Agglomeration method, agglomeration device, and ejection device

Abstract

Provided is an agglomeration method, an agglomeration device, and an ejection device. The present invention solves the problem that a method for separating a pigment (G) from a cleaning solution containing the pigment (G) has not been established. The present invention is an agglomeration method for a liquid containing a pigment (G) and a cleaning solution (C) that is recovered from a printer (10). The agglomeration method has the following content: storing the recovered liquid (K) containing the pigment (G) and the cleaning solution (C); cooling the recovered liquid (K) in such a manner that at least a portion of the recovered liquid (K) solidifies; and heating a solid (S) generated by solidification of at least a portion of the recovered liquid (K) in such a manner that the solid (S) liquefies.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a coagulation method, a coagulation device, and a spraying device. Background Technology

[0002] In the conveyor belt cleaning method described in Patent Document 1, the ink in the cleaning fluid used in cleaning the medium being cleaned is decomposed into dye and cleaning fluid by electrolysis.

[0003] Although the method described in Patent Document 1 uses dye in the ink, it does not consider the separation of pigments when using ink containing pigments. Here, in an inkjet printer, when pigment-containing ink is used and the media transport section is contaminated with ink, the ink is removed by cleaning with a cleaning solution.

[0004] However, no method has been established for separating pigments from pigment-containing cleaning solutions.

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2004-136534 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The coagulation method of the present invention for solving the above-mentioned problems is characterized in that it is a coagulation method for a liquid containing pigment and cleaning fluid recovered from a liquid ejection device, the coagulation method comprising: storing the liquid; cooling the liquid in a manner that causes at least a portion of the liquid to solidify; and heating the solid in a manner that causes the solid generated by the solidification of at least a portion of the liquid to liquefy.

[0007] The coagulation apparatus of the present invention is characterized in that it is a coagulation apparatus for performing coagulation treatment on liquid including pigment and cleaning liquid recovered from a liquid ejection device, the coagulation apparatus comprising: a storage section for storing the liquid containing the pigment and the cleaning liquid; and a temperature changing section for changing the temperature of the liquid stored in the storage section, the temperature changing section cooling the liquid in a manner that causes at least a portion of the liquid to solidify, and heating the solid in a manner that causes the solid generated by the solidification of at least a portion of the liquid to liquefy.

[0008] The ejection device according to the present invention is characterized by comprising: a conveying section for conveying a medium; an ejection section for ejecting a composition containing pigment onto the medium; a cleaning section for cleaning the conveying section to which the composition is adhered by a cleaning liquid; a storage section for storing a liquid containing the pigment and the cleaning liquid; and a temperature changing section for changing the temperature of the liquid stored in the storage section, wherein the temperature changing section cools the liquid in a manner that causes it to solidify, and heats the solid in a manner that causes the solid generated by the solidification of the liquid to liquefy. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 This is an overall structural diagram of the printer according to Implementation Method 1.

[0010] Figure 2 A schematic diagram showing the state in which the recovered liquid is recovered in the coagulation unit of Embodiment 1.

[0011] Figure 3 A schematic diagram showing the state of the recovered liquid in the coagulation unit of Embodiment 1 being solidified.

[0012] Figure 4 A schematic diagram showing the state in which the recovered liquid, which was coagulated in the coagulation unit of Embodiment 1, dissolves and changes into a mixture.

[0013] Figure 5 A schematic diagram illustrating the state in which the cleaning fluid is recovered from the mixture in the coagulation unit of Embodiment 1.

[0014] Figure 6 A schematic diagram showing the state in which residual pigments in the agglomeration unit of Embodiment 1 are recovered.

[0015] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram showing the state in which the pigment-containing portion is cut out from the coagulated recovery liquid in the coagulation unit of a variation of Embodiment 1.

[0016] Figure 8 A schematic diagram showing the state of the recovered liquid that was coagulated in the coagulation unit of Modification 2 of Embodiment 1 being crushed and the pigments being screened out.

[0017] Figure 9 A schematic diagram showing the state of pigment and cleaning solution separated from the mixture by filtration and centrifugation in the coagulation unit of Embodiment 2.

[0018] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the state in which the recovered liquid is solidified or melted by thermal movement between adjacent storage tanks in the coagulation unit of Embodiment 3. Detailed Implementation

[0019] The present invention will now be described in summary.

[0020] The first aspect of the present invention relates to a coagulation method characterized in that it is a coagulation method for a liquid containing pigment and cleaning fluid recovered from a liquid ejection device, the coagulation method comprising: storing the liquid; cooling the liquid in a manner that causes at least a portion of the liquid to solidify; and heating the solid in a manner that causes the solid generated by the solidification of at least a portion of the liquid to liquefy.

[0021] According to this method, for example, the pigment is dispersed in the liquid used after cleaning the conveying section, which is used as an element to be cleaned by the cleaning fluid. Then, by causing the dispersed pigment to agglomerate, the pigment is easily recovered. Thus, since the cleaning fluid components are easily separated from the liquid, the cleaning fluid can be easily reused for cleaning the conveying section. Furthermore, it is not particularly limited as long as the element cleaned by the cleaning fluid is an element to which pigment may adhere during the operation of the liquid spraying device and is an element constituting the liquid spraying device.

[0022] The coagulation apparatus according to the second method is characterized in that it is a coagulation apparatus for performing coagulation treatment on a liquid containing pigment and cleaning fluid recovered from a liquid ejection device, the coagulation apparatus comprising: a storage section for storing the liquid containing the pigment and the cleaning fluid; and a temperature changing section for changing the temperature of the liquid stored in the storage section, the temperature changing section cooling the liquid in a manner that causes at least a portion of the liquid to solidify, and heating the solid in a manner that causes the solid generated by the solidification of at least a portion of the liquid to liquefy.

[0023] According to this method, the pigment is dispersed in the cleaning fluid (i.e., the liquid) after it has been used in the cleaning of the conveying unit. Then, by causing the dispersed pigment to agglomerate, the pigment is easily recovered. Therefore, since the components of the cleaning fluid are easily separated from the liquid, the cleaning fluid can be easily reused for cleaning the conveying unit.

[0024] The coagulation apparatus involved in the third method is characterized in that, in the second method, it includes a filtration unit that filters the mixture generated by heating the solid.

[0025] A mixture can be categorized into two types: substances that are composed entirely of liquid and substances that are partly liquid and the remainder is solid.

[0026] According to this method, the liquid after the pigment components have been removed from the mixture using the filter section can be reused as a cleaning fluid for cleaning the conveying section.

[0027] The agglomeration apparatus according to the fourth method is characterized in that, in the second or third method, it includes a centrifugal separation section, which centrifuges the pigment from the mixture generated by heating the solid.

[0028] According to this method, the pigment is effectively removed from the mixture by using the centrifugal separation section, thereby enabling the liquid after the pigment has been removed from the mixture to be reused as a cleaning fluid for cleaning the conveying section.

[0029] The coagulation apparatus according to the fifth method is characterized in that, in any one of the second to fourth methods, it comprises: a second retention section, which retains the liquid when the retention section is configured as a first retention section; a second temperature changing section, which changes the temperature of the liquid retained in the second retention section when the temperature changing section that changes the temperature of the liquid retained in the first retention section is configured as the first temperature changing section; and a control section that controls the operation of the first temperature changing section and the operation of the second temperature changing section, wherein the fifth method... When the second temperature changing unit cools the liquid, it can discharge heat to the first storage unit. The control unit performs the following control: after the liquid stored in the first storage unit solidifies due to the first temperature changing unit, the cooling operation of the first temperature changing unit on the liquid stored in the first storage unit is stopped. After the cooling operation of the first temperature changing unit on the liquid stored in the first storage unit is stopped, the second temperature changing unit cools the liquid stored in the second storage unit while discharging heat to the first storage unit.

[0030] According to this method, even without using the first temperature change unit to perform heating, the solidified solid in the first storage unit can be restored to liquid by utilizing the heat dissipation from the second temperature change unit.

[0031] The ejection device according to the sixth method is characterized by comprising: a conveying section for conveying a medium; an ejection section for ejecting a composition containing pigments into the medium; a cleaning section for cleaning the conveying section to which the composition is attached by a cleaning liquid; a storage section for storing a liquid containing the pigments and the cleaning liquid; and a temperature changing section for changing the temperature of the liquid stored in the storage section, wherein the temperature changing section cools the liquid in a manner that causes it to solidify, and heats the solid in a manner that causes the solid generated by the solidification of the liquid to liquefy.

[0032] According to this method, the dispersed pigment is easily recovered by agglomerating it. Consequently, since the cleaning solution components are easily separated from the liquid, the cleaning solution can be easily reused for cleaning the conveying unit.

[0033] Furthermore, since the pigment is easily separated from the liquid, the cleanliness of the conveying section can be prevented from decreasing when the cleaning solution is reused.

[0034] Implementation Method 1

[0035] The following is a detailed description of the agglomeration method, agglomeration unit 60, and printer 10 involved in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0036] exist Figure 1 The overall structure of printer 10 is shown in the figure.

[0037] Printer 10 is an example of an ejector device, and it records data on paper P, which is an example of a medium. Other examples of media include fabric. Furthermore, the XYZ coordinate system shown in the accompanying drawings is an orthogonal coordinate system.

[0038] The X direction is the width direction of the printer 10, and as an example, it is the horizontal direction. The top side of the arrow indicating the direction is set to the +X direction, and the base side of the arrow indicating the direction is set to the -X direction. In addition, the X direction is the width direction of the paper P, and as an example, the width direction of the tape 26 described later.

[0039] The Y direction is the depth direction of printer 10 and is horizontal. The Y direction is orthogonal to the X direction. The top side of the arrow indicating the direction is designated as the +Y direction, and the base side of the arrow indicating the direction is designated as the -Y direction. The +Y direction is also an example of the transport direction in which paper P is transported.

[0040] The Z-direction is along the direction of gravity. The top of the arrow indicating the direction is designated as the +Z direction, and the base of the arrow indicating the direction is designated as the -Z direction. The +Z direction is the height direction of the printer 10 and is orthogonal to both the Y and X directions.

[0041] As an example, printer 10 includes a main frame (not shown), a transport unit 20, a recording unit 30, a cleaning unit 40, a control unit 50, a power supply 52, and a coagulation unit 60.

[0042] The conveying unit 20 is mounted on the main frame. Specifically, the conveying unit 20 includes a drive roller 22, a driven roller 24, a conveyor belt 26, and a motor (not shown). The conveying unit 20 conveys paper P supported on the conveyor belt 26 in the +Y direction, accompanying the movement of the conveyor belt 26 formed by the rotation of the drive roller 22. In the +Y direction, the drive roller 22 is positioned downstream of the driven roller 24. Furthermore, both the drive roller 22 and the driven roller 24 have a rotation axis along the X direction. The rotation of the drive roller 22 is controlled by the control unit 50 (described later) controlling the operation of the motor.

[0043] The tape 26 is an example of a conveying unit, and it conveys the paper P in the +Y direction. The tape 26 is configured as a seamless tape that joins the two ends of a flexible flat sheet together. Furthermore, the tape 26 is wound around the outer peripheral surface of the drive roller 22 and the outer peripheral surface of the driven roller 24. In other words, the tape 26 can convey the paper P by making circular movements.

[0044] As an example, the surface 27 of the tape 26 is adhesive, capable of supporting and adsorbing the paper P. Adhesiveness refers to the property of being able to temporarily bond with other components and to be peeled off from the bonded state.

[0045] The recording unit 30 is an example of a recording section. Furthermore, the recording unit 30 is capable of recording information on paper P that is being fed in the +Y direction. Specifically, the recording unit 30 includes a recording head 32, which is an example of an ejector section, and a carriage 34 that supports the recording head 32 in a manner that allows it to reciprocate along the X direction. Moreover, the recording unit 30 is positioned above the tape 26.

[0046] The recording head 32 has a plurality of nozzles (not shown) and is arranged in the +Z direction relative to the surface 27. Furthermore, the recording head 32 is capable of recording onto the paper P by ejecting ink Q from the plurality of nozzles onto the recording surface of the paper P.

[0047] Ink Q is an example of a composition. Ink Q includes black ink and colored inks different from black ink. Examples of colors for colored inks include yellow, blue-green, and magenta. Specifically, ink Q includes pigment G as a coloring material. Figure 3 The solvents, surfactants, pH adjusters, preservatives, and mildew inhibitors used to ensure the spraying or storage stability of the ink. Additionally, in this embodiment, as an example, pigment G for black ink is used.

[0048] Pigment G can be any type of inorganic or organic pigment. While not specifically limited to inorganic pigments, examples include carbon black, iron oxide, titanium dioxide, and silicon dioxide.

[0049] Although not specifically limited as organic pigments, examples include quinacridone pigments, quinacridone quinone pigments, dioxazine pigments, phthalocyanine pigments, anthraquinone pigments, anthraquinone pigments, indigo anthraquinone pigments, succinone pigments, dinaphthalene-phenylene pigments, diketone-pyrrolopyrrole pigments, violet ketone pigments, quinacridone pigments, anthraquinone pigments, thioindigo pigments, benzimidazolone pigments, isoindolinone pigments, azomethyl alkaloid pigments, and azo pigments.

[0050] The cleaning unit 40 is an example of a cleaning section. The cleaning unit 40 is configured at a predetermined position in the -Z direction relative to the tape 26. Specifically, the cleaning unit 40 includes a cleaning tank 42 and a cleaning brush 44.

[0051] The cleaning tank 42 is configured to open in the +Z direction. An outlet pipe 43 is connected to the bottom of the cleaning tank 42. A valve (not shown) is provided on the outlet pipe 43 in a manner that allows it to be opened and closed.

[0052] The cleaning tank 42 contains a cleaning solution C. This solution may consist of, for example, water or an organic solvent. Additionally, the cleaning solution C may contain additives such as surfactants, depending on the requirements.

[0053] The cleaning brush 44 is configured to rotate about a central axis along the X direction, and to recover the ink Q on the surface 27 while supplying the cleaning fluid C to the surface 27 as it rotates.

[0054] In this way, the cleaning unit 40 cleans the surface 27 of the tape 26 with ink Q attached by the cleaning fluid C.

[0055] Here, the liquid containing pigment G and cleaning solution C is designated as recovery liquid K. Recovery liquid K is an example of a liquid containing pigment G and cleaning solution C. Furthermore, the liquid before its temperature is changed by the temperature changing unit 80 (described later) is designated as recovery liquid K, and the liquid after its temperature is changed by the temperature changing unit 80 is designated as mixture M. Figure 4 This allows for differentiation. The chemical composition of mixture M is the same as that of the recovered liquid K. However, the chemical composition of mixture M can also differ from that of the recovered liquid K. For example, during the heating process of the recovered liquid K, its chemical composition changes, resulting in a difference between the chemical composition of mixture M and the recovered liquid K.

[0056] The control unit 50 is configured to include a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), and a storage device (not shown), and controls the operation of various parts of the printer 10.

[0057] The power supply 52 is controlled by the control unit 50 and is capable of supplying power to various parts of the printer 10. A portion of the power from the power supply 52 is used for the operation of the temperature control unit 80, which will be described later.

[0058] The agglomeration unit 60 is an example of an agglomeration device for agglomerating pigment G from the recovery liquid K. The agglomeration unit 60 includes a storage section 70 and a temperature control section 80. The agglomeration unit 60 performs agglomeration processing. The agglomeration processing includes: a process of storing the recovery liquid K; a process of cooling the recovery liquid K in a manner that causes at least a portion of the recovery liquid to solidify; and a process of solidifying the solid S generated by the solidification of at least a portion of the recovery liquid K. Figure 3 The solid S is heated by liquefaction. Solid S will be discussed later.

[0059] As an example, the retention section 70 has a retention tank 72. The retention tank 72 opens in the +Z direction and is configured in the -Z direction relative to the cleaning tank 42. The retention tank 72 retains the recovered liquid K that flows in from the cleaning tank 42 through the outflow pipe 43.

[0060] In addition, the cleaning unit 40 and the storage section 70 are supported on a sliding unit (not shown) and can be moved in the X direction by the sliding unit, thereby enabling them to be pulled out from the main frame or stored in the main frame.

[0061] As an example, the temperature changing unit 80 includes a power supply 52, a cooling unit 82, and a heating unit 86. As an example, the temperature changing unit 80 changes the temperature of the recovered liquid K stored in the storage unit 70 by means of a control unit 50.

[0062] As an example, the cooling section 82 has a cooling plate 84 composed of Peltier elements and equipped with a heat sink (not shown). As an example, the cooling plate 84 is mounted on the side of the storage tank 72. The cooling section 82 cools the storage tank 72 by supplying power from the power source 52 to the cooling plate 84. Furthermore, the cooling section 82 is capable of cooling the interior of the storage tank 72 to a temperature below 0°C. The material constituting the storage tank 72 is preferably iron, stainless steel, aluminum, or other metals.

[0063] As an example, the heating unit 86 has a heating plate 88 consisting of a planar heating element mounted on the bottom of the storage tank 72. The heating unit 86 heats the storage tank 72 by supplying electricity to the heating plate 88 from the power source 52. The heating unit 86 heats the frozen (solidified) recycled liquid K, which is then cooled by the cooling unit 82, causing the recycled liquid K to melt and its state to change to a mixture M. Furthermore, the frozen recycled liquid K is designated as a solid S. Figure 3 ).

[0064] In this manner, the temperature control unit 80 cools the recovered liquid K to cause at least a portion of the recovered liquid K to solidify. Further, the temperature control unit 80 heats the solid S to liquefy the solid S generated by the solidification of at least a portion of the recovered liquid K.

[0065] Next, the functions of the agglomeration method, the agglomeration unit 60, and the printer 10 in Embodiment 1 will be explained.

[0066] like Figure 1 As shown, after recording is performed on the conveyed paper P by the recording unit 30, a portion of ink Q may adhere to the surface 27 of the tape 26. This is for example, after borderless recording is performed on the paper P. A portion of the ink Q adhering to the surface 27 is washed away in the cleaning unit 40 and recovered along with the cleaning fluid C into the cleaning tank 42, becoming the recovered fluid K. Then, by opening a valve (not shown), the recovered fluid K flows from the cleaning tank 42 to the storage tank 72 and is stored there.

[0067] like Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 As shown, with the recovered liquid K stored in the storage tank 72, the cooling unit 82 is powered by the power supply 52. Figure 1The cooling plate 84 is energized. Due to the Peltier effect, the temperature of the recovered liquid K is lowered, causing at least a portion of the stored recovered liquid K to solidify. The arrows in the figure indicate the movement of heat. During the cooling of the recovered liquid K by the cooling section 82, heating is not performed because the heating section 86 is not energized.

[0068] Furthermore, when observing the recovered liquid K during the solidification process, it can be seen that the outer edge of the recovered liquid K becomes nearly transparent, and the pigment G ( Figure 3 The state of the recovered liquid K is concentrated inside. The outer edge of the recovered liquid K is the part that begins to solidify earlier in time compared to the interior of the recovered liquid K, and includes the part of the recovered liquid K that is in contact with the inner wall of the storage tank 72.

[0069] like Figure 3 As shown, pigment G is agglomerated in the solid S generated by the solidification of the recycled liquid K. Furthermore, although pigment G is represented by multiple quadrilaterals for ease of understanding, it is actually an aggregate that approximates a block.

[0070] Pigment G is dispersed in ink Q ( Figure 1 In the state described above, pigment G is maintained in a form that does not aggregate due to differences in ionization tendency. In other words, pigment G is a positively or negatively charged substance and is in a coated state, thus exerting a repulsive force on each other. Here, it can be imagined that when pigment G is frozen, since it is in a state where the coating is removed, the repulsive force between pigment G is difficult to exert, thus causing aggregation.

[0071] When cooling by cooling unit 82 is stopped and solid S is contained in storage tank 72, heating unit 86 is powered by power supply 52 to start heating solid S.

[0072] like Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 As shown, solid S is melted by heating with heating unit 86 in a manner that liquefies it. This generates mixture M. In conjunction with the generation of mixture M, the heating performed by heating unit 86 is stopped.

[0073] exist Figure 5 The image shows the state with the temperature change unit 80 removed from the storage tank 72. With the mixture M present, precipitation occurs via pigment G, separating a lower layer M1 containing a large amount of pigment G and an upper layer M2 containing a large amount of washing liquid C. Here, an outlet 73 is provided at a portion of the storage tank 72, allowing the upper layer M2, which is the supernatant, to flow out and be recycled to a container (not shown). The supernatant recycled to the container is mostly composed of washing liquid C.

[0074] like Figure 6 As shown, pigment G is recovered from the storage tank 72 where pigment G has precipitated. In this way, as an example, in the coagulation unit 60 of Embodiment 1, the washing liquid C and pigment G can be recovered separately by using a sedimentation separation method.

[0075] As explained above, according to the agglomeration method and agglomeration unit 60 of Embodiment 1, when used on tape 26 ( Figure 1 Pigment G is dispersed in the recovered liquid K after cleaning. Then, by agglomerating the dispersed pigment G, pigment G is easily recovered. As a result, since the cleaning liquid C component is easily separated from the recovered liquid K, the cleaning liquid C can be easily reused for cleaning the tape 26.

[0076] According to printer 10, since pigment G is easily separated from the recovery liquid K, the decrease in the cleanliness of tape 26 can be suppressed when cleaning liquid C is reused.

[0077] Variation 1 of Implementation Method 1

[0078] Next, the agglomeration method, agglomeration unit 60, and printer 10 involved in Variation 1 of Embodiment 1 will be described in detail. In addition, the parts that are common to the agglomeration method, agglomeration unit 60, and printer 10 of Embodiment 1 will be marked with the same symbols, and their descriptions will be omitted.

[0079] Although the agglomeration method, agglomeration unit 60, and printer 10 of Modified Example 1 are largely the same as those of Embodiment 1, the method for recovering pigment G from solid S is different from that of Embodiment 1.

[0080] exist Figure 7 The diagram shows the state of solid S obtained by the agglomeration method of Embodiment 1 being cut by a cutter 89. When solid S is generated by cooling with the recycled liquid K, the concentration of pigment G is not uniform in each part because the solidification occurs at different times in different parts of the recycled liquid K. Most of the pigment G is concentrated in the interior, where the solidification occurs later than in the outer edge of the solid S. As an example, the central portion SA, where the pigment G is concentrated, is cut into a cuboid shape by the cutter 89. The portion remaining in the solid S after removing the central portion SA is designated as the residual portion SB.

[0081] Compared to the residual part SB, the central part SA has a higher mixing ratio of pigment G. Therefore, the central part SA can be directly discarded as pigment G.

[0082] The residual portion SB contains less pigment G. Therefore, as an example, by dissolving the residual portion SB and allowing it to stand, the remaining pigment G can be precipitated, thereby allowing the washing liquid C, which becomes the supernatant, to be recovered.

[0083] In this way, there is also a method to recycle pigment G by cutting the aggregated pigment G from the solid S.

[0084] Variation 2 of Implementation Method 1

[0085] Next, the agglomeration method, agglomeration unit 60, and printer 10 involved in Variation 2 of Embodiment 1 will be described in detail. In addition, the parts that are common to the agglomeration method, agglomeration unit 60, and printer 10 of Embodiment 1 will be marked with the same symbols, and their descriptions will be omitted.

[0086] Although the agglomeration method, agglomeration unit 60, and printer 10 of Modified Example 2 are almost the same as those of Embodiment 1, the method for recovering pigment G from solid S is different from that of Embodiment 1 and Modified Example 1.

[0087] exist Figure 8 The image shows a solid S( ) obtained by the agglomeration method of Embodiment 1. Figure 3 The solid S is in the state of being shredded and screened after being crushed by a shredder (not shown). Additionally, the solid S is pre-crushed into multiple fragments of a size that will not dissolve during individual screening.

[0088] Here, the fragment containing the most pigment G is designated as fragment A, the fragment with a lower mixing ratio of pigment G compared to fragment A is designated as fragment B, and further, the fragment with a lower mixing ratio of pigment G compared to fragment B is designated as fragment C. Additionally, Figure 8 Fragments A, B, and C shown are selected fragments obtained from a subset of the samples, and are presented with a mixing ratio different from the actual mixing ratio. Furthermore, the mixing ratio is, for example, the proportion of the volume of pigment G contained in a fragment to the volume of the fragment itself.

[0089] As an example, fragments A, B, and C are filtered by the screening device 90.

[0090] The screening device 90 has an identification unit 92 capable of identifying fragment A, fragment B, and fragment C, and a separation unit 94 for separating fragment A, fragment B, and fragment C identified in the identification unit 92.

[0091] The identification unit 92 is configured, for example, to include a camera that uses near-infrared light to perform identification.

[0092] The separation unit 94 is configured to include an air nozzle (not shown). Furthermore, the separation unit 94 uses air to blow away fragments B and C detected in the identification unit 92. On the other hand, fragment A falls due to its own weight. Thus, fragment A is separated.

[0093] In this way, there is also a method to recover parts containing large amounts of pigment G by crushing and screening solid S.

[0094] Implementation Method 2

[0095] Next, the agglomeration method, agglomeration unit 100, and printer 10 involved in Embodiment 2 will be described in detail. In addition, the parts that are common to the agglomeration method, agglomeration unit 60, and printer 10 of Embodiment 1 will be marked with the same symbols and their descriptions will be omitted.

[0096] In embodiment 2, the difference is that in printer 10, agglomeration unit 100 is used instead of agglomeration unit 60.

[0097] like Figure 9 As shown, the agglomeration unit 100 includes: a storage section 102, a temperature control section 104, a separation section 110, and a recovery tank 116.

[0098] The storage section 102 has a storage tank 72. A supply pipe 103 is connected to the bottom of the storage tank 72.

[0099] The temperature control unit 104 includes a cooling unit 106 and a heating unit 108.

[0100] Cooling unit 106 is supplied with power from power supply 52 ( Figure 1 The Peltier effect is generated by the energization of the liquid, thereby cooling the storage tank 72 and causing the recovered liquid K inside the storage tank 72 to solidify.

[0101] Heating unit 108 heats storage tank 72 by being powered by power source 52, thereby purifying the solid S inside storage tank 72. Figure 3 It is melted, that is, liquefied.

[0102] The separation section 110 is connected to the interior of the storage tank 72 via a supply pipe 103. A supply pump 105 is provided on the supply pipe 103. Furthermore, as an example, the separation section 110 has a filter section 112 and a centrifugal separation section 114.

[0103] The filtration unit 112 is configured to include a filter (not shown). Furthermore, the filtration unit 112 filters a mixture M generated by heating a solid S produced in the storage unit 102 via a temperature changing unit 104.

[0104] The centrifugal separation section 114 separates pigment G from mixture M by centrifugation.

[0105] In addition, in the separation section 110, as an example, centrifugal separation is performed by the centrifugal separation section 114 on the mixture M after it has been filtered in the filtration section 112.

[0106] The interior of the recovery tank 116 is connected to the separation section 110 via a discharge pipe 117. A discharge pump 118 is provided on the discharge pipe 117. Inside the recovery tank 116, there is a liquid that is almost identical to the cleaning solution C after the pigment G has been separated in the separation section 110.

[0107] Next, the functions of the agglomeration method, the agglomeration unit 100, and the printer 10 in Embodiment 2 will be explained.

[0108] In the agglomeration unit 100, the cooling unit 106 is energized by the power supply 52, causing the recovered liquid K inside the storage tank 72 to solidify. As a result, pigment G agglomerates in the solid S ( Figure 3 The central part of the cooling unit 106 is then shut off.

[0109] Next, the heating unit 108 is energized by the power source 52 to heat the solid S. As a result, a mixture M is generated inside the storage tank 72. Then, the power supply to the heating unit 108 is stopped.

[0110] The mixture M inside the storage tank 72 is supplied to the separation section 110 by a supply pump 105.

[0111] In the separation section 110, the filtration section 112 separates the pigment G by filtering the mixture M.

[0112] Next, the centrifugal separation unit 114 performs centrifugal separation on the mixture M, which includes a portion of the remaining pigment G, thereby further separating the pigment G.

[0113] The cleaning solution C, which has been separated from the pigment G in the separation section 110, is discharged to the recovery tank 116 by the discharge pump 118.

[0114] As explained above, according to the agglomeration method, agglomeration unit 100, and printer 10 of Embodiment 2, the liquid after the pigment G component has been removed from the mixture M by using the filter unit 112 can be reused as cleaning liquid C for cleaning the tape 26.

[0115] Furthermore, by using the centrifugal separation unit 114 to effectively remove pigment G from the mixture M, the liquid remaining after removing pigment G from the mixture M can be reused as a cleaning solution C for cleaning the tape 26. Moreover, compared to sedimentation separation, the time required to remove pigment G from the mixture M can be shortened.

[0116] Implementation Method 3

[0117] Next, the agglomeration method, agglomeration unit 120, and printer 10 involved in Embodiment 3 will be described in detail. In addition, the parts that are common to the agglomeration method, agglomeration unit 60, and printer 10 of Embodiment 1 will be marked with the same symbols and their descriptions will be omitted.

[0118] In embodiment 3, the difference is that in printer 10, agglomeration unit 120 is used instead of agglomeration unit 60.

[0119] like Figure 10 As shown, the agglomeration unit 120 includes: a storage section 122, a temperature control section 132, a control unit 50, and a power supply 52. ​​The control unit 50 in Embodiment 3 is an example of a control unit.

[0120] As an example, the storage section 122 has storage tanks 123, 124, and 125. Storage tank 123 is an example of a first storage section. Storage tank 124 is an example of a second storage section relative to storage tank 123. Furthermore, storage tank 124 is also an example of a first storage section relative to storage tank 125. Storage tank 125 is an example of a third storage section. Additionally, when storage tank 124 is considered as a first storage section relative to storage tank 125, storage tank 125 is also an example of a second storage section.

[0121] Storage tank 124 is located downstream of storage tank 123 in the +Y direction. Storage tank 125 is located downstream of storage tank 124 in the +Y direction. Storage tanks 123, 124, and 125 are capable of storing the recovered liquid K respectively.

[0122] Storage tanks 123 and 124 are separated by a dividing wall 126 that rises vertically in the +Z direction. Storage tanks 124 and 125 are separated by a dividing wall 127 that rises vertically in the +Z direction. As an example, the height of dividing wall 126 in the +Z direction and the height of dividing wall 127 in the +Z direction are approximately the same. Furthermore, as an example, dividing walls 126 and 127 contain aluminum.

[0123] A drain pipe 128 is provided at a predetermined position in the +Z direction relative to the storage tank 125. On the tape 26 ( Figure 1 The recovered liquid K, after being washed, flows from the drain pipe 128 directly to the storage tank 125. The recovered liquid K contains pigment G. Figure 3 ).

[0124] When the storage tank 125 is full, the recovered liquid K overflowing from the storage tank 125 flows into the storage tank 124. When the storage tank 124 is full, the recovered liquid K overflowing from the storage tank 124 flows into the storage tank 123. In this way, the recovered liquid K is stored in the order of storage tank 125, storage tank 124, and storage tank 123.

[0125] The temperature change unit 132 includes a temperature change unit 134 for changing the temperature of the recovered liquid K stored in the storage tank 123, a temperature change unit 137 for changing the temperature of the recovered liquid K stored in the storage tank 124, and a temperature change unit 142 for changing the temperature of the recovered liquid K stored in the storage tank 125.

[0126] Temperature changing unit 134 is an example of a first temperature changing unit. Specifically, temperature changing unit 134 consists of a heat-absorbing plate 135, a heat-dissipating plate 136, and a Peltier element (not shown). The Peltier element is held between the heat-absorbing plate 135 and the heat-dissipating plate 136 and generates a Peltier effect through energization from the power supply 52. ​​The heat-dissipating plate 136 is mounted on the side wall of the storage tank 123 in the -Y direction. The heat-absorbing plate 135 is exposed inside the storage tank 123.

[0127] Temperature changing unit 137 is an example of a second temperature changing unit. It is also an example of a first temperature changing unit. When cooling the recovered liquid K in the storage tank 124, temperature changing unit 137 can dissipate heat to the storage tank 123. Specifically, temperature changing unit 137 consists of a heat-absorbing plate 138, a heat-dissipating plate 139, and a Peltier element (not shown). The Peltier element is held between the heat-absorbing plate 138 and the heat-dissipating plate 139 and generates a Peltier effect through energization from the power supply 52. ​​The heat-dissipating plate 139 is mounted on the surface of the dividing wall 126 in the +Y direction. The heat-absorbing plate 138 is exposed inside the storage tank 124.

[0128] Temperature changing unit 142 is an example of a third temperature changing unit. Furthermore, when temperature changing unit 137 is considered a first temperature changing unit, temperature changing unit 142 is also an example of a second temperature changing unit. When cooling the recovered liquid K in the storage tank 125, temperature changing unit 142 can dissipate heat to the storage tank 124. Specifically, temperature changing unit 142 consists of a heat-absorbing plate 143, a heat-dissipating plate 144, and a Peltier element (not shown). The Peltier element is held between the heat-absorbing plate 143 and the heat-dissipating plate 144 and generates a Peltier effect through energization from the power supply 52. ​​The heat-dissipating plate 144 is mounted on the surface of the dividing wall 127 in the +Y direction. The heat-absorbing plate 143 is exposed inside the storage tank 125.

[0129] Furthermore, preferably, the heat-absorbing plates 135, 138, and 143 and the heat-dissipating plates 136, 139, and 144 are made of metal or thermally conductive ceramics. Additionally, the heat-absorbing plate 138, the heat-dissipating plate 139, and the dividing wall 126 are examples of components forming a heat transfer path between the storage tank 123 and the storage tank 124. The heat-absorbing plate 143, the heat-dissipating plate 144, and the dividing wall 127 are examples of components forming a heat transfer path between the storage tank 124 and the storage tank 125. In other words, the condensation unit 120 and the printer 10 have a heat transfer section that transfers heat discharged from the second temperature-changing section to the first storage section. Here, the heat transfer section may not be a heat conduction method combining multiple components as in this embodiment. For example, it may be a heat conduction method implemented by a single component. Furthermore, heat discharged from the second temperature-changing section may be transferred to the first storage section through radiation or convection generated by airflow.

[0130] The control unit 50 controls the operation of temperature control units 134, 137, and 142. Furthermore, after the recovered liquid K stored in the storage tank 123 solidifies via temperature control unit 134, the control unit 50 stops the operation of temperature control unit 134. Further, after the operation of temperature control unit 134 is stopped, the control unit 50 controls the heating of the storage tank 123 by dissipating heat from temperature control unit 137.

[0131] After the recovered liquid K stored in the storage tank 124 is solidified by the temperature change unit 137, the control unit 50 stops the operation of the temperature change unit 137. Furthermore, after the operation of the temperature change unit 137 is stopped, the control unit 50 controls the heating of the storage tank 124 by heat dissipation from the temperature change unit 142.

[0132] In other words, the control unit 50 implements the following control: after the recovered liquid K stored in the storage tank 123 solidifies due to the temperature change unit 134, the cooling action of the temperature change unit 134 on the recovered liquid K stored in the storage tank 123 is stopped; and after the cooling action of the temperature change unit 134 on the recovered liquid K stored in the storage tank 123 is stopped, the temperature change unit 137 cools the recovered liquid K stored in the storage tank 124 while discharging heat into the storage tank 123. Alternatively, the control unit 50 can also implement the following control: while the temperature change unit 137 discharging heat into the storage tank 123 and cooling the recovered liquid K stored in the storage tank 124, the temperature change unit 134 heats the solid S in the storage tank 123. In addition, the control unit 50 can also implement the following control: when the temperature changing unit 137 discharges heat to the storage tank 123 and cools the recovered liquid K stored in the storage tank 124, the operation of the temperature changing unit 134 is completely stopped.

[0133] The control unit 50 performs control as follows: after the recovered liquid K stored in the storage tank 124 solidifies due to the temperature change unit 137, the cooling operation of the temperature change unit 137 on the recovered liquid K stored in the storage tank 124 is stopped. After the cooling operation of the temperature change unit 137 on the recovered liquid K stored in the storage tank 124 is stopped, the temperature change unit 142 cools the recovered liquid K stored in the storage tank 125 while discharging heat into the storage tank 124. Alternatively, the control unit 50 can also perform control as follows: while the temperature change unit 142 discharging heat into the storage tank 124 and cooling the recovered liquid K stored in the storage tank 125, the temperature change unit 137 heats the solid S in the storage tank 124. In addition, the control unit 50 can also implement the following control: when the temperature changing unit 142 discharges heat to the storage tank 124 and cools the recovered liquid K stored in the storage tank 125, the operation of the temperature changing unit 137 is completely stopped.

[0134] Alternatively, a detection unit may be included to detect the degree of solidification of the recovered liquid K stored in the storage tanks 123, 124, and 125, respectively. For example, a temperature sensor may be used in the detection unit. In this case, the control unit 50 can determine whether the recovered liquid K stored in the storage tanks 123, 124, and 125 has solidified based on the detection result of the temperature sensor. Alternatively, a sensor unit comprising a vibrating plate immersed in the recovered liquid K and an actuator that vibrates the vibrating plate may be used as the detection unit. In this case, when the portion of the recovered liquid K in contact with the vibrating plate solidifies, the vibrating plate becomes difficult to vibrate, and the current supplied to the actuator changes in order for the vibrating plate to vibrate with a predetermined amplitude. The control unit 50 can determine whether the recovered liquid K stored in the storage tanks 123, 124, and 125 has solidified based on the change in the current supplied to the actuator.

[0135] Next, the functions of the agglomeration method, the agglomeration unit 120, and the printer 10 in Embodiment 3 will be explained.

[0136] A predetermined amount of recovered liquid K is stored in each of the storage tanks 125, 124, and 123. When storage tank 123 is almost full, power is supplied from power source 52 to temperature control unit 134. This power supply activates a Peltier element (not shown), causing heat to be absorbed on heat absorber plate 135 and dissipated on heat dissipator plate 136. As a result, the temperature of the recovered liquid K in storage tank 123 decreases, and the recovered liquid K becomes solid S. Then, power to temperature control unit 134 is stopped.

[0137] Next, power is supplied to the temperature changing unit 137 from the power supply 52. ​​This power supply causes heat to be absorbed on the heat-absorbing plate 138 and dissipated on the heat-dissipating plate 139. As a result, the temperature of the recovered liquid K in the storage tank 124 decreases, and the recovered liquid K becomes solid S. At this time, the heat dissipated from the heat-dissipating plate 139 moves to the solid S in the storage tank 123 via the dividing wall 126. Thus, the solid S in the storage tank 123 is restored to the mixture M. Figure 4 Then, power to the temperature change unit 137 is stopped.

[0138] Next, power is supplied to the temperature changing unit 142 from the power supply 52. ​​This power supply causes heat to be absorbed on the heat-absorbing plate 143 and dissipated on the heat-dissipating plate 144. As a result, the temperature of the recovered liquid K in the storage tank 125 decreases, and the recovered liquid K becomes solid S. At this time, the heat dissipated from the heat-dissipating plate 144 moves through the dividing wall 127 to the solid S in the storage tank 124. Thus, the solid S in the storage tank 124 is restored to the mixture M. Then, the power supply to the temperature changing unit 142 is stopped.

[0139] As explained above, according to the agglomeration method, agglomeration unit 120, and printer 10 of Embodiment 3, even without using temperature change units 134 and 137 for heating, the solidified solid S in the storage tanks 123 and 124 can be restored to a liquid mixture M by utilizing the heat dissipation from the temperature change units 137 and 142. This reduces the energy consumed by the agglomeration unit 120 and printer 10.

[0140] Although the agglomeration method, agglomeration units 60, 100, 120 and printer 10 involved in the embodiments of the present invention are based on the case having the structure described above, it is self-evident that some structural changes or omissions can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0141] In the coagulation unit 60, when the atmospheric temperature is sufficiently low, the recovered liquid K can be solidified by placing the storage tank 72 containing the recovered liquid K in the atmosphere. In this case, since no electricity or other energy is required for solidification, the energy used to solidify the recovered liquid K can be reduced. Furthermore, when the atmospheric temperature fluctuates significantly within a day, the recovered liquid K can be placed in the atmosphere to allow for thawing after solidification.

[0142] In the agglomeration unit 60, when the concentration of pigment G in the recovery liquid K is high, pigment G may not agglomerate easily when the recovery liquid K is frozen. In this case, by diluting the recovery liquid K with water or washing solution C and then solidifying the recovery liquid K, more pigment G can be agglomerated.

[0143] In the agglomeration unit 60, when cooling is performed by the cooling unit 82, it is not limited to the method of cooling the entire storage tank 72 uniformly; cooling can also be performed by partially applying time differences.

[0144] The cooling section 82 and the heating section 86 may also be positioned opposite to the storage tank 72.

[0145] In variation 2, the pulverized fragments A, B, and C may not fall freely, but are separated while being transported by a belt conveyor.

[0146] In the coagulation unit 100, the separation section 110 may consist only of the filtration section 112 or only of the centrifugal separation section 114. Alternatively, the centrifugal separation section 114 may be used first, followed by the filtration section 112.

[0147] In the agglomeration unit 120, the storage tank 125 and the temperature change unit 142 may be omitted. In addition, the number of storage tanks and temperature change units may be four or more.

[0148] The temperature control unit can perform cooling and heating separately using different components, or a single component can perform both functions. Furthermore, examples of temperature control units are not limited to devices with a cooling unit using Peltier elements; devices with heat pumps can also be included.

[0149] The recycled fluid K is not limited to the recycled fluid recovered from the tape 26, but can also be the recycled fluid recovered by cleaning a component different from the tape 26, such as the recording head 32.

[0150] During cooling, it can be either a state where a portion of the recovered liquid K is solidified, or a state where all of the recovered liquid K is solidified.

[0151] Symbol Explanation

[0152] 10…Printer; 20…Conveying unit; 22…Drive roller; 24…Driven roller; 26…Belt; 27…Surface; 30…Recording unit; 32…Recording head; 34…Carriage; 40…Cleaning unit; 42…Cleaning tank; 43…Outlet pipe; 44…Cleaning brush; 50…Control unit; 52…Power supply; 60…Agglomeration unit; 70…Retention section; 72…Retention tank; 73…Outlet; 80…Temperature control unit; 82…Cooling section; 84…Cooling plate; 86…Heating section; 88…Heating plate; 89…Cutter; 90…Screening device; 92…Identification unit; 94…Separation unit; 100…Agglomeration unit; 102…Retention section; 103…Supply pipe; 104…Temperature control unit; 105…Supply pump; 106…Cooling unit; 108…Heating unit Unit; 110…Separation section; 112…Filtration section; 114…Centrifugal separation section; 116…Recovery tank; 117…Discharge pipe; 118…Discharge pump; 120…Coagulation unit; 122…Retention section; 123…Retention tank; 124…Retention tank; 125…Retention tank; 126…Dividing wall; 127…Dividing wall; 128…Drain pipe; 132…Temperature control section; 134…Temperature control unit; 135…Heat absorber plate; 136…Heat dissipation plate; 137…Temperature control unit; 138…Heat absorber plate; 139…Heat dissipation plate; 142…Temperature control unit; 143…Heat absorber plate; 144…Heat dissipation plate; C…Cleaning fluid; G…Pigment; K…Recovery fluid; M…Mixed liquid; M1…Lower layer; M2…Upper layer; P…Paper; Q…Ink; S…Solids.

Claims

1. A coagulation device, characterized in that, It is a coagulation device for performing coagulation treatment on liquid containing pigments and cleaning fluid recovered from a liquid ejection device, the coagulation device comprising: A storage section for storing the liquid containing the pigment and the cleaning solution; A temperature control unit that changes the temperature of the liquid stored in the storage unit; The second storage section stores the liquid when the storage section is configured as the first storage section. The second temperature changing unit changes the temperature of the liquid stored in the second storage unit when the temperature changing unit that changes the temperature of the liquid stored in the first storage unit is set as the first temperature changing unit. The control unit controls the operation of the first temperature changing unit and the second temperature changing unit. The temperature control unit cools the liquid in a manner that causes at least a portion of the liquid to solidify, and heats the solid in a manner that causes the solid generated by the solidification of at least a portion of the liquid to liquefy. The second temperature control unit can dissipate heat to the first storage unit when cooling the liquid. The control unit performs the following controls, namely, After the liquid stored in the first storage compartment is solidified by the first temperature changing unit, the cooling operation of the first temperature changing unit on the liquid stored in the first storage compartment stops. After the cooling operation of the first temperature change unit on the liquid stored in the first storage unit is stopped, the second temperature change unit cools the liquid stored in the second storage unit while discharging heat to the first storage unit.

2. The agglomeration device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It includes a filtration unit that filters the mixture generated by heating the solid.

3. The agglomeration device as described in claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that, It includes a centrifugal separation unit that centrifuges the pigment from the mixture generated by heating the solid.

4. A spraying device, characterized in that, have: The conveying unit is responsible for transporting the medium. The ejector section ejects a composition containing pigments into the medium; A cleaning unit that cleans the conveying unit to which the composition has adhered using a cleaning fluid; A storage section for storing the liquid containing the pigment and the cleaning solution; A temperature control unit that changes the temperature of the liquid stored in the storage unit; The second storage section stores the liquid when the storage section is configured as the first storage section. The second temperature changing unit changes the temperature of the liquid stored in the second storage unit when the temperature changing unit that changes the temperature of the liquid stored in the first storage unit is set as the first temperature changing unit. The control unit controls the operation of the first temperature changing unit and the second temperature changing unit. The temperature control unit cools the liquid to cause it to solidify, and heats the solid to cause the solid formed by the solidification of the liquid to liquefy. The second temperature control unit can dissipate heat to the first storage unit when cooling the liquid. The control unit performs the following controls, namely, After the liquid stored in the first storage compartment is solidified by the first temperature changing unit, the cooling operation of the first temperature changing unit on the liquid stored in the first storage compartment stops. After the cooling operation of the first temperature change unit on the liquid stored in the first storage unit is stopped, the second temperature change unit cools the liquid stored in the second storage unit while discharging heat to the first storage unit.

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