JP2009028973A - Liquid ejection apparatus and image recording apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

Miniaturization is possible even if a plurality of liquid ejection heads are provided.
An ink jet printer includes eight ink jet heads arranged in two rows along a sub-scanning direction and arranged so that two ink ejection surfaces belonging to different rows do not overlap along a main scanning direction. , Eight caps 61 and 62, and a moving mechanism 70 having one belt 73 that moves the eight caps 61 and 62 in the main scanning direction by running. The four caps 61 are arranged at positions that overlap the ink jet heads 2 belonging to one column along the main scanning direction and overlap the ink jet heads 2 belonging to another column along the sub scanning direction. Is arranged at a position overlapping with the inkjet head 2 belonging to another column along the main scanning direction and overlapping with the inkjet head 2 belonging to one column along the sub-scanning direction.
[Selection] Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a liquid ejection apparatus having a liquid ejection head for ejecting liquid and an image recording apparatus.

  Patent Document 1 describes an ink jet printer that includes four long ink jet heads arranged side by side in the paper transport direction and a maintenance unit that performs maintenance of the four ink jet heads. In this ink jet printer, the maintenance unit includes a frame that can move horizontally in a direction parallel to the paper transport direction, a blade provided on the frame, a wipe roller, an ink suction member, and four caps. The four caps are formed in a long shape so as to cover the nozzle surfaces of the four inkjet heads, and are arranged in parallel along the paper transport direction. When the maintenance unit is at the purge position, a purge operation is performed in which each cap covers the nozzle surface and ink is ejected from the nozzle toward the cap. Thereafter, when each cap is separated from the nozzle surface and the maintenance unit is moved to the retracted position, the ink suction member, the wipe roller, and the blade sequentially face the nozzle surface, and ink suction and wiping are performed by each member. Thus, maintenance of the four inkjet heads is performed.

JP 2005-132025 A

  In the inkjet printer described in Patent Document 1 described above, the four caps provided in the maintenance unit are arranged on the frame in the same positional relationship as the positional relationship of the four inkjet heads. Thus, for example, with four inkjet heads as one set, the other set is a position shifted in the orthogonal direction so that the print area of each set on the paper is not interrupted with respect to the direction orthogonal to the paper transport direction, When the print areas of each set are added to positions shifted in the paper transport direction so that the print areas do not overlap (that is, positions where the two sets are in an oblique positional relationship with respect to the paper transport direction), the same position as the positional relationship of the inkjet head The eight caps arranged in the relationship are provided on one frame, and the ink jet printer is increased in size in the paper transport direction.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a liquid ejecting apparatus and an image recording apparatus that can be downsized even if they have a plurality of liquid ejecting heads.

  The liquid ejection apparatus according to the present invention includes two liquid ejection surfaces each having a liquid ejection surface on which a liquid ejection region is formed, each of the liquid ejection surfaces being arranged in two rows along one direction and belonging to different columns. A plurality of liquid ejection heads arranged so that the ejection surfaces do not overlap along a direction perpendicular to the one direction with respect to the in-plane direction of the liquid ejection surface, and the liquid ejection surface by contacting the liquid ejection surface The plurality of caps are moved between a plurality of caps that can cover the formed liquid discharge region, a cap position where the cap faces the liquid discharge surface, and a retreat position where the cap does not face the liquid discharge surface. Moving mechanism. When the plurality of caps are arranged at the retracted position, the cap corresponding to the liquid ejection head related to one row is in a direction orthogonal to the liquid ejection head related to the one row And the cap corresponding to the liquid ejection head according to the other row is disposed at a position overlapping with the liquid ejection head according to another row along the one direction. It is arranged at a position that overlaps with the liquid discharge heads in a row along the orthogonal direction and overlaps with the liquid discharge heads in the one row along the one direction, and the moving mechanism includes a plurality of rollers. And is spanned by the plurality of rollers and connected to all the caps, and the cap is moved from the retracted position to the cap position by running. And a belt to.

  According to this, by arranging the liquid ejection surfaces of the plurality of liquid ejection heads in two rows along one direction, and arranging so that the two liquid ejection surfaces belonging to different rows do not overlap with each other in the orthogonal direction, Even if vacant spaces are formed in regions adjacent to the liquid ejection heads in the orthogonal direction, a plurality of caps corresponding to the liquid ejection heads are arranged in these spaces. By disposing the cap in such a vacant space, it is not necessary to provide another space for disposing a plurality of caps, and the liquid ejecting apparatus can be reduced in size. In addition, since it is possible to move all caps from the retracted position to the cap position and from the cap position to the retracted position with one belt, the moving mechanism has a simple configuration.

  In the present invention, it is preferable that the moving mechanism moves the cap in the orthogonal direction as the belt travels along the orthogonal direction.

In the present invention, the plurality of liquid ejection heads may be composed of two or more liquid ejection heads having the same position in the orthogonal direction and having the liquid ejection surfaces close to each other. It is preferable to be divided into groups.
As a result, even if empty spaces are formed in regions adjacent to the two head sets in the orthogonal direction, a plurality of caps corresponding to the liquid ejection heads belonging to each head set are arranged in these spaces. Therefore, the apparatus can be reduced in size.

Further, at this time, the moving mechanism is connected to the belt, and supports the plurality of caps respectively corresponding to the liquid ejection heads belonging to the one head set in a state where the positions in the orthogonal direction are the same. A support member and a second support member connected to the belt and supporting the plurality of caps corresponding to the liquid ejection heads belonging to the different head set in the same position in the orthogonal direction. It may be.
Accordingly, the plurality of liquid discharge heads can be supported for each head set by the first and second support members, and the arrangement of the belt is simplified.

At this time, the belt may be disposed between the two head groups, and portions of the belt extending in the orthogonal direction may be disposed to face each other in the vertical direction.
Thereby, even if the belt is disposed between the head groups, the portions extending in the orthogonal direction of the belt are disposed to face each other in the vertical direction, so that the gap between the head groups can be reduced. . In addition, the belt length is relatively short, and the conveyance accuracy of the cap can be improved.

At this time, the belt may be disposed so as to surround all the liquid discharge heads and the caps in a plan view.
As a result, the gap between the head groups can be reduced.

Further, in the present invention, the plurality of liquid discharge heads are divided into a plurality of head sets each including the two liquid discharge heads in different rows while the liquid discharge surfaces are close to each other in the one direction. Preferably it is.
As a result, even if vacant spaces are formed in regions adjacent to the liquid ejection heads belonging to each head set in the orthogonal direction, a plurality of caps are disposed in these spaces. Therefore, the apparatus can be reduced in size.

  At this time, the plurality of head sets may be arranged in parallel in the one direction so that the plurality of liquid discharge heads are arranged in a staggered manner in the one direction. Thereby, a plurality of caps can be arranged in a staggered pattern opposite to the staggered pattern of the liquid discharge head, which contributes to downsizing of the liquid discharge apparatus.

Further, at this time, the moving mechanism includes a plurality of support members that are coupled to the belt and respectively support the plurality of caps, and a portion of the belt that extends in the orthogonal direction is the one of the ones. With respect to the direction, it may be arranged outside one of the plurality of head sets and between each liquid discharge head.
As a result, even if a plurality of caps are arranged in a staggered pattern, the cap can be moved from the retracted position to the cap position and from the cap position to the retracted position simply by running the belt.

Also, at this time, the liquid ejection head located in one of the two liquid ejection heads belonging to one head set and the two liquid ejections belonging to another head group adjacent to the one head group. The liquid discharge head located in one of the heads is located in the same direction in the orthogonal direction and is arranged close to the one direction, and the other of the two liquid discharge heads belonging to the other head set The other of the two liquid discharge heads belonging to the head set disposed at a position where the another head set is sandwiched between the liquid discharge head located and the one head set. The plurality of heads are arranged such that the liquid ejection heads located at the same position in the orthogonal direction are the same and are arranged close to each other in the one direction There may also be arranged in parallel with respect to said one direction.
As a result, two caps belonging to adjacent head groups and corresponding to two adjacent liquid ejection heads can be disposed at the same position in the orthogonal direction and close to each other in one direction.

Also, at this time, the moving mechanism is connected to the belt, and in the two adjacent head groups, the two liquid discharge heads sandwiched between the two liquid discharge heads positioned on the outermost side in the one direction. A support member for supporting the two caps respectively corresponding to the heads may be provided, and a portion of the belt extending in the orthogonal direction may be disposed between two adjacent head sets.
As a result, the support member that supports the two caps corresponding to the two liquid discharge heads can be moved, and the number of belts disposed between the liquid discharge heads is relatively small, and the structure of the moving mechanism Becomes simple.

In the present invention, the plurality of liquid discharge heads may include a plurality of first head sets each including two liquid discharge heads in different rows while adjacent liquid discharge surfaces are close to each other in the one direction. And the second head set composed of two liquid discharge heads sandwiching the plurality of first head sets with respect to the one direction, out of the two liquid discharge heads belonging to one first head set The liquid discharge head positioned on one side and the liquid discharge head positioned on one of the two liquid discharge heads belonging to another first head set adjacent to the one first head set are orthogonal to each other. The position in the direction is the same and is arranged close to the one direction, and is positioned in the other of the two liquid discharge heads belonging to the different first head set. The two liquid ejection heads that belong to a first head set that is disposed adjacent to the other first head set and is sandwiched by the one first head set. The plurality of first head sets are arranged in the one direction so that the liquid discharge heads located on the other of the liquid discharge heads are arranged in the same direction in the orthogonal direction and are arranged close to each other in the one direction. Are preferably arranged side by side.
As a result, two caps belonging to the adjacent first head group and corresponding to the two adjacent liquid ejection heads can be arranged at the same position in the orthogonal direction and close to each other in one direction.

Further, at this time, the liquid discharge head arranged on the outermost side in the one direction among all the liquid discharge heads related to the plurality of first head sets, and the second head set adjacent to the liquid discharge head And the liquid discharge heads belonging to the same may be arranged so that the positions in the orthogonal direction are the same.
Accordingly, the liquid ejection head belonging to the second head group and the two caps corresponding to the liquid ejection head belonging to the first head group adjacent to the liquid ejection head are at the same position in the orthogonal direction and close to each other in one direction. Can be arranged.

Further, at this time, the moving mechanism is connected to the belt, and in the two adjacent first head groups, the two moving heads sandwiched between the two liquid discharge heads located on the outermost side in the one direction. A first support member that supports the two caps respectively corresponding to the liquid discharge heads, and an outermost side in the one direction among all the liquid discharge heads connected to the belt and related to the plurality of first head sets The cap corresponding to the liquid ejection head located on one side of the head and the liquid ejection head belonging to the second head set belonging to the second head set and adjacent to the liquid ejection head located on the one side. A second support member that supports a cap, and a front of all the liquid discharge heads connected to the belt and associated with the plurality of first head sets. The cap corresponding to the liquid discharge head located on the other outermost side in one direction and the liquid discharge belonging to the second head set belonging to the second head set and adjacent to the liquid discharge head located on the other side A third support member that supports the cap corresponding to the head, and a portion of the belt that extends in the orthogonal direction is between the plurality of first head sets and the plurality of the plurality of first head sets with respect to the one direction. It may be arranged outside the first head set.
As a result, the first to third support members that support the two caps respectively corresponding to the two liquid discharge heads can be moved, and the number of belts disposed between the liquid discharge heads is relatively small. This simplifies the configuration of the moving mechanism.

  The image recording apparatus of the present invention has an ink discharge surface on which an ink discharge region is formed, and each of the ink discharge surfaces is arranged in two rows along one direction and belongs to the two different columns. A plurality of inkjet heads arranged so that the ejection surfaces do not overlap along a direction perpendicular to the one direction with respect to the in-plane direction of the ink ejection surface, and the one direction while the recording medium faces the ink ejection surface A recording medium transport mechanism that transports the ink, a plurality of caps capable of covering the ink discharge region formed on the ink discharge surface by contacting the ink discharge surface, and the cap facing the ink discharge surface And a moving mechanism that moves the plurality of caps between a cap position to be moved and a retracted position that does not face the ink ejection surface.When the plurality of caps are arranged at the retracted position, the cap corresponding to the inkjet head related to one row is along the direction orthogonal to the inkjet head related to the one row. And the cap corresponding to the ink jet head according to the other row is disposed at a position overlapping with the ink jet head according to the other row along the one direction. The inkjet head is disposed at a position overlapping with the inkjet head in the orthogonal direction and overlapping with the inkjet head in one row along the one direction, and the moving mechanism includes a plurality of rollers and the plurality of rollers. And is connected to all the caps, and the caps are moved forward by running. And a belt that moves in the capping position from the retracted position.

  According to this, the liquid discharge surfaces of a plurality of liquid discharge heads are arranged in two rows along one direction, and the two liquid discharge surfaces belonging to different rows are arranged so as not to overlap in a direction orthogonal to each other. Even if vacant spaces are formed in regions adjacent to the respective liquid discharge heads with respect to the direction in which the liquid is discharged, a plurality of caps corresponding to the respective liquid discharge heads are arranged in these spaces. By disposing a cap in such a space, there is no need to provide another space for disposing a plurality of caps, and the image recording apparatus can be reduced in size. In addition, since it is possible to move all caps from the retracted position to the cap position and from the cap position to the retracted position with one belt, the moving mechanism has a simple configuration.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a plan view of an essential part of an inkjet printer according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line II-II shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a view of the two head sets shown in FIG. 1 as viewed from below.

  As shown in FIG. 1, an ink jet printer (liquid ejecting apparatus, image recording apparatus) 1 is a line type color ink jet printer having two head sets 3a and 3b each composed of four ink jet heads (liquid ejecting heads) 2. is there. The ink jet printer 1 includes a paper feeding unit at the top in FIG. 1 and a paper discharge unit at the bottom in FIG. 1 (both not shown).

  At a position facing the two head sets 3 of the ink jet printer 1 and sandwiched between the paper feeding unit and the paper discharge unit, the paper serving as a recording medium is placed on the ink ejection surfaces (liquid ejection surfaces) of the eight ink jet heads 2. ) A paper transport mechanism (recording medium transport mechanism) 10 for transporting to a position opposite to 4 is provided. As shown in FIG. 1, the sheet transport mechanism 10 is bridged between a pair of belt rollers 6 and 7 and a pair of belt rollers 6 and 7 that are disposed in a position sandwiching the two head sets 3 a and 3 b in the vertical direction. And a conveyor belt 8. Among them, the belt roller 7 is given a driving force from a conveyance motor (not shown) and rotates in a predetermined direction. By the rotation of the belt roller 7 in a predetermined direction, the conveyance belt 8 travels so as to convey the sheet in the sheet conveyance direction A (the direction from the upper side to the lower side in FIG. 1).

  The conveyor belt 8 is composed of a two-layer structure of a base substrate and urethane rubber, and the outer peripheral surface thereof, that is, the conveyor surface 9 has adhesiveness. Then, the paper fed out from the paper feeding unit is transported in the transport direction A while being held by the adhesive force of the transport surface 9.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, each of the eight inkjet heads 2 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape that is long in the main scanning direction (direction perpendicular to the transport direction A). The inkjet head 2 has a head body 5 at the lower end.

  A reservoir unit that is partially covered by a cover 14 and temporarily stores ink is fixed to the upper surface of the head body 5. A tube joint 11 is connected to the left end of the reservoir unit in FIG. 1, and an ink reservoir for storing ink supplied from the tube joint 11 is formed inside the reservoir unit. The reservoir unit is formed to be longer than the head main body 5 in the main scanning direction (direction orthogonal to one direction), and the portions 12 extending on both sides serve as fixing portions to the lifting frame (not shown). . All the inkjet heads 2 are fixed to the lifting frame via fixing portions, and can be moved up and down by a lifting mechanism (not shown).

  Normally, the eight ink jet heads 2 have printing positions (the ink jet heads 2 shown in FIG. 2) in which the ink discharge surface 4 and the transport surface 9 of the transport belt 8 are parallel and a predetermined gap is formed between these surfaces. ). In this configuration, when the paper transported by the transport belt 8 sequentially passes immediately below the eight head bodies 5, a desired image is formed on the paper. On the other hand, at the time of maintenance of the inkjet head 2, the lifting frame is moved by the lifting mechanism, and the eight inkjet heads 2 are arranged at the head maintenance position (see FIG. 4A) separated from the printing position.

  On the bottom surface of the head body 5, that is, the ink discharge surface 4 of the inkjet head 2, as shown in FIG. 3, a plurality of nozzles (liquid discharge ports) 4a for discharging ink and these nozzles 4a are gathered. A configured ink discharge region (liquid discharge region) 4b and an outer region 4c surrounding the ink discharge region 4b are formed.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the eight ink-jet heads 2 are arranged such that the ink discharge surfaces 4 are arranged in two rows by four along the sub-scanning direction, and the ink discharge surfaces 4 belonging to different rows are arranged in the main scanning direction. Arranged so as not to overlap. The eight inkjet heads 2 are composed of four inkjet heads 2 adjacent to each other in the sub-scanning direction (direction parallel to the transport direction A: one direction) without the adjacent ink ejection surfaces 4 being displaced in the main scanning direction. The head groups 3a and 3b are divided.

  The two head sets 3a and 3b are arranged in a staggered manner with their positions shifted in the sub-scanning direction. The two head sets 3a and 3b have the ink discharge surfaces 4 for each head set overlapping each other along the sub-scanning direction, and the print areas (that is, the ink discharge areas) of the head sets 3a and 3b on the paper. 4b) is continuous in the main scanning direction.

  Specifically, it is formed on the innermost side (left side in FIG. 3) of the nozzle interval between adjacent nozzles 4a in one ink ejection region in the main scanning direction and the ink ejection surface 4 related to the head set 3a in the main scanning direction. The inkjet heads 2 are arranged so that the intervals between the nozzles 4a and the nozzles 4a formed on the innermost side (right side in FIG. 3) on the ink ejection surface 4 of the head set 3b are equal.

  Further, the four inkjet heads 2 belonging to each of the head groups 3a and 3b eject four different colors of ink (magenta, yellow, cyan, and black). Specifically, among the four inkjet heads 2 belonging to the head set 3a, the black ink having the smallest brightness is ejected from the inkjet head 2 located at the lowermost position (closest to the head set 3b) in FIG. The yellow ink having the highest brightness is ejected from the inkjet head 2 located at the uppermost position (the most distant from the head set 3b) in FIG. Then, magenta and cyan inks are ejected from the two inkjet heads 2 sandwiched between the two inkjet heads 2.

  On the other hand, among the four inkjet heads 2 belonging to the head set 3b, the black ink with the lowest brightness is ejected from the inkjet head 2 located at the uppermost position (closest to the head set 3a) in FIG. Yellow ink having the highest brightness is ejected from the inkjet head 2 located at the lowest position (the furthest from the head set 3a). Then, magenta and cyan inks are ejected from the two inkjet heads 2 sandwiched between the two inkjet heads 2.

  As described above, since the inkjet heads 2 that discharge the black ink with the lowest brightness belonging to the head groups 3a and 3b are arranged closest to each other in the sub-scanning direction, for example, the long side of white A4 size paper Even when the ink is conveyed (skewed) in a state inclined with respect to the conveying direction A (sub-scanning direction), the deviation of the landing color of the black ink ejected from these heads is less noticeable. If the inkjet head of each head set that ejects black ink is farthest in the sub-scanning direction, the landing timing of the black ink ejected from one head and the black ink ejected from the other head to the paper The difference becomes large and the deviation of the landing positions of these black inks becomes conspicuous. However, as in this embodiment, the two ink jet heads 2 that discharge black ink are close to each other, so that the landing timing on the paper is as follows. The difference between the two becomes smaller, the deviation of the landing position becomes smaller, and it becomes difficult to stand out.

  Furthermore, even if the inkjet heads 2 that discharge yellow ink having the highest brightness belonging to the head groups 3a and 3b are arranged farthest apart in the sub-scanning direction, the yellow ink is not noticeable. Even if there is a slight shift in the landing position, the shift in the landing color is hardly noticeable as a whole.

  Next, the maintenance unit 60 for performing maintenance on the inkjet head 2 will be described. The maintenance unit 60 includes four caps 61 and wipers 63 corresponding to the four inkjet heads 2 belonging to the head set 3a, four caps 62 and wipers 64 corresponding to the four inkjet heads 2 belonging to the head set 3b, The four caps 61 and wipers 63, the four caps 62 and the wipers 64 are moved in opposite directions along the main scanning direction, and the eight caps 61 and 62, the wipers 63 and 64, and the moving mechanism 70 are moved. And a tray 69 containing the.

  In the tray 69, through portions 68a and 68b are formed at positions facing the head sets 3a and 3b, respectively. The through portions 68a and 68b have a rectangular planar shape, and the entire four ink ejection surfaces 4 related to the head sets 3a and 3b are formed in a size that can be opposed to the transport surface 9a.

  The caps 61, 62 both have the same shape and size, and have a base 65 having a similar shape that is slightly larger than the ink ejection region 4 b, and an annular protrusion 66 erected on the peripheral edge of the base 65. have. With this configuration, the caps 61 and 62 can cover the ink discharge region 4b by the tip of the annular protrusion 66 coming into contact with the outer region 4c of the ink discharge surface 4, and the ink in the nozzle 4a is dried. Can be suppressed.

  The base material 65 is formed with two recesses 65a that open upward in the vertical direction, aligned in the main scanning direction. A through hole 65b is formed at the bottom of the recess 65a. By forming the through hole 65b as described above, ink is ejected into the caps 61 and 62 by the purge operation, and the ink accumulated in the recess 65a can be discarded through the through hole 65b into a waste ink reservoir (not shown). become.

  The caps 61 and 62 are supported from below by three springs 67 as shown in FIG. As described above, since the caps 61 and 62 are supported by the three springs 67, the impact when the annular protrusion 66 and the ink discharge surface 4 are brought into contact with each other can be reduced. The discharge surface 4 is hardly damaged by the annular protrusion 66.

  Further, the maintenance unit 60 has a cap height adjusting mechanism (not shown) that moves the heights of the caps 61 and 62 downward when the ink discharge surface 4 is wiped by the wipers 63 and 64. As a result, the tips of the wipers 63 and 64 can be disposed higher than the caps 61 and 62, and the caps 61 and 62 do not come into contact with the ink ejection surface 4 during wiping.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the wipers 63 and 64 are arranged at positions sandwiched between the corresponding inkjet head 2 and caps 61 and 62 corresponding to the inkjet head 2, respectively, and are made of an elastic material such as rubber. Consists of. The wipers 63 and 64 are provided upright from support plates 71 and 72 (described later) that support the caps 61 and 62 via springs 67. The wipers 63 and 64 are formed such that the tips thereof are substantially the same height as the base material 65 of the caps 61 and 62 when the caps 61 and 62 are not lowered downward by the cap height adjusting mechanism. Yes.

  The four wipers 63 related to the head set 3a extend to substantially the same length as the width in the sub-scanning direction of the ink ejection surface 4 related to the head set 3a, and are spaced apart from each other in the sub-scanning direction. Yes. Note that, similarly to the four wipers 63, the four wipers 64 related to the head set 3b extend to substantially the same length as the width of the ink ejection surface 4 related to the head set 3b, and are mutually in the sub-scanning direction. They are spaced apart.

  As a result, even when the inkjet heads 2 belonging to the head groups 3a and 3b eject inks of different colors, when the ink ejection surfaces 4 are wiped, the ink scraped by the wipers 63 and 64 is in close proximity. It is possible to prevent the color mixture of ink from occurring on the ink discharge surface 4 by moving to the ink discharge surface 4.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the moving mechanism 70 is connected to two support plates 71 and 72 for supporting the four caps 61 and 62, respectively, at the inner end portions of the support plates 71 and 72 in the sub-scanning direction. And a pair of belt rollers 74 and 75 that are arranged outside the head sets 3a and 3b in the main scanning direction and over which the belt 73 is bridged.

  On the support plate (first support member) 71, four caps 61 and four wipers 63 corresponding to the four inkjet heads 2 belonging to the head set 3a are supported in the same state in the main scanning direction. The cap 61 and the wiper 63 are arranged at a position overlapping the corresponding inkjet head 2 in the main scanning direction and overlapping the inkjet head 2 belonging to the head set 3b in the sub-scanning direction in plan view.

  On the support plate (second support member) 72, four caps 62 and four wipers 64 corresponding to the four inkjet heads 2 belonging to the head set 3b are supported in the same state in the main scanning direction. The cap 62 and the wiper 64 are arranged at a position overlapping the corresponding inkjet head 2 along the main scanning direction and overlapping the inkjet head 2 belonging to the head set 3a along the sub-scanning direction in plan view.

  The pair of belt rollers 74 and 75 are rotatably supported on the tray 69 so that the belt 73 is disposed between the two head sets 3 a and 3 b in the tray 69. Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the pair of belt rollers 74 and 75 are arranged so that the radial direction thereof includes the vertical direction, and are supported so as to be rotatable in the clockwise direction and the counterclockwise direction in the drawing. Yes. The belt 73 is disposed such that portions of the belt 73 extending in the main scanning direction face each other in the vertical direction. Thereby, even if the belt 73 is disposed between the head sets 3a and 3b, the gap between the head sets 3a and 3b can be reduced. In addition, the belt length can be made relatively short, and the conveyance accuracy of the caps 61 and 62 can be improved.

  The belt 73 in the present embodiment uses a flat belt made of rubber with a very narrow width, but may be a rubber belt having a circular cross section or a wire made of metal. In short, any member having a belt function may be used.

  In addition, the support plate 71 is connected to a portion extending in the main scanning direction located above the belt 73 in the vertical direction, and the support plate 72 extends in the main scanning direction located below the belt 73. It is connected with the part. As shown in FIG. 1, four guide rails 68 c extending along the main scanning direction are formed on the tray 69 so as to sandwich the through portions 68 a and 68 b in the sub-scanning direction. Of these four guide rails 68c, the two guide rails 68c located in the upper part in FIG. 1 are opposed to both ends of the support plate 71 in the sub-scanning direction, and the portions thereof extend along the main scanning direction. It is slidably fitted to a recess formed extending. The remaining two guide rails 68c located in the lower part in FIG. 1 are opposed to both ends of the support plate 72 in the sub-scanning direction, and are recessed portions formed extending in the main scanning direction at the portions. And is slidably fitted.

  With the configuration of the maintenance unit 60 as described above, when the belt roller 74 is rotated counterclockwise in FIG. 2 by a drive motor (not shown), the four caps 61 and the four wipers 63 provided on the support plate 71 are provided. 1 moves from the retracted position (position shown in FIG. 1) not facing the corresponding ink ejection surface 4 to the left in FIG. 1 together with the support plate 71, and four caps 62 and four wipers 64 provided on the support plate 72 are provided. 1 moves from the retracted position (position shown in FIG. 1) that does not face the corresponding ink ejection surface 4 to the right in FIG. 1 together with the support plate 72, so that all caps 61, 62 and wipers 63, 64 face the ink ejection surface. It can be moved to the position (cap position).

  On the other hand, when the belt roller 74 rotates in the clockwise direction in FIG. 2, the four caps 61 and the four wipers 63 together with the support plate 71 from the position (cap position) facing the corresponding ink discharge surface 4 to the right in FIG. The four caps 62 and the four wipers 64 together with the support plate 72 are moved to the left in FIG. 1 from the positions facing the corresponding ink ejection surfaces 4 (cap positions), and all the caps 61 and 62 and the wipers are moved. 63 and 64 can be moved to a retracted position that does not face the ink ejection surface 4.

  Next, the maintenance operation of the maintenance unit 60 will be described below with reference to FIGS. FIG. 4 is a situation diagram showing the purge operation of the inkjet head and the wiping operation of the ink discharge surface over time. FIG. 5 is a situation diagram showing the capping operation of covering the ink ejection surface with a cap over time.

  When performing a purge operation for recovering the inkjet head 2 that has fallen into an ejection failure or the like, as shown in FIG. 4A, all the inkjet heads 2 belonging to the two head groups 3a and 3b are subjected to head maintenance from the printing position. Raise to position. Then, the belt roller 74 is rotated counterclockwise in FIG. 4 so that all the caps 61 and 62 are moved from the retracted position to the cap position, and the belt 73 is caused to travel along the main scanning direction.

  At this time, the cap 61 corresponding to the head set 3a moves to the left in FIG. 1 along the main scanning direction, and the cap 62 corresponding to the head set 3b moves to the right in FIG. 1 along the main scanning direction (FIG. 4). Move to the middle right). That is, the cap 61 and the cap 62 move in directions opposite to each other with respect to the main scanning direction. At this time, the wipers 63 and 64 provided on the same support plates 71 and 72 also move together with the caps 61 and 62, respectively.

  Next, a purge operation for discharging ink from the nozzle 4a of the inkjet head 2 toward the caps 61 and 62 is performed. After the ink is purged into the caps 61 and 62, the belt roller 74 is rotated in the clockwise direction in FIG. 4 so that all the caps 61 and 62 are moved from the cap position to the retracted position, and the belt 73 is main-scanned. Drive along the direction.

  At this time, the cap 61 corresponding to the head set 3a moves to the right in FIG. 1 along the main scanning direction, and the cap 62 corresponding to the head set 3b moves to the left in FIG. 1 along the main scanning direction (FIG. 4). Move to the middle left). Then, as shown in FIG. 4B, all the caps 61 and 62 are lowered downward by a cap height adjusting mechanism (not shown). At this time, the caps 61 and 62 are lowered so that the tips (upper ends) of the wipers 63 and 64 are positioned above the upper ends of the caps 61 and 62.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 4C, all the ink jet heads 2 are moved to a position where the ink discharge surface 4 is slightly lower than the tips of the wipers 63 and 64 and above the upper ends of the caps 61 and 62. Is lowered. Then, the belt roller 74 is rotated counterclockwise in FIG. 4 so that all the wipers 63 and 64 are moved from the retracted position to the position where the caps 61 and 62 reach the cap position. Drive along the direction.

  At this time, since the tips of the wipers 63 and 64 are above the ink discharge surface 4, the wipers 63 and 64 come into contact with the ink discharge surface 4 while being bent, and the ink attached to the ink discharge surface 4 is wiped off by purging. Further, at this time, the wipers 63 and 64 move from the inner end portion (one end portion of the outer region 4c) of the ink discharge surface 4 to be wiped toward the outer end portion in the main scanning direction. The wiping is stopped at a position that reaches the end (the other end of the outer region 4c).

  Next, after all the inkjet heads 2 are raised so that the wipers 63 and 64 are separated from the ink ejection surface 4, all the wipers 63 and 64 are moved to the retracted position. In this way, the inkjet head 2 that has fallen into the ink ejection failure is recovered by the purge, and the maintenance operation for wiping off the ink adhering to the ink ejection surface 4 by the purge is completed.

  Next, a capping operation for covering the ink ejection surface 4 with the caps 61 and 62 when the printer 1 does not perform printing on paper for a long time will be described below. Also in this case, as described above, all the inkjet heads 2 belonging to the two head sets 3a and 3b are raised from the printing position to the head maintenance position (see FIG. 5A). Then, as shown in FIG. 5B, the belt roller 74 is rotated counterclockwise in FIG. 5 so that all the caps 61 and 62 are moved from the retracted position to the cap position, and the main scanning of the belt 73 is performed. A portion extending in the direction is caused to travel along the main scanning direction.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 5C, all the inkjet heads 2 are lowered so that the ink discharge surface 4 comes into contact with the upper ends of the caps 61 and 62. In this way, the space between the ink ejection surface 4 and the caps 61 and 62 becomes a sealed space to prevent the ink in the nozzle 4a from drying.

  According to the ink jet printer 1 according to the present embodiment as described above, the ink discharge surfaces 4 of the eight ink jet heads 2 are arranged in two rows by four along the sub-scanning direction, and the ink discharge surfaces 4 belonging to different rows are arranged. Arrangement is made so that they do not overlap in the main scanning direction, and the eight ink jet heads 2 are divided into two head sets 3a and 3b. Even if formed, caps 61 and 62 corresponding to the ink jet heads 2 belonging to the head groups 3a and 3b are arranged in these spaces. By disposing the caps 61 and 62 in such an empty space, there is no need to provide another space for disposing the eight caps 61 and 62, and the ink jet printer (liquid ejecting apparatus, image recording apparatus) 1 can be reduced in size. Can be achieved. In addition, it is possible to move all the caps 61 and 62 from the retracted position to the cap position and from the cap position to the retracted position by running one belt 73, so that the moving mechanism 70 has a simple configuration. It becomes.

  Further, the support plates 71 and 72 can support the eight caps 61 and 62 and the eight wipers 63 and 64 for each of the head groups 3a and 3b, thereby simplifying the arrangement of the belt 73.

  Next, an inkjet printer 201 according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a plan view of an essential part of an inkjet printer according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

  The ink jet printer (liquid ejecting apparatus, image recording apparatus) 201 according to the present embodiment is the same as the first embodiment except that the configuration of the moving mechanism 270 is different from the configuration of the moving mechanism 70 of the first embodiment. It is. In addition, about the same thing as 1st Embodiment, the same code | symbol is shown and description is abbreviate | omitted.

  The moving mechanism 270 according to the present embodiment includes two support plates 71 and 72, one belt 273 connected at the outer end of each support plate 71 and 72 in the sub-scanning direction, and a belt 273. There are four belt rollers 274 to 277. The four belt rollers 274 to 277 are rotatably supported in the tray 69 so that the belt 273 is disposed so as to surround all the inkjet heads 2, the caps 61 and 62, and the wipers 63 and 64 in a plan view. Has been. By arranging the belt 273 in this way, the gap between the head sets can be reduced.

  Also in the configuration of the moving mechanism 270, when the belt roller 274 is rotated counterclockwise in FIG. 6 by a drive motor (not shown), the four caps 61 and the four wipers 63 provided on the support plate 71 are provided. From the retracted position (the position shown in FIG. 6) that does not face the corresponding ink ejection surface 4, the support plate 71 moves to the left in FIG. 6, and four caps 62 and four wipers 64 provided on the support plate 72 are provided. 6 moves together with the support plate 72 from the retracted position (position shown in FIG. 6) that does not face the corresponding ink ejection surface 4 to the right in FIG. 6, so that all caps 61 and 62 and wipers 63 and 64 face the ink ejection surface. It can be moved to the position (cap position).

  On the other hand, when the belt roller 274 is rotated in the clockwise direction in FIG. 6, the four caps 61 and the four wipers 63 together with the support plate 71 from the position (cap position) facing the corresponding ink ejection surface 4 (cap position) in FIG. The four caps 62 and the four wipers 64 together with the support plate 72 are moved to the left in FIG. 6 from the positions facing the corresponding ink ejection surfaces 4 (cap positions), and all the caps 61, 62 and The wipers 63 and 64 can be moved to a retracted position that does not face the ink ejection surface 4.

  As a result, it is possible to move all the caps 61 and 62 from the retracted position to the cap position and from the cap position to the retracted position by running the single belt 273, so that the moving mechanism 270 has a simple configuration. It becomes.

  Next, an inkjet printer 301 according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a plan view of an essential part of an inkjet printer according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

  The ink jet printer (liquid ejection apparatus, image recording apparatus) 301 in this embodiment differs from the arrangement of eight ink jet heads 2 in the first embodiment in the arrangement of eight ink jet heads (liquid ejection heads) 302. Accordingly, the arrangement of the eight caps 361, 362 and the eight wipers 363, 364 is also different from the arrangement of the eight caps 61, 62 and the eight wipers 63, 64 of the first embodiment, and the configuration of the moving mechanism 370 is different. A maintenance unit 360 different from the configuration of the moving mechanism 70 of the first embodiment is provided. Other than these, the second embodiment is the same as the first embodiment. The configurations of the inkjet head 302, the caps 361 and 362, and the wipers 363 and 364 are the same as those in the first embodiment, and only the arrangement is different from that in the first embodiment. The same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the eight ink jet heads 302 in the present embodiment have four ink ejection surfaces 4 arranged in two rows along the sub-scanning direction, and the ink ejection surfaces belonging to different rows are in the main scanning direction. Are arranged so as not to overlap. The eight ink-jet heads 302 are divided into four head groups 303a, 303b, 303c, and 303d, each of which includes two ink-jet heads 302 in different columns, with the ink ejection surfaces 4 being close to each other in the sub-scanning direction. ing. The four head sets 303a, 303b, 303c, and 303d are arranged in parallel in the sub-scanning direction so that the eight inkjet heads 302 are arranged in a staggered manner in the sub-scanning direction.

  In the two inkjet heads 302 belonging to each of the head groups 303a, 303b, 303c, and 303d, the ink ejection surfaces 4 overlap each other along the sub-scanning direction, and the print area for the paper is continuous in the main scanning direction. Yes. Specifically, in the ink ejection region of one inkjet head 302, the nozzle interval between the nozzles 4a adjacent to each other in the main scanning direction and the inkjet head located to the right in FIG. 7 belonging to the head set 303a with respect to the main scanning direction. The nozzle 4a formed on the innermost side (left side in FIG. 7) of the ink ejection surface 4 of 302 and the innermost side (right side in FIG. 7) of the ink ejection surface 4 of the inkjet head 302 located on the left side in FIG. The inkjet heads 302 are arranged so that the intervals between the nozzles 4a formed on the nozzles 4a are equal. The other head sets 303b, 303c, and 303d are also composed of two inkjet heads 202 arranged in the same manner as the head set 303a.

  The four head sets 303a, 303b, 303c, and 303d eject inks of different colors. In the present embodiment, magenta ink is ejected from the two inkjet heads 302 belonging to the head set 303a, yellow ink is ejected from the two inkjet heads 302 belonging to the head set 303b, and the two inkjet heads 302 belonging to the head set 303c. Cyan ink is ejected from the two, and black ink is ejected from the two inkjet heads 302 belonging to the head set 303d.

  In this way, even if inks of different colors are ejected for each head group, the same color ink is ejected from the two inkjet heads 302 belonging to the head groups 303a, 303b, 303c, and 303d. Even if the long side of the A4 size paper is conveyed (skewed) in a state where it is inclined with respect to the conveying direction A (sub-scanning direction), deviations in the landing colors of the ink ejected from these heads are not noticeable.

  The maintenance unit 360 includes eight caps 361 and 362 and eight wipers 363 and 364 respectively corresponding to the eight inkjet heads 302, and a moving mechanism 370 that moves the caps 361 and 362 and the wipers 363 and 364 in the main scanning direction, respectively. And have.

  The moving mechanism 370 includes 14 rollers 375, two rollers 376 having a diameter slightly larger than these rollers 375, one belt 373 spanned between these 16 rollers 375 and 376, 4 connected to the belt 373 at one end (upper side in FIG. 7) in the scanning direction, and supports a cap 361 and a wiper 363 corresponding to the inkjet head 302 belonging to one row (left row in FIG. 7). One support plate (support member) 371, and four support plates (support members) 372 that respectively support the cap 362 and the wiper 364 corresponding to the inkjet head 302 belonging to the other row (right row in FIG. 7); have. Note that the two rollers 376 may have the same diameter as the roller 375.

  The four support plates 371 overlap with the inkjet heads 302 belonging to the left column in FIG. 7 along the main scanning direction, respectively, and with the inkjet heads 302 belonging to the right column along the sub-scanning direction, respectively. It is arranged at the overlapping position. That is, the cap 361 and the wiper 363 supported by the support plate 371 have the same arrangement form.

  Further, the four support plates 372 overlap with the inkjet heads 302 belonging to the right column in FIG. 7 along the main scanning direction, respectively, and with the inkjet heads 302 belonging to the left column in the sub scanning direction, respectively. It is arranged at a position overlapping along. That is, the cap 362 and the wiper 364 supported by the support plate 372 have the same arrangement form.

  In other words, the eight support plates 371 and 372 are arranged in a staggered arrangement opposite to the staggered arrangement of the eight inkjet heads 302 in the sub-scanning direction. As described above, the support plates 371 and 372, the caps 361 and 362, and the wipers 363 and 364 are arranged in a staggered arrangement opposite to the staggered arrangement of the inkjet head 302, thereby contributing to the downsizing of the inkjet printer 301.

  The fourteen rollers 375 are adjacent to the corners of the outer end portions in the main scanning direction of the seven support plates 371 and 372 except for the lowermost support plate 372 in FIG. The portions extending in the main scanning direction of the belt 373 stretched over the belt 373 are arranged so as to be arranged between adjacent ink jet heads in a parallel state. The portions extending in the main scanning direction of the belt 373 spanned between the two rollers 376 and the two rollers 375 disposed on the outermost side in the sub scanning direction are parallel to each other, and 7, two rollers 376 are arranged so as to be arranged between the two inkjet heads belonging to the outside of the head set 303 a located in the upper part 7 and the head set 303 d located in the lowermost part.

  Since the rollers 375 and 376 and the belt 373 are arranged in this way, all the caps 361 and 362 and the wiper 363 can be obtained only by running the belt 373 even if the eight inkjet heads 302 are arranged in a staggered pattern. , 364 can be moved from a retracted position not facing the ink ejection surface 4 to a position facing the ink ejection surface 4 (cap position).

  With the configuration of the maintenance unit 360 as described above, when one roller (the roller located at the upper left in FIG. 7) 376 is rotated counterclockwise in FIG. 7 by a drive motor (not shown), it is provided on each support plate 371. The cap 361 and the wiper 363 moved from the retracted position (position shown in FIG. 7) to the left in FIG. 7 along the main scanning direction together with the support plate 371, and the cap 362 and the wiper provided on each support plate 372. 364 moves from the retracted position together with the support plate 372 to the right in FIG. 7 along the main scanning direction, and all the caps 361 and 362 and the wipers 363 and 364 are moved to the positions facing the ink ejection surface 4 (cap positions). Can be moved.

  On the other hand, when one roller 376 is rotated in the clockwise direction in FIG. 7, the cap 361 and the wiper 363 together with each support plate 371 from the position (cap position) facing the ink ejection surface 4 along the main scanning direction. All the caps 361 are moved to the left in FIG. 7 along the main scanning direction from the position (cap position) where the caps 362 and the wipers 364 together with the support plates 372 face the ink ejection surface 4. , 362 and wipers 363, 364 can be moved to a retracted position that does not face the ink ejection surface 4.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the caps 361 and 362 and the wipers 363 and 364 respectively corresponding to the two inkjet heads 302 belonging to each of the head groups 303a, 303b, 303c, and 303d can move in directions opposite to each other with respect to the main scanning direction. It has become. Thereby, the maintenance operation similar to that of the first embodiment can be performed by the maintenance unit 360 of the present embodiment.

  According to the ink jet printer 301 according to the present embodiment as described above, even if vacant spaces are formed in regions adjacent to the ink jet heads 302 belonging to the respective head groups 303a, 303b, 303c, and 303d in the main scanning direction. Eight caps 361 and 362 and eight wipers 363 and 364 are arranged in the space. Therefore, the ink jet printer (liquid ejection device, image recording device) 301 can be downsized. In addition, it is possible to move all the caps 361 and 362 and the wipers 363 and 364 from the retracted position to the cap position and from the cap position to the retracted position by causing the single belt 373 to travel. 370 is a simple configuration.

  Next, an inkjet printer 401 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a plan view of an essential part of an inkjet printer according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

  The ink jet printer (liquid ejecting apparatus, image recording apparatus) 401 in the present embodiment is arranged such that the head groups 403a, 403b, 403c, and 403d adjacent in the sub-scanning direction are directed in opposite directions to each other. The arrangement is different from the arrangement of the sets 303a, 303b, 303c, and 303d, and accordingly, the arrangement of the eight caps 461, 462 and the eight wipers 463, 464 is also the eight caps 361, 362 and the wiper 363 of the third embodiment. Unlike the arrangement of 364, the configuration of the moving mechanism 470 has a maintenance unit 460 that is different from the configuration of the moving mechanism 370 of the third embodiment. Other than these, the third embodiment is the same as the third embodiment. The configurations of the inkjet head (liquid ejection head) 402, caps 461 and 462, and wipers 463 and 464 are the same as those in the third embodiment, and only the arrangement is different. Moreover, about the thing similar to 3rd Embodiment, it attaches | subjects the same code | symbol and abbreviate | omits the description.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the eight ink-jet heads 402 in the present embodiment have four ink ejection surfaces 4 arranged in two rows along the sub-scanning direction, and the ink ejection surfaces belonging to different rows are in the main scanning direction. Are arranged so as not to overlap. The eight ink-jet heads 402 are divided into four head groups 403a, 403b, 403c, and 403d, each of which includes two ink-jet heads 402 in different rows while the ink ejection surfaces 4 are close to each other in the sub-scanning direction. ing.

  Of the two inkjet heads 402 belonging to the head set 403a, one inkjet head 402 (located on the left in FIG. 8) and one inkjet head 402 of the two inkjet heads 402 belonging to the head set 403b. And the other inkjet head 402 (located to the right in FIG. 8) belonging to the head set 403b and 2 belonging to the head set 403c. Of the two ink-jet heads 402, the other ink-jet head 402 has the same position in the main scanning direction and is disposed close to the sub-scanning direction, and the one ink-jet head 402 belonging to the head set 403c and the head set 403d Two inkjets to which it belongs The four head groups 403a, 403b, 403c, and 403d are arranged in the sub-scanning direction so that one of the ink jet heads 402 is located in the same position in the main scanning direction and close to the sub-scanning direction. Are arranged side by side.

  As a result, the two caps 461 and 462 and the two wipers 463 and 464 belonging to the adjacent head sets 403a, 403b, 403c, and 403d and corresponding to the two adjacent inkjet heads 402 are placed at the same position in the main scanning direction. Thus, they can be arranged close to each other in the sub-scanning direction.

  The two inkjet heads 402 belonging to each of the head groups 403a, 403b, 403c, and 403d have the ink ejection surfaces 4 overlapping each other along the sub-scanning direction, and the head groups 303a, 303b, and 303c of the third embodiment. , 303d. Further, since the four head groups 403a, 403b, 403c, and 403d eject inks of different colors as in the third embodiment, the same effect can be obtained.

  The maintenance unit 460 includes eight caps 461 and 462 and eight wipers 463 and 464 respectively corresponding to eight inkjet heads, and a moving mechanism 470 that moves the caps 461 and 462 and the wipers 463 and 464 in the main scanning direction, respectively. have.

  The moving mechanism 470 includes eleven rollers 477, one belt 476 that spans the rollers 477, and five support plates 471 to 475 connected to the belt 476. The eleven rollers 477 are arranged between the head sets and outside of the four head sets 403a, 403b, 403c, and 403d in the sub-scanning direction, with the portions extending in the main scanning direction of the belt 476 being parallel to each other. Is arranged to be.

  The support plate 471 overlaps the other ink jet head 402 belonging to the head set 403a (belonging to the right column in FIG. 8) along the main scanning direction, and one of the head plates 403a belonging to the head set 403a (in FIG. 8). The ink jet head 402 (which belongs to the left column) is disposed at a position overlapping the sub scanning direction. A cap 462 and a wiper 464 corresponding to the other inkjet head 402 belonging to the head set 403a are supported and connected to a portion of the belt 476 extending in the main scanning direction.

  The support plate 475 overlaps the other inkjet head 402 belonging to the head set 403d along the main scanning direction, and is disposed at a position overlapping the one inkjet head 402 belonging to the head set 403d along the sub-scanning direction. ing. A cap 462 and a wiper 464 corresponding to the other inkjet head 402 belonging to the head set 403d are supported and connected to a portion of the belt 476 extending in the main scanning direction.

  The support plate 472 overlaps with one inkjet head 402 of the head sets 403a and 403b along the main scanning direction, and overlaps with the other inkjet head 402 of the head sets 403a and 403b along the sub-scanning direction. Has been placed. The support plate 473 overlaps with the other inkjet head 402 of the head sets 403b and 403c along the main scanning direction, and also overlaps with one inkjet head 402 of the head sets 403b and 403c along the sub-scanning direction. Has been placed. The support plate 474 overlaps with one inkjet head 402 of the head sets 403c and 403d along the main scanning direction, and overlaps with the other inkjet head 402 of the head sets 403c and 403d along the sub-scanning direction. Has been placed.

  These three support plates (support members) 472 to 474 respectively correspond to the two inkjet heads 402 sandwiched between the two inkjet heads 402 positioned on the outermost side in the two adjacent head groups in the sub-scanning direction. Two caps and two wipers are supported and connected to a portion of the belt 476 extending in the main scanning direction. Specifically, the support plate 472 supports two caps 461 and two wipers 463 corresponding to one of the inkjet heads 402 (located on the left in FIG. 8) belonging to the two head sets 403a and 403b. Yes. The support plate 473 supports two caps 462 and two wipers 464 corresponding to the other inkjet head 402 belonging to the two head sets 403b and 403c. The support plate 474 supports two caps 461 and two wipers 463 corresponding to one inkjet head 402 belonging to the two head sets 403c and 403d.

  In this manner, the three support plates 472 to 474 supporting the two caps 461 (or 462) and the two wipers 463 (or 464) corresponding to the two inkjet heads 402 can be moved and the adjacent inkjets can be moved. The number of the portions extending along the main scanning direction of the belt 476 between the heads 402 is reduced as compared with the third embodiment, and the configuration of the moving mechanism 470 is simplified.

  With the configuration of the maintenance unit 460 as described above, when one roller (the roller located at the upper left in FIG. 8) 477 is rotated clockwise in FIG. 8 by a drive motor (not shown), the two support plates 472, 474 are The four caps 461 and the four wipers 463 provided in FIG. 8 move from the retracted position (position shown in FIG. 8) to the left in FIG. The four caps 462 and the four wipers 464 provided on the plates 471, 473, 475 move to the right in FIG. 8 along the main scanning direction together with the support plates 471, 473, 475 from the retracted position. The caps 461 and 462 and the wipers 463 and 464 are moved to a position (cap position) facing the ink ejection surface 4. Rukoto can.

  On the other hand, when one roller 477 is rotated in the counterclockwise direction in FIG. 8, the four caps 461 and the four wipers 463 together with the two support plates 472 and 474 are opposed to the ink ejection surface 4 (cap position). 8 from the position (cap position) where the four caps 462 and the four wipers 464 together with the three support plates 471, 473, and 475 are opposed to the ink ejection surface 4 along the main scanning direction. Moving to the left in FIG. 8 along the main scanning direction, all the caps 461 and 462 and the wipers 463 and 464 can be moved to a retracted position that does not face the ink ejection surface 4.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the caps 461 and 462 and the wipers 463 and 464 respectively corresponding to the two inkjet heads 402 belonging to each head set 403a, 403b, 403c, and 403d can move in directions opposite to each other with respect to the main scanning direction. It has become. Thereby, the maintenance operation similar to that of the first embodiment can be performed by the maintenance unit 460 of the present embodiment.

  According to the ink jet printer 401 according to the present embodiment as described above, even if empty spaces are formed in regions adjacent to the ink jet heads 402 belonging to the head groups 403a, 403b, 403c, and 403d in the main scanning direction, Eight caps 461 and 462 and eight wipers 463 and 464 are arranged in the space. Therefore, the ink jet printer (liquid ejection device, image recording device) 401 can be downsized. In addition, it is possible to move all the caps 461 and 462 and the wipers 463 and 464 from the retracted position to the cap position and from the cap position to the retracted position by causing the single belt 476 to travel. 470 is a simple configuration.

  Next, an inkjet printer 501 according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a plan view of an essential part of an inkjet printer according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

  In the ink jet printer (liquid ejection apparatus, image recording apparatus) 501 in the present embodiment, the arrangement of the eight ink jet heads (liquid ejection heads) 502 is slightly different from the arrangement of the eight ink jet heads 402 in the fourth embodiment. Accordingly, the arrangement of the eight caps 561, 562 and the eight wipers 563, 564 is also different from the arrangement of the eight caps 461, 462 and the eight wipers 463, 464 of the fourth embodiment, and the configuration of the moving mechanism 570 However, it has the maintenance unit 560 different from the structure of the moving mechanism 470 of 4th Embodiment. Except for these, the fourth embodiment is the same as the fourth embodiment. The configurations of the inkjet head 502, the caps 561 and 562, and the wipers 563 and 564 are the same as those in the fourth embodiment, and only the arrangement is different from that in the fourth embodiment. Moreover, about the thing similar to 4th Embodiment, it shows with the same code | symbol and abbreviate | omits description.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the eight ink jet heads 502 in the present embodiment have four ink ejection surfaces 4 arranged in two rows along the sub-scanning direction, and the ink ejection surfaces belonging to different rows are in the main scanning direction. Are arranged so as not to overlap. The eight ink jet heads 502 include three head sets 503a, 503b, and 503c each including two ink jet heads 502 in different columns and the ink ejection surfaces 4 are close to each other in the sub scanning direction. The head is divided into a head set (second head set) 503d including two inkjet heads 502 sandwiching three head sets (first head sets) 503a, 503b, and 503c.

  Of the two inkjet heads 502 belonging to the head set 503a, one inkjet head 502 (belonging to the left column in FIG. 9) and one inkjet head among the two inkjet heads 502 belonging to the head set 503b. 502 is located at the same position in the main scanning direction and close to the sub-scanning direction. The other inkjet head 502 (belonging to the right column in FIG. 9) belonging to the head set 503b and the head set 503c Of the two ink jet heads 502 to which the head belongs, the three head sets 503a, 503b, and 503c are arranged so that the other ink jet head 502 is disposed in the same position in the main scanning direction and close to the sub scanning direction. They are arranged in parallel in the scanning direction.

  As a result, the two caps 561 and 562 and the two wipers 563 and 564 belonging to the head sets 503a, 503b, and 503c adjacent to each other and corresponding to the two adjacent inkjet heads 502 are placed at the same position in the main scanning direction. It is possible to arrange them close to each other in the sub-scanning direction.

  In addition, among all the inkjet heads 502 belonging to the head sets 503a, 503b, and 503c, two inkjet heads 502 arranged on the outermost side in the sub-scanning direction, and 2 belonging to the head set 502d adjacent to these inkjet heads 502 are included. Two inkjet heads 502 are arranged so that the positions in the main scanning direction are the same.

  As a result, two caps 562 and 2 corresponding to the other inkjet head 502 belonging to the head set 503d (belonging to the right column in FIG. 9) and the inkjet head 502 belonging to the head set 503a adjacent to the inkjet head 502, respectively. The two wipers 564 can be arranged at the same position in the main scanning direction and close to each other in the sub scanning direction. Note that one of the inkjet heads 502 belonging to the head set 503d (belonging to the left column in FIG. 9) and two caps 561 and two corresponding to the inkjet head 502 belonging to the head set 503c adjacent to the inkjet head 502, respectively. The wiper 563 is the same as described above.

  The two inkjet heads 502 belonging to each of the head groups 503a, 503b, 503c, and 503d have the ink ejection surfaces 4 overlapping each other along the sub-scanning direction, and are the same as in the fourth embodiment. The four head sets 503a, 503b, 503c, and 503d eject inks of different colors. In this embodiment, black ink, magenta ink, and cyan ink are ejected from the three head groups 503a, 503b, and 503c, and yellow ink having the highest brightness is ejected from the head group 503d.

  As described above, since the yellow ink having the highest brightness is ejected from the head set 503d including the two inkjet heads 502 that are most separated in the sub-scanning direction, for example, the long side of white A4 size paper has the transport direction A Even if the ink is conveyed (skewed) in an inclined state with respect to the (sub-scanning direction), the deviation of the landing colors of the ink ejected from these heads becomes inconspicuous.

  The maintenance unit 560 includes eight caps 561 and 562 and eight wipers 563 and 564 respectively corresponding to the eight inkjet heads 502, and a moving mechanism 570 that moves the caps 561 and 562 and the wipers 563 and 564 in the main scanning direction, respectively. And have.

  The moving mechanism 570 includes eight rollers 577, one belt 576 laid over the rollers 577, and four support plates 571 to 574 connected to the belt 576. The eight rollers 577 are the other inkjet heads belonging to the head set 503d between the three head sets 503a, 503b, and 503c with respect to the sub-scanning direction, with the portions extending in the main scanning direction of the belt 576 parallel to each other. It is arranged so as to be arranged between 502 and the head set 503a and between one inkjet head 502 belonging to the head set 503d and the head set 503c.

  The support plate (second support member) 571 overlaps with the other two ink jet heads 502 (belonging to the right column in FIG. 9) belonging to the two head sets 503a and 503d along the main scanning direction, and The two ink-jet heads 502 belonging to the two head sets 503a and 503d (belonging to the left column in FIG. 9) are arranged at positions overlapping the sub-scanning direction. The cap 562 and the wiper 564 respectively corresponding to the other two inkjet heads 502 belonging to the two head sets 503a and 503d are supported and connected to a portion of the belt 576 extending in the main scanning direction.

  The support plate (first support member) 572 overlaps one of the two inkjet heads 502 belonging to the two head sets 503a and 503b along the main scanning direction, and the other belongs to the two head sets 503a and 503b. These two inkjet heads 502 are arranged at positions overlapping with the sub-scanning direction. The cap 561 and the wiper 563 respectively corresponding to one of the two inkjet heads 502 belonging to the two head sets 503a and 503b are supported and connected to a portion of the belt 576 extending in the main scanning direction.

  The support plate (first support member) 573 overlaps the other two inkjet heads 502 belonging to the two head sets 503b and 503c along the main scanning direction, and one of the two head sets 503b and 503c These two inkjet heads 502 are arranged at positions overlapping with the sub-scanning direction. The cap 562 and the wiper 564 respectively corresponding to the other two inkjet heads 502 belonging to the two head sets 503b and 503c are supported and connected to a portion of the belt 576 extending in the main scanning direction.

  The support plate (third support member) 574 overlaps one of the two inkjet heads 502 belonging to the two head sets 503c and 503d along the main scanning direction, and the other belongs to the two head sets 503c and 503d. These two inkjet heads 502 are arranged at positions overlapping with the sub-scanning direction. The cap 561 and the wiper 563 respectively corresponding to one of the two inkjet heads 502 belonging to the two head sets 503c and 503d are supported and connected to a portion of the belt 576 extending in the main scanning direction.

  In this manner, the four support plates 571 to 574 that support the two caps 561 (or 562) and the two wipers 563 (or 564) corresponding to the two inkjet heads 502 can be moved and the adjacent inkjets can be moved. The number of the portions extending along the main scanning direction of the belt 576 between the heads 502 is reduced as compared with the third embodiment, and the configuration of the moving mechanism 570 is simplified.

  With the configuration of the maintenance unit 560 as described above, when one roller (roller located at the upper left in FIG. 9) 577 is rotated clockwise in FIG. 9 by a drive motor (not shown), the two support plates 572 and 574 are The four caps 561 and the four wipers 563 provided in FIG. 9 move from the retracted position (position shown in FIG. 9) to the left in FIG. 9 along the main scanning direction together with the support plates 572 and 574, thereby supporting the two supports. The four caps 562 and the four wipers 564 provided on the plates 571, 573 move to the right in FIG. 9 along the main scanning direction together with the support plates 571, 573 from the retracted position, and all the caps 561, 561 are moved. 562 and wipers 563 and 564 can be moved to a position (cap position) opposite to the ink ejection surface 4. .

  On the other hand, when one roller 577 is rotated counterclockwise in FIG. 9, the four caps 561 and the four wipers 563 together with the two support plates 572 and 574 are opposed to the ink ejection surface 4 (cap position). 9 to the right in FIG. 9 along the main scanning direction, and the four caps 562 and the four wipers 564 together with the two support plates 571 and 573 are main-scanned from the position (cap position) facing the ink ejection surface 4. It is possible to move all caps 561 and 562 and wipers 563 and 564 to a retracted position that does not face the ink ejection surface 4 by moving to the left in FIG. 9 along the direction.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the caps 561 and 562 and the wipers 563 and 564 respectively corresponding to the two inkjet heads 502 belonging to each head set 503a, 503b, 503c, and 503d can move in directions opposite to each other with respect to the main scanning direction. It has become. Thereby, the maintenance operation similar to that of the first embodiment can be performed by the maintenance unit 560 of the present embodiment.

  According to the ink jet printer 501 according to the present embodiment as described above, even if vacant spaces are formed in regions adjacent to the ink jet heads 502 belonging to the head groups 503a, 503b, 503c, and 503d in the main scanning direction, Eight caps 561 and 562 and eight wipers 563 and 564 are arranged in the space. Therefore, the ink jet printer (liquid ejection device, image recording device) 501 can be downsized. In addition, since all the caps 561 and 562 and the wipers 563 and 564 can be moved from the retracted position to the cap position and from the cap position to the retracted position by running one belt 576, the moving mechanism 570 is a simple configuration.

  The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made as long as they are described in the claims. For example, in each of the above-described embodiments, when two inkjet heads that eject ink of the same color eject an ink from the two inkjet heads to form an image, continuous printing is performed without interruption in the main scanning direction. However, these two inkjet heads do not overlap in the sub-scanning direction, so that when the image is formed, discontinuous printing is possible in the main scanning direction. Two inkjet heads may be arranged. Further, the moving mechanism in each embodiment is configured such that the cap is placed in a direction other than the main scanning direction with respect to the in-plane direction of the ink discharge surface between the cap position facing the ink discharge surface and the retracted position not facing the ink discharge surface. You may have the structure to move. Further, the two inkjet heads constituting the head group in the third to fifth embodiments eject the same color ink, but may eject different inks. Moreover, the ink jet printer in each embodiment does not need to have a wiper. In this case, the moving mechanism may have a configuration for moving the cap along the sub-scanning direction. In addition, the moving mechanism in each embodiment may include a plurality of support members that independently support the wiper and the cap, and may include a mechanism that moves the wiper and the cap independently and / or together. Further, in the case where the conveyed paper hardly skews, black ink may be ejected to two ink jet heads that eject ink of the same color that are relatively distant from each other in the sub-scanning direction. However, yellow ink may be ejected to those close to each other.

  Each of the above-described embodiments is an example in which the present invention is applied to an inkjet printer having a plurality of inkjet heads that eject ink from nozzles. However, the target to which the present invention can be applied is limited to such inkjet heads. Absent. For example, a conductive paste is discharged to form a fine wiring pattern on the substrate, an organic light emitter is discharged to the substrate to form a high-definition display, or an optical resin is discharged to the substrate. The present invention can be applied to various liquid ejection apparatuses having a plurality of liquid ejection heads for forming a microelectronic device such as an optical waveguide.

It is a top view of the principal part of the inkjet printer by 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing along the II-II line | wire shown in FIG. It is a figure when the two head groups shown in FIG. 1 are viewed from below. It is a situation figure which shows the purge operation | movement of an inkjet head, and the wiping operation | movement of an ink discharge surface with time. FIG. 6 is a situation diagram showing a cap operation over time covering an ink ejection surface with a cap. It is a top view of the principal part of the inkjet printer by 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a top view of the principal part of the inkjet printer by 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a top view of the principal part of the inkjet printer by 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a top view of the principal part of the inkjet printer by 5th Embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

1,201,301,401,501 Inkjet printer (liquid ejection device, image recording device)
2,302,402,502 Inkjet head (liquid ejection head)
3a, 3b, 303a to 303d, 403a to 403d Head set 4 Ink ejection surface (liquid ejection surface)
4b Ink discharge area (liquid discharge area)
10 Paper transport mechanism (recording medium transport mechanism)
61, 62, 361, 362, 461, 462, 561, 562 Cap 70, 270, 370, 470, 570 Moving mechanism 71, 572, 573 Support plate (first support member)
72,571 Support plate (second support member)
73, 273, 373, 476, 576 Belt 74, 75 Belt roller (roller)
274 to 277 Rollers 371, 472 to 474 Support plate (support member)
375, 376, 477, 577 Rollers 503a to 503c Head set (first head set)
503d Head set (second head set)
574 Support plate (third support member)

Claims (15)

Each of the liquid discharge surfaces includes a liquid discharge surface on which the liquid discharge regions are formed, and each of the liquid discharge surfaces is arranged in two rows along one direction, and two liquid discharge surfaces belonging to different columns are the liquid discharge surfaces. A plurality of liquid ejection heads arranged so as not to overlap along a direction orthogonal to the one direction with respect to the in-plane direction;
A plurality of caps capable of covering the liquid ejection area formed on the liquid ejection surface by contacting the liquid ejection surface;
A moving mechanism for moving the plurality of caps between a cap position where the cap faces the liquid ejection surface and a retreat position where the cap does not face the liquid ejection surface;
When the plurality of caps are arranged at the retracted position, the cap corresponding to the liquid ejection head related to one row extends along a direction perpendicular to the liquid ejection head related to the one row. And the cap corresponding to the liquid ejection head according to the other row is disposed in a position overlapping the liquid ejection head according to the other row along the one direction. It is arranged at a position that overlaps with the liquid discharge head according to the orthogonal direction and overlaps with the liquid discharge head according to the one row along the one direction,
The moving mechanism includes a plurality of rollers, and a belt that spans the plurality of rollers and is connected to all the caps, and moves the cap from the retracted position to the cap position by running. A liquid discharge apparatus characterized by comprising:   The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the moving mechanism moves the cap in the orthogonal direction by the belt traveling along the orthogonal direction.   The plurality of liquid ejection heads are divided into two head groups in different rows, each including two or more liquid ejection heads having the same position in the orthogonal direction and the liquid ejection surfaces being close to each other. The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the liquid ejecting apparatus is a liquid ejecting apparatus. The moving mechanism is
A first support member connected to the belt and supporting the plurality of caps respectively corresponding to the liquid ejection heads belonging to the one head set in the same position in the orthogonal direction;
A second support member connected to the belt and supporting the plurality of caps respectively corresponding to the liquid discharge heads belonging to the different head set in the same position in the orthogonal direction; The liquid ejection apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the liquid ejection apparatus is a liquid ejection device.   5. The liquid according to claim 4, wherein the belt is disposed between the two head sets, and portions extending in the orthogonal direction of the belt are disposed to face each other in the vertical direction. Discharge device.   The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the belt is disposed so as to surround all the liquid ejecting heads and the caps in a plan view.   The plurality of liquid discharge heads are divided into a plurality of head sets each including two liquid discharge heads in different rows, with the liquid discharge surfaces being close to each other in the one direction. The liquid ejection device according to claim 1 or 2.   The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the plurality of head sets are arranged in parallel in the one direction so that the plurality of liquid ejecting heads are arranged in a staggered manner in the one direction. The moving mechanism includes a plurality of support members coupled to the belt and supporting the plurality of caps;
The portion of the belt that extends in the orthogonal direction is disposed outside one side of the plurality of head sets and between the liquid ejection heads in the one direction. The liquid discharge apparatus as described.   One of the two liquid discharge heads belonging to one head set and the other of the two liquid discharge heads belonging to another head set adjacent to the one head set. The liquid discharge heads located at the other of the two liquid discharge heads belonging to the different head set are positioned in the same direction in the orthogonal direction and are arranged close to each other in the one direction. The liquid located on the other of the two liquid discharge heads belonging to the head set, which is disposed at a position adjacent to the other head set and sandwiching the other head set with the one head set. The plurality of head sets are arranged in the one direction so that the positions of the ejection heads in the orthogonal direction are the same and are arranged close to each other in the one direction. Liquid discharge apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that it is arranged to. The moving mechanism is
Two caps respectively connected to the belt and corresponding to the two liquid discharge heads sandwiched between the two liquid discharge heads located on the outermost side in the one direction in the two adjacent head sets. Having a supporting member to support,
The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 10, wherein a portion of the belt extending in the orthogonal direction is disposed between two adjacent head groups. The plurality of liquid ejecting heads have a plurality of first head sets each composed of two liquid ejecting heads in different rows, with the adjacent liquid ejecting surfaces being close to each other in the one direction, and the one direction Is divided into a second head set consisting of two liquid ejection heads sandwiching the plurality of first head sets,
The liquid ejection head located in one of the two liquid ejection heads belonging to one first head group and the two liquids belonging to another first head group adjacent to the first head group The two liquid discharge heads belonging to the different first head set are disposed in the same position in the orthogonal direction and close to each other in the direction perpendicular to the liquid discharge head located in one of the discharge heads The first head set disposed at a position where the other first head set is sandwiched between the liquid discharge head located on the other side and the other first head set and the one first head set. So that the position of the liquid discharge head located in the other of the two liquid discharge heads belonging to the same position in the orthogonal direction is the same and is arranged close to each other in the one direction, The liquid ejection apparatus according to claim 1 or 2 serial plurality of first head groups is characterized in that it is arranged in parallel with respect to the one direction.   The liquid ejection head arranged on the outermost side in the one direction among all the liquid ejection heads related to the plurality of first head groups, and the liquid ejection belonging to the second head group adjacent to the liquid ejection head The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the head is disposed so that positions in the orthogonal direction are the same. The moving mechanism is
In the two adjacent first head groups connected to the belt, two of the liquid ejection heads respectively corresponding to the two liquid ejection heads sandwiched between the two liquid ejection heads located on the outermost sides with respect to the one direction. A first support member for supporting the cap;
The cap corresponding to the liquid ejection head located on the outermost side in the one direction among all the liquid ejection heads connected to the belt and relating to the plurality of first head sets, and the second A second support member that supports the cap corresponding to the liquid discharge head belonging to the second head set that is adjacent to the liquid discharge head located in one of the head sets;
The cap corresponding to the liquid ejection head located on the other outermost side in the one direction among all the liquid ejection heads connected to the belt and related to the plurality of first head sets, and the second A third support member that supports the cap corresponding to the liquid discharge head belonging to the second head set that is adjacent to the liquid discharge head located on the other side belonging to the head set;
The portion of the belt extending in the orthogonal direction is disposed between the plurality of first head groups and outside the plurality of first head groups with respect to the one direction. The liquid discharge apparatus according to 1. Each of the ink discharge surfaces is formed in two rows along one direction, and the two ink discharge surfaces belonging to different columns are the ink discharge surfaces. A plurality of inkjet heads arranged so as not to overlap along a direction orthogonal to the one direction with respect to an in-plane direction;
A recording medium conveying mechanism for conveying the recording medium in the one direction while facing the ink ejection surface;
A plurality of caps capable of covering the ink discharge area formed on the ink discharge surface by contacting the ink discharge surface;
A moving mechanism for moving the plurality of caps between a cap position where the cap faces the ink ejection surface and a retracted position which does not face the ink ejection surface;
When the plurality of caps are arranged at the retracted position, the caps corresponding to the inkjet heads related to one row overlap with the inkjet heads related to the one row along the orthogonal direction. And the said inkjet head which is arrange | positioned in the position which overlaps with the said inkjet head which concerns on the said other row | line | column along the said one direction, and the said cap corresponding to the said inkjet head which concerns on the said other row | line | column is the said inkjet head which concerns on the said another row | line | column. Are disposed at positions that overlap along the orthogonal direction and overlap along the one direction with the inkjet head according to the one row,
The moving mechanism includes a plurality of rollers, and a belt that spans the plurality of rollers and is connected to all the caps, and moves the cap from the retracted position to the cap position by running. An image recording apparatus comprising:

Images