JP2019059100A - Adhesion device and discharge device - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an adhesion device that can facilitate adhesion of fine droplets of cleaning fluid to an adhesion object, and to provide a discharge device.SOLUTION: An adhesion device includes a container 70 that stores cleaning fluid, has an opening 72 on an upper side of the cleaning fluid and is disposed on a lower side of a nozzle face 30S of a discharge unit 30 that is an adhesion object to which the cleaning fluid adheres. The container 70 includes: a heating part 52 for heating the cleaning fluid; and a vibration part 54 for generating fine droplets of the cleaning fluid by vibrating the cleaning fluid stored in the container 70 and heated by the heating part 52.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates to an adhesion device and a discharge device.

  Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which water stored in a liquid storage chamber is misted by vibration, and the mist is made to adhere to the nozzle surface of the ink jet head.

JP 2008-254200 A

  Here, the cleaning solution is accommodated in a container disposed below the adhesion target to which the cleaning solution is attached, and the cleaning solution is vibrated by the vibrating portion to generate fine droplets (mist) of the cleaning solution, and the cleaning solution is at normal temperature. In some cases, it is difficult for the fine droplets to ascend from the container and to adhere to the object of adhesion.

  The present invention can promote adhesion of the fine droplets of the cleaning liquid to the adhering object, as compared with the structure in which the cleaning liquid is at normal temperature, or in comparison with the structure in which the container accommodates the cleaning liquid at a temperature lower than that of the adhering object. The purpose is to

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a container which is disposed under the adhesion target to which the cleaning liquid is to be attached, which accommodates the cleaning liquid and which has an opening above the cleaning liquid, a heating unit which heats the cleaning liquid, and the container. And vibrating the cleaning solution heated by the heating unit to generate fine droplets of the cleaning solution.

  In the invention of claim 2, the heating unit heats the cleaning solution to a temperature higher than the temperature of the adhesion target.

  In the invention of claim 3, the heating unit heats to a temperature lower than the boiling point of the cleaning solution.

  In the invention of claim 4, the heating unit is disposed inside the container and heats the cleaning liquid contained in the container.

  In the invention of claim 5, the heating unit is disposed outside the container.

  In the invention of claim 6, the heating unit heats the cleaning liquid contained in the container from the outside of the container through the container.

  In the invention of claim 7, the heating unit includes a supply unit that heats the cleaning liquid outside the container and supplies the cleaning liquid heated by the heating unit to the container.

  The invention according to claim 8 comprises a floating portion for floating the vibrating portion in the cleaning liquid contained in the container.

  The invention according to claim 9 is disposed on the lower side of the adhesion target on which the cleaning liquid is to be adhered, which accommodates the cleaning liquid whose temperature is higher than the temperature of the adhesion target, and a container having an opening on the upper side of the cleaning liquid. Vibrating the cleaning solution to generate fine droplets of the cleaning solution.

  In the invention of claim 10, the fine droplets of the cleaning liquid are attached to a discharge portion which discharges droplets from a nozzle, and a nozzle surface as the adhesion target on which the nozzle is formed. And the adhesion device described in item 1.

  The invention according to claim 11 comprises a wiping member for wiping the nozzle surface to which the fine droplets of the cleaning liquid are attached.

  The invention according to claim 12 includes a detection unit that detects the temperature of the discharge unit, and the adhesion device is the adhesion device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, and a heating unit of the adhesion device. The heating solution is heated to a temperature higher than the temperature detected by the detection unit.

  According to the structure of Claim 1 of this invention, compared with the structure whose washing | cleaning liquid is normal temperature, adhesion to the adhesion object of the micro droplet of a washing | cleaning liquid can be promoted.

  According to the configuration of claim 2 of the present invention, the adhesion of the fine droplets of the cleaning liquid to the adhering object can be promoted, as compared with the structure in which the cleaning liquid is heated to a temperature lower than the temperature of the adhering object.

  According to the configuration of claim 3 of the present invention, it is possible to suppress adhesion of the fine droplets of the cleaning liquid having a reduced function to the adhesion target as compared with the configuration in which the temperature is raised to the boiling point or higher of the cleaning liquid.

  According to the configuration of claim 4 of the present invention, the temperature of the cleaning liquid can be raised in a short time as compared with the configuration in which the cleaning liquid contained in the container is heated from the outside of the container through the container.

  According to the configuration of claim 5 of the present invention, the height of the liquid surface of the cleaning liquid contained in the container can be reduced compared to the configuration in which the heating unit is disposed inside the container.

  According to the configuration of claim 6 of the present invention, the error between the temperature of the cleaning liquid contained in the container and the target temperature can be made smaller than in the configuration in which the cleaning liquid is heated outside the container and the cleaning liquid is supplied to the container.

  According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the cleaning liquid can be supplied to the container while being heated.

  According to the configuration of claim 8 of the present invention, it is possible to vibrate the cleaning liquid near the liquid surface of the cleaning liquid contained in the container, as compared with the configuration in which the vibration part is attached to the bottom of the container.

  According to the configuration of claim 9 of the present invention, the adhesion of the fine droplets of the cleaning liquid can be promoted as compared with the configuration in which the container contains the cleaning liquid at a temperature lower than the temperature to which the container is attached.

  According to the configuration of claim 10 of the present invention, compared to the configuration in which the cleaning solution is at normal temperature, or in comparison with the configuration in which the container accommodates the cleaning solution at a temperature lower than the temperature to be attached, Can promote the adhesion of

  According to the configuration of claim 11 of the present invention, the nozzle surface is damaged by the wiping of the wiping member, as compared with the configuration in which the cleaning liquid is at normal temperature, or in comparison with the configuration in which the container accommodates the cleaning liquid at a temperature lower than the temperature to be attached. Can be suppressed.

  According to the configuration of claim 12 of the present invention, the temperature difference between the discharge portion and the cleaning liquid is different as compared to the configuration in which the heating portion heats the cleaning liquid to a temperature higher than the predicted temperature by predicting the temperature of the discharge portion. It can be reduced.

FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing the configuration of an inkjet recording apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is the schematic which shows the structure of the discharge head which concerns on this embodiment, a wiping device, and a spraying apparatus. It is the schematic which shows the structure of the spraying apparatus which concerns on this embodiment. In the spraying apparatus shown in FIG. 3, it is the schematic which shows the state which accommodated the washing | cleaning liquid in the container. In the spraying apparatus shown in FIG. 4, it is the schematic which shows the state which vibrated the vibrator | oscillator. In the spraying apparatus shown in FIG. 5, it is the schematic which shows the state which makes the mist of the washing | cleaning liquid generate | occur | produced from the spraying apparatus adhere to a nozzle surface. In the spraying apparatus shown in FIG. 6, it is the schematic which shows the state which wipes off the nozzle surface which the mist of the washing | cleaning liquid adhered by the wiping member. It is the schematic which shows the state which the discharge head which concerns on this embodiment is performing preliminary | backup discharge. It is the schematic which shows the state which has covered the nozzle surface of the discharge head which concerns on this embodiment by the capping member. The spraying apparatus which concerns on this embodiment WHEREIN: It is the schematic which shows the modification which provided the heater in the bottom wall of the container. The spraying apparatus which concerns on this embodiment WHEREIN: It is the schematic which shows the modification which supplies the washing | cleaning liquid heated outside the container. The spraying apparatus which concerns on this embodiment WHEREIN: It is the schematic which shows the modification which attached the floating part to the vibrator | oscillator. It is the schematic which shows the modification using the wiping member comprised with the cloth body instead of the wiping member comprised with the rubber blade.

  Below, an example of the embodiment concerning the present invention is explained based on a drawing.

(Ink jet recording apparatus 10)
First, the inkjet recording device 10 will be described. FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing the configuration of the inkjet recording apparatus 10.

  The inkjet recording device 10 is an example of a discharge device that discharges droplets. Specifically, the inkjet recording device 10 is a device that discharges ink droplets onto a recording medium. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, the inkjet recording apparatus 10 is an apparatus that ejects ink droplets onto a continuous paper P (an example of a recording medium) to form an image on the continuous paper P. In other words, the inkjet recording apparatus 10 can be said to be an example of an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a recording medium. The continuous paper P is a long recording medium having a length in the transport direction in which it is transported.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the inkjet recording apparatus 10 includes a transport mechanism 20 (an example of a transport unit), a discharge unit 30, and a capping member 40 (see FIGS. 8 and 9). Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 2, the inkjet recording device 10 includes a wiping device 60 and a spraying device 50 (an example of an adhesion device). The specific configuration of each part (the transport mechanism 20, the ejection unit 30, the capping member 40, the wiping device 60, and the spraying device 50) of the inkjet recording device 10 will be described below.

(Transporting mechanism 20)
The transport mechanism 20 is a mechanism for transporting the continuous paper P. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, the transport mechanism 20 includes an unwinding roll 22, a winding roll 24, and a plurality of winding rolls 26.

  The unwinding roll 22 is a roll for unwinding the continuous paper P. Continuous paper P is wound around the unwinding roll 22 in advance. The unwinding roll 22 unwinds the wound continuous paper P by rotating.

  The plurality of winding rolls 26 are rolls on which the continuous paper P is wound. Specifically, the plurality of winding rolls 26 are wound around the continuous paper P between the unwinding roll 22 and the winding roll 24. Thus, the transport path of the continuous paper P from the unwinding roll 22 to the winding roll 24 is defined.

  The winding roll 24 is a roll for winding the continuous paper P. The winding roll 24 is rotationally driven by the drive unit 28. Thus, the take-up roll 24 takes up the continuous paper P, and the unwinding roll 22 takes up the continuous paper P. The continuous paper P is conveyed by being taken up by the take-up roll 24 and unwound by the unwinding roll 22. The winding roll 26 is driven to rotate by the continuous paper P being conveyed. In each of the drawings, the conveyance direction of the continuous paper P (hereinafter, sometimes simply referred to as “conveyance direction”) is indicated by an arrow A as appropriate.

(Discharge unit 30)
The ejection unit 30 is a unit that ejects an ink droplet (an example of a droplet). Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the discharge unit 30 includes discharge heads 32Y, 32M, 32C, and 32K (hereinafter referred to as 32Y to 32K) as an example of the discharge unit. Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the discharge unit 30 includes a heating unit 34, a temperature sensor 36 (an example of a detection unit), and a moving mechanism 38. Although only the discharge head 32Y is illustrated among the discharge heads 32Y to 32K in FIG. 2, the heating unit 34, the temperature sensor 36 (an example of the detection unit), and the moving mechanism are provided for each discharge head 32Y to 32K. And 38 are provided.

  Each of the ejection heads 32Y to 32K is an example of an ejection unit that ejects droplets from the nozzles. Specifically, the ejection heads 32Y to 32K are heads for ejecting ink droplets (an example of droplets) from the nozzles 30N onto the continuous paper P. More specifically, the ejection heads 32Y to 32K are heads that eject ink droplets of each color of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) onto the continuous paper P.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the ejection heads 32 </ b> Y to 32 </ b> K are arranged in this order toward the upstream side in the conveyance direction of the continuous paper P. Each discharge head 32Y to 32K has a length in the width direction of the continuous paper P (cross direction intersecting with the conveyance direction of the continuous paper P). The ejection heads 32Y to 32K eject ink droplets onto the continuous paper P from the nozzles 30N and form an image on the continuous paper P by a known method such as a thermal method or a piezoelectric method.

  Examples of the ink used in each of the ejection heads 32Y to 32K include an aqueous ink and an oil-based ink. The aqueous ink contains, for example, a water-based solvent, a colorant (pigment or dye), and other additives. The oil-based ink contains, for example, an organic solvent, a colorant (pigment or dye), and other additives.

  The temperature sensor 36 illustrated in FIG. 2 is an example of a detection unit that detects the temperature of the discharge unit. Specifically, the temperature sensor 36 is provided in each discharge head 32Y to 32K, and detects the temperature of each discharge head 32Y to 32K. More specifically, the temperature sensor 36 is disposed inside the discharge heads 32Y to 32K, and detects the temperature inside the discharge heads 32Y to 32K.

  The heating unit 34 is provided, for example, on each ejection head 32Y to 32K so that the temperature of the ink falls within a predetermined temperature range based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor, and each ejection head 32Y to 32K is Heat up. Specifically, the heating unit 34 is disposed inside each discharge head 32Y to 32K, and heats the inside of each discharge head 32Y to 32K. More specifically, the heating unit 34 heats the inside of each discharge head 32Y to 32K based on the detection result of the temperature sensor 36. Alternatively, the ink supply path may be heated by providing a heating unit 34 (not shown).

  As a result, the ink inside the discharge heads 32Y to 32K is heated to the preset temperature within a predetermined range, and the viscosity of the ink is maintained within the predetermined range. As a result of the heating unit 34 heating the inside of each discharge head 32Y to 32K, the nozzle surface 30S of each discharge head 32Y to 32K is heated to a first set temperature (adjustment temperature) within a predetermined range. The first set temperature is, for example, a temperature in the range of 26 ° C. or more and 40 ° C. or less. The nozzle surface 30S is a surface on which the nozzle 30N is formed. In the present embodiment, the bottom surface of each discharge head 32Y to 32K is the nozzle surface 30S.

  The moving mechanism 38 is a mechanism for moving the discharge heads 32Y to 32K. Specifically, the moving mechanism 38 moves the discharge heads 32Y to 32K along the vertical direction (the direction of arrow B in FIG. 2) and the longitudinal direction of the discharge heads 32Y to 32K (the direction of arrow C in FIG. 2). Let

(Capping member 40)
The capping member 40 shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 is a covering member that covers the nozzle surface 30S of each of the ejection heads 32Y to 32K. Although only the ejection head 32Y is illustrated among the ejection heads 32Y to 32K in FIGS. 8 and 9, the capping member 40 is provided for each of the ejection heads 32Y to 32K.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the capping member 40 covers the nozzle surface 30S of each discharge head 32Y to 32K, thereby suppressing the drying of the nozzle 30N.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 8, the capping member 40 also functions as a receiving member for receiving the ink preliminarily ejected from the nozzles 30N of the ejection heads 32Y to 32K. The preliminary discharge is performed, for example, to discharge a foreign substance (such as a cleaning liquid 57 described later) which has entered the nozzle 30N.

(Dispelling device 60)
The wiping device 60 shown in FIG. 2 is a device for wiping the nozzle surface 30S of each of the ejection heads 32Y to 32K. Although only the discharge head 32Y is illustrated among the discharge heads 32Y to 32K in the drawings including FIG. 2, the wiping device 60 is provided in each of the discharge heads 32Y to 32K.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the wiping device 60 has a wiping member 62 and a moving mechanism 66. The wiping member 62 is an example of a wiping member that wipes the nozzle surface to which the fine droplets of the cleaning liquid are attached. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7, the wiping member 62 is a wiping member that wipes the nozzle surface 30S to which the mist 59 of the cleaning liquid 57 is attached by the spraying device 50 described later. More specifically, the wiping member 62 is configured of a rubber blade.

  The moving mechanism 66 is a mechanism for moving the wiping member 62. Specifically, the moving mechanism 66 has an upper position where the wiping member 62 contacts the nozzle surface 30S (a position shown by a solid line in FIG. 5) and a lower position where the wiping member 62 separates from the nozzle surface 30S (two in FIG. 5). The wiping member 62 is moved in the vertical direction to the position shown by the dotted line).

(Spraying device 50)
The spray device 50 shown in FIG. 2 is an example of an adhesion device that causes the fine droplets of the cleaning liquid to adhere to the nozzle surface as the adhesion target on which the nozzles are formed. Although only the discharge head 32Y is illustrated among the discharge heads 32Y to 32K in the drawings including FIG. 2, the spray device 50 is provided to each of the discharge heads 32Y to 32K.

  Specifically, the spray device 50 is a device that sprays the cleaning solution 57 as the mist 59 and causes the mist 59 to adhere to the nozzle surface 30S of each discharge head 32Y to 32K. More specifically, the spray device 50 includes a container 70, a control unit 99, a liquid level sensor 58, a supply unit 80, a temperature sensor 56, a heater 52, and a vibrator 54.

(Container 70)
The container 70 shown in FIG. 2 is an example of a container which is disposed on the lower side of a target to which the cleaning liquid is to be attached, which accommodates the cleaning liquid, and which has an opening on the upper side of the cleaning liquid. The container 70 is disposed on the lower side of the adhesion target on which the cleaning liquid is to be adhered, is a cleaning liquid that has a temperature higher than the temperature of the adhesion target, and is an example of a container having an opening on the upper side of the cleaning liquid.

  Specifically, the container 70 is disposed below the nozzle surface 30S, contains the cleaning solution 57, and has an opening 72 at the top. More specifically, the container 70 is formed, for example, in a rectangular parallelepiped box. The container 70 has a bottom wall 76 and four side walls 74. An opening 72 is formed at the upper end of the four side walls 74 of the container 70.

  The opening 72 functions as an opening through which the mist 59 of the cleaning solution 57 contained inside the container 70 passes. In other words, the opening 72 can be said to be a discharge port for discharging the mist 59 of the cleaning liquid 57 contained inside the container 70.

  The container 70 has a heat insulation function. Specifically, as the container 70, a container using a heat insulating material, a container having a heat insulating function by vacuum, or the like is applied. Thus, the temperature drop of the cleaning solution 57 contained inside is suppressed.

  Moreover, while the nozzle surface 30S is, for example, 40 mm wide × 500 mm long, the container 70 is, for example, 60 mm wide × 70 mm long × 50 mm high. The length is a length along the longitudinal direction of the discharge head 32Y, and the width is a width along a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the discharge head 32Y. Further, the cleaning liquid 57 contained in the container 70 is, for example, about 200 ml. Each drawing schematically shows the discharge head 32Y, the container 70, etc., and the dimensional ratio of each member, the positional relationship between the liquid level of the cleaning liquid 57 and the upper end of the container 70, etc. are different from the actual ones. There is a case.

(Cleaning solution 57)
For the cleaning liquid 57 shown in FIG. 2, a liquid having a function of cleaning the ink attached to and solidified on the nozzle surface 30S is used.

  Specifically, for example, a liquid having affinity (wettability) to the nozzle surface 30S and having a function of permeating the contact interface between the nozzle surface 30S and the solidified ink is used as the cleaning liquid 57. .

  Further, for example, when the ink contains a pigment, a liquid having a function of redispersing the pigment is used as the cleaning liquid 57. Also, for example, when the ink contains a dye, a liquid having a function of dissolving the dye is used as the cleaning liquid 57.

  When an aqueous ink is used as the ink, for example, as the cleaning solution 57, a cleaning solution containing water as a main component and the following is used.

  The cleaning solution contains, for example, 5% by mass or more and 30% by mass or less of a penetrant such as an alkylene glycol ether in order to penetrate the solidified matter of the ink. Examples of the penetrant include butyl carbitol and the like.

  The cleaning liquid contains 0.1% by mass or more and 5% by mass or less of a surfactant such as acetylene diols in order to penetrate the contact interface between the nozzle surface 30S and the solidified product of the ink. As the said surfactant, Olfin E1010, Olfin E1004, Surfynol 440 (all are Nisshin Chemical Industry Co., Ltd. make) etc. are mentioned.

  The washing solution may contain sodium hydroxide or a buffer as a pH adjuster. Moreover, the said washing | cleaning liquid may contain a fungicide etc.

  Further, as the cleaning liquid 57, for example, the solvent of the ink used in the discharge unit 30 may be used. This solvent may contain, for example, additives other than the colorant as appropriate.

(Control unit 99)
The control part 99 shown in FIG. 2 has a function to control the operation (drive) of each part (supply part 80, heater 52, vibrator 54, etc.) of the spray device 50. Specifically, the control unit 99 controls the driving of the supply unit 80 based on the detection result of the liquid level sensor 58, as described later. Further, the control unit 99 controls the driving of the heater 52 based on the detection result of the temperature sensor 56 as described later.

(Liquid level sensor 58, supply unit 80)
The liquid level sensor 58 shown in FIG. 2 is a detection unit that detects the height of the liquid level of the cleaning liquid 57 contained in the container 70.

  The supply unit 80 shown in FIG. 2 has a function of supplying the cleaning liquid 57 to the container 70. Specifically, the supply unit 80 includes a storage unit 82, a supply passage 84, and a pump 86.

  The storage unit 82 stores the cleaning solution 57. One end of the supply passage 84 is connected to the container 70, and the other end is connected to the reservoir 82. Specifically, one end of the supply passage 84 is connected to, for example, the lower portion of the side wall 74 of the container 70. The pump 86 is provided in the supply passage 84.

  Here, in the present embodiment, the supply unit 80 supplies the cleaning liquid 57 to the container 70 when the adhesion operation of attaching the cleaning liquid 57 to the nozzle surface 30S is performed, as described later. Be housed.

  Specifically, the supply unit 80 drives the pump 86 to supply the cleaning liquid 57 in the storage unit 82 to the container 70 through the supply passage 84. In the supply unit 80, based on the detection result of the liquid level sensor 58, the drive of the pump 86 is controlled by the control unit 99, and the supply amount of the container 70 is adjusted. Thus, the cleaning liquid 57 is supplied to the container 70 so that the liquid level of the cleaning liquid 57 in the container 70 falls within a predetermined range.

  Furthermore, in the supply unit 80, when the aforementioned adhesion operation is completed, the cleaning liquid 57 of the container 70 is discharged to the storage unit 82 through the supply passage 84 by driving the pump 86 (see FIG. 3). Thus, the supply unit 80 also functions as a discharge unit that discharges the cleaning liquid 57 of the container 70 to the storage unit 82. In addition, in the supply part 80, although supply and discharge were performed by the supply path 84, you may be the structure discharged | emitted to the storage part 82 through the flow path different from the supply path 84. FIG.

(Temperature sensor 56)
The temperature sensor 56 shown in FIG. 2 is a detection unit that detects the temperature of the cleaning liquid 57 contained in the container 70. The temperature sensor 56 is disposed, for example, inside the container 70 and is in contact with the cleaning solution 57. Specifically, the temperature sensor 56 is disposed in the container 70 at a position closer to the liquid surface of the cleaning liquid 57 than the bottom wall 76. Thus, the temperature sensor 56 detects the temperature of the portion near the liquid level of the cleaning liquid 57 in the container 70.

(Heater 52)
The heater 52 illustrated in FIG. 2 is an example of a heating unit that heats the cleaning liquid. Specifically, the heater 52 is a heater that heats the cleaning liquid 57 contained in the container 70.

  More specifically, the heater 52 is disposed inside the container 70 and is in contact with the cleaning solution 57. In the present embodiment, the heater 52 heats the cleaning solution 57 in contact with the cleaning solution 57. In other words, the heater 52 directly heats the cleaning solution 57 without the container 70.

  For example, a sheathed heater is used as the heater 52. The sheathed heater is a heater in which a pipe is filled with an insulating material so that the pipe passes through the heating wire and the pipe does not contact the heating wire. Moreover, the output of the heater 52 is, for example, in the range of 20 W or more and 40 W or less.

  The heater 52 is wound, for example, in a coil shape whose axis is in the vertical direction. The heater 52 is arranged to surround the vibrator 54 in plan view. In other words, the heater 52 is disposed between the vibrator 54 and the side wall 74 of the container 70. Furthermore, in other words, the heater 52 is disposed at a position not overlapping the vibrator 54 in plan view.

  In the present embodiment, the heater 52 heats the cleaning liquid 57 in the container 70 to a temperature higher than the temperature of the nozzle surface 30S as an attachment target. More specifically, the heater 52 heats the cleaning liquid 57 in the container 70 to a temperature lower than the boiling point of the cleaning liquid 57.

  In the present embodiment, the heater 52 is controlled by the control unit 99 based on the detection result of the temperature sensor 56 and heats the cleaning liquid 57 in the container 70. Thus, the temperature of the cleaning liquid 57 in the container 70 is adjusted to a second set temperature higher than the first set temperature at the nozzle surface 30S. More specifically, the second set temperature is set to a temperature lower than the boiling point of the cleaning solution 57.

  When the cleaning liquid 57 is a mixed liquid, for example, the boiling point of the liquid having the lowest boiling temperature among the liquids contained in the cleaning liquid 57 is taken as the boiling point of the cleaning liquid 57. The second set temperature is, for example, a temperature in the range of 50 ° C. or more and 60 ° C. or less.

(Vibrator 54)
The vibrator 54 shown in FIG. 2 is an example of a vibrating unit that vibrates the cleaning solution contained in the container and heated by the heating unit to generate fine droplets of the cleaning solution. The vibrator 54 is also an example of a vibrating unit that vibrates the cleaning liquid contained in the container to generate fine droplets of the cleaning liquid. Here, "fine droplets" refer to the particles of the mist-like cleaning liquid. The fine droplets may have a size that can float in the air.

  Specifically, the vibrator 54 vibrates the cleaning solution 57 contained in the container 70 to generate the mist 59 of the cleaning solution 57. The mist 59 is a mist of the cleaning solution 57 and is an aggregate of fine droplets.

  More specifically, the vibrator 54 is attached to the bottom of the container 70. That is, the vibrator 54 is mounted on the bottom wall 76 of the container 70. The vibrator 54 is disposed at the center of the bottom wall 76 in a plan view. As the vibrator 54, for example, a piezoelectric element is used. Moreover, as the vibrator 54, for example, an element driven in the range of 10 kHz to 20 MHz is used. As the vibrator 54, an ultrasonic wave generating element capable of generating ultrasonic waves (sound waves of 20 kHz or more) may be used.

(Operation of the present embodiment)
A maintenance operation (cleaning operation of the nozzle surface 30S) in the inkjet recording apparatus 10 will be described as an operation of the present embodiment. Here, the maintenance operation for the ejection head 32Y will be described.

  The maintenance operation in the inkjet recording apparatus 10 is started, for example, after each discharge head 32Y to 32K of the discharge unit 30 executes an image forming operation of discharging ink droplets onto the continuous paper P to form an image on the continuous paper P. Be done. In addition, before starting the maintenance operation, as shown in FIG. 3, the cleaning liquid 57 is not accommodated in the container 70.

  In the maintenance operation, first, the heater 52 is driven and the pump 86 of the supply unit 80 is driven to supply the cleaning liquid 57 in the storage unit 82 to the container 70 through the supply passage 84 (see FIG. 4).

  Specifically, in the supply unit 80, based on the detection result of the liquid level sensor 58, the drive of the pump 86 is controlled by the control unit 99, and the supply amount of the container 70 is adjusted. Thus, the cleaning liquid 57 is supplied to the container 70 so that the liquid level of the cleaning liquid 57 in the container 70 falls within a predetermined range.

  The driving of the heater 52 is controlled by the control unit 99 based on the detection result of the temperature sensor 56 to heat the cleaning liquid 57 in the container 70. Thus, the temperature of the cleaning liquid 57 in the container 70 is adjusted to a second set temperature higher than the first set temperature at the nozzle surface 30S. Therefore, the cleaning liquid 57 in the container 70 is heated to a temperature higher than the temperature of the nozzle surface 30S.

  Further, the second set temperature is set to a temperature lower than the boiling point of the cleaning solution 57. Therefore, the cleaning liquid 57 in the container 70 is heated to a temperature lower than the boiling point of the cleaning liquid 57.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 5, the vibrator 54 is driven. Thus, the cleaning solution 57 contained in the container 70 is vibrated to generate the mist 59 of the cleaning solution 57.

  Next, in the wiping device 60, the wiping member 62 is moved to the upper position by the moving mechanism 66 (see FIG. 2) (see FIG. 5).

  Next, the inside of the ink flow path inside the discharge head 32Y is pressurized to cause the ink to slightly leak from the nozzles 30N (see FIG. 5). Although FIG. 5 shows that the exuded ink adheres to the entire surface of the nozzle surface 30S, the exuded ink actually adheres to the nozzle 30N and the vicinity of the nozzle 30N. That is, the exuded ink is in a state of being attached to a part of the nozzle surface 30S. As described above, the cleaning solution 57 is prevented from entering the nozzle 30N by exuding the ink.

  Next, the discharge head 32Y is moved in the direction of arrow D shown in FIGS. 5, 6 and 7 along the longitudinal direction of the discharge head 32Y by the moving mechanism 38 (see FIG. 2). By the movement of the discharge head 32Y, as shown in FIG. 6, the nozzle surface 30S of the discharge head 32Y passes above the container 70 of the spray device 50. As a result, the mist 59 generated from the cleaning solution 57 heated by the heater 52 generates an ascending air flow and adheres to the nozzle surface 30S. For example, the coagulated pigment is redispersed by the cleaning liquid 57 attached to the nozzle surface 30S, and the ink solidified on the nozzle surface 30S is softened.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 7, the nozzle surface 30S to which the cleaning liquid 57 adheres is wiped by the wiping member 62 by the movement of the ejection head 32Y.

  Next, the drive of the vibrator 54 is stopped. Furthermore, by driving the pump 86 of the supply unit 80, the cleaning liquid 57 of the container 70 is discharged to the storage unit 82 through the supply passage 84.

  Next, in the wiping device 60, the wiping member 62 is moved to the lower position by the moving mechanism 66.

  Next, the discharge head 32Y is moved to the upper side of the capping member 40 by the moving mechanism 38 along the longitudinal direction of the discharge head 32Y (see FIG. 8).

  Next, as shown in FIG. 8, the ejection head 32Y performs preliminary ejection. The capping member 40 receives the ink preliminarily ejected from the nozzles 30N of the ejection heads 32Y to 32K. By performing the preliminary discharge, the cleaning liquid 57 which has entered the nozzle 30N by the wiping of the wiping member 62 is discharged from the nozzle 30N.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 9, the nozzle surface 30S of the discharge head 32Y is covered with the capping member 40. As described above, the maintenance operation is performed.

  The distance between the nozzle surface 30S and the liquid surface of the cleaning liquid 57 in the container 70 is, for example, in the range of 2 mm to 10 mm. Further, the moving speed of the discharge head 32Y is, for example, in the range of 10 mm / sec to 50 mm / sec.

  As described above, in the maintenance operation of the present embodiment, after the mist 59 of the cleaning solution 57 is attached to the nozzle surface 30S, the nozzle surface 30S is wiped with the wiping member 62. As described above, since the cleaning solution 57 is attached to the nozzle surface 30S using the mist 59, the amount of use of the cleaning solution 57 can be reduced.

  Further, in the present embodiment, as described above, the cleaning liquid 57 contained in the container 70 is heated by the heater 52. For this reason, as compared with the configuration (first comparative example) in which the cleaning solution 57 is at normal temperature, a rising air flow (convection) is easily generated in the mist 59 of the cleaning solution 57. Therefore, as compared with the first comparative example, the mist 59 rises, and adhesion of the mist 59 to the nozzle surface 30S is promoted.

  Furthermore, in the present embodiment, as described above, the cleaning liquid 57 in the container 70 is heated to a temperature higher than the temperature of the nozzle surface 30S. For this reason, as compared with the configuration (the second comparative example) in which the cleaning solution 57 is heated to a temperature equal to or lower than the temperature of the nozzle surface 30S, rising air (convection) is more easily generated in the mist 59 of the cleaning solution 57. Therefore, as compared to the second comparative example, the mist 59 rises, and adhesion of the mist 59 to the nozzle surface 30S is promoted.

  Then, in the present embodiment, the frictional resistance between the nozzle member 30S and the wiping member 62 for wiping the nozzle surface 30S is reduced by the cleaning liquid 57 attached to the nozzle surface 30S. As a result, damage to the nozzle surface 30S due to the wiping of the wiping member 62 is suppressed.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the cleaning liquid 57 in the container 70 is heated to a temperature lower than the boiling point of the cleaning liquid 57. Here, in the configuration in which the cleaning solution 57 is heated to a temperature equal to or higher than the boiling point of the cleaning solution 57 (third comparative example), the component concentration of the cleaning solution 57 may change due to evaporation of part of the components of the cleaning solution 57 is there. As a result, in the third comparative example, the function of the cleaning solution 57 may be reduced. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, since the cleaning liquid 57 in the container 70 is heated to a temperature lower than the boiling point of the cleaning liquid 57, the mist 59 of the cleaning liquid 57 whose function is reduced compared to the third comparative example is a nozzle Adherence to the surface 30S is suppressed.

  Further, in the present embodiment, since the heater 52 is disposed inside the container 70, the heater 52 heats the cleaning solution 57 in a state of being in contact with the cleaning solution 57. Thereby, the temperature of the cleaning solution 57 can be raised in a short time as compared with the configuration (fourth modification) in which the cleaning solution 57 in the container 70 is heated from the outside of the container 70 via the container 70.

(Modification of arrangement position of heater 52)
In the present embodiment, the heater 52 is disposed inside the container 70, but is not limited thereto. For example, the heater 52 may be disposed outside the container 70 as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11.

  As a structure which arrange | positions the heater 52 outside the container 70, the structure shown to FIG.10 and FIG.11 is mentioned, for example.

  In the configuration shown in FIG. 10, the heater 52 is configured to heat the cleaning liquid 57 in the container 70 from the outside of the container 70 via the container 70. Specifically, the heater 52 is attached to the bottom of the bottom wall 76 of the container 70. As the heater 52, a plate-like or plane-like heater is used. Furthermore, for the bottom wall 76 of the container 70, a member having excellent heat conductivity is used. In the configuration shown in FIG. 10, the heater 52 heats the cleaning liquid 57 in the container 70 from the outside of the container 70 through the bottom wall 76 of the container 70.

  Here, in the configuration in which the cleaning solution 57 is heated outside the container 70 and supplied to the container 70 (fifth comparative example), the cleaning solution 57 heated outside the container 70 is supplied to the container 70. Since the temperature may change in the process, it may be difficult to adjust the temperature of the cleaning liquid 57 in the container 70. As a result, an error may occur between the temperature of the cleaning solution 57 in the container 70 and the target temperature (set temperature). On the other hand, in the configuration shown in FIG. 10, the heater 52 heats the cleaning solution 57 in the container 70 via the bottom wall 76 of the container 70. Therefore, compared with the fifth comparative example, the heater 52 The error between the temperature and the target temperature (set temperature) is reduced.

  In the configuration shown in FIG. 11, the heater 52 heats the cleaning solution 57 outside the container 70 and supplies the cleaning solution to the container 70. Specifically, the heater 52 is provided in the supply unit 80 described above. The supply path 84 of the supply unit 80 is provided with an enlarged portion 88 in which the flow path is expanded. In the enlarged portion 88, the cleaning solution 57 is temporarily stored (retained). A heater 52 is disposed inside the enlarged portion 88, and the cleaning solution 57 is heated by the enlarged portion 88. In the configuration shown in FIG. 11, the cleaning liquid 57 in the storage section 82 is sent to the enlarged section 88 by driving the pump 86. The cleaning liquid 57 sent to the enlarged portion 88 is heated by the heater 52 and then supplied to the container 70.

  Thus, in the configuration shown in FIG. 11, the heated cleaning solution 57 can be supplied while the cleaning solution 57 is heated. As a result, the temperature of the cleaning liquid 57 can be raised in a short time as compared with the configuration (sixth comparative example) in which the cleaning liquid 57 in the container 70 is heated from the outside of the container 70 via the container 70.

  Further, in the configurations shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, since the heater 52 is disposed outside the container 70, compared with the configuration (seventh comparative example) in which the heater 52 is disposed inside the container 70, An arrangement space for the heater 52 is not required inside. As a result, according to the configuration shown in FIG. 10 and FIG. 11, the height of the liquid level of the cleaning liquid 57 in the container 70 is reduced compared to the seventh comparative example. In other words, according to the configurations shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the volume of the container 70 is smaller than that of the seventh comparative example.

(Modification of arrangement position of vibrator 54)
Although the vibrator 54 is mounted on the bottom wall 76 of the container 70 in the above embodiment, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. 12, the vibrator 54 may be attached to the floating portion 92 which floats the vibrator 54 in the cleaning liquid 57 in the container 70. For the floating portion 92, for example, a resin material containing air bubbles such as expanded polystyrene is used. The floating portion 92 has, for example, a cylindrical shape, and is fixed to one end and the other end of the vibrator 54. Then, the vibrator 54 floats in the container 70 at a position closer to the liquid surface of the cleaning liquid 57 than the bottom wall 76 due to the floating part 92. When the vibrator 54 is in a floating state, the upper surface of the vibrator 54 is located below the liquid level of the cleaning liquid 57 in the container 70.

  A wire (not shown) connected to the vibrator 54 is drawn out of the container 70 through the opening 72 of the container 70, for example.

  In the configuration shown in FIG. 12, the cleaning solution 57 is vibrated near the liquid surface of the cleaning solution 57 in the container 70 as compared with the configuration (eighth comparative example) in which the vibrator 54 is attached to the bottom of the container 70. As a result, more mist 59 of the cleaning liquid 57 can be generated compared to the eighth comparative example.

  Further, in the configuration shown in FIG. 12, since the cleaning liquid 57 can be vibrated near the liquid surface of the cleaning liquid 57 regardless of the amount of the cleaning liquid 57 in the container 70, the height of the cleaning liquid 57 in the container 70 can be increased. Is possible. As a result, the arrangement space for arranging the heater 52 becomes large, and it becomes possible to arrange the heater 52 having a large output.

(Modification of wiping member 62)
Although the wiping member 62 comprised with the rubber blade was used as an example of a wiping member, it is not restricted to this. As an example of the wiping member, as shown in FIG. 13, for example, a cloth body 102 (web) made of non-woven fabric or the like may be used. The cloth body 102 is formed in a strip shape having a length. In the configuration shown in FIG. 13, one end of the cloth 102 in the longitudinal direction is wound around the unwinding roll 122. The other end of the cloth 102 in the longitudinal direction is wound around a winding roll 24. A longitudinally intermediate portion of the cloth body 102 is wound around a winding roll 26. The intermediate portion is supported at a position in contact with the nozzle surface 30S. Then, when the discharge head 32Y moves in the direction of the arrow D, the nozzle surface 30S to which the cleaning solution 57 is attached is wiped by the cloth 102. In addition, the cloth body 102 is taken up by the take-up roll 124, and by unwinding with the unwinding roll 122, an unused portion of the cloth body 102 is supported by the winding roll 26.

(Modified example of temperature control of heater 52)
In the present embodiment, the temperature of the cleaning liquid 57 in the container 70 is adjusted to the second set temperature higher than the first set temperature in the nozzle surface 30S, but the invention is not limited thereto. The heater 52 may heat the cleaning solution 57 in the container 70 based on, for example, the temperature of the discharge head 32Y detected by the temperature sensor 36. Specifically, the heater 52 heats the cleaning solution 57 in the container 70 to a temperature higher than the temperature of the discharge head 32Y detected by the temperature sensor 36, for example. The drive of the heater 52 is controlled by the control unit 99 based on the detection result of the temperature sensor 56 provided in the container 70 as described above. Thereby, the temperature of the cleaning liquid 57 in the container 70 is adjusted to a temperature higher than the temperature of the discharge head 32Y detected by the temperature sensor 36.

  Although the temperature sensor 36 specifically detects the temperature inside the discharge head 32Y, the temperature inside the discharge head 32Y is higher than the temperature of the nozzle surface 30S. The temperature is higher than the temperature of the nozzle surface 30S.

  In this modification, the cleaning solution 57 in the container 70 is heated based on the temperature of the discharge head 32Y detected by the temperature sensor 36. Therefore, the temperature of the discharge head 32Y is predicted and the heater 52 is heated to a temperature higher than the predicted temperature. However, the variation in the temperature difference between the discharge head 32Y and the cleaning solution 57 is reduced as compared with the configuration in which the cleaning solution 57 is heated.

  A detector may be provided to detect the temperature of the nozzle surface 30S of the ejection head 32Y, and the heater 52 may heat the cleaning liquid 57 in the container 70 to a temperature higher than the temperature detected by the detector. .

(Other modifications)
In the present embodiment, an example of the adhesion target is the nozzle surface 30S, but is not limited thereto. As an example of the adhesion target, for example, there is a cleaning target to be cleaned by adhering a cleaning liquid.

  In the present embodiment, the cleaning liquid 57 in the container 70 is heated, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the cleaning solution 57 in the container 70 may be kept at a normal temperature without heating, and the nozzle surface 30S may be cooled to accommodate the cleaning solution 57 whose temperature is higher than the temperature of the nozzle surface 30S. In this configuration, since a temperature difference occurs between the cleaning liquid 57 in the container 70 and the nozzle surface 30S, the container 70 accommodates the cleaning liquid 57 at a temperature lower than or equal to the temperature of the nozzle surface 30S (a ninth comparative example). An upward air flow (convection) is easily generated in the mist 59 of the cleaning solution 57. For this reason, as compared with the ninth comparative example, the mist 59 rises, and adhesion of the mist 59 to the nozzle surface 30S is promoted. In this configuration, for example, a heat insulating structure is provided between the inside of the discharge head 32Y and the nozzle surface 30S so as to suppress the temperature decrease of the ink in the discharge head 32Y.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the cleaning liquid 57 in the container 70 is heated to a temperature higher than the temperature of the nozzle surface 30S, but the invention is not limited thereto. For example, the cleaning solution 57 may be heated to a temperature equal to or lower than the temperature of the nozzle surface 30S. Even in this case, as compared with the configuration (first comparative example) in which the cleaning solution 57 is at normal temperature, rising air flow (convection) is easily generated in the mist 59 of the cleaning solution 57, and adhesion of the mist 59 to the nozzle surface 30S is promoted.

  Further, although the cleaning liquid 57 in the container 70 is heated to a temperature lower than the boiling point of the cleaning liquid 57 in the present embodiment, the invention is not limited thereto. For example, the cleaning solution 57 in the container 70 may be heated to a temperature equal to or higher than the boiling point of the cleaning solution 57.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the discharge head 32Y is moved with respect to the spray device 50 and the wiping member 62, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the spray device 50 and the wiping member 62 may move relative to the discharge head 32Y. That is, the discharge head 32Y may be configured to move relative to the spray device 50 and the wiping member 62.

  The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications, changes, and improvements can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the modifications shown above may be combined with each other as appropriate.

10 Inkjet recording apparatus (an example of a discharge apparatus)
32Y to 32K discharge head (an example of discharge part)
36 Temperature sensor (an example of detection unit)
50 Sprayer (Example of adhesion device)
52 Heater (an example of heating unit)
54 Vibrator (an example of a vibrator)
57 Cleaning solution 59 Mist (an example of a fine droplet)
62 wiping member 70 container 72 opening 80 feeding portion 92 floating portion 102 cloth (example of wiping member)

Claims (12)

A container disposed under the adhesion target to which the cleaning liquid is to be attached, containing the cleaning liquid, and having an opening on the upper side of the cleaning liquid;
A heating unit that heats the cleaning solution;
A vibrating unit that vibrates the cleaning solution contained in the container and heated by the heating unit to generate fine droplets of the cleaning solution;
An adhesion device comprising: The heating unit is
The adhesion device according to claim 1, wherein the cleaning solution is heated to a temperature higher than the temperature of the adhesion target. The heating unit is
The adhesion device according to claim 2, wherein the adhesion device is heated to a temperature lower than the boiling point of the cleaning solution. The heating unit is
The adhesion device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, which is disposed inside the container and heats the cleaning liquid contained in the container. The heating unit is
The adhesion device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, which is disposed outside the container. The heating unit is
The adhesion device according to claim 5, wherein the cleaning liquid stored in the container is heated from the outside of the container through the container. The heating unit heats the cleaning solution outside the container,
The adhesion device according to claim 5, further comprising: a supply unit that supplies the cleaning liquid heated by the heating unit to the container. The adhesion device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising: a floating portion configured to float the vibrating portion in the cleaning liquid stored in the container. A container disposed under the adhesion target on which the cleaning liquid is to be adhered, containing a cleaning liquid whose temperature is higher than that of the adhesion target, and a container having an opening on the upper side of the cleaning liquid;
A vibrating unit that vibrates a cleaning solution contained in the container to generate fine droplets of the cleaning solution;
An adhesion device comprising: A discharge unit that discharges droplets from the nozzle;
The adhesion device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein fine droplets of the cleaning liquid are adhered to the nozzle surface as the adhesion target on which the nozzle is formed.
Dispensing device comprising A wiping member for wiping the nozzle surface to which fine droplets of the cleaning liquid are attached;
The discharge device according to claim 10, comprising: A detection unit that detects the temperature of the discharge unit;
Equipped with
The adhesion device is the adhesion device according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
The heating unit of the adhesion device is
The discharge device according to claim 10, wherein the cleaning liquid is heated to a temperature higher than a temperature detected by the detection unit.