JP2003011377A - Ink-jet printer and recovery unit for ink-jet printer - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an ink-jet printer capable of achieving compactness and miniaturization of the ink-jet printer, and capable of certainly executing a head recovery process. SOLUTION: This ink-jet printer 1 comprises a paper conveying unit 2, a head unit 3 with a built-in printing head, an ink supply tank 5, and a recovery unit 4 for executing a recovery process such as wiping of the printing head, maintenance ejection and capping for the ink ejecting surface, wherein the head unit 3 is supported by a rotation shaft 21 so as to be rotated and moved to the upright position at the time of a recovery process. After sliding and moving the recovery unit 4 to a position facing the head unit 3 at the upright position, a recovery process such as wiping of the ink ejecting surface of the printing head by a wiper of the recovery unit 4, capping and maintenance ejection by a unit main body of the recovery unit 4 is executed.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an inkjet printer and a recovery processing apparatus for cleaning or capping a head surface of the inkjet printer.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Heretofore, various types of recovery processing apparatuses have been proposed for performing recovery processing on a head surface of an ink jet printer, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2-17972.
The one disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 2 has a head unit for ejecting ink toward a print medium and a recovery processing unit for performing an ink ejection recovery process on the head surface. The head portion is supported so as to be able to perform an up / down operation, and the recovery processing portion can be inserted into a space generated when the head portion moves up. And during the recovery process,
The head unit is raised, the recovery processing unit is inserted, and the recovery process is executed. The recovery processing unit has a cap that covers the entire head unit.

Further, in the one disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-71521, a rotating body is arranged below the print head, and the rotating body has an axis along the print main scanning direction (longitudinal direction) of the print head. The rotator is rotatably supported, and the rotator covers the platen portion that supports the print medium along the axial direction around the rotator, the wiper portion that cleans the print head, and the print head. Is provided with a cap portion. Furthermore, it is provided along the axial direction,
An opening is provided that penetrates in the direction orthogonal to the axis. The opening serves as an ink passage when ink is ejected from the print head during the priming operation. During the maintenance process, the wiping, priming, capping and the like are performed by rotating the rotating body to the respective positions.

Further, in the one disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-62151, a print medium conveying device and an ink suction unit with a cap are movably attached to the lower part of a print head, and at the time of printing, Position the print medium transport device under the print head, and during prime operation,
Alternatively, during the capping operation, the printing medium transporting device is retracted from the lower portion of the print head, and the ink suction unit with the cap is positioned instead, and each operation is executed. The cap is a cap that can cover the entire head surface of the printer head.

[0005]

However, the device disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2-179722 described above requires a separate moving area for the head section and a moving area for the recovery processing section, which results in a large apparatus as a whole. Inevitability was inevitable. Further, even in the one disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-62151, it is necessary to prepare a space for retracting the printing medium carrying device and the ink suction portion with the cap, and it is inevitable that the device becomes large. It was

Further, in the one disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-71521, a rotating body provided with a platen portion, a wiper portion, a cap portion and the like is arranged below the print head, and the rotating position of the rotating body is arranged. Thus, the printing operation, the prime operation, and the capping operation can be performed, and the entire apparatus can be downsized. However, when the wiping operation is performed, the head surface of the print head is cleaned by rotating the rotating body to which the wiper is attached, so that reliable cleaning is difficult.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and is capable of responding to the downsizing and downsizing of an ink jet printer, and an ink jet printer capable of reliably performing head recovery processing, or An object of the present invention is to provide a recovery processing device for an inkjet printer.

[0008]

An ink jet printer according to claim 1 of the present invention has a print head for ejecting ink toward a print medium, and extends in a print medium transport direction out of a print medium transport area. And a head device that is rotatable from the print medium transport area to a recovery processing area about a rotation axis, and a recovery process for the ink ejection surface of the print head that is driven substantially parallel to the print medium transport direction. And a recovery device for performing a recovery process of the head device by moving the recovery device to a position facing the head device while the head device is rotated in the recovery processing area. The action is taken.

An ink jet printer according to a second aspect of the present invention comprises a print head for ejecting ink toward a print medium from a nozzle array on an ink ejection surface, and a platen facing the print head in the head device. A print medium receiving portion provided on one surface for receiving a print medium to be conveyed; a wipe portion provided on another surface for cleaning an ink ejection surface of the print head; A platen having a cap portion that covers the ink ejection surface of the print head, and each surface of the platen is rotated and opposed to the ink ejection surface of the print head, and printed by the print medium receiving portion. The medium is supported, and the wiping portion slides the ink ejection surface in a direction parallel to the nozzle row to perform a wiping operation to wipe the medium. Performing a cap operation for covering the ink discharge surface by the cap portion.

An ink jet printer recovery device according to a third aspect of the present invention is an ink jet printer recovery device having a print head for performing printing by ejecting ink from a nozzle row on an ink ejection surface. And a cap mechanism member that is located on the side surface of the print head and rotates about an axis parallel to the nozzle row of the print head to cap the ink ejection surface.

A recovery device for an ink jet printer according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is a recovery device for an ink jet printer having a print head for ejecting ink from a nozzle array on an ink ejection surface for printing. Of the ink ejection surface, and a recovery mechanism portion having a wiper portion for wiping the ink ejection surface, the recovery mechanism portion is located on the side surface of the print head at the time of printing. During the recovery process, the wiper unit is driven so as to move up and down along an axis orthogonal to the ink ejection surface and to move in a direction parallel to the print medium conveyance direction, and the wiper unit is lowered below the ink ejection surface. The ink ejection surface is wiped by moving it along the print medium conveyance direction with, and when the cap portion is lowered below the ink ejection surface. The cap portion is moved toward the ink ejection surface to cap the ink ejection surface.

[0012]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a main part of an inkjet printer according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 2 is a perspective view of the recovery device applied to the inkjet printer as seen from the direction A in FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 shows a wiper unit constituting the recovery device shown in FIG. It is the figure seen from the direction. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a cap mechanism portion incorporated in the wiper unit of FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a wiper position switching state when the cap mechanism portion of FIG. 3 is viewed from the E direction. 6 (A), (B), (C), and (D) are C of FIG. 3 showing the operating state of the wiper mechanism portion of the wiper unit.
FIG.

The layout of the printer, or
As the direction of movement, the vertical direction of the device is the Z direction, the upward direction is the + Z direction, and the downward direction is the −Z direction. The horizontal direction along the paper transport direction is the X direction, and the paper transport direction is +
The X direction and the opposite direction are the −X direction, the −X side is the upstream side of the conveyance, and the + X side is the downstream side of the conveyance. The horizontal direction orthogonal to the X direction is the Y direction, the right direction when viewed from the upstream side is the + Y direction, and the left direction when viewed from the upstream side is -Y.
Direction. The above-mentioned display in the X, Y, Z directions is
Similar display is adopted also in other embodiments.

In the ink jet printer 1 of the first embodiment, a long print head having a nozzle row for ejecting ink droplets corresponding to the entire width of the paper is arranged, and the print head is horizontally (paper) when printing. It is a printer that performs printing by transporting a sheet in the transport direction (+ X direction) without scanning in the width direction and the sheet transport direction.

As shown in FIG. 1, the printer 1 mainly includes a sheet conveying device 2 and a head device 3 having a print head therein.
An ink supply tank 5, and a recovery device 4 for performing recovery processing (maintenance processing) such as wiping of the ink ejection surface of the print head, maintenance ejection (priming), and the like.

The sheet conveying device 2 includes a supply side belt driving roller 7, a sheet discharging side belt driving roller 6, and a conveying belt 8 for conveying a sheet 10 as a printing medium in the + X direction which is the sheet conveying direction at the time of printing. To have.

The head device 3 is rotatably supported by a printer body (not shown), and is fixed to the rotary shaft 21 with a geared rotary shaft 21 extending along the X direction at a position outside the printing area. Head body 11 and the head body 1
B (black) print heads 12A and C (cyan) print heads 12 which are four-color long print heads held at 1.
B, M (magenta) print head 12C, Y (yellow)
And a print head 12D.

The print head 12A has an ink ejection surface 12 on which a nozzle array 12A1 for ejecting ink droplets is arranged.
Have A10. In addition, the other print heads 12B, 12C,
Similarly, 12D also has an ink ejection surface on which the nozzle rows are arranged.

The head body 11 and the print head are
The paper 1 is driven to rotate in the + D or −D direction by a printer driving unit (not shown) through the geared rotary shaft 21.
It is movable between a horizontal print position P3A on the printable paper conveyance area facing 0 and a recovery processing position P3B on the recovery processing area where the print head stands up.

As shown in FIG. 2, the recovery device 4 includes a geared feed screw shaft 23 and a guide shaft 25 which are supported in parallel with the rotary shaft 21 with respect to a printer body (not shown).
The recovery device main body 13 and the wiper units 14A, 14B,
14C and 14D and an ink absorbing unit 15. In addition, the recovery device main body 13 includes the feed shaft 2
3. It is slidably supported in the X direction by the guide shaft 25. Further, the wiper unit 14A and the like and the ink absorbing unit 15 are mounted on the mounting surface 13a of the recovery device body 13 along the X / Z plane.

The recovery device 4 is driven along the X direction by the feed screw shaft 23 via the drive gear, and the mounting surface 13a faces the front surface of the print head of the head device 3 at the recovery processing position P3B. Recovery processing position and recovery processing position P
It can be moved to and from the withdrawal position that is withdrawn from the front of the print head in 3B.

The wiper unit 14A is shown in FIGS.
As shown in FIG. 5, the unit main body 19 and the wipe mechanism unit 3 slidably supported in the unit main body 19 in the Z direction.
1 is included.

The unit main body 19 has a head contact surface 19c which is in contact with the ink ejection surface 12A10 of the print head 12A so as to be in close contact with the opening. The head contact surface 19c is in close contact with the ink ejection surface 12A10 and is formed and processed with a material having elasticity such as rubber so as not to damage the ink ejection surface 12A10. Therefore,
When the wiper unit 14A is at the recovery processing position facing the print head 12A, the head contact surface 19c of the unit main body 19 is in close contact with the ink ejection surface 12A10 and capping is possible (FIGS. 6C and 6D). ).

The wipe mechanism section 31 includes a support 32 which is slidably supported in the unit body 19 in the Z direction.
A wiper base 33 that is rotatably supported by the support 32, a wiper 34 that is fixed to the wiper base 33, is a wiper member of a plate-shaped sponge material that is elastically deformable, and the support 32
A leaf spring 36 for holding the wiper stand posture, which is fixed to the screw 37 with a screw 37.
And have.

The support 32 is the unit body 1
It is screwed to the feed screw shaft 38 supported by 9 through the female screw 32a, and is driven back and forth in the Z direction by the rotation of the feed screw shaft 38. The wiper table 33 is rotatably supported by a support shaft 35 through a shaft hole 33a. The support shaft 35 is supported in the shaft hole 32c of the support 32.

The wiper 34 is located in the unit main body 19 at an upright position (FIGS. 6A and 6B) where the wiper base 33 is rotated to project in the Y direction to the upper portion of the unit main body 19. It can be pivotally moved to the retracted position (FIGS. 6C and 6D) in the non-wiping state, which is stored in the state of falling in the Z direction.

In order to rotationally drive the wiper 34 to the upright position and the retracted position, the wiper table 33 has a contact surface 33c which is a side surface portion parallel to the surface of the wiper 34 and its contact. An abutment surface 33b is provided on a protrusion protruding laterally from the surface 33c. Abutment surface 3 on the protrusion
3b is a flat surface portion orthogonal to the contact surface 33c.

On the other hand, in the unit body 19, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, on the inner wall surfaces at both ends in the Z direction of the upper opening, the projections 19a for contacting and pressing the contact surfaces 33b, 33c of the wiper stand 33 are provided. , 19b are provided.

The leaf spring 36 is attached to the supporting body 32 with a screw 37, and the tip end portion thereof is the bottom surface 33 of the wiper stand 33.
e, or the contact surface 33c can be contacted. The wiper table 33 is click-held by the contact, and the wiper 34
Can be held in the upright state or the retracted state.

FIG. 5 shows a switching state when the wiper 34 supported by the wiper table 33 is rotated from the retracted posture in the + Z direction to the standing posture in the + Y direction. From the state of FIG. 5 described above, the wiper table 33 has the projection 19a
When the blade spring 36 contacts the contact surface 33a and rotates counterclockwise, the leaf spring 36 contacts the contact side surface 33c, so that the wiper 34 stands up as shown in FIG. Click to be held. Further, when the wiper table 33 comes into contact with the projection 19b and rotates clockwise from the state shown in FIG. 5, the leaf spring 36 comes into contact with the bottom surface 33e, so that the wiper 34 moves in the + Z direction shown in FIG. 6C. Clicked and held in the collapsed retracted position.

The other wiper units 14B, 14C and 14D have the same structure as the wiper unit 14A, and the print heads 12B, 12C, and 14C, 14C, 14C, 14C, 14C, 14C, 14C, 14C, 14C, 14C, 14C, 14C, 14C, 14C, 14C, 14C, 14C, 14C, 14C, 14C, 14C, 14C, 14C, 14C, 14C, 14C, 14D, 14C, 14C, 14C, 14D, 14C, 14C, 14D, 14C, 14C, 14D, 14C, 14D, 14C, 14D, 14C, 14D, 14C, 14D, 14C, 14C, 14D, 14D, 14C, 14D, 14C, and 14D, are, respectively. Wiping of the 12D ink ejection surface can be performed.

As shown in FIG. 2, the ink absorption unit 15 is mounted on the −X direction side end of the mounting surface 13a of the recovery device main body 13 and is housed in the recess of the unit main body 15a of the ink absorption unit 15. It has an ink absorber 15b made of a sponge member. The ink absorber 15 is moved by moving the recovery device 4 in the + X direction.
b can be sequentially opposed to each print head 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D. Ink ejected for maintenance processing from the nozzle array of each print head in the opposed state is absorbed by the ink absorber 15b.

Next, the recovery processing operation of the print head in the ink jet printer 1 having the above configuration will be described. First, when wiping the ink ejection surface of each print head, the head device 3 is rotated by 90 ° + α in the + D direction from the horizontal printing position P3A to the recovery processing position P3B.

The recovery device 4 is slid in the + X direction while the head device 3 is at the recovery processing position P3B. At this time, the recovery device is sufficiently retracted in the + D direction (90 ° + α in angle) so that the wiper unit 14D and the print head 12A do not come into contact with each other so that they do not come into contact with each other. The same applies when the recovery device is slid in the -X direction. Then, the wiper unit 14
A, 14B, 14C and 14D are made to face the front faces of the print heads 12A, 12B, 12C and 12D, respectively.
Then, the unit body 1 is attached to the ink ejection surface 12A1 ,.
The head contact surface 19c of 9 is brought into contact with and brought into intimate contact with the head contact surface 19c to establish a capping state.

When the recovery device 4 is slid in the + X direction, the wiper 34 is moved as shown in FIG.
It is necessary to hold the wiper 34 in the retracted position shown in (D) to prevent the wiper 34 from being damaged by the print head.

Wiping processing of the ink ejection surface is performed in the capping state. That is, the wiper 34 of the wipe mechanism unit 31 is kept in the upright position which is erected in the + Y direction shown in FIG. 6A, and the feed screw shaft 38 is rotationally driven as shown in FIG. -Slide in the Z direction. During the slide movement, the wiper 34 wipes the ink ejection surface 12A10 to perform cleaning.
The ink ejection surfaces of the other print heads 12B, 12C, 12D also have wiper units 14A, 14B, 14C, 14
The cleaning is simultaneously performed by the wiping operation of the D wiper 34.

After the wiping operation described above is completed, FIG.
As shown in (C), when the wipe mechanism portion 31 reaches the end portion in the −Z direction, the protrusion 19b of the unit body 19 presses and rotates the wiper base 33, and the wiper 34 is retracted in the + Z direction. Evacuate to.

After the wiping operation, the ink maintenance discharge process is performed. That is, the recovery device 4 is moved in the + X direction to move the ink absorption unit 15 to the print head 12.
Face A. In this state, the ink is ejected from the nozzle row 12A1 of the print head 12A, and the ink absorber 15b
To absorb. By discharging the ink, minute dust attached to the nozzles is flushed out. Subsequently, the recovery device 4 is further slid in the + X direction, the other ink absorbing units 15 are sequentially opposed to the front faces of the print heads 12B, 12C, 12D, and ink is ejected toward the ink absorbing body 15b in each state. Let it absorb. The ejected ink is sucked and discharged by a suction pump via a suction tube (not shown).

After the maintenance discharge of the ink is completed, the recovery device 4 is slid in the -X direction and retracts from the front surface of the head device 3 as shown in FIG.

Therefore, the head device 3 is rotationally driven in the -D direction and set at the printing position P3A facing the conveyor belt 8 on the paper conveyor 2. In this state, the sheet 10 is conveyed in the + X direction by the sheet conveying device 2, and at the same time, ink is ejected from each nozzle row of each print head 12A, ...

In the above-described ink jet printer 1 of the present embodiment, the head device 3 is made to stand upright and the recovery device 4 is slidably moved in front of it when the recovery process is performed. It is always supported in an upright posture, including the operating and retracted states. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide a space for arranging the recovery device 4 in the width direction of the paper transport device, and the area occupied by the entire printer device is small, and the size can be reduced.

In the ink jet printer 1 of the first embodiment, when there is a possibility that ink may drip from the ink ejection surface during the rotation of the head device 3 in the + D direction when starting the recovery process, the recovery device In addition to 4, a cap member that can open and close the ink ejection surface is arranged on the head device 3. When the head device 3 is rotated, the ink ejection surface can be closed by the cap to prevent the ink from dripping.

Further, in the ink jet printer 1 of the first embodiment described above, the long head corresponding to the entire width of the paper is applied as the print head, but the corresponding print head is not limited to this, and will be described later, for example. As shown in the perspective view of FIG. 15, the recovery device 4 is also used for the print head of the inkjet printer having a configuration in which a plurality of print heads for printing by dividing the entire paper width are arranged side by side in the paper width direction. A similar configuration can be applied.

In this case, as a wiper unit to be applied, a single print head of each of the plurality of print heads or a wiper mechanism portion for wiping the ink ejection surface of the plurality of print heads arranged in the paper width direction is used. Apply what you have.

Next, an ink jet printer which is a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a main part of the inkjet printer of the above embodiment. FIG. 8 is a plan view of the print head and platen unit of the inkjet printer of FIG. 7, and FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the platen unit of the inkjet printer of the above embodiment. 10, 11, 12
FIG. 9A is a cross-sectional view taken along line GG in FIG. 7, showing the respective operating states of the inkjet printer of the above embodiment, and FIG.
10B shows a printing state, FIG. 10B shows a state in which the paper is pulled out from the lower portion of the print head in performing the recovery process, and FIG. 10C shows a state in which the platen unit is lowered in the recovery process. Indicates. 11A shows a state in which the platen unit is rotated so that the cap faces the ink ejection surface of the head, and FIG. 11B shows a state in which the head is capped by the cap of the platen unit. (C) shows a state in which the platen unit is further rotated to bring the wiper into contact with the ink ejection surface of the head. In FIG. 12, the platen unit is rotated,
The state where the ink absorbing portion faces the head is shown. FIG.
FIG. 13A is a perspective view showing a state of wiping with the wiper of the platen unit, FIG. 13A shows a wiping start state, and FIG. 13B shows a state in which ink adhering to the wiper is wiped off immediately after the wiping is finished. It shows the state where it is removed by the section.

The ink jet printer 41 according to the second embodiment employs a long print head having a nozzle array for ejecting ink droplets corresponding to the entire paper width, and the print head is horizontally (paper width) at the time of printing. The printer is a printer that performs printing by transporting a sheet in the transport direction (+ X direction) without scanning in the scanning direction and the sheet transport direction). The roll paper 50 is applied to the printer 41 as a print medium.

As shown in FIG. 7, the printer 41 mainly includes a sheet conveying device having a supply roller 44 and a driving roller 45, a head device 42 having a print head therein, and a platen device. The platen device is a member that can rotate and slide, and is a roll paper 50.
And a recovery processing unit for performing recovery processing such as wiping, maintenance ejection, and capping of the ink ejection surface of the print head.

The head device 42 is a four-color long print head B (black) which is fixedly supported by the head body.
Print heads 61A, C (cyan) print heads 61B, M
(Magenta) print heads 61C, Y (yellow) print heads 61D, and ink wiping ink absorbers 62A, 62B, 62C, 62D corresponding to the respective print heads.

The print head 61A has a nozzle row 61A1 arranged along the Y direction and an ink ejection surface 61A10 on which the nozzle row is arranged. Other print head 6
1B, 61C and 61D also have the same structure.

Ink absorber 62 for wiping off the ink
A, 62B, 62C and 62D are supported by the head main body so as to be movable in the Z direction while being adjacent to the + Y side of the print head (FIG. 8).

The platen device has a unit support base 46.
And the unit positioning table 47 and the platen units 63A, 63B, 63C and 63D. The platen unit main body 71 and the like of the platen units 63A, 63B, 63C, 63D are provided with support shafts 51, 52, 5 along the Y direction that are rotatably held by the unit support base 46.
3, 54 are slidably fitted. Further, guide pins (not shown) are fixed to the support shafts 51, etc., respectively, and the guide pins are fitted in grooves 71e provided in the support shaft holes of the unit body 71 of the platen unit 63A ,. (Fig. 9). Support shaft 5
, Etc. are rotationally driven via the gear 51a, the platen units 63A, ..., etc. are also integrally rotated via the guide pins.

Further, the unit support base 46 is provided with a feed screw shaft 48 rotatably supported and a guide shaft 49 fixedly supported. The unit positioning base 47 is supported by the unit support base 46 via a feed screw shaft 48 and a guide shaft 49.

-Y of the platen units 63A, ...
The protrusion 47a of the unit positioning base 47 can come into contact with the side end surface. On the other hand, biasing springs 55, ... Abut against the + Y side end surfaces of the platen units 63A, ..., and the recovery units 63A ,. Abutting.
Due to the contact, the platen units 63A, ... Are supported integrally with the unit positioning base 47 so as to be movable in the Y direction.

Therefore, the platen units 63A, ...
Are driven back and forth in the Y direction with the rotation of the feed screw shaft 48, and at the same time, with the rotation of the support shafts 51, ...
It is rotationally driven around 1, ...

On the outer peripheral portion of the platen unit main body 71 of the platen unit 63A, as shown in FIG. 9, a platen portion 71a having a partially cylindrical surface for guiding the roll paper 50 is formed.
A cap portion 72 formed of an elastic material such as silicon rubber and an ink absorbing portion 71d are provided along the Y direction. Further, an elastically deformable wiper 73 made of a sponge member is fixed to the outer peripheral portion of the platen unit main body 71.

The cap portion 72 is disposed on the outer peripheral surface 71b of the platen unit main body portion 71 on the symmetrical outer peripheral surface 71b at the position of the platen portion 71a. In the cap portion 72,
A concave portion 72a to be the cap surface is provided, and the concave portion 72a
An inclined surface 72b and an ink suction hole 72c are provided on the bottom surface of a. The ink suction hole 72c is provided in the suction tube 75.
Is in communication with. The cap portion 72 is attached to the print head 61.
When the ink ejection surface 61A10 is opposed to A, the ink ejection surface is capped.

The ink absorbing portion 71d is on the outer peripheral portion of the platen unit main body portion 71, and is the platen portion 71a.
An ink absorber 74 made of a sponge material is installed at one outer peripheral side surface position with respect to the position at which the cap portion 72 is provided and along the Y direction.

The wiper 73 is fixed to the symmetrical outer peripheral surface 71c at the position of the ink absorbing portion 71d and to the end portion of the platen unit main body portion 71 in the -Y direction so as to protrude toward the outer periphery. The wiper 73 is provided on the print head 61.
When the platen unit main body 71 is slid in the Y direction while facing the ink ejection surface 61A10 and facing the ink ejection surface 61A10, the ink ejection surface 61A10 is wiped.

The recovery processing operation of the ink jet printer 41 of the present embodiment configured as described above will be described. In the following description, the operation of the platen unit 63A will be mainly described, but the other platen units 63B, 63C, 63D also perform the same recovery processing operation.

When the ink jet printer 41 is in the printing state, as shown in FIG. 10A, the platen unit 63A is held with the platen portion 71a facing the ink ejection surface 61A10 of the print head 61A.
The roll paper 50 is guided in the + X direction.

In carrying out the recovery process, first, the roll paper 50 is pulled out from the lower part of the print head (see FIG. 10).
(B)). Next, when capping is performed, the platen unit 63A is rotated by an angle of 180 ° so that the cap portion 72 faces the print head side (FIG. 11A). Before the rotation operation, the platen unit 63A is slightly lowered in the −Z direction via the unit support base 46 so as not to interfere with the print head (FIG. 10C).

The unit support base 46 is lifted in the + Z direction with the cap portion 72 facing the print head side, and the cap portion 72 is brought into close contact with the ink ejection surface 61A10 of the print head 61A to be in the capping state.

Next, when cleaning the ink ejection surface of the print head, in order to wipe the ink ejection surface, the platen unit 63A is once lowered in the −Z direction and rotated by 90 ° in the + θ direction. Wiper 73
Is located on the upper side (head side). The platen unit 63A is lifted in the + Z direction to bring the wiper 73 into contact with the ink ejection surface 61A10 of the print head (see FIG. 11).
(C)).

The feed screw shaft 48 is rotationally driven while the wiper 73 is in contact with the ink ejection surface. The rotation of the platen unit 63A causes the unit positioning table 47 to move.
And wiper 73 wipes the ink ejection surface 61A10. Wipers 73 such as other platen units 63B, ... Wipe each ink ejection surface at the same time.

After wiping the entire surface of the ink ejection surface 61A10 with the wiper 73, the wiper 73 is further moved in the + Y direction,
As shown in FIG. 13B, the wiper 73 comes into contact with the ink wiping ink absorber 62A, and the ink attached by wiping is wiped off by the ink absorber 62A. In addition,
The ink absorber 62A is configured in advance during wiping operation.
It is lowered in the −Z direction and is in a position where it can come into contact with the wiper 73.

After that, the platen unit 63A is once lowered and rotated in the + θ direction, and the ink absorbing portion 71d
The ink absorber 74 is directed to the upper print head 61A side. Then, the platen unit 63A is slid in the -Y direction to the original position, and further the platen unit 63A is raised in the + Z direction so that the ink absorber 74 faces the ink ejection surface 61A10 of the print head (FIG. 1).
2).

Ink is ejected for cleaning, that is, maintenance is ejected from the nozzle array toward the ink absorber 74 with the ink absorber 74 facing the print head. The ink absorbed by the ink absorber 74 is
It is discharged to the waste liquid tank via the suction tube.

After the maintenance discharge process is completed,
The platen unit 63A is lowered in the −Z direction and rotationally driven, and the platen portion 71a is opposed to the print head 61A side (FIG. 10C). In addition, the platen unit 63
A is raised in the + Z direction (FIG. 10 (B)), and the roll paper 50 is inserted through the platen portion 71a to return to a printable state (FIG. 10 (A)).

Incidentally, in the series of recovery processing operations described above, the other platen units 63B, ... Perform the same operations as the operation of the platen unit 63A, and the capping, wiping, maintenance discharge, etc. are performed.

In the ink jet printer 41 of the above-described second embodiment, the platen units 63A, ..., Which constitute the recovery device, have a platen portion, a cap portion, an ink absorbing portion, and an outer peripheral portion of the rotatable platen unit body.
A structure in which a wiper section is arranged is adopted, and by rotating the platen unit, the printing state, or
It can be set to each recovery processing state. Therefore, the recovery device of the printer occupies a small area, and the device can be downsized.

In the platen unit of the ink jet printer 41 of the second embodiment described above, the ink absorbing portion 71d for absorbing ink for maintenance ejection is provided separately from the cap portion 72, but the cap portion 72 is used for ink for maintenance ejection. If also used for absorption, the ink absorption portion 71d
Is unnecessary.

Further, in the ink jet printer 41 of the second embodiment, the cap portion 7 of the platen unit is used.
The structure for sucking ink from No. 2 adopts a structure for sucking ink through a tube communicating with the ink suction hole 72c. As a modified example thereof, in the cross-sectional view of the platen unit 63A ′ of the modified example of FIG. 14, a hollow support shaft 78 rotatable relative to the platen unit main body 76 is provided, and the ink suction hole 72c of the cap portion 72 is provided. A structure for communicating with the hollow support shaft 78 is applied.

In the platen unit 63A 'of this modified example, the platen unit main body 76 has a support shaft 77 integrally fitted into the unit main body 76, and a hollow support shaft 78 rotatable relative to the platen unit main body 76.
It is rotatably supported by the collar 79. Further, the integral support shaft 77 is used for the unit support base 4
6 is rotatably and slidably supported on the hollow support shaft 7
8 is slidably supported on the unit support base 46 in a rotation-restricted state.

The hollow portion of the hollow support shaft 78 communicates with the ink suction hole 72c, and the suction tube 75 is provided at the shaft end.
The ink ejected into the cap portion 72 is sucked and discharged from the suction tube 75 through the hollow support shaft 78 which is not rotated.

According to the platen unit 63A 'of this modification, since the ink is sucked through the non-rotating hollow support shaft 78, the suction tube 75 can be arranged without bending outside the printer. The platen unit 63A 'can be smoothly rotated during the recovery process.

Next, an ink jet printer which is a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the main part of the inkjet printer of this embodiment. FIG. 16 is an enlarged view of the nozzle array of the print head of the inkjet printer of FIG. 15 as seen from the K direction. FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line I-I of FIG. 15, showing a printing state of the inkjet printer of the above-described embodiment. 18 is a view taken along the line JJ of FIG. 15, showing a state of wiping with the wiper of the platen unit, and FIG. 18A shows a wiping start state, and FIG.
8B shows a state in which the ink adhering to the wiper is being removed by the ink wiping unit immediately after the wiping is completed.

In the ink jet printer 81 of the third embodiment, a plurality of print heads having nozzle rows for ejecting ink are arranged on the entire width of the paper, and the print heads are moved in the horizontal direction (paper width direction and paper conveyance direction) at the time of printing. The printer performs printing by transporting the paper in the transport direction without moving it in the direction). The roll paper 50 is applied to the printer 81 as a print medium.

As shown in FIG. 15, the printer 81 has four head blocks each mainly composed of a plurality of print heads capable of ejecting ink droplets, and a cleaning process and a capping process for the ink ejection surface of the print head. And a recovery device for performing recovery processing. In the cleaning process, a wiping operation and a maintenance discharge operation are performed.

As shown in the perspective view of FIG. 15, the head blocks are four (four) B (black) head blocks 91, C (cyan) head blocks 92, M (magenta) head blocks 93, Y ( (Yellow) Head block 94. These head blocks are held in a fixed position (non-scanning state) with a predetermined gap that provides an appropriate ink ejection distance with respect to a platen portion described later.

The B head block 91 is detachably attached to the head substrate 101 and is composed of six print heads 111A for ejecting ink droplets downward (-Z direction). The print heads are arranged on the entire width of the paper along two lines of slant lines that are slanted with respect to the X direction.

Similarly, the C head block 92 is also composed of six print heads 111B which are detachably attached to the head substrate 102, and these print heads also extend over the entire width of the paper along the two rows of tilt lines tilting in the X direction. Is located in.

Similarly, the M head block 93 is also composed of six print heads 111C which are detachably attached to the head substrate 103, and these print heads also extend over the full width of the paper along the two rows of tilt lines tilted in the X direction. Is located in.

Further, the Y head block 94 is also composed of six print heads 111D which are detachably attached to the head substrate 104, and these print heads also extend over the full width of the paper along the two rows of tilt lines tilting in the X direction. Is located in.

That is, the above six print heads 111D
Is a print head 1 arranged along one inclined line
11D1, 111D2, 111D3 and print heads 111D4, 11 arranged along one other inclined line
It consists of 1D5 and 111D6.

The arrangement of the nozzle rows arranged on the ink ejection surface of the print head will be described with reference to FIG. 16 which is a view taken in the direction of arrow K in FIG.
Nozzle rows 111D1x, 111D2x, 111D3x for ejecting ink having a predetermined printing pitch along the Y direction are provided on the ink ejection surfaces 111D10, 111D20, 111D30, which are the lower surfaces of 1D1, 111D2, 111D3. The ink ejection nozzle rows 111D1x, 11
1D2x and 111D3x have nozzle rows 111D1z, 111D2z, and 111D2 that overlap in the Y direction.
z, 111D3z are provided. The overlapping nozzle rows are provided to correct the positional deviation of the print head in the Y direction.

Similar nozzle rows are arranged in the print heads 111A, 111B, 111C other than the print head 111D.

The head blocks can print black, cyan, magenta, and yellow colors on all paper widths without scanning the paper width direction (horizontal direction). As described above, the print head 111D,
, Etc. are detachable from the respective head substrates 101, ... Therefore, they can be replaced, and maintenance and repair of the printer device are easy.

An ink wiping portion, which is movable in the Z direction, is attached to each head substrate adjacent to the + Y side end portion of each print head. For example, as shown in FIG. 18, the ink wiping unit 1 movable in the Z direction is adjacent to the + Y side end of each of the print heads 111D1 and 111D4.
15, 115 'are provided.

The recovery device has a plurality of platen units, which are print heads constituting each head block and are arranged at a lower position with respect to two print heads arranged side by side in the Y direction. Become. For example, the platen unit 112 is provided for the combination of the print heads 111D1 and 111D4, and the print heads 111D2 and 111D are provided.
A platen unit 113 is provided for the set of D5, and a platen unit 114 is provided for the set of print heads 111D3 and 111D6. Further, each of the two print heads 111A, 111B, and 111C constituting the other print heads
A platen unit is also arranged for each of the print heads.

The platen units 112, 113, 1
14 are support shafts 116 and 11 along the Y direction, respectively.
A unit supporting base (not shown) is supported via 7, 118 so as to be rotatable, slidable in the Y direction, and vertically movable in the Z direction.

The structure of the platen unit 112 will be described below, but the other platen units 113 and 11 will be described.
4, etc. have the same structure.

The platen unit 112 has a platen unit main body 112f having a slide guide groove 112e, and the platen unit 112f is fitted and supported by a support shaft 116. The support shaft 116 includes
A guide pin (not shown) is fixed, and the guide pin is fitted in the groove portion 112e of the platen unit main body 112f. Therefore, the platen unit main body 112
f is rotationally driven while being slide-guided by the support shaft 116.

On the outer peripheral portion of the platen unit main body 112f, as shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, a platen portion 112a having a partial cylindrical surface for guiding the roll paper 50 and two caps made of an elastic material such as silicon rubber. Part 112
b, 112b ', two elastically deformable wipers 112c, 112c' made of a sponge member, and an ink absorbing portion 112d having an ink absorber made of a sponge material are provided.

The cap portions 112b and 112b 'are
The platen portion 1 on the outer periphery of the platen unit main body 112f
The print heads 111D1 and 111D4 are arranged symmetrically with respect to the position 12a and are arranged along the Y direction.
Match the interval of. Therefore, the platen unit 11
When 2 rotates, the ink ejection surfaces of the two print heads can be capped simultaneously by the cap portion. The cap portions 112b and 112b 'are provided with concave portions, and the bottom surface thereof is provided with an ink suction hole.

The ink absorbing portion 112d is on the outer peripheral portion of the platen unit main body 112f, and is the platen portion 1.
12a and cap portions 112b and 112b 'are arranged along the Y direction at a side surface position in a direction orthogonal to the position. An ink absorber made of a sponge material is incorporated in the ink absorbing portion 112d, and the extension length in the Y direction is set to a length capable of simultaneously covering the ink ejection surfaces of the print heads 111D1 and 111D4.

The wipers 112c and 112c 'are symmetrical surfaces of the ink absorbing portion 112d on the outer peripheral surface of the platen unit main body 112f, and are the same as the print heads 111D1 and 1D1.
It is fixed at a position corresponding to the −Y direction end of 11D4. These wipers 112c and 112c 'can wipe the two ink ejection surfaces at the same time by sliding the platen unit main body 112f in the + Y direction while abutting the ink ejection surfaces of the print heads 111D1 and 111D4. it can.

The platen units 113 and 114
Correspond to the print heads 111D2 and 111D5 or the print heads 111D3 and 111D6, respectively, and have the same structure as the platen unit 112. Further, a platen unit (not shown) has a structure similar to that of the platen unit 112 corresponding to other print heads.

A recovery processing operation in the ink jet printer 81 of the present embodiment having the above-mentioned structure will be described. In the following description, the operation of the platen unit 112 will be mainly described, but the other platen units 113 and 114 and the platen units corresponding to other print heads (not shown) also perform the same operation.

When the ink jet printer 81 is in a printing state, as shown in FIGS. 15 and 17, the platen portion 112a of the platen unit 112 has the print head 111D.
1 ink ejection surface 111D10 and print head 11
It is held so as to face the 1D4 ink ejection surface 111D40. Further, the platen portion 112a guides in the + X direction while receiving the roll paper 50. In addition,
Similarly, for the platen units 113 and 114, the platen portions 113a and 114a are similar to the print head 111D2,
It is held so as to face the ink ejection surfaces 111D20 and 111D30 of 111D3.

When performing the recovery process, the roll paper 50 is pulled out from the lower part of the print head. Next, when capping is performed, the platen unit 112 is rotated by an angle of 180 °, and the cap portions 112b and 112b 'are brought into contact with the ink ejection surfaces 111D10 and 111D40 of the print head to establish a capping state.

Next, when cleaning the ink ejection surface of the print head, first, the ink ejection surface is wiped. In this case, the platen unit 112 is driven to rotate, and as shown in FIG.
c'is the ink ejection surface 111D10, 111D of the print head
Abut each 40. At the same time, the ink wiping part 11
5,115 'is slightly lowered in the -Z direction.

The platen unit 1 is brought into contact with the wiper.
When 12 is slid along the support shaft 116 in the + Y direction, the ink ejection surfaces 111D10 and 111D40 are wiped. Immediately after completion of the wiping, FIG. 18 (B)
Since the wipers 112c and 112c 'come into contact with the ink wiping portions 115 and 115' as shown in FIG.
The ink adhering to 12c and 112 'is wiped off by the ink wiping portions 115 and 115'.

After that, the platen unit 112 is rotationally driven and, at the same time, slidably moved in the -Y direction so that the ink absorbing portion 112d faces the ink ejection surfaces of the print heads 111D1 and 111D4. Then, ink ejection for cleaning, that is, maintenance ejection is performed from the nozzle row toward the ink absorbing portion 112d. The ink absorbing section 1
The ink absorbed in 12d is discharged to the waste liquid tank via the suction tube.

After the maintenance discharge process is completed,
The platen unit 112 is lowered in the -Z direction and driven to rotate, and the platen unit 112a is moved to the print heads 111D1 and 1D1.
Face 11D4. Roll paper 50 to platen section 11
2a is inserted to make a printable state (FIG. 17).

In the above series of recovery processing operations, the other platen units 113, 114, ... Perform the same operations as the platen unit 112, and the capping, wiping, maintenance discharge, etc. are performed. .

According to the ink jet printer 81 of the third embodiment described above, the same effects as those of the ink jet printer of the second embodiment can be obtained, and further, a plurality of print heads which are not integral long heads in the print heads. Can be applied to printer types that place
The recovery device can be efficiently arranged.

Next, an ink jet printer which is a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 19 is a perspective view showing the configuration around the head block portion of the inkjet printer of this embodiment. FIG. 20 is a bottom view of the head block portion of FIG. 19 seen from the J direction. Figure 2
Reference numerals 1 and 22 are perspective views of a head unit that constitutes a head block of the inkjet printer of the above-described embodiment, and FIG. 21 shows an ink ejection surface open state (printing state). FIG. 22 shows the capping state of the head unit. FIG. 23 is an exploded perspective view of the cap portion of the head unit. 24 is a view taken in the direction of arrow K in FIG. 19, showing each operating state of the head unit portion of the inkjet printer, and FIG. 24 (A) shows a printing state,
FIG. 24B shows a capping preparation state, and FIG.
(C) shows a capping state.

The ink jet printer of the fourth embodiment employs a monochromatic head block 121 which is a head device in which a plurality of print heads having nozzle rows for ejecting ink are arranged over the entire width of paper. Head block 1
Reference numeral 21 denotes an opening 1 of the head substrate 122 as shown in FIG.
22a to 122d are detachably mounted on a plurality of head units 131, 132, 133, 134, .... The plurality of head units 131 to 134, ...
The head substrate 122 is arranged in a double row along the Y direction. The inkjet printer of this embodiment is provided with a plurality of color head blocks (not shown) in addition to the head block 121.

The head unit 131 comprises a print head 141 and a cap body 151 which is a cap mechanism (recovery member). Similarly, the head unit 132,
133 and 134 are print heads 142 and 14 respectively.
3, 144 and cap bodies 152, 153, 154.

In the print head 141, an ink droplet ejection nozzle array 141a along the Y direction is arranged on the lower surface of the ink ejection surface 141b. And the print head 1
41 is attached to the head substrate 122 in a fixed state,
It should not be scanned during printing.

The cap body 151 is a recovery processing member, and as shown in FIG. 23, a shaft hole 151d, a head contact surface 151a for contacting and capping the ink ejection surface of the print head, and an ink ejection surface. It has a cap surface 151b which is an inclined concave portion facing each other, an ink suction hole 151c provided in the center of the cap surface 151b, and a suction tube 163 which is attached in communication with the ink suction hole.

The cap body 151 has a support shaft 161.
Is fitted and fixed in the shaft hole 151d,
The cap body 151 is rotatably supported by the print head 141 via the support shaft 161. Then, the cap body 151 is rotationally driven by a cap body drive unit (not shown) via a drive gear 162 fixed to the support shaft 161, and the cap body 151 is opened to open the ink ejection surface 141b of the print head. Position (Fig. 2
It is rotated from 1) to the capping position (FIG. 22) that covers the ink ejection surface 141b.

The other head units 132-134
Also has the same configuration as the head unit 131.

Printing, capping, and maintenance discharge processing of the ink jet printer of the present embodiment having the above-mentioned structure will be described by the operation of the head unit 131. In the printing state, the cap body 151 is in the open position (FIG. 24A), the roll paper 50 is conveyed below the print head 141, and ink is ejected from the print head 141 to perform printing. .

When capping the print head 141, the roll paper 50 is pulled out, and the cap body 151 is rotated counterclockwise (FIG. 24 (B)). When the head contact surface 151a is brought into contact with the ink ejection surface 141b of the print head 141 by further rotation of the cap body 151, the print head 141 is in a capped state (FIG. 24 (C)).

To perform maintenance discharge, which is a recovery process for the nozzle row of the print head, ink is ejected from the nozzle row toward the cap body 151 in the capping state. The ejected ink is discharged through the suction tube 163.

According to the above-described ink jet printer of the fourth embodiment, a recovery member applicable to a printer type in which a plurality of print heads that are not integral long heads are arranged over the entire paper width is efficiently arranged. can do. Further, by adopting the structure in which the cap body as the recovery member is directly attached to each print head, it is not necessary to dispose the recovery member having a large occupied area in a region different from the head block, and the size of the printer device including the recovery member can be reduced. Can be realized.

Next, a modified example of the head unit 131 of the ink jet printer of the fourth embodiment will be described. FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a head unit of the above modification, and FIG. 26 is a perspective view of a cap body of the head unit of the above modification.

The cap 151 of the head unit 131 in the above-described fourth embodiment is rotatably attached to the print head. The suction tube 16 is attached to the cap body.
3 is fixed and exposed to the outside. Therefore, when the cap body 151 is rotationally driven, the suction tube 1
Since the 63 moves together, there is a possibility that the rotational drive may be hindered.

Therefore, the head unit 171 of this modified example.
In the above, a structure is adopted in which a suction tube is attached to the tip end portion of a hollow fixed shaft that supports the cap body, and a structure in which the suction tube does not hinder the rotational drive is adopted.

The head unit 171 is shown in FIG.
26, a print head 172 and a cap body 173
have. The print head 172 has a cap body 17
A support shaft 174 that rotatably supports 3 is fixed. Further, the cap body 17 is provided coaxially with the support shaft 174.
A hollow support shaft 176 that rotatably supports the gear 3, and a gear 175 fixed to the cap body 173 are provided.

Therefore, the cap body 173 is connected to the print head 172 via the gear 175 and the ink ejection surface 1 is formed.
72b can be rotated to an open position for opening and a capping position for capping.

The hollow support shaft 176 is fixed and supported without moving, and the suction tube 177 is fixed to one end thereof. Further, the cap body 173 has an inclined cap surface 173b capable of capping the ink ejection surface 172b of the print head, and an ink suction hole 173c at the center of the cap surface 173b. The ink suction hole 173c communicates with the hollow portion of the hollow support shaft 174 to which the communication portion 173d is rotatably connected at the other end through the communication portion 173d in the cap body 173, and further to the suction tube 177. There is.

According to the head unit 171 of this modified example having the above-mentioned configuration, the suction tube 177 does not move when the cap body 173 rotates, so that the cap body 173.
The capping operation is reliably performed without hindering the rotation operation of the.

Next explained is an ink jet printer which is a fifth embodiment of the invention. FIG. 27 is a perspective view showing the configuration around the head block portion of the inkjet printer of this embodiment. 28 is a bottom view of the head block portion of FIG. 27 as seen from the M direction. Figure 2
9 (A) to (E) are perspective views showing the respective operating states from the printing state to the capping state of the head unit constituting the head block of the inkjet printer, and FIGS. 30 (A) to (H) are FIG. 2 is a diagram showing each operating state from a printing state to a capping state of a head unit that constitutes a head block of the inkjet printer.
It is the arrow line view seen from the N direction of 7.

The ink jet printer of the fifth embodiment is a head block which is a head device in which a plurality of print heads having nozzle rows for ejecting ink are arranged on the entire width of the paper, as in the printer of the fourth embodiment. Apply 201.

The head block 201 includes a plurality of head units 203, 2 which are detachably mounted in the openings 202a to 202d of the head substrate 202 as shown in FIG.
04, 205, 206, ... The plurality of head units 203 to 206, ... Are arranged in a double row on the head substrate 202 along the Y direction.

As shown in FIG. 27, the head unit 203 is composed of a print head 211, a recovery mechanism portion, and a cap body 221 for wiping and capping the print head. Similarly, the head unit 20
4, 205 and 206 are also print heads 212 and 21, respectively.
3, 214 and cap bodies 222, 223, 224 which are recovery mechanism parts (recovery processing members). The print heads 211 and the like are mounted on the head substrate 202 in a fixed state and are not driven to scan during printing.
The cap body 221 and the like are attached to the side surface of the print head 211 and the like on the head substrate 202 so as to be movable in the X direction (paper transport direction) and the Z direction (direction orthogonal to the ink ejection surface). .

In the print head 211, an ink droplet ejection nozzle array 211a along the Y direction and an ink supply tube 211c are arranged on the lower ink ejection surface 211b.

As shown in FIG. 27 and the like, the cap body 221 has a head contact surface 221a for contacting with the ink ejection surface and capping, and a cap surface 2 formed by an inclined concave surface.
21b, an ink suction hole 221c provided in the center of the cap surface 221b, and an elastically deformable wiper portion 221d provided further on the −X side than the head contact surface 221a.
And a suction tube 251 which is attached in communication with the ink suction hole 221c and is fixed to the cap body 221.
It has two guide shafts 231 extending parallel to the Z direction. The guide shaft 231 is supported by the drive plate 241 so as to be slidable in the Z direction. The drive plate 241 is supported so as to be movable in the X direction with respect to the head substrate 202. The guide shaft 231 and the drive plate 241 are driven by a cap body drive unit (not shown).

The wiper portion 221d has a shape erected in the + Z direction along the Y direction, and the tip end thereof is elastically deformable in the X direction. In addition, the guide shaft 23
1 is driven in the Z direction by a drive unit (not shown), and the drive plate 241 is driven in the X direction by the drive unit (not shown).

Therefore, the cap body 221 moves in the Z direction and the X direction with respect to the print head 211, and is shown in FIGS. 29 (A) to (E) or 30 (A) to (H).
Wiping the ink ejection surface of the print head, as shown in
Alternatively, capping can be done.

The head units 204, 20
Reference numerals 5 and 206 have the same configuration as the head unit 203 described above.

The capping and maintenance discharge processing operation in the ink jet printer of this embodiment having the above-mentioned structure will be described by the operation of the head unit 201. When the head unit 201 is in the printing state, the cap body 221 is shown in FIGS. 29 (A) and 30 (A).
It is in the lateral position of the print head shown in. When wiping is performed, a roll paper (not shown) is pulled out from the lower surface of the head, and the cap body 221 is lowered in the −Z direction by the guide shaft 231 (FIGS. 29B and 30B).

The wiper portion 221d of the cap body 221.
After reaching a position below the ink ejection surface 211a of the print head, the cap body 221 is driven through the drive plate 241
It is moved in the X direction (FIG. 30 (C)). Then, the wiper portion 221d is brought into contact with the width end portion (the end portion in the direction orthogonal to the nozzle row) of the ink ejection surface 211a in the −X direction (FIG. 29).
(C), FIG. 30 (D)). From the contact state, the drive plate 24
1 is moved in the + X direction, and the ink ejection surface 211a is wiped by the wiper portion 221d in the + X direction (the sheet conveying direction orthogonal to the nozzle row) (FIGS. 29D and 30).
(E)).

After the wiping is completed, the cap body 221
Is once lowered in the -Z direction and moved in the -X direction (FIG. 30 (F)). Head contact surface 2 of cap body 221
21a and the cap surface 221b face the ink ejection surface 211a (FIG. 30 (G)), the cap body 221 is +
Raise in the Z direction. When the head contact surface 221a of the cap body 221 is brought into contact with the ink ejection surface 211a, the print head 211 is capped (FIG. 29).
(E), FIG. 30 (H)).

In the capping state, the maintenance discharge process for recovering the nozzle row of the print head is performed. That is, in the capping state, ink is ejected from the nozzle row toward the cap portion 221b. The ejected ink is discharged via the suction tube 251.

According to the head unit of the ink jet printer of the fifth embodiment described above, a recovery member applicable to a printer type in which a plurality of print heads that are not integral long heads are arranged on the entire paper width is used as the print head. It can be arranged efficiently. Further, by adopting the structure in which the cap body as the recovery member is individually attached to each print head, it is not necessary to dispose the recovery member having a large occupied area separately from the head block, and the size of the printer device including the recovery member can be reduced. Can be realized.

Next, a head unit of a modification of the head unit of the ink jet printer of the fifth embodiment shown in FIG. 27 will be described. FIG. 31 is a perspective view of a head unit of the above modification.

The head unit 271 of the above modification is different from the head unit 203 of the ink jet printer of the fifth embodiment as shown in FIG.
1 has a different ink suction structure. However, the print heads of the head unit 271 have the same structure.

The cap body 261 has a head contact surface 261a for contacting and capping the ink ejection surface, a cap surface 261b formed by an inclined concave surface, and an ink suction hole 261c provided at the center of the cap surface 261b.
It has a wiper portion 261d provided further on the −X side of the head contact surface 261a, and a communication hole 261e in the cap body that communicates with the ink suction hole 261c. Further, it has a hollow guide shaft 262 and a guide shaft 263 fixed to the cap body 261 and extending parallel to the Z direction. The hollow guide shaft 262 and the guide shaft 263 are connected to the drive plate 26.
4 is slidably supported.

The hollow hole portion of the hollow guide shaft 262 communicates with the row hole 261e.
It communicates with the suction tube 265 attached to the second end. Therefore, the ink sucked from the ink suction hole 261c is sucked and discharged from the suction tube 265 via the hollow hole portion of the hollow guide shaft 262.

The recovery processing operation by the head unit 271 is the same as the operation by the head unit 203 of the ink jet printer 201 of the fifth embodiment.

According to the head unit 271 of the modification described above, the same effect as that of the head unit of the fifth embodiment can be obtained, and in particular, the suction tube 265 has the hollow guide shaft 2.
Since it is connected to the distal end of 62, the suction tube 26
5 does not hinder the movement of the cap body 261, and the opening operation is reliably performed.

[0145]

As described above, according to the recovery device of the ink jet printer according to the first aspect of the present invention, when the recovery process is performed, the print head is rotated, and the recovery device is opposed to the front surface of the recovery device to perform the recovery process. Since it can be performed, the area occupied by the recovery device is small and downsizing can be realized.

According to the ink jet printer of the second aspect of the present invention, the platen is provided with the print medium receiving portion, the wipe portion and the cap portion, and the print medium is supported or wiped by rotating or sliding the print medium. Since the cap operation is performed, the printer including the recovery member can be made compact and compact.

According to the ink jet printer recovery apparatus of the third aspect of the present invention, since the cap mechanism section for performing the recovery process is rotatably arranged on the side of the print head, the printer can be made compact and compact. Become.

According to the recovery device of the ink jet printer of the fourth aspect of the present invention, the recovery mechanism part having the cap and the wiper for performing the recovery process can be moved vertically to the side of the print head and movable in the paper transport direction. Since the recovery mechanism is disposed and the recovery process is performed by moving the recovery mechanism section up and down and in the paper transport direction, the inkjet printer can be made compact and compact.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a main part of an inkjet printer according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the recovery device applied to the inkjet printer of FIG. 1 as seen from the direction A.

3 is a view of a wiper unit that constitutes the recovery device of FIG. 2 as viewed from a B direction.

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a wiper mechanism unit incorporated in the wiper unit shown in FIG.

5 is a diagram showing a wiper position switching state when the wiper mechanism portion of FIG. 4 is viewed from the E direction.

6A and 6B are CC cross-sectional views showing an operating state of a wiper mechanism portion of the wiper unit shown in FIG. 3, FIG. 6A showing a wiper standing state, and FIG. 6B a wiping state. 6C and 6D show the wiper retracted state.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a main part of an inkjet printer according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a plan view around the print head and platen unit of the inkjet printer of FIG.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a platen unit of the inkjet printer described in 7 above.

10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line GG showing each operation state of the ink jet printer of FIG. 7, FIG. 10 (A) shows a printing state, and FIG. 10 (B) shows printing when performing a recovery process. FIG. 10C shows a state in which the sheet is pulled out from the lower portion of the head, and the platen unit is lowered when performing the recovery process.

11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line GG showing each operation state of the inkjet printer of FIG. 7, in which FIG. 11A shows a state in which the platen unit is rotated and the cap is opposed to the ink ejection surface of the head. 11B shows a state in which the head is capped by the cap of the platen unit, and FIG. 11C shows a state in which the platen unit is further rotated to bring the wiper into contact with the ink ejection surface of the head. Indicates.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line GG showing the operating state of the inkjet printer of FIG. 7, showing a state in which the platen unit is rotated and the ink absorbing portion is opposed to the head.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a wiping state of the platen unit of the ink jet printer of 7 above, and FIG.
3A shows a wiping start state, and FIG.
Indicates the state of ink wiping immediately after the end of wiping.

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of a modification of the platen unit in the inkjet printer according to the second embodiment of FIG.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a main part of an inkjet printer according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

16 is an enlarged view of a nozzle array of the print head of the inkjet printer of FIG. 15 viewed from the K direction.

17 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line I-I showing a printing state of the inkjet printer shown in FIG.

18 is a view taken along the arrow JJ showing the wiping state of the platen unit of the inkjet printer of FIG. 15, FIG. 18 (A) showing a wiping start state, and FIG. 18 (B) showing a wiping end. Immediately after that, the state in which the ink adhering to the wiper is removed by the ink wiping portion is shown.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view showing a configuration around a head block portion of an inkjet printer according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a bottom view of the head block portion of the inkjet printer of FIG. 19 viewed from the J direction.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a head unit that constitutes a head block of the inkjet printer of FIG. 19 and shows an ink ejection surface open state.

22 is a perspective view of a head unit that constitutes a head block of the inkjet printer of FIG. 19 and shows a capping state.

23 is an exploded perspective view of the cap portion of the head unit that constitutes the head block of the inkjet printer of FIG.

24 is a view taken in the direction of arrow K showing each operating state of the head unit portion of the inkjet printer of FIG. 19, FIG. 24 (A) shows a printing state, and FIG. 24 (B) shows a capping preparation state. FIG. 24C shows the capping state.

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a head unit portion of a modification example of the head unit portion in the inkjet printer according to the fourth embodiment of FIG.

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of a cap body of a head unit portion of the modified example of FIG. 25.

FIG. 27 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a head block section of an inkjet printer according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

28 is a bottom view of the head block portion of the inkjet printer of FIG. 27, viewed from the M direction.

FIG. 29 is a perspective view of a head unit constituting a head block of the ink jet printer of 27 above,
29A to 29E show respective operating states from the printing state to the capping state.

FIG. 30 is a view of the head unit constituting the head block of the above-mentioned 27 inkjet printer as viewed from the N direction, and FIGS. 30 (A) to 30 (H) show each operation from the printing state to the capping state. Indicates the status.

FIG. 31 is a perspective view of a head unit of a modification of the head unit of the inkjet printer according to the fifth embodiment of FIG. 27.

[Explanation of symbols]

9 ... Paper (print medium) 50 ... Roll paper (print medium) 12A to 12D, 61A to 61D, 111D1 to 111
D6, 141-141, 211-214 ... Print head 21 ... Rotating shaft 3 ... Head device 4 ... Recovery device 12A10, 61A10, 111D10-111D30, 141
b, 211a ... Ink ejection surfaces 63A-63D, 112-114 ... Platen units (platens) 73, 112c, 112c '... Wiping parts 72, 112b, 112b' ... Cap parts 12A1, 16A1, 111D1X-111D3X, 141
a ... Nozzle rows 151-154 ... Cap body (cap mechanism part) 221-224 ... Cap body (recovery mechanism part)

   ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    (72) Inventor Fujio Kosaka             2-43 Hatagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Ori             Inside Npus Optical Industry Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Takumi Sugaya             2-43 Hatagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Ori             Inside Npus Optical Industry Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Katsunori Kumai             2-43 Hatagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Ori             Inside Npus Optical Industry Co., Ltd. F-term (reference) 2C056 EA16 EA23 FA13 HA01 HA07                       HA27 JA03 JA04 JA18 JB04                       JB08 JC10 JC13 JC23 JC25

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A print head that ejects ink toward a print medium is provided, and the print head is separated from the print medium transport area around a rotation axis extending from the print medium transport area and extending in the print medium transport direction to recover the print medium. A head device that is rotatable in the processing area; and a recovery device that is driven substantially parallel to the print medium conveyance direction and that performs recovery processing of the ink ejection surface of the print head. An inkjet printer, wherein the recovery device is moved to a position facing the head device under a state of being rotated in a recovery process area, and a recovery process operation of the head device is performed. 2. A print medium, which is provided on one surface of a print head for ejecting ink toward a print medium from a nozzle array on an ink ejection surface, and a platen facing the print head in the head device, and is conveyed. A print medium receiving portion for receiving the ink, a wipe portion provided on the other surface for cleaning the ink ejection surface of the print head, and a cap portion provided on the other surface for covering the ink ejection surface of the print head. A platen having a., Each surface of the platen is rotated and opposed to the ink ejection surface of the print head, the print medium is supported by the print medium receiving portion, and the wipe portion is provided. Wipes the ink ejection surface by sliding the ink ejection surface along a direction parallel to the nozzle row, and further wipes the ink ejection surface by the cap portion. Inkjet printer and performs cormorants cap operation. 3. A recovery device of an ink jet printer having a print head for performing printing by ejecting ink from a nozzle row on an ink ejection surface, the nozzle row of the print head being located on a side surface of the print head. A recovery device for an ink jet printer, comprising a cap mechanism member that rotates about an axis parallel to the above to cap the ink ejection surface. 4. A recovery device for an ink jet printer having a print head for performing printing by ejecting ink from a nozzle row on the ink ejection surface, the cap portion capping the ink ejection surface of the print head, and the ink. It has a recovery mechanism part having a wiper part for wiping the ejection surface, the recovery mechanism part is located on the side surface of the print head at the time of printing, and on the axis orthogonal to the ink ejection surface at the time of recovery processing. Ascends and descends, and
It is driven so as to move in a direction parallel to the print medium conveyance direction, and wipes the ink ejection surface by moving the wiper unit along the print medium conveyance direction in a state in which the wiper portion is lowered below the ink ejection surface, A recovery device for an inkjet printer, wherein the cap portion is moved toward the ink ejection surface to cap the ink ejection surface while the cap portion is lowered below the ink ejection surface.