JP2001219579A - Ink-jet recording apparatus and method for cleaning printing head part - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an ink-jet recording apparatus having a switching means which enables a printing head part to be cleaned according to a type of ink supplied to the printing head part, and a method for cleaning a printing head part according to a type of ink supplied to the printing head part. SOLUTION: This ink-jet recording apparatus comprises the printing head part for discharging ink drops from nozzle openings, an ink supply means via which the ink is supplied to the printing head part, and a cleaning solution supply means via which a cleaning solution is supplied to the printing head part. The ink-jet recording apparatus further includes the switching means capable of selecting a desired supply means from the ink supply means and the cleaning solution supply means. The cleaning solution substitutes for at least the ink in the printing head part in accordance with the type of ink supplied to the head part.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an ink jet recording apparatus and a method for cleaning a print head, and more particularly to an ink jet recording apparatus and a print head for cleaning a print head according to the type of ink supplied to the print head. The present invention relates to a method of cleaning a print head unit in accordance with the type of ink supplied to a printing unit.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Ink jet recording apparatuses have been used in many types of printing including color printing in recent years, since noise at the time of printing is relatively small and small dots can be formed at a high density. Such an ink jet recording apparatus includes an ink jet print head that receives supply of ink from an ink cartridge, and a paper feed mechanism that moves a recording medium in a direction perpendicular to the scan direction of the print head, and records the print head on a carriage. Recording is performed by ejecting ink droplets onto a recording medium by generating mechanical pressure or heat energy on the print head while moving the medium in the width direction of the medium (main scanning direction). On the carriage, for example, a print head capable of discharging black ink and each color ink of yellow, cyan, magenta is mounted, and not only text printing with black ink but also full color printing by changing the discharge ratio of each ink. Is possible.

[0003] In recent years, in order to improve the quality of color printing, recording apparatuses using a total of six colors including black ink in addition to light cyan and light magenta have been provided. There is also a need for an ink jet recording apparatus that enables a large amount of printing without replacing ink cartridges. Along with this, the capacity of the ink cartridge for supplying ink to each print head has to be increased, and for example, each ink cartridge is not provided on the carriage but in a cartridge holder arranged on a fixed portion on both sides of the apparatus main body. There is also provided a recording apparatus having a configuration in which is mounted detachably, and ink is supplied from a cartridge holder to a print head via an ink supply path via a flexible tube or the like.

On the other hand, these ink jet print heads perform printing by discharging ink pressurized in a pressure generating chamber formed inside the print head as ink droplets from a nozzle opening onto a recording medium such as recording paper. Relatedly, there is a problem that printing failure occurs due to an increase in ink viscosity and solidification of the ink due to evaporation of the solvent from the nozzle opening, adhesion of dust, and mixing of air bubbles. For this purpose, the ink jet recording apparatus is provided with capping means for sealing the nozzle openings of the print head during non-printing to prevent drying.

[0005] This capping means not only functions as an airtight lid for preventing ink from being dried at the nozzle opening during non-printing, ie, when printing is stopped, but also when the nozzle opening is clogged. The nozzle plate is sealed by the capping means, ink is sucked from all the nozzle openings by negative pressure from the suction pump connected to the capping means, and clogging due to solidification of the ink in the nozzle openings, It also has a function to eliminate defective ink ejection due to air bubbles.

[0006] Forcible suction and discharge processing of ink for eliminating the clogging of the print head and the state of air bubbles mixed into the ink flow path is usually called a cleaning operation, and is performed after a long period of suspension of the apparatus. Operation that is automatically performed when resuming printing, or that ejects ink droplets by negative pressure to the print head when the user manually operates the cleaning switch to eliminate the deterioration of the quality of the recorded image. Is executed.

[0007] Further, the print head is provided with a function of applying a drive signal unrelated to printing to cause all the nozzles to idle-discharge ink droplets, which is called a flushing operation.
The purpose is to recover uneven meniscus near the nozzle opening of the print head caused by wiping during cleaning operation, and to prevent clogging due to thickening of ink at the nozzle opening that discharges a small amount of ink droplets during printing. Is an operation that is automatically executed at regular intervals.

[0008]

The ink jet recording apparatus can cope with a variety of printings by using ink droplets ejected from a nozzle opening of a print head. Therefore, it is possible to replace an ink cartridge according to a printing purpose. is there. That is, if you want to print with a different type of ink than the currently installed ink cartridge,
It is possible to temporarily remove the currently mounted ink cartridge and replace it with an ink cartridge having a desired type of ink. In such a situation, it is considered that there is often a need to perform printing with different print quality by using the same ink jet recording apparatus and using different ink types at any time. Immediately after the ink cartridge of a different ink type is mounted, the ink of the previously mounted ink cartridge still remains in the ink supply path and the print head in the print head and the ink supply path. The print quality at the time of replacement is reduced. Also, when using different types of ink,
It is considered that a case where high printing quality is required is included, and therefore, it is not preferable to mix inks of different types. Furthermore, mixing different types of inks causes problems such as undesired chemical reactions and clogging due to thickening of the ink. Such a problem cannot be fundamentally solved only by the flushing and the cleaning described above.

[0009] Ink types include, for example, those based on dyes, those based on pigments, those for expensive high grades with extremely good coloring properties, and those for inexpensive standards commonly used. It is considered that various types of inks are used according to the use of the user, and the types are expected to increase in the future.

[0010] Under such circumstances, the chances of replacing ink cartridges with different ink types are increased, and mixing of inks with different ink types may occur more frequently. Therefore, means for preventing inks of different ink types from mixing with each other is required.

Japanese Patent Application No. 9-238259 discloses a method and a method for cleaning a print head using a cleaning liquid. This cleaning method is designed to store and transport the print head and to prevent ink leakage and drying. It is an object of the present invention to prevent the nozzle opening of the print head from being clogged.
Therefore, in order to use inks of different ink types, the print head and the ink supply means are cleaned, and no means for supplying the ink to the print head unit is disclosed.

Further, depending on the type of ink, there is an effective cleaning liquid for cleaning the ink. Depending on the type of ink supplied to the print head, it is necessary to select a cleaning liquid suitable for the type of ink. There are cases.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to prevent inks of different types from being mixed with each other when inks of different types are used, and to eliminate various adverse effects caused by such mixing.

It is another object of the present invention to select an appropriate cleaning method for ink remaining on a print head when inks of different ink types are supplied to the print head.

[0015]

According to this embodiment, a print head for discharging ink droplets from a nozzle opening, ink supply means for supplying ink to the print head, and a cleaning medium for supplying ink to the print head are provided. Type of ink to be supplied to the print head unit in an ink jet recording apparatus comprising: a cleaning medium supply unit for supplying ink; and a switching unit for selecting an arbitrary supply unit from the ink supply unit and the cleaning medium supply unit. The cleaning medium supply means replaces at least the ink in the print head unit with a cleaning medium.

The ink supply means may be an ink cartridge or an ink bag. The cleaning medium supply unit can replace the ink in the print head unit with the cleaning medium and perform cleaning, depending on the type of ink that the ink supply unit has before or after replacement of the ink supply unit. Further, the cleaning medium supply unit can replace the ink in the print head unit with the cleaning medium and perform cleaning, depending on the combination of the types of inks of the ink supply unit before and after the replacement of the ink supply unit. Further, in the case where the type of ink included in the ink supply unit before and after the replacement of the ink supply unit is different, the cleaning medium supply unit can replace the ink in the print head unit with the cleaning medium and perform cleaning. Washing is preferably performed by replacing not only the print head but also a portion of the ink supply means commonly used by different types of ink with a washing medium.

The switching means can be implemented by using a known technique, for example, a switching valve disclosed in JP-A-58-71170.

The detecting means for detecting at least one of the type of the ink in the ink supply means and the type of the cleaning medium in the cleaning medium supply means varies the form of the ink supply means or the cleaning medium supply means. Accordingly, a physical detection unit may be employed, and a memory device for storing ink type information may be provided in the ink supply unit.

The cleaning medium supply means may be a cleaning medium cartridge or a cleaning medium bag. The cleaning medium may be a liquid cleaning liquid, a gas or a solid.
It is preferable that the cleaning medium supply unit also replaces the ink supply path from the switching unit to the print head, through which inks of different types flow in common, with the cleaning medium.

The cleaning medium can be cleaned by using a single type of cleaning medium. However, it is preferable to use a suitable cleaning medium for the ink type by using a plurality of types of cleaning media. The cleaning medium can be housed and disposed in the cleaning medium supply means independent of the ink supply means. Alternatively, the cleaning medium supply means may be combined with the ink supply means as a single unit to be provided as an integrated cartridge.

In the cleaning sequence, the amount of the cleaning medium supplied to the print head may be changed according to the type of ink supplied to the print head. In addition, by allowing the cleaning medium supply unit to supply a plurality of types of cleaning media to the print head, the print head unit can be cleaned in various cleaning sequences. Preferably,
The cleaning medium is a liquid. However, the cleaning medium may be a gas or a solid.

[0022]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, the present invention will be described through embodiments of the present invention. However, the following embodiments do not limit the claimed invention and have the features described in the embodiments. Not all combinations are essential to the solution of the invention.

An ink jet recording apparatus according to the present invention will be described based on an embodiment shown in the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing an embodiment of an on-carriage type ink jet recording apparatus according to the present invention.
The on-carriage type ink jet recording apparatus is an ink jet recording apparatus in which an ink cartridge is mounted on a carriage that scans with a print head during printing.

The ink jet recording apparatus according to the present embodiment includes a drive motor 104 via a timing belt 102.
The carriage 106 is connected to the Carriage 1
Reference numeral 06 denotes a storage chamber 136 that stores a black ink cartridge (see FIG. 13) that stores black ink, and a color ink cartridge (see FIG. 1) that stores color ink.
3), and a storage chamber 138 for storing a cleaning medium cartridge (see FIG. 13) storing a cleaning medium. A switching unit 140 that can select a supply path for supplying ink or a cleaning medium to the print head 150 is provided below the carriage 106. A print head 150 that receives supply of ink is provided below the switching unit 140.

In this embodiment, the user manually places the ink cartridges in the storage chambers 136 and 137.
And the washing medium cartridge is attached to and detached from the storage chamber 138. The cleaning medium cartridge supplies the cleaning medium to the print head 150 when the ink cartridge is replaced, particularly when the ink cartridge is replaced with a different ink type. Thereby, the ink remaining in the print head 150 is replaced with the cleaning medium, and the inside of the print head 150 is cleaned. The print head 150 may be replaced with a cleaning medium only when the ink cartridges before and after attachment / detachment are ink cartridges of different ink types. That is, the cleaning may be performed by supplying a cleaning medium to the print head only when the ink type is different before and after replacing the ink supply unit when the ink type is the same. For example, the cleaning medium is supplied to the print head only when replacing the cartridge having oil-based ink with the cartridge having water-based ink, and the cleaning medium is supplied to the print head when replacing the cartridge having oil-based ink with the cartridge having oil-based ink. Do not supply. Also, the cleaning medium is supplied to the print head only when replacing the cartridge having the pigment-based ink with the cartridge having the dye-based ink,
The cleaning medium is not supplied to the print head when replacing the cartridge having the pigment-based ink with the cartridge having the pigment-based ink. Further, the print head may be cleaned in various cleaning sequences by selecting a predetermined cleaning sequence.

The ink cartridge is an integrated ink cartridge having a plurality of types of ink (see FIG. 4 or 6).
It may be configured to be able to be attached to the accommodation chambers 136 and 137 as a. In that case, the user can print with inks of different ink types without replacing the ink cartridge.

Further, the ink cartridge may be mounted in the storage chambers 136 and 137 as a cleaning medium integrated ink cartridge having ink and a cleaning medium. In that case, the independent cleaning medium cartridge and the storage chamber 138 for storing the cleaning medium cartridge in FIG.
Becomes unnecessary. Further, the cleaning medium storage means 2 in FIG.
48 and the cleaning medium supply path 249 become unnecessary.

Replacing the ink supply means, for example, replacing the ink cartridge and the ink bag. Further, selection of the ink supply means means, for example, selection of an ink cartridge or an ink bag or selection of an ink supply path from the ink cartridge or the ink bag to the print head. Further, replacement of the cleaning medium supply means means, for example, replacement of the cleaning medium cartridge and the cleaning medium bag. Further, selection of the cleaning medium supply means means, for example, selection of a cleaning medium cartridge and a cleaning medium bag or selection of a cleaning medium supply path from the cleaning medium cartridge and the cleaning medium bag to the print head. Further, the ink cartridge may be described as an ink cartridge or an ink bag, but the ink cartridge may be an ink bag in an off-carriage type inkjet recording apparatus, and the ink bag may be an ink cartridge in an on-carriage type inkjet recording apparatus.

FIG. 2 shows an ink jet recording apparatus in which the cleaning medium cartridge 248 is not mounted on the carriage section 106 of the print head 150 but is installed at an arbitrary position inside and outside the ink jet recording apparatus.

In this embodiment, the cleaning medium supply path 2 from the cleaning medium cartridge 248 to the switching means 140
49 must be longer than in the previous embodiment. However, the storage chamber 138 for storing the cleaning liquid cartridge (see FIG. 13) and the cleaning liquid cartridge is
It does not move in the scanning direction with 50. Therefore, the load on the carriage motor 104 can be reduced. The cleaning liquid supply path 249 uses, for example, a flexible tube.

The cleaning medium cartridge 248 may be a single one, or may be a plurality of cleaning medium cartridges having a plurality of types of cleaning media. When installing a plurality of cleaning medium cartridges, it is preferable to provide a plurality of cleaning medium supply paths.

FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of the switching means 140.
(a) is a sectional view, and (b) is a plan view. 201 is a switching valve housing, 202 is an entrance / exit plate, 200 is a valve packing holder, 2
10 is a rubber valve packing, and 220 is a spring. The valve packing holder 200 holds the valve packing 210. A spring 220 mounted in the switching valve housing 201 presses the valve packing holder 200. Thereby, the valve packing 210 is held between the valve packing holder 200 and the entrance / exit plate 202. The entrance plate 202 is provided with an opening 230 in the middle thereof, which is connected to the head via an ink conduit. Around the opening 230, openings 240, 250, 260, and 270 are provided which are connected to ink supply means or cleaning medium supply means for supplying different types of ink or cleaning medium to the print head.
The valve packing 210 has a central opening 23 as shown in FIG.
A flow path 280 is provided for connecting 0 to the surrounding opening 260. In the state of FIG. 3, the opening 230 to the print head and the opening 240 to the ink supply means or the cleaning medium supply means are provided.
Is connected. Therefore, the other openings 250, 2
60, 270 and the opening 230 are not connected. When the tail 290 of the valve packing holder 200 is rotated, the flow path 2
The position of 80 changes. The opening connected to the opening 230 to the print head moves from the opening 240 to the opening 250 every 90 degrees of the rotation of the tail 290. When the tail 290 is further rotated by 90 degrees, the opening connected to the opening 230 moves from the opening 250 to the opening 260. When the tail 290 is further rotated by 90 degrees, the opening connected to the opening 230 changes from the opening 260 to the opening 2.
Move to 70. When the tail 290 is further rotated by 90 degrees, the opening connected to the opening 230 is moved from the opening 270 to the original opening 2.
The opening connected to 40 changes. Therefore, when the ink or cleaning medium is supplied from one ink supply means or cleaning medium supply means to the print head by being held at the position in FIG. 2, and is connected to another ink supply means or cleaning medium supply means, , By rotating the valve packing holder 200.

FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of a cleaning medium-integrated ink cartridge having a plurality of types of ink and the same type of cleaning medium. The switching unit 4 is provided below the ink storage unit 420.
40 are provided. In the switching section 440, the same number of switching valves as shown in FIG.
The switching unit 440 may be operated manually, but is preferably driven by a driver such as a motor. Further, an electromagnetic valve using magnetic force may be used.

FIG. 5 shows one of the switching means provided inside the switching section 440 of the cleaning medium-integrated ink cartridge in FIG. An opening 544 is provided on the surface on the ink storage section 420 side, and an opening 546 is provided on the back surface on the opposite side of the print head. The opening 544 is provided at a position separated from the center of the surface circle of the cylindrical member 542, and the opening 546 is provided.
Is provided substantially at the center of the back surface circle of the cylindrical member 542.
The openings 544 and 546 communicate with each other inside the cylindrical member 542. The position of the opening 544 is moved by the rotation of the cylindrical member 542 about the axis. On the other hand, the opening 546
Since is located at the center of the circle, the position does not move due to the rotation of the cylindrical member 542 about the axis.

Hereinafter, Y1 and Y2 indicate yellow inks of different ink types, M1 and M2 indicate magenta inks of different ink types, and C1 and C2 indicate cyan inks of different ink types. Further, in this embodiment, Y1,
Although there is a case where only Y2 is described, it does not mean that it is limited to them, but is merely listed as an example,
The same can be said for M1, M2 and C1, C2.

The operation will be described with reference to FIGS. In the state of FIG. 5A, the opening 544 is
20, the ink of the ink type Y1 is supplied to the print head through the opening 546. When the cylindrical member 542 is rotated 90 degrees from the state of FIG. 5A, the cylindrical member is brought into the state of FIG. 5B.
The opening 544 is connected to a portion of the ink storage section 420 having a cleaning medium, and the cleaning medium is supplied to the print head via the opening 546. From the state of FIG.
When the member 42 is further rotated by 90 degrees, the cylindrical member 542 is rotated.
5C, the opening 544 is connected to the portion of the ink containing section 420 having the ink type Y2, and the ink of the ink type Y2 is supplied to the print head through the opening 546. When the cylindrical member 542 is further rotated by 90 degrees from the state of FIG. 5C, the cylindrical member 542 becomes
The opening 544 is connected to the portion of the ink storage section 420 having the cleaning medium, and the cleaning medium is
It is supplied to the print head via 46. When the cylindrical member is further rotated by 90 degrees from the state of FIG. 5D, the cylindrical member 542 returns to the original state of FIG. 5A, and the opening 544 sets the ink type Y1 out of the ink containing section 420. The ink of the ink type Y <b> 1 is supplied to the print head through the opening 546 by being connected to the print head. By using a cartridge provided with switching means as shown in FIG. 4, the carriage 10 shown in FIG.
The switching means 140 provided in 6 is unnecessary. Also, any type of ink or cleaning liquid can be selected without moving the position of an ink supply needle (not shown) provided in the cartridge holder and inserted into the opening 546. Therefore, it can be mounted on an existing ink jet recording apparatus.

FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of an ink cartridge integrated with a plurality of types of cleaning media having a plurality of types of inks and a plurality of types of cleaning media.

In this embodiment, the ink storage section 620
Is divided into four accommodating portions for each color of ink. For example, when only yellow is extracted, as shown in FIG.
1. The housing portions are arranged side by side in the order of cleaning medium 1, cleaning medium 2, and Y2. Here, the cleaning medium 1 and the cleaning medium 2 are different types of cleaning liquids. As the switching unit 640, a columnar member having the same structure as that shown in FIG. 5 may be used, or a switching unit having a shape as shown in FIG. 8 may be used. The shape of the members of these switching means is not limited. However, in order to be able to select an ink type or a cleaning medium without moving the ink supply needle, an opening (an opening 846 on the back side of the fulcrum 848 in FIG. 8) connected to the print head is provided. Do not move. Therefore, for example, the opening 546 on the print head side of the switching means in FIG.
It is provided substantially at the center of the back surface circle of the cylindrical member 542. The opening 846 on the print head side of the switching means in FIG. 8 is substantially centered on the fulcrum 848 of rotation of the switching member 842.

FIG. 9 shows the operation of the cylindrical member 542 when the switching means of FIG. 5 is used for the cartridges of FIGS. By rotating the columnar member 542 by 60 degrees, the opening 544 is formed by the ink Y1, the cleaning medium 1, the cleaning medium 2,
The ink or the cleaning medium to be supplied to the print head by communicating with the print head in the order of the ink Y2 can be selected.
Therefore, the ink is rotated by a certain angle in one direction.
A cleaning sequence in the order of Y1, cleaning medium 1, cleaning medium 2, and ink Y2 can be performed. Thus, the cleaning sequence can be programmed by the cartridge structure.

FIG. 10 shows another embodiment of a multi-type cleaning medium integrated ink cartridge having a plurality of types of inks and a plurality of types of cleaning media.

In this embodiment, the ink storage portion 10
20 is divided into four accommodating portions for each color of ink.
For example, when only yellow is extracted, the front surface is divided into three parts as shown in FIG. By providing a vertical partition 1045 for the part between Y1 and Y2,
As shown in FIG. 9, the parts for storing Y1, cleaning medium 1, cleaning medium 2, and Y2 are arranged as one part. Here, the cleaning medium 1 and the cleaning medium 2 in FIG. 11 are cleaning media of different types from each other, and by using a cylindrical member 542 having the same structure as that shown in FIG. The ink or cleaning medium of Y1, cleaning medium 1, Y2, cleaning medium 2, Y1 can be freely selected and supplied to the print head.

The operation is shown in FIG. The cylindrical member 542 is rotated by 90 degrees in the same manner as in FIG. Thereby, the opening 544 communicates with the print head in the order of Y1, the cleaning medium 1, Y2, the cleaning medium 2, and Y1, and the ink or the cleaning medium is supplied to the print head. It may be rotated 180 degrees as needed. It is preferable that the rotation axis of the columnar member 542 overlap with a substantially central portion of the partition 1045. Also in the present embodiment, the cleaning sequence in the order of Y1, the cleaning medium 1, Y2, the cleaning medium 2, and Y1 can be performed by rotating at one fixed angle in one direction. Thus, the cleaning sequence can be programmed by the cartridge structure. With the cartridge structure of FIG. 10, different cleaning media can be used depending on the type of ink.

The integrated cartridge shown in FIG. 6 or 10 may be an integrated cartridge having a cleaning liquid and a gas. In such an integrated cartridge,
The switching means can select the cleaning liquid supply means and the gas supply means. Accordingly, a cleaning sequence for supplying cleaning liquid and gas to the print head can be programmed by the cartridge structure.

FIG. 13 shows an embodiment of the detecting means attached to the ink cartridge and the cleaning medium cartridge.

In this embodiment, FIG. 13A shows a black ink cartridge. FIG. 13B shows a color ink cartridge. FIG. 13C shows a cleaning medium cartridge. In this embodiment, the cleaning medium cartridge has the same shape as the black ink cartridge. However, the black ink cartridge, the color ink cartridge, and the cleaning medium cartridge may have other cartridge shapes. Figures 13 (a), (b) and (c)
A memory device 1301 is attached to the front of the cartridge as storage means for storing and holding at least information on the type of ink or cleaning medium in the cartridge. Preferably, the memory device 1301 attached to the ink cartridge stores the type of cleaning medium suitable for the type of ink contained. A memory device 1301 attached to the cleaning medium cartridge stores an ink type suitable for the type of the cleaning medium contained. As a memory device, for example, a semiconductor storage chip,
More specifically, there is a semiconductor storage chip such as an EEPROM. Further, the information detected or stored may include information on a cleaning medium or a cleaning sequence suitable for the type of ink included in the ink cartridge. Conversely, the information may include information on an ink type or a cleaning sequence suitable for the type of the cleaning medium included in the cleaning medium cartridge. Also,
Information on parameters replacing the cleaning sequence can also be included. The information detected or stored is detected by the detecting means.

The detected information can be transmitted to the user via output means provided in the ink jet recording apparatus, for example, a display panel or a display device of a PC.

The detected information is transmitted to an external computer or the like outside the ink jet recording apparatus, and the user inputs a command corresponding to the signal from the external computer, whereby the switching means can be arbitrarily set. It may be operated.

Further, by storing a preset cleaning sequence in the ink jet recording apparatus or an external computer regardless of the user, the switching means is operated in accordance with the predetermined cleaning sequence to clean the print head and the like. Can also.

FIG. 14 is a schematic perspective view of one embodiment of an off-carriage type ink jet recording apparatus.

A print head 1450 t connected to a drive motor 1404 via a timing belt 1402, a control device 1410 for controlling the operation of the print head 1450 in the scanning direction via a flexible cable 1408,
An ink supply unit 1420 for supplying ink to the print head 1450; a print head 1450 and the ink supply unit 14;
And a cleaning medium supply unit 146 that supplies a cleaning medium to the print head 1450.
0, a cleaning medium supply path 1470 for communicating the print head 1450 with the cleaning liquid supply means 1460, and an optional ink supply path 1430 or an optional ink supply path 1430 for connecting the ink supply means 1420 or the cleaning medium supply means 1470 to the print head 1420. A switching unit 1440 that can select the cleaning medium supply path 1470.

The non-printing area includes a print head 1 during non-printing.
A capping unit 1414 that seals 450 to prevent clogging of the nozzle openings, and that supplies negative pressure from the pump unit 1412 to fill the print head 1450 with ink is provided.

Here, the numbers of the ink supply paths 1430, the ink supply means 1420, and the switching means 1440 are not limited. Also, in FIG. 1, the ink supply means 1420 and the cleaning medium supply means 1460 are preferably arranged side by side to prevent the backflow of ink from the print head 1450. However, the arrangement is not limited, and the arrangement is arbitrary. The switching means 1440 may be a single structure or a plurality of structures. Further, it may be installed integrally in the recording device, or may be installed independently of the recording device.

The switching means 1440 may be disposed in the ink supply path or the cleaning medium supply path, as shown in FIG. 14, or may be provided in the print head 1450. It may be installed in the ink supply unit 1420 or the cleaning medium supply unit 1460.

The ink supply means 1420 may be an ink supply means having a plurality of types of ink. The cleaning medium supply unit 1460 may be a cleaning medium supply unit 1460 having a plurality of types of cleaning media. The switching unit 1440 can arbitrarily select the ink storage unit 1430. For example,
By providing a numerical aperture corresponding to the ink supply path 1430 and the cleaning medium supply path 1470 using the switching valve of FIG. 3, the ink supply path 1430 and the cleaning medium supply path 1
470 can be selected.

FIGS. 15 and 16 show an embodiment of the ink supply means mounting section (not shown in FIG. 14) having the ink supply means 1420 and the detection means for detecting the type of ink in FIG.

FIGS. 15 and 16 show ink supply means 1500A having different types of ink, respectively.
1500B. 15 and 16 show a mounting unit 1600 as a mounting portion of the ink supply unit on which the ink supply units 1500A and 1500B are mounted. further,
FIGS. 15 and 16 show the ink supply means 1500A,
Detecting units 1601 and 1602 are shown as detecting means for detecting the type of ink in 500B.

The ink supply means 1500A and 1500B
An ink bag (not shown) is placed in an ink case 1502A,
1502B. Ink case 1502A, 150
The ink supply ports 1504A and 1504B sealed by a sealing member are provided on the front portions 1508A and 1508B of the 2B. In addition, the front portions 1508A and 1508B have
Recesses 1509A and 1509B are provided in portions corresponding to either of the detection units 1601 and 1602.

The mounting means 1600 includes the ink supply means 1
Frame members 1610 for holding 500A and 1500B,
1620 are arranged to face each other. Frame member 1610
A flap 1630 is provided between the frame member 1620 and the flap 1630. The flap 1630 is rectangular and the flap 163
0 has a protrusion 1660 protruding in the longitudinal direction. The projection 1660 is combined with the frame member 1610 and the frame member 1620. Thereby, the flap 1630 is
It is possible to rotate in the short direction of 30 about the direction of arrow E as an axis. Ink supply means 1500A, 1
If the 500B is not installed, the flap 163
0 is an ink supply means 1500A, 1
The insertion direction of 500B, that is, a plane that is substantially perpendicular to the direction of arrow D, overlaps.

When the ink supply means 1500A, 1500B is inserted, the front portions 1508A, 1508B push the flap 1630, so that the flap 1630 rotates. Thereby, the ink supply means 1500A, 15A
00B is inserted into the mounting means 1600 and mounted.
At this time, when the ink supply means 1500A and 1500B are inserted, the ink supply needle 1640 is connected to the ink supply port 1504.
A, 1504B, and ink is supplied to the print head. Further, when the ink supply means 1500A and 1500B are inserted into the mounting means 1600, the flap 1630 rotates and pushes the ink storage means detection means 1650. Thus, the presence or absence of the ink supply units 1500A and 1500B can be detected. Also, the recesses 1509A, 1
509B receives detectors 1601 and 602 corresponding to recesses 1509A and 1509B, respectively.

On the other hand, the detecting portion 1602 not received by the concave portion 1509A and the detecting portion 1601 not received by the concave portion 1509B are pushed by the front portions 1508A and 1508B, respectively. Thus, a difference between the ink supply unit 1500A and the ink supply unit 1500B can be detected. Therefore, by making the positions of the recesses 1509A and 1509B different depending on the ink type of the ink supply units 1500A and 1500B, it is possible to detect the difference in the ink type. The detection units 1601 and 1602 are
509A, 1509B or front face 1508
A, by being pressed by 1508B, it can be detected by electrical connection or disconnection.

The ink supply means 1500A and 1500B shown in FIGS. 15 and 16 may be cleaning medium supply means or gas supply means. In such a case, the detection unit 160
Reference numerals 1 and 1602 are only required to be able to discriminate and detect the type of ink and cleaning medium in the supply units 1500A and 1500B. Further, many detection units 1601, 16
02, supply means 1500A, 15A
It is also possible to detect the identification and type of the ink and the cleaning medium in 00B and other information. Detection units 1601 and 1602
Can be electrically stored in a storage means provided in the ink jet recording apparatus or an external device.

Further, by combining the memory device and the like described in FIG. 13 with the detecting means of FIG. 16, more accurate and large-amount information detection can be performed.

FIGS. 17 (a) to 17 (g) show some specific examples of the cleaning sequence in a flow chart.
However, the cleaning sequence is not limited to these, and other sequences can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art. 17A to 17G show the flow of the cleaning sequence when switching from the state where the first ink supply unit supplies ink to the print head to the second ink supply unit. FIG. 17C shows a flow of a cleaning sequence when switching from the first ink supply unit to the second ink supply unit and further from the second ink supply unit to the third ink supply unit. If the ink supply means is the same, it can be determined that cleaning is not performed.

FIG. 17A shows a set of ink types of the first ink supply means and the second ink supply means when the supply means to the print head is switched from the first ink supply means to the second ink supply means. 4 shows a flow for performing cleaning by combination.

For example, when the first ink supply means and the second ink supply means have different ink types, the cleaning medium is supplied to the print head. First, the switching unit switches from the first ink supply unit to the cleaning medium supply unit in order to supply the cleaning medium to the print head. By supplying the cleaning medium to the print head, the cleaning medium flushes the first type ink supplied from the first ink supply unit remaining in the print head from the print head. Next, the switching unit switches from the cleaning medium supply unit to the second ink supply unit in order to supply the print head with a second type ink different from the first type ink to the print head. According to the present embodiment, mixing of the first type ink and the second type ink can be prevented. When the type of the ink of the first ink supply unit and the type of the ink of the second ink supply unit are the same, it can be determined that the switching to the cleaning medium supply unit is not performed.

FIG. 17B shows the flow of a cleaning sequence using a plurality of types of cleaning media. First, the switching unit selects the first cleaning medium supply unit in order to supply the first type cleaning medium having high affinity with the first type ink of the first ink supply unit to the print head. Thereby, the first type ink remaining on the print head can be effectively cleaned. Next, the switching unit selects the second cleaning medium supply unit in order to supply a second cleaning medium having a high affinity for the second type ink in the second ink supply unit to the print head. Thereby,
The inside of the print head is replaced with a second type cleaning medium. Next, the second
To supply the seed ink to the print head, the switching unit selects the second ink supply unit. When the second type ink is supplied to the print head, the inside of the print head is filled with a second type cleaning medium having high affinity for the second type ink. Therefore, the second type ink is smoothly supplied to the print head,
The second type cleaning medium can be easily eliminated.

For example, if the first type ink is oily,
When the seed ink is water-based, first, the oil-based ink remaining on the print head is removed by supplying a first-type cleaning medium having a high affinity to the oil-based ink to the print head. Next, the inside of the print head is replaced with the second type cleaning medium by supplying the second type cleaning medium having high affinity to the aqueous ink to the print head. Finally, the second supplying the aqueous ink
By selecting the ink supply unit, the switching from the first ink supply unit to the second ink supply unit is completed. According to this method, the remaining of the oil-based ink can be prevented. Further, when supplying the aqueous ink, the second type cleaning medium can be removed smoothly. Conversely, when switching from water-based ink to oil-based ink, the above sequence may be reversed, and the switching may be performed in the order of the second ink supply unit, the second cleaning medium, the first cleaning medium, and the first ink supply unit.
Similarly, when the first type ink is a pigment-based ink and the second type ink is a dye-based ink, or when the first type ink is a dark color-based ink and the second type ink is a light-colored ink. I can deal with it.

FIG. 17C is a flow for changing the amount of cleaning medium according to the type of ink supplied to the print head. First, the switching unit switches from the first ink supply unit that has supplied the first type ink to the print head to the cleaning medium supply unit. An appropriate amount X of a cleaning medium for discharging the first type ink remaining in the print head from the print head is supplied to the print head. Thereby, the print head can be cleaned with an appropriate amount of cleaning liquid. Next, the switching unit switches from the cleaning medium supply unit to the second ink supply unit in order to supply the second type ink in the second ink supply unit to the print head. Further, the switching unit switches from the second ink supply unit that has supplied the second type ink to the print head to the cleaning medium supply unit. An appropriate amount Y of a cleaning medium for discharging the second type ink remaining in the print head from the print head is supplied to the print head. Thereby, the print head can be cleaned with an appropriate amount of cleaning medium. And
The third type ink in the third ink supply unit is supplied to the print head via the third ink supply unit. Cleaning medium volume X
And the cleaning medium amount Y is an appropriate amount for the ink type of the first ink supply unit and the second ink supply unit, respectively.
They can be different from each other.

For example, when the ink type of the first ink supply means is oily and the ink type of the second ink supply means is aqueous, the use of a cleaning medium containing a surfactant or isopropanol makes it possible to use an oily ink. A cleaning medium having a high affinity for both the ink and the aqueous ink is used. However, in general, oil-based inks are more difficult to wash than water-based inks due to the properties of the ink such as viscosity. Therefore, when switching from oil-based ink to water-based ink, a larger amount of cleaning medium is supplied to the print head than when switching from water-based ink to oil-based ink. The change of the amount of the cleaning medium supplied to the print head can be changed according to the switching timing of the switching unit. Further, the size of the hole of the switching means may be changed by a stop or the like, or a plurality of holes having different sizes may be provided, and the amount of the cleaning medium may be changed by selecting from the holes.

FIG. 17D shows the first ink supply means and the second ink supply means.
This is a flow for supplying a gas as a cleaning medium to a print head by a combination of ink types with an ink supply unit.

For example, when the first ink supply means and the second ink supply means have different ink types, gas is supplied to the print head. First, the switching unit switches from the first ink supply unit to the gas supply unit in order to supply gas to the print head. By supplying gas to the print head, the gas pushes out the first type ink supplied from the first ink supply means remaining in the print head from the print head. Next, the switching unit switches from the gas supply unit to the second ink supply unit in order to supply the print head with a second type ink different from the first type ink to the print head. According to this embodiment, mixing of the first type ink and the second type ink can be prevented to some extent. Further, when the type of the ink of the first ink supply unit and the type of the ink of the second ink supply unit are the same, the switching to the gas supply unit may not be performed.
The gas may be air (atmosphere), or a gas for cleaning the print head may be used. The same applies to the gas in the following examples.

FIG. 17E shows a flow of a cleaning sequence using a cleaning liquid and a gas as a cleaning medium. The cleaning medium supply means has a cleaning liquid supply means and a gas supply means. First, the switching unit switches from the first ink supply unit that has supplied the first type ink to the print head to the gas supply unit. Thereby, gas is supplied to the print head to push out the ink in the print head. Therefore, the amount of ink remaining in the print head decreases. Next, in order to supply the cleaning liquid to the print head, the switching unit switches from the gas supply unit to the cleaning liquid supply unit. Since the amount of ink remaining in the print head is reduced, the amount of purified liquid supplied to the print head is also reduced as compared with the case where ink remains in the entire print head. Therefore, when supplying the cleaning liquid without supplying the gas to the print head (for example, the flow of FIG. 17A)
The cleaning can be performed more smoothly, and the print head can be cleaned with a small amount of cleaning liquid.

FIG. 17 (f) shows a flow of another cleaning sequence using a cleaning liquid and a gas as a cleaning medium.
The cleaning medium supply means has a cleaning liquid supply means and a gas supply means. First, the switching unit switches from the first ink supply unit that has supplied the first type ink to the print head to the cleaning liquid supply unit. Thereby, the cleaning liquid is supplied to the print head, and the ink in the print head is washed away. Next, the switching means switches from the cleaning liquid supply means to the gas supply means in order to supply gas to the print head. Thereby, gas is supplied to the print head, and the cleaning liquid in the print head is pushed out. Therefore, the cleaning liquid remaining in the print head decreases. Next, the switching unit that supplies the second type ink to the print head switches from the gas supply unit to the second ink supply unit. Therefore, the supply of the ink can be made smoother and the cleaning liquid can be discharged with a small amount of ink as compared with the case where the ink is supplied without supplying the gas to the print head (the flow of FIG. 17A). This embodiment is effective when the affinity between the cleaning liquid and the second type ink in the second ink supply means is low.

FIG. 17 (g) shows a flow of still another cleaning sequence using a cleaning liquid and a gas as a cleaning medium. The cleaning medium supply means has a cleaning liquid supply means and a gas supply means. First, the switching means sends the first print data to the print head.
The first ink supply unit that has supplied the seed ink is switched to the gas supply unit. Thereby, gas is supplied to the print head to push out the ink in the print head. Therefore, the amount of ink remaining in the print head decreases. Next, in order to supply the cleaning liquid to the print head, the switching unit switches from the gas supply unit to the cleaning liquid supply unit. Since the amount of ink remaining in the print head is reduced, the amount of purified liquid supplied to the print head is also reduced as compared with the case where ink remains in the entire print head. Next, the switching means switches from the cleaning liquid supply means to the gas supply means in order to supply gas to the print head. Thereby, gas is supplied to the print head, and the cleaning liquid in the print head is pushed out. Therefore, the cleaning liquid remaining in the print head decreases. Next, in order to supply the second type ink to the print head, the switching unit switches from the gas supply unit to the second ink supply unit. Therefore,
Cleaning and ink supply can be made smoother than in the case of supplying a cleaning liquid or ink without supplying gas to the print head (for example, the flow of FIG. 17A), and the print head requires a small amount of cleaning liquid. Can be washed. Further, the cleaning liquid can be discharged with a small amount of ink.

These cleaning sequences are based on oil-based ink,
It can be used for various types such as water-based ink, dye-based ink, pigment-based ink, high-viscosity ink, and low-clay ink.

It is preferable that these cleaning sequences are performed in a non-printing state. For example, at the capping position, it can be performed in addition to or together with flushing, cleaning, and the like. Further, it is preferable that the cleaning sequence is performed after the replacement of the ink supply means and before printing.

It is preferable to wash the print head including the ink supply path from the switching means to the print head. Further, also in the case where the ink in the print head is washed or flushed, it is preferable to wash or flush the ink in the ink supply path from the switching unit to the print head.

The cleaning sequence is stored in a storage device such as a ROM and read out to operate the switching means based on information such as the type of ink detected by the detecting means when the ink supply means is replaced. The storage device such as a ROM may be a memory device attached to the ink supply unit, or may be a ROM in an inkjet recording device or a ROM in an external device. When the cleaning sequence is stored in the ROM in the external device, the cleaning sequence may be input and output by communication means between the external device and the inkjet recording device.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to the embodiment, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope described in the above embodiment. Various changes or improvements can be added to the above embodiment. It should be noted that such modified or improved embodiments may be included in the technical scope of the present invention.
It is clear from the description of the claims.

[0081]

As is apparent from the above description, according to the present invention, depending on the type of ink supplied to the print head,
A cleaning liquid can be supplied to the print head to clean the print head and the ink supply means. Further, an arbitrary type of cleaning liquid can be appropriately selected, and an arbitrary amount of the cleaning liquid can be obtained.
Further, by setting a cleaning sequence and selecting an arbitrary cleaning sequence, the print head and the ink supply unit can be cleaned in various cleaning sequences.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of an on-carriage type ink jet recording apparatus.

FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of an ink jet recording apparatus in which a cleaning liquid supply unit is not mounted on a carriage unit of a print head but is installed at an arbitrary position inside and outside the ink jet recording apparatus.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view and a plan view of an embodiment of a switching unit.

FIG. 4 is a diagram of an embodiment of a cleaning liquid-integrated ink cartridge having a plurality of types of inks and a cleaning liquid.

FIG. 5 is a diagram of a switching unit of the cleaning liquid integrated ink cartridge.

FIG. 6 is a diagram of an embodiment of an ink cartridge integrated with a plurality of types of cleaning liquids having a plurality of types of inks and a plurality of types of cleaning liquids.

FIG. 7 is a partial view of an embodiment of an ink cartridge integrated with a plurality of types of cleaning liquids having a plurality of types of inks and a plurality of types of cleaning liquids.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating switching means of a cleaning liquid-integrated ink cartridge.

FIG. 9 is an operation diagram of a columnar member when the switching unit of FIG. 5 is used for the cartridge of FIGS. 6 and 7;

FIG. 10 is a diagram of an embodiment of an ink cartridge integrated with a plurality of kinds of cleaning liquids having a plurality of kinds of inks and a plurality of kinds of cleaning liquids.

FIG. 11 is a partial view of an embodiment of an ink cartridge integrated with a plurality of types of cleaning liquids having a plurality of types of inks and a plurality of types of cleaning liquids.

FIG. 12 is an operation diagram of a columnar member when the switching unit of FIG. 5 is used for the cartridges of FIGS. 10 and 11;

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an ink cartridge and a cleaning liquid cartridge, which is an embodiment of a stand-alone cartridge.

FIG. 14 is a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of an off-carriage type ink jet recording apparatus.

FIG. 15 is a diagram of an embodiment of the ink supply unit in FIG.

FIG. 16 is a diagram of a supply unit mounting unit that mounts an ink supply unit or a cleaning liquid supply unit.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart of a cleaning sequence.

[Explanation of symbols]

 106 Carriage 140, 1440 Switching means 150, 1450 Print head 248 Cleaning liquid supply means 249 Cleaning liquid supply path 420, 620, 1020 Ink supply section 440 Switching section 542 Columnar member 1301 Memory device 1430 Ink supply path 1420 Ink supply means 1470 Cleaning liquid supply path 1460 Cleaning liquid supply means 1501, 1502, 1691 Projection 1591, 1591 Opening 1601 Groove 1693 Detector

Claims (26)

[Claims] A print head for discharging ink droplets from a nozzle opening; an ink supply unit for supplying ink to the print head unit; a cleaning medium supply unit for supplying a cleaning medium to the print head unit; And a switching unit that can select an arbitrary supply unit from among the supply unit and the cleaning medium supply unit, wherein the cleaning medium supply unit is provided in accordance with a type of ink to be supplied to the print head unit. Wherein at least the ink in the print head section is replaced with a cleaning medium. 2. The ink supply device according to claim 1, wherein the cleaning medium supply device includes at least an ink in the print head unit according to a combination of ink types of the ink supply device before and after the ink supply device is replaced. 2. A method of determining the replacement of the cleaning medium with a cleaning medium is determined.
The inkjet recording apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims. 3. The ink supply means can be exchanged, and when the ink type of the ink supply means before and after the exchange of the ink supply means is different, the cleaning medium supply means removes at least the ink in the print head unit. 3. The ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the ink jet recording apparatus is replaced with a cleaning medium. 4. The ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a detection unit configured to detect information on a type of the ink in the ink supply unit and a type of the cleaning medium in the cleaning medium supply unit. apparatus. 5. An ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 4, wherein said detecting means detects a form of said ink supply means or said cleaning medium supply means. 6. An ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 4, wherein said detecting means detects information in a memory device of said ink supply means or said cleaning medium supply means. 7. The ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the information detected by the detecting means includes information on suitability of the ink and the cleaning medium. 8. The ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the amount of the cleaning medium supplied into the print head unit is changed according to the type of ink supplied to the print head unit. 9. The ink supply unit supplies a first type ink and a second type ink to the print head unit, and the cleaning medium supply unit supplies the print head unit with an affinity for the first type ink. An ink jet recording apparatus for supplying a high type 1 cleaning medium and a type 2 cleaning medium having a high affinity for the type 2 ink, wherein the ink supplied to the print head unit is changed from the type 1 ink to the type 2 ink. When switching, the cleaning medium supply unit replaces at least the first type ink in the print head unit with a first type cleaning medium, and then the cleaning medium supply unit replaces at least the first type ink in the print head unit. 4. The ink according to claim 3, wherein the cleaning medium is replaced with a second-type cleaning medium, and the ink supply unit supplies the second-type ink into the print head unit. 5. Jet recording apparatus. 10. The cleaning medium supply means can supply at least gas, and when the kind of ink of the ink supply means before and after replacement of the ink supply means is different, the cleaning medium supply means is at least the print head. 4. The ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the ink in the unit is replaced with the gas, and then the ink supply unit after replacement supplies the ink to the print head unit. 5. 11. The cleaning medium supply means can supply a cleaning liquid and a gas, and when the ink type of the ink supply means before and after the replacement of the ink supply means is different, the cleaning medium supply means at least performs the printing. Replacing the ink in the head with one of the cleaning liquid or the gas, and then replacing the cleaning liquid in the print head with the other of the cleaning liquid or the gas by the cleaning medium supply unit. The ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the ink supply means supplies ink to the print head unit. 12. The cleaning medium supply unit is capable of supplying a cleaning liquid and a gas, and when the ink type of the ink supply unit before and after replacement of the ink supply unit is different, the cleaning medium supply unit includes at least the print. Replacing the ink in the head portion with the gas, then the cleaning medium supply means replaces at least the gas in the print head portion with the cleaning liquid, and then the cleaning medium supply means at least in the print head portion. 4. The ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the cleaning liquid is replaced with the gas, and further, the ink supply unit after replacement supplies ink to the print head unit. 5. 13. One of the ink types of the ink supply means before and after replacement of the ink supply means is oily,
The ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the other is aqueous. 14. An ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 3, wherein said ink supply means integrally includes a plurality of types of ink and a cleaning medium. 15. A print head unit for discharging ink droplets from a nozzle opening, an ink supply unit for supplying ink to the print head unit, a cleaning medium supply unit for supplying a cleaning medium to the print head unit, and the ink And a switching unit that can select an arbitrary supply unit from the supply unit and the cleaning medium supply unit. A method for cleaning a print head unit in an ink jet recording apparatus, comprising: Accordingly, the cleaning medium supply means includes a step of replacing at least ink in the print head unit with a cleaning medium. 16. The ink supply means may be exchangeable, and the cleaning medium supply means may include at least an ink in the print head unit in accordance with a combination of ink types of the ink supply means before and after the exchange of the ink supply means. 16. The method according to claim 15, further comprising the step of: replacing with a cleaning medium. 17. The cleaning medium supply unit according to claim 17, wherein the ink supply unit before and after the ink supply unit has a different type of ink before and after the ink supply unit is replaced. 17. The method according to claim 16, further comprising the step of replacing with a cleaning medium. 18. An ink jet recording apparatus further comprising detection means for detecting information of the type of ink of said ink supply means and the type of cleaning medium of said cleaning medium supply means, wherein said detection means comprises: Detecting information on the type of ink and the type of cleaning medium of the cleaning medium supply unit, and in accordance with the information, the cleaning medium supply unit replacing at least the ink in the print head unit with a cleaning medium. The method according to claim 15, further comprising: 19. The method according to claim 15, wherein the amount of the cleaning liquid supplied into the head is changed according to the type of ink supplied to the print head. 20. When the ink supply means before the replacement and the ink supply means after the replacement each have an oil-based ink and a water-based ink, the ink supply means in the print head unit is more intense than when the ink supply means has a water-based ink and an oil-based ink, respectively. 20. The method according to claim 19, further comprising: supplying a larger amount of cleaning liquid to the print head unit. 21. The ink supply unit can supply a first type ink and a second type ink to the print head unit, and the cleaning medium supply unit supplies the first type ink to the print head unit. An ink jet recording apparatus for supplying a first-type cleaning medium having a high affinity to a first-type cleaning medium and a second-type cleaning medium having a high affinity to a second-type ink, wherein the ink supplied to the print head unit is supplied from the first-type ink to the second-type cleaning medium. When switching to the seed ink, the cleaning medium supply unit replaces at least the first type ink in the print head unit with a first type cleaning medium; and the cleaning medium supply unit is at least the first type ink in the print head unit. Replacing the seed cleaning medium with a second type cleaning medium; and supplying the ink supply unit with the second type ink into the print head unit. The method of cleaning the print head unit of claim 17, wherein a. 22. The cleaning medium supply means can supply at least gas, and when the ink type of the ink supply means before and after replacement of the ink supply means is different, the cleaning medium supply means is at least the print head. 18. The method according to claim 17, further comprising the steps of: replacing ink in the unit with the gas; and supplying ink to the print head unit after replacement by an ink supply unit. 23. The cleaning medium supply unit is capable of supplying a cleaning liquid and a gas, and when the type of ink of the ink supply unit before and after replacement of the ink supply unit is different, the cleaning medium supply unit includes at least the print. Replacing the ink in the head unit with one of the cleaning liquid or the gas; and the cleaning medium supply unit replacing at least the cleaning liquid or the gas in the print head unit with the other of the cleaning liquid or the gas. 18. The method according to claim 17, further comprising the step of: supplying ink to the print head unit after replacement. 24. The cleaning medium supply means can supply a cleaning liquid and a gas, and when the ink type of the ink supply means before and after the replacement of the ink supply means is different, the cleaning medium supply means at least performs the printing. Replacing the ink in the head with the gas; the cleaning medium supply means replacing at least the gas in the print head with the cleaning liquid; and the cleaning medium supply means at least the cleaning liquid in the print head. 18. The method according to claim 17, further comprising: replacing the gas with the gas; and supplying the ink to the print head by the ink supply unit after the replacement. 25. The method according to claim 17, wherein one of the ink types of the ink supply unit before and after the replacement of the ink supply unit is an oil-based ink, and the other is an aqueous ink. . 26. The method according to claim 17, wherein the ink supply unit integrally includes a plurality of types of ink and a cleaning medium.