JP6303353B2 - Maintenance device and liquid ejection device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a maintenance technique for wiping an ejection head that ejects liquid with a wiper member.

  The apparatus (inkjet recording apparatus) described in Patent Document 1 includes a recording head that ejects ink. In particular, the apparatus includes a wiper that wipes the ink ejection surface of the recording head. The wiper is configured to be able to contact and separate from the ink discharge surface of the recording head. When wiping is performed, the wiper is brought into contact with the recording head, and the wiper is bent by the force received from the recording head while the wiper is bent. To slide.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 06-091887

  In such a device for wiping a head that ejects liquid with a wiper member, the wiper member is pressed against the head with a certain amount of force to ensure a force (wiping force) when the wiper member wipes the head. Is preferred. However, in such an apparatus, the wiper member may come into contact with the head with an operation other than wiping. Even in such a case, it is not appropriate to press the wiper member against the head with a force corresponding to the wiping force because it causes wear and damage of the wiper member.

  The present invention makes it possible to prevent the wiper member from being consumed or damaged by unnecessarily pressing the wiper member against the head while securing the wiping force when wiping the head with the wiper member. The purpose is to provide technology.

  In order to achieve the above object, the maintenance device according to the first aspect of the present invention includes a wiper member and a holding unit that holds the wiper member, and the holding unit is configured such that the head that ejects liquid and the wiper member are relative to each other. A restricting member for restricting displacement of the wiper member after the head and the wiper member come close to each other, and a release mechanism for releasing restriction of the displacement of the wiper member by the restricting member.

  In order to achieve the above object, the liquid ejecting apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention includes a head that ejects liquid, and a maintenance unit that includes a wiper member and a holding unit that holds the wiper member. A restricting member for restricting displacement of the wiper member after the head and the wiper member are relatively close to each other and contacting the head and the wiper member, and a release mechanism for releasing the restriction of the displacement of the wiper member by the restricting member.

  Thus, in the first aspect (maintenance device, liquid ejecting apparatus) of the present invention, the restriction member that restricts the displacement of the wiper member after coming into contact with the head and the release mechanism that releases the restriction by the restriction member are provided. Yes. Therefore, by restricting the displacement of the wiper member after coming into contact with the head by the restricting member, it is possible to cause the force against the force received from the head to act on the wiper member and press the wiper member against the head. As a result, it is possible to secure a wiping force when wiping the head with the wiper member. On the other hand, by releasing the restriction of the displacement of the wiper member by the restriction member by the release mechanism, the wiper member is displaced according to the force received from the head, and the load on the wiper member can be reduced. As a result, consumption and damage of the wiper member can be suppressed. As described above, in the first aspect of the present invention, the wiper member displacement is appropriately controlled and the restriction is canceled as appropriate, so that the wiping force when wiping the head with the wiper member is ensured, and the wiper is unnecessarily removed. It is possible to suppress the wiper member from being consumed or damaged by pressing the member against the head.

  The restricting member can take a restricting position that restricts the displacement of the wiper member in contact with the wiper member and a release position that does not restrict the displacement of the wiper member without contacting the wiper member. The maintenance device may be configured to release the restriction of the displacement of the wiper member by the restriction member by positioning the member at the release position.

  In such a configuration, the displacement of the wiper member can be restricted and the restriction released simply by changing the position of the restriction member between the restriction position and the release position. In addition, as a mode in which the regulating member is in contact with the wiper member, there can be a mode in which the regulating member is in direct contact with the wiper member and a mode in which the regulating member is in contact with the wiper member via another member.

  The holding portion has an interlocking member that interlocks with the displacement of the wiper member, the restricting member restricts the displacement of the interlocking member by contacting the interlocking member, thereby restricting the displacement of the wiper member, The maintenance device may be configured to release the restriction of the displacement of the wiper member by releasing the restriction member from the interlocking member and releasing the restriction of the displacement of the interlocking member by the restriction member.

  In such a configuration, an interlocking member that interlocks with the displacement of the wiper member is provided. Then, when the regulating member comes into contact with the interlocking member, the displacement of the interlocking member is regulated, and the displacement of the wiper member is regulated. On the other hand, when the regulating member is separated from the interlocking member, the regulation of the displacement of the interlocking member is released, and the regulation of the displacement of the wiper member is released. That is, by restricting the regulating member to and away from the interlocking member, it is possible to easily switch between regulating the displacement of the wiper member and releasing the regulation.

  In addition, the holding unit has a movable member that is movable while supporting the wiper member, and the interlocking member is configured to be in contact with the movable member so as to interlock with the movable member that moves with the wiper member. Also good. In such a configuration, the holding portion supports the wiper portion by the movable member. The interlocking member is in contact with the movable member and interlocks with the movable member that moves with the wiper member. Thus, the interlocking member can be interlocked with the displacement of the wiper member.

  The interlocking member has a guide portion that contacts the movable member, and the holding portion has a moving mechanism that moves the movable member along the guide portion of the interlocking member, and the displacement mechanism restricts the displacement of the wiper member by the restricting member. The maintenance device may be configured such that the wiper member is slid on the head by operating.

  In such a configuration, wiping can be performed by sliding the wiper member on the head by moving the movable member with the moving mechanism while regulating the displacement of the wiper member by the regulating member. In addition, since the movable member is moved along the guide portion of the interlocking member, the interlocking member has a function of guiding the movement of the movable member accompanied by the wiper member during wiping so that the wiper member can be stably operated. Can be moved.

  Incidentally, various modes of moving the movable member are conceivable. Therefore, for example, the maintenance device may be configured so that the movable member can rotate around the rotation axis.

  Further, the holding portion has a cap member, and when wiping the head with the wiper member, the displacement of the wiper member is regulated by the regulating member, and the wiper member relatively approaching the head is brought into contact with the head and the cap When the member is separated from the head and the head is capped with the cap member, the cap member that comes closer to the head further from the state where the wiper member is in contact with the head while releasing the restriction of the displacement of the wiper member by the release mechanism. The maintenance device may be configured to be in contact with the head.

  In such a configuration, since the wiper member held by the holding portion together with the cap member is in contact with the head while the cap member is relatively approaching the head for capping, an excessive stress acts on the wiper member from the head. The wiper member may be consumed or damaged. On the other hand, according to the first aspect of the present invention, the wiper member can be displaced according to the force received from the head by releasing the restriction of the displacement of the wiper member by the restriction member by the release mechanism. Therefore, when the wiper member contacts the head, the wiper member is displaced according to the force received from the head. As a result, it is possible to suppress excessive stress from being applied to the wiper member, and to suppress wear and damage of the wiper member.

  In order to achieve the above object, the maintenance device according to the second aspect of the present invention includes a wiper member and a holding unit that holds the wiper member, and the holding unit is configured such that the head that ejects the liquid and the wiper member are relative to each other. A first operation of holding the wiper member by applying a force against the force received from the head to the wiper member after the head and the wiper member are in contact with each other, and the head and the wiper member relatively approaching the head After the contact with the wiper member, a second operation for selectively displacing the wiper member according to the force received from the head without applying the force applied to the wiper member against the force received from the head is selectively executed. A wiper control unit.

  In order to achieve the above object, a liquid ejecting apparatus according to a second aspect of the present invention includes a head that ejects liquid, and a maintenance unit that includes a wiper member and a holding unit that holds the wiper member. After the head and the wiper member are relatively close to each other and the head and the wiper member are in contact with each other, a first operation for holding the wiper member by applying a force against the force received from the head to the wiper member; A second approach is to displace the wiper member according to the force received from the head without acting on the wiper member the force that acts against the force received from the head in the first operation after the head and the wiper member are relatively close to each other. And a wiper control unit that selectively executes the operation.

  As described above, in the second aspect (maintenance device, liquid ejecting apparatus) of the present invention, after the wiper control unit performs the first operation or the second operation, the head is relatively close to the head and comes into contact with the head. The holding mode of the wiper member is controlled. More specifically, in the first operation, after the head and the wiper member are in contact with each other, the wiper controller holds the wiper member by applying a force against the force received from the head to the wiper member. Therefore, by executing the first operation, the wiping force when wiping the head with the wiper member can be ensured by pressing the wiper member against the head with a force against the force received from the head. On the other hand, in the second operation, after the head and the wiper member are in contact with each other, the wiper control unit follows the force received from the head without acting on the wiper member with the force applied in the first operation against the force received from the head. The wiper member is displaced. Therefore, by executing the second operation, it is possible to suppress excessive stress from being applied to the wiper member in contact with the head, and it is possible to suppress wear and damage of the wiper member. As described above, in the second aspect of the present invention, by appropriately performing the first operation or the second operation, the wiping force when wiping the head with the wiper member is ensured, but the wiper member is unnecessarily disposed. It is possible to suppress the wiper member from being worn out or damaged by being pressed against.

  The holding portion has a cap member. In the first operation, the wiper member is brought into contact with the head and the cap member is separated from the head. In the second operation, the wiper member is further brought into contact with the head and then further attached to the head. The maintenance device may be configured such that the head is capped with a cap member that is relatively close.

  In such a configuration, the cap member performs capping on the head in the second operation. At this time, since the wiper member held by the holding unit together with the cap member is in contact with the head while the cap member is relatively approaching the head for capping, an excessive stress is applied from the head to the wiper member. Could be worn out or damaged. On the other hand, according to the second aspect of the present invention, the wiper control unit displaces the wiper member in accordance with the force received from the head in the second operation, so that excessive stress is not applied from the head to the wiper member. Thus, consumption and damage of the wiper member can be suppressed.

1 is a front view schematically illustrating a configuration of a printer to which the present invention is applicable. The side view which illustrates typically the support mode of the head by a carriage. The perspective view which illustrates typically the composition of a maintenance unit. The figure which shows typically an example of the wiping which a maintenance unit performs. The figure which shows typically an example of the capping which a maintenance unit performs.

  FIG. 1 is a front view schematically illustrating the configuration of a printer to which the present invention is applicable. In FIG. 1 and the following drawings, three-dimensional orthogonal coordinates corresponding to the left-right direction X, the front-rear direction Y, and the vertical direction Z of the printer 1 in order to clarify the arrangement relationship of each part of the printer 1 as necessary. The system is adopted.

  As shown in FIG. 1, in the printer 1, the feeding unit 2, the process unit 3, and the winding unit 4 are arranged in the left-right direction. The feeding unit 2 and the winding unit 4 have a feeding shaft 20 and a winding shaft 40, respectively. Then, both ends of the sheet S (medium) are wound around the feeding unit 2 and the winding unit 4 in a roll shape, and are stretched between them. The sheet S is transported from the feeding shaft 20 to the process unit 3 along the transport path Pc stretched in this manner, subjected to image recording processing by the printing unit 6U, and then transported to the take-up shaft 40. The type of the sheet S is roughly classified into a paper type and a film type. In the following description, of both surfaces of the sheet S, the surface on which an image is recorded is referred to as the front surface, and the opposite surface is referred to as the back surface.

  The feeding unit 2 includes a feeding shaft 20 around which the end of the sheet S is wound, and a driven roller 21 around which the sheet S drawn from the feeding shaft 20 is wound. By rotating the feeding shaft 20, the sheet S wound around the feeding shaft 20 is fed to the process unit 3 via the driven roller 21.

  The process unit 3 records an image on the sheet S using the printing unit 6 </ b> U while supporting the sheet S fed from the feeding unit 2 on the platen 30. That is, the printing unit 6U includes a plurality of heads 6a to 6f arranged along the surface of the platen 30, and the heads 6a to 6f eject ink onto the sheet S supported on the surface of the platen 30, An image is recorded on the sheet S. In the process unit 3, a front drive roller 31 and a rear drive roller 32 are provided on both sides of the platen 30, and the sheet S conveyed from the front drive roller 31 to the rear drive roller 32 is supported by the platen 30. Receive image printing.

  Driven rollers 33, 34 are provided on the left and right sides of the platen 30, and the driven rollers 33, 34 wind the sheet S conveyed from the front drive roller 31 to the rear drive roller 32 from the back side.

  A nip roller 31 n is provided for the front drive roller 31. The nip roller 31n can reliably convey the sheet S by the front drive roller 31 by sandwiching the sheet S with the front drive roller 31. Similarly, a nip roller 32 n is provided for the rear drive roller 32.

  Thus, the sheet S conveyed from the front drive roller 31 to the rear drive roller 32 is conveyed in the conveyance direction Ds on the platen 30 while being supported by the platen 30. In the process unit 3, a plurality of heads 6 a to 6 f that eject ink on the surface of the sheet S supported by the platen 30 by the inkjet method are arranged in the transport direction Ds while facing the surface of the platen 30. In each of these heads 6a to 6f, a plurality of nozzles are linearly arranged in the Y direction orthogonal to the transport direction Ds to form a nozzle array, and a plurality of nozzle arrays are arranged at intervals in the transport direction Ds. It is out. Therefore, each of the heads 6a to 6f can simultaneously record a plurality of line images. The heads 6a to 6f eject ink of corresponding colors by an ink jet method while facing the surface of the sheet S supported by the platen 30 with a slight clearance.

  Among these heads, the heads 6b to 6e respectively form yellow (Y), cyan (C), magenta (M), and black (K) inks to form color images. Further, the head 6a disposed on the upstream side (left hand side in FIG. 1) in the transport direction Ds with respect to the head 6b ejects white (W) ink, and is a color image formed by the heads 6b to 6e. The background (hereinafter referred to as “background image”). Further, the head 6f disposed downstream of the head 6e in the transport direction Ds (the right hand side in FIG. 1) ejects transparent ink, and the transparent ink is further applied to the color image and the background image. Be injected.

  Incidentally, as the ink, UV (ultraviolet) ink (photo-curable ink) that is cured by irradiating ultraviolet rays (light) is used. Therefore, in the present embodiment, a UV lamp 36 for background images, UV lamps 37a and 37b for color images, and a UV lamp 38 for transparent ink are provided. That is, the UV lamps 36, 37 a, 37 b and 38 cure each ink and fix it on the sheet S.

  As described above, in the process unit 3, ink ejection and curing are appropriately performed on the sheet S supported by the platen 30 to form a color image with a background image coated with, for example, a transparent ink. Then, the sheet S on which the color image is formed is conveyed to the winding unit 4 by the rear drive roller 32.

  The winding unit 4 includes a winding shaft 40 that winds the end of the sheet S, and a driven roller 41 that winds the sheet S conveyed to the winding shaft 40. By rotating the winding shaft 40, the sheet S is wound around the winding shaft 40 via the driven roller 41.

  Incidentally, the printer 1 is provided with a carriage 50 that supports the above-described printing unit 6U. The carriage 50 is movable in the Y direction along the two rails 51 extending in the Y direction. Therefore, the heads 6a to 6f can be appropriately moved in the Y direction along with the carriage 50.

  FIG. 2 is a side view schematically illustrating how the head is supported by the carriage. In addition, since the structure regarding each head 6a-6f is substantially common, in FIG. 2, the code | symbol 6 is attached | subjected and one head is illustrated. In FIG. 2, a state where the head 6 is located at a printing position Ta described later is indicated by a solid line, and a state where the head 6 is located at a maintenance position Tb described later is indicated by a broken line. As shown in FIG. 2, the carriage 50 has two support frames 501 arranged at intervals in the Y direction, and supports the head 6 between the support frames 501. The carriage 50 includes a drive source 502 such as a motor attached to the frame 501, and an arm 503 that connects the drive source 502 and the head 6. The drive source 502 can raise and lower the head 6 in the Z direction. .

  Then, by moving the carriage 50 in the Y direction along the rail 51, the head 6 can be moved between the printing position Ta and the maintenance position Tb. The printing position Ta is provided above the platen 30. By positioning the head 6 at the printing position Ta, the head 6 can be made to face the conveyance path Pc of the sheet S. Therefore, ink can be ejected from the head 6 and printing can be performed on the sheet S conveyed along the conveyance path Pc. On the other hand, the maintenance position Tb is provided above the maintenance unit 7 disposed on the rear side (−Y side) of the platen 30. Therefore, by positioning the head 6 at the maintenance position Tb, the head 6 can be opposed to the maintenance unit 7 and maintenance such as wiping or capping can be performed on the head 6.

  FIG. 3 is a perspective view schematically illustrating the configuration of the maintenance unit. In FIG. 3, in addition to the maintenance unit 7, the lower end portion of the head 6 is also shown. The maintenance unit 7 has a hollow unit body 70 that is long in the Y direction. The unit main body 70 includes an opening 701 facing the head 6 located at the maintenance position Tb, and an upper member 702 that is provided on the right side (−X side) of the opening 701 and partially hides the internal space 700 of the unit main body 70. Have. In the internal space 700 of the unit main body 70, a rod-shaped guide member 711 extending in the X direction is attached to the bottom of the unit main body 70 via an attachment member 712, and the movable support member 72 extends in the X direction along the guide member 711. It is provided to be movable. The movable support member 72 has a flat plate shape elongated in the Y direction, and is movable with respect to the unit main body 70 along with the wiper member 73 and the cap member 74.

  The wiper member 73 is formed of a flexible material such as rubber, and is supported by the movable support member 72 via the rotating member 75. Specifically, the rotation member 75 is attached to the movable support member 72 so as to be rotatable about a rotation shaft 751 protruding forward (+ Y side) from the movable support member 72. The wiper member 73 is fixed to the upper surface of the rotating member 75. Therefore, the wiper member 73 can rotate with respect to the movable support member 72 around the rotation shaft 751 along with the rotation member 75. On the other hand, the cap member 74 is fixed to the upper surface of the movable support member 72 via an attachment member 741.

  Further, the rotating member 75 has a protrusion 752 protruding to the front side (+ Y side), and the interlocking plate 76 contacts the protrusion 751 from the lower side (−Z side). The interlocking plate 76 has a dimension corresponding to the movable range of the movable support member 72 in the X direction, and comes into contact with the protrusion 752 at a guide plane 761 formed in a linear shape. The interlocking plate 76 is rotatable with respect to the unit main body 70 around a rotation shaft 762 provided at the right end (−X side end). The interlocking plate 76 is attached to a direction in which the left end (+ X side end) of the interlocking plate 76 is directed upward (+ Z side) (clockwise as viewed from the front (+ Y side)) by an elastic member such as a spring. It is energized. Therefore, the interlocking plate 76 pushes the rotating member 75 upward (+ Z side) via the protrusion 751 by this biasing force. In the state where the interlocking plate 76 pushes the rotating member 75 to the highest position, the tip of the wiper member 73 supported by the rotating member 75 protrudes upward (+ Z side) from the cap member 74.

  Further, the maintenance unit 7 includes a regulating member 771 that contacts the interlocking plate 76 from the lower side (−Z side), and a solenoid 772 that moves the regulating member 771 in the Y direction. Then, the solenoid 772 moves the restriction member 771, so that the restriction member 771 can be positioned at either the restriction position T1 or the release position T2 aligned in the Y direction. In FIG. 3, the state in which the regulating member 771 is located at the release position T2 is indicated by a broken line. The restricting member 771 is located below the interlocking plate 76 at the restricting position T1, and restricts the downward displacement of the left end portion (+ X side end portion) of the interlocking plate 76. On the other hand, the restricting member 771 is disengaged from the lower side of the interlocking plate 76 in the Y direction at the release position T2, and the left end portion (+ X side end portion) of the interlocking plate 76 can be displaced downward.

  Furthermore, the maintenance unit 7 includes the moving mechanism 78 that moves the movable support member 72 that supports the wiper member 73 and the cap member 74 in the X direction as described above. The moving mechanism 78 includes a motor 781 and an engaging member 782 connected to the motor 781. A rotating shaft 783 is provided at one end of the engaging member 782, and the engaging member 782 receives the driving force from the motor 781 and rotates with respect to the unit main body 70 around the rotating shaft 783. A claw portion 784 having a bifurcated shape is provided at the other end portion of the engagement member 782, and the claw portion 784 of the engagement member 782 is engaged with a rotary shaft 751 attached to the movable support member 72. To do. Therefore, when the motor 781 is rotated, the claw portion 784 of the engagement member 782 rotates about the rotation shaft 783. As a result, the movable support member 72 engaged with the claw portion 784 is guided by the guide member 711 and moves in the X direction with the wiper member 73 and the cap member 74.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of wiping performed by the maintenance unit. In starting the wiping, the position of the wiper member 73 is adjusted by the motor 781, and the wiper member 73 is positioned below the left end (+ X side end) of the nozzle forming surface 60 of the head 6 at the maintenance position Tb. Opposite with a gap from (-Z side) (step S11). In step S11, the solenoid 772 positions the restricting member 771 at the restricting position T1. Incidentally, in the example of FIG. 4, the restricting member 771 located at the restricting position T <b> 1 is in contact with the interlocking plate 76 in step S <b> 11. However, in step S11, a clearance (play) may be provided between the regulating member 771 and the interlocking plate 76.

  Subsequently, the drive source 502 (FIG. 2) lowers the head 6 and brings the head 6 closer to the wiper member 73. As a result, the tip of the wiper member 73 comes into contact with the nozzle forming surface 60 of the head 6, and the head 6 is further lowered, whereby the wiper member 73 is pressed from the head 6. At this time, since the restricting member 771 is positioned at the restricting position T1 and the downward displacement of the interlocking plate 76 is restricted, the wiper member 73 is supported by the interlocking plate 76 via the rotating member 75. Even if pressed from the head 6, it does not move downward. As a result, the wiper member 73 is given a force that resists the force received from the head 6. Further, the displacement of the wiper member 73 is restricted by the restriction member 771. Thus, after the head 6 and the wiper member 73 are relatively close to each other and the head 6 and the wiper member 73 are in contact with each other, a force (wiping force) against the force received from the head 6 is applied to the wiper member 73 to cause the wiper member 73. The “first operation” is held.

  As described above, a clearance (play) can be provided between the regulating member 771 and the interlocking plate 76 in step S11. In this case, after the wiper member 73 comes into contact with the head 6, the interlocking plate 76 is displaced downward by the clearance by the force received from the head 6 via the wiper member 73 and the rotating member 75, and the restriction position T1 is reached. It contacts the regulating member 771. As a result, the wiper member 7 is supported by the interlocking plate 76 via the rotating member 75, and a force against the force received from the head 6 is applied to the wiper member 73.

  In step S12, with the wiper member 73 pressed against the nozzle forming surface 60 of the head 6, the motor 711 rotates in the forward direction to move the wiper member 73 in the -X direction. At this time, since the interlocking plate 76 supports the wiper member 74, the wiper member 73 is slid on the nozzle forming surface 60 while being pressed against the nozzle forming surface 60 with a sufficient wiping force. Further, the guide plane 761 of the interlocking plate 76 that is in contact with the regulating member 771 is maintained parallel to the guide member 711 (FIG. 3) (that is, parallel to the X direction), and is in contact with the interlocking plate 76 via the rotating member 75. The movement of the wiper member 73 is appropriately guided in the −X direction by the guide plane 761. In this way, the ink adhering to the nozzle forming surface 60 is wiped off and wiping is performed. During the wiping, the wiper member 73 bends in the direction opposite to the traveling direction due to the frictional force and the wiping force acting on the nozzle forming surface 60. When the wiping is completed, the motor 781 moves the wiper member 73 to the lower side (−Z side) of the upper member 702 and hides the wiper member 73 by the upper member 702 (step S13). Thereafter, the motor 711 is rotated in the reverse direction, and the wiper member 73 moves in the + X direction while being in contact with the nozzle forming surface to perform wiping. Then, the head 6 is raised, and the head 6 is lifted. Put it in a state.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of capping performed by the maintenance unit. When starting capping, the position of the wiper member 73 is adjusted by the motor 781, and the cap member 74 is spaced from the lower side (−Z side) to the nozzle forming surface 60 of the head 6 at the maintenance position Tb. Oppose (step S21). In step S21, the restricting member 771 is positioned at the release position T2 by the solenoid 772, and is disengaged from the interlocking plate 76 in the Y direction.

  Subsequently, the drive source 502 (FIG. 2) lowers the head 6 and brings the head 6 closer to the cap member 74. When the head 6 is separated from the wiper member 73, the tip of the wiper member 73 protrudes from the cap member 74 toward the head 6 (+ Z side). Therefore, while the head 6 is approaching the cap member 74, the tip of the wiper member 73 comes into contact with the nozzle forming surface 60 of the head 6 before the cap member 74 and is pressed from the head 6 (step S22).

  However, since the restricting member 771 is positioned at the restricting position T2, the restriction of the displacement of the interlocking plate 76 by the restricting member 771 is released, and the wiper member 73 in contact with the head 6 is united according to the force received from the head 6. The main body 70 can be displaced. Therefore, when the head 6 is brought close to the cap member 74 from the state of step S22, the wiper member 73 is displaced with the rotating member 75 and the interlocking plate 76 according to the force received from the head 6. Specifically, the interlocking plate 76 rotates about the rotation shaft 762, and the rotation member 75 rotates about the rotation shaft 751. When the head 6 is in contact with the cap member 74 and the nozzle forming surface 60 is capped by the cap member 74, the wiper member 73 rotates and disengages to the left side (+ X side) of the head 6 (step S23). ). Thus, after the head 6 and the wiper member 73 are relatively close to each other and the head 6 and the wiper member 73 are in contact with each other, the wiper member 73 is displaced according to the force received from the head 6 without causing the wiping force to act on the wiper member 73. The “second operation” is executed.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the restriction member 771 for restricting the displacement of the wiper member 73 after contacting the head 6 and the solenoid 772 for releasing the restriction by the restriction member 771 are provided. Therefore, by restricting the displacement of the wiper member 73 after coming into contact with the head 6 by the restricting member 771, a force against the force received from the head 6 is applied to the wiper member 73, and the wiper member 73 is pushed against the head 6. You can guess. As a result, the wiping force when wiping the head 6 with the wiper member 73 can be secured. On the other hand, by releasing the restriction of the displacement of the wiper member 73 by the restriction member 771 by the solenoid 772, the wiper member 73 is displaced according to the force received from the head 6, and the load on the wiper member 73 can be reduced. As a result, consumption and damage of the wiper member 73 can be suppressed. As described above, in this embodiment, the displacement of the wiper member 73 and the release of the restriction are appropriately executed, so that the wiping force when wiping the head 6 with the wiper member 73 is secured, but the wiper is unnecessarily necessary. It is possible to prevent the wiper member 73 from being consumed or damaged by pressing the member 73 against the head 6.

  Further, the restricting member 711 can selectively take the restricting position T1 and the release position T2. The restricting member 711 comes into contact with the wiper member 73 via the interlocking plate 76 and the rotating member 75 at the restricting position T1 to restrict the displacement of the wiper member 73. Alternatively, the regulating member 711 does not regulate the displacement of the wiper member 73 without contacting the wiper member 73 at the release position T2. Such a configuration is preferable because the displacement of the wiper member 73 can be easily restricted and the restriction can be released simply by changing the position of the restriction member 711 between the restriction position T1 and the release position T2.

  An interlocking plate 76 that interlocks with the displacement of the wiper member 73 is provided. The restricting member 711 restricts the displacement of the wiper member 73 by contacting the interlocking plate 76 and restricting the displacement of the interlocking plate 76. On the other hand, the solenoid 772 releases the restriction of the displacement of the wiper member 73 by releasing the restriction member 771 from the interlocking plate 76 and releasing the restriction of the displacement of the interlocking plate 76 by the restriction member 771. Such a configuration is preferable because the regulation of the displacement of the wiper member 73 and the cancellation of the regulation can be easily switched by bringing the regulating member 771 into and out of contact with the interlocking plate 76.

  The interlocking plate 76 has a guide plane 761 in contact with the rotating member 75, and the moving mechanism 78 moves the rotating member 75 along the guide plane 761 of the interlocking plate 76. Then, by operating the moving mechanism 78 while restricting the displacement of the wiper member 71 by the restricting member 771, the wiper member 73 is slid on the head 6 and wiping is executed. In this configuration, since the rotating member 75 is moved along the guide plane 761 of the interlocking plate 76, the interlocking plate 76 has a function of guiding the movement of the rotating member 75 with the wiper member 73 during wiping. Thus, the wiper member 73 can be moved stably.

  By the way, in the said structure, the wiper member 73 and the cap member 74 are provided. When wiping the head 6 with the wiper member 73, the displacement of the wiper member 73 is regulated by the regulating member 711, and the wiper member 73 that is relatively close to the head 6 is brought into contact with the head 6 and the cap member 74. Is separated from the head 6. When capping with the cap member 74, the displacement of the wiper member 73 is released by the solenoid 772, and the cap member 74 that is relatively closer to the head 6 from the state in which the wiper member 73 is in contact with the head 6 is removed. Touch the head 6.

  In such a configuration, since the wiper member 73 supported by the movable support member 72 together with the cap member 74 is in contact with the head 6 while the cap member 74 is relatively approaching the head 6 for capping, the wiper member is moved from the head 6 to the wiper member. Excessive stress acts on 73, and the wiper member 73 may be consumed or damaged. On the other hand, according to the present embodiment, the restriction of the displacement of the wiper member 73 by the restriction member 771 is released by the solenoid 772, so that the wiper member 73 can be displaced according to the force received from the head 6. Therefore, when the wiper member 73 contacts the head 6, the wiper member 73 is displaced according to the force received from the head 6. As a result, it is possible to suppress excessive stress from being applied to the wiper member 73, and to suppress wear and damage of the wiper member 73.

  Further, in the present embodiment, by performing the first operation or the second operation, the holding mode of the wiper member 73 after coming close to the head 6 and coming into contact with the head 6 is controlled. Specifically, in the first operation, after the head 6 and the wiper member 73 are in contact with each other, a force against the force received from the head 6 is applied to the wiper member 73 to hold the wiper member 73. Therefore, by executing the first operation, the wiper member 73 is pressed against the head 6 by a force against the force received from the head 6, and a wiping force when wiping the head 6 with the wiper member 73 can be ensured. it can. On the other hand, in the second operation, after the head 6 and the wiper member 73 are in contact with each other, the wiper member 73 is displaced according to the force received from the head 6 without applying a wiping force to the wiper member 73. Therefore, by executing the second operation, it is possible to suppress excessive stress from being applied to the wiper member 73 in contact with the head 6, and to suppress wear and damage of the wiper member 73. Thus, in this embodiment, the wiper member 73 is unnecessarily attached to the head while securing the wiping force when wiping the head 6 with the wiper member 73 by appropriately executing the first operation or the second operation. It is possible to prevent the wiper member 73 from being consumed or damaged by being pressed against the pressure 6.

  By the way, in the said structure, the wiper member 73 and the cap member 74 are provided. In the first operation, the wiper member 73 is brought into contact with the head 6 and the cap member 74 is separated from the head 6. Further, in the second operation, the head 6 is capped by the cap member 74 that comes closer to the head 6 after the wiper member 73 contacts the head 6.

  In such a configuration, in the second operation, the wiper member 73 held together with the cap member 74 is in contact with the head 6 while the cap member 74 is relatively approaching the head 6 for capping. Excessive stress is applied to 73, and the wiper member 73 may be consumed or damaged. On the other hand, according to the present embodiment, in the second operation, the wiper member 73 is displaced according to the force received from the head 6, so that excessive stress is not applied to the wiper member 73 from the head 6. The consumption and damage of the member 73 can be suppressed.

  Thus, in this embodiment, the printer 1 corresponds to an example of the “liquid ejecting apparatus” of the present invention, the head 6 corresponds to an example of the “head” of the present invention, and the maintenance unit 7 corresponds to the “maintenance unit” of the present invention. ”Or“ maintenance device ”, the wiper member 73 corresponds to an example of“ wiper member ”of the present invention, the cap member 74 corresponds to an example of“ cap member ”of the present invention, The movable support member 72, the rotating member 75, the interlocking member 76, the regulating member 771, and the solenoid 772 cooperate to function as an example of the “holding portion” of the present invention, and the regulating member 771 is an example of the “regulating member” of the present invention. The solenoid 772 corresponds to an example of the “release mechanism” of the present invention, the restriction position T1 corresponds to an example of the “restriction position” of the present invention, and the release position T2 corresponds to the “release mechanism” of the present invention. The interlocking plate 76 corresponds to an example of the “interlocking member” of the present invention, the guide plane 761 corresponds to an example of the “guide portion” of the present invention, and the rotating member 75 corresponds to an example of the “displacement position”. The moving mechanism 78 corresponds to an example of the “movable member”, the moving mechanism 78 corresponds to an example of the “moving mechanism” of the present invention, and the regulating member 771 and the solenoid 772 cooperate to function as an example of the “wiper control unit” of the present invention. To do.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment, Unless it deviates from the meaning, it is possible to combine the element of the said embodiment suitably, or to add a various change. For example, in the above embodiment, the head 6 and the maintenance unit 7 are relatively moved closer to each other by moving the head 6 toward the maintenance unit 7. However, the head 6 and the maintenance unit 7 may be moved relatively close to each other by moving the maintenance unit 7 toward the head 6 or by moving both the head 6 and the maintenance unit 7 toward each other.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, the example which performs the cancellation | release of the displacement control of the wiper member 73 by the control member 771 in the case of capping was shown. However, the timing at which the displacement restriction of the wiper member 73 is released is not limited to capping. In short, if there is a possibility that the wiper member 73 may come into contact with the head 6 unnecessarily, the wiper member 73 can be prevented from being consumed or damaged by releasing the displacement restriction of the wiper member 73.

  Further, in the above embodiment, the displacement restriction of the wiper member 73 by the restriction member 771 is released by moving the restriction member 771 by the solenoid 772. At this time, the moving direction of the restricting member 771 is not limited to the Y direction, and may be other directions. The power source for moving the regulating member 771 is not limited to the solenoid 772, and may be a motor or the like.

  In the above embodiment, the displacement of the wiper member 73 is regulated by bringing the regulating member 771 into contact with the wiper member 73 via the interlocking plate 76 and the rotating member 75. However, the displacement of the wiper member 73 may be regulated by bringing the regulating member 771 into contact with the wiper member 73 without passing through one or both of the interlocking plate 76 and the rotating member 75.

  The specific configuration for regulating the displacement of the wiper member 73 is not limited to the configuration in which the regulating member 771 is in contact with the wiper member 73. That is, the displacement of the wiper member 73 may be regulated by a magnetic force or the like.

  In the above embodiment, the rotating member 75 and the interlocking plate 76 are interlocked with the wiper member 73 by rotating around the rotating shafts 751 and 762. However, the movement mode of the rotating member 75 and the interlocking plate 76 interlocked with the wiper member 73 is not limited to rotational movement, and may be linear movement, for example.

  In the above embodiment, the wiper member 73 is reciprocated to perform wiping. However, wiping may be performed by moving the wiper member 73 only in one direction.

  Further, the arrangement and number of heads 6 and UV lamps can be changed as appropriate, and the shape of the platen 30 can be changed as appropriate. In addition, the specific configuration of each part of the printer 1 can be appropriately changed. For example, the configuration of the head 6 may be changed from the above-described one.

  Moreover, although the said embodiment is employ | adopted as the inkjet type printer using UV ink, you may employ | adopt the liquid ejecting apparatus which ejects and discharges liquids other than UV ink. The present invention can be used for various liquid ejecting apparatuses including a liquid ejecting head that ejects a minute amount of liquid droplets. In addition, a droplet means the state of the liquid discharged from the said liquid ejecting apparatus, and shall also include what pulls a tail in granular shape, tear shape, and thread shape. Further, the liquid here may be a material that can be ejected by the liquid ejecting head. For example, it may be in a state in which the substance is in a liquid phase, such as a liquid with high or low viscosity, sol, gel water, other inorganic solvent, organic solvent, solution, liquid resin, liquid metal (metal melt) ) And liquids as one state of the substance, as well as those obtained by dissolving, dispersing or mixing particles of a functional material made of solid materials such as pigments and metal particles in a solvent. In addition, typical examples of the liquid include ink and liquid crystal as described in the above embodiments. Here, the ink includes general water-based inks and oil-based inks, and various liquid compositions such as gel inks, hot-melt inks, and ultraviolet curable inks. Specific examples of other liquid ejecting apparatuses include, for example, materials such as electrode materials and color materials used in the manufacture of liquid crystal displays, EL (electroluminescence) displays, surface-emitting displays, and color filters in a dispersed or dissolved form. It may be a liquid ejecting apparatus that ejects liquid, a liquid ejecting apparatus that ejects biological organic materials used in biochip manufacturing, a liquid ejecting apparatus that ejects liquid as a sample used as a precision pipette, a textile printing apparatus, a microdispenser, etc. . Furthermore, to etch liquid ejectors that inject lubricating oil onto pinpoint precision machines such as watches and cameras, liquid ejectors that form micro hemispherical lenses (optical lenses) used in optical communication elements, etc., and substrates Alternatively, a liquid ejecting apparatus that ejects an etching solution such as acid or alkali, or a liquid ejecting apparatus for printing that ejects liquid onto a cloth or the like may be employed. The present invention can be applied to any one of these liquid ejecting apparatuses.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Printer, 6 and 6a-6f ... Head, 7 ... Maintenance unit, 70 ... Unit main body, 711 ... Guide member, 72 ... Movable support member, 73 ... Wiper member, 74 ... Cap member, 75 ... Rotating member, 751 ... Rotating shaft, 752 ... projection, 76 ... interlocking plate, 762 ... rotating shaft, 771 ... regulating member, 772 ... solenoid, 78 ... moving mechanism, 781 ... motor, 782 ... engaging member, 783 ... rotating shaft, 784 ... claw Part, T1 ... regulation position, T2 ... release position

Claims (10)

A wiper member;
A holding portion for holding the wiper member,
The holding part is
A regulating member that regulates displacement of the wiper member after the head for jetting liquid and the wiper member are relatively close to each other and the head and the wiper member are in contact with each other;
Possess a release mechanism for releasing the restriction of the displacement of said wiper member by said regulating member after the wiper member and the head is in contact with said wiper member and the head approaching relatively is,
The holding portion has an interlocking member that interlocks with the displacement of the wiper member,
The restricting member restricts displacement of the wiper member by restricting displacement of the interlocking member in contact with the interlocking member,
The release mechanism releases the restriction of the displacement of the wiper member by releasing the restriction of the displacement of the interlocking member by the restriction member by separating the restriction member from the interlocking member . The restricting member can take a restricting position that restricts displacement of the wiper member and a release position that does not restrict displacement of the wiper member without contacting the wiper member,
The maintenance device according to claim 1, wherein the release mechanism releases the restriction of the displacement of the wiper member by the restriction member by positioning the restriction member at the release position. The holding portion has a movable member that is movable while supporting the wiper member,
The maintenance device according to claim 1 , wherein the interlocking member is in contact with the movable member and interlocks with the movable member that moves with the wiper member. The interlocking member has a guide portion in contact with the movable member,
The holding portion has a moving mechanism that moves the movable member along the guide portion of the interlocking member, and operates the moving mechanism while restricting the displacement of the wiper member by the restricting member. The maintenance device according to claim 3 , wherein a wiper member is slid on the head. The maintenance device according to claim 3 or 4 , wherein the movable member is rotatable around a rotation axis. A wiper member;
A holding portion for holding the wiper member;
With
The holding part is
A regulating member that regulates displacement of the wiper member after the head for jetting liquid and the wiper member are relatively close to each other and the head and the wiper member are in contact with each other;
A release mechanism for releasing the restriction of displacement of the wiper member by the restriction member after the head and the wiper member are relatively close to each other and the head and the wiper member are in contact with each other;
Have
The holding portion has a cap member,
When wiping the head with the wiper member, while the displacement of the wiper member is regulated by the regulating member, the wiper member relatively approaching the head is brought into contact with the head and the cap member is placed on the head Away from
When capping the head with the cap member, the cap is moved closer to the head from the state in which the wiper member is in contact with the head while the displacement restriction of the wiper member is released by the release mechanism. Rume Maintenance device was bordered a member to the head. A head for ejecting liquid;
A maintenance unit having a wiper member and a holding portion for holding the wiper member,
The holding part is
A regulating member that regulates displacement of the wiper member after the head and the wiper member are relatively close to each other and the head and the wiper member are in contact with each other;
Possess a release mechanism for releasing the restriction of the displacement of said wiper member by said regulating member after the wiper member and the head is in contact with said wiper member and the head approaching relatively is,
The holding portion has an interlocking member that interlocks with the displacement of the wiper member,
The restricting member restricts displacement of the wiper member by restricting displacement of the interlocking member in contact with the interlocking member,
The release mechanism releases the restriction of the displacement of the wiper member by releasing the restriction of the displacement of the interlocking member by the restriction member by separating the restriction member from the interlocking member . A wiper member;
A holding portion for holding the wiper member,
The holding part is
After the head for ejecting liquid and the wiper member are relatively close to each other and the head and the wiper member are in contact with each other, a force against the force received from the head is applied to the wiper member to hold the wiper member. A first operation;
After the head and the wiper member are relatively close to each other and the head and the wiper member are in contact with each other, the force applied in the first operation against the force received from the head is not applied to the wiper member. A maintenance device having a wiper controller that selectively executes a second operation of displacing the wiper member according to a force received from the head. The holding portion has a cap member,
In the first operation, the wiper member is brought into contact with the head and the cap member is separated from the head,
The maintenance device according to claim 8 , wherein, in the second operation, the head is capped with the cap member that is relatively closer to the head after the wiper member is in contact with the head. A head for ejecting liquid;
A maintenance unit having a wiper member and a holding portion for holding the wiper member,
The holding part is
A first operation of holding the wiper member by applying a force against the force received from the head to the wiper member after the head and the wiper member are relatively close to each other and the head and the wiper member are in contact with each other. When,
After the head and the wiper member are relatively close to each other and the head and the wiper member are in contact with each other, the force applied against the force received from the head in the first operation is not applied to the wiper member. A liquid ejecting apparatus having a wiper control unit that selectively executes a second operation of displacing the wiper member according to a force received from the head.

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