WO2013150977A1 - Cleaning method, cleaning device and ink jet recording device - Google Patents

Cleaning method, cleaning device and ink jet recording device Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2013150977A1
WO2013150977A1 PCT/JP2013/059568 JP2013059568W WO2013150977A1 WO 2013150977 A1 WO2013150977 A1 WO 2013150977A1 JP 2013059568 W JP2013059568 W JP 2013059568W WO 2013150977 A1 WO2013150977 A1 WO 2013150977A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
cleaning liquid
cleaning
nozzle
head
storage tank
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/JP2013/059568
Other languages
French (fr)
Japanese (ja)
Inventor
大西　勝
Original Assignee
株式会社ミマキエンジニアリング
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Publication date
Application filed by 株式会社ミマキエンジニアリング filed Critical 株式会社ミマキエンジニアリング
Publication of WO2013150977A1 publication Critical patent/WO2013150977A1/en

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    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
    • B41J2/00—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
    • B41J2/005—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
    • B41J2/01—Ink jet
    • B41J2/135—Nozzles
    • B41J2/165—Prevention or detection of nozzle clogging, e.g. cleaning, capping or moistening for nozzles
    • B41J2/16517—Cleaning of print head nozzles
    • B41J2/16552—Cleaning of print head nozzles using cleaning fluids

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a head cleaning method, a cleaning apparatus, and an ink jet recording apparatus that discharge liquid such as ink.
  • Patent Document 1 describes an inkjet head cleaning device for cleaning the nozzle surface of an inkjet head. This apparatus injects the cleaning liquid onto the nozzle surface from the parent nozzle blade and the child nozzle blade in which the cleaning liquid injection hole is formed.
  • Patent Document 1 performs cleaning by retracting a head during printing to a maintenance station and spraying a cleaning liquid.
  • the cleaning liquid may not enter the nozzle and the nozzle may not be sufficiently cleaned.
  • the present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a head cleaning method or the like having a higher nozzle cleaning effect.
  • the cleaning method according to the present invention is a method for cleaning a head that discharges liquid from a nozzle, and includes a dipping step of immersing the surface of the head provided with the nozzle in a cleaning liquid, and the surface immersed in the cleaning liquid.
  • the cleaning device is a cleaning device for a head that discharges liquid from a nozzle, and a cleaning liquid storage tank that stores a cleaning liquid for immersing the surface of the head provided with the nozzle, and the nozzle Vibration control means for controlling the vibration to apply vibration to the pressure chamber in a state where the surface is immersed in the cleaning liquid. It is a feature.
  • the pressure chamber With the nozzle immersed in the cleaning liquid, the pressure chamber is vibrated and the liquid is discharged from the pressure chamber through the nozzle, so that air accumulated in the nozzle is pushed out of the nozzle, and the nozzle is in the cleaning liquid and the head. Filled with fresh liquid. Further, since the pressure applied to the liquid in the nozzle is increased and decreased by vibration, the cleaning liquid reciprocates in the nozzle. As a result, foreign matter in the nozzle and ink with increased viscosity can be discharged. Therefore, the cleaning effect of the nozzle becomes higher.
  • the supply pressure is raised by the supply pressure control means for controlling the supply pressure of the liquid supplied to the head before or while the surface is immersed in the cleaning liquid. More preferably, it includes a pressure raising step.
  • the pressure inside the head during printing is kept at a slightly negative pressure rather than atmospheric pressure.
  • the cleaning liquid does not enter the inside of the head from the nozzle during cleaning. Therefore, by increasing the supply pressure of the liquid supplied to the head by the supply pressure control means, it is possible to prevent the cleaning liquid from entering the nozzle. Further, if the supply pressure is increased to such an extent that liquid is oozed out from the nozzle before the nozzle is immersed in the cleaning liquid, the air in the nozzle can be immersed in the cleaning liquid in a state where the air is discharged by the liquid. Thereby, since it will be in the state where the washing
  • the cleaning method according to the present invention includes a jetting step of jetting the cleaning liquid in a state where the surface is immersed in the cleaning liquid by jet means for jetting the cleaning liquid toward the surface.
  • the cleaning effect can be further enhanced by spraying the cleaning liquid by the jetting means in the direction opposite to the direction in which the liquid is discharged from the nozzle, that is, toward the surface where the nozzle is provided. At this time, it is more preferable to perform vibration by the vibration means. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the liquid from being discharged from the nozzle and the cleaning liquid from entering the upstream of the nozzle more than necessary.
  • the cleaning liquid discharging unit that discharges the cleaning liquid from the cleaning liquid storage tank that stores the cleaning liquid. It is more preferable to include a cleaning liquid replacement step of supplying the cleaning liquid to the cleaning liquid storage tank by a cleaning liquid supply unit that supplies a cleaning liquid to the cleaning liquid storage tank.
  • the cleaning liquid discharging means for discharging the cleaning liquid from the cleaning liquid storage tank, the cleaning liquid supply means for supplying a new cleaning liquid to the cleaning liquid storage tank, and the cleaning of the head are performed a predetermined number of times. Thereafter, the cleaning liquid discharging means and the cleaning liquid supply means are controlled so that at least a part of the cleaning liquid is discharged by the cleaning liquid discharging means and a new cleaning liquid is supplied to the cleaning liquid storage tank by the cleaning liquid supply means. And a cleaning liquid exchange control means.
  • the cleaning liquid When the cleaning liquid is used a plurality of times, the cleaning liquid may become dirty and the cleaning effect may be reduced. However, by replacing the cleaning liquid, a high cleaning effect can be maintained.
  • the cleaning liquid supply means further includes a cleaning liquid surface height adjusting means for maintaining the height of the surface of the cleaning liquid in the cleaning liquid storage tank at a predetermined height.
  • an ink jet recording apparatus comprises the cleaning apparatus according to the present invention, a wiping means for wiping off deposits on the surface provided with the nozzle, and a capping means for covering and protecting the surface. It is characterized by providing.
  • the cleaning device according to the present invention Since the cleaning device according to the present invention is provided, the nozzle can be cleaned with a higher cleaning effect. Further, the head can be more efficiently cleaned by wiping and capping.
  • the nozzle can be cleaned with a higher cleaning effect.
  • FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a cleaning device 20 which is an embodiment of a cleaning device according to the present invention.
  • FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the inkjet recording apparatus 1 including the cleaning device 20.
  • the cleaning device 20 is for cleaning the head 10. First, the configuration of the head 10 will be described.
  • the head 10 includes a pressure chamber 11, a nozzle 12, a vibration element (vibration means) 13, and an ink supply chamber 15.
  • the pressure chamber 11 is in the head 10 and communicates with a nozzle 12 that ejects ink.
  • the nozzle 12 is a hole for ejecting ink.
  • vibration is applied to the pressure chamber 11 by the vibration element 13
  • the pressure applied to the ink in the pressure chamber 11 rises and falls, thereby ejecting ink in droplets.
  • the vibrating element 13 is for ejecting ink from the nozzle 12 by vibrating.
  • nozzle surface When cleaning the surface of the head on which the nozzle is provided (hereinafter referred to as “nozzle surface” for convenience of description), the vibration element 13 applies vibration to the pressure chamber 11 to eject ink from the nozzle 12. Flushing is performed.
  • ink is ejected to the medium 100 shown in FIG.
  • an ink supply pipe is connected to the head 10, and a supply pressure adjusting unit 14 that adjusts the supply pressure of ink supplied to the head 10 is provided in the supply pipe.
  • the supply pressure by the supply pressure adjusting unit 14 is controlled by a supply pressure control unit 31 described later.
  • the ink supply chamber 15 is an ink supplied from the outside for storing the ink supplied to the pressure chamber 11.
  • the supply pressure of the ink to the ink supply chamber 15 is adjusted by the supply pressure adjusting unit 14.
  • the cleaning device 20 includes a cleaning liquid storage tank 21, an ultrasonic oscillator (jet unit) 22, a cleaning liquid supply unit (cleaning liquid supply unit) 23, a cleaning liquid discharge unit (cleaning liquid discharge unit) 26, a circulation pump 27, and a control unit 30. Yes.
  • the cleaning liquid storage tank 21 is a tank for storing a cleaning liquid for immersing the nozzle surface. When cleaning the nozzle surface, the nozzle surface is immersed in the cleaning liquid stored in the cleaning liquid storage tank 21.
  • the ultrasonic oscillating device 22 corresponds to a jet means provided in the cleaning device according to the present invention, and is for jetting a cleaning liquid toward the nozzle surface by ultrasonic waves. Thereby, a cleaning effect can be made higher. It is more preferable to perform flushing while jetting the cleaning liquid with ultrasonic waves. As a result, it is possible to prevent ink from being ejected from the nozzle and the cleaning liquid from entering the upstream of the nozzle more than necessary.
  • the jet means provided in the cleaning device according to the present invention is not limited to the one that generates jets by ultrasonic waves, and may be constituted by a liquid pumping device such as a pump, for example.
  • the cleaning liquid supply unit 23 is for supplying a new cleaning liquid to the cleaning liquid storage tank 21.
  • the cleaning liquid supply unit 23 includes a preliminary cleaning liquid tank 24 and a cleaning liquid surface level adjustment tank (cleaning liquid surface height adjusting means) 25.
  • the preliminary cleaning liquid tank 24 is a container for storing a new cleaning liquid to be supplied to the cleaning liquid storage tank 21.
  • the cleaning liquid surface level adjustment tank 25 is a tank for keeping the height of the surface of the cleaning liquid in the cleaning liquid storage tank 21 at a predetermined height.
  • the cleaning liquid surface level adjustment tank 25 is connected to the cleaning liquid storage tank 21 by a pipe.
  • the cleaning liquid storage tank 21 and the cleaning liquid surface level adjustment tank 25 have the same height of the surface of the cleaning liquid therein. Therefore, by adjusting the height of the surface of the cleaning liquid in the cleaning liquid surface level adjustment tank 25 and adjusting the height of the surface of the cleaning liquid in the cleaning liquid storage tank 21, it can be maintained at a predetermined height.
  • the “predetermined height” may be an arbitrary height set by the user or a height necessary for immersing the nozzle surface determined by the control unit. By adjusting the height of the surface of the cleaning liquid in the cleaning liquid storage tank 21, the cleaning liquid can be prevented from entering the head 10 more than necessary.
  • the cleaning liquid surface height adjusting means provided in the cleaning apparatus according to the present invention is not limited to means for adjusting the water level like the cleaning liquid surface level adjusting tank 25.
  • the cleaning liquid surface height adjusting means is an electronic device using a flow sensor, a water level sensor or the like. It may be a means for adjusting the height of the surface of the cleaning liquid by control.
  • the cleaning liquid discharge unit 26 is for discharging the cleaning liquid from the cleaning liquid storage tank 21.
  • it is constituted by a valve, and the cleaning liquid in the cleaning liquid storage tank 21 is discharged by opening the valve.
  • the cleaning liquid supply unit 23 and the cleaning liquid discharge unit 26 discharge at least a part of the cleaning liquid and supply a new cleaning liquid, thereby cleaning the cleaning liquid in the cleaning liquid storage tank 21.
  • the use of the cleaning liquid a plurality of times may contaminate the cleaning liquid and reduce the cleaning effect.
  • the high cleaning effect can be maintained by replacing the cleaning liquid.
  • the circulation pump 27 circulates the cleaning liquid in the cleaning liquid storage tank 21. Since the cleaning liquid is jetted toward the nozzle surface by the ultrasonic oscillator 22, it is necessary to supply the cleaning liquid to the lower side of the ultrasonic oscillator 22. Therefore, the cleaning liquid is circulated by the circulation pump 27 so that the cleaning liquid is drawn from a location away from the ultrasonic oscillator 22 and supplied to the lower side of the ultrasonic oscillator 22. It may be said that the circulation pump 27 constitutes a part of jet means provided in the cleaning device according to the present invention.
  • the control unit 30 is for controlling each part of the head 10 and the cleaning device 20 when cleaning the head including the nozzle surface.
  • the control unit 30 includes a supply pressure control unit (supply pressure control unit) 31, a vibration control unit (vibration control unit) 32, a jet flow control unit (jet flow control unit) 33, and a cleaning liquid exchange control unit (cleaning liquid exchange control unit) 34. ing.
  • the supply pressure control unit 31 is for controlling the supply pressure of ink supplied to the head 10. Specifically, the supply pressure of the ink supplied to the head 10 is controlled by adjusting the supply pressure adjusting unit 14.
  • the supply pressure control unit 31 increases the supply pressure before or while the nozzle surface is immersed in the cleaning liquid.
  • the ink internal pressure in the head during printing is kept at a slightly negative pressure rather than atmospheric pressure.
  • the cleaning liquid does not enter the inside of the head 10 from the nozzle during cleaning. Therefore, by increasing the supply pressure of the ink supplied to the head 10 by the supply pressure control unit 31, it is possible to prevent the cleaning liquid from entering the nozzle 12. Further, if the supply pressure is increased to such an extent that ink is oozed out from the nozzle 12 before the nozzle 12 is immersed in the cleaning liquid, the air in the nozzle 12 can be immersed in the cleaning liquid in a state where the air is discharged by the ink. Thereby, since it will be in the state where the washing
  • the supply pressure control unit 31 When the supply pressure is increased before the nozzle surface is immersed in the cleaning liquid, the supply pressure control unit 31 separately receives an instruction to start cleaning by user input or the like and before the nozzle surface is immersed in the cleaning liquid. Control to increase supply pressure. For example, the supply pressure control unit 31 or another control unit controls whether or not the nozzle surface is immersed in the cleaning liquid, and the supply pressure control unit 31 increases the supply pressure before performing control so that the nozzle surface is immersed. You may control.
  • the supply pressure control unit 31 when the supply pressure control unit 31 increases the supply pressure in a state where the nozzle surface is immersed in the cleaning liquid, the supply pressure control unit 31 recognizes whether the nozzle surface is immersed in the cleaning liquid and supplies the supply pressure. Whether the pressure is increased may be controlled, and the nozzle surface is immersed in the cleaning liquid from a mechanism for adjusting the height of the head 10, a mechanism for adjusting the height of the cleaning liquid storage tank 21, or a control unit thereof. It may be controlled to increase the supply pressure after receiving a signal indicating that the operation has been performed. When the supply pressure control unit 31 recognizes whether or not the nozzle surface is immersed in the cleaning liquid and controls whether or not to increase the supply pressure, whether or not the nozzle surface is immersed in the cleaning liquid.
  • the recognition may be performed by detecting that the nozzle surface has come into contact with the cleaning liquid using a separately provided sensor or the like.
  • the mechanism for adjusting the height of the head 10 and / or the height of the cleaning liquid storage tank 21 may be adjusted.
  • the information indicating the height of the head 10 and / or the cleaning liquid storage tank 21 may be received from the mechanism that performs the processing.
  • the supply pressure control unit 31 will be described as the purpose of controlling the supply pressure adjusting unit 14 when the head 10 is cleaned.
  • the supply pressure adjusting unit 14 needs to be operated to supply ink to the head 10 when printing is performed by ejecting ink onto the medium 100 shown in FIG.
  • Control of the supply pressure adjusting unit 14 at the time of printing may be performed by the supply pressure control unit 31 or may be performed by a control unit of the supply pressure adjusting unit 14 provided in the inkjet recording apparatus 1 separately.
  • the vibration control unit 32 controls the vibration element 13.
  • the vibration control unit 32 controls the vibration element 13 so as to apply vibration to the pressure chamber 11 while the nozzle surface is immersed in the cleaning liquid.
  • the pressure chamber 11 is vibrated and the liquid is discharged from the pressure chamber 11 through the nozzle 12, whereby the air accumulated in the nozzle 12 is pushed out of the nozzle 12, and the nozzle 12 Is filled with cleaning liquid and ink.
  • the cleaning liquid reciprocates in the nozzle 12. That is, by performing flushing, foreign matter in the nozzle 12 and ink with increased viscosity can be discharged. Therefore, the cleaning effect of the nozzle 12 becomes higher.
  • the vibration control unit 32 may recognize the same as the supply pressure control unit 31, for example, from another control unit or the like. You may receive and recognize the signal which shows that the nozzle surface was immersed in the washing
  • the vibration control unit 32 will be described as the purpose of controlling the vibration element 13 when the head 10 is cleaned.
  • the vibration element 13 needs to vibrate when printing is performed by discharging ink to the medium 100 shown in FIG.
  • Vibration control during printing may be performed by the vibration control unit 32 or may be performed by a vibration element control unit provided in the inkjet recording apparatus 1 separately.
  • the jet flow control unit 33 controls the jet of cleaning liquid by the ultrasonic oscillator 22.
  • the jet control unit 33 controls the ultrasonic oscillator 22 so that the cleaning liquid is jetted toward the nozzle surface while the nozzle surface is immersed in the cleaning liquid.
  • the cleaning effect can be further enhanced.
  • the cleaning effect is improved by the cleaning liquid reciprocating the nozzle 12 due to the pressure fluctuation of the pressure chamber 11.
  • the jet flow control unit 33 may recognize, for example, in the same manner as the supply pressure control unit 31 or the vibration control unit 32.
  • a signal indicating that the nozzle surface is immersed in the cleaning liquid may be received and recognized from the control unit or the like. Then, for example, immediately after the nozzle surface is immersed in the cleaning liquid, or at the same time as the flushing starts, the ultrasonic oscillation device 22 starts to vibrate in accordance with a predetermined timing input in advance.
  • the cleaning liquid replacement control unit 34 controls the cleaning liquid supply unit 23 and the cleaning liquid discharge unit 26. Specifically, after cleaning the head 10 a predetermined number of times, the cleaning liquid replacement control unit 34 discharges at least a part of the cleaning liquid by the cleaning liquid discharge unit 26, and supplies the cleaning liquid storage tank 21 by the cleaning liquid supply unit 23. The cleaning liquid supply unit 23 and the cleaning liquid discharge unit 26 are controlled so as to supply a new cleaning liquid.
  • the cleaning liquid replacement control unit 34 recognizes that the head 10 has been cleaned a predetermined number of times and replaces the cleaning liquid. How the cleaning liquid replacement control unit 34 counts the number of cleanings can be set as appropriate. For example, the time from when the head 10 is immersed in the cleaning liquid to when the head 10 comes out of the cleaning liquid may be counted as one time, and the time from when the user inputs an instruction to start cleaning to when the user inputs an instruction to end cleaning It may be counted, or it may be counted as one time from when the user inputs an instruction to start cleaning until the completion of all the preset steps. The use of the cleaning liquid a plurality of times may contaminate the cleaning liquid and reduce the cleaning effect. However, the high cleaning effect can be maintained by replacing the cleaning liquid.
  • the cleaning device 20 may further include a wiper that wipes the nozzle surface. After cleaning with the cleaning liquid, the nozzle surface is wet. If it moves on the medium 100 in a wet state, the cleaning liquid drips on the medium 100. If the wiper for wiping the nozzle surface to remove the cleaning liquid from the nozzle surface is provided, it is possible to prevent the cleaning liquid from contaminating the medium 100.
  • the ink jet recording apparatus 1 includes a head 10, a cleaning device 20, a maintenance station 40, and a guide mechanism 50.
  • the ink jet recording apparatus 1 is for performing printing by ejecting ink onto the medium 100.
  • the head 10 scans on the medium 100 by reciprocating along the arrow X direction which is the direction defined by the guide mechanism 50.
  • the maintenance station 40 is a mechanism for performing maintenance of the head 10, and includes a wiper (wiping means) and a lid (capping means). Specifically, operations such as flushing, capping, wiping, and purging are performed at the maintenance station 40. For example, these operations are performed when cleaning the slightly contaminated head 10 that does not require cleaning with a cleaning liquid.
  • the flushing is an operation of cleaning the nozzle 12 by ejecting ink that has been thickened by ejecting ink by vibrating the vibration element 13. To do this, it is more preferable to provide a container for receiving ink by flushing under the nozzle surface.
  • the capping is to cover the nozzle surface of the head 10 so that the ink near the nozzle 12 does not harden when printing is not performed. Therefore, it is more preferable that the maintenance station 40 includes a lid of the head 10. Further, it is more preferable to provide a suction function for suctioning the nozzle surface by setting the inside of the lid to a negative pressure.
  • Wiping is an operation of wiping off ink (adhered matter) adhering to the nozzle surface with a wiper. Therefore, it is more preferable that the maintenance station 40 includes a wiper.
  • Purging is an operation of cleaning the nozzle 12 by ejecting ink from the nozzle 12 by increasing the supply pressure when supplying ink to the head 10 without using the vibration element 13. Purge is suitably performed by raising the supply pressure to, for example, atmospheric pressure or higher. Therefore, it is more preferable that the maintenance station 40 includes a container that collects the ink coming out of the nozzles 12 by purging.
  • the guide mechanism 50 is a mechanism for defining the direction in which the head 10 moves.
  • the head 10 is attached to the guide mechanism 50 so as to be movable in a direction defined by the guide mechanism 50 (arrow X direction).
  • the cleaning device 20 is provided under one end of the guide mechanism 50, and the maintenance station 40 is provided at the other end. After performing printing to some extent, the head 10 moves to the maintenance station 40 and receives maintenance such as flushing, wiping, and purging. Further, when printing is not performed, the head 10 is protected by capping. When the nozzle surface is further contaminated by performing more printing, the nozzle moves to the cleaning device 20 and is cleaned.
  • the cleaning device 20 and the maintenance station 40 at both ends of the guide mechanism 50, space can be used effectively. That is, if both the cleaning device 20 and the maintenance station 40 are provided at one end, the structure on the end side of the inkjet recording apparatus 1 becomes too large. Also, the space at the other end is wasted. By providing the cleaning device 20 using the space that should be wasted, the device can be further space-saving.
  • control unit 30 receives a cleaning start instruction.
  • This instruction may be input by the user, for example, or may be automatically started after printing a predetermined amount.
  • control unit 30 sends an instruction to move the head 10 over the cleaning device 20 to the control unit that controls the movement of the head 10.
  • the head 10 moves onto the cleaning device 20.
  • the supply pressure control unit 31 determines whether to increase the supply pressure before the nozzle surface is immersed in the cleaning liquid. This determination is based on, for example, a setting by the user.
  • the supply pressure control unit 31 controls the supply pressure adjustment unit 14 to increase the ink supply pressure (supply pressure increasing step). If the nozzle surface is set to increase the supply pressure before immersing it in the cleaning liquid, then it is not set to increase the supply pressure after increasing the supply pressure before the nozzle surface is immersed in the cleaning liquid.
  • the supply pressure control unit 31 does not control the supply pressure adjustment unit 14 and proceeds to the dipping process.
  • the nozzle surface is immersed in the cleaning liquid. Specifically, the position of the head 10 is lowered and moved to the cleaning liquid in the cleaning liquid storage tank 21, or the cleaning liquid storage tank 21 is raised to a position higher than the position where the cleaning liquid covers the nozzle surface. Both the head 10 and the cleaning liquid storage tank 21 may be moved.
  • Whether the nozzle surface is immersed in the cleaning liquid may be recognized by detecting that the nozzle surface is in contact with the cleaning liquid by a separately provided sensor or the like as described above.
  • Information indicating the height of the head 10 and / or the cleaning liquid storage tank 21 may be received and recognized from a mechanism for adjusting and / or a mechanism for adjusting the height of the cleaning liquid storage tank 21, another control unit, or the like.
  • a signal indicating that the nozzle surface is immersed in the cleaning liquid may be received and recognized.
  • the vibration element 13 applies vibration to the pressure chamber 11 to discharge ink from the nozzle 12 and start flushing (vibration process).
  • the air accumulated in the nozzle is pushed out of the nozzle by the vibration process, and the nozzle is filled with the cleaning liquid and the liquid in the head. Further, the cleaning liquid reciprocates in the nozzle, so that foreign matter in the nozzle and ink with increased viscosity can be discharged.
  • the supply pressure control unit 31 controls the supply pressure adjusting unit 14 to increase the supply pressure in a state where the nozzle surface is immersed in the cleaning liquid (supply pressure increasing step).
  • the supply pressure increasing step for increasing the supply pressure while the nozzle surface is immersed in the cleaning liquid may be performed before the above vibration step is started, and the supply pressure increasing step is started simultaneously with the start of the vibration step.
  • the supply pressure raising step may be started after the vibration step is started.
  • the supply pressure raising step may be performed before, after, or at any timing while performing the jet step described later.
  • the increase in the supply pressure in the supply pressure increase process may be as long as ink is ejected from the nozzle 12, and more preferably a small amount of ink oozes out.
  • the jet flow control unit 33 controls the ultrasonic oscillator 22 to jet the cleaning liquid toward the nozzle surface in a state where the nozzle surface is immersed in the cleaning liquid (jet process).
  • the jet process may be performed before the vibration process is started, the jet process may be started simultaneously with the start of the vibration process, or the jet process may be started after the vibration process is started.
  • it may be performed after the vibration process is completed, it is more preferable to perform the jet process while performing the vibration process, that is, performing the flushing. This is because the cleaning liquid can be prevented from entering the nozzle 12 more than necessary.
  • the jet flow process may be performed before, after, or at any timing while performing the jet flow process.
  • control unit 30 receives a signal indicating the end of cleaning of the head 10 and terminates the supply pressure increasing process, the vibration process, and the jet process in the supply pressure control unit 31, the vibration control unit 32, and the jet flow control unit 33, respectively.
  • a signal indicating the end of cleaning of the head 10 may be set as appropriate. For example, it may be a signal indicating that at least one of the vibration process, the supply pressure increasing process and the jet flow process has been performed for a predetermined time, or a signal indicating an instruction to end the cleaning input by the user. Good.
  • the cleaning liquid replacement control unit 34 recognizes the number of cleanings performed after the previous cleaning liquid replacement process from the signal indicating the start and the end of cleaning of the head 10. If the cleaning liquid replacement process has not been performed in the past, the cleaning device 20 performs the cleaning for the first time and then recognizes the number of cleanings performed so far.
  • the cleaning liquid replacement control unit 34 performs the cleaning liquid replacement process after the recognized number of cleanings reaches a predetermined number. That is, the cleaning liquid replacement control unit 34 discharges at least a part of the cleaning liquid from the cleaning liquid storage tank 21 by the cleaning liquid discharge section 26 and supplies the new cleaning liquid to the cleaning liquid storage tank 21 by the cleaning liquid supply section 23.
  • the discharge unit 26 and the cleaning liquid supply unit 23 are controlled. By keeping the cleaning liquid fresher, the head 10 can be cleaned with a high cleaning effect over a long period of time.
  • one embodiment of the cleaning method according to the present invention is a method for cleaning the head 10 that ejects ink from the nozzles 12, in which the nozzle surface is immersed in the cleaning liquid, and the nozzle surface is immersed in the cleaning liquid. And a vibration step of ejecting ink from the nozzles 12 by applying vibration to the pressure chamber 11 by the vibration element 13.
  • the cleaning device 20 is a cleaning device for the head 10 that ejects ink from the nozzles 12.
  • the cleaning device 20 includes a cleaning liquid storage tank 21 that stores cleaning liquid for immersing the nozzle surface, and the vibration element 13. And a vibration control unit 32 that controls the pressure chamber 11 to vibrate when immersed.
  • the pressure chamber 11 is vibrated, the ink is discharged from the pressure chamber 11 through the nozzle 12 and flushed, whereby the air accumulated in the nozzle 12 is pushed out from the nozzle 12.
  • the nozzle 12 is filled with the cleaning liquid and the ink in the head 10. Further, since the pressure applied to the ink in the nozzle 12 is increased and decreased by the vibration, the cleaning liquid reciprocates in the nozzle 12. As a result, foreign matter in the nozzle 12 and ink with increased viscosity can be discharged. Therefore, the cleaning effect of the nozzle 12 becomes higher.
  • the supply pressure is controlled before or after the nozzle surface is immersed in the cleaning liquid by the supply pressure control unit 31 that controls the supply pressure of the ink supplied to the head 10.
  • a supply pressure increasing step of increasing the pressure is controlled before or after the nozzle surface is immersed in the cleaning liquid.
  • the pressure in the head 10 during printing is kept at a slightly negative pressure rather than atmospheric pressure.
  • the cleaning liquid does not enter the inside of the head 10 from the nozzle during cleaning. Therefore, by increasing the supply pressure of the ink supplied to the head 10 by the supply pressure control unit 31, it is possible to prevent the cleaning liquid from entering the nozzle 12. Further, if the supply pressure is increased to such an extent that ink is oozed out from the nozzle 12 before the nozzle 12 is immersed in the cleaning liquid, the air in the nozzle 12 can be immersed in the cleaning liquid in a state where the air is discharged by the ink. Thereby, since it will be in the state where the washing
  • An embodiment of the cleaning method according to the present invention includes a jetting step of jetting the cleaning liquid while the nozzle surface is immersed in the cleaning liquid by the ultrasonic oscillator 22 that jets the cleaning liquid toward the nozzle surface.
  • the cleaning effect can be further enhanced by spraying the cleaning liquid in the direction opposite to the direction in which ink is ejected from the nozzle 12, that is, toward the nozzle surface by the ultrasonic oscillator 22. At this time, it is more preferable to perform vibration by the vibration element 13 together. As a result, it is possible to prevent ink from being ejected from the nozzles and the cleaning liquid from entering the upstream of the nozzles 12 more than necessary.
  • the cleaning liquid discharge unit 26 that discharges the cleaning liquid from the cleaning liquid storage tank 21 that stores the cleaning liquid.
  • a cleaning liquid replacement step of supplying the cleaning liquid to the cleaning liquid storage tank 21 by the cleaning liquid supply unit 23 that supplies a new cleaning liquid to the cleaning liquid storage tank 21 is included.
  • the cleaning liquid discharge unit 26 that discharges the cleaning liquid from the cleaning liquid storage tank 21, the cleaning liquid supply unit 23 that supplies a new cleaning liquid to the cleaning liquid storage tank 21, and the head 10 are cleaned a predetermined number of times.
  • the cleaning liquid is controlled by the cleaning liquid discharge unit 26 and the cleaning liquid supply unit 23 such that at least a part of the cleaning liquid is discharged by the cleaning liquid discharge unit 26 and a new cleaning liquid is supplied to the cleaning liquid storage tank 21 by the cleaning liquid supply unit 23.
  • An exchange control unit 34 is provided to control the cleaning liquid storage tank 21.
  • the cleaning liquid When the cleaning liquid is used a plurality of times, the cleaning liquid may become dirty and the cleaning effect may be reduced. However, by replacing the cleaning liquid, a high cleaning effect can be maintained.
  • the cleaning liquid supply unit 23 further includes a cleaning liquid surface level adjustment tank 25 that adjusts the height of the surface of the cleaning liquid in the cleaning liquid storage tank 21.
  • the ink jet recording apparatus 1 includes a cleaning device 20, a wiper for wiping off deposits on the nozzle surface, and a lid for covering and protecting the nozzle surface.
  • the cleaning device 20 Since the cleaning device 20 is provided, the nozzle 12 can be cleaned with a higher cleaning effect. Further, the head 10 can be more efficiently cleaned by wiping and capping.
  • the present invention can be used for an ink jet printing apparatus.

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Abstract

In order to solve the problem of providing a head cleaning method etc. having a better nozzle cleaning effect, this cleaning method includes: an immersion step in which a surface on which nozzles disposed on a head are immersed in a cleaning solution; and a vibration step in which, with the abovementioned surface immersed in the cleaning solution, the solution is discharged from the nozzles using a vibration means, which applies vibrations to a pressure chamber inside the head that communicates with the nozzles, to apply vibrations to the pressure chamber.

Description

洗浄方法、洗浄装置及びインクジェット記録装置Cleaning method, cleaning apparatus, and ink jet recording apparatus
　本発明は、例えばインク等の液体を吐出するヘッドの洗浄方法、洗浄装置及びインクジェット記録装置に関する。 The present invention relates to a head cleaning method, a cleaning apparatus, and an ink jet recording apparatus that discharge liquid such as ink.
　特許文献１にはインクジェットヘッドのノズル面を洗浄するためのインクジェットヘッド洗浄装置が記載されている。この装置は、洗浄液の噴射孔が形成された親ノズル翼及び子ノズル翼から洗浄液をノズル面に対して噴射する。 Patent Document 1 describes an inkjet head cleaning device for cleaning the nozzle surface of an inkjet head. This apparatus injects the cleaning liquid onto the nozzle surface from the parent nozzle blade and the child nozzle blade in which the cleaning liquid injection hole is formed.
特開２０１１－５１２８１号公報（２０１１年３月１７日公開）JP 2011-51281 A (published March 17, 2011)
　高粘度となったインクや塵埃がインクジェットプリンタのヘッドに付着することにより、ヘッドからのインク吐出性能が悪化する。このような汚れによって、ヘッドのノズルが詰まり、不吐出ノズルとなることがある。このようなヘッドを清掃する方法として特許文献１に記載の装置を用いることが考えられる。 高 When ink or dust with high viscosity adheres to the head of an inkjet printer, the ink ejection performance from the head deteriorates. Such dirt may clog the nozzles of the head, resulting in non-ejection nozzles. It is conceivable to use the apparatus described in Patent Document 1 as a method for cleaning such a head.
　特許文献１に記載の装置は、印刷中のヘッドをメンテナンスステーションに退避させて洗浄液を吹き付けることにより洗浄を行なうものである。 The apparatus described in Patent Document 1 performs cleaning by retracting a head during printing to a maintenance station and spraying a cleaning liquid.
　しかし、メニスカスが形成されたヘッドに洗浄液を噴射しても、ノズル内に空気が残っていると、ノズル内に洗浄液が浸入せず、ノズルの洗浄を十分に行なえないという場合がある。 However, even if the cleaning liquid is sprayed onto the head on which the meniscus is formed, if air remains in the nozzle, the cleaning liquid may not enter the nozzle and the nozzle may not be sufficiently cleaned.
　本発明はこのような事情に鑑みて成されたものであり、その目的は、ノズルの洗浄効果がより高いヘッドの洗浄方法等を提供することにある。 The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a head cleaning method or the like having a higher nozzle cleaning effect.
　本発明に係る洗浄方法は、ノズルから液体を吐出するヘッドの洗浄方法であって、上記ヘッドの上記ノズルが設けられた面を洗浄液に浸漬する浸漬工程と、上記面が上記洗浄液に浸漬している状態で、ノズルに連通する、上記ヘッド内の圧力室に振動を与える振動手段によって、上記圧力室に振動を与えることによって、上記ノズルから上記液体を吐出する振動工程と、を含むことを特徴としている。 The cleaning method according to the present invention is a method for cleaning a head that discharges liquid from a nozzle, and includes a dipping step of immersing the surface of the head provided with the nozzle in a cleaning liquid, and the surface immersed in the cleaning liquid. A vibration step of ejecting the liquid from the nozzle by applying vibration to the pressure chamber by a vibration means that vibrates the pressure chamber in the head in communication with the nozzle. It is said.
　また、本発明に係る洗浄装置は、ノズルから液体を吐出するヘッドの洗浄装置であって、上記ヘッドの上記ノズルが設けられた面を浸漬するための洗浄液を貯留する洗浄液貯留槽と、上記ノズルに連通するヘッド内の圧力室に振動を与える振動手段を、上記面が上記洗浄液に浸漬している状態で、上記圧力室に振動を与えるように制御する、振動制御手段と、を備えることを特徴としている。 The cleaning device according to the present invention is a cleaning device for a head that discharges liquid from a nozzle, and a cleaning liquid storage tank that stores a cleaning liquid for immersing the surface of the head provided with the nozzle, and the nozzle Vibration control means for controlling the vibration to apply vibration to the pressure chamber in a state where the surface is immersed in the cleaning liquid. It is a feature.
　ノズルを洗浄液に浸した状態で、圧力室に振動を与えて、圧力室からノズルを介して液体を出すことによって、ノズルに溜まっている空気がノズルから押し出され、ノズルは洗浄液とヘッド内にあった液体とで満たされる。また、振動によってノズル内の液体に加わる圧力が上下するので、ノズル内を洗浄液が往復運動する。これにより、ノズル内の異物や高粘度化したインクを排出することができる。よって、ノズルの洗浄効果がより高くなる。 With the nozzle immersed in the cleaning liquid, the pressure chamber is vibrated and the liquid is discharged from the pressure chamber through the nozzle, so that air accumulated in the nozzle is pushed out of the nozzle, and the nozzle is in the cleaning liquid and the head. Filled with fresh liquid. Further, since the pressure applied to the liquid in the nozzle is increased and decreased by vibration, the cleaning liquid reciprocates in the nozzle. As a result, foreign matter in the nozzle and ink with increased viscosity can be discharged. Therefore, the cleaning effect of the nozzle becomes higher.
　本発明に係る洗浄方法では、上記ヘッドに供給する液体の供給圧を制御する供給圧制御手段によって、上記面が上記洗浄液に浸漬する前、又は浸漬している状態で、上記供給圧を上げる供給圧上昇工程を含むことがより好ましい。 In the cleaning method according to the present invention, the supply pressure is raised by the supply pressure control means for controlling the supply pressure of the liquid supplied to the head before or while the surface is immersed in the cleaning liquid. More preferably, it includes a pressure raising step.
　印刷中のヘッド内の圧力は大気圧よりも微負圧に保たれている。一方で、洗浄中には、洗浄液がノズルよりヘッドの内側に浸入しないことが好ましい。そこで、供給圧制御手段によってヘッドに供給する液体の供給圧を上げておくことにより、洗浄液がノズルに浸入することを防ぐことができる。また、ノズルを洗浄液に浸す前にノズルから液体を染み出させる程度に供給圧を上げておくと、ノズル内の空気が当該液体によって排出された状態で洗浄液に浸すことができる。これにより、ノズル内への洗浄液が入りやすい状態になるため、洗浄効果をより高くすることができる。 The pressure inside the head during printing is kept at a slightly negative pressure rather than atmospheric pressure. On the other hand, it is preferable that the cleaning liquid does not enter the inside of the head from the nozzle during cleaning. Therefore, by increasing the supply pressure of the liquid supplied to the head by the supply pressure control means, it is possible to prevent the cleaning liquid from entering the nozzle. Further, if the supply pressure is increased to such an extent that liquid is oozed out from the nozzle before the nozzle is immersed in the cleaning liquid, the air in the nozzle can be immersed in the cleaning liquid in a state where the air is discharged by the liquid. Thereby, since it will be in the state where the washing | cleaning liquid enters a nozzle easily, a cleaning effect can be made higher.
　本発明に係る洗浄方法では、上記洗浄液を上記面に向けて噴流させる噴流手段によって、上記面が上記洗浄液に浸漬している状態で、上記洗浄液を噴流させる噴流工程を含むことがより好ましい。 More preferably, the cleaning method according to the present invention includes a jetting step of jetting the cleaning liquid in a state where the surface is immersed in the cleaning liquid by jet means for jetting the cleaning liquid toward the surface.
　ノズルから液体を吐出する方向とは逆方向、つまり、ノズルが設けられた面に向けて、噴流手段によって洗浄液を吹き付けることで、洗浄効果をより高くすることができる。なお、このとき、合わせて振動手段による振動を行なうことがより好ましい。これにより、ノズルから液体が吐出されて、ノズルの上流に洗浄液が必要以上に浸入することを防ぐことができる。 The cleaning effect can be further enhanced by spraying the cleaning liquid by the jetting means in the direction opposite to the direction in which the liquid is discharged from the nozzle, that is, toward the surface where the nozzle is provided. At this time, it is more preferable to perform vibration by the vibration means. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the liquid from being discharged from the nozzle and the cleaning liquid from entering the upstream of the nozzle more than necessary.
　本発明に係る洗浄方法では、上記ヘッドの洗浄を所定の回数行なった後に、上記洗浄液を貯留する洗浄液貯留槽から洗浄液を排出する洗浄液排出手段によって、上記洗浄液の少なくとも一部を排出して、新たな洗浄液を上記洗浄液貯留槽に供給する洗浄液供給手段によって、上記洗浄液貯留槽に当該洗浄液を供給する、洗浄液交換工程を含むことがより好ましい。 In the cleaning method according to the present invention, after the head is cleaned a predetermined number of times, at least a part of the cleaning liquid is discharged by a cleaning liquid discharging unit that discharges the cleaning liquid from the cleaning liquid storage tank that stores the cleaning liquid. It is more preferable to include a cleaning liquid replacement step of supplying the cleaning liquid to the cleaning liquid storage tank by a cleaning liquid supply unit that supplies a cleaning liquid to the cleaning liquid storage tank.
　また、本発明に係る洗浄装置では、上記洗浄液貯留槽から洗浄液を排出する洗浄液排出手段と、新たな洗浄液を上記洗浄液貯留槽に供給する洗浄液供給手段と、上記ヘッドの洗浄を所定の回数行なった後に、上記洗浄液排出手段によって上記洗浄液の少なくとも一部を排出して、上記洗浄液供給手段によって、上記洗浄液貯留槽に新たな洗浄液を供給するように、上記洗浄液排出手段及び上記洗浄液供給手段を制御する、洗浄液交換制御手段と、を備えることがより好ましい。 In the cleaning apparatus according to the present invention, the cleaning liquid discharging means for discharging the cleaning liquid from the cleaning liquid storage tank, the cleaning liquid supply means for supplying a new cleaning liquid to the cleaning liquid storage tank, and the cleaning of the head are performed a predetermined number of times. Thereafter, the cleaning liquid discharging means and the cleaning liquid supply means are controlled so that at least a part of the cleaning liquid is discharged by the cleaning liquid discharging means and a new cleaning liquid is supplied to the cleaning liquid storage tank by the cleaning liquid supply means. And a cleaning liquid exchange control means.
　洗浄液を複数回使用することにより、洗浄液が汚れて洗浄効果が低下する虞があるが、洗浄液を交換することにより、高い洗浄効果を維持することができる。 When the cleaning liquid is used a plurality of times, the cleaning liquid may become dirty and the cleaning effect may be reduced. However, by replacing the cleaning liquid, a high cleaning effect can be maintained.
　本発明に係る洗浄装置では、上記洗浄液供給手段は、上記洗浄液貯留槽内の洗浄液の表面の高さを所定の高さに保つ洗浄液表面高さ調整手段をさらに備えることがより好ましい。 In the cleaning apparatus according to the present invention, it is more preferable that the cleaning liquid supply means further includes a cleaning liquid surface height adjusting means for maintaining the height of the surface of the cleaning liquid in the cleaning liquid storage tank at a predetermined height.
　洗浄液貯留槽内の洗浄液の表面の高さを調整することにより、必要以上に洗浄液がヘッド内部に浸入することを防ぐことができる。 By adjusting the height of the surface of the cleaning liquid in the cleaning liquid storage tank, it is possible to prevent the cleaning liquid from entering the head more than necessary.
　また、本発明に係るインクジェット記録装置は、本発明に係る洗浄装置と、上記ノズルが設けられた面の付着物を払拭するためのワイピング手段と、当該面を覆い保護するためのキャッピング手段とを備えることを特徴とする。 Further, an ink jet recording apparatus according to the present invention comprises the cleaning apparatus according to the present invention, a wiping means for wiping off deposits on the surface provided with the nozzle, and a capping means for covering and protecting the surface. It is characterized by providing.
　本発明に係る洗浄装置を備えるので、より高い洗浄効果でノズルを洗浄できる。また、ワイピング及びキャッピングにより、ヘッドをより効率よく清掃できる。 Since the cleaning device according to the present invention is provided, the nozzle can be cleaned with a higher cleaning effect. Further, the head can be more efficiently cleaned by wiping and capping.
　本発明によれば、より高い洗浄効果でノズルを洗浄できるという効果を奏する。 According to the present invention, the nozzle can be cleaned with a higher cleaning effect.
本発明に係る洗浄装置の一実施形態である洗浄装置２０の構成を示す図である。It is a figure which shows the structure of the washing | cleaning apparatus 20 which is one Embodiment of the washing | cleaning apparatus which concerns on this invention. 本発明に係る洗浄装置の一実施形態である洗浄装置２０を備えるインクジェット記録装置１の構成を示す図である。It is a figure which shows the structure of the inkjet recording device 1 provided with the cleaning apparatus 20 which is one Embodiment of the cleaning apparatus which concerns on this invention.
　以下、本発明に係る洗浄方法及び洗浄装置の一実施形態について、図１及び図２を用いて詳細に説明する。図１は、本発明に係る洗浄装置の一実施形態である洗浄装置２０の構成を示す図である。図２は、洗浄装置２０を備えるインクジェット記録装置１の構成を示す図である。 Hereinafter, an embodiment of a cleaning method and a cleaning apparatus according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a cleaning device 20 which is an embodiment of a cleaning device according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the inkjet recording apparatus 1 including the cleaning device 20.
　＜ヘッド１０の構成＞
　洗浄装置２０は、ヘッド１０を洗浄するものである。まず、ヘッド１０の構成を説明する。ヘッド１０は、圧力室１１、ノズル１２、振動素子（振動手段）１３、インク供給室１５を備えている。 <Configuration of head 10>
The cleaning device 20 is for cleaning the head 10. First, the configuration of the head 10 will be described. The head 10 includes a pressure chamber 11, a nozzle 12, a vibration element (vibration means) 13, and an ink supply chamber 15.
　圧力室１１は、ヘッド１０の中にあり、インクを吐出するノズル１２に連通している。 The pressure chamber 11 is in the head 10 and communicates with a nozzle 12 that ejects ink.
　ノズル１２は、インクを吐出するための孔である。振動素子１３によって圧力室１１に振動が加えられることによって、圧力室１１内のインクに加わる圧力が上下することにより、インクを滴状で吐出する。 The nozzle 12 is a hole for ejecting ink. When vibration is applied to the pressure chamber 11 by the vibration element 13, the pressure applied to the ink in the pressure chamber 11 rises and falls, thereby ejecting ink in droplets.
　振動素子１３は振動することによってノズル１２からインクを吐出させるためのものである。ヘッドのノズルが設けられた面（以下、説明の便宜のため「ノズル面」という。）を洗浄するときには、振動素子１３により圧力室１１に振動を与えることによってノズル１２からインクを吐出することにより、フラッシングが行なわれる。また、図２に示すメディア１００にインクを吐出するときにも、振動素子１３が振動することによってノズル１２からインクが吐出される。 The vibrating element 13 is for ejecting ink from the nozzle 12 by vibrating. When cleaning the surface of the head on which the nozzle is provided (hereinafter referred to as “nozzle surface” for convenience of description), the vibration element 13 applies vibration to the pressure chamber 11 to eject ink from the nozzle 12. Flushing is performed. In addition, when ink is ejected to the medium 100 shown in FIG.
　また、ヘッド１０にはインクの供給管が接続されており、供給管にはヘッド１０に供給するインクの供給圧を調整する供給圧調整部１４が設けられている。供給圧調整部１４による供給圧は後述の供給圧制御部３１によって制御される。 Further, an ink supply pipe is connected to the head 10, and a supply pressure adjusting unit 14 that adjusts the supply pressure of ink supplied to the head 10 is provided in the supply pipe. The supply pressure by the supply pressure adjusting unit 14 is controlled by a supply pressure control unit 31 described later.
　インク供給室１５は、外部から供給されたインクであって、圧力室１１に供給するインクを入れておくためのものである。インク供給室１５に対するインクの供給圧が供給圧調整部１４により調整される。 The ink supply chamber 15 is an ink supplied from the outside for storing the ink supplied to the pressure chamber 11. The supply pressure of the ink to the ink supply chamber 15 is adjusted by the supply pressure adjusting unit 14.
　＜洗浄装置２０の構成＞
　洗浄装置２０は、洗浄液貯留槽２１、超音波発振装置（噴流手段）２２、洗浄液供給部（洗浄液供給手段）２３、洗浄液排出部（洗浄液排出手段）２６、循環ポンプ２７、制御部３０を備えている。 <Configuration of cleaning device 20>
The cleaning device 20 includes a cleaning liquid storage tank 21, an ultrasonic oscillator (jet unit) 22, a cleaning liquid supply unit (cleaning liquid supply unit) 23, a cleaning liquid discharge unit (cleaning liquid discharge unit) 26, a circulation pump 27, and a control unit 30. Yes.
　洗浄液貯留槽２１は、ノズル面を浸漬するための洗浄液を貯留するための槽である。ノズル面を洗浄する際には、ノズル面は、洗浄液貯留槽２１内に貯留している洗浄液に浸漬する。 The cleaning liquid storage tank 21 is a tank for storing a cleaning liquid for immersing the nozzle surface. When cleaning the nozzle surface, the nozzle surface is immersed in the cleaning liquid stored in the cleaning liquid storage tank 21.
　超音波発振装置２２は、本発明に係る洗浄装置が備える噴流手段に相当するものであり、超音波によって洗浄液をノズル面に向けて噴流させるためのものである。これにより、洗浄効果をより高くすることができる。なお、超音波によって洗浄液を噴流しながら、フラッシングを行なうことがより好ましい。これにより、ノズルからインクが吐出されて、ノズルの上流に洗浄液が必要以上に浸入することを防ぐことができる。 The ultrasonic oscillating device 22 corresponds to a jet means provided in the cleaning device according to the present invention, and is for jetting a cleaning liquid toward the nozzle surface by ultrasonic waves. Thereby, a cleaning effect can be made higher. It is more preferable to perform flushing while jetting the cleaning liquid with ultrasonic waves. As a result, it is possible to prevent ink from being ejected from the nozzle and the cleaning liquid from entering the upstream of the nozzle more than necessary.
　また、本発明に係る洗浄装置が備える噴流手段は、超音波により噴流を発生させるものに限定されず、例えば、ポンプ等の液体圧送装置等によって構成してもよい。 Further, the jet means provided in the cleaning device according to the present invention is not limited to the one that generates jets by ultrasonic waves, and may be constituted by a liquid pumping device such as a pump, for example.
　洗浄液供給部２３は、新たな洗浄液を洗浄液貯留槽２１に供給するためのものである。洗浄液供給部２３は、予備洗浄液タンク２４及び洗浄液表面レベル調整槽（洗浄液表面高さ調整手段）２５を備えている。 The cleaning liquid supply unit 23 is for supplying a new cleaning liquid to the cleaning liquid storage tank 21. The cleaning liquid supply unit 23 includes a preliminary cleaning liquid tank 24 and a cleaning liquid surface level adjustment tank (cleaning liquid surface height adjusting means) 25.
　予備洗浄液タンク２４は、洗浄液貯留槽２１に供給する新たな洗浄液を貯留しておくための容器である。 The preliminary cleaning liquid tank 24 is a container for storing a new cleaning liquid to be supplied to the cleaning liquid storage tank 21.
　洗浄液表面レベル調整槽２５は、洗浄液貯留槽２１内の洗浄液の表面の高さを所定の高さに保つための槽である。洗浄液表面レベル調整槽２５は、管によって洗浄液貯留槽２１につながっている。洗浄液貯留槽２１と洗浄液表面レベル調整槽２５とでは、その中の洗浄液の表面の高さが同じになる。よって、洗浄液表面レベル調整槽２５内の洗浄液の表面の高さを調整することによって、洗浄液貯留槽２１内の洗浄液の表面の高さを調整することにより、所定の高さに保つことができる。「所定の高さ」とは、ユーザが設定する任意の高さでもよく、制御部が判断するノズル面を浸漬するために必要な高さでもよい。洗浄液貯留槽２１内の洗浄液の表面の高さを調整することにより、必要以上に洗浄液がヘッド１０の内部に浸入することを防ぐことができる。 The cleaning liquid surface level adjustment tank 25 is a tank for keeping the height of the surface of the cleaning liquid in the cleaning liquid storage tank 21 at a predetermined height. The cleaning liquid surface level adjustment tank 25 is connected to the cleaning liquid storage tank 21 by a pipe. The cleaning liquid storage tank 21 and the cleaning liquid surface level adjustment tank 25 have the same height of the surface of the cleaning liquid therein. Therefore, by adjusting the height of the surface of the cleaning liquid in the cleaning liquid surface level adjustment tank 25 and adjusting the height of the surface of the cleaning liquid in the cleaning liquid storage tank 21, it can be maintained at a predetermined height. The “predetermined height” may be an arbitrary height set by the user or a height necessary for immersing the nozzle surface determined by the control unit. By adjusting the height of the surface of the cleaning liquid in the cleaning liquid storage tank 21, the cleaning liquid can be prevented from entering the head 10 more than necessary.
　なお、本発明に係る洗浄装置が備える洗浄液表面高さ調整手段は、洗浄液表面レベル調整槽２５のように水位の調整によって行なう手段に限定されず、例えば、流量センサ、水位センサ等を用いて電子制御によって洗浄液の表面の高さを調整する手段であってもよい。 The cleaning liquid surface height adjusting means provided in the cleaning apparatus according to the present invention is not limited to means for adjusting the water level like the cleaning liquid surface level adjusting tank 25. For example, the cleaning liquid surface height adjusting means is an electronic device using a flow sensor, a water level sensor or the like. It may be a means for adjusting the height of the surface of the cleaning liquid by control.
　洗浄液排出部２６は、洗浄液貯留槽２１から洗浄液を排出するためのものである。本実施形態では弁によって構成されており、弁を開くことで洗浄液貯留槽２１内の洗浄液が排出される。 The cleaning liquid discharge unit 26 is for discharging the cleaning liquid from the cleaning liquid storage tank 21. In this embodiment, it is constituted by a valve, and the cleaning liquid in the cleaning liquid storage tank 21 is discharged by opening the valve.
　ヘッド１０の洗浄が所定の回数行なわれた後に、洗浄液供給部２３及び洗浄液排出部２６によって、洗浄液の少なくとも一部を排出して、新たな洗浄液を供給することで、洗浄液貯留槽２１内の洗浄液を交換することができる。洗浄液を複数回使用することにより、洗浄液が汚れて洗浄効果が低下する虞があるが、洗浄液を交換することにより、高い洗浄効果を維持することができる。 After the head 10 is cleaned a predetermined number of times, the cleaning liquid supply unit 23 and the cleaning liquid discharge unit 26 discharge at least a part of the cleaning liquid and supply a new cleaning liquid, thereby cleaning the cleaning liquid in the cleaning liquid storage tank 21. Can be exchanged. The use of the cleaning liquid a plurality of times may contaminate the cleaning liquid and reduce the cleaning effect. However, the high cleaning effect can be maintained by replacing the cleaning liquid.
　循環ポンプ２７は、洗浄液貯留槽２１の洗浄液を循環させるものである。超音波発振装置２２によって洗浄液はノズル面に向かって噴流しているため、超音波発振装置２２の下側に洗浄液を供給する必要がある。そのため、循環ポンプ２７によって、超音波発振装置２２から離れた箇所から洗浄液を引き抜き、超音波発振装置２２の下側に供給するように洗浄液を循環させている。循環ポンプ２７は、本発明に係る洗浄装置が備える噴流手段の一部を構成しているといってもよい。 The circulation pump 27 circulates the cleaning liquid in the cleaning liquid storage tank 21. Since the cleaning liquid is jetted toward the nozzle surface by the ultrasonic oscillator 22, it is necessary to supply the cleaning liquid to the lower side of the ultrasonic oscillator 22. Therefore, the cleaning liquid is circulated by the circulation pump 27 so that the cleaning liquid is drawn from a location away from the ultrasonic oscillator 22 and supplied to the lower side of the ultrasonic oscillator 22. It may be said that the circulation pump 27 constitutes a part of jet means provided in the cleaning device according to the present invention.
　制御部３０は、ノズル面を含むヘッドの洗浄を行なう際のヘッド１０及び洗浄装置２０の各部位を制御するためのものである。 The control unit 30 is for controlling each part of the head 10 and the cleaning device 20 when cleaning the head including the nozzle surface.
　制御部３０は、供給圧制御部（供給圧制御手段）３１、振動制御部（振動制御手段）３２、噴流制御部（噴流制御手段）３３、洗浄液交換制御部（洗浄液交換制御手段）３４を備えている。 The control unit 30 includes a supply pressure control unit (supply pressure control unit) 31, a vibration control unit (vibration control unit) 32, a jet flow control unit (jet flow control unit) 33, and a cleaning liquid exchange control unit (cleaning liquid exchange control unit) 34. ing.
　供給圧制御部３１は、ヘッド１０に供給するインクの供給圧を制御するためのものである。具体的には、供給圧調整部１４を調整することにより、ヘッド１０に供給するインクの供給圧を制御する。 The supply pressure control unit 31 is for controlling the supply pressure of ink supplied to the head 10. Specifically, the supply pressure of the ink supplied to the head 10 is controlled by adjusting the supply pressure adjusting unit 14.
　供給圧制御部３１は、ノズル面を洗浄する際に、ノズル面が洗浄液に浸漬する前、又は浸漬している状態で、供給圧を上げる。印刷中のヘッド内のインク内圧は大気圧よりも微負圧に保たれている。一方で、洗浄中には、洗浄液がノズルよりヘッド１０の内側に浸入しないことが好ましい。そこで、供給圧制御部３１によってヘッド１０に供給するインクの供給圧を上げておくことにより、洗浄液がノズル１２に浸入することを防ぐことができる。また、ノズル１２を洗浄液に浸す前にノズル１２からインクを染み出させる程度に供給圧を上げておくと、ノズル１２内の空気がインクによって排出された状態で洗浄液に浸すことができる。これにより、ノズル１２内への洗浄液が入りやすい状態になるため、洗浄効果をより高くすることができる。 When the nozzle surface is cleaned, the supply pressure control unit 31 increases the supply pressure before or while the nozzle surface is immersed in the cleaning liquid. The ink internal pressure in the head during printing is kept at a slightly negative pressure rather than atmospheric pressure. On the other hand, it is preferable that the cleaning liquid does not enter the inside of the head 10 from the nozzle during cleaning. Therefore, by increasing the supply pressure of the ink supplied to the head 10 by the supply pressure control unit 31, it is possible to prevent the cleaning liquid from entering the nozzle 12. Further, if the supply pressure is increased to such an extent that ink is oozed out from the nozzle 12 before the nozzle 12 is immersed in the cleaning liquid, the air in the nozzle 12 can be immersed in the cleaning liquid in a state where the air is discharged by the ink. Thereby, since it will be in the state where the washing | cleaning liquid enters the nozzle 12 easily, a cleaning effect can be made higher.
　ノズル面が洗浄液に浸漬する前に供給圧を上げるときには、供給圧制御部３１は、別途、ユーザの入力等により洗浄開始の指示を受け付けた後であって、ノズル面が洗浄液に浸漬する前に供給圧を上げるように制御する。例えば、供給圧制御部３１又は別の制御部がノズル面を洗浄液に浸漬させるか否かを制御しておき、浸漬させるように制御する前に、供給圧制御部３１が供給圧を上げるように制御してもよい。 When the supply pressure is increased before the nozzle surface is immersed in the cleaning liquid, the supply pressure control unit 31 separately receives an instruction to start cleaning by user input or the like and before the nozzle surface is immersed in the cleaning liquid. Control to increase supply pressure. For example, the supply pressure control unit 31 or another control unit controls whether or not the nozzle surface is immersed in the cleaning liquid, and the supply pressure control unit 31 increases the supply pressure before performing control so that the nozzle surface is immersed. You may control.
　また、供給圧制御部３１が、ノズル面が洗浄液に浸漬している状態で、供給圧を上げるときには、ノズル面が洗浄液に浸漬しているか否かを供給圧制御部３１が認識して、供給圧を上げるか否かを制御してもよく、ヘッド１０の高さを調整する機構、洗浄液貯留槽２１の高さを調整する機構、又は、これらの制御部等から、ノズル面を洗浄液に浸漬させたことを示す信号を受け取った後に供給圧を上げるように制御してもよい。なお、ノズル面が洗浄液に浸漬しているか否かを供給圧制御部３１が認識して、供給圧を上げるか否かを制御する場合には、ノズル面が洗浄液に浸漬しているか否かの認識は、別途設けられたセンサ等によって、ノズル面が洗浄液に接触したことを検知することによって行なってもよく、ヘッド１０の高さを調整する機構及び／又は洗浄液貯留槽２１の高さを調整する機構から、ヘッド１０及び／又は洗浄液貯留槽２１の高さを示す情報を受信して行なってもよい。 Further, when the supply pressure control unit 31 increases the supply pressure in a state where the nozzle surface is immersed in the cleaning liquid, the supply pressure control unit 31 recognizes whether the nozzle surface is immersed in the cleaning liquid and supplies the supply pressure. Whether the pressure is increased may be controlled, and the nozzle surface is immersed in the cleaning liquid from a mechanism for adjusting the height of the head 10, a mechanism for adjusting the height of the cleaning liquid storage tank 21, or a control unit thereof. It may be controlled to increase the supply pressure after receiving a signal indicating that the operation has been performed. When the supply pressure control unit 31 recognizes whether or not the nozzle surface is immersed in the cleaning liquid and controls whether or not to increase the supply pressure, whether or not the nozzle surface is immersed in the cleaning liquid. The recognition may be performed by detecting that the nozzle surface has come into contact with the cleaning liquid using a separately provided sensor or the like. The mechanism for adjusting the height of the head 10 and / or the height of the cleaning liquid storage tank 21 may be adjusted. The information indicating the height of the head 10 and / or the cleaning liquid storage tank 21 may be received from the mechanism that performs the processing.
　なお、ここでは、供給圧制御部３１は、ヘッド１０の洗浄の際の供給圧調整部１４の制御を目的とするものとして説明する。供給圧調整部１４は、洗浄のとき以外にも、図２に示すメディア１００に対してインクを吐出して印刷するときに、インクをヘッド１０に供給するために稼動する必要がある。印刷する際の供給圧調整部１４の制御は、供給圧制御部３１が行なってもよく、別途インクジェット記録装置１に設けられた供給圧調整部１４の制御部が行なってもよい。 Here, the supply pressure control unit 31 will be described as the purpose of controlling the supply pressure adjusting unit 14 when the head 10 is cleaned. The supply pressure adjusting unit 14 needs to be operated to supply ink to the head 10 when printing is performed by ejecting ink onto the medium 100 shown in FIG. Control of the supply pressure adjusting unit 14 at the time of printing may be performed by the supply pressure control unit 31 or may be performed by a control unit of the supply pressure adjusting unit 14 provided in the inkjet recording apparatus 1 separately.
　振動制御部３２は、振動素子１３を制御するものである。ノズル面を洗浄する際に、振動制御部３２は、ノズル面が洗浄液に浸漬している状態で、圧力室１１に振動を与えるように、振動素子１３を制御する。ノズル１２を洗浄液に浸した状態で、圧力室１１に振動を与えて、圧力室１１からノズル１２を介して液体を出すことによって、ノズル１２に溜まっている空気がノズル１２から押し出され、ノズル１２は洗浄液及びインクで満たされる。また、振動によってノズル１２内のインクに加わる圧力が上下するので、ノズル１２内を洗浄液が往復運動する。つまり、フラッシングを行なうことにより、ノズル１２内の異物や高粘度化したインクを排出することができる。よって、ノズル１２の洗浄効果がより高くなる。 The vibration control unit 32 controls the vibration element 13. When cleaning the nozzle surface, the vibration control unit 32 controls the vibration element 13 so as to apply vibration to the pressure chamber 11 while the nozzle surface is immersed in the cleaning liquid. In the state where the nozzle 12 is immersed in the cleaning liquid, the pressure chamber 11 is vibrated and the liquid is discharged from the pressure chamber 11 through the nozzle 12, whereby the air accumulated in the nozzle 12 is pushed out of the nozzle 12, and the nozzle 12 Is filled with cleaning liquid and ink. Further, since the pressure applied to the ink in the nozzle 12 is increased and decreased by the vibration, the cleaning liquid reciprocates in the nozzle 12. That is, by performing flushing, foreign matter in the nozzle 12 and ink with increased viscosity can be discharged. Therefore, the cleaning effect of the nozzle 12 becomes higher.
　振動制御部３２は、ノズル面が洗浄液に浸漬している状態であるか否かを認識する方法としては、例えば、供給圧制御部３１と同様に認識してもよく、別の制御部等からノズル面が洗浄液に浸漬したことを示す信号を受信して認識してもよい。そして、例えば、ノズル面が洗浄液に浸漬した直後や、超音波発振装置２２の動作が始まると同時になど、予め入力されていた所定のタイミングに従って、振動素子１３の振動を開始してフラッシングを開始させる。 As a method for recognizing whether or not the nozzle surface is immersed in the cleaning liquid, the vibration control unit 32 may recognize the same as the supply pressure control unit 31, for example, from another control unit or the like. You may receive and recognize the signal which shows that the nozzle surface was immersed in the washing | cleaning liquid. Then, for example, immediately after the nozzle surface is immersed in the cleaning liquid or at the same time as the operation of the ultrasonic oscillator 22 starts, the vibration element 13 starts to vibrate in accordance with a predetermined timing that is input in advance. .
　なお、ここでは、振動制御部３２は、ヘッド１０の洗浄の際の振動素子１３の制御を目的とするものとして説明する。振動素子１３は、洗浄のとき以外にも、図２に示すメディア１００に対してインクを吐出して印刷するときに振動する必要がある。印刷する際の振動の制御は、振動制御部３２が行なってもよく、別途インクジェット記録装置１に設けられた振動素子の制御部が行なってもよい。 Here, the vibration control unit 32 will be described as the purpose of controlling the vibration element 13 when the head 10 is cleaned. The vibration element 13 needs to vibrate when printing is performed by discharging ink to the medium 100 shown in FIG. Vibration control during printing may be performed by the vibration control unit 32 or may be performed by a vibration element control unit provided in the inkjet recording apparatus 1 separately.
　噴流制御部３３は、超音波発振装置２２による洗浄液の噴流を制御するものである。噴流制御部３３は、ノズル面が洗浄液に浸漬している状態で、洗浄液がノズル面に向かって噴流するように超音波発振装置２２を制御する。ノズル面に向けて洗浄液を吹き付けることで、洗浄効果をより高くすることができる。なお、このとき、合わせてフラッシングを行なうことがより好ましい。これにより、圧力室１１の圧力変動によって洗浄液がノズル１２を往復することで洗浄効果が向上する。 The jet flow control unit 33 controls the jet of cleaning liquid by the ultrasonic oscillator 22. The jet control unit 33 controls the ultrasonic oscillator 22 so that the cleaning liquid is jetted toward the nozzle surface while the nozzle surface is immersed in the cleaning liquid. By spraying the cleaning liquid toward the nozzle surface, the cleaning effect can be further enhanced. At this time, it is more preferable to perform flushing together. Thereby, the cleaning effect is improved by the cleaning liquid reciprocating the nozzle 12 due to the pressure fluctuation of the pressure chamber 11.
　噴流制御部３３は、ノズル面が洗浄液に浸漬している状態であるか否かを認識する方法としては、例えば、供給圧制御部３１又は振動制御部３２と同様に認識してもよく、別の制御部等からノズル面が洗浄液に浸漬したことを示す信号を受信して認識してもよい。そして、例えば、ノズル面が洗浄液に浸漬した直後や、フラッシングが始まると同時になど、予め入力されていた所定のタイミングに従って、超音波発振装置２２の振動を開始して噴流を開始させる。 As a method for recognizing whether or not the nozzle surface is immersed in the cleaning liquid, the jet flow control unit 33 may recognize, for example, in the same manner as the supply pressure control unit 31 or the vibration control unit 32. A signal indicating that the nozzle surface is immersed in the cleaning liquid may be received and recognized from the control unit or the like. Then, for example, immediately after the nozzle surface is immersed in the cleaning liquid, or at the same time as the flushing starts, the ultrasonic oscillation device 22 starts to vibrate in accordance with a predetermined timing input in advance.
　洗浄液交換制御部３４は、洗浄液供給部２３及び洗浄液排出部２６を制御するものである。具体的には、洗浄液交換制御部３４は、ヘッド１０の洗浄を所定の回数行なった後に、洗浄液排出部２６によって洗浄液の少なくとも一部を排出して、洗浄液供給部２３によって、洗浄液貯留槽２１に新たな洗浄液を供給するように、洗浄液供給部２３及び洗浄液排出部２６を制御する。 The cleaning liquid replacement control unit 34 controls the cleaning liquid supply unit 23 and the cleaning liquid discharge unit 26. Specifically, after cleaning the head 10 a predetermined number of times, the cleaning liquid replacement control unit 34 discharges at least a part of the cleaning liquid by the cleaning liquid discharge unit 26, and supplies the cleaning liquid storage tank 21 by the cleaning liquid supply unit 23. The cleaning liquid supply unit 23 and the cleaning liquid discharge unit 26 are controlled so as to supply a new cleaning liquid.
　洗浄液交換制御部３４は、ヘッド１０の洗浄が所定の回数行なわれたことを認識して、洗浄液の交換を行なう。どのようにして洗浄液交換制御部３４が洗浄の回数を数えるかついては適宜設定できる。例えば、ヘッド１０が洗浄液に浸漬してから、洗浄液から出るまでを、１回として数えてもよく、ユーザが洗浄開始の指示を入力してから、洗浄終了の指示を入力するまでを１回として数えてもよく、ユーザが洗浄開始の指示を入力してから、予め設定されていた工程の全てを終了するまでを１回として数えてもよい。洗浄液を複数回使用することにより、洗浄液が汚れて洗浄効果が低下する虞があるが、洗浄液を交換することにより、高い洗浄効果を維持することができる。 The cleaning liquid replacement control unit 34 recognizes that the head 10 has been cleaned a predetermined number of times and replaces the cleaning liquid. How the cleaning liquid replacement control unit 34 counts the number of cleanings can be set as appropriate. For example, the time from when the head 10 is immersed in the cleaning liquid to when the head 10 comes out of the cleaning liquid may be counted as one time, and the time from when the user inputs an instruction to start cleaning to when the user inputs an instruction to end cleaning It may be counted, or it may be counted as one time from when the user inputs an instruction to start cleaning until the completion of all the preset steps. The use of the cleaning liquid a plurality of times may contaminate the cleaning liquid and reduce the cleaning effect. However, the high cleaning effect can be maintained by replacing the cleaning liquid.
　洗浄装置２０は、ノズル面を払拭するワイパーをさらに備えてもよい。洗浄液を用いて洗浄した後、ノズル面は濡れている。濡れた状態でメディア１００上を移動するとメディア１００上に洗浄液が垂れてしまう。ノズル面を払拭して洗浄液をノズル面から除去するワイパーを備えていれば、洗浄液がメディア１００を汚染することを防ぐことができる。 The cleaning device 20 may further include a wiper that wipes the nozzle surface. After cleaning with the cleaning liquid, the nozzle surface is wet. If it moves on the medium 100 in a wet state, the cleaning liquid drips on the medium 100. If the wiper for wiping the nozzle surface to remove the cleaning liquid from the nozzle surface is provided, it is possible to prevent the cleaning liquid from contaminating the medium 100.
　＜インクジェット記録装置１の構成＞
　インクジェット記録装置１は、ヘッド１０、洗浄装置２０、メンテナンスステーション４０、ガイド機構５０を備えている。インクジェット記録装置１はメディア１００に対してインクを吐出して印刷を行なうためのものである。 <Configuration of Inkjet Recording Apparatus 1>
The ink jet recording apparatus 1 includes a head 10, a cleaning device 20, a maintenance station 40, and a guide mechanism 50. The ink jet recording apparatus 1 is for performing printing by ejecting ink onto the medium 100.
　ヘッド１０は、ガイド機構５０の規定する方向である矢印Ｘ方向に沿って往復移動することで、メディア１００上を走査する。 The head 10 scans on the medium 100 by reciprocating along the arrow X direction which is the direction defined by the guide mechanism 50.
　メンテナンスステーション４０は、ヘッド１０のメンテナンスを行なうための機構であり、ワイパー（ワイピング手段）、及び、蓋（キャッピング手段）を備える。具体的には、メンテナンスステーション４０にて、フラッシング、キャッピング、ワイピング、パージ等の作業を行なわれる。例えば、洗浄液を用いる洗浄が必要でない、軽微に汚染されたヘッド１０を清掃するとき等に、これらの作業を行なう。 The maintenance station 40 is a mechanism for performing maintenance of the head 10, and includes a wiper (wiping means) and a lid (capping means). Specifically, operations such as flushing, capping, wiping, and purging are performed at the maintenance station 40. For example, these operations are performed when cleaning the slightly contaminated head 10 that does not require cleaning with a cleaning liquid.
　フラッシングは、上述の通り、振動素子１３を振動させてインクを吐出することでノズル内に増粘したインクを吐出することでノズル１２を清掃する動作である。これを行なうために、ノズル面の下にフラッシングによるインクを受けるための容器を備えることがより好ましい。 As described above, the flushing is an operation of cleaning the nozzle 12 by ejecting ink that has been thickened by ejecting ink by vibrating the vibration element 13. To do this, it is more preferable to provide a container for receiving ink by flushing under the nozzle surface.
　キャッピングは、印刷を行なわないときに、ノズル１２付近のインクが固まらないようにヘッド１０のノズル面に蓋をしておくことである。従って、メンテナンスステーション４０は、ヘッド１０の蓋を備えることがより好ましい。また、蓋の内側を負圧にすることでノズル面の吸引を行なう吸引機能を設けていることがより好ましい。 The capping is to cover the nozzle surface of the head 10 so that the ink near the nozzle 12 does not harden when printing is not performed. Therefore, it is more preferable that the maintenance station 40 includes a lid of the head 10. Further, it is more preferable to provide a suction function for suctioning the nozzle surface by setting the inside of the lid to a negative pressure.
　ワイピングは、ワイパーでノズル面に付着したインク（付着物）を払拭する動作である。従って、メンテナンスステーション４０は、ワイパーを備えることがより好ましい。 Wiping is an operation of wiping off ink (adhered matter) adhering to the nozzle surface with a wiper. Therefore, it is more preferable that the maintenance station 40 includes a wiper.
　パージは、振動素子１３を使わずに、ヘッド１０にインクを供給する際の供給圧を上げることでノズル１２からインクを出して、ノズル１２を清掃する動作である。供給圧は例えば大気圧以上に上げることで、パージが好適に行なわれる。従って、メンテナンスステーション４０は、パージによってノズル１２から出てくるインクを回収する容器を備えることがより好ましい。 Purging is an operation of cleaning the nozzle 12 by ejecting ink from the nozzle 12 by increasing the supply pressure when supplying ink to the head 10 without using the vibration element 13. Purge is suitably performed by raising the supply pressure to, for example, atmospheric pressure or higher. Therefore, it is more preferable that the maintenance station 40 includes a container that collects the ink coming out of the nozzles 12 by purging.
　ガイド機構５０は、ヘッド１０の移動する方向を規定するための機構である。ヘッド１０はガイド機構５０の規定する方向（矢印Ｘ方向）に移動可能なようにガイド機構５０に取り付けられている。 The guide mechanism 50 is a mechanism for defining the direction in which the head 10 moves. The head 10 is attached to the guide mechanism 50 so as to be movable in a direction defined by the guide mechanism 50 (arrow X direction).
　ガイド機構５０の一端の下に洗浄装置２０が備えられており、他端にメンテナンスステーション４０が備えられている。ヘッド１０はある程度の印刷を行なった後に、メンテナンスステーション４０上まで移動して、フラッシング、ワイピング、パージ等のメンテナンスを受ける。また、印刷しないときには、キャッピングによりヘッド１０を保護したりする。また、さらに多くの印刷を行なってノズル面の汚染が進んだときには洗浄装置２０上に移動して洗浄される。 The cleaning device 20 is provided under one end of the guide mechanism 50, and the maintenance station 40 is provided at the other end. After performing printing to some extent, the head 10 moves to the maintenance station 40 and receives maintenance such as flushing, wiping, and purging. Further, when printing is not performed, the head 10 is protected by capping. When the nozzle surface is further contaminated by performing more printing, the nozzle moves to the cleaning device 20 and is cleaned.
　このように、ガイド機構５０の両端に洗浄装置２０及びメンテナンスステーション４０をそれぞれ設けることにより、スペースを有効に利用できる。つまり、一方の端に洗浄装置２０及びメンテナンスステーション４０の両方を設けると、インクジェット記録装置１の当該端の側の構造が大きくなりすぎる。また、他方の端のスペースが無駄である。この無駄になるはずのスペースを利用して洗浄装置２０を備えることにより、装置をより省スペース化することができる。 Thus, by providing the cleaning device 20 and the maintenance station 40 at both ends of the guide mechanism 50, space can be used effectively. That is, if both the cleaning device 20 and the maintenance station 40 are provided at one end, the structure on the end side of the inkjet recording apparatus 1 becomes too large. Also, the space at the other end is wasted. By providing the cleaning device 20 using the space that should be wasted, the device can be further space-saving.
　＜洗浄装置２０の動作＞
　次に、洗浄装置２０の動作について説明する。 <Operation of Cleaning Device 20>
Next, the operation of the cleaning device 20 will be described.
　まず、制御部３０は、洗浄の開始指示を受け付ける。この指示は、例えば、ユーザが入力してもよく、所定の量だけ印刷した後に自動的に洗浄を開始することとしてもよい。 First, the control unit 30 receives a cleaning start instruction. This instruction may be input by the user, for example, or may be automatically started after printing a predetermined amount.
　次に、制御部３０は、ヘッド１０の移動を制御している制御部に対して、ヘッド１０を洗浄装置２０上まで移動させるように指示を送る。これにより、ヘッド１０は洗浄装置２０上に移動する。なお、ヘッド１０の移動指示は制御部３０が送るように構成してもよい。 Next, the control unit 30 sends an instruction to move the head 10 over the cleaning device 20 to the control unit that controls the movement of the head 10. As a result, the head 10 moves onto the cleaning device 20. In addition, you may comprise so that the movement part of the head 10 may be sent by the control part 30. FIG.
　次に、供給圧制御部３１は、ノズル面が洗浄液に浸漬する前に供給圧を上げるか否か判断する。この判断は、例えば、ユーザによる設定等に基づく。ノズル面が洗浄液に浸漬する前に供給圧を上げるように設定されているときは、供給圧制御部３１は供給圧調整部１４を制御してインクの供給圧を上げる（供給圧上昇工程）。ノズル面が洗浄液に浸漬する前に供給圧を上げるように設定されている場合には供給圧を上げた後に、ノズル面が洗浄液に浸漬する前に供給圧を上げるように設定されていない場合には供給圧制御部３１は供給圧調整部１４を制御せず、浸漬工程に進む。 Next, the supply pressure control unit 31 determines whether to increase the supply pressure before the nozzle surface is immersed in the cleaning liquid. This determination is based on, for example, a setting by the user. When the supply pressure is set to increase before the nozzle surface is immersed in the cleaning liquid, the supply pressure control unit 31 controls the supply pressure adjustment unit 14 to increase the ink supply pressure (supply pressure increasing step). If the nozzle surface is set to increase the supply pressure before immersing it in the cleaning liquid, then it is not set to increase the supply pressure after increasing the supply pressure before the nozzle surface is immersed in the cleaning liquid. The supply pressure control unit 31 does not control the supply pressure adjustment unit 14 and proceeds to the dipping process.
　浸漬工程では、ノズル面を洗浄液に浸漬する。具体的にはヘッド１０の位置を下げて洗浄液貯留槽２１内の洗浄液まで移動させるか、洗浄液がノズル面を覆う位置より高い位置まで洗浄液貯留槽２１を上昇させる。ヘッド１０及び洗浄液貯留槽２１の両方を移動させてもよい。 In the immersion process, the nozzle surface is immersed in the cleaning liquid. Specifically, the position of the head 10 is lowered and moved to the cleaning liquid in the cleaning liquid storage tank 21, or the cleaning liquid storage tank 21 is raised to a position higher than the position where the cleaning liquid covers the nozzle surface. Both the head 10 and the cleaning liquid storage tank 21 may be moved.
　ノズル面が洗浄液に浸漬しているか否かは、上述のように、別途設けられたセンサ等によって、ノズル面が洗浄液に接触したことを検知して認識してもよく、ヘッド１０の高さを調整する機構及び／又は洗浄液貯留槽２１の高さを調整する機構から、ヘッド１０及び／又は洗浄液貯留槽２１の高さを示す情報を受信して、認識してもよく、別の制御部等からノズル面を洗浄液に浸漬させたことを示す信号を受信して認識してもよい。 Whether the nozzle surface is immersed in the cleaning liquid may be recognized by detecting that the nozzle surface is in contact with the cleaning liquid by a separately provided sensor or the like as described above. Information indicating the height of the head 10 and / or the cleaning liquid storage tank 21 may be received and recognized from a mechanism for adjusting and / or a mechanism for adjusting the height of the cleaning liquid storage tank 21, another control unit, or the like. A signal indicating that the nozzle surface is immersed in the cleaning liquid may be received and recognized.
　次に、ノズル面が洗浄液に浸漬している状態で、振動素子１３によって、圧力室１１に振動を与えることによって、ノズル１２からインクを吐出させてフラッシングを開始する（振動工程）。 Next, in a state where the nozzle surface is immersed in the cleaning liquid, the vibration element 13 applies vibration to the pressure chamber 11 to discharge ink from the nozzle 12 and start flushing (vibration process).
　振動工程により、ノズルに溜まっている空気がノズルから押し出され、ノズルは洗浄液とヘッド内にあった液体とで満たされる。また、ノズル内を洗浄液が往復運動することにより、ノズル内の異物や高粘度化したインクを排出することができる。 The air accumulated in the nozzle is pushed out of the nozzle by the vibration process, and the nozzle is filled with the cleaning liquid and the liquid in the head. Further, the cleaning liquid reciprocates in the nozzle, so that foreign matter in the nozzle and ink with increased viscosity can be discharged.
　また、供給圧制御部３１は供給圧調整部１４を制御して、ノズル面が洗浄液に浸漬している状態で、供給圧を上げる（供給圧上昇工程）。ノズル面が洗浄液に浸漬している状態で、供給圧を上げる供給圧上昇工程は、上記の振動工程が開始される前から行なってもよく、振動工程の開始と同時に供給圧上昇工程を開始してもよく、振動工程が開始した後に供給圧上昇工程を開始してもよい。また、振動工程が終わった後に行なってもよいが、振動工程を行ないながら、つまり、フラッシングを行ないながら供給圧上昇工程を行なうことがより好ましい。ノズル１２内の洗浄効果がより向上する。また、供給圧上昇工程は、後述する噴流工程の前、後、又は噴流工程を行ないながらのいずれのタイミングで行なってもよい。 Further, the supply pressure control unit 31 controls the supply pressure adjusting unit 14 to increase the supply pressure in a state where the nozzle surface is immersed in the cleaning liquid (supply pressure increasing step). The supply pressure increasing step for increasing the supply pressure while the nozzle surface is immersed in the cleaning liquid may be performed before the above vibration step is started, and the supply pressure increasing step is started simultaneously with the start of the vibration step. Alternatively, the supply pressure raising step may be started after the vibration step is started. Further, although it may be performed after the vibration process is completed, it is more preferable to perform the supply pressure increasing process while performing the vibration process, that is, performing the flushing. The cleaning effect in the nozzle 12 is further improved. Further, the supply pressure raising step may be performed before, after, or at any timing while performing the jet step described later.
　なお、供給圧上昇工程による供給圧の上昇の程度は、ノズル１２からインクが出る程度であればよく、より好ましくは少量のインクが染み出る程度である。 It should be noted that the increase in the supply pressure in the supply pressure increase process may be as long as ink is ejected from the nozzle 12, and more preferably a small amount of ink oozes out.
　また、噴流制御部３３は超音波発振装置２２を制御して、ノズル面が洗浄液に浸漬している状態で、洗浄液をノズル面に向けて噴流させる（噴流工程）。噴流工程は、上記の振動工程が開始される前から行なってもよく、振動工程の開始と同時に噴流工程を開始してもよく、振動工程が開始した後に噴流工程を開始してもよい。また、振動工程が終わった後に行なってもよいが、振動工程を行ないながら、つまり、フラッシングを行ないながら噴流工程を行なうことがより好ましい。必要以上にノズル１２に洗浄液が浸入することを防ぐことができるからである。また、噴流工程は、供給圧上昇工程の前、後、又は噴流工程を行ないながらのいずれのタイミングで行なってもよい。 Further, the jet flow control unit 33 controls the ultrasonic oscillator 22 to jet the cleaning liquid toward the nozzle surface in a state where the nozzle surface is immersed in the cleaning liquid (jet process). The jet process may be performed before the vibration process is started, the jet process may be started simultaneously with the start of the vibration process, or the jet process may be started after the vibration process is started. Moreover, although it may be performed after the vibration process is completed, it is more preferable to perform the jet process while performing the vibration process, that is, performing the flushing. This is because the cleaning liquid can be prevented from entering the nozzle 12 more than necessary. Further, the jet flow process may be performed before, after, or at any timing while performing the jet flow process.
　最後に、制御部３０はヘッド１０の洗浄の終了を示す信号を受け付けて、供給圧制御部３１、振動制御部３２、噴流制御部３３に、それぞれ供給圧上昇工程、振動工程、噴流工程を終了させる。ヘッド１０の洗浄の終了を示す信号は適宜設定すればよい。例えば、振動工程、供給圧上昇工程及び噴流工程のうち、少なくとも一つの工程を所定時間行なったことを示す信号であってもよく、ユーザが入力する洗浄の終了の指示を示す信号であってもよい。 Finally, the control unit 30 receives a signal indicating the end of cleaning of the head 10 and terminates the supply pressure increasing process, the vibration process, and the jet process in the supply pressure control unit 31, the vibration control unit 32, and the jet flow control unit 33, respectively. Let A signal indicating the end of cleaning of the head 10 may be set as appropriate. For example, it may be a signal indicating that at least one of the vibration process, the supply pressure increasing process and the jet flow process has been performed for a predetermined time, or a signal indicating an instruction to end the cleaning input by the user. Good.
　洗浄液交換制御部３４は、ヘッド１０の洗浄の開始を示す信号及び終了を示す信号から、前回洗浄液交換工程を行なった後に行なわれた洗浄の回数を認識する。なお、過去に洗浄液交換工程を行なったことが無ければ、初めて洗浄装置２０によって洗浄を行なってから、これまでに行なわれた洗浄の回数を認識する。 The cleaning liquid replacement control unit 34 recognizes the number of cleanings performed after the previous cleaning liquid replacement process from the signal indicating the start and the end of cleaning of the head 10. If the cleaning liquid replacement process has not been performed in the past, the cleaning device 20 performs the cleaning for the first time and then recognizes the number of cleanings performed so far.
　洗浄液交換制御部３４は、認識している洗浄の回数が所定の回数に達した後に、洗浄液交換工程を行なう。つまり、洗浄液交換制御部３４は、洗浄液排出部２６によって洗浄液の少なくとも一部を洗浄液貯留槽２１から排出して、洗浄液供給部２３によって、洗浄液貯留槽２１に新たな洗浄液を供給するように、洗浄液排出部２６及び洗浄液供給部２３を制御する。洗浄液をより新鮮な状態に保つことにより、長期にわたって高い洗浄効果でヘッド１０を洗浄できる。 The cleaning liquid replacement control unit 34 performs the cleaning liquid replacement process after the recognized number of cleanings reaches a predetermined number. That is, the cleaning liquid replacement control unit 34 discharges at least a part of the cleaning liquid from the cleaning liquid storage tank 21 by the cleaning liquid discharge section 26 and supplies the new cleaning liquid to the cleaning liquid storage tank 21 by the cleaning liquid supply section 23. The discharge unit 26 and the cleaning liquid supply unit 23 are controlled. By keeping the cleaning liquid fresher, the head 10 can be cleaned with a high cleaning effect over a long period of time.
　本発明は上述した実施形態に限定されるものではなく、請求項に示した範囲で種々の変更が可能であり、実施形態にそれぞれ開示された技術的手段を適宜組み合わせて得られる実施形態についても本発明の技術的範囲に含まれる。 The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope shown in the claims, and embodiments obtained by appropriately combining technical means disclosed in the embodiments are also included. It is included in the technical scope of the present invention.
　＜付記事項＞
　以上のように、本発明に係る洗浄方法の一実施形態は、ノズル１２からインクを吐出するヘッド１０の洗浄方法であって、ノズル面を洗浄液に浸漬する浸漬工程と、ノズル面が洗浄液に浸漬している状態で、振動素子１３によって、圧力室１１に振動を与えることによって、ノズル１２からインクを吐出する振動工程と、を含む。 <Additional notes>
As described above, one embodiment of the cleaning method according to the present invention is a method for cleaning the head 10 that ejects ink from the nozzles 12, in which the nozzle surface is immersed in the cleaning liquid, and the nozzle surface is immersed in the cleaning liquid. And a vibration step of ejecting ink from the nozzles 12 by applying vibration to the pressure chamber 11 by the vibration element 13.
　また、洗浄装置２０は、ノズル１２からインクを吐出するヘッド１０の洗浄装置であって、ノズル面を浸漬するための洗浄液を貯留する洗浄液貯留槽２１と、振動素子１３を、ノズル面が洗浄液に浸漬している状態で、圧力室１１に振動を与えるように制御する、振動制御部３２と、を備える。 The cleaning device 20 is a cleaning device for the head 10 that ejects ink from the nozzles 12. The cleaning device 20 includes a cleaning liquid storage tank 21 that stores cleaning liquid for immersing the nozzle surface, and the vibration element 13. And a vibration control unit 32 that controls the pressure chamber 11 to vibrate when immersed.
　ノズル１２を洗浄液に浸した状態で、圧力室１１に振動を与えて、圧力室１１からノズル１２を介してインクを出してフラッシングすることによって、ノズル１２に溜まっている空気がノズル１２から押し出され、ノズル１２は洗浄液とヘッド１０内にあったインクとで満たされる。また、振動によってノズル１２内のインクに加わる圧力が上下するので、ノズル１２内を洗浄液が往復運動する。これにより、ノズル１２内の異物や高粘度化したインクを排出することができる。よって、ノズル１２の洗浄効果がより高くなる。 In the state where the nozzle 12 is immersed in the cleaning liquid, the pressure chamber 11 is vibrated, the ink is discharged from the pressure chamber 11 through the nozzle 12 and flushed, whereby the air accumulated in the nozzle 12 is pushed out from the nozzle 12. The nozzle 12 is filled with the cleaning liquid and the ink in the head 10. Further, since the pressure applied to the ink in the nozzle 12 is increased and decreased by the vibration, the cleaning liquid reciprocates in the nozzle 12. As a result, foreign matter in the nozzle 12 and ink with increased viscosity can be discharged. Therefore, the cleaning effect of the nozzle 12 becomes higher.
　本発明に係る洗浄方法の一実施形態では、ヘッド１０に供給するインクの供給圧を制御する供給圧制御部３１によって、ノズル面が洗浄液に浸漬する前、又は浸漬している状態で、供給圧を上げる供給圧上昇工程を含む。 In one embodiment of the cleaning method according to the present invention, the supply pressure is controlled before or after the nozzle surface is immersed in the cleaning liquid by the supply pressure control unit 31 that controls the supply pressure of the ink supplied to the head 10. A supply pressure increasing step of increasing the pressure.
　印刷中のヘッド１０内の圧力は大気圧よりも微負圧に保たれている。一方で、洗浄中には、洗浄液がノズルよりヘッド１０の内側に浸入しないことが好ましい。そこで、供給圧制御部３１によってヘッド１０に供給するインクの供給圧を上げておくことにより、洗浄液がノズル１２に浸入することを防ぐことができる。また、ノズル１２を洗浄液に浸す前にノズル１２からインクを染み出させる程度に供給圧を上げておくと、ノズル１２内の空気がインクによって排出された状態で洗浄液に浸すことができる。これにより、ノズル１２内への洗浄液が入りやすい状態になるため、洗浄効果をより高くすることができる。 The pressure in the head 10 during printing is kept at a slightly negative pressure rather than atmospheric pressure. On the other hand, it is preferable that the cleaning liquid does not enter the inside of the head 10 from the nozzle during cleaning. Therefore, by increasing the supply pressure of the ink supplied to the head 10 by the supply pressure control unit 31, it is possible to prevent the cleaning liquid from entering the nozzle 12. Further, if the supply pressure is increased to such an extent that ink is oozed out from the nozzle 12 before the nozzle 12 is immersed in the cleaning liquid, the air in the nozzle 12 can be immersed in the cleaning liquid in a state where the air is discharged by the ink. Thereby, since it will be in the state where the washing | cleaning liquid enters the nozzle 12 easily, a cleaning effect can be made higher.
　本発明に係る洗浄方法の一実施形態では、洗浄液をノズル面に向けて噴流させる超音波発振装置２２によって、ノズル面が洗浄液に浸漬している状態で、洗浄液を噴流させる噴流工程を含む。 An embodiment of the cleaning method according to the present invention includes a jetting step of jetting the cleaning liquid while the nozzle surface is immersed in the cleaning liquid by the ultrasonic oscillator 22 that jets the cleaning liquid toward the nozzle surface.
　ノズル１２からインクを吐出する方向とは逆方向、つまり、ノズル面に向けて、超音波発振装置２２によって洗浄液を吹き付けることで、洗浄効果をより高くすることができる。なお、このとき、合わせて振動素子１３による振動を行なうことがより好ましい。これにより、ノズルからインクが吐出されて、ノズル１２の上流に洗浄液が必要以上に浸入することを防ぐことができる。 The cleaning effect can be further enhanced by spraying the cleaning liquid in the direction opposite to the direction in which ink is ejected from the nozzle 12, that is, toward the nozzle surface by the ultrasonic oscillator 22. At this time, it is more preferable to perform vibration by the vibration element 13 together. As a result, it is possible to prevent ink from being ejected from the nozzles and the cleaning liquid from entering the upstream of the nozzles 12 more than necessary.
　本発明に係る洗浄方法の一実施形態では、ヘッド１０の洗浄を所定の回数行なった後に、洗浄液を貯留する洗浄液貯留槽２１から洗浄液を排出する洗浄液排出部２６によって、洗浄液の少なくとも一部を排出して、新たな洗浄液を洗浄液貯留槽２１に供給する洗浄液供給部２３によって、洗浄液貯留槽２１に当該洗浄液を供給する、洗浄液交換工程を含む。 In one embodiment of the cleaning method according to the present invention, after cleaning the head 10 a predetermined number of times, at least a part of the cleaning liquid is discharged by the cleaning liquid discharge unit 26 that discharges the cleaning liquid from the cleaning liquid storage tank 21 that stores the cleaning liquid. Then, a cleaning liquid replacement step of supplying the cleaning liquid to the cleaning liquid storage tank 21 by the cleaning liquid supply unit 23 that supplies a new cleaning liquid to the cleaning liquid storage tank 21 is included.
　また、洗浄装置２０では、洗浄液貯留槽２１から洗浄液を排出する洗浄液排出部２６と、新たな洗浄液を洗浄液貯留槽２１に供給する洗浄液供給部２３と、ヘッド１０の洗浄を所定の回数行なった後に、洗浄液排出部２６によって洗浄液の少なくとも一部を排出して、洗浄液供給部２３によって、洗浄液貯留槽２１に新たな洗浄液を供給するように、洗浄液排出部２６及び洗浄液供給部２３を制御する、洗浄液交換制御部３４と、を備える。 In the cleaning apparatus 20, the cleaning liquid discharge unit 26 that discharges the cleaning liquid from the cleaning liquid storage tank 21, the cleaning liquid supply unit 23 that supplies a new cleaning liquid to the cleaning liquid storage tank 21, and the head 10 are cleaned a predetermined number of times. The cleaning liquid is controlled by the cleaning liquid discharge unit 26 and the cleaning liquid supply unit 23 such that at least a part of the cleaning liquid is discharged by the cleaning liquid discharge unit 26 and a new cleaning liquid is supplied to the cleaning liquid storage tank 21 by the cleaning liquid supply unit 23. An exchange control unit 34.
　洗浄液を複数回使用することにより、洗浄液が汚れて洗浄効果が低下する虞があるが、洗浄液を交換することにより、高い洗浄効果を維持することができる。 When the cleaning liquid is used a plurality of times, the cleaning liquid may become dirty and the cleaning effect may be reduced. However, by replacing the cleaning liquid, a high cleaning effect can be maintained.
　洗浄装置２０では、洗浄液供給部２３は、洗浄液貯留槽２１内の洗浄液の表面の高さを調整する洗浄液表面レベル調整槽２５をさらに備える。 In the cleaning apparatus 20, the cleaning liquid supply unit 23 further includes a cleaning liquid surface level adjustment tank 25 that adjusts the height of the surface of the cleaning liquid in the cleaning liquid storage tank 21.
　洗浄液貯留槽２１内の洗浄液の表面の高さを調整することにより、必要以上に洗浄液がヘッド１０の内部に浸入することを防ぐことができる。 By adjusting the height of the surface of the cleaning liquid in the cleaning liquid storage tank 21, it is possible to prevent the cleaning liquid from entering the head 10 more than necessary.
　また、インクジェット記録装置１は、洗浄装置２０と、ノズル面の付着物を払拭するためのワイパーと、当該ノズル面を覆い保護するための蓋とを備える。 Also, the ink jet recording apparatus 1 includes a cleaning device 20, a wiper for wiping off deposits on the nozzle surface, and a lid for covering and protecting the nozzle surface.
　洗浄装置２０を備えるので、より高い洗浄効果でノズル１２を洗浄できる。また、ワイピング及びキャッピングにより、ヘッド１０をより効率よく清掃できる。 Since the cleaning device 20 is provided, the nozzle 12 can be cleaned with a higher cleaning effect. Further, the head 10 can be more efficiently cleaned by wiping and capping.
　本発明は、インクジェット印刷装置に利用することができる。 The present invention can be used for an ink jet printing apparatus.

Claims (8)

  1. 　ノズルから液体を吐出するヘッドの洗浄方法であって、
    　上記ヘッドの上記ノズルが設けられた面を洗浄液に浸漬する浸漬工程と、
    　上記面が上記洗浄液に浸漬している状態で、ノズルに連通する、上記ヘッド内の圧力室に振動を与える振動手段によって、上記圧力室に振動を与えることによって、上記ノズルから上記液体を吐出する振動工程と、を含むことを特徴とする洗浄方法。     A method of cleaning a head that discharges liquid from a nozzle,
    An immersion step of immersing the surface of the head provided with the nozzle in a cleaning liquid;
    In a state where the surface is immersed in the cleaning liquid, the liquid is discharged from the nozzle by applying vibration to the pressure chamber by a vibration unit that communicates with the nozzle and that vibrates the pressure chamber in the head. And a vibration process.
  2. 　上記ヘッドに供給する液体の供給圧を制御する供給圧制御手段によって、上記面が上記洗浄液に浸漬する前、又は浸漬している状態で、上記供給圧を上げる供給圧上昇工程を含むことを特徴とする請求項１に記載の洗浄方法。 A supply pressure control means for controlling the supply pressure of the liquid supplied to the head includes a supply pressure increasing step for increasing the supply pressure before or while the surface is immersed in the cleaning liquid. The cleaning method according to claim 1.
  3. 　上記洗浄液を上記面に向けて噴流させる噴流手段によって、上記面が上記洗浄液に浸漬している状態で、上記洗浄液を噴流させる噴流工程を含むことを特徴とする請求項１に記載の洗浄方法。 The cleaning method according to claim 1, further comprising a jetting step of jetting the cleaning liquid in a state where the surface is immersed in the cleaning liquid by jet means for jetting the cleaning liquid toward the surface.
  4. 　上記ヘッドの洗浄を所定の回数行なった後に、上記洗浄液を貯留する洗浄液貯留槽から洗浄液を排出する洗浄液排出手段によって、上記洗浄液の少なくとも一部を排出して、新たな洗浄液を上記洗浄液貯留槽に供給する洗浄液供給手段によって、上記洗浄液貯留槽に当該洗浄液を供給する、洗浄液交換工程を含むことを特徴とする請求項１に記載の洗浄方法。 After the head has been cleaned a predetermined number of times, at least a part of the cleaning liquid is discharged by a cleaning liquid discharging means for discharging the cleaning liquid from the cleaning liquid storage tank for storing the cleaning liquid, and a new cleaning liquid is supplied to the cleaning liquid storage tank. The cleaning method according to claim 1, further comprising a cleaning liquid replacement step of supplying the cleaning liquid to the cleaning liquid storage tank by a supplied cleaning liquid supply unit.
  5. 　ノズルから液体を吐出するヘッドの洗浄装置であって、
    　上記ヘッドの上記ノズルが設けられた面を浸漬するための洗浄液を貯留する洗浄液貯留槽と、
    　上記ノズルに連通するヘッド内の圧力室に振動を与える振動手段を、上記面が上記洗浄液に浸漬している状態で、上記圧力室に振動を与えるように制御する、振動制御手段と、を備えることを特徴とする洗浄装置。     A head cleaning device for discharging liquid from a nozzle,
    A cleaning liquid storage tank for storing a cleaning liquid for immersing the surface of the head provided with the nozzle;
    And vibration control means for controlling vibration means for applying vibration to the pressure chamber in the head communicating with the nozzle so as to apply vibration to the pressure chamber in a state where the surface is immersed in the cleaning liquid. A cleaning apparatus characterized by that.
  6. 　上記洗浄液貯留槽から洗浄液を排出する洗浄液排出手段と、
    　新たな洗浄液を上記洗浄液貯留槽に供給する洗浄液供給手段と、
    　上記ヘッドの洗浄を所定の回数行なった後に、上記洗浄液排出手段によって上記洗浄液の少なくとも一部を排出して、上記洗浄液供給手段によって、上記洗浄液貯留槽に新たな洗浄液を供給するように、上記洗浄液排出手段及び上記洗浄液供給手段を制御する、洗浄液交換制御手段と、を備えることを特徴とする請求項５に記載の洗浄装置。     Cleaning liquid discharging means for discharging the cleaning liquid from the cleaning liquid storage tank;
    Cleaning liquid supply means for supplying a new cleaning liquid to the cleaning liquid storage tank;
    After the head has been cleaned a predetermined number of times, at least a part of the cleaning liquid is discharged by the cleaning liquid discharging means, and the cleaning liquid is supplied to the cleaning liquid storage tank by the cleaning liquid supply means. The cleaning apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising: a cleaning liquid replacement control unit that controls the discharge unit and the cleaning liquid supply unit.
  7. 　上記洗浄液供給手段は、上記洗浄液貯留槽内の洗浄液の表面の高さを所定の高さに保つ洗浄液表面高さ調整手段をさらに備えることを特徴とする請求項６に記載の洗浄装置。 The cleaning apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the cleaning liquid supply means further includes a cleaning liquid surface height adjusting means for maintaining the height of the surface of the cleaning liquid in the cleaning liquid storage tank at a predetermined height.
  8. 　請求項５～７のいずれか１項に記載の洗浄装置と、上記ノズルが設けられた面の付着物を払拭するためのワイピング手段と、当該面を覆い保護するためのキャッピング手段とを備えることを特徴とするインクジェット記録装置。 A cleaning apparatus according to any one of claims 5 to 7, a wiping means for wiping off deposits on the surface provided with the nozzle, and a capping means for covering and protecting the surface. An ink jet recording apparatus.
PCT/JP2013/059568 2012-04-04 2013-03-29 Cleaning method, cleaning device and ink jet recording device WO2013150977A1 (en)

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