JP5784070B2 - Inkjet recording device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an ink jet recording apparatus.

  Conventionally, as an ink jet recording apparatus, a line printer including an ink jet head having a nozzle surface in which a plurality of nozzles are provided in a line shape is known. On the nozzle surface of the inkjet head, a large number of nozzles are arranged in a line in a direction (paper width direction) orthogonal to the paper transport direction.

  In such an ink jet recording apparatus, the nozzle surface is sealed with a cap in order to prevent ink from thickening when not in use. However, when the ink jet recording apparatus is not used for a long time, the thickened ink may block the flow path and the nozzle. For this reason, a discharge recovery process for forcibly discharging the thickened ink is executed at the next use. After the ink is ejected from the plurality of nozzles by the ejection recovery process, the ink attached to the nozzle surface is removed by the wipe blade.

  Patent Document 1 discloses an ink jet recording apparatus including a maintenance unit having a cap and a wipe blade as described above. In this device, after ejecting ink from a plurality of nozzles by ejection recovery processing, the tip of the wipe blade is brought into contact with the nozzle surface, and the waste liquid tray is moved in a direction substantially parallel to the nozzle surface to adhere to the nozzle surface. Wipe off the ink with a wipe blade. The wiped ink moves downward along the wipe blade and is stored in the waste liquid tray.

JP 2008-80770 A

  However, the ink adhering to the nozzle surface is wiped off by the wipe blade as described above, is stored in the waste liquid tray through the wipe blade, and may be dropped as an ink droplet from the nozzle surface. In some cases, the ink may not be sufficiently wiped off by the wipe blade, and the ink droplet may fall from the nozzle surface through which the wipe blade has passed. Thus, if the ink droplet falls downward from the nozzle surface, the inside of the apparatus is contaminated.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of such a point, and an object of the present invention is to suppress contamination of the inside of the apparatus due to dropping of ink attached to the nozzle surface by the discharge recovery process. An object of the present invention is to provide an ink jet recording apparatus capable of performing the above.

Ink jet recording apparatus of the present invention, an inkjet head to have a nozzle surface including a nozzle area in which a plurality of nozzles are provided, the nozzle surface is to have a long shape in the direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of the recording medium, wherein It is arranged below the inkjet head and can be moved up and down, has a transport unit that transports a recording medium, and an opening that can receive ink ejected from the plurality of nozzles, and can be disposed to face the nozzle surface. A tray, a wipe member supported by the tray and capable of contacting the nozzle surface, and the wipe member from the wipe start position where the wipe member contacts one end of the nozzle formation region. until abutting wiping end position to the other end of the region, the recording medium relative to the inkjet head in a direction substantially parallel to the nozzle surface Moving means for relatively moving in the transport direction of the tray and is movable independently of, and a cap member for covering the nozzle surface with opposed to the nozzle surface, said tray and said cap member When the mode is changed between an image forming mode in which an image is formed on the recording medium supported by the transport unit and an ejection recovery mode in which ink is forcibly discharged from the nozzles, the transport unit moves up and down as the transport unit moves up and down. The opening has an opening area that includes the nozzle formation area in a plan view when the tray moves relative to the wipe end position from the wipe start position. and which, during the lifting of the transport unit during the mode change, and the wiping member and the tray and the cap member for supporting this In the state where the cap member is arranged below the tray, the transport unit is moved up and down, and in the discharge recovery mode, the transport unit is arranged so that the wipe member corresponds to the height position of the nozzle surface. When the cap member is moved up and down and covers the nozzle surface, the transport unit is moved up and down so that the cap member corresponds to the height position of the nozzle surface, and in the discharge recovery mode, the wipe member and the tray are It moves in the transport direction of the recording medium independently of the cap member, and the wipe member wipes the nozzle surface by movement in the transport direction, and the tray is ejected from the plurality of nozzles. During the operation of receiving ink, and the relative movement of the tray from the wipe start position to the wipe end position. During operation of the cap member together with the tray is opposed below the nozzle surface is arranged at a position lower than the tray.

  In this configuration, when the tray moves relative to the wipe end position from the wipe start position, the nozzle formation area is included in the opening area of the opening in a plan view. That is, from the start to the end of wiping the nozzle surface, an opening is positioned below the nozzle formation region so as to cover the nozzle formation region. Therefore, not only when ink is wiped off by the wiping member and stored in the tray through this wiping member, but also when ink drops fall downward from the nozzle surface before wiping or after wiping. The ink can be stored in the tray through the opening. Thereby, it can suppress that the inside of an apparatus is contaminated.

In the image forming mode in which an image is formed on the record medium, and the tray for supporting the wiping member, and the cap member is adjacent to the inkjet head, the retracted position is arranged in the vertical direction It is preferable to have each.

  In this configuration, in the image forming mode, the tray and the cap member are retracted in a state where they are arranged side by side in the vertical direction, so that the apparatus size in the horizontal direction is smaller than when they are arranged in the horizontal direction. Can be reduced. Further, since the tray and the cap member are disposed adjacent to the ink jet head, the wipe member or the cap member moves to a position facing the nozzle surface of the ink jet head in a discharge recovery mode or a cap mode, which will be described later. The distance to do can be shortened.

  The above configuration is particularly effective when a plurality of the ink jet heads are provided and the tray, the wipe member, and the cap member corresponding to each ink jet head are provided. In this configuration, in the image forming mode, the tray and the cap member, which are arranged side by side in the vertical direction, and the inkjet head are alternately arranged along the conveyance direction of the recording medium. And the said tray and the said cap member are arrange | positioned along with the up-down direction.

  When the tray, the wipe member, and the cap member corresponding to each of the inkjet heads are provided as described above, the tray, the cap member, and the like are temporarily arranged at the retracted position in the image forming mode. If they are arranged side by side in the horizontal direction, a horizontal arrangement space is required for each of the plurality of trays and the plurality of cap members, so that the size of the apparatus in the horizontal direction increases accordingly.

  On the other hand, in this configuration, since the tray and the cap member are arranged side by side in the vertical direction, it is possible to effectively suppress an increase in the apparatus size in the horizontal direction. Further, since the inkjet head, the tray and the cap member corresponding to the inkjet head are alternately arranged along the conveyance direction of the recording medium, each wipe member or each The distance that the cap member moves to the position facing the nozzle surface of the corresponding inkjet head can be shortened.

Further, the tray further includes a bottom plate portion, and stores the ink wiped off by the wipe member while moving relative to the inkjet head from the wipe start position to the wipe end position. It is preferable that ink droplets falling from the nozzle surface are stored at the wipe start position and the wipe end position.

The ink jet recording apparatus preferably further includes an ink guide piece provided below the wipe member, and the ink guide piece transfers the ink that has moved downward along the wipe member to the tray. To guide.

  As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to suppress the inside of the apparatus from being contaminated by the ink that has adhered to the nozzle surface by the ejection recovery process.

1 is a configuration diagram showing an outline of an ink jet recording apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a top view which shows the outline of the positional relationship of the inkjet head of the said inkjet recording device, a maintenance unit, and a conveyance unit. It is a block diagram which shows the outline of the state which lowered | hung the conveyance unit and the maintenance unit with the raising / lowering mechanism of the said inkjet recording device. It is a perspective view which shows the said maintenance unit. It is a perspective view which shows the state which removed the frame of the maintenance unit of FIG. It is the perspective view which expanded a part of said maintenance unit. FIG. 4 is a side view of the maintenance unit as viewed from the upstream side in the sheet conveyance direction. (A) shows the positional relationship among the inkjet head, wipe unit, and cap unit in the image forming mode, and (b) is an enlarged view of a part thereof. (A)-(c) is the schematic which shows the operation | movement of the first half of discharge recovery mode. (A)-(d) is the schematic which shows the operation | movement of the second half of discharge recovery mode. FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view showing a positional relationship between a nozzle formation region of an inkjet head and an opening region of a tray in the discharge recovery mode. (A)-(d) is the schematic which shows the operation | movement of cap mode.

  Hereinafter, an ink jet recording apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

<Overall structure of inkjet recording apparatus>
An ink jet recording apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1 is an ink jet printer capable of forming an image on a sheet P, which is an example of a recording medium, based on image information received from an external computer. The recording apparatus 1 includes a recording unit 20, a sheet storage unit 101, a sheet conveyance path 5, a conveyance unit 30, an elevating mechanism 40, a discharge unit 103, a maintenance unit 50, and a control unit 131 that controls them in a casing 2. I have. In the following description, a transport direction when the paper P is transported on the transport unit 30 is a direction D1, and a direction perpendicular to the direction (the width direction of the paper P) is a direction D2.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the recording unit 20 includes four sets (12) of inkjet heads 22 (22K, 22C, 22M, and 22Y) corresponding to each color of black, cyan, magenta, and yellow in order from the upstream side in the direction D1. It has. Corresponding to the ink jet heads 22 for each color, four ink tanks (not shown) are provided. Each color ink is supplied to each inkjet head 22 from the ink tank. In the following description, the identification symbols “K”, “C”, “M”, and “Y” are omitted unless particularly limited.

  The twelve inkjet heads 22 are arranged side by side above a conveyance belt 31 of a conveyance unit 30 described later. Each inkjet head 22 is supported by a head support member (not shown). Each inkjet head 22 has a nozzle surface 22a on its lower surface (FIG. 8B). A plurality of nozzles that eject ink are provided on the nozzle surface 22a. The nozzle surface 22 a is formed in a rectangular shape that is long in a direction orthogonal to the transport direction of the paper P. Each inkjet head 22 is a line-type head capable of forming an image by ejecting ink in a direction substantially perpendicular to the paper surface of the paper P from the nozzle surface 22a.

  As the ink discharge method of the ink jet head 22, various methods such as a piezo method in which ink is ejected using a piezo element and a thermal ink jet method in which bubbles are generated by a heating element and ink is discharged under pressure are applied. be able to.

  The paper storage unit 101 can store the paper P and is disposed below the recording unit 20. The paper storage unit 101 includes a paper feed cassette 3 that stores paper and a paper supply roller 4 for supplying paper to the paper transport path 5.

  The sheet conveyance path 5 includes a roller 102 disposed on the upstream side of the sheet conveyance path 5 and a registration roller 6 that temporarily stops the sheet to perform oblique correction and then sends the sheet to the conveyance unit 30. Yes.

  The transport unit 30 is disposed below the recording unit 20. The transport unit 30 supplies the paper P to the recording unit 20, and transports the paper P with an image formed on the surface thereof by the recording unit 20 to the discharge unit 103. The transport unit 30 includes a frame 36, rollers 32, 33, 34, a transport belt 31, and a paper holding mechanism 35.

  The rollers 32, 33, and 34 are rotatably supported by the frame 36 at a predetermined interval in the direction D1.

  The conveyor belt 31 is an endless belt and is stretched around rollers 32, 33 and 34. In the conveyance belt 31, the upper surface of the portion located between the rollers 33 and 32 functions as the conveyance surface 47 of the paper P. The transport surface 47 faces the nozzle surfaces 22 a of the plurality of inkjet heads 22.

  The sheet holding mechanism 35 is disposed at a position facing the recording unit 20 along the conveyance surface 47 below the conveyance surface 47 of the conveyance belt 31. The sheet holding mechanism 35 has a large number of air suction holes (not shown) on the upper surface of the case, and external air can be sucked into the case through these holes. The conveyor belt 31 is also provided with a number of air suction holes (not shown). Therefore, when the air is sucked by the paper holding mechanism 35, the paper P is attracted to the upper surface of the transport belt 31, so that the paper P can be transported stably.

  The elevating mechanism 40 has a pair of eccentric cams 41 and 42 disposed below the transport unit 30. The eccentric cams 41 and 42 have shaft portions 41b and 42b supported by a support member (not shown), respectively, and are rotated by drive motors (not shown) around the shaft portions 41b and 42b. The eccentric cams 41 and 42 have a plurality of bearings 41 a and 42 a, respectively, and support the transport unit 30 in a state where these bearings 41 a and 42 a are in contact with the frame 36 of the transport unit 30. The transport unit 30 moves in the vertical direction as the eccentric cams 41 and 42 rotate about the shaft portions 41b and 42b.

  FIG. 1 shows a state in which the eccentric cams 41 and 42 are erected substantially vertically and the transport unit 30 is lifted. When the eccentric cams 41 and 42 rotate inward from each other in this state, the transport unit 30 is lowered as shown in FIG.

  In the image forming mode in which an image is formed on the paper P by the recording unit 20, the transport unit 30 is lifted by the lifting mechanism 40 and disposed at a position close to the nozzle surface 22a of the inkjet head 22 as shown in FIG. Is done. This proximity position is adjusted so that the space between the nozzle surface 22a and the paper P is suitable for printing.

  On the other hand, in a discharge recovery mode and a cap mode, which will be described later, the transport unit 30 is lowered by the elevating mechanism 40 and moved to a position separated from the inkjet head 22 as shown in FIG. The height of the transport unit 30 can be adjusted as appropriate by adjusting the rotation angle of the eccentric cams 41 and 42.

  The discharge unit 103 includes a drying device 7, a discharge roller 8, a discharge port 9, and a discharge tray 10. The drying device 7 is disposed on the downstream side in the direction D <b> 1 of the transport unit 30. The ink ejected on the paper P in the recording unit 20 is dried by the drying device 7. The paper P on which the ink has been dried is sent to the discharge port 9 by the discharge roller 8 and is discharged from the side surface of the casing 2 to a discharge tray 10 that extends outward.

  The control unit 131 includes a central processing unit (CPU), a memory (ROM) that stores data such as a program, and a memory (RAM) that temporarily stores data when the program is executed. This control part 131 controls operation | movement of the raising / lowering mechanism 40, the 1st movement mechanism mentioned later, a 2nd movement mechanism, etc.

<Maintenance unit>
Next, the maintenance unit 50 will be described.

  4-7, the maintenance unit 50 includes a frame 81, four wipe units 82 (82K, 82C, 82M, 82Y) supported by the frame 81, and four supported by the frame 81. A cap unit 83 (83K, 83C, 83M, 83Y), guide rails 111 to 114, motors M1 and M2, and shafts S1 and S2 are provided.

  The guide rails 111 and 113, the motor M1, and the shaft S1 function as a first moving mechanism (first moving means) that moves the wipe unit 82 relative to the inkjet head 22. The guide rails 112 and 114, the motor M2, and the shaft S2 function as a second moving mechanism (second moving means) that moves the cap unit 83 relative to the inkjet head 22.

  Each wipe unit 82 and each cap unit 83 have a long rectangular shape having a short dimension in the direction D1 and a long dimension in the direction D2 perpendicular to the dimension when viewed in a plan view. Each wipe unit 82 and each cap unit 83 have a flat shape with a small thickness and a long length in the direction D2 when viewed from the upstream side in the direction D1, as shown in FIG. Details of the wipe unit and the cap unit 83 will be described later.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the frame body 81 is a combination of four long frame members 81 a to 81 d in a rectangular shape in plan view, and is in a space surrounded by these frame members 81 a to 81 d. A wipe unit 82 and a cap unit 83 are disposed. In the space in the frame 81, each wipe unit 82 is disposed above the cap unit 83.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, among the four frame members 81a to 81d, the frame member 81c that is disposed on one side in the direction D2 and extends in the direction D1 has four elongated holes 116 extending in the direction D1. ing. Two of the four long holes 116 are provided in the upper part of the frame member 81 c, and the remaining two are provided in the lower part of these long holes 116. The two long holes 116 provided in the upper part are formed along the guide rail 111 (along the position where the wipe unit 82 is disposed). The two long holes 116 provided in the lower part are formed along the guide rail 112 (along the position where the cap unit 83 is disposed).

  Further, the frame member 81d disposed on the other side in the direction D2 and extending in the direction D1 has four long holes 116 of the same shape at positions facing the four long holes 116 of the frame member 81c.

  The guide rails 111 and 112 are respectively arranged substantially in parallel with the frame member 81c inside the frame member 81c. The guide rail 112 is disposed below the guide rail 111. On the other hand, the guide rails 113 and 114 are respectively arranged substantially parallel to the frame member 81d inside the frame member 81d. The guide rail 114 is disposed below the guide rail 113.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the guide rail 111 and the guide rail 113 support the end portions of the respective wipe units 82. The end of each wipe unit 82 is fixed to the guide rails 111 and 113 with screws 117. The interval between adjacent wipe units 82 is adjusted to a size that allows the inkjet head 22 to be disposed between them.

  Similarly, the guide rail 112 and the guide rail 114 support the end portions of the cap units 83, respectively. The end of each cap unit 83 is fixed to the guide rails 112 and 114 with screws 117. The interval between the adjacent cap units 83 is adjusted to such a size that the ink jet head 22 can be disposed between them.

  The guide rail 111 has two protrusions 115 protruding to the frame member 81c side. One protrusion 115 is provided at a position upstream of the direction D1 (position between the wipe unit 82K and the wipe unit 82C), and the other protrusion 115 is positioned downstream of the direction D1 (wipe unit 82M). And a position between the wipe unit 82Y). Similarly, the guide rail 112 has two protrusions 115 protruding to the frame member 81c side. One protrusion 115 is provided at a position between the cap unit 83K and the cap unit 83C, and the other protrusion 115 is provided at a position between the cap unit 83M and the cap unit 83Y. In addition, the guide rails 113 and 114 have similar protrusions 115 at positions facing the protrusions 115 of the guide rails 111 and 112 in the direction D2.

  The two protrusions 115 of the guide rail 111 are engaged with the two long holes 116 on the upper side of the frame member 81c, respectively, and the two protrusions 115 of the guide rail 113 are two upper lengths of the frame member 81d. The holes 116 are respectively engaged. These protrusions 115 are movable along the direction D <b> 1 within the longitudinal opening range of each of the long holes 116.

  Similarly, the two protrusions 115 of the guide rail 112 are engaged with the two long holes 116 on the lower side of the frame member 81c, respectively, and the two protrusions 115 of the guide rail 114 are below the frame member 81d. The two long holes 116 on the side are engaged with each other. These protrusions 115 are movable along the direction D <b> 1 within the longitudinal opening range of each of the long holes 116.

  As described above, the guide rails 111 to 114 are supported so as to be slidable along the direction D <b> 1 with respect to the frame body 81 by the engagement between the protrusion 115 and the long hole 116. Therefore, the four wipe units 82 slide in the direction D1 as the guide rail 111 and the guide rail 113 slide, and the four cap units 83 move in the direction as the guide rail 112 and the guide rail 114 slide. Slide to D1.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, the shaft S1 is rotatably supported at the end on the direction D1 side of the frame member 81c and the end on the direction D1 side of the frame member 81d. The shaft S2 is disposed below the shaft S1, and is rotatably supported by an end portion on the direction D1 side of the frame member 81c and an end portion on the direction D1 side of the frame member 81d.

  The shaft S1 has a gear-like drive gear G1 at the end on the frame member 81d side. The drive gear G1 meshes with a rack gear G2 provided in a line at the end of the guide rail 113 on the direction D1 side. The shaft S2 has a gear-like drive gear G3 at the end on the frame member 81d side. The drive gear G3 meshes with a rack gear G4 provided in a line at the end of the guide rail 114 on the direction D1 side.

  Although not shown, the shaft S1 also has a gear G1 at the end on the frame member 81c side, and this gear G1 is provided at the end on the direction D1 side of the guide rail 111. It meshes with the gear G2. Similarly, although not shown, the shaft S2 has a gear G3 at an end portion on the frame member 81c side, and this gear G3 is a gear provided at an end portion on the direction D1 side of the guide rail 112. It meshes with G4.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the motor M1 is fixed to the outer surface of the end on the direction D1 side of the frame member 81d via a support member 119. The motor M2 is disposed below the motor M1, and is fixed to the outer surface of the end portion on the direction D1 side in the frame member 81d via the support member 120. The unillustrated rotating shaft of the motor M1 is fixed to the end of the shaft S1, and the unillustrated rotating shaft of the motor M2 is fixed to the end of the shaft S2.

  When the motor M1 is driven, the shaft S1 rotates with the gear G1, so that the guide rails 111 and 113 having the gear G2 move in the direction D1 or the opposite direction together with the wipe unit 82. The moving direction can be changed by reversing the rotation direction of the motor M1. Similarly, the guide rails 112 and 114 move together with the cap unit 83 in the direction D1 or the opposite direction by the rotation of the motor M2.

  FIG. 8A shows the positional relationship among the inkjet head 22, the wipe unit 82, and the cap unit 83 in the image forming mode. In this image forming mode, the wipe unit 82 and the cap unit 83 are retracted to the corresponding lateral position of the inkjet head 22, that is, the retracted position opposite to the direction D1 so as not to interfere with image formation. .

  As shown in FIG. 8B, each wipe unit 82 includes a wipe tray 122, a wipe member 118, a support member 121, and an ink guide piece 125.

  Each wipe tray 122 has a rectangular bottom plate portion 122a and a side wall portion 122b extending upward from the periphery of the bottom plate portion 122a, and has an opening 122c at the top. Each opening 122c has an opening region that includes the nozzle formation region N of the nozzle surface 22a in the range during the wiping operation by the wipe unit 82 in the discharge recovery mode described later. Here, the nozzle formation region N refers to a region where a plurality of nozzles are formed (arranged) on the nozzle surface 22a. In other words, the nozzle formation region N is a region surrounded by a line drawn along a plurality of nozzles located outside (periphery) among the plurality of nozzles arranged on the nozzle surface 22a.

  Each wipe unit 82 has three wipe members 118 supported by the wipe tray 122 by the support member 121. Each wipe member 118 is provided at a position corresponding to each of the three inkjet heads 22 in each set. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 8B, each wipe member 118 is long in the direction D <b> 2, the lower half is in contact with the support member 121, and the upper half is longer than the support member 121 in the height direction. The elastic member has a flat shape.

  Two of the three wipe members 118 are disposed on the direction D1 side, and the other one is disposed on the opposite side of the direction D1 from the wipe members 118. Two on the direction D1 side are arranged on both sides in the longitudinal direction of the wipe unit 82 at a predetermined interval, and the other one is arranged almost in the middle of the two wipe members 118.

  The ink wiped by each wipe member 118 moves downward along the wipe member 118 and is accommodated in the wipe tray 122 via the ink guide piece 125. The stored ink is sucked by, for example, a pump (not shown) and collected through the ink collection port 126.

  As shown in FIG. 8B, each cap unit 83 has a cap tray 123 and a cap member 124. Each cap unit 83 has three cap members 124, which respectively block the nozzle surfaces 22a of the three inkjet heads 22 in each set.

  Each cap tray 123 has a bottom plate portion 123a having substantially the same size as the bottom plate portion 122a of the wipe tray 122, and a side wall portion 123b extending upward from the periphery of the bottom plate portion 123a.

  Each cap member 124 is formed to match the shape of the lower end portion of the corresponding inkjet head 22. In other words, each cap member 124 has an opening 124 a that is large enough to cover the nozzle formation region N of the inkjet head 22, and has an elastic member 124 b disposed along the periphery of the opening 124 a. .

  Further, the three cap members 124 constitute a lid portion together with a top plate portion 128 that connects them and an extending portion 129 that extends downward from the periphery of the top plate portion 128. This lid portion closes the opening at the top of the cap tray 123.

<Image formation mode>
Next, the operation of the image forming mode of the recording apparatus 1 will be described.

  First, when a command for forming an image is issued from an externally connected computer, the paper is sent out from the paper storage unit 101 to the transport unit 30. Then, when the paper is being transported by the transport belt 31 of the transport unit 30, ink is ejected from the inkjet head 22 and an image is formed on the paper. The sheet on which the image is formed is conveyed by the roller 8 of the discharge unit 103 and is discharged from the discharge port 9 to the discharge tray 10.

<Discharge recovery mode>
Next, the operation in the discharge recovery mode will be described.

  The recording apparatus 1 can form an image when an image forming command is not issued for a predetermined time after the image forming operation is completed, or when a power switch (not shown) is turned off. Transition from state to standby state. That is, as the eccentric cams 41 and 42 of the elevating mechanism 40 rotate to change from the state shown in FIG. 1 to the state shown in FIG. 3, the transport unit 30 moves from the image forming position (proximity position) to a separated position. Move down. Since the maintenance unit 50 is supported by the transport unit 30, it moves downward together with the transport unit 30 (state shown in FIG. 3).

  FIG. 9A corresponds to the state of FIG. 1 and shows the positional relationship between the inkjet head 22, the wipe unit 82, and the cap unit 83 in the image forming mode. FIG. 9B corresponds to the state of FIG. 3, and shows the positional relationship between the inkjet head 22, the wipe unit 82, and the cap unit 83 when the transport unit 30 moves to the separation position.

  From the state shown in FIG. 9B, the four wipe units 82 are moved in the direction D1 by driving the motor M1 of the maintenance unit 50 and rotating the shaft S1 to one side (clockwise in FIG. 6). Let When each wipe unit 82 reaches a predetermined position (ink receiving position) below the corresponding inkjet head 22, the driving of the motor M1 is stopped (FIG. 9C). In the state shown in FIG. 9C, each wipe member 118 is not in contact with the nozzle surface 22a and is disposed with a predetermined gap between the wiper member 118 and the nozzle surface 22a.

  In this state, ink is ejected from each inkjet head 22, and the ejected ink is stored in the wipe tray 122. As shown in FIG. 9C, at the ink receiving position, the wipe tray 122 covers the nozzle formation regions N of the three inkjet heads 22 from below. That is, each nozzle formation region N is located in the wipe tray 122 when the nozzle formation regions N and the wipe tray 122 are viewed in plan. Therefore, the wipe tray 122 can receive the ink ejected downward from the plurality of nozzles in the ejection recovery mode with almost no leakage.

  Next, the eccentric cams 41 and 42 are rotated in the direction in which the tips of the eccentric cams 41 and 42 are lifted upward to slightly raise the transport unit 30 and the maintenance unit 50, thereby bringing the tip of the wipe member 118 into contact with the nozzle surface 22 a ( FIG. 9D and FIG. 11A). The position shown in FIG. 9D and FIG. 11A is the wipe start position.

  As shown in FIGS. 9D and 11A, at the wipe start position, the wipe tray 122 covers the nozzle formation regions N of the three inkjet heads 22 from below. In other words, the opening 122c has an opening region that includes the three nozzle formation regions N in the range at the wipe start position in plan view. Therefore, even if the wipe tray 122 is ejected from a plurality of nozzles in the ejection recovery mode and the ink adhering to the nozzle surface 22a drops as a droplet, the ink can be received in the wipe tray 122. .

  Next, as shown in FIG. 10A, the nozzle surface 22 a of each inkjet head 22 is wiped by each wipe member 118. The wipe member 118 moves in the horizontal direction (direction D1) while wiping the nozzle surface 22a in a state where the tip of each wipe member 118 is in contact with the nozzle surface 22a. Thereby, each nozzle surface 22a is wiped off by each wipe member 118.

  Specifically, the four wipe units 82 are moved in the direction D1 by driving the motor M1 of the maintenance unit 50 and rotating the shaft S1 to one side (clockwise in FIG. 6). When the wipe member 118 of each wipe unit 82 reaches the end of the corresponding nozzle surface 22a of the inkjet head 22, the driving of the motor M1 is stopped (FIGS. 10A and 11B). The position shown in FIGS. 10A and 11B is the wipe end position.

  As shown in FIGS. 10A and 11B, at the wipe end position, the wipe tray 122 covers the nozzle formation regions N of the three inkjet heads 22 from below. In other words, the opening 122c has an opening region that includes the three nozzle formation regions N in the range at the wipe end position in a plan view. Therefore, the wipe tray 122 can receive the ink even if the ink remaining without being removed on the wiped nozzle surface 22a drops as a drop.

  Note that the wipe tray 122 is provided not only when the wipe unit 82 is at the wipe start position and the wipe end position, but also when the wipe unit 82 is from the wipe start position to the wipe end position. The formation region N is covered from below. Specifically, from the start of ink ejection in the ejection recovery mode shown in FIG. 9C, the wipe unit 82 shown in FIG. 9D is disposed at the wipe start position, and the wipe unit shown in FIG. Until 82 is arranged at the wipe end position, the wipe tray 122 can cover the nozzle formation range from below. That is, when viewed in plan from the state shown in FIG. 9C to the state shown in FIG. 10A, the three nozzle formation ranges N are formed in the side wall portion 122b on the wipe tray 122 on the direction D1 side. Between the upper edge 122d and the upper edge 122e of the side wall 122b opposite to the direction D1.

  Next, the eccentric cams 41 and 42 are rotated in a direction in which the distal ends of the eccentric cams 41 and 42 are lowered, and the transport unit 30 and the maintenance unit 50 are slightly lowered to separate the distal end of the wipe member 118 from the nozzle surface 22a ( FIG. 10B.

  Next, by driving the motor M1 of the maintenance unit 50 and rotating the shaft S1 to the other side (counterclockwise in FIG. 6), the four wipe units 82 are moved in the direction opposite to the direction D1. When each wipe unit 82 reaches above the corresponding cap unit 83, the driving of the motor M1 is stopped (FIG. 10C).

  The series of operations may be ended at the position shown in FIG. 10C, and the operation is ended after the maintenance unit 50 is moved to the image forming mode position shown in FIG. May be. In addition, after the discharge recovery mode is completed, the next cap mode may be executed to cap the nozzle surface 22a of the inkjet head 22.

<Cap mode>
Next, the operation in the cap mode will be described.

  First, from the state shown in FIG. 12A, the eccentric cams 41 and 42 are rotated in a direction in which the tips of the eccentric cams 41 and 42 are lowered, and the transport unit 30 and the maintenance unit 50 are lowered. The position where the lowering operation of the maintenance unit 50 is stopped is higher than that in the discharge recovery mode. That is, the cap unit 83 only needs to be able to move in the direction D1 toward the lower side of the inkjet head 22, so that the upper end of the cap unit 83 reaches below the nozzle surface 22a of the inkjet head 22 as shown in FIG. At this point, the rotation of the eccentric cams 41 and 42 is stopped.

  Next, the motor M2 of the maintenance unit 50 is driven to rotate the shaft S2 to one side (clockwise in FIG. 6), thereby moving the four cap units 83 in the direction D1. When each cap unit 83 reaches a predetermined position below the corresponding inkjet head 22, the driving of the motor M2 is stopped (FIG. 12C). In the state shown in FIG. 12C, each cap unit 83 is not in contact with the nozzle surface 22a, and is disposed with a predetermined gap between the cap surface 83a.

  Next, the eccentric cams 41 and 42 are rotated in a direction in which the tips of the eccentric cams 41 and 42 are lifted upward to slightly raise the transport unit 30 and the maintenance unit 50, and the elastic members 124b of the cap members 124 are moved to the nozzle surface 22a. Contact is made (FIG. 12D). Thereby, the nozzle surface 22 a of each inkjet head 22 is sealed by the cap member 124.

  As described above, in the inkjet recording apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, when the wipe unit moves relative to the wipe end position from the wipe start position, the nozzle formation area is included in the opening area of the opening in a plan view. It is. That is, from the start to the end of wiping the nozzle surface, an opening is positioned below the nozzle formation region so as to cover the nozzle formation region. Therefore, not only when the ink is wiped off by the wipe member and accommodated in the tray through this wipe member, but also when the ink droplets fall downward from the nozzle surface before and after wiping, This ink can be stored in the tray through the opening. Thereby, it can suppress that the inside of an apparatus is contaminated.

  Further, in the present embodiment, in the image forming mode, the wipe unit and the cap unit are retracted in a state where they are arranged side by side in the vertical direction. The device size in the direction can be reduced. Further, since the wipe unit and the cap unit are disposed adjacent to the inkjet head, the distance by which the wipe unit or the cap unit moves to a position facing the nozzle surface of the inkjet head in the discharge recovery mode or the cap mode to be described later. Can be shortened.

  Further, in the present embodiment, a plurality of the ink jet heads are provided, and the wipe unit and the cap unit corresponding to each ink jet head are provided, and each wipe unit and each cap unit are arranged in the vertical direction. Therefore, it is possible to effectively suppress an increase in the apparatus size in the horizontal direction. Further, since the inkjet head and the corresponding wipe unit and the cap unit are alternately arranged along the conveyance direction of the recording medium, each wipe unit or The distance that each cap unit moves to the position facing the nozzle surface of the corresponding inkjet head can be shortened.

  Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications and improvements can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, in the above-described embodiment, a four-color full-color ink jet recording apparatus has been described as an example, but the present invention can also be applied to an ink jet recording apparatus using five or more colors or single color ink.

  In the above embodiment, the case where both the wipe unit and the cap unit are provided has been described as an example, but only the wipe unit may be provided.

  In the above embodiment, the case where the wipe member has a long and flat shape has been described as an example, but the wipe member may have another shape.

  In the embodiment, the case where the wiper unit is provided with a moving unit that moves the wipe unit relative to the inkjet head has been described as an example. However, the moving unit moves the wipe unit relative to the inkjet head. As long as it can be used, the inkjet head may be moved relative to the wipe unit.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Inkjet recording apparatus 2 Casing 5 Paper conveyance path 20 Recording part 22 Inkjet head 22a Nozzle surface 30 Conveyance unit 35 Paper holding mechanism 40 Lifting mechanism 50 Maintenance unit 82 Wipe unit 83 Cap unit 101 Paper storage part 103 Discharge part 118 Wipe member 122 Wipe tray 122c Opening 123 Cap tray 124 Cap members 111-114 Guide rail K Opening area N Nozzle formation area S1, S2 Shaft M1, M2 Motor

Claims (5)

Have a nozzle surface including a nozzle area in which a plurality of nozzles are provided, and the ink jet head the nozzles face having a long shape in the direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of the recording medium,
A transport unit disposed below the inkjet head and capable of moving up and down, and transporting a recording medium;
A tray having an opening capable of receiving ink ejected from the plurality of nozzles, and capable of being disposed opposite to the nozzle surface;
A wipe member supported by the tray and capable of contacting the nozzle surface;
Said tray, said from contacting the wipe start position at one end of the wiping member is the nozzle area to contact with the wipe end position to the other end of the wiping member is the nozzle area, a direction substantially parallel to the nozzle surface Moving means for moving the recording medium relative to the ink jet head in the conveying direction ;
A cap member that is movable independently of the tray, and that is disposed to face the nozzle surface and covers the nozzle surface;
The tray and the cap member are supported by the transport unit, and when the mode is changed between an image forming mode in which an image is formed on the recording medium and a discharge recovery mode in which ink is forcibly discharged from the nozzle, the transport unit It is configured to move up and down with the lifting and lowering of
The opening has an opening area that includes the nozzle formation area in a plan view when the tray moves relative to the wipe end position from the wipe start position;
When the transport unit is raised and lowered during the mode change, the wipe member, the tray supporting the wipe member, and the cap member are integrally raised and lowered with the cap member disposed below the tray. There,
In the ejection recovery mode, when the transport unit is moved up and down so that the wipe member corresponds to the height position of the nozzle surface, and the cap member covers the nozzle surface, the cap member is at the height of the nozzle surface. The transport unit is raised and lowered to correspond to the position,
In the discharge recovery mode, the wipe member and the tray move in the conveyance direction of the recording medium independently of the cap member, and the wipe member wipes the nozzle surface by the movement in the conveyance direction. Because
When the tray receives the ink ejected from the plurality of nozzles and when the tray moves relative to the wipe end position from the wipe start position, the tray faces the lower surface of the nozzle surface. an ink jet recording apparatus wherein the cap member while being positioned is located at a position lower than the tray. 2. In the image forming mode, the tray that supports the wipe member and the cap member each have a retracted position that is adjacent to the inkjet head and arranged side by side in the vertical direction. The ink jet recording apparatus described. A plurality of the inkjet heads, the tray corresponding to each inkjet head, the wipe member and the cap member are respectively provided;
The inkjet according to claim 2, wherein in the image forming mode, the tray and the cap member arranged side by side in the vertical direction and the inkjet head are alternately arranged along a conveyance direction of the recording medium. Recording device.   The tray further includes a bottom plate portion for storing ink wiped off by the wipe member while moving relative to the inkjet head from the wipe start position to the wipe end position, and starting the wipe. The ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein ink droplets that fall from the nozzle surface are stored at the position and the wipe end position.   The ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an ink guide piece that is provided below the wipe member and guides the ink that has moved downward through the wipe member to the tray.

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