JP2008155542A - Capping device and droplet ejection apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a capping device and a droplet ejection apparatus which are excellent in nozzle sealability. <P>SOLUTION: While a winding shaft 56 is rotated to wind and move out a film member 54 in the state that the film member 54 is adhered to a nozzle surface 20A, a moving body 52 is moved along the nozzle surface 20A in a predetermined direction, and the film member 54 is adhered to the nozzle surface 20A of an ink jet recording head 20Y. Thus, the film member 54 is gradually adhered from one end of the nozzle surface 20A while the film member 54 is being wound and moved out to cap the nozzle surface 20A. Because of this, a gap is hardly generated between the film member 54 and the nozzle surface 20A, and the nozzle is excellent in the sealability. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a capping device and a droplet discharge device.

  As a droplet discharge device, an ink jet recording device that discharges ink droplets and records an image on a recording medium is known. In an ink jet recording apparatus using volatile ink such as water-based ink, a capping device that seals the nozzles of the recording head is provided in order to suppress evaporation of the ink solvent from the nozzles that eject ink droplets. Various types of capping devices are known, and an inkjet recording device disclosed in Patent Document 1 is known as a method of sealing nozzles with a film or belt-like member.

  In the ink jet recording apparatus of Patent Document 1, a capping belt that is movable along the longitudinal direction of the line head is disposed on the front surface of the ink droplet ejection surface of the line head that is disposed opposite to the platen, and is wound around a winding device. The capping belt has a full width covering portion that covers the orifice where the orifice corresponding to the non-printing region exists as a capping region, and a slit that exposes the orifice as a non-capping region where the orifice corresponding to the printing region exists. Forming part. The ink suction device is lifted and brought into close contact with the ink droplet discharge surface of the line head via the capping belt, and suction is limited to the orifice of the slit portion.

According to this configuration, it is possible to reduce the running cost by minimizing the amount of ink consumed for the maintenance operation of the line head.
JP-A-9-239999

  An object of the present invention is to provide a capping device and a droplet discharge device that are excellent in sealing performance of a nozzle when the nozzle is sealed with a film-like member.

  A capping device according to a first aspect of the present invention is a film member for adhering to a nozzle surface of a droplet discharge head for discharging droplets from a nozzle, and one end portion of the film member is wound and rotated to rotate the film A winding shaft capable of unwinding the member, a fixing means provided outside the region where the nozzle of the droplet discharge head is disposed, and fixing the other end of the film member; and the unwinding of the film member A moving means for moving a winding shaft in a predetermined direction along the nozzle surface; and an attaching means for moving the winding shaft together with the winding shaft and attaching the film member unwound from the winding shaft to the nozzle surface; It is provided with.

  The capping device according to a second aspect of the present invention is the capping device according to the first aspect, wherein the winding shaft rotates in the reverse direction to wind up the unwound film member, and the moving means winds the film member. The winding shaft is moved in the direction opposite to the predetermined direction along the nozzle surface.

  A capping device according to a third aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the configuration of the first aspect, a capping device that moves together with the winding shaft and that closely contacts a film member attached to the nozzle surface is provided.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the capping device according to the first aspect, further comprising a moving unit that relatively moves the film member to a position higher than the nozzle surface outside the droplet discharge head. And

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a capping device according to the first aspect, further comprising tension fluctuation mitigating means that moves together with the winding shaft and mitigates tension fluctuations of the film member attached by the adhering means. It is characterized by that.

  A capping device according to a sixth aspect of the present invention comprises the slack generating means that moves together with the winding shaft and generates a slack in the film member attached by the attaching means in the configuration of the first aspect. Features.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a capping device according to the first aspect, further comprising a cleaning member that cleans a surface of the film member that has been in contact with the nozzle surface.

  The capping device according to an eighth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the configuration of the seventh aspect, the film member is cleaned by the cleaning member while being wound around the winding shaft.

  A capping device according to a ninth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the configuration of the first aspect, the capping device further includes an application unit that applies a sealing liquid to a surface of the film member that contacts the nozzle surface.

  A capping device according to a tenth aspect of the present invention is the winding device according to the first aspect, wherein the fixing means winds the used film member and unwinds the unused film member from the winding shaft. A shaft is provided.

  The capping device according to an eleventh aspect of the present invention is the capping device according to the first aspect, wherein the fixing means includes an unwinding shaft for unwinding the unused film member, and the winding shaft is the used film. The member is wound up, and the unused film member is unwound from the unwinding shaft.

  A droplet discharge device according to a twelfth aspect of the present invention is a capping device according to any one of the first to eleventh aspects, the droplet discharge head for recording an image on a recording medium, and the recording medium. And a conveying means.

  According to the structure of Claim 1 of this invention, compared with the case where it does not have the structure of this invention, it is hard to produce a clearance gap between a film member and a nozzle surface, and is excellent in the sealing performance of a nozzle.

  According to the structure of Claim 2 of this invention, the force required when peeling a film member from a nozzle surface becomes small.

  According to the structure of Claim 3 of this invention, the followable | trackability to the unevenness | corrugation of the nozzle surface of a film member improves.

  According to the structure of Claim 4 of this invention, when a film member is made to adhere to a nozzle surface, a film member does not peel easily from a nozzle surface.

  According to the structure of Claim 5 of this invention, the followable | trackability to the unevenness | corrugation of the nozzle surface of a film member improves.

  According to the structure of Claim 6 of this invention, the followable | trackability to the unevenness | corrugation of the nozzle surface of a film member improves.

  According to the structure of Claim 7 of this invention, the foreign material mixing between a film member and a nozzle surface is suppressed, and the fall of the sealing performance by foreign material mixing is suppressed.

  According to the structure of Claim 8 of this invention, it can clean before the liquid adhering to a film member dry-thickens.

  According to the structure of Claim 9 of this invention, the adhesiveness of a film member and a nozzle surface increases, and the sealing performance of a nozzle improves.

  According to the structure of Claim 10 of this invention, the frequency of replacement | exchange of a film member can be reduced.

  According to the configuration of the eleventh aspect of the present invention, the frequency of film replacement can be reduced.

  According to the configuration of the twelfth aspect of the present invention, a gap is hardly formed between the film member and the nozzle surface, and the nozzle is excellent in sealing performance.

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

[First Embodiment]
First, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  In this embodiment, as an example of a droplet discharge device that discharges droplets, an ink jet recording device that discharges ink droplets and records an image on a recording medium will be described.

  The droplet discharge device is not limited to a device that discharges ink. As a droplet discharge device, for example, a color filter manufacturing device that manufactures a color filter by discharging ink or the like onto a film or glass, a device that forms a bump for mounting components by discharging molten solder onto a substrate Alternatively, an apparatus for forming a wiring pattern by discharging a liquid metal and various film forming apparatuses for forming a film by discharging a droplet may be used as long as the apparatus discharges a droplet.

(Overall configuration of inkjet recording apparatus according to this embodiment)
First, the overall configuration of the ink jet recording apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described. 1 and 2 schematically show the overall configuration of the ink jet recording apparatus according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, an inkjet recording apparatus 10 includes a recording medium storage unit 12 that stores a recording medium P such as paper, an image recording unit 14 that records an image on the recording medium P, and a recording medium storage. Conveying means 16 for transporting the recording medium P from the section 12 to the image recording section 14 and a recording medium discharging section 18 for discharging the recording medium P on which an image is recorded by the image recording section 14 are provided.

  The image recording unit 14 is an example of a droplet discharge head that discharges droplets from nozzles. Inkjet recording heads 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K (hereinafter referred to as 20Y to 20K) that discharge ink droplets and record images on a recording medium P. 20K).

  The inkjet recording heads 20Y to 20K are arranged in the order of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) from the upstream side in the conveyance direction of the recording medium P. An ink droplet corresponding to each color is ejected from the nozzle surface 20A on which a plurality of nozzles are formed by means such as a thermal method or a piezoelectric method, and an image is recorded.

  In addition, each of the inkjet recording heads 20Y to 20K has a width capable of image recording equal to or larger than the width of the recording area of the recording medium P. The width here is the length in the intersecting direction that intersects the transport direction of the recording medium P. Furthermore, the inkjet recording heads 20Y to 20K are formed by connecting a plurality of units in which nozzles for ejecting ink droplets are arranged along the intersecting direction, and are elongated in the intersecting direction.

  The ink jet recording apparatus 10 is provided with ink tanks 21Y, 21M, 21C, and 21K that store ink. Ink is supplied from the ink tanks 21Y, 21M, 21C, and 21K to the inkjet recording heads 20Y to 20K. As the ink supplied to the inkjet recording heads 20Y to 20K, various inks such as water-based ink, oil-based ink, and solvent-based ink can be used.

  Furthermore, the inkjet recording apparatus 10 is provided with maintenance units 22Y, 22M, 22C, and 22K (hereinafter referred to as 22Y to 22K) that perform maintenance of the inkjet recording heads 20Y to 20K. The maintenance units 22Y to 22K are respectively opposed to the nozzle surface 20A of the ink jet recording heads 20Y to 20K (see FIG. 2), and retracted from the nozzle surface 20A of the ink jet recording heads 20Y to 20K (FIG. 1). It is configured to be movable between (see).

  Each of the maintenance units 22Y to 22K includes a capping device 50 that covers the nozzle surface 20A of the ink jet recording heads 20Y to 20K, a receiving member that receives preliminarily ejected (empty ejected) droplets, and a nozzle surface 20A of the ink jet recording heads 20Y to 20K. When the ink jet recording heads 20Y to 20K are maintained, the ink jet recording heads 20Y to 20K are raised by a predetermined height and the maintenance units 22Y to 22K are moved to the opposing positions. Various maintenance is performed.

  The transport unit 16 includes a feed roll 24 that sends out the recording medium P accommodated in the recording medium storage unit 12, a transport roll pair 25 that sandwiches and transports the recording medium P sent out by the feed roll 24, and a transport roll pair 25. And an endless conveyance belt 30 that causes the recording surface of the recording medium P conveyed by the inkjet recording heads 20Y to 20K to face each other.

  The conveyance belt 30 is wound around a driving roll 26 disposed on the downstream side in the conveyance direction of the recording medium P and a driven roll 28 disposed on the upstream side in the conveyance direction of the recording medium P, and is wound in a predetermined direction (A in FIG. 1). Direction).

  In addition, a pressing roll 32 that presses the recording medium P against the conveyance belt 30 is provided above the driven roll 28. The pressing roll 32 is driven by the conveying belt 30 and also serves as a charging roll. When the conveying belt 30 is charged by the pressing roll 32, the recording medium P is electrostatically attracted to the conveying belt 30 and conveyed. It is a configuration.

  When the conveyance belt 30 conveys the recording medium P, the inkjet recording heads 20Y to 20C and the recording medium P move relative to each other, and ink droplets are ejected onto the relatively moving recording medium P to form an image.

  Note that the inkjet recording heads 20Y to 20K may move with respect to the recording medium P, and the recording medium P and the inkjet recording heads 20Y to 20K may be configured to move relative to each other.

  Further, the conveyance belt 30 is not limited to a configuration that holds the recording medium P by electrostatic adsorption, but is a non-electrostatic means such as friction with the recording medium P or suction or adhesion of the recording medium P. It may be configured to be held by.

  A separation claw for separating the recording medium P from the conveyance belt 30 is disposed on the downstream side of the conveyance belt 30 so as to be able to approach and separate. The recording medium P on which an image is recorded by the ink jet recording heads 20Y to 20K is configured such that the recording medium P is peeled off from the transport belt 30 by the curvature of the transport belt 30 and the peeling claw. In addition, in FIG.1 and FIG.2, illustration of the peeling nail | claw is abbreviate | omitted.

  On the downstream side of the peeling claw, a plurality of conveyance roll pairs 38 in which the recording surface side of the recording medium P is a star wheel is provided. The recording medium P on which an image is recorded by the image recording unit 14 is conveyed to the recording medium discharge unit 18 by the conveyance roll pair 38.

  A reversing unit 36 for reversing the recording medium P is provided below the conveying belt 30. After the conveying roll pair 38 once conveys the recording medium P downstream, the conveying roll pair 38 reverses and records. The medium P is sent to the reversing unit 36.

  The reversing unit 36 is provided with a plurality of conveying roll pairs 39 in which the recording surface side of the recording medium P is a star wheel, so that the recording medium P sent to the reversing unit 36 is sent to the conveying belt 30 again. It has become.

  Although not shown, the ink jet recording apparatus 10 includes control means for controlling the operation of the ink jet recording heads 20Y to 20K and system control means for controlling the overall operation of the ink jet recording apparatus 10.

  The control means is connected to the inkjet recording heads 20Y to 20K, determines the ejection timing of the ink droplets and the nozzles of the inkjet recording heads 20Y to 20K to be used according to the image data input from the outside, and drives the nozzles to drive signals. Apply.

  Next, an image recording operation of the inkjet recording apparatus 10 will be described.

  First, the recording medium P is sent out from the recording medium container 12 by the sending roll 24, and sent to the transport belt 30 by the transport roll pair 25 on the upstream side of the transport belt 30.

  The recording medium P sent to the conveying belt 30 is attracted and held on the conveying surface of the conveying belt 30 and conveyed to the recording positions of the ink jet recording heads 20Y to 20K, and an image is recorded on the recording surface of the recording medium P. The Then, after the image recording is finished, the recording medium P is peeled off from the transport belt 30 by a peeling claw.

  When an image is recorded only on one side of the recording medium P, the image is discharged to the recording medium discharge unit 18 by the pair of conveyance rolls 38 on the downstream side of the conveyance belt 30.

When recording an image on both sides of the recording medium P, after the image is recorded on one side, the recording medium P is reversed by the reversing unit 36 and sent to the transport belt 30 again. Images are recorded on the opposite side of the recording medium P in the same manner as described above, images are recorded on both sides of the recording medium P, and are discharged to the recording medium discharge unit 18.
(Configuration of the capping device 50 according to the present embodiment)
Next, the configuration of the capping device 50 according to the present embodiment will be described. The maintenance units 22Y to 22K are each provided with a capping device 50. Here, the capping device 50 provided in the maintenance unit 22Y, that is, the capping device 50 covering the nozzle surface 20A of the inkjet recording head 20Y is provided. Will be described as an example.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the capping device 50 according to the present embodiment includes a drive shaft 60 provided in the maintenance unit 22Y. The drive shaft 60 is provided so as to extend in the longitudinal direction of the maintenance unit 22Y along the nozzle surface 20A of the inkjet recording head 20Y.

  The drive shaft 60 is supported by the maintenance unit 22Y so as to be movable along the nozzle surface 20A of the inkjet recording head 20Y.

  The drive shaft 60 is formed of, for example, a ball screw, and is rotated and driven along the nozzle surface 20A of the ink jet recording head 20Y. The drive shaft 60 is one of the longitudinal directions of the ink jet recording head 20Y (A direction in the figure) and the like. It moves in the opposite direction (B direction in the figure).

  A moving body 52 that moves along the nozzle surface 20A of the inkjet recording head 20Y is fixed to the drive shaft 60. When the drive shaft 60 moves along the nozzle surface 20A, the moving body 52 moves along the nozzle surface of the inkjet recording head 20Y integrally with the drive shaft 60, for example, one of the longitudinal directions of the inkjet recording head 20Y ( It is configured to move in the A direction in the figure) and in the opposite direction (B direction in the figure).

  The moving body 52 that moves along the nozzle surface 20A is outside the ink jet recording head 20Y, and the first retreat on the one end side of the maintenance unit 22Y where the film member 54 is out of the facing position facing the ink jet recording head 20Y. Position (the position shown in FIG. 3) and the second retraction position (the other end side of the maintenance unit 22Y outside the ink jet recording head 20Y and from the opposite position where the film member 54 faces the ink jet recording head 20Y) ( The position is moved between the position shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4A, a film member 54 that can adhere to the nozzle surface 20A of the inkjet recording head 20Y and one end of the film member 54 are wound around the moving body 52, and the film 52 rotates to rotate. A winding shaft 56 capable of unwinding the member 54 is provided.

  The material of the film member 54 is preferably a member that is flexibly deformed in order to ensure followability to the nozzle surface 20A and sealing property, and that has little gas permeation in order to prevent ink evaporation in the nozzle. The film member 54 is preferably a thin plate having a thickness of 1 mm or less.

  Examples of the material of the film member 54 include PET, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyimide, and the like, and a two-layer structure in which a metal film is vapor-deposited on the above material may be used in order to reduce gas permeability. Finally, the material of the film member 54 is selected in consideration of ink resistance and elasticity. In this embodiment, polyimide having a thickness of 0.1 mm is used as the film member 54.

  Further, a fixing member 58 as an example of a fixing means for fixing the other end of the film member 54 is provided outside the ink jet recording head 20Y. The fixing member 58 is provided on the first retracted position side, and the other end portion of the film member 54 is fixed to one end portion of the maintenance unit 22Y by the fixing member 58. The fixing member 58 only needs to be positioned outside the nozzle arrangement region of the inkjet recording head 20Y so as not to hinder the formation of an image when an ink droplet is ejected from the inkjet recording head 20Y to form an image. It is not restricted to the position of FIG.

  The fixing means is not limited to the fixing member 58, and may be, for example, a fixing device 78 shown in a second embodiment to be described later, as long as it fixes the other end of the film member 54.

  The winding shaft 56 is rotatably supported by the support member 68. The support member 68 is supported by a shaft portion 70 provided so as to extend from the moving body 52 in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4A so as to be movable in the vertical direction along the shaft portion 70. Accordingly, the support member 68 can move between a contact direction in which the film member 54 wound around the winding shaft 56 contacts the nozzle surface 20A and a separation direction in which the film member 54 is separated from the nozzle surface 20A.

  The winding shaft 56 is provided with a drive unit 64 that rotates the winding shaft 56 forward and backward. The winding shaft 56 is applied with a driving force from the driving unit 64 and rotates in the unwinding direction for unwinding the film member 54, and reversely rotates in the winding direction for unwinding the unwound film member 54. ing. As the drive unit 64, for example, a drive motor that rotationally drives the winding shaft 56 is used.

  When the film member 54 is unwound from the winding shaft 56, the winding shaft 56 may not be driven, and the winding shaft 56 is moved along the nozzle surface 20A of the inkjet recording head 20Y. The winding shaft 56 may be driven to rotate to unwind the film member 54. Even in this case, when winding the film member 54, the winding shaft 56 needs to be driven to rotate in the winding direction. As the drive unit that rotates the winding shaft 56 in the winding direction, for example, a mainspring is used. The mainspring is wound when the winding shaft 56 rotates in the unwinding direction, and when the moving body 52 returns, the mainspring is wound back to reversely rotate the winding shaft 56. When the mainspring is unwound, an appropriate brake may be applied.

  Also, a pinion attached coaxially to the winding shaft 56 and a rack that meshes with the pinion are provided, and by moving the rack, the winding shaft 56 is rotated only in the winding direction so that the winding shaft 56 When driven to rotate in the unwinding direction, the winding shaft 56 may be idled.

  Further, a one-way clutch is provided on the winding shaft 56, and when the winding shaft 56 is driven to rotate in the unwinding direction, the driving force from the drive unit is cut off, and the winding shaft 56 is driven by the driving unit only in the winding direction. The structure to be made may be sufficient.

  The winding shaft 56 that unwinds the film member 54 moves in a predetermined direction along the nozzle surface of the ink jet recording head 20 </ b> Y together with the moving body 52 by moving the moving body 52 along the nozzle surface 20 </ b> A, for example, ink jet recording. The head 20Y is configured to move in one of the longitudinal directions (A direction in the drawing) and in the opposite direction (B direction in the drawing).

  That is, the drive shaft 60 that moves the moving body 52 moves the winding shaft 56 that winds the film member 54 in a predetermined direction along the nozzle surface 20A, and the winding shaft 56 that winds the film member 54 is moved to the nozzle surface. It functions as a moving means for moving the winding shaft 56 in the direction opposite to the predetermined direction along 20A.

  The moving means is not limited to the drive shaft 60, and any means may be used as long as it moves the winding shaft 56 along the nozzle surface 20A. For example, the moving means may be provided at one end and the other end in the longitudinal direction of the inkjet recording head 20Y. You may be comprised with the endless belt wound around the provided pulley. In this configuration, the moving body 52 is fixed to the belt, and by rotating the pulley, the belt can be circulated and moved along the nozzle surface 20A.

  A compression spring 62 as an example of an attaching unit that moves together with the winding shaft 56 and attaches the film member 54 unwound from the winding shaft 56 to the nozzle surface 20 </ b> A is provided on the shaft portion 70.

  The compression spring 62 urges the support member 68 upward in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4A, the winding shaft 56 around which the film member 54 is wound is pushed against the nozzle surface 20A, and the film member 54 Adheres to the nozzle surface 20A while being unwound. The compression spring 62 lifts the film member 54 to a position higher than the nozzle surface 20A in FIGS. 3 and 4A at the second retracted position outside the ink jet recording head 20Y. That is, the compression spring 62 functions as a moving unit that relatively moves the film member 54 to a position higher than the nozzle surface 20A.

  Instead of moving the film member 54, the film member 54 may be relatively moved to a position higher than the nozzle surface 20A by moving the inkjet recording head 20Y downward.

  The film member 54 may not be configured to be relatively moved to a position higher than the nozzle surface 20A, and may be configured such that the film member 54 is positioned at the same height as the nozzle surface 20A.

  Further, the attaching means is not limited to the compression spring 62, and may be, for example, a pressing member 90 and a pressing member 92 shown in a third embodiment described later, and the film member 54 unwound from the winding shaft 56 may be used. What is necessary is just to be made to adhere to 20 A of nozzle surfaces.

  The moving body 52 is provided with a cleaning member 66 for cleaning the contact surface that has been in contact with the nozzle surface 20 </ b> A of the film member 54. The cleaning member 66 is held by a holding member 72 that is swingably supported by the moving body 52.

  As shown in FIG. 4B, the holding member 72 is provided with an ink absorbing member 76 for collecting the ink wiped from the film member 54. Further, one end of a tension spring 74 is fixed to the holding member 72, the other end of the tension spring 74 is fixed to the moving body 52, and the cleaning member 66 is urged toward the film member 54. .

  The cleaning member 66 urged to the film member 54 comes into contact with the contact surface of the film member 54 and scrapes off adhering substances such as ink adhering to the contact surface for cleaning.

  The cleaning member 66 comes into contact with the film member 54 regardless of an increase or decrease in the amount of the film member 54 wound around the winding shaft 56, and can come into contact with the film member 54 being wound around the winding shaft 56. It has become. The cleaning operation by the cleaning member 66 is performed in parallel with the winding operation of the film member 54 by the cleaning member 66 coming into contact with the film member 54 in the state of being wound around the winding shaft 56. Is cleaned by the cleaning member 66 while being wound around the winding shaft 56.

  Since the cleaning by the cleaning member 66 is unnecessary when the film member 54 is unwound, the one-way clutch is utilized by utilizing the reverse rotation of the winding shaft 56 in order to reduce the load on the cleaning member 66. For example, when the film member 54 is unwound, the cleaning member 66 may be separated from the film member 54. A two-dot chain line in FIG. 4B indicates a state in which the cleaning member 66 is separated from the film member 54.

  As the cleaning member 66, for example, a cleaning blade is used. The material of the cleaning member 66 is preferably a material having weather resistance, ink resistance, and wear resistance, such as EPDM (ethylene-propylene-diene rubber) or urethane. Rubber members such as NBR (nitrile rubber) (including HNBR (hydrogenated nitrile rubber)), elastomeric members, etc. are conceivable and are selected according to usage.

  The cleaning member 66 may be a roll-shaped absorber that contacts the film member 54 as in a second embodiment described later.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the ink jet recording head 20Y according to the present embodiment has a cap position where capping by the capping device 50 is possible, and a retreat position that is located above the cap position and retracts from the maintenance unit 22Y. It is possible to move between.

  After the inkjet recording head 20Y is moved to the retracted position, the maintenance unit 22Y is moved to a position facing the nozzle surface 20A of the inkjet recording head 20Y.

  Further, the height of the nozzle surface 20A when the inkjet recording head 20Y is positioned at the cap position is lower than the fixing position where the fixing member 58 fixes the film member 54, and the winding shaft 56 is in the second retracted position. It is lower than the height of the film member 54 when it is.

  Next, the capping operation of the capping device 50 will be described.

  If the capping device 50 receives a capping command when the maintenance unit 22Y is located at a position facing the inkjet recording head 20Y, the inkjet recording head 20Y is located at the cap position in step 100 as shown in FIG. It is determined whether or not. When the inkjet recording head 20Y is located at the cap position, the process proceeds to step 102, and when the inkjet recording head 20Y is not located at the cap position, the process proceeds to step 104. In step 104, the inkjet recording head 20Y is moved to the cap position, and the process proceeds to step 102.

  In step 102, the cleaning member 66 is turned off, that is, the cleaning member 66 is separated from the film member 54, and the process proceeds to step 106. In the configuration in which the cleaning member 66 is not separated from the film member 54, the step 102 is not necessary.

  In step 106, the winding shaft 56 is rotated in the unwinding direction while the film member 54 is in contact with the nozzle surface 20A, and unwinding of the film member 54 is started.

  In step 108, the moving body 52 is moved in a predetermined direction along the nozzle surface 20A (see FIG. 6), the film member 54 is attached to the nozzle surface 20A of the inkjet recording head 20Y, and the nozzle surface 20A is capped. The process proceeds to step 110.

  In step 110, the rotation of the winding shaft 56 is stopped, and the routine proceeds to step 112. In step 112, the movement of the moving body 52 is stopped and the capping operation is finished.

  Thus, the film member 54 gradually adheres from one end of the nozzle surface 20A while being unwound, and caps the nozzle surface 20A.

  Upon receiving a cap-off command, that is, a command to remove the film member 54 as a cap from the nozzle surface 20A, as shown in FIG. 7, in step 120, the cleaning member 66 is turned on, that is, the cleaning member 66 is turned on. The process proceeds to step 122. If the cleaning member 66 is not separated from the film member 54, step 120 is not necessary.

  In step 122, the winding shaft 56 is reversely rotated in the winding direction to start winding of the film member 54, and the process proceeds to step 124.

  In step 124, the moving body 52 is moved in the direction opposite to the predetermined direction (see FIG. 8), the film member 54 is peeled off from the nozzle surface 20A of the inkjet recording head 20Y, and the film member 54 is cleaned. The film member 54 is collected and the process proceeds to step 126.

  In step 126, the rotation of the winding shaft 56 is stopped, and the routine proceeds to step 128. In step 128, the movement of the moving body 52 is stopped, and the operation of removing the film member 54 from the nozzle surface 20A is completed.

  Thus, the film member 54 is gradually peeled off from the other end of the nozzle surface 20A while being wound up, and is removed from the nozzle surface 20A.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the part same as 1st Embodiment, and description is abbreviate | omitted. Further, the entire configuration of the ink jet recording apparatus as an example of the droplet discharge apparatus is the same as that of the first embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

  As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10B, the capping device 250 according to the second embodiment is provided outside the inkjet recording head 20Y, and serves as an example of a fixing unit that fixes the other end of the film member 54. A fixing device 78 is provided.

  The fixing device 78 is provided on the first retracted position side, and the other end portion of the film member 54 is fixed on the one end portion side of the maintenance unit 22Y by the fixing device 78.

  The fixing device 78 includes a winding shaft 80 that winds up the used film member 54 and unwinds the unused film member 54 from the winding shaft 56, and a tension applying roll 79 that applies a constant tension to the film member 54. I have.

  A drive motor (not shown) is connected to the winding shaft 80. When the film member 54 is unwound from the winding shaft 56 to cover the nozzle surface 20A, the drive motor is stopped and the film member 54 is fixed. To do.

  When the film member 54 is deteriorated, when the capping by the film member 54 is not performed, the winding shaft 80 is rotated to wind up and store the used film member 54 and unused from the winding shaft 56. The film member 54 is unwound and the film member 54 in contact with the nozzle surface 20A is renewed.

  The winding shaft 80 may be a winding shaft for unwinding the unused film member 54. In this configuration, when the film member 54 has deteriorated, when the capping by the film member 54 is not performed, the winding shaft 56 is rotated to wind up and store the used film member 54, and the winding shaft The unused film member 54 is unwound from 80, and the film member 54 in contact with the nozzle surface 20A is renewed.

  The fixing means is not limited to the fixing device 78. For example, as shown in FIG. 10 (a), the fixing member 58 shown in the first embodiment may be used, and the other end of the film member 54 is fixed. If it is good.

  Further, the moving body 52 is provided with a cleaning member 67 for cleaning the contact surface that has been in contact with the nozzle surface 20A of the film member 54, and a sealing liquid (sealing liquid) on the surface of the film member 54 that is in contact with the nozzle surface 20A. An application member 82 is provided as an example of application means for applying.

  Each of the cleaning member 67 and the application member 82 is formed in a roll shape and is held by a holding member 83 that is swingably supported by the moving body 52. The holding member 83 has a shape in which the tip end is branched into two branches, the cleaning member 67 is rotatably attached to one tip end of the holding member 83, and the application member 82 is attached to the other tip end of the holding member 83. It is mounted for rotation.

  When the holding member 83 swings in one direction, the cleaning member 67 comes into contact with the film member 54 of the winding shaft 56, the application member 82 is separated from the film member 54 of the winding shaft 56, and the holding member 83 is moved. By swinging to the other side, the cleaning member 67 is separated from the film member 54 of the winding shaft 56, and the application member 82 is in contact with the film member 54 of the winding shaft 56.

  The cleaning member 67 is formed of a roll-shaped absorber, and comes into contact with the contact surface of the film member 54 so as to wipe off the adhered matter such as ink attached to the contact surface for cleaning.

  Further, the cleaning member 67 contacts the film member 54 regardless of the amount of the film member 54 wound around the winding shaft 56 and contacts the film member 54 wound around the winding shaft 56. It is possible. The cleaning operation by the cleaning member 67 is performed in parallel with the winding operation of the film member 54 by the cleaning member 67 coming into contact with the film member 54 being wound around the winding shaft 56. Is cleaned by the cleaning member 67 while being wound around the winding shaft 56.

  The cleaning member 67 may be a cleaning blade that contacts the film member 54 as in the first embodiment.

  The application member 82 is formed of a roll-shaped porous body, and a sealing liquid is supplied from a sealing liquid supply device 84 as shown in FIG.

  The sealing liquid supply device 84 includes a sealing liquid supply unit 85 that immerses the coating member 82 spaced apart from the film member 54 in the sealing liquid and supplies the sealing liquid to the coating member 82, and a sealing liquid storage unit 86 that stores the sealing liquid. And a liquid feeding means 87 for sending the sealing liquid from the sealing liquid storage section 86 to the sealing liquid supply section 85.

  The liquid supply means 87 is constituted by, for example, a liquid supply pump that supplies the seal liquid by the action of pressure, and the liquid supply means 87 supplies the seal liquid from the seal liquid storage part 86 to the seal liquid supply part 85 at a constant rate. It is configured to be.

  As a configuration for supplying the sealing liquid constantly, for example, a liquid level sensor 88 that detects the upper limit and the lower limit of the liquid amount of the sealing liquid supply part 85 is provided in the sealing liquid supply part 85, and the seal in the sealing liquid supply part 85 When the liquid is reduced and the liquid level sensor 88 detects the lower limit, the liquid supply means 87 is driven to replenish the seal liquid supply part 85, and when the liquid level sensor 88 detects the upper limit, the liquid supply means 87 is stopped. It is good also as composition to do.

  Further, as the sealing liquid, for example, a solution having the same physical properties as the ink and containing no ink dye or pigment is used.

  Next, the capping operation of the capping device 250 will be described.

  If the capping device 250 receives a capping command when the maintenance unit 22Y is located at a position facing the inkjet recording head 20Y, the inkjet recording head 20Y is located at the cap position in step 200 as shown in FIG. It is determined whether or not. When the inkjet recording head 20Y is located at the cap position, the process proceeds to step 202, and when the inkjet recording head 20Y is not located at the cap position, the process proceeds to step 204. In step 204, the inkjet recording head 20Y is moved to the cap position, and the process proceeds to step 202.

  In step 202, the application member 82 is turned on, that is, the cleaning member 67 is separated from the film member 54, and the application member 82 is brought into contact with the film member 54, and the process proceeds to step 206.

  In step 206, with the film member 54 in contact with the nozzle surface 20A, the winding shaft 56 is rotated in the unwinding direction to start unwinding of the film member 54, and the process proceeds to step 208.

  In step 208, the moving body 52 is moved in a predetermined direction along the nozzle surface 20A (see FIG. 13) to apply the sealing liquid to the film member 54, and the film member 54 is applied to the nozzle surface 20A of the inkjet recording head 20Y. Then, the nozzle surface 20A is capped, and the process proceeds to Step 210.

  In step 210, the rotation of the winding shaft 56 is stopped, and the process proceeds to step 212. In step 212, the movement of the moving body 52 is stopped and the capping operation is finished.

  Thus, the film member 54 gradually adheres from one end of the nozzle surface 20A while being unwound, and caps the nozzle surface 20A.

  Upon receiving a cap-off command, that is, a command to remove the film member 54 as a cap from the nozzle surface 20A, as shown in FIG. 14, in step 220, the cleaning member 67 is turned on, that is, the cleaning member 67 is moved to the film member 54. The process proceeds to step 222.

  In step 222, the winding shaft 56 is reversely rotated in the winding direction to start winding the film member 54, and the process proceeds to step 224.

  In step 224, the moving body 52 is moved in the direction opposite to the predetermined direction (see FIG. 15), the film member 54 is peeled from the nozzle surface 20A of the inkjet recording head 20Y, and the film member 54 is cleaned. The film member 54 is collected and the process proceeds to step 226.

  In step 226, the rotation of the winding shaft 56 is stopped and the process proceeds to step 228. In step 228, the movement of the moving body 52 is stopped, and the operation of removing the film member 54 from the nozzle surface 20A is completed.

  Thus, the film member 54 is gradually peeled off from the other end of the nozzle surface 20A while being wound up, and is removed from the nozzle surface 20A.

[Third Embodiment]
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the part same as 1st Embodiment and 2nd Embodiment, and description is abbreviate | omitted. Further, the entire configuration of the ink jet recording apparatus as an example of the droplet discharge apparatus is the same as that of the first embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

  As shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, the capping device 350 according to the third embodiment moves together with the winding shaft 56 and serves as an example of a close contact unit that closely contacts the film member 54 attached to the nozzle surface 20 </ b> A. A pressing member 90 that presses the nozzle surface 20A against the nozzle surface 20A is provided.

  The pressing member 90 is formed of a roll-shaped elastic member and is urged upward by an urging means 91 such as a compression spring. The pressing member 90 is disposed between the winding shaft 56 and the fixing member 58, and further pushes the film member 54 unwound from the winding shaft 56 and attached to the nozzle surface 20A to the nozzle surface 20A. The film member 54 is caused to follow the nozzle surface 20A by being brought into close contact with the nozzle surface 20A.

  As the pressing member 90, for example, a rubber member such as silicon, EPDM, NBR (including HNBR), urethane, or the like is conceivable, and is selected depending on required hardness, ink resistance, and durability.

  The winding shaft 56 is biased upward by the compression spring 62, but the film member 54 is pressed against the nozzle surface 20A by the pressing member 90 so that the film member 54 follows the nozzle surface 20A. The film member 54 of the attached shaft 56 may be in a non-contact state with the nozzle surface 20A. In the case of this configuration, the pressing member 90 functions as the above-described adhesion means, and does not have the above-described adhesion means.

  Next, the capping operation of the capping device 350 will be described.

  When the maintenance unit 22Y is positioned at a position facing the inkjet recording head 20Y, when the capping device 350 receives a capping command, the inkjet recording head 20Y is positioned at the cap position in step 300 as shown in FIG. It is determined whether or not. When the inkjet recording head 20Y is located at the cap position, the process proceeds to step 302, and when the inkjet recording head 20Y is not located at the cap position, the process proceeds to step 304. In step 304, the inkjet recording head 20Y is moved to the cap position, and the process proceeds to step 302.

  In step 302, the application member 82 is turned on, that is, the cleaning member 67 is separated from the film member 54 and the application member 82 is brought into contact with the film member 54, and the process proceeds to step 306.

  In step 306, the winding shaft 56 is rotated in the unwinding direction while the film member 54 is in contact with the nozzle surface 20A, and unwinding of the film member 54 is started, and the process proceeds to step 308.

  In step 308, the moving body 52 is moved in a predetermined direction along the nozzle surface 20A (see FIGS. 19 and 20A) to apply the sealing liquid to the film member 54, and at the same time, the nozzle surface of the inkjet recording head 20Y. The film member 54 is attached to 20A, and the pressing member 90 brings the film member 54 into close contact with the nozzle surface 20A, capping the nozzle surface 20A, and the process proceeds to step 310.

  When the pressing member 90 brings the film member 54 into close contact with the nozzle surface 20A, the pressing member 90 is deformed even if the nozzle surface 20A of the ink jet recording head 20Y has irregularities as shown in FIG. Then, the film member 54 is brought into close contact with the nozzle surface 20A by following the stepped portion of the nozzle surface 20A.

  In step 310, the rotation of the winding shaft 56 is stopped and the process proceeds to step 312. In step 312, the movement of the moving body 52 is stopped and the capping operation is finished.

  Thus, the film member 54 gradually adheres from one end of the nozzle surface 20A while being unwound, and caps the nozzle surface 20A.

  Upon receiving a cap-off command, that is, a command to remove the film member 54 as a cap from the nozzle surface 20A, as shown in FIG. 21, in step 320, the cleaning member 67 is turned on, that is, the cleaning member 67 is moved to the film member 54. To move to step 322.

  In step 322, the winding shaft 56 is reversely rotated in the winding direction to start winding the film member 54, and the process proceeds to step 324.

  In step 324, the moving body 52 is moved in the direction opposite to the predetermined direction (see FIG. 22), the film member 54 is peeled off from the nozzle surface 20A of the inkjet recording head 20Y, and the film member 54 is cleaned. The film member 54 is collected and the process proceeds to step 326.

  In step 326, the rotation of the winding shaft 56 is stopped and the process proceeds to step 328. In step 328, the movement of the moving body 52 is stopped, and the operation of removing the film member 54 from the nozzle surface 20A is completed.

  Thus, the film member 54 is gradually peeled off from the other end of the nozzle surface 20A while being wound up, and is removed from the nozzle surface 20A.

(Modification of the pressing member 90)
Next, a modified example of the pressing member 90 will be described.

  The pressing member 92 according to the modified example is formed in a blade shape as shown in FIG. As the pressing member 92, for example, a rubber member such as silicon, EPDM, NBR (including HNBR), urethane, or the like is conceivable, and is selected depending on required hardness, ink resistance, and durability.

  The pressing member 92 is held by a holding member 93 that is swingably supported by the moving body 52. When the holding member 93 swings to one side, the pressing member 92 comes into contact with the film member 54, and when the holding member 93 swings to the other side, the pressing member 92 is separated from the film member 54. ing. The pressing member 92 contacts the film member 54 when the film member 54 is brought into close contact with the nozzle surface 20A, and is separated from the film member 54 when the film member 54 is peeled off from the nozzle surface 20A.

  The contacting and separating operation of the pressing member 92 may be performed by swinging the holding member 93 by, for example, a one-way clutch using the rotation of the winding shaft 56.

  Further, the mounting angle of the pressing member 92 is set so that the pressure with which the pressing member 92 presses the film member 54 against the nozzle surface 20A is in a range where the film member 54 is brought into close contact with the nozzle surface 20A.

  As shown in FIG. 23B, the shape of the tip portion of the pressing member 92 may be a rectangular shape, or a portion that contacts the film member 54 is cut obliquely to form an inclined surface. The shape may be selected depending on the pressing condition.

[Fourth Embodiment]
Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the part same as 1st Embodiment, 2nd Embodiment, and 3rd Embodiment, and description is abbreviate | omitted. Further, the entire configuration of the ink jet recording apparatus as an example of the droplet discharge apparatus is the same as that of the first embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

  As shown in FIGS. 24 and 25, the capping device 450 according to the fourth embodiment moves together with the winding shaft 56 and serves as an example of a close contact means that closely contacts the film member 54 attached to the nozzle surface 20A. An air duct 95 that blows air on the air is provided.

  The air duct 95 is connected to a compressor (not shown) or the like, and is configured to blow air onto the film member 54 as necessary.

  The air duct 95 is disposed between the winding shaft 56 and the fixing member 58, and blows air onto the film member 54 that is unwound from the winding shaft 56 and adheres to the nozzle surface 20A so as to be in close contact with the nozzle surface 20A. By causing the film member 54 to follow the nozzle surface 20A.

  Next, the capping operation of the capping device 450 will be described.

  When the maintenance unit 22Y is located at a position facing the ink jet recording head 20Y, when the capping device 450 receives a capping command, as shown in FIG. 26, the ink jet recording head 20Y is located at the cap position in step 400. It is determined whether or not. When the inkjet recording head 20Y is located at the cap position, the process proceeds to step 402, and when the inkjet recording head 20Y is not located at the cap position, the process proceeds to step 404. In step 404, the inkjet recording head 20Y is moved to the cap position, and the process proceeds to step 402.

  In step 402, the application member 82 is turned on, that is, the cleaning member 67 is separated from the film member 54 and the application member 82 is brought into contact with the film member 54, and the process proceeds to step 406.

  In step 406, with the film member 54 in contact with the nozzle surface 20A, the winding shaft 56 is rotated in the unwinding direction to start unwinding of the film member 54, and the process proceeds to step 408.

  In step 408, air blowing from the air duct 95 to the film member 54 is started, and the routine proceeds to step 410.

  In step 410, the moving body 52 is moved in a predetermined direction along the nozzle surface 20A (see FIG. 27), and the sealing liquid is applied to the film member 54, and the film member 54 is applied to the nozzle surface 20A of the inkjet recording head 20Y. Further, air pressure is applied from the air duct 95 to the film member 54 to bring the film member 54 into close contact with the nozzle surface 20A, the nozzle surface 20A is capped, and the process proceeds to step 412.

  In the case where air pressure is applied from the air duct 95 to the film member 54 so as to be in close contact with the nozzle surface 20A, even if the nozzle surface 20A of the inkjet recording head 20Y is uneven, the film member 54 is caused to follow the stepped portion of the nozzle surface 20A. The nozzle surface 20A is closely attached.

  In step 412, the blowing of air from the air duct 95 is stopped, and the process proceeds to step 414.

  In step 414, the rotation of the winding shaft 56 is stopped and the process proceeds to step 416. In step 416, the movement of the moving body 52 is stopped and the capping operation is finished.

  Thus, the film member 54 gradually adheres from one end of the nozzle surface 20A while being unwound, and caps the nozzle surface 20A.

  When receiving a cap-off command, that is, a command to remove the film member 54 as a cap from the nozzle surface 20A, as shown in FIG. 28, in step 420, the cleaning member 67 is turned on, that is, the cleaning member 67 is turned on. The process proceeds to step 422.

  In step 422, the winding shaft 56 is rotated in the reverse direction in the winding direction to start winding the film member 54, and the process proceeds to step 424.

  In step 424, the moving body 52 is moved in the direction opposite to the predetermined direction (see FIG. 29), the film member 54 is peeled off from the nozzle surface 20A of the inkjet recording head 20Y, and the film member 54 is cleaned. The film member 54 is collected and the process proceeds to step 426.

  In step 426, the rotation of the winding shaft 56 is stopped and the process proceeds to step 428. In step 428, the movement of the moving body 52 is stopped, and the operation of removing the film member 54 from the nozzle surface 20A is completed.

  Thus, the film member 54 is gradually peeled off from the other end of the nozzle surface 20A while being wound up, and is removed from the nozzle surface 20A.

[Fifth Embodiment]
Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the part same as 1st Embodiment, 2nd Embodiment, 3rd Embodiment, and 4th Embodiment, and description is abbreviate | omitted. Further, the entire configuration of the ink jet recording apparatus as an example of the droplet discharge apparatus is the same as that of the first embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

  30 and 31, the capping device 550 according to the fifth embodiment moves together with the winding shaft 56 and attaches the film member 54 unwound from the winding shaft 56 to the nozzle surface 20A. As an example, a pressing member 96 that presses the film member 54 against the nozzle surface 20A is provided.

  The pressing member 96 is formed of a roll-shaped elastic member and is urged upward by an urging means 97 such as a compression spring. The pressing member 96 is disposed between the winding shaft 56 and the fixing member 58, and presses and adheres the film member 54 unwound from the winding shaft 56 to the nozzle surface 20A.

  As the pressing member 96, for example, a rubber member such as silicon, EPDM, NBR (including HNBR), urethane, or the like is conceivable, and is selected depending on required hardness, ink resistance, and durability.

  Between the winding shaft 56 and the pressing member 96, there is a tension roll 98 as an example of a slack generating means that moves together with the winding shaft 56 and generates a slack in the film member 54 attached by the pressing member 96. Has been placed.

  The tension roll 98 is formed of a roll-shaped elastic member and is urged upward by an urging means 99 such as a compression spring.

  When the tension roll 98 passes through the step formed on the nozzle surface 20 </ b> A, the tension roll 98 moves up and down following the step to control the tension on the film member 54 and cause the film member 54 to sag. Yes.

  As shown in FIG. 31, the tension roll 98 includes a large diameter portion formed at both axial end portions and a large roll diameter, and a small diameter portion formed between the large diameter portions. The diameter portion is in contact with the outside of the nozzle area of the nozzle surface 20A, and the small diameter portion is not in contact with the nozzle surface 20A. Since the film member 54 is wound around the small diameter portion and separated from the nozzle surface 20A, the film member 54 is not in direct contact with the nozzle surface 20A.

  As the tension roll 98, for example, a rubber member such as silicon, EPDM, NBR (including HNBR), urethane, or the like is conceivable, and is selected depending on required hardness, ink resistance, and durability.

  The winding shaft 56 is provided at a height at which the film member 54 wound around the winding shaft 56 does not contact the nozzle surface 20A. Furthermore, when unwinding the film member 54 from the winding shaft 56, the winding shaft 56 is driven to rotate by moving the winding shaft 56 along the nozzle surface 20A of the ink jet recording head 20Y. It is configured to unwind.

  When winding the film member 54, the winding shaft 56 needs to be driven to rotate in the winding direction. As the driving unit that rotates the winding shaft 56 in the winding direction, for example, a mainspring is used. The mainspring is wound when the winding shaft 56 rotates in the unwinding direction, and when the moving body 52 returns, the mainspring is wound back to reversely rotate the winding shaft 56. When the mainspring is unwound, an appropriate brake may be applied.

  Also, a pinion attached coaxially to the winding shaft 56 and a rack that meshes with the pinion are provided, and by moving the rack, the winding shaft 56 is rotated only in the winding direction so that the winding shaft 56 When driven to rotate in the unwinding direction, the winding shaft 56 may be idled.

  Further, a one-way clutch is provided on the winding shaft 56, and when the winding shaft 56 is driven to rotate in the unwinding direction, the driving force from the drive unit is cut off, and the winding shaft 56 is driven by the driving unit only in the winding direction. The structure to be made may be sufficient.

  Next, the capping operation of the capping device 550 will be described.

  When the maintenance unit 22Y is located at a position facing the ink jet recording head 20Y, when the capping device 550 receives a capping command, as shown in FIG. 32, in step 500, the ink jet recording head 20Y is located at the cap position. It is determined whether or not. When the inkjet recording head 20Y is located at the cap position, the process proceeds to step 502, and when the inkjet recording head 20Y is not located at the cap position, the process proceeds to step 504. In step 504, the inkjet recording head 20Y is moved to the cap position, and the process proceeds to step 502.

  In step 502, the application member 82 is turned on, that is, the cleaning member 67 is separated from the film member 54, and the application member 82 is brought into contact with the film member 54, and the process proceeds to step 506.

  In step 506, the winding shaft 56 is rotated in the unwinding direction with the film member 54 in contact with the nozzle surface 20 </ b> A to start unwinding of the film member 54, and the process proceeds to step 508.

  In step 508, the moving body 52 is moved in a predetermined direction along the nozzle surface 20A (see FIGS. 33, 34, and 35) to apply the sealing liquid to the film member 54, and the pressing member 96 is the film member. 54 is attached to the nozzle surface 20A, the nozzle surface 20A is capped, and the process proceeds to step 510.

  In step 510, the rotation of the winding shaft 56 is stopped and the process proceeds to step 512. In step 512, the movement of the moving body 52 is stopped and the capping operation is ended.

  Thus, the film member 54 gradually adheres from one end of the nozzle surface 20A while being unwound, and caps the nozzle surface 20A.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 33, FIG. 34, and FIG. 35, the operation of the tension roll 98 and the pressing member 96 when the nozzle surface 20A of the inkjet recording head 20Y has irregularities will be described.

  When the moving body 52 starts to move, the tension roll 98 comes into contact with the nozzle surface 20A and is pushed downward as shown in FIG. When the tension roll 98 is pushed downward, the film member 54 is also pulled downward, the winding shaft 56 is rotated, and the film member 54 is pulled out. When the moving body 52 further moves, as shown in FIG. 33 (b), the pressing member 96 comes into contact with the nozzle surface 20A and is pushed downward. When the pressing member 96 is pushed downward, the tension of the film member 54 pulled out by the tension roll 98 being pushed downward is weakened between the pressing member 96 and the tension roll 98, and the film member 54 is Deflection.

  The pressed film member 54 is pressed against the nozzle surface 20A by the pressing member 96, and the film member 54 is attached to the nozzle surface 20A by following the stepped portion of the nozzle surface 20A.

  When the adjacent nozzle surface 20A is recessed, as shown in FIG. 34 (a), the tension roll 98 rises along the recess and weakens between the pressing member 96 and the tension roll 98, and the film The member 54 bends.

  As shown in FIG. 34 (b), the pressing member 96 presses the bent film member 54 against the nozzle surface 20A, and the film member 54 follows the stepped portion of the nozzle surface 20A and adheres to the nozzle surface 20A.

  When the adjacent nozzle surface 20A protrudes, the tension roll 98 is pushed downward along the convex portion as shown in FIG. When the tension roll 98 is pushed downward, the film member 54 is also pulled downward, the winding shaft 56 is rotated, and the film member 54 is pulled out. When the moving body 52 further moves, as shown in FIG. 35 (b), the pressing member 96 comes into contact with the nozzle surface 20A and is pushed downward. When the pressing member 96 is pushed downward, the tension of the film member 54 pulled out by the tension roll 98 being pushed downward is weakened between the pressing member 96 and the tension roll 98, and the film member 54 is Deflection.

  The pressed film member 54 is pressed against the nozzle surface 20A by the pressing member 96, and the film member 54 is attached to the nozzle surface 20A by following the stepped portion of the nozzle surface 20A.

  In this way, by controlling the tension of the film member 54 by the tension roll 98, as shown in FIGS. 36A and 36B, the film member 54 is made to follow the step of the nozzle surface 20A, and the tension roll 98. The deflection of the film member 54 generated in step 1 is attached to the nozzle surface 20A.

  Upon receiving a cap-off command, that is, a command to remove the film member 54 as a cap from the nozzle surface 20A, as shown in FIG. 37, in step 520, the cleaning member 67 is turned on, that is, the cleaning member 67 is turned on. The process proceeds to step 522.

  In step 522, the winding shaft 56 is reversely rotated in the winding direction to start winding the film member 54, and the process proceeds to step 524.

  In step 524, the moving body 52 is moved in the direction opposite to the predetermined direction (see FIG. 22), the film member 54 is peeled off from the nozzle surface 20A of the inkjet recording head 20Y, and the film member 54 is cleaned. The film member 54 is collected and the process proceeds to step 526.

  In step 526, the rotation of the winding shaft 56 is stopped and the process proceeds to step 528. In step 528, the movement of the moving body 52 is stopped, and the operation of removing the film member 54 from the nozzle surface 20A is completed.

  Thus, the film member 54 is gradually peeled off from the other end of the nozzle surface 20A while being wound up, and is removed from the nozzle surface 20A.

(Modification of the capping device 550 according to the fifth embodiment)
Next, as a modified example of the capping device 550 according to the fifth embodiment, an example provided with a tension fluctuation alleviating means for reducing the tension fluctuation of the film member attached by the film member attaching means will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 38, the capping device 552 according to the modified example moves along with the winding shaft 56 and tension as an example of tension fluctuation mitigating means for mitigating tension fluctuation of the film member 54 attached by the pressing member 96. A roll 75 is provided.

  The tension roll 75 is formed of a roll-shaped elastic member and is urged downward by an urging means 77 such as a tension spring. The film member 54 is wound around a tension roll 75, and a predetermined tension is applied by the tension roll 75.

  When the tension roll 75 applies a predetermined tension to the film member 54, when the pressing member 96 passes through the step formed on the nozzle surface 20A, the tension roll 75 moves up and down following the step. The tension fluctuation of the film member 54 is alleviated and the tension of the film member 54 is set within a predetermined range so that the film member 54 does not sag more than necessary.

  In this way, by controlling the tension of the film member 54 by the tension roll 75, the film member 54 is caused to follow the step of the nozzle surface 20A and adhere to the nozzle surface 20A.

  In the first to fifth embodiments, the moving body 52 is moved to the second retracted position, the film member 54 is attached to the nozzle surface 20A of the inkjet recording head 20Y, and the nozzle surface 20A is capped. However, it is sufficient that the nozzles of the inkjet recording head 20Y are sealed with the film member 54, and the moving body 52 does not have to be moved to the second retracted position. For example, as shown in FIG. 39, the moving body 52 may be stopped when the nozzle of the inkjet recording head 20 </ b> Y is sealed with the film member 54.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications, changes, and improvements can be made. For example, in the above embodiment, the case where the ink jet recording head is arranged so that the nozzle surface 20A is substantially horizontal and the liquid droplets are discharged substantially vertically downward has been described. The ink jet recording head may be arranged so that is oblique to the vertical direction or perpendicular to the vertical direction, and the ink jet recording head may be arranged so that the droplet discharge direction is vertically upward. Good.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of the ink jet recording apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a state in which the maintenance unit is in a facing position facing the nozzle surface of the ink jet recording head in the ink jet recording apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a state in which the capping device according to the first embodiment is in the first retracted position. FIG. 4A is a schematic diagram illustrating a capping device according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 4B is a schematic diagram illustrating an internal configuration of the capping device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an operation flow of the capping operation of the capping device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a capping operation of the capping device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an operation flow of an operation of removing the film member from the nozzle surface in the capping device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is a schematic view showing a state in which the capping device according to the first embodiment is in the second retracted position. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating a state where the capping device according to the second embodiment is in the first retracted position. FIG. 10A is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration in which the film member is fixed by a fixing member in the capping device according to the second embodiment, and FIG. 10B is a diagram illustrating the capping device according to the second embodiment. It is the schematic which shows the structure which fixed the film member with the fixing device provided with the winding shaft which winds up the used film member. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a sealing liquid supply apparatus that supplies a sealing liquid to the application member in the capping apparatus according to the second embodiment. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an operation flow of the capping operation of the capping apparatus according to the second embodiment. FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating a capping operation of the capping apparatus according to the second embodiment. FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an operation flow of an operation of removing the film member from the nozzle surface in the capping device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram illustrating a state in which the capping device according to the second embodiment is in the second retracted position. FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram illustrating a state in which the capping device according to the third embodiment is in the first retracted position. FIG. 17 is a schematic view showing a capping device according to the third embodiment. FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing an operation flow of the capping operation of the capping apparatus according to the third embodiment. FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram illustrating a capping operation of the capping apparatus according to the third embodiment. FIG. 20A is a schematic diagram illustrating a capping operation when the nozzle surface is not uneven in the capping device according to the third embodiment, and FIG. 20B is a schematic diagram illustrating the capping device according to the third embodiment. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a capping operation when the nozzle surface is uneven. FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing an operation flow of an operation of removing the film member from the nozzle surface in the capping device according to the third embodiment. FIG. 22 is a schematic view showing a state where the capping device according to the third embodiment is in the second retracted position. FIG. 23 is a schematic view showing a modification of the pressing member in the capping device according to the third embodiment. FIG. 24 is a schematic diagram illustrating a state in which the capping device according to the fourth embodiment is in the first retracted position. FIG. 25 is a schematic view showing a capping device according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing an operation flow of the capping operation of the capping device according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 27 is a schematic diagram illustrating a capping operation of the capping apparatus according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing an operation flow of an operation of removing the film member from the nozzle surface in the capping device according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 29 is a schematic diagram illustrating a state in which the capping device according to the fourth embodiment is in the second retracted position. FIG. 30 is a schematic view showing a capping device according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 31 is a schematic view of a capping device according to the fifth embodiment viewed from below. FIG. 32 is a flowchart showing an operation flow of a capping operation of the capping apparatus according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 33A is a diagram showing a state in which the tension roll comes into contact with the first nozzle surface after capping starts in the capping device according to the fifth embodiment, and FIG. It is a figure which shows the state which the pressing member contacted the nozzle surface of. FIG. 34A is a diagram showing a state in which a tension roll is in contact with the nozzle surface when the adjacent nozzle surfaces are recessed in the capping device according to the fifth embodiment, and FIG. It is a figure which shows the state which the pressing member contacted the recessed nozzle surface. FIG. 35A is a diagram illustrating a state in which a tension roll is in contact with a nozzle surface when adjacent nozzle surfaces protrude in the capping device according to the fifth embodiment, and FIG. It is a figure which shows the state which the pressing member contacted the protruding nozzle surface. FIG. 36 is a diagram illustrating a state in which an uneven nozzle surface film member adheres and adheres in the capping device according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 37 is a flowchart showing an operation flow of an operation of removing the film member from the nozzle surface in the capping device according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 38 is a diagram illustrating a modification of the capping device according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 39 is a schematic view showing a state in which the capping device according to the first embodiment is stopped when the nozzle of the inkjet recording head 20Y is sealed with the film member 54. FIG.

Explanation of symbols

10 Inkjet recording device (droplet ejection device)
16 Conveying means 20Y, 20M, 20C, 20K Inkjet recording head (droplet ejection head)
20A Nozzle surface 50 Capping device 54 Film member 56 Winding shaft 58 Fixing member (fixing means)
60 Drive shaft (moving means)
62 Compression spring (attachment means, lifting means)
66 Cleaning member 67 Cleaning member 75 Tension roll (Tension fluctuation mitigation means)
78 Fixing device (fixing means)
82 Application member (application means)
90 Pressing member (contacting means)
92 Pressing member (contacting means)
95 Air duct (contacting means)
96 Pressing member (attachment means)
98 Tension roll (sagging means)
250 Capping Device 350 Capping Device 450 Capping Device 550 Capping Device 552 Capping Device

Claims (12)

A film member for adhering to the nozzle surface of a droplet discharge head for discharging droplets from the nozzle;
One end of the film member is wound, and a winding shaft capable of rotating and unwinding the film member;
A fixing means provided outside the region where the nozzles of the droplet discharge head are disposed, and fixing the other end of the film member;
Moving means for moving the winding shaft for unwinding the film member in a predetermined direction along the nozzle surface;
An attaching means that moves together with the winding shaft and attaches the film member unwound from the winding shaft to the nozzle surface;
A capping device comprising: The winding shaft is reversely rotated to wind up the unwound film member,
2. The capping device according to claim 1, wherein the moving unit moves the winding shaft that winds the film member in a direction opposite to the predetermined direction along the nozzle surface.   2. The capping device according to claim 1, further comprising a close-contact unit that moves together with the winding shaft and closely contacts the film member attached to the nozzle surface.   2. The capping apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a moving unit that moves the film member to a position higher than the nozzle surface outside the droplet discharge head.   2. The capping device according to claim 1, further comprising tension fluctuation relaxation means that moves together with the winding shaft and relaxes fluctuations in tension of the film member attached by the attachment means.   2. The capping apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a slack generating means that moves together with the winding shaft and generates a slack in the film member attached by the attaching means.   The capping device according to claim 1, further comprising a cleaning member that cleans a surface of the film member that is in contact with the nozzle surface.   The capping device according to claim 7, wherein the film member is cleaned by the cleaning member while being wound around the winding shaft.   The capping apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an application unit that applies a sealing liquid to a surface of the film member that contacts the nozzle surface.   The capping device according to claim 1, wherein the fixing unit includes a winding shaft that winds the used film member and unwinds the unused film member from the winding shaft. The fixing means includes an unwinding shaft for unwinding the unused film member,
The capping device according to claim 1, wherein the winding shaft winds up the used film member and unwinds the unused film member from the unwinding shaft. A capping device according to any one of claims 1 to 11,
The droplet discharge head for recording an image on a recording medium;
Conveying means for conveying the recording medium;
A droplet discharge apparatus comprising:

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