JP5445248B2 - Nozzle cleaning device and inkjet printer - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a nozzle cleaning device for cleaning nozzles of a droplet discharge head of an ink jet printer, and an ink jet printer equipped with the nozzle cleaning device.

  Conventionally, various cleaning techniques are known for cleaning the nozzles of a droplet discharge head of an ink jet printer. For example, a fine ink adhering to the nozzle end surface is formed by forming a meniscus (liquid puddle) by surface tension at the opening of the cleaning means provided in contact with the nozzle end surface in a non-contact manner, and bringing the meniscus into contact with the nozzle end surface. A maintenance device is disclosed in which a droplet and a meniscus are integrated and removed from an end face of a nozzle (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  In addition, the wet wiper nozzle (fluid applicator) applies cleaning fluid to the entire surface of the print head, and the pressure reducing nozzle adjacent to the wet wiper nozzle removes contaminants including the cleaning fluid applied to the print head by reducing the pressure. A printer is disclosed (for example, see Patent Document 2).

  In addition, the cleaning liquid discharged from the cleaning liquid discharge port provided around the suction port cleans the nozzle hole and its surroundings, and the cleaning liquid is recovered from the suction port by suction of a negative pressure source connected to the suction port. An inkjet printer head cleaning device that cleans the head is disclosed (for example, see Patent Document 3).

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-42678 JP-A-9-174863 JP-A-2005-131969

  However, since the maintenance device of Patent Document 1 uses only the ink suction force when the ink forming the meniscus and the minute ink droplets attached to the ink end surface are integrated, the thickening in the nozzle hole is performed. There is a problem that it is difficult to absorb the ink.

  Further, in the liquid ink printer disclosed in Patent Document 2, since the plurality of fluid applicators to which the cleaning fluid is applied and the plurality of pressure reducing nozzles that contaminate the cleaning fluid are independent, the apparatus can be downsized. There is a problem that it is difficult.

  In addition, in the inkjet printer head cleaning device of Patent Document 3, since the cleaning liquid discharge port is provided on the outer periphery of the suction port, it is difficult to reduce the size of the device, and it can be assumed that the amount of cleaning liquid used is increased. .

  The present invention has been made in view of the above, and can be miniaturized. The nozzle cleaning apparatus and the ink jet can improve the absorbency, reduce the amount of cleaning liquid used, and improve the working efficiency. The purpose is to obtain a printer.

In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the present invention provides a liquid supply unit for supplying a cleaning liquid in a nozzle cleaning device for cleaning a nozzle provided on a nozzle surface of a droplet discharge head, and the nozzle are arranged in face and a non-contact state is formed in a hollow shape having an opening at an end portion, and a suction unit for sucking the cleaning liquid supply fluid from the liquid supply portion from the opening, the The liquid supply unit is provided with a liquid supply port for supplying the cleaning liquid, and the liquid supply port is disposed on the inner side of the tip of the opening and near the center of the opening. The liquid supply part supplies the cleaning liquid between the nozzle surface side tip of the opening and the nozzle surface to form a pool of the cleaning liquid.

Moreover, this invention is an inkjet printer carrying the cleaning apparatus of Claims 1-6 .

  According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the size, improve the absorption capacity, reduce the amount of the cleaning liquid used, and improve the working efficiency.

FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of a nozzle cleaning device according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a detailed explanatory diagram of the liquid supply unit and the suction unit. FIG. 3 is an explanatory view of the liquid supply unit and the suction unit viewed from the arrow A in FIG. FIG. 4 is an operation explanatory diagram of the liquid supply unit and the suction unit. FIG. 5 is an operation explanatory diagram of the liquid supply unit and the suction unit. FIG. 6 is an operation explanatory diagram of the liquid supply unit and the suction unit. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of operations of the liquid supply unit and the suction unit. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a flow of a nozzle cleaning method by the nozzle cleaning device. FIG. 9 is an overall configuration diagram of the nozzle cleaning device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a detailed explanatory diagram of the suction unit. FIG. 11 is an explanatory view of the suction unit as seen from the arrow A in FIG. FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the nozzle and the suction unit. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the nozzle and the suction unit. FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the nozzle and the suction unit. FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the nozzle and the suction unit.

  Exemplary embodiments of a nozzle cleaning device according to the present invention and an ink jet printer equipped with the nozzle cleaning device will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of a nozzle cleaning device according to a first embodiment. The nozzle cleaning device 20 is a device that cleans defective nozzles that cannot normally discharge droplets with a cleaning liquid among nozzles provided in the droplet discharge head 10 such as an ink jet printer. As shown in FIG. 1, the nozzle cleaning device 20 includes a liquid supply unit 23, a liquid supply passage 25, an outside air introduction valve 26, a liquid supply valve 27, a liquid supply tank 28, a positive pressure pipe 29, and an exhaust valve 30. A pump P, a waste liquid tank 33, a suction part 21, a suction pipe 31, and a suction valve 32, a negative pressure pipe 34, an outside air introduction valve 35, a detection part (not shown), and a drive part (not shown). And mainly. FIG. 2 is a detailed explanatory diagram of the liquid supply unit and the suction unit. FIG. 3 is an explanatory view of the liquid supply unit and the suction unit viewed from the arrow A in FIG.

  The droplet discharge head 10 is provided with a plurality of nozzles for discharging droplets used for printing on the nozzle surface 11.

  The detection unit detects the discharge state of the droplet for each nozzle of the droplet discharge head 10 and detects a defective nozzle that cannot normally discharge the droplet. A well-known method is used for detection of a defective nozzle by the detection unit. The drive unit moves the nozzle cleaning device 20 to a position facing the defective nozzle when the defective nozzle is detected by the detection unit. An example of such movement by the drive unit is as follows. The nozzle row of the head having the defective nozzle is aligned with the center of the suction unit 21 (liquid supply unit 23) by carriage movement, and the alignment with the defective nozzle position is directly moved by a slide stage or the like. At this time, it moves to an appropriate position according to the position information of the defective nozzle. It is preferable to fix the nozzle cleaning device directly to the slide stage only with the suction part 21 (liquid supply part 23) in consideration of miniaturization. Note that the method of movement by the drive unit is not limited to this.

  The liquid supply part 23 is formed in a hollow shape through which the cleaning liquid can pass, and is inserted in the vicinity of the front end part 22a of the opening part 22 of the suction part 21 on the nozzle surface 11 side. The liquid supply unit 23 supplies the cleaning liquid stored in the liquid supply tank 28 between the nozzle surface 11 and the tip surface 22a on the nozzle surface 11 side of the opening 22 of the suction unit 21, which is near the defective nozzle. Liquid supply is performed to form a pool of cleaning liquid, and a liquid supply port 23a is provided.

  The liquid supply port 23a is formed in a shape in which the end surface located in the hollow portion of the suction portion 21 is cut obliquely from the pipe, and the cut surface opposes the nozzle side. It is easy to be formed on the side. In addition, the liquid supply part 23 has a liquid supply port 23 a on the inner side of the front end part 22 a of the opening part 22 of the suction part 21, that is, below the end face of the front end part 22 a, and substantially parallel to the nozzle surface 11 in the opening part 22. It is connected to the nozzle surface 11 so as to be positioned near the center of the open surface.

  The liquid supply flow path 25 is a flow path through which the cleaning liquid to be supplied passes, and one end is connected to the end opposite to the liquid supply port 23 a of the liquid supply section 23 and the other end is connected to the liquid supply tank 28. ing.

  The liquid supply valve 27 is a valve provided in the liquid supply flow path 25 and is a valve that controls the supply amount of the cleaning liquid that passes through the liquid supply flow path 25 by opening and closing. In the present embodiment, the liquid supply valve 27 opens and closes the liquid supply valve 27 to control the liquid supply amount of the cleaning liquid supplied from the liquid supply port 23a, so that the liquid supply unit 23 has at least one nozzle. It is possible to form a pool of cleaning liquid so as to come into contact with the liquid.

  The outside air introduction valve 26 is provided in a pipe branched from the flow path between the liquid supply section 23 and the liquid supply valve 27 in the liquid supply flow path 25, and introduces or blocks the external air to the liquid supply flow path 25. It is a valve to be adjusted, and external air is introduced into the liquid supply flow path 25 in the open state, and external air is blocked into the liquid supply flow path 25 in the closed state.

  The liquid supply tank 28 is a hermetically sealed container and stores therein a cleaning liquid for cleaning the nozzle.

  The pump P is a machine that sends the cleaning liquid by the action of pressure. In the present embodiment, the pump P generates a positive pressure Pp by pressurization, and supplies the cleaning liquid via the positive pressure pipe 29. The pump P can control the supply amount of the cleaning liquid by changing the motor driving voltage. Further, the supply amount of the cleaning liquid may be controlled by opening and closing the exhaust valve 30 provided in the positive pressure pipe 29.

  The suction part 21 is formed in a hollow shape having an opening 22 at the end, and sucks the cleaning liquid supplied from the liquid supply part 23 from the opening 22. The suction unit 21 is disposed in a non-contact state with the nozzle surface 11, and a rib 24 is provided below the liquid supply unit 23 in the vicinity of the tip 22 a on the nozzle surface 11 side of the opening 22. A stable liquid pool is formed by the opening 22.

  The suction pipe 31 is a pipe through which the sucked cleaning liquid passes, and one end is connected to the end opposite to the tip 22 a of the opening 22 of the suction part 21 and the other end is connected to the waste liquid tank 33.

  The suction valve 32 is a valve provided in the suction pipe 31, and stops the negative pressure in the suction pipe 31 by making it closed, and makes the inside of the suction pipe 31 negative by making it open.

  The waste liquid tank 33 is a sealed container and stores a cleaning liquid to be discarded after the nozzle is cleaned.

  The pump P generates a negative pressure Pv by reducing the pressure, and sucks the cleaning liquid from the suction part 21 via the negative pressure pipe 34 and the suction pipe 31.

  The outside air introduction valve 35 is a valve that is connected to the negative pressure pipe 34 and adjusts the introduction or blocking of the outside air to the negative pressure pipe 34, and introduces the outside air into the negative pressure pipe 34 in the open state and negative in the closed state. Outside air is blocked by the pressure tube 34.

  Next, the operation of the nozzle cleaning device 20 from when the cleaning liquid is supplied from the liquid supply unit 23 to form a liquid pool and until the cleaning liquid in the liquid pool is sucked by the suction unit 21 will be described with reference to FIGS. . 4-7 is explanatory drawing of operation | movement of a liquid supply part and a suction part.

  When cleaning the defective nozzle 11a of the droplet discharge head 10, the nozzle cleaning device 20 is moved to a position facing the defective nozzle 11a as shown in FIG.

  Next, the nozzle cleaning device 20 closes the suction valve 32 of the suction pipe 31, opens the external air introduction valve 35, closes the external air introduction valve 26, and supplies the cleaning liquid by the liquid supply unit 23. To do. Specifically, the pump P is driven to generate a positive pressure Pp, the exhaust valve 30 is controlled to adjust the internal pressure of the liquid supply tank 28, and the cleaning liquid is sent out to the liquid supply flow path 25. Then, the supply amount of the cleaning liquid is controlled by the liquid supply valve 27, the cleaning liquid is supplied from the liquid supply port 23a at the tip of the liquid supply section 23, and the opening 22 of the suction section 21 as shown in FIG. A puddle M of the cleaning liquid is formed between the front end portion 22 a and the nozzle surface 11.

  At this time, in a state where a liquid pool having a contact surface covering at least one defective nozzle (here, the defective nozzle 11a) is formed, the liquid supply valve 27 is closed to hold the liquid pool. Then, the exhaust valve 30 is fully opened so that the degree of vacuum performance in the suction operation by the suction unit 21 that is the next operation is sufficiently exhibited.

  Then, the nozzle cleaning device 20 closes the outside air introduction valve 35 to increase the suction capability, raises the degree of vacuum inside the waste liquid tank 33 to an appropriate value, opens the suction valve 32 all at once, and generates a negative pressure. By generating the above, it is possible to remove trouble-causing substances such as sticking due to ink thickening of the defective nozzle 11a, paper dust, and bubbles inside the defective nozzle 11a, as shown in FIG.

  Next, when there are other defective nozzles that require cleaning, the nozzle cleaning device 20 is moved to a position facing the defective nozzle, and the above operation is repeated. On the other hand, when all the defective nozzles have been cleaned, the outside air introduction valve 26 is opened, and the cleaning liquid in the liquid supply unit 23 is sucked into the state shown in FIG. By performing this operation last, a new cleaning liquid can be supplied in the next defective nozzle cleaning operation. Then, a series of cleaning operations is completed.

  Next, a nozzle cleaning method by the nozzle cleaning device 20 configured as described above will be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a flow of a nozzle cleaning method by the nozzle cleaning device. This nozzle cleaning method is set when the inkjet printer is turned on, when a specified number of copies are printed by the inkjet printer, or when defective printing is found and forcibly detected and maintained for defective nozzles. It is implemented when there is.

  First, the detection unit detects a discharge state for each nozzle of the droplet discharge head 10 (step S1), and determines whether there is a defective nozzle that cannot normally discharge a droplet (step S2). If there is no defective nozzle (step S2: No), all the nozzles are normal and no cleaning of the nozzles is necessary, so the process is terminated.

  On the other hand, when there is a defective nozzle (step S2: Yes), the nozzle cleaning device 20 stores the defective nozzle in a storage unit (not shown) (step S3). Next, the nozzle cleaning device 20 selects a nozzle cleaning method by determining whether or not the number of defective nozzles is equal to or greater than a predetermined number (step S4). Note that the number of defective nozzles may be determined by comparing the recovery time and the amount of cleaning liquid used.

  If the number of defective nozzles is equal to or greater than the predetermined number (step S4: Yes), the inkjet printer cleans all the nozzles simultaneously (step S5). Specifically, a general maintenance method of sucking or wiping all nozzles is performed, and the process proceeds to step S12.

  On the other hand, when the number of defective nozzles is equal to or less than the predetermined number (step S4: No), the nozzle cleaning device 20 reads the stored defective nozzle (step S6). The drive unit moves to the position of the defective nozzle detected by the nozzle cleaning device 20 (step S7). Then, the nozzle cleaning device 20 supplies the cleaning liquid between the tip 22a of the suction unit 21 and the nozzle surface 11 of the droplet discharge head 10 by the liquid supply unit 23 (step S8), and collects the cleaning liquid pool. Form. Next, the nozzle cleaning device 20 sucks the cleaning liquid by the suction unit 21 (step S9) and cleans the defective nozzle.

  Then, the nozzle cleaning device 20 determines whether or not all the stored defective nozzles have been cleaned (step S10). When all the defective nozzles have not been cleaned (step S10: No), the drive unit moves the nozzle cleaning device 20 to the position of the next defective nozzle (step S11).

  On the other hand, when all the defective nozzles have been cleaned (step S10: Yes), the detection unit redetects the discharge state for each nozzle of the droplet discharge head 10 (step S12), and determines whether there is a defective nozzle. (Step S13). If there is no defective nozzle (step S13: No), the ink jet printer performs printing (step S14).

  On the other hand, if there is a defective nozzle (step S13: Yes), the inkjet printer determines whether or not the defective nozzle can be recovered (step S15). If the defective nozzle can be recovered (step S15: Yes), the process returns to step S3 and the process is repeated. On the other hand, if the defective nozzle cannot be recovered (step S15: No), the inkjet printer issues a warning to that effect to the user (step S16) and stops the printing. The case where it is determined that the defective nozzle cannot be recovered includes, for example, a case where the defective nozzle is not recovered a predetermined number of times, or a case where the operator interrupts / stops. It is not limited to these.

  As described above, the nozzle cleaning device 20 according to the present embodiment supplies the cleaning liquid from the liquid supply unit 23 to the defective nozzles when the number of defective nozzles is equal to or less than a predetermined number. By forming a pool of cleaning liquid between the tip 22a of the section 22 and the nozzle surface 11 of the droplet discharge head 10, only the cleaning liquid of the optimum amount necessary for recovering the defective nozzle is supplied and cleaned. It is possible to reduce the amount of cleaning liquid used and improve working efficiency.

  Moreover, since the liquid supply part 23 in this Embodiment is located in the lower part from the front-end | tip part 22a of the opening part 22 near the center of the opening part 22 of the suction part 21, the liquid supply part 23, the suction part 21, and Therefore, it is easy to form a pool of cleaning liquid only at the tip 22a of the opening 22 of the suction section 21, and the necessary and optimal amount of cleaning liquid can be stably supplied. In addition, since the negative pressure of the suction part 21 is stopped by closing the suction valve 32 when forming the liquid pool of the cleaning liquid, the liquid pool of the cleaning liquid is stably accumulated at the tip 22 a of the opening 22. Can be formed. Further, by increasing the degree of vacuum in the waste liquid tank 33 to an appropriate value and opening the suction valve 32 at once to generate a negative pressure, it is possible to improve the absorption capacity of the pool of cleaning liquid.

  Further, since the liquid supply valve 27 for controlling the supply amount of the cleaning liquid is provided in the liquid supply flow path 25 so that the liquid pool comes into contact with at least one defective nozzle, the necessary optimum amount of the cleaning liquid is supplied. In addition, the amount of cleaning liquid used can be reduced and performance can be reliably maintained. By detecting the defective nozzle and moving the nozzle cleaning device 20 to a position facing the defective nozzle to clean the defective nozzle, it is possible to selectively recover only the defective nozzle. The recovery time can be shortened and the amount of cleaning liquid used can be reduced.

(Embodiment 2)
In the first embodiment, the cleaning liquid is supplied by the liquid supply unit 23. However, in the present embodiment, the cleaning liquid is supplied as droplets from the nozzles of the droplet discharge head.

  FIG. 9 is an overall configuration diagram of the nozzle cleaning device according to the second embodiment. The nozzle cleaning device 60 is a device that cleans defective nozzles that cannot normally discharge droplets among the nozzles provided in the droplet discharge head 50 with a cleaning liquid, and includes a suction unit 61, a suction pipe 31, and a suction valve. 32, a pump P, a waste liquid tank 33, a negative pressure pipe 74, a detection unit (not shown), and a drive unit (not shown). FIG. 10 is a detailed explanatory diagram of the suction unit. FIG. 11 is an explanatory view of the suction unit as seen from the arrow A in FIG. Here, since the configurations and functions of the waste liquid tank 33, the suction pipe 31, and the suction valve 32 are the same as those in the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted.

  The droplet discharge head 50 is provided with a plurality of nozzles on the nozzle surface 51 for discharging droplets used for printing. In this embodiment, the nozzle also serves as a liquid supply unit that supplies liquid droplets as a cleaning liquid. That is, among the plurality of nozzles provided in the droplet discharge head 50, the nozzles on both sides of the defective nozzle discharge droplets, and between the tip 62 a of the opening 62 of the suction unit 61 and the nozzle surface 51. The liquid droplets are supplied to form a liquid pool of liquid droplets (cleaning liquid pool). In addition, when the suction valve 32 is in a closed state, the nozzle of the droplet discharge head 50 controls the liquid supply amount of the droplet and forms a liquid pool of droplets so as to come into contact with at least one nozzle.

  The detection unit detects the discharge state of the droplet for each nozzle of the droplet discharge head 50 and detects a defective nozzle that cannot normally discharge the droplet. A well-known method is used for detection of a defective nozzle by the detection unit. Further, when the defective nozzle is detected by the detection unit, the driving unit is located at a position facing the defective nozzle and at a position where the cleaning liquid can be supplied to the suction unit 61 from the nozzles on both sides of the defective nozzle. Is to move.

  The suction part 61 is formed in a hollow shape having an opening 62 at the end, and sucks the liquid supplied from the nozzle from the opening 62. The suction portion 61 is disposed in a non-contact state with the nozzle surface 51, and a rib 84 is provided in the vicinity of the tip end portion 62a of the opening 62 on the nozzle surface 51 side and facing the nozzle. The nozzle can form a stable liquid pool by supplying liquid droplets between the rib 84 and the nozzle surface 51 to form a liquid pool of liquid droplets.

  The pump P is a machine that sends the cleaning liquid by the action of pressure. In this embodiment, the pump P generates a negative pressure Pv by reducing the pressure, and sucks the cleaning liquid from the suction part 61 via the negative pressure pipe 34 and the suction pipe 31. ing.

  Next, the operation of the nozzle cleaning device 60 until the liquid droplets are supplied from the nozzles of the liquid droplet ejection head 50 to form a liquid pool and the liquid droplets formed by the suction unit 61 are sucked. 12 to 15 will be used for explanation. 12-15 is explanatory drawing of operation | movement of a nozzle and a suction part.

  When cleaning the defective nozzle 51a of the droplet discharge head 50, as shown in FIG. 12, the nozzle cleaning device 60 is moved to a position facing the defective nozzle 51a.

  Next, the nozzle cleaning device 60 closes the suction valve 32 of the suction pipe 31 and supplies liquid droplets by the nozzles 51b and 51c on both sides of the defective nozzle as shown in FIG. At this time, the nozzles 51b and 51c control the liquid supply amount of the liquid droplets to be supplied. As shown in FIG. 14, the liquid droplets are formed between the tip 62a of the opening 62 of the suction unit 61 and the nozzle surface 51. Form a puddle. At this time, a liquid pool M having a contact surface that covers at least one defective nozzle (here, the defective nozzle 51a) is formed.

  Then, the nozzle cleaning device 60 closes the suction valve 32 of the suction pipe 31 and drives the pump P to raise the degree of vacuum inside the waste liquid tank 33 to an appropriate value so that the suction capability is sufficiently exerted. As shown in the first embodiment, by causing the nozzle 32 to be open at once, the trouble-causing substances such as sticking due to ink thickening of the defective nozzle 51a and paper dust and bubbles inside the defective nozzle 51a are removed. As shown in FIG.

  Next, when there are other defective nozzles that require cleaning, the nozzle cleaning device 60 is moved to a position facing the defective nozzle, and the above operation is repeated. On the other hand, when all the defective nozzles have been cleaned, a series of cleaning operations are ended. As a method for supplying liquid droplets (cleaning liquid), liquid is supplied not only from the nozzles on both sides of the defective nozzle but also from normal nozzles at other positions, and then the nozzle cleaning device 60 is installed at a position facing the defective nozzle. It may be moved to improve the cleaning work efficiency.

  The nozzle cleaning method by the nozzle cleaning device 60 configured as described above is the same as that in the first embodiment (see FIG. 8). In the nozzle cleaning device 60 of the present embodiment, in step S <b> 8 of FIG. 8, the cleaning liquid is supplied between the tip end portion 62 a of the suction unit 61 and the nozzle surface 51 of the droplet discharge head 50 by the nozzles of the droplet discharge head 50. Supply liquid.

  As described above, when the number of defective nozzles is equal to or less than a predetermined number, the nozzle cleaning device 60 according to the present embodiment supplies droplets as cleaning liquid from the normal nozzles of the droplet discharge head 50 to the defective nozzles. Then, by forming a liquid pool of droplets between the tip 62a of the opening 62 of the suction unit 61 and the nozzle surface 51 of the droplet discharge head 50, an optimal amount necessary for recovering the defective nozzle is obtained. Cleaning can be performed by supplying only the cleaning liquid, and the amount of the cleaning liquid used can be reduced and work efficiency can be improved.

  Further, in the present embodiment, since the droplets as the cleaning liquid are discharged from the nozzles of the droplet discharge head 50, the size can be reduced without providing a configuration for supplying the cleaning liquid separately. Further, when the liquid pool of droplets is formed, the negative pressure of the suction part 61 is stopped by closing the suction valve 32, so that the liquid of the cleaning liquid is stably provided at the tip 62a of the opening 62. You can form a pool. Further, by increasing the degree of vacuum in the waste liquid tank 33 to an appropriate value and opening the suction valve 32 at once to generate a negative pressure, it is possible to improve the absorption capacity of the pool of cleaning liquid.

  In addition, since the liquid supply amount is controlled so that the liquid pool contacts at least one defective nozzle, the optimum amount of liquid droplets is supplied, reducing the amount of liquid droplets used and maintaining performance. Can be performed reliably. By detecting the defective nozzle and moving the nozzle cleaning device 60 to a position facing the defective nozzle to clean the defective nozzle, it is possible to selectively recover only the defective nozzle. The recovery time can be shortened and the amount of cleaning liquid used can be reduced.

  In the first and second embodiments, the operation of forming a pool of cleaning liquid using one pump P has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the suction function and the liquid supply function are configured to be performed by separate pumps. May be. Moreover, it is good also as a structure which combines Embodiment 1 and Embodiment 2, and selects the cleaning method according to the condition of a nozzle.

10, 50 Droplet ejection head 11, 51 Nozzle surface 11a, 51a Defective nozzle 20, 60 Nozzle cleaning device 21, 61 Suction part 22, 62 Opening part 22a, 62a Tip part 23 Liquid supply part 23a Liquid supply port 24, 84 Rib 25 Liquid supply flow path 26 Outside air introduction valve 27 Liquid supply valve 28 Liquid supply tank 29 Positive pressure pipe 30 Exhaust valve 31 Suction pipe 32 Suction valve 33 Waste liquid tank 34, 74 Negative pressure pipe 35 Outside air introduction valve P Pump

Claims (7)

In the nozzle cleaning device for cleaning the nozzle provided on the nozzle surface of the droplet discharge head,
A liquid supply part for supplying cleaning liquid;
A suction part that is disposed in a non-contact state with the nozzle surface, has a hollow shape having an opening at an end, and sucks the cleaning liquid supplied from the liquid supply part from the opening. ,
The liquid supply portion is provided with a liquid supply port for supplying the cleaning liquid, and the liquid supply port is located on the inner side of the opening portion and near the center of the opening portion. And
The nozzle cleaning device, wherein the liquid supply section supplies the cleaning liquid between a tip portion on the nozzle surface side of the opening and the nozzle surface to form a pool of the cleaning liquid. A liquid supply passage through which the cleaning liquid supplied by the liquid supply section passes,
A liquid supply valve which is provided in the liquid supply flow path and controls the supply amount of the cleaning liquid by opening and closing;
A suction tube for passing the cleaning liquid sucked by the suction part;
A pressure mechanism that creates a negative pressure in the suction tube;
A suction valve that is provided in the suction pipe and stops the negative pressure in the suction pipe by being in a closed state; and
When the suction valve is in a closed state, the liquid supply unit controls a supply amount of the cleaning liquid by the liquid supply valve, and forms a pool of the cleaning liquid so as to contact at least one nozzle. The nozzle cleaning device according to claim 1 , wherein: In the nozzle cleaning device for cleaning the nozzle provided on the nozzle surface of the droplet discharge head,
A liquid supply part for supplying cleaning liquid;
A suction part that is disposed in a non-contact state with the nozzle surface, has a hollow shape having an opening at an end, and sucks the cleaning liquid supplied from the liquid supply part from the opening. ,
The liquid supply unit is the nozzle of the droplet discharge head,
The cleaning liquid, Ri droplet der discharged from the nozzle,
The liquid supply portion, Roh nozzle cleaning device you wherein said cleaning liquid to the liquid supply to form a puddle liquid of the cleaning liquid between the nozzle surface of the tip portion and the nozzle face of the opening . A suction tube for passing the droplets sucked by the suction part;
A pressure mechanism that creates a negative pressure in the suction tube;
A suction valve that is provided in the suction pipe and stops the negative pressure in the suction pipe by being in a closed state; and
The nozzle is characterized in that when the suction valve is in a closed state, the liquid supply amount of the droplet is controlled to form a liquid pool of the droplet so as to come into contact with at least one nozzle. Item 4. The nozzle cleaning device according to Item 3 . In the nozzle cleaning device for cleaning the nozzle provided on the nozzle surface of the droplet discharge head,
A liquid supply part for supplying cleaning liquid;
A suction part that is arranged in a non-contact state with the nozzle surface, is formed in a hollow shape having an opening at an end, and sucks the cleaning liquid supplied from the liquid supply part from the opening;
A rib in the vicinity of the tip of the opening of the suction part and at a position facing the nozzle ;
Bei to give a,
The liquid supply unit supplies the cleaning liquid between the nozzle surface tip of the opening and the nozzle surface side to form a pool of the cleaning liquid,
The nozzle is, Roh nozzle cleaning device you characterized in that to supply fluid to the droplet between the rib and the nozzle surface to form a puddle liquid of said droplets. Detecting means for detecting a defective nozzle that is unable to normally discharge the droplet;
If the defective nozzle is detected, the nozzle according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized by further comprising a driving means for moving the nozzle cleaning device at a position opposite to the defective nozzle Cleaning device. An inkjet printer equipped with the cleaning device according to any one of claims 1 to 6 .

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