JPH09156115A - Head cleaner for ink jet printer - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent sticking of paper powder, dust, etc., from being generated while a wiping blade is cleaned. SOLUTION: A wiping blade 10 is stored in a space put between cleaning edges 11a, 11b to prevent sticking of dust. When the wiping blade is advanced, its side surface is scraped with tips of the cleaning edges 11a, 11b to be cleaned. When the wiping blade is further advanced, the cleaning edges 11a, 11b are moved right and left with connecting rods 15a, 15b, and opened outside with guiding grooves 16a, 16c. In storing, reverse motions to the above-mentioned are carried out.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an inkjet printer head cleaning device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art An ink jet type recording apparatus (hereinafter referred to as an ink jet printer) for ejecting ink droplets from a single or plural ink ejection holes (hereinafter referred to as nozzles) onto a recording paper is a printer, a facsimile, a word processor or the like. Has a wide range of uses as an output device. In addition to monochrome printing, color printing is possible by using a recording head compatible with a plurality of color inks. The nozzle of such an ink jet printer is provided with a cleaning device for preventing clogging.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a main part of a conventional example of an ink jet printer provided with a cleaning device 7 for cleaning the recording head 1. The carriage 2 reciprocates in the direction of the arrow by the drive belt 4 along the guide shaft 3, and the recording head 1 mounted on the carriage 2
Is provided with a nozzle (not shown) on the platen roller 5 side, and printing is performed on the recording paper 6 conveyed to the front surface of the platen roller 5 by the ink ejected from the nozzle.
Cleaning device 7 provided facing the recording head 1.
If necessary, the wiping blade 10 provided on the recording head 1 is moved so as to come into contact with the nozzle surface of the recording head 1 to remove ink droplets and dust adhering to the nozzle surface. Further, a suction tube 9 connected to a suction pump is provided on a cap 8 provided on the side of the cap 8 to seal and protect the recording head 1 at the time of non-recording, and to record when the recording head 1 is defective in printing. The performance of the recording head 1 is restored by sucking dust and bubbles inside the head together with the ink through the suction tube 9 and pulling it out.

[0004]

Wiping blade 1
0 wipes ink droplets adhering to the recording head 1,
After wiping the recording head 1, ink droplets are attached on the wiping blade 10. When the ink that easily evaporates is used, the ink droplets evaporate. However, when the wiping operation is performed before evaporation, the next time the recording head 1 is wiped with the wiping blade 10, Will be contaminated with ink drops. Even when an ink that easily evaporates is used, the pigment or dye may remain after the evaporation. Therefore, there is a risk that a change in the ejection direction may occur in a part of the ink droplet ejected from the nozzle due to an unnecessary ink droplet or a residue in the vicinity of the nozzle, leading to a reduction in print quality. In particular, since the ink on the wiping blade does not easily evaporate under low temperature and high humidity conditions, there is a high possibility that the ink will remain on the orifice (nozzle) surface of the recording head in the next wiping operation.

Further, the paper dust and other dust attached to the recording head is attached as the paper dust and dust on the wiping blade by the wiping operation. In addition, dust in the air adheres to the wiping blade even when the wiping operation is not performed. When the wiping operation is performed in the state where the paper dust or the like adheres to the wiping blade as described above, in the worst case, the nozzle may be clogged with unwanted matter such as dust from the wiping blade. .

Further, in the case of an ink jet printer using a heat-melting type ink as the ink, it is necessary to heat the ink on the wiping blade because the ink is hardened on the wiping blade. There are measures such as putting a heater wire in the wiping blade, but since there is no means for keeping the blade warm, much energy may be consumed to keep the blade at an appropriate temperature.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 6-143606 proposes that a cleaning device for the wiping means, which engages with the wiping means, is provided in the vicinity of the ink ejecting portion integrally with the recording head cartridge, but is mounted on the carriage. The structure of the inkjet cartridge is complicated and the cost is high. Further, there is a concern that the running cost will be high when the inkjet cartridge is disposable. Further, since the cleaning device is added, the carriage becomes large, so that the moving range of the carriage becomes large, which makes it difficult to downsize the device.

[0008]

A head cleaning device of the present invention is a cleaning device provided separately from a recording head so as to face the recording head, and a cleaning device for removing ink drops and dust remaining on a wiping blade. And a wiping blade storing means for protecting the wiping blade from dust are integrally provided. This can prevent dust from adhering to the wiping blade.

Means for cleaning the recording head by the wiping blade is provided in association with the movement of the wiping blade in and out of the storage means. As a result, compared with the case where the cleaning operation and the moving operation are performed separately, the time is shorter, and the time required to shift to the printing operation is shorter. The cleaning means may be a cleaning edge provided on a part of the storing means or a cleaning roller. In any case, unnecessary substances can be removed by rubbing the wiping blade with the cleaning means.

A heating device is provided in the storage means. As a result, the wiping blade of the recording head using the melted ink can be efficiently maintained at an appropriate temperature, the recording head can be appropriately cleaned, and the wiping blade can be appropriately cleaned.

When using the cleaning roller, a device for removing ink from the cleaning roller is provided. This makes it possible to prevent the ink on the cleaning roller from reattaching to the wiping blade.

Ink recovery means is provided below the cleaning device. As a result, when the hot-melt ink is used, excess ink can be collected. 1 unnecessary thing
By consolidating the parts, it is possible to prevent contamination of other parts.

[0013]

1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an essential part of an ink jet printer equipped with the same, which corresponds to FIG.

In FIG. 1, the wiping blade 10
Is displayed in black to distinguish it from other parts, and its ridge line is displayed in white. The wiping blade 10 is attached to the blade base 12. Blade base 12
Is driven in the arrow direction so as to come into contact with and separate from the nozzle of the recording head 1 by a driving mechanism (not shown), for example, by a cam shown in FIG. 5 described later. That is,
It can move in a direction perpendicular to the guide shaft 3 of FIG. A guide hole 13 is vertically penetrated through the blade base 12, and a guide rod 14b is inserted into the guide hole 13.

On both sides of the guide rod 14b, the guide rod 14
a and 14c are rotatably connected by connecting rods 15a and 15b within a certain angle range. The lower ends of the guide rods 14a, 14b, 14c are fitted into the guide grooves 16a, 16b, 16c provided in the guide plate 16d,
Each can be moved along the groove in the direction of the arrow. Cleaning edges 11a and 11b are attached to the guide rods 14a and 14c, respectively, and their tips are wedge-shaped so that they can contact the wiping blade 10. The blade base 12 is mounted inside the guide rod 14 b and the guide hole 13 so as to be horizontally movable along the guide hole 13. The side walls of the cleaning edges 11a and 11b become the side walls of the storing means of the wiping blade 10.

FIG. 3A shows the blade base 12, the guide hole 13, the guide rods 14a, 14b and 14c, and the connecting rod 15.
The top view which shows the relationship of a and 15b, the same figure (b) is the sectional view on the AA 'line of the same figure (a). For example, by engaging the convex portion 14b-1 provided on the guide rod 14b with the concave portion 12-1 of the blade base 12, the blade base 10 is perpendicular to the paper surface, that is, in FIG. You can move up and down.

4 (a), 4 (b), 4 (c), and 4 (d) are explanatory views of the operation of the mechanism shown in FIG.

FIG. 4A shows a state in which the wiping blade 10 is completely retracted during non-recording. The tips of the cleaning edges 11a and 11b are in contact with each other so as to cover the tip of the wiping blade 10.

Next, as shown in FIG. 4 (b), the blade base 12 is guided by the guide hole 1 by a drive mechanism (not shown).
3 is pushed upward in the drawing along the guide rod 14b. At this time, the side wall of the wiping blade 10 comes into contact with the insides of the tips of the cleaning edges 11a and 11b to be cleaned. At least the tips of the cleaning edges 11a and 11b are made of an elastic body, or springs are provided at the connecting portions with the guide rods 14a and 14c so that the cleaning edges 11a and 11b are
It is desirable that the tip of 11b always presses the side wall of the wiping blade 10.

Next, as shown in FIG. 4D, when the wiping is completed, the blade base 12 is moved in the direction opposite to the carriage by a drive mechanism (not shown), and the wiping blade 10 is cleaned by the cleaning edges 11a and 11b.
Return to the vicinity of the storage position without touching. When the blade base 12 is further moved, the guide rod 14 penetrating the guide hole 13 is pushed by the front end of the guide hole 13 in the direction opposite to the carriage, whereby the guide rods 14a, 14c.
Moves along the guide grooves 16a and 16c, and the cleaning blades 11a and 11b return to the positions where they come into contact with the wiping blade again, that is, the state of FIG.

The wiping blade 10 can be cleaned by repeating this operation once or a plurality of times.

The connecting rods 15a, 15b are guide rods 14a,
Although shown in the case of being provided on the upper portions of 14b and 14c, they can be provided on the lower portions of the guide rods 14a, 14b and 14c, and further, the cleaning edges 11a and 11b.
By further providing a guide rod on the lower part of the and sliding the guide rod on the guide groove provided on the guide plate, the operation can be further ensured.

The wiping blade 10 according to the method described above.
Cleaning edge 1 when moving to the carriage side
The wiping blade 1 is rubbed in one direction from the tip of the blade toward the base by the tips of the blades 1a and 11b.
The ink or dust on the surface of the wiper blade 10 is connected to the wiping blade 10 and the blade base 12 or the cleaning edge 11
It does not remain near the tip of the wiping blade 10 which moves to a and 11b and contacts the recording head. The wiped ink is usually not a problem as normal ink will evaporate and residue buildup will be negligible.

Since the wiping blade 10 can be cleaned in conjunction with the movement of the wiping blade 10 between the storage position and the operating position, it is possible to quickly shift to the printing operation. Since the cleaning edges 11a and 11b are attached so as to cover the side surfaces of the wiping blade 10, when the wiping blade 10 is in the storage position.
Has the effect of protecting the dust from dust.

FIG. 5 shows an example of a drive mechanism for the blade base 12. One ends of springs 17a and 17b are attached to the blade base 12, and the other ends of these springs are fixed to a part of the cleaning device main body. The rear end of the blade base 12 contacts the cam 18. By rotating the drive shaft 19 of the cam 18 with a motor or the like to rotate the cam 18, the blade base 12 moves back and forth with respect to the carriage as indicated by the arrow.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention. Covers 20a, 11b are provided so as to extend horizontally inward from respective upper ends of the cleaning edges 11a, 11b.
20b is installed. The covers 20a and 20b are slightly displaced in the vertical direction, are attached so as to overlap above the wiping blade 10, and are arranged so as to always cover the wiping blade 10. Cover 20a,
If 20b is made of an elastic body such as rubber or a metal plate, it can be vertically stacked without being vertically displaced.
Further, the side walls of the cleaning edges 11a and 11b are made of a metal having high thermal conductivity such as aluminum,
A heater 21 is installed on the side wall of the cleaning edge 11b. Although not shown, a heater is also installed on the side wall of the cleaning edge 11a. By energizing the heater, the cleaning edges 11a and 11b are warmed and the wiping blade 10 at the storage position is heated. The heater 21 has a built-in temperature sensor and controls the wiping blade 10 so as not to heat it. When the wiping blade 10 is in the retracted position, the covers 20a and 20b prevent heat from escaping and enhance the heat retention effect. When the outer walls of the cleaning edges 11a and 11b are covered with a heat insulating material, the heat retaining effect is further improved. When the hot-melt ink is used and the wiping blade 10 is cold, the ink is solidified on the wiping blade,
Wiping failure may occur. Therefore, the wiping blade 10 can be heated at the storage position to avoid the wiping failure.

Below the wiping blade 10 is an ink receiver 22. In the case of the heat-melting type ink, since the ink does not evaporate, the ink which becomes liquid by heating is wiped by the wiping blade 10 or the cleaning edge 11a,
Since it drips from 11b, it is stored in the ink receiver 22. The ink stored in the ink receiver 22 can be discarded by removing the ink receiver. The ink receiver can be attached to a device as shown in FIG.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of still another embodiment of the present invention. The wiping blade 10 is installed so that the wiping blade 10 can be moved in and out from a storage container 26 provided above the base 27 by an appropriate driving means. Storage container 26 or base 2
An appropriate driving means such as a motor and a solenoid is housed inside 7. The cleaning rollers 23a and 23b are rotatably installed on the base 28 so as to sandwich the wiping blade 10 about the center axes 25a and 25b of the rollers. The outer side of the cleaning roller is made of a hygroscopic material that is easily deformed, such as woven cloth or sponge. When the wiping blade 10 moves, the cleaning rollers 23a and 23b come into contact with the wiping blade 10 and rotate due to friction. By doing so, the wiping blade 10 is cleaned. The roller cleaning edges 24a and 24b are in contact with the periphery of the cleaning rollers 23a and 23b, scrape off the ink on the cleaning rollers 23a and 23b, and prevent the ink from reattaching to the wiping blade 10. Base 2
7 and the base 28 can be combined.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an example in which the cleaning device of FIG. 7 is installed in a printer. It corresponds to FIG. The wiping blade 10 is stored in the storage container 26 at rest. When it is determined that the recording head 1 needs to be wiped, the wiping blade 10 is moved to a position where the recording head is wiped by a drive device incorporated in the storage container 26 or the base 27. At this time, the cleaning rollers 23a and 23b contact the wiping blade 10 to clean the wiping blade. When the wiping of the recording head 1 is completed, the wiping blade 10 is housed in the storage container 26. Also at this time, the wiping blade 10 keeps the cleaning roller 23.
The wiping blade 10 is cleaned by contacting with a and 23b. Since the cleaning rollers 23a and 23b are always cleaned by the roller cleaning edges 24a and 24b, the cleaning rollers 23a and 23b are
The stain of b does not redeposit.

[0030]

By providing the wiping blade and the cleaning means for the wiping blade and the means for storing the wiping blade in conjunction with the wiping blade, the wiping blade is cleaned and dust is prevented from adhering to the wiping blade at the time of rest. The operating time can be saved.

Compared to the system in which the recording head cartridge and the wiping blade cleaning means are integrally provided, the structure of the recording head cartridge can be simply configured, so that the cost can be saved and the running cost can be reduced. In addition, since it is not necessary to provide a space for cleaning the carriage, the carriage can be downsized, which facilitates downsizing of the printer.

By providing the storage means with a heating device,
Even if the ink used is a hot-melt ink, it is possible to avoid ejection failure of the head. Further, by adding a heat retaining means such as a cover to the storing means, energy consumption by the heating device can be suppressed.

By providing the storing means with the ink collecting means, it is possible to collect the ink discharged from the wiping blade and the storing container and prevent the printer from being contaminated with the ink.

When a roller is used for cleaning the wiping blade, by further providing a device for removing ink from the roller, it is possible to prevent the ink on the roller from re-adhering to the wiping blade.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example of the present invention.

2 is a perspective view of an essential part of an inkjet printer equipped with the apparatus of FIG.

FIG. 3A is a plan view of the periphery of a blade base according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3B is a sectional view taken along line AA ′ of FIG.

4 (a) to (d) are operation explanatory views of the apparatus of FIG.

5 is a side view of a main part of an example of a drive mechanism of the apparatus in FIG.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of still another embodiment of the present invention.

8 is a perspective view of an essential part of an inkjet printer equipped with the apparatus of FIG.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a main part of a conventional example.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 Recording Head 2 Carriage 3 Guide Shaft 4 Drive Belt 5 Platen Roller 6 Recording Paper 7 Cleaning Device 8 Cap 9 Suction Tube 10 Wiping Blades 11a, 11b Cleaning Edge 12 Blade Base 13 Guide Holes 14a, 14b, 14c Guide Rods 15a, 15b Connecting rod 16a, 16b, 16c Guide groove 17a, 17b Spring 18 Cam 19 Drive shaft 20a, 20b Cover 21 Heater 22 Ink receiver 23a, 23b Cleaning roller 24a, 24b Roller cleaning edge 25a, 25b Shaft 26 Storage container 27 Base 28 Base

 ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor Dai Horinaka 22-22 Nagaike-cho, Abeno-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka Within Sharp Corporation (72) Inventor Koji Kubota 22-22 Nagaike-cho, Abeno-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka Inside the company, (72) Inventor ▲ Yoshi ▼ Mura Hisa, 22-22 Nagaike, Abeno-ku, Osaka, Osaka

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. A wiping blade adapted to move back and forth on the nozzle side, and a cleaning means for cleaning the wiping blade when the wiping blade moves.
A head cleaning device for an ink jet printer, comprising: a storing means for storing a wiping blade when the wiping blade is not used. 2. The head cleaning device for an ink jet printer according to claim 1, further comprising means for performing a cleaning operation by the cleaning means in conjunction with an operation of moving the wiping blade into and out of the storage means. 3. The tip of the cleaning means covers the tip of the wiping blade when the wiping blade is stored in the storing means, and contacts the side surface of the wiping blade when the wiping blade moves from the storing means to the outside. The head cleaning device for an ink jet printer according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that unnecessary substances adhering thereto are removed. 4. The head cleaning device for an ink jet printer according to claim 1, wherein a heating device is provided in the storing means of the wiping blade. 5. The wiping blade storage means comprises a pair of cleaning edges that move laterally in a direction away from or in contact with the surface of the wiping blade, and a wiping blade protruding inward from the upper end of each cleaning edge. 5. The head cleaning device for an ink jet printer according to claim 1, wherein the head cleaning device comprises a pair of covers that overlap and slide so as to always cover the upper part of the head. 6. The cleaning means is constituted by a cleaning roller adjacent to the wiping blade, and when the wiping blade moves in and out of the storage means, the roller contacts the side surface of the wiping blade to clean the wiping blade. The head cleaning device for an inkjet printer according to claim 1, 2, or 4. 7. The head cleaning device for an ink jet printer according to claim 6, further comprising a roller cleaning edge which comes into contact with the cleaning roller and removes unnecessary substances adhering to the surface of the roller.