JP2021138111A - Liquid discharge device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To perform reliable capping on a head with a simple configuration.
SOLUTION: A carriage having a plurality of liquid discharge heads, a cap base having a plurality of caps for capping the plurality of liquid discharge heads, a holding portion for holding the cap base, and a cap base to the liquid discharge head. The plurality of liquid discharge heads are arranged side by side in two or more rows in the moving direction of the carriage, and the holding portion allows the cap base to be tilted in a predetermined direction. At the same time, it is held so that it can be tilted in a direction perpendicular to the predetermined direction.
[Selection diagram] Fig. 1

Description

The present invention relates to a liquid discharge device.

In the cap maintenance device of an inkjet device for simultaneous printing of white and color using a staggered head, there is a maintenance technique for keeping the head surface moist and achieving good ejection. Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which the cleaning unit of the head is interlocked with the operation of the carriage to change the position and align the position of the head and the cleaning unit for the purpose of arranging the head arranged in a staggered manner.

In Patent Document 1, cleaning is performed by changing the position of the cleaning unit of the head in conjunction with the operation of the carriage and aligning the position of the head and the cleaning unit. It is not disclosed that it will be done in.

An object of the present invention is to provide a liquid discharge device capable of performing reliable capping on a head with a simple configuration.

The liquid discharge device according to the present invention includes a carriage provided with a plurality of liquid discharge heads, a cap base having a plurality of caps for capping the plurality of liquid discharge heads, and a holding portion for holding the cap base. A plurality of pressing members for pressing the cap base onto the liquid discharge head are provided, the plurality of liquid discharge heads are arranged side by side in two or more rows in the moving direction of the carriage, and the holding portion is the cap. It is configured as a liquid discharge device characterized in that the base can be tilted with respect to a predetermined direction and is held so as to be tiltable in a direction perpendicular to the predetermined direction.

According to the present invention, reliable capping of the head can be performed with a simple configuration.

It is a top view of the head inkjet printing apparatus which is a liquid ejection apparatus using the stagger arrangement. It is a front view which shows the example of the head maintenance device. It is a side view which shows the example of the head maintenance device.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The present invention has the following features in the maintenance mechanism of the staggered head. A single cap plate holding a plurality of caps is held by a link via a rotation center axis, and can be tilted in the left-right direction. Further, one of the links is similarly held by a holding member provided on the maintenance main body base via the rotation center axis, and the link can be tilted in the front-rear direction. By doing so, the cap plate can move back and forth and left and right at the same time, and the cap caps the head in a form that follows the head surface.

In short, all heads are held by the cap with proper pressure, even if the heads are placed at an angle to each other, or if the cap plate and each head surface (head mount plate) are not parallel. The feature is that the cap can be reliably contacted with the head surface. The features of the present invention described above will be described in detail with reference to the following drawings. In the following, a T-shirt is illustrated as an example of media, but the present invention is not limited to this, and other media (for example, corrugated cardboard) can be similarly applied. In addition, T-shirt fabrics are not limited to those made of a single piece of fabric such as handkerchiefs and towels, but are also part of products such as T-shirts, trainers and other garment-processed fabrics, and tote bags. It can also be used for fabrics that are used.

FIG. 1 is a top view of the head inkjet printing apparatus 1000, which is a liquid ejection apparatus using a staggered arrangement. The media 101 (for example, a T-shirt) is set on a table (not shown) and sent out in the traveling direction D1. Further, the carriage is reciprocated in the main scanning direction D2 in synchronization with the delivery. The heads 1 to 6 eject ink onto the media 101 during the reciprocating movement of the carriage to form an image. Specifically, first. The white ink heads 1 and 2 print a white background on the media 101, and then the cyan ink head 3, the magenta ink head 4, the yellow ink head 5, and the black ink head 5 print on the media 101. For these printing operations, a general printing mechanism (not shown) can be used.

FIGS. 2 and 3 show a head maintenance device using a cap in this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a front view of the head maintenance device. FIG. 3 is a side view of the head holding device shown in FIG. 2 when viewed from the direction D3. The nozzles of the heads 1 to 6 are arranged on the same surface as the head mount plate 15, and the caps 1-1 to caps 6-1 formed of elastic members such as rubber are pressed against each other to bring them into close contact with each other to moisturize the nozzles and cap. By sucking ink from the side, it is possible to clean the nozzles of each color.

In FIG. 2, the cap plate 7 holding the cap is held by the link 11 via the rotation center axis 12, and can be tilted in the left-right direction with respect to the paper surface. Further, the link 11 is similarly held by the holding member 9 provided on the maintenance main body base 8 via the rotation center shaft 10, and the link 11 can be tilted in the front-rear direction with respect to the paper surface. By doing so, the cap plate 7 can be moved back and forth and left and right at the same time. Here, the cap plate 7 is similarly held by the maintenance body base 8 by the compression spring 14 held by the pin 13 provided on the cap plate 7. The compression spring 13 is not a force that hinders the operation of the cap plate 7, but a force that can hold the cap plate 7 is sufficient. The drive device 12 is a device using a motor that moves the maintenance body base 8 up and down by a predetermined distance in order to bring the cap into contact with and separate from the nozzle surface.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the carriage provided with the plurality of liquid discharge heads (for example, heads 1 to 6) and the plurality of caps (for example, caps 1-1 to 6) for capping the plurality of liquid discharge heads, respectively. A cap base provided with -1) (for example, a cap plate 7), a holding portion for holding the cap base, and a plurality of pressing members (for example, a compression spring 14) for pressing the cap base against the liquid discharge head. The plurality of liquid discharge heads are arranged side by side in two or more rows (for example, the rows of the head 1 and the head 2 and the rows of the heads 3 to 6) in the moving direction of the carriage. Holds the cap base so that it can be tilted in a predetermined direction and can be tilted in a direction perpendicular to the predetermined direction, and has two or more degrees of freedom in the holding direction. (For example, the left-right direction and the front-back direction with respect to the paper surface).

Further, as the holding portion, the first rotating portion that makes the cap base rotatable on an axis parallel to the surface of the cap base (for example, the first rotation center axis 10) is orthogonal to the parallel axis. It has a second rotating portion that makes the cap base rotatable on a shaft (for example, a second rotating central shaft 12).

Further, at least three or more pressing members are provided, and the pressing members are arranged, for example, on the outside of the cap base so as to surround the holding portion when viewed in a plan view.

As described above, the head maintenance device in the present embodiment does not use the conventional abutting pin, and for example, even when the head mount plate 15 is slanted, the cap plate 7 follows the operation. Capping is done. Therefore, a normal capping pressure can be ensured for the head nozzles of any color.

Further, the position of the rotation center of the cap base is the center position (center position) in the holding direction (for example, the left-right direction and the front-back direction with respect to the paper surface) having two or more degrees of freedom with respect to the arrangement of the caps. And. As a result, in the head (nozzle) maintenance mechanism in which all the caps are provided on one plate, the head can be reliably maintained with a simple mechanism.

Further, in this embodiment, a carriage having a plurality of liquid discharge heads (for example, heads 1 to 6) and a plurality of caps (for example, caps 1-1 to 6-1) for capping each of the plurality of liquid discharge heads. A cap plate that holds a plurality of caps (for example, a cap plate 7), a support portion that rotatably supports the cap plate at a substantially central portion of the cap plate (for example, a holding member 9, a first rotation central shaft 10, and the like). A support mechanism composed of a link 11 and a second rotation center shaft 12), a plurality of pressing members (for example, a compression spring 14) that press the cap plate against the liquid discharge head, the support portion, and the pressing member. The cap plate has a holding portion for holding the cap plate, and the cap plate can be tilted in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction from the substantially central portion by the support portion.

Further, the plurality of liquid discharge heads are arranged side by side in a plurality of rows with respect to the moving direction of the carriage.

Further, the support portion rotates in the lateral direction with the first rotating portion (for example, the first rotation center axis 10 and the link 11) that allows the cap plate to be tilted by the axis that rotates in the vertical direction. It has a second rotating portion (for example, a link 11, a second rotating central shaft 12) that allows the cap plate to be tilted by a shaft.

Further, the pressing member is composed of a plurality of pressing portions arranged so as to surround the supporting portion.

Conventionally, in an inkjet printing apparatus for simultaneous white and color printing using a staggered head, color printing is performed immediately after printing white ink by using the staggered head. In the stagger arrangement, the white ink must be printed first and must be provided upstream of the printed matter from the color ink. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 1, the white ink head and the color ink head are arranged in a row. Not placed. In the staggered head that constitutes such a staggered arrangement, the head is held when the nozzle surface of the head is capped for moisturizing and suction by a cap formed of a rubber elastic material provided in the head maintaining device. The head mount plate becomes larger. In addition, the plate holding the cap is also large, and the white and color rows may not have the same capping.

Further, as a capping device, it is common to provide a positioning pin on the plate holding the cap, raise the plate by a raising motor, and press it against the head mount plate to obtain a predetermined capping pressure and adhesion. Is the target. The reason is that it is the simplest configuration and inexpensive. However, if the plate holding the cap becomes large, it may not be possible for the plurality of positioning pins to uniformly abut against the head mount plate due to the accuracy of the parts. Specifically, there is a problem that a predetermined capping pressure cannot be secured and the nozzle is not capped, such as when the head mount plate is attached diagonally and the level is not maintained.

By adopting the configuration shown in this embodiment, such a problem can be solved with a simple configuration. Specifically, a simple mechanism can secure a predetermined pressure of the cap against the head, reliably cap the nozzle surface, and perform reliable maintenance operation. That is, the cap can be capped to all the heads arranged in the stagger using the cap with an appropriate pressure, and the nozzle surface can be reliably moisturized and maintained.

In the present application, the liquid to be discharged may have a viscosity and surface tension that can be discharged from the head, and is not particularly limited, but the viscosity becomes 30 mPa · s or less at room temperature, under normal pressure, or by heating or cooling. It is preferable that it is a thing. More specifically, solvents such as water and organic solvents, colorants such as dyes and pigments, polymerizable compounds, resins, functionalizing materials such as surfactants, biocompatible materials such as DNA, amino acids and proteins, and calcium. , Solvents, suspensions, emulsions, etc. containing edible materials such as natural pigments, etc., for example, inks for inkjets, surface treatment liquids, components of electronic elements and light emitting elements, and formation of electronic circuit resist patterns. It can be used for applications such as a liquid for use and a material liquid for three-dimensional modeling.

Piezoelectric actuators (laminated piezoelectric elements and thin-film piezoelectric elements), thermal actuators that use electrothermal conversion elements such as heat-generating resistors, and electrostatic actuators that consist of a vibrating plate and counter electrodes are used as energy sources for discharging liquid. Includes what to do.

The "liquid discharge unit" is a liquid discharge head integrated with functional parts and a mechanism, and includes an aggregate of parts related to liquid discharge. For example, the "liquid discharge unit" includes a head tank, a carriage, a supply mechanism, a maintenance / recovery mechanism, a main scanning movement mechanism, a liquid circulation device in which at least one of the configurations is combined with a liquid discharge head, and the like.

Here, "integration" means, for example, a liquid discharge head and a functional component, a mechanism in which the mechanism is fixed to each other by fastening, adhesion, engagement, etc., or one in which one is movably held with respect to the other. include. Further, the liquid discharge head, the functional parts, and the mechanism may be detachably attached to each other.

For example, as a liquid discharge unit, there is one in which a liquid discharge head and a head tank are integrated. Further, there is a case in which the liquid discharge head and the head tank are integrated by being connected to each other by a tube or the like. Here, a unit including a filter can be added between the head tank of these liquid discharge units and the liquid discharge head.

Further, as a liquid discharge unit, there is a liquid discharge head and a carriage integrated.

Further, as a liquid discharge unit, there is a liquid discharge head in which the liquid discharge head and the scanning movement mechanism are integrated by holding the liquid discharge head movably by a guide member forming a part of the scanning movement mechanism. In some cases, the liquid discharge head, the carriage, and the main scanning movement mechanism are integrated.

Further, as a liquid discharge unit, there is a carriage to which a liquid discharge head is attached, in which a cap member which is a part of the maintenance / recovery mechanism is fixed, and the liquid discharge head, the carriage, and the maintenance / recovery mechanism are integrated. ..

Further, as a liquid discharge unit, there is a liquid discharge unit in which a tube is connected to a head tank or a liquid discharge head to which a flow path component is attached, and the liquid discharge head and a supply mechanism are integrated. Through this tube, the liquid of the liquid storage source is supplied to the liquid discharge head.

The main scanning movement mechanism shall also include a single guide member. Further, the supply mechanism includes a single tube and a single loading unit.

The "liquid discharge device" includes a device including a liquid discharge head or a liquid discharge unit, which drives the liquid discharge head to discharge the liquid. The liquid discharge device includes not only a device capable of discharging a liquid to a device to which the liquid can adhere, but also a device capable of discharging the liquid into the air or the liquid.

This "liquid discharge device" can also include means related to feeding, transporting, and discharging paper to which a liquid can adhere, as well as a pretreatment device, a posttreatment device, and the like.

For example, as a "liquid ejection device", an image forming apparatus that ejects ink to form an image on paper, and a powder in which powder is formed in layers in order to form a three-dimensional model (three-dimensional model). There is a three-dimensional modeling device (three-dimensional modeling device) that discharges the modeling liquid to the body layer.

Further, the "liquid discharge device" is not limited to a device in which a significant image such as characters and figures is visualized by the discharged liquid. For example, those that form patterns that have no meaning in themselves and those that form a three-dimensional image are also included.

The above-mentioned "material to which a liquid can adhere" means a material to which a liquid can adhere at least temporarily, such as one that adheres and adheres, and one that adheres and permeates. Specific examples include paper, recording paper, recording paper, film, recording media such as cloth, electronic substrates, electronic components such as piezoelectric elements, powder layers (powder layers), organ models, and media such as inspection cells. Yes, including anything to which the liquid adheres, unless otherwise specified.

The material of the above-mentioned "material to which liquid can be attached" may be paper, thread, fiber, cloth, leather, metal, plastic, glass, wood, ceramics, or the like as long as the liquid can be attached even temporarily.

Further, the "liquid discharge device" includes, but is not limited to, a device in which the liquid discharge head and the device to which the liquid can adhere move relatively. Specific examples include a serial type device that moves the liquid discharge head, a line type device that does not move the liquid discharge head, and the like.

In addition, as a "device for ejecting a liquid", a treatment liquid coating device for ejecting a treatment liquid to a paper in order to apply the treatment liquid to the surface of the paper for the purpose of modifying the surface of the paper, etc. There is an injection granulation device that granulates fine particles of the raw material by injecting a composition liquid in which the raw material is dispersed in a solution through a nozzle.

In addition, image formation, recording, printing, printing, printing, modeling, etc. in the terms of the present application are all synonymous.

1000 Head Inkjet Printing Equipment 1-6 Head 1-1-6-1 Cap 7 Cap Plate 8 Maintenance Body Base 9 Holding Member 10 First Rotation Center Axis 11 Link 12 Second Rotation Center Axis 13 Pin 14 Compression Spring 15 Head Mount plate

Patent No. 40657775

Claims (8)

A carriage with multiple liquid discharge heads and
A cap base having a plurality of caps for capping the plurality of liquid discharge heads, and a cap base having a plurality of caps.
A holding portion that holds the cap base and
A plurality of pressing members for pressing the cap base against the liquid discharge head are provided.
The plurality of liquid discharge heads are arranged side by side in two or more rows in the moving direction of the carriage, and the holding portion enables the cap base to be tilted in a predetermined direction and the predetermined position. A liquid discharge device characterized in that it is held so that it can be tilted even in a direction perpendicular to the direction. The holding portion includes a first rotating portion that allows the cap base to rotate on an axis parallel to the surface of the cap base, and a second rotating portion that allows the cap base to rotate on an axis orthogonal to the parallel axis. The liquid discharge device according to claim 1, further comprising. At least three of the pressing members are provided.
The liquid discharge device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the pressing member is arranged so as to surround the holding portion when viewed in a plan view. 3. The liquid discharge device according to the description. A carriage with multiple liquid discharge heads and
A plurality of caps for capping each of the plurality of liquid discharge heads, and
A cap plate that holds the plurality of caps and
A support portion that rotatably supports the cap plate at a substantially central portion, and a support portion that rotatably supports the cap plate.
A plurality of pressing members that press the cap plate against the liquid discharge head, and
It has a support portion and a holding portion for holding the pressing member.
The liquid discharge device is characterized in that the cap plate can be tilted in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction from the substantially central portion by the support portion. The liquid discharge device according to claim 5, wherein the plurality of liquid discharge heads are arranged side by side in a plurality of rows with respect to the moving direction of the carriage. The support portion includes a first rotating portion that allows the cap plate to be tilted by the vertically rotating shaft, and a second rotating portion that allows the cap plate to be tilted by the horizontally rotating shaft. The liquid discharge device according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the liquid discharge device has. The liquid discharge device according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the pressing member is composed of a plurality of pressing portions arranged so as to surround the support portion.

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