6 to the cap member 71 can be executed. Further, after the above process, the lip portion 71A is brought into contact with the platen 81, thereby preventing thickening of the residual ink in the cap member 71 without providing a special lid member for the cap member 71 separately. it can. Furthermore, it is possible to prevent paper waste, floating dust, and the like from entering the standby cap member 71.

  Further, in the first embodiment, by adopting a configuration in which a suction step of performing a suction operation through the cap member 71 in a state where the lip portion 71A and the platen 81 are in contact with each other, the cap member 71 and the platen are arranged. Since the residual ink can be sucked with a negative pressure between the ink 81 and the ink 81, the residual ink can be remarkably reduced as compared to when the atmosphere is open.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In addition, description of the part which has the same structure as 1st Embodiment shall be omitted.
FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a main configuration of the inkjet printer 1 according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
The ink jet printer 1 according to the second embodiment is different from the above embodiment in that the platen 81 moves in the width direction (Y direction) of the transport path. The cleaning member 9 in the second embodiment is provided on the side of the platen 81 on the −Y side. According to this configuration, the platen moving device 8 causes the platen 81 to reciprocate in the Y direction, so that the cleaning member 9 is brought into sliding contact with the back surface 81B of the platen 81 and cleaned. Further, unlike the above embodiment, the length of the cleaning member 9 is the length of the short side of the lip portion 71A, which can contribute to weight reduction and cost reduction.

(Third embodiment)
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The description of the parts having the same configurations as those of the first embodiment and the second embodiment will be omitted.
FIG. 11 is a plan view showing the configuration of the platen 81 in the third embodiment of the present invention.
11A shows the time when the platen 81a is located at the shielding position, and FIG. 11B shows the time when the platen 81a is located at the non-shielding position.
In the inkjet printer 1 according to the third embodiment, the platen 81 is divided into two in the width direction of the transport path, and each of the platen 81 is simultaneously in the opposite direction between the shielding positions adjacent to each other and the non-shielding positions separated from each other. It differs from the above embodiment in that it moves. The cleaning member 9 in the third embodiment is provided on each side of the cap member 71 on both sides in the Y direction. According to this configuration, the platen moving device 8 causes the platen (first medium support portion) 81 a 1 and the platen (second medium support portion) 81 a 2 to reciprocate in the Y direction, so that the cleaning member 9 is on the back surface of the platen 81. The cleaning is performed in sliding contact with 81B. Further, according to this configuration, the occupied area for shielding the cap member 71 in one region can be reduced, and the distance required for the movement between the shielding position and the non-shielding position is halved. The recording process and the cleaning process can be switched more quickly than in the above embodiment.

(Fourth embodiment)
Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In addition, description of the part which has the same structure as the said embodiment shall be omitted.
FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the inkjet printer 1 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.
As described above, the inkjet printer 1 includes a plurality of units (in the present embodiment) including the recording head 6, the cap member 71, the platen 81, and the cap member moving device 71B along the conveyance direction (X direction) of the recording paper P. Two). As shown in FIG. 12, the control device 4 according to the fourth embodiment sequentially moves the platens 81 a and 81 b of each unit along the transport direction according to the position of the recording paper P, and performs recording on the recording paper P. This is different from the above embodiment in that the cleaning process is performed without stopping or interrupting the process.

  Specifically, first, the control device 4 obtains the current position of the recording paper P based on the transport amount of the recording paper P by the recording paper transport device 5 and the size of the recording paper P. Next, when the recording paper P reaches a predetermined position, the control device 4 determines whether or not the next recording paper P is fed and whether or not a flushing operation is necessary. If there is recording data on the next recording paper P, the control device 4 feeds the next recording paper P. However, the control device 4 varies the sheet feeding timing depending on whether or not a flushing operation is necessary.

  Note that the predetermined position for determining whether or not to feed the paper does not overlap with the current recording paper P when the next recording paper P is fed without performing the flushing operation, and is wasteful time. It is a position that is not too far away so as not to be damaged. For this reason, when the flushing operation determination is negative (in the case of normal paper feeding), the timing of paper feeding takes into account various errors, and is a timing that is, for example, about 5 to 10 mm away from the current recording paper P. It is said. However, when a flushing operation is necessary, paper feeding is performed after a certain period of time compared to when the flushing operation determination is negative. This is because the following operation is performed when the flushing operation is performed.

  The control device 4 determines whether or not the platen 81a, 81b supports the recording paper P from the current position of the recording paper P. The determination as to whether or not the platens 81a and 81b support the recording paper P may be made by providing sensors for detecting the presence or absence of the recording paper P in the platens 81a and 81b, respectively. Further, a sensor is provided in the transport path of the recording paper P upstream of the platens 81a and 81b, and the position of the recording paper P is determined from the detection of the sensor and the transport amount of the recording paper P. The platens 81a and 81b It may be determined whether or not P is supported.

  When the control device 4 determines that the recording paper P has completely moved from the platen 81a, as shown in FIG. 12A, it gives a drive command to the platen moving device 8 to move the platen 81a from the shield position to the non-shield position. And the flushing operation of the recording head 6a is performed. On the other hand, since the recording paper P exists on the platen 81b, the control device 4 causes the platen 81b to stand by in the shielding position and performs a recording process on the recording paper P with the recording head 6b.

  When the flushing operation (about 0.2 seconds in time) of the recording head 6a is completed, the control device 4 gives a drive command to the platen moving device 8 to prepare for the recording paper P to be conveyed next, and the platen 81a. Is moved from the non-shielding position to the shielding position (see FIG. 12B). On the other hand, in the recording head 6b, the recording process up to the rear end of the recording paper P is completed.

  That is, after the trailing edge of the recording paper P is removed from the platen 81a, the platen 81a is moved from the shielding position to the non-shielding position, the recording head 6a is flushed, and the platen 81a is moved from the non-shielding position to the shielding position. Thereafter, the next recording sheet P moves onto the platen 81a. When the flushing operation is necessary, the control device 4 feeds the paper at intervals such that the interval between the recording papers P is such an interval.

Further, as shown in FIG. 12C, when the control device 4 determines that the recording paper P has finished moving from the top of the platen 81b, the control device 4 gives a drive command to the platen moving device 8 to move the platen 81b from the shield position. The recording head 6b is flushed by moving to the shielding position. On the other hand, since there is a newly conveyed recording sheet P on the platen 81a, the control device 4 causes the platen 81a to stand by in the shielding position and performs a recording process on the recording sheet P with the recording head 6a.
When the flushing operation of the recording head 6b is completed, the control device 4 gives a drive command to the platen moving device 8 to receive the recording paper P supported by the platen 81a, and shields the platen 81b from the non-shielding position. It will move to a position (refer FIG.12 (d)).

  As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, while the recording process of one recording head 6 is being performed, the flushing operation of the other recording head 6 can be performed, and the recording process on the recording paper P is stopped. Alternatively, since the cleaning process can be performed without interruption, the problem that the recording paper P cannot be conveyed during the maintenance of the recording head 6 can be solved.

  As mentioned above, although preferred embodiment of this invention was described referring drawings, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment. Various shapes, combinations, and the like of the constituent members shown in the above-described embodiments are examples, and various modifications can be made based on design requirements and the like without departing from the gist of the present invention.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the fluid ejecting apparatus is the ink jet printer 1 has been described as an example. However, the fluid ejecting apparatus is not limited to the ink jet printer, and may be an apparatus such as a copying machine or a facsimile.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where the fluid ejecting apparatus is a fluid ejecting apparatus that ejects a fluid (liquid material) such as ink has been described as an example. However, the fluid ejecting apparatus according to the present invention is not limited to ink. The present invention can be applied to a fluid ejecting apparatus that ejects or discharges another fluid. Fluids that can be ejected by the fluid ejecting apparatus include fluids, liquids in which particles of functional materials are dispersed or dissolved, gel-like fluids, solids that can be ejected as fluids, and powders (such as toner). .

  In the above-described embodiment, as the fluid (liquid material) ejected from the fluid ejecting apparatus, not only ink but also fluid corresponding to a specific application can be applied. By providing the fluid ejecting apparatus with an ejecting head capable of ejecting a fluid corresponding to the specific application, ejecting the fluid corresponding to the specific application from the ejecting head, and attaching the fluid to a predetermined object, A given device can be manufactured. For example, the fluid ejecting apparatus (liquid ejecting apparatus) according to the present invention uses a predetermined material such as an electrode material or a color material used for manufacturing a liquid crystal display, an EL (electroluminescence) display, and a surface emitting display (FED). The present invention is applicable to a fluid ejecting apparatus that ejects a fluid (liquid material) dispersed (dissolved) in a dispersion medium (solvent).

Further, the fluid ejecting apparatus may be a fluid ejecting apparatus that ejects a bio-organic matter used for biochip manufacturing, or a fluid ejecting apparatus that ejects a fluid that is used as a precision pipette and serves as a sample.
In addition, transparent resin liquids such as UV curable resins to form fluid injection devices that inject lubricating oil onto precision machines such as watches and cameras, micro hemispherical lenses (optical lenses) used in optical communication elements, etc. For example, a fluid ejecting apparatus that ejects a liquid onto a substrate, a fluid ejecting apparatus that ejects an etching solution such as acid or alkali to etch the substrate, a fluid ejecting apparatus that ejects gel, and a powder such as toner. It may be a toner jet recording apparatus that ejects a solid. The present invention can be applied to any one of these fluid ejecting apparatuses.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Inkjet printer (fluid ejecting apparatus), 4 ... Control apparatus, 6 ... Recording head (fluid ejecting head), 9 ... Cleaning member, 17 ... Nozzle, 21A ... Nozzle formation surface (ejection surface), 71 ... Cap member, 71A ... Lip part (contact part), 71B ... Cap member moving device (cap member contact apparatus), 72 ... Suction pump (suction device), 75 ... Absorbing member, 81 ... Platen (medium support member), 81A ... Surface ( Support portion), S2 ... first moving step, S5 ... cleaning step, S7 ... second moving step, S8 ... cap member moving step (contacting step), S9 ... suction step, P ... recording paper (medium).

Claims (8)

A fluid ejecting head capable of ejecting the fluid onto a medium from a plurality of nozzles ejecting the fluid ;
A cap member for receiving the fluid discharged from the fluid ejecting head;
A medium support member that forms a part of a conveyance path for conveying the medium and is movable between a shielding position that shields between the fluid ejecting head and the cap member and a non-shielding position that retreats from the shielding position When,
And the cap member contact devices for contact with the cap member to the medium support member,
A fluid ejecting apparatus comprising: a cleaning member that cleans a portion of the medium support member that is in contact with the cap member . In the state where the medium support member and the cap member are in contact with each other, the cleaning member is located closer to the non-shielding position than the portion of the cap member that is in contact with the medium support member. The fluid ejecting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the fluid ejecting apparatus is disposed on a moving direction side. The cap member abutting device causes the cap member to abut on the medium support member so as to form an airtight chamber between the cap member and the medium support member. The fluid ejecting apparatus according to 1. A suction device that performs a suction operation through the cap member;
The fluid ejecting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the suction device performs the suction operation in a state where the cap member and the medium support member are in contact with each other. 5. The fluid ejecting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the moving direction of the medium support member is a direction that intersects a conveying direction of the medium. The medium support member has a first medium support part and a second medium support part,
Said first medium support member and the second medium support portion, said shielding position adjacent to each other, between said unshielded position away from each other, according to claim 1, characterized in that to move in opposite directions The fluid ejecting apparatus according to claim 5. A plurality of units including the fluid ejecting head, the cap member, the medium support member, and the cap member abutting device are provided along the transport direction of the medium,
Fluid injection device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it comprises a control device for the movement of the medium support member of each unit is sequential execution in accordance with the position of the medium. A fluid ejection device cleaning method according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
A first movement step of cleaning the medium support member by the cleaning member while moving the medium support member from the shielding position to the non-shielding position;
A cleaning step including a flushing operation of ejecting the fluid from the fluid ejecting head to the cap member after the first moving step;
A second movement step of moving the medium support member from the non-shielding position to the shielding position after the cleaning step;
A cleaning method for a fluid ejecting apparatus, comprising: a contact step of bringing the cap member into contact with the medium support member after the second moving step.

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